WESLEY CHAPEL
Inside:
NEWS
A ‘Hats & Horses’ Derby Party Recap!
See Neighborhood Magazine!
Volume 27 Issue 12 May 31, 2019
Now Celebrating 25 Years As New Tampa & Wesley Chapel’s Primary News Source! The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993! For the complete list of neighborhoods that receive this publication by direct mail in Wesley Chapel (zip codes 33543, 33544 & 33545), see page 42!
AdventHealth & Moffitt Partner Up In WC!
First Look Inside:
Increased Traffic A Concern Sewer repairs have closed the primary roadway through the Northwood community, causing major traffic concerns. Pages 4-5
A rendering of the new outpatient center for cancer patients is to the right of the main AdventHealth Wesley Chapel hospital (while the existing AHWC Wellness Plaza is to the left). (Photo courtesy of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel) By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com
Plans to expand the services at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC) have been in the works for more than a year, but for hospital president and CEO Denyse Bales-Chubb, the most important thing was finding the right partner. She is convinced the hospital has done just that. On May 21, AHWC and the Moffitt Cancer Center officially broke ground on a new outpatient center to serve cancer patients as part of a new medical office building on the AHWC campus. The new medical office will be the bookend on the south side of the hospital along Bruce B. Downs Blvd., with the similarily-sized, existing Wellness Plaza on the north side. “We believe that the community here in Wesley Chapel is in need of having some cancer specialists they would be able to access, so it was natural we would go and talk to Moffitt,” Bales-Chubb said at the packed groundbreaking event. “They have the expertise, the awards and the skills we are looking for in our community.” According to Bales-Chubb, the
second medical office on the hospital’s campus also is necessary because the first one is full and cannot add anymore physicians. One of the pressing needs AHWC was looking to fill was cancer treatment. “It’s a natural fit,” she said. The groundbreaking for the threestory, 100,000-sq.-ft. medical building was attended by more than 100 community members, local leaders and officials from AHWC and Moffitt. It was heralded as a breakthrough moment for medical service in Pasco County. Nearly a third of that space will be used for the cancer outpatient center. AHWC’s own spine institute, which has outgrown its current space in the Wellness Plaza, also is moving the services moving into the new building. The rest of the space will be used for other services and Bales-Chubb hinted that more partnerships could be on the way. “The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered and, in order that the sick may have the benefit of advancing knowledge, a union of forces is necessary,” said Dominic Sarafin, the vice president of strategic alliances and network for Moffitt, quoting something Dr. William J. Mayo, M.D. (founder of
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AHWC CEO Denyse Bales-Chubb said the partnership with Moffitt is “a natural fit” for the hospital. (Photo: Gavin Olsen)
the original Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN) said in 1910. “It is a sentiment we share today.” The outpatient center will offer medical and radiation oncology services and will be designed to accommodate oncologists to deliver chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy to See “Partnership” on page 6.
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Neighborhood News Online Video Content Keeps Adding Viewers — And Sponsors! An editorial by Gary Nager If you’re somehow still not watching our ongoing online video content, you’re part of an ever-dwindling minority. Lead video producer Gavin Olsen and Gavin’s awesome team of videographers and video editors, led by Charmaine George, with Richard Nasrallah and Matt Tsvetkov, have been providing the residents and businesses of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel with a wide variety of videos, all with beautiful footage and outstanding editing. And, there’s no doubt that businesses are starting to take notice and are getting on our video/online bandwagon. Our very first video partner is Total Air Solutions (see ad on pg. 26), which was the first business to sign up with us (in April) for this new “subscription” program. From the first video we posted on April 7 with Total Air’s sponsorship, the air conditioning company’s logo has appeared on eight videos in less than six weeks. Among those videos were: 1) the groundbreaking for the expansion of the New Tampa Recreation Center (6,733 views, 11,204 FB reach & 262 engagements);
Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News
Address: 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor /Ad Sales Gary Nager Managing Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Correspondents Libby Baldwin • Jarrett Guthrie Celeste McLaughlin • Andy Warrener Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Gavin Olsen Photography, Videography & Video Editing Charmaine George • Richard Nasrallah • Matt Tsvetkov Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Gavin Olsen Advertising Sales & Billing Assistants Janet Levins • Jannah McDonald 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 advertisement reservations for Volume 27, Issue 14, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, June 17, 2019. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously nonpublished 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.
© 2019 JM2 Communications, Inc. Neighborhood News
2) my interview with the owners of Smallcakes in Tampa Palms (12,153 views, 22,575 FB reach & nearly 1,000 engagements); 3) the groundbreaking for Pasco’s Performing Arts Center in Wesley Chapel (8,709 views, 12,223 FB reach & 950 engagements); 4) Our most recent News Desk, about new openings on S.R. 56 and the Crystal Lagoons® amenity opening to the public (8,856 views, 14,461 FB reach & 1,925 engagements). In just those four videos, Total Air Solutions’ logo has been viewed more than 36,000 times, reached more than 60,000 people, with more than 4,100 engagements — and that’s before Total Air’s Video Business Feature airs in early June! Not bad, right? And now, our second video sponsor, Creative Permanent Makeup by Pam Edmonson (see ad on pg. 12), has had her logo sponsoring at least four videos, with her best one being the opening of Chick-fil-A on S.R. 54 (above), which has had a Facebook reach of 18,198 and has been viewed more than 12,200 times. Pam also sponsored our video about the groundbreaking for the Blue Heron Adult Living Facility in Seven Oaks (5,291 Facebook reach, 2,600 views) and not only sponsored, but also appeared in, our video about my “25 Years of Neighborhood News” celebration, which reached more than 5,700 people and had been viewed more than 3,200 times. For those three videos alone, Pam’s logo has been viewed more than 18,000 times and had reached nearly 30,000 people. Look for Pam’s upcoming Video Business Feature, which will be released in early or mid-June. However, Pam is currently only sponsoring our videos, which costs her business only
$100 per month in addition to her print advertising cost, and includes that 2-3-minute-long Video Business Feature.
Total Air, however, also has a “clickable” ad our website, NTNeighborhoodNews.com, which costs only $50 per month, on top of Total Air’s video sponsorship of $100 per month and the cost of Total Air’s print advertising. And, there is value in sponsoring our website, too. Managing editor John Cotey posts different news items each day on our “Neighborhood News” Facebook page, which get online readers to click through to our website at a fairly impressive rate. Our top posts over the last few months include “Chick-fil-A Sets a Date” (17,705 FB reach & 2,800 link clicks), “Cypress Creek Town Center Lands Three Restaurants” (16,886 FB reach & 2,457 link clicks) and “Sprouts/Hunter’s Lake” (12,913 FB reach & 2,077 link clicks). To sponsor our online and video content, call (813) 910-2575 or email me at ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com.
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Table of Contents
Local News Updates.....................3-12 Detour Creating Issues For Northwood Residents.....4-5 Wesley Chapel Nissan Sold To Morgan Auto Group....8 Youngest USF Grad Ever Is From New Tampa....10 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar.........................12
Local Business Updates..............16-25
New Identities Can Give You A New Style.................16 Pet Urgent Care Of Wesley Chapel Is Open!............18 The Joint Chiropractic Offers Affordable Pain Relief....20 Touch Nail Spa Expands To Meet Your Needs...........22 Try Doc’s Dog Portraits For Father’s Day!..................24
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Education & Sports News..........28-31 Meet Cypress Creek’s First-Ever Valedictorian..............28 Middle Schoolers Show Off Police Skills................29 Check Out Our New Sports Page!.....................30
Neighborhood Magazine
Recapping The Second ‘Hats & Horses’ Party.........33 Hummingbird Jerk House For Jamaican Cuisine!.....36 Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes.........38 New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Classifieds...........40 Local Scout Turns Tennis Balls Into Tennis Courts......42 @NTWCNews
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 12 • May 31, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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Sewer Repairs Creating Traffic & Safety Issues In Northwood By JOHN COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com
Residents of Northwood, long-frustrated over the Northwood Palms Blvd. that cuts through their community and has been serving as a through-road from County Line Rd. to S.R. 56, now have an even bigger reason to be flustered by the road— it is closed, sending that same traffic through their neighborhoods. Due to the emergency repair of a sewer main along the Northwood Palms Blvd., residents and other commuters must now use Breakers Dr. to get from County Line Rd. to S.R. 56. While Northwood Palms Blvd. runs past the community’s subdivisions, Breakers Dr. passes right through those neighborhoods and much closer to homes, on a road often used by those casually walking their dogs and riding their bikes. What was once a few dozen cars driven by residents leaving and returning to their homes on Breakers Dr. has become hundreds of travelers trying to cut through and avoid traffic both on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and the S.R. 56 and I-75 intersection. “It is truly a nightmare,” says Steve Miller, a resident of the Carlyle subdivision.
