Osprey Observer Valrico July 2019

Two Sections, 36 Pages of Community News

Valrico

15 C E L E B R A T I N G

July 2019 Volume 16, Issue 7 Ph: 657-2418 1 7

Y E A R S

O F

P U B L I S H I N G

Turning Lane & Improvements Coming To S. Miller And Lithia Pinecrest Intersection

By Brad Stager

PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397

the project for Hillsborough County.

“The intent is to relieve the pressure on Miller,” she said.

Julia Delones is a longtime resident of the area near the junction and expressed appreciation for the county’s effort, but is skeptical as to how well the plan will help a situation involving human behavior as much as a high traffic count.

“The extra turn lane will The intersection of S. Miller Road and Lithia Pinecrest will be improved with a $356,000 upgrade. help, but it’s not going to fix A growing number it because of people making they block the Valrico their home intersection,” means an increase in said Delones, cars traveling on what referring to a were once country motoring techroads, adding up to nique known as ‘blocking the box.’ congestion and delays for drivers, espeEntering an intersection with traffic cially during peak travel times. backed up to the point where the car Among the plans in Eastern cannot clear the intersection, blocking Hillsborough County to keep traffic mov- the movement of other cars, is not only ing is a project to improve the interseca matter of courtesy, it is against the law tion of Lithia Pinecrest Road and S. according to Florida Statute 316.2061, Miller Road, just north of Bloomingdale which says in part, “No driver shall enter Avenue. an intersection or a marked crosswalk Plans for the project presented at unless there is sufficient space on the an open house held by Hillsborough other side of the intersection or crossCounty call for resurfacing and restripwalk to accommodate the vehicle…” ing existing pavement on S. Miller Road It is a problem that Workman to create an additional left-turn lane acknowledges does exist. from westbound S. Miller Road to the “Cars shouldn’t be blocking the southbound lanes of Lithia Pinecrest intersection, but they do,” she said.

Road at the T-intersection. The traffic The project is part of Hillsborough signal system will be upgraded and County’s Capital Improvement Program pedestrian safety features will be and is estimated to cost $356,000. added.

Actual road work will take about 60 to 90 Relieving congestion on S. Miller days and the project is expected to be Road is the desired outcome, according completed by August 2020. No road cloto Steffanie Workman, who is managing sures are anticipated.

C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S

Therapy Dog At Nelson Elementary To Be Integrated With Classrooms

By Hailey Le Roy

Nelson He had two surgeries Elementary has on his back legs and acquired a therapy two anterior cruciate ligdog to be integrated ament (ACL) tears. inside its classrooms.

However, he has mostly Odd Job, a recovered and is continmixed black lab, has uing to positively impact visited the school the community. occasionally for the “Just to sit and pet past seven years, a dog totally reduces said the owner of the your stress level,” dog and physical Everyone, including the education teacher at teachers, has used Odd Nelson, Leslie Wheeler. She has been teaching at Nelson since 2005 and would bring Odd Job in during teacher workdays ever since she got him.

Solomon walking Odd Job around “Who doesn’t Nelson Elementary. want to have their dog at school with them?” said Wheeler.

Job to calm Last year, Wheeler decided to train down after a Odd Job to be a therapy dog so that he rough day. could regularly work with students at the “He’s had an Coach Wheeler has been school. According to Wheeler, Odd Job effect on teaching Physical got was very cooperative during his thereverybody in Education at Nelson Elementary since 2005. apy training and got it done in four this school.” weeks. He did everything the trainer In addition, Wheeler would like to asked him to do. Then, with the help of start bringing Odd Job into assisted living Nelson’s principal and guidance counhomes so he can continue to help others selors, he was approved to visit during inside and outside of school. school hours.

In the past school year, Odd Job was used only on Fridays and strictly to reward students’ good behavior and academics. The kids could either read to Odd Job, take him out for a walk or just relax and enjoy petting him.

14 “He has always loved children and has a great disposition and I didn’t want that to go to waste,” said Wheeler.

SPORTS FIELD UPGRADES ..................PG 4 Next year, the school is hoping to TEEN COURT ......................................PG 9 add onto Odd Job’s purpose. It would like to incorporate him even more inside SPORTS CONNECTION...............PGS 28‐29 the classroom setting as well as rewardCHALKLINES .....................................PG 32 ing students. He will be visiting the students daily. A blanket permission slip will READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE be sent out across the school to allow interaction with Odd Job. Odd Job has not had the easiest life.

www.ospreyobserver.com

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ECRWSS EDDM Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

P O S I T I V E

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2 for $7

Create Your Own Love It Ice Cream Expires 8/14/19

Three Bulls Tavern & Brewery recently opened to rave reviews.

Hours are Monday to Thursday from 4-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m.-12 Noon and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Three Bulls Tavern & Brewery is located at 4330 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico in the former Beef O’ Brady’s spot on Bell Shoals Rd. Call 381-3853 or visit on Facebook at Three Bulls Tavern & Brewery.

3426 Lithia Pinecrest Rd • Valrico (813) 681-2223 (located behind Chili’s)

Page 2

Valrico Edition

Volume 16, Issue 7

July 2019

Page 3

Valrico Edition

County Offers Up To $5,000 Mini-Grants To Local HOAs, Deadline Approaching

BayCare And Local Organizations Collaborate To Improve Mental Health Outcomes

Valrico Buckhorn area residents Groves, which is have the located adjacent to opportunity to Mulrennen Middle improve their School on Pearson communities Rd., has been applynext year ing for mini-grants thanks to intermittently since money from 2010 with the HOA Hillsborough board seeking resiCounty.

Applications The residents of Valrico’s Buckhorn can now be Grove community will receive a new submitted for ADA compliant play center this month Hillsborough thanks to a mini-grant from County’s 2020 Hillsborough County. Applications for Neighborhood the 2020 grants are accepted between now and Friday August 30.

Mini-Grants, dent input for neceswhich offer groups and homeowners sary projects. associations (HOAs) the chance to apply “We maintain it as an annual topic in for up to $5,000 to fund community projboard discussion each year and survey ects. our community through social media to According to Wanda Sloan with gain feedback on the process,” said Hillsborough County’s Office of Estep. “It has always been a pleasure to Neighborhood Relations, mini-grants can work with the members of the county. be put towards a wide variety of projects There is not a doubt in my mind that the such as neighborhood celebrations, chilprogram wouldn’t be what it is, if not for dren’s programs, community gardens, the passion of the staff behind the grant signs and landscaping, crime watch proand the services they provide.” grams, safety equipment, websites, Before applying for a grant, group newsletters and leadership training. representatives must attend a training “Neighborhood, civic, homeowner class either in person or online. The trainand crime watch associations in ing reviews the application, grant criteria Hillsborough County that are registered and projects that qualify for the miniwith the Office of Neighborhood Relations grants. A verification code received at the are eligible to apply,” said Sloan. completion of the training must be includThe Hillsborough County Board of ed on the application in order for the proCounty Commissioners established the posal to be considered. A training class is mini-grant program in 1988, but this is the scheduled to take place on Tuesday, first year that grants will be awarded up to August 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the $5,000, double the amount available preBloomingdales Regional Library. viously.

Successful grant recipients will be notified Daniel Estep, president of Valrico’s in late fall.

Buckhorn Groves HOA, applied for a Applications must be received by 5 grant last year to install an ADA compliant p.m. on Friday, August 30. play center.

To register for a class or to learn “Our community is now 15 plus years more about the grant process, visit old and we are seeing a wave of younger www.HCFLGov.net/Neighborhoods and and growing families moving in with click on the “Neighborhood Grants” link, young children,” said Estep. “But we have or call the Office of Neighborhood no feature for the youngest residents.”

Relations at 272-5860.

The Tampa Bay “This is an issue region, like the nation, that’s very personal is grappling with record to me, and I’m very numbers of suicide grateful for this initiarates, substance abuse tive,” said Dewey and opioid deaths.

Mitchell, member of That is why the BayCare Board BayCare and 30 other of Trustees and broorganizations have ker and owner of joined forces to develop Berkshire Hathaway a regional mental at Florida Properties health initiative and an Group in Pasco entity called the West County. “I’ve had a Ravi Chari, MD, president at HCA West Central Florida Mental loved one who strugFlorida Division.

Wellness Coalition to help improve outgled with substance abuse. I’m one of comes for depression, anxiety and subthose people that didn’t know where to stance abuse disorders in Tampa Bay turn. I felt lonely and helpless. I am sure and West Central Florida. that there are some people in this room Leaders from BayCare and local who may feel the same way I do.” hospitals, behavioral health providers, law Other speakers shared the same enforcement, government agencies, sentiment. Participating leaders like Ravi schools and leading corporations Chari, MD, president at HCA West launched the entity and the initiative durFlorida Division, Chris Nocco, sheriff at ing an event on June 20 at the Bryan Pasco County Sheriff’s Department and Glazer Family Jewish Community Center Tracye Brown, assistant superintendent in Tampa. of Hillsborough County Public Schools, “Our community is in a crisis, and made the case for change and asked that’s why we need everyone’s support to others to get involved. help make a change,” Tommy Inzina, “Mental health and substance abuse president and CEO of BayCare, told the are changing everything we do in law guests. “This is not just a BayCare issue. enforcement,” said Sheriff Nocco. “Last It’s a community issue. BayCare is the year alone, we handled more than convener, and we’re trying to create 19,000 mental health calls in Pasco momentum and provide a platform.”

County, and about 11 percent of them Through this coalition, the goal is to were mental health related.” bring together organizations from the The participating organizations plan region to destigmatize the issue of mental to create a governing board and a profeshealth and substance abuse, improve sional core team to accomplish their access to care, create urgent care access goals. and enhance navigational resources.

Visit https://baycare.org/.

By Kate Quesada

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Page 4

Valrico Edition

Volume 16, Issue 7

Bloomingdale Golfers Club Hosts Live Hillsborough County Pledges $5 Million To Upgrade Sod At Local Sports Fields Music On Saturdays

By Nick Nahas

Once a month, the Golfers Club also hosts an event called First Friday on the first Friday of every month. The festivities begin with trivia at 7 p.m., lasting until 9 p.m., followed by a live band from 9 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. Drink specials are offered throughout the night as well.

“It’s a great opportunity to get together with friends in our neighborhood,” said customer and Valrico resiPhoto courtesy of Bloomingdale Golfers Club dent Kristine Schroeder.

Buxton performing live on a Saturday night.

“You can’t beat the locaThe Bloomingdale Golfers Club tion, the food is good, the price is right pizzeria has become the go-to hangout and the staff works really hard to accomfor Valrico and Brandon area residents. modate everyone.

I definitely recomThe pizzeria, which opened in March of mend people give it a try.

It’s in our own last year, is located in the clubhouse on backyard and it feels great to be able to Nature’s Way and is open to the public. support a neighborhood business.

A little Every Saturday night, the pizzeria friendly competition never hurts either.” has a band that performs from 8 p.m.-12 In the fall during football season, the Midnight while offering drink specials pizzeria will have access to every NFL from their full bar, which includes several game through its Direct TV package. craft beers as well. There is no cover Fans of teams from different cities will charge to attend. be able to watch their team play every “We love performing at the Golfers Sunday on the clubhouse’s 12 large TV Club,” said Mick Hasson, member of the screens with drink specials offered. band Rock Candy. “The room sounds The pizzeria offers different options very good, and people can still talk while other than pizza, including salads, the music is going. The crowds have wings, subs and burgers. For more inforbeen very fun, and the people are mation, or to view pizzeria and golf spegreat.” cials, visit the official Facebook page “It is a great gig with a cool neighcalled Bloomingdale Golfers Club. The borhood vibe that kids and adults can menu can be viewed at enjoy,” said Green Light Go guitarist Jeff BloomingdaleGolf.com.

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By Kate Quesada

Todd Pratt.

The 100 fields throughout the county are used by approximately 30,000 children and adults weekly to play baseball, soccer, football and other sports.

“The county has made a $1.5 million commitment for each of the next three years,” said Pratt. “This has The Valrico Football Fields off Miller Rd. are scheduled allowed county staff to resod for maintenance this year as part of a county-wise up to 40 fields a year with four/year program.

Celebration Bermuda, which Hillsborough County is spending is known for being able to withstand $5 million over the next four years to the heavy use typical of youth recrelevel the playing fields for local athation fields.” letes. Thanks to funds allocated for the According to Pratt, these fields athletic improvement project from the range from two-acre soccer, football Board of County Commissioners and softball fields down to one acre for (BOCC), 100 sports fields throughout pony baseball.

