Riverview/Apollo Beach
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Y E A R S
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Students Learn More Than Sports With New Deputies And Kids Program
By Kate Quesada
Detective Michael Bucciarelli started the Deputies and Kids Program at Rodgers Middle and Riverview High schools five years ago. He is looking for donations to keep the program growing for the more than 200 participants.
in Boston, which inspired him to pursue a career in law enforcement, Bucciarelli began the program in Riverview in 2014. “Statistics show that with the use of these programs, students often have a higher school attendance rate, are better behaved and receive better grades,” he said, adding that students who are not interested in the athletic side of the program can still participate by setting up, running the score board or helping out in other ways. Last year, more than 215 students joined the program, which consists of teams participating in regular season, playoff and championship games at the two schools. “Each year is better than the past,” he said. “Even just having something they enjoy that they can participate in after school is life-changing for some kids.” In order to continue, Buccarelli is asking for help from the public and local businesses. “We are looking for donations which will help buying T-shirts, trophies and other items,” he said. “Some of these families do not have money for extras like shoes, shorts and equipment, so donations would be greatly appreciated.” Anyone interested in making a donation can contact Bucciarelli at mbucciar@hcso.tampa.fl.us or Deputy Aaron Cater, the Resource Deputy at Riverview High School. The school is located at 11311 Boyette Rd. in Riverview and can be reached at 671-5011.
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
School Safety Is Rep. Beltran’s Top Priority As He Heads To Tallahassee In March
By Kathi Hayes
Rodgers Middle School Resource Officer discusses school safety issues with Rep. Beltran and School Board Vice Chair Melissa Snively.
As Rep. Michael Beltran (R), Hillsborough, prepares for the legislative session beginning in early March in Tallahassee, he will focus his efforts on school safety, making it his top priority. Umbrellaed under school safety comes single point access, gates and security, bus transportation, safe roadways, safe sidewalks and crosswalks, school resource officers and mental health. Hillsborough’s school board vice chair Melissa Snively invited Rep. Beltran to walk the campuses of Marion S. Rodgers Middle School in Riverview and Joe E. Newsome High School in Lithia. “As we are upon the anniversary of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, school safety is in the forefront of the district’s priorities. Beltran will have his own kids entering the school district in a few years, so education is important to him. Walking the campuses allows him to see and experience it for himself,” said Snively. “We are asking for additional funding to fund resource officers on every school campus. It costs almost $17 million and the district falls short about $7 million after the state funds $10 million.” Rep. Beltran discussed with Rodgers Middle School’s Resource
Officer about his own driving experience. “I was driving and kids were biking in the road and walking on the shoulder and I had to look out for them. I fear parents late for work or late for school and the temptation to drive a little faster-it is dangerous.” He sees the congestion, dangerous walkways and crosswalks in the mornings and afternoons in his own community of FishHawk Ranch. He added, “We spend a lot of money in terms of preventing shooting incidents, which is very important. Traffic is also a safety issue and a lot more kids are exposed to getting to school safely than will ever be
Continued on page 11
In This Issue CAMP BAYOU.....................................PG 3 START FRESH COUNSELING ...............PG 6 NEW SUNRISE MODEL .......................PG 8 EASTER THE BUNNY BOOK ..............PG 10 IMPACT’S GOT TALENT ....................PG 17 Y STITCHERS.....................................PG 22 CHALKLINES .....................................PG 28 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 36
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One of the area’s finest is asking for help in touching the lives of hundreds of Riverview students. Detective Michael Bucciarelli, former Resource Deputy at Rodgers Middle School, started the Deputies and Kids Program five years ago, offering a free after-school sports league at two local schools. He is now looking for help to make the program even more impactful. Through Bucciarelli’s program, more than 200 students at Riverview High and Rodgers Middle schools have the opportunity to participate in a basketball or flag football league, depending on the time of year, with Bucciarelli and other local deputies. “The program has allowed kids and deputies to interact in a non-law enforcement setting,” said Bucciarelli, who now works in the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office District III Latent Investigations office. Inspired by a Cops and Kids program he participated in while growing up
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March 2019 Volume 17, Issue 3 Ph: 657-2418
Serving Our Customers in 4 Locations: Lithia • Big Bend, Riverview • 301, Riverview • Sun City Center A Big Top travelling circus is coming to the corner of Bloomingdale Ave. and Watson Rd. in Riverview for 16 shows March 13-24. Tickets are on sale now. See full article on page 13.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
March 2019
Page 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Gibsonton Elementary School Students Receive Nutritional Food Through Project Smile Program By Tatiana Ortiz
Numerous aimed to help the students at world grow the food Gibsonton it needs with a Elementary focus on assisting School sprung to the disadvantaged their feet as in the communities soon as the bell that it operates in.” rang, which indiThis year, cated it would be Mosaic donated time for them to $30,000, which head home for goes towards the the day. Before direct cost of food. exiting the In addition to that, school grounds, Feeding Tampa Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon volunteers volunteers from (left) Dave Hill and (right) director Eddie Jenkins Bay gives free are helping prepare the weekend backpacks the Kiwanis Club bread each week that will be distributed during its Project Smile and fresh produce of Greater outreach at Gibsonton Elementary School. Brandon stepped twice a month. in during its Project Smile outreach that Project Smile currently serves 200 stuoccurs every Friday during the school dents at Gibsonton Elementary School, year as some students in need received a where 95 percent of its population qualibackpack of food for the weekend, confies for free reduced breakfast and lunch. sisting of bread and nonperishable items Feeding Tampa Bay director of and feeds a family of four. marketing and communications Jayci Project Smile became established Peters said the hope would be that during the 2012-2013 school year through this program fills the nutritional gap its partnership with Mosaic and Feeding and provides a better future for our Tampa Bay. Florida Kiwanis Division 14 community's next generation. Lt. Governor Janet Daigle had read an “In Feeding Tampa Bay’s 10-counarticle in a magazine about a mother and ty area, we know that one out of every daughter who had started a weekend four children is food insecure,” Peters backpack program for elementary chilsaid. dren in California and wanted to create a “Overall, we are thankful for the similar one through the Kiwanis Club of resources in which these partnerships Greater Brandon. provide so that our students do not go Janet’s husband Mike Daigle, who home hungry,” Hillsborough County worked with Mosaic at the time, also School Board Member for District 2, shared his input about his involvement said Dr. Stacy Hahn. with this project. “When I worked at For more information, visit Mosaic back in 2012, its mission always https://brandonkiwanis.com.
Camp Bayou Center Celebrates 20 Years Bring your family to Camp Bayou’s 20th anniversary celebration event being held on Saturday, March 23. The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a publicprivate partnership between Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery, Inc. (B.O.L.D.) and Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management. The Florida Aquarium, Little Manatee River State Park, Hillsborough County Parks - Recreation and Conservation and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful are just some of the organizations that will be there with activities and displays. Volunteers at Camp Bayou will showcase the many options at the Center, which include youth programs, trail amenities and exhibits. A presentation showcasing 20 years will be followed by lunch. You can purchase raffle tickets and, during the lunch, prizes will be announced. Dolly Cummings, Director of Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, said, “We are happiest when folks can see that the outdoors is a wondrous place. Don't hide inside; come out and enjoy the wonders of nature.” Camp Bayou Guided Cart Tours will resume on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. thanks to a generous donation from Sun City Golf Carts, Inc. The carts hold seven passengers (first come, first serve) and will let you experience the trails if you have diffi-
By Michelle Colesanti
culty getting around. On Friday, March 15, there will be a Guided Moonlight Paddle starting at 7:30 p.m. Night paddles are a totally different experience. Listen to the sounds of the night and watch for nocturnal critters like owls and bats. The cost is $25 to rent a threeperson canoe or singleperson kayak. If you bring your own, a $5 donation is still requested. Reservations are required. Call 641-8545. Camp Bayou is looking for volunteers who love the outdoors and want to pass along that passion to others through hands-on activities, walks and canoe tours. Call 641-8545 or email campbayou@gmail.com. Volunteers are mainly to help teach school groups K-6, but other opportunities are available as well. “We are always planning new and different activities of interest to folks that gets them outdoors. If we don't encourage a love of the environment, who will care enough to protect it in the future?” The Center is open Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks. Admission is free. Camp Bayou is located three miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. Visit http://www.campbayou.org, www.facebook.com/CampBayou or call 641-8545.
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Page 4
Volume 17, Issue 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Foundation Guild Brandon Branch Holds Signature Event This April
By Kathy L. Collins
The Brandon Branch of Johns Hopkins All Children's Foundation Guild will hold its signature annual event- A Marvel-Ous Night! This fantastic event will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn located at 4328 Garden Vista Dr. in Riverview. The evening will feature a delicious buffet complete with a carving station, light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero or don their best cocktail attire. You can dance the night away courtesy of music provided by SMAKK, who is providing their services free of charge. No fundraising event would be complete without an outstanding silent auction and games. You can bid on items such as a Massage Envy Spa basket, an Italian wine basket, restaurant gift certificates and much more. You can enjoy playing their signature games, including wine toss and take home a bottle
The children who receive care at the Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care in Brandon are superheroes. You can support this great organization by attending the Johns Hopkins All Children's Foundation Guild Brandon Branch's signature event- A Marvel-Ous Night! on Saturday, April 6.
of wine. The local Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care Center is located at 885 S. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. Darlene Nobles, the copresident of the Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital Foundation Guild Brandon Branch said, "Our signature
event theme of superheroes was determined by our branch members because we believe that the children who need us most are truly superheroes." Each year, the local Outpatient Care Center serves over 22,000 patients. The center treats infants through teens. The center specializes in speech/language therapy as well as physical and occupational therapies. The Brandon Branch of the Johns Hopkins All Children's Foundation is a part of a collective of nine branches. It focuses on advocacy, volunteerism and fundraising for
the children and families of Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. Nobles said, "Our current pledge of $1,350,000 made by the Johns Hopkins All Children's Foundation Guild is in its last year of a threeyear pledge. The pledge included a new state of the art transport for critically ill children and a program for Nursing Excellence." Tickets for this event are just $85 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at AMarvelousNight.Eventbrite.com. Sponsorships are also available at $500, $1,000 and $2,500. For more information on the event and about becoming a member of the Brandon Branch, please visit www.HopkinsAllChildrens.org/Guild.
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March 2019
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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We Buy C ins We also buy Stamp Collections, Proof Sets, Postcards, and Foreign Coins Buy • Sell • Estimates • Appraisals
CORBIN’S Stamp & Coin
209 N. Kings Ave. • Brandon, Florida 33510
813-651-3266 corbincoin@verizon.net Mon-Fri 9am - 4pm Sat 9am - 1pm
Thursday, March 21; 5:45 p.m. Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking your Social Security benefits; perfect for ages 58-67. The HCC campus at the Regent, 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave message after 4:30 p.m.
2019 Bay Area Renaissance Festival-MOSI
Weekends through March 31; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Rain or Shine) Battle Axe Pub, Living Unicorn, Giant Puppet Troupe, Bow Blast, Armored Joust, Aerial Act. Discounted tickets are at Circle K and BayAreaRenFest.com.
Master Gardener Plant Clinic
Riverview Library, 10509 Riverview Dr. Tuesday, April 2; 6:30 p.m. - Veggies in the Landscape Speaker: Harriet Gord-Noghani Incorporate vegetables in small and unique places in your garden. Learn what types grow best in Central Florida. Tuesday, May 7; 6:30 p.m. – Open Forum with Master Gardeners During this interactive workshop, a panel of Master Gardeners will be available to answer your landscape questions. Class participants encouraged to bring samples and questions for group discussion. Call 273-3652 for more information.
Hawthorne Health & Rehab Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
Third Thursday of the month; 2 p.m. 851 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon For more information or to register, call 661-8998 - M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Congregation Beth Shalom
Shabbat Services – Fridays; 7:30 p.m. at 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. All welcome. Call 681-6547.
Growing Roses In Florida
Saturday, March 30; 10 a.m. Kerby’s Nursery and Landscaping, 2311 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner Pick the right roses for your garden and learn all the tools of the trade to help you grow fresh, fragrant bouquets of gorgeous roses.
Calling All Marines, FMF Corpsmen And FMF Chaplains
First Tuesday of the month; 7 p.m. Alafia American Legion Post #148, 7240 US Hwy. 301 in Riverview. The Sgt. Walter P. Ryan Detachment of the Marine Corps League is looking for new members. All Marines welcome. Other military branch members accepted too. Email mclsgtryan@gmail.com or call Ron Essick at 503-0390.
Master Gardener Library Program: Right Plant In The Right Place
Bloomingdale Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico Wednesday, April 3; 6:30-8 p.m. – Wonderful Begonias Learn about the many different varieties of begonias and how to use them in your yard. Discover the history of this wonderful plant and propagating strategies, so you will be able to have many more in your garden and to share. Presentation from Master Gardener Susan Jewell Wednesday, May 1; 6:30-8 p.m. – Edible Flowers Plant an edible flower garden. Learn what types of flowers are edible. Take home some basic recipes that you can use to start cooking with flowers. Presentation from . Bring plant or other gardening item for fun Plant Swap. Email Richard@seedroff.com or call 303-638-3917 for more info.
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Volume 17, Issue 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Start Fresh Counseling Center Offers Superior Services To Community The mission at Start Fresh Counseling Center in Brandon is to create a safe, compassionate and caring environment. The center supports improved mental health for families, couples, children and individuals of all backgrounds through professional counseling, psychotherapy services, life coaching and Christian counseling guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ. “We act as a guide in helping the clients to make empowered decisions about their individual and professional lives,” said Start Fresh Counseling Center CEO and Mental Health Counselor Casandra Merritt. “We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, couples counseling and beyond. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, we offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of our clients individual needs to help attain the personal growth they’re striving to achieve.” Start Fresh Counseling has been a part of the community since 2014. “It started in the summer of 2014 with a passion for families,” Merritt said. “I want families to know ‘the place where new beginnings begin’ was not another trade-
By Libby Hopkins mark but a safe, compassionate and caring environment. I wanted families to experience their new beginning. We have a wonderful staff of licensed thera-
pists and office staff.” Merritt and her staff love being part of the community and helping those in need. “I think it very instrumental; having a counselor locally allows families to feel that their support system is just a call or a drive close by. It brings security,” Merritt said. “Helping people with their new beginning, showing people how to live life in the midst of situations, learning that situations may not change but they can is what we strive for at our center.” Merritt and her staff feel that when clients come to the counseling center, they are one step closer to a new life where the client feels empowered and on a positive path to growth and well being. “As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating,” Merritt said. If you would like to learn more about the various counseling services offered at Start Fresh Counseling Center, visit www.startfreshcounselingcenter.com or contact Merritt at 489-4547. Start Fresh Counseling Center is located at 1463 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.
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March 2019
Page 7
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Feed The Bay Meets The Needs Of Many With One-Day Food Collection Event Since its inception in 2006, Feed the Bay has collected nearly two million pounds of food for pantries of local food banks and community agencies. The multi-church effort provides a practical way for area churches to demonstrate God's love by serving as the Hands and Feet of Jesus. Feed the Bay will be held on Sunday, March 31 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. You can help fill the gap by replenishing pantries as a volunteer or shopper. Feed the Bay partners with Publix Super Markets which offer shoppers a convenient grocery list with the requested food items. After the shopper purchases the food, volunteers are onsite to collect the food and load it onto trailers. For the past nine years, Michelle (Flip) Filipowicz has looked forward to volunteering with Feed the Bay. She serves as a store coordinator at one of the Publix locations where she checks in the volunteers and acts as a liaison between church volunteers and store managers. “We start the day in prayer and with an empty truck, but as one body of Christians, not several area churches,” explained Flip. “At the end of the day, we thank the Lord for the food and the hands that helped to fill the truck.” Last year, Feed the Bay garnered 124,254 pounds of food from 15 Publix locations. The one-day community-wide
By Amanda Boston
effort included 31 church campuses and 12 community agencies, totaling 704 volunteers. Every year, Janine Skipper also volunteers as a store coordinator and truck driver at one of the Publix collection locations. She reminisced about last year’s turnout despite the stormy weather. "This past year we had a tornado touch down out in the Bay at the height of Feed the Bay,” said Skipper. “Even with the impending weather, the volunteers and parishioners came out in droves, and we had a full truck. Even through the storms—the wind and the rain, God’s people showed up and gave from their hearts.“ Volunteers are not only needed to load trucks at the Publix Super Markets but are necessary to drive the trailers as well as unload and sort the food at the local agencies. For those who wish to volunteer, you must be at least 14 years old, but children are welcome to participate alongside a parent. To volunteer or see a list of participating Publix Super Markets, churches and agencies, visit www.feedthebay.org. If you are unable to participate during the event but still want to contribute, gift cards from any supermarket may be dropped off at the Bay Life Church office. For questions, contact Melanie Langston from Bay Life Church at mlangston@baylife.org.
