HIGH 5 LASER TAG

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SOLID WASTE PARTNERS WITH GOODWILL TO COLLECT ITEMS FOR DONATIONS

By Kathy L. Collins

Do you have a lot of clutter in your home and no idea where to drop it of?

Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management has established a Donation & Waste Diversion Pilot (D&WDP) Program at the South County Solid Waste Facility, located at 13000 U.S. Hwy. 41 in Gibsonton.

Hillsborough County Solid Waste and Goodwill-Suncoast are collecting items that can be donated and repurposed. Residents who are Hillsborough County Solid Waste customers can now donate items to Goodwill at the South County Solid Waste Facility.

The idea for this program began when solid waste staf noticed quality items being disposed by residents at the county’s community collection centers, and durable and reusable goods were making their way to the landfill.

The D&WDP Program, which started in September, is a win for both organizations. It shifts reusable items away from taking up space in Hillsborough’s landfill and helps reduce emissions. Donated items are then reused and resold to aid people in need. Goodwill invests between 85-90 percent of its operating budget towards its mission services annually.

So far, 174 donors have given over 2,000 items to Goodwill at the South County Solid Waste Facility, preventing more than 5,000 pounds of material from going to the landfill.

Items that can be donated are clothing, shoes, accessories (belts, purses, hats, etc.), home decor items (vases, sculptures, artwork, etc.), kitchen wares (dishes, cookware, flatware, etc.), tools, toys, small furniture items and electronics (no TVs or computer monitors). The program does not accept mattresses, televisions, computer monitors, appliances, large furniture or any broken or damaged items deemed not saleable.

However, the South County Solid Waste Facility also serves as a community collection center and accepts disposal of washers, dryers, refrigerators, mattresses, furniture, televisions, computers, tires, paint and yard waste for Hillsborough County Solid Waste customers. For a complete list of what can be disposed, visit the South County Solid Waste Facility online.

The facility, including the D&WDP Program, is open from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To donate or dispose of items, residents must bring a photo ID showing their address and a printed or digital copy of their annual Hillsborough County Property Tax Bill to show they are a Hillsborough County residential solid waste customer.

Although the program is currently only offered at the South County Solid Waste Facility, Hillsborough County provides residents access to multiple solid waste facilities for their disposal options. To learn more, visit the Hillsborough County Waste Disposal Facility page online.

HIGH 5 INC. ADDS TACTICAL LASER TAG TO LIST OF OFFERED ACTIVITIES

By Lily Belcher

High 5 Inc. recently added Mission 5 Tactical Laser Tag to its list of programs available through the Brandon nonprofit organization.

High 5 partnered with the former owners of CQ Tactical Laser Tag to bring the set up to their program to add a new and exciting element of entertainment. The Mission 5 set up differs from other laser tag programs because it is entirely tactical and team based, compared to traditionally individual focused games.

“There are missions that each team is trying to accomplish, so the entire experience is goal based. The course is challenging and definitely a great workout at the same time,” said High Five CEO Chuck Burgess.

Mission 5 Laser Tag is perfect for birthday parties, weekend activities or outings with family and friends. To participate, individuals must be 10 years of age or older and at least 48 inches tall. An hour and a half session costs $25 for non-members and $20 for members. Birthday parties can be booked for $275 to $375, depending on specifications for the party.

The set up from CQ Tactical Laser Tag is based on teamwork, communication and strategy, making it a fun activity for corporate team building and family bonding. “The Mission 5 Laser Tag combines nicely with our mission of bringing people together in a fun way to enhance their lives,” said Burgess. “…Overall, we love watching people come in and challenge each other while having so much fun at the same time.” High 5 is a nonprofit organization that has served the Brandon community for 60 years. The organization aims to make a positive impact on special needs education, after school experience, youth drowning prevention, sports and recreation and community impact. The nonprofit is currently looking for volunteers to help support their recreational activities offered through their programs as well.

The organization is located on Beverly Boulevard off of Highway 60. The Mission 5 Laser Tag set up is located in the same building at 405 Beverly Boulevard.

For more information on how to join High 5 or to schedule a tour, contact 689-0908 or visit high5inc.org. For more information on pricing and booking for Mission 5, visit www.mission5lasertag.org.

SURE, PIRATES ARE FUN, BUT HAVE YOU GONE HIKING WITH A VIKING?

