Two Sections, 36 Pages of Community News
Brandon/Winthrop
18 C E L E B R A T I N G
1 7
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
By Tatiana Ortiz
and Cruise Planning, hosted a travel group to Abruzzo and found these chefs, along with their cooking school which helped foster the inviation to the U.S. Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium owner Chef Dave West shared how he felt about the two chefs coming here. “We feel very excited and look forward to a long term relationship with becoming sister cooking schools,” West said. Do not miss some of the other upcoming classes as well. Charmane Andrew Skillen, Founder and CEO of S.A.L.T. (Sydney, Alexis, Lauren and Taylor) Sisters, will be conducting a demonstration class on Thursday, March 21 and an instore sampling on Friday, March 22. Chef Nick Malgieri will be doing a demonstration class on Bella Napoli on Friday, March 29 and a demonstration class on How to Bake on Saturday, March 30. Lastly, Chef Virginia Willis will do a demonstration on Friday, May 10 and on Saturday, May 11 a Demonstration Mother’s Day Brunch. To register for the class or to learn more, visit www.rollingpinonline.com. It is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Open Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Call 653-2418.
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This Spring, the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium has a line up of cooking class chefs sure to please foodies of every genre! Kicking off the season will be the sound and smell of sizzling garlic on Thursday, February 7, at 6:30 p.m. when Chefs Dino Alberto Paganelli and Massimo Criscio from the Abruzzo Cibus Cooking School in Italy make their first appearance here. The cost is $65 per person to participate with limited spaces available. Those in attendance will get to cook risotto with gorgonzola sauce, truffles and more. Paganelli and Criscio will be sharing their stories of Abruzzo Cibus, considered one of Italy’s most highly rated cooking schools, hostelries and culinary tours. The cooking tour in Italy with Abruzzo Cibus means hands-on cooking lessons as one learns to make regional specialties and traditional Italian foods. Cookign assistant Anna Maria Gentile, who also owns AMG Travel
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January 2019 Volume 14, Issue 1 Ph: 657-2418
World Class Chefs Bring Cooking Skills To The Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium
Italian Chefs Dino Alberto Paganelli (left) and Massimo Criscio (right) from the Abruzzo Cooking School in Italy will be coming to the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium on February 7.
n To Wi Enter 4 3 Page
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
Shoot For Those Who Shot For U.S. Event Supports Area Honor Flights
By Stacy Huisman
Shoot For of different conflicts Those Who Shot supporting each For U.S is a local other was a moving clay shooting experience. fundraiser benefiting “I have a friend two area Honor who went on the Flight programs. The flight as a guardian. event will be held on He is a veteran of Friday, February 22 Vietnam, and at 10:30 a.m. at the watching his pride FishHawk Sporting and his emotions Clays Club located change throughout at 13505 Hobson the day was breathSimmons Rd. in taking. Here is a Guardians, the Wilson family, Lithia. in Washington D.C. for local Honor Flight man who was All funds raised never welcomed with two WWII veterans. will support two home with local Honor Flights– applause, walking a Honor Flight of WWII veteran off of West Central a plane, and seeing Florida, which is so many people affiliated with Honor cheering, clapping Flight Network, and and thrilled to see Flight to Honor of them get off the Polk Veterans plane changes a Council. person for the betThe mission of ter. “ the Honor Flights The Shoot For Clay shooters at a previous Shoot For and Flight to Honor Those Who Shot Those Who Shot For U.S. is to transport veterFor U.S event is ans of WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars open to everyone and all skill levels. to the national memorials in Washington Children are welcome but must be well D.C., honoring their service and covering supervised. For more information on the all expenses associated with the flight. event or how to sign up, contact Cardinal According to Honor Flight Network’s web- Roofing at 689-7663. site, more than 35,000 veterans are on the waiting list for its program. Since 2005, the network has flown more than In This 21,000 veterans to the nation’s capital. Issue Cardinal Roofing started the event in 2013, raising more than $60,000 since the inaugural event. Bridget Wilson, part MONSTER JAM ..................................PG 3 owner of Cardinal Roofing, said picking CLUB CHAMPION TO OPEN ...............PG 9 this charity was their company’s way to give back to the greatest generation. SPORTS CONNECTION......................PG 12 “We chose these charities because CHALKLINES .....................................PG 16 it’s a beautiful way to say thank you to our veterans for their service. We have seen EYE ON BUSINESS .....................PGS 25‐26 firsthand, by being guardians, how this ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 31 day of appreciation can change a soldier and help them to feel the love that so www.ospreyobserver.com many people want them to feel.” Wilson also says witnessing veterans
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The 2019 Florida State Fairgrounds will be open for 11 days from February 7-18. The Fairgrounds is located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N in Tampa. Gates open Monday through Thursday at 10 a.m. Midway opens at 1 p .m. On Friday, Saturday, Sunday and President's Day, gates open at 9 a.m. and Midway opens at 10 a.m. See page 23 for full story.
N E W S
Page 2
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 1
January 2019
Page 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
MONSTER JAM® Stadium Tour
Get A ‘Taste Of Scouting’ At Troop 61’s BBQ
Get your the trucks up tickets now for close. This pass Monster Jam®, is available to an adrenalinefans who purcharged family chase a ticket to entertainment, the Saturday which will once event and proagain take place vides early entry on Saturday, into the Pit February 2 at Party from Raymond James Stadium. It will provide jawdropping displays and graviBring the entire family to Monster ty-defying feats Jam®, which will take place at Raymond James Stadium on that promise to Saturday, February 2. always leave fans enter1:30–2:30 p.m. tained. The Pit Party Monster Jam Early Access events feature Pass also some of the most serves as the famous trucks in regular Pit Party the world includpass from 2:30– ing Grave 5:30 p.m. and Digger®, Maxmust be accomDTM, El Toro panied by an Loco® and many event ticket. more. WorldQuantities are class drivers limited. push these perThe fectly engineered Raymond Monster Jam James event will trucks to their feature Max D – limits in Tom Meents, Freestyle, 2one time Wheel Skills and Monster Jam Racing competiWorld tions that will put Champion, Son families on the Uva Digger – edge of their Ryan Anderson, seats and leave Monster Jam them craving World Finals more of this Champion unexpected, Megalodon unscripted and – Justin Sipes, unforgettable event! Avenger – Jim Koehler and Grave Do not miss the pit party and Digger – Morgan Kane driver. see the trucks up close and meet You can stop by Metro by Tthe drivers. You can get your free pit Mobile to get your ‘Buy three, get pass from local Ford Dealers. one free voucher.’ Save $5 on tickThe Monster Jam® Pit Party ets with coupon from Dairy Queen provides unprecedented access to and go for the ride of your life in a the Monster Jam trucks and drivers. monster truck with a free ride truck This unique experience in the world pass from Circle K. of motorsports gives you access to Gates open at 5 p.m. and show see the trucks up close, take pictime is 7 p.m. tures, meet the drivers and get their Raymond James Stadium is autographs. located at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy. The Pit Party Early Access Pass in Tampa. provides you with extended, Visit www.monsterjam.com/enunprecedented access to the Pit US/events/tampa-fl/feb-02-2019-febParty to meet the drivers and see 02-2019 for tickets and information.
On Saturday, February experience scouting,” 2, Boy Scout Troop 61 said Zelatis. invites you and your family A portion of the proto its First Annual ‘Taste of ceeds will also go to the Scouting’ BBQ from 11 PCOB to help pay for a.m.-6 p.m. at the building and grounds Presbyterian Church of maintenance and inciBloomingdale (PCOB), dentals. 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. The church is the The BBQ plate Troop’s charter organizaincludes: pulled pork or tion, providing the locachicken thighs with tion for its meetings and coleslaw, baked beans, roll a great support system, and sweet tea or water. which in turn helps the You can pre-order online Troop 61 recently participated troop run a successful for $10 per person at in an Eagle project to install a program. bridge at Alafia State Park. www.bstroop61.com (click “The Scouting proThe troop invites you to its Barbecue) or pay $12 at gram instills in our youth Taste of Scouting BBQ on the door. Saturday February 2 from 11 the core values and prina.m.-6 p.m. to learn about Bring the family to ciples of the Scout Oath scouting. enjoy the meal and learn and Scout Law while havabout scouting. The scouts will demoning fun exploring the outdoors, discoverstrate their skills. Activities including knot ing new things and preparing for the tying, orienteering, fire building, Dutch future. We want to offer those parents oven cooking, camping/backpacking, first and youngsters not currently involved in aid and more will be showcased throughScouts BSA and opportunity to see what out the day. Scouting is all about,” noted Zelatis. According to John Zelatis, the troop’s The Scouts in the Troop enjoy a Fundraising Coordinator, “The Troops year-round outings program, with a decision to hold the ‘Taste of Scouting’ monthly outing planned by the Scouts. was twofold; first, to help raise funds for The program is designed to provide fun, our Scouting Program and the new skills and advancement. Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale.” For more information, email Zelatis at Funds raised will be utilized to help jzelatis@zomesa.com. lower scout dues and registration fees, Troop 61 meets every Monday from purchase new/upgrade existing camping 7:30-9 p.m. at Bloomingdale Presbyterian equipment, offset the cost of summer Church. For more information, email Kelli camp, and provide scout families assisCzyzyk, Committee Chair at tance through scholarships in case of Kelliczyzyk.bsatroop61@troopmaster.em financial hardships. ail or Michael Beck, Scoutmaster at “We want every young person to Scoutmaster@bstroop61.com.
Staff Report
By Michelle Colesanti
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Page 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 1
Community Roundtable To Host Annual Community Affairs Dinner
Owl’s Nest Sanctuary For Wildlife Is The Go-To Animal Rehabilitator
The Community participation via Roundtable will hold its membership and volAnnual Community unteerism. They do Affairs Dinner on this by holding severWednesday, February al events that are 27 at Center Place designed to assist located at 619 local non-profits and Vonderburg Dr., Ste B the public at large. in Brandon. There will An example of be a Social Hour beginthis is the Annual Photo courtesy of Steve B. Nickerson Honorary Mayor of ning at 6 p.m. with a sitJoin like-minded area residents and Brandon! Race. For down dinner to follow at celebrate all that is good about the 7 p.m. Greater Brandon area at the Annual 60 years, distinTickets for the Community Affairs Dinner hosted by guished individuals the Community Roundtable. annual event are just devote the month of $45 per person. You can become a spon- June to “running” for Honorary Mayor by sor and host a table of eight for just $450. holding events. The candidate who raises To reserve your tickets and to get more the most money is declared the Honorary information on sponsorships, please call Mayor. All proceeds raised are donated to 661-4350 or email the non-profits chosen by the candidate. roundtable2008@aol.com. In addition, the Community The theme for this year’s dinner is a Roundtable hosts the Annual Fourth of Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the July Parade, which is believed to be Florida’s largest; a golf tournament; a Honorary Mayor of Brandon! Race. All former Honorary Mayors have been invitCommunity Service Forum; and several ed to attend the dinner and will be preother events. sented with a gift to recognize their supJanine Nickerson, President of the port for the Greater Brandon area. Community Roundtable said, “The Annual In addition to recognizing the Community Affairs Dinner highlights the Honorary Mayors, the dinner is a time accomplishments of our local neighbors when awards are presented, including the and businesses who work for the betterAlice B. Tompkins Community Service ment of other residents who have fallen Award, The Non-Profit of the Year Award on difficult times. By supporting Brandon’s and the Community Roundtable charities, we can all benefit from those Scholarship, which is awarded to deservcontributions. Attendees to the dinner ing students. mingle with active volunteers, charities The Community Roundtable is an all- and achievers who may spark interest to volunteer organization whose mission is volunteer with worthy non-profits.” to instill a sense of community and pride Please visit www.thecommunityfor the Greater Brandon area through roundtable.org.
Due to the residential mentor. We go from growth that has taken there and I’m training place in the last 20 years, them,” said Porter. habitats for local wildlife Beyond protecting have been greatly reduced and conserving Florida and they have had to learn animals, Owl’s Nest to live among us. Sanctuary wants to For one reason or inspire others to care for another, people might find and appreciate wildlife. It local wildlife in danger. also wishes to “reduce Whether injured, human impact on sick or abanFlorida’s native wildlife doned at a young through rehabilitation, age, you might education, and teamnot know what to work.” This baby coyote, named do to help these animals. “The goal is to rehaAnaba, was found malnourished That is why Kris Porter bilitate and release,” with a broken left femur. After founded Owl’s Nest many months of care from Owl’s Porter added. “We have Nest Sanctuary and partners Sanctuary for Wildlife. an 86 percent success like Busch Gardens, she Owl’s Nest Sanctuary rate. Anything over 50 became strong, healthy and is a state and federally and you’re doing pretty ready for release. licensed 501(c)(3) nonwell.” profit organization that works with places “It’s my calling, I’ve done it forever. I’ll like Busch Gardens and SeaWorld to pro- do it until I can’t do it anymore,” Porter vide wildlife with professional aid, and it is said. 100 percent volunteer run. With over 90 For wildlife rescue help, call the volunteers and six counties to cover, it Sanctuary at 920-5495 or 598-5926. If no has much support but is always seeking one answers, leave a message with your more assistance. name, phone number and the animal’s “Owl’s Nest Sanctuary started four location. It does not help with pet rescues. years ago,” Porter said. “I’m a retired Due to the organization’s volunteerzoologist from Busch Gardens. I used to based structure, members work from their work as the animal lead in the nursery for own homes. The Rescue does not accept 11 years, and I raised my girls and really visitors. However, donations can be didn’t do any wildlife [rescuing] until one mailed to 12932 Royal George Ave., of my zookeeper friends prompted me to Odessa, FL 33556. start this.” To help the Sanctuary, you can “They can actually just go to our attend the organization’s events. Email Facebook site or website, and there’s a OwlsNestSanctuaryForWildlife@gmail.com volunteer form. They fill it out and it actuor visit https://owlsnestsanctuaryforally comes to me, and they’ll get an area wildlife.com/.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Taylor Wells
January 2019
Page 5
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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Master Gardener Library Program: Wildlife
Wednesday, January 2, 2019; 6:30-8 p.m. Bloomingdale Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico Learn how to create a backyard habitat to attract butterflies and birds using native and local plants. Presentation is from Master Gardener Teri Brockway. Please bring a plant or other gardening item for a fun Plant Swap. Email Richard@seedroff.com or call 303-638-3917 for more info.
