Valrico
38 C E L E B R A T I N G
March 2020 Volume 17, Issue 3 Ph: 657-2418 1 8
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Opens Bloomingdale Sq. Location With 26 Big Screen TVs
By Michelle Caceres
Postal Customer
ECRWSS EDDM
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Umiker Leaves Hillsborough County Fair In Good Hands After 25-Year Run
By Linda Chion Kenney
fair when it moved from the Florida State Fairgrounds to the then-Tampa Stadium, nicknamed the ‘Big Sombrero’ and briefly known as Houlihan’s Stadium. There until 2005, the fair found a tentative home at the Barn at Winthrop on 11349 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. With phosphate trust fund money, private donations and thousands of hours to carve out the land, the County Fairgrounds took root at its perTom Umiker, the outgoing Hillsborough County manent home off SR 60 in Fair manager, with the newly named manager, Dover at 215 Sydney Washer Suzanne Holcomb, who served under Umiker as Rd. the fair administrator. Funding for two livestock After 25 years as the Hillsborough buildings is working its way through County Fair manager, Tom Umiker is the Florida Legislature, set to be built stepping down, but he doesn’t plan to adjacent to an indoor and outdoor go far from those left behind to take it exhibition pavilion used for a variety of to the next level, including Suzanne purposes and rentals, including wedHolcomb, the newly named manager. “We truly owe a lot to Tom Umiker dings and fundraisers. The 2020 fair is scheduled for for making the fair what it is today,” Saturday through Tuesday, October said Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy White. “He really 17-20 and 24-27, with an emphasis on educating and preparing kids for put the Hillsborough County Fair on showmanship. For rental and fair the map.” information, call 737-3247. Visit Florida Strawberry Festival www.HillsboroughCountyFair.com to Manager Paul Davis agreed. learn more. “Tom Umiker is an iconic person,” Davis said, “and my go-to guy. When I started my job, I would call him on a daily basis to get information and ask him, ‘What would you do?’ ‘What should I do?’ I truly am going to miss 36 him, but I still know he’s always a phone call away.” Taking over Umiker’s job is Holcomb, a mom raising her kids in the fair tradition, who herself was a 4In This H student growing up in the fair. Issue Holcomb joined the Hillsborough County Fair six years ago as a volunteer and most recently worked as the CHILL CAW‐FEE OPENS ......................PG 3 fair administrator. AZZY BROOKS SINGS ANTHEM ........PG 11 “There’s not many people who give everything he’s given to the fair PINCH‐A‐PENNY EGGFEST................PG 13 for as long as he did,” Holcomb said SUN ‘N’ FUN AIRSHOW .................PG 20 about Umiker. “Tom meant a lot to this fair.” SPORTS CONNECTION .............PGS 38‐39 Umiker said he started with the
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happy hour food and drink specials are also offered. Boyette Springs resident Vicki Olson and her son, Kyle, were in the mood for a Beef ‘O’ Brady’s has opened in Bloomingdale Square. burger, so they Beef ‘O’ Brady’s has opened a new stopped by the restaurant to grab a bite corporate-owned restaurant in the to eat. They have eaten at other Beef Publix-anchored Bloomingdale Square ‘O’ Brady’s in the past and wanted to shopping center at 889 E. see the new store. They loved the new Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. The look. 225-seat restaurant features a “The floors are lovely and I like that refreshed look, including a large horsethe restaurant is brighter and more shoe bar with 20 beers on tap, an outopen,” said Vicki. “This is going to be a door patio space and new kitchen inno- great place to watch sports.” vations. They ordered a burger and wings Its walls are adorned with 26 65and said the food is what you’ve come inch large-screen televisions, allowing to expect from the restaurant. every customer an unobstructed viewBeef ‘O’ Brady’s is open Mondaying experience of sporting events from Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday, March Madness to the World Series. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. A ‘Five Days of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s CEO Chris Elliott Festivities’ grand opening celebration said the restaurant is not so much a will be held at the new location from new concept as it is taking what they’ve Tuesday, March 10 to Saturday, March learned in the last 35 years and assem- 14. bling it into this new restaurant. Elliott said the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s “This is the footprint for our future,” brand, including the original location he said. just a few miles away on Kings Ave. While the visual look has been opened by Founders Jim and Jeanette revised, its menu still includes all the Mellody, offers a bar, a place to watch favorite dishes and daily values cussports and a place for families, all in the tomers have come to expect from the same spot. restaurant. Well-rounded everyday val“The essence of our brand hasn’t ues include $5.99 Burger Mondays, changed,” he said. “Beef ‘O’ Brady’s $5.99 Tacos and $1.99 Kids Meal has a strong connection to the commuTuesdays, Wing Wednesdays $9.99 nity and serves good food at a good Fajita Thursdays, $12.99 Surf and Turf value and is a good place for families,” Fridays and Triple Play Saturdays (a he said. For more information about meal that includes a first course, entrée Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, visit www.beefoand dessert) starting at $13.99. Daily bradys.com or call 564-8894.
