Two Sections, 40 Pages of Community News
Brandon/Winthrop
C E L E B R A T I N G
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March 2019 Volume 14, Issue 3 Ph: 657-2418
19
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Y E A R S
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P U B L I S H I N G
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Bay Life Church Celebrates 25 Years New Dad Thanks His Fire Rescue Team After Electrocution Accident Of Community Service By Amanda Boston
“I am grateful that God has used us over our first 25 years to draw so many into faith. As we look to our future, I pray for more—more life change, more church campuses, more people responding to and then sharing the good news.” In addition to the support rendered within the body of believers through its life groups, children and youth ministry, counseling and such, Bay Life also makes an impact on both its surrounding community and abroad. From local missions like Feed the Bay, which originated at Bay Life, to global missions in Uganda and Africa, the church seeks to help those in need while spreading the good news. Stephen Stough, communications director at Bay Life, added, “A few of the things I loved was that my sons, now 19 and 13, could hear about the faithfulness of God to His people and be here to witness firsthand how God moves in His time and for His purposes for His glory.” The programs mentioned above and missions are only a sampling of the areas where Bay Life serves. An in-depth list and more information can be found at www.baylife.org. Service times are Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Bay Life is located at 1017 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon.
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On Sunday, March 3, Bay Life Church of Brandon celebrated 25 years with a unified service and anniversary picnic. A total of 1,546 people were in attendance, and the service featured worship pastors from both past and present for a time of worship and teaching from Pastor Mark Saunders. Leading up to the event, Bay Life’s Facebook page was seasoned with posts featuring personal stories of how lives had been changed at Bay Life. “Celebrating 25 years as a church was special in ways I hadn’t expected,” said Pastor Mark Saunders. “Sure, there were the stories of ‘humble beginnings’ and ‘grassroots growth,’ but I was marked most by the significant changes that occurred in individual cases. Over and over again in the days leading up to our celebration, people posted on social media their personal stories of how God had used His church called Bay Life to alter the course of their lives forever.” Pastor Saunders stressed that Bay Life Church is not a building or location, but the church is its people. At Bay Life, this family of followers, who affectionately call themselves Lifers, seek to love, serve and share Jesus Christ. Speaking about Bay Life’s impact, Pastor Saunders said, “Marriages were saved, addictions were overcome, minds were renewed, all by the power of Jesus and the love of His saints.” He continued,
By Kate Quesada
A team of small, handHillsborough carved signs to County Fire farmhouse Rescuers tables, home (HCFR) decor, sliding received a spebarn doors or cial thank you entertainment last month. centers, to Bloomingdale name just a resident Wes few. Everything Stevens preI make is to sented the fireorder for cusfighters that tomers of saved his life in mine.” December with Bloomingdale resident and Tampa Firefighter Wes Many of handmade Stevens’ Stevens recently presented handmade wooden flags to the team of Hillsborough County Fire Rescuers pieces of art wooden flags who saved his life in December. to thank them include the for coming to his aid when he lost confractal burning of designs into wood. He sciousness in his home. came up with a special design to thank Stevens, who is also a firefighter at the firefighters who saved his life. Tampa’s Fire Rescue Station 22, was “The gifts I made for the County firewoodworking in his garage in December fighters were small wooden ‘Thin Red when he was electrocuted with a 2,000 Line’ American flags,” said Stevens. “I volt current that ran through his body and wanted to thank them personally and stopped his heart. According to since I do woodworking, I felt that would Hillsborough County Senior Media be a nice gift.” Relations Strategist Chris Wilkerson, the To learn more about Black Axe accident left Stevens clinically dead for 17 Designs, search for the business on minutes until the team arrived to jolt his Facebook or Instagram or call 625-7292. unresponsive heart with a defibrillator. “The second jolt brought him back,” said Wilkerson. HCFR transported Stevens to Tampa In This General Hospital, where he spent 11 Issue days in the Burn Intensive Care Unit, and this month he returned to full active duty. Three days after the accident, BLOOMINGDALE RELAY FOR LIFE.......PG 3 Stevens’ wife Hannah gave birth to the IMPACT’S GOT TALENT ....................PG 13 couple’s son, Morgan, in the same hospital. PARKINSON’S WALK ........................PG 15 “The accident happened on TEACH AT ACHIEVEMENT SCHOOLS PG 19 December 6 and my son was born on December 9,” said Stevens. “He is now BUSCH GARDENS FOOD & WINE .....PG 20 three months old, the same as me.” EYE ON BUSINESS .......................PG 25‐26 Stevens is a woodworking hobbyist who sells his art through his business, CHALKLINES .....................................PG 28 Black Axe Designs. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 38 “I have been doing woodwork for several years,” said Stevens. “I started READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE making cornhole boards and my love for woodworking expanded to anything from www.ospreyobserver.com
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Cater Your Parties & Events! Enjoy your family, while we do the work! Call us today! Look for our Summer Camp Guide in the second section of this edition. From baseball to swimming, theater to arts, there is something for every camper this summer. For the complete guide, see pages 29-36.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 3
March 2019
Bloomingdale High School Makes Big Impact By Hosting Relay For Life
By Kate Quesada
even through the night. When not walking, there are many events for participants to chose from to keep busy and raise important funds. “With Relay For Life offering so many opportunities and levels of involvement to the community, I think people are drawn to wanting to participate in the event,” said Klomparens. “Whether it is by starting a team, becoming a sponsor, volunteering to help with the planning and
Bloomingdale High School is inviting community members to join them in fighting cancer at their annual Relay For Life event next month. On Friday, April 26, students and community members will join 28 other teams at Bloomingdale High School to walk, camp overnight and participate in other activities to raise funds to meet their goal of $70,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS). “Relay For Life is crucial to the mission of ACS because the funds raised through our events help to support the programs, services and research efforts that we provide in our communities,” said Alexandra Klomparens, Senior Event Support Manager. “Without the incredible support we receive through Relay For Life, not only financially but in overall support and dedication from our volunteers, we would not have been able to make the impact we have in the fight against cancer.” “I think that Relay For Life sees such great participation because, sadly, nearly everyone is impacted by cancer,” said Klomparens. “Whether they are a survivor, caregiver or know someone who has been diagnosed, cancer touches almost everyone in some capacity.” The events are not traditional relays, although teams are asked to have one participant walking the track at all times,
organizing, attending as a survivor or caregiver or just coming out to walk some laps and support the day of activities, there is truly a way for everyone in the community to get involved.” Bloomingdale HS will feature national holidays as its theme. One highlight of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony that typically starts at 9 p.m. and showcases luminaria bags lit in memory or in honor of loved ones. Bloomingdale’s event will take place at the school’s track, located at 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, from Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m. through Saturday, April 27 at 6 a.m. Residents are encouraged to sign up to participate in either event at www.relayforlife.org, but the community is also encouraged to come out to support the fundraisers at the events, even if they are not part of a team. For information, contact Klomparens at 616-551-4038 or visit the school’s Relay For Life website at www.RelayForLife.org/Bloomingdalefl.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Family Owned and Operated for 30 Years
New Brandon-Based Team Helps Local Families Facing Homelessness
By Kate Quesada
Metropolitan the family stress Ministries is known and make strides in the Tampa Bay towards self-suffiarea for helping ciency. The prothousands of famigram’s goals are to lies facing homehelp the children lessness every achieve success at year. One of the school and to stabigroup’s lesser lize the family life known programs, by reducing stress First Hug, helps and providing the children of resources, tools these families and and education that Metropolitan Ministries recently opened a recently expanded nine-person Brandon area office to help fami- also lead to conto the Brandon nection with job lies facing homelessness. area. and home placement services where According to Sandra Gonzalez, appropriate. Supervisor of Family Advocates for “Our specialists and advocates can Metropolitan Ministries, the charity decid- come to the family and see where they ed to open an office in Brandon late last need help,” said Gonzalez. “Once we year after noticing a large number of sign on with a family, we meet weekly, referrals coming from the area. face-to-face to help with issues from child “The First Hug Program has been a developmental screenings to aid in findsuccessful one for us for more than five ing safe living environments.” years,” said Karrie Roller, Vice President Since opening in January, the of Case Management for Metropolitan Brandon office has received 71 referrals Ministries. “We felt strongly that with the and has already started helping 34 familarge number of people expressing interlies with many more pending. Specialists est in the program from the Brandon are bilngual and can help English and area that it would be beneficial to Spanish speaking families. become immersed in the community and The program is supported by a grant base a team there.” from the Hillsborough County Children’s First Hug is a child-centered program Board, but donations and volunteers are for families with children from birth to always needed. Residents with expertise middle school age who are homeless or in financial, credit counseling and facing homelessness. Families referred employment areas are especially needed to the program, either through schools, to offer bootcamps and classes for other agencies or self-identification, meet clients working towards stabilization. with a mobile team of family and child To learn more about the program, advocates to establish a plan to reduce visit www.metromin.org or call 385-4016.
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Volume 14, Issue 3
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Brandon Native Serves Aboard GuidedMissile Cruiser In Pearl Harbor
By Chief Specialist Erica R. Gardner, Navy Communications
A Brandon native class in under four and 2014 Armwood years. High School graduate “I am proud is serving in the U.S. because of the Navy aboard the guidconstant grind that ed-missile cruiser, includes taking the USS Port Royal. second class exam Petty Officer 2nd four times,” said Class Teairra Simone Richards. Richards has served A Navy cruiser in the Navy for four is a multi-mission years and is a U.S. ship that can operNavy fire controlman ate independently aboard guided-missile or as part of a largcruiser operating out er group of ships at of Pearl Harbor, sea. It is equipped Hawaii. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd with a vertical As a Navy fire Class Brian T. Glunt launching system, controlman, Richards Petty Officer 2nd Class Teairra Simone, a tomahawk missiles, native of Brandon, is a U.S. Navy fire conis responsible for trolman aboard the guided-missile cruiser torpedoes, guns operating and mainand a phalanx operating out of Pearl Harbor. taining combat and weapons systems, close-in weapons systems. missile systems and gunfire control sysBeing stationed in Pearl Harbor tems. He credits success in the Navy to means Richards is serving in a part of the many of the lessons learned in Brandon. world taking on a new importance in “I was taught to take every day and America’s focus on rebuilding military task one day at a time," said Richards. readiness, strengthening alliances and "Also as long as you work hard and stay reforming business practices in support of true to yourself, success will come your the National Defense Strategy. way.” “Our priorities center on people, Approximately 300 men and women capabilities and processes, and will be serve aboard the ship. According to Navy achieved by our focus on speed, value, officials, their jobs are highly specialized results and partnerships,” said Secretary and keep each part of the cruiser running of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. smoothly. “Readiness, lethality and modernization Though there are many ways for are the requirements driving these priorisailors to earn distinction in their comties.” mand, community and career, Richards is The Navy has been pivotal in helping most proud of being promoted from a maintain peace and stability in the Pacific seaman recruit to a petty officer second region for decades.
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The Cuban Sandwich Festival Will Fill You With Culture And Food The eighth annual International Cuban Sandwich Festival returns to Ybor City this year on Saturday and Sunday, March 30-31. Hispanic music will expand for miles as aromas of authentic Hispanic food seep through the air. Cheer on as vendors try to take the title and create the longest Cuban sandwich – the title currently belongs to the Kissimmee festival when a 170 ft. long sandwich was built. This event celebrates the rich culture and history behind the iconic Cuban sandwich. “We created this in 2012 in Ybor. This is Cuban sandwich culture but it isn’t only celebrating Cubans. We celebrate Italian’s and German Jew’s culture as well. Cubans brought [the sandwich] to us. [Starting] in Key West, tobacco workers would bring their ‘Mixto’ – sandwich made with leftover pork. When Italians migrated and opened up their delis, they added salami. And German Jews added the mustard, Swiss cheese and pickles,” said co-organizer Victor Padilla. Together with his wife Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla, they came up with the idea to start a Cuban Sandwich Festival. “Since 2012, this event has been very blessed and very well supported.
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[People] come from everywhere. [It’s] loved by everyone. People love to come and eat Cuban sandwiches and drink, digest and eat some more,” Padilla said. “Thousands of people come. We can get anywhere between 10 to 25,000 [people].” You can look forward to salsa dancers, live performers and groups like Orchestra Fuego, Sol Caribe, Vaya DJ Johnnie Rivera and food and jewelry vendors. On Saturday, you can watch the longest Cuban sandwich be made and then be distributed to the homeless. This year, there will be a Cuban sandwich showdown for kids that aspire to be chefs, but do not have the best circumstances in their lives. The winners get cash prizes. For the main Cuban sandwich showdown, the winner not only gets the title of Best Cuban Sandwich, but a ‘golden ticket’ to the World Food Championship. Catch the action beginning on Saturday, March 30 at Centro Asturiano de Tampa, 1913 N. Nebraska Ave. and Sunday, March 31, at Centennial Park in Historic Ybor. This family event is free and pet friendly. For VIP tickets or more information, visit ilovecubansandwiches.com.
March 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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813-651-3266 corbincoin@verizon.net Mon-Fri 9am - 4pm Sat 9am - 1pm
Pet Vaccination Clinic At Kim’s Natural Pets
Saturday, April 6; 2-3 p.m. Kim’s Natural Foods – 2110 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico EZ Pet Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic Call 684-3663 to confirm.