Social Security Benefits Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Thursday, February 7; Tuesday, February 19; Tuesday, March 5; and Thursday, March 21 at 5:45 p.m. HCC campus of The Regent, 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking your Social Security benefits; perfect for ages 58-67. Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave message after 4:30 p.m.
Monthly Car Show & Cannoli
First Saturday of month; 2-5 p.m. Beve Cibo, 5622 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia Sponsored by First Light Home Care. 50/50 Raffle supports Relay for Life $1 of every Sparkling Berries Cocktail donated back to Relay.
Tampa Bay Chief Petty Officers Meeting
Fourth Thursday each month; 6:30 p.m. Tampa Buffet, 3904 S. Dale Mabry, Britton Plaza, Tampa For information, call Chuck Peterman, President – 767-1569.
Parkinson's Support Group At Savannah Court Of Brandon
Third Tuesday of Month; 6 p.m. Savannah Court of Brandon, 824 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Call 643-6767 to RSVP with Rhonda Fournier, Executive Director.
Hawthorne Health & Rehab Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
Third Thursday of the month; 2 p.m. 851 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon For more information or to register, call 661-8998 - M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Congregation Beth Shalom
Shabbat Services–Fridays; 7 p.m. 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. All welcome. Call 681-6547.
Calling All Marines, FMF Corpsmen And FMF Chaplains
First Tuesday of the month; 7 p.m. Alafia American Legion Post #148, 7240 US Hwy. 301 in Riverview. The Sgt. Walter P. Ryan Detachment of the Marine Corps League is looking for new members. All Marines welcome. Other military branch members accepted too. Email mclsgtryan@gmail.com or call Ron Essick at 503-0390.
VFW Riverview Post 8108 Events
7504 Riverview Dr.; 671-9845 Every Sunday; 9 a.m.-12 Noon - All You Can Eat Breakfast Every Monday; 7 p.m. – Bingo Night Saturday, December 15 – Dinner; 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Karaoke; 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in the Canteen during business hours or at the door.
Master Gardener Plant Clinic
Tuesday, February 5; 6:30 p.m. Riverview Library, 10509 Riverview Dr. Seed Saving will be presented. Call 273-3652 for more information.
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Page 8
Volume 14, Issue 1
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Area Residents Encouraged To Enter Artwork In The Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show
By Kathy L. Collins
Place, and $75 for Third Place. Amateur Adults can win $100 for First Place, $75 for Second Place and $50 for Third Place. Likewise, Youth can win $25 for First Place, $15 for Second Place and $10 for Third Place. Artists who do not win one of the above prizes are eligible for a Business Leaders Choice Award. These awards are sponsored by local businesses and chosen by a representative of the business. Crumley said, “We have over 20 Artists, young and old, professional and amateur, are encouraged to enter original artwork businesses that will be sponsors this into the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Fine year.” Art Show. Back by popular demand is the People’s Choice Award. The winner will A Call To Artists has been issued by receive $50. Crumley explained, “We the East Hillsborough Art Guild (EHAG) believe that active involvement by the fesfor the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show. The show will run through- tival attendees increases awareness of the great artists in our local community.” out the Florida Strawberry Festival which Attendees will have the opportunity to is set to run from Thursday, February 28 vote for their favorite piece. Voting will through Sunday, March 10 at the Festival take place throughout the entire 11 days Grounds in Plant City. The show will be of the festival. held in the Milton E. Hull Building. All Youth Division entries are sponKaren Crumley, a member of EHAG, sored by Jim Scott of Jarret Scott Ford. is this year’s chairperson. Crumley All Youth Entries receive a participation encourages all area residents, both ribbon. young and old, to enter the show. The While this is not a juried show, there show is open to both amateurs and prois limited space. Entries are accepted fessionals. All entries must be original on a first come, first serve basis. works of art. There are multiple categories for both Anyone interested in entering artwork must carefully review all of the rules and Adult and Youth entries. Adults are dividtake care to follow them. Early entries ed into Professional Groups (entry fee is are accepted until Friday, February 8. $15) and Amateur Groups (entry fee is Artists can mail their entry form and fee $12). Adults can enter Oils, Acrylics, to East Hillsborough Art Guild, P.O. Box Watercolors and Graphic/Mixed Media. 3055, Plant City, FL 33564. Arts must be The entry fees for both Miniature Art (2D brought to the Festival Grounds on Media) and Sculpture (3D Art) are $12. Friday, February 22 from 12 noon to 6 The Youth Divisions are by ages. p.m. Youth can enter Oils, Acrylics, Youth entries have the option of Watercolors, Graphic/Mixed Media and mailing their paper art along with their new this year, Sculpture. The entry fee is entry form and fee. However, if youth art $5. is on canvas gallery wraps or canvas Adults can enter up to four entries, boards, youth must follow the above but no more than two in the same diviprocedure. sion. Youth can enter up to two entries. Crumley said, “This show is a great The Annual Florida Strawberry way to get exposure for artists. You can Festival Fine Arts Show has grown over the years. Entries are eligible for substan- reach over 500,000 festival attendees.” Crumley added, “It is also a great way tial monetary awards. This includes $100 for the youngest artist, including high for the Strawberry Theme Award, $300 school students, to get the chance have for Best of Show and $500 for the a real-life experience of showing their Exclusive Purchase Award. The latter is artwork in a gallery setting that is seen sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union. In by thousands.” addition to the prize money, the winning Entry forms and rules can be found artist’s piece is displayed at the Suncoast at www.FLstrawberryfestival.com. Credit Union Plant City branch. There are also prizes for first, second Simply click on Contests and scroll down to the Art Show. If you have quesand third places in all Adult and Youth tions, please email Crumley at kscrumDivisions. Professional Adults can win ley@yahoo.com or call 924-3829. $150 for First Place, $100 for Second
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January 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
DayDreams Day Spa Makes Medical Aesthetics Shine With New Med Spa
By Elisa Santana
Skincare has always device and discuss the been something everyone issues you are having with wants. We want the healthiyour skin. She then tailors est and as-close-to-perfect a treatment plan to make skin. And we want quick prosure you get your desired cedures that offer the best results. results. In fact, research Aside from the med shows that medical aesthetspa, DayDreams offers ics is on the rise, reaching many other services. They nearly $17 billion by 2023. offer massages, waxing, “During my pregnancy, I nail treatments, body and had a lot of issues with skinDayDreams Day Spa’s Dr. facial treatments, tanning Victoria Morin. care and I did a lot of and more. The owners, research. Aesthetics husband and wife is where skincare is Benjamin and moving right now,” Nikiya Keller, took Nikiya Herron Keller, over the spa four owner of years ago. The spa DayDreams Day was opened in Spa, said. 1999 by an aesDayDreams Day thetician who wantSpa knows how ed to create a important skincare is, peaceful experiwhich is why it is ence for every cusopening its very own tomer. med spa where you The Kellers One of the treatment rooms patients can enjoy in peace. can get medical have tried their consultations, hardest to keep Botox, chemical that same goal. peels and more. “You can And leading the get a great med spa will be service anymedical aesthetiwhere. We are cian Doctor about experiVictoria Morin. ences. You can Originally bring your from Ontario, mother or anyCanada, Dr. one who has Morin started done a great with her own thing for you or practice in family is tired and you Another treatment room patients can enjoy in medicine. She want to give peace. and her husband them a great moved to Florida in 2005 where he pracday, this is the place to do it. We will ticed Orthopedic Surgery and she stayed make sure to give them positive experiat home to raise their three children. She ences,” she said. “We have tranquility became interested in medical aesthetics, rooms, mimosas, snacks and fruits. It’s searching for the best cosmetics and not just about the service, it’s about relaxskincare products. After living in Florida, ing. It’s about taking a time to breathe she became even more focused on preand decompress.” ventative care. Both the Kellers and Dr. Morin also “In Florida, we are exposed to the make sure that all the products are natusun for a majority of the year. This can ral and effective. They use brands such cause a whole host of issues, the least of as Environ, Pevonia and DefenAge. Each which are hyperpigmentation and discolproduct has been tested by Dr. Morin heroration,” she said on the DayDreams Day self to ensure they give her patients the Spa website. “Given my longstanding most dramatic results. interest in the area, when the opportunity DayDreams has two locations–one in arose to partner with DayDreams, it only Lakeland at 1463 Town Center Dr. and felt natural.” one in Brandon at 658 Oakfield Dr.– People will be able to schedule a where the doctor will be working at both. consultation with the doctor where she For more information, call 657-2992 or will do a skin analysis using a 3D imaging visit www.daydreamsdayspa.com/.
Page 9
Club Champion Set To Open In Brandon
By Leonard Finkel
Club ased, with no proChampion, the motion of any specountry’s #1 precific vendors. Our mium golf club only goal is to find fitting and buildthe best combinaing company, tion of components announces the to help customers opening of its hit longer, new fitting studio more accuat 2486 W. rate shots Brandon Blvd., and lower Club Champion fits, sells and at Regency their scores builds custom golf clubs. This Square in and enjoy the national based company, Brandon, com- headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, game more.” will open locally in early February at ing in early Ranked Regency Square. February. by Golf Digest as Club Champion fits, sells and builds one of the 100 Best Club Fitters nine custom golf clubs constructed from clubyears running, Club Champion hires heads, shafts and grips from the best experienced fitters who then receive an brands in golf, including Callaway, additional 150+ hours of training before TaylorMade, Ping, Titleist, PXG, Fujikura, starting their job; unmatched in the golf Golf Pride and many more. The company industry. The company has a unique coudelivers a tour-quality fitting that produces pling system that allows them to combine longer, more accurate shots with a nearly any head and shaft together, so golfers 100 percent satisfaction rate for golfers of hit the precise combination to be custom any ability level. built for them. They are the only fitter in The new location features approxithe country to offer 35,000 interchangemately 3,000 sq. ft. of space and has able head and shaft combinations on-site, been designed to showcase Club at all locations. Golfers get to hit the exact Champion’s premium fitting experience club that will be custom-built for them. and 35,000 hittable clubhead and shaft Established in 2010, Club Champion combinations. The studio includes two is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. indoor hitting bays with Trackman launch To celebrate the new opening, for a monitors for analyzing performance, a limited time, the store will offer 50 percent SAM PuttLab’s fitting system to find the off full bag fittings, normally $350 (now perfect putter on their practice green and $175), and 33% off driver, fairway wood, a build shop for repairing and assembling long game, hybrid, wedge and putter fitgolf clubs by hand. tings. The studio is open from 10 a.m.-6 "We are excited to bring the finest p.m. Monday through Thursday and club fitting and building to the Tampa Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit area,” said Joe Lee, CEO and president www.clubchampiongolf.com or call 888of Club Champion. “Our approach is unbi- 340-7820 for more information.
Page 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Local Dentist Serves Community With State-Of-The-Art Dental Care
Staff Report
Dr. Sara Cervantes nology and state-of-theopened A & S Dental in 2004, art dental equipment, offering residents a full range she is able to make sure of dental services from cleanpatients are treated ings and examinations to quickly and comfortably. crowns and implants. “We use digital XDr. Cervantes wants to rays, intra oral cameras create a dental home for resito show patients the dents at her office, “We work existing restorations that hard to educate, listen to and need attention and a understand our patients’ denVELscope for oral cantal needs in a caring, honest cer screenings,” she and professional manner.” Dr. Sara Cervantes, of A & S said. Dental in Brandon, is now Dr. Cervantes was born Each dental exam accepting new patients. in Cleveland, Ohio. Her father includes a thorough oral was a Vascular Surgeon and did his train- examination, a review of medical history ing in Ohio and Rhode Island. When his and a check of gums and teeth. training ended, Dr. Cervantes, then age 6, Additional services include dental returned to Mexico with her family. crowns and bridges, impacts, restoraIn 1990, she finished dental school in tions, veneers and laminates, complete Guadalajara, Mexico and went on to find and partial dentures, Invisalign and teeth out the requirements to practice her denwhitening. Being Bilingual, Dr. Cervantes tistry here in the U.S. She found a procan treat patients from multiple backgram for foreign dentists, and was grounds. accepted into Boston University School of She is a member of the American Dental Medicine in 1993. After finishing Dental Association, the Florida Dental her D.M.D. program, she continued to do Association, the West Coast Dental a master’s degree in oral biology at Association and the Academy of General Boston University Medical Center. Dentistry. The office sees patients of all Not stopping there, she went on to ages and also accepts emergency walkpursue an Advanced Education in ins. General Dentistry Residency program at A & S Dental is open Monday, the University of Florida, College of Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Dentistry. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (by appointDr. Cervantes moved back to Boston, ment only), Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and but after marrying her husband Artan M., Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and located at they decided to make the move to the 1532 Oakfield Dr. Ste. B in Brandon. Call Tampa area, where they now live with 430-0962 for an appointment. For more their daughter, Anna. information, visit www.asdentalgroup.net. Through Dr. Cervantes’ use of tech-
Volume 14, Issue 1
Celebrating 50 years, HCC Plans Women’s Leadership Seminar
By Kate Quesada
It has been 50 “Ms Viamontes is a years since Hillsborough dynamic speaker with a Community College unique story to tell,” said (HCC) first opened its Sorenson. “An HCC alum doors and began eduand author of three books, cating the people of she came to the area as Tampa Bay. To celepart of the boat migration brate, each of the colfrom Cuba. She has held lege’s five campuses is many interesting positions holding an event open during her career and is to the community. On currently in discussions to March 22, the Brandon have a Hollywood movie Campus will host a made from one of her women’s leadership books.” seminar with workWomen at the event shops, mentorship will also be given the opportunities, a keynote opportunity to join a new speaker and panel disfemale mentorship procussions. Hillsborough Community College gram with students attend“We are so proud is hosting a women’s leadership ing the college. to have been an active seminar at its Brandon Campus According to on Friday, March 22. The event part of our community Sorenson, who has been is open to the public and for so long,” said HCC sponsorship opportunities are president of the campus available. Brandon Campus since 2015, the event has President Nancee Sorenson. “And we are more than one purpose. excited to use this opportunity to reach “We feel that it is very important to more women of all ages.” create a women’s leadership seminar that The event, titled Celebrating Action in is affordable and interesting,” she said. Leadership: Women Who Make a “We are also using the opportunity as a Difference, will be held at the Brandon fundraiser for scholarships for women to Campus Conference Center on Friday, attend HCC.” March 22 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The date Fifty students will attend the seminar was chosen to coincide with Women’s on scholarships and there are 110 tickets History Month, which takes place in available for the community to purchase. March. Tickets to the full-day seminar are $90 During the day, attendees will have and there is also an option to only attend the opportunity to choose between multithe Scholarship Lunch for $60. ple workshops, listen to panels and enjoy Sponsorship opportunities are also the Scholarship Luncheon with keynote available. speaker Betty Viamontes. Contact Sorenson at 253-7817.