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In addition to a traditional camp called Activity Central, the YMCA offers specialty camps such as basketball, equestrian, extreme team, gymnastics, soccer, swimming and visual arts to name a few. Spots are filling fast with area locations including Brandon, Valrico, Riverview and SouthShore. Register today at www.tampaymca.org/letscamp. See this and more in the full 2020 Summer Camp Guide Pages 25-36 in Section 2.
Page 2
Volume 17, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
Law Office of
Griffin & Associates, P.A. 1430 Oakfield Drive • Brandon, Florida 33511
Rachel L. Griffin
Eileen H. Griffin
Ryan W. Griffin
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March 2020
Page 3
Valrico Edition
New Chill Coffee, Hemp & Botanical Social Brings Artisan Market Back To Valrico
By Libby Hopkins
There is a saying place for the community to that goes, “Good ideas gather and support local start with brainstorming. artisans and businesses Great ideas start with like ours,” Henney said. coffee.” Lisa Henney “We are starting in early would definitely agree March and will have one with this saying, every second and fourth because coffee is her Sunday of the month. business. Occasionally, we may “I have been have a special Friday night involved in the restauor Saturday gathering.” rant and cafe business The market is called most of my adult life,” Valrico Artisan Faire. Henney said. “I live with If you ask what makes my husband, Tom, and Chill Caw-Fee different over the past five years from other coffee shops in Lisa Henney and husband Tom I have been creating Quigley are the owners of Chill the area, Henney will tell new ways to help my Caw-Fee, a new shop and CBD you, “Caw-Fee, although it store that is located at 2208 husband with his ailis my New York way of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. ments through more saying coffee, it also natural solutions and means Cannabinoids And healthier options. I wanted Wellness For Every to create a place where the Experience,” Henney said. community could gather “We have a hemp store over a cup of ‘caw-fee,’ a embedded within our coffee freshly brewed tea or simshop and will be providing ple pastry.” Henney is the education for patients. We owner of the new coffee also will be hosting open mic and CBD shop in Valrico night, private events and called Chill Caw-Fee. other fun gathering activities Henney is originally for the community.” from Queens, New York, Henney also believes and you can hear her New strongly in keeping things Yorker accent when she local. “The local businesses says “caw-fee.” drive the community; as a “We have been travelsmall business owner, I know ing the state and country helping to edufirsthand how difficult it is to build a profcate people on the benefits of cannabis itable business while trying to keep up and hemp CBD. So, when the laws with the big organizations,” Henney said. changed here in Florida, it just made “We hope the market helps to support sense to combine the two things we do the local artisans and we hope to open naturally under one roof,” Henney said. our location to local products as well.” “We moved into the T Marie’s location on To learn more about Chill Caw-Fee, Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and opened our visit www.chillcawfee.com or call Henney doors earlier this month.” at 549-9068. The shop is located at 2208 T-Marie’s traditionally hosted an artiLithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico and is san market, and Henney will continue open Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.-3 p.m. the tradition. “We have decided that it and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.-3 would be great to relaunch and provide a p.m.
