Two Sections, 44 Pages of Community News
Brandon/Winthrop
C E L E B R A T I N G
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P U B L I S H I N G
Brandon Community Gathers For Grand Opening Of The Carey Family Boys & Girls Club
By Tatiana Ortiz
County leaders and the community attended a grand opening of the new Carey Family Boys & Girls Club in Brandon.
impact. Currently, the Club maintains its leadership under Sheriff Chad Chronister. This location will serve youth ages 5-18 along with the opportunity to accommodate up to 125 children and teenagers. With it being in between Mann Middle School and Yates Elementary School, students can walk to the Club. The youth who come here get access to a baseball field, a playground and much more. To add, an on-site deputy will be on the premises as well. "Having a deputy on-site not only creates a safer environment for children to learn and play everyday, but it also is a chance to show them that law enforcement officers are their friends,” Sheriff Chronister said. For more information, visit www.bgctampa.org. It is located at 510 E. Sadie St. in Brandon. Call 444-0375.
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Various county leaders and the community joined together with the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay for the grand opening of the newly remodeled Carey Family Brandon Boys & Girls Club in Brandon on March 29. The club also relocated to Sadie Park as part of an expansion to the Bill Carey Brandon Boys & Girls Club, which previously could be found on Knights Avenue. Carey’s daughter Amy Carey Lee had a chance to reflect back on her childhood with the opening of this club. “I remember as a little girl attending classes here at the old Brandon Civics Center, which was really the center of Brandon at the time,” Lee said. This would be one of the eight clubs working under a community collaboration model. For instance, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department united to bring the vision of a stronger community to reality. At one point, the original Knights Ave. location operated under the leadership of Sheriff David Gee, which would be the first Club to bring law enforcement into the conversation around community
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Julia Moseley Celebrates 100th Birthday At Her Family Home Known As ‘The Nest’ Thursday, March 21, 2019 was proclaimed to be ‘Julia Moseley Day’ by Brandon's Honorary Mayor, Melissa Haskins. On that momentous day, Moseley celebrated her 100th birthday. The proclamation read by Haskins stated in part, "Julia Moseley is the personification of a protector of Florida history." Moseley is a member of one of Brandon's pioneering families. Moseley continues to live on the property that was settled in 1883 by her grandparents and in the home that her family built in 1886. ‘The Nest’, as it is known, and its 14+ acres are on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also on the state and local historic registries. The home, which is located just off of Brandon Blvd. near the Westfield Brandon Mall, is protected and maintained by a trust. When you pull into the property, it is as if you have been transported back in time. Most of the buildings on the property are original to the period of ownership. The main house still has the original wall covering which consists of palmetto fiber on painted burlap. This unique wall covering was taken down and exhibited at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. Moseley is a fierce protector of Brandon and its rich history. You can thank her and her efforts for the beautiful oak canopy that lines Lakewood Dr. When the road was designated to be widened, she led an effort to save the oaks. Moseley was also instrumental in getting a historical marker placed at the corner of Lakewood Dr. at Woodberry and Limona Roads. This marker chronicles the history of the area. Over the years, Moseley has rejected multiple offers to sell ‘The Nest’, preferring
By Kathy L. Collins
to keep it as it has been for over 100 years. It is for her efforts at historical and environmental preservation that the community came together to celebrate her 100th birthday. In addition to the proclamation made Julia Moseley celebrated her by Honorary Mayor 100th birthday at “The Nest,” her Haskins, a Commendation family home. signed by all of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners was also presented. The Commendation read in part, "The Board of County Commissioners of Hillsborough County, Florida does hereby commend Julia Moseley for her dedication in safeguarding the historical legacy of Brandon and Limona and their landmarks, and congratulates her on her 100th birthday." You can learn more about Moseley, her family’s history and the history of the area by purchasing her book, Come To My Sunland: Letters of Julia Daniels Moseley From The Florida Frontier, 18831886.The book is available at Barnes & Noble.
In This Issue YMCA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR.......PG 4 HIGH SCHOOL ART SHOW ...............PG 12 BLUEBERRY COTTAGE FARMS ..........PG 15 GUARDIAN AD LITEM.......................PG 21 EYE ON BUSINESS .......................PG 25‐26 CHALKLINES .....................................PG 28 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE ............PGS 31‐39
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April 2019 Volume 14, Issue 4 Ph: 657-2418
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CRAB, CRAWFISH, CALAMARI & LOBSTER
Made Fresh Daily! American Idol contestant Jeremy Rosado will perform at Holy Innocents’ first annual youth event taking place on the church grounds on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Bring family, friends and neighbors to enjoy the day at Holy Innocents', 604 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. See more details in the press releases article found on page 40.
At Crafty Crab, we know food tastes better with your hands, so don’t be shy-dig in! 704 E. Brandon Blvd. • Brandon, Fl. 33511 • 813-278-5111 Mon -Thurs 12pm -10pm | Fri & Sat 12pm - 11pm | Sun 12pm - 10pm
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Page 2
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 4
April 2019
Page 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
AdventHealth Building Emergency Care Center In Brandon
TD Bank Hosts Financial Literacy Event At Bloomingdale High School
Ahearn, director of corporate communications for AdventHealth West Florida Division, the Brandon emergency department will be able to stabilize emergency patients and will have 12-24 beds available, with extended follow-up treatment just an ambulance ride away. “If we had a patient come to the ER who needed to be admitted or transferred for in-patient care, they would go to AdventHealth Tampa.” The southeast corner of the property where Hoenes-Ahern also said AdventHealth is building a freestanding emergency room that will be open 24/7 and AdventHealth is committed to providing scheduled to open in early 2020. a high level of comprehensive emerEmergency medical care for an accigency medical care. dent or illness is going to be more acces“We are really heartfelt and passible to Brandon and nearby east sionate about looking at where our comHillsborough County residents with the munity needs more healthcare services, construction of a new, 18,000 sq. ft., free- and we know there’s a lot of growth in standing emergency medical room by Brandon, so we are very dedicated to AdventHealth at 305 E. Brandon Blvd. making sure there are convenient, The facility is expected to open in early accessible, high-quality options for peo2020 and replaces a Florida Orthopaedic ple there.” Institute clinic on the property. Freestanding emergency rooms Freestanding emergency rooms, or have become a trend in the local hospioff-site emergency departments, are tal industry. Existing facilities include St. state-licensed medical facilities detached Joseph's Hospital-South Emergency from but under the direction of a hospital, Center in Riverview and TGH in this case AdventHealth Tampa in north Emergency Center Brandon. Hillsborough County, about 30 minutes AdventHealth is also constructing a away. It is certified to provide the same freestanding ER in Carrollwood, and level of care as a hospital-based emerBrandon Regional Hospital, three mingency room and must be open 24 hours utes from AdventHealth’s new facility, daily. Medical staff working in a freestand- has plans for a freestanding emergency ing ER are required to have the same room in Wesley Chapel. qualifications as if they were working at AdventHealth Tampa hospital is an emergency room attached to a hospilocated across the street from the tal. University of South Florida, at 3100 E. According to Richelle HoenesFletcher Ave.
April is a condo, if they Financial Literacy were going to have Month and, in that roommates, transspirit, TD Bank portation options, recently held an etc… There were event at 15 different booths Bloomingdale High for the students to School to teach the visit and make their students firsthand choices. At the end, how to handle their they sat down with finances when they the banker and balgraduate and head anced their budget. Photos courtesy of Jacquelyn Marshall out into the real “Seniors that TD Bank hosted the first ever Financial world. Future Fair at Bloomingdale High School in will be attending April. “Only 17 college or entering states require students to complete a the workforce need to know what expensfinancial literacy course before graduaes they may be incurring,” said Marshall. tion; Florida requires an economics “We were amazed that kids didn't know course, but not one that teaches students how to calculate their taxes, how much real-life money management skills,” said eating out five times a week really costs, Jacquelyn Marshall, Bloomingdale High or when you should start saving for retireSchool AVID (Advancement Via Individual ment.” Determination), who helped organize the “Financial literacy is one of our ready event. commitments at TD Bank,” said Peacock. The Financial Future Fair was a suc“It’s a personal passion of my own cess, with nearly 120 graduating seniors because I was one of those kids that attending. According to TD Bank Apollo never had that benefit, so I learned the Beach Store Manager Bonnie Peacock, hard way. We like to increase access to who also helped organize the event, they people to help them improve their finanset up a small version of the game of Life cial security, and we are firm believers to help illustrate what it would be like to that that has to start in the schools.” have financial responsibilities. “It’s imporThis was the first time Bloomingdale tant that when they get out of school and hosted this event, and Peacock and they are out there on their own, that they Marshall hope to do it again next year. “It have an idea of what they are looking at was, I think, a really great success,” said when it comes to life,” she said. Peacock. “The students all were very The students had to make realistic engaged, they enjoyed it and a lot of the decisions about what to do with their feedback they gave was that they felt like money, such as choosing housing this was something they really needed options, if they were going to rent or buy and that it was a wake-up call for them.”
By Brad Stager
By Nick Nahas
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Page 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 4
High School Band Hosts A Night Of Jazz Fundraiser To Benefit Program
Miriam White Is Named Volunteer Of The Year From The North Brandon Family YMCA
Brandon resiof the Brandon dents are invited High School Band to attend an Booster Club John evening of food Sangiorgio is workand music for a ing with the stugood cause this dents to plan the month. The event. Brandon High “This group School Band Jazz has had an Ensemble is hostextraordinary year ing A Night of Jazz with straight supeThe Brandon High School Band, winners of riors in all their on Friday, April 27 to celebrate a suc- straight superiors in their assessments for the assessments,” last two years, is hosting A Night of Jazz cessful season fundraising concert and dinner on Friday, April said Sangiorgio. 27 at 7 p.m. and raise money “We are so proud for another year of the program. of them and are looking forward to supAccording to Band Director Ravae porting them at the event.” Douglas, A Night of Jazz, is one of the Money raised at this and other most significant fundraisers for the fundraisers is used to help off-set comschool’s band program, in which 85 stupetition and travel costs in addition to dents participated this academic year. helping pay for instrument and uniform “After a few years of hosting A Night repairs and maintenance. of Jazz it has become one of our biggest As a co-curricular activity, band events,” said Douglas, who has been takes place during and after school with director of the band for five years. “Our two seasons; Marching Band season, students have been working very hard to which takes place from August to make the evening a success.” November to coincide with football seaIn addition to the student-performed son, and Concert Season from music, the event will include a full Italian December to May. According to dinner, silents auctions, raffles and speSangiorgio, approximately 50 percent of cial guest artists. the band students this year are freshTickets are currently available to pur- men, but there are members from all chase from students for $15 and will be high school grade levels. on-sale at the door on the night of the A Night of Jazz will start at 7 p.m. in event for $20. the Brandon High School Cafeteria. For “Band is a very expensive activity more information on purchasing tickets and these students are doing all they can in advance, contact Sangiorgio at 694to raise funds to help off-set the costs,” 4813. To learn more about the program, said Douglas. search for Brandon High School Band Band parent and incoming President on Facebook.
Each year, the YMCA. Most of the Tampa Metropolitan time, Miriam is the first Area YMCA hosts a one to volunteer and Community Impact the last one to leave Dinner. At this dinner, the day of the event.” volunteers from area White said of the YMCAs are recogrecognition, “I volunnized as well as local teer at the YMCA residents who are because it is more dedicated to the comthan just a fitness cenmunity and had a ter; it is a place for positive impact on families. It is a place Tampa Bay. where I can give back This year, U.S. to the comRepresentative Kathy munity. It is Castor received the a place Tampa Metropolitan where lifeYMCA’s 2019 long friendMiriam White is the 2019 Community Impact ships are made.” Volunteer of the Year from the North Award on March 4. Stineheffer Brandon Family YMCA. White has Previous Impact been volunteering with the YMCA for explained why it is Award winners include over 18 years and serves as a mem- important to recognize ber of the Advisory Board. Jeff and Penny Vinik, volunteers. “It is imporRichard Gonzmart and Tampa Mayor tant to recognize volunteers because it Bob Buckhorn. shows the community that we are here Area YMCA facilities each select a giving back to the community where we volunteer to be recognized. The live. It is also important to show the volVolunteer of the Year for 2019 from the unteer base that the YMCA is grateful,” North Brandon Family YMCA is Miriam said Stineheffer. White who is a volunteer on the Stineheffer said, “The Y is a place Advisory Board at the North Brandon for all ages to enjoy. We have programs Family YMCA. that influence everyone at any age. White has been with the North Families can all come to the Y and parBrandon Family YMCA for over 18 ticipate in programs or just enjoy open years. According to Eric Stinehelfer, swim time.” Center Executive Director for the North For more information on the North Brandon Family YMCA, “Miriam was Brandon Family YMCA, please call nominated by another Board member 685-5402. The North Brandon Family that has watched her over the years YMCA is located at 3097 S. Kingsway volunteer to work events here at the Rd. in Seffner.
By Kate Quesada
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April 2019
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Pet Vaccination Clinic At Kim’s Natural Pets
Saturday, May 4 and June 1 from 2-3 p.m. Kim’s Natural Foods – 2110 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico EZ Pet Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic Call 684-3663 to confirm.
Master Gardener Library Program: Right Plant In The Right Place
Bloomingdale Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico Wednesday, May 1 – Edible Flowers Try something different. Plant an edible garden. Learn what types of flowers are edible for cooking. Presentation from Master Gardeners Richard Seedroff and Barbara Glotzback. Bring plant or other gardening item for fun Plant Swap. Email Richard@seedroff.com or call 303-638-3917 for more info.
Social Security Benefits Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Thursday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 21 at 5:45 p.m. Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking your Social Security benefits; perfect for ages 58-67. The HCC campus at the Regent, 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave message after 4:30 p.m.
Gardening Classes
Kerby’s Nursery and Landscaping, 2311 S. Parsons Ave. in Seffner Saturday, April 27; 10 a.m. - Growing Fruit Trees Learn how to plant, water, prune and fertilize fruit trees to get great harvests in any space.
Plants, Pollinators And Professionals - Making Gardening Great
Saturday, May 18; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 5339 CR 579, Seffner The cost is $10 and includes a gift bag containing a gardening book, rain gauge, hose nozzle, water bottle and free soil test, one per household. Plant, recycled yard art and other vendors will be on-site. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. Pre-registration required. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-florida-friendly-lan scaping-101-plants-pollinators-and-professionals-tickets-54994188097
Congregation Beth Shalom
Shabbat Services – Fridays; 7:30 p.m. at 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. All welcome. Call 681-6547.
Master Gardener Plant Clinics
Riverview Library, 10509 Riverview Dr. Tuesday, May 7; 6:30 p.m. – Open Forum with Master Gardeners A panel of Master Gardeners will be available to answer your landscape questions. Class participants encouraged to bring samples and questions for group discussion. Call 273-3652 for more information.
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Page 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 4
The Outreach Clinic Presents Its 8th Annual Kentucky Derby Party- A Taste Of The Derby
18th Annual SeaGrapes Wine & Food Festival Supports Aquarium
The Derby themed Outreach Clinic games including will host its the Kentucky Eighth Annual Derby race, raffles Kentucky Derby and prizes. Party- A Taste of Debbie the Derby on Meegan, Saturday, May 4 Executive Director from 5:30 to 9:30 of The Outreach p.m. at The Clinic said, “The Regent, located money raised Get dressed up in your finest at 6437 Watson continues to be Rd. in Riverview. Kentucky Derby outfit and hat used for life savand join others to raise funds Tickets are $100 ing health care. and awareness about The Outreach Clinic. per person. All This year, we will proceeds will benefit the Outreach Clinic. celebrate our 30th The Outreach Clinic's Eighth Annual year as a free clinic. There are still thouKentucky Derby Party is a fun and excit- sands of uninsured individuals living in ing event. Your ticket gets you compliour community who suffer from chronic mentary valet parking and more. There diseases such as diabetes, congestive will be over 10 area restaurants and heart failure, asthma and high blood caterers offering food samplings. These pressure. They have nowhere else to go include Outback, Stein & Vine, Tampa to get healthcare.” Caterer, Don’t Forget The Food The clinic provides much needed Catering, Hats Off To Dining, Eddie healthcare to those who do not have Bull’s Cookie Dough, Nothing Bunt health insurance and cannot afford Cakes and LeAnne’s Cookies. healthcare. Most of those who are The free open bar will offer premium served, either hold a part-time job alcohol, wine and beer and will feature receive only minimum wage, are receivtwo signature drinks- the Classic Mint ing unemployment compensation or Julep and a Blueberry Mint Julep. You have Social Security Disability can watch the Kentucky Derby live on Insurance. two big screens. The Outreach Clinic is located at No Kentucky Derby party would be 517 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. To get complete without fancy hats and welltickets, visit www.theoutreachclinic.com dressed ladies and gentlemen. Ladies or contact Susan Carasea at can compete in the Most Beautiful and susan@theoutreachclinic.com or email Creative Hat Contests and the Most Meegan at Fascinating Fascinator. A silent auction director@theoutreachclinic.com or call will feature over 50 items. There will be 654-1388.