January 2019
Page 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
‘People Foods’ & Products That Can Poison Your Pet
By Dr. Jennifer Challenger DVM, MPH
The media has done a very good job of advising pet owners not to give their pet’s jerky treats or any treat made in China, because they have been causing illness and death for a number of years now. However, it is equally important for pet owners to be aware of common ‘people foods’ and products that should never be given to pets, because they digest them differently than humans do. A simple seasoning, plant, herb or fruit that seems harmless to us can cause serious health issues in animals and can potentially lead to death. Below are the top foods and other common household products pets should avoid at all costs: Onions: Onions can wreak havoc on blood cells, causing anemia, liver damage, breathing issues and death. Garlic: While this popular food seasoning contains the same compounds as onions, it takes a larger helping of garlic to do damage. Chives, Leeks, Shallots: If consumed by pets, these herbs and plants are dangerous and potentially as toxic as onions. Grapes, Raisins, Prunes, Currants: A small serving of these fruits can cause kidney failure and severe liver damage. Do not feed even a few to your pet. Avocados: This pear-shaped fruit contains a toxin called ‘persin’ that is on the fruit, the seed, the bark and even leaves of the avocado tree. Ingesting persin may lead to breathing problems, fluid build-up in the chest and abdomen, heart disease and death. Chocolate: Baking chocolate can be fatal, even in miniscule amount. Dark chocolate also is pretty toxic, causing cardiac arrhythmias, seizures,
coma and death. Milk chocolate is less toxic, but still can cause gastrointestinal (GI) problems and, in large amounts, can lead to the same health issues as dark chocolate. Caffeine: Coffee and coffee beans are basically a poison for pets, just like chocolate. Tobacco: Nicotine is far worse for pets than humans; although, it is toxic to both. Nicotine not only will damage a pet's digestive system, but also will affect the heart and nervous system, leading to a rapid heart rate that can cause animals to faint and possibly never recover. Xylitol: Most commonly found in sugar-free gum, this artificial sweetener also is used in other sugar-free foods, such as candies and baked goods. Even small amounts can cause pets to have low blood sugar in a little less than half an hour. Symptoms, which include vomiting, weakness and trouble walking, quickly can escalate to seizures, liver failure and death. Fat: Large amounts of butter, margarine, fat trimmings from meat and cooking oils will upset the GI tract and may lead to pancreatitis. Even worse, consumption of fat can lead to the failure of multiple organs and death. Peach, Cherry, Plum, Pear, Apple, Apricot and Persimmon: The seeds of these fruits, as well as the stems and leaves of the tree, contain cyanide, which is very dangerous. The large pits and seeds of some of these fruits also can cause GI obstructions. If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, please call your local veterinarian immediately or contact the National Animal Poison Control Center by calling 1-888-426-4435.
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Volume 14, Issue 1
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Sports 657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com
Connection By Nick Nahas and Photos courtesy of Jake Coulson
Warner Takes Coaching Job At Bowling Green, Bloomingdale Hires Coulson As Head Coach Former Bloomingdale football Head Coach Max Warner has accepted a job at Bowling Green University as the quarterbacks coach. Warner led the Bulls to three straight winning seasons, including a record-setting season this year, with an 112 record and an appearance in the regional final against perennial power Venice. The Bulls won their first two playoff games in school history and hosted their first playoff game ever. Jake Coulson with his players at the football banquet. “I am extremely proud of dard has been put in place and Jake what we were able to accomplish in our Coulson and the staff and players will conthree years at Bloomingdale,” said tinue to raise the bar in 2019 and beyond.” Warner. “The most important thing to me Bloomingdale has promoted first-year was the friendships and relationships we defensive coordinator Jake Coulson to formed with the coaches, players, families head coach. He had great success as the and faculty at Bloomingdale. It is a very special place, and it all starts with the peo- defensive coordinator, leading a defense that gave up less than a touchdown per ple associated with the program. Bloomingdale will forever be in my family’s game and did not give up a point until the fifth game of the season, while posting six heart as my first opportunity to be a head total shutouts. coach. Collectively, we all changed the “I’m thankful to Coach Warner and the football culture at Bloomingdale—the stan-
state quarterfinalist team; the defensive coordinator for Hamshire-Fannett in 20122013; and he was the passing game coordinator for Florence from 2009-2011. Coulson will inherit a good program. The Bulls had minimal success until Max Warner became head coach three years prior. Bloomingdale had only made two playoff appearances in the schools 31-year history before Warner took them to the playoffs the last two seasons. “I think Coach Coulson Jake Coulson will take over as head coach for Max will be a great head coach and Warner, who will coach at Bowling Green University. I know for sure he knows a lot Bloomingdale administration for the opporabout football, and we all respect him,” tunity,” said Coulson. “It means the world said junior running back Dominic to me. I have worked my entire life for this Gonnella. “He leads by example. He does opportunity, so I am ready to get going.” everything the right way, in my eyes, and I Before Coulson came to have a tremendous amount of respect for Bloomingdale last season, he coached in that.” Texas, where he is from. He was the According to Coulson, the Bulls offassistant head coach/special teams coorseason will start on January 8. “The offdinator for Georgetown’s East View high season is where you win football games,” school from 2015-2017; the defensive said Coulson. “We are going to out-work coordinator for the 2014 Rockdale (12-2 ) our opponents.”
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Page 13
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
New Life 360° Inc. Can Help You Take A Turn For The Better By Taylor Wells
People dealing with in treatment and therapy trauma, mental health approaches, such as issues, addiction, co-occurindividual and group ring disorders, abuse, grief counseling, family and or many other problems marital counseling, can find state-of-the-art, video counseling, culturcompassionate counseling ally sensitive therapy, with a great variety of life coaching, play theratreatments and therapy py, somatic psychotherstyles at New Life 360° Inc. apy, suicide prevention Established in August and more. Combined 2018, New Life 360° is an with the numerous types Intensive Outpatient treatof issues it can help ment center that provides Sherry Bradley is the founder people through and its and owner of New Life 360°. therapy for adolescents, She seeks to help struggling sliding scale fee policy, adults, elders and military the company offers people in our community through her organization so patients better opportuveterans. Its goal is to that they can live a encourage, renew and turn nities for help tailored for better life. its patients’ lives around them. for the better, hence the organization As stated on New Life 360°’s webbeing named “New Life 360°.” site, in its Intensive Outpatient program, Sherry Bradley, LCSW, MCAP, “individuals receive primarily group therCEO and Founder of New Life 360°, apy from 2-5 days per week, while seehas over 17 years of addiction treating an individual therapist on a weekly ment experience and seven years as a basis during treatment.” It also offers mental health social worker. She has outpatient and aftercare services. done many years of studying, and has The organization wants to create over a decade of personal experience, new buildings to service more areas, such as opening a women’s recovery and it is currently seeking to make two. home in 2006 for substance abuse “Our goal is to service the commutreatment, which is still active. nity and reach those who are struggling “New Life 360° was birthed through with mental health and substance my passion and my desire to assist abuse issues, and being able get them people with their mental health probto live a high-quality life,” Bradley said. lems and their substance abuse probNew Life 360° is located at 1047 E lems,” said Bradley. “My idea of New Brandon Blvd. in Brandon. Its office Life 360° came about 10 years ago, hours are Monday through Friday, 9 actually, when I was going through a.m.–5 p.m. school in Michigan, and I just had this For information, call 548-1166, passion to want my own clinic.” email sbradley@newlife360inc.com or New Life 360° allows many choices visit https://newlife360inc.com/.
Superior Residences Memory Care Makes Life Easier And Better For Senior Residents
By Taylor Wells
Superior true communities for Residences of residents where it Brandon Memory can enrich their lives. Care and its senior Several residents can look improvements have forward to living already been made. enhancements in the The purchase of a near future thanks to new program called SRI Management, It’s Never 2 Late ® LLC and changes in (iN2L)—a system Changes at Superior Residences of ownership. With Hdesigned to assist Brandon Memory Care will make the lives Bay Ministries, Inc., older adults in the of older adults experiencing memory loss easier and more enriching. use of technology to a Texas-based nonprofit organization, having enhance quality of life taken over Super through picture-based, Residences of Brandon touchscreen interfaces. Memory Care in late June of 2018, it was The iN2L program helps residents decided that SRI Management would participate more easily in multiple areas, operate it and continue being its managesuch as sports, physical fitness, games ment firm, a decision that is already show- and puzzles, music therapy and many ing much promise. others. Even residents further along in There is no change in its overall polihealth debilitation can interact with iN2L. cies with H-Bay Ministries’ new ownership Superior Residences has also pursince SRI Management continues manag- chased 18 drums from Drum Magic for ing, said Jill Andrew, Senior Sales and drum circles, increased the amount of staff Marketing Director of Superior Residences members and it is making structural of Brandon Memory Care. “But H-Bay improvements such as new flooring, furniMinistries has now enabled us to become ture, landscaping and upgrades to coma not-for-profit community,” she added. mon areas. Now it even has four certified As Superior Residences is now a dementia practitioners, which is unheard 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with of for one building. this new relationship, the facility has been “By being a not-for-profit now, it has able to make marked improvements for enabled us to better service those that seniors’ living experiences. may be challenged financially,” said “We’re in the process of infusing capi- Andrew. “We’re for a broader population tal dollars into the property as a result of now.” the sale,” Andrew said. Superior Residences of Brandon SRI Management seeks to do more Memory Care can be found at 1819 than just managing senior housing organi- Providence Ridge Blvd. For information, zations. Rather than simply providing call 308-0659 or visit https://superiorbranassisted living, SRI instead wants to make don.com.
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Page 14
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 1
RoLaV Computers to the Rescue
Point Of Grace Tour Coming To Dover
You start your don’t confuse my day and you are clients.” His having a great demeaner, how he morning. You turn was raised and on your computer how he relates to to check the news, people is what emails, social sets him apart. He media and busiwas raised in a ness communicaclose-knit family tions. Nothing environment and happens. Perhaps that is how he you purchased a treats his cusJoseph LaViola, Network Technician, provides tomers. Making computer and computer services at affordable prices. need help with sure the job is setup, software and the home or busidone right and not overcharging anyone ness network. has led to his business growth, more RoLaV Computers was started by than tripling by the word of mouth of his Joseph LaViola in 2014 to fill a void, customers. servicing the computer needs of individLaViola has an interest in knowing uals, residential customers and small how things operate. Raised by an engibusinesses. He is a trained Network neer, he was taught how to fix things Technician with over 25 years of experihimself. He has fixed his home air conence in many different industries and ditioner, car and tackled plumbing and has the education, certifications and electrical issues. This curiosity applies skills necessary to service a wide variety to his work on computers and networks. of computers and networks. RolaV He also enjoys golf, college football, jogComputers provides network and netging and taking care of his yard. work engineering services and supports If you have any computer or netthe many devices on a network including work issues, RoLaV Computers can computers, servers, phones, printers assess customer needs and find soluand tablets that are part of today’s systions that fix the problem—and fit your tem environment. He provides consultabudget. tion, virus detection and removal, system RoLaV Computers is located in backup and imaging, training and proRiverview and serves Tampa, Brandon, vides recommendations for software and Riverview, Sun City Center and the applications to support the needs of the entire Southshore area. RoLaV user. Computers can be reached at 294-4047 LaViola approaches his business by or via email at netmgr78@hotmail.com. communicating with his clients, To find out more, visit the RoLaV “Explaining exactly what I do in terms Computers website at www.rolavcomthey can understand, and in terms that puters.com.
