Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News Issue 18-12 by Neighborhood News

Volume 20 Issue 18

Inside: Kids Get Into Monkey Bizness At Wiregrass Mall! In Neighborhood Magazine!

August 25, 2012

The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Since 1993! THE INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWS MAGAZINES 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

Are You Ready For The Republican National Convention, Wesley Chapel? By Gary Nager Unless you’ve been living under a rock or in a foreign country the past few months, I’m sure you’re aware that the Republican National Convention (RNC) is coming to downtown Tampa just a few days after you receive this issue. The question you might be asking yourself right about now, however, is “How is that going to affect me? We live 35 minutes, without traffic, from downtown!” Well, the RNC is going to hit home a lot closer than you think. With virtually every hotel in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa areas sold out for the week of the convention (Aug. 27-September 2), the Shops at Wiregrass mall hosting an “All-American Festival” from Thursday, August 30Monday, September 3, and with one of the leaders of the effort to bring the RNC to Tampa appearing at a recent New Tampa Chamber of Commerce meeting to tell the Chamber members how they can benefit from having the RNC in thier backyards...well, let’s just say that not only are the “Elephants” coming, they’re coming to help you —

and your business! This is a unique opportunity to showcase your goods and/or services to a group of people who will get to see for themselves whether or not the rumors are true about what a great place the Tampa Bay area in general (including the Wesley Chapel/ New Tampa area) is to both live and work. On August 14, Steve Hayes, the executive VP of Tampa Bay & Company and the VisitTampaBay.com website, one of the groups which helped bring the RNC to Tampa, told about 30 New Tampa Chamber members who gathered for lunch at Hunter’s Green Country Club that opportunities do abound for locals to benefit from the RNC. “There are more than 30,000 hotel rooms in Hillsborough County alone that will be filled with visitors from other states that entire week,” Hayes said. “Those people have to spend long hours downtown and will be looking for other things to do — from dining to shopping to outdoor activities — away from downtown, especially if they’re among those staying in or near this area.”

And, that’s where local businesses can get their foot in the door, Hayes said. As an example, he explained that VisitTampaBay.com has a social media “hub” for the RNC whereby anytime anyone, for example, tweets anything about Tampa Bay, or asks where they can find anything from a good restaurant to a massage therapist to an urgent care center in the area where they’re staying, the social media “hub” can scope out answers and “tweet” back answers to them. “If your business is social media savvy, we believe there Steve Hayes of VisitTampaBay.com discussed how are plenty of opportunities to local businesses can benefit from the RNC with the benefit from the RNC,” said Hayes. “All you have to do is New Tampa Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 14. find them.” hotels owned by the New Tampa HosHotels On The Bandwagon pitality Group, which also owns the Lisa Moore, the marketing director Wingate Inn by Wyndham in New Tampa and the Hampton Inn & Suites for the new Springhill Suites by Maroff S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel), agreed riott in Tampa Palms, and George Santhat despite their distance from downdona, who manages the Holiday Inn town Tampa (and the Pinellas beaches, Express Hotel & Suites near Muvico in Highwoods Preserve (one of three See “RNC” on page 5.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel’s Public Opening To Be Held Sept. 16!

NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION UPDATES

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Bodies Found AT Target Ruled A MurderSuicide, Avalon Park West To Break Ground August 28 & Much More!

Monkeying Around At Monkey Bizness, PDQ Offers Great Food Fast, Another Installment Of ‘Nibbles & Bytes’ & More!

Pages 1-28

Pages 29-36

New Hospital, New Jobs Before it opens, FHWC has plenty of positions to fill — a total of more than 400, in fact. Experienced nurses and clinical staff are encouraged to apply online at the hospital’s website, FHWesleyChapel.com/Careers, but See “Hospital” on page 4.

ECRWSS

Also Inside This Issue!

wall, an obstacle course and some large, inflatable slides.

Postal Customer

After years of planning and construction, the brand new Florida Hospi-

tal begins to see patients in October. According to a press release from the hospital, the “Community Grand Opening” will be held on Sunday, September 16, at 1 p.m. The event will be free, open to the public and will feature live entertainment, refreshments and activities for all ages, including tours of the new facility, which will give attendees a look at areas that will not be open to the public once the state-ofthe-art, 83-bed hospital opens. The event also will include appearances by Tampa Bay Lightning players and McGruff the Crime Dog, who will be helping with child fingerprinting. For kids, there will be a rock-climbing

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

By Matt Wiley

tal Wesley Chapel (FHWC) on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just north of the Shops at Wiregrass mall, is finally gearing up for its public Grand Opening, and is in the process of filling hundreds of additional positions before the hospi-

Dated Material Please Rush!

Jobs Filling Up At WC’s New Economic Engine!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Editorial — Our Website & Chamber Page Updates, Elections & More! Gary Nager; with guest editorial by Matt Wiley A wise Bob Dylan to get left in the dust, and we don’t once sang, “The times, want our readers to ever get left in the they are a’ changin.’” dust when it comes to the news that Cliché as that sounds, it’s true, and we affects those of us who live and/or at the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel work in New Tampa and Wesley Neighborhood News are aware that we Chapel. No one likes dust. So, make can do more to take better advantage sure you keep an eye on our websites of today’s technologies. for the news that concerns you. We know the Internet has taken We are currently recruiting freeover in terms of access to local and lancers who want to contribute news even international news, and that what items to our website. The only way to most people used to wait for and pick truly embrace the voice of the commuup in their driveways every morning, nity is to let the community speak. If they can now see on their phone or you are interesting in being a contribuiPad as soon as it happens. tor, shoot me an email at EditoriDuh. I spend more time reading alDept@NTNeighborhoodnews.com on my phone than I do talking on it. with a resume and ONE short (less But, regardless, we’re getting with the than 1,000 words) writing sample and times and here’s the plan. Coming very we’ll get you started. If you think soon, every day on WCNeighborsomething’s not getting covered that hoodNews.com and NTNeighborshould be, and you feel like you have hoodNews.com, there are going to be what it takes to get the info uploaded daily headlines. Sure, we’ve mentioned to the net, let us know and do the it in the paper before and attempted to same. We’re “all ears.” keep up with the task, but bad habits The New Tampa & Wesley Chapel die hard, and when your bad habit is Neighborhood News have been the allnot putting daily news on your news direct-mail community news publicawebsite...well, you get the idea. tions serving New Tampa & Wesley In the past, our website has been a Chapel since 1993, and we’ve been place to find the whole previous issue around every block in these areas. We that might have missed your mailbox, know what’s up, and you, our readers, or because maybe you tossed it in the deserve to be the first to know about it. trash and then heard there was something good to read in it, or an article Reserve Your Ad In The WC that directly concerned you and your Chamber Newsletter Today! community, and you wanted a second At the bottom of page 1 of our chance. (We forgive you, by the way.) last issue, we announced that the The point is, if you don’t keep up, Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of you get left in the dust. We don’t want Commerce (WCCC) had agreed to utiWesley Chapel Neighborhood News lize the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News as the exclusive location for dis15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 tributing the Chamber’s printed Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483 Website: WCNeighborhoodNews.com newsletter. Adv. E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com In order to make the page pay for Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Assistant Editor/Photographer Matt Wiley

Correspondents Camille Gillies • Michael Murillo • Sheryl Young

Advertising Customer Service Manager Nikki Bennett Marketing Director Ashley Knoblach Senior Graphic Designer Porsha Lemos 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 ads for Volume 20, Issue 20, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, September 10, 2012. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2012 JM2 Communications, Inc.

itself, the Chamber also has agreed to allow us here at the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News to handle the advertising sales and design for Chambermember businesses who want to purchase any of the very limited number of spaces available each month. “We’re very excited about this opportunity,” says Chamber executive director Mary Adele Cluck. “We’ve always appreciated the coverage the Chamber has received in the paper already, but once we heard the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is the ONLY publication directly mailed to 16,000 homes, apartment/townhome units and businesses in more communities in zip codes 33543, 33544 and 33545 than any other local print medium, it was an easy decision for us.” We’ve already sold a few ads for the newsletter, but the Chamber wanted to wait until we had enough ads sold for the page to pay for itself — and once the Chamber’s special reducedrate ad spaces on its page are filled, no more ads will be sold — unless we have enough businesses interested to warrant a second Chamber page each month! To order your Chamber ad, or for more information, call Nikki at 910-2575 or visit WCNeighborhood News.com today! — G N

Porter’s Charges Dropped As we went to press with this issue, the recent domestic violence charges against Wiregrass Ranch developer J.D. Porter had been dropped. Porter, 33 was arrested July 4 on suspicion of criminal mischief and domestic battery after an argument with his girlfriend, Maridy Gregory, 30 (the sister-in-law of Sheriff Chris Nocco), turned physical. Prosecutors dropped the case Aug. 1, but the information didn’t reach the media until August 17. For details, visit WCNeighborhoodNews.com. — G N

Primary Election Results Among the other things we will have to provide on our website (WCNeighborhoodNews.com) for you are the precinct-by-precinct voting results for Wesley Chapel’s 12 precincts (#s 007, 024, 038, 048, 062, 073, 084, 085, 090, 099, 101 & 107) from the August 14 Primary Election. The numbers for the county as a whole were downright ugly — only 16.64 percent, or 50,146 ballots cast among Pasco’s 301,316 registered voters — although registered Republicans in Pasco turned out by more than double (27 percent to 13 percent) their registered Democratic counterparts, and we have some of the moderate surprises in terms of results on our website.— G N

Table of Contents LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, EDUCATION UPDATES........................................................Pages 1-24 Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (continued from page 1).....4 RNC (continued from page 1)...............................................5 Wesley Chapel News Briefs ................................................8 Bodies Found At Target Ruled A Murder-Suicide Couple Charged in Prostitution Assault Pebble Creek Resident Charged In Stabbing Rep. Bilirakis Visits The WC Republican Club......................10 Avalon Park West To Break Ground August 28!...................12 New Mosque Opens On Morris Bridge Rd..........................13 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar..............................16

