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28 C E L E B R A T I N G
December 2019 1 7
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Volume 14, Issue 12 Ph: 657-2418 P U B L I S H I N G
Brandon Meals On Wheels Brings Joy To Those In Need During Holidays
By Libby Hopkins
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397
Greater This program is Brandon Meals on truly a mission of Wheels is a many hearts and Brandon-based many hands that connonprofit and it has tribute to its success been a part of the for the benefit of Brandon community those in need in the for 42 years. “The Brandon community. Greater Brandon Donations and volunMeals on Wheels, teers from the Inc. began in 1976 community are in an effort to make sure that Brandon what keeps community residents who were Greater unable to leave their homes could be Brandon Meals provided a noon meal,” said Greater on Wheels Brandon Meals on Wheels President alive. Guy Fultral. “Residents who need “Donations meals delivered are screened to from the comensure that they do not drive nor have munity as this access to transportation in order to is one of our shop for food. No one is denied if they main funding meet the screening criteria.” sources,” Greater Brandon Meals on Greater Brandon Meals on LaRussa said. Wheels is a Brandon-based Wheels started through the coopera“Our clients nonprofit and it has been a part of the Brandon community also donate tive efforts of Limona Village Chapel for 42 years. and St. Andrew’s United Methodist $2.50 per meal Church. “We currently have 17 churches or pay what they can afford. No one is that support our efforts,” said Vice refused a meal if they cannot pay.” No President Elena LaRussa. “They are government funding is received by Westminster Presbyterian, First United Greater Brandon Meals on Wheels. Methodist Church of Seffner, Kings Greater Brandon Meals on Wheels is Avenue Baptist, Bell Shoals Baptist, currently accepting donations of ham, Apostles Lutheran Church, High Point turkey, canned goods and monetary Church, St. Andrews, Nativity, First donations. “Our hope is that with the help Presbyterian, Holy Innocents Episcopal of the community, we can continue servChurch, Presbyterian Church of Seffner, ing the Brandon area for many more First Baptist Church of Brandon, St. years as the need is here,” LaRussa said. Stephen Catholic Church, Brandon “It’s very rewarding to get involved. We Christian Church, Rich Valley Church, would also like to serve the FishHawk New Hope Methodist Church and First and Lithia areas. Hopefully we can get Baptist of Dover.” These churches donate interests from more churches to sign up kitchen facilities for food preparation and from this area in the future.” volunteers to help prepare and assemble For more information or to donate, the meals. visit www.brandonmealsonwheels.com.
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Support Bloomingdale High School’s Running Of The Bulls 5K
By Jane Owen
Make plans participate. “We now to get a participated healthy start to because of the 2020 by registering incentives that the for Bloomingdale’s Band Boosters annual 5K. gave our team. We The Running struggle with of the Bulls 5K will fundraising dollars be held on and we do not get Saturday, January much support from 18, 2020 at the district since we Bloomingdale High are also a pay-forMake plans to participate in this year’s School. The 5K Bloomingdale High School’s Running of the play varsity sport, Bulls 5K on Saturday, January 18, 2020. starts and finishes so we try to get on the track and utilizes the sidewalks, every dollar that we can. I made it a chalroads and parking lots on campus. lenge to all of the team that if they beat The race, which participants can run me in the 5K that day, they did not have or walk, is full of community pride. The to complete the fitness test at the first day Bloomingdale Band Drumline will perof tryouts. They always love an opportuniform, and student volunteers will cheer for ty to beat me.” participants. Post-race food includes “We enjoyed the atmosphere the Chick-fil-A, Panera pastries and bagels most. I thought the Band Boosters did a and fruit. Participants will receive a shirt great job at creating an intimate atmosand will be entered into a raffle for donatphere utilizing almost every inch of paveed items from sponsors, including race ment on the school grounds. It was fun to entries into Tampa’s Gasparilla Distance see how they managed to fit 3.1 miles on Classic and gift cards to local businesses. campus,” Borowski also noted. Finishers will receive medals. To register, visit 2019 Race Winner John Carter from https://fitniche.com/event/running-of-thePlant City said he is apt to run the race bulls-5k/. again, “Because I am competitive, I always want to improve on previous race (times), but with the Running of the Bulls In This 5K, the pre and post-race activities is the Issue main reason I mark my calendar for the event.” BELL SHOALS RD WIDENING..............PG 3 Made possible by local business TS KENNEDY COMES TO TAMPA......PG 10 sponsorships such as Gold Sponsor Acropolis Greek Taverna, the race is 5 YR TRANSPORTATION PROJECT ....PG 12 hosted by the Band Boosters and supSTRAWBERRY FESTIVAL CONCERTS .PG 14 ports the Bloomingdale band and athletic teams. Registrants can choose an athletCHALKLINES....................................PG 24 ic team to support during registration. SPORTS CONNECTION .............PGS 28‐29 Bloomingdale Lacrosse Coach Matthew Borowski knows the 5K makes ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...............PG 30 a difference. “These dollars go directly to fund programs to keep high school kids KETTLE KID......................................PG 31 active and busy in a productive way,” he READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE said. www.ospreyobserver.com Borowski not only ran the race himself, he encouraged his lacrosse team to
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Page 2
Volume 14, Issue 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
From The Law Office of
Griffin & Associates, P.A.
Rachel L. Griffin
Eileen H. Griffin
Ryan W. Griffin
FAMILY LAW PROBATE & ESTATE PLANNING
(813) 681-2612 | 1430 Oakfield Drive • Brandon, Florida 33511 | www.egriffinlaw.com
December 2019
Page 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
County Updates Residents On Bell Shoals Widening Project
Walker Brothers Return To Brandon For Annual Bluegrass Gig
Hillsborough buildings, heavy highCounty officials met way construction, site with residents at work and underground Bloomingdale High utilities. The company School last month to has 40 years of conshare details of the struction experience much-anticipated and an annual volume widening of Bell of $45,000,000. Shoals Rd. Drivers may have According to noticed changes on Hillsborough County the road over the last Construction on the widening of Bell year as workers reloSenior Media Shoals Rd. from its intersection with Relations Strategist Boyette Rd. and FishHawk Blvd. to cated private utilities to Chris Wilkerson, conmake room for the Bloomingdale Ave. is expected to start this month. struction on the road is road expansion. expected to begin this month. The bridge over the Alafia River on “The proposed changes include Bell Shoals Rd., just north of the replacing a two-lane undivided rural road FishHawk Blvd. and Boyette Rd. intersecto a four-lane divided urban roadway,” tion, will also be widened during the projsaid Wilkerson, who explained that the ect. construction will take place from Boyette “The bridge work will begin in Rd. to Bloomingdale Ave. over approxiJanuary or February of 2020 and will be mately two years. completed within 18 to 24 months followIn addition to the widening, improveing,” said Wilkerson. ments, including a bike lane and sidewalk According to county representatives, in each direction of the 3.1-mile stretch, funding for the $65 million Capital will occur during the construction phase. A Improvement Project comes from several new signal will be installed at Starwood sources, including approximately $8 milAve. and signals at Glenhaven Dr., lion from the Community Local Gas Tax, Rosemead Dr. and Bloomingdale Ave. $27 million from the Community are scheduled for upgrades. According to Investment Tax, $4 million from the Public county representatives, the road will Utilities Relocation Fund, $10 million from never be entirely closed during the projthe general and other reserve funds and ect. $16 million from developers Newland Residents at the meeting were Communities. informed that David Nelson Construction Visit HCFLGov.net/CountyProjects or Co. was awarded the contract for the call Public Works at 635-5400. More construction. According to its website, information about David Nelson David Nelson Construction Co. is a genConstruction Co. can be found at eral contractor specializing in commercial www.nelson-construction.com.
The Walker Lifetime movie Brothers will return in Patsy & Loretta. January 2020 for Cory also performs their annual bluewith The Dillards, grass concert at the the Tim O’Brien New Hope United Band and Mountain Methodist Church in Heart. Tyler, when Brandon. The brothable, also performs ers, along with a surwith The Dillards. prise special guest, For the past two will deliver a highyears, Jarrod has energy performance played with the The Walker Brothers include Tyler on the Billy Strings Band, showcasing old-time guitar, Cory on the banjo and Jarrod on the gospel tunes with a but before that, he mandolin. few secular songs to boot. was with the Claire Lynch Band. The Durant High School graduUnlike his older brothers, who are ates—Cory (banjo), Jarrod (mandolin) full-time musicians, Tyler will finish his and Tyler (guitar) Walker—will perform degree in the spring and return to the on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 6:30 Brandon area where he will open and p.m. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with operate the Walker Brothers guitar shop. first-come, first-served seating. While the Even with busy touring and school event is free, donations are much appreschedules, the brothers return yearly to ciated. the church of their youth and play a conThe brothers are well-known in the cert for the community. David Walker, Brandon area for their local performanctheir father and dentist in Brandon, said, es at the Strawberry Festival from 10 “The church donates this space and years ago. Since then, the brothers have looks at this [concert] as an outreach. It relocated to Nashville, where the oldest often brings people there who would not two—Cory and Jarrod—live as professtep in a church otherwise.” sional musicians, and the youngest The Walker Brothers will also perbrother, Tyler, is finishing his master’s form at 7 p.m. on the following evening degree in business. at Krazy Kup, located at 101 E. J. Arden Cory and Jarrod have appeared on Mays Blvd. in Plant City. Tickets are $15 the Grand Ole Opry multiple times and per person and can be purchased on on national television, including the CMA Eventbrite. Awards. They have played with ‘A-list’ New Hope is located at 121 N. artists like Ricky Skaggs, Joe Diffie and Knights Ave. in Brandon. For more inforEarl Scruggs. mation, contact the church at 689-4161 This past fall, Cory appeared as a or email David Walker at davidloydwalkmember of Loretta Lynn’s band on the er@gmail.com.
By Kate Quesada
By Amanda Boston
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Page 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 12
Angel Foundation FL Announces New Board Appointments
The Tampa Undy RunWalk Looks To Community For Supporters
The Angel thank them for Foundation FL, their service and formerly known for allowing us to as the Brandon grow into the Foundation, is amazing organizaexcited to tion we are today,” announce the said Executive appointment of Director Liz the following indiBrewer. viduals to its The Angel board of direcFoundation was tors. The board created in 2003 A ribbon-cutting was recently held for the team began on by a group of indiAngel Foundation FL with the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce. November 1, 2019 viduals who witand runs through November 2021. The nessed systemic needs in our communew executive board includes President nity and dedicated a philanthropic vehiShannon Keil, Vice President Pastor cle to respond to them. In 2006, the Ericka White, Treasurer Jeni La Paglia Angel Program was created to help and Secretary Julie Dahl. Its directors families in our community affected by a include Dr. Alex Anzalone, Katelynn life-threatening illness or catastrophic Chase, Debbi Figlewski, Amy Gregory, event by matching them with business Shawn Jolly, Leonard Mardis, Michael providers to meet their practical needs. Owen, Scott Robinson, Gary Searls, The foundation will provide financial Paul Thomasson and Susan Williams. assistance to help them stay on the The advisory board is made up of road to self-sufficiency when in a crisis. individuals who have completed their Since its inception, the foundation terms as directors and wish to continue has assisted over 850 families during to support the work of the Angel their times of crisis. The foundation’s Foundation. This year’s appointment Junior Angels program provides stuwas Kimberly Velez. dents from sixth to 12th grade with vol“We are very excited to welcome unteer opportunities throughout the these outstanding individuals to the month to earn community service hours Angel Foundation FL Board of Directors and instill in them a love for the comand each of them has specific talents munity, encourage volunteerism and and life experiences that will allow us to train up our future leaders. take the work of the foundation to an For more about how you can parteven greater level in the years ahead. ner with the Angel Foundation FL, visit Over the past 17 years, we have been www.AngelFoundationFL.com, call 689very blessed to have amazing commu6889 or email nity leaders serve on our Board and I info@AngelFoundationFL.com.
