Osprey Observer Christian Voice Monthly July 2023

Grace Notes: 04

Hooked On Books: 11

Faith & Footprints: 17

TOMPKINS NAMED TO FLORIDA 4-H HALL OF FAME

The UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program and Florida 4-H Foundation are honored to announce the 2023 inductees to the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. Betsy Barfield of Jeferson County, Todd Bundy of Gadsden and Leon Counties, William “Bill” Hill of Polk and Hernando Counties, Larry Middour of Orange County and Christopher Tompkins of Hillsborough County (posthumous).

The Induction Event will be held August 3 at the University of Florida Reitz Union.

Established in 2002 during the national 4-H centennial year, the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding 4-H alumni, volunteers, professionals and community leaders. Members have made significant contributions to 4-H and their community through accomplishments in the areas of citizenship, leadership, career and character.

Tompkins made a lasting impact on all who knew him. His legacy of leadership at a young age impacted the careers of many fellow 4-H youth. Scott Brooks, executive director of career, technical and adult education for Hillsborough County Public Schools, shares, “I am not sure if there has ever been a student more decorated than Christopher Tompkins. His drive to succeed I have not witnessed in any other; however, instead of focusing on all his awards, his real impact was his ability to elevate others and encourage them to grow personally.” Tompkins influenced Brooks’ own evolution from a shy, quiet

kid to a state 4-H ofcer traveling the country, experiences that would impact his own career. This is a common testament from those who knew Tompkins.

During his junior year in high school he served as a Congressional Page, managing 4-H activities in both Florida and Washington, D.C. and being named the outstanding Republican Page both terms. As a student at the University of Florida, Tompkins continued to succeed and serve. He became UF’s first Truman Scholar, and in his final year of

law school served as UF Student Government President, while also being Hillsborough County’s youngest elected ofcial.

One of Chris’ proudest achievements was being named the national 4-H winner in Citizenship and receiving a silver tray from the President of the United States.

“I can’t begin to express how grateful I am that Christopher has been selected for the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. This was a wonderful surprise and I know he’d be thrilled. He absolutely was passionate about 4-H, and of course, the Florida Gators”, notes him mom, Betty Jo Tompkins. “Our family philosophy has always been: Always seek power to do, never power to be and let your spirit soar. That’s how we all felt about the Gator Nation and all that we were blessed to do.”

Following law school at UF, Tompkins worked with multiple elected ofcials before opening his own law practice in Brandon, Florida. Chris Tompkins passed away in 2005 at age 34 after a battle with leukemia. His legacy is marked by dedicated service, authentic leadership, and a firm belief in the importance of citizenship and community service.

Special thanks to 2023 Hall of Fame Sponsors Lewis, Longman, & Walker, PA and Friends of the Florida 4-H Foundation. Event and youth sponsorships are available.

Columns: YOU MATTER TO ME PROVIDES RELIEF FOR MIGRANT FAMILIES ACROSS AREA

“Your passion develops over time, but your curiosity is what leads you down a particular path,” said Barbara Howard, founder of You Matter to Me.

Curiosity is what drove Howard to learn more about the struggles migrant families face as they move throughout the year. This led Howard to create the organization You Matter to Me in the spring of 2022, focusing on supporting migrant students and their families who have come to the area for agricultural work. Howard said that a big reason she created You Matter to Me was to educate people on the migrant farming lifestyle.

“I saw a huge need in the migrant community, … but on the same side of the coin, it was to educate,” Howard said.

Two-hundred and sixteen volunteers participated in a variety of projects this year, including creating goody bags for Valentine’s Day, snack bags for spring break and transporting furniture to homes. Volunteer Sally Wanner recalled how excited migrant students were to receive the goods made for them.

“It’s very fun for me to see how excited they are to have these things,” said Wanner. Wanner has helped bring furniture and other goods to migrant families throughout the area, providing a sense of normalcy for them as they move from place to place with limited help. Maurena Rotering, another You Matter to Me volunteer, has participated in countless projects since its creation. She has sewn curtains, put together baskets and goody bags and donated clothing to

4-H is the youth development program of the land grant university system and Cooperative Extension System. Learn more at florida4h.org

By Ava Benedict

support families in need.

Volunteers are always needed, and one of the best projects for those who want to help are welcome bags, which contain necessities for moving migrant families. Toothbrushes, hair products and toilet paper are just some of the goods distributed through these bags. These bags make a huge impact on the lives of migrant families.

But it is not just those receiving help who have benefitted from the organization’s work. Ana Dans and her family donated toys and clothes to migrant students through the program, an experience that allowed Dans’ children to learn more about the challenges migrant families face. Both Wanner and Rotering agree that volunteering has improved their lives and provided them with an outlet to give back to those in need. For more information on You Matter to Me and how to get involved, visit its Facebook page at You Matter to Me - Lithia, FL.

Betty Jo Tompkins (center) will be on hand in August to accept a posthumous 4-H Hall of Fame award for her son Christopher Tompkins.

Maurena Rotering proudly displays the safety curtains she created for schools in Hillsborough County. Ana Dans and her family provided books and toys for migrant students in need.

HOPE FOR HER IS THERE IN TIMES OF

Hope for Her is a local nonprofit that provides a safe place for women experiencing crisis and trauma in their lives. Trauma can be as a result of abuse, divorce or loss of income. Hope for Her provides women in need with strength, skills and support they need to rebuild their lives.

How does Hope for Her do this?

It helps women rediscover their strength and self-confidence.

This is done by identifying and moving beyond barriers that limit financial, emotional, spiritual and physical healing.

Hope for Her connects women with a licensed counselor. It also ofers classes on coping, Bible study, support groups and exercise classes.

The first step on the path is to make sure that the afected women and their children have the basic needs, such as food, clothing and housing. Hope for Her works with other local nonprofits and community resources to accomplish this.

Moreover, Hope for Her ofers oneon-one coaching and individualized programs, including an employment program. An individual in need will receive a

By Kathy L. Collins

personal job coach who will help them create a resume, search for a job and get ready for interviews, as well as provide appropriate clothing. Once a job is secured, she will receive two weeks of clothing appropriate for a business setting. Women also receive financial coaching, which is customized for their situation. During this time, they learn how to create an appropriate budget, how to save and, most importantly, how to shop within their means. The women basically learn how to take control of their own finances.

In addition, Hope for Her ofers courses on nutrition and parenting.

Hope for Her was formed 16 years ago by Cheryl Hickman, who had it all until she lost it.

Her personal experience led her to create Women’s Resource Center, which is now known as Hope for Her. Over the years, Hope for Her has helped over 4,500 families.

For more information, please visit www.hopeforherfl.org.

On June 14, dignitaries and the community came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at A Kid’s Place. They were cutting the ribbon on some major renovations at the campus.

A Kid’s Place ofers a unique and safe home at its 60-bed campus, which is located on five acres in Brandon. The organization serves a large number of sibling groups.

Brad Gregory, CEO for A Kid’s Place, said, “It is important that children brought to A Kid’s Place after being removed from home feel safe and normal. The homes the children live in are strong, clean and beautiful, which allows them to have a peaceful night’s sleep, keep their personal possessions close, do homework without being interrupted and eat meals and visit with friends in an open space.”

Renovations were done on all five home interiors. The Stepping Stones Independent Living house was remodeled from top to bottom.

Specifically, as part of the improvement project, interior and exterior renovations were made to seven buildings and the surrounding grounds to provide a more suitable living environment for youth in foster care and those aging out

By Kathy L. Collins

of foster care. The improvements include the installation of new windows in five foster care homes; new kitchen and laundry room cabinets and countertops; a new roof at the aging-out facility, as well as interior painting of walls and ceilings; renovations to a kitchen and one bathroom; and new flooring installed throughout the home.

Additionally, the renovation included upgrades to the flooring and interior doors in the administrative building and classrooms. Finally, multiple trees were trimmed or removed.

The renovations cost $448,000. Hillsborough County contributed $340,000 from Community Development Block Grants.

The remaining amount was contributed by others, including Florida Medical Foundation of Caring, White Family Foundation and Homes by Westbay, KeHe Cares, Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation and the Mabel and Ellsworth Simmons Charitable Foundation.

Gregory said, “For the last 14 years, we have rescued almost 2,000 abused and neglected children and provided them a safe, loving and nurturing environment in which to live. Our great success would not be possible without the generous support in all ways from the county and local community.”

For more information, please visit https://akidsplacetb.org/.

Care partners of those with any type of memory loss, whether family, friends or professionals, need to be equipped with the knowledge to best support their loved one. Gain this knowledge at our NEW hybrid support groups being held via Zoom and in person at Tessera of Brandon.

Hybrid Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Groups

With the help of community partners and funding from Hillsborough County, A Kid’s Place was able to complete signifcant renovations to its buildings and grounds. Te renovations were celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 14.

Hope for Her, formerly known as the Women’s Resource Center, has helped thousands of women and their children turn their traumatic lives around.

Grace Notes I Pledge Allegiance

By Debora Coty

This Independence Day, I’ve been thinking about a word we don’t often use in our everyday vernacular: allegiance.

According to Webster, ‘allegiance’ means loyalty, a quality that does seem to be anemic in our current it’s-allabout-me culture.