Northwood Palms Blvd. is closed because a sewer line is being repaired, traffic will continue to be re-routed through the community’s subdivisions for at least four months. (Photo: Charmaine George)
Residents at the Northwood CDD meeting on May 13 were able to meet with county officials, including director of operations and maintenance Jason Mickel, with most of their questions centering around concerns about the additional traffic through their neighborhoods, especially where buses pick up and drop off children. Only one of the questions at the
meeting was actually related to the actual utility work, Mickel says. “They are definitely frustrated,” he said. “We detoured the traffic, and cars are driving through Breakers Dr. and the residents are really frustrated with that. We are doing everything we can to move this project along as quickly as possible.” The $3-million project, however, is a large one, and will take at least four
months of utility workers putting in 12hour days to complete it. Mickel says during routine maintenance of the sewer lines, some problems were discovered with the ductile iron pipes (DIP), which weren’t properly coated when they were installed. “Esssentially, the integrity of the pipe was compromised,” he said. “We got a lot of infiltration into the pipes from ground water, gravel and sand from the road beds. It gets in the pipes and moves along and scours the pipe. It was in pretty bad condition.” Mickel got approval for the emergency work, and he hopes the 12-hour shifts will expedite the repairs. The sewer line has been re-routed, so residents will not be affected as 3,000 feet of pipe is re-lined. “But, we’re going to be there for a while,” Mickel says. Resident Jen Lavelle, who also lives in Carlyle, said she felt a little better after attending the CDD meeting and hearing from Mickel. But, she is concerned the repairs won’t be completed for four months. She says she also is concerned that the repairs are taking place over the summer, when kids will be home from school
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and outside biking and playing in their neighborhoods even more than usual. “A lot of parents won’t let them go outside and ride their bikes,” Lavelle says. Parents are doing what they can to slow the additional traffic down. Some cars have driven around school buses loading and unloading children, ignoring the flashing arm with the stop sign on it. Some have gathered to lock arms and form a human barricade behind the school bus, to assure no cars try to pass. While there are signs telling drivers that no through traffic is allowed, Lavelle thinks only 10 percent of vehicles actually heed the warning. In order to combat speeders, she says many residents have banded together to drive well below the 30 mile per hour speed limit, slowing down the vehicles behind them. Josue Marquez, the Northwood on-site property manager, says residents are frustrated with the traffic as a result of the repairs, but adds that Northwood Palms Blvd. has long been a point of contention for those in the community. “We get a lot of heavy trucks, construction trucks passing through, and we get a lot of speeders going like 50-60 miles per hour because it’s faster than Bruce B. Downs,” Marquez says. Although the Northwood entrance off County Line Rd. has a guard house, it has never had a gate or been restricted. But, when it began development
This sign is not deterring enough drivers from turning back around during the Northwood Palms Blvd. repairs, say many Northwood residents. (Photo: Charmaine George)
in 1985, the area around Northwood was still relatively sparse when it came to businesses and homes. During Wesley Chapel’s growth boom since then, the traffic in the area has increased. “When they built it, everyone was used to this place being a private community, but it has basically turned into a freeway everyone uses to get around,” Marquez said. “None of the residents are happy with it.” Now that the same traffic is being detoured through a smaller road lined with homes and occupied by families with
children, that unhappiness has grown. Lavelle said her 13-year-old son can’t even cross the street at times, waiting five minutes for a car to stop and allow him. She said her 3-year-old recently got a tricycle, but they can’t take the risk of letting her ride it in the driveway. Miller says that when Northwood Palms Blvd. opened all the way to S.R. 56, he saw that as a major benefit for residents who needed access to the interstate. And while the increased traffic was worrisome, it wasn’t affecting the roads through the subdivisions. Until now.
“I think we’ve gone from 50 cars a day to 8,000 cars,” Miller said. “We now get everything from CocaCola trucks to car carriers to moving companies, right down Breakers Drive, breaking off tree limbs.” Miller said his wife used to run on the road in the morning, but it’s gotten too dangerous. “And walking your dogs is a nightmare,” he added. Miller and Lavelle both says residents have contacted the county, as well as Kathyrn Starkey, the commisioner who represents their area, about a solution to limit the traffic on Breakers Dr.. A popular suggestion is to shut Northwood Palms Blvd. down at the northernmost roundabout. That would prevent anyone from using Breakers Dr. as a through-road to S.R. 56 to turn back around and exit back onto County Line Rd. Anyone entering from S.R. 56 would reach the same roundabout and have to turn back as well. Lavelle says she is on the board of the Northwood Homeowners Association, and says the association has contacted Google Maps and Apple Maps so that when people use their apps for directions, Northwood Palms Blvd. isn’t an option for the next four months. “We just have to hope it’s only four months,” Lavelle says.
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 12 • May 31, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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(Left) A close-up artist’s rendering of the new medical building at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. (Right) Where there’s a groundbreaking, there has to be dirt!
Teamwork:
World-Class Cancer Treatments Will Be More Available To Local Residents
FROM PAGE 1 patients, said Dr. Lewis Harrison, chair & senior member of radiation oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Harrison also said the center at AHWC will have 20 examination rooms, 22 infusion suites and will accommodate two linear accelerators — which customizes the radiation treatment to focus on the tumor or cancer cells without damaging surrounding tissue — for radiation therapy services. Full-length glass will provide patients the opportunity to look outside and see trees and nature, contributing
to the overall patient experience. The new $44-million facility also will offer cancer screenings and survivorship programs for post-treatment patients. The building is expected to be completed by the fall of 2020.
A Little History...
The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer & Research Institute was founded as the state’s cancer center when it opened on the campus of the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1986. As one of only 50 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, Moffitt has gained
national acclaim over the years for its research and patient care. “The mission has remained the same — to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer,” said Sarafin. “It drives everything and everyone at Moffitt. As the state grows and ages, the ACA estimates more than 130,000 (Floridians)…. will learn they have cancer this year. We are joining with AdventHealth, in the hopes that this project will make a difference in their lives.” Bales-Chubb also noted that it is a big step for Moffitt to be able to bring its renowned cancer treatments and access to clinical trials closer to
patients in our area who need it. “To me, it says they want to make sure they are taking care of the community,” she said. “Instead of just saying you come to us, it’s more of we are going to come to you…we want to bring our services to you, where you live and where you work.” AHWC, formerly Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, opened in 2012 as Wesley Chapel’s first hospital, and in 2016, doubled its emergency department from 18 to 35 rooms and went from 83 private patient rooms to 143 while adding three floors and 111,993 sq. ft. of new space during a $78-million expansion.
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 12 • May 31, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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End Of An Era: Wesley Chapel Nissan Sold To The Morgan Auto Group! Deputy Clerk” a month or so before she ofBy GARY NAGER ficially retires from her position. “You have always stood with me, always Although Wesley Chapel Nissan wasn’t supported me,” O’Neil (at right in right photo) the first auto dealership to open on S.R. 54 in told Rosario. “You’ve shown us what it means Wesley Chapel (that was Heritage, now Parks to be invested in a community. Wherever you Ford), owner Jay Rosario and his team have go, know that we’re always on your side.” certainly been among the most communityBut, the dealership’s internet sales oriented auto dealerships in our area since it director Crystal Enger (top right photo on opened 15 years ago (in 2004). next page) stole the show — and the hearts In one of the more unique business of everyone in attendance — when she gave transitions I’ve ever witnessed, the public was Rosario a framed card with messages from invited to watch Rosario and his entire management team (including my friend and Wesley every employee. The gift was nice, but many tears were shed when Crystal said, “You gave Chapel Rotary Club member Troy Stevenson) everyone a chance — whether it was somebody on May 20 to hand the baton (and the keys to who had been sleeping in their car, whether the dealership) off to Wesley Chapel Nissan’s it was someone who used to clean houses or new owners — the Morgan Auto Group. someone who didn’t know where they were CEO Brett Morgan (at left in photo getting their next meal — you are the root of below), known for his TV commercials with why we’re able to grow. We thank you for who Tampa Bay Lightning star Tyler Johnson, you are, and for your heart.” brought along new Wesley Chapel Nissan No, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place general manager Paul Snedic (right) and the after that one. Rosario, who has won many dealership’s new management team to the awards for his business acumen, also is an event, which was attended by at least 100 Orange County Reserve Deputy who was one people, including Pasco County clerk and of the first on the scene after the Pulse Night comptroller Dr. Paula O’Neil, as well as many members of the Wesley Chapel Rotary and the Club shooting. Of course, the Morgan Auto Group is North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. one of the biggest in the state with 36 total Stevenson and the dealership have played dealerships, and certainly one of the biggest integral roles in both organizations. in the Tampa Bay area, with WC Nissan being Wesley Chapel Nissan has hosted Casino Nights for the Rotary and many events for the the 12th under the Morgan umbrella (which also includes MINI of Wesley Chapel). chamber, as well as several fund raisers for Dr. “We’re all local, we’re all right here in O’Neil’s “Clerks for a Cure.” She even hosted Tampa Bay,” Morgan said at the event of Snher book signing for the release of her book edic and the new Nissan management team. Fighting Cancer Like A Girl at WC Nissan. “And, the reality is, we do want to continue O’Neil made a presentation of a plaque the relationships in this community.” to Rosario and dubbed him an “Honorary
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 12 • May 31, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 12 • May 31, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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Local Resident Drew Falkowitz Is The Youngest-Ever USF Grad! By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com
H
E PRETENDED to be typing on a laptop for the television cameras. He stood in the middle of the University of South Florida’s Marshall Center, a bright ray of sunshine cutting through his green graduation robe as an array of cameras click-click-click-clicked. When he was asked to walk from one end to the other, he did, as more cameras followed him, photographing and filming his every move. “It’s kind of hard to look natural doing this,” Drew Falkowitz said, sheepishly smiling. On this day, though, it was the price of celebrity. In the center of campus, his classmates studying while sipping from Starbucks cups, Drew was famous for a few hours — as he became the youngest graduate in the 63-year history of USF — and the story everyone wanted to tell. The 16-year-old Tampa Palms resident, who graduated on May 3 with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Cellular & Molecular Biology — and still doesn’t have his driver’s license — found the whole experience even stranger than he had anticipated. “I figured, eventually, there would
Tampa Palms resident Drew Falkowitz currently is the youngest-ever graduate in the 63-year history of the University of South Florida.
be press that would be generated around this,” said Drew, adding, “I’m not a very public person. I like staying low and not being in the spotlight all the time and having my three years of college — and no one’s even talked to me until now — has definitely been a breath of fresh air.”
The son of Tracy and Steven Falkowitz, who have lived in the New Tampa community of Tampa Palms since 2000, Drew is a true wunderkind, although he doesn’t seem to think all that much of it. He’s smart. Super smart. And always has been.
His trajectory to becoming USF’s youngest graduate is different from your average student, but not so different from other gifted children who simply had outgrown their peers the moment they entered pre-school. In Drew’s case, he started kindergarten at a Montessori school, and by the time he was in the first grade, they had moved him to the upper class, which was for grades 4-6. He devoured course work, exhausting nearly everything available in middle school, and started taking high school classes online when he was a 9-year-old 6th grader being homeschooled by Steven, who worked out of their house. Steven remembers Drew completing workbooks faster than other kids his age finished coloring books. In fact, Steven says Drew’s first word, fittingly, was “book.” When he went for his two-yearold pediatric check-up, Steven told the physician that Drew was already reading. The doctor scoffed, and then handed Drew a pamphlet about asthma to read aloud. He did. The doctor called in another doctor, because he couldn’t believe it, and Drew read another pamphlet for them.