Dress is cocktail attire. VIP ticket holder entry will begin at 7 p.m. for early access to the food and drinks, as well as a special VIP area with exclusive food and drink options. As a VIP, you will have full access to the VIP-only area featuring exclusive food and wines as well as complimentary valet parking available at SeaGrapes Wine & Food Festival is The the Aquarium’s Florida Aquarium’s largest annual main entrance. fundraiser. This year it will take place on Saturday, May 18 from 8-11 p.m. Enjoy One hunover 100 types of wine and great food from local dred percent of the proceeds restaurant partners. from tickets purchased support Join The Florida Aquarium for its The Florida Aquarium’s, a 501(c)(3) not18th annual SeaGrapes Wine & Food for-profit, mission to both entertain and Festival fundraising event presented by educate as well as inspire stewardship Amalie Oil on Saturday, May 18 from 8of our natural environment. 11 p.m. During the event, a silent auction SeaGrapes provides guests with an will take place. Guests can bid on an unforgettable evening featuring more impressive array of auction items that than 100 types of wine, gourmet food appeal to adventurers, arts and culture from numerous premier restaurants and buffs, fashionistas, sports fans, luxury a full night of entertainment including travelers and gourmands. access to all the Aquarium’s vibrant You must be 21 or over to attend. exhibits featuring over 8,000+ animals General admission tickets are $100, and plants that call the Aquarium home. VIP tickets are $250. “One of The Florida Aquarium’s Bring your love of wine, your comgoals is to be a leader for aquatic animitment to the conservation of endanmal conservation and research, and our gered species and your cell phone to signature fundraiser event, SeaGrapes, bid on the silent auction and be a part helps us to obtain that goal,” said Roger of #SeaGrapes2019 on social media. Germann, President and CEO. “It’s an For more information about the exciting time to bring people together in event, call 273-4000 or visit flaquarisupport of our Blue Planet conservation um.org/seagrapes. efforts. SeaGrapes is going to be a The Florida Aquarium is located at great celebration of our ocean and our 701 Channelside Dr. in Tampa. community of ocean supporters.”
By Kathy L. Collins
5/22/19
5/22/19
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
Staff Report
April 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 9
Applications Open For Community Water Wise Awards Program
HCC Brandon Campus Held Grand Opening For New Hawks Career Closet
The 2019 You can view Community Water photographs of Wise Awards, past winners at sponsored by http://tampabaywaTampa Bay Water, terwise.org and recognize individwatch a short uals and busivideo which nesses committed includes several of to conserving our them. The deadwater resources line for entries is and protecting the Sunday, June 30, environment by so you can comusing FloridaAn award winning photo from a previous year. plete an applicaNow is the time to think about entering the Friendly tion now, submit it 2019 Community Water Wise Awards contest. Landscaping™ Deadline to submit your application is Sunday, and get a head (FFL) principles. start on the 2019 June 30. Does your landscape have what it takes contest. It takes approximately ten minto win? Enter today to find out. utes to complete the application and subThere are nine FFL principles which mit on-line to tampabaywaterwise.org. include: right plant right place, water effiAttaching a photo or two is helpful. Onciently, fertilize appropriately, mulch, site landscape evaluations will be schedattract wildlife, manage yard pests uled and conducted in May and early responsibly, recycle, reduce stormwater June with homeowners and business runoff and protect the waterfront. Many of owners present. Winning entries will these principles are used as part of the receive a handmade mosaic stepping landscape evaluation process for this stone for homeowners or a plaque option award program. for businesses. If you have questions The retention of existing trees and regarding the Community Water Wise vegetation is evaluated, as are landAward program, please contact me at scape design, utilization of mulch and 744-5519 x 54105. plant selection. Stormwater runoff preFor more information about the nine vention and efficient irrigation techniques principles of the Florida-Friendly are reviewed, including rain gardens, LandscapingTM Program, for assistance rainwater harvesting and functioning rain with gardening-related questions, contact sensor devices. Winning landscapes bal- the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough ance attractive designs with plants, landCounty at 744-5519 and visit scape elements and water efficient irriga- http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcomtion techniques that have a positive ing-events/ for upcoming workshops. impact on our environment.
Landing a job male and female clothinterview, whether it is ing items, accessories the first one or several, and more. Plus, stucan create a positive dents could also impact on someone’s choose from a seleclife as they get an tion of numerous opportunity showcase sizesl. Students get to their skills. Being keep their outfits as equipped with the right well. outfit can increase conHCC student fidence as well. On Quawn Carter shared March 19, the Career her thoughts about the Resource Center at Career Resource Center Manager at Hawks Career Closet. the Hillsborough “I like the diversity the Brandon Hillsborough Community College, Carmen Community College and clothing items, Kimpson (left) and Dean of Student (HCC) Brandon camServices Julie White (right) prepare especially with the varipus held a grand to cut the ribbon of its new Hawks ous sizes that students Closet Resource Center. opening of its New get to choose from,” Hawks Career Closet durCarter said. ing the week of several free Kimpson stated the events that will occur as this overall goal of the campus celebrates 50 Hawks Career Closet years of innovation and would be to provide stuinspiration. dents with business HCC Career Resource attire. In addition, part of Center Manager Carmen this goal includes growth Kimpson mentioned who with hopes that it could can utilize the Hawks expand college wide. Career Closet. The Dale Mabry campus “Both female and male students can in Tampa also has a Hawk’s Career receive, at no cost, interviewing attire as Closet. long as they notify the career resource “All in all I am very excited about center about the interview or networking launching this and would love for people function,” Kimpson said. to donate as we are accepting gently It all came into fruition through a used or brand new suits and business $1,200 grant from the HCC Foundation. attire,” Kimpson said. With this grant, it provided hangers, sizing For info, contact Carmen Kimpson at labels and much more for the Hawks ckimpson@hccfl.edu. Hours are Monday Career Closet. Students visiting it will get 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Tuesday through outfitted as they may discover a variety of Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Call 259-6590.
By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Agent
By Tatiana Ortiz
Page 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 4
Friends Of Bloomingdale Library Host Book Sale To Benefit Program
Home Helpers Home Care Strives For Excellent Service And A Family Feel
Looking for a good The Friends of the deal on something to Bloomingdale Library is a read or listen to? Then citizen support group and head over to the a chapter of Friends of the Bloomingdales Library Tampa. In addition Regional Library on to operating the bookstore Saturday, May 4 for a in the library’s lobby, the special spring book group hosts special prosale. grams and events Hosted by The throughout the year, Friends of the including a Life Story Bloomingdale Writing Workshop, comRegional Library, the puter classes, teen book sale will take games, science literacy place from 10 a.m.-3 and summer programs for p.m. in the McLean children. The Friends of the room and bookstore. “Events and programs Bloomingdale Library group will “For this one-day be hosting a book sale. Stop by for children in the summer only special sale, all have included magic acts, on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. bookstore items will be yoga for mother and baby, marked down and specially priced for hands-on drum circles and dogs trained inventory reduction,” said Carlos to perform tricks,” said Garcia. “For the Garcia with The Friends of past two years, the bookstore has Bloomingdale Library. raised the funds to provide backpacks According to Garcia, a wide and school supplies for children in the assortment of both hardcover and 78th Street Community Library area, paperback books, music CDs, DVDs helping get their school years off to a and books on CD will be available for terrific start and promoting a love for litpurchase at significantly discounted eracy and learning.” prices. The group hosts two similar sales a All money raised at the book sale year, one in the spring and one in the will go towards providing special fall, and runs the bookstore which is library programs. open to the public any time the main “Find those books by your favorite library is open. authors or shop for something different, The Bloomingdale Regional Library useful or exciting,” said Garcia. “Stop in, is located at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in browse and find whatever you might be Valrico, just east of Bloomingdale High looking for. Books, music and videos School. are always great gifts for friends, youngFor information, contact Garcia at sters or for yourself.” crgarci@verizon.net or call 273-3652.
When it comes of medications, who the time that we lives with them, likes need in-home care, and dislikes, safety we all hope for a in their home, family company we can concerns–everything trust and people that that is required to feel almost like an make sure they do extension of our famnot have accidents ilies. and problems. “[Our clients] call To make sure Home Helpers offers in-home care servic- they can work with us ‘angels without es that are more than just the necessary wings’ and a ‘saving dementia and medical treatments and housekeeping. grace’; they doubt Alzheimer’s patients, our exceptionality and then they see our Slusher makes sure her caregivers are services and go ‘wow, you truly are properly certified. They receive training at exceptional. We love you,’” said Home CNA Training and Testing Center to take Helpers Home Care’s Director of state-required programs and get certificaOperations, Ursella Slusher. tions. Home Healpers also work with Slusher began in the in-home care companies that come out and teach its business when her mother wanted to own employees regularly about Alzheimer’s her own agency. Originally making plans and dementia. with her husband and Slusher’s sister, The caregivers regularly test their their plans fell through and Slusher took dementia and Alzheimer’s clients. “We their place and went into business with ask them who their family is, their age, her mother. name, address, where they worked; we Home Helpers is an in-home health keep them thinking and keep them prescare agency for seniors, disabled family ent,” Slusher said. members and anyone else who needs Slusher goes above and beyond to help at home. It comes up with cusmake sure her clients are in good hands. tomized plans and offers many services. “[Our] exceptional caregivers and Anything from cleaning, cooking, caring service make us different. We literally for people with mental and physical dismatch our employees to our caregivers. abilities or just being a companion to the This isn’t done by a system, but by an elderly. actual person. We call them our families – Slusher begins with an assessment. not our clients.” During this assessment, she wants to get For info, visit https://www.hometo know the potential client and their curhelpershomecare.com/easttampa/home rent living conditions. She checks for or call 995-8909. Home Helpers is locateverything; from their illnesses, hospitaled at 1210 Millennium Pkwy., Ste. 1033 izations, how they walk, hear and see, list in Brandon.
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Page 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
County Gives Leaders A Backstage Pass By Kate Quesada
PERSONAL INJURY
FAMILY LAW
Members of a recent Hillsborough Backstage Pass Program class toured the water treatment plant and are pictured here with George Cassady, Director of Public Utilities.
Every two weeks, 25 residents from around Hillsborough County have the opportunity to spend half a day experiencing local government firsthand. These residents are members of the county’s Backstage Pass Program, part of the Neighborhood Relations Department, and applications are currently being accepted for the next sixmonth session. “It is such a wonderful program,” said Stephanie Agliano, the Neighborhood Liaison who has been running the program since 2017. According to Agliano, Backstage Pass is designed to provide community leaders with an insider’s look at the workings of county government. With topics including Social Services, Transportation, Emergency Management, Parks and Recreation, the Medical Examiner and Fire Rescue, members learn though interactive presentations, demonstrations, conversations with department leaders and tours of facilities, including a water treatment plant and the Emergency Operations Center. “What we really hope to accomplish is to make our community stronger and better through education,” she said. Any resident over the age of 21 living or working full-time in Hillsborough County is eligible to apply to the program. Members must commit to attending at least nine of the 12 half-day sessions and must sign-up for
Electronic Recycling & Reuse
an orientation class to learn about the program requirements. “The leaders who go through this program leave with a new appreciation of what county employees do,” said Agliano. “We hope that they leave more informed community leaders who go on to share their knowledge with neighbors, communities, friends and families.” The program is free for those accepted and all course materials are included. According to Agliano, one of the highlights of the program comes during one of the final sessions where members get a chance to put a lot of the information they have learned to good use. “During one of the later sessions, the group is given the opportunity to make a budget for the county using real figures,” she said. “That really gives them an appreciation for where the money goes and how hard it can be to run a county of this size.” When the program is complete, members participate in a graduation ceremony and are then invited to join the group’s alumni program, which allows them an even greater opportunity to make an impact on the community and network with other leaders. To apply for the Hillsborough Backstage Pass Program, visit www.HCFLGov.net or call the office of Neighborhood Relations at 272-5860. • Scrap Metal Removal & Recycling • Light & Heavy Equipment Removal • Project Management • Consulting Services • Data Security • Logistics & Transportation
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Page 12
Volume 14, Issue 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
GFWC Brandon Service League Presents High School Art Show
Cruise Planners Plans Every Trip And Makes Dreams A Reality
Second place went to Briannah Badgett from Plant City for ‘Paradise Cove Pier.’ Third place was awarded to Valentina Beltran from Durant for ‘The Anxiety of Expectations.’ Honorable mention went to Grace Jordan from Bloomingdale for ‘Still Life’. In the 3D category, First High school students from Plant City, Blake, Place was awarded to Lizeth Bloomingdale, Durant, East Bay, Brandon and Strawberry Crest submitted entries to the 2019 High School Student Fuentes of East Bay for Art Show sponsored by GFWC Brandon Service League. ‘Laguna.’ Sikora-Muehl said, The 2019 High School Student Art "As a fellow ceramics artist I have appreShow, sponsored by GFWC Brandon ciation for the complexity of creating this Service League, was held at Center form." Place in Brandon on March 28. Second place went to Gabriela High school students from Plant City, Garcia from Strawberry Crest for ‘Bride.’ Blake, Bloomingdale, Durant, East Bay, Third place to Abigail Harnetty from Brandon and Strawberry Crest submitted Bloomingdale for ‘Cartoon Adultism.’ entries. The entries were broken down Honorable Mention went to Mayra into categories of 2D, 3D and photograHernandez from Blake for ‘Hand Vase.’ phy. In Photography, First place went to This year's judge was Jennie SikoraEmily Velazquez from Blake for ‘Walkin' Muehl, a professional ceramics artist and Pass By.’ Sikora-Muehl said, "The moveinstructor at Center Place. ment and color of this photo is very excitSikora-Muehl said, "The two-dimening." sional collection of work shows attention Second place went to Marina to small details, and images that are so Figueroa from East Bay for ‘The Abyss of realistic that they look like the subject will Nowhere.’ Third place went to Genesis fall off the page. In addition, the colors are Morlabaez from East Bay for ‘Frenzy.’ so striking that they can be seen from Honorable Mention went to Abigail across the room, and the images are a Carpenter from Plant City for ‘Untitled Still complete surprise." Life.’ In the 2D category, first place went to The Judge's Special Award went to Kiara Velazquez from Brandon for Charlotte Yang from Plant City for her ‘Peachy.’ Sikora-Muehl said, "The peachpiece, ‘The Mirror Between Two Worlds.’ es are so realistic that they look like they For more information, please visit will fall off the paper." www.centerplacebrandon.org.
Everyone dreams of travclients know they can reach eling. Whether you dream of out to me whenever they have traveling to a foreign country questions. And they know that like Australia or you dream of when they call me, they will going to Washington, travelalways deal with the same ing is something we all dream person, unlike the internet and work to be able to do. companies that are just “Helping people is the machines,” she said. “Our most exciting part,” said prices are also better. The Cruise Planners franchise prices they would see through owner Sherry Leybovich. internet companies are much Sherry with her two “Taking their vacation dreams higher than what our prices kids and husband. and making them a reality.” are.” From l-r: Sarah, Ron, Sherry, and Ben. Leybovich has been For all the locals wanting nominated into the Travel Agent Hall Of to set their trips in person, Leybovich will Fame, ranked as one of the top 25 travel meet with you face-to-face at either your agents in the U.S., and her franchise home or a local coffee shop to discuss ranked top ten from over 2,000 franchisyour wish list. After you tell her what you es. want, she will then want to discuss the Leybovich has been a franchise budget and if it can realistically cover your owner for 19 years. She began in the list. Lastly, she puts together a proposal of travel concierge business while working everything you discussed. for the US Embassy. Her husband was Cruise Planners makes sure to walk stationed in the embassy and travel you through every step of the way, from concierge was the only profession that booking your trip, helping you with choosdid not require a clearance. ing your excursions and following up to Cruise Planners – despite the name make sure everything is perfect. Cruise – does not just plan cruises; it plans every Planners also makes sure that you have type of trip you could think of taking. They the appropriate visas and your passport do escorted tours, tickets to worldwide in order. You are welcome to attend two events and other land trips. You can also upcoming free seminars at The Venue, go to various locations such as England, 11268 Boyette Rd. in Riverview: Tuesday, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and April 16 from 1-3 p.m. with AMA anywhere in the United States. Waterways and Tuesday, April 30 from 1Leybovich said the things that sets 3 p.m. with Trafalgar Tours and Brendan Cruise Planners apart from other vacation Vacations. travel agencies are the customer service For information, contact Sherry and prices. Leybovich at 657-0844 or email sher“[Our] customer service is available ry@planourvacationnow.com. Visit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. My www.planourvacationnow.com.