I think back on my childhood when we pledged allegiance to our nation’s flag every school morning; when our teachers and parents taught us what it meant to be loyal to our country, our Constitution, our Bill of Rights and the ideals of freedom and democracy our country was founded on.

We belted out “God Bless America,” “You’re a Grand Ole Flag” and “Here’s to the Red, White and Blue” at every turn. Didn’t matter if your people were Democrats or Republicans, we all joined hands and hearts and sang our lungs inside and out through pride in our country.

I witnessed my WWII and Korean War veteran father stand in respect, remove his hat and place it over his heart every time the national anthem was played, whether live or on TV. I, too, learned to stop wherever I was, stop talking, stand and salute the flag whenever the first bold notes of “The Star-Span-

FAITH AND DANCE COME TOGETHER AT DANCE QUEST INTERNATIONAL

By Kelly Wise Valdes

gled Banner” resounded. I’m guessing you did that too, my friend — am I right?

My third grade teacher was a Cuban immigrant turned citizen who loved America passionately. She was jubilantly grateful for every single freedom and every wonderful opportunity ofered by her beloved adopted country. She gushed American pride more than anyone I knew. She taught us the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish so that each morning after we stood with our hands over our hearts and recited the Pledge in English, her soft, accented “En español” would cue us to recite it again in her native tongue. I remember seeing tears glistening in her eyes as 30 kiddos valiantly tried to wrap their stif little tongues around the rolled rrr’s and u’s that sounded like oooh’s Allegiance was important then, and it’s important now.

Perhaps this Independence Day we could pledge to instill a little more loyalty and respect for our flag and our country in ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. I’m game. Are you?

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free, (Galatians 5:1 NIV).

Dance Quest International, located in Brandon, brings its vision to be an internally minded performing-arts ministry that breeds new vision and new faith. With more than 300 students enrolled in the studio last season, the ministry is looking forward to things to come.

Dance Quest was originally born in 1995 through the teaching of dance in schools in the Central Florida region, however, the original Brandon studio opened in 2011, and was moved into a larger space in 2014.

The Brandon Dance Quest location includes three spacious studio rooms including one 900 square foot studio, one 850 square foot studio, and one 500 square foot studio.

This summer Dance Quest is ofering many dance options for all ages and skill levels. There are currently more than 100 students enrolled in the summer program.

The Art From The Heart Dance Camp is being ofered for ages 9-12 beginning Monday July 17- Thursday July 20, from 2-4 p.m. Students will be learning dance and enjoy the art of worship and having a heart of worship.

The second summer dance class is Identity- 4 Day Worship Experience being held Monday July 10- Thursday July 13 from 2-4 p.m. for ages 13 and up. This class allows students to explore and find identity in Christ through the art of worship.

According to marketing assistant Syd-

ney Wingate, faith plays a major role in the studio. “We strive to point all of our attention to Jesus in the dance studio, said Wingate. “We incorporate this by praying with and over our students in every class, many of our teachers include times of worship in class on occasion, and we demonstrate the love that Christ has for us by loving our students and reminding them how greatly Jesus loved them also.”

Dance Quest also ofers school programs for preschool and elementary school aged dancers in more than 10 schools in the Brandon and Jacksonville areas.

According to Wingate, Dance Quest stands out from the crowd. “We keep our focus on Christ and our atmosphere, teachers, dancers, and choreography all reflect that focus,” said Wingate. “Our Quest is to create a family that encompasses unity and community. Our dancers will be encouraged to grow spiritually from the inside out, while still equipping their God-given artistic performance, and technical abilities.”

Registration for the 2023-2024 season will take place soon and can be found on the Dance Quest website at www.dancequestintl.com. Dance Quest is located at 853 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon. For more information call 813-842-1687.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Tis summer Dance Quest International is ofering many dance options for all ages and skill levels.

EGGS UP GRILL CELEBRATES 500,000 CRACKED EGGS

Can you imagine cracking half a million eggs?

Eggs Up Grill in Riverview can, as it has now cracked and served over 500,000 of them.

This hot breakfast spot has been counting the number of eggs it has cracked since the moment it opened its doors. Throughout the last two years, owners John and Priscilla Conyer have enjoyed celebrating the community they have created not only through counting eggs but through serving delicious, fresh and locally sourced meals.

“Eggs Up Grill is all about neighbors serving our neighbors, and guests get a kick out of coming in from their previous visit to see how we’ve grown in egg count,” said Priscilla. The community loves to be connected to the restaurant through the counting of the eggs. The guests at Eggs Up Grill enjoy taking a picture of the egg-counter display and comparing it every time they dine in. When Priscilla and John see guests attending each egg-count milestone, they feel pride in being able

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

to connect with their community. “I love dining in at Eggs Up Grill, and every time I come it always makes me feel happy being here,” said the guest who ate the 500,000th egg. “I feel like I’m forever part of history right here in our community.”

With the care that each team member puts into your breakfast, dining in at Eggs Up Grill truly makes you feel like part of the community. Along with a large and delicious menu, Eggs

Up Grill also ofers catering for any size event and a private dining experience in the store for groups of up to 15.

The Conyers hope to be a staple restaurant in the community and look forward to the next egg-count celebration when Eggs Up Grill cracks its 750,000th egg.

Eggs Up Grill is located at 3920 U.S. Hwy. 301. Its hours are 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m., seven days a week. Stay up to date on special promotions and details on Instagram and Facebook @eugriverview and check out the full menu online at https:// eggsupgrill.com/.

service@repcopest.com

Business Sales and Valuations-Legacy Venture Group Brian Stephens 813-571-7700 brian@buybizusa.com

Church (Local) - Lakewood Community Church of God Dr. Degrando Franks 813-714-8562 cdlfranks@aol.com

Cleaning Services - AJ Westfall Co.

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Estate Planning - London Baker Law

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Deb Baker 813-785-5052 debbaker@londonbakerlaw.com

Financial Services - Brownstone Wealth Management Ryan Hughes 813-731-5017 ryan.r.hughes@lpl.com

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Te guest who ate the 500,000th egg was surprised to be served this milestone egg and was excited to receive it.

Eggs Up Grill has customers who dine in at least two times a week, and they love an opportunity to celebrate the restaurant.

Pest Control

BRANDON SENIOR SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL FLOURISHES AND CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

The Brandon Senior Softball Association is celebrating its 20th year of providing the opportunity for senior softball players (men ages 60 and up and women ages 55 and up) to play the kids’ game we love.

With the support of the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department, games are played on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9 a.m. yearround at the county’s well-maintained regulation fields at the William Owen Pass Sports Complex, located at 1300 Sydney Dover Rd. in Dover. Over 100 players throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties, and even some from up north, gather for batting practice and games in the present eight-team league with competitive balance in a recreational league concept. Batting practice and pickup games are available on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Phil Grassmuck, president of the association, said, “The purpose of the league is to provide for its members so that they may enjoy good fellowship, enhance their well-being through physical exercise, promote 60-plus softball (55 for females) and enjoy playing slow-pitch softball. This league is for fun and recreation.”

From the grand celebration and opening games on August 27, 2003, the league has developed into a caring community,

By Taylor Wells

a family of comrades, providing encouragement for retirees to stay active and young in spirit; it’s a little league for old guys with a touch of competitiveness. Nothing beats post-game lunching and domino playing with tall tales of game replays.

It is not unusual when a player becomes ill or injured and has no family nearby for another player to take him in until recovery. The league supports various charitable projects, on occasion makes contributions honoring deceased members and responds en masse for memorial services.

“My favorite part of the league is comradery,” Grassmuck added, “and the fun of the guys playing ball.”

The 20th anniversary party will be held on Tuesday and Thursday, October 24 and 26 at the field, with current and former players, presidents and board members, as well as guests, honoring the league founders and renewing friendships from over the years with lunch and reminiscing after a week of softball skills, homerun derby and all-star games. Current and past league members will also get special shirts.

If you are a player and need a league, friends, fun and exercise, or if you would like more information, visit www.brandonseniorsoftball.com.

HILLSBOROUGH NAMED A NATIONAL FINALIST FOR EXCELLENCE IN PARK AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT

For the second year in a row, Hillsborough County has been honored as one of the top parks and rec programs in the country.

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation is one of four national finalists in the Class 1 category for the 2023 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration announced. Class 1 includes the nation’s largest parks and recreation departments, serving populations of more than 400,000.

Only one department will receive the highest award, the Grand Plaque, in September. Each finalist sends the judges a short video highlighting their department.

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation manages 167 parks, 223 sports fields, 118 playgrounds, 54 recreation centers, 47 athletic complexes, 10 dog parks, six cemeteries and five splash pads. These parks provide an economic impact of nearly $50 million in increased property values.

To provide equitable access to all parks, Parks & Recreation established a $9 million Athletic Turf Initiative to ensure high-quality playing conditions for 40,000 youth athletes and a $3.5 million Americans with Disabilities Transition Plan that assists in removing physical barriers.

Parks & Recreation is always searching for creative ways to increase park capacity in an ever-growing urban environment.

