New Tampa Neighbohood News Issue 23-12 by Neighborhood News

Volume 20 Issue 23

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November 3, 2012

See page 52!

The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993! THIS INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWS MAGAZINE IS DIRECTLY MAILED TO: NEW TAMPA: Arbor Greene • Cory Lake Isles • Cross Creek • Easton Park • Grand Hampton • Heritage Isles • Hunter’s Green • Hunter’s Key • K-Bar Ranch • Lake Forest • Live Oak Preserve • Pebble Creek • Richmond Place • Tampa Palms • The Hammocks • West Meadows 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 • The Lakes at Northwood • The Villages of Wesley Chapel • Wesley Pointe • Westbrook Estates • Williamsburg

Four Years After Hazing Death, Kowiak Family Raises Awareness In D.C. By Matt Wiley It’s been four years since the sudden, tragic death of New Tampa resident Harrison Kowiak, but his family continues to fight to end “hazing,” which they know to be the cause of Harrison’s death — and the deaths of numerous other college students over the years. Harrison’s mother and sister recently brought their battle to Washington, D.C., to support legislation to help end hazing in fraternities nationwide, if possible. Harrison, a 2007 Wharton High grad, was attending college on an academic and golf scholarship at LenoirRhyne University in Hickory, NC, in 2008. A member of the school’s golf team and a Theta Chi pledge, Harrison was hoping to become a brother in the fraternity. Instead of granting him entry into the fraternity, however, Harrison’s initiation activities ended up taking his life. “In North Carolina, there are no laws that consider hazing a felony,” says Lianne Kowiak, Harrison’s mother of her son’s death. “The hazing was considered a misdemeanor.” U.S. Representative Frederica Wil-

son (D-FL), who introduced the “Halting Hazing Act of 2012” to Congress, could change that, if her bill beomes law. Harrison’s 14-year-old sister Emma and Lianne traveled to our nation’s capital in September to support the new legislation. “I got a call just after Labor Day, inviting us to the press conference to announce the introduction of the bill,” says Lianne. The conference was held at the U.S. Capitol building on September 22 (see photo). Also in attendance were the parents of Robert Champion, Jr., the Florida A & M University drummer who also was killed in a hazing accident in 2011. Lianne says that the two families met and shared their stories. Wilson’s bill, if passed, would deny federal financial aid to students who are punished by colleges or states for committing acts that are determined to be forms of hazing. If passed, the bill also will punish states that do not enact anti-hazing laws, by denying federal transportation funding. Lianne also sat in on a panel discussion about the bill during the 42nd annual Legislative Conference, in

which several national fraternities and sororities, students and universities were in attendance, as was the Rev. Al Sharpton, who served as the moderator for the hazing panel “The fraternities and sororities that were there The famil of Harrison Kowiak (left) took part in the were very supportive,” says press conference to announce Rep. Frederica Wilson’s Lianne. “They recognize “Halting Hazing Act of 2012” in Washington, D.C. the issue and realize changes need to occur.” doing follow-up discussions with the Since Harrison’s death on same class this year, as those students November 17, 2008, the surviving prepare to go on to their respective members of this Arbor Greene family colleges. She also addressed a group of have been doing all that they can to Wharton students in May of this year. try to prevent dangerous hazing activi“I try to tell them to just be ties from taking place by raising aware- aware of what’s going on around them ness in local high schools, specifically when they get to college,” Lianne Carrollwood Day School on W. Bearss explains. “There is a lot of peer presAve., where Emma is a freshman. sure when students want to join Greek To help warn students of the dan- or other on-campus organizations. I gers of hazing, Lianne spoke to the want the students to know that if hazclass of 2012 at CDS twice during the ing is occurring, they can get help, and 2011-12 school year, and will be See “Hazing” on page 15.

Know What You’re Voting For In November: Florida’s Amendments Deciphered

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Commerce Park Blvd. Construciton Begins, ‘Saturday Night Lights’ Scores, ‘Night Out’ ‘Half-Baked’ Sale At Wharton, High School Keeps Crime Out Of New Tampa, Rotary’s Basketball Preview, Lots Of Local Business ‘Wild West Casino Night’ Plays The Odds & Features & More! Your Chance To Win FREE Dining!

Pages 1-42

Pages 43-60

ECRWSS

NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION UPDATES

races that were not decided in the August primary, including Hillsborough County Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections and countywide District 6 County Commissioner. For a look at each Amendment as they will appear on the ballot, in a language that is a little easier to understand, and other election info, we hope you’ll check out page 3 and our ‘Amendement Explanations’ at NTNeighborhoodNews.com.

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Also Inside This Issue!

it really is important to know what checking “Yes” or “No” really means when it comes to these proposed Constitutional amendments. However, on the actual ballot, many of the “definitions” of these amendments are long and difficult to decipher without prior experience actually writing legislation or at least having graduated from law school. Considering the speed in which voting is expected to take place on Election Day, it’s going to be tough to have a firm grasp of what each amendment will mean to you before you cast your ballot. This year’s General Election also will bear the names of all of those running for local, state and federal office

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

As the Tuesday, November 6, Presidential Election approaches, registered voters in New Tampa have a lot to decide. In addition to voting again for U.S. President, a U.S. Senator and

several other major local offices, there also are, according to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office (HCSEO), eleven proposed amendments to Florida’s Constitution that also will be in front of our local voters when they enter the voting booth, and

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Matt Wiley

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Editorial — My Take On The Election & Florida’s Amendments by Gary Nager As I do every presidential election season, I watch and pay close attention to all of the candidate debates before making my choice of who I’d like to see (and endorse here to) become the next U.S. President — and there’s no doubt that the three presidential debates between former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama, as well as the vice-presidential jousting match between current V.P. Joe Biden and Congressman/candidate Paul Ryan have given me a lot of food for thought. As a registered Republican who endorsed and voted for Pres. Obama in 2008, one thing I can say is that whichever man wins our nation’s top office, I believe our country will be in capable hands. I thought before the debates that Gov. Romney was going to be well “prepared” by a team of coaches and would make a good showing, despite some of his “missteps” (e.g., the “47 percent” thing) just prior to the first set-to, but what I have seen instead is a man who is living and breathing his “material,” a man who can think on his feet and who truly has the courage of his convictions, even though I don’t agree with all of his plans for our country. Particularly impressive to me, as both a newspaper columnist who is used to having opposing viewpoints slapping me in the face all the time and as a former seasoned debater, was when first debate moderator Jim Lehrer multiple times interrupted the former head of Bain Capital — in the middle of Romney’s response, mind you — and asked him an

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Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Assistant Editor / Photographer Matt Wiley Correspondent Camille Gillies Advertising Customer Service Manager Nikki Bennett Marketing Director Ashley Knoblach Senior Graphic Designer Porsha Lamos Advertising Sales Rep Taylor Gardner Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 20, Issue 23, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, November 19, 2012. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa 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.

entirely different question. Instead of, like most debaters, asking if he could finish answering the initial question first and then take some time to consider the new question, Romney showed an uncanny ability to jump immediately into answering the new question and then going back to answering the original, without ever losing his train of thought. All I can say is that no amount of “prepping” can possibly get you to be that comfortable with your information. You either know your stuff or you don’t and Romney clearly does. Whether or not I agree with everything he says isn’t the issue — I certainly don’t agree with everything Pres. Obama says and does either — I just want to know, whether the candidate I endorse/vote for wins or not, that our country will be run by someone who is smart and not afraid to surround himself with other capable people. I never really felt that way with Sen. John McCain four years ago...and felt even less so after McCain chose former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate. I also, however, was a lot more impressed with V.P. Biden in the debate against Rep. Ryan than I had been in years. Biden, always known for his malaprop-filled speech, was sharp, prepared and much more aggressive than Pres. Obama was in the first debate against Romney, even though that “aggressiveness” also, to me, made him come off as trying to bully his opponent into not being to get out his own answers. Biden continually interrupted Ryan as the latter was trying to answer questions, which may have won the VP some points with some voters for being a “bulldog,” but surely didn’t win him points with the rest of us who really wanted to

understand what his opposing views to Ryan’s were. The V.P. continually talked over Ryan in order to keep the Congressman from being able to defend his position. Ryan also was somewhat argumentative, but I believe the “fault” clearly lied with moderator Martha Raddatz, who didn’t do enough to remain in control of the situation (at least, in my opinion), and I believe the losers were all of those undecided voters who have to actually hear an argument in order to be persuaded by it. Meanwhile, Pres. Obama clearly was more on his own game, more in control and more “presidential” in the last two debates than he was the first time around, but he continued to lose ground to Rom-

ney in the polls, despite that stronger showing. Why? I believe it’s because so many people are still hurting financially all across this great country of ours and the perception is that Obama hasn’t done enough to try to pull us out of the worst economy since the Great Depression. I also believe that the biggest mistake the current president has made to date in his first four years was pushing through his “Obamacare” legislation before he did everything he could to address the nation’s financial woes. If the President spent his first four years helping small businesses recover before forcing

See “Elections” on page 41.

Table of Contents

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, EDUCATION & SPORTS UPDATES....................Pages 1-42 Commerce Park Blvd. Widening Is Under Way...........................6

New Tampa News Briefs..................................10 Semi Rolls Over Onto Vehicle, Kills Driver Would-Be Freedom Bomber’s Sentencing Delayed Students Arrested For ‘Half-Baked’ Sale At Wharton ‘Outback Plaza’ Property For Sale On BBD..............................12 Kowiak Family Talks Hazing In D.C. (cont. from page 1)..........15

New Tampa Community Calendar...............16-17 New Tampa Chamber Newsletter......................18

Local Business Updates...........................22-32 Leiva’s Jewelry Has Something For That Someone.........22 Insignia Care For Ob/Gyn Care & Weight Loss.............24 WSICA Will Saves New Tampa’s Computers..................28 New Tampa Realty Has New Tampa Home Sales Covered.....32 Pediatric Dentistry Keeps Kids Smiling...........................36

Sports Updates..............................................40 New Tampa High Schools Get Ready For Basketball......40

Neighborhood Magazine Wesley Chapel Fall Festival Draws Thousands.................43 New Tampa YMCA’s ‘Saturday Night Lights’ Scores!....46 Recapping Rotary’s ‘Wild, Wild West Casino Night’.......47 New Tampa Players Prepare To Perform ‘Pippin’............48 Sophisticates Take Over PrimeBar...................................49 ‘National Night Out’ Keeps Crime Out Of NT...............48 Recapping ‘Arts & Crafts Under The Palms’...................50 Enter Our 2012 Dining Survey & Contest!!!............52 Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Expands Its Presence...............54 Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes...............................56

NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSIFIEDS..............58

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Caution! Widening Of Commerce Park Blvd. In Tampa Palms Is Under Way By Matt Wiley In anticipation of increased traffic at the Commerce Park Blvd. end of the New Tampa Gateway Bridge when it is completed in early 2013 (it will link New Tampa Blvd. in West Meadows to Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms), crews have begun work on the widening of Commerce Park Blvd. The lone roadway to both Liberty Middle School and Freedom High will be widened from two lanes to four lanes, from where it currently dead-ends at the student and staff parking entrance to Freedom to just south of Primrose Lake Circle, says City of Tampa transportation manager Jean Duncan, P.E. The $1.2-million widening of this less-than-one-half-mile stretch will make Commerce Park Blvd. four lanes from the intersection at Tampa Palms Blvd. to where it currently dead ends. “The widening will help traffic tremendously,” says Duncan. “The signal will help students get in and out of the Freedom student parking lot without having to wait for a gap in traffic.” Duncan says that the current morning congestion on the roadway also will be alleviated with the traffic signal and additional lanes. “Right now, the queue to get in and out (of the schools) backs up all

the way down Commerce Park Blvd.,” she explains. “Once the lanes are done and the bridge opens, traffic will be able to flow from both sides and will ease that congestion.” Duncan adds that when the bridge was originally designed, the school complex had not yet been built, so there wasn’t a need for Commerce Park Blvd. to be four lanes all the way down. So far, the number of open lanes has not changed, but drivers should be aware that the traffic pattern could change as construction goes on. The project is expected to be completed by the end of February, around the same time as the Gateway Bridge and the widening of the portion of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. between Palm Springs Blvd. and Pebble Creek Dr. Duncan says that if the Commerce Park Blvd. lanes are done before then, they could open before the bridge. Freedom principal David Sheppard says that he is looking forward to all of the construction being completed, especially the Gateway Bridge. “It’s going to be a community connector,” he says. “It’s going to make it so easy for our West Meadows and Richmond Place families to get their students to school. I think it will make it safer for buses and drivers, since they won’t have to mess with (BBD).”

