Wesley Chapel Issue 24-09 by Neighborhood News

Volume 17 Issue 24

WESLEY CHAPEL Inside:

The Brass Tap & Circles Team Up!

NEWS

See page 26!

November 27, 2009

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

Local Experts Share Knowledge In The Great American Teach-In By Michael Smith & Gary Nager Year after year across this great nation of ours, the Great American Teach-In brings moms and dads and other members of the community to schools in their respective areas to share some of their real-life experiences with students in grades K-12. Wesley Chapel’s elementary, middle and high schools were abuzz with visitors who discussed their careers, hobbies and more with local students. There were former Major League Baseball players, representatives of the U.S. Air Force, local firefighters, nurses, puppeteers and so many others. Although the Pasco County School District didn’t have exact final numbers at our press time, more than 1,200 speakers participated in TeachIn events around the county. In other words, a lot of very busy people took the time to chat with our young people, so while we’ve honored a few of these wonderful folks on this page, we appreciate everyone who took part.

Firefighter Richard Hauser models his gear for students at Wesley Chapel Elementary.

Students at Sand Pine Elementary in Meadow Pointe (left) loved watching one of their teachers put into a hard splint, while senior airman William Paskie (right) found a new recruit at Watergrass Elementary.

An armored truck driver (far left) and a video game designer (left) were among the favorite guest speakers at TeachIn events at John Long Middle School & Wesley Chapel High, respectively.

Charges Dropped Against Local Homeowner Who Shot Intruder

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Firefighters Bring A Local High School Athlete Back To Life, A Loaded Community Calendar, High School Football Wrap-Up & More!

Photographer Jessica Dana Turns Moments Into Memories, Brass Tap + Circles New Tampa Bistro=Delicious, ‘Neighborhood Nibbles’ & More!

See pages 3-19!

See pages 21-36!

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS & SPORTS UPDATES

fied in shooting Kuch. However, after reviewing the case, prosecutors felt that the “stand your ground” law did apply in this case. “We felt that he was legally justified in what he did,” assistant state attorney Manny Garcia said. According to his family, Kuch spent a month in the hospital with wounds to his lung and heart, but he has now recovered from the incident. They did express anger and disappointment, however, that the case was not prosecuted. See “News Briefs” on page 4.

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

but instead of leaving, the person shook the doorknob again. So, Stewart grabbed his .40 caliber pistol and went outside to investigate, and that’s when he found Kuch, who was obviously intoxicated, standing in his front yard. He said that although Kuch did not make any threats, and only kept asking for a light for his cigarette, the young man refused to leave, and began advancing towards Stewart, even after being warned not to. So, Stewart fired, striking Kuch in the chest. Although Florida residents are protected under the state’s Castle Doctrine, or “stand your ground” law, which allows them to take steps to defend themselves, including the use of deadly force, when they feel threatened, Stewart was charged because the investigators felt that he was not justi-

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

The Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney’s Office has dropped the charges filed against a local man who shot a stranger in his front yard in August. Gregory A. Stewart, 32, who lives in the Stagecoach subdivision on S.R. 54 just outside of Wesley Chapel, was charged with aggravated battery with a

deadly weapon after the Aug. 1 incident, in which he shot 23-year-old William Kuch in the chest after Kuch showed up on his doorstep at 5 a.m. and refused to leave. At the time of his arrest, Stewart told investigators that he was awakened that morning when someone rattled the knob on his front door. He called out for whoever it was to leave,

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Next Up For The Chamber — The Ierna’s Holiday Festival Dec. 5! An editorial by Gary Nager Health Care, Good Faith Insurance and Any Lab Test Now. I once heard a “We were happy to have more famous standup comic say than 130 runners take part in our first “They can’t all be gems” 5K run (held at Saddlebrook Resort the to a particularly tough same morning), which raised $365 for crowd on a particularly rough night Big brothers & Big Sisters of Tampa when none of the comic’s jokes hit Bay,” says Goldberg. “Rasmussen Coltheir respective marks. lege did a great job as the run sponsor The same can be said about the and Saddlebrook is definitely on board Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of to host it again next year.” Commerce (WCCC). Fresh off an In other words, the Chamber is incredible “gem” — the Chamber’s still doing its part to provide many difannual Fall Craft Fair, which attracted ferent types of activities that YOU are thousands of visitors to The Grove invited to attend, many of which are shopping plaza in October — the free. In fact, over the next two months, Board of the WCCC and executive in addition to the usual mixers and ribdirector Sheri Goldberg were hoping bon cutting ceremonies, the WCCC that this year’s free Family Health & also will host two major events that Wellness Fair, which was held Novemmost definitely are open to the public. ber 7 at the Wesley Chapel District Park on Boyette Rd. (at Overpass Rd.), Ierna’s Holiday Festival would be equally as successful. Goldberg says this year’s third However, although 52 health-andannual Holiday Festival, which boasts wellness-related exhibitors came out to Ierna’s Heating & Cooling as its title share information and provide free sponsor and which also should benefit health screenings for the public, Goldfrom its new location in the parking berg says the weather and probably the lot of the smaller separate retail plaza location both kept people away. in front of PetSmart & Dick’s Sport“There were 40 mile-per-hour winds that day,” she says. “Plus, we think if we move the event to one of the major retail plazas next year, more people will come.” Goldberg adds that the Chamber greatly appreciates the sponsors of the Family Health & Wellness fair — Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, Rose Radiology, Rasmussen College, Humana

ing Goods at The Grove shopping center (the same location as the aforementioned Fall Craft Fair), will be held Sat., Dec. 5, 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. “We’ve already got all of the school and church holiday musical groups we can handle ready to perform and we should have at least as many vendors on hand as last year (when there were 30),” says Goldberg. “Santa also will make a visit, kids will be able to participate in a parade, win awards for the best costumes and write letters to U.S. troops overseas.”

Saddlebrook Resort will host the food at the Holiday Festival, which will again feature inexpensive ($1 for many) items and the proceeds from those sales will benefit the Suncoast Harvest Food Bank & Toys for Tots. Next issue, we’ll tell you how the Holiday Festival went and tell you more about the upcoming Miss Wesley Chapel Pageant on Jan. 16, 2010. For information about these and other upcoming WCCC events, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com or call 994-8534.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483 Website: WCNeighborhoodNews.com Advertising E-mail: NewTampaNN@aol.com Editorial E-mail: NTNNEdit@yahoo.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Managing Editor Michael Smith Correspondents

Kate Kramer • Melissa O’Brien

Advertising Customer Service Manager David Zacharia Art Director Tony Sica Office & Marketing Assistants

Jacob Glenn • Karen Glenn • Ashley Knoblach Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 17, Issue 26, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Friday, December 4, 2009. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertisingspace itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2009 JM2 Communications, Inc.

