Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 27. Issue 8, April 5, 2019 by Neighborhood News

WESLEY CHAPEL

Inside:

NEWS

A Recap Of The 2019 Taste Of New Tampa!

See Neighborhood Magazine

Volume 27 Issue 8 April 5, 2019

Now Celebrating 25 Years As New Tampa & Wesley Chapel’s Primary News Source! The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993! For the complete list of neighborhoods that receive this publication by direct mail in Wesley Chapel (zip codes 33543, 33544 & 33545), see page 46!

First Look Inside:

Openings Galore

Burlington and 5 Below are open, and Wawa and Chick Fil-A aren’t far behind. Cue the applause.

Pages 10-11

ONE HEART To me, the story of my relationship with the former Jannah

Story by Gary Nager Photo by Jillian Joseph Photograhy

the Neighborhood News, we first got together when I walked into the now-defunct Stage Left (the music venue on S.R. 54 in Lutz), the night of my birthday in 2015. The place was packed. Jannah and I were both members of the Rotary Cub of Wesley Chapel, so when I heard and then saw a group of women, all of whom also were members of that same Rotary Club, invite me, rather loudly, to join them at their table, I didn’t refuse. So yes, ours is a match made in Rotary heaven, and we know a few other couples who also met through the world’s largest service organization. But, enough of that mushy stuff. Because we decided to put on our wedding ourselves, I knew I would have to pull together a lot of the contacts I’ve made through the Neighborhood News in order to put on the kind of wedding we wanted. I owe these businesses and business owners a lot because only with all of their help, could we have the wedding of our dreams. So, the story that follows is my way of thanking them.

Johnson McDonald is so much more than just your usual case of boy-meets-girl, boy and girl fall in love and live happily ever after. Ours is the story of two people who have been through a lot in their lives — although not nearly as much as some people we know and love — but who somehow figured out how to be there for each other and became two stronger, better people because of our mutual respect for and support of each other. This marriage may not be the first rodeo for either of us — and, quite honestly, neither one of us thought we’d ever get married again — but after knowing each other for as many as eight years and being together for more than four, we both just knew it was the right time for us to make this thing official. Although we actually met when Jannah was working for the American Cancer Society and was putting on the Wesley Chapel Relay for Life and I was covering it for See “The Business Side Of Jannah & Gary’s Wedding” on page 4.

Vroooom!

The Man Cave will give your hair a professional and relaxing tune-up in a cool, guy-oriented setting.

Pages 22-23

Newcomer Tops At Taste

The Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel attracted roughly 1,000 patrons, who sampled the wares of neary 40 local eateries, and two Taste-y newcomers made this year’s top three.

Pages 40-41

Don’t Forget To Get On The Guest List For My ‘25 Years Of Neighborhood News’ Party! An editorial by Gary Nager So, even though I’ve also had a lot of haters over the 25 years I have owned and been the editor of the New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, the fact is that I get the most amazing feedback from all of you — our readers — about what we do to bring our communities together. A case in point is our now-finalized plan to celebrate my 25 years at the helm of the primary news and information source for New Tampa and Wesley Chapel residents and businesses. Even though we didn’t yet know when the celebration would be held when I announced it in our last issue, we’ve now had more than 120 people register to be part of that celebration — and another 30-40 of our advertising business owners who say they plan to attend. So, let’s see how many of you will register to be on our guest list now that we are officially announcing the details of that little shindig. Although my 25-year anniversary with the Neighborhood News was actually February 25 of this year, the celebration will be held on Friday, April 12, at the awesome Bayscape Bistro at Heritage Isles Country Club (off Cross Creek Blvd.), with heavy hors d’oeuvres being put out at around 6 p.m. and karaoke with my friend Gary Carmichael of Heart & Soul Karaoke kicking the musical festivities into high gear by 7 p.m. The food will be outstanding, as Bayscape owners Eddie and Lourdes Bujarski (who ran the culinary arts program at New Tampa’s Wharton High for nearly two decades) will put out everything from fruit and cheese to some of Bayscape’s Friday Fiesta fare like tacos, fajitas and more. We’re still working on an exact menu (and Bayscape’s complete menu will still be available for purchase) and the bar will be a cash bar, but this is a unique opportunity to hang out with not only my amazing staff at

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 /Ad Sales Gary Nager Managing Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Correspondents Libby Baldwin • Jarrett Guthrie Celeste McLaughlin • Andy Warrener Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Gavin Olsen Photography, Videography & Video Editing Charmaine George • Richard Nasrallah Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Gavin Olsen Advertising Sales & Billing Assistants Janet Levins • Jannah Nager

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 advertisement reservations for Volume 27, Issue 10, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, March 25. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously nonpublished 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 Neighborhood News, but also the owners of many of the businesses you see advertised in every issue of this publication. So, all you have to do to be part of the celebration is email us from a valid email address with your first and last name, the community you live in (Epperson, Seven Oaks, etc.) and the first and last names of any other people you plan to bring with you. There is no admission fee to attend my “25 years of Neighborhood News” celebration, but you’re not officially on the guest list until you receive a confirmation email from us. And no, you don’t have grab a mic to sing at all to attend, but you do have to email us at Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews. com and put “Neighborhood News Guest List” in the subject line! See you there!

absence by getting nearly 40 restaurant and beverage purveyors to take part in this year’s event (see wrap-up section on pages 37-39), and I was still sorry Jannah and I weren’t able to be there, even though we had a really, really good excuse. After checking out the pics from this year’s event, here are the main course restaurants that I was the sorriest that I missed:

• The coconut shrimp (which I couldn’t eat, but still) & jerk chicken pasta from Bahama Breeze • The ahi tuna poke spoons and herb-cheeseand-dates endive bites from the Hilton Garden Inn (photo above by Charmaine George) • Noble Crust’s fried chicken & waffles • The meatballs, tacos and shrimp cups (so sad I’m allergic) from Cinebistro • The Shepherd’s pie, mac & cheese and

bangers & mash cups from O’Brien’s • The unique hors d’oeuvres served by Vom Fass, which I didn’t even know had food. The desserts again looked amazing this year, led by the following: • The homemade ice cream from the Ice Dreammm Shop on S.R. 54 in Lutz • The strawberry cake from the new Canterbury Hall Catering at Grace Episcopal Church • Batter & Dough’s dessert waffle cups. I also was sad to miss out on the rum cocktails from Blue Chair Rum, the variety of items from A Dash of Salt & Pepper, the awesome ice cream from Snowrolls and frozen custard from Culver’s and to sample the pastries from Walkabout Australian Bakery, although Jannah and I did have Taste repeat winner Nothing Bundt Cakes provide our unique wedding cake (see pages 4-5).

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In case you were wondering why I wasn’t at — or even involved with, other than putting together last issue’s preview section — this year’s Taste of New Tampa, it was because Taste 2019, which was originally scheduled to be held on March 17 (aka St. Patrick’s Day) was rescheduled for March 24, which just happened to be the day I married my long-time fiancée Jannah McDonald (now Nager; see pages 40-41 for a wedding recap). The problem was twofold — we scheduled our wedding day at the beautiful St. Pete Beach Community Center on Boca Ciega Dr. at the Intercoastal Waterway before anyone mentioned to me that the Taste had been rescheduled for the same day. Sadly, I found out about the new date for the Taste at the November Business Breakfast for the North Tapa Bay Chamber, three weeks after Jannah and I picked the only date available at our chosen locale between Valentine’s Day and sometime in June, which sounded like a 100-degree day and/or a possible hurricane to us. So, even if we had known about the date change for the Taste, I probably still would have decided to back away from it, which meant this was only the second Taste I’ve missed in the event’s 23-year history. I will say that Taste co-chairs Karen Frashier and Jennifer Cofini and their 20-person committee from the New Tampa (breakfast) Rotary Club still did a great job in my

Table of Contents

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

USF’s Judy Genshaft Honored At PHSC Forum.....6 Three Wesley Chapel Girls Make History.............8-9 New Stores Now Open, Others On The Way......10-11 Pasco County Is Now ‘Florida’s Sports Coast’.........12 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar...........................14

Local Business Updates..............18-25

Man Cave Haircuts Offers A Dude Experience...........18 Allergy Tampa Practice Adds New Doctor & More!....20 New Patel Charter High School Set To Open..........22 Bargain Hunters Find Deals At Uptown Cheapskate..24 Tailored Living Can Help You Organize Your Stuff....24

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Education & Sports News..........28-35

Pasco County Names Outstanding Seniors..................28 New Tampa Rec Center Breaking Ground In April!...30 NTP’s Penguin Project Shows This Weekend!.......32 Women Get Their Due At Herstory Opening............34

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Exclusive Taste Of New Tampa Coverage!.....37-39 Lightning Recognizes Local Teen’s Altruism.......40-41 Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes.....42-43 New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Classifieds...........44 @NTWCNews

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‘The Business Side Of Jannah & Gary’s Wedding’ — From Page 1 Story by Gary Nager Photos by Jillian Joseph Photography So, when you decide you’re going to get married, the first thing you have to do is pick a location, then set a date that your chosen venue has available. Jannah and I wanted to get married around Valentine’s Day, but once we decided we were getting married at the St. Pete Beach Community Center on Boca Ciega Dr., the closest dates they had to Valentine’s Day were March 24...and sometime in June. Guess which one we picked. We wanted the band that was playing the night we got engaged — Restless Soul — to play at our wedding, but when front man James Shepherd was going to be out of town that day, we quickly decided on our second favorite “party” band we had seen at Jimmy B’s at the Beachcomber Resort (where Jannah and I have spent many a night dancing). That band is called New Divide, featuring lead singer/ guitarist Colin Hughes. The third thing we decided was to hire the folks who own our favorite affordable restaurant on Gulf Blvd. — Skidder’s — to cater the event. We also were fortunate to have the Fratelli brothers John and Mario from Fratelli’s Pizza & Café in the Village Market plaza (see ad on pg 38) offer to provide a tray of my favorite broccoli rabe and a tray of penne alla vodka as our amazing side dishes. And, none of our choices let us down. People who attended our wedding raved about our venue, the food (grouper Francaise, chicken Marsala and rib lamb chops were the main events from Skidder’s) and the music. New Divide played everything from Cheap Trick and Tom Petty to Bruno Mars and Amy Winehouse and the band agreed to learn two of mine and

Ring photo by Gary Nager

Jannah’s favorite Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats tunes so we could sing (and she could play the tambourine) along with them. But, as we soon figured out, a wedding is about much more than just those things. Even if you think you can do everything yourself — and Jannah’s job the last four years at the Pasco Education Foundation is largely about putting on events and I’ve been hosting parties for our office for a quarter-century (see page 3) — you still need a wedding planner. We were blessed to have attended our friends’ Torrie and Keith Weinstein’s wedding in December and long story short, Torrie agreed to help us do our party right. So, in addition to all of Torrie and Keith’s help, here are some of the Neighborhood News advertisers who provided all of the little touches that made our wedding so special for us: The Rings: Leiva’s Jewelers, New Tampa — Jonathan and his father Transito Leiva have been customers of mine for years and “Pop” (as I affectionately call him) is a true

craftsman who first designed Jannah’s garnet (my birthstone) and diamond engagement ring, then created a diamond “jacket” for that ring as her wedding band. My picture of our rings above left really doesn’t do them any justice at all. Getting in Shape: Samantha Taylor Fitness (her) and Fit 4 Life and the Advent Health Wesley Chapel Wellness Center (me) — Jannah started working out 2-3 days a week at the Samantha Taylor studio in Wesley Chapel in November. She’s lost 17 pounds. I’ve been working out at Fit 4 Life in Tampa Palms with my friends Travis and Fiona Monday for years and also stepped up my saltwater kayaking and swimming at the Wellness Center to drop almost 20 lbs., although you may not be able to tell it from these pics, but Jannah says she can tell and

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 8 • April 5, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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that’s what matters most to me. Hair & Makeup: New Identities Salon and Facial Accents by Leanne Carter — Although Jannah’s daughter Lauren curled her hair and did her makeup for the wedding, Jannah has been getting her hair styled and cut by Tara at New Identities (see ad on next page) for over a year and she always looks great. Leanne, who is getting ready to open a new studio near the Fetcher Ave. exit off I-75, is an eyebrow expert who did an amazing job with Jannah’s brows. Manicures & Pedicures: Touch Nail Spa — I figured I needed a manicure for the wedding and Jannah and Torrie both got perfect pedicures from our friend Timmy Pham and his amazing staff at Touch Nail Spa (see pg. 29).