Widening construction is under way along Commerce Park Blvd., currently the only road that leads to the entrance of both Liberty Middle School and Freedom High.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA Semi Crushes Pickup, Kills Driver Another fatal accident has occurred on I-75 near the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. interchange, this one on October 21, marking the second fatal accident in the busy interstate corridor in less than a month. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), 27-year-old Gregorio Feliz was traveling southbound in the outside lane on I-75 in his 1994 Isuzu pickup truck at around 3:55 a.m. Sunday, south of the BBD interchange. For reasons unknown, he swerved into the center lane, side-swiping a semi truck. The FHP release says that the collision caused the two vehicles to rotate and travel onto the grass shoulder. The semi trailer, driven by 54-year-old Juan Esquivel, rolled onto the pickup truck when it came to rest, crushing Feliz, who sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Esquivel and his passenger, 61year-old Zaragoza William Alvarez, sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. The accident is still under investigation.

Sentencing Delayed For

News Briefs Would-Be Freedom Bomber The would-be Freedom High bomber will not hear his sentence until December, following an appearance in court on October 16. Jared Cano, 18, was supposed to be sentenced when he appeared before Hillsborough Circuit Judge Kimberly Fernandez on October 16. However, after pleading “no contest” to charges of threatening and attempting to discharge an explosive device at Freedom in August 2011, Cano’s sentencing has been delayed until December 5 and he could face up to 15 years in prison. “He would have been sentenced (October 16), but the court had ordered a pre-disposition (pre-trial) report, and it wasn’t ready yet,” said Cano’s attorney, Norman Cannella, Sr. As previously reported in the New Tampa Neighborhood News, Cano is accused of attempting to set off a bomb at Freedom on the first day of the 2011-12 year, but, due to an anonymous tip from one of Cano’s friends, the Tampa Police Department (TPD) was able to foil the plot. Cano was 17 when he was arrested, but he is being tried as an adult. When TPD raided the apartment,

Cano was living at with his mother in the complex formerly known as Cypress Run at Tampa Palms, they discovered bomb-making materials and a marijuana plant. In addition to the bomb charges, Cano also faces three drug-related charges, for which he has waived his right to appeal and could face up to seven years.

Wharton Students Arrested For ‘Half-Baked’ Sale A bake sale is a classic way to raise money at school, but an apparent “half-baked” sale really draws some attention, especially from the local authorities, as two Wharton High seniors have learned the hard way.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), on October 10, two 17-year-old Wharton seniors were arrested for being in possession of and attempting to sell marijuana-infused desserts at school. Through an apparent anonymous tip, the two students were caught with the baked goods at around 11:30 a.m. HCSO says that student was caught with two individually wrapped pot brownies, while the other was in possession of five individually wrapped pot cookies. Both were arrested and charged with possession and attempted delivery of marijuana on school grounds. We have not released their names because of their ages. — MW

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Real Estate Still For Sale Along BBD At Former ‘Outback Plaza’ Site By Matt Wiley Some prime real estate is up for grabs on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel between Aronwood Blvd. in Meadow Pointe and Williamsburg Dr. What was once planned to be a proposed “Outback Plaza” featuring two or three possible restaurant concepts owned by Bloomin’ The “Former Outback Parcel” (in gray), and three other Brands (aka Outback’s sites on BBD in front of Meadow Pointe are all for sale. parent company)is up for Walter Dickinson of Tampa Bay, Inc. sale, as are three additional parcels (see map) in this prime location situated less “The site has lots of opportunities and than a mile south of the Shops at Wire- there has been a lot of interest shown in (the property).” grass mall and two miles south of the The Outback site, which already new Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel has been approved for a development (see page 4). of up to 25,000 sq. ft., is part of a largThe 2.38-acre former proposed “Outback Plaza” property is being sold er 17-acre site, which has several parcels available. The property sold by by Walter Dickinson of Tampa Bay, Bloomin’ Brands’ predecessor already Inc., on behalf of Hoffman Ventures, has the infrastructure and site work Inc., the company that purchased the property from Outback’s former parent done for a 12,000-sq.-ft. building, which was originally going to be either company, OSI Holdings, Inc., in Janua Cheeseburger In Paradise, Carrabba’s ary of 2012. Italian Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steak“We are currently in multiple dishouse & Wine Bar or Roy’s Hawaiian cussions with several national compaCuisine. However, without Outback’s nies,” says Ed Dickinson, the owner of

involvement, Dickinson says there are not yet any plans for any specific uses for the property. Ocean Bleu Group, a Tampabased commercial real estate firm, owns roughly 12 of the remaining acres, divided into three parcels which wrap around the Dickinson property. “We’ve purchased that site,” says Bryan Schultz, of Ocean Bleu Group. “We’re looking to either sell the land or develop it. We’re open to whatever might come up.” The three parcels Ocean Bleu owns are broken down into 1.7 acres, 0.95 acres and 9.22 acres, respectively, and the two smaller

parcels both feature frontage on BBD, as does the Dickinson property. Dickinson says that a right turn in and out of the site onto BBD is currently being negotiated with Pasco County officials, but nothing has yet been finalized. He notes that direct access to BBD would be a major selling point for the land. Bloomin’ Brands representatives declined to comment on the property sale at our press time. For more information about these commercial sites, call Ed Dickinson at 979-3522 or Bryan Schultz at 760-2621.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Kowiak” Continued from page 1 to not be just another bystander.” Since Harrison’s death, the family filed suit against the national Theta Chi fraternity, including the LenoirRhyne chapter and several of its members, as well as the university. The suit was settled out of court in August. Lianne Kowiak appearing at a panel discussion Lianne says that the settlement funds will go towards educating stu- about hazing moderated by the Rev. Al Sharpton. dents and parents about the dangers tions experience hazing, and, since of hazing, which Lianne has already February of 2010 (almost two years begun by purchasing more than 1,000 after Harrison’s death) alone, 96 stubrochures from HazingPrevention. dents have died as a result of hazing. org to hand out when she speaks at Just within the past several weeks, schools. She also was planning to paranother hazing-related death was ticipate in a hazing panel discussion reported at Fresno State University in and address students at Cornell UniCalifornia, due to “acute intoxication.” versity in Ithaca, NY, on October 30. The fraternity the student was pledgIn addition, the Kowiaks have puring just happened to be Theta Chi, chased three benches for Wharton’s another chapter of the same fraternity memorial garden, in which Emma has Harrison was rushing. painted three leaves on the garden’s For more info about preventing wall in her brother’s memory. college and high school hazing, visit “It’s a parent’s worst nightmare HazingPrevention.org and Stopto wake up to that phone call about Hazing.org. If you have a child their child,” she explains. “As a mom, starting college soon, or one that I feel the need to raise as much aware- already is enrolled, it’s important to ness as possible. It’s the only way this check if any hazing or dangerous issue will get into the spotlight.” activities have occurred, or have According to HazingPrevention. been reported, at that university. If org, 55 percent of college students you know of hazing occurring, say involved in clubs, teams and organizasomething!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Community Calendar

MOMS Club New Tampa

The MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of New Tampa is currently open to new members in the New Tampa area. The MOMS Club offers a variety of daytime activities of mothers and their children, opportunities for Mom’s Night Out and many more benefits. For more information, or to join the club, email MOMsClubNewTampa _southeast@yahoo.com.

Fisher House Golf Classic

Sunday, November 4, 11:30 a.m. - The 2012 Tampa Fisher House Golf Classic will be held at Heritage Isles Country Club, located off Cross Creek Blvd. All net proceeds from this year’s tourney will again be donated to the Tampa Fisher House, the nonprofit (501 [c][3]) residence that houses the families of the wounded soldiers at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (south of E. Fletcher Ave.). The Fisher House depends upon volunteers and voluntary support to enhance its operations and programs. The financial support from this tournament will provide numerous products and services for the family members visiting the Fisher House. For more info, please call Valerie Casey at 317-8886 or Barry Shuman at (516) 523-2678.

‘WeWork’ At Lifepoint

Monday, November 5, 7 p.m. “WeWork,” which meets Mondays at Lifepoint Church (on BBD, in front of Hunter’s Green), is designed to help you search for jobs, improve interview skills, write a resume, negotiate a job offer, improve your attitude, develop networking skills or discover your gifts. For more info, call 907-9818, or visit LifePoint.tv/WeWork.

New Tampa Tri Club

Tuesday, November 6, 7:30 a.m. A new local club has formed for the fitness-minded. Membership is open to runners, swimmers, cyclists and triathletes across the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. All members receive club benefits, including a training schedule, group support, seminars and socials. The club hosts group bike rides/runs at the Morris Bridge Rd. entrance to Flatwoods Wilderness Park every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 a.m., and a group run from Kona Multisport (previously, the “Ironman Store,” in the same plaza as Sweetbay & LA Fitness at BBD/County Line Rd.), at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. For more information, join the Facebook group or e-mail NewTampa TriClub@gmail.com.

BNI Millionaire Makers

Wednesday, November 7, 7:15 a.m. - The BNI Millionaire Makers chapter meets every Wednesday morning at

Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr., off Bruce B. Downs [BBD] Blvd.). The $13 meeting fee includes a hot breakfast. Contact Lisa Jordan at 621-6015 for details.

Business Networking Int’l

Wednesday, November 7, 7:30 a.m. - BNI, a group of business professionals dedicated to helping their respective businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday morning at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr., off Morris Bridge Rd.). For more information, call Jal Irani at 451-8229.

New Tampa Noon Rotary

Wednesday, November 7, noon The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wed. for lunch at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). Guests are always welcome.

New Tampa Eve. Rotary

Wednesday, November 7, 6:15 p.m. - The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at Hunter’s Green Country Club. New members are always welcome. For info, call Liz DeAmbrose at 956-6487 or email homenet@gte.net.

Tampa Toastmasters

Wednesday, November 7, 7 p.m. Great speeches & great topics. Come hone your public speaking skills. Tampa Toastmasters meets every Wednesday at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.) New guests always welcome.

For more info, call 428-6356.

Free ESL Classes

Thursday, November 8, 10:30 a.m. - A FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) class is meeting at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church (19911 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) on Thursday mornings. Activities for school-aged children also are provided during these classes, which are taught by a native English speaker using several ESL and Bible study resources. There is no charge to attend. The classes also discuss American culture and English idioms and slang. Come practice your conversational English and make new friends in a fun and relaxed environment! For more information, call the church office at 973-2484.

Northeast Tampa Women In Business Meeting

Thursday, November 8, 6 p.m. The Northeast Tampa Women in Business group meets the second Thursday of each month at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). This month’s speaker is Sydney Alexander, founder of Basic Black Collection, a dress boutique in the Shops at Wiregrass. For more information, visit NETWIB.org or call 364-2174.