Author Dr. Maya and yes, we need Angelou once said, sponsors and partici“We may encounter pants,” Stewart said. many defeats, but we “Publicity; many peomust not be defeatple are not aware that ed.” Alyce Stewart there is an Undy and Tara Polk would RunWalk. I would love both agree with Dr. to see that change.” Angelou because The Colorectal they both faced Cancer Alliance 2020 something that could Colorectal Cancer Alliance 2020 Tampa Tampa Undy RunWalk have defeated them, Undy RunWalk will be held on Sunday, will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at Al Lopez Park on but they didn’t let that February 9, 2020 at Al 4810 N. Himes Ave. in Tampa. happen. They both Lopez Park on 4810 faced cancer and beat it. N. Himes Ave. in Tampa to raise aware“In January 2017, at the age of 46, I ness of preventive measures providing was diagnosed with stage IV rectal cansupport for patients, caregivers and surcer that had spread to my liver,” Polk said. vivors. “After two major surgeries and countless The 2020 Undy RunWalk is not just rounds of chemotherapy, I am now being an opportunity to run or walk in your closely monitored through blood work and underwear. It is a family-friendly undyscans.” themed run/walk with the goal to provide “I’m a cancer survivor/warrior,” support for patients, families, caregivers Stewart said. “I had my right kidney and survivors, as well as to raise awareremoved in 1993 to kidney cancer. I then ness about colorectal cancer. had my first skin cancer that summer, “My hopes for the Undy RunWalk basal cell on the side of my nose. Over are that the event will promote awarethe years I have had several skin cancers ness and prevention of this horrible disand several types. In October 2016, I was ease, that it will raise a lot of money for diagnosed with two types of breast canthis wonderful organization and that cer, one type in my left breast and the someone who has been newly diagother type in my left axilla. I am currently nosed will hear about this event and considered ‘NED,’ No Evidence of about the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Disease.” will know that they are not alone,” Polk Both Stewart and Polk joined forces said. to participate in the Colorectal Cancer To be a sponsor or participant, visit Alliance Undy RunWalk last year. Both https://fundraise.ccalliance.org/2020women are looking to the Brandon comtampa-bay-undy-runwalk. Use the code munity for support. “This is the eighth word ‘BONUS’ to get a $5 discount off annual Undy RunWalk here in Tampa, the registration fee.
Staff Report
Expiration: 12.31.2019
Expiration: 12.31.2019
By Libby Hopkins
Expiration: 12.31.2019
December 2019
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Brandon/ Winthrop Edition
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First and third Thursday of month; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bloomingdale Library at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico Benefits of the club include confidence-building in public speaking, enhancement of leadership skills and unique, lively, stimulating discussions. Visit https://greymatters.toastmastersclubs.org/. Fourth Thursday each month; 6:30 p.m. Tampa Buffet, 3904 S. Dale Mabry, Britton Plaza, Tampa For information, call Chuck Peterman, President, at 767-1569
Parkinson's Support Group At Savannah Court Of Brandon
Kerrie Hoening 625-1527
Saturday, December 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. Complementary dance lessons from 6-6:30 p.m. beginners to advanced. No alcohol. Bring your own snacks and drinks. Visit strawberrysquaredancing.com.
Tampa Bay Chief Petty Officers Meeting
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Grey Matters Toastmasters
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Saturday, January 4; 11 a.m.-12 Noon p.m. Kim’s Natural Pet Foods, 2110 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico EZ Pet Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic Call 684-3663 to confirm.
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Third Tuesday of the month; 6 p.m. Savannah Court of Brandon, 824 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Call 643-6767 to RSVP with Rhonda Fournier, Executive Director.
Hawthorne Health & Rehab Parkinson’s Disease Support Group Third Thursday of the month; 2 p.m. 851 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon For more information or to register, please call 661-8998, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Page 6
Volume 14, Issue 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
eon, h c n u L ar e Y nts w e e v N E m o al Beth Sh More… & helle Colesanti,
is required to this informal nondenominational luncheon with music and an inspirational speaker. As space is limited, a reservation is requested. Please call Lillie at 740-0098.
Let’s Chat: Not Your Religious School’s Chanukah Story – Sunday, December 29 at 3 p.m. Very rarely do we talk about the violent guerilla campaign led by the Maccabees and later violent zealotry recorded in the Book of Maccabees by the historian Josephus. Learn about this Chanukah story and talk about how we feel
Upcoming Events At Congregation Beth Shalom
about and respond to the more violent moments in Jewish history. Was violence justified? How would we have responded or acted at the time? Should we celebrate violent acts? Jews and Justice Movements – On Sunday, January 19 at 3 p.m., explore Jews and Justice Movements, in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. Many know about legacy of Abraham Joshua Heschel and other Jews during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. What about other Jews at the time? What about Jews and justice movements today? Join in for a nonpartisan discussion about how Jews related and related to various justice movements. Are we a part of them? Are we against them? How do we
ic ed by M com Compil spreyobserver. o @ e michell
Kids Day Out At Campo Y
During the holidays, bring your kids to the Campo Y for an enriching experience while you are at work or out and about. Kids will enjoy team building games, arts and crafts, STEM, high and low energy games and making new friends. The dates are Monday, Thursday and Friday, December 23, 26 and 27 and Monday, December 30 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost for members is $35 per day per child. Nonmembers pay $50 per day per child. Campo Y is located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico. For more information contact Alison Gartner at Alison.gartner@tampaymca.org or call 684-1371.
Christian Women’s Connection Celebrates New Year At Luncheon
Brandon Christian Women’s Connection invites you to celebrate the New Year at the ‘Happy 2020 – One Tank Trips to take in the New Year’ luncheon at its new venue, Buckhorn Springs Country Club, on 272 1 South Miller Rd. in Valrico on Tuesday, January 14 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. The cost is $15. Firsttime guests pay $10. No membership
Chanukah Celebration – Sunday, December 22 at 2 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom will offer a Chanukah Celebration at Park Square in the FishHawk community at 16132 Churchview Dr. in Lithia. A large Chanukah menorah will be lit and there will be storytelling by Rabbi Bryan. There will be games and gifts for children. This event is free and open to the public. Water, jelly-filled donuts and potato pancakes with applesauce will be available for a nominal charge. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods to donate to the Congregation Beth Shalom Food Bank.
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decide when to speak out and when to stay silent? Taste of Tanakh – Saturday, January 4 at 10 a.m.-12 Noon. The monthly Torah study group will discuss the current Torah portion. Members and nonmembers are welcome. A light nosh will be served. Sabbath services are Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. All welcome. On Friday, December 27, all are invited to bring and light their Chanukah menorahs. Choir members will be lifting their voices Shabbat on January 17, 2020. Book Discussion – On Monday, January 20 at 6 p.m., the book club Page Turners will meet and will discuss On Division by Goldie Goldbloom. This recent novel is set amid the Hasidic community in contemporary Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. At 57, Surie Eckstein is the mother of 10 children, a grandmother to 32 and is about to become a greatgrandmother for the first time. Then she discovers that she is pregnant— with twins. Surie is ashamed to reveal her pregnancy, lest she be judged for maintaining a sexual relationship with her husband long past customary childbearing age; she feels she can’t even reveal her secret to her husband. Piqued your interest? Read the book and join in for a lively discussion. A light dinner is provided, and nonmembers are welcome. Congregation Beth Shalom is located at 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 681-6547.
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December 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Ahoy, Mateys! Grub, Spirits And Booty Are Promised At BSAC’s TRIDENT Treasure Gala
By Gwen Rollings
needs community to learn life skills and receive hands-on job training because there are not a lot of programs offering these services,” said Carli Walko, director of marketing. Scholarships help people like Mary Francis. She entered the TRIDENT program six years ago as an adult with Down syndrome who aged out of school with few prospects for the future. According to Candy Corsi, director of special needs programming, “Mary Francis lost over
BSAC Aerobics Class
Imagine receiving an invitation to ‘Come Carouse, Pillage and Plunder’ and, oh, also to come dressed as a pirate…all for a good cause. That is what the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC) encourages people to do at the TRIDENT Treasure Gala being held from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2020. More than 425 guests are expected to attend at The Regent in Riverview. Beware, mateys, the invitation also includes a light-hearted warning for those who jump ship: “The party will include spirits and grub, auctions full of booty and plenty of fun, to be sure. Join in for some fun; we wouldn’t want you to have to walk the plank. Arrrgh!” The ‘good cause’ part is that proceeds from the event will support scholarship awards at BSAC, a communitybased 501(c)(3) organization and nonprofit finalist in the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The gala will be the signature event of the year for BSAC, which offers after-school care, youth drowning prevention, sports, recreation and special needs education such as the TRIDENT program. “The TRIDENT program is available for special needs adults over 22 years old who have aged out of school resources. We are unique in helping this special
80 pounds since coming to BSAC. She competes in Special Olympics events, teaches a Yoga class for others here, does line dancing and gives 120 percent to everything. My son, William, entered TRIDENT mentally delayed and now is a mentor and athletic leader/global messenger for Special Olympics. He now works in maintenance at BSAC.” This party includes a pirate grog (open bar), swashbuckling games, Shiver Me Timbers sit down dinner, speaker, silent auction and live auction with treasure troves of booty, such as a six-night Fairmont Resort Getaway in Banff, Calgary and Lake Louise with airfare for two. For sponsorship opportunities or ticket purchase information, please contact Walko at 689-0908 ext. 108 or visit www.TheTridentTreasureGala.com.
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Page 7
Ex-Circus Tigers From Guatemala Find New Home At Big Cat Rescue
Staff Report
Saved from a circompleting similar cus in Guatemala missions in Bolivia, by Animal Defenders Colombia and International (ADI), Peru, ADI sprang Bengal tigers Max, into action. Simba and Kimba Launching arrived at their forever Operation Liberty home Big Cat in May 2018, ADI Rescue (BCR) in quickly established Florida in time for a temporary resThanksgiving. cue centre in the Jan Creamer, country to care for Three male Bengal tigers were recently saved from a circus in Guatemala and now the rescued anipresident of ADI, call Big Cat Rescue in Tampa home. said, “Never again will mals until they these tigers be abused or made to percould be relocated to their forever form in the circus. The suffering is over. A homes. real team effort, we are delighted that ADI has rescued a total of 15 tigers Max, Simba and Kimba were home in and six lions during its 18-month-long time for Thanksgiving and will be able to Operation Liberty mission. At ADI’s temlive the rest of their lives in peace.” porary rescue centre, all of the animals The relocation of the three male have received veterinary care and some tigers began on November 24 when Max, emergency treatment, including dental Simba (both 9 years old) and Kimba (2.5 surgery to repair painful, damaged years old) were coaxed into travel crates teeth. Like many of the big cats ADI has for the journey of a lifetime. rescued, a number of the animals, Big Cat Rescue Founder and CEO including Simba, have been declawed, Carole Baskin said, “All three of our new a cruel mutilation that doesn’t just tigers from Guatemala are settling into remove the claws, but the toes at the their new home here at Big Cat Rescue first joint, causing ongoing discomfort, very quickly. Each has been eating well, which can lead to painful disability later drinking water, exploring their new encloin life. sures, enjoying their platforms and dens The other tigers and lions rescued and chuffing happily to our keepers. We during the mission will be relocated to are so grateful this Thanksgiving to finally the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South have these precious boys here in their Africa, already home to 25 lions resforever home.” cued by ADI from circuses in Peru and Banning the use of animals in circus- Colombia. For more information or to es in 2017, the government of Guatemala donate to ADI, visit donate.ad-internationinvited ADI to help enforce the law after it al.org/guatemala. came into effect 12 months later. With the For more information on Big Cat London-based organization successfully Rescue, visit https://bigcatrescue.org/.
