17 minute read
SPORTS
BY LILY BELCHER
On Saturday, September 25, the Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House opened to the public. The grand opening was hosted by Lou Piniella, former Major League Baseball player and manager, with guests Mayor Jane Castor and Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp.
Al Lopez was Tampa’s first Major League player, manager, and Hall of Fame inductee. The backstop played with four teams in his 19-year playing career in the Majors, posting a .261 batting average and holding the record for most career games as a catcher for 40 years. The Tampa native was a two time All Star and went on to manage 18 years until his retirement in 1969. Lopez was the first of 89 baseball players from Hillsborough County to play in the majors and lived in Tampa until his death in 2005.
His house was delivered to the museum sight a mile from its original location on May 15, 2013. The Ybor City Museum Society has restored the house and developed it into a museum that commemorates Lopez as well as Hillsborough County’s 88 other baseball legends. The museum now sits next to the Hillsborough County Sherif’s Ofce History Center on 19th street in Tampa’s National Landmark Historic District.
“We’ve been working on it ever since with rehabilitation and creating the exhibits and raising the money,” said President and CEO of the Ybor City Museum Society Chantal Hevia. “Museums take a while to build and we’re excited that we are here today
to open it.” The museum is curated by the Ybor City Museum Society. All memorabilia presented in the Tampa Baseball Museum was donated by Tampa locals, including Lou Piniella, the Tampa Bay Rays Organization, and Bertha and Tony Saladino. It features history on Tampa’s influence on baseball, from Al Lopez to Jake Woodford, Hillsborough Seats and home plate from Al Lopez Field. Tampa Bay Rays exhibit in the Al Lopez Museum. County’s most recent Major Leaguer. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm for guests who purchase tickets online (Adult tickets $12; seniors, military, and students $10; children $6). For more information, visit tampabaseballmuseum.org or contact the museum by email at info@tampabaseballmuseum.org or call 813247-1434.
Signed baseball by all 89 Hillsborough County Major League Baseball Players.
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THE VILLAGE PLAYERS RETURNS TO THE STAGE THIS OCTOBER
By Kathy L. Collins
After being dark for 18 months, The Village Players are performing again with a new, original play; The Village Players will present Domin Pazo’s Sunday School for Adults. The play will be presented over two weekends from Friday, October 8 to Sunday, October 17.
Pazo is The Village Players’ artistic director. He has been with The Village Players for 34 years as an actor, director and more.
Sunday School for Adults is about a young teacher who decides after a long hiatus to come back to church and teach an adult Sunday school class. What she soon realizes is she has six of the biggest misfits the church has ever seen. However, through fighting, laughing and some tears, everything turns out OK. The show is rated PG-13.
Pazo said of the show, “I wrote this show during the pandemic. Writing it helped me to be not so sad while the theater was not open.” He added, “The crew and cast are a great mix of some veterans and new people. They are all working hard.”
Pazo has been in over 200 shows, and he has directed over 50 shows. Pazo, in explaining the experience of writing and di-
recting the show versus acting in it, said, “I am so much more nervous. I think, what if they do not laugh? What if they do not like it? I will be very nervous until I hear those first laughs.” Even though the theater where The Village Players perform, the James McTe Village Players will perform a new, original play Cabe Theater, was written by its artistic director, Domin Pazo. Sunday closed to audiences School for Adults will be performed in October over during the last year two weekends. and a half, many of those connected to The Village Players stayed connected by working on the building doing upkeep and refurbishment. Pazo said, “Pete, our light and house manager, fixed a lot in the theater.” He added, “I want everyone to know that we are open, and we want you to please come back to the theater.” Sunday School for Adults will be performed on Friday, October 8 and 15 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, October 9 and 16 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, October 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. Regular admission tickets are $18 or $15 for students and seniors 65 years and older. An ID will be required. If you want to reserve seats for groups of 10 or more, tickets are $15. To reserve tickets or to get further information, please call 480-3147. The Janes McCabe Theater is located at 506 5th St. in Valrico.
LITHIA FAMILY CREATES A BRIT TO-GO FOOD REVIEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL
By Tatiana Ortiz
The phrase “We take the wife’s blue jeep, we go grab some grub and we have some fun along the way!” can be heard from Lithia resident Michael Knowles’ YouTube channel called ‘a Brit to-Go,’ which he and his family established in August of this year. His wife, Nicola Knowles, organizes everything and does the filming. Their 15-year-old son, Oscar Knowles, directs the videos and comes up with the creative ideas. Originally from Leeds in England, the Knowles family moved to the United States in 2009 and has lived in Lithia since July 2019.
A Brit to-Go puts a British twist to food reviews from takeout establishments within or out of the area while incorporating some entertainment to it, with Michael breaking out his guitar to sing a tune about the destination that he will be traveling to. He also makes at-home comical videos, such as impersonating a French chef conducting a cooking class and more.
With his palette not being limited to
any cuisine, he has tasted Greek, Italian, Cuban and other types of foods. For instance, Michael visited Moreno Bakery in Brandon and ate a Cuban sandwich. He pays for all the food he tries. Michael shared Lithia resident Michael Knowles eating a Cuban sandwich his thoughts on from Moreno Bakery in Brandon. what makes a Brit to-Go unique. “For one, I do not know anyone who starts of a food review by playing the guitar and driving of in a jeep,” Michael said. “To add, the reviews are meant to be an accurate reflection of the quality of that particular food.” Before heading out to a specific place, Michael does research online on what could be an ideal spot to showcase. He is also always open to recommendations. “All in all, we appreciate all of the support so far, and thank you to all of the establishments for the opportunity,” Michael said. Visit the YouTube channel at https:// bit.ly/3ka8wwI and the Facebook page by searching ‘a Brit to-Go’ for the latest videos or insights. Join the Facebook group https:// bit.ly/3hvKaM0 or email abrittogo@gmail. com for more information.
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THREE NEW EXHIBITS ARE COMING TO THE FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS
Te Florida Museum of
Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is opening its fall 2021 season with three new exhibitions celebrating natural beauty, family gatherings and childhood memories.
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is opening its fall 2021 season with three new exhibitions celebrating natural beauty, family gatherings and childhood memories.
“Fall is associated with family gatherings and connecting with friends and loved ones,” said FMoPA’s Executive Director Zora Carrier. “This fall, we invite your readers to start a new family tradition and visit FMoPA. We are bringing three exhibitions celebrating natural beauty, relationships with friends and loved ones and childhood memories.”
The first exhibition, “At Table” by Glenna Jennings, is a series of photographs taken at tables around the world, both in homes and restaurants.
“It cherishes the everyday connections we make around food, drink and culinary happenings,” Carrier said.
The second show is titled “The Fabric of Memory” by German American artist Astrid Reischwitz.
“Through combining old and new photographs, embroidery, napkins, wallpaper, cloth and other materials, Reischwitz revives her memories of growing up in a small, rural village in Northern Germany,” Carrier said.
The third and final fall exhibit is “Sea to Shining Sea,” drawn from the museum’s permanent collection. “It is a collection of stunning photographs of various parts of the USA that celebrate the eclectic beauty of this country and its people,” Carrier said. In the museum’s upcoming exhibitions, it will continue to focus on the issues that are important to Tampa Bay and its people.
“One of the projects, for example, will be dedicated to animal well-being and the complex emotional relationships between animals and humans,” Carrier said. “We will continue hosting member shows in our community gallery and we encourage photographers of all ages and skill levels to submit their work to FMoPA.”
Carrier and the team at FMoPA want to invite the community to find their ‘happy place’ at FMoPA.
“Whether it is a photography class, an inspiring art exhibition or a community get-together, we have something for everyone,” Carrier said. “We invite your readers to join our Happy Talks, a series of virtual conversations that focus on emotional well-being. The conversations are led by experts from various fields related to the overarching theme of ‘emotional wellness.’ So far, our speakers have included a couples therapist, a spiritual coach, an art therapy instructor and several psychologists. Join our conversations every first Tuesday of the month via Zoom.”
To learn more about the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, visit www.fmopa.org.
The museum is located at 400 N. Ashley Dr., Cube 200 in downtown Tampa.
By Libby Hopkins
TAMPA’S MOST HISTORIC MOVIE PALACE ANNOUNCES RETURN OF ITS POPULAR HALLOWEEN SERIES
By Kathy L. Collins
The Tampa Theatre will present its very popular A Nightmare on Franklin Street this month. The events will be held from Saturday, October 16 through Sunday, October 31. According to Jill Witecki with the Tampa Theatre, “Now in its ninth year, the series will fill Tampa’s most historic (and haunted) movie palace with all of your nightmare favorites, like classic horror films and creepy cult favorites.”
There will be two screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live floor cast and audience participation. The theater will ofer ghost tours and Late-Night, Lights-Of Paranormal Investigations. The elegantly gothic stylings of Phantasmagoria will be back this year with a Dark Carnival mainstage show. There will even be an evening of spooky campfire stories under the theater’s star-lit sky.
New this year, the Tampa Theatre will kick of the series with a free screening of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 16. This is a first in a quarterly series of community screenings designed to showcase Tampa Bay area films, filmmakers, actors and locations. Attendees will get to meet two of the film’s stars, Eugenie Bondurant and Paul Wilson. Tickets are
free, but RSVPs are required. Also new this year, the Tampa Theatre will ofer ‘Mummy & Me’ screenings of family favorites like Hocus Pocus on Monday, October 18 and The Nightmare Before Christmas on MonA Nightmare On Franklin Street is back at the Tampa Teatre for 16 nights of fright from Saturday, October 16 through Sunday, October 31. Tis day, October 25 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for nonmembers or year’s event includes a new signature event called $7 for Tampa TheSpiritsFest: ‘Backstage’. You will not want to miss atre Members. Tickthe ghostly fun at the historic movie palace located ets are free for kids in downtown Tampa. 12 and younger. You will not want to miss SpiritsFest: ‘Backstage’ on Saturday, October 30. Patrons can prowl never-before-seen corners of the majestic movie palace as they are regaled with tales of Tampa’s dead by Phantasmagoria’s skillful storytellers, each episode expertly paired with a creepy craft cocktail. Tickets are $100 ($90 for Tampa Theatre Members), and timed entry reservations will be available between 5-8 p.m. Attendance is extremely limited. The series culminates with a matinee showing of the 1922 silent horror classic Nosferatu. Artist-in-residence Steven Ball will provide live musical accompaniment on Tampa Theatre’s original Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. For times and tickets, please visit www. tampatheatre.org/nightmare. The Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. Franklin St. in the heart of downtown.
NEW WINTHROP ARTS MOBILE ART FACTORY ART EXHIBIT FEATURES MUSIC AND MUSICIANS
Winthrop Arts has a new exhibit created by the students who attend the Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory on display at Krazy Kup located at 101 EJ Arden Mays Blvd. in historic downtown Plant City. The exhibit was created with Lead Art Instructor, Bryant Martinez, and students from Hispanic Services Council in Plant City.
The theme of the current exhibit is music. Martinez said, “I wanted to do a theme based on music because Krazy Kup ofers live music. I wanted to pay homage to Krazy Kup for providing the art space in their courtyard so that the students’ art work can be shown in public. I also wanted to honor several of our supporters.”
Two of the supporters who are featured in the paintings are Dr. Roy Yanong (Dr. Roy) and Tad Denham. Dr. Roy is a founding board member of Winthrop Arts. Denham, who is retired from TECO, has supported Winthrop Arts from its inception.
Guests, the student artists and their families attended an artists’ reception at Krazy Kup on Thursday, September 23.
Josue Robiero, age nine, worked on the painting of Dr. Roy and his guitar. Robiero said, “My art looks beautiful, and making it was fun. My family said that they enjoyed seeing my artwork.”
Annabel Saavedra is the Community Coordinator for Hispanic Services Council in Plant City. Saavedra said, “The students made some beautiful pieces of art. It is very hard to pick a favorite. It is also hard not to smile when you see the kids’ little faces beam with pride as they admire all the canvases hung up on Krazy Kup’s brick wall. We had the fortune of having
Te new art exhibit on display at Krazy families come out to
Kup in Plant City features the artwork of share the special art students, like Josue Robiero, shown here with exhibition.” his art inspiration, Dr. Roy Yanong. Dr. Roy was among several supporters of Winthrop Arts who were featured in the latest exhibit. Saavedra added, “Krazy Kup’s art wall Te artwork is created in collaboration with speaks so much for artist, Bryant Martinez and the students in the livelihood of our the Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory. community. Every painting is unique with both personality and identity. It is all a mixing pot, reflecting what a community should be at its core- diverse, diferent backgrounds that blend together and unify to make up, build up and create a connection of people. We hope to continue our great partnership with Winthrop Arts and their Mobile Art Factory.” The Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory is a grant funded and community supported outreach program. Grant funding is received from the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and Suncoast Credit Union. For more information on Winthrop Arts and their programming, please visit www.winthroparts.org.
HAVE FUN VISITING AND SHOPPING AT THE 14TH ANNUAL WHISTLE STOP ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church in Valrico is holding its 14th annual Whistle Stop Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, November 6 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church is located at 604 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico.
Lauren Rosario is the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church fundraising chair. Rosario said, “We will have around 80 vendors. All of them are local artists. They will be ofering a variety of handcrafted or created goods for sale, including ceramics, wooden items, crochet, needle point, wreaths, jewelry, fashion accessories, indoor and outdoor home decor, quilts, face masks, candles, soaps, chocolates, hand-painted glasses, holiday ornaments, greeting cards, dog clothing and more.”
Rosario added, “The vendors will be located both inside and outdoors.”
Boy Scouts will be on hand selling food
and beverage as a fundraiser. They will have two booths ofering diferent types of food options. Parking is available across the street from the church. There will be volunteers on hand directing attendees where to park. Rosario said, “The 14th annual Whistle Stop Arts and Craft Show is a great event Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church in Valrico invites one and all to come to get started on holito their 14th annual Whistle Stop Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, day shopping. Because November 6 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Proceeds raised from the fair benefit the all of the vendors are church’s TLC Feeding Ministry. local residents, you are also helping to support local small businesses and individuals.” The annual arts and craft fair is also a fundraiser for an outreach program called the TLC (Transforming Lives for Christ) Feeding Ministry. This program is self-funded and organized and run by Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church volunteers. The program provides 800 hot meals every month to local residents in need. This program serves residents who live in Brandon, Valrico, Dover and other areas of Eastern Hillsborough County. In addition to being able to experience some great holiday shopping and support local artisans and businesses, you are also helping to provide much-needed hot meals to those in need. What better way would there be to spend a morning or afternoon during a glorious Florida fall day? For more information, please visit https:// hiepiscopal.org.
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