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Page 13
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Weight Loss In Older Cats Can Be Serious But Treatable If Caught
By Dr. Jennifer Challenger DVM, MPH
All around the country for the past 10 years, there has been a noticeable decline in cat visits to the veterinarian. This likely started during the recession for monetary reasons, and it may have persisted because cats seem to be fairly lowmaintenance pets. However, the primary reason for annual examinations by a veterinarian is to prevent health issues by catching problems early, as well as educating pet owners about how to best prevent problems, keep cats healthier and give them every opportunity to live longer lives. This is especially important in older cats that may be losing weight. Cat owners may not realize their cats are gradually losing weight until the weight loss is significant, but the veterinarian weighs the cat on each visit and can notice if there is a trend. If, for example, a ten-pound cat loses two pounds, that is 20 percent of his or her body weight, which is not only excessive, but also likely to be indicative of a health problem. There are, in fact, three very common causes of dramatic weight loss in senior feline citizens- diabetes, hyperthyroidism and kidney failure. Weight loss also can signal something even more serious, like cancer. Diabetes will lead a cat to drink a lot of water and, consequently, go to the litter box more frequent-
ly. The cat will also lose weight gradually, but steadily. Fortunately, we can treat for diabetes with insulin and a special diet. Hyperthyroidism and kidney failure are very common in older cats and will probably happen in every cat if he or she lives long enough. A cat with hyperthyroidism will often have a great appetite, but still be losing weight and muscle mass. There is a simple blood test to diagnose the problem and many different ways to control it. Kidney failure is similarly easy to treat, especially if diagnosed early on. Veterinarians will often recommend a yearly senior wellness blood test to catch this disease in its early stages. At that point, it also is readily controlled by something as simple as feeding a special diet. That one small act can add years to a cat's life. If an older cat is losing weight and blood tests do not reveal any one of the three conditions that have been discussed, your veterinarian will begin looking for other causes the weight loss, including cancer, which could be a possibility. The bottom line is that annual examinations are the best thing for your cat, but if you notice weight loss at any time, please take your feline friend to the veterinarian without delay. Proper treatment at that point can ensure many more years of companionship and love from your feline family member.
Bloomingdale Resident Receives Lightning Community Hero Award
By Kate Quesada
Pam Stamey of Home Makers of Hope was named a Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero last month.
Bloomingdale resident Pam Stamey and her charity Home Makers of Hope received some well-deserved recognition last month. Stamey was named The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Community Hero at a game in early March, granting the charity $50,000, but she is now asking for help making an even bigger impact with the money. Home Makers of Help is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing essential furnishings and household items to families struggling with poverty. “We help people who are truly poor and can change their lives in an hour with our donations,” said Stamey. The group receives donations of furniture and other household items and passes them on to people, referred to them by 30 local schools and agencies, who cannot afford to purchase the items themselves. “When we go in, we find families without beds, kitchenware, couches or tables,” said Stamey. “They are sleeping and eating on the floor. We are able to
help by providing these items as well as linens, kitchen equipment and decorative pieces. By the time we leave, the house is feeling like a home.” Thanks to generous donations from businesses and residents, Stamey states that the charity’s biggest need is not currently furniture, although they will always accept donations. “We have a warehouse of items and a great network on donors,” she said. “What we really need are volunteers to help us deliver the items to the families.” The charity helped 255 families last year and currently has a waiting list of six months with more than 45 families on it. “We need more truck drivers, warehouse workers, interior designers and people with a passion for changing lives,” said Stamey. Home Makers of Hope currently has three teams serving different areas of Hillsborough County and Stamey is hoping to soon add a fourth dedicated to helping pregnant women. But she cannot do this without more volunteers. “At this time, we set up six to eight families a week, but with help we can do so many more,” she said. For info, visit www.homemakersofhope.com. On the website, residents can request a pickup for items, make a monetary donation and learn more about volunteering. Donations can also be dropped off on Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the group’s warehouse located at 2900 B E. 7th Ave. in Ybor City.
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Page 14
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Della’s Café And Bistro In Brandon Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary
By Tatiana Ortiz
The aroma of of breakfast ground cinnamon items from and maple syrup 7-11 a.m. filled the dining such as the room area of Mexican Della’s Café and Benedict, Bistro in Brandon which costs as items off of its $8.50. This breakfast menu dish conwere being sists of two served. Since poached 1989, Beverly eggs on top Dellagrotta and her husband Anthony Mexican Street Corn Salad. Dellagrotta gained much support throughout the of an English community and now celebrates being in muffin with pico operation for 30 years. de gallo and Della’s Café and Bistro came into much more. For fruition through a suggestion from a dinlunch from 11 ner party she had as the guests felt a.m.-2:30 p.m., impressed by her delicious eclectic dishpeople could order the popular chicken es, and they thought that Beverly should salad among many other great choices. open a restaurant, naming it Della’s Della’s Café and Bistro also provides a Delectables. At a young age, Beverly variety of beverages, desserts and daily always had a passion for the art of prepa- specials, too. Guests can either dine-in, ration and food. Eventually, she opened take-out or utilize a few delivery options Della’s Café and Bistro. In addition, such as Mobile Meals. Those interested Beverly’s mother, Becky, also stepped in could book a private event as well. to assist her daughter from the very “All in all, my fabulous staff makes beginning by preparing the menu and sure that the people get taken care of,” cooking. Currently, Becky still makes all of Beverly said. “To add, once someone the desserts sold at Della’s Café and comes they will become a customer.” Bistro. For more information, visit www.delBeverly shares what makes it unique. lascafebistro.com or its Facebook page “I am always here, and when people www.facebook.com/DellasAfterDark/. It is come they feel like family,” Beverly said. located at 608 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon The 2,400 sq. ft. restaurant can seat and is open Monday through Friday, 7 65 people comfortably. It serves an array a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Call 684-3354.
Volume 14, Issue 4
April 2019
Page 15
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Local Blueberry Cottage Farms Invites Residents For Weekend U-Picks
813.413.8900
By Kate Quesada
Calling all blueberry lovers. Lithia residents Lois HornDias and Jose Dias are opening the gates of Blueberry Cottage Farms this month, offering two acres with approximately 2,000 plants for U-Pick. “We are so excited to welcome our wonderful customers,” said Lois, a teacher in Lakeland. “Jose single-handedly built our farm in his spare time and we love nothing more than seeing others enjoy it.” For 10 years, the farm’s berries were sold wholesale to commercial pickers Driscol and Clear Springs, but in 2016, after hosting charity events open to the public at the farm, the couple decided to transition to U-Pick and have not looked back. “Working the charity events made us realize how much we loved seeing so many others enjoying Jose’s labor of love,” said Lois. Lois posted on a local Facebook page, asking if residents would be interested in coming to U-Pick at their farm, and received an overwhelming response.
“In just two days we had almost 500 responses and more than 300 comments, and that was that,” she said. “Jose happily gave up selling commercially and we became a UPick farm.” Blueberry Cottage Farms, which is seven miles and a 15 minute drive from FishHawk, offers three types of berries, Emeralds, Jewels and Millennials, and U-Pick is $4 a pound or $20 a bucket for cash or $4.20 a pound and $22 a bucket when paying with credit card. Buckets for picking and bags to take the berries home are supplied by the farm, which also has a port-apotty and running water. An assortment of cold drinks are available for purchase. Lois suggests that visitors wear closed shoes and sunscreen. “We are told by customers that our farm is picturesque, quiet and peaceful,” said Lois. “There is a lot of room between rows and a lot of room to park. But what really sets us apart is that we love our customers. Each day we open for U-Pick, we feel as if we are hosting a party.” Blueberry Cottage Farms is located at 827 Old Welcome Rd. in Lithia. Hours vary as the season progresses, but UPick is typically open from 8:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings and Sunday openings are based on how much fruit is available. Weekday afternoon openings are often announced on the Facebook page. For more information, search for Blueberry Cottage Farm on Facebook or call 3901367.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 4
April 2019
Page 17
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
ife, L r o F k l Wa rts & e c n o C s Spring ore… M
pate. Everyone is resident sentiwelcome. ment in key Join us as a focus areas pledge-raising such as local walker or regiseconomy, pubnti, a s le o ter for the kids lic safety, life C lle y Miche r.com b d e il fun run. enrichment, p e erv Com spreyobs o @ Participants are e recreation ll e mich encouraged to opportunities, get sponsors self-sufficiency The Tampa Bay Symphony will be holding its spring concerts. to help them reach their programs for fundraising goal. There will individuals and to attend. It will give you an opportunity to be refreshments, games, face painting, You Are Invited For Social Dancing families and meet with the current members of the balloons and music from a live band. The high-quality comPlant City Social Dance will hold a league and their families, learn about the Walk For Life inspires a culture of life in munity assets. dance on Saturday, April 20 and April 27 Marine Corps League Auxiliary and hear For more from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Strawberry about the Young Marine program. For furinformation, visit Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd. in ther information, you may contact the HCFLGov.net/Survey. Plant City. This dance will be social detachments adjutant Jack Skelding at dancing on a 3,000 sq. ft. floating 672-1778 or mclsgtryan@gmail.com. To Tampa Bay Symphony Spring wood floor. confirm attendance, contact Rob Becker Concerts Dance to the music by DJ Ken at 480-4281 or robaudits@yahoo.com. Miller. Social dancing includes slow The Tampa Bay Symphony, under dances, waltzes, line dances, chathe direction of Mark Sforzini, will present Countywide Survey Available To All cha and rumbas, two-step and its spring series of concerts on Sunday, Residents Online country slow, swing and freestyle. April 28 in Clearwater; Tuesday, April 30 Whether you want to talk about your The cost is $6 a person. No alcoin St. Petersburg; and Sunday, May 5 in adopted pet, your neighborhood park or LifeCare is a nonprofit outreach hol is to be brought on property. Tampa. They will play Symphony No. 2 your proposed roundabout, the new ministry providing free services and Water and cups are available. by Jean Sibelius and Waking Up Down at support to teens, women, couples online Hillsborough County survey is for Please bring your own snacks and and families facing the challenge of the Bottom of the Sea, by Alejandro Rutty, you. an unplanned pregnancy. drinks. Visit strawberwinner of the orchestra’s third annual The 2019 Countywide Survey is our community. Get involved rysquaredancing.com. online for all residents to share their opin- Composition Competition. This year, there this year by visiting its webwere 67 entries from 15 different counions and ideas. The survey is available in tries. The winner of the Jack Heller Young LifeCare Networks Walk For Life 2019 site to register at both English and Spanish. It should only Artist Competition, Bailley Michelle Join LifeCare Network's Annual Walk http://lifecarenetwork.net/run-walk.php or take about 10 minutes to complete. Collins, will perform the first movement of For Life event on Saturday, May 4 from 9- call for more information at 654-0491. Every Hillsborough County resident, Concerto in F by George Gershwin with 11 a.m. for family fun activities, music, including those who live in the cities of Marine Corps League Open the orchestra. walk for life and kids fun run. The walk Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City, House/Picnic Tickets may be purchased at each takes place at Brandon High School are encouraged to take the survey. The The Sgt. Walter P. Ryan Detachment concert event for $20. An additional fee located at 1101 Victoria St. in Brandon. survey will serve as a baseline for future may apply when purchasing at the Straz The fundraising event is an easy, fun way of the Marine Corps League is holding an surveys as well as to provide an opportuopen house/picnic at Veterans Memorial Center and the Palladium. to get involved and make a difference for nity to gather information about the servPark, 3602 N. US Hwy. 301 in Tampa on Students 18 and younger and college LIFE. You can help LifeCare advance its ices residents think are most important in students may attend for free with valid ID. mission to protect and preserve the sanc- Saturday April 27, at 11:30 a.m. All area this community. Marines, FMF Corpsmen, Chaplains and Visit http://www.tampabaysymphony.com. tity of human life by signing up to particiThe survey is designed to measure their families are invited and encouraged
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
What’s So Funny About Laughter Yoga? By Michelle Colesanti
This year, World stress, the immune sysLaughter Day will be celtem is strengthened, ebrated on Sunday, May helping to keep you from 5 and it is a good getting sick and heal a reminder to take some lot quicker. It also helps time to de-stress by reduce blood pressure. laughing. There are plenThe positive energy ty of reasons why you helps you connect with should. others and in turn Dr. Tanya Gold, MD helps others. It is recently held a seminar at contagious and it The Bridges Assisted just makes you The Bridges Retirement Living in Riverview. She happy. Do you ever Community recently held has been practicing med- a seminar on Laughter notice that when Yoga. Participants learned about you are in a room full of icine for over 15 years, the benefits of laughter while and is board-certified in practicing the art with each other. strangers, you gravitate both family and to those who smile or holistic medicine. seem cheerful? Dr. Gold is certiEveryone can laugh when life is fied a Laughter good, but how do you cope when faced Yoga Instructor with challenges? It is not wrong to laugh as well as. Participants learned about even if you have to work at it. You can Therapeutic Laughter, defined as deliberfool the brain into thinking it is a real ate laughter for health benefits. laugh. In rough times, it can help give you Dr. Gold’s motivation for incorporating the hope and optimism needed to cope. laughter into her life started when she The best part about laughter is that it is was personally dealing with an eye illfree and can be practiced anywhere and ness. “Laughter was the road to recovery. anytime. My doctor told me to wait until the next According to Janet Noah, who is the flair to come to the office. I didn’t want to Director of Community Relations at The wait.” She noted that stress was one of Bridges, “We regularly offer educational the main factors for flair-ups. “Laughter workshops to our residents, families and was a conduit for reducing stress.” the greater community throughout the Laughter Yoga is beneficial to both year. Laughter yoga promotes health and your brain and physical body. Your mood wellness to people of all ages.” will immediately improve and soon you So remember, laugh, make someone will be laughing more. It is like a cardio else laugh and hug three people today. workout bringing oxygen to the body and If you would like more information brain, making you feel more energetic about Dr. Gold, visit http://dgoli.com/, call and relaxed. It actually helps to tighten 379-7092 or visit on Facebook at Dr. your core muscles, too. By reducing Gold's Optimal Living Institute.
Volume 14, Issue 4
Preview Incoming Mail With The Informed Delivery® Feature
By Taylor Wells
Do you ever find on which they opt-in yourself waiting for for. Package tracking specific letters or information on Priority packages to arrive? Mail® Priority Mail Want to make sure Express®, and other mail that should be trackable parcels are arriving makes the included. journey home and Some other types has not been stolen of mail, such as magor gone missing, or azine and catalogues, just want to keep also cannot be digitaltrack of your mail ly imaged and so they deliveries? Then the will not be seen in Informed Delivery is a handy feature United States Postal Informer Delivery notifithat lets you view incoming mail Service (USPS) has cations. If these items whenever and wherever you are through various devices. a new feature that are scanned, a mescan prove a great help. sage in notifications will inform users Informed Delivery® is a free feature that they are being delivered. that is perfect for previewing incoming This useful feature has already mail whenever and wherever you are gained many users, currently numbering through your computer, tablet or mobile over 15 million, and almost 160 thoudevices like phones. The feature boasts sand users are added each week. security and privacy, the ability to leave Informed Delivery works for mail delivery instructions and schedule redeliv- sent to either homes or PO boxes, but ery, package tracking and allowing users those who have and wish to see mail for to view delivery statuses via emails, texts both must create separate personal or their Informed Delivery dashboards. accounts for each address. Updates on deliveries will come once a To use the feature, read, print or day, typically before 9 a.m. local time. download the How to Sign Up for The feature works by having the Informed Delivery step-by-step guide at fronts of letter-sized mail digitally imaged https://usps.force.com/faq/servlet/fileFiel so users can see pictures of what is com- d?entityId=ka3t0000000CfgOAAS&field ing. Up to 10 of these images can be =Related_Information__Body__s. seen, and the remaining mail images can To learn more about Informed be viewed on users’ dashboards. Delivery, visit However, images of packages are https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/p not made, so Informed Delivery users are ages/intro/start.action, and for more updated on package information through detailed information and questions, status updates via their dashboard, check the FAQs page linked in the URL emails and/or text messages, depending above.
