Osprey Observer 2019-02-BLFH by Osprey Observer

Bloomingdale/FishHawk

8 C E L E B R A T I N G

February 2019 Volume 18, Issue 2 Ph: 657-2418 1 7

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BYSA Hits Another One Out Of The Park Celebrating Its 50th Year

Local Farms Host Strawberry Challenge To Support Migrant Families

tled in behind the Y campus. “BYSA has become a community landmark,” said former player Rocco Cafaro. “The volunteers that run the park Players wearing uniforms have consisting of blue jeans and faithfully Bloomingdale baseball team maintained and shirt as coach presents a trophy in 1974. improved the facilities over the When the first umpire years, and it announced “Let’s Play Ball” at remains a vibrant a small private park on the corpart of a thriving ner of Lithia Pinecrest Road community. On and Bloomingdale Avenue 50 any given weekyears ago, it launched a sports end, the place is legacy that continues to presfilled with kids ent day. learning about The Bloomingdale Youth baseball and havSports Association (BYSA), foring fun.” Cafaro merly called the Bloomingdale Rocco Cafaro (C) played in mid- himself played Little League (BLL), will celelate 1980s at the BYSA fields. brate its 50th Anniversary by Sons Luca (L) age 11 and Marco baseball at these (R) age 13 have played since 4 fields in the midhosting a celebration event on years of age. late 1980s, conSaturday, February 23. The tinuing his career playing for morning will kick off at 11 a.m. on Field 2, Bloomingdale High School and making it featuring a guest speaker, past players, to the 1991 State Final Four team. Now, food vendors, bounce house, face painthe enjoys watching his two sons, Luca ing, dunk tank and more. In 1969, as the center of the commu- and Marco, play at the same fields since they were 4 years old. nity, this ballpark provided kids a safe These fields are the ‘Home Plate’ place to play baseball while learning about good sportsmanship. A half-century where all things happen in baseball and in life. Frank Mega is another player later, it is now a county park that has turned parent and board member, “BYSA grown from three fields into eight fields with 15 batting cages. Located at the cor- is a place where kids can get away and be themselves; interacting with kids of all ner of Bloomingdale Ave. and Culbreath walks of life and share in the love of the Rd., there are seven fields across from Continued on Page 9 the Campo Y and one field, Field 8 nes-

It is finally strawberry ing contest. The season and residents are Plant City singing invited to get their hands group NRG will also on some of the delicious perform on stage. fruit for a great cause this Teams for the month. The Sixth Annual challenge will Strawberry Picking include the Challenge, presented by Hillsborough County Monte Packaging, will Sheriff’s Office and take place at Fancy the Hillsborough Farms in Plant City on County Fire Rescue. Saturday, February 9, There will also be a and local strawberry fire truck on-site for lovers can help Florida’s children to explore. migrant children while “The event is a having fun. wonderful way to The Sixth Annual Strawberry Picking According to Amber bring the community Challenge to benefit the Redlands Christian Migrant Association will take together to celebrate Maloney, Director of place in Plant City on Saturday, Marketing with Plant the strawberry seaFebruary 9. City’s Wish Farms, son and enjoy a day strawberry growers from all over Florida on the farm, all for a good cause,” said participate in the fun challenge where Maloney. corporate teams pick fruit in a relay-style Sponsorship opportunities are still race. available. “This event brings the industry The celebration will take place on together to celebrate and appreciate Saturday, February 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 those who harvest our fruit,” said p.m. Fancy Farms is located at 3536 Maloney. “It is a very special event that is Dutch Loop in Plant City. For more informemorable for all those who attend.” mation, call 752-5111 or visit www.wishThanks to the sponsors, the event is farms.com. To learn more about RCMA, free to the general public who can purvisit www.RCMA.net. chase U-pick strawberries for $5 a quart. All money raised is donated to the Redlands Christian Migrant Association InThis (RCMA), a Florida non-profit that works Issue with more than 6,000 children in 20 Florida counties. The event raised FLIGHT TO HONOR TRIP ....................PG 3 $100,000 for RCMA in 2018 and in five years has donated $428,000 for the CLEWS VISITS RANDALL MS...............PG 4 charity, which focuses on serving the chilDISTRACTED DRIVING ......................PG 16 dren of Hispanic immigrants. “While the Strawberry Picking BUSCH GARDENS CELEBRATES 60....PG 22 Challenge has grown every year, the FLORIDA STATE FAIR ........................PG 35 heart of the event is simple,” said Maloney. “Bring the community together MOTORING ......................................PG 39 for a day of fun in the field to recognize CHALKLINES....................................PG 40 our valued farm workers.” Entertainment at the event includes SPORTS CONNECTION ....................PG 46 a face painter, balloon artist, Home Depot-sponsored wood work station for READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE kids, coloring station, cornhole, hula www.ospreyobserver.com hoop, DJ and strawberry shortcake eat-

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The 84th annual Strawberry Festival promises to be a ‘berry’ sweet time for those in attendance.This year it takes place from Thursday, February 28 to Sunday, March 10. Enjoy 11 days of family-friendly entertainment which includes fair food delights, concerts, rides, stage shows, attractions and exhibits. See full story Page 16.

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Page 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 18, Issue 2

February 2019

Page 3

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Retiring Environmental Scientist Receives NOAA Award For Conservation By Libby Baldwin

After 31 years with upland habitats that the Southwest Florida will support plant and Management District, animal life for decades retiring Chief Advisory to come. Environmental Scientist “Ecosystems Dr. Brandt Henningsen is aren’t any single type looking forward to watchof habitat; it’s a combiing the Tampa Bay nation of many that coastal ecosystem thrive, collectively provide thanks to 99 restoration opportunities for lots of projects completed over different wildlife,” said the decades by his Dr. Henningsen. “The ‘SWIM’ team. goal is to put back as Dr. Brandt Henningsen received much diversity and SWIM, or Surface the 2018 Dr. Nancy Foster Award complexity as we can Water Improvement and for Habitat Conservation for his 31 Management, is a stateand then let nature years of work restoring coastal ecosystems around Tampa Bay. take the lead.” mandated program established by the Florida legislature in The SWIM team began in 1989 with 1987. just over an acre of salt marsh planted on Dr. Henningsen, now 66 and living in a delta south of Port Manatee. In 2015, it Wesley Chapel, was either project mancompleted its largest project ever, the ager or co-manager for 58 of those 99 Rock Ponds Ecosystem Restoration projprojects. His leadership has restored ect, which established more than 1,000 nearly 3,000 acres around Tampa Bay. acres of habitat mosaics. “I’ve always really enjoyed what I’ve Its three land parcels, much of which had the opportunity to do,” he said. “I had been cleared for farmland or mining, found a niche that I found productive and are now completely restored and linked was giving back something to Tampa Bay by either water or mangrove forests. and the earth’s ecosystems in general.” Brand-new estuaries and wetlands His efforts, it turns out, were not were also created, establishing habitats going unnoticed. ideally situated for birds, small woodland Dr. Henningsen received an unexcreatures and fish nurseries that will suspected retirement gift when he was tain new populations of snook, redfish awarded the 2018 Dr. Nancy Foster and tarpon. Award for Habitat Conservation by the Out of nearly 40 applicants for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 2018 NOAA award, only two winners Administration (NOAA). were chosen, but Dr. Henningsen said “I am infinitely proud to have received the credit should also go to Tampa Bay’s this award,” said Dr. Henningsen of the long history of environmental activism honor, which recognizes exceptional and thousands of people working togethachievement and dedication to habitat er. conservation in the coastal and marine “I’d like to think that the projects I environment. “It was a major surprise.” work on will endure way past when I SWIM has restored 7.2 square miles shuffle off this mortal coil, and will keep of various coastal habitats, much of it being productive hopefully forever,” he completely wiped out beforehand. said. “I like the idea of leaving something The team designed a restoration behind.” concept that Dr. Henningsen calls “restorFor information, visit the Southwest ing habitat mosaics,” using a combination Florida Water Management District of estuarine, freshwater wetland and Website or www.watermatters.org.

Flight To Honor Schedules Fifth Mission For D.C. Daytrip

By Stacy Huisman

Flight to Honor of Polk Veterans Council is sponsoring its fifth mission to fly war veterans to visit national war memorials in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, April 30. The flight will depart from and return to Lakeland International Airport for the one day visit to Washington D.C. Established in 2013, Flight to Honor is a local area program modeled after the national Honor Flight program. Its mission is to safely transport area veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor for their service to our country. Flight to Honor also offers an opportunity for the community, both young and old, to express their appreciation for the service of WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans by celebrating their homecoming. Flight to Honor will fly 180 veterans and guardians to the nation’s capital for the fifth mission since 2013. All veterans are eligible to apply. The flight is free to veterans, and all veterans are eligible as long as they have not been on a previous flight. Gary Clark, Chairman of Flight to Honor and veteran, leads the charge in planning, organizing and executing these trips. Clark has been with Polk

Veterans Council for 20 years and has led Flight to Honor since its inception. “A veteran, his name was Ted, and his whole desire was to go on an Honor Flight. Ted was one of four brothers. Two of his brothers were killed during WWII, while him and his other brother came home. Two of his brother-in-laws were also killed in WWII. All Ted wanted to do was visit the memorial to validate what he had done in Normandy. Two days before Veterans Day last year, he was 97 years old and in the hospital. I went to see him. He told me not to tell to his wife, but that the Honor Flight was the greatest day of his life. He passed away later that evening.” Clark encourages the public to donate and support these special oneday trips. Whether through volunteering for orientation, sponsoring a veteran or becoming guardian, there are many ways the public can help. He also encourages the community to welcome home returning flights. If you are a veteran or know of a veteran that would be interested in April’s Flight to Honor, applications are now being accepted online at www.polkveteranscouncil.com, orr email FlighttoHonorPolk@gmail.com.

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Page 4

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Randall Middle School Civics Students Get A Clue About CLEWS

By Kathi Hayes

riculum. It was great to see the 45 civics students engaging in conversations with deputies on topics like guns on campus, vaping and other concerns as a middle school student.” One RMS seventh grader Davis Abdoney added, “It was a great experience for kids to see Randall Middle School (RMS) was recently selected as one of seven schools for a workshop with Community and Law Enforcement Workshops & Services, Inc. (CLEWS). The CLEWS program is a workshop conducted on public school campuses to encourage dialogue between youth and law enforcement of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Randall civic students investigated the 10 The workshop began with dispatrol cars, read each other the Miranda cussing topics of interest to students rights and turned on the sirens at the and also included exploring patrol cars, CLEWS workshop. eating lunch with the officers and planning what it is like to be a cop. My favorite part follow-up discussions with parents. The of the program was getting to see the goal CLEWS strives for at each school is inside of their cars and how they operto bring students and law enforcement ate.” officers together to discuss issues both CLEWS was inspired by the Policegroups take a vested interest in, whether Community Relations Workshops, origiat school, home or in the community. nally funded by the State of Florida in Principal Claire Mawhinney expressed 1985. Currently, the program is operated her gratitude, “CLEWS was a great by individuals who were part of the proopportunity for our students to share their gram 20-30 years ago, including CLEWS ideas and to see officers as real people. It program manager, Fred Hearns, who is created a positive connection between retired from the City of Tampa. young people and law enforcement.” For more information about Randall Brittany Carrillo, civics teacher at Middle School in Lithia, visit http://ranRandall Middle School said, “This prodall.mysdhc.org/. For information about gram correlates well with the civics curCLEWS, visit https://clewsprogram.org/. p and we in her ste p e p in w e n sa staff at Tw “Mom ha ted to the of b e re d in ca l r u e wonderf are forev ch su g in tak Rita Creeks for luiah!!” om. Halle M t e e sw r ou

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February 2019

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

County Advises Distance & Leashes On Pets To Avoid Urban Coyotes By Kate Quesada

Bloomingdalevores is the best proarea residents tection against having recently had the problems.” opportunity to FWC suggests that learn about one of if a coyote approaches, Florida’s most residents should immefeared residents. diately use a noisemakThe Florida Fish er or shout at the aniand Wildlife mal and wave their Commission arms. A solid walking (FWC) and stick or golf club is a Hillsborough powerful deterrent at County invited close range, but throwinterested citizens ing stones, a strong to the spray from a water Bloomingdale hose, pepper spray or Library last month a paintball gun can also to learn about coyotes and how to The Florida Fish and react if one is Wildlife Commission seen in both urban recently hosted a meeting at the and rural areas. Bloomingdales Library According to for residents interested Melody Kilborn, in learning more about coyotes. FWC Public Information Coordinator, the meeting provided attendees with information about living with coyotes, basic coyote biology, tips on how to reduce humanwildlife conflict and protecting pets from coyotes. “Coyotes have been reported in all 67 Florida counties and every state in the country with the exception of Hawaii,” said Kilborn. “Coyote sightings in and of themselves should not be alarming, however, unusual coyote behavior should be reported to your nearest FWC Regional Office.” work. In addition, a ‘coyote shaker’ can Examples of unusual coyote behavbe made by placing a few washers, pebior include a coyote that has lost its fear bles or pennies in an empty drink conof humans and is approaching people, tainer. chasing joggers or bikers or attacking But Kilborn’s number one suggesleashed pets, she added. tion is that residents not allow dogs or The meeting, which was led by a cats to roam freely. FWC Senior Wildlife Assistance “Most coyote attacks on pets occur Biologist, was scheduled after neighboreither at night or in the early evening hood leaders reached out to and early morning hours,” she said. Hillsborough County Pet Resources to “During those times especially, be careask FWC to educate residents on coyful if you’re going to walk your pet in otes. wooded areas or areas where there are “The FWC works closely with parta lot of other plants growing, which could ners to provide assistance and informaconceal coyotes. Also, keep your dog tion about fish and wildlife in Florida,” close on a short leash that is less than said Kilborn. six feet. Keep cats indoors. When cats Along with basic information about roam freely, their risk of injury from coythe animals and their habits, the meeting otes, domestic dogs and other threats is spent time focusing on keeping pets greatly increased.” safe from coyotes. For more information on coyotes, “Coyotes are not large animals and visit https://myfwc.com/conservation/yourarely pose a threat to people, especially conserve/wildlife/coyotes/. Residents adults,” said Kilborn. “Using common who suspect there is a coyote in their sense around coyotes and other carniarea should call FWC at (863) 648-3200.

Master Gardener Library Program: Wildlife

Wednesday, January 2, 2019; 6:30-8 p.m. Bloomingdale Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico Learn how to create a backyard habitat to attract butterflies and birds using native and local plants. Presentation is from Master Gardener Teri Brockway. Please bring a plant or other gardening item for a fun Plant Swap. Email Richard@seedroff.com or call 303-638-3917 for more info.

Social Security Benefits Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Thursday, January 10; Tuesday, January 15; Thursday, February 7 and Tuesday, February 19; Tuesday, March 5 and Thursday, March 21 at 5:45 p.m. HCC campus of The Regent, 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking your Social Security benefits; perfect for ages 58-67. Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave a message after 4:30 p.m.

Sporting Clay Challenge - Let's Shoot For A Cure For MS!

