Bloomingdale/FishHawk
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Chicken Salad Chick – The Inside Scoop On The Newest Addition To Bloomingdale Sq.
By Brian Bokor
General Manager Jennifer Warren, owners Tammy and Brad Cochran and District Manager Elena Diacanu welcomed guests to the recently opened Chicken Salad Chick in Bloomingdale Square.
become reality, passing on several storefront opportunities along Bloomingdale Ave. to remain in Bloomingdale Square due to the improvements being made to the plaza, the corner location of the store allowing for a drive-thru and the desire to become part of the ever-growing Brandon/Valrico/Fishhawk/Riverview community. The Bloomingdale store was to be the couple’s second in the Tampa area with the first having opened in 2015 near USF at 2790 E. Fowler Ave., so while this project was on hold, they moved forward and opened up two other Tampa locations. The menu focuses around the 12 flavors of chicken salad made fresh by hand every morning using only premium chicken tenderloins. Beyond chicken salad, the menu offers several other healthy options in fresh salads along with homemade mac 'n cheese, pimento cheese, gourmet soups and seasonal desserts. The Cochrans, as well as Chicken Salad Chick corporation as a whole, strongly believe in supporting local charitable events throughout the year, with all the money raised at its most recent friends and family event donated to Metropolitan Ministries along with supporting the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. This year, Feeding Tampa Bay will be supported with the proceeds from the giving card sales program that Chicken Salad Chick offers. Chicken Salad Chick is open Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Catering is also offered. Visit www.chickensaladchick.com, and follow on social media for the latest trends.
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Team Hosts Dueling Piano Date Night To Support Cooperstown Trip
By Kate Quesada
A group of as they stay in young baseball barrack style players are offering dorms, which residents a fun night also include food, out this month to lodging, uniforms help them achieve for the tournatheir dreams. ment and game FishHawk Youth expenses,” said Baseball’s (FYB) Woytowich. 2020 Cooperstown The team team is hosting a has also organFishHawk Youth Baseball’s 2020 Dueling Piano event ized three music Cooperstown team is hosting a Dueling Piano fundraising event on Friday, January bingo nights to on Friday, January 24, 2020 at the Palmetto Club. 24, 2020 at the raise money, but Palmetto Club in FishHawk Ranch to the Dueling Piano event will be the signaraise money to fund their trip to New York ture fundraising event. this summer to play in the Cooperstown Two levels of tickets are available at Dreams Park tournament. different price points for the piano night. Playing in the Cooperstown tournaThe standard ticket includes one free ment, located at the home of the National drink and light food items while the VIP Baseball Hall of Fame, is a goal of many level has three drinks and preferred seatyoung baseball players. ing in addition to the food. There will also According to the team’s manager, be silent auctions, 50/50 contests and a Rich Woytowich, the tournament was cash bar. founded in 1999 to promote a high caliber The team is currently sponsored by of play for those 12 and under and to Flatwoods Consulting and Leaven allow them to experience the purity of Brewery, but sponsorship opportunities baseball as it was meant to be played. are still available. Tickets to the event can “I have had the honor of coaching be purchased at https://fyb-cooperstownmost of these young men since the age 2020.ticketleap.com/ of 7 in one form or the other,” said FYB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, 100 perWoytowich, whose son is also a member cent volunteer run organization. To learn of the team. “The park runs tournaments more, visit for 11 weeks each summer with over 108 www.fishhawkyouthbaseball.org. teams from the United States and Canada competing each week.” In This In addition to the tournament, there is Issue a skill competition and opening and closing ceremonies where each player and coach competing gets inducted into the SCOUTING FOR FOOD........................PG 3 American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame. “It is truly a once in a lifetime experiCALENDAR OF EVENTS.......................PG 5 ence,” said Woytowich. TAMPA THEATRE EVENTS ..................PG 9 Players are chosen to participate in the team by the FYB Cooperstown comRUNNING OF THE BULLS .................PG 11 mittee after a tryout in the fall the year FLORIDA WILDLIFE WITH ALI ...........PG 13 before they attend. The 13 FishHawk players will attend the tournament from CANINE CABANA ADDS ON..............PG 15 Saturday to Friday, July 4-10, 2020. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 26 In order to attend the tournament, the team needs to raise $30,000. YEAR IN REVIEW .......................PGS 27‐36 “This number is based on the number of players and coaches on the team,
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Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only Southern-inspired, fast casual, chicken salad restaurant concept opened its fourth Tampa area location at 965 E. Bloomingdale Ave. on December 10 in Bloomingdale Square at the southwest corner of Bloomingdale Ave. and Bell Shoals Rd. The owners, Brad and Tammy Cochran, as well as General Manager Jennifer Warren and District Manager Elena Diacanu, welcomed guests at its friends and family event held on the weekend prior to the grand opening. The turnout was fantastic at the opening with well over 100 customers lining the store by 9 a.m. The first 100 customers received a free chicken salad each month for a year with customer number one receiving a free chicken salad every week. The Cochrans initially signed the letter of intent in July 2016 with the store scheduled to open mid-2017, but due to unexpected construction delays, they waited over three years for their plans to
33
January 2020 Volume 19, Issue 1 Ph: 657-2418
LITHIA
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Page 2
Volume 19, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
From The Law Office of
Griffin & Associates, P.A.
Rachel L. Griffin
Eileen H. Griffin
Ryan W. Griffin
FAMILY LAW PROBATE & ESTATE PLANNING
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January 2020
Page 3
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Scouting For Food Aims To Impact Hunger With Canned Food Collection
Bloomingdale High School Becomes Drop Site For OASIS
Scouting for The Boy Food seeks to Scouts of America collect a recordis a program that setting amount of teaches young food to fight men and women hunger, powered values, leaderby thousands of ship, adventure boys and girls in and—most imporlocal Boy Scouts tantly—how to of America lend a helping groups across hand and assist West Central those in need. Florida. More than Scouts ages 15,000 Scouts 5 through 17 will are members of Scouts ages 5 through 17 will go door-tolead the way, door in their neighborhoods to place door the local branch hangers with information on Scouting for going door-toof Boy Scouts of Food on Saturday, January 25, 2020 and door in their America, the then will return to collect nonperishable food neighborhoods donations left on front porches on Saturday, Greater Tampa February 1, 2020. to place door Bay Area Council. hangers with The council and information on its Scouting for Food Saturday, January effort covers nine 25, 2020 and then counties, stretching will return to collect from Crystal River to nonperishable food Lake Placid and donations left on including the counfront porches one ties of Citrus, week later on Hardee, Hernando, Saturday, February Highlands, 1, 2020. Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk Scouting for Food will take place and Sumter. Food collected in our on the weekends leading up to the community will benefit ECHO food Super Bowl, and the Greater Tampa banks. Bay Area Council—our region’s “Our Scouts and adult leaders will branch of the Boy Scouts of hand-deliver all the collected food America—is joining more than 4,000 items to local food banks in their participating groups in the Souper communities,” said Jim Rees, CEO of Bowl of Caring, a nonprofit organizathe Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. tion that collected more than “We believe this will be our region’s 4,500,000 pounds of food in 2019. biggest food drive by Boy Scouts “Serving others is at the heart of ever.” what Scouting is all about,” said To stay up to date on the Scouting for Food Event Chair progress of Scouting for Food in Melissa Snively, who serves as chair 2020, follow on Facebook or visit of the Hillsborough County School TampaBayScouting.org. Board. “In Florida alone, more than The Boy Scouts of America has 850,000 children struggle with programs for both young men and hunger. Our scouts will be energized women, from kindergarten until the knowing they are helping other young age of 21 years old. For more inforpeople through Scouting for Food.” mation, visit TampaBayScouting.org.
Bloomingdale High OASIS is run largely on the School recently partefforts of volunteers; the organinered with OASIS to zation only has two paid become a drop site for employees, and it is able to gently used or new manage everything with assisclothing, which are tance from the community. Help given back to lowis needed to pick up and sort income or at-risk studonations, launder clothes and dents in the communito organize clothing drives. High ty. OASIS, or Outreach school students will be able to Assisting Students in receive Bright Futures hours for Schools, is a nonprofit volunteering. organization that proFurthering Wetterling vides basic necessities Mary both quality of life volunteering to to students in need in and education for sort donations for OASIS. Hillsborough County. It young people is a was established in 2001, and has grown cause described to service over 11,000 students per year. as ‘invaluable’ by a There are currently four clothing social worker who closet locations across Tampa and was able to help Seffner. Social workers can visit these students through sites to pick up items for students. This this program. usually includes two school outfits, socks, OASIS currently underwear, tennis shoes, a jacket, connects with 43 Donation bins can be social workers hygiene items and school supplies. found at the New Providing this for students can make it Tampa YMCA and the through an South Tampa YMCA. order/delivery sysinfinitely easier for parents who are struggling financially to send their children tem and will soon expand to 220 social to school. workers, allowing its services to change Since OASIS is a nonprofit, it surinnumerable lives for the better. vives thanks to help from donors and volFor more information and an extendunteers. There are two public drop-off ed list of items that can be donated, visit sites for donations, one at the New oasis-network.org. Bloomingdale students Tampa YMCA and the other at the South and staff can reach out to Flossie Parsley Tampa YMCA. Bloomingdale High School for information about how to donate. is a new drop site where students and OASIS Associate Director Dawn staff can make contributions. Monetary Schulman can be contacted about volundonations are also welcome and can be teer opportunities at made on the OASIS website. dawn.schulman@oasis-network.org.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 1
Join The Fun At CATE’s 2nd Annual Community Day & Chili Cook-Off
Boy Scout Troop 61 Hosts Second Annual Taste Of Scouting BBQ Fundraiser
If you’re looking funds to assist its misfor some fun family sion, such as paying for time, then mark your its programs, building calendar for the rent, workbooks and CATE Foundation’s utilities. second annual The 501(c)(3) nonCommunity Day to profit aims to educate be held on Saturday, the community about February 1. the scientific nature Guests can of addiction, proexpect all kinds of vide educational family entertainment, and treatment like jumping around resources for recoverCerra Sauce, a vendor from the first ing addicts, empower in bounce houses, annual Community Day. If you’re getting their faces interested in /being a vendor for the those in recovery to be painted, doing arts better members of the next Community Day, make sure to apply on CATE’s website. and crafts, fun with community and help balloons, chances to win various prizes in overcome the stigma of addiction. raffles and more. “Our doors are open; we give people CATE is currently seeking vendors. who come to our classes workbooks and As of now, there will be about 40 vendors, things like that. Everything that we do at so there’s plenty of variety for all kinds of CATE doesn’t cost anything, it’s all free,” tastes. said Tina McGlynn, president and coSpeaking of taste, people who love to founder of the CATE Foundation. cook and eat chili can look forward to the CATE recognizes that there are second annual Chili Cook-Off. There’s no many types of addictions and will help better time to show off your favorite chili anyone who seeks them, be it for drug, recipes and see how much everyone alcohol, gambling, food or other addicenjoys them. It costs $25 to enter, and tions. It also helps the family and friends there’ll be cash prizes for first, second of those in recovery. and third place. Community Day will last from 11 To register for the Chili Cook-Off or a.m. to 4 p.m. at E.G. Simmons find the vendor application, visit the Regional Park on 2401 19th Ave. NW. 2cate.org and select ‘EVENTS’. You must in Ruskin. It is free to attend, but the register by Wednesday, January 29. park’s entrance fee is $2 per vehicle, up Judging for the Chili Cook-Off will start at to eight people per vehicle. 12 Noon, and chili will be ready for samFor more information, call 773pling by 1 p.m. for $5. 7175, email contact@2cate.org or follow CATE presents this event not only to CATE’s Facebook page provide good times, but also to raise @CateFoundation.