As a result, Lucy Dell Community Pond, once an overgrown, littered water basin dividing two neighborhoods, was trans-

formed by installing a boardwalk, fitness station and walking trail, creating an urban oasis. Similarly, when a wastewater treatment plant was decommissioned, the department invested $10 million to create the county’s first destination park at the site, which has 603,000 visits annually.

In 2021, a former landfill site was converted into the county’s first drone racing park. Winner of the 2022 Planning Commission’s Planning & Design Award for Excellence in Entertainment & Environment, the course features metal obstacles, start and finish gates, seating and restrooms.

The Wellness Access Pass was created to promote healthy lifestyles. For $10.75 per month, participants receive access to county-owned fitness centers and open gyms. The county’s Move Hillsborough initiative encourages residents to get active through a variety of programs. As part of the initiative, the county invested more than $1 million in building 10 state-of-the-art outdoor fitness zones throughout Hillsborough.

The Hillsborough County Hiking Spree is an annual event that encourages residents to “Take a hike!” and highlights 22 trails..

To help serve a population of nearly 1.5 million, the department has engaged 182 partners who provide programming, with 376,927 participants annually. Partners include 49 Youth Sports Partner Organizations, the Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Office and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/ residents/recreation-and-culture/parks

FINANCIAL FOCUS HELP GET YOUR TEEN STARTED WITH A ROTH IRA

To be successful in most endeavors, it’s important to develop good habits — and that’s certainly the case for investors. And the earlier one develops these habits, the better. So, if you have teenagers who may be starting to work at part-time jobs, now may be a great time to introduce them to investing — and one place to begin might be a Roth IRA.

As you may know, a Roth IRA is a popular retirement savings vehicle — its earnings can grow federally tax-free, provided withdrawals aren’t taken until the investor is at least 59½ and has had the account fve or more years. But because a Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars, contributions can be withdrawn at any time, penalty-free, to pay for any expenses — including college. Roth IRA earnings can also be used to help pay for college, although these withdrawals will be taxable. However, if a child is the account owner, a lower tax bracket will likely apply.

In 2023, up to $6,500 per year can go into your teenager’s Roth IRA, as long as the amount contributed doesn’t exceed the amount of their taxable compensation for the year. And your child doesn’t have to put all the money in — you and the child’s grandparents can also contribute. In fact, you might want to “match” your child’s contributions up to the limit to provide an incentive for them to continue investing in the Roth IRA. Not only will your matching contribution help build the Roth IRA’s assets but it can also instill in your child’s mind the beneft of earning a match – which can prove valuable later on, when your child is in the workforce full time and has a chance to receive an employer’s matching contributions in a 401(k) or similar plan.

Your child may well fnd a job at a local restaurant or shop, as these businesses have experienced a shortage of workers the past couple of years. But if you have a family business, you can employ your teen to provide income that can go into a Roth IRA. Furthermore, if the business is one parent’s sole proprietorship, or it’s a partnership in which each partner is the parent, the payments for a child younger than 18 are not subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. As an employee, your child must perform reasonable tasks necessary for the business and be paid reasonable wages — that is, wages comparable to what you’d pay a regular employee for the same work.

But wherever your child’s wages come from, using some of them to help fund a Roth IRA can be a good move. For one thing, it gives you a chance to explain the value of putting time on your side when you invest — simply put, the more years you invest, the greater your chances of accumulating the resources you need to meet your goals. And by helping your teen open a Roth IRA, which holds stocks, mutual funds or virtually any other type of security, you can discuss the diferent risk/ reward characteristics of various types of investments — the kind of basic knowledge that all investors should have.

Once your teen’s frst paychecks start coming in, consider bringing up the idea of opening a Roth IRA — you may well be opening the door to a lifetime of consistent and informed investing.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Brandon Senior Softball Association members ready to start batting practice.

A photo of Brandon Senior Softball Association members from the early days of the league.

Te Apollo Beach Park & Recreation Center.

BAPTIST

St. Stephen Catholic Church

Saint Stephen Circle, Riverview (813) 689-4900

CHURCH OF GOD

Boyette Springs Church of God

12114 Boyette Rd., Riverview

(813) 671-0086

Plant City Church of God

2103 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City

(813) 752-4591

EPISCOPAL

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church

604 N. Valrico Rd., Valrico

(813) 689-3130

LUTHERAN

Apostles Lutheran Church

200 Kingsway Rd, Brandon

(813) 689-2571

Immanuel Lutheran Church

2913 John Moore Rd., Brandon

(813) 689-1787

METHODIST

PENTECOSTAL

752-8345

CATHOLIC

663-0334

Uptown Cheapskate, a local clothing store, is the latest in upscale resale to join the consignment community in Brandon and the surrounding Southeastern Hillsborough County area. Located at 11229 Causeway Blvd., neighboring

UPTOWN CHEAPSKATE: NOT YOUR MOTHER’S CONSIGNMENT STORE

By Avery Ranieri

Owner Amber Watt oversees this ‘dawn of a new era’ in consignment, in which her employees, mostly local students, are hard at work.

TRASH CAN-VAS ART ADORNS

PLANT CITY WITH ART

By Kathy L. Collins

whimsical paintings and digital art are found in local galleries and exhibits across Tampa Bay, including Lucid Vending Machines, Green Bench Brewing and Only Rain Down the Drain, a recently completed mural for the city of Pinellas Park completed in 2022.

JOANN and Nordstrom Rack, this exciting new store is stocked with trendy clothing and accessories for men, women and teens. The grand opening on June 15 gave customers in attendance first dibs on bringing home items with familiar high-end brand names, such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Coach and Kate Spade. Not only was the guarantee of obtaining these products at thrift store prices extremely high, and well received, but one of the first 40 customers in line was lucky enough to win a $25 gift card to Crumbl Cookies. This afordable ‘treasure-hunting’-style of shopping is fun and endless. Because locals are able to swap clothes for cash on the spot, the store is restocked each week.

Uptown Cheapskate’s minimalistic design generates a sense of welcomeness for customers or passersby. Upon entry, it is hard to ignore the eye-catching storefront and pops of color. The interior is modish and organized and is a value location for trendsetters and those looking to shop their favorite brands.

“This job is just plain fun,” said Watt. She wholeheartedly believes in bringing good fashion resale options to the area. The amiable and dedicated team of staf works to upcycle clothing items for the greater good of the community.

Uptown Cheapskate’s general manager, Kylie Duncan, explained, “We’re excited to bring sustainability to Brandon.” Upcycling clothing introduces ‘zero-waste lifestyles.’ In today’s society, fast fashion has a negative impact on the environment, and consignment’s positive efects and healthy cash flow are needed more than ever.

Alongside Uptown Cheapskate, the Brandon area is also home to multiple other consignment stores with inexpensive prices and good deals. After visiting Uptown Cheapskate, make sure to stop by Plato’s Closet, Style Encore, Julie’s Walk-In Closet or Agape Chic, all vital members of the local consignment retail ring. For more information on Uptown Cheapskate, visit www.uptowncheapskate.com/location/brandon/.

Plant City is a vibrant and growing downtown. Much of its charm is due to its hometown feel, but a lot also has to do with how the city partners with organizations and individuals to bring art to the downtown area.

The newest collaboration between Plant City Main Street, MAKE Plant City and the City of Plant city is called the Trash Can-Vas program. The first one is an art decorated trash dumpster located in a parking lot of of Palmer Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Plant City. The dumpster is part of an initiative to bring more public art to Downtown Plant City. The collaboration between Plant City Main Street, MAKE Plant City and the City of Plant City is a follow-up to the Electric Art Box project, which saw many of downtown’s electric boxes wrapped in vinyl artwork from a number of area artists.

The dumpster art is titled Always in Season. It features Florida-native flora and fauna painted by Courtney Dodson, a St. Petersburg visual artist. Dodson was selected from a pool of artists who responded to the project’s call for artists. Dodson’s bold colors and clean lines in her

“We were thrilled with the art community’s response to the Trash Can-Vas program,” said Arley Smude of MAKE Plant City. “With over 20 incredible submissions, it was another reminder of the vast, and pent-up, creative talent in the area,” added Smude.

“The Trash Can-Vas program adds a piece of unexpected beauty, which helps to make downtown a more interesting and vibrant place to walk, shop and enjoy,” said Dawn Hyatt, executive director of Plant City Main Street. “We are so appreciative of this collaboration to support the Downtown Vision Plan by adding public art,” added Hyatt.

MAKE Plant City is a nonprofit organization that aims to inspire and connect people for a more creative and dynamic community. For more information, follow them on Facebook.

Plant City Main Street is an afliate of a national network that wants to create high-quality places and build strong communities through preservation-based economic development. For more information, please visit www.plantcitymainstreet.org.

For more information on the City of Plant City, visit www.plantcitygov.com.

Saint Anne Catholic Church

Saint Anne Catholic Church

Saint Anne Catholic Church

Vigil Sunday8 Monday-Friday Wednesday &

~Masses~

MASSES

Vigil.....................................................................Saturday 4:30 p.m.

Sunday........................ 8 a.m., 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. (12 p.m. Spanish)

Monday - Friday......................................................................8 a.m.

and Facebook page.

Wednesday............................7 p.m. Jueves.........................7 p.m.

Reconciliation Tue. at 8:30am, Thurs. at 6pm, Sat. at 3:15pm and By Appointment.

