Focus South Tampa 03-02

Firm Solutions operates as a business

consultancy specializing in business

process optimization, professional

temporary staffing and data

management technologies. We have

over ten years of experience in

helping businesses grow, but we are

now facing our Clients with a new and

improved look and website!

Diverse Consulting Initiatives

Complete Business Process Optimization

Rigorously Screened and Professional Staffing

Employee Evaluation, Educational and Training Tools

Automated Data Search Technologies & Resources

Visit Us Online or Contact Us Today to

Find Out More About What We Do!

Follow Us On

Facebook Linkedin

FOCUS Magazine SOUth taMpa APRIL 2012 3

BEST BUFFET IN TAMPA BAY

Lunch $6.99Dinner $9.99

Over 100 itemsSalads • DessertsSteak • Seafood& Much More Classic Homestyle Buffet

4115 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa, FL 33617Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11a.m. - 8:30p.m. • Fri & Sat 11am - 9pm

ALL YOU CAN EAT FOR $10.99 PLUS BEVERAGE.Senior citizens receive free beverages.

APRIL 2012 focussouthtampa.com4

TABLE OFCONTENTS

Volume 3 Issue 2 • April 2012focussouthtampa.com

LICENSING OPPORTUNITYLicensed territories are available. We are looking to expand the family and are looking for motivated individuals to join our award winning team. If you are interested in owning your own Focus Magazine contact Mike Floyd at 813.707.8783 ext 26.

ON THE COVER

20EVENTSMake sure you check the event calendar for interesting upcoming events. There’s an Autism Walk & Bike MS in April. We’re giving you time to plan ahead!!

14SPOTLIGHTTampa Bay Business Owner’s shares their revolutionary concept of rallying local business owners together to create a community in which businesses help other businesses. Utilizing educational tools, summits, local business tours and peer-to-peer mentoring groups, they are hoping to build better businesses in the Area. TBBO welcomes all entrepreneurs – no matter experience, success of company or the type of business, they’re here to help!

TAMPA BAY BUSINESS OWNERS

ALL NEWFOCUSSOUTHTAMPA.COM

Online Features Include:• Full digital version of the current and past magazines• Extended features, interviews, dining profi les and business profi les with extra content• Community news updates• New home of FOCUSTV

6EDITORIALSpring Break season has offi cially begun and whether you’re single or have a family, it might be time for you to take a closer look at your fi nances and make some changes – Better You has some suggestions. If you’re looking for something selfl ess to do this season, Feeding America Tampa Bay is always looking for donations! Once you’ve had your fi nancial and community boost, check out the nutrition, fi tness and golf columns for fun ideas of how to improve in many areas.

22DININGJodi has taken her wine column to a new level – combining two very unlikely items – wine & meatball subs! Be sure to read her review of a cheesy, tasty sub paired with a zesty Merlot. She used it for a successful, friendly gathering, so we’re sure it will work for you.

advertise with FoCuS

Get your business/organization in front of the community

Call or email us to learn more about advertising in FOCUS

Jim Duke 813-390-5526

[email protected]

11LOCALIn this month’s issue, I’ve recapped my experience with Max Muscle & MaxQ Fitness, the results, highs and lows of my fi tness/nutrition challenge from the past 45 days. Check out the overview and if you’re interested, you can apply for the opportunity to win this program for yourself! In other Local news, it’s not too late to join the festivities and cycle for a good cause. Bike MS is just around the corner and Mike Esmonde’s story of fundraising success should get you in the mood to help out!


Christina MusialEditor-in-Chief

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

www.focussouthtampa.com

Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail [email protected]. The staff will fi x the error in a timely manner.

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local South Tampa businesses, restaurants and many local venues.

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Duke Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Duke Publications, Inc.

Publisher Jim Duke

Editor in chief Christina Musial

Advertising Director Harrison Tropp

Sales Sophia Hyde | Holly Farmer | Harrison Tropp

Production Anthony Sassano | Tony Cartagena

Photographers Ben Drummond

Staff Writers Christina Musial | Harrison TroppJodi Lokay

Contributors Al Ruechel | Kim Francis | Emery JonesTeal McKenzie | Rachel Drummond

Springtime. Unfortunately, we live in Florida and I really don’t think we see the full embodiment of the seasons and understand what our Northern counterparts are so excited about. Apparently there is no more snow scraping, plants and animals show signs of life again, and they can break out the windbreakers. Honestly, I’ve been sporting fl ip fl ops on the weekends for months now and even in the coldest winter spells, there is a casual summery day right around the bend. Here in the Sunshine State our seasons all look relatively similar.

However, I did take advantage of this fi ne Florida weather recently and went to Bradenton beach with my young cousins to close out their spring break. Th e weather was nice and warm with a slight breeze and the water had just the right amount of chill that it took a few minutes to ease myself in. Th e drawback – my sister and I are apparently the worst sunscreen applicators ever resulting in an embarrassing splotchy sunburn from head to toe (and a fever blister on my lip to boot). My brother says the red patches on my skin look as if I’ve been beaten with a ping pong paddle.

Given that the beach was not quite as successful as I hoped, I decided a few morning and evening walks with Willow (the pup I introduced a few issues ago) through the neighborhood would be a good use of time. Aside from the fact that Willow pointed out to me the large amount of items the neighbors drop on the sidewalks every day by picking them up and making me fi ght to fi sh them out of her mouth, it was clear oak pollen is out in full force. Th ose little brown squiggly things were in my hair when I got home accompanied by an allergy headache.

For those of you who are now wondering why you’ve been reading my rant, you will be disappointed to know there is no real direction for this column. I count it as a benefi t of being the Editor and having the fi nal say in what is published.

But, there are a few minor things I enjoy about spring – traffi c is a dream during Hillsborough County Spring Break, pastel candy bags are EVERYWHERE in every store you venture a stroll, and “winter” clothes are on sale.

Basically, what I’m getting at is that Springtime is detrimental to the health of pale editors with allergies. So I suggest more people take my approach of staying inside reading our columns about how to get fi t, stay healthy, make your home more energy effi cient and become fi nancially sound. Here’s to happy reading this month folks – Happy Springtime!

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR


Spring is a season synonymous with growth, re-birth, and rejuvenation. The atmosphere is temperate with the

growth of food visible across the continental landscape. While food is abundantly grown in rural areas of Tampa Bay, the distribution of goods requires the efforts of local food banks. Organizations such as Feeding America Tampa Bay (FATB) have taken the responsibility to provide food to families in need. In today’s suffering economy, FATB is able to insure families are given nourishment and care while pledging to alleviate hunger in the local community.

Feeding America is a national organization responsible for providing meals and other resources to people all across the country. While their work and outreach is extensive, they are serving 1 million more people every week than in previous years. According to their website, 37 million Americans requested assistance from Feeding America

in 2009 which increased by 46 percent from 2006. Perhaps the most astonishing statistic is a 2008 study which showed 16.7 million children are living in food insecure households compared to 12.4 million in 2007. As their website states, Feeding America is the largest domestic hunger relief organization in the country, encompassing a network of over 200 food banks.

While FATB is one of many distribution centers across the country, they provide an essential link in the drive to end hunger. In 2010 FATB added 10,000 square feet of warehouse space to their existing operation, increasing to 50,000 square feet total. At their local operation, workers and volunteers are responsible for the manual sorting of products and loading and un-loading of donations. Also in 2010, FATB opened 13,000 square foot branch in Clearwater so goods could be more easily distributed in Pinellas County. Other food banks in Pinellas County have the ability to utilize

this satellite location to help with their cause.Food banks are conceptually misrepresented according to FATB. People seem to possess images of soup kitchens or small shops providing canned goods to the homeless. While these establishments certainly exist, FATB has a massive operation that spans across a variety of outreach programs and institutions to control the effects of hunger. Unlike smaller food banks, FATB provides shelters, residential group homes, and after school programs. According to their website, FATB is not only a distributor, but a central supply point that acquires food and effectively allocates it to those in need. Since its founding in 1982, FATB has distributed over 170 million pounds of food with 19 million pounds being distributed in 2010. FATB relies heavily on partnerships with other local establishments to help donate and dispense food. Whether donations come from farmers, wholesales, supermarkets, or organized food drives, FATB is able to make a difference by

utilizing a vast network of community organizations.

