RESIDENT Magazine F A I T H F U L LY S E R V I N G T H E W E S L E Y C H A P E L / N E W TA M PA C O M M U N I T Y • DECEMBER 2017
Florida
Foster Cmare Syste
ONS COUP !
E INSID
GET READY TO SPARKLE:
THE ULTIMATE
HOLIDAY HOST PAGE 13
AGING
GRACEFULLY PAGE 22
#itCANbedone
YOUR LOCAL EVENTS SOURCE
SKIP THE DRIVE DOWN I-275 - CHECK OUT OUR
BIG LIST OF
EVENTS
...all in town
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December 2017 | Page 3
table of contents DECEMBER 2017
5
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
19
CHURCHES IN TOWN
6
TEAM BIOS
20
WOMEN -N- CHARGE
9
FROM THE DESK OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER MIKE MOORE WHERE CAN YOU FIND RESIDENT MAGAZINE?
21
MANAGING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
22
AGING GRACEFULLY
24
HYPERLOCAL COUPONS
25
ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS
26
GINGERBREAD CREATIONS
29
IT'S MOVIE TIME!
29
LOCAL EATS
30
PET OF THE MONTH & TOP BOOK READS
9 10
LOCAL EVENTS
12
PUT GIVING TWISTS ON HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
13
GET READY TO SPARKLE: THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HOST
14
FEATURED STORY
Page 4 | December 2017
COVER STORY:
FLORIDA FOSTER CARE SYSTEM
#itCANbedone
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
L
ast night as I sat admiring the last of the presents neatly wrapped and stacked in ‘Mama’s secret hiding place” I was caught up in what makes this time of year such a joy for me. It’s a little bit of everything, the warm baking cookies mingled with pine and fireplace smokiness. I love how everything seems to sparkle, especially when it’s late at night and the snow is gently falling outside. Even the craziness of those ‘visit 5 families’ in one day Christmas days, it never fails to bless me with a warm heart and a content feeling well into the new year. The holidays mean something different to each of us. For some, Christmas is life and their homes are decked out in full decor before Turkey Day was even upon us. For others the holidays can be a somber time if the year has been particularly difficult or if loved ones have been lost. Then there are the rest of us, we’re jolly and Christmasy as we’re shuffled along by the hectic hustle and finish taping up that last bow just under the wire. From all of us here at Resident, we look forward to bringing you more of our local greatness throughout 2018! A Merriest of Christmas’ and Happiest of New Years to All!
Photo by Thompson Brand Images Hair & make-up by Angela DiLeone, VIP Beauty Mobile Stylist
STEPHANIE COSTOLO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
RESIDENT Magazine Residents are welcome to submit stories, articles, important information, new ideas & photos. SEND TO EDITORIAL@RESIDENTMAGAZINE.NET
For advertising information call: Stephanie Costolo 813-422-5551 WWW.RESIDENTMAGAZINE.NET | FOR RATES & INFO CALL: 813-422-5551
Stephanie
Faithful member of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce. Serving Wesley Chapel and New Tampa.
© 2016 RESIDENT Magazine. All rights reserved. RESIDENT Magazine is currently published monthly, distributed by the U.S. Postal Service free to all residents and advertisers in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area. Lists are for reference only and do not imply official sanction or recommendation by RESIDENT Magazine. Editorial submissions are welcome. Publisher reserves the right to reject or edit all submissions for length and clarity. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. Unless otherwise noted, the views, opinions and advertising presented in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Publisher.
December 2017 | Page 5
team bios STEPHANIE COSTOLO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Driven and passionate, Stephanie’s strengths lie in marrying day-to-day strategies with the bigger picture. As a lover of both business and psychology, she weaves those worlds together naturally. She is an Air Force veteran, has a BS in Behavioral Science and a Masters Degree in Entrepreneurship in Applied Technologies from USF.
PATTI SMITH ADVISOR
Patti Smith brings over 24 years of experience in advertising and publishing. She contributes to the team her insight and knows how to think out of the box. When Patti isn't busy helping others, she spends time with her beautiful daughter Loryn.
DAVID HERRMANN ASSOCIATE
David has been helping local businesses grow for the last 5 years in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area. As a PGA Member for 18 years, he has done everything from playing professionally to running both semi and private golf courses. David and his wife Kelly are new parents to Axel Stone and their daughter Kendal Victoria.
Page 6 | December 2017
SUSAN GULASH ART DIRECTOR
Susan Gulash is a creative individual who loves the complete design process - from research to conception to completion. She has over 13 years experience in graphic/ web design, and is the owner of Gulash Graphics. She attended and graduated from IRSC & USF. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two girls.
WENDY M. DODD ASSISTANT EDITOR
Enthusiastic and passionate, Wendy is a freelancer and blogger for Melanoma and patient advocacy. A Michigan native, she earned her AAS in Business while pursuing a Master's in Psychology. Her expansive professional skills range from front-line medical treatments to government and legal proficiency demonstrate the diversity in both her professional life and chosen career path. Her passion for photography and dedication to spreading love and compassion emanate from her cherished free time with her husband and their three children.
