Busch Gardens’ Spooktacular will be casting spells on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 Noon-4 p.m., Saturday, September 10 through Sunday, October 30 at the Festival Walkway and is included with daily admission. Guests will fnd many activities in this immersive Halloween experience. To purchase tickets, please visit www.buschgardenstampa.com. To read the full article, see page 46 and see the ad on page 48. sociateittoand24year,studentsoverproximatelyItingcampusisstudents.opportunitiesofferingenttoHCCclosedegreetheirstudentslegeCommunityHillsboroughCol(HCC)allowstogainassociateandstaytohome.hasgrownhave14differcampuses,alldifferentforSouthShorethenewestopenin2008.admitsap10,000everyofferingprograms23servicesitsstudents.Inacademics,offers16AsofArtdegrees and eight Associ ate in Science degrees and certificates. One of the campus’ specialties is its paramedic and nursing programs, which are not offered at any other HCC cam pus.Another specialty program is its Len nard Senior Academy. It allows juniors and seniors from Lennard High School to dual enroll and walk across the street to the college to take classes.
By Deven King
Two attendees at the Hillsborough Community College - SouthShore Campus kickof celebration. Members of the Hillsborough Community College South Shore campus’ EMT program.
The launching of the Artemis I mis sion from NASA’s Kennedy Space Cen ter is a major event in America’s space exploration program and among the moon-orbiting craft’s payload are two female mannequins wearing protective vests from a local company seeking safety improvements for people working in ra dioactive environments. One of the biggest risk factors for as tronauts is their exposure to high-energy radiation that exists beyond Earth’s lower atmosphere. Such cell-damaging exposure is also a danger that earthbound workers, such as those employed in the medical field, sometimes face as well. StemRad is a Tampa company devel oping protective clothing and accessories that can protect a body from radiation, whether it comes from the galactic cos mos or medical treatment and diagnostic sources such as CT scans and nuclear pro cedures.OrenMilstein is the CEO and founder of StemRad. He says the company ofers important options in the safety equipment marketplace.“Wearethe only company in the world that provides wearable radiation protec tion for high energy radiation. We have specific products for protecting first re sponders to radiological incidents, physi cians working with radiation in hospitals and astronauts venturing into deep space, where they may be exposed to high energy radiation.”Products available from StemRad range from exoskeleton-supported full-length aprons to se lective protec tion fce andThetravel.two fe male form man nequins riding in the Orion crew capsule will test how well technologyStemRad’spro tects against gamma radiation exposure. One, named Zohar (sponsored by the Is rael Space agency), will wear a protective vest with sensors to test efectiveness and the other, named Helga (sponsored by the German Aerospace Center), will wear only sensors to measure unprotected radiation exposure.StemRad was founded in 2011 in Is rael as a response to the need for radia tion protection solutions following the Fukushima, Japan earthquake and ensuing nuclear reactor explosions in March of that year. Oren says the move to Tampa from Tel Aviv is working out well. “Two entities here in Tampa have been especially supportive of us, the first being FIBA (Florida Israel Business Accelerator) and Embarc Collective. The former drew us to the area and opened doors to cus tomers and investors, the latter has been our home since before the pandemic and has been extremely supportive ever since.” You can learn more about StemRad at stemrad.com. Stager
The campus has seven clubs for stu dents to get involved in, such as Phi Theta Kappa, the school’s honor society; SouthShore Gaming Club, which pro vides students with video game activi ties; and Student Nurses Association, a mentoring club for students studying to beBecausenurses. of COVID-19, SouthShore of fers online, in-person and hybrid classes. The campus prides its in being environ
TAMPA COMPANY MAKES OUTER SPACEWEAR FOR ARTEMIS I MISSION 6 OO2022 10 07 22
GreenalsoItscientanlandscapehike,thenaturetheInment-friendly.SouthShore,campushastrailsforstudentstoabambooandenergy-effiwayoflife.buildingsareratedLEEDGold.NadiaKotula,deanofacademicaffairsatHillsboroughCommunityCollegeSouthShoreCampus,said,“Wereallytrytonurtureacultureofsustainability.”
The campus began its semester on August 15. It has had several events to let new students meet people and get accustomed with it. On July 28, the campus held a kick off to celebrate veterans, law enforce ments, first responders and those in the medical profession. As the campus starts its new semester, it will host sev eral activities for their students, such as a scavenger hunt for students to meet new people. To attend SouthShore campus, a high school diploma or GED is needed to en roll. This campus’ location allows for students to have a more accessible Hill sborough Community College campus. For more information, visit atTheshore-campuswww.hccfl.edu/campus-life/southhttps://orcall813-253-7000.HCCSouthShorecampusislocated55124thSt.NEinRuskin.
ObserverOsprey Rd.PinecrestLithia2109 33596FLValrico, EDDMECRWSS CustomerPostal STDPRSTD POSTAGEU.S. PAID FLTAMPA, #2397PERMIT September 2022 Volume 20, Issue 9 Ph: 813-657-2418 IN THIS ISSUE: GIRL SCOUT GARDEN ..........................PG 3 MOTORING TAMPA BAY PG 5 EYE ON BUSINESS PG 25 FOOTBALL PREVIEW PG 50-53 Riverview/Apollo Beach By Brad
SOUTHSHORE
HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUS PREPARES FOR NEW YEAR
Illustration of two Artemis 1 space-test mannequins as passengers in the crew capsule of an Orion spacecraft.
See our ad on page 14
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
foructstive-wearareprepared,whofort.bilitymaximumallowingequipmentformoandcomForthoseliketobethereprotecprodsuitablehome,o
Page 2 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
According to Mark Metheny, president of Casa Fresca Homes, prices of the homes will be determined at a later time, but the value of liv ing in the future community should be apparent to prospective resi dents who want a new home and appreciate con venience in their daily“Ourliving.latest ac quisition is great because there is al ready shopping, dining and schools, including day care, in close prox imity,” he said. “We’re excited to get started on what will be a vibrant Casa Fresca com munity.”CasaFresca Homes is among the builders of the Triple Creek development in River view and will start ofering homes in Apollo Beach’s Waterset by Newland community in the“Bellfall. Creek Landing will be the first com munity where we’ll be the sole builder and developer and will have just 65 homes at community build out,” said Metheny, who added that Bell Creek Landing will be sell ing its Magenta, Turquesa, Azure and Indi go floor plans, which are also available at Waterset. According to Casa Fresca Homes’ website, a 1,615-square-foot Magenta mod el with three bedrooms and two baths at Waterset is available from $400,094 as of itsFordeadline.information about Casa Fresca Homes, visit https://www.casafrescahomes.com/.
By Brad Stager
Much of the new housing being built to accommo date destroyingatgrowthexpansionstructure.ea’sfringesconstructedofmentsinresidentsCounty’sHillsboroughsurgeiniswithlargedevelopofhundredsnewhomesontheofthearutilitiesinfraThatoutwardofcancomethecostofnatural re sources such as wildlife habitat and present challenges for provid ing essential services like drinking water.
A photo of the Indigo foor plan home’s exterior. It is one of the foor plans that will be ofered at Bell Creek Landing in Riverview. It is a 2-story, 2,471-square-foot home with fve bedrooms and three baths.
CASA FRESCA HOMES BRINGS INFILL DEVELOPMENT TO RIVERVIEW
A new project by Casa Fresca Homes, a subsidiary of Homes by WestBay, is using a diferent community development model, known as infill, to build 65 new homes on about 20 acres in an area of Riverview that already has accommodated growth. The new development is called Bell Creek Landing and will be located on the east side of Balm Riverview Road and south of Boyette Road, near Riverview High School. Tucker Road borders the property on its north side. The community will consist of single-fam ily homes on 40-foot lots. Sales are expect ed to begin in the fall of 2023, according to company ofcials who described the houses to be built as having a variety of floor plans consisting of 1,615-2,471 square feet of liv ing space with three to five bedrooms, two to three baths and two-car garages.
GIRL SCOUT TROOP PLANTS BUTTERFLY GARDEN TO EARN TAKE ACTION BADGE
Page 3Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 Girl Scouts of the USA was founded in 1912 and has since grown to over 1.7 mil lion members, inspir ing young girls to help their communities na tionwide.GirlScout Brown ie Troop 33133 is one such troop, and this summer, nine Girl Scouts earned their Take Action badge by helping to plant a butterfly garden. Troop members Aminah Acos ta, Ava Burriss, Brooklyn Farinas, Skyler Lacaille, Violet Livingston, Jessica McGlynn, Olivia McGovern, Allison Ponder and Rei Ri vera all worked together to bring the project to com pletion.InJuly, the troop planted a butterfly gar den in Pebble Conservation Park in Riverview after hearing about the park wanting to add butterfly plants. “When we heard there was going to be a new park in our community, we reached out to the parks department to see if there was anything girls their age could do to help,” said troop leader Lisa McGlynn. Along with some family members, the girls received help from two Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation staf members, Jenni fer Geof and Travis Parker. They taught the Girl Scouts about butterfly pollination and local butterflies. The girls planted known butterfly plants such as milkweed to attract the nectar seeking butterflies. Additionally, Travis Parker built the butterfly shaped out line for the garden using bricks from an old road in the area. “It felt great to plant a gar den for the butterflies that will be there for a very long time,” said Burriss.With the comple tion of their butter fly project, the girls earned their Take Ac tion badge, which is the final badge in the Brownie Outdoor Journey. The girls previously earned Outdoor Journey badges by making first aid kits, camp ing out at Camp Dorothy Thomas and going on a na ture walk in Weedon Island. The goal of the Take Action badge is to give back to the community. When asked how this project further inspired her to get involved in her community, Ponder said, “It’s inspired me to clean up my neighborhood so we can plant butterflyBrownieplants.”Troop 33133 is located in River view with 12 members in third grade at vari ous local elementary schools, many of whom have been in the troop since kindergarten. The girls enjoy coming together to help their community and learn new skills. “One of the things I like best about being a Girl Scout is to create something beautiful for people and it feels good to know I have a positive impact in life and the world to come,” said Livingston. There is not a set date for when the park and butterfly garden open to the public, but the troop is planning to return to see the gar den’sForprogress.information, visit https://www. girlscouts.org/.
Members of Troop 33133 ready to start working on their butterfly garden. Girl Scout Violet Livingston planting the first plant while troop members watch.
By Deven King
Page 4 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
“The international organization of women who work in the aviation and aerospace field have this event primarily to expose young girls to the aviation and aerospace industry so they see that it is accessible to them,” said executive direc tor Eric Crump. The Aerospace Center for Excellence is hosting the event to make it acces sible to aspiring aviators and to give them the opportunity to be mentored by a pilot or leader in their“Theyfield. have eight women who have various jobs, from air trafc controller to aviation maintenance techni cian [to] pilot, who work all in the sector and are there for girls to … talk to them [and] meet a friend,” saidRegistrationCrump. for the free event opened at the end of August. Upon registering, girls ages 11-17 will be entered into a drawing for a free discovery flight and notified if they won at the event. While the event is aimed toward young girls, their families, parents and siblings are invited to attend as“Thewell. goal really for us as an organiza tion is to make sure people realize that aviation and aerospace is for everybody,” said Crump. “It’s not exclusive, it’s inclu sive; we want everybody.” For more information about or to reg ister for the event and to learn how to get involved, visit https://aceedu.org/ or email educate@flysnf.org with questions. The event will be located at 4075 James C. Ray Dr. in Lakeland.
Te Aerospace Center for Excellence is donating time and resources to support the Girls in Aviation Day in September.
WOMEN IN AVIATION INTERNATIONAL AND AEROSPACE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE HOST EVENT TO INSPIRE YOUNG FEMALE PILOTS
By Lily Belcher
Te Literature Matters festival, set for Sat urday, October 1 at the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin, will highlight local and out of town self-published children book authors all of whom want to engage and support children to read.
By Kathy L. Collins
LITERATURE MATTERS FESTIVAL SET TO TAKE PLACE AT FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER
On Saturday, Oc tober 1, children of all ages are invited to attend a festival known as Literature Matters. The festival will be held from 2-4 p.m. at the Firehouse Cultural Center, lo cated at 101 1st Ave. NE in Ruskin. The Literature Matters festival is free and open to the author,award-winningtimeanJ.tersLiteraturepublic.MatwasfoundedbyDesireeRodriguez,Afro-Latina,four-self-published,professor,former Mrs. All-Star Southeast 2021, wife, mother, doctoral scholar and community enthusiast. Rodri guez has over 10 years of strategic com munication and community outreach ex perience. She became a business owner at the age of 23 with a goal to impact youth through literacy and mentorship. Literature Matters provides the commu nity with an opportunity to connect with national authors, guest speakers, storytell ing and Rodriguezmusic.said, “I grew up a child of Dominican and African American descent. I did not understand my history or con nect to my culture. My mother cooked sancocho, rice and beans. However, I did not know why my mother spoke Spanish, and why we travelled to another country to see our family. I could not connect to my culture and un derstand where I came from.” Rodri guez added, “There are children who do not understand their culture, just as I did not.”According to Ro driguez, “Literature Matters engagementskeynotebooksupporteddiversemunitiestiesbooksunderrepresentedprovidestocommuniinneed.Comthatlackbookswillbethroughdistributions,speakingand communityRodriguezevents.”added, “More often than not, Latinx, Hispanic, African American and Asian American literature is not incor porated in K-12 required literature. Let’s work together and change the narrative. As Americans, we embody cultures from around the world. It is about time our chil dren read about them.”
Authors who are confirmed include Ro driguez, Casilya Smith, Devin Paladino, An nette Eberhart, Leroy Toliver and Tyrone Void. The confirmed keynote speakers are Casilya Smith and Devin Paladino. Literature Matters is an afliate pro gram of J. Desiree LLC, which is designed for literacy outreach. The Literature Mat ters festival is about 2 years old. If you have questions, contact Rodri guez at jdesireerllc@gmail.com.
Women in Avi ation Interna tional is hosting the eighth annual Girls in Aviation Day event on Saturday, Sep tember 24 at the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland. The 10 a.m.-2 p.m. free event will include STEM activities, such as a flight simulator and drone lab, and an aviation exhibit. The Aerospace Center for Excel lence will have a scavenger hunt during Girls in Aviation Day to provide a fun, engaging activity to teach participants as well. During the event, women avi ators will have the opportunity to connect with the local aviation business communi ty to learn more about the aerospace and aviation industry. Generous volunteers and employees from Women in Aviation International and the Aerospace Center for Excellence have donated their time to put on the free event to foster a love for the industry through the partnership.
pamper yourself
Page 5Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022
The third-row seat folds via a power but ton in the cargo hold while the second-row seat moves fore and aft 5.5 inches. Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain air bag for rear rows, stability, hill descent and traction controls, four-wheel antilock brakes, rearview camera, rear-cross traf fic, forward-collision and side-blind zone alerts, lane keep assist with departure warning, front/rear park sensors, tire pres sure monitoring system and daytime run ning lights. Magnetic Ride Control adjusts the four-wheel independent suspension as per road conditions, resulting in a smooth but firm ride. It also keeps body roll to a minimum.Itmayweigh almost 5,800 pounds, but the Escalade has bountiful power that re sults in a graceful, smooth and easy-rid ing companion as your passengers ride in luxury. All you need is an overblown bank balance to and the family.
After a major transformation in side out last year, the fifth-gen Cadillac Escalade continues mostly as is for 2022. A 6.2-liter V8 Eco tec engine blasts of 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 pounds-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. The 10-speed auto gearbox is quieter than most that we have driven recently in any luxury SUV. And the startstop feature (automat ic engine stop for when the vehicle halts) en sures substantial sav ings in fuel and weight. The Dynamic Fuel Man agement system deac tivates four of the eight cylinders for fuel savings. And if you need to haul a sailboat or another car, the tow capacity is an as tonishing 8,000 pounds. You can identify an Escalade anywhere thanks to its gigantic presence up front with the centered and traditional crest emblem in the Galvano chromed grille, flanked by horizontal HID headlights. The iconic, full-size, luxury SUV genuinely gleams in the cabin department with OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screen tech nology, which basically is light produced in response to an electric current. Three screens: a 14.2-inch instrument display behind the steering wheel, a 7.2-inch touch screen for driver information center to the left and a 16.9-inch infotainment screen in the dashboard; all use OLED and boast twice the clarity of a 4K TV. Audiophiles will love the 36-speaker AKG sound mir acle, which can be heard via the ceiling, headrests and even the center console. Add the navigation system with augmented real ity to the mix and you are in Otherbusiness.luxuries in clude tri-zone auto AC, flip-down 12.6inch DVD screens for rear ningpowerconvenienthigh-sittingandeye-catching.grillesstainless-steelaccentauburnerseats,heated/cooledhands-freepanoramicpassengers,sunroof,liftgate,frontsuedeheadlinandattractivedarkwithblackinterior.ThespeakerthroughoutareIngressegressintothevehicleisthankstoretractablerunboards(optional).
By Nitish S. Rele nitishrele@gmail.com TECH-LADEN 2022 CADDY ESCALADE IS A POWERHOUSE! ESCALADE SPORT (4WD) Tires: P275/50R22 all season Wheelbase: 120.9 inches Length: 211 inches Width: 81 inches Height: 76.6 inches Suspension: coil-over-shock front, independent rear Steering: electric power rack-andpinion Fuel capacity: 24 gallons City: 14 mpg Highway: 19 mpg Base price: $90,595 Price as tested: $106,515 Website: www.cadillac.com PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (never known to fail) O Most beautiful fowers of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succeed me in my necessity (make request). Tere are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you. T.O.C.M.B. &FISHHAWK/BLOOMINGDALEVALRICOADVERTISING Kerrie Hoening 625-1527 kerrie@ospreyobserver.com EDITORMANAGING Marie Gilmore 657-2418 editor@ospreyobserver.com MANAGERGRAPHICS Denise Graf 657-2418 denise@ospreyobserver.com EDITORLAYOUT Kathi Hayes 657-2418 khayes@ospreyobserver.com MANAGERBILLING Terry Vassalotti 657-2418 terry@ospreyobserver.com ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Kathy Collins 657-2418 kcollins@ospreyobserver.com EDITORASSIGNMENT Kate Quesada 657-2418 kquesada@ospreyobserver.com WWW . OSPREYOBSERVER . COM FOLLOW US: RIVERVIEW, APOLLO BEACH, & SOUTHSHORE ADVERTISING Melissa Hartmann 833-7470 mhartmann@ospreyobserver.com MANAGERMARKETING Jennifer Hurst 657-2418 jhurst@ospreyobserver.com REPORTERNEWS Taylor Wells 657-2418 twells@ospreyobserver.com 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, FL 33592 • (office) 657-2418 • (fax) 657-4469 BRANDON & WINTHROP ADVERTISING Melody Gershkoff 300-5152 mgershkoff@ospreyobserver.com CUSTOMER SERVICE Jenny Bennett 657-2418 jbennett@ospreyobserver.com CHRISTIAN ADVERTISINGVOICE Cammie Yick 810-8106 cyick@ospreyobserver.com ASSOCIATED WITH OSPREY OBSERVER 7 (813)BRANDON651-9484 117 N. Kings Ave (813)TAMPA932-5327 1425 W. Busch Blvd. (727)CLEARWATER725-1052 (Across from Costco) 2643 Gulf to Bay, Ste. 1530 CustomHairTampaBay.com • Human Hair & Synthetic Hair Wigs • Permanent, Non-Surgical Options • Chemotherapy & Alopecia Specialists • Largest Selection of Human Hair Toppers in Tampa Bay • Also offering sales & service of all MEN’S hair systems FREE CONSULTATION! PLEASE CALL. SinceOwnerLori,&Client1969 CUSTOM HAIR For the hair you’ve always wanted!
T-Mobile on-site to help with hurricane recovery.
Walter Robbins, executive assistant at Next Level Church, explained that the church became aware of this huge need in the community and immediately got to work to meet those needs. The church set a goal to donate 120 backpacks full of sup plies, such as binders, crayons, notebooks and“Everymore.year, we partner with a local school to help serve them however we can,” said Robbins. “This year, we came across a post online from Gibsonton El ementary School letting the community know of their need for school supplies. We quickly organized our church to do some thing about it, and backpacks with school supplies started coming in each week for thisTheinitiative.”church collected the supplies for four weeks before delivering them at the beginning of the school year to Gibsonton Elementary. As the costs of goods contin ue to climb, the extra help for families that may be struggling was a blessing to the staf, students and“Wefamilies.want to be a church that is known in our com munity for being loving, relevant and life-giving,” said Robbins. “Meeting local needs such as high demand for school supplies is just one way we can show the com munity our love for them.”
Every year, Next Level Church in Riv erview gives back to local schools and teachers through various initiatives. This year, the church partnered with Gib sonton Elementary School to gather much-needed school supplies and back packs for students.
TO STAY CONNECTED DURING
• Send a text instead of making a call. Text messages get through more easily during times of congestion.
By Kelly Wise Valdes
By StatePoint Media
• If you have a network connection, keep calls to a minimum and as short as possible.
HOW DISASTERSWEATHER-RELATED
itemsablenonperishisnextchurch’sThegoaltoraisefoodfor the ECHO organiza tion at its annual Stuf-A-Truck event this Thanksgiving season. ECHO was founded in 1987 and its mission is to assist the resi dents of Hillsborough County in crisis with food, clothing, programs and resources. Next Level Church was founded in 2008 in Dover, New Hampshire and has several campuses, including the Riverview loca tion, and serves the local community and surrounding areas of Hillsborough County. It was named among the fastest-growing churches in America by Outreach maga zine. The congregation meets every Sun day at 10 a.m. at 10650 County Rd. 672 in Riverview. For more information, please visit www.nextlevel.church.
NEXT LEVEL CHURCH PARTNERS WITH GIBSONTON ELEMENTARY FOR BACKPACK DRIVE
Page 6 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9 9/30/2022 9/30/2022
• If you have home broadband and power but no mobile service, turn on Wi-Fi calling, which allows T-Mobile, Sprint and Metro by T-Mobile customers with capable devices to text and make and receive voice calls via any capable Wi-Fi connection. If you need to call 911 using Wi-Fi, be sure to give your address to the Thereoperator.areadditional weather monitoring resources available to alert you of upcom ing severe weather. You can receive the lat est storm forecasts from NOAA’s National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center. You can also download The Weath er Channel TV app on your smart TV or streaming device. To learn more about how T-Mobile prepares for and responds to di saster events, visit T-Mobile’s disaster relief website at www.t-mobile.com. Taking a few minutes to brush up on best practices during inclement weather will help keep you connected, come what may.
