Wesley Chapel Issue 14-09 by Neighborhood News

Volume 17 Issue 14

WESLEY CHAPEL Inside:

Wesley Chapel Business News!

July 10, 2009

NEWS

See pages 10-15!

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

BBD/54 Intersection Is The 2nd Worst In Pasco County! By Michael Smith Although residents often complain about all of the ongoing highway construction in our area that makes driving a nightmare, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) says that sometimes the completion of those projects can actually make problems worse. Late last month, the PCSO released its quarterly accident report for the first part of 2009, which lists the top 12 intersections in the county where accidents caused by aggressive driving have occurred, and, thanks at least in part to the completion of the widening of S.R. 54 between U.S. 41 and S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel, the intersection at S.R. 54 and Collier Parkway in Land O’Lakes now tops the list — with the intersection of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and S.R. 54 in Wesley

Chapel close behind in second place. PCSO spokesman Kevin Doll says that the new, wider stretch of S.R. 54, along with the proliferation of new communities and businesses all along that stretch of roadway, have contributed significantly to the number of accidents resulting from high-speed, aggressive driving. “Wherever you have more traffic and higher speeds, you’re going to have more aggressive drivers and more accidents,” Doll says. That’s why PCSO officers joined forces with the Florida Highway Patrol and the New Port Richey Police Department on June 30 for a special one-day campaign, dubbed “Operation Collier Crunch,” to target aggressive drivers within a five-mile radius of the county’s most problematic intersection. Over the course of that campaign,

between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 19 officers from the three agencies saturated the area and issued a total of 184 citations for a variety of charges, along with 46 warning tickets. “That’s why we [create] these lists,” Doll says, “so we can focus our efforts on the areas where we get the most complaints and where the most accidents occur.” Doll says that there is no specific behavior that qualifies as aggressive driving; rather, it is a combination of behaviors that draws an officer’s attention — and results in citations. “Usually, it’s speeding, along with tailgating and multiple lane changes,” he says. “But really, it could be whatever the officer considers to be unsafe

movements [based on the conditions].” There also is no specific charge for aggressive driving, but it is noted on the citation that is issued to the driver, Doll says, and can be taken into consideration by the judge in the case, espeSee “Intersection” on page 6.

Killer-For-Hire Pleads Guilty, Is Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Family Receives $1 Million Jury Award, Slim Down For Summer With Metabolic Research Center, Local Students Visit Washington, D.C. & More!

Get Top-Quality Care For Your Pet At Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre, A Tasty Selection Of Neighborhood Nibbles & Much More!

See pages 3-20!

See pages 21-32!

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS & SPORTS UPDATES

Pierre-Charles, who was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service last October. Earlier this year, Pierre-Charles was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. During that trial, Pattmon testified that Pierre-Charles had initially offered him $2,500 to “get rid of” Henry because he was afraid Henry would give him up to police, but later agreed to kill him for $1,000 in cash, a gold necklace and 14 grams of crack cocaine. Pattmon was originally charged with first-degree murder, and could also have been sentenced to life in prison, but he made a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty of the lesser charge. Jenkins, now 23, is scheduled for trial later this year.

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

for questioning, Henry contacted a local newspaper to say that he was not involved in the shooting of the two teens, but was quoted as saying he Commie “knew a little” Pattmon about the case. On Aug. 13, 2006, he also was found dead after having been shot multiple times. There were no further leads in either case until last summer, when PCSO investigators announced that a witness had come forward and implicated two other men in the death of the teens, Luc Pierre-Charles, a former classmate of Pieper’s at WCH, and Tyree Jenkins of Zephyrhills. Jenkins was arrested the same day the announcement was made, but it took a months-long manhunt to locate

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 2801

Another man connected to the 2006 murders of a pair of Wesley Chapel High students has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. On June 18, Commie Lateel Pattmon, 27, of Tampa, pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree murder for killing 20-year-old Jeremy Henry, who was found shot to death a week after being named as a “person of interest” in the double murders of Derek

Pieper and Raymond Veluz, who were 17 and 18 years old, respectively. Their bodies were found on July 28, 2006, on a dirt road in the Trilby area north of Dade City after police say the WCH students became involved in a feud between rival drug dealers. Shortly after the two teens were killed, investigators with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) announced that they were interested in talking to Henry about the case. Although he was never brought in

Dated Material Please Rush!

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Does The Return Of The Deacon Blues Have To Include This Guy? An editorial by I am extremely proud to say that I recently joined a group that has had a long-standing reputation in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. No, it’s not another networking group or Rotary Club. It’s the Deacon Blues, a hard-rocking, working blues band that has been playing gigs in our area for about a decade. The Deacon Blues started at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, with former St. Mark pastor Fr. Eric Peters as the Blues Brothers-imitating front man and harmonica player, but Fr. Eric was still performing with the group, even though he had moved from St. Mark to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Citrus County. Today, the band, which for years has been led by lead guitarist/vocalist Michael Marth and included keyboardist Bernie Desrosiers, baritone saxophonist Dr. Kelly O’Keefe, Dr. Michael Omori on bass guitar and Dan Provost on alto sax, now also includes Dr. Mitch Seleznick and Wharton High teacher Joe Kelly on rhythm guitar, Chris Cary on percussion, Woody Parrett on trumpet and Dr. Tracy Sanson, Anne Desrosiers, local music teacher and owner/leader of Showkidz (a singing, dancing and acting troupe for kids of all ages) Todd LeBlanc and a certain newsWesley Chapel Neighborhood News 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483 Advertising E-mail: NewTampaNN@aol.com Editorial E-mail: NTNNEdit@yahoo.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Managing Editor Michael Smith Correspondents

Kate Kramer • Melissa O’Brien • Matt Rubin

Advertising Sales & Billing Manager Julie Rinaldi Advertising Account Executives Lisa Ross • Sandra Nelson • Jared Nager Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Designer Sandra Nelson Office & Marketing Assistants Jacob Glenn • Karen Glenn

Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 17, Issue 16, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, July 20, 2009. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2009 JM2 Communications, Inc.

Gary Nager paper editor on vocals. I’m probably the only member of the band who hasn’t had any previous professional music experience and quite honestly, I’m having a The new Deacon Blues Band includes (l. to r.) Dr. Mitch Seleznick, Dr. Michael Omori, Gary blast as the Nager, Todd LeBlanc, Michael Marth, Bernie Desrosiers, Kelly O’Keefe and Dan Provost. “karaoke guy” Not pictured: Dr. Tracy Sanson, Anne Desrosiers, Woody Parrett, Joe Kelly and Chris Cary. getting to work with this wonderful group of pros. In fact, Martz has played with members of the backing groups for Duke Ellington, Gloria Estefan, Della Reese and Rick Derringer. Desrosiers has played with the Beaver Brown Band, which was the group playing the Bruce Springsteen-like music in the movie “Eddie and the Cruisers.” Parrett payed with the Jackie Gleason Orchestra...and the list goes on and on. After our first performance at the USF Medical School graduation party in late June, the Deacon Blues band is now looking to play some local gigs. If you’d like to book the new Deacon Blues for your party or other event, e-mail me at NTNNedit@ yahoo.com or call 910-2575.

Table of Contents NEWS UPDATES...................................Pages 1-12 News Briefs........................................................................4 Murder Suspect Arrested In Wesley Chapel; Crash Kills Wesley Chapel Man; Motorcyclist Crashes & Fights With Trooper; Jury Awards $1 Million In Parking Lot Death; Two Die In Separate Crashes On I-75 Intersection (Cont. from page 1).......................................6 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar.......................8-9

BUSINESS UPDATES...................................10-15 Mar-Go Interiors Reopens On S.R. 56............................10 Shoppers Flock To New Sweetbay Supermarket..............12 Slim Down With Metabolic Research Center...............14 EDUCATION NEWS..........................................16 Local Students Finish Second In National Inventors’ Competition

SPORTS UPDATES.............................................18 Local Lacrosse News

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE Check Out The New Ciccio’s/The Lodge...................21 Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre Cares For Pets........22 Pamper Your Skin At The New Trinity Dermatology & Aesthetic Centre........................................................24 East Meets West At Cerise Bistro...................................26 Neighborhood Nibbles..............................................28

WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS...30

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 14 • July 10, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL Suspect Arrested In WC

A 23-year-old Wesley Chapel man was arrested last month and charged with the 2002 murder of a man in Waterbury, CT. According to reports, Noe Tavares, who had been living at 6923 Angus Valley Rd., was arrested at his home after midnight on June 11 by detectives from the Waterbury Police Department. A spokesman for the department said that Tavares was allegedly responsible for the death of 66-year-old John Buttery, who was found strangled to death in Noe Tavares his apartment in March 2002. DNA evidence was found at the scene, but no suspect was identified until Tavares’ DNA was added to a national database following a conviction for burglary and larceny in 2008 in Florida. Tavares was charged with one count of first degree murder, and is now in Connecticut awaiting trial.