The most trio to reach awarded female even higher group in Gospel and dig music history is deeper into coming to First their craft. Baptist Church The conof Dover as part cert will feaof their 25th ture select Anniversary hymns and Hymns, Worship worship & Classics Tour. songs whose The concert will message Do not miss Grammy nominated Point of Grace, take place on who will perform at First Baptist Church of Dover on and Friday, January Friday, January 25. The performance is part of their melodies 25th Anniversary Hymns, Worship & Classics Tour. have stood 25 in the main auditorium of the test of First Baptist time. Church, located Blended with at 3223 those treasGallagher Rd. in ured songs Dover. It will will be many begin at 7 p.m. of the hits With more made popular than eight million by Point of albums sold, Grace over multiple Dove Awards and Grammy the past two decades. Tiffany nominations, and twenty-four consecu- Coburn, from Disney’s Voices of tive number one radio singles, the girls Liberty, will join the tour as a special of Point of Grace are true legends. To guest and share selections from her coincide with the group’s 25th first nationally distributed gospel Anniversary, Shelley Breene, Denise recording Near To The Heart featuring Jones and Leigh Cappillino of Point of a collection of hymns and songs of Grace will embark on a new tour and inspiration. their first return to Southwest Florida in Tickets are available at First nearly a decade. Following the concert Baptist Church of Dover, online at in Dover, the tour will stop in Sarasota iTickets.com/PointofGrace, or by callon Saturday, January 26 and Bonita ing toll free (844) 447-7664. Tickets Springs on Sunday, January 27. purchased in advance of the door The group’s unique ability to affect start at $10. Tickets will be available audiences with heartfelt song and at the door starting at 6 p.m. for $20. story is stronger than ever. Each new For more information on Point of season of life seems to challenge the Grace, visit www.pointofgrace.net.
By Bill McKay
Staff Report
January 2019
Page 15
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Fraternal Order Of Eagles Hosts Annual Serving Brandon & Area Since 2001, Local Fundraiser For Underprivileged Children Bank Of Tampa Expands Services For 20 years, members of the local Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 3566, have hosted the Boone’s Kids Annual Christmas Party at Lopez Elementary School, giving underprivileged children shoes and other gifts. This year, the event was held on December 18. Jim Boone started this fundraiser in 1998, but had to move to Photos Courtesy of Dennis Stepka Michigan several years Dennis Stepka ago due to health dressed as Santa issues. Fellow with 20 underprivileged kids. Fraternal Order of Eagles member Dennis Stepka promised his friend eight years ago that he would continue the tradition. Stepka has dressed up as Santa Claus for the event every year since he took over, spreading Christmas cheer to the 15 to 20 underprivileged children that are chosen with the help of the school guidance counselor. The children were 5 and 6 years old. These children are chosen to receive gifts, visit with Santa and have lunch. They receive two pairs of shoes, 12 pairs of socks, pajamas, two outfits, jackets, hats, blankets, a razor scooter and one toy. The girls also get a doll and the boys get a remote control car. “Most of the children don’t want a lot of toys, they just want something to play with, and most of them want clothes,” said Stepka. He said that the kids are very appreciative. Last year, Stepka noticed a little boy that did not open his bag full of gifts and never even looked in the bag. Stepka asked the boy why. The boy said that his brother at home was not going to get any gifts, so he wanted to save them for him. According to Stepka, he has been a part of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for
By Nick Nahas
28 years. The Fraternal Order of Eagles is an international non-profit organization uniting fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice and equality to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope. The organization was
Dennis Stepka has dressed as Santa for the Boone’s Kids Annual Christmas Party for eight years.
created in 1898. Stepka asks local businesses to be sponsors to help raise money for the gifts and event. Sponsors include Odiorne Insurance Agency, Hungry Howie’s, Terry Fink State Farm and Bubba Que’s. Stepka and his friend Carol Hall are the main people that put the event together. Guidance counselor Lisa Hall also plays a big part in the event. “The most rewarding aspect is seeing the excitement and the appreciation of the children for what they have received,” said Stepka. For more information, please visit www.foe3566.org.
By Michelle Caceres
For more than within a couple of three decades, rings. The Bank of When clients Tampa has steadiwalk into the bank, ly grown from a they are not sursmall commercial prised when greetbank to one of the ed by name. largest full-service Terry McFatter, community banks senior vice presiin the Tampa Bay dent and market area. director for The The Bank of Tampa’s Brandon office offers With 12 Bank of Tampa’s personal and corporate banking services to local residents. offices in Brandon office, said Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota beyond the friendly greetings, working counties and assets totaling more than with a community bank means that $1.65 billion, The Bank of Tampa offers when a decision is made on a loan or commercial banking, corporate banking service, it is made by local bankers who (which includes middle market, comlive in the Tampa Bay area and know mercial real estate, SBA lending and the individual or small business. treasury services) personal banking, “When a banker knows their client, wealth management and trust services. he/she becomes invested in their sucIts Brandon office, located at 1217 cess,” he said. Oakfield Dr., has been serving the In addition to offering traditional banking needs of clients since 2001. banking services, The Bank of Tampa, Richard Eatman, chairman of The through BT Wealth Advisors, offers Bank of Tampa’s Eastern Hillsborough investment management, estate planAdvisory Board, said that while the bank ning guidance, education planning, has experienced positive growth, it has insurance services, retirement planning not lost its focus of providing personaland tax strategies. ized service at each community banking “Our experienced financial profeslocation. sionals will meet you in our local office “What makes our bank stand apart at your convenience,” said McFatter. is the relationship we develop with our “We support our local families and clients, whether they’re individuals or small businesses, who are the backbusinesses,” he said. “Our bank is betbone of the Brandon community,” said ter able to serve those needs because Eatman. of that relationship.” The Bank of Tampa Brandon is This focus on personal relationships open Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit means that when clients call the bank, www.bankoftampa.com or call 998real people answer the phone, usually 2660.
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February 14
Page 16
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
utter Mr. Kra ade 12th Gr High n Brando ool Sch d By
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Kumon
Volume 14, Issue 1
Hillsborough County Celebrates Record High Graduation Rates
Mr. Brian Krauttethr
By Kate Quesada
Teacher Of The Mon
a teacher? Why did you decide to become ething in the math field som do to ted At first, I knew I wan coaching so I decided to and also had a love for sports and Then as college went on, I teach to accomplish both goals. ers and knew I could make a wanted to have a job to help oth difference as a teacher.
r? What are your goals as a teache ir goals and give students a the h plis om acc ts den To help stu ether they enjoy math or not, chance to be themselves and wh t of and can sroom that kids want to be a par make an environment in the clas make their day a little better. y, where would you go? ece, Belize, If you could travel to any countr aica, England, France, Italy, Gre Jam to My wife and I have traveled et new people. azing to see the culture and me and Costa Rica and all were am because they are all so unique. It is hard to pick a true favorite How do you show school spirit? r here at I will be coaching golf next yea ing for 4 mm swi d che Brandon High. I coa l and bal ket bas d che coa I years here also. back ool sch t firs my at rs yea 3 baseball for home in Ohio. at do you When you aren’t teaching, wh of your hobe som are at enjoy doing or wh bies? eling, Watching and playing sports, trav fishing Mr. Bria uld like n Kra Is there a quote or advice you wo teacher utter has been ts? for 13 y den a to share with stu ears. er nev to is ts den stu to ice My main adv yourself to accomsettle for the minimum. Push n. Whether it is learning a new atio plish the most in every situ better. Give e to help make their day a little subject or just talking to someon se around you ng and it will make you and tho your all to whatever you are doi better then and in the future.
TEACHER OF THE MONTH SPONSOR:
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Hillsborough County high schools have a reason to celebrate this month. The school district recently announced that the graduation rate is currently at an all-time high with 85.8 percent of students graduating after their senior year. According to Hillsborough County Public School’s (HCPS) Media Outreach representative Tanya Arja, the 2018 rate is 2.9 percentage points higher than the year Hillsborough County Public Schools celebrated before and 12.3 percentage record high graduation rates in 2018. Superintendent Jeff Eakins announced the results last month at East points higher than in 2014. Bay High School in Gibsonton. “This increase in our graduation rate should be celebratof the significant impact a high school ed across our community,” said Arja, diploma has on a student’s future earnwho explained that the 2018 increase ing potential. According to Arja, students amounts to 1,055 more students earnwith a diploma earn $380,000 more during a high school diploma. “This highing their lifetime compared to those who lights the determination of students and do not graduate. the dedication of teachers and staff who The district has also seen a signifiwork with them every day.” cant rise in the number of minority stuBrandon-area schools played a role dents and students with disabilities in the district’s success, with achieving diplomas. Bloomingdale High School raising its “We couldn’t have done this without graduation rate six percentage points in our dedicated parents, staff and, of five years to an impressive 96.1 percent course, our amazing students,” said and Brandon High School increasing its Eakins. rate 11.3 percentage points over five For more information on the graduyears with 93.5 percent of students ation rates, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us or graduating in 2018. call 272-4000. Spoto High School in Riverview had the highest graduation rate increase in 2018, jumping nearly eight percentage points from 80.4 to 88.3 100 percent, and Newsome High School in Lithia has the highest graduation rate in the district at 98.6 percent. 90 “We are thrilled to see this significant leap to an all time high,” said HCPS 80 Superintendent Jeff Eakins. “We are on target to meet our goal of a 90 percent graduation rate by 2020.” 70 Eakins, who became superintendent in 2014 when the rate was 76 percent, has made rais60 ing the graduation rate a key pri2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 ority during his tenure because
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Page 17
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Local Financial Firm Offers Superior Financial Services To Community
NOMINATIONS NEEDED!
By Libby Hopkins
Dan ing timely and Raulerson is a quality accountseventh generaing services that tion Floridian assist its clients who believes in the decision strongly in being making process. involved with his “The firm started community. “I in 1985 in Plant have served as City and has a State grown to 15 Representative people and Raulerson, Castillo & Company’s mission is to in the Florida serves become their clients' trusted advisor by helping them navigate through the increasingly complex House and I’ve Hillsborough financial environment. been the Mayor and Polk counof Plant City for two terms as well as ties,” Raulerson said. “We have offices in been a part of the Plant City Commission Plant City and Brandon. We purchased for five years,” Raulerson said. “I became the former Professional Accounting and an accountant due to my interest in busiConsulting Services from Anne Nymark ness and how it works as well as what in 2015 and are excited about serving makes a business successful and how the growing Brandon and Riverview people and numbers work together to areas.” achieve a goal. My parents suggested The firm has been committed to accounting as a good way to make a livserving their clients in tax, auditing and ing, and that has proved to be true.” accounting matters, but also in profitabiliRaulerson is a partner at Raulerson, ty enhancement and managerial issues Castillo & Company, which is a local such as budgeting and operations. “We financial firm with offices in Brandon and help the client balance work/lifestyle Plant City. issues,” Raulerson said. Irene Castillo joined the firm in 2005 The local community has been very as an intern from USF and became a good to the firm and has supported it for partner in 2014. “She grew up in Texas many years. “We are involved in local and Plant City,” Raulerson said. “She got chambers of commerce and charity into accounting because of the technical organizations such as the United Food challenge and the ability to use her Bank,” Raulerson said. expertise to assist businesses.” Visit www.rcwcpas.com or call the Raulerson, Castillo & Company’s Brandon office at 689-9297. The mission is to become their clients' trusted Brandon office is located at 329 Pauls advisor by helping them navigate through Dr. and the Plant City office is located at the increasingly complex financial envi1907 S. Alexander St. The office number ronment. It accomplishes this by providfor the Plant City office is 752-6604.
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Page 18
Volume 14, Issue 1
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Are You Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired? Correction Starts At The Core
By Dr. Stephen Steller
Did you know that 93 should you add drugs or million Americans have remove the blockage to heart disease? If you the body? Remove the need to take blood presinterference to your sure medication, you health. have heart disease. How does your MERSA is an antibiotic nerve system become resistant bacteria killing blocked? Misalignments people, and the only reaof the spine called subson it is around is luxations cause damage because Americans take to your nerves. We do way too many antibiotics. this to ourselves by Type 2 Diabetes is comdaily living and minor pletely avoidable and trauma. Think about all reversible. Are you sick Dr. Stephen Steller is at Spinal of the little things you Correction Centers at 11964 and tired of being sick have done to yourself Boyette Rd. in Riverview. and tired? You should over your lifetime. be. We bend wrong, sit Here is the truth wrong, lift wrong, about how your body play sports, car accifunctions and how dents, falls and pharmaceutical commore. Pinched panies hope you nerves to any organ always stay sick. Health is very simple. or your immune system will cause poor Your brain and spinal cord control every function and poor health in your body. single function in your body every secThe true definition of health is funcond of every day and it happens no tioning and healing at 100%. What conother way. When signals from your trols all functioning and healing? It is brain are blocked to your organs and your brain and central nervous system. immune system, they start to malfuncNothing else can do it. So correcting tion. your core health and removing the misSo what is the medical answer to alignments is extremely important. How all health problems? Do drugs remove do you do this? You get your kids and blocked nerve function? No! Drugs yourself checked for nerve interference actually slow down healing. We all (subluxation) by a chiropractor. know that big drug companies want you To get checked, give Spinal to take drugs, continue to be unhealthy Correction Centers a call to schedule and believe that there is no other way an appointment at 540-7270. It is locatto regain your healing and function. ed at 11964 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. So if you have a health issue, Visit www.spinalcorrectioncenters.com.
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& t n a l P , Buncosage Sale & Rumm ore… M elle Colesanti, ich er.com ed by M Compil @ospreyobserv e michell
Wildlife Presentation At Brandon Senior Center
On Monday, January 28 at 10:15 a.m., seniors can enjoy a Wildlife Presentation: Attracting the right kinds of wildlife in your landscape. The presentation is by Lynn Barber from UF/IFAS. It will take place at the Brandon Senior Center, located at 612 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon. Call 635-8066 for more information
It’s Bunco Time
Kappa Kappa Chapter of Kappa Delta Phi will be hosting a Bunco for Children's Charities on Thursday, January 31 at 6 p.m. at Center Place, 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. The cost is $20 and includes light fare, snacks, refreshments and wine. Enjoy the fun while benefitting local Brandon charities. Tickets are available at Center Place or at the door. For more information, please call 967-3954.