Food Addicts In Recovery

Thursday, November 8, 7 p.m. Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Are you underweight or overweight or obsessed with weight or dieting? You are not alone. Food Addicts

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in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a support group without any dues, fees or weigh-ins and is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experiences and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. FA meets at Florida Hospital Tampa (on BBD) in the Camelot A room. For more info, visit FoodAddicts. org or call Roz at 355-4197.

CBC Networking

Thursday, November 8, 7:45 p.m. - Come together with like-minded professionals at the Christian Business Connections (CBC) Networking group, which meets every Thursday at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (located at 5338 Primrose Lake Cir., near Freedom High/Liberty M.S. in Tampa Palms). Call Annete Faurote at 407-9225 for more information.

ting contest. Proceeds will benefit the Protential Sports Kids Foundation, the B.E.S.T. Program and the Richard Kerr Foundation. Entry costs are $75 for one golfer or $150 for two and multiple sponsorship options are available. For info, please email CoachJulie @ProtentialSports.com.

Run With Pride 5K

Saturday, January 26, 8:30 a.m. Pride Elementary invites the public to take part in the school’s annual 5K run/walk. Entry prices vary from $12 for the “1-Mile Fun Run,” $25 for the 5K or $65 for families to compete in either or both events. Entry fee includes a t-shirt, breakfast and lots of fun! For info, please email Kim Francis at Kim.Francis@PridePTA.org.

New Tampa Rotary

Friday, November 9, 7 a.m. - The New Tampa Rotary club meets at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). Lora M.A. Thompson will be speaking about a psychologist’s perspective of supporting cancer patients and their families. For more info, call Eric Longphee at 202-1105.

ProTential Scramble

Friday, November 16, 9 a.m. Protential Sports presents its inaugural charity golf tournament, which will be a four-person scramble and feature a longest drive, closest to the pin and put-

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New Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 15310 Amberly Dr., Suite 250 Tampa, FL 33647 Information: (813) 293-2464 Fax: (813) 388-4408

Website: NewTampaChamber.Org

2011-12 Board of Directors President-Regina Ramalheira

Board Members: VP-Neil Heird Treas-Karen Hilton Secy-John Lore

‘Working To Improve The Quality Of Life In New Tampa!’

Non-Officers: Rachel Haviland Mark Lange Earl Meyer

Executive Assistant: Jayne Baker

Chamber Newsletter To Feature Board Members; Publisher Speaks & More Introducing The New Tampa Chamber Board Of Directors & Staff! New Tampa Chamber president Regina Ramalheira wants to introduce the New Tampa community to the people who donate their time and energy to help make the Chamber an important contributor to life in our area. To that end, we are going to run a short bio of the Chamber’s seven current Board members — and of executive assistant Jayne Baker — one or two at at time in each upcoming issue of the Chamber newsletter that appears in each issue of New Tampa Neighborhood News. In addition, all eight profiles will be posted on the Chamber’s website — NewTampaChamber.org — by the time this issue reaches your mailbox. We don’t have room for all nine bios in this space, but rest assured, all eight will run over the new two or three issues. Please visit NewTampaChamber. org or call the Chamber’s executive assistant Jayne Baker at 293-2464 or 2012-13 president Regina Ramalheira at 245-8893 for more information about the Chamber.

Regina Ramalheira, Chamber President

Regina Ramalheira became a resident of New Tampa in 1981. At the time she was the District Sales Manager of the popular The Limited stores. In 1996, Regina became an active

Board member of the New Tampa Community Council and she soon became the “Volunteer Coordinator” for the annual “Taste of New Tampa.” For more than Regina a decade, she has manRamalheira aged approximately 350 local youths and thier families to do all of the behind-the-scenes tasks to make the Taste a success. Regina remained on the Board when the Community Council evolved into the New Tampa Chamber in ‘09. Her full time career is now as a Broker Associate & Realtor at ReMax First In Real Estate (17010 Palm Pointe Dr. in Tampa Palms). Regina has been married to Richard Crate for 23 years and has one grandchild, Jacob Crate. With her years of living, working and serving New Tampa, Regina knows New Tampa and would love to get to know you — and any real estate needs you may have, too. For info, call Regina at 245-8893.

Jayne Baker, Chamber Executive Assistant

Jayne Baker is a Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP) with an extensive background in Organic Nutrition and Enzyme Therapy. Focusing on supporting the digestive system and ph balancing the body, Jayne has helped her clients achieve their goals while arming them with the knowledge they need to

maintain a healthy lifestyle. As someone who struggled with a weight problem herself, and having lost more than 70 lbs., Jayne’s compassion for people in similar situations Jayne Baker is in part what makes her so successful. Jayne also is the owner of “Galleries ByJayne.com,” which features her many unique photos, and has had considerable proficiency and years of experience in the merchant services industry. For more info about Jayne’s nutritional or merchant services, see the ad on page 13 or call her at 4828881. Jayne also is who will return your call when you call the Chamber hotline at 293-2464.

Thanks, Gary & Neil!

When scheduled feature speaker Stephen Hayes of Tampa Bay & Co. couldn’t make it to the New Tampa Chamber luncheon on October 9 at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News publisher & editor Gary Nager agreed to step in as a substitute speaker. He provided an informative update on the continuing development of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Also speaking at the meeting was Chamber VP Neil Heird, who provided an update on the Chamber’s new and improved website — NewTampaChamber.org. Check it out!

Mark Your Calendars!

Monday, November 12 - Chamber luncheon at Hunter’s Green Country Club, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. We are excited to have Kay Van Der Vaart, Director of Health & Wellness at the new Florida Hospital of Wesley Chapel. Since it is the holiday season, Kay’s topic will be “Maintain; Don’t Gain.” We are looking for up to four noncompeting sponsors at $100 each for this luncheon. Sponsorship allows you to set up a business booth in one of the four corners of the room to display, advertise, promote and sell your products/services. Lunch costs $20. Please register by Friday, November 9, 3 p.m., at NewTampaChamber.org! Monday, December 3 - All New Tampa Chamber members are invited to attend the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and Tampa Bay & Co.’s annual joint holiday business networking event at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa (5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.). Visit NewTampaChamber.org to register by 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30!

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Make Someone Special Happy With A Gift From The New Leiva’s Jewelry By Camille Gillies If you’re looking to put smiles on your loved ones’ faces, whether for the holidays, on their next birthday, anniversary or “just because,” look no further than Leiva’s Jewelry, a new addition to the stores in the New Tampa Center, the Publix-anchored shopping plaza located at the corner of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) and New Tampa Blvds. The father-and-son team of Transito and Jonathan Leiva (pronounced LAY-Vah) opened the store a month ago and are busy stocking the display cases with show-stopping designs and precious gems. A master jeweler with more than 40 years of experience, Transito (known to his long-time customers as simply Leiva) specializes in creating custom pieces and repairing all types of jewelry. Although he has been a jeweler in Tampa for 26 years, this is the first time he has launched a storefront business of his own. “We are excited to be at this location,” says Transito, in the Spanish accent he acquired while growing up in Nicaragua. “It is a very busy area and it already has worked out well for us -the landlord wanted a jewelry store for this center and we wanted to be here.”

Jonathan believes the New Tampa locale is advantageous for Leiva’s new business because it’s one of the fastestgrowing areas in the region, and he reports that the new Leiva’s Jewelry is already getting an enthusiastic response from the community. “People told us we were crazy to open in this economy and around the (presidential) election, but it doesn’t seem to be affecting us,” Jonathan says. “My father has a large clientele in the area. People trust him; he is all about customer service.” Walk into the store and you’ll see a photo of Transito with client and former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, and Transito will tell you he is pleased to design pins for USF and to have USF President Judy Genshaft as a client. Since some customers drop off thousands of dollars worth of valuables, Jonathan says trust is a serious consideration when choosing a jeweler. Interestingly, trustworthiness is the trait that got Transito involved in the jewelry industry in the first place. When he came to America from Nicaragua 46 years ago, Transito worked as a janitor in a factory on W. 47th St., in New York City’s famed “Diamond District.” While cleaning, he says he often found

gold and other valuable items and immediately turned them in. The owner of the business was always impressed by Transito’s honesty. “He told me, ‘In this business, you have to be an honest man,’ and he began teaching me the trade,” Transito explains. “I started out making 75 cents an hour, but I ended up actually running the company.” After five years, Transito opened his own business while continuing to work at the diamond factory. Tiffany & Co. and Jonathan (left) and Transito Leiva are the fatherother high-end jewelers would and-son team at the new Leiva’s Jewelry in the often send jobs to him. New Tampa Center plaza on BBD. After spending 16 cold winwanted to help someone from my ters commuting from the Bronx to country,” relates Transito, who also has Manhattan, he decided to move to Florida to raise his family. Jonathan and spent a dozen years doing missionary one of his sisters are in the jewelry busi- work in Nicaragua. He visits the country four times a year and, on behalf of ness, while another is a hair stylist, and City Life Church in Tampa, works to the youngest, well, she is not in the help impoverished communities in his business of making or selling jewelry native country. but is at an age when she might want Jonathan, who manages and coto play with it! owns Leiva’s, and his wife, Lauren, That’s because Transito and his have a five-year-old son named Elijah. wife, Angela, 38, last summer adopted Jonathan became involved in the jewela two-year-old child from Nicaragua. ry business approximately six years ago They named her Angelina after actress and describes himself as his father’s and humanitarian Angelina Jolie. apprentice. “It was always in my heart that I

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If you’re looking for uniquely beautiful customdesigned rings, earrings, necklaces or bracelets, visit Leiva’s Jewelry in the New Tampa Center.

Together, they welcome you to stop in and browse Leiva’s own amazing designs of rings, necklaces, earrings and pendants, which he crafts primarily using gold and silver. The store also features jewelry by Colore, Design by Yagi, Reactor and G-Shock watches, and engagement ring settings by various New York distributors. Gems found at the store include sapphires, pearls, rubies, emeralds and diamonds. If you have a design in mind and would like a piece custom made, simply bring in a photo or describe your dream creation. Transito can complete most pieces in two weeks’ time. You might want to get a jump on purchas-

line of beautiful bridal jewelry. “Whether people are looking for engagement or wedding rings, or choosing a new setting, we have many designs to choose from,” Jonathan says. Because jewelry is such a personal gift, Transito stresses the importance of getting to know his customers. “I am in this business because I like people,” he says. And people like the Leivas, too. South Tampa resident Jim Mutascio met Leiva and Jonathan six years ago when he lived in New Tampa. Now Jim travels here to visit the master jeweler. “It’s worth the trip for anybody,” Jim raves. “He is the best jeweler I've

found in the area.” He has purchased custom-designed gifts for his wife, daughter, son and grandchildren. “They come out unbelievable!,” he says. The workmanship is fantastic. And (Transito) is just very eager to please." With the number of customers who have followed this master jeweler around Tampa, it’s evident that the Leivas make their clients happy. For additional information, stop in and visit Leiva’s Jewelry at 19020 BBD Blvd. in the New Tampa Center shopping plaza the next time you go shopping at Publix. You also can visit Facebook.com/LeivasJewelry, or give the store a call at 972-0417.

ing a holiday gift by visiting soon and avoiding the Christmas rush. While you’re there, take advantage of the opportunity to drop off the broken necklace and watch that have been sitting in your jewelry box forever because you haven’t gotten around to having them fixed (you know who you are). Leiva’s Jewelry does repairs as well as installs new watch batteries. Most repairs have a 24-hour turnaround. If your Rolex watch needs to be repaired, Leiva’s will take care of sending it to an authorized Rolex jeweler, ensuring the use of only Rolex parts. For couples getting ready to tie the knot, Leiva’s also offers a complete

