26-10 WCNN 1-36 by Neighborhood News

WESLEY CHAPEL

Volume 18 Issue 26

Inside: Our Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide! See pages 31-32!

NEWS

December 18, 2010

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

Santa Claus, Tree Lighting Highlight Chamber’s Holiday Festival By Michael Smith A lot of people complain about how commercialized the Christmas season has become, but it was the promise of a good, old-fashioned, family-style holiday event that drew hundreds of local residents to the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce’s fourth annual Holiday Festival at The Grove shopping plaza on December 4. “It was a fabulous event,” one Chamber representative said. “The wind died down and it wasn’t as cold as everybody thought it was going to be.” This was the second time that the Festival was held at the plaza, after the inaugural celebration was staged at the Wesley Chapel Community Park in 2007. As always, the main highlights of the event were the arrival of Santa Claus (not in a sleigh drawn by eight tiny reindeer, but in a ladder truck from Pasco County Fire Rescue with sirens blaring), and the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree in the center of the

Santa Claus poses with one of his young friends at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce’s fourth annual Holiday Festival. plaza that capped off the evening. In between, there were plenty of fun things to do for all ages. Kids had a great time building and decorating real gingerbread houses and Christmas

cookies, having photos taken with Santa (or The Grinch, who also was in attendance), getting their faces painted or playing a variety of carnival-style games hosted by local businesses. Meanwhile,

the grown-ups enjoyed singing and music presented by a host of local school and church groups and other performers, and perhaps the longest line of all was for the free cotton candy handed out by one of the local vendors. Another highlight of the evening was the first annual Pet Costume Parade, hosted by Fido’s Funland pet sitting service. Dozens of dogs of all sizes, decked out in their holiday finery, had a barking good time as they competed for prizes from the panel of judges, which included Pasco County commissioner Pat Mulieri, Wesley Chapel Honorary Mayor Debbie Yoerg and LeAnn Bridenstine, owner of Noah’s Mobile Veterinary Clinic. The top prize was won by Jack, a goldendoodle owned by Melissa Best, who won a variety of gift certificates and other prizes from Fido’s Funland and other local petoriented businesses. See “Festival” on page 23.

Natural Gas Pipeline Being Extended Through Our Area

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Local Pharmacies Targeted By Thieves, WCH Student Named Volunteer Of The Year & Much More!

Our Exclusive Holiday Gift Guide, Announcing The Winners Of Our Dining Survey & Contest & More!!

See pages 3-24!

See pages 25-36!

See “Pipeline” on page 6.

ECRWSS

NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION UPDATES

tions along the route and the construction of other associated facilities. It’s all designed to increase the capacity of FGT’s system in Florida by 820,000 million British thermal units (MMBtus) per day. As part of the FERC approval process, FGT was required to show that it had customers for the gas, which comes from suppliers in the Gulf Coast areas of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, and from offshore wells. The FERC documents show that the primary customer

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

in Florida, about 85 percent of which is used in the generation of electricity. According to a company statement, natural gas demand in Florida is expected to grow to more than 1 billion cubic feet/day by 2015. Prior to construction, the project was evaluated and approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which weighs the “evidence of public benefits to be achieved against the residual adverse effects” of such projects before authorizing them, according to an order written by an FERC panel in November 2009. In addition to the new pipeline, which FGT officials say will be mostly installed within rights-of-way already owned by the company, the project includes boosting the pressure under which the gas is moved, building and upgrading metering and regulating sta-

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

Residents living or driving in the area of County Line Rd. may be wondering what is the reason for all of the large pipes that are in the process of being installed alongside the roadway, but they are only a small part of a 483mile, $2.4-billion pipeline extension project that will transport natural gas

from Alabama to South Florida. The project, officially known as the Phase VIII Expansion Project, is being conducted by the Florida Gas Transmission Co. (FGT), which owns and operates approximately 5,000 miles of underground pipeline between south Texas and Miami. Company officials say the project is necessary to meet the growing need for natural gas

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Michael Smith

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Wishing For A Happy Holiday Season & A Prosperous New Year As the year 2010 winds down, I wanted to again thank all of our readers and advertisers and my incredible staff for a tremendously successful year, in the face of a still-very-difficult national and local economy. Despite the fact that more people are out of work in Florida, the Tampa Bay area and the nation than at any time since the Great Depression, I believe there is reason to be hopeful that 2011 will be a better year. Let me start by saying that this is not a political editorial. My belief that better times are ahead of us has nothing to do with who controls the U.S. House or Senate or even the Hillsborough County Commission. No, I believe that the reason we can have hope for a better 2011 starts with the fact that, if given a choice, people would still rather live in Florida than in a cold-weather climate, despite our recent string of frigid (for us) mornings in the 30s. I also believe that despite the astounding number of foreclosures, short sales and otherwise vacant homes we have endured locally, the local real estate professionals I trust most all say that they have seen a recent uptick, albeit small, in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel real estate markets. In addition, although the widening of the first phase (aka Segments B & C, from Palm Springs Blvd., in Tampa Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483 Website: WCNeighborhoodNews.com Adv. E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: NTNNEdit@yahoo.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Managing Editor Michael Smith Correspondent Melissa O’Brien

Advertising Sales & Customer Service Managers Nikki Bennett • Kelly Porter * David Zacharia

Art Director Tony Sica Office Assistant

Billing Manager Ashley Knoblach Distribution Assistant

Karen Glenn

Cyler Porter

Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 19, Issue 2, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Tuesday, January 4, 2011. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2010 JM2 Communications, Inc.

An editorial by Gary Nager Pallms to Pebble Creek Dr.) of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa, which began in January of this year, has added to the misery for local businesses, the project is still on schedule and should be completed by September of 2012, while the widening of the Pasco County/Wesley Chapel segment of BBD (from County Line Rd. to S.R. 54) should be completed significantly sooner, perhaps even before the end of this year. And, while Segments A (from south of Bearss Ave. to Palm Springs Blvd.) and C (from Pebble Creek Dr. to County Line Rd.) of BBD will not begin before sometime next year, those segments should begin building by 2012 and be completed by 2014. As your community news publication the last 17 years, I have always felt that it was important for us to not only report the local news, both good and bad, of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, but also to provide the best outlet possible to promote the businesses in our area. We have done, and pledge to continue to do, as much as we possibly can to try to help every mom-and-pop business that opens in our area succeed, regardless of the state of the local economy. Unfortunately, not all of those businesses will survive — and NONE of them will make it through these difficult times if our readers don’t support those endeavors. Towards that end, I will admit that we have allotted more space than ever before to business profiles, so that our wonderful readers can find out more about these businesses that not only support us, but also provide quality goods and services to our community. You’ll find several such profiles in

this issue. In addition, we have brought back our Holiday Gift & Dining Guide (see this issue’s Neighborhood Magazine section), so when you’re shopping for holiday gifts for your family and/or looking for the perfect caterer or location for your next holiday party, you can have a handy guide to local businesses who would love it if you’d spend your money locally. Most of the businesses listed in this year’s Guide are offering special deals to give you even more incentive to check them out, so we hope you’ll keep this issue with you as you hunt for bargains

right here in our communities. I and these outstanding businesses want to thank you in advance for doing so. I also want to thank managing editor/news writer extraordinaire Michael Smith, art director/technological whiz Tony Sica, superb advertising customer service manager Nikki Bennett, energetic and always innovative billing manager Ashley Knoblach, advertising sales reps David Zacharia and Kelly Porter, freelance writer Melissa O’Brien and marketing assistant Cyler Porter for an incredible 2010. And, we have some surprises in store for you in 2011!

Table of Contents NEWS UPDATES...................................Pages 1-13 Wesley Chapel News Briefs..........................................4 Three Men Charged In Pharmacy Hold-Up Marijuana Grow House Discovered Burglary Suspect Captured After Pursuit Pipeline (cont. from Page 1)..............................................6 CVS Robbery Suspect Caught In Orlando.................10 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar...................12-13 BUSINESS UPDATES...................................16-21 More Than Words Speech Pathology.........................16-17 SkyBlue Carpet Care........................................................20 Pebble Creek Family Dentistry.........................................21 EDUCATION UPDATES....................................22 WCH Junior Named Volunteer Of The Year Teen Driving Challenge To Be Offered Local Schools Receive State Grades Festival (cont. from Page 1).............................................23

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE......25-36 The Gingerbread Cottage Gift Shop.............................25 A Look Back At “Tee It Up For The Troops”...............27 A Day At Star’s Organic Spa Group......................28-29 Get Hands-On Relief At Swiss Spirit Massage..................30 Our 2010 Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide..............31 2010 Dining Survey & Contest Results.....................33

WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS...34

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL

News Briefs

Three Men Charged In Pharmacy Hold-Up

and are being held in the Land O’Lakes jail on bail of $150,000 each.

