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LOCAL STORIES • DINING • REAL ESTATE • ENTERTAINMENT • BUSINESS

OCTOBER 2010 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 7

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101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd.

Plant City, FL 33563 Phone 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

Savings of up to

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ONTHECOVER LOCAL STORIES • DINING • REAL ESTATE • ENTERTAINMENT • BUSINESS

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Plant City Lakeland Brandon Winter Haven Lake County South Tampa

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14 MYFOCUSTV.COM Local Community Stories New Episode Every Wednesday

DISTRIBUTION Doug McGee Belva DeVane PHOTOGRAPHERS Suzanne Gallagher Tony Cartagena

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Do not miss the opportunity to visit the world-class history museum right in our neighborhood. Load up the family and a few friends and make an educational daytrip.

Then, top it off with a delicious meal at Columbia CafĂŠ. The Tampa Bay History Museum is definitely not to be missed.

Dining pROFiLe

STAFF WRITERS Cheryl Johnston John Ross CONTRIBUTORS Al Ruechel Bruce Rodwell Gil Gott Jo-An Lusk Nate Davis Natalie Sweet Felix Haynes EDITORIAL INTERNS Raven Leverett

Th is review of Sidebern’s should make your mouth water. “Mediterranean innovation with no limits� describes one of the best places to eat in South Tampa. There truly is something for everyone.

SpOtLight

Habitat for Humanity’s 3rd Annual Suzie Q Blitz Build is a sight to behold. A house built in a week by volunteers to benefit cancer research – who wouldn’t want to be a part of that.

Bring your tools or simply your smile and encouragement – they’ll put you to work and you will have made a difference in the community.

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 editorial@  oydpublications.com. The staff will ďŹ x the error in a timely manner.

Readers who wish to respond to an article – not correct facts – can do so by writing a letter to the editor. If you need any other type of assistance, then please view the directory for the appropriate department.

OWN YOUR OWN FOCUS MAGAZINE

Licensed territories are available.

If you are interested in owning your own Focus Magazine call Mike Floyd at 813-707-8783 ext. 26

The staff at FOCUS Magazine is committed to serving their consumers and customers to the fullest of abilities. You’re paying attention to our words. Let us pay attention to yours.

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

Letters, questions and comments can be sent to us at editorial@ oydpublications.com.

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 Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

floyd publications, Inc.

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letter from the publisher

At Fernandez Florida Law, we are advocates for consumer and small business owners in the areas of: Real Estate Law (Residential & Commercial) Foreclosure Defense Loan Modifications Short Sale Bankruptcy Business Law

A

mong our friends, the term BC is one we are all familiar with. We refer to the trips we took BC, the lazy weekends we spent BC; the amount of spontaneity in our lives, BC. It is true that life was very different BC. Before children, life was mostly time spent on selfish endeavors or the occasional charitable cause. Children changed everything. My viewpoint on life and my life in general has simply been fantastic since our boys were born.

It almost seems that everything in life took on a different perspective after children. Things that were once important to me are not even a part of my life now. Crazy. Back before our first was born, and being a little more advanced in age when that happened, most of my friends were always off doing something child related when I would call inviting them to join us for an evening out or to attend a ball game of some sort. I didn’t realize then that when you have children, you never lack for a place to be! Without them I would never realize how hectic and wonderful life can be.

One of the most satisfying life events is watching them learn. Whether in the classroom, sports, chapel, or simply at home. They are truly open sponges to learning things...everything.

Dr. Montessori acknowledged that children are motivated from within by natural curiosity and a natural love for knowledge. Our role as the care giving adults in their lives is to ensure that they are getting exposed to the right kind of information.

Psychological studies of children have determined that year one through six are the years when their intellengence is being formed. Many great leaders in our community and country were inspired by an experience or encounter from their childhood, so you never know what a trip to the museum might spark in your child or a child you know and can provide the museum exposure.

Jim Duke Publisher

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october 2010 myfocustv.com

YOU WON’T FIND THIS LEVEL OF SERVICE AND QUALITY AT THESE PRICES ANYWHERE ELSE.

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L A N D S C A P I N G FOCUS Magazine south tampa October 2010

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Local » Focus on Discovery Center. Cartographers will appreciate the Touchton Map Gallery. Port City presents Tampa’s industrial port story with a cargo container theater presentation and the “Tiny Tampa” play table.