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“These kinds of things kept happening,” says Steven. “At 20 months, he started reading, and no one had ever taught him how to read,” Tracy says. “We’re not entirely sure how he learned. He was writing essays by four years old. He learned division on a car ride to pre-school.” Steven and Tracy knew they had something unique on their hands, but raising a boy genius isn’t exactly something found in the parenting manual. The learning took care of itself, and they knew their son was headed for a different academic track than most kids his age. But, how would he develop socially and emotionally while being surrounded by older kids or, in the case of being home-schooled, by no kids?
Finding Help...In Reno?
They sought the help of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Reno, NV, that was formed in 1999 and says it “serves profoundly gifted people” ages 18 and under. Steven says Drew was the last 4-year-old accepted there (the age limit has since been raised to 5). Davidson offers programs, summer camps in Reno, databases and resources for families raising unusually gifted children. Drew qualified for Davidson’s Young Scholars program, which assists parents and students with support, and he attended three summer camps. “They talked us off ledges sometimes,” Steven says. “We reached out to them a number of times.” His parents got Drew involved in activities at the New Tampa Recreation Center and in their neighborhood. He joined his synagogue’s youth group, volunteered for the Joshua House (a residence for children taken out of abusive homes) and took part for a few summers at Camp Jenny, a “Mitzvah Corps” project that helps children from an impoverished Atlanta community learn. Drew could have entered college at 10 or 11 years old, but Steven and Tracy resisted. “What do you do with a 13-year-
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old college graduate?,” Tracy asks. Even so, Drew bristles at the suggestion he was denied a “regular” education, or that he missed out on many of life’s rites of passage that come with attending middle and high school. “I have a high school experience,” Drew says. “I have friends my own age. I have friends in college. I hang out and do basically the same things you do in high school or college…I would not give it up if it meant giving up everything else I have been able to do from skipping ahead...I wouldn’t give that up for a couple of parties.” Drew says he is not that different than any other teenager. He plays video games — “I can smoke anyone in Mario Kart 8” — he also watches YouTube and Netflix and tweets. In December, he took up the electric bass and has fallen in love with it.
Finding Help...With Metallica?
While he said school was always boring to him until college, his last semester was his most gruelling. He took 18 credit hours of mostly 4000- level classes, had to complete a senior thesis and also had to conquer Bio Medical Physiology, which he says is the toughest class he has ever taken. “It’s one of these classes you walk in and say, ‘There’s no way I’m getting an A in this class,’” says Drew, who, by the way, got an A. In fact, he got all As his last semester, and boosted his overall USF grade point average to 3.93. Maybe some of the credit should go to the rock band Metallica. To relieve stress, Drew spent his free time during the semester teaching himself how to play the instrumental version of the group’s “The Call of Ktulu” on his bass guitar. “I set a goal to be able to play (it) and even bought an overdrive pedal so I could do it,” he says. “In five months, I managed to do it. It’s really a technical piece and one of the things I’m most proud of.” Drew will start working on his Master’s degree in cancer research when he returns to Tampa after his
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Drew was 3 years old in the left picture and already knew not only all of the U.S. states and their capitals, but also every U.S. President — in order — and could add, subtract and divide.
internship at Yale University in New Haven, CT, where he will do autism serotonin research. He says that after he earns his Ph.D. degree, he hopes to pursue a career in medical genetics, with a focus on mood disorders like schizophrenia, bipolarism and schizo-affective disorder. He says he finds the genetics behind the disorders “extremely interesting,” and he hopes it will provide him a chance to help people. And, as uncomfortable as the attention for being the youngest-ever
USF grad may have been, Drew will try to enjoy his moment in the spotlight. After all, he knows it won’t last forever. Last year, 11-year-old William Maillis graduated from St. Petersburg College, earning his Associate degree, and transferred to USF to study astrophysics for his Bachelor’s degree. “I guess I’ll have the title for a couple of years,” Drew says, chuckling, “then William is going to come in and steal my throne from me.”uw And that will just fine by Drew.
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Wednesday, June 5
JUNE 2019 Saturday, June 1
Free Community Boot Camp - Camp Gladiator is a fitness movement with dynamic, fun and challenging workouts. This is 60 minutes of amazing at your favorite place to shop. This Free event is held every Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m., at Tampa Premium Outlets (2300 Grand Cypress Dr, Lutz). Participants should bring: exercise mat, 1-2 bottles of water, sweat towel, a smile & great attitude. For info, email Christine Iloni at christineiloni@campgladiator.com. Bay Chapel Food Pantry - Free food for needy families. Open every Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., behind Christian Brothers Automotive (20300 Trout Creek Dr., off BBD). For more info, visit BayChapel.com/foodpantry. Pasco County 2019 Disaster Expo - Family-friendly, interactive disaster preparedness event. Learn disaster preparedness & life-saving information in a fun, interactive environment designed for the whole family. The Pasco County Division of Emergency Management is hosting the 2019 Disaster Expo 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Park (14333 Hicks Rd., Hudson). Kids can enjoy the touch-a-truck rescue vehicle display, bounce house, activities & more. For more info, go to pascoemergencymanagement.com Fresh Market at Wiregrass - The 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, you can enjoy the Fresh Market at Wiregrass (28211 Paseo Dr, Wesley Chapel), 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, hand crafts, candles, sauces, fresh bread, & much more. For more info, visit tampabaymarkets.com.
Monday, June 3
Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon meets Wednesdays at noon at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). First time guests attend free. For more information, call (813) 391-3895.
Thursday, June 6
North Tampa Veterans Association meeting - All armed forces veterans and associates are invited to a weekly lighthearted Dutch-treat breakfast meeting to get acquainted and tell your tales, new and old. Location: Steak ‘n Shake, just off BBD Blvd. (at 17509 North Palms Village Pl.), every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. Bring your spouse and your brag sheet. Open to veterans of all branches of the U.S. military. RGA Network Weekly Meeting - The RGA Networking Group meets weekly for networking at Grillsmith at the Shops at Wiregrass mall. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; Lunch is served noon-1 p.m. For more information, visit RGANetwork.net.
Friday, June 7
North Tampa Bay Chamber: WOW (Women of Wesley Chapel) Meeting - This women-only exclusive group is for members and prospective members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber. The WOW network meets the first Friday of every month at Beach House Assisted Living at Wiregrass (30070 S.R. 56), 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. For more Information & the fee to attend, call the Chamber office at (813) 994-8534. Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Sunrise - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Sunrise meets the 1st & 3rd Fridays of each month, 7:15 a.m., at Happy Hangar Cafe (4241 Birdsong Blvd., Lutz). For more information, call Kathy Schenck at 813-956-4436.
Yoga On The Lawn (The Shops at Wiregrass) - This Free event is held every Monday, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., at Center Court, weather permitting. This is Relaxing Beginner to Intermediate Yoga, sponsored by Energia Wellness Studio. For more info, call (813) 973-7300.
Drive-Thru Prayer - Takes place every Friday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54). You will find trained members of the church’s Caring Ministry Team under the portico. Share your cares and concerns in prayer while you stay seated in your car. Everyone is welcome.
HOPE Services: How-To Seminar for Persons with Disabilities & Supporting Families – Held on the first Monday of each month, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., at HOPE Services’ Wesley Chapel office (2406 Cypress Glen Dr., Suite 102). These group seminars are led by HOPE Services’ in-house counseling team & many of its Job Coaching/Training team attend. The primary goal is to spread awareness of the free services available to families. A special topic is included at each session, focusing on bringing clients & family members together in a supportive & educational forum. HOPE Services: We understand. We care. We help. We give HOPE. For more info, call (813) 907-1903.
WCN Business Networking Group - Red Carpet event! - Join the WCN (Wesley Chapel Network) Business Networking Group, 6 p.m.-pm-9 p.m., at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse (25628 S.R. 56, Lutz) for an evening of networking Red Carpet Style!! The group is designed to grow businesses. Join today to connect with others with the same goals! This is a free event and everyone is welcome! Door prizes, finger foods, Happy Hour pricing, Red Carpet Photo Spot & more. For more info. call (813) 602-1535 or email wesleychapelnetwork@gmail.com.
Wesley Chapel Speaks - The Wesley Chapel Toastmasters meet every Monday at 7 p.m. for networking, 7:30 p.m. for public speaking, at the Edward Jones Building Main Floor, Keller Williams Training Room (18302 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., New Tampa). For more info, call Martin at (813) 693-0969.
Tuesday, June 4
Job Fair: The Shops at Wiregrass - Mall wide job fair at the Shops at Wiregrass, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Just in time for the Summer, job seekers may visit participating stores individually for job opportunities — we respectfully request that you do not visit the stores early, in order to give stores time to prepare for applicants. Upon arrival, please check-in at Guest Services, located in Center Court, to register for the Job Fair and receive a map of participating stores. For more info, call (813) 994-2242.
GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club - The Monthly Meeting of the GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club will be held 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., at the Lexington Oaks Clubhouse (26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). The club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. Women of all ages are invited to attend and see how you can get involved in your community. For more information, call Beth Reed at (813) 380-8124.
Thursday, June 13
Sunday, June 16
Happy Father’s Day Tuesday, June 18
Gardening #101 - Join experienced Master Gardeners as they explain the basics of planting. Learn how to plant, propagate and care for your plants at this free UF/IFAS Pasco Extension seminar., 2 p.m.-3 p.m., at the New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel).
Wednesday, June 19
Central Pasco Democratic Club - The monthly meetings feature speakers and briefings about the Pasco County Democratic Party. Meetings are held 6:30 p.m.--8 p.m., at the Meadow Pointe CDD office (28245 County Line Rd.). For more info, visit Facebook.com/ centralpascodems or call Cindy Beres at (813) 702-4387.
Friday, June 28
North Tampa Bay Chamber: Final Friday Networking - Held the last Friday of each month, this month’s Final Friday will be hosted by Prime 19 at Cheval (4312 Cheval Blvd, Lutz). 4 p.m.-6 p.m. There is no fee to attend. For more information, call (813) 994-8534.