Master Gardener Library Program: Right Plant In The Right Place
Bloomingdale Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico Wednesday, April 3; 6:30-8 p.m. – Wonderful Begonias Learn about different varieties of begonias and how to use them in your yard. Discover the history of this wonderful plant and propagating strategies. Presentation from Master Gardener Susan Jewell. Wednesday, May 1 – Edible Flowers Learn what types of flowers are edible. Take home some basic recipes that you can use to start cooking with flowers. Presentation from Master Gardeners Richard Seedroff and Barbara Glotzback. Bring plant or other gardening item for fun Plant Swap. Email Richard@seedroff.com or call 303-638-3917 for more info.
Social Security Benefits Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Thursday, April 4, Tuesday, April 16, Thursday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 21 at 5:45 p.m. Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking your Social Security benefits; perfect for ages 58-67. The HCC campus at the Regent, 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave message after 4:30 p.m.
Gardening Classes
Kerby’s Nursery and Landscaping, 2311 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner Saturday, March 30; 10 a.m. – Growing Roses in Florida Pick the right roses for your garden and learn all the tools of the trade to help you grow fresh, fragrant bouquets of gorgeous roses. Saturday, April 13; 10 a.m. - Butterfly Gardening If you want your garden to be filled with butterflies this year, come to this free seminar to learn about the best plants for attracting nature's little miracle.
2019 Bay Area Renaissance Festival At MOSI
Weekends through March 31; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Rain or Shine) Battle Axe Pub, Living Unicorn, Giant Puppet Troupe, Bow Blast, Armored Joust, Aerial Act. Discounted tickets are at Circle K and BayAreaRenFest.com.
Congregation Beth Shalom
Shabbat Services – Fridays; 7:30 p.m. at 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. All welcome. Call 681-6547.
Master Gardener Plant Clinics
Riverview Library, 10509 Riverview Dr. Tuesday, April 2; 6:30 p.m. - Veggies in the Landscape –Speaker: Harriet Gord-Noghani Incorporate vegetables in small and unique places in your garden. Learn what types grow best here. Tuesday, May 7; 6:30 p.m. – Open Forum with Master Gardeners. A panel of Master Gardeners will be available to answer your landscape questions. Class participants encouraged to bring samples and questions for group discussion. Call 273-3652 for more information.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
ic t u e p a r The , Job Fair er … t h g u a L e & MMoicrhelle Colesanti,
Job Fair
Plan to attend a Job Fair on Thursday, April 4 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the City Buffett, 790 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. (Parsons Ave. & MLK) ed by com in Seffner. Compil spreyobserver. e@o ll e h Now hiring – IT, ic m Technology, Instructions, Admin, Customer Service, Drivers and more. Free resume review and writing classes, free use of on-site Laughter Yoga: Laugh For The Health computers to complete job applications. One Blood will be on site for blood donaOf It tions. Learn how therapeutic laughter benAdmission and parking are free. For efits our physical and mental well-being the list of job opportunities, visit www.redby attending ‘Laughter Yoga: Laugh for carpetusa.us. For more information, call the Health of It!’ on Thursday, March 943-8583. 28 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dr. Tanya Gold, MD, a family physician and integrative Garage Sale Benefits Lions Club medical doctor who is also certified as a The Brandon Lions Club is holding a laughter yoga leader and registered yoga Garage Sale on Saturday, March 23 from instructor, will explain the many health 8 a.m. to 12 Noon at its benefits of clubhouse, 610 Limona Rd. laughter yoga in Brandon. Proceeds will such as reducbe used for Lions Club ing stress, projects around the state strengthening and within the Brandon the immune sysarea. You just never know tem and lessenwhat ‘treasure’ you might ing pain. This find. interactive workThe Lions Club has shop will show been recognized as one of you how to the very few organizations laugh even if which donate 100 percent you do not feel of money received from like it. Choosing fundraising projects. to laugh is a tool Dr. Tanya Gold, MD to add to your medical toolbox. Women’s Successful Living RISE UP The workshop, held at The Bridges, 11350 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview, is Retreat free to attend. Space is limited. Call The third annual Women’s Janet at 413-8900 to reserve your seat. Successful Living RISE UP Retreat will take place from Friday, April 5 to Sunday,
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April 7 with the option to spend an additional night of pampering, offering a variety of events including wine tasting, mediation yoga, breakout sessions and insight from local and national inspirational speakers. The event is for women ages 25-50 who are looking to make changes in life. Speakers include Geneva Maresma, founder of Hearts and Heels Connection Networking Group for women; Angela Dileone, author of Secrets of a She Boss as well as owner of VIP Beauty Mobile Hair & Makeup; Tiffany Ann Beverlin, creator of Dreams Recycled; and Andrea Williams, CEO of Glow Girl Publication & Company, founder of the The Empress Magazine,fFounder of the International She Boss Movement and host of Glow Girl Diaries Podcast, a platform dedicated to queens building their empire. Tickets are available at https://riseretreat.eventbrite.com. More information is available at www.womenssuccessfulliving.com. Ticket includes entry to all activities, breakout sessions, lodging food and drinks.
Coin Club Hosts Coin & Currency Show
The Brandon Coin Club Inc., a 501(c)(7) nonprofit organization, is pleased to announce its next Coin & Currency Show on Saturday, March 30 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Brandon Elks Lodge #2383, located at 800 Centennial Lodge Dr. in Brandon. There will be 30 dealers/45 tables – Free American Silver Eagle. Admission and parking are free. Free coin grab
Volume 14, Issue 3
bags for all children under 12. Food will be available on site. There are free appraisals and door prizes. ICG Grading Service will be in attendance and offering free verbal opinions and $10 slabbing. For more information, contact Jack Laci at 352-777-6073 or brandoncoinclub@yahoo.com.
Annual Friends And Flea Event
The spring Friends and Flea will be held Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6 under the sprawling oak trees at the 10acre Patterson Farm, 2706 Ranch Rd. (off Durant Rd.). There will be over 20 vendors with antiques, vintage, shabby chic, collectibles, furniture and other treasures. Smokin Gypsy BBQ will be open, along with baked goods and freshly squeezed lemonade. The gates will open promptly at 8:30 a.m. and close at 4 p.m.
Barns & Beer Craft Beer Festival Benefits Old McMicky's Farm Foundation Old McMicky’s a beautiful, classic farm with a big red barn and brand new Sky Lodge set on a picturesque 40-acre lake at 9612 Crescent Dr. in Odessa, is hosting a Barns & Beer Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, April 13. Enjoy over 100 kinds of the best craft beers and wine with great entertainment, great food and friends. Proceeds also benefit WoundedVets.org. Soul Circus Cowboys, voted best country band in the area, will entertain. Purchase Tickets and see details at Facebook.com/BarnsandBeer.
March 2019
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Community Roundtable Celebrates 60 Year Honorary Mayor Tradition At Awards Dinner
By Kathy L. Collins
This year, the School, were both Community awarded a $1,000 Roundtable celescholarship. brated 60 years of Vodopich the time-honored thanked all of the tradition of the Honorary Mayors Honorary Mayor of and said, "This Brandon. All past scholarship would Honorary Mayors not be possible withwere honored and out your efforts." recognized at the Kanarek said, "I realScholarship Winners - (Parents) Ines & dinner. The ‘race’ is Mark ized how much kindKanarek, Adriana Kanarek, (Parents) held each June, Cindy & Denver Vodopich, Paige Vodopich ness has an impact and the candidate on people. who raises the most Participating in the money for local noncommunity gives you profits ‘wins.’ a feeling like no In addition to other." honoring fellow citiThe Non-Profit of zens who were the Year was awardnamed Honorary ed to Family Promise Mayor of Brandon, of Hillsborough the Community County. Roundtable awardThis organization Non-Profit of the Year was Family ed scholarships and serves homeless Promise - Lisa Rodriguez, Edwina several awards at families and children. Reddick, Deborah Humphrey the dinner. They have assisted 720 people to get In announcing the recipients of this back on their feet by providing safe and year's High School Scholarships, Janine sustainable housing as well as long-lastNickerson, President of the Community ing employment. Roundtable, said, "The future of the comTheir motto is ‘Every child deserves a munity is in the hands of the youth. To home.’ celebrate students who support local nonThe Alice B. Tompkins Community profits by volunteering countless hours, Service Award was given to Coach Tony we give out scholarships. This year, for Saladino, who has served the Greater the first time, we are pleased to Brandon community for over 60 years. announce two winners." Saladino said, "I accept this in honor Paige Vodopich, a senior at of my wife and my family. It is always Bloomingdale High School, and Adriana special to receive an award in your comKanarek, a senior at Newsome High munity given by your community."
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Page 10
Volume 14, Issue 3
4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Old Sweetbay Finally Finds A Fit With New Charter School
By Brad Stager
Where Valrico cusdating about 50 tomers once shopped classrooms and for food to put on the office space. table a new tuition-free A large part of public charter school is the school’s footprint taking shape to nourish will be the parking young minds. lot. Aguilar said they Navigator are working with trafAcademy of fic engineers to use Leadership, a K-8 its 110-vehicle capacschool with a SMART ity to mitigate potenAn old Sweetbay store is being curriculum emphasizing transformed to a new charter school tial congestion on in Valrico. science, math, art, Bloomingdale Ave. reading and technology with an expected and Bell Shoals Rd. due to school trafenrollment of about 1,000 students, will fic. be housed in the long-vacant 58,505 sq. As a Hillsborough County district ft. former Sweetbay supermarket at 1101 public charter school, Navigator Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico just east of Academy follows state mandated stanBell Shoals Rd. dards in curriculum content and assessThe conversion is being done by ment. Students will take standardized MG3 Developer Group of Hollywood, tests, but preparation for those exams Florida. MG3 has developed several are not the school’s focus, according to charter school projects throughout the Ivan Hernandez, who works with Aguilar state, including BridgePrep Academy of to manage the academy’s academics. Riverview. “They will not be taught to the test,” According to Melissa Prado Aguilar, he said. “We believe in asking not ‘are who is part of the educational services you teaching it,’ but ‘are the students provider team for the school, the end learning?’” he said. result of the transition from an unused The curriculum also includes art supermarket will be a high-quality facility and music instruction to complement appropriate for education when it opens technology offerings that range from in the fall. robotics to space exploration. “It allows us to repurpose a building The school’s location will help fulfill that’s been a hidden eyesore,” she said the educational needs of the growing of the property that has been unoccunumber of families in the area, said pied since 2009. “There’s been a lot of Aguilar. due diligence by the developer for this.” “It seems parents in this area want Most of the work involves changing choice.” the interior space from one containing For more information,visit navigatorashelves and display cases to accommo- cademyvalrico.com or call 863-866-7566.
MerchantSide Marketing Group Makes Marketing Easy For Businesses When it comes to marketing, most startups think advertising their business on social media is enough. In fact, it is one of the most common mistakes made by startups. “Asking and only asking on their social media channel. They think they can go to Facebook and tell their followers to give them a call. They either use just social media or just outright do no marketing at all. They need to demonstrate expertise,” the CEO of MerchantSide Marketing Group, Isham Harris, said. Harris has been the CEO of MerchantSide since 2015. He started in the marketing world when he owned three companies. He found he was spending a fortune on marketing companies and figured “Hey, I’m a smart guy, I could figure this out,” and began doing his own marketing. MerchantSide deals with five areasbof marketing: Building websites, search engine marketing, social media marketing, content and branding. Search engine marketing and building websites are the best known services. “Our process is really tailored to those services and clients. We only target specific target types. We do a complete and thorough analysis. Google, social, everything. Then we tell them how to fix it themselves or how much it will be to hire us. Once they decide to work with us, we send them questionnaires to understand what they want and like,” he said. “We handle a lot of [their marketing]
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for them. We can give them a complementary logo redesign if needed. We go through their branding materials, messaging and their overall look. Primarily, we give them more people and increase their conversion of people interested to people who actually buy their product or service.” The clients are primarily businesses that provide a service. Dentists, lawyers and plumbers are all examples. He tries to stick with businesses that are already established because he wants to ensure a positive return on the businesses’ investments. Harris also said moreestablished businesses are less prone to making marketing mistakes. “They have an understanding. When [established businesses] come to me, they have made the other mistakes first and they now understand that they need to do something new to acquire new clients. I think a lot of startups are focused on trying to break even or get out of the red then an established business that realizes it has been plateauing and is looking for new revenue.” MerchantSide has been recognized for its success in the past. In 2018, Harris won best CEO and MerchantSide won best graphic designer. Creative Loafing awarded them Best of the Bay also in 2018 and 2017. The Chamber of Commerce also awarded them Business of the Year last year. MerchantSide Marketing is located at 650 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. Visit https://merchantside.com/.