A dramatic 16-minute theater presentation

Tampa Bay History A Treasure Trove of Fun and Center Knowledge S Written By: Cheryl Johnston

outh Tampa is home to one of the country’s finest history museums and locals are doing their part to enjoy, support, and appreciate it.

The 60,000-square-foot Tampa Bay History Center, which officially opened in January 2010, began its journey to world-class museum status at the 2.4-acre site near the Fort Brooke reservation in 1986 with a county commissioner’s task force.

The displays encompass 12,000 years of history and relate stories of Native American Indians, Spanish conquistadors, pioneers, immigrants, builders, military and sports heroes, leaders and visionaries who have enriched the lives of Floridians, both then and now.

The 501(c)3 non-profit facility located in the charming Channelside District is easily accessible and aims “to preserve and teach the remarkable history of the Tampa Bay area” to its three million residents and more than 15,000 million annual visitors. From all accounts it seems the result is, “Mission

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accomplished!”

Indeed, history does come alive inside the walls where 14 colorful icons of Tampa Bay hang suspended in the impressive Lykes Atrium and the Coacoochee’s Story Theater rivets viewers to the account of the Seminole chief ’s experiences during the Second Seminole War. The Charles E. Knight Gallery showcases Seminole and Miccosukee creative arts, tools and a replica chickee and the Florida’s First People exhibit features Theodore Morris artwork, as well as Tocobaga and Calusa artifacts, weapons and pottery.

Multi-media and multi-sensory interactive exhibits enliven the more than 40,000 artifacts and important stories of public and domestic life. Adventurous guests of every age are invited to “come and learn.”

Cowmen & Crackers viewers will experience a cattle drive. Inspired by Patrick Smith’s much-loved novel, A Land Remembered includes a replica pioneer cabin and a hands-

based on Lieutenant John T. Sprague’s journal entries presents scenes of the Seminole War and his times here in the 1840s. An oak forest environment surrounds the audience, while on stage, two turntables revolve behind Victorian-style opaque scrims. These reveal life-sized, historical dioramas, as film clips play on four screens.

Local » Focus

A 1920’s era Cigar Store with an extensive memorabilia collection of 1,000+ items in Cigar City chronicles how immigrant communities built the industry for which Tampa is famous.

Guests will be delighted with treasures from the Museum Store and the Columbia Café dining experience, where Tampa traditions like Columbia’s “1905” Salad ™, Cuban sandwiches, deviled crabs, Spanish Bean or Black Bean Soup, house specialty entrees and desserts are prepared fresh daily.

Not only does the History Center honor our community’s character and heritage it also honors the contemporary spirit of

“green” technology. The U.S. Green Building Council’s “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) criteria were applied to both building construction and exhibits.

Hillsborough County government’s first “green” building sits on reclaimed, restored to “natural state” land and recycled paper, wood, metal, and historic bricks during construction kept 95% of the debris out of landfills. Publications are on recycled paper and bathroom lights operate automatically.

The building’s front glass walls provide natural light, while the argon gas-filled, double-pane exterior windows of the atrium offer protection from wind and weather.

Flooring materials in various areas are composed of recycled and biodegradable

products.

This “best in civic coalition partnerships” which serves academically and as a destination attraction for the tourism industry has involved successful publicprivate collaboration of Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, the local education community and the private sector.

Genealogists and history researchers will appreciate the Currie B. and Lavinia Sparkman Witt Research Center on the second floor. Partnered by he TampaHillsborough County Public Library System, this sizeable collection of books, family histories, maps, microfilm, periodicals, photographs, and subject files allow amateur and serious historians to retrace

the area’s past through census records, catalogs, personal journals, biographies, and Hillsborough County church and cemetery records. Folks are encouraged to donate photos, postcards, or images depicting the region’s work and family life.

Information for the rotating schedule of exhibitions and ongoing programs such as A Little History Preschoolers Club, Scout Tours, School Break Camps, and Family Backpack Adventures is available at www. tampabayhistorycenter.org or by phone: (813)228-0097.

Plan soon to explore this new cultural gem at 801 St. Pete Times Forum. It will be time and money well spent.

FOCUS Magazine south tampa October 2010

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Local » Focus

Weekend Walk for Mike R etired Colonel Mike Prendergast, candidate for United States Congress in Florida’s 11th district, is joined by supporters this week as his campaign walks throughout Tampa and south St. Petersburg. Prendergast remembered early January when, flanked by three volunteers, he walked houses asking for voters to sign his qualifying petition.