While Feeding America is a national organization, FATB is responsible for providing resources to 509,000 people in West Central Florida. They currently have 10 county service areas which include Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, Highlands, Hardee, and Manatee counties. Since FATB is a food bank, they co-operate as a resource to 600 approved charities that host a feeding program. These programs or institutions include soup kitchens, food pantries, and emergency shelters.

FATB offers volunteer programs as well as internship opportunities. Further, they provide online resources for those who may or may know someone who is suffering.*Information provided in this article was derived from the Feeding America Tampa Bay website.

better community» Focus

NatioNal Food BaNk with local outreachFeeding AmericA tAmpA bAy Looks to end Hunger in neigHboring communities story by: HarriSon Tropp



Many of you are striving to be healthier, stronger, fitter, and more commonly – to look and feel great. When you

set a goal for yourself, you begin putting the building blocks in place and relentlessly take steps towards achieving that goal. You push yourself with the determination, drive, time, and effort it takes to make your goal a reality.

Are you willing to do what it takes to be healthier, fitter, and look and feel great? If so, a Nutrition Program from Max Muscle South Tampa is for you! Work with certified personal trainers and nutrition coaches from CynFXFitness to get a customized lifestyle program to help you achieve the New You.

With our program there are no “Hollywood secrets”, no starving or deprivation, no fake quick fixes, no hormone injections, or invasive procedures. Unlike other popular weight loss or nutrition programs, you will get great, effective, nutritional products, receive personal (not virtual) coaching, and access to an online nutrition program.

Coupled with exercise, our Nutrition Program maximizes your body’s ability to burn fat for energy, become stronger,

and get lean. When it comes to true body transformation, nutrition is the most important factor. Our Nutrition Program helps you to understand how your body works, and provide you with the nutrition and support to succeed.

What is almost as cool as feeling and looking great? Our nutrition program participants become eligible for great prizes and awards. Participants may also be able to appear and showcase their results in a subsequent issue of FOCUS South Tampa.

So How Do I Get Started with a Nutrition Program at Max Muscle South Tampa?1. Visit www.maxmusclesouthtampa.com and click contact us to send a request for an order form and Nutrition Program Packet. Participants must order and use at least the Recovery Stack, which includes 36 Max Gourmet Protein shake meals exclusively at Max Muscle South Tampa, during their nutrition program. That’s less than $1.60 a meal! An even better value is the Slim

HeALtH » Focus

chaNge Your BodY, cHAnge your LiFe!story by: Fred preSSley, M.ed., neSTa CSnC

Fred pressley, M.ed., neSTa Certified Sports nutrition CoachFor more information you can contact or visit Fred at Max Muscle Sports nutrition in South Tampa, 813-253-2300.

Stack, which includes 72 meals allowing a participant to have 2 high protein/low carb meals a day during their program. There are other nutrition Stacks to choose from to increase your body transformation results. Chose the auto-ship option for even greater savings! 2. Schedule an appointment with a Certified Nutrition Coach/Personal Trainer at Max Muscle South Tampa to have your initial

body assessment done to track your body composition changes. Select either a one-month or three-month nutrition program depending on your goals. 3. Want to get your nutrition products free? Maintain your auto-ship and have 3 of your friends or family join and purchase a Stack of equal or lesser value to your own within the calendar month and your next Stack is free.


wedgiNg success oN the greeN

goLF » Focus

The golf season is in full gear, but there is still plenty of time to get out and improve key areas of your game

including your short game. Practicing your wedges for example, is a great way to spend an hour after work, and can go a long way towards lowering your score; the key is knowing what to practice. Below are a few skills all good wedge players possess, and that you can improve with some guidance from your coach and a little practice on your part. Th e fi rst key to getting more out of your wedges is to know exactly how far each one goes with a given length of swing. A good starting point is to determine how far the ball goes with a backswing that stops with the left arm parallel to the ground (9:00 position). Th is will give you a reference point you can rely on and take to the course, and is easily modifi ed for shots that are slightly shorter or longer. If you determine that your sand wedge goes 50 yards with a left arm parallel swing, you not only have a club for that distance, but you also know that with a slight change in the length of your swing you can add or subtract 10 yards of carry distance. Th is exercise will also help you determine if you have a “gap” issue within your wedges. For example, you may fi nd that with this exercise your PW goes 80

yards but that your sand wedge only goes 50. Th e 30 yard “gap” between the two clubs is signifi cant enough that you may benefi t from a Gap Wedge that goes 65 yards with the same left arm parallel swing. Your GolfTEC coach is available to help determine your specifi c needs and make the appropriate recommendations for your unique situation.

Another key to a successful wedge game is the ability to control your trajectory. Th ere are times when situation calls for a low, driving shot, and other times where a higher, softer landing shot is needed. Th ere are two primary ways to alter the trajectory of your shots; change to a club with more/less loft, or change the position of the ball in your stance. Th e easiest way is to change clubs, but there are times when it is more eff ective to adjust ball position; next time you’re practicing, see what happens when you make three swings with the same club (and length swing), but from three diff erent ball positions; front, middle, and back. All things being equal you should see three diff erent height shots that will also roll diff erent amounts. Developing the skill to control trajectory will give you more success on windy days, and give you more options when you need to control how much roll you get.

story by: don CoSTanZo, GolFTeC TaMpa, direCTor oF inSTruCTion

10% off all improvement plans through December 24th, 2011

xfloralsalon.com • 813-872-75002602 W Azeele St Ste A, Tampa, FL 33609

XLooking for candles, floral and gifts?

The ultra-fragrant Kringle Candle line unites the best of the traditional and the new, with

exciting candle products designed to mesh with virtually any decor

Check out our Kringle Candle Line!

Hours of OperationMonday thru Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PMSunday: 12:00 Noon - 6:00 PM

• 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed • Your Satisfaction is Our #1 Concern• Committed to Quality and Service• Flowers & Gifts for All Occasions• Personalized Care with Each Order• Enjoy the Convenience of Ordering Online

Marks theSpot


oBtaiN FitNess with the Basics story by: BoB KiSSel

Fitness » Focus

Many people view fitness as confusing, difficult and even impossible. In reality, fitness can be easy and

obtainable if you keep a few basic things in mind. Your body is a metabolic furnace...the hotter it burns 24/7, the hotter it looks to the opposite sex. As muscle percentage increases, Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) increases burning fat all day and all night. Muscle percentage must be high enough to exceed the number of calories consumed each day. If your body burns more calories than it consumes, your body will lose fat. If your body burns fewer calories than consumed each day, it will gain fat. The basic goal is to increase muscle percentage.

Diets are an unsustainable weight-loss strategy resulting in a negative calorie

consumption/loss ratio only by default. Meanwhile, RMR slows down to the point of starvation mode. Yes, your body actually thinks it’s starving to death and will begin to hold onto every available calorie it can in order to sustain its existence. Food supply becomes increasingly portable and dangerous to your overall well-being.