Boy Scouts Bloomingdale from Founder Sir Robert 11 a.m-6 p.m. The Baden-Powell once troop will be serving said, “Remember, it a choice of brisket, is not what you turkey or pulled have, but what you pork along with give that brings sides of coleslaw, happiness.” John baked beans, a roll Zelatis would agree and a drink. Prices with Sir Badenrange from $10Powell because $13. The troop will Scout Troop 61 will host its Second scouting has been Boy Annual Taste of Scouting on Saturday, be holding a few an important part of February 1 at Presbyterian Church of activities throughout Bloomingdale from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. his life. “One of my the day as well. fondest experiences growing up was “The troop’s decision to hold the being a Boy Scout,” Zelatis said. “So, Taste of Scouting is two-fold,” Zelatis when my son became of age, I was said. “First, to help raise funds for our excited to introduce him to the Scouting program and the Scouting program.” Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale. His son chose Boy Scout Troop Second, to increase awareness in our 61, which is based out of community and throughout that Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale. Scouts BSA is one of the best pro“I asked my 11-year-old why he chose grams that help prepare young peothis troop and he said, ‘I feel comfortple for life. The Scouting program able here.’ I understood him,” Zelatis instills in our youth the core values said. “I felt the same way. There was and principles of the Scout Oath and a sense of pride and certainty in the Scout Law while having fun these young boys and young men.” exploring outdoors, learning new Troop 61 has been around for things and preparing for the future.” more than 30 years. Its success is A portion of the funds raised will due to the support they receive from be utilized to purchase new/upgrade the chartered organization, existing camping equipment and proPresbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, vide Scout families assistance the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, through scholarships in case of finanthe Brandon community and the tirecial hardships. less leaders that keep the program The troop is currently preselling vibrant and strong. tickets for the event. Visit The troop will host its second www.bstroop61.com. Presbyterian annual Taste of Scouting on Saturday, Church of Bloomingdale is located at February 1 at Presbyterian Church of 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon.
By Taylor Wells
Expiration: 1.31.2020
By Libby Hopkins
Expiration: 1.31.2020
Expiration: 1.31.2020
January 2020
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
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Deadline for next BL/FishHawk edition is 10th of month.
First and third Tuesday of the month Fishhawk Fellowship Church, 15326 Fishhawk Blvd. in Lithia Coffee, brunch and free childcare All moms (including soon-to-be) welcome. Visit Fishhawk MOPS and MOMSnext on Facebook for info and updates. Email l.bellora@hotmail.com.
Social Security Benefits Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group
Tuesday, January 21, February 18 and March 24; Wednesday, January 15 and February 12; and Thursday, January 9, February 6 and March 12 HCC campus at The Regent, 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking Social Security benefits; perfect for ages 58-67. Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave a message after 4:30 p.m.
Pet Vaccination Clinic At Kim’s Natural Pet Foods
Saturday, January 4 and Saturday, February 1; 11 a.m.-12 Noon p.m. Kim’s Natural Pet Foods, 2110 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico EZ Pet Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic Call 684-3663 to confirm.
Grey Matters Toastmasters
First and Third Thursday of month; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bloomingdale Library at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico Benefits of club include confidence-building in public speaking, enhancement of leadership skills and unique, lively, stimulating discussions. Visit https://greymatters.toastmastersclubs.org/.
Riverview Library Master Gardener Library Programs
10509 Riverview Dr., Riverview Growing Sprouts and Microgreens; Tuesday, January 7 at 6:30 p.m. Grow delicious and nutritious sprouts and microgreens in less than a week in the comfort of your own kitchen with minimal supplies. Grow year-round without fertilizers or pesticides. Tastings and door prizes included. No gardening experience necessary. Garden Treasures Rediscovered; Tuesday, February 4 at 6:30 p.m. Discover ways to reuse items in the garden usually thrown out or considered useless. Learn inventive ways to make your garden unique, full of fun and beauty and also provide for garden wildlife. Contact Anne Marie Boehm at amblibrary@gmail.com or call 205-6621 for more information.
Tampa Bay Chief Petty Officers Meeting
Fourth Thursday each month; 6:30 p.m. Tampa Buffet, 3904 S. Dale Mabry, Britton Plaza, Tampa For information, call Chuck Peterman, President, at 767-1569
Parkinson's Support Group At Savannah Court Of Brandon
Third Tuesday of the 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.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Plan Your Midday Escape To The Florida Orchestra Start your new year with a guilty pleasure—a midday getaway to The Florida Orchestra. In January 2020, you will have several options for matinee performances with a wide range of extraordinary live music, including Coffee Concerts served up with free coffee and doughnuts. Café Olé Coffee Concert (Wednesday and Thursday, January 8 & 9): Savor the Latin flavor with Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, Marquez’s Danzon No. 7 and Caturla’s Three Cuban Dances. Stuart Malina will conduct. A free Pre-Concert Conversation is included with all Coffee Concerts, along with coffee and doughnuts. Lush Life: Ellington & Strayhorn (Friday and Saturday, January 10 & 11, with Saturday matinee): Jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling leads The Florida Orchestra for the greatest hits of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, such as Take the A Train and It Don’t Mean a Thing. It is part of the Raymond James Pops series. Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 (Friday-Sunday, January 17-19, with Sunday matinee): Art and ballet take center stage in a special concert inspired by the theater. It will feature the Museum of Fine Arts, the Tampa City Ballet and original art by Geff Strik
By Kurt Loft
as Michael Francis conducts Beethoven, Rimsky-Korsakov and Stravinsky. There are free tickets for kids and teens in advance in the Tampa Bay Times Masterworks series, in partnership with the MFA. A free Pre-Concert Conversation is included. The Wild West Coffee Concert (Thursday, January 30): Music from the American West, including Williams’ The Cowboys Overture, along with selections from Copland’s Rodeo and Billy the Kid Ballet Suite. Akiko Fujimoto will conduct. There will be free coffee and doughnuts. World on a String Coffee Concert (Wednesday and Thursday, February 5 & 6): Music Director Michael Francis will conduct TFO’s strings in Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Barber’s Adagio for Strings, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings and more. There will be free coffee and doughnuts. Florida Orchestra Coffee Concert tickets are $24-$42, with concerts at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Tampa Bay Times Masterworks and Raymond James Pops series tickets are $18-$48. Get tickets at FloridaOrchestra.org and 727-8923337 or 1-800-662-7286.
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Volume 19, Issue 1
January 2020
A Kitten Place, Rescue & Foster Program, Where No Cat Is Left Behind
By Sean Crumpacker
Michelle Bass and Alicia Pollock, co-founders of A Kitten Place, were involved in the feline rescue business even before deciding to start their own 501(c)(3). Bass cited one particular foster scenario as the origin story of Bass and Pollock’s rescue. “I was taking care of a very critical care kitten with another rescue,” Bass said. “At some point, you take them to the vet, and the rescue incurs expenses. And you know, rescues have to be cognizant of what they’re spending because they have a lot of other kittens in their care. But with this particular kitten, I knew there was something else that needed to be diagnosed. The president of that organization texted me and said, 'No more vet visits.' And that’s pretty much the straw that broke the camel’s back. I messaged Alicia and I said, 'If we’re going to do this, then we’re going to do it right.'” Thus, A Kitten Place was born. Bass stated that the rescue looks for every opportunity to save even the most vulnerable and demanding of kittens. “If we ever have a kitten in our care, we’re gonna stay committed to them until the very end,” said Bass. Now, A Kitten Place works alongside shelters and other rescues to prevent any kittens from being put down. The rescue’s focus is neonatal kittens, which are normally euthanized by shelters due to the large amount of time and money which
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
must be spent on their care. “They require pretty much aroundthe-clock care,” Bass said. “It’s almost like having a newborn baby.” Luckily, A Kitten Place has been largely successful in its efforts to save the kittens which are normally left behind. By preventing healthy kittens from being unreasonably put down, rehabilitating kittens with potentially debilitating injuries and rescuing kittens whose conditions were so poor that they would have died in the street, A Kitten Place has lived up to its promise to stay committed to its rescues no matter what. In one particular case, the rescue has even managed to combat an otherwise fatal feline disease. Bass urges for those who can to step up and participate in local Trap-NeuterVet-Return (TNVR) programs and, more importantly, spay and neuter their pets. “If we can make a dent in the cat overpopulation, it’s going to prevent a lot of suffering,” Bass said. Rescues like A Kitten Place can always use extra help in the way of foster and transportation volunteers alongside donations. As the nonprofit shelter operates solely on the public's donations, every bit of help is greatly appreciated and goes towards a good cause. For volunteering, donation and adoption information, visit the rescue's website at akittenplace.org. Additionally, visit the A Kitten Place Facebook page for updates on all the rescues.
KNEE PAIN Knee pain is one of the most common complaints that we see in our office, yet one of the most difficult to give general advice for in passing. At its most simple form, the knee itself can be the pain generator, but, just as often, knee pain can be just a product of faulty biomechanics elsewhere. For example, your hip may have reduced ranges of motion, causing your knee pain. Disruptions in the kinetic chain, i.e. hip, ankle, and foot, all have the ability to disguise themselves as knee pain. Additionally, all the muscles that attach around the knee, such as the hamstrings, plus sensation to the surrounding tissues, are controlled by nerves that originate out of the low back. So it is also not uncommon to have knee pain be the product of a low back issue, such as an irritated disc. WHAT IT IS A lot of the knee pain that we see in our office is mechanical in nature, meaning that it’s a result of how we move and use our body. WHAT IT ISN’T The pain we feel is simply a request from our brain to change. Pain is often not associated with damage, rather a very apparent alert we need to change our physical behavior or else physical impairment will proceed. And just because you have knee pain doesn’t mean you need an MRI. If you do have an MRI, many of the findings can be misleading. Just because your MRI shows “degeneration” or “arthritis” doesn’t mean that you’ll have to live with pain forever or that your only option is surgery. It is so important to get knee pain evaluated by a professional who understands all the potential causes. It is not something that you want to attempt to self-diagnose or selfprescribe treatments based on the internet alone, such as kinesiotape and orthopedic braces that you are able to purchase over-the-counter. First receive a professional diagnosis, then a proper treatment. We aim to restore full and pain-free ranges of motion and then strengthen the surrounding muscles and tissues to better tolerate load and stress. Treatment at Motion ChiroTherapy will always be in a
1-on-1 setting with the doctor for every visit.
We will evaluate and reevaluate your unique symptoms and design a treatment plan to get you back in motion
CALL TODAY Dr. Robert Lutz Dr. Morgan Price
16765 FishHawk Blvd, Lithia • 813-793-7791 (Located in the Winn Dixie Shopping Plaza)
www.MotionChiroTherapy.com FishHawk Ranch
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Page 8
Volume 19, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
d, e d e e N rs e e t n u l e& Vo v i r D r Diape ore… M
Nonprofit Specially Fit Foundation provides free year-round workouts, mentorship and sporting opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilianti, e Coles ll ties and at who are at e h ic ed by M com risk. Compil spreyobserver. e@o Volunteers are michell needed for the Fitness Field will provide fun fitness games, bounce houses and face painting. Afterward, a party will be hosted, which will include food, troField Day Event For Foster Kids phies and medals for the participants. Needs Volunteers Mark Oliver, CEO of the Specially Mark Oliver’s Special Olympic athletes will also volunteer and coach at Fit Foundation, will host a field day this event so that they can make a for 75 foster kids on Saturday, positive impact and give back to the January 4, 2020 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. community. It will take place at A Kid’s Place in If you would like to volunteer or Brandon. Oliver recently learned help out with the Fitness about A Kid’s Place Field Day for foster kids at A while on a visit with Kid’s Place, please email his leadership Oliver at speciallyfitfoundaBrandon class and tion@gmail.com. feels that despite their circumstances, The Bridges Retirement the kids deserve an Community Hosts opportunity to parVeterans Assistance ticipate in an excitSeminar ing field day and The Bridges Retirement have opportunities Community is hosting a veterans to learn about health and wellness. assistance seminar on Tuesday, Located on five acres in Brandon, A February 4, 2020 to educate wartime Kid’s Place has five homes on an veterans and their survivors about a expansive tree-lined campus that benefit through the U.S. Department provide a safe, home-like environof Veterans Affairs ‘Improved Pension ment in a neighborhood setting prowith Aid and Attendance.’ This benefit viding residential program services for children from birth to age 18, who can help offset the cost of living in a have been removed from their homes retirement community for a wartime Veteran or his/her surviving due to abuse, neglect or abandonspouse. Veterans of any branch of ment.
the armed services who served 90 consecutive days on active duty, including one day during a wartime period, may be eligible to receive up to $1,912 per month for assisted living expenses if they served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Era or other more recent conflicts (duration of service required may vary). Surviving spouses may qualify to receive up to $1,230. Dennis Mont’Ros, a veteran service officer with Hillsborough County’s Department of Consumer and Veterans Services, will provide information and answer questions about this benefit. This free seminar will be held at The Bridges, located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview, from 11 a.m.-12 Noon with lunch provided. Seating is limited. Please reserve a seat by calling 413-8900.