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Get Amazing Hair By Expert Stylists At New Identities Hair Studios By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN
While its original location in Tampa Palms has been open for nearly 20 years, New Identities’ newest location in New Tampa is both building its clientele and its roster of professional stylists. Owners Marc and Kelly Rockquemore now have three locations, including Tampa Palms, in the Shoppes at Amberly; a South Shore location in the Riverview/Apollo Beach area; and the newest location, which opened in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. about 18 months ago. New Identities specializes in hair styling for men and women, including color and cuts, plus perms, relaxers, conditioning treatments and even extensions, and also offers facial waxing. “At the end of the day, we want people to love their hair and feel like they got good value, too,” says Marc. “They look at their beautiful hair in the mirror and feel really good about the experience they had at our studio.” While the name “New Identities” implies dramatic makeovers — and they certainly do quite a few of those — Marc says that many of the studios’ clients come in on a regular basis for color touch-ups and trims every few weeks, too. “Our name makes you think we’re
Marc & Kelly Rockquemore have owned the New Identities Hair Studio in Tampa Palms for nearly 20 years. Their New Tampa location on BBD Blvd. is still adding new clients and stylists.
doing transformations on people, and we do a lot of projects and advanced color techniques,” says Marc. “But, we’re not just doing purple and blue, though.” He explains that his stylists often do color correction and hair repair, especially fixing hair that’s been damaged. They also are experts at specialty colors and balayage, a technique of free-hand painting highlights onto the hair, creating a softer and more natural look. “We have more than 12,000 followers on Instagram,” Marc says. “We post hundreds of photos on Instagram so people can see our work.” Women make up the majority of the
clients at New Identities, but Marc estimates that men are now about 25 percent of those who come in for services. He wants men to know they are more than welcome at any of the studios. “We encourage guys to come in,” Marc says. “They get a complimentary scalp massage, a consultation, haircut, even a glass of wine if they want one. It’s a very different guest experience than what you would experience at a barbershop or discount hair cutter.”
Expertly Trained Stylists
Marc and Kelly believe in ongoing training for all of the stylists at their salon
and make it a point to bring in trainers to ensure that all New Identities stylists are trained in the latest techniques. “We put our money where our mouths are when it comes to continuing education,” says Marc. “We fly in educators from New York or Los Angeles or wherever to do classes for just our staff.” He calls the on-site training “a huge benefit to our stylists,” who otherwise might only see these types of techniques at an annual hair show with thousands of people in the room or by watching videos on YouTube. “That’s a completely different experience than having a trainer standing over you while you work on a mannequin,” Marc says. “The training benefits our guests, too, because it allows us to bring the latest trends and techniques to them.” He says he often hires stylists right out of hair school. Then, they go through an extensive training program to be sure they’re ready to style and color up to New Identities’ standards. “We have a six-month associate training program, which is one-on-one job shadowing with one of our top stylists, where they learn every aspect of what that stylist does,” explains Marc. “It’s a very hands-on, intense training program that takes their skill level up to the next level. We have full confidence in every stylist who comes out of the program.”
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Of course, he adds, not every stylist who is hired has to go through the associate program. Depending upon their skill and experience when they are hired, they may only go through the program for a short time.” Marc says New Identities is always interviewing for new talent. “We put a different kind of spin on hiring,” says Marc. “A lot of businesses wait until they need to hire someone to do interviews, but we are always looking for the best people to fit our culture. When we meet them, we make room for them.” He says New Identities is more stringent than most salons about who they allow into the business, looking for stylists who also have great character and personality, and are happy to be at work. “We know it when we see it,” Marc says. “I get compliments all the time about how nice our staff is. That’s really important to us.” Tampa Palms resident Lisa O’Neil is someone who appreciates the salon’s commitment to both customer service and excellent training. Lisa has been a client at New Identities for more than 12 years. She started at the Tampa Palms location, but followed her stylist to the New Tampa location. Over the years, Lisa says she has seen three different stylists, and she watches how all of the stylists interact with each other — and with the customers. “They know what they’re doing,” Lisa says. “They keep up on training and all the new products.”
Lisa says she also loves the way she’s treated at New Identities, and appreciates the special touches, such as always being offered a drink and being referred to as a “guest,” instead of a customer. Lisa says she often gets unsolicited compliments about her hair from strangers, whether she’s traveling or just in the grocery store. “I’m pretty picky,” she says. “There are so many salons in the area, but I’ve never considered going anywhere else.”
A Budget For Everyone
New Identities now employs more than 40 stylists between its three locations. The cost for services varies depending upon the “level” of the stylist. Marc is always quick to clear up a misconception that a stylist at a lower level may be less competent than a stylist at a higher level.
“We have six levels of stylists, based on the (customer) demand for their time,” says Marc. “The misconception is that a lower level stylist is a less experienced or less talented stylist, but that’s not the case. For example, we have three stylists who just started in Tampa Palms who are veterans — they each have been doing hair for anywhere from eight to 15 years — but they are at a lower level because they just moved to the area and are building their clientele. Essentially, their services are ‘on sale.’” Marc adds that all New Identities stylists are competitively priced for the area, but the stylists who are at the lower levels have more availabilities. “We can accommodate people looking for beauty on a budget,” Marc says. It’s also important to Marc and Kelly
to be active in the community, so they participate in events that support worthy causes. On May 17, they participated in the annual “Fashion Funds The Cure” at Raymond James Stadium, where pediatric cancer patients are featured in a fashion show each year to raise money for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. In years past, New Identities also has been the official salon of both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders and the Tampa Bay Lightning girls. The studio has been seen on HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” Fox’s “Ambush Makeover,” TLC’s “A Wedding Story,” the NFL Network’s “Making The Squad,” and MTV’s “True Life!” All three New Identities Hair Studio locations are open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; 9 a.m.–8 p.m. on Friday; and 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday. They’re closed on Sunday. For appointments at the New Tampa New Identities Hair Studio (19038 BBD Blvd.), call (813) 5791575. For Tampa Palms (15307 Amberly Dr.), call (813) 979-0760. For the South Shore studio (10639 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview), call (813) 741-1177. For more information, visit NewIdentitiesSalon.com or see the ad on page 9. New clients can get a cut and color special for $69 or highlights and cut for only $89.
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Pet Urgent Care Of Wesley Chapel Now Open In The Pet & Fit Center! By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN
Earlier this month, St. Petersburg resident Diane Grey was driving home from north Florida with her dog, a 108-pound Rhodesian ridgeback named Morocco. She was getting close to Pasco County when she says Morocco began showing signs of illness. She got off the interstate and pulled into a gas station. “I saw he was in distress, so I called my vet in St. Pete,” she says. Morocco was anxious because of all the travel and was suffering from heat exhaustion. Diane was told not to wait until she got home, but to seek help for Morocco immediately. She searched the internet and found Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel, which had only recently opened one exit away. “I was so worked up and emotional,” she says. “When I saw the Pet Urgent Care sign, it was the best thing I ever saw. They were really friendly and took care of Morocco immediately.” It is the kind of important emergency services for your pet management had in mind when Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel opened on April 15, making it the first urgent care clinic for pets in the Wesley Chapel/New Tampa area. Pet Urgent Care shares a building
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with Dr. Sree Reddy’s Seven Oaks Pet Hospital, which first opened in 2007, and moved to its current location on S.R. 56, just east of I-75, in the plaza called the Pet & Fit Center, in 2016. The Pet & Fit Center is now a place where pet owners can visit their veterinarian, stop by the nearby retail store for pet products, such as food, toys, treats, beds and much more. The retail store is Pet Depot, and it occupies 3,000 square feet next door to the pet hospitals. Seven Oaks Pet Hospital treat dogs, cats and exotic pets. When the pet hospital closes, the urgent care center opens. Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel is open seven days a week until 11 p.m. (see full hours at the end of this story).
Making Pet Urgent Care Closer & More Convenient
Gina Ushi, DVM, is the medical director for Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel. Prior to joining the pet hospital, Dr. Ushi worked at an emergency clinic in Tampa. Dr. Ushi earned her DVM degree in 2009 from the University of Florida in Gainesville. She had previously earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from Xavier University in New Orleans, LA, in 2003.
“If people have an emergency with a pet in this area, we want them to know they don’t have to drive down to Tampa,” she says. “When I worked in Tampa, we would often get calls from Wesley Chapel where people would ask, ‘is there anything closer?’” Now, she says, there finally is a closer option for pets with all kinds of urgent medical needs, such as bite wounds or lacerations, not eating or drinking, or toxin ingestion. “We see pets with allergic reactions, ear and eye infections, vomiting and/or diarrhea,” Dr. Ushi explains, “or minor traumas, such as they jumped off the Medical director Dr. Gina Ushi is one of three experienced pet emergency veterinarians you’ll find at Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel. bed and now they’re limping.” call ahead so the staff is prepared for you There are no scheduled appointwhen you get there, but even that isn’t ments, so all patients are seen on a walknecessary. in basis. Dr. Ushi says pet owners can Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel is
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The big, inflatable dalmatian on S.R. 56, less than a mile east of I-75, stands guard over the Pet & Fit Center plaza that is home to Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel.
fully staffed with veterinarians who are all experienced in emergency medicine. Dr. Ushi is joined by Dr. Megan Niedens, who was Dr. Ushi’s classmate and also received her DVM degree from UF in 2009, and Dr. Michele Lentovich, who received her DVM degree from UF in 2005. Each of the three doctors has more than 10 years of experience in emergency medicine for animals. Dr. Ushi says their experience is critical when it comes to being able to save the life of a pet, because a doctor experienced in caring for animals is not the same as one experienced in handling emergencies. “When you visit our urgent care, you will see a doctor who has been in emergency medicine for at least 10 years,” Dr. Ushi explains. “You can rest assured you’re seeing a highly trained, highly experienced doctor.” Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel sees dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets. The doctors will sometimes see other exotic animals and birds, but that’s at the doctor’s discretion. Not every doctor is comfortable with every animal, so it will depend upon which doctor is available. Dr. Ushi advises that anyone who has birds or small exotic animals should call before walking in to determine whether or not they can be seen at the urgent care facility. Most exotics can be scheduled at the regular hospital by appointment. “We are a bridge between your family veterinarian and an overnight emergency facility,” explains Dr. Ushi. Sometimes, she says, a pet’s illness is so critical that they must be sent somewhere else for overnight care but, in most cases, they are able to be treated and sent home. In fact, Dr. Ushi says, many of the cases they see are minor issues where a pet owner simply can’t get to their own vet during regular office hours. Whether a pet is regularly seen at Seven Oaks Pet Hospital, or any other veterinarian, they are still welcome to come to Pet Urgent Care, if needed. Diane and Morocco will forever be Neighborhood News
grateful. She says the doctors at Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel were able to stabilize Morocco so he could travel the rest of the way home. “When you’re so stressed like that, it was a wonderful feeling that everyone had great customer service,” Diane says, “from the receptionist to the vet who treated him. The facility was clean and easy to navigate. They saved my dog’s life.” She says that Morocco is doing much better now. She also took her paperwork from the visit to her vet back home and asked if the services that were recommended, such as blood work, were necessary, and if what she was charged was reasonable. Her veterinarian confirmed that he agreed with the recommendations of Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel. “So, they have integrity, too,” says Diane. Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel is located at 27027 S.R. 56 (look for the big, inflatable dalmatian). Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel is currently offering a special of 10-percent off the regular exam fee for all new clients. It is open Monday-Friday, 6 p.m.–11 p.m., 2 p.m.–11 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m.–11 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (813) 279-6500, visit UrgentPetCareOfWesleyChapel.com, or see the ad on page 4 of this issue.
