Two Sections, 40 Pages of Community News
Brandon/Winthrop 34 16 C E L E B R A T I N G
November 2019 Volume 14, Issue 11 Ph: 657-2418 1 7
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
Food, Toys And Volunteers Needed For Annual Gift Of Hope Distribution
By Amanda Boston
had the privilege of running the gift wrap area for three to four of those years. It’s an honor to serve each person, look in their eyes, hear their story and pray with and for them. The experience is Local high school always exhausting, students are shown but in a beautiful sorting through toys donated to Greater way. I consider it a mission trip into my Brandon Gift of Hope. own community.” For families to participate, they must reside in the Greater Brandon area and will be vetted through Brandon’s Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO). To sign up, participants will need a picture ID, security card and proof of address. The list of zip codes being served can be found on the Gift of Hope website. For questions, call 485-5604. Last year, Gift of Hope served close to 657 families and had 380 registered volunteers. For those who wish to volunteer but are not connected to a church, help is needed during the distribution days. You can sign up for a time slot online through the Gift of Hope website at www.brandongiftofhope.com. Volunteers must be 14 years or older (unless accompanied by an adult). Donations of food items and toys are also appreciated. To see a list of requested items, please visit the Gift of Hope website. ECHO will accept donations during regular business hours. If you would rather make a monetary donation, the option to purchase a turkey is available online. First Baptist Church of Brandon is located at 216 N. Parsons Ave.
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Greater Brandon Gift of Hope is a multichurch outreach that provides a traditional Christmas meal and Christmas gifts to families in need. Hundreds of families in the Greater Brandon area are food-insecure. Hunger not only affects the homeless—often, families have to choose between paying a bill or purchasing food. To help fill the gap, the Gift of Hope ministry rallies local churches to join together and tangibly demonstrate the love of Jesus to those in their community. This year’s combined effort includes 10 churches that will collect the Christmas meal items, toys, gift wrap and other items. Over three days, volunteers from multiple denominations will assemble at the First Baptist Church of Brandon to distribute meal items and help parents ‘shop’ for their children’s Christmas gifts. This year’s distribution dates are Thursday, December 12 and Friday, December 13 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, December 14 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. “I’m eagerly anticipating this year’s upcoming event," said Kit Enriquez, who, along with her husband, Eric Enriquez, has been involved with Gift of Hope for the last 6-7 years. She continued, “We’ve helped on occasion in the prayer chapel, but I’ve
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Blue Sky & Metro Ministries, Break Ground On New Affordable Housing Complex
By Kate Quesada
part of the solution for Hillsborough County.” JPMorgan Chase’s Tampa team helped Metropolitan Ministries develop its affordable housing division with a $400,000 grant last year. The firm also provides construction financing to Blue Sky Communities to help fund A ground breaking for SabalPlace, an affordable housing the development. community in Seffner-Mango last month. “As Tampa continues to Metropolitan Ministries is working to help combat one of the leading causes of grow at a rapid pace, we need to make sure that all residents have access to homeless in the Brandon area—the lack affordable housing,” said April Monteith, of affordable housing. In collaboration executive director and vice chair of with Blue Sky Communities, with funding JPMorgan Chase’s Tampa market leaderfrom Hillsborough County, Florida ship team. Housing Finance Corporation and Blue Sky is taking applications for its JPMorgan Chase & Co., construction Preserve at Sabal Park community which recently began on SabalPlace, which will shares a location with the SabalPlace offer 112 new affordable housing units in development. The Preserve also offers Mango-Seffner. one, two and three bedroom apartments According to President and CEO of with rent starting at $695 a month. Call Metropolitan Ministries Tim Marks, since 207-6121 or visit www.preserveatsabal2012, the number of families receiving park.com.SabalPlace is located at 10920 housing through the group has grown E. Broadway Ave. in Mango-Seffner. from 43 to more than 450 in the Tampa To learn more about Metropolitan Bay area. “We have witnessed an exploMinistries, which was founded in 1972, sion in need as the economy soars and visit www.metromin.org. unemployment rates drop,” said Marks. “Our monthly number of assessments for on-site residential programs has doubled and peaks at 200 families a month.” In This SabalPlace, the first new developIssue ment to receive funding allocated by the Hillsborough County Board of County BLOOMINGDALE CHORUS BINGO......PG 3 Comissioners especially for affordable Housing, will be a family community of BRAILLE WORKS.................................PG 4 apartment homes built of durable CBS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC TRAINERS .PG 13 construction, featuring one, two and three-bedroom units. EYE ON BUSINESS .....................PGS 14‐15 In partnering with Blue Sky ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 20 Communities, Metropolitan Ministries is able to further its mission to implement CHALKLINES .....................................PG 22 innovative ways to address the needs of SPORTS CONNECTION......................PG 23 the community and help at-risk families maintain self-sufficiency. READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE “We have hundreds of working famiwww.ospreyobserver.com lies on the wait list at our nearby properties, said Shawn Wilson, president of Blue Sky Communities. “SabalPlace is
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Volume 14, Issue 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Law Office of
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November 2019
Page 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Bloomingdale High School Chorus Boosters Host Fundraising Bingo
By Kate Quesada
Peacock. “Some fees are astronomical and this is a fun way for the community to help.” Doors will open for the bingo night at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 6 with the games starting at 6:30 p.m. Game cards are available for purchase at the The Bloomingdale High School Chorus Boosters are host- event and each attendee ing a Bingo Night in the school’s cafeteria on Friday, will receive a free dopper December 6 to raise funds for the school’s with a card purchase. The chorus department. Calling all bingo and music lovers. winner of each game will have the choice The Bloomingdale High School Chorus of multiple prize baskets donated by local Boosters are hosting a bingo night next businesses, and additional baskets will be month in the school’s cafeteria to raise raffled off at the event. much needed funds for the chorus pro“We will also be selling Christmas gram. cookies because we are doing a holiday According to Choral Director Andrea theme,” said Soto. Lange Peacock, the 176 students who During the event, there will be a raffle make up the school’s chorus program will with $1 tickets. Winners will receive a benefit from the fundraiser. Booster Board variety of prizes, including Hop-On HopPresident Wendy Soto explained that Off Water Taxis, Flats Cash from Tijuana money raised at the event will support the Flats, Tampa Rays tickets, Moe’s Bucks, students with music and transportation to Topper’s Ice Cream cards and a basket multiple community performances, from Tide Dry Cleaners. accompaniment and uniform accessories, Peacock is new this school year to in addition to assistance for special trips. Bloomingdale High School after teaching “We were just able to give the seven at Burns Middle School, which feeds into students that attended the FL ACDA a Bloomingdale, for 15 years. stipend to help with their expenses to “There is no way that this program attend the event in Orlando,” said Soto. would survive without the parental supA similar event in the spring raised port,” said Peacock. The Booster Board, more than $1,500 with 150 people in an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is currently attendance. accepting donations for the raffle. “There are many fees and other Bloomingdale High School is located financial obligations that we need to pay at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Visit for in order to give the chorus members www.bloomingdalechorus.com or email the best experience possible,” said bshschorusboosters@gmail.com.
First Watch Brings Two New Locations To Bloomingdale Ave. Corridor
By Brad Stager
The Bloomingdale Avenue corridor is getting not one, but two First Watch restaurants, with one of them serving alcoholic beverages. One restaurant is in Winthrop Town Centre at the former The Egg & I location, with an opening scheduled for October 19. The second restaurant will be located near the entrance to Bloomingdale Square, with an opening slated for some time in November. It will be a newly-constructed 3,500 sq. ft. restaurant and is part of the shopping center’s big makeover, which has been going on for about the last year. Its opening is scheduled for some time in November. The Bloomingdale Square restaurant will serve alcoholic beverages to go along with menu items like Braised Short Rib Benedict and Chile Chorizo Omelet. It is one of 25 locations where First Watch is serving alcohol and the only in the Tampa Bay area to do so. The drink menu will emphasize curated cocktails, so diners can enjoy a Million Dollar Bloody Mary served with a slice of
the restaurant’s highly valued Million Dollar Bacon. The restaurant will not stock a full bar, so mixed drink options will be limited, but beer and wine will be
available. According to First Watch Corporate Chef and Vice President of Culinary Strategy Chef Shane Schaibly, the venture into serving alcohol in the company’s restaurants is just one part of evolving to suit customers’ tastes and there are plenty of fresh ingredients to a First Watch dining
experience. “If you haven’t been to a First Watch in five years you’re, going to find that everything within our four walls has been impacted,” he said. Known for its breakfast and lunch-oriented menu, served with a lot of natural light and an open kitchen to set the dining atmosphere, First Watch is the largest daytime-only restaurant chain in the country with almost 400 restaurants across the country, and as the two new locations opening in short order within our neighborhood suggest, it is growing fast. First Watch restaurants are open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 11
Braille Works Offers Accessibility In Businesses For Customers
The Resting Place—Near Falkenburg, A Church For The Weary
braille restaurant menu. Inspired by this, they worked in their garage for four years before moving to the Tampa Bay area in 1996, and this year, it celebrates 25 years after Founders Joyce and Lou Fioritto (center) alongside the Braille becoming one of Works staff. the largest One of the most important things for providers of accessible documents in the any business to have is accessibility, not United States. just for legal requirements but also “My wife and I give all the glory to because it is both a smart business idea Christ for this. We dedicated our business and allows further inclusion and indeto the Lord, who started it, and that’s pendence for customers. Companies something we do on a regular basis dependent on visually oriented material here,” said Lou. can’t as easily serve those who are blind, The company has Christ-centered visually impaired or reading impaired, standards, about which Lou said, “It’s the which is where Braille Works comes in. standard that we base things on. We use Braille Works provides businesses the Bible as our basis for how we’re going with high-quality document transcriptions. to run the company, and it’s pretty clear in It can turn reading material into braille, there to do things as though you’re doing large print, audio and accessible PDFs, them for the Lord, and…it’s certainly our and it ensures that they meet necessary premise.” requirements like Web Content “From that aspect, it’s treating cusAccessibility Guidelines (WCAG) AA, tomers—treating employees—exactly the ADA and Section 508 document compliway you would like to be treated. It’s to do ance standards. unto others as you’d have them do unto What’s more, it can transcribe severyou,” said Glen Schubert, Braille Works’ al languages, including English, Spanish, vice president of marketing and client French, Italian and German. Braille relations. Works can do invoices, restaurant Braille Works is located at 941 Darby menus, contracts, brochures, business Lake St. in Seffner. visit www.braillecards, audio CDs, MP3 files and more. Braille Works was founded in 1994 in works.com, call 1-800-258-7544 or email info@brailleworks.com. You can also folCleveland, Ohio by President Joyce low them on Facebook and Twitter Fioritto and Vice President Lou Fioritto @BrailleWorks. after Lou, who is blind, discovered a
Pastor a.m. on Caleb Hyers, a Sundays. third-genera“I’ve led tion Tampa worship in native, Catholic launched The churches and Resting Place on a garbage in August dump. I have 2018. For a traveled few months, around the the nondeUnited States The Resting Place is a nondenominational church that and to eight nominational is passionate about Jesus and saturating the city with different church gathHis love. ered in nations— Tampa’s Letter Carrier Hall before purbeing on the different stages exposed me chasing and moving into its current buildto the diversity of the Church,” said Pastor ing on Hobbs Rd., near Falkenburg Rd. Hyers. “Seeing the diversity in the Body Growing up in the church and spend- of Christ has given me a perspective that ing 15 years as a worship pastor in varieveryone is valuable, and we might not ous churches, Pastor Hyers felt called to agree on everything, but Jesus thinks that plant The Resting Place. He left his worevery single person is to die for.” ship leader position at GrowLife Church in The Resting Place exists “for the lost Wesley Chapel. The Resting Place’s to be found, the found to be free and for name was inspired by a Bible verse. peace to reign in our city.” Pastor Hyers’ “In Hebrews 4:11, the traditional passion is to empower the worshipers of translation says, ‘strive to enter His rest’— God to believe the finished work of Christ the rest of the new covenant from Jesus’ and express His resurrection life. finished work,” explained Pastor Hyers. In addition to Sunday gatherings, “We are entering into rest—the covenant during the week, the church holds a of love by the grace of God not by the young adult ministry on Mondays at 7 works of our hands but by His work.” p.m. and a youth program for grades 6The church gatherings are casual 12 on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Throughout with contemporary worship, including a the year, workshops are held on various full band, teachings from the Bible and biblical topics. some spontaneous elements allowing for The church gatherings take place at the Holy Spirit. On any given Sunday, you 217 Hobbs St., Unit 106 in Tampa. For can expect 175-200 adults with a chilmore information, visit church’s website dren’s ministry hosting walking toddlers to at www.TRPTampa.com or call 40211-year-olds. The times are 9 and 11:15 8086.
By Taylor Wells
Expiration: 11.30.2019
Expiration: 11.30.2019
By Amanda Boston
Expiration: 11.30.2019
November 2019
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DAR Alafia River Chapter Meets
Thursday, December 5 in Brandon for Chapter Christmas Party. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Alafia River Chapter Any woman age 18 years and older—regardless of race, religion or ethnic background—who can prove lineal descent from patriots of the American Revolution is eligible. For info, email Denise at ARCRegistrar201921@gmail.com.
Master Gardener Library Program – Growing Edible Mushrooms Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Wednesday, December 6; 6:30-8 p.m. Master Gardener Hyacinth Burrowes will discuss growing mushrooms in and outdoors. Bring a plant or other gardening item for a fun drawing. For more info, call Richard Seedroff at 303-638-3917.
Grey Matters Toastmasters
First and third Thursday of month; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bloomingdale Library at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico Benefits of club include confidence-building in public speaking, enhancement of leadership skills and unique, lively, stimulating discussions. Visit https://greymatters.toastmastersclubs.org/.
Plant City Social Dancing
December 14 & 28; 6:30-9:30 p.m.; cost is $6 Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd., Plant City Dance to the music by DJ Ken Miller. No alcohol. Bring your own snacks and drinks. Complementary dance lessons from 6-6:30 p.m., beginners to advanced. Visit strawberrysquaredancing.com.
Tampa Bay Chief Petty Officers Meeting
Fourth Thursday each month; 6:30 p.m. Tampa China Buffet, 3904 S. Dale Mabry, Britton Plaza, Tampa All USN and Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers welcome to attend meeting and meal. For more information, call 951-1898.
