New Tampa Issue 21-11 by Neighborhood News

Volume 19 Issue 21

Inside: A Look At The New Tampa Chamber Business Expo!

October 8, 2011

See page 19!

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

Bruce B. Downs Widening May No Longer Be ‘Right On Track’ By Sean Bowes & Gary Nager With 400 days of heavy road construction already under New Tampa’s belt, the widening of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. is supposed to be nearing the halfway point to the completion of its first phase — from Palm Springs Blvd. in Tampa Palms to Pebble Creek Dr. And, while some people in the community are starting to feel a bit antsy after dealing with the mangled blacktop for more than a year on the road on which they drive on every day, residents may have to suffer for a bit longer than they originally expected. Hillsborough County is planning to spend a total of $107 million on the three-phase project, which started on January 4, 2010, and will transform

BBD, the main connector of New Tampa to Wesley Chapel, from the congested four-lane road as it sits today into a much needed eight-lane highway. The widening project is composed of four different construction segments which will keep construction workers busy until at least the middle of 2014. Currently, the project is still in Phase I, the widening of the 3.5-mile stretch from Palm Springs Blvd. to Pebble Creek Dr. (representing Segments B and C). That section has been scheduled to be completed within 1,000 days from the start of the project and be finished by late 2012. Unfortunately, the contractors for the first phase of the widening, Kamminga & Roodvoets, Inc., have recently submitted a request to the county for a

120-day extension to complete Phase I, says Scott Passmore, the project’s resident engineer. According to Passmore, the workers ran into some difficulties with the sewer and main water lines over the Having to replace these old and damaged water pipes on Bruce B. last few months, Downs Blvd. during the widening of the roadway has caused the including a contractor to ask for an extension from Hillsborough County. recent one that led to a boil water alert for New Tampa from the 1970s,” explains Passmore. “Originally, they were planned to last (see page 6). “The underground water mains on much longer, but when we got in the south end of I-75 were the originals See “BBD Widening” on page 11.

Freedom High Graduate Follows Dreams With Successful Video Career

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

‘An Evening Of Elegance’ At The Wesley Carbon Monoxide Death Sparks Call For Chapel Chamber Banquet, Singing Karaoke ‘Hawk’s Law,’, Private School Aims At With ‘Little Jan,’ Jalapeno Mexican Grill, ‘Simon Says’ World Record, Local Siblings Our Dining Survey & Contest & More! Win Gold In Korea & Much More!

See pages 3-40!

See pages 41-56!

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

director. But, in college, they were able to take on clients’ projects for free. Now, they had to find a way for Hayden 5 to actually make money. Already owning some expensive editing programs and high-end cameras, Wiseman says that all it took was a $1,500 investment from each of them and the business was born. They secured a small Freedom High alumnus Todd Wiseman, Jr. $500-per-month studio to (left), and Milos Silber are partners in Hayden work out of and hit the 5, a successful film production company. ground running looking for cheaper than the competition and we the first Hayden 5 clients. Dressing up poured our lives into this business.” in suits, hitting different networking A report from CNNMoney.com events and searching through online stated that Hayden 5’s fees were somejob listings like Craigslist.com, Wiseman times five times cheaper than the comand Silber took on as many clients as petition, but with a product that was they could, providing a high-quality product while undercutting the compe- just as high in terms of quality. tition on price. See “Hayden 5” on page 37. “It’s not like either one of use was married or had kids.” Wiseman says. “All we had to do was make enough money to eat and pay our bills. We kept our overhead low, worked for a lot PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 2801

He knew that the job market was shaky when he graduated from college three years ago, but Todd Wiseman, Jr., a Freedom High alumnus, decided to roll the dice anyway, sticking to the old belief that if you do what you love and follow your dreams, success will follow. A self-confessed video junkie since he first received a camcorder at eightyears-old, Wiseman teamed up with his college dorm mate, Milos Silber, after graduating from the New York University (NYU) School of Arts. While the duo knew that they wanted to work in the film industry, they decided that

instead of taking the safer route by working their way up from the bottom at a large film production company or by selling their services freelancing, they would team up and start their own production company. After all, they already knew what they would call the business. “The name ‘Hayden 5’ came from our time at NYU,” Wiseman explains. “We lived in Hayden Hall, and our rooms were on the fifth floor.” According to Wiseman, the two men, both in their early 20s, already had collected a fair amount of quality footage for their portfolios during their time at college, Silber working as the cinematographer and Wiseman as the

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 19, Issue 21 â&#x20AC;˘ October 8, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The Increasing Web Presence Of The Neighborhood News Like so many industries during our nation’s ongoing economic downturn, the newspaper/magazine publishing business in this country is not in great shape. Long-standing daily newspapers and many renowned magazines around the country have been going out of business at an alarming rate the last couple of years, as those that are still around try to find ways to give their readers the news they can and already do find 24/7 on the internet without cannibalizing themselves, because fewer and fewer businesses are buying daily newspaper advertising. Can any print medium survive the onslaught of instant news and information available on the web? Well, publishing industry insiders believe that “niche” publications, like the New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, are those that can survive and even thrive in the face of the ongoing problems in the publishing business. Why? Well, in or case, this 18years-young news magazine is still the only all-direct-mail print medium that actually covers the news of New Tampa, and whose editorial content isn’t entirely “advertorial” in nature. And, while both local dailies still offer sections that cover the news of New Tampa, those sections still also cover the news of areas (Temple Terrace, Carrollwood, etc.) that simply aren’t as important to the residents of the communities we serve. But, with new publications still trying to break into this market all the time and the web becoming more and more

New Tampa Neighborhood News 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483 Adv. E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: NTNNEdit@yahoo.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Senior News Reporter Sean Bowes Correspondents Camille Gillies • Alicia Pack • Sheryl Young

Art Director Marketing Director Tony Sica Ashley Knoblach Advertising Customer Service Manager Nikki Bennett Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 19, Issue 23, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, October 24, 2011. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2011 JM2 Communications, Inc.

An editorial by Gary Nager important to most potential advertisers, the fact is that we know that we can illafford to try to rest on our laurels as the only true news medium in New Tampa. To that end, our marketing director Ashley Knoblach, who also owns her own web and social media business called A2 Marketing Group, has totally updated and revamped not only our website (making it much more userfriendly and interactive), but also our email blasts, Facebook updates and more. I know that no matter how much some people still love to read a newspaper or magazine by holding it in their hands, an ever-increasing number of people, especially those under age 40, get their news and information whenever they want it, from the web. That means, unless we want the tide to roll past us, we HAVE to properly integrate the world wide web into what we do. Although some of the new features I plan to incorporate into our website haven’t yet been rolled out, in the future, you can look for convenient, easy-to-use on-line versions of our exclusive “Guide to Area Businesses” in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel and our equally exclusive “Dining Guide,” which will include not only restaurants located in our distribution areas, but also pics and reviews of my favorite outof-our-area eateries. Senior news writer Sean Bowes and I also are working on rolling out a “New Tampa & Wesley Chapel News Item of the Day,” which can be anything from the latest road news to

updates of stories that appeared in our most recent issue to Chamber of Commerce and charitable functions or even a preview of sports matches pitting Wharton vs. Freedom, etc. Once it does roll out, you’ll want to check the news item every day, so you’re not missing out on anything happening in our area. My goal is to make our website the perfect companion to the printed version of this publication, not to replace it in any way. We already offer on-line archives of our recent issues and Sean has had some story updates and breaking news items that have appeared on our site before making it into print.

In our next issue, Ashley and I also will roll out our first-ever print and online combo promotion of a shopping center, which we will start with our own Shoppes of Amberly plaza. In other words, instead of ignoring the web, we’re embracing it, with unique advertising and marketing opportunities we guarantee you won’t find anywhere else. For information about on-line and print advertising, please call advertising customer service manager Nikki Bennett at 910-2575 or visit www.ntneighborhoodnews.com/adv ertising!

Table of Contents

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, EDUCATION & SPORTS UPDATES....................Pages 1-40 New Tampa & Wesley Chapel News Briefs..............6-7 Boil Water Alert Lifted In New Tampa Local Couple Busted Stealing Pool Furniture Hunter’s Green Gets New Entrance Signs Charges Upgraded To Murder In Beating Death Freedom High ‘Bomber’ Pleads Not Guilty Woman’s Death Sparks ‘Call For Hawk’s Law’...................8 S.R. 54 Widening Nears Completion................................10 New Tampa Community Calendar..................12-13 NTJWC Kicks Off ‘Books For Troops’ Event.........16 New Synagogue Opens In Time For Holidays..........17

Local

Business

Updates................18--35

New Tampa Chamber Newsletter.......................18 Recapping The NT Chamber Business Expo............19 Podiatrist Dr. Mazen Abboud.................................22 Bella Med Spa..........................................................24 Ierna’s Heating & Air Conditioning.........................26 Excel Music..............................................................30 Infinite Edge Learning Center..................................34

Local Education & Sports Updates..........36-38 Goddard School Tries To Break World Record.........36 20 Day Enrollments Released For NT Schools.......37 Local Siblings Win Gold In TKD Tournament.........38

Neighborhood Magazine Recapping WC Chamber’s ‘Evening Of Elegance’...41 Karaoke Jam With ‘Little Jan’...................................42 Happy Customers At Happy Nails...........................44 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles’..........................................46 Our 2011 Reader Dining Survey & Contest.......47 Jalapeno Mexican Grill.............................................50

NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSIFIEDS..............54

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

News Briefs

Your Water Is Safe To Drink After Boil Alert Dismissed It is now safe for all New Tampa residents to drink and cook with their tap water without having to boil it first. On September 22, New Tampa residents, specifically those who are Tampa Water Department (TWD) customers living north of I-75, were put under a precautionary “boil water advisory” (photo) due to a construction incident involving a main water pipe. According to TWD, thousands of customers who live east of I-275, west of Morris Bridge Rd, north of Dona Michelle Dr. and south of County Line Rd, which is essentially all of New Tampa minus Tampa Palms, was affected by the boil alert, which was lifted in a little more than 24 hours. The boil alert went into effect after TWD workers, who were flushing a main water pipe at 1 p.m. near Dona Michelle Dr., shut off two of three main water valves, which should have left an additional water valve open. Typically, just one main water valve left open would still have enough pressure to supply water to local homes without any interruption. However, the TWD workers didn’t know that the third valve was previously closed from an unrelated construction project. The closing of all three main valves caused a cease in water pressure which lasted only a few minutes for the affected areas. However, according to TWD officials, a drop in water pressure like the one on September 22 can cause contaminants to seep into pipes which could allow disease-carrying pathogens into the water supply. “As a precaution, we issued the ‘boil water alert’ just after the incident,” said TWD spokesperson Elias Franco. “On Friday, afternoon (around 3 p.m.) the water was tested and the bacterium levels were safe.” Residents were notified about the boil alert from the Alert Tampa system,

a service provided by the City of Tampa which notifies residents by phone or email about threatening trends in their neighborhoods. In addition, five flashing road signs were placed along roadways in New Tampa. The flashing sign on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. just east of I-75 still had the warning posted until September 27, four days after the boil alert had been lifted, but officials say the alert actually was lifted one day after it was first issued. “There was a small bit of confusion for some customers,” said Franco about the road sign. Local homeowner associations sent out emails and the city’s website also informed the public when the water was deemed safe to drink after the bacteria tests came back negative.

Charges Upgrades To 2ndDegree Murder For Lin The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has upgraded its charges to second-degree murder against Chunping Lin, who is now being charged with killing his wife, Lisa Tian. Tian died after a May 25 domestic dispute at the couple’s home in Lake Forest. If convicted of all of the charges against him, Lin likely would spend the rest of his life in prison. It was previously reported in the Neighborhood News that the 45-yearold Lin beat his wife with his hands and pulled her hair while their 10-year-old son struggled to protect her. The 10year-old also was injured in the altercation, as was Tian’s other son, a 19-year-

old who was bitten by Lin during the fight. As Lin and her two sons tried to escape out of their home at 14912 Lake Forest Dr., HCSO reported that Lin was yelling that he would kill all three of them. Running for their lives, they tried to escape in Lin’s car; however, the 10-year-old was not able to get all the way inside the vehicle and his left foot was run over while they attempted to flee. Tian stopped the car to aide her son while the 19-year-old got out and was able to restrain Lin until deputies arrived to arrest him. After the incident, Tian was hospitalized and eventually released from St. Joseph’s Hospital, although she soon returned to the hospital complaining of severe head pains. She then underwent surgery, slipped into a coma and never regained consciousness. She died of her injuries on July 15. Lin’s charges were upgraded one month after her death. He also has been charged with battery, domestic violence and child abuse. Tian was the owner of the former Joy of Tokyo restaurant of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. The business had been closed since the attack, although a new restaurant, Jalapeno Mexican Grill (see page 50) recently opened in its place.