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Put Together a Professional Team to Help You Reach Your Goals
As you work toward achieving your goals in life, you will need to make moves that contain financial, tax and legal elements, so you may want to get some help – from more than one source. Specifically, you might want to put together a team comprised of your financial advisor, your CPA or other tax professional, and your attorney. Together, this team can help you with many types of financial/tax/legal connections. For starters, you may decide, possibly upon the recommendation of your financial advisor, to sell some investments and use the proceeds to buy others that may now be more appropriate for your needs. If you sell some investments you’ve held for a year or less and realize a capital gain on the sale, the gain generally will be considered shortterm and be taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. But if you've held the investments for more than a year before selling, your gain will likely be considered long-term and taxed at the lower, long-term capital gains rate, which can be 0%, 15% or 20%, or a combination of those rates. On the other hand, if you sell an investment and realize a capital loss, you may be able to apply the loss to offset gains realized by selling other, more profitable investments and also potentially offset some of your ordinary income. So, as you can see, the questions potentially raised by investment sales – "Should I sell?" "If so, when?" "If I take some losses, how much will they benefit me at tax time?" – may also be of importance to your tax advisor, who will need to account for sales in your overall tax picture. As such, it’s a good idea for your tax
and financial advisors to communicate about any investment sales you make. Your tax and financial advisors also may want to be in touch on other issues, such as your contributions to a retirement plan. For example, if you are self-employed or own a small business, and you contribute to a SEP-IRA – which is funded with pre-tax dollars, so the more you contribute, the lower your taxable income – your financial advisor can report to your tax advisor (with your permission) how much you’ve contributed at given points in a year, and your tax advisor can then let you know how much more you might need to add to move into a lower tax bracket, or at least avoid being bumped up to a higher one. Your financial advisor will be the one to recommend the investments you use to fund your SEP-IRA. Your financial advisor can also help you choose the investment or insurance vehicles that can fund an estate-planning arrangement, such as an irrevocable living trust. But to establish that trust in the first place, and to make sure it conforms to all applicable laws, you will want to work with an attorney experienced in planning estates. Your tax professional may also need to be brought in. Again, communication between your various advisors is essential. These are but a few of the instances in which your financial, tax and legal professionals should talk to each other. So, do what you can to open these lines of communication – because you’ll be one who ultimately benefits from this teamwork. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Adam M. benAbram, Financial Advisor
10312 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Ste. 105 • Riverview, FL 33569 • 813-626-3052 adam.benabram@edwardjones.com
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Volume 17, Issue 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
New Sunrise Homes’ Lake Toscana Model Opens Just In Time For Parade Of Homes
By Michelle Caceres
Luxury homeMarch 1, just in builder Sunrise time for the 2019 Homes has purParade of chased the Homes. Its physiremaining 91 cal address is homesites in the 5333 Lake Venice 512-acre commuDr. in Wimauma. nity of Lake Two sales Toscana on agents will be Saffold Rd., just serving this comoff U.S. Hwy. 301 munity: Ticha Sunrise Homes’ Monalto furnished model in Wimauma. Fender and Mark home will open in Lake Toscana on March 1. Davis. Nearly all homes will be situated on the communiFender said homebuyers need to ty’s internal waterways and homesites will visit and see all that the community has to range from half to one acre. offer. Sunrise Homes’ owner Ali Hasbini “You could put in your canoe or said the spacious lots, which are rare in kayak and take the Little Manatee River today’s market, will allow residents to all the way out to the bay,” she said. “This play, entertain and enjoy Florida’s incomcommunity allows you to enjoy Florida’s parable weather without feeling hemmed natural beauty.” in. In addition to Lake Toscana, Sunrise “We saw this as a phenomenal Homes also offers its portfolio of residenopportunity to provide our buyers with tial designs at Arbor Breeze in Valrico, affordable luxury homes,” he said. Britt’s Landing in Plant City and Sunrise Homes will offer executive Bridgewater Landing, Canterfield Farm and estate residences priced from the Estates and Hickory Breeze (also sold by mid-$300’s and ranging in size from Chancey), all in Riverview. 2,500 to more than 3,000 sq. ft. of living “It is an exciting time at Sunrise space. However, because Sunrise Homes,” said Hasbini. Homes is a custom builder, any floor plan “We can’t wait to share with our buycan be modified or expanded to a cusers, Lake Toscana…the most beautiful tomer’s specifications. conservation community in Central Community features include expanFlorida,” he said. sive nature areas and walking trails near For information, call 681-8419 or visit the Little Manatee River, a picnic pavilion www.Sunrisehomescorp.com. For more and a large playground. information about Lake Toscana or to The Monalto, a 3,003 sq. ft. decoratschedule an appointment, call Chancey ed model home, will officially open on at 294-3120 or Davis at 941-737-4127.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Local Family Searching for Life-Saving Match, Your Gift Could Save A Life Monique Sexton and her family need our community to come together in the most important of ways, to literally save her life. Our hope is that her story can be shared widely within and beyond the Tampa Bay area so this wife and mother can find the kidney she so desperately needs. Her journey started nearly eight years ago when Monique began searching for relief from unrelenting joint pain and fatigue. Despite many doctors and specialists, who told her “we know it is an autoimmune disorder,” they could never pinpoint a concrete diagnosis. Unfortunately, the treatments mom Monique Sexton is in need of a kidney only slightly alleviated her symp- Local and is hosting drives and fundraisers to try to help toms and masked a much larger find a match. problem. that time in her life. Mike has recogIn November 2017, doctors disnized her spirit, how special she is and covered Monique was in renal failure even as a young adult, just a couple of with her kidneys showing only 40 peryears into their relationship, he never cent functionality. A biopsy revealed once questioned standing beside her the cause of her symptoms: Lupus and fighting through this battle.” Nephritis, an autoimmune disease that Together, they have a 4 year old little attacks your own tissues and organs. girl and a 2 year old little boy. Even Although a diagnosis had been found, when the pain is excruciating, her health continued to rapidly plumMonique gets up for these children so met and a month later, Monique began that, if nothing else, they will have dialysis, a physically and emotionally memories of a mother who loved them taxing process. She will eventually and their father fiercely every moment need a transplant; there is no other of every day. option. Potential donors need to have During this journey, Mike Mikorski Type-O blood and be in good health met and fell in love with Monique. Her with no major health issues such as godmother, Erin Brown, puts it best: diabetes, heart condition, high blood “He was exactly who she needed at pressure or high BMI. Her family
By Amy Schechter
wants the community to know how much of a treasure your gift would be: “Realistically, we know the idea of donating a kidney may not be on your mind. And, we know that not everyone that is a match would be willing to go through a process like this for a stranger. It is a huge gesture and life changing sacrifice. But, it is our hope today; you will share this message on every viable platform and spread the
word. As a family we believe that we, as a community, can work together to find a match for Monique and in turn give her children a long life filled with sweet memories of their mother.” Mike along with Monique’s family and friends are planning on also doing a car wash for donations to help support the cost of treatment and other related bills. Necessary antirejection medications are extremely costly, but are without option a necessity. Monique still works full time along with maintaining a household, and all her paid time off currently gets utilized for dialysis. The car wash will take place on Saturday, March 23 at the Valrico AutoZone beginning at 9am. Autozone is located at 1807 E. State Rd. 60 in Valrico. To reach out to Monique and Mike to see if you are a match or find out how you can help, please call or text 863-999-2337, and they will forward you the information needed to be tested. You can also visit their Facebook page, Miracles for Monique, at https://www.facebook.com/miraclesformonique/. They will communicate information about donations and events like the car wash through this venue. Your prayers along with sharing this information are welcome and appreciated.
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The Bay Area Renaissance Festival Celebrates 41 Years Of Family Entertainment First held in 1979 in Largo, The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is a tradition that has lasted 41 years. From its small beginnings, it has grown into one of Tampa’s favorite annual attractions. When it began, the Festival featured renaissance dancing, archery contests, jugglers, mimes and madrigals. Through the years, attendance grew and so did the Festival. Now more than 80,000 people visit annually. It is open weekends through Sunday, March 31 and will also open on Friday, March 29. Escape from the present and journey into a time when kings and queens rule and mermaids and fairies are a reality. This year’s features include Bow Blast where you can take a shot at your friends in an all new Robin Hood-style bow and arrow game. Run around the course firing at your friends, but do not get shot. Get your picture taken with an oversized jester, king or knight. Mead N Feed is an all new Daily Royal Event for ages 21+ featuring mead tasting from Superior Lakes mead, wine and cider paired with cheeses, breads, fruits and entertainment you do not want to miss. Have you ever wondered what it is like to ride a knight’s horse? Stick around after the Joust and have your turn at being a noble knight of Fittleworth. Become the biggest dill in all the
By Michelle Colesanti
land trying your luck at Pickle Jousting. Do not miss Pirates and Pets on March 2 and 3. Check out Ultimate Air Dogs Dock Diving Championship, Dog Demonstrations, Wiener Dog Races and Dog Costume Contest along with Pet Vendors/Rescues. Barbarian Brew Fest on March 9 and 10 includes a Beard and Archer Competition, Craft Beer Festival and Game of Thrones Costume Contest. Other weekend special events include Shamrocks & Shenanigans on March 16 and 17 and High Seas Adventure March 23 and 24. Do not miss the Free Beer Festival on Friday, March 29. Every ticket gets a free beer. USF students and staff with valid ID, military and first responders get a free ticket with valid ID. Ladies Shopping Day, School Day and the Masque Ball happens that night. The last weekend, March 30 and 31, will include the Florida State Belly Dancing Championships, Steampunk Invasion, Costume Contest and more. Admission at the gate is $21.95 for adults and $13.95 for children 512. Ages 4 and under are free. Discount tickets are available at participating Circle K and at www.BayAreaRenFest.com. Festival is located at 11315 N. 46th St. in Tampa (at MOSI).
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Local Author Launches First Book Easter The Bunny Just In Time
By Taylor Wells
Easter is just She hopes that chilaround the corner, and a dren will be motivated to colorful book about egglearn more about the hunting rabbits is just world, such as Easter the way to enrich the Island, through the story’s holiday for your kids. setting. “It’s an interesting This year, take a gander place, geographically. at Easter The Bunny, a Children can learn more children’s book written about the island and learn by local author Joni about the Rapa Nui culArlan. ture and celebrations and This delightful little things they have there. tale shares the fictional beginnings of Easter’s egg-hunting tradition at Easter Island. Easter, a bunny named after the Joni Arlan shares the wonderful tale of Easter The Bunny and island she was born on, plans to share more of Easter’s hops around cheerfully fun adventures through future with her brothers and sisbooks. ters while playing hide-and-seek until she Hopefully it’ll finds something strange—a chicken egg. spur an interest in Excited by her discovery, Easter decides geography.” Moreover, she wants her to share the joy of finding eggs with her readers to know that life is fun. siblings. But the joy of this story is best Arlan also wrote the book to give betfound through its vibrant pages and cute ter representation of strong women charartwork and story. acters since children’s books seem to The book was inspired by Arlan’s mostly have male protagonists, and she research into the Easter Bunny and does this through the titular Easter. Easter Island as well as by her youngest Arlan plans on making a series of granddaughter, who had passed away at Easter The Bunny books. She has the young age of 3 and a half. Despite already written the second one, Easter this tragedy, the joy her granddaughter and the Magical Bubbles, with illustration expressed and the photo of her Arlan car- still needing to be finished, and ideas are ries—featuring her granddaughter sitting forming for her third book. happily beside a big stuffed rabbit—is Make sure to search for Easter The what sprung forth the idea of this book, Bunny, written by Joni Arlan, at Amazon, and so Arlan is bringing joy to her readers Barnes & Noble, her booth at T Marie’s and showing them Easter Island through Valrico Sunday Market starting on March her story. 3 and other places where books are sold.
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March 2019
Page 11
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Community Outreach Center Bridges The Gap For Learning-Challenged Students
By Libby Baldwin
Dr. Sheron AlexisWashington Elementary. John, an occupational Its most recent therapist living in New fundraiser was a salsa York City, thought she night on February 16, had seen everything which raised money for when it came to the food and school supfailures of the public plies for kids in education system in Hillsborough County. this country. Participants enjoyed Then she moved food, a raffle and free to Florida. dance lessons from Dr. Alexis-John Housel Dance. Similar and her husband, events are planned for Devon, serve as the coming year. president and viceOne of SCOC’s president of the nonmost important goals is Shedev Outreach’s President and profit SheDev Vice-President, Dr. Sheron Alexis- to establish a child Community Outreach John and husband Devon John, development center with Center (SCOC), origi- at the February 16 Salsa Night transportation services fundraiser. nally founded in their and a team of dedicated native New York, therapists and social but now based in workers to help fill Riverview. gaps in the system. The SCOC’s “There are not mission is to proenough services vide resources to available to children children and famiwith autism, cerebral lies and give them palsy and learning the best chance disorders to meet the for success in demand in our counschool and ty, and families who Dance instructor Michael Housel of beyond. qualify to receive the Riverview shows a Salsa Night fundraiser The idea for services are not able attendee some new moves. SCOC came to to access them due them while working with kids who to financial challenges,” said Dr. were falling through the cracks of the Alexis-John. educational system due to unidentiShe worries about the enormous fied disabilities and parpotential lost in children ents who lacked the who do not receive adeknowledge and quate care for their develresources to help them. opmental issues early “When we came to enough. Florida, we found a Goals for 2019 include much more extensive raising enough money to problem,” said Dr. Alexispurchase a therapy bus to John, 52. “We learned, help students get to their for example, that some occupational, physical and children in the Tampa Bay area were speech therapy appointments. dependent on school lunches as their The SCOC team is comprised primary source of nutrition.” mainly of therapists, speech patholoThe Johns opened a child care gists and lawyers, but any adult intercenter with a specific focus on eduested in helping the community can cating parents on attention span, become a member. interaction with others, age-appropri“The greatest benefit of being a ate problem-solving and other skills member is the pleasure of serving as well as connecting them to outside and changing our community while resources that could further their working alongside some terrific peochild’s academic success. ple,” said Dr. Alexis-John. During spring break 2018, SCOC To learn more about SCOC or joined forces with another local organ- become a member, go to ization for its first Florida outreach www.shedev.org, visit the Shedev event: providing meals for nearly 500 Community Outreach Center students at Tampa’s Booker T. Facebook page or call 718-637-1556.
School Safety...Continued From Page 1 By Kathi Hayes
exposed to that a hard gun violence. corner is an Just as we are out of sight spending area where money on students hardening the cannot be school camseen from puses, we the door need to spend window. money on busNewsome ing to ensure students kids are safe, Mia Cafaro as well as, and Sydney reduce conNewsome students Sydney Strickland and Mia Cafaro Strickland gestion. We pose for a picture after they interviewed Rep. Beltran, explained School Board Vice Chair Melissa Snively, Principal some classare spending Bruning and Deputy Alonso for the school newspaper. a lot of efforts rooms have on public transportation and extra safety steps put in school buses are also pubplace for preventive and lic transportation.” protective measures. Newsome’s Principal, Knowing they have monthCarla Bruning, stated, “We ly safety drills at school to are like a college campus of make them feel more safe, over 3,050 students enrolled as well as, knowing the and approximately 760 studistrict is training teachers dents coming and going due and guidance counselors to virtual, dual enrollment at to help students with menHCC and homeschoolers.” tal health brings the stuBruning adds, “Before, the dents comfort. “I would strict security was viewed as definitely talk to one of my an inconvenience to parents teachers that I feel comand students. Now, the disfortable with if I ever felt When visiting a school trict is behind our efforts and the need,” said Cafaro. campus, expect to people can see the big pic- receive access through For more information secured gates. ture of what school adminisabout school safety, tration has to deal with to keep our please visit students safe.” www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/departments/9/sec As Beltran walked through urity/about/. For more information Newsome’s campus, the students about Rep. Beltran, please visit demonstrated the hard corner in the https://public.lobbytools.com/legislaevent of a shooting. Bruning explained tors/737.
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Page 12
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
Local Businesses Celebrated By Riverview Chamber Of Commerce Staff Report
The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) members have been busy welcoming and celebrating local businesses to the area.
GRCC Celebrates Velox Insurance’s Arrival
GRCC members were invited to a ribbon cutting celebration with a brandnew member, Velox Insurance. Included in the celebration were members of the Reis family (owner) as well as friends and staff. Velox Insurance in Riverview has adopted state-of-the-art technology that allows it to quickly compare multiple insurance rates in less than 10 minutes. Insurance products offered include ATV, Auto, Boat, Motorcycle, Recreational Vehicle, Condo, Homeowners, Landlord, Mobile Home, Renters, Commercial Auto and General Liability. Velox Insurance is at 13220 Boyette Rd. in Riverview and is located in the Villages of Boyette. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 425-5115 or visit www.veloxinsurance.com/riverview/.
Velox Insurance ribbon cutting.
Homeward Real Estate ribbon cutting.
Nationwide Vision Celebrates Its First Year
Tractor Supply Company ribbon cutting.
Bill Kagey Enterprises ribbon cutting.
Kiwanis Club First Anniversary ribbon cutting.
Nationwide Vision ribbon cutting.
Tractor Supply Company Opens
GRCC members were excited to be up and at it early on a Saturday morning to welcome the brand new Tractor Supply Company on Big Bend Rd. to the community. The ribbon cutting, held in January, included chamber members, community members as well as some furry friends – baby goats, bunnies, chicks, rabbits, calves and ponies. Tractor Supply Company (TSC) owns and operates over 1,700 stores in 49 states supplying basic maintenance products to home, land, pet and animal owners. This new store in Riverview even includes an indoor Pet Wash Station. For a minimal fee you can bring your favorite fur baby down for an easy bath, including all the supplies you might need. Tractor Supply Company is located at 10749 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. Hours of operation are Sunday, 9 a.m.7 p.m. and Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m.8 p.m. Visit www.tractorsupply.com.
GRCC Celebrates Kiwanis Club Of Riverview 1st Anniversary In Riverview GRCC members were invited to celebrate a ribbon cutting with the Kiwanis Club of Riverview.
York field goal kicker, speaker and author. Bill Kagey Enterprises focuses on Kagey’s experience as a motivational speaker, author and coach, along with his human resources and communications talents. As an experienced speaker, he has presented to audiences both large and small in a variety of different settings and contexts. To reach Bill Kagey Enterprises, please text a message to 600-9446 or visit www.billkageyevents.com.
The Kiwanis Club has over 15 years of Riverview is dedicatof property maned to serving through agement training various service and and experience. fundraising projects Established in and recently celebrat2005, Homeward ed its first year Real Estate is a anniversary in service full-service real to the community. The estate company Kiwanis Club of with five offices Riverview is part of around the bay GTE ribbon cutting Kiwanis International, area with 100+ an organization serving to help children realtors. for over 100 years. Call 245-8104 or email suttondiRegular meetings are held the secana@aol.com. Visit ond and fourth Tuesday of every month www.homewardre.com. at 7 p.m. at The Alley at Southshore, 10221 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. Visit GRCC Celebrates The Opening Of www.riverviewkiwanis.com. Bill Kagey Enterprises
GRCC Celebrates New Member Diana Sutton Of Homeward Real Estate
GRCC members were excited to celebrate new member Diana Sutton of Homeward Real Estate. She is a fullservice realtor specializing in Residential Property Management. She
at Winthrop Common, located behind Boca in beautiful Winthrop (Riverview) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.winthroparts.org
The opening of Bill Kagey Enterprises was celebrated by a ribbon cutting with GRCC members, who came out to support the event, which included a free inaugural event: Developing the Leader Within Leadership Development Workshop. Bill Kagey is a former Liberty University and Dallas Cowboy, New
GRCC members welcomed new member Nationwide Vision at last month’s membership meeting and celebrated its first year in business. Nationwide Vision has 110 locations in Arizona, Florida and Nevada. Its 13 locations in the Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties are all new to Florida, and patients’ eye health have been a priority in Arizona for over 30 years. Nationwide Vision will give you personalized attention as a small, privately owned company, but will also match the convenience and prices of a large chain. The doctors provide services ranging from routine eye exams to treatment of more complex eye issues. Nationwide Vision is located at 3875 US Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview. Call 246-3186 or visit www.nationwidevision.com.
GRCC Celebrates As GTE Financial Opens Newest Community Financial Center
GRCC members were invited to celebrate with GTE Financial at the Riverview Community Financial Center's Grand Opening event. Members and the community enjoyed the DJ and Live Remote with Rumba 106.5, free food and drinks, including fun for the kids. Founded in 1935 during the Great Depression, GTE Financial is one of the largest locally owned and operated financial institutions in the nation with convenient locations and free ATMs throughout Tampa Bay. With over 20 locations within the Tampa Bay area, GTE Financial is thrilled to make Riverview a part of the family. GTE Financial is located at 11480 US Hwy. 301 in Riverview. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit www.gtefinancial.org.