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Student Has Pick Of Military Academies
By Libby Hopkins
Former First ment, especially Lady Eleanor integrity. I’ve develRoosevelt once oped a sense of said, “The future how to live life corbelongs to those rectly, and to benewho believe in the fit myself and other beauty of their people. The honor dreams.” John Huy code that I follow Vuong of has incredibly Bloomingdale has changed the an amazing and amount of integrity beautiful future I inherit and will John Huy Vuong is a senior at ahead of him. help take me a High School and has recently long way in life Vuong is a senior at Bloomingdale earned appointments and nominations to 3 Bloomingdale High successfully.” military academies. School and has recently earned appointVuong’s guidance counselor at ments and nominations to the United Bloomingdale High School, Jennifer States Military Academy at West Point, Young, is proud of all his academic the United States Air Force Academy accomplishments. “Many students manand the United States Naval Academy as age to achieve academic success in high a member of the Class of 2024 from school, but it is the exceptional student Congressman Ross Spano. “Growing up, who manages to be very involved in one of my favorite things to do was listen extracurricular activities, be a member of to my dad’s stories regarding how the numerous clubs, plays sports and still American soldiers had rescued his dad have an impressive GPA,” Young said. from the Viet Cong before the Fall of “John is a multitasker who puts one hunSaigon in April 1975,” Vuong said. dred percent into everything he does. “Among the many stories, my dad would John will be an indisputable asset to the share his experiences serving in the college he attends—his resilience and United States Air Force, which has creat- maturity will only fuel his capacity as a ed my sense of American pride and the difference-maker, capable of anything he desire to become a leader of character, sets his mind to do. I recommend him integrity and to serve my country.” without reservation and can’t wait to see From a very young age, Vuong has what he does next!” always had an interest in becoming a Vuong is now tasked with deciding pilot. “I began to realize the best way to which military appointment he will achieve my life goal to become a pilot by choose, “I plan to pursue a career in attending one of the Service Academies,” United States military service,” Vuong Vuong said. “In addition, being on the said. “Serving in the military is not for AFJROTC Drill Team for my first two everyone, but for me there is no better years of high school has heavily conway to become a better leader of charactributed to my own character developter and to serve my country.”
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Page 4
Valrico Edition
Immanuel Lutheran Commemorates Its Golden Year Anniversary Immanuel Lutheran Church of Brandon will commemorate 50 years on Sunday, April 5. The church began celebrating in September with its annual ‘Back To Church Sunday’ and has had multiple events leading up its anniversary. Rev. Kenneth Farnsworth, who has been the pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church for more than 20 years, talked about how the church will observe its anniversary, “There will be a focus on our halfcentury of God’s grace at Immanuel, as reflected in our mission statement of ‘Sharing the Love, Joy and Peace of Jesus.’” The idea of Immanuel Lutheran Church was birthed in October of 1969 after a few local families read an ad in the Brandon newspaper soliciting for Lutherans to start a Brandon congregation. On April 5, 1970, Immanuel Lutheran Church held its first worship service with 91 people. Founding members Don and Rita Fowler remember that day. “We’ve come a long way. God has been so good to us,” said Rita. Her husband, Don, added, “God has blessed us so much.” The Fowlers were one of the five couples in the original group. The effort was led by Nate and Eunice Kraxburger, who placed the newspaper ad, seeking
Expiration: 3.31.2020
By Amanda Boston
others interested in planting a Lutheran Missouri Synod congregation. Other families included Jack and Mary Lou Nash, Larry and Katie Unterfer and Dan and Willa Jackson. Rita continued, “My grandfather, George Lambertus, had been a part of starting Redeemer Lutheran Church in Louisville, Kentucky in 1888. It was part of my family’s heritage to start a church.” Situated next to the church is the Immanuel Lutheran School. In September, the school will celebrate 40 years. The church acknowledges the school’s vital role to the community as it reaches students and families with the gospel through its academics. Immanuel Lutheran School offers programs from preschool through eighth grade. More information on the school can be found at www.ilsbrandon.com. For more information on the church and its 50-year celebration, visit www.godsoloved.org or call 689-1787. Sunday services are held at 9 a.m. for Sunday school/Bible study and worship services are held at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Immanuel Lutheran Church and School is located at 2913 John Moore Rd. in Brandon.