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Spray Tans By Lulu — Jannah and Torrie also had our friend Luisa give them that perfect glow for our pictures. Smiles: Pasco Dental — Our friend and dentist Dr. Daniel Hwang at Pasco Dental (below left) has worked on not only myself and Jannah, but also her daughter Kristen and we can all vouch for what an outstanding and gentle dentist he is. Flowers: A Special Rose Florist — We didn’t go all out for flowers, as some folks do, but every bouquet and arrangement from A Special Rose was more than special. Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes — O.K., so they’ve never advertised with me, but Jannah and I have loved Nothing Bundt Cakes since the first time they gave samples out at the Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (see pages 37-39) three years ago. And, after we priced cakes from other wedding cake folks, we

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knew we made the right decision. Videography & Editing: Gavin Olsen & Charmaine George — Gavin, my senior Neighborhood News Online video producer, shot the entire wedding and Charmaine edited two videos that we showed during the event. You can’t do better than these two. Check out Charmaine’s photos from the Taste (pgs. 37-39). Photography: Jillian Joseph Photography — I have to tell you that Jillian and her husband Joe are consummate professionals who shoot what you ask and then go above and beyond, and their work — as you can tell from just these few pics — is outstanding, And ladies, if you want boudoir photos (see ad below left), I know she’ll make you look and feel beautiful. Thanks also to the Wesley Chapel residents who attended, to my sons Jared and Jake, Jared’s wife Mary and Jake’s fiancée Meghan, and my mom Marilyn for making it so special for us.

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(Left, l.-r.) North Tampa Bay Chamber chair Karen Tillman-Gosselin and president & CEO Hope Allen, give outgoing USF president Judy Genshaft a Distinguished Woman’s Leadership Award at PHSC’s Porter Campus on March 27. (Right) Poynter Institute President Emeritus Karen Dunlap (left, with microphone) and former Florida CFO Alex Sink (right, with mic) discuss the advancement of women.

Genshaft, Sink Cap Off Women’s History Month By JOHN COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

When it came to celebrating Women’s History Month, the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce (NTBC) not only wanted to create an event centered around a discussion about women’s issues, but wanted to honor a woman leader who has made a significant impact in the community. It didn’t need to look any further than the University of South Florida campus. On March 27, at the NTBC’S inaugural Women Making Strides breakfast at the Pasco Hernando State College Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, outgoing USF president Judy Genshaft was presented the Distinguished Women’s Leadership Award. That was followed by a discussion between Alex Sink — the former president of Bank of America (1993-2000) and Florida’s first Chief Financial Officer (2007-11), who also ran for governor in 2010 – and Poynter Institute President Emeritus (and part-time PHSC professor) Karen Dunlap on topics like women in technology, balancing work and family and the rise in powerful female

leadership across the country in politics. Genshaft was honored, according to NTBC president and CEO Hope Allen, for her impact on and leadership of USF during her 19 years as the university’s president. She announced late last year she would be stepping down in July of this year. “Leave when you’re on top, I mean that,” Genshaft told the crowd, drawing laughter. “Don’t wait until years from now, after people start asking, “will she ever step down?’” I did go through some emotional trauma trying to decide what to do, but it’s the right thing to do.” Genshaft, 70, replaced Betty Castor in 2000 and has helped raise USF’s stature significantly in areas such as research, innovation and fund raising, where she spearheaded a $1 billion fund-raising campaign. Last year, USF earned the designation of “Preeminent State Research University” from the Florida Board of Governors, joining the University of Florida and Florida State University. “I always felt the minute I stepped foot on the campus of the University of South Florida that it really could become something very, very, very special,” Genshaft said.

Genshaft gave a nod to girl power when describing her leadership style, to the delight of the sold out audience of a mostly-female crowd of roughly 100, which included more than a dozen PHSC students. “When things are really rough, they call women in to help,” Genshaft said. “We work as a team. I believe in collaboration, consensus, and if not…I’ll make the decision.” While the Women Making Strides breakfast highlighted the achievements of women, there was an underlying theme about the work still to be done, something Genshaft touched on. “When I started as president of the University of South Florida, there were only 20 percent of women leading research university institutions, out of the 4,000 institutions of higher learning in the country,” she said. “As I step down… there are still 20 percent. So, as we keep striving to move forward, for now, we’re still at a level we were before. But, we are making such a difference across America.” USF recently announced that Steven Currall, the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, was selected to replace Genshaft, who says she plans to

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 8 • April 5, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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remain active in the community. “I can promise you, I’m not going to be at home vacuuming,” she said. Genshaft’s message was similar to the event’s tagline — “We Can Do It” — with an emphasis on continuing to move forward, which was stressed by Sink and Dunlap in their conversation. Both accomplished women emphasized fighting for what you want, and once you get it, don’t shrink into the background. They focused on advancements made in almost every field, including politics, where a record number of women ran for governor, U.S. House and U.S. Senate seats, with the U.S. House of Representatives electing nearly 100 women. “Is it the golden era of women in power?” Sink asked afterwards. “Not yet, but I think we are definitely at some tipping point. Surely, I think history will write about (this era) to the extent that women feel more empowered, not only about sexual aggression, but about anything. That’s my hope, that it means ‘I’m in this board room, and I might be outnumbered but I’m going to speak up because I have something of value to say.’ I don’t know whether that turns into a golden era, but it could.”

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Three Wesley Chapel Girls The First To Join New Boy Scouts Program By LIBBY BALDWIN Wesley Chapel just got a serious dose of girl power. As of last year, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) began accepting girls into its Cub Scouts program, designed for ages 5-10, in the hopes that more families will get involved in the 107-year-old program that fosters leadership and outdoor skills. The Boy Scouts program that has traditionally served boys 11-17 years of age officially changed its name to “Scouts BSA” in February to reflect the program’s first-ever inclusion of girls, who can now “cross over” from Cub Scouts in February at age 11. The change also allows girls to be eligible to become Eagle Scouts, a coveted title which boosts college applications and offers scholarship opportunities. Two of the five BSA divisions, Venturing (adventure activities for ages 14-17) and Exploring (career skills for ages 10-20), were already co-ed, but many parents have been lobbying for their girls’ chance to become Eagle Scouts for years. “It shows that they have leadership skills, that they can multitask on projects and serve their community,” said Robert Hall, scoutmaster of Troop 33, which operates out of Our Lady of the Rosary

Katherine Traynor and Paisley Murphy (left and back), both 11 years old, pose with 10-year-old Lexi Zink. The Wesley Chapel residents became members of Scouts BSA in February. (Photo: Libby Baldwin)

Catholic Church on Collier Pkwy in Land O’Lakes. “It’s about more than just checking the boxes; they have to be Eagles in their hearts, concerned with others besides themselves.” Scouts must achieve the Life rank (BSA’s highest rank), earn 21 merit

badges and execute a corporate-level service project before getting a chance at Eagle. They are judged by an adult review board before a final decision is made. Only four percent of all Scouts achieve the honor. Hall’s troop of 52 young men

expanded by 40 members when another Troop, Troop 34, crossed over from Cub Scouts during a formal ceremony in February. Three girls from Wesley Chapel – Lexi Zink, Paisley Murphy and Katherine Traynor -- were among 11 girls to make history. “Scouts BSA really empowers our girls to be whatever they want to be, that they’re just as capable as the boys,” said Brandi Zink, Lexi’s mother. “It takes them out of their phones and outside, and in today’s world, the lessons they’re learning are priceless.” Lexi — whom Hall describes as “scrappy and outgoing” — felt right at home from the beginning. “It’s not any different for her, because she hangs out with boys anyway,” said Brandi, who serves as assistant scoutmaster in her daughter’s troop. “She did a lot of this stuff with her brother when he did scouts, and she was always right there with him, digging in the dirt, going on camping trips.” Zink’s 13-year-old son, Caleb, helped develop Lexi’s fearless attitude, which is readily apparent, despite her unusually small stature. He and several other boys include Lexi in their bike rides to the park, basketball games and other outdoor activities. “Girls are always just as good as boys,” said Lexi, who plays on a traveling lacrosse team with much older girls

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and hopes a college scholarship to play lacrosse will help her become a veterinarian. “If there’s something that the boys can do, we can do it too, and we can probably do it better.”

Sharing The Spirit Of Adventure

Paisley Murphy and Katherine Traynor, both 11, also are new Troop 33/34 members hailing from Wesley Chapel. Unlike Lexi, they transitioned from Girl Scouts, longing for more adventure. “Being in Scouts BSA feels better, because Girl Scouts was pretty boring,” said Paisley, whose uncle was an Eagle Scout. “They sing, do arts and crafts, play hopscotch . . . I wanted to do archery, canoeing and horseback riding!” Paisley invited a friend of hers to join too, but the friend’s mother wouldn’t allow it. Brandi Zink says she has received some negative feedback for allowing her daughter to join Scouts BSA. A neighbor down her street disapproves of letting girls do “boy things”; the parents of one of Lexi’s girlfriends asked if Brandi was trying to take a political stand. “I could care less about making a point; she’s doing this because she’s a natural-born leader and she wants to,” said Brandi. “She likes arts and crafts fine, but she would just rather be doing them outside with a saw and hammer,

Lexi Zink, second from left, awaits her turn to make a campaign speech to become the first ever female Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 34. (Photo: Libby Baldwin)

instead of inside with glitter and glue.” Katherine, whose dad and uncle were Eagle Scouts, says that other girls who want to make the leap shouldn’t be afraid to follow their dreams. “In Girl Scouts, all we did was talk about cookies and cookie sales,” Katherine said. “We had a choice between camping for three days and going to Legoland for just one day, and they chose Legoland. It was sad!” Troop 33/34 is the only one in the greater Pasco County area so far to include girls, and the troop’s weekly Tuesday meeting on March 26 was election night; Scouts BSA meetings are run entirely by the scouts themselves. Lesser positions, such as historian/ scribe, consist only of the candidates

standing at the front of the room and determining the winner by applause. Two young men competed for historian; one of them, fresh out of Cub Scouts, shook hands after the older one was chosen; the younger boy congratulated the winner for a job well done. “After the Cub Scouts cross over (to Scouts BSA), they leave an adult-run structure and become the decision makers themselves,” said Hall. “We have a patrol leader committee, which will have girls, too, when they get into the swing of things. (The committee) runs the meetings, decides what trips we’re going on, stuff like that.” The troop’s last decision of the night? Senior Patrol Leader, also known as SPL. This top-dog position — one

for the girls and one for the boys — is the person the group looks to for leadership, conflict resolution and anything else that may arise. Normal requirements for SPL are to be ranked first class or above and be at least 14 years old; but because this is the first year for the girls, those requirements were waived for them. A new SPL is elected every six months. Lexi hadn’t realized the rules didn’t apply to her; when she discovered she could run after all, she lit up from the inside, and confidently decided to run, despite no preparation time. The tiny tomboy stood tall at the microphone, making up a speech on the spot as to why she was the right one for the job. She answered some very intense, thoughtful questions from the more experienced boys;the process was strikingly similar to a presidential town hall debate. “To me, it’s not as if they’re girl or boy scouts; (they’re all) just scouts, and I’m not going to treat the girls differently,” said Hall. “All our girls want to be Eagles, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they all get there.” Despite her last-minute candidacy, Lexi was swiftly elected the troop’s firstever female SPL. For more information about Scouts BSA Troop 33/34, call Tina Raymond at (727) 858-5885 or visit ladyrosary.org/cub-boy-scouts. For general information about Scouts BSA, visit Scouting.org/scoutsbsa/.

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Business Notes: Hockey Store To Try Its Luck In Wesley Chapel With more than a million visitors since it opened in 2017, and a wealth of hockey tournaments, AdventHealth Center Ice (AHCI) is booming. In fact, it’s booming enough that a northern-based hockey retailer is willing to do what pre-AHCI was probably unthinkable – set up a store in Florida. Pure Hockey, which has more than 50 locations across the country, is building a 7,500-sq.-ft. store in the Cypress Creek Town Center, which could be considered something of a coup for Wesley Chapel and the Tampa Bay area. The largest hockey retailer in the country, according to its website, is making its first foray into Florida, and building only its second store south of its Kirkwood, MO location (the other “southern” store is in Dallas). The hockey shop seems like a golden idea, considering the popularity of AHCI, which hosts thousands of hockey players a year, including high school and adult leagues. Gordie Zimmermann, the general manager of AHCI, said he was unaware of the plans to build a Pure Hockey about a mile west of his skating facility, which sells hockey equipment in a space it rents out to Rinkside Sports, which also has a location at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon.

showrooms, which are set up like strips of old-fashioned city streets, with benches and street lamps lining the path. According to its websites, El Dorado Furniture was established in South Florida in 1967 and is the largest Hispanic-owned furniture retail enterprise in the U.S. It also offers same day delivery, and its top-selling brand is Carlo Perazzi, best known for its chic mattresses, chairs and tables.

