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Favorite Things Sweepstakes Offers Special Rolling Pin Early Bird Prize-Big Green Egg & More!!
By Marie Gilmore
to contest@ospreyobserver.com or fill out the entry form in this section and send in by mail, fax or email. Last year, more than 1,500 local residents entered the campaign and ONE lucky winner walked away with a prize package worth more than $2,000. nefitted ations beis year, iz n a rg o d th and families Guide an six local cal Holiday Gift s are offered. r, a e y t s La ird prize Shop Lo Nothing from the ven more early b e Bundt
For six years, Osprey Observer Newspapers has been partnering with local retailers to publish the Shop Local Holiday Favorite Things Sweepstakes and gift guide, and this year promises to be one of the best yet! This year, we’ve partnered with our friends at Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium to offer an early bird prize of a Big Green Egg Grill, and our friends at McAuley Fine Jewelry are offering an exquisite diamond and gold necklace valued at more than $1,000. In addition, we have Essentials of Brandon,
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Cakes and even more wonderful holiday gifts from our local businesses. Our campaign, the Osprey Observer, A Few of Our Favorite Things, is even more important this year when families are struggling during a global pandemic and need some joy. So, from now until midDecember, we will be collecting Our Favorite Things all throughout the community and we will put them together in one giant gift basket that will be given out in a sweepstakes for our readers. To enter, email ‘Sweepstakes’
Early bird prizes will include a Big Green Egg from Rolling Pin, tickets to Busch Gardens Christmas Town, a diamond necklace and more. Good luck and thank you for shopping local and reading your Osprey Observer Community Newspaper! Managing Editor Marie Gilmore
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Essentials Of Brandon Celebrates 10 Years Of Top Salon & Spa Services
By Kate Quesada
As 2020 draws to a close, what better gift could you think of for a special person in your life than the gift of relaxation? Essentials of Brandon, a full-service spa located off Bloomingdale Ave., offers a wide variety of services sure to please any one on your list. Offering hair, nail and skin services as well as massages, Essentials of Brandon is one of the area’s most popular spas. “We are your one-stop shop for luxury services at an affordable price,” said Manager Candace Pacinello, who explained that the spa offers a variety of services in each department. Hair services range from all over color to balayage and corrective color, and nail services include powder dip, acrylics, gel, basic and signature manicure and pedicure services. “We offer Deep Tissue, Bamboo Fusion, Hot Stone and Relaxation massages, to name a few,” said Pacinello. “Our estheticians offer facials that aid in acne-prone skin, geared towards age reversals, microdermabrasion, derma-
planing, and we offer lash services as well, including tinting and extensions.” But what really sets Essentials of Brandon apart is the customer service offered. “We are the place where everyone knows your name, our clients are always greeted by their first name when they come in,” said Pacinello. The spa is also taking the department of health’s COVID-19 requirements very seriously; all clients are asked to fill out a COVID-19 addendum form. Face coverings are also required and workers sanitize after each client. Essentials of Brandon is offering seasonal facials and pedicures, including an Illuminating Facial for $59.95 and a Peppermint Pedicure for $30 in December, and gift certificates of any value can be purchased at the store and online. “We recently expanded our hair suite to accommodate five stylist chairs and have talented stylist to get everyone looking their best for the holiday season,” said Pacinello. Essentials of Brandon is located at 3405 Brook Crossing Dr. and can be reached at 681-1110. To learn more, visit www.brandonessentials.com.
The Holidays Are A Time For The Gift Of Music At Music Showcase We’ve all got our own styles and can be quite different yet similar, and nowhere else is that emphasized more than in arts like music, with which we can express ourselves and entertain each other in continuously new ways. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving, one Music Showcase is happy to offer. Music Showcase, a family-owned business open since 1995, has all kinds of name-brand instruments for purchase, including brass instruments, drums, guitars, keyboards, orchestral instruments and woodwind instruments, plus various accessories. It is also a place of learning for all ages and experience levels, offering fun, dynamic lessons on playing instruments and singing in the style you want to achieve. Music Showcase provides instrument rental as well, including a month-to-month rent-to-own program with rental payments going towards the purchase, and it has a repair service. Rented instruments can be delivered to your school or picked up. With the Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA), it also has programs where kids can participate in musical theater, classes, workshops, and events, with many virtual and in-person options. One of its in-person fall productions
By Taylor Wells
for ages first through sixth grade, Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens JR. is a holidaythemed story based on book #44 of Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House series, with registration spots still available and performances on Friday-Sunday, November 20-22 at Music Showcase. Other performances at FAOPA to register your kids and get tickets for include Oh, What a Tangled Web, All Shook Up, Sound of Music and The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Online Edition. To help give parents more time to shop, on Saturday, December 5 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Music Showcase and FAOPA are holding their Santa’s Workshop, in which kids ages 5-12 will have dinner, snacks, play games, do crafts, watch a movie and more. The price is $25 and each additional child is $10. With all it has to offer, Music Showcase is the perfect place to get the gift of music for the holiday season. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. To learn more about Music Showcase and its gear, lessons and more, visit www.musicshowcaseonline.com. To learn more about FAOPA’s programs, events, tickets and prices, visit faopa.org.