Crash Kills WC Man

A 56-year-old Wesley Chapel man was killed in a single-car accident in which he veered off the road and was ejected from his vehicle as it overturned several times. According to a preliminary report issued by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Felix Carreras Jr. was driving east on Wells Rd. near Boyette Rd. at around 2 a.m. on June 19. As his 2006 Chevy van began to enter a left-hand curve, the vehicle went off of the roadway, and when Carreras attempted to steer back onto the road, the van began spinning and crossed over the westbound lane of Wells Rd., where it struck a raised curb near the entrance to Wesley Chapel High. The van over-

News Briefs turned several times, and the driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the van and ended up underneath the right side of the vehicle as it came to a rest on the school grounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

Motorcyclist Crashes, Fights With FHP Trooper

A 20-year-old Wesley Chapel man was arrested June 24 after he crashed his motorcycle and then fought with an off-duty Florida Highway Patrol trooper who came to his aid. According to reports, Andre D. Dobbins, of 27451 Cedar Park Ct. was riding his motorcycle on S.R. 54 when he wrecked. The trooper witnessed the crash and went to offer assistance, but Dobbins tried to flee the scene. The trooper managed Andre D. Dobbins to catch up with him, but then Dobbins allegedly struck the officer several times before being detained by the trooper and another bystander. Dobbins was subsequently arrested and charged with reckless driving with property damage, not having a motorcycle endorsement on his drivers license, battery on a law enforcement officer, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from custody after posting a bond of $955.

Jury Awards $1 Million In Parking Lot Death

Late last month, a Pasco County jury awarded $1 million to the parents of a man who was killed in a fight in the parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurant in Land O’Lakes in 2005. The incident took place on the

night of April 24, 2005, at the McDonald’s at the intersection of U.S. 41 (Land O’Lakes Blvd.) and S.R. 54. Police say that Anthony Makowski, who was 21 at the time, got into an argument with 25-year-old Martin Robles-Taylor while they were in the drive-through lane of the restaurant at around 4:30 a.m. The argument turned physical, and Robles-Taylor, who had previous military training, put Makowski into a chokehold that lasted for several minutes. Makowski fell unconscious and later died. Robles-Taylor was not charged in the case, after police labeled the incident as “excusable homicide,” but in 2006 Makowski’s parents filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit against Brickman Management Co., the owner of the restaurant, and B & B Cash Grocery Stores Inc., which owns the shopping center where it is located, on the grounds that if there had been adequate security in place, their son’s death could have been prevented. During the trial, attorneys for the Makowskis presented evidence showing that the all-night drive-through was a known trouble spot, since there had been more than 700 911 calls originating from the shopping plaza between 2001-05. Attorneys for the defense, however, argued that despite the many calls, many of which were resolved without anyone being hurt or arrested, Makowski’s death was not foreseeable and that they should not be held responsible. The members of the jury agreed, to some extent, because they reduced their original verdict of $750,000 for each parent by one-third after concluding that the two businesses and Makowski himself were equally to blame for his death.

Two Die In Separate Crashes On The Same Stretch Of I-75

The stretch of Interstate 75 just south of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. claimed two lives earlier this month, as a Plant City mother of two and a 16-year-old

Seffner girl were killed in separate accidents that took place just hours apart. In the first accident, which involved five vehicles, Jeffery C. Nicoll, Jr., 21, of Hudson, was traveling north on the interstate just before 2 p.m. when he failed to notice traffic slowing down in front of him. As a result, Nicoll’s 1993 Oldsmobile slammed into the rear of a 2001 Toyota Rav 4 driven by 40-year-old Jason Edwards of Plant City, who was traveling with his wife Rachel, 34, and their two sons, Jake, 3, and Harry, 6. The impact forced the Edwards’ vehicle forward into a 2004 Chevrolet pick-up driven by 68-year-old Michael Szemak of St. James City before it flipped over and landed upside down. Nicoll’s car, meanwhile, hit a 2003 Mitsubishi SUV driven by 21-year-old Jeffrey Larcher of Merritt Island, and the SUV was propelled forward into a 2005 Mercury van driven by 42-yearold Teresa McLamb of Wesley Chapel. Rachel Edwards, who reportedly was not wearing a seat belt, was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, where she later died. Harry Edwards was transported to University Community Hospital in serious condition, as were three passengers from Nicoll’s vehicle — Kevin Land, 18; Sara Sims, 19; and Jessica Phelps, 20. Nicoll himself suffered minor injuries, as did Jason and Jake Edwards. None of the other drivers or their passengers were injured. Charges in the accident are pending following a full investigation. In the second accident, which took place at around 3 a.m. in the same area as the first, 17-year-old Arielle N. Warkow of Seffner was driving south in a 2004 Ford Explorer, along with her sister, 16-year-old Britney B. Warkow, when the older girl lost control of the vehicle, which left the roadway and overturned. Arielle suffered minor injuries, but Britney, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. That crash also remains under investigation.—MS

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 14 • July 10, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“Intersection”

Continued from page 1 cially if the driver has a history of similar offenses. In the past, the worst intersections for aggressive driving accidents and complaints have been in western Pasco County, and indeed, intersections in that part of the county still make up the bulk of the county’s top-12 list. Last year’s top spot, for example, was the intersection of U.S. 19 and Flora Ave. in Holiday, followed by the intersection of Rowan Rd. and S.R. 54 in New Port Richey. That intersection is now third on the list, while the Flora Ave. intersection didn’t even make the top 12 this year. The 2009 list also includes: Regency Park Blvd. and Ridge Rd. in Port Richey (4); U.S. 41 and S.R. 52 in Land O’Lakes (5); Cobblestone Dr. and S.R. 52 in Hudson (6); U.S. 19 and S.R. 52 in Hudson (7); Little Rd. and Ridge Rd. in New Port Richey (8); Hicks Rd. & S.R. 52 in Hudson (9); Louis Ave. & Holiday Lake Dr. in Holiday (10); Little Rd. and New York Ave. in Hudson (11) and Mile Stretch Dr. and U.S. 19 in Holiday (12). According to the report, the number of crashes linked to aggressive driv-

ing this year has actually decreased compared to the first quarter of 2008. This year, there have been 685, compared with 817 in 2008. Also, there were eight fatal accidents that resulted in eight deaths during the first quarter of 2008. While the number of fatal accidents remained the same this year, the death toll increased by two. The numbers also show that the highest number of accidents takes place on Friday, while Sunday has the lowest, and the worst hour of the day is between 2 p.m.-3 p.m., while the afternoon rush hour, 5 p.m.-6 p.m., is second worst. The least number of accidents occurs between 3 a.m.-4 a.m.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 14 • July 10, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL

Community Calendar

Firefighter Grill-Off

Saturday, July 11 – BJ’s Wholesale Club (6290 Commerce Palms Dr. in Tampa Palms) and Tampa Fire Rescue will host their second annual Firefighter Grill-Off, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in the store parking lot. Firefighters from stations around the city of Tampa will compete in the Grill-Off, which will be judged by a panel of local dignitaries. There will be BBQ available for tasting, as well as fire safety displays, fire trucks and other activities.

Orchid Workshops

Saturday, July 11 & 25 – Cindy Gandalfi of G Gardens & Things (3836 Flatiron Loop in Wesley Chapel) will host a pair of free workshops in July for those who are interested in learning all about orchids, starting at 4 p.m. each day. Topics will include how to buy, grow and care for orchids and more. Class sizes are limited, so advance registration is suggested. For more information or to register, call 994-2120.

Free Networking International

Monday, July 13 – Free Networking International (FNI), a group of area business owners, meets each Monday for networking and discussion, 8 a.m.,

at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). For more information, call Stacy Dalton at 469-5499.

