Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 25, Issue 24, Nov. 17, 2017 by Neighborhood News

Volume 25 Issue 24

Inside: Hungry? Check Out Little Italy’s & Culver’s!

November 17, 2017

In Neighborhood Magazine!

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Hot Dog! Wesley Chapel Man Takes Home $18K In Prizes From ‘Let’s Make A Deal!’ By JOHN C. COTEY

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What do you get when you mix Wesley Chapel resident Christopher Moody with TV personality Wayne Brady and a hot dog costume? Oh, about $18,000 worth of prizes, including a new dining room set and a 7-day trip for two to Greece. That was Moody’s haul when he appeared on June 22 on the CBS-TV daytime game show “Let’s Make A Deal,” which is hosted by Brady. The show didn’t air until last week, Nov. 10, allowing Moody to finally let the secret out of the, err, hot dog casing. “It was a tough secret to keep,’’ said Moody, who works in the admissions department at USF and moved to Wesley Chapel five years ago from Carrollwood. “My parents were the most excited. I had to be coy and vague with them for four months.” A longtime fan of the show — he and his wife Meredith DVR it daily and watch it together at night — Moody was able to extend a trip to a conference in California by one day to fit in an appearance in the studio audience during a taping of the show. He had applied online for a ticket, and the day after his conference, after parking two blocks away — and yes, walking the rest of the way in his hot dog cos-

Also Inside This Issue: News, Business & Sports Updates Time To Connect Kinnan-Mansfield; First Crystal Lagoon Inches Closer; Economic Summit Brings Sunny News; WCCC Honors Local Businesses; Cancer Support Group Has Home In WC; WC Fall Festival The Best Yet; Soccer & Basketball Back In Action & Lots Of Local Business Features!

Pages 3-34

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A Family Affair At The Wiregrass Wobble; Your Last Chance To Enter Our New & Improved Reader Survey & Contest; Culver’s For Butter Burgers & Frozen Custard; Little Italy’s Redecorates & Adds Beer & Wine; Plus, More Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes!

Pages 35-48

forth a little extra tume — Moody energy himself. joined 150 other prospecSeated in the first tive “dealers” in row, Moody didn’t have a room and filled to wait long to appear out the necessary on the show. The first paperwork. contestant, a woman Groups of from Orlando, was 10 were then called first, and then ushered off to Brady, the host for the meet with show past nine years and best producers for known for his stand-up interviews. comedy and years on “Let’s Make “Who’s Line Is It AnyA Deal,” created way?” (which now airs in 1963, is probon The CW network), ably most famous then called for “The for its long-time Hot Dog.” host, Monty Hall, “I knew I was the and often havonly person dressed ing contestants as a hot dog,’’ said choose between Moody, who had to prizes hidden take a circuitous rout behind doors to Brady without tripnumber 1, 2 or 3. ping over any cords Contestants or camera angles. “I still dress in zany was definitely worried Years of watching “Let’s Make A Deal” paid about that,’’ he says, costumes, the off big for Wesley Chapel’s Christopher Moody. laughing. higher energy the better, and a Brady interseries of deals are offered to those chosen. viewed Moody, asked where he was from “Everyone is at 110-percent energy and about the costume, and then riffed level, some were hooting and hollering on his fond memories of eating hot dogs and doing all kind of things to get noduring the summer while visiting his ticed,’’ said Moody, confessing to putting grandmother.

Given the choice between a check or a box, the Orlando contestant chose the check. Brady then turned to Moody, and offered him $1,000 for the box. “I turned it down,” Moody says. “It was just a gut feel. Right from the beginning I was hoping I’d win a trip, I had a good hunch that is what was going to be in the box.” Brady offered $1,400, then $2,000, but Moody stood firm. “I figured I’m in this far, why not keep the box?,’’ he said. “But I was wondering if he was trying to save me from something miserable, or is he trying to save the company from giving away an expensive prize?” Moody finally got to see what was under the box – a video screen, which revealed that he had won a dining room table and set of four chairs, as well as a private dinner for up to nine people. “At the very least,’’ Moody thought, “it wasn’t a terrible decision,” especially since his dining room set at home was 25 years old and Meredith had been asking him to get rid of it. “But that’s not all,’’ the announcer bellowed. That’s when it was revealed that Moody also was getting a 7-day Greek cruise, including two nights in Athens. Hot dog! “You can tell by my reaction I was super pumped,’’ said Moody. “It was a great experience.”

Wesley Chapel Rotary Club To Serve Up Another ‘Gobble’ On Turkey Day! The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel (WC) Noon, which meets Wednesdays at noon at Lexington Oaks Golf Club, is proud to continue living up to Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self” with service projects both internationally and here in Wesley Chapel. To that end, the club will “serve up” its eighth annual Turkey Gobble Feast at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54) on Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 23, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Rotary Club and its Land O’Lakes satellite club served up nearly 400 meals last year at Atonement Lutheran and at a second church in Land O’Lakes. This year, says WC Noon Rotary president Kent Ross, the satellite club is hosting a separate event the same day while the club Ross leads already had nearly 380 people registered to receive a free Thanksgiving turkey dinner with all the trimmings/fixings at our press time. “But, we want everyone in the community to know that you don’t have to be homeless for us to serve you a meal,” Ross

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon will serve 400 or more meals at this year’s eighth annual Turkey Gobble Feast on Thanksgiving Day at Atonement Lutheran Church on S.R. 54. says, “you just have to register ASAP, so we “but we also know there are people in need know how much food we have to order. We out there who aren’t in the system who absolutely will not turn anyone away who may otherwise not have a real Thanksgivregisters in advance and will do our best to ing meal and we want to help them, too.” To register yourself or someone accommodate walk-ins, too.” Ross says that club members Ron Old- you know for the WC Rotary’s Turkey ano and Cheryl Ohls are this year’s Turkey Gobble Feast on Thanksgiving Day, call Gobble event chairs, and they are hopeful or text (813) 586-3328 or email Rotathat anyone who knows a family or even an ryTurkeyGobble@gmail.com. — GN individual in need of a Thanksgiving meal will call or email (see below) to register. “We know a lot of the families in need, through the weekly food bank at Atonement Lutheran and the schools,” says Ross,

Why Those Against Connecting Kinnan St. To Mansfield Blvd. Are Wrong An editorial by Gary Nager In our last issue, assistant editor John Cotey told you that Hillsborough County had anted up $250,000 in an effort to end the long-time stalemate involving the City of Tampa, Hillsborough and Pasco counties regarding connecting Kinnan St. in New Tampa to Mansfield Blvd. in Meadow Pointe II at the Hillsborough/ Pasco county line. District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera, a New Tampa resident, called the county’s move to set aside funds to build the 60-foot-long connection “a game changer.” However, on the Pasco County side, Dist. 2 County Commissioner Mike Moore, a Seven Oaks resident, told Cotey that “70-80-percent” of his constituents who have contacted him about him about the connector have been opposed to it. I have become friends with Moore over the last few years, but after Cotey’s story came out in our last issue, I called Moore to explain to him my issue with what he said, as well as with anyone who opposes making this long-awaited, muchneeded connection. “You shouldn’t base whether or not to support the Kinnan-Mansfield connection on how many people contact you about it,” I told Moore on the phone. “You should base whether or not to support it on whether or not making the connection is a good idea for your county, for your constituents — and I know it is.” Now, I’m not a transportation engineer, but in the nearly 24 years I have owned the Neighborhood News , I have attended literally hundreds of city, county and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meetings and I still edit every word of every one of John’s transportation stories and provide insights to him about

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News Address: 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Advertising/Marketing Rep Tom Damico Advertising Sales & Office Assistant Jannah McDonald Assistant Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Staff Writer Celeste McLaughlin Correspondents Brad Stager • Andy Warrener WCNT-tv Video Production Gavin Olsen • Giuliano Ferrara Graphic Designers Blake Beatty • Georgia Carmichael 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 25, Issue 26, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, December 4, 2017. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

the history of most of these situations. Although Kinnan St. is primarily located in the county, it jogs into Tampa’s city limits near the Pasco line, which means that all three governmental entities would have to come to an agreement in order to make the connection. Moore says he is waiting until after Pasco’s traffic study of that area is completed — which is expected to happen later this month — before deciding which side to support. He says virtually no one is opposed to connecting Meadow Pointe Blvd. (about a mile-and-a-half to the east of Kinnan-Mansfield) to K-Bar Ranch Blvd. in New Tampa, but I don’t believe that connection would be close enough to Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. to provide any relief when the only current north-south connection between New Tampa and Wesley Chapel gets backed up — as it does all the time these days, while BBD is being widened between Regents Park Dr. in Pebble Creek and the county line. The biggest argument the folks in Meadow Pointe II have against making the connection is that Mansfield Blvd. is only a two-lane road that serves four schools — Wiregrass Elementary, John Long Middle School, Wiregrass Ranch High and Pasco Hernando State College. They say that connecting Mansfield to Kinnan would bring additional traffic and increase the danger to students going to and from school. Sorry, but I call B.S. Long, the closest of the schools to the possible connection, is located one full mile north of the county line. Vehicles coming from the Cross Creek/Live Oak area would be able to turn right (east) onto Beardsley Dr. to access Meadow Pointe Blvd. and, ultimately, S.R. 54 heading towards Zephyrhills — within 0.3 mile from Kinnan St. Those same drivers also could turn left (west) onto County Line Rd. and hook back up with BBD at Aronwood Blvd. or County Line Rd. a half mile north of Kinnan. It doesn’t make traffic flow sense that anyone from New Tampa would choose to drive north past four schools during school hours (when there are always crossing guards slowing you down), unless it was their only choice because of a traffic situation on BBD or they were planning to go to the Shops at Wiregrass or some other business on S.R. 56 east of BBD. In other words, most of the traffic coming from New Tampa heading north would do so in the evenings and on weekends, when there are no students heading to and from school. It reminds me of New Tampa’s longtime battle for an East-West Connector

Road (E-W Rd.). I remember that the people who were screaming the loudest against it were those living along the planned route, in West Meadows and Tampa Palms Area 3. Those folks didn’t appreciate my unconditional support of that connector, Some people who live in Meadow Pointe II, on the Pasco side of this even though that road still isn’t built today and barrier to Kinnan St., say they don’t want the two roads connected. seemingly never will be. Likewise, I’m certain that it’s actually the Today, many of those anti-connector people in Meadow Pointe II who will get the New Tampa residents don’t know how they most benefit from the Kinnan-Mansfield conneccould survive if the so-called Gateway Bridge tion. I also can’t believe that they would prefer — the first leg of the E-W Rd. — had never to see it continue to be piled high with garbage been built connecting West Meadows to (photo) than allow that tiny connection to beTampa Palms. come a reality. What do you think?

Table of Contents

Local News Updates.....................3-15

Crystal Lagoon Part Of Big Plans For 2018..............6 Business Leaders Pleased With W.C.’s Direction.......8 WCCC Celebrates Excellence Again!.......................9 Cancer Support Group Spreads To Wesley Chapel.......10 WC Fall Festival Tops All Previous Efforts..................12 New Tampa Community Calendar..............................14

Local Business Updates..............18-30

Children’s Dentistry Celebrates With Its Patients....18 SPOTLIGHT ON: Florida ENT & Allergy............19 Massage Green Spa For Your Health!..................20 SPOTLIGHT ON: Wesley Chapel Dermatology.....21 la Pink Boutique Is Ready For The Holidays!.........22 The Goddard School WC: Where Fun = Learning.....24 SPOTLIGHT ON: Heartwood Preserve................25 Carats & Cents Offers Unique Jewelry & More.......26 Attorney Matthew Jowanna Is A Loyal Bulldog.......28

Local School & Sports Updates...32 Five Things To Look For In Local HS Winter Sports

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Wiregrass Wobble Is A Family Affair......................35 Win Free Dining In Our 2017 Reader Survey!...........36 Culver’s For Butter Burgers & Better Custard.........38 Little Italy’s Adds Beer & Wine To New Décor!......40 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’.........42 New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Classifieds...........44 @NTWCNews

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Epperson’s Highly Anticipated Crystal Lagoon Right Around The Corner By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com If the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) was looking for someone to end its 2017 series of Economic Development Briefings with a bright, energetic look to the future, the Chamber found the right man. Kartik Goyani, the vice president of Metro Development Group, painted a picture filled with Crystal Lagoons, autonomous cars, hyperfast internet speeds and even better education, health care and solar-, wind-powered and WiFienabled street lights. While it isn’t exactly the flying cars many of us thought we’d be driving by now, Goyani’s presentation to local business leaders created a buzz that has many looking forward to the new year…and beyond. By then, Goyani hinted, the first Crystal Lagoon in North America — at Metro’s new Epperson development off Curley Rd. — will be filled with water and frolickers. He showed some drone video of the current state of the lagoon, but it was a picture of someone with a large hose standing in the lagoon, with its inner lining in place, filling it with water, that drew a few audible gasps. “We are hoping to stay ahead of schedule so the lagoon opens up early next year,’’ Goyani said. He said a Metro Development announcement was coming concerning the lagoons, but it was scheduled for Nov. 14, after we went to press with this issue. Check out that coverage online at WCNeighborhoodNews.com. The new year also will see the hi-tech com-