Local Business Updates..................................20-28 Checking Out The Fitness Revolution!..........................20 New Tampa Dance Theatre...................................................24

Local Education & Sports Updates................26-27 Local Kumon Student Wins National Competition.............26 Wesley Chapel Resident Wins Jr. Golf Title...........................27

N eighborhood M agazine

Monkeying Around At The New Monkey Bizness........29, 31 Artisan Aesthetics Introduces LipoControlTM ....................30 Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes................................32 PDQ Is More Than Just ‘Pretty Darn Quick’.......................33

WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS........34

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“Hospital” Continued from page 1 the hospital warns that most of these may be full by the time you are reading this. Recently, FHWC hired its first three Board-certified obstetric and gynecological (OBGYN) doctors who will be providing services at the hospital once it opens in October. Annette Williams, MD, FACOG; Jennifer Roller, MD; and Tymesia Hudson, MD; will be available to provide women’s services at FHWC. The hospital staff urges women who are expecting and have due dates after FHWC’s opening to begin regis-

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel’s OBGYN physicians include (l. to r.) Dr. Annette Williams, Dr. Jennifer Roller & Dr. Tymesia Hudson.

tering to deliver in one of the eleven new elaborate labor/delivery/recovery/postpartum rooms, each complete with its own relaxing whirlpool tubs and large, LCD TVs in each bathroom. The new doctors also will work in FHWC’s full-service Women’s Center in the FHWC’s Wellness Plaza, the 100,000-sq.-ft. medical office building adjacent to the hospital and slated to open in early 2013. The Women’s Center will offer mammograms, ultrasounds, stereotactic biopsies, bone density tests and OB/GYB checkups. For more information, please visit The fuinishing touches are evident everywhere as Florida FHWC’s website at FHWesleyChapel.com. Hsoiptal Wesley Chapel gets ready to open Sept. 16!

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“RNC” Continued from page 1 for that matter), all of the local hotels are sold out for the week of the RNC. “We’re full and those people are asking what there is to do in this area,” Moore said at the Chamber luncheon. Also completely sold out for the RNC is Saddlebrook Resort Tampa on S.R. 54, which began promoting “All that’s new at Saddlebrook” several months before the RNC. Among the amenities touted by the resort as new for potential RNC attendees are building exterior elevations with new entrances, staircase landings, extended patios and balcony railings to “enhance your room with a view.” Saddlebrook also invested in new cobblestone pavers to spruce up its landscaped courtyard and in a new iBAHN ETVi platform to deliver an IP-based high-definition pictures on every flat screen TV in every guest bedroom and living room.

The Shops Presents An ‘All American Festival’

According to Debbie Detweiler, the director of marketing for the Shops, the five-day-long festival will include a “wide variety of activities, including concerts, other entertainment and shopping discounts.” The “All American Festival” will feature three free concerts (Thur.-Sat., 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. each day) with JT Curtis & the Silver Eagle Band performing. JT Curtis, a Nashville recording artist who combines country, rock and southern rock, won the “Battle of the Bands” at the “Freedom Festival” on July 3. The mall also will be featuring a special sidewalk sale, where “shoponistas” can snag the hottest deals the entire Labor Day weekend. In addition to the mall’s new Monkey Bizness play center (see page 29), the mall will feature a variety of free-toeveryone activities and strolling entertainers, face painters and balloon artists in the mall’s center court Thurs-Sat. evening.

The mall also will offer special “discount wristband days (Aug. 27Sept. 3) for guests who visit the Shops’ Guest Service Desk. The patriotic wristbands will provide the wearer with special discounts from the mall’s merchants. The Shops also is having an “All American Window Display Contest, where the merchants in the Shops are all eligible to participate and all mall guests are invited to vote for their first, second and third favorite window displays. The contest winners will not be announced until Wednesday, September 5. In other words, the hotels will be full, the mall will be rockin’ and it’s all right here in Wesley Chapel! For additional information about the Shops at Wiregrass Mall and the upcoming “All American Festival,” call 994-2242, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com or the mall itself (28211 Paseo Dr.). If you’re attending the RNC

The “All American Festival” at the Shops at Wiregrass mall should be another starspangled event for RNC attendees. and want to submit observations from the event for our website (WCNeighborhoodNews.com), please email us at EditorialDept@ NTNeighborhoodNews.com ASAP!

Fresh off its hugely successful “Freedom Festival” on July 3, the Shops at Wiregrass Mall is proud to announce that it will host an “All American Festival” to welcome RNC visitors to the Tampa Bay area.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL Bodies Found At Target Ruled A Murder-Suicide

The two bodies that were found in the Wesley Chapel Target parking lot on August 9 have been identified and the case has been officially described as a murder-suicide. According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the bodies discovered in the vehicle are those of Armando Troconis, 66, of Holiday, and his girlfriend, Elizabeth Behrens, 60, of Tampa. The case is still under investigation, but PCSO detectives believe that Troconis shot Behrens in her car and then turned the gun on himself. The PCSO report says that the Sheriff’s Office received a call around 7:48 p.m. on August, when the dead bodies of a man and woman were discovered inside a vehicle in the parking lot of the SuperTarget located at 1201 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. No other info was available at our press time. WCNeighborhoodNews. com will provide updates on the situation as they become available.

Couple Charged In Prostitution Assault Sometimes the ads on classified-

News Briefs listing websites, such as Craigslist.com or Backpage.com, aren’t exactly what they seem to be. According to PCSO, male domestic partners Chad Battle, 23, and Stacey Miller, placed an ad on Backpage.com for a “transsexual encounter,” posing as a blonde female. On July 27, a 28-year-old victim responded to the ad and traveled to the residence at 32052 Northridge Dr. in the New River Township community of Wesley Chapel, located off of S.R. 54. The victim was surprised to find Battle and Miller there, instead of the blonde female he was expecting. The report says that the victim entered the residence, but, after realizing that the situation was not what he had responded to in the ad, he attempted to leave. The report says that’s when one of the defendants locked the door and blocked the exit with his body, demanding that the defendant still pay for the meeting. When the victim refused, the report says, the defendant blocked the door and the two began to struggle. Once the fighting began, the second defendant emerged from the back of the residence and entered

the ongoing struggle. The report says that the victim was able to escape the house, but was assaulted with pepper spray and then struck in the head with Chad Battle the canister while making his way to his vehicle. The victim broke windows of both defendants’ vehicles before driving off. The report Stacy Miller also notes that the defendants each got into a vehicle and chased the victim. The vehicles were pulled over by PCSO deputies and Battle and Miller were taken into custody. Each was charged with attempted robbery and false imprisonment, and released from the Pasco County jail on July 28 on a $10,000 bond. The same couple appeared in the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News after a SWAT team standoff on May 18, following a domestic dispute between the two.

Tampa Man Charged In Pebble Creek Stabbing

And, in New Tampa, one Pebble Creek resident has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of a second Pebble Creek man.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, just before midnight on July 20, Benjamin Lee Powell, 25, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the July 19 stabbing death of 18-year-old Grant Woodham in the Pebble Creek community of New Tampa, where Powell also is a resident. After conducting numerous interviews, deputies discovered that Woodham had left a friend’s house on July 19 in his black 2010 Dodge Charger to sell drugs to an unknown buyer. Woodham’s car was not found at the crime scene. Deputies identified Powell as a person of interest and, after running surveillance on him, he was found driving Woodham’s car at 4601 E. Citrus Cir., just east of Busch Gardens. Woodham’s death was declared a homicide by the Medical Examiner’s office on July 20. HCSO says that just before 8 p.m. on July 19, a resident of the Pebble Creek community, located off of BBD, called to report an unknown man, later identified as Woodham, bleeding on the sidewalk in front of his home on Fox Hearst Dr. Hillsborough Fire Rescue (HFR) responded and pronounced Woodham dead at the scene due to severe upper body trauma. No further details were available at our press time. — MW

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Local Resident Is Pasco’s New Animal Services Educator By Matt Wiley They will stick with you through thick and thin, always by your side and ready to cheer you up when you’re feeling blue. That seems worth the small fee that Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) charges to adopt a dog or cat that needs a home. Just ask Meadow Pointe resident Judy Gregory (photo). After all, as PCAS’s new education and volunteer coordinator, i’s her job to educate the public on how good a deal they get when they pay the small adoption fee to give a dog or cat a new home. Since she was appointed to the position on June 25, Gregory has been visiting summer camps and speaking to children about what PCAS does, spreading awareness about responsible pet ownership and letting the public know about the Adoption Center at PCAS, something Gregory doesn’t think most people even know exists. “People don’t even know that we’re here,” she says. “They don’t realize that they can volunteer here. I also don’t think people realize the value of micro chipping and why you should spay/neuter. It’s very important that these things get taught.” And, that is what she will help people learn when she speaks at neigh-

borhood associations, and when she goes out to speak at schools, once classes resume. People also aren’t aware what is actually included when they adopt a pet. At the PCAS Adoption Center, it costs $70 to adopt a dog and $40 to adopt a cat, which is minimal, compared with getting a dog or cat at the average pet store. This fee includes micro chipping, physical exams, shots, boosters, blood testing, even spays and neuters. The total value of all of the medical attention the animals receive when adopted is more than $400. Gregory understands that there are misconceptions about PCAS, due to the shelter’s euthanasia policy. “It’s not even so much a misconception,” she explains. “We do euthanize here, but, what most people don’t understand is that we also don’t turn animals away. Basically, because we exist, other shelters can say, ‘No,’ and turn animals away. We want to increase our adoption rate and the transfer of animals to raise our release rate.” PCAS, located off S.R. 54 in Land O’Lakes, is the only shelter for pets in Pasco County. Its 12,650-sq.-ft. adoption center just opened in the Oakstead community in 2011, and, on any given day, houses an average of 150-200 dogs and cats waiting to find

new homes in the community. The facility has nearly 30 employees. “It’s a great team,” she says. “It’s a really great environment to work in. It’s an awesome place to represent and I’m excited to be working at this facility where there are animals. I’ve always had an animal in my home and can’t imagine what life would be like without a ‘furry friend’ in the house.”