New Programs Start In New Year AT FAOPA
Children from grades K through adults can sign up now for new musicals starting in the new year with the Florida Academy of Performing Arts at Music Showcase. Actors can participate in the upcoming productions of Doctor Doolittle Jr., Mulan Jr., Rock of Ages, and Sweeney Todd. Children in grades K-3 can register now for Doctor Doolittle Jr. Practices will held on Tuesdays from 4-5:30 p.m. starting on January 14, 2020. The musical tells the classic tale of a wacky, but kind, doctor who can talk to animals. Also starting on January 14, 2020 will be practices for Mulan Jr. for
grades 3-6. The musical is based on the Disney film and takes place in China where a girl named Mulan poses as a man and joins the Emperor's army. Practices will be held on Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Middle school students can take part in the musical Rock of Ages. This jukebox musical uses classic rock songs from the 1980s from groups like Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Europe. Rehearsals will start on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. High school students can register
for Sweeney Todd. The musical about the Demon Barber of Fleet Street will begin practices on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 2-6 p.m. FAOPA will also hold auditions for its audition-only group (ages 7 to adults) for a musical production still to be named starting on Monday, January 13, 2020. In the fall, the group performed Matilda. Rehearsals will be on Monday and Thursday from 6-8:30 p.m. All rehearsals are held at Music Showcase at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. Registration is happening now at faopa.org. or by calling 4902787 (ARTS).
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January 2020
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Tampa Theatre Hosts Its 18th Annual WineFest, With ‘Cabbyshack’ Theme
By Kathy L. Collins
The Tampa Theatre mium silent auction items is teeing up for its representing area retailbiggest fundraiser of the ers, restaurants, services year, hoping to hit a hole and attractions. in one with WineFest There are two levels 2020: Cabbyshack. This of tickets for the Wine fun event will take place Tasting. The Premium on Friday, February 7 Tasting starts at 7 p.m. and Saturday, February and features exclusive 8. The Tampa Theatre is wines for a limited audilocated at 711 N. ence. Tickets are $100 or Franklin St. in downtown $90 for Tampa Theatre Tampa. members. On Friday night, the The Grand Tasting Theatre’s historic stage ticket holders gain entry will be expanded to seat at 8 p.m. and tickets are more than 275 for the $65 or $55 for members. The Tampa Theatre’s 18th elegant Wine Pairing. WineFest 2020: Annual WineFest Fundraiser The multi-course menu, supports the historic landmark’s Cabbyshack is a 21 year programming and preservation. and older event. created and catered by The year’s theme, Mise en Place Chef Guest are encourCabbyshack, is sure to be as fun albeit different from last Marty Blitz, will feature aged to dress as their year’s James Bond theme. delectable small plates favorite character or expertly paired with exquisite wines. come in a Caddyshack-inspired cosTickets for the Wine Pairing are $275 for tume. individuals and $500 for a pair. Table Webber said, “The Theatre’s annual sponsorships for parties of eight or 10 WineFest fundraiser is always a ton of guests are available. Please contact the fun and the perfect way to support Tampa Theatre’s Director of Tampa’s only non-profit movie palace Development, Maggie Webber at magand drink wine at the same time.” gie@tampatheatre.org for more informa- Webber added, “This year’s theme, tion. Cabbyshack, is sure to bring out a ton of The Wine Pairing begins at 7 p.m. golf and Country Club attire, as well as On Saturday night, the Tampa gophers. Remember, costumes are Theatre will offer a two-tiered Wine always encouraged.” Tasting from 7 to 10 p.m. Attendees are For more information on WineFest invited to taste dozens of boutique wines 2020: Cabbyshack, or any of the other and sample favorite fare from Tampa’s great events and movies hosted by the top independent restaurants. You will Tampa Theatre, please visit www.tamalso have the opportunity to bid on prepatheatre.org or call 274-8981.
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Page 10
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 1
Brenda Wade Team Partners With Local Businesses To Donate $18,000 To Local Charities This is the season of giving and Brenda Wade and her Real Estate Team have focused on giving back to the community in small and large ways, year after year, season after season. They have given over $65,000 in the last seven years through their ‘Partners in Giving’ events, plus additional giving exceeds $10,000 annually to other local charities. Brenda believes in giving back where she lives and works and said, “We are so fortunate to live in a great community and if everyone gives a little, no one goes without.” One of their favorite ‘giving back’ events of the year is their ‘Partners in Giving’ fundraiser. Brenda and her team just hosted their Seventh Annual ‘Partners in Giving’ event where Brenda and her agents spent a day learning from business associates who donate money to the chosen charity. Brenda matches every dollar the business partners contribute so together they have a larger impact in the community. The Brenda Wade Team wants to be the most knowledgeable and giving team in real estate, and to work together with like-minded companies and individuals to give back to our community. Brenda said, “Our goal was to exceed the $12,600 amount we raised last year, and we were so very excited to raise and donate $18,000 divided between two local charities, Seeds of Hope, Inc. and LifeCare. Seeds of Hope has been in the Brandon/Valrico/Lithia community for over nine years and began with local resident Leda Eaton helping her then
By Barbara Kern
high school students receive meaningful community service hours. That was the beginning of the FishHawk Turkey Trot and from that Seeds of Hope was created to use the money generated to help alleviate local hunger. The organization has maintained its original commitment to providing meaningful community service for students but has grown as an organization to combat hunger in three ways by providing weekend backpacks of food for school children, boxes of food to families on Thursdays, and a weekly mobile pantry aimed at short term food relief. Eaton is proud of the impact the charity has had, “Before Hurricane Irma, we were a food relief organization. After Hurricane Irma, we added disaster relief to our resume. It’s not something I ever would have planned but am so thankful we were there. It was amazing to be a part of the overwhelming groundswell of community support.” For more infor-
mation, visit www.sohopefl.org. LifeCare, now called Choices, is all about babies so this ministry is near and dear to Brenda Wade’s heart, as she and her husband have been beyond blessed with two grandbabies this year. LifeCare of Brandon /Choices has served families in the Brandon Community for over three decades. They reach out to families in the midst of pregnancy decisions with compassion, help and hope. They have worked with thousands of families over the last 32 years supporting them in their pregnancies, childbirth, parenting, and life skills. All of their services are free, confidential, and available to everyone. Their pregnancy medical clinics are named CHOICES with locations in Brandon and Ruskin. These clinics are where families receive free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and ongoing support. They work with families throughout their preg-
nancy and until their baby is a year old teaching them about healthy pregnancies and positive parenting. For more information please visit www.EmpoweredToChoose.net Brenda is so very thankful to this year's “Partners in Giving” business partners for serving her clients all year long and graciously pulling alongside of she & the Team in support of the people served by Seeds of Hope and LifeCare/Choices: Adela’s Pro Cleaning Service, All American Title, Brian Hodgers of Complete Choice Insurance, Chad & Bill Kalgren of Kyzo Unlimited LLC Painting & Pressure Washing, Couture Painting, Gonzalez Roofing, Hank & Mary Lobdell of Radiant Property Inspections, Hillsborough Title, Janelle Weeden of Old Republic Home Warranty, Joel Meek of Meek Insurance Group, Jon Howard of American Mortgage Service Co, Marie Gilmore of Osprey Observer, Mike Yeager of Buyer’s Choice Home Inspection, Patrick Latimer & Erica Guthrie of United Mutual Funding Corp., Pilka & Associates, P.A. Law Firm, Rory Weiner, P.A. Law Firm, Terry Beamer of CertaPro Painters, Todd Martin of Guaranteed Rate, Trease Sinclair of Suddath Movers and The Rice Financial Group. A HUGE thank you to our business partners! Brenda Wade and her Real Estate Team love this community and the privilege of working throughout the year to support the many charitable organizations and ministries that assist people who need a hand up.
January 2020
Page 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Support Bloomingdale High School’s Running Of The Bulls 5K
Happy
By Jane Owen
Make plans to participate in this year’s Bloomingdale High School’s Running of the Bulls 5K on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Make plans now to get a healthy start to 2020 by registering for Bloomingdale’s annual 5K. The Running of the Bulls 5K will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Bloomingdale High School. The 5K starts and finishes on the track and utilizes the sidewalks, roads and parking lots on campus. The race, which participants can run or walk, is full of community pride. The Bloomingdale Band Drumline will perform, and student volunteers will cheer for participants. Post-race food includes Chick-fil-A, Panera pastries and bagels and fruit. Participants will receive a shirt and will be entered into a raffle for donated items from sponsors, including race entries into Tampa’s Gasparilla Distance Classic and gift cards to local businesses. Finishers will receive medals. 2019 Race Winner John Carter from Plant City said he is apt to run the race again, “Because I am competitive, I always want to improve on previous race (times), but with the Running of the Bulls 5K, the pre and post-race activities is the main reason I mark my calendar for the event.” Made possible by local business
sponsorships such as Gold Sponsor Acropolis Greek Taverna, the race is hosted by the Band Boosters and supports the Bloomingdale band and athletic teams. Registrants can choose an athletic team to support during registration. Bloomingdale Lacrosse Coach Matthew Borowski knows the 5K makes a difference. “These dollars go directly to fund programs to keep high school kids active and busy in a productive way,” he said. Borowski not only ran the race himself, he encouraged his lacrosse team to participate. “We participated because of the incentives that the Band Boosters gave our team. We struggle with fundraising dollars and we do not get much support from the district since we are also a pay-forplay varsity sport, so we try to get every dollar that we can. I made it a challenge to all of the team that if they beat me in the 5K that day, they did not have to complete the fitness test at the first day of tryouts. They always love an opportunity to beat me.” “We enjoyed the atmosphere the most. I thought the Band Boosters did a great job at creating an intimate atmosphere utilizing almost every inch of pavement on the school grounds. It was fun to see how they managed to fit 3.1 miles on campus,” Borowski also noted. To register, visit https://fitniche.com/event/running-ofthe-bulls-5k/.