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Page 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
New Affordable Garden-Style Apartments Coming To Brandon Area
By Libby Hopkins
“We are very active in state and local housing coalitions as well,” Wilson said. “Blue Sky Communities is a developer of multifamily affordable housing using the Federal Housing Sabal Parking in Brandon will soon be home to a new affordable, gar- Credits proden-style apartment community. Blue Sky Communities broke ground gram. Blue on the Preserve at Sabal Park this past February. Sky is also a Sabal Park in Brandon will soon be home to a new affordable, garden-style apartment community. Blue Sky Communities broke ground on the Preserve at Sabal Park in February. The Preserve will be a sixleading advocate for helping nonprofbuilding, three-story, garden-style it groups reach their affordable houshousing community consisting of 48 ing goals by developing state-of-theone-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and art, environmentally sound, afford24 three-bedroom units totaling able housing units.” Through partnerapproximately 138,912 sq. ft. All ships, Blue Sky helps these groups apartments will be equipped with a by developing neighborhood assets kitchen, bathroom(s), and storage that stakeholders can be proud of for closets. Amenities include a commudecades. “To date, Blue Sky has nity building, playground, pool and developed over 1,000 units of affordfree parking. able housing units,” Wilson said. “The Sabal Park location has “Additionally, we have over 550 more been awarded nine percent Lowunits in the pipeline for 2018-2019. Income Housing Tax Credits,” said These communities include housing Blue Sky Communities’ President, for the homeless and disabled Shawn Wilson. “It will use the proVeterans. Blue Sky’s principles have ceeds of the sale of these credits, lived in Florida for more than 50 estimated at $20M, as the primary years. Blue Sky understands the source of funding for its developimportance of development funding ment.” In addition, a Bank Loan of being spent locally for the benefit of $5M from Citi Community Capital of local businesses and residents.” $112K finances the development Blue Sky will provide brand-new from Hillsborough County, $439K apartment homes with all modern from the Hillsborough HFA and conveniences as well as a large club$1.25M from Florida Housing house and pool for less than $500 for Finance Corporation. some units; although, most units will Shawn Wilson and James be in the $800 range. This ensures Chadwick formed Blue Sky that families have adequate disposCommunities in 2012. Since its forable income to save or to spend at mation, it has been awarded funding local establishments.” from Florida Housing Finance Visit Corporation for 14 developments. www.blueskycommunities.com.
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Page 12
Volume 14, Issue 3
4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Winthrop Arts To Host Silent Disco To Support The Arts This April
By Kathy L. Collins
Winthrop called the Winthrop Arts will hold its Arts Mobile Art first fundraising Factory. This is a event this April. program that proSilent Disco will vides free art classbe held on es to children who Saturday, April live in Wimauma 13 from 8 to 11 and Ruskin. What p.m. at The makes the Barn in Winthrop Arts Winthrop Arts will hold Silent Disco on Saturday, Mobile Art Factory Winthrop, April 13 at The Barn at Winthrop. located at unique is that art 11349 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. instruction is taken to the children. Tickets start at $30. Supply is limited. Currently, Winthrop Arts partners with Tickets to this 21 and older event can be Wimauma Elementary and Hispanic purchased at Eventbrite and through the Services Council in Wimauma to offer the Winthrop Arts website at free art classes. www.winthroparts.org. Hamilton said, “Winthrop Arts is a Silent Disco requires dancers to wear community-based arts organization that wireless headsets that pick up music has evolved over time from simply preinstead of a sound system. This allows senting an annual arts festival to a fully attendees to choose from three DJ stafunctioning community arts organization. tions at the switch of a button. Listeners We offer fine arts classes at the Art will only hear the music they selected Factory in Riverview for both adults and being played on their headset. This children. Each summer, we offer several makes for a personalized and fun experione-week summer camps. The Mobile Art ence. Factory is our outreach program, and of In addition to the music, there will be course we continue to present the signaa cash bar and food trucks. ture Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Matthew Hamilton, President of the Market.” Winthrop Arts Board of Visionaries said, The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts “In deciding on what should be our first Festival and Market will be held on fundraiser, we wanted to bring a fun Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March event that has been taking place in down- 31 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in Winthrop town Tampa out to East Hillsborough Common, located behind Boca and County.” Organizations such as the Ciccio’s in beautiful Winthrop in Tampa Museum of Art and the Florida Riverview. Aquarium have had similar events. For information on Silent Disco and Proceeds from Silent Disco will help all that Winthrop Arts has to offer, visit fund a Winthrop Arts outreach program www.winthroparts.org or call 758-5161.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Center Place Will Hold Its 35th Annual Patron Party This April
By Kathy L. Collins
Center Place will have generations hold its 35th Annual of families attendPatron Party- Paint ing our art classes The Town-Passport and children’s live To The Arts- on theatre.” Saturday, April 27 All of this beginning at 7 p.m. at would not be posCenter Place in sible without the Brandon. This will be generous support fun evening that supof the comports the arts locally. munity. You Come support Lisa Rodriguez, can help susCenter Place Marketing Manager tain Center and help it confor Center Place said, tinue to provide Place and its program“Each year, the theme arts four decades ming for the community by attending their of our party changes of service to the 35th Annual Patron Party. Your cruise to paradise awaits! to make it a special community by evening for those who support the arts. becoming an Art Patron Member or, even This year, our venue will be transformed better, by becoming a sponsor. into a cruise ship theme (Passport to the Rodriguez explained, “As a Patron Arts). We will stop at different tropical Member or sponsor, you will receive disports, making it A Night In Paradise for counts on art classes and theatre proour guests.” Rodriguez added, “Your itinductions.” erary for the night will include dinner from So, put on your best cruise attire the galley, tropical drinks, entertainment (from shorts and sandals to ball gowns and our spectacular silent auction for and tuxedoes) and enjoy an evening your shopping pleasure. Enjoy a filled with fun. In addition to a delicious Captain’s Dinner with onboard seating for meal, tropical drinks and entertainment, all, complete with open bar, cruisin’ style you can partake in Center Place’s music and entertainment.” famous silent auction. Rodriguez said, This is Center Place’s biggest annual “Our auction committee works yearfundraiser. Center Place has been proround getting wonderful items donated moting and teaching arts in the Greater such as beautiful art, gift baskets, sports Brandon area for 42 years. Rodriguez items and gift cards from restaurants and said, “Our Art Center depends on the other local businesses.” generosity of our community in order to For more information and to get tickkeep our doors open with a variety of art ets to the 35th Annual Patron Party, programs for children and adults. Our 42 please visit years of promoting and teaching the arts www.centerplacebrandon.org/specialin our community speaks for itself. We events.aspx or call 685-8888.
Impact’s Got Talent Show & Program Offers Great Opportunities For Teens
By Amanda Boston
Mark your callifestyle choices. endar for Friday, Kagey continApril 12 for the fifth ued, “Last year, our annual Impact’s Summer Staff proGot Talent. gram reached over Impact’s fundraiser, 750 students and based off the 28 site locations in NBC’s television Hillsborough and show America’s Polk County over Got Talent, showthe summer at area cases singers, Boys & Girls Clubs, Pictured is last year’s grand prize winner dancers and musiYMCA's, Parks & Jennifer Manangan, a 9th grader at Wharton high school. cians and more. Recreation Centers The festivities will be held at and other community organizations.” Bloomingdale High School and will kick Impact lives up to its name as Nick off at 6:30 p.m. as students of all Lazaro, a senior at Newsome ages take the stage to vie for the High school explained, “Impact $250 grand prize. Additionally, has helped me personally first and second place trophies because it allowed me to will be awarded in each categobecome more confident in my ry. The event will also hold a ability to speak in public. 50/50 raffle along with its highly-anticipatThrough my time in the program, ed silent auction. I made lasting friendships and will never Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are forget my time being an Impact summer $10 per person and can be purchased staffer.” online at Eventbrite or at the door. All tickImpact receives its funding from the et sales benefit the Impact program. Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Angie Kagey, the founder and execu- local pregnancy centers, individuals, tive director of the nonprofit explained its churches, businesses and fundraising mission, "Impact educates and empowers events. On Thursday, October 3, Impact teens to make healthy choices by avoidwill hold its annual Celebration Dinner at ing high-risk behavior." The Regent in Riverview. The nonprofit tackles tough subjects For more information on Impact, like drugs, alcohol and sex through clubs, visit www.whatisimpact.com or its classrooms, its Summer Staff program, Facebook page @whatisimpact. For furcamps and more. Impact’s Summer Staff ther questions or to become an event is eight-week program, where a group of sponsor, contact Angie Kagey at selected students perform comedic skits akagey@whatisimpact.com or 264-9368. that touch on powerful subjects and Bloomingdale High School is located at encourage abstinence and healthy 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.
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Page 14 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 3
Tandoor Indian Cuisine Brings Exotic Indian Culinary Delights To Brandon
By Libby Hopkins
It is often said rant has this dish, but that, “Behind the the way we make it, to success of every be honest, I do not small business, think I’ve had it anythere is a family.” where else,” Beulah This statement said. “The way we best describes make it here is so rich Tandoor Indian and creamy and full of Cuisine in flavor.” Brandon, a familyMany people who owned and operathave not tried Indian ed restaurant. “My food are often scared parents opened to because they think it Tandoor Indian Cuisine in Brandon is a is too spicy. Beulah and the restaurant in local, family-owned restaurant located at November of 2008 her family are aware of 805 E. Brandon Blvd. with no restaurant or business experithis, so they give their guests options for ence,” said Keziah Beulah, restaurant how spicy they can have their food. “If manager. “My mom has always loved to you have never tried Indian food because cook and would cook for friends and fami- you think it might be too spicy, we have ly. People would always tell my mom how many items on our menu that are not good of a cook she is, so my parents spicy at all,” Beulah said. “Most of our went forward with the idea to open a menu, you can choose the spice level restaurant to share their cooking.” that you would like (mild, medium, hot or Tandoor Indian Cuisine opened when Indian).” Beulah was a junior in high school. Beulah and her family are strong “When they had the idea of opening the supporters of shopping local as well. “We restaurant more than 10 years ago, there know the struggle of being a local busiwere not any Indian restaurants in the ness and how much hard work needs to Brandon area,” Beulah said. be put in to survive,” Beulah said. “The Being a family-owned and operated amount of work my parents put into the restaurant is what makes Tandoor Indian restaurant just reminds me that shopping Cuisine different from some of the other local is better for our community and it Indian restaurants in the area. “We ourcan also help out a lot of people.” selves eat there a lot and we want to Visit www.tandoorbrandon.com or make sure the food we eat is of the best call Beulah at 654-7300. It is located at quality,” Beulah said. “So, the products 805 E. Brandon Blvd. The hours of operathat we use for our guests are the same tion for lunch are Monday to Saturday we are using for ourselves.” from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner hours are Chicken Tikka Masala is their most Monday to Saturday 4–9 p.m. The popular dish. “Almost every Indian restau- restaurant is closed on Sundays.
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March 2019
Page 15
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Community Gathers To Raise Funds, Awareness At Moving Day Tampa Bay, A Walk For Parkinson’s The Parkinson’s Foundation (PF) will host its annual Moving Day Tampa Bay, A Walk for Parkinson’s on Saturday, April 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 Noon at the University of South Florida campus in Tampa. It is one of more than 40 grassroots events taking place across the country this year. Funds raised through Moving Day will support cutting edge Team Tomahawk is hosting Pizza for research and commu- Parkinson’s at Bloomingdale Pizza. Stop in between March 25-28 and the team nity programs to will receive 10 percent back from your improve the lives of purchase. people with Parkinson’s disease and their families. Tampa Bay is a celebration of One million Americans are living movement featurwith Parkinson’s, with 60,000 people ing a kids’ area, a newly diagnosed each year. Moving caregivers’ relaxDay Tampa Bay is a fun and inspiring ation tent and a fundraising event that unites the community in the fight against Parkinson’s. special Movement Since 2011, Moving Day events across Pavilion with the country have raised more than $17 yoga, dance, Tai Chi, Pilates and million to improve care and advance other activities— research toward a cure. all proven to help “Moving Day is fun, it is great manage exercise and it’s educational,” said Parkinson’s sympMegan Willard, Community toms. Development Manager. “But mostly, Ed Robaczs of Valrico, who has the support of the community enables been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and us to continue to make meaningful improvements in the lives of those with is participating in this year’s walk, said, “It means the world to see my friends Parkinson’s.” More than just a walk, Moving Day and neighbors coming out to bring
attention to the Parkinson’s community. Living each day with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but better treatments, programs and research make all the difference. This event always gives me hope and reminds me I’m not alone.” Funds raised through Moving Day support the Parkinson’s Foundation national mission by delivering expert care to more than 100,000 people living with Parkinson’s funding cutting edge research to advance toward a cure and providing free resources for people
living with Parkinson’s and their families. To register and to donate, visit www.movingdaytampabay.org for more details. If your company would like to sponsor or exhibit, contact
By Monique Levy
Megan Willard at 940-7246 or mwillard@parkinson.org Members from the surrounding Valrico/FishHawk community are doing their part to help raise money for the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day Tampa Bay, hosting fundraising events during the month of March. On Thursday, March 7, Team Rock Steady Boxing of FishHawk Ranch is hosting a Charity Bingo Night at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co., located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., beginning at 7 p.m. Donation to play Bingo for prizes is $20. There will be a food truck, raffles and of course beer. Contact Kathy at fishhawk@rsbaffliate.com. On Thursday, March 21, Team Move it for Phil is hosting Bingo & Brews at Leaven Brewing, located at 11238 Boyette Rd., beginning at 6:30 p.m. The donation to play Bingo for prizes is $15. Enjoy live music, food truck, raffles and local brews. For more information, contact Monique at Monique.monaco@addicted2events.com. From Monday to Thursday, March 25-28, Team Tomahawk is hosting Pizza for Parkinson’s at Bloomingdale Pizza, located at 4334 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico. Mention Team Tomahawk when you dine in or take out lunch or dinner between those days and 10 percent of your bill will be donated to Moving Day Tampa Bay. For more information, feel free to contact skrobaczs@yahoo.com.