Plant & Rummage Sale
The Riverview Garden Club will hold its annual Plant & Rummage Sale on Saturday, February 23, from 8 a.m.2 p.m. at the Riverview Civic Center, located at 11020 Park Dr. in Riverview. With a huge variety of flowering, Florida-friendly, vegetable and herb plants and seeds, this is a great opportunity to add to your spring garden. The rummage sale includes household goods, clothing, books, collectables and gardening items and tools, and the bake sale offers a wonderful selection of cookies, cakes, pies and breads baked by Club members. This fundraising event supports the Riverview Garden Club's annual college scholar-
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Enjoy A Garden Tea Party Luncheon With Brandon Christian Women’s Connection
A Garden Party Tea is Brandon Christian Women's Connection Luncheon celebration for Valentine’s Day on Monday, munity coopFebruary 11 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. erative gardens. Free at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in admission and parking, and G.F.W.C. Valrico Service League members at last year’s Bunco. the Special Event Center, 2102 student volunteers will even Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. The given annually to an individual or group help get your purchases to your car. cost is $15 and first time guests pay who exemplifies dedication to preserv$10. All ladies are welcome. No meming the County’s natural resources. The bership is required. This is a non The G.F.W.C. Valrico Service League, Inc. Presents Puttin On The award is named after Theodore denominational event. Please join in Roosevelt, Jr., the 26th president of the for a fun hat competition and joy Ritz Bunco United States and noted conservationist and fellowship together. Bring your best Come join the G.F.W.C. Valrico who placed more than 200 million acres friend. Please call Lillie at 740-0098 for Service League's Putting on the Ritz under public protection. a reservation. Bunco for a night of fun on Thursday, Nominees must live or work in March 7. Social Time/Dinner is from 6Hillsborough County and “be someone Career Quest 2019 At Hillsborough 7 p.m. with Bunco starting at 7 p.m. It who shows persistence and dedication Community College will be held at Center Place Fine Arts to long-term conservation of the Center, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. Find Your FIT@HCC. Come and County’s natural resources, demonin Brandon. Tickets cost discuss HCC associate in science strates integrity in performance toward $20 and include light dindegree programs on Friday, January conservation goals, and displays attribner, drinks and 25 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon at the Dale utes of true conservation stewardship,’’ prizes. Tickets may be Mabry Campus. To register for the according to the award criteria. purchased at Center event, please visit your college and Nominations will go through the Place or contact Claudia career counselor. Visit hccfl.edu/getaJan K. Platt Environmental Lands Yake at 685greatjob. Acquisition and Protection Program 7998. Proceeds help supGeneral Committee, which will send a port local school children Brandon High To Host Career recommendation to the Board of and families in need in Event County Commissioners for approval. the community. Residents interested in learning Nominations must be made by 5 more about joining the workforce are Networking Event For Professionals p.m. on Thursday, February 28 and can invited to save the date for be emailed to Ross Dickerson at Who Work With Seniors Hillsborough County Public School’s dickersonR@HCFLGov.net, or by mail Join Better Living for Seniors (HCPS) Gateway to Your Future event to Hillsborough County Environmental Hillsborough (BLS) for its monthly netfrom 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, February Lands Management, 10940 McMullen working event to meet and connect with 12 at Brandon High School. Rd., Riverview, FL 33569. Call 672professionals who work with seniors in The event is hosted by HCPS 7876 for more information. every capacity. Adult Education’s Career Pathways The next meeting will take place on team and gives community members You Are Invited For Social Dancing Friday, January 25 from 10-11 a.m. at the opportunity to learn the options Plant City Social Dance will hold a Brookdale Bayshore, 4902 Bayshore available to help students transition dance on Saturday, February 23 from Blvd. in Tampa. It is free for BLS meminto the workforce. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square, bers and $5 for non-members. Through the open house format, 4401 Promenade Blvd. in Plant City. residents will be able to learn about This dance will be social dancing on a Hillsborough County To Recognize education, employment, health and 3,000 sq. ft. floating wood floor. Environment’s Protectors community recourses from a variety of Dance to the music by DJ Ken partners and representatives including Do you know an environmental Miller. Social dancing includes slow Publix, the United States Army, champion; someone who’s work to prodances, waltzes, line dances, cha-cha BayCare and the SunCoast Federal tect the environment has made a lastand rumbas, two-step and country slow, Credit Union. ing difference in residents’ quality of swing and free style. The cost is $6 a Brandon High School is located at life? person. No alcohol is to be brought on 1101 Victoria St. in Brandon. Nominations are now being acceptproperty. Water and cups are available. For more information about the ed for Hillsborough County’s Theodore Please bring your own snacks and event, call 231-1907. Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever drinks. Visit www.strawberConservation Award. The honor is
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ship awards for graduating senior students from area high schools and its grants to local nonprofit com-
ALTERATIONS PEST CONTROL Inna’s
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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Volume 14, Issue 1
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
t, s e u Q r Caree berry Straw t Week an Restaur ore… & M Colesanti, ichelle ed by M com Compil spreyobserver. o @ e michell
First Florida Strawberry Restaurant Week Features Fresh Ways To Enjoy Fresh Strawberries
Fans of Florida’s juicy strawberries are encouraged to enjoy this delicious fruit while dining at some favorite Tampa Bay restaurants that will be serving menu selections featuring the bright red berries but only for a limited time. Local restaurants participating in this two week-long promotion will highlight a variety of dishes and drinks made with fresh-fromthe-fields strawberries, which can include beverages, appetizers, entrées, side dishes or desserts and will only be available through Sunday, February 3. Guests dining at select restaurants during Florida Strawberry Restaurant Week can compete for special prizes by taking selfies with the featured dish or beverage, posting their photos on Facebook and Instagram, as well as other social media accounts, and tagging images with #FLStrawberrySelfie2019. Each post earns points that can add up to some ‘berry’ nice prizes. The diner with the most points wins the following: A
VIP weekend for two at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort (www.tradewindsresort.com/index) on St. Pete Beach plus more. The winner will be notified and presented with awards in February. “Chefs love to be creative and find new ways to include fresh Florida strawberries into their menus. We are excited to work with these great restaurants to promote our locally grown, seasonally fresh strawberries during Florida Strawberry Restaurant Week,” said Sue Harrell, director of marketing, Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA). Hillsborough County is recognized as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and the home of some of the sweetest, reddest and juiciest strawberries around, according to FSGA. Get ready to enjoy these culinary treats, and more, featuring Florida strawberries at the following restaurants: Bamboozle Café, 516 N. Tampa St. in Tampa, Frenchy’s Original Café, 41 Baymont St. in Clearwater, Grace Restaurant, 120 8th Ave., Pass-a-Grille Beach, Mad Dogs & Englishmen, 4115 S. MacDill Ave. in Tampa, Noble Crust, 8300 4th St., St. Petersburg, Oggi Italian, 236 E. Davis Blvd. in Tampa, RumFishGrill, 6000 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, Southern Bay Bakery, 1961 4th St. N, St. Petersburg and 10112 Montague St., Westchase, Splitsville Southern & Social, 615 Channelside Dr., Ste. 120, Tampa and Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, 1108 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa.
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January 2019
Page 21
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Small Businesses Are Finding Success With SBA Backed Loans Staff Report
Michael Archer “As a business understands the development strategist, financial needs of my commitment is to the local and be a participant in the regional small busimassive growth, develnesses. opment, and exciteHe said, ment the Tampa Bay “When businesses Region is experiencing. are ready to start, I love being part of the expand or acquire Tampa Bay communianother existing ty,” said Archer. business, the lending process is the critical step they must take that facili- Michael Archer is an experienced business development tates that. Without officer with GBC Business the lending process Capital. in place, small businesses would be forced to self-fund using Archer believes in customer service. cash or savings.” “Good service is hard to come by. In a An SBA (Small Business time where most consumers believe good Administration) backed loan offers a small customer service is dead, I still believe in business access to capital for start-up or the personal touch. It is not lost on me for expansion. The loan proceeds can be that I am in the services industry. I am used for Working Capital, Furniture and here to serve these small businesses with Fixtures, Machinery and Equipment, Real their lending needs. I make it a point to Estate and Business Acquisition. The return phone calls and emails promptly. terms are more flexible with regards to liq- My job is to shepherd the loan from start uidity, length of time in business and over- to finish, and that involves keeping the all profitability. business owner aware of the progress Archer is an experienced business each step of the way.” development officer with GBC Business Archer resides in Valrico with his wife Capital, whose headquarters is based in Aimee and his two sons, Elijah and TJ. Atlanta, Georgia. Archer has a demonHe is also an active Kiwanian with strated history of working in the banking Kiwanis of Riverview. industry, and brings 15 years of experiTalk to Archer and see what he can ence. He specializes in loans for start-up do for you and your growing business. He businesses, expansions, franchises, new can be reached at his office at 770-635locations, business acquisitions and com- 2803, cell 357-4472, or email at mercial real estate lending. marcher@geobanking.com.
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Page 22
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 1
Five Ways Parents And Coaches Can Take The Toxicity Out Of Youth Sports
Thrilling Rides, Class Country Music And Fun Fair Food Tops List For 2019 State Fair
For many kids, learning aspect of organized sports are not the game needs to much fun anymore. be the focal point of Overbearing paryouth sports,” Castro ents, over-the-top said. coaches and overzealModel positive ous competition are frebehaviors. Part of quent images associatthe negative image ed with youth athletic of youth sports is leagues today. Though related to parents playing ball often used yelling at coaches, to embody the enjoyreferees, opponents, ment of being a kid, the or even their own Maya Castro is the author of The experience for many kids. Bubble: Everything I Learned as a youngsters is too seriEnjoy the Target of the Political, and Often ous and stressful, and moment. Too many Corrupt, World of Youth Sports. ultimately not worth it. parents and their young athletes are fret“The politics, as well as the overting the future. “Too often it’s all about emphasis adults put on kids to see a winning and getting the scholarship,” college scholarship as the ultimate goal, Castro said, “But my parents told me is ruining a kid’s ability to get the most there was a time when kids actually out of sports,” said Maya Castro, author enjoyed playing for the sake of playing, of The Bubble: Everything I Learned as and parents won just by getting to watch a Target of the Political, and Often them play. We need to get back to that. Corrupt, World of Youth Sports Without it, memories are wasted.” (www.thebubbleweb.com). Be encouraging. “Celebrate the “This overemphasis has created an effort, not just the result,” Castro says. environment amongst the parents and “This goes for youth coaches as well as coaches that is similar to a mafia. We parents.” badly need changes in this toxic, political Make education first. Castro and and corrupt environment. And it must many observers of youth sports say parstart with the parents.” ents have lost perspective by thinking Castro, who says her own experitheir kid is on the fast track to a scholarence as a young soccer player was ship or a pro career. Statistics show few tainted by misguided and misbehaving advance that far. adults, offers ideas on how adults can “Whether a kid decides to keep improve the youth sports culture: playing sports or to walk away,” Castro Strive to be a mentor. Parents and said, “He or she should be able to do so coaches have a great opportunity to use without deep regret in having wasted sports as a teaching tool for life. “The their time.”
The year to visit the was 1904 when exhibits including the State Fair’s the Florida roots took hold. Agriculture Hall That first Fair’s of Fame & Ag attractions were Showcase, simple and it Creative Living was held in a Competitions in single building the Florida on a 27-acre Center, Florida plot adjoining Cattle Ranching the Henry B. Museum, Florida Plant’s Tampa Fish & Wildlife Bring your friends and family and enjoy all the Bay Hotel, Florida State Fair has to offer from February 7-18. Conservation where the Commission and University of Tampa stands today. It offiHillsborough County Public Schools cially became the Florida State Fair in Showcase. There are many more to 1915 and now, 115 years after it all explore. began, it is still going strong. Bring your kids or grandkids to The 2019 Fair will be open for 11 Cracker Country, a rural outdoor days from February 7-18. Florida living history museum where In addition to thrilling rides on the you feel like you have become part of Midway, it would not be the Florida State the past. Immerse yourself in the life Fair without many educational and enterof a 19th century Florida pioneer. taining attractions and performers. Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton, Jr. Where, for the price of a movie ticket, you Cracker Country is Tampa’s only outcan see a sea lion, a spectacular Big Top door living history museum. It is open Circus, cheer on your favorite porker at during Fair hours and is a great place the pig races, feed a giraffe from your to create some memories. own hand or take a ride in N3079G, the Hillsborough County’s Student Day original Batcopter from the Batman TV at the Fair will be on Friday, February series and the original Batman movie. 8. Students enter free with student Captain Eugene Nock, A.T.P. tickets distributed by their school. acquired this world-famous helicopter and Students must be accompanied by an has meticulously restored N3079G to a adult, age 21 or older, after 6 p.m. complete airworthy condition (not includThe Florida State Fairgrounds is ed in admission or armband prices). located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N in “We want both loyal patrons and Tampa. Gates open Monday through those who have not yet visited the Fair to Thursday at 10 a.m. Midway opens at join us in making memories that will last a 1 p .m. On Friday, Saturday, Sunday lifetime,” said Cheryl Flood, executive and President's Day, gates open at 9 director of the Florida State Fair Authority. a.m. and Midway opens at 10 a.m. The Fair is known for its latest fun Admission prices range from $11 food fare such as the Pizza Cone, for adults during the week to $13 on Redneck Burger and Bacon Ice Cream. weekends. Special pricing is available This year promises to be no exception. on certain days for seniors 55 and Music always takes center stage at over and for children. Children ages 5 the Fair. The Country Gold Tour will take and under are free. You can also purplace on Wednesday, February 13 at chase discounted tickets through 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in The February 6 at participating Publix Entertainment Hall. General Admission Supermarkets in Tampa Bay. For inforBleacher Seating is free, but there will be mation on ticket and armband prices, limited VIP Floor Seating for $20. On visit www.floridastatefair.com. Saturday, February 9, you can enjoy a Cannot get enough of the Fair? concert with James Hill, an award-winNow you can purchase a Fair Meganing ukulele player and a songwriter. His 12 Day Pass for $70. This buys you music has roots in Folk, Rock and unlimited rides and admission. Americana and he will take the stage Call the Fair Box Office at 740from 8-10 p.m. The cost is $20 in 4640 to order your MegaPass, which advance and $25 on the day of the show. is only available for purchase through Concert tickets do not include gate January 31. admission. For a complete listing of events, While visiting the Fair, do not forget visit www.floridastatefair.com.