Addiction Support Group

Monday, July 13 – Higher Ground Ministry, a Christ-centered support group for those afflicted with addiction, meets every Monday and Wednesday evening, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., at The Dwelling Place (410 County Line W. in Lutz). For additional information, call 949-1912.

Business Networking Int’l

Tuesday, July 14 – Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals who work to support each other through qualified business referrals, meets Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd., off Old Pasco Rd.). For more information, contact Nancy Cross at 789-7836 or by email at nancycross@crossrealty.com.

East Pasco Networking Group Tuesday, July 14 – The East Pasco Networking Group meets Tuesdays, 9 a.m., at Beef O’Brady’s (1660 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Shops of

New Tampa at Wesley Chapel plaza). For more information, contact Frankie Ammons at 479-7997 or by e-mail at Frankie@studioglory.com.

Wesley Chapel Rotary Club

Wednesday, July 15 – The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meets every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at Las Vallarta Mexican Restaurant (in the Village Market shopping center at S.R. 54 & Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). On July 15, District Governor Cliff Snedeker will be the club’s guest speaker. For more information, call 2637188 or 383-6683.

Honorary Mayor’s Mixer

Thursday, July 16 – The Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will announce the results of its annual Honorary Mayor competition, beginning at 6 p.m. at Mazda and Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (26944 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). For more information, call the Chamber office at 994-8534.

Networking For Your Success

Thursday, July 16 – The Networking For Your Success group meets every Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m., at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd., off Old Pasco Rd.). For more information, call Pamela Butler at 966-5156 or visit www.networkingforyoursuccess.com.

Wesley Chapel Wind Ensemble Thursday, July 16 – The Wesley Chapel Wind Ensemble, a recentlyformed community group of brass and woodwind players, meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54). New members are encouraged to join. For more information, contact Glenn at 746-4821 or by e-mail at trombonegww@juno.com.

‘Empowering Families

Thursday, July 16 – Al-Anon Family Groups (AFG) hosts weekly “Empowering Families” meetings every Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the His Storehouse Thrift Store (35362 S.R. 54 in Zephyrhills). On-site childcare is available. For more information, call (888) 425-2666.

Sunrise Rotary

Friday, July 17 – The Wesley Chapel Sunrise Rotary Club meets Fridays at 7:15 a.m. at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54). For more information, call Lynne Wilson at 695-6466.

WOW Business For Women

Friday, July 17 – WOW, a business group for women, meets each Friday at 8 a.m. at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 Wesley Chapel

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 14 • July 10, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Blvd./S.R. 54). All area businesswomen are invited to attend. For more information, call Darlene Reed at 263-4598.

Free Autism Screenings

Saturday, July 18 – Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay (3717 Turman Loop, Suite 102, behind Dunkin’ Donuts plaza on BBD) and the University of South Florida Silver Child Development Center will be teaming up to offer free Autism Spectrum Disorder screenings for children 18 months to 11 years old, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Behavioral analysts will be on site to offer guidance to parents on early intervention services, including Applied Behavioral Analysis, speech therapy and occupational therapy, as well as referral information. Reservations are required. For more information, or to make a reservation, call 265-0210.

Philip Klein Concert

Saturday, July 18 – The Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue at Trinity United Methodist Church (33425 S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel) will host a concert by singer/songwriter Philip Stanley Klein, who will perform selections from his latest CD, “In Awe Of You,” beginning at 6 p.m. Admission is free, but an offering will be received. For more information, call 7603269 or visit shoreshdavid.org.

Networking On The Nines

Tuesday, July 21 – The Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly golf and networking event, beginning at 3 p.m. at Lexington Oaks Golf & Country Club. The cost is $15 per person, which includes nine holes of golf, cart rental and greens fees. For more information, call Larry Parker at 679-6602.

North Tampa Arts League

Wednesday, July 22 – The North Tampa Arts League meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m., at the Compton Park Community Center (16101 Compton Dr. in Tampa Palms). All community artists are invited to attend. For more information, call 972-0897.

Multi-Family Rummage Sale

Saturday, August 15 – The Wharton High Band will host a multifamily rummage sale, 7 a.m.-noon, in the back band parking lot at Wharton High (20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). Items for sale will include household items, furniture, toys, clothing and more. All proceeds will benefit the Wharton High Band.

Send Community Calendar info and pics to Attn: Michael Smith at NTNNedit@yahoo.com. Or, visit WCNeighborhoodNews.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 14 • July 10, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Visit Mar-Go Interiors’ Great New Location On ‘Furniture Row’ I may not know the difference between a swag and a cornice, but I do know where I’m going to go if I ever need either one — the new Mar-Go Interiors located just east of the intersection of S.R. 56 and I-75. After building a successful local following for twelve years on S.R. 54 just east of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, Mar-Go owner Maria Gorter saw how the downturn in the local economy was affecting her business and decided that a new location with more traffic and more potential customers looking to buy furniture and accessories for their homes might be just what she and her staff of dedicated decorating consultants needed — more clients seeking outstanding window treatments, blinds, flooring, decorative accessories and so much more. “This is a lot smaller store than our location on S.R. 54,” says Maria. “But, we’ve had a lot more people coming in to see what we offer in the month that we have been open here than we did in six months on S.R. 54.” Even though her old location (which is still the workshop where the window treatments are created, as well as the warehouse for the business) was larger and had frontage (and signage) right on S.R. 54, Maria says the new

location in the new “Furniture Row” on S.R. 56 (the same plaza also includes Haverty’s and Ashley Furniture stores, as well as KraftMaid Cabinetry and Flooring, plus Shapes Fitness and the Texas Roadhouse restaurant), “is a place customers can see from 56 and they’re driving in to improve the look of their homes. We are thrilled with this store.” According to Maria’s daughter Lana, who works part-time at Unique flooring options abound at Mar-Go Interiors. the store with her mom, the success of Mar-Go (L. to r.) Pat Thompson, Judy Dechant and Maria Gorter if not for longInteriors is attributable to the people time employee welcome you to the new Mar-Go Interiors off S.R. 56. who work there. Judy Dechant, “From my mom to everyone who who has been working with Maria since after her father, long-time sports broadworks full- and part-time here, we have 1999. Fellow decorating consultant Pat caster Jim Karvellas, passed away. Even a wonderful time together and I think local artists already have begun displayThompson had Maria help her create ing their art in the new store. the customers know they are in a place the perfect look in her home a decade If you need any kind of help with people who really want to help ago and became an employee of the with decorating your home, visit the improve the look of their homes — and store after again hiring Maria to new Mar-Go Interiors at 26240 really like each other.” “refresh” the look of the same house Golden Maple Loop or at Mar-Go. For example, Maria says she’d last year. Consultant Jamie Karvellas never feel comfortable going back to com. Or, call 991-9660 and tell was Maria’s friend and neighbor who her native Greece for an extended stay Maria & Co. we sent you! — GN began working at Mar-Go Interiors

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Shoppers Flock To The Area’s Newest Sweetbay Supermarket Anytime you offer free food and other giveaways, you can expect to draw a crowd. But officials with Sweetbay Supermarkets were still surprised by the response to the June 27 Grand Opening of the newest area Sweetbay, located on the southwest corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. at 6425 County Line Rd., in the recently-completed The Cypress shopping center. (Note-The center also is home to L.A. Fitness, which opened the previous week.) Despite the threat of thunderstorms that hit the Tampa Bay area later that morning, hundreds of eager shop-

pers began lining up before 7 a.m. to be the first to see the brand new, 38,000-sq.-ft. store, and to collect some Grand Opening giveaways, such as canvas shopping totes filled with free samples, which were handed out to the first 500 shoppers. The event also included live music, cooking demonstrations, activities for kids, free blood glucose screenings and more. The blood glucose screenings were offered to promote one of the new store’s special features, an in-house wellness clinic operated in conjunction with USF Health. According to a spokesperson, the clinic will be staffed by an advanced registered nurse practitioner, and will offer a variety of walk-in services, such as physicals for school and sports, treatment of minor injuries, vision and hearing screenings and more. “This servHundreds of local residents lined up to be the first to shop at ice helps makes the new store (and to receive some free goodies).