The first of two Crystal Lagoons in the “Connected City” is getting closer to completion in Metro Development’s Epperson community off Curley Rd. (Photos courtesy of Metro Development Group) munity project, billed as the first smart giga-bit development in the country — with lightningfast internet speeds 200 times faster than most homeowners receive now — finally get an actual name. Goyani said the project was dubbed “Connected City” by the Florida Legislature after approving it as part of a 10-year pilot program, but that name was always just what Goyani called a “placeholder.” In January, it will be branded with a different name. While the Crystal Lagoon is driving sales of homes “through the roof” in Epperson, it is just one of many amenities that Goyani says will make the Wesley Chapel community one the rest of the country will try to mimic. The “Connected City” is a 7,800-acre area running north from Overpass Rd. in Wesley

Chapel to S.R. 52 in San Antonio, and east from I-75 to Curley Rd., that will one day feature thousands of new homes and much more. While Epperson will have as many as 3,000 homes upon completion, the “Connected City” project, which is expected to take 7-10 years to complete, will have as many as 37,000 new homes, up to 12-million-sq.-ft. of office space, a second lagoon in Metro’s Mirada development, and hundreds of dedicated miles for autonomous vehicles. “I don’t think I’ve seen a project anywhere else in the U.S. that has that,’’ Goyani said. “We are creating something really really exciting in Pasco County that will draw people from everywhere.” But, the Crystal Lagoons are the crown

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jewels of the “Connected City” project. “We didn’t want to build a larger clubhouse, or a bigger golf course, we wanted to totally reimagine it,” Goyani said. “That’s what we did with Crystal Lagoons.” As for the most commonly asked question about lagoon access — “Can we go, too?” — Goyani says that Epperson homeowners take precedence. Over the next 7-10 years those 3,000 homeowners in Epperson will pay for the maintenance of the lagoon. While there are currently only 30 homes or so in the community, Metro Development will be picking up some of the tab to keep the homeowners’ maintenance bills low. That may create some opportunities for controlled access to the lagoon, as members of parties or events held there.

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Heavy Hitters Talk Up Wesley Chapel’s Future At WCCC’s First Economic Summit By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com The idea behind the 2017 East Pasco Economic Development Summit — the brainchild of Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) CEO Hope Allen and District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore — was to get some of the county’s heaviest business hitters into one room to update local business leaders on what the future has in store for Wesley Chapel. The outlook presented was more than just rosy, to say the least. “I thought it was a big success,’’ said Allen, who was backed up by positive survey results indicating that the audience of roughly 75 would like to see more summits of this nature. And, Allen said that is the plan — she is trying to organize something for next year on local innovation — after two panels of local business experts, sandwiched around a keynote address from Dr. Jerry Parrish, the chief economist and director of research for the Florida Chamber Foundation, provided three hours of local business news for those in attendance. The event, held at Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC)’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, was moderated by Moore, who represents much of Wesley Chapel on the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The first panel had some of the biggest names in Wesley Chapel development today – J.D. Porter of Wiregrass Ranch, ComPark 75 owner Larry Morgan and Metro Development Group vice president Kartik Goyani. Also on the first panel, although not located in Wesley Chapel, was Viggo Nielsen of Metler Toledo, which manufactures scales and analytical in-

(L.-r.) Metro Development Group VP Kartik Goyani, Metler Toledo general manager Viggo Nielsen, Wiregrass Ranch’s J.D. Porter and Larry Morgan of ComPark 75. (Photos by Steven John Photography) struments and is relocating from Hillsborough County to a 250,000-sq.-ft. facility to be built near the Suncoast Parkway in Central Pasco (and bringing 500 jobs with it). Not surprisingly, each business leader agreed that business in Wesley Chapel these days is pretty good, thanks to a combination of land still being available for expansion, a local county commission that is very business-friendly and incentive programs that have attracted companies like Raymond James Financial to the area. Morgan, whose ComPark 75 is located off Wesley Chapel Blvd. (aka S.R. 54), just south of the S.R. 54 exit off I-75, said that was not always

(L.-r.) PHSC-Porter Campus Provost Kevin O’Farrell, PHSC provost Stanley Gianett, Pasco County administrator Dan Biles, Pasco EDC president Bill Cronin, Florida Trend publisher Andy Corty, Wesley Chapel Chamber CEO Hope Allen and District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

the case. He said much of Wesley Chapel’s development has hinged on patience. ‘When I bought my land in 2007, Pasco was becoming a boom town and then, of course, the recession hit,” Morgan said. “I just had faith and confidence that when the day turned, Pasco County was going to be the spot. I’m not always real good at foresight, but in this case think I got it right.” Porter echoed Morgan’s sentiments. His family has owned the 5,100-acre Wiregrass Ranch for 75 years, weathering the Great Depression, as well as the local (and national) economic rollercoaster since then. But now, things couldn’t be more ripe for success. “It’s all about being patient and doing things at the right time,’’ Porter said. “Anybody out there can crush it right now.” Porter cited infrastructure that is already in place, a higher median household income and lower median age as attractive benchmarks for major businesses interested in setting up in Wesley Chapel. He said the addition of more homes and schools, as well as the continuing businessfriendly voting of the county commission and the streamlining of the permitting process, portend a bright future for the area. “Everyone recognizes Wesley Chapel as a whole right now,’’ Porter said. “Our (old) slogan was, “We’re Open for Business,” but nobody saw Pasco County as being open for business. They saw a bunch of headaches that actually changing (those headaches) has set the stage for moving forward.” Morgan and Goyani agreed that Wesley

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Chapel is part of a hot region at the moment when it comes to business and development. Goyani said that when Metro Development approached Pasco officials four years ago about building its “connected city” project — which is being built from the internet up with giga-fast internet service, the first two Crystal Lagoons in North America (see story on pg. 6) and a high-tech infrastructure that will one day showcase autonomous vehicles — it received a positive response from the county immediately. “We got a yes quickly,’’ Goyani said. “I don’t think we would have gotten that response from any of our other counties. It really made the choice easy for us. Time will prove it was the right decision.” Porter agreed. “Pasco County now has a seat at the ‘big boys’ table,’’ he said. “They have more land and more resources and better infrastructure than what you will find in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota or Manatee (counties). That’s my opinion.” About the only things the panel did complain about were the state legislature’s battle with Governor Rick Scott over reducing incentives — Porter called it “pretty sad, pretty disgusting” — and the recent decision by the Pasco BCC to raise impact fees to help build more schools, a decision that has been lauded by the Pasco School District and Moore’s fellow commissioners on the BCC. As for the future, the panel predicted more good things. Porter, continuing his diligent pursuit of “just the right fit” for Wiregrass Ranch, hinted at another big deal just around the corner. He said in the past month, he has talked to two companies with even more name recognition than Raymond James Financial about coming to Wesley Chapel. Porter didn’t provide any details, other than to say Wiregrass Ranch is in the running for both, but he predicts he will at least land one of the two. “I think everybody is going to be very excited with what’s coming in the next 12-18 months,’’ Porter said. After Parrish gave his keynote address about the positive jobs outlook in Florida, a second panel featuring Florida Trend publisher Andy Corty, Pasco County administrator Dan Biles, Pasco Economic Development Council president Bill Cronin and PHSC provost Dr. Stanley Gianett continued the conversation, looking at the government’s role in luring businesses to the county, and the positive effect regionalism could have down the road.

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WCCC Again Fetes Excellence In Business!

Oh, what a night! Congratulations go out to the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC), which held its annual “Celebrating Excellence in Business” awards gala on Nov. 9 (the day before we went to press with this issue) at the Hilton Garden Inn off S.R. 54 near the Suncoast Pkwy. The event had an even bigger buzz than usual and the welldressed crowd of 180 people certainly enjoyed the food, beverages and festivities for the evening. Bob Thompson of Thompson Brand Images (top left) was again the emcee for the evening, which again included awards for Small & Large Business of the Year, Business Leader of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. New awards this year included the New Business of the Year, the Dorothy Mitchell Lifetime Achievement award and a Community Hero award. The Volunteer of the Year was Chamber Ambassador Cindy Ross of RP&G Printing and Cindy and her husband, Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon president Kent Ross, also won the Small Business honors (photo, top center). The New Business winner was James Serrano of Pinot’s Palette (top right). This year’s Business Leader award winner was Kartik Goyani (bottom left, with WCCC Board chair Jen Cofini of Parks Auto Group) of Metro Development (see stories on pgs. 6 & 8 of this issue) and the

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Large Business of the Year (sadly, the only one we forgot to include a picture of) was Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey. Longtime West Pasco volunteer Bob Memoli won the award named for the late former 20-year Pasco County School Board member Dorothy Mitchell, whose family’s ranch land would become the Trinity area of New Port Richey. Both the Large Business and Mitchell award winners were nods to the WCCC’s 2017 merger with/asset acquisition of the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, which has been serving West Pasco.. The community hero award went to Pasco County District 2 Commissioner and Wesley Chapel resident Mike Moore (bottom right) for his herculean efforts to help local residents following Hurricane Irma. Again, it was a truly amazing night. Can’t wait until next year! — GN; photos by Stephen John Photography (see ad on pg. 46)

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Wesley Chapel Survivor Helping Other Young Adults Cope With Cancer By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN

celeste@ntneighborhoodnews.com Picture a cancer patient. Chances are, you’re thinking of an older adult, or maybe a child. It’s not likely that you think of a young adult, but that’s where Wesley Chapel resident Rachell Moodie found herself in 2009, at the age of 24. She had been married just nine months when she got the diagnosis — breast cancer. She went through 17 weeks of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy. “People know older adults get cancer and kids get cancer, but there’s this other subset of people,” Rachell says. “People wondered if I went crazy and shaved my head. No one thought I had cancer because it’s outside of the realm of what people expect.” She says that although she had the support of her family and community, she wanted to connect with other people like her. Even her doctors usually treated patients in different life stages. So, for example, even though her doctors didn’t tell her that the cancer treatment could make her infertile, it did cross her mind. “I knew I wanted to be a mom,” she says. “So I asked my doctor to let me figure out this fertility thing.” She was able to have her eggs harvested, starting the process for IVF (in-vitro fertilization). That’s just one reason she’s now passionate about helping other young women who are facing cancer. “If you’ve already gone through chemotherapy,” Rachell says, “it’s too late.” Rachell has now been cancer-free for eight years. “After going through that journey, I felt like I was on a mission to go through this with

survivors and caregivers. They’ll talk on the phone, chat online, meet for coffee, or come by a hospital room — whatever they can do to meet the needs of someone who is fighting cancer and would benefit from a listening ear and comforting words from someone who has been there before. “Friends and family want to support you, but they just don’t get it,” says Rachell. “To have someone who’s been there and can say, ‘I know exactly how you’re feeling and this is how we can face this,’ is so helpful.” That dream that Rachell once had to be a mom? She’s happy to say Rachell Moodie, pictured above with her husband, Matt, and two daughters, Hannah and Madelyn. Rachell was it has now come true. diagnosed with breast cancer at age 24 (right) and now helps other young adults fighting cancer & their families She had to wait until she was five years cancer-free, and then Rachell Madison was diagnosed with lymphoma other people,” she says, adding that she wants to help others with all of the things she was so clue- in 2013, the same week she lost her grandpa became pregnant via IVF. “Madelyn, who’s three, is my daily reless about — from the unexpected side effects of to the same disease. “He had fought with faith and fought minder that God keeps his promises, and you chemo, to how to pick out a wig, etc. A couple of years ago, Rachell met Madi- fearlessly,” Madison says. “It was like he un- can hold on to hope because there is life after cancer,” she says. son Miller, another young adult cancer survivor, knowingly equipped me to be able to fight.” Then, there’s Hannah, who’s now oneMadison says the most important lesson who had created a nonprofit organization for the young adult cancer community, called Spark she watched was that her grandfather let peo- and-a-half. “Right before Madelyn’s first birthday, ple in. “Everyone was always going to treatThe Way. The two were both speaking at an event ments with him,” she says. “It was always a I became pregnant naturally, so Hannah’s my reminder that God’s bigger than anyat the Moffitt Cancer Center on USF’s Tampa ‘we’ thing.” So, while Madison says many young one else and He’ll make His plan happen,” campus and recognized their mutual passion. In fact, they both say they instantly believed they adults want to push people away when they Rachell says. To learn more about Spark the Way struggle, even with cancer, “community is would be lifelong friends. or to request a phone call or other con“We just hit it off,” says Madison. “Ra- everything when you’re going through it.” chell has such a passion for young adults in Through Spark the Way, Madison and tact from Rachell or another young adult the cancer community, so I invited her to join Rachell — along with other “mentors” — cancer mentor, visit SparkTheWay.org or me in Spark The Way.” make themselves available to cancer fighters, email yourfriends@sparktheway.org.