Most people are extremely busy and do not have the time to exercise. The good news is that when it comes to exercise less is actually more! By increasing the intensity of the exercise, you consume more calories both during and after exercise. For those people wanting to burn calories through running or any cardiovascular exercise, the greatest calorie burn occurs during interval training in which maximum effort is exerted over a short durations. However, cardiovascular exercise cannot stimulate muscle and

cannot burn calories 24/7. Only strength or resistance exercise is capable of increasing muscle thus burning calories 24/7 but similar to cardiovascular exercise done as interval training, the greatest calorie burn both during and after exercise occurs through intense, but brief resistance exercise. This is the most productive form of exercise. So fitness is all about increasing muscle percentage and conditioning the body (through productive exercise) to manage this calorie consumption/loss ratio, automatically, resulting in an increase in muscle and a decrease in fat and a hotter, sexier you. Increased muscle percentage makes women as well as men appear to be smaller and more athletic-looking. The most effective and efficient way to increase muscle percentage i.e. RMR involves two primary steps. First, you must stimulate muscular fiber activity through productive exercise and Step 2 is nourishing this stimulated muscle fiber through protein and other nutrients. Productive exercise is when muscle encounters a temporary immovable resistance forcing the body to adapt to this stimulus so that protein and other nutrients can nourish and rebuild

muscle thus becoming stronger, fit and more athletic. As a by-product, exercise becomes more intense, but brief or doable for anyone, regardless of conditioning. As an added benefit, a total body workout can occur in just fifteen minutes and two times a week. It need not consume your life because you’ll have a lot more to do as your newly hot, sexy, and athletic you.


chaNge For the Better

WitH tHe HeLp oF tWo LocAL business oWners, i’m cHAnging me

LocAL » Focus

i think most people look at themselves in the mirror every day with a hint of disinterest. Let’s be honest, we’re not all

body builders, super models or movie stars. Some are blessed with incredibly high self-esteem (whether warranted or not), others are the polar opposite with no confidence in their own bodies. But the vast majority, I believe, look at themselves as neither good nor bad. Sure, there are improvements to be made, but there are a few good things as well. I’m that person.

I have a great job providing me many opportunities, a fantastic husband, supportive family and a decent circle of friends. But, like everyone else, the two things I find always have room for change – my finances and my body. The issue here is most people tackle the body because it’s quicker than changing the finances. Over the last few weeks, I’ve learned this is the wrong perception. Changing your body, if done the right way, will take time and discipline. Hence the steadfast, constant, reliable failure of the fad diet we try every January.

So, my opportunity for change has been two-fold – six weeks of coaching/training in Nutrition & Fitness.

nutritionFred Pressly owns a Max Muscle store on South Dale Mabry Highway. While the store sells nutritional products, protein supplements, the works, Fred also provides an important, useful service - Pressly is a Certified Nutrition Coach. His program allows for an online nutritional tracking program where you can choose to use a custom meal plan, or make your own meals, sticking within the guidelines Pressly has provided (calorie, carb, fat and protein allotment). There are a stockpile of recipes for great dinner ideas and the opportunity to “exchange” foods in your meal plan with something similar in composition. Within this program, weight, measurements, and body fat can be tracked as well so both the subject & Pressly can routinely see the improvements being made. It allows you to see your food and body realistically.

As part of the job, Pressly routinely checks in via email or phone to ensure spirits are up and to assess the different highs and lows coupled with a nutrition plan and an adjustment in lifestyle. Even healthy eating changes can take a toll on the body and mind and Pressly believes routine, open conversation about the plan will only enhance the experience.

FitnessBob Kissel is the founder and inventor of MaxQ Fitness on MacDill Avenue providing a one of a kind, revolutionary fitness experience. As mentioned in my article last month, Kissel’s program allows for the body to do as much work as possible in one set rather than small amounts of work in multiple sets. Through a very strenuous 15-minute workout, the muscle tissues in your body begin to break down so thicker, stronger fibers can grow in their place over the 3-day recovery period following the workout.

The workout consists of 12 reps on five different machines. Each machine is specially designed and is programmed for your particular body. It automatically increases the weight I am lifting/pushing/pulling and when my body is unable to complete the set, the machine senses the failure and resets the weight to something manageable so my body can work through the hardest part of the workout. In between the sets on the machine, Kissel tosses in a few generic sit ups, squats and non-machine exercises that are just a bonus and extra burn, just to keep it interesting.

My experienceI walked into this challenge with no plan and the only desire I had was to lose weight. Let’s be honest, the only thing most of us care about is the number on the scale. I’ve had success on diets before, so I assumed this would be a breeze, and who can’t survive 15 minutes of a workout two times a week, no matter how difficult?

Well, let me walk you through a few of my challenges. I am one of those “live to eat”

people, not the “eat to live” type. The change in caloric intake was not the problem, it was the change to a high protein, low fat diet. Choosing the salmon or shrimp over the fattier beef or steak was a bit of a struggle for me. Although it was difficult, coming to the realization that some of the foods you love can be replaced by other less fatty foods with very little disruption to your pallet and mindset was difficult, but well worth it.

The most important thing Pressly taught me? If you’re craving chocolate, or a sweet, or something NOT on the nutrition plan, don’t avoid it. Have a piece of candy (a small one) to avoid the eventual meltdown you will have in which you’ll gorge yourself on the things you think you’re not ALLOWED to have. It’s your body – eat something you enjoy and just cut back somewhere else that day. Once I got past the block of what I couldn’t have, life started streaming along.

In regard to the Fitness, I loved my sessions with Bob. I felt like a champion completing the weightlifting and seeing my numbers indicating strength increase every week. There is a huge sense of accomplishment in leaving the gym feeling completely exhausted, but feeling your workout clothes hang a little looser. The drawback? I became so comfortable in my twice weekly workout routines with Bob that I cut out my daily cardio (dog walking). While exercise between the sessions is not required, I think the cardio is beneficial from a relaxation standpoint and gives you a little extra push to make it to your next appointment.

The main draw and motivation for both the nutrition and fitness plans – I am accountable to myself, Fred & Bob. Who wants to fail when they are accountable to three people??? Accountability is always helpful.

overallAs a whole, I did not lose the weight I was expecting and most of that is due to my cutting of the cardio and my inability to quickly adapt to the meal plan. I struggled with the food more than I thought I would. However, after reviewing my measurements with Fred and using Bob’s machines to gauge my body fat, I can see differences in the numbers. While the numbers are important and our beacon of success, the important item to note is, I feel better!

My clothes fit a bit looser, my legs and midsection are significantly leaner and the curves of my body are accentuated a bit more because the fat is dropping away. While the pounds are not dropping, the muscles are becoming stronger and more defined. In this aspect I’ve been successful.

If you’re interested in the opportunity to change your nutrition and fitness plan and see results you know you can’t achieve on your own, shoot me an email at [email protected] and tell me why you deserve the excellent programs Fred & Bob set forth. I’m looking for someone who can put my success to shame! Six week plan can be yours, just send me an email and convince me you NEED this opportunity!

story by: CHriSTina MuSial


MARCH 17“THE FIDDLER” BOB RYMANA ST. PATRICK’S DAY

BALLROOM DINNER SHOWCome celebrate the event! Ryman is a masterof the violin and takes you through a magicaljourney of the classics to country favorites.The Las Vegas Sounds will also perform.Car show in the afternoon and deck party witha St. Patty’s tradition of green beer before theshow. Pre-show at 7–Main-show at 8.

MARCH 17RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MARCH 23 thru 24DOO WOP WEEKENDEXTRAVAGANZA VISTARRING - BARBARA HARRIS & THE TOYS

THE MYSTICS • THE LEGENDARY TEENAGERS

JIMMY GALLAGHER OF THE PASSIONS • DESTINY

THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS • BOB RYMAN

The annual event is taking on its sixth yearof fun, food, contest and great music from abygone era. Friday night performances include:The Mystics, Jimmy Gallagher (lead singer ofthe Passions), Barbara Harris & The Toys andThe Las Vegas Sounds.Saturday night performances include:The Mystics, Jimmy Gallagher, The Legendary

Teenagers and The Las Vegas Sounds Bandwill perform in the Ballroom. Bob Ryman willperform in the Dining Room.

MARCH 30JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room,plus Destiny.

MARCH 31BOB RYMANBob Ryman is a master of the violin. Rymanplays favorites from Bluegrass to Broadway,from Country to Classics. Destiny before andafter the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

APRIL 6BOBBY PALERMOBobby Bobby Palermo has been voted TampaBay Entertainer of the Year two years in a row.Enjoy a night of humour, impersonations andfabulously listenable and danceable music.Destiny opens and closes.

APRIL 7TREY DEES AND DESTINYPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.