Table of Contents NEWS UPDATES.....................................Pages 1-9 News Briefs (cont. from Page 1)........................................4 Teen Driver Sentenced In 2007 Fatal Crash Pasco School District Offers Swine Flu Vaccine Timely Intervention Brings Young Athlete Back To Life...6 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar.......................8-9

BUSINESS UPDATES...................................12-17 Swiss Spirit Massage Provides The Healing Power Of Touch......................................................................12-13 Studio F.I.T. Offers Affordable, Convenient Personal Training...................................................................16-17 LOCAL SPORTS............................................18-19 Castelamare Era Could Be Over At WCH.......................18 WRH Bulls End Their Regular Season At 5-5.................19

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE Jessica Dana Studios Turns Moments Into Your Family’s Most Precious Memories......................................21-22 The Brass Tap + Circles Bistro = One Great Meal......26-27 Neighborhood Nibbles...................................................28 Café Olé Offers A Taste Of Spain On CC Blvd........32-33

WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS...34

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“News Briefs”

Continued from page 1 Teen Driver Sentenced In 2007 Fatal Crash

The Wesley Chapel teen who was behind the wheel when his SUV flipped, killing one of his passengers and badly injuring another, was sentenced to six months in jail earlier this month. Adam Sanford was 17 on that afternoon in August 2007, and he and two Adam friends, Matthew Laidley and Sanford Katelin Kaiser, both also 17, were on their way home from Wesley Chapel High on Wells Rd. They were driving north on Curley Rd., and as so many teenagers are, they were in a hurry. Witnesses say that Sanford was not only speeding, he also used the left turn lane to pass one vehicle and then went into the shoulder to pass another. When he tried to steer back onto the roadway, however, he lost control of his Isuzu Trooper, which then flipped over several times. Although all three were wearing seat belts, Laidley was killed, and Kaiser was seriously injured. Sanford was charged with vehicular homicide, manslaughter, and reckless driving with serious bodily injury. He could have faced more than a decade in prison, but asked for probation during a hearing earlier this year. That didn’t sit well with Laidley’s family, however, who wanted him to spend some time behind bars. The case was scheduled to go to trial this month, but Sanford entered a guilty plea on November 5 and was sentenced to six months in jail and 10 years of probation by Circuit Judge Pat

Siracusa, who said that he struggled with the decision. “It is unimaginably difficult to sentence a good person who does something so disastrously reckless without any intent,” the judge said. In addition to the jail time and probation, during which Sanford will have to spend every weekend of the anniversary of the crash in jail, Siracusa also ordered Sanford to carry a photo of Laidley with him at all times and to speak to high school students about the dangers of reckless driving, a condition which Laidley’s mother Maria especially requested.

Pasco School District Offers Swine Flu Vaccine

Since the beginning of November, the Pasco County School District has been vaccinating thousands of students against H1N1, or swine flu. The District began offering both the injectable and the nasal spray types of the vaccine in elementary schools the week of November 2. Vaccinations for middle and high school students began in mid-November and are expected to continue through the beginning of December, according to a District spokesperson. “We have been holding six clinics every day and giving 8,000-10,000 vaccinations a week since the end of October,” vaccination coordinator Summer Romagnoli says. That translates to about 30 percent-40 percent participation, and Romagnoli says that District officials had hoped that more students would choose to get the vaccine, although she points out that participation is not mandatory. She notes that the District does not know a specific number of students who have been infected with swine flu, because not every student who has exhibited flu-like symptoms has been tested. However, Health Department officials are assuming that most reported flu cases are swine flu.

“We know that it is very widespread in the county,” Romagnoli says. Actually, Pasco County has one of the lower H1N1 infection rates in the state. According to the Florida Department of Health, as of November 17, there had been only three cases of swine flu severe enough to require hospitalization in the county, and two deaths that have been attributed to H1N1, compared with 25 hospitalizations and nine deaths reported in Hillsborough County. Romagnoli says that the District should be finished with all of the county’s public schools by December 8, and after that, will go back and give a second round of vaccines to students 9 and younger, “assuming we get the supplies we need,” Romagnoli says. A tentative schedule for the schools where the vaccines will be offered is available on the School District website, Pasco.k12.fl.us, and will be updated with new schools as the vaccines are distributed. While vaccinations for students, health care workers and other people considered to be at higher risk for complications from swine flu have been made available, vaccinations for the general public still are not. One local physician, Stephen Dickey, M.D., the founder and vice president of operations for Doctor’s Walk-In

Clinics, says he would like to be able to offer the vaccine, because many people are concerned about H1N1. “With all the media coverage and the government warnings, the public is scared to death,” Dr. Dickey says. “But, when we ask about the vaccine, all we hear is ‘it should be soon,’ and the reason why it’s so vague is because no one really knows.” Dickey says that during October, about 15-20 percent of the 500 patients who visited the eight Bay-area Doctor’s Walk-In Clinics (including the newest location, at 20677 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., just south of County Line Rd.) on an average day exhibited symptoms of flu, and most of those are assumed to be swine flu, although not all were confirmed cases. He notes the low participation in the School District’s vaccination program and admits that even among his own staff members, fewer than 50 percent were willing to receive the vaccine. He says he hopes those numbers will increase once the vaccine becomes widely available. “It just means we haven’t done a good enough job of educating people,” he says. “Many people are nervous because they think they will get the disease if they take the vaccine, but the truth is, it’s a killed virus, and you can’t get infected from the vaccine. The advantages far outweigh the risks. The best thing you can do is take it.” — MS

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Timely Intervention Brings Young Athlete Back To Life By Michael Smith They say that when it’s your time to go, then it’s your time to go, and there’s nothing you can do about it. But, apparently Fate has other plans for Drake Williams, because even though the 16-year-old athlete suffered a collapse that actually ended his life, the help he needed to bring him back was, thankfully, just around the corner. Williams is a junior at Wharton High School, where he has been a member of the school’s varsity basketball and football teams. On November 14, Williams and his teammates on the Wildcats basketball team were in the midst of practices for the upcoming season when the 6’-4”, 213-pound student athlete suddenly fell to the floor of the school gymnasium, unconscious. Immediately, Wharton head basketball coach Tommy Tonnellli came to Williams’ aid. He checked for a pulse, but said there wasn’t one, and Williams wasn’t breathing either. So, Tonelli started performing CPR, but after getting no response, he directed another student to continue the CPR while he ran for the defibrillator that is kept in the gymnasium. On the way, he handed

his cell phone to another student so he could call 911. As that student went outside to get better reception on the phone, he looked up and right there were paramedics Ryan Bradford and Angelo Santos of Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) Station #21, who happened to be at the school delivering equipment for that evening’s charity Badge Bowl game between TFR’s firefighters and members of the Tampa Police Department (TPD). Bradford and Santos went into the gym just as Tonelli was about to use the defibrillator, so they took over and were able to re-start Williams’ heart. Then, they loaded him up in their ambulance, and as they were on the way to University Community Hospital (UCH), Williams actually had recovered enough to talk to the paramedics. “The first thing he wanted to do was go back and play basketball again,” Bradford says. Instead, they delivered Williams to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at UCH, where doctors determined that the cause of his collapse was an electrical disturbance in his heart that is triggered by stress and causes “sudden cardiac death.”

Drake Williams thanks paramedics Angelo Santos and Ryan Bradford, who helped rescue him after he collapsed during basketball practice. “Drake is a fortunate young man,” says Dr. James Orlowski, chief of pediatric medicine at UCH. “He’s lucky that the coach was able to start CPR right away amd even more fortunate that the paramedics were right there.” Unfortunately, however, Orlowski says that having the condition means that Williams will have to have a defibrillator implanted into his heart, and

will no longer be able to participate in any contact sports. Williams’ parents, Darrell and Monzita, said they were very grateful for the coach and the firefighters’ timely intervention that saved their son’s life. “We are so pleased and blessed that you do what you do,” Darrell said. “We just can’t say enough to thank [all of] you.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL

Community Calendar

Wesley Chapel Toastmasters

Monday, November 30 – The new Wesley Chapel Toastmasters Club meets every Monday, 6 p.m., at the American Consulting Engineers Building (2818 Cypress Ridge Rd., off S.R. 56). Club meetings are open to all interested parties. For more info, call (352) 5671508 or visit Toastmastersd84.org.