PAT GUSTAS ASSOCIATE
Pat, a native of Northwest Indiana calls Wesley Chapel her home for the past three years. She owned her own business for 35 years and was an Ad Junct teacher at the local community college. Pat and her husband now enjoy life and their four young grandchildren. As a Resident Magazine sales associate, Pat enjoys meeting local business people and helping them grow their successes. To get copies of Resident Magazine, text or call Pat at 219-743-1456.
BOB THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHER
Bob is thrilled to bring his passion for photography to Resident Magazine. He shoots for magazines and corporations as well as local businesses. By last count he has photographed over 40,000 people in his 23 years as a photographer! He is a dad, husband, proud Rotarian, musician, emcee, and is excited to play a part in the growth of Wesley Chapel and New Tampa.
KAYLA SHUTE WRITER
Kayla is a luxury market manager and bench jeweler apprentice for an independently owned jewelry shop. She has two amazing children who are her world. She spends her free time hiking, fishing, exercising and spending time with friends. Kayla is an avid reader and is constantly on the hunt to learn new things.
JANETH LOPEZ ASSOCIATE
Janeth Lopez is a military spouse of over 20 years and recently relocated to the New Tampa area. She has several years experience helping military families and is thrilled to meet the local business owners in the area. She is a dedicated mother of two teenagers that keep her busy and enjoys visiting with her parents who live in Wesley Chapel.
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Where can you find Resident Magazine? Here’s a short list of a FEW of our distribution locations!
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Culver's Florida Hospital Ice Rink Nutrition Smart The Great Catch by the Taste of Boston Wolf Den Restaurant Meadow Pointe II Clubhouse Meadow Pointe III Clubhouse Quest Diagnostics The Ridge Sales Office Goin' Postal Tower Radiology Tampa General Medical Group Mid Florida Credit Union. (Bruce B Downs) Central Bank (Bruce B Downs) Bagelicious Chevrolet of Wesley Chapel Mazda of Wesley Chapel Hyundai of Wesley Chapel Sugar & Spice Preschool Moons Tae Kwan Do Academy North Tampa Behavioral Health Unvarnished & Co Nail Salon
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Dr. Levin - Podiatrist Gorgeous Growlers Grooming Grow Bank Benzer Pharmacy OTB Restaurant Beauty Radio Salon Exhale in Beauty Quail Hollow Animal Hospital San Antonio Credit Union One Blood Wesley Chapel Coin Laundromat - Suds & Bubbles Cell Phones & Computer Sales & Repair Wesley Chapel Sports Barber Shop Tire Choice & Total Car Care (Bruce B Downs) Firestone Tires (Bruce B Downs) Cornerstone Heating & Cooling Sea of Smiles Childrens Dentist Fuccillo Kia Motors Parks Ford Murphy's Per Parlor Caring Dentist 3D Pharmacy
December 2017 | Page 7
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From the Desk of County Commissioner
W
Mike Moore
e had an amazing toy drive. Easily collected 1,000 toys. If you have a moment watch the video. (www.youtu.be/ Ot8HET49M6g)
Community Steps Up to Donate Toys for Pasco Children in Need Who: Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, Superintendent Kurt Browning, and school social workers What: Delivery of Holiday Toy Drive donated toys When: 11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9 Where: Pasco County Schools office complex warehouse 7301 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Building 1, Land O' Lakes Why: To ensure needy children have gifts during the holiday season. How: Commissioner Mike Moore initiated a toy drive for Pasco County School's children in need during the month of November. Community members donated unwrapped toys for children between the ages of 5 and 13 at drop-off locations throughout the county. On Monday, Commissioner Moore will deliver the toys to the district's warehouse and school social workers will divide them up to take back to their schools for deserving children.
Mike Moore County Commissioner
BEGINNER COURSES STARTING SOON!
