Brandon/Winthrop
26 C E L E B R A T I N G
August 2020 Volume 15, Issue 8 Ph: 657-2418 1 8
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N E W S
Bass Pro Shops Pairs With Take A Kid Fishing Charity To Help Make A Difference
Humana & HEF Donate 229,000 Masks To Hillsborough County Teachers & Students
Fishing A local enables charity, Take these kids a Kid Fishing the chance Inc., teamed to learn up with Bass patience, Pro Shops teamwork recently to and relaxbrighten the ation, lives of a which in group of local turn kids. enhances Take a their mood Kid Fishing, a nonprofit Bass Pro Shops recently donated more than 400 rods and critical thinking organization to local nonprofit Take a Kid Fishing Inc. skills, all that while having the chance to get onto enhances the lives of underprivithe water and have fun. leged and fatherless kids through its Take a Kid Fishing gives kids fishing mentorship program, received without a father figure or reliable more than 400 rods from Bass Pro encouragement the chance to feel Shops. supported not just by Dunn and his The gently-used rods and reels team but also by the other kids withwere donated by customers in exchange for discounts on new gear; in the program. Whether they land the biggest each piece is refurbished to ensure catch of the day or not, fishing they are fish-ready for kids. teaches the kids how to “We are excited that support each other, win more families and kids or lose. across the country are disAs a nonprofit, Take covering fishing. They’re a Kid Fishing is entirely putting down their phones dependent on donations, and video games, picking volunteers and sponup fishing poles and sors. enjoying making some When asked about the impact memories together in the great outthe equipment would have on the doors,” Bass Pro General Manager program, Dunn stated, “We are all Ronnie Cheeks said. about the kids. We are so thankful to Take a Kid Fishing takes kids of be chosen to receive this equipall ages on various yearly fishing ment.” excursions where Founder William Stay connected with Take a Kid Dunn and his team teach the youth Fishing by following it on social in their program real-life skills and media and visit www.takffl.com to the power of responsibility. learn more about how to donate and What makes the program unique make a difference. lies in the power of fishing.
community partSchool will look ners. very different this “Face coveryear due to COVIDings are an inte19 concerns. gral part of our Whenever students district’s safety return to the classprotocols as room in Hillsborough teachers, staff County, they’ll be and learners required to wear return to the masks—and classroom,” said Humana and Kim Jowell, Ray Hodorski, Mike McCollum, Davis. Hillsborough Paul Casebolt, Alvaro Hernandez and Aaron Established Education Dwyer began the distribution of the 229,000 masks donated by Humana. in 1987, the HEF Foundation want to is a nonprofit focused on strengthening ensure that everybody in the district who public education by supporting teachers needs a mask has one. and empowering students to achieve acaHumana is donating 229,000 masks demic and personal success. HEF’s in partnership with JPR Medical to resources and financial support enrich KHillsborough Education Foundation 12 educational experiences by providing (HEF). HEF is working with Hillsborough opportunities for all students, regardless County Public Schools to distribute the of background or economic status. masks to all schools. Together with its community partners, “The health and safety of the Tampa HEF strategically invests in initiatives that Bay community is a top priority for impact teaching quality and increase Humana,” said Ray Hodorski, Humana’s graduation rates, bolstering a thriving client management director. “Our goal workforce of tomorrow and the sustainthrough providing face masks to all stuable prosperity of Tampa Bay. dents and employees within the school Learn more about HEF at www.edudistrict is to give teachers, staff, parents cationfoundation.com. More information and students additional piece of mind as regarding Humana is available at we continue to navigate the spread of www.humana.com. COVID-19.” In addition to the masks, Hillsborough Education Foundation is also donating and delivering school supplies to the disIn This trict’s 156 Title I schools, including Tampa Issue Heights. “We know more than 150,000 stuUPGRADED AIR FILTERS FOR HCPS ...PG 3 dents in the district qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. It’s tough for those ECHO BOUTIQUE ..............................PG 6 struggling families to afford even the LIVING IN COVID...............................PG 9 basic school supplies,” said Hillsborough Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell. ADOPT A TEACHER .........................PG 15 “By providing supplies, and Humana’s TGH CHRISTMAS IN JULY ................PG 17 generous donation of masks, we’re helping to ensure students have the tools they EYE ON BUSINESS...........................PG 25 need for a safe and successful school year.” SPORTS CONNECTION ....................PG 28 Hillsborough County Public Schools OSPREY OBSERVER INTERNS ..........PG 31 Superintendent Addison Davis said the district is grateful for this generous donaREAD MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE www.ospreyobserver.com tion and the consistent support from its
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 8
August 2020
HCC Hosts Robotics Camp For Girls
By Faith Miller
Last month, the Engineering Technology Department at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) - Brandon Campus partnered with the Tampa Bay STEM Network and Hillsborough County School District to host a weeklong virtual robotics camp for girls. According to Desh Bagley, HCC camp coordinator, HCC Brandon has hosted all-girls robotics camps for five years. The camp was for girls in grades 5-10 and was hosted via Zoom from 9 a.m.-12 Noon, Monday-Friday. Bagley explained it was very important to those in charge of the camp to give the girls the opportunity to learn together with handson tools as in previous summers. The camp provided participants with UBTECH’s UKIT Intermediate robotic kits to work with and keep at the camp. The kits included a microprocessor, four servo motors, wheels, LEDs, IR sensor, touch sensor and a charging cable, altogether valued at $299, and were made available to the girls through a partnership with the Tampa Bay STEM Network, Hillsborough Education Foundation, Women In Defense and UBTECH Education. By using the UKIT app that was available through tablets
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
and cellphones, the girls were able to look at 3D models of the robots they were building and were able to program robots through Bluetooth. Campers built multiple robots and learned skills about robotics, including motors, sensors, lights along with controls such as joysticks and buttons. At the end of the week, each girl was given the task of creating her own robot using these skills and gave a presentation through Zoom. The goal was to make a robot that could help in the community or the world. They then demonstrated their robots in action and showed the code on the UKIT app. Some of the robot designs included companion robots, food serving robots, robotic pets, police officer robots, trash collecting robots, hand sanitizer dispensing robots and many more. Shirley Dobbins, HCC Engineering Technology Department chair, stated that her hopes for the future of the program, along with the continual support of their partner, include being able to be on the campus next summer and make some creative and competitive activities that will challenge and encourage the young ladies participating. “I enjoy[ed] the joy and sense of accomplishment displayed by the young ladies,” Dobbins stated. For more information on future camps and other opportunities, including virtual robotics teams, contact Bagley at dbagley5@hccfl.edu. Learn more at www.westfloridarobotics.org.
Hillsborough County Public Schools To Upgrade All Campus Air Filters
Staff Report
As local stuto provide filters for dents prepare to each of our schools. I return to school want our families to later this month, know we are taking Hillsborough every step possible to County Public create a safe environSchools (HCPS) is ment as our learners working to make prepare to return to the classrooms safer classroom,” said Davis. with new, upgradIn addition to the ed air filters. filter installation, engi“Hillsborough neers will assess Hillsborough County Public Schools is in County Public the process of upgrading air filters on all indoor air quality, venticampuses to a MERV 13 rating. Schools continlation, temperature, ues to invest in the safety of its students humidity, mechanical systems and and staff by upgrading air filters on all domestic water following CDC, ASHRAE campuses to a MERV 13 rating, which and OSHA guidance to help mitigate the can help reduce the impacts of COVIDspread of viruses and bacteria. Engineers 19 within our schools,” said Tanya Arja, are also conducting an assessment of HCPS chief of communications. “The indoor air quality along with CO2 sensor CDC and the American Society of accuracy and exhaust fan operations. Heating, Refrigerating and Air“I am proud that our long-term partConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has nership with the district regarding energy recommended school districts across the efficiency will now include upgrading filtranation install these upgraded filters as tion systems for each campus. Our goal students return to the classroom.” has always been to help Hillsborough According to Arja, Superintendent County Public Schools to provide the Addison Davis announced this upgrade most comfortable and safe learning enviearlier this month along with district partronment for students and teachers. By ners as HCPS works to evaluate the installing MERV 13 filters, this district high-level functional performance of the becomes the state leader in this arena,” ventilation systems in schools and admin- said Mike Grabham, vice president of istrative buildings. McKinstry. “The health of our students, teachers More than half of schools will be conand staff has always been the priority verted to MERV 13 filters by Monday, since the beginning of this pandemic. August 24, with full installation in all These upgraded filters are in highschools set for completion by Thursday, demand across the nation, and because October 1. our team has been forward-thinking To learn more, visit www.hillsborthroughout this situation, we are now able oughschools.org.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 8
Service League Continues Dedication To Community By Awarding Scholarships
Healthy Lunch Ideas As School Starts From Dept. Of Ag MyPlate Program
Like every Elementary other organization, School and had a the GFWC part-time job at Brandon Service the YMCA. League has had to Atkins will adjust to the new attend normal of operatHillsborough ing in a pandemic. Community This year, the College this fall, GFWC Brandon where he anticiService League pates becoming The GFWC Brandon Service League awarded awarded two two Education Scholarships this year to two more involved scholarships in an deserving graduates from Durant High School, with the agriculCarley Oliver and Benjamin Atkins. informal but still ture community. celebratory manner. After earning his Associate in Science Each year, it offers two $1,000 scholdegree, he plans to transfer to either the arships to two deserving high school stuUniversity of Florida or Georgia Southern dents who want to pursue a degree in University and obtain an education education or the arts. degree in agriculture. Atkins will be the This year’s recipients both graduated fifth generation of cattle ranchers in his from Durant High School. “We were family. He also comes from a family of unable to hold the spring luncheon which teachers. This includes his great, greatwould allow the students and their pargrandmother, grandmother and both parents to celebrate their accomplishments ents. Atkins has been in the FFA since with the entire organization, so we went middle school. He also works on his famiwith plan B. Both students live close to ly’s cattle ranch. each other, so they decided to come and Bradlee Swanson, co-president of celebrate at my home,” explained Judy the GFWC Brandon Service League, Darsey, scholarship chair. said, “We are a strong organization that is The recipients are Carley Oliver and committed to serving the greater Brandon Benjamin Atkins. community. While we have had to make Oliver will attend the University of hard changes due to the COVID-19 panSouth Florida’s St. Petersburg campus demic, we plan to hold events as soon as this fall and work on her degree in eleit is deemed safe to do so.” mentary education. She worked with The GFWC Brandon Service League Durant’s ‘Little Cougars’ Preschool proplans to hold its first meeting for the fall gram for three years. According to on Thursday, September 10 at New Hope Darsey, “This really helped her know for United Methodist Church. Social time certain that this was the career she wantbegins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the meeted.” She also volunteered at Valrico ing at 7 p.m.