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The Joint Chiropractic Center Offers Affordable Relief For Your Pain! By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN
Given the potential for abuse of and addiction to opioids, Alex Pierroutsakos was determined after losing his arm in a serious car accident at the age of 23 not to become reliant on them. So, to manage his pain, he searched for alternatives, such as exercise, diet, massage therapy and chiropractic care. “Those are the four things that have helped me get myself to be able to live my healthy, active life,” Alex says. While the first three of the four things were readily accessible, Alex found that finding good, affordable and available chiropractic care wasn’t. It inspired him to open The Joint Chiropractic Center in New Tampa (in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center shopping plaza, less than two miles south of the Pasco County line on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., at New Tampa/Cross Creek Blvd.). The Joint’s New Tampa location is owned by Dr. Edward Leonard’s TJ Wesley Chapel PA, and managed by Alex and his wife Valerie. While Alex is a businessman — he and Valerie recently opened a second The Joint location in Brandon — he also is devoted to helping patients find the solutions to the very problems he has
Doctor of Chiropractic Barney Bickerton is the weekday chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic Center which celebrated its second anniversary in the New Tampa Center plaza on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., (less than two miles south of the Pasco County line) in May. (Photo: Charmaine George)
encountered due to his accident. The Joint was originally founded in 1999 by a Doctor of Chiropractic with a vision to transform the traditional, often misunderstood concept of routine chiropractic care by making it more convenient, friendly and affordable. In March 2010, The Joint was re-founded with the acquisition of the original eight franchised clinics. Today, The Joint has more than 425 chiropractic offices, more
than 900 chiropractic physicians and has handled more than 12 million patient visits across the U.S.
Two Years In New Tampa!
The Joint, which as of May 21 has been open on BBD for two years, will hold its two-year anniversary celebration on Saturday, June 15 — with free food and beverages being provided by outside vendors, big raffle prizes, giveaways and
a full day of free adjustments — has licensed chiropractors to help you with spinal and joint function. It offers weekly adjustments (see below) to improve your body’s balance and relieve pain. The Joint’s new patient special offers a $29 initial visit, which includes a consultation, exam and adjustment. Then, for $69 a month, you get four adjustments — less than $20 per visit — and each additional adjustment (if you need more than four in a month) costs just $10. For those 17 and under, the cost is only $39 a month. For a single visit, the cost is only $39, but The Joint, which boasts nearly 400 members in New Tampa, also offers a number of packages for multiple visits, and recommends maintenance visits even after your pain goes away. Pebble Creek’s Diane Seay joined in January when she was having issues with the sciatic nerve on her left side. Dr. Barney Bickerton, D.C., was able to relieve her pain, but he also discovered something else. “He discovered that I have scoliosis in my shoulders,” Diane says. “That was a surprise. I always thought my one shoulder was lower than the other, but I thought that was from carrying purses and shoulder bags all these years.”
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Diane is now having her shoulder treated by Dr. Bickerton, and says she can already notice the difference when she looks in the mirror. She also says she had back pain from sleeping on her side, but “Dr. B,” as many patients call him, diagnosed an issue with her lower spine, or sacrum, and is making improvements there as well. “There’s no question I feel better,” Diane says, and so does her husband, Jerry, who started going because he saw the changes in his wife. While Jerry says he didn’t have any back or neck issues, he started going once week (Diane goes twice a week) and says, “I feel more relaxed when I work around the house, in my yard, washing the cars and cleaning the pool. It just feels easier to do, and I feel more flexible.” The Seays had high praise for not only Dr. Bickerton, but the entire staff at The Joint.
Qualified, Experienced Chiropractic Physicians
Dr. Bickerton, who received his Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees from Logan University, near St. Louis, MO, has 16 years of experience. Dr. B handles the weekday patients at The Joint. On Saturdays, Dr. Jennifer Wright, D.C., and Dr. David Mangano, D.C., share duties.
Neighborhood News
Like Dr. Bickerton, Dr. Wright also earned her D.C. degree from Logan College of Chiropractic in 2007, after attending Ohio State University for her undergraduate studies. Dr. Mangano is a Board-certified Chiropractic Physician in the state of Florida and in New York, with more than 35 years of experience. He also is an affiliate doctor with the Cancer Centers of America, and a wellness consultant and member of the nonprofit organization The Foundation for Wellness Professionals. Most people seeking chiropractic care are suffering from back pain. According to WedMD.com, 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually, and 35 percent of them (or 7.7 million) are seeking relief of pain in their backs. While many medical doctors prescribe opioids for back pain, chiropractors rely on hands-on manipulations of the spine and other joints that can relieve pain and restore mobility. Dr. Bickerton says that if the 24 independent vertebrae aren’t functioning together properly, you can experience pain and discomfort. “I would say the majority of our patients come in with some level of back
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and neck pain,” Alex says. “After that, people come because of headaches, or problems with an extremity, like a knee, ankle or shoulder.” While most people associate chiropractic care with back pain, some studies, Alex says, have shown that routine care also can help with other maladies like relief from arthritis, bursitis, stress and tension disorders and even colds, allergies and sinus problems. In fact, Alex says his lifestyle, which includes running and sports like basketball, has been helped immensely by
keeping various body parts in alignment. “We actually help a lot of young people, like cheerleaders and football players,” he says. “There’s a tremendous amount of study around ankle and leg adjustments to prevent injury for football players and other athletes. When my chiropractor does my ankles, holy cow…because I exercise and run a lot, the amount of build-up onto that ankle is unbelievable. It’s a significant adjustment.” The Joint is open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays, a convenience for those who work and would otherwise have no options. It also is open on Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. In the fall, Alex says there are plans to open The Joint on Sundays as well. Best of all, you don’t even need an appointment, and although The Joint doesn’t accept insurance, you can still use Healthcare Flexible Spending accounts or Health Savings Accounts. Alex says the focus of The Joint is to make people feel better, not their insurance companies and lawyers. “And we have a lot of motivated doctors that also want to be a part of that.” For more information about The Joint (19014 BBD Blvd.), visit TheJoint.com, call (813) 534-6415 or see the ad on pg. 3. The two-year anniversary party is open to everyone, whether they already are patients at The Joint or not.
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 12 • May 31, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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Touch Is Wesley Chapel’s Largest & Most Luxurious Nail Spa! By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN
Having recently celebrated two years on S.R. 56, Touch Nail Spa now offers even more space to accommodate even more clients. Located in the Cypress View Square shopping plaza on S.R. 56 (the same plaza as Capital Tacos), Touch Nail Spa offers a beautiful, luxurious setting to enjoy a pedicure, a manicure, or one of the salon’s many other services, including eyelash extensions, waxing, facials and massages. Timmy Pham and his wife Tiffany opened the salon in March 2017. Business has been brisk, which led them to expand their space from 3,200 square feet to 4,800. The additional 1,600 square feet allowed them to add 17 additional pedicure chairs (for a total of 33) and nine additional stations for manicures (for a total of 30). The new space opened last August. It’s a perfect area for private parties, and Timmy invites guests to reserve the space for groups from six to 20 people. “You can pick any services you want,” he says, “and all services are 10-percent off for everyone in the party.” Touch Nail Spa celebrated its two-year anniversary on March 24 by giving a free manicure or pedicure to the first 50 guests that day. Timmy designed the salon himself, and it is beautiful, relaxing, upscale and clean.
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More Techs, More Services
While the décor reflects a more upscale experience, with its high ceilings, large windows, and beautiful surfaces and fixtures, don’t let that fool you. Touch Nail Spa’s prices are affordable. Timmy says most customers come in for a manicure and/or pedicure, and the salon offers a menu of options to fit everyone’s individual taste. Currently, there are 43 employees working at Touch Nail Spa, all of whom are State-licensed in cosmetology. They can help you figure out which services are the Tiffany & Timmy Pham have owned Touch best fit for you. Nail Spa on S.R. 56 — which offers manicures, Manicures may include a simple polish, pedicures and spa services, including eyelash extensions, waxing, facials & more — for two years. gel polish, dipping powder or acrylic nails. A variety of spa manicures and pedIn fact, Timmy describes it as “flawlessly icures are offered, and even the “Simple clean,” with gleaming floors and spotless Touch” pedicure (just $25) includes a callus tabletops, a tidy restroom, and all surfaces and tools sanitized for each individual person. treatment, pineapple sugar scrub, hot towel While the salon is large, it maintains a wrap and lotion massage, along with nail quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Timmy says he trimming and shaping, buffing and cuticle grooming. and the staff pay attention to every detail For an even more spa-like experience, to ensure a nice ambiance is maintained. a variety of “Hot Touch” pedicures are For example, they immediately greet each offered ($45-$60). These include a hot visitor as they walk through the door and stone massage for your legs and feet, plus the TVs are kept quiet. Touch Nail Spa additional treatments — such as specialized offers a complimentary beverage with exfoliation for the bottom of the feet and a every service, such as water, soda or even mask for legs and heels. wine, served in a chilled glass (limit one A couple of specific brands of pedicures per adult customer with I.D.).