New Entrance Signs At Hunter’s Green For more than 20 years, the same column-style brick signs have welcomed guests and residents who drive into the lush neighborhoods and country club of the Hunter’s Green community, but this month, that look has been upgraded with three new signs, complete with new landscaping and LED lights to show off the fresh facelift. “Everyone seems to love it,” says Hunter’s Green Community Association, Inc., manager Ann Johnson. “I haven’t received a single email from someone saying they didn’t like the new signs.” The Hunter’s Green Board of Directors has been talking for two years about replacing the two massive, dated signs on both BBD and Cross Creek

Blvd. (across from Hunter’s Green Elementary). According to Johnson, however, this month was the perfect time to modernize the entryway to the 1,400acre community. The construction of the sign coincided with the continued widening of BBD from Palm Springs Blvd to Pebble Creek Dr., which has been slowing down traffic directly outside the community since early 2010. “We saved and budgeted for it,” said Johnson about the $130,000 the homeowners association set aside for the updates. “We spent it wisely.” Hunter’s Green has previously been voted the Top Master-Planned Community in the Southeast by the National Association of Home Builders, but the new signs boast a fresher, more modern look than the old brick pillars and gold lettering that were once in front of the community’s gatehouse on BBD. The new signs seem to blend in more with the canopy of shade trees that sit behind it. In the upcoming weeks, landscapers will plant oakleaf holly trees, along with some smaller shrubs, to further decorate the exterior with a natural feel. Dennis Carr of Elevation Architecture worked with Doug Bartley, the treasurer of the Hunter’s Green Community Association, to choose a design that would accurately represent the 17 villages in the community, which have traditionally valued a fondness for Florida’s wildlife, with preserves for protected woodstorks and gopher tortoises. Together, Carr and Bartley settled on the current signs, which were built in less than 40 days. Hunter’s Green resident Edwin Ilcken, the owner of Mak Homes, was the contractor for the project. He says the construction of the sign went smoothly.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“I’ve lived here for eight years, and built my own home in Heritage Oaks,” said Ilcken. “I like being involved with community projects.”

Cano Pleads Not Guilty The attorney for 17-year-old expelled former Freedom High student, Jared Michael Cano has pleaded “not guilty” for Cano’s alleged plans to kill Freedom students and staff members on the first day of school. If convicted, the teenager could face up to 35 years in prison. Due to the serious nature of his alleged crimes, the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office is charging Cano as an adult. On September 16, Cano’s lawyer submitted the written “not guilty” plea. The teenager was not present in court. Until recently, Cano was being held at a juvenile assessment center in Hillsborough County, but he is now being held without bail in Orient Rd. Jail. Reports of Cano’s plan had shaken some students and parents at Freedom, but after a hectic first day, principal John Farkas says the school is now long since back on track. Cano already had a considerable arrest record and a manifesto on how he planned to kill as many as 30 Freedom students and two assistant principals. The teen, who lived with his mother, Michelle Cano, at their Cypress Run at Tampa Palms apartment, has

been charged with possessing bombmaking materials, cultivating marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possessing marijuana and threatening to throw, project, place or discharge a destructive device. Cano was arrested August 16 after an anonymous tipster called the TPD call center and let them know about his plans, which, according to TPD Chief Jane Castor, included a minute-byminute plan to kill Freedom High students and staff. Cano’s goal was to surpass the number of fatalities at the massacre at Columbine High in Colorado in 1999, which killed 12 students and one teacher, Castor said. Police found fuel sources, shrapnel, plastic tubing, timing and fuse devices at the apartment where Cano lived. Cano was expelled last year for inappropriate behavior in an off-schoolgrounds incident. He previously was arrested for breaking into a friend’s home and stealing a handgun, walking around his apartment complex with a stun gun and stealing CDs out of cars. Since the incident, friends have described Cano as a kid “who did not know how to vent,” or as a troubled teen. Since his arrest, a string of Facebook support pages have popped up like: “Save Jared Cano,” “Support Jared Cano” and “Free Jared Cano,” which literally have hundreds of “Likes” each. — Sean Bowes

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Woman’s Death From Fumes Sparks Concern About Carbon Monoxide Detectors By Sean Bowes Following a two-week-long investigation led by Tampa Police Department (TPD) homicide detectives, the Hillsborough State Attorney’s office has ruled that no charges will be filed against Andrew Grywalski, 22, a New Tampa man who, police say, forgot to turn off the ignition in his car. As we reported last issue, the mistake left one of Grywalski’s neighbors, Rebecca Hawk, 23, dead from fumes that leaked into her apartment. TPD officials are calling the death a “terrible accident.” But, many hope that Hawk’s memory will live on through a new Florida law. Ms. Hawk’s friends and some strangers have come together to urge lawmakers to change the current regulations regarding the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all residences. A friend of Hawk’s, Heather Donaldson, is calling the movement “Hawk’s Law.” She says that if the changes aren’t made to the current regulations, more innocent people like Rebecca could be injured or die. “My ultimate goal is to require every apartment, condo, townhome and duplex with an attached garage to install a carbon monoxide detector,” Donaldson says.

Donaldson also has started a Facebook page to raise awareness about the movement. At our press time, the page had 90 followers. Currently, Florida law requires that only buildings that were constructed after July 1, 2008, must have carbon monoxide detectors installed within 10 feet of each bedroom. At this time, only 26 states have laws that require the use of carbon monoxide detectors in apartments or single-family homes. Donaldson wants to make Florida the 27th state to require the detectors in all residences with attached garages. She is asking supporters to write to their state representatives to get the legislature to pas a new law that could prevent future tragedies. Donaldson adds that Hawk, who had been working for only ten weeks at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), where she trained as to be a child protection investigator, lived her life to help others. “My goal is to prevent other people from suffering the pain we had to suffer in losing such a wonderful person,” Donaldson says. “Knowing that Rebecca wanted to impact people’s lives, I believe she would want us all to do this for her.” Carbon monoxide detectors cost as

little as $20 and can be bought at locally at hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. The detectors function by measuring the carbon monoxide levels in a closed environment and if dangerous levels of the gas accumulate in a room, an alarm alerts residents, giving those inside the residence adequate time to evacuate their home. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that carbon monoxide poisoning annually claims nearly 500 lives, and causes more than 15,000 visits to hospital emergency departments. AThe TPD report says that

Hawk’s roommate, Kashaunda Joyner, 20, and a 62-yearold neighbor, were taken to University Community Hospital and were treated If the late Rebecca after inhaling Hawk’s friends have the fumes. their way, carbon They were monoxide detectors will both released soon be mandatory in later that day. all residences in Florida.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

S.R. 54 Widening Expected To Be Completed By December! By Gary Nager It can’t be soon enough for Wesley Chapel residents who live or work near S.R./C.R. 54 from west of I-75 to just east of Curley Rd., but the good news from the Pasco County Project Management-Design department is that the widening of S.R./C.R. 54 is expected to be completed and open to the public by the first week in December. “Yes, we’re expecting to give everyone an early Christmas present by having that project done on or around December 7,” said John J. Chiarelli, P.E., from Pasco Project Management. At least 50 interested area residents and business people attended the fifth and final public information meeting on the S.R. 54 project, which was held at Atonement Lutheran Church on S.R. 54 on September 8. “Despite some recent bad weather, we are proud to say this project will be completed ahead of schedule.” Chiarelli, county engineering services director James Widman and Pasco’s construction engineering manager Robert Shepherd were all on hand at the meeting to not only announce the expected completion date, but also to thank contractor Pepper Contracting Services and design consultant Reynolds, Smith & Hills and take questions from the audience regarding this and other road projects in and around Wesley Chapel. “This is the only remaining active project we have in the Wesley Chapel area,” Chiarelli said, “although the Florida Department of Transportation is also widening I-75 in this area...We also are working on the design and right of way acquisition for the project known as the Zephyrhills Bypass,” which is a project that runs parallel to S.R. 54 that will provide another eastwest access to Handcart Rd. (Morris Bridge Rd.) north of S.R. 54. Widman said that the Bypass proj-

ect had to be put off because his department’s budget was slashed from about $110 million to $25 million per year because of the economy. “We were negotiating the final contract with the developer (of New River Township; the Bypass runs through the New River Development of Regional Impact) to have them do the project themselves,” Widman said. “That is a high-priority project for us.”

A Little Pat On The Back Among those on hand at the meeting was District 2 Pasco County commissioner Pat Mulieri, who took the opportunity to tout Wesley Chapel, which is located entirely within her district, as Pasco’s current and future economic engine — and to thank everyone who has worked on the S.R. 54 project. “When citizens and government work together, good things happen,” Mulieri told the crowd. “We listened (to your concerns about the project) and we responded to the public!” Mulieri noted that although the businesses along S.R. 54 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. have taken a beating during the construction, “This area, with the new hospital (Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel), PHCC (a planned campus of Pasco-Hernando Community College), The Grove, the Shops at Wiregrass, has such synergy that it will be the catalyst for great things.” Mulieri added that Pepper Contracting, which is finishing the project 60 to 100+ days ahead of schedule (there were $5 million in items added after the original contract was signed that could have extended the contract by another 45 days), “has done a great job.” One particularly happy resident added, “If they don’t already, Pepper should get ALL of these contracts from now on!” Although most residents in attendance were happy to hear that the project was going to b completed sooner

than later, there’s no doubt the construction has created some concerns. Several residents expressed concerns about flooding along the length of the project, particularly around the Publix/Hollybrook Plaza entrance just east of BBD on 54, and around Wesley Chapel Loop. Shepherd and Widman agreed that most of the flooding was caused by the construction itself and said the completion of the project would allow the area to drain more normally. They added that the county and Pepper would be able to correct the problem after the project was completed, if it was still warranted. Other concerns expressed were about the timing of the traffic signals on 54, particularly around I-75, but Shepherd promised that when completed, all of the signals the length of this project will be “synched up” by a video camera system. The S.R. 54 project cost more than $60 million, but the right of way purchases along the length of this route cost $75 million. Mulieri also mentioned that the Wesley Chapel area will soon have buses picking up at The Grove and hooking up with HARTLine to take residents into and from Tampa. “It will start in January,” she said.

John J. Chiarelli, P.E., from Pasco County’s Project Management department, said that the S.R. 54 widening should be finished by the first week in December.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“BBD Widening” Continued from page 1 there, we could see that the concrete cylinder pipe needed replacing. And, we ran into another setback with the dimensions of the fittings. You really don't know what you are going to find until you dig it up.” The other hurdle that the contractors ran into were the sewer lines near Commerce Palms Dr. in Tampa Palms and in Highwood Preserve. “Basically, the sewer mains were tested and we couldn’t guarantee that they could all be 100-percent closed from their pump stations,” Passmore says. “So, we had to install line-stops, which were not in the contract, at three or four different locations, to make sure we could close the mains.” Passmore says these unplanned utility problems are the reasons for submitting the change order two weeks ago, which will be reviewed and decided on by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners next month. At this time, the county hasn’t yet granted an extension for the contractor, and they will continue to shoot for the January 2013 deadline. Public Works department spokesperson Steve Valdez says that requests such as these are typical in lengthy projects like the BBD widening. Although county officials admit

that the road doesn’t look too different on a day-to-day basis, Valdez is confident that the project has made some real progress, and that Phase I is roughly 40 percent completed. While Segments B and C are actually located in the middle of the four segments of the project, Hillsborough County spokesperson Steve Valdez says that the reason for starting construction there was because it is the most highly traveled section of BBD. “It was planned from the beginning to start widening that section first,” Valdez says. ” Palm Springs Blvd. to Pebble Creek Dr. is the most traveled section of BBD.” According to a traffic projection from the county’s Public Works Department, the traffic count on that central section of BBD is around 60,000 cars per day. A future projection by the department estimates that 70,000 cars could be traveling on that section of BBD by 2025. The majority of the heavy work is being done during the late night hours and early morning hours, to minimize the disruption of traffic as little as possible, said Valdez. The next phase of construction, the widening of BBD from Bearss Ave. to Palm Springs Blvd., a three-year project, and will begin at the end of this year. Some of the prep work for Segment A already is under way.