APRIL 8EASTER BUFFETOur chefs are preparing a fabulous feast for you!The Easter Bunny will drop by for photos.Call for seating times and reservations.

APRIL 13JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room,plus Destiny.

APRIL 14THE JARMELSThe Jarmels are a Doo Wop/R&B group.Their single, “A Little Bit of Soap,” reachednumber 12 in America on the Billboard chart.Destiny opens and closes the show in theRed Rose Dining Room.

APRIL 20JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red RoseDining Room, plus Destiny.

APRIL 21RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.


GIFT CARDSAVAILABLE

Show Guests stayovernight at special rate!

WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM

Red Rose Inn & SuitesI-4 Exit 21

2011 N. Wheeler St. • Plant City, FL 33563Mrs. Evelyn Madonia -Owner

Call 813.752.3141 for Reservations Today!

The Premier Showplacefor Talent in Florida

APRIL 28SIMPLY STREISANDA TRIBUTE TO THE ARTISTYOF BARBRA STREISAND

Starring Carla DelVillaggio, this AWARDWINNING Tribute Artist has the look andsound of “the Greatest Star,” the incomparableBarbra Streisand. From the hair down to thetrademark nails, she is “Simply Streisand” inevery way. Destiny performs before and afterthe show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 4BOBBY PALERMOBobby Bobby Palermo has been voted TampaBay Entertainer of the Year two years in a row.Enjoy a night of humour, impersonations andfabulously listenable and danceable music.Destiny performs before and after the showin the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 5THE MARCELSIn 1961 their first recording, “Blue Moon”sold over two and a half million copies.“Blue Moon” has been used in at least fourmajor motion pictures and various TV shows,such as: Sha Na Na, Cheers, Moonlighting,Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days.Destiny opens and closes in the Red RoseDining Room.

MAY 11JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room,plus Destiny.

MAY 12RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 18BEAUTIFUL BOBBY BLACKMON& THE B3 BLUES BANDBobby Blackmon's career began in a small townnot far from the Dallas, Texas area.His Texas blues influence is heard loud ‘n’ proudin his soulful guitar playing. He's worked withthe likes of Barbara Lynn, Jimmy Reed, ZZ Hill,Johnny Taylor, Lavelle White and Lou Rawls.Destiny opens and closes in the Red Rose DiningRoom.

MAY 19JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red RoseDining Room, plus Destiny.

MAY 25

BRIAN ROMANOne of Canada’s finest entertainers! Romanperforms the classics – spanning the GoldenEra, ranging from Sinatra to Tom Jones.Destiny also performs.


SSimplyimplySStreisandtreisand

BobRyman

The JarmelsJohnny Alston’s

Motown Rock ‘n Roll Revue

The Marcels

Brian Roman

RRCalendar_Mar2012:Layout 1 2/29/12 3:02 PM Page 1


MARCH 17“THE FIDDLER” BOB RYMANA ST. PATRICK’S DAY

BALLROOM DINNER SHOWCome celebrate the event! Ryman is a masterof the violin and takes you through a magicaljourney of the classics to country favorites.The Las Vegas Sounds will also perform.Car show in the afternoon and deck party witha St. Patty’s tradition of green beer before theshow. Pre-show at 7–Main-show at 8.

MARCH 17RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MARCH 23 thru 24DOO WOP WEEKENDEXTRAVAGANZA VISTARRING - BARBARA HARRIS & THE TOYS

THE MYSTICS • THE LEGENDARY TEENAGERS

JIMMY GALLAGHER OF THE PASSIONS • DESTINY

THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS • BOB RYMAN

The annual event is taking on its sixth yearof fun, food, contest and great music from abygone era. Friday night performances include:The Mystics, Jimmy Gallagher (lead singer ofthe Passions), Barbara Harris & The Toys andThe Las Vegas Sounds.Saturday night performances include:The Mystics, Jimmy Gallagher, The Legendary

Teenagers and The Las Vegas Sounds Bandwill perform in the Ballroom. Bob Ryman willperform in the Dining Room.

MARCH 30JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room,plus Destiny.

MARCH 31BOB RYMANBob Ryman is a master of the violin. Rymanplays favorites from Bluegrass to Broadway,from Country to Classics. Destiny before andafter the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

APRIL 6BOBBY PALERMOBobby Bobby Palermo has been voted TampaBay Entertainer of the Year two years in a row.Enjoy a night of humour, impersonations andfabulously listenable and danceable music.Destiny opens and closes.

APRIL 7TREY DEES AND DESTINYPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.

APRIL 8EASTER BUFFETOur chefs are preparing a fabulous feast for you!The Easter Bunny will drop by for photos.Call for seating times and reservations.

APRIL 13JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room,plus Destiny.

APRIL 14THE JARMELSThe Jarmels are a Doo Wop/R&B group.Their single, “A Little Bit of Soap,” reachednumber 12 in America on the Billboard chart.Destiny opens and closes the show in theRed Rose Dining Room.


APRIL 21RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.


GIFT CARDSAVAILABLE

Show Guests stayovernight at special rate!

WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM

Red Rose Inn & SuitesI-4 Exit 21

2011 N. Wheeler St. • Plant City, FL 33563Mrs. Evelyn Madonia -Owner

Call 813.752.3141 for Reservations Today!

The Premier Showplacefor Talent in Florida

APRIL 28SIMPLY STREISANDA TRIBUTE TO THE ARTISTYOF BARBRA STREISAND

Starring Carla DelVillaggio, this AWARDWINNING Tribute Artist has the look andsound of “the Greatest Star,” the incomparableBarbra Streisand. From the hair down to thetrademark nails, she is “Simply Streisand” inevery way. Destiny performs before and afterthe show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 4BOBBY PALERMOBobby Bobby Palermo has been voted TampaBay Entertainer of the Year two years in a row.Enjoy a night of humour, impersonations andfabulously listenable and danceable music.Destiny performs before and after the showin the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 5THE MARCELSIn 1961 their first recording, “Blue Moon”sold over two and a half million copies.“Blue Moon” has been used in at least fourmajor motion pictures and various TV shows,such as: Sha Na Na, Cheers, Moonlighting,Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days.Destiny opens and closes in the Red RoseDining Room.

MAY 11JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room,plus Destiny.


MAY 18BEAUTIFUL BOBBY BLACKMON& THE B3 BLUES BANDBobby Blackmon's career began in a small townnot far from the Dallas, Texas area.His Texas blues influence is heard loud ‘n’ proudin his soulful guitar playing. He's worked withthe likes of Barbara Lynn, Jimmy Reed, ZZ Hill,Johnny Taylor, Lavelle White and Lou Rawls.Destiny opens and closes in the Red Rose DiningRoom.

MAY 19JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red RoseDining Room, plus Destiny.

MAY 25

BRIAN ROMANOne of Canada’s finest entertainers! Romanperforms the classics – spanning the GoldenEra, ranging from Sinatra to Tom Jones.Destiny also performs.


SSimplyimplySStreisandtreisand

BobRyman

The JarmelsJohnny Alston’s

Motown Rock ‘n Roll Revue

The Marcels

Brian Roman

RRCalendar_Mar2012:Layout 1 2/29/12 3:02 PM Page 1


spotLigHt» tAmpA bAy business oWners

Tampa Bay Business ownersA Culture of Helping

Makes Good Business


spotLigHt» tAmpA bAy business oWners

If you’ve ever watched an episode of Shark Tank, you’ve been able to witness a few interesting elements of business occurring. An invention or idea was hatched by someone who could be your neighbor, who has spent the better part of the past few years building it into a business system the best way they know how. And at the moment they can’t handle the volume or get to a sticky point with capital, they enter the Shark Tank, hopeful one of the money players will see the same vision they see and open their wallet.

These entrepreneurs obviously never encountered Tampa Bay Business Owners. If they had, they would have already discovered that an entire community of resources is at their disposal.

