Focus South Tampa 03-03

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FOCUS MAGAZINE SOUTH TAMPA MAY 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Volume 3 Issue 3 • May 2012

focussouthtampa.com

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LOCAL

Given that summer is fast approaching, we’ve compiled articles from Better You columnist Angela, Max Muscle nutrition coach Fred and MaxQ Gym’s Bob to help you perfect your swimsuit look, feel better and grab a few stares. Dan from Golf-Tec explains the importance of a pre-shot routine specific to you and your style while the Better Community column focuses on local non-profit giving foster kids a new beginning.

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SPOTLIGHT

Our cover and spotlight this month is an amazing organization rescuing “Big Cat’s” right in your backyard. Meet a few staff members and volunteers of Big Cat Rescue who have a passion for exotic cats and giving them a life as normal as they can after a multitude of bad experiences. Meet a few of the cats, and possibly develop your own passion for ending the exotic pet trade and making a difference!

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FEATURE

ON THE COVER BIG CAT RESCUE

ALL NEW FOCUSSOUTHTAMPA.COM Online Features Include:

• Full digital version of the current and past magazines • Extended features, interviews, dining profiles and business profiles with extra content • Community news updates • New home of FOCUSTV

Team TRIDENT founder Tom Denham shares his mission of providing an opportunity for relationship and fun for the intellectually disadvantaged population in Tampa Bay. While the program is based in Brandon, it is open to all Tampa area residents. We encourage you to read about their program and the difference their making for a target population with a specific need.

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EVENTS

Planning is a sure-fire way to avoid a dull weekend! Read the event calendar and find a community event suitable for you, your family, your pets, whatever! Find an exciting event and enjoy your weekends!

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DINING

Caitlin has subbed in this month with a fantastic wine column and a recipe for a gourmet, quick & easy pizza! If you’re kitchen challenged and still want to pair your wine with a good pizza, check out Mike’s dining review on Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and experience a wide array of pizza and appetizer choices. It’s pizza month at Focus!

LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Licensed 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.

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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 jim.duke@dukepublications.com

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I was driving in to the office this morning thinking about how hectic my day will be. The majority of yesterday, our email system was either broken or delayed (I’m not very techy, so I’m not sure which one is accurate), so all night long my Blackberry was being slammed with an onslaught of communication. The worst part? I can’t tell when these emails were sent, if they’ve been sitting in cyberspace for hours, or they really did all come around 8:30am, I’m just not sure.

Then I started thinking…I’ve become so reliant on email it’s sad! I would much rather fire off an email than pick up the phone. Emails are so much less invasive and can be answered in time…there’s no pressure unless someone adds that little red exclamation mark to the side. But then, we find that irritating that someone is demanding our attention, so we make them wait longer for requesting something be done urgently!

I chaperoned a sleepover for some young girls a few nights ago and a nine year old had her phone out playing songs from Pandora and texting. She’s nine! Who is she texting…and why?? How does she know how to use Pandora? I don’t know how to use Pandora!

Clearly we live in the 21st century and things are changing and progressing to a society that interacts via social networking, email and text messages, and I’m ok with that. Like I said, I’m ok with limited face-to-face interaction. However, here at Focus magazine, we’re giving you something a bit out of the ordinary by today’s standards…an opportunity to meet those in your community who still value interaction!

Our cover story won a grant from Google for technological efficiency, but they still rely on interaction between their cause and their community. Without this, they would not be successful. Our Feature article boasts an interaction with a certain population, giving them opportunities this forward-thinking world can’t give them.

So, my challenge for you this month? Break out of your 21st century technologically reliant lifestyle and pick up an actual paper magazine, read it and connect with the people inside of it. Give them an opportunity to impact your life. Perhaps it will help you break out of your comfort zone. I’m actually going to make a phone call today instead of sending a text…

Progress…one little, non-GPS directed step at a time!

Christina Musial Editor-in-Chief

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

Publisher Jim Duke Editor in chief Christina Musial

www.focussouthtampa.com Advertising Director Harrison Tropp 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.

Sales Sophia Hyde | Holly Farmer | Harrison Tropp Production Anthony Sassano | Tony Cartagena Photographers Ben Drummond

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) 7078783 or e-mail focus@dukepublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

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

Staff Writers Christina Musial | Harrison Tropp Jodi Lokay Contributors Al Ruechel | Kim Francis | Emery Jones Teal McKenzie | Rachel Drummond

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.

FOCUS MAGAZINE SOUTH TAMPA MAY 2012

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BETTER COMMUNITY» FOCUS

IRENE SMITH AND 4KIDS OF TAMPA: PROFESSING A JOINT DESIRE TO DO GOD’S LOCAL FAITH-BASED CHARITY STRIVES TO HELP FOSTER CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WORK C STORY BY: HARRISON TROPP

reating a better community in Tampa Bay is a continuous effort and often at the direction of most charitable organizations in the community. The individuals at the helm of these groups strive tirelessly to contribute personally to their particular cause, no matter how arduous or incomplete it may be. While the prevalence of charities is substantial, these non-profit establishments are often subdued by needless bureaucracy, limited funding, and inadequate resources. Although this previous perception may be universally established, 4KIDS of Tampa is simply doing more with less and no person more fully represents their cause than its Director, Irene Smith.

4KIDS of Tampa was established in 2010 by Smith to provide foster care for children suffering from abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Smith realized early on the inadequacies associated with foster care support and knew a difference needed to be

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made. As her desire continued to progress, Smith built and mobilized teams within her own church to become foster families.

While 4KIDS of Tampa has expanded exponentially in their outreach, it remains a faith-based group providing a variety of resources to children in need. While the charity was originally conceived in Ft. Lauderdale as 4KIDS of South Florida, Smith relocated to Tampa upon meeting her now husband. Through their work, 4KIDS of South Florida has directly cared for over 15,000 children since its inception fourteen years ago.

As their website states, 4KIDS of Tampa has the sole responsibility “to protect, provide, and offer permanent solutions for children and their families...” Through continuous outreach programs, 4KIDS of Tampa is able to recruit volunteers to provide foster care services to families in need of love and support. “We try and create a sense

of normalcy for these children who would otherwise not have it”, says Smith. Their mission, however, stretches well beyond their desire to control the effects of the foster care system. 4KIDS of Tampa strives to educate and inform the faith-based community of the need for quality foster homes and foster care.

Presently, 4KIDS of Tampa works with local church sponsors to create and preserve quality foster families in the community.

According to Smith, “these children represent modern day orphans in need of wonderful homes and foster parents for support and guidance.” The services offered by 4KIDS Tampa have expanded beyond traditional foster care and incorporate a network of babysitters, mentors, and tutors.

These volunteers are able to provide foster children with life skills through direct interaction and influence. An additional deviation from conventional foster care is

Smith’s desire to treat the entire family, not just the child. “The model we have is bigger than just care for the children, we need to care for the entire family”, mentions Smith.