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FBC Plant City Hosts Family Friendly Nothing Bundt Cakes Offers Perfect Holiday Lights Drive-In Event Holiday Treats For Every Season By Kate Quesada
The First Baptist Church of Plant City (FBC) is hosting a family Christmas event perfect for 2020. The Light of Christmas is a drive-in Christmas event featuring Christmas songs, programmed lights and a message of hope. According to FBC Director of Communications Jay Strike, the event will take place nightly from 6-10 p.m. beginning on Friday, December 4 and running through Saturday, January 2, 2021. “This is something brand-new for us,” said Strike. “In the past, First Baptist Church has held large-scale Christmas productions with choir, orchestra, drama and multimedia elements. The need to socially distance limits our ability to prepare for that type of event and limits the number who would attend. That makes this type of event perfect for this ‘unique’ Christmas season.”
The free event is open to all members of the public. “Our desire is to reach families looking for something to do this holiday season,” said Strike. “Many things are different due to the pandemic and this will give the opportunity to get out of the house and take part in a Christmas event.” The church is working hard to make the event special and organizers are taking into consideration how hard this year has been for many people. “We are being very intentionally to not just do ‘lights and music,’” said Strike. “While there are familiar Christmas songs in this presentation, we are also offering a message of hope and encouragement. In the craziness that 2020 has brought all of us, that is going to be something different and appealing to those who attend. Great songs, great lights, great message, what’s not to love?” First Baptist Church of Plant City is located at 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy. and can be reached at 752-4104. For more information, visit www.FBCPC.com/events.
The holidays are a great time to treat yourself and your friends, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, located in Winthrop Town Centre, has the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With 10 delicious flavors and options ranging from single serving Bundtinis to 10-inch cakes, Nothing Bundt Cakes has something for everyone, even those whose diet is restricted to glutenfree. Owner Rob Shuffield, a Brandon High School graduate, grew up in the area and was thrilled to open the Winthrop location three years ago. “I love the Brandon community and am proud to offer the quality and flavors of Nothing Bundt Cakes through our store here,” said Shuffield. “Winthrop has been such a great location for us and we are so thankful to John Sullivan for his vision for such a great community center.” According to Shuffield, the most popular flavors at the location are chocolate chocolate chip and red velvet, but he encourages shoppers to look for seasonal choices pumpkin spice in November
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and peppermint chocolate chip in December. Cakes and toppers are available for holiday parties in addition to birthdays, graduations and weddings. Nothing Bundt Cakes offers online ordering and thirdparty delivery, making it easy for residents to enjoy while keeping safe. As Nothing Bundt Cakes is very popular for gifts and holiday gatherings, Shuffield recommends residents to order online in advance. The website also offers information on fundraising with Nothing Bundt Cakes and the opportunity to sign up for the store’s eClub, which offers a free birthday treat. “Stop by and try our products,” said Shuffield. “Our general manager, Noelle, and the team would love to meet you.” Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 11238 Sullivan St. in Riverview and can be reached at 409-2394. To learn more or order online, visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com. Its hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium Offers One-Stop Shop For Holiday Gifts & Meals If you have food lovers on your holiday list, look no further than Brandon’s own Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium for answers to all your needs. Locally owned and operated by Chef Dave West, Rolling Pin has something to offer everyone with gifts, camps, classes and room to hold unique, private holiday get-togethers. “We are stocked with 10,000-plus gifts for foodies and grillers with a huge range of kitchen and grilling tools,” said West. Rolling Pin is also Brandon’s Platinum Dealer for Big Green Eggs and stocks Ooni pizza ovens, Green Mountain grills and Nora Fleming collectables. For aspiring chefs or those who just love to eat, Rolling Pin also offers gift certificates for camps and classes throughout the year, not just during the busy holiday season. “We have hands-on and demonstration-style cooking classes that are holiday-driven but also feature steakhouse themes and couples’ cooking, just to name a few,” said West. Camps over winter break include a
By Kate Quesada
variety of specials for kids and tweens, and Santa is even stopping in for special breakfast and lunch events. If you are looking for a place to host a private holiday event, act fast, because Rolling Pin’s calendar is filling up. The location can cater to small to medium-sized groups (10-36 people) with many party options. “What makes us special is that we are locally owned and operated and have been serving Brandon for more than 25 years,” said West. “We have a knowledgeable staff and products that guests can touch before buying. Our classes and events also allow customers to use products themselves as well as see them in action.” Rolling Pin is open seven days a week with extended hours in the 12 days prior to Christmas. It is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon and can be reached at 653-2418. Email West at dwest@rollingpinoline.com. To learn more or see the calendar of classes and events, visit www.rollingpinonline.com.