On average, the fields the county will be resodded or replantwere developed 50 years ago and ed over the next four years, including many of them are used every day. the Valrico and North Brandon football “All Bermuda grass fields need fields. some resodding every year, but our “This will even the field conditions work in this project will mostly be fully and the level of play for all athletic replacing the turf surface on the sites countywide,” said Greg Brown, fields,” said Todd. “The fields being Hillsborough County Parks Service recovered over the next two years Manager. “The fields throughout the were likely Bermuda grass in the past, area are in varying levels of disrepair but without a biweekly care regime, and our plan is to get them all on weeds soon take over.” equal footing.”

Other local fields being resodded The county provided two main reain 2019 include Burnett Sports sons for resodding the fields at this Complex, William Owen Pass, Larry time.

Sanders Park, Pinecrest Baseball “In addition to aesthetics, properly Field and Progress Village Football installed and maintained turf minimizes Field. the risk of lower-leg injuries and proFor more information, visit vides a thicker cushion when a player www.hcflgov.net. falls,” said County Media Specialist

July 2019

Page 5

Valrico Edition

W W W

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O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R WE’VE MOVED TO VALRICO!

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C O M

FOLLOW US:

2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, FL 33596 (office) 657-2418 • (fax) 657-4469

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Pet Vaccination Clinic At Kim’s Natural Pets

Saturday, August 3; 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Kim’s Natural Foods – 2110 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico EZ Pet Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic Call 684-3663 to confirm.

‘Night On The Town’ - Prom At The Regent

6437 Watson Rd., Riverview Friday, August 16; 6-10 p.m.

Put on your best dress and join in for food, drinks and fun. Half of ticket proceeds go to Mary Martha House & Brandon Foundation For tickets, call Regent at 571-2494 or visit www.eventbrite.com/e/prom-at-the-regent-night-on-the-town-ticket 64237334597.

Social Security Benefits Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Tuesday, July 23 and August 20 and Thursday, August 8; 5:45 p.m.

Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking you 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.

Parkinson's Support Group At Savannah Court Of Brandon

Third Tuesday of the month; 6 p.m.

Savannah Court of Brandon, 824 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Call 643-6767 to RSVP with Rhonda Fournier, Executive Director.

Hawthorne Health & Rehab Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Third Thursday of the month; 2 p.m.

851 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon For more information or to register, call 661-8998 - M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tampa Bay Chief Petty Officers Meeting

Fourth Thursday each month; 6:30 p.m.

Tampa Buffet, 3904 S. Dale Mabry, Britton Plaza, Tampa For information, call Chuck Peterman, President – 767-1569

We Buy C ins We also buy Stamp Collections, Proof Sets, Postcards, and Foreign Coins Buy • Sell • Estimates • Appraisals

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk edition

please contact Osprey Observer 657-2418.

Deadline for next BL/FishHawk edition is 10th of month.

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Page 6

Volume 16, Issue 7

Valrico Edition

Questions Answered About When To Water During The Rainy Season

By Katherine Munson

Q: When is the best time of day to water your lawn?

A: Follow the time of day specified by your local water restrictions.

A good rule of thumb is to water your lawn before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to reduce evaporation from the sun.

Q: How can I be sure my yard has received enough water?

Q: Why are the summer A: Use a rain gauge to months the best time for outdetermine how much rain door water conservation? your yard has received. If A: During the summer you have a rain sensor, months of June, July, August make sure that it is working and September, Florida typicalproperly by manually turning ly sees increased rainfall. the irrigation system on and When it is raining daily, give spraying a water hose at the your irrigation system a break. rain sensor.

If the sensor is Yards need no more than a working properly, your irrigaKatherine Munson, one-half to three-quarter inch of Senior Conservation tion system will automaticalwater every two to three days.

Education Coordinator ly turn off within three minIf your lawn has received with the Southwest utes.

Florida Water enough water from rainfall, turn Management District.

Q: Any other tips on off your irrigation system, and making the most of the rainy season? turn it back on when needed.

A: It is important to make sure gutter Q: When should you water your downspouts are directed into landscaped lawn? areas or your lawn.

Installing a rain barrel A: Water only when your yard needs also is a great way to capture excess it. The simplest way to determine if your rainwater during the summer months.

For yard needs water is to look for these visumore information on how to install a rain al clues: Grass blades are folded in half barrel, visit the District’s website at lengthwise on at least one-third of your WaterMatters.org/rain-barrels. yard. Grass blades appear blue-gray.

Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it. If your yard is showing signs that it needs water, check your local forecast to see if rain is on the way.

Katherine Munson is a Senior Conservation Education Coordinator with the District.

She assists with water conservation outreach efforts throughout the 16-county area and oversees the District’s youth education program.

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July 2019

Page 7

Valrico Edition

Homes For Our Troops Builds A Custom Home For Local Army SPC

By Taylor Wells

The community is invitand finding out that I was ed to celebrate the kickoff of getting my own accessible the building of a home cushome. To learn I can gain tom-made in Wimauma for my independence back, it Army Specialist Michael was pretty much the best Monthervil, who fell on his day of my life.” neck during a training exerAs Monthervil’s old cise in Afghanistan, causing home offers little space for a spinal cord injury and leavhim to maneuver around ing him a paraplegic. This due to his wheelchair and house, to be built by Homes some places For Our Troops (HFOT), will are too high be specially adapted for his to reach, disability.

Ashley Michael Monthervil is HFOT is a publicly Nickles, his grateful to HFOT and funded, 501(c)(3), nonprofit girlfriend and the community for their organization that builds and caretaker, support. donates custom homes often needs to help him, so nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 this custom home will give him back freeveterans. With these accessible homes— dom and independence. Construction which are built where veterans choose to should take six to eight months. live—they can get back some of their “I’ve gone to a few community kickfreedom and independence and focus on offs…and I can’t wait until my day comes. family, recovering and rebuilding their The excitement of them starting on my lives. home, it’s great and awesome. And for HFOT’s homes feature over 40 major the community to come out and support adaptations and exceed ADA compliance me, that’s going to be awesome,” said standards. According to its website, Monthervil.

“These adaptations include wider halls The ceremony takes place on and doorways, automatic door openers, Saturday, July 27 at the Firehouse roll under sinks, stove tops, and counters, Cultural Center at 101 1st Ave. NE. in pull down shelving, generators and safe Ruskin and will be followed by an opporrooms, all designed to help the veteran tunity to meet Monthervil and lunch. live independently.”

Registration for the event is at 9:30 a.m.

Since its inception in 2004, HFOT and it starts at 10 a.m. RSVP at www.hfohas built over 270 homes nationwide for tusa.org/monthervil. veterans in need.

Vvisit www.hfotusa.org. Contact Mell Monthervil found HFOT while getting Barbosa at mbarbosa@hfotusa.org or therapy at a VA medical center, and soon 774-218-2194. You can also help HFOT after, he said, “I remember back in 2015 by donating on its website.

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Page 8

Volume 16, Issue 7

Valrico Edition

ll a b e s a B Travel ilitary Job s, M Tryout r & More…anti, Fai y Michelle Coles

League (WFFSL and formerly BAYSL) has sponsored and hosted TOPSoccer since 1996.

This season begins at the WFFSL fields on b m d o e c r. il e p Saturday, September 7 erv Com preyobs s o @ e at 9 a.m. and will run ll miche through November 16.

Registration takes place at the WFFSL clubhouse, 3104 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon on Friday, August 9 (6-7:30 The Running Of The Bulls 5K p.m.), Saturday, August 10 (9-11 Discounted During Summer a.m.), Friday, August 16 (6-7:30 p.m.)

The Running of the Bulls 5K is and Saturday, August 17 (9-11 a.m.) offering a $10 off summer registration All players must show a copy of discount. The Running of the Bulls their IEP at registration.

5K will be held on Saturday, January Adult volunteer coaches and high 18, 2020 at school students interested in Bloomingdale community service hours are High School. welcome.

The 5K is hosted For more information, conby the tact Ken Muzyk at 657-5271 or Bloomingdale Fred Englehardt at brandonBand Boosters tops@aol.com. Visit www.faceand benefits the book.com/BrandonTOPSoccer Bloomingdale for updates.

High School Band and athletic teams. One hundred percent of each FishHawk Wolves race registration goes directly to the Travel Baseball school. Local businesses sponsor the Tryouts race to cover all expenses. Each regIf you are looking istrant receives a race shirt and finfor a quality travel ishers receive medals. Runners and ball program that is walkers are welcome. professionally run You can register now through with an outstanding August for only $20 at https://fitcoaching staff to help niche.com/event/running-of-the-bulls- develop your player 5K/. to their full potential, FishHawk Wolves Baseball Club and TOPSoccer Registration Takes Ostingers Baseball Academy will be Place In August conducting try-outs for the Fall 2019 TOPSoccer, (The Outreach Season.

Program for Soccer), is a communityPlay for the Nationally Ranked based training and team placement premier travel ball program in Central program for young athletes with disFlorida. Our Wolves 8U-12U and abilities. It is organized by youth soc- Ostingers 13U-14U teams are cer association volunteers. The proextremely competitive, learn, and play gram is designed to bring the opporbaseball the right way under Director tunity of learning and playing soccer of Baseball – Jim Osting. to any boy or girl age 5 and up who The program offers Wolves teams has a mental or physical disability. from 8u-12u and Ostingers teams at The goal is to enable young ath13u and 14u. Under direction of Coach letes with disabilities to Jimmy Osting, his coaching become valued and sucstaff of former professional cessful members of and college level playing Florida Youth Soccer and experience is second to none. the US Youth Soccer famiThis is a proven travel ball ly. organization that plays at the The program is a highest level and prepares ‘relaxed format’. No pracyour player for the next level tices or keeping score. No not only on the field but also off the standings; games are just fun. There field in daily life. is no cost for the families; the proTryouts will be held at FishHawk gram is corporate and individually Sports Complex located at 16120 sponsored.

FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. Please visit The West Florida Flames Soccer www.fhwolves.com to register for try-

outs or to learn more about the program or times of tryouts. For specific questions about the tryouts or about the program, please email Greg Stallings at gstallings@fhwolves.com.

Day July 31

Team 9U Wolves 11U Wolves

August 1

10U Wolves 12U Wolves

dents, yet is virtually unknown to any but his closest allies, simply because he does not boast or brag of these accomplishments as he is much too busy participating in the glorious adventure that is his life.

For more information call Shihan Lynn Montana Time Freemãn at 2675:30-7:00pm 474-4717. The Kyrie 7:00-8:30pm Center for Body, Mind & Spirit is located at 101 South 5:30-7:00pm St. Cloud Ave. in 7:00-8:30pm Valrico.

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Freedom to Walk Foundation will hold a Family & Friends Feud Game Night fundraiser on Tuesday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. at The Bridges, located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview.

Get your tickets by Saturday, July 20 at www.gameshow.fun. The cost is $35 per player, $175 per team and includes food, drinks, game. Sponsorships are available from $250.

For more information, call 449-3308. For more information on Freedom to Walk Foundation, visit www.freedomtowalkfoundation.org.

The Kyrie Center For Body, Mind & SpiritWelcomes Grandmaster Ashida Kim

The Kyrie Center for Body, Mind & Spirit is honored to receive Grandmaster Ashida Kim as guest Master Speaker at its Evening with the Masters event to be held on Friday, July 19. Grandmaster Kim is an internationally renowned martial arts expert who teaches and lectures on Ninjitsu, the Invisible Fist, around the world. He is the author of The Invisible Ninja, Iron Body Ninja, Ninja Mind Control, and many other books, which are available at www.dojopress.com.

In 2009 Grandmaster Kim was inducted into the USKA Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Grandmaster of the Year. In addition to teaching, both at his own Dojo and on contract to other schools, he sometimes accepts private stu-

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Page 9

Valrico Edition

Teen Court Volunteers Hear Cases Offering Alternatives To First-Time Offenders

By Taylor Wells

For firstnity to learn from time teenage their mistakes offenders, Teen without affecting Court is a better their future while alternative to offering their juvenile court. In peers interested the Teen Court in the legal proProgram, after fession an admitting guilt or opportunity that taking responsicould shape their bility for their future." misdemeanor Everyone offenses, teen benefits in this A pro bono attorney, volunteering as the judge, offenders have program. speaking with teen volunteers in a Teen Court session. their cases Offenders, who heard and are then sanctioned by teen must be ages 13-18, can avoid formal juries and have about five weeks to comjuvenile court, are provided resources plete it, avoiding formal prosecution and a for individual and family services and stained court record. can return as volunteers. Youth volunCreated by the Thirteenth Judicial teers will receive community service Circuit of Hillsborough County in 1990, hours; mentorship opportunities; Teen Court also has teens volunteering increase communication, public speakas juries and defense and prosecution ing and communication skills; and attorneys. Pro bono attorneys volunteer have a strong addition to their as judges and train the ‘teen’ attorneys. resumes.