Can a standalone hockey equipment store survive in the Wesley Chapel area? We’re about to find out, as Pure Hockey is getting ready to build a 7,500-sq.-ft. store on the north side of S.R. 56. (Photo: Yelp)

Otherwise, there aren’t many options for local hockey enthusiasts, and a lot of the hockey merchandise and equipment business is done online, Zimmermann says, who added that it will be interesting to see if such a stand-alone store can thrive in Florida. Headquartered in Boston, MA, Pure Hockey sells every hockey product imaginable, from NHL apparel to hockey sticks, skates, protective equipment and goalie equipment.

arrival of Pure Hockey is good news for the growing local ice hockey community, new homeowners should be getting similar news as the unique El Dorado Furniture works its way through the approval process. The planned Land O’Lakes/Wesley Chapel store, boasting 70,000 sq. ft. of space, will be located on the west side of Wesley Chapel Blvd., across from the Cypress Creek Town Center. It will be the 13th El Dorado store in Florida. Instead of the traditional showroom stocked with furniture, El Dorado promisA DIFFERENT LOOK: While the es a different experience with its Boulevard

NEW STUFF IS OPEN!: The Cypress Creek Town Center continues to round into shape, with department store Burlington, bargain store 5 Below and arts & craft chain Hobby Lobby recently hosting grand openings, and HomeGoods scheduled to hold its Grand Opening event on Sunday, April 14. Burlington and 5 Below, which are located right next to each other, both officially opened on March 29. Five days before opening its doors, Burlington made an impact on the local area by donating $10,000 to Turner/Bartels K-8 school in New Tampa, just south of County Line Rd. The money donated goes directly to teachers, who can use it for school supplies and activities as they please. “This is really a Burlington initiative, but we tie in very very closely with the Adopt A Classroom program,” said Todd Abrams, the regional vice president of stores for Burlington. “We were looking

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To the west of Bubba’s 33, just past the I-75 interchange on the TPO (south) side of S.R. 56, Main Event (an entertainment center with bowling and a restaurant), Rock ‘N Brews (created by KISS legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley) and Saltgrass Steakhouse have all had their site plans approved and will be built right next to each other. They will join Longhorn Steakhouse, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen along that south side of S.R. 56. for a local school in the community of the new store that we’re opening. We really want to give back to the community.” Formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory, Burlington is headquartered in Burlington, NJ, and has over 630 stores in 45 states nationwide. It has four other locations in the Tampa Bay area: two in Tampa, one in Brandon and another in Clearwater. Abrams, who lives in Wesley Chapel, hinted that the newest location may be his favorite. “I’m especially excited to be able to open a store right in my own community,” he said. The 5 Below chain offers a variety of toys, tech, beauty and sports items, to name a few, all for $5 or less. It has more than 700 stores in 33 states in the U.S., including eight in the Tampa Bay area. Hobby Lobby held its ribbon cutting on March 18. The store was Hobby Lobby’s 865th, and its third location in Pas-

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LEXINGTON OAKS NEWS: The co County, joining the stores located in Learning Experience, a franchise childZephyrhills and Port Richey. care/preschool founded in 1980, is nearing completion at the northeast corner of MORE OPENINGS: By the time Lexington Oaks Blvd. and Post Oak Blvd., you read this, the gas and convenience store just off Wesley Chapel Blvd. (S.R. 54). Wawa and uber-popular fast food chain The nearest Learning Experience loChick-Fil-A (photo above) on S.R. 54, east cation, in New Tampa just south of Counof Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., might ty Line Rd., was recently chosen as the both have dates set for their openings. The company’s top new franchise, receiving the two much-anticipated locations look like Rising Star Award. they are having a contest to see which can be completed sooner, as the progress on both MORE APARTMENTS ON THE of them has been pretty rapid. WAY: East of The Learning Experience, At our press time, both newcomers on Post Oak Blvd., Parc at Wesley Chapel, looked just about ready, with “Now Hir- a 248-unit Class-A apartment community ing” signs displayed at both sites. offering one-, two- and three-bedroom And, for those keeping a watch out apartment homes with elevator access, refor even more new places to eat, there are ceived approval Feb. 25 to begin building; lots of places still in the permitting pipeline the apartments are expected to be open by working on final approval, like Bubba’s 33 sometime this fall. (going in in front of the Ashley HomeA Parc at Wesley Chapel spokesperStore on S.R. 56 east of I-75), which had son says its community will feature Smart its site plans approved last month. Home technology, granite countertops, a

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resort-style pool, a pet park and Electric Vehicle charging stations. Coming on line a little sooner is the new Tapestry Cypress Creek apartments (above), which could have its first building open later this month or in early May. According to its website, Tapestry Cypress Creek (by Arlington Properties)is a luxury apartment community that will offer brand new 1-, 2- and 3- bedroom apartments. Each home will feature chef-inspired kitchens with 42” modern flat panel cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, plank flooring, walk-in closets, 9-foot ceilings, and screened patio/balconies. Fullsized washers and dryers are included. The community is smoke-free. Tapestry Cypress Creek’s resident clubhouse features a fitness center, Yoga studio with Fitness on Demand, and a sports lounge. Adjacent to the clubhouse is the saltwater pool with an outdoor pavilion and fireplace. Tapestry Cypress Creek is a pet-friendly community that offers our furry friends a leash-free pet park. Tapestry Cypress Creek (2300 Tapestry Park Dr., Land O’Lakes) is now renting. For more info, stop in, call (813) 949-9199 or visit TapestryCypressCreekApartments.com.

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Pasco County Rebrands Itself As ‘Florida’s Sports Coast’ By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneightborhoodnews. com A four-month rollout of the rebranding of Pasco County from nature destination to sports and leisure destination fittingly culminated in a mini-game of tug-of-war between Pasco commissioner Mike Moore and tourism director Adam Thomas. The winner? Well, according to each guy, it’s Pasco County. Two of the leaders of the county’s rebranding effort each grabbed an end of the banner bearing Pasco’s new slogan (“Let’s Play”) and new brand — “Florida’s Sports Coast” — at a formal unveiling ceremony at Tampa International Airport on March 7. They pulled the banner apart (as though a sports team ran through it) and made official the transformation and how Pasco County — and to a great extent, Wesley Chapel — will be sold to the rest of the world. “This new idea will communicate new energy and enthusiasm that hasn’t been established in the past,” said Moore, who represents District 2, which covers most of Wesley Chapel. “One of the things we’re excited about is showing the world what Pasco County has to offer.”

Pasco County commissioner Mike Moore (left) & the county’s director of tourism Adam Thomas do their best Harlem Globetrotters imitation at the formal unveiling of Pasco’s “Let’s Play” slogan and new brand as “Florida’s Sports Coast” at Tampa International Airport on March 7.

What the county has to offer is plentiful, he says, ranging from sports venues boasting things like world-class hockey, golf and tennis facilities to saltwater fishing, kayaking and nature. Because the county is so large and spread out, Thomas said that maintaining a brand and pulling everything to-

gether without one vision was difficult. A sports umbrella, he says, will bring all that together. “There’s so much going on, from Dade City to Anclote to Aripeka, Wesley Chapel, Land O’Lakes and everything in between,” Thomas said. How do you bring all that together? This

synergizes the entire destination.” A new website, FLSportsCoast. com, was part of the rebranding, and it’s clear the county is working towards changing its image as a sleepy place with only wildlife and activities revolving around older residents to being a vibrant, active place where young families and their children might follow up a morning bike ride with a quick skate or a game of basketball. The site loops a video of 20-somethings kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, golfing and playing hockey and beach volleyball. Visit Pasco, the county’s tourism agency, announced in October 2018 it would be undertaking the rebranding effort. In November, at the East Pasco Economic Development Summit, most of the county’s sports bigwigs — like Pat Ciaccio of Saddlebrook Resort and Gordie Zimmermann of AdventHealth Center Ice (AHCI) — were on hand to sing the praises of the effort. “Why wouldn’t they?,” asked Moore, who cited 2018 stats showing the impact of tourism on the county’s economy, including: • A $615-million tourism impact on the county • 965,000 visitors • 1.1 million hotel room nights • 7,500 new jobs resulting in $156 million in wages.

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Work has finally begun on the Wiregrass Sports Complex, which is expected to attract thousands of young athletes each year and will be one of the centerpieces of the newly-branded “Florida’s Sports Coast.”

Marvin Green Jr., vice president of the Florida Sports Foundation, said that Pasco is poised to take off in Florida’s $57-billion sports tourism industry. Last year, AHCI hosted the figure skating event for the Sunshine State Games, and Green said that this year, hockey and even flag football events from the games could be hosted in Wesley Chapel. “And really, who doesn’t want to play in Florida?,” he asked the crowd of roughly 100. The airport kickoff even served up a new beer from Big Storm Brewing Co. to mark the occasion, called Florida Sports Coast beer. According to Moore, the rebranding effort is a golden opportunity for

Pasco County, and Wesley Chapel will likely be the engine that drives the success of the endeavor. AHCI has drawn more than 1 million visitors since opening in 2017, Saddlebrook remains a popular destination for world-class golfers and tennis players, and the Wiregrass Sports Complex, currently under construction off S.R. 56, will draw thousands of youth sports teams for tournaments year-round. Just a few miles to the west of Wesley Chapel, a large aquatics facility is rumored for Land O’Lakes and, a few miles to the east in Zephyrhills, a new tennis complex will be built. “The future (for Pasco) is definitely bright,” Moore said.

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APRIL 2019 Friday, April 5

JLMS Annual Roundup Carnival - Join the JLMS (Dr. John Long Middle School, 2025 Mansfield Blvd.) PTSA for the school’s third annual Roundup Carnival, a night of family fun featuring games, activities, inflatables, entertainment, prizes and carnival food. Time: 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. For more information, call (813) 505-5634.

Saturday, April 6

Hunter’s Green Community Trash & Treasure Sale In The Park - The annual communitywide Trash & Treasure Sale at Capt. Nathaniel Hunter Park in Hunter’s Green (9456 Highland Oak Dr., New Tampa) is a one-stop shopping destination for all sorts of exciting bargains. Held 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; free to attend & open to the public. For more info, call (813) 991-4818. Free Community Boot Camp - New Year, Same Hustle - Camp Gladiator is a fitness movement with dynamic, fun and challenging workouts. This is 60 minutes of amazing at your favorite place to shop. This Free event is held every Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. at the Tampa Premium Outlets (2300 Grand Cypress Dr, Lutz). Participants should bring an exercise mat, 1-2 bottles of water, a sweat towel, a smile & a great attitude. For more Information, email Christine Iloni at christineiloni@campgladiator.com. Bay Chapel Food Pantry - Free food to help needy families. The Bay Chapel Food Pantry is open every Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., behind Christian Brothers Automotive off BBD Blvd. in New Tampa (20300 Trout Creek Dr). For more info, call (813) 731-4040.

Fresh Market at Wiregrass - Held the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month, you can enjoy the Fresh Market at Wiregrass (28211 Paseo Dr.), 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, hand-crafted goods, candles, sauces, fresh bread, and so much more. For more info, visit TampaBaymarkets.com.

Sunday, April 7

Appreciate Pasco - Good Deeds Day Festival - A Community Festival celebrating doing good as part of Good Deeds Day, an international day of doing good established in 2007 and now celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide. This event kicks off Volunteer Appreciation Week and recognizes and thanks groups, organizations and volunteers who lend their time, talent, voice and support to community causes. The event is family friendly. It will provide entertainment, activities, arts & crafts, food, prizes, vendors and giveaways. It will be held noon-5 p.m., at Florida Trailer Solutions (36822 S.R. 54, Zephyrhills). To attend, RSVP to bit.ly/GoodDeeds2019.

Central Pasco Democratic Club - The monthly Democratic group meeting for the Central Pasco County area will be held 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., at Mercedes Benz of Wesley Chapel (2383 Willow Oaks Dr., off S.R. 56, Wesley Chapel). For more information, visit Facebook.com/ centralpascodemocrats.

Friday, April 19

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 more information, call Kathy Schenck at (813) 956-4436.

Friday, April 26

North Tampa Bay Chamber: Final Friday Networking - Held the last Friday of each month, Final Friday allows business professionals to meet in a ‘not-too-formal’ setting. This month’s event is hosted by the Hilton Garden Inn Wesley Chapel (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy, off S.R. 56), 4 p.m.-6 p.m. There is no fee to attend. For more information, call (813) 994-8534.

MAY 2019 Friday, May 3

North Tampa Bay Chamber: WOW (Women of Wesley Chapel) Meeting - This women-only exclusive group is for members and prospective members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber. More than 700 women members of the Chamber make up the WOW network, which meets the first Friday of every month at Beach House Assisted Living at Wiregrass (30070 S.R. 56, Wesley Chapel), 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. For more Information & fee to attend, call the NTBC at (813) 994-8534.

Saturday, May 4

WC Rotary’s “Hats & Horses” Kentucky Derby Party — See ad on pg. 15!

Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 5

Wesley Chapel Boat Show - Held at the Shops at Wiregrass (28211 Paseo Dr, Wesley Chapel), here is the schedule for this year’s event: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $5 for adults; Children 12 and younger get in free. Parking also is Free. For more Information, visit wesleychapelboatshow.com.

Monday, April 8

Yoga On The Lawn (The Shops at Wiregrass) - This Free event is held every Monday, 6:30 p.m.7:30 p.m., at Center Court at the Shops at Wiregrass, weather permitting. This is Relaxing Beginner to Intermediate Yoga, sponsored by Energia Wellness Studio. For more info, call (813) 973-7300. Wesley Chapel Speaks - The Wesley Chapel Toastmasters meet every Monday at 7 p.m., for networking, 7:30 p.m. for public speaking, at the Edward Jones Building Main Floor, Keller Williams Training Room (18302 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., New Tampa). For more information, call Martin at (813) 693-0969.

