Bloomingdale/FishHawk
15
November 2021
Volume 20,
Issue 11
Ph: 657-2418
ENTRY FORM IN SECTION 3
CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
MARCHING BAND BRINGS BACK VETERANS DAY PARADE
By Kate Quesada
By Kate Quesada group medals. “It’s a much easier way to distribute prizes and requires less standing around by participants,” said Eaton. “Also, know before you go … It’s a large race, so socially distancing and wearing masks for those unvaccinated will be recommended.” Get your spot before pricing increases. Don’t deThe Rutledge family, owners of Pinch A Penny FishHawk, located at lay—registering will ensure 16715 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, are the title sponsors of the Seeds of you and your family have Hope FishHawk Turkey Trot taking place in person and virtually on the coolest shirts at your Thursday, November 25. Thanksgiving table. Keep up This year, two of the Thanksgiving seato date on race announceson’s greatest traditions are back—the ments through the Seeds of Hope Facebook FishHawk Turkey Trot and the generosity page. of the community that comes along with it. All proceeds from the race support local Seeds of Hope’s largest fundraiser will charity Seeds of Hope, Inc., which provides take place in person or virtually on Thurs- weekly distributions of food through a food day, November 25, and thanks to the racers bank, school backpack of food program and and the many community sponsors, funds mobile pantry. For more information, visit raised from the event will provide for thou- www.sohopefl.com. sands at the charity’s weekly food pantry distributions. Pinch A Penny FishHawk, located across from Newsome High School in the Winn-Dixie shopping plaza, kicked off the season with a generous donation of $10,000 last month, making it the event’s title sponsor. “It’s important that businesses give back to the community they operate in, and knowing 100 percent of what we give goes directly to those in need makes Seeds of Hope an easy choice,” said Larry Rutledge, owner of Pinch A Penny FishHawk. With over 2,300 in-person participants two years ago, Seeds of Hope is offering the Turkey Trot two ways this year, in person or virtual, so that everyone can run wherever and whenever they choose. Race Director Leda Eaton is pleased to be offering the race once again. “People have missed it,” she said. “My family missed it. It’s the beginning of Thanksgiving … such a family fun event: people taking photos with our mascot turkeys, kids making crafts and dancing the ‘Wobble’ song, families running TOYS FOR TOTS ......................................PG 3 together—it just makes you smile. After this past year and a half, we all need that.” MOTORING TAMPA BAY ................... PG 5 New this year, the race will be offering EYE ON BUSINESS...................PGS 25-26 the first 100 across the finish line a goody HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ........... SECTION 3 bag of race-themed prizes in lieu of age
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According to Hutcheson, a Veterans Day ceremony will take place in Park Square after the parade where vendors will also be set up. The Newsome High Marching Band organized the first Veterans Day parade two years ago in 2019, and although they were not able to host the event last year, the group hopes to make the parade an annual event for the community. “After not being able to do so last year due to the pandemic, we are very excited to present this wonderful parade this year,” said Hutcheson. “Our goal is to continue with this annual event to honor our veterans.” Sponsorship opportunities are available, and any support is appreciated. “It is a pleasure to sponsor the second annual FishHawk Veterans Day Parade to support the NHS band and especially to honor our country’s veterans,” said Melissa The Newsome High School Band and Color Guard is Snively, Hillsborough County School hosting its second FishHawk Veterans Day Parade in FishHawk Ranch on Thursday, November 11. Board member and sponsor of the event through her State Farm busiThis Veterans Day, the community is inness. “As the daughter of a veteran of vited to celebrate and honor those who WWII, Korea and Vietnam, my family have served at a parade in FishHawk greatly appreciates the dedication and Ranch organized by the Newsome High service by our military men and women School Band and Color Guard. who have made significant sacrifices to The parade, which will take place on protect our freedoms. Veterans Day is Thursday, November 11 beginning at 10 certainly a special day to recognize the a.m., will start and end in the communimembers of our community who have ty’s Park Square and will include a loop served, but we should really recognize around FishHawk Crossing Blvd., past and respect them every day of the year.” the FishHawk Aquatic Club, through Ibis Any veterans, participants, sponsors Park and back up Dorman Rd. Residents are invited to set up chairs or stand along and vendors interested in being involved should call Hutcheson at 546-7644. the parade route. Park Square is located at 16132 “The parade is to honor and thank all of Churchview Dr. in Lithia. our veterans in our community,” said MelTo learn more about the Newsome High anie Hutcheson, who is helping the NewSchool Band and Color Guard and upcomsome Band Boosters organize the event. ing events and sponsorship opportunities, “We will have many groups, participants, visit www.newsomeband.com. and veterans participating in the parade.”
SEEDS OF HOPE TURKEY TROT RETURNS WITH COMMUNITY SUPPORT
11/30/2021
Local business Pearson Capital, Inc. has been supporting Toys for Tots for 16 years. It is looking to the community for businesses to become involved. Last year, the Osrpey Observer team and readers collected more than 200 gifts for Toys For Tots, see full story on Page 3.
11/30/2021