Staf Report

Colorfully dressed robbers with parrots on their shoulders descend on Hillsborough County every year, but Gasparilla isn’t the only entertainment option featuring invaders from the sea.

Hillsborough County’s Hiking with a Viking features park rangers and members of a volunteer historical reenactment group focusing on the Viking era. Together, the rangers and costumed marauders lead hikers through a Hillsborough County conservation park. On the journey, the Viking guides will teach hikers about the Vikings’ lifestyle, skills, crafts, weapons, combat and their appreciation of and dependence on nature.

The county and Wyrd Vikings Inc. are ofering the following Hiking with a Viking events, all from 9-11:30 a.m.: • Saturday, January 14, 2023: Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, located at 8001 Double Branch Rd. in Tampa. • Saturday, February 4, 2023: Edward Medard Conservation Park, located at 6140 Turkey Creek Rd. in Plant City. • Saturday, March 4, 2023: Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, located at 8001 Double Branch Rd. in Tampa.

The Hiking with a Viking event that had been held on December 10 reached capacity almost as soon as it was announced, and the other Viking hikes are

expected to fill up quickly as well. Registration is underway for the January 14 event at Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park; Get ready for Hiking with a Viking, wherein hikers will be led by registration rangers and costumed marauders through a Hillsborough County has not yet conservation park and get to learn about the Vikings’ lifestyle. been opened for the February 4 or March 4 events. The January 14 Hiking with a Viking event will cost $5 per person (pay during registration). To register, you will need to login with an account to purchase tickets. There is a $2 park entry fee per vehicle for up to eight people (paid at the park). Participants should meet at the Nature Center. You are required to bring closed-toe shoes, and it’s recommended to have water in a refillable container, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen and bug spray. To register for the January 14 event, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/ en/calendar/03-parksandrec/2023/ celm/20230114-hiking-with-a-viking. Hiking with a Viking is held in conjunction with Hillsborough County’s Hiking Spree. The Hiking Spree encourages people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through the county’s parks and preserves. This year’s trail list features 24 parks throughout the county. Register for the Hiking Spree and complete at least eight of the hikes on the list before March 31, 2023, to earn a patch or medallion.

RESTORATION & PURPOSE OUTREACH MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Dr. Tracy Spencer-Sandolph is the founder of Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach Inc., located in Brandon. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was established to reach people throughout the Brandon and FishHawk area to provide resources to individuals and families as well as build strong relationships among the community.

Dr. Spencer-Sandolph holds a Ph.D. in human services, with a specialization in nonprofit management and leadership. She is a retired sergeant major that served in the United States Army for 32 years. In addition, she served as an Army sexual assault response coordinator and victim advocate. She is a motivational speaker and a victim-advocate trainer, as she is also a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the spring of 2022, KNOW magazine featured Dr. Spencer-Sandolph and recognized her as one of the most influential, achieved and honorable women across the United States.

Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach began a Christmas basket program two years ago. The program adopts 10 family for the holidays and provides meals and presents. Dr. Spencer-Sandolph worked with local school social workers and teachers to identify families in need.

“My favorite part is seeing the individuals and families smile and know that someone cares,” said Dr. Spencer-Sandolph. “I’m focused on helping the community in four public health issues: 1) domestic violence aware-

ness, 2) sexual assault awareness, 3) human trafcking awareness and 4) homelessness.” Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach ofers a variety of programs, such as its abused victims/survivors program, advocacy services, clothes closet, support Dr. Tracy Spencer-Sandolph is the founder group meetings, mentorof Restoration & Purpose Community ship programs, communiOutreach Inc. ty outreach and speaking engagements. “The program has many opportunities for volunteers. We have been approved via Hillsborough County Public Schools to ofer community services to students,” said Dr. Spencer-Sandolph. “We are seeking volunteers for social media, website, administrative, event planners, clothes-closet sorting, marketing and quarterly newsletters.” Dr. Spencer-Sandolph also wants the community to know that donations are also always welcome, including travel-size and regular-size personal hygiene items and clean clothes for men, women and children. Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach is also hosting an upcoming training in March 2023. This is a 40-hour Victim Advocate Course designed to provide the basic skills for a person who wants to be a credentialed victim advocate. The training is open to the public and costs $450. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite. For more information, call 813-657-0117 or email admin@restorationandpurpose. org. Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach is located at 1085 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon.

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