710 OAKFIELD DRIVE SUITE 262, BRANDON, FL, 33511
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Franklin Graham’s Decision America Tour Comes To Plant City
By Amanda Boston
Franklin Association. Blanton Graham, the oldis coordinating volest son of the late unteers and procurBilly Graham, ing counselors who also president will witness to attenand CEO of the dees during the rally. Billy Graham “This is an Evangelistic evangelistic rally with Association, is an emphasis on bringing his reaching those who Decision America don’t know Christ,” Tour to Plant City said Blanton. “We on Sunday, want Christians to Franklin Graham will bring his Decision January 12, 2020. bring friends who America Tour to Plant City in January 2020. The free evangeldon’t know Christ to istic event will kick off at 4 p.m. the rally.” Following in his father’s footsteps, Blanton continued, “What an aweFranklin Graham has spent the past three some opportunity to impact Plant City decades traveling around the world and the region. We are expecting up to spreading the gospel. The original 10,000 folks to attend and are looking for Decision America Tour began in 2016 hundreds of volunteers to greet and run when Franklin Graham held prayer rallies tables.” in all 50 state capitals, encouraging Brian Stowe, the senior pastor at Christians to live a biblical life and pray First Baptist Church Plant City, said, “Our for their nation. Since then, Franklin church is going to be a big part of it [the Graham has continued these evangelistic rally], and we’re honored.” He continued, events in cities across the country. “The biggest challenge is getting those Dubbed the Sunshine State Tour, who don’t know Christ to the event. We Franklin Graham will travel to six cities are training our church on the importance across Florida to encourage Christians to of the invite. People aren’t going to come live out their faith and share the hope of just because we are out there, but they Jesus Christ to the lost. The Plant City will come if they are invited.” event will take place at the Florida No ticket is required, and parking is Strawberry Festival Soundstage. Jeremy free. Opportunities to volunteer can be Camp, a GRAMMY®-nominated found online at Christian artist, will also take the stage to https://fl.billygraham.org/event/plant-city. perform some of his well-known songs. For questions, call Norm Blanton at 326Norm Blanton, a local minister from 0749. The Florida Strawberry Festival Plant City, was hired as a tour represenSoundstage is located at 303 Lemon tative by the Billy Graham Evangelism St. in Plant City.
Volume 14, Issue 12
TECO Manatee Viewing Center Reaches Its 34th Season By Tatiana Ortiz
Free parking and admission are provided as well at the center. When the waters reach 68 degrees or colder, visitors can see multiple manatees. At the on-site environmental education building, visitors can learn about manatees, Tampa Electric Company’s power plant, stewardship programs and more. It also includes puzzle tables and manatee bones to Stroll along the TECO touch, just to Manatee Viewing Center, name a few. which is near the Big Bend While visiting, Power Station in Apollo check out the Beach, as it reopened on butterfly garNovember 1 for its 34th seaden, gift shop son and you can visit until and concesApril 15, 2020. Besides getsion. ting the opportunity to spot There are many manatees, it also Part of the tidal walk at the TECO about 35 voloffers a wide array of activiManatee Viewing Center. unteers who ties for all ages, such as the work at the center. The volunteers are 900 ft. tidal walk, the 50 ft. wildlife obsereducators who provide information about vation tower, the Rays touch tank that is the Florida manatees, birds and more. in partnership with the Florida Aquarium “All in all, this is a great fun place to and more. learn about manatees and more with TECO’s Senior Environmental friends and family,” Woodlee said. Technician Jamie Woodlee said, “I have For more information, visit www.tambeen a permanent part of this facility for paelectric.com/company/mvc/ or check about 20 years and feel excited to see out its Facebook page at how much it has grown.” www.facebook.com/ManateeViewingCent The Tampa Electric Company has er/. owned and operated the center since its The Manatee Viewing Center is establishment in 1986. On average, it located at 6990 Dickman Rd. in Apollo draws more than 300,000 people during Beach and is open Monday through its season. People from all over the Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It closes globe, such as Ireland, Japan, New on Christmas Eve at 3 p.m. and is closed Zealand and other places, travel to check on Christmas and Easter. For more inforout the manatees. The average daily visimation, call 228-4289. tor attendance for the center is 2,400.
December 2019
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Brenda Wade Team Partners With Local Businesses To Donate $18,000 To Local Charities
By Barbara Kern
This is the season of giving and Brenda Wade and her Real Estate Team have focused on giving back to the community in small and large ways, year after year, season after season. They have given over $65,000 in the last seven years through their ‘Partners in Giving’ events, plus additional giving exceeds $10,000 annually to other local charities. Brenda believes in giving back where she lives and works and said, “We are so fortunate to live in a great community and if everyone gives a little, no one goes without.” One of their favorite ‘giving back’ events of the year is their ‘Partners in Giving’ fundraiser. Brenda and her team just hosted their Seventh Annual ‘Partners in Giving’ event where Brenda and her agents spent a day learning from business associates who donate money to the chosen charity. Brenda matches every dollar the business partners contribute so together they have a larger impact in the community. The Brenda Wade Team wants to be the most knowledgeable and giving team in real estate, and to work together with likeminded companies and individuals to give back to our community. Brenda said, “Our goal was to exceed the $12,600 amount we raised last year, and we were so very excited to raise and donate $18,000 divided between two local charities, Seeds of Hope, Inc. and LifeCare. Seeds of Hope has been in the Brandon/Valrico/Lithia community for over nine years and began with local resident Leda Eaton helping her then high school students receive meaningful com-
munity service hours. That was the beginning of the FishHawk Turkey Trot and from that Seeds of Hope was created to use the money generated to help alleviate local hunger. The organization has maintained its original commitment to providing meaningful community service for students but has grown as an organization to combat hunger in three ways by providing weekend backpacks of food for school children, boxes of food to families on Thursdays, and a weekly mobile pantry aimed at short term food relief. Eaton is proud of the impact the charity has had, “Before Hurricane Irma, we were a food relief organization. After Hurricane Irma, we added disaster relief to our resume. It’s not something I ever would have planned but am so thankful we were there. Larger organizations with cumbersome rules and regulations couldn’t do what we did. We targeted the people who needed/deserved help, took people shopping for personal items, provided daily hot meals, washed clothes & provided showers. So many volunteers stepped up. It was amazing to be a part of the
overwhelming groundswell of community support.” For more information, visit www.sohopefl.org. LifeCare, now called Choices, is all about babies so this ministry is near and dear to Brenda Wade’s heart, as she and her husband have been beyond blessed with two grandbabies this year. LifeCare of Brandon /Choices has served families in the Brandon Community for over three decades. They reach out to families in the midst of pregnancy decisions with compassion, help and hope. They have worked with thousands of families over the last 32 years supporting them in their pregnancies, childbirth, parenting, and life skills. They educate each person who comes in for a pregnancy test on abortion, adoption, and parenting. All of their services are free, confidential, and available to everyone. Their pregnancy medical clinics are named CHOICES with locations in Brandon and Ruskin. These clinics are where families receive free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and ongoing support. They work with families throughout their pregnancy and until their baby is a year old teaching them about healthy pregnancies and positive parenting. They also provide support to the 43% of women who have experienced the heartbreak of a past abortion because they believe healthy families create
healthy communities. We envision a culture where women and men faced with pregnancy decisions are transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and empowered to choose life for their unborn children and abundant life for their families. For more information please visit www.EmpoweredToChoose.net Brenda is so very thankful to this year's “Partners in Giving” business partners for serving her clients all year long and graciously pulling alongside of she & the Team in support of the people served by Seeds of Hope and LifeCare/Choices: Adela’s Pro Cleaning Service, All American Title, Brian Hodgers of Complete Choice Insurance, Chad & Bill Kalgren of Kyzo Unlimited LLC Painting & Pressure Washing, Couture Painting, Gonzalez Roofing, Hank & Mary Lobdell of Radiant Property Inspections, Hillsborough Title, Janelle Weeden of Old Republic Home Warranty, Joel Meek of Meek Insurance Group, Jon Howard of American Mortgage Service Co, Marie Gilmore of Osprey Observer, Mike Yeager of Buyer’s Choice Home Inspection, Patrick Latimer & Erica Guthrie of United Mutual Funding Corp., Pilka & Associates, P.A. Law Firm, Rory Weiner, P.A. Law Firm, Terry Beamer of CertaPro Painters, Todd Martin of Guaranteed Rate, Trease Sinclair of Suddath Movers and The Rice Financial Group. A HUGE thank you to our business partners! Brenda Wade and her Real Estate Team love this community and the privilege of working throughout the year to support the many charitable organizations and ministries that assist people who need a hand up.
Assisted Living “Tessera Brandon… Living your lifestyle.” • Active contemporary style living • Spacious apartments • All day dining from 7am to 7pm with a bountiful variety of choices • Pet friendly • Educational and social opportunities • Cable and Wi-Fi included • Live entertainment from Bach to Big Band • “Wine down” Wednesdays Assisted Living Facility #AL13150
BEST OYSTERS AROUND!
Memory Care “Living the present… cherishing the past.”
1320 Oakfield Dr., Brandon, FL 33511 (813) 607-6880
tesserabrandon.com
Located in the heart of Brandon close to I75, Hwy 60 and Hwy 301
Located on the Beautiful Alafia River!
LIVE MUSIC: Friday & Saturday 7pm to 11pm | Sunday 2pm to 6pm
KARAOKE: Saturday 2pm to 6pm
6226 Ohio Ave., Gibsonton (Next to Marina at the US 41 Bridge)
www.riversedgebarandgrill.com
Page 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 12
Students Follow The Voyage – Share The Adventure As The TS Kennedy Comes To Tampa
By Gwen Rollings
The Massachusetts a science and Maritime Academy (MMA) has history teacher issued an ‘All Aboard’ for stuat Cambridge dents from grades K-12 in the Christian Tampa area to participate in its School in Follow The Voyage – Share Tampa, is listed The Adventure online program. by MMA as Registered educators and their participating in classes will virtually travel the Follow The aboard the TS Kennedy as over Voyage – 600 cadets complete their Sea Share The Term from Monday, January 6 Experience through Sunday, February 23, The training ship for Massachusetts Cadets practice firefighting training aboard the program. 2020. In addition to experiencing Even the Maritime Academy. TS Kennedy. food, art and culture as the ship TS Kennedy focused on STEM (science, Mathematics stops in places like Panama, Costa Rica has a proud historical connection to a technology, engineering and Standards, the Next and Curacao, Tampa area students will Tampa company. In 1966, the SS Velma mathematics). By 2018, the Generation Science learn how to hold a Shellback ceremony Lykes was completed and delivered to program expanded into Follow Standards and with cadets crossing the equator. All Lykes Brothes Steamship Company in The Voyage – Share The incorporates lanaccompanying hands-on lessons and Tampa. In 1979, the SS Velma Lykes Adventure and included guage arts, social activities will be provided so students may made history when she became the first 10,000 students from 23 differstudies and fine arts. participate in the cadets’ activities without U.S. flag vessel to call on the mainland ent states. That number grew Not only are classleaving their classrooms. There will be a Chinese port of Whampoa since the to 12,000 participants in 2019. room teachers unique opportunity for local students to Chinese Communist Revolution. In 2009, The new program additionally encouraged to parpersonally tour the TS Kennedy as it she was renamed TS Kennedy after a focuses on the cadets’ winter ticipate, but also docks in Tampa from Friday to Sunday, $10 million renovation. Tampa teachers experiences aboard the TS small groups of February 14-17, 2020. and administrators who register for the Kennedy, the training ship of English language “From small islands to big cities, parprogram will be invited to a reception the academy. learners, gifted and ticipating students will feel like they are aboard the TS Kennedy when she docks Painting maintenance “Students, parents and talented students, on TS Kennedy by a cadet on right beside the cadets. It’s the ultimate near Ybor City on Saturday, February 15, family members are able to remedial readers, art Sea Term. free STEM adventure on land and sea,” 2020. visit one website to virtually teachers, Spanish promised Nancy A. Franks, Follow The Educators may register an individual join cadets participating in experiential teachers, media specialists, libraries, Voyage – Share The Experience coordiclass, a grade level, a school or the dislearning programs and cruising aboard homeschool families and before and nator for MMA. trict for Follow The Voyage – Share the the TS Kennedy through cadet blogs, a after-school programs. Massachusetts Maritime Academy is Adventure by contacting Nancy A. Franks captain’s log, photographs, videos, interThe Tampa area has notable ties to a public college in Buzzards Bay, at ftv@maritime.edu. Include your name, views and special features,” according to Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Cadet Massachusetts, offering undergraduate an email address, the school’s name and Franks. 3/C Juan Colon, a 2018 Riverview High degrees in maritime-related fields as well address and the approximate number of The Follow The Voyage – Share The School graduate, is currently a marine as graduate degrees and professional students that will be participating. Experience curriculum promises to be a transportation major, and 4/C Nicholas studies. The Follow The Voyage program There is no charge for this great welcome addition for educators as the Hernandez is from Tampa. Brian Willeke, began in 1997 for grades 7 and 8. It cruising adventure. curriculum is linked to the Common Core
Sunday, December 15 Festival of Lessons and Carols
4:00 PM Experience the joy and mystery of Jesus' birth in the retelling of the story interwoven with carols.
Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Services 5:00 PM* - Family Service* 10:00 PM - Seasonal Music Prelude 10:30 PM - Festive Eucharist (With Incense) Two beautiful Christmas Eve services to honor the birth of Jesus. A variety of traditional seasonal music will be offered by our Music Department and a Brass Quartet.
Holy Innocents Episcopal Church 604 N. Valrico Rd. Valrico 33594 http://hiepiscopal.org/ 813-689-3130
Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Day
9:00 AM - Holy Eucharist
Sunday, December 29
8:00 AM* - Holy Eucharist* 10:30 AM* - Holy Eucharist with Choir* *Childcare provided at these services
December 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 11
Local Student Creates Video Game For Blind & Visually Impaired Kids
By Taylor Wells
Rome Nardin, age ing, there was no humor in 12, is a student at them, so he made sure his Navigator Academy of game had funny commenLeadership in Valrico who tary while players prowas born with severe gressed through it, along hearing loss and fitted with sounds to let players with hearing aids since know when they reached the age of 2. However, a certain level. his hearing loss hasn’t “There are sounds as stopped him from inteyou’re going through the grating into mainstream level that let you know if schools since kinderyou jump correctly or hit garten and working hard the wall, but Rome every day on his speech always has the commenand language processtary going on with it, ing. which is like, ‘Hey, what When he heard that are you doing?’” said Rome Nardin, age 12, his school would be hav- developed a video game called Amy Nardin, Rome’s ing a science fair, Rome mother. Please Listen for blind and visually impaired kids as his immediately knew what His friend, 12-yearscience fair project at Navigator he wanted to present. old Ian, enjoyed playing Academy of Leadership in His experiences and the game, saying, “It's Valrico. love for video games inspired him to silly. I liked it.” make one, titled “Please Listen”, for blind While the game is very short, Rome and visually impaired kids. said he could see the challenges of “I know what it is like to sometimes video game design. Moreover, he said feel left out and have a harder time doing he might develop Please Listen further what many people can do every day. I later on, such as adding more levels and wanted blind kids to have a video game making it more interesting. that was fun for them to play,” said Rome. “It takes a lot of work to develop a The goal of the game is to find a good game. But I hope to do more in the missing dog by following its barks while future,” he said. overcoming obstacles along the way. Rome did so well in creating his With two months to develop it, Rome did project that he can enter it in the SDHC the coding and sound design for the Regional Science Fair in 2020, and he game himself, with some help on the also has a chance of entering the Florida voices from his father. state science fair. Rome had researched what games For more information on Navigator were available for the blind and visually Academy, visit http://navigatoracademyimpaired, but he found that, while interest- valrico.com/.
Happy Holidays We are offering for December 2019 :
10% OFF New Customers Only. 1st Clean. Must mention this ad.
Page 12
Volume 14, Issue 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
South County Transportation Improvement Projects Approved And Funded Through 2025 On November 5, the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) presented the 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for Hillsborough County, which provides a detailed overview of investment plans for funding local transportation options. The MPO is made up of local elected and appointed officials and acts as a forum to build a consensus between the public and stakeholders that own, operate and maintain transportation infrastructure with five of our seven current BOCC members on the governing board. Transportation projects Hillsborough County, can be funded through a variwhich represents 63 ety of sources that use federal, percent of the total state and local dollars, or any funding of over $1.1B combination of the three. After with project T-27 (the assessing available funds, eliwidening of Lithia gibility requirements, funding Pinecrest Rd. from scenarios and the region’s Lumsden Rd. to transportation needs, the MPO Fishhawk Blvd.) repdetermined the cost feasibility resenting the single of prospective projects (i.e., most expensive projwhat we can afford and when) ect over the next five and matched it to the commuyears at $183M. nity’s goals. Also of interest Summary list of projects to be completed in the next five years. Several projects have would be T-3/T-20 2025-2045). already been approved and funded (Big Bend Rd. improvements), T-16 Below is a brief summary of projects through 2025 (First Five Years), with (improvements to the Bloomingdale already approved that will have significant many other projects selected for funding Ave./US 301 intersection) and T-7 (extenimpact on our communities (First Five over the next two decades and/or are sion of Balm Rd./Paseo Al Mar Ave. from Years). Eighteen of the 27 major projects considered a high priority for dollars that US 301 to US 41 utilizing a flyover of Iwill benefit Eastern or Southern have been set aside (Cost Feasible 75), as well as the Bell Shoals Rd.
By Brian Bokor
widening project (T-21) already underway. The Selmon Expressway (T-17/T-18) will be getting two additional lanes added (one in each direction) from the I-4 connector to I-75. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. will be widened from Kingsway Rd. to McIntosh Rd. (T-1), and there will be improvements to the I-75/I-4 intersection (T-4). In the Progress Village area, Madison Ave. will be improved, with lanes added from 78th St. to US 41. For information for the complete presentation, please visit the website at www.planhillsborough.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019/10/HillsboroughMP O-LRTP2045-New-PublicHearingDraft102919.pdf. For more information, contact Beth Alden, AICP, MPO Executive Director at 273-3774 x318 or aldenb@plancom.org.
Expert ER Care Coming Soon to Brandon
Full Service ER Opening in Early 2020 When an emergency happens, know you’ve got a team you can trust. Our new 24 -hour ER will offer the same level e of emergency care found at our hospital, to help you get back to your liffe e and back to feeling g whole.
24/7 Adult and pediatric emergency care Board-certified emergency physicians Imaging n :X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound Lab se er vices Ambulance transport, if necessar y 16 private patient rooms
In case of a med dical emergencyy,, call 911.
A hospital department of AdventHealth Ta Tampa
December 2019
Page 13
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Luncheon Kicks Off 2020 Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge
Chiropractic Office Expands With New Location In Riverview
much year-round, with some projects taking on a life of their own.” The 2020 Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge showcase period is scheduled for April 18, 2020 through May 3, 2020, encompassing Earth Day, Arbor Day and Soil Stewardship Week. The kickoff luncheon, held on November 14 at The Regent With Mark Proctor, left, and Betty Jo Tompkins, back, are in Riverview, featured 2019 the Hillsborough 100 award recipients, from left to right: challenge awards as well. Karen Crumley, Outstanding Volunteer; Will Moriaty of Award recipients includTREE, Inc., Outstanding Project; Andrea and Daniel McClellan of M&B Products, Outstanding Supporter; and ed: Karen Crumley, Nikki Foster of Mosaic, outstanding cooperating partner. Outstanding Volunteer of the The Hillsborough 100 Conservation Year, for her work with the Plant City Challenge is back for a fourth year with Lions Club and school-based Leo clubs; an open invitation to schools, community M&B Products, a family-owned dairy farm groups and individuals to step up and and processing company, for Outstanding showcase their efforts to conserve natural Supporter of the Year; and TREE, Inc., for resources. Outstanding Project of the Year, which Launched by the Hillsborough Soil involved a watershed reclamation project and Water Conservation District at the Plant City Commons Community (HSWCD) in 2017, the challenge underGarden, on the Plant City campus of scores “the need to make conservation Hillsborough Community College. everybody’s business, with a focus on The Mosaic Company, the luncheon land, water and air projects in rural, subsponsor, received the 2019 Cooperating urban, urban and inner-city communities,” Partner of the Year award, which in 2017 said Betty Jo Tompkins, HSWCD execuwent to Lipman Family Farms. tive director. Projects run the gamut from “We’re real excited about it,” said road and water cleanups to planting and Carol Ann Driskell, an ESE teacher at recycling efforts. Brandon High. “The original idea was to get 100 “The students want to learn more projects, and every year we seem to get about plants and what it takes to grow more,” said Mark Proctor, who chairs the them and eating healthier.” board of five HSWCD supervisors, an For more, call the HSWCD at 752unpaid elected position. “We started with 1474, Ext 3. Call Betty Jo Tompkins at a one-week timeline and now it’s pretty 477-8332 or email bjt6890@yahoo.com.
Residents in the injuries, biomechaniRiverview area now cal correction and have another option to rehabilitation. He has receive treatments worked with profesfrom injuries. Absolute sional and amateur Wellness recently athletes and even opened its new locaserved as the chirotion in Riverview near practic physician for Big Bend Rd. and US the Washington D.C. Hwy. 301. major league soccer The practice, team. already established at He said he loves a location in Brandon, having the opportunity opened for business to improve the quality in April this year. Dr. of life for his patients. Dennis O’Hara recently opened a secDennis O’Hara prac- Dr.ond “I like helping location for the Absolute Wellness tices from the new patients feel better Center at Big Bend Rd. and US Hwy. 301 in Riverview. The first location is in location and said the and enjoy a pain-free Brandon. office specializes in lifestyle,” O’Hara treating injuries from auto accidents as said. well as sports or work-related injuries. Along with O’Hara, who attended the Even though the office has been National University of Health Sciences open for less than six months, O’Hara (once known as the National College of said the new location is busy. Chiropractic), the office has one to two “We are still building the practice, but therapists during the week and three or we are already seeing 20-30 patients a four on Saturday, and they are looking to day, including Saturdays,” O’Hara said. expand. While most patients come in for relief “Our goal is to increase to three to from neck and back injuries, O’Hara’s four therapists most shifts and five to six specialized training in sports medicine, on Saturdays,” O’Hara said. including a 300-hour postgraduate certifiCurrently, several therapists from the cate, allows him to also treat patients suf- Brandon office are also working shifts at fering from rotator cuff injuries; tennis or the Riverview location and the practice golf elbow issues; hip, knee and ankle has hired a few new therapists to assist injuries; as well as some hand injuries. patients. The office can take patients at almost any The Absolute Wellness Center’s age, with some seeking treatment as Riverview campus is located at 13134 young as 10 all the way to 81. Vail Ridge Dr. Visit www.absolutewellO’Hara has been in the field for 27 nesscenters.com for more information, years with a clinical focus on sports office hours and appointments.
By Linda Chion Kenney
By Karin Davis-Thompson
BREAST AUGMENTATION BREAST LIFT TUMMY TUCK EYELID SURGERY/BROWLIFT SKIN TIGHTENING LASER HAIR REMOVAL BOTOX/DYSPORT MOMMY MAKEOVER LIPOSUCTION BUTTOCKS LIFT FACELIFT DERMAL FILLERS CELLFINA CELLULITE REDUCTION RENUVION SKIN TIGHTENING
Stanley A. Castor, M.D., FACS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery
813.971.2000 www.DrCastor.com
Page 14
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
val i t s e F y err Strawb Senior , e l u d e e Sch Headlin ins & More… eg , Choir Bed by Michelle Cocolemsanti Compil spreyobserver. e@o michell
Senior Community Choir Begins In January
A new senior community choir in Riverview is seeking singers of all levels of singing experience. ‘Joyful Voices’ will hold rehearsals every Monday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. beginning on Monday, January 27. This senior community choir was created for older adults who have a love of music and a desire to sing. “Singing has a way of lifting spirits and stimulating memories,” stated the choir’s music director, Janet Formato. The idea for the senior community choir came as a result of a number of residents at The Bridges who love to sing. Executive Director Donna Steiermann is excited about the choir. “In addition to a number of our residents, many seniors from the Greater Brandon/Riverview community will be joining us. We especially welcome those with mild cognitive impairment,” explained Steiermann. Studies have proven that singing with others provides benefits such as managing stress, alleviating pain, increasing happiness and establishing friendships. Sixty-minute rehearsals will be held at the Cambridge Clubhouse at The Bridges, located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview. A spring performance will be held in April 2020. For additional information and to reserve your spot, please call 4138900.
