hly.com www.christianvoicemonthly.com www.christianvoicemont B r a n d o n • Va l r i c o • L i t h i a • S e f f n e r • R i v e r v i e w • P l a n t C i t y • A p o l l o B e a c h
Volume 24, Issue 5
A Free Publication from Osprey Observer Inc.
MAY 2020
Lithia Couple Finds Blessings With Ministry Of Hope
By Gwen Rollings
Offers On Page 16
16
Tyler Perry Page 16
Janeen Long’s journey of Fridays of the helping people began over six month beginning decades ago as a young girl in at 5:00 p.m. her father’s store in Ohio. She Eight-feet long said, “When I was 9 years old, tables are my father began bringing me to arranged on the his grocery store where I property. Long learned it is more blessed to added, “Sandy give than receive. I sometimes Habershaw prehelped my father carry food to pares boxes of an elderly man, and he never food according to took any money from that man. each person/famI believe Jesus had me work in ily needs and my father’s store so I could run then they’re Volunteer workers gather at the Ministry of Hope Through the Lord Jesus Jesus’ store when I grew up.” placed in their Christ of Lithia to help distribute food and goods to locals. Janeen is running a store for cars.” Shoppers are offered fresh fruit, Jesus now as co-director with her husvegetables, bread, dairy products, band in the Ministry of Hope Through meats, clothes, small and large the Lord Jesus Christ of Lithia. This household goods, appliances and store is unique in many ways. For more, depending on availability. decades, Janeen and Wayne Long The Ministry of Hope is nonprofit, have invested their lives in ministries dependent on its volunteers and the providing for those who are destitute generosity of the community for donaand in need. Perhaps the most unique tions, which are welcomed 24/7. Long feature of this store…no one has to said, “You can’t see the sign from the pay for anything. road, but at the end of a long driveMost of the products given come way there is our sign and a building from donations. Individuals bring that is always available for donations, canned goods and clothes, a local including papers for tax purposes.” Winn-Dixie contributes daily and small Janeen explained, “The Some of the fresh produce available in season at the blessed part in giving is seefinancial gifts from several local Ministry of Hope in Lithia to those in need. churches as well as collaborating with ing a little 5-year-old girl’s ators and other appliances for families Famous Tate have been invaluable. eyes light up when she hears her famiin crises. Unique to most shopkeepers, the ly received milk that day.” About 40 prequalified shoppers Longs have been known to spend their For information about donating to own money buying things for their cus- experience a unique drive-through the Ministry of Hope Through the Lord tomers: car batteries and tires, refriger- service on the second and fourth Jesus Christ, call 685-5047.
Keep Strong Foundation Under Foot During Challenging Times Several years ago, my family went canoeing on a small river in Kentucky. My wife was in a canoe with our two girls and I was in a canoe with our two boys. About halfway into our excursion, the boys and I thought it would be a great idea to tip the girls into the water. We approached their canoe, reached out to tip them over, but in our zeal we toppled into the water instead of them! My youngest son immediately began to panic, throwing his arms all over the place and screaming at the top of his lungs. Thinking he was drowning, I rush over to him, swimming as fast as I can. As I reach him and try to calm him, my feet lower and I feel something beneath me…the river floor! Page 5 We were only in about three feet of water at the time, so I stand Page 8 up, secure my son and help him to stand. We all had a good laugh Page 15 over this ‘near death’ experience! Culturally, we are in the midst of a unique and challenging situaPage 18 tion unlike anything our genera-
By Dr. Corey Abney
New Pastor Jomo
Pg 7
Columns: Grace Notes: Hooked On Books: Fruit of the Spirit: Faith & Footprints:
Dr. Corey Abney Lead Pastor Bell Shoals Baptist Church
tion has experienced. Few, if any of us, foresaw a time when we would self-quarantine, shelter at home and be required to stand at least six feet away from other human beings. It feels, to many of us, that we are drowning in fear, anxiety, uncertainty, financial instability, the lack of normalcy or all of the above. Yet, in the midst of these unique challenges and circumstances, there is a solid foundation beneath us. We have a God who is in control of all things. A God who loves you and who sent His Son to die for you. A God who raised His Son from the dead and secured eternal life for all who believe. A God who, even now, is working all things for good. So, in the midst of the raging current of our present circumstances, look below the water line and you will see a firm foundation beneath you…the foundation of God’s unconditional love and caring providence.
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Local Author, Minister, Mom, Guides Parents
Staff Report
As a mother parents and of two and an caregivers in ordained minister, directing their FishHawk resident child from childTonia Johnson’s hood to adultexperiences and hood. In the insights provide book, Johnson assistance to help offers advice, parents in teachgrounded by the ing their children Bible, to help the right values parents in being and principles the best they can today. Her conbe. This particucern grew for the lar source will generations that help them will follow. To enhance their encourage and parenting skills exhort readers to in temporal and discover the spiritual aspects impact they have of life. FishHawk resident Tonia Johnson recently to their children, “As I continpublished her book Distinct Arrows. Johnson penned a uously monitor book to guide them during a child’s current events across our nation and developmental years by highlighting the world, I felt an internal push to gospel truths. speak to parents and caregivers by Johnson is a mother, mentor, highlighting spiritual truths that may ordained minister and an Army spouse help them mentor and guide their chilalongside her husband during his dren in every stage of growth and numerous worldwide assignments. bring hope to families and others who She has served in various leadership remain loyal to generational behavpositions within Family Readiness iors,” Johnson said. Groups in the U.S. military and NATO. Lastly, Distinct Arrows aims to Johnson has also been a two-term change the perspective of deeply rootschool advisory committee chairperson ed generational ways of thinking, even for Department of Defense of one who does not have a child. Dependents School and an Army “Parents and those without children Family Action Plan delegate. The will also discover how their lives were recipient of numerous military awards, impacted by positive and negative Johnson and her husband, Miciotto decisions or experiences during their (Col. - Ret.), have two adult children. developmental years,” Johnson added. Distinct Arrows (published by Distinct Arrows is available at WestBow Press) was created to assist Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Hope Children’s Home Receives $10,000 Donation From Local Morman Stake
By Michelle Caceres
had seen a decline in donations due to a faltering economy and Florida’s social distancing guidelines. “Our church was thrilled to discover Hope Children’s Home and to make a contribution to help support its mission,” said Howell. “The help they provide to the children they serve will change their lives for the better and improve our society as well.” Hope Children’s Home is nesA $10,000 check was presented to Hope Children’s Home Executive Director Dr. Mike tled on 55 wooded acres in Higgins by The Church of Jesus Christ of Northwest Tampa, tucked away Latter-day Saints’ Brandon stake president, from the busy streets of the city. It Robert Howell. was founded in 1968 and has resAt Hope Children’s Home, faith is cued nearly 5,000 children from situaexercised every day as the group of tions of abuse, abandonment and negstaff, volunteers and children pray for lect and provides them with a stable, their needs and then stand back and loving, Christ-centered environment. watch God’s hand work miracles. One While the check was an answer to of its most recent miracles was a prayer, Hope Children’s Home regular$10,000 donation by The Church of ly needs donations to help it achieve Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. its mission. Immediate needs, which Executive Director Dr. Mike are listed on its website, include eggs, Higgins said donations are important because they don’t accept any state or butter, cheese, 4T/5T pull-ups, baby wipes, disposable cups and toilet federal funds. “It’s only through the paper. Donations can be mailed or generosity of the community that we dropped off at 11415 Hope are able to undertake this enormous International Dr. in Tampa. Drop off yet greatly needed responsibility,” he hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 9 said. a.m.-4 p.m. When The Church of Jesus Christ “The rewards of our labor are the of Latter-day Saints’ Brandon stake thousands of young people who are president, Robert Howell, was tasked now productive adults raising their own with finding an organization negatively children in the nurture and admonition affected by COVID-19 that could beneof the Lord,” said Higgins. For more fit from the donation, inspiration led information, visit www.hopechildrenhim to Hope Children’s Home, which shome.org or call 961-1214.
Page 4 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
Local Businesses Adjust & Adapt With Drive-Thru & Delivery Options
By Kate Quesada
Comprehensive Center Offers Teledermatology
In an effort to continue caring for patients during the coronavirus pandemic, the Comprehensive Center for Dermatology recently launched a teledermatology platform so that patients can get medical advice from the comfort of their own homes. The office, led by board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Conde, will remain open to assist with urgent or emergent dermatological needs. To learn more, call 530-6511 or visit www.ccdermatology.com. The Comprehensive Center for Dermatology is located at 5607 Skytop Dr. in Lithia.
Sage Cleaners Offers On-Demand Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service
Sage Cleaners, Eastern Hillsborough’s largest dry cleaning and laundry business with 12 locations from Seffner to Apollo Beach, is now the area’s first on-demand dry cleaning and laundry service. Customers can download Sage’s app and select a pickup and delivery day. Representatives will come by and pick up and return items in as little as 48 hours. “We are waiving all fees associated with the service through at least April 30 to encourage anyone with interest in social distancing and minimizing the COVID-19 spread to give us a try,” said Owner and CEO Cohen Wills. “We will pick it up on your porch and leave it hanging on a clothes hanger on your door on delivery so that you won’t have to interact with our drivers at all if you prefer to practice social distancing.” Wills also stated that it is an important time to use dry cleaning as home laundering may not reach temperates high enough to cause the virus to become inactive. “The CDC says that, similar to SARS, coronavirus can become inactive at temperatures between 138 and 150 degrees,” he explained. “The average household dryer will only reach 135 and most water heaters in a home are set around 120 degrees, so the virus could potentially remain on your clothes even after cleaning. We at Sage Cleaners have equipment that far exceeds those numbers in our pressing and cleaning process that eliminates any lingering viruses that could remain in your clothes. Our unique, eco-friendly cleaning process also has the highest flash point of any dry cleaning method, eliminating more bacteria and viruses than any other process.” Visit www.sagecleaners.com to learn more.
Auto Works Of Brandon Changing Operations To Address Coronavirus Pandemic
Auto Works of Brandon President Michael Rubio says, “For the next several weeks, Auto Works of Brandon will adjust our operations as needed.” Through the month of April, Auto Works of Brandon is offering a 20 percent discount to all healthcare workers, first responders and those persons in the community who are providing critical services to area residents during the coronavirus pandemic. Auto Works of Brandon is located at 211 N. Kings Ave. and can be reached at 657-4399. For more infor-
mation, visit www.BrandonAutoRepiar.com.
Grade A Spanish Tutors Goes Virtual
Looking for some help with learning Spanish while school is virtual? The employees of Grade A Spanish Tutors can lend a hand. The new business is offering virtual classes for children and adults struggling to learn the language. According to Owner Kevin Kemp, a Lithia resident, the business’ tutor has more than 40 years of teaching and tutoring experience. To learn more, call 763-5435 or visit www.GradeASpanishTutors.com.
Canine Cabana Offers Essential Workers Discount
Canine Cabana’s mission is to provide a safe, active and healthy recreational environment that meets canine physical and behavioral needs while improving the quality of life for both dogs and the owners who love them. Although the dog daycare, lodging and private training location in Riverview remains open for all, it is offering 20 percent off on services for any essential business workers, including nurses, first responders, pharmacists, grocery workers, childcare workers, delivery workers and postal workers. Call 672-9663 today.