Parkinson's Support Group At Savannah Court Of Brandon
Third Tuesday of the month; 6 p.m. Savannah Court of Brandon, 824 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Call 643-6767 to RSVP with Rhonda Fournier, Executive Director.
Hawthorne Health & Rehab Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
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November 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 7
Run, Trot Or Walk Your Way To The Finish At This Year’s Waterset Turkey Trot
Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Offers Expert Financial Advice
Your favorite "We're so Thanksgiving Day pleased to host tradition is back. an event that Join in on not only raises Thursday, money for three November 28 for area schools the 2019 but has become Waterset 5K a fun Turkey Trot. SouthShore traParticipants will dition that peoreceive a medal ple look forward and a T-shirt, and to each year. there will be We love seeing awards for families and Overall Male and Ready, set, go! The Waterset neighbors gathMascot helped kick off the Female, Masters, er on race in 2018. Grand Masters Thanksgiving and the top three finishers in each morning to either participate in the age group. In addition to the chip Waterset 5K Turkey Trot or cheer timed 5K, there will also be a Kids’ their friends on. Over the last three Fun Run with half-mile and one-mile years, we are so proud that our comoptions. munity has donated a total of $57,000 “One of our favorite Thanksgiving to the schools as a result of the Day traditions is the Turkey Trot. My Turkey Trot,” said Lynda McMorrow, daughter and I love running it marketing manager for Waterset. because it’s a great way to begin the Check-in and packet pickup for celebration with friends and neighthe race will begin on November 28 bors. Luckily, living in a community at 7 a.m., and the 5K will start at 8 like Waterset allows us to celebrate a.m., followed by the Kids’ Fun Run and run in our own backyard,” said at 9 a.m. There will be a pre-race Waterset resident Danielle O’Neil. packet pickup on Wednesday, The Waterset 5K Turkey Trot is November 27 from 3-7 p.m. at The open to both runners and walkers. Landing Club & Café, located at 7012 This family-friendly event is a great Sail View Ln. way to kick off your Thanksgiving Day The race will start at The celebrations, along with helping your Lakeside Park at 7250 Parkshore Dr. community. All proceeds from the in Apollo Beach. For more information Turkey Trot will go to Inez Doby and to register, visit Watersetfl.com or Elementary, Eisenhower Middle visit facebook.com/waterset. For School and East Bay High School. more information, call 235-0154.
Dining out can saved for retirement be expensive, but needs and goals? one dinner with Need help underfriends actually standing recent saved FishHawk reschanges to couples’ ident Patti Roberts a Social Security fortune. claiming strategies? That’s because Have sufficient life the topic of financial insurance coverage? planning came up Howie and Mitchell and her friend, walk their clients Nancy Spooner, through each aspect spoke highly of of their financial plan. Howie and Mitchell The go-to comHowie and Mitchell Angeloni at Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Angeloni at Angeloni pany for a TripTik to Tax Advisory Group. What Spooner didn’t help map out a long road trip is AAA. know was that Roberts and her husband Angeloni Tax Advisory Group is like the were about to retire and were facing the AAA of the finance world as it maps out daunting task of electing how to withdraw its clients’ retirement journeys, helping their company pension distributions. them avoid the pitfalls and dangers that “I hadn’t told anyone that we were can threaten a comfortable retirement. struggling to select the best pension “Most of my clients only retire once, option for us and it was like a sign when but I’ve been helping clients retire sucshe mentioned the company that could cessfully for 16 years,” said Howie. help us with that decision,” said Roberts. Located at 11938 Balm Riverview She and her husband met with the Rd. in Riverview, Angeloni Tax Advisory father/son team, who walked them Group’s services include asset managethrough their options and which one best ment, estate and financial planning, suited their situation. investment management, life insurance, “I love how they explained everything retirement financial planning and tax in language that made it easy for somepreparation. From pre-retirement through one without a financial background to retirement to full estate and tax planning, understand and also I really felt like they it can resolve and/or plan around almost had our best interest at heart,” she said. any financial, insurance or estate tax The Angelonis together have their issue that may be on the horizon. best interests at heart. As a fiduciary, Its office hours are Monday to Friday Howie is required to always place his from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. clients’ interests above his own. Each For more information, visit client receives a detailed review of their www.angelonitax.com or call 813-626overall financial situation. Have enough 7575 to schedule a free consultation.
By Nicole Heubusch
By Michelle Caceres
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 11
e, s r u o C y t e f a y S t r e i e c v i o r S D cal re… i g o l a e Gen ing & Moolesanti, MeCeomtpiled byrMeyicobhseellrveeCr.com e@osp michell
AARP Driver Safety Course Held At The Bridges
The Bridges Retirement Community is hosting the new AARP Smart Driver Safety Course on Monday and Tuesday, December 2 and 3 from 12 Noon-3 p.m. at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview. The course is designed specifically for drivers age 50 and older. By attending, participants will refresh their driving skills, know the new rules of the road and learn driving strategies to help stay safe behind the wheel. There are no tests to pass. The fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. To register, please call The Bridges at 413-8900.
South Bay Genealogical Society Meeting
On Tuesday, December 17, the South Bay Genealogical Society will meet at the United Methodist Church in the Life Enrichment Center (LEC), located at 1210 W. Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center. It begins at 10:30 a.m. with a Round Table Discussion. That will be followed by a sit-down luncheon at 12 Noon, and then the main presentation by guest speaker Annette Burke Lyttle at 1 p.m. She will talk about timelines and how they can be used in your research. The cost is $15 per person for lunch. For reservations and information, call Terri at 633-5172. Mail checks to SBGS, P.O. Box 5202, Sun City Center, FL 33571 by Thursday, December 5.
Coin & Stamp Expo
The Pasco Coin Club Coin & Stamp Expo, sponsored by the Coin Club of Pasco County, will be held on Saturday, November 30. Coins, currency, bullion and jewelry will be bought, sold and appraised. Show hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and there
bicycles to those in need, but there is always a greater demand this time of year, and funds have been depleted. While there are a lot of other organizations that gift bicycles away only at Christmas, and women buried in the Seffner Cemetery on Wheeler Rd. by Bikes For Christ memorials of dozens of veterans at the provides them DAR Cemetery Clean Up Day Of cleaning the gravestones and cemetery. to about 50 Service States participated in the National organizations in the Tampa Bay area On October 12, members and DAR Day of Service, most notably on all year long. guests of the Daughters of the October 11, which marked the servStarted in March of 2016, Bikes American ice organization’s 129th anniversary. For Christ has grown into the premier Revolution (DAR) Alafia River This nonprofit, nonpolitical, volunteer provider of transportation to the Chapter in Brandon gathered to women's service organization has homeless and needy. The work takes honor our military men and women over 185,000 members in 3,000 them into parts of four counties to buried in the Seffner Cemetery on chapters across the world. Any help partner agencies who are workWheeler Rd. woman age 18 years and older— ing directly with clients in need. Historic regardless of race, religion or ethnic Last year, not only did it gift bikes Preservations background—who can prove her linein the Bay area, it also transported Chairwoman al descent from patriots of the approximately 80 bikes to the Claudia Conner American Revolution is eligible to join Panhandle to help ’Salvage Santa’ provided the the DAR. and those affected by Hurricane cleaning supplies, For more information, please Michael. Bikes were also distributed including D2, an email Denise in both Guatemala and Haiti in 2019. environmentally safe cleaner, to careat ARCRegistrar201921@gmail.com For many low-income families, a fully clean the gravestones and or visit www.fssdar.com/Alafiariver/. bicycle can be a lifeline; providing memorials of dozens of veterans at access to work, school and communithe cemetery. The ladies used brushBrandon Christian Women’s ty resources that would otherwise be es and genConnection’s inaccessible. To donate, please visit tle scraping To Hold www.bikes4christ.com/donations. tools to preWinter vent causing Wonderland Congregation Beth Shalom Holds any damage Luncheon Services And Monthly Torah to the graveThe Study Group Meets stones which Brandon Shabbat services are held on begin to Christian Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Oneg, deteriorate Women's nosh and mingle follow. All are welwith age. Connection is come. All services stream live and This is celebrating afterwards on its Facebook page: an ongoing Christmas with Congregation Beth Shalom of project the a Winter Brandon. Alafia River Wonderland at Taste of Tanakh is a monthly Chapter its luncheon on Torah study group. It will discuss the NSDAR has Tuesday, current Torah portion on Saturday, adopted Bikes For Christ is hoping to provide bikes to lowDecember 7 from 10 a.m.-12 Noon. over the income families this holiday season. A bicycle can December 10 be a lifeline providing access to work, school and from 11 a.m.-1 Members and nonmembers are welpast several community resources. p.m. come. A light nosh will be served. years and The monthly luncheon is now Congregation Beth Shalom is has included the Limona Cemetery. held at Buckhorn Springs Country located at 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. The next gravestone cleaning event Club, located 2721 S. Miller Rd. in Call 681-6547 for more information. is at the Limona Cemetery on Valrico Tuesday, November 19. Chapter There will be raffles, door prizes, First Baptist Church Presents No members thanked the board memChristmas music and more surprises. Room—A Christmas Musical bers of the cemetery for allowing This is a nondenominational lunchthem to hold this cleaning event to The First Baptist Church of eon and all ladies are welcome. honor our veterans. Brandon Presents No Room—A There is no memberDuring the month of October, Christmas Musical on ship. The cost for the DAR members across the United Saturday, December 7 lunch is $15. First-time and Sunday, December guests pay $10. Please 8 at 6 p.m. A deaf call Lillie at 740-0098 interpretation is availfor a reservation or for able on Sunday. The more information. free family event will be held at 216 N. Bicycle Donations Parsons Ave. in Sought By Bikes For Brandon. More inforChrist mation can be found Bikes For Christ is online on at FBC’s ramping up for the holiFacebook page or by day season. The nonprofit provides callling 689-1204. are hourly door prizes. Register to win a one-ounce Silver Eagle. Admission and parking are free. Food will be available for purchase. The Expo will take place at the Elks Lodge #2520 on 9135 Denton Ave. (use the side entrance) in Hudson. Call Chuck at 727-534-7597 for more information. Members and guests of the Daughters of the American Revolution Visit www.PascoCoinClub.com. (DAR) Alafia River Chapter in Brandon gathered to honor military men
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November 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 9
The Winthrop Airstream Market Is The First Of Its Kind For The Greater Brandon Area
McTavish The Haggis Spreads Holiday Cheer To Children Near And Far
Hillsborough View photos of the County's newest store on Instagram attraction, the @fullgrowngirl or on Winthrop Airstream Facebook. Market, is located Mama's within the commuGeneral Store is nity of Winthrop in owned and operated Riverview. It is the by Katharine first of its kind in Sullivan-Dawes. It is Hillsborough located in a vintage County. The Spartan trailer. Photo By Jacob Seace@New Light Studios Winthrop Airstream The Winthrop Airstream Market is a unique Mama's General Market is located at collection of tiny shops located within the Store is a small, heart of Winthrop. 11267 Winthrop highly curated gift Main St. in Riverview. shop for all occasions. Mama's General Winthrop Town was founded and Store is open Wednesday through Friday developed by John and Kay Sullivan. from 12 Noon to 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. John Sullivan said, "The inspiration for to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Visit www.mamasWinthrop's Airstream Market came after general.com and like it on Facebook. we saw how the concept worked in The Code Revolution is owned and Austin, Texas and Seaside, Florida. We operated by Paul Kaman. His concept is created our market to help small busito make computer programming more nesses who want to try out new, unique accessible to children. Kaman said, "As ideas on an affordable budget." an IT professional with children, I underThe first shop that opened was stand the challenges of teaching my chilRemi's Minis in March 2017. Remi's Minis dren about computers while working a is in a 1963 Airstream. It serves miniature full-time job. We teach computer prodonuts, coffee (espresso and cold brew), gramming by leveraging a gaming format tea and more. Remi's Minis is owned and (mobile gaming and Minecraft).” operated by Ben and Christy Chambless. The Code Revolution offers classes Remi's Minis is open Wednesday on Tuesdays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 Thursdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. For p.m. For more information, please call more information, please visit www.the525-7282 and follow it on Facebook. coderevolution.com. Next, Full Grown Girl, which is owned Located within the Airstream Market and operated by Cynthia Atkins, is is also the Winthrop Arts Art Factory, an housed in a 1960 Airstream. It is an arts education center that offers arts eclectic and quirky gift shop. instruction to children, teens and adults. Full Grown Girl is open Wednesday For more information on the classes, through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. please visit www.winthroparts.org.