Business Effects Beyond BBD The county has made blue signs available to businesses who request them, free of cost, to notify drivers about the shops and restaurants, which have been greatly affected by the construction. Even so, many local business owners are hoping that construction delays will not prolong their agony. For example, Sunita Chedra, the owner of Saffron Indian Cuisine on Cross Creek Blvd., says that even though she is located two miles east of BBD on Cross Creek Blvd., her lunch business, in particular, has been decimated by the BBD construction. “Many of our regular lunch customers in Tampa Palms and Wesley

Chapel have told us they can’t get to us for lunch anymore because it takes 20 minutes or more just to get from their homes or offices to the intersection of Bruce B. Downs and Cross Creek,” she says. “Our dinner business has been affected, too, but lunch became so bad we’ve had to start closing for lunch.” And, businesses located on BBD itself also are hoping to see an end to the construction. One business owner who asked not to be identified lamented that, “The hardest thing is looking out there every day and seeing those cars stuck in line. I wouldn’t want to have to turn off the road either, because it takes so long to get back in that line of cars and get home!”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Community Calendar

Ladies ‘Foodie’ Club Of New Tampa/Wesley Chapel

A new club for women in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas who enjoy socializing, trying out new restaurants and cooking ideas, sharing recipes and other food-related activities is now forming. For more information, send an email to Eileen.jones@yahoo.com.

MOMS Club Of New Tampa The MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) club of New Tampa, which offers a variety of activities for stay-at-home mothers, is looking for new members. The club boundaries include all of the New Tampa area, except for Tampa Palms, Grand Hampton and Live Oak. For info, call 991-0406 or visit MomsClubNewTampa.webs.com.

Saturday Night Lights Saturday, October 8, 7 p.m.- 11 p.m - Come watch the football games in style. The New Tampa YMCA is hosting a tailgating fund raiser where guests will enjoy dinner, cocktails and televised entertainment and an auction that should not be missed. Tickets should be purchased in advance; the cost is $50 per person.

Visit YMCASaturdayNightLights.com for more information.

Griefshare Recovery Support Group Tuesday October 11, 6:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. This group meets every Tuesday for those grieving the death of someone close. Meet others who understand the pain of loss. The program is conducted at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, 2902 W. Fletcher Ave., Room 307. For more info, call 963-1254, or Email A.King4104@verizon.net.

Business Networking Int'l

Wednesday, October 12, 7:30 a.m.- BNI, a group of business professionals dedicated to helping their respective businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday morning at the Heritage Isles Country Club clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr.). For more information, call Jal Irani at 451-8229.

New Tampa Noon Rotary Wednesday, October 12, noon The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wednesday for lunch at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr., inside the gates of

Two Great Local Events To Attend October 15-16! The Tampa Palms Women’s Club will host its 21st annual “Arts & Crafts Under The Palms” show and sale for the first time at the Market Square in Tampa Palms shopping plaza, which is anchored by BJ’s Wholesale Club, near the intersection of I-75 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd., on Saturday-Sunday, October 1516, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. This exciting event, which has previously been held at City Plaza at Tampa Palms, will feature artists and crafters from all over Florida displaying and selling their original works of pottery, jewelry, flowers, wood carvings and many other unique items. The same weekend, the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) will host its annual “Fall Festival” at The Grove shopping plaza, located off the S.R. 54 exit of I-75 and Oakley Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. The weekend will feature great arts & crafts for sale, plus a Ronnie Setser Custom Car Show, the annual Wesley Chapel “Battle of the Wings” contest and live entertainment by The Time Bandits, blues guitarist Ed Wright, Catch of the Day, the Jake Mackey Band, Bryan Edwards, the Harold Jones Band and Nunes at Night. There also will be a Beer Garden, Lil Mr. & Miss Pumpkin Patch Contest, Pumpkin Patch & Hay Rides, and lots of children’s activities, including bounce houses and inflatable games, face painting, interactive crafts, human “Hamster Ball” and much more! As sponsors of both events, we recommend visiting both! — GN the Hunter’s Green subdivision).

Tampa Toastmasters Wednesday, October 12, 7 p.m. Great speeches & great topics. Come and hone your public speaking skills. Tampa Toastmasters meets every Wednesday evening at Pebble Creek Golf Club, located at 10550 Regents Park Dr., off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. New guests are always welcome. For addiional information, call 428-6356.

Christian Business Connections Networking Thursday, October 13, 8 p.m. Come together with like-minded professionals at the Christian Business Connections (CBC) Networking group. The CBC Networking group meets every Thursday at Heritage Church at 1854 Oak Grove Blvd., off S.R. 54 in Lutz, behind Organic Life Coffeehouse & Bakery. Call 300-7511 for more info.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Lexington Oaks Women’s Club Seeking Vendors

will also perform a flag ceremony. Call 263-8748 for more info.

Saturday, October 15, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. — The Lexington Oaks Women’s Club is seeking vendors and sellers to participate in the club’s annual fundraising event, in conjunction with the community’s yard sale, at 26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54, in Wesley Chapel. Exhibitor booth spaces are available for $15. For applications and information, call Sharon at 967-5677.

Beer, Brats & Bets

Free Medicare Workshop

Exotic Car Show

Saturday, October 15, 10:30 a.m.- This free workshop is open to the community, and will focus on what you need to know about enrollment and the recent changes to Medicare benefits. SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), an award-winning, volunteer- based program, will be presenting the “Medicare 101”at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church at 19911 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. For more info, call 740-3888.

Ribbon Cutting Wednesday, October 19, 5:30 p.m. - “Lets Plan A Party” will celebrate its ribbon cutting at Grand Oaks Massage in Wesley Chapel, 26821 Agile Ct. The event will have music, food, balloons and face painting, and maybe some free massages. Local cub scouts

Friday, October 21, 7-10 p.m. The Rotary Club of New Tampa presents a night of great German food along with great beer and a a complimentary martini bar, as well as poker and blackjack tables, which they have during each of their “Casino Nights.” Tickets for the fund raiser cost $50. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 375-2663. Saturday, October 22, 5 - 9 p.m. Come see some of the coolest cars on the street and the track while enjoying $1 Pacifico and Modelo beers on draft, as well as food samples from the girls at Ciccio’s Lodge. The event will be located outside Ciccio’s Lodge at 16023 Tampa Palms Blvd., in the Publixanchored City Plaza shopping center. For more information about the event, or to register your car, call 380-4014.

Center at Florida Hospitals Zephrihills.The event will take place on the streets surrounding the hospital. For addiional information, call 783-6144

Miss New Tampa Pageant Sunday, October 23, - The 3rd Annual "Miss New Tampa Pageant" will be held at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club. Age categories range from infants to young adults. There will be a special "Pretty in Pink" competition. Profit from admission fees will be donated to support the fight against breast cancer. For more info, call 714-6513 or visit MissNewTampaPageant.com.

If your New Tampa or Wesley Chapel community-based organization or business has an upcoming event you’d like to promote in our Community Calendar, send your information and any pics to NTNNedit@yahoo.com, Attn: Community Calendar. Calendar announcements are always free of charge!

Sister Stroll & 5k Run Sunday, October 23, 5:30- a.m. 2 p.m. — Swing into the 5th annual Sister Stroll and 5k run. Awards given for place finishers. Cost is $25 for the run, and free for the Sister Stroll. All proceeds support the Breast Health

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa Juniors Kick Off ‘Books For Troops’ Collections “Books for Troops,” a new project by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs’ (GFWC) New Tampa Woman’s Junior Club (NTWJC) and Juniorettes will be officially starting in October and the club has three new business partners to assist with the collection. “Arleen Andrews at Bangs and Blondes in Wesley Chapel and Anita Long at Business Ink Printing in Temple Terrace are our first two partners,” said project chairman Patricia Murphy. “Our partners will accept donations of paperback books at their locations throughout the month of October.” Recently NTWJC member Diane Levine of New Tampa Well~Spa also joined the event and will be collecting books at the business, located at 26827 Foggy Creek Rd. in the Summergate Professional Park behind Sam’s Club (off S.R. 56). The book drive is collecting all

types of paperback books, although they cannot accept books about religion, the apocalypse or any type of pornographic materials. “We are accepting ‘chick lit,’ action-adventure, suspense, mystery, comedy and comic books. Basically, any books that the Troops can read during their down time,”said Murphy. “I am so excited to have our first business partners in place.” The Juniors and Juniorettes also have been getting help from other GFWC clubs in District 8, which encompasses Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties. “Initially this project was about collecting a few books from our members as a form of recycling, and to send the books to our troops,” said Murphy. “However, in the past few weeks, it has blossomed into a county-wide event with the help of our GFWC sisters in

District 8.” You might remember Murphy as the chairperson for the “Load ‘em Up” event last year which benefited Casper’s Cupboard, the food bank at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. That project started with the idea to collect a few bags of pet food from the NTJWC members, but it turned into a huge, day-long event which collected 1,400 pounds of food for the animals at the Humane Society. Murphy hopes that the Books for Troops event will carry the same momentum. “ I thought this would be a perfect project that would encompass my belief in recycling while doing some good for those that fight everyday to protect us,” says Murphy. “ Fortunately, I have a lot of friends who feel the same way and are happy to weed out the paperbacks from their libraries to support our troops.” For those who want to do a little bit more than just donate an armful of books, the Juniors are encouraging people in the community to collect paperbacks from their friends and neighbors and then drop them off at one of the business partners or call or email Murphy for donation of 100 books or more. The NTJWC also is

Arleen Andrews & Ginny Fleming of Bangs & Blondes in Wesley Chapel are helping with the “Books for Trrops” drive. seeking cash donations to help pay for the postage to mail the books. The NTJWC Juniors and Juniorettes will be collecting paperback books at events like the “Trash to Treasure” yard sale in the Hunter’s Green community, where the girls gathered donations on October 1. If you would like to volunteer or make a cash donation for postage, email Patricia Murphy at Murphy.Patricia@verizon.net. - Submitted to the Neighborhood News.

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Wesley Chapel’s First Synagogue Opens In Time For High Holy Days By Sean Bowes After years of meeting in hotel conference rooms, and composing services in the living rooms of each other’s homes, the Jewish community in Wesley Chapel (and northern New Tampa) now has a synagogue to call its own, one that opened just in time for the Jewish High Holy Days. The Chabad Jewish Centre at Wiregrass opened its doors to the public on September 11, when the community came out to see the ribbon cutting for the newly opened synagogue and to join Rabbi Mendi Yarmush for a service in the new sanctuary. Rabbi Yarmush says that choosing 9/11 as the first day for services was not an accident; Chabad at Wiregrass’ leadership chose the date to unite the community as a stand against terrorism. “September 11 is a day about uniting and coming together and showing strength,” says Rabbi Yarmush. “It’s about doing more to rebuild.” The first day at the new Chabad sanctuary was a great success. According to Yarmush, the attendance at the ceremony was about 130 people, a healthy increase from the 35 people Yarmush hosted for services at his home

in 2008. After the ribbon cutting, the Rabbi and his congregants celebrated the opening of the synagogue by serving wine, cheese and decadent chocolate desserts. “We wanted to keep it sweet for such a sweet occasion,” said Yarmush. The Chabad at Wiregrass recently acquired the brand-new, 2,750-sq-ft office building at 2124 Ashley Oaks Cir. in the Seven Oaks Professional Park (which is conveniently located off of S.R. 56). Chabad at Wiregrass (formerly Chabad at County Line) is the first synagogue to open in eastern Pasco County; Rabbi Yarmush says that he chose the location because of its easy accessibility to not only Wesley Chapel and New Tampa but to Land O’ Lakes as well. He says anyone with an interest in Judaism is welcome to the services, regardless of background, affiliation (Orthodox, Conservative, Reformed, etc.) or financial means. Rabbi Yarmush says that the demographic of the congregation is very diverse, with young and old members, as well as single men and women and families. Chabad at Wiregrass will hold its regular services on the first Friday of

every month, in addition to the services and dinners that will be celebrated in accordance with holidays Services already were held for the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) Sep. 29-30 and there also are servic- Rabbi Mendi Yarmush welcomes visitors to the Chabad es for the Day of AtoneJewish Centre at Wiregrass. ment (Yom Kippur), Some of the congregation’s memwhich begins Friday night, October 7, bers have been around since the beginand ends on Saturday evening, Octoning. Mandi Mendel, a Wesley Chapel ber 8. resident who has been attending servicAccording to JewishDataBank.org, es at Chabad the last two years, says she the Jewish population in Pasco County is pleased to be a part of the synagogue increased from 6,500 persons in 2,800 and looks forward to watching it grow households in 1994 to 10,100 persons with the local Jewish community. in 4,350 households in 2010, an “Chabad at Wiregrass has such a increase of 55-percent, although we do tight-knit community and it’s grownot have reliable data for the number of ing,” says. Mendel, “And now, we’re a Jewish families or residents living within part of that growth. This place (the Wesley Chapel or New Tampa. synagogue) will be the place where we The good news in these tough will come and gather; where we will economic times is that while there are come when times are bad and where many synagogues that charge annual we will come to celebrate.” fees, Chabad programs are historically For more information about open to the public at no cost and Chabad at Wiregrass, call 642-3244 Chabad at Wiregrass is no exception. or visit ChabadAtWiregrass.com. “Everyone is welcome,” says Rabbi The new synagogue is located at Yarmush. “Anyone can attend, and we 2124 Ashley Oaks Cir., off S.R. 56 celebrate in happy and fun way.” and Ancient Oaks Dr.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

20111-12 NTCC Board of Directors President-Rachel Haviland

Board Members:

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

Said Iravani Lesley Zajac Connie Bladon Regina Ramalheira

Website: NewTampaChamber.Org

Earl Meyer Lee Hoffman Joyce Gunter Chuck Ward

Executive Director: Karen Frashier

The Chamber’s 1st Annual Business Forum A Resounding Success! The Chamber’s first annual New Tampa Business Forum on September 29 at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club was a big hit with those who attended. The Forum featured a highly informative and entertaining “Personal Branding in a Connected World” workshop presented by Bernie Borges (CEO of Find and Convert and author of Marketing 2.0) and a candid keynote address by John Harding, regional President/CEO of Adventist Health System/University Community Health about the state of health care in the U.S. The Chamber’s annual member Business Expo, cocktail hour, awards ceremony and installation of new officers completed the evening. Roughly 40 Chamber members were on hand to promote their businesses to members and guests during a lively evening of networking in the Grand Ballroom at Tampa Palms Country Club.

