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Presenting musical passion, precise choreography

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Their love of singing developed in different ways.

“Singing has always been a part of my life,” said Sandy Everly, of Land O’ Lakes. “On Sunday nights, at home, my mom played the piano, and my sister and my dad and I would sing.

“Actually, I learned to harmonize at a very young age.”

Cathy Frey, of Wesley Chapel, recalled “my parents used to play these reel-to-reel tapes with these singing groups … I was always singing.”

The Toast of Tampa has a number of young members. Overall, the chorus members range from age 10 to 85. (Courtesy of Toast of Tampa)

Nancy Hansel, of Lutz, said her mom had a radio show. “They were Two Girls and a Guy. That was their name.”

Fran Byers, of Wesley Chapel, said her dad used to sing to her in the car. “My dad was a crooner. He could sing like Bing Crosby,” she said.

Beth Bosserman Curts also recalls lots of singing in the family car.

“We had to drive everywhere. Florida to Kansas. Kansas to Boston.

“My parents would throw the four of us in the car and off we would go, and this was before air conditioning, and the radio was not very good.

“Mother and Dad taught us all these rounds.

“We just clicked off the miles by singing rounds. You had to hold your own part.

“I grew up singing different harmonies in the car on those crazy road trips.”

No matter how their musical path began — each of these women now belongs to Toast of Tampa, a group of female a cappella singers that performs in four-part harmony.

Toast of Tampa is one of the more than 700 choruses of Sweet Adelines International worldwide. The group will compete at the Sweet Adelines International 71st annual Convention & Competition, Oct. 9 through Oct. 14, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Toast of Tampa has had success at the international level, including third-place finishes in 2015 and 2013, and the top prize in 1993. In between, they had a number of top-10 finishes.

It’s a challenge these women relish.

“This will be our 13th time on the international stage,” Curts said. “It is so exciting to sing at the level we’re singing at.”

From left, Beth Bosserman Curts, Fran Byers, Evie Stern, Julie Kelly and Jessica Horner are five members of Toast of Tampa. (Courtesy of Toast of Tampa)

Closer to home, the show chorus will be presenting a public performance on Nov. 4, at the University of South Florida’s School of Music Concert Hall.

Toast of Tampa defies the stereotypical notion of “a bunch of gray-haired ladies with crinoline dresses,” Frey said.

Under the direction of internationally recognized Tony De Rosa, the group sings modern, complex arrangements.

It is also a selective group, requiring its members to audition and holding them to high expectations.

Toast of Tampa practices on Tuesdays, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with occasional weeks off. The sessions are at the TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, at 4121 N. 50th St., in Tampa.

Those interested are welcome to come to a rehearsal to see if joining the chorus is something they wish to pursue.

The group has 120 active singers, ranging from age 10 to 85, Curts said.

Toast of Tampa draws members from all walks of life, including military veterans, new moms, grandmothers, real estate agents, accountants and others.

Beyond being devoted to singing, members should expect to incur costs of $1,000 to $1,500 a year, added Curts, who in addition to being a member, handles media and marketing duties.

The monthly dues are $51, with prorated dues for those under age 25. A portion of the dues is paid to the national organization and the rest goes to rent the hall, pay the director and cover other costs.

There are also costs associated with regional competitions every year, and international competitions every other year.

The costs are no greater than those for other pursuits, and the value goes beyond voice lessons, Frey said. Toast of Tampa involves dance and choreography, and helps members develop poise and confidence, she said.

It’s a workout on many levels, Hansel said.

“I go to chorus, and I stand on the risers and I sing. It’s physical. It’s mental. And, challenging. But, when I start breathing and singing, and singing properly, on a great night, and we’re really cranking, it’s like I’m running a race, and I am winning. I feel so physically good.”

“It’s empowering,” Byers added.

Chorus members come from throughout Tampa Bay and other parts of Florida, including Jacksonville, The Villages, Sarasota, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Orlando, Melbourne and Crystal River.

Lexi Burkle performs a solo during a Toast of Tampa performance. (Courtesy of Toast of Tampa)

“I drove from Sarasota to Tampa for 23 years, and then my husband had died, and I moved to Land O’ Lakes,” Everly said.

The relationships forged among members go beyond a shared passion for singing, members said.

They describe it as a sisterhood.

When someone is sick, they said, other members respond.

When a member has a new baby, it is deluged with love.

Anyone wanting to know more about the group should call Toast of Tampa Show Chorus at (813) 963-7464, or email .

Toast of Tampa Show Chorus presents Standing Room Only, featuring special guest Voctive

Where: University of South Florida Music Concert Hall, 3755 Holly Drive in Tampa

When: Nov. 4, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Cost: $40 patron; $25 regular

Details: The Toast of Tampa Show Chorus is an internationally recognized female chorus that performs four-part a cappella singing. As they perform, they sing and move with emotion and precision.