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Page 12
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
G ET THE DIRT WITH FLORIDA YARD EXPERT
Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide To Plant Selection & Landscape This is one of my favorite trict. Go to the website at Beautyberry www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/, click resources. I use it at home, work and many times when on 'Resources' and then 'Free White on site visits. It is easy to use, Publications' to view free publiunderstand and makes finding cations under Florida-Friendly the right plant for the right Landscaping™ and order your place a simple process. personal copy. The Florida-Friendly This must-have resource Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Firebush provides a number of landSelection & Landscape scape design scenarios, includDesign is intended for homeing front entry, along walls, owners who want to design sidewalks and fences, under their own Florida-Friendly windows and trees, etc. Landscapes and make Information is included on how informed decisions about to convert your yard to a planting the right plant in the Foxtail Fern Florida-Friendly Landscape, right place based on site conecological considerations, five ditions and other factors. The common gardening mistakes beauty and functionality of a and the Florida-Friendly Florida-Friendly Landscape Landscaping™ Plant List of depends on the mix of trees, trees, shrubs, vines, groundplants and turfgrass chosen covers, grasses, perennials, for their specific location and maintaining annuals and turfgrasses. This guide thorit according to the University of oughly covers each of the nine FloridaFlorida/IFAS recommendations. FloridaFriendly Landscaping™ principles. These Friendly Landscaping™ principles principles are: Right Plant, Right Place, encourage the use of both native and Water Efficiently, Fertilize Appropriately, non-native species of plants. Invasive Mulch, Attract Wildlife, Manage Yard exotics should be removed, where possiPests Responsibly, Recycle, Manage ble, and never planted. Stormwater Runoff and Protect the This guide is available for online Waterfront. viewing at: For assistance with horticultural http://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/FYN_Plant_Selecti questions, contact the UF/IFAS Extension on_Guide_2015.pdf. You can also order a in Hillsborough County at 744-5519. Stop free copy, which will be mailed to you, by to view the demonstration gardens at from the Southwest Florida Water 5339 CR 579 in Seffner. We hope you Management District if you live in this dis- will get outside and garden.
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Honoring Our Residents’ Past & Brightening Their Future Call us today to schedule a tour of our beautiful community!
Volume 19, Issue 1
January 2020
Page 13
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
For Aesthetic Appointments Call 813-514-4711 Serving the Tampa Bay Area since 1988
The Florida manatee, a majestic sight to see, is one of our most treasured yet threatened species in North America. It is also Florida’s official state marine mammal and is protected under state and federal laws. Often referred to as a sea cow, these gentle, herbivorous creatures can be found in various salt, fresh and brackish coastal and inland waterways around the state. Mostly grazing on sea grass, manatees can consume up to 150 pounds of vegetation a day. The closest living relative to the manatee is actually the elephant. The Florida manatee is a subspecies of the West Indian manatee and is officially listed as threatened, recently downgraded from endangered. Aerial surveys in 2019 estimate that we have less than 9,000 individuals left statewide. With no known natural predators, the slow-moving manatee’s biggest threats are mostly human-inflicted but also include habitat loss, habitat degradation from pollution, cold stress and collisions with watercrafts. In fact, almost every Florida manatee can be identified by scars on their body, as most that reach adulthood have been affected by boat strikes and collisions. Manatees can only swim around 3-5 miles per hour. Manatees require warm-water habi-
tats to survive, especially during Florida’s colder winter months. Water temperatures that drop below 65 degrees can be lethal to these docile, warmblooded animals. It is common during this season to find them congregated in warm springs around the state and also gathered at our local power plant in Apollo Beach, soaking in the benefit of the warm discharged water from Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station. Manatees have been observed at this viewing area since the 1970s and can still be visited at the TECO Manatee Viewing Center on cold days between now and April 15, 2020. To date, the TECO Manatee Viewing Center has hosted over five million visitors, who come from all over the world to view these incredible marine mammals. Visit www.tampaelectric.com/manatee for more information about this local, family-friendly, free opportunity to learn more about observing these amazing animals in the wild. To help the Florida manatees flourish for generations, remember to never feed, touch, disturb or interact with wildlife. Yield to wake zones when in a watercraft and keep our oceans clean by recycling and properly discarding monofilament lines when fishing. Together, we can help save these gentle marine sirens.
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Page 14
Volume 19, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Rhino General Contracting Offers Home Renovations, Roofing & More
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Most people’s Elliott. “Our goal is to greatest investment make everything right is their home. for our customers.” Robert Elliott, Whether it’s owner of Rhino roofs, new construcGeneral tion, additions or Contracting, knows home remodels, this and is commitRhino provides quality ted to making his workmanship, integrity customers happy and fair pricing and when it comes to has a list of satisfied home construcclients to show for it. tion, renovations, Elliott’s love for the home improveconstruction business ment and roofing. and his commitment For more than 20 to delivering value at years, Rhino has a reasonable price is Robert Elliott, owner of Rhino General built a following of Contracting, has been providing trusted what his customers construction and roofing services to loyal and satisfied have come to apprecisatisfied clients since 2004. customers. ate. Elliott hails from a family of construc“Trust and honesty—those are my tion and contractors, everyone from his main selling points,” said Elliott. “I’m a brother, cousins and uncles. You might straight shooter.” say that construction and contracting is in Educating the customer is also a prihis blood. After working in the family busi- ority for Elliott. “We take the time to ness, Elliott branched off on his own in explain to the customer the process, 2004 when he launched Rhino General especially with roofing,” said Elliott. Contracting, based out of Plant City. “Educating the customer is important to Born and raised in Ruskin, Elliott has us as a company.” been married for more than 21 years and Rhino General Contracting serves all raised five children in Hillsborough of Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, Pasco, County. “I love my family, my job and my Citrus, Hernando, Bradenton and country,” said Elliott. Sarasota Counties. For flexible and With his commitment to honesty, affordable financing options that are availquality and fair business, Rhino General able through GreenSky, please visit the Contracting has created a trusted reputalink found on the website at www.rhinotion over the last 16 years. Quality craftgeneralcontractinginc.com or call 719manship and unparalleled customer serv- 2082. You can also follow Rhino General ice is paramount to Elliott. “We guarantee Contracting on Facebook at Rhino and warranty everything we do,” said General Contracting Inc.
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January 2020
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Canine Cabana Adds Group Training Classes To Luxury Boarding Facility
By Michelle Caceres
Pet owners Riverview. Its Jeremy and Carly unique ‘levels proBrook knew they gram’ gives pet needed dog training owners the option classes to help them to attend drop-in learn to communiclasses as often cate with their 8as they like during month-old, 85-pound a six, four or twocane corso puppy, month enrollment Samson, and so the period. Dogs couple turned to graduate from Canine Cabana’s Group training classes for your four-legged each of four levfriend are now available at Canine Cabana. els after masternew group training program. Using positive reinforcement ing the required skills. training, the team at Canine Cabana has “Our group training classes are helped their pooch learn foundational unique in that we offer flexibility in trainskills at his own pace. ing and the ability for owners to work with “We like the positive reinforcement their dogs at their own pace,” said training that they use here,” said Carly. “It Pickren. has helped us build a stronger connecTraining the dogs is the easy part, tion to our dog.” said Canine Cabana Animal Care and In addition to the commands sit, stay Behavior Manager Kristin Lemonde. and down, Samson is learning to look to Samson participates in a few classes his owners for direction, especially when a week. He doesn’t speak English so he wants to react to other dogs nearby. can’t be quoted here, but how do the “We don’t want to change his nature Brooks know he’s happy coming to because we wanted a guard dog,” said class? Jeremy. “We just want the reassurance “He starts whining in the car when that he knows how to listen to us.” we make the turn onto Carr Rd. from Canine Cabana owners Angela Boyette,” said Carly. “He knows where Pickren and Kendall Duncan said that we’re going and can’t wait to get here.” positive reinforcement, or rewarding posiIn addition to group training classes, tive behaviors, helps create a bond of private obedience training is also availrespect and understanding between a able with daycare or lodging. dog and its owner. Canine Cabana is open 365 days a “Building that strong relationship is year, Monday-Friday, 6: 30 a.m.-6:30 important in a family pet,” said Duncan. p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-6 Canine Cabana’s team of five fullp.m. time trainers offer group training classes For more information or to schedule in a new two-acre facility next door to its a group class, visit original location at 9708 Carr Rd. in www.caninecabana.biz or call 672-9663.
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Page 16
Volume 19, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Ms. Kathie Smithth
Teacher Of The Mon
ith Ms. Sm rade 6th G Nature’s om Classro
d By
Sponsore
Signature Wade
e a teacher? Why did you decide to becom influential teachers from of I have wonderful memories e I had a psychology promy childhood. While in colleg that I would make a fessor that made the suggestion a position to make a great teacher. I wanted to be in similar impact on students.
cher? What is a goal of yours as a tea dents to I like sparking the interest in stu ucation Ed ns. sio pas ir help them realize the dge of a wle kno the ng isn’t just about teachi nections with subject but rather making con nothing students individually. There is ‘light bulb’ the ing see more satisfying than teachat Th t. den turn on within the stu l! erfu able moment is so pow dents What is a hidden talent that stu ? don’t know about you friends It isn’t really a secret with my houses. ng nti pai and family, but I love see- Ms. Kathie and rk wo I love the detail of trim Smith ha s d nte pai I t. for 27 ye been a teacher ing the finished produc ars . my of r erio int the entire exterior and xrela paint. I find it house and have helped others ing!! why? What is your favorite book and medicine. I’ve always been interested in rs. ille thr al dic me d rea to e lov I ks are tops on my list. Any of Patricia Cornwell’s boo saying? What is your favorite quote or at r work and work your plan.” Gre you an My dad taught me to “Pl advice to live by!! nged in the school system? What would you like to see cha singly ing schedule has become increa I must say that the academic pac for teachers. demanding for the students and
Newsome High School Student Awarded P.E.O. STAR Scholarship
By Stacy Huisman
A local Newsome High School senior, Jasmine Merry, was awarded the prestigious P.E.O. STAR Scholarship. Jasmine will use her $2,500 scholarship towards her freshman year at Clemson University, where she plans to study actuarial science. The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship is based on excellence in leaderP.E.O. members with the scholarship winner (left to ship, extracurricular right): Anne Corl, Jasmine Merry, Susan Parlette, Jeanactivities, community Marie French, Karla Scobie, Jo O’Brien and Karen Thomas. service, academics and potential for future sucThe P.E.O. Sisterhood, founded on cess. The program is open to young January 21, 1869, at Iowa Wesleyan women who are citizens or legal perCollege in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is an manent residents of the United States international philanthropic and educaor Canada and are graduating high tional organization that promotes school seniors at the time of applicaincreased educational opportunities for tion. A P.E.O. chapter must recommend women. There are nearly 6,000 local a student. chapters the United States and Canada Jasmine Merry is the daughter of with almost 250,000 initiated members. Jeff and Candace Merry and was recThe P.E.O. Sisterhood has provided ommended for this scholarship. over $321 million in financial assistance Anne Corl, member of P.E.O. of to more than 105,000 recipients. The Chapter IW in Valrico, presented the P.E.O. Sisterhood also owns Cottey scholarship to Jasmine earlier last year. College, a fully accredited private liberal She wants other young women to take arts and sciences college for women, advantage of the scholarship opportuni- with two-year and selected four-year ty supporting their higher education. “I programs, located in Nevada, Missouri. joined the P.E.O. Sisterhood because I Those interested in applying for believed in the mission, which is to help P.E.O. scholarships, which open later in support women in education pursue 2020, should contact Chapter IW at their dreams. We are supporting the chyto@aol.com or visit peointernationnext generation.” al.org.
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January 2020
Page 17
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
South County Transportation Improvement Projects Approved And Funded Through 2025 On November 5, the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) presented the 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for Hillsborough County, which provides a detailed overview of investment plans for funding local transportation options. The MPO is made up of local elected and appointed officials and acts as a forum to build a consensus between the public and stakeholders that own, operate and maintain transportation infrastructure with five of our seven current BOCC members on the governing board. Transportation projects Hillsborough County, can be funded through a variwhich represents 63 ety of sources that use federal, percent of the total state and local dollars, or any funding of over $1.1B combination of the three. After with project T-27 (the assessing available funds, eliwidening of Lithia gibility requirements, funding Pinecrest Rd. from scenarios and the region’s Lumsden Rd. to transportation needs, the MPO Fishhawk Blvd.) repdetermined the cost feasibility resenting the single of prospective projects (i.e., most expensive projwhat we can afford and when) ect over the next five and matched it to the commuyears at $183M. nity’s goals. Also of interest Summary list of projects to be completed in the next five years. Several projects have would be T-3/T-20 2025-2045). already been approved and funded (Big Bend Rd. improvements), T-16 Below is a brief summary of projects through 2025 (First Five Years), with (improvements to the Bloomingdale already approved that will have significant many other projects selected for funding Ave./US 301 intersection) and T-7 (extenimpact on our communities (First Five over the next two decades and/or are sion of Balm Rd./Paseo Al Mar Ave. from Years). Eighteen of the 27 major projects considered a high priority for dollars that US 301 to US 41 utilizing a flyover of Iwill benefit Eastern or Southern have been set aside (Cost Feasible 75), as well as the Bell Shoals Rd.