It took a couple of weeks, but authorities finally managed to round up all three suspects who allegedly held up a local pharmacy last month. According to Mark A. reports issued by the Roush Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the three men entered the Maxicom Pharmacy at 1825 Collier Pkwy. in Land O’Lakes just after 9 a.m. on November 15. One of the men was Ronney J. armed with a pistol and Dixon another had a knife, and they demanded that employees open a safe containing prescription medications. After getting the drugs, the three men Joseph A. fled the store, but witCrain nesses were able to provide police with a description and the tag number of their getaway car. A short time later, a PCSO deputy spotted the vehicle on S.R. 54 near Veterans Elementary in Wesley Chapel. When he pulled the car over, one of the men, later identified as Mark Anthony Roush, got out and ran into some nearby woods, prompting Veterans Elementary and Quail Hollow Elementary, which is also in the vicinity, to be closed down for several hours. Meanwhile, the two men who stayed in the car, Ronney Joe Dixon, 24, and Joseph Alvin Crain, 40, both of Wesley Chapel, were placed under arrest. Roush, 28, was arrested at his home on Thanksgiving Day. All three men were charged with armed robbery

Power Outage Leads Deputies To Pot Plants

Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies uncovered a marijuana growing operation in a shed at a Wesley Chapel house in November after being alerted by an electrical worker who was responding to a blown transformer. According to reports, the worker, from the Withlacoochee River Electrical Cooperative, was called to fix a transformer that had blown out in a neighborhood off Boyette Rd. on November 30. During the course of his repairs, however, he noticed something amiss at a home at 29846 Cooper Rd., and alerted police. When deputies responded, they found 11 marijuana plants, each more than 6 feet tall, growing in a shed on the property. The power outage had apparently been caused by the lights being used to grow the plants. One occupant of the home, 43year-old Lupe Pettee, was arrested and charged with cultivation of marijuana, although she denied knowledge of the plants. She was released after posting $5,000 bond.

alerted the authorities, but the men left the scene before officers arrived. They were spotted heading south on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., and officers from the PCSO were joined in the chase by units from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The suspects ditched their vehicle behind the Shoppes of Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms, and fled into a heavily wooded, swampy area behind the plaza. K-9 units and a helicopter from the Tampa Police Department were called in to join the search, but they were only able to locate one of the two men, 20-

year-old Terell Troy Hanna of Tampa. Hanna, who has a history of numerous arrests, was charged with one count each of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, opposing an officer without violence and grand theft. Terell At our press time, he Hanna was being held in the Orient Rd. jail under a bond of $30,000. Doll said that a warrant also is pending in Pasco County.

Terell T. Hanna, in the back of the pickup truck, was captured in a wooded area behind the Shoppes of Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms.

Wesley Chapel Burglary Suspect Captured In Tampa Palms Police arrested one of two burglars who broke into a Wesley Chapel home after a brief pursuit that ended in a wooded area behind a shopping plaza in Tampa Palms. According to Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) spokesman Kevin Doll, two men forced their way into a home in the Lakes of Northwood subdivision off County Line Rd. on the afternoon of November 30. Neighbors

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“Pipeline” Continued from page 1 for the gas will be Florida Power & Light (FPL), which has entered into a contract to receive 400,000 MMBtus per day for 25 years. Other customers for the pipeline include Progress Energy, the Seminole (County) Electric Cooperative, the Tampa Electric Co., the Orlando Utilities Commission and the city of Tallahassee. The project is being carried out in two phases, with the first, which serves FPL’s Manatee County power plant, came on line on July 1, 2010, and the second, the remaining portion of the project, to be completed and operational by April 1, 2011. Locally, the project consists of two separate portions, or loops, as they are designated, with Loop 9 consisting of 49.3 miles of 36-inch diameter pipes being installed in Hernando, Pasco and Hillsborough counties, ending at a compressor station in Thonotosassa, and Loop 10, which consists of 30.8 miles of 36-inch pipe beginning in Thonotosassa and extending through the rest of Hillsborough and through Polk county. FGT presented information about the project to officials in every county along the route, including Hillsborough and Pasco, and they signed off on the project, although both the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission filed requests that allowed them to participate and present comments to regulators as the project worked its way through the federal approval process.

FDOT’s Concerns

According to the FERC documents, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) did file what is called a motion to intervene, which is basically a protest of the project, because the pipeline is being built in rights-of-way owned by FDOT in more than 50 locations. FDOT asked the FERC to include a condition that would require FGT to move its pipelines within 30 days if they should interfere with roadway expansion projects, but the FERC panel ruled that FGT would only have to begin the process of moving the pipelines, which would require FERC approval, within the 30-day time period, should it become necessary. “The Florida DOT utility permit requirements and the state’s need for pipeline facilities to be relocated to accommodate a change in the highway will be considerations in our determination of the public interest at that time,” the FERC order states. The approval process also included

an opportunity for landowners to comment on or protest the plans in cases where the pipeline was to be installed or the construction was to take place on private property. Only one property owner in North Florida filed a motion to intervene because of the construction, and FGT agreed to the conditions that the owner had requested. In cases where the pipeline is to be installed in new rights-of-way, the property owners received compensation for the easement across their property, FGT officials said, although if the company and the landowners couldn’t agree on a price, the company did have the option to pursue eminent domain proceedings in order to acquire the property. Information was not available as to the number of local properties that were affected by the project, but one group of homeowners along the eastern end of County Line Rd. did reportedly receive a concession from FGT to build a buffer wall along their property to replace the trees that were removed for the project. Some environmental activists also expressed concerns about the safety of the pipeline, the increase in the pressure that the gas is under, as well as the environmental impacts of the project, but FGT was required to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that was reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and other state and federal agencies. As a result of that review, and questions raised by citizens, the project was altered to minimize any adverse impacts. In addition, the FERC order places a number of conditions on the project regarding specific construction procedures and mitigation efforts to further minimize those impacts. “We have reviewed the information and analysis contained in the final EIS regarding potential environmental effects of the project, and we adopt its analysis and its recommendations as our own,” the FERC order states. “Based on our consideration of this information, we agree with the conclusions presented in the final EIS and find that (FGT’s) Phase VIII Expansion Project, if constructed and operated as described in the final EIS, is an environmentally acceptable action.” As far as safety is concerned, FGT officials say that “underground pipelines are the safest mode of transporting natural gas.” Typically, they say, the pipeline is covered by at least three feet of soil (and more in places where it crosses under roads, rivers, lakes and streams). In addition, the pipeline is constantly monitored and inspected regularly, both electronically (with X-rays) and visually. The pipes themselves are

The pipes you may have seen while driving along County Line Rd. are part of a 483mile-long, $2.4-billion natural gas pipeline running from Alabama to South Florida. specially designed to protect against corrosion, and are tested with highpressure water before they are put into service. Also, measures are in place to immediately turn off the gas in case of any emergency. It is not clear when the con-

struction work will be completed in our area, but other information about the project is available online at PanhandleEnergy.com/fgt/Phase VIII. Information also is available by phone at 663-9161 or toll-free at (877) 663-9161.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

One Of Two Suspects In Violent CVS Robbery Captured In Orlando By Michael Smith In an incident straight out of the movies or the “Cops” television show, a pair of violent thieves terrorized clerks and customers at a local pharmacy in November before crashing their getaway truck and carjacking two other vehicles to avoid capture. At our press time, one of the two bandits had been captured, but the other remained on the loose. The robbery took place on the afternoon of November 22, when the two suspects entered the CVS pharmacy at 6202 Commerce Palms Dr. in Tampa Palms. According to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), one of the men pulled out a pistol, leaped over the counter and grabbed the pharmacy manager by the hair, hit her with the gun and forced her to open a safe containing prescription drugs while the other watched over the other two employees who were working at the pharmacy at the time. The men then fled the store and took off in a pickup truck that had been stolen a couple of days earlier from the Orlando area. Witnesses attempted to follow the thieves, but they managed to get away from both

the witnesses and police, who took up the pursuit after the witnesses called 911 to report their location. The two men initially headed south on I-75, but TPD officers lost them when they exited the interstate at Fletcher Ave. The two men reappeared a short time later, however, after their truck overturned at the I-75 entrance ramp at Fowler Ave. A woman who saw the crash stopped to offer assistance, but the two men also assaulted her and stole her car. The suspects then disappeared once again, before turning up at the GTE Federal Credit Union near the intersection of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and County Line Rd., where they stole another vehicle at gunpoint. The pair then vanished again. After TPD released a surveillance video from the pharmacy, a tipster identified the men as 28-year-old Joshua Wilkes and 30-year-old Miguel Torres, both of whom are from the Central Florida area and have lengthy criminal histories. After a statewide alert was issued for the two men, Wilkes was apprehended in Orlando on November 21 after he allegedly carjacked another woman at a convenience store. He

Joshua Wilkes (left), with the injuries he sustained during his capture, and Miguel Torres. was taken into custody after a short pursuit which ended with him crashing the car and being struck by a

police vehicle. He later told police that he and Torres had split up so as to avoid capture, but officials said that he was in possession of approximately 1,000 prescription pills in a backpack when he was arrested. According to reports, both of the men are facing federal charges for the crimes and will be tried in U.S. District Court in Tampa. Both the pharmacy manager and the woman who were pistol-whipped by the suspects were treated at local hospitals, but their injuries were not serious, police said.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL

Community Calendar

Live Nativity Production

Saturday, December 18 – Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54) will host a free presentation of the Christmas story, featuring live animals and church members acting in various roles, beginning at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be available after the presentation. For more info, call the church office at 973-2211.