Friday, March 8 at 8-11 a.m. FishHawk Sporting Clays, 13505 Hobson Simmons Rd., Lithia Cost: $75 individual ($80 after 3/1); $280 Team of 4 ($300 after 3/1) Includes 50 Clay Targets, two boxes of Shells, BBQ lunch and soft drinks Trophies Awarded. E-mail info@teampango.com.

2019 Bay Area Renaissance Festival

Weekends: February 16-March 31; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Rain or Shine) Battle Axe Pub, Living Unicorn, Giant Puppet Troupe, Bow Blast, Armored Joust, Aerial Act. Discounted tickets are at Circle K and BayAreaRenFest.com.

Monthly Car Show & Cannoli

First Saturday of the month; 2-5 p.m. Beve Cibo, 5622 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia. Sponsored by First Light Home Care. 50/50 Raffle supports Relay for Life. $1 of every Sparkling Berries Cocktail donated back to Relay.

Tampa Bay Chief Petty Officers Meeting

Fourth Thursday of each month; 6:30 p.m. Tampa Buffet, 3904 S. Dale Mabry, Britton Plaza, Tampa For information, call Chuck Peterman, President – 767-1569

Parkinson's Support Group At Savannah Court Of Brandon

Third Tuesday of each month; 6 p.m. Savannah Court of Brandon, 824 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Call 643-6767 to RSVP with Rhonda Fournier, Executive Director.

Hawthorne Health & Rehab Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Third Thursday of the month; 2 p.m. 851 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon For more information or to register, call 661-8998. M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Congregation Beth Shalom

Shabbat Services – Fridays; 7 p.m. 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. All welcome. Call 681-6547.

Calling All Marines, FMF Corpsmen And FMF Chaplains

First Tuesday of the month; 7 p.m. Alafia American Legion Post #148, 7240 US Hwy. 301 in Riverview. The Sgt. Walter P. Ryan Detachment of the Marine Corps League is looking for new members. All Marines welcome. Other military branch members accepted too. Email mclsgtryan@gmail.com or call Ron Essick at 503-0390.

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Page 6

Volume 18, Issue 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Center Place Presents Its 28th Annual Wild Dame Night, ‘Art Rocks Comedy’

By Kathy L. Collins

Center Place will Rodriguez added, hold its 28th Annual "You can enjoy dinner, Wild Dame Night drinks, entertainment Celebration on and our Rockin' Saturday, February 23. Desserts. You can supThis fun Ladies Only port Center Place's arts event will begin at 6:30 programs while having p.m. Tickets are just a fun night out with the $60 per person. You girls." can also sponsor a As noted, all protable for eight for just ceeds from Center $700. Tickets sell out Place's Annual Wild fast, so get them quickDame Night will benefit ly. Center Place's arts Attendees will enjoy programming, which dinner, drinks, entertainincludes arts instruction ment and of course a for children and adults Rockin' Dessert Bar. The and Children's Theatre. theme for this year is "Art The latter is offered to Center Place’s wildly popular Rocks Comedy!" Attire is Wild Dame Night will be held on children and may be the Saturday, February 23. This casual. Attendees are only time some children year’s theme is “Art Rocks encouraged to wear their Comedy.” Get your tickets now get to see live theatre. favorite concert T-shirt Center Place is a as they sell out quickly. This is a fun way to support the arts. and jeans, or dress as registered non-profit. The your favorite rock star. organization was established in 1976, "Art Rocks Comedy" is a night of and since that time they have been music and laughs starring Kier. You will devoted to supporting the fine arts as well laugh at his great stand-up and spot-on as civic involvement. They support the musical impressions. Along with his Rock arts through instruction and hosting Impressions, a highlight of the show is events that feature exhibits of art. The Kier's History of Rock Guitar Riffs. Kier's next art exhibit will be the Third Annual impressions include Sting, Springsteen, Square's Off, a national art competition. U2, Neil Young and many more. Center Place is located at 619 Lisa Rodriguez, Director of Marketing Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. To get your for Center Place said, "With each year tickets to this year's Wild Dame Night, comes a new theme for the ALL Ladies please visit Center Place Monday through Night Out. The year is 'Art Rocks Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call 685Comedy' with internationally known gui8888. For more information on all of tarist/comedian Kier. It will be a great Center Place's events, please visit night of music and laughs." www.centerplacebrandon.org.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Compost, Microirrigation And Rainwater Harvesting Workshops At Extension

W W W

O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R

C O M

By Lynn Barber

If you have not pretion conserves water viously attended these and is excluded from three workshops on a our current watering Saturday at the restrictions. By attendUniversity of Florida ing, you will receive a Institute of Food and microirrigation kit. Agricultural Sciences Learn how to har(UF/IFAS) Extension vest rainwater with a Hillsborough County, we Rain Barrel made from hope you will attend, a 55 gallon plastic foodand you will be in for an grade drum. Recycling educational feast. Make food-grade barrels is plans to register and useful in collecting rainspend an upcoming water for ornamental Compost Happens is one of three Saturday morning, plant irrigation while workshops offered in upcoming March 2, April 6, May 4, reducing erosion and months and is open to Hillsborough County residents. June 1 or July 13, at the stormwater runoff. One Compost, Microirrigation and Rainwater inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot of roof Harvesting workshops at its office in provides 623 gallons of water. In our Seffner. Workshops are for Hillsborough area, we receive 50-52 inches of rain per County residents, one time only, one set year. This means all of us could harvest of items per household and pre-registrain excess of 31,000 gallons of water for tion is required. landscape irrigation instead of using If you want to learn how to create potable water. By attending, you will your own compost, attend the Compost receive a drilled and spigoted rain barrel. Happens workshop and learn how to turn By attending one, two or all three trash into treasure. This workshop teachworkshops, you will expand your environes attendees to recycle kitchen and yard mental conservation education and have waste while creating a rich soil amendfun while learning something new. Cost to ment. Compost adds nutrients to the soil attend is $5 per household, per workand retains moisture in the root zone shop. For additional information and to where it can be used by plants. Instead of register, visit http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborhauling your yard waste to the curb, com- ough/upcoming-events/. Workshops are post it on-site. By attending, you will sponsored by UF/IFAS Extension receive a compost bin and thermometer. Hillsborough County, Tampa Bay Water, Come to a Microirrigation workshop City of Tampa Water Department and which teaches you how to have a healthy Hillsborough County Public Utilities. and attractive landscape while conserving Call 744-5519, or visit 5339 CR 579 water. Tips on installing and using microir- in Seffner where Florida-Friendly rigation are presented. Using miroirrigaLandscapingTM can be seen in action!

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

The Angel Foundation’s Annual Charity Golf Classic Moves To New Location

Staff Report

Pictured are the celebrity guests from the 2018 Charity Golf Classic.

The 17th annual Angel Foundation Charity Golf Classic will be held on Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16. Formerly known as the Greater Brandon Community Foundation, the nonprofit is proud to announce its new venue on the beautiful Club Renaissance golf course in Sun City. This year’s event kicks off with the Celebrity Pairings Party at Sunset Grill at Little Harbor on Friday night. The evening will include food, drinks and its exclusive Celebrity Auction where golfers will bid on their favorite celebrities to golf with on Saturday. The Celebrity Pro Am Golf Tournament begins on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Club Renaissance with registration and lunch. The shotgun start is at 1 p.m. In keeping with tradition, golfers will enjoy a generous player’s package featuring food on the course from local restaurants, course competitions and an award ceremony at the completion of the tournament. “We have been told that our tournament, our biggest fundraiser, is one of

the best in the state, and we are blessed to have our sponsors, celebrity guests and golfers come back year after year to help us raise money for the foundation,” said Liz Brewer, the executive director. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundation Angel Program, which helps families in the Greater Brandon community affected by a life-threatening illness or catastrophic event. When a family faces a terminal diagnosis or catastrophic event, their primary focus is caring for their loved ones. The practical day-to-day things often taken for granted when all is well are no longer a priority, but they still must be done. The Angel Foundation partners with local businesses and individuals in the community to meet those practical needs. Every family goes through home assessment by an ‘Angel Team’ to determine their needs, and if a financial need exists, the nonprofit will assist them on a temporary basis until they can get back on their feet. Since 2006, the foundation has helped more than 750 families in a variety of ways. For more information about the foundation, visit www.BrandonFoundation.com or call 689-6889

2/28/19

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Volume 18, Issue 2

Shoot For Those Who Shot For U.S. Event Supports Area Honor Flights

By Stacy Huisman

said picking this charity was their company’s way to give back to the greatest generation. “We chose these charities because it’s a beautiful way to say thank you to our veterans for their service. We have seen firsthand, by being guardians, how this day of appreciation can change a soldier and help them to feel the love that so many people want

Guardians, the Wilson family, in Washington D.C. for local Honor Flight with two WWII veterans.

Shoot For Those Who Shot For U.S is a local clay shooting fundraiser benefiting two area Honor Flight programs. The event will be held on Friday, February 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the FishHawk Sporting Clays Club located at 13505 Hobson Simmons Rd. in Lithia. Clay shooters at a previous Shoot For Those Who All funds raised will support Shot For U.S. two local Honor Flights–Honor them to feel.” Flight of West Central Florida, which is Wilson also says witnessing veteraffiliated with Honor Flight Network, and ans of different conflicts supporting each Flight to Honor of Polk Veterans other was a moving experience. Council. “I have a friend who went on the The mission of the Honor Flights flight as a guardian. He is a veteran of and Flight to Honor is to transport veterVietnam, and watching his pride and his ans of WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars emotions change throughout the day to the national memorials in Washington was breathtaking. Here is a man who D.C., honoring their service and coverwas never welcomed home with ing all expenses associated with the applause, walking a WWII veteran off of flight. According to Honor Flight a plane, and seeing so many people Network’s website, more than 35,000 cheering, clapping and thrilled to see veterans are on the waiting list for its them get off the plane changes a perprogram. Since 2005, the network has son for the better. “ flown more than 21,000 veterans to the The Shoot For Those Who Shot For nation’s capital. U.S event is open to everyone and all Cardinal Roofing started the event skill levels. Children are welcome but in 2013, raising more than $60,000 must be well-supervised. For more inforsince the inaugural event. Bridget mation on the event or how to sign up, Wilson, part owner of Cardinal Roofing, contact Cardinal Roofing at 689-7663.

February 2019

Page 9

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

BYSA 50th Anniversary...Continued From Page 1 By Kathi Hayes

game,” he said. “For myself, I enjoy teaching and leading the players in on and off the field lessons that will help them grow into good stewards to pass on the lessons and love to the next generation.” Mega was born and raised in Valrico, and he started at BLL at a young age with T-Ball and continued playing for about 10 more years. After Mega attended Florida State Frank Mega (C) played from T-Ball to the 15 year old University, he continued living Juniors program (1981-1991). Now, Drew, age 12 and Mallory, age 10 have been playing on the same fields in Valrico. A board member since age five.

“I played baseball from 1987-91 and it was the best place to not only play for a quality league, but to have pickup sandlot-type games with friends there as well. Now, my daughter is entering her 10th season playing.” He continues, “I drive home the importance of playing for Jim Delaney at age 15 (L) in 1988. Coaching his daughter, your local community to my daughter and she Paige at a softball tournament. enjoys playing and learnsince 2013, he now enjoys watching his ing the game of softball while representkids enjoy the BYSA’s sports programs. ing our park around the Tampa Bay area It takes a village to be successful. As and afar.” BYSA celebrates a successful 50 years, it Please join BYSA to celebrate its recognizes all the volunteers who keep 50th Anniversary on Saturday, February the fields well maintained, parents who 23 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It is located at continue to support their children, board 2215 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. members who make decisions for For more information about the 50th improvements and especially coaches Anniversary celebration or to register your who positively impact each player. child for next season, call 684-8422 or Proud parent Jim Delaney was visit http://bysa.website.siplay.com/. another player who returned to the fields,

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Page 10

Volume 18, Issue 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Local Digital Marketing Experts Offer Free 1 Hour SeminarStaff Report

Running a business figured out that we is hard. could provide a unique On top of doing learning environment to what you do best, you provide small business are trying to figure out owners that knowlyour website, manage edge.” social media, make sure West to East your customers are Consulting (A Tampa leaving good reviews, Based WordPress, obtain leads and the list Digital Marketing and IT goes on and on. Consulting Company) It is enough to make owner Jeremy Bernstein many of us feel overJeremy Bernstein is a former exclaimed, “As a former educator who is now an whelmed when it comes school teacher who has expert in digital marketing. to marketing your small now spent many years business. in the digital marketing Two local business space, I realized that owners have repeatedly there is a need in our helped clients time and community for a place time again tackle these for small business ownexact problems. And ers to learn digital tacafter jointly working on tics to make their busiseveral projects and nesses stand apart and having many conversaultimately obtain more tions, Jamie Wolf and customers.” Jeremy Bernstein decidOn March 6 at 8 ed that there needs to p.m., the team will be be more for small busioffering a FREE oneJamie Wolf owns a digital nesses looking to up hour seminar titled, marketing agency and their game. enjoys helping businesses. “Why having a website Jamie Wolf, owner is even more important of the digital marketing agency The in 2019. And why you shouldn’t rely J. Wolf Group mentioned, “We solely on a Facebook business understand that, as a business page.” owner, you’re spending valuable time The seminar will be held at the providing a service or product to FishHawk Martial Arts Academy your customers and don’t have the located at 15272 FishHawk Blvd. resources to keep up with the everTo register and for additional changing trends when it comes to information, visit https://westtoeastdigital marketing. This is where we consulting.com/free-seminar.

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February 2019

Page 11

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Local Homeschool Students Can Learn Martial Arts From An Olympian

By Libby Baldwin

Back in 1997, Miami Ferguson could have native Dr. Rhadi gone anywhere. Ferguson took a risk. So he opened his Dr. Ferguson, now own judo school in a 43, had just graduated modest 1,200 sq. ft. with a degree in mechanbuilding on ical engineering and Falkenburg Rd., taken a desk job, but a where he teaches lifelong passion for marnightly classes to tial arts instilled by his all types of learnparents just would not ers, including those burn out. on the autism So he quit his postspectrum. He now Dr. Rhadi Ferguson jokes with students during his January 15 college career before it offers weekly classes evening class really began and moved to local homeschool to the Olympic training center, ultimately students. competing in Athens in 2004 with Team “I coach. I teach. It’s what I do,” said USA Judo. He earned his master’s Dr. Ferguson, who has taught exercise degree and Ph.D. in education while science courses at UCF, UT and HCC. simultaneously training for the Olympics. Dr. Ferguson’s focus is on self“The Olympics was tumultuous and defense and good citizenship. His key to educational at the same time; it takes a effective teaching is getting to know how lot from you, but you learn so much about each child learns and is disciplined in his yourself through the process,” said Dr. or her home. Ferguson. “You learn how tough you are “The educational system thinks if and how tough you aren’t.” you’re not teaching K-12, you’re not Although the gold medal went to his teaching,” he said. “But I have every type teammate Jimmy Pedro, Dr. Ferguson of learner in here.” said he is proud to have finished as one Dr. Ferguson wanted to give homeof the 16 best judo athletes in the world in schooled students the chance to learn his weight class. social skills and conflict resolution in a “I won the opportunity to walk around healthy environment, one that “doesn’t and say ‘I’m an Olympian!’” he said with a belittle them; where they can be empowlaugh. “People always ask if I won the ered and see what happens when iron gold, and I reply by asking how many sharpens iron,” he said. Olympians they already know. There just Homeschool classes are available aren’t a lot of us walking around on the every Wednesday for $60 per month, and planet.” are open to ages 6-18. An award-winning judo coach with a To sign up for classes, call 501-2827 dizzying list of accomplishments, Dr. or visit www.tampafloridajudo.net.