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Insignia Care For Women Has Offices In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel By Camille Gillies Health insurance may have become more of a headache over the years, but the care you can receive at your physician’s office is more advanced than ever. A prime example can be found at Insignia Care for Women, a medical group that has three offices — New Tampa, South Tampa and Wesley Chapel — and specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. The practice’s eight Board-certified physicians are now able to perform in-office surgeries, as well as offer laboratory services, ultrasound technology and weight loss counseling, all within their walls. Insignia’s main office, located at 3268 Cove Bend Dr., near the intersection of Bearss Ave. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (behind Cracker Barrel), is the site of a new surgical wing that the practice launched last month. “We converted an area where we had been conducting research into separate pre-op, post-op and surgery rooms,” says Mandy Stevenson, Insignia’s clinical manager. “We are really pleased to be able to offer this convenience to our patients. Many women prefer to come to their doctor’s office to have a surgery performed rather than go to a hospital or outpa-

Left to Right: Dr. Natasha Gooden, Dr. Steven Greenberg, Dr. Jennifer Irani, Dr. Galen Jones, Dr. Tracey Schwartz-Miller, Dr. William Newton, Dr. Gregory Wilkerson and Dr. James Von Thron of Insignia Care. tient center. It’s a more familiar environment for them.” In the new surgical unit, Insignia's physicians perform procedures such as NovaSure Ablation, which treats heavy menstrual periods by using radio frequency energy to remove the lining of the uterus; Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), which uses a low voltage electrical current to remove abnormal tissues of the cervix; polypectomies or the removal of polyps; biopsies; dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove tissue in the uterus or to diagnose or treat abnormal uterine bleeding; and hysteroscopies, which diagnose and treat abnormal vaginal bleeding. Insignia’s obstetrical (OB) care also is geared toward patient convenience, with patients encouraged to make appointments at any of Insignia’s three offices. For example, someone who lives in Wesley Chapel but who works downtown may want to visit

Insignia’s South Tampa office, and they are welcome to do so. In fact, Stevenson, who also serves as the practice’s OB coordinator, advises patients to meet all eight of the doctors. On a rotating basis, three physicians are typically in the South Tampa and University Area offices while two see patients in Wesley Chapel. An OB coordinator might be a new concept to you, but Stevenson, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), is the first stop for any OB patient. She partners with the patients, reviewing their medical histories and subsequently providing information and guidance to help them throughout their pregnancies. She also is the person who can answer common inquiries and will refer specific medical questions and concerns to the doctors. Pregnancy and sonograms go hand in hand and, with three sonographers on staff, ultrasounds are per-

formed in all three of Insignia’s offices. In fact, Insignia Care was the first group in Tampa to be certified by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). “We recently were certified for the third time,” sonographer Carol Pickersgill states proudly. Pickersgill, who boasts 36 years of experience in the field, points out that the types of sonograms performed at Insignia range from saline to doplar to three- and four-dimensional. “Sonograms are important for seeing inside the uterus, for determining uterine anomalies, neoplasms or tumors, as well as for assisting with amniocentesis or seeing the placement or correct position of an intrauterine device (IUD),” explains Pickersgill, adding that it is more comfortable for the patient to have sonograms conducted in her own doctor’s office and it’s also more immediate. “If the doctor

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suspects a problem, we can work the patient in that same day.”

A Top-Flight Group

At the core of any doctor’s office are the doctors, and these physicians, six of whom trained at USF for their residencies, are all very like-minded in their respective approaches to medicine. “We share a consistency in medical opinion and do things in a similar manner,” says William Newton, M.D., who ran the gynecology program at the USF Medical School for two years and has been practicing in Tampa since 1985. “Because of our training, we are able to provide continuity of care. That’s beneficial when patients see multiple doctors in a practice.” Dr. Newton says the practice devotes half of its time to obstetrics and the other half to gynecology, adding: “We have extensive training and experience in gynecological problems and surgery. Several of us are associate professors at USF, where we occasionally provide resident training, and four (of Insignia’s doctors) are trained in robotic surgery.” The team also conducts clinical research on menopausal therapies, fibroid tumors and endometriosis. You may see the doctors lecturing at public events, such as the recent Focus on Females symposium at the Tampa Convention Center, or walking to support

breast cancer awareness. In addition to participating in large-scale events, Insignia’s staff organizes a successful raffle to benefit breast cancer causes. “Our goal is to improve the quality of care for women, and with our highly educated doctors, in-house lab services, and comprehensive vaccination and screening programs, we aim to make it as convenient as possible for them,” Resnick states. Tampa Palms resident and local attorney Katie Wiltse, 40, credits the doctors at Insignia with saving her life. “I moved here about a year ago from Orlando, where I went to five different physicians to determine if I had a rare form of cancer that runs in my family,” Katie explains, noting that her mother died of the cancer at age 42. “Dr. Miller (Tracey Schwartz-Miller, M.D.) and the Insignia doctors went above and beyond to advocate on my behalf to my insurance company that I needed a specific blood test to determine my predisposition to the cancer. The test revealed that I had an 86 percent lifetime risk of developing it, and I was able to have preventive surgery that I believe saved my life.”

More Than Just Ob/Gyn

Another convenience afforded by Insignia’s comprehensive approach to women’s health is the practice’s wellness and weight loss program.

“We follow Dr. Jay J. Garcia, M.D.’s weight loss program,” says Joseph Resnick, Insignia’s division administrator. “All of our physicians are trained in his program, which promotes proper nutrition and health.” The dietary program created by Dr. Garcia, one of the top weight loss physicians in the Tampa Bay area, can be found at GarciaWeightLoss.com. The program features three phases: • Adjustment, or the weight loss phase, in which you receive a personalized nutrition profile and are given the best diet and medical supplements to optimize your weight loss; • Conversion, or the transition phase, in which you move from weight loss to a program to maintain a healthy weight; and • Maintenance, or the long-term plan, in which you maintain wellness and a healthy lifestyle. Resnick says the program has been a success with patients and staff alike. Christina Boddy, Insignia’s front office manager, has lost 60 pounds in four months by following the program. “I think it’s great,” beams Boddy. “I follow the diet and I exercise, and supplements like nutrition bars are available if you want them.” The program also includes a series of injections that contain vitamins such as B-12. Dorothy Szatkowski, the practice’s weight loss coordinator, is a medical

Insignia Care staffers, like (l. to r.) Carolanne Metzmeier, Monica Medina & Elaine Claudio participate in local breast cancer awareness events.

assistant who has been trained in Dr. Garcia’s program. She has a background in weight loss management and is available to assist and support patients in meeting the goals of their customized program. To learn more about the practice or the physicians at Insignia Care for Women — Natasha Gooden, M.D., Steven Greenberg, M.D., Jennifer Irani, M.D., Galen Jones, M.D., Tracey Schwartz-Miller, M.D., William Newton, M.D., W. Gregory Wilkerson, M.D., and James Von Thron, M.D. — please visit InsigniaCareforWomen.com. Insignia’s New Tampa office is located at 3268 Cove Bend Dr. (971-4555); the Wesley Chapel office is at 3743 Maryweather Ln., Wesley Chapel (973-0398); and the South Tampa office is at 4150 N. Armenia Ave (876-0914).

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If You Hate Your Computer, Give Jeffrey Blank Of WSICA A Call By Matt Wiley Do you hate your computer? That’s the question Jeffrey Blank asks many of his customers. Are you fed up with the infamous “blue screen,” the endlessly spinning “rainbow wheel of death,” or the grey Apple logo screen? All of these are signs of doom to the productivity and possibly the life of your computer. Regardless of the operating system, however, Blank says that every computer is capable of having its share of problems. That’s where he and his company, WSICA (We Save Individuals Computer Assistance) come in. New Tampa computer viruses, spyware and malware beware. Help is on the way! “I troubleshoot, repair computers and network computers,” says Blank. “I also remove viruses, malware and spyware. I give customers answers in plain English so that I don’t confuse you — unlike some other places.” Blank says he has been working with computers for more than 25 years and has made a business out of repairing them since 2000. He works mainly with Windows computers, but has some experience with Macs, as well. “If you’re not sure if you should replace your computer or not, I’ll

advise you,” he explains. “I don’t sell computers, so I don’t profit from you replacing the one you have.” Blank says that it all started with his friends and neighbors back in Vernon, NJ, who were always calling him to ask for advice about their home computers. “I think my wife, Laura, got tired of me leaving to go fix people’s computers all the time and said, ‘Hey, it’s time to do this as part-time work,” he explains. “So, I started it as a part-time business.” He took the business full-time while living in New Jersey, but had to build an entirely new customer base when the couple moved to the Hammocks community of New Tampa (next to Grand Hampton, off County Line Rd.) in 2011. Blank handles the repairs, and Laura handles the phones, making sure the customers get a quick call back. Because his customer base is still in the early stages of growth locally, with most new customers hearing about his service through advertisements and wordof-mouth, it’s still a part-time gig here. However, when Blank left New Jersey, he says he also left behind more than 600 customers. “The problem with business up

there was that I was doing such a good job that people weren’t calling me back anymore,” he jokes. “I’d fix their computers and then they wouldn’t need me again. When I moved, my customers were upset. They wanted to know how I could leave them. Where would they get their Jeffrey Blank of WSICA computer repairs, can tell you computer help?” what’s wrong with your computer in Slowly, Blank is beginning to build a computers that have become bogged New Tampa customer base, one comdown malicious background programs puter issue at a time. and viruses. “The biggest ‘headache calls’ I get “Figuring (the issue) out I can are from people who brought their usually do in an hour,” he says. “Fixing computer into a small shop and the guy (the issue), however, can take longer.” in the shop told them to replace theirs Blank charges $75 per hour when and offered them a deal on an offhe works on computers, but, instead of brand computer,” he explains. “Six the customer taking the computer to a months later, that shop’s out of busishop, Blank comes to the customer’s ness and the customer has a computer home where, usually, all the repairs are that doesn’t work, with no way of done. But, if the computer has to be restoring it. I always tell people to stick completely reloaded with software or with the name brands.” needs new parts, he may take it home. Another issue Blank says that he Some free advice he offers is to deals with most is “slow computers,” or always have an up-to-date virus pro-

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gram, for a PC-compatible especially, and to always clean your computer, especially the ducts. He says computers are like vacuums without bags, so dust can cause a lot of problems. Another way that Blank helps his customers is by answering the “little” questions free of charge. “Once you’re my customer, if you have a quick question, I’m not going to charge you,” he says. “Rather than throw geek-speak at the customers, I explain things to them in plain language. That usually calms people down a lot. They don’t have to call a software company and wait on hold for an hour to talk to someone in India.”

But, don’t just take his word for it. Amy Steele, one of Blank’s many customers, knows whom to call with her computer issues. “I have confidence that if a computer problem can be fixed, Jeffrey is the one to do it,” she says. “Not only does he resolve the issue, but he takes the extra steps to ensure that the proper software is installed to prevent similar problems in the future.” So, if you hate your computer, or it seems like it’s slowing down, give WSICA a call at 973-4507 or send an email to WSICA@WSICA. com. For more information, you also can visit WSICA.com.