Juried Fine Arts Show • Artists, Artisans and Vendors Food Trucks • Live Entertainment • Children's Activity Area
Chalk Walk Artists Creating Original Art on Saturday
Sponsored by Tampa Bay Businesses for the Culture and Arts
March 2019
Page 13
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Greatest Showman Inspired Venardos Big Top Circus Is Coming To Town
By Marie Gilmore
held every evening WednesdaySunday and matinees on weekends. Find more details at www.facebook.com/VenardosCircus/ An interactive pre-show party begins one hour before each show time with opportunities to meet the cast, snap selfies and play games. Classic circus treats including popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, sno cones, lemonade and more are avail-
Inspired by the success of the Greatest Showman and fueled with a passion to perform, former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos (veh-NARRdoes) has created a traveling circus with vintage-Americana theme and Broadwaystyle circus performers that is setting up under the Big Top in Riverview this month. The Venardos Circus offers a show filled with world-class human performers, huge thrills and endless laughs. Guests can expect to be transported back in time to the center ring of a centuries-old tradition, but one that has been reinvented for the next generation. With an amazing assortment of aerialists, acrobats, juggling, balancing, comedy, daredeviltry, magic, musical production and more, this amazing Circus experience will truly delight adults and kids of all ages. Tickets are available at www.liveyourcircusdream.com and the circus, which travels across the U.S., will be local in Riverview at the corner of Watson Rd. and Bloomingdale Ave. near Winthrop from March 13-24. Performances will be
able to purchase. The main event is a 90minute show with short intermission. The tent will be set up on the grass lot on the Southwest corner of Bloomingdale Ave, and Watson Rd.11349 W Bloomingdale Ave, Riverview. General Admission seating is $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and younger. Preferred seating is available in rows 2 and 3 for $35 per person and Ringmaster VIP is $45 per person. Learn more and reserve tickets at VenardosCircus.com.
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Page 14
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
March 2019
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 15
60 Years Of Community Service And Friendships Are Highlight Of ABWC
Schools Honored By SouthShore Chamber Monthly Program
It has been make them a great start to laugh, you’ve the New Year for done your job. members of the Laugh and Apollo Beach smile and be Woman’s Club happy for that (ABWC). At the moment.” monthly lunchAs chair of eon in February, the ABWC sunfood items were shine commitcollected for tee, Davidson Backpacks on a sends out cards Mission, an outto members The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club recently recogreach ministry and their loved nized woman who have been active 10 or more program at Shore ones who are years in the Club. United Methodist sick, celebrating Church which a birthday or provides a just to say that weekend supply the ladies at the of nutritious food ABWC are to 108 children. thinking about These children them. have breakfast “I’m not and lunch in rich, so I give their schools from the Summerfield heart.” The Elementary, ABWC gives Summerfield her the opporAt its February luncheon, members of the Apollo tunity to spread Crossing Beach Woman’s Club collected food items to help Elementary and supply elementary school students with nutritious her sunshine. meals. Corr Elementary Janet Monday through Friday. The backpacks Pizzichetti has belonged for 35 years. are delivered with food on Friday to the “I just enjoy coming and being with the schools and the empty backpacks are different women; seeing how the club picked up on Monday. has changed. It’s great. It has changed The ABWC has been serving the and grown,” she said. community since 1959 and will soon celeAlso recognized were Carole brate 60 years of serving its community. Newsome and Beverly Fletchall for 25 The primary mission of its 144 members years, Ginny Burrow and Genevieve is providing scholarships for the education Waite for 20 years and Kathy Baryza, and training of students who live in Apollo Beverley Brooks, Stephanie Betz, Beach and surrounding areas with a Marion Loverde and Dottie Drouin for 10 demonstrated financial need and also years. helping local elementary schools with ABWC meets at 12 Noon on the clothing and food needs. second Wednesday of each month, Back in January, some members September through May. If you are interwere recognized for their longevity as ested in membership, the next monthly active members. Sonja Davidson was luncheon will be held on Wednesday, recognized as having belonged to the April 10 at Apollo’s Bistro, located at club for 40 years. 6520 Richies Way in Apollo Beach. “I consider all of the ladies as my Michelle Michaud, Supervisory Librarian sisters, which is important because my for Hillsborough County, will present on sister is gone. I spent my 40 years as the free resources available from the an ABWC member in happiness. I’ve local library. The cost is $18. For reserdone different things as a member. I vations, contact Sharon Vasquez at 641appreciate being an honorary member. 7856 or sharonlvasquez@verizon.net. I’m always trying to help someone. I’m Reservations must be made and paid for always giving something to the ladies by Friday, April 5. at every luncheon, like a thoughtful For information, visit www.apolpoem, fun fact or candy on Valentine’s lobeachwomansclub.com or contact Day. I like to make the ladies smile Claudia Gassett at 352-258-4580 or and laugh. That’s the point. When you claudiagassett@me.com.
Six local of County schools received Commissioners, a special recogniSchool of the tions recently. Month pencil holdCorr Elementary, er to display in Beth Shields their front office Middle, Lennard and a check for High, Ruskin $1,000. Elementary, “The funds Waterset Charter are used at the Academy and principal’s discreEast Bay High School was recently named East Bay High tion to make February’s School of the Month as part of a schools were cho- SouthShore Chamber of Commerce program in improvements its first year. sen as Schools Of throughout the The Month in a new SouthShore campus,” said Elwell. Chamber program recognizing excellence The program is possible thanks to in education. contributions from SouthShore Chamber “The goal of the program is to celemembers, and additional funds will be brate the outstanding schools within the raised through a Death by Chocolate SouthShore community,” said Chamber wine tasting fundraiser to take place on Educational Partnership Committee Friday, April 12 from 7-10 p.m. at the Chairperson Carrie Elwell. “We recognize Summerfield Golf Club. Tickets to the that visionary work of administrators, staff event, which include wine pairings with and student body is paramount in acaspecialty desserts and live entertainment, demic success for students of all grade are $20 in advance and $25 at the door levels. We believe it to be very important and can be purchased online at to congratulate their accomplishments www.deathbychocolate.eventzilla.net. and inspire other educators to do the “We are delighted that the program same.” has been such a success in its first year,” To be considered for the honor, said Elwell. “We absolutely hope to conschools were nominated by a member of tinue honoring schools into the 2019the staff or community. 2020 school year.” “Our committee reviews the nominaFor more information on the Death by tions using a set of standards and selects Chocolate fundraiser, call Amanda the winner based on the scores,” said Marrero at 967-5811. To learn more about Elwell. the SouthShore Chamber and its proWinners receive a School Of The grams, visit www.southshorechamberofMonth certificate from the Educational commerce.org. The Chamber is located Partnership Committee, an accommodaat 906 N. U.S. Why. 41 in Ruskin and can tion from the Hillsborough County Board be reached at 645-1366.
By Michelle Colesanti
By Kate Quesada
Page 16
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
Community Gathers To Raise Funds, Awareness At Moving Day Tampa Bay, A Walk For Parkinson’s The Parkinson’s Foundation (PF) will host its annual Moving Day Tampa Bay, A Walk for Parkinson’s on Saturday, April 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 Noon at the University of South Florida campus in Tampa. It is one of more than 40 grassroots events taking place across the country this year. Funds raised through Moving Day will support cutting-edge Team Tomahawk is hosting Pizza for research and commu- Parkinson’s at Bloomingdale Pizza. Stop in between March 25-28 and the team nity programs to will receive 10% back from your improve the lives of purchase. people with Parkinson’s disease and their families. Tampa Bay is a celebration of One million Americans are living movement featurwith Parkinson’s, with 60,000 people ing a kids’ area, a newly diagnosed each year. Moving caregivers’ relaxDay Tampa Bay is a fun and inspiring ation tent and a fundraising event that unites the community in the fight against Parkinson’s. special Movement Since 2011, Moving Day events across Pavilion with the country have raised more than $17 yoga, dance, Tai Chi, Pilates and million to improve care and advance other activities— research toward a cure. all proven to help “Moving Day is fun, it is great manage exercise and it’s educational,” said Parkinson’s sympMegan Willard, Community toms. Development Manager. “But mostly, Ed Robaczs of Valrico, who has the support of the community enables been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and us to continue to make meaningful improvements in the lives of those with is participating in this year’s walk, said, “It means the world to see my friends Parkinson’s.” More than just a walk, Moving Day and neighbors coming out to bring
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attention to the Parkinson’s community. Living each day with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but better treatments, programs and research make all the difference. This event always gives me hope and reminds me I’m not alone.” Funds raised through Moving Day support the Parkinson’s Foundation national mission by delivering expert care to more than 100,000 people living with Parkinson’s; funding cutting-edge research to advance toward a cure and providing free resources for people
living with Parkinson’s and their families. To register and to donate, visit www.movingdaytampabay.org for more details. If your company would like to
By Monique Levy
sponsor or exhibit contact Megan Willard at 940-7246 or mwillard@parkinson.org Members from the Valrico/FishHawk community are doing their part to help raise money for the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day Tampa Bay, hosting fundraising events during the month of March. On Thursday, March 7, Team Rock Steady Boxing of FishHawk Ranch is hosting a Charity Bingo Night at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co., 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. beginning at 7 p.m. Donation to play Bingo for prizes is $20. There will be a food truck, raffles and of course beer. Contact Kathy at fishhawk@rsbaffliate.com. On Thursday, March 21, Team Move it for Phil is hosting Bingo & Brews at Leaven Brewing, 11238 Boyette Rd., beginning at 6:30 p.m. The donation to play Bingo for prizes is $15. Enjoy live music, food truck, raffles and local brews. For more information, contact Monique at Monique.monaco@addicted2events.com. From Monday to Thursday, March 25-28, Team Tomahawk is hosting Pizza for Parkinson’s at Bloomingdale Pizza, 4334 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico. Mention Team Tomahawk when you dine in or take out lunch or dinner between those days and 10% of your bill will be donated to Moving Day Tampa Bay. For more information, contact skrobaczs@yahoo.com.
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March 2019
Page 17
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Impact’s Got Talent Show & Program Offers Great Opportunities For Teens
By Amanda Boston
Mark your callifestyle choices. endar for Friday, Kagey continApril 12 for the fifth ued, “Last year, our annual Impact’s Summer Staff proGot Talent. gram reached over Impact’s fundraiser, 750 students and based off the 28 site locations in NBC’s television Hillsborough and show America’s Polk County over Got Talent, showthe summer at area cases singers, Boys & Girls Clubs, Pictured is last year’s grand prize winner dancers and musiYMCA's, Parks & Jennifer Manangan, a 9th grader at Wharton high school. cians and more. Recreation Centers The festivities will be held at and other community organizations.” Bloomingdale High School and will kick Impact lives up to its name as Nick off at 6:30 p.m. as students of all Lazaro, a senior at Newsome ages take the stage to vie for the High school explained, “Impact $250 grand prize. Additionally, has helped me personally first and second place trophies because it allowed me to will be awarded in each categobecome more confident in my ry. The event will also hold a ability to speak in public. 50/50 raffle along with its highly-anticipatThrough my time in the program, ed silent auction. I made lasting friendships and will never Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are forget my time being an Impact summer $10 per person and can be purchased staffer.” online at Eventbrite or at the door. All tickImpact receives its funding from the et sales benefit the Impact program. Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Angie Kagey, the founder and execu- local pregnancy centers, individuals, tive director of the nonprofit explained its churches, businesses and fundraising mission, "Impact educates and empowers events. On Thursday, October 3, Impact teens to make healthy choices by avoidwill hold its annual Celebration Dinner at ing high-risk behavior." The Regent in Riverview. The nonprofit tackles tough subjects For more information on Impact, like drugs, alcohol and sex through clubs, visit www.whatisimpact.com or its classrooms, its Summer Staff program, Facebook page @whatisimpact. For furcamps and more. Impact’s Summer Staff ther questions or to become an event is eight-week program, where a group of sponsor, contact Angie Kagey at selected students perform comedic skits akagey@whatisimpact.com or 264-9368. that touch on powerful subjects and Bloomingdale High School is located at encourage abstinence and healthy 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.
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Lithia Residents Find Perfect Home With HGTV House Hunters
By Kate Quesada
A Lithia family was everything my made its national telechildren and I wanted vision debut last and needed and that month after an excitour search was over.” ing move. Franka The team filmed Potter and her four for five days and, children were featured according to Potter, on HGTV’s popular the post production, television show editing, approvals and House Hunters findscript took eight ing their new home in months to complete. FishHawk. “The show was Potter, who was like the icing on the moving to the Tampa cake,” she said. “We area from the British were able to docuVirgin Islands folment this beautiful, FishHawk resident Franka Potter and her lowing a divorce exciting and new family were recently featured on HGTV’s from her husband experience. It was House Hunters. of 15 years, was a joy for the chilapproached by her realtor askdren and their new friends as ing if she would be interested well.” in being on the show. Potter and her family “I said yes, and everything moved into the home July 1, went from there,” she said. 2018 and are so far very When looking for a house in the happy there. Tampa area, Potter told her realtor that “The schools are amazing,” she said. she would like to find a beautiful, safe “The parental involvement is amazing. home with four to five bedrooms, two to There are amazing facilities with low three bathrooms, an open-plan living turnover rates, beautiful scenery and we room, yard and home office in a great even have a beautiful peacock family of school district, as her children range in eight birds living close by.” age from 6 to 14 years old. The family can be found enjoying the “I started out looking at three commu- nature trails and visiting the shops, nities in the Wesley Chapel area; while restaurants and activities in Brandon. they were beautiful, they did not meet the “I enjoy the lakes and the waterways, exact needs for my family,” said Potter. as they remind me of island life in the “My realtor asked if I was willing to travel Caribbean,” said Potter. a little further as she thought Lithia would To learn more about House Hunters provide all I wanted and more as a newly and the schedule of showings, visit single mom. On the first visit, I knew it www.hgtv.com.
THE BRIDGES
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March 2019
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
The Great Florida Outdoors
The Calusa Heritage Trail
By Dr. Robert Norman
For over 1,500 years, left. The trail also features the site near the waters observation platforms atop of Pine Island Sound was the site's tallest shell a Calusa Indian village. mound in addition to This site is an internationbenches and a boardwalk ally significant archaeoand bridge over low-lying logical and historic areas. Calusa site. Perhaps you can On Pine Island, after Learn about the Calusa Indians imagine the many cena little over two hour ride and the environment at Randell turies of Indian village life Research Center and Calusa from this area, you can as you examine the remHeritage Trail on Pine Island. visit the Randell Research nants of the village and Center and travel on the Calusa Heritage the ancient canal that reached across Trail. The 0.9 mile interpretive walkway Pine Island. Early Florida pioneer history will lead you through mounds, canals and is reflected in historic structures. Native other features of the Pineland archaeolog- plants and animals that are characteristic ical site. Along the way, you will get of pinelands, coastal hammocks and wetdetailed information regarding the Calusa lands can be found during your exploIndians who inhabited the Pineland site. ration. Highlights include learning about the The remains of centuries of Calusa Calusa culture and environment and a trail daily life reveal a fascinating, complex with observation platforms atop the site’s world that existed before the arrival of tallest shell mound. Trailside benches and Europeans. Waterlogged deposits prea boardwalk and bridge provide access serve artifacts not found in dry sites and over low-lying areas. include ancient botanical remains found For many centuries, the mighty nowhere else in North America. Calusa accumulated huge shell mounds, Pineland provides a key to underengineered canals and sustained tens of standing larger, global issues; accumulatthousands of people through the fish and ed deposits hold information on sea-level shellfish found in the rich estuaries west fluctuations and climate changes that sciand south of Fort Myers. entists all over the world can study and On the Calusa Heritage Trail, visitors add to the earth's environmental history. can tour an internationally significant site The Randell Research Center (RRC) and learn about Calusa culture and their is a program of the Florida Museum of environment. Museum-quality interpretive Natural History and has conducted signs along the trail provide visitors with research and education programs in detailed information regarding the Calusa Southwest Florida since 1983. It is locatIndians who inhabited the Pineland site, ed at 13810 Waterfront Dr. in Pineland. their culture and environment and the hisCall 239-283-2062 (main office) for more tory of Southwest Florida after the Calusa information.
Page 21
Local Paintball Co. Celebrates Grand Re-Opening Of Seven Acre Property
By Kelly Wise Valdes
When South rental equipment,” Tampa’s Paintball Co. said Abdnour. “We originally opened its have improved our nearly seven-acre standard rental guns property in August to the Planet Eclipse 2014, it quickly gained Emek 100 and have a loyal following of added low impact paintball enthusiasts. party options.” Owner and operator Abdnour is excitAmy Abdnour took ed about the changes great pride in providing and ensures that fama safe and fun paintball South Tampa’s Paintball Co. launched ilies will have a great its grand reopening in January 2019 experience to everyone with time at the park playimproved fields, new equipment including first timers, and more fun. It is located at 3378 S. ing paintball, celebrat50th St. in Tampa. students, children, faming birthdays, enjoying ilies as well as paintball aficionados. teambuilding and relaxing in a familyPaintball is known as one of the friendly and scenic park. world's most exciting outdoor participation “I love seeing people outside running sports. Paintball is played in more than and playing, children finding an activity 104 countries by millions of people who they enjoy and a game in which they can share a common desire for adventure excel as well as families, friends and coand a strong competitive spirit. workers playing and laughing together,” South Tampa’s Paintball Co. is no said Abdnour. exception. Each weekend would find the South Tampa’s Paintball Co. is curfield filled with people getting out to the rently offering a free entry on Sunday for great outdoors for strategic and friendly anyone returning with a Saturday wristgames of paintball. South Tampa band. Paintball Co. also hosted summer camps “You will recognize many of our familthat were popular for kids and parents iar faces as we work hard each and every alike. day to provide our customers with an out“We took a break following our annustanding experience,” said Abdnour. “We al summer camp last year,” said Abdnour. are looking forward to exceeding your “We used that time to refresh our fields expectations in 2019.” and make some exciting improvements.” South Tampa’s Paintball Co. is locatAmong those improvements are ed at 3378 S. 50th St. in Tampa, also streamlined air stations, new nets, a new known as U.S. 41, just south of bunker theme, added fort and woods ele- Causeway Blvd. and the railroad tracks. ments and a significantly improved stanVisit www.southtampapaintballs.com, dard rental package. call 956-2038 or email southtampapaint“And most exciting, we have all new ballinfo@gmail.com.