Staff Report
By Michelle Colesanti
(813) 654-7300 • 805 East Brandon Blvd • Brandon
tandoorbrandon.com
Monday - Saturday • Lunch : 11 AM - 2:30 PM • Dinner : 4 PM - 9 PM • Sunday : Closed
January 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 23
Page 24
Volume 14, Issue 1
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Top Producer 2002 - 2018
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200 FEET OF GOLF COURSE FRONTAGE IN RIVER HILLS! With over 6,100 SqFt this impressive 5/4.5/4 + office + bonus + pool home features hardwood floors, oversized rooms, entire wing reserved for master suite, in-law quarters & stunning kitchen! 1,200 SqFt covered lanai space & 2,000 SqFt screened lanai! Best lot in neighborhood! $975,000 ! G EWIN N T S LI
WONDERFUL CONDO IN GATED COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF BRANDON! This 1 bedroom, 1 bath home would make a great choice for your first home purchase! Minutes on foot to SR 60! Tile throughout all living areas, neutral paint colors & kitchen with maple raised panel cabinets & oversized bedroom! Park/playground & community pool! $75,000
OVERSIZED 1.09 ACRE LOT! Fabulous 3/2/1 home that is zoned for wonderful schools & shows like a dream! New A/C in 2011, beautiful gray paint color throughout, wood-burning fireplace & shiplap accents in living room & entryway! Kitchen with new oven in 2017! Oversized shed with electric & water connection! $245,000
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COMPLETELY RENOVATED HOME ON 0.56 ACRES IN DOGWOOD HILLS! One of a kind 4/2/2 + pool home that offers new roof, A/C, kitchen, floors, bath & more! Other features include stone fireplace, framed-in windows & beautiful floors! Forget new construction, everything new with the character of an older home! You are gonna love it! $342,500
BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE "KEY WEST II" HOME! 4/3/3 + office home sitting on oversized 0.31 acre lot! This beauty offers hardwood floors, French doors, neutral paint, crown, plantation shutters, volume ceilings & more! Wonderful kitchen feature wood cabinets, granite, island & stainless appliances! $379,000
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WONDERFUL HOME IN BRENTWOOD HILLS WITH LOTS OF UPGRADES! Fall in love with this 3/2/2 home that offers fresh paint, NEWER hurricane rated windows, water softener, hot water heater & more! Remodeled kitchen with maple cabinets, quartz counters & stainless appliances! Both baths remodeled! $239,900
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office: (813) 655-5333 | direct: (813) 924-8677 | Brenda@BrendaWade.com www.BrendaWade.com
Brandon/Winthrop
January 2019
Volume 14, Issue 1
Pages 27-34
Ph: 657-2418
Tom Gallo Law’s New Location
Are your legal affairs in order? Will your family be provided for when you are no longer able to do so? Have you set up a plan for your family that will adequately provide for them? Thomas J. Gallo, Attorney, P.A., offers complimentary consultations to help you determine the best course of action for you and your loved ones. You are invited to schedule your complimentary consultation regarding wills and trusts. Gallo can help you answer these questions and help you plan to protect and provide for your family. He is committed to the welfare of his clients. It is the most important thing to him. He provides peace of mind about their estate planning, which is not only going to affect them but also their families. He takes the time necessary to educate and inform his clients so they understand and make decisions that are best suited for them individually. At Tom Gallo Law it is not about forms, it is about people and building relationships with clients. Tom Gallo Law is now located at 2240 Lithia Center Lane in Valrico. Call 815-4529 or email Thomas@tomgallolaw.com.
Cruise Planners Hosting Carnival Cruise Night
Join Cruise Planners franchise owners Christi & Vern Elliott, along
David Weekley Opens New Model Homes In Waterset
Cruise Planners Christi & Vern Elliott will host a Carnival Cruise Night at Winthrop Liquors beer garden on Wednesday, February 13 from 6-9 p.m.
with a Carnival representative, to dispel some of the myths about Carnival, Cruising and Travel Agents. Carnival Cruise Night is being held at Winthrop Liquors beer garden on Wednesday, February 13 from 6– 9 p.m. While enjoying a wine tasting, a glass of wine, a beer, or other spirits find out what is new on Carnival ships and current promotions. There are a lot of rumors that go around that become what people tend to quote as facts. The fact is that Carnival really is not the party ship it has the reputation of being and has so much more to offer, such as fine art exhibits and wines from around the world. Carnival is a very family friendly cruise line and has ports all over the world with stops in many exotic places
such as the Mediterranean. People also seem to think using a travel agent costs money when in fact it does not cost you anything, and often save you money and a lot of time. The Elliotts are hoping to dispel some of these rumors, have some fun, give away door prizes and get people thinking about their next vacation. “We hope to debunk these and other myths like: There is nothing to do in port but shop, I’ll get seasick and more. It’s going to be a lot of fun and informative. After all, what’s more fun than vacation?” RSVP is not required but appreciated at 445-8300 or Christine.elliott@cruiseplanners.com. Visit www.whywaittravel.com.
David Weekley Homes, the nation’s largest privately-held builder, has opened its second model home in the Apollo Beach community of Waterset. Located south of Tampa, The Serefina showcases the builder’s Cottage Series homes, starting from the $385s. Open daily for tours, the fully-furnished Serefina model home is one of the builder’s Design it Yourself floor plans, offering a one-of-a-kind web-based program that allows home shoppers to create a floor plan in four steps, providing real-time updates to room counts and pricing. The builder’s other series within Waterset, the Garden Series, offers six floor plans, ranging in size from 1,800 to 2,300 square feet, situated on 40-foot homesites. Community amenities include The Landing Club and Café, with a pool and fitness center, three community parks, walking trails and playgrounds. Waterset Garden Series is located close to Apollo
Continued on Next Page
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Volume 14, Issue 1
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Business Column Continued.............
By Michelle Colesanti
(Microblading USA). Beach, Tampa Bay, and a PhiBrows is a manuvariety of shopping and al, semi-permanent techdining options. nique of hyper-realistic For more information eyebrow drawing in about David Weekley which the shape of eyeHomes in Waterset brows is calculated Cottage and Garden according to facial morSeries, contact 813-774phology and golden pro4155. portion (phi 1,618). David Weekley Duncan received a Homes, founded in 1976, certificate, a logo with the is headquartered in unique number and Houston and operates in placed on the PhiBrows 20 cities across the map on its website. She United States. David said, “I’ve worked so Weekley Homes was the hard to achieve this and first builder in the United it’s been one of the best States to be awarded the Missy Duncan things for my career”. Triple Crown of American of Missy’s Ink Home Building, an honor recently com- Duncan noted that the pleted an course was challenging which includes “America’s advanced certification after she and at times frustrating Best Builder,” “National completed a course to become when she wasn’t getting Housing Quality Award” a PhiBrow Artist. to the end fast enough. and “National Builder of But, she is sure that it has made her so the Year.” Weekley has also appeared much better and more confident in her 12 times on FORTUNE magazine’s technique and in herself. She says “It’s “100 Best Companies to Work For®” an honor to be a PhiBrow Artist.” She is list. Since inception, David Weekley excited to continue onto her next chalHomes has closed more than 90,000 lenge, always wanting to learn more. homes. For more information about Missy’s Ink is located at 1104 N. David Weekley Homes, visit the compaParsons Ave., Ste. B in Brandon. For ny’s website at www.davidweekleymore information, call 659-0648 or visit homes.com. www.missysink.com.
Missy Duncan Completes Certification As An PhiBrow Artist
Missy Duncan, with Missy’s Ink permanent make-up, recently completed a new advanced certification and is now a PhiBrow Artist, completing a course through PhiBrow Academy
Unwind At Antonella Aesthetics & Spa
Antonella Aesthetics & Spa is a local destination in the Brandon/Valrico area for a diverse range of clients seeking well-being, mother-daughter
outings, birthday “I joined Keller Williams and bridals. PlantRealty because I am ready based and fruit to build a team.” said extract formulas Lambdin. “I am going to are designed to need education and systems improve your designed to support teams body's natural and I knew it was time to ability of regenerreturn to KW.” ating, rejuvenatThe Brandon/Suburban ing and boosting Tampa and Plant City Market essential funcCenter, located at 2350 E. tions. SR 60 in Valrico. It will be Antonella holding its grand Aesthetics & Spa opening on Thursday, offers body wraps Vivian Falcon is February 7. the owner of and skin treatTo learn more Antonella ments featuring about Keller Williams, Aesthetics & botanical ingredicall Lisa Spencer at Spa. ents that improve 748-1834 or visit circulation, draw environmental www.kwBrandon.com. toxins out, drain excess water and deeply nourishes the skin from neck to Grand Opening Of Florida toes. Treatments Orthopaedic Institute can be tailored for Celebrated slimming, firming, Florida Orthopaedic anti-cellulite, relaxInstitute celebrated the ing, relieve tired grand opening in legs and sore musNovember of its new cles. Brandon office, located at Owner Vivian the Brandon Gateway Falcon holds variMedical Plaza, 560 S. ous certifications Lakewood Dr. and licenses in the Florida Orthopaedic field and takes Institute relocated on pride of providing September 10, 2018 to a each client with larger facility to accommopreferential treatdate its growing practice ment. in the Brandon community Antonella and to offer high-end techAesthetics & Spa is nology and amenities. located at 716 S. Gary Lambdin recently joined Keller These enhancements Williams Realty team in the Oakwood Ave. in include advanced X-ray Brandon market center. Brandon. Bond and and MRI machines, and unwind Monday through Saturday by an Orthopaedic Urgent Care, their secappointment only. Visit ond urgent care center in Tampa spewww.AntonellaHolistics.com or call/text cializing in orthopedics offering faster 850-3765 for appointments or more service and lower cost than an emerinformation. gency room. Florida Orthopaedic
Mega Agent Gary Lambdin Joins Keller Williams In Brandon
Gary Lambdin, one of Hillsborough County’s top-producing real estate professionals, is leaving Charles Rutenberg to join the Keller Williams Realty team in the Brandon market center. Lambdin started his career with Keller Williams and is ‘coming home’ because he is ready to build a team and take his business to the next level. He has earned the respect of fellow agents and has an increasing base of satisfied customers. “We’re thrilled to see Gary return to Keller Williams” said Lisa Spencer, Broker/Team Leader of Keller Williams Brandon/Suburban Tampa and Plant City. “Gary represents a new generation of Realtor with a focus on creating an amazing customer experience, not just a real estate transaction, and this is in alignment with the mission of Keller Williams.” Spencer added.
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January 2019
Page 27
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2018
Osprey Observer Celebrates 17 Years Of Good News
Team MaKEITHappen raised more than $5,000 for the Moffitt Cancer Foundation.
It seems like 2018 has been another year that has flown by. Wasn’t it just yesterday, we were celebrating 16 years of publishing positive community news? And this month, as we publish the January edition of the Osprey Observer newspapers, we are marking the 17th year of publishing local newspapers in the community. As a locally-owned, direct-mail community newspaper, what does this mean? This means that the S.E. Hillsborough Community has a voice and a representation. We have 14 freelance writers in the community that live here, work here and have chosen this area to raise a family. We care. We care about the schools, we care about the charities, about the
The Osprey Observer team and spouses enjoyed an annual holiday dinner at Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium.