Overcrowded Pet Shelter Prompts ‘Home Before The Holidays’ Special
The kennels are overflowing at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, where the PRC has halved adoption fees in an attempt to get dogs and cats "Home Before the Holidays." The kennel was at 106 percent
capacity for dogs and 94 percent for cats as of this morning. The half-off special lasts until Tuesday, December 31. All dogs and cats are microchipped, vaccinated, registered and spayed or neutered. PRC officials also are inviting residents to take the #FosterExpressChallenge and foster a dog for as little as two hours up to two weeks—enough time to take a dog on a field trip or give them a full holiday break. Short-term fostering can be a great way for adoptable dogs to get a much-needed respite from life in the shelter, and the additional exposure could help them find a forever home. The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center on 440 N. Falkenburg Rd. is the only open-admissions shelter in Hillsborough County, meaning the shelter accepts all dogs and cats regardless of breed, size or medical condition. The shelter is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Dogs and cats available for adoption are also viewable at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/animals-and-pets/pet-adoption.
2020 Florida Strawberry Festival Headline Concert Lineup
There are plenty of great concerts in all genres to choose from at the 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival. Here is the schedule. For more information, visit https://flstrawberryfestival.com.
Thursday, February 27:
10:30 a.m., Jimmy Sturr (polka/rock/country), free; 3:30 p.m., The Oakridge Boys, $25; 7:30 p.m., Rascal Flatts (country/country rock), $51.
Friday, February 28:
3:30 p.m., Tommy James & The Shondells (oldies rock & roll), $25; 7:30 p.m., Michael Ray (country), $35.
Saturday, February 29:
3:30 p.m., Roots & Boots – Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw & Collin Rave (country), $30; 7:30 p.m., An Evening with 98
Volume 14, Issue 12
3:30 p.m., Chubby Checker & the Wildcats (rock & roll/R&B), $25; 7:30 p.m., Josh Turner (country/gospel), $35.
Thursday, March 5:
10:30 a.m., Ricky Nelson Remembered (rockabilly/pop rock), free; 3:30 p.m., Dick Fox’s Golden Boys – Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Bobby Rydell (oldies rock & roll/pop), $30. 7:30 p.m., MercyMe (Christian), $40. Lynard Skynard
Degrees (R&B/pop), $35.
Sunday, March 1:
3:30 p.m., Bobby Bones & the Raging Idiots (country/folk), $35; 7:30 p.m., Reba McEntire (country), $55.
Monday, March 2:
3:30 p.m., Neal McCoy (country), $25; 7:30 p.m., Patti LaBelle (R&B/soul), $35.
Tuesday, March 3:
3:30 p.m.; Sara Evans (country), $30; 7:30 p.m., Skillet (Christian rock/alt. rock), $30.
Wednesday, March 4:
Friday, March 6:
3:30 p.m., Jimmy Fortune and Dailey & Vincent (country/bluegrass/gospel), $20; 7:30 p.m., Darci Lynne & Friends LIVE (ventriloquist/country), $25.
Saturday, March 7:
3:30 p.m., Battle of the Bands Finals, Free; 7:30 p.m., Charlie Wilson (R&B/hiphop/soul/funk); $45.
Sunday, March 8:
3:30 p.m., Eli Young Band (country), $35; 7:30 p.m., Lynyrd Skynyrd (Southern rock/blues rock/hard 70s rock), $56.
December 2019
Page 15
Brandon/ Winthrop Edition
Annual Veterans Day Celebration And Operation: REVEILLE
By Bethany Mattacchione
aims to find homes for veterans experiencing homelessness, presented 15 veterans with keys to furnished apartments. Andrew Morrow, a veteran who served in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, was severely injured in basic training years ago and was one of The ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling the five fitness the veterans selected to stations at Veterans Memorial Park took place on receive housing. Veterans Day. "I wish all of my veterOn Veterans Day, November 11 at 10 an brothers and sisters got an apartment. a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in No one should wake up not knowing what Tampa, Hillsborough County Consumer & they are going to eat that day, where they Veterans Services and the Veterans will sleep, where you're going to get medCouncil of Hillsborough County hosted ical help or if you will be a victim of some the 55th annual Veterans Day Tribute. crime," said Morrow. The event included a special ribbonMorrow found himself homeless after cutting ceremony to debut five fitness stasuffering multiple heart attacks that led to tions along the park's recreational trail. an extended stay in the hospital. When Outdoor fitness equipment was funded by he returned home, he discovered that he a $17,365 donation from the Armed had been kicked out of his apartment. Forces Families Foundation. The fitness Though he had family close by, he didn't stations run along a section of the Tampa want to burden them with caring for him Bypass Canal Trail. and took to the streets. The ceremony honored U.S. military "I thank God for being here today. service members from all branches of Some people look at it as something to service. The program included keynote go through; I look at it as a blessing," said speaker Col. Stephen Snelson, comMorrow. mander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, Veterans Memorial Park is located at MacDill Air Force Base; JROTC color 3602 US Hwy. 301 N. in Tampa. The park guard; a drill performance and tributes grounds also house a museum and the from local high schools; rifle salute and Veterans Resource Center that serves taps; Veterans Council awards; and about 33,000 veterans, survivors and refreshments. dependents. More information on Also, during the ceremony, Operation: REVEILLE can be found at Operation: REVEILLE, a program that http://thhi.org.
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Page 16
Volume 14, Issue 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Covenant Care Begins Serving Patients Locally With New Brandon Office Covenant Home Health Care is opening offices throughout Florida and is now serving patients in the Tampa Bay and Polk County areas. The organization, headquartered in Pensacola, will be the first not-for-profit provider of home health services to the entire state, as well as providing hospice care in 18 of Florida’s 67 counties. “We’re so excited Covenant Care is now serving the Tampa Bay area and building upon the excellent care our team has provided patients for more than 36 years,” said Jeff Mislevy, Covenant Care president and CEO. “We’re opening a headquarters in Brandon and are committed to providing hometown care with caregivers who live right here in our communities.” Covenant Care has a 4.5-star quality rating by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and provides skilled nursing, home health aides and social services, along with physical, occupational and speech therapy. “Our team is consistently recognized for the high quality of care we provide,” said Mislevy. “As a nonprofit, we simply are able to do more and it shows through the additional services we provide through our foundation and the generosity of the communities we serve. More and more patients want to be cared for in the
Staff Report
comfort of their own home— Covenant Care nurses, home care aides, therapists, social workers and other providers have proven they make a remarkable difference for patients and families they serve.” Covenant Care’s office in Brandon will also serve as a state headquarters and will support locations in Gainesville, St. Petersburg, Brandon and Altamonte Springs and soon Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Port St. Lucie. “We’re delighted with the warm welcome we’ve received and are ready to support and work side by side with our communities to help care for their patients at home,” said Mislevy. For more than 36 years, Covenant Care has provided home health, memory care, private duty, palliative and hospice care in Florida and Southeast Alabama. Covenant Care does more to meet the needs and wishes of their patients and families by investing in our community and patients through special programs like My Wish, which grants wishes to individuals with serious illnesses as a way to celebrate life with their family and friends. The Brandon office is located at 1307 Providence Rd. For more information, visit choosecovenant.org or call 1-855CARE-365.
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Page 17
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Wade Boggs And Tony Saladino Participate In Book Signing For Local Charity
Sage Offers Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaner With 15 Locations & 24-Hour Lockers Coming
tion to baseball in the Tampa Bay area. The Saladino Tournament hosts over 30 teams from Hillsborough County in its annual prestigious spring Photo courtesy of Jarrett Guthrie break tournaAbout 60 people attended the event that benefited the Saladino ment. “This book Tournament and Redbone Cystic Fibrosis. was special for me because it Major League Baseball Hall of involved kids and their parents, minor Fame Inductee Wade Boggs, Tony leaguers and Hall of Famers,” Saladino (founder of the Saladino Saladino said, “I’m incredibly grateful Tournament), newly retired National to be a part of it.” Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Boggs, who wrote an essay for Idelson and acclaimed photographer the Tampa chapter of the book, Jean Fruth were part of a presentamoved to Tampa when he was 11 tion, book signing and Q&A about years old and was a standout baseFruth’s book, Grassroots Baseball: ball and football player at Plant High Where Legends Begin, that took School. After his Hall of Fame career place at the Oxford Exchange on in the major leagues playing for the November 18. Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees The book is a collection of phoand Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Boggs tos and essays highlighting the peohas spent the last 20 years helping ple and places that make up the out youth players as an assistant landscape of baseball around the baseball coach at Wharton High in country and the world. New Tampa. He said he appreciated The event in Tampa was one of being involved in Fruth’s book many stops of the Grassroots because it provided a look into the Baseball: Route 66 tour. Many MLB “dream” of reaching the highest level Hall of Fame inductees such as of the game of baseball and the Craig Biggio, Pudge Rodriguez, lengths it takes to have that chance. Johnny Bench and Boggs were a “I think this book exemplifies the part of the tour that took place in struggles that people go through as several different cities. According to they start a journey as a kid in little the website, league with hopes and dreams of GrassrootsBaseball.com, its “mission reaching the big leagues,” Boggs is to promote and celebrate the amasaid. “To have a look at a kid who teur game around the globe, with a dreams as a 7 or 8-year-old of playfocus on growing interest and particiing major league baseball, why not? pation at the youngest levels. The If you work hard enough, dreams do overarching goal of Grassroots come true. I’m a living example of Baseball is to give back by providing that.” inspiration, instruction and equipment Proceeds were donated to the to help ensure more children have Hillsborough Education Foundation the opportunity to learn, play and (to benefit the Saladino Tournament) enjoy the game.” and Redbone Cystic Fibrosis. Saladino has a special connec-
The upliftConvenience ed feeling and is another feature confidence that of Sage Cleaners comes from where customers wearing freshly benefit from laundered or advances in techdry-cleaned nology. attire is now Besides 15 easier than retail locations, ever to experi- Cohen Wills is the founder of Sage Cleaners, an from Plant City to ence with Sage environmentally-friendly dry cleaning and laundry Apollo Beach, business that offers free pickup and delivery. Cleaners ready customers can to take care of your clothes in a conventake care of their dry cleaning and launient, customer and environment-friendly dry needs by downloading the Sage manner. Cleaners app to their mobile phone and Sage provides its customers a arrange for free pickup and delivery of refreshed and longer-lasting wardrobe their clothes at home or at the growing with a dry cleaning process that the comnumber of Sage lockers sprouting up at pany says is an alternative to the petroleapartment communities and retail locaum-based methods predominating the tions. The app also helps customers track industry. and pay for their orders and keeps them Using a silicone-based cleaning solinformed about special deals. vent and process, trademarked as Green Sage’s retail locations and cleaning Earth, instead of conventional petroleum facility previously operated as Majik products means no chemical smell linger- Touch Cleaners for more than three ing on clothes that Sage dry-cleans. It decades before Wills bought them, and also avoids petrochemical contamination they are now transforming to the Sage of the environment that the dry cleaning brand. That means an experienced team industry is known for. According to Sage is caring for customers’ clothes, whether Cleaners Founder Cohen Wills, operating the request is for dry cleaning, laundering an environmentally conscious company is or routine maintenance and alterations. A the way he wants to do business. full range of services for garments requir“When it’s this easy to do things the ing special care such as leather, suede right way, why wouldn’t you?” Wills added and wedding gowns are also available. that research shows clothes cleaned with To learn more about the environthe Green Earth process last longer, promentally-friendly cleaning services viding more value to customers. Sage Cleaners offers, call 654-2323 or “There’s no good reason to go anyvisit sagecleaners.com, where you can where else when your clothes can last 40 also find a link to download the compercent longer.” pany’s app.