Pamela Stokes, who recently retired Megan Hoening, who is a junior at as Teen Court coordinator, was with the Newsome High School, said, “I decidprogram since it began. She said the ed to volunteer for Teen Court to get a youth volunteers are very diligent, are not feel of what a trial is really like and to judgmental of the offenders and try to do what I can to be a part of the court reach out, direct and help them. system. I’ve had a lot of fun and find “I love the environment and working the trials to be interesting while also with the teenagers,” she said. “I love look- learning a lot.” ing back and seeing that some of the stuCourt Administrator Gina Justice dents I’ve worked with…they’re actually said, “In a court environment, you now attorneys and they’re working with have so few instances where you realus in a pro bono status as Teen Court ly feel you made a positive impact… judges.”

And when they come and participate Pro bono attorneys will gain pro bono in such an innovative program, it’s just hours, can teach youths about court trials a way to engage in a way that results and enhance their skills and help them in a positive outcome for everybody.” open career paths in the legal profession Teen Court is held on Tuesdays through mentorship. The victim and comfrom 5:30-8 p.m. on the third floor of munity are also compensated for the the Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 E. offender’s actions.

Twiggs Street in Tampa.

Philip Colesanti, an associate attorFor more information, visit the ney at Roig Lawyers in Tampa who volTeen Court FAQ pages at unteers said, "Teen Court offers a positive http://www.fljud13.org/CourtPrograms/ perspective on our criminal justice sysJuvenileDiversionPrograms.aspx or tem. It gives those in trouble an opportucall Yvette Boatwright at 307-4478.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 16, Issue 7

Get To Know Your Local State Senators, Galvano, Rouson, Lee

By Kathy L. Collins

The Florida State parts of Seffner, Mango Senate is the upper and Ruskin. chamber of the Florida Senator Rouson's State Legislature. The main office is in St. state of Florida has 40 Petersburg. However, state senators. The he does have mobile areas are known as disoffice hours in Riverview tricts. Locally, we are at the Winthrop Town represented by three.

Centre and in Ybor City Senate District 21 is at the Cuban Club. The represented by State St. Petersburg office is Senator and President open Monday through of the Senate Bill Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 Galvano. District 21 covp.m. The Riverview and ers portions of Ybor City offices are by Hillsborough County appointment only. To set south of Plant City and an appointment, please all of Manatee County. call 727-822-6828.

Senator Galvano’s Senator Rouson's office is located at 1023 legislative aides are Manatee Ave. W., Ste. Jason Holloway, Tennille Senator Bill Galvano, whose office is Senator Darryl Rouson, whose office Senator Tom Lee, whose office is 201 in Bradenton. The located in Bradenton, represents resiis located in St. Petersburg, reprelocated in Brandon, represents resi- Moore and Elise Minkoff. dents who reside in District 21. sents residents who reside in office number is 941dents who reside in District 20.

Senator Rouson Galvano is currently serving as the District 19.

741-3401 and his email said, "As your Senator, I state agencies, but Senate President. between his disis other times we have to look to the leg- am here to represent your interests in trict office and his law office.

Galvano.bill.web@FLSenate.gov.

Tallahassee during the annual legislaislative process for solutions." Senator Senate District 20 is represented Senator Galvano said, “We are tive session." Senator Rouson added, Lee added, "My office serves as a liaihappy to work with our constituents on by State Senator Tom Lee. District 20 "We can help with issues regarding son between our constituents and covers Northeast Hillsborough (includany challenges they are facing with state agencies such as the state agencies. Sometimes state ing Brandon), Southeast Pasco and regard to local, state or federal govDepartment of Transportation or agencies can be difficult to navigate."

Northwest Polk Counties. ernment. If we cannot help, we will put Department of Health. We can file legWhen Senator Lee is not in Senator Lee's office is located at you in touch with someone who can.” islation to change state laws and bring Tallahassee, he works as Vice 915 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. You can Senator Galvano added, “During appropriations back for projects in the President of Sabal Homes, spends my term as Senate President, I have a reach Senator Lee by calling 653-7061 time with his family and serves on sev- district." or emailing lee.tom.web@flsenate.gov. fulltime staff in Tallahassee who focus When the legislature is not in seseral boards.

His local legislative aides are Melonie on our legislative policy and budget sion, Senator Rouson works as an Senate District 19 is represented Hoyt and Natalie Brown. goals. This allows our district office to attorney for the Rubenstein Law

by State Senator Darryl Rouson.

Senator Lee said, "I find it helpful focus almost solely on constituent Group.

District 19 covers Pinellas and to hear from constituents about specifservices.”

You can access current informaHillsborough Counties. It includes ic issues. Sometimes a problem can When the legislature is not in sestion by visiting www.flsenate.gov.

Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach and sion, Senator Galvano divides his time be solved with a call to one of our

July 2019

Bass Pro Shops Donates 55,000 Fishing Rods And Reels To Keep Youth Fishing

By Cheryl Kehrmeyer

Spring Fishing Classic in February, and much of the equipment is new or gently-used high-quality rods and reels.

Ronnie Cheeks, Bass Pro Shops general manager, spoke enthusiastically about the event’s focus. “The Gone Fishing Event and the National Donation Day are so important to our company and to our founder, Johnny Morris. We want to challenge kids and families to put down

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are proud of their mission to inspire everyone to love, enjoy and conserve the great outdoors, and that pride was shown on June 6 during their National Donation Day which kicked off the annual Gone Fishing Event.

This local event held at Bass Pro Shops, located at 10501 Palm River Rd. in Tampa, was part of the company’s nationwide event in which over 55,000 fishing rods and reels were Bass Pro Shops in Tampa donated fishing equipment to the donated to nonprofit Scouts of America and to the Tampa Bay Junior Bass Club. youth groups in each store’s local the phones and video games, pick community. This year, more than 500 up a fishing pole and enjoy making rods and reels were donated to two some memories together in the great organizations—the Tampa Bay outdoors.”

Junior Bass Club and the Scouts of For more information on Bass America Timucua District of the Pro Shops and Cabela’s, call 655Greater Tampa Bay Area Council.

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Valrico Edition

Family Owned and Operated for 30 Years

Bridal Show At The Regent To Be Aired On MOR-TV

By Hailey Le Roy

event. On the date of the show, Rios is going to interview some of the smaller businesses in the community. “...Everybody better look very well dressed because they’ll be on TV for sure,” said Rios.

The beautiful Regent, where the bridal show will be taking place.

In addition On Saturday, August 31, a bridal to the booths, the event will feature a show at The Regent from 1 to 5 p.m. fashion show from the model group, showcasing local fashion designers and Redefined Model, around 4-5 p.m. using boutiques will air on MOR-TV. local boutique dresses. Rios’ purpose for According to Christy Rios, the coordi- this model group was to put everyday nator of this event, the show started as a people from the community on the small idea to help local businesses in the stage. area but has since grown to the beautiful “We’re not looking for the typical venue of The Regent, with a television Victoria Secret cutout of what a model airing that will reach 1.5 million homes. should look like. We really want to help “I’m very excited about it. There’s teach people how to walk confidently in been a lot of bridal shows within the area, their own skin versus walking good in but they are usually always at the arenas. heels. Anyone can walk good in heels I had the opportunity to be introduced to and have a full face of makeup,” Rios the ladies over at The Regent, who were said. “You don’t have to look like what excited about the possibility of working Hollywood says. The people in Brandon, together on this. So, we set a date and Riverview and Valrico are gorgeous.” it’s been just...rubber hits the road and It is free just to attend the event, but going full force up until August 31,” said a ticket must be printed out from the Rios.

‘Bridal Show at the Regent’ Eventbrite.

She is also giving the opportunity for Rios is still accepting new vendors local businesses to get a booth at The and sponsors.

Regent and airtime on a commercial that For more details, email is airing eight times a week every month BridalShowAtTheRegent@gmail.com. before the event and one month after the

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Valrico Edition

Volume 16, Issue 7

Sixth Annual Flight To Honor Mission Planned By Polk City Veterans Council

By Sean Crumpacker

The Polk City Veterans found on the Polk City Veterans of this year's Flight to Honor posing at the WWII monument.

Council has announced its Veterans Council website. plan to hold its sixth Flight to According to Colonel Honor Mission, currently Clark, “The ability to continexpected to be conducted ue the Flight to Honor produring April 2020. The flight gram is totally dependent on will leave early in the mornsupport from our communiing from Lakeland Linder ty.” The nation can never International Airport for the thank veterans enough for one day trip to Washington, their service, but helping to DC, and return to the same fund life-changing programs airport later that night. like Flight to Honor is a Veterans will visit the war good way to start. monuments and the event "I can't even begin to tell will provide an opportunity for you how very wonderful yesthe community to honor their terday's trip to DC was. It sacrifices. was a trip of a lifetime," an Applications for both vetunnamed veteran wrote erans and guardians are about a previous Mission. being accepted now, and finalized "The welcome reception when we plans landed was the will be clinchdepender. It ent on gave the numall of ber of us applisome cants. closure All to some veterans bad are eligimemoble to ries of apply for our Representative Vincent Ross Spano attending the Flight to Honor Mission. the Mission so long as return both veterans and guardians can be guardians are hoped to be taken on they have not been on a previous home from that war." downloaded on the Polk City 2020’s Mission 6, which is estimated Flight to Honor or Honor Flight Aside from donations, the Polk Veterans Council website at to cost $98,000, and which will be Mission. There are multiple options City Veterans Council will also be http://polkveteranscouncil.com. covered entirely by donations. for veterans to apply under to best accepting volunteers. Those interestUSAF Colonel (Ret) Gary Clark, Donations made to the Flight to suit their needs and civilians can ed may contact Chairman of the Polk City Veterans Honor Mission are tax-deductible and flighttohonorpolk@gmail.com to ask apply as guardians at the cost of a Council, stated that 180 veterans and the address to send them to can be $450 donation. The applications for questions and learn how to help.

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Valrico Edition

Brandon Amateur Radio Society Hosts Annual Amateur Radio ‘Field Day’

Local Restaurateurs Open New Three Bulls Tavern & Brewery In Valrico

What would hapareas in and pen if the world lost around the U.S. access to telephone they were able to communications and make contact with the internet? In times of for the duration of natural disaster, the the event—nearly fear of communication every region of blackouts can become the U.S. over a a reality, making it twenty-four hour imperative to have period, including other means of Alaska, Hawaii BARS members James communication. and most of Moorehead (callsign Thankfully, one Canada, which WF4AC), Arthur Lusk local group can demonstrates the (KI4SGM), and Fred Hendershot (N3BUL) log- true power of ham offer a solution: the ging contacts made on air.

Brandon Amateur Radio Society. radio.

On June 22 and 23, the Brandon “Internet and power are always on Amateur Radio Society (BARS) hosted and always available, however, we’ve an Amateur Radio ‘Field Day’ as part of a seen quite a few examples of bad weathnational exercise supported by the er and natural disasters...that cause that National Association for Amateur Radio infrastructure to be unavailable. Ham (ARRL) to educate people about the radio has always demonstrated that when usage and importance of ham radios. all else fails, ham radio is always able to The event was hosted at Davis Park, get the message out,” Scott Irwin, presilocated at 612 N. Parsons Ave. in dent of BARS, stated. Amateur radio is a Brandon. vital skill, he explained, because of its reliThe national field day is always host- ability and ability to relay information ed on the fourth full weekend of June. when primary communication networks More than 40,000 “hams” (amateur radio go down. They can be used to communihobbyists) help set up the national field cate with first responders and even other day each year, including those among the regions of the US to relay information.

Brandon Amateur Radio Society.

The Brandon Amateur Radio Society Temporary transmission stations are set has been serving the Brandon, Riverview up to demonstrate the science and skill and East Tampa areas for more than 40 behind amateur radio as well as to eduyears to provide emergency communicacate the general public about the realtions, license classes and operator trainworld usefulness of an underrated hobby. ing programs.

Hams were on-site educating visitors For more information or to schedule, about the radio setups they were using. please visit the website at www.brandonComputers logged the data of all the hamradio.org.

“They say her own estabgood fences make lishment, but good neighbors; she admits it is we say great beer fun to watch it does.” This is the blossom and mantra for the exciting to be recently opened part of the Three Bulls neighborhood Tavern & brewery.

Brewery.