There is no action too big or small to help foster children and 4KIDS Tampa provide numerous ways for direct and indirect involvement. Whether providing foster care services or engaging children as a mentor, tutor, or volunteer, there is an abundance of need and fulfillment. When asked to provide a condensed response to the mission of her organization Smith appropriately responds, “we find the need in these children and make it happen.”

4KIDS of Tampa, Inc. 4401 W. Kennedy Blvd.

3rd Floor Tampa, FL 33609

FOCUS MAGAZINE SOUTH TAMPA MAY 2012

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HEALTH » FOCUS

HE SAID/SHE SAID F

FITNESS, NUTRITION, RELATIONSHIPS STORY BY: FRED PRESSLEY, M.ED., NESTA CSNC

red Pressley and Cynthia Pressley, a husband and wife team of certified personal trainers and certified nutrition experts give us the scoop on fitness, nutrition, and how both play a role in our relationships.

This month, they discuss how to support your partners weight loss goals?

oil/omegas, protein/meal supplements, appropriate energy and metabolism boosting products, and exercise recovery aids. Weight loss takes time and patience. Striving to reach that goal together will bring you closer, strengthen your relationship and ultimately help you both look and feel great.

He Said: Talking openly with your partner about his or her weight can feel like walking on a tightrope. Let’s face it; we want our partner to look attractive and sexy. But, if you simply tell your partner to lose weight, don’t expect a welcome response.

Help make it happen. Making an honest commitment to work together to become fitter and shape up can only be met with the excitement of knowing you are willing to invest in your partner. The bottom line, practice what you preach. Don’t make it about what your partner is not doing; make it about what you and your partner are doing together. For couples with families, share in the household responsibilities to free up more time to exercise; exercise with the family; or give your partner a break so he/ she can go exercise. Focus on factors that you can control such as the foods you eat.

Dine out less to avoid foods and overeating that contribute to weight gain. Cook together. Make use of beneficial nutritional supplements such as multivitamins, fish

She Said: Men are not as sensitive to being told they need to shed a few pounds. It’s more acceptable for a man to have gained weight. Studies show that woman are more health conscious and tend to make healthier food choices than men. Additionally, men tend to be stuck in their habits and blame weight gain on eating out too much and overeating. Women tend to place blame on themselves for not being consistent. If your partner wants to lose weight, put it to the test. Learning new habits takes longer than 1-2 weeks in order to make it a lifestyle.

Together, adopt a strategy and be consistent and comfortable with putting that strategy into practice. Being accountable to each other means if one of you cheats, that affects the other’s goals. Do not allow each other to skip a meal; thinking less food equals less weight. This is a nutrition myth. If you skip a meal, your body will think that you are in starvation mode and therefore slow down the metabolism to compensate. You then tend to overeat at the next meal. Often,

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skipping a meal and then eating too much at the next one means that you have a higher total caloric intake than if you just ate more frequently throughout the day. Challenge each other with exercise (I can now out run my husband during long distances, he he.

He’s never gotten over that). Commit to exercising and eating healthier together can only make you and your relationship stronger and healthier.

Fred Pressley, M.Ed., NESTA Certified Sports Nutrition Coach For more information you can contact or visit Fred at Max Muscle Sports Nutrition in South Tampa, 813-253-2300.

  

GOLF » FOCUS

A GOOD MENTAL PRE-SHOT ROUTINE IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE, YOU’RE NOT PLAYING YOUR BEST GOLF!

STORY BY: DON COSTANZO, GOLFTEC TAMPA, DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION

L

earning a strong mental pre-shot routine is the single most important thing you can do to improve your mental game, and your golf.

But not just any mental routine. Your mental routine must: • Compliment your learning style • Ease you into narrowing your focus • Free you to hit athletic, artistic, creative, right brain shots or putts • And tap into your powers of self-fulfilling prophesy!

Sound complicated? It’s not. In fact, an effective mental pre-shot routine • Simplifies your thoughts • Makes the game easier • Allows you to think the same for every shot and putt, whether it is to win the Masters or a friendly round with your friends.

A Good Mental Pre-Shot Routine is the Foundation of Your Mental Toughness We regard the mental pre-shot routine as one of the essentials of a strong mental game.

It lends to a very challenging sport....

• Consistency • Longevity • And simplicity The Three Step Journey to a Great Mental Pre-Shot Routine To make this fun and easy, start by assuming that you are of two brains. Let’s call the left brain the “thinker/analyzer” and the right brain the “athletic/creator”.

analysis of your next shot.

This involves quickly sorting through the analytical details such as, wind, lie, target, yardage, type of shot, and club. Make your decision with as little vacillation as possible.

It is essential that you commit fully to your club, target and shape of shot before going to the next step.

2. Free up the Athlete with Creative Visualization!

You will need to take a deep breath, relax and visualize the shot or putt that you want to hit.

Shots...

Narrow your focus a bit more by standing behind your ball and clearly seeing your target. Now, visualize as clearly as possible, the flight of your ball to your target and the subsequent bounce or roll, in REAL time.

Tip: During this right brain, creative step there is to be no more left brain analysis...no second guessing your swing, club, target, line, break or stroke. If necessary, repeat step one to again fully commit, then start step two again.

If you cannot visualize you are probably too tense. Focus on taking a deep relaxing breath then try again.

3. Kinesthetically Feel Your Shot or Putt!

We assign this first step to your Thinker/ Analyzer brain.

Shots...

Finish narrowing your focus using the creative right brain once again. Consciously try to feel the exact swing or stroke that you have committed to use.

Shots...

As you approach your ball, begin narrowing your focus by turning your thoughts to the

Make this an especially strong part of your mental pre-shot routine if you are a kinesthetic learner.

1. Turn on the Thinker!

Some players achieve the swing feel solely by imagining it; some with waggles and imagery; some with partial swings and imagery; and most with smooth, full practice swings.

Either way, when you pull your club, the analysis must end so the creativity can begin.

No matter which technique you use to feel your swing, it is important to use a single, reliable and simple swing thought as a cue to initiate the feel of your swing.

Take time to get comfortable with your mental pre-shot routine in practice before taking it into competition. This will make it easier to use when you need it the most.

Tips: Players who are finding it difficult to feel their stroke can often accomplish this step by taking a practice stroke either looking at the hole, or with their eyes closed.

There are two particular times when you will find it the hardest to stay with your routine.

Ironically, these are the times when it is essential:

Use the same routine for every putt, regardless of distance. Once again, if you cannot feel your stroke, you are probably too tense.

Always separate step one, committing to your club, your swing, and your target before starting steps two and three.

You can interchange steps two and three to best fit your learning style and your current physical routine.

Use Your Routine When You Need It The Most!