Wesley Chapel Toastmasters Monday, December 20 – The Wesley Chapel Speaks Toastmasters Club meets on the first and third Monday of every month, 6:15 p.m., at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (26944 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). Club meetings are open to all interested parties. For more information, call 4065931 or visit Toastmastersd84.org.

MOMS Club

Monday, December 20 – The Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) Club of Wesley Chapel, a non-profit social group for stay-athome mothers, meets at 10 a.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Lexington Oaks clubhouse (26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54) for activities, field trips and more.

For more info, send an e-mail to Heather at WCMoms@yahoo.com.

Free Networking Int’l

Monday, December 20 – Free Networking International (FNI), a group of area business owners, meets each Monday for networking and discussion, 8 a.m., at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). For more information, call Stacy Dalton at 469-5499.

Business Networking Int’l Tuesday, December 21 – Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals who work to support each other through qualified business referrals, meets every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd.) in Wesley Chapel. For more information, contact Nancy Cross at 789-7836 or by email at nancycross@crossrealty.com.

East Pasco Networking

Tuesday, December 21 – The East Pasco Networking Group meets every Tuesday morning, 9 a.m., at Beef O’Brady’s (1660 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Shops of New Tampa at Wesley Chapel plaza).

For more information, contact Frankie Ammons at 479-7997 or by e-mail at Frankie@studioglory.com.

Networking On The Nines Tuesday, December 21 – Expand your circle of business contacts while you play 9 holes of “Best Ball” golf for only $15 per person (includes greens fees and cart rental). Tee time is 3 p.m. at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). Call Rob Kellogg at 817-5655 for more information.

Wesley Chapel Rotary Club Wednesday, December 22 – The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meets every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at Dempsey’s Steak House at Saddlebrook Resort (5700 Saddlebrook Way). For more information, call 8628989 or 391-3895.

Civil Air Patrol

Wednesday, December 22 – The Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol squadron meets every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., at Tampa North Aero Park (4241 Birdsong Blvd.). For more info, visit WesleyChapelCAP.com or call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270.

Networking For Success

Thursday, December 23 – The Networking For Your Success group meets every Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10

a.m., at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd.) in Wesley Chapel. For more information, call John Anglada at 298-3232 or visit NetworkingForYourSuccess.com.

WC Wind Ensemble

Thursday, December 23 – The Wesley Chapel Wind Ensemble, a community group of brass and woodwind players, meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at Crossroads Community United Methodist Church (26211 County Line Rd.). New members are encouraged to join. For more information, contact Glenn at 746-4821 or by e-mail at trombonegww@juno.com.

CBC Networking

Thursday, December 23 – The Christian Business Connections (CBC) Networking Group meets every Thursday at 8 a.m. at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). The group is open to all business leader and professionals in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and surrounding communities. CBC members’ core philosophy puts God first and bases business decisions on Christian values, both moral and ethical. CBC focuses on helping each other’s businesses prosper by networking and sharing ideas. For more information, call Jeff Hanneken at 600-9200.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

WC Sunrise Rotary

Friday, December 24 – The Wesley Chapel Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Friday at 7:15 a.m. at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.).For more information, call Lynne Wilson at 695-6466.

WOW Business For Women Friday, December 31 – WOW,

aka the Women of Wesley Chapel, a business networking group for women, meets on Fridays at 7 a.m. at the Branch of Christ building (SR 56 and Arrowgrass Rd.). Reservations are requested, and may be made by sending an e-mail to Vhhamilton@earthlink.com. For more information, call Debbie Yoerg at 788-6237.

ATTENTION: We are asking all club and group representatives to please update their meeting and contact info for 2011. Please send an e-mail to ntnnedit @yahoo. com. You may also submit info by fax at 910-2483 or by regular mail to: Neighborhood News, 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa FL 33647, Attn: Community Calendar. Please note that our Wesley Chapel edition is published every four weeks, and our deadline for editorial submissions is two weeks prior to the cover date of each issue. Please call 910-2575 if you have any questions. — MS

Donations Needed For Medical Expenses The friends and family of 35-yearold Miriam Colon, pictured at right with her husband Julio, will be holding a fund raiser for her at the passive park on Atwood Dr. in the Palm Cove subdivision in Wesley Chapel on Saturday, December 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Wesley Chapel resident was diagnosed with a rare pancreatic cancer (mucinous cyctic neoplasm) in September. She underwent surgery at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, but doctors there were unable to remove the massive tumor that has grown entangled with Colon’s internal organs. At our press time, Colon was being admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where she was scheduled for another 12-hour surgical procedure on December 13.

The fund raiser will include raffle items donated by local businesses, baked goods and garage sale items available for purchase. All money raised will be used to offset the family’s considerable medical expenses. For those who would like to help but are unable to attend the event, a fund has been established at Regions Bank. Donations should be earmarked for the “Miriam Colon Rare Pancreatic Tumor Fund.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

More Than Words Speech Pathology Can Help Your Child Visiting More Than Words Speech Therapy, Inc., Can Be The Gift Of A Lifetime By Melissa O’Brien Sometimes it is taken for granted that the ability to speak is automatic when, for some people, speech does not come naturally. In fact, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says one in six Americans have a speech, language or hearing disorder. Jill Vought, a BoardCertified Speech/ Language Pathologist (SLP) and owner of More Than Words Speech Pathology, Inc., at Cypress Creek Professional Park in Wesley Chapel, can help you identify speech and language issues and can help individuals develop the necessary communication skills needed to thrive in academic and social situations. “The development of communications skills begins at infancy, even before the emergence of the first word,” says Vought. “Any speech or language problem is likely to have a significant effect upon a child’s social and academic skills and behavior. That’s why it’s important to look for early signs of speech or language problems.” (See box on pg. 17 for details.)

Hearing Association. Vought says parShe received her ents need to to know Bachelor of Science that early intervention degree from Bowling is always the best. Green State Univer“It can become a sity in Bowling domino effect if you Green, Ohio, in don’t do something,” 1994, and her Massays Vought. “The earter of Science degree lier you catch commufrom Miami Univernication problems, the sity in Oxford, OH, more difficulties you in 1996. can prevent down the Jill Vought of More Than Words What makes her road. Kids who have Speech Pathology, Inc. (left), can an effective SLP, she speech problems can have difficulty reading, help your child with any speech or says, is the techniques she uses to language disorder. spelling and experience make kids feel at phonological (awarehome. “Speech therapy is so non-invaness of sounds) problems, which can sive and not intimidating,” says Vought. turn into problems with reading com“I try to make it a fun experience for prehension and academics. If you are the children by using age appropriate proactive, by the time your child is in Kindergarten, he or she may just be fine toys, stickers and games. Kids who come here don’t feel like they are in a and functioning at the same academic doctor’s office. My office is very homey and social level as other kids.” and kids sometimes ask if I sleep here!” Vought says that SLPs help people When parents call for services, develop their communication abilities Vought first will schedule a comprehenand also treat speech, language, swalsive evaluation of a child. lowing and voice disorders. Their serv“It is time to schedule an appointices include prevention, identification, ment when there is frustration between evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation. parent and the child or if you see any of Vought has 14 years of experience the signs mentioned in this article,” she as an SLP and she is certified through says. “Sometimes, there may be more the American Speech-Language and

going on than just a speech problem. I will then refer parents out to other professionals who can help their child. Hilary Kingery, who lives in Carollwood, met Jill when she was doing free evaluations at Countryside Montessori School. “My daughter Dana was two-anda-half years old when we started seeing Jill about a year ago,” says Kingery. “Dana loves Jill. She has been wonderful with her and Dana has already made so much progress that has exceeded our expectations. Jill very easily establishes a rapport with kids and she does a very good job of knowing what they like and what they are interested in. For Dana, it is a lot of princess stickers, activities and drawing, so that it really doesn’t seem like therapy.” Kingery says that Dana was diagnosed with expressive receptive language disorder, which includes a lot of repetitive speech. “Jill always eases the parent’s mind about what is going on and shows us how to do exercises at home,” says Kingery. “She is an amazing person to work with and even if Dana has had a rough week, she always wants to go and see Jill.” Another mother, Elizabeth Villanova, says she has has a fantastic experience at More Than Words.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“I heard about Jill through a friend,” says Villanova, who lives in the Connerton community near the Suncoast Pkwy. “My son Jack was diagnosed with verbal apraxia and we have been seeing a speech pathologist through a State program since he was 18 months old. When that ended at age 3, we found Jill. She’s different than any other SLP we have seen.” “Jill goes completely goes above and beyond,” says Villanova. “She is very attentive to details when diagnosing your child. She is exceptional at honing in on your child’s individual needs and she is ready and willing to go the extra mile to make sure each child excels. She will help implement whatever resources she needs to ensure the child receives the best services. She also is very communicative with parents and gives you a status update after ever visit. I have recommended her to other parents because she is exceptional at getting to the root of a child’s needs.” Vought says apraxia of speech is a motor (muscle movement) planning speech disorder where it is difficult for the brain to tell the mouth what movement to make in order to produce the motor movement for speech. “A child with apraxia (like Jack) has a difficult time coordinating speech and combining consonants and vowels,” she says. “I will work with them to train their brain to plan oral motor