during the day and put a negative learning curve on their education. So, making a healthy lunch choice will benefit your child now and in the future. If you include your kids in the process, they will tend to eat more and healthier. Children who know to eat healthy meals and snacks will do so at Kimberly Bragg-Armatrout, NDTR, health and nutrition school and at home. agent of UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, offers Such eating habits will tips for healthy back-to-school lunches. help prevent weight With school starting soon, prepare issues. your child—or yourself—with a healthy It has been determined that one lunch. Make it easy and nutritious by out of three American children are following guidelines from the U.S. either overweight or obese. Providing Department of Agriculture MyPlate them with healthy lunch options can program. Guidelines from MyPlate help prevent this from happening to include vegetables, fruits, lean protein, your child. If they are getting the nutriwhole grains and fat-free or low-fat tion that they need during the day, dairy. By using the MyPlate program then they will not be as hungry when as a guide, you will provide your chilthey get home and grabbing the first dren with a lot of healthy options, and thing that they see, which is often you’ll teach them about portion conunhealthy. They will be able to choose trol. a healthy snack and wait for dinner. Why is lunch so important? Lunch So, mix and match and be creis served during the middle of the day ative with school lunches. Here, I’ve while kids are at school or adults are presented just a few ideas of a wellat work. This meal is going to give balanced lunch that you can pack for your children the nutrition and energy your kids or yourself so that you can to get them through the day, help finish out the day energized. them learn and provide them with For more information, contact good habits for a healthy future. Kimberly Bragg-Armatrout, NDTR, If their lunch is nutritious, they will health and nutrition agent of UF/IFAS be able to focus on learning. If their Extension Hillsborough County, at lunch is full of fat and high sugar conbraggk@hcflgov.net or 744-5519. tent, it is going to make them crash
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kimberly Bragg-Armatrout
August 2020
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Hillsborough County Enforcing Water Restrictions While Offering Tips And Grants
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Just as it’s wise to save conserving. Low-volume money for a ‘rainy day,’ it can irrigation grants up to also be a good idea to con$2,500 for installing effiserve water when the aquifer cient watering systems or and local reservoirs are replenupdating existing ones in ished with help from the sumcommon areas of neighmer’s frequent afternoon borhoods are available storms. through Hillsborough That’s the approach County’s Office of Hillsborough County is taking, Neighborhood Relations. by encouraging conservation Applications are accepted By following watering through year-round enforceon a continual basis and and conserving the deadline is ment of lawn-watering restric- restrictions other uses, Hillsborough tions and offering a financial Wednesday, September County residents can incentive for neighborhoods to ensure their potable water 30. taps are always flowing. upgrade common-area irrigaRebates are availtion systems. able to residential and non-residential Watering lawns in unincorporated water users through the Tampa Bay Hillsborough County is restricted to two Water Wise program, an initiative offered specified days weekly, once per day through Tampa Bay Water, its member either before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Days governments and the Southwest Florida are determined by the property’s address. Water Management District. These According to Hillsborough County, include incentives for efficient high-water the following schedule is in effect: use items like toilets, dishwashers and Addresses ending in 0, 1, 2 or 3 can irrigation devices. water their lawns on Mondays and David Glicksberg manages the Thursdays, addresses ending in 4, 5 or 6 Sustainable Water Resources section of can water their lawns on Tuesdays and Hillsborough County’s Environmental Fridays while addresses ending in 7, 8 or Management Division. He said, “The 9 can water their lawns on Wednesdays main goal of all these water conservation and Saturdays. Wednesdays and programs is to communicate to people Saturdays are also the days that locations that we all need to use water as efficiently with no addresses, including common as possible so that we can have a safe areas, as well as locations with mixed and sustainable water supply for all of us addresses such as office complexes, can for generations to come.” Glicksberg water their lawns on Wednesdays and added that drought-resistant, FloridaSaturdays. Violators of the restrictions friendly landscaping also helps save could receive citations with financial water and that people should check for penalties starting at $100 from indoor and outdoor water leaks. Hillsborough County Code Enforcement. Visit hillsboroughcounty.org or call There are also financial rewards for 663-3295.
Page 6
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
ECHO Boutique Leads Charge As Source Of Unique Vintage Clothing In Brandon
By Kye Saunders
ECHO (Emergency The boutique’s Care and Help racks are filled with all Organization) of Brandon is sorts of name-brand at it yet again with a new, gems for a fraction of inventive way of sustainably the price. But this is not caring for those in need where ECHO Executive within our community. Director Eleanor ECHO has established Saunders’ vision of itself as the place to go to “Purchase with a purfor those in need of food pose” ends. On top of and clothing. With locations upscale thrift in Brandon and Riverview, and handECHO is continuing to take made both food and clothing goods, the donations at this time. Canned goods, boutique is ECHO Boutique sells upscale home to the rice and peanut butter are always in clothing with all proceeds high demand, as well as used clothes only source going towards helping those in for all ages. These donations from the of vintage need in the community. community are given to families in need consignwithin both the Brandon and Riverview ment in Brandon. A large, looming rack areas. located at the forefront of the boutique is As a nonprofit which has been part of filled with dresses, jackets and T-shirts the community since 1987, ECHO has from past eras. With some garments datnow expanded its use of donated clothing ing back to as early as the 1960s, ECHO from being available to its clients to now Boutique’s vintage selection is perfect for also allowing its clothing to be purchased buyers who are looking to wear clothing by the public. that has a history. ECHO has joined the resourceful and Follow ECHO on Facebook and sustainable trend of upcycling and has Instagram for exclusive sneak peaks on found a way to make donated clothing selections and upcoming sales. into another source of revenue to fund its ECHO is accepting food and clothing mission to bridge the gap between crisis donation from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Mondayand stability with the opening of ECHO Friday, at both locations in Brandon at Boutique. 507 N. Parsons Ave. and in Riverview at The boutique’s slogan, “The best of 7807 Capitano St. For more information thrift,” takes an already established model on how donate or volunteer, visit of selling secondhand donated clothing www.ECHOfl.org. even further with an upscale approach. ECHO Boutique is located at 948 W. One hundred percent of the proBrandon Blvd. and is open Wednesdayceeds go directly back to ECHO. Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
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Volume 15, Issue 8
August 2020
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 7
New Ice Facility; Thunderstruck Ice To Open In Gibsonton In September
Recyclable Waste Collection Resumes At Reduced Frequency For Waste Connections Customers
Ice hockey Vogt and her continues to husband wanted surge in popularito start ty in the local Thunderstruck area. A new facilIce because of ity/rink in the lack of ice Gibsonton, time available at Thunderstruck other rinks in the Ice, will likely area. The Vogts’ open in two oldest boys September. The have been playfinal touches on ing hockey for the construction about 13 years of the facility are and currently being made. play for the COVID-19 has Newsome hockslowed down the ey team. They opening of the feel that they facility, but it can fulfill the Thunderstruck Ice plans to open in September. should soon be in need for ice time business. in the area to help local players While Thunderstruck Ice, located improve and become the best that at 10915 S. Hwy. 41, is not a full rink, they can be. This rink will be open the facility is about 2,000 square feet. all day, every day of the week. It is one of the few ice facilities that Some local hockey clubs have uses synthetic ice, a solid polymer already expressed interest in renting material designed for skating using out the whole facility for practices normal metal-bladed ice skates. during certain times slots. According to the Thunderstruck Ice “Our main goal is to really help owner, Amanda Vogt, the ice is prothose that want to learn the sport, duced and manufactured in and to have a place that is reasonClearwater by a company based in ably priced for them to perfect their Canada. Synthetic ice is not cold— game,” said Vogt. “Our ultimate goal gloves are not required, students can is to develop great hockey players go on the ice wearing shorts and par- and teach more kids the game.” ents can walk out on the ice without The Vogts plan to have a ribbonskates to assist their beginning cutting ceremony and soft opening skater. They will offer on-ice and offas soon as the facility is ready. For ice training in the gym located in the more information and to reserve ice facility as well. There also is a spetime, visit the website at cial goalie pad for goalies to train on. ThunderStruckIce.com.
Scheduled collection of recyclable waste has returned on a reduced basis for South Hillsborough County residents whose service is provided by Waste Connections. The Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management Division has announced that residential recyclable waste will be picked up every other week on a temporary basis. Hillsborough County customers of Waste Weekly recycled waste pickConnections now have the recyclable collection up was temporarily disrupted in service restored to a reduced level of every-otherlate June because several drivweek pickups. ers for Waste Connections were Kimberly Byer directs the Solid unable to work due to COVID-19. The Waste Division for Hillsborough County. collecting of recyclables is now occurShe says the county understands how ring every other week to provide a reliimportant collecting recyclables is to able level of scheduled service. It residents and it is a priority as the counreduces the level of recycled solid ty and Waste Connections deal with the waste service from the regular schedule unpredictable impact that the coronof weekly pickups that existed prior to avirus pandemic is having on the solid the shortage of drivers. The reduction in waste collections workforce. recyclable collection service helps make “We’re not sure how long everyit possible for Waste Connections to other-week recycling will be in place maintain twice-weekly pickup of regular because it’s such a fluid situation. Right trash. now it seems to be pretty stable,” said A web-based search tool is availByer. She added that maintaining twiceable, which affected residents can use weekly garbage collection for residents to determine their scheduled pickup is the top priority for the county and days by entering their address. It can be Waste Connections. accessed by visiting If a scheduled recycling or regular HCFLGov.net/WasteConnectionsRecycli garbage pickup is missed, you can ng. report it by calling 272-5680. According to Hillsborough County Another option for residents who officials, the reduced level of service is want to dispose of their recyclables is temporary and weekly collection of recy- the county’s Community Collection clable waste will resume when Waste Center, located at 13000 US 41 in Connections has a sufficient staffing of Gibsonton. It is open Monday through drivers. Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
By Nick Nahas
Expiration: 8/31/2020
By Brad Stager
Expiration: 8/31/2020
Expiration: 8/31/2020
Page 8
Volume 15, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
A Kid’s Place Continues Operations Despite COVID-19 Worries
813.433.4047
www.ajwestfallco.com
By Jadon Khor
Forever dedmore comforticated to serving able with engagchildren in need, ing in local busiA Kid’s Place is nesses while transitioning from maintaining its summer quarsocial distancing, antine practices local nonprofits to a fall, schoollike A Kid’s Place time schedule. are seeing a But COVID-19 return of overall has not made communal supthat easy. port. “The pandemRecently, sevic has affected us eral local businessin a bunch of difes, such as Kona ferent ways,” said Ice and Mission the CEO of A Kid’s BBQ, came togethPlace, Brad er to provide the Gregory. kids with food and A Kid’s Place treats made outhas seen its chilside of the kitchen. dren isolated to Over the last few the campus exclumonths, the Despite the pandemic, A Kid’s Place in sively, with few Hillsborough get local children ready for options to venture Valrico is helping County school this month. away from the Community Block area, and only supervised visGrant has also allowed the its to parks and open areas to home to spruce up its camensure social distancing. pus. According to Gregory, it For the community, has been challenging for the Gregory suggests everyone team to convince about 60 remain “smart and respectkids to stay inside and on-site. ful” in maintaining safety “Keeping the children on-site exclustandards. He encourages residents to sively also creates a negative emotional spend at local businesses, where a impact,” Gregory said, adding that it crerecent charity contribution consisted of ates feelings of irritability and anxiety. community members buying meals at However, there is a plan for that. local restaurants and directing those As summer comes to a close and meals to A Kid’s Place. schools are looking at the reopening, A Despite recent economic struggles, Kid’s Place is looking at getting their kids including cancellations of several ready to move back to a school-year fundraising opportunities, A Kid’s Place, schedule. To combat the emotional strain Gregory said, is remaining open and that locked up children often get, ranging will continue to remain open with the from young children to teenagers, safety of its children kept in mind at the Gregory said school stands as a steady highest regard. “We’re not shutting consistency that helps them maintain a down.” healthy mentality; “a major emotional facTo learn more about A Kid’s Place tor is school.” and to help with donations of needed As the community moves towards items, visit www.akidsplacetb.org or call reopening and residents are becoming 381-3839.