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 12 • May 31, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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have been recently added, by customer request. One is the Volcano Spa pedicure, which includes a bubbly, fizzing treatment added to the pedicure water. Another is the Nu Skin organic pedicure. Timmy says that you’ll always be able to find the color you want at Touch Nail Spa. He carries 1,700 different colors (photo on next page), and every color available in a regular polish is available as a gel color, too. That means you have access to 3,400 bottles of color. Manicures using dipping powder, which is a newer service, add a layer to your nails that is as strong as acrylic, but much healthier for your nails. Timmy says he offers the dipping powder in 2,000 colors. The thousands of colors are one thing that really sets Touch Nail Spa apart. “Everyone has dips, everyone has gel,” says Timmy. “We have more colors, and we have less waiting because we have more employees.” So, while he offers a relaxing experience, you can get in and out quickly if you need to. Joy is a Touch Nail Spa client who says she has been coming in since it opened. She still comes in once a month for a pedicure and dip for her nails. “Their customer service is amazing,” she says. “The atmosphere is nice and it’s not too noisy. It has a nice ambiance and is very clean. For example, they have a
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disposable wrap for the pedicure chair, which decreases the risk of infections.” Joy’s favorite nail technician, Mai, says all services at Touch Nail Spa are guaranteed for two weeks. If your nails don’t last two weeks, come back and they’ll fix it. “But, you don’t need to come back because they do such a good job,” Joy says.
Specials & Perks
Treat yourself to a birthday manicure and pedicure! Timmy says if you come in on your birthday and purchase two services, you’ll receive 50-percent off the more expensive service. You must show ID that it is your actual birthdate; not valid any other day. Touch Nail Spa also offers a new customer reward program. Upon arrival, sign in on one of the salon’s iPads, and sign up for your free membership. Rewards members receive 1 point for every dollar spent, and when you reach 500 points, you receive your choice of a free simple touch pedicure or $25 off any other pedicure service. New members receive 500 points – a free pedicure – just for signing up. You also can now purchase e-gift cards for Touch Nail Spa online at the spa’s website, TouchNailAndSpa.com. Originally from Vietnam, Timmy has been in the U.S. 23 years and has been doing nails almost 19 years. Tiffany and
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Timmy met when he spent a year in Chicago about 12 years ago and have now been married about six years. Timmy previously owned a nail salon in Kentucky. He moved to Florida seven years ago and has worked at other salons in the area. He says he opened Touch Nail Spa because of his desire to serve customers at a higher level. “It’s been a lot of hard work,” he says, to grow the business the way it has, “but the results of that hard work are showing.” Touch Nail Spa currently is looking to hire a full-time receptionist. If you’re interested in applying, please call the salon at the number below. Touch Nail Spa is located at 27233 S.R. 56 and is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome. To make an appointment or ask about services, call (813) 973-4111. For info, see the ad on pg. 6!
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Looking For A Great Father’s Day Gift? Check Out Doc’s Dog Portraits! By GARY NAGER
Herman Weinberg, Ph.D., decided in 2015, following a 50+-year career as an educator — most recently at Turner Bartels K-8 School in New Tampa — that it was time for a change. “I had been in a school environment for a long time,” he says. “I needed something else to do.” The Hunter’s Green resident took up art as a hobby about a year later, around the same time he started giving swim lessons and coaching younger kids for the Tampa Bay Aquatics program at the Arbor Greene Community Clubhouse Pool. One of the first pieces he painted was of a neighbor’s shih tzu (far left pic). The neighbor raved about the watercolor piece Dr. Weinberg created, told some of their other neighbors and soon, many were suggesting that he start a business. Although Dr. Weinberg, who earned his Ph.D. degree in Education from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, says he was reluctant at first to try to make a business out of his art, he saw that giving pet owners an opportunity to turn a photograph of their beloved pets into something more made the recipients very happy. And, even though he has primarily worked with dogs as his subjects, he says his favorite piece to date was of another friend’s beautiful pinto horse. “I would definitely do more horse
(L.-r.): Among Dr. Herman Weinberg’s favorite artwork pieces he has created were of a neighbor’s shih tzu, a friend’s pinto horse and his own self portrait. Dr. Weinberg invites Neighborhood News readers and pet lovers to utilize the services of Doc’s Dog Portraits.
portraits, too,” he says. “They’re such majestic animals.” And yes, Dr. Weinberg also can create people portraits, such as his own self-portrait on this page. “My beard and the shih tzu’s beard are pretty similar, don’t you think?,” he asks, laughing. “That made it easier for me.”
So, What About Father’s Day?
The best news of all is that if you’ve been thinking about a great gift idea to give
your father, husband, significant other — or any dog lover, for any occasion — Dr. Weinberg says he can pretty much turn any photograph into a beautiful portrait “in about a week.” And, his prices are surprisingly affordable — with most pieces coming in at around $150, depending upon the amount of time he believes it will take to not only recreate the photograph, but also make sure that the creation also reflects the personality of the beloved pet.
“The piece that took me the longest to create so far was the wire-haired fox terrier from my ad (see page 31),” he says. “The more hair a dog has, the harder it is for me to get it just right.”
DOC’S DOG PORTRAITS For info, email DrHerm.Weinberg@gmail.com, call (813) 5463432 or see the ad on pg. 31.
June 30, 2019
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Lucas Budd Is Cypress Creek Middle/High’s First Valedictorian By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com
Although it’s now wrapping up its second year, the “firsts” keep on rolling in for Cypress Creek Middle/High School (CCMH). And, the honor of being one of the most significant firsts at the school certainly belongs to Lucas Budd, Cypress Creek’s first-ever class valedictorian, who on Wednesday, June 5 at, 8 p.m. at the University of South Florida Yuengling Center, will give the first-ever valedictorian speech to the first graduating class of 226 students in CCMH history. “I will have my box of Kleenex ready,” says his proud mother, Brenda. It was Brenda who first learned that Lucas was the Cypress Creek valedictorian. When she got the call, she couldn’t help but cry. Then she called to share the news with Lucas. While Lucas knew his grades were going to put him near the top of the senior class, he was surprised by the news, but thrilled that his 4.577 weighted grade-point-average was No. 1 amongst the seniors. Caitlin Scates was the 2019 class Salutatorian “I wasn’t expecting it,” Lucas says. “It’s an honor, and I take a lot of pride
in being Cypress Creek’s first valedictorian. I was pretty happy when I found out.” Lucas has always been a great student, and actually began high school at Wiregrass Ranch High, before the district’s school borders were redrawn and he was zoned for Cypress Creek following his sophomore year. Lucas never thought about being the valedictorian while he was at Wiregrass Ranch because he says the class ranks weren’t really publicized. During his first year at Cypress Creek, however, he knew he ranked fairly high. “I had seen that I was in the, maybe, top 5, but I wasn’t expecting to be valedictorian,” Lucas says. “I had never really thought about it, but of course every student who takes school serious would like to be valedictorian. I guess you could say it’s the ultimate goal.” That’s why when other students would dodge the tougher classes, Lucas reveled in registering for them. “Everyone is capable of being the valedictorian,” Lucas says. “It’s just a matter of putting in the work. And sometimes, a little extra work.” Lucas says he is proud of the way he balanced school with volunteering (more than 100 hours at St. Joseph Church) and his duties with club-relat-
Lucas Budd
ed service involvement at school, which he says has positively impacted his view of community involvement. “That was a great experience,” he says. “That’s one of the things I will remember most from high school.” Academically, he is most proud of earning his Associate’s degree from Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC) as a dual enrollment student with a 4.0. He also has worked as a tutor at the
PHSC Academic Success Center since last September, tutoring in English, Calculus, Biology, Statistics, Psychology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology. Lucas was awarded the National Hispanic Scholar by the College Board for scoring in the top 2.5 percent of high school juniors of Hispanis descent, and the National Merit Commended Scholar by the College Board for scoring in the top 3 percent of all juniors who took the PSAT as a junior. Lucas spends his free time fishing in the lakes around the Stagecoach community he lives in, and particularly likes fishing for bass. The largest one he’s caught is 6-8 pounds, and when he’s not fishing, he is shooting hoops on the nearest basketball court. A National Honor Society member at CCMH, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at PHSC, Lucas will be attending the University of Florida in Gainesville in fall, where he hopes to study Biochemistry or Biomedical Engineering. Brenda has taken great delight in listening to Lucas practice his valedictorian speech, which has been polished and is ready to go. She can’t wait until he shares it with the rest of his class. “It’s inspirational, and it’s positive,” she says. “That’s just who he is.”
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Cypress Creek Middle/High Students Get Police Academy Training By JOHN C. COTEY
john@ntneightborhoodnews.com
While the rest of her classmates were inside classrooms and sitting at their desks, Cypress Creek Middle/ High (CCMH) seventh grader Rose Macapinlac was running in a dead sprint towards the school’s athletic fields. When she reached her goal, she turned around and ran back, then attacked an obstacle course that included a four-foot-tall wall she had to drag herself over, hurdles she was required to leap, orange cones she zig-zagged around and a low crawl she slithered through before reaching a 100-pound dummy she had to drag across the grass. And, that only marked the halfway point of the modified Physical Abilities Test (PAT) that is required for Florida Department of Law Enforcement Capitol Police. “Once they pull that dummy, that’s when the legs turn to jelly,” said April Heuss, the teacher of CCMH’s criminal justice program, which she says she believes is the first of its kind in the state of Florida.