April 2019
Page 19
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Pepin Academies Celebrates 20th Anniversary And A Bright Future
By Taylor Wells
On March 2 at suggesting it will be one TPepin’s Hospitality of our best galas ever, Centre, Pepin but we really don’t have Academies—a puball the numbers calculic, independent, lated yet to know the 501(c)(3), not-forexact numbers.” profit, tuition-free The school has charter school congrown immensely since sisting of three camits start in 1999, having puses—held a gala around 25 students in a with a silent auction Pepin Distributing Company President single schoolhouse in celebration of its and CEO Tom Pepin, Tampa campus only for high school. Principal Monika Perez, Riverview 20th anniversary, Now, Pepin has three campus Principal Geri Henry, New and all those years Port Richey campus Principal Celeste larger sites with over have been in support Keller and Executive Director Dr. Jeff 1,100 students collecSkowronek at the 20th anniversary of students with tively for 3rd through gala. learning and learn12th grade with a transiing-related disabilition program for stuties. The funds dents up to age 22. raised, thanks to “Pepin Academies many sponsors like is the only public charter SRD Engineers, will school of its kind…A lot greatly help its misof our students are sion. gonna go on to col“Twenty years leges, technical schools, ago, Pepin military; some of the Academies was creother schools in the ated because of the community may appear Hunter Frost, a graduate of Pepin lack of an educationto look like a similar Academies, speaking at its 20th anniversary gala. al foundation for chilpopulation, but they dren with disabilities don’t have the diploma in our community,” options that we have,” said Tom Pepin, said FTE Coordinator Cofounder of Pepin M’Liss Ferlita. “We have Academies and a program that is like no Chairman Emeritus other that’s available in of the Pepin the community.” Academies As such, Pepin’s Foundation. “We mission is of great would not be where importance, and we are today without Pepin Distributing Company President through events like the and CEO Tom Pepin, Florida the enormous supgala it can go farther for Representative Jackie Toledo and port and passion Pepin Academies Foundation Board its students. from our community Although there are Chair Natalie King at the 20th anniversary gala. partners like SRD no plans yet, it is open Engineers. It amazes me every day to to starting additional campuses to reach see how far we’ve come and what the more students who might struggle in typifuture holds.” cal school environments. “Not in the Pepin Academies will be dividing the immediate future, but I think as we funds equally towards its campuses in enhance what we already have in place, Riverview and Tampa in Hillsborough there’s always that mindset of looking to County and New Port Richey in Pasco where else we can help students that County. The funds will allow improvecould use a program like ours,” said Geri ments such as expanding its Pepin Henry, Principal of the Riverview camTransitional program for more workplace pus.Pepin Academies’ campuses are opportunities, purchasing new technology, located in Riverview at 9304 Camden classrooms trying new initiatives and Field Pkwy., Tampa at 3916 E. improving curriculums. Hillsborough Ave. and New Port Richey at “We had quite a few sponsors donat9804 Little Rd. ing anywhere from five to 10 to even 25 For info, visit pepinacademies.com or thousand dollars,” said Dr. Jeff call 533-2999 (Riverview), 236-1755 Skowronek, Executive Director of the (Tampa) or 727-233-2961 (New Port Hillsborough campuses. “Projections are Richey) locations.
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Page 20
Volume 14, Issue 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
NEW TO THE MARKET
WUSF Announces Collaboration With StoryCorps ‘One Small Step’ Initiative WUSF is excited to be one of just six public media stations selected nationwide to participate in a new StoryCorps initiative designed to reclaim America’s civil discourse. One Small Step aims to break down boundaries created by politics and remind us of our shared humanity. Funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and StoryCorps, One Small Step brings two people together who have differing political perspectives and asks them questions that reach the core of their beliefs and the emotional experiences that brought them there. The purpose of these interviews is to provide an opportunity for people to share personal feelings and experiences and to enable those who disagree to listen to each other with respect. Rather than spark additional political debates, One Small Step encourages answers to questions like, “Was there a moment, event or person in your life that shaped your political views?” and “What scares you most when you think about the future?” These kinds of questions help people discover the root of their own political stances on various issues. The format allows participants and listeners who may disagree on policies to understand better why others may feel differently. There is no blame and no right answer, only lived
By Faithe Estes
experiences that participants can share with one another. StoryCorps Founder Dave Isay explains the importance of One Small Step, “Our nation is divided. Much of what is driving that division is fear and a lack of understanding and empathy for those with whom we don’t agree. We hope that One Small Step will provide a beacon of hope during these difficult and divided days.” To date, StoryCorps has collected interviews with over 500,000 Americans. These conversations are then preserved for posterity at the Library of Congress, which is where the One Small Step stories will also be stored. “Our station is honored to be a part of this very special and important initiative,” shared WUSF General Manager and Associate Vice President JoAnn Urofsky. WUSF is eager to hear from voices in the Tampa Bay and hopes to obtain a diverse selection of participants for One Small Step. All backgrounds and opinions are welcomed and encouraged. There is no cost to participate. Interviews are currently being collected and will continue to collect them until it has 25 (by May or June). If interested in participating, please visit www.wusf.usf.edu and click on the ‘One Small Step’ tile for more information.
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April 2019
Page 21
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Guardian ad Litem Urges You To Help Change The Story Ending
By Tabitha Lambert, Guardian ad Litem Circuit Director
The places, faces and some circumstances vary, but so many of the details are the same. This is the beginning of one foster child’s story. By volunteering a few hours a month, you can be part of the ending for another child’s story as a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Child Advocate. Melissa, the oldest of four children, tell her story this way: “For the first 12 years of my life, I was never allowed to be a child. My mother would trade the government assistance that was intended for our food, diapers, clothing and bills for alcohol and drugs. I resorted to stealing and stashing food stamps, which I would take to a nearby grocery store and ask the clerk to help me maximize the amount of food I could purchase. I was desperate to find help. I approached my dance team coach and confessed the abuse. She was able to convince my mother to let us stay with an aunt and uncle temporarily. Shortly after, we entered the dependency system.” “My siblings and I lived in limbo for five long years, as my aunt and uncle fought to gain permanent custody of us,”
she continued. “After at least two reunification plans failed, my mother’s rights were severed and my aunt and uncle adopted us.” Melissa remembers that one thing truly helped get her through this difficult period: her Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Child Advocate. “[She] was the only one we could turn to for answers. She tried to comfort us and guide us through the process. She was a constant in our lives and our voice in the courtroom. She showed me that while my childhood may have been taken away, I was in control of what I would do with the rest of my life.” Hillsborough County has more children in the dependency system than any other part of the state. A Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Child Advocate will get to know a child that has been abused, abandoned or neglected and become a consistent figure for them while they are part of the dependency system. Children with a court-appointed special advocate do better in school, receive more services and are more likely to be adopted than those without. “Just a few hours a month can make a lifetime of difference for a child,” said Guardian ad Litem 13th Circuit Director Tabitha Lambert. “These children need to know a consistent, caring adult is there for them.” Information sessions are held weekly in various locations. To learn more about the Guardian ad Litem program of Hillsborough County, visit www.galtampa.org or 272-5110.
May 9th
Page 22
Volume 14, Issue 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Sports
Connection
657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com
By Nick Nahas
Two Bloomingdale Baseball Players Earn Saladino Tournament Awards
Bryce Hazzard receives the 813Preps Iron Man Award from 813Preps.com founder and editor Jarrett Guthrie.
The 39th edition of the Saladino Tournament concluded over spring break. Two Bloomingdale High School players received tournament awards. Bloomingdale first baseman Kyle Merkle was the recipient of the Jose Fernandez Passion For Baseball Award. The award was named after the Marlins All-Star pitcher and former Alonso Raven who passed away in a boating accident. “Winning the Jose Fernandez Passion for Baseball Award made me feel honored that I was recognized for my four years of hard work and determination,” said Merkle. “It has made my whole high school experience worthwhile and I am very appreciative to have received this award.”
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Kyle Merkle holds the Jose Fernandez Passion for Baseball Award with Cheryl Saladino.
Merkle’s teammate and the Bulls’ outfielder, Bryce Hazzard, was given the 813Preps Iron Man Award, presented annually by 813Preps.com founder and editor Jarrett Guthrie to a senior varsity player who has been a steady and consistent force for his team for a full four years. “We are very proud to award our second annual 813Preps Iron Man Award to Bloomingdale senior Bryce Hazzard,” said Guthrie. “We could not hope to find a better recipient than Bryce. In his time at Bloomingdale, he has been a four-year varsity starter, but more than that, he has been an example of dedication and leadership for the Bulls.” “It meant the world for me to win
(Alonso), to name a few. Former Bloomingdale shortstop and Florida Gator Richie Martin, who is playing in his first season in the majors as the starting shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, also played in the 2012 Saladino Championship The Plant City Raiders made it to all the way to the Saladino game. The Championship game. The Head Coach Mike Fryrear and PCHS Saladino is the Principal Susan Sullivan were there to cheer them on. largest spring the Iron Man Award because I know break tournament in the country. Over how much hard work I put in each and 30 teams from Hillsborough County every day, especially when no one is participate each year. The elimination looking,” said Hazzard. “For me, that rounds and the championship are held was a big achievement.” at Brandon High School. Every player The Saladino Tournament is held takes pride in being a part of the tradiannually over spring break to showtion. “It means a lot, it’s a very special case players from Hillsborough County. event that I take pride in playing in Tournament founder Tony Saladino got every year,” said Hazzard. “It’s like one the idea to start the tournament from of those things for me that I can’t get his late wife, Bertha Saladino, to honor enough of.” Tony’s late father. Many players who Plant City and Durant High have gone on to play in the MLB have Schools competed in the championship played in the tournament over the game this season. Plant City came out years, including Hall-of-Famer Wade on top 4-1, but had to forfeit the game Boggs (Plant), Fred McGriff because of a pitch count violation. On (Jefferson), Gary Sheffield April 8, the state athletics governing (Hillsborough), Tino Martinez body and tournament officials ruled (Jefferson), Dwight Gooden that the tournament would have no offi(Hillsborough) and Jose Fernandez cial champion in 2019.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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Page 23
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Page 24
Volume 14, Issue 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
BRANDON’S BEST HOMES
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BEAUTIFUL ON QUIET LOOP STREET! You will love this 4/3/3 + office + bonus + pool/spa that is immediately available & waiting for you! Sitting on a large 0.27 acre lot this home offers fresh neutral interior paint, hardwood floors & crown! Large kitchen features 42" cabinets topped with crown, island & brand new high-end refrigerator! $380,000
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Brandon/Winthrop
April 2019
Volume 14, Issue 4
Ph: 657-2418
31-39
Crafty Crab Offers Authentic Cajun Seafood
Crafty Crab offers the freshest seafood and most authentic Cajun recipes in the area. Experience Southern charm and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel at home. Whether a business lunch, family dinner, date night or a night out with friends, Crafty Crab is the perfect spot. Enjoy homestyle seafood such as crab, crawfish, shrimp, calamari and lobster. The signature New Orleans Style low country boil is a feast for seafood lovers and is perfect for a casual dinner. Its unique seasonings help to create a wonderful arrangement of flavors. If you are not into shellfish, you can try the Cajun rice, chicken tenders and other flavorful menu options. Crafty Crab is located at 704 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon. Call 2785111 or visit www.craftycrabrestaurant.com.
European Wax Center To Open In Brandon
European Wax Center, the nation’s leading provider of waxing and brow services, is expanding to Brandon Centre South, 1933 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon, next to Home Goods. Several well-experienced members of the staff from the Tampa location will transfer to see this new center off to a top
performing start. European Wax Center has set the industry standard. Many Brandon residents have been visiting the downtown center for years, enjoying the benefit of 15-minute services close to their offices. Visit www.waxcenter.com for more information.
Family-Owned Naffco Flooring & Interiors Has Served The Area Since 1937
The family-owned and operated Naffco Flooring & Interiors has been serving homes in the Tampa Bay area with flooring, shutters, blinds and cabinetry needs since 1937. It has been providing top-quality products and services for more than 75 years. Naffco & Interiors offers a great customer service experience from its design consultants on the showroom floor to the installation craftsmen in your home. Highly skilled and trained craftsmen, who
Premier Radiation recently held a ribbon cutting with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
are professional and courteous, are prepared to meet all your interior remodeling and decorating needs. There are three showrooms in South Tampa, Carrollwood and Brandon. The Brandon location is at 1920 W. Brandon Blvd. Hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Brandon Regional Hospital Named One Of Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals By IBM Watson Health
Brandon Regional Hospital (BRH) was recently named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by IBM
Watson Health. This recognition spotlights 100 top-performing hospitals in the U.S. based on publicly available data and performance related to clinical outcomes, operational efficiency and financial metrics. The IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals study uses a scorecard that assesses hospitals of similar size and teaching status. Over 5,500 hospitals were evaluated, and the 100 highest performing hospitals had lower mortality rates, fewer patient complications, provided faster emergency care, kept expenses low and scored higher on patient experience. Brandon Regional Hospital was listed under the Teaching Hospital cat-
Continued on next page
Page 26
Business Column Continued.............
By Michelle Colesanti
egory on the 100 Top Hospitals list. The hospital started its teaching program in 2015 and currently has over 170 physicians enrolled, positioning itself to be a regional leader in Graduate Medical Education. The Graduate Medical Education program at Brandon Regional Hospital provides residency opportunities in seven different specialties, including an Emergency Medicine Residency, Internal Medicine Residency, Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency and Surgical Residency. For more information, visit BrandonHospital.com.
Premier Radiation Oncology Ribbon-Cutting
Premier Radiation Oncology announced the exciting arrival of the newest radiation delivery equipment in the nation with its Halcyon linear accelerator built by Varian. As a radiation oncology clinic, Premier uses X-Rays to cure cancer. This is the most precise machine in operation. The team-led by Dr. Alexander Engelman, the #1 Radiation Oncologist in the Tampa area as peernominated in Tampa Magazine, and a staff of nurses, physicists, dosimetrists and radiation therapists- demonstrated not only a commitment to the latest in technologic advancement but also a commitment to supporting patients and families throughout their journey to healing. The center offers patients and families nutritional guidance, alternative and complementary treatment recommendations and encourages engagement with faith, family and community. Through its partnership with a local sustainability advising group, ShiftCo, all cancer treatments for 2019 will be carbon-neutral. To the center's knowledge, no other cancer center in the nation can claim to have zero-footprint cancer therapy. It is located at 3140 S. Falkenburg Rd. in Riverview. Call 734-8911.
Missy’s Ink Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary
Missy’s Ink Permanent Makeup is celebrating two years of making women
Volume 14, Issue 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
feel more confident from the outside in. Over the past two years, Missy Duncan has taken many advanced classes, which have helped to perfect her craft. Seeing the smiles and sometimes happy tears from over 250 women is what makes Missy love what she does. Missy said, “Life isn’t always perfect, but your makeup can be.” Missy’s Ink is located at 1104 N. Parsons Ave., Ste. B. Call 659-0648 for more information or visit www.missysink.com.
William Ryan Homes Tampa Division Achieves Gold Certification
William Ryan Homes’ Tampa Division, one of Tampa Bay’s top homebuilders of National Green Building Standard-certified homes, recently achieved Gold Certification Level from the National Green Building Standard (NGBS), reflecting the company’s commitment to building homes that include a high level of sustainability features. The certification is issued by Home Innovation Research Labs. In addition to the recent gold certification, in 2018, William Ryan Homes Tampa was named part of the 2018 NGBS Green Partners of Excellence, an annual program that recognizes the leadership, innovation and excellence of NGBS Green Certification Program partners and other champions of credible green building in the residential sector. Visit www.williamryanhomes.com/.