Te Masses will be streamed and uploaded to the St. Anne website (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page.

Te church will be open weekdays for private prayer between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Reconciliation Tues. at 8:30 a.m., Tur. at 6 p.m., Sat. at 3:15 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, please check the St. Anne website.

For more information, please check the St. Anne website. Registration is now open for the 2021-2022 Faith Formation year. Please call the ofce for more information.

All-inclusive display of fashionable clothing for sale at Uptown Cheapskate.

Art, in any form, can transform a city. Te City of Plant City, in collaboration with MAKE Plant City and Plant City Main Street, is doing this one dumpster at a time.

Proverbs 11:14 (AMP):

“14 Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go of course like a ship without a helm],

But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.”

Great plans are based on having the right people, who have the most benefcial information, at our table. The only way to do that is to have highly educated, quality people around us to give us wise counsel. We do not have to be the smartest person in the room, but we must have the smartest people around us. Do not be intimidated by degrees or Ph.D.s. Understand that the goal is to gather the best information we can in order to make the best decisions for our business.

Proverbs 15:22 is yet another scripture that lets us know how critical getting quality advice from a great team can be.

Proverbs 15:22 (AMP):

“22 Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they are established and

Pastor’s Corner

Jomo Cousins, Ph.D.

GUIDANCE

succeed.”

Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Mo tor Company, only had an elementary school education, but he understood how to identify talent.

Our job as CEOs is to have the ability to fnd good people. If we study Jesus’ life and his leadership model, he nev er waited for people to come to him to work. He was always recruiting talent to his team. We can never have enough tal ent on our team.

Five People We Must Include in Our Business Advisory Team:

1. Attorney.

2. Accountant.

3. Insurance advisor.

4. Financial advisor.

5. Banker.

Prayer: Lord, give me the wisdom to choose the right people for my organization, and Lord, help me be the leader that I need to be, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Except from: 60 Prayers in 60 Seconds, Page 55.

HIGH 5 INC. DEDICATES NEW MEMORIAL GARDEN TO SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM DIRECTOR

High 5 Inc. recently dedicated the new TRIDENT Memorial Garden during the nonprofit organization’s 60th anniversary celebration.

The garden was dedicated to Candy Corsi, former Training and Recreation for the Intellectually Disabled Enabling their Natural Talents (TRIDENT) director, on May 20. Corsi became the director in 2011 and built the special needs education program into what it is today.

Her two sons are still active members of the TRIDENT program, but, after her death in 2021, the organization wanted a way to remember her legacy.

“[The garden was built] to honor and remember an amazing woman with a huge heart that touched the lives of everyone she met,” said High 5 Inc. CEO Chuck Burgess.

The memorial garden is located in High 5 Inc.’s back fields by its 25-meter pool. The garden is filled with flowers, water features, gazebos and picnic tables. Burgess and current TRIDENT director Joe Somers came up with the idea for the memorial garden to involve their special needs members.

“This project began back in January with the planning phase and will be a living, on-

By Lily Belcher

going garden that will be continuously improved by the TRIDENT Team,” said Burgess.

The TRIDENT Team, Brandon Leadership Class of 2023 and other members of the High 5 team worked to create the memorial garden. Community donations from Rivard Buick GMC, Home Depot, Kerby’s Nursery and Rotary Club of Brandon supported the team during the five months of construction.

The TRIDENT Team is a daily program for adults with special abilities. The program acknowledges that some students may not be able to live independently, but High 5 and TRIDENT can help them maximize their strengths.

Through the program, special needs kids and adults have the opportunity to participate in social, educational and recreational activities, like building High 5’s first memorial garden.

High 5 Inc. is a nonprofit organization that serves local adults and kids by positively impacting their mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing at their location of Highway 60 in Brandon. For more information on High 5 or its TRIDENT program, contact memberservices@high5inc.org or call 813-689-0908.

“Living

Candy Corsi’s sons unveil the new Trident Memorial Garden located on High 5 Inc. as a legacy to her service to the program.

Hooked On Books: T e Legacy Of Pat Robertson

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Pat Robertson, Christian broadcaster, longtime television host and author, died last month at his Virginia Beach home at the age of 93. He was best known for his commentary and prayer as leader of The 700 Club television show. Robertson’s rise to fame was based on his vision from God to create the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), which he founded more than 60 years ago. In 1960, Robertson created CBN with $70 dollars to his name and a company bank account with a $3 initial deposit. In 1966, Robertson began to host a daily talk show, The 700 Club. Still on air today, it’s one of the longest-running programs in history. In addition, Robertson authored 18 books and managed multiple nonprofit organizations. Despite losing his wife, Dede, in 2022 and his declining health, Robertson’s faith never wavered. Robertson leaves behind his four children, 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and thousands of faithful fans worldwide. 2 Timothy 4:7 says, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

I Have Walked with the Living God

By Pat Robertson Robertson

— founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, Operation Blessing and the American Center for Law and Justice — is living proof that miracles happen and God definitely exists. In this honest and inspiring account, he shares an inside look at his life and legacy and explains what can happen when a hardheaded businessman encounters the Lord.

Ten Laws for Success: Keys to Win in Work, Family, and Finance

By Pat Robertson

From the renowned host of The 700 Club comes a revolutionary guide to vocational and economic success. Robertson explains to readers how to live a prosperous and meaningful life; bring blessing to your family; achieve your goals; grow in perseverance and reap its rewards; find healing, financial security and marital bliss; and more.

Te Power of the Holy Spirit in You: Understanding the Miraculous Power of God

By Pat Robertson

Who is the Third Person of the Trinity? How do we receive power from him to continue Christ’s mission on Earth? Robertson traces the Holy Spirit through the Old and New Testaments and shares with his readers the stories from his life and ministry to help recognize this agent of God’s power and healing.

Right on the Money: Financial Advice for Tough Times (e-book)

By Pat Robertson

This faith-based book provides answers to people desperately in need in today’s tough times. Among the topics addressed are how to: create a healthy financial plan, devise spending strategies within your budget, identify areas where your money can grow, diminish your debt, cut costs and plan for the financial future.

REGISTER NOW FOR 2023 SUMMER CAMP!

Also hiring for 2023 Summer Camp Counselors & Runners.

Summer Camp Includes:

Pools, Laser Tag, Diving boards, Customized weekly themes, Ofsite fieldtrips, Video game rooms, Onsite fieldtrips, Playgrounds, Arts & Crafts, Indoor sports, Outdoors sports, S.T.E.M activities & so much more!

Ofering at 3 loctions: High 5, Inc. Main Campus, Symmes Elementary, and Fishhawk Creek Elementary

(813) 689-0908

405 Beverly Blvd Brandon, FL 33511-5507

HOW SANIBEL AND CAPTIVA ISLANDS ARE COMING BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER AFTER HURRICANE IAN

On September 28, 2022, one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the United States made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, causing 2.6 million Florida residents to lose power. This devastating event named Hurricane Ian caused $12.6 billion in insured losses, holding the second-place title for the largest insurance loss after Hurricane Katrina. Two fan-favorite islands, Sanibel and Captiva, were in direct path of Ian. Almost a year later, Sanibel and Captiva islands are making their long-awaited return to their Florida families. Here’s how to navigate the new Sanibel and Captiva.

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce stated, “By consensus, the Sanibel City Council supported the decision to end the requirement for reentry passes on January 2, 2023. The City of Sanibel asks that nonresidents respect and understand the fact that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian,” in response to the bridge’s reopening cautions.

The SanCap Chamber website is home to all things Sanibel and Captiva. This is the number one most reliable place to find what is currently open on these islands. From places to stay to where to shop, and even what beaches are open

RETURN OF SUMMER NIGHTS SPECTACULAR AT BUSCH GARDENS

By Ella Shockley

to the public, SanCap Chamber has it all. An interactive map with pinpoints on popular locations is the website’s most popular tool, showing the hours of operation of all the spots around the islands.

BOOP’S by The Bubble Room is a new addition to Captiva. Open every day from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. serving the famous Bubble Room cakes, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, ice cream, cofee and pastries. Meanwhile, The Bubble Room Restaurant is still under repair (planning to open at a later date).

Another fan favorite, for its lively atmosphere and location, is The Mucky Duck. With picnic tables right on the beach, this is the perfect location for watching the sunset while grabbing a bite to eat. Its hours of operation and current menu can be found www.muckyduck.com/ourmenus/.

Florida residents from all over have made reopening possible due to the continuous eforts through the community. If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering for Captiva or Sanibel, reach out to FISH of Sanibel-Captiva at info@ fishofsancap.org, or Keep Lee County Beautiful at 239-334-3488. Find more information about all things Sanibel and Captiva at https://sanibel-captiva.org/.

There is no better place to be this summer than Busch Gardens parks, voted one of the best theme parks in the U.S. in USA Today’s 10Best 2023 Readers’ Choice awards. Returning this summer is fan-favorite Summer Nights, featuring all-new entertainment, fireworks and more.

“Summer is always an exciting time at Busch Gardens and there are more reasons than ever to celebrate it at one of the best theme parks in the country,” said Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

Guests can enjoy great experiences both new and returning this summer.