Do you know what a dren’s book.” Haggis is? It is a threeAfter editing and hirlegged bird, and ing a local artist, Bob McTavish the Haggis is Dorsey of Image the main character in a Brewery, for the cover, children’s book by the Norrie had it published. “I late author Norrie Smith. designed a plush “McTavish the Haggis is a McTavish toy and sell it Scottish children’s book and the book at Scottish of a poem written by my festivals, online and at husband, Norrie Smith, London Pride, a British for our first son, Stewart,” shop in Largo,” Billie said. said Billie Smith, wife of “It comes with a CD proNorrie. “A friend, Les duced by Bill Dudley Scarborough, a very talStudios and narrated by ented artist from George RobertsonTallahassee, illustrated it. Burnett, a Scotsman from McTavish the Haggis is a The story is about a fictiAberdeen and a wellScottish children’s book about a tious three-legged bird fictitious three-legged bird called known Rotarian from called a ‘Haggis.’” a ‘Haggis.’ McTavish, the main Bartow. I donate 10 per“McTavish, the main character, sets out on a journey cent of the book sales to and meets Scottish animals character, sets out on a help end Polio through along the way. He eventually journey and meets Brandon ‘86 Rotary.” wants to go back home and finds out his return trip is much Scottish animals along A free download and easier than when he started out. the way. He eventually study guide for McTavish wants to go back home and finds out his the Haggis is available on Billie’s website. return trip is much easier than when he “I’m hoping to get the word out to kinderstarted out,” she said. “I had wanted to garten, first and second grade teachers publish the book for many years as a who would like to introduce their students legacy for both our sons, Stewart and to another culture,” Billie said. “Teachers Duncan. A dear friend, who dropped by can also email one Christmas, convinced me it needed McTavishtheHaggis@gmail.com for a to be done.” copy but going through our website, will Norrie was from Leuchars, Scotland register them for a free hardback copy and he was a very prolific and incredibly and plush toy, just in time for Christmas. talented poet whose work was of a seriWe will give one of each away for every ous nature. “He wanted to write some10 classes.” thing for our son as a tribute to his own If you would like to purchase a copy homeland and wrote McTavish in one of McTavish the Haggis, you can visit afternoon,” Billie said. “It was his only chil- www.mctavishthehaggis.com.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Libby Hopkins
Page 10
Volume 14, Issue 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Unforgettable Cirque Musica Presents Holiday Wishes Show At Amalie
Staff Report
Cirque Arts & Entertainment, Musica will “The music was speconce again be tacular, the acrobatic presented at feats bordered on unbeAMALIE Arena lievable, and the show for one specwas not lacking in tacular perhumor. This show totally formance on got me in the Christmas Wednesday, spirit.” December 18 Cirque Musica is at 7 p.m. produced by TCG Cirque Entertainment, which is Musica’s the industry leader in Holiday the creation, production, Wishes brings book and marketing of a holiday story live entertainment proto life in a full ductions and events. theatrical Visit cirque event Cirque Musica will be presented for one www.CirqueMusica.com, night at AMALIE Arena on Wednesday, Facebook or Twitter for for the entire December 18 at 7 p.m. family. It will more information. feature the world-renowned cast of Tickets are now on sale and cost Cirque Musica with all of your $25, $35, $55 and $85, depending on favorite holiday hits performed live by seating. You can get them at the a full symphony orchestra. ReliaQuest Ticket Office at AMALIE Audiences will be amazed by the Arena, Ticketmaster outlets and at acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks Ticketmaster.com. You can also order and holiday cheer. The show blends by phone by calling 800-745-3000. the spellbinding grace and daredevil Upgrade your ticket for an exclusive athleticism of today’s greatest circus Cirque Musica Holiday Wishes VIP performers with the sensory majesty experience for only $50 for adults of a symphony orchestra. and $30 for kids under 12. Prices do Cirque Musica Presents Holiday not include facility fees or service Wishes is the perfect opportunity for charges. Advanced parking passes the entire family to experience great are available at Ticketmaster.com or holiday music while enjoying an edge the ticket office. of your seat circus experience. AMALIE Arena is located at 401 Holiday Wishes do come true with Channelside Dr. in Tampa. Visit Cirque Musica. amaliearena.com or call 301-2500 for According to Raleigh Triangle more information.
2019 Hillsborough County Fair Recycled Yard Art Contest—The Results Are In
By Lisa Meredith and Lynn Barber
Twice each year, UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County sponsors a Recycled Yard Art Contest, one at the Hillsborough County Fair and one at the Florida State Fair. The purpose of the Recycled Yard Art Contest is to Scooter increase environmental awareness and encourage reuse/recycling of materials into yard art. The competition involved two and threedimensional artwork creations made from items already used for their original purposes. During the eight Bed Pan Bird days of the 2019 Hillsborough County Fair, attendees voted for the People’s Choice Award on one of several entries submitted. All 2,372 votes have been tallied, and the People’s Choice Award winner is Jim Dreby for his 'Minion Riding a Scooter', which was created with a Wind Chime Planter muffler pipe, freon jugs and a broken scooter. Andy Hamilton won the Judge’s Choice Award for adult submissions. His creation, 'Bedpan Bird', included a bedpan, ricer, marbles, rebar and horseshoes. Unfortunately, there was no middle school entry this year, but the
State Fair is coming soon. The Judge’s Choice Award for elementary school submissions winner was Maximus Clary. His entry, 'Wind Chime Planter', reused a colander, necklace, rope, broken wind chime, welcome sign and a planter. Alexa Weston’s 'Blue Heron' sculpture won the Judge’s Choice Award for high school submissions. She created her environmental artwork statement using plastic bags, boxes, bottle caps, containers, chicken wire and sticks. All of the contest-winning entries will be on display at the UF/IFAS Extension Service, located at 5339 CR 579 in Seffner, until Sunday, December 8. You are welcome to stop by to view these creations, stroll through the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden and see what else is offered. You are challenged to put on your creativity hats now and consider submitting an entry for the Florida State Fair Recycled Yard Art Contest. Contact Lisa Meredith for more information about this upcoming contest at meredithL@hcflgov.net or 744-5519 ext. 54146.
November 2019
Page 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Tampa's Majestic Movie Palace Celebrates The Season With Classic Favorites
By Kathy L. Collins
Tampa Come back on Saturday, Theatre will celeDecember 14 and Sunday, December brate the holiday 15 for a fantastic sing-a-long event and season with its see White Christmas. The sing-a-long Annual Holiday events will both take place at 3 p.m. Classics Movie Tampa Theatre will present several Series beginning showings of It's A Wonderful Life beginin December. ning on Friday, However, before December 20 at the classic film 7 p.m. You can series takes see this classic place, you will holiday film on have two opporSaturday, tunities to see December 21 at two free movies either 3 or 7:30 at the waterfront p.m. The film park at Curtis will be presented Hixon Park in again for two downtown showings, at 3 Tampa. and 7:30 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit with free movies at Curtis Hixon Park, and visit the Tampa Theatre as on Sunday, The Grinch will be shown on they present their Annual Holiday Classics Movie December 22. series, sing-a-longs and visits with Santa. Saturday, One last showing November 23 at 7 p.m. Then, on will be on Monday, December 23 at 7:30 Saturday, November 30, bring the family p.m. to see The Muppet Christmas Carol at 7 The holidays do not end on p.m. Christmas Day, so come out to Tampa Jill Witecki with Tampa Theatre said, Theatre on Sunday, December 29 and "When you visit Tampa Theatre, you are see the wonderful film, Love Actually, at 3 not just coming for a movie. You are com- p.m. ing for an experience." Tickets for the sing-a-long White First up is the 1947 classic film, Christmas are $13 or $10 for Tampa Miracle On 34th Street. The film will be Theatre members. Tickets for all other shown on Sunday, December 1 at 3 p.m. Holiday Classics movies are $10 or $7 for Before the film, guests are invited to meet Tampa Theatre members. You can get Santa Clause himself and take home a tickets online at www.tampatheatre.org free 4"x6" commemorative photo. ($2 convenience fee applies) or at the On Sunday, December 8 come see box office. Will Ferrell in the beloved classic film, Elf. The historic Tampa Theatre is located The film will be shown at 3 p.m. at 711 N. Franklin St. in Tampa.
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Page 12
Volume 14, Issue 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Women’s Successful Living 4th Annual PJ Retreat Goes To Puerto Rico
Somewhere In Time Celebrates 30 Years In The Brandon Community
sleepover retreat, attendees will meet 20 women who are dedicated to personal development and growth. WSL’s previous retreats saw attendees become visionaries who are boldly following their dreams of growth in their personal lives, work and even some new adventures. “Being our Fourth Annual PJ Retreat, our attendees will not only be empowered by local speakWomen’s Successful Living (WSL) will be ers such as Donna Sharpe with Wholehosting their Fourth Annual PJ Retreat from Listic Retreat, who will be sharing techMarch 26-30, 2020 in San Juan, Puerto niques on improving our emotional wellRico. www.womenssuccessfulliving.com. being. Vanna Nguyen will be sharing Former First Lady Michelle Obama how hope can be an anchor for your soul. once said, “There is no limit to what we, I will be speaking on shackling your as women, can accomplish." Pearl boundaries to succeed in achieving your Chiarenza would agree with Mrs. Obama goals to being your authentic self with because she has been helping women other speakers to be named over the accomplish many life goals for the last next month,” Chiarenza said. eight years. “I had attended a weekend Chiarenza hopes the upcoming empowerment event for women entrepreneurs sharing on how to strategically align retreat will help to empower all its attendees. “As women, we often put our famiwith other women-owned businesses to ly’s needs before ours and my mission is help grow our business,” Chiarenza said. to teach women that to take care of our “The weeks following after attending the families and jobs, we first must take care event and listening to the clients I coached for their health journey, I realized of ourselves,” Chiarenza said. “I want to empower women with the tools to help that we as women put the needs of them live financially successful and everyone else before ourselves. So I healthier lives, so they become started Women’s Successful Living SHEROES in finding their inner pearl to because there was a need for coaching greatness.” and retreats that would uplift all women If you’d like to learn more about WSL whether they are stay-home moms, busior if you’d like to attend the upcoming PJ ness owners or working outside of the Retreat, you can visit its website at home, empowering them with tools to be www.womenssuccessfulliving.com. WSL their authentic self.” is still looking for local sponsors for the Women’s Successful Living (WSL) upcoming retreat, and if you are interestwill be hosting its Fourth Annual PJ ed in sponsorship, you can contact Retreat from March 26-30, 2020 in San Chiarenza at pearl@bodyworkshwc.com. Juan, Puerto Rico. During this amazing
They say everydifferent vendors who thing that is old have items for sale in her becomes new again at store. “Our variety is what some point. Jane makes us different from Rogers is the owner of other collectible stores in Somewhere In Time in the area,” Rogers said. Brandon and every “We currently work with item, antique or mod30 different dealers and ern is new to the cuseveryone has a good varitomers who visit her ety of items to offer our store. customers.” “To be considered Rogers and her staff an antique, the item have gotten great feedmust be at least 100 back over the years from years old or older,” their customers. “We have Rogers said. “Not made many lasting everything we have in friendships with our custhe store is an antique, tomers and they love but we also have some what we have to offer at more modern furniture Somewhere In Time,” Somewhere In Time is a local as well as collectibles.” Rogers said. antique and collectible store that This past October, Somewhere In Time has been a part of the Brandon community for many years, and it will be hosting its Somewhere In Time just celebrated its 30th anniversary Christmas Open House celebrated its 30th in October. anniversary. Rogers is event on Saturday, thrilled that her store has been a local December 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. “We destination for one-of-a-kind gifts for have been hosting this event for 30 years many years. “We have enjoyed being a and it’s a fun event to kick off the part of the Brandon community for so Christmas holiday,” Rogers said. “We will many years,” Rogers said. “Brandon is a have light refreshments and door prizes nice area that has brought us wonderful as well.” customers who have been shopping with If you would like to get a peek at us for a very long time and we truly enjoy some of the items offered at Somewhere them.” Some of Rogers’ customers stop In Time, visit Somewhere In Time on by her store just to chat and spend time Facebook or call Rogers at 684-0588. with her, not to shop. Somewhere In Time is located at 720 W. What makes Somewhere In Time dif- Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. Hours of operferent from other antiques or collectible ation are Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 shops in the area is that Rogers has 30 p.m. and Sunday, 12 Noon to 5 p.m.
By Libby Hopkins
By Libby Hopkins
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November 2019
Page 13
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
County Approves Full-Time Athletic Trainers For All High Schools
By Nick Nahas
The Hillsborough side organization. County school board In addition, the has made some much board wants all paid needed changes in coaches to continue to regard to students’ receive emergency health and safety when medical training. They they partake in are all CPR and AED extracurricular activicertified, and they ties. In an August 20 must take nationally board meeting, the standardized courses school board adopted each year, including a proposal to have fullConcussion in Sports time athletic trainers at and Heat Illness every high school. The Prevention, and the plan passed unanifootball coaches must mously. The proposal have Heads Up came after Middleton Football safety trainfootball player ing. The coaches are Hezekiah Walters also directed to ensure passed away during shade and plenty football conditioning of water are availMiddleton football player Hezekiah drills this summer. Walters passed away during football able. The county conditioning drills this summer. Certified athletic follows all FHSAA trainers from the University of South guidelines for frequent water breaks, Florida SMART Institute (USF), Select rest and restricting how long conditionPhysical Therapy and PT Solutions ing and practice can last. In addition to Holdings, LLC will now provide their the athletic trainers, the county providservices to each Hillsborough County ed cold immersion tubs a few years Public High School. Each school will ago. have an athletic trainer year round. “We want you to rest assured About $270,000 will now be availwhen your child is taking part in afterable in the Safety and Risk school activities that they are being Management budget. Before this procared for by highly trained staff who posal passed, there were athletic train- put their students’ safety above everyers at only half of the high schools, thing else,” said Hillsborough County and they weren’t available for summer Superintendent Jeff Eakins. conditioning. The trainers were not For more information, visit the employees of the county, and their Hillsborough County website at time was typically donated to the sdhc.k12.fl.us and click on the 'athletschool from a medical group or outics' tab.
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November 2019
Give The Gift Of Love To A Deserving Senior This Holiday Season
Volume 14, Issue 11
Ph: 657-2418
It’s important to remember there are seniors in your community who would love to celebrate the holidays too. A ribbon-cutting for Stewart Chiropractic. However, many Brighten a senior’s holiday no need to worry about season by participating in the the Gulf seniors live Be A Santa to a Senior® Coast. “A simwrapping—community volalone, without community program. ple gift shows unteers and program partsomeone to them they are a loved and vital memners will wrap and deliver the share this special ber of our community.” gifts to local seniors in time for time. Be a Santa to a Senior is a true the holidays. Home Instead Senior Care® is community program with generous Be a Santa to a Senior trees once again offering the local communisupport from local businesses, noncan be found at Beall’s Outlet ty a chance to spread joy to local senprofit organizations, retailers, numerStores and Shapes Fitness. iors. Through the Be a Santa to a ous volunteers and members of the For more information about Senior® program, community memcommunity. The Home Instead Senior the program, bers can give a senior a special holiCare offices serving Tampa and visit BeASantaToASenior.com or day gift. Since the program’s inception Brandon have partnered with area call 684-1972. in 2003, the Be a Santa to a businesses and organizations to help For more information about Senior program has mobilized more with gift collection and distribution. how you can help seniors in your comthan 60,000 volunteers, provided It’s easy to help. Visit one of the munity, visit imreadytocare.com. approximately 1.2 million gifts and participating locations and look for brightened the season for more than Ribbon-Cutting Held For Stewart 700,000 deserving seniors nationwide. the Be a Santa to a Senior tree on display through Monday, December 16. Chiropractic “The Be a Santa to a Senior proEach tree will be decorated with ornaA ribbon-cutting with the Valrico gram is all about including seniors in ments featuring seniors’ first names FishHawk Chamber of Commerce was the joy of the holiday season,” said and gift suggestions. Holiday shoppers held in October. Stewart Chiropractic Kristi Campbell, owner of the Home can choose an ornament, buy the is located at 220 W. Brandon Blvd., Instead Senior Care offices in Tampa requested gift and return it to the store Ste. 202 in Brandon. and Brandon, two of 15 offices serving with the ornament attached. There’s For more information, call 320-
In This Section 8548 or visit www.drnicolestewart.com.