When Your Child Should Be Seen By A Speech Therapist At 6 -18 months:

* The child is demonstrating difficulty latching on during breast feeding • Child is couching/choking during eating • Child has difficulty transitioning from a bottle to semi-solid foods • Child is not responding to his/her name

At 18 months to two years:

• Child does not use first words • Child omits beginning sounds of words • Uses mostly vowel sounds when speaking • Difficulty following one-step directions

At age two-three years:

• Expressive vocabulary of < 50 words • Doesn’t put 2 words together to form phrase • Difficulty following two-step directions

At three-four years old:

• Speech is still difficult to understand • Responds inappropriately to “Who, What” questions • Uses incomplete sentences by age 3-1/2 • Difficulty retelling a short story

movements. It is a process of repetitive training of consonant and vowel sounds, then combinations of sounds and oral muscle movement exercises.” More Than Words Speech Therapy is located at 26908 Foggy Creek Rd. If you mention this article, Vought will offer a free speech screening, a 30-minute appointment, to identify if a speech/language evaluation and/or therapy services are warranted. For more information, call 862-8692 or email msJillSpeech @yahoo.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

SkyBlue Carpet Care, Inc., Can Give Your Home A Brand New Look Nothing can make your home look and feel brand new like freshly cleaned carpets and tile. Dirty carpet not only looks bad, but it can smell bad, too, and dirty tile ages the appearance of an otherwise beautiful home. Therefore, having your carpet and/or tile professionally cleaned can be viewed as an investment in your home, so it is important to make sure you choose a company that stands by its work and does a job with results that will last a long time. SkyBlue Carpet Care, Inc., is a family-owned-and-operated company that services New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and surrounding areas. Owner Miguel Rozo opened SkyBlue in April of 2010, but has been in the carpet cleaning business for many years. He says one of the keys to the success of his business is his 12-step carpet cleaning, a meticulous process that not only ensures that the carpet is clean, but that it stays clean with regular housekeeping. “Many carpet cleaning companies don’t vacuum and pretreat properly,” says Rozo. “They just spray, get the carpet wet and clean it as fast as they can. I go by the industry standard set by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration certification (IICRC.org), which uses specific steps to ensure that soil is extracted from the carpet and

that no sticky residue is left behind. This ensures that weeks and months later, your carpet will still look clean.” Rozo says to be wary of those special coupons and flyers advertising especially low prices for carpet cleaning. “Many times, the cleaning process is not done the right way or you end up getting charged more than you expected,” says Rozo. “We offer a 100-percent money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. If you’re ever not happy with the job we’ve done, I will come back and clean it again for free.” For tile and grout cleaning, Rozo offers an 8-step process. The tile is cleaned through a variety of scrubbing procedures and/or with the use of a high-pressure washing system. Then, Rozo applies a sealant that comes with a five-year manufacturer’s guarantee, which makes the grout look brand new. Other services offered at SkyBlue Carpet Care include Oriental and area rug cleaning, which is done outside the home. “We take the rug to a facility where it is first dusted by a high-pressure machine,” say Rozo. “It is then floated in water and rinsed completely, until all the dirt is out. Then, it is placed in a heat-controlled room, dried and protected with Scotch Guard (fabric protector).” SkyBlue also offers leather and upholstery cleaning, as well

as car interior cleaning services. For pet stains and odors, Rozo says he cannot guarantee the smell will be gone completely. However, he does more than just clean the carpet to remove those odors. “First, I pre-spray with special petodor treatment,” he says. “Then, I pull up the section of the carpet and replace the pad and clean both Miguel Rozo of SkyBlue Carpet Care, Inc., provides carpet and grout cleabing services sides of the carpet.” to all of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. Rozo started in the carpet cleaning business in California, “I like to support local businesses working for a small company as an and I was confident he was going to do assistant. He then worked for a larger a good job after talking with him,” says carpet care company before moving to McLeod. “We have a lot of children Florida in 2005 to be closer to his fami- coming in and out, so we had stains on ly. After working at Sears and for a bank the floor. I was extremely pleased with for a couple of years, he decided to the quality of Miguel’s work. He open his own carpet cleaning business. moved the furniture, got all of the “I knew I could deliver great cusstains out, dried the carpets with blowtomer service,” says Rozo, who lives in ers overnight so that I could open my the Bridgewater community in Wesley business the next day and then moved Chapel. “The area also is growing and all of my furniture back. I would recthere is a need for this type of quality ommend him to anyone. His prices service here. The name SkyBlue was were very fair and I really appreciate inspired by driving over the Tampa Bay that he guarantees his work.” bridges because it is so beautiful here.” SkyBlue Carpet Care, Inc., has Jeanine McLeod, the owner of several packages to meet your needs. Cloud 9 Studios (a local family and The company offers a referral incenchild photography business) met Rozo tive for clients to share their positive at a Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of experiences. For info, visit SkyBlue Commerce meeting and hired him to CarpetCare.com. For appointments, clean the carpets at her studio. call 406-0668.— Melissa O’Brien

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Pebble Creek Family Dentistry Wants To Be Your Family’s Dentist By Gary Nager Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for a new dentist for your entire family, Dr. Vijay Patel, D.D.S., and his friendly staff at Pebble Creek Family Dentistry hope you will visit them at their state-of-the-art office in the Pilot Bank building on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (at Regents Square Dr. S.). Dr. Patel, who received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and his highly trained, experienced staff is happy to accommodate patients from as young as six years old to any adult age, so the entire family can experience the office’s “caring and compassionate dentistry.” Dr. Patel, who lives nearby in Dade City, has been practicing for five years in the Tampa Bay area and has lived in the U.S. for 17 years. He is a warm, friendly man who says that he and his staff are committed to providing not only the finest dental services, but also to “keeping our fees as low as possible” in these tough economic times. The office accepts most dental insurance plans, but for those who

The staff at Pebble Creek Family Dentistry includes (clockwise from top left) Dr. Vijay Patel, Alka, Sally & Lynn. don’t have their own dental insurance, we provide an in-house dental savings plan. “For just $99 per person,” he says, “you receive your annual exam and x-ray and get a 10 to 20-percent discount off our regular fees.” Of course, when you’re talking about your family’s well being, money isn’t the most important thing — you want and deserve quality dental care for your hard-earned dollar and Pebble Creek Family Dentistry delivers on that promise. In addition to Dr. Patel, the office features Alka, the patient appointment coordinator who has electrical engineering and business degrees; Sally,

the meticulous certified and registered dental assistant (CRDA) who has more than seven years of hands-on dental experience; and Lynn, the office’s financial coordinator who set up the business for Dr. Patel and has nearly four decades of experience. “I am very proud of my staff,” he says. “By the time we opened last month (November 15), I already knew that I had the right people in place to make this an inviting, friendly office that will make our patients feel comfortable and welcome.” And of course, the state-of-the-art office is immaculate (meeting and surpassing all Occupational Safety &

Health Administration, or OSHA, and Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, standards), from the pristine waiting area to the exam rooms themselves, and offers all of the latest technological advances, including low-radiation digital x-rays, a “paperless” system and so much more. Services provided at Pebble Creek Family Dentistry include extractions, root canals, cosmetic dentistry (veneers, tooth whitening, etc.), crowns, bridges, dentures, sedation dentistry (for those who have extreme anxiety about the dentist), night guards (for those who grind their teeth at night), pediatric sealants, some endo/oral surgery and even “VIP Amenities” like head rest pillows, video iPods, soothing music and much more. “It is our pleasure to serve you,” says Dr. Patel. “Everyone here will treat you as though you were members of our own families.” Pebble Creek Family Dentistry is located at 19007 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Pilot Bank building. For appointments and additional information, call 406-4947 or visit PebbleCreekFamilyDentistry.com. See the Gift Guide on pages 31-32 for a special offer, too!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

W ESLEY C HAPEL

Education Updates

WCH Junior Named Volunteer Of The Year Wesley Chapel High junior Shelby Thompson has been named the recipient of the Pasco County School District’s “Outstanding School Volunteer of the Year” award, youth division, for 2010-11. The Outstanding School Volunteer Award Shelby Thompson is sponsored each year by the Florida Department of Education, and there are categories for youth, adult and senior volunteers, who are nominated for the time they give to area schools. Thompson was one of more than 90 volunteers who were nominated in Pasco County. According to WCH career specialist Jennifer Larrimore, Thompson started “volunteering” along with her mother when she was in kindergarten at Sand Pine Elementary in Meadow Pointe. Since then, Shelby has given

her time at several area schools, including Watergrass Elementary, where she spends three days per week working with second- and fifth-grade students, as well as with students in the school’s music program. She also volunteers as a teacher’s assistant at WCH and at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School. “Students and teachers love, respect and appreciate her hard work,” says Watergrass Elementary volunteer coordinator Marianne Mackey-Smith. “Shelby truly has a volunteer heart.” In addition to her work at the schools, Shelby also volunteers in the community with the American Cancer Society, Pasco County Autism, Toys for Tots, Hospice and Unicef. She also is a member of the National Honor Society, president of the WCH Interact Club and mainatins a GPA of 4.21 while taking Honors and Advanced Placement classes. Shelby will be recognized at the February 15, 2011, meeting of the Pasco County School Board. She also will be eligible for the statewide Volunteer of the Year award, which will be awarded in the spring.