“Tampa is my hometown. Though I spent 31 years in the army, I grew up on the streets of Ybor and West Tampa and played safety for

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october 2010 myfocustv.com

Clearwater Central Catholic’s football team,” Prendergast said. “But the campaign trail has made the people of my hometown my family.

It’s been an amazing experience to visit all parts of the great Bay area and listen to what people have to say.”

The walks are highly targeted to improve voter efficiency. Through a computer program paid for by the campaign, Prendergast volunteers know the residents’ political party before knocking on the houses’ door.

“We’re finding most people are more worried

Submitted by: Prendergast for Congress

about getting our country back on the right track than they are political parties,” campaign manager Cameron Ross said.

“These aren’t Republicans or Democrats, but rather Americans who are more concerned if they’re going to have a job at the end of the month.”

Only six Saturdays remain before the November 2 general election. Prendergast joins one group but at least five groups walk different areas, headed by precinct captains.

Usually around 1,000 houses are walked in less than three hours, but the time always

depends on how long Prendergast stays at each door.

“I’ll introduce myself when people open the door and they’ll say, ‘is it okay if we ask you questions?’ It’s a constant reminder of why I decided to run for Congress. We have been ignored and misrepresented,” Prendergast said. “I answer the few questions they ask but then I always have one for them if they’re still undecided, ‘are you better off now than you were three years ago?’”

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FOCUS Magazine south tampa October 2010

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SEPTEMBER 18 & 24

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

SEPTEMBER 25

GEORGE GALFO’S MYSTICS

Original founding member, George Galfo brings his Mystics to the Red Rose Dining Room singing their hit song “Hushabye” and many more memorable Doo Wop favorites! DESTINY performs before and after the show.

OCTOBER 1

JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

OCTOBER 23

SOUL MUSIC NIGHT WITH THE LEGENDARY DELFONICS TRIBUTE AND ARTHUR “SUGAR BEAR” AIKEN

Featuring Grammy Nominated & Award Winning Music in one great night! The LEGENDARY DELFONICS TRIBUTE singing the hit –“La La Means I Love You,” plus much more, and lead singer of The Blue Notes, Arthur “Sugar Bear” Aiken. Hear songs like “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “The Love I Lost” & many more. Johnny Alston’s Motown Rock & Roll Revue will perform before and after the show in the Red Rose Ballroom.

OCTOBER 29

COVER TO COVER

A dynamite crowd pleaser! DESTINY performs before and after the show.

The band performs in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds before and after the show

OCTOBER 2 & 8

OCTOBER 30

NOVEMBER 19

DESTINY

Put on your dancing shoes as this band features adult contemporary music with tunes ranging from Jimmy Buffet to Ricky Martin.

NOVEMBER 20

“A NIGHT OF LEGENDS” SHIRLEY ALSTON REEVES AND BOBBY HENDRICKS

Shirley Alston Reeves, former lead of the Shirelles and Bobby Hendricks, formerly of Bill Pickney’s Original Drifters perform, plus PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds with Ken Brady of the original Casinos before and after the show in a Supper Club Atmosphere in the Ballroom.

NOVEMBER 26

DESTINY

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

Put on your dancing shoes as this band features adult contemporary music with tunes ranging from Jimmy Buffet to Ricky Martin.

OCTOBER 9

NOVEMBER 5 & 13

NOVEMBER 27 & DECEMBER 3

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

JOHNNY ALSTON’S

JOHNNY ALSTON’S

MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds also performs before and after the show.

OCTOBER 15 & 23

Johnny takes us back in time to an era of great sounds from the Motown period. No cover charge for show with dinner purchase

NOVEMBER 6

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

OCTOBER 16

COVER TO COVER

NOVEMBER 12

LOLA & THE SAINTS

Doo Wop At Its Best! Relive the 50s & 60s as though it was yesterday – “Forever in Love,” Just Over the Brooklyn Bridge.”

PLUS P.J. LEARY & THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS with special guest KEN BRADY (Lead Singer of The Casinos), featuring the 1967 hit “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” before and after the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

OCTOBER 22

RICHIE MERRITT

Richie Merritt of the Marcels will be performing in the Red Rose Dining Room with P.J. Leary and the Las Vegas Sounds.