Published Oct. 4, 2017

 

 

 

Local reaction split on president’s immigration plan

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The debate on whether President Barack Obama has the authority to enact his own immigration reform without the help of Congress extends beyond Washington, D.C., and is drawing both criticism and praise from lawmakers here at home as well.

But which side each congressman takes depends on what side of the aisle he or she is on.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis waited until Obama’s presidential address from the White House Thursday night to speak out against the planned executive action that could leave up to 5 million illegal immigrants safe from deportation, if they meet certain criteria.

President Barack Obama works on his immigration speech with speechwriters Cody Keenan, left, and David Litt in the Oval Office ahead of the president's Nov. 20 remarks on immigration reform. (Courtesy of Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama works on his immigration speech with speechwriters Cody Keenan, left, and David Litt in the Oval Office ahead of the president’s Nov. 20 remarks on immigration reform. (Courtesy of Pete Souza)

“As a second generation Greek American, I have a firsthand understanding of the importance and power of the American dream, as well as the sensitivity and passion surrounding immigration reform,” the Palm Harbor Republican said in a statement. “There is no doubt our immigration system is broken, but President Obama cannot act unilaterally and refuse to work with Congress. In the president’s own words: ‘That’s not how our democracy functions.'”

However, in his address to the nation, Obama said he and Democrats have tried to work with Congress to pass reform, and a bipartisan bill actually made it through the U.S. Senate in 2013. But the bill never came to a vote in the U.S. House, and such reform has remained stalled ever since.

“It wasn’t perfect. It was a compromise,” Obama said, according to his prepared remarks. “But it reflected common sense. It would have doubled the number of border patrol agents while giving undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship if they paid a fine, started paying their taxes, and went to the back of the line. And independent experts said that it would help grow our economy and shrink our deficits.

“Had the House of Representatives allowed that kind of bill a simple yes-or-note vote, it would have passed with support from both parties, and today it would be the law. But for a year and a half now, Republican leaders in the House have refused to allow that simple vote.”

Obama got support from a fellow Democrat in Congress, Kathy Castor of Tampa.

“Republicans who control the U.S. House failed to act, failed to allow debate on the floor, and blocked a vote — even after two-thirds of the U.S. Senate voted to pass a bipartisan reform bill a year and a half ago,” Castor said in a statement. “Speaker (John) Boehner said many times that the House would act, but it never did.”

In order to qualify for protection from deportation under the executive action, illegal immigrants would have to meet a series of conditions, including having children here who are American citizens or legal permanent residents, have been in the country at least five years, pass a background check, and pay taxes.

“Most of these immigrants have been here a long time,” Obama said, according to his prepared remarks. “They work hard, often in tough, low-paying jobs. They support their families. They worship at our churches. Many of their kids are American-born or spent most of their lives here. And their hopes, dreams and patriotism are just like ours. As my predecessor, President Bush, once put it: ‘They are a part of American life.'”

But U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, believes Obama is taking the wrong approach, and had not “heard the voters’ message” who gave Republicans majority control of Congress during the mid-term elections.

“I have repeatedly stated that the best way to address immigration reform is with incremental steps, with the first critical step being to secure our borders,” Ross said in a statement issued ahead of Obama’s address. “Instead, the president is headed to Las Vegas to gamble away our national security by granting massive amnesty rights while failing to secure our border. The president’s go-it-alone attitude will cause irreparable harm to any effort to reform our immigration system, and ruin any chance of having a positive working relationship with Congress during his final two years in office.”

Obama, however, stood behind his claim that the reform he has proposed is not amnesty.

“I know some of the critics of this action call it amnesty,” Obama said. “Well, it’s not. Amnesty is the immigration system we have today — millions of people who live here without paying their taxes or playing by the rules, while politicians use the issue to scare people and whip up votes at election time.”

Bilirakis reminded the president that leaders like himself and others in Washington “have an obligation to preserve the promise of the American dream for future generations.”

“To do so, we must uphold the rule of law and ensure its equal application,” Bilirakis said. “This means that we must enforce current immigration laws, strengthen the borders, and ensure all visas are enforced properly. This is an issue that impacts all Americans, and we must unite to solve this problem.

“In doing so, we can ensure the American dream remains alive and well for future generations.”

Hair emergencies are not a problem for Rebecca

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Rebecca Weeks, owner of Rebecca Does Hair in Wesley Chapel, schedules appointments to meet the clients needs. “If a client needs a midnight appointment, then I’ll be here,” says Rebecca. “Hair emergencies are not a problem. If something comes up and you need your hair styled at the last minute, I’ll make time for you.”