• When you are playing poorly and feel inclined to let your thoughts go to mechanics, techniques and general concern about your poor play.

• When you are playing extremely well, and feel inclined to let your thoughts escape to the excitement or pressure that can come with playing in contention, or otherwise playing out of your comfort zone.

No matter what the situation, always make your mental pre-shot routine your priority and you will be on your way to getting the most from your game!

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

FOCUS MAGAZINE SOUTH TAMPA MAY 2012

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FITNESS » FOCUS

HOT WORKOUTS EQUAL HOT BODIES T STORY BY: BOB KISSEL

he International Health and Racquet Sports Club Association (IHRSA), the largest trade organization for the Health Club Industry, published an interesting article this month titled Shorter, More Intense Workouts May Be Healthier.

“A short, intense exercise session may be healthier than a longer, more moderate session that burns the same number of calories, a new study suggests. Researchers found that the people who engaged in the most vigorous exercise reduced their risk of developing metabolic syndrome by two-thirds, compared with those who did no vigorous exercise, even when the total amount of calories per pound of body weight the participants burned while exercising was the same.”

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Metabolic syndrome is a slow-down in Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). RMR is the amount of calories per pound of Body Weight burned during and after exercise.

Body Weight consists of muscle and fat.

People with a higher muscle percentage and a lower fat percentage possess a higher RMR. Think of muscle percentage as the body’s internal furnace. The greater the muscle percentage, the hotter the furnace will burn 24/7 and the hotter your body will visibly appear. This study found that short, intense exercise sessions produce hot bodies while longer, more moderate exercise does not. As the saying goes, you’re either hot or you’re not!

Vigorous exercise is intense, but brief and

will stoke your body’s furnace, big time, and will keep the fire hot all day and night while melting away the fat. A vigorous total body workout can burn you out in just 15 minutes.

And because it burns you out, there is no need to do any other exercise if a) you’re looking to get stronger or b) you want to reduce your fat percentage. Both benefits are one in the same and go hand in hand.

Intense but brief exercise sessions are also performed less frequently, just two times a week. Muscle fiber is microscopically torn and uses 72 hours after the vigorous exercise session to repair itself in a progressively healthier way. Remember that increases in muscle percentage drive RMR causing you to become progressively hotter.

Vigorous exercise should be administered by a knowledgeable trainer skilled in using new technology that now makes it possible to actually quantify or measure the intensity or “hotness” of the shorter, more intense exercise session. Measured intensity is compared to changes in muscle percentage and fat percentage making it possible to insure, validate or prove client results. The days of guessing how “hot” you must work to get a “hotter” body are over. Drop me a line at bobk@maxqfitness.com if you would like to become “hotter.”

CONSUMER COLUMN » FOCUS

WHO IS THERE FOR THE SMALL BUSINESSES? A

respect they deserve. We cannot depend on the government. The politicians pay attention to the large businesses and corporations which influence policy through massive campaign donations and $10,000 per dinner plate fundraisers. Did the large businesses and corporations forget they were once small businesses? Did the politicians read the reports about the number of jobs WE supply?

STORY BY: S.E. DAY

ccording to the White House, “Small businesses create about two out of every three jobs in the U.S. each year, and roughly half of working Americans either own or work for a small business.”

Observing the stagnantly unemployed numbers in the U.S, experts predict a booming increase in small business startups and expansions. In these tumultuous economic times, entrepreneurs and small business owners are searching for information and useful applications which can assist them in building a powerful net worth while creating employment

opportunities for the ‘two out of every three jobs’ created in America.

As the CEO of a market-driven small business, I understand the need for practical, useful applications and knowledge in starting and operating a successful business.

I understand the need for mentorship. I understand the need for simplified processes of establishing business credit. What I do not understand is who is there for the small businesses.

In our current economic client, great ideas and great enthusiasm are not given the

So, who is there for the small businesses?

The answer: other small businesses and corporations who believe in paying it forward and giving others a hand up and not a hand out. If we, as small businesses are to be the Guidon Bearers (a military term and proud position to hold) for providing jobs for two out of every three jobs for the American workers, we have to depend on our brother and sister small businesses for practical knowledge, moral, and financial support.

As a small business champion I am launching For Small Businesses Only (FSBO) business seminars to provide an answer to the question. The FSBO will be the catalyst for providing entrepreneurs and current small business owners with practical knowledge and useful applications to

enhance their business presence and increase their bottom line. I will use my broadcast media platform and position to strategically align corporations and small business to achieve greatness and jobs for the two out of every three jobs in America.

I would love to hear your feedback and your agreement or disagreement to my OPED. Feel free to write me at OPED@ legallysteal.com. 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.

Proud supporter and graduate of Jesuit High School

Where inspired living begins...

Francis Vivero, President _Custom Homes New/Restoration_ 813.963.2000_ Verandafla@aol.com

For more information and photo galleries visit us at one of our websites : www.verandafla.com _www.verandahomes.net CBC056977 FOCUS MAGAZINE SOUTH TAMPA MAY 2012

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FOCUS MAGAZINE SOUTH TAMPA MAY 2012

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SPOTLIGHTÂť BIG CAT RESCUE

Fighting for the Big Cat

Empowering people with education to save a population Written by Christina Musial Photos provided by Big Cat Rescue

Jeff Kremer, Justin Boorstein & Susan Bass share their Big Cat passion.

Big Cat Rescue 12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625 813-920-4130 www.bigcatrescue.org

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SPOTLIGHT» BIG CAT RESCUE

I

n the middle of our blazing metropolis, tucked into a corner off of Easy Street in Tampa is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated solely to Big Cats. Surprisingly, right here in our backyard live over 100 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and other cat species that have been rescued from abandonment or abuse and found their refuge at Big Cat Rescue.

The mission of Big Cat Rescue is two-fold: to provide a home for abused or abandoned cats while educating the public about the plight of these animals in captivity and the wild, with a goal to end their abuse and ultimately extinction as a result of this education. It is a big mission, a noble one, and one the BCR team is dedicated to.

As a 501c3 non-profit organization, BCR is conscious of every dollar donated and every dollar spent to ensure they are using as much as possible to impact their mission. Only $0.18 of every expense goes to administrative costs and fundraising – and those costs are more than covered by the tour fees. This means 100% of donations go to support the the cats and the educational activities. Another reason they can allocate funds where they are needed most? BCR only employs 2 Part-Time and 8 Full-Time staffers. The rest of their workers are interns or volunteers with even founder Carol Baskin foregoing a salary.

Interns are a vital component to the success of BCR and their venue. These dedicated volunteers live on campus for three months dedicating their time six days a week to the mission and goals of the sanctuary. Even their on-site Veterinarian, Justin Boorstein, is a volunteer clocking between 50 and 60 hours a week with the cats.