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Page 9
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Love’s Tire & Service Center Gifts Free Tires To Dedicated Frontline Worker
By Anjali Caligiuri
Love’s Tire & Love’s Tire & Service Center in Service Center’s qualValrico recently found a ity repairs are backed way to give back to with its two business those working hardest mottos: “Small busiduring the pandemic. ness, big service” and “Love’s is a full-ser“We might not get it vice automotive repair, right 100 percent of diagnostic and service the time, but we make center, working both it right 100 percent of foreign and domestic the time.” Riverview resident Nick Shreves, with light trucks and cars,” Aided by the his wife, Stephanie, and their two said Scott and Gay owners’ constant faith daughters, recently won tires from Love’s Tire & Service Center. Lynn Love, owners of in their religion, Love’s Love’s Tire & Service Center. Tire & Service Center has received The company held a contest within countless blessings to become the wellits location in Valrico to give one hardestablished business it is today. working frontline employee a new set of The winner of the free tires, Nick, tires, including free installation and lifewas one of many nominated, deserving time balance to the tires as well. On June frontline workers. During these unprece29, dedicated diesel mechanic Nick dented times, these workers are providShreves was picked for the prized tires; ing care and services while others are furthermore, the many other committed delivering food and supplies. Even frontline nominees also received free oil though only one could win the tires, the change certificates as a way of showing Loves showed their appreciation for these thanks from the Loves. faithful frontlines with certificates for free Founded in 1996, Love’s Tire & oil changes. Service Center is a certified Goodyear Nominated by his wife, Stephanie, dealer and also carries Dunlop and Kelly. Nick’s tireless hours of fixing generators Some of its services include oil changes, for grocery stores like Publix have alignments and tire repairs, making it a demonstrated his unwavering dedication. fundamental part of its community for “He is a frontline worker and works over two decades. long hours during times of crisis, some“Many of our highly skilled technitimes seven days a week. I would love cians and service professionals have for him to win this prize as he always puts been employed with us for over 15 years. our family and others first,” said We have built a trusted reputation in the Stephanie. community and value the relationships To find out more about Love’s Tire & that have developed as a result,” said the Service Center, visit www.lovesautoreLoves. pair.com or call 661-3955.
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Learning A New Normal Can Be A Challenge For Special Needs Adults
Alex Rinaldi of Brandon has had difficulty adjusting to our ‘new normal’ since the pandemic. His niece, Libby Hopkins, and the rest of his family have been doing their best to help him with the challenges he’s faced.
Adjusting to what we call our ‘new normal’ since the pandemic has been a difficult process for all of us, but it has been exceptionally difficult for people living with handicaps like my uncle, Alex Rinaldi. Alex is 65 years old, partially deaf and although my grandparents never had him properly diagnosed, he is somewhere on the autism spectrum. My family has always referred to my uncle as “handicapped.” Before the pandemic, my uncle had a daily routine of leaving our home in Brandon at 9 a.m. and going to McDonald’s inside the Wal-Mart on Causeway Blvd. for breakfast and then shopping in Wal-Mart. He next would head to the Publix across the street and then go home by 11:30 a.m. He did this five to six times a week. When the pandemic hit, we wouldn’t let him leave the house. He had a very hard time understanding why his routine was altered, why he had to wash his hands all the time and why he had to wear a mask. To
say he was unhappy would be an understatement. “People on the autism spectrum, but also people with learning disabilities, have a need for saneness and the need for a structured routine, as well as predictability, which is very important,” said Dr. Beth Boone, director of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida. “What this does is keep a lot of ever-present anxiety somewhat lower, so what you are seeing is a very common response to change. It’s this sort of flash of anxiety symptoms, which can range from arguing to a full-on meltdown.” Dr. Boone suggested we look into AFIRM/UNC Frank Porter Graham Center’s “Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times” article to help explain the pandemic to my uncle. After reading this article, we realized we have been doing a lot of what the article suggested. My uncle relies heavily on lip reading to communicate even though he
does have some hearing. Wearing a mask made this virtually impossible for him. At one point, he said he was never going to speak to anyone outside of our house. “People who have a hearing disability can always ask for an accommodation because of their disability,” said Raquel Pancho, ADA coordinator for the Office of Chief of Staff for the City of Tampa. “The City of Tampa’s order for mandatory face coverings states that this requirement does not apply to a person who is hearing impaired and needs
to see the mouth of someone wearing a face covering in order to communicate and this requirement shall be applied in a manner that would conflict with the Americans with Disabilities Act.” Each day it gets a little easier for my uncle with our help, but each day he asks us, “When is the virus over so I can go back to McDonald’s?” For all kinds of assistance for families with children on the autism spectrum and to learn more about CARD, visit www.cardusf.wordpress.com.
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August 2020
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 8
New Original Song “Glass Box” By Local Teen Karinna Laneé
Local Musician Wes Dearth Shares His Talents With Local Gigs
Karinna Laneé, so she worked with a local teen going Nathan Mitchell, a into 11th grade at videographer, to film Blake High School, the music video in dropped her original the forests and song, “Glass Box,” wooded areas which came out around her house. worldwide on July At first, Laneé 17. was nervous to After feeling release the song, trapped by the social worried about the norms of high school feedback and judgeand overwhelmed ments made by trying to fit into the those at her school. crowd, Laneé took However, the origito paper, writing nal song had posi“Glass Box” in just a tive responses and couple of hours. Laneé’s friends liked A photo of Karinna Laneé from a Laneé wanted to and reposted her recent photoshoot. convey the feeling song, even singing of not being able to express oneself along to it and reaching out for merand being confined by the opinions of chandise. others. Laneé said, “It’s crazy, I never Yadira Talamantez, Laneé’s thought I'd be able to put out my own mother, expressed, “When Karinna is music. It’s really awesome to see feeling emotional, she writes songs something you worked so hard for in her journal to help. She’s probably out for the public to listen to.” written lots of songs in there so far.” This is actually Laneé’s second By working together with ME original song out. When she was only Talent Consulting and putting on a 13, she came out with her first origiperformance called Music Matters, nal song, “Blurry”; however, “Glass Laneé was able to perform the song Box” is her first professionally recordfor her community, which gained her ed and produced song. recognition. Thanks to donations To learn more, keep updated with made by the community through the new music and merch or follow along Music Matters performance, Laneé with Laneé’s music career, follow her could not only record her song, but Instagram and Twitter pages @karinfilm a music video too. nalanee and her Facebook page at Laneé knew she wanted a simple https://www.facebook.com/Karinnamusic video in nature, with just her, Lanee-1901273606813381/.
Brandon’s own Dearth dwells Wes Dearth (better on. Quite the known internationally opposite, he’s as John Wesley) has looking forward seen his share of sucto enjoying life cess in the music as father, husindustry enjoying thouband and consands of fans around tinuing his work the globe, hundreds of with The Heroes shows worldwide and Journey, a localdozens of studio album ly-run nonprofit appearances, many dedicated to Wes Dearth, Tampa’s most successful his own solo projects. hidden talent, plays regularly at local spots veterans and AJ’s on the River and The Talking Pint. The list of artists first responders Dearth has played alongside include transitioning from service to civilian life, some of rock’s biggest stars, being most which Dearth provided sound for the play associated with former local bands “Last Out – Elegy of a Green Beret.” Autodrive and Sister Hazel as well as “The one aspect of the past I never being affectionately known as the fifth mind revisiting is catching up with old member of the band Porcupine Tree. friends,” said Dearth. Dearth’s musical background is well docThe locally raised couple (Dearth umented with numerous interviews availwas born in St Anthony’s, attended able online. Nativity Catholic, wrestled for and graduBut “the times, they are a-changin’,” ated from Brandon High in 1980, with and life in the music business is tough. Becka being a 1993 East Bay grad) Recently, COVID-19—but before that, recently celebrated their 20th anniversary management, record labels, publishers, and look forward to seeing new and old venues, streaming and download servicfaces at Dearth’s shows. es and piracy—have cut into artists’ “We invite anyone that grew up in the income, and it’s estimated they only area in the 70s, 80s and 90s to come out, receive 12 percent of revenues generatsay hello and possibly run into some old ed by their work. Live performances, mer- friends along the way,” they said. chandise and direct online sales now proDearth’s catalog, including free vide the lion’s share of their earnings, and download samples, is available at this is where we can help. www.John-Wesley.com, with concert I caught up with Dearth, his wife, updates available on his Wes Dearth Becka, and 8-year-old son, John, after his Facebook page. He plays at AJ’s on the Wednesday night acoustic performance River on Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 at AJ’s on the River in Riverview, and p.m. with a monthly show at Riverview’s found that looking back is not something The Talking Pint.