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Page 16 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 3
March 2019
teers, n u l o V y Ba Feed The urnament, Golf To Festival & onal Internati ore… M lesanti, lle Co y Miche r.com b d e il p Com observe @osprey michelle
8th Annual International Festival At The Village Early Learning Center
Students at The Village Early Learning Center study and celebrate cultural diversity as well as what it means to be a citizen in today’s global community. They learn to honor what makes people different and appreciate the many things we have in common with love, respect and acceptance. The International Festival, which will take place on Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., is an extension of this learning, and the school welcomes friends and community members to join in for this free event. All children in attendance will receive a new book to take home. There is a stage with live entertainment beginning at 10 a.m. and a food truck on campus for the event. Tour the classrooms and visit displays outside, which are decorated to represent countries from around the world. You’ll even have a passport; do not forget to get it stamped as you travel the globe. Country displays include history, customs, fun
Page 17
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
facts, crafts and even food. Volunteers are also needed to help at the event. If you would like to help or want to learn more about this special day, please contact Paul or Sara Anton at ps@lucidnight.com or the VFF at thevillagefamilyfoundation@gmail.com. The Village Early Learning Center is located at 3741 Canoga Park Dr. in Brandon.
Help Feed The Bay Fill Food Pantries
Since its inception in 2006, Feed the Bay has collected nearly two million pounds of food for pantries of local food banks and community agencies. The multi-church effort provides a practical way for area churches to demonstrate God's love by serving as the Hands and Feet of Jesus. Feed the Bay will be held on Sunday, March 31 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. You can help fill the gap by replenishing pantries as a volunteer or shopper. Feed the Bay partners with Publix Super Markets who offer shoppers a convenient grocery list with the requested food items. After the shopper purchases the food, volunteers are onsite to collect the food and load it onto trailers. Volunteers are not only needed to load trucks at the Publix Super Markets but are necessary to drive the trailers as well as unload and sort the food at the local agencies. For those who wish to volunteer, you must be at least 14 years old,
but children are welcome to participate alongside a parent. To volunteer or see a list of participating Publix Super Markets, churches and agencies; visit www.feedthebay.org. If you are unable to participate during the event but still want to contribute, gift cards from any supermarket may be dropped off at the Bay Life Church office. For questions, contact Melanie Langston from Bay Life Church at mlangston@baylife.org.
St. Joseph Day Italian Festa
The Sons & Daughters of Italy is hosting a St. Joseph’s Day Italian Festa on Sunday, March 31 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 3315 W. Lemon St. in Tampa. The Festa features food from local restaurants and entertainment, such as Italian folk dancing, tenors singing opera favorites – including Andrew Arena (who has a sign on the Tampa Riverwalk) -- a Punch and Judy puppet show, Italian karaoke, continuously playing Italian opera on TV and a presentation on Italian Renaissance art. Festa attendees can light a votive candle at the elaborately decorated St. Joseph table. The Tampa Rough Riders and Ye Loyal Grace O’Malley Krewe will be handing out beads.
Admission costs $5. Food tickets are sold in $1 increments. The Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge #1251 is named La Nuova Sicilia Unita. It is the largest and oldest Sons of Italy Lodge in Florida. Now in its 96th year, the Lodge supports a range of charities, and awards scholarships to graduating seniors of Tampa-area high schools.
Golf Tournament Benefits Foster Teens In Tampa Bay
Grow Into You Foundation, Inc. (GIYF) will host its third annual golf tournament on Saturday, March 30. Join in and help the foster teens of Tampa Bay. Play your best so that they can have a chance to be their best. Registration and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and play at 1 p.m. at Summerfield Crossings Golf and Country Club, 13050 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview. It is also looking for donors as hole sponsors and to help provide goods and services for raffles. Entry fee includes lunch and dinner, snacks on the course, gift bags, chances to win raffles and contests and fun at every hole. Early bird registration is $125 per golfer or $150 day of tournament. Early bird foursome is $400 or
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Estate Planning Wills & Trusts Powers of Attorney Guardianship Probate
Page 18
Volume 14, Issue 3
4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
olf G , e c n e nfer pring o C s ’ n ,S Me t n e m a Tourn rt & More…nti, Conce ichelle Colesa
River Hills Country Club, on Saturday, April 6. Tee off time for the tournament is set for 1 p.m. with dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to by M om c the winning foursome as d r. e e l i v r p bse Com spreyo o well as for Longest Drive @ e ll miche and Closest to the Hole Contests. There are also Hole in One Prizes and a Putting Competition. During dinner, there will be a silent auction, prize rafNondenominational Christian fles and a 50/50 drawing. Men’s Conference For individual and foursome regisChristian Men United (CMU), a tration as well as sponsorship opportunondenominational men’s ministry, will nities, visit our website at www.hiepishold a men’s conference on Saturday, copal.org. All proceeds will benefit the April 6 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at The mission and ministries of Holy Portico, 1001 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa. This year’s conference theme is ENDURE with the purpose of calling men of all races and denominations to spiritually endure life's circumstances. Join us in a time of great worship music, teaching and fellowship. Guest speakers include James Ford, Jr., pastor and author of Treasured Truth Radio, featured on Moody Radio Florida, and Brad Stine, speaker and Christian comedian. Cost is $30 per adult and $20 per youth. Lunch will Innocents’ Episcopal Church. also be provided. More information Annual Submarine Veterans and how to registration can be found Memorial Service at www.ChristianMenUnited.com or by Tang Base of the United States calling 220-5296. Submarine Veterans Inc. (USSVI) will
Golf Scramble And BBQ Hosted By Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church will hold its seventh Annual ‘Best Ball’ Golf Tournament and BBQ dinner at
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Memorial Park, 3602 US Hwy. 301 N. in Tampa. The Service serves to recognize the extreme sacrifice and loss of all U.S. Submarines, both peacetime and wartime. Visitors are welcome to attend and observe this solemn and patriotic service.
Hop On Over To Brandon Christian Women Connections Luncheon
‘A Bunny Hop’ will feature a fun jewelry exchange so bring a nonfavorite piece of jewelry and exchange for something new to you. The Luncheon with entertainment will be on Monday, April 8 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in the Special Event Center, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. The cost is $15 and first time guests pay $10. Please call Lillie at 740-0098 for reservation and more information.
Plant City Community Chorale Annual Spring Concert
The Plant City Community Chorale will present its annual spring concert, Set My Spirit Free, on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be performed at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, 601 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. The Chorale, under the direction of Claudia Bolaño Becerra, will perform several gospel and spiritual
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favorites such as Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho, Take Me to the Water, as well as River in Judea and Wayfaring Stranger. One comedic song – a favorite of the singers – is designed to demonstrate the dynamics used in all modern music. The Women’s Ensemble will perform two songs bound to have you tapping your toes and feeling inspired by the spirit of the Chorale. Tickets are available at www.pccchorale.org from any Chorale member or by calling 965-7213. Advanced tickets are $10. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12 and any student with a student ID.
You Are Invited For Social Dancing Plant City Social Dance will hold a dance on Saturday, April 13, April 20 and April 27 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd. in Plant City. This dance will be social dancing on a 3,000 sq. ft. floating wood floor. Dance to the music by DJ Ken Miller. Social dancing includes slow dances, waltzes, line dances, cha-cha and rumbas, two-step and country slow, swing and freestyle. The cost is $6 a person. No alcohol is to be brought on property. Water and cups are available. Please bring your own snacks and drinks. Visit strawberrysquaredancing.com.
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March 2019
Page 19
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Hillsborough Schools Proposal Creates ‘Spark’ To Attract Teachers To Highest Needs Schools Staff Report
Hillsborough Certified are also Schools know the offered $4,500 per most important factor year, and $1,000 per contributing to student year is available for success is having a teachers through the great classroom ASPIRE program or teacher in front of our as a National Board children. Certified Teacher That is why mentor. Superintendent Jeff Teachers in Tier III Eakins and School schools will Board Members and receive free child care Hillsborough from the district’s Classroom Teachers before- and afterAssociation President school care HOST Rob Kriete stood sideprogram for their chilHillsborough County Schools by-side to dren in K-8th grade. Superintendent Jeff Eakins. propose ‘Spark’, a landmark teacher Teachers in Tier I and II will incentive initiative. The groundbreakreceive 50 percent off child care. ing initiative aims to recruit top talent Hillsborough Schools has approxwho are currently working in our disimately 200 classroom vacancies; the trict, and teachers from outside our majority in Achievement Schools. district, to teach in one of 50 high Superintendent Jeff Eakins and the needs Achievement Schools. It was School Board are making teacher recently approved by the School recruitment and retention a priority to Board. ensure every child has an effective ‘Spark’ is a teacher incentive initeacher leading their class. tiative that will provide substantial The funding for this incentive iniextra pay on top of teachers’ salaries, tiative comes from Title I and SAI along with other benefits. The goal is (Supplemental Academic Instruction) to not only create a spark to encourfunds, which must be used in high age teachers to answer the call in our needs schools. This initiative will put Achievement Schools, but also spark $17 million into the pockets of our the minds of the children they will teachers who work in Achievement influence in the classroom. Schools. This funding does not affect Teachers currently at the money that is used for overall Achievement Schools, and those who teacher salary negotiations, which choose to serve in Achievement comes from other sources. Schools, will be offered incentives Superintendent Jeff Eakins that the district and the teachers believes this will be an incentive for union believe will ultimately pay off many teachers. “We know we need to with greater student achievement out- make a major change that will bring comes. our most experienced teachers to the The incentives for the 2019-2020 children who need them the most. school year will include extra pay up Across the nation, teachers must be to $13,000 per year, $7,500 per year compensated for the incredible work in the highest needs Tier III schools, they do in the classroom. This is the $5,000 per year for Tier II schools first step our district is taking to and $3,600 per year for Tier I ensure teachers across the country schools. see Hillsborough County as the best Teachers who are National Board option for their careers.”
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Page 20
Volume 14, Issue 3
4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Florida Prepaid Scholarships Announced For STEM & Kindergarten Registration Hillsborough Schools announces two new scholarships, worth a combined $9,000, in conjunction with the Florida Prepaid College Program. Visit http://bit.ly/EakinsScholarships for more information about the scholarships. Superintendent Jeff Eakins’ ‘Future of STEM Scholarship’ is a two-year Florida College Plan worth $8,000. It is designed to encourage new teachers in areas with critical shortages. The scholarship will be awarded to a junior or senior student attending Hillsborough Schools who writes a 500-word essay about why they wish to become a teacher in a STEM subject. Superintendent Jeff Eakins’ ‘Preparing Students For Life Scholarship’ is a Florida 529 Savings Plan worth $1,000. It aims to emphasize the importance of registering for school early. A parent or guardian who attends a Kindergarten Countdown event or begins the registration process to enter kindergarten by Yuesday, April 30 for the 2019-20 academic year is eligible. An eligible student’s name will be drawn at random. “We are grateful for these scholarships from the Florida Prepaid College Program,” Eakins said. “With one scholarship for a student preparing for college and one scholarship for a student about to begin their time in school, this is the perfect way to rec-
Staff Report
ognize the entire spectrum of work we do at Hillsborough Schools.” The Florida Prepaid College Program is providing these scholarships as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. “It is so exciting to have this new two-year scholarship for our future STEM teachers in Hillsborough County,” said Larry Plank, the district’s Director of K-12 STEM Education. “This is a valuable reward for one of our best and brightest students, who will inspire the top future students in these subjects.” The kindergarten scholarship is designed to emphasize the importance of getting registered early for school and to help a student entering their school years to be even more prepared for their future. “We’re delighted to have this opportunity for our incoming students,” said Lisa Black, the Kindergarten Supervisor for Hillsborough Schools. “This also just reinforces how important it is for parents to have their children registered for kindergarten before the April 30 deadline.” With a Florida Prepaid Plan, families can lock in future college costs and spread them out over many years. Families can spend less and their child’s college tuition will be waiting for them. Families can pick whichever Prepaid Plan makes sense for their budget.