County Fairgrounds Hosts Drive-Thru Wonderland Of Lights Experience If your family is looking for a unique way to get into the holiday spirit, look no further than the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds from Thursday, November 26 to Sunday, December 27. The Dover location is hosting The Wonderland of Lights & Santa’s Village for the fifth year in a row. According to Marketing Spokesperson Jillian Kaplan, the event is the Tampa area’s premier holiday-themed experience, offering an entirely no-contact option for those who choose to stay in their cars. “Every week, Monday through Wednesday, guests are routed through over a mile of spectacular lights and holiday displays all from the safety of their vehicles,” said Kaplan. “Each Thursday through Sunday, along with the light show, enjoy the fun and entertainment of Santa’s Village, including an appearance by Santa himself and a variety of enjoyable, family-friendly events.” Throughout the month, additional experiences will be added, including Rulito’s Musical Comedy Extravaganza on opening night, November 26, and Nerdy Noah’s Comedy Show from Thursday-Sunday, December 10-13.
By Kate Quesada
There will also be special nights dedicated to nonprofits, like a food drive for United Food Bank of Plant City on Thursday, December 3—wherein, with a minimum contribution of 10 nonperishable food items, donors will receive $5 off a one-time drive-through experience—and on Thursday, December 10— in which donors will receive $5 off for a minimum contribution of a 10-pound unopened bag of dog or cat food. Kaplan wants attendees to feel safe and healthy during the experience. “We are following all the mandates set by the state/county and the CDC,” she explained. “Guests that go through the drive-through tour only, who buy their tickets online, have a completely no-contact experience. We will have hand sanitizing stations, social distancing reminders/signage and recommend masks at all times during their visit at Santa’s Village.” Visit www.thewonderlandoflights.com for event details, attractions, pricing, discount opportunities, and COVID-19 safety information. The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds are located just east of Brandon at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover.
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Page 49
Local Tree Lighting, Movies & More To Raise The Holiday Spirit
By Kate Quesada
Tree Lighting And Movie In Downtown Tampa
Welcome to the holidays! Get into the holiday spirit as residents kick off the season with the lighting of Tampa's official tree in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The evening begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 4, with the Tampa’s own Christmas band, Late Night Brass, who are sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Tampa’s mayor will lead the countdown to the Tree Lighting at approximately 7:20 p.m. Immediately following the Tree Lighting will be a holiday movie in the park. Admission is free. Blankets, low back chairs, coolers and dogs on leashes are welcome. Concessions available on-site. Visit Friends of Tampa Recreation, Inc. on Facebook for more information. Want to be a sponsor? Contact Kitty Lyons, executive director of Friends of Tampa Recreation, by calling 966-5505 or emailing info@friendsoftamparec.org.
December 19 through the Riverwalk area. Vessels must register online in advance. To register and for more information, visit www.thetampariverwalk.com.
Proceeds from the event will support Give Kids The World Village’s mission to provide wish vacations for critically ill children and their families. The Village is located at 210 S. Bass Rd. in Kissimmee. To learn more, visit www.gktw.org.
Henry B. Plant Museum Hosts Victorian Christmas Stroll
Tampa’s Henry B. Plant Museum is hosting a Victorian Christmas Stroll daily from Saturday, November 21 to Gaylord Palms is adding events to its well-loved holiday line-up. Wednesday, December 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The event will allow visitors to expeGaylord Palms Adds More To rience the extravagance and grandeur of Annual Christmas Celebration the former 1891 hotel. Walk Through Wintrop Scheduled During the Victorian Christmas Stroll, For December 4 Gaylord Palms is well-known for its visitors will explore the museum transannual Christmas celebration and this Mark your calendars! Winthrop Town formed by Christmas trees ranging in year the line up includes a new marquee Centre in Riverview will host its annual height from a few inches to more than 14 pop-up experience, ‘I Love Christmas holiday kickoff event, ‘Walk Through feet, 40,000 lights and hundreds of feet of Movies™.’ The Christmas event at Winthrop,’ on Friday, December 4, startgarland. Decorations include vintage Gaylord Palms runs from Friday, ing around 7 p.m. The event will be in fashions, antique toys, locally sourced November 13 through Sunday, January multiple destinations with entertainment, items and fanciful ornaments. 