Dr. Liz Wynn, veterinarian at Ehrlich Animal Hospital often volunteers with Big Cat. Recently a team from New York came down to perform a Lithotripsy surgery (procedure using shock waves to break up kidney stones) on one of the cats. Services and the machinery required for the surgery was donated. All Big Cat Rescue had to pay for was travel and lodging of the team. Shortly after the surgery was performed and the team had returned home, the doctor refunded Big Cat Rescue all of the money spent for the trip.

The impressively small amount of overheard used allows BCR to focus on providing for their residents. The cost of feeding and vet care for one tiger for a year is approximately $10,000. BCR relies heavily on donors, partnerships and grants. Recently, they won a grant from Google for their efficient use of technology with the Cloud document storage website.

They were even asked to share their success and method with another non-profit.

Big Cat Rescue is a no contact facility – meaning that the cats are in secure cages and are not touched, interacted with by guests and contact with staff is only for necessary means.

This allows for a focus on both the physical and mental health of the animal. “We are the definition of a sanctuary. We care about the animal’s well-being,” said BCR Director of Donor Appreciation Jeff Kremer.

• White tigers are the result of inbreeding – they typically have poor vision and many suffer from cleft palates or genetic maladies.

• Only one out of 30 tigerswill perform.

• The Florida Panther, Cougar, Mountain Lion & Puma are actually the same species. They just become smaller the closer they live to the equator.

• Florida has more Tigers in captivity than India has in the wild.

The population at BCR varies in species. They have a large number of greater cats – such as Lions, Tigers, Panthers and Jaguars – distinguished by their oval eyes.

On the tour, in front of each habitat is a sign with the cat’s name and a brief description of how they came to live at BCR. The life expectancy of most cats in the wild is 10-12 years.

However, at BCR, many of the cats are over the age of 15. As expected with all creatures, BCR does suffer the loss of cats when they pass away. To ensure every cat is remembered and honored, their photo and name is etched into granite and placed on the memorial wall in a corner of the sanctuary called “Forever Remembered”.

The residents of Big Cat Rescue come to find their home there for a multitude of reasons.

Many were abandoned when their owners realized they were not the ideal pet, others were rescued from abusive owners using them to perform, and some are retired performers. Some are orphaned when their mothers are killed by hunters or cars with others being saved from slaughter to make fur coats.

Most of the cats live in individual habitats, aside from those who came to the sanctuary together and therefore still live together to ensure an easier adjustment and transition. Big Cat Recue provides unique skills and opportunities here that other places can’t provide.

BCR has a rehabilitation program at an on-site hospital where they have as little contact with the animals as possible. If rescued Florida bobcats can be rehabilitated, and BCR can ensure they still hunt, they will be released into the wild.

The on-site hospital boasts an impressive Youstream video where interested viewers can watch the animals recovering online and notify BCR if an animal is in distress.

In the mid 1990’s, cats were bred at the sanctuary and contact was allowed with some small cats. But, after several years, the founder realized not allowing contact was a better way to raise awareness that exotic cats did NOT make good pets, so they converted to a no touch center.

However, throughout the week and weekend, the staff of BCR takes 15-20 people at a time on a walking tour of their sanctuary to learn about the cats they have a passion for. Guests learn interesting facts such as:

• There is no Black Panther species – it’s actually a black leopard and if you look close enough, you can see the spots.

FOCUS MAGAZINE SOUTH TAMPA MAY 2012

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SPOTLIGHT» BIG CAT RESCUE Some animals come to BCR because other facilities have gone bankrupt or failed.. BCR then steps in to rescue as many cats as possible.

Because of the often traumatic and stressful situations the cats are rescued from, the BCR has implemented a reading program in which staff members sit outside of their fences and read books or tell them stories to create a level of trust. Cats that BCR determines feel stress in the presence of visitors are not on the tour route and only see the keepers. Some of the animals on the tour seem to view their observers with a level of disinterest and go about their daily routine. Others actively come forward to see people, clearly enjoying the attention. The fact that they seem so content can drive people to the incorrect assumption that they can own an exotic cat as a pet and provide it with the proper resources and environment making the exotic pet trade a very lucrative business. The U.S. Government estimates that the illegal trade in exotic animals exceeds $10 Billion per year – second in revenue only to the illegal gun and drug trade.

Currently 28 states have some level of ban on big cat ownership, a few have no laws, and others have some level of regulation on exotic animal ownership. Florida is one of the most stringent with what BCR still believes is a rather low set of requirements/standards to be deemed an exotic pet owner. Florida is the number one state in the country for escapes and mauling/killings by exotic animals. Still, you only have to complete 1000 hours of training, pay for a Florida Wildlife Commission license and own 5 acres of land and pay approximately $1,000 to be a licensed exotic pet owner.

This fact is why BCR is so diligently advocating the enactment of the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act. According to the BCR website, this act would prohibit the private ownership and breeding of big cats ensuring that lions, tigers and other similar cats “do not threaten public safety, diminish the global big cat conservation efforts, or end up living in deplorable conditions where they can be subject to mistreatment and cruelty.”

If the bill is passed, this would make it illegal for anyone other than an AZA accredited zoo or asanctuary meeting the strict definition in the bill to own a big cat where they can be properly provided for. Current owners would be able to keep their pets, but only if the animal is registered and micro-chipped and could not be used for breeding.

BCR is doing everything in their power to ensure this bill gets passed and the country is educated on the hazards of exotic pet ownership. “We preach education here. People who are empowered with education make the best decisions. We send people away empowered realizing they don’t have to do anything except NOT do anything – skip the circus, don’t go to Las Vegas and see an act, skip the mall exhibit, etc.,” said Kremer.

Due to their involvement with big cats and their high visibility within the field, they were called upon for many news stories and research during the Zanesville Ohio incident last year.

“I knew we would be bombarded with people wanting to talk to us locally and all over the country wanting to get our ideas about what happened, if they should have shot them, what would happen to the ones who lived. People wondering how there can NOT be laws against this,” said Susan Bass, Director of Public Relations.

there is an end in sight for the success of Big Cat Rescue. “The exciting thing is, they think we are at the tipping point in animal welfare where in the next 5-10 years, we could do more good for animals, more advancement than we’ve seen in forever. We’re right there,” said Kremer.

Kremer & Boo

rstein both mentioned that, ironically enough, the true mission of Big Cat Rescue and founder Carole Baskin is to put themselves out of business – hoping there will be no need for rescue of exotic animals from abusive homes or performance acts.

With the backing of a visionary founder, Big Cat Rescue has accomplished a great deal for a relatively small organization compared to the grand scale of many other non-profits. This year they are the Diamond Sponsor at the annual Taking Action for Animals Conference in Washington D.C., , they frequently have been the 6th or 7th most watched non-profit in the world on YouTube and their video channel just passed 40 million views.