She started out working in a large salon in 2010 after graduating from the prestigious Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology in Tampa. Her dedication and excellence won her a trip to Las Vegas to study with Paul’s top stylists, learning color, cutting, styling and finishing.

Rebecca opened her own salon in September 2013. “It was scary starting out on my own,” says Rebecca. “I began with 4 clients my first week. Word of mouth has helped me to grow my business successfully.”

She left the large salon due to the impersonal atmosphere there. “It was impossible to get to know my customers,” says Rebecca. “I like to get to know my clients personally. I see the person sitting in my chair as a friend, not just a customer.”

Her clients love her salon. It’s a one-seat salon where she can focus on her client without distractions or interruptions. The atmosphere is calm, relaxed and very personable. “I schedule appointments so no one feels rushed,” says Rebecca. “I make sure each client has plenty of time for special attention.”

One nice thing about a one-seat salon is that clients don’t have to worry about odors from another workstation. For clients who are especially sensitive to chemicals, she schedules their appointments when the salon air is fresh and clean.

Rebeccaworks with all ages and types of hair. “Many of my clients have curly hair,” says Rebecca. “They tell their curly-haired friends about me. That seems strange since I have straight hair, but they love what I do for them.”

She also receives a lot of compliments for her ability to add body and volume to very fine hair. Rebecca primarily uses Redken color, but she also has an organic color line (Organic Colour System) which is especially nice for pregnant women concerned about chemical odors. Her services include perms, up-dos and hair extensions.

Rebecca originally enrolled in college for nursing, then changed her major and graduated with a degree in digital publishing. But her work wasn’t fulfilling. It was her mother who suggested hair styling. Rebecca had always enjoyed styling her family and friend’s hair. She decided to follow her passion and is very happy with her career choice

She lives in Wesley Chapel with husband and 9-year-old daughter. “I was born in Tennessee,” says Rebecca. “We moved here before I was two, so I consider myself a true Floridian. I’ve never even seen snow. A lot of my clients moved down here to get away from the snow. Maybe one day I’ll take my daughter up north to play in the snow. I think that would be fun, as long as I don’t have to shovel it.”

Rebecca is active in the community. She recently volunteered to cut hair at Watergrass Elementary School with proceeds going to Relay for Life.

Rebecca Does Hair is located at 27551 Cashford Circle, Suite 101 in Wesley Chapel, behind Sam’s Club. visit online at RebeccaDoesHair.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Big hair leads to big dreams in Las Vegas for artistic family

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The 1960s may have been the era of big hair, but one local stylist team is ready to bring it into the 21st century.

Portia De Cordova and her father Ben De Cordova pose with their winning hair design during a June competition in Orlando.
Portia De Cordova and her father Ben De Cordova pose with their winning hair design during a June competition in Orlando.

And that team is family — like father and daughter family.

Ben De Cordova and his daughter Portia will be on their way to Las Vegas in October to compete in the Battle of the Strands. The career hairstylist and the young up-and-coming makeup artist will join another daughter, Chris, to compete against some of the best artists in this hemisphere.

And all of them will vie for more than $100,000 in prizes.

“It’s in the avant-garde realm, but it goes a little bit beyond that,” Ben De Cordova said. “All of this takes you out of your element, out of your comfort zone, and more into a different artist mode. You have to be ready for anything.”

De Cordova comes from a long line of those involved in hair. In fact, he’s fourth generation, and many of his siblings and relatives are also involved in the industry.

“We were all raised doing hair,” he said, noting that his mother was a hairstylist. “There were a lot of things that were instilled in us from the beginning of our lives.”

De Cordova has been doing hair for more than 30 years, originally working with famous names in Hollywood, by his account, and then moving to Florida nearly two decades ago.

Right now, De Cordova can be found at Hair, a salon located on North Dale Mabry Highway near the intersection of Van Dyke Road. But soon, he hopes to open a new salon, which he’ll call Art of Hair by De Cordova. And he’ll hopefully enlist the help of his 22-year-old daughter, Portia, as well.

“Everyone would love to pick up a huge job, but I’m not reaching for that right away,” Portia De Cordova said. “I want as much schooling and as many different opportunities as I can find to help build my resume. Once I do that, then I know I’m ready to go after those huge jobs.”

Winning the Battle of the Strands would be a great addition to anyone’s resume, she said. And they’ll have to do it by working quickly, strongly, and creatively.

The De Cordovas earned the spot in the Las Vegas competition by winning a qualifying round in Orlando in June. Using a wire framework, they were able to create hair that resembled waves of an ocean, and even the mast of a ship. It took the both of them to place the work of art on top of their model’s head, and both held their breath as the model moved slowly down the runway.

Chances are, they will have to create something similar in Las Vegas. But with so much prize money and prestige at stake, there’s no telling what the judges will ask for once they arrive.