WCH Receives Benefit Of New State School Grading System Wesley Chapel High was one of three Pasco County high schools that improved by two full letter grades under the state Department of Education’s new formula for calculating school performance. For the 2008-09 school year, WCH received a D, but for the 200910 school year, state officials used a more comprehensive system to assess the performance of students at the high school level, taking into account factors such as assessment test scores, participation in advanced and accelerated classes and graduation rates, all of which helped WCH move up to a B grade in this year’s report. According to Pasco County Schools spokesman John Mann, all of the county’s high schools either maintained or improved their state grade. In addition to WCH, Gulf High also moved from a D to a B, while J.W. Mitchell High moved from a C to an A. Wiregrass Ranch High, meanwhile, maintained a B grade, but Mann noted that it is one of six county schools with a graduation rate of more that 90 percent (under the Florida Graduation

Rate calculation), along with Land O’Lakes, Pasco, Zephyrhills, River Ridge and Sunlake high schools. Meanwhile, the state department of education also released school grades for elementary and middle schools earlier this fall, and all but two of the schools in our area maintained the grade they received during the previous year. The two exceptions were Sand Pine Elementary and Wesley Chapel Elementary, which fell from A to B grades because they failed to show improvement among the lowest 25 percent of student test scores in math. The grades given by the state to schools in the Wesley Capel area in 2008-09 & ‘09-’10 were as follows: School (‘08-’09)-(‘09-’10) Double Branch Elem. A-A New River Elem. B-B Seven Oaks Elem. A-A Veterans Elem. A-A Watergrass Elem. NA-A Quail Hollow Elem. A-A Wesley Chapel Elem. A-B John Long Middle A-A Weightman Middle A-A

Teen Driver Challenge To Be Offered During Winter Break The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Unit will offer two sessions of the Teen Driving Challenge during the school system’s winter break. Both sessions will be held at Gulf High in New Port Richey, the first on January 5-6 and the second on January 6-7. The Teen Driving Challenge program consists of two parts, a classroom training exercise that begins at 8 a.m. on the first day of each session and includes topics such as vehicle dynamics, drug and alcohol use,

aggressive driving and others, and a behind-the-wheel driving portion from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on the second day of each session that is taught by law enforcement driving instructors. To participate, students must have a valid Florida operator’s license. They also must have their own vehicle for the driving portion of the program. Applications for the Teen Driving Challenge are available from school resource officers. For more information, call the School Resource Unit at 929-1376.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“Festival” Continued from page 1 There also was a “People’s Choice” award in the Fido’s Funland pet dress-up contest that was won by Chili, a chihuahua mix owned by Elizabeth Putnam. After a reading of the classic poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,”

by local author Janet Watson, the celebration wrapped up with Christmas carols led by event emcee Ben Alexander around the live Christmas tree in the center of the plaza. “It was good to have something that we could bring the kids to for free and not have it be all about shopping and presents,” Wesley Chapel resident Darrell Rogers said. “It was a really nice time, and I’m glad we came.”

Janet Watson reads “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Students from the chorus at New River Elementary entertained attendees at the Holiday Festival with a selection of Christmas carols and other lively songs.

People gathered around the Festival’s Jack, a goldendoodle, won the top prize in the Fido’s Funland Christmas tree to sing carols as it was lit to cap off the evening event. holiday dress-up contest for pets.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Get Great Last-Minute Holiday Gifts At The Gingerbread Cottage! What began as an idea to provide a couple of months of pre-holiday shopping for entrepreneur Wendy O’Neill may be becoming a permanent new fixture at the Shoppes at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel. Located in the same plaza as Publix and Beall’s (across from the Wiregrass mall) is The Gingerbread Cottage Gift Shop, a conglomeration of independent vendors of everything from The Pampered Chef and Scentsy Candles to the Potty Express. The store also features talented artists and artisans who might otherwise only sell their wares at area craft and trade shows. “We definitely still have some limited vendor space available,” says O’Neill, who seems to really be enjoying bringing in everything from the wildlife and nature art of Land O’Lakes resident Terry Smith to beautiful handpainted glassware by artists Christina Snell and Becky Hawkes, and from custom-designed Bible covers, hand-

turned wood pens and toddler-sized Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls by “Shadow of Creations” artisan Sharon Wilson to unique handbags and totes from Thirty-One — and many more! “One of the great things about this place is, for example, that our Pampered Chef consultant Stacey Janoske can host her parties here, instead of at someone’s home,” says O’Neill, who also sells a line of products from her own promotional marketing company called INKcredible ADventures. “We welcome anyone looking for some really unique holiday gifts to come in and try to win a gift certificate every day until Dec. 23. We also do professional gift wrapping by appointment.” The Gingerbread Cottage (1836 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) is open every day until Christmas. Stop in or call 770-7876 and tell Wendy and her sons that we sent you! — GN

Everything you see here is $5 or less at The Gingerbread Cottage!

(Clockwise from top right) Gingerbread Cottage owner Wendy O’Neill has some great customizable jewelry pieces for sale. The Cottage also features hand-painted glass ornaments by Christina Snell, a unique & comfy Gator (other NFL and college teams available) lounge chair and the awesome nature and wildlife art of Terry Smith, who often creates his masterpieces in the store.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Life In New Tampa — ‘Tee It Up For The Troops’ Surpasses $ Goal The fourth annual “Tee It Up For The Troops” golf tournament to benefit the Fisher House at the James A. Haley Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. south of Fletcher Ave. surpassed the fund-raising goal of tournament organizer and New Tampa resident Valerie Casey and her outstanding committee of dedicated volunteers. The tournament, which was held for the first time at Heritage Isles Country Club (after being played the three previous years at Macdill Air Force base), featured a packed field of 138 golfers and roughly 200 attendees and volunteers in total who combined to surpass Casey’s goal of $25,000.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Jeff Johnson practices his short game prior to the tourney.

Among those in attendance were Tampa Fisher House manager Paula Welenc and guest of honor (and former Tampa Fisher House resident) Joel Travera and his father and other U.S. veterans. Casey also thanked BJ’s Wholesale Club, Romano’s Macaroni Grill & the “Meat Monkeys” from St. James Church for (Left) Tampa Fisher House manager Paula Welenc (left) expresses her appreciation to those who attended their generous food donations. To make a the “Tee It Up For The Troops” golf tournament to benefit the Fisher House and residents like the tournament’s guest of honor Joel Travera (center) and his father. (Right) Wesley Chapel residents and tournament post-tournament benefactors Jack Kennedy & Jack Gillis, with tourney organizer Valerie Casey during the event. cash donation, email Some photos for this story provided by ConstanceAvellinoPhotos.com. valcasey3@aol.com.

(Above) A packed field of 138 golfers await their shotgun start. (Left) Volunteers served up a delicious dinner provided by Romano’s Macaroni Grill & the “Meat Monkeys” from St. James United Methodist Church.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Star’s Organic Spa — Where A Day Of Beauty Is A Perfect Gift! By Gary Nager On the next several pages, we are proud to present our 2010 Holiday Gift & Dining Guide, starting with a couple of full-length feature stories, followed by a listing of our shopping- and dining-oriented advertisers we hope you’ll support with your family’s hardearned holiday gift money this year. What better way to begin this year’s Guide than with a visit to Star’s Organic Spa, located in the Seven Oaks Professional Park, just off S.R. 56 — which makes the spa a few-minute

Kelly (left) and Carol discuss Carol’s dietary and fitness regimens.

drive from virtually anywhere in Wesley Chapel. But, despite its proximity to where you live, when you walk into this elegant, relaxing spa, you’ll feel like you’re visiting paradise. Star’s Organic Spa Group is actually a collection of four individual businesses under one roof. The spa is the brainchild of Star Ryan, who has been a hair stylist and color specialist for nearly four decades. Around the time she decided to leave another local salon last year, Star met Kelly Mothershead, a certified personal trainer with 14 years of experience, at a local business networking group for women called the Northeast Tampa Women In Business (NETWIB) and the two decided to join forces. Star then asked Donna and Judy, two other beauty industry professionals she had worked with, to join her and Kelly and Star’s Organic Spa Group opened earlier this year. Although the spa does provide services for both men and women, I thought my friend Carol would be interested in enjoying a day of beauty, so that I could take pictures and talk to