While dinThree Bulls Tavern & Brewery This local ing at Three recently opened to rave reviews. It is located at 4330 Bulls, you will neighborhood Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico. establishment be able to may be new, but it has roots going back glimpse the brewing process and soon to the founding of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in enjoy one of the six beers Tracy plans to 1985 when Jim and Jeanette Mellody brew. There are also guest craft brews opened the first restaurant. Now 34 years available. later, their sons, Jim and Sean Mellody, The food is great too and it is Jim’s along with Jim’s wife, Tracy, continue the own recipes that you will find on the tradition by creating their own brand. menu. The food is mainly gastro pub Three Bulls is located where the Beef ‘O’ style. Among the offerings will be houseBrady’s recently closed on Bell Shoals smoked pastrami Rueben, Smoked Rd. and has been completely renovated.

Gouda Mac ‘N Cheese, Mojo Smoked “It was our passion, more than anyPork, Tacos and Bowls. If you don’t eat thing else,” Jim said, on why they determeat, there are a lot of choices such as mined to open their own gastro pub. the Impossible Burger, Cauliflower Taco Conceiving a new concept was one or Veggie Bowl. thing, but making it happen proved to be “We are definitely committed to another. “So as it turns out, building a adding something special to the new restaurant concept from the ground Bloomingdale community said Tracy. “We up is no small feat,” said Sean. There don’t just own a business here. We live were some obstacles to overcome, but here too.” the restaurant recently opened to rave Hours are Monday to Thursday from reviews.

4-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 It is Tracy who is passionate about p.m.-12 Noon and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 brewing, and is currently working on p.m.

Three Bulls special brews. “I am primarily Three Bulls Tavern & Brewery is a Belgian-inspired brewer,” she said. She located at 4330 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico. started brewing back in 2012 but never Call 381-3853 or visit on Facebook at thought she would be brewing the beer in Three Bulls Tavern & Brewery.

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Page 14

Valrico Edition

Celebrate 50th Anniversary Of Apollo 11’s Moon Landing At MOSI’s One Small Step Exhibit

By Taylor Wells

MOSI, said, “We had a shared dream, and with that shared dream and a very short amount of time, we came together as a country and we were able to demonstrate to the world that we were able to accomplish someThe One Small Step exhibition at MOSI is available from thing monumental that’s now until early September, so make sure to join in and celeinspirational, that has brate the 50th anniversary of this historic event. essentially set the bar In partnership with NASA, the One and the standard for all human space Small Step exhibition at MOSI has joined exploration.” the museum’s collection of innovative and As One Small Step shows, Neil educational exhibits in celebration of the Armstrong’s famous words, “one small 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” landing on July 16, 1969. hold true, as the Moon landing was a One Small Step is as a science and stepping stone for future space explohistory exhibit that includes recounting ration efforts. stories; artifacts like a space pen used to “NASA’s current mission is to go save the Apollo 11 mission from disaster; back and establish a permanent lunar hands-on space engineering activities, base on the Moon in preparation for such as a makerspace where guests can sending humans to Mars,” said Pelaez. build rockets and test magnetic hoverThis is a great opportunity for families crafts; and more. to come together and talk about what the It also has a full-scale wall featuring Apollo 11 Moon landing meant to them, Buzz Aldrin saluting the U.S. flag planted experience it through the exhibit and on the Moon, which guests can pose with learn more about it.

One Small Step lasts and take pictures of, and a multiplayer throughout the summer until early game where people work together to land September, so be sure to visit for a fun, the Apollo 11 Lunar Module Eagle on the educational and fascinating adventure Moon. centered around this momentous event.

On Tuesday, July 16, One Small The One Small Step exhibit is includStep visitors can join a global rocket ed in MOSI’s general admission. launch, which is expected to be a world For more information, visit record with Guinness World Records offihttps://www.mosi.org/explore-mosi/. cials participating.

MOSI is located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. in For what the exhibit aims to teach Tampa and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 guests, Anthony Pelaez, the Senior p.m. daily.

Director of Exhibits and Innovation at

Volume 16, Issue 7

July 2019

Page 15

Valrico Edition

Warhead Clothing Company’s Patriotic Products Are Designed For All

By Taylor Wells

If you are feeling owner of Warhead patriotic and want Clothing. some new clothes, Dawson had not then you should conseen himself opening sider checking out his own business at Warhead Clothing first, but, he said, Company. This veter“Once I got out and I an-owned and operatstarted going back to ed business school, I started takopened in 2018 ing business classand provides es…at that point is high-quality, when I was American, milimore serious tary-inspired about it.” apparel for all.

As for why Warhead Clothing Company’s apparel are The Brandonhe chose to sell perfect for showing off based company patriotic and your patriotic love for our designs, creates and military-inspired country and military. ships all of its apparel clothes, Dawson right here in the United States. Whether said, “Well, I know that there are other you are an active duty military member, a companies out there that do it; with my veteran, a former first responder or some- eight years of military experience, I am one with pride in their military and counvery qualified in selling it. I’ve had no try, this store is for you. regrets in joining the military, I love the Warhead Clothing’s apparel catalog U.S. military, and I decided that if I was is regularly updated each month with new going to go into a field in apparel, I designs. The latest addition, mesh snapthought this would be the best field that I back hats bearing an American flag, was can do. I can bring clothing that I know added in June. Customers do not need to military people would like.” have any membership or pay additional If you are a current or former memfees to access these new designs; they ber of the military, have family who are are available to everyone. part of it or are simply patriotic, then you While its selection is currently limited will want to give Warhead Clothing’s webto hats and T-shirts, after Warhead site a visit.

Clothing expands, more types of clothing To order Warhead Clothing will eventually be added later on, such as Company’s apparel or find more informalong-sleeved shirts, hoodies and jackets. tion, visit https://warheadclothingcompaDerek Dawson, a retired sergeant ny.com/. You can also order by calling who spent eight years in the United 833-200-7272. Be sure to also visit its States Marine Corps, is the founder and Twitter page @CompanyWarhead.

Popular European Wax Center Opens New Location In Brandon

By Michelle Caceres Brandon resiing the hair from the dent Jander root for longer-lastHernandez was ing results. thrilled when she “Our wax spefound out her go-to cialists only provide place for hair waxing services removal was openevery day of every ing a center closer week,” he said. to her home.

“When waxing is the Located at 1933 only service you W. Lumsden Rd. in provide, you perfect the HomeGoodsthat service.”

European Wax Center opened in Brandon anchored Brandon Grebowski is and its wax specialists are ready to help so confident new Centre South shopreveal beautiful skin and a confident you. ping center, customers will love European Wax Center offers guests a full the experience, he offers a complimentasuite of waxing services, as well as a pro- ry wax (brows, underarms or bikini line for prietary line of beauty products in the women and nose, ears and brows for skincare, body and brow categories. Its men). professionally trained and certified waxing Hernandez received her free first wax experts provide guests with a comforta long time ago, but said she still saves able, luxurious experience. money by purchasing a wax pass that Hernandez, who had been a cusearns her free waxes. tomer at the center’s Tampa location for Grebowski agrees. Before he was a eight years, visits the center every three franchise owner, he was a customer. “I or four weeks for eyebrow, underarm and was tired of trying to shave in places I Brazilian waxing. couldn’t reach and seeing stubble just a “The experience at European Wax few days after shaving,” he said. “One Center is so much better than the waxing day I was in a hurry and ran into a service you get at a salon,” she said. “It European Wax Center in North Carolina doesn’t hurt as much, and when finished, and knew right away it was an altogether they apply special products to ensure you better experience.” don’t get ingrown hairs.”

He opened a European Wax Center Center owner Frank Grebowski said in Tampa. His second location opened in the more painless service is due to a cou- April; many veteran wax specialists and ple of reasons. A proprietary hard wax is the manager of the Tampa location transused that goes straight on the skin, cools ferred to the Brandon center. quickly and the wax specialist removes For more information or to schedule the wax strip without requiring paper. The an appointment seven days a week, visit wax pulls the hair but not the skin, remov- www.waxcenter.com or call 793-2000.

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Page 16

Volume 16, Issue 7

Valrico Edition

Dancing For Donations Combines Fuzzy Friends And Yoga

By Hailey Le Roy

Imagine a Dancing for place of pure Donations and 50 tranquility and percent of the relaxation. Then proceeds go add cute little towards the shelanimals. That is ter partnered with exactly what at the session.

Dancing for All the cats in Donations is the kitten yoga as doing with its well as some puppy and kitten dogs in the yoga.

In addition to its all-incluA kitty decides to take part in the yoga sive dance fun too classes, Dancing for Donations has partnered puppy yoga with Hannah’s House of Friends to are adoptoffer puppy yoga and Cat Haven able. “With Rescue to offer kitten yoga. The nonthe cats the profits’ goal is to aid with the rate of people got to actually get adoptions at each rescue as well as to hang out with the cats and get to raise money for its own organization. know the cats before adopting them,” According to the organization’s Battaglia said, “They were super fun head, Sara Battaglia, she came up and super cute.” with the idea after a vendor market Battaglia said that it is part of with Cat Haven Rescue was unsucDancing for Donations’ mission to give cessful. “I was trying to think of other back to the community. “We have the ways to help fundraise for us and space, so might as well use it for the other organizations and I was like, ‘it bettering of the community.” might be a crazy idea, but, like, what The nonprofit is looking into doing about cat yoga?’” bunny yoga in the future.

She discussed it with the team at This summer, Dancing for Cat Haven Rescue and they agreed to Donations is offering a dance techthe partnership. Thus, cat yoga was nique camp, a dojo camp and more. It born. It was then so successful that is also hoping to put on The she reached out to Hannah’s House of Nutcracker this year. The next Puppy Friends to do puppy yoga.

Yoga class will be Sunday, July 28.

Each yoga class is $15. Fifty perFor information, visit the Dancing cent of the proceeds go towards for Donations’ Facebook page.

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July 2019

Page 17

Valrico Edition

freshwater fish that eat mosquito larvae. The fish are ideal for backyard ponds, fountains, animal troughs, unused swimming pools, and other standing water. They require no feeding, and , care is limited to proti n sa elle Cole h ic M tecting them from gary db m Compile preyobserver.co den sprays, chlorine, s @o michelle or other chemicals used for cleaning.

Mosquito fish do not lay eggs and need

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Residents throughout Hillsborough County can pick up free fish again this summer to help reduce backyard mosquito breeding. This year's mobile mosquito fish truck events will also feature Mosquito Management's new education lab, focusing on Mosquito Management is rolling out a new mobile education lab featuring ways everyone can help combat mosquitoes actions residents can alongside the mosquito fighting duo Mosquito Ninja and take to proactively elimiGambuzi-san. nate mosquito habitats no special environment for breeding. and stop larvae production.

Residents will only need a photo ID Residents can visit the lab locally and showing residence in Hillsborough pick up fish from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Saturdays: July 27 - SouthShore County to receive fish. Limited quantities of mosquito fish will be available, while Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in supplies last.

Ruskin, August 24 - Mike E. Sansone Free mosquito fish are also available Community Park, 1702 N. Park Rd. in through September 18, every Plant City and September 7 - Gardenville Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon at Recreation Center, 6215 Symmes Rd. in the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, 1408 Gibsonton.

24th St. S.E. in Ruskin, through a partnerThe County is providing fish as an effective, natural way for residents to con- ship between Hillsborough County and the University of Florida facility. trol the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito fish are small, native

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Volume 16, Issue 7

Valrico Edition

ack B , w o h le S y t S & tions a n Tea o D ool h c S o re… o T M & esanti, Sought lle Col

Donations Being Accepted For YMCA Backpack Outreach Event

The Tampa Metropolitan Area he

by Mic rver.com d e l i YMCA is teaming up with p bse Com spreyo o @ e the Emergency Care ll miche Help Organization (ECHO) to bring in donations to provide much-needed school supplies to kids from lowerincome households.

Ladies & Little Ladies Tea & Style Pre-qualified Greater Brandon Show Riverview, Wimauma and Ruskin The Ladies & Little Ladies Tea & area students, in grades K-12, will Style Show is a fundraiser for The receive backpacks stuffed with essenSociety of St. Vincent de Paul, St. tial supplies for the school year. The Stephen Conference. It will benefit the YMCA Backpack Outreach Event on food pantry and financial assistance Saturday, July 27 at YMCA Camp program for those in need, and will be Cristina is designed for pre-regisheld on tered families facing financial hardSaturday, ship or recovering from job loss, September fire or another qualifying emer14 from 11 gency. a.m.-1 p.m.