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December 2017 | Page 9
December EVENTS UPCOMING
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
NOVEMBER 2 FRESH MARKET Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Dr #100 Cost: For more information visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com
DECEMBER 4 PET PHOTS WITH SANTA AT THE SHOPS AT WIREGRASS MALL Time: December 2, 9-10, 2:30pm - 4:00pm, December 16 - 23 2:30pm - 4:00pm, December 24 1:00pm - 2:00pm Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Dr #100
Cost: For more information visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com DECEMBER 6 WIREGRASS RANCHERS KIDS CLUB Time: 10:00am - 11:00am Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Dr #100 Cost: For more information visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com
Christmas Day DECEMBER 25
New Years Day JANUARY 1 JANUARY 1 - 7, 2018 SYNTHETIC ICE SKATING AT THE SHOPS AT WIREGRASS Time: 10:00am - 9:00pm Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Dr #100 Cost: For more information visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com
Page 10 | December 2017
JANUARY 3 WIREGRASS RANCHERS KIDS CLUB Time: 10:00am - 11:00am Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Dr #100 Cost: For more information visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com JANUARY 5 VOM FASS BRANDY & BACON Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Dr #100 Cost: For more information visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com. RSVP required. JANUARY 6 FRESH MARKET Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Dr #100 Cost: For more information visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com JANUARY 9 GETTING DOWN TO THE BARE BONES Join us for a question and answer session with our board-certified orthopedic surgeons. Do you suffer from aching joints, arthritis, hip or knee pain? Time: 12:30pm - 1:00pm Location: Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Classroom, 4th Floor
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Includes information from the following:
Cost: Free to attend. JANUARY 11 BREAST CANCER: "KNOW YOUR OPTIONS" Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator (DIEP) Flap is an advanced reconstruction procedure offered at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm Location: Inspiration Place, Wellness Plaza, 3rd Floor Cost: Free to attend. JANUARY 13 RAISING CANE, A SWEET & SPICY Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm Location: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City, FL 33523 Cost: $5 admission, free parking. www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org JANUARY 14 CRUISIN' AT WIREGRASS Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Dr #100 Cost: For more information visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com
I HAVE
A DREAM
Ml Day
JANUARY 16 NECK AND BACK PAIN: TREATMENT OPTIONS Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm Location: Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Classroom, 4th Floor Cost: Free to attend. JANUARY 20 - 21 SUNCOAST ARTS FEST Time: January 20 at 10:00am 6:00pm, January 21 at 11:00am - 6:00pm Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Dr #100 Cost: For more information visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com
JANUARY 28 COMMUNITY GRAND OPENING: FLORIDA HOSPITAL ER CENTRAL PASCO Time: 12:00pm - 3:00pm Location: 16625 SR 54, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638 Cost: Free to attend.
JANUARY 30 DO YOU SUFFER FROM THYROID TROUBLE? Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm Location: Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Classroom, 4th Floor Cost: Free to attend.
JANUARY 20 LIGHT UP THE N IGHT Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Dr #100 Cost: For more information visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com JANUARY 25 VOM FASS WHISKY & WAFFLES Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Dr #100 Cost: For more information visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com. RSVP required.
JANUARY 15 WWW.RESIDENTMAGAZINE.NET | FOR RATES & INFO CALL: 813-422-5551
December 2017 | Page 11
n o s t s i w T g Put Givin
s n o i t i d a r T y a d i l o H I
f giving is an important aspect of your holiday traditions, you may find yourself repeating the same activities year after year. While the giving feels good, it can also grow monotonous. This season, make your generosity feel fresh and new by putting your own unique twist on your favorite holiday traditions. Cook extras for the cookie exchange. A baking party is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season. The delightful aromas and hours of laughter blend with the sweet treats for a cheery (and tasty) tradition. This year, instead of simply baking cookies to trade with your friends, encourage everyone to bake several extra batches and take them to a local soup kitchen or senior living community. Extend a seasonal icon. The ringing bells and red kettles found outside of retailers across the nation are nearly as symbolic of the holiday season as twinkling lights and red-nosed reindeer. During the holiday season, more than 3 million families and children rely on The Salvation Army to provide them with a warm meal on Christmas Day or toys for their children. This year, the organization is making it easy to extend those kettle collections offline as well with the Fight for Good campaign, which allows you to create your own fundraiser, including setting a goal and designating the cause you’d like to support. Visit www.salvationarmyusa. org to create your own fundraising page and encourage friends and family to donate and start their own pages. In addition, you can donate to the Red Page 12 | December 2017
Kettle Campaign by dropping dollars and coins into the thousands of Red Kettles found in front of retail stores and on street corners, or donate your time by contacting your local Salvation Army for volunteer opportunities. Add a special pre-dinner starter. The holidays bring plenty of opportunities for celebratory meals, and it’s the perfect time to ask everyone to lend an hour or two to a good cause. Instead of spending hours around a table, spend some of that time catching up while you volunteer at a food bank or other charitable organization. When you make your way on to dinner, your festive spirit may be even stronger for the difference you made together. Travel with care. As you flit from one place to the next checking off your list of holiday chores, you may encounter any number of homeless and needy families. Instead of simply handing over a few dollars as you pass by, keep a supply of holiday care packages in the car. Include
items like warm socks or gloves, toiletries and non-perishable snacks. You may even want to include an uplifting note to share some festive seasonal cheer. Give gifts with meaning. If you’re like most people, there are many on your shopping list who truly don’t need a thing. Instead of wracking your brain, donate to a cause in their honor. It may be the foundation of a beloved alma mater or an organization serving orphans in the country where they honeymooned. The more personal the connection, the more gratefully it will likely be received. After making your donation, simply gift your recipient with a card that explains the contribution you’ve made in their name. No matter which cause you support, a fresh approach to your charitable giving can renew your spirit and enthusiasm for helping those in need this holiday season.