each of these beauty professionals as they worked their respective talents. Although Carol keeps herself in outstanding shape without fitness or nutritional counseling, her day started with a sitdown with Kelly, to discuss her eating and workout habits. Kelly is a New Tampa resi(L. to r.) Judy (facials), Donna (nail services), Kelly dent who is a national- (fitness and nutrition) and Star (hair care) invite you ly certified trainer and to visit Star’s Organic Spa Group in Wesley Chapel. who also has worked in clinical and patholodecades ago in France by a physician for gy laboratories for 26 years. She has Olympic athletes. Carol and I had the helped many local radio and TV peropportunity to sample many of the delisonalities achieve their personal fitness cious Ideal Protein foods, from a truly goals and provides personal training and tasty butterscotch pudding to actually nutritional counseling at the spa. edible chocolate-covered soy puffs. After taking the time to study Next, Carol received a wonderful many different weight-loss programs, manicure and spa pedicure from Kelly chose to buy products and utilize Donna, who also has nearly four the Ideal Protein Weight-Loss Method, decades of experience as not only a nail which was developed more than two technician, but also as a cosmetologist.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“I focus on nails and waxing services,” she says. “And I believe my pedicure chair is the best in the business.” Carol, who nearly fell asleep during her pedicure, definitely agreed. Donna offers the full gamut of nail services, including French manicures and pedicures, an express pedicure, acrylic nails and fills and pink & white full sets and fills. She also offers eyebrow, lip, chin, arm and under-arm waxing, as well as eyebrow Carol agreed that Donna’s pedicure chair and eyelash tinting services. is “the best in the business.” Judy, who has nearly a decade of experience in the beauty biz, provides “The organic hair color I use is activatevery type of facial, from anti-aging to ed by heat, not by chemicals. It is so deep-cleansing and from acne facials to much better for your hair and, over those that help reduce rosacea of the time, will allow your hair to be restored face. She also offers collagen eye and lip to its original state instead of being treatments, glycolic peels, microdercontinually destroyed.” Carol loved not mabrasion, using Sanitas Skincare prod- only her new red color, but also the ucts, as well as face and body (including improved look and feel of her hair. bikini, stomach and back) waxing serv“There are places in South Tampa ices. Judy also provides facial and waxthat have the organic color,” says Star. ing services for men. “But my prices are a lot more reasonAnd, despite all of her years of able and once you try it, I know you’ll experience as a hair stylist and color be back for more.” Star also provides specialist, Star is proudest of the fact great prices for full and partial highthat she is the only salon in the New lights, organic perms, FormaldehydeTampa and Wesley Chapel area to be free “Kera Green” Keratin treatments using truly organic hair color. and men’s and children’s haircuts. “The Resorcinol in the hair color Star’s Organic Spa Group is most people use is an ammonia that located at 2136 Ashley Oaks Circle, destroys your hair a little more every Suite 101. For appointments, gift time you use it,” says Star, whose certificates and info, call 973-8787 styling chair overlooks a serene pond. and please tell them we sent you!

(Left) Carol says her deep-cleansing facial with Judy was “sooooo relaxing.” Star helped transform Carol from blonde (center) to redhead (right) and improved the look and feel of her hair using organic hair color.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Swiss Spirit Massage — Therapeutic Massages Make Great Gifts! By Gary Nager If someone on your holiday gift list already loves to get therapeutic massages, I don’t believe you will find a better place — or better massage therapy — than you can get at Swiss Spirit Massage in the Cory Lake Isles Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd. Owner Marlen Caduff, LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist), a Registered Nurse in her native Switzerland who began working as a massage therapist before moving to the U.S. several years ago, is a firm believer in the value of massage therapy and in continuing her education in her field. “I recently also was certified in Traditional Thai Massage, which has clients on the floor, instead of a table,” she says in her distinctive Swiss accent. “I actually went to Thailand to earn my certification. The more I learn, the more I can help my clients feel better.” After receiving a one-hour deep tissue massage from Marlen, I can assure you that this seemingly tiny woman is not only incredibly strong

physically (when she pushes into your body with her elbows, thumbs or hands, you’d think an ex-football player was massaging you), but also truly knowledgeable about her business. Following my massage, she noted that my right shoulder sits up higher than my left and that my job — which has me sitting long hours in front of a computer—definitely contributes to my body’s overall tightness and aches and pains. Marlen, who has three other LMTs working with her at her beautiful, comfortable and tranquil studio, says that she limits herself to only five massages per day because she puts so much effort into each one. And, when you become her client, she won’t just pass you off onto one of her other therapists unless she absolutely has to — and if she does have to, she will inform the other LMT about any particular issues you have and where they should concentrate their efforts. “All of my LMTs are wonderful massage therapists,” she says. “But, I still believe that it’s important to work with the same therapist as often as pos-

sible to achieve the best results.” Marlen told me to drink plenty of water following my massage, to clear out any toxins that she may have rubbed loose from my body. She also assured me that I would be sore the day after my massage and, believe me when I say I was very sore indeed, although I also felt great. Today, Marlen is one of four LMTs on her staff and all have outstanding experience. “If you have any of the other girls the first time you make an appointment, there’s no doubt you’ll want to see them again,” she says. “Audrey (Pevec), Ronda (Trombetta) and Jennifer (Bodanza) can all provide therapeutic, sports, deep tissue and even prenatal massages and all of them are available by appointment.” Marlen says packages of massages make great gifts anytime, but especially during this holiday season. Usually, you save 10 percent on each massage if you buy five or 15 percent off each if you buy ten but, since this is a Holiday Gift Guide story, Swiss Spirit Massage is

Marlen Caduff of Swiss Spirit Massage can help you feel better, too. offering a great holiday special — buy five massages with any of Marlen’s other LMTs through December 24 and receive your sixth massage free! Swiss Spirit Massage is located at 10323 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite B., next to Maggie’s Tea Room. For appointments and additional information, visit Swiss-SpiritMassage. com or call 325-1296.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

On this page and page 32 is an A-Z (A-W actually) listing of all of the holiday-gift-oriented advertisers in this issue, as well as the dining advertisers who would like to cater or host your holiday party. Our hope is that you’ll support these businesses when you’re doing your last-minute holiday shopping and please tell them that we sent you! — GN

AAP Fitness

Now through December 31, Alex & Ashley of AAP Fitness are offering you the chance to buy one personal training package and a second person gets to train with you for free! Also available are two free personal training sessions when you buy four and four free training sessions when you buy 8. For more info, call 907-6AAP (6227) or visit AAPFitness.com.

Aesthetic Skin Studio

With the ad in this issue, you can get a two-hour Signature Skin Studio appointment for only $90 or a $120 Oxygen Infusion Facial Treatment from Aesthetic Skin Studio’s Medical Aesthetician Zenith Nanavati. For additional information, call 489-5777 or visit the Aesthetic Skin

Studio at 24160 SR 54, Lutz.

Artisan Aesthetics

Dr. Stanley Castor, M.D., and his staff are offering the perfect holiday package for you and the one you love — $500 off any surgical procedure of more than $2,500, including breast augmentations and lifts, tummy tucks, Vaser LipoSuction, Facelifts, Eyelid Surgery/Browlifts, Buttocks Lifts, Skin Tightening, Laser Hair Removal, Botox and Dermal Fillers and Permanent Makeup. For more info, call 971-2000 or visit DrCastor.com.

Asian Buffet & Sushi

The Asian Buffet & Sushi Grill is now open in the Shoppes at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel plaza on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. at S.R. 56. get 10-percent off the restaurant’s already low prices ($7.99 for lunch, $9.95 for Saturday-Sunday brunch and $13.99 for dinner) with the coupon in this issue. Beer and wine are available. For info, visit Asian Buffet at 1742 BBD Blvd. or call 907-7688.

Avalon MedSpa

With all of the great services available at Avalon MedSpa, it’s nice to know that you can get a $10 gift card for yourself for every $50 gift card you buy! Other specials include Microdermabrasion for $95 (save $30), Glycolic Peels for $85 (save $15) and Swich for $115 (save $35). Visit Avalon MedSpa at 15347 Amberly Dr, in the Shoppes of Amberly, Tampa Palms, or at Tampa Spa.com or call 866-8400.

the ad in this issue. Other specials include select model guitars with free amps and a free lesson when you sign up for one month. Plus, gift cards are available, as are various novelty gifts for

Bella Vita Ristorante & Market

At Joseph Caetano’s Bostonian Hair Studio, you receive a $25 gift card free when you buy a $100 gift card. Other specials include a first-time color and cut for $85, a deep cleansing facial for $50 and shimmering highlights/cut for $95. For more info and appointments, visit the Bostonian at 2653 BBD Blvd., just north of S.R. 56. Call 991-7887 for info and appointments.

Bella Vita would love to host or cater your holiday party, although the big news is that Bella Vita’s long-awaited Market is now open, featuring Chef Santino’s famous homemade pastas and sauces, pastries, Italian groceries, coffee beverages, fine wines and more For more info, call 973-7703 or stop by at 19651 BBD Blvd., in the Pebble Creek Collection.

Bigel Music

Now known as the New Tampa Music Academy, if you want to give someone you love the gift of music this holiday season, you can get the Academy’s $20 registration fee waived with

musicians and music lovers and more. For more info, visit Bigel Music/ New Tampa Music Academy at 20435 BBD Blvd., in front of Live Oak Preserve, New Tampa, call 907-6363 or visit NewTampaMusicLessons.com.

Bostonian Hair Studio

Budget Blinds

Now through December 15, save $25 to $200 per unit on select Hunter Douglas styles from Budget Blinds during the “Home for the Holidays” event. For more information, call 9099009 or visit BudgetBlinds.com.