During the event, each family Additional will also receive free healthy monetary snacks & smoothies, complimentadonations ry dental screenings, fun games & beyond entertainment and free kids meal ticket price coupons courtesy of and launMcDonalds. dry soap If you would like to would be donate back to school greatly accepted. supplies, you can drop The cost is $18 per person. off donated items For reservation or additional before Wednesday, July information contact Pam Liguori 10 at the Campo Y, at 545-7856 or North Brandon Y, PLC1522@yahoo.com or Arlene Spurlino Y or Camp at 284-5884 or arstein@outlook.com.

Cristina. Items needed are backpacks, The Tea & Style Show will be held wide-ruled notebook paper (100 sheet at the Family Life Center of St. packets), college-ruled notebook paper Stephen Catholic Church, located at (100 sheet packets) and pocket folders 10118 St. Stephen Cir. in Riverview. with prongs

County Now Offers Multi-Year Pet Registration

You can register your car for more than one year. Ditto for your boat. Now, you can register your pet for more than one year at a time.

Hillsborough County has added more registration tag options, giving owners the choice of a one-, two-, or three-year tag for their dog, cat, or ferret. The changes went into effect on July 1.

In addition to the convenience factor, the change to multi-year licenses is designed to make it easier for owners to keep their dog or cat’s vaccinations and registration tags on the same cycle. Pet Resources will help pet owners get their tag on the same cycle even before your pet’s rabies vaccine expires crediting what has already been paid for toward the cost of a multi-year license.

In Hillsborough County, pets older than four months must be registered and have proof of a rabies vaccination.

Fines begin at $100 for failure to license or vaccinate.

Tags can be purchased through the County’s Pet Resource Center or with your veterinarian.

Congregation Beth Shalom’s Upcoming Events

Poker / Mahjong Night on Saturday, July 27-All are welcome to try their luck; $5 to play, loads of fun to follow. Call in advance to reserve a spot. Snacks and beverage will be served.

Open House on Sunday, August 4- Come, visit and learn about us: rabbi, Hebrew school, mission and more. For more information call the office.

A Taste of Tanach (Formerly called “Bibles and Bagels) on Saturday, August 10 from 10-11 a.m. - Rabbi Bryan Mann will lead a session on the torah portions, Light breakfast will be served. Bring your own beverage. All are welcome.

Everyone is welcome to attend Sabbath services on Friday’s at 7:30 p.m. Oneg, nosh and mingle follows.

All are welcome. All services are streamed live and can be watched afterwards on its Facebook page.

Simcha Shabbot service will be on Friday, August 16.

Congregation Beth Shalom is located at 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon.

For more information, call 681-6547.

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Page 19

Valrico Edition

Riverview Was Named ‘Moonshine Alley’ By Prohibition Era Feds Leaven Brewery in Riverview, Four Stacks Brewing in Apollo Beach and Bullfrog Creek Brewing in Valrico are local, southern Hillsborough County craft breweries growing legions of devoted fans. Although legal and popular today, opening a craft brewery during Prohibition (1920 to 1933) might well have landed an enterprising brewer/distiller in jail.

Prohibition-era laws outlawed the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. More practical economic laws of supply and demand, however, ensured that the illicit commerce would thrive. Well-hidden stills could be found throughout rural Hillsborough County, and Riverview was a hotbed for the prohibited activity. Dubbed ‘Moonshine Alley’ by enforcement agents, the backwoods creeks flowing into the Alafia River around Riverview were natural settings for the illegal trade.

Armed with guns and hatchets, agents often conducted raids in the area, smashing hundreds of stills and thousands of bottles of moonshine.

Arrests, however, were infrequent.

Tampa’s Prohibition Enforcement Director A. L. Pete Allen explained that, “The people out there live in trees. They see us coming and take to their heels.

Lookouts are posted in trees to warn boozemakers.”

Even when arrests were made convictions were rare. On a small island in Buckhorn Creek (near today’s Bloomingdale Rd. and Kings Ave.) was one of the largest sites ever raided. In May 1922, agents destroyed a 250-gallon still and arrested R. L. Watson. One

By Charles Nelson

Photo courtesy of Florida Memory Project

A working still uncovered in Riverview in 1920.

Below: Logos for Leaven Brewery, Four Stacks Brewing and Bullfrog Creek.

thousand bottles of moonshine and fruitbrandy were smashed and dumped along with 800 lbs. of prunes and 200 lbs. of dried peaches found in ‘very bad condition.’ Bad fruit was often reported as a primary source of the mash.

Director Allen reported, “The more juicy the garbage, the better the shine.”

Typically, Watson was not convicted as the search warrant could not be produced at trial. Only 4 percent of those arrested in 1922 were sentenced to jail.

Allen also reported that, “The aver-

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age moonshiner did not know enough about distilling to manufacture clear whiskey, and the product was often strengthened with potash and other poisons which sometimes resulted in deaths.” This was a dangerous business but lucrative for operators where the risk of capture and punishment was slight.

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where officers seized a 100-gallon capacity still and 11 barrels of grapefruit mash. Four miles southeast of Riverview on Bell Creek (near today’s Bell Creek Nature Preserve), a 100-gallon still was smashed and eleven barrels of corn and grits mash were confiscated. No arrests were made in either raid.

Once moonshine was made, distribution to local buyers was key. Local road houses were often searched.

When an illegal product was found, it was confiscated and these saloons were shut down, only to spring up in another location. A popular spot for moonshiners to deliver their stock was also found on Whiskey Stump Key, a small island south of the Alafia River mouth. Legend has it that customers left their money in an empty bottle under a tree stump on the island and returned to find the money gone and the bottle filled with liquor by area moonshiners. Today it is a protected bird habitat.

So, feel free to visit one of our growing, local craft breweries. When you go, give a thought to the 1920s and tell your brew master of our wild moonshining history and his good fortune when it comes to timing in opening his business.

Charles Nelson Bio Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in History from George Mason University and taught as an adjunct instructor at HCC (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated with Tampa Bay History Center as a volunteer docent, researcher and community lecturer, with an emphasis on South Hillsborough County history.

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Page 20

Volume 16, Issue 7

Valrico Edition

Looking Back Fifty Years At The ‘Summer Of ‘69’, Moon Landing, Woodstock & More “…Oh, when I look back now that summer seemed to last forever, And if I had the choice; Yeah, I'd always wanna be there, Those were the best days of my life….”

In 1985 Bryan Adams released a song; Summer of ’69. As a young girl of 14 during that year which ended one of the most interesting decades of the 20th century, it brings back memories of what seemed to be a simpler time, but in retrospect was anything but simple.

The 1960’s boasted both a tumultuous era of civil rights riots and notable assassinations along with much opposition to the Vietnam War, as well as the summer of love (’67), which began a counter-culture promoting peace, love and music. As the decade neared its end, two events that would change the culture of our country and the world happened within a month of each other.

Fifty years may have passed since that ‘Summer of 69,’ but for those of us lucky enough to have been present to witness the events that unfolded during that season, we also got to observe the changes that would usher in the beginning of a new era of technology and innovations that would be global in scale.

The landing of the first men on the moon on July 20, 1969, was the culmination of the space race that President John Kennedy began in response to Russia’s early domination of space travel. In September of 1962 in a speech President Kennedy made to the American people, he said, “…We choose to go to the Moon in this

travel, but much advancement has been made because of what was learned to prepare man for those journeys. Without it, we would

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the Woodstock Music Festival, earned its hallowed place in pop culture history.

The three-day celebration began on August 15, 1969. An unexpected half million people showed up for the festival that took place on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York.

It did not go off quite as smooth as intended however. A last-minute venue change, bad weather and the hordes of unexpected attendees caused major headaches. Despite that, because the Woodstock Photo: By Derek Redmond and Paul Campbell country was deep in controversy about the Vietnam War, Woodstock was an opportunity for people to escape into the music and spread a message of unity and peace.

And if that were not enough, August of ’69 also saw the twonight rampage by Charles Manson and his ‘family’ when they killed pregnant actress Sharon Tate along with seven others.

Hurricane Camille, a Cat 5 storm, killed more than 250 people in Mississippi and Louisiana on August 17 packing winds stronger than 200 mph. everyone watched - from Apollo Photo courtesy of NASA August 14 saw the New York 11’s liftoff until a few days later Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot of the first when its lunar module began its lunar landing mission, poses for a photograph beside the Mets fall behind the Chicago Cubs deployed United States flag during an Apollo 11 extrave- by nine games, but came back to descent on to the surface of the hicular activity (EVA) on the lunar surface. win the World Series and earning moon. On small TV’s everywhere, not have camera phones, MRIs, them the name ‘Miracle Mets.’ families and friends sat together excited scratch resistant lenses, water purifica….And now the times are changin', to witness history and those first steps. tion systems, wireless headsets, artifilook at everything that's come and The fuzzy pictures streaming from cial limbs and portable computers just gone….”

238,900 miles away and that first step to name a few.

Were they really the best days of by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Less than a month followed when our lives? Maybe not, but they were Aldrin had audiences mesmerized – the pop music culture event (not only of certainly some of the most interesting and proud. the decade, but maybe of the century), times.

Not everyone agrees with space decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard….” Seven years later, that goal was met.

You could sense a buzz of excitement in the atmosphere as

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Page 21

Valrico Edition

Classic Albums Live Returns To Play Its Summer Series

By Jasmine Haroun

Sixteen we want them to years ago in focus on the Toronto, Ontario, music.”

Canada, Craig Each show Martin was drivincludes them ing home, listenplaying a full ing to the radio. album of a popAs he heard to ular rock band. some of his “CAL reprefavorite music, sents music he thought to that endures CAL playing The Beatles’ album, himself, “Why and will continSergeant Pepper doesn’t anyone ue to accomever play the full album… all the good pany us all through and around this morsongs in a row?” and thus was born his tal coil,” said Martin. company, Classic Albums Live (CAL).

His saying has always been ‘Note for In 2003, Martin began hiring musiNote, Cut for Cut.’ It is something he has cians to play an entire Classic Rock always said - something he has always Album such as Pink Floyd’s The Wall or strived for when creating these performThe Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper. His sister, ances. It is a tribute to the extensive colTracy Martin, joined the business and lection of music from over three decades became head of operations. He began of rock history. the company in Toronto and in that same As Phillips mentioned, “It’s like when year began working with a booking agent you watch a comedy show on TV. It’s difwho got them their first gig the U.S., play- ferent than you actually being an audiing in Rochester, NY. From there, their ence member. When you’re actually there agent booked concerts at Hard Rock in on set, you just find yourself laughing all Orlando and soon their journey started. the time. No improvising, no costumes, Currently, there are about 40-50 peo- just the music -- live.” ple working for Classic Albums Live perThis summer, the band is performing forming in Performance Arts Centers its annual summer series with time to across North America. catch Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here During each show, the musicians will July 19, Rolling Stones: Let It Bleed usually dress in all black and perform the August 9, Beatles: Abbey Road same way an orchestra would. Rob September 20 and Tom Petty: Damn the Phillips, music director for Classic Albums Torpedoes - October 18. The RP Funding Live said, “It’s almost like we are trying to Center is located at 701 W Lime St. In be invisible. We don’t dress up in cosLakeland.To purchase tickets or for more tumes or anything like that because we information, visit classicalbumslive.com or don’t want the audience to focus on us www.rpfundingcenter.com.

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Volume 16, Issue 7

Valrico Edition

HCC Brandon Hosts The Fourth Annual Florida Birding & Nature Festival

By Jasmine Haroun

The In addition, fourth exhibitors will annual offer artwork, Florida bird boxes, Birding & binoculars and Nature other products Festival is for sale. The quickly week will be approachfilled with fun ing and has and interesting been ventures scheduled accompanied from by several Thursday to popular Sunday, keynote speakOctober 17Photo courtesy of Tom Bell Photo courtesy of Lou Newman ers and profesA Roseate Spoonbill in flight.

Three Caracaras on top of tree.

20. The fessionals that will tival will covers all three boat trip to Egmont surely pique interest to all of the bird take place at the Hillsborough Picture of Denver Holt, Owl Research Key Island, Fort days. Field trips and nature enthusiasts. “This year’s Institute Community College (HCC) Brandon and keynote speakDeSoto Park for Florida Birding and Nature Festival is Campus where the location of the ers are add-ons and are not included ‘extreme birding’ a canoe-kayak trip shaping up to be the best ever. event also happens to correspond with registration, which is required to on the Hillsborough River and even a People should hurry to register for with the “peak migration of more than attend the seminars and nature expo. tour to Apollo Beach to visit the their preferred field trips, as space is 180 species.” The four days will be It is also required in order to sign up Florida Center for Conservation. limited on some of them,” said Field packed full with activities including for field trips, yet is not required to These tours will give its participants Trip Coordinator Mary Keith. For several expert-led eco trips to some purchase keynote tickets. a good opportunity to learn about more information, visit www.fbnfestiof the greatest wildlife sites in West The festival will host several and see more of Florida’s nature and val.org.