Call Of The Wild

For 28 years, Gregory ran a marketing and sales business out of her home in five different states, including — in addition to Florida — Missouri, New York, Ohio and Virginia. “I moved around and had to rebuild and start the business from scratch a number of times,” she explains. “It’s nice to use the skills I learned from that experience.” Gregory says that she has a master’s degree in counseling from Long Island University in Brookville, as well as a special education teaching degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. To get the position, she had to apply, interview and do a presentation with PCAS, detailing what she would bring to the position. But, the main reason she thinks she was chosen was for her extensive experience in volun-

teer coordinating for the American Cancer Society and several booster clubs in each of the states she’s lived in over the past 15 years. “This is a nice blend of my skills and my education,” she says. “I felt that (getting the position) would give me the chance to really help animals, as well as people. I get to help homeless animals find homes, and help people add to their families. Animal companions can be amazing for people of all ages and it’s exciting to get to watch people take an animal home.” For more info about PCAS, located at 19640 Dogpatch Ln. in Land O’Lakes, please visit the Animal Services page on PascoCountyFl.net, or at Facebook.com/ PCASAP. PCAS’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Friends of Animal Services, Inc., also accepts donations of pet supplies and cash to their Call PCAS at 929-1212.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Rep. Bilirakis Addresses Wesley Chapel Republican Club By Matt Wiley District 9 U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-Palm Harbor) believes that Wesley Chapel voters will play a larger role in the upcoming November elections. As the sun went down on August 9, or less than a week before the August 14 primary elections, Rep. Bilirakis made an appearance at the monthly Wesley Chapel Republican Club (WCRC), which meets on the second floor of Wesley Chapel Hyundai on S.R. 54. The room was a packed house, as Bilirakis and District 11 U.S. Congressman Rich Nugent (R-Brooksville) — who previously represented Wesley Chapel in Congress until new redistricting maps were approved earlier this year — discussed the upcoming presidential election with members of the WCRC. It was also a moment for Rep. Nugent to “pass the torch” to Bilirakis. “It’s a great District, and I’m honored to represent it,” he said. “It’s a critical time. Once we get the primaries done with, we need to come back together as party and family. If we stick together to get the vote out there, we will win!” Bilirakis confessed that former

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney wasn’t his first choice for the Republican nomination to take on U.S. President Barack Obama in November, but he said that he now backs him 100 percent. He explained that he thinks that a previous CEO is exactly what this country needs. He went on to discuss his disapproval of the recently approved Obama healthcare plan. “We need to repeal ‘Obamacare,’” he explained. “But, we need to be able to replace it with a free market solution. We need to step to the plate to save Medicare and protect our seniors.” Bilirakis also voiced his support for the owner of Chick-Fil-A, Dan Cathy, whose recent comments and stance on same-sex marriages has stirred up controversy nationwide. “Cathy stood up and spoke his mind,” Bilirakis said. “He wasn’t scared about how it would affect his business. That’s what we need.” One of the last points Bilirakis touched on was his support for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. “Veterans are our priority,” he said. “We need to hold universities accountable for making sure that vets are getting their G.I. Bill.”

He explained how, as vice chairman of the veterans affairs committee, he recently passed legislation that will help make sure that veterans receive their benefits. Although he didn’t name it in the meeting, the bill is called the Honoring America’s Veterans Act, and it Wesley Chapel Republican Club president Mike requires the Veterans Administration to report the Moore (far left, standing), with U.S. Congressmen Rich Nugent (left) & Gus Bilirakis. number of veterans using the they want out there.” education benefits, the cost and numIn response to the media calling ber of credit hours earned, as well as Republicans, who now control the how many veterans are earning their House, inefficient at passing legislation, degrees. both had passionate responses. “If you work hard, and believe in “We’ve passed more bills, and an issue, you can make it happen,” he allowed both parties to make amendsaid. ments, in two years, than the DemocFollowing his speech, Bilirakis and rats did in four,” said Nugent. Nugent answered questions from “I think we’ve been pretty darn WCRC members. Some of the issues productive,” Bilirakis added. that arose were the Republican Party’s The Wesley Chapel Republican message not being heard and the Club meets the second Thursday of party’s ability to pass legislation. each month at 7 p.m. at Wesley “We have press conferences outChapel Hyundai, located at 27000 side the Capitol building in WashingWesley Chapel Blvd. For more inforton, DC, but you never see them in Florida,” explained Nugent. “NBC and mation, call Mike Moore at 7776171, or send an email to WCReABC are there, but they don’t broadpublican@att.net. cast because our message isn’t the one

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Avalon Park West Community To Break Ground On Aug. 28! By Matt Wiley

as well as nearly 700,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, including more than 560,000 sq. ft. of retail and 120,000 sq. ft. for office buildings. In addition, the community also feature several conservation areas. The development’s construction will be overseen by Avex Homes, a new construction company formed through a partnership between the Orlandobased Avalon Park Group and sitEX Properties USA, a Switzerland-based real estate investment fund and project development company.

Residential and commercial growth are continuing in Wesley Chapel, as another large community plans to break ground next week, offering hundreds of homes in its first phase alone, as well as bringing more jobs to our area. In a press release from the Avalon Park Group, the same developers as the adjacent New River Township, the company announced plans to break ground on Avalon Park West, located on the north side of S.R. 54, just east of New River, on Tuesday, August 28. Avalon Park West’s first community, Cypress Village, will offer 342 homes. The entire development, once completed, will offer about 4,800 single-family homes and Cypress Village will be the first subdivision to break ground multi-family units, in the new Avalon Park West community on S.R. 54.

According to the press release, Avex homes will specialize in developing homes “with the lifestyle of families in mind,” including front porches, setback garages and open floor plans. “We want to create communities, not housing developments,” says Eric Marks, senior vice president of Avalon Park Group. Marks also says that, according to data from the National Association of Home Builders, Avex homes expects to create 15 new jobs for Wesley Chapel residents in its first year of operations.

According to their website, the Avalon Park Group is a family of companies that was started by Beat Kahli, a Swiss investment banker, in 1995, and specializes in a range of developments, from master planned communities, such as Avalon Park West and New River Township, to industrial parks, such as the North Suncoast Industrial Park near the Suncoast Pkwy. in Pasco County. For more information about Avalon Park West and the Aug. 28 groundbreaking event, see page 16 or visit AvalonParkWest.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Islamic Society Of New Tampa Welcomes All To New Mosque! By Matt Wiley It looks like the type of structure that would be seen on a sightseeing tour in Istanbul, Turkey, its golden dome reflecting the sun and arched entryways welcoming anyone who wants to learn more about the Islamic community here in the New Tampa/ Wesley Chapel area. Its name is Daar Us Slaam, which translates into “House of Peace,” and it is the first-ever mosque in our distribution areas. Located on Morris Bridge Rd., just north of the intersection at Cross Creek Blvd., the mosque, or Masjid, serves as the meeting place for the Islamic Society of New Tampa (ISONET), and invites anyone who is interested to come learn about Islam with other Muslims in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel communities. “A lot of people have ‘Islamophobia,’” says Mahmud Ahmed, a member of ISONET. “But, it’s just because people don’t know us. Muslims are really everyone’s next door neighbors.” Ahmed says the 7,500-sq.-ft. house of worship usually is packed during services, especially during the current Islamic month of Ramadan, in which Muslims around the world fast — or refrain from eating and drinking — from dawn until dusk for 30 days. And, every Sunday during Ramadan, the Masjid hosts a community dinner. “That’s the beautiful thing about Ramadan,” says Hassan Shibly, Esq., the executive director of the Tampa chapter of the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations (CAIR). “You fast together as a community, and you break that fast as a community. You eat wonderful food and then offer prayers for a few hours every night.” Muslims from all around the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas gather early in the mornings and late in the evenings to pray together and socialize. The mosque also is open throughout

Our area’s only Islamic mosque, Daar Us Slaam, is now open every day for worship services on Morris Bridge Rd., just north of Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa. the day for the five daily prayers, also known as the Islamic ritual called Salah. Ahmed says that ISONET was founded about ten years ago and was originally just a small group of Muslims who would pray together in their homes. Once the group was large enough, an existing 2,000-sq.-ft. building was purchased on the same property upon which the new $1.6-million mosque now stands. Ahmed says that building the Masjid took three years of fund raising, all donations, and two years to construct. “Our knees outgrew the old building,” he says with a smile. Ahmed says that there now are between 2,000-3,000 practicing Muslims combined in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas and that its location on Morris Bridge Rd. is accessible for residents in both communities. The mosque itself is an impressive sight, designed by Lake City architect Nick Giesier and based on Turkish architecture. At first glance, its tall pillars above each entryway and massive golden dome catch the eye. Among the interesting characteristic of the mosque are its unique position on the property and the direction it faces.