By Brian Bokor
widening project (T-21) already underway. The Selmon Expressway (T-17/T-18) will be getting two additional lanes added (one in each direction) from the I-4 connector to I-75. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. will be widened from Kingsway Rd. to McIntosh Rd. (T-1), and there will be improvements to the I-75/I-4 intersection (T-4). In the Progress Village area, Madison Ave. will be improved, with lanes added from 78th St. to US 41. For information for the complete presentation, please visit the website at www.planhillsborough.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019/10/HillsboroughMP O-LRTP2045-New-PublicHearingDraft102919.pdf. For more information, contact Beth Alden, AICP, MPO Executive Director at 273-3774 x318 or aldenb@plancom.org.
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Page 18
Volume 19, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition By NITISH S. RELE nitishrele@gmail.com
Benz E53 Cabriolet AMG Packs A Punch OK, so it isn’t modes. The soft quite as fast as the power top opens or C63 AMG, but this closes in 20 seconds. one still can fly. In fact, you can operReplacing the E43 ate the top up to a model, the 31-mile speed. Mercedes-Benz Walk up to the E53 can take off E53 and the first elefrom 0 to 60 mph in ment that will grab a mere 4.4 secyour attention is the E53 AMG Tires: 245/40ZR19 front; AMG badge embossed in the onds. And its top speed is 275/35ZR19 rear set at 130 mph. Not eartharrow-shaped ‘twin-blade’ grille Wheelbase: 113.1 inches shattering numbers but still with the familiar three-pointed Length: 190.6 inches very impressive, one must star flanked by wraparound Weight: 4,341 pounds Width: 80.9 inches say. After all, the 3.0-liter LED headlamps and daytime Height: 56.2 inches turbo engine with an interunning lights. The cabin is lavFuel capacity: 17.4 gallons grated EQ Boost starter-genish and elegant, as is expected City: 20 mpg erator (located between the of any AMG-equipped Benz Highway: 26 mpg engine and transmission) in Website: www.mbusa.com with a dual-zone auto a/c, the 2020 Cabriolet isn’t just 40/20/40 rear seat, Burmester run-of-the-mill. It was specially hand-built sound system, panoramic sunroof, steerby the AMG division in Affalterbach, ing wheel-mounted shifters, open/close Germany. power trunk and heated/cooled seats. Step on the throttle of all-wheel drive The dash, doors and center console are luxury convertible and the inline-six covered in rich Nappa leather upholstery. engine blasts off 429 horsepower at The previous rotary knob for the com6,100 rpm and 384 pounds-feet of torque mand system has been replaced with a at 5,800 rpm. Mated to a slick and effectouchpad to control the audio, navigation tive nine-speed automatic gearbox, the and phone infotainment on the massive E53 is equipped with an electro-mechani- 12.3-inch display screen. AMG enthusical rack and pinion steering, which is asts will quickly notice the emblem razor sharp. Suspension is handled comimprinted on the seatbacks. All the materipetently by an independent multi-link sys- als and craftsmanship are top-notch. tem. Both ends have gas shocks and coil Base-priced at $81,600 and topping springs to improve ride quality and comat $95,445 with options, the performancefort. Bringing the speed demon to a halt and luxury-oriented E53 packs a bunch or are 14.5-inch front and 14.2-inch rear two with superb handling and balance. caliper discs. To vary the driving experiMercedes-Benz of Tampa is located ence, Mercedes-Benzes come in eco, at 4400 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Visit individual, comfort, sport and sports+ www.mboftampabay.com.
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Candor Grille • 813-548-0410 • www.CandorGrille.com 13418 Boyette Rd • Riverview, FL
January 2020
Page 19
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
t, r e c n o C n a i t s i r & Ch e v i r D Diaper ore… M
ents. Choices centers also offer a variety of support for expecting mothers and new parents. From pregnancy tests to assistance after the birth, the ministry educates as it provides ti, Colesan e physical, emotional and ll e h ic ed by M com spiritual support. Compil spreyobserver. e@o ll The collection of diae h ic m pers and wipes helps sustain the Choices centers in Brandon and SouthShore for the year. Choices cenbosefer11@yahoo.com or 361-1724. ters provide diapers and Local Nonprofit Lindsay Huggins In Concert At baby clothing Asks Local Brandon First Church Of The to families in Community To Nazarene need through Support Diaper The Brandon First Church of the its ‘Earn While Drive Nazarene will present Lindsay You Learn’ Choices, forHuggins in concert on Sunday, program as it January 26. A meet and greet (coffee merly known as the builds relationLifeCare Network, and snacks provided) will take place ships to share is looking for comat 10:30 a.m. and Music and Christ. munity help with its January Diaper Message by Lindsay Huggins at The nonprofit is Drive. The nonprofit seeks to protect 10:45 a.m. The church is located at requesting diaper sizes the sanctity of life by promoting bibli114 Kingsway Ave. in Brandon. newborn to 5 with the cal sexuality and educating new pargreatest need for sizes 3, Xi Theta Xi members donated toys and numerous gift Seeking Vendors For Lithia 4, 5 and clothing from Spring Market In March cards to Gift of Hope to help make the holidays a little happier for local families. sizes newborn to 2T. The Vendors are being sought by Stephen Cir. Call the school office ability to ship items directly to its Grace Community United with any questions at 741-9203. admin office from Amazon is also Methodist Church in Lithia for its available. For more information or to first ever Spring Market on Xi Theta Xi Chapter Supports donate, visit www.empoweredtoSaturday, March 21. Much like the Various Organizations choose.net or contact Jessica Holiday Market this event, from 9 The sisters of Xi Theta Xi chapter Rickenbach at Jessica@choicesclina.m.-2 p.m., is being presented by of Beta Sigma Phi have been busy ics.org or 654-0491. the Women of Grace. The church supporting various organizations is located at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest recently. Nearly $700 was donated to Community Day At St. Stephen Rd. in Lithia. Water Mission to provide safe water Catholic School Organizers are seeking vento Hurricane Dorian victims, complete In celebration of National dors to sell variety of products, Thanksgiving dinners were provided Catholic School Week, on Monday, such as arts and crafts, jewelry, to two migrant families and members January 27, St. Stephen Catholic clothing and more. National comdonated toys and numerous gift School in Riverview will open its panies will be on a first-come, firstcards to Gift of Hope to help make doors to friends of the parish comserved basis. For example, only the holidays a little happier for local munity. All are welcome to visit the one Mary Kay representative or families. classrooms, meet the teachers and one Premier Jewelry vendor will be The chapter’s socials have experience the joy from the children. allowed. included going to the movies and Tours will be available from 9:30The fee for a 10 ft. x 10 ft. enjoying breakfast or dinner at a 11:30 a.m. and refreshments will be space is $30. Proceeds will help If you are a vendor and would like to participate local restaurant. For more informaserved. Reservations are not support missions in the community. in Grace Community Church’s first Spring Market tion on the sorority, contact Diane required. St. Stephen Catholic The market will be outdoors, and on Saturday, March 21, email Wray at dwray52@yahoo.com. School is located at 10424 St. vendors are asked to provide their bosefer11@yahoo.com or call 361-1724. own tents, table and chairs. Food will be available for purchase. For more information and a vendor application, visit www.gracecommunitymarket.com or contact Event Organizer Susan Ferraro at
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Page 20
Volume 19, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
tival s e F y r er nior Strawb e S , e l u Sched e n i l d a He More… & s n i eg , Choir B by Michelle Colemsanti ed co Compil spreyobserver. o e@ michell
Senior Community Choir Begins In January
A new senior community choir in Riverview is seeking singers of all levels of singing experience. ‘Joyful Voices’ will hold rehearsals every Monday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. beginning on Monday, January 27. This senior community choir was created for older adults who have a love of music and a desire to sing. “Singing has a way of lifting spirits and stimulating memories,” stated the choir’s music director, Janet Formato. The idea for the senior community choir came as a result of a number of residents at The Bridges who love to sing. Executive Director Donna Steiermann is excited about the choir. “In addition to a number of our residents, many seniors from the Greater Brandon/Riverview community will be joining us. We especially welcome those with mild cognitive impairment,” explained Steiermann. Studies have proven that singing with others provides benefits such as managing stress, alleviating pain, increasing happiness and establishing friendships. Sixty-minute rehearsals will be held at the Cambridge Clubhouse at The Bridges, located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview. A spring performance will be held in April 2020. For additional information and to reserve your spot, please call 4138900.
Visit The Alzheimer’s Association Brain Bus At Superior Residences
This statewide mobile outreach initiative raises awareness of Alzheimer’s and related dementias and addresses the benefits of early detection, early diagnosis, brain health and risk reduction. With two mobile units, the Brain Bus travels throughout Florida. On Tuesday, January 14 from 10
a.m.-12 Noon, the Brain Bus will be at Superior Residences on 1819 Providence Ridge Blvd. in Brandon. Learn about 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s, 10 ways to love your brain, steps to perform an accurate diagnosis and advancements in research. For more information, visit alz.org or call the 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.
South Bay Genealogical Society Meeting
On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, the South Bay Genealogical Society will meet at the United Methodist Church in the Life Enrichment Center (LEC) on 1210 W. Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a Round Table Discussion. That will be followed by a sit-down luncheon at 12 Noon, and then the main presentation by guest speaker Karen Fortin at 1 p.m. She will talk about the Pilgrims of the Mayflower. The presentation will show who these passengers were, their beliefs and why they came to New England. The cost is $15 per person for lunch. For reservations and information, call Sheila at 319-6314457. Mail checks to SBGS, P.O. Box 5202, Sun City Center, FL 33571 by January 9, 2020.
2020 Florida Strawberry Festival Headline Concert Lineup
There are plenty of great concerts in all genres to choose from at the 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival. Here is the schedule. For more information, visit https://flstrawberryfestival.com.
Wednesday, March 4:
3:30 p.m., Chubby Checker & the Wildcats (rock & roll/R&B), $25; 7:30 p.m., Josh Turner (country/gospel), $35.
Thursday, March 5:
10:30 a.m., Ricky Nelson Remembered (rockabilly/pop rock), free; 3:30 p.m., Dick Fox’s Golden Boys – Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Bobby Rydell (oldies rock & roll/pop), $30. 7:30 p.m., MercyMe (Christian), $40.
Lynard Skynard
Sunday, March 1:
3:30 p.m., Bobby Bones & the Raging Idiots (country/folk), $35; 7:30 p.m., Reba McEntire (country), $55.
Monday, March 2:
3:30 p.m., Neal McCoy (country), $25; 7:30 p.m., Patti LaBelle (R&B/soul), $35.
Tuesday, March 3:
3:30 p.m.; Sara Evans (country), $30; 7:30 p.m., Skillet (Christian rock/alt. rock), $30.
3:30 p.m., Battle of the Bands Finals, Free; 7:30 p.m., Charlie Wilson (R&B/hiphop/soul/funk); $45.
Sunday, March 8:
3:30 p.m., Eli Young Band (country), $35; 7:30 p.m., Lynyrd Skynyrd (Southern rock/blues rock/hard 70s rock), $56.