Free Networking Int’l

Monday, November 30 – Free Networking International (FNI), a group of area business owners, meets each Monday for networking and discussion, 8 a.m., at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54). For more information, call Stacy Dalton at 469-5499.

Chamber Breakfast

Tuesday, December 1 – The Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly Business Breakfast, 8 a.m., at The Tropics restaurant at Saddlebrook Resort. The guest speaker will be Tom Fleming of the Referral Institute, who will discuss networking. The cost is $7 for Chamber members and their guests, and that

includes a full buffet breakfast. Space is limited, so reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call the Chamber office at 994-8534.

Business Networking Int’l

Tuesday, December 1 – Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals who work to support each other through qualified business referrals, meets every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd.) in Wesley Chapel. For more information, contact Nancy Cross at 789-7836 or by e-mail at nancycross@crossrealty.com.

East Pasco Networking

Tuesday, December 1 – The East Pasco Networking Group meets every Tuesday morning, 9 a.m., at Beef O’Brady’s (1660 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Shops of New Tampa at Wesley Chapel plaza). For more information, contact Frankie Ammons at 479-7997 or by e-mail at Frankie@studioglory.com.

Wesley Chapel Rotary

Wednesday, December 2 – The

Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meets every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at Las Vallarta Mexican Restaurant (in the Village Market shopping center at S.R. 54 & Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). For more information, call 2637188 or 383-6683.

Networking For Your Success

Thursday, December 3 – The Networking For Your Success group meets every Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m., at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd.) in Wesley Chapel. For more information, call Pamela Butler at 966-5156 or visit NetworkingforYourSuccess.com.

WC Wind Ensemble

Thursday, December 3 – The Wesley Chapel Wind Ensemble, a community group of brass and woodwind players, meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54). New members are encouraged to join. For more information, contact Glenn at 746-4821 or by e-mail at trombonegww@juno.com.

WC Sunrise Rotary Club

Friday, December 4 – The Wesley Chapel Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Friday at 7:15 a.m. at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.).

For more information, call Lynne Wilson at 695-6466.

WOW Business For Women

Friday, December 4 – WOW, a business group for women, meets every other Friday (the second and fourth of each month) at 7:30 a.m. at First Watch. All area businesswomen are invited to attend for networking and socializing. In addition, the group now holds its regular club meetings on the first and third Friday of each month at Vallarta’s Mexican restaurant beginning at noon. There is a $10 charge, which includes lunch, and those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP. For information or to make a reservation for the lunch meetings, call Darlene Reed at 263-4598.

Letter Carriers Toy Drive

Saturday, December 5 – Pasco County residents are asked to do their part to help the less fortunate by donating a toy for the Toys for Tots toy drive. To donate, simply place a new, unwrapped toy next to your mailbox, and your letter carrier will do the rest. For more information, visit ToysforTotsPasco.org.

Florida Writers Association Saturday, December 5 – The Florida Writers Association meets on the first Saturday of every month, 10

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

a.m.-noon, at the Barnes & Noble bookstore at the Shops at Wiregrass mall in Wesley Chapel. All meetings are free and open to the public. Call 907-7739 for more info.

WCCC Holiday Festival

Saturday, December 5 – The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting, 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m., at The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping plaza (S.R. 54 & I75). There will be a children’s parade, live entertainment (including a live nativity), a visit from Santa and more. For more information, call the Chamber office at 994-8534 or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

PACA Discusses 2010 Census

Thursday, December 10 – The Pasco Alliance of Community Associations (PACA) will meet at 7 p.m. at the Land O’Lakes Community Center (5401 Land O’Lakes Blvd./U.S. 41). The topics of discussion will be the 2010 Census and the Pasco County School District’s Career Academy. The meeting is free and open to the public. Visit MyPACA.org, or call president Bill Parsons at 991-6003.

Sen. Candidate Jim Norman Visits WC Republican Club Thursday, December 10 – The

Wesley Chapel Republican Club (WCRC) meets the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Hyundai (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). The club’s guest speaker on December 10 will be current Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman, who is seeking election to the District 12 State Senate seat in 2010. All WCRC meetings are open to club members, new members and guests. For more information, call Peter Hanzel at 907-6614 or send an email to WesleyChapelRepC@aol.com.

Dance Theater Of Tampa’s ‘Sugar Plum Fairy Tea’

Saturday, December 12 – The Dance Theater of Tampa (DTT) will host a “Sugar Plum Fairy Tea,” 2 p.m.4 p.m., at the Gibbons Alumni Center on the University of South Florida campus. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 3-12 ($10 for each additional child from the same family), and all guests will receive halfprice tickets to the DTT production of “The Nutcracker” (see below). A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. For more info, call 994-6838.

‘A Night In Bethlehem’

Saturday, December 12 – Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church (19911 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) will present “A Night

in Bethlehem” live nativity, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., that will allow visitors to step back in time to the night of Jesus’ birth, with costumed characters, live animals, and more, including an ornament workshop for children. There is no charge. For more information, call the church office at 973-2484.

‘Holiday Glitz & Glamour Pageant’

Saturday, December 12 – Vicky McShane, organizer of the annual Miss New Tampa Pageant, will host the first annual “Holiday Glitz & Glamour Pageant,” with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Shops at Wiregrass mall. There will be age categories from infants through young adults, as well as special family competitions. All contestants are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to the local Toys for Tots toy drive. For additional information, call 714-6513 or visit HolidayGlitzand GlamourPageant.com.

Holiday Big Band Concert

Sunday, December 13 – The Boulevard Jazz Orchestra will present “A Holiday Tribute to the Big Band Era,” 6 p.m., at The Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel (30651 Wells Rd., on the campus of Wesley Chapel High School). Tickets cost $10 and will be available at the door or by calling

the Center box office at 794-8772.

‘Networking On The 9s’

Tuesday, December 15 – The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly golf networking group, “Networking on the Nines,” 3 p.m., at Lexington Oaks Golf Club. The cost is $15 per person, which includes 9 holes of golf, cart and greens fees. For more information, call Rob Kellog at 817-5655.

Dance Theatre Of Tampa’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Friday, December 18-Sunday, December 20 – The Dance Theatre of Tampa will present its 10th annual production of “The Nutcracker,” with shows at 7 p.m. on Friday & Saturday and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday & Sunday, at the University of South Florida College of the Arts Theatre 1. Tickets cost $20-24 for adults and $1520 for children ages 3-12 (children under age 3 are free, but do require a ticket) and they are available at New Tampa Dance Theater (10701 Cross Creek Blvd.) and through Ticketmaster (287-8844). Discounts also are available for groups, seniors and USF students, faculty, staff and alumni. For additional information, call 994-6838.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Swiss Spirit Massage Provides The Healing Power Of Touch By Michael Smith Although most Americans still think of massage therapy primarily as a way to relax and unwind, there is a growing body of evidence which shows that the benefits of therapeutic massage go far beyond mere relaxation. However, while many day spas, gyms and even hair salons now offer massages as part of their services, licensed massage therapist (LMT) Marlen Caduff, the owner of Swiss Spirit Massage (located in the Cory Lake Isles Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd., only 10-15 minutes from “southern” Wesley Chapel), says you need a dedicated and experienced, licensed professional to help you unlock the full potential of true massage therapy. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website, references to massage therapy appear in writings from many ancient cultures, including China, Egypt and Greece, where Hippocrates, known as the father of modern medicine, advocated anatripsis, or “the art of rubbing,” as a method of treatment for a variety of ailments.