All mosques, regardless of where in the world they are located, are situated in a way that all who gather to pray inside of them face the Ka’aba, a cubeshaped building located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that is considered by Muslims to be the most sacred place of the Islamic faith. Inside the Mosque, there are no seats, as all worship takes place on the floor, which is covered with plush, red carpets that feature a golden pattern that outlines where each worshipper will pray, each spot facing Mecca and the Mihrab (or altar) and where the Masjid’s Imam (or leader of worship) Junaid Khan recites verses of the Qu’ran during prayer. The worship space is divided into two areas — one for men and one for women — by a one-way mirror, the idea being that during worship, the focus should be on God, not on the opposite gender. According to Islamic tradition, the mosque also features separate entrances for men and women. Before worship, each person must remove their shoes and enter an area that resembles a bathroom, but is actually where each worshiper washes his or her hands, feet and

face, a process referred to as “ablution” in the Islamic faith. “Cleanliness is a very important part of the faith, both physical and spiritual,” explains Shibly. Once worshippers complete the process of ablution, they may enter the main mosque area, which is an enormous, open room, with a ceiling reaching an impressive 50 feet. “We would have made it higher, but Hillsborough County said that 50 feet was the maximum height we could build,” says Ahmed. Shibly translates a verse from the wall, “That when My servants ask about me, I am close to them. I am near.” He says that each of the verses are chosen specifically because they are inspirational and reflect the beauty of the Qu’ran. The new mosque also features an attached multi-purpose room, which doubles as extra space for worshippers, with roll-up carpets that mirror the carpets in the main area. The room also houses a few small study rooms and a kitchen for community dinners and gettogethers, one of which is being planned for after Ramadan so that everyone in the New Tampa and surrounding areas can come out and see the new Masjid. “Hopefully, this mosque will strengthen the community,” says Shibly. “And, not just the Muslim community, but the overall community because this mosque will hopefully serve as a center where not only all Muslims can get together and worship, but also as a center where people of all faiths can come and meet their Muslim neighbors, learn about the Islamic faith and recognize that we have much more in common than that which divides us.” For more info about the new mosque (located at 15830 Morris Bridge Rd.), including prayer and worship schedules, please visit NewTampaMasjid.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL

Community Calendar

Families Sought For Exchange Students The Aspect Foundation, a nonprofit organization that sponsors high school age students from nearly 30 countries, is seeking host families for exchange students. Host families can be any shape and size as long as they are willing and able to provide room, board, and a loving home environment for the student. Exchange students are 15-18 years old, speak English, have their own spending money and insurance, and attend a local high school during their stay. They are selectively chosen on the basis of maturity, grades and language skills. Through sharing space and stories with each other, students and the host families learn about a different culture and see their own with new eyes, while making new friends! For more information, call LuAnne Borak at 746-5787, or visit AspectFoundation.com.

Central Pasco Soccer League Returns The annual Central Pasco Fall/Winter Recreational Soccer League returns and is available for all

North Hillsborough and Pasco County players ages 4-18, boys & girls. This season is intended to provide players at all skill levels an opportunity to learn and play soccer in a fun, structured format. For more information and to register, please visit CPUSASoccer. com. Register now as limited spots will fill up fast.

Avalon Park West Groundbreaking

Tuesday, August 28, 6 pm. The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will help Wesley Chapel’s newest master-planned community on S.R. 54 break ground at this free event. Cocktails & hors d’oeuvres will be served and RSVPS are requested, although the date to ensure attendance will have passed by the time you receive this issue. The event will be held at the new Avalon Park West Community Clubhouse (5227 Autumn Ridge Way, Wesley Chapel 33545). To RSVP, either call or email Stephanie Hodson at 783-1515 or Stephanie@AvalonParkGroup.com.

New Tampa Junior

Woman’s Club

Tuesday, August 28, 7 p.m. The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club is holding a new member recruitment party at Cantina Laredo in Wiregrass Mall. Women between the ages of 18-40 are welcome to attend. The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club is dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. For more info, visit GFWCNewTampaJuniors.org.

Wesley Chapel Rotary Club

Wednesday, August 29, 12:15 p.m. — The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meets every Wednesday at Pagelli’s Italian Restaurant in the Shops at Wiregrass mall (2001 Piazza Ave.). For more information, call 8628989 or 391-3895.

Networking For Success

Thursday, August 30, 8 a.m. — The Networking For Your Success group meets Thursdays at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club, located at 6225 Old Pasco Rd. For additional information, call Shawn Clark at 888-711-2032 or visit NetworkingforYourSuccess.com.

WC Sunrise Rotary Club

Friday, August 31, 7:15 a.m. — The Wesley Chapel Sunrise Rotary

Club meets every Friday at Quail Hollow Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.) *Note-The Club no longer meets at Lexington Oaks Golf Club. For additional information, call Lynne Wilson at 695-6466.

Experienced Networking Professionals (ENP)

Monday, September 3, 7:30 a.m. — This networking group meets Monday mornings at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast and at 8:00 a.m. for networking at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For more information, call Cindy at 505-3065.

Free Networking Int’l

Monday, September 3, 8 a.m. — Free Networking International (FNI), a group of area business owners, meets each Monday for networking and discussion at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club clubhouse (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54). For more information, call Stacy Dalton at 469-5499.

Wesley Chapel Business Forum & Networking

Monday, September 3, 8 a.m. The Wesley Chapel Business Forum & Networking (WCBFN) is a free gathering of local business leaders in the South Central Pasco and North Hillsborough areas. WCBFN meets Mon-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

days at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club, located at 26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd. For more info, call John Roth at 377-2622, send him an email at John.Roth@IBuilderz.com or visit the group’s Facebook page.

Wesley Chapel Toastmasters

Monday, September 3, 6:15 p.m. — The “Wesley Chapel Speaks” Toastmasters Club meets on the first and third Monday of every month, at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (26944 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). Club meetings are open to all interested parties. For more information, call 4065931 or visit Toastmasters84.org.

Business Networking Int’l

Tuesday, September 4, 7:30 a.m. — Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals who work to support each other through qualified business referrals, meets Tuesdays at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd., off Old Pasco Rd.). For more information, contact JD Lane at 391-5018 or by e-mail at Jdlane@benchmarkbusiness.com.

East Pasco Networking

Tuesday, September 4, 9 a.m. — The East Pasco Networking Group meets every Tuesday at Beef O’Brady’s (1660 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Shops at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel

plaza). Contact Frankie Ammons at 479-7997 or by e-mail at Frankie@studioglory.com.

GriefShare

Tuesday, September 4, 6:30 p.m. – GriefShare is a biblically based, video seminar-support group for anyone who is grieving the death of a loved one. Beginning in September, the group will begin meetings on Tuesdays at Lake Magdalene Methodist Church, located at 2902 W. Fletcher Avenue, Room 311 of the CEC building. There is a $20 charge for the 13 sessions. Find healing and hope. For information or registration, call 963-1555.

MOMS Club Of WC

Monday, September 17, 10 a.m. — The Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) Club of Wesley Chapel, a non-profit social group for stay-athome mothers, meets the third Monday of each month at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club clubhouse for activities, field trips and more. For more information, e-mail Heather at WCMoms@yahoo.com.

Events Extravaganza Expo

Sunday, October 21, Noon - Are you planning any type of celebration or event? Need ideas or reliable vendors? The all-new Quail Hollow Events Center (6225 Old Pasco Rd.) is hosting an

event you won’t want to miss! Information and assistance regarding weddings, bar/bah mitzvahs, corporate events, quinces, proms, recitals, renewing vows, graduations, reunions, black-tie parties, themed events, birthdays, or any special merriment you can dream of! Meet professionals and business owners who can help you arrive in style. More than 50 companies will be represented at the Expo, including Men’s Wearhouse, Finest Deejays, Love That Jazz Photography and many more. Admission is $5 (pre-register online), or $10 at the door. The first 100 guests receive a “Hollywood Swag Bag.” Call Carmen at 838-5422 or visit Events2Perfection.comevents.

Florida Plant Society

Tuesday, September 11, 7 p.m. - The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Plant Society’s upcoming meeting will include a presentation by chapter secretary David Peterson entitled, "Native and Exotic Plant Communities and the Effect on Bird Populations." The group meets the second Tuesday of every month at the Land O’Lakes Community Center, located at 5402 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Meet are free, and all interested parties are invited to attend. For more information, call Mary at (727) 849-2335, or visit PascoNativePlants.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Fitness Revolution Will Revolutionize The Way You Work Out! By Michael Murillo The traditional health club format is so common, everybody knows the game: You pay your money to become a member, get access to rows and rows of machines...and that’s it, unless you want to incur additional charges. This has been the standard method for the last 15-20 years and it still attracts many people seeking to lose weight, improve their health and make important lifestyle changes. But, according to Mark Lopez, owner and head trainer of Fitness Revolution in New Tampa, there’s just one problem: It doesn't work. “The concept of Fitness Revolution revolves around the single sentence, ‘The fitness industry has failed us,’” he says. “The current business model is to herd in as many people as possible to keep the shiny equipment, giving members little or no educational value or personal attention on how to reach their goals.” As a result, he says, many people still find the health club setting intimidating, and often give up, frustrated by trainers and members who don’t always create a positive workout atmosphere. But, that’s not the case at Fitness Revolution of New Tampa, and the dif-

ference between this nationally franchised fitness system and program and other health clubs is intentional. You never exercise “by yourself.” You work out in a group that often consists of between four and 10 people in order to maintain a group atmosphere that still allows individual monitoring. Lopez says that 12 can be an ideal size for a group and 15 people in a single class would be the maximum. Fitness Revolution, which was founded by long-time trainers Nick Berry and Pat Rigsby, today has nearly 150 locations in 36 U.S. states. Although the sessions have something of a “boot camp feel,” each client is placed in a setting they can handle (for example, Lopez will offer lowerimpact exercises for those who have back, neck, elbow, knee and other health issues; always consult your physician before beginning any workout regimen) and every workout features varied routines and minimal equipment (resistance bands, dumbbells, etc.) in order to provide the “muscle confusion” needed to optimize your results and avoid plateaus that can impede progress and frustrate you. Group members work out together three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, at varying times, with Saturday

sessions also available) and support each other in a truly positive setting. Lopez said that the group setting is a critical part of the program’s success, and builds a community of support that usually stems from a person’s home or work influences and helps even the most fitness-challenged individuals achieve their goals. “I think the biggest and most overlooked benefit (for most people who work out regularly) is the social support. For the average person, all the odds are against them. They’re sitting all day and going out to eat more,” Lopez explains. "Being part of a community of like-minded, health-conscious individuals means exercise and healthy eating is not only fun, it’s actually the norm.” That community has worked wonders for New Tampa resident Carol Gravante, 55, who says she has lost about 50 pounds with Lopez’s help (and more than 90 pounds total in her personal weight loss journey, which was hampered by misdiagnosed medical ailments and multiple relapses from a healthy lifestyle). “I had failed at two other boot camps- — crashed and burned big-time — and I was so afraid to try another similar program,” Gravante says. “Mark

Members who work out at Fitness Revolution of New Tampa take part in one of owner/trainer Mark Lopez’s four weekly fitness classes at Cypress Point Community Church on Morris Bridge Rd.

was very patient, very encouraging and yes, very, very challenging.” After almost two years of working through different programs with Lopez, she feels that she has a great deal of support from not just the person leading the class, but from her fellow workout partners as well. Lopez adds that he also provides

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

support to the community, and his charitable spirit is almost as energetic as one of his workouts. “I just want to get involved and give back to the community,” he says, and that desire is seen in regular events designed to help others. On Saturdays mornings, he leads a free workout for those who bring a canned food item for the food drive at Cypress Point Community Church, which is where Lopez uses a 2,000-sq.ft. space four days a week for Fitness Revolution. He also has run exercise benefits for Autism Speaks, an organization that funds research, advocacy and awareness about autism, and for the New Tampa Players, the popular local community theatre troupe. Lopez plans to continue holding monthly charity workout benefit events to support a variety of different causes. But, helping his clients also gives Lopez a great deal of satisfaction. “It’s really an amazing feeling,” he says. “Watching them give it 100-percent during every session, staying accountable to their eating, and listening to their stories week after week, month after month,” he says, adding that simply dropping even a single dress size or getting an unexpected compliment can make a big difference in a person's attitude. “Those small, little changes day by day — you can see their confidence grow,” he beams.