3, 2021. tree lighting and a family-friendGuests can enjoy live music on Another brand-new experience this ly movie. weekends from 1-3 p.m. year is the Snow Factory, which will transWinthrop Town Centre is The Museum Store offers a treasure port guests to a winter wonderland filled located at Winthrop Town trove of unique gifts, including elegant with icy snow fun. In this mechanized Centre Ave. in Riverview. To jewelry, artsnowy play space, learn more about Winthrop, visit work and families will enjoy multiwww.winthrobeautiful holiple attractions, includpusa.com. Give Kids The World day accesing Snow Flow Village Launches sories so you Mountain, where they Local Sparkling New can enjoy can slide through factoChristmas Holiday Tradition shopping in a ry conveyor belts that Toy Train With Night Of A unique have been frozen solid Show And Million Lights Victorian and ride tubes down a Sale For the first time atmosphere. thrilling plummet slide The ever, Give Kids The The Museum or hilly ice coaster. Hillsborough World Village in Store is open All events are County Kissimmee will host a from 10 a.m -5 p.m. daily. To learn more, designed with social distancing measures Fairgrounds holiday celebration visit www.plantmuseum.com. at the forefront. under the stars—offering Give Kids The World is hosting a festive will host a With 4.5 acres of airy indoor atriums fundraiser starting this month. Christmas Toy the public a rare glimpse decorated with millions of Train Show and Sale next month to get into the whimsical nonprofit resort that twinkling holiday lights, a towresidents into the holiday spirit. fulfills the wishes of critically ill children ering Christmas tree in the St. The event will take place on from around the world. From Friday, Augustine atrium and thouSaturday, December 12 and vendors will November 13, through Sunday, January sands of shimmering ornabe on hand selling model trains, various 3, 2021, visitors can experience the ments, visitors can look forhobbies, collectibles and die-cast cars. childlike wonder of the Village during ward to even more festive There will be a running train layout for Night of a Million Lights, a walk-through, experiences, including live children to enjoy. fully immersive, holiday light spectacular. performances on the St. The show is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at Augustine Stage like the dazAdmission is $5 adults and kids 12 and www.gktw.org/lights, enabling guests to zling Cirque Dreams under are free. Credit cards are acceptstroll among the brilliant lights and take Unwrapped, featuring stuned. part in a variety of fun and festive family ning feats of showmanship If you’re activities in a safe, performed onstage and in the Get into the holiday spirit at Christmas Town at Busch interested in socially distant Gardens starting November 21. air. becoming a manner. Admission Due to limited capacity in accordance Busch Gardens Plans Christmas vendor, includes compliwith Marriott’s ‘Commitment to Clean’ pro- Town please conmentary ice cream gram, advance online reservations are Plans are underway for one of tact Joe at and hot cocoa, as required for all ticketed events. Tickets Tampa’s favorite holiday events, 727-244-1341 well as unlimited can be purchased at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. The or visit access to the ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com and event, which includes fun, festive activiwww.regalrailVillage’s wheelILoveChristmasMoviesExperience.com. ties for the whole family, will be part of ways.com. chair-accessible park admission from Saturday, November The rides and attracRiverWalk Lighted Boat Parade Is 21 to Sunday, January 3, 2021. Hillsborough County Fairgrounds are tions. The event will run from 5-10 p.m. Tampa Tradition Additional details will be made availlocated at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in daily, with staggered entry times to preable online at BuschGardens.com so The Downtown Tampa Lighted Boat vent crowding. Mask-wearing will also be Dover. guests can start planning visits soon. Parade will take place on Saturday, required for all guests.
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Toys For Tots Continues To Make Holiday Dreams Come True Christmas morning should be a magical time for children, but there are some in our area who may need a helping-hand to make this come true. Thousands of children in need will get gifts from Santa this Christmas thanks to efforts of Toys For Tots. Since 1947, Marine Corps Reserve Units nationwide have encouraged businesses to gather new, unwrapped toys for needy children. The local Toys For Tots places toy collection boxes in businesses and churches through the efforts of local coordinators Donald Pearson and Ann Hathaway of Pearson Capital, a Financial Investment Company in Apollo Beach. This year will mark Pearson’s 16th year with the Toys for Tots, which has grown every year to become one of the largest toy collection efforts in Tampa Bay. This effort continues to grow each year. “Last year, through the generosity of more than 100 local businesses, the local Toys For Tots collected more than $9,000 in cash, 6,000 toys and over 100 bikes, which made up 60 percent of the Hillsborough County collection,” said Hathaway. “And this year the need is going to be overwhelming.” Toy collection begins at the various businesses and locations from Monday, October 26- Saturday, December 12. This year, the program is looking for 3-4 more
By Kelly Valdes
volunteers to be “Box Captains” for the program. Toys are to be new, unwrapped and in their original packaging. Hathaway explained that all new toys are welcome, but there is often a shortage of toys for children ages 0-2 yrs old as well as gifts for pre-teen boys ages 11-14. She also said that new bicycles are also in high demand each year. Due to Covid, the collection party that is held at The Alley, located at 10221 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview is going to be different this year. The Marines from the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion will be greeting the businesses that will be dropping of the toys at The Alley in a drive-thru format between 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, December 12. Registration is now open for family toy requests until Sunday, November 15 at www.tampa-fl.toysfortots.org. To be a collection site, email Ann Hathaway at pearsoncapital7@gmail.com or call 645 6392. Some of the normal drop-off sites each year are Rachel’s Family Salon in Apollo Beach, The Alley and NV Salon in Riverview. Visit Toys for Tots on social media for a complete list of locations. Email Hathaway at pearsoncapital7@gmail.com. For more information on the Toys for Tots program, visit www.toysfortots.org.