Local Mathnasium Locations Offer Mathnasium@home
For parents with children at home, Mathnasium’s new service, Mathnasium@home, allows students to continue the same face-to-face Mathnasium instruction from anywhere with an internet connection. Mathnasium@home was developed over three years for customers who had difficulty bringing their children into centers, and thousands of students have found it to be as effective as in-center learning. Current concerns about public health have prompted the business to make it available to customers now. There are three local Mathnasium locations. Mathnasium of Riverview is located at 11446 US Hwy. 301 and can be reached at 844684-3265, Mathnasium of West Brandon is at 10268 Causeway Blvd. and can be reached at 333-6676 and Mathnasium of Brandon is located at 1048 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico and can be reached at 655-MATH (6284). For more information, visit www.mathnasium.com.
Davenport’s Daily Delights Goes Delivery-Only
In an effort to serve the community while keeping everyone safe, Davenport’s Daily Delights is working but implementing some changes to keep everyone fed and safe. The company has suspended its pickup option and is delivery-only for two weeks. It asks that customers leave a cooler out and it will provide ice packs with the delivered meal. All payment will also take place online. To learn more, find the business on Facebook or visit www.davenportsdailydelights.com.
HiTech Automotive Will Pick Up Your Vehicle
HiTech Automotive, located in Brandon, is offering assistance with pick up and/or delivery of vehicles in need of repair with our no contact concierge service. Call 684-1556 for availability or schedule online at www.hitechautomotiveofbrandon.com.
Big Frog Will Bring Custom Shirts To You
avirus to reach out to speak with an HR Advisor at no cost. HR Advisors are able to assist with answering general HRrelated questions or help point you in the right direction. It is here to help. Sign up for a basic free member account at www.myhradvisor.com to get started or submit a contact request form. My HR Advisor will get back to you to assist in any way it can. Stay safe.
Beat Cabin Fever With Latitudes
Tours Big Frog Valrico, your one-stop shop Latitudes Tours has gift certificates for custom T-shirt designs and production, are also available for purchase for future is working with customers to fit their use at latitudestours.com. needs at this time. Orders can be placed The group offers sunset dinner online and can be delivered or picked up cruises, eco-tours and on the curbside at the more. @ Davenport’s Daily Delights store. (813) 810-8513 For more informaDavenportsdailydelights@gmail.com Hypnotic tion, call 684-2873, email Engagements Reduces valrico@bigfrog.com or Stress visit www.bigfrog.com. Hypnotic Engagements wants to Rolling Pin Offers Gift help residents reduce stress by engagCards And Curbside Delivery ing their minds. The company is offering For the health and safety of cusa free session for anyone with the corontomers and employees, the Rolling Pin avirus. Hypnosis is offered for people Cooking Emporium recently suspended dealing with cancer, pain, dementia, cooking classes and events. However, for as long as possible, the migraines and more. To learn more, call Daniel at 248-941-4246 or visit retail store will remain open and orders can be placed over the phone and will be www.HypnoticEngagements.com. brought to the curbside. Gecko Floor Care Gift certificates for the store and for If you have asthma, bad allergies or future classes can be purchases at just want to make sure your house is as www.rollingpinonline. To learn more, call 653-2418 or email clean as possible, Gecko Floor Care can help. Service technicians take precaudwest@rollingpinonline.com. tions that include wearing masks, gloves and sanitizing equipment after every job. BayCare Offers Drive Up Testing For more information, visit geckBayCare patients who have been instructed by their doctors to be tested for ofloorcare.com or call Dennis Napoli at 924-7344. COVID-19 are now able to provide a specimen for testing without leaving their Rae’s Accounting Can Explain Tax cars. BayCare Urgent Care at 2442 Changes Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico is one of Rae’s Accounting in Apollo Beach seven BayCare Urgent Care locations has all the information you need to deal across West Central Florida doing drivewith the IRS filing, payment delays and thru testing centers for COVID-19. tax credits due to coronavirus concerns. BayCare will operate the service With a lot of misinformation out there, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the staff at Rae’s Accounting is keeping BayCare patients will be directed to up to date and can help with all tax the testing by their physician or by a questions from who needs to file when physician from BayCareAnywhere, a to who is eligible for tax credits and paytelemedicine app that allows patients to ments. obtain medical care via a smart phone, To learn more, contact Rae’s tablet or computer. To learn more, visit Accounting at 540-1040, email baycare.org/coronavirus/. Robin@RaesAccounting.com or visit www.raesaccounting.com. Rae’s No-Cost HR Advice Accounting is located at 400 Frandorson My HR Advisor invites small busiCir., Ste. 103 in Apollo Beach. ness owners impacted by the coron-
Saint Anne Catholic Church All public Masses and services are cancelled until further notice. The Church will be open weekdays for private prayer between 9 a.m.-1p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The Masses will be streamed behind closed doors and uploaded to the St. Anne website and Facebook page. Please check the St. Anne website and e-blasts for further information.
Hwy. 41 • 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714
Page 5 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
Grace Notes
Lord Of The Towel By Debora Coty
Readers of my books often share with me personal concerns and prayer requests. It’s surprising how often they’re about forgiveness. I guess we’re all lousy at this forgiveness thing, but thankfully, it’s a skill that improves with practice. I love the lesson on forgiveness Jesus imparted at the Last Supper. Take a moment and read John 13:115. Even with death looming, Jesus demonstrated firsthand how to humble oneself and forgive the unforgivable. He washed filthy feet. Yuck. Doesn’t sound very appealing, does it? Isn’t there a, well, nicer way? Peter sure hoped so when he jerked his dirt-encrusted toes away and shouted at the Savior of the World, “Never shall You wash my feet!” (verse 8). When Jesus replied, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me,” Peter overreacted with something like, “Well then strip me down to my skivvies and scrub me raw!” (My paraphrase of verse 9.) Ya gotta love ol’ Pete – what a drama king!
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But as well intentioned as he was, Peter wasn’t getting it. Jesus washed the feet of everyone present…even Judas, who led His lynch mob. Jesus was showing us that there’s no limit on humility. No shelf life on forgiveness. No restrictions on whom we serve. As much as Jesus loved Peter, He knew His friend was about to stab Him in the back. Peter would run away and even deny their relationship. Yet Jeshua grabbed a towel, knelt down, and tenderly washed away the dirt. Forgiveness. “If I then, the Lord…washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14 NASB) Prayer: Lord of the Towel, today I’d like to wash away the dirt and start afresh with ________, who hurt me deeply. Humble me. Strengthen me. And hand me a foot.
Debora M. Coty is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author of over 40 books, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed series. Visit with Debora anytime at www.DeboraCoty.com.
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Page 6 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
The Mighty Miracles Of Jesus
Community Pet Project Helps Pet Owners In Need During Pandemic
The Withering Fig Tree
By Libby Hopkins
Many pet owners would 501(c)(3) nonprofit. “Our agree that happiness starts mission is to assist the with a wet nose and ends with pets of the homeless and a wagging tail. With the recent at-risk in Hillsborough COVID-19 pandemic, many County by providing basic people have found comfort in needs such as food, their pets but have also treats, collars, leashes, become worried about how grooming supplies, beds, they will be able to take care crates, medical referrals, of themselves and those pets. medical co-pays and anyMany homeless and atthing else we may have,” Community Pet Project risk people of our community Eldridge said. “All of the was organized in June who have pets have become 2017 as an all-volunteer items we distribute are 501(c)(3) charitable increasingly worried about donated to us.” organization serving how they will be able to feed It is a small nonprofit Hillsborough County. their pets during the pandemthat does not receive any ic. Community Pet Project has stepped kind of grants, local, state or federal fundup to help local pet owners who are in ing; the organization relies solely on need. “Our intake requirements normally donations and the money it makes from state that the client to be homeless or at fundraising. “During COVID, the majority risk,” said Community Pet Project’s presiof our fundraising has been canceled,” dent, Rhonda Eldridge. “We define ‘atEldridge said. “Our community can suprisk’ by anyone that is receiving any kind port us by joining us at our fundraisers, of services, such as disability, food donating items or money to us..” stamps, housing assistance, etc. Eldridge hopes more people from the We are waving all normal requirecommunity will help her nonprofit help the ments and simply ask if the client is pet owners in need in our community. affected by COVID-19 either by loss or “Our vision is to keep the pets with their reduced income or medical issues, families and out of the overcrowded including doctor stay-at-home orders. county shelter,” Eldridge said. “For many, They do not have to ‘prove’ anything; we these pets are the only reason that they are taking their word for it. Since our get up in the morning. For some, they are requirements now cover a larger client the only family that they have. If we can base, the requests have risen dramatical- keep the pets happy and healthy, then we ly. We have delivered to 23 clients that feel we have been successful. Last year, have 59 dogs, 19 cats and one ferret in a we helped with just over $10,000 in medmatter of eight days.” ical bills. These pets would not have Community Pet Project started in received these services without this June 2017 as a division of a local rescue. organization.” In June 2018, the organization incorporatVisit its website at communitypetproed alone and became an independent, ject.org or call 530-6722.
By Kelly Wise Valdes
During the course of His ministry, Jesus performed more than 40 miracles, including healing the sick, changing the natural elements of nature and even raising people from the dead. A miracle is considered an event that occurs outside the bounds of natural law. Each month, we will take a closer look at one of His miracles. Understanding the miracles of Jesus can change your life, and it all begins with believing through faith. Matthew tells us that Jesus spent a long day condemning practices in the temple as well as healing the infirmed. Following this, He returned with his disciples the next morning. In Matthew 21:1819, it says, “Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ Immediately the tree withered.” So, looking at this literally, Jesus killing a fig tree because he was hungry
seems unusual. But, there is more here than meets the eye. This is different because it’s a miracle combined with a parable. It is literally an object lesson that Jesus used demonstrate the hypocrisy of the church. The fig tree was very common to the area both in Biblical times and culturally still today. If you saw leaves on a fig tree, you could also expect fruit. But, there were leaves on this tree—but no fruit. In the Old Testament, the fig tree was a symbol for the nation of Israel. Cursing the fig tree was Jesus’ way of displaying that the whole nation had become spiritually empty. Just like many people today say the right words, but do not live righteously. Israel was just like this fruitless fig tree. They had all the signs of spiritual life, but they had no fruit. Now this is also a lesson to churches today as well as individual Christians. There may be churches with large congregations and influence, but faith, love and holiness are not present. The Christian life is about growing and producing fruit that glorifies God. Thanks to that fig tree on the way to Jerusalem, we have a powerful example of what God expects from His children. God is looking for genuine spiritual fruit in our lives. When we are all leaf and no fruit, we are living in hypocrisy. The Lord is looking for fruit in His church and in the lives of His children. “Therefore, by their fruits you will know them,” - Matthew 7:20.
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813-671-8976
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Maureen Montalvo
813-368-8850
Business Attorney Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Brian Schaffnit
813-227-2261
Mortgage
Bank 2
Linda Pipin
918-931-7755
Business Broker
Legacy Venture Group
Brian Stephens
813-571-7700
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813-810-8106
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Lakewood Community Church of God
Dr. Degrando Franks
813-714-8562
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Coach
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Private Investigator
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Real Estate
Keller Williams Realty
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813-857-3196
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Page 7 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
Pastor’s Corner With Jomo Cousins Give It To God 1 Peter 5:7, Amplified Bible (AMP) “…casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” This passage is one of my favorite passages in the Bible for it seems to capture my prayer life the best. God has allowed me to go through some very difficult seasons, and if I didn’t master this Scripture, I believe I would have lost my mind. We often try to carry our burdens and the burdens of others at the same time, which is impossible. So, we end up overloading our circuits and we eventually short circuit. You will notice in this verse it says, “all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns.” With all these things being on God, you shouldn't be carrying anything. We must always remember, if it’s in our life, we can handle it with Him. I have learned in trying to be a
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BRANDON!