Awards & Appreciation The New Tampa Little League Major (ages 11-12) All-Stars made a guest appearance at the Chamber Business Expo to receive congratulations on the first NTLL team to win the State championship. The All-stars were presented with a banner celebrating their success to display at their future games!

Other awards given out at the event included: The 2011 Frank Margarella Award, which was presented to Gunter & Gunter Insurance owners Joyce and Gary Gunter for their outstanding and long-standing service to the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the New Tampa community. The 2011 Outstanding Member Award was presented to Matt Palmer for his long-standing service to the New Tampa Chamber and its predecessor, the New Tampa Community Council. After serving for 15 years on the board, Matt has stepped down from the Chamber’s Board of Directors to be President of the New Tampa (Breakfast) Rotary Club. The Chamber honored Matt for his dedication to the New Tampa community and the local organizations. The 2011 Special Appreciation Award was presented to Karen Frashier for her outstanding service as Executive Director of the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce for the past two years. Karen has accepted a position with Mental Health Care Inc. Foundation and will be missed by both the Board and Chamber members. We wish Karen all the best in her future endeavors.

The Chamber also would like to thank the St. Petersburg Times and Gunter & Gunter Insurance for sponsoring the Business Forum & Expo.

Please Welcome Your New Chamber Board Of Directors! As we begin a new fiscal year for the Chamber, we are pleased to welcome two new Board members: Chuck Ward of Florida Mobile Fusion & Joyce Gunter, Gunter & Gunter Insurance. Our returning Chamber directors: Rachel Haviland, The Social Networker; New Tampa residents Said Iravani & Lesley Zajac; Connie Bladon, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Foundation; Regina Ramalheira, RE/MAX Real Estate Power Team; Lee Hoffman, AFLAC; and Earl Meyer, of MeyerTeam Business Coaching

New Tampa Chamber To Host Dave Andreychuk!

With his image forever etched into the minds of Tampa Bay Lightning fans as Captain of the 2004 Stanley Cup Champions, New Tampa resident Dave Andreychuk, the Vice President of Fans and Business Development , is beginning his sixth season with the Bolts in an administrative role. Andreychuk rep-

resents the hockey club in the areas of marketing and community and alumni relations. The Chamber is “all in” to hear what Dave has to say about the team’s opportunities for this season. Does having major league sports in Tampa improve economic development? Join us to find out on Monday, October 10, Noon-1 p.m., at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr., off Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). You can register online for this event at NewTampaChamber.org for $20, including lunch.

Chamber Welcomes New & Renewing Members As the New Tampa Chamber continues to grow, we would like to welcome the following new members: Geiger/Iwerks for You, USF Health, Tijuana Flats Burrito Co. and Mary Jane Reina, Mary Kay Consultant. We also thank our renewing members for their continued support: Springhill Suites by Marriott, Metabolic Research Center - Brandon, Dunndeal Publications, Zion Travel Foundation, Oglethorpe Inc., Said Iravani (New Tampa Resident), American Cancer Society, New Tampa Hospitality Group and Crown Trophies.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The 2011 New Tampa Chamber Business Expo & Forum! If you missed the 2011 New Tampa Chamber of Commerce Business Forum, Annual Meeting & Expo, which was held in the ballroom at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPGCC) on September 29, you missed a truly great event. There was an awesome seminar on social media marketing presented by Bernie Borges (CEO of Find and Convert and author of Marketing 2.0), a great keynote address about the future of health care in the U.S. by John Harding of the under-construction Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, as well as the usual free Business Expo, awards ceremony and the election and introduction of the Chamber’s Board of

Directors for 2011-12. The Chamber even took the time to honor the New Tampa Little League Majors (Ages 11-12) AllStars, who won the local Little League program’s first-ever State title. TPGCC even provided great hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Like I said, it was awesome! For Chamber membership and other info, see the previous page or visit NewTampaChamber.org! —GN

(Clockwise from top left): Florida Hospital’s John Harding delivers the keynote address. (L. to r.) Outgoing Executive Director Karen Frashier receives her award from Rachel Haviland & Said Iravani. MidFlorida Bank & Starlight Medical Group were among 40 exhibitors at the Expo. The New Tampa Little League All-Stars receive accolades.

Current New Tampa Chamber president Rachel Haviland (far left) introduces the 2011-12 Board of Directors.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Local Podiatrist Wants To Step Up Your Foot Care! By Camille Gillies One of the things you don’t need to worry about if you’re a New Tampa or Wesley Chapel resident is trying to find a great podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon or pain management specialist nearby. The Medical Group of Tampa Bay, part of the Florida Hospital Zephyrhills Orthopaedic and Spine Institute, has an office staffed with experts in these fields which is conveniently located in the Summergate Professional Center, directly behind Sam’s Club off S.R. 56. Among the physicians currently seeing patients at this location is Mazen A. Abboud, DPM. Dr. Abboud, a Board-certified podiatrist, specializes in a broad spectrum of foot care for children and adults, from minor treatments for warts and ingrown toenails to major surgeries that save feet and amputations that save lives. As a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Dr. Abboud is a medical doctor who received extensive education and training focused on the lower extremities of the body. “I spent the second half of medical school learning about the lower half of the human anatomy,” he says. “I like podiatry because there are so many aspects of it. It gives me the opportuni-

ty to do something different each day.” For example, his busy schedule involves treating patients in Wesley Chapel on Mondays and in Zephyrhills on Tuesdays and Thursdays, performing elective surgeries on Wednesdays and treating wounds on Fridays. His patients have sports injuries, foot and ankle fractures, complications from diabetes, neuropathies, wounds and club foot deformities, in addition to common problems such as bunions and hammer toes. The excitement he finds in this field is what he found lacking in dentistry. “I started out at NYU (New York University) College of Dentistry and after a year-and-a-half, I decided I couldn’t spend my life working on teeth every day.” His brothers, both podiatrists, advised him to join their profession, which led him to attend the School of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. There, he earned his DPM degree and completed his podiatric surgical residency at Tenet Roxborough Memorial Hospital. Dr. Abboud received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, a city where he says he probably would be living today if his wife hadn’t been drawn to Florida. “My wife Joanne had relatives liv-

ing in Clearwater and Dunedin and wanted to move to Florida,” he explains. “That’s why I decided to start my practice here.” He began practicing medicine in South Tampa in 2006 but quickly identified a need for podiatric physicians in Zephyrhills, where he eventually anchored his practice. Dr. Abboud currently has hospital privileges at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and Pasco Regional Medical Center in Dade City, but also performs surgery at the New Tampa Surgery Center in Wesley Chapel. When the new Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel opens, he will be affiliated with that facility as well. Dr. Abboud lives in New Tampa’s Pebble Creek community with his wife and four children, ages 2 to 9. He says one of his biggest admonitions to his own kids regarding their feet involves wearing shoes. “I am always telling them not to walk around barefooted,” he comments. “That is one of the best things you can do to protect your feet.” He also emphasizes the need for pedal hygiene, explaining that if your feet perspire excessively, it’s important to put powder on them to prevent fungal infections. It’s also key to trim your nails routinely and keep your feet clean. If that sounds like common sense, it is,

Dr. Mazen Abboud, DPM but that doesn’t mean people practice good habits. Take, for instance, folks who mow their lawns or do other yard work while wearing flip flops. He says he often sees injuries that result from people simply using poor judgment. Another tip from Dr. Abboud for which your feet will thank you: Invest in high-quality shoes. Feet need support. After all, with every step, they carry the weight of your whole body. He finds that many shoes on the market for children and adults offer little or no support and often aren’t made of breathable material, another component to look for when shoe shopping. “Poor gait is one of the biggest problems we see,“ Dr. Abboud says. “Wearing better quality shoes will provide support and improve your gait.” Diabetes patients frequently require the care of a podiatrist, and Dr. Abboud sees quite a few patients with the disease. He advises patients with

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

diabetes to control their sugar; inspect their feet daily and practice good pedal hygiene; wear white socks to easily spot blood; wear shoes when outside; and never wear flip flops. Sports injuries are another specialty of Dr. Abboud’s practice and he often treats tendon tears and stress fractures. He advises runners to replace their shoes regularly — choosing athletic shoes manufactured by companies such as New Balance or Nike (there is at least one major brand he does NOT recommend, however; call to find out which one) — and he advocates stretching exercises before any sportsrelated activity. If you find yourself experiencing

foot or ankle pain that persists for a period of 10 days to two weeks, Dr. Abboud recommends making an appointment to get the problem checked out. Assuming the pain will go away and continuing to put pressure on the foot will exacerbate the problem and may lead to chronic pain. It’s possible your condition may only require stretching exercises, orthotics or a new pair of shoes. To make an appointment or learn more about Florida Hospital Zephyrhills Orthopaedic and Spine Institute, call 782-1200 or visit MgTB.com. The Medical Group of Tampa Bay is located at 27416 Cashford Cir.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

From Weight Loss To Skin Care, Look Your Best At Bella MedSpa! By Gary Nager When I was in my 30s and 40s, the only “cosmetic procedure” I would even consider having was a laser removal of a strawberry birthmark on my left cheek. But now, in my early 50s, I have to admit that there are a lot of procedures available at the new Bella MedSpa, located next to Nutrition S’Mart on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (just south of S.R. 56 and the Shops at Wiregrass mall), that I would be happy to check out (and many more services that I probably wouldn’t). After all, even though people tell me I look younger than my age a lot, who wouldn’t want to have better skin, a flatter stomach, no love handles, more energy, or simply look and feel more like (or even better than) they did in their 20s and 30s? I first visited the new Bella MedSpa during its recent Grand Opening and Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at the new location (the original Bella location,which opened in 2005, was in the Summergate Professional Park behind Sam's Club), hosted by Bella owners Yvette Suarez, M.D., and her husband and CEO David Singletary. It may have been the first time I

met Dr. Suarez and David, but I had a feeling it wouldn’t be the last time we’d chat. After all, the new Bella MedSpa is an immaculate, truly upscale, state-of-the art medical facility where you can “Achieve the essence of youth.” It is a onestop shop that lives up to its claim of being “the most comprehensive MedSpa in the Tampa Bay area,” offering the following services for men and women: MedSpa Services — Botox® Cosmetic / Dysport™, Juvederm® Injectable Filler, Restylane and Per(Left) The lobby at the beautiful, new Bella MedSpa location on Bruce B. Downs lane, Radiesse Filler® Injectable Blvd., just south of S.R. 56, is elegant and inviting. (Right) Bella MedSpa owner and Filler, Microdermabrasion, Chemimedical director Yvette Suarez, M.D. cal Peels, Laser Hair Removal, cian who completed medical school in Dr. Suarez has built a successful PhotoRejuvenation (IPL)/Sun Spot 2000 at the University of Medicine and practice because each patient is treated Removal, Spider Vein Removal, Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark. She with their own individualized plan. Smooth Shapes Cellulite Therapy and then completed a Residential program While some patients are looking for Liquid Face Lifts. at the Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlan- ways to remove sun damage and wrinAlso available at Bella MedSpa are do Florida. Since her completion of res- kles and others seek ways to improve Vaser® Liposuction and Lipotherme® idency; she worked for seven years as a cellulite and decrease body fat, Dr. Laser Liposuction, fully supervised Pediatric Emergency Physician in Suarez and Bella medSpa can create medical weight loss programs and Tampa and for four years as an Urgent packages and programs to help you bioidentical hormone replacement therCare Physician and for six years as a look and feel your best. apy for men and women. The spa also Cosmetic Physician. Her passion has led Bella MedSpa offers complimentauses medical-grade skin care products her to pursue further specialties in Lipo ry consultations with Dr. Suarez so that like Obagi and Skin Medica. Body Sculpting, Hormone Replaceyou have the opportunity to discuss Medical Director & Owner ment Therapy, Laser Specialist and Vein your concerns and the ability for the Dr. Yvette Suarez Therapy. Dr. Suarez also is fluent in two of you to plan a course of action Dr. Suarez is an experienced physiboth Spanish and Portuguese. on how to obtain “The New You.”