Practical Applications
After a school year of teaching students things like proper radio procedures, teamwork, leadership and the importance of law enforcement, Heuss wrapped up the school year by putting her classes through the arduous demands of a simulated PAT, which has to be passed by prospective law enforcement officers. Students in her classes had to exit a vehicle (in this case a golf cart) with a flashlight in hand, run 220 yards, complete an obstacle course, drag the dummy, do the obstacle course again, run 220 yards, dry-fire a plastic gun six times with each hand, and call in their report. While law enforcement applicants have to complete their course in 6 minutes, 4 seconds, Cypress Creek students
(Above, left) Nicolas Gordon leaps over the 4-foot-tall “wall” as he begins the obstacle course at Cypress Creek Middle/High School, while David Pike (above right) drags a 100-pound dummy across the grass. (Below) Instructor April Heuss helps Kate Frederick complete the final task of the Physical Abilities Test. (Photos: John C. Cotey)
were wrapping up their modified course (with a 4-foot “wall” as opposed to a 40-foot wall, and a 100-pound dummy compared to the 150 pounder dragged by law enforcement) in 3:30-5 minutes. “Getting over the wall with a flashlight in my hands was the hardest,” said Rose. “My legs hurt.” Gabriel Linck was the fastest boy on the day, with a time of 3:35, running it twice with plans to do it again. Anna Ritchie was the fastest girl, finishing in 4:03. “They are all wanting to see who got the best time, who is going to win,” Heuss said. “This was supposed to be a one-day thing but the kids were so stoked and excited about it we decided to keep doing it for three days. They love it.” LEARN MORE TODAY myeyelevel.com BOOST YOUR BRAIN POWER WITH EYE LEVEL MATH, READING & WRITING SUMMER PROGRAMS Eye Level Learning Center of Wesley Chapel
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SPRING FOOTBALL RECAP
THE SPORTS PAGE
WIREGRASS RANCH
WESLEY CHAPEL
Biggest Question
Biggest Question
The Bulls only graduated seven seniors, but most were critical pieces to the starting lineup, like two-year starter at quarterback Grant Sessums. How would the replacements, especially 6-foot-2 rising senior QB Hunter Helton, look in live game action?
The quarterback position has been a quarterback-by-committee affair ever since Jacob Thomas graduated at the end of head coach Tony Egan’s first year. Egan, new staff members Tom McHugh and Brian Colding from Pasco High, as well as former South Carolina and CFL quarterback Stephen Garcia, have been working hard with possible starters. So, who will it be between rising junior Owen Libby and backup Ethan Harper?
The Answer
To be determined. Both guys played well in the spring game, a 35-7 win over Land O’Lakes. Libby threw for 177 yards and two scores, including gains of 41 and 38 yards. Harper threw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass and also ran for a score.
Spring Game Standouts
Isaiah Ramsey, a basketball player who goes 6’-4”, 205 lbs., caught a 48yard touchdown on a slant, and Jon’Tavius Anderson had a breakout game with more than 100 yards receiving.
Audible
“This is going to be the first time we have a 20-game starter at QB since Jacob Thomas,” Egan said. “Both (Libby and Harper) need more reps and we’ll be doing a lot of 7-on-7 this summer to help with their progressions and routes.”
The Answer
CYPRESS CREEK Biggest Question
Tim Ford-Brown was the team’s leading rusher and second-leading receiver last year and, along with others in the first graduating class at Cypress Creek (CCH), will leave a big hole. Can anyone fill it?
The Answer
It’s unlikely, as the Coyotes are graduating about 85-90 percent of all of their offensive production from a year ago. Rising sophomore Andrew Burgess got the lion’s share of the carries and pass receptions in a disappointing 35-14 spring game loss to Pasco, but showed some durability and versatility. The Coyotes will still rely on rising senior twins Jehlani (the quarterback) and Jalen Warren (wide
receiver and running back), but will need more help.
Well, the new quarterback helped produce 55 points, so he looked pretty good. Helton connected with rising senior running back Keith Walker on three touchdowns in a barn-burner 55-48 win at East Lake. The defense, on the other hand, gave up a lot of points against a hurry-up offense that limited their substitutions and audibles.
Spring Game Standouts
Spring Game Standouts
Fullback Brycen Hernandez scored both of Cypress Creek’s touchdowns in the spring loss on 2- and 4-yard runs. Dontrell Clerkley caught a 24-yard pass in the game. Defensive lineman Ameen Saed had a forced fumble on the first play of the game, but separated his shoulder doing so and sat out the rest of the contest.
Audible
“(Burgess) is someone we’re going to move around a lot on offense,” head coach Michael Johnson said. “He was all-in for the spring game but there were some eyeopening moments for him, especially in the second half, playing at the varsity level.”
30
Audible
“I don’t know how many teams we’ll play that play that fast,” Wiregrass head coach Mark Kantor said of East Lake. “That style was faster than arena league and it was hard to get a lot of things going on defense because they (East Lake) snapped the ball so fast — it was tough.”
PLANTING SEEDS!
Local Softball Teams’ Banner Seasons Fall Short
After going 19-7 and advancing to the playoffs for the first time in 2017, Wesley Chapel High (WCH) struggled the following season due in part to Cypress Creek Middle/High, which inherited some of the Wildcats after the school attendance zones were reconfigured. Turns out, there was still enough talent to go around. Both teams not only made the playoffs this season — and each won a Regional playoff game — Cypress Creek shocked everyone by knocking off top-seeded Hernando 8-7 in the District final on May 3 for the first district title in school history. Was there something in the water this season? Both Wesley Chapel (157) and Cypress Creek (15-9) simply mashed the ball this year. In 24 games, Cypress Creek batted .406 as a team, hitting 15 home runs, 55 doubles with 205 RBI. The Wildcats weren’t too shabby either — in 22
Walker scored five touchdowns on the night, three through the air and two rushing. A role player last year on offense, Walker could be primed for a huge season after topping 100 yards rushing and receiving against East Lake. Helton threw for 242 yards and spread the ball around well, hitting Noah Biglow for a 69-yard score.
The Wesley Chapel (District 6A-7) and Wiregrass Ranch (District 8A-4) baseball teams both pulled off district upsets in the semifinals, clinching spots in the Regional playoffs. The Wildcats (12-10) were seeded third and knocked off No. 2 River Ridge to advance to the District final, and the Bulls (15-11) were also seeded No. 3, when they upset No. 1 Wharton. Neither team ending up winning a district title, but while Wesley Chapel lost to Jesuit 10-0 in the Regionals, the Bulls knocked off Ocoee 6-2 before Strawberry Crest ended their season with a 1-0 squeaker.
Wesley Chapel High freshman Kandace Means smashes a home run in the Wildcats’ season-ending 4-3 loss to Tampa Robinson in the Class 6A Regional semifinal. It was Means’ fifth homer of the season, extending her WCH single-season school record. (Photo: Gavin Olsen) ers. The Coyotes will be stung a little bit games, they hit .327 with seven homers, more by graduation, but youngsters like 32 doubles, 13 triples and 111 RBI. freshman Miranda Schultz (.467 BA with And, it’s quite possible that you three HRs and a 3-2 record as a pitcher) haven’t seen anything yet from WCH, should keep Cypress Creek competitive. as the Wildcats only graduate two play-
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STAT-O-THE-MONTH
Hernando softball pitcher Ali Shenefield was one of the best in the state: a 25-3 record, 0.90 ERA and 361 strikeouts in 167 innings. Pretty impressive, right? But, of the 22 earned runs she gave up this entire season, 15 were scored by Cypress Creek in the last three games against the Leopards’ ace. @NTWCNews
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Wesley Chapel & Dade City Rotary Clubs’ “Hats & Horses” Recap! By JOHN C. COTEY
john@ntneightborhoodnews.com If you thought the disqualification of Kentucky Derby winner Maximum Security was a surprise (and it was), you should have visited this year’s “Hats & Horses Derby Party,” held again at the amazing Waller Ranch in Dade City. The second annual fund raiser was this year hosted by the Wesley Chapel and Dade City Rotary Clubs and at least 200 people came to enjoy watching the Derby, the many gaming tables and live music by the Wesley Chapel Rotary’s own Strictly Business Band. Dade City Rotary member Chelsea Waller Douthard’s family’s Waller Ranch, located in a remote area of Dade City with rolling hills, had some of the ranch’s beautiful horses on hand for people to interact and take pictures with, and although Derby Day (May 4) was typically hot, the air conditioned 6,000-sq.-ft. event space inside provided a perfect backdrop yet again for the silly hats and outfits that are staples of any Derby party. This year’s event benefited not only the nonprofit foundations of both Rotary Clubs, but also the Pasco Education Foundation (yes, the one my wife Jannah works for), and there were lots of great silent and live auction items, plus a 50-50 drawing, to beef up the funds raised for these great causes — although we didn’t have a final tally of how much was raised at this year’s event at our press time.
Amazing Food!
But, the big surprise for yours truly was this year’s amazing food, which was elegantly provided by M&D Catering & Edibles and Yummy Tablas. See “Hats & Horses” on page 34!
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WC & DC Rotary Clubs Team Up For 2nd ‘Hats & Horses’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33! M&D Catering offered the hand-carved beef tenderloin shown on the previous page, plus some items I couldn’t sample (like the Kentucky Derby Jambalaya skewers shown on this page), plus delicious chicken & waffles, shrimp and grits and more. My new friends Heidi Esquivel and Ronnie Mercado of Yummy Tablas put out one of the most beautiful (and delicious) crudité and fruit, cheese and cold cut platters I’ve ever seen! The top right photo on this page only shows half of the platter and the straw hat in the photo is actually a cake that I never got to sample. And of course, club members again donated all of the premium alcohol for the event. For info, call Yummy Tablas at (813) 900-4824 or M&D at (813) 210-0319!