Bahamas Bucks Guests Encouraged To Support St. Jude Through Smoothie And Sno Purchase
Every year, Bahama Buck's® takes a step towards fighting childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases by partnering with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. This year, Bahama Buck’s is taking an even bigger step with the addition of the colorful and delicious Cotton Candy Smoothie. Both the Cotton Candy Smoothie and the fan favorite Blue and Pink Cotton Candy Sno® flavors give the organization an opportunity to support a great cause. Stop by Bahama Buck’s at 1258 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon and order
the Cotton Candy Smoothie to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visit https://bahamabucks.com/. For more information on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, visit stjude.org.
via an app installed on their smartphone. The app is protected by the highest level of security through an IT platform known as Phoniro Care. The lock is not visible from the outside and clients and their relatives can still use the physical key. It is aesState Farm thetically pleasing Grand Opening and easy to install Celebrated and remove. The electronic lock will not A grand openinterfere with any ing celebration other security solurecently took tions the client may place for the new have. State Farm “Client safety is a Quentin D. priority at Home Sanders Agency Instead Senior Care, located at 1076 E. and this new technolBrandon Blvd., ogy will allow us to Ste. 214 in give reassurance to Brandon. both our seniors and Auto, Home, their family members Business, Quentin Sanders stands with his wife who may live 1,000 Property, Life and Vanessa (holding their daughter, Sydney) and their older daughter, Sky (in front). miles away that the Health Insurance door isn’t left unlocked are offered as well as Banking and and that the ‘key under the mat’ falls Annuities. into the wrong hands,” said Kristi Office hours are Monday to Friday Campbell, Owner at Home Instead from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from Senior Care of Tampa and Brandon. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Home Instead Senior Care is planFor more information, call 330ning to test the solution during the 7407 or email spring. The test involves around 20 Quentin@YourBrandonAgent.com. locks in each county. After the pilot, Visit www.yourbrandonagent.com. additional users will soon be able to benefit from the solution. Call 684Home Instead Senior Care 1972. Franchises Test Electronic Locks
For Clients
GSP Direct Home Instead Relocates From Senior Care franchises Miami To Area in Hillsborough, Pasco GSP Direct and Hernando County has recently relohave opted to test digital cated from Miami locking technology from to its new warethe Swedish company, house and showPhoniro, to improve room in the users’ experience along with enhancing security and safety. Phoniro Lock is installed in over GSP Direct has recently relocat110,000 doors in differed from Miami to 8504 E. Adamo Dr. ent countries and used in Tampa. by over 200 public corTampa/Brandon area. With over 25 porations and private home care comyears of experience, GSP Direct is dedipanies. Phoniro is part of Assa Abloy cated to providing customers with a Hospitality, which provides trusted great selection of products in both readysecurity solutions throughout the US and the world for healthcare, hotel and made and custom blinds. It now offers installation. cruise industry. Assa Abloy has been It offers mini blinds, 2" faux wood featured in Forbes Magazine for severblinds, vertical blinds and curtain rods, al years as one of the ‘World’s most all ready to go. Come browse the wareinnovative companies.’ house and stop by the showroom to see With the Phoniro Lock, clients no what custom products are offered. longer have to risk their security by It is located off Hwy. 301 at 8504 E. leaving a key out or hidden under the Adamo Dr., Ste 175 in Tampa. Call 488doormat. With the electronic lock, the 5487 for more information. caregiver will digitally enter the home
Caring for a loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer’s? LIFE isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass... It’s about learning to dance in the rain. Assisted Living for Memory Care Day Stay & Respite Programs Support Groups for Caregivers Call today to visit our community. We can work together to give your loved one the best possible care.
A tip from our experts: Be sure to have eye contact when speaking to someone with dementia. Speak slowly and in short sentences then give them time to respond. Remember the word silent also spells listen both of which you must practice to be successful in communicating with someone with dementia. Assisted Living Facility #9739
April 2019
Page 27
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Team Lieberman And ReMax Offer Local Real Estate Help With A Global Reach
By Brad Stager
The landscape Social media is of Hillsborough part of Team County south of Lieberman’s marInterstate 4 has keting strategy with changed substanlivestream video tially since Kathy events such as Lieberman started soon-to-hit-the-marout as a real ket previews of estate agent in homes at 1986. Lieberman Farms and Team Sells wilderness are Tampa on Kathy and Steve Lieberman are now housing Facebook. Team Lieberman of ReMax Realty developments, and Unlimited. They have more than The thirty years of experience in buythe area’s real Liebermans ing and selling homes in southestate market is also frequenteast Hillsborough County. one of the busiest ly get together in Florida. with other local real estate agents to talk One thing that has not changed is shop and pitch properties to each other, that buying or selling a home can be one sometimes resulting in a potential deal. of life’s most daunting transactions, but If photography or professional stagworking with Team Lieberman at ReMax ing is necessary, Kathy knows who to Realty Unlimited means you will not go to call, but first she asks a seller to take a the closing table alone. walk across the street from a home to Whether it is a starter bungalow, get a new perspective. waterfront mansion or condominium in “I want them to picture it as a buyer,” an active adult community, Kathy and said Kathy, who attributes Team Steve Lieberman are ready to help their Lieberman’s success to “being upfront, clients get the best deals in their home honest, diligent and communicative” with sale or purchase. clients. “We put not just our clients first, but “We give advice that’s in their best their goals and objectives as well,” said interest.” Kathy, a Realtor Institute graduate who To find out how Team Lieberman can abides by basic home sales principles. help with your real estate needs, visit “We work with the seller to make online at tampaflhomes.com or call 335sure it is priced correctly and give it maxi- 6559. As part of the ReMax Realty mum exposure,” Kathy said. Unlimited group, their office locations are With ReMax, that exposure is global 2020 W Brandon Blvd #145 or 2965 S. with offices and listings in 65 countries U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview. There is also available 24/7 online. a St. Petersburg office.
A Taste of the Derby!
The Outreach Clinic’s 8th Annual Kentucky Derby Party
Saturday, May 4th 5:30 – 9:30 PM The Regent 6437 Watson Rd. Riverview
Watch the Race LIVE on two 25 ft. Screens with Open Bar • Red Carpet Shoot • Dancing Silent Auction • Raf!les • Contests Great Food from Local Restaurants & more! For Sponsorship and other info please contact (813) 6541388 or director@theoutreachclinic.com To Purchase tickets go online to: TheOutreachClinic.com Triple Crown Sponsor
THE BRANDON OUTREACH CLINIC (DBA THE OUTREACH CLINIC) IS A 501(C) 3 CHARITY AS DESIGNATED BY THE IRS-EIN 59-29-17499 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION MAY BE OBAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT OR APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION # CH7758.
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Ms. Robin Rogers th
gers
Teacher Of The Mon
come a teacher? Why did you decide to be book and students just read from a I grew up in an era when a s child of a parent who wa answered questions. As a ough thr ays knew I learned best mechanical engineer, I alw Later, after having 2 children ing. interactive hands on teach math and one who struggled in ted gif hly one who was hig e to finding even a greater importanc nd y fou B I ce, d en sci re d o an s Spon inspired me to become ds to teaching them. This tho me w ovane f love to learn and create inn Kumon o rt a teacher and help children po sup th the their goals. It was then, wi ch rea to ys wa n e tiv o Brand back to of my family, that I went e. cat tifi cer ing school to get my teach
Ms. Ro
ade 5th Gr r Brooke ry ta Elemen ol o h Sc
a teacher? What is a goal of yours as my students reach My overall goal is to have I want to instill in their goals and potential. accomplishment and every student a sense of them to love a feeling of success. I want nfidence to be learning and build the co nkers not only in explorers and creative thi nt them to set class, but in life. I also wa ing for them no goals and never stop reach y face. y ma matter what obstacles the students don’t Ms. R What is something your ogers ha s Florida a been teaching 1 know about you? 4 nd 9 yea cal rs in Ind years in no and vo iana. I have 12 years of both pia on ing nn pla ce I was on competition performance. side and my know my former athletic ly on ey teaching music. Th ge. math and science knowled that you live by? doesn't Is there a quote or saying n we can handle, but he tha re mo us e giv 't esn do It is not that God handle with Him. give us more than we can changed in the schools? ctional What would you like to see testing and more on instru te sta on s asi ph em s les I would like to see view of a child or a l a single test gives a clear fee n't do I ns. gai ard nd sta zzle. is only one piece of the pu teacher's effectiveness. It
Hillsborough County School District Receives First Sales Tax Check
Staff Report
The Hillsborough County School District has received the first sales tax check from the Education Referendum that Hillsborough County that residents approved back in November. The check, in the amount of $9 million, is from January sales tax collections. This now paves the way for major projects at traditional district schools in every area of the county. Its ready to deliver on its Half-Penny Promise to taxpayers. The projects across the district will be spread over the next 10 years as the state collects and sends the money to the district. Its facilities and maintenance teams have been working behind the scenes for the last five months to select companies who will carry out the work and begin initial planning and design for the first phase of projects. The district teams created a plan of 1,785 total projects over the 10 years of the Education Referendum, focusing on high priority needs. The first of the largest projects, including 21 air conditioner replace-
ments and millions of dollars in roof repairs, will begin over the summer, when students and staff are off campus—as crews of sometimes more than 100 workers complete the work. Other, smaller projects will begin soon after depositing this first check. The independent Citizen Oversight Committee, led by former State Education Commissioner Betty Castor and Sheriff Chad Chronister, has been reviewing each of the projects and spending before the work is submitted to the School Board for final approval. The county knows it will still take time to complete these projects, however, the overwhelming support by the people of Hillsborough County shows a true commitment and support for the students, teachers and staff at every school. For more information on Hillsborough County Schools, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/.
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April 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 29
ue Math Leag y Art njo E , s p m a h C re… o M & s r o Outdo ichelle Colesanti, by M er.com Compiled reyobserv p s o @ e ll e mich
Burns Middle Awarded Math League Grand Champion
In February, Burns Middle School competed in Hillsborough County Math League competition with approximately 40 other middle schools from across the district. The teams were made up of four students per grade level from sixth-eighth grade. The students took an individual test and then did 10 team questions. The individual scores are combined with the team score for an overall score. The sixth, seventh and Algebra teams each took First Place in the region and every team member also placed individually. After all team scores were combined Burns had the highest score in the entire county and was announced the Grand Champions. Winners were: Sixth Grade TeamCoach-Alice Jones: Tristan Bensley-1st place; Mason Krzic-2nd place; Nicolas Darby-3rd place; Hannah Ray-4th place; Seventh Grade Team-Coach-Virginia Keith: Emma Voehl-1st place; Joseph Brown-2nd place; Kody Nguyen-3rd place; Tyler Hacker-4th place; 8th Grade Team-Coach Shelly Teal; Hadley Horton1st place; Hanlin Zhang-2nd place; Emma Skousen-4th place and Emily Nichols-5th place.
Art Outdoors At Cracker Country
On Wednesday, May 8 from 10 a.m.-
Burns Middle School math league students were named the Grand Champions in the recent competition after competing agains 40 other middle schools across the district.
1 p.m., bring a blanket and picnic under vation and inspiration as HCC takes over live oak trees while sketching the historic Water Works Park. Experience all that buildings at Cracker Country. Join in on HCC has to offer with live performances, food samplings, touch-a-trucks and much art workshops designed for visitors of all more. The event is free and open to the skill levels then visit the historic buildings public. and discover Florida's rural history. Art HCC serves over 45,000 students workshops are designed for visitors 6 annually at its years old or older. five campuses Younger learners located are welcome to throughout attend and test Tampa Bay. out their coloring The college is skills. Do not foraccredited by get to bring a the camera to tackle Commission some photograEnjoy Art Outdoors at Cracker County on on Colleges phy challenges. Wednesday, May 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. of the General Southern Association of Colleges and Pricing is $8 per person 4 years old and Schools. For more information, visit up, children 3 years old and younger will hccfl.edu. be admitted for free. A sketch book is included with each advance purchase Arts Legacy REMIX: Global admission.
Hillsborough Community College Celebrates Five Decades Of Innovation And Inspiration
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) commemorates the college’s 50th anniversary with a community-wide event on Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Water Works Park in downtown Tampa. Come celebrate five decades of inno-
NOMINATIONS NEEDED! Your favorite teacher could have their very own spotlight editorial in the Osprey Observer Community Newspaper! Complete the form below and email your nomination to: teacher@ospreyobserver.com
Teacher Name: School: Why should this teacher be Teacher of the Month?
Storytellers
A wealth of cultures and talented locals converge monthly at The Straz for Arts Legacy REMIX. This month’s offering features Tampa Bay area singers, dancers and musicians joining together to share the importance of storytelling through their specific art forms. A few of the performers will include: The Korean Association of West Florida, The Kuumba Dancers and Drummers, Tampa City Ballet, Shreyas Arts, The Fred Johnson Jazz Ensemble and much more. This free event takes place on the River Stage, located next to Maestro’s On The River and the Riverwalk at the Straz Center, on Friday, May 3 from 6:309:30 p.m. Arts Legacy REMIX events are sponsored in part by Publix Super Market Charities and Tampa Downtown Partnership. For more about the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and upcoming events, visit www.strazcenter.org.
State Farm Agent Melissa Snively’s Quotes For Good Program
Local State Farm agent Melissa Snively and nonprofits, Newsome Orchestra and Brandon Ballet, team up for this month’s Quotes for Good program. Throughout April, each person who contacts Melissa Snively State Farm seeking a car, home, or life quote can request the agent to donate $10 per household to either Newsome Orchestra or Brandon Ballet. The Quotes for Good program was created for local State Farm agents to build relationships with local groups and organizations and help make a difference in their communities. The Newsome High School Orchestra is comprised of students in grades 9-12. The orchestra competes against other orchestras and recently performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. Playing an instrument in high school is beneficial because students gain a sense of achievement, develop creative thinking and spatial intelligence and often produce higher scores on standardized tests. Brandon Ballet is a local professional ballet company whose dancers range from age 9 to adult. The company is comprised of professional artists, preprofessional trainees and training dancers. The pre-professional training program is unique in that each dancer is provided with individual attention, college and career guidance, along with daily dance instruction to support their individual goals. “I’m extremely excited to support such great organizations through Quotes for Good,” explained Melissa Snively. “This program is a great way for all of us to support our community. At the same time, our office can also provide customers with a comprehensive understanding of their insurance needs and coverage.” To support this program, please stop by Melissa Snively’s office located at 16209 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia or call 662-3622 or contact Christine Robbins at christine@melissarules.com.
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Volume 14, Issue 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
The Brandon Ballet Performs Ballets Of The World In Celebration Of Its 25th Anniversary
Keeping I.T. Simple With Locally Owned KITS Computers And Web
Join the Brandon ballet and houses the Ballet as it celebrates the world's first profession25th Silver Anniversary al training school and Season with Ballets of ballet company the World. This extraordi(presently known as nary performance will be Paris Opera Ballet and held on Saturday, April 27 Paris Opera Ballet at 7:30 p.m. at Riverview School). This is the High School Theater, first time Le located at 11311 Boyette Consevatorie will be Rd. in Riverview. performed in Central Tickets for Ballets of Florida. the World are $30 for Your final stop adults, $25 for seniors brings you to America and military personnel with a new and original and $20 for children 12 choreography. Artistic You will not want to miss the beauty and wonder of the and under. All tickets are Director Doricha Sales Brandon Ballet's 25th plus tax. The tickets can Anniversary Gala Celebration. provides a stunning linbe purchased at Come take a tour of the world ear piece in www.tututix.com/brandon- with the Brandon Ballet as they Perpendicular perform Ballets of the World. ballet. Alignment. This neoBallets of the World will take you on classical piece is sophisticated yet a journey around the world. First stop is sleekly modern. Russia where you will see Swan Lake Guest teacher Shawn Cusseaux Act 2 which premiered in 1877 by the has also created Bloomed & Plucked, a Bolshoi Ballet and then in 1895 by the contemporary piece performed by the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia. Brandon Ballet company members. Swan Lake Act 2 eloquently encapsuAccording to Lyndsey Ladewig, lates romantic ballet with the Swan President of Brandon Ballet, "Its dramatQueen and her flock of white swans, ic musical tone will grab your attention performed by Brandon Ballet's company from the first movement until the final members and professional artists. curtsy. Come and witness movement Next, you will travel to France for Le and structure unlike anything you have Conservatorie, a vaudevillian ballet inter- seen on stage." pretation of the finest dance training Ladewig added, "We are excited for from the 1820s. Staged by guest our 25th Anniversary Spring Gala perteacher and coach Karina Elver in formance." August Bournonville's style, this one act For more information on the version represents not only France, but Brandon Ballet, please visit www.branall of Europe. France is the birthplace of donballet.org or call 684-4282.