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Volume 18, Issue 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

WE LOVE SOLD SIGNS! Can we help you move in 2019? It's what we do best! LD

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Page 13

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

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Page 14

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Learn And Play Tampa Bay Prepares Local Children For Kindergarten

By Libby Hopkins

The Glazer a week for 90 minutes, Children’s our van drives into Museum is select communities going outward throughout into the commuHillsborough County nity with its and sets up at a comLearn & Play munity center, church Tampa Bay to or local library,” Ariasboost kinderSteele said. “The room garten readiis divided into learning ness by fosstations consisting of The Glazer Children’s tering their littents, tunnels, books, Museum is going outward into tlest learners’ the community with its Learn train stations, balance curiosity to & Play Tampa Bay to boost beams, arts and crafts, kindergarten readiness. learn, grow and and puppet theaters. thrive through play, empowering parents These stations encourage little learners to to be confident and knowledgeable teach- engage in art, early writing, numeracy, ers and building a network of mutual sup- STEM, gross motor and imaginative play, port among the families they serve. all the skills needed before entering “The museum started a new initiative Kindergarten.” Caregivers and their little this year to increase its impact within the ones play side by side with other families, community of Tampa Bay as an educaengaging in cooperative play and joining tional resource with its after-school protogether in group circle time to sing grams and field trips for Title 1 schools,” songs, listen to bilingual stories and pracsaid Learn & Play Tampa Bay’s Director, tice following routines just like they would Sara Arias-Steele. “With Learn & Play at school. Tampa Bay, the museum wanted to go The program is completely free further in extending its influence as an thanks to generous funding by the educational institution to tackle the issue Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. of kindergarten readiness within Tampa “All families are asked to please pre-regBay. With 50 percent of children entering ister before attending one of the site locaschool not ready in 2018, the museum tions,” Arias-Steele said. “Our current felt a social responsibility to aid in the locations are in East Tampa (Cyrus efforts by other institutions, such as the Green Community Center) and SeffnerChildren’s Board of Hillsborough County.” Mango Library branch.” The program is in essence a mobile If you would like to learn more about museum, taking the creativity and playful- the program, visit learnplaytampabay.org ness at which the Glazer Children’s or contact Arias-Steele at sariasMuseum excels and embedding it within steele@glazermuseum.org or 833-426their lessons and learning stations. “Twice 7529.

Volume 18, Issue 2

February 2019

Page 15

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Newsome Hosts Distracted Driving Event, ‘Trauma Is No Accident’ By Kate Quesada Newsome Office will High School stualso be on dents will get a site offering dose of reality information this month. The and will disschool is hosting play a vehia distracted drivcle at the ing event on school that Tuesday, was wrecked February 26 due to disNewsome High School is hosting a distracted titled ‘Trauma is tracted drivdriving event, which is open to the public, on Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. No Accident’, to ing. teach students and parents the dangers “The vehicle is an impactful stateof distracted driving that can lead to ment reminding teens visually of the accidents and physical trauma to others. results of distracted driving,” said According to Peggy Clarkson with Clarkson. John Clarkson Allstate, whose office is Attendees will be able to pick up sponsoring the event, the program is literature, including student and teen presented by More Health and the driving contracts, and during the event, Newsome PTA and is open to the public. residents will be asked to take a Families with children of all ages are pledge not to text and drive. There will invited to attend. also be a raffle from Clarkson Allstate “It is all about focusing on the road,” and giveaways. said Clarkson. “Cell phones, music, food “As a local insurance agency, we and friends are distractions that can lead want to provide awareness and help to trauma.” everyone stay safe on our roads,” said During the event, an interactive Clarkson. “Every day we talk to teens game will show students how simple and parents on safe driving and want tasks, coupled with driving, become everyone in our community to undercomplex and dangerous. stand that what you do behind the “Factual stories and simulations wheel of a car can change your life emphasize the importance of wearing and someone else’s forever. We all a seatbelt and not texting or drinking have seen the increase of accidents and driving,” said Clarkson, who startdaily and we can do our own part in ed sponsoring the event in the fall of driving safely with no distractions.” 2017. “Students and parents gain an The event will take place February understand of brain and spinal cord 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Newsome auditoinjuries and the process of rehabilitarium, located at 16550 FishHawk Blvd. tion.” in Lithia. For information, call Clarkson The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s at 263-2994 or the school at 740-4600.

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Page 16

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 18, Issue 2

The 84th Annual, 2019 Strawberry Festival Is Sure To Be A Hit The 84th annual Strawberry Festival promises to be a ‘berry’ sweet time for those in attendance. This year, it takes place from Thursday, February 28 to Sunday, March 10. Enjoy 11 days of familyfriendly entertainment which includes fair food delights, concerts, rides, stage shows, attractions and exhibits. The Festival represents the fabric of American life which is woven into the Festival through its social events, contests, youth programs, top-name entertainment and parades with glorious floats and marching bands. It continues to preserve and enhance the agricultural and historical legacy of the Florida strawberry. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. daily. Midway times vary. General admission is $10 for ages 13 2019 Strawberry Festival Queen Kendall Gaudens, along with First Maid Madilyn Conrad and court members Kennedy Cullins, Jada Brown and Olivia Frazier, can be and up. Children 5 and under are seen at festival events throughout the grounds. admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Children 6 to 12 require a youth ticket purchase of $5. Each year, more than 500,000 visitors enjoy all the Festival offers, including its signature strawberry shortcake. Other ways to enjoy Plant City’s fresh strawberries while visiting include Strawberry Fudge, Strawberry Fritters, Strawberry Kettle Korn, Strawberry Cream Puffs, Deep Fried Strawberry Cheese Burst as well as lots of other The 84th annual Strawberry Festival will take place from Thursday, February 28 to Sunday, fair foods for you to feast on. March 10. Kendall Gaudens, a senior at Cullins, Jada Brown and Olivia Frazier, community events throughout the year. Plant City High School, was crowned can be seen at festival events through“Once again, we have an outstandthe 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival out the grounds, including on the Wish ing group of young ladies who will repreQueen from a field of 31 contestants. Farms Soundstage before each of the sent us well for the 84th year,” said She, along with First Maid Madilyn 24 headline entertainment shows and at President Paul Davis Conrad and court members Kennedy

By Michelle Colesanti

There is no place better than the Strawberry Festival to catch some of your favorite concerts. Favorites such as Alabama, Willie Nelson, Kool & The Gang, Styx, Martina McBride, Chris Janson and Old Dominion will take to the Wish Farms Soundstage. Reserved seats for headline entertainment shows are available at the Amscot Main Ticket Gate located at 2209 W. Oak Ave., in Plant City. An additional ticket office located on the SW corner of the TECO Expo Hall will be open during the Festival to sell any remaining reserved seat tickets. With your paid admission, there is also a lot of free entertainment to enjoy. In the Publix Showcase Tent, Dennis Lee takes the stage daily at 12 Noon, 2 and 4 p.m. most days. The 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Battle of the Bands will take place Thursday, February 28, Tuesday, March 5 and Thursday, March 7 at 6 p.m. In the Kellogg’s Strawberry Tent, you can watch Kari & Billy daily at 12 Noon, 4 and 7 p.m.; Kazual daily at 1, 3 and 6 p.m. and The Walker Boys daily at 2 and 5 p.m. All around the grounds there is plenty to check out, including the Paul Bunyan Lumberjacks vs. Lumberjills daily at 12 Noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Additional 6 p.m. shows are on Saturdays and Sundays. The Pompeyo Dog Show takes place daily at 12:30, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., and enjoy the silly fun at the Robinson’s Racing Pigs, which runs daily at 11 a.m., 12 Noon, 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Youth Livestock Shows will take place throughout the Festival days.

February 2019

Page 17

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

A+ Hearing Center Facilitates Life Changing Donation For Local Child

A Simpler Place Farm & Market Receives USDA Grant To Grow Agritourism

Chris and “After I posted, Don Guiley coora couple of angels dinated a donasurfaced,” said tion last month Melissa. “Chris and that changed a Don gave our boy local child’s life. the best Christmas The Guileys, gift and miracle: Gibsonton resithe ability to hear dents, own A+ again.” Hearing Center According to in Sun City Chris, after hearEleven year old Zachary Poirier recently Center, and ing about received a donation of a new hearing aid after his was destroyed thanks to help from local when they heard Zachary’s misforbusiness owners Chris and Don Guiley. about 11-yeartune, she knew old Zachary Poirier, they did not hesitate she had to help. to offer help. “I contacted one of my suppliers, Zachary, a student at Liberty Middle Starkey Hearing Technologies in School in Tampa, suffers from significant Minnesota, and we worked together to hearing loss and has been wearing get the right equipment for Zachary as hearing aids for four years. Last month, soon as possible,” said Chris. “I told my his property, including the $5,000 hearrepresentative that I didn’t want Zach’s ing aids, was destroyed in the school family to have to pay for the hearing aids locker room while he was in PE class. and they made that happen.” “They cut the straps off his backThe whole Poirier family is pack, crushed his cell phone, took the impressed by the new equipment, which camera out of the phone, cut up his Chris said is valued at more than $6,500 jacket and cut up and destroyed his retail. hearing aids,” said his step-mother Through their business, A+ Hearing Melissa Poirier. “I am just completely Center, the Guileys work with those flabbergasted that some kid would do affected by hearing loss, treating each this to another person’s belongings and patient as an individual and offering speto a kid’s hearing aids. Without his hearcialized service. “We are in the business ing aids he is not able to learn in of helping people here and are just so school.” glad this worked out for Zach,” said Melissa posted on Facebook about Chris. “The look on his face when we the loss of the equipment and the fact gave him the equipment was priceless.” that they can not be covered by insurA+ Hearing Center is located at ance, and she was quickly contacted by 1647 Sun City Center Plaza, Ste. 203 A Chris, who she knew from a networking and can be reached at 642-8200. Visit group. www.aplushearingsuncity.com.

A Simpler want to promote Place Farm & local food and proMarket, located at vide small farmers 9903 Carr Rd. in with a place to sell Riverview, is a their food.” great local Watley started resource where A Simpler Place in the community 2012. “I had a can connect with poor relationship sustainably with food, and I sourced, local wanted to seek out food. A Simpler real whole food. I Place promotes realized there the good, slow were other people food movement. who felt the same They do this way,” explained Renee Watley, owner of A Simpler Place Farm Watley. A Simpler through a farm & Market in Riverview, will be expanding her market store, agritourism thanks to a three-year grant from Place started as the USDA. delivery of local food delivery servand organic food boxes and offering ice. It then expanded into a farmer’s exciting rotating monthly events. market and now they have expanded A Simpler Place is owned by Renee into a brick and mortar building comWatley. It is situated on a beautiful three plete with a store, kitchen and commuand one quarter acre of land nestled on nity event space. Carr Rd., just off of Boyette Rd. It conThe USDA Grant will allow A sists of the farmer’s market, which is Simpler Place to expand store hours open Wednesday through Friday from and bring more local, organic food to 10 a.m.-6 p.m., on Saturday from 9 the community. The grant will also allow a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 them to expand their partnership with p.m. They have gardens, a chicken Suncoast Compost, which is run by Kali coop, bee hives, an outdoor community Rabaut, who is also the Education event space and a compost run by Director for A Simpler Place. Suncoast Compost. Rabaut said, “This place is not just Recently, A Simpler Place was about food. It is a place where you can awarded a three-year grant from the broaden your mind and appreciation of USDA. The grant will be used, in part, what it means to be human.” to grow agritourism in Riverview at A For more information on the food Simpler Place. Watley said, “We want to boxes, classes, camps and events be the resource in the community that offered by A Simpler Place, please visit helps connect you to your food. We www.asimplerplace.farm.

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Page 18

Volume 18, Issue 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

DayDreams Day Spa Makes Medical Aesthetics Shine With New Med Spa

By Elisa Santana

Skincare has always device and discuss the been something everyone issues you are having with wants. We want the healthiyour skin. She then tailors est and as-close-to-perfect a treatment plan to make skin, and we want quick prosure you get your desired cedures that offer the best results. results. In fact, research Aside from the med shows that medical aesthetspa, DayDreams offers ics is on the rise, reaching many other services. They nearly $17 billion by 2023. offer massages, waxing, “During my pregnancy, I nail treatments, body and had a lot of issues with skinDayDreams Day Spa’s Dr. facial treatments, tanning care and I did a lot of and more. The owners, Victoria Morin. research. Aesthetics husband and wife is where skincare is Benjamin and moving right now,” Nikiya Keller, took Nikiya Herron Keller, over the spa four owner of years ago. The spa DayDreams Day was opened in Spa, said. 1999 by an aesDayDreams Day thetician who wantSpa knows how ed to create a important skincare is, peaceful experiwhich is why it is ence for every cusopening its very own tomer. med spa where you The Kellers One of the treatment rooms patients can enjoy in peace. can get medical have tried their consultations, hardest to keep Botox, chemical that same goal. peels and more. “You can And leading the get a great med spa will be service anymedical aesthetiwhere. We are cian Doctor about experiVictoria Morin. ences. You can Originally bring your from Ontario, mother or anyCanada, Dr. one who has Morin started done a great with her own thing for you or practice in family is tired and you Another treatment room patients can enjoy in medicine. She want to give peace. and her husband them a great moved to Florida in 2005 where he pracday, this is the place to do it. We will ticed Orthopedic Surgery and she stayed make sure to give them positive experiat home to raise their three children. She ences,” she said. “We have tranquility became interested in medical aesthetics, rooms, mimosas, snacks and fruits. It’s searching for the best cosmetics and not just about the service, it’s about relaxskincare products. After living in Florida, ing. It’s about taking a time to breathe she became even more focused on preand decompress.” ventative care. Both the Kellers and Dr. Morin also “In Florida, we are exposed to the make sure that all the products are natusun for a majority of the year. This can ral and effective. They use brands such cause a whole host of issues, the least of as Environ, Pevonia and DefenAge. Each which are hyperpigmentation and discolproduct has been tested by Dr. Morin heroration,” she said on the DayDreams Day self to ensure they give her patients the Spa website. “Given my longstanding most dramatic results. interest in the area, when the opportunity DayDreams has two locations–one in arose to partner with DayDreams, it only Lakeland at 1463 Town Center Dr. and felt natural.” one in Brandon at 658 Oakfield Dr.– People will be able to schedule a where the doctor will be working at both. consultation with the doctor where she For more information, call 657-2992 or will do a skin analysis using a 3D imaging visit www.daydreamsdayspa.com/.