Built on the principle of “business owners helping business owners,” the TBBO community is like no other association you’ll ever encounter. Sure, they have great networking (their connecting opportunities are consistently voted some of the most electric and productive in the area). Yes, they have phenomenal education (Internet Marketing education, Writers Summits, tours of local business and Keynote presentations by some of the area’s most prominent entrepreneurs add to members’ business knowledge). And of course they have impactful peer-to-peer mentoring groups (their Eg3 Peer-to-Peer Mentoring system gives members their own private peer advisory group to brainstorm on their companies and provide accountability for forward moving goals). But the Tampa Bay Business Owner community is so much more than any one of its parts. As one member put it, “This is the best business community I’ve ever been a part of. It’s like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.”

What is it that makes TBBO so special? A passion to help. Chris Krimitsos, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of the Tampa Bay Business Owners, created a living, breathing community of entrepreneurs to fuel his own passion for helping people. “I knew if I could have a positive impact on one business owner’s life by connecting them to the resources they needed or give them the knowledge they were looking for to run their business more successfully, that would have a multiplying effect.” That raw passion is backed up by a system to scale the TBBO philosophy.“We’ve woven in intricate systems into our culture that ensure we know exactly what our member need so we can provide that service or connect them to that resource,” says Katie Krienitz, Managing Partner for Tampa Bay Business Owners. “And our members know the drill. They understand our culture of ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ and actively seek out opportunities to help one another.”

A great example of the power of this culture is member Rolo Dumagan, owner of Nolani Marketing. “Just recently, Chris introduced me to Ian Ippolito, CEO of VWorker.com. Because of this connection, I was able to place a bid for 3-D animation work which resulted as a win bid for $26k. This would never have taken place because I was not aware of VWorker.com prior to Chris’ introduction!”

John Mickel, owner of Dynamic Carpet Care and long-time TBBO member, knows that TBBO is all about relationships. Averaging 10 referrals each month from fellow TBBO members, he sees a bottom-line impact with his involvement.

Two years ago, Drew Downs and Jay Galati met in one of the Eg3 Groups, each with their own business at the time. They became fast friends and soon, began dreaming up what is now QLD Marketing, a company that gets you quality online leads on demand. In just a few short months, Drew and Jay are having massive success in their new company.

The larger community has also taken notice. Recently, Davin Joseph, Tampa Bay Buccaneers player and two-time NFL All Star, visited the Tampa Bay Business Owners. Joseph, who has his own foundation contributing to the athletic and artistic programs in local high schools, understands the necessity of business knowledge and a business community when building a successful program. On behalf of TBBO, Joseph presented Ricky Sailor, owner of Unsigned Preps

and honorary member of TBBO, with community recognition for his growing success in helping underprivileged athletes acquire collegiate athletic scholarships. Sailor, who has been responsible for acquiring more than $10 million in college athletic scholarships for his high school athletes has taken his passion and, through TBBO, is learning how to make a successful business out of it.

“The Tampa Bay Business Owners is one of the best things I’ve ever been a part of in my life!” Ricky says. “I am full of energy and passion and desire and have what I believe is a great idea, but I have no business sense whatsoever. Not only am I a first generation college student, but I’m a first generation business owner. So, I don’t have a clue as to how you run business. What TBBO has done for me, is they’ve taken this clay and they’ve molded it. They’ve molded me into a business man. It’s amazing what the organization can do for somebody.”

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been running your company for decades, whether you’ve just made your first dollar or have multi-million dollar revenues, the Tampa Bay Business Owners is home for any entrepreneur who has a passion for their business and who believes in positively helping others. Members are small business owners from all around the Greater Tampa Bay area, reaching as far east as Melbourne and as far south as Venice. The major impact is not just in the individual business owner, but in the Tampa Bay business economy at large.

“When each member is helping their fellow member grow, the economies of scale take over,” Krimitsos explains. “Soon, one member’s business is booming and they need to bring on more employees and hire on specialized knowledge – which is often provided by their TBBO peers. This, in turn, brings more business to other members, which helps their companies grow and leads to more people getting hired, and so on and so on.” Herein lies the true power of such a community. In taking care of its members and cultivating a “giver’s gain” atmosphere, the Tampa Bay Business Owners are positively contributing to the larger economy. Not so small a feat for someone who simply wanted to “help people” in his life.

The Tampa Bay Business Owners community is growing quickly and so is their effect on their members’ businesses and the Tampa Bay economy at large. To find out more about this organization, contact their headquarters at 813-489-5585 or [email protected].


entertAinment » citrus tour

the citrus tourCyclists looking for a challenging ride,

a scenic route and a great cause to support are invited to take part in 2012

Bike MS: The Citrus Tour, a two-day ride held Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 benefitting the National MS Society Mid Florida Chapter.

Registration is now open for both teams and individuals for this two-day event which begins and ends at the historic Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Fla. On day one, riders may choose from a 50, 75 or 100-mile route from Bok Tower Gardens, through scenic orange groves and pastoral terrain, to arrive at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, where they are invited to participate in a celebration dinner held in their honor. On day two, the route reverses with a choice of a 50 or 75 mile return route to Bok Tower Gardens where the two-day event culminates in a Finish Line Victory Picnic.

Bike MS: The Citrus Tour is recognized as one of the best two-day fully supported cycling events in Florida, annually attracting more than 1,500 cyclists of all skill levels from across the country. Now in its 25th year at the Mid Florida Chapter,

Bike MS takes place in more than 100 cities nationwide and is one of the largest fundraising bike events in the United States.

Bike MS: The Citrus Tour, along with Walk MS, are the two biggest annual fundraisers for the National MS Society’s Mid Florida chapter. Bike MS: The Citrus Tour generated an astounding $921,569 in 2011, but this year’s goal is even higher at $966,000. Together, in 2011, Bike MS: The Citrus Tour and the eight Walk MS events generated more than $1.3 million in the fight to cure MS.

Registration is $55 for individual cyclists and $45 for members of a team. Cyclists must raise a minimum of $250 per person to participate in Bike MS: The Citrus Tour. A variety of incentives are available for those who meet and exceed the $250 goal, starting with a 2012 25th anniversary Bike MS T-shirt and a finish line medal. Fundraising tips and tools, as well as tips for training and cycling safety are available online at bikeMSmidFL.org.

“This is an exciting year for Bike MS as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the event for the Mid Florida Chapter and the third

oFFers cycLists A cHALLenging tWo-dAy ride

year of our increasingly popular Citrus Tour route,” said Carroll Franklin, President, Mid Florida Chapter. “We’re so thankful to the Florida cycling community for making this one of the premier cycling events of the year and for so generously supporting our fundraising efforts. With every dollar we raise, we are one step closer to ending MS.”

The Mid Florida Chapter also holds eight Walk MS events annually. Beginning March 10 and running through April 14, Central Florida cities including Lakeland, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Lady Lake, Largo and Ormond Beach, as well as Brevard County (Melbourne), will welcome thousands of walkers in support of the fight to cure MS. The Mid Florida Chapter also offers a Virtual Walk option for those who live too far from scheduled Walk MS events or are unavailable on their city’s scheduled date.

To register for Bike MS: The Citrus Tour, Walk MS, or the Virtual Walk, or to make a donation or volunteer, visit http://www.nationalmssociety.org/FLC. For more information about Bike MS: The Citrus Tour, contact: Cody Yerian, Development Manager, 813-889-8363, ext. 201. For more information about Walk MS, contact Gaby Casado, Development Manager, 407-478-8880, ext. 27.

Multiple Sclerosis FactsMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is an incurable, chronic disease of the central nervous system. MS interrupts the flow of information between the brain and body, causing

unpredictable symptoms that can include numbness and blurred vision, as well as paralysis. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with twice as many women as men affected.

About the National MS Society Mid Florida Chapter The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Mid Florida Chapter serves more than 70,000 people in a 23 county area, including family members, friends, caregivers, employers, and an estimated 10,000 people in Mid Florida living with MS. Founded in Nov. 1958, the mission of the Mid Florida Chapter is to end the devastating effects of MS. With a wide range of services, including educational programs, self-help groups, research, medical equipment, loan closets, transportation, literature, referrals, information and advocacy. The Mid Florida Chapter is proud to be a source of empowerment for those living with the disease.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society MS Stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We do this through our home office and a 50-state network of chapters by funding more MS research, providing more services to people with MS, offering more professional education and furthering more advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. We are people who want to do something about MS, now. Join the movement at JoinTheMovement.org.