Page 22
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Keep I.T. Simple With KITS Computers And Web
By Taylor Wells
Oftentimes, people try since 1993 and might find themselves has been proudly getting frustrated due to providing his experivarious issues with ence and services to their computers, the local homes and phones and other businesses of the devices and want easy Tampa Bay area, its to understand solusurrounding areas tions. Keep I.T. Simple and Sarasota County. (KITS) Computer KITS Computers is Services, LLC, strives also part of the KITS Computers provides a great varito help customers ety of I.T. services for residential and Greater Riverview through their tech troucommercial customers and strives to Chamber of keep it simple. bles with little hassle for Commerce, Taking a satisfying service. Care of Business (TCOB) and Established in 2013, originally named SouthShore Business Association. VivJer Computers, KITS Computers Rothstein stressed the importance offers a large variety of I.T. services, such of having backups for devices and as getting started with new systems data, as one never knows what can go (desktops, laptops, tablets, Apple), repair- wrong. “Whether it’s a battery backup ing existing systems, upgrades, home to allow you to properly shut down the wiring, networking assistance, data recov- computer when your power goes off or ery and extraction, virus removal and an external hard drive or flash drive to more. Additionally, KITS Computers offers backup your most important data, I monthly, quarterly or semiannual maintecan’t stress those two items enough.” nance contracts. “We strive to be a business you “From retrieving data from non-workcan count on, both in commitment and ing hard drives, to removing malicious integrity,” said Rothstein. “We are viral attacks on more than one computer proud of our positive track record.” system in a business office, to establishKITS Computers is open Monday ing network connectivity when other peothrough Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ple failed, we have done our very best in Saturdays are available only by scheda number of circumstances to help peouling an appointment beforehand. ple, both residential and commercial,” For more information, visit said Jerry Rothstein, founder of KITS www.kitscomputers.com/, go through Computers. He added that customers do the website’s Support page, call 689not have to bring their electronics, as 5028 or email KITS Computers can come to them info@kitscomputers.com. To schedule instead. an appointment, call the number Rothstein has been in the I.T. indusabove.
Volume 17, Issue 3
Local Y Group Welcomes New Members & Keeps Each Other In Stitches
By Michelle Colesanti
It is early on the Brandon a Monday mornRegional Hospital ing and the Baby Suites.” ladies start to New members trickle into the are always welcome conference room to join. Debbie at the Campo Y. Wieder, who faciliEach of them tates the informal walks in wearing group, said, “We tell a smile, and after you to bring your the welcomes yarn and hook from other group In honor of National Heart Month, members whether you are croof the Happy Stitchers group that meets members, they weekly at the Campo Y recently donated red cheting or knitting. begin stitching hats to Brandon Regional Hospital’s Baby There is always Suites. hats, blankets someone there to and other items, all while enjoying the help you get started. We try to talk to camaraderie of those around them. The everyone.” ladies belong to The Happy Stitchers and Sandy DiBurro has been with the truly enjoy their craft and the company. group for a year. She found herself alone The ladies love to give back to the and was looking for companionship, so community. In July, they donated she decided to join. “This group has Lapghans to the Veteran’s Hospital. become like a family to me. I’ve done a Lapghans are smaller than blankets and lot of sewing and alterations since I was a can be used by those in wheelchairs or kid.” for the elderly to help keep them warm. Currently, there are 18 members who They also donate Lapghans annually to attend. You do need to be a member of the Y’s Livestrong Program. the Y to belong to the group. Members Recently, the group knitted more than currently range in ages from the 30s on 150 hats and donated them to Brandon up. All skill levels are welcome and the Regional Hospital (BRH). The hospital members are glad to help you get started. partners with the American Heart You only need to bring your favorite color Association to provide red knitted hats to yarn and the tools to crochet or knit. all babies born during February. This is A few of the ladies are bilingual and the second year that the Happy Stitchers can help if Spanish is your first language. participated. The Happy Stitchers meet every Jill Lansky, Business Development Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Director in charge of the program at the Campo Family YMCA, 3414 Culbreath hospital said, “Thank you Campo YMCA Rd. in Valrico. For more information, call Happy Stitchers for making and donating Kavita Marbali at 684-1371 ext. 1606 or hand-knit hats for our newborn babies at visit the welcome center.
March 2019
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 23
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
See Inside For More News Section 2 of 3 March 2019
Volume 17, Issue 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach
www.ospreyobserver.com
Local High Schools Make Big Impact By Hosting Relay Events
By Kate Quesada
Two local high schools are inviting community members to join them in fighting cancer at their annual Relay For Life events next month. On Saturday, April 13, students and community members will join teams at East Bay High School to walk, camp overnight and participate in other activities to raise funds for the American Cancer Society (A.C.S.), while the relay at Riverview High School, with similar events, will take place on Friday, April 5. “Relay For Life is crucial to the mission of ACS because the funds raised through our events help to support the programs, services and research efforts that we provide in our communities,” said Alexandra Klomparens, Senior Event Support Manager. “Without the incredible support we receive through Relay For Life, not only financially but in overall support and dedication from our volunteers, we would not have been able to make the impact we have in the fight against cancer.” Twenty-nine teams, with varying numbers of members, are signed up to participate at each event. Team members range from children to 75 year olds. The fundraising goal for the East
Bay event is $70,000 and the goal for the Riverview relay is $90,000. “I think that Relay For Life sees such great participation because, sadly, nearly everyone is impacted by cancer,” said Klomparens. “Whether they are a survivor, caregiver, or know someone who has been diagnosed, cancer touches almost everyone in some capacity.” The events are not traditional relays, although teams are asked to have one participant walking the track at all times, even through the night. When not walking, there are many events for participants to choose from to keep busy and raise important funds.
“With Relay For Life offering so many opportunities and levels of involvement to the community, I think people are drawn to wanting to participate in the event,” said Klomparens. “Whether it is by starting a team, becoming a sponsor, volunteering to help with the planning and organizing, attending as a survivor or care giver, or just coming out to walk some laps and support the day of activities, there is truly a way for everyone in the community to get involved. Each event has a theme which participants use for costumes, fundraising games and items, decorations for their camp sites and themed laps during the event. The East Bay event’s theme is Ready, Set, Relay and will focus on
different games and Riverview’s will feature super heroes as its theme. One highlight of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony that typically starts at 9 p.m. and showcases luminaria bags lit in memory or in honor of loved ones. Each event will also have a variety of food sold by the teams, including Chick-fil-A, walking tacos, baked goods, chili and breakfast foods. The teams also host games, raffle baskets, silent auctions and obstacle courses. All money raised at the event goes to ACS’s mission to save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Riverview’s event will take place at the school’s track, located at 11311 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, from 6 p.m. Friday, April 5 to 7 a.m. Saturday, April 6. East Bay High School, located at 7710 Old Big Bend Rd. in Gibsonton, will start at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 and end at 6 a.m., Sunday April 14. Residents are encouraged to sign up to participate in either event at www.relayforlife.org, but the community is also encouraged to come out to support the fundraisers at the events, even if they are not part of a team. For information, contact Klomparens at 616-551-4038 or visit the school’s Relay For Life websites at www.RelayforLife.or/Riverviewfl and www.RelayforLife.org/southshorefl.
Page 26
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Inspired Tampa Ladies Strive To Make History With 1st Annual Tampa Taco Fest
Staff Report
Yisenia our city, and what better way Abrahantes, Tatiana to do so than by creating Lopez and Florimar something special that Galdon are in love. everyone, from millennials, They are in love with to young parents, to grandTacos, but mainly, parents, to kids of all ages they are in love with can truly enjoy,” said the Tampa communiAbrahantes, a Cubanty, and how it has American entrepreneur with evolved into a great 10 years of advertising and place to live with so marketing experimany things to do— ence. Come out to Al Lopez Park in among them, a These ladies’ Tampa on remarkable gastrono- Saturday, commitment to their March 9 my scene. community and its from 11 a.m.-6 “It’s a pretty awe- p.m. to enjoy the people is undeniable, first Tampa Taco Fest. some place to call but their experience in home. We’re finally seeing Tampa’s event planning and marketing is what potential materialize. There are so many gives them the edge needed. fun things to do here, and this is just the “It’s no secret America loves tacos, beginning,” said Lopez, an experiential and our community is thriving with marketing pro who has traveled the amazing spots to eat a great taco. So country executing activations for various why not bring all of these awesome national brands. The young mom’s gen[mostly family owned] Taco experts to uine enthusiasm for her community is one place so that people may try them evident. This passion and pride for their all, while listening to live music, in an community, and their shared love of awesome outdoor atmosphere. But it’s Tacos, was all the inspiration they needimperative that the event is authentic, ed to create the first ever Tampa Taco which is why the event will be made up Fest—an event that brings together the almost entirely of local small businesscommunity and all its colorful patrons in es,” added Galdon, a mother of two with a family friendly environment. over 20 years of marketing experience The Tampa Taco Fest is happening with some of the most successful Saturday, March 9 at Al Lopez Park from Florida-based brands, like Budweiser, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. There will be ‘muchos’ Disney, and Busch Gardens, where she tacos—from traditional Mexican tacos to currently holds the title of Marketing Asian inspired tacos, live music, and Manager. much more. For more event information, call “Our goal is to make a solid contri382-6124 or please email tampatacofesbution to this cultural boom going on in tival@gmail.com.
Volume 17, Issue 3
Full Steam Ahead As Thomas The Tank Engine Visits The Florida Railroad Museum All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine invites little engineers to go full steam ahead for a day of engaging activities and fun adventures at Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019. Children are invited to spend a day with their friend Thomas when the #1 Engine pulls into Parrish on Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10 and Friday to Sunday, March 15-17. Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 is presented by Mattel. This fun-filled event offers children and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. In addition, they will meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and more. The tour, now in its 24th year, will make 37 stops across the U.S. and Canada and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2019. Take a 25-minute ride on a talking Thomas the Tank Engine and meet and greet with Sir Topham Hatt. A variety of activities will be featured at Thomas & Friends Imagination Station. There will be an all-new ‘Ask an Engineer’ booth where kids can talk to an engineer and learn about trains and working on the rails. A ‘Passport to Adventures’ booklet will be available for children to track their journey at the event and receive a special prize upon completion.
Staff Report
Bring your younger train enthusiasts out to The Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish on March 9 and 10 and again on March 15-17.
There will also be Thomas & Friends themed activities, including toy play, photo ops as well as storytelling, video viewing and live music. Tickets for Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free at 866-468-7630, or by visiting www.dayoutwiththomas.com. Thomas the Tank Engine Tour takes place at the Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E in Parrish. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. with trains departing every hour starting at 9 a.m. It closes at 5 p.m. For information and directions, contact the Florida Railroad Museum at 941776-0906 or visit www.frrm.org For information about the wonderful world of Thomas & Friends, please visit www.thomasandfriends.com, www.fa cebook.com/thomasandfriends and for bonus material and exclusive content www.youtube.com/user/thomasan dfriends.
March 2019
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 27
Damsel In Defense Helps To Empower Women In The Community
Wonders Of Wildlife Festival Aims To Help Birds Of Prey
Activist Margaret Even equipped with the Sanger once said, tools we sell, they would“Courage is like a muscle. n't see an attack coming We strengthen it by use.” till it was almost too late.” Kim French of Brandon is French loves being a a home health care nurse Damsel in Defense repreand she had to find the sentative and empowering courage to face some difwomen. “I like knowing ficult and sometimes danI've made a difference,” gerous situations. “I have French said. “I leave personally been in danger ladies more aware, more in a home,” French said. confident that they can “I also have to enter ques- Kim French is a local Damsel protect themselves and in Defense representative. She their children. During partionable neighborhoods loves empowering women. after dark to see patients. Damsels in Defense’s mission ties, I get a lot of stories So, I know the risks that about close encounters are to equip, empower and educate others to protect nurses and others face in and sometimes worse. themselves. and around the workThis is often a step in the place. Most of those risks are healing process.” present for anyone who arrives French also offers at work before dawn or leaves empowerment sessions to after dusk.” These types of sitlocal women’s groups and uations are what lead French businesses. “I do Empower to become a Damsel in Hours for any business, Defense representative. church, club or individuals,” Damsel in Defense’s misFrench said. “It's a great way sion is to equip, empower and to learn to be safe and even educate others to protect earn credit for products and themselves. The independent it's a great way to earn extra Damsel representatives are arming their income.” communities with the means to protect If you would like to learn more about themselves while experiencing financial Damsel in Defense and the products freedom and offering empowerment and offered, you can visit www.damselindehealing to those affected by assault. “We fense.net. French is a local Damsel in are not self defense instructors,” French Defense representative and if you would said. “We teach personal safety and sell like to learn more about her the tools to accomplish it. For instance, Empowerment Hours, you can contact how many people do you see walking her via email at around with their faces in their phones? mydamselpro.net/WarriorBride or by That is not practicing personal safety. phone at 863-409-4298.
Nancy Murrah has a Wonders of Wildlife constant stream of Festival at E.G. guests filtering through Simmons Park in Ruskin her Brandon homeabout to raise money to begin 25 at any given time, the process of building a and more than 1,100 Tampa facility. last year. “The event will be Some are small anifor the whole family and mals like squirrels and centered around conserraccoons, but mostly vation and education,” they are ospreys, owls, said Murrah. “I want Nancy Murrah and Raptor Center bald eagles and other people to learn more of Tampa Bay board member birds of prey, all rescued Anne Marie Jordan show off some about the wildlife in this rescued birds at Raptor Fest. by Nancy and her team area and appreciate it.” of other volunteers; all in need of care Murrah is hoping for a donation from and rehabilitation. a local corporation of a piece of land, ide“We do our own lab work in-houseally between five to eight acres, to build on my dining room table,” said Murrah, the state-of-the-art facility, which will be 61, who got involved with bird rescue 10 open to the public. The most immediate years ago. “We really need a localized need is for flight cages, large enclosures rescue that volunteers from all over the that allow birds the freedom to move and state can come to for help.” fly while they are recovering. Murrah is president of the Raptor A 60 ft. flight cage costs around Center of Tampa Bay and vice president $60,000, and Murrah estimates the new of both Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue and facility will need 15 of them, along with Xthe Tampa Audubon Society. Each is a ray and lab capabilities. She is hoping to nonprofit, so Murrah never gets paid. raise $10,000 at the festival and welcome Tampa lacks a fully-functioning reha1,500 people. bilitation center of its own. Bird rehabbers, Admission is $12 for adults and chilas Murrah calls them, currently rescue dren under age 18 get in free when birds all over the state and must transport accompanied by an adult. There will be them to various centers in Sarasota, presentations with live animals, faceApopka and even Melbourne. painting, food, live music and educational Murrah said most of her volunteers and shopping booths. average between 25,000-35,000 miles a For more information about the year, transporting sick or injured birds and Wonders of Wildlife Festival and birds of releasing them back into the wild. prey rescue efforts, call Murrah at 205On Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. 1851, go to www.raptorcenteroftampa.org to 6 p.m., Murrah and the Raptor Center or visit the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay’s of Tampa Bay will host the First Annual Facebook page.
By Libby Hopkins
By Libby Baldwin
Page 28
Volume 17, Issue 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Ms. Dana Zorrilla th
rrilla Ms. Zo
de 3rd Gra s r e w o St tary Elemen l Schoo d By
Sponsore
Signature Wade
Teacher Of The Mon
a teacher? Why did you decide to become a calling to be a teacher so felt I , ool sch h As a student in hig struggle in one form or anoththat I could help students who rking in low income schools er. For instance, I started out wo ted to make sure each stuas a special needs teacher. I wan ded to have a successful future. dent got the chances they nee
cher? What is a goal of yours as a tea ke an impact on my students ma can I t tha y pra I r, Each yea , in a way that they feel loved, safe e Th d students. and are empowered to be goo and their motivaool sch of ent oym students' enj can be are of y tion to be the best student the t to be able to wan I . utmost importance to me oming bec m the to say that I contributed tributing con and , tive duc independent, pro members of society. ething that What is a hidden talent or som dents? stu r you would be surprising to guage Lan n Sig an I know basic Americ stumy h wit t tha of e lov and share my den stu t in dents. Also, I was an exchange in ily high school, living with a fam England.
Ms. Zorr illa has b for 24 y een a teacher ears.
why? What is your favorite book and life. h is woven into the fabric of my fait my as le, Bib my g I would brin e been a rassing moments while you hav What is one of your most embar teacher? class. I did it ts in a competition with their PE I was running with my studen change of a e proper clothing, nor did I hav on a whim so I didn't have the t I had wet ugh tho en I run and my students clothes…I sweat quite a bit wh my pants. saying? What is your favorite quote or ore starting need wait a single moment bef ody nob t tha is it How wonderful Fran to improve the world. – Anne
Hillsborough Schools Proposal Creates ‘Spark’ To Attract Teachers To Highest Needs Schools Staff Report
Hillsborough Certified are also Schools knows the offered $4,500 per most important factor year and $1,000 per contributing to student year is available for success is having a teachers through the great classroom ASPIRE program or teacher in front of our as a National Board children. Certified Teacher That’s why mentor. Superintendent Jeff Teachers in Tier Eakins, School Board III schools will Members and receive free child care Hillsborough from the district’s Classroom Teachers before- and afterAssociation President school care HOST Rob Kriete stood program for their chilside-by-side to prodren in K-8th grade. pose ‘Spark’, a landTeachers in Tier I and Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins. mark teacher incenII will receive 50% off tive initiative. The child care. groundbreaking initiative aims to Hillsborough Schools has approxrecruit top talent who are currently imately 200 classroom vacancies; the working in our district, and teachers majority in Achievement Schools. from outside our district, to teach in Superintendent Jeff Eakins and the one of 50 high needs Achievement School Board are making teacher Schools. It was recently approved by recruitment and retention a priority to the School Board. ensure every child has an effective ‘Spark’ is a teacher incentive initeacher leading their class. tiative that will provide substantial The funding for this incentive iniextra pay on top of teachers’ salaries, tiative comes from Title I and SAI along with other benefits. The goal is (Supplemental Academic Instruction) to not only create a spark to encourfunds, which must be used in high age teachers to answer the call in our needs schools. This initiative will put Achievement Schools, but also spark $17 million into the pockets of our the minds of the children they will teachers who work in Achievement influence in the classroom. Schools. This funding does not affect Teachers currently at the money that is used for overall Achievement Schools, and those who teacher salary negotiations, which choose to serve in Achievement comes from other sources. Schools, will be offered incentives Superintendent Jeff Eakins that the district and the teachers believes this will be an incentive for union believe will ultimately pay off many teachers. “We know we need to with greater student achievement out- make a major change that will bring comes. our most experienced teachers to the The incentives for the 2019-2020 children who need them the most. school year will include extra pay up Across the nation, teachers must be to $13,000 per year; $7,500 per year compensated for the incredible work in the highest needs Tier III schools, they do in the classroom. This is the $5,000 per year for Tier II schools first step our district is taking to and $3,600 per year for Tier I ensure teachers across the country schools. see Hillsborough County as the best Teachers who are National Board option for their careers.”