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Get Ready to
Sparkle:
T
The Ultimate Holiday Host
is the season for holiday gatherings. Decorating and preparing to host a festive party or get-together can be stressful, but with these tips, you can add a seasonal sparkle that makes guests feel welcome and ensure that you &ndash; and your home &ndash; are ready to look and play the part. Brighten up your home. Seasonal decor and holiday lights enhance both the interior and exterior of your home to create a welcoming atmosphere for family and guests alike. Further set the mood with a seasonal soundtrack that plays softly in the background throughout your gathering and strategically place holiday-scented diffusers and candles throughout your home. Give careful attention to lighting overall, adding task lighting where needed to keep every room cheery and bright.</ Look your best. The holidays are a time when you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop smiling as you gather with loved ones, attend holiday parties and seasonal work events, or pose for those annual family photos. It&rsquo;s important you look and feel your best, which starts with your smile, along with choosing the right outfit and accessories that add a festive touch. When brushing twice daily for six weeks, a toothpaste such as Colgate Optic White Platinum High Impact White can deliver four shades visibly
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whiter teeth, starting in just three days, so your smile is at its whitest for those holiday moments and photos. Keeping your smile white can be convenient and affordable, so go ahead and indulge in your favorite red wine and holiday treat.
be filled with food, look for creative, subtle ways to infuse the elegance with a pretty centerpiece that brings the whole spread together.
Give gifts that sparkle. Whether gifting for family or Set a shining table. assembling gift bags for party Dress up the dining room table with guests, look for shimmery elegant place settings, including fine wrapping paper or gift bags in china or crystal dishes and glassware. vibrant, cheerful colors. Include For a more formal gathering, consider small seasonal trinkets, such as placing name cards in stylish holders ornaments that reflect the theme so guests know where to take their of the party or bejeweled photo seats. Adding seasonal-colored frames to capture memories accents throughout the table can also of the celebration for years to help set the mood, as can displaying come. desserts on tiered serving trays. Even if the center of the table will
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Page 14 | December 2017
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Florida
Foster Care System
BY WENDY M. DODD
#itCANbedone
24,216
children are currently being cared for in an â&#x20AC;&#x153;out-of-homeâ&#x20AC;? foster care setting within the state of Florida. of those
24,288
children entered the system since January 1, 2017. Currently, Florida has one of the most over populated systems in the United States.
shown a gracious support for those in the foster system as well. With that, there is still much to be done within the system to ensure children receive the necessary care, counseling and love needed to ensure a life of success as they grow. Resident Magazine spoke with a current foster family, who due to foster care regulations must remain anonymous, who have given us a wholehearted look inside the life of a Florida foster family. Sharing their triumphs and heartbreaks along with their frustrations with a system very much in need of an overhaul.
Children are most often placed with family relatives when they are removed from their homes. Nevertheless, this is not always possible for many different reasons, this is where foster care comes in. From A Florida Foster Mom: Foster families are a vital part of every community, they care for, love and nurture children in need. In addition, they exist as a mentor to the families they are assisting.
We have never been able to have biological children but knew we wanted to be parents. We also knew there was an over abundance of children here in Florida in need.
The Department of Children and Families works with 18 community-based care agencies to assist in providing prevention, intervention, foster care and adoption services throughout Florida. These agencies are responsible for enlisting and certifying families across Florida to serve as foster care homes. Homes accepting teens, sibling groups and children with special needs are desperately needed.
We had initially tried adopting a few older children from the system.We found the younger children generally are not awaiting adoption as a family member or foster parent will begin the process as soon as they are available for adoption. Much to our dismay, the system here is failing, both on the part of the children desperately in need of a family as well as the loving foster (or adopting) family eagerly awaiting them.