By Dominique Asher
BEAUTIFUL HOMES START WITH BEAUTIFUL FLOORS
By Brian Bokor
August 2020
Page 13
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Celebrate The 100th Anniversary Of The Women’s Right To Vote
By Kathy L. Collins
brate its 100th anniversary. Join Dr. Idelia Phillips, president of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County, to learn how this organization is tied to the legacy of the Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment suffrage movement, about which gave women the right to vote this month. the work they do and how Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of to get involved. the 19th Amendment that gave women On Wednesday, August 19, adults the right to vote by attending one of the can tune in to ‘Ain’t I A Woman? Women Hillsborough County Public Library of Color and the Right To Vote.’ Join Dr. Cooperative’s featured online events. Naima Johnston Bush for a fascinating ‘Celebrate Women’s Suffrage’ will be held program that reveals the journey that from Monday, August 17 through women of color have taken to secure the Thursday, August 20. All events are at right to vote, including the truth behind 6:30 p.m. Sojourner Truth’s iconic speech, Ain't I A ‘Women Win The Vote! A Suffrage Woman. Hear songs and stories that Story Time’ will be held on Monday, document the ongoing struggle for freeAugust 17. This event is aimed at childom and equality for all women. dren ages 4 to 10. This year is the 100th Finally, on Thursday, August 20, you anniversary of women gaining the right to will not want to miss ‘Victory For The vote. Learn at this event how women Vote: A Conservation with Author, Doris achieved this historic milestone and celeWeatherford.’ Join Weatherford, a local brate with stories and interactive activiauthor and women’s history expert. In this ties. interactive presentation, Weatherford will Next, on Monday, August 17, courfield audience questions and share stotesy of the Tampa Bay History Center, ries from her latest book, Victory for the join ‘Tampa Women’s Suffrage Vote: The Fight for Women’s Suffrage Movement.’ Learn how Florida, and parand the Century that Followed. Attend ticularly Tampa, women participated in and be eligible to win a free copy. the movement to get the right to vote. Weatherford said of the event, “I am They were not the first in the nation, but so impressed with your librarians. I have they were ahead of most of the Southern worked on virtual meetings with others, belles in demanding their rights, and not but the libraries are the most helpful. We without controversy. have a wonderful library system in On Tuesday, August 18, join ‘100 Hillsborough County.” Years of Hard Work & Perseverance: The For more information and to register, League of Women Voters’ Centennial.’ please visit www.hcplc.org/suffrage. The League of Women Voters also cele-
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Page 14
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Bariatric And Weight Care You Can Count On
Staff Report
Managing licensed psycholyour weight can ogist, directly withbe difficult, espein its practice. its cially if you’re also program has dealing with a been nationally related health accredited by the problem, like diaMetabolic and betes, hypertenBariatric Surgery sion, sleep apnea Accreditation and or heart disease. Quality You may feel frus- The AdventHealth Tampa Bariatric & Metabolic Improvement trated by the Institute offers a comprehensive, personalized Program approach to proven weight loss and regained (MSAQIP), maknumber on the health. scale and held ing your safety back by the ups AdventHealth and downs that Tampa’s first priorcome with it. The ity. AdventHealth Its newly Tampa Bariatric & remodeled center Metabolic Institute was specially is here to help. designed with you It offers a comprehensive, personalin mind, offering convenience and privacy ized approach to proven weight loss and in a safe and comfortable environment. It regained health. AdventHealth Tampa’s has built a one-stop shop where bariatric multidisciplinary bariatric and metabolic surgery patients can receive consultation team is fully engaged at each step along with surgeons, dietary and psychological your journey. From its medical weight guidance, testing, education, support, loss program to state-of-the-art surgical insurance verification and follow-ups, all procedures performed through minimally in one convenient location. invasive and robotic techniques, it will You can trust AdventHealth Tampa’s customize your treatment plan to ensure network of care to help guide and support your individual needs are met. you in your journey to wellness while With a combined experience of over helping you overcome any roadblocks in 50 years in bariatric surgery, its surgeons your journey to better health. It is here to have the expertise and understanding of be your coach—and biggest cheerwhat it takes for you to be successful in leader—on the way to success. your weight loss journey. In addition to its Let’s start healing your body, mind surgeons, it has assembled a multidisciand spirit. For more information on the plinary team of bariatric specialists, Bariatric & Metabolic Institute, visit including registered dietitians and a TampaBMI.com.
Volume 15, Issue 8
Metropolitan Ministries Open For New Referrals And Donations
By Laura Tamayo
As school and be at COVID-19’s risk of becoming drastic impact homeless (which on includes not havHillsborough ing a stable/perCounty permanent home). sists, Once the Metropolitan family applies, Metropolitan Ministries has a wide variety of staff Ministries has or is referred, members that help make the First Hug program happen. adapted to by going to ensure it can meet the rising needs of metromin.org/firsthug and filling out the the community. With its extremely effireferral form, case management services cient programs, the organization has typically last from three to six months. In been able to alleviate a significant order to attend to the maximum possible amount of stress around the county. number of in-need families, the family The ministry’s services target homereceiving the services cannot do so less and at-risk children and families; again for another year after their case offering food and board at its shelter, closing date. helping people get jobs in the area, Because of the effect of the coronsecuring education for any children and avirus, Metropolitan Ministries is now adolescents and more through multiple handling an astronomical amount of programs such as First Hug. For families cases and any help is extremely appreciwho are referred to or apply for First ated. Hug, case management services are “The response [to COVID-19] has applied, free of charge and it connects been incredible and the overwhelming with Family Advocates to develop plans need of the community is jaw-dropping that will best achieve success for them. because we’ve never seen anything like “We also provide referrals to servicthis,” said Billy Somerville, associate es beyond our case management, director of brand communications. according to family needs, to include To donate, you can either contribute school readiness referrals. The Family funds directly through the website or Advocates meet with the families weekly pass by its donation locations (which are to provide support and assistance in also listed on the Metropolitan Ministries reaching their goals,” explained website) Monday through Saturday from Supervisor of Family Advocates Sandra 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Gonzalez-Coronado. Gonzalez-Coronado would also like To qualify for this, families must meet to specify that the Brandon Team, coverthree requirements: they must reside in ing all of Eastern and Southern Hillsborough county, have (at least) one Hillsborough County, will have the availchild between the ages of 0 to middle ability to cover 30 new cases in August.
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August 2020
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 15
Masks Required As JF Kicks Hosts Live Music, Markets, Car Shows & More
Residents Adopt Teachers For Back To School Purchases Through Facebook Page
Johnny 4:30-7 p.m. Spieldenner is the Classic Car fifth oldest in his Show – cars, family of 18 chilmusic and food dren. He lovers welcome explained, “We (that includes are a family of most everyone) caregivers, service on Saturday, members and September 26 entertainers who from 3-7 p.m. in have the idea of JF Kicks owner, Johnny Spieldenner, pictured the parking lot. helping others There will be a here with his children, has set up many community events this month at the Valrico ingrained into our free meal of a hot restaurant and patio bar. life philosophy.” dog or hamburger As the owner of JF Kicks restaurant with chips and a drink. Classic cars will and patio bar in Valrico, Spieldenner park along the tree line with open hoods manages to incorporate a menu of his to display custom motors. families’ philosophy along with delicious Yappy Hour - Community Pet meal choices served within an ambience Project, a nonprofit created to assist of nostalgia in JF Kicks’ spacious dining homeless and at-risk Hillsborough County room or on the gold patio, complete with families struggling to keep pets fed and a fireplace and water feature. heathy, begins at 4-7 p.m. on the last This month, the restaurant is really Saturday of the month. Dog enthusiasts kicking up its community events with are encouraged to bring man’s best something for everyone. friends to JF Kicks’ dog-friendly patio and Check out JF Kicks’ Care, Serve and raise money through 50/50 bingo and Entertainment Menu: donations. Saturday at the Market – second Live Soloists – every Thursday, Saturday of the month in Kicks’ parking Friday and Saturday on the patio starting lot. Upcoming on September 12 at 10 at 7 p.m. a.m., vendors include Sugar Lees Although masks are required, Gourmet Coffee, Rhonda McDaniel’s A Spieldenner said, “We all need some Caring Touch Skin Therapy, Pop Pops semblance of normalcy and live entertainTinker Show as well as products and ment that has been sorely missed. We services like homemade beef jerky, paint- are finding a balance to keep our staff ings, baked goods, beard care and bath and local musicians working while providand beauty products. The $25 vendor fee ing safe entertainment for the communiis donated to the nonprofit Just One ty.” For more information, visit Foundation. A mobile blood bus will also www.JFKicksRestaurant.com or call 643be at JF Kicks on September 12 from 7777.
As teachers precation.” pared to go back to the Many teachers postclassroom last month, ed links to Amazon Wish Valrico resident Brooke Lists and within hours Elkins wanted to give residents had purchased them a helping hand. the much-needed supWhat started as a small plies. kindness quickly grew “It’s been a little overand within in a week whelming trying to think of more than 6,500 people all the things we need to were involved. make our classroom run Buckhorn Elementary School Elkins, who has successfully during these teacher Tiffany Schreffler taught at both Mintz and received unprecedented times,” items from her wish list Stowers elementary said Renee LaBarbera, as part of the Adopt a Hillsborough Teacher group on who teaches at Bevis schools, started the Facebook. Facebook group Adopt a Elementary School. “Even Hillsborough Teacher, which gives teachjust making the list made me feel better ers the opportunity to post items they and helped me to realize that I can make need for their classrooms and residents these tiny adjustments to help the school the chance to easily buy them. day be just a little bit safer for my stu“Our teachers are going through an dents and myself.” unprecedented time,” said Elkins. Teachers assigned to eLearning “Teachers are feeling frustrated and classes also requested items to help stuunsupported and I felt like this was a dents transition to the new style of learnsmall way the community could show ing. support.” “Teachers are working extremely Educators from all over Hillsborough hard to be better prepared for this unique County learned about the group and school year whether that be in the classstarted posting items from cleaning suproom or via Zoom,” said Randall Middle plies to voice magnifiers. School math teacher Chris Wikfors. “With “The start of this year is not like any so many unknowns, this is such a huge most of us have experienced before and help not only financially, but also for our we know there are very difficult decisions mindsets. Knowing we have the support being made by parents, teachers, admin of so many in our communities is a great and our leaders downtown,” said feeling as we head into uncharted Buckhorn Elementary School’s fifth grade waters.” ELA teacher, Tiffany Schreffler. “This proAnyone interested in sponsoring a gram helps serve as a reminder that givteacher can find the group on Facebook ing each child their best chance at learnby searching ‘Adopt a Hillsborough ing is still a top priority to all those in eduTeacher.’
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Page 16
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Just Love Coffee Joins The Brandon Community
By Libby Hopkins
Who doesn’t educate myself furlove coffee? Some ther by taking a people refer to it as barista course. As I “The nectar of the learned the different gods.” If you are an flavors, roasts and avid coffee drinker, the small details that you’ll be happy to go into making a know Just Love perfect cup of coffee, Coffee will be openI developed my true ing in early passion for this speSeptember. cial bean.” “We are the Ferrio decided The Ferrio family is the owner of Brandon’s newest coffee shop, Just Love Coffee. Ferrio family and that her love for cofwe are so eager to bring the love to fee and her community would fit perfectly Brandon,” said Owner Marisa Ferrio. into a new career path. Just Love Coffee started as an e“As I searched for different cafe concommerce concept that was founded to cepts, Just Love Coffee Cafe’s mission help raise money for adoptive families. It for love, high-quality coffee and delicious has since grown into a franchise compafood menu captured my attention and I ny that encourages and empowers its knew it would be an exceptional fit,” storeowners to give back to their own Ferrio said. “It is my absolute pleasure to communities and causes that they love. open the shop and start loving on you, “Just Love came into my life when I was Brandon.” seeking a new career opportunity followIn addition to the shop’s vision for ing a move to Florida,” Ferrio said. “After giving back, Just Love Coffee has a co-owning a small Mexican cuisine unique full menu. “Whether you’re orderrestaurant in Pennsylvania, I knew I want- ing breakfast, lunch or dinner, your food ed to explore the food industry further, I will be cooked on a waffle iron,” Ferrio just didn’t know what.” said. “We will be serving up everything Last Christmas, Ferrio was gifted an from omelettes, which are waffled espresso machine from her sister. omelettes, to waffled sandwiches, wraps, “It came to a surprise because at the quesadillas.” time my relationship with coffee was forTo learn more about Just Love eign,” Ferrio said. “Then I started making Coffee, visit www.facebook.com/justlovevarious types of coffee beverages for all brandonfl. my friends and family. From cappuccinos For franchise opportunities, visit Just to lattes, I explored the numerous tastes Love Coffee’s website at www.justloveand aromas, which brought my appreciacoffeecafe.com. Just Love Coffee will be tion for coffee to a whole new level. After located at 2020 W. Brandon Blvd., Ste. dipping into this new world, I decided to 150.