The all-new Serengeti Flyer is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind. With each swing of Serengeti Flyer, riders soar higher and higher above Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain while experiencing multiple negative-G moments before plunging back toward the Earth. Guests can also experience a host of other amazing thrills, including Iron Gwazi.

New this Summer is Icons, where guests can step into the world of musical icons with a new review show at Dragon Fire Grill. Featuring live performances of fan-favorite hits inspired by musical legends, this show will have guests singing and dancing in their seats. Other fan-favorite entertainment includes Turn It Up! Remix, an award-winning year-round ice-skating

show at the Moroccan Palace Theater.

As the sun goes down, the park lights up on 27 select nights with a dazzling display of colors and sound. From jaw-dropping colors to intricate patterns, the Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular, sponsored by Bad Boy Mowers, will leave guests in awe.

Also new this summer is the Summer Nights Elite VIP Tour, where an experienced Busch Gardens guide will map out a personalized and unforgettable day. In this private, guided tour, guests will be provided the VIP treatment. From frontof-the-line access on Florida’s favorite thrill rides to up-close animal encounters and feeding opportunities, and lunch at fan-favorite restaurants, this tour will provide the elite experience. Other not-to-miss favorites include the Animal Care Center, where guests can see and learn all about animal care at the state-of-the-art care facility. The award-winning Serengeti Safari ofers guests a unique and up-close look at African wildlife with a 30-minute of-road expedition led by an expert guide, providing the opportunity to hand-feed girafes and explore the habitats of the Serengeti Plain.

An annual pass is the best way to enjoy an entire year of family fun, thrilling attractions and exciting seasonal events. Categorized in easy-to-use tiers, options provide guests with unlimited year-round admission and unbeatable benefits, including free parking, in-park discounts and monthly rewards. For more information, visit https:// buschgardenstampa.com/.

BOOP’S by Te Bubble Room is home to delicious cakes and an iconic Captiva photo spot.

Eye-catching sunsets can be found every evening along Captiva’s beautiful beaches.

Staf Report

CONCERT, PODCAST, GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMP, MOVIE NIGHT AND MORE!

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Going Beyond With Priscilla Shirer

Simulcast

Get ready for an extraordinary day that will transform your heart and deepen your faith. Join thousands of women across the globe at the Going Beyond Simulcast at Bay Life Church on Saturday, August 26 from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., as we come together to seek God’s guidance and discover His purpose for our lives. Admission is $35, with an optional Chickfil-A lunch for $10. Bay Life Church is located at 1017 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. For more information, visit www. baylife.org.

Christian Rap Concert At Beit Tehila Community Church

The public is invited to Beit Tehila Community Church

to attend its first annual Christian Rap concert on Saturday, July 15 from 7-9 p.m. This concert is centered around giving glory to God. Psalms 105:1-5 is the theme verse representing this concert: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise

to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.” Admission is free. The church is located at 1705 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon. For more information, visit www.topraise.net.

Centerpoint Church Hosts Summer Night Events

Summer Nights are free events for sixth through 12th grade students in the community. Each month, there will be evening of themed activities to get teens out of the house and into community with other students. There’s no cost to attend, and you can drop in for all or part of the event. On Wednesday, July 5 from 7-9 p.m., there will be a food truck event. Round up your friends and come check out the lineup of food trucks. There will be games to play, as well as discounts and giveaways. On

Wednesday, August 2 from 7-9 p.m., the students will participate in the Valrico Ninja Warrior event. It’ll be a battle for the ages with obstacle courses, inflatables and a color run. Make sure you wear white. For more information on these events, visit www.centerpointfl.org.

All Girls Sports Basketball Camp

At

FishHawk Fellowship Church

Girls Basketball Camp is back at FishHawk Fellowship Church Sports. Join in for Girls Basketball Camp from Monday, July 31 through Friday, August 4, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Girls will be growing in basketball skills, the love of the game, and a relationship with Jesus! This all-girls camp is open to rising first

graders through eighth graders. The price is $105 for the week. Registration closes on Monday, July 24. Sign up to save your spot today. For more information, visit https://fishhawkfc.churchcenter.com/.

Friday

Night At Te

Movies At Sun City Center United Methodist Church

Come out and have a movie night at Sun City Center United Methodist Church on Friday, July 14. The movie, A Box of Faith, is about a young 16-year-old girl, alone and on her own, figuring out how to survive on the streets by the stroke of a spiritual pen. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sun City Center Church is located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center. For more, visit www.sccumc.com.

Te Next Report Card is going to be better! Te Next Report Card is going to be better!

TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL ELEVATES HOME HEALTH CARE

Tampa General Hospital’s (TGH) profound and expert quality care has been quite literally lifesaving for the past 95 years. But what if you were told patients could be treated with the same quality from the comfort of their own home?

That’s right, the program, TGH at Home, saves people the overwhelming experience of a hospital environment while keeping them in the care of trained health care providers. Patients must first be admitted to the hospital or seen in the Emergency Department to be transferred to TGH at Home, and there are no additional costs. With an average of just three to four out of every 100 individuals from this program readmitted to the hospital, TGH at Home hurdles obstacles and reaches goals in patient care. From simply improving patients’ states of mind to saving approximately 50 lives a year from sepsis, this program is an example of a dawn of a new era for hospitals around the world. Receiving positive patient feedback, Tampa General has hopes to continue advancing the program for the greater good of the community.

Mainly treating only patients with chronic illnesses, the program combines daily in-home visits from expert doctors and nurses, virtual visits and 24/7 remote monitoring. TGH at Home’s hardworking team of staf are eager to expand the area it cov-

By Avery Ranieri

ers along with continuing to diversify its treatments.

Dr. Peter Chang, vice president of health care design and care transitions, said, “With new technology and processes, we’ve been able to take better care of a patient at home because they are surrounded by their loved ones, a familiar environment, their pets, their normal daily routines and you’re bringing the hospital to them.”

These groundbreaking technologies are found in Tampa General’s CareComm, where artificial intelligence applications store patient data, which then helps to reduce the length of patients’ stays. TGH at Home’s foundation is within this master communication hub. The innovative program works with CareComm to “battle high hospital capacities and provide quality and safety,” said Dr. Chang.

The endless benefits of this program compile into one major thing: world-class care in your own home. TGH at Home’s dedicated team of staf strives to make sure patients are comfortable and taken care of.

“Working with this program reminded me why I became a doctor,” remarked one of Dr. Chang’s colleagues.

For more information on eligibility and frequently asked questions, visit www. tgh.org/institutes-and-services/hospital-at-home.

TAMPA BAY RODEO & FAMILY FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY BARTOW FORD, GALLOPS INTO HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

The best entertainment in Western sports gallops into the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds when the Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival, presented by Bartow Ford, arrives on Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15. The two-day extravaganza chockfull of bull riding, bronco busting and barrel racing brings cowboys and cowgirls throughout the South to test their skills against some of the best bucking horses and bulls in all of rodeo. Tickets are on sale today for this electrifying event.

Seven-time International Professional Rodeo Association Announcer of the Year Matt McGee from the award-winning T-T Rodeo Company, based out of Waycross, Georgia, will present lively and hilarious entertainment between competitions that will have fans stompin’, hootin’ and hollerin’ with excitement. Highlighting the bull riding competition, select competitors will attempt to ride Georgia Smoke Shop, a legendary undefeated bull.

Fans can arrive early for the Family Festival featuring good grub, spirited games, live music and entertaining activities that will thrill the entire family, from the littlest cowpokes to the most seasoned cowhands. Roaring into the Family Festival for the first time, a monster truck will show of its oversized maneuverability

in demos. Rodeo royalty will be in the house as fans can meet and take pictures with Justin Thigpen, 22time world champion cowboy with more than $1 million in career rodeo winnings. An expanded, tented eating area will allow fans to eat and enjoy the live music featured on the Bartow Beer Barn entertainment stage protected from the sun or rain.

In addition to a monster truck, live music and meet and greets, guests can test their skills on the mechanical bull, ride ponies, speed down the giant slide or play oversized lawn games. Yummy vittles at the Family Festival include corn dogs, barbecue, tacos, funnel cakes, ice cream, pizza, hot-pressed Cuban sandwiches and more. There’s something for everyone at this summer spectacular.

The Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival, presented by Bartow Ford, is a community event featuring local vendors and area sponsors, including:

• Bartow Ford. • Acme Barricades.

• Bass Pro Shops. • Boot Barn.

• Hooters. • Duke’s Brewhouse.

• John Deere. • KC Coastal.

• US 103.5. • Tampa Bay Times

• Russell’s Work & Western Wear. For more information and tickets, please visit https://hillsboroughcountyfair.com/tickets.

Te Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival, presented by Bartow Ford, features bull riding, bronco busting and barrel racing, along with live music, meet and greets, family games, food and local vendors.

Patients wear an adhesive patch that monitors all their vitals.

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA NAMES NEW CEO

The Florida Orchestra (TFO) has named Ignacio Barrón Viela as its new president and CEO, the orchestra announced. He brings global experience to lead the state’s largest professional orchestra in a new era of growth in Tampa Bay, joining TFO in August.