The Stano Foundation Sends Christmas In A Box To Our Troops
By Libby Hopkins
Each year, The Stano Foundation sends care packages to our troops all over the world. These care packages offer them some love and comfort from home. This year, the foundation wants to send our troops Christmas in a box. “We send care packages out every quarter, but for the holiday care packages we wanted to be able to send our heroes overseas Christmas in a box,” said the foundation’s president, Paula Stano. “These military members are not able to celebrate with their families or friends, so we wanted to let them know they were not forgotten and give them a reason to celebrate. For our holiday packages we are wrapping the inside with Christmas wrapping paper and adding in items like Santa hats, ornaments, hot chocolate, candy canes and Christmas lights. Each box will still have the normal 40 to 45 items we send and lots of snacks.” The Stano Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was founded in June 2015 with the mission to support our Armed Forces, veterans and their families through program-based initiatives focused on enhancing their comfort and quality of life by providing them with a piece of home.
The COVID-19 pandemic hindered the foundation’s ability to fundraise in 2020. “Since the pandemic, we have not been able to hold many of our fundraisers as most of them were in partnership with event companies held outside and with large crowds,” Stano said. “We have had to find other ways to raise funds, which has not been easy as everyone’s finances have been affected by COVID.” The Stano Foundation is looking for sponsors from the Brandon community to help it send Christmas in a box to our troops for the upcoming holidays. “We need items like Santa hats, USB lights, small acrylic paint sets and normal snacks we send, like protein bars, beef jerky, microwaveable mac and cheese cups and cup-o-noodles,” Paula said. “The community can assist by purchasing items from our Amazon Wish List, which can be found at https://stano.org/getinvolved/#supplylist. There is a ‘Supplies Needed’ section and a link to see our supply list on Amazon. We can also always use thank-you letters or cards, as these are an item our military members love to receive in their care packages.” To learn more or to make a monetary donation, visit www.stano.org.
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For King & Country Comes To Lakeland For Drive-In Tour One of the biggest names in Christian music, for KING & COUNTRY, announced a Christmas drive-in tour and included Silvermoon Drive-In, located in Lakeland, as a stop. The band consists of two Australian brothers named Joel and Luke David Smallbone. The tour is titled A Drummer Boy Drive-In Live and will feature both Christmas and hit songs preformed by the band live. The concert at the Silvermoon Drive-in will take place on Friday, December 11, and tickets are available for purchase now, ranging from $75-350 before fees. Tickets are being sold by the car, not by the person, and up to six people are allowed in a vehicle. Instead of assigning and purchasing a specific parking spot, attendees will select a zone in which their spot will be located in. The gates for the concert will open at 5 p.m. and the performance will begin at 7 p.m. It is recommended that attendees arrive early; this will allow time for them to be directed to their parking spot in the zone they purchased tickets. Spots will be assigned depending on arrival time and cannot be requested. Merchandise should be available to order for contactless delivery on the night of the show.
By Faith Miller
Bryan Scott, director of concerts and events for The JOY FM, described the event as, “An amazing night under the stars with the biggest name in Christian music celebrating the birth of our Savior.” According to Scott, COVID-19 was one of the biggest inspirations for this drive-in tour. A national concert promotion company had pioneered the drive-in model so that concerts could still be performed while also following restrictions put in place by local governments. Another factor that Scott believed was a big part of it was people’s longing to get out of their homes and the longing for live concerts to return. The show will feature a live performance from for KING & COUNTRY while attendants stay in and around their vehicles. Attendants are allowed to bring lawn chairs and sit outside their vehicles but are asked to keep social distancing in mind. “Take the biggest name in Christian music and mix it with Christmas and you have a huge success,” said Scott. For more information regarding the event along with ticket prices and purchases, visit https://florida.thejoyfm.com/events/boxoffice/for-king-and-country-drive-in-live/.