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February 2019

Page 19

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Village Players To Present Neil Simon’s Come Blow Your Horn

2017 Small Business of the Year

By Kathy L. Collins

The Village Tampa. Fueyo is a Players of Valrico will veteran with the present Neil Simon’s Village Players. She Come Blow Your Horn played Sister Mary over three weekends Amnesia in in February. The Nunsense, Joanne in shows will be held on RENT and Shirley Friday, February 1, 8 Markowitz in The and 15 and Saturday, Producers. February 2, 9 and 16. In addition, she The shows will begin recently directed a at 8 p.m. There will be special productiontwo matinees at 3 Vizhon, The Family p.m. on Sunday, Musical. This was for The actors of the Village Players will February 3 and 10. her company, South present Neil Simon’s Come Blow Your Horn this February. Tickets are just of Broadway Studios $18 for general admission and $15 for LLC. The show was a fundraiser for students, military, seniors and groups of Pancreatic Cancer, and a portion of the 10 or more. You can get tickets online funds raised was donated to the Village at www.thevillageplayersvalrico.com or Players as well. by calling the Box Office at 480-3147. Fueyo said, “Come Blow Your Come Blow Your Horn tells the Hornis was Neil Simon’s very first play. story of a young man, Buddy, who Since his passing last year, I thought it leaves his parents’ home and moves was appropriate to do this show this into his brother’s (Allen) bachelor pad. year to honor him. I have always been The setting is the swinging 1960s in a huge fan of Neil Simon. He was one New York City. Allen discovers he has of the greatest comedy playwrights of feelings for one of the women with our time.” whom he has a relationship. Fueyo added, “The cast is comMeanwhile, Buddy turns into a ladies’ prised of veteran actors as well as man himself. brand new ones. It is a wonderful Come Blow Your Horn was Neil ensemble cast, and I am very pleased Simon’s first play. It debuted on to be working with each and every one Broadway in 1961. It then ran in of them.” London at the Prince of Wales Theatre The Village Players perform in the in 1962. historic James McCabe Theatre located The Village Players’ production of at 506 5th St. in Valrico. For more inforCome Blow Your Hornn will be directed mation, please visit the website at by Nancy Fueyo, a local resident from www.thevillageplayersvalrico.com.

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Page 20

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 18, Issue 2

Community Roundtable To Host Annual Community Affairs Dinner

Owl’s Nest Sanctuary For Wildlife Is The Go-To Animal Rehabilitator

The Community participation via Roundtable will hold its membership and volAnnual Community unteerism. They do Affairs Dinner on this by holding severWednesday, February al events that are 27 at Center Place designed to assist located at 619 local non-profits and Vonderburg Dr., Ste B the public at large. in Brandon. There will An example of be a Social Hour beginthis is the Annual Photo courtesy of Steve B. Nickerson Honorary Mayor of ning at 6 p.m. with a sitdown dinner to follow at Join like-minded area residents and Brandon! Race. For celebrate all that is good about the 7 p.m. Greater Brandon area at the Annual 60 years, distinTickets for the Community Affairs Dinner hosted by guished individuals the Community Roundtable. annual event are just devote the month of $45 per person. You can become a spon- June to “running” for Honorary Mayor by sor and host a table of eight for just $450. holding events. The candidate who raises To reserve your tickets and to get more the most money is declared the Honorary information on sponsorships, please call Mayor. All proceeds raised are donated to 661-4350 or email the non-profits chosen by the candidate. roundtable2008@aol.com. In addition, the Community The theme for this year’s dinner is a Roundtable hosts the Annual Fourth of Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the July Parade, which is believed to be Florida’s largest; a golf tournament; a Honorary Mayor of Brandon! Race. All former Honorary Mayors have been invitCommunity Service Forum; and several ed to attend the dinner and will be preother events. sented with a gift to recognize their supJanine Nickerson, President of the port for the Greater Brandon area. Community Roundtable said, “The Annual In addition to recognizing the Community Affairs Dinner highlights the Honorary Mayors, the dinner is a time accomplishments of our local neighbors when awards are presented, including the and businesses who work for the betterAlice B. Tompkins Community Service ment of other residents who have fallen Award, The Non-Profit of the Year Award on difficult times. By supporting Brandon’s and the Community Roundtable charities, we can all benefit from those Scholarship, which is awarded to deservcontributions. Attendees to the dinner ing students. mingle with active volunteers, charities The Community Roundtable is an all- and achievers who may spark interest to volunteer organization whose mission is volunteer with worthy non-profits.” to instill a sense of community and pride Please visit www.thecommunityfor the Greater Brandon area through roundtable.org.

Due to the residential mentor. We go from growth that has taken there and I’m training place in the last 20 years, them,” said Porter. habitats for local wildlife Beyond protecting have been greatly reduced and conserving Florida and they have had to learn animals, Owl’s Nest to live among us. Sanctuary wants to For one reason or inspire others to care for another, people might find and appreciate wildlife. It local wildlife in danger. also wishes to “reduce Whether injured, human impact on sick or abanFlorida’s native wildlife doned at a young through rehabilitation, age, you might education, and teamnot know what to work.” This baby coyote, named do to help these animals. “The goal is to rehaAnaba, was found malnourished That is why Kris Porter bilitate and release,” with a broken left femur. After founded Owl’s Nest many months of care from Owl’s Porter added. “We have Nest Sanctuary and partners Sanctuary for Wildlife. an 86 percent success like Busch Gardens, she Owl’s Nest Sanctuary rate. Anything over 50 became strong, healthy and is a state and federally and you’re doing pretty ready for release. licensed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization well.” that works with places like Busch “It’s my calling, I’ve done it forever. I’ll Gardens and SeaWorld to provide wildlife do it until I can’t do it anymore,” Porter with professional aid, and it is 100 percent said. volunteer run. With over 90 volunteers For wildlife rescue help, call the and six counties to cover, it has much Sanctuary at 920-5495 or 598-5926. If no support but is always seeking more assis- one answers, leave a message with your tance. name, phone number and the animal’s “Owl’s Nest Sanctuary started four location. It does not help with pet rescues. years ago,” Porter said. “I’m a retired Due to the organization’s volunteerzoologist from Busch Gardens. I used to based structure, members work from their work as the animal lead in the nursery for own homes. The Rescue does not accept 11 years, and I raised my girls and really visitors. However, donations can be didn’t do any wildlife [rescuing] until one mailed to 12932 Royal George Ave., of my zookeeper friends prompted me to Odessa, FL 33556. start this.” To help the Sanctuary, you can “They can actually just go to our attend the organization’s events. Email Facebook site or website, and there’s a OwlsNestSanctuaryForWildlife@gmail.com volunteer form. They fill it out and it actuor visit https://owlsnestsanctuaryforally comes to me, and they’ll get an area wildlife.com/.

By Kathy L. Collins

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February 2019

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Honor Student Nominated For Congress Of Future Medical Leaders Program Newsome Freshman Alyssa Creason-Beaver will spend a few days this summer as a Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. It will take place in Lowell, Massachusetts from June 23-25. The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The purpose is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be physicians or medical scientists to stay true to their dream and help provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal. Alyssa's nomination letter was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, to represent Newsome based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine. Alyssa will join students from across the country and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science Winners talk about leading medical research, be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical

Staff Report

school, witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles, be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies, and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology. "This is a crucial time in America when we need more doctors and medical scientists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially," said Richard Rossi, Executive Director of National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. "Focused, bright and determined students like Alyssa Creason-Beaver are our future and she deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give her." The National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists was founded on the belief that medical talent must be identified at the earliest possible age and help these students acquire the necessary experience and skills to take them to the doorstep of this vital career. Based in Washington, D.C. and with offices in Boston, MA, the Academy was chartered as a nonpartisan, taxpaying institution to help address this crisis by working to identify, encourage and mentor students who wish to devote their lives to the service of humanity as physicians. For information, visit www.FutureDocs.com or call 617-3077425.

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Volume 18, Issue 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

As Busch Gardens® Celebrates 60 Years, Enjoy 52 Weeks Of Special Events Including Wallenda Duo, Concerts, Ballroom Dance, & More

Staff Report

There is more to explore Throughout 2019, than ever before at Busch park guests can enjoy Gardens Tampa Bay in 2019. can’t-miss events for all New this year, park guests can tastes and ages, includenjoy fan favorite events ing the following fan EVERY week of 2019 as a part favorites: of the park’s 60thAnniversary Sesame Street celebration. Guests can enjoy Safari of Fun Kids’ the celebration all year with Weekends on Saturdays great deals on park admission, and Sundays, February including BOGO Fun Cards– 2-10, May 4-19, and purchase a Busch Gardens October 5-27. Food & Fun Card and receive an Wine Festival on select Adventure Island Fun Card for dates from March 16FREE–and a FREE Preschool April 28. Card available for children age Guy Harvey five and younger. Weekends on With a nostalgic nod to the Saturdays and park’s roots as a brewery, Sundays, May 11 & 12, guests age 21 and older can Dec. 7 & 8; enjoy two complimentary beer Jack Hanna samples each day of 2019 at Weekend on Saturday Serengeti Outlook Pub and and Sunday, May 18 & Restaurant and Garden Gate 19; Café. The cold brews will proSummer Nights vide the perfect accompaninightly from May 31ment to a day at the park. Valid August 11; Busch Gardens Celebrates 60 years of providing fun and entertainment. Enjoy 52 weeks of special events identification is required for age Fall & Holiday Favorites, throughout 2019. verification. Real Music, Real including: Bier Fest – a unique Cirque Vertigo featuring the Ballroom with a Twist: Masters Monday–Saturday, January blend of food and favorite craft beers 7–March 16 Wallenda Duo: February 11–16 from around the world and local The longest-running concert series favorites; Howl-O-Scream*, celebratMarch 11–16 The 5th Dimension: at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has ing 20 years this fall, there is nowhere Herman’s Hermits starring February 18–23 returned again with incredible live to hide at Howl-O-Scream 2019; and Peter Noone: January 28– Eaglemania: The World’s music and entertainment spanning Christmas Town, with millions of twinfrom the 1950s to today. Daily perFebruary 2 Greatest Ealges Tribute Band: kling lights and festive shows. formances at the park’s Stanleyville For more information, visit the The Diamonds: February 25–March 2 Theater include the following worldBusch Gardens Tampa Bay website February 4–9 Lorrie Morgan: March 4–9 https://buschgardens.com/tampa. class acts:

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February 2019

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 18, Issue 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk

February 2019

Volume 18, Issue 2

Ph: 657-2418

In This Section ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...............PG 28 HART BUS TO AIRPORT ..................PG 30 CHALKLINES....................................PG 40 SPORTS CONNECTION .............PGS 46‐47

Tom Gallo Law’s New Location

Are your legal affairs in order? Will your family be provided for when you are no longer able to do so? Have you set up a plan for your family that will adequately provide for them? Thomas J. Gallo, Attorney, P.A., offers complimentary consultations to help you determine the best course of action for you and your loved ones. You are invited to schedule your complimentary consultation. Gallo can help you answer questions and help you plan to protect and provide for your family. He is committed to the welfare of his clients and providing peace of mind about their estate planning. He takes the time necessary to educate and inform his clients so they understand and make decisions that are best suited for them individually. Tom Gallo Law is now located at 2240 Lithia Center Lane in Valrico. Call 815-4529 or email Thomas@tomgallolaw.com.

A Country Cat House Earns 2018 Angie’s List Super Service Award

For the fourth year, A Country Cat House has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super

Vacations at 667-7000 or visit www.JBVacationPros.com.

Motion ChiroTherapy Welcomes Inspired Mobile Fitness

Motion ChiroTherapy recently welcomed Inspired Mobile Fitness, which offers small group personal training, private training and in-home training. Owner Rashah Davis offers a private studio where trainers can focus on delivering Ribbon Cutting celebrates Dream Vacations three year anniversary. life-changing results to the individuals served. It combines a science-based Service Award (SSA) Dream Vacation’s Three Year approach to exercise and nutrition, with a honoring service proAnniversary creative art of programming fun, actionfessionals who have Dream Vacations celebrated its third packed workouts that deliver great maintained exceptionyear in business with a ribbon cutting results. Now al service ratings and hosted by the that it shares a reviews on Angie’s List in 2018. Valrico FishHawk roof with “Service pros that receive our Chamber. The Motion Angie’s List Super Service Award repevening was a ChiroTherapy resent the best in our network, who are showcase of travand a Licensed consistently making great customer el experiences for Massage service their mission,” said Angie’s List anyone interested Therapist, this Founder Angie Hicks. “These pros in taking a cruise is truly a ‘one have provided exceptional service to featuring a chair stop shop’ for our members and absolutely deserve massage, photo all your health recognition for the exemplary customer booth, delicious and wellness service they exhibited in the past year.” food, a kid’s table needs. Owner Eileen Dalton and husband and more, leaving Rashah Davis, Inspired Mobile Fitness, and Dr. Dr. Robert Scott were excited to receive the guests with a samRobert Lutz, Motion ChiroTherapy, now share Lutz of Motion award. “We are happy to announce pling of what a typi- office space to help you care for all of your health ChiroTherapy and wellness needs. we’ve received 2018 Angie’s List Super cal cruise can prois a rehab Service Award. Thanks to all of our vide their guests. Dream Vacations is based, sports chiropractor who wants to customers for making it possible.” waiting to match you with the vacation of relieve your pain as quickly as possible A Country Cat House is located at your dreams from cruises to land excurwhile restoring better biomechanics offermore information, call 654-2287 or visit sions and all inclusive. For more informahttp://acountrycathousetampa.com/. tion, please call Jenifer Breaux of Dream

Continued on Next Page

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Business Column Continued.............

By Michelle Colesanti

ing solutions unique to you that help you get back in motion. “With the addition of Inspired Mobile Fitness and a licensed massage therapist, we are now able to meet anyone’s needs of ‘Pain to Performance’ under one roof.” Both businesses are located at 16765 Fishhawk Blvd. in Lithia. For more on Inspired Mobile Fitness, call 352-213-1143 or visit inspiredmobilefitness.com. For more on Motion ChiroTherapy, call 793-7791 or visit motionchirotherapy.com.

motions. “We hope to debunk these and other myths like: There is nothing to do in port but shop, I’ll get seasick and more. It’s going to be a lot of fun and informative. After all, what’s more fun than vacation?” RSVP is not required but appreciated at 445-8300 or Christine.elliott@cruiseplanners.com. Visit www.whywaittravel.com. Come to Carnival Cruise Night at Winthrop Liquors beer garden on Wednesday, February 13 from 6-9 p.m. to learn about the cruise line.

Medi-Weightloss® Can Help You Achieve A Healthy Weight

The Salt Grotto Celebrates New Ownership

The Salt Grotto hosted a ribbon cutting celebrating its new ownership, updated salt rooms and services. It offers Dry Salt Therapy with 99.99% of Pure Grade Sodium Chloride for a complementary treatment to relieve symptoms associated with respiratory ailments. You can experience the Salt Room, Salt Bed Chamber, Children’s Himalayan Salt Play Room, Infrared Sauna or Massage Therapy. The Salt Grotto is located at 1026 Bloomingdale Ave in Valrico. To book your appointment, call 324-8946 or visit www.thesaltgrotto.com.