ALTERATIONS PEST CONTROL
New Sunrise Homes’ Lake Toscana Model Opens Just In Time For Parade Of Homes
Luxury homeMarch 1, just in builder Sunrise time for the 2019 Homes has purParade of chased the Homes. Its physiremaining 91 cal address is homesites in the 5333 Lake Venice 512-acre commuDr. in Wimauma. nity of Lake Two sales Toscana on agents will be Saffold Rd., just serving this comoff U.S. Hwy. 301 munity: Ticha Sunrise Homes’ Monalto furnished model in Wimauma. Fender and Mark home will open in Lake Toscana on March 1. Davis. Nearly all homes will be situated on the communiFender said homebuyers need to ty’s internal waterways and homesites will visit and see all that the community has to range from half to one acre. offer. Sunrise Homes’ owner Ali Hasbini “You could put in your canoe or said the spacious lots, which are rare in kayak and take the Little Manatee River today’s market, will allow residents to all the way out to the bay,” she said. “This play, entertain and enjoy Florida’s incomcommunity allows you to enjoy Florida’s parable weather without feeling hemmed natural beauty.” in. In addition to Lake Toscana, Sunrise “We saw this as a phenomenal Homes also offers its portfolio of residenopportunity to provide our buyers with tial designs at Arbor Breeze in Valrico, affordable luxury homes,” he said. Britt’s Landing in Plant City and Sunrise Homes will offer executive Bridgewater Landing, Canterfield Farm and estate residences priced from the Estates and Hickory Breeze (also sold by mid-$300’s and ranging in size from Chancey), all in Riverview. 2,500 to more than 3,000 sq. ft. of living “It is an exciting time at Sunrise space. However, because Sunrise Homes,” said Hasbini. Homes is a custom builder, any floor plan “We can’t wait to share with our buycan be modified or expanded to a cusers, Lake Toscana…the most beautiful tomer’s specifications. conservation community in Central Community features include expanFlorida,” he said. sive nature areas and walking trails near For information, call 681-8419 or visit the Little Manatee River, a picnic pavilion www.Sunrisehomescorp.com. For more and a large playground. information about Lake Toscana or to The Monalto, a 3,003 sq. ft. decoratschedule an appointment, call Chancey ed model home, will officially open on at 294-3120 or Davis at 941-737-4127.
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Page 21
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Courtesy Toyota Unveils New $30 Million State-Of-The-Art Dealership
By Michelle Caceres
After 21 means less time months and a $30 waiting for our cusmillion investment, tomers,” said Courtesy Toyota of Schepise. “It’s a Brandon, an win-win.” Asbury Automotive Nobody was Group, Inc. compamore impressed ny, celebrated the with the work area grand reopening of than assistant its showroom locatshop foreman ed at 9210 E. Terrence Wilson. A Adamo Drive. The 20-year employee new 91,000 sq. ft. at Courtesy showroom is locat- Courtesy Toyota of Brandon has a new facili- Toyota, he said the ed next door to its ty and improved experience for its customers. changes to the former facility. work environment have increased effiTo mark the occasion, executives ciency and morale. from Southeast Toyota Distributors and Love Toyotas but not the in-showAsbury Automotive Group joined local room experience? Courtesy Toyota has employees to celebrate the opening of rolled out the Push Start online car-buythe state-of-the-art building with a ribbon- ing platform, which provides customers a cutting ceremony that included speeches car-buying experience that allows them by Courtesy Toyota of Brandon general to select the new or used car they want manager Mike Schepise, Asbury CEO to purchase, trade in their old vehicle, David Hult and Southeast Toyota select their lender and terms, sign the Distributors vice president of sales and paperwork using DocuSign and even operations Jim McEachern. have the new purchase delivered to their “These changes are geared toward home. “Our employees are passionate enhancing the customer’s overall experiabout our brand and serving our cusence,” said Schepise. tomers and that is what makes the differImprovements have also been made ence,” said Holt. to employee work areas. Courtesy Toyota of Brandon’s sales Sixty-three air-conditioned technician department is open Monday – Friday 9 bays mean customer vehicles can be a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. serviced more quickly. The parts departand Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Its service ment was constructed closer to the servdepartment is open Monday – Friday 7 ice areas where technicians can easily a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. access needed materials. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. “These changes mean our employVisit www.courtesytoyota.com or call ees can work more efficiently and that 866-429-6135.
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Page 22
Volume 14, Issue 3
4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Feast On New Flavors And Enjoy Entertainment At Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
Staff Report
Foreigner
Boyz II Men Tampa’s premier spring festival returns on Saturday, March 16 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Food & Wine Festival. With more than 35 delicious dishes to pair with over 100 wines, craft brews and cocktails, guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert line-up, including acts for all tastes. The Food & Wine Festival runs weekends from March 16 to April 28 and is included with admission to the park. In addition to returning fan favorites, this year’s menu boasts many daring new flavors inspired by cuisines around the country. Guests can begin their culinary road trip with grilled lamb chops featuring a 15year balsamic drizzle from northern California. Foodies cannot miss mouthwatering Tex-Mex classics like chorizo queso fundido with sweet onions and shishito peppers or grilled elote–the park’s spin on Mexican street corn, featuring cotija cheese and lime crema. Island delights feature flavors of paradise with Hawaiian-inspired delicacies, including a dreamy pineapple upside down cake or Kona-crusted filet mignon with Maui onion butter. Nostalgic guests can
Hunter Hayes even take a trip down memory lane with a visit to the 60th Anniversary cabin, featuring recipes inspired by
The Band Perry wine tastings. The best way to savor and save on everything the festival has to offer is with a Food & Wine Festival
You can enjoy fun foods with daring new flavors as well as great entertainment at Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival, which will run weekends from March 16 through April 28.
historical Busch Gardens’ treats and snacks from decades gone by. This year’s festival features five unique tastings, including returning favorites and new options. Guests can explore exotic spirits at signature vodka, bourbon, ice wine, tequila and sparkling
Sampler. Guests can purchase a 5, 8 or 12-item sampler lanyard to use at each festival cabin to explore samplesized dishes and drink offerings with ease. Pass Members can purchase an exclusive 15-item sampler for the same price as a 12-item sampler.
From country and rock to R&B, the Food & Wine Festival line-up reflects musical genres of all tastes. Fans can book the ultimate festival experience with one of two exclusive VIP packages available for each act, including reserved concert seating and a sampler lanyard. Concert headliners include: Saturday, March 16–Daughtry; Sunday, March 17–The Band Perry; Saturday, March 23–3 Doors Down; Sunday, March 24–Blue Rodeo, Kathleen Edwards and Fred Eaglesmith, featuring Tif Ginn; Saturday, March 30–Justin Moore; Sunday, March 31–El Gran Comb; Saturday, April 06–TBA; Sunday, April 07–Josh Turner; Saturday, April 13, Mighty Mighty Bosstones; Sunday, April 14–Boyz II Men; Friday, April 19– Edwin McCain and Vertical Horizon; Saturday, April 20–Hunter Hayes and Levi Hummo; Sunday, April 21–Mat Kearney; Saturday, April 27–Walk Off the Earth; and Sunday, April 28– Foreigner. For more information about tickets and a complete schedule, visit BuschGardensTampa.com.
March 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 23
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 3
Brandon/Winthrop 29-36
March 2019
Volume 14, Issue 3
TMS Of Central Florida Treats Depression With Noninvasive, Drug Free Treatment
Ph: 657-2418
Riverview, recently were the recipients of a gold medal for TMS of Central Florida is Brandon’s its ‘Cheeky exclusive TMS provider of NeuroStar Blonde’ Ale. It Advanced Therapy for non-invasive, was won at drug-free treatment for depression in Tampa Bay adult patients. TMS is an ‘FDA Beer Week’s Approved’ medical procedure that delivannual ‘Best ers highly focused MRI-strength magFlorida Beer’ netic pulses to noninvasively (without competition. surgery) stimulate the brain and treat Medals major depression. TMS is performed in were a psychiatrist’s office under their superTMS of Central announced at vision while the patient remains awake Florida treats depresan event called and alert. Patients do not require anes- sion in a noninvasive Jillian and KJ Lynch are the owners ‘Brewer’s Ball’ thesia or sedation and return to their drug free way. of Leaven Brewing in Riverview. daily routine immediately after each Their Cheeky Blonde Ale recently hosted at Hispanic-Owned businesses. By won a Gold Medal in a ‘Best Florida Waterworks treatment. using the already cutting edge Beer’ competition. Park in downTMS of Central Florida is owned and technology employed by FRP in town Tampa. operated by three prominent psychiatrists, conjunction with his own life experiences, Jillian said, “Leaven is excited about Charles DeVine, M.D.; Kathleen Carroll, Duran will be able to provide best in class this win, primarily because we focus on M.D.; and Troy Noonan, M.D. To schedservices which has typically been an traditional, brewed to style beers and the ule an appointment, call Sandy Lopez, underserved market. While his talents ‘Cheeky Blonde’ was one of the first craft TMS Coordinator, at 423-7037. will not be captive to Hispanic-Owned beers we introduced to our tap room in businesses only, that will be his emphaRiverview.” New Hispanicsis. Come in to Leaven Brewing, located Owned Business Duran is located at 1434 at 11238 Boyette Rd. in Riverview to try Practice Leader Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. ‘Cheeky Blonde’ Ale or one of its other At Florida Risk Call 888-601-6660 (x 106) or craft beers. Partners visit www.floridariskpartRafael Duran has joined Florida Risk ners.com. MPact Services Inc. Offers Electronic Partners as the Hispanic-Owned Recycling & Disposal Business Practice Leader. After 19 years Leaven Brewing Brings Home Gold Donna and Matt McCarty are the with Enterprise Holdings, he will use his Medal For ‘Cheeky Blonde’ Ale owners of MPact Services, Inc., a familytalents to provide commercial insurance Jillian Lynch and husband KJ Lynch, owned business, catering to small and and risk management solutions to the owners of Leaven Brewing in
large companies by providing a complimentary service to properly and safely dispose of end-of-life electronics. It accepts televisions, telephones, computer equipment, office equipment, audio/visual equipment, household electronics and appliances. It is located at 2632 Causeway Center Dr. in Tampa. Hours are 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. For more information, call 6444996 or visit www.mpactservicesusa.com.
Brandon Chamber Of Commerce CEO Resigns
After two years serving as the CEO for the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Rick Lewis has resigned. To continue the momentum, Board members Tina Blount and Bernadette Pello will directly oversee the Chamber’s daily operations. Lewis steered the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce through a very eventful time of change and challenges. The Chamber is preparing a multifaceted plan to smoothly navigate this transition and move forward based on the support and input from Chamber members, Board leaders and past Presidents and Chairs. The Board Members thank Rick Lewis for his tireless service, and wish
Continued on Next Page
Page 26
Volume 14, Issue 3
4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Business Column Continued.............
By Michelle Colesanti
him well in his new endeavors. Since his resignation, Chamber members, ambassadors, Board members, and Past Presidents and Chairs have all volunteered to work together to ensure a smooth transition period as they continuously focus on Connection, Collaboration, and Community.
Simply Advocating Helps With Tough Decisions For Your Loved Ones
Are you having a difficult time finding the perfect living arrangements for your loved one? Do you need more guidance and resources? Simply Advocating will help. With over 20 years of caring experience in the healthcare industry, it will help you and your loved one make the difficult decisions easier. Services include Facility Advisors, Patient Advocate Services and Mobile Notary Services. Please call Jessica McNeave at 373-3261 or Melanie Camp at 2052799 for a free consultation.
Florida Orthopaedic Institute Announces New Orthopedic Surgeon
Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) announces the recent hiring of Dr. David M. Donohue to its practice of more than 40 fellowship-trained physicians. Dr. Donohue is an orthopedic surgeon who is fellowship trained in orthopedic trauma and adult reconstruction and arthritis. After his residency at the University of South Florida, Dr. Donohue went on to complete his Orthopedic Trauma
patient care, my goal is to further the academic pursuits of our group and the university in orthopedic trauma and adult reconstruction.” Dr. Donohue has contributed to several published chapters and peerreviewed articles regarding topics such as treatment of infection, biomechanics, orthopedic trauma and computer navigated assistance. He has also given lectures nationally pertaining to orthopedic trauma repair. Among others, Dr. Donohue is a member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Foundation for Orthopaedic Trauma (FOT). Dr. Donohue began seeing patients in February at the Brandon, North Tampa and South Tampa offices in the Tampa Bay area.
High Quality Care At Phoenix House
Phoenix House Florida delivers the highest quality of care with professionalism and respect. It prides itself on providing outstanding and accessible treatment to adults and adolescents with substance use disorders. It offers a continuum of services, including care for co-occurring behavioral health issues, such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, and bi-polar disorder. Treatment is complemented by healthy activities and services such as life-skills training, health education and family re-integration to help clients maintain productive lives in recovery. Phoenix House Florida offers outpatient services in Brandon and gender specific adult residential treatment in Ocala. For more information, contact Angela Beers at abeers@phoenixhouse.org or 881-1000.