By Pastor Jomo Cousins, PhD
good husband, a good father and a good pastor that I fail to make everyone happy at the same time. So, I have learned to cast my cares upon the Lord. We have choices that we have to make on a daily basis; we can carry our burdens or cast our burdens. I choose to cast them. So, how do you cast them? A person comes to me with a challenge and I say, “I will take it to the Lord in prayer.” And that’s what I do; “Hey God, did you hear that, I give it to you now and I trust that you will come through based on your will in Jesus’ name.” And I keep it moving.Today, in these uncertain times, cast your cares upon the Lord, for He does care for you. Pray to God. Your best marriage comes after prayer becomes a normal practice. Except from: Prayer Life: The Conversation, Page 296.
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Page 8 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
The Recipe Of Motherhood
By Kelly Wise Valdes
When I was a child, my mother would make certain meals from scratch. My favorite was chicken and dumplings. We would spend the afternoon gathering the ingredients, going over the recipe and she would let me roll out the dough for the dumplings. Fast forward 25 years later, I was lucky to get through the McDonald’s drive-thru with two happy meals for my own children. I was certainly not rolling out homemade dough with my kids. As we enter into the month of May and celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s time to remember that there is no ‘one size fits all’ recipe for being a good mom. As mothers, we may wrestle with guilt about how we have somehow failed, and with the recent ‘Safer-at-Home’ Initiative, many moms may feel overwhelmed with working, finance changes, online schooling and a lack of social interactions. Thankfully, God allows us to rewrite our mothering recipes each day. III John, verses 1:4 tells us, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Have a blessed Mother’s Day.
Hope for the Weary Mom: Let God Meet You in the Mess By Stacey Thacker, Brooke McGlothlin
Why Motherhood Matters: An Invitation to Purposeful Parenting By September McCarthy
Feeling frazzled, overwhelmed and underappreciated? Written by two weary moms to other weary moms, this book helps all mothers journey from weariness to hope and faith while in the midst of their daily grinds.
Do you ever wonder if your efforts as a mom make any difference? Whether you’re struggling through sleepless nights with your toddler or endless battles with your teen, this book offers practical insights and powerful inspiration to encourage you on your own Christ-centered mothering journey.
A Mother’s Love: Celebrating Every Kind of Mom By Anna Rendell
Brave Mom: Facing and Overcoming Your Real Mom Fears By Sherry Surratt
Filled with unique, real-life stories, Scripture passages, devotions and heartfelt encouragement, this gift book celebrates moms, spiritual mentors and mother-figures—including those who break the mold. It is a thoughtful present for your mother, a new mommy or a loved one facing the joys and challenges of parenting.
Written by the president of Moms of Preschoolers (MOPS), this inspirational book shares insights and advice on the 10 most common fears that mothers face. Whether it’s issues of self-identity, marriage concerns, your child’s health and safety or wondering whether you’re a good mom, each chapter contains a prayer for moms to turn their fears over to God.
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Page 9 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
Page 10 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
Ashley HomeStore ‘Hope To Dream’ Beds Donated To Family Promise
By Linda Chion Kenney
Ten beds were ty, which provides delivered in March to overnight lodging and Family Promise of meals, and we work Hillsborough County also with our four active with more on the way nonprofit partners, from the Ashley including ECHO and the HomeStore furniture Women’s Resource store in Brandon, Center.” thanks to a national Family Promise is partnership that’s payequipped to serve three ing local returns. to four families at one Sandra Gonzalez and Jorge Lopez, time (up to 14 people) For over seven of Metropolitan Ministries in years, the ‘Hope To Brandon, loading beds donated by and uses background Dream’ drive has given checks and drug Ashley HomeStore to Family Promise of Hillsborough County on screening to vet its “the gift of sleep” to March 17. some 60,000 children clients. From its day nationwide, according to Ashley center in Brandon on 201 E. HomeStore officials, who added Morgan St., families meet with that a portion of each mattress case managers and are transpurchase at participating locaported to and from churches for tions helps support the drive. overnight lodging. Clients can Recognizing that “every use the center’s address and child should have a bed to call phone number for school and their own,” the gift, valued at employment contacts. $399, includes a twin mattress, The churches, on a rotating bed frame, bedding and pillow “for a child basis, open their doors for overnight lodgwho might otherwise suffer the negative ing and meals, setting up Sunday school physical and emotional effects of sleep classrooms as makeshift bedrooms. deprivation.” “Each family has their own bedroom, and Family Promise Executive Director that’s how we keep families together,” Edwina Reddick said donated beds will Reddick said. “And they really need to be be given to rehoused families served by together. They’re busy during the day her nonprofit or its active partners, includ- looking for jobs or working and evening ing the 10 beds delivered on March 17, time is when they come together to plan for use by Metropolitan Ministries in for what’s next in their lives.” Brandon and Forgotten Angels, which For more on Family Promise, visit serves young adults who age out of the www.familypromisefl.org. Call 681-6170. foster care system. The Ashley HomeStore in Brandon is “We’re a homeless network,” Reddick located at 2615 Vildibill Dr. Visit said. “We partner with the faith communiwww.AshleyFurniture.com.
YMCA Welcomes Specially Fit Foundation Developmentally Disabled Fitness Program
By Gwen Rollings
tions or the fact that 60 percent of people with disabilities are overweight or obese. Oliver, speaking about the Specially Fit Foundation, said, “It’s my everything. It’s my baby. There are people with autism, there’s people with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy…basically everything. Mark Oliver, founder and CEO of Specially Fit, We have people in our group who working out with one of his groups. are stronger than I am. We have “It just made sense,” according to some people in our group who need Campo Family YMCA Executive Director, help.” His motto is: “Changing the comJarrod Williams, referring to the Y’s colmunity one rep at a time.” laboration with local nonprofit Specially Specially Fit relies on private support Fit. Williams continued, “We know the through grants as well as corporate and need is out in the community, and we’re individual donations to include volunteeralways looking for ways to build a ing of time to continue providing its servstronger community.” ices to individuals in the Tampa area. The need in the community Williams The Campo Family Y expressed thanks mentioned is providing individuals who for some generous community donors have developmental disabilities the who provided free Y memberships and opportunity to grow their health, fitness programming. and independence. In fact, that need is Kelli Biandudi, communications manurgent all over Florida. Two national ager at Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, advocacy groups complied rankings said, “The partnership is new and the which found that Florida dropped from training sessions are not open to the 18th to 34th in the nation over the past public. We’re hoping it will grow from dozen years in helping people with intelhere within all the Tampa Metropolitan lectual and developmental difficulties. Area Ys with more donor support.” Founder and CEO of Specially Fit Williams said, “We have the facilities, Mark Oliver and the Campo Y believe we wanted to provide access. We knew that all Floridians should have the opporwe had some potential donors interested tunity to fulfill their full potential. Oliver in providing memberships for these indihas been on a mission since 2018 to viduals, and it worked out pretty quickly, change lives through his 501(c)(3) nonso it just made sense.” profit foundation by involving individuals For more information on how to supwith special needs or children living in port this program, call Williams at the foster homes in exercise and sports. Campo Y at 684-1371 or email Oliver believes anyone can participate in Jarrod.Williams@TampaYMCA.Org some exercise despite perceived limita-
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Page 11 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
Seeds Of Hope Offers Drive-Through Food Bank Distribution To Meet Need
Publix, Winn-Dixie Adjust Policies, Shipments And Hiring To Address Coronavirus Crisis
people come here every week for food, and if we’re not here they can’t feed themselves or their families.” After cutting its teeth on Hurricane Irma, the all-volunteer Seeds of Hope charity, established 10 years ago in Lithia, is faced again with another major crisis, with Founder Seeds of Hope Founder Leda Eaton Leda Eaton at the (center) with food bank volunteers (from the left) Gabriel helm working tireRodriguez, Luke LaFrance, Sebastian Rodriguez and Dylan lessly alongside Higham. Driven to “nourish hope among volunteers to meet the needs of people in need through the actions neighbors. and help provided by our local stu“People look to us as a leading dents,” Seeds of Hope has adopted organization that can take care of drive-through services to ensure this situation,” Eaton said. “One folks who need food can get it while thing I’ve learned from Hurricane volunteers keep their social disIrma, there’s an energy to this that’s tance. unique. Tomorrow will be taken care Drive-through distribution has of. I don’t worry about that. Our job been instituted at the food bank is to do what we can today to get to every Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m., at 710 tomorrow.” East Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon, Toward that end, volunteer stuin the parking lot of the Presbyterian dents have been involved in a myriChurch of Bloomingdale. Meanwhile, ad of recent activities, including drive-through collection drives took unloading and sorting food from place at Bevis Elementary School Feeding Tampa Bay and a food disthroughout March. tribution drive-through at Pinecrest Additional drives and distribuElementary School. tions are updated as needed on the Seeds of Hope is a registered Seeds of Hope Facebook page. 501(c)(3), charitable, all-volunteer “I think it’s nice; everybody sits organization which also provides a in their car, drives by and volunteers mobile pantry “that silently takes put the food in your trunk,” said Ellis care of local needs” and a backpack ‘Lois’ Donaldson, a Seeds of Hope program for students to ensure food beneficiary. security for students and their fami“It’s efficient and it works really lies. The food bank does not require well,” added Sebastian Rodriguez, a people in need to show identification Newsome High freshman. “For me or verification. personally, and most of the kids For more information and to here, we take this seriously because donate, visit www.sohopefl.org.
Grocery stores Wednesdays. The are hiring, adjusting special shopping hour store hours, increasfor seniors and highing product shiprisk customers at ments, limiting highWinn-Dixie starts at 8 demand purchases a.m., Monday through and taking preventaFriday, with stores tive cleaning measclosing nightly at 9 ures to keep stocks p.m. shelved and cusWith reports of Signs limiting the purchase of hightomers safe during demand items are commonplace at long lines and short area grocery stores in the midst of the coronavirus outtempers at area the coronavirus outbreak. break. stores, company offi“We’re asking customers to shop as cials noted the need to focus on kind they normally would and not stockpile,” deeds and respect for front-line worksaid Maria Brous, spokesperson for ers. Publix supermarkets. “We are also look“We all (employers, drivers, etc.) ing to hire at least 2,000 associates by honestly are trying our absolute best,” the end of March to help serve our stores said one Publix worker in a recent and warehouse and distribution centers, Facebook post. “Just be kind and which in turn will better serve our cuspatient, and for the love of everything, tomers.” stop arguing with everyone.” Kaley Shaffer, spokesperson for In urging shoppers not to stockSoutheastern Grocers (SEG), the parent pile, Brous noted Publix “warehousing company of Winn-Dixie grocery stores, and distribution centers are working issued a similar sentiment, noting that around the clock to receive products through an expedited hiring process, the from our suppliers and to ship prodcompany aims to “provide jobs to those ucts to our stores.” Also, customers who have been impacted by the current are asked “not to arrive early, waiting situation.” in line for stores to open, since deliverSEG also announced that, to “supies are made throughout the day.” port the most vulnerable members of our And when shopping for food, community,” a $250,000 donation was Anthony Hucker, SEG president and given to Feeding America to support its CEO, said, “Please be kind to one network of southeastern food banks, another and take a minute to thank our including Feeding Tampa Bay. heroic associates for going above and Due to the health crisis, Publix beyond to serve our customers.” restricted store hours to 8 a.m.-8 p.m. To stay updated on changing polidaily in March, with shopping for seniors cies, visit www.publix.com and only from 7 to 8 a.m. on Tuesdays and www.winndixie.com.