Two-day ride april 21-22 with Choice of 50-100 Mile daily routes

registration open and Teams now Forming for national MS Society Mid Florida Chapter’s Signature Cycling event


entertAinment » mike esmonde

PassioN For BikiNg, BikiNg For a cure

Most every person in America has a hobby or pastime they rely on to ease away the stress of daily life. Hobbies

of course mean diff erent things to diff erent people – some shop, paint, take photographs, write, run, bike, just to name a few.

Mike Esmonde, a Project Manager at Universal Studios Orlando, took up cycling while in the Rock n’ Roll business and always had a bike with him on tour. About 22 years ago, Esmonde decided to put his hobby to good use and support a cause – the National MS Society. “I started doing it as a social event. Subsequent to that, I learned

more about MS and the people affl icted and just kept doing it. I don’t have anyone in the family with MS. I just found an advertisement in a magazine,” Esmonde said. Th rough his own eff orts over the years, Esmonde has raised close to $400,000 for the MS cause. As the years have passed Esmonde has had to be more creative with his approach. “Originally I did it traditionally with a piece of paper in the offi ce where people pledged certain amounts per mile. Th ree to four years after, I sent a humorous letter out to associates, contractors, consultants, friends and family with a self-

story by: CHriSTina MuSialmike esmonde turned His pAstime into An ms FundrAising dreAm

addressed stamped envelope,” said Esmonde.

Esmonde mentioned that the hardest part of the ride every year is coming up with a new exciting letter to solicit donations. In the past the themes have been anywhere from Cartoons, Kidnap Letter, Comic Book and even a letter written in Japanese with bad English Subtitles. Th is year, the letter will pay tribute to the press consuming Presidential Election.

With a 95% rate of return, it’s no wonder Esmonde is a faithful supporter of Bike MS. “I have a lot of loyal donors. Some people just send me a check around springtime. I can’t stop now. If I stopped, people would lose faith. So, I’ll just keep riding until I fall

off the bike. Not literally!” said Esmonde. While Esmonde joins Bike MS to satisfy his own hobby and support a great cause, he also uses the 150 mile trip as an opportunity to connect with the new cyclists joining the cause. “I try to encourage fi rst time riders and try to make their experience enjoyable. If people have a good experience they will pass the word along. You want them to return,” said Esmonde.

If you’re a cyclist looking to do something worthwhile and benefi cial with your hobby, join Esmonde and a crowd of other cyclists at the Bike MS Event on April 21st. Check it out at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/FLC.

pHoto courtesy oF bikems

Where inspired living begins...

Proud supporter and graduate of Jesuit High School

Francis Vivero, President _Custom Homes New/Restoration_ 813.963.2000_ [email protected] more information and photo galleries visit us at one of our websites : www.verandafla.com _www.verandahomes.net

CBC056977


While not every homeowner is interested in taking a “green” approach to life, most have a desire

to run their homes more efficiently and save money on their electric and water bills. Who doesn’t like to save money?? Well, South Tampa based General Contractor Cathy Byrd is making the “green” home her mission.

Byrd is the owner of two Tampa organizations – Innovative Restorations Inc., which focuses on restoration of historic homes and buildings in the area as well as minimal new construction (only inside of Tampa’s historic district). This company uses highly specialized subcontractors

to aid the homeowner & Byrd with all things construction related: architecture, engineering, interior design, all wrapped into one single point of contact. If you’ve ever purchased, remodeled or built a home, you know the excitement when you realize you only have to speak to one person to make your home dreams come true!

With the growing trend of environmental protection and efficiency applications to homes, Byrd launched her second organization, a residential development firm called GreenHeights Development Corporation where they focus on building green homes or aiding homeowners is having their home certified as green.

According to Byrd, in the late 1980’s, the U.S. Green Building Council established a certain set of standards for Green criteria. Initially they started off with commercial building with an energy focus involving the EPA. This spawned the LEED building rating system. The drawback here is that it applied all standards to all climates across the nation rather than being state specific.

In the mid 1990’s, the Florida Green Building Coalition focused directly on the state of Florida with an emphasis on residential homes in which the average Joe homeowner could make adjustments to their home to be more green. The goal? “To get the

building certified so it can be independently verified as a green home,” said Byrd.The areas in which a home can score points on the green “test” are:

1. Energy2. Water Conservation3. Site Selection – where is it? Proximity to other services?4. Material use – focusing mainly on recycled material5. Health – indoor air quality6. Construction methods – ONLY new buildings7. Day Lighting8. General – size of the building

new Take on the Green HouseApplying “green” efforts to your home is easier than you thinkArticle by Christina MusialPhotos provided by Cathy Byrd


Byrd says one of the largest issues in convincing people of the importance of green home is that “they have the misconception that Green is more expensive.” To help clear up the confusion or incorrect information people are fed every day, Byrd has taken a few minutes to answer some questions for FOCUS homeowners and renters and how they too can join the fight for Green homes with simple easy steps!

FoCuS: I just noticed my neighbors put new windows on their house. Is there a benefit to that?

Byrd: In short, usually. How much of a benefit? That’s a different answer. Windows are made of different frame materials and different glass configurations that all play a part in how green or energy efficient they are. Also, the wall construction those windows are installed in matters. For example: an insulated window installed in an uninsulated wall (typical of older buildings) will not generate the same energy savings it would if that same window was installed in an insulated wall. The federal government offered tax savings to individual if they installed energy efficient windows. That tax savings didn’t care what kind of wall it was installed into. If you are looking to replace your windows anyway then you might as well go ahead and install insulating glass

windows; just be realist about the energy savings you expect to see.

FoCuS: Obviously we live in Florida, so we Floridians tend to run our AC constantly. Are there alternatives to make that more Green? Like better, more green insulation?

Byrd: Insulation and Ventilation. Your air conditioner will turn on when the internal temperature of your home exceeds the temperature you set on your thermostat. The longer it takes your home to get warm, the less often your a/c will turn on. Radiant heat (the kind that passes through your walls and roof once they heat up from the sun) and solar heat (the kind that passes through the glass directly into the house) determine how fast the house gets warm. More insulation or insulating glass means it takes longer.

FoCuS:: Are there easy cheap changes that can be made to a home to give it more green points?

Byrd: For indoor air quality? always make sure you use your exhaust fan when you are in the bathroom or cooking in the kitchen and make sure that exhaust fan is venting to the outside – not just recirculating back into the house. This controls moisture in the air which helps control the formation of

mold and mildew. For water conservation?: stop using your garbage disposal – perfectly good drinking water is literally just pouring down your drain. If you are going to do any painting, choose a light color instead of a dark color. Lighter colors reflect light better and they do not absorb heat as quickly as darker colors.

FoCuS: What is the advantage to someone like me to make my home more Green?

Byrd: It costs less to live in home that is green – and a certified green home is even better still. It’s independent verification that the home really is “green”. And green homes tend to have a longer life due to their inherent design features, material selections and installation methods.

FoCuS: Will all homes eventually be mandated to be Green, or is it just a specialized home and an opportunity to save money?

Byrd: Each year the Florida Building codes have become more and more focused on green practices and principals so Floridians are seeing a progression toward green. However, green is so much more than building materials and installation, it’s about size of homes, locations of those home with

respect public transportation and services, the quality of the air inside that home, the creation of or preservation of wildlife habitats, sources of food products and our control of our waste products, just to name a few. There are a great many factors that have to be considered. There is no “one size fits all” but rather a carefully considered selection of options.

FoCuS: Obviously renters have different options than homeowners because they are limited in what they can do. What are easy, renter friendly ideas?