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Despite Sunday’s Winds, The 2017 WC Fall Festival Was The Biggest Ever! Anyone who thinks the number 13 is unlucky obviously did not attend the 13th annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival at The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping center the weekend of Oct. 28-29. In its second year since taking the event over from the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCC), Pinellas County-based event organizer Simply Events reports that there were at least 1,000 more cars that visited the Fall Fest this year than last year, when the two-day crowd was estimated at 10,000 people. “Since there’s no admission fee, the only way to judge the attendance is by the number of cars that showed up, because we have our security people counting those cars,” says Sonya Bradley of Simply Events. “But, Saturday this year was definitely the biggest crowd we’ve seen so far.” Unfortunately, with the winds gusting to 30-40 miles per hour early Sunday morning, many of the 110 vendors and crafters who were on hand on Sat. shut their booths down on Sun. “We know our attendees were not happy with Sunday,” Bradley said. “We lost 18 tents & 25 total vendors before we opened on Sunday because of high winds. The Pumpkin Pageant set the right tone for Sunday, but the winds really hurt us.” The pet costume

parade and the Trunk or Treat events kept big crowds on site all day Sat. “Our Chamber group ran out of 500 pieces of candy in less than an hour,” beamed proud WCCC CEO Hope Allen after the event. “In fact, all of the vehicles that gave out candy for Trunk or Treat pretty much ran out of candy, too. We will definitely partner again next year with Simply Events. What a great job they did!” For more pics and a recap of the contest winners and sponsors at this year’s Fall Fest — which already is scheduled for the same preHalloween weekend (Oct. 26-27) next year — visit SimplyEventsFL.com. — GN; some photos on this page by Hawkins Photography.

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NOVEMBER 2017 Friday, November 17

Shops at Wiregrass Fall Fair - Runs through Sunday, November 19. Carnival rides, games and family fun. $20 armbands. For hours & more info, visit ShopsAtWiregrass.com/events. Shops at Wiregrass Symphony In Lights - Shows on the hour between 6 and 9 p.m. Synthetic ice skating and photos with Santa are available, too. For more info, visit ShopsAtWiregrass.com/events.

Monday, November 20

Professional Business Connections (PBC) - PBC meets Mondays at 7:45 a.m. at The Happy Hangar Cafe (at Tampa North Aero Park, 4241 Birdsong Blvd., off S.R. 54, Lutz). For info, call Matt Archbold at (813) 782-1777. Wesley Chapel Speaks - The Wesley Chapel Toastmasters meets every Monday at 6 p.m. for networking, 6:30 pm for public speaking, at Wesley Chapel Nissan (28519 State Rd 54). For more info, call Martin at (813) 693-0969. East Pasco Democratic Club - Meets 3rd Monday of each month at Omari’s Grill, Scotland Yards Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301, Dade City, from 6:30-8 p.m. For more info, visit www.eastpascodems.com.

Tuesday, November 21

Wesley Chapel Lions Club - The Wesley Chapel Lions Club meets every 4th Tues., 6:30 p.m., at the Lexington Oaks Community Center (26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). For info about volunteering, community efforts, meetings, helping the vision impaired & more, visit WesleyChapelLionsClub.com or the club’s page on Facebook.

Thursday, November 23

Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot - See story, page 35. Wesley Chapel Rotary Club’s Annual Turkey Gobble Feast - See story, page 1.

Monday, November 27

Pasco County Legislative Delegation - Public meeting to address State Representatives Richard Corcoran, Danny Burgess & Amber Mariano, and State Senators Jack Latvala, Tom Lee & Wilton Simpson. Event will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Wesley Chapel High Center for the Arts, 30651 Wells, Rd. For info, email Jonathan.Till@myfloridahouse.gov.

Tuesday, November 28

East Pasco Networking Group - Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 a.m. at IHOP, 13100 US 301, Dade City. For info, contact Nils Lenz, 813-7829491 or nilslenz@gmail.com.

Wednesday, November 29

Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel (Noon) now meets Weds., at noon at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). First-time guests attend for free. For info, call (813) 862-8989 or (813) 391-3895.

Thursday, November 30

BNI Networking Meeting - Business professionals are invited to attend this net-

working organization’s meetings on Thursdays, 7:30 a.m., at Savannah Church (3758 Maryweather Lane, off BBD Blvd., behind Dunkin’ Donuts). For more info, call Kyle Flischel at (813) 815-0250. Networking For Your Success - The Networking For Your Success group meets Thursdays, 8 a.m., at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club clubhouse (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). All are welcome. For more information, call (813) 994-9944. RGA Network Weekly Meeting - The RGA Networking Group meets weekly for networking at GrillSmith at the Shops at Wiregrass mall. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; lunch is noon-1 p.m. For more info, visit RGANetwork.net. Celebrate Recovery - Meeting Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Bridgeway Church (30660 Wells Rd.), the purpose of Celebrate Recovery is to bring freedom from dysfunctional, compulsive & addictive behaviors through biblically-based principles. Dinner & free childcare available. For info, call (813) 907-1313.

DECEMBER 2017 Friday, December 1

Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Sunrise - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Sunrise meets the 1st & 3rd Fridays of each month, 7:15 a.m., at Happy Hangar Cafe, 4241 Birdsong Blvd. For info, call Kathy Schenck at (813) 956-4436.

Tuesday, December 5

GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club - Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Lexington Oaks Clubhouse, 26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd. Visit GFWCPascoJWC.blogspot.com or Facebook.com/GFWCPascoJuniors for more information. NAMI Friends & Family: Mental Health Support Group - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Pasco support group for friends & family of those with mental illness. The group meets the 1st & 3rd Tues. of each month, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54). For info, visit NAMIPasco.com.

Friday, December 8

Mental Health Support Group - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Pasco is a support group for adults in Pasco County living with mental illness or in recovery. The group meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54). For info, visit NAMIPasco.org.

Visit NTNeighborhoodNews.com to add your upcoming events that are open to the public to our online calendar. Events that are free take precedence, but as long as the cost to attend is included in the info, they are still eligible. Once approved online, they will appear in the “Events” section on our home page & may also appear in our print editions.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Dr. Greg Stepanski’s Children’s Dentistry Has Kept Local Kids Smiling For 25 Years! His many years in practice don’t mean any outdated equipment or procedures, though. Dr. Greg says this year, he added a new, digital panoramic X-ray machine. “We’ve been using digital X-rays for many years because there’s lower radiation and better clarity,” Dr. Greg says. “The new panoramic machine takes amazing pictures and has the added benefit of allowing us to do bitewing X-rays externally for those kids who may have a gagging response to having the bitewings in their mouth.” Dr. Greg says the new equipment is so good, some orthodontists send their patients to him to get X-rays taken.

By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN celeste@ntneighborhoodnews.com

With a visit to Children’s Dentistry in the Cory Lake Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd., kids get to see Greg Stepanski, D.D.S. — a pediatric dentist with more than 25 years of experience in the New Tampa/ Wesley Chapel area — and a demeanor and office that kids and parents alike seem to recommend without reservation. “I recommend Children’s Dentistry to all my friends,” says Carla Schoolfield. “They’re great. From the minute you walk in, everyone is so nice and greets you by your name. “They are definitely an A-plus in customer service.” Carla’s not the only one who thinks so. With 142 Google reviews, Children’s Dentistry’s overall rating is 4.9 out of 5 stars. “I have other friends who went there when they were kids,” she adds. “Now, they’re taking their kids there. I think that’s a testament to Dr. Greg and his staff.” Carla’s son is five and has been seeing Dr. Greg — as his patients and their parents call him — since he was just one. Her daughter is only nine months old and will be ready for her first visit soon. Carla is glad she took her son to Dr. Greg early in his childhood. “I think it’s great because it gets your child used to going,” she says. “It’s not anything invasive. Dr. Greg is so gentle and such a good doctor, and now my son loves going to the dentist.” Dr. Greg, who earned his Doctor of

Community Outreach

Pediatric dentist Dr. Greg Stepanski, whose office is on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, invites his young patients to an annual appreciation party for photos with Santa and fun activities. Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the and seeing less problems. We’re also seeing Ohio State University College of Dentistry a little bit less tooth decay.” in Columbus, says, “We are encouraging Dr. Greg says he has a good relationship children to have a dental home by the age of with many of his peers in the area, and even one.” He also earned a B.S. degree in Biology runs a study club where quite a few pediatric from the University of Notre Dame in South dentists get together for discussion, speakers Bend, IN. and continuing education. Dr. Greg explains that age one is now “The club has been going on forever,” recommended by both the American Acadehe says. “I inherited it in 1991.” my of Pediatric Dentistry and the American That’s when he purchased an existing Academy of Pediatrics for a child’s first dental pediatric dentist office on E. Fowler Ave. appointment. in Temple Terrace. He moved that practice “It’s preventive,” he says. “Now we’re to its current Cross Creek Blvd. location 14 years ago. seeing more and more patients at age one

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Dr. Greg’s office is more than just a place to get your children’s teeth checked. He and his staff say it’s like a family, and they host events to build that community feeling, as well. “They do a lot of things outside of being a dentist,” says Carla. “They do holiday parties and events every year. I think that says a lot. It’s not just them taking my money, but they say, ‘I want to appreciate you for giving me your business.’” Every year, Carla’s kids and Dr. Greg’s other existing patients are invited to visit Santa at the practice’s annual Christmas party. “Our families bring their kids all dressed up and take their family Santa photos with our professional photographer,” says Dr. Greg, who adds that there also are fun activities for the kids, such as face painting, a balloon artist and crafts. “It’s become quite an event.”

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normal person.” Besides his office’s events, Dr. Greg reaches out to the community in many other ways. He brings “Tommy the Toothbrush” — a character who stresses good dental hygiene — to visit local schools during February, which is Dental Health Month. “We give toothbrushes to all the kids,” he explains, “Some of them might not have one.” He also has provided dental care for Dr. Greg and his friendly professional staff will make sure your children migrant children and smile every time they visit the dentist. does a program each fall where he donates a This year, Dr. Greg says, “We have to Thanksgiving turkey to Metropolitan Minisexpand the venue because so many of our tries in the name of any pediatrician or dentist patients have said they’re coming.” He says who refers a new patient to him. there will be tents in the parking lot, but it’s “We like to give to Metropolitan Minisimportant that he holds the party inside the tries,” he says. office, too. Dr. Greg also is a charter member and “We have it here so the kids can see that past president of the New Tampa Noon it’s a fun destination,” he says. “They can Rotary Club, an active church member at St. interact with me and the staff while we’re Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church and a having fun, not trying to do a filling or fix a fundraiser for Corpus Christi Catholic School tooth that was knocked out.” in Temple Terrace, where his wife Sue has In addition to the Christmas patient appreciation party, Dr. Greg and his staff typi- taught kindergarten for 15 years. For appointments and more informacally also host a spring bowling party, which is tion about Children’s Dentistry (10317open to the community, too. B Cross Creek Blvd.), call 973-3100, visit “It’s an opportunity for our patients DrGreg-ChildrensDentistry.com, or see to bring their friends and introduce us,” the ad on page 28. Most major dental he explains. “They get to see me not with insurance plans are accepted. a mask and a mirror in my hand, but like a

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SPOTLIGHT ON: Florida ENT & Allergy! Getting kids out of bed for school each morning can be a struggle for any parent. It is even harder for the millions whose children suffer from allergies. Florida E.N.T. & Allergy — with a location on Foggy Creek Rd. just off of S.R. 56 near I-75 in Wesley Chapel — reports that allergic rhinitis is presently the most common chronic disorder in pediatric patients. It can affect sleep at night, and lead to daytime drowsiness, increased school absenteeism, and poor performance in the classroom. Florida E.N.T. & Allergy has a team of specialists who diagnose and treat all pediatric and adult allergies. Here are the medical team’s top tips to help your children battle their symptoms. “First, get prepared,” says Florida E.N.T. & Allergy Otolaryngic Allergy Specialist Yoon Nofsinger, M.D., who works at the practice’s Wesley Chapel location. “If you can, tour your child’s classroom and the school grounds to identify any allergy or asthma triggers. Talk with your allergy specialist about things to look out for.” She adds, “Unfortunately, schools can be breeding grounds for things that can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms, such as dust mites, chalk dust, mold and animal dander. It is so important that your child’s allergies or other conditions have been accurately diagnosed to determine what allergens to avoid. If your child has not been tested, and you suspect that they have symptoms, make an appointment, and schedule a test.” Recess also can be a minefield for a child with allergies or asthma. Parents can check pollen counts to make sure their child

takes the proper medication to control their symptoms. Also, ask the school staff to keep the windows closed indoors to keep pollen and other allergens out. For kids with asthma, consider using a short-acting inhaler 15 minutes prior to any exercise, and make sure they always drink Yoon Notsinger, M.D. plenty of water. Lastly, if you’ve already been to a specialist and had your child’s symptoms diagnosed, it is important to make sure your child is taking any medications as prescribed. Skipping them can lead to increased symptoms, and less time learning in the classroom. The physicians of Florida E.N.T. & Allergy have served the Tampa Bay community for more than 40 years, and now have 11 convenient locations across the Tampa Bay area to serve your family. From pediatric allergies to fitting hearing aids, the practice’s caring and experienced physicians specialize in ear, nose and throat care for the entire family using comprehensive, cutting-edge technologies. For more information about Florida E.N.T. & Allergy call (813) 8798045, visit FloridaENTandAllergy.com or see the ad on page 4.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Massage Green Spa Makes Licensed Massage Therapy More Affordable & Convenient By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN celeste@ntneighborhoodnews.com In the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center, less than two miles south of the Pasco County line on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., guests who walk in to Massage Green Spa experience a stark contrast from the busy parking lot. A quiet water feature trickles on the wall behind the desk, while the soft glow from a fireplace creates a cozy setting in the waiting area. “We have a very relaxing atmosphere,” says co-owner Kim Sirois, in a soft voice, with a warm smile that adds to the soothing ambiance, “and affordable pricing for a luxury experience.” Kim and her husband, Keith, along with her daughter and husband, Kelly and Todd Phillips, opened their Massage Green Spa franchise a little more than a year ago. Massage Green Spa, which is based in Michigan, has about 80 locations nationwide, including some in the Jacksonville and Miami areas of Florida. Kelly and Todd have recently shifted their focus to their newest location in Brandon, while Kim has taken over the day-to-day operations in New Tampa. The family hopes to open a third location in Carrollwood, too. “Kim’s done an amazing job and we’ve been blessed with fantastic, continued growth,” says Todd. “We really feel like we’ve been able to positively impact the community’s need and desire for happier and healthier lifestyles.” Massage Green Spa offers a variety of massage therapies, an infrared sauna and