Apple Spice – New Box Lunch Delivery & Catering Service Now Open
Apple Spice Box Lunch Delivery & Catering Co., a 30-year-old, corporate-catering company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, announced today the grand opening of a location at 5909 Breckenridge Pkwy., Ste. F in Tampa. It is the second in the region, with the first located in Sarasota. Apple Spice opened its first box lunch delivery and catering company in 1988. Founders Randy Clegg and Wayne Curtis rented a storefront from 88-year-old Fritz Haertel, known as the legendary ‘Rye King’ of Salt Lake City, and so Apple Spice began. “We are thrilled to open an Apple Spice in Tampa,” said Clegg. “The Sarasota store has been very successful since its opening in July 2018 and we are thrilled that Randy and Annette Whitmer were able to open a second store. Apple Spice was their
Continued on Next Page
November 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Business Column Continued.............
By Michelle Colesanti
first franchise and they have done an incredible job with their Sarasota store.” Apple Spice’s box lunch service features a menu of 18 sandwiches and wraps, 15 salads and a variety of hearty soups, including some amazing chili. The marquee item that sets Apple Spice apart from all others is its delicious daily baked bread. “We will never serve a sandwich on dayold bread,” said Clegg. "Freshly baked honey wheat, 13 grain and sourdough bread is what our loyal customers have loved since 1988.” Apple Spice also offers a fantastic catering menu. Breakfast buffets, sandwich platters, fruit and veggie trays, a build-your-own-salad bar, baked potato bar, taco bar and fajita bar are delicious too. Apple Spice rounds out its catering menu with hot entrees that include tender pot roast, roasted chicken, chicken parmesan, baked ziti and additional chicken choices. And no meal is complete without dessert. Apple Spice offers cookies, brownies, lemon bars and sour cream cranberry bars that are great choices for any occasion. Visit www.applespice.com/locations/florida/tampastpetersburg/.
Supreme International USA RibbonCutting
Supreme International USA celebrated a ribbon-cutting with the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce in October. It is a onestop shop for kitchen, bath and floors featuring 100 percent wood
A ribbon-cutting for Supreme International USA.
cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms, granite and quartz countertops, porcelain and marble tiles and carpets. Supreme International is a direct importer of granite and marble with cutting edge machinery for fine fabrication of countertops. It is located at 7501 E. Adamo Dr. in Tampa. For more information, call 252-3712 or visit https://supremefl.com.
Ed Morse Automotive Group Names Brian Danahy As GM Of Brandon Dealerships
The Ed Morse Automotive Group recently announced that automotive veteran Brian Danahy has been named general manager for three of its dealerships: Ed Morse Brandon Cadillac, Brandon Auto Mall FIAT by Ed Morse and Brandon Auto Mall Alfa Romeo by Ed Brian Danahy has been named general Morse. Danahy has manager for Ed Morse Brandon been with Ed Morse Cadillac, Brandon Auto Mall FIAT by Ed Automotive Group for Morse and Brandon Auto Mall Alfa Romeo by Ed Morse. over 30 years and will
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Page 15
also remain as general manager of its New Doctor At Back To Wellness successful Ed Morse Cadillac dealerChiropractic Practice ship in Tampa. Back To Wellness Chiropractic “Brian has been an would like to formally introduce its asset for our organizanewest doctor, Dr. Austin Williams, tion for decades and we to the practice. Dr. Williams has are pleased that he will been practicing there for several expand his leadership months now and patients love him. role with the new GM He is a Florida native with a pasposition,” said Teddy sion for healthcare and an undeniMorse, chairman and able devotion to his patients' wellCEO of Ed Morse being. Upon completing his bacheAutomotive Group. lor's degree at The University of Danahy started at Florida, Dr. Williams attended the company at age 14, National University of Health working in the parts Sciences to complete his doctoral department. His 30 plus degree, from which he graduated career climb at Ed magna cum laude. When he is not Morse in the office, Automotive Dr. Williams Group encomenjoys watchpassed working ing and attendin almost every ing sporting aspect of the events, going dealerships, to the beach including paint, service, colliand spending sion, sales and management, time with his and in 2011 he became the family. GM of Ed Morse Cadillac Whether it's for Tampa. wellness care, In his new role as GM of disc the three dealerships in bulges/herniaBrandon, Danahy will oversee tions or every aspect of the dealerinjuries susships, including sales, service, tained from a new and used cars, employmotor vehicle Dr. Austin Williams has recently ees and customer service. joined Back To Wellness Chiropractic. accident, Dr. Ed Morse Cadillac Williams would love to meet with Brandon is located at 11020 you and help address any health Causeway Blvd. in Brandon, and Ed concerns you might have. Morse Auto Mall Alfa Romeo and Back To Wellness Chiropractic FIAT are at 11024 Causeway is located at 409 W. Bloomingdale Blvd. Visit www.edmorsecadillacbranAve. in Brandon. Call 685-7577 or don.com. visit www.bk2w.com.
Page 16
Volume 14, Issue 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Cross-Bay Ferry Returns For Third Season In Tampa Bay
Staff Report
The Cross-Bay Ferry is back for a third year. The Cross-Bay Ferry has returned for its third year and will run through Thursday, April 30, 2020, sailing between the Tampa Convention Center and St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Yacht Basin. "It’s going to be another strong season for the Cross-Bay Ferry," said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. "I want to thank our regional partners for agreeing to bring the ferry back to Tampa Bay. “ This year, the ferry will run Wednesday through Sunday and have increased services on the weekends, with four stacked departures at both locations on Fridays and Saturdays and earlier service on Sundays, now beginning at 11 a.m. There will be additional service on New Year’s Day and no service on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Saturday, January 25, 2020 (Gasparilla). "Tampa is committed to creating a true, multimodal transportation system,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “I view water transportation, including permanent ferry service, as a major element of creating such [a] true mobility system that our region can grow on. It's why we wanted
to locate the ferry terminal in the heart of our downtown." Also new this year, the Cross-Bay Ferry has expanded its partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning and will run for every Lightning game, including Mondays and Tuesdays, when the ferry isn’t scheduled to run. Additionally, it will not depart from Tampa until 30 minutes after the game has ended, giving riders time to board. It will also run an altered schedule for Sunday, December 29 and Sunday, March 8, 2020 to accommodate earlier Lightning game times, with an additional dead-end run departing Tampa after the game. Tickets cost $8 for adults; $5 for seniors 65 and up, active and retired military and college students; $3 for youth ages 5 to 18; and free for children 4 and under. They are available for purchase on www.TheCrossBayFerry.com or at the ferry’s dockside ticket booths; reservations are highly encouraged. "As a county-wide county commissioner, I know there is a broad base of enthusiastic support for ferry transportation,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp. “My expectation is that this third year of temporary, seasonal service will provide the impetus to finally start permanent ferry service." The Cross-Bay Ferry is a collaboration between St. Petersburg, Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County and the Florida Department of Transportation. Those interested in learning more about the ferry can visit www.TheCrossBayFerry.com.
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November 2019
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
ree F , p o h s k or Santa’s W ini M r o F s p Worksho ore… M & s n Musicia
lin, trumpet, drums and more. It will take place on Saturday, December 7 from 9:30-11 a.m. Register at FAOPA.org or call 490-2787.
four high schools in District 15 to speak about the inner workings of Congress and , ti the importance n a s le o ichelle C m M of leadership. y b d e o c Compil observer. “High @osprey e ll e h ic m Matilda The school students are on Musical At Music the cusp of Showcase adulthood, and Tickets available for Matilda The Parents Get Shopping Done While they’re at a Musical. Performances will take Your Kids Enjoy Santa’s Workshop prime age to place at Music Showcase, 402 Rep. Ross Spano (Florida-15) visited four local high schools to speak Music Showcase and FAOPA will engage in civic Oakfield Dr. in Brandon on Friday about the inner workings of Congress and leadership. host Santa’s Workshop on Saturday duty and to and Saturday, December 13 and 14 given to the athlete who most exempliDecember 7 from show greater leadership in their commuat 7 p.m. and Sunday, fies the ideals of outstanding sportsman11 a.m.-5 p.m. nities. These students are the next genDecember 15 at 2 p.m. ship on the court with ethical behavior, offering food, eration of American leaders, and investTickets cost $10 and are fair play and integrity. He is 52 years old games, prizes, ing in our youth is of the utmost imporavailable at FAOPA.org. Call and has worked at the Publix in ‘snowball’ fights, tance to me. I value their insights and 490-2787 for more informaMango/Seffner for 24 years. ‘ice skating’, questions and I take to heart their chaltion. Young was given a plaque and a crafts and more. lenges. After all, one of these students new tennis racket. Tennis For Fun is a Children ages 5 could very well be Sportsmanship Award free tennis clinic for special to 12 will make running our counGiven To Tennis For Fun needs athletes, who compete and wrap five try one day,” said Athlete Rodney Young in special Olympic competigifts to give to loved ones. There will be Spano. Tennis For Fun Athlete Rodney tions. The program is run a ‘Best Christmas PJ’s’ contest. The The high Young competed in the 2019 Special entirely by volunteers, and movie Arthur Christmas will also be school groups Olympics North America Tennis there are four locations in shown. consisted of stuChampionship Hillsborough County. The cost is $20 per child dent leadership held at Hilton Volunteers are needed. No enrolled in a program or lesand JROTC head Island, tennis experience needed. son and $25 for a child not cadets from South Carolina. Visit tennisforfun.org for more enrolled. Call 490-3787 or Bloomingdale Young has information or call Judy visit FAOPA.org to sign up. High School, trained at Tennis Moore at 417-3751. Durant High For Fun at Music Makers Free School, Brandon Sports Spano Discusses Workshops Strawberry Crest and Aquatic Government & Leadership Calling all mini musicians ages 4-10 High School and Center since 2012. He competed in Red With Local High School to attend a free workshop to learn about Rep. Spano’s own Ball Singles, winning all his matches and Students various instruments at Music Showcase, alma mater of receiving a gold medal. Rep. Ross Spano 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. Join in to Brandon High Young was awarded the L-R: Craig Pippert, Rodney Young (Florida-15) recently visited play, hear and learn about the guitar, vioand Julie Jilly from Tennis For Fun. School. Sportsmanship award. This award is
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Volume 14, Issue 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Longtime Area YMCA Judo Instructor Ed Maley Leaves 70-Year Teaching Legacy
By Nick Nahas
Professor Ed Maley always believed in helping others achieve their goals. The judo instructor of 70 years passed away at the age of 87 in the beginning of October. Maley started practicing judo when he was in the Air Force and made a career out of it. He taught combative measure to the troops, and he eventually went with a few other soldiers as the first Photos Courtesy of Keith Maley team ever sent to Japan Ed Maley was awarded his 9th to the headquarters of Degree Black Belt, the second worldwide judo, the highest achievement in judo before Kodokan Institute, where the 10th Degree, in 2015. he competed. He was the teach classes. On first military man to place in the U. S. the front window of Nationals. He was transferred to his Tampa busiMacDill AFB in 1959, where he was ness, he had the in charge of the Physical phrase “Nice peoConditioning Unit, training troops in ple and champions are made here.” self defense, judo and karate. He He taught several state, national, passed on the Olympic trials to start international, world and Olympic the Florida School of Judo in 1963 competitors and champions. About when he left the Air Force after 12 two weeks before he passed away, years of service. he was still teaching classes. About 15 years ago, he sold his “He was one of a kind,” said business, but continuted to volunteer. Keith. “It wasn’t about the money for He spent a lot of his free time volunhim. He didn’t try to run it like a busiteering at various facilities, including ness. He enjoyed teaching, and he the Campo YMCA as a judo instructried to help people and give them tor for many years, offering free confidence.” classes. Shihan Maley, as his students According to his son, Keith loving referred to him, had many Maley, at one point in time, his father accomplishments and awards, includtraveled to eight to twelve facilities ing the 1998 Platinum Award for 50 and recreation centers a week to
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was undefeated in the state of Florida and won eights consecutive championships. He was also awarded his 9th Degree Black Belt, the second highest achievement in judo before the 10th Degree, in 2015. In 2009, then Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio proclaimed September 12 as ‘Professor Ed Maley Day,’ encouraging citizens to honor Ed for his achievements and dedication to playing such a major role in Tampa’s sports history. “He was the best man I ever knew,” said Keith. “He would give the shirt off his back. If you had a bad day at work, or you had a bad day with traffic, or you were having a bad time at home or whatever, when you went in there and worked out for an hour or two, you forgot about all that and he kept your mind off of it and he would talk to people as a father. It was all about his family, his judo family and his regular family.” The Florida School of Judo is a nonprofit organization that volunteers at the YMCA. Any profit that is made goes towards Ed Maley founded the Florida School of Judo in 1963. equipment and sponsoryears of teaching, the 2004 ships. Hillsborough County Son & Daughter There are currently 40-60 kids Award and the 2008 Black Belt magthat are a part of the school and 30azine’s Best Traditional Judo School 40 adults on the weekend at the in the Unites States, to name a few. Campo YMCA. He is included in the Black Belt For more information, visit World of GI Halls of Fame and he Florida School of Judo on Facebook.