Volume 15, Issue 8
August 2020
Page 17
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RHEUMATOLOGY
TGH’s Christmas In July Offers Toys And Supplies For Pediatric Patients
By Jadon Khor
“It becomes like in July drive this year a second home,” said much more instruDawn Harvey. mental. Mother to a freResidents have quent patient at been making this Tampa General Christmas in July Hospital (TGH), drive a success. Harvey knows very According to well the ins and outs Stevens, compared of the pediatric to previous years, floor: the hard work there has been a the nurses put in, tenfold increase in the ways kids can generous support get grumpy in the from the Tampa comhospital and even munity donating the overarching goods listed on its impact of the hospiAmazon Wish List. tal on the communiAnd so, even ty. She also knows with financial hardthe critical imporships striking comTampa General Hospital employees roll tance of making munities, Stevens in toys and games donated through its sure the kids get and Mike Masem, Christmas in July drive. their due fun, a goal TGH hopes to vice president of development at TGH, reach through its annual Christmas in said, “there’s a groundswell of support July drive. that we’ve been able to tap into and Christmas in July was started at was always there.” TGH as a way to help relieve patients For Harvey, it was extremely imporof the lack of toys and entertainment tant that TGH gets enough attention that they seem to find themselves in drawn to its drive, for she said the emohalfway through the year. After tional support for patients and their famChristmas, donated toys, books and ilies is of great importance. video games start to run stale or overToys and goodies from TGH’s used, making kids “get a little blue,” Amazon Wish List are critical to ensursaid Lindsey Stevens, senior director of ing it gets the resources it needs to not development at TGH. only keep its patients happy but to also Come COVID-19 and social dismake sure the hospital can stay runtancing measures, the sanitation efforts ning through the pandemic. Donate of the TGH team prevent patients from today by visiting the Tampa General overcrossing toys, something that Hospital website at www.tgh.org/christStevens said is making the Christmas mas-july.
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for cancer patients. “My greatest hope is that by sharing my story, I will inspire others to know that no matter what you face in life, you can overcome it and achieve all your dreams, even if you don’t quite know what those dreams are yet,” Costello explained. How Far I Have Risen – Coming Clean About God, Cancer And My American Dream by Jacky Costello is available on Amazon and at bookstores nationwide. A portion of the proceeds from every book sold will be donated to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, where Costello received her follow up care.
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Local Author’s Biography On The Best Seller List
Jacky Costello’s story is not unlike many immigrant success stories of hard work and determination to take advantage of opportunities in America she did not have before. It is also the story of a cancer survivor and how her faith, her husband, her friends and a stray dog from Greece all gave her the support she needed to persevere. How Far I Have Risen Coming Clean About God, Cancer And My American Dream was published in March and rose to number two in new releases in Christian biographies in the U.S. Today, seven years after arriving, Costello is the owner of Custom Cleanups, a house cleaning service in Lithia. To make good on her promise to “pay it forward,” she partnered with Cleaning for a Reason, a nonprofit organization that provides free house cleaning
Valrico Sunday Market Returns At Chill Cawfee
Chill Cawfee is excited to relaunch the Sunday market under its new name, Valrico Artisan Faire. It is a twice-a-month event, every second Sunday and fourth Sunday under the grandfather oaks outside Chill Cawfee at 3704 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Have fun in the sun as you shop local artisans and enjoy a place for families and friends to bond. Jewelry, artwork, craft food,
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Advancing Modern Professionals Hosting Introductory Meeting Online
Advancing Modern Professionals is a group of young professionals and entrepreneurs dedicated to the development and empowerment of likeminded individuals in the Tampa Bay area. If you are interested in developing and executing professional and entrepreneurial skills, you are invited to register for its first meeting on Tuesday, August 25 from 7-8 p.m., which will take place virtually. For more information, visit on Facebook at Advancing Modern Professionals or email AdvancingMP@gmail.com.
Free Online Credit Score And Consumer Loans Workshop
The University of Florida invites Hillsborough County residents to attend a live, interactive online workshop about credit scores and consumer loans on Wednesday, August 26 at 12 Noon. During the webinar you will learn how to increase your credit score, deal with debts and get the best deals on loans. The information provided could save you money and ease your stress level. Register at https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/535462571113449729. Space is limited, so register as soon as possible.
Registration Is Open For The Annual Hillsborough River And Coastal Cleanup
At this time of year, Keeping Tampa Bay Beautiful would traditionally be looking forward to having huge numbers of volunteers gather for the annual Hillsborough River and Coastal Cleanup. Like a lot of other organized events, it will be doing things a little differently this year. Instead of designating one day for the cleanup, it is devoting the entire month of September to encouraging you to do self-led cleanups either individually or in small groups. Keeping Tampa Bay Beautiful will be providing supplies to all, which will include supplies needed to perform cleanups, masks or buffs as well as Chick-fil-A gift cards as a thank you to its volunteers. To register for the event, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F AIpQLSeAfvEdY1ejWSm9YEZ_ZZQ G3pahagRYp2u4--5q9LQzpWZwQ/viewform.
Kitten Adoptions Go Online
Due to COVID-19, local animal rescue nonprofit A Kitten Place has had to cancel its in-person pet adoption events. If you are looking to add an adorable kitten or cat to your family please visit akittenplace.org/adoptable-kittens and look through the many kittens and cats that are now available in all descriptions. All kittens and cats will be spayed/neutered and vaccinated before being available for adoption. Adoption applications and additional information can be found at akittenplace.org.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
SeaWorld Offers Free Admission For U.S. Military Veterans And Their Families
Staff Report
U.S. military vetSeaWorld Orlando and erans and retirees San Antonio and Busch can visit Busch Gardens Tampa. Gardens and “It is an honor and a SeaWorld for free privilege for our between now and SeaWorld and Busch Wednesday, Gardens family to extend November 11. free park admission to Qualifying residents our country’s veterans U.S. military veterans and retirees can redeem their and their families and can visit Busch Gardens and complimentary sinSeaWorld for free between now and provide them with memWednesday, November 11. gle-day ticket for orable experiences that themselves and up to three friends or are not only fun, but more importantly family members online at safe,” said Marc Swanson, interim chief www.WavesofHonor.com. executive officer of SeaWorld Parks and In addition to enhancing the parks’ Entertainment. “Our long-standing comalready strict health and safety measures, mitment to members of the U.S. military capacity at each park is carefully limited through the Waves of Honor program is to create even more open space for our way of saying thank you to all of the guests to enjoy a fun and inspiring experi- brave individuals who serve and sacrifice ence while maintaining physical distancfor this country.” ing in a safe environment. As reservations The Waves of Honor program are required and limited for every visit, already provides complimentary admisguests are encouraged to make their sion for U.S. active duty military personreservations early. nel, activated or drilling reservists and Since its launch in 2005, more than National Guardsmen and up to three 10 million guests—active duty military dependents. Additional discounts and members, veterans and their families— offers are available for active military and have enjoyed the SeaWorld family of veterans through MWR and ITT offices parks for free through the Waves of on U.S. military bases and online at Honor program. This year, in addition to www.WavesofHonor.com. These offers the free offer, veterans have the option to are available year-round and may differ add up to four additional guest tickets for by park. 50 percent off to SeaWorld Orlando, For detailed information about the SeaWorld San Antonio or Busch Gardens safety measures that guests can expect Tampa. Veterans who take advantage of when visiting the resort, including key the ticket offer can also receive $10 off operational changes, visit https://seaAll-Day Dining and 50 percent off Quick worldentertainment.com/park- reopeningQueue Unlimited, the company’s front-ofand-safety/ or individual park pages for line access option, for attractions at parks that are currently open.
Create Strategies to Help Achieve Your Financial Goals by Joanna Springstead You probably have many financial goals: a comfortable retirement, long vacations, college for your children, and so on. But to achieve these goals, you may have to follow different investment strategies.
And keep in mind that your strategy for achieving one goal may affect your ability to work toward another, so you might need to prioritize these goals and make some trade-offs in your investment moves. It’s possible that you may need to invest less toward one goal so you can put away more toward another.
First of all, you’ll need to identify each goal and ask yourself some questions: How much time will you have to achieve this obWorking toward multiple JOANNA jective? How much return SPRINGSTEAD goals can be challenging, will you need? How much so you may want to get Financial Advisor risk are you willing to some professional help, take? which, along with patience and effort, can help you make progress You’ll also need to choose invest- toward your financial goals. ments designed to help you reach Now booking appointments each goal. And these investments should work together. Monitor their via the phone/web conference. progress over time and make adCall today to schedule an justments as needed. introductory meeting.
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Route4Me, Inc. seeks VP Software Engineering in Hackensack, NJ. Duties: Director-level software engineer to direct building infrastructure, analytics planning/design tools, design next generation backbone. Lead Russian engineers to design next generation design tools, work with existing systems and American teams. Speaks Russian and English. Direct tech engineer team in Russia, communicate requirements between USA/Russian team; direct technical discussions, provide SME; drive development of technical roadmap; prioritize new info fast; manage engineers to build, scale, deploy support network systems for global network infrastructure; partner closely with Facebook datacenter, edge network teams; develop team careers, assign projects tailored to skill levels/work styles; assess/address employee performance, work with recruiting staff to expand team, including sourcing, interviewing; participate in events, onboard new employees. Domestic and international travel up to 25% possible. Full-time. Requirements: B.S. electronics engineering, computer science. Four (4) years’ experience as senior project manager, IT Director, or related, includes experience in logistics, supply chain optimization, algorithmic graph theory; Unix systems, Laravel, PHP and Docker; global load balancing, security best-practices, Kubernetes, Google Spanner, Google BigQuery; AWS, google cloud administrator experience; platform-wide analytics/design tools and/or control systems (SDN) for large-scale platforms; platform-wide analytics/design tools and/or control systems (SDN); experience recruiting/managing technical teams. Four years’ experience managing a multi-language software engineering team. Fluency written/spoken in Russian and English. To apply: Send email application to: Anne Perry, at recruiting@route4me.com Route4Me, Inc. is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
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Volume 15, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
eSmart Recycling Recycles And Donates Electronics To Community Groups In recent times, many of us have found ourselves more reliant than ever on technology. One local company is going out of its way to take donated computer parts and recycle them so they can be used by those in need. Founded in 2014, eSmart Recycling collects donated old technology and computer parts, which later are refurbished and revamped and go out into the community to nonprofits, schools and more that are in need of computers. The organization was kick-started when Tony Selvaggio, founder and CEO of eSmart Recycling, was approached by a nonprofit in need of ‘affordable computers.’ At that moment, Selvaggio only offered recycling services to IT companies and sold the refurbished computers. However, instead of selling computers to the nonprofit, Selvaggio and his team restored 10 computers picked up through the recycling services and donated them. “Since that moment, almost 2,000 computers have gone to over 50 organizations all around the world,” said Selvaggio. Residents can stop by and drop of their old technology at recycling drives in different parts of the Tampa Bay area; upcoming drives and information are always posted on the eSmart Recycling website. “Each drive is partnered with an local organization that has ties to the communi-
By Dominique Asher
ty, in order to support the local residents and help with proper recycling,” said Selvaggio. Every type of electronic, with the exception of CRT TVs and monitors, is welcome to be dropped off as they can be sold, with the revenue going to funding the refurbish and deployment process. Although, old PC computers and laptops are especially helpful as they make up the most of the equipment getting refurbished and given to those who need it the most. When refurbishing the computers, workers either restore the recycled ones or source equipment from vendors or wholesalers in order to standardize it. In addition, only computers aging from three to five years old are refurbished. A new hard drive is installed in the computer, the latest version of Windows operating system is installed, then tests are ran and viola, it’s ready to be deployed to a new home. On July 25, a drive was held locally at FishHawk Storage. All sorts of technology was donated, which will go to kids and families unable to access electronics. The drive also had curbside and non-contact drop-off so that resident could stay in their vehicles. All hard drives are shredded in the warehouse, and certifications of data destruction are offered. For upcoming drives, go to https://esmartrecycling.com.