The band performs in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Ralph Allocco & Second Wind before and after the show

NOVEMBER 13

“LET’S HANG ON” – A TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE VALLIE AND THE FOUR SEASONS

RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

DECEMBER 4

GEORGE GALFO’S MYSTICS A CHRISTMAS SHOW

Bask in the spirit of the holidays when original founding member, George Galfo brings his Mystics to the Red Rose Dining Room singing the hits of the season and their hit song “Hushabye” plus many more memorable Doo Wop favorites! P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

SHOW RESERVATIONS Please call for ticket prices. Shows in the Red Rose Ballroom are in a supper club atmosphere with a four course meal (seats also available for the show only – for a lower price!)

NO COVER CHARGE for shows in the 5-Star Red Rose Dining Room with the purchase of dinner. Show Guests - inquire about our special room rates when staying overnight after a show!

Hear the hits from one of the 60’s top bands The Four Seasons!“Sherry,” “Ronnie,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,”“ Ragdoll,” “Let’s Hang On,” and many, many more.

P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds open and close the show. This event benefits the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

TEL: 813.752.3141

I-4 Exit 21 • 2011 N. Wheeler St.• Plant City, FL 33563

WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM

Mrs. Evelyn Madonia - Owner/General Manager

3rd annual

suzie Q

Blitz Build interview by cheryl Johnston

Habitat for Humanity is all about hope

t

– they build it!

he international faith-based organization founded in 1976 relies on volunteers, sponsors, and donations to “Build Homes … Build Lives … Build Hope.

For the third consecutive year, Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County will construct a home in one week to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. The Suzie Q Blitz Build event spans the week of October 23-30, 2010, and the public is invited to get involved.

Focus met recently with Brian Hastings, Interim Executive Director of Habitat in Hillsborough County, to learn more about the organization and this amazing project.

interVieW Focus: Tell our readers a little about yourself and your family, Brian.

A: I live in Tampa with my two sons, ages 14 and 19. Three years ago, my wife Suzanne, passed with breast cancer and a beautiful heart. She is the woman for whom the event is named.

Focus: That must have been tough, walking through the cancer battle and then losing her. How have you and your boys managed?

A. We are doing fine and we’re very excited about the upcoming Blitz Build. Her giving spirit lives on through this event. Through it all, we have learned about a new kind of strength and faith that comes when challenges confront your life.

Focus: How did you become involved with Habitat?

more than the homeowner sometimes and especially during my wife’s illness. People offered me their prayers, their hugs, their smiles and encouragement and it seemed always just when I needed it most. One day, though, something just clicked inside of me, and I knew this is where I belong and what I’m supposed to do.

Focus: Do you remember a specific incident that triggered that knowledge?

A. No, not especially. It was just the combination of kindnesses piled one on top of the other and many times from volunteers who didn’t know me well. But I will always remember bending down to speak with a child of the family whose home we were building, getting right down to their eye level, and seeing the excitement in their eyes about the new home the family would soon occupy. It’s a feeling money can’t buy.

A. I started as a Tampa volunteer five years ago. I had some construction experience caring for rental properties we owned in the mid-90s and felt Habitat was a great way to “give back”. I became a crew leader next and then joined the local Board of Directors, eventually becoming vice-chairman and now interim director.

Focus: Would you give us an overview of the organization?

Focus: You mentioned that you have found your passion in this work. Could you explain?

Our focus at Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County is on showing the love of God to families in Hillsborough County by giving them a hand up, not a hand out.

Habitat homebuyers make application and must donate 500 “Sweat Equity” hours, be able to assist with closing costs, and make monthly mortgage payments. Habitat homes are sold to our homeowners at no profit with

A. Sure, that’s true. But it didn’t start out that way. I simply wanted to do something tangible to contribute to society. Through the building of more than 20 homes in the area, I actually feel like I was blessed even

A. Habitat for Humanity is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to build simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with the community and deserving local families.

a no-interest mortgage. We invite donors and volunteers from all walks of life to come together with our future homeowners to build relationships and to realize dreams.

Together we BUILD HOMES...BUILD LIVES...BUILD HOPE. Focus: In your roles with Habitat, what has been your greatest delight?

A. I have several. First is witnessing the joy that a family experiences when they realize that the dream of home ownership is about to become a reality for them.

When a child’s eyes light up because he will soon have his very own bedroom and his very own backyard, it makes me know I’m in the right place doing the right thing.

Another delight for me is when people give on the job site of their time, or a donor gives a donation, I get to see and feel inspiration. “Life is Love, for ourselves and others, in thought and word.”

Focus: Tell us about the Suzie Q Blitz Build.