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New Tampa Realty Can Help You Find/Sell...Your Dream Home! By Matt Wiley Hunter’s Green is a tough community to drive into, especially from Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., with its new security gate. Luckily, Tom Bosso’s New Tampa Realty office is now located just outside that gate and is easily accessible to anyone looking to find their New Tampa dream home or sell their property. For the past 17 years, Bosso’s New Tampa Realty has been selling singleand multi-family homes to prospective New Tampa buyers. In addition, for the past five years, Bosso’s office has been located just inside Hunter’s Green, where he also has lived since 1993. “I cover just about all areas of real estate,” he explains. “I have properties ranging from $100,000 to $4 million. I’ve sold land in Lakewood Ranch and built custom homes in South Tampa. My services are pretty broad. I’ve even built commercial properties. I’m like a ‘boutique’ real estate company.” What makes New Tampa Realty stand out is the customer service Bosso always offers. “If the phone rings, I’m the one who answers it,” says Bosso. “Whether it’s another agent or a buyer, we don’t put you through to a ‘home-showing’

company. If there’s going to be a showing, we call our clients directly and fit it to their needs. We don’t just leave a message on their (answering) machine.” Another service that separates New Tampa Realty from other real estate companies in the area is Bosso’s on-site contractor, Nick Meyer of 1st Choice Contracting. Bosso says that a lot of homeowners are unsure whether they should renovate or sell their home and that, thanks to his affiliation with 1st Choice, he can get the client a quick quote and then let them decide what to do. In addition, it comes in handy when clients want to make an offer on a home, he says, since many homes in the New Tampa area are now more than 20 years old. “This way, they can get a quote on how much it would cost to renovate an older aspect of a home,” he explains. “Then, they can make an offer on a home they’re interested in that might be lower than the asking price, but now can actually say, ‘This is why,’ and show them the quote.” Whether it’s the customer service or the in-house contracting, New Tampa Realty is doing something right, as evidenced by the enthusiasm of some

of Bosso’s high-profile customers, such as Marty St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning, whose family also lives in New Tampa. “Tom is a true professional and a great friend,” St. Louis says in his testimonial. “He knows the business inside and out. We couldn’t be happier with the Tom Bosso and his New Tampa Realty office, which is located just jobs he has done for before the main entrance gate to Hunter’s Green. us.” appraiser,” he explains. “Then I became Former Lightning captain and an agent, then a licensed real-estate long-time New Tampa resident Dave Broker before I started New Tampa Andreychuk offers similar praise of Realty.” Bosso in his own testimonial. “Since Bosso, who also is a licensed Commeeting Tom five years ago, he and his munity Association Manager, says that, company have handled all of my real during the early years, he partnered estate transactions with professionalism with Brant Construction, LLC, and and knowledge,” Andreychuk says. “I built the Oakcrest neighborhood in wouldn’t use anyone else.” Hunter’s Green, which consists of 77 Recalling When New townhomes. He then bought two sites Tampa Was Still New in Pebble Creek — Clubview, which Bosso says that he started out as an now consists of 50 villas, and Lakeappraiser back in 1994, appraising more point, where he built 35 townhomes. than 500 homes in two years. Bosso says he comes from a con“I figured, to be in real estate, you struction background. Before moving need to know value, so I became an to New Tampa, he had his own electri-

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cal contracting company in Niagara Falls, NY. He says the background in construction helped him with developing communities. “I was involved with purchasing the land, developing it with vertical construction, as well as selling it,” he says of the subdivisions he worked on in the area. “I’ve done some commercial, too. I did the Ortho Technology building across from Liberty Middle School and Freedom High, as well as the Tampa Palms Professional Center, in the same area. But, since then, I’ve just done general real estate.” And what a transition he says he has seen since he first started selling homes in the area. “The transformation of New Tampa has been amazing,” he says. “I think once (the BBD widening) is finished, it will make a big impact on the New Tampa area, including the housing market.” Speaking of the market, Bosso says that although the local market definitely took a tumble since 2007, he is confident that our area is over the hump. He says he believes New Tampa’s residential real estate bottomed out more than a year ago and has since stabilized, although he doesn’t expect any huge increases in the market until some of the current inventory (houses currently for sale) is gone. For example, he explains that, at

one point, the area had about 29 months worth of inventory, which is the estimated time it would take to sell all of the homes for sale. Currently, the market only has about 4-5 months of inventory, he says, and that Hunter’s Green, specifically, has only about 25 homes on the market. In the 33647 area code, he says that the average New Tampa selling price is now back up to around $261,000. During the market boom, he says the average home in zip code 33647 sold for about $340,000. Bosso says that he is trying to get some signage on BBD, since his office is an outparcel. But, he says his location is in an ideal place to show homes in Hunter’s Green. Until he gets that signage, however, Bosso is relying on his reputation to attract customers. “That’s why it’s called ‘New Tampa Realty: Realty with a difference,’” he says. “That’s our difference. You don’t talk to my assistant, because I don’t have one. You talk to me. It’s not the easiest way to run a business, answering every call, but, to me, it’s worth it.” Thinking of buying or selling a home in New Tampa? Give Tom Bosso a call at 334-0007, stop in and see him at his office (8709 Hunter’s Green Dr. Suite 300), or visit NewTampaRealty.net.

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Dr. Marta Rivera’s Pediatric Dentistry Can Make Your Kids Smile, Too! By Gary Nager No matter how scary a visit to the dentist’s office can be for some children, it’s nice to know that there are pediatric dentists like Marta Rivera, D.M.D., who do everything they can to make the experience a little less intimidating. Dr. Rivera, a long-time New Tampa resident who calls her office the “Happy Smile Designers,” has been helping to improve the smiles of children in New Tampa for about ten years. Her original Pediatric Dentistry of New Tampa office was located in the former Model & Visitor Center at the entrance to Hunter’s Green, but that original office can’t compare, in design or technology, with the office in the Tampa Palms Professional Center (located across Commerce Park Blvd. from the New Tampa Recreation Center) she moved to about four years ago. The office features a variety of nature scenes and cute characters that Dr. Rivera designed herself and had her aunt, a talented artist, hand-paint. The colors are bright, but soothing, and Dr. Rivera says her young patients (usually ages 3-18) really enjoy all of the various themes, although my favorite is the painted tree in one exam room that has actual foliage attached to the tree. You

really have to see it to believe it. Dr. Rivera, although most of her patients and their families call her “Dr. Marta,” was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, but moved with her family to their native Puerto Rico when she was 10 years old. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a Biology degree and then graduated from the University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus School of Dentistry in San Juan. She practiced at one of her professors’ offices before opening her own practice. She also worked with the Olympic committee of Puerto Rico, taking care of the athletes and children who were boarded in the specialized training school. In 1995, Dr. Rivera went back to do her residency in pediatric dentistry at the University Children’s Hospital in San Juan Puerto Rico. Before finishing her residency, she came to Florida in 1996 to take the Florida Dental Board. She then moved to Florida in 1997 and worked in other dental offices in Lakeland and Plant City. She has been a resident of New Tampa since 1999.

Unique Orthodontic Services In addition to the services provided by most pediatric dentists — which include digital (low-dose) X-rays, treating periodontal disease, bleaching of

Dr. Denisse Lasanta (far left) is the second dentist recently added to the friendly, professional staff at Pediatric Dentistry in Tampa Palms, the office of Dr. Marta Rivera (far right).

teeth, sedation dentistry, conscious sedation with nitrous oxide, crowns, bridges, cosmetic dentistry, mercuryfree restorations and custom-made athletic mouthguards, she also provides functional and interceptive orthodontics, even though she’s not technically an orthodontist. “Because of where I went to dental school,” she says, “I received training in orthodontics and have had years of experience with both traditional braces and myofunctional orthodontics,

which are unique appliances designed to train the muscles and nerves of the face, even in younger children, in order to realign the teeth.” Dr. Rivera adds that, in many cases, myofunctional orthodontics can reduce or even eliminate the need for traditional braces by teaching the tongue to sit in the correct position, correcting swallowing patterns and teaching children to breathe through their noses normally. “And, with myofunctional orthodontics,” she says,

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Whether she has to use traditional braces (top) or myofunctional orthodontics (above), Dr. Rivera can create a new & improved smile for your child.

“the child never has to wear a retainer.” She notes that she does have to refer some extreme cases to other orthodontists or even oral surgeons, but says that many of her patients will choose to do their orthodontics with her because she’s also their primary dentist, “and the parents know their kids are already comfortable with me.” Judging by the results she has obtained with both traditional braces (photo, above top) and myofunctional orthodontics (photo, above), it’s understandable why so many of Dr. Rivera’s patients and their families choose to do their orthodontics with her. And, Dr. Rivera is proud to announce that she has added a second dentist to her staff, Denisse Lasanta, D.M.D., who graduated from the same dental school in Puerto Rico as did Dr. Rivera and received the same training in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics that Dr. Rivera received. “Our young patients already like Dr. Lasanta, too,” says Dr. Rivera.

The First Dental Visit Dr. Rivera recognizes that a child’s first-ever dental visit is one of the most important of their lives. Her entire friendly, professional staff is dedicated to creating healthy and happy smiles for your child and providing a smile-filled, relaxed environment. Your initial oral examination

These pictures may not do it justice, but there’s no doubt that Dr. Rivera’s Pediatric Dentistry of New Tampa office in the Tampa Palms Professional Center is colorful and soothing for her young patients.

includes a visual examination, charting, periodontal assessment, orthodontic assessment, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. The staff also will take digiLow-dose digital Xtal X-rays, which rays are the norm at may include a Pediatric Dentistry. panoramic X-ray for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth as well as the bite-wing X-ray series for proper diagnosis of proximal decay of posterior teeth. “That’s why we call our office the ‘Happy Smile Designers,’” says Dr. Rivera. “And, our patients say that ‘Pediatric Dentistry ROCKS!’” In other words, whether your family recently relocated to the New Tampa area or you’re simply looking for a new pediatric dentist, check out Dr. Marta Rivera’s Pediatric Dentistry of New Tampa office. Pediatric Dentistry of New Tampa is located at 5326 Primrose Lake Cir. For additional information, call 374-0388 or visit TampaHappySmiles.com. For more info about myofunctional orthodontics, visit LessBracesTampaBay.com.

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New Tampa High School Hoops To Tip-Off November 16! By Matt Wiley High school basketball soon will soon return to New Tampa, as the teams from both Freedom and Paul R. Wharton High gear up for the tip-offs to their respective 2012-13 seasons. Coming off of yet another winning (24-4) season last year, Tommy Tonelli’s Varsity Wharton Wildcats are sure to once again be a strong squad. Tonelli, a former USF point guard, has been coaching at Wharton for more than a decade and led the Wildcats to their third consecutive Class 8A-District 7 title last season. “Our strength this season is our experience,” says Tonelli. “We have a lot of guys returning from last year.” Among those, Tonelli expects impressive performances from seniors C.J. McGill and Sir Patrick Reynolds. “McGill has been on varsity since he was a freshman,” explains Tonelli. “We’re going to see some great leadership out of him.” McGill, a 5’10” point guard, averaged 13.7 ppg last season. Reynolds, is a 6’3” guard and Tonelli says he’s “dangerous,” due to his versatility on the court. Reynolds averaged 9.5 ppg last season.