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There are many physicians in the Tampa Bay Area who offer non-surgical and surgical services but it is up to you to find the physician with whom you are comfortable. Dr Suarez always strives for natural looking results. Her skills and talent have led her to be the Regional Instructor for Restylane®, Perlane, and Dysport™. She will work with her patients to determine realistic expectations and the great results that are possible with Liposculpting. Dr. Suarez uses the revolutionary ultrasound or laser for lipo which includes Vaser® and Lipotherme®. With her vast experience and the results her patients obtain, Dr. Suarez has become the Regional Instructor to teach other physicians the skills for Lipo Body Sculpting.

So, What’s On The Menu? Despite my personal struggles with my weight, I still don’t believe I would ever consider liposuction or surgery. Now that I’m in my 50s, however, I told David and Dr. Suarez that I might consider a solid medical weight loss program in order to finally lose the last — and most difficult — 10-15 pounds I need to lose in order to look and feel my best. I already have high blood pressure and borderline high cholesterol and I know that losing more weight can help with those issues. David says, “We take weight loss

one step further with personalized service and weight loss programs supervised by Dr. Suarez and our licensed nutritionalists.” Even though I’ve never had an energy problem, I did also discuss the possibility of trying bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to replace the testosterone most men lose as they age, in order to be able to better sculpt my body. Dr. Suarez assured me that no matter how good I think I feel now, my energy will skyrocket and my workouts will produce even better results if I try the hormone therapy, which works just as well for women, too. I even talked about the possibility of trying Botox® to reduce the deep lines in my forehead, which David noted as the only feature I have right now that truly makes me look my age. “I’ve had lipo, different fillers and hormone therapy,” admits David, who is in his early 40s. “Most people who try these services only wish they had tried us sooner!” Bella MedSpa is located at 1821 BBD Blvd. and is open Monday-Fri day, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. For free consultations and more information, call 929-1500 or visit BellaTampa.com.

Bella MedSpa has beautiful, immaculate treatment rooms (left), but it is still first and foremost a medical facility, so a safe, clean, sterile environment is of the utmost importance to Dr. Suarez and her staff.

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Stay Cool With a Great Neighbor, Ierna’s Heating And Cooling By Camille Gillies If you had to rank the top 10 greatest inventions of the 20th century, would air conditioning be on your list? In Florida, we love our AC and if your cooling system has ever shut down in the middle of a sweltering summer heat wave, you realize just how much you depend on it. Opening the windows to 90-degree temperatures, 100percent humidity and buzzing insects would mean sweaty, sleepless nights for most of us. Enter the team of experts at Ierna’s Heating and Cooling, a familyrun business that has been keeping homeowners and businesses in our area comfortable for more than eight years. Opened by Ron and Charlene Ierna, the hometown company they started in a spare bedroom of their Lutz home in 2003 now has 35 full-time employees based out of their office on 19121 U.S. Hwy. 41 (between Sunset Rd. and S.R. 54) in Lutz, and soon will move to a new, larger location across U.S. 41 next to the Old Lutz Schoolhouse, in a remodeled building that formerly housed the Lutz Bank. For such a relatively short existence, Ierna’s has racked up an impressive trophy collection. In the past five years Ierna’s Heating and Cooling has been named Central Pasco Chamber Business of the Year, the Wesley Chapel Chamber’s Small Business of the Year, Best Air Conditioning Company in Lutz by the U.S. Local Business Association and the Florida Bryant Air Conditioning Dealer of the Year. Much of this success is attributable to the vision and fortitude of Ron and Charlene. In fact, Charlene, who serves as the company’s vice president, two years ago was recognized as a finalist in the entrepreneur category of the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Businesswoman of the Year honors. Her winning, common-sense business philoso-

phy revolves around keeping the company’s customers, employees and the community happy. With more than 18,000 residential and commercial customers in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties, Ierna’s approach to service and repair is a no-pressure attitude. “When a diagnosis is reached, we will give you your options and a flat rate cost of the repairs,” says Ron, the company’s president. “If your system is old, inefficient and/or in disrepair, we will educate (you) about the current high-efficiency technology that is available and offer a competitive bid for replacing the system, as well as the cost to repair it, if repair is possible.” Ron feels that educating customers and providing options for them to make their own decisions are the keys to customer retention. “Whether they make a decision that day or five years down the road, we will be ready to take their call and race out to their homes when they need us,” he says. In addition to repairing and maintaining existing heating and cooling systems, the company also sells and installs new systems and offers air purification systems and duct services. All services are performed by crews of experienced technicians whose dedication and professionalism are valued by the Iernas and their customers alike. Local resident Christine Garmeson Wisser recounts that her former airconditioning contractor told her she needed a new $6,800 unit without ever inspecting her current system. Posting her comments online, she writes, “Luis Santiago from Ierna’s came to give a (free) second opinion, changed a capacitor, and I have AC again! I now have a service contract with Ierna for the next three years. Great job!” Homeowner Leigh Grundy feels confident enough in the company’s technicians to offer them access to her home in her absence.

Charlene & Ron Ierna (3rd and 4th from left), the owners of Ierna’s Heating & Cooling, with their director of marketing & public relations Loran Tripp and her boyfriend, Janson Smith, at the recent Wesley Chapel Chamber Awards Banquet. “I have literally opened my house up for Ierna’s techs to come out when our AC was not working and I could not be at the house,” she writes. “They respond quickly and are honest! I have recommended Ierna’s to all of my family members in the area.” Several customers have gone out of their way to mention technicians by name. Bridget Verrecchia expressed relief over getting a long-standing cooling problem resolved at her home, stating, “I sincerely thank you for fixing

our AC problem and for providing friendly, trustworthy technicians. Victor, Don and James all should be recognized for their great service and professionalism!” Charlene prizes the hard work and the “do whatever it takes“ attitude of her employees to provide Ierna’s customers with the highest quality service and products. “I personally make it mandatory that every employee understands the importance and appreciates the value of

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

cultivating each and every customer,” she says. “From a personal follow-up call to sending out thank-you notes to committing ourselves to a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee policy, the goal is to foster relationships with our customers that will last for years to come.”

A Proud History Of Community Service The company’s commitment to the community doesn’t end there. Just ask the plethora of schools, civic groups and nonprofit organizations that have benefited from the Iernas’ benevolence. From donating $15,000 to sponsor the Florida Aquarium’s Penguin Promenade to outfitting the Land O’Lakes Recreation Center with a new $5,000 utility vehicle to sponsoring fund-raising events for the Oasis Crisis Pregnancy Center to backing golf tournaments to supporting the troops, the list of Ierna’s philanthropic activities goes on and on. Whether it’s little league or varsity sports teams, the Wesley Chapel Chamber, Lowry Park Zoo or Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Charlene and Ron are committed to the community in which they were raised. They still live in Lutz, where they are raising their three young children, but their support for all of the communities they

serve is evident in everything they do. “This business has been successful because of the sheer determination of two people who truly believe that to be successful you must build a trusting relationship with your customers as well as your community,” Charlene explains. And, they share that commitment with their happy employees. The Iernas believe in rewarding their employees and have done so in the past by taking their staff on all-expenses-paid company cruises. Employee appreciation trips have included jaunts to the Bahamas and Mexico. For a couple who eight years ago began their pursuit of the American dream with only a home office the size of a closet, a few credit cards and a tenacious spirit, the Ron and Charlene Ierna are reaping the fruits of their labors, continuing to expand their business and embrace the community despite difficult economic times. But, Charlene is quick to point out the true foundation of their success, insisting, “In the air-conditioning world, success is not about the products we offer and it’s not about my company. It’s clearly and undeniably about our customers.” For more information about Ierna’s Heating & Cooling, call 9486355 or visit IernaAir.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Excel Music: The Art Of Teaching Students One Note At A Time By Alicia Pack For some, the dream of living a musician’s life is just that — a dream. For students at Excel Music in New Tampa, however, those dreams can become reality while learning under those who already have lived that glamorous life. John Thrasher and his wife Sheri have both been successful touring musicians. The duo was on tour for 25 years and traveled from Canada to Japan, with their band, “Spiral Staircase,” as well as with country music legend Mickey Gillie. The couple has performed for audiences of up to 100,000 and even played at the White House. Despite their love of touring, the Thrashers ultimately decided it was time to find a permanent home. “As much as we enjoyed performing, we thought it would be nice to put down roots and do something that feels good and helps others. If just one student got to live their life the way we did, then it would be worth it,” Thrasher said. While still in Japan and with a little help from a book, having family in the area and the easy access to students and superb teachers, the Thrash-

ers chose New Tampa as the place to live and to start a music school. Since Excel Music’s sole focus is on education, the Thrashers are able to hire teachers who really love what they do. “We draw teachers who are really interested in music,” says John. “Our teachers are well credentialed, nice people who are really good to our students.” In fact, six teachers at Excel Music have been with the school from the start in 2006 and several others have taught there for three and four years. All of the teachers at Excel are music lovers and enthusiasts, who are university trained and many have Master’s degrees. “My sons really enjoyed learning under the leadership of the instructors,” says Lori Bleckley, whose three sons have been taking guitar lessons at Excel for more than three years. “They really like the challenge of learning a new instrument.” Excel Music provides lessons for students from ages four and up on almost any instrument with all skill levels and disciplines. While the school does teach many beginners, even experienced college students and professional musicians s can come in and

receive a little tuning-up help. Many adults take lessons at Excel in order to pursue the lifelong dream of learning an instrument, including one man who was 86 years old when he started taking trumpet lessons after his doctor told him he needed to do something to improve his wind. John says the most popular classes are piano, voice and guitar, but the school offers lessons for a wide variety of instruments, including the bassoon. Two exciting new classes added this year are a rock band and a “Glee” group. The rock band will consist of six students and the “Glee” groups can have up to 12 students who will be performing songs from many different genres. According to Thrasher, students really enjoy performing in groups. “Having group classes is important because the students can learn from each other,” he says. Learning to play an instrument isn’t the only thing that students are taught at Excel Music. The instructors also focus on the fundamentals of music, which include learning to read music, music theory and even music history. Lessons are taught on a weekly basis and teachers inspire students to practice outside the classroom.

Instructor Brandon Bair of Excel Music on Cross Creek Blvd. can teach you or your child to play the bassoon. “Hearing music in the house is a really nice element in the house,” Bleckley says. “It brings us together as a family without using the TV.” Excel Music has partnered with Music & Arts, a nationwide band and orchestra instrument rental company, in order for students to have the ability to rent their instruments without the costs incurred from buying the instrument. This is especially important for young violin students who outgrow their instruments. Students can trade in instruments that are too small or try a new instrument without buying it. Instruments can be delivered to Excel Music, the student’s

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

school or even their house. Many Excel Music students will be showcasing their talents at a recital on Sunday, December 11, at the University of South Florida. The recitals usually consist of about 100 students singing and playing various instruments, and new this year will be performances by the rock band and “Glee” groups. “I’ve been impressed that the instructors have motivated my sons to be on stage at USF, both playing guitar and singing,” Bleckley says. “They would never have done that on their own. It is a fantastic self-esteem-building experience to perform on stage.”