Hillsborough County Board Of Education Meets During Teachers’ Protest
By Lily Belcher
In their first Sumner Academy, meeting since the echoed those conCOVID-19 shutdown, cerns. “My colleagues the Florida Board of and I believe that it is Education met to disnot safe right now for cuss how county teachers or kids to go schools would move back to school.” forward with the Superintendent 2020-2021 school Addison Davis underyear despite the stands that teachers increasing cases of want a concrete plan Yolanda Turner from Sumner the coronavirus in and students want to Academy with her message on the Florida. get back to normal car’s sign and her T-shirt. Superintendent Addison Davis and school but said that “we don’t have a Governor Ron DeSantis were among playbook for this.” After the board of those who attended the meeting at education meeting, Davis released a Strawberry Crest High School on July statement to Hillsborough County fami15 to create a plan for the upcoming lies. school year. “Based on ongoing medical conBefore the meeting, a group of con- sultations, I will be recommending to cerned parents and teachers rallied out- the school board that we delay the side Strawberry Crest to peacefully start of the 2020-2021 school year for protest and voice their concerns for the students by two weeks until August health of school staff, students and 24,” he said. families with signs that read “Listen to On July 23, the Hillsborough teachers” and “Face to face will be a County School Board unanimously disgrace.” Protesters called for a decivoted to delay the start of the school sion based on scientific evidence that year, following Davis’ recommendation. shows it is safe to return to the classThe decision came after approximately room, using #14DaysNoNewCases on half of Hillsborough County families their Facebook page. submitted their form of intent to send Many teachers, such as Scott and their students back to campuses Laura Hottenstein from Rodgers Middle despite an emotional argument against School, came to the protest to voice allowing these families to attend physitheir concerns for the mental health of cal school from teachers at the meettheir students and employees of the ing. The last step will be approval of district. For them, the request was simthe plan from the state of Florida. ple: decide on a plan and stop “putting For more information, visit the politics over their kids.” Hillsborough County Public Schools Yolanda Turner, a teacher at website at https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 8
LeAnne’s Cookies Sends Sweet Gifts Both Locally And Nationwide
By Libby Hopkins
LeAnne Crabtree, “He emphatically stated, owner of LeAnne’s Cookies, ‘People are becoming too grew up baking cookies with health conscious and will no her grandmother in her longer eat cookies; therekitchen. Her grandmother fore, this business will not be and great-grandmother a success,’” Crabtree said. always baked. Ignoring her professor’s It wasn’t until Crabtree harsh criticism and her went off to college at UCF grade on her project, in 1986 that she would LeAnne’s Cookies has conmake baking cookies her tinued to prosper for more career. than 25 years. “I was a finance major at “I took the advice of one UCF and my professor gave of the professors on campus us a project to create a prodwho loved my cookies,” uct or service I wanted to sell,” Crabtree said. “She suggestCrabtree said. “I had no clue ed I look into the corporate what I wanted to do, so I gifting and at the time I didn’t called my dad and asked him. know what she was talking I had been home from school about, but when I did my the week before I called him research, I decided to give it a and I had showered my partry. It’s been great for us.” ent with cookies I baked. My In current times of the dad was eating one of my pandemic, most businesses cookies and laughed while are suffering or closing. we were on the phone. He LeAnne Crabtree has Crabtree’s business has been been in business for said, ‘LeAnne, you love to doing very well because all of more than 25 years. bake so why don’t you do her business is done contactsomething with cookies?’” less, as customers order online and the The cookie seed was planted, so to cookies are shipped. “Since our cookies speak. are wrapped individually, they are safe for Her cookies were an instant hit with our customers,” Crabtree said. “We have the college students, professors, neighbeen doing lots of graduation, thinking of bors and friends, who were anxious to you and sympathy cookie gifts since the buy all the cookies she could produce. pandemic started.” Her ‘cookie business’ immediately made To learn more about the different a profit and the overwhelming demand for cookies and cookie gifts LeAnne’s Crabtree’s cookies continued even after Cookies has to offer, visit its website at her professor gave her a ‘C’ on the projwww.leannescookies.com or contact ect. Crabtree at 651-0045.
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August 2020
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Welcomes Tampa Bay Farm 2 School Into Its Fold
Staff Report
Since 1989, The addition of Keep Tampa Bay Farm 2 School, and Beautiful (KTBB), the its ‘Kids’ Kitchen’ environmental comprogram specifically, munity improvement will help to fulfill a nonprofit organizavision of fostering tion devoted to a healthy communicleaner, greener and ties by showing more beautiful young gardeners Learning where our food comes from. how to use what Tampa Bay, has formed partnerships with local governthey grow to make healthy food that ments, corporations, schools and neigh- tastes great. borhood organizations to engage indiPlaces that Farm 2 School has viduals and provide opportunities to worked with in the past include the Boys enhance the community through volun& Girls Club of Temple Terrace, Cork teer participation. Elementary School, Greco Middle Now, it has joined forces with School, Muller Elementary School and Tampa Bay Farm 2 School, an organiTurner/Bartels K-8. zation that empowers youth for health Elizabeth Leib, founder and director and success through hands-on agriculof Tampa Bay Farm 2 School, tural and culinary experiences. explained, “It’s been my dream to According to KTBB Executive expand Farm 2 School’s hands-on susDirector Debbie Evenson, “We are tainable living education to more kids.” thrilled to add this component to our Evenson said of the union, “The existing programs of community timing of this merger comes as we are cleanups, environmental education and preparing to open our Environmental beautification to create a complete proEducation Center which will provide gram of community sustainability.” educational lessons including water Since 2013, Tampa Bay Farm 2 testing, watershed health and environSchool has provided volunteers and mental sustainability as well as serve as expertise to schools to establish student a community-based compost site with gardens and integrate nutrition and food hydroponic and pollinator gardens. sustainability education. Bringing Farm Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted 2 School under the umbrella of KTBB and it is safe to congregate, Keep will serve to further enhance KTBB’s Tampa Bay Beautiful will launch this hands-on sustainable living education exciting new chapter of our organization experiences to kids and families by and Farm 2 School will be an essential offering young minds a connection part of it as Kids’ Kitchen.” between plants that come from the To get involved, call 221-8733 or earth, and the food served at the table. visit keeptampabaybeautiful.org.
Mother Of Local Hero Queena Releases A Memoir To Share Inspirational Journey
By Libby Hopkins
Queena Phu may have read the whole be known as the book draft to Queena Bloomingdale Library and she’s very focused Attack Victim, but to and interested about all those of us in the the details in the book Brandon community, especially information Queena is a hero. She about her brain damis a vibrant, young lady age and coma as she that was affected by doesn’t really rememtraumatic brain injury at ber,” Nguyen said. the age of 18 in April of “From victim to sur2008. The injury left vivor, to revealing her her with many disabiliname, now she can’t ties and changed her wait for release a book life forever. about her story, which Queena’s mom, is a story of deep grief Vanna Nguyen is and darkness. She preparing to release a wants it to shine a light Vanna Nguyen, mother of memoir about her life, Queena Phu, the Bloomingdale into someone else’s faith and her amazing Library Attack Victim, will release dark place.” a memoir about her life, faith daughter, Queena. “I Nguyen hopes her and her amazing daughter, want to share my memoir will inspire peoQueena. struggles in life, including this heartple from around the world, “I am hopbreaking attack on Queena,” Nguyen ing to see the book can be published in said. “I want to share my life’s story to different languages so it can provide create a living testament to the notion hope to the downtrodden around the that faith, community, and the unendworld,” Nguyen said. “My wish is 100 ing grace of God, provide us with the percent of the book or any related propower to do things we never thought ceeds can support ongoing expenses possible. through Hope Heals The Brain, Inc. The book is called The Life She and Queena’s Medical Trust Fund. Once Knew: The Incredible True Story We’re glad God choose of Queena, The Bloomingdale Library Ambassador for publishing our book Attack Survivor. The book’s release and sharing our inspirational stories to date is 11/10/2020, but it is now availthe world. We are also working on a able through the publisher’s website movie adaptation, but we have not yet Ambassador International, Amazon chosen a production company. We are and Goodreads for preorder. still researching how to do a movie.” To It will soon be available for prepreorder a copy, search for the book order to all local book retailers. “We on Amazon or Goodreads.
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Volume 15, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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August 2020
Volume 15, Issue 8
La Septima Offers Convenient And Delicious Family Meals
Ph: 657-2418
One of Brandon’s favorite restaurants is making life easier and more delicious for residents in the light of the pandemic. In addition to takeout and delivery, La Septima is offering family meals for $39.95. Diners can choose from any of the restaurant’s signature dishes and each family meal comes with rice, the choice of tossed salad or black beans, Cuban Delicious family meals, $39.95 from La Septima bread with olive butter and one 2Cafe. liter bottle of Coke, Diet Coke or dors will be on-site regularly to tell Sprite. Each family meal serves four their story and offer insight into their for $39.95 with the exception of the products. bistec milanesa (Cuban breaded It is open on Wednesday from steak), which is $49.95. Orders can 4-8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday be made online from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sunday at laseptimacafe.com or by calling from 12 Noon-4 p.m. and other 685-0502. La Septima is located at times by appointment. More 702 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. information can be found on www.ragamuffinoutpost.com, Ragamuffin Outpost Opens In Facebook @RagamuffinOutpost Plaza Bella or by calling 654-2834. New store Ragamuffin Outpost had its grand opening on the weekend of Trilogy Dive Center Brings August 1-2 in Plaza Bella in Valrico. Diving Lessons To You Offering a refreshing selection of Trilogy Dive Center, antique, vintage, local owned by Mike Massaro artisan and eclectic and based in Zephyrhills, home décor items in is a full-service dive cennearly 2,000 sq. ft., ter offering scuba training you are sure to find and certification, equipsomething you will ment sales and services want to take home and diving trips. Trilogy with you. Local venalso provides group train-
SouthShore. Equally comfortable in a hard hat or heels, her focus is always on the customer. Brown gained valuable experience consulting with buyers in the home design center and she knows that buying a new home can be overwhelming, so bringing her into the experience brings assurance to all parties. The Yellowfin Realty office is at 11256 Winthrop Main St. in Laura Brown, the new construction team leader at Riverview and can be contacted Yellowfin Realty. on 245-6186. Visit its website at ing for homeschoolers and other www.yellowfinrealty.com for more groups. “We train you at your home information. and offer door-to-door service, making it easy for you to Three Bulls Tavern Voted ‘Best get certified and to Of The Best’ keep you diving,” Local bar Three Bulls Tavern was said Massaro. recently voted Best Neighborhood For more informaBar in the tion, visit www.trilo2020 Tampa gyscuba.com, call Bay Times 425-3500 or go to its ‘Best of the Facebook page Best’ compe@trilogyscuba. tition. Owners Jim and Yellowfin Realty Tracy Announces New Team Leader Mellody are Of New Construction thrilled to have won. “We have Yellowfin Realty based in Winthrop worked so hard to be your favorite Plaza recently announced Laura neighborhood hangout. We hope to Brown as its new team leader of new just keep on getting better and betconstruction. A seasoned sales asso- ter,” they said. ciate, Brown has worked extensively Three Bulls Tavern is located at 4330 in the South Hillsborough corridor Continued on next page from the hub of Brandon to
Page 26
Business Column Continued................... Bell Shoals Rd. in Bloomingdale and can be contacted on 381-3853. Additional information is available at www.ThreeBullsTavern.com or its Facebook page, Three Bulls Tavern.