Oftentimes, people try since 1993 and might find themselves has been proudly getting frustrated due to providing his experivarious issues with ence and services to their computers, the local homes and phones and other businesses of the devices and want easy Tampa Bay area, its to understand solusurrounding areas tions. Keep I.T. Simple and Sarasota County. (KITS) Computer KITS Computers is Services, LLC, strives also part of the KITS Computers provides a great varito help customers ety of I.T. services for residential and Greater Riverview through their tech troucommercial customers and strives to Chamber of keep it simple. bles with little hassle for Commerce, Taking a satisfying service. Care of Business (TCOB) and Established in 2013, originally named SouthShore Business Association. VivJer Computers, KITS Computers Rothstein stressed the importance offers a large variety of I.T. services, such of having backups for devices and as getting started with new systems data, as one never knows what can go (desktops, laptops, tablets, Apple), repair- wrong. “Whether it’s a battery backup ing existing systems, upgrades, home to allow you to properly shut down the wiring, networking assistance, data recov- computer when your power goes off or ery and extraction, virus removal and an external hard drive or flash drive to more. Additionally, KITS Computers offers backup your most important data, I monthly, quarterly or semiannual maintecan’t stress those two items enough.” nance contracts. “We strive to be a business you “From retrieving data from non-workcan count on, both in commitment and ing hard drives, to removing malicious integrity,” said Rothstein. “We are viral attacks on more than one computer proud of our positive track record.” system in a business office, to establishKITS Computers is open Monday ing network connectivity when other peothrough Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ple failed, we have done our very best in Saturdays are available only by scheda number of circumstances to help peouling an appointment beforehand. ple, both residential and commercial,” For more information, visit said Jerry Rothstein, founder of KITS www.kitscomputers.com/, go through Computers. He added that customers do the website’s Support page, call 689not have to bring their electronics, as 5028 or email KITS Computers can come to them info@kitscomputers.com. To schedule instead. an appointment, call the number Rothstein has been in the I.T. indusabove.
By Kathy L. Collins
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Page 31
2019 Summer Camps Offer Many Options To Keep Active & Engaged It’s that time of the year when parents are beginning to wonder how they will keep the kids busy during the dog days of summer. What can you do to keep the kids entertained? Where can they go to try new things, learn how to swim, meet new friends and have great fun? There are many options to choose from locally that will fit the bill. The staff at the Osprey Observer has collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pull out section. Maybe your kids would like to spend the summer ‘horsing around.’ R&R Ranch offers that opportunity, and not just to learn to horseback ride, but also about the care of the horses. At Music Showcase, music and theatre take the stage and so can your child. Musicals such as Willy Wonka and Frozen Jr. will be offered, and your child can hold starring roles in these and other popular musicals offered from the Florida Academy of Performing Arts for children ages 5 and up. For your actor or musician, don’t forget to also check out Firehouse Cultural Center and Patel
Conservatory, which also offer fun and exciting ideas. The local YMCAs will offer many types of camps which mix fun along with great learning experiences. With plenty of choices, there is something for everyone. Mathnasium offers ways to keep your student’s math skills from getting rusty in a fun environment. Do you have a child interested in cooking? Check out Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s Cooking Camps for Kids through Teens. With weekly themes utilizing agespecific activities and field trips that make BSAC unique, your kids will enjoy every moment of summer camp. Specialty camps for Baseball (Ostingers), Legos (Bricks4Kidz), Art (Center Place) and Tennis (FishHawk Ranch Tennis Club) also offer great opportunities. For dates, prices and registration information on these and more, turn the page and enjoy this special section and have a great summer. Did we miss one? Let us know by emailing subject line ‘Summer Camp’ to michelle@ospreyobserver.com and we will be sure to add to our full listing online.
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Spots Filling Fast For Outdoor Adventure At Tampa YMCA Summer Camp This is the year to experience YMCA Summer Camp. Registration is now open for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s newly enhanced summer camp program. Y Summer Camp 2019 offers children a day camp curriculum full of fun, educational activities. Activity specialists will lead campers through various experiences each day including swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor education, nature encounters, horseback riding, canoeing, visual arts and more. The fun and unique experiences give Y campers an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime. In Y Summer Camp, kids are in a welcoming environment where they can belong, build relationships, develop character and discover their potential. New for 2019, parents now have the option to add on before- and after-care activities which include swimming, horseback riding, sports and high ropes. There are also various specialty camps where campers will be immersed in their selected specialty in addition to enjoying traditional camp fun. Activities and specialty
Staff Report
options vary by location. Once again, Hillsborough County Public Schools has committed to providing free breakfast and lunch as part of the Summer Food Program. The program runs from Monday, June 3 – Friday, August 2 and is open to all kids in the community ages 18 and under, including Y campers. To find out the time frames when free breakfast and lunch are available, contact your local Y. Visit https://www.tampaymca.org/locations for locations. Spots are filling fast at 14 locations across Hillsborough and East Pasco counties, including four sites for the Y’s The First Tee of Tampa Bay program. (www.thefirstteetampabay.org/informationsummer-camps/). Experience summer camp locally at: Campo Family YMCA in Valrico (6841371), North Brandon Family YMCA (685-5402), Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Rd. in Riverview (228-9622) and YMCA Camp Cristina in Riverview (6778400). To ensure your kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer, register today at www.tampaymca.org/letscamp.
Ages 1 to 10 Weekly Themes & Theme Days
• Arts & Crafts • Friendship Play • Academic Summer Fun • Music • Sports & Games • Character & Manners • Ice Cream Social • Pizza Parties • Bouncy House & Giant Slide • Outdoor Water Play
Sign Up Today! $100/wk (Upcoming K5 - 5th Grade Campers)
Includes All Field Trips & Weekly Activities: Bowling • Skating • AMC Movies • Skate Parks • MOSI • Public Library • Publix • Florida Aquarium • Lowry Park Zoo • Dinosaur World and More
Registration Open For Patel Conservatory Summer Camps And Classes
By Leslie Farrell
tions will be held Thursday, March 28, Thursday, April 18 and Friday, May 17. Dancers age seven and older will attend placement classes to determine which classes are most appropriate. Those younger than seven are not required to attend a placement class. Registration for auditions is required by visiting www.strazcenter.org/auditions or by calling 222-1040. Nearly $200,000 in scholRegistration is arships will be awarded for now open for Patel Patel Conservatory camps Conservatory dance, and classes this summer. music and theater Scholarship applications are summer camps and available online at www.strazclasses, which begin center.org/financialaid; the prithe week of Monday, Patel Conservatory is now regis- ority deadline is June 3. tering for its summer camps and Monday, April 8. Nearly 70 camps classes. Some will require auditions. The accredited Patel and classes are offered, most with performance opportuni- Conservatory offers classes in dance, music and theater for students of all ages ties, for students of all ages and abilities. Camps and classes vary from jazz dance and experience levels. Each year, the to jazz music, from Shakespeare to Annie Patel Conservatory and the Straz Center’s arts education programs enrich to Comedy on Broadway, and from the lives of more than 50,000 students in Ukelele Camp to Youth Opera Camp. A our classrooms, on our stages and complete line up is online at www.patelthrough the community. conservatory.org. Events, days, dates, times and prices Some summer camps and classes, are subject to change without notice. which are held for all ages and abilities, Patel Conservatory is located at the require auditions. Music auditions will be Straz Center for the Performing Arts, held Saturday, March 30, Saturday, April 1010 N. W.C. Macinnes Pl. in Tampa. 13 and Tuesday, May 21. Theater audi-
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Game Show Themes Add Up To Summer Camp Fun At 2019 Camp BSAC
Staff Report
BSAC offers a game show themed summer experience for campers this year.
BSAC Campers can once again look forward to exciting themed weeks of fun camp experiences. BSAC’s ‘Who’s Got Game’ theme is based around game shows. Have you always wanted to be a contestant in your favorite TV game show? Now you can. Each themed week runs from Monday to Friday (except week 5 when there is no camp on the 4th of July). Week 1: SURVIVOR - June 3 – June 7; Week 2: ESCAPE ROOM - June 10 – June 14; Week 3: THE AMAZING RACE - June 17 – June 21; Week 4: FEAR FACTOR - June 18 – June 22; Week 5: MINUTE TO WIN IT - July 1 – July 5 *Closed July 4th; Week 6: DOUBLE DARE - July 8 – July 12; Week 7: WIN, LOSE, DRAW - July 15 – July 19; Week
8: WIPE OUT - July 22 – July 26; Week 9: FAMILY FEUD - July 29 – August 2 and Week 10: THE REUNION SHOW - August 5 – August 9. Registration Fees are $45 per child or $85 per family. It includes one camp T-shirt and one backpack per camper. The cost for camp per child is $150 full a full day (7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.); $90 week for half day – either 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m.-6:30 p.m. If you want to bring your child for drop in days, the cost is $40 for the day from 7 a.m.6:30 p.m. Drop in days must be selected and paid in advance to reserve and are non-refundable. Field trips are offered throughout the season at extra cost and are optional. A Summer Camp Open House will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Get a preview of the summer experience: a day in the life of a camper. Be a contestant on your favorite TV game shows. You will tour BSAC, swim and play games in the pool, meet the summer camp mentors, have a family fun day with summer camp games and activities. There will be a DJ and vendors. BSA is located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon. For more information, call 689-0908 or visit www.mybsacorg.
Enjoy The Summer Scene 2019 At The Florida Academy of Performing Arts
Make Summer Days Happy Days At Happy Day Summer Camp
Full and half day camps are available for kids ages 5 and up at The Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA) at Music Showcase. Musical Theatre productions of Willy Wonka (June 3-14), Once Upon A Mattress (June 10-21), Frozen Jr. (June 17-28), The Wizard of Oz Jr. (July 8-19), Once on This Island (July 15-26), and The Lion King Jr. (July 22-August 2) will all take place this summer for ages 5 and up. Campers will participate in various classes each day that are customized to fit their appropriate age groups and will experience, music, acting, singing, dance, creative art, rock camp and more. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, call 490-2787 or visit faopa.org.
Weekly themes that are fun for your kids ages 1 to 10 will include many activities that will keep them moving and having a great summer. The days will include plenty of arts & crafts, friendships as well as academic summer fun. Music, sports & games, character and manners, bouncy house and giant slide with outdoor water play round out the fun. Kids will enjoy an ice cream social and much more. The cost is $100 per week for upcoming K5 to 5th grade campers. This includes all field trips and weekly activities such as bowling, skating, AMC Movies, state parks, MOSI, public library, Publix, Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, Dinosaur World and more. Happy Day Summer Camp is open from Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and is located at 722 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 685-0028.
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Our instructors have 30 years combined professional playing and coaching experience.
Session 1 June 3-7 (M-F)
Session 2 July 8-12 (M-F)
Session 3 July 29-Aug 2 (M-F)
Location:
M-W Ostingers Academy • 8711 Lithia Pinecrest Road Th-F Field for games and other activities Space is Limited Age Group: 7 - 14 yrs Register Early Time: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm to hold your spot! Cost: $180/camper **(Second Child $130) **Multi week discounts
Daily Instruction • Games • Pitching/Catching Fundamentals Addressed • Drills For More Information:
Call 813.737.3000 or visit our website at www.OstingBaseball.com
SUMMER CAMP 2019 Award Winning STEM Camps Since 2005 Where Bright & Creative Kids Play to Learn
813-444-2267 | techplayzone@gmail.com
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Bricks 4 Kidz Offers LEGO® Summer Camps
Bricks 4 Kidz is back with awesome LEGO® Summer Camps being offered all over the Brandon, Riverview and Valrico areas. Join in for a different theme each week such as Fortnite, Pokemon, Star Wars, Minecraft and much more. Each week campers will be building signature Bricks 4 Kidz robotic LEGO® models, very popular LEGO® mosaics and 3D LEGO® sculptures, as well as playing fun games and creating arts and crafts projects they will get to take home. At the end of each week, every camper will get to take home their very own LEGO® minifigure. Each day and week will be a brand new LEGO® adventure you won’t want to miss! The schedule for the camps being offered at nearby locations is as follows: We Rock The Spectrum Monday to Friday, June 10–14: LEGO® Gamer’s World July 1 – July 5: LEGO® Summer Theme Mashup (Single
Day Pricing: No July 4 Camp) Monday to Thursday, July 15– July 18: LEGO® STAR WARS/MINECRAFT Mashup (Four Day Pricing). The Venue In Riverview Monday to Friday, June 17– June 21: LEGO® Summer Theme Mashup Monday to Friday, August 5 August 9: Bricks 4 Girls LEGO® Camp with Girls With Confidence FishHawk Aquatic Center Monday to Friday, June 3 – June 7: LEGO® Gamer’s World Monday to Friday, July 8 – July 12:
da-tampa or call 545-4282.
Center Place Fine Arts Offer Summer Art Camp To Brighten The Day
Who knew that art could be so much fun? This summer, register your 7-13 year old to discover their love of painting, drawing, pottery and more. Classes are offered Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include Art Mural, Animal Paintings, Pencil Drawings Cruise Around the World, West & Wild Canvases, Ceramic Sculpture, Recycled Art, Landscape Drawings, Paper Sculptures, Space Art, Mixed Media and more. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon. For more information or to register, visit www.centerplacebrandon.org or call 685-8888.
Fun And Education Spins Throughout The Summer At Kids ‘R’ Kids
LEGO® STAR WARS/MINECRAFT Mashup Monday to Friday, August 5 - August 9: LEGO® Summer Theme Mashup Sign up at www.bricks4kidz.com/flori-
Kids ‘R’ Kids is excited to launch a new twist on camp where kids are redefining summer and turning ordinary days into the extraordinary. Just as fragments inside a kaleidoscope fuse together to captivate us with a new perspective, Kaleidoscope 360° will spin this summer into a unique dimension of discovery, fun and friendships through various weekly themes. This summer
promises a well-supervised, engaging and enriching camp for preschool and elementary aged children. Extended hours, meals/snacks, weekly field trips, sports and more are being offered.
Learn Baseball From The Pros At Ostingers Baseball Academy Summer Camp
Ostingers Baseball Academy will hold its baseball camp this summer to give your child a better understanding of the game of baseball, through instruction, drills and games. Having a good time while learning the fundamentals will be the main focus of this camp. Ostingers staff is made up of all former professional players who instruct, teaching the game from the ground up. The camp is not a full day camp with video games and indoor activities. Jim Osting is a baseball instructor with 12 years of professional baseball
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playing experience including two years of Major League Experience (Padres and Brewers). Patrick Ryan is a baseball instructor with eight years professional pitching experience. Kris Wilken is the Head Baseball Coach at Bloomingdale High School and has six years of professional playing experience. College and high school players trained by Ostingers Baseball Academy will assist your child throughout their camp experience. Additional help is provided from Ostinger players current and past to make the campers experience ‘one of a kind.’ With the instructors and the staff, the ratio per camper is around 6:1. This ratio allows for added reps for each player and helps to break up the groups in age appropriate format. Camp weeks run Monday to Friday, June 3-7, July 8-12 and July 29-August 2. Camps run half days from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Camps are
KIDS
Summer Camps (Ages 6-11) 10:30am - 1:00pm
held Monday to Wednesday at Ostingers Baseball Academy, 8711 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and Thursday and Friday at the FishHawk Sports Complex fields located at 16120 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia (for games and other activities). The cost is $180 (sibling discounts available). For more information or to register, call 737-3000 or visit www.OstingBaseball.com.
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium Is Cooking Up Some Summer Fun
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s Summer Camps are a great way to learn new skills in the kitchen, create tasty recipes, and meet lots of new friends. The only things you need to be prepared are closed toe shoes and a restraint for shoulder length hair. All of the ingredients, tools and even the fun are included. Students are taught how to properly use real kitchen tools, knives and appliances safely under adult supervision. Students come away with the confidence to prepare dishes that are age appropriate and tasty. The goal is to encourage your child to be a help in the kitchen and to have fun while build-
June 3-6 June 10-13 June 17-20 June 24-27 July 8-11 July 15-18 July 22-25 July 29-Aug 1 Aug 5-8
TWEEN’S & TEENS
Summer Camps (Ages 11-15) 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Brandon’s Big Green “EggQuarters”
ing a lifetime of good skills. Cooking Camps for kids ages 6-11 will take place from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. daily and the tween’s and teen’s Summer Camps, ages 11-15 will take place from 2-4 p.m. Camps will take place weekly for four days and run from Monday, June 3 through
Thursday, August 2. Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium is located at Brandon Crossroads, 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Call 653-2418 or visit www.rollingpinonline.com.
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Hoop It Up At FishHawk Fellowship’s Basketball Camp
Take your game to the next level. Develop your skills and have fun doing it. Work daily to improve every player’s technical abilities. Camp is suitable for everyone from beginners to elite players. FishHawk Fellowship Church is partnering with Alpha & Omega Sports, Inc. Its staff designs intense, fun training sessions. Camp will run Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28 for grades 2-5 and Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26 for grades 6-12. Both camps will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at FishHawk Fellowship Church, 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. The cost is $100 per student. For more information, visit www.fishhawkfc.org/basketball.