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Dancing For Donations Offers Affordable Lessons For All Ages And Skill Levels So many things in life happen as a result of some fortuitous event which changes everything. Sara Battaglia began dancing at 8 years old, learning jazz, tap, lyrical and point, but her passion was ballet. She trained with Sarasota Ballet and School of Russian Ballet and furthered her dance education at the University of South Florida. Then, a hip injury brought Battaglia to a crossroads…a fortuitous event which led her to become the founder and director of Dancing for Donations (D4D). Battaglia envisioned D4D as an allinclusive, nonprofit dance program with a mission to offer dance lessons sustained from community donations. Battaglia said, “Three years ago, we started very, super small. I never imagined it would grow to the extent that it has since then.” There are several reasons which might explain the growth. Battaglia did her due diligence as director of D4D. She completed Exceptional Student Education courses, earned her Youth Protection Advocate in Dance® certification, took autism training and created a dance environment which is child-safe with all music, movement and costumes being ageappropriate. D4D is also a Wingman for Dance Studio. Wingman is described as a one-
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of-a-kind youth development program designed to help dance studio owners and teachers boost dancers’ confidence, encourage teamwork and leadership and promote an inclusive and supportive environment. Battaglia reinforced that ‘all inclusive’ means all ages, skill levels and social skills are welcome. Michelle Ebner said, “My 5-year-old daughter has been attending since August 2017. I wanted to put her in a dance class to help her focus. She loves it… We are so grateful that we learned about this wonderful program.” All teachers are CPR-certified and backgroundchecked. Another reason for D4D popularity, according to Battaglia, was that “Dance programs are usually so expensive that many families cannot afford lessons. D4D’s mission to be available and affordable extends to Tampa Bay HEAT at the Homeschool Resource Center, homeschool classes and in-person and virtual lessons as well. It’s Kidz Time in Riverview recently donated a bus that will be used for summer camps, after-school pickups, special events and fundraisers—another fortuitous event. Email dance4donations@gmail.com or visit dancing4donations.org.
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Page 52
Celebrate The Best Of The Season
Creating the Ultimate Charcuterie Board
Family Features
Family Features
If it seems like your grocery store’s apple section is more abundant than it has been in the past, you’d be correct. With new apple varieties coming onto the scene every few years, gone are the days of choosing between simply red or green. Instead, choosing the right apple is similar to selecting the perfect wine. Apples can range from tart to sugary sweet, so finding the right balance for your palate is key. Scent can also influence taste, especially when you have a balanced sweetness with an uplifting, fresh aroma. When it comes to apples, a satisfying texture is as important as taste. Consider an option like the Envy apple, which has been referred to as
“the ultimate apple experience” for its consistently balanced, delightful sweetness coupled with a crisp, elegant crunch. They are an easy snack when eaten fresh out of hand and are perfect for pairing with cheese, charcuterie boards, chocolate and nut butters. Easy to spot with their crimson red skin over a golden background that practically glows, Envy apples are naturally descended from Braeburn and Royal Gala apple varieties, bred by farmers who use time-honored plant-breeding methods. Plus, the apples’ bright white flesh is naturally slow to brown when sliced, so they stay fresher longer. For more information, including recipes and entertaining tips, visit EnvyApple.com.
Stick to the basics this holiday season to create a perfect charcuterie board: • The board: Select a board big enough for your gathering but not too big as you want there to be overlap and crowding. • The cheeses: Select three different cheeses that complement the other items. Brie is a solid soft cheese choice while blue fills the need for a stronger, more pungent cheese. Try an aged cheddar or smoky gouda to round out the trio. • The meats: Something salty with a little fat, like prosciutto or speck, provides a flavorful addition to the board.
• The produce: Choose fruits that not only taste great, but are also beautiful to display such as Envy apple slices, which stay whiter longer, making them ideal for any entertaining occasion. Plus their balanced sweetness pairs well with any item on the board. • The crackers: Variety is key with crackers, and like the cheeses, three types is typically the magic formula. Think water crackers, multi-grain wafers and breadsticks. • The snacks: Sweet and salty are king when it comes to snacks, so a mix of chocolate and nuts works for many charcuterie boards.
Page 53
A Kid’s Place Children Put Their Best Foot Forward in New Shoes For Back to School
By Libby Hopkins
This year, the first Foundation and day of school didn’t go Reed/TMS for thinking of as planned for many our children, bring them students. However, some joy and normalcy thanks to one local for the new school year.” celebrity philanthropist, Alstott values his relationa group of Brandonship with the organization area students had one which provides residential thing all kids look forservices to children from ward to, a new pair of birth to age 18, who have shoes. been removed from their Mike Alstott, President of the Mike homes due to abuse, Ever since The Alstott Family Foundation, purMike Alstott Family neglect or abandonment. chased shoes for 60 residents at Valrico’s A Kid’s Place for back to “I had a long relationship Foundation and A school this year. Kid’s Place formed a with founder Dottie partnership, Alstott had been taking A Berger-McKinnon so when she started A Kid’s Place’s children on a back to school Kids Place, it was natural for my foundashopping spree. tion and I to support them,” Alstott said. “Unfortunately due to the pandemic, Alstott and Lopez look forward to we weren’t able to do our regular back to doing more in the upcoming months for school shopping so, we had to get crethe kids at A Kid’s Place. “I believe there ative,” said Mike Alstott, President of the has been some talks about getting out Mike Alstott Family Foundation and forthere with some folks from Reed / TMS to mer Tampa Bay Buccaneer. “Thanks to help strengthen our bonds,” Alstott said. the staff at A Kid’s Place and the magic of “Nothing too crazy but maybe an ice the internet, we were still able to provide cream social and a fun filled afternoon. shoes to the children.” The students, a Just so we can put some faces to the group of 60, were able to pick out their names and vice versa. own shoes which were shipped directly to ” To learn more about A Kid’s Place, A Kid’s Place. visit www.akidsplacetb.org or call 381“The kids absolutely loved the oppor- 3839. To learn more about the Mike tunity to be able to pick out new sneakers Alstott Family Foundation, visit of their choice for school,” Tamika Lopez www.mikealstottfamilyfoundation.org. A of A Kid’s Place said. “We are so incrediKid’s Place is located at 1715 Lithia bly grateful to the Mike Allston Family Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon.