The state of Florida also offers extended foster care and some financial assistance for youth who age out of foster care. Many former foster youth are highly motivated and successful, even starting their own campaign to honor all they have overcome, #itCANbedone. Communities throughout Florida such as churches, businesses and nonprofit organizations have
There are different stages of child cases in the Florida foster system. Meaning, some children are permanently placed in the system until they are adopted or until they age out due to parental rights allow time for the parent(s) to complete the specific case plan. The goal is ALWAYS reunification when possible. Reunification means the parent(s) have satisfied
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what was set forth in their case plan and are now able to regain custody of their child(ren). Unfortunately, too many of the children who are being reunified, are also coming back into the system just a short time later, as the parents more often than not revert back to their old ways once they have their children back in the home. We were matched and everything started extremely slow. With our first foster arrangement, the kids wanted to move in from the very start. Something we would have preferred as well. Currently the system here in Florida has children that are new to the system being shuffled from home to home, sometimes three or four in a week. Initially we would have one to two hour visits. Then advance to all day, and next to overnight and eventually to whole weekends. With this slow start, comes different home life influences and foster parents cannot commit the time necessary to learning behaviors and define what the children specifically need to help with their specific traumas. Unfortunately for us all, the adoption fell through with the older children due to one of them having severe behavioral issues that we were not equipped to handle. We had reached out for help on this specific child several times, just to be met with dead-end after dead-end. We also discovered those in charge had dropped the ball several times in getting this particular
child the required psychological evaluations they desperately needed and should have received. It was disclosed to us after the fact, that a judge had previously ordered this several months prior to being matched with a family. Trying to adopt out of the foster care system without having actually fostered first was a huge eye opener and disappointment in learning how the foster system worked. After the disruption, we had no interest in even working with the system again. We took almost a whole year off, sad and confused. However a year later, it was back on my heart. I knew I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just give up helping over that 1 bad experience. (In no way did we ever blame the child for his severe behavioral issues, we knew they stemmed from a mixture of a system that needs a complete overhaul, his original home life, and his current life in a group home specifically for foster children; a home that had too many kids of all ages, lack of proper supervision, constant changing of staff, and no real sense of a family, or a mom and dad.) Instead of going straight for adoption, we decided to become foster parents. We wanted to provide love and sense of family to 1 child at a time as long as they were in our care. Literally, minutes after our foster license was issued, we were called to Continued on page 16
December 2017 | Page 15
Florida Continued from page 15
take our first placement. We were scared and nervous having no idea what to expect. That night, a young toddler showed up on our doorstep. Yes, they actually show up with whatever belongings they may have, in GARBAGE BAGS. And there are times they literally show up with NOTHING. You never know what to expect those first few nights, even weeks. This particular placement adapted very well and started bonding to us right away. At this point the biological parents’ rights are still intact. They are given case plans, a plan of action to regain custody of their child(ren). Currently, our foster children’s
Foster Care System parents have not fulfilled any of the implemented case plan. Sometimes they visit, sometimes they don’t. Unfortunately, even when they do, one hour per week doesn’t make you a parent or even capable of giving them adequate care. Especially when they haven’t committed to consistently making it to that one hour per week.
sibling. When a family member is unable to qualify or unwilling to take in the child, the next automatic option is whoever has the sibling.
A new case plan was put into place for the new child, mirroring that of the case plan already in place for the first child. We as a family feel we’ve come to a point where this (original placement) child In our case, there is no attachment will experience great trauma if between our foster child and they are removed from our home. the biological parents. In the Yet here we are over a year after meantime, this child has taken the fact, still entertaining the idea over our hearts and is beyond of possible reunification on an attached to us and to their little life unworked case plan. as they know it. Since birth, we are the only We have now been a foster family parents either placement knows for over a year. The placement we and has bonded with. Don’t get received over a year ago is still with me wrong, I am for reunification us and we couldn’t be happier. IF the parent is doing Not only do we still have this EVERYTHING in their power placement, we also have their new
to change their behaviors and to right the wrong that ended with their child(ren) being taken away. Which is not the situation we have here, our foster children still have a completely unworked case plan that extends back two years. They have biological parents who failed to properly care for their first child yet continued to have more babies despite. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. These children deserve better than a life of uncertainty and revolving care. The Florida foster care system should be obligated to provide children with permanency and stability. The system we have is falling short on many levels, we need to bring about changes in order to become more childoriented instead of parentoriented. Children should not
Continued on page 17
PROUDLY SERVING WESLEY CHAPEL & NEW TAMPA
813-528-8717 3737 MARYWEATHER LANE SUITE 101 WESLEY CHAPEL, FL 33544 WWW.SEAOFSMILESCHILDRENDENTIST.COM Page 16 | December 2017
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#itCANbedone
Continued from page 16
be falling through the cracks at any level. They did not ask to be thrown into the foster care system or into a strangerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home. They did not ask for biological parents who abuse, neglect, or abandon them. Too many children are removed from a home like this only to be put into an even more volatile
situation or displaced month after month, year after year,even more of a reason the Florida system needs to be revamped. Children should ALWAYS be a number one priority in any situation, not the parent. Unfortunately, blood is not always better either, many times the family issues that originally