Front desk manager Liam Fredereck and owner Kim Sirois welcome guests to Massage Green Spa on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa, for massages, facials and infrared sauna treatments. customizable facial treatments. can cancel your membership anytime with no Its luxurious services become even more further obligation. affordable, with introductory specials for first“It’s a great discount program with no time clients and memberships — which Kim contracts,” she says, “so you can take care of calls “Wellness Plans” — that offer discounts yourself.” for clients who prepay for ongoing monthly Wellness Plans are available for one services. 60-minute massage for $49.95 per month, with “We’ve had a tremendous response from additional massages within the month costing the community, and we’re very happy with just $39.95. Or, you can opt for one 90-minute our growth here,” Kim says. “Every month, or even one two-hour massage per month. Or, we’re getting busier, and every month more choose an infrared sauna plan. people are joining our Wellness Plans.” She explains that the Wellness Plans Try A Massage Date Night! allow clients to prepay for one massage per Massage Green Spa also offers a couples month at a discount. It’s a family membermassage room, where two people can get masship, so up to four members of a family in sages together. “A lot of couples come in for the same household can use the one prepaid a monthly date,” Kim says. “It’s that once-amassage. Additional massages for anyone in month time to get out and be together and do the family within that same month are at a something enjoyable for both.” further discount. It’s definitely not just for romantic Kim says that the best part is that you couples, though. Kim says the room has been

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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used by mother-daughter pairs and even friends, too. In addition to the affordability of the services, Kim encourages people to try Massage Green Spa for its expertise. “Our staff is very talented and committed,” Kim says. “We have excellent, licensed therapists.” One of those State-licensed massage therapists (LMTs) is Kayla, who explains some of the benefits of getting a monthly massage at Massage Green Spa. “It’s as important as working out or eating right for wellness,” explains Kayla. “It’s important for tissue recovery and muscle recovery, as a complement to working out. It even helps with depression.” Besides Kayla, the staff includes nine other LMTs and two State-licensed aestheticians. There’s also a front desk manager and four front desk staff members. The aestheticians offer a variety of customizable spa facials. A typical one-hour session includes extractions, mask and a neck/ shoulder massage. The products the aestheticians use and the exact methods are determined after consulting with the aesthetician, so that your facial is tailored to your specific needs each time you visit.

Infrared Therapy

At Massage Green Spa, a popular offering for wellness that complements massage therapy is Full-Spectrum Infrared Therapy, powered by Sunlighten. “It’s an amazing adjunct to licensed massage,” Todd says, adding that the benefits of heat therapy have been around in Finnish and Asian cultures for thousands of years. “Infrared is simply just a more efficient way of

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delivering the heat. The same technology has been used for a long time in hospitals and neonatal wards to warm babies.” While a traditional sauna can be associated with stifling heat, sweating and even boredom, infrared therapy offers a different experience. “Because of the efficiency and the way the infrared heats,” Todd says. “it doesn’t feel as hot but you’re still getting all of the health benefits.” He adds that infrared therapy aids in detoxifying the blood, helps with fat loss and addresses chronic fatigue and skin disorders, noting that, “30 minutes of infrared therapy burns 600 calories.” It also is known to lower your blood pressure and increase blood flow — which has a ton of health benefits, including helping to reduce muscle soreness and even arthritis pain. Massage Green’s two saunas are equipped with wifi-enabled touchscreens, allowing you to pull up Netflix or Pandora or even check your Facebook page. There is even an app that will sync your health device, like a Fitbit, to the computer.

Happy Customers

“My wife, Angela, and I have been going to Massage Green Spa for several months now,” says Gerry, who lives in Tampa Palms. “We always have a fabulous experience. They have great massage therapists and great customer service.” Macklin Kelly is another happy customer. As a Hunter’s Green resident, she says she decided to give Massage Green Spa a try because of its convenient location, but has continued to receive massages there because of the LMTs themselves.

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“I really like the spa,” Macklin says. “All of the massage therapists are good, but I’ve kind of settled into one in particular. I have arthritic issues and he’s very good at giving me relief from my pain.” She adds, “I love the people. Everybody is very friendly, but respectful, and anything they can do to make your experience better, they do. It’s very relaxing.” Kim agrees. “Our spa is like a higher-end spa, but with affordable pricing,” she says. “People love the look and feel and the environment of it.” Kim and the staff are careful to emphasize the “green” in their company’s name. The spa was built with recycled cellulose drywall and decorated with hand-cultured stone. Part of the Massage Green Spa mantra, in fact, is “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Buildings.” All of the products used are all-natural, and the folks at Massage Green Spa are always looking for ways to maximize the spa’s environmental friendliness. For example, customers are offered the option to have their receipt emailed instead of printed. Guests aren’t offered bottles of water, but recyclable cups and a newly-installed water filtration system. As the holidays approach, great specials on gift cards are available. Kim says one such special is buy three massages, get one free. You’ll receive four separate cards, each for one massage, so the gift can be shared with up to four people. Massage Green Spa is located at 19040 BBD Blvd. It is open Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sun. For more information, visit MassageGreenSpa.com, call (813) 333-7703 or see the ad on pg. 26 of this issue.

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SPOTLIGHT ON: Wesley Chapel Dermatology! When it comes to dermatology, some people just want a knowledgeable, trained doctor who will treat them kindly and respect their time, without the frills of cosmetic procedures and fancy skin care lines for sale. That’s what Dr. Sujatha Tadicherla offers her patients, as the physician-owner of Wesley Chapel Dermatology, located in the Cypress Ridge Professional Center off S.R. 56, just east of I-75. At her office, Dr. Tadicherla offers medical dermatology, such as skin cancer screenings, treatments for acne, rashes, warts, skin allergies and other conditions, Nurse Savannah Coll & Dr. Sujatha Tadicherla as well as surgical dermatology, such as skin biopsies, cyst excision, mole and skin tag That’s one reason why Todd Wolk, a removal, along with skin cancer treatments patient who began seeing Dr. Tadicherla and surgeries. after his wife, Jill, visited Wesley Chapel “I am a general dermatologist,” Dr. Dermatology, recommends her. “We can see her on Saturday, which is Tadicherla says. “So, I see everything and very helpful to us,” Todd says. “No doctors everybody of all ages.” She says all proceare usually open on the weekends, but we’ve dures, including surgeries, are performed at been able to get Saturday appointments with her office. her.” “Most commonly, I see people for Dr. Tadicherla says all major insurance rashes, or concern about moles, spots, swellplans are accepted and to check her website ing, or if they have hair or nail problems,” at WesleyChapelDerm.com for details. She she says. “Basically, if a patient sees someadds that self-pay patients are offered affordthing on their skin they notice and want to able prices and to call the office for specific have it taken care of.” information about costs. Since her practice is still fairly new and Wesley Chapel Dermatology is located growing, and so that she can balance her home and personal life, the office is currently at 26847 Foggy Creek Rd., Suite 101. The office is open on Wed. & Sat, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., open only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, but phones are answered 24 hours a day, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. However, patients can call seven days a week. For more info, see the for an appointment anytime, as calls are anad on page 13, call (813) 666-0488, or visit swered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even WesleyChapelDerm.com. when the office is closed.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

la Pink Celebrates More Than A Decade Of Unique Clothing & Gifts For Women! By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN celeste@ntneighborhoodnews.com

Local shoppers know that la Pink Boutique is a fun, charming place to shop for unique clothes and special, one-of-a-kind gifts, primarily for women. It’s been located at The Walk at Highwoods Preserve shopping center, off of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd, in New Tampa (in the outparcel next to Men’s Wearhouse) since it opened in 2006. Owner Amy Crumpton says that everything she carries in the store, “has to be different and special.” That’s because she’s well aware that in the nearly 12 years since la Pink opened, people are doing more and more shopping online. But, she says, online shopping is a poor substitute for stopping by a unique, local shop, where everything in the store has been hand selected, so you know whatever you choose will be a great find. “That’s why people shop here,” Amy says. “They know they’re going to find something unique that no one else will be wearing. When it’s gone from the store, it’s gone. I don’t reorder styles when they sell out.” Plus, she says, when you leave the store, you know you won’t have to worry about the hassle of sending something back or the disappointment of it not looking as great as you hoped it would. “I’m a hands on person,” Amy says. “I want to feel and touch and know that what I buy works before I leave the store. Will it fit? Is it the color I think it will be?”

pajamas and slippers that is based out of Ybor City. Speaking of comfy, la Pink was the first boutique to feature Lutz designer Tees by Tina, a line of flattering t-shirts, leggings, camis and other casual fashions. “We try to look for stuff that’s made locally at a good price point and bring it into the store,” she says. While la Pink is primarily a clothing shop, Amy does also carry plenty of items that make great gifts, including Tea Forte, which is marketed as “extraordinary teas meet unparalleled presentation for an exceptional experience that could only be Tea Forte.” Amy says that among her most popular items are a line of bracelets known as Bourbon & Boweties. At la Pink Boutique, located in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve shop“These bangle bracelets are ping center, owner Amy Crumpton shows off the store’s popular Erimish “bracelet bar.” The store also features designer clothing & more. made locally in Brandon by an artist who has collected stones over many years of While many items in the store reflect travel and began fashioning them into gifts Amy’s favorite color and the store’s namesake, there’s a lot more to la Pink than just for her friends. She started out making bracelets in her garage and is now selling to the color pink. Clothing lines at la Pink include KUT Nordstrom’s.” Amy explains that the bracelets include from the Kloth Denim, Escapada and Isle. Amy recently began offering Faceplant stones, coins, pearls and other decorations. Because they are handmade, each one is unique. Dreams Pajamas, a line of super-comfy

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“If you’ve traveled and have coins from the places you’ve visited, Bourbon & Boweties can make them into a bracelet for you,” Amy says. “A couple of our customers have brought their items into our store and done just that.” While she’s carried the Bourbon & Boweties line for a few years now, she’s just added a new line of bracelets from Erimish. “It’s our bracelet bar,” she says, showing off dozens of styles of Erimish bracelets, sold at very affordable prices to be “stacked” together. Another popular jewelry line is the charm bar by Moon & Lola. Customer favorite Tyler candles, which are made in Tyler, TX, also are available, and Amy has recently added products from Baudelaire Body Care.

The Business Of Giving Back

Giving back also is a priority for Amy, who tries to stock products that do more than make a profit. For example, 31 Bits is a company that sells beautiful necklaces and bracelets made by women in Uganda to help them make a living. Other brands have helped send Thai children to school and set up water purification systems in Haiti. In addition to these global impacts, la Pink is dedicated to supporting local schools. “We donate to schools pretty much whenever we’re asked,” Amy says. “Mostly, we provide items from the store to be used in supporting events, silent auctions and raffles.”

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Her employees are people Amy invited into the business because of a personal connection she felt with them. Judi Kusha is a neighbor; Lori Hairston was a customer with whom Amy got along so well that she asked for her number and told her she’d call when she had an opening. Judi and Lori have both worked at the store for about 10 years now. With that kind of longevity, they are very much in sync when it comes to both knowing the products and serving the customers. Emily Wingate is the store’s social media specialist, keeping its products and specials front and center for customers who follow la Pink’s social media accounts. “We’re on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter,” Amy says, “and we’re constantly updating our social media to post a lot of pictures of items available in the store.” Amy is a long-time Hunter’s Green resident. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Management from the University of Tampa in 1990. After opening la Pink in its current location in 2006, she expanded it in 2010, taking over the vacant space next door to approximately double the store’s size to its current 2,000 square feet.