Volume 17, Issue 3
Golden City Gymnastics Student Qualifies For Nastia Liukin Cup In Milwaukee
By Nick Nahas
Golden City really hard for flexibility and Gymnastics student form,” said Ramos. Rayna Light was the only Ramos said that Light gymnast in Florida to went to a bunch of camps qualify for the Nastia as a part of the elite proLiukin Cup in Milwaukee gram where she was on March 6. She won the always told that her form Magical Classic on wasn’t good enough and February 15 as the top that she’s not flexible junior (15 and under), enough, but she always which was a qualifier for kept pushing to be better. the cup against 18 other “She always stuck it kids her age from around out and kept pushing herthe country. self, just kept doing her “It’s really excited best, so I think it’s come Rayna Light is the only and I’m really grateful for full circle and it has really gymnast in Florida to qualify the opportunity,” said for the Nastia Liukin Cup in started to pay off for Light. “I want to thank all her,” said Ramos. “ Milwaukee. my coaches and everyone who has Light has a very busy schedule, to helped me get here.” say the least. She practices for about 22 The 14-year-old is a level 10 gymhours a week year-round. On the same nast, which is the highest level for a gym- weekend of the Nastia Liukin Cup, she nast at the Junior Olympics level. She wants to fly from Milwaukee to Savannah has been doing gymnastics since she the next morning to compete because was about three years old. According to she doesn’t want to let her teammates Light’s coach, Marissa Ramos, not many down who will be in competition there. kids make level 10 in their careers. Later in March, Light will compete at Recently, for the second year in a row, the state competition, where she will try she won the Jose Gaspar Award at the to qualify for the regionals, and hopefully Gasparilla Classic, awarded to the highthe nationals from there. Light’s top goal est scoring level 10 in Florida. is to qualify for the nationals this year. Ramos said that Light doesn’t let the The Junior Olympic Nationals consists of pressure get the best of her. “She’s really the top seven kids in her age group in great at getting out on the competition the country; only level 10 gymnasts can floor and just doing gymnastics and leav- qualify. Last year, when she tried to qualiing everything else behind,” said Ramos. fy for nationals, she suffered a hip injury, “Watching her grow over the years— pulling her out of the competition. she’s been at our gym since she was just Light’s ultimate goal is to receive a 3 years old—it’s never been easy for her, college scholarship for gymnastics. she’s very talented, but she’s always Ramos said that Light has received a lot been the type of kid that’s had to work of interest from colleges so far.
Expiration: 3.31.2020
Expiration: 3.31.2020
March 2020
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The Florida Academy of Performing Arts offers free workshops for kids ages 4-10 to learn about musical instruments. Programs held at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon Workshop dates are Saturday, April 4, May 16, September 12, October 10, November 15 and December 5 from 9:30-11 a.m. Register online at FAOPA.org.
Parents’ Night Out
The Florida Academy of Performing Arts and Music Showcase are hosting parents’ night out events throughout the school year for kids ages 5-12. The night includes dinner, snacks, games, crafts, movies and more. The cost is $20 for children already enrolled in program/lesson, $25 for child not enrolled in program and $10 per additional sibling. Dates are Friday, April 3, May 29, August 28, September 25 and October 23 and Saturday, December 5 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon Register at FAOPA.org or call 490-2787.
Compost, Microirrigation And Rainwater Harvesting Workshops
Saturday, April 4 at UF/IFAS Extension in Hillsborough County 5339 CR 579, Seffner Attend one or all workshops. Compost attendees receive a compost bin and more. Microirrigation attendees receive a micro kit and more. Rainwater harvesting attendees receive a spigoted rain barrel. Pre-registration required at: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcominevents/. There’s a small fee per household.
Alzheimer’s Association And Dementia Caregiver Support Groups Join us in the Tessera of Brandon event center every secon Wednesday at 2 p.m. and every third Monday at 7 p.m. 1320 Oakfield Dr., Brandon; call 607-6880 Join us at Campo Family YMCA every third Friday through May at 1:30 p.m. 3414 Culbreath Rd., Valrico
Grey Matters Toastmasters
First and third Thursday of the month; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bloomingdale Library at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico Benefits of the club include confidence-building in public speaking, enhancement of leadership skills and unique, lively and stimulating discussions. Visit https://greymatters.toastmastersclubs.org/.
Social Security Benefits Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group
Thursday, March 12 and Tuesday, March 24 HCC campus at The Regent, 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview. Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking Social Security benefits; perfect for ages 58-67. Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave a message after 4:30 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, at 767-1569
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.