Obviously others are catching on to the passion and mission of Big Cat Rescue. If you are interested in joining Big Cat Rescue in raising awareness for their cause and understanding their passion, they encourage you to get involved. Come for a tour, Donate, Volunteer – Big Cat Rescue wants YOU!

Who THEY are:

On my trip to Big Cat Rescue, I met with a few of the key contributors who make the goals and missions of BCR a reality. I wanted to share the incredible passion they have for what their team is doing. Given their excitement, I myself couldn’t help but be convinced they are doing the right thing!

Justin Boorstein – Justin is a volunteer vet at BCR dedicating upwards of 50-60 hours a week to the sanctuary and its animals. Justin joined Big Cat in 2005 and continued working as a volunteer while attending Vet School at Ross University. In February, Justin graduated from Veterinary School and is looking for full time employment, but plans to continue his involvement with BCR. “I would do this full time if I could!”

Susan Bass –Susan joined the staff working Part-time from her home focused mainly on advocacy work. “I’ve always had a passion for animals. Not particularly for tigers. But I learned a lot when we were working on the name change. In the last year and a half I’ve learned so much,” said Susan. “Once they educated me, you can’t walk away and you can’t help but want to be involved here and get the message out there.”

Jeff Kremer – Jeff is the Director of Donor Appreciation for Big Cat Rescue and came to them with years of corporate experience and with a clearly defined passion and a heart for animal advocacy. “It is truly inspiring to be working “hand in hand” with like-minded friends that share in the sanctuary’s (as well as my!) vision of seeking to make a positive difference in both the animal as well as human world that we share in.”

The incident brought out even more, the importance of what BCR and their staff is trying to accomplish by raising awareness, educating the public and advocating for better laws. “We can get the laws and regulations. But, it’s unacceptable to allow that type of thing to happen.

It’s off of everyone’s radar because it’s old news. We should still feel something until we can stop that from happening,” said Kremer.

“The scary part is, it could happen over and over again,” said Bass. Kremer is in agreement with her that we are at risk for another incident like this one. “It’s going to happen. It’s a matter of time. It’s not a matter of if, it’s when,” he said.

The bigger issue raised for Boorstein is that onlookers, those viewing the incident purely from the media still left with the wrong impression of the issue. “What bothered me about that is that people weren’t focusing on the right things. They were focused on the animals being killed. It was something that had to be done in that scenario. But what you should be worried about is why are they allowed to have these animals?”

Even with incidents such as this, the animal welfare movement is gaining momentum and

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Willow Hecht - Education Director, Justin Boorstein - Volunteer Veterinarian, Jennifer Flatt - Operations & Volunteer Program Manager

Team TRIDENT

Making Waves, Impacting Lives Focusing on the Intellectually Disabled, this group is making a difference

Article by Rachel Drummond Photos Courtesy of Team TRIDENT

T

here is a vital component necessary in our community – a component that will seek to offer proper relationships, encounters and fun for each and every population. The population of the intellectually disadvantaged is not to be overlooked, so agrees Tom Denham who has made it his career to offer those opportunities to that population.

Denham has had a lifelong experience with intellectually disadvantaged individuals – his mother an ESE teacher in Hillsborough County introduced him to that environment at a young age. He spent summers with his mom at the school, at dances specifically for the ESE students, eventually finding himself

as a volunteer and the director of Special Olympics up until March 2011.

Denham now serves as director for Team TRIDENT at the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center where he saw a great impact could be made.

“I was looking for a way to make a more direct impact on those with intellectual disabilities. As director [for Special Olympics] there was more of a manager role – we would have these opportunities to have interactions one day at a time and not have a chance to interact again for several weeks,” Denham said. “I was noticing that despite being active with Special Olympics, a lot of the athletes were continuing to gain

weight after high school. My mom is an ESE teacher and I tried to pick her brain to see why that was – these kids were doing active sports – she was explaining to me that it has a lot to do with once they finish high school there aren’t many options for them.

Much of that population just sits at home eating, watching TV until their parents come home…”

that and also create an environment that reinforces what they learned in high school.

This is being reinforced here. They learn skills like counting money, personal care, cooking and cleaning – but if those lessons are not reinforced after high school they tend to lose those skills. They need repetition and consistent training to maintain those skills that they have already learned.”

Denham says that he recognized that these kids, but also adults needed an environment where they could build relationships and tap into the skills they were introduced to in high school.

Team TRIDENT was designed to meet three specific areas; active recreations, proper socialization and interpersonal skills, and independent life skills.

“I created the program as a way to combat

“Socialization – that is a byproduct of just coming to an active environment with

FOCUS MAGAZINE SOUTH TAMPA MAY 2012

17

other peers. We are constantly in an active environment. If they get the opportunity to feel like they are part of a team – they can understand the impact of that on health, weight and your body as well as reinforcing that training they had in high school.”

Denham says that getting individuals to hold onto what they learned in high school is a challenge – if they aren’t stimulated in the right kind of environment.

TRIDENT is a program that wants to combat that.

The program was launched at Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center in September of last year. A friend of Denham’s, who is the director for the Best Buddies chapter in Hillsborough County schools (club offered in high schools nationally) directed Denham and his passion to the aquatic center – where a vision came to fruition. Now a year later, Denham says the program has seen a lot of success for the short period it has been active.

TRIDENT stands for – Training and Recreation for the Intellectually Disabled Enhancing their Natural Talents. This is accomplished through both the day program and the after school program offered Monday through Friday.

The Day Program – designed for those adults who are intellectually disadvantaged “The day program structures in a way where the active recreation is done in the morning.

We start every day in fitness room with exercise and fitness routines. The socialization is important in there, we talk about our weekends and movies, things we did.”

Denham says that an active environment is established from the start of the day.

“After everyone is stretched, we go outside and do some sort of active recreation; basketball, kickball, some sort of outdoor activity where we are getting out and getting active – and then we come back inside and do a basic work out – things like push-ups and sit ups, working out with small hand weights. Basic type exercises, no zumba or high cardio or anything like that.”

Denham says that the active, exercising portion of the day should be just as fun as every other aspect.

“We are working basic muscle groups and trying to improve physical fitness. Sometimes we will do an exercise to a video. We just recently got a new DVD that teaches all of

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the dances, electric slide and Macarena– The Hustle. We do that just to make it fun and enjoyable.”

Of course, with the facilities being an aquatic center – the pool is a necessity.

“We are at our core an aquatic center. We do an hour of swim time where we can swim in

majority of the team members are out of high school so the age bracket falls between 25 and 35 years old.

Denham says he started developing a love for this population at a young age and he feels that an impact can really be made with the program at Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center.

“I really feel like it is where I can serve the most – it’s kind of interesting because I was just online the other day and I saw some of these inspiring YouTube videos. There was this great quote where this kid was born blind and turned out to be a great musician – we’re realizing possibilities in the individuals we serve, because they are all so different.