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November 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
CPR Training Now Readily Available Due To Vital Life Savers
By Franka Potter
CPR demonstration with training mannequins in three sizes, infant, child and adult.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training became more readily available to Brandon and neighboring residents when Vital Life Savers opened its doors in March 2019. Co-owner Deborah Awolowo saw a need within the community for CPR training and as a medical provider decided to help meet that need. Awolowo mentioned that, as part of her medical license requirements, CPR training is mandatory; however, when she was a CPR student, she felt the course was rushed and students were not required to perform hands-on compression on manikins. She stated, “I believe that everyone who takes a CPR course should actually perform compressions on manikins so they can understand how challenging it could be.” The mission of Vital Life Savers is to educate the community on the importance of performing CPR correctly and safely. It certifies individuals within various
industries such as healthcare, food service, childcare and education. It utilizes manikins with feedback devices to ensure that students give high-quality chest compressions with real-time feedback on depth and rate. Awolowo also stated that, “Vital Life Savers makes learning CPR easy and fun. Our courses are taught by people in the medical field. We especially encourage new parents, grandparents and babysitters to learn how to perform CPR on infants. CPR is performed differently on infants than on a child or an adult. We offer classes six days a week.” Vital Life Savers is staffed with a team of eight who are all certified with the American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC) and American Health & Safety Institute (ASHI). They also provide certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Life Support (PALS). Students who complete the CPR course with Vital Life Savers will also be certified with AHA, ARC and ASHI. Classes are kept small to ensure students receive the one-on-one attention needed and to provide a comfortable and nonintimidating learning environment. Visit Vital Life Savers at 644 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon or go to www.vital-heart.com. You can also give it a call at 333-0666 to make an appointment. Hours of operation are Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Page 19
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Start Your Holidays With A Performance Of The Nutcracker By The Brandon Ballet
Suncoast Credit Union Presents The 2019 Winthrop Arts Annual Children’s Art Show
The Brandon Ballet will tle girl named Clara who is present its annual production given the gift of a wooden of Tchaikovsky’s holiday toy nutcracker by her uncle, classic, The Nutcracker, this Drosselmeyer. The magic December. There will be happens when the toy nutthree performances. Two cracker comes to life and performances will take place takes Clara on a magical at Riverview High School on journey through an Saturday, December 7 at enchanted winter wonder7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, land where she encounters December 8 at 3 p.m. On dancing snowflakes, Sunday, December 15, they an elegant Snow will present a performance at Queen and the Veterans Theatre in Sun City majestic Sugar Plum Center. Fairy. For the Sun City Center Hannah B. Townsend, Courtney Moody, in her second season with the performance, the Brandon administrative director for Ballet will also present a pre- Brandon Ballet, will perform the Brandon Ballet, said, as the Sugar Plum Fairy. miere of What’s Up, a new “This year's performances work choreographed by former Royal feature a few new guest artists, including Danish Ballet dancer Karina Elver. In Jared Brunson from Complexions Ballet addition, dancers will perform Dorica in New York City and Brentwood Sales’ contemporary ballet, Elegie. Townend of Tampa City Ballet. There will Tickets to the Riverview performancalso be new choreography made speciales are $35 for adults and $30 for seniors ly for the dancers in the lead roles. and children 12 and under. Tickets will be Specifically, the Arabian pas de deux will available at the door, but all prices will be feature new choreography made specifiincreased by $5. You can get tickets by cally for professional dancer Eden Frazier visiting tututix.com/brandonballet. Tickets and her partner, Noah Quigley.” for the Sun City Center performance must “This production features talented be picked up at the Sun City Center box professional, pre-professional and comoffice and can be reserved by calling 387- pany dancers; lavish costumes and 3447 by Friday, December 13. There will scenery; and an infectious score that will be no tickets at the door for the Sun City mesmerize children and adults alike.” Center performance. For more on the Brandon Ballet, The Nutcracker tells the story of a litplease visit www.brandonballet.org.
On Thursday, It was a challenge, espeOctober 24, Winthrop cially the hair, but I am so Arts held a reception happy with the end result.” honoring the young Kumar received $25 artists who entered its plus four art classes at the Annual Children’s Art Art Factory. Her piece Show. The show and was selected from the reception were held at over 50 pieces that were the Art Factory located in entered. Riverview. The Annual Other winners includChildren’s Art Show is ed: (ages 5 to 8) Ethan sponsored and presentKovacs (first place), Gavin ed by Suncoast Credit Kozich (second place), Union. Anthony Carapella (third The Winthrop Arts place) and Andrew Art show winner Rhythm Kumar Annual Children’s Art (R) shown with Kendra Wilson Kazmarek (honorable of Suncoast Credit Union. Show is open to all area mention); (ages 9 to 13) students 18 years old and younger. Nina Nijjer (first place), Yasmine Dukes Students may select to use any medium (second place), Zoriana Fagan (third as well as the subject matter. Children place) and Noah Kovacs (honorable from several area schools, including mention); and (ages 14 to 18) Izabella Symmes Elementary, Winthrop Charter, Jewell (first place), Alexa Malberg (secBurns Middle, FishHawk Creek ond place), Katie Purington (third place) Elementary, Rodgers Middle, Durant and Emaly Martinez (honorable mention). High, Bloomingdale High, Newsome High Kendra Wilson, manager at and St. Stephens Catholic, along with Suncoast Credit Union’s Riverview home school students, entered the show. Service Center, served as the judge for The Best of Show was awarded to the show. Wilson said, “It was both a privRhythm Kumar, a 15-year-old student ilege and an honor to judge this year’s from Newsome High School. Kumar sub- show. I want to commend and congratumitted a stippled piece of her favorite rap- late every student who entered. Your creper, A$AP Rocky. Kumar said, “I really ativity is amazing. Suncoast Credit Union liked how this piece turned out. I used is proud to be both a sponsor and a partone of my favorite mediums, which is pen ner with Winthrop Arts.” and ink. I chose to make a portrait of For more on Winthrop Arts, please A$AP Rocky using the stippling method. visit www.winthroparts.org.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 21
Page 22
u Ms. Candice Dee Willo Ms. Wil
Volume 14, Issue 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
loughb
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garten Kinder ker Broo tary – A m Ele en Place Kid’s d By
Sponsore
ghby
Teacher Of The Month
By Kate Quesada
come a teacher? Why did you decide to be a family whose youngest As a teenager, I babysat for a is little one created in me l child had special needs. Th cia spe n to assist students with desire to be the champio mi de aca all areas of their lives, needs to be successful in ly and emotionally. cally, behaviorally, social
a teacher? What is a goal of yours as nt To provide an environme e fre d an ure sec , ed for all students to feel lov st. be ir the be to challenge themselves to dents don’t What is something your stu know about you? e until I gradI never learned to ride a bik uated from college. that you live Is there a quote or saying by? most imporIn a hundred years…the de a differtant thing will be if you ma ence in the life of a child.
Ms. Can
Academy Provides Interactive Education On Bloomingdale Ave.
dy Willou
ghby h
a for 17 ye s been a teache and why? ars . r What is your favorite book r’s tho au e Th s. ble Ga Anne of Green h vivid imagery that use of language created suc . ] the late 19th century era made me fall in love [with
ng hobbies? Disney, Do you have any interesti th my daughter, going to wi s vie mo ark llm Ha ing Binge-watch cooking. changed in the schools? What would you like to see , more funding e to teach, less paperwork love what In a perfect world more tim ho olvement, but nestly I inv tal ren pa sed rea inc , for education I do.
TEACHER OF THE MONTH SPONSOR:
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“Students in a self-contained classroom are educated on the Access Points Standards and typically function significantly below grade level,” said Appelbaum. The school offers three options for earning diplomas. The first is the standard 24 credit high school Students enrolled at the Interactive Education Academy on diploma. There is Bloomingdale Ave. receive a personalized education with also a standard 19 small class sizes. Brandon area students with special credit high school diploma which is only needs have an education alternative recognized at two-year colleges and that they may not have known about. technical schools. The final option is a Interactive Education Academy (IEA), Standard Diploma on Access Points, located on Bloomingdale Ave., specialwhich looks identical to a traditional izes in educating middle and high high school diploma but is not recogschool students with learning disabilities nized as valid at any post-secondary and other exceptionalities in grades institutions including two-and four-year sixth through 12. colleges, technical schools and all According to English Teacher and branches of the military. Principal Madeleine Appelbaum, the “In Florida, students with disabilities school, which is fully accredited through are granted the right to stay in school the National Independent Private until they are 22 years old,” said Schools Association (NIPSA), also edu- Appelbaum. cates students with ADD, ADHD and IEA’s philosophy is to provide a well Autism. rounded education, grounded in a com“We often encounter students who mitment to teach to the student, not to have had negative experiences in tradi- the standard. A specialized curriculum tional classroom settings and are lookis tailored to help students with exceping for an alternative route,” said tionalities succeed, both inside and outAppelbaum, who has a Master’s side the academic arena. degree in Public Administration from The school, which originally opened Villanova University and a Bachelor of in 2001 as the Dyslexia Institute of Science in Rehabilitative Science, with America, recognizes the Gardiner a focus in Developmental Disabilities, Scholarship as well as the John McKay from Clarion University. Scholarship that is awarded to public Thirty-eight local students are curschool students in Florida under an rently enrolled in the school which has Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a six teachers. Class sizes average from 504 plan. eight to 12 students although the upper To learn more about Interactive high school class is currently made up Education Academy, located at 1474 of 14. According to Appelbaum, 12 stuBloomingdale Ave., call 689-2087 or dents are currently educated in the self- visit www.interactiveeducationacadecontained classroom. my.org.
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Page 23
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Photos courtesy of the Bloomingdale football program
Bloomingdale Bulls Football Team Makes Playoffs For Third Straight Season The Bloomingdale Bulls have had an outstanding 2019 football season, claiming their fourth straight winning season and third straight playoff appearance. The Bulls defeated Winter Haven 14-7 in the regional quarterfinal on Friday, November 8. They will play Armwood on November 15 in the regional semifinals. The Bulls won their first two playoff games in school history last season. The football program has developed into one of the better teams in Hillsborough County over the last four years. In 2015, they had a 1-9 season and they were looking for a new head coach to turn the program around and change the culture. Max Warner was hired and he did just that, recording a winning record in all three seasons at the helm of a program that had only two winning seasons in the school’s 28 years prior to his hire. Since then, Warner has gone on to be the quarterbacks coach at Bowling Green and Jake Coulson has taken over as head coach after coming to Bloomingdale the season before as the
defensive coordinator. Coulson with his defensive mindset has continued the momentum with a 9-2 2019 campaign. The Bulls had one of the toughest schedules in Hillsborough County this season, and their only two losses came to power-
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house programs Armwood and Lakeland. Coulson thinks that playing tough teams, along with a productive off-season, has prepared them for the playoff run. “These kids know how to work and they’ve bought into our off-season program back when we ended the season
last year,” said Coulson. “Football games aren’t won during the season, they are won during the offseason.” Senior running back and South Dakota State commit Dominic Gonnella has been a big part of Bloomingdale’s success over the last three seasons after transferring from Riverview. He thinks that this year’s team has been the one that has faced the most adversity. “This season was a lot more of a grind for us,” said Gonnella. “We lost a lot of talented seniors from last year, and it really came down to who was more disciplined and who was gonna make the next big play to keep us in the game. A lot of grit from this year’s team helped us get where we are.” The 2020 senior class is the winningest class in schools history with a 33-12 overall record. “It means a lot to know that I was a part of the success that was brought to the program, along with guys like Levi Williams, Maurice Frost and other guys from the 2020 class,” said Gonnella. “I’m proud to know we made history here.”
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Page 24
Volume 14, Issue 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
We have had a wonderful year & are so excited to celebrate this wonderful season! A day....a season to be grateful for all the good things that come our way! We are grateful for new life, this community & the families that we serve! Friends, family & customers certainly make the journey sweet! HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Brenda
Top Producer 2002 - 2019
WALL STREET JOURNAL TOP 200 TEAM ! G EWIN N T S LI
! EW E N RIC P
PERFECT ONE OF A KIND HOME ON 0.67 ACRES! You will love all this 4/2.5/2 + office + pool/spa home in wonderful Dogwood Hills! This beautiful home offers wood floors, fireplace, neutral paint & tastefully updated kitchen with granite counters, island & stainless appliances! Wonderful lanai area! $420,000
DAVID WEEKLEY "SOUTHTON" HOME ON 0.32 GATED ACRES! This beautiful 3/2/2 + bonus + pool/spa home sitting on a cul-de-sac offers NEW ROOF IN 2019! You will also find wood floors, neutral paint, crown, oversized windows & molding details throughout! Kitchen with granite, stainless appliances & island! Fully fenced! $389,000
! G EWIN N T S LI
GATED COMMUNITY OF BRANDON PRESERVE! Welcome home to this 4/2/2 beauty that welcomes you with stacked stone accents & attractive elevation! Inside offers perfect paint choices, tile floors, split floor plan with gorgeous master suite! Kitchen is a dream with 42" espresso cabinets, granite & stainless appliances! $305,000 ! G EWIN N T S LI
BLOOMINGDALE BEAUTY! You Will appreciate this 4/2/2 + pool home with NEW ROOF in 2016! Marvel at the oversized lanai, perfect for entertaining! Inside offers neutral paint, wood laminate floors, fireplace, split floor plan & generously sized rooms! Kitchen offers lots of cabinet & counter space, tile backsplash & closet pantry! $285,000
BRING YOUR BUILDER AND CUSTOMIZE THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS! 0.56 acre corner lot is zoned for residential OR commercial! Prime location being just a short drive to I-75 and the Crosstown! Investors and business owners bring your plans for an office, shopping center or Dr’s Office, this lot has wonderful road frontage! Tree-lined lot! $139,000
LOVELY TOWNHOME IN THE HEART OF BRANDON! This wonderful 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home with multiple assigned parking spots will impress from the start! Tile floors throughout entire 1st floor, neutral paint choices & galley style kitchen with white cabinets & new garbage disposal are some of the features! New hot water heater Oct 2019! $115,000
office: (813) 655-5333 | direct: (813) 924-8677 | Brenda@BrendaWade.com www.BrendaWade.com
Page 25
Favorite Things Sweepstakes Offers Special Rolling Pin Early Bird Prize-Big Green Egg
By Marie Gilmore
to contest@ospreyobserver.com or fill out the entry form and send in by mail, fax or email. Last year, more than 1,000 local residents entered the campaign and ONE lucky winner walked away with a prize package worth more than $2,000.
Christmas C ins
nd Prize ear’s Grahristmas y t s la n wart wo in time for the C Alyce Ste st Valrico’s kes drawing ju liday. Ho sweepsta
For five years, Osprey Observer newspapers has been partnering with local retailers to publish the Holiday Favorite Things Sweepstakes and gift guide, and this year promises to be one of the best yet! This year, we've partnered with our friends at Rolling Pin to offer an early bird prize of a Big Green Egg Grill! We are so excited to have such a great prize for our readers! The campaign is called, the Osprey Observer, A Few of Our Favorite Things, and we have gone to local businesses and
Early Bird Prizes will include a Big Green Egg from Rolling Pin, tickets to Busch Gardens Christmas Town and more. Good luck and thank you for shopping local and reading your Osprey Observer Community Newspaper! Managing Editor Marie Gilmore
asked them to give us ideas for a few of the top items available this holiday season. From now until midDecember, we will be collecting Our Favorite Things all throughout the community and putting them together in one giant gift basket that will be given out in a Sweepstakes for our readers. “We have such great success and we are excited to share some of this year's treasures from our local small businesses with our readers,” explains Assignment Editor Michelle Colesanti. To enter, email Sweepstakes
1oz Pure Silver
$29.95
Gift Boxed or Ornaments
CORBIN’S
Stamp & Coin 209 N. Kings Ave. Brandon, Florida 33510
813-651-3266 corbincoin@verizon.net
Mon-Fri 9am - 4pm
Sat 9am - 1pm
*Silver prices subject to change.