Born in Zaragoza, Spain, Barrón Viela is a classically trained cellist who has spent more than a decade performing in orchestras and managing music projects worldwide. He comes to TFO from the Reno Philharmonic in Nevada, where, as president and CEO, he helped expand its artistic oferings with a wide variety of events and concerts, including a semi-staged opera. Post-pandemic audiences consistently grew, sometimes exceeding pre-pandemic levels. During his tenure, the Reno Phil Youth Symphony Orchestra performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

Before that, he was the executive director of the Billings Symphony in Montana, where he created key partnerships with local and national associations, cultivated donor relationships with record-setting donations and doubled the symphony’s net worth and endowment. Barrón Viela succeeds Mark Cantrell, who departed in April to be CEO of the Colorado Symphony.

“It will be an honor to lead Florida’s premier orchestra,” Barrón Viela said. “I am impressed by the orchestra’s stellar reputation and innovative programming, and I am inspired by TFO’s commitment to serving the needs of this growing community with such passion. I look forward

DUFFELS OF DIGNITY DONATIONS FILL NEW CHILDREN’S HOME NETWORK DONATION CENTER

Staf Report

to working closely with Michael Francis, the remarkable Florida Orchestra musicians, a great board and an energetic staf.”

“I am delighted Ignacio Barrón Viela will join us as president and CEO of TFO,” said music director Michael Francis. “From our first meeting, it was clear that Ignacio has a genuine passion for music, a strategic mindset and a charismatic ability to communicate deeply about our wonderful art form. With his fascinating background as a musician, engineer, senior management consultant and successful orchestra CEO, Ignacio will bring a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic approach to leading The Florida Orchestra.”

Barrón Viela holds a Master of Industrial Engineering degree from the University of Zaragoza and an MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business, with an emphasis in arts leadership through the USC Thornton School of Music. In 2020, he was nominated as one of the ‘40 Under 40’ most successful leaders in Montana, and in 2022 he was recognized with the Community Builder Award by the Downtown Billings Association.

Barrón Viela and his wife, Brianna, enjoy exploring the great outdoors, running road races and learning from and engaging with people from all walks of life. They will make the move to Tampa Bay over the summer.

Season tickets are available now at https://floridaorchestra.org/. Single tickets go on sale on Monday, July 31.

Thanks to an amazing show of generosity by residents, Hillsborough County recently delivered more than 160 dufels, backpacks and suitcases stufed with personal care items for children in foster care. The donation coincided with National Foster Care Month in May.

The Dufels of Dignity program helps children in foster care or other difcult and traumatic situations who often leave without even a bag to carry their belongings. The program partners with nonprofits throughout Hillsborough County to donate items to its clients. The Children’s Home Network has been a partner since the program started, and most of the items collected through the Dufels of Dignity program are given to youth in foster care or who are temporarily housed at the Children’s Services campus.

The items were delivered to the Children’s Home Network’s new Donation Center on May 25 in Tampa. County Commissioners Michael Owen and Gwen Myers were in attendance, along with Irene Rickus, president and CEO of the Children’s Home Network, and Craig Jewesak, Hillsborough County administrative services coordinator.

Dufels of Dignity ofcially launched in October 2022. The idea came to fruition after Jewesak and his family realized they had extra dufels and smaller suitcases in nearly new condition that could be do-

nated. “Being in children’s services, I am acutely aware of the needs of foster children and the kids who are going through very traumatic experiences, … and the program bloomed from there,” explained Jewesak.

Thursday’s delivery was the largest in the program’s history and will make an immediate impact for Hillsborough youth who need it most. In total, Dufels of Dignity will have donated an estimated 900 duffels, backpacks and suitcases packed with much-needed items such as toothbrushes, combs, shampoo, deodorant and more.

In addition to the Children’s Home Network, organizations that have received donated goods through the Dufels of Dignity program include Metropolitan Ministries, ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization) of Brandon and The Spring of Tampa Bay, which helps women and their children escape domestic violence.

The program is ongoing, and donations can be dropped of Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Hillsborough County Children’s Services Administrative Ofce, located at 3191 Clay Mangum Ln. in Tampa. Dufels of Dignity also has an Amazon Wish List. Items purchased from this list will be delivered directly to the Children’s Services campus. More information and a link to the wish list is available at www.hcflgov.net/ dufelsofdignity.

District 4 County Commissioner Michael Owen spoke about the importance of supporting Dufels of Dignity at a recent donation event.

FAITH & FOOTPRINTS

By Kelly Wise Valdes

OLD NORTH CHURCH BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

With the Independence Day holiday upon us, it seems fitting to highlight a church that played a significant role in the American Revolution. Ofcially called Christ Church, the Old North Church is the oldest church building standing in Boston and a National Historic Landmark. This site is forever immortalized by the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem “Paul Revere’s Ride.” It was from the church’s steeple that the signal lamps which represented “one if by land, and two if by sea” were held and immortalized. Old North’s fame began on the evening of April 18, 1775, when a church ofcial, Robert Newman, and vestryman, Captain John Pulling Jr., climbed the church’s steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were approaching Lexington and Concord by sea across the Charles River, not by land. This event launched the beginning of the American Revolution.

In 1775, on the eve of the Revolution, a substantial number of congregants were loyal to the British king, and many held ofcial positions in the royal government, including the royal governor of Massachusetts. This further

demonstrated the bravery of the patriots for signaling the invasion.

Each year, the church welcomes more than 500,000 visitors to the site to experience this unique and testament to liberty. Old North Church and Historic Site is open for tourism Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:30-5 p.m. Starting on July 1, Old North will also be open on Monday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission includes a self-guided tour of the church’s sanctuary with the chance to speak with onsite historians. For tickets visit www.oldnorth.com.

Also taking place through Tuesday, September 19 is Revolution’s Edge: An Original Play. This event takes place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5 p.m. The play takes visitors back in time to the afternoon of April 18, 1775, hours before the signal lanterns would shine from Old North’s steeple. With war on the horizon, Old North’s pastor, Rev. Dr. Mather Byles Jr., is pushed to resign his post. To purchase tickets, visit the website at www.oldnorth.com.

Live Like You Mean It ... Listen To Me With Your Eyes, Daddy!

The people of Israel have closed their ears.

They don’t want to hear the Lord’s message, (Jeremiah 6:10).

I first reported this story a year ago when tests revealed I have enough hearing loss to warrant intervention. Research tells me nonintervention comes with repercussions, including relationship stress and a correlation — over time — with increased risk for cognitive decline.

So, when my audiologist reached out with an invitation to participate in a trial designed to test-drive some new tech, I said “yes.” Now I get to use state-of-the-art hearing aids for a month before making a decision.

The efect has been immediate and profound:

• I did not know the mouse I use at this computer makes an audible ‘click.’

• I did not know the keys make a noise when I type.

• I did not know I could hear my dog’s name tag when it bounces against his collar.

Before adjustments the hearing aids made my voice sound — to me — like I was using a microphone on stage. Then, as frequencies were tweaked to fit my prescription, my own voice started to sound more familiar.

My job now is to pay attention, to keep

notes and to be honest about how wearing this tech makes a diference — or not.

I especially need to know how well I’m hearing Rebekah. Because in the final analysis, hearing clearly is critically important for a relationship. Not volume so much as clarity — it’s an important distinction. But it’s impossible to know if we can hear at all unless we first make the efort to listen.

I’ll never forget our daughter’s words when she was 3 and had important things

By Derek Maul

to say: “Listen to me with your eyes, Daddy!” she insisted.

So, the audiology people can only do the equipment part. They can bring to bear the very best available tech in order to give me a fighting chance. The rest is up to me. ‘Lots of money’ is not the critical issue here. What’s important is my desire — or not — to be fully engaged.

Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, Te United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, Te Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com

LOCAL TEEN JASMIN CONTINUES RECOVERY AFTER TRAGIC CRASH IN MEXICO CLAIMS PARENTS

By Lily Belcher

Almost a year after she became the sole survivor of a fatal car crash in Mexico last summer, Jasmin Cervantes-Garcia is proving to be the fighter her family already knew she was.

The 13-year-old sufered traumatic brain injuries in a head-on collision during their annual trip to Mexico that hospitalized her for four months.

Now, with the support of her four older brothers, including Cruz Cervantes, Jasmin has improved immensely.

“We’ve been fighting, going to therapies, doing everything we can as far as making Jasmin’s life a little easier and letting her know she’s not alone, despite losing her parents and grandparents,” said Cruz.

Jasmin has always been an active and sociable person. She loved dancing, playing volleyball and spending time with her family. Following the accident, Cruz quit his job as a crane operator in order to devote his time to caring for his little sister.

Since the accident, Jasmin has been homeschooled, and her brother is hoping she will return to school soon. While she may not be able to play volleyball yet, she has found a new passion for food and eating

NEW FAUX FLOWERS ARE FOR RENT

By Libby Hopkins

out.

“The funds that we have raised help towards any medications and any extra little equipment and even her wanting to go out to eat because she’s a big foodie now,” said Cruz. “… Now she’s starting to want to be social and go out and not be in bed all day or in the house alone.”

Cruz said he saw a change in Jasmin around the holidays because she was able to be around her extended family and lots of activity. Jasmin has also improved enough to better communicate when she wants to go out now thanks to the help of speech and physical therapy.