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Page 18
Volume 14, Issue 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Brandon Pizzeria Is Much More Than A Pizza Place By Taylor Wells When you go to a and at the right prices, pizza restaurant, the and have the best pizza main draw is often, of this side of New York course, the pizza. City.” There are always Our team tried its other things available, chicken parmesan, but people tend to go lasagna, baked ziti, for the pie. However, meatballs, penne as the Osprey Bolognese and stuffed Observer team recentpork chops, all prepared ly found out, Brandon by Chef Mondelli. Each Pizzeria has Italian of us tried a bit of everycuisine that proves the thing, and we all agreed restaurant is much that it tasted great and more than just a pizza would like more on place. another day. If you’re visiting The pizza being delithe restaurant, make cious goes without saysure to try its other Two of Brandon Pizzeria’s foods we ing, and it comes in sizes tried were its meatballs and baked of nine, 14 and 18 inchfood, because you ziti, and you’ll definitely want to try es, plus a 28-inch might find yourself them yourself. wanting to stop by pizza—the Brandon XXL again for more than pizza. This is thanks Pie—for those who can’t get enough. in no small part to Chef Anthony Mondelli, Other foods include wings, spaghetti, who began working at the restaurant in manicotti, stuffed shells, half-pound burgJanuary 2019. All of Brandon Pizzeria’s ers, eggplant parmesan, shrimp marinara, food is made in-house, including sauces, Philly steak and cheese subs, zeppoles and Chef Mondelli’s culinary skills are and more. obvious when you take a bite. More than just tasty food, the Italian Owner Frank Giglio makes sure the restaurant also has beer and wine availrestaurant is a true member of the comable—but not a full bar—and an easygomunity. ing atmosphere. There’s also a small “Our mission here is to be a part of game room for kids where they can the community. We do everything that we watch the chefs cook pizza. can to help out different softball clubs. The restaurant is located at 140 N. We’re always donating to something that Parsons Ave. in Brandon. Its hours are makes sense,” he said. “I try to engage in Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. people that love food, love cooking food, and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and our mission is to put as much love Visit brandon-pizzeria.com or call 571and hard work as we can into the food, 2100.
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December 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Marlin James Air Conditioning And Heating Celebrating 25 Years
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Marlin James Air Conditioning and Heating has been providing top-of-the-line service to customers throughout Hillsborough County and the surrounding Tampa Bay area for 25 years. Owners Scott and Glenda Clark attribute much of their business success to their mission statement: “To serve all with integrity while striving for excellence.” This familyowned and operated business has a long history of exceeding customers’ expectations with integrity, honesty and quality work. Glenda was born and lived in Plant City until she was 12 years old, and then her father’s job took the family to Houston, Texas. Eventually Glenda and Scott (the “Marlin” in Marlin James) met in Houston and have now been married for more than 37 years. The entire family moved back to the Brandon area in 1984. “Both my husband and father, Red (Red was the ‘James’ of Marlin James), worked in the air conditioning business here for 10 years before deciding to start their own company,” said Glenda. “My father’s only stipulation was that I do the accounting.” When Red decided to retire in 2006,
Glenda purchased his half of Marlin James. This family-owned business, along with its employees, focuses everyday on integrity and accountability. “Our employees also have the authority to use WWRD (What Would Red Do) while servicing our customers,” said Glenda. “This allows them to make decisions based on what should be done to ensure 100 percent satisfaction.” Glenda also explained what sets them apart from their competition is that they don’t use sub-contractors. “Our service and install technicians are not paid on commission nor do they have a quota,” said Glenda, “which is different from most companies. We are of the belief that this insures there is no reason to try and sell something that the customer does not need.” Marlin James Air Conditioning and Heating was founded on an incredible combination of loyalty, integrity and pride. Positive leadership along with devoted employees and customers are testimony to 25 years of successful business for Marlin James in this community. For more information, call 689-0817 or visit www.marlinjames.com.
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Page 19
Page 20
Volume 14, Issue 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Brenda
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MAINTENANCE FREE LIVING IN GUARD GATED RIVER HILLS! Come take a look at this wonderful 3/3/3 + bonus + office home with NEW ROOF IN 2015! Features include rich wood floors, wide base, plantation shutters & kitchen with 42" maple cabinets & stainless appliances! Screened patio! $332,000 ! EW E N RIC P
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! $109,900
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BEAUTIFUL HOME IN THE HEART OF VALRICO! Appreciate all this 4/3.5/2 + office + bonus home that offers custom features & best lot in the community! Tile floor in living areas, plantation shutters, crown, neutral paint & kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite & stainless appliances! Recently enclosed lanai! $399,000 ! EW E N RIC P
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! $374,900
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BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED HOME IN PLANT CITY! This 3/2/2 + pool home with no detail overlooked! Side-entry garage & long driveway welcome you! Inside find wood-look tile floors, French doors, fireplace, remodeled kitchen and baths & beautiful paint choices! This home is move-in ready & will not disappoint! $265,000
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Brandon/Winthrop
In This Section
BURROWING OWLS........................PG 22 CHALKLINES....................................PG 24 TAX REFERENDUM DOLLARS..........PG 25 PROFFERFISH..................................PG 27 December 2019
Volume 14, Issue 12
SPORTS CONNECTION .............PGS 28‐29
Ph: 657-2418
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...............PG 30 in our serene indoor swimming pool or wind down with a drink at our outdoor fire pit. To make a reservation at the newly renovated Courtyard by Tampa/Brandon, book online or call 661-9559.
Capture Your BrowFection At Missy’s Ink
For new and past Missy’s Ink brow clients, get a free headshot/profile picture with your new, healed, beautiful brows. With over 20 years of creative photography experience, Missy is giving her clients something a little different than the rest. Missy’s Ink is located at 1104 N. Parsons. Ave., Ste. B in Brandon. Call 659-0648 or visit https://missysink.com/.
Yellowfin Realty Expands To Luxury Sales
Yellowfin Realty’s luxury sale expertise expanded in 2019 with the closing of two sales in recent months exceeding $1 million. One is in Sarasota, Portofino On the Bay and the other recognized in the Tampa Tribune as a top sale for $3,000,000 for land sale. It is also currently working with Jimmy Rollins, MLB Superstar, in the sale of his Tampa home located in Culbreath Isles. Congrats to Kim Smith, Krista Rogers and Cheryl Haskins on their success. Yellowfin's footprint continues to expand. It is located at 801 W. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. For more information, call 229-8862 or visit www.yellowfinrealty.com.
Yellowfin Realty has expanded into luxury options along with sales by recently closing on two sales beer and wine, exceeding $1 million.
Courtyard By Marriott Tampa/Brandon Completes Renovation
Travelers looking for a hotel in the Brandon or Tampa area will find unparalleled style and innovative features at the Courtyard by Marriott Tampa/Brandon, which has just completed a nearly $3.5 million renovation of its public spaces, room accommodations, meeting space and more. A ribbon-cutting and grand reopening party was held on Thursday, December 12. Along with updating the lobby and enhancing the hotel’s full-service business center, the Courtyard by Tampa/Brandon has revamped its popular restaurant, The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect. The casual eatery, which specializes in healthy breakfast and dinner
boasts a chic new look and fresh seasonal offerings. The hotel’s 650 sq. ft. of flexible event space, located near the lobby, features revitalized design elements for more memorable and productive meetings and brainstorm sessions, along with lineless tables, chairs and a 90-inch TV to project all your meeting needs. Guest rooms now offer modern decor and an array of fresh perks, including new mattresses, linens, carpets, colorful lounge-around sofas, 55-inch flat-panel HDTVs and refurbished bathrooms. Additional guest room amenities include ergonomic workspaces, mini refrigerators and free high-speed wireless Internet—perfect for staying on top of work or well-connected to social media. Guests can work out at the hotel’s modern fitness center, featuring a wide selection of free weights and cardio equipment, including a peloton, enjoy a refreshing dip
Ribbon-Cutting Set For YoYo Juice’s Second Location Opening
YoYo Juice is happy to announce its second location in Brandon next to Shapes Fitness for Women on the corner of Lumsden Rd. and Kings Rd. A ribboncutting will be held on Wednesday, December 18 from 5-7 p.m. It will give away free smoothies for a year. Rose and Scott Laviano are high school sweethearts from Massachusetts. The name ‘YoYo Juice’ was invented by son Scott Jr. YoYo Juice serves a variety of freshly squeezed juices, all natural and no sugar added smoothies, salads, gourmet wraps, snacks and Eddie Bull’s Cookie Dough. All specialty menu items are customizable to the customer’s choice. It also provides online ordering at www.yoyojuice.com, as well as catering for schools, birthday parties, corporate functions and sporting events. YoYo Juice is located at 731 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/yoyojuiceinc.
Page 22
Volume 14, Issue 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
The Challenges Of Pancreatic Cancer
By Renjitha Ignatius, MD, Florida Cancer Specialists
While sig•Familial atypical multiple nificant mole melanoma (FAMMM) synadvances have drome, caused by mutations in been made in the p16/CDKN2A gene and treating many associated with skin and eye types of cancer, melanomas. pancreatic can•Familial pancreatitis, usucer remains ally caused by mutations in extremely chalthe PRSS1 gene. lenging. •Lynch syndrome, also According to known as hereditary non-polythe American posis colorectal Cancer Society cancer (HNPCC), most often (ACS), pancrecaused by a defect in atic cancer the MLH1 or MSH2 genes. accounts for •Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, about 3 percent Dr. Renjitha Ignatius is board- caused by defects in certified in Medical Oncology, of all cancers in the STK11 gene. This synHematology and Internal the U.S. and drome is also linked with Medicine. about 7 percent polyps in the digestive tract of all cancer deaths. Due to various and several other cancers. factors, it is difficult to detect the disSigns and Symptoms ease at an early stage, when it is There aren’t any noticeable signs more treatable; therefore, the average or symptoms in the early stages of five-year survival rate for all stages of pancreatic cancer. Also, signs and pancreatic cancer combined is only symptoms of pancreatic cancer, when around 9 percent. present, may mimic symptoms of Reduce Your Risk Factors many other illnesses. Examples are: Certain risk factors for pancreatic Jaundice (yellowing of the skin cancer can be changed by making and whites of the eyes), light-colored lifestyle choices that reduce the stools, dark urine, pain in the upper or chances of getting the disease. Among middle abdomen and back, weight these risk factors are tobacco use, loss for no known reason, loss of obesity and heavy alcohol use. For appetite and feeling very tired. example, 25 percent of pancreatic Research Brings Hope for New cancers are thought to be caused by Treatments cigarette smoking; however, the risk of There are a range of current treatpancreatic cancer begins to drop as ment options for pancreatic cancer, soon as a person stops smoking. including surgery, radiation therapy, Likewise, being very overweight chemotherapy, chemoradiation therapy increases the chances of developing and targeted therapy, and recent pancreatic cancer, as does chronic research has provided a better underpancreatitis, which is a long-term standing of the molecular changes that inflammation of the pancreas. can lead to the development of panPancreatitis often results from heavy creatic cancer, and that knowledge is alcohol use and/or smoking. resulting in better and more directed Know Your Family History therapies. Pancreatic cancer does seem to Clearly, the future of treatment for run in some families due to inherited pancreatic cancer lies in the developgene changes (mutations) that can be ment of novel agents to replace or passed from a parent to children. It is enhance current chemotherapy regiestimated that these gene changes mens. Because of the rapidly promay cause up to 10 percent of pancre- gressing research, we oncologists are atic cancers. According to ACS, some hopeful for the future of our patients examples of genetic syndromes that diagnosed with pancreatic cancers. can cause pancreatic cancer include •Hereditary breast and ovarian Dr. Renjitha Ignatius is board-certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology and cancer syndrome, caused by mutaInternal Medicine. tions in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes She practices at the Sun City Center •Hereditary breast cancer, caused location of Florida Cancer Specialists. by mutations in the PALB2 gene.