Proper instruction is the key at Excel! Excel Music is located in the Cory Lake Isles Professional Center at 10353 Cross Creek Blvd., Ste. I. Hours are Mon. - Thurs., 2 p.m.-9 p.m., 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Friday and 10am-3p.m. on Saturdays 10am3p.m. And closed on Sunday. For more information, visit ExcelMusic.us or call 991-1177.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Infinite Edge Learning Center Can Help Make Every Student A Star Pupil By Sheryl Young Imagine, as a parent, receiving this this letter: “Dear Mrs. Smith, We’re pleased to announce that your child has achieved a perfect score on his/her Scholastic Aptitude Test, and is now actually performing above his/her grade level in all subjects.” At Infinite Edge Learning Center, Inc., in Tampa Palms, this dream can become a reality. Sohbat (“Sobi”) Jabbari, M.A., M.S., and his wife Ozra have created a learning sanctuary to help students improve their schoolwork and knowledge of subjects at all levels. This improvement, in turn, contributes to higher self-confidence, the students’ ability to enjoy their scholastic years and be empowered for life. Through individualized and group tutoring sessions outside of school hours, Jabbari and his staff of outstanding teachers help pupils in various stages of school with math, language, reading and science skills. He explains what sparked the idea to start his extracurricular academy. “As a teacher for more than 28 years in upper education, including community college and at the university level in Tampa, I felt that many students were lacking the proficiency they

should attain before passing on to these upper grades.” During those years, he estimated that 90 percent of students lacked the proper foundation to go on to higher education. “I saw a need in the New Tampa/ Wesley Chapel area and surrounding communities for personalized help, and wanted to share my skills. ” The program at Infinite Edge includes: • Determining each student’s academic strengths and challenges via an entry assessment test. • Designing individualized coursework for every student that addresses their weaknesses. • Continuously assessing students’ progress before moving on to another concept. This maximizes achievement, retention and comprehension of academic knowledge. This is developed in the following areas from kindergarten through twelfth grade: Mathematics: Elementary (K-5) and Middle School (6-8), Pre-Algebra, High School Math (9-12), Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, Calculus. Language Development and Enrichment: Writing, Spelling, Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence and Para-

graph Structure, Essay Development. Reading: Elementary, Middle School, High School Reading, Phonics, Fluency, Comprehension, Critical and Abstract Thinking. Science: General Science, Chemistry, Physics. Sobi’s wife, Ozra, is Infinite Edge’s office manager. “We’ve been open four and a half years now,” she says. “We have so many wonderful testimonials from students who have improved in their work.” One such testimonial comes from Nila Patel, the mother of Maya, who is in Sobi & Ozra Jabbari welcome students from all eighth grade. over New Tampa and Wesley Chapel to the Infi“Maya had problems in nite Edge Learning Center in Tampa Palms. math,” Patel explains. “After about a year at Infinite, her ing from former Infinite Edge student technique and confidence have Zach Mullen, now a freshman at New improved and she’s not afraid of math York University in Manhattan, NY: anymore. In fact, she can now do math “Infinite Edge is truly an inclusive, at the tenth grade level.” empathetic learning environment,” Patel really loves the one-on-one Zach said in his testimonial. “I strugattention her daughter is getting. “Mrs. gled with mathematics throughout high Jabarri is always available, and the school, and am certain I would not schedule is very dependable. It’s also have gotten through the courses withvery convenient. Maya attends Liberty out the intense but also friendly help of Middle School, right across the street.” Infinite Edge. From day one, my Another testimonial came in writteacher (Mr. Jabbari) has guided me

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along, giving me the tools to better succeed in school. Infinite Edge is the definition of educational growth.”

WELCOME TO FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

The Home Of Perfect SATs! Infinite Edge has developed a reputation for helping students raise their scores to perfect and near-perfect levels in the PSAT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and ACT (American College Testing) tests. To see how much help a student needs, they are asked to first complete an SAT diagnostic assessment test via the Internet. It is scored immediately and evaluated by three certified and experienced teachers in Reading, Writing and Math. Then, an individualized course of instruction for that particular student is developed. The course includes content review and instruction, test-taking tactics, extensive practice with tutors, free online practice with unlimited hours, and free full-length Saturday SAT/ACT practice. “My biggest reward is when students get accepted to universities like Harvard and Georgia Tech,” says Jabbari. “But, for example, Algebra I and II are most important to proceed to other math. Without understanding these, students simply can’t do well in higher education.” Thinking beyond the four-year col-

Dr. Neeraja Jasthi • Cleanings (Ages 4 and up) lege degree, the instructors at Infinite are even equipped to help students get into medical school, by offering training toward the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). One-on-one tutoring at the Infinite Edge Learning Center starts at $40 and every class is one hour long. Group classes begin at $20. College entrance exam classes begin at $50. Home-schooled students and those involved in distance-learning also are invited to use Infinite Edge as a way to get extra, personalized education. Many more details about the courses offered at Infinite Edge are available at the company’s website, Infinite Edge Learning Center is located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center at 17419 Bridge Hill Ct. Sobi and Ozra Jabarri can be reached at the school at 971-6500 or at InfiniteEdgeLearningCenter.com.

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Local School Attempts To Break ‘Simon Says’ Guinness World Record “Simon Says bark like a dog. Simon Says stand on one foot. Put your hands on your head. Oops! Simon didn’t say to do that.” If this was a real game of “Simon Says,” you would be “out.” Recently, thousands of students from coast to coast, including some from New Tampa, participated in what is believed to be the world’s largest multi-venue game of “Simon Says,” the popular childhood pastime where you have to follow “Simon’s” directions, but only when the words “Simon Says” come before the command. On September 23, The Goddard School in Temple Terrace participated, along with 320 other Goddard Schools across the nation, in an attempt to break the current Guinness Book of World Records world record for most people participating in a game of Simon Says. The record currently is held by Utah, which had a game with 12,215 players in 2007. To beat the record, the schools would only need to surpass the current number of players by one, and although Guinness has yet to declare them a winner, it seems probable that The Goddard School may have this one in the bag. To break the record, the players did not have to be in the same physical location; however all of the schools started at precisely the same

time and had their own “Simons” to give out directions. The Goddard School, located off the Fowler Ave. exit of I-75 in Temple Terrace, has 100 students, which is on par with most of its other schools around the country. Multiply that by the 320 schools who participated, and you can see how it is possible that they have may crushed the former record by more than double (an estimated 32,000 participants). To be in the record book, the schools must send in an official count of the number of players, as well as have a witness verify that the game took place. Temple Terrace Police Chief Kenneth Alban and Rachel Haviland, the president of the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce, took the responsibility of being the game’s witnesses, while Tampa Bay Parenting magazine publisher Angela Ardolino played the role of the local Simon. Also, the game of Simon Says, per Guinness rules, had to last at least 10 minutes. An official count of the number of players from all of The Goddard Schools, including the Temple Terrace campus, will be released in the upcoming weeks. As the founder of the Miami Children’s Theatre, Ardolino has had a lot of experience playing Simon Says. She

says she never would have thought that she would be involved in breaking a world record through the game though, and said she was excited to have the opportunity to be Simon. “I mean, how cool is that?” Ardolino said. “I bragged to all of my friends today that I was going to help break the Simon Says world record. It would make a great Facebook status, wouldn’t it?” The record-breaking attempt was the final activity for a week-long national block party that each of the Goddard Schools hosted. “We put an emphasis on fitness,” says local Goddard School owner Brad Toston. “The school encourages the idea that children can learn lessons through play. That’s why we chose to play Simon Says. It keeps the kids moving and it keeps their attention.” The purpose of the block party was to take part in U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign, which is in full-force during the month of September, which has been called National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Toston says the children at the school have had been preparing for the record-breaking attempt by “practicing” the game as a special activity. He

Young students at The Goddard School in Temple Terrace recently were part of a possible Guinness-World-Record-setting game of “Simon Says.” says Simon Says is a fun game for the children, as well as the teachers who were also allowed to participate in the game to help beat the record. The Goddard School is a for-profit preschool for children 6 weeks to 6 years old which focuses on play and education. Toston stresses that the Goddard School is not a “day care” and that all of the school’s activities are designed to enhance the emotional, social, intellectual and physical development of the students. The Goddard School is located at 13401 Tampa Oaks Blvd., off Morris Bridge Rd. and E. Fowler Ave., in Temple Terrace. For more info, visit GoddardSchool.com or call local school owner Brad Toston at 978-8100. — Sean Bowes

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Hayden 5” Continued from page 1 Wiseman, whose family still resides in Tampa Palms, admits that, for him, it all started back in the Audio Visual room at Freedom High, where he helped put together the morning news. “That’s where I was taught all the basics,” Wiseman said. “It’s where I learned lighting, editing and we did live broadcasting and different news segments. It was an awesome program.” The skills that he picked up at Freedom, which were then polished at NYU, has molded the high-end film production group into a respected company which now shoots feature length films (including the indie film “Knucklehead,” starring Dennis Farina and Mark Feurstein), award-winning documentaries (“IMPROV ISLAND”), flashy MTV music videos and commercials that you may have seen, such as a Truth ad that warns teens about the dangers of smoking.

‘Man-With-A-Cam’ If it sounds like Wiseman and Silber are busy, you only know the half of it. Since starting Hayden 5 nearly three years ago, the company has branched out to create another business called “Man-With-A-Cam.” It’s a revolutionary idea in video production that works

almost like a referral service or a temp agency, but strictly for cinematographers who have their own high-end cameras. Wiseman says the business started because Hayden 5 couldn’t staff enough employees to fly out to different locations around the country to cover different events for clients. So, by starting ManWithACam. org, Wiseman and Silber are able to hire freelance videographers who live in any area to cover whatever event is taking place. According to the website, ManWith-A-Cam’s videographers are able to attend any event in the U.S. with as little as 24-hours notice. “We only started it a few months ago,” says Wiseman, “But, it’s been pretty successful.” Through Man-With-A-Cam, potential clients can hire a professional videographer, even if it’s last minute, to cover any event from concerts to weddings, all with the peace of mind that they will receive a high-definition video to capture the occasion. It’s a service that hasn’t existed in the U.S. until now. In addition to the growth of ManWith-A-Cam, Wiseman and Silber are keeping busy with a tremendous amount of production work that keeps pouring in. The two recent graduates, who once worked out of their apartment, now work with up to 150 independent contractors on projects that include an upcoming documentary on

New Tampa Schools & Their 2011-12 20-Day Enrollment Counts At one time, New Tampa’s schools were among the most overcrowded in Hillsborough County, with some nearly doubling their student capacities, thanks to seas of portable classrooms situated on their respective grounds. Today, however, thanks to the Hillsborough County School District opening additional schools in our area over the past ten years and the recently softer local housing market, most of our public schools today are below their capacities and most have slightly lower enrollments this year than last. The only exceptions to the lowerthan-2010 enrollment counts are Harold H. Clark Elementary in West Meadows (up 20 students from 2010), Heritage Elementary in Heritage Isles (+7), Hilda T. Turner Elementary in Live Oak Preserve (+80), Dr. Richard F. Pride Elementary in K-

Bar Ranch (unchanged) and Louis Benito Middle School on Cross Creek Blvd. (+32). Here are all of New Tampa’s 2011-12 20-day school enrollment counts and their enrollment changes from last year:

baseball great Ty Cobbs – which ESPN has shown an interest in, an animated film version of the hit film “The Social Network,” as well as hip-hop and rock music videos for artists like the rock band Trapt and rapper Juelz Santana. “When I was at Freedom, I would talk about my plans and none of this seemed like it would be real.” says

Wiseman, “I would tell people I was going to study at a film school in New York, then start a film production business, but I don’t think too many people thought it was going to be real. I want the kids at Freedom and Wharton or anywhere to know that this is super achievable, you just need to be constantly creating.”