The website also notes that massage became widely popular in Europe during the Renaissance (roughly the 1400s-1600), and was introduced to America in the 1850s by a pair of physicians who had studied in Switzerland. Now, although massage therapy is still considered to be a complementary or alternative type of medicine here in the U.S., recent studies show that it does have a variety of conventional “medicinal” uses. “Massage therapy can help relieve pain from stiff or sore muscles, arthritis, fibromyalgia and sports-related or other acute or chronic injuries,” says Caduff, a native of Basel, Switzerland who was a registered nurse before she went back to college and received a degree in massage therapy. She then had her own business in her native country for two years before coming to the U.S. about six years ago. She also says (and studies indicate) that massage therapy can help boost the body’s immune system, improve circulation, reduce high blood pressure and ease a number of issues suffered by pregnant women, including back pain, swelling and stress. “There have been studies that also

show that giving birth can go better if you have massages while you are pregnant, because it helps to relax all of those muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region that become very tight during pregnancy,” Caduff says. Depending upon what you are trying to accomplish, Caduff says there are a number of different massage techniques, from traditional Swedish massage (which uses very light pressure and is used primarily for relaxation), to deep tissue massage, in which the therapist may use not only their hands, but also their elbows, forearms or even feet, to manipulate the muscle and fascia (or connective tissue) that lies beneath the surface muscles of the body. This can help relieve chronic tension, pain and stiffness by increasing circulation within those tissues and releasing the toxins that build up over time. In addition to these relatively well-known techniques, Caduff and her associate Jennifer Bodanza, who joined Swiss Spirit Massage six months ago, also offer some less-common techniques, such as Lomi Lomi (also known as Hawaiian massage), Chinese bamboo massage, and traditional Thai

Massage therapist Marlen Caduff (rear) demonstrates one of the maneuvers used in Thai massage. massage, which Caduff actually traveled to Thailand to learn. This technique combines a series of Yoga-like stretching maneuvers with rhythmic massage to help restore the body’s “natural energy flow.” Cory Lake Isles resident Marlene Valentin, M.D., who has been a client at Swiss Spirit Massage for about three years, says that an alternating regimen of deep tissue and Thai massage has helped “tremendously” with the

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

chronic neck and low back pain she says she often suffered after being on her feet as much as 10-12 hours during a typical day in her job as a vascular surgeon. Dr. Valentin says that she had tried other therapists who offered socalled deep tissue massages before finding Caduff, but found that none of them were as effective. “After visiting those walk-in places, I usually felt no difference at all, but Marlen absolutely knows her stuff,” Dr. Valentin says. “I had never even heard of Thai massage before I met her, but now I feel that it helps me with everything I do.” Connie Bainbridge’s experience is similar to Valentin’s. The Hunter’s Green resident works as a marketing manager for Verizon, and says that before she was diagnosed with breast cancer about three years ago, she viewed massages as “a luxury kind of thing.” After her diagnosis, however, her doctors at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute prescribed lymphatic massage, which helps relieve lymphedema (or swelling of the limbs that accompanies the removal of lymph glands), as part of her cancer treatment. Because the massages offered at Moffitt were only available at certain times that didn’t fit into her schedule,

she went looking for someone else who could perform lymphatic massage therapy, but had little success before meeting Caduff. “I went to several different places, but they didn’t give me any relief,” Bainbridge says. “But, after I found Marlen, it was clear that she really knew what she was doing.” Now, as a cancer survivor, Bainbridge is active as both a participant and a volunteer trainer in the annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer ThreeDay Walk, during which participants walk 60 miles in three days to help raise money for breast cancer research and treatment. To get ready for the event, Bainbridge leads walks of up to 16-18 miles at a time, which, needless to say, leads to some tired and aching muscles. But, she says that her regular treatments at Swiss Spirit Massage have really made a difference in the way she feels — not only helping with her training, but also with relieving the tension from her often-stressful job. “I really couldn’t be doing these activities without Marlen and what she does,” Bainbridge says. Caduff, meanwhile, says that almost anyone can receive some benefit from regular massages. She treats a lot of young people for sports-related and other injuries, but also says that mas-

sages can help older people become more flexible and less prone to falling, too. And, massages can help both men and women achieve better posture, avoid repetitive-motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, or get relief from migraine headaches (and, in some cases, even help to prevent migraines). Aside from simply giving massages, however, Caduff says that a large part of her philosophy is to help her clients achieve better health overall, through education, and helping them to identify the bad habits that may have led to many of their current issues. She even hopes to expand her business one day to include a Jennifer Bodanza gives a client a warm full range of other alternative bamboo massage, another of the specialties medical and holistic therapies. offered at Swiss Spirit Massage. “I want my clients to can stock up for yourself or give some become more aware of their bodies to your family and friends as gifts. and get more involved in their own They’re sure to appreciate it. health, because that will help us to get Swiss Spirit Massage is located at the best results we can,” she says. 10323 Cross Creek Blvd, Suite B, in Swiss Spirit Massage offers masthe Cory Lake Isles Professional Censage sessions of 30, 60 and 90 minter. Hours are: (by appointment only) utes, and discount packages and gift Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., 9 certificates are available. And, through a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 December 31, Caduff is offering a holiday special where you can buy four p.m. on Saturday. Call 325-1926 or gift certificates and get one free, so you visit Swiss-SpiritMassage.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Studio F.I.T. Offers Affordable, Convenient Personal Training By Melissa O’Brien

Most people look and feel better when they integrate exercise and healthy eating habits into their everyday lives. But, for some people, it’s hard to find the time and the motivation to work out, while for others, it’s just too expensive to join a conventional gym. However, the owners of Studio F.I.T. (which stands for “Functionality In Training”) want to make it easier for you to stay healthy, by creating a new kind of fitness studio with options – including personal and group sessions at a variety of price ranges and trainers who will customize a training schedule to match your own. Studio F.I.T., which opened in March, is owned and operated by certified personal trainers Christine Simmons and Michele Sodon. At their 1,600-sq.-ft. studio, which is located diagonally across from the Super Target, just south of the corner of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and County Line Rd. (behind Walgreens), they offer group exercise classes for as little as $6 a session, and also feature affordable oneon-one personal training sessions. According to Simmons, the goal at Studio F.I.T. is to be flexible enough to ensure that every client should be able to achieve his or her fitness goals.