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Page 12 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
Interesting Women Of Hillsborough County: Simmons, Brandon, Moseley & More
By Charles Nelson
Our history is a story about, and for, all of us. Sometimes that history is viewed through a single lens producing only a partial story of “long-dead white men.” There are other ways to explore our history. By looking at history from different angles, we can expand ‘Victoria Jo t mons, Firs Source: Florida Commission yce Ely.’ im S and enhance our l e b a on the St ‘M .’ rs e atus of W w . 97 lo F -19 omen. LaadTriybuneoatf Newspapers.com: 12-28 understanding. In mp Source: Ta March, during Women’s History Rouen, France. Following the war, she Month, we can do just that by rememworked as a nurse in Perry, Florida at bering a few of the countless a time when a severe outbreak of Hillsborough County women who conmalaria and typhoid fever gripped the tributed to our shared history. region. As a member of Florida’s Board Janie Wheeler Bing operated the of Health, she traveled a nine-county Bing Rooming House in Plant City from area, often carrying a gun safely 1925 to 1970. The Bing Rooming locked in the trunk of her car for proHouse was one of the few hotels protection in this rough and tumble section viding a haven for visiting African of Florida. Ms. Ely returned to Ruskin Americans during Florida’s segregation in 1943. There she opened the first era. Black businessmen, truck drivers, county-run health clinic in Ruskin and travelers, nationally known sports stars was the only trained medical profesand musicians were all welcomed to sional in town. She was the only perone of the very few Plant City hotels son licensed in Ruskin to give injecavailable to them. Bing also operated tions from her small office. Her threadthe Seminole Restaurant, next door to bare office didn’t even have running the hotel, until she retired in 1955. The water, forcing her to sterilize needles at Bing Rooming House is now listed on her home. Today’s Joyce Ely Medical the National Register of Historic Center in Ruskin honors her memory. Places. Today, the building serves as a Bernice ‘Jeanie’ Smith Tomaini museum of the African American expe- from Gibsonton was the diminutive wife rience in Plant City during Florida’s of the giant Al Tomaini. While her hussegregationist past. band got most of the publicity, Victoria Joyce Ely was a World Jeanie—born without legs—billed herWar I nurse for the British Army at self as ‘The World’s Only Half Woman’
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controls for industrial plant emissions and was a respected environmentalist. There are so many other Hillsborough County women whose stories could have been featured here. A today. g House’ du. in ‘The Worl m d’s o Stran o gest few of those R ‘Bing usf.usf.e usfnews.w Married Couple.’ Source: w include Sarah Source: Showmensmuseum.com. Dormany Boyett and Victoria standing 2’6” in height. She was, howSeward Brandon, who were the ever, every bit Al’s equal in the ‘founding mothers’ of late 19th-century sideshow world of the circus carnival. towns named in honor of their late Many in Gibsonton considered her as husbands. Julia Daniels Moseley was the ‘grandmother’ of the town’s circus one of the original settlers in Limona in workers. In Ruskin, Jeanie raised her the 1880s. She detailed the difficult two adopted daughters and outlived conditions of pioneer life in a collection her husband by 37 years. She worked of letters later published in a book tirelessly to help shape Gibsonton into titled Come to My Sunland. Edna a safe, off-season haven for circus workers. She continued to manage the Giles Fuller, born in Plant City, was the Giant’s Fish Camp after Al’s death until first woman elected to the Florida Legislature in 1928, representing her death in 1999, always fighting to Orange County. retain the character of her adopted These stories, and others, are home. wonderful reminders that women have Mabel Claprood Simmons was contributed so much to Hillsborough often called the “First Lady of Florida County’s history. Flowers.” She was a member of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. It was Charles Nelson Bio in Ruskin where she spent her profesCharles Nelson holds a MA degree in sional life in the floral business. At one History from George Mason University time, Mrs. Simmons was the largest and taught as an adjunct instructor at HCC (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated flower producer in Florida. She is credwith Tampa Bay History Center as a ited with developing gladiolas that volunteer docent, researcher and sprouted early enough to avoid frost. community lecturer, with an emphasis on South Hillsborough County history. She is also credited with developing
Page 13 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
BAPTIST
Bay Life Church 1017 Kingsway Ave., Brandon (813) 661-3696 Bell Shoals Baptist - Brandon 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon (813) 689-4229 Congregación Hispana 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon (813) 689-4229 ext. 242 Bell Shoals Baptist - Apollo Beach 408 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach (813) 641-2222 Bell Shoals Baptist - Palm River 5415 Palm River Rd.,Tampa (813) 621-2058 Bell Shoals Baptist - Riverview 9990 South Hwy 301, Suite 10024, Riverview (813) 689-4229 First Baptist Church of Brandon 216 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon (813) 689-1204 First Baptist Church of Bloomingdale 3303 Bloomingdale Ave.,Valrico (813) 689-3847 First Baptist Church of Gibsonton 9912 Indiana St., Gibsonton (813) 677-1301 First Baptist Church of Ruskin 820 College Ave. W., Ruskin (813) 645-6439 FishHawk Fellowship 15326 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia, (813) 655-7431 Grace Baptist Church 2909 John Moore Rd., Brandon (813) 689-7190 Journey Church 415 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon (813) 699-8262 Shiloh Baptist Church 1104 Cason St., Plant City (813) 752-8345 CATHOLIC Nativity Catholic Church 705 E Brandon Blvd., Brandon (813) 681-4608 St. Anne Catholic Church 106 11th Ave. NE, Ruskin (813) 645-1714
St. Matthews Anglican Church 10701 Bloomingdale Avenue, Riverview 813-663-0334 St. Stephen Catholic Church 10118 Saint Stephen Circle, Riverview (813) 689-4900 CHURCH OF GOD Boyette Springs Church of God 12114 Boyette Rd., Riverview (813) 671-0086 Plant City Church of God 2103 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City (813) 752-4591 EPISCOPAL Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church 604 N. Valrico Rd., Valrico (813) 689-3130 LUTHERAN Immanuel Lutheran Church 2913 John Moore Rd., Brandon (813) 689-1787 Living Savior Lutheran Church 2650 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico (813) 681-2375 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Seffner 1310 South Kingsway Rd., Seffner (813) 689-3513 Grace Community United Methodist Church 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia (813) 661-8858 • info@mygraceumc.com New Hope United Methodist Church 120 N. Knights Ave., Brandon (813) 689-4161 Riverview First United Methodist Church 8002 US Hwy 301., Riverview www.riverviewflumc.org Ruskin United Methodist Church 105 4th Ave. NW, Ruskin (813) 645-1241 South Shore United Methodist Church 11525 Big Bend Rd., Riverview (813) 649-9462 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Calvary Chapel Brandon 1331 Kingsway Rd., Brandon (813) 681-5318 Centerpoint Church 1801 S. Miller Rd., Valrico (813) 689-1906
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Page 14 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
Two Businesses Offer Fruits & Veggies Delivered Right To Your Door
Local Resident Brings Cups Of Care To Local Healthcare Workers
Residents now Seeing and feeling have two options the impact of COVID-19, for fresh fruits and they and another local veggies delivered family came together to right to the door! start Greens at Your Cypress Creek Door in mid-March, Produce Co-Op bringing fruits and vegand Greens at Your gies to people’s doors Door are two servso they wouldn’t have to ices offering home risk going out themdelivery. selves. One of Greens at Your Door’s large Cypress Creek Omar said that, due boxes of fresh produce, which are delivered right to your door. Produce Co-Op is to the virus, “We had to a local, community-driven busifind a new way to keep us busy and ness that offers medium boxes do the best we can for the family of fresh produce for $20 and and for the community.” large boxes for $30, while deliv“So far, we got a good response ery costs $6. You can also add from the first day we did it, so we’re more produce for a higher cost, dependhappy about that,” he added. ing on what and how much is added. The business offers a medium box of Cypress Creek Produce Co-Op has 10 items for $26 and a large box of 14 difpickup locations available as well. Due to ferent items for $40 (both including the social distancing, pickups are drivedelivery fee). It accepts payment through through only. cash, check, credit card or Zelle at the The times and locations—including in time of delivery. FishHawk, Belmont, Ayersworth, Greens at Your Doors delivers in the Waterset, Summerfield and other Lithia, Valrico and surrounding areas. places—of delivery and pickup change Depending on demand. Deliveries are regularly and are available on its done every Tuesday. Facebook page and website. There is For more information on Cypress also a $5 annual membership fee (paid Creek Produce Co-Op’s services and to one time a year). sign up, join its Facebook group at “We have adapted to this change to www.facebook.com/groups/CypressCree still be able to help the families that we’ve kProduceCoop/ or visit www.cypressalways been a part of,” said Founder creekproducecoop.com/. Cassandra Adams. To learn more about Greens at Your Greens at Your Door is a deliveryDoor’s services, visit https://www.faceonly business owned by local residents book.com/greensatyourdoor/. To request Carmen and Omar Martinez, who have an order, leave a message on its lived in FishHawk for almost 12 years. Facebook page or call/text 440-9779.
Mother Teresa once to fill them on my own as I said, “Spread love everyam feeling the financial where you go. Let no one effects of COVID-19 myself.” come to you without leavLeavens enlisted her ing happier.” Angela friend and local realtor Leavens of Brandon would Jessica Lingscheit to help agree with Mother Teresa her. “Jessica is a realtor in because she, too, wanted Tampa who is also very to make sure all who come skilled with a sewing in contact with her leave machine,” Leavens said. happier. “She is sewing masks to With the recent help act as at least some COVID-19 pandemic, form of PPE masks for the Leavens wanted to do nurses the cups are going to Local resident and mom something to cheer up the in the community.” Angela Leavens created local healthcare workers The response Leavens “We Care Cups” for local healthcare workers. who are part of the front has been getting from the line in fighting the virus. “Seeing all of the community healthcare workers has been news stories and social media posts astounding. “So far we have been able to about what our healthcare workers are give the first round of cups to nurses at dealing with made me have so much TGH and hope to share them at St. Joe’s sympathy for all they are doing and sacrifor our next round,” Leavens said. “My ficing,” Leavens said. “It made me wonfriend, who was able to get the cups to der, what can any of us do for them really the nurses, said they were crying when besides stay home, and though there isn't they got them. One message she formuch else besides that, so, I wanted to warded to me said, ‘I had the worst day give them something that would hopefully today. Please thank your friend for the make them smile at least for a minute.” kind gift as it was the only good part of Leavens created ‘We Care Cups’ for my day!’ Another said, ‘It was nice to be local healthcare workers. “The We Care appreciated.’” Cups include a reusable cup, a pair of “I want our healthcare workers to LuLaRoe leggings, a $10 Starbucks gift know that though they may feel alone, card, a face treatment, a hand-sewn they really have a whole lot of us who are mask and a thank-you note,” Leavens carrying them in our thoughts constantly said. “In the note, I express how grateful and that we are indebted to them,” we, the community, are for all that they Leavens said. are doing and sign it from ‘All of us in If you would like to help Leavens your community.’ Though I am the one make more We Care Cups, she has set assembling the cups, it has really been a up a Go Fund Me account at community effort because I cannot afford https://www.gofundme.com/f/we-care-cup.