Lawton Chiles Elem. - 742 (-27) Harold H. Clark Elem. - 835 (+20) Heritage Elem.- 608 (+7) Hunter’s Green Elem. - 836 (-13) Dr. Richard F. Pride Elem. - 884 (0) Tampa Palms Elem. - 765 (-4) Hilda T. Turner Elem. - 983 (+80) Nancy Bartels M.S. - 823 (-62) Louis Benito M.S. - 1,137 (+32) Liberty M.S. - 1,189 (-44) Freedom High - 2,054 (-34) Paul R. Wharton High -2,390 (-85)

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa Brother & Sister Win Gold Medals In South Korea By Sean Bowes Ask any parent with a son and a daughter and they will likely tell you that it’s difficult to get their kids to stop fighting. New Tampa residents Christopher and Viviana Cao are no exception. However, their kids — Christopher, 14, and Viviana, 11 — are not exactly fighting in the way you might think, like, say, over the remote control. Instead, they practice sparring, breaking boards and perfecting their moves in Tae Kwon Do (TKD), the Korean martial art form. Recently, the young duo traveled to Namyangju, South Korea, to represent the U.S., and both won gold medals at the World Tae Kwon Do Hanmadang, an annual competition which is open to elite TKD athletes. At the Hanmadang, 3,700 TKD practitioners from 53 different countries competed against each other in a variety of poomsae (see below) and boardbreaking events. Poomsae is a choreographed sequence of techniques that is performed either with or without the use of a weapon. Christopher and Viviana competed together in the Junior II (ages 13-15) Pair Poomsae (forms)

division. To compete in this division, Viviana had to move up an age group to perform with her brother. In TKD, a competitor can move up an age group, but not down. “We practice a lot,” said Christopher. “We train six days a week and I do tumbling on the days I don’t do Tae Kwon Do.” The brother-and-sister team of Christopher and Viviana Cao recently won gold medals for Their training is definitely paying off. the U.S. at an international Tae Kwon Do competition in Korea. One week before the Ask them if they would do it again, from US TKD, Grand Master Jae Hak Hanmadang competition, the siblings however, and they will both tell you Lee, and while the brother and sister spent their time practicing with a group “yes” in a heartbeat. Christopher and admitted they were nervous, they both consisting of some of the best TKD Viviana are both already black belts and had a new level of confidence from their students in the world, the Korean have been training rigorously for five training with the Tigers. Tigers International Demonstration years at US Tae Kwon Do, located off “At the competition, there are 53 Team. In the TKD world, the Tigers of Bruce B Downs Blvd. and County different countries contending,” says are sort of like the Harlem GlobetrotLine Rd. (near Walgreens). They have Grand Master Lee. “Chris and Viviana ters and Dream Team combined. And, competed in numerous local, state and (representing the U.S.), won gold for seven days, the Tigers worked the national competitions and both say that medals in poomsae after beating combrother and sister into even better they learned a tremendous amount in a petitors from Mexico, China and the shape for the competition. very short amount of time with the host Korea in the finals.” “I have never been so sore,” said renowned Korean Tigers. US Tae Kwon Do is located at Christopher. The Caos arrived at the Han20754 Center Oak Dr. For more “My legs hurt so bad I could hardmadang competition with their coach information, call 991-6565. ly walk,” agreed Viviana.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Wesley Chapel Chamber Awards Banquet Rocks Saddlebrook! Gary, Thank you for your dedication to our community!!! We thank you for your sponsorship, you auction donations and your year-round support and coverage … all is greatly appreciated!!! Christine Hope, Dir. of Marketing Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Introducing : The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) 2011-12 Board of Directors! Executive Board Members: President - Debie Kaplan - Branch of Christ Ministries; Vice President - Dr. Randy Stovall - Pasco-Hernando Community College; President Elect - Mary Adele Cluck - Marry Me Mary; Treasurer - J.D. Porter - Wiregrass Ranch; Secretary - Jeff Novotny - American Consulting Engineers of Florida Directors: Immediate Past President - Laura Miller - Tampa Home Experts; Wendy Bechtelheimer - Wesley Chapel Storage; Pat Ciaccio - Saddlebrook Resort; Cindy Fleming - Bay Insurors; Vicki Hamilton - Smart Health Inc.; Rob Kellog -ThreadArt; Jeff Olsen Grace Community Church; Dean Smith Quest National Services, LLC Honorary Board Members: Greg Lenners - The shops at Wiregrass; Joe Marina -Withlacoochee Electric Cooperative; Paula O’Neill - Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller; Will Weatherford - State Representative, District 61; Debbie Yoerg - Designed for a Purpose.

Congratulations to all of the WCCC’s 2011 Annual Banquet

Award Winners: Large Business of the Year - Shops at Wiregrass; Small Business of the Year - Hampton Inn & Suites of Wesley Chapel; Business Leader of the Year- J.D. Porter- Wiregrass Ranch; Civic Organization of the Year - Big Brothers Big Sisters; Volunteers of the Year - Cathy Bickham, Senior Home Care, and Cindy Fleming, Bay Insurors; Chamber Member of the Year - Kelly Mothershead- A (Left) New Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber president Debie Kaplan, with Board member and Focus on Fitness; Board award presenter Dean Smith, at the Chamber’s “Evening of Elegance” awards banquet and Member of the Year - Laura installation of officers. (Right) Outgoing Chamber president & Board Member of the Year Laura Miller -Tampa Home Experts; Ambassador of the Miller and her husband Jeff (who somehow provided all of these photos to us, including this one!) Year - Cathy Bickham - Senior Home Care & President’s Award Greg Lenners - Shops at Wiregrass Congrats to the new Board & all of the award winners! And. thanks for the list & kind words, Christine!—GN

If you missed this year’s soldout, amazing “Evening of Elegance” banquet at Saddlebrook Resort on September 10, or you’re somehow still not a Chamber member or have never even been to a WCCC event, PLEASE check out this year’s Fall Festival (Saturday-Sunday, October 15-16, at The Grove), visit Wesley ChapelChamber.com or the Chamber’s new office (6013 Wesley Grove Blvd.), or call 994-8534!

(Left) President’s Award winner Greg Lenners of the Shops at Wiregrass; (right) Chamber Member of the Year Kelly Mothershead and her husband Steve.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Karaoke Event Rocks Mulligan’s Irish Pub At Pebble Creek CC! Even though it was a fundraising event to benefit Jan Roberts, one of three candidates for the 2011 Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce’s Honorary Mayor of Wesley Chapel, the fact that a Karaoke Contest was held at the newly renovated ballroom at Mulligan’s Irish Pub at Pebble Creek Golf Club (PCGC) was reason enough for me to put this recap of the event in this New Tampa issue. The fact that the fund raiser for Honorary Mayor candidate Jan Roberts of Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Tampa Bay was hosted by New Tampa residents Harald Stone and his girlfriend Jennifer Kibiger and the fact that yours truly was a judge at the event were additional reasons why I felt it was appropriate to review the contest in these pages. (Clockwise from top left) “Wild Bill,” aka Elvis, finished third in the 18+ division. Robbie rocked the house. Emcee Harald Stone gives 18 & The bottom line is that Under division winner Jennifer her prizes. The judges were (l. to r.) Patty, Gary & Trevor. Honorary Mayor candidate Jan Roberts (in front in Roberts is a wonderful woman working and raising yellow) was serenaded by Joan Jett herself during the fund-raising Karaoke Contest for Roberts’ Honorary Mayor of Wesley Chapel campaign! money for a great cause. PCGC and my friends CeCe & Karen from CeCe Productions put on their usual great show, the donated prizes were great and the talent on display was top-notch!

We didn’t know the amount raised at our press time, but the contest itself was broken down into 18 & Under and 18+ age groups. Although the competition was fierce, the winners selected by

judges Trevor Morris, Patty DeBlock and I were amazing 8-year-old Jennifer Managan in the 18 & Under division and the always awesome Robbie, singing her trademark “Me & Bobby

McGee” in the 18+ division. There was even a surprise appearance by Joan Jett herself (or at least our friend Mary dressed as Joan)! Great job, everyone! — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Making Customers Happy The Key At Happy Nails & Spa By Gary Nager Long-time readers of this publication know that I have never been a big fan of manicures or pedicures. But, considering that there are nail salons in virtually every shopping center in New Tampa, I must be in the minority. With so many nail places to choose from, what is it about Happy Nails & Spa, located in the Shoppes at the Pointe in Tampa Palms plaza (next to the Coffee Beanery and behind Red Lobster and Olive Garden), that has allowed it to not only survive but thrive and even expand not only in this economy, but in a plaza that has seen more failures than successes? In my opinion, it all starts with owners Jennifer Le and her husband Le. Originally from Vietnam, the New Tampa residents are not only both talented nail technicians themselves, they have surrounded themselves with other experienced nail professionals who truly make you feel like you’re at a beautiful European-style spa — at a fraction of the cost. “Our goal is always to make our customers happy,” Jennifer says. “We like to make you feel comfortable, joke around with you, and give you the best

possible nail services at the best price.” And apparently, they’re pretty darn good at accomplishing that goal. Happy Nails & Spa originally opened with five pedicure chairs and six manicure tables in about 800 sq. ft. in the plaza in April 2003, after Le previously owned a similar salon in upstate New York. Eight years later, in July of this year, Jennifer and Le doubled their size to about 1,600 sq. ft. and now have a total of nine nail techs plying their craft at 11 tables and 10 chairs. Jennifer says she and her husband, who have been together for ten years and married for more than six, both really enjoy their work...and especially, their customers. All of the techs working at Happy Nails & Spa are well-trained and highly experienced and Jennifer says cleanliness and safety are very important to her and her husband. She says, “All of our techs take the time to do the job right and protect our clients” from the types of infections too often found at other nail salons. “We’ve been here so long and seen so many other businesses come and go in this plaza that we know our customers are telling all of their friends to come here, too,” Jennifer adds. “We know it because everyone tells us so.

And, as they saying goes, our customers really are always right!” The day I visited Happy Nails & Spa, one three-year customer and Tampa Palms resident named Penne told me that she won’t get her nails done anyplace else. In fact, Penne was visiting with her grandmother Olene, who moved to the area from Texas this summer, and both women said they loved not only the service they receive at the salon, Le (left), who owns Happy Nails & Spa in The Shoppes but also Jennifer, Le and at The Pointe in Tampa Palms (next to Coffee Beanall of the nail techs at ery) with his wife Jennifer (not pictured), has years of Happy Nails. experience making his customers happy. “The pedicures are simply fabulous here,” Penne says as her better recommendation than that!” Happy Nails & Spa is located at technician massaged her feet. “Other 17028 Palm Pointe Dr. For appointsalons say they give you a massage with ments and more information, call your pedicure, but they’re simply not 910-9591. Or, see the ad on page 32 like what we get here.” for specials like a deluxe pedicure for In fact, Penne added, “The mom only $25 or 10-percent off for all of a friend of mine has been driving students. You also can get a $10 gift from Bradenton to get her pedicures card every time you spend $50 (limit here. She said, ‘It’s worth the trip to drive here because the services are really one per customer per visit) by mentioning the ad or this story. just that much better.’ I can’t give a

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Penne (far right) and her grandmother Olene are among the many happy customers at Happy Nails & Spa in Tampa Palms.

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COMMITTED TO QUALITY...COMMITTED TO YOU For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood Nibbles — Peabody’s Oktoberfest & Quail Hollow G&CC! By Gary Nager

Peabody’s To Host Oktoberfest Oct. 21!

If you’re looking for something fun to do on Friday, October 21, we suggest visiting Peabody’s Grill & Bar in the Shoppes of Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms for Peabody’s Oktoberfest. The cost to attend is just $7 for advance tickets, $10 the day of the event, which will run 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Peabody’s Oktoberfest attendees will be treated to great craft beer samples, live music, complimentary appetizers, chances to win great free prizes and of course, the beautiful Peabody’s servers and bartenders in their finest German attire! And, don’t forget that Peabody’s also is your college and pro football headquarters, with more TVs, great beer and food specials, billiards, darts, live and DJ music and much more! Check out the ad on page 19 of this issue for a coupon that will get you one free Peabody’s Oktoberfest ticket when you buy two. Peabody’s is located at 15333 Amberly Dr. For more info, call 972-1725 or visit PeabodysTampa.com.

PJ Dolan’s Adds Lunch!

In our last issue, we had a feature

story on PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub & Grille, located in the Palms Connection plaza on E. Bearss Ave., just west of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Well, since then, PJ Dolan’s has decided to add lunch every day (Tuesday-Sunday; it’s closed on Mondays) and, with the ad on page 51 of this issue, you can get one lunch entrée free when you buy one at the regular price. PJ Dolan’s also now has karaoke, live music and the great Sunday brunch we told you about last issue. For more info, call PJ Dolan’s (2836 E, Bearss Ave.) at 374-2338 or visit PJDolan’s.com.

The New Quail Hollow CC Lounge Is A Must-Try!