Cruise Planners Offers Carnival Cruise Night

Join Cruise Planners franchise owners Christi & Vern Elliott, along with a Carnival representative, to dispel some of the myths about Carnival, Cruising and Travel Agents. Carnival Cruise Night is being held at Winthrop Liquors beer garden on Wednesday, February 13 from 6– 9 p.m. Enjoy a drink while you find out what is new on Carnival ships and current pro-

A Charming Victorian Farmhouse Nestled on 8 Acres in Lithia Visiting Relatives Romantic Weekends & Much More!

The MediWeightloss® Program is not just another diet, it is a PhysicianSupervised and clinically-proven approach that helps patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight. The professionals focus on preventive medicine. After medical tests and in-depth consultation with each patient, the medical staff creates an individualized and comprehensive plan for each patient Preventative care services are offered including screening and counseling, such as: Screening for and management of obesity and metabolic syndrome (adults and adolescents age 12-18), medical nutrition therapy/counseling for healthy diet, behavioral counseling, fitness recommendations, cholesterol screening, screening for Type 2 diabetes and screening for high blood pressure. Medi-Weightloss® is located at 203 W. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. Call 877-MEDLOSS or visit www.mediweightloss.com.

Manatee Apparel Graphics Now Acts As ECommerce And Fulfillment Service Established in 1987, Manatee Apparel Graphics offers a wide variety of products and services: embroidery,

Volume 18, Issue 2

screen printing, digital printing, sublimafloor plans, ranging in size from 1,800 to tion, promotional items, banners, decorat- 2,300 sq. ft., situated on 40-ft. homesites. ed tablecloths, decals, window clings and Community amenities include The more. Landing Club and Café, with a pool and Owners Dennis and Linda Frey are fitness center, three community parks, excited to announce that they now offer walking trails and playgrounds. Waterset E-Commerce and Fulfillment services to Garden Series is located close to Apollo customers anywhere in the United States. Beach, Tampa Bay, and a variety of shopFor customers not currently selling ping and dining options. online or wanting the hassle of it, For more information about David Manatee Apparel builds and hosts their Weekley Homes in Waterset Cottage and website, all orders flow through it, and Garden Series, call 774-4155. Visit orders are fulfilled anywhere in the US www.davidweekleyhomes.com. ensuring quality products and Missy Duncan Completes timely delivery. Certification As An PhiBrow Quarterly cusArtist tomers are sent a Missy Duncan, with Missy’s check for their Ink Permanent Cosmetics recentportion of the proly completed a new advanced ceeds. The sites certification and is now a PhiBrow can be used for: Artist, completing a course school uniforms, through PhiBrow Academy civic organiza(Microblading USA). tions, clothing PhiBrows is a manual, semilines, small busipermanent technique of hypernesses, corporarealistic eyebrow drawing in which tions, sporting the shape of eyebrows is calculatorganizations, ed according to facial morphology Missy Duncan and golden proportion (phi 1,618). musicians, and of Missy’s Ink many more. Missy’s Ink is located at 1104 recently comFor more N. Parsons Ave., Ste. B in pleted an advanced certi- Brandon. For more information, information on fication after she completed a Manatee Apparel course to become a PhiBrow call 659-0648 or visit www.miscall 866-413-8400 sysink.com. Artist. or check out promotional video: Benzer Pharmacy Comes To Skytop www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkYgbM Medical Plaza In FishHawk Ranch f0Ufk. With Free Home Delivery Manate Apparel is located at 6520 S. Maulik Patel is the owner of Hwy. 301 in Riverview and has another Benzer Pharmacy a new neighbor location at 1130 9th St. W. in Bradenton. pharmacy which recently opened at Hours are Monday to 5603 Skytop Dr. Friday from 9 a.m.-5:30 in Lithia. p.m. Visit www.manaThe teeapparel.com or on Pharmacy proFacebook at www.facevides a patientbook.com/manateeapparfocused experiel. ence including quality, attention David Weekley Opens New Model and understanding to each patient by Homes In Waterset taking the opportunity to listen. David Weekley Homes, the nation’s Benzer Pharmacy offers affordabillargest privately-held builder, has opened ity, availability, and education on medits second model home in the Apollo ication as well as a vital clinical proBeach community of Waterset. The gram to patients centered on a healthy Serefina showcases the builder’s Cottage lifestyle, caregiver assistance, and Series homes, starting from the $385s. positive outcomes. Open daily for tours, the fully-furBenzer Pharmacy offers free nished Serefina model home is one of the antibiotics, a $2.99/month generic probuilder’s Design it Yourself floor plans, gram, free delivery and less than 10offering a one-of-a-kind web-based prominute wait in the store. gram that allows home shoppers to creHours are Monday to Friday from ate a floor plan in four steps, providing 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 real-time updates to room counts and a.m.-1 p.m. pricing. For more information, call 548The builder’s other series within 2493. Visit www.benzerpharmacy.com. Waterset, the Garden Series, offers six

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

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Page 28

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 18, Issue 2

With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins

Plant City Entertainment Presents The Musical Ragtime Plant City Golombek who initially Entertainment will pitched the idea of doing present Ragtime in the musical. “I pitched February. You can the show because select from several although it is set in the shows over two early 1900’s, its tones weekends- Friday, and themes are still very February 15 and timely. The show is as 22; Saturday, beautiful as it is powerPlant City Entertainment will present February 16 and Ragtime, a sweeping musical set in New ful. It is about finding 23; and Sunday, love, building bridges York at the turn of the 20th Century. February 17 and 24. Friday and Saturday and our search for peace even in times night shows are at 8 p.m. The Sunday where it seems like it is impossible to find Matinee is at 2 p.m. those things,” said Golombek. Tickets are just $18 for adults, and There is a cast of over 45, a crew of $14 for students under 17 and seniors. 10 and a live orchestra of over 12 musiThere is an Opening Night Special of two cians. The cast is as diverse as the show tickets for $25. Tickets can be purchased itself. Golombek added, “This show has online at www.pceshows.com. had a real impact on all of us, and we are The musical Ragtime is based on a all passionate about sharing it with the novel by E.L. Doctrow. The musical is set community.” at the turn of the 20th Century. It tracks The live orchestra is conducted by the lives of three diverse families, all of Joe Scarbrough of NYNE Productions. whom are in pursuit of the American Scarbrough said, “NYNE is excited to dream in the volatile melting pot of turn of work with our friends at PCE on Ragtime. the century New York. Over the course of Our 15-piece orchestra will bring the the show, the worlds of a wealthy white music of the early 1900’s Harlem, couple, a Jewish immigrant father and his Klezmer and ragtime styles to life to tell motherless daughter, and an African this beautiful story.” American ragtime musician intertwine. Plant City Entertainment is a Plant City Entertainment’s presenta501(c)(3) located at 101 N. Thomas St. in tion of Ragtime is directed by April Plant City. Visit www.pceshows.com.

Tampa Theatre To Host Winefest And OSCAR Watch Party This month, the Tampa Theatre will host two exciting eventsWinefest and Hollywood Awards Night. Both events will take place in February at the historic Tampa Theatre located at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. First up is the Tampa theatre's biggest fundraiser of the year. Winefest, a two-night event, begins on Friday, February 22 with a two-tiered Wine Tasting. There will be dozens of boutique wines and small plates from Tampa's top independent restaurants. In addition, attendees can bid on fun stuff from area restaurants, services and attractions. Premium Admission starts at 7 p.m. and costs $90. Grand Admission is at 8 p.m. with tickets at $55. On Saturday, February 23, the Tampa Theatre will host an elegant Wine Pairing at 7 p.m. The historic stage will be expanded to seat more than 275 people who will feast on a multi course meal prepared by Mise en Place chef Marty Blitz. Tickets to this exclusive event are $275 per person or $500 per couple. Jill Witecki with the Tampa Theatre

said, "While any nonprofit can throw one incredible gala in a weekend, Tampa Theatre is shooting for the stars by planning two: After Vino Royale wraps on Saturday night, the majestic movie palace will roll out there red carpet for its 20th Annual Hollywood Awards night on Sunday, February 24." The red-carpet reception begins at 7 p.m. under the historic marquee. Live coverage of the Academy Awards begins at 8 p.m. on the big screen. You have three viewing options for the night. The Balcony Ticket is $20. You can watch from the balcony and get popcorn, soda and water. The Mezzanine Ticket is $50 and gets you a reserved seat, two drink tickets for beer and wine and VIP drink service. The Party Deck Ticket is $150 and gets you VIP Party Deck seating, buffet dinner, open beer and wine and signature cocktails and more. To get tickets to any of these fun events, please visit www.tampatheatre.org.

February 2019

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

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best training grounds for their children to earn college scholarships, PLL has a different approach. PLL primarily focuses on the fun and learning of the game to instill a lifetime love of sports and physical activity. The league encourages kids to play multiple sports. Some Little Leaguers go on to play Major League Baseball, but all Little Leaguers gain valuable life lessons, personal growth, and great mem-

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All Welcome To Silent Auction And Trivia Night Benefitting Rajun’ Bull Band

The Bloomingdale Senior High School Rajun’ Bull Band is hosting its annual auction on Saturday, February 23 at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, located at 701 W Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. The community is invited to come out and have some fun while helping the Band and Color Guard raise funds for much needed musical instruments and equipment upgrades. The event begins at 4 p.m. with a Silent Auction and will include a trivia night beginning at 5 p.m. The Silent Auction will continue between Trivia rounds. The cost is $10 per person (up to six players per team). There will be prizes, 50/50, Mulligans and more. Last year, as the Bloomingdale Bulls football team made school history making it to the third round of the playoffs, the Rajun’ Bull Marching Band & Color Guard was there to support the team every step of the way. “Our band is a major factor (when they travel with us also) and does an incredible job of playing very loudly and making it difficult on our opponent,” said former Head Coach Max Warner. Business donations are welcome for the Silent Auction. Contact Brandye Fenn at 841-9090 or rajunbullband@mail.com.

13th Annual FishHawk Ranch Chili Cook-Off

Calling all chefs! It is free to enter the FishHawk Ranch Chili Cook-Off that will take place on

Saturday, February 16 from 12 Noon-2 p.m. at Park Square, 16144 ChurchView Dr. in Lithia. Space is limited. There will be three prizes in two categories. Visit www.fishhawkconnect.com or the FishHawk Ranch Mobile App to download the application. You can also pick one up at the Osprey Club, 5721 OspreyRidge Dr. For those interested in tasting the chili, the fee is $5 (no pre-registration required). Enjoy Italian ice, soda, beer and water which will be available for purchase. ECHO will be accepting donations of canned and dry foods.

Local FishHawk Student To Represent Area At Miss Florida Teen USA Competition

FishHawk resident and Newsome student Andrea Conord has been selected to represent the Bloomingdale area at the Miss Florida Teen USA® Competition as Miss Bloomingdale Teen USA. Her selection was based on her academic standing, involvement in her community, her passion for the pursuit of excellence and her interest in empowering other young women to follow in her footsteps. To book her on any appearances for your organization, please email andreaconord88@gmail.com. The Executive State Directors, the Chrisley Family, conducted the Sunshine State’s oldest and most celebrated competition in January in Coral Springs to qualify two young ladies to advance to either Miss Teen USA or Miss USA and ultimately Miss Universe. The Miss Universe Organization (MOU) uses its global grassroots reach to empower women to be selfconfident and strive to be their personal best. MUO believes that every woman should be “Confidently Beautiful.” The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA®, and MISS TEEN USA® events provide an international platform through dedicated partnerships with charities,

Better Living For Seniors Quarterly Meeting

On Tuesday, February 22 from 9:45-11 a.m. you are invited to the Better Living for Seniors Meeting which will be about the Legal Considerations for Seniors & their caregivers. Networking begins at 8:30 a.m. and the meeting starts at 9 a.m. It will take place at the Senior Connection Center, 8928 Brittany Way in Tampa. Members are free and non-members pay $5 cash at the door. All are welcome.

ories. PLL invites all children to play baseball and softball, exercising competitive team spirit in a wholesome environment. Every child can learn the game, improve his or her skills, and grow in character and con-

Spring Season Sign-ups Are Underway At Pinecrest Little League

Pinecrest Little League (PLL) welcomes all children ages 4 to 16 to play baseball and softball this spring season. PLL is enjoying robust growth due in part to a resurgence of Little League’s popularity, as well as Pinecrest’s strong volunteer base committed to making recreational and competitive baseball/softball fun and financially accessible for all kids. With the proliferation of travel teams and parents in search of the

fidence at PLL. Join us for another fantastic spring season. For more information on how to sign up, visit www.pinecrestlittleleague.org or call 473-2516.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Tampa Theatre Presents New Outdoor Film Series parkCINEMA

By Kathy L. Collins

The Tampa The spring 2019 Theatre will be preparkCINEMA lineup senting a new cinema includes Black series called, Panther on Saturday, parkCINEMA. The February 2 at 7 p.m. films will be shown at at River Tower Park parks located around located at 401 E. Bird Tampa. The family St. Come see Coco on friendly series is free Saturday February 16 for the community to at 7 p.m. at Al Lopez attend. The cinema Park located at 4810 series is made possiN. Hines Ave. Next, on ble thanks to a sponSaturday, March 16 at sorship from the F.E. 8 p.m. you can see Lykes Foundation. Jumangi: Welcome to The foundation had the Jungle at River previously sponsored Tampa Theatre is offering free out- Tower Park. On door movies, such as Coco, this two holiday screenFriday, March 29 at 8 spring. ings in Curtis Hixon p.m. bring the family Park. Now, the Tampa Theatre will be to see The Little Mermaid at Julian B. able to present screenings yearLane Riverfront Park located at 1001 round. N. Blvd. Then, on Saturday, April 13 The movies are free and great for at 8 p.m. you can see E.T. The Extrafamilies. Attendees may bring picnic Terrestrial at Al Lopez Park. baskets, blankets and lawn chairs. The F.E. Lykes Foundation is an John Bell, Tampa Theatre independent family foundation whose President and CEO said, "Eleven focus is to enhance public spaces years ago we pioneered free, largeand community environments, providscale outdoor film events in Tampa ing more seating, shade trees, landparks with Sunset Cinema." Bell scaping, recreational and entertainadded, "Tampa Theatre's traveling ment options in several city parks. picture show program has long been "The goal of the F.E. Lykes the perfect way to bring our commuFoundation is to entice people to get nity together for an evening under outside and enjoy time with family the stars, and the generous support and friends," said Norma Gene Lykes, of the F.E. Lykes Foundation now President of the Foundation. makes it possible for us to present The Tampa Theatre is a historic outdoor cinema more regularly and landmark located in downtown expand to even more locations Tampa. For information, visit throughout the year." www.tampatheatre.org.