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initiated the removal have been passed down through the generations. If reunification were always the best option, there would not be so many repeat children in the foster system. From our first hand experience, let me tell you some amazing things we have learned as foster parents, the amazingness that
comes from parenting these children and being involved in their lives. We attended our foster agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas party recently, having no idea the party was being held at a cottage that also housed Continued on page 18
December 2017 | Page 17
Florida
Foster Care System
n e r d l i h c 22,216 me care as of in out-of-ho
6 1 0 2 , 1 3 r e Decemb
24,288 child in ou t-of-hom e care a
ren
Novem ber 31, s of 2017
Continued from page 17
other foster care children, generally 6 to 18 children awaiting placement or adoption. Currently, the cottage is home to 9 loving siblings the agency is fiercely trying to keep together. Finding a foster home for home for two siblings is a challenge, a home willing to accept 9 is nearly inconceivable. Nevertheless, the State of Florida is doing what it can to Page 18 | December 2017
keep these siblings together as long as possible. As a foster parent, we get to help them learn their shapes and colors. We have the joy of showing them love and building up their selfworth. We are the ones with the privilege of teaching them how to be a productive member of society and to show them how amazing a family can be. We get their little hugs and “I love you’s.” We are the ones that get to hold their
tiny hands, to hear them sing and watch them dance with a huge, happy smile on their face. We get to read to them every night and are the ones to watch their excitement when they accomplish something that was frustrating them. We get to show them that someone is in their corner, rooting for them, being their cheerleader, and letting them know they can grow up to be anything they want to be. We get to teach them how to ride a bike and see their excitement for
Christmas decorations and for Santa. Being involved in their lives is one of the absolute greatest gifts in our lives. To watch them grow and accomplish goals has literally change our life. We do this for the children. You become a foster parent wanting to change a child’s life for the better, but your life is changed and enriched as well. Sincerely, A Florida Foster Mom Continued on page 19
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#itCANbedone Continued from page 18
Sadly, the reality in our world proves to us this number will only continue to rise. There will always be more children in need than safe beds available as there are kids coming into care by leaps and bounds on a daily basis. For the foster care system to function at the necessary level to ensure safety and adequate care for all of the children enrolled, more good hearted, dedicated foster parents are desperately needed, not only here in Pasco County but throughout the United States and across the world. Providing care for children coming from a home that was abusive or neglectful takes commitment. Foster parents ultimately act as a role model for the biological parents as they work to reunify with their children is a significant responsibility and, ultimately, a matter of public trust. Becoming a foster parent is not for every family, even so, if you or someone you know is looking to help children in the foster
system in other ways there are lots of wonderful ways to contribute. Offering services such as hair cuts or salon services, donating necessities such as toiletries and hygene products, or “non-necessity” items such as games, accessories or any other appropriate incidentals. Donations would mean the world to these families as they struggle to create a new blended normal. To qualify as a potential foster parent you must: • Attend an orientation. • Complete 20 to 30 hours of foster parent training. • Have a child abuse and criminal background check. • Participate in a home inspection. • Participate in a home study to review your readiness for fostering. For more on becoming a foster parent please visit: www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/foster-care/ how-do-I. www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/foster-care/ rewards Information regarding the government of the foster care system can be found here: www.centerforchildwelfarre.fmhi.usf.edu/
Churches in Town St. Andrew Presbyterian Church 5340 Primrose Lake Circle Tampa, FL 33647 813.513.8822 Bridgeway Church 30660 Wells Rd Wesley Chapel, FL 33545 813.907.1313 Grace Community 30243 Wells Rd Wesley Chapel, FL 33545 813.994.9363 New Walk Church 35008 SR 54 Zephyrhills, FL 33541 813.469.9299 St. James United Methodist 16202 Bruce B Downs, Tampa FL 33647 813.971.4790 St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church 9724 Cross Creek Blvd Tampa, FL 33647 813.907.7746 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 13510 North 42nd St Tampa, FL 33612 813.979.6051 Victorious Life Church 6224 Old Pasco Rd Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 813.973.2230
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December 2017 | Page 19
J
oin the vibrant ladies of Women-n-Charge on Friday, January 5th from 11:15am1:15pm at Pebble Creek Country Club (10550 Regents Park Dr., Tampa, 33647). The meeting includes lunch, a presentation, and time to network. We share our talents, build relationships, and share our resources with other women in business. The cost is $15 for members (who RSVP by December 26) and $18 for all guests. Please register at www.women-n-charge.com. For more information, please contact Judy at 813-600-9848 or info@women- n-charge.com. In January, our first speaker of the year will be Sandra Miniere, M.Ed. She will share three mindfulness strategies to approach your business and life
Page 20 | December 2017
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and decrease the effectiveness of some prescribed blood pressure medications. It&rsquo;s best to use them for the shortest duration possible and avoid in severe or uncontrolled hypertension. Consider alternative therapies, such as nasal saline, intranasal corticosteroids or antihistamines, as appropriate. Keep Track of Medication The winter months tend to bring an increase in both heart attacks and strokes. According to research from the Journal of the American Heart Association, a 4.2 percent increase in heart-related deaths occurs away from a hospital from Dec. 25-Jan. 7. Factors like cold weather, sudden increase in activity like shoveling snow, stress and dietary indiscretion can contribute to a chain of events leading to more stress on the heart during the winter months, potentially triggering a heart attack or other cardiac event,&rdquo; said Jorge Plutzky, M.D., director of Preventive Cardiology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a volunteer with the American Heart Association.