People don’t imagine the possibilities when they’re not given the opportunity.

When given the opportunity they can see possibilities. But, you have to be patient.

Getting it done as quickly as possible is not how this society functions. When given the opportunity to succeed they do so.”

Executive director at Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center, Chuck, Burgess says that Team TRIDENT has drastically changed the environment of the center – in a positive way.

“We are very focused on young people and giving them a superior experience,” Burgess said. “With this program we are able to reach that demographic that we didn’t reach before. I think the program inspires a lot of athletes here – it’s a testament to overcoming obstacles in every aspect of life.”

the pool – we have a few team members who like to jump off of diving boards. We do that before lunch.”

Denham says that once lunch is completed they have their classes that are meant to introduce basic life skills. Lessons can range from topics of money – cash transactions, management – time, language and spelling annunciation. Denham says that these lessons are designed to keep the team members sharp on what they already know.

The day program begins at 8 a.m. and lasts until 3:00 p.m. – at 3:30 the afterschool program begins.

The afterschool program is designed for the population that is in school, but also those adults whose parent may not be able to pick them up until later on in the afternoon.

There are 23 team members in total – including the day and afternoon program.

“Depending on the day – we have a couple that have jobs and they only come a couple days of the week, or some might go somewhere else for a couple days of the week. We have several that come Monday through Friday and some that only come for the afternoon program. We have adults that will come in for socialization aspect in the afternoon.”

Denham says that the majority are adults – the youngest is 14 and oldest is 41. The

“Well, as mentioned my mom is an ESE teacher, she has been a teacher for over 30 years. I grew up around the [intellectually disadvantaged] population just by going to different events with my mom. When I was a teenager for one reason or another I would go to summer school, to help mom or couldn’t stay at home because I was too young. I remember being 10 years old and going to the prom that her ESE center was hosting each year. I remember being maybe younger than 10, going to that event year after year after year and a lot of the people that are in my program are actually friends of mine.”

Socializing is an important factor for TRIDENT, Denham says that being able to connect with each individual is its purpose.

“I grew up with a lot of these individuals.

They were students of my mom. One team member, I have known for over 20 years, others I knew from being director for Special Olympics.”

Denham has been volunteering with the ESE and special Olympic organizations for 18 years – he says that from the time he was 10 years old, through the soccer tournament he and his teammates competed in just so the Special Olympic members could move up a bracket and up until now, he has made it his passion.

Burgess says that the program has inspired the staff as much as it has Team TRIDENT. “Having TRIDENT has really made coming to work here more – I’m happier coming in.

It’s something that’s tangible and we can see it.”

The aquatic center is diverse in its list of programs offered – Burgess says that they designed an after school program that is unlike any other program in the area. Sports are also offered; swim team, martial arts, tennis – even coaching the best ranked tennis player in the United States under the age of 16.

The aquatic center has developed a mission to reach each demographic – they have sought to impact separate populations in a comfortable environment, and Team TRIDENT has made that possible.

We also do offer a summer camp option for those that are in our population. That program will run from 8 – 6:30 it serves anyone that is 13 or up.

813.689.0908 Fax: 813.681.3028 405 Beverly Blvd., Brandon, FL. 33511-5507 Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center

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19

EXTRA » DEREK MAUL of such an experience has enough gravity to transcend even the most deep-seated conviction or doubt.

GOD IS:

And that is really the point of my column today. God is. And God is all about the business of saving people. And by that I don’t mean the clichéd, formulaic version of salvation pushed by some. What I’m talking about is God’s constant invitation that we participate in the fullness of life, the “life that truly is life,” the new and living way of Jesus.

Geoff ’s death, my brother’s passageway into the next stage of this journey, turns out to be more evidence of the life-charged life.

There was so much living faith in that room with Geoff when he passed away that the very walls were crying out, “Peace!” “Love!”

“Salvation!” “Rest!”

PARADOX:

It’s a difficult paradox, I’ll acknowledge, because that room was also loaded to the ceiling with grief, and sadness, and a sense of loss that will stay with those of us who love Geoff for a very long time.

And so, “God-Speed” my brother. Thank you so very much for all the adventures, the laughter, the tears, the challenges, the irrepressible enthusiasm, the complications, the travels, the conversations, the insight, the honesty, the shared family, the broadening of my horizons (voluntary and otherwise!) and - most of all - the enduring love.

WHEN DEATH IS A HOLY MOMENT T WRITTEN BY: DEREK MAUL

his month’s column is based on the blog I posted the day after my brother died, March 12. The message is poignant, and – I believe – important, so I wanted to share it with my FOCUS readers.

This is going to be a hard column to do right.

But I have to try. I process a lot of my life this way, through thinking out loud. And you, those readers curious enough to look over my shoulder, are a huge part of how I write and how I continue to grow. Thanks so much for being a part of me.

I lost an important part of me around 8:15 Monday evening. My brother, Geoff, is just plain gone.

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Oh, I understand the fact that Geoff is and always will be - a critically important element of what it means to be a Maul, and I’m confident without question that he is now more alive than he has ever been and in the presence of the God he loves so deeply.

But Geoff is still gone, our lives are still undeniably empty, our hearts are literally aching with grief, and our spirits are heavy with sadness.

PASSAGE:

I headed down to his house Sunday afternoon, and my privilege was to spend the next twenty-two hours doing absolutely

everything in my power to serve my brother and to bring into play every possible resource on his behalf.

Geoff ’s daughter, Hannah, and I were able to make sure that he completed this particular phase of his journey in the comfort and security of the beautiful Tidewell Hospice facility in Ellenton. He passed away in the evening, literally surrounded by family and friends.

His death was, in every sense of the word, a “holy” passage. The presence of God literally filled both the physical space and the hearts and minds of everyone present. My sense was that the reality of the holiness was evident to everyone, official “believer” or not. The truth

“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

- Romans 14:8

ENTERTAINMENT » EVENT CALENDAR

SOUTH TAMPA

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our calendar of events please email the information to focus@dukepublications.com

MAY 1

MAY 4

» Ybor City Architecture: Our Stories

» Tampa Downtown Market

The Ybor City Museum Society’s featured exhibit, Ybor City Architecture: Our Stories, celebrates the dynamic stories and transformation of Ybor City’s iconic buildings, unique casitas and signature architectural elements. At 9:00 a.m -1818 E 9th Ave, Tampa, Fl.

» “Out Of This World” Week at the Children’s Museum

Enjoy space-themed activities all week. Check the lobby for specific activities and times – 110 W Gasparilla Plz, Tampa, Fl.

MAY 1 – 3 » Rays vs. Mariners

Come watch your Tampa Bay Rays take on the Mariners at The Trop. For more information and tickets visit www.tbrays.com

MAY 2 » The Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta

Inspired by the Food Truck Rally in Hyde Park, Mayor Bob Buckhorn established this monthly gathering to bring together this unique community of small-business owners and great food. Come out and see what they have to offer. Where: 400 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602 (Lykes Gaslight Square).