Store leaders cut the ribbon on the new Sweetbay Supermarket in The Cypress shopping center at County Line Rd. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. our shoppers’ lives more convenient and the comprehensive care that USF Health provides is exactly what we want to offer the community,” Sweetbay president and chief operating officer Mike Vail said. The Grand Opening celebration will continue in the coming weeks with a variety of special events and activities, including a visit from the Tampa Bay Rays Street Team on Saturday, July 11, and a visit by Tampa Bay Lightning mascot “Thunderbug” on Saturday,

August 8. For more details about these special events, visit sweetbay supermarket.com. Meanwhile, the regular supermarket hours are 7 a.m.-11 p.m. seven days a week. The store telephone number is 907-2024. The wellness center will open with limited hours beginning on Thursday, July 16, and will be operating on a full-time basis by early August. For more information, call 973-CARE or visit myhealthcare.usf.edu.–MS

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Permanent Weight Loss Is Within Reach At Metabolic Research Center By Melissa O’Brien According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in this country over the past 20 years. Being overweight or obese, as calculated by a person’s body mass index (BMI), and its associated health problems have a significant economic impact on the U.S. health care system, not to mention the implications to an individual’s quality of life. Excess weight can cause heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and increase a person’s chances of infertility and cancer. For many people, weight and diet are lifelong issues that represent years of frustration and sadness. The people at Metabolic Research Center (MRC), with full-time offices in Brandon and Citrus Park and a parttime office in nearby Tampa Palms, want to help those struggling with being overweight to set a course toward a healthier lifestyle. On Friday, July 24, MRC’s Brandon office (on LithiaPinecrest Rd.) will be hosting an Open House, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. The event is open to the public and guests will be treated to free consultations with MRC’s trained weight loss experts. There also will be free BMI measurements, weighins and more.

“This is the only time during the year where we slash our membership prices,” says Stephanie Skantze, marketing manager for the New Tampa location in the Tampa Palms Professional Center off Commerce Park Blvd. “It’s a great opportunity to check us out and find out what makes us different as a weight loss/management center.” Metabolic Research Center began more than 25 years ago with a program that provides a nutritionally-balanced approach to weight loss. While you may have not heard of them through a national advertising campaign, the company has grown in size and location through its positive client testimonials and word-of- mouth endorsements. There are nearly 70 independentlyowned and operated centers in 15 states (including a company-most 21 locations in Florida) across the country, including the three in our area. New Tampa’s center, in the Tampa Palms Professional Park (across from Freedom High School), is the Tampa Bay area’s newest location. While it is only open once a week (Thursdays), plans are to extend its hours in the future. According to Skantze, MRC is different from so-called “fad” or other diets in its overall approach. “We look at weight loss from a holistic stand-

Client Shields Clark lost 50 lbs. in 17 weeks with a healthy weight loss program and nutritional counseling from Metabolic Research Center. year, it is critical to have a support syspoint,” says Skantze, who lives in New tem and to continue to weigh in twice Tampa and started working for the company after her mother had her own a week in order to maintain your accountability. Our clients find that it is weight loss success with the program. a fun and safe environment that is “We make sure that this is the last meant for them to feel good – where weight loss program you ever do by having both a weight stabilization and a people support one another and maintenance program. On your weight encourage each other.” MRC does not sell pre-packaged loss program, you follow a well-defined food, but shares diets, supplements menu, spend time looking at the (which may include all-natural appetite underlying emotional reasons why you suppressants and fat burners) and eat and work on eating smaller, more menus created by the company’s regisfrequent, balanced meals.” Stephanie adds that after achieving tered dieticians and physicians with its clients. They incorporate food from all your initial weight loss goals, “we’ll four food groups and focus on weight move onto maintenance. In the first

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management for life, using principles that address both sound nutritional practices and life management skills. More than simply making better meal choices, Skantze says MRC’s philosophy teaches clients how to overcome the emotional side of eating. “What also makes us unique is the relationships we develop with our clients,” says Skantze. “We stay with the client as long as they want, providing that emotional support and encouragement they may need. A lot of companies are getting into the weight loss business but they don’t have the years of experience and results we have. Our company has not changed its fundamental plan in the past 20 years because it is what works for our clients.” After joining MRC, staff members review each client’s medical history and work with him or her and design a specific plan of action. The program guarantees a 3-5 pound weight loss per week. According to Skantze, many of the trainers, who take company coursework before becoming certified to teach the program, are former clients themselves. “It is a job of true passion for many people,” says Stephanie. “It makes it easier for them to understand the emotional pieces and struggles of weight loss.” For Meadow Pointe resident Leslie Thompson, MRC was what she needed

to shed an extra 30 pounds she had trouble losing. “I already was exercising,” says Thompson, who was working with a pilates teacher who recommended MRC. “I have arthritis in my knees and was taking medication which made me retain a lot of water. I started the program in mid-December of last year – thinking it was a bad time to start. But they didn’t limit my food groups and I stuck with the program.” Thompson says that by March of this year, she hit her goal weight. “In April, I dropped six pounds below my goal and I have not fluctuated since then,” she says. “Anyone who is overweight knows that it is easy to put on even a pound. But you have to be focused, embrace the program and work it the way it is structured. Since starting, my cholesterol has gone done. Before I went on the program, my cholesterol was high — about 216. Since I went on the program, my cholesterol count has dropped 30 points.” Shields Clark of Temple Terrace started attending Metabolic Research Center when his blood pressure went up to 140/85 and his weight was 254. “They guarantee that you will loose three pounds in a week,” says Clark. “I lost 50 pounds in 17 weeks and I feel pretty good. My blood pressure is now 120/76 and my knees

don’t hurt me as badly as they did. My Dad always had problems with his knees and I did not want to have the same issues. The program has changed my eating habits. I was even able to go on a cruise, enjoy the food and still lose a pound.” The New Tampa Metabolic Research Center is located at 17407 Bridge Hill Ct. in the Tampa Palms Professional Park. The office is open on Thursdays by appointment only. Other MRC locations are in Brandon at 435 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd. and Citrus Park at 6607 Gunn Hwy. For more information, visit eMetabolic. com or call (813) 643-5066.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 14 • July 10, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Local Students Finish Second In Inventors’ Competition Future allergy sufferers may one day be able to get immediate relief in the event of a life-threatening attack, thanks to an invention created by a team of home-schooled students from our area. The team, made up of students Grace Nobles, 6, of New Tampa, Marisa Meglino, 7, of Wesley Chapel, Catie Tomasello, 6, and Colby Tomasello, 7, of Land O’Lakes, came up with an invention called the “EpiWatch,” which is a watch that also incorporates a delivery system for a dose of epinephrine, which is used to

alleviate the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as to foods or certain insect bites. The EpiWatch design also includes a cell phone for dialing 911 and a GPS beacon to help direct emergency assistance to the victim’s location. The idea was good enough to give the team the second-place finish in the Kindergarten-through-third-grade division of the national ExploraVision inventors’ competition, which is sponsored by the Toshiba corporation and the National Science Teachers Association. For winning second place, each of the team members received a $5,000 savings bond and a trip to Washington, D.C., for the official award ceremony on June 5. In addition to seeing all the sights of our nation’s capital, the students also had an opportunity to meet Florida Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite and TV personality Bill Nye (The Science The students meet Florida Congresswoman Ginny Guy). — MS Brown-Waite.

Grace Nobles, Catie Tomasello, Marisa Meglino, and Colby Tomasello show off a prototype of their invention.

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U-19 Tribe Wins Tourney Title

The Under-19 Tampa Tribe hosted the first-ever Sunshine State Games lacrosse tournament — and took home first place. Photos courtesy of TampaTribe.com. Like ice hockey, lacrosse is a legiti- high school Tribe and the U-17 boys, mate sport that gets short shrift from took home silver medals, and the girls the Florida High School Athletic Asso- middle school and U-13 and U-15 ciation (FHSAA), which doesn’t sancboys teams took home bronze medals. tion either sport and considers both to A total of 25 boys and girls teams be “club” programs only. But, that has- from five Florida counties battled heat, n’t stopped lacrosse from becoming a rain and lightning delays at the Wesley major player in New Tampa and WesChapel District Park on Boyette Rd. For more info about the Tampa ley Chapel. Here is an update on the Tribe, visit TampaTribe.org. — GN local Tampa Tribe teams.