Cutting Edge Technology Powers Boutique Style HOMM Real Estate
The Valrico FishHawk Chamber recently celebrated with a ribbon cutting for HOMM Real Estate. Broker/Owner, Marie Negron Marie Negron Founded boutique-style HOMM Real Estate Services. founded HOMM Real Estate Services to be Tampa Bay’s Surgery fellowship at Harborview boutique-style real estate partners. A full-service real estate agency powered Medical Center. He obtained his second fellowship in Adult Reconstruction by the latest cutting-edge technology, it and Arthritis Surgery upon returning to is located at 110 W Robertson St. in Brandon. HOMM Real Estate Services’ Tampa. “Florida Orthopaedic Institute is focus is Helping Others Make Moves – unique,” Dr. Donohue said. “This is HOMM to HOME. The brokerage because of our affiliation with the offers you the personalized real estate University of South Florida and our experience you need for buying, selling commitment to the education of medor renting real estate; plus a particular ical students, residents and fellows. In specialty in property management servaddition to providing conscientious ices. With HOMM Real Estate
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Surterra Wellness Opens Wellness Center In Brandon
Surterra Wellness (Surterra), one of the fastest growing health and wellness companies in the United States (U.S.), hosted the official grand opening of its Surterra Wellness Center in Brandon. Local government officials, medical cannabis advocates and supporters attended the Wellness Center ribbon cutting. The new Wellness Center adds to Surterra’s rapidly growing Florida footprint as the company further expands its ability to provide quality health and wellness options to Floridians. “We’re thrilled to officially open the doors to our Brandon Wellness Center and further expand access to our firstclass suite of products to customers seeking the benefits of medical cannabis,” said Kim Hawkes, Senior Manager for Surterra Wellness. “With the grand opening, Brandon residents will now have a convenient option in their own neighborhood to learn how they can empower their own health and wellness through cannabis-based care.” During the ribbon-cutting, Surterra also presented a charitable donation to ECHO, which provides assistance for families in need of emergency food,
clothing, and stability programs. All qualifying patients, their families and anyone interested in learning more about cannabis-based treatments are welcome to visit the Wellness Center at 1256 E Brandon Blvd. in Brandon.
Anniversary Open House At Fred Astaire Dance Studio Of Brandon
Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Brandon is celebrating its eighth anniversary this March with a special community party and open house on Friday, March 29 from 7-9 p.m. Everyone is welcome to enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, prizes and lots of dancing at no charge. Fred Astaire Brandon is known for its fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. Kelle, David and their three children bring vitality to the studio, and make families always feel welcome. Kelle said, “Sharing the joy of dance with the community is our team’s passion. We hope to bring just a little bit of that joy to Brandon’s families, and help everyone meet their personal dancing goals.” Fred Astaire Brandon was named the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce’s Medium Business of the Year for 2017. Kelle and David also danced together in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November 2018. It is located at 1076 E. Brandon Blvd. Ste. 114 in Brandon. Call 438-5963 or visit www.fredastaire.com/brandon for more information.
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Page 27
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
BRANDON’S BEST HOMES
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STUNNING TURN-KEY HOME IN GATED NEIGHBORHOOD! 4/3/3 + office home just a short hop to I-75! This beauty truly has it all with neutral paint palette, stunning light fixtures & tile floors throughout the living areas! The stunning kitchen offers stunning 42" cabinetry, granite counters & stainless appliances! $365,000
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Page 28 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
e uphine Ms. Da Grade 12th h
n Hig Brandohool Sc
d By
Sponsore
Kumon Of Brandon
Ms. Jeanna Dauphinee Teacher Of The Month
School Safety Is Rep. Beltran’s Top Priority As He Heads To Tallahassee In March
By Kathi Hayes
safely than will ever be exposed to gun violence. Just as we are spending money on hardening the school campuses, we need to spend money on busing to ensure kids are safe, as well as, reduce congestion. We are spending a lot of efforts on public transportation and school buses are also public transportation.”
a teacher? Why did you decide to become ple in the community and peo ng you of s To effect the live re careers. spark their interest in their futu cher? What is a goal of yours as a tea g learners and challenge lon life be To prepare students to full potential, beyond what themselves to achieve to their they can imagine.
ething that What is a hidden talent or som dents? stu r you to ing would be surpris would nts tale den hid my of I think one to like I be research and investigating. e om bec resolve problems and have urces skilled at finding all kinds of reso d to nee or t wan I at online to find wh ers. oth for or self know – for my Belt in Also, I am a 1st Degree Black tional Na TaeKwon-Do and an AAU ist. dal Championship Gold Me
Newsome students Sydney Strickland and Mia Cafaro pose for a picture after they interviewed Rep. Beltran, School Board Vice Chair Melissa Snively, Principal Bruning and Deputy Alonso for the school newspaper.
What is your favorite book and why? Journey to Center by Thomas at Crum. This book gave me gre Ms. Dau e anc bal g ph insight into maintainin teacher inee has been ead re-r I . life a for 18 y and control in my ears. ance my it when I need a reminder to bal body, mind, and spirit. saying? What is your favorite quote or ph Waldo I cannot hear what you say" Ral dly lou so aks "What you are spe Emerson
. Dauphinee! Congratulations to Msmi your te your teacher, send usves no to If you would like to l anna ser de er ch tea ur d why yo on ati teacher’s name, schoo nth orm . Please email the inf win Teacher Of The Mo m. to Teacher@ospreyobserver.co TEACHER OF THE MONTH SPONSOR:
33596
(813) 654-7300 • 805 East Brandon Blvd • Brandon
tandoorbrandon.com
Volume 14, Issue 3
Monday - Saturday • Lunch : 11 AM - 2:30 PM • Dinner : 4 PM - 9 PM • Sunday : Closed
As Rep. Michael Beltran, Hillsborough prepares for the legislative session beginning in early March in Tallahassee, he will focus his efforts on school safety, making it his top priority. Umbrellaed under school safety Rodgers Middle School Resource Officer comes single point access, discusses school safety issues with Rep. Beltran and School Board Vice Chair Melissa Snively. gates and security, bus transportation, safe roadways, safe Newsome’s Principal, Carla sidewalks and crosswalks, school Bruning, stated, “We are like a colresource officers and mental health. lege campus of over 3,050 students Hillsborough’s school board vice enrolled and approximately 760 stuchair Melissa Snively invited Rep. dents coming and going due to virtuBeltran to walk the campuses of al, dual enrollment at HCC and homeMarion S. Rodgers Middle schoolers.” Bruning School in Riverview and adds, “Before, the strict Joe E. Newsome High security was viewed as School in Lithia. “As we are an inconvenience to parupon the anniversary of the ents and students. Now, mass shooting at Marjory the district is behind our Stoneman Douglas High efforts and people can School, school safety is in see the big picture of the forefront of the district’s what school administrapriorities. Beltran will have tion has to deal with to his own kids entering the keep our students safe.” school district in a few As Beltran walked years, so education is Newsome’s campus, the important to him. Walking students demonstrated the campuses allows him to the hard corner in the see and experience it for event of a shooting. himself,” said Snively. “We Bruning explained that a are asking for additional funding to hard corner is an out of sight area fund resource officers on every where students cannot be seen from school campus. It costs almost $17 the door window. Newsome students million and the district falls short Mia Cafaro and Sydney Strickland about $7 million after the state funds explained some classrooms have $10 million.” extra safety steps put in place for preRep. Beltran discussed with ventive and protective measures. Rodgers Middle School’s Resource Knowing they have monthly safety Officer about his own driving experidrills at school to make them feel ence. “I was driving and kids were more safe, as well as, knowing the biking in the road and walking on the district is training teachers and guidshoulder and I had to look out for ance counselors to help students with them. I fear parents late for work or mental health brings the students late for school and the temptation to comfort. “I would definitely talk to one drive a little faster–it is dangerous.” of my teachers that I feel comfortable He sees the congestion, dangerwith if I ever felt the need,” said ous walkways and crosswalks in the Cafaro. mornings and afternoons in his own For more information about community of FishHawk Ranch. He school safety, please visit added, “We spend a lot of money in www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/departments/9/se terms of preventing shooting incicurity/about/. For more information dents, which is very important. Traffic about Rep. Beltran, please visit is also a safety issue and a lot more https://public.lobbytools.com/legislakids are exposed to getting to school tors/737.
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2019 Summer Camps Offer Many Options To Keep Active & Engaged It’s that time of the year when parents are beginning to wonder how they will keep the kids busy during the dog days of summer. What can you do to keep the kids entertained? Where can they go to try new things, learn how to swim, meet new friends and have great fun? There are many options to choose from locally that will fit the bill. The staff at the Osprey Observer has collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pull out section. Maybe your kids would like to spend the summer ‘horsing around.’ R&R Ranch offers that opportunity, and not just to learn to horseback ride, but also about the care of the horses. At Music Showcase, music and theatre take the stage and so can your child. Musicals such as Willy Wonka and Frozen Jr. will be offered, and your child can hold starring roles in these and other popular musicals offered from the Florida Academy of Performing Arts for children ages 5 and up. For your actor or musician, don’t forget to also check out Firehouse Cultural Center and Patel q
um L owry Park
Zoo • Dinosa
SI Pu blic L ib ur World an dM
Conservatory, which also offer fun and exciting ideas. The local YMCAs will offer many types of camps which mix fun along with great learning experiences. With plenty of choices, there is something for everyone. Mathnasium offers ways to keep your student’s math skills from getting rusty in a fun environment. Do you have a child interested in cooking? Check out Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s Cooking Camps for Kids through Teens. With weekly themes utilizing agespecific activities and field trips that make BSAC unique, your kids will enjoy every moment of summer camp. Specialty camps for Baseball (Ostingers), Legos (Bricks4Kidz), Art (Center Place) and Tennis (FishHawk Ranch Tennis Club) also offer great opportunities. For dates, prices and registration information on these and more, turn the page and enjoy this special section and have a great summer. Did we miss one? Let us know by emailing subject line ‘Summer Camp’ to michelle@ospreyobserver.com and we will be sure to add to our full listing online.
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Spots Filling Fast For Outdoor Adventure At Tampa YMCA Summer Camp
Staff Report
This is the year to experience YMCA Summer Camp. Registration is now open for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s newly enhanced summer camp program. Y Summer Camp 2019 offers children a day camp curriculum full of fun, educational activities. Activity specialists will lead campers through various experiences each day including swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor education, nature encounters,
Enjoy Archery and many other activities this summer at YMCA Summer Camp. The camp offerings vary by location.
horseback riding, canoeing, visual arts and more. The fun and unique experiences give Y campers an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime. In Y Summer Camp, kids are in a welcoming environment where they can belong, build relationships, develop character and discover their potential. New for 2019, parents now have the option to add on before- and after-care activities which include swimming, horseback riding, sports and high ropes. There are also various specialty camps where campers will be immersed in their selected specialty in addition to enjoying traditional camp fun. Activities and specialty options vary by location.
Once again, Hillsborough County Public Schools has committed to providing free breakfast and lunch as part of the Summer Food Program. The program runs from Monday, June 3 – Friday, August 2 and is open to all kids in the community ages 18 and under, including Y campers. To find out the time frames when free breakfast and lunch are available, contact your local Y. Visit https://www.tampaymca.org/locations for locations. Spots are filling fast at 14 locations across Hillsborough and East Pasco counties, including four sites for the Y’s The First Tee of Tampa Bay program. (www.thefirstteetampabay.org/informationsummer-camps/). Experience summer camp locally at: Campo Family YMCA in Valrico (6841371), North Brandon Family YMCA (685-5402), Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Rd. in Riverview (228-9622) and YMCA Camp Cristina in Riverview (6778400). To ensure your kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer, register today at www.tampaymca.org/letscamp.
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Registration Open For Patel Conservatory Summer Camps And Classes
By Leslie Farrell
tions will be held Thursday, March 28, Thursday, April 18 and Friday, May 17. Dancers age seven and older will attend placement classes to determine which classes are most appropriate. Those younger than seven are not required to attend a placement class. Registration for auditions is required by visiting www.strazcenter.org/auditions or by calling 222-1040. Nearly $200,000 in scholRegistration is arships will be awarded for now open for Patel Patel Conservatory camps Conservatory dance, and classes this summer. music and theater Scholarship applications are summer camps and available online at www.strazclasses, which begin center.org/financialaid; the prithe week of Monday, Patel Conservatory is now regis- ority deadline is June 3. tering for its summer camps and Monday, April 8. Nearly 70 camps classes. Some will require auditions. The accredited Patel and classes are Conservatory offers classes in dance, offered, most with performance opportunimusic and theater for students of all ages ties, for students of all ages and abilities. and experience levels. Each year, the Camps and classes vary from jazz dance Patel Conservatory and the Straz to jazz music, from Shakespeare to Annie Center’s arts education programs enrich to Comedy on Broadway, and from the lives of more than 50,000 students in Ukelele Camp to Youth Opera Camp. A our classrooms, on our stages and complete line up is online at www.patelthrough the community. conservatory.org. Events, days, dates, times and prices Some summer camps and classes, are subject to change without notice. which are held for all ages and abilities, Patel Conservatory is located at the require auditions. Music auditions will be Straz Center for the Performing Arts, held Saturday, March 30, Saturday, April 1010 N. W.C. Macinnes Pl. in Tampa. 13 and Tuesday, May 21. Theater audi-
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Game Show Themes Add Up To Summer Camp Fun At 2019 Camp BSAC
Staff Report
BSAC offers a game show themed summer experience for campers this year.