Tennis Camp Weeks Offered In FishHawk
FishHawk Ranch Tennis Club will offer camp this summer for ages 6 to 16. Camp is for beginning and intermediate skill levels. Choose your weeks between Monday, June 3 and Friday, August 9. Full day camp available or half days from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or 1:30-4 p.m. are
available. Camp will be offered at 15921 Courtside View Dr. in Lithia. Register online at http://fishhawkranchtennisclub.com or call 681-4000.
Musical Theater And Much More Offered At Firehouse Cultural Center
The Firehouse Cultural Center will be offering Summer Camp through the summer. It is located at 101 1st Ave. NE in Ruskin. Week 1: June 3 – June 7 - Musical Theater I; Week 2: June 10 – June 14; Musical Theater II Week 3: June 17 – June 21; Musical Theater III; Week 4: June 24 – June 28; Musical Theater IV Week 5: July 1 - July 5 (No Camp on Thursday, July 4), Art Studio; Week 6: July 8 - July 12, Art Studio II; Week 7: July 15 – July 19, Cartooning & Animation; Week 8: July 22 – July 26, Robotics-Tech Fee for Robotics: $50; Week 9: July 29 – August 2, Robotics Tech Fee for Robotics: $50. For more information, call 645-7651 or visit www.firehouseculturalcenter.org.
MAC Summer Sports Camps
The MAC Center located at First Baptist Church of Brandon is offering multiple sports summer camps from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (unless otherwise specified). The cost for each camp is $100 except for Harlem Legends, which is $140. Camp weeks will run from Monday to Friday.
Camps are: MAC Basketball (ages 7-12) - June 10-14, Harlem Legends Shoot for the Stars (ages 7-14) – June 24-28; MAC Girls Volleyball (ages 8-13) July 8-12; MAC Soccer (ages 7-12) –July 15-19; MAC Basketball (ages 9-13) - July 22-26 and MAC Coed Volleyball (ages 8-13) - July 29-August 2. Registration forms for MAC summer sports camps can be picked up at the MAC Front desk or downloaded at https://themacgym.org/mtcontent/uploads/2019/04/campregistrationform2019.pdf .
Motorized LEGO® and LEGO® Art Projects
The Harlem Legends Basketball Camp forms can be downloaded at https://themacgym.org/mtcontent/uploads/2019/04/legendscamp2019.pdf. Sign up early as camps fill up fast. Form and registration fees may be dropped off at the MAC front desk or mailed to the church marked ‘Attention: MAC.’ Make checks payable to: First Baptist Church of Brandon, 216 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon, FL. For more information, please call the MAC at 315-3280.
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Bricks 4 Kidz is back with awesome LEGO® Summer camps being offered all over the Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico areas! Join us for a different theme each week such as Fortnite®, Pokemon® Star Wars®, Minecraft®, and much more!
Full Week Camps Half Day and Full Day Options Ages 5-12
Camp locations all over Brandon • Riverview • Valrico Lithia • Fishhawk Early Bird Registration and Sibling Discounts To find out more and to register please visit
www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa
or call us at 813-545-4282
Register online at www.girlswithconfidence.com Questions: Info@girlswithconfidence.com
813-571-2002
Helping Girls Develop Positive Overnight Self-Esteem for a Lifetime Camp Topics Include:
Friendships Girl Power Role Models Positive Mind & Attitude Love My Selfie Being Brave Taking Care of Yourself and much more! 5 Day Camps for K-Rising 6th Grade Girls
for GIRLS 6th-8th Grade!
Camps offered throughout the Summer Full Day & Half Day Camps Available Prices start at $119 Volunteer Opportunities for High School Girls New Camper, Multi-Camp & Sibling Discounts Available Please visit our website for full listing of available camps!
WWW.CAMPOSPREY.COM -6860
941-928
t pt Secre Best Ke pa Bay! in Tam
All-Inclusive Kids Overnight Adventure Camp For Ages 7-15 $450 Week - Sunday - Saturday Day Camp Available: Mon - Fri 8 am to 6 pm $195 - By the day $39 Breakfast and lunch is provided.
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Valrico (Plaza Bella shopping center).
Combat Dreaded Summer Slide With Mathnasium Of Brandon Or Mathnasium @Home
Kids can power up this summer with Mathnasium of Brandon or Mathnasium @home. The summer slide is real and students can lose over two months of mathematical skills every summer. Mathnasium can help prevent that with its Power Up summer programs. Summer is an ideal time for student's math ability to skyrocket. Without the pressure of school and extracurricular activities, students are able to focus and learn in a relaxed atmosphere, and they will love coming to Mathnasium as FUN is built in to the mathematical activities along with celebrating successes and fun prizes for outstanding attendance and growth. "Take advantage of the more relaxed environment of summer break which is a golden opportunity to improve math performance whether your student is struggling or just wanting to dig deeper into their math studies," suggest Becky McDaniels, center director at Mathnasium of Brandon and Mathnasium @home. Mathnasium's @home program is an additional benefit for students who would like to keep up their skills
Math Help
Summer Camps For Girls Develop Positive Self Esteem
but are traveling. You can take Mathnasium anywhere with Mathnasium @home. Mathnasium will help parents choose a Summer Power Workout Plan, such as numerical fluency, fractions, multiplication fluency, problem solving, algebra readiness, geometry readiness and so much more based on a diagnostic of the student. Experts say that the effects of a summer learning program, such as Mathnasium's, will make a positive difference for student's moving forward. Call 655-MATH (6284) or visit www.mathnasium.com/brandon/promotions to schedule your student's risk free diagnostic at your favorite neighborhood center or at home with the Mathnasium @home program and help your student to Power Up this summer. Mathnasium of Brandon is located at 1048 E Bloomingdale Ave. in
Math Enrichment
Test Prep
Girls With Confidence offers fun and creative workshops, events and camps for girls in K-8th grade that focus on the development of strong self-esteem and confidence. This summer, Girls With Confidence will help your daughter between the ages of Kindergarten
through rising 6th graders develop positive self-esteem during day camps geared just for them this summer. Themes will include Friendship, Girl Power, Role Models, Positive Mind & Attitude, Love My Selfie, Being Brave and Taking Care of Yourself & more. Overnight camps will also be offered for those in 6-8th grade. Volunteer opportunities are available for high school girls. Visit www.girlswithconfidence.com for more information. You can also email info@girlswithconfidence.com or call 571-2002.
SUMMER CAMP 2019
JUNE 3 - AUGUST 2
Summer Fun
Avoid The SUMMER SLIDE! Summer Topics
• Curing Finger Counting • Focusing on Fractions • Having Fun & Building • Confidence in Math
• Preparing for Middle School • Maximizing ACT/SAT Math Skills • Previewing or Reviewing • Algebra I & II or Geometry
Now Enrollin g for Summer
K5-5th Grade Arts & Crafts • Friendship Play • Academic Summer Fun • Music Sports & Games • Character & Manners • Ice Cream Social • Pizza Parties Bouncy House & Giant Slide • Outdoor Water Play
$110/wk
(Upcoming K5 - 5th Grade Campers)
Includes 2 Weekly Field Trips & All Activities
Mathnasium of Brandon has two options to serve you with an In-Center experience or an @home experience.
Beach Side, Cliff Side, or World Traveler; take Mathnasium@home anywhere!
813-655-MATH www.MorningGloryPreschool.org
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Sign up today for $110 per week. The price includes two weekly field trips and all activities. Your kids, ages K55th grade, will enjoy arts & crafts, friendship play, academic summer fun, music, sports & games, character & manners, ice cream social, pizza parties, bouncy house and giant slide and outdoor water play at Morning Glory Summer Camp . Field trips include bowling, skating, state parks, movies, Medieval Times Theater, Pump It Up, MOSI, Bricks 4 Kidz, Lowry Park Zoo, ACH Video Arcade, Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Florida Aquarium and more. Morning Glory is located at 6001 Christy Ln. (off Bloomingdale near Rt. 301). For more information, call 6280541 or visit www.MorningGloryPreschool.org.
The coaches with NFL, Olympic and Collegiate experience moving your gains to the next level. The coaches include Coach Rey, previously head track coach at USF and Texas A&M; Antonio Bishop, former NFL Recruit; and other current college athletes who will be leading this camp. If you train here, you can compete anywhere. Camp will take place from Monday, June 10 to Thursday, August 1 at 6026 Churchside Dr. in Lithia (at the field at The Chapel at FishHawk). The cost is $225 per week. Register for four weeks and the fifth week is free. Call 248-935-5564 for more information. Visit on Instagram: @2A_ELITE_SPORTS_TRAINING.
Sports Performance Conditioning Summer Camp
Summer Camps At Adventures Archery
Kids Club! Weekly Summer Camp Includes Field Trips
This summer your student athletes ages 12-18 can attend 2A Elite’s Sports Training Performance Conditioning Summer Camp, helping athletes to work on first step explosion, multi-directional movement, speed endurance, maximum linear acceleration and combine drills.
Kids from the ages of 8-16 can spend some time this summer honing their skills at archery. Learn about range safety, archery skills and arrow fletching. Summer camps will take place during three sessions from 10 a.m.-12 Noon daily.
The sessions are Monday to Wednesday, June 171,; July 8-10 and July 22-24. Camp will be available at both locations2210 W. US Hwy. 301 in Tampa and 2332 E. Edgewood Dr. in Lakeland. The cost is $100 per child with equipment rental, $60 per child who does not need to rent equipment. Space is limited. You can preregister by calling 664-8700 or 863-937-8968.
Visit http://www.adventuresarchery.com/.
Camp Osprey Offers Overnight Camping Options
Camp Osprey is the area’s best-kept secret. Boys and girls ages 7-15 can enjoy a week of adventure at a traditional overnight camp. It is located on 204 acres of beautiful woodlands, nestled alongside the Little Manatee River in Wimauma . While at camp, kids will enjoy horseback riding, paintball, high ropes challenge course, canoeing, fishing, color
Summer Camps at
ADVENTURES ARCHERY $100
Three Sessions
per child
(register for one session, or all three)
with equipment rental
60
10:00am - NOON Daily June 17, 18, 19 July 8, 9, 10 July 22, 23, 24
$
per child
with no equipment
Learn About
for ages
8-16
range safety, archery skills, arrow !letching Call TODAY to Pre-Register.
Tampa/Brandon Location 813-664-8700 2210 W. US Hwy 301, Tampa
adventuresarchery.com Cam p sp ac e is lim te d.
Lakeland Location 863-450-2914 2332 E. Edgewood Dr., Lakeland
SOCCER FUN WITH COACH JUAN Boys and Girls
Boys and Girls
born between 2012 and 2007
born between 2006 and 2002
Soccer Fields of the FishHawk Sports Complex Lithia FL
Soccer Fields of the Fishhawk Sports Complex Lithia FL
July 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 2019 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
July 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 2019 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
$195.00 if registered before April 15, 2019 • $215.00 if registered after April 15, 2019 CAMP FEATURES: Age appropriate technical and tactical instruction • Small sided games • Daily 5 v 5 Competitions • Daily Soccer Tennis and Soccer Golf Competitions • Professional coaching staff • Athletic Trainer onsite • Hydration Station • Camp T Shirt Registration:www.floridahawksfc.com Contact Juan E De Brigard, Director of Coaching, Florida Hawks FC | doc@floridahawksfc.com • Cell # 754 244 3016
GOALKEEPER SUMMER CAMP
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING CAMP
Age Groups: 8U – 10U, 11U - 12U,13U and Up, College Level July 29,30, 31, August 1, 2, 2019 8.00 am to 2.30 pm
Monday through Friday, starting June 24 until August 2, 2019 8.00 am to 10.00 am
Fishhawk Sports Complex, Lithia, FL
First two weeks: Randall Fields, then Soccer Fields of the FishHawk Sports Complex, Lithia FL
Investment: $495.00
$50.00 for 5 days • $100.00 for 10 days • $150.00 for 15 days
CAMP FEATURES: Daily session of specific, age appropriate Goalkeeper Skills & tactical aspects of the Goalkeeper Position Daily Video Session on technical and tactical aspects of the Goalkeeper Position Daily “Only a Goalkeeper can do it” Competition, Crossbar Challenge Competition & Goalkeeper War Competition Experienced Coaching Staff and optimal Coach to Player Ratio Athletic Trainer onsite • Hydration Station • Camp T Shirt Registration: www.floridahawksfc.com Contact Juan E De Brigard, Director of Coaching, Florida Hawks FC | doc@floridahawksfc.com • Cell # 754 244 3016
CAMP FEATURES: Age appropriate physical, technical and tactical instruction • Speed • Agility Explosiveness/Reaction • Power Strength • Conditioning• Daily Soccer skills Professional and Certified coaching staff • Athletic Trainer onsite Hydration Station • Camp T Shirt
Male / Female Goalkeepers
Boys and Girls born between 2012 and 2001
Registration: www.floridahawksfc.com Contact Kaneile Thomas, Camp Director | k.thomas@floridahawksfc.com • Cell # 561 685 1328
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games, archery, gaga ball and much more. Overnight camp runs from Sunday through Saturday. The allinclusive cost of $450 includes weekly laundry, camp shirt, meals and all activities. Day camp is also available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. for $195 or a daily drop-in fee of $39 per day. This includes breakfast and lunch. For more information, call 941-928-6860 or visit www.camposprey.com.
TechPlayzone Offers Hands-On Technology Enrichment In Fun & Safe Environment
TechPlayzone has led the charge for engaging young people in science, technology, engineering and math since 2005. With an increased demand for hands-on technology enrichment, TechPlayzone has continued to provide families with an excellent curriculum and fun in a safe environment for all kids. Give your child a high-tech advantage at TechPlayzone this summer. TechPlayzone is pleased to offer 4 weeks (July 8, 15, 22 and 29) of STEM Camp for elementary and middle school students ages 7-13. Middle school camp is 8 a.m.-12 Noon and elementary school camp is 9 a.m.-12 Noon. For the elementary camp, TechPlayzone is honored to partner with FIRST LEGO League at Hillsborough Community College to power the FIRST
Florida Hawks FC Summer Camps For Soccer Players
LEGO League Camp. Every week of TechPlayzone camp includes: LEGO Mindstorms Robotics, Minecraft for Jr. Engineers Hands-On Science Experiments, Scratch Game Design. It will take place at HCC Brandon Campus, located at 10414 E. Columbus Dr. in Tampa. For middle school (6-8th grade) students, TechPlayzone offers engineering enrichment. Using TechPlayzone’s formula of hands-on project-based learning with cutting edge technology, students can work at their own pace or work as a team with the assistance of facilitators and staff members to complete one of the engineering projects each week. Register for your choice of Minecraft Mods and Raspberry Pi, LEGO EV3 with RobotC, App Inventor App Development and Programmable Drones. For more information, contact Desh Bagley at 444-2267 or techplayzone@gmail.com.
The Florida Hawks FC will be holding summer camps throughout the season. The Club is set up to develop great people by teaching life lessons on and off the field. Strength & Conditioning Camp Strength and Conditioning Camp For Soccer Players will take place Monday through Friday, June 24 to August 2 from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Boys and girls born between 2001 and 2012 are welcome to attend. The camp will feature age appropriate physical, technical and tactical instruction, speed, agility, explosiveness/reaction, power, strength, conditioning as well as daily soccer skills. There will be a professional and certified coaching staff as well as an athletic trainer onsite. Your child must bring a readiness to push their strength and cardiovascular limits and a desire to learn soccer skills. The first two weeks of camp will take place at the Randall Fields then move to the soccer fields of the Fishhawk Sports Complex. Soccer Fun With Coach Juan You can sign your child up for Soccer Fun, which will include age appropriate technical and tactical instruction, small sided games, daily 5 v 5 competitions, daily soccer tennis and soccer golf com-
Staff Report
petitions. Camp will take place from Monday to Friday, July 8-12 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for boys and girls born between 2007 and 2012. For those born between 2002 and 2006, camp will take place Monday to Friday, July 15-19 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be a professional coaching staff as well as athletic trainer on-site. The cost is $195 if registered before Monday, April 15 and $215 if registered after that. Camp takes place at the Soccer Fields of the Fishhawk Sports Complex in Lithia. Goalkeeper Summer Camp If your child is interested in being a goalkeeper, there is a camp specifically for them. It features daily sessions of specific, age appropriate goalkeeper skills. It will take place Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2 and is for male and female goalkeepers in age groups 8U-10U, 11U-12U, 13U and up and college level. Camp begins at 8 a.m. and runs through 2:30 p.m. The cost is $495. All campers need to bring cleats, shin guards, a ball and a water bottle. Contact Juan DeBrigard, Director of Coaching at doc@floridahawksfc or 754-244-3016. To register, visit www.floridahawksfc.com.