Managing
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
During the Holidays
M
anaging blood pressure can be difficult, especially during the holidays and winter months. A change in routine, family visits, traveling, illness, holiday menus and financial concerns can all conspire to derail your best efforts at keeping chronic conditions, like high blood pressure, under control. If you are one of the millions of American adults with high blood pressure, it is vital to keep your
blood pressure stable. Drastic changes can put you at risk for heart attack or stroke. Here are three ways to control your blood pressure throughout the holiday season from the American Heart Association: Be Wary of Decongestants Decongestants are in many over-the-counter cold and flu medications but they have some harmful side effects. They can raise blood pressure
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It is vital to keep track of your medication and take it as prescribed by your doctor to decrease chances of heart attack and stroke. The American Heart Association’s Check Change Control Tracker is one way to monitor your health, as it allows you to set up text message reminders, text in blood pressure readings, connect with volunteers or providers, and receive messages from volunteers or providers. Maintain Healthy Eating Habits The holidays can be a bad influence on healthy eating habits. However, it is important to stay active during these times and continue eating healthy. While you are enjoying holiday feasts with family, be aware of sodium, often found in seasonal foods like bread, cheeses and prepared meats, which can increase blood pressure. Don’t feel like you can’t indulge a little, but make sure to incorporate healthy meals. Staying active while traveling can be a challenge, as well. Try bringing simple exercise equipment like a jump rope or resistance band with you. Consider walking to sights or restaurants nearby, or finding a local park or indoor walking path. For more information and tools about blood pressure management, visit http://www.heart.org.
December 2017 | Page 21
TH E YO GA CO R N E R anymore.” With a slight pout, she says she uses yoga to accept what she cannot do although her drive to reach the full expression of a pose persists. Accepting gentleness is not easy for a willful person or any of these beautiful, resilient women. I watch as they modify poses, sometimes with a barely audible hrumph and often times without the mind interfering, accommodating what their bodies are able to do today.
W
hen asked why Dr. Loren Fishman wrote a book called Yoga for Osteoporosis and studied extensively the bone-building benefits of yoga, Dr. Fishman answered, “Osteoporosis affects 44 million Americans and is one of the most widespread chronic conditions in the West. “ Turns out more than half of everyone over the age of 50 will get osteoporosis and will experience hip or vertebral fractures. “This is big time,” says Fishman. Through twisting, compressing, contracting and elongating, yoga stimulates osteoblast, the act of laying down more bone mass, thereby strengthening and building bone density. Fears of Osteoporosis are not what the women in my class were thinking when they began taking yoga. Most of them started more than 30 years ago while in their thirties to reduce stress from work, quiet their over-thinking minds and purely for exercise. Now in their 70’s, they reflect on the breadth of benefits yoga has brought and continues to bring in to their lives. It has been a delight teaching this group of friends who understand how yoga expands them spiritually, challenges and supports them physically and brings peace into their hearts today and along their life’s journey. Bobbi, a sculptor, hurt her back in her 20’s and turned to Iyengar yoga to regain back health. Surprisingly, she felt more energy, balance and tranquility. Unbeknownst to her at the time, she later developed cancer and used meditation and alternate nostril breathing (she says this reduced her nausea) while she was receiving chemotherapy. Her body received the medicine
Page 22 | December 2017
Aging
GRACEFULLY with a clear mind focused on healing and as her body reclaimed its health, she was able to ease back into her practice of yoga asanas (postures). Deemed “the jock,” Pat laughs as she proudly states she is the oldest of the friends, pushing 80 now. Her yoga practice began at 50 through a book of asanas that she consistently did every day for 20 minutes after work. Why did she start? “I owned my own business and I was stressed out!” Decades later, with a more somber tone, she expressed that yoga helped her through the loss of her husband and deepening her spiritual practice. “Material stuff is old,” she said. “I use yoga to help me with life’s challenges like loss, illnesses in my family, surgery and accepting the realities
of aging.” Preparing for hip replacement surgery, Pat did Yoga Nidras (a guided meditation) every day and had her surgical team speak affirmations while she was under anesthesia. She is a cyclist, kayaker, yogi and continues to travel extensively on her own and with friends. A writer for Good Morning America in her 30’s, Linda took up yoga then to bring flexibility and relaxation to her overactive mind and busy body. Frustrated at the diminishing abilities of her body as she ages (as they all expressed), and signs of osteopenia, Linda stretches, bends and twists daily to increase her bone density and prevent further degeneration. “I used to play a lot of tennis, but now my body just can’t swing a racket
Although Paula dabbled in yoga in her 50’s, the peer pressure of this lovely group has influenced her in to practicing yoga consistently for more than a year now. With a career as a professional singer and a family, she realized she short-changed herself in self-care in her younger years. Watching her 96 year-old mother be so limited, having to use a walker and suffer with chronic pain, she now uses yoga for flexibility and balance, focus and calmness. She has been unexpectedly pleased to connect with the spiritual aspect of yoga as she searches for inner peace in the midst of inevitable changes in life and in her body. If you haven’t tried yoga, listen to Paula’s wise mom, who told her, “You are doing the right thing!” and to Dr. Fishman, who said, “yoga is the perfect therapy!”