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Volume 18, Issue 2

New HART Bus Travels From Campo YMCA To Airport For $2 Each Way

By Nick Nahas

Photos courtesy of Michelle Colesanti

Bus driver Willie Thomais drives the 60LX Route. The bus ride to Tampa Airport costs $2 each way.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) has made some changes to their routes as of Sunday, December 2, 2018. Route 60LX (out of the Brandon Mall) and Route 360LX were rerouted, and now, Route 60LX picks up at the local Campo YMCA on Culbreath Rd., and Route 360LX now serves J.C. Handly Park. Bus Route 60LX makes a pit stop at the Marion Transportation Center in downtown Tampa and then goes to Tampa International Airport. It leaves every hour in both directions and takes approximately one hour and 10

minutes. The ride only costs $2 each way. The buses are handicap accessible. Route 60LX will operate along US 301 to Bloomingdale Ave., stopping at Culbreath Rd., providing the Valrico area with all-day limited-stop service to Tampa International Airport and the rest of the HART service network. Route 360LX will operate along Lumsden Rd. before turning on Kings Ave. (entering the J.C. Handly Park-nRide) and looping back on Bloomingdale and finally Providence Rd. According to its website, HART made changes to focus on building ridership and improving service quality. HART has implemented minor service changes with additional service adjustments to be performed over the next year. Via the HART website, the authority invites public feedback year-round about its services and makes adjustments three times a year. These modifications continue efforts to improve service frequency that have resulted in ridership gains when implemented on other routes. New route schedules are available at goHart.org, onboard buses, HART Customer Service Centers, or by mail. For more information, call the HART info Line at 254-4278 or email HART at the website listed above.

February 2019

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

ial Bunco, Soc fish & raw Dancing, Cre… Mo helle Colesanti, by Mic com Compiled yobserver. re p s o @ e ll miche

6:30-9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd. in Plant City. This dance will be social dancing on a 3,000 sq. ft. floating wood floor. Dance to the music by DJ Ken Miller. Social dancing includes slow dances, waltzes, line dances, cha-cha and rumbas, two-step and country slow, swing and free style. The cost is $6 a person. No alcohol is to be brought on property. Water and cups are available. Please bring your own snacks and drinks. Visit strawberrysquaredancing.com.

Crawfish Festival At Winthrop Seeks Sponsors Volunteers And Donations

The Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview will hold its Ninth Annual Crawfish Festival on Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Founders Square Park in Winthrop, 11109 Winthrop Market St. in Riverview. There will be live music and plenty of food, drinks, deserts and activities for the children. There is no entry fee. A $20 crawfish meal will include about two lbs. of crawfish with the fixings (corn and potatoes). Other food items and beverages will be available for purchase at the event, to include Cajun & Creole food and drinks, hamburgers and hotdogs. Pepin Brewing will be providing a beer truck. The Rotary Club is looking for sponsors, volunteers, donations and more. Visit www.luvcrawfish.com or call event organizer Rhonda McDaniel at 3309321.

G.F.W.C. Valrico Service League members at last year’s Bunco.

The G.F.W.C. Valrico Service League, Inc. Presents ‘Puttin' On The Ritz Bunco’

Come join the G.F.W.C. Valrico Service League's Putting on the Ritz Bunco for a night of fun on Thursday, March 7. Social Time/Dinner is from 6-7 p.m. with Bunco starting at 7 p.m. It will be held at Center Place Fine Arts Center, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. Tickets cost $20 and include light dinner, drinks and prizes. Tickets may be purchased at Center Place or contact Claudia Yake at 6857998. Proceeds help support local school children and families in need in the community.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Tea Partylusion Inc , n o e h c n u L Luncheon & More…

learning how community members can better support people with disabilities so that they feel at home in the synagogue and at community events. The project, dubbed ‘ShabbaTTogether,’ is a project of the Ruderman Chabad lesanti, ichelle Co M y b d e Inclusion Initiative, an organm o c r. e Compil erv ospreyobs @ e ization that empowers ll e h ic m Jewish communities to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for Enjoy A Garden Tea Party people with disabilities and mental Luncheon With Brandon Christian health conditions. Women’s Connection “Our community, just like every community, A Garden Party Tea includes people with disabilis Brandon Christian ities,” said Rabbi Mendel Women's Connection Rubashkin, Director at Luncheon celebration for Chabad of Brandon. “We Valentines Day on may not always see or Monday, February 11 understand what someone from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at is going through, but we Bell Shoals Baptist can work to create an enviChurch in the Special ronment where everyone Event Center, 2102 Bell feels welcome and like they Shoals Rd. in Brandon. truly belong at Chabad of The cost is $15 and first Brandon.” time guests pay $10. All The inclusion initiative ladies are welcome. No membership is draws inspiration from the Rebbe, required. This is a non denominational Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, who event. Please join in for a fun hat taught that all Jewish people are one competition and joy and fellowship entity, and while each individual has together. Bring your best friend. different talents and abilities, every Please call Lillie at 740-0098 for a reservation.

Chabad Of Brandon Luncheon Discussion Will Focus On Inclusion

Chabad of Brandon will take an important step in incorporating inclusion of individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions in the synagogue and throughout Jewish life Saturday, February 9 in conjunction with Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), which is February. Religious settings such as the synagogue or holiday programs often present a unique set of challenges to people living with disabilities and mental health conditions. A focus of the weekend will be

individual who fulfills his or her obligations to the extent of their God-given capacities shares in the totality of the effort and accomplishment. Services begin at 10 a.m. followed by the luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Chabad of Brandon sees this Shabbat as a time to increase awareness of inclusion, by hosting a Shabbat luncheon during which there will be a

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The award-wining program, ‘A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls’ will be offered at The Bridges Retirement Community in partnership with Senior Connection Center, Inc. This free four week program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Participants will learn to view falls as controllable. They will set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks, and exercise to increase strength and balance. Anyone interested in improving their balance, flexibility and strength or that have restricted activities because of falling concerns are encouraged to attend. Classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from February 5 – February 28 from 9 a.m.-11a.m. in the Clubhouse at The Bridges. Space is limited. Please call Janet Noah at 413-8900 for more information.

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The Tampa Bay Symphony, conducted by Mark Sforzini, will present concerts on Sunday, February 17, at 2:30 p.m. at the St. Pete College Arts Auditorium, 2465 Drew St. in Clearwater; on Tuesday, February 19 at 8 p.m. at the Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N in St. Petersburg; and on Sunday, February 24 at 2:30 p.m. in Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center in Tampa. Featured will be Jeffrey Smick, the

Volume 18, Issue 2

orchestra’s concertmaster, who will play The Lark Ascending, a violin solo by the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. Smick is the Assistant Concertmaster of The Florida Orchestra. The theme of the concerts is ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare,’ and the orchestra will play the symphonic poems Hamlet and Ophelia by Edward MacDowell, and Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture by Tchaikovsky, both works inspired by Shakespeare plays. Also on the program is Declaration, patterned after the Declaration of Independence, by Ben Goldberg, a finalist in the Tampa Bay Symphony’s 2018 Call for Scores composition competition. Visit www.tampabaysymphony.com or call (727) 827-8087. Students admitted free; over 18 they must show student ID.

Moving Day, A Walk For Parkinson’s To Take Place At USF In April

On Saturday, April 6 from 8:30 a.m.-12 Noon, the Parkinson’s Foundation will host its fifth annual Moving Day Tampa Bay, A Walk for Parkinson’s to unite the Tampa Bay community in the fight against Parkinson’s. Funds raised through Moving Day will support cutting-edge research and community programs to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease and their families here in Tampa Bay. More than just a walk, this is a celebration of movement featuring a kids’ area, Resource Pavilion and its signature Movement Pavilion with yoga, dance, Tai Chi and Rock Steady Boxing—all proven to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms. Moving Day Tampa Bay will take place at the University of South Florida campus. To register and to donate, visit www.movingdaytampabay.org. If your company would like to sponsor or exhibit contact Megan Willard at 940-7246 or mwillard@parkinson.org.

February 2019

Page 33

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

La Septima Café In Brandon Continues To Bring Ybor Style Flair

CFC037149

By Tatiana Ortiz

A local eatery in the city of Brandon continues to bring its Ybor City style home cooking taste to the tables of its diners as it reaches being in operation for 24 years. Dahlia Fernandez and Starting on the her husband left: R.J. Ron Fernandez, Fernandez, Dahlia who own La Fernandez, Septima Café, Jennifer offer a blend of Mussenden and Ron Fernandez. the Spanish, Cuban and Italian cultures into all of its dishes. On February 9, 1995, La Septima Café became established. As the restaurant outgrew its original space on Parsons Avenue, a better opportunity arose for it to relocate to the La Viva Plaza in 2011. It can now seat more than 100 guests comfortably. To add, La Septima Café closed in its patio to give it more of an industrial appeal, along with expanding the dining room another 32 seats and gained a private dining room with 24 seats in it too. Dahlia said she is pleased about the newer location. “The transition worked out great as we received more parking; a full bar and new customers from the south side of Brandon, the FishHawk and River Hills communities,” Dahlia said.

La Septima Café also offers a wide variety of foods and beverages. For those dining here for the first time, Dahlia recommends ordering a dish called ‘Walk Around La Septima,’ which costs $16.85. It consists of a sampling of the house favorites such as Ropa Vieja, Picadillo and more. La Septima also provides a daily lunch special menu from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It also serves an array of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages that includes coffee, soft drinks, wine and more. La Septima Café also offers offsite catering, delivery through Mobile Meals and takeout just to name a few. “Overall, we have a history with our community and appreciate all of the support,” Dahlia said. For more information, visit La Septima’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LaSeptimaCafe/ or please visit the website at http://laseptimacafe.com/index.shtm. It is located at 702 West Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Call 685-0502.

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Page 34

Volume 18, Issue 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

So Much To Love About The Florida Orchestra

With Valentine’s Day smack in the middle, February gives us an excuse to savor all the things we love. And there’s so much to love with The Florida Orchestra: If you love beauty with breakfast … Beautiful Bohemia (Wednesday and Thursday, February 6 and 7): This morning Coffee concert serves up Bohemian classics including Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7 and Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 10, along with free coffee and doughnuts. Music Director Michael Francis conducts. If you love to sing … Sing Out! Tampa Bay (Thursday, February 7): Belt one out with the rest of Tampa Bay at this casual community singalong with the orchestra, led by Maestro Francis. This year includes This is Me from The Greatest Showman, Over the Rainbow, The Pirate Song and many more. Admission is pay what you can at the Mahaffey Theater. If you love space … The Planets (Friday to Sunday, February 15-17): The Planets align with NASA video on the big screen for the 100th anniversary of Holst’s supersonic trip through

By Kelly Smith

the galaxy. Featuring the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Michael Francis conducts. Free tickets for kids and teens in advance. If you love Shakespeare … A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Friday to Sunday, February 22-24): Michael Francis leads a rare performance of the full work, featuring the Lumina Youth Choir, soloists, a narrator and more. Also, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27 with Anne-Marie McDermott, in the Tampa Bay Times Masterworks series. The orchestra also will perform a Symphonic Shakespeare Coffee concert (Wednesday and Thursday, February 27 & 28), with music inspired by The Bard, including Porter’s Brush Up Your Shakespeare and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. Stuart Malina conducts. Free coffee and doughnuts. Both concerts are part of the Celebration of the Arts. The Florida Orchestra performs regularly at the Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey in St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. The orchestra offers affordably priced tickets to a variety of concerts; prices vary. See FloridaOrchestra.org.

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February 2019

Page 35

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Thrilling Rides, Classic Country Music And Fun Fair Food Tops List For 2019 State Fair The year was 1904 when the State Fair’s roots took hold. That first Fair’s attractions were simple and it was held in a single building on a 27-acre plot adjoining the Henry B. Plant’s Tampa Bay Hotel, where the University of Tampa stands today. It officially became the Florida State Fair in 1915 and now, 115 years after it all began, it is still going strong. The 2019 Fair will be open for 11 days from February 7-18. In addition to thrilling rides on the Midway, it would not be the Florida State Fair without many educational and entertaining attractions and performers. Where, for the price of a movie ticket, you can see a sea lion, a spectacular Big Top Circus, cheer on your favorite porker at the pig races, feed a giraffe from your own hand or take a ride in N3079G, the original Batcopter from the Batman TV series and the original Batman movie. Captain Eugene Nock, A.T.P. acquired this world-famous helicopter and has meticulously restored N3079G to a complete airworthy condition (not included in admission or armband prices). “We want both loyal patrons and those who have not yet visited the Fair to join us in making memories that will last a lifetime,” said Cheryl Flood, executive director of the Florida State Fair Authority. There are plenty of new foods for you to try this year including BuffaloadedMac and Cheese Quesadilla at Bryan’s Concessions; Giant Mozzarella Cheese Stick at Angela’s Pizza; Red Beans and Rice Funnel Cake at the Best Around. Spices, red beans and rice are mixed in the batter to turn this cake savory fried golden brown. Smoked

sausage, onions, peppers and beans are added on top to bring it all together. At the Happy Dough, you can enjoy Gourmet or Fried Cookie Dough. Enjoy The Birds Nest – two large scallops wrapped in angel hair friend and topped with lobster cream sauce at the Lock and Dam Eatery. While there

BBQ Pork on Pork Rind Nachos

Music always takes center stage at the Fair. The Country Gold Tour will take place on Wednesday, February 13 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in The Entertainment Hall. General Admission Bleacher Seating is free, but there will be limited VIP Floor Seating for $20. On Saturday, February 9, you can enjoy a

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Bring your friends and family and enjoy all the Florida State Fair has to offer from February 7-18. There is a lot of new food to try at this year’s Florida State Fair.

you can pick up Italian Nachos. The Giddy Piggy’s new offerings include Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese, Caramelized Onion and Pulled Pork BBQ, Taco Grilled Cheese and Rainbow Grilled Cheese. Get your BBQ Pork on Pork Rind Nachos and Black Cherry Burger at Carousel Foods. The Pizza Emporium has a Cuban Pizza, Dijonnaise base topped w mozzarella/Swiss blend, roast pork, ham and pickles. Stop by Ma’s Irish Kitchen for a Classic Loaded Potato Bowl, Green Loaded Potato Bowl or Spicy Loaded Potato Bowl.

concert with James Hill, an award-winning ukulele player and a songwriter. His music has roots in Folk, Rock and Americana and he will take the stage from 8-10 p.m. The cost is $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show. Concert tickets do not include gate admission. While visiting the Fair, do not forget to visit the exhibits including the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame & Ag Showcase, Creative Living Competitions in the Florida Center, Florida Cattle Ranching Museum, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and

By Michelle Colesanti

Hillsborough County Public Schools Showcase. There are many more to explore. Bring your kids or grandkids to Cracker Country, a rural outdoor Florida living history museum where you feel like you have become part of the past. Immerse yourself in the life of a 19th century Florida pioneer. Hillsborough County’s Student Day at the Fair will be on Friday, February 8. Students enter free with student tickets distributed by their school. Students must be accompanied by an adult, age 21 or older, after 6 p.m. The Florida State Fairgrounds is located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N in Tampa. Gates open Monday through Thursday at 10 a.m. Midway opens at 1 p .m. On Friday, Saturday, Sunday and President's Day, gates open at 9 a.m. and Midway opens at 10 a.m. Admission prices range from $11 for adults during the week to $13 on weekends. Special pricing is available on certain days for seniors 55 and over and for children. Children ages 5 and under are free. You can also purchase discounted tickets through February 6 at participating Publix Supermarkets in Tampa Bay. For information on ticket and armband prices, visit www.floridastatefair.com. Cannot get enough of the Fair? Now you can purchase a Fair Mega-12 Day Pass for $70. This buys you unlimited rides and admission. Call the Fair Box Office at 740-4640 to order your MegaPass, which is only available for purchase through January 31. For a complete listing of events, visit www.floridastatefair.com.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 18, Issue 2