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Hillsborough Schools Announces Two Florida Prepaid Scholarships Worth Combined $9,000
NOMINATIONS NEEDED!
Staff Report Hillsborough Schools announces two new scholarships, worth a combined $9,000, in conjunction with the Florida Prepaid College Program. Visit http://bit.ly/EakinsScholarships for more information about the scholarships. Superintendent Jeff Eakins’ ‘Future of STEM Scholarship’ is a two-year Florida College Plan worth $8,000. It is designed to encourage new teachers in areas with critical shortages. The scholarship will be awarded to a junior or senior student attending Hillsborough Schools who writes a 500-word essay about why they wish to become a teacher in a STEM subject. Superintendent Jeff Eakins’ ‘Preparing Students For Life Scholarship’ is a Florida 529 Savings Plan worth $1,000. It aims to emphasize the importance of registering for school early. A parent or guardian who attends a Kindergarten Countdown event, or begins the registration process to enter kindergarten by April 30 for the 2019-20 academic year, is eligible. An eligible student’s name will be drawn at random. “We are grateful for these scholarships from the Florida Prepaid College Program,” Eakins said. “With one scholarship for a student preparing for college and one scholarship for a student about to begin their time in school, this is the perfect way to rec-
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ognize the entire spectrum of work we do at Hillsborough Schools.” The Florida Prepaid College Program is providing these scholarships as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. “It is so exciting to have this new two-year scholarship for our future STEM teachers in Hillsborough County,” said Larry Plank, the district’s Director of K-12 STEM Education. “This is a valuable reward for one of our best and brightest students, who will inspire the top future students in these subjects.” The kindergarten scholarship is designed to emphasize the importance of getting registered early for school, and to help a student entering their school years to be even more prepared for their future. “We’re delighted to have this opportunity for our incoming students,” said Lisa Black, the Kindergarten Supervisor for Hillsborough Schools. “This also just reinforces how important it is for parents to have their children registered for kindergarten before the April 30 deadline.” With a Florida Prepaid Plan, families can lock in future college costs and spread them out over many years. Families can spend less and their child’s college tuition will be waiting for them. Families can pick whichever Prepaid Plan makes sense for their budget.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
ee r F , e l a Book S rogram & Swim P ore… M ichelle Colesanti, ed by M com Compil spreyobserver. o @ e ll miche
Information Session At Kids Community College
You are cordially invited to attend a parent information session to learn more about Kid’s Community College Preparatory High School, located at 10550 Johanna Ave. in Riverview. The session will take place on Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. There will be an opportunity to tour the campus and answer questions you may have. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP, please contact Cari Caballero at frontofficw@kidscc.org or call 699-5751.
Book Sale At Riverview Library
The Friends of the Riverview Library is holding a Book Sale at the Library on Friday, March 29 from 1-5 p.m. and on Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. You will find books, CDs, audios, children’s, youth, cookbooks, history and more. Baked goodies will also be available. Riverview Library is located at 10509 Riverview Dr.
For more information on programs at the library, inquire at the Library Service Desk, call 2733652 or visit hcplc.org.
25th Annual General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Memorial Sport Clays Classic
Children’s Home Network is hosting its 25th Annual General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Memorial Sporting Clays Classic on Saturday, March 23 at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays in Land O’ Lakes. The day includes breakfast, complimentary ammunition and shirt, a golf cart for four, a full round of clays, and BBQ
lunch including brews. Shooters and spectators will also have the opportunity to participate in the card draw for a chance to win fabulous prizes including outdoor equipment, airline tickets and more. This event has raised over $2 million for Children’s Home Network since 1995. To learn more about the Children’s Home Network and the Sporting Clays Classic or to register for the event, visit www.childrenshomenetwork.org/clays or contact Lauren Ruiz, Event and Community Engagement Manager at 864-1537 or Lruiz@childrenshomenetwork.org.
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Hillsborough County Helps Students Achieve Higher Education Goals With Scholarships College scholarships are available to qualified Hillsborough County residents through the Community Action Board Scholarship Program this year. Hillsborough County Social Services has partnered with the Community Action Board again to offer scholarships for up to $5,000 to eligible students - both new and existing college students - who wish to continue their education by attending an institution of higher learning. Scholarship applications for the 2019-2020 school year will be accepted through Friday, March 29. Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester. Applicants need to meet the following eligibility requirements to be awarded a scholarship: Must be between the ages of 16 and 24, and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent (16-year-olds may apply if they are graduating seniors); reside in Hillsborough County; have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and household income must fall within 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The following criteria will also be used to evaluate applicants: Community service and school involvement; application and letters of recommendation; academic record (Transcript); essay response and
Volume 17, Issue 3
panel interview participation. Application materials can be downloaded at https://hcflgov.formstack.com/forms/community_action_bo ard_scholarship_application. Students may submit completed applications online, via mail, or deliver applications in person to any County Community Resource Center. Mailed applications can be sent to P.O. Box 1110, Department of Social Services 24th Floor, Attention Nekeva Johnson, Tampa, FL 33601. Over the past four years, 231 scholarships have been awarded to deserving high school and college students across Hillsborough County, accounting for more than $1 million to further their education.
Fundraiser To Help South County Spartans Athletic League
A fundraiser will be held for the South County Spartans Athletic League on Saturday, March 16 at 4 p.m. at Cutter’s Cigars, located at 715 W. Lumsden Ave. in Brandon. The Bantner Law Firm is the presenting sponsor and Minuteman Press is the ticket sponsor. Tickets are $20 and entitle each purchaser to one free beer and one free premium cigar. There will also be raffle items and a silent auction presented by Socially Funded. For more information, please contact Adam Bantner at 416-7965 or Adam@TampaCrimeAttorneys.com to purchase tickets.
March 2019
Page 31
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
AR Workshop Brandon Offers A Hands Roving With Christ At Grace Christian School By Taylor Wells On Experience With Its Projects Having completed being at their school,” By Tatiana Ortiz
Workshop Brandon’s line of nontoxic stains and paints. It also provides all of the tools and more for those participating in the classes. Individuals can also choose from a wide variety of projects with prices starting at $37.50. In addition, individuals can also book Private A glimpse inside of the AR Workshop Brandon.
Those looking for new ideas to decorate their home but do not know where to begin may want to visit AR Workshop Brandon as a place to get creative and discover new ideas. AR Workshop Brandon provides unique hands-on classes with an instructor-led workshop where individuals design custom wood plank signs, centerpiece boxes and more. AR Workshop Brandon opened last April 2018. With it being a franchise, Owner Stephanie Paxton from AR Workshop Brandon holds a sign that displays the workshop’s logo. more than 100 locations can be found Parties, Ladies Night Out, summer across the country. The first AR camps and much more. The duration Workshop became established two of private workshops last from two to years ago in Pineville, North three hours and children’s parties Carolina. AR Workshop Brandon include a two-hour workshop timescame into fruition by Stephanie lot. Paxton and her husband Greg With that in mind, this month, AR Paxton. Stephanie, who operates it, Workshop Brandon will be running studied art and design in college. an early bird special, which includes She learned about the franchise taking $20 off of camp registrations when a close friend suggested that until Sunday, March 31 by using the Stephanie should open a shop and code CAMP20. teach people how to create signs. “All in all, this is such a fun, creStephanie said, “We have lived ative environment where everyone here for five years and knew this can create a beautiful and personalcommunity would be a great place to ized piece,” Stephanie said. open AR Workshop.” For more information, visit What makes it unique is that www.arworkshop.com/brandon/. It is customers can come and create a located at 1046 Bloomingdale Ave. in personalized piece by utilizing AR Valrico. Call 775-7109.
2,477 projects since 1976, Roving Volunteers in Christ's Service (RVICS) has been providing much help to numerous Christian organizations in need. RVICS is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, nondenominational Christian ministry for retired married couples of many Christian denominations. Through teams of up to six couples, RVICS offers free services to Christian organizations, such as schools, camps, colleges and universities, churches and more. Last January, Robert and Laurie Norfolk gave their services to Grace Christian School (GCS) from January 7 to January 29. While there, they helped with fences, plumbing problems, painting, pressure washing, new construction, small cement pours and a variety of other projects. “My wife and I are in our eleventh year and have many memories of all the places we have served,” said Robert. “I’m an electrician, but there are [other] projects that I do: carpenter work, or plumbing, or trim trees, or power wash concrete or paint. Whatever is needed.” Robert said that women did a lot of cleaning, painting, organizing, sewing and library sorting. Men at GCS began by installing eight feet high plastic fencing that stretches to 400 feet long. It will be extended by another team in the future. “The students and staff are very friendly and always are thanking us for
Robert said. He explained their plans after their work in GCS. “We will be at the Evangelical Bible Mission in Summerfield, Florida for February, then on to Dothan Community Church in Dothan, Alabama for March. Then it’s time for home in Ohio.” Married couples seeking retirement plans may want to look into RVICS. Through RVICS, you can experience new places, attractions and people; feel spiritual fellowship through Christ; learn new skills as couples work together; have fun through games, bonfires, birthday parties and other things that keep life energized. Couples at RVICS need to be retired or semi-retired; self-supporting; able to travel for three months or longer; have an RV for traveling and extended stays; provide their own hand tools, safety equipment and portable sewing machines; willing to accept direction from RVICS team leaders; and have the skills and talents to help with no charge. RVICS accepts donations, contributions, memorials and honorariums, which are all tax deductible. Donations can be given on its website. For information, visit https://rvics.org. You may also email rvics@rvics.com or call 1-800-727-8914. RVICS' international headquarters is located at 1800 SE 4th St. in Smithville, Texas.
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Page 32
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
St. Stephen Brings Faiths Together With 3rd Annual Interfaith Day
By Julianne Gonzalez
St. Stephen Catholic School Principal, Linda Umoh, hosted the third annual Interfaith Day on Friday, February 8. More than ever, Umoh sees a need to eradicate fear and ignorance among Americans, and she believes that Interfaith Day is a strong step in that direction. St. Stephen’s reached out to area schools of Christian, Islamic and Jewish faiths. The Community Day School of Sarasota (Jewish), The Universal Academy of Florida (Islamic) and The American Youth Academy (Islamic) have collaborated in this venture since the inaugural year and returned this year. A letter was sent home to parents explaining the purpose of Interfaith Day. Umoh’s letter opened with, “Xenophobia is the fear of the unfamiliar. It is that fear that leads to most prejudices that people have toward one another. The only way to fight prejudice and discrimination is through education to dispel untruths and release ourselves from fear.” The Taoist Tai Chi Society from Brandon began the day with a historical overview of Tai Chi and led a sample class of movements for all students. Following Tai Chi, students
Friday Prayer Service and all students departed with a commemorative pen with our Interfaith Day logo. Interfaith Day 2019 was a resounding success. A father who chaperoned his child from the Universal Academy of Florida said, “Thank you for doing this. Our children need this. Our country needs this.” The school administrators and staff thanked Umoh numerous times for providing the opportunity for their students. A few eighth graders from St. Stephen said, “You should do this every year” and “can we do this again next week?” If you are a school administrator or teacher and are interested in Interfaith Day 2020 for A total of 118 eighth grade students from different faiths participated in the third annual Interfaith Day. your 8th-grade class, from each school educated their the religious leaders answered. please reach out to St. Stephen's peers about their respective faiths. At the end of the session, stuCatholic School, located at 10424 Father Dermot Dunne of St. dents recognized that although the Saint Stephen Cir. in Riverview. For Stephen, Rabbi Michael Werbow and religions are distinct from one anothmore information, visit Imam Mamdouh Elsayed from the er, they do share some similarities www.sscsfl.org. Universal Academy of Florida such as the practice of fasting, answered questions from the students. Questions such as, “What does Easter celebrate?”; “Why do people call a Catholic priest, Father?”; “Why do Jewish men wear a Yakama?”; “At what age do Muslim girls wear the hijab?”; “What music is permissible for Muslims to listen to?” were among the many questions that
monotheistic belief, reading scripture, daily prayer and the connection of the faiths through the prophet Abraham. The students finished the day with some athletic games. The boys played soccer while the girls enjoyed volleyball. Our Muslim guests, had time and space dedicated for their
March 2019
Page 33
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Broadway Everyday Star Theater To Present The Original Play A Talent For Murder
By Kathy L. Collins
Students for tickets. in kinderA Talent For garten Murder is an through 12th original play writgrade who ten by Welch are interestwhen she was in ed in the art high school. The of theatre play tells the should check story of the stuout dents of Riverton Broadway High School who Everyday are getting ready Star Theater Students who want to learn all about or improve for the annual (B.E.S.T.). talent show. their theatre skills should look into Broadway Everyday Star Theater (B.E.S.T.). At B.E.S.T. B.E.S.T is a Everyone is every student is a star. They will perform the community excited until original play A Talent For Murder this March. theatre for someone is murchildren. B.E.S.T. provides growth and dered. The audience becomes the knowledge through the art of theatre. detectives as they try to figure out who B.E.S.T. is committed to producing killed last year's winner. You can count shows that will entertain and educate. on interaction between the audience B.E.S.T. was founded by Katie and the cast. The person who solves Welch who said, "We are an all-incluthe mystery will win a prize. sive community theatre. We have Welch explained, "The reason I actors who have performed in other chose to produce this play is because plays as well as actors who are perall of the characters have significant forming in their first or second play." roles. Most plays have one or two main Welch added, "We are especially proud characters and the rest have very few of our actors and actresses with spelines or are in the ensemble. This play cial needs." In B.E.S.T. each actor has has main lines for everyone and most the opportunity to play a significant role will perform in the talent show." while having fun and improving their Welch added, "We want the comtheatre skills. munity to know that Broadway The actors of B.E.S.T. will present Everyday Star Theater is where everyA Talent For Murder on Friday and one is a star." Saturday, March 15 and 16 at Mary For more information and to Help of Christian Catholic Church become an actor with B.E.S.T., please located at 6400 E. Chelsea St. in visit www.bestshows.org, email broadTampa. Tickets are $10 per person and wayeverydaystartheater@gmail.com or $5 for students. You can call 416-9574 call 416-9574.
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Page 34
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
March 2019
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 35
2019 Florida State Fair - Recycled Yard Art Contest
Pedal Power Promoters Help Local Communities Become Bicycle Friendly
Twice a year, the award for his mini chopUF/IFAS Extention per created with old Service of Hillsborough tools, wrenches and County sponsors a sockets. Recycled Yard Art Unfortunately, no Contest, one at the entries were received Hillsborough County Fair from elementary, middle and one at the Florida or high school students. State Fair. The purpose Some interesting of the Recycled Yard Art and creative entries were Contest is to increase received once again this Andy Hamilton won first place for year. Each of us would environmental awarehis ‘Dragon’ created with chains, ness and encourage probably be surprised at car parts and tools. reuse/recycling of matehow creative we can be. rials into yard art. The This is a great time to competition involved two put on your thinking caps and three dimensional for a Recycled Yard Art art created from items project you have been already used for their considering original purpose. During creating…and create it. the 12 days of the 2019 The next Recycled Yard Florida State Fair, attenArt competition will take dees voted for the place in the fall of 2019 People’s Choice award Andy Hamilton won second place at the Hillsborough for his creation ‘Trixie’. on one of the 17 entries County Fair and again at submitted. The votes the Florida State Fair in have been tallied, all 2020. Please plan to par10,801 and the winner ticipate. is: Andy Hamilton for the The winning entries ‘Dragon’ created with were on display at the chains, car parts and UF/IFAS Extension tools. Service until March 7. It Hamilton also won is located at 5339 CR first place as determined 579 in Seffner. You are by total vote count for James Shull received third place welcome to stop by and for his mini chopper created with stroll through the Bette the ‘Dragon.’ old tools, wrenches and sockets. S. Walker Discovery The second place award went to Hamilton for ‘Trixie’ made Garden and see what else is offered. with a dress form, car parts and tools. Thanks for Reducing, Reusing, Recycling James Shull received the third place and Repeating.
Anne Frank once friendliness and safety. By said, “How wonderful it working closely with priis that nobody need vate and public sector wait a single moment stakeholders, the company before starting to seeks to elevate the area improve the world.” to world-class status for Christine Acosta would bicycle commuters. “We agree with Frank about collaborate with critical wanting to improve our local, regional and national world. In 2014, she cycling stakeholders,” started Pedal Power Acosta said. “We Promoters, LLC as a work with transportaChristine Acosta started Pedal Power way to connect local tion management Promoters, LLC in businesses and the organizations, urban 2014 shortly after her bicycle community in planning father passed away. Tampa Bay. “I started experts, Florida Pedal Power Promoters shortly after my Department of Transportation, the League father passed,” Acosta said. “I always of American Bicyclists, metropolitan planrode bikes for transportation and recrening organization committees, tour and ation. I was determined to make a differbike share operators, cycling clubs, and ence in the community and I wanted to event planners.” connect with others in the community Acosta and Pedal Power Promoters who loved cycling.” Pedal Power also help promote the Tampa and St. Promoters LLC was born. Pete Bike Share Program. She and her Pedal Power Promoters connects team would love to get the Brandon comand empowers bicyclists and businesses. munity involved with the Bike Share “We generate improvements in the areas Program as well as get local Brandon of safety, wellness, education, sustainabil- businesses certified as bicycle friendly. ity and profit for private and public enter“These programs are valuable to the prises and their respective publics,” community and they give vital information Acosta said. “We create and implement on if the community needs to add more Bicycle- Friendly Business Certification bicycle lanes that will improve bicycle programs that are recognized by The safety on our roads,” Acosta said. League of American Bicyclists and also If you would like to learn more about provide professional bike valet services Pedal Power Promoters, LLC or if you through Two Wheel Valet to serve and would like to have your business certified grow the pedal population.” to be bicycle-friendly, visit www.pedalpowAcosta and her team at Pedal Power erpromoters.com or call Acosta at 263Promoters are also advocates for bicycle 4785.