MAY 3 » Rock the Museum

Adults are invited to enjoy tonight’s “Rock the Park” concert in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from museum’s third-floor terrace. Admission includes two drink tickets and light hors d’oeuvres.

Cash bar available until 9pm. Proceeds benefit the museum’s educational programming and outreach.

Located at Glazer Children’s Museum - 110 W Gasparilla Plz, Tampa, FL 33602.

MAY 4 – 6 » Rays vs. Athletics

Come watch your Tampa Bay Rays take on the Athletics at The Trop. For more information and tickets visit www.tbrays.com.

Located from the 200 block to 300 block of Twiggs Street, the Tampa Downtown Market offers fresh, high-quality food from local farmers and gourmet products from local artisans.The market appears every Friday from October to May, weather permitting.

MAY 5 » Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Tuxes and Tails

Join us for one of Tampa Bay’s favorite events made more special this year as we celebrate our Centennial! Enjoy a star-studded fashion show featuring local celebrities and adorable adoptables from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, silent and live auctions, live music, and cigar bar along the water in beautiful downtown Tampa – Tampa Convention Center. For more information contact specialevents@humanesocietytampa.org.

MAY 6 » National Nurses Week – BOGO – at MOSI

Buy one, get one FREE for all nurses with a valid ID. Free ticket must be of equal or lesser value. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts. Excludes special engagement exhibitions, films, events and Sky Trail Ropes Course. Other restrictions may apply. Open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. For more information visit www.mosi.org.

MAY 12 » Antique Evaluation Saturdays at The Henry B. Plant Museum

The Henry B. Plant Museum will host seven Antique Evaluation Saturdays from September through May. Bring your favorite treasures to be evaluated by one of our experts for $5 an item with a limit of four items. Tickets are sold from 10 am to Noon. If furniture is too large, you may bring a good photograph. For more information visit www.plantmuseum.com.

» Ybor City Saturday Market

The Ybor City Market takes place every Saturday

in Centennial Park. This event features a wide range of vendors offering fresh produce, prepared foods, plants, pet items and crafts. Dogs are welcome.

» Japan and the Victorians – at Henry B. Plant Museum

Henry Plant furnished the Tampa Bay Hotel with treasures from around the world. This 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 influenced 19th century Western artists and culture. The foundation of this exhibit will draw from Mr. Plant’s collection of Meiji era floor 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. 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606 – Henry B. Plant Museum.

MAY 12

funny bone. Your tasks may involve strange foods, tasty beverages, lyrics for old songs, dance steps, test of your athletic abilities (how good are you with a hockey stick), strangers, interactions with inanimate objects, and more. All in the name of fun and fundraising. For more information please visit www.questforhope.org.

MAY 19-23 » Rays vs. Blue Jays

Come watch your Tampa Bay Rays take on the Blue Jays at The Trop. For more information and tickets visit www.tbrays.com.

MAY 28-30 » Rays vs. White Sox

Come watch your Tampa Bay Rays take on the White Sox at The Trop. For more information and tickets visit www.tbrays.com.

MAY 30

2012 Live Music Series

» Tampa Bay Rowdies Home Game

Hyde Park Village celebrates 25 years of live music with the 2012 Live Music Series! Concerts take place at the Fountain, May through October, on the last Wednesday of the month, from 7 to 10 PM. Proceeds from beverage sales benefit a different charity each month. For more information please visit www.hydeparkvillage.net

Come watch Tampa Bay’s soccer team play at home. For more information visit www. rowdiessoccer.com.

MAY 16-17 » Rays vs. Red Sox

Come watch your Tampa Bay Rays take on the Red Sox at The Trop. For more information and tickets visit www.tbrays.com.

MAY 17 » Flicks and Food Trunks

Tampa Bay Markets, Inc. a local company that operates the open-air fresh markets in the Bay area, and the Tampa Downtown Partnership present this event showcasing local independent short films, 10 to 15 food trucks, beer and live music. Located at 1208 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602.

MAY 18-20 » Rays vs. Braves

Come watch your Tampa Bay Rays take on the Braves at The Trop. For more information and tickets visit www.tbrays.com.

MAY 19 » Quest for Hope – 2012

This is a good old-fashioned scavenger hunt with a twist! Unusual challenges to tempt the taste buds, make your mouth water, and team photos to take that will exercise your brain and your FOCUS MAGAZINE SOUTH TAMPA MAY 2012

21

ENTERTAINMENT » DINING PROFILE

ANTHONY’S COAL FIRED PIZZA EXCELS IN ALL SPECIALTIES ANTHONY’S COAL FIRED PIZZA EXCELS IN ALL SPECIALTIES

WRITTEN BY: MICHAEL MUSIAL

J

ust south of Neptune on Dale Mabry in the large beige building is Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. The dining area is open with a view right into the cooking area, where from the main entrance you can see the massive coal fire oven. The bar area extends outside to accommodate both bar patrons and a patio area with additional seating. The bar serves both beer and wine, including some special crafted beers. The staff informed me there are some very reasonable drink specials on Monday and Tuesday nights for dinner.

I was joined by my frequent dining companion Kevin. We sat down and began looking over the menu. It is very simply put together, from the top down is the pizza, Anthony’s main focus, with toppings ranging from Anchovies to Italian Sausage with just about everything you would put on a pizza in between. The next section is the specialty pies. These are the house favorites with some special kicks, including the new Roasted Cauliflower Pizza labeled “for our vegetarian friends”. Next up are the Salads, Sandwiches, and the Appetizers described

by Anthony’s as “Italian Soul Food, Served Family Style”. At the bottom are the dessert and Coffee options. Coca-Cola was your alternate beverage, but be mindful they come in 20 oz glasses not from the fountain, so pace yourselves my heavy drinking friends. The staff is also very attentive and helpful, anyone passing by is more than willing to answer a question, refill a glass, or recommend some of their favorites.

We put in our order, deciding to split a large pizza with two of the specialties, The Paul & Young Ron a Pizza topped with Meatballs, Sausage, Hot or Sweet Peppers and Ricotta cheese and the Philly Cheesesteak pizza, top round marinated and served with caramelized onions.

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First we started with the Anthony’s Classic Italian Salad with Gorgonzola. The salad was very good, light with a bit of spice, the gorgonzola cheese tasted fresh and added a nice bit of flavor.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL MUSIAL

We then went on to sample some of the appetizers, the Coal oven roasted Chicken wings the Pork ribs w/Vinegar peppers, some meatballs with Ricotta Cheese, Eggplant Marino, and finally Broccoli Rabe(Bitter Italian greens sautéed in garlic and olive oil) and Sausage. All the appetizers were excellent, but the two stand outs had to be the Pork Ribs and the Chicken Wings.