Merry Christmas
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to!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You
from Us
Find us on Facebook
and enter into a random drawing each month for a chance to win a featured piece of jewelry.
Open Tues. - Fri. 10-6 Sat. 10-4
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813-689-8124 • Oakfield Drive, Brandon (Located in the Atlantic Village Plaza, Kings Avenue & Oakfield Drive)
each plus tax
SALE starting
Tuesday Nov 26th
Page 26
Cooking Classes & Big Green Egg Make Rolling Pin A Great Place For Gifts A visit to Rolling Pin Emporium will give you plenty of ideas to help you find something for every chef in your life. If you have holiday parties to attend this year, Rolling Pin also has a great selection of special wines and decorative holiday gifts. Do you like to cook—or just like to eat? Rolling Pin also offers cooking classes for all types of meals. Some of the classes are hands-on and some are demonstration-only. Either way, you get to enjoy a great meal. You can take classes to learn about new foods you have not yet experimented with. The classes also make for a great date night, and the classes are a great gift that anybody would enjoy receiving. Stop by and browse the gourmet retail store’s extensive collection of classic and unique kitchenware. You will find everything from barware, bakeware, aprons, towels and mitts, coffees and teas, cookware, electrics, gadgets, gifts for entertaining, knives and cutting boards, outdoor cooking and more. According to owner, Chef Dave West, “We are the area’s licensed retailer for Frozen 2 (the movie) bakeware, as well as a huge selection for all holiday baking needs - cookie cutters, bake essential and decorating tools.”
Staff Report
If you can’t decide on what you’d like to give, gift cards and gift certificates for both retail and cooking classes are available. Rolling Pin Emporium is Brandon’s Premier Platinum Big Green Egg Dealer. “The new Expander System is hot, as is the Egg Genius Remote Temperature Controller,” according to West. The all-new MiniMax Big Green Egg is proof that great things come in small packages. This EGG is the first to arrive with its own transportation in the form of a sturdy, easy-to-grip carrier. With a value of $599, this year’s special gift giveaway is the MiniMax. It is perfect for camping, poolside and for tailgating at the ballgame. It is also at home in award-winning restaurants. Top chefs love exploring the EGG’s versatility and discovering the amazing flavors produced in such a compact and high-performance package. The MiniMax is built to perform and is ready to travel to wherever your culinary interests take you. Rolling Pin Emporium is open for private events too. Rolling Pin is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Call 653-2418 or visit http://rollingpinonline.com/ for more information.
Music And The Arts Are Focus For Great Holiday Gifts At Music Showcase Music is the international language that is understood and enjoyed by all. Music Showcase is your one-stop shop for everything related to music and the arts. It is both a retail store and education center. This year, what better than to gift a love of music to your children? Music Showcase offers name-brand products at competitive prices, and you can also buy used gear at lower prices. Competitive pricing is available for sheet music and books too. For your instruments needing repair, the work is done in-house. Music Showcase also offers group as well as private one-on-one music lessons. Instrument rentals start at $10 (if you don’t want to make a purchase). If you sign up online, the instrument will be delivered to your school. To spark a love of music early in life, Music Showcase hosts free workshops for mini musicians ages 4-10. At these free workshops, youngsters learn about various instruments and are welcome to join in to play, hear and learn about them. They can try the guitar, violin, trumpet, drums and more. These workshops take place on the second Saturday of the month. Upcoming workshops are scheduled for November 9 and December 7
Locally Owned and Operated
Everything Cooking and Entertaining Gourmet Foods and Boutique Wines Cooking Classes, Private Parties & Corporate Events
LEARN • COOK • ENTERTAIN 813!653!2418 2080 Badlands Dr. Brandon, Fl 33511 Sun 11-6, Mon-Wed 10-6, Thurs-Sat 10-9
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“Brandon Premiere Platinum Dealer”
Staff Report
from 9:30-11 a.m. Register at FAOPA.org or call 4902787. Is your child interested in musical theatre, acting or maybe photography? Sign them up at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts at Music Showcase for performance programs, musical theatre, summer camps, art classes and more. Tickets are currently on sale for Beauty and the Beast, Matilda The Musical, Mamma Mia, The Jungle Book and Footloose. Do your kids need to get some holiday shopping done too? Music Showcase and FAOPA will host Santa’s Workshop on Saturday, December 7 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., offering food, games, prizes, ‘snowball’ fights, ‘ice skating’, crafts and more. Your children will make and wrap five gifts to give to loved ones. There will be a ‘Best Christmas PJ’s’ contest. The movie Arthur Christmas will also be shown. The cost is $20 per child enrolled in a program or lesson and $25 for a child not enrolled. Call 490-3787 or visit FAOPA.org for more information or to sign up. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, call 685-5998 or visit MusicShowcaseOnline.com and FAOPA.org.
Page 27
Corbin’s Coin, Bundt Cake Tower And Mainstream Boutique Mac Jeans Corbin’s Stamp & Coin Is Your Source For Treasured Family Heirlooms If you are looking for the perfect gift - maybe for a family with a new baby or to celebrate a momentous occasion, a special coin may be the perfect keepsake? Start a new family tradition by commemorating the Christmas season each year. Holiday coin collections are the Gift Basket Item: perfect way. Corbin’s Holiday One ounce silSilver Coin ver coins are Value: available for $29.95 $29.95 (plus tax) in a gift box or also as an ornament that can be displayed. The many varieties include Baby's First Christmas, Oh Holy Night, Season’s Greetings, Santa and other coins. The coins come either in an AirTite capsule with a gift box or in an ornament holder. The ornament holder does not fit into the gift box. Corbin’s Coins is located at 209 N. Kings Ave. in Brandon and is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 651-3266.
CORBIN’S
Stamp & Coin Nothing Bundt Cakes Are Perfect Desserts To Add To Your Holiday Meals Nothing Bundt Cakes creates cakes using hand-crafted recipes that not only remind you of home, but also open you to a new world. At Nothing Bundt Cakes, you get real eggs, butter and cream cheese in every cake. Not only do these cakes look great, they taste even better. These are great holiday gifts to take to all of your holiday events and for all Gift Basket Item: Holiday Bundlet of your family Tower gatherings. Value: It is located at $62.50 11238 Sullivan Street in Winthrop Town Centre. Everything you need
to make your party complete is available. The hardest part is choosing from the 10 delicious varieties including a ‘featured’ flavor. Hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com or call 409-2394 to place your order ahead of time.
Mainstream Boutique You can visit Mainstream Boutique, a retail clothing store, in Winthrop to get some great ideas on gifts as well as attire for the holiday season. Make your head to toe purchases here where everything is new. It carries clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes. Adorable outfits are available for every age group. The exclusive brand of jeans called
By Michelle Colesanti Gift Basket Item: Mac Jean Value: $80
Mac and Me is available. Designed by a woman, the line is multigenerational and fits all body types. Buttery soft; fitting in all the right places; stretching with you, but don’t stretch out. Another popular brand in stock is Liverpool. All jewelry is handmade and made in the USA. Some of the jewelry is from local and are one-of-a-kind pieces. Other services offered are One on One Style sessions, Ladies Night Out and shopping for a cause. Mainstream Boutique is located in Winthrop at 11231 Sullivan St. in Riverview. Hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noon-4 p.m. Call 643-0090.
Page 28
Rolling Pin Kitchen, Full Grown Girl, Santa At Pixel Portraits, McAuley Jewelry Great Gift Ideas and Classes Help Make Rolling Pin A Great Stop For Holiday Gift Needs If you are stuck coming up with creGift Basket ative gift Item: ideas, a Big Green Egg visit to Mini Max: 13Rolling Pin inch grill diamEmporium eter will give you Total Value: plenty of $599 ideas to help you find something for every chef in your life. Rolling Pin also offers cooking classes for all types of meals. It is also Brandon’s only
Platinum Dealer for the Big Green Egg, the ultimate cooking experience. Rolling Pin is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Call 653-2418 or visit http://rollingpinonline.com/ for more information.
Full Grown Girl Airstream Shop Opens In Winthrop Owner Cynthia Atkins recently opened a new gift shop featuring hand-made items, candles, jewelry, beauty and bath products, baby items, home décor and vintage finds. No matter your taste or style, you will find something for your favorite family members and friends. Full Grown Girl is located in a vintage Airstream trailer at 11267 Winthrop Main St. in Riverview. The hours are Wednesday Gift Basket to Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 Item: p.m. For more information, $50 Gift Card call 629-1124, visit fullTotal Value: growngirl.com or find on $50 Facebook at Full Grown Girl.
By Michelle Colesanti
11 a.m.-5 p.m. It is Reserve Your Space closed on Thursdays. With Santa At Pixel Please call or Portraits visit online to schedPixel Portraits is ule an appointment: more than a photo 657-7121 or shoot; it is an experiwww.mypixelporence. It specializes in traits.com.www.mypfamily, maternity, baby, ixelportraits.com. children, couples engagement, glamMcAuley Fine our, business Gift Basket Item: Jewelry Is A headshots and Gem In The One Hour Family more. For the Community Christmas Session holiday seaMake this (8x10/two son, Pixel season merry 5x7/eight wallets) Portraits will and bright for Value: hold special someone you love by designing $100 Santa Minis something unique to surprise them Portrait sessions on select days: with. McAuley Fine Jewelry will help November 2, 3, 10, 11, 16 and 17. This includes a 20 minute interactive you plan your custom-made piece of jewelry. Previously loved pieces of session, 11x14 framed art print and jewelry are also available. Jewelry personalized studio viewing for and watch repairs are also done on $100. premises. It also will purchase your Another favorite are the Family scrap gold. Christmas Sessions from which you McCauley Fine Jewelry is locatcan choose four different ed on Oakfield Drive, in the Christmas scenes. Atlantic Village Plaza, Kings Gift Basket Pixel Portraits is Ave. & Oakfield Dr. Item: located at 930 W. Fine Jewelry Lumsden Rd. in Value: Brandon. Regular hours TBD are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m and Sunday from
We style your home so you love it, or stage it so someone else will! · Interior Decorating · Home Staging · Color Consultations
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Page 29
BLU Indigo Spa Escapes, Music Showcase Lessons And Water Filtration It is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 689-8124 or visit www.mcauleyfinejewelry.com.
BluIndigoSpa.com.
Gifting Music Lessons At Music Showcase Can Create a Life Long Passion Music is the international language that is Find Time To Relax Over The understood and enjoyed Holidays Or Give The Gift Gift Basket by all. Share your love of Of Relaxation Item: music by offering voice or BLU Indigo Spa has a Spa Treatment instrument lessons to warm, therapeutic atmosTotal Value: your favorite student. phere designed to enhance $90 Instrument rentals start at your relaxation and comfort. Let $10 (if you don’t want to make our expert staff take you on a joura purchase). If you sign up online, ney to establishing a new and revithe instrument will be delivered to talized you. Let them help you put your school. The gift of music lesyour best self forward. sons to let your child try a new Help yourself gear up for the instrument is something that can last holidays with a relaxing massage or look your best at holiday events with a lifetime. All of your music needs can be a facial. Other services include nails found at Music Showcase, which and waxing. Walk-Ins are welcome offers competitive pricing on sheet and hours are Monday and Tuesday music and books. There is an infrom 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday to house repair shop, and private and Saturday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and group lessons are offered. Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Is your child interested in musiA great gift idea to help your friends and family de-stress during or after the holidays is the gift of Gift Basket a massage or facials. Gift cards Item: are available and good for all Ukulele with services offered. Lesson Book BLU Indigo is located at Total 3939 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Value: Valrico. Call 651-3258 and visit
$50
cal theatre, acting, or maybe photography? Sign them up at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts at Music Showcase. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, call 685-5998 or visit MusicShowcaseOnline.com and FAOPA.org.
By Michelle Colesanti
Refresh Your Home This Holiday Season Or For The New Year Gift Basket With Item: Walker 2 Hour In Hill Home Design Designs Consultation Are you Total Value: entertaining this $200 holiday season? Get in touch with Walker Hill Designs, which will style your
Page 30
Pinch-A-Penny Has Big Green Egg, Edible Is A Sweet Idea & Mobile Massage
By Michelle Colesanti
so that you love it. Everyone deserves the gift of a beautiful home and Walker Hill Designs offers Interior Decorating, Home Staging and Color Consultations. If you are trying to sell your current home, Walker Hill Designs also offers home staging. Call 951-545 to schedule a refresh. Visit walkerhilldesigns.com.
tion of pool supplies - since pool season never really ends in Florida. Purchase gift certificates as holiday gifts. Pinch a Penny’s is holding a sale from Thursday to Sunday, November 14-17. All Big Green Eggs and accessories will be 10% off. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The FishHawk Pinch-APenny located at 16715 FishHawk Blvd. in the Winn Dixie Plaza in Lithia. Call 655-3700.
Holiday Gift Ideas From Pinch a Penny Include Big Green Egg Gift Basket Owners Larry and Item: Kathy Rugledge say Assortment of their favorite items to Edible Arrangements Is A Sweet Big Green Egg gift for the holiday Idea Spices & Sauces season are the Big There’s nothing sweeter for the Total Value: holidays than an arrangement of deliGreen Egg and all its $100 accessories. This comcious sweet fruit or chocolate dipped plete outdoor cooking system fruit gift boxes. It’s the perfect gift to give is the only outdoor cooker you will ever your holiday host or to send to someone need. It is the most versatile cooking out of state. device ever. It’s a grill, an oven and a There are two locations locally to smoker. You can cook anything from a serve you: Edible Valrico, 3455 Lithia turkey to baking a cake. It would make a Pinecrest Rd. Call 571-7200 and Edible great gift or a great perRiverview, 10273 Big Bend Rd. Call sonal purchase so 672-6111. Visit edithat you can cook ble.com. Gift Basket Item: up an amazing Happy Holiday holiday dinner. A Gift Of Platter Relaxation At Pinch a Total Value: Your Doorstep Penny FishHawk $50 Daniella’s has a great selec-
Mobile Massage offers deep Specializing in holistissue, neuromuscular, pretic foods made from natal and sports massage. real ingredients like Daniella, who is a licensed meat, fish and Massage Therapist with 17 healthful vegetayears of experience, offers bles, not byprodconvenient mobile massage ucts, it offers a with flexible scheduling. With great selection of a background in Physical all-natural foods as Therapy, she offers stress well as unique, natrelief through therapeutic ural chews and massage in the conventreats, including a ience of your home. frozen section feaGift Basket Item: turing all-natural raw food diets. All She recommends One Hour Mobile the foods are American-made, that a gift certificate Massage would be the perfect corn, wheat, soy and gluten-free. Total Value: gift for anyone on your You will find natural remedies for $65 list. worms, fleas and ticks. To schedule your (deKim’s also offers a wide variety of stress holiday appointment or toys, dog and cat bedding, apparel and to get information on gift certificates, supplies. please call, 323-4901, email Kim’s Natural Pet Foods is located dveten@gmail.com. Visit Daniellas at 3110 Lithia Pinecrest Mobile Massage on Facebook. Rd. in Valrico (next to Gift Basket Subway). For more Item: Don’t Forget Your Pet’s In The information, call Pet Gift Basket Holiday Celebrations 684-3663 or visit Total Value: Your pets are part of the family and kimsnaturalpet$100 you don’t want them to miss out on the foods.com. holiday celebrations. Kim’s Natural Pet Foods has everything you need to give your pets happy, healthy lives, and there is no better time to check out some new food and treats to keep them as healthy and happy as possible.