Local Author Publishes Children’s Series, ‘We’re All Just People”

By Kate Quesada

FishHawk resident rocks living on Mars.” Deidre Owen is helping She now writes in others while achieving a variety of genres a life-long dream. including contemporary Owen, a stay-atfiction, poetry, humor, home-mom who has horror and with been writing for years, Christian themes, recently published the inspired by favorite latest in a series of six authors Lee Strobel illustrated children’s and Dave Barry. chapter books titled Research into hair We’re All Just People donation in 2014 inspired by the social FishHawk resident Deidre Owen inspired Owen to cut recently published the third book in off and donate a foot of issues of childhood. her We’re All Just People series. her own locks and “Each book in the series focuses on a different issue modsparked an idea for a children’s story ern kids might face,” said Owen. which also prompted her daughter to The most recent book in the series, donate her hair last year. The Pickle Fairy, tackles autism and hair Owen advises writers looking to be donation, but other books focus on lesspublished to stick with it. er-known social issues of childhood “If you are serious about it, be tenaincluding hair loss, ataxia of speech, cious,” she said. “Starting it is the first physical handicaps and adoption. step, and the hardest, but then owning it “I not only hope to spark conversais an important next step. Don’t undersell tions about uncommon differences and yourself by qualifying your work with how to embrace them, but I hope to words like aspiring or someday or soonmaybe give a voice to children who feel to-be. You can find amazing support different themselves, whatever those dif- from other writers in online forums like ferences may be,” said Owen. Facebook groups or Twitter’s writing Owen’s first publication, The community. And whether you decide to Heaven Zoo, a series of picture books seek traditional publishing or become an was released in 2017 and inspired by a indie author like me, embrace the jourpoem about zoo animals she wrote for ney. It is a long road to publication either her daughter who is now in second way, but it is can be very rewarding.” grade at Stowers Elementary School. To learn more about Owen, visit But Owen started writing as a child. www.deidrejowen.com. Owen’s books “My mother saved my first book that are available for purchase through I wrote in third grade,” she said. “Bound Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other in purple construction paper, it was a book retailers and the fourth book will be fully illustrated story about a family of available in the next few months.

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February 2019

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

GET THE DIRT WITH FLORIDA YARD EXPERT

Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension

Central Florida Gardening Calendar The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has many excellent tools for gardeners. This article speaks to the benefits that the Central Florida Gardening Calendar provides to those of us that like to get our hands dirty. This resource contains the information you need on what to plant and what gardening tasks to perform and when. Those tasks include pruning, fertilizing, managing pests appropriately and much more. Let’s focus on the month of February. Under the category of ‘What to Plant’, the headings include: Bedding plants, Bulbs, Azaleas and Vegetables. Each of the categories includes a link to another University of Florida publication on that specific topic. For example, under Vegetables, while several are listed in the Gardening Calendar, such as bean, pepper, cucumber, tomato and squash, many more are showcased in the separate Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021. Under the category of What to Do, the headings include: Palms, Citrus, Roses, Shrubs, Lawn and Citrus and other fruit trees. Under Citrus and other

fruit trees, advice is to fertilize now if this was not done in January. Under Roses, prune to remove canes that are damaged, then fertilize and mulch. For more information on What to Plant and What to Do, you can access the Central Florida Gardening Calendar at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep450. It will save you time and money by planting plants, fertilizing and pruning at the right time of year. The Central Florida Gardening Calendar is a great free resource. You can read it on-line, print it, or pick up a copy at our office. Something to ponder: just because you can purchase a plant at a particular time of year does not mean that is the right time of year to plant it in Central Florida. This Gardening Calendar will help you select the right plant for the right time of year. For assistance with horticultural questions, call 744-5519 or visit us at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 CR 579 in Seffner. More gardening and workshop information is available at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/lawngarden/. Remember to reuse, reduce, recycle and repeat.

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Page 38

Volume 18, Issue 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Custom Hair Tampa Bay Changes Lives By Restoring Confidence

By Michelle Caceres

With each increase in the number of strand of hair that male customers who fell from Apollo have stopped shaving Beach resident their heads and want hair Jim Klein’s head a again. bit of his self-confi“They want to wake dence fell with it. up in the morning with “I started loshair and we can offer ing hair on the top them that,” she said. of my head and it Younkman’s hair really made me solutions are attached look so much with surgical-grade adheolder than my sive, which means they Custom Hair Tampa Bay owner actual age,” he Lori Younkman has a hair loss solution stay in place for four to for men and women. said. “I hate hats six weeks. and didn’t want to shave my head com“Wash it, swim with it, go on a roller pletely so needed a solution to my probcoaster, you live your life and then come lem.” back to get it bonded again,” she said. One visit to Custom Hair Tampa Bay Younkman understands what it provided that solution. means for clients to have a full head of Specializing in non-surgical hair hair again. She is not only the owner but replacement solutions, a Custom Hair a client as well. Tampa Bay staff member met with Klein Founded in 1969, Custom Hair one-on-one in a private consultation Tampa Bay will be celebrating its 50th room. His head was measured, hair color year in business this year. It specializes in and texture matched, a hair system creat- solving hair loss challenges for both men ed and he walked out of the salon with a and women. Whether working with a full head of 100% human hair. client going through chemotherapy, helpKlein couldn’t be happier with the ing a teenager deal with trichotillomania results. or helping to restore someone’s confi“I’ve got the hair I used to have,” he dence after suffering for years with genetsaid. “It’s really increased my self-confiic hair loss, Custom Hair Tampa Bay has dence.” a solution. He returns to the store every three Custom Hair Tampa Bay has three weeks to have his head shaved and to locations in Brandon, Tampa and have the hairpiece cleaned, reconditioned Clearwater. Its Brandon store is located at and reattached. He purchases a new 117 N. Kings Ave. across from Chuck’s piece approximately four times a year. Natural Fields Market. Custom Hair Tampa Bay owner Lori For information, visit www.cusYounkman said she has seen an tomhairtampabay.com or call 651-9484. FAN FAVORITES:

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

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Page 40

Volume 18, Issue 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

narek Mrs. Ka garten

Kinder rings p Lithia S ntary e m Ele d By

Sponsore

Signature Wade

Mrs. Ines Kanarek

Hillsborough County Celebrates Record High Graduation Rates

a teacher? Why did you decide to become pleting medical school and com n, icia iatr I trained to be a ped kids were born I decided to residency. However, when my for them. As they began their take some time off to be home and absolutely loved it. So, schooling, I was highly involved te school was not enough, I deciding 7 years of post gradua s in Education so I could went back to school for a Master impacting children with a teach kindergarten! Instead of chance to play an integral role once a year office visit, I had a in their formative years!

Hillsborough County high schools have a reason to celebrate this month. The school district recently announced that the graduation rate is currently at an all-time high with 85.8 percent of students graduating after their senior year. According to Hillsborough County Public School’s (HCPS) Media Outreach representative Tanya Arja, the 2018 rate is 2.9 percentage Hillsborough County Public Schools celebrated points higher than the year record high graduation rates in 2018. Superintendent before and 12.3 percentage Jeff Eakins announced the results last month at East Bay High School in Gibsonton. points higher than in 2014. “This increase in our gradsignificant impact a high school diploma uation rate should be celebrated across has on a student’s future earning potenour community,” said Arja, who tial. According to Arja, students with a explained that the 2018 increase diploma earn $380,000 more during amounts to 1,055 more students earntheir lifetime compared to those who do ing a high school diploma. “This highnot graduate. lights the determination of students and The district has also seen a signifithe dedication of teachers and staff who cant rise in the number of minority stuwork with them every day.” dents and students with disabilities Brandon-area schools played a role achieving diplomas. in the district’s success, with “We couldn’t have done this without Bloomingdale High School raising its our dedicated parents, staff and, of graduation rate six percentage points in course, our amazing students,” said five years to an impressive 96.1 percent Eakins. and Brandon High School increasing its For more information on the gradurate 11.3 percentage points over five ation rates, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us or years with 93.5 percent of students call 272-4000. graduating in 2018. Spoto High School in Riverview had the highest graduation rate increase in 2018, jump100 ing nearly eight percentage points from 80.4 to 88.3 percent, and Newsome High School in Lithia 90 has the highest graduation rate in the district at 98.6 percent. “We are thrilled to see this significant leap to an all time 80 high,” said HCPS Superintendent Jeff Eakins. “We are on target to meet our goal of a 90 percent 70 graduation rate by 2020.” Eakins, who became superintendent in 2014 when the rate was 76 percent, has made raising 60 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 the graduation rate a key priority during his tenure because of the

Teacher Of The Month

cher? What is a goal of yours as a tea e for learning lov a h blis esta to ld chi h For eac and maximize their potential. prising about What would be something sur resting? inte find uld wo ts you that studen jumped I have an adventurous spirit! I've ded, and agli par from a 60 ft. cliff, parasailed, intimist mo s rld' wo challenged some of the s. dating roller coaster your What is your favorite food from school cafeteria? k I've ever Sweet potato fries! Don't thin . left one on my plate…

Mrs. Ka narek

has bee n 9 years. a teacher for

why? What is your favorite book and of Will Go". It is a fond memory You ces Pla the "Oh ss's Dr. Seu hor study aut rite favo er and is one of my time spent reading with my fath books I share with my students.

you live by? Is there a quote or saying that of course): steer I have two favorites (Dr. Seuss have feet in your shoes, You can You You have brains in your head, ose. – Dr. Seuss yourself in any direction you cho re that you things you will know. The mo re mo the d, rea The more that you – Dr. Seuss learn, the more places you'll go! nged in the schools? What would you like to see cha dedicate to time and resources available to re mo had we , iety soc a as h, wis I early education.

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February 2019

Congratulate Newsome Seniors Through Its Annual Blue Letter Program Newsome High School (NHS) has an annual program called the ‘Blue Letter Envelope’ where parents, grandparents, family, teachers, clergy, friends or anyone impactful to the student can send their high school senior a card or letter congratulating them or wishing them well as they graduate and prepare for their next endeavor. The NHS PTSA will keep the letters for each student and distribute them to the seniors during the annual senior breakfast. Every student will receive a large Blue Envelope containing these messages. The notes and cards will be kept confidential until given to the students. This year’s NHS PTSA Co-Chairs of the Blue Letter Envelope Committee are Monica Tappan and Dawn Ullom. According to Ullom, “We reach out to parents through our website, Facebook and school communications, but many parents are still unaware of the program. Thus, some students go without a special letter or card. Please let everyone who has a senior know about this program so no one gets left out.” Do not send anything of value (cash, checks, gift cards, etc.) to the

Page 41

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Staff Report

school. If you are sending several envelopes inside a larger envelope, put the student’s full name on all envelopes; and keep letters or cards flat. All cards and letters are due by Friday, April 26. They can be dropped off at the Newsome High School Main Office or mailed to: Student’s Full Name, Newsome High School PTSA- Blue Letter Envelopes, 16550 FishHawk Blvd., Lithia, FL 33547. Ullom said, “My son Alex was so touched by family and friends that took the time to share a special memory or write an inspirational letter. I made an album with all these keepsakes knowing he will treasure them for years to come and can refer to it when he needs a little encouragement,” said Ullom. “It is so rewarding to see the emotions on the faces of the students when they are reading the letters. You just never know how your sentiments can impact a student to achieve great things,” she added. For more information, email blueletterenvelopes@newsomehighschoolptsa.org. Visit www.newsomehighschoolptsa.org.

NOMINATIONS NEEDED! Your favorite teacher could have their very own spotlight editorial in the Osprey Observer Community Newspaper! Complete the form below and email your nomination to: teacher@ospreyobserver.com

Brandon High To Host Career Event By Kate Quesada

Residents from all resentatives from over eastern businesses including Hillsborough County are Publix, Moffitt Cancer invited to Brandon High Center, the United School for an exciting States Army, event this month. The BayCare and the school is hosting its SunCoast Federal second annual commuCredit Union. nity fair, titled Gateway “This year we are to Your Future, on really expanding to February 12 with a variinclude partners who ety of partners offering not only help with Brandon High School is hosting residents information Gateway to Your Future, a Career career and educaabout education, tion, but also offer Pathways event this month with community partners offering employment health and free health services information about career services, community resources. education, health and community and make it easy for Hosted by people to get resources. Hillsborough County Public School’s resources that will help them get (HCPS) Adult Education Career through the day,” said Eller. “Our goal is Pathways team, the event started out to reach as many people as possible.” five years ago as a career fair but has Representatives from health related gradually morphed into a community businesses such as BayCare and event offering something for everyone. AdventHealth will offer screening at the “Our goal is to inform the communi- event and Publix representatives will be ty about what resources might available interviewing for positions during the fair. they might not be aware of,” said The Brandon High fair, which will Hillsborough County Adult Education take place from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, District Resource Trainer Willie Eller. February 12, is one of three similar “The more we get out into the commuevents taking place in the county this nity, the more we realize that not only month. do people not realize what we in the “We are targeting areas with a adult education department do, but they large number of residents that we think also don’t know about the many serviccan benefit from the services that we es available that will make their lives are offering at the fair and we hope that easier. We hope to change that with people from all over eastern this event.” Hillsborough County will be able to According to Eller, the team is attend the Brandon event,” said Eller. working with a wide variety of commuBrandon High School is located at nity partners to make the event as ben- 1101 Victoria St. in Brandon. For more eficial to as many people as possible. It information about the event, call 231will be an open house format with rep1907.