A. With the support of generous financial partners, our wonderful staff and an amazing group of volunteers, we build a home in a week. The purpose is to bring awareness to the breast cancer issue in hopes of finding a cure. Construction on the home, located in East Tampa, will commence with a wall-raising on Saturday, October 23 at 9:00 am.

Each year, one of the most memorable experiences at the event is the Courage & Hope Tent. Volunteers have shared their personal stories of perseverance and growth through the breast cancer journey and

honored those who walked the path with strength and grace. Suzie Q Blitz Build participants are encouraged to share their stories and photos of those they would honor.

Focus: How do you think your Suzanne would have felt about an event named for

at habitat for humanity of “hillborough county, our focus

is on showing the love of god to families in hillsborough county by giving them a hand up, not a hand out.

”

her?

A. I’m not sure the name would have impressed her, but I do believe she’d be proud to see what a team of caring people can accomplish when they work together for the common good. I feel like this event is a celebration of life. A part of our event

Continued on PAge 16

3rd annual

celebrates everyone that has gone before us.

She always preferred to focus on what we have versus what we don’t have.

own fundraising team, join an existing team, or just make a donation in honor of a special friend or family member. Registered volunteers will receive an event t-shirt, all meals and refreshments. Partial proceeds will be donated to Moffitt Cancer Center.

Focus: Is it too late for our readers to get involved with this project?

Focus: Is Habitat for Humanity a “green” builder?

A. Absolutely not! In fact, we need their help, both physically and financially. Citi and Home Depot are major sponsors, along with others. At the moment, the project is not yet fully funded. Folks can donate through our website or by dropping a check off at our Tampa office.

A. Whenever possible, we build sustainable, energy-efficient and healthy housing. Our homes are Energy Star rated and will eventually attain Builder’s Challenge Green Building certification, a US Department of Energy initiative.

Continued froM PAge 16

Focus: What can they expect and how do they learn more?

First, they should visit the website, www. habitathillsborough.org or our Facebook page to read the information and guidelines on the main page. Students must be at least 16-years-old. They can follow the links to provide contact information and/or donate.

What they can expect is camaraderie, lots of smiles and handshakes, and maybe even some new friendships. They can expect to work alongside people from all walks of life – doctors, lawyers, sales representatives, schoolteachers, construction workers, retirees, and students – just ordinary people like you and me who would like to make a difference in someone else’s life. They don’t have to have construction skills. Our Habitat construction staff and volunteer Crew Leaders will teach them all they need to know.

Interested individuals experience a Volunteer Orientation online, which enables them to sign up for upcoming events.

Focus: How does the fundraiser work?

A. Registration is $50.00 per hospitality volunteer per day. Volunteers are challenged to raise an additional $250.00 through First Giving to help fund the construction of the Suzie Q House. Many create your

Builder’s Challenge requires homes must rate less than a 70 on the EnergySmart Home Scale as well as address issues of building durability, indoor air quality, environmental stewardship, and occupant health, safety, and comfort.

Habitat Hillsborough homes are built using Energy Star qualified windows, doors and refrigerators. Gas on-demand water heaters used where possible and R30 ceiling and R19 wall insulation will save money.

Air conditioners have a 14 SEER rating.

Insulation is R30 ceiling insulation and R19 wall insulation is rated R30 in ceilings and R19 rating. Floor tile throughout the home, light-colored roof shingles, and 1 ft-wide eaves reduce heat absorption and energy costs for Habitat homeowners. To save on building materials the studs are set at 24” rather than 16”, and scrap wood is used for blocking. Floridafriendly landscaping saves water and is easier to maintain.

Focus: Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know about Habitat

Hillsborough?

A. Yes, they could also help us by shopping at or donating to our ReStore, which offers a wide variety of new and used building materials, appliances, cabinets, furniture and much more at discount prices.

ReStore is located at 3738 East Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa, just west of 40th Street on the north side of Hillsborough Avenue. Call ReStore at 813.237.1978 to donate!

We gladly accept donations of wood from commercial construction sites. We have NEW solid wood oak-finish kitchen cabinets in stock now! The cabinets arrive flat-packed for easy pickup and are a snap to assemble.

I’d also like folks to know they can make a difference by getting involved with Habitat.

Many students earn community service hours and many corporations form work teams and celebrate helping us accomplish the dedication of a new home. This is work that will endure – it’s work that matters.