BSAC Campers can once again look forward to exciting themed weeks of fun camp experiences. BSAC’s ‘Who’s Got Game’ theme is based around game shows. Have you always wanted to be a contestant in your favorite TV game show? Now you can. Each themed week runs from Monday to Friday (except week 5 when there is no camp on the 4th of July). Week 1: SURVIVOR - June 3 – June 7; Week 2: ESCAPE ROOM - June 10 – June 14; Week 3: THE AMAZING RACE - June 17 – June 21; Week 4: FEAR FACTOR - June 18 – June 22; Week 5: MINUTE TO WIN IT - July 1 – July 5 *Closed July 4th; Week 6: DOUBLE DARE - July 8 – July 12; Week 7: WIN, LOSE, DRAW - July 15 – July 19; Week
8: WIPE OUT - July 22 – July 26; Week 9: FAMILY FEUD - July 29 – August 2 and Week 10: THE REUNION SHOW - August 5 – August 9. Registration Fees are $45 per child or $85 per family. It includes one camp T-shirt and one backpack per camper. The cost for camp per child is $150 full a full day (7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.); $90 week for half day – either 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m.6:30 p.m. If you want to bring your child for drop in days, the cost is $40 for the day from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Drop in days must be selected and paid in advance to reserve and are non-refundable. Field trips are offered throughout the season at extra cost and are optional. A Summer Camp Open House will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Get a preview of the summer experience: a day in the life of a camper. Be a contestant on your favorite TV game shows. You will tour BSAC, swim and play games in the pool, meet the summer camp mentors, have a family fun day with summer camp games and activities. There will be a DJ and vendors. BSA is located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon. For more information, call 689-0908 or visit www.mybsacorg.
Enjoy The Summer Scene 2019 At The Florida Academy of Performing Arts
Full and half day camps are available for kids ages 5 and up at The Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA) at Music Showcase. Musical Theatre productions of Willy Wonka (June 3-14), Once Upon A Mattress (June 10-21), Frozen Jr. (June 17-28), The Wizard of Oz Jr. (July 8-19), Once on This Island (July 15-26), and The Lion King Jr. (July 22August 2) will all take place this summer for ages 5 and up. Campers will participate in various classes each day that are customized to fit their appropriate age groups and will experience, music, acting, singing, dance, creative art, rock camp and more. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, call 490-2787 or visit faopa.org.
Family-Friendly Summer Camp Expo The Family-Friendly Summer Camp Expo (Brandon Edition) will take place on Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hillsborough Community College, 10451 Nancy Watkins Dr. in Tampa. There will be fun for the entire family to learn about summer camps being offered in Brandon, Tampa, Riverview, Lithia/FishHawk, Valrico, Southshore and surrounding areas. Learn about VBS programs as well as STEM, Arts & Crafts, Dance, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Sports, Sewing & more. The first 250 families get a giveaway bag with goodies. There will be giveaways: free week of camps & more. Kids will enjoy bounce houses, face painting, free crafts, a dodge ball
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Our instructors have 30 years combined professional playing and coaching experience.
Session 1 June 3-7 (M-F)
K5-5th Grade Arts & Crafts • Friendship Play • Academic Summer Fun • Music Sports & Games • Character & Manners • Ice Cream Social • Pizza Parties Bouncy House & Giant Slide • Outdoor Water Play
$110/wk
Session 2 July 8-12 (M-F)
Session 3 July 29-Aug 2 (M-F)
Location:
M-W Ostingers Academy • 8711 Lithia Pinecrest Road Th-F Field for games and other activities Space is Limited Age Group: 7 - 14 yrs Register Early Time: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm to hold your spot! Cost: $180/camper **(Second Child $130) **Multi week discounts
Daily Instruction • Games • Pitching/Catching Fundamentals Addressed • Drills For More Information:
Call 813.737.3000 or visit our website at www.OstingBaseball.com
(Upcoming K5 - 5th Grade Campers)
Includes 2 Weekly Field Trips & All Activities
Hours: 6am - 10pm
www.MorningGloryPreschool.org
South Brandon
Lake Brandon Village
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(813) 655-1237
2010 Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon 11325 Causeway Blvd, Brandon
www.chickfilabrandon.com
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arena, princesses and superheroes. Enjoy Easter fun with a Scavenger Hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny and a petting zoo. Register for free tickets at https://familyfriendlytampabay.com/. Bricks 4 Kidz Offers LEGO® Summer Camps Bricks 4 Kidz is back with awesome LEGO® Summer Camps being offered all over the Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico areas. Join in for a different theme each week such as Fortnite, Pokemon, Star Wars, Minecraft and much more. Each week campers will be building signature Bricks 4 Kidz robotic LEGO® models, very popular LEGO® mosaics and 3D LEGO® sculptures, as well as playing fun games and creating arts and crafts projects they will get to take home. At the end of each week, every camper will get to take home their very own LEGO® minifigure. Each day and week will be a brand new LEGO®
adventure you won’t want to miss! The schedule for the camps being offered at nearby locations is as follows: We Rock The Spectrum Monday to Friday, June 10–14: LEGO® Gamer’s
World July 1 – July 5: LEGO® Summer Theme Mashup (Single Day Pricing: No July 4 Camp)
Monday to Friday, June 17– June 21: LEGO® Summer Theme Mashup Monday to Friday, August 5 August 9: Bricks 4 Girls LEGO® Camp with Girls With Confidence FishHawk Aquatic Center Monday to Friday, June 3 – June 7: LEGO® Gamer’s World Monday to Friday, July 8 – July 12: LEGO® STAR WARS/MINECRAFT Mashup Monday to Friday, August 5 August 9: LEGO® Summer Theme Mashup Sign up at www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa or call 545-4282.
Center Place Fine Arts Offer Summer Art Camp To Brighten The Day
Monday to Thursday, July 15– July 18: LEGO® STAR WARS/MINECRAFT Mashup - (Four Day Pricing). The Venue In Riverview
Who knew that art could be so much fun? This summer, register your 7-13 year old to discover their love of painting, drawing, pottery and more. Classes are
offered Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include Art Mural, Animal Paintings, Pencil Drawings Cruise Around the World, West & Wild Canvases, Ceramic Sculpture, Recycled Art, Landscape Drawings, Paper
Sculptures, Space Art, Mixed Media and more. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon. For more information or to register, visit www.centerplacebrandon.org or call 685-8888.
Spend The Summer At R&R Ranch Horsin’ Around
Summer Campers will enjoy riding and caring for horses at familyowned R&R Ranch. R&R Ranch specializes in safe horse experiences for the young
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child and for beginners. The name stands for ‘Rest" and "Relaxation’. Pony parties, field trips, trail riding lessons, horse boarding, playgroups and horse camps are all offered. Summer Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Monday to Friday. Early and late pickup can be arranged. Camp runs Monday, June 3 through Friday, August 9. Student’s ages 6 to 12 years are invited to attend. The cost is $225 per week. Campers will enjoy: a daily trail ride or lesson, pony painting, hay rides, lots of games, snowball fight, learning how to care for horses and farm animals, bounce castle, Lunch and disco in the air conditioned camp house. There is a petting zoo with baby bunnies, chicks, ducks and baby pigs. Kids will also get to enjoy arts and crafts and more. Safety helmets will be provided. R&R Ranch is located at 9805
KIDS
Summer Camps (Ages 6-11) 10:30am - 1:00pm
Bryant Rd. in Lithia. Visit www.rrranchlithia.com. Learn Baseball From The Pros At Ostingers Baseball Academy Summer Camp Ostingers Baseball Academy will hold its baseball camp this summer to give your child a better understanding of the game of baseball, through instruction, drills and games. Having a good time while learning the fundamentals will be the main focus of this camp. Ostingers staff is made up of all former professional players who instruct, teaching the game from the ground up. The camp is not a full day camp with video games and indoor activities. Jim Osting is a baseball instructor with 12 years of professional baseball playing experience including two years of Major League Experience (Padres and Brewers). Patrick Ryan is a baseball instructor with eight years professional pitching experience. Kris Wilken is the Head Baseball Coach at
June 3-6 June 10-13 June 17-20 June 24-27 July 8-11 July 15-18 July 22-25 July 29-Aug 1 Aug 5-8
TWEEN’S & TEENS
Summer Camps (Ages 11-15) 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Brandon’s Big Green “EggQuarters”
Bloomingdale High School and has six years of professional playing experience. College and high school players trained by Ostingers Baseball Academy will assist your child throughout their camp experience. Additional help is provided from Ostinger players current and past to make the campers experience ‘one of a kind’. With the instructors and the staff, the ratio per camper is around 6:1. This ratio allows for added reps for each player and helps to break up the groups in age appropriate format. Camp weeks run Monday to Friday, June 3-7, July 8-12 and July 29August 2. Camps run half days from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Camps are held Monday to Wednesday at Ostingers Baseball Academy, 8711 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and Thursday and Friday at the FishHawk Sports Complex fields located at 16120 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia (for games and other activities). The cost is $180 (sibling discounts available). For more information or to register, call 737-3000 or visit www.OstingBaseball.com.
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium Is Cooking Up Some Summer Fun Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s Summer Camps are a great way to learn new skills in the kitchen, create tasty recipes, and meet lots of new friends. The only things you need to be prepared are closed toe shoes and a restraint for shoulder length hair. All of the ingredients, tools and even the fun are included. Students are taught how to properly use real kitchen tools, knives and appliances safely under adult supervision. Students come away with the confidence to prepare dishes that are age appropriate and tasty. The goal is to encourage your child to be a help in the kitchen and to have fun while building a lifetime of good skills. Cooking Camps for kids ages 6-11 will take place from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. daily and the tween’s and teen’s Summer Camps, ages 11-15) will take place from 2-4:00 p.m. Camps will take place weekly for four days and run from Monday, June 3 through Thursday, August 2. Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium is located at Brandon Crossroads, 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Call 6532418 or visit www.rollingpinonline.com.
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Hoop It Up At FishHawk Fellowship’s Basketball Camp
Take your game to the next level. Develop your skills and have fun doing it. Work daily to improve every player’s technical abilities. Camp is suitable for everyone from beginners to elite players. FishHawk Fellowship Church is partnering with Alpha & Omega Sports, Inc. Its staff designs intense, fun training sessions. Camp will run Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28 for grades 2-5 and Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26 for grades 612. Both camps will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at FishHawk Fellowship Church, 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. The cost is $100 per student. For more information, visit www.fishhawkfc.org/basketball.
Tennis Camp Weeks Offered In FishHawk
FishHawk Ranch Tennis Club will offer camp this summer for ages 6 to 16. Camp is for beginning and intermediate skill levels Choose your weeks between Monday, June 3 and Friday, August 9. Full day camp available or half days from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or 1:30-4 p.m. are available. Camp will be offered at 15921 Courtside View Dr. in Lithia. Register online at http://fishhawkranchtennisclub.com or call 681-4000.
Musical Theater And Much More Offered At Firehouse Cultural Center
The Firehouse Cultural Center will be offering Summer Camp through the summer. It is located at 101 1st Ave. NE in Ruskin. Week 1: June 3 – June 7 Musical Theater I; Week 2: June
10 – June 14; Musical Theater II Week 3: June 17 – June 21; Musical Theater III;
Week 4: June 24 – June 28; Musical Theater IV Week 5: July 1 - July 5 (No Camp on Thursday, July 4), Art Studio; Week 6: July 8 - July 12, Art Studio II; Week 7: July 15 – July 19, Cartooning & Animation; Week 8: July 22 – July 26, Robotics-Tech Fee for Robotics: $50; Week 9: July 29 – August 2, Robotics -Tech Fee for Robotics: $50. For more information, call 645-7651 or visit www.firehouseculturalcenter.org.
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Motorized LEGO® and LEGO® Art Projects
Full Week Camps Half Day and Full Day Options Ages 5-12
Camp locations all over Brandon • Riverview • Valrico Lithia • Fishhawk Early Bird Registration and Sibling Discounts To find out more and to register please visit
www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa
or call us at 813-545-4282
Bricks 4 Kidz is back with awesome LEGO® Summer camps being offered all over the Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico areas! Join us for a different theme each week such as Fortnite®, Pokemon® Star Wars®, Minecraft®, and much more!
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Brandon and Mathnasium @home. Mathnasium's @home program is an additional benefit for students who would like to keep up their skills but are traveling. You can take Mathnasium anywhere with Mathnasium @home. Mathnasium will help parents choose a Summer Power Workout Plan, such as numerical fluency, fractions, multiplication fluency, problem solving, algebra readiness, geometry readiness, and so much more based on a diagnostic of the student. Experts say that the effects of a
Combat Dreaded Summer Slide With Mathnasium Of Brandon Or Mathnasium @Home
Kids can power up this summer with Mathnasium of Brandon or Mathnasium @home. The summer slide is real and students can lose over two months of mathematical skills every summer. Mathnasium can help prevent that with its Power Up summer programs. Summer is an ideal time for student's math ability to skyrocket. Without the pressure of school and extracurricular activities, students are able to focus and learn in a relaxed atmosphere, and they will love coming to Mathnasium as FUN is built in to the mathematical activities along with celebrating successes and fun prizes for outstanding
attendance and growth. "Take advantage of the more relaxed environment of summer break which is a golden opportunity to improve math performance whether your student is struggling or just wanting to dig deeper into their math studies," suggests Becky McDaniels, Center Director at Mathnasium of
summer learning program, such as Mathnasium's, will make a positive difference for student's moving forward. Call 655-MATH (6284) or visit www.mathnasium.com/brandon/pr omotions to schedule your student's risk free diagnostic at your favorite neighborhood center or at home with the Mathnasium @home program and help your student to Power Up this summer. Mathnasium of Brandon is located at 1048 E Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico (Plaza Bella shopping center.)
SUMMER CAMP 2019
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Summer Fun
Avoid The SUMMER SLIDE! Summer Topics
• Curing Finger Counting • Focusing on Fractions • Having Fun & Building • Confidence in Math
• Preparing for Middle School • Maximizing ACT/SAT Math Skills • Previewing or Reviewing • Algebra I & II or Geometry
Now Enrollin g for Summer
Mathnasium of Brandon has two options to serve you with an In-Center experience or an @home experience.