Fitness Revolution New Tampa founder and owner Mark Lopez Fitness Revolution New Tampa is located in Cypress Point Community Church (15820 Morris Bridge Rd.). Through September 15, clients can work out for 30 days for just $99. From that total, Lopez will donate $50 to the school sports program, Little League or other community sports organization of your choice. For additional information about Fitness Revolution, call 8435294 or visit FitnessRevolutionNew Tampa.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Dance Your Way Over To New Tampa Dance Theatre by Sheryl Young Do you or your kids love to dance or watch professional dancers? Do your kids twirl around the house or mention wanting dance lessons? If so, move your feet over to the New Tampa Dance Theatre (NTDT), located in a free-standing building on Cross Creek Blvd, just three minutes east of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. NTDT currently is accepting enrollment for their fall 2012 season. Classes began August 13, but the studio is still enrolling new and returning students. NTDT was established in 1995 in the Pebble Creek Collection as New Tampa’s first professional training facility for dance and it has become a name synonymous with excellence in education, trust, and integrity. In 2002, Artistic Director and owner Dyane Elkins IronWing purchased land to build a free-standing, state-of-the-art training facility specifically designed for dance. In January 2006, the school moved into its beautiful 7,500-sq.-ft. home, which includes floors properly made for dancing, large locker rooms, a café, faculty lounge and even a costume warehouse. The building offers unique vistas, with its 24foot-tall ceilings, 10-foot-high windows

overlooking the wetlands, and a performance space large enough to seat an audience of 250 people. “Once I purchased the land, I never looked back,” Dyane says. “And, the school continued to flourish, so the dream of having my own facility quickly became a reality.” She takes note of a quote she has posted in the lobby: “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?,” and says. “I truly live by this and ask the students regularly, so they, too, can see their dreams become reality.” NTDT and its affiliated nonprofit company, the Dance Theatre of Tampa, have an additional goal, a community mission. “Connecting and sharing with New Tampa and the surrounding communities through the art of dance is an important part of our mission,” Dyane explains. “We do many free public performances and help develop outreach programs that provide exciting and valuable cultural experiences for people of all ages.” NTDT’s outreach program has grown to serve 10 local schools, reaching 1,000 children in the New Tampa area to enrich their lives through dance. In the past season, their community performances have exposed more than 7,000 children (and many more adults)

to dance productions – some for the first time. For small children, NTDT is the official dance school for Bright Horizons Family Solutions child care centers in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. NTDT also is wellknown in the area for its annual local production of “The Nutcracker,” which has sold more than 1,500 seats per season for the past 13 years. All major NTDT performances, including Spring Productions and Summer Concert Series, are held at venues on the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus. Dyane says dancing was always in her blood. “My aunt was a professional dancer,” she says. “I started at age 5 along with trying many other sports, but I never quit dancing and soon realized it was my passion. I couldn’t imagine life without it.” Over the years before opening NTDT, Dyane performed professionally with Dino Anderson’s Dance America, toured nationally with magician Tod Bucanon, trained under scholarship in

New York City for two years, and performed with several professional NYC companies, including Ballet Metropolitan and Jazz Met. Dyane and her husband Troy IronWing have been performing nationally and internationally for the past 10 years with the bi-coastal based group, Rhythm Extreme, which is a high-energy, Stomp-like show including drumming, tap dancing, and just about anything that can create rhythms. Troy, who has been NTDT’s Tap Director since 2003, began playing the drums at age 6, and found his passion for tap in college. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theater with a minor in Dance and has had the privilege to

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

train with tap masters Savion Glover, the Nicholas Brothers, Derrick Grant and Ted Levy, to name just a few. Both students and parents enjoy his fun-loving personality and ability to connect with children. Dyane, as the Artistic Director, still does some substitute teaching at NTDT when needed. “I have nine strong, well- educated and very talented faculty members,” she says. “Our staff is dedicated to the development of the students. We don’t only teach dance. We give students the self-esteem they need to be successful in life.”

A Wide Range Of Classes

Classes at NTDT start with very young children and go all the way through senior adults, with everything from classical ballet, modern, tap, jazz, creative movement, and hip-hop. “Children as early as age 3 can begin with creative movement,” Dyane says. “At every age level, whether it’s the recreational or pre-professional programs, our faculty follow a prepared syllabus to ensure that each student learns the proper techniques.” In fact, Dyane urges parents of young children to ask about her staff’s training and the syllabus so they can be confident of their kids’ dance education. Each spring, families can see the culmination of what their children have learned in two separate Spring Produc-

tions – one for ages 3-8 and another for ages 9 and up. NTDT also offers a concentrated Boys Program on Saturdays (12:301:30pm), for boys ages 5 and older. With more than 35 students attending, these classes improve athletic balance and help build coordination for all sports. Dyane says dance is a great skill for both cheerleaders and school dance teams to study, and it’s the perfect adult activity for staying in great physical shape; it also allows adult students to meet new people with common interests. For students who want to be professional dancers, there’s even a class to train them in auditioning skills. “With older children and teenagers aspiring toward a dance career, we coach them through the professional audition process, which can be quite grueling,” Dyane explains. “We've taken groups to New York for ‘cattle call’ auditions (which are open to the general public). We teach them how to present themselves. This usually starts at age 11 or 12, and they’re ready for formal professional auditions at 15 or 16.” As a result, NTDT students are regularly accepted into prestigious summer programs including the School of American Ballet, American Ballet The-

ater, and the Joffrey, Boston and Kirov Ballets. Many NTDT alumni have received college scholarships and moved on to dance professionally. “We take pride in treating and training each student as an individual,” Dyane says. “It’s a private school mentality. We’re not obsessed with numbers. We know each student’s name.” Lisa Laches, the mother of two NTDT students, attests to the great training. “My daughters, Rachel (16) and Elizabeth (14) have been dancing since 2002,” she says, “and with the New Tampa Dance Theatre since 2004. Under Dyane’s guidance, they have grown into confident, mature, strong dancers, with discipline and respect, not only for their dance instructors, but for their peers as well. The friends they’ve made at dance are their closest friends, and they thoroughly enjoy their time in the studio. They feel privileged to per-

form in the community, and look forward to ‘The Nutcracker.’” Speaking of “The Nutcracker,” NTDT allows children from other dance schools to audition for the studio’s biggest annual show. “Dancers who are at least 8 years old and taking ballet class somewhere are eligible to audition,” Dyane says. Still not sure you want to enroll? Take a trial class. Children and adults are both welcome to try any class in their age group at NTDT for free. You can even try multiple classes to discover which dance styles are your favorites. “We also stay very involved in community and charity projects,” Dyane adds. “We support the South Tampa Ronald McDonald House with a portion of the proceeds from our most popular fund raiser, the ‘Sugar Plum Fairy Tea.’” This year, the Tea is scheduled for Sunday, December 2, 2 p.m.-4 pm, at the USF Alumni Center. Attendees will get a sneak preview of “The Nutcracker,” which will be performed December 14-16. Ticket sales begin October 15, through Ticketmaster or the NTDT box office. For more information or to enroll in classes, visit NTDT at 10701 Cross Creek Blvd or call 994NTDT (6838). The studio is open Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., and 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday. Visit NewTampaDanceTheatre.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Local Kumon Student Wins National Earth Day Poetry Contest! By Matt Wiley It began as just another poem on a computer screen, one of hundreds. But, something about the words on the screen jumped out at everyone who read it, and in a contest, that is the goal of the writer. Heta Patel’s words stood out amongst hundreds of other entries in her age group from across the nation, which won her the Grand Prize in Kumon North America’s Facebook Poetry Contest in her age group for her poem entitled “Mother Is Waiting” about Earth Day. Patel, an eighth-grade Bartels Middle School student and New Tampa resident, is a student at Daksha Jadeja’s Lutz/Land O’Lakes Kumon Center. Heta says she decided to enter the contest all on her own. “I am ecstatic that I won the Kumon poetry challenge,” she says. “Kumon enabled me to take on this challenge and made me amaze myself. I am so thankful to convey my message through my poem to make the world a better place.” Her poem, “Mother Is Waiting,” which she also illustrated (see above), is a look at the creation of earth through the eyes of Mother Nature.

“Soon there was life, tiny but there it was, swarming She poured love on them as she rained Mother was patient.”