Black Friday Specials

With the biggest shopping day of the year approaching soon, be sure to make la Pink part of your plans. The store will post have its Black Friday specials posted on its Facebook page (search “la Pink Boutique Tampa”). The store will be open regular

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business hours on Black Friday, November 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. While she feels confident you’ll find the perfect gift in her store, if you’re not sure – or you want to let the special lady in your life pick exactly what she wants – Amy reminds you that la Pink gift cards always make wonderful gifts, too. For more information about la Pink Boutique (18035 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., in the same plaza as Best Buy), call (813) 972-2862, “like” the “la Pink Boutique Tampa” page on Facebook or see the ad on pg. 10 of this issue. The store is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.

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Among the unique items available at la Pink Boutique are (clockwise, from top left): Faceplant Dreams Pajamas, the Tea Forte collection & some of the store’s hot fall fashions.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

The Goddard School Wesley Chapel Makes Learning Fun For Preschoolers By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

Jessica Tyrone spent years working in pre-schools, so when the time came for her to find one for her 4-year-old daughter, she knew what she wanted: warmth, friendliness and a curriculum that would best prepare her daughter for pre-K. She says she found all those things, and even a little more, at The Goddard School Wesley Chapel, located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. directly across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, which serves children ages 6 months to 6 years. “They were so welcoming and friendly and so into getting to know my child instead of just sucking up to me,’’ Jessica says. “And the programs were just tremendous when it came to getting kids ready for school. They make everything fun.” That fun even includes dropping off the kids. Jessica says that every morning, owner Dinesh Patel greets the students and the parents with a happy-go-lucky smile, and seems to know everyone’s name. “I could probably gush about 10 billion things I love about the place,’’ Jessica says. The Goddard School Wesley Chapel will host an open house Wednesday, December 6 from 6-7 p.m., though prospective parents and children are welcome to stop by anytime during the week between 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. The Goddard School is owned and managed by Patel, with Melissa Jablonski running the education side. Patel opened the early childhood education school in May, after buying into the fran-

Education director Mellissa Jablonski (left) and owner Dinesh Patel run The Goddard School Wesley Chapel, which serves children 6 months to 6 years of age and focuses on teaching through play. (Photo: John C. Cotey) chise with some hearty recommendations from “They (the company’s corporate office) a close family friend in Houston who owns a want someone with good management skills,’’ Goddard School. The Wesley Chapel location Patel said. “As the owner, I manage the is one of more than 400 franchises in 35 states facility, control the finances and marketing, across the country for the company, which is and I leave the education side to the education headquartered in King of Prussia, PA. director.” Although Patel, who graduated from Enter Jablonski, who Patel says helped college in his native India with a degree in create “the perfect team” to run the new engineering, doesn’t have a background in pre-school. Jablonski says she has 22 years of education (other than raising his two academi- experience in early childhood education and cally gifted children), he says his 30-year career social work, and also was the principal of a managing multiple businesses in the Fort special needs school in Miami. Pierce and Punta Gorda areas — including a Jablonski says that, like Patel, it was a convenience store and a motel — serve him friend’s referral that led her to look at the The well at The Goddard School. Goddard School. She sent her resume to Patel,

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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who decided she was the perfect fit. “I kind of fell into his lap,’’ Jablonski says. Jablonski adds that she was intrigued by the curriculum and the way The Goddard School is run. The school requires two managers be on-site at all times, and after years of juggling the business and education side of her job, she now only has to worry about the teaching part. “There is usually so much paperwork that it takes up 90 percent of your time, but with Dinesh handling all of that now, I get to be the educator, look at lesson plans, be in the classrooms and help out the teachers.” The Goddard School Wesley Chapel has 14 full-time teachers, and every lead teacher at the school is required to have at least their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. A handful of the teachers at the local Goddard School also have their Bachelor’s degrees in Education or a Master’s degree. Jablonski, who says she is certified to teach the CDA course, notes that her teachers also take part in Goddard Systems University, which provides ongoing training through webinars.

The F.L.E.X. Program

The focus at The Goddard School is on the play-based F.L.E.X. Learning Program, short for Fun Learning Experience. The Goddard School curriculum is based on research that claims that children learn best while having fun, better forming the building blocks to future learning. “It’s a fun learning experience,’’ Patel says. “Our teachers find out what a child likes and creates a lesson plan around their

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skills. The children seem to pick up very fast like that.” Jablonski says that there is very little worksheet education performed, with more emphasis on a hands-on approach dictated by each child’s interests. The F.L.E.X. Program also could stand for flexible, as Goddard School teachers are trained to adjust lessons at a moment’s notice if the situation arises. One example given on the school’s website states that if a lesson on the solar system is planned, but the children are captivated by the rain outside, the teacher can instead change that lesson to weather. Teachers at the school develop their own plans, which are required to lead the children to certain goals and standards set by Goddard. There are monthly themes they must incorporate, but otherwise, teachers are given leeway to reach those goals. For example, a standard goal for a 3-year-old child might be to cut paper in a straight line. The teacher is responsible for creating activities to teach those children to do so. When the classes carved pumpkins for Halloween, Jessica, who volunteers at the school, said she was impressed by the process. “The children were included and involved, not just watching,’’ she says. “There’s an undertone of learning in everything fun that they do.” It’s an approach that keeps learning fresh for everyone, says Jablonski. “I love that the teachers plan and do

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all that stuff, as opposed to a box that says on day one you do this, on day two you do this…,” she says. “Every part of what they do is a stepping stone to make sure when the children get to pre-kindergarten, they have all those pre-requisites to get to where they need to be.” The Goddard School plan strives to have its children achieve certain milestones across seven learning domains derived from S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) and P21 (Partnership for 21st Century Learning, which focuses on complex problem solving and teamwork). The Goddard School Wesley Chapel also offers four enrichment programs, which are included in the tuition — Spanish, sign language, yoga and base fitness. Jablonski says the focus on the learning process can be more beneficial than the product. “It’s not that your green frog looks like the green frog that’s in the book, it’s that you understood the color was green, that it has

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two eyes, it has four legs and it’s got webbed feet,’’ Jablonski says. “Whatever process you come up with to develop that, at the end, when you say it’s a frog, (the children know) it’s a frog.” The school also encourages parental involvement. One way it does that is through a “Tadpoles” app, which allows parents to see what their child did all day, in the hopes they can reinforce some of those lessons at home. They also hold a number of events for the families and the children. There was a trunk or treat event on Halloween that was well-attended, and the school will be hosting a food drive in November and an angel tree in December.

Corporate Oversight

The Goddard School Quality Assurance (QA) program is in contact with each Goddard School on a weekly basis, and sometimes more, helping Patel through each step of the way, from building the facility to staffing it.

Representatives also stop in unannounced to ensure The Goddard School’s standards are being met, and as a way of providing guidance. “There is someone to answer any question we might have,’’ Patel says. “They have been very supportive.” Since opening in May, The Goddard School Wesley Chapel has slowly expanded to roughly 80 students; almost half of those are registered in two pre-K classes. Patel had originally planned to have just one pre-K class, but had to add another due to heavy interest. The school is considering adding a third pre-K class next year, and there are plans to add a kindergarten class in the near future. Patel also plans to add an after-school program as well, and is currently looking into buying a bus in time for the start of the next school year. Patel, who is 58, worked in textile engineering in India before coming to the U.S. in 1986, and has run his businesses in Florida since 1988. He says running The Goddard School has been some of his most fulfilling work. “I think this is a very good thing we are doing, providing a good foundation for the children to help make them successful in life,’’ he says. “I love it.” The Goddard School is located at 2539 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.. The Wesley Chapel location’s hours are Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call (813) 603-6100, visit GoddardSchool.com/Tampa/Wesley-Chapel-Bruce-B-Downs-Boulevard-Fl, or see the ad on page 15 of this issue.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Carats & Cents For One-Of-A-Kind, Custom-Designed Jewelry & More! By ANDY WARRNER

When Carats & Cents owner Adeel Karim moved to Tampa Palms in New Tampa in 2010 from Leesburg, FL, his client base was already growing. The move not only put Karim closer to his clientele, it also put him closer and with easier access to both Tampa (TIA) and Orlando International airports, where he conducts a lot of his international travel. For a guy in search of the very best jewels around the world, it was an important move. His physical store’s location on N. Westshore Blvd. is just minutes from TIA and serves as a showroom/design center where Karim hosts clients. There’s no glittering marquee on the street, no gaudy signage on the building. The store is actually quite simple, subdued and discreet. Karim works on an appointment-only basis. There aren’t any posted store hours or pushy salesmen. There is plenty of inventory to look at, but Carats & Cents specializes in custom-made jewelry. “Nearly 100 percent of our business is custom design,” Karim says. “We don’t carry (the standard) bridal lines; we want to focus on creating something unique for every one of our clients. You won’t find our designs anywhere else.” And, that’s not hyperbole. While he does have several handsome pieces of quality jewelry on display at his store — he calls them “statement pieces” — he says that quite a few of those pieces came from the imagination of a client.“I work with designs that our clients

New Tampa resident Adeel Karim of Carats & Cents in the Westshore area of Tampa wants to create a unique piece of jewelry for your special someone this holiday season. come up with, along with my own creations,” Karim says. If the custom piece doesn’t meet 100 percent of the customer’s satisfaction, it’s either addressed by a local artisan or it’s kept for display. “If a piece has a really cool design and it’s too much of a change to fix here, I’ll keep it for inventory,” Karim says. “If I don’t like it, I’ll melt it down and make something else.” Minor alterations are sourced locally

but Karim says his design facility is actually located in Dubai. It’s there that Karim and his partner and brother-in-law have recruited some of the top craftsmen and artisans from all over the world. Karim learned diamond grading at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Diamond grading is outlined by the four “Cs” — Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. He travels the world seeking out elegant pieces and sometimes will track down a local arti-

san whose work appeals to him. Karim often finds talented craftsmen working in sub-standard conditions for low pay. He says that his artisans are given an offer to re-locate their family to Dubai, where they earn better pay and work in much improved conditions. Over the last five years, Karim says he and his brother-in-law have recruited at least 10 artisans to their workshops in Dubai. “Some of the talent you see when you go to these places is unbelievable,” Karim says. “Their skills have been passed down over generations. We have a concept that we want to support third-world artisans, educate them and set them and their families up to help showcase their artistic talents.” He says the result has been the creation of some of the most unique, custom designs that can be found anywhere. Karim revealed a certain piece that contained 323 hand-set diamonds. Pieces are created from wax molds from either 18K (carat) gold or platinum, and can take up to 45 days to create, depending upon the complexity of the design. “As a jeweler, the most joy I get is to see someone wearing the jewelry and they love it so much, they refer me to their friends,” Karim says. “I want you to have that feeling that everytime you look at the piece, it takes your breath away.”

Unique, Quality Designs

Diamond engagement rings aren’t the only items Karim showcases, either. While he doesn’t custom make them in Dubai, he carries the Lashbrook line of men’s wedding bands. Lashbrook creates unique designs

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SPOTLIGHT ON...Heartwood Preserve Cemetery!

Above is a small sampling of the unique jewelry designs available at Carats & Cents. borne from carbon fiber, cobalt chrome and even meteorite. “Gone are the old days when a guy would just get a band and call it a day,” Karim says. Custom designs include accents portraying baseball stitches, basketball leather, tire treads, even camouflage. Karim says he has several clients in the Tampa area who are prominent professional athletes. Carats & Cents also deals in Swiss time pieces, including Rolex, Cartier and Patek Philippe. The store is not an authorized dealer of new watches, but Carats & Cents has a large inventory of used watches and everything they sell has a one-year minimum warranty and a five-year warranty on mechanical movement. “I purchased a high-end timepiece from Carats & Cents and they are fantastic to do business with,” said client Ronny Kalash. “Adeel is not only extremely knowledgeable about both jewelry and watches, but also extremely professional. He applies his knowledge base to help find the best fit for you, works hard to find you a reasonable price, never applies unreasonable sales pressure and delivers his products quickly and in flawless quality.” Carats & Cents has both new and used pieces and is an authorized dealer of Everest Horology products. Everest products offer a different look for your Swiss time piece, whether it’s a new band or a new diamond bezel. Everest products, “look like they came from the original from a fit and finish standpoint,” according to Karim. With such a wide selection of luxury items, Karim could very well have a storefront brimming with customers. But, that’s not the way he likes to do business. “When a client comes in, it’s confidential and no pressure,” he says. “I’m okay with clients not streaming in and out. Our customers expect an ambiance that is high-end and with an international flavor. They get the feeling they’re seeing pieces that would be found in an auction in Hong Kong or Thailand.” Asian influences incorporate colored gemstones like peridot, but much of the work circles back to diamonds. Karim sources all of his diamonds according to the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme Neighborhood News

(KPCS), which was established in 2003 by the United Nations to prevent so-called “conflict” diamonds from reaching the mainstream rough diamond market. “It’s one of the reasons I was okay with getting into the business,” Karim says. “Part of my business has to do with giving back to communities, whether it’s in Tampa or Dubai.” Karim’s humanitarian side extends beyond relocating artisans and seeking conflict-free diamonds. He also manages Tampa Bay Cares, a public Facebook group that helps with refugee resettlement, and other charitable causes. Karim is active in the New Tampa community. He is on the community board of the Windsor at Tampa Palms Neighborhood Association and has been amazed at the rapid growth in the area. “The growth in New Tampa has been remarkable,” Karim said. “It’s become an affluent area. I remember, years ago, it was cow pastures.” As the area has expanded, so has Karim’s business. “When people say, ‘I know a guy,’ I want to be that guy,” he says. Carats & Cents is located at 1111 N. Westshore Blvd., Suite 105, in Tampa. For more information, call (813) 343-4653, visit Carats andCents.com, or see the ad on pg. 30.