While the summer season often signifies the start of hurricane season and wildfires, the rise in natural disasters has made pre paredness a yearlong process. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported 2021 was the third-most active hurricane season on record with 21 named storms. According to CoreLogic, about one in every 10 homes in the United States was impacted to some degree by nat ural disasters in 2021. Companies like T-Mobile have emergency response teams working tirelessly to ensure they are ready to keep communities, first responders and customers connected when they’re needed most. T-Mobile works with weather forecast ers, including StormGeo, to accurately track weather events and potential sever ity. T-Mobile’s network switches, data cen ters, points of presence and other critical sites are equipped with thousands of new backup generators, thanks to a multiyear network hardening investment that also added advanced relief and recovery tools in hurricane-prone areas. And its Network Operations Centers provide 24/7 monitor ing so technicians and engineers can watch network trafc demands and weather impacts. When it comes to weath er-related disasters, even with all T-Mobile’s preparations and the network’s increased capacity, power outages and other service interruptions can still occur. The good news is that you can also take steps to ensure you stay connected during weather events:
Next Level Church in Riverview part nered with Gibsonton Elementary School to help provide students with backpacks and school supplies.
ical,focusschoolsthreeininstrumentalDavisvelopment.workforceinourcreatedprogramsinnovativeareforstudentstheareaofdeMr.hasbeencreatingnewhighwithaonmedconstruc
VISIONREADDRESSESHILLSBOROUGHITSGREENWAYSANDRESIDENTCONCERNS
By Linda Chion
Paved and unpaved trails for fitness, sports, recreation and transportation, and adding a lot more of them, is representative of the work of Hillsbor ough County ofcials set to update the Gre enways Master Plan, which afects bikers, boaters, equestrians and pedestrians alike. That’s what brought John Patrick, the county’s division di rector for infrastructurestrategicplanning, to the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library in Valrico in July, as well as to the SouthShore Regional Library in Ruskin and the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Li brary in Tampa. An August 1 virtual meeting was scheduled as well. Hillsborough County commissioners, at their March 23 meeting, approved an update to the 1995 Hillsborough Greenways Master Plan. Recommendations for a variety of gre enways, including natural surfaces, paved trails, natural surface trails and blueways (or recreational waterways) were to be pre sented at the board’s August 15 meeting. “The philosophy of the master plan then concerned quality of life infrastructure, pro viding trails as a place to bike safely and take the family for a walk,” Patrick said at the Bloomingdale Library meeting. “Now the philosophy is changing to include trails need ed to go places for work as well.” At the library meetings, attendees lis tened to a project overview, accessible as well on the county’s virtual engagement and education hub, which also asked for com ments from equestri ans, mountain bikers, hikers and more. “We want residents to tell us where they would put their mon ey, we want them to give us input on that,” Patrick said. “Not sur prising, it is Florida, we heard people want shaded trees along the trails. They want shared-use pads, for sharing trails with bik ers and pedestrians, and they want connec tivity. They want to go somewhere.” Indeed, at the Bloomingdale Library on July 26, posted comments included demands for more mountain bike trails and dedicated bike lanes; sidewalk improvements and addi tions; wildlife corridors; destination features, including brew pubs and live music; and con nectivity improvements, such as to schools, stores and restaurants. One comment asked for connecting the Croom Rital Road trail to the Valrico/Lithia area. While broad in many aspects, some rec ommendations were more particular in nature, including one for trail repaving at Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park and one for another canoe launch on the Alafia River. “It’s very important to look at more trails, how we can meet the needs of residents and how many we need as well,” Patrick said. To read online comments and view the Greenways Master Plan update overview, including maps, cost and timelines details, visit www.publicinput.com/D2816.
The Flori da Association for Career and Technical Edu cation (FACTE) has named Hills borough County Public Schools (HCPS) Superin tendent Addison Davis the dedicationsuperintendent’sthemitteeawardsofSuperintendentCTEtheYear.Thecombestowedhonorforthetoworkforce development to prepare students for high-paying careers in demand in our Superintendentcommunity.Daviswas presented the award at the school board meeting on July 26 to honor his expansion of CTE programs throughout the district. One of the central focuses of his tenure has been to help fill critical labor gaps in our com munity by preparing students for in-de mand jobs upon graduation. “FACTE would like to recognize Su perintendent Davis’ positive impact on Career and Technical Education within Hillsborough County Public Schools. The success of the Future Career Academy is one of many incredible initiatives we believe makes a tremendous diference in student success. It is clear that Superin tendent Davis recognizes the importance of career pathways which allow students to earn multiple industry certifications preparing them for career advancement,” said Marsan Carr, executive director of FACTE.“Superintendent Davis has empowered his leadership and staf to ensure new and tion and logistics, and it is exciting to see this work honored by an esteemed orga nization like FACTE,” said Scott Brooks, executive director of CTE. “I am truly honored to be the CTE Su perintendent of the Year and deeply ap preciate FACTE for taking notice of the important work we have just begun here in Hillsborough County Public Schools. Strengthening our career and technical education oferings will have impacts not only on our students but also on our com munity as we work collectively to fill a critical labor shortage in key areas in our community,” said Davis. Davis began his tenure as superinten dent for HCPS, the nation’s seventh larg est school system, in March 2020. He is a member of the Children’s Board, American Heart Association Board, Ju nior Achievement Board, Starting Right Now Board, Tampa Bay Chamber Ex Ofcio Board, Stratz Center Board, and Trustee for Florida Palms. For more in formation on HCPS and Davis, visit www. hillsboroughschools.org.
ADDISON DAVIS NAMED SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR BY FACTE Staf Report Te Florida Association for Career and Technical Education (FACTE) has named Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Superintendent Addison Davis the CTE Superintendent of the Year. 9912 Indiana St. • Hwy 41 & Estelle Ave • Gibsonton, FL 33534 813.677.1301 First Baptist Church of Gibsonton “We love because He frst loved us.” 1 John 4:19 Doctor Malcom S. Clements- Pastor Traditional Worship Service Old-time Gospel Hymns Nursery ChildrenAvailable&YouthMinistry Sunday School…………. 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship……… 10:30 A.M. Sunday Evening…………. 6:00 P.M. Mid-Week (Wed.)……… 7:00 P.M.
Page 7Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 Garage Door Service, Repair & Installation for: • Residential Garage Doors • Garage Door Openers • Broken Springs • Cables • Rollers • Doors off Track Always Free Estimates mastergaragedoor.comsteve@mastergaragedoor.com24yearsservingthecommunitywithonlythehighestqualitypartsandservice. Dr. Priya Reddy M.D. FACR Board Certifed Rheumatologist Dr. Gina Prakash M.D. Board Certifed Rheumatologist Dr. Atefeh Vafa M.D. Board Certifed Rheumatologist Teena Lukose PA-C Specializing in treatment of: • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Psoriatic Arthritis • Osteoporosis • Gout • Osteoarthritis • OnLupusSite:•Lab•Ultrasound•InfusionSuite•ClinicalResearch813-672-2243www.SWFLRHEUM.com NewAcceptingPatients MostAcceptedInsurance Two Convenient Locations: 11954 Boyette Rd., Riverview | 4002 Sun City Center Blvd. Ste. 101 INSURANCE!ACCEPTINGNOWTRICARE
GROWING
Photo by Linda Chion. At the July 26 meeting at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library in Valrico (from left to right): Katie Habgood, senior planner with PSG consulting; John Patrick with Hill sborough County; and outreach consultant Tammy Vrana of Vrana Consulting Inc.
By Sydney Burken
K-9 Bailey was stopped when walk ing the campus for four students to get a few moments of relaxation and to take their mind of school work.
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If so, you or your high school-aged child may enjoy the new Interact club coming to Hills borough County and Rotary Dis trict 6890 this month.This new youth-based or ganization, for ages 14-18, is the first community-based Interact club in District 6890. It is also one of less than a handful of community-based Interact clubs in the United States. The Interact Club of Tampa Bay (ICTB) is being created to serve the youth of Hillsborough County and pro vide resources to the students to help prepare them with life and leadership skills as they transition to whatever avenue they choose to take after high school. The club’s intent is to prepare them for what comes next and educate them on all options available, whether that is college, trade school or serving in the military. The club is also focused on helping students obtain community ser vice opportunities, which will help the students as they apply for scholarships as well as teach them the importance of community service. “We realized there was an opportuni ty to
Page 8 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9 Is Your Child Talking? By age two, your child should have 200 words and combine 2-3 word sentences.
STUDENTS of the MONTH: Ethan and Eli “Julie and her team have helped our twin boys blossom in communicating. Tey’ve given us tips and tools to continue working with them at home. Every day they are saying more and more. Te diference is like night and day… John and I are so grateful for the amazing team at TBS.” Holly, local area families
Do you know a student in grades 9-12 that may have an interest in leadership op portunities and chance to serve in 2022-23?
Mom Therapy Services: Articulation • Apraxia Auditory Processing • Autism • Sensory Feeding DisordersServing
TAMPA BAY SPEECH, LANGUAGE & READING CLINIC Since December of 2020, students at the University of South Flori da (USF), Tampa campus, have had the opportunity to visit or be visited by therapy dog K-9 Bailey. Her first responsibility is to answer calls related to violent crimes. She will sit with the victim of the vio lent crime and calm them to the point where they are comfortable enough to speak further with law enforcement.Earlierin the year of 2020, it had been dis cussed to have a thera py dog available to the USF community. When the discussion was solidified in who would be taking this responsibility on, ofcer Nicole Marchesano produced a PowerPoint presentation filled with sta tistics and facts on the need and justifica tion to have a therapy dog on campus and available to all students, faculty as well as staf. By December 2020, K-9 Bailey was a part of Marchesano’s team. Marchesano created a ‘Bailey Button,’ which can be found on the USFPD web site under resources. This button allows USF students easy access to requesting K-9 Bailey. K-9 Bailey and her handler, Marchesano are on campus from 8 a.m.5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. How ever, they adjust their schedule when necessary to meet the needs of the USF community. The reasons for requests and the ones at the top of the list are people
K-9 BAILEY, THE USF THERAPY DOG AT YOUR DOOR WITH A CLICK OF A BUTTON
in need. This can include someone seeking K-9 Bailey due to having high anxiety for a plethora of reasons, such as a loved one having died, dealing with a break-up with a significant other, strug gling to stay focused an exam and more. K-9 Bailey’s job is to provide them with the comfort theyTheneed.University of South Florida community is able to request K-9 Bai ley by simply stopping her if you see them on cam pus, email, call or using the Bailey Button. The Bailey Button is also used for groups who want Marches ano to show up to their dorms for fun, staf meetings for distress or public/so cial“K-9functions.Bailey can be described as my 3-year-old, goofy, sweet, loving mental health crusader. K-9 Bailey has been with me since I got her in December of 2020. K-9 Bailey and I have a multidisciplinary therapy license and … an advanced AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. She is also a graduate of Project Pup, which al lows Bailey to work in hospital settings,” saidForMarchesano.moreinformation on K-9 Bailey and what services as a therapy dog she pro vides, please visit orcontact-up.aspx,trative-services/university-police/about/www.usf.edu/adminisemailusfpdpio@usf.educall813-974-2628.
forparingtyofthethatopportunityposeastudentsprovidewithdual-purclubservesallstudentsourcounwhileprethemlifeafterhighschoolandprovidingcommunityserviceopportunitiesthatteachthemhowtogivebacktotheircommunity.”saidChadNor gard, president of Brandon ’86 Rotary Club.Currently, Brandon ’86 Rotary Club is planning for 20-30 students to start o f thisTheyear.ICTB leadership team has chosen Financial Literacy as its first-year proj ect and is currently working on the de tails for a fundraising project that will provide local elementary schools with books to help replenish their media cen ters and help children that need assis tance with raising their reading scores. The Interact Club of Tampa Bay is be ing sponsored by Brandon ’86 Rotary Club. The chartering ceremony was held on August 8 at the Rivard-Simmons Ro tary Event Center in Brandon. For more information on joining the Interact club or Brandon ’86 Rotary Club, email info@brandon86rotary.com or call 813-454-5072.
BRANDON ‘86 ROTARY CHARTERS INTERACT SERVICE CLUB FOR TEENS By Christine Ans Tis new youth-based organization, for ages 14-18, is the frst community-based Interact club in District 6890 5920 Robert Tolle Drive Riverview, www.Mon813-337-745733578OfceHours:-Thur10am-3pmMtzionriverview.comFACEBOOK:MtZionAMEChurchRiverview Church Services 10am Sunday Youth & Teens Church School 9:00 a.m. Kingdom Builders 10:00 a.m. (Children’s Church 2-10) Bible Study 7pm Tuesday (Teens) 7pm Wednesday (Adults) Community Food Pantry 2nd & 4th Tursday 11:00 -2:00 Monthly Second Chances Job Training Mon.-Turs. Karen J. Sims, Pastor and Roy Sims (brother) Te Doors of Te Church Are Open
for over 19 years! (813) 368-2485 Park Square - Fishhawk 16144 Churchview Dr., Ste. 109 (813) Apollo368-2485Beach 417 Apollo Beach Blvd. NEW
Gomez had a lot of support and help with his Supportersproject.suchas the Riverview VFW Post 8108 helped with purchasing the materials for the bench, and he had a great team to help build the benches. The paperwork for the com pleted project was submit ted one day before his 18th birthday.Gomez attended Len nard High School in the collegiate program during his freshman year, but af ter his first year of high school he transferred to Riverview High School and graduated with honors this past May. He was accepted into Embry-Riddle Aero nautical University, where he is attending this fall. Gomez wants to major in cybersecurity.Whenasked about his obstacles in Scouting, Go mez stated, “The biggest one for me was leadership and the weight of respon sibility. To become an Eagle Scout, you must serve ac tive leadership roles in your troop for many months.” As for advice in Scouting, he said, “My advice is to jump in. Find your local troop, contact their leadership and go to a few meetings. You’ll get a great feeling for troop synergy and if it’s a place you want to be.” To find out more about Camp Bayou or plan a visit, go to www.campbayou.org.
Gomez has been a Scout since elementary school and has worked hard to achieve his goal. “Nothing quite beats Ea gle. It is the highest honor ofered in Scouting, but I do have other various awards and merit badges from smaller activities,” saidGomez’sGomez. Eagle Scout project was installed at the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin. The installation of two pergola-covered benches was suggested by Hillsbor ough Co. Parks. He enjoyed Camp Bayou as a Cub Scout and wanted to make it more comfortable for others, so oversee ing the completion of these benches seemed like a perfect fit. One of them was put in the Enchanted Forest area, a place for young children, so parents would have a place to sit and rest. The other bench was made for a new trail.
LOCAL BOY SCOUT BUILDS BENCHES AND PERGOLAS FOR EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
The
By Sofa Celis Avellaneda Dawson James Nathaniel Gomez with his fnished bench project.
Dawson James Nathaniel Gomez is a member of Boy Scout Troop 83 in River view and recently achieved the highest advancement rank in Scouting — the Ea gle Scout rank. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Scout must fulfill requirements in the ar eas of leadership, service and outdoor skills and ad vance through the ranks of Scouting.
Countythedesigncertifiedingsociation.TampaestYMCASpurlinoJanuarynewenjoyedcommunitiesGibsontonhaveabrand-YMCAsince2019.TheFamilyisthenewlocationintheYMCAAsThebuildisLEEDGoldandwonaawardfromHillsboroughPlanningCommission
Dawson James Nathaniel Gomez with Camp Bayou board mem bers Donna Carty and Noelle Licor. Riverview and in fall 2019. Families can join a reading club for little ones, youth sports and swimming lessons for all ages. Adults and kids also can enjoy the great outdoors on the walking trail and shad ed picnic areas. The Spurlino Family Y is more than a place to work out, as it’s also a place for family fun. “It has since grown to be one of the largest YMCAs in all of the Tampa Bay region,” said Spurlino Family Y’s executive director, Jarrod Williams. “We staf approx imately 120 employees.” This past year, the Spurlino Family Y has provided over a quarter of a million dollars in financial assistance to families struggling financially. “We have a board of advisors comprised of 18 volunteers,” Williams said. “The Spurlino Family Y is the perfect place for health seekers and families alike to stay engaged in a variety of classes and programs designed to develop health and wellness.” Williams has made the YMCA his career. “I have been working in the YMCA movement for more than 12 years,” Williams said. “I have been working in the Tampa Association for four and a half years. Three years were spent at the Campo Family YMCA in Valrico, and I have been leading the Spurlino Family YMCA since May of 2021.” The Spurlino Family YMCA is a staple in programsty.HillsboroughsouthernCoun“Manyoftheweo fer are also ofered at other Ys in the area, but the thing that sets the Spurlino YMCA apart is that it was built with efciency and conservation in mind,” Williams said. “We have been recog nized for our outstanding building strategies and practices. This is something we are very proud of.” If you ask Williams what his favorite part of his job is, he will tell you it’s seeing guests transform. “What I like most about what I do is seeing lives positively transformed on a daily basis,” Williams said. “Whether it is someone on their weight-loss journey, a child learning how to swim or a child scoring their first soccer goal, we change lives every day and the stories that stem from these mo ments are Williamspowerful.”andhisstaf are excited about new programming that will be ofered at the Spurlino Family Y very soon. “We are excited to be launching a pediatric cancer program for children battling and recover from can cer,” Williams said. “The ofcial launch date is still to be determined, but we are hoping to start in late fall.” For information, visit catedbend-roadorg/locations/spurlino-family-ymca-big-www.tampaymca.orcall813-228-9622andit’sloat9650OldBigBendRd.inRiverview.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE SPURLINO FAMILY YMCA?
Page 9Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 Assisted Living “Tessera Brandon...living your lifestyle.” Memory Care “Living the present...cherishing the past.” • Active contemporary style living • Spacious apartments • All day dining from 7am to 7pm with a bountiful variety of choices • Pet friendly • Educational and social opportunities • Cable and Wi-Fi included • Live entertainment from Bach to Big Band • “Wine Down” Wednesdays SAVE THE DATE Tuesday Virtual2:00pm9/20/2022-4:00pmDementiaTourExperienceLifewithDementiaCalltoRSVP 1320 Oakfeld Dr., Brandon, FL 33511 (813) 607-6880 Located in the heart of Brandon close to I75, Hwy 60 and Hwy 301 Call TODAY for special pricing! TesseraBrandon.com Assisted Living Facility #AL13150
By Libby Hopkins
Te Riverview and Gibsonton communities have enjoyed a brand-new YMCA since January 2019. Te Spurlino Family YMCA is the newest location in the Tampa YMCA Association. Te building is LEED Gold certifed and won a design award from the Hillsborough County Planning Commission.
Page 10 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
PRESIDENT SET FOR TODAY’S CHALLENGES
Deborah Kish Johansen
Lisa Tackus, owner and bro ker of Align Right Realty River view, has had a lot to celebrate recently, as not only has her real estate agency been open for three years as of August and gained over 100 licensed agents, but she also now has a new ofce. Tackus has been a resident of the area for over 20 years. She opened the ofce for full operation in August 2019, and it is the first franchise in the company, accord ing to Tackus. It provides full real estate services, including residential, commer cial, referrals, rentals, home evaluations and first-time homebuyer seminars. “I’ve been running businesses through out my entire career, the last seven years focusing mostly on real estate.” Tackus said. “Being a native Floridian and under standing the market, I think I have more of a competitive advantage over most.” Plus, she has both a real estate broker license and a mortgage loan originator license — which gives her a competitive understanding of all facets of the real es tate industry — as well as master’s de grees in business and social work. All of it adds up to Align Right Realty Riverview’s great“We’resuccess.not just in it to sell or buy, we’re in it for a long-term relationship,” Tackus said. She got her new ofce, Align Right Realty Suncoast, after purchasing it from Johnny Loewy, founder and CEO of the Align Right Realty company, in May; it began as the com pany’s first ofce. The Suncoast ofce opened in mid-August and has around 100 agents. The two ofces are seeking real estate agents, as well as talented men tors for their mentor pro gram. With a mission to help agents reach their goals, whether new and seasoned, they’ll have access to all they need to advance their business, such as ongoing support, training, opportunities for 100 percent of their commission, their own websites and much more. There are also many events and activities, including monthly meetings and family nights out, luncheons and foam parties. Tackus stated, “The culture is a big rea son that drew me to the company.” If you’re interested in a career at either ofce, call 813-563-5995 and ask for of fice recruiter Patrick. For more information about the Riv erview ofce, located at 11962 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview, visit https:// alignrightriverview.com/ or call 813-5635995. For the Suncoast ofce, located at 17427 Bridge Hill Ct. in Tampa, visit https://alignrightsuncoast.com/ or call 813-512-2100.
ALIGN RIGHT REALTY RIVERVIEW CELEBRATES THREE YEARS, OVER 100 AGENTS AND NEW OFFICE
By Taylor Wells Align Right Realty Riverview team.
HCC’S NEW BRANDON CAMPUS
Te
By Linda Chion
The road from law to ac ademia has been a seamless one for Deborah Kish Johan sen, who in January started her job as president of Hill sborough Community Col lege’s (HCC) Brandon cam pus and is chair-elect for the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce.Licensed to practice cor porate law, Johansen said she entered the collegiate career track after learning of an opportunity through a previous chamber aflia tion and then serving as an adjunct professor at Valencia College in Or lando, where she taught business law. “I loved being around students on the college campus and seeing the light bulbs go of,” said Johansen, whose subsequent rise in academia took her to Colorado, Ar izona and back again to Florida. She’s held positions of chief academic ofcer, chief operating ofcer, academic dean and grad uate and undergraduate faculty, and before Brandon she was vice president of academ ic afairs at Northwest Florida State Col lege in JohansenNiceville.said Brandon campus issues include shifting enrollment patterns, ongo ing attention to health and safety support, deferred maintenance of facilities and sup port for new programs and activities.
“Enrollment decline is a national issue, and we are no diferent,” Johansen said. “We do see some enrollment growth this fall semester, and we are excited about that.”To maintain momentum, “we need to meet the modern challenges of students who want diferent flexibilities and learn ing styles,” Johansen said, as she noted hybrid learning op portunities that involve both in-class and online instruc tion.In the works is the FIN TECH program for financial technologies, which would in clude studies in cybersecurity and apps for online banking and investment services. Un der research is a certificate ofering, followed by a twoyear degree program and a connection with HCC’s fouryear college partners, Johan sen said. Newly established is HCC’s associate de gree program in supply chain management, an especially relevant field today, Johansen said. She noted as well aquaculture and biotechnology studies, which, through the FUSE program, forges a pathway to biol ogy degree studies at the University of South Florida. In keeping with its workforce readiness focus, HCC this fall launched the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree for registered nurses to continue their studies, the first four-year degree program ofered in HCC’s 54-year history. It’s aimed to address the critical shortage of nurses locally and na tionwide.Alsonew this fall is the Pre-Health So ciety, under the auspices of the American Medical Student Association Club. Johansen plugged as well the seventh annual Hawk Run, scheduled for Saturday, October 22, “which last year raised enough money to start an endowment for scholar ship perpetuity,” she said. For more on Johansen and HCC Brandon campus oferings, visit www.hccfl.edu.
KTBB works entirely with volunteers, and it’s always in need of more, including ones to be site captains, who are respon sible for signage, supplies and managing a site’s operation. Site captains are giv en safety training, and they’ll give safety information to volunteers. In the 2018 event alone, 3,084 volunteers collected 67,195 lbs. of litter and debris from local roads and waterways. “I personally have just found it real ly rewarding getting to go out and see how enthusiastic all our volunteers are … and it really helps seeing everybody so happy to be out there,” said Kira Baker,
KEEP TAMPA BAY BEAUTIFUL HOSTS HILLSBOROUGH RIVER & CLEANUP
By Libby Hopkins
thiswe“WithoutnatorprojectenvironmentalcoordiatKTBB.them,wouldn’tseedi f erence, and they really are making a dif ference.”Baker added that she could only imagine how bad things would be without KTBB’s frequent volunteers. This HRCC will be di f erent from KTBB’s other cleanups, as it’s giving volunteers the opportunity to help the Ocean Conservancy gather informa tion — by collecting items and record ing data, like what items they find, the amount of each kind and the strangest finds — needed for future e f orts as well as spread awareness of these needs. The most common litter found in waterways are plastic pieces, along with cigarette butts, plastic bottles and foam pieces. The strangest include e-scooters, a bike rack and a piano, among many others.