As part of her Grand Prize, Patel will travel to New York City on an allexpenses-paid trip where she will have lunch with Kumon North America’s president Akira Hamanaka. “It’s wonderful that she won!” exclaims Jadeja. “Especially out of so many submissions. She’s a very bright lady. She finished the entire Kumon reading program — which goes all the way up through the 12th grade level — by seventh grade!” Jadeja runs both the Lutz/Land O’ Lakes Kumon Center and the Wesley Chapel North Kumon Center (which is located on S.R. 54, next to Sweetbay), where students can enroll in reading and math programs to help bolster their skills. Through these programs at Jadeja’s two Kumon centers, many students are able to improve their skills and move beyond their respective grade levels. At her two centers, Jadeja currently has about 300 students enrolled in the reading and/or math programs, of which she says 70 percent are already ahead of their grade levels. For more information about

Jadeja’s two Kumon Centers — located at 21226 Mariner Pl. in Lutz and at 27311 Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Wesley Chapel — or to get your student involved, Heta Patel give Daksha a call at 973-2266 or email her at DakshaJadeja@IKumon.com. And, on behalf of the New Tampa Neighborhood News, congratulations Heta!

Heta’s national Kumon contestwinning poem about Mother Nature included thios illustration,

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Saddlebrook Prep Grad Wins The Hurricane Jr. Golf Tourney In Orlando By Michael Murillo If you can play golf at a high level, you'll be the envy of weekend hackers who crowd country clubs and public courses for a chance to sneak in a round. If you actually compete in a tournament, you'll impress your friends and family. But, if you stage a finalround comeback, win a tournament and draw praise from its creator, you know you've done something special. And this summer, Wesley Chapel resident Lauren Riehle did just that at the Hurricane Jr. Golf Tour’s Summer Classic at Shingle Creek Golf Club in Orlando. Riehle’s two-over-par performance the weekend of July 7-8 included a final-round score of 71 to not only overcome a two-stroke deficit after the first round, but claim the tournament victory by three strokes. “It’s a big accomplishment because it’s an older division (girls 15-18), so she’s competing against girls who are potential Division I college players,” explained Mario Conte, executive director of the Hurricane Jr. Golf Tour (he started the tour in 2007). “She beat a really good field and she beat players who came from all over the southeast.” The tour has players compete in two age groups — 11-14 and 15-18 — for both boys and girls. It includes

about 65 events each year, including around a half-dozen in the Tampa area. For the 18-year-old Riehle, whose father, Greg, is the executive VP at Saddlebrook Resort, it’s another feather in her golf cap — the Saddlebrook Preparatory High graduate earned five letters in her scholastic golf career (grades 8-12) and was named Pasco County’s Golfer of the Year for 201112 by a local daily newspaper. Although she’s won about 20 tournaments in her golf career (and participated in around 100), Riehle posted her best two-day score ever (146) at the event and said that winning the Summer Classic was both rewarding and challenging. “Winning the tournament felt incredible,” Riehle said. “I knew I needed to play my very best golf, which placed great pressure on me, but the pressure fueled me to finish strong.” She not only won her division, but that 71 also was the only under-par round scored by a female in the entire tourney. Riehle also led the field in pars (26), birdies (5), and her par-3 (2.88) and par-4 (4.15) averages also topped her division. Although she works on her game by playing or practicing six days a week, Riehle believes that truly mastering golf occurs above the shoulders. “The mental aspect of golf is what makes it such a

challenging sport,” she said. “Physical talent can take an athlete far in most sports, but in golf, a strong mentality is even more important.” Conte agreed, noting that the game teaches children and young adults individual skills they can use as they get older. “Golf is 99 percent mental,” Conte said, “so they learn how to deal with a lot of different situations other sports wouldn’t teach them.” For now, Riehle will be using those skills on more golf courses in Florida: She’ll be playing courses for the Women’s Golf team at the University of Miami, where she will study Sports Administration. The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour also has several more out-of-state stops left on its 2012 schedule, plus events in Orlando, Bradenton, Harmony, Amelia Island and Port St. Lucie. Locally, the schedule includes a weekend in Wesley Chapel on Sept. 15-16. That event, the Tampa Bay Jr. Open, will be played on the Palmer Course (one of two tracks) at Saddlebrook Resort. Riehle said her next goal is to pursue an NCAA championship with her fellow Lady Hurricanes in Miami, but golf has taught her many things that will prove valuable away from birdies and bunkers. “Golf teaches a person to be

dependent upon themselves, how to handle pressure, and, most important, honesty and integrity,” she said. “I’ve played tennis and lacrosse competitively in the past, Lauren Riehle but my heart always belonged to golf because of the character it takes to be successful.” For info about the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, visit HJGT.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

The New Monkey Bizness — More Fun Than A Barrel Of …. Kristin Green. “It’s a play gym designed for the younger child,” “Quit monkeying around!” Kristen says. “But older kids can Sound familiar? You may have climb in too.” By “older kids,” she reproached your children with those means ages 7 and younger because words or even heard them from your Monkey Bizness is primarily geared own parents when you were goofing for little tykes and their parents. In off. One place you won’t hear them is fact, a special section with a tripleat the new indoor play center that padded carpet is reserved for the opened last month at The Shops at youngest tots, or as Monkey BizWiregrass mall. At Monkey Bizness, lit- ness refers to them, “crawlers.” tle kids are encouraged to go ape! “We are designed primarily for The main attraction at Monkey toddlers, preschoolers and early eleBizness is the PlaySmart gym, a soft, mentary school-age children,” contained play system that’s a maze of a Kristin explains, adding that Monstructure where kids under 7 or 8 can key Bizness is a safe environment climb, swing, bounce and explore to for younger children who might their heart’s content. The PlaySmart otherwise become overwhelmed by indoor playground is professionally the more rambunctious play of designed and constructed by the comolder kids. Kids love to ‘monkey around’ at the colorful, comfortable new Monkey Bizness play pany of the same name, according to In the few short weeks since center in the Shops at Wiregrass mall. Monkey Bizness Wesley Chapel owner its debut, Monkey Bizness has vising the children’s activities, staff “A friend texted me about this already attracted a loyal folmember Ivett Lopez shares that plans cute place,” says Andrea. “It was rainlowing. Mom Sandra Weston are under way to add arts and crafts ing and it seemed like a good indoor has driven from Valrico every projects to the already fun art room activity.” The women said they were week since the July 14 openactivities. impressed by the “clean environment” ing to entertain her children Although the art room is fun, and “great location.” Alexa, 7, and Jake, 4. Alexa Monkey Bizness offers a pleasant “And, we were just saying that we says she enjoys painting and atmosphere for its adult clientele, too. wished we’d thought of (opening) it,” drawing in the art room, You can sip a Seattle’s Best coffee and Andrea comments. while her brother, Jake, chat with a friend in the dining/sitting Unlike many other indoor play romps on the indoor play area as you watch the kids hoot and places, Monkey Bizness offers a fullapparatus. holler on the play equipment. service coffee bar, snacks and healthy “She would play here all That’s what moms Andrea grab-n-go meals. day,” Sandra says of Alexa. Christopher and Lindsey Harrie were “We like to say that while the kids Gazing at the finger-painting doing on their first visit from play, moms can get a cup of coffee, station, Sandra adds, “I like Zephyrhills. They brought four kids: dads can get some work done, and New Tampa resident Betty Gilmore enjoys wear- it because there is no mess at two 7- and two 5-year-olds. ing out her kids at Monkey Bizness. See “Monkey Biz” on page 31. home.” Charged with superBy Camille Gillies

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Artisan Aesthetics Surgeon Introduces New LipoControlTM Treatment! Dr. Stanley Castor To Host Lipocontrol Open House Sept. 20! Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owner of Artisan Aesthetics in Tampa Palms Stanley Castor, M.D., has been chosen as one of the first doctors in the U.S. to be able to offer a brand new innovative body-shaping technology that until recently, was only available in Europe. Dr. Castor is proud to announce that his practice, Artisan Aesthetics, one of the pioneers in the field of aesthetic medicine, is now offering GPSLipo® Laser LipoControl™ by Osyris, an FDA-approved body-shaping treatment for removing unwanted fat. Dr. Castor says GPSLipo®, which uses the LipoControl™ laser, is the safest and most precise laser lipo or liposuction procedure available for removing fat and tightening your skin.

How The GPS Laser Lipocontrol™ Procedure Works Even with eating properly and exercising regularly, many people are still seeking ways to quickly and effectively remove stubborn areas of unwanted fat. LipoControl™, the latest innovative technology to hit our shores, quickly and safely removes problem areas of fat deposits, with total control and safety — and this unique procedure is now being offered by Dr. Castor. The procedure uses thermal energy in the form of a heat-generating laser to actually liquefy unwanted body fat and then remove the liquid fat, all in one easy Dr. Stan Castor procedure. LipoControl™ ensures a high level of safety and control because it also features a built-in GPS tracking system, which allows Dr. Castor to determine in real live time exactly how much energy is being delivered to a given area of the body, and allows him to keep that amount of energy uniform. Among the benefits to the patient with this additional control and precision are even smoother and more impressive results. The entire LipoControl™ procedure can be done in one session on a number of different areas of the body including the abdomen, waist (love han-

dles), hips and thighs, buttocks, back of arms, knees, ankles and even under the chin to remove unsightly “turkey necks.” And, best of all, the procedure can be done right in Dr. Castor’s office without the use of general anesthesia. In addition to removing unwanted fat, the heat generated by LipoControl™ causes the skin in the treated area to contract, resulting in firmer, smoother skin that further enhances your body-shaping goals. Skin tightening continues to improve for a period of up to 4 months depending upon your body’s unique chemistry. Dr. Castor says, “I am truly amazed at the performance and results we are seeing from LipoControl. Hands down, this is the best, minimally invasive fat removal procedure currently on the market. And, my patients already love the results! ” Dr. Castor works with all of his patients to set realistic expectations, but Lipocontrol patients see truly immediate results due to the reduction in fat and the instantaneous skin contraction that occurs during the procedure. Typically, one day of rest after receiving a LipoControl™ procedure is recommended but most patients resume normal activities by the second day. The results of LipoControl™ continue to improve over the next 2-4 months and, best of all, all of the Artisan Aesthetics patients who have received a LipoControl™ treatment to date have reported improvement in the targeted body area(s). To see how the new laser LipoControl™ system works, Dr. Castor and the staff at Artisan Aesthetics invites you to come to a GPSLipo®-LipoControl™ Open House at the office (address below) on Thursday, September 20, 5:30 p.m. There will be hors d’oeuvres and beverages served. Attendance is free, but space is limited, so call 9712000 to reserve your space today! Dr. Stan Castor grew up in Zephyrhills and graduated from Zephyrhills High at the top of his class in 1982. He spent some time working as an orderly and patient care assistant after high school and became interested in medicine. He worked his way through college playing church music jobs. Dr. Castor graduated Cum Laude from Florida Southern College in Lakeland with a B.S. degree in Biology. He