Keep Your Eyes Out For Ground-Dwelling Burrowing Owls For Project Perch
By Sandy Townsend
Have you seen owls that live on the ground instead of trees? If so, Tampa Audubon Society wants to know. Tampa Audubon is looking for burrowing owls for Project Perch. The new program’s goals are to protect the county’s existing population and support new owls with artificial burrows and through public education. Unlike most owls, burrowing owls live in burrows in the ground. The small owls have long legs and short tails and spend most of their time on the ground or on low perches. They live in open habitats with few trees and low vegetation, such as pastures and golf courses. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has categorized the Florida burrowing owl as a threatened species. “In the 1980s, Hillsborough Tampa Audubon is looking for burrowing County recorded more burrowing owls for Project Perch in hopes of protecting owls than any other county in the the county’s existing population and support nation during its Christmas Bird new owls with artificial burrows and through public education. Count,” said Valrico resident Sandy Reed, who chairs Project Perch. tained properly or are threatened by “During the 2018 Christmas Bird human use and domesticated animals. Count, we found none.” “We hope to find suitable habitats Project Perch was first developed on county-owned environmental land by the South Florida Audubon Society for installation of artificial burrows to to protect owls there. support the population,” Reed said. “Artificial burrows have been used “Even though much of their habitat successfully in South Florida to reinforce is lost, there are still plenty of things existing colonies for 20 years,” said Chris residents can do to protect burrowing Reiss, a volunteer with Project Perch. owls and all birds,” Reed said. Reiss, who was active in South Florida’s “They can keep dogs on leashes Audubon’s Project Perch, recently moved and keep cats indoors. They can elimito Hillsborough County and is working nate the use of pesticides and reduce closely with the program here. the use of fertilizers, which can con“We hope to repeat their success in taminate the environment and hurt all this county,” Reed said. “It’s tragic that our living things.” burrowing owl population has nearly disIf you see a burrowing owl, please appeared. We need to make room for call/text the burrowing owl hotline at wildlife.” 365-7944 or email owls@tamThe decrease is attributed to many paaudubon.org. Leave your name, factors, primarily the continued loss of date and the location of the owl. GPS habitat due to development. Suitable locations are appreciated. habitats that remain often aren’t main-
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Brandon/ Winthrop Edition
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Volume 14, Issue 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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Local Elementary School Initiates New Programs For Students And Community
By Kate Quesada
The staff at are learning that the Gibsonton Elementary pantry is open every has been working hard week on Fridays from 2this year to shift the bal4 p.m. and that we are ance for their students. excited to see them,” What started when said Gilmore. “Last Gibsonton was identified week, we served 34 as a community school families, and believe in the spring has led to strongly that our outmany new programs to reach is going to continhelp students and their ue. Any family whose families, from a food student attends pantry to a Little Free Gibsonton is encourLibrary. aged to come.” According to Students are also One of the programs Gibsonton Elem. has installed since being Catherine Gilmore, comwelcome to pick clothes identified as a community school is munity school resource from the school’s newly a Little Free Library, open to the coordinator, Gibsonton is public at the front of the school. developed Clothing one of six community schools in Closet. Hillsborough County. “Our Clothing Closet is an effort to “A community school is a school help students who come to school without focused on bringing equality to not only proper fitting clothing or who have accithe school, but the community,” said dents during the day,” said Gilmore. “In Gilmore. “Many of our students are not some cases, students need clean clothes given the access and opportunity that because they come to school with other communities are offered. In unwashed clothing.” Gibsonton, we find ourselves working to The closet is supported by donations shift the balance. We want to promote from the community and is always in ways in which students and families can need of clothing for students from size find positive growth and success.” four to youth medium, especially jackets In order to find out where to start, and shoes. Gilmore and other staff members are “We give an average of four pairs of using a Listening Project where they surshoes a week for our needy students,” vey and interview parents, students, staff said Gilmore. and community members to identify what Gilmore also helped install a Little aspects of the community they feel are Free Library at the front of the school to working, what is missing and to develop a improve access to literacy within the comvision for the future. munity. “We want to make sure we are findGibsonton Elementary’s programs ing the right resources that fit our specific are supported by the School District of needs,” she said. “Our goal is to transHillsborough County, the teacher’s union form Gibsonton.” (HCTA) and community partners, but volOne of the most important ways the unteers are always needed. staff is helping is by providing food. The “We are always looking for partners, school has had a Feed the Bay-funded community members and volunteers to weekend backpack program in partnersupport our students and families,” said ship with Mosaic and the Kiwanis Club for Gilmore. “If anyone is interested in volunseven years, serving 75 students a week teering, we would welcome the support. with single-serve and child-friendly foods Our goal is to see everyone succeed.” to meet their nutritional needs. But this Gibsonton Elementary is located at year, Gibsonton opened a food pantry 7723 Gibsonton Dr., call 671-5100. thanks to help from Publix. Gilmore can be reached at “As the weeks continue, the families Catherine.Gilmore@sdhc.k12.fl.us.
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December 2019
Page 25
Brandon/ Winthrop Edition
Area Hillsborough County School Projects Benefit From Referendum Dollars In the year since Hillsborough County voters approved a halfpenny sales tax to fund infrastructure projects in county schools, known as the Education Referendum, more than $80 million has been raised and Brandon-area students are already seeing the benefits. According to Chris Farkas, deputy superintendent of operations, Hillsborough County Public Schools has spent more than $66 million on 119 projects throughout the county. These projects include 24 air conditioning overhauls, 15 roofing projects, seven school athletic tracks, 17 playgrounds and nine play courts. “The projects are chosen based on the age of the school, the age of its equipment and the number of maintenance requisitions that come in each school year,” said Farkas. High schools in Eastern Hillsborough county that have already benefitted include Bloomingdale High School, where a new access control system was installed in April; Durant High School, which received a new roof, completed in three phases, and a new water tank; East Bay High School, where a new public
• • • • • • • • • • • •
By Kate Quesada
billion in deferred maintenance and $1 billion needed to build new schools to handle growth. Without the referendum dollars, our students faced a future in aging, crowded classSchools throughout Eastern Hillsborough County have benefitted from the half-penny sales tax rooms,” said Farkas. “Our Education Referendum passed last year. district normally address system was where previously we would have needed received around $110 million per year in installed in the cafe; help two or three times a week. We are funding for repairs and construction. That and Riverview High School, which very grateful the community has shown amount never could have tackled the received a new HVAC system in July. such amazing support for our public backlog of overdue work, along with the “Our district maintains an ongoing schools.” new repair requests that are coming in five-year work plan and also tracks needs In addition, Bloomindale’s Alafia every day. Now, with the half-penny sales many years farther into the future,” said Elementary School received three new tax bringing in an estimated $131 million Farkas. “Schools receiving air conditionplaygrounds over the summer, a year for 10 years, we can take on the ing overhauls over the 10 years of the refSummerfield Elementary underwent a overdue work and have the $110 million erendum were the next 203 schools in partial roof replacement and Yates we normally receive each year available need of an overhaul based on system Elementary received a new roof. to help handle additional growth and new age, reliability and related factors. Other More than $20 million will also go problems that appear as our schools projects were selected similarly, based on toward new classroom technology. age.” need and available budget, with the intent “Florida ranks 44th in the United Projects and spending are reviewed of making a significant investment in States in K-12 education funding,” said by an independent Citizen Oversight every school.” Farkas. “The inadequate state funding, Committee, led by former State Lithia Spring Elementary School in combined with massive growth in Education Commissioner Betty Castor Valrico was one of the first locations to Hillsborough County during the 90s and and Sheriff Chad Chronister, before the receive an air conditioning overhaul, in early 2000s, led to our community’s shortwork is submitted to the school board for addition to two new playgrounds. fall.” final approval. “The air conditioner upgrades this The Education Referendum is To learn more about the Education past summer have been great for our stuexpected to generate between $1.2 and Referendum and to see a list of projects, dents and staff,” said Lithia Springs $1.3 billion over the next 10 years and the visit https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us and Principal Kevin Martin. “Once the system district plans to invest a minimum of search for 'Citizen Oversight Committee was up and running we have not had to $500,000 in each school in the county. Project Updates'. make a single maintenance request “Last year, our district was facing $1
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Page 26
Volume 14, Issue 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Local Nonprofit Equips And Trains Leaders Around The World
By Amanda Boston
In October, CCI held its third Global Conference with more than 85 attendees representing 14 different nations.
Crossing Cultures International (CCI) is a local nonprofit organization that seeks to glorify God by equipping and training pastors and church leaders globally for effective ministry. Although headquartered in Brandon, the organization lives up to its name with a presence in 37 countries. CCI’s goal is to produce mature, Christlike leaders who can make mature disciples of Jesus Christ, as they pastor a church, lead a ministry or go wherever God has called them. To do this, CCI provides affordable and comprehensive training to pastors and church leaders through a relational discipleship training method. Dr. David Nelson, president of CCI, founded the organization after spending more than a decade as a church planter on the island of Bohol in the Philippines. Although CCI didn’t officially become incorporated until 2006, the Lord was orchestrating all the parts and people long before. While in the Philippines during the late 80s, Dr. Nelson began teaching three men about Jesus using an apprenticeship model—a practice also common in the Philippines. Like Jesus’ relationship with His disciples, Dr. Nelson spent time with these men, teaching them how to correctly handle the Word of God.
“It costs about $5,000 a month to send a missionary to the Philippines,” explained Dr. Nelson. “But to train a pastor or church leader that lives there, it costs $10 a month for three years to train a leader who is already in the culture.” He continued, “We bring the training to where the people live so they can be trained and equipped to serve the Lord in the local church or go out and start new churches.” In October 2019, CCI ‘went home’ to hold its third Global Conference on the island of Bohol. National directors, area coordinators, pastors, spouses and staff from 14 different nations attended to worship, pray, hear testimonies, encourage one another and plan for the future. Henry Ventura, the CCI national director in the Philippines, attended the conference and said, “I learned how to interpret the Bible correctly, and that changed my whole life. Today, by the grace of God, CCI is equipping pastors and church leaders in 570 classes with 6,344 participants. More than 8,000 students have graduated from 37 different countries. For more information or to donate, visit www.cciequip.org or call 217-5077.
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December 2019
Page 27
Brandon/ Winthrop Edition
New Volunteer Hours Tracking Platform Helps Students Help Community
By Kate Quesada
Students at select “Local groups lookHillsborough County ing for volunteers will high schools have an just need to log on to easier way to help the Profferfish, create an community and the account and upload their chance to win some needs,” said Snively. great prizes this month. Currently, one third Hillsborough County of the high schools in Public Schools (HCPS) the county, including recently teamed up with Lithia’s Newsome Profferfish, a cloudHigh, have introduced based platform that will their students to allow students to access Profferfish and Snively volunteer opportunities hopes that number will and earn community grow in the near future. Hillsborough County students service hours for Florida Kelsey McGuinness and Addison The school district Collins can now log their communiBright Futures in a is also hoping that use ty service hours with Profferfish, a streamlined, convenient of the platform will help streamlined online platform. manner on their mobile devices. students get more involved in their comAccording to School Board Chair munities. Melissa Snively, the paperless, secure “Students who give back are less platform is free to use and will benefit not likely to get in trouble and more likely to only students and parents but also counget better grades,” said Snively. “We hope selors, schools and nonprofits. that Profferfish will encouraged more stu“The current way the district has to dents to get engaged, not just those looklog community service hours is very time- ing to log Bright Futures hours.” consuming and archaic,” said Snively, In an effort to encourage students to who has been working with Profferfish use the platform, the school district has officials for three years to help develop teamed up with Caspers Company the software. “This way is not only easier McDonald’s and Outback Steakhouse to and more intuitive for the students, but it offer incentives. will also save our counselors significant All students earning four or more effort and hours pushing paper, which will community services hours before turn into time they can use to work in the December 6 will qualify for a drawing to schools with the kids who need them.” win one of five special Outback Bowl In addition to using the platform to log Game Day Experiences. and check in on their community service To learn more, visit hours around the clock, students will also www.profferfish.com, search for be able to search for organizations in the 'Profferfish' on www.sdhc.k12.fl.us or concommunity in need of help. tact your college career counselor.