Local, retired pedi atrician and Valrico resident Dr. Fernando Velasquez has had an amazing medical ca reer. He is originally from Peru but moved to the states to prac tice medicine, and he had a thriving prac tice in West Tampa for many years. “I love being a pediatrician,” Dr. Velasquez said. “I liked working closely with my patients and their families to ensure healthy development andDr.growth.”Velasquez took up painting in the ’90s as way of relaxing. “I am a self-taught paint er,” he said. “I never took a painting class; I was just inspired by my life in Peru, so that’s what I painted, images of my life and the people I knew in Peru.” Over the years and many trips to Peru, Dr. Velasquez’s ofce became full his paintings and artwork he brought back from his coun try. When he retired, Dr. Velasquez and his wife, Lourdes, realized they didn’t have room for all the paintings and artwork. A close friend of theirs, Luis Castellanos of Brandon, reached out to the Osprey Observ er to see if the paper knew of any art centers that would be willing to take Dr. Velasquez’s art and use it to help raise money for chil dren’s charities or programs. “The idea was to donate them to some charity organiza tion for selling or auction, so the proceeds will benefit a specific cause, mainly children or any other nonprofit organization,” Cas tellanos said. The Osprey Observer reached out to Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Associa tion. “I was very interested in meeting with Dr. Velazquez and seeing his art,” said Cen ter Place’s executive director, Libby Hopkins. “Once I saw how beautiful Dr. Velazquez’s painting were and the amaz ing wooden artwork he had, I wanted it to be a permanent exhibit at Center Place.” None of Dr. Velazquez’s paintings are framed, and for them to be hung at Center Place, they will need to be framed. “Dr. Velazquez has over 60 unframed paintings, and since he is a resident of Valrico, I would love for our community to come togeth er and help Center Place get his artwork framed so it will be a permanent exhibit that will be hung in Center Place every July and be Dr. Velasquez’s legacy,” Hopkins said. “Dr. Velasquez and his family asked if his works could be shown every July because July is when Peru gained its independence.” If you would like to help Center Place get Dr. Velasquez’s art work framed, so it can be a permanent exhibit at Center Place, please contact Libby Hopkins via email at libby.hop kins@centerplacebrandon.com or call her at Center Place at 813-685-8888. Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is locat ed at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B inside the Brandon Regional Library.
The cleanup will be held on Saturday, September 17. Check-in is at 8 a.m., and the cleanup is from 8 a.m.-11 a.m., or until completion. Times may vary by site. For more information or to become a volun teer or site captain, visit keeptampabaybeautiful.org.Toemailup-2022-tickets-392525423107com/e/hillsborough-river-coastal-cleanwww.eventbrite.orBakeratprojects@keeptbb.org.learnmoreaboutKTBB,visitwww.
PERUVIAN ART DONATION FINDS PERMANENT HOME AT CENTER PLACE
Page 11Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 For anyone wanting to help out the local en vironment and make it nicer to look at and spend time in, Keep Tam pa Bay Beautiful (KTBB) is holding its Hillsborough River & Coastal Cleanup (HRCC) this month as part of the Ocean Con servancy’s International Coastal Clean up.The HRCC will be held at various loca tions along the Hillsborough River, Alafia River, Little Manatee River, Lake Thono tosassa and other waterways throughout Hillsborough County. Some landlocked areas will also have sites, as an estimat ed 80 percent of land trash ends up in waterways. So far, around 20 sites have been established, but more are planned.
COASTAL
A volunteer group helping with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful’s Hillsborough River & Coastal Cleanup.
Local, retired pediatrician and Valrico resident Dr. Fernando Velasquez has had an amazing medical career. He is also an avid painter, and his artwork has found a permanent home at Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association.
By Taylor Wells
VISIT TAMPA BAY OFFERS CRAFT BEER PASSES TO LOCAL BREWERIES
isit Tampa Bay has created a Bay Crafted Brewery Pass. Tis pass is free and can be downloaded onto your phone. Fall is the perfect time in Florida to enjoy the outdoors, and what better way than to vis it the 2022 Hillsbor ough County Fair? The theme of this year’s fair, ‘Homegrown Fun,’ is just a glimmer of all the fair has to ofer, which includes an ex panded carnival with spectacular midway rides and new kiddie rides, free entertain ment for high-speed thrill seekers and mo tor enthusiasts, a cat tlewomen’s beef cook-of, beauty pageants for all ages and lots of dis counts for the entire family. The fair will run for 11 full days, ofering more time to enjoy the rides, food and exhibits at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover, just east of Brandon, from Thursday, November 3 to Sunday, No vember 13. Prior to the fair, the Harvest Queen Scholarship Pageant will take place on Sat urday, October 1. Youth contestants from Hillsborough County will grace the stage to compete in the annual scholarship pageant for the title of Hillsborough County Fair Harvest Queen and Junior Harvest Queen, which serve as the fair ambassadors for the 2022 fair. This year, free daily entertainment will in clude the Camel Kingdom Show, Disc-Con nected K9s and the educational Firefighter Show.Take a stroll through the historical Home town Hillsborough area and the fair invites children of all ages to participate in Cow boy
Staf
Visit Tampa Bay incorporates the destina tion’s local craft beer scene into its diverse array of available options for visitors who like nightlife, elevated dining and worldclass attractions. “The organization recent ly hit the road this summer, visiting target markets across the northeast to participate in ‘tap takeovers’ with bars ofering iconic Tampa Bay brew on special,” Evans said. “Coming up, Visit Tampa Bay will contin ue to include the local craft beer scene as part of its focus on foodies to support the destination being included in the first-ever MICHELIN Guide to Florida.” For more information on the Bay Craft ed Brewery Pass, visit www.visittampabay. com/baycrafted/pass.
Craft beer is woven into the fabric of all Visit Tampa Bay’s marketing to food and drink enthusiasts, but people don’t travel specifically for craft beer anymore. “It’s everywhere,” Evans said. “Visitors expect something local on tap wherever they visit. But while many cities claim to be craft beer destinations, Tampa Bay is one of the origi nal and best, especially in Florida.”
ENTERTAINMENT IS BETTER THAN EVER AT THE 2022 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR
Page 12 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
It’s so popular that Visit Tampa Bay has created a Bay Crafted Brewery Pass. “With the Tampa Bay region being home to the greatest concentration of craft breweries in the state of Florida, it’s impossible to tell the destination’s story without including craft beer,” said Visit Tampa Bay’s director of public relations, Vanessa Evans. “As a des tination that works closely with our part ners and one that is always looking for the next diferentiator, Visit Tampa Bay started working with its craft brewery partners several years ago, and the success since that time has been tremendous.”
Camp by Les Mc Dowell to enjoy some fun of Hillsboroughyesteryears!Coun ty School District ofers school exhibit displays in the “Little Red Schoolhouse”. Sit down and relax in our Entertainment Pavilion and enjoy the sounds and entertain ment from the commu nityOnestages!ofthe highlights of each year’s fair are the Youth Livestock Shows and Sales, which will be held from November 3-13 in the new 18,000-square-foot Live stock Exhibition Building. Additionally, special arena events for pet and motorsport enthusiasts are back. The Bulls, Broncos and Barrel Racing Rodeo for budding cowboys will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 4 and 5. The ever-exciting Demolition Derby for motor enthusiasts who enjoy watching drivers of cars, mini-vans and station wag ons deliberately ram into each other will make its return to the fair on November 13. The fair wouldn’t be complete without the Truck and Tractor Pull on Friday and Saturday, November 11 and 12, where you can watch antique tractors, hotrods and the BIG BOY trucks and tractors come out to compete in our dirt arena. For ticket purchasing information and promos, including a special online-only Ad vanced Purchase Family Package, as well as fair hours and event schedules, visit hillsboroughcountyfair.com/2022-fair/.https:// Report
By Libby Hopkins
The Bay Crafted Pass is 100 percent free. Guests can access the electronic passport on their mobile device and will receive more information on over 20 participating brew eries. “While there is no ‘brewery tour’ included with the Bay Craft ed Pass, guests will be able to virtually check in and log visits to diferent locations,” Evens said. “Guests would essentially visit each brewery as they would any other establishment; however, by visiting enough locations, guests can redeem prizes from the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center in downtown Tampa. Prizes include a Bay Crafted pint glass, a Bay Crafted T-shirt and a Tampa Bay cocktail guide.”
Tampa Bay is known for many things, but its numer ous craft beer breweries are what make our fair city the most popular.
The Bay Crafted Pass was designed to drive economic impact to partner brew eries in Hillsborough County by marketing to beer and cocktail enthusiasts in Florida and drive markets. “Visitors would down load the electronic passport, check in at diferent breweries via geo targeting and be able to claim prizes from Visit Tampa Bay if enough locations were visited,” Evans said. “As a partnership-based organization, Visit Tampa Bay presented the opportunity to be included in the Bay Crafted campaign to all its craft brewery partners located within Hillsborough County. New breweries can be added at any time, so long as they are locat ed within the destination.”
Page 13Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022
JACK OWENS AWARDED 51ST ANNUAL TONY SALADINO MEMORIAL BASEBALL AWARD By Lily Belcher
The forteamsAugustgustCenterTampatournamentLeaguechairtheofhostedFootballneersCountyHillsboroughBuccaWheelchairTeamthesecondthreemeetsinUSAWheelFootball(USAWFL)attheConventionfromAu24through28.Eightcompetedthetitle,withthe
Mother Angela Owens, son Jack Owens, Tony Sal adino, and father Jack Owens as the Bloomingda le graduate receives the Saladino Award.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BUCS HOSTS USA WHEELCHAIR FOOTBALL LEAGUE TOURNAMENT
Page 14 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
eventeamsplayershasaward.athleteKrisandAwardMemorial2022wasuateHighBloomingdaleSchoolgradJackOwensawardedtheTonySaladinoBaseballonAugust7becamecoachWilken’sfirsttowinthe“[CoachWilken]hadsomegreatonhispastandtobeathoughtofbeing a part of those great play ers is insane to me,” said Owens. “I was always the smallest kid, and even to day I still am, but Kris has trained me to the max to become the best player I can possibly be.” The Stetson University commit was recognized for his exceptional talent on the field, boasting a 1.80 ERA and 53 strike outs over 35 innings pitched. He batted .460 with 17 RBIs and five homeruns, showcas ing impressive talent both on the mound and at the Whileplate.the Saladino Award is given to an outstanding athlete, the character, leader ship and scholarship of the recipient is taken into consideration. Owens, in addition to be ing team captain, was on principal’s honor roll and led the team to the state title as a junior last year. “Jack understands that without account able actions for himself, he can’t create trust among those he’s leading,” said Wilk en in his nomination of Owens. “… Jack is tough, expressedmateing.”respectfulaccountable,andcarOwenssaidteamMakyeHayesthattheteamplayeddifferentlywhenOwensisonthefield.Owenstookthistoheartandreflected on how his performance could impact the team. He narrowed it down to one quote he tries to live by: “Treat others how you would want to be treated.” “Just by that quote I ended up pitching the best game,” said the Saladino Award recipient. “We end ed up winning, and, most importantly, we all had fun because it doesn’t matter the talent level — if the chemistry level on a team is high, you will win.”The 5’11” Valrico native is the third award recipient from Bloomingdale High School, following Mike Valdes in 1995 and Ryan Strauss in 2004. “The Tony Saladino Memorial Baseball Award was established in 1971 and is pre sented annually to the outstanding high school senior baseball player in Hillsborough County as a memorial for my late father and my late wife, Bertha, to promote high school baseball,” said Tony Saladino.
Te Hillsborough County Buccaneers huddle midgame in the annual USA Wheelchair Football League tournament.
By Lily Belcher
Kansas City Chiefs emerging victorious at the end of the tournament.“Everybody can play football. Just be cause you are in a wheelchair doesn’t mean you can’t play football,” encouraged Hillsborough County Buccaneers Wheel chair Football Team coach Wayne Boze man.This is the first time Hillsborough Coun ty has hosted the tournament and only the second time the Hillsborough Coun ty Buccaneers have participated. The team of 20 athletes, from 20-50 years of age, have been practicing since May and placed fourth at the end of August, losing to the Arizona Cardinals. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed their support through the partnership and provided helmet decals, shirts and a pep talk by former Buccaneers safety and Superbowl MVP Dexter Jackson. Jackson spoke to the team during the Friday night banquet that served dinner and drinks to the athletes as they got to know one an other looking to play football, according to its website. The league was made possible by the NFL Salute to Service Award and the Bob Woodruf Foundation. “The wheelchairs run from $4000 to $7000, just for a sports chair to play in,” said Bozeman. “With the support of the community, they can get these for the kids [and] put it in the program. [Then,] the program has a chair they can use for everybody, not just one person.” Hillsborough County Parks and Rec reation hosts year-round sports, from archery to basketball to track and field, through its Adaptive Sports program, which now includes football. The availabil ity of these sports to those in wheelchairs promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for all participants while encouraging a fun and supportive community. For more information on the Hillsbor ough County Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team, visit its website at www. hillsboroughcounty.org or contact Mary Cales at 813-416-0467.
disabilitiesphysicalthoseitstheUSAWFLarea,itieswithtoaccessiblesportnotFootballbetter.isthefirstmadethosedisabilinthebutisfirstofkindforwith
THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA’S NEW ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR DEBUTS AT FREE POPS IN THE PARK IN SEPTEMBER Staf Report
Valrico resident and college student Shanon Hyde wrote a book for military kids that can be purchased on Amazon.
Chelsea Gallo, new assistant conductor, will make her debut at Te Florida Orchestra’s Pops in the Park concert at Vinoy Park, located at 701 Bayshore Dr. NE in St. Petersburg.
waterfronttoly-friendlywillcertTFO’sPark.concertPopstra’sFloridaherGalloconductorassistantChelseawillmakedebutatTheOrches(TFO)freeintheParkatVinoyThisyear,largestconoftheyearbringfamimusicSt.Petersburg’sinSeptember
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Page 15Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 A local college student and military brat’s desire to help other children of active-duty military personnel cope with constant change as sociated with mili tary life inspired him to write a book. Valrico resident Shanon Hyde, a ju nior at Penn State University majoring in aerospace engi neering, drew from his own experiences to write Dear Mili tary Teen: ofWinningDeployments,Moving,andtheGameHighSchool
By Michelle Caceres
LOCAL MILITARY BRAT AND COLLEGE STUDENT WRITES BOOK FOR MILITARY TEENS
New
to celebrate the opening of the 55th season with the com munity.Theconcert will be on Saturday, Sep tember 24 at 7:30 p.m. and feature film scores, Broadway hits and light classical favorites, conducted by Gallo. The nearly 30-year tradition annually packs the park with about 15,000 patrons, who spread out elaborate picnics with candelabras for free music under the stars. TFO will give an encore performance on Sunday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m. at River Tower Park in Tampa. The spring Pops in the Park concert will be on Mother’s Day, May 14, at 7:45 p.m. at Julian B. Lane Riv erfront Park in Tampa. All park concerts will have food trucks from Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association. In a long-stand ing tradition, TFO will collect nonperish able goods for Tampa Bay Harvest’s annu al food drive at all park concerts. This fall is Gallo’s first season with the orchestra. She will lead TFO’s youth and community concerts, conduct select Raymond James Pops and Morning Cof fee concerts and regularly assist music director Michael Francis and other
, pub lished on July 28. “This book is dedicated to other mil itary teens and brats like myself and helps provide advice and solutions for problems unique to us,” said Hyde, whose father retired from the Marine Corps two years ago. One topic he writes about is how to approach the challenges of moving to di f erent cities every few years. During his childhood, he lived in California, Virginia, North Carolina, back to the same base in Virginia, Japan and back to North Carolina. The family moved to Valrico after his father retired. When his family moved to Virginia the summer before he started seventh grade, he thought the transition would be easy because he had already met friends there the first time his fam ily was stationed there. “I incorrect ly assumed that my old friends would want to be friends with me again, so that turned out to be my most di f cult move,” he said. Before writing the book, Hyde created a podcast titled The Shanon Show: The Best Military Kids Pod cast , where he in terviewed military kids and teens and noticed many over arching issues. The podcast inspired him to write the book, which took almost two years to complete. “So many military kids limit them selves because they just want to fit in and survive, but that can limit their po tential,” he said. He encourages military kids to be out going after each move. The book also o f ers tips for trans ferring credits from school to school. “Schools on military bases are more lenient when it comes to transferring credits than other schools,” he said. For more information about Hyde, vis it his Apple podcast, The Shanon Show: The Best Military Kids Podcast. To pur chase his book, which costs $13.99, visit www.amazon.com.
everyonebarrierscertscommunityfreecommunity.cateuniteexistsFloridaconductors.ThenonprofitOrchestratoinspire,andeduasitbuildsTFO’sandlow-costconbreakdowntoensurehasac cess to the power of live music. The orchestra announced more commu nity concerts, including the return of Sing Out Tampa Bay. Maestro Francis’ signa ture Inside the Music series helps unlock the secrets to composers and their mas terpieces so audiences can form a deeper connection with the music. Admission to all is pay what you can. TFO will perform over 100 concerts this season in venues throughout Tampa Bay. Francis launches the season with TFO’s 55th Celebration benefit concert featuring Itzhak Perlman on Saturday, October 1 at the Mahafey Theater. From Friday to Sunday, October 7-9, the Hough Family Foundation Masterworks series debuts with Carl Orf ’s epic Carmina Bu rana, kicking of the classical series that includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Rachmaninof ’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and much more. The Raymond James Pops se ries has blockbusters such as Harry Pot ter vs Star Wars, Holiday Pops and the Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album. For more information and tickets, visit https://floridaorchestra.org/.
Page 16 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
Page 17Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022
fce focusing on equity and diversity. Among the goals for the Ofce of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is to estab lish regular dialogue with the community focused on gaining input on initiatives and projects as well as continuing to assess and address community barriers towards equity. Throughout her three-decade career, Howell has been deeply involved in aford able housing, community development, eco nomic inclusion and social services issues. In addition to her role as the county’s Aford able Housing director, she serves as a board member of the Florida Housing Coalition and Tampa Family Health Center and as ex ecutive director of the Florida Community Development Association. With this pro motion, she becomes the highest-ranking African American female in Hillsborough County government. Howell is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s in public administration/urban planning. She received her master’s in public administration and management from Web ster University.
The Sunshine State is home to about 13 transient species of hummingbirds thanks to our year-round tropical climate. Also known as ‘flying jewels,’ these rainbow-colored birds are a delight to observe. Blink and you may miss them; these tiny birds are as fasci nating as they are exotic andWithbeautiful.wings that can beat 50 times per sec ond and thousands of times a minute, hum mingbirds are incredibly tiny, fast-moving birds who get their name from the humming nois es made by their fast-flapping wings. Their wings move so quickly that they are almost invisible to the naked eye. These fast move ments also allow the birds to easily move forward, backward and upside down in an instant while hovering mid-flight. Most hummingbirds are under 3.5 inch es long and weigh less than a penny. While most species are temporarily visiting as they migrate further south, hummingbirds can be found all over the state. Their average lifes pan is three to five years. The most common species of humming birds found here is the ruby-throated hum mingbird. The ruby-throated hummingbird is a native and year-round resident due to our warm weather. They are highly adapted to living almost anywhere and can be seen in urban and suburban areas. Their habi tat mainly includes meadows, woodlands, grasslands and Hummingbirdsgardens.areimportant pollinators with a diet consisting mostly of nectar and insects. They love sugar! Nectar is found in particular tubular plants and flowers, such as firebush, cross vine, coral honeysuckle, butterfly milkweed and Florida flame aza lea. Their uniquely adapted long beak and tongue allow them access to the sweet nectar in tar geted plants. It is a myth that their beak acts as a straw; rath er, their tongue is forked for lapping up nectar and consuming up to half of their body weight every day. Hummingbirds are most attracted to brightly colored, native plants that are red, orange and pink. Because of their fast and active lifestyle, hummingbirds usually eat continuously throughout the day. In fact, they are so busy eating that they can visit over 100 flowering plants a day. An easy way to attract hummingbirds to your yard and garden is to hang a special ized hummingbird feeder, which will hold a simple sugar-water mixture. Feeders will need to be safely cleaned very frequently. Be sure to research how to keep the feed er clean and to never use any coloring dyes, honey or brown sugar, which can be toxic to the birds.
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Ali Holton is currently director of FishHawk TNR Inc. She has a master’s in biodiversity, wildlife and ecosystems and 20 years of experience specializing in animal behav ior and conservation. To reach her, email fshhawktnr4@gmail.com.
Cheryl Howell, Hillsborough County’s frst-ever equity community impact.
CHERYL HOWELL NAMED FIRST-EVER ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR EQUITY AND COMMUNITY IMPACT Staf Report
assistant county administrator for
and
Continuing a focus on providing equal op portunity for all res idents, Hillsborough County has named Cheryl Howell the first-ever assistant county administrator for equity and commu nityHowell,impact. who has been the county’s Af fordable Housing di rector since 2017, will help guide county policy to make sure all residents, including historically marginalized groups, have equal access to resources and opportunities to succeed and thrive. In her new position, Howell will oversee the soon-to-be-created Ofce of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which will center on jobs and economic development, afordable housing, health and human services, chil dren’s services and transportation, as well as criminal justice, the digital divide and other issues.“The county has taken a huge step that will help lead us to address our most painful and challenging problems in a measurable way. The Ofce of Diversity, Equity and In clusion will provide a pathway for citizens to engage and work toward meaningful solu tions to uplift and further the common good for residents that have been marginalized and unheard,” said Howell. Hillsborough County has been striving to address the causes and impacts of historic inequities on residents. In 2021, the board of county commis sioners commissioned a community equity profile ofcludingmendedinequitiesthatty-equity-profile.pdf)ments/bocc/communimedia-center/doculibrary/hillsborough/hillsboroughcounty.org/(https://www.identifiedcurrentandrecomsolutions,inthecreationacentralizedo
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The East Hillsborough Democratic Club will hold its monthly meeting at the Brandon Crossroads Bowl, located at 609 Crater Ln. in Tampa, on Tuesday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. You may join in person or via Zoom by going to the monthly club cal endar to register an hour before meetings. All like-minded indi viduals are welcome. For more information, go to callboroughdems.orgwww.easthillsor813-677-8300.
Billy ‘Elvis’ Lindsey Per forming An Alzheimer’s Beneft Concert
The very popular FishHawk Ranch Market will be re turning to Cross Park at 16144 Churchside Dr. in Lithia on Sun day, October 2 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It will continue to take place on the first Sunday of each month until May 2023. There are always lots of unique vendors selling hand crafted and homemade items. For in formation on becoming a vendor, email sparvin@fishhawkranchcdd.org or call 813-957-1841.
Jewish High Holy Days Holiday Services
Your Next Step Is Te Cure 5K Run Your Next Step is the Cure 5K run in Lithia will be taking place on Satur day, October 1. You can either run the easy 5K route from Park Square in Lithia or sign up for the new virtual option, which is especially help ful to encourage family and friends who do not live locally to sign up. All monies raised goes directly to the Melanoma Research Foundation. Visit emailsoringthetionallithia/yournextstepisthecurehttps://runsignup.com/race/fl/foraddiinformationandtoregisterforevent.Ifyouareinterestedinsponordonatingtotheevent,pleaseyournextstepisthecure@aol.com.
East Hillsborough Democratic Club Meeting
Market Day Returning To Fish Hawk Ranch
Strawberry Ball Donates $50,000 To Food Bank
Pelican Players Community Theater is proud to present two complimentary shows on September 15. Join them to see The Twilight Zone - To Serve Man , directed by Ron Deitsch, and Father Knows Best - The Housekeeper , di rected by Leslie Stull. Doors open at 6 p.m., and curtain time 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The Kings Point Veterans Theater North is located at 1900 Clubhouse Dr., in Sun City Cen ter, please feel free to bring your own drinks, snacks and cups. Visit www. pelicanplayersscc.org for more infor mation.