“You are working with a bunch of talented people,” Portia De Cordova said. “These are not the average hairdressers. These are not your average makeup artists or wardrobe creators, either. This is a completely new level.”

Competing teams will come from New York, California, Panama, Puerto Rico and more. They will face judges that include the editor-in-chief of the beauty magazine American Salon, Kelley Donahue, as well as popular YouTube stylist Kandee Johnson, who has racked up nearly 200 million page views in her time online.

“It’s not just building something,” Ben De Cordova said, “it’s creating something. You have to make it stand out. You have to make it form something extraordinary. You have to make a big difference.”

To follow the De Cordovas’ journey to and at the Battle of the Strands in Las Vegas, visit them at www.SalonDeCordova.com.

The Cameo Story: Over-The-Top Salon Services and Superb Customer Care

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In the seven years that Olav and Lori Malm have owned Cameo Salon and Spa, it has become one of the most personable and best- known hair salons in central Pasco and north Hillsborough counties.

Olav and Lori Malm, owners of Cameo Salon & Spa.
Olav and Lori Malm, owners of Cameo Salon & Spa.

Cameo attracts hundreds of new clients every month to its full-service salon located in the heart of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel. Women and men of all ages come for its trendy as well as traditional hairstyles, stunning colors and highlights, head-to-toe spa services and genuine customer service.

“I love my customers and treat every one of them like family,” said Olav. “There is nothing more important to Lori and me than our clients’ complete satisfaction. We want every guest leaving feeling pampered and more beautiful than when they walked in the door.”

Cameo Salon and Spa opened under different ownership in 1999, and Lori joined the salon two years later. When the owners decided to sell in 2006, it was a natural progression for Lori, who had been doing hair in Lutz since 1984, to buy the business.

Joining Lori was her husband, Olav, who left the medical field to become the salon’s business manager. Together the couple has developed a talented and dedicated team of hair and spa specialists who are just as committed as the Malms to customer service and staying on top of the latest in hair fashion, color treatments and spa services.

Olav greets customers with his trademark cheek-to-cheek kisses. An outgoing man who combines a unique teddy-bear style with European suave, Olav’s large stature and smooth bald head is hard to miss in a salon full of customers from teens to seniors.

“Olav knows how to make every woman feel welcome and beautiful,” said Diane, a local business owner and long-time client and friend of Olav. “His staff is always prepared, creative and respectful of my time.”

Most of Cameo’s employees have worked at the salon for several years because they value its customer appreciation, relaxing atmosphere and commitment to learning the latest trends.

“It feels like family here — we’re very personable,” said Mike Gold, a stylist at Cameo for the last seven years. “In addition to our great atmosphere, we’re an Elite Redken Salon, which means we use and sell the best haircare products available in the industry.”

Working alongside Mike is Ashlee Baker, a stylist at Cameo for more than five years.

“I love our atmosphere — people feel at home here,” Ashlee said. “Plus we have a lot of continuing education and are always going to hair shows to keep us at the top of our game.”

Lori personally trained Mike and Ashlee and most of the other stylists at Cameo, whom she holds to the highest professional standards.

“We put a tremendous amount of time into training, both here at the salon and at industry trade shows and schools. We’ve been to shows in Orlando, Miami, New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas to give our stylists the best training possible,” said Lori.

Before making their first cut, Cameo stylists spend time talking with their guest about his or her desires, expectations and lifestyle.

“It’s all about the consultation,” said Lori. “Spending 15 minutes up-front with a guest makes all the difference in the world to achieve the style and look a client is looking for that also fits with how they live their life, including time restraints and job restrictions.”

Located on Collier Parkway, two blocks south of State Road 54, Cameo Salon & Spa is convenient to women and men living and working in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and New Tampa.

“Some people think we only cater to affluent customers, and that can’t be farther from the truth,” said Olav. “We have stylists at all levels of experience and our prices are very competitive.”

For example, Cameo is currently offering a color and cut special for just $65 — less than what many of the national chains charge that employ stylists with little experience or training.

In addition to hair, Cameo offers manicures, acrylic gel nails and pedicures by its highly trained technicians. Certified massage therapists offer a full array of massages in luxurious rooms. And licensed, medical aestheticians skin care consultants offer waxing, facials and microdermabrasion.

Completing its full line of services is Jane Iredale makeup, a professional line used by movie stars and recommended by plastic surgeons and dermatologists. The salon also sells Redken, Pureology and other professional hair care products.

“Cameo is a salon that belongs to our guests,” said Olav. “Their health, beauty and comfort are our only concerns. Please give us a call or stop by for an experience you will find nowhere else.”

Visit Cameo Salon and Spa at 1817 Collier Parkway in Lutz, or by calling (813) 948-7411.

This story was written by the advertising department.