Kevin and I never expected to find Ribs in a pizza restaurant. They were Roasted and not BBQed but Roasted over the coal fire making for them moist and flavorful and still tender enough to slide off the bone. The Wings were the same, Roasted with no breading and no sauce, these wings were about as healthy as wings get. Served under a small clump of caramelized onions they were the right blend of crispy and moist.

At this point our pizza arrived. It was well crafted with a thinner crust, really letting the toppings shine. The Paul and Young Ron was a nice collection of hot and cold, the peppers and meat providing a nice offset to the Ricotta cheese topping. There was a nice balance between cheese, sauce, and toppings. Both of us agreed it was a great first bit of this style pizza. The Philly Cheese steak really took the prize. It was a nice blend of meat, cheese, and flavor. This might be a nice improvement to the hoagie roll for those who enjoy an occasional

cheese steak.

We were then greeted with a dessert, one many of our readers might have already had the pleasure of eating, s even if they haven’t been to Anthony’s. The only desert item on the menue is a New York Style Cheesecake, from our own Mike’s Pies.

Mike’s Pies is one the best bakeries around and if you have had the pleasure then you know I am speaking the truth. Add a slice of theirveryown cheesecake provides the perfect ending to a very savory meal.

In the end we enjoyed every morsel andboth agreed we would be back. Great Food, Great

INFORMATION 1901 SOUTH DALE MABRY, TAMPA, FL 33629 813-258-2625 WWW.ANTHONYSCOALFIREDPIZZA.COM

People, and a Great Dessert. If I wasn’t just out a lunch, I would have thought I was on vacation! Have a slice on me and try the Paul and Young Ron with some hot peppers, or Sweet if you’re a bit more tender of heart!

PHOTO BY MICHAEL MUSIAL

ENTERTAINMENT » WINE!

SPICE UP YOUR MONDAY NIGHT DOLDRUMS WITH RÈMOLE TOSCANA 2010 I

cooking the pizza crust. Often it will ask you to roll the dough out on a baking sheet and cook the crust (prior to any toppings) for several minutes. Before putting it in the oven to “pre-cook”, I like to take about a teaspoon of olive oil and brush the crust to reach the edges.

4. Once you “pre-cook” the crust, cover the crust with the pizza sauce leaving about a half of an inch of space uncovered around all edges. Now add all of your toppings: mushrooms, sausage, spinach, tomato, feta, and then add a helping of mozzarella covering the top.

5. Bake as instructed on pizza crust container.

Keep an eye on it so that your crust doesn’t burn before your toppings cook and settle.

6. Remove from the oven and enjoy with a nice glass of Rèmole Toscana!

STORY BY: CAITLIN SCUDDER

think we can all agree that Monday is always a tad difficult to ease into after a holiday weekend. Usually my Mondays consist of setting my goals for the work week, arranging my schedule with meetings and “To Dos”, tying loose ends from the week prior, and thinking of all the other things I need to do like grocery shop and laundry.

This past Monday when I got home from work, I was welcomed with a glass of wine and smelled a delicious dinner brewing.

Hear me when I say, this is not a regular occurrence but I figured it couldn’t hurt since I was due to report on a new wine of the month to keep you readers informed! Born and bred a lightweight, which I consider a blessing, I am always hesitant to partake in an alcoholic beverage before breaking bread – Especially at the beginning of a week! I inhaled a whiff of the burgundy-colored liquid and was overcome with a rich and earthy aroma. Upon taking my first sip, I was greeted by a range of tastes. A blend of plum, cherry, and other darker fruits co-mingled with a spicier note of black pepper and rich licorice. I picked up the bottle to identify the name. “Rèmole Toscana 2010,” I sounded out. “Sounds fancy,” I added.

Rèmole Toscana 2010 is a Tuscany wine made from a medium-bodied blend of eighty-five percent Sangiovese and fifteen percent Cabernet Savignon. When I think of Tuscany, I imagine romantic settings with rustic dinners out on the portico and families and friends sipping wine from tan-colored flasks. We see this so many times in Hollywood however, the history of wine in this region reveals the reality. I hate to ruin your image of the scenery, but the wine in these old flasks was not very good!

In hopes of not ruining your chances of trying the delicious Rèmole Toscana 2010, I will provide you with some history on the evolution, or should I say economics, of Tuscany-born wines so that you may further appreciate their tastes of today.

Tuscany’s geographical position makes it the ideal location for cultivating grapes. The

mixture of mountainous and coastal climates, soil with the optimum proportions of sand and clay and the hilly terrain greatly promote the growth of the Sangiovese grape. The wine of this grape was often what was in these flasks in our Tuscan musings. Rather than hold the Sangiovese grape responsible for the unpalatable wine it created, the blame can be pointed at the wine-makers! Wine-makers allowed the grape to run rampant so that they could produce and sell more wine at a lower price. Due to the times and the market, they were unwilling to sacrifice their high yields of this grape in order to obtain a better quality fruit. The realization that limiting the growth of the Sangiovese grape would allow for a premium product to be sold at a higher price is what greatly improved these wines so that we may enjoy them today. Sangiovese wines are now a trademark of Tuscany and are the common denominator in almost all of the region’s wines. Rarely bottled alone, the quality and taste greatly depends on what it is blended with.

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Baby bella mushrooms, sliced Sweet Italian turkey or chicken sausage Jarred pizza sauce Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese Reduced-fat feta cheese Spinach Tomato Olive oil Salt & pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven according to the directions on the pizza crust container.

2. Remove casings from sausage and cut into smaller chunks or slices. Place the sausage pieces into a pan on the stove and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until done.

3. Follow the directions on the container for

So if grocery shopping is part of your Monday routine, I recommend picking up a bottle of this wine and trying it with the suggested type of cuisine. Its blend of flavors that start slightly fruity and end with a spicier and earthy taste, will not leave you disappointed.

In order to experience the variation of tastes in the wine, I recommend decanting an hour before serving. Retail price is typically between $10 and $12, depending on the establishment. This is right up my alley with wine choices – always pick the pretty bottle with the lower price-point. Rèmole Toscana’s warm flavors are best paired with pasta marinara, chicken cacciatore, cured meats, and my all-time favorite food – pizza!

If you choose to experience this wine on a Monday evening as I did, crafting up your own pizza is an easy and quick dinner that requires little attention and clean-up time.

Adding lots of hearty vegetable toppings to your pie and choosing cheeses lower in fat can help you from breaking your calorie bank so early in the week. You can really put whatever you want on your pizza, it’s up to your imagination! But since Rèmole Toscana is its friendliest served with flavors of the Tuscan cuisine, I recommend the following recipe that is one of my favorites.

Ingredients

• Pillsbury pizza crust FOCUS MAGAZINE SOUTH TAMPA MAY 2012

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