Tribe Hosts/Wins At FL Sunshine State Games

The Tampa Tribe, Wesley Chapel’s competitive lacrosse program, was proud to host the Sunshine State Games’ inaugural lacrosse tournament (the Sunshine State Games has been Florida’s official annual amateur athletic competition since 1980) June 13-14 and the oldest Tribe team (the Under19 boys coached by Paul Goldsmith) actually took home the first-ever Sunshine State Games gold medal. Two other Tribe teams, the girls

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Ciccio’s/The Lodge Offers Variety, Value & Outstanding Food! By Gary Nager Long-time readers know how much I loved the old Ciccio & Tony’s Restaurant in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center. But, now that proprietor Robert Garofano and his partners have moved Ciccio’s into the former location of The Lime and renamed the restaurant Ciccio’s/The Lodge, I have to say that I have never seen a better or more eclectic combination of menu items in this town. The Lodge is another concept the partners first started on S. Howard Ave. in South Tampa and I can certainly understand why it’s already doing better than The Lime did here. First of all, the move to the larger space allows those of us who loved Ciccio’s to still enjoy most of those menu items (brick oven pizzas, pastas, etc.). But, the menu for The Lodge is just so...different...that I can’t imagine anyone could possibly eat there and not find something new to love. For example, The Lodge appetizers include everything from Asian chicken pot sticker dumplings, crispy calamari and seared rare tuna slices to baked or fried chicken tenders, baby corn dogs and my favorite so far — a trio of skewers with sesame tuna, grilled chicken and New York strip steak. There’s also 20 different types of “Lodge American Sushi,” most of which is cooked, by the way. I might not have tried some of the items I’ve loved, if not for The Lodge’s friendly

When you order one of The Lodge’s “TV dinners,” you can get your choice of The name may be a bit confusing, but black-and-white-sesame-crusted tuna (left) or tilapia (or many others!) with Ciccio’s/The Lodge is awesome! a huge variety of delicious side dishes, including some delicious dessert items! servers convincing me of how great it all is — and it is! My favorites so far are the “Tampa Roll” (cooked grouper with crispy onion, cucumber and sesame aioli), the “Little Piggy” (Asian sweet and spicy pulled pork with jicama, cilantro and scallions and a jalapeno aioli) and the “Fiery Buddha” (sweet and spicy grilled steak, cucumAmerican sushi? Yup, Like this Tampa roll (left) of grouper, crispy onions, cucumbers bers, jicama and fried onions and sesame aioli. And, try the decadent ultimate turtle ice cream pie (right) for dessert. served with two spicy sauces, and stir frys, Pop’s citrus grilled chicken In other words, you’ve never had one of which is a little sweet). breast, different Mac n’ Cheese choices, choices like these anywhere. Plus, the I also flipped for The Lodge “TV chicken “Fit for Life,” tilapia “Fish for bar is gorgeous and the drink prices are Dinners,” where your main dish is Life,” an Asian lettuce chicken wrap, better than The Lime’s, so please go served on one plate, accompanied by a shrimp tacos and so much more. check out Ciccio’s/The Lodge! trio of sides, everything from salads to The unique sides include The Ciccio’s/The Lodge is located at desserts, many of which are items from Lodge’s own crispy tater tots, sautéed 16023 Tampa Palms Blvd. W. It is Ciccio’s. I still think my favorite entrée veggies, cheddar mashed potatoes, open every day for lunch, dinner and is the black-and-white-sesame-crusted black beans and rice and even decadent late-night and catering is a specialty. tuna, although you also can choose desserts like tiramisu, a fudge brownie, For more information, call 975from a variety of “slider” mini-sandor vanilla pudding with Oreo crumbles. 1222 or visit ciccioandtonys.com. wiches, Ciccio’s wraps, California bowls

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Let Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre Care For Your Pets By Melissa O’Brien Try to imagine how the poor Siberian husky — left battered, bruised and broken in a ditch on Morris Bridge Rd. — must have felt when he was spotted by a UPS driver. The dog had no identification and was near death, but fate had a different plan. The kind and caring driver took the dog to Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre in the Cross Creek Center plaza and there, under the gentle care of Timothy Hodge, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and his staff, Morris B., as he was officially named, began his long journey to recovery. “He was the sweetest dog you’ve ever seen,” says Dr. Hodge. “He had a lot of major issues, including bone fractures, punctures and other open wounds. But, you’d look in his eyes and know he wasn’t ready to be put to sleep. So, we decided as a staff that we would take on rehabilitating him and finding him a good home.” After many surgeries and procedures totalling about $25,000 worth of care, Hodge and his staff placed a happy and healthy Morris in a new home. “He lived in our office for more than a year and then in September of 2007, after carefully considering many

people who wanted to take Morris home, we placed him with a family,” Dr. Hodge says. “He is like the bionic dog. He has metal and bones holding Morris has a new his joints together, home, thanks to but the day he first Dr. Timothy started to walk brought tears to all Hodge & his staff. of our eyes.” Morris B’s story is just one example of the type of care and commitment Dr. Hodge and his staff provide for their clients’ animals. The animal hospital, which also provides a number of other services, including boarding kennels (separate for cats and dogs), animal dentistry and grooming, opened six years ago in New Tampa with a goal of providing the latest in veterinary medicine with compassionate care. “Our business is a combination of our high-quality level of care and compassion for both pets and their owners,” says Dr. Hodge. “We are dedicated to ensuring proper diagnostic assessments, routine vaccinations, wellness and follow-up care. We encourage routine check-ups so we can establish a baseline with the animal to make it easier to find

any hidden diseases.” The Cross Creek Animal Centre uses the latest technology to assess an animal’s health and overall wellness. “With modern veterinary medicine, we are more on par with what human medicine can do,” says Dr. Hodge. “We offer on-site ultrasound, X-rays, and if need be, EKGs (electrocardiograms). We have a full in-house lab to give our clients results quickly and we use a reference lab if more testing needs to be done. We also perform laser surgery, which is so much better than with a scalpel because there is less pain, bleeding and swelling.” Dr. Hodge says he recently became certified in stem cell therapy, which his office now offers to clients. “This is not to be confused with embryonic stem cell therapy,” he says. “It is using fat cells harvested from the pet in need. These cells are then sent to a lab in California and are grown into cells that can help an animal repair itself. It has proven very successful in horses and can help dogs with conditions like arthritis, joint disease and tendon and ligament injuries.” Dr. Hodge, who lives in Cory Lake Isles, has lived in the Tampa area since receiving his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State

University in Starkville, MS, in 1995. He worked in Florida for a number of externships (experiential learning opportunities, similar to internships, offered by educational institutions) and liked it here so much that he decided to move to Tampa. He worked as an associate for seven years at another animal hospital before deciding to open up his own office in 2003. Dr. Hodge is a member of the American Veterinarian Medical Association (VMA), the Florida VMA, the Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation, the Hillsborough County Veterinary Medical Society and the Veterinary Surgical Laser Society. Dr. Hodge says in these tough economic times, his office tries to help clients who may have trouble paying for the medical care of their pets. “We try to assist our clients with their financial obligations,” says Dr. Hodge. “We offer different options of pet insurance and are happy to talk to clients about third-party financing plans that offer zero or very little interest. This allows clients to pay for any necessary pet care over a period of time.” Alecia Collins, who also lives in Cory Lake Isles, brought her two dogs to Dr. Hodge for care. “My dogs are like my kids, says Collins. “I had a yellow and a black lab and recently lost my

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Greene, brought her then-year-old puppy Oreo to the Centre when it opened. “I was new to the neighborhood and from day one, you could tell the office has very caring people who make you feel at ease,” says Verga. Technicians Eniko Pomales and Paula Hendrickson “Then, when she was eight years old, examine a canine patient. Oreo developed yellow lab, Montana. It was the most thrombocytopenia (a disease where the intimate experience to have to let go of immune system attacks the dog’s blood your dog and I couldn’t have asked for platelets). It was terrible and we almost a more loving, caring, interested doctor lost her. Dr. Hodge treated her right to help me through my worst time.” away and referred her to a veterinary Collins says that Dr. Hodge went specialist and we were able to save her. Dr. Hodge researched medicines for above and beyond in his care for Montana – visiting the dog at Alecia’s home her and put her on Imuran, which is used for human patients following kidafter hours and having many long discussions with her about Montana’s care. ney transplants.” Verga then saw a huge difference She says Dr. Hodge took her cues on how she wanted to care for her dog and in Oreo. “Dr. Hodge never gives up while they tried many things, ultimately, and the amazing emotional support she lost Montana. that you get from that office call made “Dr. Hodge always gave her the it easier on me,” she says. “They call best of care,” she says. “He is an avid you at home to make sure the dog is dog and animal lover who offers top-of- fine. Now, after consulting with Dr. the-line care. I have recommended his Hodge, we are using a more holistic practice to many people.” treatment in Oreo’s diet and it has Margie Verga, who lives in Arbor made a huge difference for her. My

neighbors (knowing that Oreo has a condition) call her ‘the healthiest sick dog they have seen’ because she looks so good. At Dr. Hodge’s office, you can feel the caring as soon as you walk in the door. We know Oreo is receiving the highest possible level of care — and when I board her there, I trust them completely.” Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre is located at 10028 Cross Creek Blvd. The office is open MonTues. & Thurs.-Fri., 7 a.m.–6 p.m., 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday. For more information, call 994-6929 or visit crosscreekvet.com.