Dr. Ben Christman Joins Hess Orthodontics
Hess Orthodontics is very happy to welcome Dr. Ben Christman to the team. Dr. Christman will be helping out while Dr. Popat is out on maternity leave. Dr. Christman graduated from the University of Florida before receiving his DMD degree from Midwestern University and Certificate of Orthodontics from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Christman grew up in the Tampa Bay area and is excited to return home and have the opportunity to serve our community. For the most up-to-date information on Hess Orthodontics, follow it on social media @hessortho on Facebook and @hessorthodontics on Instagram.
Improvements To River Hills Country Club
River Hills Country Club has recently made several improvements to its facilities, which members are now enjoying. The tennis area received the biggest improvements with all eight tennis courts being resurfaced and the tennis shop getting a facelift
Volume 15, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
By Jenny Bennett
to make it a more welcoming area. A ribbon-cutting, tennis exhibition and tournament were recently held to celebrate the completion of the work. If you are interested in becoming a member of River Hills Country Club, please contact Margie Martin on 6531554, ext. 232 or visit its website at www.riverhillscountryclub.com.
Brandon Regional Hospital Receives Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification
DNV GL Healthcare is a certification body helping healthcare organizations achieve excellence by improving quality. It recently awarded Brandon Regional Hospital its Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification. This award is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association and affirms that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care—diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education—and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes. “With stroke care, you must have the best clinicians and resources, but also the ability to act organizationally with extreme efficiency because of the time-critical nature of these events,” said Bland Eng, chief executive officer at Brandon Regional Hospital. “This certification from DNV GL validates all the effort
we have put into this program and to ensuring the health and safety of our patients.”
Curry Law Group Awarded Best Of The Best For Family Law
plans. Accurate Health Plans is located at 10014 Kenda Dr. in Riverview and can be contacted on 310-0403. Visit www.accuratehealthplans.com or AccurateHealthPlans on Facebook to find out more.
The Best of the Best Attorneys has acknowledged the outstanding perLocal formance of Florida’s family Dentist law firm, Curry Law Group Honored P.A., as a 2020 Best of the With 40 Best Top 10 Family Law Under 40 Firm, which practices law Award at a higher standard. Incisal Edge Selections are based on dental magaeither nominations by zine recogpeers, clients and/or the nizes brilliant research team and the achievers Best of the Best award is ages 40 and reserved for those lawyers under with its who exhibit excellence in signature their practice with an award, 40 exceptional relationship Under 40. with his or her clients. 40 Under 40 award-winning dentist Among this You can contact Curry Law Dr. Casey Lynn. year’s honGroup directly at 653-2000 orees is the owner of local Apollo or www.currylawgroup.com. Beach practice SmileLYNN Pediatric Accurate Health Plans Opens In Dentistry, Dr. Casey Lynn. The final 40 Under 40 list includes innovative Riverview and passionate young professionals Mark and Steve McDade recently in dentistry across the United States. opened Accurate Health Plans in Individuals were nominated and vetRiverview (formerly Accurate Insurance) to help you navigate com- ted by an independent panel to plex medical insurance systems. “We select the final recipients. Whether help people with any health coverage renowned for their medical innovations, volunteer work, philanthropy or or medicare-related product availsimply a commitment to outstanding able. We are knowledgeable about patient care, these honorees reprethe plans we offer ourselves as well sent the best of dentistry today. as competitors’ plans we do not SmileLYNN Pediatric Dentistry is carry. We always make sure you get located at 122 Harbor Village Ln. in the plan that is right, with us or Apollo Beach and can be reached on another source,” said Mark. Accurate Health Plans can also assist you with 591-3052 or visit www.smilelynndental.com for more information. dental, vision and life insurance
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August 2020
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 27
Nate Walcker Takes Lead At Florida Cancer Specialists
Creative Music Ability In Valrico Becomes Certified Ultimate Music Theory Instructor
Making a differopment and driving ence and driving operational excelchange is important lence every day. to Nate Walcker, “Patients and as the new deserve a highchief executive offitouch, personalized cer for Florida approach to their Cancer Specialists cancer battle, and (FCS), he’s poised that starts with to do just that. access to innovative His philosophy treatment options,” Nate Walcker is the new chief executive of being both Walcker said. officer for Florida Cancer Specialists. “data-driven and Recognized by purpose-driven” aligns the American Society of perfectly with the comClinical Oncology pany’s mission of pro(ASCO) with a national viding world-class medClinical Trials icine close to home in its nearly 100 loca- Participation Award, Florida Cancer tions across Florida. Following the retireSpecialists offers patients access to more ment of long-term CEO Brad Prechtl in clinical trials than any private oncology July, Walcker now leads a team of nearly practice in Florida. In the past four years, 4,000 that includes more than 230 the majority of new cancer drugs renowned oncologists and specialty approved for use in the U.S. were studied physicians. in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Walcker already has a head start on Specialists’ participation (prior to delivering the next generation of strategic approval). Florida Cancer Specialists has priorities for FCS. Walcker joined the built a national reputation for excellence company in the summer of 2019 as the that is reflected in exceptional and comchief financial officer, bringing more than passionate patient care, driven by innovaa decade of healthcare, physician servictive clinical research and cutting-edge es and corporate finance expertise. He technologies that help advance targeted has been instrumental in guiding cost treatments and genetically-based containment efforts that have enabled the immunotherapies and embodied by its ongoing delivery of patient care with mini- team of highly trained and dedicated mal disruption throughout the COVID-19 physicians, clinicians and staff. pandemic. Walcker looks forward to driving FCS High on his list of opportunities are toward its next chapter as a national efforts to further FCS’ mission of providleader of community-based medical ing the highest quality cancer care by oncology. focusing on the advancement of clinical For more information, please visit trials, investing in early phase drug devel- FLCancer.com.
Einstein, conof the orchestra, sidered one of the band and choir. most creative She explained, “My geniuses of the teachers at Clarion past century, reportUniversity were edly often turned to from Julliard music to help with School of Music, his creative many professors process. played in the Linda Lalonde, Boston Symphony owner of Creative and my voice Linda Lalonde posing with some of her Music Ability in teacher toured students at Creative Music Ability in Valrico with 40 plus Europe on a Valrico. years in music education and teaching, Fulbright Scholarship.” believes learning music theory should She received her master’s degree in also be fun. performance from the Dana School of Lalonde announced, “A most exciting Music at Youngstown State University in development and discovery! As a certiOhio and also earned a master’s in fied Ultimate Music Theory Elite Teacher, counseling. Lalonde went to Kent State I help students to maximize learning, University for PhD work in music educabuild confidence and [build] true music tion and has a consultant degree from reading and knowledge. Students develDetroit Trauma Institute. op a sharper creative mind; learn “I taught vocal music for 31 years in advanced music skills; lessons and conthe Youngstown City Schools. We did cepts are reinforced using the piano, two musicals per year with 250 students, whiteboard, sight and ear training activisoloists and dance line.” She developed ties…and more.” a Suzuki String and Piano program at The journey toward becoming certiHoyt Institute in New Castle, PA. fied as an Ultimate Music Theory Elite Lalonde currently offers piano, Teacher was no small achievement. organ, voice, violin, cello, mandolin and Lalonde became interested in music as a ukulele. She explained, “One of my spechild in Brookville, Pennsylvania learning cialties is work with all ages and special to play on her great grandmother’s old needs folks. My Ultimate Theory Club piano in the corner of the living room. Classes are in session as students maxiShe has come a long way since then. mize learning, build confidence and have Lalonde’s educational qualifications a blast.” Einstein would most certainly reinforce why she deserves the Elite approve. Teacher title. With a music education For more information, call 244-1625, degree (K-12), major in piano and minor email lindalalonde310@yahoo.com or in voice, Lalonde played all instruments visit http://www.creativemusicability.net.