Visit Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County Florida, Inc. at 3736 E. Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa or online at

suzie Q

Blitz Build www.habitathillsborough.com. Phone (813) 239-2242 for assistance.

Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County Florida, Inc. thanks the generous sponsors and volunteers who have made this build possible, including: Citi, the Home Depot, Jesuit High School Key Club, the Lightning Foundation, James Hardie, Regency Centers, Caspers Company, Nancy Slade, Joe & Lisa Bentivenga, Olive Garden, Sweet Tomatoes, Chik-Fil-A, S. Dale Mabry, Greater Tampa Association of Realtors, Van Dyke Church, Alex’s Southern Style BBQ, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Dunkin’ Donuts, Panera Bread, and Chewning Inspection Services.

THe laVern THompson family - 2010 Suzie q blitz build

l

avern Nola Thompson was born in Tampa, the third youngest of nine children. Lavern’s mother, Novlette, was one of last year’s Suzie Q Blitz Build homeowners. Being such a close-knit family, Novlette and her children were able to withstand tough times.

Lavern’s two sons, Marques and Ma’lique, are the lights of her life. She works two jobs to just to provide for her family. Although she enjoys her jobs, life is a struggle trying to

make ends meet. Despite challenging times, Lavern has kept a positive attitude toward life and Lavern was very happy when her mother was accepted into the Habitat program for the 2009 Suzie Q Blitz Build. When her mother encouraged her to apply for the program, Lavern figured that she had nothing to lose but a whole lot to gain. She was ecstatic when she was approved for a home. Lavern said she had always told herself that “God

3rd annual

always make a way – you just have to ask, believe, and pray about it. You also have to give Him time, be patient, and you will receive your blessings.”

suzie Q

Blitz Build

“I was speechless when I found out!” she said. “I felt very grateful and blessed to be given this opportunity. I am very honored that I have been chosen for this home and am looking forward to helping other families build their homes. It is all about helping each other so that we can better our lives.

Finally, my boys will have a place to run and

play without being afraid.”

Lavern and her sons would like to thank the 2010 Suzie Q sponsors and Habitat for building our home – a place to call our own.

FOCUS Magazine SOUth taMpa october 2010

17

Make a Connection

at the new Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore Experience a feeling of welcome unlike any other at the newly-renovated Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore. Fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, this amazing all-suite hotel has unveiled a whole new look. Centrally located in the middle of the Westshore business district and just a short complimentary shuttle ride from the airport, we are an ideal choice for business or leisure.

Book at sheratonsuitestampa.com or call 813 873 8675

Š2010 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sheraton and its logo are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

business » business profile

Mid Florida Dermatology Associates 710 East Reynolds Street, Plant City, FL 33563 888-318-3183 FlaDermDoc.com professionals recommend regular skin exams for Floridians. They also recommend yearly eye exams since melanoma can form in the pigment of the eyes and encourage annual gynecological exams for women to screen for skin lesions.

For 20 years, founder Michael M. Gutierrez, MD and his staff have been serving the needs of Central Floridians.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The firms two newest locations in Tampa and Plant City will be directed by Dr. Fitzgeraldo Sanchez and Registered Nurse Practitioner Abigail Plum.

basal cell

Mid Florida Dermatology Skin Cancer: Are YOU At Risk??

S kin cancer can be one of the most easily treated forms of cancer or the most deadly. Prevention is the secret.

Mid Florida Dermatology Associates offers some critical information about sun safety and disease prevention.

According to Abigail Plum, Registered Nurse Practioner, “Everyone is at risk of skin cancer. However, certain factors can heighten that risk.” For example: 1. Living in high-intensity sunlight of tropical regions 2. Fair skin 3. Tendency to burn or freckle vs. tan 4. Five or more sunburns double the risk of melanoma, regardless of age or when the damage occurred.

5. Exposure to artificial light (i.e. tanning beds – very high ultraviolet rays) 6. Family history – any relative 7. Previous diagnosis of pre-cancerous lesions 8. Multiple moles (i.e. approx. 50)

9. Light hair and light eyes (i.e. Celtic look)

Screening and early detection are very important. Melanoma is almost always curable when detected early. Become familiar with pigment and mole changes through monthly skin exams. In addition, have someone check areas you can’t see (i.e. back, ears, scalp). Watch for changes in moles that are scaling, oozing, bleeding, itching, . . basically anything that doesn’t look the same as last month.