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Page 36
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Firehouse Cultural Center To Hold Draw In The Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin will host ‘Draw In’ (formerly called Ruskin’s Annual Big Draw). ‘Draw In’ will be held on Saturday, March 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Firehouse Cultural Center located at 101 1st Ave. N.E. ‘Draw In’ is the Firehouse Cultural Center’s very own version of an international event known as the Big Draw. According to Tuli Carswell, Chair The Firehouse Cultural Center is hosting Draw In on Saturday, March 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. The community is invited to come out of Draw In and a and enjoy an afternoon of free art activities and experiences. member of the on hand for tasty snacks and refreshFirehouse Cultural Center’s Board of ments. Music will be provided by the Directors, “We changed the name of Firehouse Cultural Center’s radio the event to the Draw In because we station, WPHX. wanted to make it more community Carswell added, “I love the centric in keeping with the overall Firehouse Cultural Center and all of mission of the Firehouse Cultural the programming that is offered here. Center.” We just want everyone to come out Draw In will feature a variety of and participate and let their creative art activities and experiences. expressions shine and have fun.” Everything is open to the public and There is no need to pre-register is free to attend. There will be activifor the Draw In. Everyone can just ties for both adults and children. All stop by and try one or all of the fun activities are led by instructors who art activities that day. are professional artists and art eduThe Firehouse sits on land first cators. donated to Hillsborough county by Activities that will be featured at the Ruskin Commongood Society, Draw In include painting with feet which founded Ruskin in 1908. The and large brushes; printmaking with community of Ruskin was formed as fish and ferns; body tracing with an idealist, egalitarian community chalk; and drawing circles. The strongly influenced by the writings instructors will include renowned and philosophy of John Ruskin, the artist and USF Professor Emeritus, English art critic, social thinker, poet Bruce Marsh; Dee Hood from the and artist. Ringling School of Art and Design; The Firehouse Cultural Center is Susan Fredericks from the Tampa a nationally recognized 501(c)(3). Museum of Art; and Tuli Carswell For more information, please visit from the Firehouse Cultural Center. www.firehouseculturalcenter.org. In addition to all of the art activities and experiences, the Firehouse Cultural Center will have a food truck
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Live Music And Comedy Acts Are Offered At The Firehouse Pub In Ruskin The Firehouse Cultural Center’s Firehouse Pub in Ruskin offers a great lineup of entertainment. It is both fun and close to home. Be sure to check out the great acts they have to offer. Georgia Vahue, Executive Director for the Firehouse Cultural Center said, “Guests who attend the Firehouse Pub, attend for the entertainment and for the experience.” Come to the Firehouse Pub and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 16 as Mike Donahue and Third Man Out perform. Donahue plays guitar and provides lead vocals. He has been playing Irish music since 1993. Don Pigeon plays the guitar, mandolin, tin whistle, flute, and some vocals. He has been interested in Irish music since childhood and has performed in local festivals. Darin Graves can play anything with strings and will provide fiddle accompaniment to the group. Graves has played the fiddle for 12 years. On Friday, March 22, come out for an evening of laughs as the Firehouse Pub presents headliner Rahm Hortman featuring Devin Siebold. Hortman offers a unique blend of profanity-free banter filled with observations about everyday life. No one is safe from his observations. Siebold, who is from Orlando, is regularly featured on BoredTeachers.com. He can be seen
Great Entertainment is offered close to home at the Firehouse Cultural Center’s Firehouse Pub in Ruskin.
on Hulu, Fusion, Travel Channel, and Fox, with specials on iTunes and Amazon. Siebold is the recipient of numerous comedic awards. Next, on Saturday, March 30 come listen to the music of Sonny and Perley as they perform material from the Great American Songbook, Golden Age of Popular Song 1920’s 1950’s and the Post Golden Age of Songs from the 1960’s – 1980’s coupled with International Cabaret music and Brazil Bossa Nova. The duo interprets and performs songs in their own inimitable artistic style. On Saturday, April 6 the Gypsy Star Band will perform. Tampa Bay’s Gypsy Star artfully fuses original indie folk rock with rhythms from around the world to create their unique sound. All of the shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Advanced tickets are $18 for members and $23 for non-members. Day of show tickets are $23 for members and $28 for non-members. You can purchase tickets by visiting www.firehouseculturalcenter.org or by calling 645-7651. The Firehouse Cultural Center is located at 101 1st Ave. N.E. in Ruskin.
March 2019
Page 37
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Library Issues A Call For Fandom Art By Kathy L. Collins
The will be provided. SouthShore All potential exhibitors Regional must submit a digital photo Library in of the artwork they want to Ruskin will submit. Entries can be subexhibit mitted to ‘Fandom Art SouthShoreArt@hillsborGallery’ this oughcounty.org. In addition, May and all exhibitors must submit June. All area artists who love sci- If you are an artist and a fan of sci-fi, fantasy and manga/anime, fi, fantasy, the SouthShore Regional Library wants you to submit artwork to manga and be considered for their ‘Fandom anime are Art Gallery’ which will be on disencouraged play at the library this May and June. to enter up to four pieces. The application deadline is Friday, April 5. All accepted artwork will be disbiographical information on their art eduplayed in the John Crawford Art Gallery at cation, exhibits and shows, awards and the library. An Artists' Opening Reception an Artist Statement. will be held on Thursday, May 2 from 6 to You can obtain a copy of the applica7:30 p.m. tion and pertinent rules by visiting the According to Melanie Hanson, who is front desk of the library. the Library Services and Technology The SouthShore Regional Library is Guide II/ Art Coordinator for the committed to providing exhibition space SouthShore Regional Library, "This exhib- for artwork created by area artists. it is designed to celebrate pop culture and Hanson added, "The library has a comthe ways in which it inspires people to mitment to art. Our 2020 vision is to concreate. It is definitely for those to declare tinue to promote culture and leisure. Art is what they are a fan of and what they are an important form of expression. We will obsessed with as it pertains to TV, movies always continue to promote art through and games." the library. Art of all genres should be conThe ‘Fandom Art Gallery’ is open to sidered and accepted by the community all area residents of all ages. Artwork because it offers up a uniquely individual which is accepted will be hung on seven expression that offers up a piece of the ft. by four ft. green panels in a gallery set- culture when it was created." ting. Artwork must include appropriate The SouthShore Regional Library is hardware so that it can be hung. Easels located at 15816 Beth Shields Way in will not be permitted and no wall space Ruskin.
An Ounce of Prevention; ‘Measuring’ The Value Of Ongoing Medical Care
By Dr. Jennifer Challenger DVM, MPH
That old saying that an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure sometimes is overlooked as we get caught up with our busy schedules and active lives. However, there is a lot of truth in that saying and none more important than that involving preventative health care. This is especially true where our pets are involved. Annual vaccines for pets are a very important form of preventative medicine because they prevent disease and suffering for our furry family members. The most commonly recognized vaccine protects against the rabies virus, which can be fatal in both pets and people. Because of this, it is required by law to be given to your pets every year. There are many diseases that your pets can catch just from walking and sniffing as they explore their surroundings. That is why annual vaccine boosters, such as Distemper and Parvovirus for dogs as well as Feline Leukemia and FIP for cats, are so important. Another important vaccine is Bordetella, which protects against a highly contagious respiratory disease that is spread through the air. Lyme disease is yet another disease for which your pets should be vaccinated and is a concern especially when and where ticks are present. Vaccine programs are generally start-
ed between 6 and 8 weeks of age, when puppies and kittens come to the veterinarian for their first check-up. These vaccines must be boostered several times in the next few months and then annually, or in some cases every six months, after that. These annual and semi-annual visits to the veterinarian are also an important part of preventative medicine. During these visits, the veterinarian will examine your pet to ensure that he or she is healthy. The vet may find that your pet has dental problems or conditions of the skin or ears that, if caught and treated early, can save your pet unnecessary suffering-and you great expense. Once a pet is 7 years of age or older, it is a good idea to have yearly blood work completed, which will not only detect problems before they become severe, but will also give you peace of mind that your pet is aging gracefully. Many veterinarians offer this blood work at a reduced price in conjunction with a pet's annual vaccination visit. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about a wellness or geriatric blood profile while you are at the office with your pet. Many feline and canine diseases can now be prevented through vaccination, monthly preventatives and regular health examinations. A vaccination and preventative schedule prepared by your veterinarian can thus greatly contribute to good health and a longer life span for your pets.
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Volume 17, Issue 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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March 2019
Page 39
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
ily-friendly event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Bloomingdale High School, located at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. The grand prize is $250. Admission is $10 , per person and is ti n a s le helle Co ic M available on y b d m Compile preyobserver.co Eventbrite.com. The s o @ e ll e mich evening will also feature a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. All ticket sales benefit the Impact program, which promotes healthy Breakfast For Dinner lifestyles and relationships to teens, parents, teachers and other youth leaders The Holy Innocents’ Chapter of through classroom education and its teen Brotherhood of St. Andrew is hosting a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner. Join in summer staff program. Auditions will be held on Sunday, for a fun evening of fellowship and panMarch 3 from 1-5 p.m. at The Venue, cakes on Tuesday, March 5. Dinner, located at 11268 Boyette Rd. in which includes pancakes (all you care to Riverview. Participation is for those in eat), sausage and a beverage, will be grades K-12 with all served from 5-8 p.m. acts three minutes or The cost is $5 per perunder. Performances son with a max of $15 include but are not limper family. All proceeds ited to: vocalists, will benefit community actors, dancers (solo, service projects of the duets and groups) and Brotherhood of St. musicians. Andrews. The event To sign up for an will be held at Holy audition time, please Innocents’ Episcopal contact Jennifer Crum Church, 604 N. Valrico at 863-661-3236 or Rd. in Valrico. Please crummiej@tampabay.rr.com. Contestants contact the church during normal business hours at 689-3130 for more informa- selected for the event will be asked to pay a registration fee of $15 per person tion. (solos & duets) and $10 per person for groups of three or more to help offset the Calling All Performers For Impact’s cost of trophies and prizes. Got Talent Show To be an event sponsor, contact Mark your calendar for Friday, April Angie Kagey at 264-9368 or 12 for the fifth annual Impact’s Got Talent akagey@whatisimpact.com. For more fundraising event based off the hit television show America’s Got Talent. The fam- information, visit Impact’s Got Talent 2019
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Free Safety Around Water Swim Program Offered By Y
hold its seventh Annual ‘Best Ball’ Golf Tournament and BBQ dinner at River Hills Country Club, on Saturday, April 6. Tee off time for the tournament is set for 1p.m. with dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the winning foursome as well as for Longest Drive and Closest to the Hole Contests. There are also Hole in One Prizes and a Putting Competition. During dinner, there will be a silent auction, prize raffles and a 50/50 drawing. For individual and foursome registration as well as sponsorship opportunities visit our website at www.hiepiscopal.org. All proceeds will benefit the mission and ministries of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church.
The Safety Around Water program is free and open to the entire community, beginners and non-swimmers, ages 3-12 years. During the four-day course, certified instructors teach kids a sequenced set of skills that will reduce the risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water. Classes take place Monday, March 18-Thursday, March 21. Participants must be present on the first day of class and bring their own swimsuit and towel. A YMCA membership is not required; however, due to limited Knights Of Columbus Resurrection space, pre-registration is required at these locally participating Tampa YMCAs: Council 15675 Receives Award Campo Family YMCA, North Brandon The Knights of Columbus Family YMCA, Plant City Family YMCA Resurrection Council 15675 was recently and Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend awarded the Double STAR Award by the Rd. Supreme Council in New Register Haven, Connecticut. This online at award was for active supwww.tampaymport to the community, famica.org/proly, youth, and the grams/swimchurch. Additionally, the ming/water-safecouncil doubled its memty/. The Tampa Y bership quota of six and will also offer the has grown from 34 memfree Safety bers six years ago to over Around Water 85. Members of Knights of Columbus program in May Outgoing Grand Knight Resurrection Council 15675 receive and August of Dave Farrugia said at a Double STAR Award. this year. recent ceremony, “This The YMCA of the Suncoast, Dates and award belongs to each member of the times vary based on YMCA location. council who worked so hard to support our council.” The council meets at Resurrection Golf Scramble And BBQ Hosted By Catholic church the second Monday of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church will each month at 7 p.m. at the white house.
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Page 40
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
, f f O k o o Chili C s Retreat, ’ Women & More… Bunco ichelle Colesanti, ed by M com Compil spreyobserver. o @ e michell
East Hillsborough Democratic Club Meets
The March meeting of the East Hillsborough Democratic Club will be on Tuesday, March 12 at Beef O’Brady’s, located at 4330 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico. Bring family and friends at 6 p.m. for the meet and greet; the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. The scheduled speaker for March is Amien Kacou/ACLU Immigration Lawyer. Visit www.easthillsboroughdems.org.
HAMBINGO Night Benefits Kappa Kappa Chapter
Join the fun on Tuesday, March 19 at Hamburger Mary's Brandon, located at 2016 Town Center Blvd., for a night of HAMBINGO. This is a Kappa Kappa Chapter fundraiser benefiting local children's charities. Call ahead to 643-2110 for reservations.
purchase tickets also include dessert and a drink. Proceeds will support VFW Post 8108's 25th Anniversary Campaign and local charities in Hillsborough County. Contact VFW Post 8108 at 671-9845 or Craig Stinson at cstinson3@tampabay.rr.com or 244-2014.
Speakers include Geneva Maresma, founder of Hearts and Heels Connection Networking Group for women; Angela Dileone, author of Secrets of a She Boss as well as owner of VIP Beauty Mobile Hair & Photo by Paula Lickfeldt Makeup; Tiffany Craig Latimer, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections spoke about Ann Beverlin, Women’s Successful the implementation of Amendment 4 creator of passage at the South Shore Living RISE UP Retreat Dreams Democratic Club February meeting in The third annual Recycled; and Sun City Center. Women’s Successful Living Andrea RISE UP Retreat will take place from Williams CEO of Glow Girl Publication & Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 7 with the Company, Founder of the The Empress option to spend an additional night of Magazine, Founder of the International pampering, offering a variety of events She Boss Movement and host of Glow such as wine tasting, mediation yoga, Girl Diaries Podcast, a platform dedicated breakout sessions and insight from local to queens building their empire. and national inspirational speakers. Tickets are available at https://risereThe event is for women age 25-50 treat.eventbrite.com. More information is who are looking to make changes in life. available at www.womenssuccessfulliving.com. Ticket includes entry to all activities, breakout sessions, lodging food and drinks.
Bunco For Education Hosted By GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Club
Hillsborough County Chili Cook Off
VFW Post 8108 will host a Chili Cook Off on Saturday, March 23 from 12 Noon5 p.m. at 7504 Riverview Dr. in Riverview. Tickets are $10 and provide entry and a taste of every contestant's chili. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event or in advance at VFW Post 8108. Advance
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Please join the GFWC Brandon Junior Woman's Club at its annual ‘Bunco for Education’ on Thursday, March 14, at The Bridges Assisted Living Facility at 11350 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. Refreshments will
Volume 17, Issue 3
begin at 6 p.m. Bunco follows at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased by contacting Maureen Spagnola at 758-9593 or at maureenspagnola@gmail.com. Net proceeds will fund college scholarships, school supplies for local children and other important projects of the Education Committee.
Apollo Beach Woman’s Club Mystery Theatre Luncheon
Tickets are still available for the Apollo Beach Woman's Club (ABWC) 2nd Annual Mystery Luncheon. Join the ABWC on Sunday, March 10 for a Chicago-style speakeasy lunch with the Pelican Players live theater as you solve the mystery of The Chicago Caper. There will also be a silent auction. It will be held at the SouthShore Falls Clubhouse, 5831 Cascade Falls Dr. in Apollo Beach. Tickets cost $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. with start time 1 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, call Kate at 6451676. Proceeds benefit the ABWC College Scholarship Program.
Drag Queen Bingo at Hamburger Mary's With Stano Foundation
Come join The Stano Foundation for Drag Queen Bingo at Hamburger Mary's Bar & Grille at 2016 Town Center Blvd. in Brandon on Wednesday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. All of the sales from the bingo cards go towards helping Stano send out care packages to military service members and Veterans. Ten games of Drag Queen Bingo will be available to play for only $10. Limited space is available. Call Hamburger Mary’s at 643-2110 for resservations.
March 2019
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Local Family Develops New Twist On Tooth Fairy With The Toothless Monster Most children are happy enough to receive a monetary reward from a famous fairy upon the loss of a tooth. However, what if your child was adamant in discovering what the tooth fairy does with all those baby teeth? Ryan and Jennifer Dean found themselves tackling this subject with their Local resident and dad, Ryan Dean and wife three-year-old daughter, Cooper, Jennifer developed a new Tooth Fairy who heard about incentive book and toy called The Toothless the magical entity Monster. that would one day carry off her teeth. An off-the-cuff response soon developed into a really cool story about being different and helping others. Ryan Dean said, “We came up with this by accident. I told Cooper the tooth fairy gives them to creatures that don’t have teeth and need them.” While on vacation in Central America driving through the rainforest, the story took root and developed as Cooper asked more questions, and the Deans realized they had a great idea. The Toothless Monster follows the story of Monte who cannot participate in a yearly party to celebrate the ripening of a special fruit because he does not have any teeth. He meets the tooth fairy who agrees to help him if he is willing to earn what he is missing. In the process, he learns how to pay it forward to the other creatures in the jungle. The Toothless Monster is a beautifully illustrated hardcover book that comes with your choice of Monte, a blue plushie, or his monster friend, Meli, a purple plushie. It also comes with a set of 16
By Amy Schechter
attachable teeth parents should keep hidden away and a tooth loss chart to record the date your child loses each tooth. When your child loses a tooth, you place their real tooth in a secret tooth pouch in your plushie to await the tooth fairy’s arrival that night. Before bed, you read up to a certain point in the book before tucking your little one in. Overnight, ‘the tooth fairy’ will exchange the real
Jennifer Dean Shares The Toothless Monster with her daughter, Cooper.
tooth for a prize and you will secretly add a plastic tooth to Monte or Meli to ‘earn’ a tooth. Children will awake to find not only a gift from the tooth fairy, but the surprise of their monster’s new tooth. Then, you can finish reading the story to find out how excited and thankful their monster is to earn a tooth. It is an amazing way to celebrate the loss of a tooth and learn about how important it is to overcome challenges and help others along the way. To purchase your copy of The Toothless Monster along with your plushie and attachable teeth or learn more, visit https://thetoothlessmonster.com or find it on Amazon. Email info@thetoothlessmonster.com. FREE ESTIMATES
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Volume 17, Issue 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Feast On New Flavors And Enjoy Entertainment At Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
Staff Report
Foreigner
Boyz II Men
Hunter Hayes
Tampa’s premier spring festival returns on Saturday, March 16 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Food & Wine Festival. With more than 35 delicious dishes to pair with over 100 wines, craft brews and cocktails, guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert line-up, including acts for all tastes. The Food & Wine Festival runs weekends from March 16 to April 28 and is included with admission to the park. In addition to returning fan favorites, this year’s menu boasts many daring new flavors inspired by cuisines around the country. Guests can begin their culinary road trip with grilled lamb chops featuring a 15year balsamic drizzle from northern California. Foodies cannot miss mouthwatering Tex-Mex classics like chorizo queso fundido with sweet onions and shishito peppers or grilled elote–the park’s spin on Mexican street corn, featuring cotija cheese and lime crema. Island delights feature flavors of paradise with Hawaiian-inspired delicacies, including a dreamy pineapple upside down cake or Kona-crusted filet mignon with Maui onion butter. Nostalgic guests can
even take a trip down memory lane with a visit to the 60th Anniversary cabin, featuring recipes inspired by
The Band Perry wine tastings. The best way to savor and save on everything the festival has to offer is with a Food & Wine Festival
You can enjoy fun foods with daring new flavors as well as great entertainment at Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival, which will run weekends from March 16 through April 28.
historical Busch Gardens’ treats and snacks from decades gone by. This year’s festival features five unique tastings, including returning favorites and new options. Guests can explore exotic spirits at signature vodka, bourbon, ice wine, tequila and sparkling
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From country and rock to R&B, the Food & Wine Festival line-up reflects musical genres of all tastes. Fans can book the ultimate festival experience with one of two exclusive VIP packages available for each act, including reserved concert seating and a sampler lanyard. Concert headliners include: Saturday, March 16–Daughtry; Sunday, March 17–The Band Perry, Saturday, March 23–3 Doors Down, Sunday, March 24–Blue Rodeo, Kathleen Edwards and Fred Eaglesmith, featuring Tif Ginn; Saturday, March 30–Justin Moore; Sunday, March 31–El Gran Comb;, Saturday, April 06–TBA; Sunday, April 07–Josh Turner; Saturday, April 13, Mighty Mighty Bosstones; Sunday, April 14–Boyz II Men; Friday, April 19– Edwin McCain and Vertical Horizon; Saturday, April 20–Hunter Hayes and Levi Hummo;, Sunday, April 21–Mat Kearney; Saturday, April 27–Walk Off the Earth; and Sunday, April 28– Foreigner. For more information about tickets and complete schedule, visit BuschGardensTampa.com.