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In the old Florida woods where she grew up, in what is now the Trinity area of New Port Richey (just a short drive west of Wesley Chapel), Laura Starkey has set 41 acres of land aside as the Heartwood Preserve Conservation Cemetery, adjacent to the 18,000-acre Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve. On Nov. 4, Heartwood Preserve celebrated its one-year anniversary in business with refreshments and cake, an artist providing temporary henna tattoos and activities for the family. In the year since it opened — as the first conservation cemetery in the Tampa Bay region, and one of just a handful in the state — Heartwood Preserve has offered environmentally-friendly options for people looking for a more natural burial. “The word ‘Conservation’ in our name means that not only are we are providing a natural burial option for those who don’t want all the fancy bells and whistles of a modern burial with an expensive casket and vault, but we’re also really contributing to the permanent conservation of this ecosystem,” explains Laura, who is the cemetery’s founder and executive director. “We are both literally and figuratively becoming part of this land.” Laura and Heartwood Preserve manager Diana Sayegh explain that, first and foremost, the cemetery is about conserving the precious longleaf pine flatwoods and cypress dome wetlands ecosystems of the preserve. “We invite people to come and take a walk, hike and get some fresh air,” Diana says. “You can park for free, use our picnic benches, and experience nature. There are woodpeckers, owls and butterflies, and we have free events, such as silent meditation walks, yoga and even

frog-listening events. This place is gorgeous, and we want the community to experience it.” Diana says the fact that Heartwood Preserve allows pre-planning sets it apart from other conservation cemeteries. “Like making a will, pre-planning for your cremation or burial is a gift to your family,” says Diana. “Your family is not left with the burden of the cost or the decision making. They have peace of mind for when that time comes.” She continues, “It is a cemetery, and it’s sad, but it’s not typical. It’s natural and beautiful and serene and peaceful.” Heartwood Preserve Conservation Cemetery is located at 4100 Starkey Blvd. Visitors are always welcome when the gates are open — Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on Sun. Events that are open to the public, including yoga, educational activities and more, are listed on the events page of Heartwood Preserve’s website at HeartwoodPreserve.com. For more info, visit the website, see the ad on page 4, or call (727) 376-5111.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

The Law Office Of Matthew J. Jowanna Serves Clients With Tenacity & Loyalty By BRAD STAGER Visitors pass by a shin-high stone statue of a bulldog when entering Matthew J. Jowanna’s law office at the Windfair Professional Center, located across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. The carved canine reflects Jowanna’s personal appreciation of the breed, which the domestic animal website VetStreet.com, among many, says is, “admired for the qualities of loyalty and determination;” characteristics Jowanna considers to be basic to his firm’s handling of clients’ legal concerns. “A client hires you to be a champion, and you are for them,” Jowanna says. “The client comes before everybody.” Jowanna lives in Tampa Palms with wife Camille and a bulldog (who, he says, also serves as a “paw clerk” in his firm) named Angelica “Geli” Bulldog Jowanna. “Angelica’s an ice-breaker,” says Jowanna. “Geli” succeeds her sister, Brittany Bulldog Jowanna, as office mascot, after Brittany passed away last year. Our editor says that Angelica is the sweetest bulldog ever, but that alone isn’t reason enough to hire Jowanna. The law firm handles personal injury cases, bankruptcy filings, family law issues, insurance disputes and coverage representation, as well as estate matters such as writing wills and establishing and managing estates through the probate process. Jowanna says his firm does not handle criminal cases. Law is a second career for Jowanna, who earned his B.A. in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida in Tampa and worked in the local broadcasting industry as a television news assignment edi-

as the need for excellent research skills and the ability to communicate and connect with people, such as jurors. According to Jowanna, anyone interested in practicing law “should be a theatre major,” to be an effective litigator in a process he describes as, “essentially a show of conviction, and convincing.” While Jowanna already had the delivery and presentation skills of being a lawyer, he needed the academic credentials to take the bar exam, so he earned his J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree from Attorney Matthew Jowanna & paralegal Leah Shalna review a case. Nova Southeastern University Shepard tor and on-air radio personality. His occasional media-related trips through the local courts Broad College of Law in Davie, FL. Jowanna eventually also received his led him to an observation. Master of Laws (LL.M.; Legum Magister) “I saw a lot of 65-year-old lawyers around the courthouse but I didn’t know too from Notre Dame Law School, in Notre Dame, Indiana. many 65-year-old guys on the radio,” says Before opening his own office in 2006 Jowanna, whose transition from broadcast to serve Wesley Chapel- and New Tampa-area media professional to a second career as an residents, Jowanna worked his way up in the attorney was made smoother by commonlocal legal field from associate attorney at a alities between the two professions — such

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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private firm to becoming a partner at another, while learning the ins and outs of personal injury and insurance-related law. He says that background gave him the tools he needed to serve his clients well in a courtroom when called upon to do so. “When you go down to that big law firm you see on TV, you’re not going to see that lawyer, they’re going to shuffle you off to a case handler,” says Jowanna. “When you come here, you’re going to meet the lawyer. We give the benefit of a big-firm lawyer with the comfort of being in your neighborhood.” Jowanna adds that his firm’s eleven years of service have given it a bit of seniority within the local legal community. “That makes us one of the oldest law firms in Wesley Chapel,” he says, proudly. Jowanna also says his experience of working at a firm with more than 100 lawyers also taught him what not to do. “A lot of lawyers tend to be robotic,” he says. “People don’t pay me to follow a checklist; people want a lawyer who thinks and is original.”

Communication Is The Key To Client Satisfaction

One principle Jowanna abides by is to always keep his clients informed. “My number-one goal is client satisfaction and the best way to get that is through communication,” he says. One client who appreciates how Jowanna combines commitment and communication is Glenn Eckoff, who retained the firm for a personal injury case when he was hurt in an auto accident. Eckoff says the experience

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dealing with divorce, child custody, wills, trusts and probate matters. As his practice has grown, Jowanna has brought on board Elyssa M. Harvey as managing attorney and to handle many of the family law cases. Harvey, who earned her J.D. degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School’s campus in Riverview, FL, says family law can get emotional and legal situations like divorce cases go better when civility can be maintained. “If people can at least be polite to each other and work together, it can keep things from getting dragged Angelica “Geli” Bulldog Jowanna is both a “paw clerk” and the out,” she says. Whatever the specifics most adorable customer service rep at the Jowanna law firm. of a case may be, Jowanna went well from the moment he met Jowanna has developed a standard for a free consultation to discuss his case. that applies to the work his firm does. “He was on time, he welcomed me “There’s the law and the rules of law, with a smile on his face and he was straightand one must stay within those rules (while forward,” Eckoff says. “From that day on, still doing) the best for a client,” he says. Matthew Jowanna was nothing less than a Another way Jowanna tries to serve his spectacular representative of my case.” clients is through a personal injury/accident Eckoff notes that he never had to wait app that is available via Jowanna.com, with for a return call from the law office, and that versions for both Apple and Android smartJowanna would personally call him with case phones. updates. The Matthew J. Jowanna Accident App He adds that he also was pleased with was developed to capture and organize basic how Jowanna handled the legal opposition information from an accident scene, such as en route to what Eckoff calls, “a very nice photos, video, witness contact information settlement.” and GPS location, as well as where nearby “During the deposition, he was very much on my side; he didn’t let me get bullied medical and repair facilities are located. For readers who may be considering and made sure that the other parties were scheduling a free consultation with the Law fair,” he says. “Not only did he have a smile Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, the firm’s on his face, but he was a warrior.” paralegal, Leah Shalna, recommends writing Working on insurance-related litigation down relevant questions before arriving to on behalf of consumers and insurance industry get the most out of the visit. clients has given Jowanna a perspective he says “Sometimes, they’ll get halfway home helps him deliver outcomes that satisfy whoever and think of something they wanted to ask,” he is representing in a particular case. she says. “Having worked both sides of the fence The Law Office of Matthew J. is an advantage,” he says. “When I represent Jowanna is located at 2521 Windguard a carrier, I can give them the insights of what Circle, Suites 101 & 102. You can find the average “insured” (person) is thinking. out more about the firm’s services and When I represent an insured (person), I can schedule a free consultation by visiting give them the insights of how insurance comJowanna.com or by calling (813) 929panies really work.” 7300. The firm also has a toll-free numFamily law practice serves client needs ber: (855) 2-MJJ-LAW, or see the ad on such as establishing legal paternal identificapage 41 of this issue. tion of children born outside of a marriage,

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5 Teams To Keep An Eye On In Local High School Sports This Winter By ANDY WARRENER

Below are five teams we’re watching closely this winter high school sports season:

1: Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) Boys Soccer — Head coach David Wilson

says that the 2017-18 team could potentially be the best he’s ever had. That’s saying a lot from a coach who brought his team to the state semifinals in 2015 and hasn’t lost a game against a Pasco County team in four years. “When you have a strong and talented group of seniors that have played together for three years on varsity, there’s potential for great things,” Wilson said. A trio of senior veterans coming off All-State seasons form the down-the-middle strength for the Bulls. Center back Jackson Trudel controls the game from the back line. Center-mid Royce Luedde is 6-foot-4 and controls the air, the middle of the field and is great on set pieces. Midfielder Ian Flores is one of the most highly-recruited players Wilson’s ever had, with 60 colleges having contacted him, including Rutgers Univ. in New Brunswick, NJ, which has offered him a scholarship. The youngsters aren’t bad either – freshman Justin Amis and junior Rafael Silva scored three goals apiece in a 13-0 preseason win over Hernando, with sophomores Noah Leonard and Jake Bierhorst pitching in two goals each.

2: WRH Boys Basketball — The Bulls have had the unenviable situation to be mired in Class 8A, District 8, which is brutally tough, with the likes of perennial New Tampa powerhouses Freedom and Wharton, as well as defending state champion Sickles. If the Bulls

The Wiregrass Ranch High boys soccer team, a state semifinalist in 2015, is poised to have its best season yet. (Photo: Andy Warrener) continue to build on their 2016-17 arc, they might be ready to pull even with that triumvirate of top-tier teams. “Eight seniors return for this year’s team,” says Bulls head coach Jeremy Calzone. “So, if there’s a year to do it, it’s this one. It’s the most experience we’ve ever had to start a season.” Senior forwards Jayden Wilson (6’-9”) and Justin Rush (6’-6”) give the Bulls great size. Junior guard Elijah Howell is the team’s best shooter and leader on the floor. Senior guards Val Garcia and Jordan Miner also are veterans who have been on varsity

since their freshman years.

3: Cypress Creek Middle High (CCH) Girls Weightlifting — New program starts from scratch, right? Not so much. Four-year Wesley Chapel High (WCH) girls weightlifting coach Tico Hernandez has 24 girls on the team to start the season. Like their coach, sophomores Addison Metcalf and Megan Faysash, who is already emerging as the team leader, come over from WCH. Junior Neely Peterson didn’t lift in 2016-17, but is a fierce competitor, according to Hernandez. Freshman Emily Speck is the

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team’s spark plug and is working to perfect her skills and technique. 4: Wesley Chapel High (WCH) Girls Basketball — The team’s toughest opponent this year likely will be adversity. Coming off their best record (15-9) since the 2009-10 season with everyone poised to return, the Wildcats lost their top returner to an ACL injury, and CCH’s opening just four miles away took some of WCH’s other key players. “We lost 80 percent of our scoring from last year,” Livingston said. “We only return three kids total from last year’s varsity team.” But the toughest adversity will come in the form of getting over the death of a family member. The Monday prior to tryouts, assistant coach Marcellus “Coach Shack” Shackelford was killed in a car accident. Shackelford was the only assistant four-year head coach Peter Livingston ever had. “There’s a lot of adversity we’re trying to overcome this year,” Livingston said. “We also want to celebrate him (Coach Shackelford) and try to get ready for the season.” 5: WCH Boys Basketball — Last season was a down year for the typically steady Wildcats boys basketball team. After a 21-8 season two years ago, WCH managed just a 9-17 record in 2016-17. They should bounce back this season, as they get a shot in the arm from the school’s football team. Division I-A senior football recruits Chaz Neal (who is 6’-9”) and Isaiah Bolden will take to the hardwood for the ‘Cats in 2017-18. Neal played in seven games for Armwood a year ago, averaging three rebounds.