Page 31
Boat Tours & FastFrame For Gifts By Michelle Colesanti
Riverview. Hours of operEnhance Your ation are Sunday and Photos At Fast Monday by appointment Frame For The Perfect Holiday Gift only with 24-hour notice Did you take a and Tuesday through Gift Basket special picture this year Saturday from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Item: while you spent time Share The Beauty Of Florida Two $40 Gift with your family, maybe With Your Friends And Family Cards for on vacation or at a speOn Latitudes Tours Framing cial event? Surprise Need a respite from all of the Total Value: your family this year with holiday celebrations? Or maybe you $80 a wonderful family picture are looking for something fun to do with specially framed to order relatives who are visiting? Share the commemorating this special beauty of Florida by taking them on a shared time. Sunset Dinner Cruise or Dolphin and Once you have that beautiful photo, a frame becomes part of the bigger picture, Manatee Tour. If you have a large group (up to 24) and want to celebrate, you can so it’s important to make sure that it book a private charter. brings out the photo in just the right way. Latitudes Tours also offers senior and When customers bring in their personal veteran discounts and can accommodate items and they are not sure about how to special needs. decorate their art, Fast Frame owner Alex Gift certificates are also available and Roche helps to educate them on how to would make a great gift for family and enhance their item through framing. He friends. offers competitive pricing and has been Call 641-1311 or visit assisting customers with frames for over latitudestours.com. 28 years. Fast Frame also offers oil paint Gift Basket stretches, shadow boxes, needle points, Item: restoration and repairs and corporate art. 4-Pack Family Fast Frame has been a part of the Tour Eco community for 15 years. For more inforTotal Value: mation, visit www.fastframe.com or call $100 Roche at 655-6400. Fast Frame is located at 6128 Winthrop Town Center Ave. in
Protect Your
Affordable Pricing!
Enter the Sweepstakes to win a prize basket of items from The Favorite Things Shop Local Campaign. Why would you like to win the Shop Local Sweepstakes Basket?
Name: Address: Phone: Email: Community: Enter to win online at contest@opreyobserver.com, fax to 657-4469 or mail to 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, FL 33596.
Also, enter by email at contest@ospreyobserver.com
Wonderland of Lights & Santa’s Village Hillsborough County Fairgrounds 215 Sydney Washer Rd Dover, FL Open November 28 January 4, 2020
by Framing Them! Oil Paint Stretches Shadow Boxes Needle Points Repair & Restoration Corporate Art 18 Years In The Area
6128 Winthrop Town Center Ave.
Riverview
(Closed December 2, 3, 9 & 10)
(813) 655-6400 fastframe328@hotmail.com
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After driving thru the beautiful lights, stop by Santa’s Village and Enjoy: • • • • • •
Hot Cocoa & Donuts Fried Dough Camel Rides Popcorn & Cotton Candy Funnel Cakes A selection of Fair foods & more
• North Pole Express Train Ride • Pony Rides • Horse Drawn Wagon Rides • Visit with The Wolves of the World • Free Comedy & Magic Show
Vehicles (up to eight passengers) $25 Visit our website for Drive Thru Tickets and to view our Show Schedule: www.thewonderlando"lights.com
Page 32
Pinch A Penny Offers Gift Certificates, Pool Gifts & Big Green Eggs
By Michelle Colesanti
Do you enjoy cooksizes, from extra large ing and barbecuing? If down to the MiniMax, so, this holiday season is which comes with an time for a new tradition. easy-to-grip carrier, so it FishHawk Pinch A is perfect as a tableside Penny owners Larry and cooker at your outdoor Kathy Rutledge said that party or a traveling EGG their favorite items to gift for motor homes or tailfor the holiday season gating. are the Big Green Egg Since pool season and all its accessories. never really ends in The Big Green Egg is a Florida, it is also a great complete outdoor cooktime to consider pool ing system; the only outitems or gift certificates door cooker you will ever Pinch A Penny’s Jimmy Rutledge for pool services as holistands with The Big Green Egg, day gifts. Consider a need. It is the most verone of his favorite items for satile cooking device nice basket of pool supholiday cooking, and a great gift ever, being a grill, an plies for your gift recipifor your favorite chef. oven and a smoker. You can cook your ents who own pools. Pinch A Penny turkey and bake the cake in it. FishHawk has the best selection of supBlending ancient traditions and modplies, including liquid chlorine, tablets, ern technology, it is strong and durable pumps, filters and more. You can count and provides better heat insulation than on personal service from the Rutledge any other outdoor cooker on the market. family. The Big Green Egg stands alone as Don’t miss Pinch A Penny’s sale from the most versatile barbecue and outdoor Thursday to Sunday, November 14-17. All cooking product on the market. You can Big Green Eggs and accessories will be make everything from pizza to ribs, or 10 percent off. holiday dinners and desserts. Whatever Stop by to get some great ideas. you choose, it will exceed all your expecHours are Monday to Saturday from 9 tations for culinary perfection. It is an a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 invaluable culinary tool for restaurant p.m. The FishHawk Pinch A Penny is chefs. located at 16715 FishHawk Blvd. in the The Big Green Eggs come in many Winn-Dixie plaza in Lithia. Call 655-3700.
Surprise Loved One With A Special Gift From McAuley Fine Jewelry
By Michelle Colesanti
This holiday season, whether you are planning to surprise your significant other with an engagement ring or just would like a custom piece of jewelry to give as a gift to your special someone, McAuley Fine Jewelry is a gem in the community and owner Ed McAuley, who has been in the business for many years, and the outstanding staff, many of which have been in the jewelry business for decades, will help you find the perfect piece that will enchant the bearer of your gift. McAuley spent a decade as assistant manager at Martin Jewelers prior to opening McAuley’s Fine Jewelry. When Martins Jewelers closed, he took over becoming the owner and changing the name, but he kept all of the skilled staff. His journey to the jewelry trade wound through other professions. “I’ve sold things from insurance to appliances, but was miserable because these were things customers had to buy,” said McAuley. McAuley’s is a one-stop-shop for all of your jewelry wants and needs. Custom
designs are a specialty at McAuley’s, but previously loved (consignment) jewelry is also sold. Watch and jewelry repairs are done on-site by experienced staff members. McAuley’s will also purchase gold from you. Find it on Facebook at McAuley Fine Jewelry and enter its random drawing each month for a chance to win a featured piece of jewelry. Gladys Zenquis recommended McAuley Fine Jewelry on Facebook. “We only have them take care of our jewelry. Not only the great customer service and communication, but also how they treat every piece of jewelry like if it was their own. If you’re going to be needing something fixed or even cleaned.... this is the place to come,” she commented. Hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit McAuley Fine Jewelry at 664 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. You can reach them at 689-8124. Visit www.mcauleyfinejewelry.com.
Page 33
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Page 34
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 11
November 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Upcoming Jingle Bell Run Benefits The Arthritis Foundation
By Tatiana Ortiz
Racers of all individuals of all ages. In ages will soon be fact, 300,000 children and gearing up in their more than 50 million favorite holiday cosAmericans are diagnosed tumes, along with lacwith it, according to the ing up their sneakers Arthritis Foundation. To as they aim to cross add, arthritis is considered the finish line during the leading cause of disthe Arthritis ability in America. Foundation’s annual A couple of families Jingle Bell Run on shared how the Arthritis Saturday, December Foundation assisted them 7, at George M. and their loved ones. Steinbrenner Field. For example, Tracey Aubriana Gonzalez with her dog, Buddy, who has been a great With this fundraising Corn’s two daughters sufsupport for her and stayed at her fer from rheumatoid arthrievent, individuals can side when she was unable to walk. participate in the 5K tis. She also has volununtimed, 5K chip-timed, a Kids teered with the Arthritis Foundation Run and a 1-Mile Fun Run or for more than 10 years. Walk. Besides the race, other “This foundation means so festivities will also be available, much to our family as it provided such as entertainment, a kids’ educational resources and more,” zone, food and beverages and Corn said. more. Carrie Shank also stated her Arthritis Foundation appreciation for the foundation, as Development Director of her daughter, Aubriana Gonzalez, Tampa Sherry Yagovane has suffered from JIA (Juvenile explained where 100 percent of these Idiopathic Arthritis) since the age of 2. proceeds go to. Gonzalez was selected to be this year’s “The funds raised will support our Jingle Bell Run Youth Honoree. Live Yes! Network events, educational “I am passionate about this cause, programs and send children to summer and as a parent I do not feel alone on this camp,” Yagovane said. “We also fund journey with the foundation being such a research for better treatments, cures and great educational tool for myself, family assist patients with access to treatments and friends,” Shank said. through advocacy on a state and federal To register for the walk, visit; level.” www.events.arthritis.org/index.cfm?fuseIn 1948, the Arthritis Foundation action=donorDrive.event&eventID=930. became established. Arthritis, also known For more information, contact as joint disease or joint pain, can affect Yagovane at 467-7520.
Page 35
Families Welcome At 36th Annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade & Chili Cook-Off
By Kelly Wise Valdes
The Rotary Club nor elect 2020 for the of FishHawkRotary Club of Riverview is pleased FishHawk-Riverview. to announce the 36th “Our very generous annual Alafia Lighted sponsors help make Boat Parade and this event a success.” Chili Cook-Off, which The title sponsor will be held on for this event Saturday, December The 36th annual Alafia Lighted is Christopher 7 from 5-8 p.m. at the Boat Parade is being held on Ligori & Saturday, December 7 Riverview Civic Associates, Center. There is nothing better than celeAttorneys At brating a Florida Christmas than sitting Law. Other along the river while watching the boats sponsors and community supporters adorned with holiday lights and music include River’s Edge Bar and Grill, Bill’s pass by on the water. Prescription Center, Four Paws This family-friendly event is the perVeterinary Hospital, Fist Baptist fect way to jump start the joy of the holiRiverview, Serenity Meadows and days. In addition to the boat parade, you Hawthorne Village. will be able to sample and vote for your “We are a charitable organization, favorite chili at the Chili Cook-Off for a $5 and this event benefits the community,” donation. Santa will also be available for said Broussard. “We are looking for sponphotos and is taking notes on who is sors at several levels and boats to parade naughty and nice. down the Alafia for the benefit of many The parade of lighted boats will start onlookers.” at the 301 bridge at 5:45 p.m. and will There are several levels of sponsorcontinue past the Civic Center to 15 minship available and boaters are encourutes past the Beer Shed, then circling aged to participate by decorating their back to end at River’s Edge Bar and Grill, boats and partaking in the parade. Those where the award ceremony for the best who want to compete for prize money are decorated boats will be held. Last year, asked to donate $25, although boaters do more than 30 boats participated in the not have to compete to participate. The parade. Other activities during the best decorated boat will win $500 and evening will include a gingerbread house bragging rights. The Riverview Civic competition, a 50/50 raffle that will benefit Center is located at 11020 Park Dr. in county parks as well as music, fun and Riverview. For more info, contact Michael refreshments. Broussard at michael.broussard@flyin“I enjoy seeing all the fun that the glocksmiths.com or visit www.alafiaboatfamilies have at this event every year,” parade.com, where you can register for said Michael Broussard, assistant goverthe events online.
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Volume 14, Issue 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Where To See Holiday Lights And Entertainment To Please The Entire Family Christmas Lane At The Strawberry Festival Grounds
Over 2,000 volunteer hours have prepared the winter wonderland full of the magic at Christmas Lane, which will take place at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds on 1508 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City, from Friday, November 29 through Tuesday, December 24 from 6-10 p.m. Enjoy over 1.5 million lights, drawing more than 180,000 watts of power, adorning over 200 Christmas trees from 4 to 40 ft. tall. Be sure to visit Santa. Have your photo taken, professionally or with your own camera, and enjoy the live entertainment. Fritzy the One Man Circus performs each hour and area performers will entertain on the half hour. Food concessions are available and rides will entertain the young ones (for an additional charge). Admission is $5 for ages 13 and older, $3 for ages 4-12 and free for those 3 and under. Parking is free. For more information, visit https://christmaslane.com/.
Tampa Bay’s Wonderland Of Lights & Santa’s Village Don’t miss Tampa's Wonderland of Lights & Santa’s Village located at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover from Thursday, November 28, 2019 through Saturday, January 4, 2020. Drive through one mile of dazzling lights and holiday displays. At the end of your journey, you can visit the village and enjoy circus attractions, comedy or magic shows (check the calendar for list of events), a wolf exhibit, amusement rides, pony and camel rides and photos with Santa. Yummy fair-style food such
as mini donuts, chocolate chip cookies, funnel cakes, pizza and pulled pork will be available. New this year, take a journey through the light display or just visit the village for a small admission fee. Season tickets are available so you can make multiple visits. The hours are 6-9 p.m. on weekdays and 610 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Please check the calendar online as it is not open every weeknight through the holiday period. If you purchase your tickets online, the cost is $25 for a car (one to eight passengers). The cost includes admission to Santa’s Village. A season pass costs $65 per vehicle. Visit https://thewonderlandoflights.com.