Beach Side, Cliff Side, or World Traveler; take Mathnasium@home anywhere!
813-655-MATH
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Make Summer Days Happy Days At Happy Day Summer Camp
Weekly themes that are fun for your kids ages 1 to 10 will include many activities that will keep them moving and having a great summer. The days will include plenty of arts & crafts, friendships as well as academic summer fun. Music, sports & games, character & Manners, bouncy house and giant slide with
6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and is located at 722 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 685-0028.
movies, Medieval Times Theater, Pump It Up, MOSI, Bricks 4 Kidz, Lowry Park Zoo, ACH Video Arcade, Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Florida Aquarium and more. Morning Glory is located at 6001 Christy Lane (off Bloomingdale near Rt. 301). For more information, call 628-0541 or visit www.MorningGloryPreschool.org.
Kids Club! Weekly Summer Camp Includes Field Trips
Sign up today for $110 per week. The price
ners, ice cream social, pizza parties, bouncy house and giant slide and outdoor water play Morning Glory Summer Camp . Field trips include bowling, skating, state parks,
TEACHER OF THE MONTH SPONSOR: outdoor water play round out the fun. Kids will enjoy an ice cream social and much more. The cost is $100 per week for upcoming K5 to fifth grade campers. This includes all field trips and weekly activities such as bowling, skating, AMC Movies, state parks, MOSI, public library, Publix, Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, Dinosaur World and more. Happy Day Summer Camp is open from Monday to Friday from
33596 includes two weekly field trips and all activities. Your kids, ages K5-5th grade, will enjoy arts & crafts, friendship play, academic summer fun, music, sports & games, character & man-
Ages 1 to 10 Weekly Themes & Theme Days
• Arts & Crafts • Friendship Play • Academic Summer Fun • Music • Sports & Games • Character & Manners • Ice Cream Social • Pizza Parties • Bouncy House & Giant Slide • Outdoor Water Play
Sign Up Today! $100/wk (Upcoming K5 - 5th Grade Campers)
Includes All Field Trips & Weekly Activities: Bowling • Skating • AMC Movies • Skate Parks • MOSI • Public Library • Publix • Florida Aquarium • Lowry Park Zoo • Dinosaur World and More
March 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Bloomingdale Hosts Special Olympics “IncrediBull Games”
By Nick Nahas
On February were about 1515, Bloomingdale 20 different High School groups from the hosted its fourth school that annual Special helped out. Olympics field Every student day event called (called a buddy) the IncrediBull is paired up with Games. The an athlete, and school hosted 15 they take them schools from the around to comeastern side of pete in their Photos by Bloomingdale High School Yearbook Team Hillsborough events. Several Bloomingdale hosted its fourth annual County. classes helped IncrediBull Games. About 335 set up games athletes competand activities in ed in track and the Olympic field and soccer Village where events. Donna athletes could Hart, ESE hang out and teacher at have a fun time Bloomingdale, while they waited and Principal for their events. Sue Burkett were According to inspired by a Hart, about 450 similar event held students from In total, there were about 335 athletes that at Gaither High Bloomingdale competed. Athletes getting ready to compete in School and wantvolunteered their an event. ed to do sometime this year to thing comparable put this on for the for the schools on athletes. The next the eastern side of event will be held the county to comat the same time pete in as well. next year. They “It’s a great start planning for school-wide event, the event at the and a way that very beginning of everybody comes the school year, together to make and it takes about everything happen six months to get Students from Lennard High School were for these athletes,” everything lined up among the participants. said Hart. “It’s and ready to go. just a great expe“The event rience.” is a time where Some of the our special athschools that letes are able to competed be included in a include sporting event,” Newsome, said Hart. “It Armwood, Plant gives the athCity, Durant, letes and the Riverview, East students at Bay, Lennard, Bloomingdale an Spoto, Brandon, opportunity to Strawberry Crest, The event included 15 schools from the eastern develop friendside of Hillsborough County. Burns Middle ships, it’s a big School, Giunta Middle School, Willis inclusion event. The support that the Peters Exceptional Center and Simmons partners and athletes show back and Exceptional Center. forth is probably the best thing of the Students from different sports teams school year for all of us. It’s something and clubs at Bloomingdale volunteered to that everybody benefits from and looks help with the event. Hart said that there forward to.”
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 3
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
The GFWC Brandon Service League Holds The 28th Annual Alice Storms Very Special Arts Festival On Tuesday, look forward to continuFebruary 19, the GFWC ing to volunteer at the Brandon Service League event next year.” (BSL) held its 28th Tonya Green, a preAnnual Alice Storms K teacher with Riverview Very Special Arts Elementary said, “I think Festival at First Baptist that it is great that they Church of Brandon. This cater to special needs event gives special students. I have a blendThe GFWC Brandon Service needs children, from ed class, and all of my League continued a tradition of providing special needs children students have a great elementary schools in Hillsborough County, an with a fun day at the 28th Annual time at this event.” Alice Storms Very Special Arts opportunity to go on a Allee Noriega, a Festival. fun field day filled with arts and crafts and senior at Durant High School and a mementertainment. The Very Special Arts ber of SAC (Students All Connected) event is just one of many service projects said, “This is my first time at this event. I that BSL members undertake each year. like being involved with playing with the This year over 200 students attended children and seeing all of their smiles.” the event. The children were assisted by Emily Galletti, also a senior at Durant BSL members and 60 student volunteers High School echoed this statement and from Durant High School, Brandon High said, “I enjoy making a difference and School ROTC, Riverview High School, making a little kid feel special.” and new this year, Brandon Academy. BSL has been serving the greater The children engaged in multiple craft sta- Brandon area for over 50 years. In additions including finger puppets, face painttion to this event, BSL offers scholarships ing and hat making. to high school students who wish to purBradlee Swanson, Chair of this sue an education in either the arts or eduyear’s event said, “We lost Alice Storms, cation. They also offer a Renaissance for whom the event is named, last Woman Scholarship to a woman who is December. We will continue to honor her going back to school or furthering her legacy and memory with this great event.” education. The scholarship application is Dominick Giombetti, Head of the available online and will be awarded in Upper Division at Brandon Academy said, May. “We are excited to be a part of this great For more information, please visit event. It has been a lot of fun, and we www.gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org.
5th Annual Impact’s Got Talent Friday, April 12, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. Bloomingdale High School
FEATURING LOCAL TALENTED STUDENTS! Tickets available for purchase: www.impactsgo!alent.eventbrite.com $10/person
Adding to the fun! 40+ Silent Auction Baskets and 50/50 Raffle!
Doors open at 6:00 pm.
All !cket, auc!on and raffle sales benefit the Impact Program, Inc, presen!ng healthy lifestyles and rela!onships to teens, parents, teachers and other youth leaders through classroom educa!on.
For more informa!on on IMPACT, visit us online:
www.wha"simpact.com
The Village Players To Present The Who’s Tommy The Village spirit. It is the story of the Players will present pinball-playing, deaf, The Who’s Tommy dumb and blind boy who over several weektriumphs over adversiends in April. This ties. After witnessing the epic musical will be accidental murder of his held at the James mother’s lover by his McCabe Theatre father who was prelocated at 506 N. 5th sumed dead in WWII, St. in Valrico. The Village Players will present the Tommy is traumatized iconic rock musical, The Who’s The show will into catatonia. As he Tommy, this April at the historic kick off on Friday, James McCabe Theatre in Valrico. grows, he suffers abuse April 12 and at the hands of sadistic Saturday, April 13 at 8 p.m. and then neighbors and relatives. As an adolesagain over the next two weekends Friday, cent, it is revealed that he has an uncanApril 19 and 26 and Saturday, April 20 ny knack for playing pinball. When his and 27. There will be two matinees held mother finally breaks through his catatoon Sunday, April 14 and 20 at 3 p.m. nia, he becomes an international pinball Doors open 30 minutes prior to cursuperstar. tain time. Gail Pierce with the Village Players Tickets to The Who’s Tommy are $18 said, “The Who’s Tommy is a classical for General Admission and $15 for senior, rock musical. We are stepping out of our students and groups of 10 or more. comfort zone with this one to reach a difGroup tickets must be purchased in ferent audience. Domin Pazzo is a great advance. You can get tickets by calling director. I think a lot of people are really the 643-8292 or 480-3147 or by visiting going to enjoy this.” www.thevillageplayersvalrico.com. The score in The Who’s Tommy is The Village Players Artistic Director, timeless and has a youthful appeal. The Domin Pazzo, will direct The Who’s musical is a cross-generational hit. The Tommy. The rock musical is based on the Village Players production will have a live iconic 1969 rock concept album by The band comprised of talented musicians. Who. Music and lyrics are by Pete The Who’s Tommy debuted on Townshend and book is by Townshend Broadway in 1993. It was nominated for and Des McAnuff. 11 Tony Awards and won five that year. The Who’s Tommy is an exhilarating For information, visit www.thevillagestory of hope, healing and the human playersvalrico.com.
March 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 39
Bloomingdale Hosts Bingo For Chorus To Fund New Sounds System
Judith S. Lambert Law Firm Provides A Variety Of Expert Legal Services To Clients
The Doors will Bloomingdale open for the High School Bingo Night at 6 Chorus has a p.m. on Friday, fun night April 12 with the planned for the games starting community next at 6:30 p.m. month. The Game group’s Boosters cards are are helping to available host a Bingo for purThe Bloomingdale High School Chorus Night in the chase at Boosters are hosting a Bingo Night in the school’s cafete- school’s cafeteria on Friday, April 12 to raise funds the event and for a new sound system. ria on Friday, each attendee April 12 to raise funds for the program, will receive a free dopper with a card purespecially a much needed new portable chase. The winner of each game will sound system. have the choice of multiple prize baskets Approximately 180 students particidonated by local businesses, and addipate in the five choirs that make up the tional baskets will be raffled off at the school’s chorus program. According to event. Concessions food, including chips, Booster Board President Wendy Soto, candy, hot dogs and drinks, will be availmoney raised at the event will support the able for purchase. students with music and transportation to “We really want to have an event the multiple community performances, entire community can participate in,” said accompaniment and uniform accessories, Soto. “Bingo is fun for the whole family, in addition to the new equipment. from kids to retirees.” “This is a group of very talented stuThe Booster board, an official dents who deserve a new sound system 501(c)(3) non-profit, is currently accepting to enhance the quality of their performdonations for the raffle from local busiances and allow them to perform to the nesses and anyone wanting to help. best of their abilities,” said Soto, who “This group not only produces talentexplains that the Boosters purchase anyed singers, but also gives students lifething above and beyond the basics for long friends and skills they will use the group. throughout their lives,” said Gaertner. “The new system also includes two Bloomingdale High School is located speakers that point to the stage to help at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. For the students hear themselves which more information on the event or to allows them to improve their singing,” donate to the raffle, visit www.bloomingadded Shannon Gaertner, the group’s dalechorus.com or email bshschorussecretary and uniform chair. boosters@gmail.com.
Communication is the Lambert offers with her firm,” key to successful business said Smith. “ My favorite part of relationships and no one being an associate for Lambert knows this better than the Law is developing my own relaattorneys at Judith S. tionships with clients. I have Lambert Law Firm in great respect for the very diffiBrandon. Lambert’s firm cult decision a client has in prides itself on cultivating choosing a law firm, especially relationships while truly during a difficult time of need, Judith S. Lambert understanding the needs and when your hard work leads of the client, whether proto great results for your client, a viding expertise for acquisimple hug and thank you may sitions and mergers, businot be worth much to others, ness litigation or handling but is invaluable for me and our complex tax transactions. whole team with Lambert Law.” Lambert is one of the With many years of legal few attorneys in the experience, coupled with a Tampa area that has committed personal approach, earned a Masters in Tax the Lambert Law firm brings Eric W. Smith Law. Lambert, along with expertise and acumen to their associate attorney Eric W. clients, in a comfortable and welSmith, is committed to procoming environment. viding quality advice and skilled represen“What makes our firm different than tation in legal matters and tax issues for others is that we are extremely approachindividuals and businesses. The firm able,” said Smith. “The process of workstrives to provide affordable legal services ing with an attorney is easy from start-towhile having the experience of attorneys finish. We strive to remember the ‘Golden from larger firms in the Tampa Bay area. Rule’ which is to treat others the way that Smith joined the Lambert Law Firm you want to be treated. We all have had nine years ago and is a member of the the experiences of putting our faith and Brandon Chamber of Commerce and trust in others and being left ignored or serves as the vice president of the East disappointed, and the last thing we want Hillsborough Bar Association. Raised in to do at Lambert Law is let any of our Saginaw, Michigan, Smith moved to clients walk away feeling that they were Florida to attend Stetson University not heard and not treated with the utmost College of Law in 2007 after graduating respect at our office.” cum laude from Michigan State Judith S. Lambert Law Firm is locatUniversity. ed at 617 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. “What led me to Lambert Law was For information, visit the variety of practice areas that Judith www.judithslambert.com or call 662-7429.
By Kate Quesada
By Kelly Wise Valdes
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 3