The Summerfield Wom en’s Golf Association (SWGA) will begin its an nual league play on Tues day, October 4, and new players are invited to join. Membership is open to all women 18 years or older of amateur standing. The league consists of players at all levels, and a variety of games that are fun and challenging for everyone are played. A Summerfield Crossings Golf Club mem bership is not required; however, if you are not a member, then a league card is required. Tee times are at 8 a.m. on Tuesday mornings at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, located at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, contact Margaret at 517-410-3115.
The Florida Strawberry Festival pre sented the proceeds from its annual Strawberry Ball to the United Food Bank of Plant City. “This year’s Straw berry Ball was a huge success,” said Phil Waldron, Florida Strawberry Festival chairman of the board. “Everyone en joyed the food, the dancing, the theme, the entertainment and of course the fellowship.” The event raised a total of $50,000 for the nearby food bank.
Pelican Players Complimentary Shows
On September 14, the Apollo Beach Women’s Club (ABWC) will welcome new and returning members to its lun cheon at Ruskin Moose Lodge #183, located at 1212 E. Shell Point Rd. in Ruskin. The guest speaker will be Craig Latimer, Hillsborough County’s supervi sor of elections. Luncheons are held on the second Wednesday of every month at the Moose Lodge, except for Decem ber. The ABWC has been serving the community since 1959. Its primary objectives are to promote sociability among its members, work toward the ad vancement of wom ankind and provide scholarships for the education and train ing of students who live in Apollo Beach. New members are welcome. To learn more about the ABWC, visit its website at kenlizpedersen@msn.com.orapollobeachwomansclub.comwww.contactLizPedersenat
Compiled by Jenny jbennett@ospreyobserver.comBennett City.
A Kitten Place, Garage Sale, 5K & More... Phil Waldren presents a check for $50,000 to United Food Bank of Plant
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Page 20 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
Te Apollo Beach Women’s Club Monthly Luncheons Have Re sumed
5K Run Local cat and kitten rescue A Kitten Place is holding its annual Black Cat Hal loween Run on 5Kyear,event.sorsrateandforisLakes30OctoberSunday,atTwinandlookingvendorscorposponfortheLasttherunhad
Summerfeld Wom en’s Golf Association League Starts In Octo ber
The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center (SCCUMC) welcomes Billy ‘Elvis’ Lindsey to its campus at Haverford1971 Ave. in Sun City Center, for a concert on Sunday, Septem ber 16 at 7 p.m. to benefit the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Lindsey has been giving El vis tribute concerts for years and is the winner of numerous awards for his Elvis act. If you love great music from the past or have ever been a fan of Elvis and his music, you won’t want to miss this great concert for a wonderful cause. Tickets are available up to the day of the concert for $10 at the SCCUMC Christian Gift Shop at the church or online at www.sccumc.com via clicking the events tab.
The Blooming dale annualingSeptemberSaleCommunityNeighborhoodGarageisonSaturday,12startat8a.m.Thissalefeatures homes through out the Bloomingdale East and West neighborhoods. A wide variety of items are usually available, including kitchen wares, books, furniture, clothing, toys and games and furniture. Addresses will be posted on the Bloomingdale Neigh borhood Association website at www. bloomingdale.life.com. To have your house listed, email bl.neighbor1@gmail. com or call 813-681-2051.
GarageNeighborhoodBloomingdaleSale
over 175 participants. If you are interested and would like more information or register for the event, please email akittenplace@gmail.com.
A Kitten Place Rescue Looking For Vendors And Sponsors For
During September into October, there are a number of Jewish holidays. This is a time when most Jewish people want to attend the holiday services. High Holy Day services at Congregation Beth Sha lom of Brandon are open to the commu nity and are free, though donations are gladly accepted. Rabbi Lefkowitz and Sandy Santucci (cantorial soloist) will be leading the Selichot and High Holy services. Contact the temple o f ce on 813-681-6547 or email cbs-brandon@ outlook.com if you have any questions and for the schedule of services.
Te Pass-A-Book Program collects and donates books for grades K-5.
LOCAL RESPIRATORY THERAPIST GOES ON MISSION TRIP TO PERU Staf Report
By Lily Belcher Naomie Bellows, an Ellenton resident and re spiratory therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South in Riverview, went on a two-week mission trip in June to provide health care services to an un derserved community in the Peruvian city of Chu lucanas.Bellows went on her own time and expense as part of Global Health Volunteers, a program BayCare participates in that is organized by Trinity Health, a not-forprofit Catholic health system.Bellows was among 30 volunteers from across the country, including doc tors, who provided services such as wound care, well-care visits, medication dispensing and assessments for surgery. She and a nurse from St. Joseph’s Hos pital in Tampa were the BayCare con tingent on the trip. The volunteers saw about 150 patients daily, ages ranging from infants to 100 years old. Bellows did some breathing treatments, but she was mostly involved with administering laboratory tests. Bellows, who speaks some Spanish, was assisted by inter preters in her work. “All the patients lived in di f erent lev els of poverty, but none of them had easy access to doctors,” she said. “Some had never seen a doctor before, and oth ers had seen doctors but not in years. Some knew they had blood pressure or diabetes and knew they needed medica tion. They were very grateful for us be ingThisthere.”was her second mission trip through BayCare with Global Health Volunteers, the first being a mission to Haiti in 2018. She’s also done a Habitat for Humanity mission trip to sionpandemic,Peru.pleandcalprovideherBellowsBotswana.summarized2022Perutrip:“OurgoalwastobasicmedicaretothepoorunderservedpeoofthatregionofBecauseofthemanymisteamshadnot reached patients in years and many were in desperate need of care or of sim ple reassurance that everything was OK with them and their loved ones.” “Even though the care we provided was so essential to our patients, I feel that what I received from them was even greater. The people of this area have so little. Many have ailments that cannot be treated by a simple visit, yet they came to us every day with huge smiles on their faces and remained grateful for everything we did. Their re sourcefulness and resilience is astound ing. I am beyond grateful to our patients that have shared their culture with me and showed me how rich a life can be even with so little.” And how did Bellows’ family, her hus band and four kids, feel about her leav ing them for two weeks in the summer? “It wasn’t easy for them, but they were very supportive,” Bellows said.
PASS-A-BOOK PROGRAM NEEDS BOOK DONATIONS TO KEEP STUDENTS READING
Many of their elec tricians have helped carry and load heavy donation boxes, and her children help transport books to the donation sites as well. “One amazing com munity member decid ed to set up a makeshift library for the children living in her apartment building and we were proud to be a part of that,” explained Hind man. “Our biggest event is the [Parents and Chil dren Advance Togeth er] yearly graduation, where the children and their siblings choose books to take home to read over the summer.” The Pass-A-Book Pro gram mostly donates K-2 picture books and chapter books for third through fifth graders, but it accepts all books for students. This year, it is specifically looking for more board books to give away. While many of the donations come from families and thrift stores, the Pass-A-Book Program just received a huge donation of around 250 books from Collins Elementa ry School. These books were given to new teachers in Hillsborough County. To donate books to the Pass-A-Book Pro gram now, bring the picture/chapter books to 1517 U.S. Hwy. 41 S. in Ruskin. Later this year, the drop-of site will change to 10021 Carr Rd. in Riverview.
Donated books go to students and teach ers to promote reading.
Page 21Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 The Pass-A-Book Program has been serving the commu nity of young readers since Ruskin’s Heather Hindman launched the initiative to collect and donate books in 2016. Through community donations of children’s books, Hindman has been able to distribute over 4,500 books to schools, teachers and students in just eight years.“As a former teach er, I had bins and bins of books in my garage. I loved them so much that I hated to part with them but finally decided they would be put to better use in the hands of children to love them,” said Hindman, who also attributes the program to her husband, who wanted the extra space in the Aftergarage.seeing the amount of community interest, Hindman turned the donation into a program that became an ongoing Bryan Hindman Electric Company service project. Since its inception, the Pass-A-Book Pro gram has become a family, business and community efort as Hindman has watched her whole company get involved. She works with her immediate family to distribute books but received help from her co-workers, Brandy Nelson, Christine Han non, and community project coordinator Virginia Trotta.
By Libby Hopkins
Another reason German decided to invest in Creative Colors International is because there is no brick and mortar building he had to purchase. “We don’t have a shop, the business is 100 per cent mobile,” German said. This gives him the opportunity to connect and get to know his customers on a personal level.Ifyou would like to learn more about Creative Colors International and the various services it offers, you can vis it their website at www.wecanfixthat. com or call German at 813-343-4151.
Page 22 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
There isn’t much that Cre ative Colors In ternational of Tampa can’t fix. It is a local ex pert in leather repair.Creative Col ors Interna tional Inc. was founded in July 1991 through its afliate J&J’s Creative Colors Inc., a company that had been in busi ness since 1980. Much like J&J’s Creative Colors, it provides the services of restoring, dyeing and repairing many types of material. “I’ve owned a Creative Colors franchise since August 2016,” said owner Patrick German. “My territory then was Pinellas County. Two years later, the owner in Hill sborough sold to me. I have lived in Bran don for 16 years, but when I started my franchise, that other owner was in this area, so I had to buy into Pinellas.” Before becoming the owner of Creative Colors International, German had a career in financial business. “I took an early re tirement from JPM Chase after 18 years there,” German said. “My career there, along with five years prior, was all in in formation technology, mostly software development.”WhenGerman decided to leave Chase, he wanted to do something completely diferent. “Something with a lot of time outdoors working with your hands,” Ger man said. “It also needed to be something my son-in-law, who started the business with me, was interest ed in. The plan is to build it into a business he can take over and re tire from himself one day. Which means it needed to be something that can’t be Amazoned, outsourced or doneSinceremotely.”Creative Colors International has been in existence for more than 40 years, German felt this company was the best fit for him to invest. “As a national franchise, we have the support of a large organization that continually researches and updates products,” Ger man said. “It also sets a level of standards through that franchise system.”
CREATIVE COLORS INTERNATIONAL OF TAMPA–THEY CAN FIX THAT Playing poker is fun, but when you’re playing poker for a cause, it’s even bet ter. Susan Ciof, a re altor with RE/MAX Realty Unlimited, has been in the realty business for 19 years while also supporting numerous activities and charities in the area, such as Trick or Treat Street and with every closing she has a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network is made. About nine years ago, one of Ciof’s co workers, Michael Markus, asked for help with getting Christmas gifts for families of local veterans that were transitioning to new“Ithousing.wasthrough St. Vincent de Paul CARES,” Ciof said. “So, that year, we had a few families with children that our broker age and fellow realtors helped during the holidays. Well, the next year, we did it again, but this time we had all the families that St. Vincent had, and it was a little more chal lenging, but we always got the majority of what they wanted.” Ciof felt it was hard to ask a fellow re altor to sponsor a whole family when there were a lot of big-ticket items. “Many of them ask for TVs, computers, freezers and other items we take for grant ed,” Ciof said. “So, I told Michael we should have a fundraiser so we can pay for the big tickets out of what we raised. The poker night fundraiser to help St. Vincent de Paul CARES was born.” St. Vincent de Paul CARES is a nonprofit organization committed to ending home lessness by making it rare, brief and onetime. All of its programs are built on the belief that everyone has the right to live in dignified and aford able housing. With ‘Housing First’ prin ciples at the core, it has a healthy disre gard for all criminal/creditemploymenttoty-perceivedcommunibarriershousing,includinghistory,back ground, mental health, addiction and reli giousThepractices.organization works to rapidly house those experiencing homelessness within 30 days and concurrently connect them to stabilization support services to assist their needs. The organization believes stable housing is the only solution to ending home lessness.Thisyear, the realtors’ poker night will be held on Friday, September 23 at Sum merfield Crossings Golf Club. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes the Texas Hold ’Em Tournament, food and desserts. “We [are] still looking for more sponsors, and we need more poker players,” Ciof said. “We hope we can raise enough money to make these veterans and their families smile on Christmas morning. Would love to make this event the best and biggest one yet because we owe our veterans a lot for what they have done for us, so this is the least we can do for them.” explained Ciof. They are grateful for the major sponsors that do it ev ery year, including RE/MAX Realty Unlimit ed, East Coast Pizza, Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, Nothing Bundt Cakes, All Amer ican Title, the Osprey Observer and many realtor friends. To register, visit the fundraiser’s Face book page at events/551141029873702www.facebook.com/orcallCio f at 813-956-8513.
By Libby Hopkins
Creative Colors International Inc. was founded in July 1991 through its afliate J&J’s Creative Colors Inc., a company that had been in business since 1980. Much like J&J’s Creative Colors, it provides the services of restor ing, dyeing and repairing many types of material.
REALTORS HOST SUMMERFIELD POKER NIGHT FOR CHARITY
Page 23Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022
Page 24 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9 <<< Alex (Owner) with his sons... “Our next generation of roofers!” Family owned business serving our neighbors since 1981! Celebrating 41 Years Serving our Community Thinking it’s time for a new roof? Do you think your roof may have wind damage? DO NOT REPLACE YOUR ROOF WITHOUT LETTING US TAKE A 813-643-8333LOOK! www.CertifedRoofers.com ROOF REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT SERVICES
• Pedestrians – students walking to and from school or the bus stop.
AAA – The Auto Club Group, through its School’s Open – Drive Carefully campaign, is reminding motorists to: • Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestri an struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehi cle traveling just 10 mph faster.
AAA:
• Share the road. Children on bicycles are often inexperienced, unsteady and un predictable. Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist. If your child rides a bicycle to school, require that he or she wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride. Find videos, expert advice and safety tips at ShareTheRoad.AAA.com.
• Buses – picking up and dropping of students.•Bicyclists – traveling to and from school.“AAA urges drivers to allow extra time for their morning commute and use ex treme caution, even outside of school zones,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman of AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Throughout town, students will be walking or pedaling alongside city streets on their way to-andfrom school or the bus stop, and they may not be familiar with the rules of the road. It’s incumbent on drivers to eliminate dis tractions, slow down and watch out for students and their families.”
According to the Transportation Re search Board, about 100 children are killed each year while walking to or from school and about 25,000 are injured. The afternoon hours are particularly danger ous. Over the last decade, nearly one-infour child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 and 7 p.m. Drivers should prepare for an increase in:• Congestion – more drivers in the morning and afternoon.
• Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a com plete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before pro
ceeding.•Eliminate distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes of the road for just two seconds doubles your chanc es of crashing. Children can move quickly, crossing the road unexpectedly or emerg ing suddenly between two parked cars. Reduce risk by avoiding distractions like using your cell phone or eating while driv ing.• Watch for school buses. Every state has a law making it illegal to pass a school bus with its red lights flashing and its stop-arm extended that has stopped to load or unload students. However, some motorists simply choose to ignore the law. Any person using, operating or driving a vehicle on or over the roads or highways of this state shall, upon approaching any school bus that displays a stop signal, bring such vehicle to a full stop while the bus is stopped, and the vehicle shall not pass the school bus until the signal has been withdrawn.
• Talk to your teen. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and nearly one in four fa tal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3-7 p.m. Get evidence-based guidance and tips at TeenDriving.AAA.com. BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON BRINGS ADDED DANGER AND REQUIRES PATIENCE ON THE ROADWAYS
About 100 children are killed each year while walking to or from school and about 25,000 are injured. As the new school year is upon us, AAA urges motorists to slow down and stay alert. Not doing so can have life-changing consequences.
YEARS See Inside For More News Section 2 of 3 SEPTEMBER 2022 VOLUME 20, ISSUE 9 RIVERVIEW/APOLLO BEACH WWW.OSPREYOBSERVER.COM
Staf Report AAA urges motorists to slow down and stay alert; they will soon be sharing the road with millions of Florida students who are returning to school. Not doing so can have life-changing consequences.
HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP YOU AGE IN PLACE By State Point Media (c) bernardbodo / iStock via Getty Images Plus HONESTY & INTEGRITY THE CORNERSTONE OF BUSINESS ARE YOU CURRENT ON YOUR INCOME TAX FILINGS WITH THE IRS? The extended due dates are fast approaching, the most common are: September 15th is the extended due date for S-Corporations (1120S) and Partnerships (1065) October 17th is the extended due date for Individual (1040) and Corporation (1120) November 15th is the extended due date for Exempt Organization (990) Schedule a no cost consultation now and let’s get you caught up. CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE TO FIND OUT WHY WE HAVE A 4.9 STAR RATING FROM 74 REVIEWS ON 51 RECOMMENDATIONS ON AND 50 REVIEWS! Phone: 813-603-2073 Fax: 813-603-2074 Text: 10018www.TaxHappens.com813-603-2075ParkPlaceAve•Riverview(justofI-75&GibsontonDr•Exit250)TeresaTurner,CPA Certifed Public Accountant With Master’s Degree in Taxation
• Automatic pill dispensers can help en sure you never miss a dose or take too much medication. Depending on your needs, you may need to look for a solution ofering both visual and audio notifications, or one suited for those with limited dexterity. • Motion-sensing lighting can make noc turnal trips to the bathroom — common in one’s golden years — much safer, helping to reduce the risk of dangerous trips and falls. Many lighting options plug directly into outlets, while others are battery-op erated and can be installed anywhere. Be sure to include these fixtures in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms. “True independence must be accompa nied by peace of mind for you, your family and your caregivers,” said Simmons. “By adopting new technologies, you can help create a virtual safety net, enabling you to stay at home while living in a safe environ ment and providing piece of mind to your loved ones.”
“While AI and ML have transformed other industries, adaptation has been slow in the care industry, but we’re working to change that,” explained Chia-Lin Simmons, chief executive ofcer of LogicMark (NAS DAQ: LGMK), which manufactures person al emergency response systems (PERS), health communications devices and remote care and activity monitoring technologies to create a connected care platform and recently incorporated two-way voice com munication technology into its medical alert pendant. To help you live safely and comfortably in your home in the years to come, Simmons ofers a few strategies for using the newest technology to your advantage:
Page 26 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9 (StatePoint)
By 2030, almost a quarter of the American popu lation will be over the age of 65, up from 16 percent in 2020, cre ating a situation that’s going to drive greater demand and greater pressure on the care industry. In addition to a larger workforce and more financial resourc es, new technologies also have the potential to help solve the problems created by this seismic demo graphicAccordingshift. to experts, artificial intelli gence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are already among the key components of new technologies providing improved quality of life for those who want to continue living independently at home.
• PERS, also known as Medical Emergen cy Response Systems, allow you to call for help in an emer gency by pushing a button. Wear able pendants — along homeeryprotected—biledeviceswall-mountedwater-resistant,withandmosolutionscankeepyouinevroomofyourbyhelpingyouinstantly connect with loved ones and emergency personnel. Those ofered by LogicMark use AI and ML for pattern recognition and fall detection for an added layer of security. To learn more, visit www.logicmark.com.
By Taylor Wells
Te exterior of a house freshly paint ed by Don’s Bay Area Painting. A house kitchen freshly painted by Don’s Bay Area Painting. 9/30/229/30/22Not to be combined with any other ofer. Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location. Not to be combined with any other ofer. Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location. SUNDAY forfromEveryBUFFETBRUNCHSunday9AMto1PMtheBestKeptSecretaround!$1395 /person (kids 10 & under 1/2 price) HOLE IN ONE CONTEST Friday, September 16th Food, Fun and Music and a chance to WIN $10,000! Limited to 100 entries! Register Now www.thekerin.comat
whenwork.high-qualityriencesionalwithonbestofanewinyourWhenplaceisneedofacolororfreshcoatpaint,it’storelythoseprofesexpeandAnditcomes to that, Don’s Bay Area Painting is hard to beat.Owner and founder Don Murray has been in the paint ing business for over 30 years, providing services to both residents and businesses throughout Hillsborough Coun ty for over 20 of those years now, includ ing Valrico, Brandon, Riverview and much more. His business is trusted all around the county, including by David Weekley Homes and FishHawk Ranch by Newland Communities.“Ihavepersonally used Don’s Painting and have recommended him to friends and clients for over 27 years. Don and his crew are always professional, timely and they always make sure you are satisfied with the final results,” said Jef Chandler, broker and owner of River Hills Realty Inc. Its painters have all been trained to use the latest techniques and technology, and each is an employee and covered by workman’s compensation insurance — no subcontractors whatsoever. Its services include exterior and interior painting, pop corn removal, brush and spray applications as well as drywall patching and repairs.
Plus, it ofers a free on-site painting estimate, free pressure washing for your driveway and sidewalk, free color samples to choose from, free crack repairs in stucco and joints and even a free touchup kit after its team is done so you can paint over dennoAndblemishes.futurewithhidfees,apricematchguaranteeandwelltrained, experienced employees, choosing Don’s Painting is worry-free. “Probably do a couple thousand homes a year,” said Murray. “Usually pressure washing one day, come back the next day. With a house average of 2,000 or 3,000 sq. ft., even a little bigger, probably get it done the next day.” Overall, it’s a quick process that will leave your home or business beautifully, freshly painted. And the employees ensure there’s no mess outside or inside by cover ing everything, including plants, windows, floors, furniture and more. “We don’t ask for any money down ei ther. When they’re happy, we’re happy. That’s our motto,” said Murray.
Page 27Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022
Don’s Bay Area Painting is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., on Sat urday from 9 a.m-12 Noon and is closed on Sunday. For more information, visit https://donsbayareapainting.com/. For a free estimate, call 813-661-9006.
DON’S BAY AREA PAINTING IS ONLY HAPPY WHEN YOU’RE HAPPY
Page 28 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9 Two Great Locations! Now Enrolling! CIRCA FISHHAWK 813‐654‐7000 5815 Kids Crossing Drive (Located next to Stowers Elementary and Mosaic) www.KRKCirca.com Lic # CHC432384 813VALRICO ‐657‐6200 4321 Lynx Paw Trail (Located across fromLithia Springs Elementary) www.KRKValrico.com Lic # CHC431024 • 6 Weeks Through 12 Years • Full & Part Time Options • Open Monday through Friday • Creative Curriculum for Infants & Toddlers • ABC Mouse Computer Technology • Brainwaves Curriculum • APPLE Accreditation • STEAM Curriculum • Security Code Access Entry • FREE Internet Viewing of Your Child’s Day • Outdoor Playgrounds with Water Park • Before & After School Care: 6-12 Years Alafia, Bevis, Cimino, FishHawk Creek, Foundation Christian Lithia Springs, Stowers, Valrico Academy • Nutritious Meals & Snacks: Low Salt & Sugar • Spanish & Music Included • Trained Professional Staff, Certified in First Aid & CPR • Extracurricular Programs • Class times: Mon-Fri 8:30am - 12:15pm • Accelerated Pre-K Curriculum with Math, Science,Spanish, Music, Sign Language & More • Preparation for National Kindergarten Standards • Must be 4 years old by September 1, 2021 • Must be Florida resident 2022
Brandon resident Christa Delgado, who was one of Vitality Booth Wellness Cen ter’s first clients and has a silver membership, couldn’t be happier with the bene fits she’s witnessed from her sessions.“Ihave been in the wellness in dustry for 10 years and thought this would be an ex cellent additional health practice to add to my regimen,” she said. Delgado has had several health issues, including a recent life-threat ening blood clot in her lung. She prefers ho listic treatments to pills. “With the treatments I have noticed an improvement to my respiratory health,” she said. “I’ve been able to stop taking Zyrtec, which I’ve been on for 20 years.” Located at 3113 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., the center ofers eight diferent Vitality Booths, each ofering red light therapy, halothera py (salt inhalation), oxygen concentration, negative ion immersion and ionized water intake. Some booths feature advanced car dio equipment, automated massage ther apies or vibration plates. The benefits of treatment include an antiaging natural face lift through collagen generation, improved respiratory health, improved skin health, an immune system boost through ATP creation at a cellular level, weight loss, pain reduction and injury healing, athletic performance en hancement as well as a testosterone boost and hair growth for men.