“When we developed the concept of our business, we were looking for services that were unique, and that allow people to do cross training at a time and price that is convenient for them,” says Simmons. Studio F.I.T. is not a gym, Sodon adds, but a fitness studio that is geared toward the needs of everyone from already-fit athletes to less-well-conditioned and beginning clients. The studio trains everyone from young teens, where the focus is on fun activities and sports conditioning, to seniors, where the emphasis is on strength, balance and injury prevention. Simmons says that the primary goal at Studio F.I.T. is strengthening the core, or the “trunk” of the body. “Our philosophy is that when the core is strong, you will see improvements in everything you do,” she says. “This is true in a person of any age or any fitness level. Once you have a strong core, which includes the abdominal, back and oblique muscles that wrap around the center of the body, then you have the right foundation to be an athlete and to be injury-free.” “We also offer sports-specific training that other gyms in the area do not offer,” says Sodon. “Someone like a tennis player or a golfer may already have a coach, but they still need a train-

er to work on their core and specific exercises that relate to their game.” To help their clients achieve their goals, Simmons and Sodon also thought outside the box when it came to purchasing the equipment that they use at Studio F.I.T. That equipment, which typically isn’t found at Michele Sodon of Studio F.I.T. demonstrates a coreyour average strengthening exercise. gym, includes three commerson’s body weight for resistance) and an cial-grade gravity-training systems that Aero Pilates Reformer (which combines use a person’s own body weight to the benefits of cardiovascular exercises increase muscular strength and and Pilates). endurance by working on an incline. Simmons and Sodon incorporate “It can be easier or harder, this equipment into a variety of exercise depending on the incline, and these programs, from their one-on-one sesmachines have eight levels of incline,” sions to the small- and large-group Sodon says. workouts. They also offer Zumba, the Studio F.I.T. also features a TRX hot new cardio workout/dance fitness system (which has its roots in U.S. program set to South American music, Navy Seal training and also uses a perwhich Simmons says is suitable for any-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

one and is a fun way to burn calories, as well as kickboxing. Studio F.I.T. also recently introduced a pair of new highintensity programs: Power XT (which includes cardiovascular and plyometric exercises with explosive running and jumping exercises to build strength and stamina) and Strength XT (a resistance training program using a combination of free weights and power bands). Both Simmons and Sodon have worked separately in the fitness industry for many years, but decided to partner together after meeting one another seven years ago. “We were both personal trainers and we decided to come together, basically to bring our clients into a robust and more personal fitness training facility,” says Simmons. “I was in banking for 27 years,” adds Simmons, who lives in Tampa Palms and is certified in kickboxing, group fitness, Pilates and other specialties. “But, I decided to make a career change, based on the fact that I had been working in the fitness industry on a part-time basis. So, I took a redundancy package from the bank and started my own business in Seven Oaks before Michele and I came together.” Sodon started out as a teacher and then a stay-at-home mom before becoming a fitness professional. “I was always an active person,” she says. “Then, years ago, the gym I worked out at needed help with classes. Since

then, I’ve worked as an exercise instructor at various clubs and facilities.” Sodon, who also is certified by a number of organizations, including the AFAA (Aerobic Fitness Association of America), the National Health Club Association (in personal training) and the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), admits that fitness is her passion. “I believe I have a unique ability to motivate people,” she says. “I love to see them meet their goals and change their bodies – that is worth a million dollars to me. If a person can find their own inner strength and power, I have done my job.” Beth Coelho, who lives in Cross Creek, says she first started training with Michele because of Sodon’s incredible physique. “She obviously practiced what she preached,” says Coelho. “After working out with Michele, I noticed a big difference for myself. Now I go four or five times a week. She is very professional and knows what she is talking about. She pushes you and when you look at her, you know you can do it. She also makes it very convenient for you and works around your schedule. I recommend her all the time.” Meadow Pointe resident Cassie Rogers met Simmons at another area fitness center a couple of years ago. “Christine is always so energetic

and open minded and is always concerned about our fitness level,” says Rogers, who works out with her husband Jason. “She wants to know how we are eating and what we are doing. I lost eight pounds and six inches in three months and went down two pants sizes with her. She is very committed as an instructor and is always keeping it fresh. We have worked out at night (Above) Christine Simmons of Studio F.I.T. helps her clients and at 5 a.m. It’s get through an incline workout. (Below) Christine got some always whatever her help from her friends Maricela (in pink) & Patty (hat) while clients need.” teaching kids at Sand Pine Elementary in Meadow Pointe Studio F.I.T. is how to Zumba during the recent “Great American Teach-In.” located at 20739 Center Oak Dr., south and east of the corner of BBD Blvd. and County Line Rd. For a complete list of classes and the studio’s schedule, visit TotalBodyFitness. biz or call 9079705 or 486-6431.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Castelamare Era Could Be Coming To An End At WCH

After 38 years as an educator, and nine years as the only head coach the Wesley Chapel High (WCH) football team has ever had, John Castelamare may have called his last Wesley Chapel game from the High head football sidelines at Wildcoach John cat Stadium — Castelamare. but not by choice. Castelamare may be forced to leave the school because he is enrolled in the state of Florida’s Deferred Retirement Option Program, or DROP, and unless he is granted an extension by Pasco School District superintendent Heather Fiorentino, his career at WCH will be over as of August next year. The DROP program was instituted in 1998 by the state legislature to allow certain state employees who were eligible for retirement to continue to work for up to five years. And, in Pasco County, some teachers who had

enrolled in DROP were granted extensions, allowing them to continue working for an additional three years. Castelamare says that he had hoped to get an extension for at least another two years, which would give him 40, but earlier this year, Fiorentino announced that, because of budget shortfalls, she will no longer be granting any DROP extensions. In fact, she denied extensions to more than 50 District employees, including Land O’Lakes High head football coach John Benedetto, who also had coached for more than 30 years. Castelamare, meanwhile, says that he still is hoping to continue to coach and teach physical education, if not at WCH, then elsewhere. “I feel bad about them saying ‘Hey, we don’t need you anymore,’” he says. “I just want to coach and teach some more.” Since he started the WCH football program in ‘99, Castelamare has accumulated a record of 106-120, and the team has advanced to the playoffs four times. This year, the team finished at 37, icluding 2-5 in District 3A-7.—MS

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

WRH Bulls End Their Regular Season At 5-5 Although they were scheduled to play in a special Gridiron Challenge Bowl game against Spoto High on November 21 (the day we went to press with this issue), the Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) Bulls finished their 2009 regular football season with a 37-10 loss to the Pasco High Pirates on November 13, dropping the Bulls, who finished the season at 5-5 overall and 2-2 in Class 4A, District 6. The Bulls’ only scores against Pasco came on a 35-yard field goal by Stephen Esoff in the second quarter, and a 94-

yard touchdown return of the second half kickoff by Blake Burch. But, WRH just couldn’t stop the Pirates, especially freshman running back Janarion Grant, from moving the ball up and down the field almost at will. Grant finished the game with four rushing TDs and one 66-yard TD reception from senior QB D.J. Clower. Senior WR Blake Burch scored the Bulls’ only TD WRH QB James on a 94-yard kickoff return. Tringali, meanwhile, was under serious pressure throughout the game. He was sacked four times and finished with just three completions on nine passes for 64 yards. Senior RB Josh Johnson finished the game with 45 yards on 15 carries. WRH also turned the ball over three times on fumbles. WRH head coach Jeremy Schobe blamed the Bulls’ lackluster performance on the emotional letdown his team suffered after losing a heartbreaker to Hudson (5-6, but 3-1 in District play) the week before, when the Cobras kicked a field goal with 1:18 left in the game to steal a 20-18 victory which knocked the Bulls out of the playoffs.—MS

WRH QB James Tringali faced constant pressure from a hard-charging Pirates’ defense.