Seeds Of Hope Turkey Trot Goes Virtual One of the area’s most beloved traditions is now making adaptations this month due to the pandemic. The 2020 FishHawk Turkey Trot, put on every year since 2009 to benefit Seeds of Hope, is going virtual so it can offer families a way to support neighbors in need while keeping safe. Pre-registration for the event, which traditionally takes place on Thanksgiving morning, is now underway, and residents are asked to sign up by Wednesday, November 4 in order to be guaranteed one of the traditional T-shirts. This year, participants are asked to run the race wherever they would like to during Thanksgiving week and tag social media photos with #FHTT2020. Tickets can be purchased online and for $25, participants will receive a Turkey Trot shirt. For $35, racers will receive the shirt and a medal is also an ornament. According to the race founder, Leda Eaton, race packets with sponsorship information will be distributed via drivethrough later this month and participants will have the opportunity to take a fun, socially distanced photo with the turkey. Seeds of Hope uses the money raised at the Turkey Trot to buy food throughout the year for residents who visit its food pantry and students who take home food in backpacks from school over
By Kate Quesada
the weekends. This year, due to the pandemic, the number of people turning to Seeds of Hope for food has risen exponentially. “The success of this year’s race is needed now more than ever,” said Eaton. “With record numbers of people lining up for food weekly, Seeds of Hope is on the front lines of hunger relief in the community.” The Turkey Trot would not be possible without support from local businesses, small and large. “We would especially like to thank our Diamond Sponsor, Hess Orthodontics; Gold Sponsor, George Shea Realty; and Silver Sponsors, Alafia River Animal Hospital, Tide Cleaners, Chick-fil-A, the Osprey Observer, Tessera and IT Solutions,” said Sponsorship Coordinator Millie Shikes. Eaton, for one, is looking on the bright side of the virtual race. “As much as I love the race, my family and I are looking forward to doing it virtually this year,” she said. “We can run when and where we want, and for me personally, I can’t wait until the most stressful thing I do on Thanksgiving is make dinner.” Visit www.sohopefl.org. If you or a student you know are interested in volunteering to help the charity, email info@sohopefl.org.
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Brandon Lions Club Sells Luminaria Kits To Support Local Charities
Staff Report
Brandon area resiwill be delivered (orders dents have the opporof 15 kits or more) on tunity to help others Saturday, December and spread light next 19. month thanks to the According to Brandon Lions Club. Kuebler, the fundraiser Until Monday, has been taking place November 9, residents annually since 2002. throughout the Brandon For 5 years, the area can purchase a HOA in Parkside Luminaria Kit to raise Village in Lithia has funds for local charities purchased enough supported by the Lions. Luminaria kits to light a “Our Luminaria Kits path through the comare constructed with munity on Christmas white paper bags Eve. “This has become weighted down with a favorite community sand and illuminated tradition,” said HOA from within by a canboard member Marie dle,” said Brandon Gilmore. Lions Club Treasurer Proceeds benefit The Brandon Lions Club is selling Joe Kuebler. “They are Brandon Lions Luminaria Kits to benefit local charities this month. traditionally displayed Charities, a not-foron Christmas Eve.” profit 501(c)(3) organization that has According to Kuebler, each kit conbeen supporting the club’s eyesight and tains 15 long-burning votive candles, 15 hearing programs, Southeastern Guide candle holders, 15 white bags and a plas- Dogs, Greater Tampa Lions Sight Fund, tic bag of sand (to use in the base of ECHO, Family Promise, The Outreach each bag). Clinic, Brandon High School Don Kits are $6.50 and orders of over 15 Bishop Track Meet, Brandon Area Youth kits will be delivered locally. No payment Soccer and other local area needs since is required with your order. All orders are 1954. COD (cash on delivery) and can be Contact Kuebler at 263-2522 to picked up at the Brandon Lions Club place an order or by emailing at branlocated at 610 Limona Rd. in Brandon or donlionsclub@gmail.com.
Fall Craft – Be Thankful For Your Blessings Faith Like A Rock By Kelly Valdes Now, let’s make a Thankfulness Turkey!