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Page 15 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit What Is Joy?
Mask Makers Of Tampa Bay Provides Assistance To Healthcare Professionals
By Kelly Wise Valdes
By Tatiana Ortiz
Brandon resident Carmen Wilson is doing what she can to bring the community together in this time of crisis, and she is asking for residents’ help. Wilson, known as Gigi, established the Facebook group Mask Makers of Tampa Bay recently to make disposable masks and shields that can be worn over N95 masks. These items will be distribBoki Pusac, an employee at Gigi’s Fabric Shop in uted to local medical and Brandon, is helping the Mask Makers of Tampa Bay by doctors’ offices that sewing a shield for masks to be donated to medical request them. workers. Wilson, who owns gency room and Wilson was nice Gigi’s Fabric Shop in Brandon, startenough to get these made for the ed the group last month, and it staff,” Hubbard said. already has more than 200 members The group is also creating scrub with the goal of making as many caps for the emergency room doctors masks as possible. and nurses to cover their hair. The volunteers are working on Owner of New Age two types of masks. One will be creReprographics Alex Prieto and eight ated from the blue sterile wrap of his team members turned in more (Halyard H600), the same material than 500 shields for the Mask Makers that covers tools in operating rooms. of Tampa Bay. He feels this would be Tampa General Hospital’s Chief their way of giving back to the comNurse and Anesthetist, Nicole munity. Hubbard had the idea of incorporat“Since we are a printing compaing the blue sterile wrap because in ny, we came up with a rigid plastic the past she made beds for the that did get cut out through our homeless with it. machine for these shields,” said The second mask uses a cotton Prieto. fabric one with a pocket on the inside For more information, contact in which medical personnel can place Gigi’s Fabric Shop at 661-9000 or any kind of filter in it. check out the Mask Makers of Tampa “Many in anesthesia gave their Bay’s group Facebook page. scrub caps to our team in the emer-
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Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control.” You may have heard about the fruit of the Spirit and wondered what it is and how it relates our Christian faith. In this series, each fruit will be explored and related to our everyday lives. Just like physical fruits need time to grow, the fruit of the Spirit will not ripen in our lives overnight. As we mature in our faith, all the characteristics of our spiritual fruits will grow as well. The second fruit of the Spirit is joy. The word ‘joy’ appears nearly 200 times in the Bible, which helps us understand just how important this second sweet fruit of the Spirit really is. Joy is a condition of the heart. People often confuse joy with happiness, but they are not interchangeable. Joy is from within, regardless of what is going on around you. Happiness can be a blurred emotion, dependent on a situation. Joyful people make a commitment to gratitude regardless of the circumstances.
In Greek, the word for joy is ‘chara.’ This describes a feeling of inner gladness, delight or rejoicing. This inner gladness leads to a cheerful heart and a cheerful heart leads to cheerful behavior. The most important attribute of joy is that you can find joy in adversity. This can be a difficult idea to grasp, because joy might be the last thing we are feeling when facing struggles. God knows our sorrows, heartaches and fears and He calls us to rejoice anyway. He wants us to live a life full of joy and promise. Particularly in these difficult times we are facing during the worldwide pandemic, it may seem difficult to be joyful. Our lives have changed, and we are facing adversity that is unprecedented. Certainly, many of us are not happy. But, joy is an internal experience, and even through our own unhappy circumstances, we can find joy in the midst of the storm with our faith in God. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning,” - Psalms 30:5. “For the joy of the LORD is your strength,” - Nehemiah 8:10.
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Page 16 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
Hot Off The Christian News Wire
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Actor-Filmmaker Tyler Perry Pays For Seniors’ Groceries At 44 Food Stores
Nearly 3,000 shoppers taking advantage of "senior hour" at 44 Atlanta Kroger stores were surprised when actor-filmmaker and local resident Tyler Perry paid for their groceries. He also picked up the tab at 29 Winn-Dixies in New Orleans, where he was raised. In addition, Perry shelled out $21,000 to bless 42 out-of-work servers at his favorite restaurant, giving each of them $500. “We would like to join our customers in thanking Mr. Perry for his kindness and generosity during this unprecedented pandemic,” Felix Turner, the Atlanta spokesman for Kroger. “It was truly a pleasure to see our customers fill with joy and gratitude.” Perry made no reference to the gift on either his Twitter or Facebook accounts, but did note that a longtime member of his crew, hairdresser
Charles Gregory, died recently after contracting the coronavirus. Perry also used Facebook to issue a challenge to his followers, “I dare you to still yourself and listen to this song. This has been my prayer and meditation. Please take care of yourselves. Prayers up!” The song? The live version of Bethel Music’s “It Is Well.”
Focus On The Family Launches Free Streaming Platform
Nonprofit organization Focus on the Family has launched a free streaming service for families stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus on the Family’s new platform, called Focus@Home, includes wellknown Focus on the Family video content, such as Adventures in Odyssey and McGee and Me, as well as feature films like Every Boy Needs a Hero and Mully. Additional content will be added in the coming weeks. The free platform is available at FocusontheFamily.com/Streaming. A sample of Focus on the Family’s Adventures in Odyssey audio series is available on Focus@Home. The full Adventures in Odyssey audio library can be accessed at OACLUB.org, where a 28-day free trial is available.
Expiration: 5/31/2020
“Now you’ve got somebody to preach to,” added another. This has been a uniquely difficult season for pastors and ministers who are, like all of us, enduring the coronavirus pandemic in real time while also facing the needs of congregations they cannot see. Please be in prayer for your local church leaders.
Pastor Moved To Tears By Simple Gesture To Help Him Preach To Empty Sanctuary
Preaching to an empty sanctuary is certainly a difficult task, but for now, it’s reality. But, a congregation in Mississippi surprised their pastor with a gesture that hopefully made it just a little bit easier him. Over the last few weeks, Larry Duncan, pastor of Salem Baptist Church, has been preaching to a room of empty pews, focused only on an iPad in the center aisle and streaming his sermons to Facebook. To surprise their pastor, members of the Salem congregation sent the church photos of themselves and their families, which were then taped to the pews for Duncan to see. Duncan was obviously touched by the thoughtful gesture and teared up as he walked through the pews of the normally full sanctuary, looking at every picture of his fellow churchgoers. “We thought that might make it a little better,” one of the members of the worship team said to the pastor.
Expiration: 5/31/2020
GFWC Brandon Service League Extends Deadline For Scholarship Applications
The GFWC Brandon Service League has extended the deadline to apply for its scholarship opportunities until Monday, June 1. The GFWC Brandon Service League offers two $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors who wish to pursue a degree in the arts or education. The GFWC Brandon Service League also offers a $1,000 scholarship for women who are post-high school age but are returning to school to get training for a new career. Please visit www.gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org for the rules and to download the application. Send the completed application to Judy Darsey, 12750 Balm Boyette Rd., Riverview, FL 33579.
Expiration: 5/31/2020
Page 17 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
River Of Life Christian Center Supports Local Businesses During Difficult Times
By Kelly Wise Valdes
night, Pastor Johnny gave each employee an additional tip to let them know how much we appreciate them.” More than 100 families attended to show their support for Beef O’ Brady’s. During this pandemic, Beef O’ Brady’s has only been able to employ a few workers each day, but on this night, they were able to provide hours for 11 staff members. Aware of the social distancing guidelines, each family ordered from the River of Life Christian Center ‘adopted’ Beef O’ curbside while remaining in their vehiBrady’s at 9622 U.S. Hwy. 301. More than 100 church families placed to-go orders to show cles and waited in the parking lot for their love and support to the struggling an employee to deliver the meals. restaurant and employees. According to the restaurant staff, it River of Life Christian Center has was the most successful day of business always been a church about people and that they have had in well over a month. knows that demonstrating love is the “This event displayed the impact that lifeblood of a healthy community. kindness has on people when they reach “We want to be a light and support out and help one another,” said Marshall. for local businesses, schools and many “A Beef O’ Brady’s employee approached others that call the Greater Tampa Bay our pastor at the end of the night and area home,” said Marcus Marshall, outsaid, ‘You have no idea how much I reach director of River of Life Christian needed this tonight, for me and for my Center in Riverview. “We understand that family. Thank you guys so much for carmany people have been negatively affect- ing.’” ed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Marshall said that these moments including our local small business restaushould remind us all of what we are rants.” called to do, and that is to love people. Moved by the impact it has had in the “The pandemic has created a strugcommunity, Lead Pastor Johnny Honaker gle for everyone, but we believe that we wanted to make a difference. The church can overcome when we join together,” ‘adopted’ a local favorite restaurant, Beef said Marshall. O’ Brady’s at 9622 U.S. Hwy. 301 in River of Life Christian Center is locatRiverview, on Tuesday night of April 14. ed at 6605 Krycul Ave. in Riverview. For “The heart behind the outreach was more information, to be a blessing to each employee,” said visit www.riveroflifechristiancenter.org or Marshall. “We encouraged our church to on Facebook at River of Life - Reach Our tip generously, and then, at the end of the City.
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Page 18 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
Live Like You Mean It
We Can’t Tell A Story We Don’t Know By Kelly Wise Valdes
The Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is a large chapel located in the Vatican City, the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. It is most famous for its Renaissance art, particularly the ceiling painted by Michelangelo. The chapel and artwork attract more than five million visitors each year. But the Sistine Chapel is more than just Vatican City’s most popular tourist destination. In fact, it serves a crucial religious function. Beginning in 1492, the chapel was the chosen place where the cardinals gathered to vote on a new pope. A special chimney in the roof of the chapel reveals the results, with white smoke indicating the election of a new pope and black smoke signaling that no candidate has yet received a two-thirds majority. The name Sistine was derived from Pope Sixtus IV, who commissioned the chapel to be built in the 1470s. It was simply designed as a rectangular brick building with six arched windows on each of the two main walls and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. The chapel’s exterior is modest and unassuming, giving little indication of the amazing artwork inside.
In 1503, a new pope, Julius II, decided to change the Sistine Chapel's interior. He commissioned Renaissance artist Michelangelo to paint the entire ceiling. Michelangelo hesitated because he was a sculptor, not a painter, but the Pope insisted, and Michelangelo began his work on the famous frescoed ceiling in 1508. He worked for four years and it was so physically demanding that it permanently damaged his eyesight. Twenty years later, Pope Clement VII commissioned Michelangelo to paint the giant fresco “The Last Judgment” behind the altar. Michelangelo, who was then in his 60s, painted this now-famous piece from 1536 to 1541. A large-scale restoration of the Sistine Chapel began in 1980. Restorers spent 14 years reattaching fresco and cleaning it. The restoration was extremely controversial as some critics claimed that it removed a layer of paint that Michelangelo had intentionally used to give the figures depth. The Sistine Chapel is currently closed due to the current pandemic. However, upon reopening, the admission ticket will be $22 and includes a visit to the Vatican Museum. The chapel and museum are open Monday through Saturday and on the last Sunday of each month from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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By Derek Maul One of the serendipities associated with this COVID-19 lockdown (and I’m sure there will be many, even though the whole thing is driving us nuts!) has been my wife Rebekah’s decision to send out a short devotional video-blog every morning. It’s very basic. She puts her phone in a tripod, sips her coffee, then offers words of inspiration and encouragement—flowing from her personal devotions. We always share a short reading and prayer at breakfast, then dive in more deeply as individuals as we get our morning work under way. Between us we read a large amount of scripture and cover a lot of devotional ground. This answers a question I get a lot: “How is it you can talk and write so easily about faith?” You see, it’s a lot easier to improvise—or ‘riff’—when we’re already saturated with discipline and practice. If you ask me a question about fishing, I may stand there and shrug because I don’t have the background, the knowledge, the experience or the passion. But Jesus is a constant, a companion, a guide. It is no stretch to talk about someone you already talk with on a regular basis. This time of uncertainty and of shutdown, of isolation and of shelter in place, provides us with the opportunity—the
imperative—to retool spiritually. Maybe one great serendipity of this ‘hit the pause button’ time will be a world full with people of renewed faith, people who want to be ‘instant,’ to ‘be prepared,’ to ‘be ready’ in the way the New Testament writer suggests in 2 Timothy 4:2. I love the way Eugene Peterson paraphrased this in The Message. “[Jesus] is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.” Don’t ever quit. Keep engaged with your faith. Keep Jesus front and center. Then it won’t be so difficult—or feel so strange—to live the message out loud. In love, and because of love – DEREK Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, The United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com
Page 19 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
What To Do While Distancing & From Home: Art-To-Go, LEGO & More
By Kate Quesada
With residents responding to calls to practicing social distance and staying home to prevent the spread of COVID19, many local businesses are adapting their services to offer ways their customers can have fun and be safe. From online classes to craft kits at home, businesses are answering residents’ requests to keep busy and stay connected in these changing and challenging times.