Wednesday, April 10

Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon meets Wednesdays at noon at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). Firsttime guests attend for free. For more information, call 391-3895.

Thursday, April 11

North Tampa Veterans Association meeting - All armed forces veterans and associates are invited to a weekly lighthearted Dutch-treat breakfast meeting to get acquainted and tell your tales, new and old. Location: Steak ‘n Shake just off BBD Blvd. (17509 North Palms Village Pl.), every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. Bring your spouse and your brag sheet. Open to veterans of all branches of the U.S. military. 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 served noon-1 p.m. For more info, visit RGANetwork.net.

Friday, April 12

Drive-Through Prayer - Held every Friday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel). You will find us in front of the church, under the portico. Trained members of the Caring Ministry Team are available to share your cares and concerns in prayer while you stay seated in your car. Everyone is welcome.

“Gary’s 25 Years of Neighborhood News” Celebration - See this issue’s page 3 editorial to find out how you can get on the guest list!

Monday, April 15

Samantha Taylor Fitness 6-Week Challenge -All five Samantha Taylor Fitness locations, including the Wesley Chapel studio at 26908 Ridgebrook Dr., will inspire women of all shapes and sizes to lose the most weight possible and win some great prizes (including a cruise for two) during STF’s latest 6-Week Chalenge. For more information, call (813) 377-3739 or visit 6WeekBTC.com or SamanthaTayorFitness.com.

Wednesday, April 17

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SPOTLIGHT ON...Faith Lutheran Church Of WC! According to Pastor Kurt Steinbrueck, Faith Lutheran Church started just 5 months ago, on November 4, 2018. Pastor Kurt moved to Wesley Chapel with his family in February of 2017, just before the birth of he and wife Melissa’s second child, Eli. “At the time, I was the youth pastor and music minister at Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Tampa Palms (on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., just south of I-75),” he says. “As I got to know my neighbors and the community of Wesley Chapel, I felt like this was where I was meant to be.” In the summer of 2018, Pastor Kurt says he began looking into the possibility of starting a new church in Wesley Chapel and the members of Family of Christ agreed. He also says that in October of 2018, “they voted to have me start the new church, and a group of families who had been meeting with me for Bible studies decided to go with me and become part of this new congregation. We had our first worship service on November 4 and have been meeting together ever since at Song & Dance of Wesley Chapel (located at 27221 Foamflower Blvd., off Old Pasco Rd.).” Pastor Kurt, who graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, was ordained in 2015 and served as campus pastor and then assistant pastor at Family of Christ. Of Song & Dance, he says, “We didn’t have any connection to the dance studio previously. Darcy and Susan from the studio have been absolutely wonderful, though. It fits us well and can expand as we grow. Eventually, we may purchase property and build, but we do not have any plans. currently.”

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In only five months, the still-small congregation has doubled in size. Faith Lutheran isn’t the first Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, but it is the first of its Synod (Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod or LC-MS). More important, Pastor Kurt says, is that, “We consider ourselves a group of people who have come to know the love of Jesus and want to share that love with everyone and anyone and serve the community of Wesley Chapel together.” He adds that, “All are welcome, whether you’ve been a Christian for years or are just curious about God. We do believe and teach in agreement with our Synod, but have people who have come from Lutheran, Baptist, and Catholic backgrounds who have become members. We also invite all people, especially those who don’t consider themselves to be Christian, but are curious or have questions.” Pastor Kurt’s group invites everyone to Faith Lutheran’s Easter Service on Sunday, April 21, at 4 p.m. (Regular Sunday services also are held at 4 p.m.). Quoting John 11:25, he says, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die.’” Faith Lutheran’s spiritual leader and Melissa were married in 2005 and moved to Tampa shortly thereafter, where their children Kaylee and Eli were born. Melissa also has taught 3rd grade at Family of Christ Christian School since that time. For more info about Faith Lutheran Church, see the ad below. — GN

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Man Cave Haircuts For Men Offers A Comfortable Experience By ANDY WARRENER After graduating from Ridge Career Center in Winter Haven, hair stylist Katie Galentine found a corporate barbershop to start her career. It wasn’t going as expected. “At these corporate franchises, your haircuts are timed,” Galentine said. “They aim to get a customer in and out of the chair in 15 minutes. I heard of one place that got clients in and out of the chair in seven minutes.” It wasn’t just the rush, it was the whole system. “They tell you, word-for-word, what to say to a client,” Galentine said. “They also are big on product sales, that’s a big thing, pushing to sell products to clients.” Galentine endured it. Nine years later, she met Dani Figueroa, someone who shared the same frustrations. Four years later, Galentine would make the jump out of the corporate franchise and into her own endeavor. “I cut hair for close to 13 years at the corporate places,” Galentine says. “I wanted to open a small business and focus more on the clients — people leaving happy.” That place is Man Cave Haircuts for Men. Located in the Pinebrook at The Grove plaza on S.R. 54, just west of the I-75 interchange, Man Cave Haircuts For Men celebrated it’s one-year anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Apr. 1. All of the professional stylists at Man Cave Haircuts for Men want their clients to feel at home, whether waiting in the front lobby or sitting in the barber’s chair. “I was searching for a barber shop close to home, since I was still new to the area,” Man Cave client Ron Warner says. “Upon entering, I was greeted by Katie and Dani and instantly felt at home, based on their professionalism, humor and genuine love for their jobs. The décor and concept, Man Cave, absolutely resonated with me. Bottom line, I have not been anywhere else since. Great staff, great environment,

Katie Galentine (Left) and Dani Figueroa have created Man Cave Haircuts for Men, located in the Pinebrook at The Grove plaza on S.R. 54.

friendly faces and, oh yeah, absolutely outstanding haircuts.” It didn’t come together all at once for Galentine. There was no corporate package to open, or a cookie-cutter décor handed to her by management. Instead, she began collecting pieces of décor a full year before the place even opened. Galentine stockpiled items she liked from stores like Hobby Lobby or Amazon, all with the idea of creating a theme, and an original one at that. Sure, places like SportClips have a theme to their décor, but they definitely don’t go as far with it as Galentine does at Man Cave. For that true garage feel, the shop doesn’t hide the air compressor and lines, it runs curly hydraulic air hoses along the wall like at the average auto repair shop. The storage cabinets are actually Craftsman tool chests, with spray bottles that look like bottles of bourbon. The place feels like a guy’s garage — without the requisite project car up on blocks. “I definitely went for a garage theme,” Galentine says. “I want everyone to come in here and enjoy themselves, to feel like this is their place to hang out and

not feel like they’re just a number.” A sense of humor lies under every piece of wall décor, with signs essentially saying you will be charged extra for being grumpy. One sign reads, “Man Cave — a male sanctuary where you keep all your stuff and do as you please,” which sets the welcoming tone Galentine says she is looking to achieve. “At the Man Cave, we never want to take life too seriously,” Galentine says. “We have a good time here.”

Galentine says she already has forged bonds with many of her clients, including Don McIlvenna, who started out as someone who just came to sit in the chair and get his hair cut. Now, he’s more than just a regular — Galentine calls him her “adopted grand dad.” “My wife and I both go there (Man Cave) all the time,” McIlvenna says. “It’s the best place to get cuts and Katie is a fabulous barber. The atmosphere is amazing and I love man cave stuff anyway.” He likes it so much, he has had a hand in designing some of the shop’s charm. When Galentine mentioned some shelves made from tires she had seen on Etsy, and how she thought she might be able to make them herself, McIlvenna decided to lend a hand. “I kept bugging her after she mentioned the idea of tire shelves,” he says. “Finally, my neighbor gave me some tires from an old dirt bike they were getting rid of. I cleaned the tires up real nice and made them into shelves for her.” When Galentine was looking for the perfect shelves to complete her look, she found a client willing to help out.

Women & Children, Too?

While McIlvenna has brought his wife to Man Cave, it doesn’t really cater to women customers — but

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Galentine says she’ll never turn them away. Women are welcome, kids are welcome. There’s an Xbox in the waiting area for kids to hang out and a toy chest for even younger kids to entertain themselves. Oh, and the TV remote is always easy to find, and no one cares if you change the channel. Galentine and the barbers/stylists at Man Cave want to establish regular clientele. They want the shop to be a place where customers will always come when they need a haircut or another available service. Man Cave offers a whole line of services, including a free shampoo (for new clients only), scalp, neck and shoulder massages, neck

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trims, a hot towel for your face and even hair coloring. A special package of services called the “Tune Up” includes a cut, shampoo, scalp, neck and shoulder massage for $27. Is your hair starting to turn grey? For $30, the shop offers a grey-out camouflage hair coloring aimed at covering up to 80 percent of the grey. “We use American Crew or Redken Brews,” Galentine says. “It’s an easy process that takes five to 10 minutes. We’ll apply the product and shampoo it out, and it washes out in about six weeks so it doesn’t leave a line in the scalp.” The Man Cave offers a $2 discount for military and first responders with I.D. MAN CAVE HAIRCUTS FOR MEN Tues.-Fri.: 9am-7pm Sat.: 9am-4pm 27419 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL, 33544

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Tampa’s Allergy Specialists Conduct Cutting-Edge Research; Dr. Pepper Joins The Team! By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN

For patients who need relief from seasonal or food allergies, seeing a doctor who is up-to-date on the most current research could make a significant difference in your treatment options. That’s why Drs. Lockey, Fox, Ledford, Glaum, Cho and Pepper, a team of Board-certified allergists and immunologists found online at AllergyTampa.com, place equal emphasis on treating patients in their private practice and conducting research at the University of South Florida (USF) Division of Allergy & Immunology Clinical Research Unit (CRU). The private practice office and CRU make up the entire top floor of a medical building near the corner of Fletcher Ave. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. In addition to that main office, the practice also has offices in South Tampa, Citrus Park and Brooksville. The physicians manage a variety of disorders related to allergies, asthma and immunology, including food allergies, rhinitis (inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose, often referred to as hay fever), cough, laryngitis, headaches and immune disorders. These specialists also treat allergic reactions and immune responses resulting in rashes and dermatitis.

in a once-weekly rotation at the practice, after earning her Doctor of Medicine degree from USF in 2013. She joins Drs. Lockey, Fox, Ledford, Glaum, and Cho, and says she first became interested in allergy and immunology while shadowing Dr. Ledford when she was in med school. “He is a wonderful mentor and enthusiastic supporter of this specialty,” she says. Dr. Amber Pepper recently joined Allergy Tampa, which has four Tampa Richard Lockey, Bay-area offices, including one on BBD Blvd., near USF. M.D., founded the practice in 1984 as About The Doctors The group has recently expanded to Academic Associates in Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. He earned his M.D. six doctors, with Amber Pepper, M.D., degree from the Temple University joining the practice in August. College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Pepper, who says she married Dr. Lockey served in the U.S. Air Force into the name and likes that it’s memoduring the Vietnam War, then subserable for her patients, is a familiar face at quently joined the faculty of the USF the practice. From 2016-18, Dr. Pepper (now the Morsani) College of Medicine did a fellowship through USF’s Division as a Professor of Medicine. of Allergy & Immunology. Prior to that, He currently is the director of USF’s she completed her residency in internal medicine in 2016 at USF, where she was Division of Allergy & Immunology. He

also volunteers at the James A. Haley Veterans (VA) Hospital, where he was previously Chief of Allergy & Immunology. Dr. Lockey also has served as president of the World Allergy Organization and is a past president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), of which all of the practice’s specialists are members. Roger Fox, M.D., earned his M.D. degree from the St. Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. He has written and lectured extensively on the topics of environmental, chemical, food and drug allergies, urticaria (hives) and skin disorders, such as angiodema. Dennis Ledford, M.D., received his M.D. degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Like Dr. Lockey, he also is a past president of AAAAI. Dr. Ledford is the director of the Section of Allergy & Immunology at the James A. Haley VA Hospital. His published writings focus on immunology and autoimmune disorders and he has won many awards, including being installed to the Gold Humanism Honor Society for medicine at USF. Mark Glaum, M.D., Ph.D., earned his M.D. degree at Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. He completed a fellowship in allergy and clinical immunology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, also in

April 30, 2019

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Philadelphia. His areas of interest include how the body responds to substances that cause allergic reactions and advancing diagnostic techniques, such as rhinoscopies (examining nasal passages with specialized instruments). Seong Cho, M.D., received his M.D. degree as an otolaryngologist — an ear, nose and throat doctor — from Kyung Hee University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea. His allergy and immunology training was completed at the Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago, IL.