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March 2019
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 43
St. Stephen Girl’s Basketball Team Finishes Season With Championship Win
By Nick Nahas
The St. Stephen girl’s basketball team won its first championship in school history, beating Villa Madonna 29-19 in the championship game at Academy of the Holy Names. Seventh-grader Tabitha Vega led the team in scoring with 12 points in the championship. The team finished the season undefeated at 11-0 while playing in the HCYSL The team won the first girl’s basketball championship in (Hillsborough Catholic school history. Youth Sports League). “It meant a lot for us to win because most of us have been here for four years and we started playing basketball in fifth grade with no experience at all, and for us to grow and succeed as a family was a great experience,” said point guard Avery Magann. The girls on the team include Noelle Herrera, Chloe Hilsman, Ashley Lehnert, Avery Magann, Alyssa Sava, Lillian Vanderpol, Tabitha Vega and Hannah Grace Wiles. They are led by head coach George Green. According to Green, all five of the eighth St. Stephen girls celebrate after their victory. graders played together all four years. “Our core group of girls getting well later in our season and helped us to be together for that long, we had continue to grow,” said eighth-grader such good chemistry on and off the and four-year starter Hannah Grace floor, and with Coach Green to guide Wiles. us and show us different plays that Eighth-grader Noelle Herrera, who would work to the best of likely attend Tampa Catholic most will our talents really helped us to do
try out for basketball because most of the girls do not play basketball as their main sport. He said that most of the girls will either attend Riverview or Newsome. Green also credits some of the school’s success in basketball to the new facility (The Family Life Center) with a basketball court and six hoops that draws a lot of interest from stuThe team celebrates with Coach Green after winning the dents. St. Stephen championship. hosts camps in the next year, wants to try out for the bassummer as well. ketball team and try out other sports to “In my 18 years of coaching, this see which one is her favorite. “I want was definitely the most satisfying and to stay friends with the people on the the most happy I’ve been,” said basketball team, because we are like Green, who is also the school’s atha family and we are really close,” she letic director. “They’re just such great said. leaders not only on the court, but in Green says that all of the eighth the classroom as well. They are just a graders are talented enough to play at great group of young ladies and they the high school level, but it is likely are great representatives of St. that only about one or two of them will Stephen.”
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Page 44
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach
March 2019
Volume 17, Issue 3
Ph: 657-2418
In This Section SPORTS CONNECTION ....................PG 50 RIV WRESTLING ..............................PG 51 GLAZER MUSEUM ..........................PG 53 BUDGET BLINDS .............................PG 54 DISNEY ON ICE................................PG 55
TMS Of Central Florida Treats Depression With Noninvasive, Drug Free Treatment
round and empower their clients to do as much or as little as TMS of Central they desire. Florida is Brandon’s The exclusive TMS Tax provider of NeuroStar Happens, Advanced Therapy for Golden Dollar sells quality luggage at discount LLC office prices. non-invasive, drugRibbon cutting for Tax Happens is at 10018 free treatment for Saturday 10:30 Get Your Philly Park Place Ave. in Riverview. Call depression in adult a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 Pretzels In 304-5569 or visit www. TMS of Central Florida will help you patients. TMS is an p.m. Philly Pretzel Factory is located Riverview treat your depression in a noninvataxhappens.com. ‘FDA Approved’ medat 11244 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. If you are from the sive drug free way. ical procedure that Philadelphia area, your mouth waters Golden Dollar delivers highly focused MRI-strength Five Year Anniversary Celebrated at the thought of a soft pretzel. John If you are looking for some cute magnetic pulses to noninvasively By Tax Happens LLC and Michele Maffei recently opened cruise wear, beach dresses, fun and (without surgery) stimulate the brain Greater Riverview Chamber of Tampa Bay’s first Philly Pretzel dressy pants, accessories, purses, and treat major depression. TMS is Commerce members were excited to Factory in Riverview, offering fresh suitcases, house wares, jewelry, performed in a psychiatrist’s office be invited to Tax Happens, LLC to celbaked pretzels with all types of dips for kitchen items and more, then check under their supervision while the ebrate with Theresa Turner and her all tastes. Enjoy fresh hot soft out Golden Dollar, which recently patient remains awake crew. Members, friends and family pretzels, pretzel dogs, cheese opened in Apollo Beach. and alert. Patients do were on hand to see the newly remodsteaks, cinnamon pretzels and You will find quality items at a disnot require anesthesia eled offices and to congratulate them party trays. count price. or sedation and return to at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the The Maffeis, who are origiIt is located at 118 Flamingo Dr. their daily routine immefifth anniversary of the grand opening nally from Philly, have always #A. Hours are 9 a.m.-7p.m. Tuesday diately after each treatof the office at Park Place. dreamed about opening their to Saturday.For more informament. Tax Happens, LLC is a own location and are speartion, call 213-8289. TMS of Central unique boutique-style CPA heading the company’s developFlorida is owned and firm providing hands-on, perment in Tampa. Create Permanent Memories operated by three promisonalized tax and accounting As a business owner, Michele is With Howie Mac Photo nent psychiatrists, Charles DeVine, services. They understand the also a proud supporter of her commuM.D.; Kathleen Carroll, M.D.; and Troy Owner Tina Cardosa Howie importance of businesses and nity with her involvement in Seeds of Noonan, M.D. To schedule an appoint- Hope. offers Howie Mac Photo’s phiindividuals working closely ment, call Sandy Lopez, TMS losophy, “See all things with your with their CPA year round. They are Hours are Monday and Tuesday Coordinator, at 423-7037. personally available to all clients year10:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday to Continued on Next Page
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Page 46
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Business Column Continued............. heart, not just your eyes.” Photography for family, newborns, headshots, branding, weddings and engagements are offered. Howie MacPhoto is not just about a picture, it is your story, a memory, a moment. This can be through photos with custom-made backdrops, through a camera class to teach you how to document those moments in-between or by helping you turn a photo on your phone into a creative piece of artwork. Camera classes will soon be offered for adults and kids as well as photo art workshops. Howie Mac Photo offers a membership program to help you document that story over time. Located at 11292 Sullivan St. in Riverview, the hours are MondaySaturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays by appointment. For more information, call 315-8332 or visit www.howiemacphoto.com or howiemacphoto on Facebook and Instagram.
Walk-In Veterinary Care
If you need veterinary services, you can bring your pet to the Walk-In Veterinary Care at your convenience as it does not require an appointment. It is a full service hospital and also offers affordable pet care.
By Michelle Colesanti
Walk-In Veterinary Care is located at 5080 N. US Hwy. 41 in Apollo Beach. The hours are Monday and Friday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday is for surgery appointments. Call 213-8515 or visit https://walkinvetapollobeach.com/ for more information.
Laughter Yoga: Laugh For The Health Of It
The workshop, held at The Bridges, 11350 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview, is free to attend. Space is limited. Call Janet at 4138900 to reserve your seat.
Lake St. Charles CDD Project Award
E&L Construction Group Photo by Aerial Innovations is proud to Aerial view of the new South Hillsborough VA Primary Care Clinic announce it has Simply Advocating will help. been awarded its first contract in With over 20 years of caring Riverview - the renovation of the Lake experience in the healthcare industry, St. Charles CDD Clubhouse. it will help you and your loved one Demolition began in early February make the difficult decisions easier. and the project is anticipated to be Services include Facility complete on May 15. Advisors, Patient Advocate Services and Mobile Notary Services. New VA Outpatient Clinic Please call Jessica McNeave at Completes 373-3261 or Melanie Camp at 205Construction 2799 for a free consultation. Birmingham-
Learn how therapeutic laughter benefits our physical and mental wellbeing by attending ‘Laughter Yoga: Laugh for the Health of It!’ on Thursday, March 28 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dr. Tanya Gold, MD, family physician and integrative medical doctor who is also certified as a laughter yoga leader and registered yoga based Doster instructor, will Construction explain the many Company recently health benefits of completed conlaughter yoga such struction on the as reducing stress, South Hillsborough strengthening the VA Primary Care immune system, Clinic in Riverview. and lessening The new clinic will pain. This interacserve approxitive workshop will mately 10,000 show you how to Veterans who laugh even if you would otherwise don’t feel like it. Dr. Tanya Gold, MD have to drive an Choosing to laugh hour or more to is a tool to add to your medical toolthe main hospital or Primary Care box. Annex in Tampa and will serve the communities of Riverview, Ruskin, Sun City, Apollo Beach and other areas of south Hillsborough County. The new clinic is a 65,000 sq.-ft. facility and, in addition to primary care, includes women’s primary care, homebased primary care, mental health, audiology, radiology (including MRI, CT, ultrasound and x-rays), specialty care, physical therapy, pharmacy and a lab. Doster worked closely with the project’s developer, Hokanson Companies, and NIKA Architects throughout construction and through a collaborative and innovative approach was able to deliver the project nearly four weeks ahead of schedule. The project features many sustainable components and is pursuing a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. “We were excited to be a part of this team and deliver a state-of-the-art healthcare facility for Veterans in the South Hillsborough county area,” said Mitchell Jones, Senior Project Manager for Doster Construction Company. It is expected to open to patients in mid-2019.
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Volume 17, Issue 3
Simply Advocating Helps With Tough Decisions For Your Loved Ones
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Sunrise Homes Continues Strong Growth With Land Purchase At Hickory Breeze
After the recent purchase of 91 home sites in the community of Lake Toscana in Wimauma, luxury home builder Sunrise Homes has acquired 24 additional home sites in Hickory Breeze at Boyette and Rhodine Rds. In this private enclave, Sunrise will build executive and estate residences providing 2,501 to 4,217 sq.ft. of living space and priced from the high-$300s. Sunrise’s recently completed 4,200-sq.-ft. Summit Breeze model home is a two-story great-room design with 11-ft.-high ceilings throughout the first floor. Just inside the front door is a private study and a separate mud room and a 21 by 28 ft. great room that is open to the 11by-14-ft. island kitchen with deep walk-in pantry. Just off the great room the master suite takes up an entire wing of the home. It boasts a 15-by-17-ft. bedroom with 10-ft.-high tray ceiling, two walk-in master closets, a garden tub and over-sized walk-in shower. Upstairs are four bedrooms, two baths, the laundry and a 16-by-21-ft. lounge. The model center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and 12 Noon-5 p.m. on Sunday and Wednesday. For more details, call 651-3001 or visit Sunrisehomescorp.com.
Connie’s Home Décor & Design Celebrates One Year Anniversary
Connie’s Home Décor & Design recently celebrated its one year anniversary. Owner Connie Kennedy and staff works together with homeowners offering solutions for change. “We are ReDesign Specialists; we help you rearrange, reupholster, repaint, reorganize and redo - floors to ceilings, cabinets to closets. We breathe new life into any room Connie’s Home Décor & Design is located at 3818 Sun City Center Blvd. in Sun City Center. Call 3287705.
March 2019
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 47
New Benzer Pharmacy Offers Free Home Delivery And Personalized Service
Shapes Fitness For Women In Brandon Springs Into Renovations
You won’t find aisles of manufacturer directly, meats, breads or milk at who offered the medicaBenzer Pharmacy, the tion in a different strength. newest pharmacy in She worked with the FishHawk Ranch. You patient’s physician to get won’t find any cosmetics, a new prescription written candy or greeting cards in the available pills either. matched up with the what What you will find at she was prescribed. The this franchised pharmacy is patient was thrilled that a free home delivery for pharmacist was willing to patients with transportation go above and beyond challenges, a pharmacist her expectations. who is eager to get to know “Helping patients is customers on a first-name the reason why I chose a Pharmacist Sabrina Jaglal is career in pharmacy,” said basis and blister packs ready to offer the specialized Jaglal. “I want to provide (individual pill packs for service she could not provide customers with multiple that level of service to at chain pharmacies. prescriptions in order to reduce the risk every patient.” that they will mix up drugs or skip doses). With this level of service patients Personalized care is what people would expect longer wait times. Not so, value in a pharmacy- and where Benzer said Patel. Prescriptions will be filled in as Pharmacy, located adjacent to Mosaic at little as ten minutes. 5603 Skytop Dr., seems to excel. Benzer Pharmacy is open Monday to “People want to be treated like indiFriday 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday 9 viduals,” said franchise owner Maulik a.m.–1 p.m. It accepts all major insurance Patel. plans, including Medicare Part D, CVS Pharmacist Sabrina Jaglal said that’s Caremark, Express Script, MEDCO and why she joined the staff at Benzer more. Pharmacy. “I have worked at chain pharFor the first six months in business, macies in the past and was discouraged Benzer Pharmacy is offering reduced from having any kind of relationship with pricing on some generic drug options. patients, it was all about the volume of “Big-box pharmacies charge $4 for these medication I could dispense,” she said. drugs but we’ll have that same drug avail“The philosophy here is they want me to able for $2.99 or a three-month supply for build relationships with every patient that $8.99,” said Patel. comes in here.” For more information about Benzer One recent patient came in looking Pharmacy or to transfer a prescription, for a medication that was on backorder. call 548-2493 or visit Jaglal went the extra step, contacting the www.benzerPharmacy.com/lithia-fl.
As spring healthy fitness journey. approaches, many “All our trainers of us are preparing are available for your for spring cleanings meetings, socials and and fresh starts. networking needs this Ann Gilbert, owner spring,” said Gilbert. of Shapes Fitness Shapes will partfor Women, is ner with a nutritionhappy to announce al business that that her Brandon will be offering Shapes Fitness For Women, located at 731 W. Lumsden location is gearing healthy suppleRd. in Brandon, is gearing up up for a springtime mentation, snacks for a $500,000 renovation renovation of its and mini meals. In that will include new equipment and other amenities to make this loca- addition, the nearly own. As part of a tion a state-of-the-art facility. continually growing $500,000 renovanational franchise from coast to coast, the tion will include new equipment, flooring, Brandon Shapes Fitness location will be locker room and a massage room, aqua expanding to offer clients a new small massage and deep stretch therapy. group training area, a Precor active and fit “Our spa amenities will be refreshed training area for physique and strength as and specialized aquatic programming will well as a new weight loss center complete be introduced, including board training, with software supported meal planning triathlon training as well as weight manand consulting. agement and aquatic arthritis specialty “Members will have the option to parclasses,” said Gilbert. “The fitness comticipate in month-to-month programming munity will be welcome; swim lessons for suited to their exact need and goal,” said all ages, water safety and survival coursGilbert. “There will never be a need to es.” sign a yearlong contract. Group fitness The Brandon location as well as programming will include the hottest Gilbert’s second Shapes location in trends in the industry with equipment to Riverview is proud to be part of a growing support the trendy options.” women’s-only boutique style fitness franThe 14,000 sq. ft. facility will stay chise. open during the remodel that is slated to “We will continue to be affordable, begin in the end of March and is estimatdependable and always current,” said ed to take between five – 10 weeks. Gilbert. Shapes is located at 731 W. During this time, Gilbert also plans to con- Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. Gilbert’s sectinue her community-wide effort to eduond fitness facility is located at 11357 Big cate women about why being comfortable Bend Rd. in Riverview. in the workout environment decreases Visit www.Brandon.shapesfitnessforobstacles to starting or continuing a women.com for details.
By Michelle Caceres
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Page 48
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
March 2019
Page 49
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Meet The Reiths, The Realtor Team Tampa Theatre Announces New Speakers Series, LIMELIGHT That Works By Kathy L. Collins By Amy Schechter
With its beautiful financing options, weather, scenic major price drops and nature preserves, promotions on specific and access to endhomes.” Why go from less attractions, it is builder to builder on no wonder the your own when Team Greater Riverview Reith can take you on community is growa tour of the builder ing and thriving. With communities that that comes the need specifically match your for real estate agents needs and wants in a who are familiar with new construction the location and are home, all at no cost to Bryan and Marijean Reith ready to meet the you? In addition to needs of clients. Look no further than their new construction specialty, they are Bryan and Marijean Reith, “Team Reith also poised to help resale home buyers with RE/MAX” who have been partners in navigate their search in an ever-changing both life and business for over twenty five environment with hard work and dedicayears. Their extensive knowledge from tion to finding the home that fits their speyears of expertise as well as their active cific needs and budget. role within the community makes Team Bryan and Marijean remain heavily Reith the best choice for buying and sellinvested in the community. They served ing your home. as the 2017 Honorary Deputy Mayors Why wouldn’t you want two knowland currently serve as Ambassadors for edgeable realtors for the price of one? the Greater Riverview Chamber of From living in the Riverview and Commerce with Marijean also serving on SouthShore area, they have amassed an the Board of Directors. ‘Coach Bryan’ has impressive knowledge of the market, and been coaching Riverview children in a are ready to help you buy or sell your variety of sports through N-Zone Sports home. They specialize in new construcfor several years. Their passion is evident tion and are passionate about educating in their service for the Greater Riverview and guiding new build clients through the community, and with their help, you will buying process: “New constructions buyfind your home here too. ers should always have an agent repreFor more information or to schedule senting their interests with the builder. Not a free consultation, Team Reith can be doing so can be a costly mistake. Team reached at 426-2757 or by contacting Reith keeps up on current information teamreith@teamreithrealty.com. Their from builders and communities in the office is located at RE/MAX Realty South Shore area including information Unlimited 12965 US Hwy. 301 S. in such as closing cost incentives, special Riverview.