Vitality Booth Wellness Center’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Walk-in appointments are accommodated, but appointments are recommended. Single sessions, multisession packages and unlimited monthly member ship plans, including family member upgrade options, are available for purchase.
By Michelle Caceres
Vitality Booth Wellness Center treatments ofer a range of health benefts.
RELAX AND REJUVENATE AT VITALITY BOOTH WELLNESS CENTER
For John Brier, manag ing partner for HaloTherapy Center (the parent company that holds the patent filings for the Vitality Booth scien tific wellness system), the Valrico wellness center is the flagship location of his brand and vision. “In the past year, we have sold close to 100 Vitality Booths all over the country and internationally to dozens of spas, clinics, wellness centers, doctors’ ofces and pro fessional sports teams,” he said.
A grand opening and ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Friday, September 23 from 3-5 p.m. and will include food, prizes and giveaways, such as a free annual member ship. In addition, Osprey Observer readers who visit during the month of September or call to make an appointment and mention this special will receive a free 20-minute Vi talityClicksession.onthe QR code to take a virtual tour of its facility. To book a session, visit https://vbwell nesscenter.com/ or call 813-315-9633.
“The benefits of this treat ment modality are for every one,” she said.
Vitality Booth Wellness Center general manager Sheila Alba said the benefits of each 20-minute session make it an excellent option for everyone, from top-tier athletes seeking to enhance their performance to individuals seeking to im prove their overall health.
Staf Report DAMON C. GLISSON, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Probate and Estate Planning • Home Visits • Wills • Medicaid Planning • Divorce • Personal Injury • Wrongful Death 5908 FORTUNE PLACE APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 (813)www.Glisson1.com645-6796 The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisement. Before you decide, ask us to send you FREE written information about our qualifications and experience.
Donations of medical supplies and equip ment, as well as fi nancial support, are necessary to make this a successful event. Sponsorships are also available.“We’re excited to serve the Tampa Bay area in this way, help ing people who are most in need of phys ical and mental heal ing,” said Dr. Lela Lewis, president of Liberty and Health Alliance. “We’re calling on all those interested in volunteering for this event to do so and help make an impact in changing peo ple’s lives. Thank you for your support for those in need.” Dr. Lewis has led similar community mega clinics in other cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Antonio, all of which were reported by major market news outlets. Liberty and Health Alliance is a min istry founded by Seventh-day Adventist Christians that believes humanity has received the gift of life and the ofer of whole-person health from God. Under its belief system, since every individual has been endowed by the Creator with liberty of conscience, it rests with the individu al to make informed health decisions — through free choice and as a duty to God. People of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome in the journey. The Tampa Con vention Center is located at 333 S. Frank lin St. in Tampa. For more information, visit https://libertyandhealth.org/. courtesy of Liberty and Health Alliance.
Page 29Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 Bringing Pediatric Healthcare to your Doorstep Icky Sicky Visits and Happy & Healthy visits Direct Pay for Service Ages 0 - 21 years School entry physicals, sports physicals and immunizations Strep, fu and rapid covid tests On-demand consults when YOU need them Experienced pediatric healthcare at your fngertips junebryant@drjoonies.comwww.drjoonies.com813-551-3399ServicingHillsboroughandManateeCountiesVOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MOBILECOMINGHOSPITAL/CLINICTOTAMPA
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Liberty and Health Alliance will hold a free mobile hospital and clinic for the community, ofering medical, dental and vision care at the Tampa Convention Cen ter on Thursday and Friday, September 15-16. Volunteers and support are need ed to help with this Christian-sponsored event, which is being held in a region that the state has identified as an area of crit ical health need. Please register to attend as a patient or volunteer at https://libertyandhealth. org/.Volunteers are needed from every med ical and health care specialty. Doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants and medical assistants are needed in the fields of cardiology, derma tology, emergency care, gastroenterology, pediatrics, podiatry, psychiatry, wom en’s health and many more specialties. Dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants are also needed. Additionally, hundreds of nonmedical volunteers are needed for interpreting, food service, fi nancial and legal counseling, clothing dis tribution and other areas of service.
Saint Anne Catholic Church ~Masses~ Vigil Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday8 a.m., 10 a.m., & 5 p.m. (12:30 p.m. Spanish) Monday-Friday 8 a.m. Wednesday & Jueves 7 p.m. Recorded Masses can be viewed on the St. Anne website (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page. Reconciliation Tue. at 8:30am, Thurs. at 6pm, Sat. at 3:15pm and By Appointment. 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. ~Mass Schedule~ p.m. Sunday........................ 8 a.m., 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. (12 p.m. Spanish) Monday - Friday......................................................................8 a.m. Wednesday & Jueves...........................................................7 p.m. Anne Catholic Church ~Masses~ U.S. Hwy. 41 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin2022-2023 Faith Formation Year Starts September 11, 2022 Recorded Masses can be viewed on St. Anne website (SaintAnneRuskin.org) at 6 p.m., Sat. at 3:15 p.m. please check the St. Anne website.
and Facebook page. Reconciliation Turs.
•
Riverview resident Anita ‘Mama Thorn’ DeBiase was driving on U.S. Hwy. 301 20 years ago when she heard the Lord’s voice say, “Feed my sheep.” Even though she was caring for Carl, her sick husband, she was determined to follow the prompting. “Even though I was going through a trial in my own life, I needed to help others,” said DeBiase, a German im migrant who was a child during World War II and moved to the United States in 1958. “I know what it’s like to be hungry and have nothing to eat.” When her husband’s nurse told her about Thankfully Helping Others Real Needs (THORN) Ministries, a charity that feeds the homeless in Tampa on Sundays, she de cided to get involved by cooking meals in her kitchen and delivering them to Tampa’s often-overlooked population. “The good book tells us we need to help one another,” DeBiase said. The 84-year-old can’t serve as much as she used to because of health issues, but she still helps out by storing the ministry’s mobile food pantry in her large yard.
Saint
“There are really a million ways to get in volved,” she said. “It’s a miraculous thing that’s happening here,” she said. “The Lord is providing.” To learn more about volunteering or making a donation to THORN Ministries, contact volunteer coordinator Jamie Yonke at 813-205-0745 or visit www.thornminis tries.net.
THORN MINISTRIES HELPS FEED LOCAL HOMELESS
By Michelle Caceres
A local nonprofit or ganization is helping break the cycle of pov erty by unleashing the intelligence and posi tive energy of low-in come, out-of-school young adults to rebuild their communities and their lives. YouthBuild at Tampa Housing Au thority helps partici pants build the skillsets and mindsets that lead to lifelong learning, livelihood and leader ship.Typically identified as ‘marginalized,’ ‘dis connected’ and ‘at-risk,’ these young people, who are typically defined by their challeng es and not their potential, are ofered the knowledge, training and opportunity that leads to long-term professional and person al Thesuccess.international program started in Tampa in partnership with Tampa Housing Authority in 2009 thanks to initial startup funding through a grant. John Arroyo was hired as its program manager, and he is still in that role 13 years later. “It’s so fulfilling to help people who’ve had obstacles in their path, like having to finan cially support their family at a young age or those who got in trouble with the law, find success,” he said. “We meet them where they’re at and take them where they want to Participantsgo.” pursue their education by taking classes to earn a GED or high school diploma, prepare for future careers through vocational training and grow into commu nity leaders, building brighter futures for themselves and their neighborhoods. The program uses construction as the core and provides hands-on training in diferent aspects of the industry. Participants earn up to $250 every two weeks plus incen tives for reaching goals. Arroyo said Youth Build has been a suc cess. He estimates that approximately 250 young adults have bene fited from the program since its inception.
VOLUNTEERS & MENTORS NEEDED FOR YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM
YouthBuild, in partnership with Tampa Housing Authority, has been helping young adults build successful lives and communi ties since 2009.
For 24 years, THORN Ministries has been serving the local homeless community.
Page 30 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9 U.S. Hwy. 41 • 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714
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THORN Ministries founder Kristin Taylor credits her ministry’s longevity to volun teers like DiBiase. “The volunteers that come and help and give of their time and resources is just in credible,” she said. The ministry started when Taylor and her husband, who had four biological chil dren and were foster parents to eight more, decided one Thanksgiving to teach her large family to think about others in stead of themselves. They made some food, piled into the family van and went to downtown Tampa, where they fed about 60 homeless people.
The next program class, which can accom modate between 60-70 participants, starts on Tuesday, September 6. To qualify for the program, applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 24, have a strong desire to further their career and/or education, be committed to working hard and have a de sire to earn a GED or high school diploma. Volunteer opportunities are needed to support the program through donations of money and time. Mentors are also needed, especially tutors to work with program par ticipants in math and reading. “Tutors can be high-school age students,” said Arroyo. “We are grateful for peer-to-peer mentor ing.” Call 813-391-2841 or visit www.thafl. com/youthbuild.
For more information,
“The impact it had on my kids was amaz ing,” Taylor said. The service project touched more than her children’s hearts. She saw the desper ate need within the homeless population and knew they need ed help. That one-time teaching moment turned into a 24-year mission. “God hooked me into this for life,” she said. The ministry has grown from feeding 60 homeless people weekly to almost 400. Since she started, she has traded in the family van for a food trailer. Every week, she sees a miracle in the number of food trays that get donated by volunteers. In its 24 years in operation, it’s never run out of food. Leftovers get delivered to needy fam ilies in Gibsonton. In addition to a meal, the group passes out hygiene and first aid products. Some times, a hairdresser volunteers to cut hair. If a homeless person needs a pair of steeltoed boots or a black T-shirt for work or a pair of sneakers, she said they always seem to secure the required items.
By Michelle Caceres
Saturday...........................................................Vigil............4:30
One participant living in Riverview want ed to become a welder, so YouthBuild paid for his education at Erwin Technical College. Another participant always wanted to work in child care, so it helped her get licensed and now she’s working at a day care center. Arroyo said it’s particularly rewarding when participants who successfully com plete the program come back to volunteer as“Theymentors.get on their feet and then give back in some way to help others,” he said.
OSPREY SUMMER INTERNS GET A TASTE OF THE NEWSROOM
Nick Edwards University of Central Florida Edwards is a student at the University of Central Florida. He is 19 years old and is a criminal justice major while pursuing a minor in English literature. Edwards’ favor ite part of this internship has been talking to his interviewees because it has allowed him to meet people and hear about their life“Iexperiences.chosetoapply for this internship be cause it will jumpstart my career and give me an opportunity to practice working with others and hone my writing skills,” said Edwards.
Sydney Burken University of South Florida Burken is going to be a senior at the University of South Florida in the fall. She is 21 years old and has a political science major and a minor in mass communications with a concentration in media broadcast ing and journalism. Burken’s favorite part of this internship has been the flexibility of it, from being able to choose her topics to getting to decide the angle of her article. Having multimedia interview options gave Burken the chance to learn her strengths and weaknesses as a writer and improve upon them. “I chose this internship because it is a local newspaper with a lot of recognition and gives me the opportunity for in-person interviews, over-the-phone interviews and email interviews,” said Burken.
By Arianna Hooker SARA MADELINEBATTALGIAGARDNER
Arianna Hooker Newsome High Hooker is 16 years old and a rising junior at Newsome High School. She wants to go to a Christian college and plans to double major in mass communications and entrepreneurial studies. Hooker wants her career to have some part in journalism, so she wanted to do this internship to gain more knowledge of the field since she has only worked for her school newspaper. Hooker’s favorite part of this internship has been the op portunity to continue crafting her writ ing skills and getting to interview people all over the community. “I chose this internship because I re member seeing the article about the summer interns for the Osprey Observer when I was in grade six, and ever since, I made it a goal to do this internship,” said Hooker.
Sofia Celis Avellaneda Sumner High School Avellaneda is 17 years old and a rising se nior at Sumner High School while doing the dual enrollment program with Hillsborough Community College. She plans to major in communications. Avellaneda likes this in ternship because she has gotten a chance to learn more about writing and how to complete interviews with diferent people. Avellaneda’s favorite part of this intern ship was “learning the ropes and really un derstanding how to ask the right questions and go into as much detail as possible,” she said.
Every summer, the Osprey Observer allows local high school and college students to ex perience a taste of the journalism world with internships that gives students a chance to learn the ins and outs of the newspaper in dustry. This year, the Osprey Observer wel comed eight interns for their summer intern ship, Sara Battaglia, Sydney Burken, Sofia Celis Avellaneda, Nick Edwards, Madeline Gardner, Deven King, Arianna Hooker and Ella Martin.
Page 31Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022
“I am currently a business owner of Dancing for a Diference and know how important making connections in the com munity is,” said Battaglia.
Sara BattagliaDancing for a Difer enceBattaglia is 27 years old and the owner of Dancing for a Diference; she previous ly was a dance major at the University of South Florida but ended up with a degree in general studies due to an injury. Battaglia wanted to intern because she loves writing and making connections in the community.
Madeline Gardner University of Florida Gardner will be a freshman at the Uni versity of Florida in the fall. She is 18 years old and plans to major in English at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida. Gardner’s favorite part of this internship has been being able to reach out and interview people all over the community while being able to discuss both important and wholesome matters. The internship has reminded Gardner of all the good in the community that should be celebrated.“Iwanted to intern with the Osprey Ob server because I saw it as an opportunity for me to expand on my writing capabilities while immersing myself in a wide variety of topics to choose from. I think it’s a great way to merge my writing aspirations and dreams with the reality of applying those goals to practical positions,” said Gardner.
Ella Martin Newsome High School Martin is 15 years old and a rising ju nior at Newsome High School. She plans to attend the University of Florida and wants to major in accounting and then work in a city later. She has a family of six and four dogs. Martin has enjoyed be ing able to practice a new type of writing. “My favorite part of interning is get ting to interact with new people in the community, as well as learning more about events and places,” said Martin.
Deven King Pensacola Christian KingCollegeis 20 years old and a junior at
Pensacola Christian College, where she is majoring in journal ism. King plans to be come a journalist and wants to be a travel writer.“My favorite part about interning was getting to meet new people and learn about the di f erent small organizations and people in Bran don,” said King.
SYDNEY BURKEN SOFIA CELIS NICK EDWARDS DEVEN KING ARIANNA HOOKER ELLA MARTIN Hours: Mon-Thurs 9-5 | Friday 9-12
Page 32 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9 V2922813-452-6380LithiaPinecrestRoad|Valrico,FL33596alricoOralSurgery.com Tom DMDBackerisJason E DMDdwards • WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL • DENTAL IMPLANTS • IV SEDATION Schedule consultation now to be ready for the Holidays! Valrico • South Tampa • Land O’ Lakes HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL COMING TO PLANT CITY Staf Report The Plant City orfulgiantthePlantGroundsberrytoOctoberSaturday,berday,comingFestivalBalloonisFriOcto21and22theStrawFestivalinCity.Comeseeuniqueandcolhotairballoons up close and enjoy a family day out. This family event will also feature much more than the hot air balloons. There will be vendor markets with a variety of items for sale and assorted food vendors. The balloon festival will also feature DJs and live music, a kids’ zone, magicians, jugglers, roaming entertainers and many other great festival experiences. Not only can you see incredible hot air balloons, but you can also check that bucket list item by getting a ride on a tethered hot air balloon. Tethered rides will be $25 per person, weather permit ting.There will also be a night glow and la ser show twice each evening at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. that will begin with a crowd countdown to light the balloons. The show incorporates synchronized music, pyrotechnics and visually stunning co ordinated burns by the hot air balloons and high-powered lasers creating a night glow like you have never seen. Bring your blankets and chairs to set up your own view ing spot. Coolers or outside food and drink will not whentakeinflation5willThepermitted.begatesopenatp.m.Balloonwillplacewinds are low enough to be safe and will be announced. If the balloons cannot set up due to rain or high winds, there will still be a laser show and ring of fire display around 9 p.m. There will be announce ments and updates via the PA system by theTicketsstage. include free parking, festival entry and the balloon show with live music. The kids’ zone, food vendors and tethered rides are additional. In the event of inclement weather preventing balloon inflation, your tickets may be good for another day or another show. Pets other than service dogs are not recommended as the ‘burner’ noise from the hot air balloons is loud and often dis turbing to Advancedogs.tickets are $22 for adults and $10 for kids 17 and under, with kids 5 and under being free. Tickets will be available at the gate at an increased price of $30 for adults and $15 for kids. Visit www.balloonshows.com for up dates, tickets and any weather-related advisories.
Sunny Boy is a popular, uniquely shaped hot air balloon expected at the festival.
By Sharon Still Richard Cleri and Karren Nash, owners of South east Regional Insurance.
THE BEST FOOD WWW.TIMETOEATTAMPA.COMSERVICE!DELIVERY
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY SPECIALIZES IN RE-SHOPPING FOR LOWER RATES
Page 33Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 Most people buy insurance for the car or house and never look at it again. South east yearslotupyear,shouldsomethingpingesRichardInsuranceRegionalownerCleriurgthatre-shopinsuranceispeopledoeveryasitcanendsavingthemaofmoney.AftereightofowningCCS
Insurance in Con necticut, Cleri knows through trust, loy alty and determination, this method of re-shopping brings success and keeps customers happy. As an independent in surance company, agents at Southeast Regional Insurance shop diferent carri ers to find their customers the best, most cost-efective insurance for their needs. “We pay our employees to annually find better deals for our customers essential ly lowering the amount of premium they pay and ultimately making us less mon ey,” said Cleri. “Most agents just don’t operate in long-term thinking like that.” While their ofce is across town, Cleri and Karren Nash, his fiance and general manager of Southeast Regional Insur ance, are FishHawk residents and can be seen out in the community networking at the Valrico Fishhawk Chamber of Com merce and the local BNI chapter. After a few years of investing in real estate in the area, Cleri decided to make it a permanent home earlier this year when he opened Southeast Regional In surance. “We absolutely fell in love with the area; we are excited to become residents and are exploring every nook and cranny,” heSoutheastsaid. Re gional Insurance can provide insur ance anywhere in the state of Flori da. Cleri explained that nearly 100 percent of busi ness is done over the phone, and his face-to-face meetings are usually at a lo cal cofee shop. His agency in Connecticut, CCS Insur ance, is much larger than the average insurance agency, according to Cleri. “I brought the same business model down here,” he commented. “Our annual re-shopping is what sets us apart from almost“Mosteveryone.”insurance agencies will not reshop for the customers annually unless their renewal increases by a certain per centage,” he said, adding that this model of re-shopping works extremely well in Connecticut. “Our customers love it.” When questioned about the property insurance crisis, Cleri said that his com pany works tirelessly to find new home owners’ insurance for those that have been displaced, often at better prices. “It’s not easy, but we will be here to fight it out with our customers,” he added. Southeast Regional Insurance is locat ed at 4230 S. MacDill Ave., Ste. E223. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit www. southeastregionalinsurance.com or call 813-699-5446 for more information.
By Libby Hopkins
GET YOUR SOCCER ON WITH TAMPA DYNAMO FC
Tampa Dynamo FC is a nonproft club residing at two locations. Its main campus is at Summerfeld Sports Complex in Riverview and its second location is at Keith Waller Park in Dover. Registration is currently open to children and adults.
The league has a competitive program that is being rebuilt and has made amazing strides in just the last year. “We nearly dou bled our number of competitive teams from last season to now and are always looking to provide opportunities to kids that are looking for that professional-led training the program provides,” Farnsworth said.
Tampa Dynamo FC is a nonprofit club re siding at two locations. Its main campus is at Summerfield Sports Complex in Riverview and its second location is at Keith Waller Park in TheDover.club has pro vided opportunities in both competitive and recreational soccer to the community for many years now. “Just last year there was a complete change in the board of directors with a renewed interest to bring soccer to the areas surrounding both parks and provide programs for all levels of play,” said Chris Farnsworth of Tampa Dyna mo FC. “Sometimes there can be too much of a focus by clubs on the competitive pro grams when getting as many kids as possi ble out on the fields, learning the game and having fun should be the goal.” Farnsworth first became involved with the Tampa Dynamos three years ago after moving to the area with his family from Manchester, England. “I was keen to be in volved with Tampa Dynamo, as it had the opportunity to serve as a key figure in our local community,” Farnsworth said. “I was looking to be involved with a club that was providing players and families a great envi ronment to develop and now it is an amaz ing thing to be a part of our Dynamo Family.” The Dynamos currently gearing up for their registration and they are looking to the community for player who want to have fun. “We want any kids and adults in the com munity that have an interesting in playing the beautiful game of soccer and to know they have a place to play,” Farnsworth said. “Our recreational pro grams, both youth and adult, are designed to be for all levels of play. A kid playing for the first time is just as wel come as a kid that has been in the programs for multiple seasons. An adult with interest playing can join our adult recreational pro gram to play and meet others in the community.”
Farnsworth has high hopes for the Tampa Dynamos. “We hope to continue our great work within the local community providing an afordable program to as many players as possible,” Farnsworth said. “We want to see growth in numbers while maintaining our family atmosphere. Our staf, our board, our coaches know many of the families in the programs because they take the time to meet them and talk to them. Most impor tantly, we want Tampa Dynamo FC to be a club that people can be proud to represent.” For information,, visit www.tampady namofc.com.
Page 34 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
fall in the Bloomingdale Plaza in the space
Winn-Dixie
A LAW FIRM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Jeffrey A. Dowd, Esq. 156 W. Robertson Street, Brandon (813) 773-3529 | Jeff@DowdLaw.com | dowdlaw.com The Law Offce of Jeffrey Dowd, PA Serving the Brandon, Riverview and Greater Tampa Area Business Formation Business WillsTrademarksGeneralContractsAcquisitionsCounselandTrusts
By Sharon Still this vacated by a few years ago.
Page 35Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, the ultimate indoor adventure park, is scheduled to open in the early fall on the southeast corner of Bloomingdale Avenue and John Moore Road in the space former ly occupied by Winn-Dixie. The 47,195 sq. ft. venue features attractions for kids of all ages and is the perfect place for kids’ birth day parties and other special events. “We know families are looking for ways to spend more time together, and as the premier destination for family fun and ad venture, we’re thrilled to bring our park experience to even more families in Bran don,” said Urban Air’s founder and CEO, JayAtThomas.Urban Air, guests will jump, soar, race, climb and play among wall-to-wall trampolines. Climbing walls, dodge ball, a tubes playground, go-karts and laser tag are just a few of the activities to en joy. Bowling, mini golf, a multilevel ropes course and much more are ofered at this ultimate indoor playground. This is the second Urban Air location for franchise owners Michael and Tracey Tuc ci, parents of three kids who are already in love with Urban Air. The couple also owns the New Tampa franchise. “We are honored and excited to bring the Urban Air experi ence to Brandon and partner with such a great shopping center like Bloomingdale Pla za,” said Michael Tucci. “Bran don is an amazing community that will enjoy a full-service family entertainment adven ture park with attractions for all ages, and we are thrilled to expand to this area of Hills borough County.” Urban Air is not your typi cal trampoline park; it takes the concept to a whole new level, and each park is unique. Families will enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, soaring to new heights and making unforgettable memories. With attractions for every level of adventurer, mini warriors have plenty of new activities to try that will be challeng ing and help build self-esteem. Day tickets, monthly memberships fea turing unlimited play and birthday party bookings are available online. Also, those interested in applying for a job can do so on the website. The facility will employ about 60Forpeople.year-round indoor amusements for the whole family in the Brandon area, Ur ban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park will be the perfect place. Residents can track the site progress of Urban Air Bran don on Facebook and sign up for updates, coupon ofers and view the park’s various attractions on the Urban Air Brandon web site.Urban Air Adventure Park is located at 179 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. Park hours will be 3-8 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, 3-10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 800960-4778 or visit www.urbanair.com.
SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS WHEN URBAN AIR BRANDON OPENS THIS FALL Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park will open
The diverse student body within Hillsbor ough County Public Schools (HCPS) not only makes our dis trict unique, but it also makes us stron ger. With more than 80,000 students iden tifying as Hispanic in our community, it is important to celebrate during National His panic Heritage Month, which begins on Thurs day, September 15 and ends on Saturday, October 15. While we have a variety of spe cial tributes, programs and celebrations throughout our campuses to honor con tributions that Hispanics have made to our nation, I want to also share how HCPS celebrates Hispanic culture each and every day. At the beginning of this academic year, our district hosted an Immigrant Wel come Center at Leto Adult School to pro vide one central location for the influx of Cuban residents expected into Tam pa Bay. District sta f worked diligently on-site to provide assistance with reg istration, physicals and immunizations, as well as o f er resources like food and clothing. We realize standing together to welcome our growing Hispanic com munity is critical to our mission and to studentFamiliesachievement.willagain benefit from Pa sos al Futuro, a series of events aimed at helping students in grades 8-12 to prepare for high school, college and the workforce. The kicko f event will be held at the University of South Florida, the first time it has ever been hosted on a college campus. These presen tations will be entirely in Spanish to educate families on require ments for college ad mission, explain how to apply for financial aid and give an overview on the application pro cess. This program is a critical component to connect with families about opportunities.postsecondaryTheNationalParent School Partnership Program is anoth er chance for HCPS families to become engaged in their student’s educational journey. We work with Spanish-speaking families to empower them to advocate for their student while building a more e f ective parent-school partnership. Whether in the classroom, through a learning series or in an arts performance, your child will enjoy a variety of events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at their school as we aim to celebrate this unique culture and all it has to o f er. Our sta f will have the opportunity to engage in Hispanic culture learning opportunities with a professional development series. We must also remember to acknowl edge and celebrate this growing commu nity year-round by continually providing unique opportunities and unwavering support to our Hispanic families, educa tors and sta f . When we commemorate Hispanic culture this month, we cele brate our community’s diversity. ered at HCC is an as sociate degree in nursing, which provides an en try-level education in nursing and eli gibility to take the licensing examination for registered nurses. The BSN degree takes it a step further with online studies in eight-week courses covering such top ics as health promotion and risk reduction, ethical and legal issues, leadership and management, evidence-based practice and health care needs of diverse popula tions.Paving the way for the BSN degree, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in mid-June issued its final ap proval for HCC as a baccalaureate-degree granting institution, which college ofcials say “will forever change the character of the“Theinstitution.”approval represents a transfor mational moment in HCC’s 54-year histo ry,” said HCC President Dr. Ken Atwater. “Years of focused, dedicated efort went towards this successful outcome.” He noted also that the willstartthecamecarecaseemployers,thetoward“commitmentfurthersaccreditationHCC’smeetingneedsoflocalinthisthehealthindustrywhotouswithrequesttotheBSN.”TheBSNdegreebeo f esShore,Cityinsystem,acrosscampuswideeredtheHCCincludingBrandon,PlantandSouthwithcoursprimarilyoutof the Dale Mabry campus, said Deborah Kish Johansen, Brandon campus president. “It’s quite exciting and a change for us,” said Johansen, noting as well the national nursing shortage. “The mission of commu nity colleges is to help with programming where we can, so it makes sense to help with shortages to help meet the needs of our individual communities.” By ofering a BSN degree, HCC “can build on a skillset we already have, ex pand our oferings and supplement what our four-year partners provide,” Johansen said, “and it gives pathways to our stu dents to complete their studies to get a BSN and advance their careers.” For information on admission, costs, courses and accreditation, review RN to BSN online at hccfl.eduing-bachelor-science,ics/subjects/health-and-medical/nurswww.hccfl.edu/academemailhccnursing@orcall813-253-7284.
Te Brandon campus of Hillsborough Community College is at 10451 Nancy Watkins Dr. in Tampa.
Page 36 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
PROGRAMS & EVENTS WILL HONOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH By Superintendent Addison Davis WE TAKE THE PAIN OUT OF PAINTING, AND PUT THE WO BACK IN WONDERFUL! (813) 723-9124 or (813) 670-8565 www.tandjpaintingf.com Residential • Commercial Exterior Repaint Specialists License #L20000250797 NOW EXPERIENCEDHIRINGPAINTERS!!BEAPPRECIATEDFORYOURHARDWORK!!CALLTODAY! $10 OFF ANYDRYTREATMENTORLIQUID For Pre Pay Customers Only GRASSWEEDFree&CRABCONTROL New Customers Only Now $45 per month You Get Protection Ticks, Fleas, Fire Ants, Chinch Bugs, Mole Crickets, Sod Weed Worms, Grubs and much more. Plus Fungus & Weeds and Premium Fertilizer Commercial & Residential - Fungicide - Fertilizing Insecticide - Weed Control Tree & Shrub Treatment With a Healthy lawn less water is required! FREE ESTIMATES! Family Owned & Operated State Certifed Licensed & Insured Up to 5000 sq ft $45 per month Now $48 per month Up to 5000 sq ft $48 per month By Linda Chion HCC ADDRESSES NURSING SHORTAGE WITH FIRST-EVER BACHELOR’S DEGREE OFFERING The first bach elor’s degree ofering in the 54-year history of (BSN)enceBachelorseekingregisteredlinethislegeCommunityHillsboroughCol(HCC)isnewfallwithonclassesfornursestoearnaofSciinnursingdegree.Alsoo f
The college was established in 1976 as the Community Church College by the United Community Church. In 2019, it was moved to United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center, and the name was changed to Center 4Life Learning. For more information, please call 634-2539.
FALL SEMESTER SET TO START FOR THE CENTER 4LIFE LEARNING IN SUN CITY CENTER
The Center 4Life Learning, located at United Methodist Church of Sun City Cen ter, ofers a vari ety of non-cred ited courses and day trips that will enhance your life. The 2022 fall se mester begins on Friday, October 7 and runs through Friday, November 18. View cours es and register at coursesandservestionoperatescumc.com/4lifelearning.www.scTheCenter4LifeLearningasanadulteducaoutreachprogramwhichtheentirecommunitysurroundingareas.Theo fer students the opportunity to benefit from a stimulus of lectures and discussions in an informal and relaxed environment. Regular courses are $35 for six 90-min ute classes. Some courses allow for walkins, and the cost for this is $10. Classes run for one week and up to six. All classes are in Thereperson.are a variety of courses ofered. The fall semester features 27 courses ofered on various days Monday through Friday. Cours es that are ofered include International Travel, Sign Language, Preparing for Life Changing Events, Understanding Genealo gy, Conversational Spanish and more. All courses are taught by highly qualified instructors who are drawn primarily from the SouthShore regional area. In addition to noncredited courses, Cen ter 4Life Learning ofers day trips. These include the Mount Dora Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, October 22 for $32, the Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert with a Preshow Party Lunch at Ruth Eckard Hall in Clearwater on Saturday, Decem ber 31 for $103, the Columbia Restaurant Lunch and Show followed by a tour of Ybor City His toric District on Wednes day, January 11, 2023 for $71 and the Snook Haven Boat Tour on the Myakka River in Venice on Wednes day, February 22, 2023 for $50.Sue Holter with Cen ter 4Life Learning said, “The Center 4Life Learning ofers classes and trips that bring fun times and adventures your way.” Holter added, “Although the center is located on the campus of the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, participants are not required to be members of the church. No formal education is required. Come learn, be inspired and make new friends.”
Come learn, be inspired and make friends while attending interesting and varied courses ofered by the Center 4Life Learning at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. Te fall semester starts on Friday, October 7.
Page 37Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 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 Come a little early for refreshments! 1320 Oakfeld Dr. Brandon, FL 33511 | 813-607-6880 Fourth Tuesday of Every Month at 6:30 pm Meeting in person and via Zoom!!! Zoom Meeting Number 897 6781 0479 Password: evening Fourth Wednesday of Every Month at 2:00 pm Meeting in person and via Zoom!!! ZOOM Meeting Number 869 4044 7508 Password: support #ALFacilityLivingAssisted13150
By Kathy L. Collins
Page 38 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES Advertise in this directory for just $50 per ad ,or as low as $200 per month (INCLUDES ALL 5 EDITIONS) Call Us Today! (813) 657-2418 or Visit OspreyObserver.com PAINTING PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SPECIALISTS Celebrating 30+ Years In Business “20 Year Osprey Advertising Partner” ESTIMATESFREE ALL WORK GUARANTEED Residential & CommercialInstallationCommercial&RepairRefrigeration(813)671-2555 HEAT & AC Family Owned and Operated Fans & Fixtures • Panel Changes Boat Docks • Pool & Spa Wiring Generators & Surge Protectors Remodels • Exterior & Specialty Lighting www.BryanHindmanElectric.com813-672-4084 Florida State Certifed Electrical Contractor EC#13004922 ELECTRICIAN Residential and TNTtermiteandpestcontrol.com(813)716-9196CommercialLOCAL&FAMILYOWNED“DYNAMITECUSTOMERSERVICE” PEST CONTROL ACCOUNTING GARY D. MEYER Certified PubliC ACCountAnt • Accounting & Bookkeeping • Compiled Financial Statement Presentations • Tax Return Preparation for Individuals, Corporations, LLC’s and Partnerships • Consulting for New Business Startups • Financial & Estate Planning 813-971-4067 gmeyer4@tampabay.rr.com Serving the Tampa Bay Area Since 1980 PRESCHOOL 861 Lithia Open813-653-9595Pinecrest7Days$5OFF(NEWCUSTOMERSONLY) BARBER BARBER DOG TRAINING allamericandog.net813-685-6666 • Puppy Training • Obedience Training • CGC & Therapy Training • Service Training • PTSD Training • Protection Training • Aggression or County Citation “Since 1972” IN YOUR HOME PRESCHOOL • School Readiness Certifed • All meals, snacks and supplies included in weekly fee • Part and full-time care available • Learn pre-academic skills including writing, science & math RCCG GSA Preschool 710 S Kings Ave. Brandon FL rccggsapreschool.wixsite.com/my-site813-550-755133511 FIRST WEEK FREE & REP AIR • Clea ning • Auto ma t io n • Va ria b le Sp ee d Pump s • Sa lt Sys tems • Hea ting • Filt er Serv ice & (813)REPAIR917-7571 Licensed & Insured POOL SERVICE & REPAIR Screening, Pressure Washing, Gutter Cleaning, Dryer Vent Cleaning Audio/Video Installation & Misc Jobs (813) Handymanmiller.comJason503-5774Miller ESTIMATESFREEINSURED HANDYMAN HANDYMAN
helped put the thoughts into an actionable first trip.” Chef Dave West’s Culinary Cruise on the Celebrity Apex is a seven-night cruise that will take place from April 1-8, 2023. Guests will be aboard the Celebrity Apex, a Celebri ty Edge® Series ship which will depart from FortTheLauderdale.portsofcall are Fort Lauderdale, Nas sau, At Sea, Puerto Costa Maya, Cozumel, George Town, Grand Cayman, At Sea and FortAccommodationsLauderdale. include an infinite ve randa starting at $2,000 per person, de pending on category and cabin location. Also included are a classic beverage pack age, crew gratuities, Wi-Fi, taxes and port fees.Current promotions will be applied and discounts will be added at the time of booking. Ear ly booking is encouraged to take advantage of the current lower rates. Ocean view category and single quotes are also available. A $250 per person, nonre fundable deposit is due to confirm booking. While on the West2023forplannedofhavelights.linaryvariousexperienceguestscruise,willcude“WeanumberactivitiessofartheAprilcruise,”said.“A
LOCAL CHEF KICKS OFF FIRST CULINARY CRUISE
BY MICHAEL MURPHY Ryan and Anthony Tickles with their catch.
private group welcome cocktail party, hors d’oeuvres with the ship captain and culi nary leaders, a guided tour of the ships food production system, two separate food ses sions with agendas and a guided tour of the bridge.”West hopes to create an amazing experi ence for all who attend the culinary cruise. “There is a quote by Kellems Dominik that says, ‘It’s intellectual and emotional travel, the imagination is just endless. A curated group of very interesting people who are all like-minded around food.’ I think this sums up the experiences we hope to create.” If you are interested in booking Chef Dave West’s Culinary Cruise, you can contact local travel agent Anna Maria Gentile of Cruise Planners at 914-325-9399 or via email at annamaria.gentile@cruiseplanners.com.
Dave Oertel and Anthony Tickles with a snook and refsh combo.
The summer will be coming to a close and intolerable heat should subside some in the coming weeks. We were blessed this sum mer with some great fishing, both inshore and ofshore. Green backs are plentiful on the flats right now and pinfish have been ev er-present. The waters are still a bit warm, so if you search in the backwaters where the water is warmest, re member to focus more on pinfish for snook and reds. Trout are running a little small on the cockroach flats, but it’s encouraging to see them, as it bodes well to a great population comingFocussoon.your attention under the mangroves this time of year for redfish. They will be gin to school up again and forage together. Cut bait and pinfish will be your best choice for this time of year. You may get surprised with a stud snook in the same areas. A 1/0 circle hook and 25 lb. leader are the better terminal tackle. You will want to get these bruisers out of the bushes. Mangrove snapper are in right now with good numbers and siz es being caught. Small greenies and threads are great choices for these table delicacies. Cut the larger baits into chunks and use the small baits whole. A #1 circle hook with a 15 lb. leader will work best. They will be in the flats and in the channels and rock piles. Deeper wa ter areas will be easier to fish in before and after the slack tides. They respond well to heavy chumming, and the lighter tides will let the chum stay closer to the boat. Just bury the hook in the bait and let it drift back in the chum.Always hold on to a larger shrimp or green back for a surprise appearance from the ‘brown clown,’ or cobia. They are not smart fish and will readily approach boats. Keep a rod ready with a 1/0 or 2/0 circle hook. Be aware that the size minimum has changed to 36 in. at the fork. Enjoy your day on the water and be safe.
By Libby Hopkins Chef Dave West’s Culinary Cruise on the Celebrity Apex is a seven-night cruise that will take place from April 1-8, 2023.
Page 39Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 Chef Dave West, the former owner of The Rolling Pin, has moved onto the next phase of his culinary journey in life; he is taking his culinary talents to the high seas. “I graduated French Culinary Institute and I’ve been a chef for 20 years,” West said. “After retiring from The Rolling Pin Kitchen Empo rium in 2021, many friends, family and former customers urged me to continue with them in some sort of Gentiles.Annatravelingatassistantsourment.edutainfoodOneofculinaryTheRollPinisaagent,MariaShe
Lynne:
Billy ‘Elvis’ Lindsey grew up in a house filled with music. From a young age, he remem bers putting on shows, playing 10 diferent in struments and listening to Elvis Presley. “I just love music. My dad was such a huge El vis fan,” explained Lind sey, adding, “In 1974, I got to see him at Notre Dame. It was my first concert ever. It was amazing.”Heand a few of his friends started a com edy group called The Flash Band, where they performed skits at Hap py Days on State Road 60 in Brandon, many of which included Presley’s character.“That’s when I real ized how many Elvis songs I knew from my childhood,” said the Elvis impersonator. “I just knew so many Elvis songs that the Elvis show just became part of my Whenact.”being in The Flash Band no longer worked with his schedule, Lindsey began performing on his own. He won an Elvis im personator contest four times at the state fair and was even used as the face of the competition for its marketing one year. Lindsey’s talents extend past his award-winning Elvis impersonation, howev er. He also performs oldies, rock, country and pop music, from Alan Jackson to The Beatles to Ricky Martin. He per forms across Flor ida and takes his show on the road as he travels out of state when he visits his own family. In addition to being a full-time performer, the Viet nam War veteran started his Keep the Fire Burning nonprofit last year to give back to the community. He has performed at char ity fundraisers and for Children’s Mira cle Network in the past, but his non profit allows him to further his contri bution to others. Now, Lindsey will perform on the MSCaward-winningMeraviglia with stops at Ocean Cay, Nassau, Cozumel and Belize City. Lindsey’s 2023 seven-night cruise will set sail from Port Canaveral on February 5, 2023. There is a $250 deposit per person, due as soon as possible after booking a cabin. There is limited availability, so those interested are encouraged to fill out the flyer on his website now. For more information on Lindsey, visit his website at billyelvislindsey.com or, for book ing information, call 813-786-9110.
Container gardens are quite popular today and an attrac tive alternative to in-ground plantings. Portability is a key feature for container gardening. Contain ers can be moved to a di f erent loca tion for sun, shade, water, protection from weather and seasonal changes. If you place larger con tainers on wheeled plant stands, it’s even easier to move inside your garage, lanai, front porch or indoors. Containers help you control ir rigation according to the needs of the plants and encour age experimenting where you can try a wide variety of plant materials and con trolledSelectingclimates.the con tainer itself is an important decision. Porous containers, such as unglazed clay pots, terra cotta and wood, dry out fast er than nonporous containers. Nonpo rous pots, like glazed, plastic and metal, retain moisture better than porous pots, which can be a good or bad thing de pending on your watering habits. Most plants die from over versus under-wa tering. Make sure there is a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. If there isn’t one, you can use Styrofoam pack ing peanuts in the bottom to elevate the plant roots above the excess moisture in the bottom. Using those ‘peanuts’ versus soil will also make the pot lighter and easier to move. Plastic containers can be less expen sive, lighter and easier to clean than porous pots. Many plastic pots on the market today have been manufactured to look like terra cotta, so they are more attractive than in the past. Metal con tainers, like brass, copper or aluminum, generally provide drainage holes in the bottom so the soil drains properly. Wire baskets are another container alterna tive and require a liner to hold the soil in place. Liners can be Sphagnum moss andThecoco-fiber.nineprinciples of the Flori da-Friendly Land scaping™ Program hold as true for container planting as they do for land scape beds. One of the best aspects of container garden ing is the flexibility it o f ers. You can achieve Right Plant, Right Place, the first and foremost of the nine principles, with a container even when the conditions of your landscape do not match the plant’s needs. For instance, if a plant is acid-lov ing, but your soil pH is alkaline, a con tainer could be an easy solution. Add a soil amendment that acidifies the contain er soil, and you have the right plant in the rightLocateplace. sun-lov ing plants in the sun. If the soil is moist, don’t water. Use slow-release fertilizers that do not leach through the soil after irrigation or rain. After proper identification, manage pests responsibly by using environmen tally friendly products and spot treat as needed. Select plants that attract wild life so you can enjoy butterflies, bees andConsiderhummingbirds.grouping several plants with the same requirements together to cre ate attractive combinations. These re quirements include light, water, soil tex ture and pH. Also, consider the mature size so you are not over or under-plant ing. Plants can be combined with an eye for color schemes, contrasting textures and di f erent forms. Be sure to consider proportions when creating plant combi nations. Try to have at least one plant that is as tall as the container. You can group several containers together to create a visual impact. In Hillsborough County, we o f er Con tainer Gardening Microirrigation work shops. For additional information on container garden designs and plants for visual impacts, go to Ask IFAS and search for Container Gardens. You can reach us at 813-744-5519 or visit us at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Se f ner. Remem ber to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat. (813) 634-5111 9:00 am Hall - 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.
Page 40 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9 Providing Quality Homeowner’s Coverage with Competitive Rates! 20+ Companies Great options for homes under 10 years old! Also O fering Services For: Personal • Commercial • Auto • Watercraft • Home • Flood • Excess Flood Work Comp • General Liability • Commercial Auto • Rental Properties And More! MichelleOwner/FounderMosher Ofce: 813-448-7580 Text: 813-517-8181 Email: michelle@southshoreins.com Strong Winds Demand Strong Insurance GET THE DIRT: CONTAINER GARDENING BY LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™ AGENT
• Lynne@SouthHillsChamber.com 1651 Sun City Center Plaza JOIN THE CHAMBER for the FALL EXPO! The FUN begins at
at the SCC Community
By Lily Belcher
ELVIS IMPERSONATOR BILLY LINDSEY PERFORMS MUSIC AND COMEDY
Billy ‘Elvis’ Lindsey will perform on a cruise in February 2023.
VENDOR BOOTHS STILL AVAILABLE Need more info? Call Today! Admission is free! Enter to WIN some great prizes. We’ll see you then! Questons? Just give us a call! SAVE THE OctoberDATE!6th
Are you looking for a place where you can drink, dine and shop? If so, a new local restaurant called the White Oak Cottage Bistro is the place for you. Creat ed by Shaunessey Dobish and her business partner, Melanie Bentley-Montan aro, this new restaurant aims to create an immer sive experience for all vis itors.Located in Lithia, the White Oak Cottage and White Oak Cottage Bistro has become a one-stop destination that allows customers to eat and drink and shop. It’s perfect for a girls’ day out. The bou tique has been around for years, as Dobish pursued her lifelong dream to own a design and home furnish ing store. Dobish is also an established interior deco rator and wanted to create a boutique shopping expe rience where she could dis play and sell many unique decor and furniture pieces that she uses in her design business.Dobish explained why she wanted to create the bistro, saying, “When I was younger, I would go shopping with my mom and sister and then get food after, which were memorable moments for me.”However, this restaurant is diferent than others, as it has an executive chef that cre ates high-end food and features deluxe wines from Idaho. Dobish and her family spend their summers in Idaho since they own a baseball league called the Spuds. This al lowed Dobish to have ac cess to many Idaho winer ies that other restaurants don’t have. Due to the qual ity and variety of wines Idaho ofers, Dobish decid ed to bring them into the White Oak Bistro.CottageItcarries Ste. Chapelle wines from two wineries, Sawtooth and Ste. Chapelle. Guests can sample these premier wines by purchasing wine flights that include four glasses of wine which each have a 2 oz. pour. The bistro ofers red wines, white wines and even fruit wines, which include fla vors such as peach. Currently, the White Oak Cottage Bistro is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. However, sometime in mid-August the bistro is going to expand its hours to include a dinner menu. The expansion of the menu will be come a reservation-only dinner experience, as it will showcase elite meal selections. The White Oak Cottage and White Oak Cottage Bistro is definitely a destination that every one should visit. For more information, visit https://thewhiteoakcottage.com/. Before dining, White Oak Cottage has beautiful items for the home. One of the many wine fights the White Oak Cottage Bistro ofers.