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Saturday, February 29:
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January 2020
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Local Student Creates Video Game For Blind & Visually Impaired Kids
By Taylor Wells
Rome Nardin, age ing, there was no humor in 12, is a student at them, so he made sure his Navigator Academy of game had funny commenLeadership in Valrico who tary while players prowas born with severe gressed through it, along hearing loss and fitted with sounds to let players with hearing aids since know when they reached the age of 2. However, a certain level. his hearing loss hasn’t “There are sounds as stopped him from inteyou’re going through the grating into mainstream level that let you know if schools since kinderyou jump correctly or hit garten and working hard the wall, but Rome every day on his speech always has the commenand language processtary going on with it, ing. which is like, ‘Hey, what When he heard that are you doing?’” said Rome Nardin, age 12, his school would be hav- developed a video game called Amy Nardin, Rome’s ing a science fair, Rome mother. Please Listen for blind and visually impaired kids as his immediately knew what His friend, 12-yearscience fair project at Navigator he wanted to present. old Ian, enjoyed playing Academy of Leadership in His experiences and the game, saying, “It's Valrico. love for video games inspired him to silly. I liked it.” make one, titled “Please Listen”, for blind While the game is very short, Rome and visually impaired kids. said he could see the challenges of “I know what it is like to sometimes video game design. Moreover, he said feel left out and have a harder time doing he might develop Please Listen further what many people can do every day. I later on, such as adding more levels and wanted blind kids to have a video game making it more interesting. that was fun for them to play,” said Rome. “It takes a lot of work to develop a The goal of the game is to find a good game. But I hope to do more in the missing dog by following its barks while future,” he said. overcoming obstacles along the way. Rome did so well in creating his With two months to develop it, Rome did project that he can enter it in the SDHC the coding and sound design for the Regional Science Fair in 2020, and he game himself, with some help on the also has a chance of entering the Florida voices from his father. state science fair. Rome had researched what games For more information on Navigator were available for the blind and visually Academy, visit http://navigatoracademyimpaired, but he found that, while interest- valrico.com/.
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Volume 19, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Visas And Vistas Helps With All Your International Travel Needs
By Libby Hopkins
Wanderlust is and groups. It works defined as, “A with hundreds of strong desire for or resorts, cruise lines impulse to wander and tour companies or travel the world.” to help build your Anne Mullett took perfect vacation. It her wanderlust and will take the burden turned it into her of planning a vacaprofession. Mullett tion off your shoulis the owner of ders. “We specialize Visas and Vistas in international travel, Travel. “In 2016, I family adventures, Anne Mullett is the owner of Visas and left my job as an ocean cruises, river Vistas Travel, a full-service travel agency accountant and specializing in international family travel cruises, luxury travel brought my meticuand exotic destinaplanning. lous nature to planning and achieved my tions,” Mullett said. “Putting together an own travel dreams,” Mullett said. itinerary, particularly one involving a com“Seventy-five thousand miles by plane, plicated trip, like a safari, or booking a train, car, boat and foot across six contigroup trip, is a lot of work. Some agennents, 30-plus countries and countless cies charge a $100-$300 plus in planning cities. Road tripping in New Zealand, and booking fees. At Visas and Vistas walking the Great Wall of China, exploring Travel, we never charge a planning or ruins in Cambodia, photographing an booking fee and quotes are always free. African safari, cruising the Mediterranean We also try to go the extra mile, this and strolling the streets of Prague; I means confirming all the components of haven’t done it all, but it is on the list.” your trip with the vendors, providing helpWhen Mullett returned from a yearful travel tips and requesting upgrades or long trip, she immediately rejoined the extra amenities for your stay.” corporate world, but within just a few Mullett’s favorite part of her job is getmonths she knew that accounting was ting to know her clients. “In order for me not her passion, but a job. “I knew then to provide the best product and service, I where my passion was, and I needed to have to spend one on one time with you be in the travel industry,” Mullett said. on the phone or in person,” Mullett said. “Opening my own travel agency was the “By the end of our time together, I have a perfect fit.” new friend. One that I get to help create Visas and Vistas Travel is a full-serexperiences and memories that they will vice travel agency specializing in internacherish for a lifetime.” tional family travel planning. It offers For more information, visit advice on destinations, plan trip itineraries www.visasandvistastravel.com or call and make travel arrangements for clients Mullett at 321-245-5442.
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January 2020
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Page 23
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/FishHawk
January 2020
Volume 19, Issue 1
Ph: 657-2418
South Shore Boutique Moves To FishHawk
ing down. In the past year alone, the brand relocated its headquarters to a new, larger space; unveiled two canned cold brews; as well as announced three new locations—currently 15. For more information on Kahwa’s career opportunities or to send your resume, please contact jobs@kahwacoffee.com or Jessica at 727-388-1340.
Shelly Molter, owner of South Shore Boutique, recent moved the store from Apollo Beach to 5492 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia. This is a boutique store specializing in women and children’s monogrammed gifts and accessories. Your imagination is the limit. You can personalize pieces on just about anything a needle can pierce. Stop by to check out the great items. Molter also carries Simply Southern products in the boutique. South Shore Boutique recently moved to Call 466-9461 for more infor- FishHawk. It specializes in monogrammed gifts and accessories. mation. You can also shop online Elite Window Tinting Offered Locally at https://southshoreboutique.com. Mobile Auto Tinting service has rebranded and has become Elite New Dance Class Offered For Window Tinting, now with a shop location Special Needs Dancers (as of November 2018). It has been A variety of dance classes are offering tinting services for over eight offered at Dance Quest International, years. but it would like to showcase its new According to owner Randy Borrero, Harmony Dance program, which pairs “We have grown our footprint in the special needs dancers with an experiBloomingdale, Valrico and Lithia areas to enced dance mentor who will encoura household name recognized for our age and assist them throughout the attention to detail, great client satisfaction class. This class will begin in February and a positive approach to each of our 2020. clients.” Dance Quest International is locatBorrero is proud to be part of the ed at 853 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in local community and tries to stay Brandon. For more information on this and other classes, call 503-6976 or visit involved. He makes a point every year to donate to the American Cancer Society www.DanceQuestOnline.com.
The Valrico FishHawk Awards Annual Dinner Randy Borrero is the owner of Elite Window Tinting in Valrico.
via the FishHawk Strong Foundation. Elite Window Tinting is located at 3636 Erindale Dr., Ste. 104 in Valrico. For more information on Elite Window Tinting, call 642-4310. You can visit www.elitewindowvalrico.com or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/elitewindow.
Kahwa Seeking Passionate Individuals To Join Growing Company
Kahwa Coffee Roasting Company, headquartered in St. Petersburg, today announced the initiative to hire an estimated 20 individuals to join the growing Kahwa family, allowing the fulfillment of multiple positions within the corporate office, roastery and retail locations. Kahwa has become the largest independent coffee roaster in the state of Florida and doesn’t show signs of slow-
On Thursday, January 23 from 6-9 p.m., the Valrico FishHawk Chamber will host its own version of The CMAs, the Valrico FishHawk Awards (aka The VFAs). The chamber is home grown right here in the Valrico/FishHawk area and heading towards 300 members strong. This will be an evening of denim and diamonds to celebrate chamber members and reflect on the year 2019 and look to what will be in store with the decade to come. Purchase your tickets online, strap on your boots and cowboy hat for an amazing evening at The Regent, located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. The cost is $50 in advance. Visit https://business.valricofishhawk.org/eve nts/details/annual-dinner-3696 to purchase tickets.
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Page 26
Volume 19, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Artists, Artisans And Vendors Are Invited To Apply To Participate In The 12th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival And Market Organizers of the 12th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market have issued a call to artists and a call to vendors and sponsors. The 12th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, March 29, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will be held in the community of Winthrop located in Riverview. The 12th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market is a juried art show which features artists, artisans and vendors. In addition, there is live Winthrop Arts has issued calls for artists, entertainment throughout the weekartisans, vendors and sponsors for the end, children’s activities and food upcoming 12th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival trucks. The 12th Annual Winthrop Arts and Market. Artists from all over the area particiFestival and Market is a white tent fes- pate in the juried fine art show, including Best of Show winner Greg Jones of Lakeland. tival, which means that everyone, from artists and artisans to vendors, must apply is Sunday, March 15, 2020. utilize an 8’ x 10’ white tent. Premium spaces are available to artists, Applications for fine artists and artiartisans and vendors. sans can be obtained through The 12th Annual Winthrop Arts Zapplication (www.zapplication.org). This Festival and Market features a wide variis a free service for artists and artisans ety of mediums. This includes painting, who can register and then submit their photography, jewelry making, sculpture, applications along with photographs of glass, ceramics, fabrics/textiles, wood, their booth and art. The cost to apply is digital art and more. There is over $5,000 $25. If accepted into the show, the fee is in awards available. This includes two $125, which is non-refundable. This fee awards for Emerging Artists. This is secures the spot in the show. There are defined as an artist or artisan who is in eight premium spaces available on a firstthe early stages of their art career and come, first-served basis. The cost for the has not yet established a reputation. The premium space is $250. The deadline to
artist or artisan can be of any age and use any medium. Bryant Martinez, local artist and lead art instructor for Winthrop Arts, said, “The annual arts festival is always a highlight for me. It is a great opportunity for local artists, as well as many from out of the area, to showcase their art at a festival that truly cares about the arts.” The 12th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market is judged by three highly qualified judges. In addition to artists and artisans, the 12th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market features vendors of all kind. Organizers are selective about the vendors that are approved for the festival, but there are always a wide variety of vendors on hand. They offer all kinds of items, including candles, books, pillows and clothing. The vendor application can be obtained by visiting www.winthroparts.org, email info@winthroparts.org or call 7585161 and request a copy. The cost to participate as a vendor is $25 for the application fee and $150 if accepted into the festival. The fees are non-refundable and secure your spot in the festival. As Winthrop Arts is 501(c)(3) nonprofit, sponsors are needed to help fund
the art festival as well as the many programs offered. Sponsorships in a wide variety of levels are available. Sponsors are recognized for each level of giving. For more information on sponsorships, please call Kathy at 758-5161 or email kathy@winthroparts.org. In addition to the annual arts festival, Winthrop Arts offers art classes to children (ages 5 and up), teens (sixth grade and above) and adult (15 years or older). The mediums for children include drawing, painting, ceramics, fabrics and creative storytelling. For adults, there are both a ceramics class and a painting class. For teens, there is a drawing/painting class. In addition, Winthrop Ars offers the Mobile Art Factory. This is a grant-funded and community supported outreach program that provides free art classes to underserved children living in Hillsborough County. Currently, three instructors travel to Wimauma and provide free arts instruction to children at Hispanic Services Council and Wimauma Elementary School. The Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory is funded by generous grants from Suncoast Credit Union, Wells Fargo, the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Interfaith Social Action Council of Sun City Center. For more information on Winthrop Arts, please visit www.winthroparts.org.