Central Florida. guest and keynote speakers such as wildlife.

Florida Birding & Nature Dr. Mark Madison, historian for the For the past three years, the fesFestival’s mission is to “promote U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; tival has had a great turnout. As appreciation and conservation of Denver Holt, the founder and presinoted on its website, Debbie L., a Florida’s birds, its wildlife and their dent of the Owl Research Institute; participant in the festival said, “I just habitats through responsible natureand Kenn Kaufman, a naturalist, conwanted to let you know how much we based tourism and public awareservationist as well as the best-sellenjoyed the Birding Festival. The ness.” So, throughout the four days, ing author of more than 10 books excursions as well as the seminars boat trips, a turtle symposium, including the successful Kaufman were very educational. The leaders keynotes, field trips, a popular nature Field Guides. were generous with their knowledge, expo, workshops, over 35 seminars From Friday to Sunday, the festiand patient with our questions. They and much more will be offered. val will offer more than 20 trips that did a great job organizing an incrediAs for the price, festival registrawill show members sanctuaries of the ble program. It was well worth our tion is $30 for a single day, or $45 area. Some of the outings include a 10-hour trip from Birmingham.”

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July 2019

Page 23

Valrico Edition

Embark On Healthier Lifestyle Through Medi-Weightloss Program

By Manuela Graf

Located at 203 Society of Bariatric W. Bloomingdale Physicians, regisAve. in Brandon tered dietitians and and serving the other healthcare proTampa Bay area in fessionals to aid her several other locain her weight loss tions, Medijourney with a Weightloss has strongly-founded been dedicated to treatment plan. helping its patients Hicks was reach their health pleased with the goals since 2006, staff’s hands-on and with an average of supportive approach Before After three million to her health journey. pounds lost nation“They will answer wide since its foun- Bay area resident Michelle Hicks was suc- any of my questions, cessfully guided through her health jourdation. motivate me if I was ney by medical professionals at MediBy basing its disappointed in my Weightloss and lost 55 pounds. programs on a ‘balance of education, weekly progress and guide me to next appetite management and exercise activi- steps, if needed. I was always presented ty,’ according to its website, this physiby smiling people, which made me feel cian-supervised weight loss program that they believe in what they are doing. proves to be much more than another The doctor would check in with me often quick-fix treatment. to discuss my progress as I went through Patients can come in for an initial the program,” she said. consultation and treatments are personal“I feel better than ever,” she ized using a patient’s own health profile exclaimed. “My blood pressure and chorather than a generalized treatment. lesterol are in normal range. I feel like I've Through several patient success testirewound the years,” she added. Hicks monies, including that of Brandon resinow enjoys her healthier lifestyle after losdent Michelle Hicks, Medi-Weightloss ing an impressive 55 pounds. continues to gain a wide range of support Medi-Weightloss directs its treatment from clients whose lives were changed approach away from typical fast diets that for the better. are ultimately ineffective and gears Hicks turned to the experts at Meditowards a comprehensive, three-phase Weightloss after unsuccessful attempts to program that will yield stable results for lose weight through self-treatment and patients in the long run. other various diets. After doing her For information, visit research, she was guided by board-certihttps://www.mediweightloss.com/ or call fied physicians who are members of the 877-MED-LOSS.

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Page 24

Volume 16, Issue 7

Valrico Edition

BRIDGEWATER LANDING

Model Phone Number: 813-653-7373 www.bridgewaterlanding.com

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Errors and omissions excluded. Prices, plans, elevations, promotions and specifications subject to change without notice. Š 2019 Sunrise Homes. All rights reserved. CGC# 038600

In This Section

Valrico

SPORTS CONNECTION. ............PGS 28‐29 CHALKLINES....................................PG 32 SUPERINTENDENT EARNS AWARD.PG 33 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...............PG 34 July 2019

Volume 16, Issue 7

TAMPA BEERFEST...........................PG 35

Ph: 657-2418

Walker Hill Designs LLC Offers Interior Decorating And Home Staging

Walker Hill Designs believes everyone should have a home they love. It provides interior decorating services for any style and every budget Walker Hill Designs offers simple, upfront pricing and makes the process fun and easy for its customers. All of its designs are customized to each client and they can choose their level of involvement: from a DIY checklist with suggested items to purchase, to having Walker Hill Designs complete everything start to finish. Owners Erin Brundage and Allison Sclavakis want to remove the ‘intimidating’ stigma from interior decorating and let everyone know that they can have a home they love and one that makes them proud.

Hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 951-4545 or visit www.walkerhilldesigns.com.

Budget Blinds Celebrates One Year Anniversary With New Ownership

Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa and Brandon are your local experts.

With the highest levels of customer satisfaction, enjoy the peace of mind and security that comes with choosing

Budget Blinds has recently celebrated its one year anniversary with new owners Mike and Adriane Wonderlin.

the proven leader within the window coverings industry. It offers custom window shadings, blinds, shutters drapery and more.

Owners Mike and Adriane Wonderlin enjoy getting to know you and your unique style so they can deliver the perfect solution for your home.

They have completed a full year as new business owners and are very excited for the back half of 2019. “We are currently generating a +10 percent growth over last year’s revenue. Most of our business comes from repeat and referral customers that we have continued to service from the 25 years that this local franchise has been operating. We are a local, family-owned and operated franchise. We always put our customers first and truly care

about the communities that we service.”

Budget Blinds is located at 10437 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview and 1208 W Fletcher Ave. in Tampa. Hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Call 445-7121 or visit https://budgetblinds.com/brandon/ or www.facebook.com/inspireddrapesgreatertampa/.

Visit Truly Greek Restaurant In Brandon

Truly Greek is owned and operated by Ismail Abu and his family. The restaurant has a variety of items from gyros with lamb, beef or chicken, homemade vegan soups, salads, appetizers, desserts and more.

Truly Greek is located at 887 E.

Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-8 p.m.

Visit Truly Greek on Facebook. Call Enjoy authentic 324-7933 to Greek food at Truly Greek Restaurant, place your 887 E. Bloomingdale order for some Ave. in Brandon. truly authentic Greek Food.

Lint Guardian Offers Dryer Vent And Air Duct Cleaning

Daniel Accurso is the owner of Lint Guardian, which has been in business since 2012, and offers a wide variety of services to meet customer’s needs.

Full service professional dryer vent cleaning and vent repair services are offered.

Lint Guardian techs will remove the dryer from the wall. Clean the area behind the dryer; clean the entire length of the exhaust to the roof, and then access the roof to manually clean out the roof hood and flapper/screen. They will clean and check for any damage to the flexi-

Continued on Next Page

Page 26

Business Column Continued.............

By Michelle Colesanti

ble line that connects the dryer to the actual exhaust. Finally techs will clean the lint screen and cavity and check for proper air flow.

It also offers Air Duct Cleaning.

Using an industrial power 2200 CFM HEPA filtered Vacuum system, combined with compressed air agitation to gently clean the harmful pollutants that collect inside your ductwork. Unlike rotary brush duct cleaning, the compressed air method guarantees that ductworks remain undamaged.

Hours are Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 400-2079 or 888-3066066. Visit Lint-Guardian.com.

Volume 16, Issue 7

Valrico Edition

newvitalityformen.com.

SpaceOAR Used In Prostate Cancer Treatment

The Cancer Center of South Tampa, Premier Radiation Oncology, and Florida Urology Partners have added the use of SpaceOAR (Augmenix, Boston Scientific) in the treatment of localized prostate cancer with radiation therapy, in an effort to protect quality of life and minimize side effects. With prostate cancer, 90 percent of cases at initial diagnosis are likely to be localized, meaning it has not spread to New Vitality Center For Men other organs.

“We are very Women are not the only ones who excited about this need hormone replacement. Men also procedure, and believe it’s a game have tremendous benefits from horchanger for our radiation patients”, mone replacement therapy (HRT). said Dr. Janelle Park, Radiation New Vitality Center For Men specialOncologist at Premier Radiation izes in balancing hormones and restorOncology.

“This will allow us ing vitality. It to really help our patients helps them have a much lower side achieve the effect profile both during and natural, healthy after radiation therapy treatbalance of horment.” mones their Dr. Alexander Engelman, bodies need to Radiation Oncologist at maintain optiPremier and Cancer Center mum health of South Tampa, also noted, and well-being.

“Interestingly enough, there Low testoswas also noted at three year terone (Low T) follow up to have a statisticalin men ly significant decrease in urican nary as well as sexual side wreckeffects. Any reduction we havoc in can give our patients in long their term side effects from radiahealth in tion is a plus.” a lot of Liz Johns, the owner of a Little Dr. Malcolm Root, ways including Lavish Hair Studio, celebrates her Urologist with Florida Urology one year anniversary of her hair illness, loss of salon at Salons by JC. Partners, said the procedure sex drive, mustakes approximately 15-20 minutes. cle loss, sleep problems, loss of menVisit FloridaUrologyPartners.com, tal sharpness, self-confidence, and SpaceOAR.com or call its clinics to more. schedule a consultation to see if Most male patients who receive SpaceOAR is right for you: Cancer hormone replacement therapy have Center of South Tampa, located at 601 more energy and improved sexual S. Armenia Ave. in Tampa at 353-8803 performance. and Premier Radiation Oncology, 3140 Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a safe, effec- S. Falkenburg Rd., Ste. 104 in Riverview at 734tive way to counteract some of the 8911. symptoms brought on by andropause.

Little Lavish Hair Studio Celebrates It is located at 112 Parsons Park One Year Anniversary Dr. in Brandon. Hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Liz Johns, the owner of a Little Friday from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. Call Lavish Hair Studio, is celebrating her 436-0708 or visit one year anniversary at Salons by JC.

She has over 14 years experience in the beauty industry. She is a master colorist. Hair color and transformations are her true passions. She is also a precision hair artist. She specializes in Matrix color.

“I absolutely love the freedom it has given me. I have never loved my career more,” she said.

The hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-8 p.m. and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Salons by JC is located at 3448 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Ste. 30 (Steinmart Plaza).

Call 444-9258 to make an appointment or book at alittlelavish.com.

The Bridges Assisted Living Launches New Menu

The Bridges Assisted Living Community in Riverview officially launched a new menu on July 1.

‘Gourmet Delights’ includes a six-week menu cycle ensuring more variety and selection. Chef Clyde Dorsett, who oversees the menu and dining experience, explained, “Residents will see new entrees on the menu, such as Pork Wellington, Chicken Florentine, Mahi Mahi and Rack of Lamb, as well as, special salads on a daily basis including Watermelon Feta, Tabbouleh, Couscous and Green Goddess Potato Salad.”

“Our residents have both individual tastes and unique health needs; our new ‘Gourmet Delights’ menu will accommodate both,” stated Donna Steiermann, Executive Director. “With featured items and standard alternatives, our wait staff will continue to assist our residents with an exceptional dining experience.”

The Bridges Assisted Living Community is located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview. Call 4138900 or visit https://bridgesretirement.com/.

Christmas In July Sale At What's In Consignment

What's In Consignment is having its annual Christmas in July Sale on Thursday, July 25 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Join in for refreshments, discounts and raffle prizes. Christmas items for consignment will be accepted from July 2July 20. Call 643-7393 for more information.

What’s In Consignment is located at 3220 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Ste. 103 in Valrico. For more information, call 643-7393 or visit http://whatsinconsignment.com/.

All Welcome To Attend Grand Opening Of Sunflower Garden Wellness Center

Sunflower Garden Wellness Center invites you to its grand opening Saturday, July 27 from 3-9 p.m.

At this fun and informative event you will learn the importance of wellness in our lives and how we all can reduce stress and improve our health.

This is a brand new community of caring wellness professionals working to improve your mind and body's well being.

With a wonderful team that includes an Aesthetician, Massage Therapist and a Clinical Psychologist, you can enjoy a Spa Day that will melt away your daily stress.

Sunflower Garden Wellness Center is located at 213 N Parsons Ave. in Brandon.

Please call Kat Simon at 973-4499908 for more information.

Celebrate Rosecastle Of Delaney Creek’s 20th Anniversary At 90s Party

Come party with Rosecastle of Delaney Creek as it celebrates its 20 year anniversary on Thursday, July 18 from 4-6 p.m. Come as you are or wear your 90s attire. Enjoy great fun, great music and more.

Please RSVP by email to rcad.mkt@rosecastleal.com by July 11.

Caring for a loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer’s?

LIFE isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass...

It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Assisted Living for Memory Care Day Stay & Respite Programs Support Groups for Caregivers Call today to visit our community.