Pinot’s Palette Sells Paint At Home Kits
Pinot’s Palette, located at 2086 Badlands Dr. in Brandon, is offering clients the opportunity to bring their creativity home. Painting kits can be ordered online and picked up at the curbside with add-ons, including wine, beer and easels. To learn more, call 618-3064 or email brandon@pinotspalette.com.
YouTube so the shows can be watched on demand.
Tea Parties At Home From Camellia’s Tea Room Camellia’s Tea Room, located at 3102 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico, recently started offering Tea Party To-Go packages, which can be picked up at the curbside, and daily family meals. To learn more, visit camelliastearoom.com or call 278-5213. You can also find regular updates on the business’ Facebook page.
Curbside Pottery To-Go Kits
Escape the ‘quarantine blues’ with The Pottery Patch’s new Curbside Paint Your Own Pottery To-Go Kits. Now available, purchase online or call 643-0014 and let representatives help you pick out some fun pottery to paint in the comfort of your own home. Studies have shown that Kerby’s Nursery Offers Garden Fun creating and painting is relaxing, calms For All our anxieties and, best of all, fun. Order With children home unexpectedly, online or call the studio to pre-purchase many people are looking for things to do. your pottery of choice. Drive to the studio Fortunately, outside everyone’s back door and call from your car, and workers will is a yard or garden for them to explore. bring out your to-go kit. Return it at your Kim and Joey Bokor of Kerby’s Nursery in convenience and employees will glaze Seffner offer 10 garden projects to do with and fire your projects. Projects will be kids. Suggestions include planting seeds, ready for pick up in seven days. All kits setting up a vegetable garden, planting a come with pottery paints, brushes, decogarden for butterflies, rounding up worms rating supplies and directions. Customers in the garden, going on a bug hunt, plant- can select the pottery pieces they want ing a miniature garden and creating your from its online listing or call the studio and own flower. its helpful staff will walk them through the For more information on these ideas process. Let your kids open their minds or to learn more about the nursery, call and explore their creativity, all while stay685-3265 or visit ing safe from illness at home. www.kerbysnursery.com. The Pottery Patch, a pottery painting studio, is one of the oldest paint and creThe Florida Aquarium ate studios in the Tampa Bay Offers Online area with over 17 years of Programming entertainment for all ages. With After making the hard over 600 different pottery and decision to close its doors to DIY wood projects in stock, it is the public in support of comthe perfect spot to create away munity efforts to limit the these quarantine blues. spread of the coronavirus To learn more, (COVID-19), The Florida contact Wendy Pettys, owner, Aquarium launches its first- Gardening is one way to at 643-0014 or 601-6691. Visit ever SEA-SPAN Facebook keep children active year www.potterypatchstudio.com. round. Live to keep kids learning The Pottery Patch is located at and adults entertained during these diffi2551 SR 60 E. in Valrico. cult times. Guests can visit the aquarium and be Bricks 4 Kidz Offers LEGO entertained and educated from the comChallenges With Prizes fort of their own living room. Stuck at home with the kids? Bricks 4 To watch live, just visit The Florida Kidz can help them stay busy and get Aquarium’s Facebook page at 10 a.m. you some prizes too. Each challenge The aquarium will also post the SEAlasts 24 hours. Post the picture of your SPAN sessions on its website and on completed challenge in the comments,
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TADA Offers Online Arts Experiences
Theatre Arts and Dance Alliance (TADA) is always looking for new and creative ways to solve problems. This situation is no different. While TADA feels it is socially responsible to limit large numbers of students in dance studios and large groups in the lobby, it can still continue to deliver the exceptional dance, music and theater experience you know and love at Theatre Arts and Dance Alliance. Thanks to new technology, the studio is opening its digital doors and providing an online arts experience using Zoom.us as a platform. Email any questions to office@tadance.com. To learn more about TADA, visit www.tadance.com or call 571-0901.
AR Workshop Offers DIY To-Go
Crafters need not panic. During times of social distancing, AR Workshop has a solution. The business is putting together DIY To-Go Kits that can be picked up at the curbside at the Valrico location so that crafters can make projects in the comfort and safety of their own home. Kits can be ordered online and picked up during regular pickup windows. To learn more, visit www.arworkshop.com or call 775-7109. AR Workshop is located at 1046 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.
Art Monkey Emporium Adapts With Crafts And Ice Cream
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Glazer Children’s Museum Takes Learning And Playing Online
Once the Glazer Children’s Museum closed its doors to the public last month, employees quickly started offering online programming for children and parents to enjoy safely with GCM at Home. GMC at Home, a new section of the museum’s website, hosts videos, printable activities pages, recipes and other fun ideas for families to try while complying with social distancing. Follow along at www.GlazerMuseum.org/GCMatHome.
Girls With Confidence Offers Online Classes
With the current pandemic we are experiencing and to encourage social distancing, Girls with Confidence recently decided to offer a series of virtual workshops for girls. The focus will be to continue the group’s mission of helping girls develop positive self-esteem and confidence at an early age. The goal of the online classes is to provide a creative outlet for the girls, share skills and strategies to manage through our new normal and allow girls to share and interact online with other girls and encourage one another. Each virtual workshop will be limited to 10 spots and will include a group discussion on the topic, fun interactive games and/or a demonstration for a creative craft or art project your girls can do on their own after the workshop is over. Some workshops may include a handout sent prior for the girls to complete before, during or after their time together. Each workshop is only $10. If your daughter is attending a Spring 2020 series right now, reach out for a coupon code. For more information, contact info@girlswithconfidence.com.
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Five-year-old Rhett Gilmore works on a to go craft kit from Art Monkey in Lithia.
FishHawk Ranch’s Park Square. The business is offering to-go craft kits, from Easter-themed art work to night-light kits, that can be ordered in advance and picked up at the store to be assembled at home. The store also offers pint-sized containers of Big Olaf ice cream for pick up too. To learn more, visit www.artandicecream.com or call 315-9803.
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Page 20 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2020
Fun And Education At Busch Gardens And Adventure Island Summer Camps What could be more fun than spending the summer at one of the area’s most famous attractions? Starting in June, Busch Gardens and Adventure Islands are offering summer camps for students with a sense of adventure and fun. According to Rebecca Romzek, public relations and communications leader with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island, camps are available for students from kindergarten to those heading to college. “This year, Florida’s best thrill rides and breathtaking upclose animal encounters make Busch Gardens Tampa Bay the fan favorite choice for summer camp,” said Romzek. “Campers at Busch Gardens explore inspiring, exciting and educational experiences with immersive, multi-day camp programs for all interests.” Camps, both day and residential, run weekly from June to August and offer students a wide variety of fun and educational options with the choice of signing up for three or five days at a time. “Camp is all about making memories
Staff Report
At Busch Gardens and Adventure Islands’ summer camps, students learn while getting to enjoy all the parks have to offer.
with new friends while enjoying thrilling rides and world-class shows that can only be found at our parks,” said Romzek. “Come face-to-face with a giraffe or take on all-new attractions opening this spring. Spin and splash on Solar Vortex, America’s first dual tailspin water slide at Adventure Island, or take on Iron Gwazi, North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world at Busch Gardens.” Campers can explore even more with complimentary admission into the park each day following camp. Space is limited, so Romzek encourages residents to register today at www.buschgardens.com/tampa/summercamps.
A Great Array Of Creative Summer Camps Offered At The Patel Conservatory
By Kathy L. Collins
Spend your summer learning all about musical theater, dance, improv and more. The Patel Conservatory has a wide array of choices and would make a great option for people of all ages and abilities.
The Patel Conservatory, located at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Straz Center) in downtown Tampa, is offering a unique set of summer camp options. This includes, but is not limited to, Acting Camp with three productions, such as Galactic Battles, Myths and Legends and Within the Wizarding World. There is an afternoon enrichment class available. You can also choose to attend Improv Camp: ComedySportz or Making Movies and Music. Into musical theater? You can select from three Mini Musical Theater productions, featuring Backyard Beats, Troll Time Live! and Octo Exploration. There are 10 Musical Theater Camps
as well, featuring Broadway Rocks!, Broadway Today, Kids on Broadway, Magic and Muggles, Mystery and Mayhem, On The High C's, Patel's Got Talent, Remake Remix, Spooktacular Tunes and Wiz-OMania. You can also take part in camps featuring vocal musical instruments, dance and more. Suzanne Livesay, the Straz Center's vice president of education, said, "Patel Conservatory camps are worth the drive to downtown. Our camps are not only fun but also provide excellent training in the performing arts, which develops confidence, creates camaraderie and engages creativity. The term 'conservatory' can be a little intimidating, but do not let it prevent you from exploring the many camps we offer for all ages and abilities." Livesay added, "Our camps develop participants' performing arts skills at a variety of levels and always conclude with some form of showcase where campers demonstrate what they have learned throughout the session." The Patel Conservatory has been offering summer camp for the past 15 years. Each year, it averages approximately 1,200 campers. For more info, please visit patelconservatory.org.