Byrd: Change your light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs…better yet use LED’s. Plus, you can take them with you when you move – just be sure to put the originals bulbs back. Plant a tomato plant in a container or pot. There is nothing more “green” than growing your own food, even if it’s only a few tomatoes. Every bit counts.

If you’re interested in making your home Green, consider contacting Innovative Restorations for their help – www.innovativerestorations.com .


entertAinment » consumer coLumn

gas PricesThe month of March 2012 posted some

of the highest steady increases in gas prices throughout the Tampa Bay area

and the country. Some analyst but mostly speculators are predicting the gas prices will hit $5 by summer. Why? Because of a number of factors the average consumer has very little control over starting with: 1) changes in crude oil prices based on worldwide consumption and regulated by Oil Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) cartel, 2) U.S. refinery imbalances which are not capable of the handling the increase in demand for gasoline consumption, and 3) seasonal changes and holidays where Americans demand more gasoline for travel like in the summer. A note to add: Retail gas prices are generally distributed 50% to the cost of crude oil, 20% to the cost of refining the crude oil, 20% to the taxes levied by local, state, and the federal government, and 10% to advertising by the gas companies.

Since we are smart enough to know we cannot control a cartel, I suggest controlling how we drive, where we drive, and more importantly what we drive. April is National Car Care Month! Sometimes, the culprit to increased fuel consumption is your old friend sitting in your garage or carport or under the tree. That’s right! Your car is wasting gas and causing you to spend more at the pump. However, I have to be fair to your car. You, as the owner, are the contributing factor to the ways your cars waste gasoline.

Years ago before I became an officer in the U.S. Army, I was a young, light-wheeled vehicle mechanic. Every morning before

we would checkout a vehicle from the motor pool we had to perform PMCS on the vehicles. PMCS stands for Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services! PMCS ensured the vehicles were in top operating condition i.e. current oil changes, proper tire pressure, tire thread wear, zero fluid leaks, proper idling, proper coolant…we had a laundry list of things which had to be checked before the vehicle hit the road. Let me ask, ‘when was the last time you looked under your hood, at your tires, or in your trunk before you hit the road?’ Is it fair to say never, unless you get a dashboard light indicating something is wrong? Compare it to your body! When nothing can satisfy your thirst but water, you are already dehydrated. When a dashboard light (satisfy your thirst) comes on in your vehicle, you already have a problem (dehydrated). Crazy analogy right or is it? You take care of your body to have longevity. Shouldn’t you do the same for your vehicles? I suggest taking your car to a local service ‘ASE Certified’ shop and requesting a PMCS during National Car Care Month. Many shops like the 16 Bay area locations of Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair offer ‘FREE INSPECTIONS’ to check out you ride and they are ASE Certified. Be sure to take this article with you to clarify what a PMCS is.

I would love to hear your feedback and your agreement or disagreement to my OPED. Feel free to write me at [email protected]. S.E. Day is the consumer finance expert/advocate of the Legally Steal radio show and host of the All Things Cars segment on WFLA’s syndicated Daytime show.

& cAr cAre montH

wheN NotWe, in the western world, have gotten

very good at using data – we can collect it and store it and analyze

it. But in at least one situation I believe that this new-found skill set is working to our detriment. That situation is politics.Our political candidates, when running for elected office, seem to be turning to the marketing consultants to help them market themselves. You can tell because they all tend to blend together at times because their consultants are using the same databases and advising them to say the same thing. It sort of reminds me of General Motors back in the mid 80′s when all their cars looked exactly the same because the financial analysts told the executives that they could save boat loads of money if they used all the same parts including the sheet metal which gave the cars their lines.I believe our prospective leaders should rely less on the data (as a card-carrying data-head it pains me to say that) and more on their gut. Rather than analyze the data to see what the people want (which really means what we the people think we want at this moment – and it will likely change

in yet another moment) they should look within, and come to terms with what they really believe and believe in. Once they are in touch with that and their vision for our future, they can turn to the data to help them articulate their vision and beliefs in such a way as to maximize the number of people who are able to receive and understand the message (notice I didn’t say to do it in such a way that as many people as possible agree with it).Then, it seems to me, if their message resonates with the electorate, they win the election, with a mandate to implement their vision. If they don’t they don’t.

Wouldn’t that be a breath of fresh air?

to reLy on tHe dAtA

about the author:Don Clark is Chief Executive Officer at Business Technology Advisors, LLC and a 25-year information technology veteran with experience working with businesses of all sizes and across multiple industries. (www.biztechadvisors.com)

story by: don ClarK


whY the ecoNomY matters!The economy is taking its toll on a

lot of Americans. In Florida our unemployment rate is still above ten

percent. It’s estimated as many as 300,000 Floridians have just given up looking for jobs, frustrated with the door slamming in their face or just no doors even open to get an interview.

The average income for a family of four is now $48,200. It has finally leveled off after dropping for the past three years. The amount of money we spend for gas each month currently is the highest percentage

of our total income we’ve seen since World War II---as much as 11 percent. A box of cereal is almost $5.00 --and the amount of money we are able to save each month is at an all time low.

But here’s the story that grabbed my eye recently from the Bloomberg website. Bankers are suffering sticker shock. It’s not from buying a new car or a house. They are in a state of “malaise” because, as one banker put it, they can’t survive on their $350,000 a year salary. FYI, that puts Mr. Banker in the top one percent of earners.

“People who don’t make money don’t understand the stress,” says one accounting firm partner.

“It’s a disaster,” says another investment manager. “The entire construct of compensation has changed.”

The problem is that Mr. Banker, and others on Wall Street aren’t getting their yearly bonuses that used to average $250,000 or more.And what really stinks is that Mr. Banker is now having problems sending his three kids to a private school, keeping that vacation

home in the Adirondacks, and getting that new car every two years.

It would be easy to say “tough luck.” No tears for anyone making that kind of money. You might want to rethink that. When Mr. Banker doesn’t make what he used to it trickles down to the car dealership, the travel agent, the lawn folks, the waiters at the restaurant, the department stores where he buys his suits, the fundraiser at the private schools that pay teachers salaries, the bus drivers, etc.

Don’t mistake this as class warfare. We are all affected when the economy suffers- and suffer it does despite the turn around we are beginning to see.

We are all working more hours than ever—an extra 11.2 hours per week uncompensated, according to the labor department. We are taking second jobs to keep our homes. We aren’t taking those vacations and it does hurt every time we fill up our cars or buy that gallon of milk.

Which is why the economy is such a big issues this election cycle for the Wall Street bankers and for the middle class. Our lifestyles and expectations may be as different as night and day, but we are all looking for some thing better.

That’s what the 2012 election is all about, is it the better the guy in the White House or the guys that want to be in the White House?

The bankers, the middle class, and everyone else can’t wait for November.

extrA » AL reucHeL

Written by: al reuCHel

“The amount of money we spend for gas each month is now the highest percentage of our total income we’ve seen since World War II---as much as 11 percent. ”


entertAinment » eVent cALendAr

south tamPacALendAroF eVents

if you have an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our calendar of events please email the information to [email protected]

aPril 1» Bay Area Renaissance FestivalStep back in time and enjoy the magic, juggling, storytelling, music, food, drinks, crafts, games, and performances of another age in this replica of a 16th-century village - “German Invasion: Halfway to Oktoberfest” (includes a royal archery tournament, a German market, a best-beard competition, a bratwurst-eating competition, an alpine-yodeling competition, and a battle-cry competition). For more information visit bayarearenaissancefest.org.

» Musical; Come Fly AwayCombine the classic tunes of Frank Sinatra with the thrilling choreography of Twyla Th arp and you get “Come Fly Away,” a story told through 14 dancers about four couples falling in and out of love. Tunes include “Fly Me to the Moon,” “New York, New York,” and “Witchcraft.” For more information visit www.strazcenter.org.