The Osprey Observer Team welcomed teachers at the Back to School Teacher luncheon!
opportunites for our kids to volunteer want to celebrate the best posand for the businesses that choose to sible things that our community has come here. We care about the healthto offer and we want to get involved! care options for our families, about We are a free distribution, directour locally-owned, mom and pop mail newspaper because of the conbusinesses and we care when sometinued support of the businesses and one wins a prize, corporations in the comearns an award or munity. celebrates a new In addition, we have a certification. dedicated office team and The Osprey have staff members who Observer is an have been on board for active member of more than 15 years. They five local chambers have become familiar including Brandon faces in the community Chamber, the and they continue to make Greater Riverview an impact. Chamber, South We have an office Shore Chamber, Sun located at 918 Lithia City Chamber and Pinecrest Rd. Brandon, the FL 33511. We are in the The first edition of the Osprey Valrico/FishHawk Five Points Plaza directly Observer, Jan 2002. Chamber. We make across the street from the every effort to be in the know of road Neighborhood Walmart at the corner widenings, improvements, approvals of Lithia Pinecrest and Lumsden. and Grand Openings as we can. We Stop in sometime and say hello; we
always have extra editions and we’re happy to meet members of our community. Finally, the most important person is you, the readers in the community who continue to read the local paper and Shop Local at community businesses. If you have a story to share, we would love to hear from you! Follow us on social media and subscribe online to our bi-monthly newsletter. This is the best way to stay ‘in the know’ on all the latest news in the local community. We appreciate you for supporting the Osprey Observer and for reading the editions each month. Please let us know if there is something we can do for you! Sincerely, Marie Gilmore Managing Editor editor@ospreyobserver.com
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Volume 14, Issue 1
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2018
Dooley Orange Groves Celebrates Three Generations And 50By Kate Years Quesada Dooley Orange Grove is gearing up for its 51st season this month following a very successful year in 2018. The much anticipated U-Pick Honeybell season kicked off at the end of December and groups can now pick every day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. until the oranges are gone. Citrus is also available to be shipped around the country and the gift shop has new offerings this year in addition to the well-loved citrus products, local honey and so much more. Original Story printed Jan 2018 A lot has changed in Hillsborough County in the last 50 years, but one thing that has remained consistent is the Houghtaling family and Dooley Orange Groves. Located in Ruskin, Dooleys has been handed down for three generations offering citrus U-pick, a retail store with fresh squeezed orange juice and fruit shipping all over the United States and many parts of Canada. The business started as a U-pick location in 1967 by Julius and Edith Houghtaling and is now owned by their grandson, Mike Houghtaling and his wife Diane, who began working on the property as teenagers 45 years ago. “Our family members have always worked hard to give customers a great product,” said Diane, who met Mike in 1971 when she was in the eleventh grade
at East Bay High School. “Grandma Dooley started sharing her delicious fruit with friends and neighbors in the 1960s, and she worked to build the business the old fashioned way, family-run, turning customers into friends.” When Mike started worked at the groves, the farm owned 80 acres of land,
bye to the trees as the storm approached,” said Diane. The couple still lives on the property as many of their family members have done before them. Citrus picking season starts in November at Dooley Groves and runs through April when the growing season starts. During season, U-pick is open every day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with tours taking place every half hour. “Each group is accompanied by a guide who can tell the pickers the history of our groves and give them information about the citrus industry in addition to helping them find the perfect fruit to pick,” said Diane. “We also like people to learn about the animals in our area and the nature corridor Owners Mike and Diane Houghtaling are celebrating that runs through the property.” Dooley provides clippers 50 years of Dooley Groves this year. and baskets for pickers, and it 40 acres of that hosting the 3,000 citrus is recommended that visitors wear trees. The farm now boasts 8,500 citrus enclosed shoes and long pants. After trees, with 6,500 of those being the wellpicking, the fruit is weighed and cusloved Honeybell variety which customers are charged by the pound for the tomers travel from miles to pick. But it produce. has not been an easy road. In 2005 the In addition to the famous fresh groves were completely wiped out by citsqueezed orange juice, the market stores rus canker, and it took five years for Mike offers a wide variety of local products and his team to replant. The recent threat from honey to marmalade and there are of Hurricane Irma also scared the various options for fruit shipping available Houghtalings, although they were lucky to in store, online and over the phone. For weather the storm almost unscathed. more information, visit www.dooley“We actually went out and said goodgroves.com or call (800) 522-6411.
c M Auley Fine Jewelry Open Tuesday-Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-4
813-689-8124 Oakfield Drive, Brandon
(Located in the Atlantic Village Plaza, Kings Avenue & Oakfield Drive)
January 2019
Page 29
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2018 American Idol Finalists Perform At Benefit Concert For Hurricane Victims
By Amanda Boston
Following Bell Shoals Baptist Church’s Relief Concert for Hurricane Maria, the church sent $16,133.70 to the North American Mission Board for disaster relief assistance in Puerto Rico. Bell Shoals also donated $5,000 to Metropolitan Ministries which was also serving families affected by the hurricanes. Othoniel Valdres, the pastor of Bell Shoals Hispanic Campus, said, “We have many people with Puerto Rican roots living in the Brandon area, so seeing what we could do to help this island nation after this terrible tragedy seemed like a natural thing to do. God calls us to help those in need.” Durant High School graduate and recording Additionally, Bell Shoals artist Jeremy Rosado will perform for the bendeployed four mission teams, totalefit concert aiding Puerto Rico. ing 21 people, to Puerto Rico. The prayed majority of the work was comprised to see how God would use us to help of debris removal and roof repairs. the precious people of Puerto Rico.” Original Story printed Feb 2018 To support the worthy cause, mark Aptly titled Puerto Rico—We your calendar Haven’t Forgotten, Bell Shoals for Saturday, Baptist Church is hosting February 17 at a concert to raise funds 7 p.m. Doors for victims of Hurricane open at 6 p.m. Maria in Puerto Rico. The On September 20, concert Hurricane Maria made a takes place at direct hit on Puerto Rico Bell Shoals’ at Category 5 strength. It Brandon is the Island’s worst natuCampus with ral disaster on record. tickets available at the door. Dr. Stephen Rummage, the senior Ticket cost is $7 per person. pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church, Discounted tickets are available for $5 said, “From the day the devastation of per person if purchased in advance at Hurricane Maria was known, we www.bellshoals.com/concert. A love
Blind from birth—Scott MacIntyre is an author, inspirational speaker and Christian singer-songwriter.
offering will be collected during the event, with all proceeds going to support hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico. The show will feature performances from two American Idol finalists—Scott MacIntyre, from season eight and Jeremy Rosado, from season eleven. Rosado, a Durant High School graduate, released his first album Heartbeat in 2015 and an extended play record titled Rewind in 2017. He is also a worship leader for Free Life Chapel in Lakeland.
“I am so grateful to be a part of this benefit concert for Puerto Rico,” said Rosado. “When I got the call from Bell Shoals, I didn’t think twice. You see I have so much family back on the island, and since the hurricane came through months ago, I've wanted to attach myself to something that would benefit [them]." Blind from birth, MacIntyre is a two-time kidney transplant recipient. After his appearance on American Idol, the world fell in love with MacIntyre’s vocals and story, launching him into the public eye as both a musician and inspirational speaker. His album Lighthouse, which includes the song Remarkable, debuted at No. 1 on the Christian Radio Chart. “Our church has a special love for the people of Puerto Rico,” said Dr. Rummage as he noted that many living in the Brandon and Tampa area have family and friends in Puerto Rico. For information or to support the relief effort, visit www.bellshoals.com or call 689-4229. The Brandon Campus is located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. Additional information on the artists can be found at scottmacintyre.com and www.iamjeremyrosado.com.
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Volume 14, Issue 1
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2018 Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. To Open In Erindale Plaza Near Car Wash On The Greens
Two Local High Schools, Bloomingdale & Newsome Host Relay For Life Events
One of the most anticipated openings in the area for 2018, Bullfrog Creek Brewery has quickly become a well-loved local spot. Offering food trucks and fun themed events almost every night of the week, from open mic on Mondays to Music Bingo on Thursdays, trivia on Wednesdays and Sundays and live music on Friday and Saturday nights, Bullfrog Creek offers fun for everyone. “We pride ourselves on being a family friendly brewery with things to do for people of all ages,” said owner Jamie Ratcliff. The brewery is also proud to give back to the community and has raised more than $12,000 in its first year for charities including FishHawk Strong Relay for Life team and Newsome basketball. A schedule of events is available on Facebook at BullfrogCreekBrewing. Original Story printed Feb 2018 Valrico resident Jamie Ratcliff is realizing a dream this month as he gets ready to open the doors to Bullfrog Creek Brewing Company on Lithia PInecrest Rd. in mid-March. Ratcliff began his brewing journey last year and is very excited about sharing his craft with local beer lovers. The 3,000 sq. ft. brewery and tap room will be housed in Erindale Plaza, next to Car Wash on the Greens, in a space formerly occupied by the Erindale Market and gas station. “The location is a perfect fit for my vision because of the great bones and porch area where we can offer outdoor seating and an area for entertainment,” said Ratcliff, a veteran, born and raised in the Valrico area. Ratcliff, who works closely with the brewery’s production manager, Chanse Haas, recently brought brew
2018 was yet another successful year for local Relay for Life events. The FishHawk Relay, held at Newsome High School, raised $170,000 thanks to work of 900 participants. The 2019 event will be held at Newsome once again on Saturday, March 30. The Bloomingdale Relay, with 350 participants, raised $76,800 in 2018 and is scheduled to take place at Bloomingdales High School on Friday, April 26 this year. Events are also scheduled at Riverview and East Bay high schools in April. Those events last year raised a combined total of $162,200. Original Story printed April 2018 Bloomingdale and Newsome high schools are inviting community members to join them in fighting cancer next month at their annual Relay For Life events. On Friday, April 6 at 6 p.m., students and community members will join teams at Bloomingdale High School to walk, camp overnight and participate in other activities to raise funds for the American Cancer Society (ACS), while the relay at Newsome High School, with similar events, will take place on Saturday, April 14. “Relay For Life is ACS’s largest fundraising movement,” said Samantha Schneider, ACS Community Development Manager. Thirty-five teams, with between five and 25 members, are signed up to participate in the Bloomingdale event and 50 teams in the Newsome event, with participants ranging from children to 75 year olds. The fundraising goal for the Bloomingdale event is $78,000, as participants raised $77,000 last year, and the goal for the Newsome relay is $195,000, the same amount raised at the event last year when participants surpassed their goal of $175,000. “Relay For Life provides an outlet for individuals touched by cancer to feel that they are not alone, whether the disease has affected them or a
By Kate Quesada
Valrico residents Jamie Ratcliff and Chanse Haas plan to open the doors to Bullfrog Creek Brewing Company in mid-March.
master Matt Morrow to the team from Arches Brewery in Atlanta. They plan to offer 16 types of beer on tap with a variety of choices including IPAs, pilsners, porters and stouts. The brewery uses a nano-brewing, small-capacity system giving it the capability to brew many different types of beers and change out the recipes regularly. Bullfrog Creek will also offer guest taps with cider and other local beers and will have wine available to purchase. Plans include regularly scheduled food trucks on the weekends and partnerships with local restaurants who will deliver food to the brewery. “As a long time resident, I am so excited to bring craft beer to the Valrico community,” said Ratcliff. “We plan to host a lot of local events focusing on good beer and great service.” In addition to offering drinks and entertainment and a founder’s club opportunity, Ratcliff plans to schedule events where residents can come in and participate in the brewing. “It is such a cool process,” he said. “It starts out as grain and turns into a great beer......all right here in Valrico.” The brewery, located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., will be open every day from 12 Noon until 9 or 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. For more information, call 703-8835 or visit www.bullfrogcreekbrewing.com.
Call for Pricin g !
By Kate Quesada
Relay for Life events raising money for the American Cancer Society are taking place at Newsome and Bloomingdale high schools next month.
loved one,” said Schneider. “The fact that participants walk throughout the night makes us a unique event that resembles the fact that cancer never sleeps and neither do we at our 12, 15 or 18 hour events,” said Schneider. Each event has a theme which participants use for costumes, fundraising games and items, decorations for their camp sites and themed laps during the event. The Bloomingdale relay will use cartoons and fairy tales to ‘Make the Fairytale of a Cure Come True,’ and Newsome attendees will have a ‘Battle of the Bands’ while raising funds. One highlight of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony that typically starts at 9 p.m. and showcases luminaria bags lit in memory or in honor of loved ones. “It is a very moving ceremony where we turn the stadium lights off and hold a silent lap,” said Schneider. “The luminary bags can be purchased online or the day of the event for a donation.” Bloomingdale’s event will take place at the school’s track, located at 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, from 6 p.m. April 6 to 6 a.m. April 7. Newsome High School, located at 16550 FishHawk Blvd., is one of the few 18 hour Heritage Events and will start at 12 Noon on Saturday, April 14 and end at 6 a.m., Sunday April 15. Sign up to participate in either event at www.relayforlife.org. For more information, contact Schneider at 319-5920.
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January 2019
Page 31
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2018
Feed The Bay Returns This April Along With Dedicated Volunteers Feed the Bay 2018 generated 124,254 pounds of food from 15 Publix locations. The one-day community-wide effort included 31 church campuses and 12 agencies, totaling 704 volunteers. Janine Skipper was a store coordinator and truck driver for one of the Publix locations and reminisced about the day. "This past year we had a tornado touchdown out in the Bay at the height of Feed the Bay,” said Skipper. “Even with the impending weather, the volunteers and Every year Feed the Bay collects parishioners came out in droves, upwards of 160,000 pounds of food and we had a full truck. Even and store gift cards. through the storms—the wind tion of Fire Station No.44 is and the rain, God’s people showed now well underway, with plans up and gave from their hearts.“ to complete the project by Feed the Bay yields instant and December 2017 and to open the visible results of replenished new station to serve the public in pantries in food agencies across early 2018. the Bay as volunteers and shop“The fire station was much needpers serve as the Hands and Feet ed for the citizens of the area, so we of Jesus. This year’s Feed the Bay can have quicker response times for will be held on Sunday, March 31 those that call us in an emergency,” from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit said Deputy Chief of Administration www.feedthebay.org for more infor- Jason Dougherty. The 9,300 sq. ft., mation or to volunteer. three-bay fire station is located on the Original Story printed March south side of Fishhawk Blvd. on a 2018 two-acre lot donated by Newland It was nearly two years ago when Communities, between Mosaic Dr. residents first learned about the and Bell Shells Rd. Construction county’s plans to build a brand new costs are approximately $2.8 million fire station to better serve the with a total budget of $3.4 million. FishHawk and Riverview communiThe project is managed by ties. Mansour Yazdi, Real Estate and County officials hosted a groundFacilities Services, and is funded breaking ceremony in May and are through the Public Safety pleased to announce that construc-
By Amanda Boston Improvement Bond Project Funds. The three-bay station will mirror the newly completed station No. 7 on Bloomingdale Ave., which includes modern living quarters and workspace for each of the 24-hour full-time crew of five to six personnel each shift, a fire
cials decided that the new location will serve the community better. HCFR Chief Dennis Jones emphasized the benefits of the new location, which he said will maximize response time for residents living in the area. “The new station will be an Advanced Life Support station (ALS), with a fire engine ladder truck and Rescue Ambulance Unit,” Jones said adding that the new station will have a direct access to FishHawk Blvd. for fire rescue vehicles, which is something the property within the originally proposed sports complex site did not have. Earlier this year, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, emergency operations officials, Fire Rescue personnel, and members of the community also celebrated the opening of the County’s brand new $36 million Public Safety Operations Complex (PSOC) in Brandon. According to County officials the adopted $4.9 billion FY17 budget, which represents a $100 million increase over the previous year is a balanced, equitable plan to provide Hillsborough County residents with vital services. Aside from funds to support Fire Feed the Bay welcomes young children to Rescue, the increase meant new participate alongside a parent. funding for transportation, public safeengine, and rescue unit. ty, parks, and libraries for In 2005, a site was originally des- Hillsborough County. ignated for a fire station within the For more information, please visit FishHawk Sports Complex, but offiwww.hillsboroughcounty.org.