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Trinity Dermatology & Aesthetic Centre: Expert Care For Your Skin! By Kim Thomas Living in the sunshine state definitely has its perks and more than a healthy dose of sunshine, which is why a visit to an established, well-respected dermatology office should be on everyone’s priority list. Thankfully, one of our area’s best dermatologists has moved into the Trinity area, less than 30 minutes from Wesley Chapel. In November, Brian T. Johnson, M.D., opened Trinity Dermatology and Aesthetic Centre in the offices at Trinity Professional Place, located at the intersection of Duck Slough Blvd. and Trinity Blvd. (off S.R. 54). Trinity Dermatology and Aesthetic Centre can meet all of your skin care needs, offering the latest in skin cancer prevention and treatment, anti-aging treatments and fillers, acne treatment, and prescription skin products like Obagi® to keep your skin both healthy and beautiful. “People know that I’ve been doing Medical and Surgical Dermatology for many years and now I’m excited to incorporate beauty treatments and skin cancer prevention, which makes sense because dermatologists

are the skin experts,” says Dr. Johnson. “It’s important to have aesthetics tied in with dermatology because there are many times when a patient thinks they have a purely cosmetic problem, but it’s actually a dermatologic problem.” Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology, Dr. Johnson completed medical school at the University of Iowa in Iowa City and completed his Dermatology residency at the University of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine. Dr. Johnson and his wife Nancy moved with their two small children to Florida and have stayed to raise four kids here (their last two children were born in Florida). Dr. Johnson has been seeing patients at his New Port Richey office (on Grand Blvd.) for more than 19 years and with that office and clientele wellestablished, he says the timing was perfect to add an additional location in nearby Trinity. Trinity Dermatology and Aesthetic Centre are actually two adjoined offices, each with its own entrance. Professional and soothing décor infuse both offices with warmth. The dermatology office has five treatment rooms, two of which are surgical suites.

(L. to r.) Marijana Cejkova, Dr. Brian Johnson and Tonya Terwilliger welcome new patients to Trinity Dermatology & Aesthetic Centre.

“Our goal is to get results as quickly and easily as possible so patients can come in, get treatment and be done,” says Dr. Johnson. “We don’t do unnecessary biopsies. We treat in the simplest, most economical way. We pride ourselves on only doing what is necessary.” Surgeries performed include removals of skin cancers, moles and cysts. Dr. Johnson has a wonderful, hard-working staff to help keep everything running smoothly and make patients feel cared for and comfortable. Assisting him in both dermatology and aesthetic medicine are two

full-time Certified Physician’s Assistants, Marijana Cejkova, PA-C and Tonya Terwilliger, PA-C. Both Marijana and Tonya specialize in general, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. “I’m very impressed with their skills and they bring a woman’s point of view in dealing with cosmetic changes,” says Dr. Johnson. In addition to assisting Dr. Johnson, Marijana and Tonya see patients at the lovely adjacent Aesthetic Centre, which has three beautiful and relaxing treatment rooms. New cosmetic patients receive a free consultation. “We always address the patient’s main concern first,” says Marijana. Both Marijana and Tonya are experts at Botox® injections, dermatological fillers such as Restylane® and Perlane®, laser hair removal, facial rejuvenation, sclerotherapy and laser vein removal — basically, all the things that keep us looking young and lovely. The Aesthetic Centre utilizes the latest in laser technology with a dual aesthetic laser — the Cynosure Apogee Elite — which works on all skin types and performs multiple jobs non-invasively, such laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation and vein removal. “For 17 years, until I got great

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 14 • July 10, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Physician’s Assistants, people would ask me when I’m going to start offering anti-aging treatments,” says Dr. Johnson. “I would always say that I was too busy taking care of skin cancer.” He adds that he had no interest in promoting aesthetics until the results were solid. “I waited until we had proven products — Botox® does work and fillers do work,” he says. “We also offer a full line of prescription skincare products that are scientifically proven and are available at the Aesthetic Centre. These incorporate prescription medicines in FDA-approved treatments for cosmetic improvement of wrinkles and age spots, as well as improving the skin’s elasticity. These products really work.” Also joining the Aesthetic Centre is licensed Paramedical Aesthetician Jessica Banes. Jessica brings extensive experience in pre- and post-operative skincare, light chemical peels (including Jessner’s and Glycolic), anti-aging treatments, microdermabrasion and much more. You will love the way your skin feels after Jessica’s expert care, whether it is your face, décolletage or other areas of your body that need pampering.

Skin Cancer Prevention “We spend a lot of our days

reminding people how to sun-protect to prevent new damage,” says Dr. Johnson, who adds that new damage can include not only wrinkles and age spots, but potentially deadly skin cancer as well. I asked Dr. Johnson if he sees a lot of skin cancer patients, and he just sighed and nodded. He has seen patients as young as 21 years old with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Unfortunately, even if you are diligent now with sunscreen, wear protective eyewear and clothing, the damage you received as a child can cause skin cancer, not to mention aging, which a dermatologist can diagnose and treat. “I have patients who will come in and say, ‘Doc, I can’t use sunblock’ (usually it’s because they’ve had a reaction to one), and they don’t want to spend the money to keep trying different kinds,” says Dr. Johnson. “That’s when I grab a few samples for them to try so they don’t have to buy something they can’t use. We have samples of almost every kind of sunscreen here.” Dr. Johnson says the Blue Light is a new technology for skin cancer prevention and treatment of precancerous cells. It uses a specific wavelength of light (soft blue) to eliminate pre-cancers and sun-damaged skin.

The treatment is covered by insurance and is an alternative to cutting to remove precancerous growths; a huge advantage when you consider that many skin cancers present on the face. Skin cancer is scary and it can be deadly. Most of the time, with early detection and treatment, it is completely curable. If you have a spot that you are unsure about, don’t hesitate, call for your appointment today. “We are getting patients in quickly at our Trinity office,” says Dr. Johnson. Trinity Dermatology and Aesthetic Centre accepts most insurance plans and is accepting new patients. Dr. Johnson is straightforward, he has the experience to know what treatment is necessary and he is mindful of his patients’ finances. “Having done this for so long, I have the expertise to provide multiple treatment options to my patients,” he says. On a personal note, I’ve had squamous cell skin cancer on my face

and I know how important it is to find a dermatologist who is interested in giving me and my family the best, least invasive and least scarring treatment possible. And, after meeting Dr. Johnson, I’m sure that my family has found a new dermatologist. We need one, as we enjoy the Florida lifestyle and go boating, fishing and diving as often as possible. Perhaps you do, too? Trinity Dermatology and Aesthetic Centre is located in the Trinity Professional Place, at 1805 Cypress Brook Drive, Suite 101, in Trinity. For the Trinity office, call (727) 264-8833. Dr. Johnson’s downtown New Port Richey-area office is located at 5341 Grand Blvd., Suite 102, and can be reached at (727) 815-9878. Office hours for both locations are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m., and 7:30 a.m.– 1 p.m. on Fri. Visit www.trinitydermfl.com for additional information.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 14 • July 10, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Cerise Bistro Brings Japanese-Inspired French Cuisine To New Tampa! By Gary Nager If you’re at all like me, when you saw last issue’s “Neighborhood Nibbles” column about the new Cerise Bistro in the Cross Creek Center plaza, you probably asked yourself, “Just what the heck is Japanese-inspired French cuisine anyway?” Chef and owner Kazuo Schimada, his wife Michiko and their family hope your curiosity will be piqued enough by the pictures and descriptions on these pages to experience one of New Tampa’s most unique fine dining experiences (without the fancy prices). Michiko says Kazuo, who worked as a chef in French restaurants in Tokyo for 30 years, would have loved to open an authentic French restaurant here, but she says that would have required separate chefs cooking appetizers, main dishes and desserts, so he chose instead to do more of a bistro concept, so he and a sous chef can do all of the cooking themselves. All I can say is that the concept works exceedingly well. Cerise (which means “cherries” in French) is an elegant-looking bistro with truly delicious food. The menu isn’t huge, but literally everything I’ve sampled in my four visits to date has been outstanding — and