We can work together to give your loved one the best possible care.

A tip from our experts: Be sure to have eye contact when speaking to someone with dementia.

Speak slowly and in short sentences then give them time to respond. Remember the word silent also spells listen both of which you must practice to be successful in communicating with someone with dementia.

Assisted Living Facility #9739

July 2019

Valrico Edition

Page 27

Page 28

Valrico Edition

Sports 657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com

Volume 16, Issue 7

Connection

By Nick Nahas and Photos courtesy of Gayle Borgen

Bloomingdale Baseball Catcher Brock Wilken Has Historic Season Brock Wilken had one of the best be on the same page as your catcher individual seasons in Bloomingdale and with him calling the pitches. He also Hillsborough County baseball history. made me feel comfortable throwing The junior hit a school record and whatever pitch he called. We were on Hillsborough County-leading 12 home the same page 99 percent of the time, runs while batting .468 with 26 RBIs and and I would rarely shake him off.”

37 hits in 79 at bats in just 25 games.

Wilken is the nephew of He was the first player from Bloomingdale Head Coach Kris Wilken, Hillsborough County since Stan Rowe who also played catcher for the (Plant, 2010) to hit double digit home University of Houston and as a minorruns in over a decade. He was second leaguer for the Baltimore Orioles. The in the state of Florida in home runs, one younger Wilken transferred to behind Springstead’s Jiovel Lantigua.

Bloomingdale after moving from North He was selected as the 813Preps.com Carolina to Florida for his freshman year Hitter of the Year of high school to play for his uncle, who and was selected has a great track record as a hitting into the Tampa Bay coach and getting his players to the next Times’ all-Tampa level. Wilken also wanted to compete Bay baseball First against tougher competition in Team.

Hillsborough County, one of the top “I am honestly baseball counties in the country in kinda shocked at my regard to talent.

Brock Wilken connects with the ball on a swing. own stats. I know I Wilken and the Bulls had the capability to have high expectations for do it, but to actually do it next season, returning five was really crazy for me and key starters from a team especially after having an that had success last seaOK sophomore year, my son, going 16-9 and teammates picked me up advancing to regionals for and lifted me up throughout the third year in a row. It the offseason and helped will be hard to duplicate last me get to my full capabiliyear’s season for Wilken, ties,” said Wilken. but he thinks there’s always The Wake Forest comroom for improvement. mit accumulated these “There’s always somegreat numbers while also thing you can improve on, making the switch from whether you have a great third base to the physically season or a bad one,” he demanding catching posisaid. “I will have to get bettion. Wilken took on a bigter defensively, for sure, allger role for the team, leadaround at third and catching the pitching staff as ing, and I’ll work on being well. As a freshman and that leader and teammate sophomore, Wilken played that my team needs. You third base. The team needcan always work on being ed a catcher after the previa better person.”

Brock Wilken goes to the mound to talk to his pitcher. ous catcher, Jake Gilbert, Wilken plans on graduated, so he made the school. attending Wake Forest after change to help his team, even though “He was great all season, and he he graduates, but he might he will play third base in college. It was was a guy I could trust all the time in have a choice to make if he a natural change for him because he any situation,” said pitcher Myles Caba. gets drafted in next year’s Wilken tosses the ball to first base. was originally a catcher before high “He helped me learn what it was like to MLB Draft.

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July 2019

Page 29

Valrico Edition

Sports 657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com

Connection

By Nick Nahas and Photos courtesy of Nick Gandy

Tampa Bay Well Represented In 2019 Senior Games Held In Albuquerque New Mexico

Shollenberger (middle) with Jay Bortner (right) and Julian Rainwater.

Tampa Bay area senior athletes were among the record-setting 2019 Senior Games participants. Nearly 700 Florida senior athletes, including 123 from the Tampa Bay area, competed in the 2019 National Senior Games that were held in Albuquerque, NM from June 14-25. The 2019 games broke the record for the most registered athletes in the organization’s history in its 32nd year.

According to the National Senior Games registration database, all 50 states were represented in this year’s games with a total of 13,712 athletes, which is 30 percent higher than the games in 2017 and 14 percent higher than the previous 12,000-person games in Louisville, KY in 2007.

Florida had the fourth highest participation rate among the states this year with 687 athletes. These athletes qualified at the 2018 Florida Senior Games, presented by Humana, held in Clearwater and Pinellas Counties in December 2018. Since 2001, over

Shollenberger (right) on the medal stand after receiving his bronze medal in singles.

4,000 Florida athletes have competed in the biennial National Senior Games.

Valrico resident Barry Shollenberger has competed at the Senior Games since 2011. He and his tennis doubles partner, Jay Bortner, have had a lot of success at the competition, winning bronze in doubles in 2011 in Houston (65 and older), gold in 2013 in doubles in Minneapolis (70 and older), silver in doubles in 2017 in Birmingham and Shollenberger won the singles gold medal that same year. In the most recent games, Shollenberger and Bortner won the bronze medal in doubles and Shollenberger won the bronze medal in singles as well for the 75 and older age group.

“We have had some pretty good

Shollenberger (left) with his doubles partner Jay Bortner.

success in the games, and that’s what keeps us coming back,” said Shollenberger. “The competition seems to be getting better and better each time we come. It’s a lot of fun. People at our age you normally don’t think of as athletes, but this is real competition, guys will rip your throat out for a point.”

Shollenberger enjoys meeting new people and staying active.

“The athletes traveling to the National Senior Games from Florida shows their dedication to having a better quality of life as they age,” said Marvin E. Green, Jr., Vice President of Amateur Sports & Events with the Florida Sports Foundation. “Whether they are going to compete against the top athletes from around the country in their age group, or if they are going for

an extended vacation to New Mexico and make new friends from other states, we are extremely proud of their efforts.”

The sports that the athletes competed in include: archery, badminton, basketball, bowling, cycling, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, power walk, race walk, racquetball, road race, shuffleboard, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field, triathlon and tri relay and volleyball.

Shollenberger plans on competing in the next Florida Senior Games and in the next National Senior Games in two years in Fort Lauderdale.

For more information about the 2019 National Senior Games, visit www.nsga.com. Visit www.floridaseniorgames.com for information about the remaining 2019 Florida Senior Games, local qualifying events and the 2019 Florida Senior Games, presented

by Humana, to be held in December 7-15 in Broward County.

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Page 30

Volume 16, Issue 7

Valrico Edition

PAW Patrol Live! “Race To The Rescue” Takes Center Stage In Lakeland & Tampa

Staff Report

No job is too big, no pup is too small.

Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group present PAW Patrol Live! ‘Race to the Rescue,’ an action-packed, music-filled production, presented by Pedigree. The heroic pups from the top-rated animated preschool series PAW Patrol, produced by Spin Master Entertainment, will visit the Straz on Saturday, July 27 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and on Sunday, July 28 at 12 Noon and 4 p.m. Tickets for the performances and can be purchased at www.PAWPatrolLive.com.

It is the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol to the rescue. Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Everest to rescue Mayor Goodway and to run the race in her place. Using their unique skills and teamwork, the pups show that “no job is too big, no pup is too small,” and share lessons for all ages about citizenship, social skills and problem-solving as they make several heroic rescues on their race to the finish line.

The show includes two acts and an intermission, and engages audiences

with Bunraku puppetry, an innovative costuming approach that brings the PAW Patrol characters to life on stage with their vehicles and pup packs. The performance features uptempo music and a cleverly written script that is a wonderful introduction to live theater for kids. Classic theatrical scenery, along with a high-tech video wall, visually transports families to an authentic PAW Patrol environment, including locations from the TV series, like Adventure Bay, The Lookout, Seal Island, Farmer Yumi's farm and Jake's Mountain. Special interactive video allows the audience to participate via interviews, solve clues with the Pups, and follow Mayor Goodway and much more.

Tickets start at $19. Tickets are available online at www.PAWPatrolLive.com. Prices are subject to change. Additional fees and special offers may apply. A limited number of V.I.P. (Very Important Pup) Packages are available, starting at $105. Package features premium show seating, a commemorative lanyard, and an after-show Meet and Greet with PAW Patrol Live! walk-around characters.

For tickets and more information, visit wwwstrazcenter.org.

Wednesday,

August 7th 10:30 - 12:30 Bloomingdale HS Cafeteria

Keynote Speaker | Allison Kropff Allison Kropff is an Emmy Award winning anchor at 10News in Tampa Bay, Florida.

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July 2019

Page 31

Valrico Edition

Spotlighting Florida Baseball Heaven

By Sean Crumpacker

ous, the rest of its staff can be found on its website.

Alongside private, semi-private, small group and team lessons, Florida Baseball Heaven also offers speed and agility training. Private lessons for older youth generally cost between Florida Baseball Heaven's team, the Angels, posing with a trophy after a tournament win. $1800 and $1900, Looking to get the kids into sports? which include tournament and scholarFlorida Baseball Heaven, established by ship opportunities. For younger kids, the Mark Persails, 43, in 2008, is a baseball price range drops to around $600 to training facility located in Lakeland and $700. Small group lessons are $55/hour.

Plant City. Lessons come in the form of The speed and agility package is $175 one-on-one training, small groups, or for eight sessions, each one hour of hitteam instruction. ting practice and one hour of speed and After retiring from a 12 year-long pro- agility. fessional baseball career, having played Florida Baseball Heaven also offers both within the US and overseas, its own teams for kids to play on: the Persails realized that his passion for the Miracles and the Angels. More informasport remained. He found that there were tion about both teams can be found on “so many kids that wanted to play ball,” Florida Baseball Heaven’s Facebook. and loved to help teach kids how to excel Florida Baseball Heaven is a familyat the game. After bouncing from little oriented baseball program. Alongside league to little league for some time, teaching youth the skills to dominate Persails decided to start his own probaseball, Florida Baseball Heaven aims gram. to promote diversity and foster a commuFlorida Baseball Heaven features a nity for kids with an interest in sports. host of experienced and accomplished Persails hopes players can build a seccoaches. Persails himself is an instructor, ond family at Florida Baseball Heaven. as well as professional baseball players For more information or to schedule Terry McGriff, Corey Freeman, and even an appointment, check out its website at Ozzie Timmons, who played and www.floridabaseballheaven.com/ or concoached for the Tampa Bay Rays. tact Mark Persails at 541-6186. More Florida Baseball Heaven aims to provide information, especially about the Miracles the highest-skilled coaches in the area, and the Angels, can be found on its and it definitely delivers. For those curiFacebook page.

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Page 32

Volume 16, Issue 7

Valrico Edition

Ms. JoAnn Jameston Teacher Of The Month

meston MS. Ja e

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a teacher?

Why did you decide to become her stories of teaching in a and er oth ndm Gra I adored my getting married. I loved school one room schoolhouse before dolls, younger siblings and and I practiced by teaching my dered too close to my play any neighborhood kids that wan a teacher solidified in high classroom. My decision to be ysitting and enjoying interactschool after many years of bab ing with kids of all ages.

cher?

What is a goal of yours as a tea of id afra s not Teach kids to be lifelong learner ortant things imp st mo the of e On . challenges ls and confiskil n we can do is give our childre world the all le dence they can use to tack e sound itiv pos a r hea y the throws at them. If n frustrating track as they tackle new and ofte e problems, situations they will learn to solv when they p search for answers and get hel ed at such eat def need it. So many kids feel it – do 't can "I say a young age but we gain to s way for g kin loo YET" and keep ls. needed skil from What is your favorite item to eat your school cafeteria? down Taco Bowl!! But I never turn tater tots.

Ms. Jam teacher eston has bee n for over 20 yearsa .

moment while teaching?

What is your most embarrassing the begines to work – there is no tired like I've worn two different color sho ning of the year tired. why? ry of the What is your favorite book and d of The Rings because it is a sto Lor ing. I I think it would have to be the end py hap a and evil le danger, good vs little guy up against unbelievab think it would give me hope. saying?

What is your favorite quote or good at somey become easier. You don't get Practice the hard things so the thing without practice.

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Durant High School Teachers Receive $1,864 DonorsChoose.Org Donation From SONIC Drive-In Staff Report SONIC® Drive-In recently recognized teachers and the contributions they make to education as a part of its Limeades for Learning initiative in partnership with nonprofit partner, DonorChoose.org. With the goal of helping teachers obtain much-needed classroom supplies and learning resources, SONIC launched a donation match in honor of Teacher Appreciation Month.

Three teachers at Durant High School received a total of $1,864. SONIC donated $1.2 million matching donations made to SONIC Teacher projects.