“He can play pretty much any position,” the coach says. “He plays wherever he needs to, but is best at shooting guard. He had some huge moments for us last year.” Another player to watch, he says, is 6’7” Drew Vanderbrook, a Freedom transfer who averaged 7.8 ppg and 2.9 rebounds per game (rpg). Tonelli says Vanderbrook’s height and skill set make him valuable as a forward and defender. Tonelli says that first and foremost, the Wildcats are focusing on winning their District games, especially against Plant and Bloomingdale, which is key to getting into the state playoffs. “We’ve got a tough schedule,” Tonelli says. “We’re playing some good non-district opponents, as well.” Among those are the Strawberry Crest Chargers, the Chamberlain Chiefs and the Freedom Patriots (District 7A9). “We beat (Freedom) last year (7243),” Tonelli says. “But, they’re as improved as any team I’ve seen. They’ve made some tremendous progress. It’s going to be a dogfight.” Freedom coach Cedric Smith agrees that this year’s Wharton-Freedom matchup could be a close one. “They’ve been the team to beat for a long time,” he explains. “We just

want to compete and play well against them. I think we’ll match up pretty well this season.” Smith, who is entering his second season as the Patriots’ head coach, also was a guard for the USF Bulls (19972001) who is looking to build on last season’s less-than-stellar 8-14 record. “Our team is pretty set,” Smith explains. “We’ve got a good group of guys. They showed some serious improvement in the (Tampa Bay Basketball Coaches Assn.) summer league. It was like a light bulb went off.” Freedom seniors Brandon Patchan and Antwan Bradley will be among the team’s players to watch this upcoming season, Smith says. Patchan, a 6’6” power forward, finished the previous season averaging 10.7 ppg and 6.3 rpg. “He’s a double-double kind of guy,” Smith says. “We’re going to see some big things out of him, for sure.” Bradley, a 5’10” point guard, averaged 9.3 ppg last year. “He’s our most seasoned player,” Smith says. “He’s a great leader who never takes a possession off.” Smith says some big defensive plays will come out of 6-foot senior small forward Marcus Butler. “He’s a

Wharton guard Troy Holston dunks against Blake. Photo courtesy of TheBlueCrew.net.

great wing defender,” says Smith. In addition to Wharton, Smith says that Freedom is facing some other tough competition in its District, as both the Steinbrenner Warriors — who beat the Pats twice last season — and the Chamberlain Chiefs, who were 3-1 against Freedom last year. Wharton starts the season at home against Wesley Chapel High on November 16, while Freedom’s tip off will be at Chamerlain on November 29. Be sure to check out both the Freedom and Wharton basketball schedules at NTNeighborhoodNews.com so you don’t miss a game this season!

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“Elections” Continued from page 3 them to provide health insurance for their employees they can’t today afford, I think he would win this year’s election by a landslide.

A Local Angle

I will say that here in New Tampa, I definitely see signs of financial recovery. New businesses keep opening to replace shuttered ones and more of those businesses are hiring new employees and spending money locally to advertise themselves in these pages. And, although the housing market may never go back to pre-2007 levels, local real estate professionals like Tom Bosso of New Tampa Realty (see page 32) say local housing prices are rising and that homes aren’t sitting unsold for as long as they had been the last two or three years. But, is that enough for me to vote for or endorse Obama to have four more years in office? I’m not so sure. As a member of the middle class, I admit I’m concerned about Romney’s record of shuttering American companies and shipping U.S. jobs to China when he led Bain Capital. Nor do I believe the wealthiest Americans should continue to pay lower tax rates than teachers and firefighters. On the other hand, Romney’s record as a one-term Governor of Massachusetts was pretty good, although it

was, admittedly, a little easier to have a good record before the financial crisis hit. If I was living in Massachusetts in 2007, I would’ve liked to have seen Gov, Romney seek a second term to see if he could’ve kept my state in better “shape” through those nationwide “lean” years. But, because he already had decided to take his first chance at running for president, we’ll never know if he could’ve made a difference there. But, Romney says he knows how to get the country working and it seems a lot of Americans either believe he can and will accomplish that goal. Or, a lot of us at least believe he would do a better job than the current president at getting us back to work. And, having the public’s confidence in your abilities is something that can help speed our recovery. Although I don’t predict the doom and gloom that most Republicans do if Pres. Obama wins four more years in office, I still also believe that change can be a good thing. I therefore endorse Mitt Romney to be our next President. Sadly, I have not had the time I need to chat with any of the candidates for our local offices, so I don’t feel qualified this time around to make my usual endorsements. I will say that State Rep. Shawn Harrison (R-New Tampa) has always been our area’s best friend in office wherever he’s been elected to serve, but I do appreciate having a Democratic candidate (Mark Danish, D-New

Tampa) who also is a local resident and who suffers with the same issues we do every day. Without chatting with Mr. Danish about what he knows and doesn’t know about our needs here, however, I can’t in all good conscience endorse him. The good news is that whoever wins the new (New Tampa previously was in District 60) District 63 seat will at least have New Tampa’s best interest at heart. I know Shawn will again do a great job of representing us if he wins, but without ever meeting with or speaking to Danish, I don’t feel it’s fair to make an endorsement in this race.

Deciphering Amendments

One thing I definitely do not sup-

port, however, is any proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that you have to be a legal scholar to understand (especially, this year, Amendments 4 & 5, which I will vote against). I do, however, endorse Amendment 9, which was sponsored by Harrison in the state legislature and which would grant a full property tax exemption to the surviving spouses of military veterans who die while on active duty and to the surviving spouses of first responders who die in the line of duty. Look for assistant editor Matt Wiley’s “translations” of all eleven proposed amendments to Florida’s Constitution at NTNeighborhoodNews.com.

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Thousands Again Attend The Wesley Chapel Fall Festival! If you missed the fourth annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival at The Grove shopping center Oct. 13-14, you missed perhaps the best year ever of this outstanding formerly-crafts-only weekend event sponsored by the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC). The near-zero-percent humidity, temperatures that never quite reached the 90s and the biggest and best selection of food, crafters and entertainment for adults and kids alike combined to keep Chamber executive director Mary Adele Cluck and the Chamber’s entire Board of Directors smiling all weekend long. “We couldn’t have asked for better weather or a better turnout,” Cluck said on the Saturday of the two-day event. “And, many of the vendors told us that they were very happy with this year’s Festival.” Of course, one of the biggest attractions for the Festival each year is the annual “Wing Battle,” a showdown for local restaurants with one winner chosen by a panel of judges — with that title this year going to Woody’s Pizza & Wings in the Village Market shopping center — and another selected as the “People’s Choice, where the honors went to Quail Hollow Country Club. And, in addition to the free samples from the restaurants taking part in the Wing Battle, everything from great Greek gyros to delicious cupcakes were available to buy. An awesome new addition this year was an entire section of pet rescue and adoption centers that most visitors simply could not resist. Featuring everything from the big, furry Great Pyrenees down to the popular Pug Rescue, dozens of puppies and even full-grown dogs and cats left the Festival with new owners. Also new was a group of skydivers from the ZHills Skydive City who wowed attendees and landed in an adjacent field. For more information about the (Clockwise from top left) The Wesley Chapel Fall Festival at The Grove’s “Wing Battle” judges and the winners from Quail Hollow CounWesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, try Club and Woody’s Pizza & Wings. The Greek food concession stands served up delicious gyro wrap sandwiches. Many of the “Pug Resvisit WesleyChapelChamber.com or call cue” dogs ended up getting adopted. Among the many crafts on hand, several offered equal time for handmade Gator & Seminole gear. 994-8534. — GN Old Navy celebrated its Grand Opening in The Grove the same day as the festival with discount coupons and a candy Wheel of Fortune.

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New Tampa YMCA’s ‘Saturday Night Lights’ Again A Big Win By Matt Wiley The “scores” are in for the eighth annual YMCA “Saturday Night Lights,” and what a landslide victory it was! With the cheering USF Sundolls welcoming guests outside and university “fight songs” playing as guests arrived, the spirit of competition was in the air at the New Tampa Family YMCA in Tampa Palms on October 13. “(Saturday Night Lights) was fantastic this year,” says Jen Berenyi, special events coordinator for the Y. “We raised more than $22,000 through tickets, the 50/50 raffle and the silent auction. This year was slightly more intimate than last year, but that didn’t stop the enthusiasm.” Berenyi says that only about 10 items didn’t get auctioned off and that they will be used in other events, or, possibly even auctioned off to members of the Y. She says that a few of the items were auctioned off for more than $1,000, inlcuding a yearlong YMCA family membership. As the sun disappeared below the horizon on Compton Dr., attendees began to trickle in, donning their favorite college sports teams’ respec-

The USF Sundolls were on hand when Aaron’s presented a check to the YMCA for $5,000 during “Saturday Night Lights” on October 13. tive colors and jerseys. The gym was around the gym, including Louisiana barely recognizable, resembling a high State (LSU) vs. South Carolina, Florischool prom atmosphere with soft, da vs. Vanderbilt and Florida State low lighting. (FSU) vs. Boston College. The gym floor was littered with Lining the walls and center tables large tables for the “all-star” guests, as were the items up for silent auction, well as tall tables for other guests to including sports memorabilia, featurpost up and enjoy food from a numing autographed items from Marty St. ber of local eateries, including Ciccio’s California Cuisine, Stonewood Grill & Tavern, Texas Roadhouse, the Meat Monkeys, Wright’s Gourmet House, Stacy’s Gluten Free Goodies and Cakes by Laiza. Attendees had their choice of college football matchups to watch, as three different games were projected

Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning and legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus — and even an actual third base from Tropicana Field — as well as hotel vacation packages, free Subway subs for a year, expensive bottles of wine, tickets to the Kennedy Space Center and even a 14-karat white gold emerald necklace. Sterling Manor resident Chris Timothy enjoyed her fourth year attending the event. “It’s a great time every year,” she says. “It’s good, casual fun, and the food choices are excellent.” Special thanks to all of the sponsors that made the event a success, especially title-sponsor Aaron’s, which donated $5,000 to the New Tampa Y. For more information about the New Tampa Family YMCA (16221 Compton Dr.), call 8669622 or visit TampaYMCA.org.

Great food, plenty of big TVs and a chance to raise money for the YMCA brought another appreciative crowd to “Satursday Night Lights.”

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Yahoo! Wolford Named ‘Sheriff’ At Rotary’s ‘Wild West Casino!’ Even though I belong to the New Tampa Noon Rotary Club, there’s no doubt that I have been a long-time fan of New Tampa’s original Rotary Club, which still meets for breakfast every Friday morning at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPGCC). The New Tampa (morning) Rotary, which held its seventh annual themed Casino Night at TPGCC on October 19, decided to try a “Wild, Wild West” theme this year and an estimated crowd of 125 cowboys, cowgirls

and southwestern “belles” was on-hand to enjoy the festivities — and the BBQ ribs, pulled pork and “fixins” — helped the Rotary raise an estimated $9,000 so far, as some funds are still coming in. Event chair Tom Gruber says that adding a fund-raising race to be the evening’s “Honorary Sheriff” was a big hit and helped the three “candidates” — Joyce Gunter, B.J. Harris and new “Sheriff” Brice Wolford — raise about $1,400 of that $9,000 total. “Wesley Chapel has it’s ‘Honorary Mayor’ race every year, and we wanted to do something fun like that to help raise more money for our selected charities, too,” Gruber said after the event. “The good news for us is that it obviously worked.” He added that several of those on-hand for the Wild, Wild West Casino Night also added to the fund-raising total by having to “pay” their way out of the makeshift “jail” during the event. Among those bailing themselves out, according to Gruber, was Rotary District 6890 Governor (and New Tampa Rotary cofounder) Tom Wade. Gruber also wanted to thank the evening’s sponsors: Pepin Distributing,

Associates, SunDance Wealth Management Group, LLC, Longphee Locker Wealth Management of Raymond James Financial, The Bank of Tampa, Gunter & Gunter Insurance, The Tampa Bay Times, Zicht Wealth Management, the Zajac Family, Gerard Perret, Jr., DDS, YCN Publishing, the Alkow Family & Tampa Humidor.- GN

If you didn’t attend the New Tampa Rotary’s “Wild, Wild West” Casino Night, you missed a colorful cast of characters.