See “Guide” on page 32.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

“Guide” Continued from page 31

Café Olé

The newly expanding Café Olé (which is adding a liquor store and formal dining area) would love to host or cater your holiday “paella” party, but is also inviting you to New Tampa’s most exciting New Year’s Eve bash on Friday, December 31, featuring a fixed-price menu and entertainment. You get 10-percent off the cost of attending if you mention the Neighborhood News. For more info, stop by Café Olé at 10020 Cross Creek Blvd., in the Cross Creek center plaza or call 907-5242.

Dollar World

Dollar World is New Tampa’s Holiday Headquarters, featuring the best prices in town on aluminum bakeware, holiday gift wrap and great gift ideas and stocking stuffers. For more info, visit Dollar World at 19651 BBD Blvd., in the Pebble Creek Collection or call 345-8518.

Grandeur Hair Design

Just south of the Pasco County line, Grandeur Hair Design is offering great savings at one of the area’s most beautiful hair-only salons. Through December 24, get a $100 gift card for only $80 at Grandeur. And, all Sebastian products are 20-percent-off while supplies last. For appointments and more info, call Grandeur Hair Design (6431 County Line Rd.) at 994-9455 or visit GrandeurHD.com.

Kathy’s Flowers

Through the end of the year, you can take 15-percent-off your holiday floral orders (in-store only) and 30-percent-off all non-floral holiday gift items at Kathy’s Flowers, just for mentioning the Neighborhood News. For more information, visit Kathy’s Flowers at 10353 Cross Creek Blvd., in the Cory Lake Isles Professional center, call 991-1990 or visit KathysGiftsandFlowers.com.

Lemon Fashion

Shop at Lemon Fashion through December 24 and receive 20-percent-

off one regular priced item by mentioning this Guide. Also, Buy One, Get One 50-percent-off on all jeans (except for Miss Me Brand jeans). There also are New markdowns added weekly on Lemon’s Clearance rack and the store’s Jewelry Clearance Sale features 50-percent-off the regular price. For more info, visit Lemon Fashion at 28250 Paseo Dr., in the Shops at Wiregrass mall or call 991-1600.

Liang’s Bistro

In addition to being a perfect location for your holiday party, Liang’s will give $5 off your next visit when you buy a $50 gift certificate. Liang’s also is open Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and Day! For more information, visit Liang’s Bistro at 17515 bBD Blvd., next to Chick-fil-A, call 978-1225 or visit LiangsBistro.us.

Miracles & Maggie’s Tea Room

Miracles specializes in unique Christmas gifts, cards and books and invites you to experience the miracle of the season with 10-percent-off retail purchases. At Maggie’s Tea Room, you can receive one “High Tea” at 1/2-off when you buy one “High Tea” at the regular price through December 31. For more info, visit Miracles and Maggie’s Tea Room at 10335 Cross Creek Blvd., in the Cory Lake Isles Prof. Center, call 991-1212 or visit ExperienceMiracles.com.

affordable boutique in the Publixanchored New Tampa Center plaza invites you to a great Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 11, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. (doors open at 10 a.m.). The event will feature free appetizers, and drinks, prizes, gift bag giveaways, promotions, special offers and more. The store also features baby, pet, teacher, home and family holiday gifts from Mudpie, Magnabilities Custom Necklaces, Lolita Collection and more stocking stuffer ideas. Call Sophia’s Treasures (19020 BBD Blvd.) at 971-6900 or find them on Facebook under “Sophia’s Tampa.”

Spa Moritz

Spa Moritz, Tampa’s World-Class Spa & Salon on Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms, invites you to experience Chocolate Martini & Caviar Pedicures, Shellac & Minx Nails , Pevonia & Kerastase products, Prenatal & Couples Massages & even Professional Teeth Whitening at 25-percent-off the regular price for new clients only (not to be used with Gift Cards) & 2-percent-off during your Birthday Month (always). Order you Love, Peace & Joy Packages now! Register at SpaMoritz. com for a free package, virtual tour & beauty newsletter or call 971-4772.

Star’s Organic Spa

Star’s Organic Spa Group (see story on page 28) is your one-stop location for Organic hair color, nail services,

facials, personal training & nutritional counseling. Kelly Mothershead at Star’s Organic Spa is offering holiday “Get in shape” specials: Buy a gift certificate for any Product or Service and receive 25-percent off! The gift certificate must be purchased before Dec. 31 and must be redeemed by June 30, 2011. One on one personal Training sessions (including kickboxing)are $5 off any 30 -minute session or $10 off any 1-hour session (no limit on number of sessions you can purchase). Also, get 25percent-off Ideal Protein Initial Consultation. Ideal Protein-”Your last diet!” Average weight loss 3-7 lbs. per week!

Star’s Organic Spa Group is located at 2136 Ashley Oaks Circle, Suite 101. For appointments, gift certificates and info, call 973-8787.

Wasabi Japanese Steak & Sushi

Wasabi has a Great Night Out special to help you save money while you’re doing your holiday shopping. It’s called the “Two for $29” special and includes 8 oz. of Hibachi steak, 4 oz. of shrimp and 4 oz. of chicken, plus fried rice or noodles for just $29! Wasabi Japanese Steak & Sushi is located at 19601 BBD Blvd., in front of the Pebble Creek Collection. For reservations, which are recommended, call 994-6600 or visit JapaneseSteak andSushi.com.

PC Family Dentistry

Pebble Creek Family Dentistry is offering a free Whitening Kit for First 50 new patients, a $199 value, with a firsttime Comprehensive Exam, X-rays and Cleaning (required).

For more info, see the story on page 21, or call Pebble Creek Family Dentistry (19007 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Pilot Bank building) at 406-4947 or visit Pebble CreekFamilyDentistry.com to schedule your free whitening kit before the holidays. The offer expires Dec. 31!

Sophia’s Treasures

Sophia’s Treasures, the upscale,

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Announcing The Winners Of Our 2010 Dining Survey & Contest! Below are the results of our 2010 Reader Dining Survey & Contest. We had a record number (468) of entries for the Grand Prize of a 4-day, 3-night Caribbean cruise provided by our friends at Ameriquest Travel & Ameribest Flowers & Cakes (971-9466) in Tampa Palms. See who won our prizes & your votes below! — GN

Your 20 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa! 1. Ciccio’s/The Lodge 2. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 3. Lee Roy Selmon’s 4. Olive Garden 5. Chili’s 6. Liang’s Bistro 7. Romano’s Macaroni Grill 8. Acropolis Taverna 9. TGI Friday’s 10. Red Lobster

11. Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse 12. Bella Vita Italian 13. Ruby Tuesday 14. Las Palmas Spanish Café 15. Sukhothai 16. Panera Bread 17. Thai Ruby 18. Urban Culinary Cuisine 19. Mr. Dunderbak’s 20. Sushi Tsu

Your 20 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel! 1. Bonefish Grill 2. Grillsmith 3. La Prima Pizza 4. Los Vallartas Mexican 5. Wolf’s Den 6. Cantina Laredo Mexican 7. Outback Steakhouse 8. First Watch 9. Texas Roadhouse 10. Applebee’s

11. Pagelli’s Italian Restaurant 12. PizzaMania 13. The Hungry Greek 14. Sonny’s BBQ 15. Prime Bar 16. Bonsai Sushi 17. Tijuana Flats 18. Cracker Barrel 19. Taste of Boston 20. Yamato Japanese Steakhouse

Your 5 favorite Asian restaurants in NT or WC 1. Liang’s Bistro 2. Wasabi 3. Ho Wok 4. (tie) Thai Ruby & Sukhothai Your 5 favorite Coffee, Tea or Smoothie shopa in NT or WC 1. Starbucks 2. Smoothie King (OOB) 3. (tie) Coffee Beanery & Dunkin Donuts 5. Panera Bread Your 5 favorite Italian restaurants in NT or WC 1. Olive Garden 2. Macaroni Grill 3. Pagelli’s 4. La Prima Pizza 5. (Tie) Bella Vita & Ciccio’s/The Lodge Your 5 favorite Pizza places in NT or WC 1. La Prima Pizza 2. Pizza Mania 3. Marco’s 4. Biagio’s 5. Ciccio’s Your 5 favorite Sandwich or Sub shops in NT/WC 1. Subway 2. Firehouse Subs 3. Panera Bread 4. Publix 5. (tie) Jersey Mike’s & Wolf’s Den Your 5 favorite Bars or Taverns in NT/WC 1. Beef O’Brady’s 2. Ciccio’s 3. The Brass Tap 4. World of Beer 5. Aja Your 5 favorite places for Dessert/Ice Cream in NT/WC 1. Coldstone Creamery 2. Bruster’s 3. Dairy Queen 4. Boardwalk Custard 5. (tie) Baskin-Robbins & MochiBerry Yogurt

Congratulations To All Of Our Contest Winners! GRAND PRIZE (CRUISE) - Judith Smith, Cross Creek 2nd Prize ($100 to restaurant of your choice) - Charles Phillips, Pebble Creek $20 (or more) gift certificate winners - Luis & Natacha Malave, Boyette Oaks; Gene Wortsman, Heritage Isles; M. Grobisen, Grand Hampton; Kimberly Collins, Arbor Greene; Edgardo Ortiz, Westbrook Estates; Dominique Toscano, Grand Hampton; Susan Martin, Meadow Pointe; Kristina Bajlami, Cross Creek; Pat Michaels, Saddlewood; Sebastian Sandoval, Hunter’s Green Look for Gary’s Favorite Restaurants in our next issue!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D