Just because I can’t yet tell you what kind of cuisine is the top specialty at the newly renovated Restaurant & Lounge at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (QHGCC), that doesn’t mean the food isn’t awesome (it is) or the place isn’t beautiful and classy. (Yes, Quail Hollow! Go see it!) New owner Andre Corolla recently reopened the decades-old local semiprivate golf course and from what I hear, the course itself looks and plays so much better, all you’d really need to believe that Quail Hollow is not only all-new, but awesome, is a great-looking

new clubhouse (check), an ultra-premium full-liquor bar (yep) and a real restaurant serving delicious food at, well, semi-private golf course prices. There’s a lot more to tell you about QHGCC, but it’ll have to wait until I’ve tried more than two menu items, both of which are literally already among my favorite menu items in Wesley Chapel — the grilled romaine heart Caesar (which is on the current menu; The grilled romaine heart chicken Caesar photo) and a thick, grilled ribeye steak at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club is which was served on opening night already one of our editor’s favorites. (but isn’t on the current menu), topped egg sandwich options...and for lunch, with grilled onions and served with where the 10-oz hamburgers and Big sautéed veggies and garlic mashed pota- Bertha hot dogs (and other great sandtoes. The steak was seasoned right, not wiches) are all already becoming as fatty as some ribeyes can be and favorites among the locals. grilled to medium rare perfection. If QHGCC is located at 6225 Old this is my first taste, Andre, bring on Pasco Rd., less than a half-mile from the rest of the dinner menu! both S.R. 54 and Oakley Blvd. in The restaurant & lounge at Wesley Chapel. Call 333-0033 for QHGCC also is open for what sounds more info about the club, but please like an amazing breakfast with unique go and tell these folks we sent you!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Win $100 In Free Dining In Our 2011 Reader Dining Survey & Contest! With the economy still sputtering and local businesses and especially restaurants needing your help more than ever to succeed, wouldn’t you like to win some FREE dining AND help local restaurateurs find out how many of you really enjoy their respective establishments? With super-couponing sites like Groupon and Living Social gaining in popularity, it’s amazing to me that many more of you haven’t been participating in our annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest, where we reward you with FREE dining! This year, we will again offer a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant of your choice in the Tampa Bay area to one lucky winner, drawn at random from among all correctly submitted entries! We’ll also give away at least 10 other dining prizes valued at no less than $20 apiece and at least two prizes worth at least $50 each! Submit your entry by U.S. Mail, fax, e-mail or you also can enter at NTNeighborhoodNews.com no later than Friday, November 18, 2011, to be eligible to win any of the prizes named above. — GN

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

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

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

Your Name_________________________________________________ Mailing Address___________________________________________ Community (West Meadows, Tampa Palms,, etc.) ____________________ Zip Code______________ Daytime Phone Number _______ Valid Email Address _________________________________ Please include all information requested above on your entry form to be eligible, whether you enter by mail, e-mail or on our website (NTNeighborhoodNews.com). You must submit your entry form by U.S. mail, fax, email or on our website no later than Friday, November 18, 2011, to be eligible to win prizes!

New Tampa Neighborhood News 2011 Dining Contest 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Fax: (813) 910-2483 E-Mail: NTNNedit@yahoo.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Jalapeno Mexican Grill — New Tampa’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine! By Gary Nager If you haven’t yet tried the new Jalapeno Mexican Grill in the Oak Ramble Plaza just south of Tampa Palms, you’ve been missing out on New Tampa’s only truly authentic Mexican cuisine. To be honest, I have always judged Mexican restaurants by their fajitas, but Jalapeno is so much more than just great fajitas that you don’t even see the pic of this new eatery’s fajitas in this story. Thanks to co-owner and chef Miguel Espinosa, Jalapeno is more of a great European-style restaurant that just also has great Mexican food than it is just a Mexican restaurant. Miguel and his wife Dawn Boyer moved here from New York City, where Miguel worked at some of the city’s best restaurants, either as a chef, a bartender, or both. “I love making drinks for people, but I love cooking even more,” he says. “My traditional, authentic Mexican dishes are primarily my sister Laura’s recipes. But, I also have been trained in New York City, in everything from sushi to French and Italian cuisine.” Miguel, who is from Mexico City, most recently worked at a Japanese restaurant in South Tampa and he says

he plans to add an actual sushi bar to Jalapeno. “Have you ever had fresh sushi at a Mexican restaurant?,” he asks. “I pick my own fresh fish every day and I really love seafood with a Mexican accent.” So, despite the The husband-and-wife team of Dawn Boyer and fact I usually prefer Our editor’s favorite dishes at Jalapeno Miguel Espinosa invite you to sample New Tampa’s fajitas at any Mexican Mexican Grill include the amberjack sashi- first authentic Mexican restaurant, Jalapeno Mexirestaurant, I have to mi (top) and the chicken taquitos (above). can Grill in the Oak Ramble Plaza. admit that, so far, salsa and a jalapeno-infused ponzu chicken taquitos (pulled chicken in Miguel’s fresh fish choices have been sauce. I can honestly say it was one of crispy corn tortillas, topped with my favorites so far at Jalapeno. the most uniquely delicious seafood shaved lettuce, queso fresco sauce, sour On my most recent visit, Miguel dishes I have ever tasted. cream and your choice of three made a seared amberjack sashimi, I also love Jalapeno’s yummy delightfully different salsas. topped with a garlicky pico de gallo

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

You can’t beat the Pescado Tampeno (Panko-breaded and seared fish topped with arugula and pico de gallo) or the Carne a la Tampiquena (grilled 8-oz. New York strip steak served with an enchilada mole sauce, sliced poblano chile peppers and sour cream) at Jalapeno Mexican Grill. Jalapeno also offers traditional Mexican appetizers such as guacamole, ceviche and nachos, but the “antojitos” (“small plates”) I can’t wait to sample include the tostadas de ceviche (crispy fried tortillas topped with guacamole, shrimp or the fresh catch of the day, baby arugula and queso fresco) and the Mexico City-style quesadillas. Jalapeno also offers such favorites as chiles rellenos (a vegetarian favorite), milanesa de pollo or de res (thin slices of chicken or skirt steak breaded and fried) and mole poblano (bone-in chicken leg and thigh in a homemade mole sauce) and yes, some pretty delicious steak, chicken and shrimp fajitas. My favorite dishes so far are the

Pescado Tampeno (Panko-crusted and seared fresh fish of the day on a bed of rice, topped with arugula and am avocado pico de gallo) and the Carne a la Tampiquena (a grilled 8-oz. skirt steak served with an enchilada mole sauce, sliced poblana chiles, sour cream and a side of rice). Jalapeno also has great Mexican beers (Dos Equis lager on tap), great wines, a children’s menu and decadent desserts. Check it out and please tell Dawn and Miguel we sent you! For reser vations and additional information, please call Jalapeno Mexican Grill (14913 Br uce B. Downs Blvd.) at 977-0800 or visit JalapenoTampa.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

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Join OrthoTechnology’s Winning Team! Ortho Technology, an international orthodontic supply distributor located in New Tampa, is seeking talented energetic candidates for the following part-time positions: Distribution Associates (F/T and P/T) High energy individuals needed to receive, restock, pull & pack customer orders. Fast paced light industrial environment. Required: Basic math & computer skills, ability to stand/walk for entire shift & ability to lift up to 50 pounds. WMS experience preferred. F/T Hours: 9:30a6:15p P/T Hours: 3p-6:15p Qualified candidates should submit resumes to careers@orthotechnology.com or fax to (813) 991-5986, Attn. Lynn. Physical Therapist or PTA – An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a PT or PTA to provide customized, one-on-one care during afternoon and early evening hours for diverse patient population. Fax resume to 813-994-3080. Medical Billing position open at New Tampa clinic, Part time, please fax resume to 813-994-3080.

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TRINITY CHURCH of Wesley Chapel, an Independent Mission Church, David Huff Senior Pastor, invites you to Sunday Services at 8:15am, 10:45am & Sunday School at 9:30am; State Road – 54; NEW PRAISE SERVICE every Sunday at 12:34 pm; music by Barney Barnard & Christian Rock Band. Your attendance is requested. QUESTIONS? Phone 813-788-2898;813-312-1971.

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RAYMOND PAINTING. Interior & Exterior pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles, clean & seal pavers, roofing leaks, etc. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free Estimates. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ARBOR GREENE RESIDENT. We work 7 days. Call 994-5124.

AQUATEC POOL SERVICE has been keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call 813-780-8616 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FREE. www.aquatecpool.com

Don’t Have a Ride? Don’t Want to Leave Your Car? Shouldn’t Drive? We Drive You and Your Car Home! Night Clubs, Corporate Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or Stranded... Call Jay at 813-966-1530.

HOME

Greg’s Paperhanging. For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate.

TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE - New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! Licensed, Bonded & Insured. CALL CHRIS TODAY @ 813857-5400 or visit WWW.TRANQUILITYPOOLSERVICE.COM to see why we are NEW TAMPA’S # 1 CHOICE! New customer’s ONE MONTH FREE!

Foreclosure Homes & Bank REO listings by email at www.TampaForeclosuresToday.com. Team Bohannon, Coldwell Banker 813-982-7512

B A B Y S I T T I N G

Need home maintenance? Almost any job, large or small, ext/int, fencing , screening, sm. concrete, sprinklers, painting, repairs, int. doors, locks, sheet rock, windows, paint, caulk, grout, trim, shelving, garages organized. Installations, removals, pressure washing, wood restoration & more. Call Dale’s Home Maintenance @ 973-0194 or 727-2582.

ENJOY YOUR POOL, WHILE WE MAINTAIN IT. KJ POOL SERVICE. Servicing pools for over 6 years. FIRST MONTH FREE, PLUS FREE EVALUATION & QUOTE Owner & Operator. LICENSE, BONDED & INSURED. Office: 813.909.9466 Cell: 813.748.9817. kjpoolservice@yahoo.com. Visit our website @ kjpoolonline.com

D R I V I N G S E RV I C E

Dry Wall Specialist - Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. Wesley Chapel resident. State Certified. Call Ron for free estimate – 813.784.5999.

IMPROVEMENT

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Nanny/Babysitter is AVAILABLE Oct 10 2011 to babysit your children. 16 years experience. DAYS, EVENINGS, WEEKENDS. I also do pet sitting. Call 813-528-8341or 220-7030 or email HUGHJUL5@aol.com.

C A R E

Home Instead Senior Care in East Pasco Licensed – Bonded – Insured Homemaker/ Companion Services Caring Companionship • Flexible 24/7 Care Grocery Shopping • Cooking • Errands • Transportation • Housekeeping • Pet Care • Laundry • Linens Medication Management and many more services available! Call us today at 813-971-7524 8am – 5pm for more information 29149 Chapel Park Dr. Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Providing Families with Peace of Mind

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for you online!We evaluate & appraise your products then get you top dollar. We do the work you get the cash. Ask me how, contact Mary at 813-428-5793

T A I C H I L E S S O N S Tai Chi Classes open to the public at the Club Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus and reduced stress. New Beginner 6 week courses starting every few months Thursday evening’s 7-8 pm. space is limited. Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo Karate, Boot Camp Fitness training and more. With more than 31 years of training and teaching experience. Please contact me for more details. Peter today #787-7560 or E-mail chuan-fa@tampabay.rr.com

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2006 Acura Integra - This Acura has everything that you need on it already it has a six speed manual transmission, leather seats, a full Pioneer Navigation system with bluetooth and a Ipod slot that you can control all of the songs through the car as well as lowering and handling springs, Weapon R headers, a Megan Exhaust, and a AEM cold air intake, as well as a Hondata chip, short shifter, as well as shifter bushings, carbon fiber shift knob, and HID's. This car has over 245 horsepower. It also has Kazera rims, blacked out lights, sun/moon roof and is in great shape. It has below 58,000 miles on it and has never been in a crash! Please call me at 813731-9088 for more details. ALSO I HAVE ALL STOCK PARTS!!!! All this for only $15,800.

CLASSIFIED RATES 1 issue...........................$35 2 issues..........................$50 6 issues........................$120 26 issues......................$300

Gorgeous 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath townhouse w/ large rooms, high ceilings, & a garden tub. Well lit great room, spacious kitchen that leads to covered / screened patio w/ conservation view. This gem is located in the Meadow Pointe community & boasts wood floors, spacious closets & laundry area. Deposit: 975.00 Rent: 975.00 Term: 12 months Utilities: Rent includes water & trash Available: October 1st, 2011 Contact: (813) 416-5221

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Office Space for rent. Small private offices in upscale office park located in Tampa Palms area. Very Affordable. Call Jeanette Yates, WEICHERT, REALTORS-Yates & Associates at 813-933-1761.

S E L L Y O U R S T U F F Turn your clutter into cash! Garage & estate sales, inventory liquidation,& appraisal services. We'll sell it

S I T T I N G

Tampa Cat Lady Professional Cat-Sitting Service. You say goodbye – we say hello. Cats are happiest in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, & smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle, & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. We help deter crime by bringing newspaper/mail & rotating lights/blinds, giving your home that lived-in look. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449 or visit us at www.TampaCatLady.com.

Busy Bees Tutoring - Elementary Reading and Math; ESOL Certified; For rates and info call (813) 907-8993 or e-mail at Duff47@verizon.net

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 19, Issue 21 • October 8, 2011 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com