Patients Benefit From Research

What sets the practice apart from other groups is the relationship the doctors all have with USF. All of the doctors are not only researchers, but also USF professors who teach residents and fellows. Their work is on the leading edge of new science in their field. “We are still learning so much about the immune system,” says Dr. Pepper. “We’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much to learn. It’s very interesting and I like being on the forefront of that.” This partnership allows the doctors to provide the convenience of neighborhood medicine, combined with the experience of the academic setting. “It’s unusual,” Dr. Ledford says, “but Dr. Lockey has created a hybrid of a university clinic and a private practice. They complement each other.” For example, if a study is being con-

(L.-r.) Drs. Cho, Ledford, Lockey, Fox and Glaum are Board-certified allergists and immunologists who treat patients and conduct academic research and teach the next generation of doctors just south of New Tampa on BBD Blvd..

ducted that could help a specific patient, the doctors can send that patient right down the hall to USF’s Clinical Research Unit to participate in the study. One study that has recently completed clinical trials and moved to private practice is related to peanut allergies. “We give patients peanut protein in small, gradually increasing amounts, to see how the immune system reacts,” explains Dr. Pepper. “We have shown it can reduce or prevent severe reactions in the event of an accidental exposure.” For someone who has a life-threatening allergy to peanuts, to be able to tolerate small amounts can relieve the constant fear of accidental contact with peanuts. This also is the time of year when seasonal allergies are at their worst, and

the doctors help many patients find relief from the significant amount of pollen in the air. In fact, the doctors’ research includes monitoring pollen in the air by collecting it on a slide and counting what they find. Once the doctors identify your allergy triggers, a personalized treatment plan may include nasal medications to reduce inflammation, antihistamines to relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose and/ or decongestants to reduce nasal congestion. If it is right for you, they may also prescribe allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots. Fredia Green is a New Tampa resident who has been seeing the group to help her deal with her asthma and allergies for 20 years. She says she’s not afraid to ask questions of her doctors, and they encourage

her to do so. “I believe in being very detailed and they support that,” she says. “They have allowed me to ask all my questions and they make sure I understand my care.” Before she began seeing Dr. Fox for her allergies, Green says she suffered quite a bit. “I used to go to the doctor six times a year because of sinus infections,” she says. Now, she says the allergy injections she receives at the practice “make such a huge difference.” She says she’s watched the office grow from three doctors to six, and that all of them offer her the best possible care, which has benefited her tremendously in dealing with both her asthma and her allergies.

ALLERGY TAMPA Tues.-Fri.: 8am-5pm Sat.-Sun.: Closed 13801 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., #504, Tampa, FL, 33647 (813) 971-9743 AllergyTampa.com Facebook.com/allergy.tampa

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Philanthropist Dr. Kiran Patel Opens His Charter High School This Fall By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN When school starts back up again this August for the 2019-20 school year, 300 ninth graders will walk the halls of a brand new charter high school being built just off E. Fowler Ave. near I-75. The tuition-free charter school is open to any student who is close enough to commute, including those who live in Pasco County. “The goal is to provide an option to students who may be limited in the curriculum and extracurricular activities in their present environment,” explains Dr. Kiran C. Patel, a local entrepreneur and philanthropist who is the school’s founder. The school is officially called Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School, but will be called Patel High. “Simply because you belong to a certain neighborhood should not force you to stay in that neighborhood [for school],” he says. “We are providing a choice.” Dr. Patel — or “Dr. K,” as he is affectionately called — committed $20 million to launch the school. The Tampa resident’s business enterprises include luxury real estate development, medical software, health care solutions and commercial property acquisition and management. The success of these businesses has allowed him to make impactful contributions on a global scale, which he has done through the establishment of schools, colleges and hospitals on three continents.

This rendering shows what Patel High School will look like when construction is completed on or around June 30. The school’s first 300 students will be ninth graders who will begin attending the school in August. “Dr. K is the epitome of compasthat allow students, “to be contributing memthe institution that bears his name, hoping sion, community service and humanitarian to impart some of his personal philosophy to bers of society at an early age,” says Dr. Patel. efforts,” says Ashok Bagdy, a New Tampa the students who will attend. About The School resident and a co-founder of the school, “Today’s world is focused on human Patel High’s inaugural class will consist along with Bagdy’s wife, Kavita Jain, and rights,” Dr. Patel explains, “but nobody is foSonali Judd, who is Dr. Patel’s daughter. cused on human responsibility. It’s that aspect of 300 freshmen. In future years, new “He has made a tremendous impact on the that’s more important than your rights. What freshman classes will be added, with the planned capacity of the school to be just 600 two things that matter most — education is your responsibility to your neighbor? You students total in grades nine through 12. and health care. His contributions have been may have a right to do anything you want, The school will offer an advanced curinspirational, transformational and generabut is that the responsible thing to do?” riculum and focus on the school’s mission Students at Patel High will learn about tional.” statement, which emphasizes up-to-date responsibility through mentorship programs, Dr. Patel is much more than just a opportunities for leadership and social projects knowledge and skills, personalized and innobenefactor, as he will be very involved with vative instruction, partnerships between the

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Patel High School founder Dr. Kiran Patel (left) and principal Marlee Strawn are among the innovative thinkers who are bringing Patel High – a tuition-free charter school – to life.

school and the community, social responsibility and leadership. Mentors from throughout the community will work with students to give them the opportunity to explore potential career interests, community outreach and real-world applications. Students will experience project-based learning, a teaching method in which they gain knowledge and skills by investigating and responding to complex questions, problems or challenges. Students learn to take initiative, build confidence, solve problems, work in teams, communicate ideas, and manage time. The school’s lunch period will be called “Power Hour,” where students not only eat, but have extended time and opportunities to participate in open labs, clubs, tutoring, intensive intervention, or other academically enriching choices. They will be able to meet with teachers, catch up on assignments, and collaborate on projects with peers.

Don’t Flip Out!

Patel High School also will use what’s called a “flipped classroom” approach when appropriate, meaning that instructional content is delivered outside of the classroom, often online, while moving other activities into the classroom. In a flipped classroom, students may watch online lectures, collaborate in online discussions, or carry out research at home. Then, they interactively engage in concepts in the classroom to clarify and apply that knowledge, giving teachers the opportunity to guide their students to deeper thinking and higher levels of application. Not only will Patel High be unique in its curriculum, schedule and students’ engagement with the outside world, it also is unique in its space design and flexible seating for students. “It’s an opportunity for students to be in a brand new school with the most updated security features,” explains Bagdy, “It’s on a beautiful 32 acres, right off of I-75, and will have 67,000 square feet of building, including an 11,000-square-foot gym, for only 600 students.” He says the school will have world-class facilities, including a gathering place they refer to as a “wow space,” an amphitheater, and innovative touches such as moveable walls so teams of teachers can adjust how they use their classrooms. Neighborhood News

The school also includes a music room, soccer field, baseball field and tennis courts. As to exactly what sports and music programs will be offered at Patel High, Bagdy says that will be left up to the students. “It’s a student-driven school, and it’s a blank slate,” he says. “They’ll decide on the mascot, clubs and sports.” A national search to hire a principal brought in 250 resumes and ultimately led the school’s board to select a candidate from right here in Tampa. Marlee Strawn was most recently assistant principal of curriculum at Bell Creek Academy 6-12 Charter School in Riverview, where she created and implemented a High School Cambridge International Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Curriculum. The Cambridge curriculum also will be used at Patel High.

Students Chosen By Lottery

Students who will be entering the ninth grade next school year and who are interested in attending Patel High must apply online at PatelHighSchool.org. Students are chosen to attend the school through a random lottery process. “This is a lottery system; anybody can put their name in the hat,” says Dr. Patel. “We are not selective in identifying a segment of society by color or economic status or anything like that.” While Wesley Chapel residents are invited to apply to the Patel High lottery, preference will be given to students in Hillsborough County. There are currently seats still available for this fall’s class. DR. KIRAN C. PATEL HIGHSCHOOL

Opening: August 2019 Apply Online! 10721 Raulerson Rd, Tampa, FL 33637 Learn more and register: visit PatelHighSchool.org or email info@patelhighschool.org.

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Get Great Deals On Name Brands & Help Save The Planet At Uptown Cheapskate it as a thrift store, because it’s more upscale.” Angela says the store’s staff members are warm and welcoming, coming out from behind the counter to help her. “Even after I’d only been there a couple times, they seem to know what brands I like,” she says. “It really shows that they want to take care of their customers.” Amber says that out of necessity, she shopped at Goodwill and other thrift stores growing up. After high school, she attended West Virginia University on a full academic scholarship, where she studied engineering. She then worked as an industrial engineer in the aerospace industry for Boeing and Honeywell for 12 years. She says, “I enjoyed the challenge of it and was proud of what I was working on,” including Chinook helicopters for the military. “But it was always my goal to open my own business, and being an engineer was my stepping stone to get here.”

By CELESTE MCLUAGHLIN

A self-described “lifelong thrifter” who has always wanted to open her own business, Amber Watt’s dream has come true with her upscale resale boutique, Uptown Cheapskate, located in the former Ellen’s Hallmark space in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center. Uptown Cheapskate opened on Nov. 8. Since then, the store has been growing in popularity, as men and women discover they can not only buy trendy, brand-name clothes at prices that are 70-90 percent off of retail prices, they also can sell their unwanted clothes for cash or store credit. The store is part of a national franchise that started in Salt Lake City in 2009, and now has 70 locations across the U.S., including three in Florida. At 4,800 square feet, the Tampa Palms location is larger than most Uptown Cheapskate stores, which are typically about 3,000 square feet. The large store means lots of inventory for shoppers, and it’s all kept organized and neat, to feel more like an upscale boutique. And, the way Amber and the store’s nine employees treat customers is boutique-like, too. “Customer service is our top priority,” says Amber. “We greet every customer and will pull items out of back stock to help a customer find the perfect piece. Our staff continues to receive five-star reviews (on social media) for customer service.” Angela Tamecki is one customer who

Clothes For A Good Cause Uptown Cheapskate in Tampa Palms owner Amber Watt wants your old clothes before they end up in a landfill. She’ll pay cash or give you a store credit, plus donate anything she doesn’t buy. has taken notice. “I’ve shopped at resale shops for a long time because you get great deals,” says Angela, a Pebble Creek resident who says she used to drive to South Tampa to go to thrift shops, but now visits Uptown Cheapskate more than once a week. “It’s a different environment. I don’t even think of

Amber and her husband Zach have three elementary school-aged children. She says they are all supportive of her dream to own this business. She adds that Uptown Cheapskate is a perfect fit for her, with her love of fashion, experience with resale, and even her passion for caring for the environment. “North America sends 9.5 million tons of clothing to landfills each year,” explains Amber. “Recycle them to Uptown Cheapskate instead! Even if you buy it used from us and then wear it a couple of times, if it’s

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 8 • April 5, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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still in great condition, sell it back to us. We don’t want it to end up in a landfill.”

Sell Your Clothes, Too

Uptown Cheapskate accepts clothes for all seasons, all year long. That means you can sell your winter items now, even though no one is interested in buying them. Amber stores them until they are back in season and ready to go out on the sales floor. Amber also says she is always in need of more clothes, especially men’s clothes. She promises the process is quick, and you can even drop off clothes and come back later for your cash payout or store credit. Sellers receive 25 percent more for their items if they choose store credit instead of cash. Shoppers can save even more money if they both sell and buy on the same day. Because of tax laws, Amber says if you sell your clothes to Uptown Cheapskate and then use the store credit to make a same-day purchase, you don’t have to pay the 8.5-percent Hillsborough County sales tax. If your purchase amount exceeds the store credit offer, only the difference will be taxed. Unused store credits remain on your account for three years, but purchases made on future days do require sales tax to be paid on them.

Partners In The Community Uptown Cheapskate gives back to the

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cent off the rest of the items in the store. “The deals are amazing,” says Angela. “They’ve got such a great inventory, including things I couldn’t afford to splurge on in a retail store. I’ve seen everything from mall brands to Prada. I don’t know how many people realize you can get those kinds of deals on things like that.”

Uptown Cheapskate Mon.-Sat.: 10am-8pm Sun: Noon-6pm Walking into Uptown Cheapskate in Tampa Palms, you’ll probably be surprised at how large the store is. Check out the many racks filled with great styles for both women and men — all at bargain prices.

New Tampa community in several ways. The store has a partnership with the Salvation Army. When you bring your clothes to sell to Uptown Cheapskate, any “no-thank-you items” that the store doesn’t purchase can be donated directly to Salvation Army, and you get a receipt, without having to make a second trip.

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Amber also notes that Uptown Cheapskate partners with several local schools, including Wharton and Wiregrass Ranch high schools and Chiles Elementary, to offer gift certificates to a teacher or other staff member each month. She also provides gift certificates for a student recognition program at Wharton. Teachers and students also

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get a 15-percent discount every Monday. The store’s next popular “fill a bag” sale is scheduled for Friday-Saturday, April 2627. On those days, Uptown Cheapskate will provide a bag for customers to stuff all the specially-marked product they can fit, then take the entire bag home for $15. Anyone who participates in the sale also gets 15-per-

16031 Tampa Palms Blvd. W. Tampa, FL 33647 (813) 287-8696 UptownCheapskate.com Facebook.com/UptownTampaPalms

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Pediatric Dentistry of New Tampa ROCKS with innovative techniques and technology!

New Laser Dentistry! Fixing cavities without numbing for the majority of patients! Lingual or maxillary frenectomies assistance and corrected with laser. New ITERO, intraoral scanner, digital impressions, no goop for orthodontic appliances. Clear braces and clear aligners to straighten teeth.