New Tampa Rotary “Honorary Sheriff” Southern Wine & Spirits of Central Brice Wolford & his Deputy (& wife) Terry. Florida, Chase Bank, FTI, Ardaman &

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New Tampa Players’ Premiere Of ‘Pippin’ Will Be November 9 By Matt Wiley & Gary Nager The New Tampa Players (NTP) community theater troupe is hard at work preparing its next production; a community theater take on the Broadway hit “Pippin.” Opening to the public on Friday, November 9, “Pippin,” which was nominated for 15 1972 Tony awards and won six, was originally written for Broadway by Roger O. Hirson, with music and lyrics by Steven Schwartz (who also crafted the popular alternate take on “The Wizard of Oz” entitled “Wicked”). The legendary Bob Fosse (“All That Jazz,” “Chicago”) won the Best Director and Best Choreographer of a Musical Tony awards for the Broadway original, which starred the great Ben Vereen, who won the Best Actor in a Musical Tony as the show’s “Leading Player” (see below). The NTP version of “Pippin” will be on a much smaller scale, but will still have 17 cast members playing multiple roles. “We try to pick shows that suit the size of our troupe,” Doug Wall, the director of “Pippin” and the founder of NTP. “It’s community theater, so we can’t do shows that have a huge number of cast members because it’s hard to find enough people to fill all of the roles. We’re fortunate that there is so

trying to raise enough money to build a community theater in New Tampa and Wall says that there are still plans to build the New Tampa Community Theater a& Performing Arts Center, The stars of the New Tampa Players’ production of “Pippin” are which has been in the (l. to r.) Clay Christopher, Jarrett Koski & Melanie Bierweiler. works for more than a decade. much talent for (‘Pippin’).” “We’re still working with (the “Pippin” is a musical comedy that Hillsborough County Commission),” actually is a “play within a play,” set in Wall says. “The upcoming election has the Middle Ages, in the time of King Charlemagne, or Charles, for short. Pippin, played by Jarrett Koski — who has starred in previous productions of “Baby” and “Urinetown” — plays King Charles’ son who gets to sing “Corner of the Sky,” the show’s most memorable song. Melanie Bierweiler, who also has starred in productions of “Chicago” and “Footloose” for other theater companies, stars as Catherine, Pippin’s mother, and Clay Christopher stars as the “Leading Player.” Maggie Scott and Diane Geiger are producing “Pippin,” with Franks Meekins as the musical director and choreography by Kim Kluge. As previously reported in the New Tampa Neighborhood News, NTP is still

put a damper on working with city and county officials. We’re waiting until mid-November to try to get things moving again. (NTP) is in its 11th year. We’re ready to call a place our own.” “Pippin” opens with an 8 p.m. show on Friday, November 9, at the University Area Community Complex (14013 N. 22nd St.), with performances running through November 18. Tickets cost $14 for adults, $12 for students and seniors and $10 per ticket for groups of 10 or more. For show times and ticket info, visit NewTampaPlayers.org.

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‘The Sophisticates’ Social Networking Group Takes Over PrimeBar! By Gary Nager So, there I was...the only man sitting amongst a group of about a dozen beautiful, intelligent women of varied ages and backgrounds....and no, it surely wasn’t an unpleasant experience. “Men are always invited to our events,” said Kim Cass, a soon-to-bepublished self-help author, local daily newspaper writer and co-founder of “The Sophisticates” Social Networking Group, which has been bringing together members from New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Carrollwood, Brandon and as far away as Sarasota and Palm Harbor for ongoing networking and other events since July.

(L. to r.) Saadia, Kara, Isabel, Kim, Angie, Louise and Josephine are just a few of the roughly 80 current members of The Sophisticates Social Networking Group.

“We’ve been putting this together since last December,” said Kim’s Sophisticates co-founder and coauthor Angelina Clarke of Kares Kommunications. “But we’re just now trying to build the group and a more regular calendar of events.” The Sophisticates, who currently have “about 80 members,” according to Angie, held their most recent “Little Black Dress” networking party at PrimeBar in the Shops at Wiregrass mall on October 9, where the ladies Cheryl of Park Lane Jewelry (left) & Vicki enjoyed calamari, flatbread pizzas, of Premier Jewelry both shared their respec- a glass or two of Diseno Malbec or some kind of fruit flavored martitive wares with The Sophisticates.

nis, more than a few laughs (some at my expense, which I, of course, really enjoyed) and an opportunity to network and showcase their respective businesses. For example, Cheryl, a representative of Park Lane Jewelry, and Vicki, who brought out a selection of Premier Jewelry, were among those in attendance who got to show off their respective lines and share good times with the group. “We’ve got a lot of stuff planned,” said Angie, who recently competed in a local “Dancing with Our Stars” event at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High on Oct. 20.

The Sophisticates also held their first Masquerade Ball,” on Oct. 27 at the beautiful Feather Sound Country Club, just off the Howard Frankland Bridge in St. Pete. A portion of the proceeds from the Ball will benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, but no totals were available at press time. “Think ‘Sex in the City’ for the Tampa Bay area,” Angie said “This is a group of fun, interesting women. You really should join us!” For more information, visit Sophisticates SocialGroup.com, call Angie at 420-8644, or email SophisticatesGirl@yahoo.com.

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National ‘Night Out’ Aims To Keep New Tampa Neighborhoods Crime-Free By Matt Wiley As the sun begins to set in Hunter’s Green, periodic sirens can be heard coming from the community’s Capt. Nathaniel Hunter Park. A police tank rumbles down Highland Oak Dr. as the bomb squad’s robot examines a pipe-shaped object in the park’s parking lot. However, what sounds like a scene from an action movie was actually just a friendly community meeting its first responders at the 29th annual “National Night Out Against Crime” on the evening of October 2. Across the City of Tampa, 18 neighborhoods united to meet the Tampa Police Department (TPD) officers and Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) squads that patrol their respective communities. In Hunter’s Green, where more than 300 people again came out to mingle with TPD officers and TFR firefighters and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies and to marvel at the different gadgets and vehicles each agency uses. “This year’s turnout wasn’t as big as in previous years, but it was still a good event,” said James Lombardi, leader of the Hunter’s Green Master Association’s Crimewatch Program and the event’s coordinator for the past five years. “I think the fact that it was on a school night might have kept attendance down, but it was still a great turnout.” Even Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn stopped by. “I’ve been coming (to Hunter’s Green’s National Night Out) for years,” Buckhorn said. “It’s a great experience. It gets the community together and they get to see all of our emergency ‘toys.’” The toys he was referring to included the TPD Dive Squad’s underwater arsenal of gizmos that

they use in search and recovery missions, the Bomb Squad’s robot, the TPD “Rescue 1” armored tank, and, of course, TFR Station 21’s fire engine. “It gives the community an opportunity to meet their local station’s crew,” said TFR Chief Thomas Forward. “These are their firefighters. These assets belong to them.” Forward helped children, such as 6-year-old Asia Thompson, into the fire engine to turn on the lights and sirens and see what it’s like behind the wheel. TPD Cpl. Robert Clifford demonstrated TPD’s Bomb Squad robot for the public using its massive remote control. “It’s a little more complex than a remote control car,” he said, jokingly, maneuvering the robot’s long mechanical arm.

Arbor Greene’s ‘Night Out’ Just a couple of minutes east on Cross Creek Blvd., residents of the Arbor Greene community also became acquainted with their local TPD squads and were visited by TPD’s Rescue 1 at the Arbor Greene Community Center. “It went very well,” said Hally Boucher, who organized the event for the second time with her husband Paul. They hosted their first “Night Out” in 2010. “We had a large TPD presence.” Boucher says that, in addition to Rescue 1, there also was a Q & A session with two TPD motorcycle patrols and an appearance by the K-9 Unit. More than 60 members of the Arbor Greene community came out to the event, which also included a video presentation by MS-NBC security consultant Bill Stanton about home and vehicle burglaries, as well as child abductions.

Clockwise from left: TPD’s Rescue 1 leaves Hunter’s Green on its way to Arbor Greene’s “Night Out,” Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn chats with Hunter’s Green residents, TFR Station 21’s crew and Tampa Fire Chief Thomas Forward (far left) take a break from educating about HG residents about fire safety.

Boucher says that flyers offering security tips were handed out to give members of the community some ideas of how to better protect their homes and neighborhood from crime, and even some security items, including flashlights and sliding glass door locks. “The main thing at these events is raising awareness,” says TPD Sgt. Robert Baxter, who attended both

events. “Just because people live in gated communities doesn’t mean they are immune to crime. If the community helps keep an eye out for crime, it makes our jobs that much easier.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Thousands Attend ‘Arts & Crafts Under The Palms’ At BJ’s Wholesale Club! If you’ve somehow missed the last two decades+ of the annual “Arts & Crafts Under the Palms” crafts show & sale presented each year by the Tampa Palms Women’s Club, let’s just say you’ve been missing a lot of amazing crafts, fine art, kitschy household items and so much more. Presented for 22 years now by the Tampa Palms Women’s Club — including the last two at BJ’s Wholesale Club in the Market Square at Tampa Palms shopping plaza — Arts & Crafts Under the Palms is the New Tampa area’s longest-running annual event. “Palms,” which serves as the Women’s Club’s largest annual fund raiser, was again held the third weekend in October this year and was again blessed with very warm, but still pretty comfortable weather. “We had about 50 exhibitors who helped us raise about $4,000 in booth fees and sponsorships this year,” says event chair Stella Hardman. The club will give out some of the proceeds from this year’s show to its selected beneficiaries in December. Many of the crafters are part of the crafts show “circuit” throughout Florida and the southeastern U.S. and some even come from other parts of the country, but this show also brings out locals like the Desrosiers family, where mom Ann was selling her crocheted hats and daughters Jessica and Nicole were hawking photography services & custom-baked cakes and cupcakes, respectively. “It’s definitely been fun for the three of us,” Ann said. “And we’ve all made some good contacts during the show.” — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Win $100 In Free Dining In Our 2012 Reader Dining Survey & Contest! So, how would you like to win some FREE dining AND help local restaurateurs find out how many of you really enjoy their respective establishments? With super-couponing sites like Groupon and Living Social still growing in popularity, I’m hoping more of you would like to have a chance to win absolutely FREE dining and enter our annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest, where we have a bunch of great prizes up for grabs! This year, we will again offer a $100 gift certificate to ANY restaurant of your choice in the Tampa Bay area to one lucky winner, drawn at random from among all correctly submitted entries! We’ll also give away at least 10 other dining prizes valued at no less than $20 apiece and at least two of those will be worth at least $50 each! Submit your entry by U.S. Mail, fax, e-mail, or you also can enter at NTNeighborhoodNews.com no later than Tuesday, November 20, 2012, to be eligible to win any of the prizes named above. — GN

My 5 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa! 1. __________________________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________________________ 3. __________________________________________________________ 4. __________________________________________________________ 5. __________________________________________________________

My 5 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel! 1. __________________________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________________________ 3. __________________________________________________________ 4. __________________________________________________________ 5. __________________________________________________________ NOTES - “New Tampa” (NT) is anyplace in zip code 33647 (Bruce B. Downs Blvd., from Bearss Ave. to the Pasco County line & all of Cross Creek Blvd.) and “Wesley Chapel” (WC) is anyplace in zip codes 33543-45 (BBD from the Pasco County line north to S.R. 54, west to Lexington Oaks, east to New River Township, and all of S.R. 56). Votes for Wesley Chapel restaurants as one of “My Favorites in New Tampa” or New Tampa votes for restaurants in Wesley Chapel will NOT be counted! Votes for restaurants located outside of these boundaries (e.g., Benedetto’s, Amici Pizza) will not be counted. Votes for restaurants that are out of business (e.g., Pagelli’s, Selmon’s Circles, Wasabi, etc.) will not be counted. Please also note the one new category for this year’s Survey (below). — GN

My favorite NEW, NON-CHAIN restaurant in NT or WC that opened during the past 12 months_____________________________________________________________

My favorite Asian restaurant in NT or WC (Chinese, Japanese, Thai or Indian) __________________________________________ My favorite place for Latin/Mexican food in NT or WC _______________________ My favorite Pizza place in NT or WC ________________________________________ My favorite Sandwich or Sub shop in NT/WC________________________________ My favorite restaurant for Steak in NT or WC ________________________________ My favorite Bar or Tavern in NT/WC _______________________________________ My favorite Dessert/Ice Cream/Yogurt place in NT/WC ______________________

Your Name_________________________________________________ Mailing Address___________________________________________ Community (West Meadows, Tampa Palms,, etc.) ____________________ Zip Code______________ Daytime Phone Number _______ Valid Email Address _________________________________ Please include all information requested above on your entry form to be eligible, whether you enter by mail, e-mail or on our website (NTNeighborhoodNews.com). You must submit your entry form by U.S. mail, fax, email or on our website no later than Tuesday, November 20, 2012, to be eligible to win prizes!