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Jessica Dana Studios Turns Moments Into Beautiful Memories By Melissa O’Brien With today’s digital photography technology, it’s true that almost anyone can take a good picture. But, it also is still an art to be able to truly capture a moment in time. Photography — quality photography, anyway — takes time, patience and an artist’s sensibility. It’s not just about a forward-facing smile, but about the sentiment behind the smile, the laughter caught in the moment or the portraying of a quiet reflection in a tender embrace. This is what a true portrait artist creates – a memory you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Jessica Dana, owner of Jessica Dana Studios in Lutz, seeks to create those types of memories for her clients. “For me, it is about encapsulating those special moments in time,” says Dana. “I want people to look at a photograph and feel, smell, and travel back in time to that moment. Photography also is about documenting relationships – the feelings people have when they’re with the ones they love or are doing the things they are passionate about. ” Dana admits that there is more competition than ever before in the photography industry because of the digital revolution, but she believes that photography is still more than just point and shoot. “A photographer has to have a way of making you feel comfortable,” she says. “It’s almost like you’re a therapist. It is about being a good listener as well as a good photographer. When I

meet a new client, it’s like meeting a new friend for me. I try to find out what their likes and dislikes are so I can make them feel at home, relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.” One of the ways Dana makes her clients feel at home is the uniquely homey feel of her studio in Lutz. “The property is on an acre of land with a main house and a classic red barn (see header above) that we converted into the studio,” says Dana, who worked out of her house prior to purchasing the property in 2007. “We serve refreshments like warm, homemade cookies to make kids feel at ease and relaxed.” Outside, the studio boasts a portrait park with a waterless ‘pier’ that was custom built for Dana, a tree and tire swing and many other props. “My hope is to create the ‘Willy Wonka’ land of photography,” says Dana. “The acre of land gives me great space to do what I need to do. The children actually get to decide where and what they want to do and what makes them feel comfortable (during a shoot). The outdoor space creates beautiful opportunities.” Dana recalls one child, three-yearold Benjamin Kurland, who didn’t want to do anything in particular at the studio and was not happy about having his picture taken. “I asked him if he wanted to play with toys or sit on the dock, but he wasn’t having any of it,” she says. “Finally, he said, ‘I want to throw dirt.’ So, we sat him outside and

Whether the memories you want captured forever are pet or people pics, Jessica Dana Studios in nearby Lutz will create images that will last a lifetime. he threw dirt. We got some great shots of him as happy as can be tossing dirt around. They are on my website in a montage entitled, ‘Boys will be boys.’ I would not have been able to do that if my studio was inside a strip mall.” Dana, whose first career was as a teacher in the Pasco County school system for five years, says she acquired her creative background from her grandfather. “He was an artist who painted pictures from photographs,” she says. “Growing up, I always thought I might like to be a photographer, but was not sure I could make a living at it. I was a photographer for our high school newspaper and was always very creative with it, but after my son was born, I took courses at the University of South Florida and traveled around the U.S. studying at top photography studios. I continue to further my education within the industry.” Dana, who doesn’t offer wedding

photography at this time because she feels it takes away her quality weekend time with her own family, does, however take portraits of pregnant women, families, graduating seniors, children and even pets. “I’m willing to travel to your home or the beach, wherever,” she says. “I want to be able to follow people’s dreams. If they envision a photograph in a special location, I can make that happen for them.” For graduating high school seniors, Dana advises them to bring along something they like. “Older kids are very aware of themselves,” she says. “If you allow them to bring something that is important to them, it still allows you to see the child in them. They, and their parents, will treasure these pictures when the kids are much older because they will remember their passion for what they loved.” See “Jessica Dana” on page 22.

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“Jessica Dana”

Continued from page 31 Molly Ramirez of Lutz is just such a parent. Her son, Ryan, was photographed (right) with and without his BMX bike for his senior pictures. “Jessica told Ryan to bring anything he wanted,” says Ramirez. “He brought his bike, uniform and helmet and they went off to different locations and took shots. She captured his passion for the sport and then some.” After your photo shoot, Dana will put together a PowerPoint presentation and then offer refreshments and play music while she and her clients view the photos. “I cried when I saw the photos – they were that good,” Ramirez says. “You could tell nothing was rushed. She takes her time and makes people very comfortable. Ryan’s 17 and Jessica was able to make him feel comfortable. She would tease him and get on his level to make him smile or give a serious look. This was our first time with a professional photographer and it was worth the investment, both financially and emotionally.” Ellaine Sapin-Ancheta of Cory Lake Isles says she saw some of Dana’s work in a physician’s office five years ago when she was pregnant with her second daughter. “I decided to do a maternity shoot,” says Sapin-Ancheta. “Two weeks from my due date, we

went and took family pictures with my older daughter and my husband. Jessica made me feel very comfortable with my belly exposed. The photos are beautiful. She just really captured the moment.” Sapin-Ancheta adds that her family now visits Dana’s studio for every special occasion. “We always go to Jessica,” she says. “She found a great location for her studio and my girls like to go there and use her dress-up things. I really appreciate the time she takes with you. Sometimes it may take an hour or two — it depends with children — but she is never rushed and always makes you feel comfortable. She takes her time to make sure she gets the right shot.” Jessica Dana Studios is located at 2207 Sunset Lane in Lutz. The studio offers a number of packages and is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and by appointment on Saturday. For additional information, call 949-8652 or visit JessicaDana Studios.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

‘Tampa Bay Health Fair’ Brings Locals To Plaza On S.R. 54 Local optometrist Dr. David Scamard, O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) of the Eyeglass Factory & Showroom (at 24444 S.R. 54, Lutz, next to Eagle Plaza) and several other local health professionals got together to host the second annual Tampa Bay Health Fair on Nov. 7. “We had about the same number of visitors as last year, when around 100 people came to the fair,” says Dr. Scamard. “Medi-Weightloss Clinic and 10-to-10 Urgent Care in our same plaza (both at 24420 S.R. 54) provided free cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, dermatologist Dr. Stephen Proper, M.D. (whose Wesley Chapel location is located behind Sam’s Club, in the Summergate Professional Park, at 27612 Cashford Cir.), checked people’s moles and lesions and I performed screenings that could detect a type of cancer that affects the eye. The people who visited definitely seemed to appreciate it.” And of course, the Health Fair also was an opportunity for Dr. Scamard, Dr. Proper and the staffs of 10 to 10 Urgent Care and Medi-Weightloss Clinic to introduce themselves and what they do to the local commu-

nity. Coffee, donuts and other refreshments were served and a good time was definitely had by everyone. “We were pleased with the turnout, considering that the Wesley Chapel Chamber held its Family Health & Wellness Fair the same day (see page 3) and there were several other events also being held in the area,” says Dr. Scamard. Meanwhile, Dr. Proper, who has offices in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, says he did find a couple of skin lesions that looked suspicious, so the Tampa Bay Health Fair definitely was important for those people. Dr. Proper also says he hopes to host a Spring 2010 Health Fair at his Wesley Chapel office. The businesses that participated in the event are all located within minutes of our Wesley Chapel readers, so please tell them we sent you! For 10-to-10 Urgent Care, call 949-4100; for the Medi-Weightloss Center, call 909-1700; for Dr. Stephen Proper’s Center for Dermatology & Skin Surgery, call 9911457; and for Dr. David Scamard’s Eyeglass Factory & Showroom, call 949-7274. — GN