The easy-to-remember ABCDE’s of Melanoma help people recognize the most lethal form of skin cancer. Schedule an appointment to check any of the following: A = Asymmetry – one half of mole does not match the other half B = Border – border or edges of mole are ragged, blurred or irregular.

C = Color – Icolor of mole is not the same throughout or if it has shades of tan, brown, black, red, white or blue D = Diameter - diameter of mole larger than 6 mm (pencil eraser size) E = Evolving – any change in size, shape, color or elevation of a mole Of the three types of skin cancers, melanoma is the most serious and causes death more often. Basal cell and squamous cell cancer are less likely to be fatal, but still must be taken very seriously.

Prevention is critical in minimizing skin cancer risk. Helpful tips include: avoid sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm; apply minimum of SPF 30 before sun activity; and reapply every 90 minutes or more frequently if sweating or toweling off face or body. Protective clothing including hats, long sleeve shirts and sunglasses is also recommended.

Dr. Sanchez was trained at the Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology in New York City and as a Smith Gibson research fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Abigail Plum is nationally certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and has previously worked in endocrinology.

Her Master of Nurse Science degree in 2008 is from the University of Florida.

Mid Florida Dermatology Associates exists “to provide the highest quality medical care to the people of central Florida.” They are committed to first class customer service using the most up-to-date technology.

According to the firm’s mission statement, “Patient care and service is the priority of our physicians and staff. Our integrity will not be compromised.”

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call toll free, 1-888-318-3183, or visit www. fldermdoc.com. Local offices are at 4308 N. Habana Avenue in Tampa and 710 East Reynolds Street, Plant City.

The Mid Florida Dermatology Associates FOCUS Magazine south tampa October 2010

19

extra » al reuchel makes this American experiment the longest running republic in the history of the world.

Many members of the media debated the size of the crowd, the hidden agendas many members of the media kept trying to uncover. They not only couldn’t find a smoking gun… they couldn’t find a single shred of evidence to suggest it was anything but a peaceful gathering of like-minded citizens. They called the guy organizing the event a crazed madman. They mocked the niece of Martin Luther King, Jr. for hijacking her Uncle’s legacy. They called it a political rally though the rally preached no party, nonaffiliation, no list of candidates, no signs of protest.

What has always disturbed the nonbelieving world is the concept of believing in something they can’t see, touch or feel.

The act of bowing on bended knee with hands folded is seen as an act of surrender to superstition. In truth, people of faith scare them. They can’t attack God because they don’t believe in Him, so they attack those who do believe.

The scary part is that those of us who do believe, and I count myself among them, are the ones who are expected to crumble. We are chastised when we place a belief in an external creator above all other forces that move us. If we dare use faith as a reason for our actions, it’s considered a weakness rather than a strength. If those beliefs spill over into the political arena we are told we violate the separation of church and state, which, as you should know by now, is a concept rooted in keeping the government out of our religious expression and not our religious convictions out of government.

Defending God? W ow. I can’t believe I’m doing this. I can’t believe that in 2010 I would have to write a commentary defending God. Well, maybe not defending God but rather the right to have a belief in a God. For some reason when the going gets tough it’s easy to blame the big guy for not paying attention. We ask ourselves if God is love then why does He allow so much suffering

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october 2010 myfocustv.com

I don’t think so!

Written By: Al Reuchel

in the world? We like to place Him out there, somewhere, beyond the sky watching us “from a distance”, sorry Bette Midler. We think God is the cosmic roller of the dice and whatever happens… just happens. We think He is the ultimate crutch for those not strong enough or intelligent enough to figure out we are merely the evolution of primordial mud.

I bring this up because of a huge event that happened in Washington D.C. on August

the 28th. It was a rally to restore honor and make a pledge to work harder at loving, living, and making sure the American dream, whatever that might be, is available to anyone and everyone. How could anyone take offense to that? How could anyone take offense to praying and believing that we are all created with rights that come from God and not the government or other men?

These aren’t new ideas. Our forefathers used and believed these things to the core of their souls to write the constitution. It’s what

So it all came to a head out there on the Washington mall. Maybe it wasn’t as big as the 1963 speech of Dr. King? Maybe the crowd wasn’t as big as President Obama’s inauguration party? Maybe the anti-war rallies of the Vietnam area had more energy, more fervor? But like Norman Rockwell’s painting of the farmer and his wife kneeling to pray in their fields at harvest time, it sent an undeniable message that thousands, millions, tens of millions still believe that God is in control; that He still loves; that He’s not impressed or threatened by those who mock Him; and that one day every knee, not just those gathered in Washington, DC on August 28, 2010, will bow. Either in obedience to His call, or in fear of the judgment He will certainly bring.

entertainment » dining Profile sample a lot of different things, so that’s what we like to do.” The menu is clearly designed with this intention. A high end entree selection is included in the menu but it is clear that diners are encouraged to have fun choosing among the several menus to make the dining experience just as varied as it is delicious.