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Page 32
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 1
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2018 Ten Year Celebration Of Life Fundraiser Celebrates Queena’s Continuing Journey Queena has been working very hard at getting more control over her body in a variety of ways. She has been able to maintain herself sitting up at the side of her hospital bed for up to two minutes at times, with some support of pillows to guide her position. There have been times where she has been able to stand up with the help of two people, for up to 6 minutes. In her walking system the TRAM unit, she has been able to overcome several barriers. Before, her muscles used to stay very tight, which stopped her from bending easily at her hip and knee to take steps and walk. Now, she has had several days where she can be assisted through 6-7 steps in the TRAM before the muscle contractions begin to affect her again. She has shown great progress as well in her ability to help adjust her head
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Sponsorship and donation inquiries should be directed to Donato at avdonato1@gmail.com or at www.joinqueena.com/contact/. To donate funds towards the cost of the fundraiser, make checks payable to Hope Heals The Brain Inc (subject line: The Story Lives On) or at www.joinqueena.com/donate/. The Ten Year Celebration of Life Fundraiser & Memoir Reveal will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the GFWC Tampa Woman's Club. “There is much to be celeOn Sunday, April 29, a Ten Year Celebration of Life Fundraiser & Memoir Reveal will take place at the FWC Tampa Woman’s Club to celebrate and brated: 10 years of ongoing honor Queena’s accomplishments and continuing journey of healing. therapies, battling for justice in lowed Queena’s story. Initially identified position, the courtroom, fighting for medical benebringing it as a victim following the brutal attack at fits, raising funds, volunteering,” noted more into the the Bloomingdale Library, Queena has Donato. middle when turned into a beacon of hope to her supMoney raised at this celebration assisted, porters and followers and she is now event will be donated to 501c3 non-profit whereas she referred to as a survivor. organization Hope Heals The Brain Inc. used to have A decade later, she still works tireand Queena’s Medical Trust Fund. great difficullessly in daily therapy sessions to regain Queena’s mother has been working ty with her the life she once knew. on a very special project: HOPE – The neck tilting On Sunday, April 29, Queena will Anchor for my Soul; A Mother's Memoir to the left. take a break from therapy to celebrate of Faith, Love and Forgiveness. The with the community, the JoinQueena She has memoir is centered on Queena's attack team is looking for sponsors or donations overall made several and the events which followed, but will for the event including food and beverimprovements, and should continue take readers through her mother’s view to make more. ages, live entertainment, bar service, of childhood in Vietnam and her journey Original Story printed April 2018 silent auction items and volunteers. to the United States. In April 2008, a young woman, for"This is an extra special event Queena’s attacker, Kendrick Morris, merly known as the Bloomingdale Library because it honors a huge accomplishwas found guilty on all counts and senAttack Survivor, was brutally raped, beatment not just for Queena, but for everytenced to 65 years in prison in 2010. In en and left to die outside of the one who has found their place in her March 2017, he was re-sentenced Bloomingdale Regional Library. Over the story over the last 10 years,” said her sisto life in prison. Follow Queena’s last 10 years, the community has folter Anna Donato. progress at JoinQueena.com.
January 2019
Page 33
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2018
Sheriff’s Office Teams With Kraftologee To Host Coffee With A Cop
By Kate Quesada
HCSO Community Resource Deputy Cliff Residents from all over the Brandon area met with Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Fletcher is one of eight to ten officers who representatives, including Sheriff Chad Chronister, at Moreno Bakery last month for the deputies Breanna Rodriguez and Clifford will attend Coffee with a Cop taking place at second Coffee with a Cop event of the year. Fletcher hosted the second Coffee with a Cop Kraftologee in Riverview on Thursday, May 3 event of the year at Moreno Bakery. Kathi eight and ten officers from HCSO’s from 8-9:30 a.m. public feels the same way.” Hayes Hillsborough County PTA Vice President District V are planning to attend. According to Rodriguez, plans Leadership and Kate Quesada Osprey “Our goal is to provide citizens with The District V Community are in the works for additional simiObserver News Reporter were among the a chance to engage and interact with commmunity members in attendance. Resource Deputies hosted two very lar events this year.
successful Coffee with a Cop outreach events. The events were organized by Fletcher and Rodriguez, both community resource deputies for Hillsborough County’s Region V working out of the Bloomingdale Substation, to increase HCSO’s interaction with the public and to allow residents a chance to speak with deputies and ask questions in a relaxed environment. The second event of which took place in August at Moreno Bakery with 40 to 50 people in attendance, including Sheriff Chad Chronister. “One of our goals this year is to get out and meet more of our residents, face-to-face,” said Rodriguez, a Valrico resident. “And seeing the wonderful turnout for this event makes us feel that the
The District also coordinated donations of Christmas gifts for children in Brandon Regional Hospital last month. Original Story first ran in May, 2018. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is teaming up with Kraftologee in Riverview to offer residents a unique experience this month. From 8-9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 3, HCSO officers who patrol the Brandon, Valrico and Riverview area will be on hand at the coffee shop to network and talk with residents and business owners. The event, which is the brain child of Bloomingdale Community Resource Deputies Cliff Fletcher and Breanna Rodrigues, is called Coffee with a Cop and according to Fletcher between
the deputies who work in their area,” said Fletcher, a Riverview resident who has been with HCSO for more than 10 years. Fletcher hopes that in addition to concerned citizens, local business owners will attend the event. “This Coffee with a Cop is unique because we are hoping to reach as many local businesses as possible to hear their thoughts on our community and how we can work together,” said Fletcher, whose role as community resource deputy means that he is always looking for ways to connect with citizens. The partnership between HCSO and Kraftologee was formed at a Riverview Chamber meeting when Fletcher mentioned to a member that he was looking for a place to host an
event for the public. “We looking forward to meeting other business owners who might be able to host similar events in the future,” said Fletcher. Residents who are not able to attend the event, but who are interested in getting to know their local officers, are invited to visit Fletcher and Rodrigues at the Bloomingdale Community Substation, located at 3622 Erindale Dr. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The station also responds to property crime and handles community complaints and fraud reports for the Bloomingdale area. For more information, call the station at 635-8040. Kraftologee is located at 10312 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview and can be reached at 252-3106.
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Page 34
Volume 14, Issue 1
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2018
Proactive Water Testing At County Schools Staff Report
The first year of districtwide water testing has been completed. Hillsborough County Public Schools took the proactive step of testing to ensure the water that students and staff drink is safe. Fixtures at every school and district office, 251 facilities in all, have now been tested and any issues found were corrected. The maintenance crews collected water samples from every drinking fountain, kitchen food prep sink, or other fixture used for drinking water, in addition to other samples throughout the schools. Maintenance teams took samples from 11,595 fixtures. Fewer than 2% of those, a total of 207 fixtures, came back with lead levels above the District’s strict standard of 15 parts per billion, which is stricter than what the Environmental Protection Agency recommends. All of the fixtures that showed elevated levels were immediately taken out of operation and not used again until the problem was fixed and the water passed a new test. There were no school-wide issues. Original Story printed Sept 2018 In recent months, there have been a number of news stories throughout the country about high levels of lead in school drinking water. Hillsborough County School District has proactive efforts in our district to ensure the water that students and staff drink is safe for consumption. According to Chris Farkas, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, “Since last year, we have tested the water at 1,781 individual faucets, drinking fountains, and fixtures where water is likely to be used for drinking or cooking in 53 schools and district sites. We will continue testing the drinking water sources in our schools for lead until we have checked all 270 facilities in our district.” Since the average campus age is 50 years old, older pipes and fixtures do have a higher likelihood of adding lead to
water. Federal guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency recommend action to fix an issue when lead is measured at 20 parts per billion or higher. One part per billion is equivalent to a single drop of water in a swimming pool. “Our district is using a stricter standard of 15 parts per billion. Any fixture found to have lead levels of 15 parts per billion or higher is immediately taken out of operation and is not used again until the problem is fixed,” commented Farkas. Of the 1,781 samples taken so far, 26 have returned with levels higher than the guidelines. District protocol is to immediately shut down the affected faucet, correct the issue, and then retest the water to ensure the levels are in compliance before putting the faucet back into service. Options to correct an issue include replacing the fixture, adding water filters, or other plumbing projects. Alternative sources of water may be supplied to schools if needed. Each school may have dozens of faucets requiring testing, and results take time to come back from the testing lab. Results are posted as received at www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/watertesting. If a school has a fixture testing over the 15 parts per billion level, parents and staff will be notified by email and text message. If you have any questions about the testing or results as we receive them, please visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/doc/2012/maintenance/resources/watertesting-faq/.
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January 2019
Page 35
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Village Players To Present Neil Simon’s Come Blow Your Horn The Village Players of by Nancy Fueyo, a local Valrico will present Neil resident from Tampa. Simon’s Come Blow Your Fueyo is a veteran with Horn over three weekends the Village Players. She in February. The shows played Sister Mary will be held on Friday, Amnesia in Nunsense, February 1, 8 and 15 and Joanne in RENT and Saturday, February 2, 9 Shirley Markowitz in The and 16. The shows will Producers. begin at 8 p.m. There will In addition, she be two matinees at 3 p.m. recently directed a special The actors of the Village Players will present Neil on Sunday, February 3 production- Vizhon, The Simon’s Come Blow Your and 10. Family Musical. This was Horn this February. Tickets are just $18 for her company, South of for general admission and $15 for stuBroadway Studios LLC. The show was a dents, military, seniors and groups of 10 fundraiser for Pancreatic Cancer, and a or more. You can get tickets online at portion of the funds raised was donated www.thevillageplayersvalrico.com or by to the Village Players as well. calling the Box Office at 480-3147. Fueyo said, “Come Blow Your Hornis Come Blow Your Horn tells the story was Neil Simon’s very first play. Since his of a young man, Buddy, who leaves his passing last year, I thought it was approparents’ home and moves into his brothpriate to do this show this year to honor er’s (Allen) bachelor pad. The setting is him. I have always been a huge fan of the swinging 1960’s in New York City. Neil Simon. He was one of the greatest Allen discovers he has feelings for one of comedy playwrights of our time.” the women with whom he has a relationFueyo added, “The cast is comprised ship. Meanwhile, Buddy turns into a of veteran actors as well as brand new ladies’ man himself. ones. It is a wonderful ensemble cast, Come Blow Your Horn was Neil and I am very pleased to be working with Simon’s first play. It debuted on each and every one of them.” Broadway in 1961. It then ran in London The Village Players perform in the at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 1962. historic James McCabe Theatre located The Village Players’ production of at 506 5th St. in Valrico. For information, Come Blow Your Hornn will be directed visit www.thevillageplayersvalrico.com.
Tampa Theatre Presents New Outdoor Film Series The Tampa Theatre will includes Black Panther on be presenting a new cineSaturday, February 2 at 7 ma series called, p.m. at River Tower Park parkCINEMA. The films will located at 401 E. Bird St. be shown at parks located Come see Coco on around Tampa. The family Saturday February 16 at 7 friendly series is free for the p.m. at Al Lopez Park locatcommunity to attend. The ed at 4810 N. Hines Ave. cinema series is made posNext, on Saturday, March sible thanks to a sponsor16 at 8 p.m. you can see ship from the F.E. Lykes Jumangi: Welcome to the Foundation. The foundation Jungle at River Tower Park. had previously sponsored On Friday, March 29 at 8 two holiday screenings in p.m. bring the family to see Curtis Hixon Park. Now, the The Little Mermaid at Julian Tampa Theatre will be able Tampa Theatre is offering B. Lane Riverfront Park to present screenings year- free outdoor movies, such located at 1001 N. Blvd. as Coco, this spring. round. Then, on Saturday, April 13 The movies are free at 8 p.m. you can see E.T. and great for families. Attendees may The Extra-Terrestrial at Al Lopez Park. bring picnic baskets, blankets and lawn The F.E. Lykes Foundation is an chairs. independent family foundation whose John Bell, Tampa Theatre President focus is to enhance public spaces and and CEO said, "Eleven years ago we pio- community environments, providing more neered free, large-scale outdoor film seating, shade trees, landscaping, recreevents in Tampa parks with Sunset ational and entertainment options in sevCinema." Bell added, "Tampa Theatre's eral city parks. traveling picture show program has long "The goal of the F.E. Lykes been the perfect way to bring our comFoundation is to entice people to get outmunity together for an evening under the side and enjoy time with family and stars, and the generous support of the friends," said Norma Gene Lykes, F.E. Lykes Foundation now makes it pos- President of the Foundation. sible for us to present outdoor cinema The Tampa Theatre is a historic landmore regularly and expand to even more mark located in downtown Tampa. For locations throughout the year." more information, please visit www.tamThe spring 2019 parkCINEMA lineup patheatre.org.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 1