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Page 40
Volume 14, Issue 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
ay, D s d i K y h t l a e H Art Outdoors & More…
and will be used to provide college tuition for a child of a fallen special-forces operator.
Centerpoint Church Opens New Campus In Brandon/Valrico Area
helle Colesanti, Compiled by Mic observer.com michelle@osprey
Jeremy Rosado To Perform At Holy Innocents’ Youth Event
The community is invited to the Spring Event of ‘HILL’ (Holy Innocents’ Linking Lives). This inaugural event is being put on by the Holy Innocents’ Youth Group to bring family, friends and neighbors together for a day of fun. This event, scheduled for Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m.-5- p.m. It will be held on the church grounds with Piggy Palace Food Truck, laser tag, bounce house and slide. There will also be video and dance games, and a DJ. In addition to American Idol contestant Jeremy Rosado, dancers from Judy's Dance Academy will perform. Bring family, friends and neighbors to enjoy the day at Holy Innocents', 604 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. This is a free event except for food and beverage purchases from the food truck. For more information, visit hiepiscopal.org or contact the Church Office at 689-3130.
Centerpoint Church is expanding its reach in the greater Brandon area by launching a second campus in Valrico. The goal of the church has always been to meet the tangible needs of the community and to ‘tear down every barrier to the Gospel of Jesus.’ This campus, to be called ‘The Centerpoint Church - North,’ is located at 1720 S. St. Cloud Rd. in Valrico, and it will hold more than 400 people, roughly double the size of the current Centerpoint Church campus on Miller Rd. Centerpoint plans to leave both campuses open, calling the current campus ‘Centerpoint Church - South.’ The new campus used to be the home of Horizon Christian Church, which joined under the banner of Centerpoint Church in mid
hosted at nearly 20 Ys across six Tampa Bay area counties, feature activities such as summer camp games, poolside fun, music, demos, free healthy snacks and visual arts to motivate and teach families how to develop and maintain healthy routines at home throughout the summer months. “When a child is healthy, happy and supported they can make great things happen,” said Senior Communications Director Lalita Llerena. “We believe in the potential of all children, and we strive to help kids find that potential within themselves. A child’s development is never on vacation and Healthy Kids Day is a great American Idol contestant Jeremy Rosado will opportunity to educate families and motiperform at Holy Innocents first annual youth event taking place on the church grounds on vate kids to stay active in spirit, mind and Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. body throughout the summer.” The YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day takes 2018. The Centerpoint Church - North is place at various locations and features also home to Hispanic Church of fun, active play and educational Brandon, which will now meet on Sunday activities. Each participating afternoons. The Centerpoint Church YMCA has more information on the free North officially launched on Easter weekactivities and food offered at its specific end. Service times will be at 9: a.m. and location on Healthy Kids Day. Visit 10:45 a.m. on Sundays at both campuswww.ymcatampabay.org/find-your-y/. es. For more information, visit www.cenLuau Fashion Show Ends Christian terpointfl.org.
Women’s Season
The Y Wants To Awaken Summer Imagination At Free Healthy Kids Day®
On Saturday, April 27, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA & YMCA of the Suncoast are holding free community events to inspire more kids to keep their Special Operations Warrior minds and bodies active at the annual Foundation Check Presentation YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s On March 14, Congregation Beth national initiative to improve health and Shalom of Brandon presented a check well-being for kids and families. to its partner charity - the Special Healthy Kids Day is an opportunity Operations Warrior Foundation. The Steven McLeary, Executive Director of the founda- to ignite children’s imaginations so that money was raised through Beth tion accepts a check from Susan Baylis, the they can imagine what they’ll accomplish Fundraising Chairperson for Beth Shalom. Shalom’s annual fundraiser last month this summer. The free open houses,
Brandon Christian Women's Connection’s last luncheon of the season will be a Luau Fashion Show ‘Summer Fun Fashions’ by Bon Worth Fashions on Monday, May 13 at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in its Special Event Center, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. The luncheon takes place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The cost is $15. First time guests pay $10. Come and bring a friend for a fun lunch, entertainment and speaker. This is a nondenominational event and all ladies are welcome. No membership is required. Call Lillie at 740-0098 for reservation and information.
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Page 41
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
TBBCA Chalk Walk Comes To The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival And Market
Winthrop Arts Announces Winners Of The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival And Market
This year’s Susana 11th Annual Weymouth, Winthrop Arts Executive Festival and Director of Market had a TBBCA said, special addition to “This is a great its lineup of fine opportunity to artists. For the support talented first time, Tampa artists of this Specially commissioned chalk artists created genre and techBay Businesses large scale art live at the 11th Annual Winthrop for Culture & the Arts Festival and Market in Riverview in March. nical skill while Arts (TBBCA) providing a sponsored four free, fun, famispecially commisly-friendly and sioned chalk accessible proartists to bring gram for all their special genre ages and levels of art to life at the of art appreciafestival. tion. TBBCA On the first Chalk Walks day of the festival, help attract the March 30, four public to area artists created businesses.” their art before the Many busieyes of festival nesses sponattendees. The sored the 11th chalk artists Annual included Terralyn Winthrop Arts Lake, who created Festival and A Trip to the Market. Moon; Holland King, who Several, as a part of their created She-Ra: Princess sponsorship, will get to disof Power; Bridget B.K. play a chalk walk art piece Lyons, who created Imaging that was created at the 11th Earth From Outer Space; Annual Winthrop Arts and Steven Griffin, who creFestival and Market. These ated The Eyes. sponsors included Brandon Lake said, “I really Lakes Animal Hospital and enjoyed my time at the First Citrus Bank. Winthrop Arts Festival. Kathy Woodside, CFO Everyone was friendly. It was for Brandon Lakes Animal a beautiful community setting, and Hospital said, “Sponsoring the there were impressive artists on-site. Winthrop Arts Festival provides a great As a commissioned chalk artist, I felt opportunity for our business. It prorespected and well-received.” vides a venue where we can spotlight King said, “Thank you TBBCA our talented employees as well as get Chalk Walk and Winthrop Arts Festival to know the members of our communifor the opportunity to participate as a ty.” specially commissioned artist and creSimilarly, Lisa Pitts, Brandon ate this piece. Imagine if we all had Branch Manager of First Citrus Bank the courage of She-Ra.” said, “We love supporting our commuTBBCA is nonprofit that was nity and participating in the Winthrop founded in 1989. Its mission is to unite Arts Festival each year.” Tampa Bay area businesses to chamFor more information on Winthrop pion arts education, the arts and culArts, please visit ture for a prosperous community. The www.winthroparts.org. For more inforarts are good for business and busimation on TBBCA, please visit ness is good for the arts. www.tbbca.org.
The 11th Annual Show winner, Winthrop Arts Greg Jones of Festival and Market Lakeland. The was held over the judges said of weekend of March Jones’ work, 30 and 31 in beauti“We felt the ful Winthrop types of work Common in that he did Riverview. were consisResidents tent. They who came out were engagto the festival ing of the met many talviewer and ented artists, have an interGreg Jones of Lakeland was enjoyed shopesting use of awarded Best of Show at the 11th Annual Winthrop Arts ping from materials. Festival and Market held on the Jones’ work great vendors, last weekend of March. listened to hit all the catwonderful live entertainment and paregories of technical excellence as ticipated in fun children’s activities. well.” New to this year’s festival was the Jones is a mixed media painter inclusion of TBBCA-sponsored who specializes in landscapes and still Chalkwalk artists and food trucks from life. Jones said, “There were very Tampa Bay Food Trucks. good artists in this show. I am surThe 11th Annual Winthrop Arts prised that I came out ahead of them.” Festival and Market is a juried art Other winners included first place show. The three judges for this year’s winner Rolly Ray Reel of Maitland, show were John Costin, an award-win- second place winner Marilyn ning watercolor artist who creates orig- Valliancourt of Weeki Wachee, third inal etchings, Kathy Durdin, a national place winner Katherine Michael of award-winning watercolor and mixed Tampa and honorable mention winner media artist; and Victoria Saunders, Mike Knapp of Temple Terrace. the co-founder of MAKE Plant City and New this year were two awards for creator of Instagramers of Plant City. Emerging Artists, which are defined as Saunders, on behalf of all three an artist who is in the early stage of judges said, “Our criteria was seeing their career as an artist regardless of something that challenged us and their age. This year, Ben Hough of something we have never seen before. Riverview and JoAnne Scott of St. We were looking for consistency Petersburg were the winners. The amongst the artists’ body of work and judges were impressed with the innohow they pushed their techniques. vative ways that both Hough and Scott Thanks to sponsors, including First used the materials to create their Citrus Bank, Winthrop Arts was able to respective art. give out over $5,000 in prize money. For information, visit This included $2,500 to the Best of www.winthroparts.org.
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Page 42
Volume 14, Issue 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Local MPact Services Helps Collect & Recycle Unwanted Electronics
By Nick Nahas
MPact how large or Services, run by small the size. husband and wife You can contact team Matt and the logistics Donna McCarty, department and helps businesses, schedule a time communities, and date for the agencies and removal of the other entities with material. MPact responsible elecwill provide you tronics recycling, with a certificate including consultof recycling or a Photo courtesy of MPact Services certificate of ing and project MPact will go to communities on the weekends destruction upon management and have collection events so that residents can services, along request to ensure responsibly get rid of their electronics. with disposal of none of your senscrap and surplus metals and obsolete sitive data is released back into the pubheavy equipment. lic. The McCartys started the company The company works with homeownin 2014, and together, have used their ers associations around the area and on previous working experience to help select weekends will go to different comjump-start MPact. “We feel that our communities to hold collection events. Some pany makes an ‘MPact’ on the communiof the electronics are eventually repurty and the environment by providing our posed or used for scrap metal. The hard neighbors with an environmentally friendly drives are all erased and properly disand responsible way to properly dispose posed of. It can assist everyone from of their end-of-life electronics and scrap homeowners and small businesses all the items,” said McCarty. “The more material way up to large government agencies. we can recycle and/or repurpose, the The event calendar is located on its webmore we can lessen the stream of materi- site. als that are being sent to our landfills.” For more information, you can visit MPact accepts most residential electhe website at MPactServicesUSA.com. tronic items like small appliances such as You can follow MPact Services on cell phones, as well as commercial type Facebook at MPact Services, LLC as equipment, from laptops to printers. You well. can find a list of items it accepts listed on “It gives people peace of mind, the their website, MPactServicesUSA.com. feeling of knowing that their electronics Its services, which are completely aren’t just going to be thrown in a landfill free, also include complimentary pickup and are handled responsibly,” said from your home or business, no matter McCarty. “That’s really important to us.”
Manatee Apparel Graphics Is Hot Off The Presses & Ready To Fulfill Orders If you are looking for a local and family-owned apparel graphics business, look no further than Manatee Apparel Graphics. Dennis Frey and his wife own and run Manatee Apparel Graphics and are proud to offer screen printing, embroidery, digital printing (DTG), sublimation, banners, signs, decals, window clings and delivery services to the Tampa Bay area. Frey was born in the Bronx, NY and raised in the Northeast. He moved to Florida in 1983 and relocated to Manatee County in 1993. “I really wanted to have my own business and heard about a small company that might be for sale, Manatee Apparel Graphics,” said Frey. “I was working for a company that manufactured traffic control equipment around the world.” The Freys purchased the business in June 2002. “What I like best about Manatee Apparel is the people we meet and the diverse markets we serve,” said Frey. “We service schools, churches, bands, professional athletes, small businesses, corporations, civic organizations, municipalities, police, fire, military, family reunions, etc. With the equipment and the staff we have, if a customer needs it decorated, we can handle it. “ Screen printing remains the most
By Kelly Wise Valdes
widely known and widely used form of decorating custom apparel. With such a long legacy of fantastic quality workmanship along with outstanding customer service, coupled with a large variety of in-house services, the Freys launched an additional facility in Riverview more than 10 years ago, in January 2009. “We are a one-stop shop within the decorated apparel and promotional product industry,” said Frey. “We do it all inhouse with our machines and our employees, some of who have been with us for over a decade.” In addition, Manatee Apparel Graphics offers E-Commerce and fulfillment services. For customers who want to sell on the internet without the hassle, Manatee Apparel can build and host its website. Currently, Manatee Apparel Graphics is hosting a special for 15 percent off the next order for any customer, new or existing, who mentions this article from now through the end of 2019. People can also follow its Facebook page for other specials offered throughout the year. Call 677-1500 or visit www.manateeapparel.com and view the latest promotional video. Stop by the local office at 6520 U.S. Hwy 301, Suite 102 in Riverview.
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Page 43
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Jenn’s Pup ‘N Suds Diligently Grooms Dogs With Love And Skill
By Taylor Wells
Dog owners Shampoo and naturally want their DeShedding. pets to be clean, Since there happy and healthy, are hundreds of so they will want a different kinds of pet stylist who gives dogs, the cost and such great compastime of treatments sion and care that depend on the dogs will wag their dog being cared tails and want for. more. In Brandon, “I always say you can find Jenn’s that the two best Pup ‘n Suds, a pet things you can salon that grooms have as a pet styldogs compassionJenn Bethune is a local pet stylist and the ist are patience owner of Jenn’s Pup ‘n Suds. ately and skillfully. and compassion Jenn Bethune, owner of the pet with the dog, and I can usually get that salon, has 14 years of experience in dog to listen and behave and not bite grooming dogs and has been taught at within a couple visits just because I go a grooming academy, educated others really slow with them,” said Bethune. in the practice and she loves what she She continued, “When I’m able to does. see that transformation of a dog com“I really love being able to educate ing in that was unwanted at every other the pet parents on how to properly care salon because it was biting or just very for their pet,” said Bethune. After their aggressive or upset and that dog just grooming, she offers ‘spawgress’ comes running in my doors so excited reports tailored to each dog and tells after a few times, that is the best feeltheir owners how to care for their them ing in the world to me, to change a to ensure they are as healthy and dog’s life.” happy as possible. In the future, Bethune seeks to In the Spaw Package, every dog is expand her pet salon, and she wants given the great variety of treatments to open a pet styling academy where that they need—and none they do she will personally teach people how to not—including personalized consultagroom pets. tion with your stylist, moisturizing Jenn’s Pup ‘n Suds is located at shampoo, ear cleaning and more. 1018 S Mt .Carmel Rd. in Brandon. For There are also standalone and add-on more information, call 438-5537 or visit treatments for additional costs: Nail https://jennspupnsuds.com and Pawlish, Nail Clipping & Filing, Flea www.facebook.com/Jennspupnsuds.
Local Couple Celebrates 75th Anniversary When Dorothy (Dot) and Aldon George married in 1944, southeastern Hillsborough County was a very different place. The couple, who met on a bus Dot and Aldon George are celebrating their Aldon drove 75th wedding in Brandon anniversary this year. when Dot was 16, are celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary in June and have lived, started a successful business and raised their family in the area in that time. “The Brandon area has changed so much,” said Dot. “We almost get lost when we go out now even though we have lived here our whole lives.” At 91 and 92 years old, Dot and Aldon have three children, two daughters and a son-two of whom live in the Brandon area-nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They met as teenagers when Aldon was working as a bus driver in rural Hillsborough County, picking up workers for the Herman Sausage Plant, which was located on the land that now houses Brandon Ford. “We always had a lot in common,” said Dot. “Including the fact that we are both twins.” In 1944, George came home from his job in aviation for the Navy and the
By Kate Quesada
couple married in a small family ceremony at the Hillsborough County Court House in Tampa. “We ran out of gas on the way home on our wedding day,” said Aldon. “That is a funny story to look back on now.” After the war, the couple started W.A. George Upholstery Inc. out of their home on Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. Two of their children now work at the business, which offers custom upholstery services for residential and commercial furniture. During their years in Brandon, Dot and Aldon were very active , even working as greeters there for 25 years. Aldon also fondly remembers his time as a scout leader and especially enjoyed taking trips with his troop. “We really had a lot of fun,” he said. When asked to what she credits the length and success of their marriage, Dot mentions their faith in God and their willingness to compromise. “We always got along,” she said. “We don’t think alike every time, but we do what we can to agree with each other.” W.A. George Upholstery, located at 10416 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview, can be reached at 626-4980 or info@georgeup.com. For more information, visit www.georgeup.com.
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Page 44
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 4