Join OrthoTechnology’s Winning Team! Ortho Technology, an international orthodontic supply distributor located in New Tampa, is seeking talented energetic candidates for the following full-time positions: Distribution Associate: High energy individual needed to receive, restock, pull & pack customer orders. Fast paced environment. Basic math & computer skills, ability to stand/walk for entire shift & lift up to 50 pounds required. QC Inspector: Entry level position responsible for accuracy of outgoing orders. 1-2 yrs exp w/QC responsibilities. Ability to stand/walk for entire shift, close vision, basic color differentiation and basic math req’d. Small parts/med device experience a plus. We provide a great work environment, excellent benefits package and growth potential. Submit resumes to careers@orthotechnology.com. PTA position available. Part-time (Tampa Palms clinic). Fax Resume to: 813-994-3080 Part time Medical Assistant. Must have lab/blood draw experience. Wesley Chapel office, family medicine. evening and Saturday hours. Fax resume to 813-994-0085. New Financial Advisors office in Wesley Chapel located in Live Oak is looking for a FT Administrative Assistant. Flexible schedule. Pay range $10-15 per hour. Must have working knowledge of Word and Excel. Must also be able to type 50 wpm. No Smokers. Please e-mail your resume, photo, and contact information to: yourjobposting@yahoo.com.

COMPUTER SERVICES Professional Tech Support in your home or small business. A+ certified computer tech with 15 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in plain English. References available upon request. Call 957-8342 for free estimate.

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

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. RAYMOND PAINTING. Interior & Exterior, Pressure Washing, Paper Hanging, Plaster, Stucco, Tiles, Concrete, Clean & Seal Pavers. LICENSED & BONDED. References Available. FREE ESTIMATES. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident. WE WORK 7 DAYS. CALL 994-5124. Greg’s Paperhanging. For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate.

CLEANING SERVICES

Classifıeds

see clients included FSU coaches & professors. For a FREE estimate & references call Randi at (cell) 850-509-6615. Yes, I do Gators, too. CYD PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES Residential & Commercial – Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly Rates- Flexible Scheduling – Quality Cleaning at Affordable Prices/ 5 years Experience. You’ll have the same cleaning professional every time! Call Catherine at 813-965-4162. (English/Spanish) Images Cleaning Svc. Pressure Washing Commercial/Residential, driveways, walks, decks, enclosures & homes. Gutter cleanout, trash removal, move in/out cleaning. 30 years of experience. Starting @ $50. Call Robin @ 813.240.1981. Bright Cleaning of Tampa Inc. Residential and Commercial. Free Estimates. We are family owned and operated. Good References upon request. Lowest prices Please call us at (813)562-6772.

WINDOW CLEANING WINDOW WASHING most windows $6.00 incl. inside, outside & sills. “Make Your Whole House Shine” 10+ yrs. experience. Convenient appointments. A POINT OF VIEW WINDOW WASHING. Wesley Chapel. 813-973-1451.

L A N D S C A P I N G Everyday Gardener’s Club. Full-service property maintenance available for residential & commercial. One-stop shopping with licensed, insured professionals. Specializing in landscape design with conceptional drawings & renderings available. Let your imagination & our professionals come together to create dreams that will last a lifetime. Call 933-1120 or visit www.EverydayGardenersClub.com

LAWN MAINTENANCE Enjoy your time & let A.T.B. Landscaping & Lawn Service do the work for you. We provide landscaping, lawn maintenance, clean-ups, tree & hedge trimming, sodding, sprinkler repair & fertilization. Other services also available. 907-LAWN Lawncare. Residential/Commercial We are a Father and Son Business. Licensed and Insured. Affordable pricing for all. Per cut or with a contract up to you.Call Patrick or Dora anytime. (813)907-1234 (Hauling Service too!) NTLC Property Maintenance. Residential & Commercial lawn maintenance for New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Sprinkler repair, tree trimming, mulching, landscaping & clean-ups also available. Licensed & Insured. Call Bill @ 973-3825.

P O O L

S E R V I C E S

Isn’t life busy enough? Save time. We can help. Your satisfaction is our first priority. Guaranteed, affordable, reliable, quality domestic svcs. Free estimate: Chelsea Maid Company @ 994-6662. A+ Cleaning Service. FSU grad, honest & dependable. Moving very successful business to Tampa Palms area to be near first grandchild. My Tallahas-

ENJOY YOUR POOL, WHILE WE MAINTAIN IT. KJ POOL SERVICE. Ser vicing pools for over 6 years. FIRST

MONTH FREE, PLUS FREE EVALUATION AND QUOTE Owner and Operator. LICENSE, BONDED & INSURED. Office Number: 813.909.9466 Cell Number: 813.748.9817. kjpoolservice@yahoo.com.

P E T

S I T T I N G

Professional Pet Care. Exp’d. Pet sitter. We walk, play, feed & administer medicine, all in the comfort of your pet’s home. We also bring in mail, water plants & help maintain home security while you’re away. Bonded, insured & trained in Pet First-Aid & CPR. Call For The Love Of Pets at 545-8406 or 4163126 or www.FortheLoveOfPetsOnline.com.

Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or Stranded... Call Jay at 813966-1530.

R E A L

E S T A T E

Foreclosure Homes & Bank REO listings by email at www.TampaForeclosuresToday.com. Team Bohannon, Coldwell Banker 813-982-7512 Avoid Foreclosure, We can help! www.TampaShortSalesToday.com Team Bohannon, Coldwell Banker 813-982-7512

I N V E S T M E N T

Tampa Cat Lady Professional Cat-Sitting Service. You say goodbye - we say hello. Cats are happiest when 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. Licensed, bonded & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com.

SEEKING INVESTOR/PARTNER Experienced restaurateurs interested in acquiring an existing successful restaurant in Sarasota/ Bradenton area. Total purchase price: $120K. Monthly lease: $4K. We have the 20% down payment. Seeking $100K-$150K. Serious inquiries only, please. Call (941) 377 3125 or email goldbergkerstin@yahoo.com.

New Tampa Pet Sitting Service. Lots of love & care for your pets. Great experience & references. Recommended by Angie’s List. Licensed, Insured & Red Cross Certified. Call Maria @ 416-5301.

Tai Chi Classes open to the public at the Club Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus and reduced stress. Class Times, Tues. Seniors 2:30-3:30 pm and Beg. 7-8 pm. Also New 6-week Beginners courses starting every few months. Space is limited. Contact me for more details. Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo Karate, Boot Camp Fitness training and more. With more then 30 years of training and teaching experience. Call Peter today #787-7560 or E-Mail me at chuan-fa@tampabay.rr.com

B U Y I N G

G O L D

NEED EXTRA MONEY…We can turn your unwanted, old or broken gold jewelry into CASH! Take advantage of high gold prices which may not last long. Don’t sell to the fly by night companies. Take it to Tampa Palms Hometown Jeweler. Jeweler on staff w/ 35 yrs. exp. Charles Jewelers, 972-4653 (next to Stein Mart on Bruce B. Downs).

Licensed Mobile Massage Therapist. 9am 9pm, Mon, Tues & Wed. $50 for 1 hour! Types of massage available: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stone, Corporate Seated, Pregnancy, Sports & Injury Rehab. References available. www.barkdollmassagetherapy.com CALL. 727-372-6389 Lic # MA47546.

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

T A I C H I L E S S O N S

O F F I C E

S P A C E

A/C WAREHOUSE W/OFFICES, 920 S.F. In New Tampa off Bruce B Downs located in New Tampa Professional Park behind Pilot Bank. Call Gail- 813-973-4155. Tired of working out of your house? Is a long commute getting to you? Need space in New Tampa? Cory Lake Professional Center. Office suite available. 950 sf. Call David – 813-494-8654

BABYSITTER WANTED Part time Baby Sitter wanted for a 13 month baby girl. Two days a during the week, mornings 9am -12 pm and Saturday evenings. Montessori experience preferred not required. Background check and References required. Call Sonia 216-316-4343. Lives in New Tampa.

Tranquility Pool Service. New Tampa Owned & Operated! Great pricing w/outstanding customer service. Relax & enjoy while we keep your pool in pristine swimming condition! Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Call Chris today for a free quote @ 857-5400 or visit us at www.tranquilitypoolservice.com to see why we are New Tampa’s #1 choice! New customers mention this ad & receive one month FREE! Aquatec Pool Service **Special Offer: New customers get 1 Month FREE!** We follow strict National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) standards - We do pools right. All technicians are in uniform, drug-free, and background checked. Quality, professional service. Licensed & Insured. Call Today 780-8616 or visit our website www.aquatecpool.com to see why you should choose us!

D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE. We have our own supplies & more than 200 clients in New Tampa! For more information, call 758-9710.

These are the Color Classifieds Your Neighbors R E A D! Call Dave @ 910-2575 to order your ad today!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 26 • December 18, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com