Camp High 5 At BSAC Offers A Summer Of Fun For Children In The Community
Kids Step Into Their Favorite Stories At Performing Arts Summer Camps
Brandon Sports works hard to provide and Aquatic Center low income families (BSAC) will have with the opportunity to the opportunity for participate on scholarlocal children to ship. “We offer scholattend Camp High 5 arships year-round,” at BSAC this sumParuas said. “We mer. have scholarships “Camp High 5 available for every at BSAC is going to program, from camps, be awesome,” said swimming lessons to BSAC’s Director of swim team.” This summer, children will have the Youth Programming, opportunity to attend Camp High 5 at Camp High 5 is in BSAC. Nicole Paruas. “Our the process of finalizsummer camp, as well as all our proing its summer camp program that will grams, let kids be kids and have fun. The begin once school is out for the summer. support staff we have for our camp are “We are finalizing our new camp webawesome and they make our camp and page, so families can begin registering for programs very enriching for everyone our camps very soon,” Paruas said. “This who attends.” year’s summer camp is going to have The Brandon Sports and Aquatic weekly themes, offer field trips and so Center is a community-based nonprofit much more, all while making an impact organization. Its mission is to impact lives on the lives of our campers.” daily through superior educational and Proposed field trips include Sky athletic programming that enhances Zone, a Rays game, Astro Skate, Tampa physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Zoo and trips to local splash park pads. BSAC focuses on four main pillars of To learn more about Camp High 5 and service: after-school care, youth drowning the fun summer camp it will be offering prevention, sports and recreation as well this summer, you can visit as special needs education. www.mybsac.org or call 689-0908. BSAC BSAC goes above and beyond tradi- is located at 405 Beverly Dr. in Brandon. tional programming to make a real impact Lobby hours of operation are weekdays, in the lives of children who attend any of 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 its programs or camps. There is a sport p.m. and camp hours are Monday or program available for everyone and it through Friday from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
As summer available for your quickly approachconvenience. es and the school Have a child year ends, that wants to rock thoughts of sumout this summer? mer camp regis‘Rockin’ with tration might Alex’ is a come to mind. summer rock Budding thespiband proans or just a child FAOPA’s summer camps offer children the gram with who likes to enter- chance to step into the role of a character camps geared for all from one of their favorite stories. tain will enjoy The experience levels. Florida Academy of the Performing Arts at Director Debbie Evans said these Music Showcase’s (FAOPA) two types of programs offer children an outlet for summer camps for children ages 5 and expressing themselves and learning older. about emotions and public speaking. Located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in “Whether it’s for a career in the arts or Brandon, FAOPA offers two-week, halfjust for having fun, music and musical day musical theater camps, from 9 a.m.-1 theater are great ways for children to gain p.m., that are structured by age, ability, self-confidence,” she said. interests and progress and feature live Valrico resident Julie Howard’s three productions at the end. daughters, Lily (13), Addison (10) and In past years, shows have included Rachael (8), have all participated in the Willy Wonka, Mamma Mia, Matilda, academy’s summer programs including Seussical, Elf and Les Mis. The Lion King and Willy Wonka. The second type offered are the Music Showcase Owner Heather Music and More Camps, which are fullOchalek said the benefits to an arts eduday weeklong camps, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., cation can be seen in improved academic during select weeks. Campers will learn performance and increased self-esteem. to play instruments like drums, ukuleles “From our private lessons, rock band, and guitars. They can also learn to sing, string ensembles and musical theater to act, paint/make art, dance and more. The workshops and master classes, our two camp options can be combined to classes can spark creativity and innovacreate an entire day of fun and learning. tion,” she said. For further details, visit Free early drop-off and late pickup is FAOPA.org or call 490-2787.
By Libby Hopkins
By Michelle Caceres
Soccer Fun For Boys And Girls
The Florida Hawks Futbol Club has fun and educational camps for local soccer lovers. The club is driven to develop great people by building the skill and character of its players on and off the field. Soccer Fun with Coach Juan will take place Saturday to Wednesday, July 6-10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for girls and boys born between 2008 and 2013. It will feature age-appropriate technical and tactical instruction from a professional coaching staff with small-sided games and daily 5 v 5, soccer tennis and soccer golf competitions. Visit www.floridahawksfc.com to sign up or learn more.
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium Is Cooking Up Some Summer Fun
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s Summer Camps are a great way to learn new skills in the kitchen, create tasty recipes and meet lots of new friends. The only things you need to be prepared are closed toe shoes and a restraint for shoulder-length hair. All of the ingredients, tools
and even the fun are included. Students are taught how to properly use real kitchen tools, knives and appliances safely under adult supervision. Students will come away with the confidence to prepare dishes that are age appropriate and tasty. The goal is to encourage your child to be a help in the kitchen and to have fun while building a lifetime of good skills. Cooking camps for kids ages 6-11 will take place from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. daily and the tweens’ and teens’ summer camps, ages 11-15) will take place from 2-4 p.m. Camps will take place weekly for four days and run from Monday, June 1 through Thursday, August 6. Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium is located at Brandon Crossroads, 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Call 6532418 or visit www.rollingpinonline.com.
Straz Center Hosts Patel Conservatory Performing Arts Camps Bricks 4 Kidz Summer Camps are back with exciting themes like Minecraft, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Superheroes, Magic, and much more. Join us at one of our camp locations in Brandon, Riverview, or Fishhawk!
Motorized LEGO® and LEGO® Art Projects
The Patel Conservatory, located at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Straz Center) in downtown Tampa, is offering a unique set of summer camp options from acting to vocal musical instruments, dance and more. The Patel Conservatory has been offering summer camp for the past 15 years. Each year, it averages approximately 1,200 campers. Camps are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so signing up early is strongly encouraged. The Patel Conservatory offers scholarships for summer camp. You must apply, and the deadline is Monday, April 13. Please apply for a scholarship by visiting strazcenter.org/financialaid. For more information on all that the Patel Conservatory has to offer this summer, please visit patelconservatory.org.
Bricks 4 Kidz Offers LEGO® Summer Camps
Bricks 4 Kidz is back with awesome LEGO® Summer Camps being offered all over the Brandon, Riverview and Valrico areas. Join in for a different theme each week, such as Fortnite, Pokemon, Star Wars, Minecraft and much more. Each week, campers will be building signature Bricks 4 Kidz robotic LEGO® models, very popular LEGO® mosaics and 3D LEGO® sculptures, as well as playing fun games and creating arts and crafts projects they will get to
take home. At the end of each week, every camper will get to take home their very own LEGO® minifigure. Each day and week will be a brand-new LEGO® adventure you won’t want to miss. Sign up at www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa or call 545-4282.
Swimming To Horseback Riding And More At Local YMCA Camps
The Tampa Metropolitan YMCA summer camps are well known for offering something for every child. With multiple locations offering daily activities including swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor education, nature encounters, horseback riding, canoeing, visual arts and more the Y camps are always a local favorite with boys and girls alike! In addition to a traditional camp called Activity Central, the YMCA offers specialty camps such as basketball, equestrian, extreme team, gymnastics, leadership, soccer, swimming, visual arts, science and per-
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SUMMER CAMP AT
T.L.C.’ S GYPSY HAVEN!
NOW REGISTERING Limited Space (8 spots weekly) Call TODAY!
Full Week Camps Half Day and Full Day Options Ages 5-12
Camp locations all over Brandon • Riverview • Valrico Lithia • Fishhawk Early Bird Registration and Sibling Discounts To find out more and to register please visit
For ages 7 - 99
or call us at 813-545-4282
Weekly Themed Horse Back Riding Camps Hands On Experience & Education
www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa
Our instructors have 30 years combined professional playing and coaching experience.
Come learn about:
RIDING • GROOMING Monday - Friday Camps 9 A.M. to 2 P.M.
With Friday Educational Field Trips!
Session 1 Session 2 June 15-19 (M-F) July 13-17 (M-F)
Session 3 July 27- 31 (M-F)
Location:
M-W Ostingers Academy • 8711 Lithia Pinecrest Road Th-F Field for games and other activities Space is Limited Age Group: 7 - 14 yrs Register Early Time: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm to hold your spot! Cost: $225/camper **(Second Child $200) **Multi week discounts
Daily Instruction • Games • Pitching/Catching Fundamentals Addressed • Drills For More Information:
Call 813.737.3000 or visit our website at www.OstingBaseball.com
June 1st - August 3rd We are just ten minutes east of FishHawk! 4325 Keysville Rd., Lithia Call Tammi at 813.842.4236 or email TLCS2867@aol.com (Deposit required to reserve your spot.)
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:
TLCSFARMS.COM
forming arts to name a few. Spots are filling fast with area locations including Brandon, Valrico, Riverview and SouthShore. To ensure your kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer, register today at www.tampaymca.org/letscamp.
5815 Kids Crossing Dr. (next to Stowers Elementary and Mosaic), visit www.KRKCirca.com or call 654-7000, and at 4321 Lynx Paw Trl. in Valrico (across from Lithia Springs
Fun And Education Spins Throughout The Summer At Kids ‘R’ Kids
Elementary), visit www.KRKValrico.com or call 657-6200.
Kids ‘R’ Kids is excited to launch a new twist on camp where kids are redefining summer and turning ordinary days into the extraordinary. Just as fragments inside a kaleidoscope fuse together to captivate us with a new perspective, Kaleidoscope 360° will spin this summer into a unique dimension of discovery, fun and friendships through various weekly themes. This summer promises a wellsupervised, engaging and enriching camp for preschool and elementary-aged children. Extended hours, meals/snacks, weekly field trips, sports and more are available. Summer camp is offered at both Kids ‘R’ Kids locations: Circa FishHawk on
BSAC Offers Field Trips, Swimming And More
The Brandon Sports and Aquatics Center (BSAC) is offering Camp High Five this summer, using superior educational and athletic programming to enhance students’ physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Camp will have weekly themes, offering field trips to locations including SkyZone, a Tampa Bay baseball game, Lowry Park Zoo and local splash park pads. To learn more about Camp High Five and the fun it will be offering this summer, visit www.mybsac.org or call 689-0908. BSAC is located at 405 Beverly Dr. in Brandon. The hours of operation are weekdays from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and it is closed on Sundays.
Music And Acting Camps Offered Through Music Showcase
Budding thespians or just children who like to entertain will enjoy The Florida Academy of the Performing Arts at Music Showcase’s (FAOPA) two types of summer camps for children ages 5 and older. Located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon, FAOPA offers two-week, halfday musical camps that are structured by age, ability, interests and progress and feature live productions at the end. Parents will enjoy watching their children bring the musical to life in the auditorium, which is equipped with a professional sound and lighting system, costumes, props and set design. The second type offered are the Music and More Camps, which are fullday weeklong camps, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., during select weeks. Campers will learn to play instruments like drums, ukuleles and guitars. They can also learn to sing, act, paint/make art, dance and more. The two camp options can be combined to create an entire day of fun and learning. Free early drop-off and late pickup is available for your convenience. For more information about summer camps or any of FAOPA’s other programs, visit FAOPA.org or call 490-2787.
Combat Dreaded Summer Slide With Mathnasium Of Brandon
Mathnasium Brandon offers a variety of ways students can power up their math skills and have fun this summer. From mini camps to summer sessions, there is something for every student. There are two options for mini camps, which run from Monday, June 1 through Friday, July 31. Students can either do the traditional Camp Mathnasium or STEM Camp, which includes additional fun such as robotics, LEGO Mindstorm EV3, experiments and pizza parties. Summer sessions, where students attend 13 times during the first nine weeks of summer, start on June 1. Students can also sign up for Summer Power Math Workout Programs, which include Numerical Fluency, Multiplication Fact Fluency, Problem-Solving, Algebra and Geometry Readiness and SAT/ACT Workshops. Fun in the Mathnasium Sun will also offer weekly attendance contests, game time, Fun Fridays, chess club, summer bingo and movie nights. Experts say that the effects of a summer learning program, such as Mathnasium’s, will make a positive difference for students moving forward. Call 655-MATH (6284) or visit www.mathnasium.com/brandon/.