then earned his M.D. degree from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed a five-year internship and residency in General Surgery at Emory University Hospitals in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Castor continued his training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for As you can clearly see, from both the front (above) & back two years at the renowned (below), the results achieved by the LipoControlTM procedure available from Dr. Stan Castor of Artisan Aesthetics in Cleveland Clinic FoundaTampa Palms are nothing short of miraculous! tion in Cleveland, OH. In addition, he completed a prestigious cosmetic surgery fellowship with world-renowned plastic surgeons, Drs. Baker and Stuzin and Baker in Miami, FL This fellowship is only offered to two plastic surgeons per year. Dr. Castor is Boardcertified in Plastic Surgery of the American College of by the American Board of Surgeons. Plastic Surgery, the only Dr. Stanley Castor’s plastic surgery board recognized by the practice, Artisan Aesthetics, is located American Board of Medical Specialties. at 5383 Primrose Lake Cir., Suite A, He also is a member of the American in Tampa Palms. For more info, call Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Fellow 971-2000 or visit DrCastor.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“Monkey” Continued from page 1 grandparents can get a break,” says Kristin. “But we also encourage parents and caregivers to join the children in the play area.” That’s where guest Betty Gilmore could be found, interacting with her three children on the play floor. A Grand Hampton resident, she has become a regular herself, and has been joined by friends from St. Petersburg on three different occasions. “There is nothing like this place from here to St. Pete,” Betty says. “It’s great because it offers something that all three of my kids can do.” Her children include 18-month-old twins, Addison and Kendall, and son, Hayden, 3. “It’s also reasonably priced,” she adds. “And, they don’t mind if you bring your own snacks. Plus, they give you a wristband if you want to leave and re-enter.” Betty says Monkey Bizness gives Hayden an opportunity to burn off an abundance of energy in a safe atmosphere. “He always loves to come back,” she comments. As they are belted into the triple stroller, the twins and Hayden all appear to be contentedly exhausted. Despite the fact kids were scampering all over the play floor, Kristen said this particular Friday afternoon was a

little slow. Things would pick up at 5 p.m., she predicted, because Fridays and Tuesdays are family nights, when admission is $5 per child and $3 for crawlers. (Typical admission is $8 for walkers and $5 for crawlers.) Tuesday also is dubbed “Takeout Tuesday” because families are welcome to pick up their favorite takeout meals from the many fine restaurants in the mall or even bring dinner in from home to enjoy with the kids. “My husband and I know what it’s like to be working and have kids this age, and one of our goals is to make this a convenient place to bring your children,” Kristen explains. “We want it to be clean, safe and affordable.” Residents of Lutz, Kristen and her husband, Bradley, both 36, have two sons: Spencer, 7, and Cooper, 5. Both graduated from USF, Bradley’s degree is in civil engineering and Kristen is a former high school business technology teacher at East Lake High in Pinellas County. They knew a few years ago that they wanted to open a business like this, and when her parents attended a grandchild’s birthday party in Illinois at one of the ten other Monkey Bizness franchises in five states (this is the first in Florida), they called and told her, “You can do this!” She says the dream has been two years in the making. Her passion for the business is evident as she describes the thrill of watch-

ing the wide-eyed children: “My husband and I see the little ones so excited to be here and we feel it right here (pointing to her heart) because we didn’t have a place like this to bring our kids when they were that age.” Unlike most Monkey Bizness franchises, which are located in strip centers, this one has the benefit of the beautiful surroundings of The Shops at Wiregrass. “We knew this is where we wanted to be,” Kristen says, adding that Seattle’s Best Coffee and a variety of “Grab & Go” the Wiregrass location snacks are always available at Monkey Bizness. appeals to both kids and parents because they can only open 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday & visit Barnes & Noble or Dillard’s, ride Sunday because the facility closes for the train, shop or have a meal in one of private parties from noon till 5 p.m. on the many restaurants. “If there is a weekends. waiting list at Monkey Bizness, families For information about party can amuse themselves at Wiregrass packages – Monkey Bizness offers while they wait,” she adds. five different choices starting at $99 The busiest day at Monkey Bizness – or, for a schedule of hours or any to date is Wednesday, when The mall additional information, call 388features “Wiregrass Wednesdays,” with 2922 or visit MonkeyBizness.com. free kids’ club activities from 10 a.m.You also can visit “Monkey Bizness 11 a.m. If you would like to visit the WesleyChapel” on Facebook for spenew play center when open play is less cial promotional offers. Monkey Bizcrowded, Kristin advises to stop by ness is located at 28329 Paseo Drive, between 9 a.m.-10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. Suite 160, next to Barnie’s Coffee & You might note that Monkey Bizness is Dillard’s in the Shops at Wiregrass.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! phrase, “Baking Soon,” has appeared, letting drivers passing by know that they will soon have a brand new Panera Bread bakery-café, where they can grab a bread bowl, sandwich, salad and a wide variety of baked goods. According to the press release, Panera will be built on the outparcel closest to GrillSmith and S.R. 56, and is expected to be open for business sometime in November, just in time for holiday shopping. “Our concept has been embraced by many local communities, and we look forward to sharing our signature Panera warmth in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa area,” says Kevin Ricci, operating partner of Covelli Family Limited Partnership, a Panera franchisee that operates more than 200 Paneras across the country, 26 in the Tampa Bay area, including the location on Highwoods Preserve Dr. off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (BBD) near I-75. We have no further info at this time about what will replace the recently shuttered Aja. A spokesperson for the mall says that The Cheesecake Factory moving in is still just a rumor. In addition to Panera, the Shops at Wiregrass will also soon be welcoming a Pandora Jewelry, which will move in between Chico’s and Dillard’s. The store, which is expected to open in mid to late October, will be about 1,000 sq. ft. and will carry the entire line of sterling silver and 14karat-gold Pandora Jewelry. “We are offering the Wiregrass mall the entire Pandora shopping experience,” says Heidi Hardman, of Polkadotz, the franchisee. “People can create their completely custom look from our extensive line of charms to represent their own unforgettable moments, important people, pets and events.” Ortho Technology Sold Henry Schein Inc. has strengthened its dental specialty offering with the acquisition of Ortho Technology, Inc., which has Owner Kortnee Holley-VanValkenburgh recently been one of the largest (if not the celebrated the Grand Opening of her Kouture Kidz largest) privately-owned compaConsignment Shop in the Pebble Creek Collection. nies in the New Tampa area the

Kouture Kidz Opens In Pebble Creek Collection - Whether you have an infant, a toddler, a bun in the oven or you need to buy a nice present for a friend or relative who just had a baby, you should definitely check out the new Kouture Kidz Consignment Boutique which recently opened between the new Full Circle Pizza and Party Scene in the Pebble Creek Collection (19651 Bruce B. Downs [BBD] Blvd.). Kouture Kidz owner Kortnee Holley-VanValkenburgh held her Grand Opening and New Tampa Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting as we went to press with a ballon-twisting clown, an appearance by Mix 100.7-FM, food and beverages, as hundreds of parents and kids got their first glimpse of the great clothing, toys, bedding, accessories and more at this attractive, new consignment boutique for young’ns from preemie through Boys & Girls sizes 16-18, with brand names like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Gymboree and Osh Kosh B’Gosh, and new items arriving every day. For more info, call 528-8747 or visit KoutureKidz.com. Wiregrass Rumor Mill: Panera & Pandora In; Cheesecake Factory...? - The smell of bread baking will soon be an everyday scent for shoppers. However, at this point, we cannot confirm or deny whether or not there will be cheesecake at the Shops at Wiregrass. The mall will soon be home to a new jewelry store, as well. Along S.R. 56, a sign boasting the

last 21 years, although financial terms of the purchase were not disclosed. Ortho Technology is a Tampa Palms-based company that distributes orthodontic products, primarily to orthodontists. The company, founded in 1991, has about 90 employees and posted reported 2011 sales of $24 million. Henry Schein (NASDAQ: HSIC), is a Melville, NY, firm that provides health care products and services to office-based dental, medical and animal health practitioners. Brian Leaghty, president of Ortho Technology, will serve as a consultant for a year to ensure a smooth transition. Ortho Technology offers a complete line of orthodontic supplies including brackets, bands, buccal tubes, archwires, adhesives, laboratory supplies and

patient accessories. The company serves more than 10,000 customers worldwide via direct sales from the U.S. and distributors across the globe. “With this transaction, we are further penetrating the $1.25-billion global orthodontics market with a company that’s been gaining market share for years,” said a spokesperson for Henry Schein. “We will leverage Ortho Technology’s aesthetic brackets and its bestin-class direct marketing expertise.” Leaghty says, “Orthodontics is an exciting dental specialty characterized by product innovation and growing global demand. As part of Henry Schein, Ortho Technology has considerably enhanced (its) business prospects and an opportunity to solidify market share gains into the future.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