Whether you prefer a delicious seafood tomato pasta (left), a great New York strip “beefsteak” with cognac and port wine sauce (center) or crispy, tender roast duck, you won’t find better quality food at better prices than you will at Cerise Bistro. the presentation is truly French, too. In addition to menu items that are all served with side dishes, Cerise features different special “fixed price” dinners each month. For June, you can get a shrimp tempura appetizer with cold cherry soup, a tomato salad, your choice of “devil” chicken (baked with bread crumbs and dijon mustard) or sautéed snapper with cream and demi glace sauce and chocolate or vanilla ice cream, coffee or tea, all for just $21.95! For just $8 more, upgrade your meal to a marinated scallop appetizer, your choice of an incredible roast duck (topped with orange sauce and served with seasonal vegetables) or cream croquette prawns with tomato sauce and Cerise’s fluffy and delicious tiramisu. The entire Cerise menu is packed with wonderful lunch and dinner items.

I can personally vouch for the wakame (seaweed) salad, marinated salmon and tempura crabstick appetizers. The other main dishes I’ve tried have all been nothing short of outstanding. The seafood pastas are served with your choice of ginger, tomato or cream sauce and the lump crabmeat (there’s also scallops, shrimp and fish in there) is as sweet as the servers. The New York “beefsteak” is available with your choice of garlic and onion sauce or cognac and port wine sauce with fresh mushrooms and it is very tender and cooked correctly to your order. The aforementioned roast duck and the snapper meuniere (lemony butter sauce) are probably my two favorite entrées so far, as the snapper was very fresh, firm and complemented perfectly by the super-light sauce. My sons also

loved the teriyaki chicken. All of the veggies are also obviously fresh and even the real French bread (served with pre-softened butter, yum!) is properly crusty on the outside and super-soft on the inside. Although the menu will likely still grow, Cerise offers monthly lunch specials, too. For example, the June lunch specials include a tuna sandwich and Cerise salad, beef yakiniku (thinly sliced with teriyaki sauce), Yakisoba (Japanesestyle noodles with Napa cabbage, onions, zucchini and paprika) and sautéed flounder. I’ve also yet to sample the “Japanesque” beef curry, ginger beef, orange prawns, “Hamburg” steak, grilled chicken or snapper fricasée for lunch or dinner, but otherwise, I’ve already been through the whole menu — and I want more!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 14 • July 10, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

(Above) The Schimada family will serve you a delicious lunch or dinner at the new Cerise Bistro in the Cross Creek Center plaza. (Below) Try the tiramisu for dessert. Cerise also offers wonderful beers and wines to complement your meal and is proud to offer 10 percent off your dinner entrée or $1 off your lunch entrée with the coupons from their ad in this newspaper. There’s even a full catering menu, with larger platters of many of the items from the regular menu and a few unique selections, such as Shalyapin fried chicken and shrimp and caprese (mozzarella and tomato) salad. Just give the restaurant a call and 3-5 days notice and you’ll have a party your guests won’t soon forget. And, all of the prices at Cerise are very fair for the quality of the food. Cerise Bistro is located in the

space in the Cross Creek Center plaza formerly occupied by Mazzola’s Little Italy (but you won’t recognize it) at 10032 Cross Creek Blvd. It is open for lunch and dinner MondaySaturday. For reservations and information, visit Cerise-Bistro.net or call 994-2430.

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COMMITTED TO QUALITY...COMMITTED TO YOU For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 14 • July 10, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood Nibbles — The Latest In Local Dining News!

These days, despite the economy, it seems there are always new and delicious dining options opening in our area. Here are some new (and one not quite so new) ways to have something delicious to eat and/or drink.

Remington’s Summer Stimulus Package

My buddy Abe Srour at Remington’s Steakhouse (27405 S.R. 54) is proud to try to help out cash-strapped consumers with an unbeatable “Summer Stimulus Package!” Now, any time Remington’s is open this summer, you can get two tender, delicious 11-12-oz. top sirloin steaks, with your choice of two sides, plus two salads (house or Caesar), two NY-style strawberry cheesecakes and fresh, hot corn bread and sweet rolls, all for just (drumroll please) $20! Remington’s also has plenty of

Double what you see here, add two salads & NY cheesecakes, and you have Remington’s “Summer Stiumulus Package!”

other daily specials, such as two-for-one fajitas on Wednesdays, Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays (get two kids’ meals with the purchase of at least one adult full-course meal) and others, as well as the largest entertainment patio in Wesley Chapel (with live music or karaoke Wed.-Sun.) and check out Remington’s new fresh seafood raw bar, too. Reservations are not required, but for more information about Remington’s daily specials or entertainment, stop in or call 973-1208.

Wood Fired Pizza Now Open In Palms Connection

A few short issues issues ago, I told you about the delicious Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar getting ready to open in the Cody’s Roadhouse-anchored Palms Connection plaza on E. Bearss Ave., just west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. Owner Peter Taylor’s delicious, thin-crust pizza (top) cooked in his hooded 850-degree (F) oven, did open its doors on June 27. Do yourself and your taste buds a favor: If you think you might enjoy a true Neapolitan pizza cooked in under two minutes, made with homemade fresh mozzarella, genuine San Marzano tomatoes and naturally leavened dough infused with Florida’s finest wild yeast, go and check out Wood Fired ASAP —

Toast Adds New Menu Items

and please tell Pete we sent you! The Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar is located at 2822 E. Bearss Ave. For more information, call 240-0293 or visit Wood-FiredPizza.com.

YogoMisu Also Open

If you haven’t yet checked out the Toast Fine Wine & Cigar Bar in the Oak Ramble plaza on BBD (just south of Tampa Palms), I suggest doing so immediately — but only if you like outstanding wines, craft beers and top-notch cigars at great prices, as well as quality entertainment, an upscale crowd and even great food. Yes, food. Wine connoisseur and co-owner Hector Gonzalez has been refining Toast’s menu of wine-appropriate munchies, from delicious panini sandwiches, to a truly delicious cold antipasto plate and even a gourmet smoked salmon (all pictured below). Toast Fine Wine & Cigar Bar is located at 14921 BBD Blvd. Visit ToastofNewTampa.com or call 6323105 for more info. — GN

If you want to enjoy a truly cool and refreshing frozen yogurt that really has that slightly tangy true yogurt taste, go check out the new YogoMisu in the Palms Connection, next to the Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar. Owner Selim Mansouri lets you add truly fresh fruit (bananas, strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, etc.) and toppings (chocolate chips, marshmallows, etc.) to his yummy plain yogurt. In addition, YogoMisu features delicious crepes topped with fresh fruit, yogurt, chocolate and other sauces. And, right now, get one crepe or frozen yogurt free with the purchase of one of equal or greater value. YogoMisu is located at 2816 E. Check out the great food, as well as Bearss Ave. Call 442-5233. quality wine, beer and cigars, at Toast.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 14 • July 10, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D

Join OrthoTechnology’s Winning Team! Ortho Technology, an international orthodontic supply distributor located in New Tampa, is seeking talented energetic candidates for the following full-time positions: Inside Sales: Skilled salespeople for established territories! Proven track record of success in B2B phone sales, exc. communication & computer skills req’d QC Inspector: Entry level position responsible for accuracy of outgoing orders. 1-2 yrs exp w/QC responsibilities. Ability to stand/walk for entire shift, close vision, basic color differentiation and basic math req’d. Small parts/med device experience a plus. We provide a great work environment, excellent benefits package and growth potential. Submit resumes to careers@orthotechnology.com.