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Se habla Español

DR. KIRAN C. PATEL H I G H

Go to our website for updates

O W!! N OW Y N L Y P L P P A P A

S C H O O L

PatelHighSchool.org COMMUNITY PRESENTATION

MARCH 26 | 6:00 PM | TERRACE COMMUNITY MIDDLE SCHOOL

11734 Jefferson Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592

• • • • • • •

600 Student enrollment capacity A tuition-free public charter school Whole development of students: academics, social & emotional learning, including soft skills Power Hour: academic & social development period – labs, clubs, tutoring, other academically enriching opportunities Project-based Learning: projects framed by meaningful real-world challenges and questions to apply and acquire deep understanding Integration of 21st century knowledge and skills: innovative multidisciplinary instruction, global awareness; financial, civic, health literacy Mentorship Program: business/community leaders join with students and teachers, bringing together people around meaningful action

Opening August 2019 Currently Accepting Applications for Grades 9 & 10

Discover the Difference

I N S P I R E • E M P O W E R • E D U C AT E • T R A N S F O R M I-75 and S. Fowler Ave., Off of U.S. 301 • Tampa, Florida | patelhighschool.org | info@patelhighschool.org 26

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Beautiful, Well-Maintained home located in the gated Preakness Village of Lexington Oaks. This 4 bedroom/4 full bath 3,217 sq. ft. house has a large, paved driveway leading up to a 3 car garage. Huge 2nd floor Bonus Room, which can be used as a 2nd Master Suite, features a full bathroom, sitting area, and walk-in closet. The fenced-in backyard backs up to a conservation and features a screened-in lanai with a built in pool. Call me today for your private showing!

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Here Are Wesley Chapel’s Top Graduating Seniors! A committee of Pasco School District employees & community leaders chosen by The Career and Technical Education Department selected these winners.

NICOLE ROOF CYPRESS CREEK HIGH

ABIGAIL INGRAM WESLEY CHAPEL HIGH

CHIN CHIN CHOI WIREGRASS RANCH HIGH

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: American Sign Language Club president, Class of 2019 Senator, Relay for Life, National Honor Society, Youth Soccer assistant coach.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Marching Band, Odyssey of the Mind, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, International Thespian Society.

SCHOLARSHIP: Nicole has been accepted into the University of South Florida for fall 2019. She is currently enrolled in Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses. She says that school is a high priority for her because getting good grades and keeping up on her work is what makes her successful now and in the future. She prides herself on getting good grades, working hard and setting high goals.

SCHOLARSHIP: Outstanding achievement is important to Abby. She has been a member of the iCat program at Wesley Chapel High School since ninth grade, which requires her to take several Advanced Placement courses. She has received qualifying scores on every AP exam she has taken, including the highest possible score on the AP World History exam.

LEADERSHIP: Nicole holds leadership positions in many clubs on campus. She is the president of the American Sign Language club, American Sign Language Honors Society, and the Senator for the Class of 2019. In addition, she takes pride in being a Pack Leader, which allows her to assist within the classroom. She says that these experiences have helped her develop skills such as working well with others and learning to lead by example.

LEADERSHIP: Abby has shown leadership in the school marching band, serving as section leader since tenth grade. She also has taken charge in other extracurricular activities, serving on the crews for school plays and Odyssey of the Mind. She has learned to work with people of varying personalities and about the difference between a boss and a leader.

SERVICE: Nicole has earned more than 300 volunteer service hours because she says she finds giving back to the community rewarding. She has volunteered as a tutor at school, assisted with Trick-or-Treat Around the Track, and is a manger for the tennis team. Nicole also has assisted within the community, volunteering with the National Honor Society at food pantries, visiting nursing homes during the holidays and helping coach a youth soccer team. CITIZENSHIP: Nicole participates in Relay for Life events to help raise funds to find a cure for cancer. She feels that having compassion is a very important part of citizenship, and she is able to show that by participating in these fund-raising events. The experience has helped her grow as a person and understand the importance of giving back to the community.

SERVICE: Abby has participated in American Cancer Society Relay for Life events since she was in elementary school. She also attended the Susan G. Komen walk in St. Petersburg several times. Attending these events has taught her that she should do whatever she can to help those who are less fortunate than she is. CITIZENSHIP: Good citizenship has been one of Abby’s character traits all her life. She tries her best to help others, which can range from simply opening the door for someone to helping her friends with their homework or college application essays. Her participation in fund-raising events to help find a cure for cancer are natural extensions of her belief that good citizenship is the standard of being a good person.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Mu Alpha Theta president, WRH Chamber Orchestra concertmaster, National Honor Society Vice President, Asian American Student Association secretary, National English Honor Society Treasurer. SCHOLARSHIP: Chin Chin is ranked 5th out of 523 in her class at Wiregrass Ranch High and is a National AP Scholar, Questbridge finalist, and won the Anatomy Award from Brain Expansions Scholastic Training. Chin Chin is currently enrolled in four AP courses, but has already completed eight of them with top scores. Chin Chin is the 2018 Sunshine State Scholar representative for Pasco County and has earned perfect scores on Florida Standards Assessment Tests. LEADERSHIP: Chin Chin serves as president of Mu Alpha Theta and vice president of the WRHS National Honor Society. She is a concertmaster for the school’s Chamber Orchestra and an assistant concertmaster for the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Chin Chin is secretary of the Asian American Student Association and treasurer of the National English Honor Society. SERVICE: Chin Chin has completed more than 265 hours of documented community service and is a student volunteer for AdventHealth Tampa in women’s health, adult ER and the NICU. She was a violinist for the Carrollwood Cultural Center’s performance of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” She also tutors a family of sextuplets — among others — at Double Branch Elementary. An avid fan of the arts, Chin Chin also is a volunteer for the Suncoast Arts Festival. CITIZENSHIP: At the Sunshine State Scholar State Convention, Chin Chin was part of a team that developed and presented a proposal for assessing the viability of a transition to solar power in the state of Florida. She served as the first violinist as part of an orchestra consisting entirely of volunteers for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Chin Chin participates in the annual Suncoast Arts Festival and Relay for Life.

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New Tampa Rec Center Expansion To Begin This Month By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneightborhoodnews.com The New Tampa Recreation Center (NTRC) expansion is, officially, a go. Despite a number of obstacles over the years, including being dropped from the budget on more than one occasion, the Tampa City Council approved an additional $660,000 in funding on March 7 and voted 7-0 to award the contract to Valrico-based Phinazee and Granger Construction, Inc. A ground breaking is scheduled for Friday, April 12, at 10 a.m. “There is no going back now,” said District 7 City Council member Luis Viera. “It 100 percent has been set off on its course.” The NTRC’s 7,825-sq.-ft. expansion is expected to make the facility’s immensely popular gymnastics and dance programs, which hundreds of Wesley Chapel residents are enrolled in. According to Heather Erickson, the city’s manager of the programs, there are 4,297 kids either participating or on the waiting list, and 607 (or 15 percent) live in a Wesley Chapel zip code. The expansion is expected to be completed around the end of 2019. Paul Dial, the director of the City of Tampa’s Parks & Recreation Department, says a number of improvements will be made, but noted that three will make the most impact.

This is the latest rendering for the New Tampa Recreation Center expansion. The new additions are the lower rooms in yellow. (Image: Tampa Parks & Recreation) component, the latter of which does not First, Dial says, one of the new rooms being designed will be for participants ages currently exist at the facility. “We think all three of these will really 6 years old and younger. enhance the center,” Dial says. “We’re “That will allow us to really focus on pretty excited about them.” our efforts with them in a smaller setting, Although $1.9 million was approved in versus the large gymnasium, or gymnastics the Fiscal Year 2018 budget for the expanroom, they learn in now,” he said. Not sion, following a vocal effort by supporters only will it create less distractions for the from New Tampa and some contentious deyounger athletes, according to Dial, but it bate on the City Council, the cost estimates will free up more room for the older competitors in the existing areas. Secondly, one of the additional rooms will double the area for the NTRC’s popular dance program. And thirdly, says Dial, another room is being developed that will be called the Training Box, which will have an emphasis on strength and conditioning and also feature a youth and even an adult

at the time proved to be too low compared to the bids the city received for the project. Dial said rising costs for materials, such as steel, as well as higher prices due to a better economy, were to blame. “You never truly know the cost of a project until the bids come in,” he said. Phinazee and Granger Construction, Inc.’s bid of $2,390,000 required additional funds — $660,000, or 27 percent of the original estimate — to be reallocated to cover the costs. Although two lower bids were rejected for errors, the Phinazee and Granger bid was the lowest of the seven others submitted. Viera says the $660,000 came from a pool of funds set aside for projects that go over budget. “There’s red flags for something like that, when it requires additional money,” Viera said. “I was prepared for that. Let’s put it this way — was I worried? Yes. But was I actively worried something would happen and the project would be sunk? No.”

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NTP Ready To Deliver A Special Performance Of ‘Aladdin’ By LIBBY BALDWIN

The cavernous main hall at the University Area Community Center swelled with a chorus of voices. The booming energy of the song “Prince Ali,” from the classic Disney film “Aladdin” sounded like a seasoned community theater production. In fact, however, it was just a regular rehearsal for a very special group of New Tampa Players (NTP). The local community theater troupe’s president, Nora Paine, was attending a theater conference in summer 2018 when she learned about the Penguin Project, an initiative that gives children with special needs the chance to perform onstage. Established in 2004 by Dr. Andrew Morgan, who spent more than 35 years as central Illinois’ primary medical specialist for children with disabilities, the Penguin Project matches each “young artist” with a peer mentor. These mentors, who are mostly children the same age as the performers who don’t have disabilities, volunteer their time to work side-by-side through four months of rehearsals and during the final performance. “The New Tampa Players had been looking for something like this, but didn’t want to re-invent the wheel,” said Paine, herself a mother to three special needs children. “This program is unique because

The joy in the room is palpable as the New Tampa Players' Penguin Project group practices dance steps for “Prince Ali.” Peer mentor Olivia Carr dances with her Genie, Connor Olsen. (Photos: Libby Baldwin)

it gives these kids a chance for social networking outside of the special needs community.” “Aladdin Junior,” which wasn’t modified from the original script, will be the first Penguin Project production not just for NTP, but in all of Florida. The performing artists and their mentors attend 3-4 rehearsals per week that run for no longer than 90 minutes, to ensure attention spans don’t run out. Each peer mentor learns every line, every dance move

and every blocking move, along with his or her artist. Rehearsals are no slower-paced than regular children’s theater; peer mentors are expected to keep their artists on task. If a special needs child becomes upset, the show still must go on. “The young artist and their mentor go off to the side until they are able to calm down,” Paine said. “Then, they come back and join us. No big deal.” Paine has years of stage managing ex-

perience, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Montessori Education, but she and her staff of choreographers, costume designers and musicians are all volunteers. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the happiness that it brings these kids,” said Brad Roberts, the music director for NTP's “Aladdin Junior,” who says he previously has worked with special needs children. “A lot of these kids, despite working at a different speed than I’m used to, have really impressed me with their raw talent and ability to learn and retain.” While some of the artist-and-mentor pairs rehearsed, others sat patiently off to the side, using the time to run lines or go over dance steps. Even the youngest mentors, some under the age of ten, offered only smiles and gentle encouragement to their artists. “They’re just so open and ready to go for it, and that makes them be a really supportive family for each other, which you don’t always see in groups of ‘regular’ kids,” said Roberts. Truly A Special Bond The young mentors don’t seem to mind that all their hard work will lead to someone else getting the spotlight. “I’ve found a really good friend, and an understanding for how these kids

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The special needs actors get plenty of support from the all-volunteer New Tampa Players’ staff if they become overwhelmed.

think,” said 13-year-old Olivia Carr, who peer mentors the young actor playing Genie. “I have a lot of fun with him because he’s very energetic, and we have the same personality.” Olivia’s mom, Tami Carr, enjoys watching her daughter be part of such a selfless undertaking. “She looks forward to rehearsals all day; being a kid in general is rough, so seeing anyone struggle makes her want to help,” said Carr. “I wish everyone would come and see how much joy they have. It’s contagious, and hopefully, it will ignite a spark here that will catch fire.” Paine said she plans to put on one Penguin Project show each year, and said the response from the community has been overwhelming. She credits District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera,

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who is very involved in the special needs community, with helping her secure local sponsors, including Pepin Academies, the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, MOSI and more. Paine’s 12-year-old son, Sebastian, mentors Jaden Figueroa, also 12, who landed the title role of Aladdin. Jaden said he wants to be a movie star when he grows up. “He (Sebastian) helped me with my lines; we’re good friends,” said Jaden. Paine’s 7-year-old daughter also Zoe is a peer mentor, and although the mentors don’t get the spotlight, Paine believes they gain something much more meaningful from the experience. “She’ll come home after mentoring her friend Jack, and she’ll be so excited and proud that she helped him learn his lines and perform well,” she said. “They get a very special relationship.”

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“Aladdin” will open on Friday, April 5, at 8 p.m., with additional performances on Saturday, April 7, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, April 8, at 3 p.m. All performances will be at the University Area Community Center, located at 14013 North 22nd St. in Tampa. Tickets can be purchased online for $15.