Nights Of Shimmering Lights
Enjoy the grounds at the Sun Kissed Acres, which has joined with Nights of Shimmering Lights to bring a holiday light experience for families to enjoy. Enjoy a quarter-mile walking trail through the lights with music, animated scenes, outdoor holiday movies, games, a photo booth and Santa. Located at 2302 N. Dover Rd. in Dover, Nights of Shimmering Lights opens on Saturday, November 30 and runs through Wednesday, December 25. It will be open Thursday to Sunday each week and also Monday to Wednesday, December 23-25. The hours are 6-9 p.m. on Sunday and Thursday and 6-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The cost is $6 per person over 3 years old. Ages 3 and under are free. Parking is free. Visit www.thesunkissedacres.com.
Compiled by Michelle Colesanti
$19.99. Tickets are on sale now. Visit https://enchantchristmas.com/stpete.
Barrington Oaks - Christmas Lights Display
Enchant Christmas
Enchant Christmas is a large-scale, immersive holiday light experience featuring the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, a locally curated food and Christmas market, ice skating trail, live entertainment and much more. The larger-than-life maze experience is coming to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg and is based on Enchant’s storybook, The Great Search. In this story, Santa’s reindeer are accidentally set free and the entire city is charged with helping him track them down inside Enchant’s World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze. Build traditions and make memories that last a lifetime as this experience festively wraps guests of all ages in the awe and wonder of this cherished time of year. Tropicana Field is located at 1 Tropicana Dr. in St. Petersburg. Enchant Christmas will run from Friday, November 22 to Thursday, December 12 from 4-10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 4-11 p.m. from Friday to Sunday. From Friday-Sunday, December 1329, it will be open from 4-11:00 p.m. daily. Enchant Christmas will be closed Monday-Thursday, November 25-28, and on Monday, December 2 and 9. Adult general admission starts at
Each year, Barrington Oaks subdivision, located on the southeast corner of Lumsden Rd. and John Moore Rd., opens its neighborhood to the public in the spirit of the holiday to share in the spirit of Christmas with a light display. The gates will be open Friday, December 13 through Thursday, December 26 from 6-11 p.m. every night with extended hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas day from 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. for those two special days. The neighborhood welcomes you but asks that you please make a right hand turn as you enter the neighborhood.
Oakdale Light Display
You can visit the Oakdale Light Display in St. Petersburg, which is ranked among the best in the U.S. and features approximately a half million lights. It is the only display to make HGTV's #1 and NBC's Today show's top three in the same year. This year, there are many major additions, upgrades and changes to the lights and displays. Enjoy the walkways, fountains, computerized light show, animated dolls and a snowman about three stories high. The most popular item is the large HO-scale model railroad running 18 trains at one time. The event is free and fun for everyone. Visit the display from Friday, November 29, 2019 through Thursday, January 3, 2020 from 6-10 p.m. at 2719 Oakdale St. in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit ChristmasDisplay.org.
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November 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 37
Get Into The Holidays Spirit With Lots Of Fun Holiday Events In November And December By Kathy L. Collins
light the tree with Mayor Jane Castor. Curtis Hixon Park is located at 600 N. Ashley St. in Tampa.
There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to attend a Christmas tree lighting event. Check out all of the events coming up in November and December.
Downtown Tampa Christmas Parade
The Annual Downtown Tampa Christmas Parade will be held on the next day, Saturday, December 7, beginning at 11 a.m. The parade will wind throughout downtown, but the best place to view the parade is along Madison St. The parade will be followed by the Annual Santa Fest in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from 12 Noon to 4 p.m.
Ybor City Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce will kick off the holiday season with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Market on Wednesday, November 20. This free event will feature Courtesy of Michael M. Sinclaire Enjoy some magical holiday fun at the many area Christmas holiday entertainment, Tree Lighting events including the Annual Ybor City Tree photo opportunities and Lighting Ceremony which will kick off the holiday season. holiday shopping. The Annual Lights of Love. This fantastic Holiday Market opens at 5 p.m. The annual event includes a Christmas tree music and entertainment start at 6 p.m. lighting ceremony in McCall Park located Mayor Jane Castor will help count down to the lighting of the tree. The event takes at 100 N. Collins St. The 24-foot tree is lit with lights purchased by area residents, place at Centro Ybor, located at 1600 E. organizations and businesses in honor of 8th Ave. in Tampa. someone they have lost. The proceeds Enchanted Tree Lighting In Hyde will benefit South Florida Baptist Hospital. Park Village You can get photos with Santa and Mrs. The Annual Enchanted Tree Lighting Claus at 5:30 p.m. The tree lighting cereCeremony in Hyde Park will take place mony will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 23 from 5 to 8 Ginny Cozy of Valrico said, “The nosp.m. This is a free, family-friendly event talgic feel of Plant City is the perfect backwhich will feature holiday surprises, live drop for a Christmas tree lighting event.” music, photos with Santa, food trucks and more. Hyde Park Village is located at 1602 W. Snow Ave. in Tampa.
Downtown Plant City For Annual Lights of Love
On Thursday, December 5, come to historic downtown Plant City for the
Plant City Annual Christmas Parade
Come back to Plant City on Friday, December 6 for the Annual Christmas Parade from 7 to 9 p.m. The parade begins at the intersection of Collins St. and Alsobrook St. in downtown Plant City.
Winthrop Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
The parade will run down Collins St., turn right on Reynolds Ave. and end just past the Plant City Courthouse. You can bring chairs and comfortably watch and be a part of this annual tradition in Plant City.
City of Tampa Annual Tree Lighting
The City of Tampa will hold its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 6 at 6 p.m. in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa. The event is free and includes a countdown to
On Friday, December 6, the community of Winthrop in Riverview will present its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. This annual event is fun and free for the whole community. The event begins at approximately 6 p.m. The tree lighting will take place at approximately 7 p.m. A free holiday movie will follow. Winthrop Town Centre is located at the intersection of Bloomingdale Ave. and Providence Rd. in Riverview. Are we missing a favorite event? Email michelle@ospreyobserver.com and we’ll add it to the list.
Page 38
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
The Greatest Story Retold At Bell Shoals Light Has Come Service
By Amanda Boston
sion and can be purchased at the door or online at www.bellshoals.com or www.itickets.com. Doors open an hour before the start of the show. The show is approximately 75 minutes long. Sunday’s per-
Bell Shoals Baptist Church is known for its annual Christmas musical production, which has become a tradition for many who live in the Brandon community.
This holiday season, join Bell Shoals Baptist Church as it presents an encore production of Light Has Come. With performances on Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 at 6 p.m., guests have multiple opportunities to experience the greatest story ever told in a new and spectacular way. Light Has Come is a Bell Shoals Worship exclusive with original songs as well as traditional favorites. Jason Millsaps, the pastor of music and worship, and BJ Davis, the music director, collaborated on the project. Millsaps said, “The Bell Shoals Worship Choir debuted Light Has Comee last year as a unique Christmas worship experience.” He continued, “This has been an almost two-year project with writing, planning and updating. You’ll want to make this Christmas production a part of your family’s Christmas celebration.” Tickets are $10 for general admis-
formance will have deaf interpretation. “The story of Jesus is timeless and does not change,” said Davis. “But we have an opportunity today to tell His story in a relevant way that can speak to the culture and community that we live in.” Light Has Come is presented with a state-of-the-art 50-foot video wall, a five-person cast in the style of black box theatre, a 150-voice choir and a 30-member orchestra. The entire production employs about 250 volunteers when also including the integral behind-the-scenes operators such as tech support, wardrobe specialists and more. For more information about the show, please contact the church at 689-4229 or visit www.bellshoals.com/christmas. Bell Shoals Baptist Church is located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon.
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Volume 14, Issue 11
The GFWC Brandon Service League Presents Its Annual Holiday Home Tour
By Kathy L. Collins
For more This year’s than 25 years, homes are located the GFWC throughout the area. Brandon Service There are two within League has been River Hills and one hosting a Holiday is in Magnificent Home Tour. This Magnolia Place. year’s tour will be Together, they feaheld on Saturday, ture over 40 trees of December 14. varying sizes. For the first time Tickets to the Come out and tour three beautifully deco- Holiday Home Tour in the event’s rated homes, each with a unique theme, history, it will be are just $20 each at the Annual GFWC Brandon Service held in the (cash or check). You League’s Holiday Home Tour. evening from 4 to 8 p.m. Not only will you can purchase them at the Green get the opportunity to see several beautiBoutique at 1032 Bloomingdale Ave. in fully decorated homes adorned with twin- Valrico, Four Paws Veterinary Hospital at kling lights and holiday finery, but attend9430 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview, ing the Holiday Home Tour is a great way Julie’s Closet at 720 W. Robertson St. in to support a local organization that Brandon and at Plummer’s Family serves the Greater Brandon area. Restaurant at 11758 E. Dr. Martin Luther This year’s tour will showcase three King, Jr. Blvd. in Seffner. You can also local homes. Judy Darsey, president of purchase them online at www.gfwcbranthe GFWC Brandon Service League, donserviceleague.org. There is a $1 consaid, “You will not want to miss this one. venience fee per ticket. Once again, three homeowners have Please note that you must have your opened their hearts and their homes to ticket in order to gain access to the support this event that gives 100 percent homes in River Hills, which is located off of the funds raised back to local nonprofof Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. its and six area high school art departMagnificent Magnolia Place is located in ments.” the Riverview area. Darsey added, “Whether you start at The GFWC Brandon Service League 4 p.m. and see the homes in daylight or is accepting new members. The GFWC come after 6 p.m. and see the homes Brandon Service League meets on the with their spectacular lights on, you have second Thursday of the month from a chance to see what three homeowners September through May (not including love about decorating for Christmas. December). They each have their own individual For more information, please visit style.” www.gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org.
November 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 39
Center Place Presents Its Third Annual Christmas Card Lane
Kings Avenue Baptist Continues Walk Thru Bethlehem Christmas Tradition
Center Place get such fantastic, Fine Arts & Civic upbeat advertising Association for an entire (Center Place) will month at the low kick off the holiday cost of $50? You season with its get to place your Third Annual giant Christmas Christmas Card card where everyLane. Local busione drives by and nesses, families, sees it. This artists and area shows true comorganizations will munity involveparticipate in this ment and brings Be among the many businesses and organiholiday event by holiday spirit to zations, including Winthrop Arts, who will parcreating giant holiBrandon." ticipate in Center Place's 3rd Annual Christmas Card Lane. Your special holiday day cards. The Rodriguez message will be seen by thousands as the cards will line the added, "Center cards are on display throughout the holiday streets along S. Place is dressing season. Parsons Ave. and around Clayton Lake up the community for the holidays with near Center Place. The holiday cards an array of giant holiday cards. Load up will be on display from Monday, the car and bring the whole family to December 2 until New Year's Day. Center Place to see these giant, beautiTo create a card, please call Center ful cards." Place at 685-8888. You can download Rodriguez said, "Everyone can parthe application by visiting www.centerticipate in this fun event. Organizations placebrandon.org. The entry fee is $50 including schools, civic organizations, with all funds raised benefitting Center neighborhood groups, scouts and famiPlace and its arts programming. All lies can create the cards and then cards must be picked up between scores of people will get to enjoy them Friday, January 3, 2020 and Monday, all season long." January 6, 2020. Center Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofLisa Rodriguez, marketing director it that has been serving the Greater for Center Place, said, "This is a wonBrandon area since 1976. Center Place derful event for businesses to particiis located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in pate in and help the community celeBrandon. For more information on brate the holidays. Making your card Center Place, Christmas Card Lane and can be a team building experience. You other upcoming events, please visit get to create your own special message www.centerplacebrandon.org or call for the community. Where else can you 685-8888.
It takes a vila group number lage to make a viland can track their lage. For 33 years, wait time online— Kings Avenue providing guests Baptist Church has with the option to presented Walk leave and come Thru Bethlehem back. For those (WTB), an interacwaiting on the tive ‘town of premises, the Bethlehem’ dating sanctuary will have back to the time refreshments for when Jesus was purchase born. The 20,000 and free Walk Thru Bethlehem is a gift sq. ft. village is entertainto community that is combrought to life by ment. pletely volunteer-based and reliant on donations. volunteer actors Musical acts and animals. from schools WTB is a free and local community event that bands such takes place nightly as Crosswalk, Bound No from Thursday, More, Shepherd's View December 5 to and Band Of Brothers Sunday, December 8. are scheduled to perThe realistic scenes of form. Roman guards and vilWTB has grown into lagers dramatize the a community tradition— events leading up to not only for the visiting the birth of Jesus so families but for the volunthat visitors can experiteers. Reid Van Emburgh ence the true meaning recently moved to of Christmas. Missouri but planned his As visitors traverse Walk Thru To pull off a provacation to coincide with Bethlehem, Roman guards and Jewish vendors interact with them WTB, enabling him to duction of this magnito provide a realistic atmosphere tude, it takes 225 volvolunteer. He expressed of Bethlehem. unteers each evening the joy he receives from and about 400 volunteers throughout the playing the role of a tax collector and year. Volunteers are not limited to Kings engaging with the visitors. Avenue church members—many local “I’ve been volunteering for quite a few community members and students paryears, and I keep coming back each year. ticipate. I love that [WTB] brings people together “We are a community service hours to learn about God, Jesus, our church event that counts for Bright Futures and and, hopefully, they make a decision to clubs,” said Committee Chairperson follow God,” said Van Emburgh. Tracy Hoyt. “We place our volunteers WTB requires many hands, but it where they are most comfortable, also needs funds to keep the town whether it is acting, working with animals scenes safe. Due to the elements and or registering guests. We also need help years of use, many of the town scenes before and after the event.” have to be rebuilt to maintain its integrity Emma Hoyt (14), the daughter of and safety. Hoyt is asking for monetary Tracy Hoyt, has been an actor for the donations or gift cards from Home Depot past five years. She said, “When you or Lowes. Those who wish to donate can work Walk Thru Bethlehem, you really do so at the event or visit www.bethekfeel like a part of a community. Like one ingsavenue.com. To get involved or big happy family sharing the word of donate, contact Tracy Hoyt at God." wtb@bethekingavenue.com. The community tradition attracts WTB takes place on December 5 more than 6,000 people over the four-day from 6:30-9:30 p.m., December 6 from event—with Friday and Saturday nights 6:30-10 p.m., December 7 from 4-10 p.m. producing the largest crowds. The guided and December 8 from 4-9 p.m. The walk admits groups of 15 at a time. You church is located at 2602 S. Kings Ave. in can expect to see visitors lining up 30 Brandon. More information and wait times minutes before registration. can be found at www.walkthrubethleDuring registration, visitors are given hem.com.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Amanda Boston
Page 40
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 11