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“Soccer Fun with Coach Juan”
Boys and Girls
born between 2013 and 2008 July 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 2020 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
Soccer Fields of the FishHawk Sports Complex Lithia FL
Your child must bring: • Readiness to have a lot of fun playing soccer • Cleats, shin guards, and a ball • Snack • Water bottle
KIDS
Summer Camps (Ages 6-11) 10:30am - 1:00pm
June 1 - 4 June 8 - 11 June 15 - 18 June 22 - 25 June 29 - July 2 July 6 - 10 July 13 - 16 July 20 - 23 July 27 - 30 August 3-6
Summer Camps (Ages 11-15) 2:00pm - 4:30pm
$195.00 if registered before April 15, 2020 $215.00 if registered after April 15, 2020 CAMP FEATURES:
Age appropriate technical and tactical instruction • Small sided games • Daily 5 v 5 Competitions Daily Soccer Tennis and Soccer Golf Competitions • Professional coaching staff Athletic Trainer onsite • Hydration Station • Camp T Shirt Registration:www.floridahawksfc.com Contact Juan E De Brigard, Director of Coaching, Florida Hawks FC | doc@floridahawksfc.com • Cell # 754 244 3016
TWEEN’S & TEENS
Brandon’s Big Green “EggQuarters”
Mathnasium of Brandon is located at 1048 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico (Plaza Bella shopping center).
Mathnasium of Riverview Is Ready For Math Fun
Give your child the benefit of a personalized math learning plan and confidence building to help strengthen their skills in a classroom setting. Summer time is ideal for having fun and at Mathnasium of Riverview, that is understood and a comprehensive summer math program has been put together that makes math sense and kids have fun doing so. The programs range from helping to stop finger counting to Calculus. Summer is a perfect, no-stress time to stay in tune with math. With Mathnasium being the ‘Math’ in STEM, Mathnasium knows how to teach math. Located at 11446 US-301, Riverview, FL 512-7007. Visit online at www.mathnasium.com/riverview on Facebook or email riverview@mathnasium.com
Power Up With Mathnasium Of West Brandon
Kids can power up this summer with Mathnasium of West Brandon in-center or through its Mathnasium @home online tutoring program. The summer slide is
real, and students can lose over two months of mathematical skills every summer. Mathnasium can help prevent that with its Power Up summer programs. “Take advantage of the more relaxed environment of summer break, which is a golden opportunity to improve math performance whether your student is struggling or just wanting to dig deeper into their math studies,” suggested Jill Andrews, center director at Mathnasium of West Brandon. Mathnasium’s @home program is an additional benefit for students who would like to keep up their skills but are traveling. You can take Mathnasium anywhere with Mathnasium @home. Mathnasium will help parents choose a Summer Power Workout Plan, such as numerical fluency, fractions, multiplication fluency, problemsolving, algebra readiness, geometry readiness and so much more based on a diagnostic assessment of the student. Call 333-6676 or visit www.mathnasium.com/westbrandon to schedule your student’s free assessment. Mathnasium of West Brandon summer hours will be Monday-Thursday from 27 p.m. It is located at 10268 Causeway Blvd. in Tampa.
dropped off at the MAC front desk. To learn more or to get the registration form, visit https://themac gym.org/summer-sportscamps/. MAC is located at 216 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon and can be reached at 315-3280. .
Sports Fun At The MAC
The MAC Gym in Brandon is offering basketball, volleyball and soccer camps in June and July. The basketball camps are open for 7 to 14-year-olds, soccer is available for 7 to 12-year-olds and volleyball, which has both co-ed and girls camps, is available for 8 to 14-year-olds. There will also be a basketball camp from Monday to Friday, July 27-31 for 10 to 14-year-olds. The camps run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and lunch is available to purchase, or campers may bring their own from home. An email will be sent on the weekend before camp with details. Camps fill up fast! Registration forms for MAC summer sports camps can be picked up at the MAC front desk or downloaded online. Form and registration fees may be
Center Place Fine Arts Offer Summer Art Camp To Brighten The Day
Who knew that art could be so much fun? This summer, register your 7 to 13-year-old to discover their love of painting, drawing, pottery and more. Classes are offered Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include Art Mural, Animal Paintings, Pencil Drawings Cruise Around the World, West & Wild Canvases, Ceramic Sculpture, Recycled Art, Landscape Drawings, Paper Sculptures, Space Art, Mixed Media and more. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon. For more information or to register, visit www.centerplacebrandon.org or call 685-8888.
Editor’s Note: Are we missing a great Summer Camp opportunity? Email our Assignment Editor kquesada@ospreyobserver.com with subject line Summer Camp to add an additional camp to our guide. Please note dates and details subect to change.
Learn Baseball From The Pros At Ostingers Baseball Academy Summer Camp
Ostingers Baseball Academy will hold its baseball camp this summer to give your children a better understanding of the game of baseball through small group instruction, drills and games. Having a good time while learning the fundamentals will be the main focus of this camp. Ostingers’ staff is made up of all former professional players who will instruct, teaching the game from the ground up. The camp is not a fullday camp with video games and indoor activities. Jim Osting is a baseball instructor with 12 years of professional baseball playing experience, including two years of Major League Experience (Padres and Brewers).
Patrick Ryan is a baseball instructor with eight years professional pitching experience. Kris Wilken is the Head Baseball Coach at Bloomingdale High School and has six years of professional playing experience. College and high school players trained by Ostingers Baseball Academy will assist your children throughout their camp experience. Additional help is provided from Ostinger players current and past to make the campers’ experience one of a kind. With the instructors and the staff, the ratio per camper is around 6:1. This ratio allows for added reps for each player and helps to break up the groups in an age-appropriate format. Weeks of camp are Monday, June 15, July 13 and July 27. The camps run halfdays Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The camps are held from Monday to Wednesday at Ostingers Baseball Academy on 8711 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia and Thursday and Friday at the FishHawk Sports Complex fields, located at 16120
FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia (for games and other activities). The cost is $180 (sibling discounts available). For more information or to register, call 737-3000 or visit www.OstingBaseball.com.
Summer Camp At T.L.C.’s Gypsy Haven
T.L.C.’s Gypsy Haven is now registering for summer camp. The farm has been in business for more than 12 years, offering afterschool riding lessons, horseback riding camps, monthly horse leasing, pony parties and more. The camps will be made up of small groups (less than 10) and students will have their own horse for the entire week. Your kids, from ages 7 and up, will have a lot of fun enjoying weekly themed horseback riding camps. They will receive hands-on experiences, learning to ride as well as how to groom the horses. The camp takes place Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Monday, June 1 and running through Monday, August 3. Your kids will enjoy field trips each Friday they are at camp. With limited space (eight spots weekly), you will want to call early. Located 10 minutes from FishHawk, T.L.C. Gypsy Haven is on 4325 Keysville Rd. in Lithia. For more information, please call Tammi
at 842-4236 or visit www.tlcsfarms.com.
TechPlayzone Offers Hands-On Learning
TechPlayzone, where bright kids play to learn, is offering six weeks of hands-on, high-tech camps planned for second to sixth grade students. The camps will take place at HCC Brandon Campus from 9 a.m.-12 Noon for $125 per week. Campers can register at www.techplayzone.com. TechPlayzone is celebrating 15 years of quality STEM camps, featuring 3D printing, drones, Minecraft for engineers, coding, LEGO robotics, and hands-on science experiments. For more information, email desh@techplayzone.com or call 444-CAMP.
Camp Osprey Offers Overnight Camping Options
Camp Osprey is the area’s bestkept secret. At Camp Osprey, boys and girls ages 7-15 can enjoy a week of adventure at a traditional overnight camp. It is located on 204 acres of beautiful woodlands, nestled alongside the Little Manatee River on 18050 US 301 in Wimauma. While at camp, kids will enjoy horseback riding, paintball, a high ropes challenge course, canoeing, fishing, color games, archery, gaga ball and much more. Overnight camping runs from Sunday through Saturday for an all-inclusive cost of $450. Day camp is also available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. for $195 or a daily drop-in fee of $39 per day. This includes breakfast and lunch. For more info, call 941-9286860 or visit www.camposprey.com.
"The BEST Summer Camp In Riverview, Florida!" As low as $117 per week! Save Your Child's Spot Now!
Attention Parents in Riverview! Are you ready for a FUN, SAFE, and AFFORDABLE Summer Camp that your child is going to LOVE? YES!!! Our Awesome Summer Camp always sells out quickly, so call / text us today at (813)952-8053 to save your child's spot! All sports classes are included and we are open the entire summer from 7am - 6pm! (Ages 5-12 Welcome!)
Everything is Included! - Martial Arts ! -Hip Hop Dance! -Tumbling! -Outdoor Sports! -Educational Activities! -Lego Challenges! -Video Games ! -And Much More!
Call Today! (813)952-8053 | www.ImpactSummerCamps.com
YMCA Offers Fun And Exciting Summer Camps At 16 Tampa Bay Locations
By Libby Hopkins
equestrian, extreme team, gymnastics, leadership, soccer, swimming, visual arts, science and performing arts, to name a few,” Llerena said. “Parents have the option to add on before and after-care activities, which include swimming, horseback riding, sports and high ropes. Activities and specialty options Tampa YMCA is hosting a summer full of great camps for vary by location.” children. The YMCA’s goal for Summer is just a few short months its summer camps is to make all who away, but the YMCA is already gearing attend happy. “We guarantee an excitup for months full of fun camps. ing summer filled with lots of memo“We offer children a day camp currable moments,” Llerena said. “Our riculum full of fun, educationcamp staff al activities,” said Lalita members are Llerena, senior communicakind, trustworthy tions director for the Tampa individuals comMetropolitan YMCA. “Activity mitted to creatspecialists lead campers ing a safe place through various unique for campers to experiences each day, practice social including swimming, sciskills and charence, high ropes, outdoor acter values.” education, nature encoun“Some kids ters, horseback riding, can experience canoeing, visual arts and learning loss more. These fun and unique and gain weight twice as fast than durexperiences give Y campers an opporing the school year,” Llerena said. tunity to explore the outdoors, meet “That’s why the Tampa YMCA offers new friends, discover new interests summer camp, to make sure kids and and create memories that last a lifeteens in the Tampa Bay area are time.” adventurous, active and healthy this In the YMCA summer camp, chilsummer.” Spots are filling up fast at 16 dren are in a welcoming environment locations across Hillsborough and East where they can feel like they belong, Pasco Counties. To ensure your kids build relationships, develop character stay engaged socially, physically and and discover their potential. “In addiacademically throughout the summer, tion to a traditional day camp called ‘Activity Central,’ the YMCA offers spe- register today at www.tampaymca.org/letscamp. cialty camps such as basketball,
Motorized LEGO® and LEGO® Art Projects
Bricks 4 Kidz Summer Camps are back with exciting themes like Minecraft, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Superheroes, Magic, and much more. Join us at one of our camp locations in Brandon, Riverview, or Fishhawk!
Full Week Camps Half Day and Full Day Options Ages 5-12
Camp locations all over Brandon • Riverview • Valrico Lithia • Fishhawk Early Bird Registration and Sibling Discounts To find out more and to register please visit
www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa
or call us at 813-545-4282
WWW.CAMPOSPREY.COM -6860
941-928
t pt Secre Best Ke pa Bay! in Tam
All-Inclusive Kids Overnight Adventure Camp For Ages 7-15 $475 Week - Sunday 4pm - Saturday 10am Day Camp Available: Mon - Fri 8 am to 6 pm $220 - By the day $45 Breakfast and lunch is provided.
CIRCA FISHHAWK 813 654 7000
5815 Kids Crossing Drive
(Located next to Stowers Elementary and Mosaic)
www.KRKCirca.com Lic # CHC432384
VALRICO 813 657 6200
4321 Lynx Paw Trail
(Located across fromLithia Springs Elementary)
www.KRKValrico.com Lic # CHC431024
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2020 Summer Camp