By Ella Martin
WHITE OAK COTTAGE ADDS BISTRO AND BECOMES A MUST-VISIT DESTINATION
By Sharon Still
LA SEPTIMA KEEPS TRADITIONS ALIVE WITH MADE-FROM-SCRATCH CUBAN FARE
Page 41Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 For nearly three de cades, La Septima Cafe has served authen tic Cuban fare to the Brandon community. Through a change of location in 2011, having to abruptly shut down due to COVID-19 and struggling to find peo ple who want to work, the restaurant is con stantly adapting and continues to attract a crowd daily and nightly. “Without our communi ty support, we would probably not be here today,” proclaimed co-owner Dahlia Fernandez. She and husband Ronnie have spent a majority of their lives in the restaurant business. “We have never looked back. La Sep tima is our crown jewel,” she said.Truly family-owned and operated, daugh ter Jennifer handles human resources and accounts payable while son RJ is the gen eral manager. Recently, eldest granddaugh ters Ana and Adriana also joined the team. “Working with family has its challenges, but it has more advantages,” said Dahlia, refer ring to herself and Ronnie as the ultimate overseers. “It is truly a blessing to have all the watchful eyes on the business.” Throughout the years, the Fernandez fam ily has remained true to its product and true to its loyal patrons. La Septima’s tagline, “A Taste of Old Ybor,” is exemplified throughout the menu with items like ropa vieja (flank steak), bread ed palomilla steak and pescado a la Rusa (whitefish). Other oferings include soup, salad, sandwiches and combinations. The Cuban sandwich, devil crabs and Sev enth Avenue salad are the most popular and come highly rec ommended.“Our success comes from our pas sion to keep every menu item consis tent in flavor and quality,” remarked Dahlia.LaSeptima’s fami ly meals, introduced during the pandemic, also are a big hit and a great bang for your buck with most priced at $39.95. Suitable for a family of four, guests can choose from a selection of the signature dishes, all of which come with rice, salad, black beans, Cuban bread and a 2-liter bottle of sodaAt La Septima, everything is made from scratch, including the salad dressing, soup, flan, cheesecake and everything in between. Dahlia stressed the importance of quality food and a friendly staf, noting that the lat ter proves to be more difcult. “We have made so many friends along the way through these years; we are mostly grateful to this beautiful community for our success,” she added. La Septima Cafe is located in La Viva Plaza at 702 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. Dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering are available. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and is closed on Sunday. Visit www.laseptimacafe.com or call 813-685-0502 for further details.
Locally owned La Septima was founded more than 30 years ago by the Fernandez family and remains a community favorite.
Are you ready for the biggest foam party in Hillsbor ough County? On Saturday, Septem ber 17 from 5-8 p.m., Florida Foam Facto ry will be hosting ceedsthatHeroes,supportyourfunningfoamcannonsThereZAFOAMSTRAVAGANaatTheRegent.willbethreeblastingandaDJspinsomefamily-friendly,tunes.ComedressedasfavoritesuperherotoSmallbutMightytheorganizationaportionoftheprowillbedonatedto.There will also be rafe prizes every 15 minutes and food trucks.Florida Foam Factory is owned by Air Force veteran Brian Porter, who said, “When I met Tina and spoke to her about her organization, … her passion of want ing to help children battling cancer made me want to help in some capacity.” Tina Downing started Small but Mighty Heroes in 2017, inspired by a little boy named Blakey who fought a tremendous battle with cancer. The loss of Blakey due to cancer treatment ignited a fire with in her to advocate, raise awareness and provide sup port for children and their families battling childhood cancer.
Marie Gilmore with Brian Porter at a truly foamtastic and fun event!
Florida Foam Factory will host a SeptemberAGANZAFOAMSTRAVSaturday,17,5-8p.m.
Have an ener getic furry friend and want to take advantage of the summer weather? Local dog parks in southeastern Hill sborough County are the way to go with a host of opportunities to support a wide range of commu nity members and their pets’ needs. Ex tending from the Apollo Beach area up to ner, each designated space provides a series of benefits and amenities that cater to visiting dogs and their families. Open from sunrise to 9 p.m., Apollo Beach along Golf and Sea Boulevard is ed and under regulation by Hill sborough County. The space features dog water fountains, a rinsing station, agility obstacles, hills and pole elements for train ing. Two distinct access areas, separate from one another, exist for both small and large dogs. A hitching post and doggy mitt receptacles top of the pet facilities, but resources for owners encompass picnic ta bles, a sitting area and a close proximity to the tennis court and skate park also within the Apollo Beach Park. Visitors should re frain from dropping by on Wednesdays un til 12 Noon due to maintenance work. For more information on this park, please call 813-671-7635.Locatedalong 3rd Avenue Southeast, Dr. Ott’s Dog Park remains another great option for dog owners in Ruskin. Open Thursday through Sunday, the park’s hours extend from 7:30 a.m. to sunset. Dr. Hal Ott, a retired veterinarian of the area and founder of the Ruskin Animal Hospital and Cat Clinic, developed this park to ofer an of-leash space. It is complete with a walking trail, chicken coop, picnic tables, high and low grassy areas, benches and separate small and big dog areas. Plastic bags are also made available throughout formation can be found by visiting http:// ottsofeashdogsanctuary.com/. Saladino Dog Park serves the Brandon area along Bryan Road and is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Boasting separate areas for small and large dog access, ame nities also include picnic tables and shel ters, dog washes, a hitching post, doggy mitt receptacles and various water foun tains serving humans and dogs alike. Bath rooms and shaded benches are available as well, and the dog park is located within the greater Bertha and Tony Saladino Park. Regulated by Hillsborough County, addi tional information can be found by calling 813-744-5978.
By Sara Battaglia
Mango Dog Park, located along Clay Pit Road, caters to the Sefner area daily from sunrise to sunset. The space ofers dog washes, water fountains, two separate ac cess areas for both small and large dogs, a hitching post and doggy mitt receptacles. For owners, there are picnic shelters and tables, restrooms and a small playground outside of the park. For more information on the county regulated space, please call 813-635-7489.Formoregeneral information on dog parks across Hillsborough County, please visit https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/.
Page 42 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
PLENTY OF PLACES FOR THE PUPS TO PLAY! DOG PARKS IN SE HILLSBOROUGH
By Madeline Gardner
Open daily from sunrise to sunset, Saladino Dog Park promotes two separate access areas for both small and large dogs.
Downing also owns Mighty Heroes Nutrition, a shop benefitting her nonprofit which sells gourmet shakes, teas, lemonades and cofees. She said, “We are able to do continual fundraising that will help us continue our mission and fund our programs that are designed to provide the tailored sup port that these children and their family needs.” The community can help sup port Small but Mighty Heroes by attending the upcoming FOAM STRAVAGANZA, visiting Mighty Heroes Nutrition, volunteering or donating. For more information on Florida Foam Factory, visit its website at www.floridafoamfactory. com. To support Small but Mighty He roes, visit www.smallbutmightyheroes. org or purchase tickets to the event ets-340123898737.tory-foamstravaganza-2022-tickwww.eventbrite.com/e/florida-foam-fachere:
FIRST COMMUNITYFOAMSTRAVAGANZAEVENTWILLSUPPORTCHILDREN’SCANCERCHARITY
“A Forever Green technician came out and was able to overcome the weed and insect problems and save his grass, which is now green and lush,” she said. “I really wish we had known about Forever Green years ago.” Owner Ben Compton said that customer satisfaction is one of the reasons why For ever Green is still in business after 35 years. “We strive to make our customers proud of their lawn,” he said. Each customer is assigned a personal lawn care expert, ensuring they learn the customer’s preferences and finish the job to their personal satisfaction.
Keeping a Florida lawn healthy is no easy task, requiring year-round maintenance and pest control. Choosing to put of deal ing with fungal infections or pest infesta tions can be costly and require entire sod replacement.Valricoresident Judith Vanzulli’s lawn is green and lush thanks to Forever Green Lawn & Pest Control. Five years ago, when her former lawn care company closed its business, she started looking for another company to care for her grass. Forever Green’s pricing was competitive and its technicians were knowledgeable, so she decided to give them a try. She’s glad she“They’redid. so consistent and dependable and my grass looks good all the time,” she said.Customer Valeria Ortero concurred. She appreciates how easy it is to contact them and has been impressed with its services. “We had tried other lawn care companies and were disappointed,” said Ortero. She had to resod her lawn twice before finding Forever Green. Her lawn has been healthy ever since. She was such a satisfied cus tomer, and so she hired them to help her father, whose homeowners association told him he needed to resod his lawn.
By Michelle Caceres
FOREVER GREEN LAWN & PEST CONTROL ENSURES A GREEN AND LUSH LAWN
The company ofers a variety of services, from lawn spraying and pest control to tree and shrub maintenance and laying fertilizer. It uses nontoxic chemicals that are safe for pets.Forever Green is a family-owned business founded by Mike Compton and takes pride in the quality of its work. “We’re a family and we treat our custom ers like they’re family too,” said Compton. For more information or to schedule a free estimate, call 813-324-1004 or visit www.fglawn.com.
Page 43Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022
Forever Green Lawn & Pest Control creates healthy and lush lawns for its customers.
Page 44 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
See ad on page 48
India Homenurseownerley-Boyd,Presandpractitionerof2Care. Teacher of the Year Amanda Cervetti.
Riverview/Apollo Beach September 2022, Vol. 20, Iss. 9
Hunter Giambra, owner of Hunt er’s Brunch shack and Eats At Te Cottage.
Annual Teacher Of Te Year ucatorEarlyCelebratesProgramLocalChildhoodEd Goddard Systems Inc. (GSI), the franchisor of the God dard School, a leading premium childcare and early educa tion provider, is pleased to present Amanda Cervetti from The Goddard School of Lithia (FishHawk) with a 2022 Teacher of the Year Award. “In early andtweennershipstheofimportanceeducation,childhoodthenurturingpartbehomeschooland supporting children’s social and emo tional development is just as critical as each child’s academic growth,” said Lauren Starnes, chief academic ofcer of GSI. “Amanda and her fel low teachers ofer all these things and more every day to the students they serve.” The Goddard School of Lith ia (FishHawk) is located at 14106 Spector Rd. in Lithia. Visit its website at www. goddardschool.com or call 813-603-1530 for addition al information.
Richard Martin, owner of Martin Security Systems.
Veteran-owned Martin Security Ser vices Protects Your Home Martin Security Services is a veter an-owned and operated small business based in Ruskin. It specializes in stateof-the-art home and business security products, cameras, video recording, smart devices and monthly monitoring. Martin Security Services ofers full design ser vices to create custom systems, and its highly experienced security experts will help you design and build the solutions you need to protect yourself and your business. It can also install retail kits and teach clients how to use them. Additional information can be found on its website at www.martinsecurityservices.com or by calling 813-352-6398. There is a 10 per cent military and first responder discount.
Home 2 Care Luxury Concierge Healthcare Clinic In Brandon During the COVID-19 pandemic, India Presley-Boyd was released from her po sition as a nurse practitioner. Determined not to give up on her dream, she decid ed to move closer to home and create a practice that could not only allow her to continue living her dream but also in crease access to quality health care. Home 2 Care is a luxury concierge-style health care clinic that provides access to primary care services on a subscription or fee ser vice basis. Services include well visits, sick visits, chronic disease management and weight loss, among others. Subscriptionsareo fered for as low as $100 a olimitedcalls,texts24/7providertorectcludeswhichmonth,indiaccessyourviaorun fce olittlepointments,next-daysame-daycinetelemediandvisits,oraporno fce wait times, relaxed appointments and discounts on medicines andHomelabs.2 Care is located at 673 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. To find out more, visit its website at www.home3carefl.com.
Eats At Te Cottage Opens At Old Ruth’s Cafe Location Hunter Giambra opened Hunter’s Brunch Shack in March to much applause, and it didn’t take him long to realize that he wanted a dinner location as well. When Ruth’s Cafe became available, he approached it with a deal to open Eats At The Cottage at the lo cation and keep many of the staf that patrons know and love. It serves delicious dinners on weekdays and breakfast, lunch and dinner on the weekends. During its soft opening weekend, Giambra opened up the restaurant to the homeless and needy in the area, ofering them a free meal each day as they prepared for opening. Eats At The Cottage is located at 7409 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview. For more information, visit thecottage.Facebookthecottage.com/https://eatsator@eatsat
Photos courtesy of Busch Gardens Kandy, a friendly witch in training, at Busch Garden’s Spooktacular.
Page 46 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9 Rods, Reels and Tackle Live Shrimp (Small-Medium-Large-Jumbo) BAIT RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED Frozen Bait • Live Worms • Live Shiners • Rod Repair Marine Oil • Batteries• Life Preservers Trolling Motors • Coolers • Electrical • Hoses • and so much more! (813) 296-7735 6040 US 41 N, APOLLO BEACH SUNDAY THRU SATURDAY 6 AM 6 PM SHOP FOR ALL OF YOUR FISHING NEEDS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!!!
Virtual Dementia Tour Coming To Tessera Of Brandon
SPOOKTACULAR AT BUSCH GARDENS IS NOT-SO-SPOOKY FAMILY FUN Staf Report
training, guests will find many activities in this immersive Hallow eenBuschexperience.Gardens’ Spooktacular will be casting spells on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 Noon-4 p.m., Saturday, Septem ber 10 through Sunday, October 30 at the Festival Walkway and is included with dai ly Someadmission.ofthe activities for families in this all-new Halloween event, including other not-so-spooky surprises, are: Kandy’s World: Join Kandy as she shares her journey to become a real witch. Guests will hear firsthand about the stories of this witch-in-training, including how much she loves candy and even how she accidentally turned her friends into toads. Story Time with Kandy: Situated next to Kandy’s picture-perfect pumpkin patch and bubbling cauldron, guests will be im mersed in the popular story “Room on the Broom,” where everybody has a place and everyoneSpooktacularbelongs.Costume Parade: On this catwalk, all the little ones are top models. A colorful parade of costumes will bring the Spooktacular Costume Parade to life.
The Emmy Award-win ning Fab Four is elevat ed far above every other Beatles tribute band due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles classics, they will transport you back in time to the high point of the Brit ish Invasion and beyond. Tickets for the January 24, 2023 event at the RP Fund ing Center, located at 701 W. Lime St. in Lakeland, went on sale on August 19. They are available at the box ofce, by calling 863-834-8111 or online at www.rpfundingcenter.com.
friendlyedworldInSpooktacular.all-newpaGardens®loweentofunspookyfullenchantmentofofnot-so-familyistheplacecelebrateHalatBuschTamBaywithitsevent,thisplayfulcreatbyKandy,awitchin
Congratulations to Andy Tekampe of TNT Termite and Pest Control! He scored an A on his Florida Termite Exam and is now fully certified in pest control and termite con trol. Contact Tekampe with any pest or termite control questions at 813-468-8574. TNT Termite and Pest Control serves the Brandon and surrounding areas. For more information on its services, visit its web site at www.tnttermiteandpestcontrol. com.
Congratulations To Andy Tekampe With TNT Ter mite And Pest Control
A whimsi cal world
Te Fab Four: Te Ulti mate Tribute Coming To Lakeland
Open Door Grant Program At Hillsborough Community Col lege The Hillsbor ough Communi ty College (HCC) Institute for Corporate and Continuing Ed ucation (ICCE) was awarded over $993,000 in funding through the Open Door Grant Program by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) last fall. FDOE re cently updated the Open Door Grant Program criteria to increase funding access. Qualified applicants may be eligible for up to $3,000 to cover the costs of tuition fees, examinations, books and materials for approved short-term and technical education cre dentialing courses that must be complet ed by September 2023. For the full list of approved courses, scholarship criteria and how to apply, visit www.tampatrain ing.com/open-door. Jenny Bennett
willtreatingfun.theandtheirgueststhistrick-or-treatingplacetacularGardensall-newTreating:Trick-or-TheBuschSpookisthetobeforseason.AllcanbringownbagjoininonsupersweetTrick-or-bagsbeavailable forBecausepurchase.Busch Gardens Spooktacular is included with park admission. Guests should take advantage of the current spe cial ofer for the 2023 Fun Card, where paying for one day will allow unlimited vis its for the rest of 2022 and through 2023 for free. For more information on Busch Gardens Spooktacular and to purchase a 2023 Fun Card, guests can visit www.bus chgardenstampa.com.BuschGardensTampa Bay is the ulti mate family adventure, ofering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gar dens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA-accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 spe cies and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit www.buschgardenstampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertain ment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company provid ing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.
BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED...............FROM PG 45 By
The Virtual Dementia Tour ofers a 10-minute immersion into the world of dementia and allows you to walk in the shoes of someone with dementia to en hance your sense of empathy. You may experience the confusion, frustration and emotions associated with memory loss. Through this tour, you will leave with a better un derstanding for living with dementia. The tour is visit ing Tessera of Brandon, an assisted living and memory care community located at 1320 Oakfield Dr. The Vir tual Dementia Tour will take place on Tuesday, September 20 from 2-4 p.m. Please call 813-607-6880 to reserve a place.
Page 47Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 Did you know that 49 percent of middle school through high school-aged girls will at some point miss an entire day of school due to their period? Well, a local FishHawk resident and her daughter, Meghan and Kay lin Armstrong, have been working hard to lower this per centage. Last year, the Armstrong fam ily decided to start a service project that helps get menstrual products to girls who need them in a dis creet way. The inspiration and motivation for creating this project came from the experience Kaylin had in which she start ed her period at a young age and only had access to menstrual products through her parents, as none were provided to her at school.In2021, Kaylin starred in a short film ti tled Code Red by director Jada Poon that depicted the lack of access to menstrual products in schools. In the film, a young girl gets her period and must skip class and go on an ‘adventure’ to find menstrual products. However, when a boy goes to the nurse to get a Band-Aid, he is easily able to get one, while the girl struggles and isn’t able to receive any menstrual products. The film as well as Kaylin’s experience led to the Armstrong family wanting to create a way for girls to have menstrual products readily available in their schools. For young girls, getting their pe riod can be a confus ing time due to a lack of education, having irregular cycles and not having access to menstrual products at school or, in some cases, even at home. Within the first year of starting their project, the Arm strongs were able to create 300 pouches filled with menstru al products and dis tributed them to the clinics at local ele mentary and middle schools. Teachers also took the time to edu cate the girls about their bodies and cycles. The pouches create a more comfortable and discreet way to bring menstrual prod ucts to the bathroom. This year, the Armstrongs are working to decrease ‘period poverty’ at high-need schools in the Tampa area. Period poverty is when a girl doesn’t have any menstrual supplies because their family can’t aford them, which in turn causes many girls in these areas to miss school or even use toilet paper or tissues as menstrual products. The Armstrongs hope that with their program, less girls will miss school because they will be able to easily access menstrual products when needed. To help with their goal, the Armstrongs are currently looking for product donations which can be purchased from their Amazon Wish List at wishlist/ls/33QCBIVOC1L1J.https://www.amazon.com/hz/ LOCAL MOM AND DAUGHTER AIM TO END PERIOD INSECURITY WITH HELP FROM COMMUNITY SUPPORT By Ella Martin Kaylin Armstrong with menstrual products and pouches that were distributed to the clin ics at local elementary and middle schools. At home doesn’t have to mean alone. Experience life with fresh cooked meals, engaging activities and a great care team. Enjoy the peace of mind and safety of living at Twin Creeks today! 13470 Boyette Road, Riverview, FL 33569 813-278-5800 ~ TwinCreeksRetire.com An Assisted Living and Memory Care Community Providing a Superior Lifestyle. Assisted Living Facility #13122 ENJOY LIFE AGAIN!
THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA’S
Itzhak Perlman (shown in the circle), a legendary violinist, will display his talents in his perform with Te Florida Orchestra for its 55th Celebration con cert on Saturday, October 1.
fey Theater overlooking the St. Petersburg waterfront. Sponsorships of featured guest artist, con ductor, concertmaster and concert program music selections include other benefits. For information, please contact TFO chief devel opment ofcer Susana Weymouth at 727362-5430 or sweymouth@floridaorches tra.org.Thefollowing weekend, Friday to Sunday, October 7-9, Maestro Francis will debut the Hough Family Foundation Masterworks se ries with the iconic Carmina Burana, kick ing of the classical series that includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Rachmani nof ’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and much more. The Raymond James Pops series includes blockbusters such as Harry Potter vs Star Wars and the Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album. TFO will perform more than 100 concerts this season in venues throughout Tampa Bay. Single and season tickets are available now.
Page 48 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9 We Specialize in: Auto 813-699-5446MotorcycleInsuranceInsuranceCommercialAutoClassicCarHomeInsuranceCondoInsuranceRentersInsurance Mon - Fri from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm www.southeastregionalinsurance.comOURPROMISETOYOUTRUST.LOYALTY.DETERMINATION.
The Mahafey Theater is located at 400 1st St. S. in St. Petersburg. The TFO Ticket Center is located at 244 2nd Ave. N., First Floor in St. Petersburg and is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more infor mation, visit http://floridaorchestra.org/. 55TH BENEFIT CONCERT FEATURES ITZHAK PERLMAN Staf Report
Rick & Karren Owners and proud FishHawk residents PROUD MEMBERS OF HAVE QUESTIONS? ASK A SPECIALIST. fey Theater, conducted by TFO music di rector Michael Francis. The benefit concert launches the 2022-23 season and supports TFO’s music and education programs. Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Perlman enjoys a superstar status rarely aforded a classical musician. He will join the orchestra for its 55th season opener to perform some of his favorite movie mu sic, including the theme from Schindler’s List — which he performed in the Academy Award-winning film — along with “As Time Goes By” from Casablanca, the love theme from Cinema Paradiso and more. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, Perlman has received 16 Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Genesis Prize. Perlman has also received multiple distinc tions from U.S. presidents, including a Presi dential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s high est civilian honor, in 2015. For more about Perlman, visit https://itzhakperlman.com/. Concert tickets are $75, $125, $175 and $225. Limited individual VIP tickets will be available for $550. All tickets are available at http://floridaorchestra.org/, the TFO Ticker Center or by calling 727-892-3337 or –CenteratbarconcertconcertandareselectVIP1-800-662-7286.individualandsponsorshipslimitedavailabilityincludepremiumseating,aprereceptionwithandhorsd’oeuvrestheDukeEnergyfortheArtsMaha
CELEBRATION
At Southeast Regional we shop for great rates the frst time you call but we do something very special. We re-shop for you again at EVERY renewal, even if your rates are dropping. That’s right even if your rates were going down we would still shop the market to see if we can do more. We know we need to earn your business every day. Does your current agent do that for you?
hap.m.Octoberontion55th(TFO)OrchestraTheperformPerlmanstarviolinLegendarysuperItzhakwillwithFloridaforitsCelebraconcertSaturday,1at8attheMa
Artist Wayne Shaw is inviting anyone interested in creating art to participate in Ar tini, an event set to take place on the last Sunday of every month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Joia Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar, located at 10475 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview. The cost to par ticipate is $79, and this includes all painting supplies, two martinis and pizza. Walk-ins are welcome if there is space. Payment for walk-ins is cash only. Shaw explained, “My vision for Artini came to life after completing the wall mural in Joia’s Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar.” Shaw added, “The idea is to make an easy, safe place to have drinks and do something creative without the cleanup. Creating art while drinking martinis and eating gourmet pizza, all for one price, was something I wanted everyone to en joy.”Shaw created the mural at Joia Fab ulous Pizza & Martini Bar in 2020. “The mural is four pictures from Italy out to gether. I did it in the summer of 2020 and it took six days. I did it with my now18-year-old daughter.”
FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER PRESENTS GYPSY STAR IN SEPTEMBER
Gypsy Star, a multigenre band, will celebrate the release of their song, “Dancing To The Beat Of Your Heart,” in a concert at the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin on Satur day, September 24 at 7:30 Gypsyp.m.Star is a musical collective of formingmentalistsmulti-instruperoriginalsongs with layers of rhyth mic texture, vocals, lush harmonies and a mesmerizing, fiery dancer. This unique and talented lineup is led by the creative spir it of composer, guitarist and singer Billy Keen. Songs at their live shows feature the soul-stirring vocal prowess of lead singer and lyricist Belinda Brodsky, who also plays an array of hand percussion. Accordionist and keyboard player Joli Rome and danc er Kimara Lee, who performs folkloric and gypsy-style dance, create another dimen sion to the live shows. They also add vocal harmonies and percussion to their sound. Bassist Steven Boisen will be joining the ensemble for the performance at the Fire house Cultural Center. Gypsy Star’s show will take you on an enchanting musical journey around the world. Their music weaves a melodic tap estry of rock, pop, folk, jazz and classical music with the spice of music from all over the world. As they bring their in ternational spectrum of influences, Gypsy Star’s world-beat sound will transport you to faraway lands and awaken your soul. They will open your heart to excit ing, mysterious and wonderful places. Gypsy Star’s live performance is truly a cultural feast for the eyes and ears. According to the Tampa Bay Arts and Education Network, “All the world’s music in one band. Gypsy Star’s members tour the music of multiple continents. Theirs is a highly woven Persian rug of a perfor mance.”Prior to “Dancing To The Beat Of Your Heart,” Gypsy Star had released two other singles, along with three full-length albums. They have appeared on radio and television and toured throughout Florida and the East Coast of the United States, headlining festi vals, theaters and concert halls. The Firehouse Cultural Center is located at 101 1st Ave. NE in Ruskin. Tickets for Gypsy Star’s show are on sale now. Tick ets are $23 for members and $28 for fu ture members. Tickets can be purchased at www.firehouseculturalcenter.org or by calling 813-645-7651.