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The Hummingbird Jerk House Serves Authentic Jamaican Cuisine! By Gary Nager page) is super-crisp, but still tender and served on the bone, with a side of Patrick’s signaI’m not going to say that Jamaican cuisine ture and super-tasty brown stew sauce, plus has ever been among my top favorites, but I sides like white rice or rice and peas (beans), will say this — as a native New Yorker who has plantains and veggies, which are usually either previously sampled some well-known Jamaican sliced carrots or carrots and cabbage. I’d love restaurants in Manhattan, there are a number of to see some additional veggies on the menu, dishes I’m going to keep going back to the new but the sliced carrots are particularly tasty. Hummingbird Jerk House to enjoy. Lead video editor Gavin Olsen and I both Owner Patrick Murrel, a New Tampa also enjoyed the jerk chicken (center photo resident, and his family invite you to sample on next page) at Hummingbird Jerk House, truly some of the best Jamaican cuisine I’ve although it doesn’t have quite as much kick had the chance to try, especially in Tampa. as some jerk chicken I’ve sampled. Even so, it The Hummingbird Jerk House, located is full of flavor and there’s always a couple of in the space previously occupied by Dairy different hot sauces on the tables, if you need Queen on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in a bigger jolt from your jerk. There’s also BBQ North Palms Village (next to Oakley’s Grille), and curry chicken on the menu, but I hadn’t features everything from authentic meat patsampled either at our press time. ties (similar to empanadas, but better; see top Speaking of the brown stew sauce, for right pic on this page) to items I’ve previously those who crave sauce all over their chicken, never (and still haven’t) tried, such as cow foot there is a brown stew chicken on the menu, and butter beans (with dumplings) and what is billed on the menu as the Jamaican National which is basically similar to the fried chicken but covered with the sauce. The brown stew Dish, called ackee and saltfish. sauce also is tasty on Patrick’s whole snapper, According to Hummingbird’s website, although he’ll warn you that the whole snapPatrick is from the Westmoreland province of Jamaica and grew up in the town of Sav-la-mar, per does have bones, so it’s a little bit of work to enjoy this zesty dish. next to Negril. The website says his “mama From what I’ve seen during my multiple teach him to cook,” and from the items I’ve visits to the restaurant, the more popular snapsampled so far, I’d say she taught him well! per seems to be the escoveitch (photo, right), which is available bone-in or as a filet (which The Best Fried Chicken? is likely how I will try it in the future). The Chicken is obviously a staple of Jamaican snapper is fried and then covered in onions, cuisine, based on the Hummingbird Jerk sliced carrots, scotch bonnet peppers, pepper House’s menu. And, not surprisingly, three and vinegar. There’s also jerk salmon on the of my favorite dishes are the jerk chicken, the brown stew chicken and some of the best fried menu, although I don’t usually enjoy salmon other than smoked and on a bagel. chicken I’ve had at any kind of restaurant in I haven’t yet sampled the ackee (a CaribTampa. The fried chicken (top left pic on next
Expires 6/30/2019
bean fruit) and saltfish (cod), but many of the Hummingbird Jerk House’s regulars rave about it. I did, however, sample the Japanese coco bread with saltfish, a doughy appetizer which is slightly sweet from coconut milk. Other Jamaican staples I’ve sampled at the Hummingbird Jerk House include the oxtail and the curry goat. I’ve never been the biggest curry fan (although Jamaican curry is different than Thai or Indian curry) and I don’t go out of my way to
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eat goat, but I really enjoyed the oxtail (far right photo on this page). It is “stewed down” with Jamaican herbs and butter beans in a savory brown sauce and is very tasty and tender. It does take a little work to get at all of the available meat, but trust me, it’s worth it. I definitely also plan to try Patrick’s beef stew — which is only available Thur.-Sun. Other menu items include
Neighborhood News
Rastaman vegetable stew, soups (including Manish-Water, or goat soup), chicken wings and roti skin sandwich wraps with curry chicken or goat, jerk chicken or veggies.
Breakfast, Too?
Patrick is proud to have recently announced that he is now serving authentic
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Jamaican breakfast favorites on Sat. and Sun. mornings (8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.). Among the breakfast items are salt mackerel, ackee and saltfish with cooked green bananas, dumplings and more, plus porridges of cornmeal and oats. And of course, any time you walk into a place and the music of the great man himself — Bob Marley — is playing, you’re bound
to feel good. And, at the Hummingbird Jerk House, you’re also likely to leave satisfied. Hummingbird Jerk House (17631 BBD, Unit F) is open 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sun., and every other day 11 a.m.-10 p.m., except it is closed on Mon. For more info, visit HummingbirdJerkHouse.com or call (813) 512-2558.
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37
Nibbles & Business The Latest & Greatest News In Dining, Shopping & Business In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!
The Man Cave’s Grand Opening
A great, locally-owned business that recently cut a ribbon was The Man Cave Haircuts for Men, which actually celebrated its one-year anniversary on April 1 with a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon cutting (photo above left). I apologize that we didn’t get this photo and writeup in our last issue, but here it is now. Located in the Pinebrook at The Grove plaza at 27419 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (S.R. 54) in Wesley Chapel, owner Katie Galentine has created a shop that is less barber shop and more salon for men, but with a variety of unique décor touches that make any man feel right at home — like spray bottles that look like bourbon bottles and shelves made out of tires. You also get a shampoo, with a complimentary steam towel and scalp massage, and walk-ins and appointments are always welcome.
Still smoker friendly!
For more info, call (813) 574-8405, see the ad on pg. 31 or visit the-man-cavehaircuts-for-men.business.site and tell Katie and her crew the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News sent you!
Walkabout Bakery Opens In Lutz
For fans of Australian cuisine, the Walkabout Australian Bakery & Café is open at 18430 Livingston Ave. (at Sunset Ln.) in Lutz. Owner Regina McColl is a truly authentic Australian, from Melbourne, but we’re fortunate that she has brought the flavors of her home country to within 15-20 minutes of most Wesley Chapel residents. The bakery goods are truly unlike anything I’ve had in the Tampa Bay area. There’s a square one that looked like it could be chocolate and peanut butter, but is actually
caramel inside and it’s absolutely addictive. Sorry that I neglected to take a picture of it, but there’s no doubt I’ll be back. Walkabout, which celebrated its Grand Opening with a May 2 North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon cutting (above right), also serves great food, like a thick-cut prime rib, with mashed potatoes and broccoli special. Regina also put out finger foods like yummy traditional meat pies (similar to empanadas), and spinach ricotta feta triangles for the Chamber event. Oh, and of course, there’s beer and wine, too, mate! For more info, visit AussieBakeryCafe. com or call (813) 953-1085, and please tell Regina I sent you!
Coming Soon: Blue Heron!
We are fortunate to already have multiple
assisted living residences in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, but the Blue Heron Senior Laving Community — which held its official groundbreaking on May 15 (top left photo on next page) — is definitely the first of its kind in our area. Blue Heron, which is expected to open in the fall of 2020 in Seven Oaks (near Lexus of Wesley Chapel on Eagleston Blvd.) will offer not only assisted living and memory care; it also will be our area’s first to also offer skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Blue Heron will be operated and managed by TLC Management, LLC, which is based in Marion, IN. TLC operates similar facilities in both Indiana and Florida (including Ocala and Winter Haven). For more information, visit TLCmgmt.com.
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Here & There, This & That
• I recently made my first visit to Pure Florida Watersports (photo top right), the 7-month-old kayak store at 32809 Eiland Blvd., in the Publix plaza at the intersection of S.R. 54, where Wesley Chapel meets Zephyrhills. Although I’m already working on them to bring in some sea-worthy surfskis in addition to their fishing kayaks, apparel and accessories, owners (and adventure specialists) Derick Burgos and Natalie Manrique say their new store is “Where your adventure begins.” For info, visit PureFloridaWatersports.com or call (813) 602-8824. — GN • And, speaking of shout-outs, I wanted to make sure I gave one to our friends Gilbert Bennett of My Easy Mortgage and Christina Navatta of The Navatta Group at RE/ MAX Alliance Group (photo above right) for their outstanding “Cocktails & Connections” networking events held at The Brass Tap at the Shops at Wiregrass. Christina and Gilbert called me out on
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Facebook after they were featured in some other local publications. Never heard of them! (lol) Jannah and I had to be part of their May 16 program anyway, as Cocktails & Connections helped out our mutual friend Paula Stano’s The Stano Foundation, the local 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides care packages for active duty members of the military. Even so, we were proud to do a Facebook Live feed from the May C&C with these two fun-loving peeps. Gilbert & Christina’s events are always packed and they always offer donated free food
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and great prize giveaways. The next Cockatils & Connections will be a Military Appreciation Party at The Brass Tap on Thursday, June 13, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. For more information, search “Wesley Chapel Cocktails & Connections” on Facebook.. — GN
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JUNK REMOVAL
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41
Local Scout Turning Tennis Balls Into Tennis Courts For Eagle Project By JOHN C. COTEY
john@ntneighborhoodnews.com
It’s not exactly aluminum cans, glass or old newspapers. But when Saddlebrook resident Martin Levins sees an old, beaten up tennis ball lying in the grass — and as a junior tennis player at Saddlebrook Preparatory School, he sees a lot of them, at his club and other locations — he knows that unless it is recycled, that ball will take 400 years to decompose. So, the 9th grader decided to do something about it, turning his mission into his Eagle Scout Service Project. In the past year, Martin has been collecting as many discarded tennis balls as he can, which not only provides a benefit to the environment, but will help people as well — because the balls will be recycled and used to make impact-resistant courts for tennis players who are elderly and disabled. “I know it sounds amazing, and it is,” Martin says. Martin, who has been a scout since 2010 and is in Troop 300, which meets in Saddlebrook, put up four recycling Ad-In bins — paid for by sponsors Insight Family Eyecare, Cross Creek Auto Service, Global Access Partners and the
Saddlebrook Prep Student Council — all around the tennis courts at Saddlebrook, providing a convenient place for tennis players to discard their old tennis balls, which lose their pressure and ability to bounce after a few sets and, therefore, their usefulness. He also managed a team of 30 scouts, student athletes and parents to scour the area around Saddlebrook’s 45 tennis courts looking for wayward tennis balls. “To sweeten the deal, I orchestrated a massive clean-up of the areas around all of the tennis courts in Saddlebrook to clear the environment of used or dead tennis balls,” Martin says. The balls are then collected from the bins, put into shipping boxes and sent to RecycleBalls, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Vermont. “It’s an absolutely fantastic operation that Martin is running,” says James DeFusto, tennis director of recruitment for Saddlebrook. “We’ve definitely noticed that outside of the courts are a lot more clear. There are barely, if any, tennis balls lying around. It’s pretty amazing what he’s accomplished so far.” According to RecycleBalls, 125 million used tennis balls, roughly 20,000 metric tons worth, wind up in landfills
Martin Levins, a ninth grade student and junior tennis player at Saddlebrook Preparatory School, is collecting old tennis balls to be turned into tennis courts, as his Eagle Scout project.
around the country every year. RecycleBalls has partnered with Wilson Tennis and Sport Group, the world’s largest sports surface manufacturer, which takes the recycled tennis ball material and uses it in their Laykold Masters tennis courts, which can be hard or cushioned. Last month, Martin shipped more than 10,000 tennis balls he collected to
RecycleBalls, enough, he says to provide the surface for one low-impact tennis court somewhere in the U.S. Even after Martin finishes his project and the local Council submits it to the BSA National Council to officially make him an Eagle Scout, his efforts will live on. “This is definitely something we will invest in and continue doing,” DeFusto says.
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 12 • May 31, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 12 • May 31, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews