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News From Te Wire
HOT OFF THE CHRISTIAN NEWS WIRE
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Bike Ride From Washington State To Florida Keys Raises Awareness Of Sex Trafcking Lauren Daigle Announces Five Additional Performances For Fall Tour
Silent Bridge, a Washington-based nonprofit that fights sex trafcking, has a supporter who is biking more than 5,000 miles from Blaine, Washington on the Canadian border to the Florida Keys. The #Bike4SilentBridge ride is self-funded with a goal of spreading awareness of sex trafcking and to raise at least $50,000 for Silent Bridge.
James (who only goes by his first name) has biked more than 1,500 miles. On day 25 of his ride, James crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and turned inbound. On day 32, he crossed the California-Nevada state line and went into Utah towards Colorado. His route will take him on the TransAmerica Trail through Kansas, Missouri and Illinois until he reaches the Underground Railroad Trail in Kentucky. From Kentucky, he’ll cut south through Mississippi before reaching Florida via the Southern Tier Route.
James is a retired father and grandfather. He visits local restaurants, bike shops and campgrounds on his ride, as well as organizations fighting trafcking in their local jurisdictions. To donate and see his journey, visit www.bike4silentbridge.com or his Instagram page @ bike4silentbridge.
Win A Trip To Te GMA Dove Awards
CCM Magazine and UMC Global Ministries are giving away two free tickets for a lucky couple to fly to Nashville, Tennessee for the 53rd annual GMA Dove Awards on Tuesday, October 18. The Dove Awards honors outstanding achievements and excellence in Christian and gospel music. The couple will receive round trip airfare to Nashville, two nights hotel stay, two premium tickets to the GMA Dove Awards and a $200 gift card for ground transportation during the trip. The contest allows entering once each day through Monday, September 5 by completing bonus entry options. The 53rd annual GMA Dove Awards will take place at Allen Arena in Nashville. Enter to win at www.ccmmagazine.com.
Two-time Grammy Award winner and multiplatinum selling artist Lauren Daigle has announced five additional performances for this fall, adding to her previously announced two-night special engagement at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. The exclusive shows will feature Daigle’s extensive catalog of her award-winning Christian music. Of the five new dates announced, three are in Florida, including in St. Augustine on Wednesday, November 2 and Thursday, November 3 as well as in Hollywood on Friday, November 4. For other tour information and to purchase tickets, visit www. laurendaigle.com.
Gospel Singer Leaves America’s Got Talent Judge In Tears Following Inspiring Performance
America’s Got Talent (AGT) judge Sofia Vergara was left with tears in her eyes following an inspiring performance on the talent competition show by 33-year-old Nashville, Tennessee-based gospel singer Ben Waites. During the July airing of AGT, Waites performed a rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” a song Waites — a Southern gospel singer and vocal coach — said is about hope. “The message of the song, I feel, is able to speak to people no matter their age, their race, their background. It’s able to communicate a message of hope,” said Waites. Born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and bound to a wheelchair, Waites ofers hope through the message of Christ.
Vergara cried, expressing how powerful the performance was.
“I’m carrying a lot of weight on my shoulders over it, not in the sense of being overly nervous or caring about winning,” said Waites. “That stuf doesn’t matter to me. What I’m more concerned about is appropriately and efectively showing the Gospel of Christ through this opportunity.” For more information, visit www.benwaites.com.
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529 PLANS: UNDERUSED BUT VALUABLE
In just a few weeks, students will be heading of to college – and parents will be getting out their checkbooks. Without a college-bound student in your home right now, you might not be thinking much about tuition and other higher education expenses, but if you have young children, these costs may eventually be of concern – so how should you prepare for them? It’s never too soon to start saving and investing. Unfortunately, many people think that they have a lot of “catching up” to do. In fact, nearly half of Americans say they don’t feel like they’re saving enough to cover future education expenses, according to a 2022 survey conducted by fnancial services frm Edward Jones with Morning Consult, a global research company. Of course, it’s not always easy to set aside money for college when you’re already dealing with the high cost of living, and, at the same time, trying to save and invest for retirement. Still, even if you can only devote relatively modest amounts for your children’s education, these contributions can add up over time. But where should you put your money? Personal savings accounts are the top vehicle Americans are using for their education funding strategies, according to the Edward Jones/Morning Consult survey. But there are other options, one of which is a 529 plan, which may ofer more attractive features, including the following: • Possible tax benefts – If you invest in a 529 education savings plan, your earnings can grow federally income tax-free, provided the money is used for qualifed education expenses. (Withdrawals not used for these expenses will generally incur taxes and penalties on investment earnings.) If you invest in your own state’s 529 plan, you may receive state tax benefts, too, depending on the state. • Flexibility in naming the benefciary – As the owner of the 529 plan, you can name anyone you want as the benefciary. You can also change the benefciary. If your eldest child foregoes college, you can name a younger sibling or another eligible relative. • Support for non-college programs – Even if your children don’t want to go to college, it doesn’t mean they’re uninterested in any type of postsecondary education or training. And a 529 plan can pay for qualifed expenses at trade or vocational schools, including apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. • Payment of student loans – A 529 plan can help pay of federal or private student loans, within limits. Keep in mind that state-by-state tax treatment varies for diferent uses of 529 plans, so you’ll want to consult with your tax professional before putting a plan in place. Despite these and other benefts, 529 plans are greatly under-utilized. Only about 40% of Americans even recognize the 529 plan as an education savings tool, and only 13% are actually using it, again according to the Edward Jones/Morning Consult study. But as the cost of college and other postsecondary programs continues to rise, it will become even more important for parents to fnd efective ways to save for their children’s future education expenses. So, consider how a 529 plan can help you and your family. And the sooner you get started, the better.
LOCAL SPECIALLY FIT ATHLETES EARN MEDALS IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES
By Nick Nahas
In early June, over 4,000 athletes competed in the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando. The state of Florida was represented by 600 athletes, including Specially Fit Foundation locals Omaries Rivera-Perez and Kyle Wilson. The pair of Riverview residents qualified for the track and field competition.
Rivera-Perez competed in the 400-meter run, 4 x 100-meter relay and shot put. She received second place in the 400-meter run and ran her personal best the day of the competition. Wilson participated in the 100-meter run, 200-meter run and 4 x 400-meter relay and finished in second place in his 100-meter preliminary races as well.
“This competition occurs every four years, and for both athletes to come from the same team is an incredible accomplishment,” said Specially Fit Foundation owner and head coach Mark Ol-
iver. “These are not just amazing athletes but also amazing individuals who worked extremely hard for this moment.” The USA Games had a packed stadium with thousands of people in attendance cheering on the athletes. Wilson, Photos courtesy of the Specially Fit Foundation. who was the young-
Omaries Rivera-Perez received second place in the 400-meter run and est on his team, was ran her personal best the day of the competition. voted team captain
by his coaches for his sportsmanship and character. He is also getting ready to enter high school and will try out for the track team. The Specially Fit athletes train at the BayCare HealthHub on Bloomingdale Avenue, working with trainers to hone their skills. “The feeling of competing in front of that many people was amazing, and I loved every second of it,” said Rivera-Perez.
Omaries Rivera-Perez competed in the According to Ol400-meter run, 4 x 100-meter relay and iver, the Specially shot put. Fit Foundation pro-
vides group workouts, Special Olympic training, socialization opportunities, animal therapy, group homes and teaches daily life skills to individuals with developmental disabilities, all free of cost. For more information, visit the website at www.speciallyfitfoundation.com.
DRAMA CLUB @ THE CENTER LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR STUDENT PROGRAMS
By Kelly Wise Valdes
In the fall of 2021, the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center’s public school outreach ambassadors met with area public school leaders to address hosting more safe social groups which could be available to children of SouthShore families regardless of their ability to pay. This spurred a plan to meet the need for afordable, fun and focused after-school enrichment activities, and Drama Club @ the Center was born.
The program was a success and enrollment reached full capacity in October 2021. The drama students learned the basics of acting as well as other theater elements. As the group progressed, the students collaborated to write and produce their own play. From the characters to the scenarios, storyline and surprises, Drama Club @ the Center participants were the driving force behind Mysterious Happenings, an original mystery play that was performed at the end of the school year. The drama students worked enormously hard to memorize their lines and give input to set design and costume development, all while practicing a new set of performance skills. The play was a great success and enjoyed by the community.
“As a theater kid myself, working with local children and youth to build their per-
formance skills is fun for me,” said Jennifer Glancy, children’s ministry coordinator. “I’m really proud of what our little drama club was able to accomplish in a few short months and can’t wait to see what next year’s performance will be.” With the growing number of
Drama Club @ the Center performed a self-written play at the end of the school year. students show-
Te club is looking for additional volunteers to staf the growing program for the ing interest in upcoming school year. the after-school
program, there is a critical need for volunteers. With more vetted volunteers, Glancy is hoping to grow the size and age ranges of the club. Positions for volunteers included drama teachers, van monitors, van drivers, grant writers, Sunday School and kids club teachers and program aids. “One of our greatest challenges still remains assembling a big enough volunteer team,” said Glancy. “So, if you have a love of theater, have a heart to work with children and have a desire to do good in the community, we welcome applicants.” While the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center is blessed to support the community through various after-school enrichment activities, donations toward facilitating Drama Club @ the Center and other programs and events for area children and youth are also welcome. “I am blessed to work with a church which values and invests in its community,” said Glancy. “They can see that providing area families with positive, edifying outlets for enrichment a worthwhile cause.” The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center is located at 1210 W. Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center. For more information, visit www.sccumc.com, email jennifer@ scumc.com or call 813-634-2539.
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MUST SAVE THE QUEEN WHEN MOVING HONEYBEE HIVES
By Madison Warden
Who do you call when you have a sticky situation of a hive of honeybees? Bruce Wayson, who is a retired veteran located in Dover and a honeybee keeper rescuing and rehoming the creatures. Honeybees are a vital part of our ecosystem, as they play a role in keeping our herbs pollinated. “Without them, 75 percent of our pollinated crops would disappear in a very short time,” Wayson said when asked about the importance of honeybees.
In addition to knowing why honeybees play a vital role in our ecosystem, having the knowledge on what to do when encountered with hives is key. Wayson has much experience in rehoming and rescuing hives that were in unlucky locations. In fact, he recently rescued a hive and queen from a cable box cover and rehomed them safely.
Wayson uses special beekeeping equipment, such as lemongrass oil, to motivate the hive to relocate. Lemongrass oil gives off a pheromone similar to that of a queen bee, and he uses it in a trap box, which is a wooden box, to help attract the bees and allow the
Photos courtesy of Bruce Wayson.
A queen cell with uncapped honey below and capped honey above.
rehoming process to begin. Following this, the honeybees keep their hives in certain conditions for survival. Wayson explained, “The bees keep the hive around 92 degrees. Keeping the hive at this temperature helps the development of the baby bees. Additionally, they fan the honey to evaporate the water in the honey. When bees bring
Honeybees working in their hives. On back the nectar, it’s around 80 the left are the eggs and the hatched percent water, so they fan it out are larva. to till it’s down 20 percent wa-
ter, and that’s when they cap it.” Wayson added, “If the honey has too much moisture/water in it, the ferment will go bad.” Wayson is a honeybee expert with much dedication to the profession, has seven years of experience helping them and has over 30 hives. To contact Wayson, calll 813-995-5768. For more information on beekeeping, contact the Florida Department of Ag riculture by calling 813-478-8975. Saint Anne Catholic Church -
~Masses~ Vigil Saturday 4:30 p.m. Saint Anne Catholic Church ~Masses~ Vigil Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8 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. ~Mass Schedule~ Saturday...........................................................Vigil............4:30 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. Saint Anne Catholic Church ~Masses~ Vigil Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8 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. Sunday 8 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. Recorded Masses can be viewed on St. Anne website (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page. Reconciliation Turs. at 6 p.m., Sat. at 3:15 p.m. For more information, please check the St. Anne website. For more information, please check the St. Anne website. For more information, please check the St. Anne website. U.S. Hwy. 41 • 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin Registration Now Open For
Registration is now open for the 2021-2022 Faith Formation year. Please call the ofce for more information. Registration is now open for the 2021-2022 Faith Formation year. Please call the ofce for more information. SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714 Formation 2022 - 2023 Year U.S. Hwy. 41 • 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714 U.S. Hwy. 41 • 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714
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TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART NAMES EDUCATION CENTER IN HONOR OF VINIK FAMILY’S GIFT
Staf Report
The Tampa Museum of Art’s (TMA) new education center will be named the Vinik Family Education Center in honor of a $5 million gift made by Jef and Penny Vinik to the museum’s $100 million Centennial Campaign for Renovation and Expansion.
“The Tampa Museum of Art is renowned for the value of its educational programs and its exceptional support for Hillsborough County students and teachers. We are delighted to advance that good work with this gift and to further contribute to the museum’s mission to educate, engage and inspire Tampa Bay residents and others around the world,” said Penny.
“The opening of our new education center is long-awaited for museum members, volunteers and other visitors. We are so thrilled to finally have a facility with a capacity to match the demand for our education programs, and we are grateful to the Viniks for their generous gift to help make this facility and the future growth possible,” said Michael Tomor, Ph.D., Penny and Jef Vinik executive director of the TMA.
The education center will serve as the temporary entrance to the museum while additional renovations are completed on the west side of the building. The first classes in the space will be the museum’s
Summer Art Camps. Including the Vinik family’s total $10 million gift, having also gifted $5 million in October 2019, the Centennial Campaign has raised $71 million toward TMA’s $100 million goal. With the education cen-
Jef and Penny Vinik. ter renovations complete,
the education space now includes four classrooms, a lobby, orientation spaces and a secure entrance. With these improvements in place, TMA anticipates quadrupling the number of students it serves
Photo courtesy of Paige Raburn. per year.