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The ‘Brawner Bunch’ Says The Family That ‘Wobbles’ Together, Stays Together By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Meadow Pointe resident Keith Brawner wasted little time signing up for the first-ever Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot when he saw it was coming to Wesley Chapel. On Oct. 8. 2013, he issued a challenge on Facebook: “Hey, we signed up, who else wants to do this?” Keith was ecstatic, however, when his entire family — and his wife Diane’s family, even some of those living out of state — took him up on his challenge. “I knew this was something we had to do,’’ says Diane. “I used to live in Tampa Palms and I remember when getting a Super Target (in Wesley Chapel) was a big deal. I’m the one that always gets excited for new things, and when this came to Wesley Chapel, I was happy to have something for the community that we didn’t have to drive to Clearwater for.” Five years later, the “Brawner Bunch” is now 15 strong, all signed up to run, walk and laugh their way Thanksgiving morning through the fifth annual Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot 5K Race and 1-Mile Fun Run at the Shops of Wiregrass. “It has grown into a wonderful family tradition,’’ says Keith, who will be joined at the Wobble by Diane and their 7-year-old daughter Kaitlyn, who will try to run the mile by herself this year despite fighting the flu recently. Kaitlyn was only three years old when she first took part. “She would be on my shoulders as I ran, then I’d put her down and she’d run as far as she could, then she would go back on my shoulders,’’ Keith says. “But, she wanted to cross the finish line on her own.” Kaitlyn, now a second-grader at Sand Pine Elementary, will have plenty of company, as cousins Caleb (13), Hunter (11), Kaden (9),

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The Brawner clan after the 2016 Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot. Alex (9) and Austin (6) will join in this year’s ryone wakes up in the morning, “eats a donut festivities. or something sweet to get some carbs in us,” For Caleb and Hunter, and their parents and starts Thanksgiving Day out running. When Kevin and Kelly Brawner, they will be making the run is over, they all head back to Keith and the trip from West Memphis, AR, for their first Diane’s for some fried turkey. Wiregrass Wobble. Gary says the morning run is worth at Kaden will be driving down from Marion, least one, maybe two, extra slices of apple pie AR, with Keith’s parents, Gary and Shiela. later. “Although really,” he said, laughing, “we The trio has never missed a Wobble, and say should all be running after we eat the dinner.” they don’t plan to. In fact, Kaden’s parents are This year, Keith says he will be frying three headed on a cruise this Thanksgiving, but given turkeys — flavored with a Cajun spice injector the choice, Kaden chose running in Wesley — as additional family members who don’t run Chapel over saling the high seas. but come to cheer the others on will make for a “The first year, Kaden was just 4, so I’d packed house. carry him for most of it, but now he runs it,” “Trust me,” Keith says, “fried turkey is the said Gary, who is 63. “He’s faster than me now. way to go.” My knees aren’t what they used to be.” Diane’s mother Patsy, 72, will make the He adds that the Wobble has become a trip from Carbondale, PA, to run in the 5K, family tradition everyone looks forward to. Eve- and Diane’s sister Dawn Zendegui, her wife

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Stephanie and their sons Austin and Alex complete the Brawner Bunch. Diane, who describes herself as more of a “survivor of runs” than a runner, despite competing in the past in halfmarathons and one full marathon, said previously that she ran the Wiregrass Wobble 5K to see what kind of a time she could post. Now, she focuses more on the fun aspect. “Let’s put it this way — I won’t be setting any records this year,’’ Diane says. “This is a really nice way for my family and his family to come together. I never thought it would become what it has. It’s really just become a great tradition, right up there with buying the peanut oil for the turkey.” All proceeds from the Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot events go to local charities, including FITNiche Foundation, Feeding America Tampa Bay, the Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Foundation and the Rotary Club of New Tampa Foundation, which provides funds for 25 local charities. More than $110,000 has been raised since 2013, and nearly 7,300 people had participated in the event. Race organizers are expecting their largestever field ever next week. Those wanting to participate in the Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot can register at WiregrassWobbleTurkeyTrot.com. Preregistration (by Nov. 22) is $35, and race day registration is $40. There will be a 2017 tech shirt for all runners, ‘Ornamedal’ medals for all 5K finishers; school team competitions; Corporate & Friends & Family competitions and 1st-, 2nd- & 3rd-place awards for all 5K age groups; and all 1-mile Fun Run finishers will receive medals. The races will be accompanied by music and festivities, including a post-race party.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Your Last Chance To Win Up To $200 In FREE Dining

Gift Cards In Our Expanded Annual Reader Survey!

OK, Wesley Chapel: Here is your last chance to win a $200, $100 or $50 gift card to the restaurant of your choice, anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, just for entering this year’s annual (and expanded) Reader Survey & Contest. We still want to know where you think the best burger and best sushi in town are served, but this year we want you to tell us just a little bit more. For example — Where is the best place to get a licensed massage (hey, deadlines are tough here, we need a break every once in a while) in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel? Who can we trust to fix our leaky radiator? What neighborhood is the best to live in? And after years of listening to your traffic complaints, it’s time to let us know — what is the worst intersection in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel? Fill in your favorites in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel ONLY, stick this page in an envelope and mail it “Reader Contest, c/o Neighborhood News, 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543.” Or, visit WCNeighborhoodnews.com and do it online. Or, email your responses to john@ntneighborhoodnews. com. And don’t forget to check out our Facebook page, which will also guide you through how to submit an entry and win one of those absolutely FREE dining gift certificates just for entering (and entering correctly; more on that below). In order to win any of our three prizes (and, for your votes to count), you must have a legitimate answer for at least 20 of the 30 categories below and mail, email or enter online no later than Black Friday, November 24, 2017. No purchase of any kind is necessary to win a prize. — JCC & GN

1. Best Restaurant In NT or WC

16. Best Primary Care Dr.

2. Best Mexican Rest.

17. Best Plastic Surgeon

3. Best Thai Rest.

18. Best Chiropractor

4. Best Sushi

19. Best Dentist

5. Best Chinese Rest.

20. Best Urgent Care/Walk-in

6. Best Breakfast

21. Best Veterinarian

7. Best Lunch

22. Best Gym/Fitness Center

8. Best Burger

23. Best Golf Course

9. Best BBQ

24. Best Hairstylist/Salon

10. Best Pizza

25. Best Nail Salon

11. Best Bar

26. Best Auto Dealership

12. Best Karaoke Show

27. Best New Business

13. Best Bakery

28. Best Neighborhood

14. Best Frozen Yogurt

29. Best Local Publication

15. Best Ice Cream

30. Worst Intersection

Name: Email: What Community do you live in? (Meadow Pointe, Lexington Oaks, etc.)

Mailing Address: Daytime Phone #: 36

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Culver’s Is So Delicious, You Probably Shouldn’t Call It ‘Fast Food!’ opened the first Culver’s in Sauk City, WI, By GARY NAGER

OK, SO WHEN YOU

read the headline above, did you think to yourself, “Culver’s? I thought Gary doesn’t like fast food?” And of course, you’d be correct. I’m not a chain restaurant guy, much less someone who eats any kind of fast food more than once a month (or less), so how is it that I’m about to rave about Culver’s, the 500+-unit, Wisconsin-based chain that has an extremely popular location right here off S.R. 56? Because Culver’s really shouldn’t be called “fast food,” other than the fact that this growing chain, which has 45 locations in Florida, does usually deliver your food to your car or their comfortable indoor seating area within 5-7 minutes or so. In fact, Culver’s of Wesley Chapel franchise owners Ann and Marty Roeske don’t refer to their second Culver’s (they also purchased one of the first 100 or so units of the chain in 2000 in Wautoma, WI, near where they lived,; that location is now operated by their children) as fast food at all. “It’s cooked-to-order food that is served quickly,” says Marty. “The company is always finding new ways to cook the food faster, but will never sacrifice the quality that the families who love us have come to expect.” Ann adds, “If a family from Wisconsin comes here to visit, if their sandwiches or cheese curds or frozen custard don’t taste exactly the same to them as they do where they’re from, we’re not doing our jobs.” That’s why Craig and Lea Culver — who

in 1984 (along with their parents, George & Ruth) — insist that all Culver’s franchise owners have to be on-site, hands-on owner-operators who also must be properly trained to insure that the quality that has made Culver’s famous in 22 states (and growing), especially throughout the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions, as well as the Southeast, Texas and Arizona, always stays consistent.

More Than Just Burgers!

When I first heard Culver’s was opening in our area (the location on Nebraska Ave. at Bearss Ave. opened a year or so before the Wesley Chapel restaurant), I couldn’t figure out why so many Midwest transplants were so excited about it. I was thinking, “OK, so it’s another burger place,” even though I’ll admit that I’m always excited about anyplace that serves authentic frozen custard — which is like your favorite ice cream, only creamier...sort of a delicious cross between soft-serve and “hard pack.” But, while Culver’s “Butter Burgers” (no, they don’t make the burger with butter, it’s the bun that’s buttered, according to Marty) are delicious — they’re certainly better and fresher (Ann says Culver’s 100-percent Midwestern beef is never frozen) than most fast food burgers — I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Culver’s other sandwiches and menu items. My favorite, for sure, is the beef pot roast sandwich, which seems to be the only “brisket” served in this area that isn’t barbecued/smoked. This premium chuck roast is as tender as my mom’s brisket, slow-braised in a classic blend of herbs and spices and is

Oreo Cheesecake Frozen Custard

Double Butter Burger w/Cheese

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Beef Pot Roast Sandwich

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Cheese Curds

served in those juices on Culver’s signature bun (which absorbs them nicely). You can enjoy this tasty “sammy” with Culver’s horseradish or BBQ sauce, although it honestly doesn’t need any sauce at all. I also really enjoyed trying Culver’s North Atlantic Cod fish sandwich and the chicken noodle soup (both shown in the photo, right), as well as the crispy chicken sandwich and tenders. I’ve never tried Culver’s grilled chicken sandwich, but I liked the flavor of the grilled chicken on the Garden Fresco salad and the sesame ginger dressing. I’m not the biggest chili lover, but “George’s Chili” is thick with meat and very tasty. And of course, Culver’s recently added Wisconsin cheddar cheese dipping sauce and also is famous for its crispy, crinkle-cut fries. Plus, if you mention Culver’s crisp-outside, creamy-inside fried cheese curds to any former “Cheesehead,” they immediately start writing love sonnets set to music about them. Seriously. All that having been said, the main reason I keep going back to Culver’s isn’t because of those items or the fact it’s a mile from where I live, it’s because of the frozen custard, a dessert I have enjoyed since the first time I visited the Boardwalk in Atlantic City in my teens. Every time I see Culver’s post a new flavor on their board on S.R. 56

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Ann & Marty Roeske

mentioning Reese’s, Snickers, marshmallow or, say, the Oreo cheesecake custard on the previous page, I find myself detouring for a cup or cone, usually a cup and usually with Culver’s deep, delicious real hot fudge. Just another fast food place? I think not! Culver’s of Wesley Chapel is located at 2303 Sun Vista Dr., Lutz. For more info, including a great gift card special, see the ad on pg. 40, call (813) 949-1414 or visit Culvers.com. And, please tell Ann, Marty and their always-friendly, happy and courteous staff that the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News sent you!

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‘A Bottle Of Red...A Bottle Of White’ & Veal Parmigiana Come To Little Italy’s! By GARY NAGER

THOSE OF YOU

who have been reading this publication since the opening of Little Italy’s Family Restaurant & Catering on S.R. 54 in Lutz a couple of years ago know that not only do I love Little Italy’s food, but also owners Jessica and Carl Meyers. So, I was thrilled when Jessica — aka “The Boss” — and Chef Carl said they were finally getting a beer and wine license. Not that I can’t enjoy a great meal without alcohol, but Italian “comfort foods” like everything I love at Little Italy’s just beg for Billy Joel’s “Bottle of Red...Bottle of White” or an ice cold Peroni beer. Pasco County had awarded Jessica and Carl their beer and wine license shortly before we went to press with this issue and they are now serving red and white wine (by the glass, carafe and/or bottle), Grandma’s homemade red sangria and bottled beers. But for me, that’s not the big news at Little Italy’s, which also got a makeover a few months ago. The delicious news is that Jessica and Carl — thanks to multiple customer requests (not just from me) — have now added tender, delicious veal parmigiana to the menu, as well as veal saltimbocca and piccata, plus a couple of new shrimp dishes I can’t try because of my (ugh!) shellfish allergy. Even so, I always include a couple of seafood pics from Little Italy’s on these pages because so many of you love shrimp, clams and mussels (I’ve never gotten my reaction from clams, for some reason, and Little Italy’s linguine with white clam butter sauce is among my favorites in our area). But, let’s focus on the veal for a second. Jessica and Carl don’t pound their veal (“It breaks down some of the natural flavor and texture of the meat,” says Chef Carl), but it still cooks up nice and tender and the flavor? Well, let’s just say that for my money, there is no chicken parm that tastes as delicious as good veal parm — and Jessica’s red sauce and outstanding mozzarella definitely put Little Italy’s new veal dishes at the top of my list among all Italian restaurants and pizza places in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. And, even though I can’t eat shrimp, Little Italy’s new grilled shrimp appetizer features extra large-to-jumbo-sized shrimp that got some rave reviews during mine and Jannah’s most recent visit three weeks ago. Another new menu item at Little Italy’s

which I haven’t sampled yet, but can’t wait to try, is Jessica’s homemade potato gnocchi, which you can order with Alfredo sauce and shrimp, or with meat or marinara sauce. “Gnocchi was another big request we’ve been getting,” says Jessica “And everyone who’s tried it so far has raved about it to us.” Other starters we love at Little Italy’s are the bruschetta, the garlic bread, the homemade meatballs that made Jessica and Carl’s former food truck famous, and the crisp, but tender calamari. My favorite salad is the Caprese salad, with beautiful, sliced tomatoes layered with slices of fresh mozzarella, all topped with a balsamic glaze reduction that isn’t as sweet as some balsamic reductions I’ve tasted. As I’ve mentioned many times in these pages, I’ve never been the biggest calzone fan myself, but Little Italy’s calzones are so huge that most people who order them end up not only taking pictures of them, but also taking a large portion of their calzone home with them. And, although Little Italy’s isn’t a “pizza place” per se, the homemade Sicilian-style pizzas are great for sharing for three or four people because no human being could possibly eat an entire rectangular pie by themselves. As for the main courses we love, in addition to the veal and chicken parm and the linguine with clams, include the spaghetti with those aforementioned (but worth mentioning again) meatballs, the chicken piccata, the baked penne, the so-very-yummy lasagne, as well as Jessica’s awesome eggplant rollatini or parmigiana. If you’re looking for something vegetarian, substantial and delicious, you can’t beat her eggplant. I also highly recommend the meatball parm “grinda” sandwiches, served on some of the best Italian bread in the area. Seafood lovers also will go crazy for Little Italy’s fresh cioppino (with mussels, shrimp and clams), as well as the authentic New England “Lobsta” ravioli.