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Page 42

Volume 18, Issue 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Weird, Wacky And Wonderful Holidays- FEBRUARY 2019 Chopsticks Day * National Random Acts of Kindness Day * National Walking The Dog Day * National Tortilla Chip Day

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Did you know that there are an abundance of daily holidays and special days every month? Some are immersed in tradition, while others may be silly, bizarre, unique, special or inspirational. Unofficial Holidays are not traditionally marked on calendars but are celebrated by various groups and individuals. Some are designed to promote a cause or to recognize historical events not recognized officially, while others are fun holidays, generally intended to just be humorous. So, in the midst of our busy lives, maybe consider taking time to enjoy some of the entertaining but lesser-known holidays throughout the year. The month of February is typically associated with romantic dinners, boxes of chocolate, roses and engagement rings. Often referred to as the ‘month of love,’ it is also the shortest month of the year. February is also the only month of the year that can pass without a full moon, which can happen every 19 years. If you’re not a hopeless romantic looking for a full moon with your non-existent Valentine’s date or if you’re allergic to flowers or perhaps have given up chocolate for dietary reasons, you can find a multitude of other fun-loving holidays to celebrate this month. If you love Asian food, then National Chopsticks Day on Wednesday, February 6 is a day to celebrate! No matter how much some of us may struggle with these wooden wonders, chopsticks are fun to use! Chopsticks originated in China more than five thousand years ago and are used in almost all Asian cultures. In fact, more than a quarter of the world's population uses chopsticks on a daily basis. Chopsticks can be made of wood, bamboo, plastic, fine china or metal. The word chopstick translates to the phrase ‘quick little

bamboo fellows.’ So on this special day, you should run, don’t wok, to your favorite Chinese takeout such as Chopsticks at 801 E Brandon Blvd. in Brandon or Asian Yummy House located at 10679 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. If your fortune cookie told you to be kind to strangers, then this next holiday will be worth celebrating. National Random Acts of Kindness Day takes place on Sunday, February 17 and is observed nationwide by people, groups and organizations. This special, feel-good day has grown in popularity and has become a favorite day to many people. Take this opportunity to make a difference in someone’s day. Maybe bring baked goods to the office to share with coworkers, let somebody go first in the grocery store or pay for the food-

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order of the person behind you at a drive-thru. If you made a difference in someone’s life on this day, share your idea with others on social media using #RandomActsOfKindnessDay. For more ideas, visit www.randomactsofkindness.org. If you missed a random act of kindness, then never fear! You can be kind to your dog on Friday, February 22 for National Walking the Dog Day. This day combines two important things in life- dogs and exercise. Our loyal pooches love a good stroll with their humans. So grab walking shoes, the leash, some treats and take your favorite canine for a stroll. Want to try something new? Try a different trail, go to a new park, or simply try a different route than normal. Your dog will love exploring the new sights, scents and

sounds. What if you don’t have a dog? Visit your local animal shelter and take some dogs in need of adoption on a walk. Taking a dog on a walk is also a great way meet new people. If your dog would rather go on a cruise instead of a walk, consider a 90-minute sunset cruise. With a quick trip across the Sunshine Skyway, you can take your canine companion on a sightseeing cruise through residential waterways and tropical barrier islands south of Pass-A-Grille. Visit www.shellkeyshuttle.com for more information. After a good walk, nothing hits the spot like a crunchy snack. National Tortilla Chip Day on Sunday, February 24 is the day to honor the yummy salty treat. Tortilla chips are made from corn tortillas that have been cut into wedges and fried. Even though tortilla chips are considered to be a Mexican food, known as tostados, they were first mass-produced in Los Angeles in the late 1940s. It is said that the triangle-shaped tortilla chips were created as a way to use the misshapen tortillas that were rejected from the automated tortilla-manufacturing machine. People everywhere love a good tortilla chip to dip in salsa, guacamole, cheese dips or made into nachos. Honor this day by ordering some chips and salsa at your favorite Mexican restaurant such as Taqueria Don Julio located at 12859 U.S. 301 in Riverview or La Villa Mexican Grill located at 4377 Lynx Paw Trail in Valrico. Use #NationalTortillaChipDay to post on social media. February boasts many other fun holidays including: Stuffed Mushroom Day, National Organ Donor Day, Cherry Pie Day and Polar Bear Day. For a complete list, visit www.holidayinsights.com.

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February 2019

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

LifeCare Network’s Annual Golf Tournament With Helicopter Drop

By Amanda Boston

The LifeCare God’s plan for marannual golf tourriage. nament will be The ministry held on Friday, offers a compreMarch 8 at the hensive approach River Hills to women and Country Club in men facing pregValrico. Check-in nancy decisions. begins at 11 a.m. Through its pregand is followed nancy medical clinby lunch and a ics called Choices helicopter golf Women’s Center, ball drop. The LifeCare adminisshotgun start is at ters an average of 12:45 p.m. 50 pregnancy tests The registraeach month, lifeWith contests like ‘The Longest Drive’ spread tion fee is $150 affirming ultrathroughout the course, golfers have multiple opportunities to win prizes while raising money sounds and ongoper person and for a worthy cause. includes golfing, ing support. lunch, dinner, a Dri-Fit polo shirt, goodie “The Lord uses these resources as a bags and contests along the golf course. tool and incentive to draw these families The contests provide participants with back to our center where we have the opportunities to win cash prizes and trips. opportunity to build a relationship with The helicopter drop, a favorite among them to share Christ and disciple these the contestants, will drop golf balls from parents as they learn to trust God and the sky. The participant with the golf ball His plan for their future," explained closet to the target wins. The suggested Jessica Rickenbach, the development donation for the golf ball drop is $10 per director for LifeCare. ball. LifeCare educates each woman who “The LifeCare golf tournament is an comes in for a pregnancy test on aborevent I look forward to each year,” said tion, adoption and parenting. Its services Pastor Dan Reid, the chairman of are always free of charge, confidential, LifeCare’s Board of Directors. “It’s a and available to everyone. For more chance to play some great golf and supinformation about LifeCare, visit port a really great cause.” www.LifeCareNetwork.net. The fundraising event supports the Contact Jessica Rickenbach at LifeCare Network, which exists to lead Jessica@LifeCareNetwork.net or 654those they serve to know Christ, protect 0491. The River Hills Country Club is the sanctity of human life and promote located at 3943 New River Hills Pkwy. in biblically based sexuality according to Valrico.

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Page 43

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Volume 18, Issue 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Transform Your Life With Women’s Successful Living

World Class Chefs Bring Cooking Skills To The Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium

By Tatiana Ortiz

By Kelly Wise Valdes

,As we head into the health, as you become New Year, many of us healthy we need to ensure pledge to embrace a your mindset is grounded healthier lifestyle. Whether so you can be successful it’s weight loss or achieving afterwards,” said Chiarenza. a personal goal, January is “We are also working the best time to kick-start a with financial planners, change. No one knows this credit repair and corporabetter than Pearl tions on changing your Chiarenza, with Bodyworks health and wealth mindset Health and Wellness. benefitting their employees Chiarenza is a speaker and and lessening health cost.” author of three books As a Certified Naturopathic Pearl Chiarenza is launching including a number one her new program Women’s Transitional Coach, Successful Living. bestseller and Christian Chiarenza has been helpChiarenza, a successful Award winning book about ing women achieve personauthor and public speaker, is businesswomen and their eager to help women reach al success for more than 10 their goals in 2019. stories of entrepreneurship yrs. After losing more than thriving after facing failure. 50 lbs., Chiarenza successChiarenza has launched her new profully continued healthier habits in her own gram, Women’s Successful Living, to life. assist women to achieve their goals. “I am also passionate about helping “Over the last two years, we have you toward the vast number of obstacles had clients we have worked with on their that may arise during your various transijourney to getting healthy in weight loss tions in your journey.” inquire how we could coach them in other Beginning in January 2019, areas of their lives,” said Chiarenza. Chiarenza is offering $100 off eight-week “Recognizing the need, I became a certisessions. Chiarenza urges women to fied naturopathic life coach focusing on reach out to learn how her proven suctransforming your mindset.” cess strategies have contributed to better This transformational coaching is health, mental wellness, spiritual healing designed to transform a healthier lifestyle and financial freedom for women nationweight loss program as well as helping wide. moms balance family with working, or “Find out how to live your best life even transitioning to a new life after a and connect with women from around the divorce. Chiarenza explains that there are world as we grow together,” said so many life changes that could benefit Chiarenza. from transforming your mindset to face For more information, visit life’s challenges. www.bodyworkshwc.com or call 324“Because we currently work on 8988.

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Italian Chefs Dino Alberto Paganelli (left) and Massimo Criscio (right) from the Abruzzo Cooking School in Italy will be coming to the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium on February 7.

This Spring, the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium has a line up of cooking class chefs sure to please foodies of every genre! Kicking off the season will be the sound and smell of sizzling garlic on Thursday, February 7, at 6:30 p.m. when Chefs Dino Alberto Paganelli and Massimo Criscio from the Abruzzo Cibus Cooking School in Italy make their first appearance here. The cost is $65 per person to participate with limited spaces available. Those in attendance will get to cook risotto with gorgonzola sauce, truffles and more. Paganelli and Criscio will be sharing their stories of Abruzzo Cibus, considered one of Italy’s most highly rated cooking schools, hostelries and culinary tours. The cooking tour in Italy with Abruzzo Cibus means hands-on cooking lessons as one learns to make regional specialties and traditional Italian foods.

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Cookign assistant Anna Maria Gentile, who also owns AMG Travel and Cruise Planning, hosted a travel group to Abruzzo and found these chefs, along with their cooking school which helped foster the inviation to the U.S. Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium owner Chef Dave West shared how he felt about the two chefs coming here. “We feel very excited and look forward to a long term relationship with becoming sister cooking schools,” West said. Do not miss some of the other upcoming classes as well. Charmane Andrew Skillen, Founder and CEO of S.A.L.T. (Sydney, Alexis, Lauren and Taylor) Sisters, will be conducting a demonstration class on Thursday, March 21 and an in-store sampling on Friday, March 22. Chef Nick Malgieri will be doing a demonstration class on Bella Napoli on Friday, March 29 and a demonstration class on How to Bake on Saturday, March 30. Lastly, Chef Virginia Willis will do a demonstration on Friday, May 10 and on Saturday, May 11 a Demonstration Mother’s Day Brunch. To register for the class or to learn more, visit www.rollingpinonline.com. It is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Open Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Call 653-2418.

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February 2019

Shen Yun: Chinese Civilization Comes To Life Through the Arts Shen Yun will once again visit the Tampa Bay and Lakeland area from February 20-26. You are invited to travel back to the magical world of ancient China and experience a lost culture through the incredible art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. Shen Yun makes this possible by pushing the boundaries of the performing arts, with a unique blend of stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops and an orchestra like no other. Be prepared for a theatrical experience that will take your breath away This New York-based performing arts organization draws from 5,000 years of China’s civilization and cultures to create original music and dance performances. Live music accompanies perfectly synced dance performances. You will enjoy the synchronized routines and acrobatic style moves. The traditional Chinese culture that is presented by Shen Yun cannot be seen anywhere else in the world; not even in China, where the ruling communist regime has viewed China’s rich spiritual and artistic heritage as a threat to its ideology and for decades tried to erase it.

Page 45

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Staff Report

The organization started in 2006 with just one company and orchestra. Today, it boasts six full simultaneously traveling companies—each 80members strong with dancers, musicians, singers, emcees and technical crew—covering 20 nations, 150 cities in 500 performances. Ticket prices range from $80 to $150. Shen Yun will hold six performances at The Mahaffey Theater, 400 1st St S in St. Petersburg. Performances will take place Wednesday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 21 at 2 p.m., Friday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, February 23 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 24 at 2 p.m. Call Shen Yun’s ticketing at 888-974-3698 or visit www.shenyun.com/stpetersburg/mahaffey-theater?_tuid=35eff0aa-072a-cbedb57d-59a554aa02aa to purchase tickets. Two performances will also take place at the RP Funding Center; Youkey Theatre, 701 W Lime St. in Lakeland on Tuesday, February 26 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Call 888-974-3698 or the theater box office at 863-834-8111 or online at www.shenyun.com/lakeland/youkey-theatre-rp-funding-center?_tuid=35eff0aa072a-cbed-b57d-59a554aa02aa.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Sports 657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com

Volume 18, Issue 2

Connection By Nick Nahas and Photos courtesy of Merideth Van Auken

FishHawk Wolfpack Pop Warner Football And Cheer Program Has Successful Season The FishHawk Wolfpack, a Pop Warner football and cheer organization, has had major success since it began in 2007. The organization is run completely by volunteers. This year, all three of the competitive-aged cheer teams from the Wolfpack organization made it to the Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance championships with two routines each. Teams are formed based on age and skill level, as well The Varsity FishHawk as experience. Age groups Wolfpack cheer team. include Junior Pee-Wee Coordinator. (ages 8-11), Pee-Wee (9-12) and Varsity The (12-16). All three teams brought home cheerleading national trophies for both routines they teams also did, including one National cheer for the Championship. Wolfpack foot“Being with the program since it ball teams if began, and the way that it has grown, it’s there is a team just been an amazing experience to see that is their them be able to fulfill their dreams of same age winning nationals,” said Merideth Van group. They Auken, FishHawk Wolfpack Cheer cheer for a

The Pee-Wee Cheer team.

Junior Pee-Wee, Pee-Wee and Junior Varsity. The age range goes from 7-13. The Mighty-Mite team went undefeated and won their league championship. The varsity cheer team that won the national title got to compete in Globals in Atlantic City on the weekend of January 19. According to Van Auken, they gave a great performance, hitting all of their skills in their routine, but did not come home with the trophy. “It was still an amazThe JR Pee-Wee Cheer ing experience for them, and team. we are so glad that they were total of eight able to be part of it,” said Van Auken. games, and if According to Van Auken, the the football FishHawk Wolfpack organization will team makes stay busy in the offseason, preparing for the postseanext season. They will run weekly cheer son, they cheer clinics to keep the kids conditioned and for those active before they start on August 1 games as well. again. Spring 8-on-8 football is going on There were right now as well. four football For more information, visit teams — FishHawkWolfpack.com. Mighty-Mite,

February 2019

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Sports Connection Story by Nick Nahas and Photos courtesy of Marky Oliver

Former USF Football Player Brings Specially Fit Program To Special BSAC Athletes

Marky Oliver started Specially Fit last year.

Marky Oliver has always had an interest in helping people train to achieve their personal fitness goals. The former USF football player was working out of his Crossfit gym as a personal trainer when he noticed a client's son, a young man with Down Syndrome named Andrew. Oliver took an interest in Andrew and wanted to figure out a way to help train him. Oliver took Andrew on as a client and trained him for free. “I started training him and he touched my heart,” said Oliver. After a couple months of working with Oliver, Andrew invited him to the

Marky Oliver and his athletes went to Georgia for a powerlifting competition.

Special Olympics. It was there that Oliver realized his purpose — he wanted to help train people with autism and Down Syndrome. Oliver became a Special Olympics powerlifting coach and had tremendous success. He now has the largest powerlifting team in Hillsborough County. They just sent nine athletes to compete in Georgia at the National Powerlifting Championship. According to Oliver, over 60 percent of people with a disability are overweight. He said that this is due to a lack of resources and opportunity. He started

Expires 2/28/2019

a program called Specially Fit that offers year-round workouts for people with special needs. They also provide yearround opportunities to compete in the Special Olympics for free. In less than five months, the program has grown from just one person to about 200. Oliver trains at six different locations in the Tampa area, including three days a week at the Brandon Swim and Aquatics Center. He plans on expanding to Orlando early this year. Oliver is currently training the athletes for the Special Olympic track and volleyball seasons.

Marky Oliver trains athletes, like Christian Wright, year-round for the Special Olympics.

“It means the world watching them smile, it brings more joy to me than I have ever had in my life, more than any personal, physical accomplishment,” said Oliver. “They have helped me so much more than I have helped them. They have changed my life in the way that I view things, and they make me a better person.” For information, or if you would like to donate or be a sponsor, visit the website at SpeciallyFitFoundation.com. Oliver is also on Facebook and Instagram at Specially Fit.

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Volume 18, Issue 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

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