New Tampa Neighborhood News 2012 Dining Contest 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Fax: (813) 910-2483 E-Mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Wants To Cater Your Next Holiday Party! By Gary Nager Despite the recent addition of several very good frozen yogurt places in our area, there still is no dessert more delicious to me than Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., across from Paul R. Wharton High. Bruster’s, which has consistently been first or second every year it has been open in our annual Reader Survey, has been my favorite ice cream anywhere since I first tried it six years ago. So, if you’ve never visited my favorite ice cream parlor — and if you’ve ever sampled the ever-changing

Wesley Chapel residents Adelle & Ella say that “Bruster’s is the best!”

peanut butter and banana flavors (always my favorites), you’d know why it is my favorite — Bruster’s owners Matt Provenzano and his mom Judy want to invite you to let Bruster’s cater your holiday party this year. Speaking of parties, the New Tampa Bruster’s hosted its annual Halloween Party on Oct. 27, which again featured a DJ and games all night, plus a costume parade for kids Our buddy Scoops (right) definitely wasn’t the only one in cosand adults and Bruster’s tume at the Bruster’s Ice Cream Halloween Party on Oct. 27. Halloween Ice Cream example, my new favorite, the chococream in more places, without having Eating Contest, where “kids” of all ages late peanut butter Buckeye (just order to open another store.” competed in one of three age categories Matt adds that Bruster’s is perfect it if it’s still around...trust me). and everyone again had a blast. Look Plus, Matt and Judy are also really for catering your next party or corpofor pics at NTNeighborhoodNews.com. rate event. “We’ve been doing a lot of good people, as well as, apparently, But, whether you prefer Bruster’s good business people. Bruster’s Real catering for corporate events lately,” for (see the photo above) cones, real Ice Cream is now also available at the Matt says. “We bring out our ‘Sundae hot fudge sundaes, ice cream cakes, Bar,’ with several different flavors and Cobb Theater at The Grove and Taste shakes or even what I believe are the of Boston restaurant in Wesley Chapel, toppings. It’s always a big hit.” world’s greatest ice cream pies, you On a personal note, we mourn at A Cup of Organic Coffee on S.R. 54 can’t go wrong with any of Bruster’s with the Provenzano family the recent in Lutz and at You Do the Dishes in ultra-premium flavors. Tampa Palms, with other distribution passing of Judy’s husband and Matt’s If you like any other place’s ice locations on the way. dad, Joe Provenzano. cream cakes, Bruster’s ice cream pies “The distribution locations usually Bruster’s (20303 BBD) is open feature graham cracker or cookie crust carry eight Bruster’s flavors,” Judy says. every day. For hours & more info, with no layers of cake getting in the “It’s a great way to get more of our ice call 907-7458 or visit Brusters.com. way of your favorite flavors — for

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! By Gary Nager

What’s Cookin’ At Wiregrass?

specials at the mall, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com.

Bob Thompson Records In case you haven’t heard, there For ‘The Voice’ At Ciccio’s are so many new things happening at Those of us who know and love the Shops of Wiregrass mall, it’s hard to keep up, but here’s some new news you local photographer and singer/songwriter/guitarist Bob Thompson will may not have heard before: Pagelli’s Italian Restaurant in the likely be on hand to check out Bob’s recording session for the NBC-TV hit mall has closed and has been replaced show, “The Voice,” on Saturday, by an exciting, new, non-chain Italian November 3, at Ciccio’s California restaurant called Ciao Italian Bistro. Cuisine in the City Plaza at Tampa Ciao, which has an ad on page 53 of Palms shopping center. this issue, is now open and promises The performance begins at 7 p.m. “Amazing Italian food with a twist!” and the “Patio Party” drink specials will For more info, visit CiaoItaliancontinue until 10 p.m. Bistro.com or call 907-2200. For more information, call CicIn addition, the former Cosi Café cio’s at 975-1222 or visit Facebook. location in the Shops also will soon have an exciting, new eatery in its place, com/BobThompsonBand. as Blue Lagoon Island Grill, which PROtential Sports Hosts has an impressively eclectic menu, moves into the Cosi unit, hopefully not First Franchise Event Congratulations to (above, l. to r.) more than a week after this issue reachNyree and former NFL wide receiver es your mailbox. Visit BlueLagoonTampa.com and Tony Bland, the owners of PROtential please fill out the info on Blue Lagoon’s Sports in New Tampa, who held their first-ever Franchise Event at the Hamp“Contact Us” page and put “I read ton Inn on S.R. 56 on Oct. 13. about you in the Wesley Chapel NeighNyree says that about 45 people borhood News!” in the space marked came to the franchise event, which fea“Comments” on the site!), tured free food and beverages, a variety Although it’s been one of the of giveaways and lots of information more successful ongoing events at the about our area’s most successful summall, we, for some reason, never have mer camp and after-school sports prowritten anything about the twicegram for kids since 2004. “Several of monthly Fresh Market at the Shops. the people who attended the franchise Well, after my most recent visit to event have already started doing their this awesome array of everything from the coolest-looking striped eggplants to home-baked gourmet doggie treats and from fresh salsa and Italian tomato sauce to baked goods and freshly grown herbs, I just hope that you’ll visit one of the upcoming Fresh Markets at Wiregrass, which are being held on the following upcoming Saturdays — Nov. 3 & Nov. 17. For more info Giant carrots, beautiful, striped and other eggplants and about these and other samples of Olive Girl olive garnishes are just a small part of upcoming events and the twice-monthly Fresh Market at the Shops at Wiregrass.

details about the Flamenco shows (with seating now in Café Ole’s new formal dining area) and dinner specials. And, don’t forget that Café Olé has great tapas and drink specials almost every day!

Here & There, This & That

• I’m sad to report that Jalapeno Mexican Grill in the Oak Ramble Plaza on Bruce B. (L. to r.) Julie, Nyree, Tony, Julie and Marcus hosted about Downs Blvd. has closed, 45 potential franchisees at the first-ever PROtential Sport We had no word yet franchise event at the Hampton Inn & Suites on S.R. 56. on possible replacements due diligence,” Nyree says. “We’re for Jalapeno had at our press time. pretty excited going forward.” • I’m somewhat happier to report Look for a PROtential update that I — and about 12,000 other peoin a future issue, call 262-9688 or ple — successfully completed the threevisit ProtentialSports.com. mile walk along Bayshore Blvd. for the “Making Strides Against Breast CanCafé Olé Flamenco Show cer” event to benefit the American Cancer Society on October 20. November 17 The Hillsborough event raised If you want to truly get a Taste of nearly $400,000, only $60 of which Spain, we suggest you check out the was raised by yours truly, who walked upcoming Flamenco Dance Show at (but did not don a pink bra) in honor Café Olé, located in the Cross Creek of my dear friend and breast cancer surCenter plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. at vivor Pegah Stegeman and in memory Kinnan St. of my best friend’s mom Norma GetThe next Flamenco event at Café Olé will be held on Saturday, Novem- ter, who lost her battle with the disease about 30 years ago. For info, visit ber 17, with dinner seatings at 6 p.m. MakingStrides.acsevents.org. — GN and 8:30 p.m. Call 907-5242 for

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D

HELP WANTED - Assistant Manager: Mom and Pop music school is hiring a part-time assistant manager 10-15 hours per week. Duties include sales, minimal housekeeping, balancing cash register, opening and closing of facility. Excellent people skills required, sales experience in music retail strongly preferred but not required. Hours 4-8pm. Pay $10 - $12 per hour. To apply, please respond by e-mailing 3 separate word docs of: Cover letter, Resume, List of references to newtampamusiclessons@gmail.com HELP WANTED - For an organized, reliable individual to help file, organize, and assist with basic office duties approximately three hours per week (will adjust as needed). Computer skills required for labeling. Please contact with resume; blewis816@gmail.com. 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. COUNTER PERSON WANTED - Must have floral design experience. Please call 813.979.9453 for more information HELP WANTED-Local restaurant & bar looking for part-time & full-time shift managers. Management experience in restaurant & bar required. Please call to speak with Jeff Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. - 4p.m. at 813.972.1725. HELP WANTED-New Tampa medical equipment company needs to hire a part time billing clerk. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, be detail oriented with a positive customer service attitude. Call to speak Senka (813) 994-6688

EDUCATION / BABYSITTING 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 EXPERIENCED TUTOR AVAILABLE! Degrees: Elementary Education K-6, Reading Education K-12, Specialization - Intensive or Enrichment in reading K-12, FCAT Prep (Reading and Writing), ACT and SAT Prep. *References Available * Experience in Elementary and High School. Carrie Crockett -TutorCrockett@gmail.com or 813-679-5262 WENDELKEN STUDIO OF MUSICAL ARTS - Join our popular and respected school of classical music. Classical, European Conservatory training in: Violin, Viola,Cello, Voice and Piano. Beginners through Advanced; Adults, too. *Our students receive college credit for their studies through our affiliate, the Royal Conservatory of Music* Many competition/recital/festival/performance opportunities. Group theory classes forming soon! Check out our website at: TampaPiano.com and call Mary Wendelken at (813) 978-1771.

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.

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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 WEST COAST FLOORING, INC: Hardwood, Laminate, and Carpet; Over 25 years experience in sales and installations; Repairs: Large and small jobs; We even do exterior pavers; Free estimates Call Doug at (813) 215-4817

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. JAZZERCISE CLASSES - Classes available MonFri 8:30am & 9:30am located at Jansen Dance Project. Jazzercise is a combination of dance, hip hop, kickboxing, yoga, and Pilates. Enjoy 30 minutes of rockin’ cardio and 30 minutes of strength training. All Monday’s in September are FREE! For more information call Julie (813) 505-5258, or www.jazzercise.com jwagonerjazz@verizon.net.

P O O L

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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 AQUATEC POOL SERVICE - keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call 813-312-5694 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FOR FREE. www.aquatecpool.com

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M I S C E L L A N E O U S 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. FOR SALE - Solid wood Drexel Heritage, Italian Traditional style, Dining Room Set: Dining room table w/ leaf 86 in. long, 42 in wide, 6 chairs w/ burgundy and gold accent cushions, and matching lighted china cabinet. For pricing or more information please call 813-690-1062.

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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. QUALITY CLEANING & SERVICES - Residential & commercial with14 years of experience. We provide our own supplies and always the same crew. Free estimates! 813-381-1430 or 418-1217.

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

E S T A T E

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 813979-4963

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 •

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

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 23 • November 3, 2012 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com