Classifıeds

removals, pressure washing, wood restoration & more. Call Dale’s Home Maintenance @ 9730194 or 727-2582. Quality Handyman, specializing in Home Improvements, repairs & installations of all types from A to Z, including telephone & computer cabling. 18 years of exp. No job too small. E-mail eddieperdomo@yahoo.com or call 451-6541 for questions or Free Estimates. Greg’s Paperhanging. For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate. RAYMOND PAINTING. Interior & exterior, pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles, concrete, clean & seal pavers. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free estimates. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ARBOR GREENE RESIDENT. We Work 7 Days. Call 994-5124. Dan Turner Decorating Wallcovering Installation. The most important thing about the wallcovering you select is...the installer. Don’t sacrifice the beauty of wallcovering, turn to the experts. Call today for a free consultation. Licensed & insured. Call 928-2160

CLEANING SERVICES HERE I COME! I specialize in all types of cleaning: houses, apartments, townhouses, garages, etc. Best prices in the Bay area. References available. Call for a free estimate. Call 735-7979. Bright Cleaning of Tampa. Residential & Commercial. Move-in & move-outs. Good references & good prices. Free estimates. Call Edna & Francisco at 562-6772. D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE. We have our own supplies & more than 200 clients in New Tampa! For more information, call 758-9710. Isn’t life busy enough? Save time. We can help. Your satisfaction is our first priority. Guaranteed, affordable, reliable, quality domestic svcs. Free estimate: Chelsea Maid Company @ 994-6662. LEBOM Cleaning service. Are you tired of cleaning? Call us & let us do the dirty job for you. Residential & Commercial. Move in/Move out. 6 years working for the best. Good references. Great prices. Licensed! Call325-7904 now for a free estimate.

P/T or F/T Medical Asst. for doctor’s office. Experience preferred. Good salary & benefits. Fax resume to 632-7114 or call 632-7111. P/T Massage therapist. Please send résumé to PO Box 47254 Tampa fl 33647 or fax to 813994-3080.

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

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

Need home maintenance? Almost any job, large or small, ext/int, fencing, screening, sm. concrete, sprinklers, painting, repairs, int. doors, locks, sheet rock, windows, paint, caulk, grout, trim, shelving, garages organized. Installations,

4 Brothers Commercial Cleaning Services, LLC. Full-Service Commercial Janitorial Cleaning Service, which specializes in commercial offices such as doctors, insurance, real estate, etc. We do construction clean-ups as well as Move-Ins & Move-Outs for apts. & private homes. We have our own supplies & can provide excellent references. Call for a Free Quote at 960-4427 or email us at 4brotherscleaning@gmail.com.

L A N D S C A P I N G Everyday Gardener’s Club. Full-service property maintenance available for residential & commercial. One-stop shopping with licensed, insured professionals. Specializing in landscape design with conceptional drawings & renderings available. Let your imagination & our professionals come together to create dreams that will last a lifetime. Visit www.everydaydesigns.net. Call 933-1120 or 303-4368.

mulching, landscaping & clean-ups also available. Licensed & Insured. Call Bill @ 973-3825. Enjoy your time & let A.T.B. Landscaping & Lawn Service do the work for you. We provide landscaping, lawn maintenance, clean-ups, tree & hedge trimming, sodding, sprinkler repair & fertilization. Other services also available. 907-LAWN Lawn maintenance * commercial & residential * rentals * HOA clean ups * investment properties * complete lawn care at prices you can afford! Service that you can depend on. Call Ken 334-3460.

P O O L

S E R V I C E S

Tranquility Pool Service. New Tampa Owned & Operated! Great pricing w/outstanding customer service. Relax & enjoy while we keep your pool in pristine swimming condition! Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Call Chris today for a free quote @ 857-5400 or visit us at www.tranquilitypoolservice.com to see why we are New Tampa’s #1 choice! Aquatec Pool Service has been keeping pools clear & swim safe in New Tampa since 1994. We offer quality WEEKLY full service at an affordable price & follow strict National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) standards. Licensed & insured. Call 780-8616 or visit our website www.aquatecpool.com to see why you should choose us!

P E T

S I T T I N G

Animals’ Best Friend says, “Pets Deserve Good Love & Care, Even Times When You’re Not There!” In-your-home pet-sitting svcs, including dog walks, multiple & overnight visits, administering meds, plus love & attention. Licensed, bonded & insured. Call 765-5515 for a free consultation. Or, visit www.animalsbestfriend.net. Professional Pet Care Exp’d. pet sitters. We walk, play, feed & administer medicine, all in the comfort of your pet’s home. We also bring in mail, water plants & help maintain home security while you’re away. Bonded, insured & trained in Pet First-Aid & CPR. Call For The Love Of Pets at 545-8406 or 416-3126. Or visit www.ForTheLoveOfPetsOnLine.com. Tampa Cat Lady Professional Cat-Sitting Service. You say goodbye - we say hello. Cats are happiest when in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds & smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. We help deter crime by bringing newspaper/mail & rotating lights/blinds, giving your home that lived-in look. Licensed, bonded & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com. New Tampa Pet Sitting Service. Lots of love & care for your pets. Great experience & references. Recommended by Angie’s List. Licensed, Insured & Red Cross Certified. Call Marina @ 416-5301.

S E R V I C E S AVA I L A B L E

T E A C H E R

Professional piano teacher w/classical European education welcomes students of all ages & skill levels. Emphasis on technical preparation & development of performance skills. Music theory & history incorporated in lessons. Call 3175862 for an appt. or more information. Concert-trained pianist gives serious classical training * All ages incl. adult * All levels incl. advanced * fun, modern approach * Jr. studio for beginners * Sr. Studio for intermediate * Advanced * College credit through Royal Conservatory of Music. www.TampaPiano.com. Call 978-1771.

Beautiful outdoors! Construction superintendent at your service! Landscape design, clean-up & mulching, repairs for roofs, screening, sprinklers, drywall & shelving. Garage clean out, help with moving, packing & storage. Pressure washing, painting inside & out. Professional service at bargain prices! Call Dennis 601-4560.

LAWN MAINTENANCE

Balloon Sculpting for children. Learn basics of balloon safety, twisting & sculpting. Participants will create & decorate their own balloon sculpture to take home. Perfect for groups (camps, scouts, church groups & school age programs). Call 910-0029 or e-mail fyproductions@aol.com.

GE Side by Side Stainless steel refrigerator for sale, only $450! 25 cu feet, ice & water dispenser on the door. Great condition, call 2948311.

New Tampa townhouse, 4/3.5/2 2400 SQ. FT. Upscale brownstone located in Arbor Greene. Features granite countertops, stainless appliances, walk-in master shower with garden tub, 2 headed pools, clay tennis courts, basketball courts, & beautiful community center. $1650/mo. Call Bill 918-5451 or Sherri 918-0635. Town Home for rent in Meadow Pointe, gated 1 car garage, 3br, 2& ? bath, loft—Maint. Free. $1250/mo. Please call 541-3158.

Shared Office Space Available Want to start a new business with small overhead costs or just need space for special events? Several rooms (large & small) available during the week or evenings. Please call Jean Tripp at 802-9298.

THE GAS DOCTOR. 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE. Residential * Commercial * Industrial. * New Construction & Remodels * Natural & LP Gas Piping Systems. Gas Appliance Installation, Service & Repair. Providing connections for: Gas Lights, Ranges, Dryers, Fireplaces, Furnaces, Generators, Grills, Space Heaters, Water Heaters, Pool Heaters, Firepits & Tankless Water Heaters. TECO Rebates on Natural Gas Appliances. 5162927 or thegasdoctor.com. License # MG 24668

Call Bay Estates Landscaping And Lighting for all your landscaping needs no job to big or small. We offer landscape design and installation, lighting, mulch, rock, from clean ups to complete renovations. Owner operated. licensed and insured. Please call 997-5055.

NTLC Property Maintenance. Residential & Commercial lawn maintenance for New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Sprinkler repair, tree trimming,

P I A N O

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 14 • July 10, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com