(L. to r.) Sharon Rice & Cheryl Wright of 10 to 10 Urgent Care, Barbara Smith of Medi-Weightloss, optician Charlie Chaney, Jillian Jordan and Dawn Scamard of Eyeglass Factory, dermatologist Dr. Stephen Proper & optometrist Dr. David Scamard.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Beers From The Brass Tap + Circles Cuisine = 1 Great Meal! By Gary Nager When Circles New Tampa Bistro co-owner Donna Sinudom first invited me to partake of the first-ever “beer pairing dinner” (with beers provided by The Brass Tap in the Shops at Wiregrass mall) she and her chef/co-owner husband Louie Sinudom were hosting at what is still my favorite restaurant in New Tampa (on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in the Pebble Creek Collection, less than a mile south of the Pasco-Hillsborough county line), I admit I was just a little bit skeptical. “I’m not really a big beer drinker (anymore),” I told Donna. “But hey, I know the food will be great and I really do like The Brass Tap, too!” Well, after one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in months, let’s just say that this no-longer-a-big-beerdrinker already has started sampling more of the hundreds of beers from around the world served at The Brass Tap (located next to GrillSmith). Although she’s a nice Irish girl from New Jersey (and Chef Louie is from Thailand), Donna also admitted at the outset of this five+-course orgy of unique tastes that she’s always been much more of a wine drinker than a beer guzzler. Even so, she admits that, “Doing our ‘research’ for this dinner was just so much fun. Louie created the dishes we planned to serve for Ryan (Dowdle) and (owner) Jeff (Martin) from The Brass Tap and they brought along several beers to sample with each dish. Even though we ended up changing some of those dishes a little before the actual event took place (on Nov. 10), we were confident we had made some great choices and we definitely had a blast sampling the beers and food together ourselves.” The fun the Sinudoms had putting the event together definitely showed

through at the dinner itself. I brought along my cousin David Zacharia, who moved here from Long island, NY, to become my new office/advertising customer service manager, but Dave had no idea that working with me could be so...well...delicious. About two dozen diners converged at Circles and were greeted by Dowdle pouring Wexford’s Irish Cream Ale (cousin Dave’s favorite of the evening), which was a perfect match for Louie’s uniquely delicious teriyaki meatballs (which just happened to also be cousin D’s favorite course, too). But, the meatballs and Wexford’s were literally just a warm-up. As we were seated, we were treated to an exotic smoked salmon corn cake topped with creme fraiche and caviar, with chive lemon and smoked paprika oils. This multi-taste course was made even more enjoyable by its pairing with a Canadian Unibroue Ephemere beer. Our final “appetizer” (many were saying they were already full at this point) was escargots with a wild mushroom ragout that was paired with perhaps my favorite brew of the evening, a Hefe-Weizen Dunkel, which also is from Germany. A lot of German beers are too heavy or malty for me, but this one was smoooooth. Our first “main” course was my favorite — a fig-crusted double lamb chop served with perfectly seasoned Dauphine potatoes and green bean

(L. to r.) Donna and Louie Sinudom of Circles New Tampa Bistro and their staff took care of the food and Ryan Dowdle of The Brass Tap served Wexford’s Irish Cream Ale as the beer “appetizer” paired with the best teriyaki meatballs ever! bundles, topped with a delectably delicate brown butter sauce, all paired with a Belgian Westmalle Dubbel, one of those super-popular wheat beers, without the heavy after-taste I expected. Our next course was an equally satisfying sun-dried tomato beef brisket, served with savory sautéed mustard greens. The brisket was slow-cooked and even more tender than my mom’s (but please don’t tell her that) and was served, not surprisingly, with a full-bod-

ied Brooklyn Lager, which is brewed in Brooklyn, not far from where I was born in Far Rockaway, NY. The final course of the evening was an incredible French toast bread pudding served with poached pears and dried cranberry sauce. Although it was paired with probably my least favorite beer of the day, a Brooklyn black chocolate stout, most everyone else at our table raved about it, even though I found it a little too heavy and sweet.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

(L. to r.) The smoked salmon corn cake, fig-crusted double lamb chop, sun-dried tomato beef brisket and French toast bread pudding were all incredible — and each was paired with a perfectly complementary beer. All in all, it was an amazing meal, even though I probably still would have preferred pairing some of the offerings with selections from Circles’ amazing wine list (or even with a Singha beer from Louie’s native Thailand). The bad news, for those of you who missed this one, is that we can’t yet announce when the next Circles/Brass Tap beerpairing dinner will be. The good news is that there almost definitely will be another one in the future, so keep checking back with us for details. The best news of all is that you can create your own “pairing” meals at Circles or just enjoy the most eclectic menu in New Tampa every day but

Sunday for dinner, every weekday for lunch and anytime for catering. Plus, The Brass Tap offers its own monthly pairing dinners and tasting events. Since it serves no food, the beer-and-wineonly bar also allows patrons to bring in food from GrillSmith, Cantina Laredo, Cosi Cafe, Cafe 365, Yamato and other Shops at Wiregrass restaurants. Circles New Tampa Bistro is located at 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. For more information, call 973-7703 or visit CirclesBistro.com. The Brass Tap is located at 2000 Piazza Ave., in the Shops at Wiregrass. Call 991-4343 or visit BrassTapBeerBar.com.

Meadow Pointe residents Erinn, Dawn, Elizabeth and Randy were still smiling after the beer-pairing dinner at Circles, even though they were stuck sitting at the same table as Neighborhood News editor Gary Nager and office manager David Zacharia.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood Nibbles — Santo’s, Skinny’s, WineStyles & Zoofari! By Gary Nager

Skinny’s & Santo’s Both Getting Fatter!

We’ve told you several times about Santo’s Pizza & Pasta and Skinny’s Sports Bar, both of which are located in the Pinebrook Plaza at The Grove on S.R. 54, less than a mile west of I-75. Santo’s, already one of our favorite places for true New York-style pizza and great Italian specialties, will soon expand into the space previously occupied by Skinny’s, which should be open at the western end of the same plaza by the time you receive this publication. Santo’s is definitely still open every day for lunch and dinner in its original location in the plaza, but will expand into the adjacent space which has, until now, been occupied by Skinny’s. We will keep you posted on the Santo’s expansion, which also will allow a full liquor bar to be added to the restaurant that became a local favorite of not only yours truly, but our readers, too. Meanwhile, the newly revamped, “fatter” Skinny’s is the real story at this time. Owners Ken Santo and Bucky Wolden knew the former Skinny’s location would ultimately end up being too small for their neighborhood sports bar, but now, there are more pool tables,

dart boards, arcade games and beers on tap and in bottles, as well as an expanded wine list. “And now, when we have our live music events, there’s an actual dance floor,” says Ken. “We’re still the place to have fun in Wesley Chapel. There’s just more room now.” The new “fatter” Skinny’s Sports Bar is located at 27419-A S.R. 54 and is open daily, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Call 994-4646 for more info. Santo’s Pizza & pasta (27431 S.R. 54) can be reached at 994-7778.

WineStyles’ ‘Taste Of The NFL’ Event Moved To Dec. 5!

We told you last issue about the planned “Taste of the NFL” charity event at WineStyles of New Tampa, located in front of the SuperTargetanchored Northwood Shopping Center. Well, if you were concerned that you missed the great food, wine, entertainment and fun of the event, fear not — WineStyles owner Troy Melquist has moved the event to Saturday, December 5. Melquist still hopes to have current and former NFL players and Bucs cheerleaders on hand and promises there will be live entertainment, BBQ on the patio, bottle signings and more. WineStyles also has other live music events, Ladies Nights and is cur-

rently offering $5 off the purchase of two or more bottles of wine. Stop in at WineStyles (1051 BBD Blvd.), call 994-2200 or visit WineStyles.net.