Te Tampa Museum of Art’s new New galleries are scheduled
Vinik Family Education Center, to open in the fall of 2022, named in honor of Jef and Penny and the groundbreaking for Vinik’s gift of $5 million toward the the expansion portion of the museum’s $100 million Centennial Centennial Renovation and
Campaign for Renovation and Expansion project is expected Expansion. to take place early next year.
The design of the entire renovation and expansion project is led by New York-based WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism. “We’re thrilled that the Vinik Family Education Center is the fitting and very visible first phase of the larger transformation and expansion of the Museum,” said Principal Architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi. The future expansion project will add a 4,000-square-foot auditorium. Culinary Arts classes on the third-floor rooftop area of the expansion will also add to its future education program oferings. For more information, visit http://centennial.tampamuseum.org.
Staf Report
Te marquee of Tampa Teatre for Film Tampa Bay Presents: Magic Mike, which is part of the Film Tampa Bay Presents series.
Film Tampa Bay helps to bring productions to Tampa Bay. Also known as the Tampa Hillsborough Film and Digital Media Commission, Film Tampa Bay is the first stop for many filmmakers. For those who wonder what it takes to bring films, commercials and TV shows to the Tampa Bay market, chances are it began with this organization.
Film Tampa Bay markets the Tampa Bay region as a premier filming destination with one of the most diverse and culturally rich landscapes in Florida. Film Tampa Bay exists within Visit Tampa Bay, the area’s tourism bureau, to help boost the overall marketing and economic development impact for Tampa Bay. Home to one of the leading commercial film markets in the U.S., Tampa Bay is home to not only diverse locations but also a deeply skilled crew base, exceptional accommodations, knowledgeable vendors and state-of-the-art production facilities and technology.
All public property permitting is processed through this ofce. Film Tampa Bay serves the cities and county as the liaison between productions and government ofcials
required to sign of on permits, significantly cutting the red tape for productions that choose to film locally. Film Tampa Bay is involved with the community as well, partnering with Tampa Theatre and other venues for free community events throughout the year. The new series, Film Tampa Bay Presents, is a quarterly event that takes place at Tampa Theatre and showcases films with a Tampa tie, whether it’s locations, talent or crew. Films that have screened as part of this series so far
include The ConjurJustin Long taking a selfe with guests of ing: The Devil Made the 2021 Gasparilla International Film Me Do It and MagFestival which opened with the flm Lady ic Mike. of the Manor (2021), which was Tampa Bay. flmed in Film Tampa
Bay was also the presenting sponsor of the Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF). For 15 years, GIFF has brought creatives, producers and students together to show of Tampa Bay to international guests and paved the way for new contacts and production companies to make their projects in Tampa Bay. Film Tampa Bay features a local crew on
the monthly podcast Loose Framing. Highlighting the careers of local creators, Loose Framing is an in-depth discussion about the
variety of roles required to make a film or commercial. Film Tampa Bay provides permitting and production services on behalf of Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, City of Temple Terrace and Plant City. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn, or visit www. filmtampabay.com.
TROOP 61 EAGLE SCOUT WINS DISTRICT AWARD FOR PROJECT
By Sofa Celis Avellaneda
Jacob Young and the badge of the Eagle Scouts, posing with his district award.
Local Troop 61 Boy Scout Jacob Young, has been named as the recipient of the Eagle Scout Project of the Year for the Timucua District. Young, a 17-year-old Newsome student who has worked extremely hard, earned the award for his project, a bat house in Gulf Hammock in Levy County, which can house up to 3,000 bats. Young started as a Cub Scout when he was 5, joined the Boy Scouts at 10 and finally became an Eagle Scout at 17.
According to Young, “My favorite memory would have to be my time on the Appalachian Trial with my troop’s hiking crew.” Prior to his award, Young hit some obstacles along the way with his bat house he built for the non-profit Future of Hunting in Florida. “The main obstacle would be my Eagle project being several hours away for the manual labor part of it,” Young stated. Young built his bat house with a budget of about $3,500, he himself raised for this project. Other than this award Young tells us that he has earned many other awards. Young said, “Beyond Eagle Scout and National Eagle Project awards, I’ve earned quite a few. The most stand-out one would be the four-star religious award.”. When asked if he had any advice for new kids joining the Boy Scouts, Young said, “There’s a lot of advice I could give, but the one I think is most important is to take the time to learn about what they are doing. When I started out, I rushed through things and didn’t get much of the early ranks.
jacob Young, 17, left, of Lithia is a student at Newsome High. He talks with Nick Digirolamo, who served as emcee for the Eagle Scout Reception, prior to the event. The ranks build of of each other and teach many important life skills.”
Young was recognised for his project and was named the council’s Eagle Scout Project of the Year. His project will now be entered into the competition for the National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year, sponsored by the National Eagle Scout Association. Congratulations to Young for receiving such an amazing award. For more information on Young and his award, you may visit http://www.bstroop61.com/
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