Staff Report
By Gwen Rollings
Page 28
Volume 15, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Venom/BH3 AAU Basketball Team Honors Late Teammate; Finishes Third At World Championships The Venom/BH3 15U (ninth grade) AAU basketball team, made up of players from Durant, Riverview and Newsome High Schools, played inspired basketball at the AAU World Championships at Disney in mid-July, earning third place overall. The club played to honor their teammate, James Bradley Hulett II, who passed away last December in a tragic shooting accident. Throughout the tournament, in which they went 5-1, Hulett’s number 3 jersey was draped over an empty chair at the end of the bench. Co-owner of the club Patrick Horn changed the name of his Venom Basketball Club to Venom/BH3 in honor of Hulett, who went by Bradley and joined the team in 2018 as their star player. Bradley’s father, James Bradley Hulett, who goes by Brad, is the other co-owner of the team and Bradley was a student at Newsome High School. coaches two of the five teams (10th coach/player relationship. He rememgrade and 10th grade varsity) in the bers joking with Bradley on the bench program called BH3 Foundation, a nonand always being able to talk basketball profit organization. Venom/BH3 was with him. Horn recalls struggling as a able to go to the world championships program in 2017 when the club first because they were sponsored by Brad’s started until Bradley and his father nonprofit foundation, started by a group joined in 2018. Horn credits the Huletts of his friends in honor of his son. with helping change the culture of the “To honor Bradley and his family, club. the kids played with passion and like “When the accident happened, it something was on the line,” said Horn. was really hard on everyone, including According to Horn, his team won every our players and coaches, and that’s one game by 30 points or more leading into of the major reasons I decided that the semifinals, where they lost 76-70 to everything we do from now on will be a team from North Carolina. “Everything for Bradley, in his honor, because he we have done this season has been a deserves that. He was a special kid. Not dedication to Bradley. The kids play for only was he really, really good at basa bigger purpose than just themselves.” ketball, but he really, really was a good Horn and Bradley had a special
them to remember Bradley’s legacy of being a kind and caring person. Horn appreciates Brad and his wife, Meagan, and views them as special people because ever since he has known them, they have cared for and loved everybody’s kids, not just their own. He says that Brad is still showing up to pracThe Venom/BH3 15U team holds up the number 3 in tices and takes his honor of their late teammate, James Bradley Hulett II, after finishing third in the AAU World Championships. teams to tournaments and coaches them, and Meagan goes to a lot of the games to support the team. “It’s really a testament to how strong the Hulett family is,” said Horn. “It’s really inspirational.” The James Bradley Hulett II Youth Basketball Discretionary Fund is a nonprofit organization that was started in February of this year to help provide financial support to youth basketball players, teams and organizations in the Tampa area. The organization wants to provide scholarships to students in the future. Brad hopes to have a 3v3 basketball tournament next February to Bradley tragically passed away last help raise funds. If you would like to December at the age of 15. give a donation to the cause, visit soul. He was a kind kid. He never said BH3Fund.org. anything bad about anybody, he was “It’s a good way to carry on his the kid that would sit and eat lunch with son’s legacy and to make sure that a bullied kid.” The team wears bracelets Bradley is never forgotten,” said Horn. that have “kindness matters” written on
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August 2020
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 29
How Card Churning Can Help Your Credit
By Steven Keys
pay the full statement balance every single month on all cards. And to avoid recurring annual fees, we just cancel each card before its account anniversary (or downgrade it to a fee-free version). I know what you're thinking, “wouldn’t that Steven Keys and his wife Lauren offer tips on how to destroy your credit improve your credit. score?” Ironically, it’s had the exact opposite effect for us. Since starting this crazy adventure, our credit scores have risen by nearly 100 points. Do you get a bunch of junk mail They now hover between 800 and 820, every day from banks trying to entice you according to Credit Karma. It turns out to sign up for their newest credit card? that consistently paying a bunch of bills “$300 cash bonus after you spend on time has more of a positive effect than $1,000 in the first 3 months!” Most peoall the credit inquiries and cancellations ple throw advertisements like these have a negative effect. straight in the garbage. My wife and I Now, all of this might sound nuts, or have been doing something a little differit might sound like a lot of fun, but either ent. way, don’t try it yourself until you've done At ages 29 and 30, we've now some research and carefully considered signed up for a total of 40 unique credit the risks. Your experience might not turn card accounts (basically a new card out exactly like ours. There are no guarevery two months). By choosing cards antees. with large sign-up bonuses strategically, You can read a more detailed guide meeting only the minimum requirements to credit card churning (and a ton of to get each bonus, and then quickly other money hacks) on our personal jumping to the next one, we racked up finance blog, TripOfALifestyle.com. over $20,000 in free money over the last Steven & Lauren Keys are graduseven years. This little hack is called ates of Newsome High School who grad‘credit card churning.’ uated college debt free, have taken sevMost cards with high sign-up bonuseral 8-month paid vacations, paid cash es also sport big annual fees and wicked for a house and are semi-retired by 29. high interest rates. But we don’t pay They share their lifestyle tips through them. To avoid interest, we religiously their blog, website and online.
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Page 30
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 8
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Historical Writer Doris Weatherford Celebrates 100th Anniversary Of Women’s Right To Vote With New Book
Master Chorale Celebrates 42 Years And Pivots To Online Auditions For New Choir Members
Seffner resident book that follows history Doris Weatherford is [on this subject] from 1920 a renowned historionward. There are a lot of cal writer. books written on the subWeatherford, who ject of the Women’s focuses on women’s Suffrage Movement and history, has written a the 19th Amendment, but new book, Victory only this book picks up in for the Vote: The 1920.” Fight for Women’s According to Suffrage and the Weatherford, “The Suffrage Century That Movement was about more Historical writer Doris Followed. than just getting the right to Weatherford. Weatherford will be a featured speaker vote. It was about equal rights. For in the upcoming Hillsborough County example, women were not allowed to Public Library Cooperative’s virtual serve on juries or receive inheritance. event celebrating the 100th anniverWhile the Equal Rights Amendment sary of the 19th Amendment which has not been ratified in every state, the gave women the right to vote. movement that brought it forward Weatherford’s book is an update of helped to correct many injustices. It is her book, A History of the Women’s a complex issue. It is not enough to Suffrage Movement, which was written just to celebrate the right to vote, you in 1998 to commemorate the 100th need to look at what has happened Anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage since then.” Movement in the United States. Weatherford has written more than Part one of the book outlines the a dozen books over a three-decade struggle for women to attain certain period. She is a sought-after speaker rights in the United States from the even though today many of her talks 17th to 20th centuries. Part two details are done virtually, including her upcomthe events that happened since the ing engagements with the GFWC passing of the 19th Amendment 100 North Pinellas Women’s Club and the years ago. This includes battles over Palm Beach Historical Society. the Equal Rights Amendment as well For more info on Weatherford and as equal pay and reproductive rights. her books, visit http://dweatherford.agWeatherford said, “This is the only sites.net/bio.htm.
The Master director. “Our Chorale of Tampa board and staff Bay will celebrate have put a its 42nd season tremendous with some new amount of energy and exciting digital into researching initiatives. The and planning a Master Chorale of season that conThe Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, under the Tampa Bay is an supervision of Artistic Director Brett Karlin, will tinues our misaccept auditions for new members online auditioned, highly sion-driven prothrough Monday, August 31. selective 150 voice gramming with chorus. Singers are selected from all over careful cost control and exciting innovathe Tampa Bay area. tion. We intend that some of our new digi“Although we are in an intermission tal programs, like the expansion of our from traditional live performances, we Youth Initiative, will continue to provide have pivoted our organizational strategy value to our community well after we are to develop a new, exciting, digital concert able to return to the concert halls.” hall,” said Brett Karlin, artistic director. As such, if you would like to audition “This is a challenging time for all cultural for a spot on the Master Chorale, you can arts organizations, and we are so fortudo so from the safety of your home. In nate to have support from the Tampa Bay addition, rehearsals will be conducted vircommunity,” added Karlin. tually using Zoom. Audition submissions Concert halls may be closed, but the for the fall half of the season will be Master Chorale has a busy season lineup accepted through Monday, August 31. that includes live streaming concerts, virSingers interested in auditioning should tual choirs, online educational programs visit www.MasterChorale.com/audition for and singers who will be crafting challenginstructions. ing masterwork repertoire through online Weekly rehearsals for the 2020-2021 rehearsals. roster will begin virtually on Tuesday, “Ensemble singing continues to be September 8 using Zoom. The virtual regarded as a particularly high-risk activity choir is reflective of the times we are livfor aiding community spread of COVIDing in and will be a great way for singers 19, and the safety of our singers, audiand audiences to enjoy the Master ences and staff continues to be our top Chorale in a digital concert hall. priority,” said Kara Dwyer, managing Www.masterchorale.com.
August 2020
Page 31
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Osprey Observer Summer Internships Go Virtual For Summer 2020
By Kye Saunders, Introduction by Kate Quesada
This summer has been different for students in many ways and the traditional Osprey Observer summer internships are no exception. As usual, the Osprey Observer welcomed a group of talented students as interns, but rather than shadowing reporters and team members in person, the majority of this year’s program Faith Miller took place virtually. But with weekly Zoom meetings and interviews that took place over the phone and through emails, the students from local high schools and colleges rose to the occasion and provided great content for the papers. We are so thankful they joined us!
Anjali Caliguiri
ship program, Asher responded, “I found out through the newspaper actually, when I saw an article about the previous interns.” Her favorite story during her time with the Osprey Observer was her very first assignment. Check out her story, titled ‘Randal Science Students Send Experiment To Space,’ about the team of Laura Tamayo Randall Middle School kids who participated in a SSEP competition and their science project/entry, ‘Spinach on the Station,’ which won the competition and is set to be launched into space later this year.
Lily Belcher
Jadon Khor
Faith Miller
Faith Miller is a recent graduate of Durant High School. She will be attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland Dominique Asher Jadon Khor as a freshman this fall with plans to major in communications with a concentration in journalism. Of all the stories be found on the front page of the July that Miller has covered during the course Bloomingdale and FishHawk editions, of her internship, her favorite one to write titled ‘Son’s Vision To Help Mom With was on Relay For Life, titled ‘Relay For Cancer Creates Award Winning Red Life Continues To Fundraise Despite Velvet Business.’ Pandemic.’ You can read Miller’s favorite story in our Riverview and Apollo Beach Lily Belcher editions, or if you missed it, simply hop on Lily Belcher is among the youngest our website at www.ospreyobserver.com. and brightest of our interns. Belcher will be a junior at Durant High School this fall, Anjali Caliguiri where she will step into her new role for Anjali Caliguiri will be attending Durant’s student newspaper, The Newsome High School as a senior this Pawprint, as editor-in-chief. Belcher disfall. She is a member of the Newsome covered the summer internship program High School Wolf Tracks newspaper staff when our very own publisher and editor, alongside her friend and now fellow Marie Gilmore, came to Durant’s newspaOsprey Observer intern, Jadon Khor. per class to share experiences as an ediWhen asked what drew her to becoming tor and journalist with the students. As an a summer intern, Caliguiri responded, “It avid sports fan, Belcher’s favorite story sounded like a really great opportunity that she has covered during her time with and I’m so glad Jadon and I got to work us is on the Rays’ 2020 season, titled together.” Her first and favorite story can ‘Team Continues Annual Rays Program
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Kye Saunders
To Encourage Summer Reading.’
Laura Tamayo
Laura Tamayo is a student at Newsome High School with a passion for reading and writing. She learned about the summer internship program through word of mouth. Tamayo has been covering stories on what makes our community unique with a knack for profiles. Her favorite story that she was had the chance to write for the Osprey Observer is set to come out in the next coming weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for Tamayo’s story on a secret take-one, give-one mini library right here in our community.
Dominique Asher
Dominique Asher will be a senior at Newsome High School this fall. When asked how she heard about the intern-
Jadon Khor will be attending Newsome High School as a senior this fall, where he will continue his work as editor for Newsome’s student-run newspaper, the Wolf Track. His favorite story that he has written for the Osprey Observer has to be his virtual library and Recreation story titled ‘Hillsborough Parks & Rec Moves Programs to Online Format to Maintain Summer Fun.’ “The library and recreational liaisons were super informative, and it made writing the article even more fun that I thought it would be,” said Khor.
Kye Saunders
Kye Saunders is a Florida State University graduate with a BA in creative writing. “I’ve always been interested in journalism and this internship has been an incredible opportunity to dip my toe in the water while simultaneously learning more about my own hometown,” said Saunders. Her favorite story that she was covered so far is titled ‘The Seeds Of Faith Community Garden Gives A Fresh Option For Feeding Families.’ Read more of Saunders’ pieces as well as any by of our other interns by visiting www.ospreyobserver.com.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 8