Maddie Stone at Durant High School received funds for ‘Mythology: An Ancient Gateway to a Love of Reading.’ “…I will now be able to open the doors to a rich literary world for my Latin and English students alike. With these mythology books, students SONIC® Drive-In recently recognized Durant High will be able to connect to different School teachers and the contributions they make to education as a part of its Limeades for Learning heroes’ journeys.” initiative in partnership with nonprofit Mrs. Braverman received partner, DonorsChoose.org. funds for her ‘Light Our Fire’ projcountry," said Christi Woodworth, vice ect. On DonorsChoose.org she noted that president of public relations for SONIC. the best part will be the ability to research "Each year, teachers spend hundreds of new information daily as it comes up in their own dollars to support their students, reading. “Fire tablets in my students' and with Limeades for Learning, SONIC hands will enable them to better compreand our fans made that burden a bit hend all of the new information they lighter. We celebrate and thank teachers receive each day.” for the incredible work they do to bring Stephen Arment’s ‘Drama Students learning to life in creative and fun ways Need Technology Too’ profited from for their students."

SONIC’s donation.

Since 2009, SONIC has donated “Every day at work, I get to be a part $13.1 million, supported 33,177 classof my students' journey to foster creativity rooms, and provided necessary learning and gain confidence, both on the stage materials and teaching resources and off of it. …I get to watch them learn requested by teachers to impact 995,310 to get used to the idea that when they students in partnership engage in creating something collaboraswith DonorChoose.org. tively, that their actions affect other peoVisit LimeadesforLearning.com for ple.” updates on contributions and more.

"SONIC fans responded incredibly Teachers can become SONIC Teachers during Teacher Appreciation Month and and submit projects through nonprofit we were delighted to support 3,937 partner DonorsChoose.org for a chance teachers and their students across the to receive funding.

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July 2019

Page 33

Valrico Edition

Superintendent Jeff Eakins Surprised With National Education Leadership Award

By Tanya Arja

USF Award by the Education Dean University Robert Council for Knoeppel, repEducational resenting deans Administration. from top UCEA is an Colleges of association of Education colleges and across America, universities that recently surare committed prised to advancing Superintendent the work of Jeff Eakins with preparing eduthe nationwide cational leaders 2019 for the future.

Excellence in For the Superintendent Jeff Eakins was recently surprised with the nationwide 2019 Excellence in Educational past five years, Educational Leadership Award.

Leadership USF and Award.

Hillsborough Schools have partnered to Dean Knoeppel presented Eakins provide an Ed.S. in Educational with the prestigious honor at the June Leadership program for current adminis25 meeting of the Hillsborough County trators in Hillsborough, with an emphaSchool Board in Downtown Tampa. The sis on turnaround school University of South Florida nominated leadership.

Eakins because of his work supporting This grant-funded program provides the needs of school leaders, teachers tuition and books for administrators who and students’ in the Tampa Bay area— desire to pursue a research-based in particular, working to make sure new approach to improving schools and to teachers and school leaders graduating improving their practice to better serve from Tampa Bay’s colleges and universtudents. At the end of the Ed.S. prosities are prepared for the needs of gram, administrators develop a captoday’s schools. stone project designed to address a cur“What I see when he speaks to the rent school or district issue. community is his real love and passion Eakins started his career as an elefor what he does,” Dr. Knoeppel said as mentary school teacher 33 years ago, he presented the award. “He models for and has served as Hillsborough County us kindness and respect. And when Jeff Superintendent for four years. Dr. says ‘all’—he means ‘all.’ He’s an inspiKnoeppel has served as Dean of the ration to all of us.”

College of Education at USF for one Eakins was chosen for the 2019 year, continuing a long career in educaExcellence in Educational Leadership tion leadership.

Suffering From Depression?

TMS Of Central Florida Can Help

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Although depresIn 2008, the Food sion is very treatable, and Drug only about half of all Administration (FDA) Americans who are approved TMS as a diagnosed each year treatment for people with depression actuwith major depression ally seek treatment. who have failed to That is why the devotrespond to at least one ed and highly skilled antidepressant. The team at TMS of FDA approved the TMS is owned and operated by Central Florida are device, called Kathleen Carroll, M.D., Charles DeVine, M.D. and Troy Noonan, M.D. NeuroStar, made by dedicated to helping patients find depression relief. the company Neuronetics. TMS works by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) delivering highly focused MRI-strength has become a promising treatment altermagnetic pulses that non-invasively (withnative for people with depression who out surgery) stimulate the brain. Patients don't respond sufficiently to antidepresbeing treated with TMS do not require sant medications. anesthesia or sedation. They remain TMS of Central Florida, located in awake and alert and return to work or Brandon, is owned and operated by three their daily routine immediately after each of the most prominent psychiatrists in the treatment. TMS treatments last less than area that have been successfully treating 20 minutes and patients don’t have to patients for more than 20 years: Charles stop their medications DeVine, M.D., Kathleen Carroll, M.D., and "The most rewarding part for me is Troy Noonan, M.D. In 2017, after extenthe satisfaction of seeing results,” said Dr. sive research into TMS provided by Carroll. “TMS helps people get back to NeuroStar, the three psychiatrists decided living life to the fullest.” that TMS Therapy was the logical proThe office often receives referrals gression in providing their patients the from other psychiatrists, general practionbest solution to major depression. All ers, as well as word-of-mouth referrals TMS procedures are performed by TMS from satisfied patients. Seeing patients Coordinator Sandi Lopez and her staff live a more normal and healthier lifestyle under the supervision of a psychiatrist. after TMS treatments gives the team While there are many effective treattremendous gratification. ments for depression, traditional "Most of my patients are amazed at approaches such as antidepressants and the results,” said Dr. DeVine. “And that psychotherapy do not work for everyone. means the world to all of us here at In fact, it is estimated that two-thirds of TMS.” TMS is located at 1119 Nikki View people with depression will not see satisDr. in Brandon. Flexible treatment hours factory relief from prescription antidepres- are available from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call sants and will often need an additional or 423-7037 or email Sandi Lopez at tmschange in prescription. centralfl@gmail.com.

Page 34

Volume 16, Issue 7

Valrico Edition

With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins

Skyway 2020: A Contemporary Collaboration Issues A Call To Artists

Steve Altier’s Newest Young Adult Book Lizardville Jimmy’s Curse

Artists from installations. five area counSubmissions can ties are encourinclude examaged to submit ples of works artwork for and past projSkyway 2020: A ects that provide Contemporary an overview of Collaboration. the artist’s pracThe deadline for tice. submission is Artists workIn 2017, three area institutions, including the Tuesday, Tampa Museum of Art, collaborated to host ing in the field of Skyway: A Contemporary Collaboration. Then, social practice September 3. artists from four area counties were invited to and communityThis is an open apply. Today, Skyway 2020: A Contemporary call for artists based art initiaCollaboration seeks artist applications from five counties and four area institutions are residing in tives are stronginvolved. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Hillsborough, ly encouraged to September 3.

Manatee, Pasco, apply. Artists are Pinellas and Sarasota counties. required to provide a detailed work Skyway 2020: A Contemporary plan, including identifying the comCollaboration is a celebration of munity or group they wish to artistic practices in the Tampa Bay engage, and a description and timeregion. It is a collaboration between line of proposed activities. Only origfour institutions: The Museum of inal works of art, and the art must Fine Arts, St. Petersburg; The John have been completed after and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, December 17, 2017.

Sarasota; the Tampa Museum of Art; There is no fee to enter. and the University of South Florida, Skyway 2020: A Contemporary Contemporary Art Museum, Tampa.

Collaboration is the second such Curators from each of the museproject. The first was done in 2017. ums, along with an independent At that time, artwork from four councurator, will select the submissions ties including, Hillsborough, Pinellas, to be shown. The selected artists will Manatee and Sarasota were selectbe presented in one of the four pared. In addition, only three institutions ticipating institutions during the sum- participated. These included the mer of 2020.

Tampa Museum of Art, the Museum Artists who work in diverse of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg and the media and disciplines, including John and Mable Ringling Museum of socially engaged art and participatoArt, Sarasota. ry projects, are encouraged to subIn 2017, 42 artists participated. mit original artwork and project proThey were selected from over 300 posals. Submissions can include, but entries. are not limited to, work on paper, For more information on what is painting, sculpture, photography, required for a submission, please video, performance, sound, visit www.skywaytampabay.com or research-based art and site-specific email skywaytampabay@gmail.com.

Local the rest of the author, Steve gang embark on Altier, has writanother wild ten and adventure, back released a new to where it all Young Adult began in a small book, Lizardville cave nestled in Jimmy’s Curse. the mountains This is the secof central ond and last Pennsylvania.” book in the Altier continLizardville ued: “When they Ghost Story arrive, their mini-series. hunch is conAltier is a resifirmed. Now dent of Valrico. they are faced Altier with an even explained, “The bigger obstacle: Author and Valrico resident, Steve Altier, has books are how to solve the released the second and final book in the based on an case of a missLizardville Ghost Story mini-series called Lizardville Jimmy’s Curse. area where I ing ghost, and grew up. It is a small town in central who would want to take the remains.

Pennsylvania called Mill Hall. I referThey quickly learn that this goes ence that several times throughout beyond anything they could imagine. the story. There was road called With the help of friends, they might be Lizardville Road, and that is where the able to pull off the impossible and name came from. There were rembreak Jimmy’s curse.” nants of an old factory and dam nearAccording to Altier, “The dramatic by. As an early teen, we used to play, conclusion of the Lizardville Ghost camp and fish near the site. There are Story series is an enthralling, fastsome truths in the story, but it is main- paced, whodunnit adventure that will ly the work of fiction.” keep you on the edge of your seat The book is great for those ages until the final page.”

10 and older. “This is the second and The books are available at final book in the Lizardville Ghost Barnes & Noble, Amazon and other Story series. This will wrap up any online book retailers. The books start loose ends the readers may have at $10.99 for paperback. They are from the first book,” said Altier. available for e-book and hardcover as Altier provides readers with the well. following synopsis: “On a crisp fall Altier is currently working on his evening, Jimmy pays Johnny an unex- next story, The Ghost Hunter. This is pected visit near the water’s edge. He a Young Adult Teen novel that will be tells Johnny something is terribly out in early 2020. wrong and that he needs his help in For more information, please visit solving a mystery. Johnny, Buck and www.stevealtier.com.

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July 2019

Page 35

Valrico Edition

Tickets On Sale For Tampa Theatre's Annual BeerFest

813.413.8900

By Kathy L. Collins

Tampa events. With Theatre will events such as present its Barley's Angels, Eighth Annual The Brews BeerFest Brothers and Hop Fundraiser on Gun, Tampa Saturday, July Theatre's Annual 27 from 7 to BeerFest has 10 p.m. This raised nearly year's theme is $100,000 for Ferris Brewer's Tampa's nonprofit Day Off. The movie palace Tampa Tampa Theatre's movie-themed Ferris Brewer's since 2011.

Day Off event is set for Saturday, July 27. The Theatre, BeerFest event features Tampa's top craft brews and Tampa's guests are invited samplings from Tampa's independent restaurants. beloved histo don their cheetoric movie palace, is located at 711 N. tah print vest and sneakers, dress as their Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. favorite Ferris Bueller character, or come BeerFest 2019, presented by Beach in a costume inspired by the movie.

Community Bank, is a fabulous event to Patrons must be 21 years and older to attend. Not only are you helping to preattend and must have a valid, governserve a Tampa treasure, but you get to ment-issued ID to gain entry to the event. enjoy craft and local beers, and snacks There is a limited number of tickets and samples from some of Tampa's best available for the premium sampling which independent restaurants. begins at 7 p.m. These tickets, sold in According to Jill Witecki with Tampa advance, are $65. Grand sampling tickTheatre, "Like previous beer-soaked, ets, which allow for entry at 8 p.m., are tongue-in-cheek BeerFest events, Ferris $40 if purchased in advance. Tampa Brewer's Day Off is chaired by Tampa Theatre members receive $5 off advance Theatre's favorite partners in crime, sale prices. Tickets can be purchased at Veronica Danko, owner of The the Box Office or by visiting Independent Bar and Cafe, and Michelle www.Tampathearre.org. Please note a Baker." Witecki added, "Though the convenience fee applies if purchased theme may seem silly, BeerFest's puronline. pose is most serious. The annual event The Tampa Theatre was built in benefits the historic landmark's artistic, 1926. The theatre is a protected landmark educational and community programs, as and one of America's best-preserved well as its ongoing preservation." movie palaces.

BeerFest, now in its eighth year, is For more information, visit www.tamone of Tampa Theatre's preeminent patheatre.org.

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Page 36

Volume 16, Issue 7

Valrico Edition

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