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Interactive ‘Herstory’ Museum Opens At AdventHealth Center Ice! The first display features Murphy, a former Ivy League Player of the Year at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. She also produced seven Olympians while becoming the all-time winningest women’s hockey coach in NCAA Division I history — with 318 wins at Brown (she is still currently 13th on that all-time wins list).

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

As Marnie McClain looked around the new Herstory Museum at Advent Health Center Ice (AHCI) in Wesley Chapel, she was grinning broadly. An eighth-grader from Fort Myers, McClain was at the facility competing with her Florida Alliance U-14 team in the Southeast Regional Girls Hockey Championships on March 9, but the Grand Opening of the interactive Herstory Museum on the same day was an added bonus. “I saw it on Digit Murphy’s Instagram, that it was going to be here, and I was so happy to come and see something like this,” McClain said. “It is really cool.” Margaret “Digit” Murphy is a women’s hockey pioneer and legend, as well as a champion for Title IX, the federal law prohibiting anyone, on the basis of sex, from being excluded from participating or denied the benefits of sports, or being discriminated against under any education program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance. The interactive Herstory Museum is Murphy’s brainchild, inspired by a visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH, that left her disappointed over the lack of exhibits honoring women’s accomplishments in the NFL.

Everyone Has Her Own Story

Jeff Novotny shows hockey players Danielle DiPasquale (center) and Tristina Doyle how to access the information at the Herstory Museum at AdventHealth Center Ice. (Photos by John C. Cotey)

She and Wesley Chapel engineer Jeff Novotny created it for girls just like McClean, to bring to them the stories they would otherwise never get to hear. The walls are covered with portraits of the gold-medal winning 2018 U.S. Women’s Olympic ice hockey team that trained at Center Ice, as well as large vinyl displays for each featured female hockey pioneer. Visitors can access a QR Code, which takes you to a webpage featuring a biography and video, or you can send a text to a certain number to receive that pioneer’s website link. All of the information is available online at GetHerStory.org. The museum is located on the sec-

ond floor of AHCI, next to the skating facility’s Top Shelf Restaurant & Sports Bar. While only occupying about 100 square feet or so, plenty of women’s hockey history is crammed into the space, which also overlooks two of the ice rinks at the facility. Parents and players lined up against the glass to watch the action in the ice, strolling over to the exhibits on the wall during breaks in the games. “It’s pretty inspiring to see what women have accomplished in hockey,” said Tristina Doyle, a teammate of McClain’s on the Florida Alliance U-14 team. “Usually, it’s only the men you can read about, but really not much about women.”

New Tampa resident Marisa Martin, 55, thinks stories like Murphy’s should be shared with as many young female athletes as possible. “I think it’s very important,” Martin said. “The sad part is, a lot of times, these younger women don’t know the history and that’s a problem. I think it’s a shame, because they’ve been given so much privilege, they don’t realize what was required to get here. I think it’s important to remember the women who came before.” Martin has her own story. When she was 9 years old, she had to take her 6-year-old brother Lonnie Jr. to sign him up for Little League because their mother was sick that day. With a check made out to Atlantic Little League (in Jacksonville), she and Lonne walked a half-mile to sign up. A woman sitting behind a table jotted down her brother’s name, and then looked up at Marisa and asked if she wanted to play, too.

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“I was like, ‘Are you talking to me?,’” Marisa said. And, with a little help from the woman, Marisa signed up for Little League baseball for the first time. “That woman changed my life,” she said. Marisa ended up playing Little League (and every other sport available to her) as a kid, and played basketball and softball in high school, where in 1981, she helped lead Fletcher High to the Class 4A state softball championship — 13 years before the sport converted from slow to past pitch, thanks in part to Title IX. As an adult, Marisa says she took up tennis and hockey as well.

How It Happened

Murphy, a whirling dervish of energy and a fountain of hockey knowledge, was the star of the Grand Opening. But, she shared the space with interactive displays

featuring Katey Stone, the winningest women’s coach in NCAA hockey history; gold medal winners Sara DeCosta-Hayes (1998; photo) and Amanda Pelkey (2018); and Kitty Guay, the first woman to ever officiate an NCAA Division I men’s game in 2015. Another wall in the Herstory Museum will one day feature a local hero, which could be anyone, says Novotny, but will likely be someone with a relationship with hockey. That person hasn’t been selected yet, but visitors were allowed to nominate someone at the grand opening. Novotny says they will choose someone over the next few months. Admission to the Herstory Museum is free. For more information, visit GetHerStory.org and PlayItForwardSport.org.

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Our Exclusive Recap Of The 2019 Taste Of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! By ANDY WARRENER

Photos by Charmaine George

You could still hear the sound of skates skimming across the ice and children making their way around the rinks, but if you listened very closely on March 24, you might have also heard the sound of delighted taste buds. “Mmmmm.” Local food and beverage vendors invaded AdventHealth Center Ice (AHCI) for the third consecutive year, offering samples of some of their most popular dishes and drinks at the 2019 Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. “I love Taste of New Tampa,” said New Tampa’s Debra Gilreath. “I love the venue, love the neighborhood, love the fact that it’s indoors. The variety of restaurants and vendors that are here is great and it’s easy to buy tickets online and it’s reasonable. Most tastes are two tickets or three tickets.” Although the event has been held in the comfortable confines of AHCI for three years, the Taste has been around since 1995, serving tasty morsels while also serving as a fund raiser for local charities supported by the Rotary Club of New Tampa and college scholarships given out to graduating high school seniors by the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce (NTBC). Held at various locations over its more-than-two-decade run, but since a four-year hiatus beginning in 2013 (following the merger between the

New Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Wesley Chapel Chamber), the event has found a convenient, weatherproof home at AHCI. More than 1,000 people attended this year’s event, which co-chair Karen Frashier said was stronger than ever (even though the Neighborhood News reported that attendance was closer to 2,000 last year) and has become the Rotary Club of New Tampa’s biggest fund-raising event, although the club also puts on a successful Turkey Trot road race Thanksgiving morning every year. “Every year in June, the money raised from Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel and the Turkey Trot is

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given away to the charities we support,” said Frashier, a former president of the Rotary Club of New Tampa. “In 2018, we raised $46,000 (between the events) and donated it to our international foundation, End Polio Now, as well as 36 other local, nonprofit or schoolrelated charities.” Frashier also said that Rotary Feeds America, Feeding Tampa Bay, Meals on Wheels and the Fisher House residence at the James A. Haley VA Hospital are some of the other charities that will benefit from this year’s event. A 20-person committee of the 72-member club organized this year’s event that featured 38 restaurants and beverage purveyors

and 34 non-restaurant sponsors. The winner of the 2019 Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel People’s Choice Award, which was determined by the weight of the Taste sample tickets collected by each restaurant, was first-time participant Bahama Breeze, followed by Noble Crust (up from third a year ago and a top-three finisher all three years at AHCI) and first-time participant the Ice Dreammm Shop. According to Frashier, the top 10 restaurants, in alphabetical order, were: Bahama Breeze Chuy’s Fine Tex Mex Ciccio Cali Cinebistro at the Grove Fat Rabbit Pub Ice Dreammm Shop Noble Crust Nothing Bundt Cakes Pomodoro Pizza Vom Fass Wiregrass The four finalists for the beverage division were Blue Chair Bay Rum, The Brass Tap, Time for Wine and Zephyrhills Brewing Co., which repeated its win as the favorite adult beverage provider this year.. Gilreath and her daughter Asha were enjoying some of the samples outside the rink, and had already decided on one of their favorites. “Noble Crust’s chicken & waffles is my favorite thing so far,” said Asha. “Noble Crust is great because they make

everything from scratch.” For more of our Taste recap, see pages 38-39!

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‘Taste 2019’

Continued from page 37

Noble Crust events coordinator Brad Elia said his crew was hoping to improve on last year’s third-place finish in the restaurant category. The Italian eatery is now the only restaurant to place in the top three all three years since the Taste returned in 2017, and hungry and eager patrons gobbled up their samples as quickly as Noble Crust’s employees could get them on the table. “The chicken & waffles is one of our signature dishes,” Elia said. “When we opened our St. Petersburg branch, it was one of the dishes we opened with.” Noble Crust, located the Shops at Wiregrass mall, topped the dish with some micro greens from their sister company Fat Beet Farm. Last year’s winner, Tampa Palms’ Ciccio Cali, was set up in the center aisle, not out of sight of Noble Crust. Ciccio’s brought the same three items that earned it top honors last year -- a hot & crunchy tuna, a spicy Brazilian (blackened chicken) and a Thai chicken bowl, but did not crack this year’s top three. There were certainly some other unique culinary merchants at the event. The Main Ingredient, located off Collier Pkwy. in Lutz, isn’t really a restaurant, but more of a cook-to-order specialty grocer that offered samples of their oils and hot sauces over noodles. “We sell most everything by the ounce,” owner Christina Sweet said. “People can come in with a recipe and get the exact amount they need instead of getting something and it’s sitting in their cabinet

for who knows how long. Everything we sell is organic, non-GMO and gluten-free. We also have a line of specialty spices and tea leaves.” Helping out at the Main Ingredient table was 11-yearold Sophia Contino, who knows a little about convincing people to try samples, as she has garnered a lot of media attention (including in these pages) for raising money for the Pasco Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. Contino said she really liked The Main Ingredient’s noodles and hot sauce. Cinebistro at the Grove doled out samples of soft

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tacos, meatballs and ceviche-style seafood dishes. The Hilton Garden Inn’s chef Frank Skalitza gave out ahi tuna poke spoons and herb-cheese-and-dates Endive Bites. Other food/restaurant vendors included Vom Fass in the Shops at Wiregrass, offering samples of not only their vinegars, oils and sangria, but also some of the chain’s new gourmet prepared foods. Vom Fass did not have a sign telling you what they were serving, but there were four different unique appetizers, one with prosciutto, bruschetta with strawberries and more. The foods were provided by Vom Fass in conjunction with Kaixo, a local caterer with a food truck, and Walkabout Bakery Café in Lutz, which served a unique-looking Australian pastry. Taste attendees Ashvin and Kitty Maharaj got a brief respite from their duties— Ashvin as a Rotary volunteer and Kitty with the All County Alliance Property Management table — and used it to sample some of the fare. “This is a huge benefit for small businesses and it’s a great community event,” Ashvin said. All County Alliance Property Management sponsored the cruise that was given away as one of the 50-50 raffle prizes. Kitty said one of the best things about the event was that it introduced local residents to some places they may have previously not heard of, like Ava’s Low Country Cuisine, which provides private chef service, catering and classes and doled out samples of macaroni and cheese, cupcakes and rice bowls. “Ava’s doesn’t even have a store front, and I hadn’t even heard of Walkabout,” she said. The Schoolfield family of Tampa Palms enjoyed offerings from all of the aforementioned providers. Jake Schoolfield works at the Center-

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State bank in downtown Tampa, which was one of the event’s sponsors. His favorite offering was Ciccio’s crunchy tuna. “An event like this brings awareness to local owner/operators,” Jake said. “You drive past all these places how many times in a week? I hope that it translates into more business for them. It’s also fun to see your neighbors out here.” Dessert items were high on the list of favorites, too. Nothing Bundt Cakes, which was third in 2017 before it even had its current Wesley Chapel location in the Shops at Wiregrass, handed out samples of strawberry, lemon, chocolate and white chocolate raspberry bundt cakes. The strawberry cakes, however, were the most popular of the day, according to manager Crystal Cadet. Also serving amazing strawberry cake was Canterbury Hall, the new catering/banquet hall at Grace Episcopal Church in Tampa Palms. Adult beverage purveyors were also once again on hand at this year’s Taste, including 2018 beverage winner Zephyrhills Brewing Co., which took first place beverage honors again this year, secondplace finisher The Brass Tap, and Time for Wine and Blue Chair Rum, which finished in a tie for third this year. Other than playing music, some of Freedom’s marching band members worked on navigating a gigantic ‘Operation’ game brought in by AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, the event’s primary sponsor, which also offered chair massages. And, sponsor Pinot’s Palette, which combines the love of wine and painting, gave the kids some fun art activities to participate in (but no wine!). Ashley McKibbin of Tampa brought her friend, Amber Cherry, all the way from Jacksonville to enjoy the event. “I love it, it’s a great event, fun, family-friendly,” said McKibbin.