» Easter CottageCome get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny! Located at the Shops at Hyde Park. For more information visit www.hydeparkvillage.net.

aPril 3» Japan and the Victorians – at the Henry B. Plant MuseumHenry Plant furnished the Tampa Bay Hotel with treasures from around the world. Th is exhibit explores the deliberate presence of Japanese art in a Gilded Age resort as part of a larger discourse on a cultural, artistic, and aesthetic style that infl uenced 19th century Western artists and culture. Th e foundation of this exhibit will draw from Mr. Plant’s collection of Meiji era fl oor vases, ceramics and furniture that were part of the Tampa Bay Hotel. Works will also be on loan from private collections, Grolier Club, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Morikami Museum and Polk Museum of Art. For more information visit www.plantmuseum.com.

aPril 6-8 » Tampa Bay Rays Home OpenerWatch your Tampa Bay Rays in their home opener for the 2012 season against the New York Yankees. For tickets and more information visit tbrays.com

aPril 7» Spectacular Saturday StorytimeVisit Barnes and Noble on N. Dale Mabry HWY every Saturday in April for storytime at 11:00 a.m.

aPril 14» Hillsborough 2012 Walk to Cure DiabetesTh e Tampa Bay Chapter is holding three area walks for the JDRF (the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Head on over to the Hillsborough 2012 Walk to Cure Diabetes to raise funds for research and create awareness for Juvenile Diabetes. Also, all six Tampa Bay GrillSmith locations will provide walk participants with food and drinks after the Tampa Bay area walks. For more information visit www.jdrf.org/tampabay.

» Race For SightLions Eye Institute 11th Annuel Race for Sight Roar Th rough Ybor 5K Race and 1 Mile Walk. After Race Celebration with Cool Prizes, T-shirts and Goodie Bags. Awards for top male and female in 11 age divisions. Register online atwww.Active.com. $25 registration fee. More information atwww.LionsEyeInstitute.org, or call 813-289-1200.

aPril 20-22» Tampa Bay Rays vs. TwinsWatch your Tampa Bay Rays take on the Twins in the Trop. For more information and tickets visit www.tbrays.com.

aPril 21» Walk Now For Autism SpeaksJoin in for a day of Autism awareness and a great cause to be a part of. Located at Raymond James Stadium, check in time 9 a.m. For more information visit Walknowforautismspeaks.org/tampabay or call 407-478-6330.

aPril 21-22» Multiple Sclerosis Society Two-Day RideCyclists looking for a challenging ride, a scenic route and a greatcause to support are invited to take part in 2012 Bike MS: Th e Citrus Tour, a two-day ride held Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 benefi tting the National MS Society Mid Florida Chapter. For more information visit www.nationalmssociety.org/FLC.

aPril 21» Best Buddies Friendship WalkTh e Best Buddies Friendship Walk is 5k (3.1 mile) walk around Cypress Grove Park. Th e walk will end at the Finish Celebration with picnic lunches, dancing, entertainment and activities not to mention team and fund-raising awards!Best Buddies enhances the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing one-to-one friendship opportunities. For more information, visit its website at www.BestBuddiesFlorida.org/tampawalk.

aPril 22-23» Golfi ng For Heroes Charity Golf TournamentHealing Heroes Network (HHN) is a National 501(c) 3 non-profi t charity with headquarters in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. HHN is committed to healing America’s heroes by providing fi nancial assistance for quality medical care to Military Personnel injured in the line of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, since 9/11/2001. For more information on the event visit www.golfi ngforheroes.com.

aPril 24-26» Tampa Bay Rays vs. AngelsWatch your Tampa Bay Rays take on the Angels at the Trop. For more information and tickets visit www.tbrays.com.

aPril 27» Mummies of the World at MOSITh e highly-anticipated Mummies of the World exhibition debuts. With its astounding collection of 150 specimens and objects, Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of real human and animal mummies and related artifacts ever assembled. Th e exhibition will off er you a rare chance to experience naturally and intentionally preserved mummies from around the globe, and will reveal the importance of science in studying ancient life. For more information visit www.mosi.org.

thai Market & Kitchen ORIENTAL GROCERY & RESTAURANT

Tampa Thai Market & Kitchen inc. -Asian groceries and products-Thai restaurant & take out food-Asian food wholesale

Hours: Open Mon-Sun Grocery 10 am - 8 pm Restaurant/take out 11 am - 8 pm

(813) 837 - 5735 website: www.ThaiMarketKitchen.com

South of Bay to Bay on S. Dale Mabry3325 S Dale Mabry HwyTampa, Fl 33629

10% off military and family

10% off with advertisement!

*The Best Authentic Thai Food in Tampa Bay*

*Special Weekend Prepared Food Saturdays*


entertAinment » Wine!

meatBall mariNara

Considering that upwards of 41% of Americans are on a diet according to new consumer reports and one of the

most popular is to go “Carb-less”, we have had to ostracize some good old comfort food: Meatball Subs. In my opinion, every good diet has at least one cheat day and every once in a while, you need to wave adios to your carbohydrate constitution and get a little messy.

Nonetheless “Messy” doesn’t mean I have to compromise flavor. I headed up to my favorite deli: Castellano & Pizzo in South Tampa on Henderson Boulevard. Castellano & Pizzo is an Italian Gourmet Food Market and Café, however they still provide (and have mastered) home style Cuban Cuisine. This unique market provides gourmet prepared foods to take home, such as Chicken Parmesan and Arroz Con Pollo to their meat market with homemade authentic Italian sausages and a vast variety of cheeses. Since I previously committed to some friends that I would cook my meatball subs, I did not get a chance to partake in all Castellano & Pizzo had to offer. Otherwise I know I could spend hours at their market and deli.

After I grabbed some fresh Cuban bread and block of Locatelli Parmesan Cheese, I ventured up to the Total Wine and Spirits for their comprehensive Merlot wine selection. Since I don’t normally drink Merlot, I heavily relied on the employee picks. (Which in fact, this is how I select most of my wine and rarely, if ever do Total Wine and Spirit’s wine picks steer me wrong!) Based on a stunning employee review and a sign that said “92 points!!!” it was in my hand without hesitation. Returning to my kitchen, I busted out my two lethal weapons: serrated knife for the

fresh Cuban bread and the cork screw. I opened the wine first, to give it a jump start aerating while I made my Meatball subs. I could already smell the Merlot’s juicy fruit aromas.

After halving my fresh soft Cuban Bread, I like to “gut it” by ripping most of the fluff out. Reason is twofold: One, it makes me feel less guilty about eating too much bread, but more importantly it gives more room for the meatballs! I splashed some drawn unsalted butter through the inside and sprinkled freshly grated Locatelli Parmesan cheese and garlic salt on throughout. After Broiling on high until golden brown, I removed them from the oven.

Slightly unprepared to have guests over (as usual), luckily I keep a stash of frozen lean beef and pork meatballs. If you can set a few hours aside one day to make meatballs, they are great to throw in your freezer for nights like these when I just want to throw a quick meal together. After grabbing a few handfuls and accompanying it with Florentine Spinach and Cheese Classico Pasta Sauce, the main show was a work in progress. I could scoop my delicious meatballs throughout the bread. Topped off with my favorite Boar’s Head Picante Provolone Cheese plus a tad more Locatelli Parmesan cheese that never hurt

story by: Jodi loKayAnd merLot

anyone, and returned them back to the oven. After removing these guys from the oven, you know it’s time to indulge. Oh and if you really want to get crazy, top with fresh Basil for a true Italian flavor.

Since I could see my sandwich steaming with heat and more importantly flavor. I decided to pay a little closer attention to my new friend Alterra Merlot 2010: Napa Valley. Merlot’s are known for their complexity and well defined structure. Before tasting it

had attractive aromas and the wine had very deep dark tint. Upon first receipt, the wine was very intense and robust with complexity. Instantly I could taste the fresh bright cherry flavor and spices. After a few more sips I could taste the hints of blueberry and licorice. The wine had soft to medium tannins and had a great wine for a relatively young wine. Alterra Merlot 2010’s definition perfectly complimented my once considered messy Meatball Sub with its fine definition.


Documents

Focus South Tampa 03-02