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January 2020
Page 27
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2019
Big Moves, Big Year, 2019 Is One For the Record Books
Thank you again for participating in the Our Favorite Things Sweepstakes Program this holiday season! This year, we had the most successful campaign we have ever done and we were able to surprise three local families with amazing prizes! The Early Bird Big Green Egg Minimax from Rolling Pin Kitchen went to the Yick family. The diamond and blue topaz earrings from McAuley Fine Jewelry went to USF Sophomore Claire Eberhart, A Bloomingdale High School grad and polite young woman pursuing her nursing degree. And, the Grand Prize with a mountain of gift baskets and gift certificates went to the Morin Family who just moved to Riverview from Alaska 2 months ago and Mom Leah and
daughters Kai and Zoe can NOT wait to get into the community and try all of the great gift certificates and prizes! In addition, we were able to donate $500 to the foster care home, A Kid's Place for them to purchase gift items and gift certificates movie passes for the teens in foster care. There are always 60 foster children at A Kid's Place right on Lithia Pinecrest Rd. And finally, we were able to donate 100 toys to Toys for Tots which is a program through the Marines to get gifts to kids this season! In addition to all of this holiday excitement, the Osprey Observer has moved its offices to our new location at 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and we look forward to welcoming the community this year! January marks our 18th year of publishing positive community news and we couldn’t do it without you! Thank you for being a special part of our holiday season and please let us know if there is anything we can do for you or your business! Email me anytime at editor@ospreyobserver.com
School District Breaks Ground On New South County High School TTT
By Kate Quesada
Progress is underway for the new Hillsborough County school set to relieve overcrowding at Newsome, Durant, East Bay and Lennard highs. Hillsborough County officials, community leaders and construction experts met at the school site, located at 10650 C.R. 672 in Riverview, last month to officially break ground on the project and share artist renderings of the school with those in Hillsborough County Public Schools recently broke ground on the new “High attendance. School TTT” located off C.R. 672 in “Construction is booming in South Riverview. The school is expected to open Hillsborough County with thousands of in August 2020. students expected to be entering our 2019 was an exciting year for anyschools over the next three to five years,” one associated with High School TTT, said Hillsborough County Public School’s now named Jule F. Sumner High Tanya Arja. “The high schools in that area School. Construction is on schedule are already near or over capacity.” to be completed so that the first stuThe new school, currently known as dents will be able to enter the school “High School TTT” for planning purposes, in August for the 2020-21 school year. will cost an estimated $70 million to build, Dave Brown, who most recently held funded by three years of impact fee colthe position of principal at Strawberry lections. Enrollment is expected to reach Crest High School, was named princi3,000 students at the 239,000 sq. ft. pal as has spent the last few months building, which is planned to open in working to staff the school and make August 2020. This is the first high school sure it will be ready for students in the to be built in the area in 10 years. fall. Local parents and students chose The new school will be located on the Stingray as the school’s mascot. the north side of C.R. 672 (Balm Rd.), Sumner will also host Academy 2027, east of U.S. Hwy. 301. a one of a kind middle school program Residents interested in learning more for students who will graduate high about the attendance boundary changes school in the year 2027. Academy are invited to attend the Hillsborough 2027 will accept students through County School Board meeting on school choice. For more information, January 15 at 901 E. Kennedy Blvd. in contact Brown at Tampa. For more information, visit David.Brown@sdhc.k12.fl.us. or visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us or call 272-4608. To www.sdhc.k12.fl.us. submit questions or comments, email Original Story printed January boundaries@sdhc.k12.fl.us. 2019.
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Page 28
Volume 19, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2019 Middle School Makes Big Impact With Dodgeball Tourney To Fund Crossing Guards
By Kate Quesada
Parents at Mulrennan Middle School in Valrico held a dodgeball tournament last month to fund three crossing guards to assist students get to the school safely.
After raising over $13,000 for private crossing guards at Mulrennan Middle School last year, Commissioner White added ‘finding funding’ on the agenda in February 2019. The vote, which took place in April, was unanimous; 7-0 in favor of funding crossing guards for middle schools. PTA President Danielle Waymire said, “After advocating for so long for crossing guards, it was a great moment to be present for the vote. We felt that our county commissioners and Sheriff Chronister took our children’s safety seriously.” The implementation of crossing guards was to be over a three-year period of time and more than 100 crossing guards were needed. Sheriff Chronister started immediately hiring and training guards so that on the first day of school in August, county middle schools had crossing guards for the first time. Original Story printed February 2019.
A group of parents at Mulrennan Middle School took their children’s safety into their own hands last month. Frustrated by the conditions for students who walk to the Valrico middle school, the parents raised $13,000 through a dodgeball tournament to fund three private crossing guards. Valrico resident and mother of three Mulrennan students, Danielle Waymire spearheaded the fundraiser when one of her children was almost hit by car while walking to school. “It got to the point where enough was enough,” said Waymire, who walks her children to school every day. “I couldn’t just watch cars regularly not yielding and children almost getting hit without doing something.” Once funded, it took less than two weeks for the crossing guards to take their places twice a day directing students and traffic. “They have already made a huge difference,” said Mulrennan parent and Valrico resident Bridget Wilson. “We are so proud of our school and the fact that we were able to make this happen,” said Wilson. “But we are even happier that local politicians have noticed. We are hoping that by the next school year we won’t have to do this anymore.” Mulrennan Middle School is located at 4215 Durant Rd. in Valrico and can be reached at 651-2100.
The Florida Aquarium Opens $4 Million Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center In Apollo Beach The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehab, which opened early in 2019 in Apollo Beach, has been busy doing what it was designed for: rehabilitating turtles from around the state and even nationally, then releasing them when they are healthy enough. The Aquarium received three critically endangered loggerhead sea turtles in December 2019. The turtles were found stranded on Cape Cod after being severely affected by the coldwater temperatures in New England, experiencing what is called a ‘cold-stun.’ The turtles were then transported to the New England Aquarium’s sea turtle hospital for triage. They were then transported by private jet to Tampa. The Florida Aquarium’s Animal Response Team, supported by Florida Blue, picked up the sea turtles from the airport and transported them to the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach. The sea turtles will remain at the Center until they are fully rehabilitated and will hopefully be returned to the sea. Original Story printed February 2019. The Florida Aquarium officially opened its $4.1 million Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in January in Apollo
By Preston Rudie
Beach. The two-story, 19,000 sq. ft. center features five different rehabilitation pools including one of the state’s deepest turtle-exclusive dive pool with observation window. “We rescue sea turtles from around Florida and beyond, but during winter months, there is a growing need for more animal care facilities to rehabilitate cold stunned sea turtles,” said The Florida Aquarium President and CEO Roger Germann. “This center is opening at the right time, and The Florida Aquarium will be able to dramatically increase the number of sea turtles it cares for during the year.” The pools at the new care center range in size from 1,500 to 25,000-gallons. The sea turtle dive pool, which reaches a depth of 11 ft., will be used to assess buoyancy issues, swim conditioning and food trials before turtles are cleared by FWC to be returned back into the wild. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) contributed $3 million, The Spurlino Foundation and others donated $690,000. The Florida Aquarium contributed more than $400,000 and TECO Energy helped make through a generous land use agreement. Since inception, the Florida Aquarium has helped rescue and rehab more than 150 threatened or endangered turtles.
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Page 29
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2019
Lithia Residents Find Perfect Home With HGTV House Hunters By Kate Quesada
The Potter family has been settled into their new home in FishHawk for a little over a year now, and according to Franka Potter, “This was exactly what my children and I needed to start our new lives.” She expressed that the children have settled into school and the neighborhood and all are doing great. She also said that, thus far, the move has provided all she imagined and then some. “The House Hunters experience was very exciting for my family and I am thrilled that over a year later that the decision I made on the show has proven to be a great one for the family. FishHawk is amazing and I am blessed that we get to enjoy it at this time in our lives,” Potter added. Original Story printed March 2019. A Lithia family made its national television debut last month after an exciting move. Franka Potter and her four children were featured on HGTV’s popular television show House Hunters finding their new home in FishHawk. Potter, who was moving to the Tampa area from the British Virgin Islands following a divorce from her husband of 15 years, was approached by her realtor asking if she would be inter-
ested in being on the show. “I said yes, and everything went from there,” she said. When looking for a house in the Tampa area, Potter told her realtor that she would like to find a beautiful, safe home with four to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, an open-plan living room, yard and home office in a great school district, as her children range in age from 6 to 14 years old. “I started out looking at three communities in the Wesley Chapel area; while they were beautiful, they did not meet the exact needs for my family,” said Potter. “My realtor asked if I was willing to travel a little further as she thought Lithia would provide all I wanted and more as a newly single mom. On the first visit, I knew it was everything my children and I wanted and needed and that our search was over.” “The show was like the icing on the cake,” she said. “We were able to document this beautiful, exciting and new experience. It was a joy for the children and their new friends as well.” Potter and her family moved into the home July 1, 2018 and are so far very happy there. To learn more about House Hunters and the schedule of showings, visit www.hgtv.com.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 1
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2019 Local Couple Finds Niche With New 90 Day Dream Home Series On HGTV
Local Resident Is In Need Of A Helping Paw From A Service Dog
explained, “Mika takes her clients around to three or four inspiration homes. They may like a kitchen in one house but not the bathroom or the master bedroom but not the backyard, so we take all the elements of everything they like from all those houses and put them into one perfect house for them. We then build it Local residents, Brian and Mika from the Kleinschmidt, filmed their new HGTV show, ground up in 90 days or less.” 90 Day Dream Home, in the Tampa Bay area. The show aired its pilot premiere on Brian explained, “We saw a niche in April 27 at 10 p.m. on HGTV. doing a new construction home on HGTV has decided to pick up HGTV. No one else is doing it. All of the the 90 Day Dream Home show and shows on the network are about flips and the entire season is currently in renovations. We wanted to bring somethe process of being filmed. Air thing different and unique.” time for the new episodes will Mika and Brian met in high school at probably take place in the late Riverview High School about 20 years spring/early fall. ago. While they never dated in high Original Story printed May school and life took them on different 2019. paths, they reconnected about 10 years Local residents, Brian and Mika ago. They built four Anytime Fitness Kleinschmidt, are hosts of HGTV’s gyms together. They then sold one of the newest show, 90 Day Dream Home. The gyms and used the proceeds to focus on show aired with its pilot premiere on April real estate. 27 at 10 p.m. on HGTV. This is the first When asked how and why they got time that a show on HGTV has been into doing a show, Brian said, “I am not based and filmed in Florida. really sure if we found the show or the Each one-hour episode will cover the show found us.” Now that the show has complete construction of a new home. had its pilot premiere, HGTV will decide Mika is a licensed real estate agent and whether to air a six or 13-episode seaBrian is the project manager. Brian son. Stay tuned and find out.
After months VMSD is located at of effort, Crystal 2036 Lake View Hook has Ave. in Chuluota. received a servOriginal Story ice dog of her printed May 2019. own named Local Resident Valorie. After Crystal Hook, age switching 28, was born with between service developmental dog organizadelays, is nonverbal tions, mother and is 90 percent Gerri Schulz blind. She has troufound help ble with everyday life through Valor because of her disMedical Service abilities, such as havDogs (VMSD). ing tantrums over Valorie is parwalking or going to tially trained, so the restroom. The her training condisabilities have left Crystal Hook with her new service dog, her without friends tinues with Hook Valorie, a 1-½-year-old German at VMSD twice or due to being unable Australian Shepherd mix. The two are three times a doing great and go everywhere together. to connect well with month for about three hours each others. visit, along with training at home, Hook is in need of someone to which will last around a year. help her through daily problems and VMSD helps people through a give her the warmth and comfort of pay it forward method with the companionship, so what better than requirement that they spread the man’s best friend? A service dog will word, rather than charging people not only assist Hook with her blindindividually. Someone who came ness and mobility problems, it will also before Hook helped Schulz raise be a source of stability and emotional funds for her service dog, so she in support for her. She might be also able turn will help raise money for to form new connections with people another person and let people know due to her service dog acting as a about the nonprofit. social bridge. For more information about Schulz said she wants to help her VMSD or to donate, visit valormeddaughter get out in the community. icalservicedogs.com, search for “The dog would be there in case she ‘Valor Medical Service Dogs’ on ends up having not a very good day Facebook or call 321-696-0303. like most of us usually do,” she added.