This is showcased in the separate Cheese & Dessert menu, a two page spread offering “Cheesert” as affectionately called by staff. Half of the cheeses are available by the ounce for $6. Merely reading the menu was fun- the cheeses are separated into categories: Spreadable, Unique, Blue, Composed Sweet, Scooped... Rustic!

Each portion comes with a condiment impeccably designed specifically for it.

Various cheese and meats served with complimenting condiments Photo by Tony Cartagena

SideBern’s I ’m sure now that my taste buds really are all blown out after having sampled the unbelievable complexity of the cuisine at SideBern’s.

Focus Magazine recently had the pleasure of tasting the culinary brilliance of this restaurant. Dean Hurst, general manager, gave us a tour. Seating us in the newly rebuilt cushy lounge under romantic lighting we learned some of the tenants of SideBern’s. “We’ve changed some things to stay fresh and new,” Hurst said. “I feel that we excel in everything we do. There’s a passionate person in every department.

Everyone at the restaurant gives feedback on what we sell... but everything centers around Chad, I’m not going to lie.”

We were glad it does center around Chad.

There’s a decent chance Executive Chef Chad Johnson isn’t human. We will let you read the lengthy merits of this “chef ” at SideBern’s website (www.sideberns.com) to save space, but I’ll just touch on a few things. I’m honestly at a loss- I didn’t know people became this talented at stuff. More on the food below.

To give us an idea of what was to come, Hurst offered us a special dark beer.

Named Great Divide ‘Hoss’ Rye Lager ($6) this brew was a blast to start the dining experience off with. Perfect thickness, (thinner than a Guiness), with an aftertaste

Mediterranean Innovation with No Limits written By: John Ross

that is actually complex. My mind raced to taste the flavors of this beer and I smiled while holding a mouthful of it. Still, it is a strong beer, and one is enough to get the full effect.

We also tried a Red ginger tea cocktail.

It’s funny to note that each word in the name is exactly what you can taste- a sweet “red” tasting drink, with obvious ginger (refreshing) in a tea. Call me crude but I like to judge a drink largely on how it makes one feel, and this one certainly excelled in that department.

To start the food off, we had the Key West Pink Shrimp, displayed beautifully on a large plate with fava beans, horseradish creme fraiche, citrus oil, and aged soy sauce. Chef Johnson stopped us to make an interesting note here.

“You haven’t had soy sauce until you’ve had this.” As it is, all soy sauce isn’t the same. This sauce was almost as complex as the beer we tasted earlier. The shrimp in total were paired with two dips.

Spreading both dips and the soy sauce onto the large puffy pink shrimp, eating brought two thoughts. First, these are the best, meatiest, most visually appealing shrimp I’ve ever eaten, and second, the sheer size and tenderness reminded me of a top quality piece of sashimi.

The Duck egg basquaise was served: Chorizo, tomatoes, sweet peppers, paprika, grilled bread. If you’ve never had duck egg, it is “Like a chicken egg but richer, with a bigger yolk,” as our Chef described it. A soft boiled egg amidst a special salsa, the egg was interesting to eat.

SideBern’s is about the variety. “If you get a huge Delmonico,” Chef Johnson said, “that’s your night. And if you’re in the mood for Delmonico, by all means get Delmonico. But our customers like to

A high end dining establishment by any standard, the restaurant doesn’t nearly approach the “That-could-have-been-mymortgage-payment” price range, saving the $6000 bottles of wine for other places.

This is a good thing- a league above your favorite restaurant in terms of taste and talent while still remaining affordable. “We want people to be able to check out our food on a regular basis without dropping $200,” Hurst said.

An unforgettable dining experience awaits at SideBern’s.

Sidebern’s 813-258-2233 2208 W. Morrison Ave, Tampa Monday through Thursday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Duck egg basquaise

Photo by Tony Cartagena

FOCUS Magazine south tampa October 2010

21

entertainment » crossword

Isn’t it beautiful?

Let’s keep it that way!

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october 2010 myfocustv.com

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