A GoFundMe page is still actively collecting donations to support Jasmin’s therapies and to help her brother while he stays home with Jasmin.

“From my family, myself and Jasmin, we just want to say thank you to everyone who has had Jasmin in their prayers and have thought about her and anybody and everybody who has helped in any way, shape or form,” said Cruz.

To help Jasmin and her family, members of the community can donate to their GoFundMe at www.gofundme.com/f/ bring-jasmin-home-and-medical-expenses.

Titus and Renee Pea served in the United States Air Force; Titus served for 26 years, and Renee served for 22 years. In 2021, they were asked by a friend to make all of the arrangements for her fairytale destination wedding at the Twickenham Estate in Jeferson, North Carolina. “When the guests and the bridal party walked into the reception hall, the looks on their faces were priceless,” Renee said. “As a team, my husband and I found our calling in floral design. We can design your dream flowers for any special occasion.”

The couple’s flowers are truly unique, as they are not real, they are fake — or faux. “These aren’t your grandmother’s flowers,” Renee said. “They have a natural look and touch and are eco-friendly.”

The Peas are the owners of FauxReal Flowers in Brandon. “Our flowers will never wilt and are afordable for any budget,” Renee said. “We will customize, deliver, set up and pick up your arrangements for your events.”

Renee got into flower arranging as a way of relieving anxiety. “My husband is very active in the Brandon community, and we wanted something to do togeth-

er,” Renee said. “We had been looking at franchising, and we found FauxReal Flowers. I met with the franchise owners for two days and decided this was a perfect fit for us.”

The FauxReal Flowers model is a low-maintenance and fun business to be in, while ofering franchisees a low investment cost for a great turnaround. The profits are high and the costs are low, which makes investing in FauxReal Flowers worth it. “FauxReal Flowers are sustainable, rent-and-return flowers, so brides or event organizers get a luxury dream look at a fraction of the price,” Renee said.

“Our goal is to give our clients everything they want and more without breaking the bank. This includes beautiful bouquets, arbors, walls, stands, accents and more at competitive prices.”

If you would like to learn more about FauxReal Flowers or hire FauxReal Flowers for your next event, you can visit the Peas website at www.brandon.fauxrealflowers.com or call them at 813-5956374. You can also stop by their showroom, located at 1363 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

Titus and Renee Pea served in the United States Air Force; Titus served for 26 years, and Renee served for 22 years. Tey are the owners of FauxReal Flowers in Brandon. Te couple’s fowers are truly unique, as they are not real, they are fake — or faux — and you can rent them for your next event.

Jasmin Cervantes-Garcia’s brothers have helped her on her road to recovery.

Jasmin Cervantes-Garcia has continued to improve since surviving a head on collision in Mexico last summer.

QUE FOR A CURE RETURNS FOR ANOTHER YEAR

By Libby Hopkins

The Seize the Moment Foundation will be hosting its Que for a Cure event on Friday and Saturday, September 15-16 at the Showmen’s Club, located at 6915 Riverview Dr. in Riverview.

“My goal this year is to raise more than last year,” said Roni-Kay Lopez, founder of the Seize the Moment Foundation. “I want it to keep growing every year to show that the awareness is getting out in our community.”

Lopez became an advocate for epilepsy after her successful surgery in 2008. She started her foundation to help others with a great support team of volunteers. She volunteered to consult other candidates considering the surgery and has since helped 12 others with their surgery, and she was actually in the surgery room with one. “Our mission is to raise local, state and nationwide awareness about epilepsy and seizures,” Lopez said. “We hope to make our cause, our organization and our patients known to ‘Seize the Moment.’”

Lopez hopes to raise more money for epilepsy research with this year’s Que for a Cure. “With funds raised last year and some winners giving back their earnings, we gave TGH/USF $20,000 to the epilepsy fund I set up for epilepsy research

and development,” Lopez said. “I hope to have a packed event for both days to show the teams and vendors who have supported the event and are participating that we are sparking interest in our community of what we do. My hope is to bring people together to see not only what the barbecue is about, but to see what we do for our charity, how we help and assist patients in need, how our funds help doctors and hospitals with research and development and how we share our stories to inspire others.”

Lopez is still looking for sponsors and donations for this year’s Que for a Cure.

“We are still looking for event sponsors, and any business or individual who would like to donate to our silent auction and rafe are welcomed to do so,” Lopez said. “We can always use volunteers to help with the event as well. Areas of parking, rafe, merchandise sales — honestly, any and all help is appreciated. Donations are always welcomed and can be done on our website for those who cannot attend.”

If you would like to learn more about the Seize the Moment Foundation and Que for a Cure, visit www.queforacureseizethemoment.org.

FRIENDS OF TAMPA RIVERWALK’S HOSTS BOAT PARADE, POKER RUN AND BLESSING OF THE FLEET FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

Celebrate Independence Day at the Tampa Riverwalk with a spectacular day of fun and family-friendly activities. This year’s line-up of events, hosted by Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk, includes the third annual July 4th Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet, plus a digital boat poker run and a water ski show by the Tampa Bay Water Ski Team. All the events are being held in conjunction with the Star-Spangled Sparkman festivities hosted at Sparkman Wharf, which will conclude with a spectacular nighttime fireworks display.

The July 4th Boat Parade will feature patriotically decorated vessels that will sail approximately 7.5 miles on the Hillsborough River. The grand marshals for this year’s parade riding in the lead boat, Latitude Lindsey II, will be Tampa Fire Chief Barbara Tripp and 13th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

The course for both large and small vessels will end at Sparkman Wharf, where guest judges from the Boys & Girls Club will evaluate each vessel and select one to receive a trophy and gift basket full of local prizes for the Most Patriotic Boat.

During the July 4th Boat Parade, boaters will participate in Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk’s digital boat poker run. Boaters will check in at various GPS hot spots along the Hillsborough River parade route. Participants who successfully check into each location will be entered into a random drawing for an assortment of local prizes.

There are public viewing areas all along the route where residents and visitors can cheer on the boaters and enjoy the festivities.

At 6 p.m., members of the Tampa Bay Water Ski Team will thrill the audience near Sparkman Wharf with aerial tricks during a 45-minute water show. Also, at Sparkman Wharf, boats in the parade will be able to take part in the Blessing of the Fleet. This centuries-old tradition draws its heritage from Mediterranean fishing communities and is celebrated around the globe. Local clergy will bless the vessels to help ensure a safe and bountiful season.

Registration to participate in this year’s July 4th Boat Parade began on June 1. The registration fee is $50 per boat. Captains who are interested must register their vessel online at https://thetampariverwalk. com/. Registration fees help cover the cost of the parade.

For public viewing of the boat parade, visit these locations at the (approximate) designated times: 6:15 p.m. at Tampa Convention Center, 6:30 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 6:45 p.m. at Armature Works, 7:15 p.m. at Davis Islands and Channel Drive and 7:30 p.m. at Sparkman Wharf.

Public viewing is also available at Water Works Park and Harbour Island. To view the entire route, visit https://thetampariverwalk.com/. Following the boat parade and water ski show, spectators can stay to enjoy an exciting free fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m. at Sparkman Wharf.

Te Seize the Moment Foundation will be hosting its Que for a Cure event on Friday and Saturday, September 15-16 at the Showmen’s Club, located at 6915 Riverview Dr. in Riverview. Last year, this event raised $20,000 for epilepsy research.

Te Latitude Lindsey II will be leading the boat parade again this year.

HOT OFF THE CHRISTIAN NEWS WIRE

WWII Hero Corrie ten Boom Comes to Life Like Never Before In Teatrical Film Te Hiding Place

The three nights of global theatrical cinematic events for The Hiding Place will demonstrate a beautifully filmed stageplay adaptation. The Hiding Place tells the heroic true story of Corrie ten Boom and her family, who risked everything to hide Jewish refugees by the hundreds during World War II before being discovered and ultimately facing the consequences.

Audiences will be moved by the cinematic experience of this unique theatrical show, which is a beautiful homage to the Jewish heritage and highlights the strength of the Jewish and Christian faiths even during times of great despair and sufering.

The Hiding Place will show in select North American theaters on Thursday, August 3 and Saturday, August 5 only before a one-day theatrical run in various international territories on Wednesday, August 16. Tickets are available now at https://thehidingplacefilm.com/.

HGTV Host Page Turner Says Her Show Is A ‘Ministry’ Opportunity

Popular HGTV host Page Turner recently shared how her faith has played a role in her career as a home renovator and real estate broker.

“It speaks to where we can find our lives sometimes,” said Turner regarding her HGTV show, Fix My Flip “I’ve been in a stuck place before. Where I just needed a helping hand, just somebody to show me the way, just a bridge to get across.”

Turner grew up in Southern California

with an agnostic mother who embraced the New Age thinking of the 1960s, but it wasn’t until Turner was 19 years old that a close friend invited her to church. She recalled, “I went Friday night three nights in a row and, that third Friday night, I gave my life to the Lord. I was still unclear, not sure what that meant, but I knew that I had peace that I felt in that little old white steeple church on the corner of La Brea

and Adams, out here in Los Angeles, and I never turned back after I had that experience with God. I remember it so clearly.” Knowing her roots, Turner now wears her faith on her sleeve and considers her show as part of a ministry. For more information, visit www.hgtv.com.