The month of November brings us to the time of year where we should think about all our blessings and everything we should be thankful for. Even though many of us have had difficulties throughout the year, we know we have a God that loves us no matter what. Telling God how thankful we are for our family, our friends, our pets and our home is important. For the days leading up to Thanksgiving, we should also take the time to thank the other people that we are grateful for this year. For example, take a few minutes to tell your teacher how much they mean to you. Tell your parents how thankful you are that they love you unconditionally. When we are thankful, we let other people know that we appreciate them. During this month, count your blessings—big and small. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever,” Psalm 107:1.
- Time Needed: 20 minutes - Materials Needed: - Paper plate - Toilet paper roll - Red and orange construction paper - Glue
- Markers - Scissors - Googly eyes
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1. Cut the paper plate in half 2. Use the markers to color the tail feathers of the turkey 3. Leave room to write a Bible verse in the middle (pictured) 4. Cut out a beak and turkey wattle from the red and orange construction paper 5. Glue the beak, wattle and googly eyes to the toilet paper roll 6. Cut two slits in the toilet paper roll—one on both sides—about an inch long 7. Slide the paper plate into the toilet paper roll.
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Give the Gift Of Practicality
Holiday Presents Loved Ones Can Put To Work Family Features
Giving the perbattery-powered blower fect holiday gift to a to keep the yard, driveloved one can add way and other spaces unnecessary stress neat and tidy. and pressure, but Find more gift-giving you don’t have to inspiration at aceharddrive far and wide to ware.com. find presents your Cook Up a Crave-Worthy friends and family Gift members will love. If you’re looking for a Some of the best unique gift for the grill Photo Courtesy of Getty Images master in your life, look gifts are practical, everyday options that you know will be no further than the Traeger Pro 575 put to good use. Wood Pellet Grill, a pellet grill that helps Look no further than your local hardmake achieving wood-fired flavor easier. ware store. With 72% of United States The enhanced WiFIRE technology allows households within 15 minutes of an Ace you to monitor and adjust your grill anyHardware, you can find a wide variety of time, anywhere directly from an app. gifts to put smiles on loved ones’ faces Getting that perfect flavor is easier with whether you shop conveniently online or this grill that starts quicker, heats up faster in person. As a one-stop shop for grills, and puts out better smoke quality with its power tools, home decor and more, D2 drivetrain. knowledgeable associates are ready to Make Gift-Giving a Breeze help you find the perfect gifts for those on For the person in your life who loves your list whether you’re looking for big taking care of the yard and other outdoor ticket items or one-of-a-kind stocking spaces, give the gift that keeps on giving stuffers. by making cleanup a breeze with the For example, a new pellet grill may EGO Power+ 530 CFM Blower, a step up be the solution for the home chef who in power and convenience for the line of seems to have everything already, provid- cordless blowers. Inspired by advanced ing a simple way to prepare delicious aeronautics technology and equipped meals any day of the week. Or, if you’re with turbine fan engineering, this compact looking to help make outdoor cleanup a and lightweight blower can run for 75 cinch, consider an option like a cordless, minutes on a single charge.
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Help Others During The Holidays
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Giving during the holiday the mobile app or on your season can mean more than web browser to get the same gifts. It’s the time of year online shopping experience when giving back to your you’re accustomed to with the community can make an added benefit of donating a even bigger impact – espeportion of eligible purchases cially this year when so many to a charity of your choice. need a helping hand. Spread information. This holiday season, do People are more willing to your part to help deliver contribute to a cause when smiles to loved ones and they understand how they people in need. Reap the can help. Align with an organifeel-good rewards of helpzation or cause you care Photo Courtesy of Getty ing others with these ideas about and share details on how to make a difference. about how the community can help. Let Give time. One of the greatest donathe organization know you’re eager to tions an organization can receive is your generate awareness, and it can typically time. Volunteer roles can vary significantly find a way to put your skills to use. depending on the organization you Shop for a cause. One thing nonprofchoose but can leave you feeling like its often hear is people want to give, but you’ve contributed in a real and meaning- they don’t know what items will be most ful way. From sorting donated items, useful. You can remove the guesswork preparing and distributing warm meals or with a resource like AmazonSmile Charity wrapping gifts, organizations can almost Lists, which offer a convenient way to always use an extra set of hands during donate to your favorite causes. Donate the holidays. gently used items. This holiday season, Make your shopping count. To help you’ll probably add new clothes to your make the season even brighter, Amazon closet and new toys to the playroom, but is donating millions of items to more than others may not have presents to unwrap. 1,000 charities worldwide through product As you receive gifts this holiday, see what and monetary donations and is making it gently used toys, clothes and household easy for you to give back as well. When items could be donated to help others. shopping for holiday supplies or gifts for Find more information and resources family and friends, you can give back and at smile.amazon.com, and share how donate to your favorite charitable organiyou’re giving back by using zations. Simply activate AmazonSmile in #DeliveringSmiles on social media.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11