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Page 28
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 12
Photos courtesy of Amy Maguire
Ostingers Baseball Academy Holds College Signing Ceremony For 12 Players The Ostingers Baseball Academy (OBA), located in Lithia, recognized 12 area high school seniors who have signed to play college baseball at their banquet on November 18. Brooks DeBartolo’s Ryan Bradarich (Nova Southeastern University), Armwood’s Tyler Castelli (Embry-Riddle University), Newsome’s Zach DeVito (Tulane University), Armwood’s Trevor Finan (Army), Durant’s Ahmad Fitts (Florida Southern The Ostingers Baseball Academy had 12 players sign on for college baseball at their banquet. College), Wesley Bloomingdale’s Brock happy that I can continue Chapel’s Ethan Jones Wilken (Wake Forest my career.” (University of West University) all signed. OBA founder and Virginia), Riverview’s Catcher Tyler instructor Jim Osting is Macallister Jorgensen Castelli parlayed a proud of his players, but will (University of Tampa), tremendous junior seamiss coaching them. “It’s Wharton’s Grady son at Armwood where slightly surreal just knowing that the guys Maguire (Florida he hit .403 with four are at the end of what OBA does,” he Southern College), home runs and 21 said. “It’s a bittersweet day, but it’s a Riverview’s Tyler Misla RBIs into an offer from happy day for me knowing that the guys (College of Central Embry-Riddle have worked their tails off to get to where Florida), Newsome’s University. “This is they are. Today’s just a great day for the Cole Stallings (Stetson ft) le e th om what you dream of,” program and it’s a great day for the kids (fr University), Seffner OBA teammatesTommy Turkett , re ui ag said Castelli. “It’s what I and their families.” M Christian’s Tommy Turkett Grady will all play at and Ahmad FittsCollege together. wanted to do, and it According to the website, OBA offers (Florida Southern rn Florida Southe makes me feel very individual lessons, team facility College) and
rentals/lessons and high-yield camps year-round. The OBA facility offers both indoor and outdoor cages, an outdoor infield and pitching mounds for bullpen work. Players should expect a balance of instruction on topics ranging from pitching, stretching, throwing, hitting, fielding mechanics, mental aspects of the game as well as preventative injury training. Beyond individual lessons, OBA frequently offers player position workshops with visiting professional players, conditioning/strengthening programs for cross-training and elite travel ball teams for those players ready for a more advanced level of competition. “The biggest thing that I’m going to miss about these guys is just how they compete,” said Osting. “It didn’t matter who we played, it didn’t matter what time of the day it was, didn’t matter what day of the week it was, they went out and just competed all the time.” For more information, visit the website at www.OstingBaseball.com.
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Brandon/ Winthrop Edition
Photos courtesy of Robert Maestas
Brandon Girls Cross Country Team Qualifies For States For First Time In 13 Years The Brandon Eagles girls Goldberg is JROTC second-incross country team reached command of 180 cadets and the finish line while facing senior Gita Goldberg is the battremendous adversity in the talion commander. Senior Emma 2019 season. They made it all Jones plays multiple sports, the way to states for the first including volleyball and wrestling. time as a team in 13 years, She is the first female wrestler to finishing 23rd overall. Five of be a part of Brandon High the seven runners ran personSchool’s storied program. The al best times as well. other runners that made up the The Eagles accomplished team are senior Nithya these feats while only having Chummar (top three runner), 10 runners on the team. After senior Christiana Taylor (top finishing third in districts, the three runner), senior Jazmine team had to compete in the Ortiz (number five runner), senior The Brandon Eagles girls cross country team made it Head Coach Robert Maestas stands with some of his Gabriella Perez, freshmen Ayva regionals with the minimum to states for the first time in 13 years. players. five runners, instead of the Bigord (youngest runner) and blessing of her Trlak’s mom typical seven, due to injury and sickness, sophomore Marielis Claudio (top runner). mom, she was remarked that but managed to finish sixth and qualify for able to compete “They have become such a close her daughter states. According to Head Coach Robert family,” said Maestas. “They had to rely in her final race would rather Maestas, four of his top five runners were at states. on each other through injuries, and when chew her leg off banged up down the stretch of the seaone went down, the next one stepped up Maestas left the than not run. son. Some of them had to sit out races, and was able to help keep the team decision up to She finished in and they had to do alternative workouts together and keep advancing. They are Trlak and her the back of the such as working in the swimming pool all like sisters.” mom because pack, but was and using ellipticals. Maestas said that in 15 or 20 years she was one of happy that she Maestas said that qualifying for from now he’ll probably get a phone call the top runners was able to states was a huge accomplishment in from the team wanting to get together on the team for compete. Four of the runners are JROTC cadets. and of itself with all of the injuries that when they are all back in town. “I think the last four Several of occurred. Senior Jessica Trlak was one of years and she earned the right to comthat they are the kind of kids that are the runners are dual-sport athletes, with the runners that was injured. With the going to be best friends forever.” pete if she wanted. Maestas said that four being JROTC cadets. Senior Reva
Page 30
Volume 14, Issue 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Artists, Artisans And Vendors Art Invited To Apply To Participate In The 12th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival And Market Organizers of the 12th Annual Festival and Market is Winthrop Arts Festival and Market judged by three highly have issued a call to artists and a call qualified judges. to vendors and sponsors. The 12th In addition to artists Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and and artisans, the 12th Market will be held on Saturday, Annual Winthrop Arts March 28, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 5 Festival and Market feap.m. and on Sunday, March 29, 2020 tures vendors of all from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival kind. Organizers are will be held in the community of selective about the venWinthrop located in Riverview. dors that are approved The 12th Annual Winthrop Arts for the festival, but there Festival and Market is a juried art are always a wide varishow which features artists, artisans ety of vendors on hand. and vendors. In addition, there is live They offer all kinds of entertainment throughout the weekend, children’s activities and food trucks. The 12th Annual Winthrop Winthrop Arts has issued calls for artists, artisans, vendors and sponsors for the upcoming Arts Festival and Market is a white 12th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market. tent festival, which means that everyArtists from all over the area participate in the one, from artists and artisans to venjuried fine art show, including Best of Show winner Greg Jones of Lakeland. dors, must utilize an 8’ x 10’ white tent. Applications for fine artists and painting, photography, jewelry making, artisans can be obtained through sculpture, glass, ceramics, fabrics/texZapplication (www.zapplication.org). tiles, wood, digital art and more. There This is a free service for artists and is over $5,000 in awards available. artisans who can register and then This includes two awards for Emerging submit their applications along with Artists. This is defined as an artist or photographs of their booth and art. artisan who is in the early stages of The cost to apply is $25. If accepted their art career and has not yet estabinto the show, the fee is $125, which is lished a reputation. The artist or artinon-refundable. This fee secures the san can be of any age and use any spot in the show. There are eight premedium. items, including candles, books, pilmium spaces available on a firstBryant Martinez, local artist and lows and clothing. come, first-served basis. The cost for lead art instructor for Winthrop Arts, The vendor application can be the premium space is $250. The dead- said, “The annual arts festival is obtained by visiting line to apply is Sunday, March 15, always a highlight for me. It is a great www.winthroparts.org, email 2020. Premium spaces are available opportunity for local artists, as well as info@winthroparts.org or call 758-5161 to artists, artisans and vendors. many from out of the area, to showand request a copy. The 12th Annual Winthrop Arts case their art at a festival that truly The cost to participate as a vendor Festival and Market features a wide cares about the arts.” is $25 for the application fee and $150 variety of mediums. This includes The 12th Annual Winthrop Arts if accepted into the festival. The fees
are non-refundable and secure your spot in the festival. As Winthrop Arts is 501(c)(3) nonprofit, sponsors are needed to help fund the art festival as well as the many programs offered. Sponsorships in a wide variety of levels are available. Sponsors are recognized for each level of giving. For more information on sponsorships, please call Kathy at 758-5161 or email kathy@winthroparts.org. In addition to the annual arts festival, Winthrop Arts offers art classes to children (ages 5 and up), teens (sixth grade and above) and adult (15 years or older). The mediums for children include drawing, painting, ceramics, fabrics and creative storytelling. For adults, there are both a ceramics class and a painting class. For teens, there is a drawing/painting class. In addition, Winthrop Ars offers the Mobile Art Factory. This is a grantfunded and community supported outreach program that provides free art classes to underserved children living in Hillsborough County. Currently, three instructors travel to Wimauma and provide free arts instruction to children at Hispanic Services Council and Wimauma Elementary School. The Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory is funded by generous grants from Suncoast Credit Union, Wells Fargo, the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Interfaith Social Action Council of Sun City Center. For more information on Winthrop Arts, please visit www.winthroparts.org.
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Caring for a loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer’s? LIFE isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass... It’s about learning to dance in the rain. Assisted Living for Memory Care Day Stay & Respite Programs Support Groups for Caregivers Call today to visit our community. We can work together to give your loved one the best possible care.
A tip from our experts: Be sure to have eye contact when speaking to someone with dementia. Speak slowly and in short sentences then give them time to respond. Remember the word silent also spells listen both of which you must practice to be successful in communicating with someone with dementia. Assisted Living Facility #9739
December 2019
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Brandon/ Winthrop Edition
Kettle Kid Is Local Popcorn Entrepreneur By Kate Quesada
Bell Creek GMOs or additives Middle School and is made from student Avery only natural ingreCarter has a dients. unique way to “Everyone is spend his free looking for healthitime. The 13er ways to eat and year-old Lithia enjoy food, so he resident recentwas really excited ly started his when he found the own business perfect recipe,” making and said Zakia, who selling kettle described her son corn and other as a young entreThirteen-year-old Lithia resident Avery Carter types of poprecently started The Kettle Kid, selling popcorn preneur. online and at local events. corn which he Avery came up produces in a commercial kitchen in with the name for his business while Tampa. joking around with his 14-year-old brothAvery began his business, The er, Zachary Carter, a freshman at Kettle Kid, last summer and is now sellBloomingdale High School. ing corn online and at local events, “It is funny because even his friends including the FishHawk Famers’ Market at school have started calling him Kettle which takes place at Park Square once Kid all the time now,” said Zakia. a month. In addition to the kettle corn, Avery According to his mom, Zakia Carter, has developed other flavors of popcorn Avery has always loved cooking but and offers a featured flavor every month was inspired to start The Kettle Kid on the company’s website. This month, when he was diagnosed with a series of the flavor is caramel. He spends at least allergies last year that stopped him from four hours three times a week at the eating many of the treats he previously kitchen working on and making the popenjoyed. corn. “He is a foodie and he was frustratWhen he is not working on his busied when he couldn’t eat a lot of his ness, Avery enjoys taking classes at favorites,” said Zakia. “He started exper- The Rolling Pin in Brandon and watchimenting in the kitchen and quickly pering shows on the Food Network. fected a recipe for kettle corn that Check out The Kettle Kid on the first inspired him to start his own business Sunday of each month from 9 a.m. to 2 so others could enjoy it too.” p.m. at the FishHawk Farmers’ Market The popcorn, which is produced in located in the community’s Park Square. a space the family leases from a comTo order from The Kettle Kid online, visit mercial kitchen in Tampa, contains no www.thekettlekid.com.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 12