Famed Nickelodeon Animator

Launches Christian Cartoon Series For Kids: Te Garden

Emmy-nominated animator Butch Hartman made his name with a series of Nickelodeon television hits, including his long-running show, The Fairly Odd Parents He’s now using his talents to spread the good news of Christ in a new series. It’s a Christ-centered children’s animated

series which teaches children about the gospel in a way appropriate for their age and level of comprehension.

Hartman and his wife, Julieann, recently released the Christian-themed animated series The Garden, which follows best friends Lenny the Lion and Lucy the Lamb who work inside a garden for God, who they call ‘The Boss.’ In each episode, He gives them an assignment and teaches them Scripture. For more information, visit www.gardencartoon.com.

Martin Scorsese To Make New Movie About Jesus, Says Pope Inspired Him

One of the most decorated filmmakers in Hollywood said he is planning to make another film about Jesus.

Martin Scorsese, a 14-time Oscar nominee, said he decided to make a film about Christ after meeting with Pope Francis during a cinematic event in Italy recently. “I have responded to the Pope’s appeal to artists in the only way I know how: by imagining and writing a screenplay for a film about Jesus,” Scorsese stated, adding, “And I’m about to start making it.”

The project would not be the first time Scorsese has delved into themes of Catholicism. In 1988, he made The Last Temptation of Christ, and 2016’s Silence centered on Jesuit Christians.

TAMPA TO CUBA WITHOUT A PASSPORT

Where do Germany, Cuba, Italy and Israel intersect? Ybor City, to be exact, which explores the rich and international history of Tampa and its Cuban roots. While there are many public parking garages available in Ybor City, why not park near The Florida Aquarium and enjoy the free and breezy 10-minute streetcar ride north to the end of the line at Ybor Centennial Park on 8th Avenue? The city-protected roosters, chickens and chicks welcome your arrival.

Once you arrive, walk one block north to the Ybor City Museum State Park, the original site of the Francisco Ferlita Bakery, which at the height of its production was baking 35,000 loaves of Cuban bread weekly in its large, handlaid brick oven. Today, the bakery is a charming museum highlighting the internationally colorful history of Tampa and Ybor City.

While touring the state-run museum, with a small $4-per-person entry fee, you will learn about the history of Ybor City and its founding in 1886 by Vicente Martinez-Ybor, who left his native Spain for Cuba when he was just 14 years old. Suc-

By Jef Hoening

cessful in the tobacco trade, he chose Tampa as the site for his new industrial city, based in cigar making. Immigrants from Germany, Italy and even Israel arrived in the 1800s and worked in cigar-making-supported businesses, such as textiles and cigar box design. You will also learn the international influence on the Cuban sandwich, which has ingredients representative of Tampa’s multinational immigrants (Cuban roast pork, German pickles and mustard and Italian salami).

Many of the original cigar factories are still in Ybor City and have been repurposed over the years. Explore the eclectic shops, restaurants and even breweries along 8th Avenue as you stroll to nearby Jose Marti Park on the corner of 8th Avenue and 13th Street. Named for Jose Marti, a poet and a writer who was instrumental in the success of the Cuban War of Independence from Spain, you enter through the gates and quite literally walk on Cuban soil. Your streetcar picks you up at the Centro Ybor station for a quick ride back to your car, with a new appreciation and fondness for your city.

Brian Dunkley of Riverview is the owner of Dunkley Auto Detailing. You could say auto detailing is in Dunkley’s blood. “When I was a little kid, I would walk around our neighborhood with my Radio Flyer wagon and a bucket and wash neighbors’ cars,” Dunkley said. “As I got a little older and was able to drive, I started detailing my own car and my family’s cars.”

Dunkley Auto Detailing is proud to provide the highest-quality auto detailing in Tampa Bay with the convenience of coming to you at your home or work. Your time is valuable, and driving to a facility and waiting for paint cleaner to dry is boring. “We come to you so you can skip all of that hassle,” Dunkley said. “We service the Brandon community as well as Hillsborough County.”

Dunkley’s clients love the simplicity of his mobile service. “No more driving to a detail shop and waiting for hours for your vehicle to be serviced or having to arrange a buddy to pick you up and drop you o f ,” Dunkley said. “We’ll help you select the auto detail package

By Libby Hopkins

that is right for you.”

If you ask Dunkley what makes his business di f erent from other mobile auto detailing businesses in the area, he will tell you it’s the quality. “There are a lot of great detailing businesses in the area, but what makes us di f erent is our quality of work,” Dunkley said. “The look on my customers’ faces when they see their car after it’s been detailed is the best part of my job.”

Dunkley Auto Detailing o f ers three di f erent auto detailing packages, so there is a package that will fit your budget.

Dunkley is also believes in keeping thing local. “As a local small business, keeping things local is extremely important to me,” Dunkley said. “I buy all of my detailing supplies from local business. We need to support each other so we can help our businesses can grow and grow our community.”

If you’d like to learn more about Dunkley Auto Detailing and the services he o f ers, you can visit his website at https://dunkleydetailing.com/ or call 304-719-3464.

Te Ybor City State Museum is open from Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Each province of Cuba is represented in Jose Marti Park with dirt from that province.

Brian Dunkley of Riverview is the owner of Dunkley Auto Detailing. You could say auto

FIRST BEALLS FLORIDA STORE CONCEPT OPENS IN BLOOMINGDALE SQUARE

The Bealls at Bloomingdale Square celebrated its grand reopening as the flagship

Bealls Florida store at 925 E. Bloomingdale Ave. with a weekend celebration. Company President and Tampa native Tianne Doyle and company CEO and fourth-generation namesake Matt Beall joined the local store team to ring bells and cut the ribbon just before the doors opened to more than 250 shoppers. The first 100 shoppers each morning of the grand opening weekend received free gift cards to the store.

Bealls Inc. announced in March that it was rebranding its 68 Bealls stores to Bealls Florida to align with the chain’s unique Florida “Live Life Local” motto. The company’s 570 Burkes Outlet and Bealls Outlet stores in 23 states are being renamed bealls (stylized with a lowercase b). In total, 250 Florida stores will be rebranded before the end of 2023.

Store manager Shayla Gainer, who is excited to be opening the new concept to the community, said, “The store is so customer-friendly and efcient because everything is at the customer lever and better for our guests. The store is bright and seems so much bigger with the new renovations.”

Customers will recognize longtime team member and key holder Rosalina Coughlin, who can be found throughout the store and has worked for the company for 24 years. “The customers are loving the luxury of

THE POWERFUL PARABLES OF JESUS THE SPECK AND THE PLANK

By Kelly Wise Valdes

By Marie Gilmore

the new store,” she said. Beall was on hand for the ribbon cutting and said, “This is an incredible community and has supported our business for 37 years, and this store is our biggest real estate transformation in the company,” said Beall.

The reinvented Brandon Bealls Florida store features expanded home and beauty assortments, enhanced apparel oferings for the whole family, a completely new store design and self-check-out. The Brandon location opened in 1986.

“We have incredibly loyal customers here in Brandon who will be blown away when they see the new look and our expanded oferings,” said group manager Amanda Sharrer. “We wanted to continue delivering the best year-round life-in-thesun assortment while adding a bit more of a mass-merchant feel where our guests can also get great beauty products, kitchen gadgets, bedding, bath and home decor and updated looks for young moms and kids.”

Bealls Inc. is now represented in 23 states with bealls, Bealls Florida, Home Centric and Rugged Earth Outfitters stores. Headquartered in Bradenton since 1915, Bealls Inc. is a privately held company that has been owned and operated by the founding family for over 100 years. To learn more about Bealls Inc, please visit www.beallsinc.com.

During his ministry, Jesus frequently challenged conventional wisdom, and He also encouraged His followers to radically demonstrate God’s love. He often did this through the use of parables. Jesus used these short stories to relay important instructions and lessons in ordinary language. There are more than 30 parables in the Bible, each with its own dynamic lesson.

Jesus wants us to be agents of mercy, not judgment. Jesus was giving his Sermon on the Mount as he utilized a parable to enlighten us that the measuring stick of judgment we use on others will be used on us. Seemingly, many of us can be hard on others while we seek mercy for ourselves. During the sermon in Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus explains:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say

to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Jesus referenced a sizable plank of wood in a person’s own eye that completely obstructed his vision. It’s evident that Jesus was not speaking literally here, but instead he used this parable to drive home the truth that people are often blind to their own faults. The natural human tendency is to see shortcomings in others and to be judgmental of their sins while minimizing or excusing our own sins. How clearly are we seeing our fellow man if we are looking at them through our own blind spot?

In this parable, the description that there is a ‘plank’ in our eye, but only a ‘speck’ in our brother’s eye, exposes hypocrisy and self-righteousness. If we hope to help someone else, we must face our own sins and take the plank out of our own eye. Many Christians can relate to both sides of this passage. Sometimes we might be the one helping others with the ‘plank’ in their eye, and sometimes we could be the one being helped with our own blind spots. But, when our eyes are clear of sawdust and planks, we can better see God’s goodness and plan that is laid out for us.

Te newly renovated and rebranded Bealls Florida store is now open in Bloomingdale Square.