Anandi Thompson Author and Owner
We Wellcome OM Studio for Yoga & Wellness
813.789.5582 wellcomeOM@gmail.com facebook.com/wellcomeOM mydoterra.com/wellcomeOM
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December 2017 | Page 23
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ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS NEW TAMPA
WESLEY CHAPEL
UTILITIES
New Tampa Community Park (813) 975-2792
City of Tampa Water Department (813) 274-8811 tampagov.net/city-of-tampa-utilities
UTILITIES
City of Tampa Wastewater Department - (813) 247-3451 tampagov.net/city-of-tampa-utilities
Electric Power Outage/ Safety Concerns (352) 588-5115
Wastewater Emergency (813) 259-1693
Water/Sewer/Reclaimed/Solid Waste Pasco County Utilities (352) 521-4825
Tampa Electric Co. (TECO) (813) 223-0800 | www.electric.com
Water Department Emergency Services - (813) 274-7400 City of Tampa Solid Waste (813) 348-1146 tampagov.net/solid-waste
MISCELLANEOUS
Alligator Nuisance Hotline (813) 392-4286 Animal Services - (813) 744-5660 Sidewalk Issues - (813) 274-3101 Street Repairs - (813) 274-3101
Withlacoochee River Electric (352) 588-5115 | www.wrec.net
TECO/ Peoples Gas (813) 247-8200 www.peoplesgas.com
MISCELLANEOUS Pasco County Code Enforcement (727) 847-8171
Public Works Emergency (800) 368-2411 Pasco County Code Enforcement - (727) 847-8171 http://pascocountyfl.net/
Tampa Police Department (813) 931-6500
Tree Hotline/Emergency Illegal Tree Removal (813) 258-8733
Neighborhood Watch Program (813) 931-6541
Fallen Tree (Business Hours) (813) 274-8615
Code Enforcement - (813) 690-4631
Fallen Tree (After Hours) (813) 931-2168
Electrical Power Outage or Safety Concern - 1-877-588-1010 Hurricane Info Desk During an Emergency (813) 274-7700 Public Works Emergency After Hours - (813) 274-3101 Tree Hotline/Emergency Illegal Tree Removal (813) 258-8733 Fallen Tree (Business Hours) (813) 274-8615 Fallen Tree (After Hours) (813) 931-2168
PARKS & RECREATION
New Tampa Regional Library (813) 273-3652
Animal Control (813) 929-1212 Alligator Nuisance Hotline (813) 392-4286 Driver’s License & Automobile Registration – (813) 235-6020 www.dmv.org/fl-florida Post Office – (813) 991-7846 www.usps.com Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (813) 929-5000 www.floridahospital.com
PARKS & RECREATION
Wesley Chapel District Office (813) 907-9081 New River Branch Library (813) 788-6357
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December 2017 | Page 25
GINGERBREAD CREATIONS
Page 26 | December 2017
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VETERANS ELEMENTARY 3RD GRADE CLASS PROJECT
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Page 28 | December 2017
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It's movie
time
OPENING NIGHTS
s t a E l a c o L Tarek's Grill 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd Tampa, FL 813.974.5920
Downsizing December 22
Father Figures December 22
Last Call Pitches December 22
Ciccio Cali 17004 Palm Pointe Dr Tampa, FL 813.975.1222 Marco's Pizza 27616 Wesley Chapel Blvd Wesley Chapel, FL 813.528.8910 OTB Delight Café 2653 Bruce B Downs Blvd Suite 121 Wesley Chapel, FL 813.973.8880
Crooked House December 22
Hostiles December 22
The Post January 12
TacoSon Mexican Grill 30056 SR 54 Wesley Chapel, FL 813.528.8892 The Great Catch by Taste of Boston 1930 Land O Lakes Blvd Lutz, FL 813-994-9797 Wolf’s Den 27607 SR 56 Wesley Chapel, FL 813.907.9124
Paddington 2 January 12
12 Strong January 19
The Death Cure January 26
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NEW TAMPA LUTZ WESLEY CHAPEL December 2017 | Page 29
PET OF THE MONTH
Dedra
She loves car rides and going on adventures with her Daddy. Dedra was a adopted last Christmas from the Pasco County Humane Society, and is loving a second chance at life. Would you like for your pet or child to be featured in our Pet & Kid of the Month section? If so, please send us 2-7 sentences about your pet or child along with a high resolution image to editorial@residentmagazine.net by the 15th of each month.
BOOKS OF THE MONTH
A Column of Fire (Kingsbridge Series #3) by Ken Follett In 1558, the ancient stones of Kingsbridge Cathedral look down on a city torn apart by religious conflict. As power in England shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash, testing friendship, loyalty, and love.
Page 30 | December 2017
Artemis
Before We Were Yours
Exit West
by Andy Weir
by Lisa Wingate
by Mohsin Hamid
Jazz Bashara is a criminal. Well, sort of. Life on Artemis, the first and only city on the moon, is tough if you're not a rich tourist or an eccentric billionaire. So smuggling in the occasional harmless bit of contraband barely counts, right? Not when you've got debts to pay and your job as a porter barely covers the rent.
Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force.
In a country teetering on the brink of civil war, two young people meet—sensual, fiercely independent Nadia and gentle, restrained Saeed. They embark on a furtive love affair, and are soon cloistered in a premature intimacy by the unrest roiling their city.
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