NEW! Veal Parmigiana

Caprese Salad

Linguine with Clams

Little Italy’s For The Holidays?

Little Italy’s also is famous for its catering, including for virtually every Neighborhood News/WCNT-tv party since I first walked into this nondescript looking place a couple of weeks after Jessica and Carl first opened. Jessica says you can rent the entire restaurant out for up to 35 people for your holiday office parties and large family events. “We’re also going to be open Christmas Eve day (Sunday, December 24, noon-5 p.m.),

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NEW! Homemade Gnocchi

Homemade Meatballs

so you can pick up your order that can be baked for your Christmas Day festivities,” she says. “Italian people also have to have lasagne or ziti and definitely meatballs with their Thanksgiving meals — doesn’t everyone? — so please order early.” Little Italy’s, which also has a nice “Little Goombas” menu, also will be featured on an upcoming episode of “90 Day Fiancé” on The Learning Channel (TLC). “I can’t give more information about the show until it airs,” she says. “But it was pretty cool.” Jessica and Carl also were featured on a recent episode of WCNT-tv with yours truly. Little Italy’s (24436 S.R. 54, Lutz) is open every day (except Mon.) for lunch (at noon) & for dinner. It stays open until 8 p.m., on Sun. and Tue.Thur., and until 10 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. For more info, visit LittleItalyFamily Restaurant.com, on Facebook, call (813) 909-2122 or see the ad on pg. 43.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Retail, Health Care & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!

Pet Paradise Is A Great Reason To Get A Dog!

I’m currently between dogs in my life, but after attending both the VIP pre-opening and the Grand Opening and Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) ribbon cutting of the new Pet Paradise Wesley Chapel, located off S.R. 56 behind the Gate gas station, I’m almost tempted to go out and get me a new puppy, just so I can watch him or her play at the coolest pet resort ever. For those who wonder if their dog or cat will be comfortable at a “resort” with indoor-outdoor “condos,” a dog bone-shaped pool, 24-7 video monitoring and lots of other dogs (and yes, cats, too), all I can tell you is that, while I’ve never owned a cat, I’ve yet to see a dog unhappy, sitting off by itself or not engaging in the seemingly-all-day, all-out play sessions with other dogs of all breeds and sizes at this amazing new boarding and doggie daycare facility. I mean, I haven’t seen even one snarl or “warning snap,” even from multiple “alpha” dogs. When I’ve had dogs, boarding them did sometimes make me a little anxious, but Pet Paradise WC manager Zandra Straple, who has a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Animal Science from the University of Florida in Gainesville, and her awesome staff definitely have a

(Left, l.-r.): At the Grand Opening & WCCC ribbon cutting at the new Pet Paradise off S.R. 56 on Oct. 24, Karen Ryals of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay accepts a check for $5,000 from Pet Paradise Resorts Pres. & CEO Fernando Acosta-Rua and Pet Paradise Wesley Chapel manager Zandra Straple. (Right photo): Mike Schultz, president and CEO of Florida Hospital, West Florida Division (with scissors, left), and Dr. Pete DeBusk, Chairman of the Board of Lincoln Memorial University (to his right), prepare to cut the ribbon, surrounded by inaugural class members at the Grand Opening of the Caylor School of Nursing, LMU Tampa Campus, at Florida Hospital Tampa Health Park on Oct. 24. For more info, visit PetParadiseReer (located a 1/4-mile north on Cypress Ridge winner on their hands here in “The Chap.” And more great news, my friends at Seven sort.com or call (813) 778-0337. Blvd. in Wesley Chapel from Pet Paradise). Oaks Pet Hospital, located less than a halfThe state-of-the-art, free-standing buildThe Drs. Ambay Open Their mile from Pet Paradise on 56, provide on-call ing offers not only the dermatology and skin veterinarian services for the resort. care services of 360 Dermatology, but also the Transformations Center! cosmetic plastic surgery of Ambay Plastic SurDon’t forget to mention to Zandra Congratulations to Dr. Aparna Ambay gery. Best of all, Dr. Raj can perform his plastic and assistant manager Brianna Bermudez of 360 Dermatology and her husband, Dr. surgery magic and Dr. Aparna (both have been that you read about Pet Paradise in the Raj Ambay of Ambay Plastic Surgery, on named among “America’s Top Doctors” by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News!. Pet Para- the opening on Oct. 19 of their amazing, new dise is located at 2270 Cypress Ridge Blvd. Transformation Aesthetics & Surgery Cent- Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.) can do skin can-

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True Inspiration!

A $2.8-million dollar women’s health center, called “Inspiration Place,” opened in the Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Wellness Plaza on Oct. 23, offering comprehensive care for women at every stage of life. The next day, FHWC hosted a VIP event attended by hundreds of locals at Inspiration Place. The hospital’s president & CEO Denyse Bales-Chubb (L.-r.): Dr. Raj & Dr. Aparna Ambay welcomed Greater (photo below) was excited to Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce members — including unveil this unique, 12,000-sq.-ft. WCCC Board chair Jennifer Cofini of the Parks Auto Group center created, she said, “To do & membership director Jennifer Tussing — and the local com- something truly special for the munity to the Grand Opening & WCCC ribbon cutting on Oct. women of Wesley Chapel.” Services available for women 19 of their new Transformations Aesthetics Center, located off at the beautiful new Inspiration S.R. 56 and Cypress Ridge Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. Place include gynecology, obcer surgeries in the Transformations Aesthetics stetrics and prenatal care, along Center’s on-site surgery center. with primary medical care and wellness serThe opening and WCCC ribbon cutting vices and more. on Oct. 19 attracted hundreds of locals, includInspiration ing several other local health care professionals, Place also includes a as well as WCCC members and many of the spa, for services such current and former patients of these Top Docs. as massages and skin Dr. Raj, who has served as a Lt. Colocare treatments. nel in the U.S. Army and Special Operations There’s even a cof(Green Beret) in both Afghanistan and Iraq, fee bar. also is trained in trauma surgery, oral surgery All I can tell and dentistry. During the Grand Opening you is that I heard event, you could see the joy on his face and lots of “oohs” and hear it in his voice as he called the ribbon“aahs” during the VIP event tours of cutting at this unique medical and aesthetic Inspiration Place, facility, “the fulfillment of a long-time dream.” and quite a few For info about the Transformawomen who were booking appointments. tions Center (2441 Oak Myrtle Ln.), visit Appointments can be booked now at TampaBayTransformations.com, call (813) FHInspirationPlace.org. — GN 563-1144 or see the ad on pg. 15.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HOME IMPROVEMENT WESLEYCHAPELPRESSUREWASHING.COM Soft pressure exterior house cleaning, screen enclosures, pool decks, driveways, sidewalks, fences, roofs, paver sealing and deck staining. We clean everything. No job too big or small. Experience the difference when you hire a pressure cleaning professional. Licensed and insured. Owner operated. Call for a free estimate or visit our website. 813-433-6015. DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional & 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. Call 813-215-1177. GREG’S PAPERHANGING. For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed and insured, clean, quick and reasonable. Call 973-2767 for a free estimate. RAYMOND PAINTING. Exterior & Interior Services. Exterior: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Interior: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References avail. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 813-994-5124. 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. MILLENNIUM HOME REPAIR.Professional Handyman. Cabinet Installation, dry wall repair, tile installation & repair, some plumbing, laminate flooring, light fixtures, interior painting, appliance installation, pressure washing, paneling, window repair, awning installation, carpentry, garbage disposal, fence repair, crown molding, window blinds, seal baths & showers, TV mounting & more. Call 813-400-1408 or email TYCOONUNION@ YAHOO.COM.

SPACE AVAILABLE SERENITY SALON & SPA SUITES Wesley Chapel. Booth rental for Stylist available. Can be either full time or part time. Give us a call!: 813-312-5247 or 813-9976302.

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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! For more info, call (813) 420-4465. HOMETEAM LAWNCARE LLC High-quality professional Services: Weekly or bi-weekly year-round full-service lawn care starting at $90/month: Mow, edge, trim, blow, mulch-bed maintenance, hedge and low-tree trim. Additional Services: Sod, Mulch, & Rock Placement; Hedge Trimming, & Tree Trimming; Landscape Installation; Fall/Spring Clean-Up. Family Owned & Operated, Licensed & Insured, Background Checked, Call or Text (813) 817-9554.

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CLEANING SERVICES B CLEANING SERVICES: Over 16 years experience! Commercial & residential; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house & post construction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in or move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates; References available. Call today: 813-531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@hotmail.com D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE We have our own supplies and more than 400 clients in New Tampa! For more info, Call 758-9710. R HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES To Keep Your House clean, call Marlene! Working now in Wesley Chapel and the New Tampa areas. Monday through Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM. We can help: Call 562-637-5974 or email kolungaa@ hotmail.com. FREE estimates. POWER HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES Offering residential cleaning for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly & occasional. One time, deep cleaning, move-in/ move-outs, real estate, holiday and event cleaning. Owner Operator with Personal Touch! Licensed and Insured. To schedule or for a free in-home estimate, call (813) 356-8287 or e-mail powerclean16@ gmail.com. Try Power House Cleaning Services - you will be powerfully pleased!

PET SERVICES CAT SITTING Tampa Cat Lady Professional CatSitting Service. Cats are happiest in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds and smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle and play with your kitties and clean and dispose of litter. Insured, bonded, and Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. You may visit TampaCatLady.com and submit a service inquiry or call 813-994-9449.

HELP WANTED ROHE TWYMAN, an established and growing family law firm, with offices in Lake, Orange, and Sumter Counties, is expanding into the Pasco and Hillsborough area and is in immediate need of an experienced paralegal for its Wesley Chapel office. Ideal candidates possess three years’ experience in family law, however all applicants considered. Send resumes to Cindy Terry, at cindy@rohetwyman. com or call 352-742-0583. HIRING PERSONAL TRAINER. Private Women’s Studio with Boot Camp & Personal Training in Wesley Chapel & Land O’ Lakes owned by Samantha Taylor. Please no phone calls or walk ins.To apply part time: www.lolfitbodybootcamp.com/hire-pt. PHYSICAL THERAPIST (PT). An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide custom, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080.

_ ANTIQUES & MORE FOR SALE! SUSAN’S ANTIQUES, VINTAGE ART, BRICA-BRAC, GLASS & OTHER TREASURES! In Annett’A’s Attic, 2nd Flr, 14136 8th St, Dade City. For more info, see our display ad on pg. 27!

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POOL SERVICES TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE. New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! Call Chris today @ (813) 8575400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com. New customers get ONE MONTH FREE! AllStarPoolsofTampaBay.com Highest quality salt and ozone generators, pumps, motors, filters. Marcite, quartz and pebble finishes. Pool cleanups and acid washes, paver and river rock sealing. Paver decks and driveways. Mention this ad for $69 pool service. Call or text 813-244-7077. Visit AllStarPoolsofTampaBay.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Ronnie’s Carpets, Inc. “Our Prices Are Simply Better” WOOD - VINYL - CERAMIC TILE CARPET - LAMINATE

FREE Shop at Home Service Johnny Vandervlis Sales & Design Consultant

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Cell: 813-312-6853 johnny@ronniescarpets.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 24 • November 17, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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