Sister Hazel, Great Food Rock Zoofari!

As a guy who loves tasting events anyway, I have to admit that Zoofari, the largest annual fund raiser to benefit Lowry Park Zoo, ranks with the very best, even the Taste of New Tampa itself. Yeah, I said it. The fact is that Zoofari combines great restaurants (from this year’s primary food sponsor GrillSmith to The Melting Pot to an entire “Tastes of

Ybor City” section) from across the Bay area and topnotch entertainment — and this year’s main stage act was none other than Sister Hazel (photo), the Gainesville-based band that is one of my favorite countrified rock bands. Yes, Zoofari ‘09 was awesome, as is Lowry Park Zoo on Sligh Ave. Call 935-8552 or visit LowryParkZoo.com to find out more.

Delicious cheeseburger sliders and smiling servers made Whiskey Joe’s very popular at this year’s Zoofari.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Café Olé — A True Taste Of Spain On Cross Creek Blvd.! By Gary Nager The Cross Creek Center plaza has always been home to some interesting eateries, the problem has been that most haven’t lasted very long. The good news is that new and (sometimes) even better restaurants have come in quickly to replace those that have gone by the wayside in the plaza. For example, for every Thai Orchid that goes out, you have a Ploy Thai replacing it; Mazzola’s Little Italy leaves, and Cerise Bistro scoops up that space, and so on. Café Olé isn’t actually a “new” restaurant — it’s already been in business for more than a year — but owner Frank Aliaga (who also owns the Cross Creek Auto Service Center in the plaza and who also used to own the entire shopping center) kept trying to work out the kinks in what he hoped would expand from your basic sandwiches and finger foods to a full Tapas Bar and authentic Spanish and Mediterranean menu. From the beginning, Aliaga was able to get a full liquor license for Café Olé and has stocked the restaurant’s classy-looking bar with premium and super-premium liquors, as well as outstanding Spanish and other fine wines and beers on tap. “We’ve definitely always had a nice

The “Gambas al Ajillo” (shrimp in garlic sauce) and “Setas con Chorizo” (mushrooms with chorizo sausage) are among our editor’s favorite appetizers at Café Olé in the Cross Creek Center plaza, where GM Aldo Mosquera and owner Frank Aliaga promise to treat you to authentic Spanish and Medierranean cuisine.

bar business and almost all of the people who were coming here lived on or near Cross Creek Blvd.,” says Aliaga, who is from Spain. “What I wanted was a place where locals — even if they live a little further away — would try to find to enjoy the kind of authentic Paella Mariscos Valenciana like I have at home every Sunday.” Aliaga admits that the concept he was looking for didn’t come together until he brought in new general manager Aldo Mosquera, who previously was an owner of Brocato’s on S.R. 54 just west of where it meets S.R. 56. He also was a manager at Vizcaya, another excellent Spanish restaurant on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Carrollwood. “Frank really wanted to serve authentic Spanish and Mediterranean

cuisine,” says Aldo. “We’ve been refining the menu for several months and now, we’re both really happy with the tapas and other appetizers, entrées and even desserts we have today.” He adds, however, that “The most important thing is that we’re getting a lot of great feedback — and return visits — from the customers who have tried the food recently. Now, we just need to get the word out about what we have to offer.” Well, this reporter says that word “delicioso.” If you like shrimp scampi, the sauce on the “Gambas al Ajillo” (shrimp with garlic) appetizer begs to be eaten with the delicious Cuban bread served with every meal. I’m allergic to the shrimp, but the sauce rocks and I was told by my guest that the

shrimp were tender and delicious. I’ve never been a big fan of mushrooms, but the “Setas con Chorizo” (mushrooms sautéed with Spanish chorizo sausage) are among the tastiest I’ve ever had and the garlic and oil sauce (which is different than the garlic sauce on the shrimp) is another that must be dipped with bread to be fully enjoyed. The same goes for the “Almejas Blancas,” which are tender Little Neck clams in garlic, onion and white wine. There’s also fried calamari, two different grilled octopus (a Spanish favorite) appetizers, ground beef, chicken or seafood empanadas, tuna or chicken croquettes, a cold cut and cheese sampler, chicken wings and a couple of Spanish potato dishes and many more “small plates” I will try.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

(Left) NY strip steak can be served with two different sauces. (Above) The grilled chicken sandwich is unique and yummy and the Crema Catalana (below is decadent. (L. to r above) The Pimientos de Piquillo Rellenos de Mariscos (piquillo peppers with a seafood stuffing), Paella Valenciana and sauteed mussels with lobster sauce are all must-try items at Café Ole. Among the delicious main courses adults, especially if you share a small I’ve sampled are an awesome sliced tapas plate or two. Aldo says he can New York strip steak with your choice even bring a single-pan paella party to of a Rioja red wine sauce or a cabrales your home or office for up to 90 peodemiclaise sauce and topped with ple. “We have different-sized paella mushrooms and peppers (and served pans perfect for your holiday event.” with fresh sautéed veggies and crispy Other great dishes, some of which homestyle fried potatoes, a wonderful I’ve already sampled at Café Olé (really!) “Pescado Imperial” (fresh include “Pollo Olé,” a pan-seared flounder sautéed with onions, garlic, chicken breast topped with artichokes olives, capers and a light citrus sauce and mushrooms and finished with a and Frank’s favorite, the Paella Pescado brandy cream sauce, served with fresh Valenciana — the classic Spanish veggies and potatoes (you also can subsautéed saffron rice dish with shrimp, stitute awesome black beans and rice or scallops, calamari, clams, mussels, filet plantains), “Pescado Blanco,” which is of white fish (flounder, tilapia, etc.), fresh tilapia sautéed with garlic, onions chicken and chorizo sausage. If you’ve and fresh herbs finished with a white never had authentic paella, this serving, wine sauce and garnished with green for just $15.99, can actually feed 3-4 peas. There’s even a grilled fish of the

day seasoned with herbs, garlic and olive oil and served with saffron rice and veggies. The lunch-size portion of the fish special is a total bargain — just $8.99 — and you can get center-cut pork chops for just $7.50!

Lunch Brunch & Late Night!

Speaking of lunch, Café Ole’s lunch sandwich menu (many of the same sandwiches are available on the “Menu del Bar,” or late-night bar menu) offers favorites such as a great pressed Cuban, roast pulled pork, hamburgers, unique grilled chicken sandwich (the chicken is overnight marinated and topped with fresh real bacon, provolone cheese and finished with a pesto tomato mayonnaise. And, the fries served with the sandwiches are killer-crispy (like I like them), especially for my diet. The bar menu also includes such favorites as chicken wings in Buffalo or garlic sauce, calamares fritos,

chicken tenders and much more. You can even sample Latin American and continental American brunch specialties on Saturdays and Sundays. And, don’t forget dessert. There’s a traditional flan and other favorites, but you have to try the Spanish version of creme brulée called “Crema Catalanas.” It’s got that flambéed sugar glaze, but is even lighter than the French edition. And of course, authentic café con leché is always available. Try Café Olé (10020 Cross Creek Blvd.) and tell Frank and Aldo we sent you! Reservations are not required. Call 907-5242 and tell Frank and Aldo we sent you.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 17, Issue 24 • November 27, 2009 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com