CARDEL HOMES CELEBRATES 50TH YEAR IN BUSINESS

By Lily Belcher

but they adapted very well to nest boxes. So, since the 1960s, since people have been installing bluebird nest boxes, the population has increased and become stable,” said Higgins.

The trail of bluebird boxes was dedicated to longtime Audubon Club members Ed and Clara Clancy in February. With the help of a donation from their family, the Audubon Club was able to replace all the boxes to improve the nesting sites for the bluebirds.

Higgins urges community members to plant native trees, grasses and plants to support the local habitat of birds, butterflies and other native animals.

The Audubon Club was started to raise awareness and support for wildlife and the environment. The organization hosts monthly meetings from October through April to discuss conservation eforts and threats to the environment. Over 200 members participate in meetings, field trips and guest speaker presentations.

The last meeting of the season will take place on Monday, April 17 at 1:45 pm. Doors will open at 1 pm. Halle Goldstein from Audubon Florida will present the club’s work toward natural climate solutions.

For more information on the Audubon Club, visit www.sccaudubonclub.com or https://eagleaudubonflorida.org/.

As an international new home builder with operations in Florida, Colorado, Alberta and Ontario, Cardel Homes marks its 50th year in business.

When asked about this landmark anniversary, Greg Graham, chief operating ofcer, said, “What an amazing accomplishment for a privately held, family-owned and operated company. With many unforgettable memories and such a long history, Cardel has earned a reputation among customers, developers and trades as a reliable long-term partner. Our charitable arm, Cardel Foundations, has supported a wide range of valuable initiatives that strengthen our communities, and community has stood at the forefront of Cardel’s vision since the construction of our very first home back in 1973.”

Caryl and Del Ockey were school teachers before they decided to build homes. Te name was derived from the frst 3 letters of their frst names.

Cardel is a veteran in the residential development industry and now operates as an integrated homebuilder and land developer in four regions, ofering a wide range of products, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos and resort properties. Its experience and in-depth knowledge of residential projects and willingness to work collaboratively with others to meet common goals have led to success.

Ryan Ockey, chief executive ofcer, shared these thoughts on Cardel’s success: “We have been providing amazing homes for our customers for many years with fantastic designs, superior quality and responsive customer service. Many of our loyal trade and supplier partners and our hardworking staf have been with us along the way, and we thank them all for helping us reach this historic milestone.”

Despite its growth over the last half a century, Cardel retains the best attributes of a privately held company: quick reflexes, a tight-knit management team and an ironclad dedication to quality and community.

“What an amazing journey it has been, starting from a humble beginning in our beloved Calgary and expanding to cover three corners and the middle of North America,” commented Del and Caryl Ockey, the founders of Cardel Homes. “We never dreamed of the good times, the hard times, the difculties and the successes those years would bring. Thanks for the memories and all the wonderful people that have made these years a reality: the best trades imaginable, the loyal associates, especially our staf and our amazing family. They are the reason we have these 50 years to celebrate.”

The Florida ofce of Cardel Homes is located at 3160 S. Falkenburg Rd. in Riverview. For information about Cardel Homes, its process or its communities, visit www. cardelhomes.com. For local communities, visit www.cardelhomes.com/tampa/.

MARY & MARTHA HOUSE HELPS WOMEN AND FAMILIES ESCAPE DOMESTIC ABUSE AND HOMELESSNESS

When someone is being abused, it can be difcult for the victim to leave the abuser for a myriad of reasons, including the risk of homelessness. However, there are places which will lend a caring and giving hand, such as Mary & Martha House.

Te Mary & Martha House provides emergency shelter for women and children who are escaping abuse or facing homelessness. Its shelters provide a safe space for them while they gain employment and successfully transition to permanent housing.

Mary & Martha House’s shelters provide a safe haven for victims to escape abuse and begin recovery and are designed to be like home with each family having their own space. Its goal is to provide emergency shelter, transitional housing and support services to victims of domestic violence as well as homeless women and their children so that they may gain employment and successfully transition into permanent housing.

Bill Chini, executive director of Mary & Martha House, said, “We provide shelter during their transition. Our clients are provided a case manager who works with them, one-on-one, to identify their own personal barriers and how to overcome them. We ofer a program called Break The Cycle, which includes five areas of instruction for the women to assist them and provide growth in key areas on the road to independence. The five areas are Financial Literacy, Nutritional Guidance, Female Empowerment, Parenting Skills and Spiritual Guidance.”

Chini added, “Our intake process starts

APOLLO BEACH WOMAN’S CLUB HONORS DAVIS AT 2023 WOMAN’S ADVANCEMENT LUNCHEON

By Kathy L. Collins

with a phone call to our ofce at [813645-7874] or fill out an online intake form, which can be found at https://marymarthahouse.org/ intake-form/. The intake specialist drills down into how they need assistance, with or without our organization. Our intake specialist will then work with the individual to ensure they are receiving the best care possible.”

Chini said, “We are proud to be the catalyst in our fight against domestic violence and homelessness, and that our community has entrusted us for over 40 years and continues to support our mission to help women and families who are desperately in need of assistance and guidance.”

Mary & Martha House is funded through multiple channels, including some county funding. Chini said, “Our Mary & Martha House Fashion and Home Goods Thrift Store (located behind our ofces) generates revenue for the mission thanks to the wonderful people who donate gently used items and the wonderful volunteers who run the store. However, most of our funding comes from the community by way of unrestricted donations/grants, fundraising events and individuals who want to help us make a diference.”

The ofce and thrift store are located at 312 S. U.S. Hwy. 301 in Ruskin.

The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club held its annual Woman’s Advancement Luncheon on March 18 in the Del Webb Southshore Falls Ballroom in Apollo Beach. At this event, Melanie Davis, executive director of the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, was honored.

Claudia Gassett, chairperson of the event and a past president of the Apollo Beach Woman’s Club, said, “This year, we chose Melanie Davis to be our honoree. Our inspiration was her passion for connecting people in need to the resources and people that can help them. Starting a business in this area can be hard work, and the chamber of commerce is there to help you. She connects the businesses together and creates networking to help all of them create a sense of pride and support. In 2017, Melanie founded Helping Hands of SouthShore, which tells the stories of people in our community with a need. Melanie brings together people to help fulfill that need.”

Gassett added, “Melanie is a true leader with a very big heart. She was awarded a crystal trophy with the words engraved: ‘Melanie Davis Inspirational Woman Award. Your willingness to always go the extra mile has made a diference in our lives. Apollo Beach Woman’s Club March

By Kathy L. Collins

18th, 2023.’”

In 2022, the club began to recognize a Woman of Inspiration. The person helps fulfil the club’s objective of advancement of womankind. That year, the club gave two scholarships to women who went back to school to further their careers and improve their lives.

This year’s scholarship winner is Lea Manningham. She was awarded $2,000 to continue her degree in ministry. Gassett explained, “Lea has a nonprofit organization called Girls of the World here in Apollo Beach. She provides life skills and mentoring for young girls. These young girls get help with school and confidence building so that they can achieve their dreams. Lea has 29 hours left in completing her ministry degree. She encourages all her girls to attend school and go to college.”

The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club began in 1959. The club was organized exclusively for educational and charitable purposes.

It holds monthly luncheon meetings at the Moose Lodge in Ruskin on the second Wednesday of the month from 12 Noon-2 p.m. If interested in joining, please contact Liz Pedersen at kenlizpedersen@msn.com or 813-777-8215. You can also visit www. apollobeachwomansclub.com.