“I am a believer that everyone has artis tic abilities. But their perception of what they are painting is like a fingerprint — it will be one of a kind. I want people to have fun and embrace their inner creativ ity to reduce mental stress,” Shaw said. “Artini is an opportunity to taste the best martinis and pizza and experience the greatest art experience ever,” he added. Artini will be an ongoing art experi ence opportunity. The medium that will be used is acrylic on canvas, but it will change sometimes. For example, partici pants might paint actual martini glasses. The subject matter will also vary season ally and will include some mental health strategies.Visitwww.paintartini.com to register and pay.
Participants display artwork from the frst class with Wayne Shaw for an art experience like no other. Artini combines the joy of creating art with gourmet pizza and delightful martinis. Artini will take place on the last Sunday of each month at Joia Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar, located in Riverview.
Gypsy Star, a collective of multi-instrumentalists, vocalists and dancers, will bring their interna tional sound to the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin on Saturday, September 24.
Page 49Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022 Some restrictions and blackout dates may apply. © 2022 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS SEPTEMBER 10 – OCTOBER BUSCHGARDENSTAMPA.COM30BUYA2023FUNCARDNOWANDGETTHERESTOF2022FREE! FUN CARD 2023 MULTIPLEALL-NEW!TRICK-OR-TREAT STATIONS KIDS’ COSTUME PARADE STORY TELLING AND SO MUCH MORE!
ARTINI IS AN ART EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER AT JOIA MARTINI BAR
Shaw is a coun selor in Hills borough County schools and has been one for 15 years. He has been in education for 28 years and works with greeandinaSouththegraduatedstudents.first-generationlow-income,ShawfromUniversityofFloridawithbachelor’sdegreearteducationamaster’sdeincounseling.
EAST BAY INDIANS LOOK TO CONTINUE SUCCESS WITH COACH GOTTMAN 8/26 @ Middleton 9/9 vs Sickles 9/16 vs Riverview 9/23 @ Jeferson 9/30 vs Spoto 10/7 vs Chamberlain 10/14 @ Lennard 10/21 @ Berkeley Prep 10/28 @ Bloomingdale 11/4 vs King # NAME POS GR 1 WR, CB SR 2 CB, WR JR 3 WR, SB SR 4 DB, RB S0 5 LB, RB SR 6 RB, LB SO 7 RB, LB JR 8 QB, MLB SR 9 OLB|WR|QB SR 11 LB, FB SR 12 CB, WR, FS SO 13 WR, RB JR 14 LB, DE SR 15 OLB, WR SR 16 WR, SS, CB JR 17 DB, WR SR 18 QB, LB SR 19 WR, DB JR 20 SS, WR SR 21 TE, LB SR 22 DB, RB JR 23 WR, DB SR 24 LB, FB SR 25 WR, SS SR 26 LB, TE JR # NAME POS GR 27 FB, LB JR 28 RB, DB SO 30 FB, LB SO 31 LB, TE SR 32 K, P, DB SR 33 DB, WR SR 34 K, P SO 35 LB, FB JR 40 TE, OLB JR 42 FB, LB JR 48 DE, TE SR 50 C JR 51 DE, TE SR 52 C, DE SR 53 OL, DL SR 54 T, DE SR 55 DT, T SR 57 DE, T SR 58 G SR 59 OL, DL SR 63 T, NG SR 66 OL, DL JR 73 OL, DL JR 74 OL, DL JR 81 WR, DB JR SCHEDULEROSTER BY NICK NAHAS Aiden Showers Kaleb EmanuelChristianErikMarkelOwenRondeJeremiahHardawayAaronBraxtonMychaelMilesBryanRashardIzaiahDeAnthonyAshtonChristianNathanEddieArmandoCadeAnthonyVincentJonesKetchupLaurentWhiteBecerrilMoqueteCarterStewartBaileyCaldwellKetchupShowersGarridoThompsonTuckerMaenzaGreenMcPhaulRoseboroWhiteObrienTranBurgosWhite Jaelin UcktonTarshaanJustinJaerynSneedMillardCornishReynosoSu frena Greg JoseEmanuelShermanJamaalJay’LonSeanJaylinKylerIsaacwayDutraviousJoseJamesColeChristianChigozieAaronJohnDevinBenjaminUnderwoodCruzBethuneMooreBethuneNnatuanyaForteKrychJarboeBlancoBroadCrumpBrowningAlburyMathisKey-JohnsonPlattsJohnsonHarrisHernandez
The East Bay Indians are looking for continued success and to take the next step under second-year head coach Mike Gottman, after going 8-3 in his first season. The former Durant High School head coach was named head man at East Bay High School last January, returning to his former school where he was the defensive co ordinator from 1995-2002.
Gottman had a great track record at Durant from 2003-20, where he went 107-83 and won four district titles. In his first season, the Cougars went to the state final four, and in 2012, they had a perfect 10-0 regular season. The Apollo Beach native is relishing the opportunity to rebuild the East Bay football program that has struggled in recent years.
Gottman thinks that his team’s ma jor strengths will be on ofense with nine returning starters, including four O-linemen. Key players on ofense in clude junior fullback Jaelin Sneed, who led the team in rushing, carrying the ball 124 times for 807 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground, and senior receiver Vincent Ketchup, who had 23 catches for 367 yards and two touch downs through the air as well as 61 carries for 582 yards and five touch downs on the ground in 2021. Vincent had three touchdowns in the spring game as well. Junior Izaiah Ketchup returned a kick for a touchdown in the 34-22 spring game win over Sumner and will be a factor on special teams thisEastseason.Bay may have its work cut out for itself on defense with only four starters returning. The defensive philosophy is to get as many threeand-outs as possible to remain fresh. They have to eliminate big plays and make their opponents earn every yard down field. The multiple-look defense will run both four-man and three-man fronts and bring disguised pressure from all over the field. Key players on defense include senior D-lineman Isaac Crump, junior linebacker Ronde Roseboro and senior linebacker Chris tianGottmanStewart.and company want to win a district title and make a deep play of run this season. The Indians will have a great shot of doing just that if they beat Bloomingdale on the road in late October. East Bay has a manage able schedule and should win at least eight games. Gottman wants to take it one game at a time and “Go 1-0 each week.”
The Indians will rely heavily on three-year starter Nate Carter at quarterback. The dual-threat senior threw for over 800 yards and 10 touchdown passes, while carrying the ball 124 times for almost 800 yards and three touchdowns on the ground last season. Gottman said that his cap tain brings great leadership on and of the field, and he knows the playbook like the back of his hand. He will also spend some time at linebacker. Carter may be the best overall athlete on the field, playing both ofense and defense. The two-way player is getting looked at by several colleges as an athlete.
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LENNARD LONGHORNS FOCUS ON REBOUNDING IN 2022 FROM TOUGH 2021 9/2 @ Robinson 9/9 @ Middleton 9/16 vs Steinbrenner 9/23 @ Durant 9/30 vs Bloomingdale 10/7 @ Sumner 10/14 vs East Bay 10/21 Bye Week 10/28 @ Spoto 11/4 vs Armwood # NAME POS GR # NAME POS GR SCHEDULEROSTER BY NICK NAHAS 2010012345678911121314151617182122 804428252423273234525557586566697273758899Dominic Smith Austin SammyAnthonyGruberHuntRandle iii Liam MasonDevinCarlosJehadJavionAustinAndrewIzaiahAidenMarquiseRyanWilfredDuvalTylerElijahVin’cereBraylonMcdowellSmithDavisDarcueilRussellGaliteHannaDunnBrownGibbonsBellamyAgostoHudsonWilsonDolcineCollinsHarrisonBurriss Gianni AntonioCalebWilliamHenryDanielCurtisMitchellChristopherPrestonCarlosIvanDanilioEtigioKaleabJamarieJordanJacksonDevinJeromeDraidenFilbrunnNeidigeLismoreKlimenkoHodgekinsWilliamsClarkeSandersMootooGomezCambrelenFloresWilkersonSanchezRichisonSimmonsMezaChenAhlgrenHooeyRobinsonCB,DEDE,MLBTEFS, SS RBCBCBWRWRWRDE,FSKWRWRSSWRQBSSCBWRQBG DTWRKTGDTTGCDTCDEGFB,ILBOLBWRDESSRBTEDTSOSOSOSRSRJRJRJRJRJRSRSRSRJRJRSRSRSRJRSRJRSR SOSOSOSOSOSOSRSRJRJRFRJRSRJRJRSRJRJRJRJRJR
The Lennard Longhorns look to have a rebound season after going just 2-8 in 2021. The team hasn’t had a winning season since they went 7-4 in Seven-year2019. head coach Matt Kitchie hopes to build o f of this season with his young team for the future. The Longhorns will play a lot of sopho mores and juniors, some of which ha ven’t played on varsity before. “Every game is gonna be an oppor tunity to improve,” said Kitchie. “We need to play together and grow to gether and really try to create a cul ture of winning, moving forward. We want to see what these young bucks canSeniordo.” quarterback Tyler Russell took the majority of the snaps in the season-opening loss vs Hillsborough. The dual-threat QB will be key for the o f ense to establish itself this sea son. Junior Liam McDowell is more of a pocket passer and will take some snaps with the first team as well. Kitchie thinks that his team’s ma jor strength will be its running game, with its depth at the running back position. Running back Anthony Hunt will help carry the bulk. Senior receiv er Duval Galite will be one of the top pass catchers. The program lost play ers when neighboring Sumner was established a couple years ago, but Lennard has now built back its overall depth with about 140 players on the roster. The Longhorns have one re turning starter on o f ense and three onKeydefense.players on this aggressive, at tacking 4-3 defense include junior middle linebacker Dominic Smith, junior linebacker Elijah Darcueil, se nior defensive end Austin Gruber and senior defensive back Sammy Randle III, who will help lead the second ary. Sophomore kicker Aiden Gibbons will play a significant role on special teams. The Lennard soccer goalie will have kicko f duties and will punt and kick field goals. The Longhorns have an extremely tough schedule, having to face Hills borough, Sumner, Bloomingdale, Du rant and Armwood. Kitchie’s goal is for his team to gain experience and get better each week. Out Only)
27 Years in NowRoomYBORBrandon!OPEN!
RIVERVIEW SHARKS READY FOR CHANGE WITH NEW COACH RODRIGUEZ 8/19 @ Spoto 8/26 @ Brandon 9/2 vs Freedom 9/9 vs Chamberlain 9/16 @ East Bay 9/23 - Bye week 9/30 vs Newsome 10/7 vs Alonso 10/14 vs Sumner 10/21 @ Strawberry Crest 10/28 @ Durant 11/4 @ Steinbrenner # NAME POS GR SCHEDULEROSTER BY NICK NAHAS 3433322726252422212019161514121110765432 Marcus ElijahMatthewDevinElijahAndrewColeRichardAdrianD’MarqusDarreynAlloysiusTimothyJohntaviousJulianAnadBryceNikoIsaiahShoatsDontariousZionAaronHarrisonCareyHensleyTurnerKing-Collier“Rico”WashingtonGnannCookCharlesArthursHarrisBrigmanTysonBelcherNormanZalduondoNoelBergerLeeLespinasseGermanMcDanielRamos 88818079787776747268676563585755545250454442403635 Landon AndrewChristianKennyMarcLoganJonJavanHaydenGreysonSethDeAndreBrockBryorMichaelDominicFrankiAustinDamienElijahWarrenChristianHayesBaronGeovanniJohnstonAchecarPrinceThomasSandovalPinkSaelerLaverdeBergerSantiagoIIMcCreaRichardsHessRodgersHardnettButterfieldRossCzyzykGadsonStarkMillerAnthonyAyalaPetersFelicianoCervettiWR, QB, SB RB,QB TE,WR,WR,WR,WRMLB,WR,OLBQBOLBCBCBFSWR SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSRSRJRJRJRJRSRSRSRJRJRJRSRJRJR P,G,GT,C,MLB,DE,G,MLB,TE,QB,FB,WRWRMLBMLBDEOLBDEGOLBDTDTDTK SOSOSOJRJRSRJRSRSRSRJRJRJRSRJRJRJRSRFRJRFRJRSRJRSR • Reading • Writing • Math • SAT/ACT • Homework Edge “Creating Success by Changing Lives” Ask about our Monthly Budget Plan preK -12th Grade Brandon/Valrico Riverview Plant City 689-7212 671-1919 754-7788 Sponsoring Teacher Of Te Month: Te Next Report Card is going to be better!Te Next Report Card is going to be better!
The Riverview Sharks are looking to change the culture under firstyear head coach Tony Rodriguez. The team went 2-8 last year and hasn’t made the playo f s since the 201920 season. The Riverview native was an assistant coach at the school un der coach William Mosel in that re cord-setting season. Rodriguez and company are o f to a great start after beating Lennard 20-6 in their spring game. The Sharks gained junior transfer quarterback Aaron Turner in the o f season as well. Riverview was going to sport a single-wing, run-heavy o f ense until the talented Turner walked through the doors of the team facility. Rodri guez said that the signal-caller has all the tools, including a strong arm, the ability to tuck the ball and run and a confidence and swag that a quarter back should have. He will bring more balance to the passing game, working both a four-minute and two-minute o f ense. Turner works with renowned trainer and former South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia in the o f season to hone his Davidsonskills.commit, star slot receiver Harrison Hensley was able to move back to his natural position when Turner came in. Hensley was taking the snaps at QB in the spring game. Other key players on an o f ense that brings back five starters include 5’11”, 215-pound running back Dontarious ‘Rico’ Shoats, who was just short of 1,000 rushing yards last season and will carry the load for the Sharks in 2022, and the big o f ensive line will be anchored by Jon Stark at 6’3” and 325Rodriguezlbs. thinks that his team’s major strength will be their defense, which brings back six starters, and their depth. Riverview is senior-heavy at the defensive back position, which bodes well for the secondary. They will run an odd-front, base-50 sys tem, playing multiple coverages. The D will be basic, working on funda mentals and being gap sound. Key players include junior middle line backer Niko Gnann, who led the team last year with 102 tackles; Je f erson transfer defensive back, junior Alloy sius Tyson; senior safety, captain Zion King-Collier; senior defensive lineman Hayes Thomas, who was a state qual ifier in wrestling last year and will anchor that line; junior Franki Santi ago, a tremendous athlete who will play defensive end; and Blooming dale transfer, junior lineman Adrian Zalduondo.Seniorkicker Andrew Cervetti will handle punting, kicking and kicko f return duties. Rodriguez said that the specialist is a multisport athlete who competes in track, shot put, javelin and men’s volleyball and is the stron gest kicker in the county, squatting 405It’spounds.amajor bonus that the Sharks have depth at most positions and don’t need to use many two-way players. This will keep them fresh during games and will allow them to compete against each other in prac tice. In the o f season, the team has focused on fundamentals and getting stronger in the weight room. Their motto is “Count on me.” Riverview will take it one game at a time and should be competitive this year while building for the fu ture. Rodriguez thinks that his team plays in one of the toughest districts in Florida with Newsome, Durant and Sumner. “We can’t worry about who we play, we’ve got to worry about how we play,” said Rodriguez. “We have to take care of things we can control and not worry about the things we can’t.”
SUMNER STINGRAYS HOPE TO CONTINUE THEIR SUCCESS IN 2022 8/26 @ Bloomingdale 9/2 vs Chamberlain 9/9 @ Jeferson 9/16 vs Gaither 9/23 @ Wharton 9/30 vs Durant 10/7 vs Lennard 10/14 @ Riverview 10/21 Bye Week 10/28 @ Newsome 11/4 vs Middleton # NAME POS GR # NAME POS GR SCHEDULEROSTER BRANDON TERMITE & PEST CONTROL #1 Bug Muggers Since 1973 Main Ofce: 108 S. St. Cloud Ave. • Valrico • Fax 685-3607 • 6am-6pm Serving: Clearwater-Lakeland-Orlando-Plant City For a FREE ESTIMATE call (813) 685-7711 TermidorTermidor 10 Year Guarantee Against Subterranean Termites MEMBER WEST FLORIDA BY NICK NAHAS 504944414038343332272422212019181716151413121110987654321 Kade AdrianKaidanEnochKevinTre’ShawnD’AndreBaptisteJoaquinDariusRaheenAndrewKeoniCashEthanJordanMekhiAlexLaytonAl’VondreJahiemJaidonZachGregCameronDadeMannyRaheimTylerAJEeliDevinKylenJavielleRayBoydWebbSpencerSingletonHillsWilliamsSexilNoesiNajeeWhiteSmithWalkerWalkerHudsonLewisKennisonMcLeodSlaterKnowlesTaylorCaldwellDennyMalloryAlexanderSmithJohn-ReidTaylorElsnerMossHendricksDettorre 99929188888583828180777572717069656563626058565554535251 Makhi ZhonteTyrellAndreAvryIsaiahCoreyZionKeonJordanJoshNigelKaiCharlieJaydonSeanDeakonKeontaeDariusDeanElijahSandroBenjaminTyreseKethanBornixJahariEzekielZiyareAndrewJonathanYadielJoshAnthonyFosterDexterWarrenNievesSommervilSmithbergerAddisonGilmoreGirvenSexemantPremsukhGissendannerCiceronPavonKennerdyGeeReedMurphyTroyerJulksCruzBartlingBruceMonroeHendrixBellamyWebbWilsonChappellShulerCharlandMcDonaldYoungBurneyWR, ATH LBCBCBKCBLBCBRBRBSLB,DBRBLB,DEQBQBLBRBDBLBQBDEWR,WRCBWRCBWR,CB,S,WRRBRBDBATHSSRB SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSRSRSRSRJRJRJRSRSRJRSRSRSRJRJRJRSRJRJRSRSRJRJRJRJRJR LB, DT WR,TETEWRWROLOLDEOLCDEOLOLOLOLLBOLOLOLCDEDE ATH RBDBLBWRCBDBDTDT,DTWRWROL SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSRJRFRSRJRJRJRSRJRJRJRJRJRJRJRJRSRJRJRSRJRJRSRJRSR 10312 W Bloomingdale Ave, Suite 105 Riverview, FL adam.benabram@edwardjones.com813-626-305233578 www.edwardjones.com/adam-benabram Member SIPC
The Sumner Stingrays hope to continue their incredible run in year three of the program’s history after going 9-3 and earning a playo f berth in 2021. The team went 7-1 in its in augural season two years ago. The Stingrays shocked Blooming dale and put the rest of Hillsborough County on notice in week one with a convincing 44-32 road win. Junior star QB Greg Smith was im pressive, completing 13 of 20 passes for 258 yards and four touchdowns in the win. The dual-threat signal call er also added 82 rushing yards on 23 carries and a score on the ground. It’s the Carrollwood Day transfer’s sec ond year leading the Sumner o f ense. Expect him to have a record-breaking season.Third-year Head Coach Alonzo Ash wood was an assistant at Hillsbor ough High School for 14 years and was the head coach for Middleton High School for three seasons. The Stingrays run a multiple-look, pro-style o f ense that’s versatile and will feature many di f erent for mations. The old-school Ashwood doesn’t believe in airing the ball out every play and wants the pass-run ratio to be around 60:40. He runs dif ferent formations depending on what the defense shows, from shotgun to I-formation with two tight ends. Sumner will have to improve their of fensive line play to take the next step. Key players on o f ense feature sophomore receiver Tyler Williams, who had six catches for 169 yards, including a 50-yard catch against the Bulls, and junior running back Devin Spencer, who scored a rushing touch down and also recorded seven tackles on defense. Di f erence-makers on de fense include senior linebacker Keoni Denny, who recorded eight tackles (six solo) and one tackle for loss in week one, sophomore defensive back Jaidon Walker snagged an intercep tion, senior linebacker Al’Vondre Lewis had a sack and three tackles and senior defensive end Mekhi Slat er will get after the quarterback. Sumner has a tough schedule, hav ing to face Gaither, Wharton, Durant and Newsome. The Stingrays have a great chance to win their district if they can beat Newsome and Durant, which is no easy task, but beating Bloomingdale shows them, and the rest of the county for that matter,
Page 54 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9 New Friends. New Beginnings.
Called to Coach: Refections on Life, Faith and Football
Former Philadelphia 76ers player and Or lando Magic executive Pat Williams has be come a popular Christian speaker and au thor. This book is a collection of stories that describe how some of the biggest names in sports have used their faith to guide them through challenges both on and of the playing field. Christians have been able to make a name for themselves in amateur and professional sports.
This is the courageous saga of Kurt Warner, a man who refused to relinquish his dream or his belief in God’s guiding hand and went on to become the winning quarterback and MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV. More than just a thrilling sports story, this is also the intimate tale of how Kurt’s devotion to his family sustained him as he pursued his life long dream. On December 14, 2000, Sports Illustrated honored Kurt as one of its six sportsmen of the year.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Page 55Riverview/Apollo Beach EditionSeptember 2022
Fall Season
All Tings Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the Miracle Season
By Bobby Bowden
Called to Coach ofers an up-close and per sonal look at one of the winningest coaches in football history, Bobby Bowden. From his boyhood in Alabama to his 55-year career in college football, this book reveals never-be fore-published details of his life, including the tragic death of his grandson and son-in-law in a 2004 accident, and the details of his retire ment in 2009. Called to Coach is an inspiring story of a remarkable man and the unwaver ing faith in God that sustained him..
Triumph! Powerful Stories of Ath letes of Faith By Pat Williams and Ken Hussar
By Kirk Cousins Kirk Cousins is an NFL quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. He exhibited a passion for football at an early age and went on to play for Michigan State University. He is known both on and of the football field for his ex emplary leadership qualities and his commit ment to making a diference in the name of Christ, committing everything to the glory of God. In Game Changer , Cousins gives readers an inside look at his life and how he puts his faith and values into action.
Game Changer
Friday Night Lights, Game Nights & More
By Kurt Warner, Michael Silver
As we enter September, many of us are looking forward to the beginning of autumn, possible cooler weather and football season. Many families enjoy the fun of Friday night lights in high school and Saturdays in college stadiums across the country. Local sports can be the heart of a community and a time for fellowship with friends and other families. Whether your children are involved in the sports community by playing on a team or just enjoy watching sports, it’s an opportunity to share in comradery through the love of Christ. How does faith play a role in sports? In so many ways. If properly cultivated, being involved in sports develops character, values and a platform to demonstrate your faith and honor God. There are a multitude of athletes and sports figures that profess their faith through their sport, including Tim Tebow, Tony Dungy, Mike Singletary and Kurt Warner, just to name a few. Now is a perfect time to read about how athletics and Christianity can be a platform for testimony. 1 Corinthians 9:25 tells us in the New Living Translation, “All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.”
Page 56 Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition Volume 20, Issue 9