The Tampa Theatre is pleased to announce the launch of its new Speakers Series called LIMELIGHT. In this series, the Tampa Theatre will welcome some of the nation’s most inspiring thought leaders to its historic stage. The Limelight Speakers Series is made possible thanks to support from the Vinik Family Foundation. Jill Witecki with the Tampa Theatre said, “This exclusive new series is unlike anything Tampa Theatre has ever produced, bringing speakers from a wide range of cultural pursuits and a broad palette of experiences to Tampa Bay to share their stories with our community.” The 2019 LIMELIGHT Speakers Series will kick off with Lou Holtz on Tuesday, March 12. Lou Holtz is a legendary football coach and was an ESPN Analyst from 2004 to 2015. Next, Michio Kaku will make an appearance on Thursday, April 4. Kaku is a Theoretical Physicist, Professor, Futurist and a New York Times Best-Selling Author. On Tuesday, April 23, Jenna Hager, a best-selling author, Contributing Correspondent for NBC's Today Show, Chair of UNICEF's Next Generation,
Holtz
Kaku
Hiaasen
Platon Legendary football coach, Lou Holtz, will kick off the Tampa Theatre’s new LIMELIGHT Speaker Series on Tuesday, March 12. Other speakers include Michio Kaku, Jenna Hager, Carl Hiaasen, and Platon.
and an Editor-at-Large of Southern Living Magazine will be in Tampa. Best-selling novelist, Newbery Honor winner, and Miami Herald columnist, Carl Hiaasen will speak on Tuesday, May 14. Finally, Platon, world-renowned, award-winning photographer, and founder of The People's Portfolio will appear on Thursday, June 6. Tickets for the LIMELIGHT Speakers Series are available as a five-event ticket bundle and are on sale now. The tickets range in price from $375, $325 and $275. A select number of Platinum packages are also available for $625. These tickets include premium seating and a cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar from 5 to 6 p.m. each event night. The above tickets can be purchased at the Tampa Theatre Box Office located at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. You can also purchase tickets online at www.tampatheatre.org, but please note, there is a service fee attached with online ticket purchases. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the speakers begin at 7:30 p.m. The Tampa Theatre was built in 1926 and is one of the country’s best-preserved movie palaces. For more information on the LIMELIGHT Speaker Series and to learn more about the Tampa Theatre, please visit www.tampatheatre.org.
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Page 50
Volume 17, Issue 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Sports
Connection
657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com
By Nick Nahas and Photos courtesy of Marky Oliver
Riverview High School Student Places Second In Powerlifting Special Olympics Event
Greer won second place in a Special Olympics powerlifting event in Marietta, Georgia.
Riverview High School student Ben Greer recently placed second in a powerlifting Special Olympics event in Marietta, Georgia. “I like working out to inspire people to get healthy,” said Greer. Greer, who has Down Syndrome, has been powerlifting for about a year. He works out three times a week with Specially Fit founder and former USF football player Marky Oliver. Greer is one of the captains for the Specially Fit program. “Ben is a miracle child,” said Oliver. “I’ve never seen anyone in my life like Ben, and I’ve worked with well over 200 individuals. He’s a specimen, there’s nothing like him.” Oliver said that Greer can dead lift 250 pounds, back squats over 200 pounds and bench
presses almost 200 Greer was recently interviewed by Fox 13 News. Greer can dead lift almost 250 pounds. pounds, was in the hospital for the first 45 preacher, and he has a big social and he keeps getting stronger. days of his life. Doctors didn’t know if media presence on Facebook and According to Oliver, Greer is also he would live, and they had to do Youtube as well. “We are going to a second-place state champion in open-heart surgery on him when he push him as hard as he can go,” said powerlifting. Currently he is training was just 31 days old. “The fact that Stahl. “We don’t use the word can’t, for track season, and he works out he was born against all those odds, I we always us the word try.” and goes to the gym on his own every believe that there was a huge superGreer’s goal is to compete fullsingle day. natural force that wanted him to be on time and eventually be a national “Ben is not just physically gifted, this earth at this time, in this generapowerlifting champion, and to be the he has a great personality and spirit tion for something really fantastic,” strongest version of himself that he as well,” said Oliver. “Ben is probably said Stahl. “I am grateful every single can be. Right now Oliver and Greer one of the most positive people I’ve day that I have gotten to be his mom.” are looking for sponsors for Greer to ever met in my entire life.” Greer enjoys playing other sports represent at competitions to be able Greer has faced a lot of chalas well, such as bowling, swimming to compete more. If you would like to lenges in his life. According to his and track. Greer’s passions include be a sponsor or donate, give Marky mother, Mary Stahl, he was born premusic, singing, dancing and reading Oliver a call at (727) 831-2829. mature and with a heart defect. He his bible. He wants to become a
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Sports Connection Story by Nick Nahas and Photos courtesy of Riverview High School
Riverview Wrestling Team Wins First Regional Title The Riverview High School wrestling team won its first regional championship in school history last month. According to head coach Ryan Hall, Riverview was the first team in Hillsborough County to win in the new dual regional format. The Sharks lost to eventual state champions South Bay in the state semifinal in Hall’s first season as head coach. “We all enjoyed going out to Osceola to compete for the state title and winning the first regional title for wrestling at our school, it felt awesome,” said senior Lane Keck. “I look forward to competing for my own regional title, but we have a great shot at another regional title this year.” Riverview recently hosted the individ-
By Nick Nahas
and Dante Hernandez (25-22). According to Hall, the team has a big offseason in store with tournaments and JV players stepping into the varsity role, wrestling on the weekends to get as much experience as possible. They will have to replace eight seniors that were in their varsity lineup. They have a club team that they run at the school through Hillsborough County as well. “It is all on those kids and my coaching staff. I don’t feel like I’ve had to do a whole lot,” said Hall. “I think those kids did what needed to be done. I can’t go on the mat and wrestle for them. They put themselves in a position to win.” The Riverview wrestling team made it to the state semifinals.
The Sharks will have 13 wrestlers competing in the individual regionals.
ual district competition. Ten wrestlers made it to the finals and 13 of their 14 will compete in the regional championships next week, more than any other team. “Our seniors have done an incredible job keeping the team together this year,” said Hall. “It’s been a long season and it’s been a grind for a few of our guys; and for them to have stuck it out all the way through is awesome.” Players on this year’s
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team include: Lane Keck (48-6), Josh Guerra (388), Tyler Forrest (32-6), Nikolas Hernandez (4610), Chris Felix (44-5), Carmelo Edwards (3817), Shemar Williams (27-16), Oskar Hernandez (45-11), Josiah Fregoso (38-22), Nick Franklin (26-20), Gunnar Malouff (43-9), Josh Francavilla (29-14), Centrell Summers (40-11)
The team easily won the district championship
Page 52
Volume 17, Issue 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
SOUTHSHORE’S BEST HOMES
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March 2019
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
The Pigeon Comes To Tampa To Promote New Children’s Museum Exhibit
By Libby Hopkins
Willems and his cast of lovable characters, including best friend duo Elephant and Piggie, faithful companion Knuffle Bunny and The Pigeon, the wily city bird best known for his antics in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The exhibit showcases how Willems’ simple stories can inspire hours of play and reveals
friends and family to get suggestions as to where The Pigeon should visit while he is here in Tampa. “We started out by picking some of our favorite spots in Tampa, but soon other organizations saw our campaign and started inviting us behind the scenes at their venues,” White said. “We have also engaged our
The Glazer Children’s the Florida State Fair & more. Museum (GCM) in Tampa The Pigeon enjoyed some funopened a new traveling exhibit, nel cake while he was at the The Pigeon Comes to Tampa! A fair! “The response has been so Mo Willems Exhibit, on January positive,” White said. “My 19 and it has been a huge hit favorite part of this campaign with children all around the has been seeing the reactions Tampa Bay area. In preparation on social media. A highlight for for The Pigeon coming to the me has been when Yottoy, the museum, GCM’s creative duo, toy company that created the Kate White and Lauren stuffed animal we use, shares Colombo, came up with a marour posts and images!” keting campaign to build up If you would like to see The The Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa opened a new traveling exhibit, The Pigeon Comes to Tampa! momentum for The Pigeon’s Pigeon’s journey around A Mo Willems Exhibit. The exhibit will be at the museum through May 12. arrival. “The name of the exhibit is Tampa, use #thepigeoncomstotampa the rich emotional lives of his characstaff, who has really taken ownership The Pigeon Comes to Tampa! A Mo on Instagram to follow The Pigeon’s ters. The exhibit teaches social and of the project by reaching out to their Willems Exhibit,” White said. “So, we adventures. emotional skills like making yourself friends and family to get us access to got to thinking, if The Pigeon was To learn more about the exhibit, understood and figuring out what it exciting locations in Tampa Bay.” coming to Tampa, what would he visit www.Glazermuseum.org. The means to be a good friend. Along the So far, The Pigeon has been to a want to do? Well, he would want to museum is located at 110 W. way, children get to make their own USF Women’s Basketball game, travsee the sights, of course.” Gasparilla Plaza in downtown Tampa. art, surprises abound and every eled to Tropicana Field to throw a The Pigeon Comes to Tampa! A Hours of operations are Mondayexploration ends in fits of laughter. baseball out on the field, rode in Mo Willems Exhibit will be at Friday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., White and Colombo reached out News Channel 8’s Eagle 8 helicopter GCM through May 12. Guests get to Saturdays from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and to guests and staff at GCM as well as and most recently, spent the day at visit the whimsical world of Mo and Sundays from 1–6 p.m.
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Page 54
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
New Owners Of Budget Blinds Offering Exceptional Service
By Kelly Wise Valdes
It is not enough years giving amazing to meet customers’ service to her cusexpectations. For tomers in the Tampa Mike and Adriane area. She is truly an Wonderlin, the new asset to this team.” owners of Budget While customers Blinds of North are welcome to visit Tampa, Land O’ either showroom, Lakes and Brandon, most customers love the goal is to exceed the personal engageexpectations. ment with a design Mike and Adriane Wonderlin, the new consultant that will After working for owners of Budget Blinds of North Budget Blinds for come to your home. Tampa, Land O Lakes and Brandon, are excited to continue to offer more than 10 years, This complimentary exceptional customer service and a the couple purchased variety service allows the of window treatments to fit any the three Tampa-area customer to browse a home and any budget. franchises from the complete line of winprevious owners in June 2018. The dow coverings, including blinds, shades, Wonderlins moved to Florida in 2008 shutters, romans, cellular or woven when the original owners offered Mike a woods as well as drapery, cornices and job working for Budget Blinds. valances, all in the comfort of your home. “At that time, he had already been in The company’s motto, ‘A style and the window treatment industry for eight service for every budget,’ is something years and we were looking to get away that the Wonderlins appreciate and follow. from the cold winters in Illinois,” said Budget Blinds offers a wide variety of winAdriane. “He immediately took a design dow treatments to fit any home, at any consultant position in warm, sunny Tampa cost. Budget Blinds has more than 1,200 and continued to work for the previous locally-owned franchises serving 10,000 owners, The Trotters.” cites in the United State and Canada. As the business continued to grow, The showroom that serves the Mike was instrumental in hiring and trainBrandon area is located at 10437 ing new employees. Eventually expandGibsonton Dr. in Riverview. A second ing to 27 employees and two showrooms, showroom on Fletcher Ave. serves the the company had continued to put people New Tampa, Wesley Chapel area. first. Showroom hours are Monday-Friday “The majority of employees have from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from stayed with Budget Blinds for five plus 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To schedule a complimenyears,” said Adriane. “This includes tary appointment in home consultation, Derenda Burdette the administrative call 445-7121. Visit assistant who has spent the past 12 www.budgetblinds.com/northtampa/.
Volume 17, Issue 3
Winthrop Arts Presents The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival And Market This March
By Kathy L. Collins
The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market will be held on Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Winthrop Common located in beautiful Winthrop Town Centre in Riverview. The park is located at the corner of Hadley Commons and Winthrop Commerce Ave. (behind Boca and Ciccio’s). Several things are new this year. This includes partnerships with Tampa Bay Food Trucks and Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts (TBBCA). Tampa Bay Food Trucks will have four trucks on Saturday (Miss Vi’s Cookup, Vietnamese Food Truck, Tallauah’s Table by the Sea and Chief’s Chillout). On Sunday, there will be three trucks (Mr. C’s Grilled Cheese, Casablanca Fusion and Craving Donuts). TBBCA is sponsoring four chalk artists who will be creating original works of art on Saturday at the festival. Susana Weymouth, Executive Director for TBBCA said, “TBBCA Chalk Walk is thrilled to support the special genre of skilled commissioned chalk artists and to bring free, fun, family friendly live art experience to the heart of the Winthrop Arts Festival and Market and the community.” The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market is a juried fine arts show with over $5000 in prize money. The show attracts fine artists and artisans
from all over the country. This year, the show will be judged by three distinguished judges. The judges include John Costin, an awardwinning artist who creates original etchings and watercolors; Kathy Durdin, a signature member of the Florida, Southern, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Tallahassee and Florida Suncoast Watercolor Societies; and Victoria Saunders, cofounder of MAKE Plant City, winner of the Rising Leader 2019 award and a watercolor and acrylics artist. Bryant Martinez, Lead Art Instructor at the Winthrop Arts Art Factory and Winthrop Town Artist said, “We are pleased to be partnering with Tampa Bay Food Trucks and TBBCA. This, in addition to live entertainment, the children’s activity area and all of the artists and artisans who are participating will make this the best festival ever.” “The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market is a free event, and the community is invited to come out and enjoy a great day of art and family fun,” added Martinez. Winthrop Arts is still accepting applications from artists, artisans and vendors. There are sponsorship opportunities available as well. For more information, please visit www.winthroparts.org or call Kathy at 758-5161.
March 2019
Disney On Ice Presents New Show: Dare To Dream At Amalie Arena
Staff Report
Disney’s Moana find the strength to voyages onto the ice shape our own for the first time as destiny at Disney Disney On Ice presOn Ice presents ents Dare To Dream, Dare To Dream! produced by Feld Fans are Entertainment Inc. It encouraged to brings courage and arrive early to celeadventure to homebrate family and towns across North tradition with America. Hosts Miguel from Mickey Mouse and Disney/Pixar’s Minnie Mouse bring Coco in a special audiences on an sing-along guest expedition across appearance. raging seas and Discover your snow-covered mouninner hero when tains in this actionDisney On Ice packed extravaganpresents Dare To za when beloved Dream at Amalie characters from Arena. Disney’s Beauty and Tickets for the Beast, Frozen, Disney On Ice Tangled and presents Dare to Cinderella visit Dream are availTampa from March able at www.dis21-24 at Amalie neyonice.com, Arena. Tickets are 800-745-3000 or currently on sale to at the Amalie the public. Believe in Arena Box Office, what is possible as Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream at located at 401 Amalie Arena from Tuesday to Sunday, five Disney heroines Channelside Dr. in March 21-24. Tickets are currently on sale. Tampa. Show spark the courage inside us all in Disney On Ice presents times are Thursday and Friday, March Dare To Dream! In her Disney On Ice 21 and 22 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March debut, see how far Moana will go in an 23 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and epic adventure with demigod Maui to Sunday, March 24 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. save her island and discover her true To sign up to be a Feld Preferred identity. Join Belle as she fearlessly member and to receive presale alerts, befriends the enchanted castle staff and please visit reveals the Beast’s gentleness. www.feldentertainment.com/preferredExperience Anna’s devotion to her siscustomer-page. ter, Elsa, on her life-changing journey to To discover more about Disney On stop an eternal winter. Explore with Ice, go to DisneyOnIce.com. Stay curRapunzel, Flynn Ryder, Cinderella and rent on the latest developments through friends from around the Disney social media: Facebook: www.faceKingdom as they find the heart and book.com/DisneyOnIce Twitter: determination to overcome obstacles @DisneyOnIce #DisneyOnIce and make their dreams come true. #100YearsofMagic YouTube: Journey with Mickey and Minnie to www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce uncover why no goal is too big when we Instagram: @DisneyOnIce.
Electronic Recycling & Reuse
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
• Light & Heavy Equipment Removal • Project Management • Consulting Services • Data Security • Scrap Metal Removal & Recycling • Logistics & Transportation
JW Tree Service Helps Church
By Michelle Caceres
JW Tree Service flying debris during storms. owner Troy Alexander is Alexander said homepassionate about trees owners need to be on the and his faith. A member of lookout for the borer beetle, FishHawk Fellowship that is wreaking havoc on Church, Alexander had oak and pine trees. the opportunity for his two “When I moved here 20 passions to merge recentyears ago they weren’t a ly as he transformed the problem but I am seeing church’s new parking area more and more trees infested from a tangled web of with them at an alarming JW Tree Service owner trees and brush to a visurate,” he said. “I’m in Troy Alexander. ally appealing and clean expanse. FishHawk Trails every week helping FishHawk Fellowship’s operations homeowners with trees that are infested.” pastor Eddie Fabelo said about If homeowners notice bore dust Alexander that the final result was fantas- (what looks like sawdust) around trees tic. and exit holes in the timber that appear “Before Troy and his team completed round or oval in shape with sharp edges, the job you couldn’t see the church from a borer beetle infestation is possible. the parking because there was so many Alexander recommends Bora-Care to low-hanging trees and brush,” he said. treat the infestation, which can be pur“Now the new parking lot looks like it’s a chased through Amazon. Leaving the job part of our complex, it’s much more cohe- to a professional is also an option. sive.” JW Tree Service is licensed and Alexander brings his passion to each insured and ready to tackle any project of his customer’s projects, from pruning big or small. and beautifying to tree removal. If a permit is needed for the job, “Shaping trees and canopies is an art Alexander takes care of the necessary form,” he said. “It’s important to create paperwork with the appropriate governing something that is pleasing to the eye body, whether homeowners’ association without destroying the integrity of the or the county. tree.” JW Tree Service comes highly recSpringtime is a perfect time to prune ommended by its past customers. trees to remove dead, diseased and over“I absolutely recommend JW Tree grown branches. Pruning is especially Service,” said Fabelo. “Troy is a man of important for trees growing close to integrity and says what he does and he homes so they won’t adversely affect win- does what he says.” dows or roofs. With hurricane season For more information about JW Tree approaching, pruning helps to remove old Service or for a free estimate call 601and rotting branches that could become 7091.
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Selling the Neighborhood We Live, Work & Play Over 25 years Experience
Page 56
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3