PDQ Is Pretty Darn Quick & Pretty Darn Good, Too! By Gary Nager OK, so you’re driving along S.R. 56 and decide that you’re hungry, but you’re in something of a hurry. Well, whether drive-through or dine-in, the new PDQ Fresh Tenders, Salads, Sandwiches & Shakes is a fast, fun, attractive place with a delicious (but admittedly, a little bit limited) menu. PDQ, which today has three locations (the other two are in Carrollwood and South Tampa), will grow to seven locations by the year’s end, and the place has a pedigree. It was founded (as “Tenders”) in North Carolina by a new restaurant company created by Outback co-founder Bob Basham. But, PDQ isn’t about impressing you with history lessons, it’s about trying to get you to come back for its

food, service and high-energy atmosphere. The menu includes plump, freshly fried tenders (served with amazing sauces; more on them below), grilled and “crispy” chicken and turkey sandwiches, hand-tossed salads with unique (especially for a “fast food” place) dressings, fresh-cut fries, freshly made cole slaw, fresh apple slices with a decadent toffee dip, amazing handspun shakes in a variety of delish flavors and the coolest fountain sodas in the biz. And that’s it. In other words, if you’re not up for a salad, sandwich or fried tenders, you need to take your business elsewhere. But, if you’re looking for a unique take on fresh poultry, here are a few of my favorite items on the menu. In my opinion, the fried tenders are better than Publix’s and the crispy chicken sandwiches are better than Chick-filA’s... and I really love Chick-fil-A sandwiches, too. I just think the chicken itself is superior. The grilled chicken salad, grilled chicken and turkey sandwiches also are served fresh, hot and tasty, and all of PDQ’s entrée items

taste even better to me with either the zesty “Sweet Heat” or creamy garlic dipping sauces. The creamy garlic also is an outstanding salad dressing, although I do love PDQ’s Caesar dressing and I’ve heard many customers asking for both the unique blueberry vinaigrette and low-fat “Fiesta” dressings, too. The fresh-cut, skinon fries are crispy (but not overly crisp) pefection (but diet-deadly) and the homemade fresh cole slaw has a little spice and a lot less mayo than most I’ve tasted. Yum. The hand-spun shakes are utterly delicious, but definitely not on the diet for those trying to watch their weight (like yours truly). Instead of the shakes, I have enjoyed both the regular and diet Cheerwine, which is a tasty, 95year-old cherry soda bottled in The (clockwise from top) fresh tenders and North Carolina, and especially, the fresh-cut fries, grilled turkey sandwich with amazing, 100-option soda machine creamy garlic sauce and grilled chicken which allows me to fill my drink salad with blueberry vinaigrette dressing are with all the ice I want and cover it all worth trying at PDQ on S.R. 56. with my favorite 75-percent diet and 25-percent regular Barq’s truly unique dining concept that’s pervanilla root beer, but you can opt for fect for families — kids and their parany combination of any other Cocaents love the food — and there’s even a Cola product. nice outdoor seating area with misters Wesley Chapel PDQ manager Eric to keep you cool. Knott and his enthusiastic team (they PDQ (27757 S.R. 56) is open will even come to you in the parking every day at 11 a.m. and until 10 lot and walk you under an umbrella if p.m. Sun.-Thur., and until 11 p.m. it’s raining and you don’t have one) of on Fri. & Sat. For info, call 528more than 70 invite you to check out a 8770 or visit EatPDQ.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

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Join OrthoTechnology’s Winning Team! Ortho Technology, a medical supply distributor located in New Tampa, is seeking talented energetic candidates for the following positions: Distribution Associates - Small parts pick/pack/ship experience preferred. Strong attention to detail, computer skills, ability to stand/walk for entire shift & lift up to 50 pounds required. We provide a great work environment, excellent benefits package and growth potential. Submit resumes to careers@orthotechnology.com. Visit our website at www.orthotechnology.com for additional information and other job opportunities. We provide a great work environment and excellent benefits package. PHYSICAL THERAPIST – An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide customized, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080 HELP WANTED - Medical Billing Personnel, part-time, flexible hours, Local PT Clinic. Fax resume to 813-994-3080. HAIRSTYLISTS & NAIL TECHNICIANS NEEDED! - Paris Hair, the New Look, a beautiful free-standing Salon & Spa in the heart of Temple Terrace. With an extremely professional team, we are a thriving business! We offer a relaxed atmosphere, excellent customer service, and we're ready to increase our staff! Hairstylists & Nail technicians needed! For more information, Contact: Alexander Jasmine at (813) 985-3343 or online at parishairthenewlook.@hotmail.com

FITNESS &WELLBEING TAI CHI CLASSES - Open to the public at the Club Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus and reduced stress. New Beginner 6 week courses starting every few month’s adults Thur. evening’s 7-8 pm and seniors Wed. 2:30-3:30 space is limited. Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo Karate, Boot Camp Fitness Training and more. With more than 31 years of training and teaching experience. Please contact me for more details or go to: chuan-fa.org Peter 787-7560 or e-mail peter@chuan-fa.org LICENSED MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPIST Available seven days a week, 9am -9pm. $55 for 1 hour! Types of massage available: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stone, Corporate Seated, Pregnancy, Sports & Injury Rehab. References available. www.barkdollmassagetherapy.com CALL 727-372-6389 Lic #MA47546. PROFESSIONAL TENNIS LESSONS Recently relocated USPTA/PTR teaching professional available for private/group/team tennis lessons. Former Head Tennis Professional at the #2 and #3 Tennis Resorts in the U.S. Past coach of former #1 singles player at the University of Florida. Call Steve Brady at 843-422-3993 or email sbrady@hargray.com

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DRY WALL SPECIALIST - Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. Wesley Chapel resident. State Certified. Call Ron for free estimate (813) 784-5999 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, removals, pressure washing, wood restoration & more. Call Dale’s Home Maintenance @ 973-0194 or 727-2582. 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, clean & seal pavers, roofing leaks, etc. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free Estimates. Your Neighborhoond Arbor Greene Resident. We work 7 days. Call 994-5124. DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional and personal touch. - Pool decks and screen enclosures - All fencing/ driveways and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and insured. 813-215-1177 FLORIDA'S TRU-PROFESSIONALS: Certified professionals who specialize in roof repairs/installation, remodeling, repairing, flooring needs, construction clean-up (excavation, demolition, xeriscaping designs, & scaffolding), lawn maintenance (sodding, plant removal/installation, rock gardens, irrigation, tree removal/installation), and professional, residential, and commercial cleaning. For more information, contact (813) 444-5455 or (813) 516-2008.

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FIND YOUR DREAM HOME FROM YOUR CELL PHONE! - Wish you could see home details while you are driving around looking at homes? NOW YOU CAN! With Team Bohannon's Mobile MLS Search application, you can search for any home in the area on your cell phone. Check out price, beds/baths, details, maps, even photos – all from the convenience of your cell phone. SEARCH PROPERTIES WHENEVER AND WHEREVER YOU WANT! GET IT NOW - Text: MLS4YOU to: 87778 Compliments of Doug, Annette and Dale Bohannon Coldwell Banker 813-979-4963 FOR RENT - 24' X 12' Office Space. In a busteling Organic Spa Group w/ 5 busy professionals, all active in the community, who offer: organic hair color, facials, nails, weight management and personal training as well as European Massage therapy. Ready made clientele waiting for you to join us! Perfect for Accupunturist, life coach, therapist, small boutique, wig salon, artist, small florist, bridal, etc. Available immediately. Please contact Star at 813.973.8787.

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TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE - New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa’s #1 Choice!! New customer’s ONE MONTH FREE! Call Chris Today @ (813) 857-5400 or visitTranquilityPoolService.com KJ POOL SERVICE – Enjoy Your Pool, While We Maintain It. Servicing pools for over 6 years. First Month Free, Plus Free Evaluation & Quote. Owner & Operator. LICENSE, BONDED & INSURED. Office:(813)909-9466 Cell:(813) 748-9817 kjpoolservice@yahoo.com. Visit our website @ kjpoolonline.com AQUATEC POOL SERVICE - keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call 813-780-8616 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FOR FREE. www.aquatecpool.com

M I S C E L L A N E O U S

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. DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, installation, networking & virus removal. WE COME TO YOU! Servicing residential and businesses, with over 25 years experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at 813.973.4507 today! www.WSICA.COM; Wsica@wsica.com

SPRINGER STORAGE: RV & Boat Storage Port Richey, FL Starting at $35.00 mo. Pay first two months, 3rd month free. 24 hour access & 24 hour monitoring. Call to reserve your spot. 813-8331191. CAR SERVICES – Don’t Have a Ride? Don’t Want to Leave Your Car? Shouldn’t Drive? We Drive You and Your Car Home! Night Clubs, Corporate Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or Stranded... Call Jay at (813) 966-1530.

Get your listing printed Call 813-910-2575!

JASMINE’S LANDSCAPING - Complete lawn maintenance, Tree, palm and hedge trimming, Planting, mulching, stones, Sod replacement, Pressure washing, Gutter cleaning and more. Cited by your HOA for violations? Need to comply for: Pressure washing, Trimming, Mulching, Sod replacement, Sprinkler repair or Mailbox repair or replacements?Ask about our HOA SPECIAL! FREE ESTIMATE! 813.420.4465 LAWN CARE - We Specialize in Residential Lawn & Landscape Maintenance! Landscaping, Mulching, Clean-ups, Palm/Tree Trimming & Sprinkler Repair also available. Owner Operated over 17 years. Call us today for Reliable Service for everything that grows @ your property 813-973-3825 or visit: ntlcpropertymaintenance.com

TURN YOUR CLUTTER INTO CASH Garage & estate sales, inventory liquidation,& appraisal services. We'll sell it for you online! We evaluate & appraise your products, you get top dollar. Call Mary: 813-428-5793.

CLEANING SERVICES D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE - We have our own supplies & more than 200 clients in New Tampa! For more information, Call 758-9710. M.Y. CLEANING SERVICE - Offering Residential cleaning. We offer complete bath & kitchen cleaning, as well as dusting and polishing furniture. We provide our own supplies. Free estimates! Your satisfaction is our priority! With 5 years of experience, we guarantee meticulous cleaning! Call Mila: (813) 516-3554.

TAMPA CAT LADY- Professional Cat-Sitting Service." Cats are happiest 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. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449 or visit us at www.TampaCatLady.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 18 • August 25, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com