By Kathy L. Collins
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Page 31
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2019 Design Phase Complete On New 10-Mile Opening Dates Announced As Bloomingdale Square Reconstruction Continues South Coast Greenway Trail By Kate Quesada
explore different areas. Original Story printed June 2019. Hillsborough County has good news for residents who enjoy the outdoors. Representatives recently hosted a public meeting showing design plans for the first phase of the South Coast Greenway Trail, a 10-mile project that will extend from Little Manatee River Preserve to Symmes Rd. in Riverview. The first phase, known as 1 A, is a 1.2 mile stretch in the Ruskin area that will extend from Shell Point Rd. to 19th Ave. near 30th St. The trail will be 12 feet wide and will be paved to accommodate travel, exercise and recreational uses for cyclists and Plans are in the design phases for the first phase of pedestrians between the South Coast Greenway Trail which will Hillsborough and Manatee eventually extend from Little Manatee River to Symmes Rd. in Riverview. The first phase is a 1.2 counties. mile stretch in Ruskin. “The proposed design Southeastern Hillsborough includes a 492-foot-long pedestrian County residents will have to wait bridge, wayfinding signs and pavement a little longer to experience the markings, landscaping, benches, bike new section of the South Coast racks, shade shelters and trash receptaGreenway Trail. According to cles,” said Wilkerson. Hillsborough County’s Chris In addition, the trail will provide conWilkerson, construction on the trail nectivity to Hillsborough Community in Ruskin between Shell Point Rd. College’s (HCC) Southshore Campus. And 19th Ave. near 30th St. is now The projected cost for the project is set to begin this summer. However, $1,702,000, with $85,000 for design and sections of the trail, which runs $1,617,000 for construction. from Hillsborough to Manatee To learn more about the project, counties are open and provide a please visit www.HCFLGov.net. great opportunity for residents to
The construction continues at Bloomingdale Square. There is a light at the end of the tunnel as the new tenants have begun opening. There was a lot of excitement in the community when First Watch and Chicken Salad Chick recently opened. Home Centric also recently opened next to Bealls and saw a lot of shoppers making holiday purchases. The new Publix is now scheduled to open in the first quarter of the new year, but as of this printing, there is no scheduled date available. Original Story printed July 2019. It has been almost a year since the redevelopment of Bloomingdale Square began, and with all the construction underway, everyone is curious about the target dates for new tenants and store openings. The long-vacant Walmart space is currently being converted into a new 48,841-sq.-ft. Publix, a 1,600-sq.-ft. Publix Liquors, as well as a 15,000-sq.-ft. Home Centric, a home goods store owned by Bealls that features a continually changing assortment of home products. The anticipated opening date for the new Publix is tentatively set for Thursday, November 7. The existing Publix will keep
By Brian Bokor
its doors open until the day the new one is ready. “There will be no down time for Publix,” reported Marc Elias, who is the leasing contact agent for Bloomingdale Square, Regency Centers. The old 40,000-sq.-ft. Publix location will be home to a new LA Fitness once the storefront becomes available and build-out is complete (early 2020). It has also been announced that Beef ‘O’Brady’s will open next to Truly Greek. Adjacent to that is a currently available 1,200-sq.-ft. storefront, followed by a 3,000-sq.-ft. Banfield Pet Hospital, then a 2,800-sq.-ft. Pacific Dental Services. Next will be 1,200-sq.-ft. GNC Live Well, and the building will be anchored by a 2,700-sq.-ft. Chicken Salad Chick, a restaurant specializing in fresh, housemade chicken salad. A traffic light has been installed at the entrance/exit on Bell Shoals Rd. For leasing information, contact Elias at 664-4823 or visit the corporate website at www.regencycenters.com.
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Volume 19, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2019 Second Time Arounders Adult Marching Band To Perform At Macy’s Parade
By Kate Quesada
The Second Time Arounders, an all-adult marching band, will perform at Riverview High School and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this November.
The Second Time Arounders hosted another successful Macy’s Parade appearance with hundreds of band members in attendance. New members are always welcome. Original Story printed September 2019. A group of SouthShore-area residents' dreams are coming true in November. The Second Time Arounders, an all-adult marching band, is performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade after making at stop at Riverview High School to perform an exhibition at the Florida Marching Band Regional Championships. The group, made up of more than 350 musicians, majorettes, dancers, rifles and flag team members ages 18 to 85 from around the Tampa Bay area, only has one requirement; that the members have participated in a marching band previously. “It could have been high school, college, military or a drum corps,” said member and majorette Cathy Kersten. Over the last 37 years, the Second Time Arounders have been marching locally and around the country with typi-
cally five to seven performances a season. The group, which usually practices once a week, was created in St. Petersburg when Director Bill Findeisen thought it would be fun to participate in the parade associated with the Festival of States. “A group of high school and middle school band directors got together and dreamed up the idea that they should form an adult group of music enthusiasts that might want to march again, one more time,” said Kersten. “And so it evolved.” According to Kersten, only eight or nine bands pass the rigorous application process to perform during the Macy’s Parade, and the costs for the trip are high. “We have fundraisers available for band members to participate in to help with their funds,” said Kersten, who has been a member of the group for eight years. “Many members have been working concessions at the Rays and Bucs games and we also hold a Chili Cook-Off and Oktober-Fest as local fundraisers.” For more information, visit www.secondtimearounders.org.
Five Decades Filled With Festival Fun At Nativity Novemberfest, Nov 21-24
By Amanda Boston
Novemberfest Strawberry Festival, is a time-honored Novemberfest is the tradition in third largest annual Brandon and a carnival in prime example of Hillsborough County. how the communiMore than just a ty joins together to time-honored tradisupport Nativity tion, Novemberfest is Catholic School. Nativity’s largest Alexis Redig, fundraiser supporting Nativity’s faith and its school and faith media coordinator, formation program. commented on The family-fun Novemberfest’s attracts about social media pres100,000 people each Sharon Evans, Susan Davis and Sherry Stewart selling advanced arm- year and is put on by ence this year. bands for students outside of church its parish volunteers. “It never ceasgarage in 1989. es to amaze me Admission, parkhow much love for Novemberfest ing and entertainment are all free. our surrounding community has. I Crowd favorite Soul Circus Cowboy will see this in the almost 18,000 folperform Friday at 8:30 p.m. The country lowers on our Novemberfest page rock band’s lead singer, Billy McKnight, and the countless posts is an alumnus of Nativity Catholic Novemberfest is tagged in leading School. Also back this year is Classix, up to and during the event.” who will take ‘Center Stage’ on “Novemberfest celebrated its Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 50th anniversary this year,” said Paying homage to Novemberfest’s Cindy Ehringer. “We are so thank50th anniversary, midway rides will ful to our sponsors and volunteers include the Zipper, which recently celeto help make this community event brated 50 years. so successful. We look forward to New this year is ‘Money Mania.’ seeing everyone in November 2020 Instead of only one grand prize cash for the 51st annual Novemberfest.” winner, raffles will be held throughout Original Story printed October the event. The cash prizes are in the 2019. amounts of $2,500, $1,000, $750, $500 Nativity Catholic’s Novemberfest and $250 with the grand prize of will celebrate five decades of festival $5,000 announced on Sunday. fun when it returns from Thursday, www.nativitycatholicchurch.org/nov November 21 to Sunday, November 24. emberfest. Nativity is located at 705 E. Following the Florida State Fair and Brandon Blvd. in Brandon.
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January 2020
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 1
Photos courtesy of Amy Maguire
Ostingers Baseball Academy Holds College Signing Ceremony For 12 Players The Ostingers Baseball Academy (OBA), located in Lithia, recognized 12 area high school seniors who have signed to play college baseball at their banquet on November 18. Brooks DeBartolo’s Ryan Bradarich (Nova Southeastern University), Armwood’s Tyler Castelli (Embry-Riddle University), Newsome’s Zach DeVito (Tulane University), Armwood’s Trevor Finan (Army), Durant’s Ahmad Fitts (Florida Southern The Ostingers Baseball Academy had 12 players sign on for college baseball at their banquet. College), Wesley Bloomingdale’s Brock happy that I can continue Chapel’s Ethan Jones Wilken (Wake Forest my career.” (University of West University) all signed. OBA founder and Virginia), Riverview’s Catcher Tyler instructor Jim Osting is Macallister Jorgensen Castelli parlayed a proud of his players, but will (University of Tampa), tremendous junior seamiss coaching them. “It’s Wharton’s Grady son at Armwood where slightly surreal just knowing that the guys Maguire (Florida he hit .403 with four are at the end of what OBA does,” he Southern College), home runs and 21 said. “It’s a bittersweet day, but it’s a Riverview’s Tyler Misla RBIs into an offer from happy day for me knowing that the guys (College of Central Embry-Riddle have worked their tails off to get to where Florida), Newsome’s University. “This is they are. Today’s just a great day for the Cole Stallings (Stetson what you dream of,” program and it’s a great day for the kids (from the left) es at m am University), Seffner te OBA ett re, Tommy Turk at said Castelli. “It’s what I and their families.” Christian’s Tommy Turkett Grady MaguiFi ay will all pl and Ahmad ttsCollege together. wanted to do, and it According to the website, OBA offers (Florida Southern Florida Southern makes me feel very individual lessons, team facility College) and
rentals/lessons and high-yield camps year-round. The OBA facility offers both indoor and outdoor cages, an outdoor infield and pitching mounds for bullpen work. Players should expect a balance of instruction on topics ranging from pitching, stretching, throwing, hitting, fielding mechanics, mental aspects of the game as well as preventative injury training. Beyond individual lessons, OBA frequently offers player position workshops with visiting professional players, conditioning/strengthening programs for cross-training and elite travel ball teams for those players ready for a more advanced level of competition. “The biggest thing that I’m going to miss about these guys is just how they compete,” said Osting. “It didn’t matter who we played, it didn’t matter what time of the day it was, didn’t matter what day of the week it was, they went out and just competed all the time.” For more information, visit the website at www.OstingBaseball.com.
January 2020
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Photos courtesy of Nancy Nahas
Bloomingdale Bulls Football Has Successful National Signing Day For Students The Bloomingdale football program had a busy National Signing Day (early signing period) with four players signing to play college football. Maurice Frost, Jr. (Navy), Dominic Gonnella (North Dakota State), Gabe Jones (Davidson) and Quinton McCoy (Illinois) are all going to play at the next level. Receiver Maurice Frost, Jr. signed to play at the Naval Academy. Quinton McCoy will play for Gabe Jones signed to play at Coach Lovie Smith at the Davidson University. “There’s a brotherhood, University of Illinois. a family, and the people University. “I’m happy and I’m there, the culture and the history behind proud of myself and my teammates for it, it’s amazing,” Frost said. He plans on making it this far and putting in the extra going into the medical corps, and will work to get to where we’re at,” said serve his five years of military duty after Gonnella. He wants to get better every school. “I’m so grateful for this opportuniyear, and see where that takes him. His ty. It’s breathtaking, because this has main goal is to go pro after college. “I been my dream since I was little,” Frost want to thank Bloomingdale, because I said. “I’m actually moving on and going to feel like that step of coming here helped a D1 school that is top 25. We are on the me a lot and put me a position to sign map.” and make it to where I can choose where Running back Dominic Gonnella is I want to go.” going to play for the most accomplished Linebacker Gabe Jones battled back FCS program in North Dakota State through two ACL reconstruction surgeries
geon. Defensive tackle Quinton McCoy will play for Coach Lovie Smith at the University of Illinois. “I’ve been working since I was a kid to achieve this and being able to choose means everything to me.” He has lofty goals and expectations for his football career, wanting to make All-Big 10 First Team and eventually going pro. He will study business management. Dominic Gonnella signed to “I’m excited to be here Maurice Frost, Jr. signed to play at North Dakota State play at the Naval Academy. and can’t wait.” University. to sign at Frost, Gonnella, Jones, McCoy and Davidson University. “Growing up, football the rest of the 2020 class will leave honestly wasn’t a big dream of mine,” Bloomingdale as the winningest class in said Jones. “I got to high school and fell in school history with 33-13 overall record, love with the sport and knew that I wantsetting a precedent for the program. ed to do it at the next level. My main pas“They are going to be missed, and I sion has always been medical school, appreciate everything they have done for and Davidson has a great pre-med prous,” said Bloomingdale Head Coach Jake gram, so I can follow both of my dreams Coulson. “That group of kids bought in at the same time.” Jones wants to get and never questioned, you knew they reps as a freshman and battle for a startwere going to put in what they needed to ing job, while keeping up with academics. do to be successful. These guys set the He eventually wants to go to Duke bar, and so we just need to keep it going.” Medical and become an orthopedic sur-
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Volume 19, Issue 1
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
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