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New Tampa Teen Wins Community Hero Award From The Lightning! By LIBBY BALDWIN

When New Tampa resident Harsh Bagdy was in the fifth grade at Montessori Preparatory School, the place he loved the most was the soccer field — and it was in bad shape. More rocks and dirt than grass, it was too dangerous to play on. So Harsh, whose father Ash had instilled in him a passion for giving back, decided to do something about it. Together, they rallied people in the community to raise $40,000 for a brand new field. That was only the beginning. In seventh grade, Harsh secured enough money to build a new computer lab at Terrace Community Middle School. By his sophomore year at King High, he had founded his own nonprofit, Charity Health Resources, a 501(c)(3) that raises money to purchase quality wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs and other devices for people without adequate health insurance. “I see mobility as something we all take for granted,” said Harsh, whose mother Kavita Jain works as a physical therapist. He said she often tells him about the great need for mobility equipment she sees. “It’s impossible to go out, have a job or do really anything if you aren’t mobile, and if you’re worried about

Harsh Bagdy (right) with 9-year-old Sabian, who was the first to receive a donation from Harsh’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Charity Health Resources.

paying for food or housing, you can’t do anything about it,” he said. Harsh, 17, a first-generation American whose parents moved to Tampa from India 25 years ago and now a junior in high school, was honored by the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 19 as this season’s 25th Lightning Community Hero. He received a $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation and

the Lightning Community Heroes program. Half of the money will go towards his own education. He gave the other half to Metropolitan Ministries, an organization he’s been volunteering with since the sixth grade, and the one he turned to when establishing Charity Health Resources. “I instantly connected with Metro’s outreach team, because we had something they couldn’t easily

provide and they could find people who needed it,” said Harsh. A new partnership between Metropolitan Ministries and Charity Health Resources, made possible by Harsh’s winnings, will put more members of the outreach team further into the community, allowing them to find mobility-challenged clients who are unable to travel to the main outreach center in Tampa Heights. “Because of Harsh, when our team meets someone in the community with a handicap or mobility challenge, we can just call him up and he’ll fulfill the need,” said Metropolitan Ministries’ president and CEO Tim Marks. “That’s something we never could have done without him.” Charity Health Resources, said Harsh, has made between 15-20 donations in its first year. Their first donation was a new wheelchair for a 9-year-old boy named Sabian with spina bifida. He was growing too big for his chair and too heavy for his mother and grandfather to carry around, but his insurance wouldn’t pay for another wheelchair for two more years. The chair that Charity Health Resources donated to him enabled him to return to riding around in his grandfather’s car, spending time with his cousins and other family.

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2019 TAMPA PALMS

SPRING FASHION SHOW Thursday, April 11. 2019 | Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club

$35.00

THEME: “ALL DOLLED UP!” 10:15 am – Doors Open for Raﬄe & Live Auction 11:30 am -- Fashion Show & Lunch Followed by After-Show Sales Beneeciaries: OASIS & Local Charities

Fashions by Accessories & More Sponsored by Tampa Palms Women’s Club

Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Alex Killorn (left) and CEO Steve Griggs present Harsh Bagdy, the 25th Lightning Community Hero this season, with a check for $50,000.

“I really enjoy hockey,” said Harsh, who attended the January 19 Lightning game against the San Jose Sharks as the team’s guest of honor. “I see it as a faster-paced soccer game.” When Harsh — who is enrolled in demanding International Baccalaureate (IB) classes at King and travels multiple weekends a month for debate competitions, and also is a Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) member — isn’t at school or doing charity work, he still loves playing soccer and occasionally goes out for movies or dinner with his friends. He’s hoping for admission into one of three prestigious business

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schools — at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Chicago or New York University. “Being chosen for this award felt amazing, both for me and for the work I’m doing,” Harsh said. “I may get the recognition for it, but the best part is that it allows me to spread my branches further and help people in areas I couldn’t reach before.” For more information about Charity Health Resources, visit charityhealthresources.org. For additional information about the Lightning Community Hero award, visit NHL.com/lightning/community/community-heroes.

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Law Ofﬁces of

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 8 • April 5, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Nibbles & Business The Latest & Greatest News In Dining, Shopping & Business In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! cent opening of the new Twistee Treat on an outparcel of the Wesley Chapel Village Market on BBD, just south of S.R. 54. Our video about Wesley Chapel’s new Twistee Treat (5258 Village Market) had a Facebook reach of nearly 13,000 people and was viewed more than 8,500 times! If you go to check it out, please tell the folks at the new Twistee Treat that you read/ heard about them from the Neighborhood News!

Here & There, This & That...

Ya, Mon! The Hummingbird Jerk House Is Open!! So, if you like authentic — and I mean truly authentic — Jamaican cuisine, you really need to check out the new Hummingbird Jerk House, which opened at the end of last month in the space in North Palms Village (at 17631 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Unit F) formerly occupied by Dairy Queen (next to Oakley’s Grille). So, those who love braised oxtail, goat or chicken curry, jerk or brown stew chicken (or snapper; the sauce is amazing!), Jamaican beef patties, coco bread, cow foot and even escoveitch (photo above left) — which is a whole snapper, fried, then covered with onions, sliced carrots, scotch bonnet, pepper and vinegar — this is your place.

I will say that every time I’ve been there, the place has been packed with happy diners, many of whom told me they were on their third or fourth visit, even though the place had only been open a month or so at our press time. Please note that the full menu listed at TheHummingbirdJerkHouse.com isn’t yet always available, but owner Patrick Murrel and his staff’s daily menu board keeps getting closer to the full menu every time I’m there. For more info, see the ad on page 43, stop in or call (813) 512-2558 and please tell Patrick and his crew that I sent you!

Twistee Treat Is Open In The Chap!

Even though there’s been one on BBD in New Tampa for several years, folks in Wesley Chapel seem to be very excited about the re-

• It wasn’t very long ago when there were as many as three frozen yogurt shops in New Tampa alone, but today there is just one, as Frogury closed recently. The lone survivor is La Berry Yogurt Café, which we incorrectly reported as closed in our Mar 22 New Tampa issue, although it is now under new ownership. Of course, here in Wesley Chapel, we have not only Happy Cow and Menchie’s but also multiple gas stations serving “FroYo.” • On the other hand, the new Smallcakes should now be open as you’re reading this. Not only will this store, located between Ciccio Cali and our friends at the Palms Pharmacy (in Tampa Palms, carry a variety of delicious cupcakes, but also homemade ice cream. The Oldsmar location (3705 Tampa Rd.) reportedly has been very successful. • Also closing over the last few months was Tarek’s Café in Tampa Palms, although

those who enjoy Tarek’s home-style cooking can still visit the original location on the USF Campus, just off BBD Blvd., south of E. Fletcher Ave. • Sadly, while I originally believed that the new Rice n’ Beans was set to open in the former Cody’s Roadhouse space on WC Blvd. shortly after our last issue came out, it still looked to be at least a couple of more weeks away as I went to press with this issue, although a Google search landing page says it should be open before this issue reaches you. The Lutz Rice n’ Beans closed almost two months ago.

Congrats, WC Rotary & PEF!

My sincere congratulations go out to the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, which meets Wednesdays at noon at Omari’s Grill at

2019

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 8 • April 5, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Lexington Oaks Golf Club, which hosted a super-successful fourth annual Duck Fest at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge on U.S. Hwy. 41 in Land O’Lakes on March 10. That Rotary Club is the one my wife (see page 1) Jannah Nager belongs to and although the event raised more than $5,000 to benefit the club’s selected nonprofit charities — Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and the Pasco Sheriff’s K-9 Assn. — the primary goal of event chair Jodie Sullivan and her outstanding committee was to make the Duck Fest an even more family-friendly event and there’s no doubt they succeeded. There were literally hundreds of families on hand for the event, where thousands of small rubber ducks were blasted by hoses operated by the Pasco County Fire Rescue Department, with the top 50 or so ducks to reach the finish line earning their “owners” a great prize — including a top cash prize of $1,000 for the firstplace duck! All major sponsors of the

Duck Fest were invited to decorate much larger-sized rubber ducks and several local businesses were awarded trophies for their decorations. Our favorite was the awardwinning “Goddess Laguna” duck (decorated by NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net’s own Mollyana Ward and her cohort Kim Brierly at Lagoon Realty (photo below). The Rotary Duck Fest also featured a super-cool Classic Car Show (photo, left) and an appearance and demonstration by Titan, one of PCSO’s amazing K-9 officers. • I also want to congratulate Jannah and everyone at the Pasco Education Foundation — the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports Pasco County’s schools — for hosting their most successful (ever) Foundation Ball at Heritage Springs Country Club in the Trinity area of New Port Richey, raising about $140,000 to pay for scholarships for graduating high school seniors and stipends for teachers in Pasco schools. Check out the ad on page 15 for the WC Rotary’s 2nd annual “Hats & Horses” Derby Party on Saturday, May 4! — GN

• Full Liquor Bar! • Watch all the games here! • Karaoke & Entertainment

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For Advertising For Advertising Information Information Call 813-910-2575 Call 813-910-2575 • Volume • Volume 26, Issue 27,20 Issue • September 6 • March21, 8, 2019 2018 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HOME IMPROVEMENT

Classifieds

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.

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.

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.

PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT in your home or small business. A+, Certified computer tech with 20 years exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained. Remote assistance available. References available. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate.

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: 813-7845999. 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. Tjs Pressure Washing LLC. Driveways, Houses, Fences, Lanais and Screened Enclosures. Most residential 2 car driveways or vinyl fences starting at $60. House washing prices start at $100 for a 1 story home and $150 for a 2 story home. Looking for an instant quote? Just text me a picture of the job you need done. Call Tj at 727-808-7775 CHARLES POPPE ELECTRIC. Electric of all kinds pools, spas, service changes, new circuts, low voltage, repairs, upgrades, changes to existing, trouble shooting, GFCI performance testing, generators. Expert in the field - over 40 years experience. Discount for retired people 50%. Licensed and Insured Master Electrician EC 13002399 - free phone estimates. Call 813-477-9068.

Our Classified Ads are the ones your neighbors in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel actually read!

COMPUTER/BUSINESS SERVICES

DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, installation, networking & virus removal. WE COME TO YOU! Residences & businesses, more than 25 years exp. Contact Jeffrey Blank at (813) 973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or email Wsica@wsica.com.

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

A.T.B. Landscaping & Lawn Service. Licensed and insured serving the Tampa Bay area over 20 years. Family owned and operated. Quality work at affordable prices. We provide services in gutter clean-out, screen repair, pressure washing and sprinkler repair. Landscaping and property maintenance including: sodding, trimming trees and hedges, and clean ups. Other services are available. CALL 813-907-LAWN (5296) Jasmine Landscaping, Inc. Complete lawn maintenance: Tree, palm & hedge trimming, planting, mulching, stones, sod replacement. Gutter cleaning, leaf removal & more. Cited by your HOA? Ask about our HOA Compliance Special, our Fall/Spring Special & FREE ESTIMATE! Licensed & insured. Accepting new residential & commercial accounts. We accept Visa, MC, PayPal, Zelle, AmExp. Call or text 813-420-4465. Now hiring full-time workers.

JUNK REMOVAL

FIRST CALL JUNK HAUL Do you need items removed or clutter cleared? Let First Call Junk Haul be your best call! We offer appliance removal, furniture removal, foreclosure clean-outs, garage clean-outs, yard waste removal and more! Affordable prices and professional service gurranteed! Call or Text 813-970-6440 for a FREE ESTIMATE!

MISCELLANEOUS

DOWNSIZING? SPRING CLEANING? HANDLING AN ESTATE? We pay cash for CDs, vinyl records, Blu-Rays, DVDs, cassettes, turntables, vintage receivers, reel-to-reel tape decks, stereo speakers in pairs, non-fiction books, and more. Learn more about Sound Exchange, locally owned since 1987, at soundexchangetampabay.com or call 813-978-9316. Two locations, including North Tampa at 14246 N. Nebraska Ave. (between Bearss and Fletcher).

Propelled Mowing LLC. Residential lawn mowing & edging--providing single visit, bi-weekly & continuous monthly service. Light weight, nimble, selfpropelled mower used to prevent turf & hardscape damage often caused by large commercial mowers. Affordable service, personalized care--insured, no contract required, service cancelled upon request. Your time is valuable--Propelled Mowing LLC is here to help! Contact: www.propelledmowingllc. com. Call/Text lawn photo free estimate: 813-3945490 eMail: info@propelledmowingllc.com

POOL SERVICES

D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE We have our own supplies and more than 400 clients in New Tampa! For more info, Call 758-9710.

PHOTOGRAPHY

LAWN & LANDSCAPING

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 or Text Chris today @ 813-857-5400 or visit TranquilityPoolService. com. New customers get ONE MONTH FREE!

PHOTOGRAPHER AVAILABLE Retired Professional Photographer (over 45 years experience) in the Tampa Bay Area. Corporate Events, Personal Occasions, Portraiture, Pets, Comercial Photography, and Real Estate. Reasonable rates. Call/Text 813748-3901. Visit: russellleprephotography.com

HELP WANTED

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.

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 813-997-6302.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 8 • April 5, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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TOPASH PAINTING, L.L.C. FREE ESTIMATES

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 8 • April 5, 2019 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Norman Shutters with Invisible Tilt

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*Applies to selected window treatments from Budget Blinds. Restrictions may apply, ask for details. Valid for a limited time, not valid with any other offers, discounts, or coupons. Offer good at initial time of estimate only. At participating franchises only. ©2019 Budget Blinds, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Expires 04/30/19

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Northwood Palm Cove Pinewalk Pine Ridge Quail Hollow Saddlebrook Saddleridge Estates Saddlewood Estates Neighborhood News

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