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Page 6
Valrico Edition
Water Conservation Tips For Dry Season
Staff Report
Hillsborough water leaks that can County wants to remind save homeowners residents about simple about 10 percent on steps they can take to their water bills. Leaks help conserve water, are commonly found in especially in the middle toilets, faucets, water of the dry season. softeners and irrigation “Water conservasystems. tion measures are To determine if essential in preserving there’s a water leak in Hillsborough County encourages our precious water your home, turn off all residents to look at ways to resources and to appliances that use conserve water this time of year. ensure that we always water, including ice have clean, safe water for all to makers, dishwashers and use,” said David irrigation systems. Note or Glicksberg, Sustainable Water take a photo of the location Resources Section manager of the small red sweep for Hillsborough County’s Environmental hand on the water meter. Wait two hours Services Division. “Conserving water can without using any water in the home, be done in numerous ways, including including faucets or toilets. View the small turning off the faucet while we brush our red hand on the water meter again. If it teeth to ensuring that our lawn irrigation has moved, there’s possibly a leak in the systems are working properly and operat- home or in the irrigation system. If you ing only during our designated watering don’t know where the leak is, contact a days and times. We all can help to conleak detection company. Contact a serve water to ensure the continued licensed plumber if you need help fixing it. availability of our water supply.” Other steps to help conserve water Year-round watering restrictions still include adding a shutoff device to the apply, and residents should be familiar showerhead to turn it off while lathering, with the schedule. Addresses ending in 0, turning off the sink while brushing your 1, 2 or 3 can water their lawns on teeth or shaving, installing an ultra-lowMondays and Thursdays; addresses end- flow toilet—which uses only 1.6 gallons ing in 4, 5 or 6 can water their lawns on of water per flush or less—and running Tuesdays and Fridays; and addresses full loads in the dishwasher and washing ending in 7, 8 or 9 can water their lawns machines. In addition, reducing shower on Wednesdays and Saturdays. times by five minutes can save 15 to 30 Common areas with no addresses gallons of water. and locations with multiples addresses, “In our region, the dry season is typsuch as office complexes, can water their ically from October through May,” lawns on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Glicksberg said. “Water conservation All watering must be done before 8 needs to be practiced year-round. a.m. or after 6 p.m., and it can be done During the dry season, we need to be only once on the designated day. especially vigilant about conserving Watering with reclaimed water is not water.” restricted by day, but it must be done Visit https://www.hillsboroughcounbefore 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on any ty.org/en/residents/property-owners-andgiven day, and hand watering and lowrenters/water-and-sewer/lower-bills-andvolume irrigation of plants may be done water-conservation to learn more about on any day and at any time but must not the many ways you can save water and be wasteful. lower your water bill, or call the Water Another step to water conservation is Conservation Team at 663-3295 for to find and fix easily corrected household more information.
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Volume 17, Issue 3
Local Minority-Owned Businesses Can Benefit From Super Bowl LV
By Michelle Caceres
Hosting what is Hundreds of busiarguably the biggest ness owners attended sporting event in the one of three informaworld, Super Bowl LIV tion sessions at drew an impressive Hillsborough County 200,000 visitors to Entrepreneur South Florida with an Collaborative Center, estimated economic located at 2101 E. impact to the region of Palm Ave. in Tampa. $400M. Welcoming business With Super Bowl owners to the event Business Connect & Community LIV now a Miami Outreach Director LaKendria Robinson was LaKendria memory, the next talking to local small business owners Robinson, director of Super Bowl host city, about opportunities with Super Bowl LV. Business Connect & Tampa, is gearing up for Super Bowl LV, Community Outreach for the Tampa Bay to be played on February 7, 2021 at Super Bowl LV Host Committee. Raymond James Stadium. It was made By the application deadline, which official in February when Super Bowl Host was February 14, hundreds of businessCommittee Chair Rodney Baretto handed es had registered to participate in the prooff the NFL football to Tampa’s Host gram. The host committee will spend the Committee in an official ceremony. next month screening applicants and creBig hotel, restaurant and retail chains ating a final list of businesses that will be in the area will earn big bucks, but they’re profiled in the Business Connect not the only ones. Small businesses can Resource Guide, an online database of cash in too. approved, registered businesses that Business Connect, a joint cooperahelps the NFL, Super Bowl contractors tive between the National Football and event producers to identify and select League, Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host local businesses to partner with to proCommittee and Florida SBDC at duce Super Bowl LV events. Hillsborough County, finds and screens “Even if they don’t end up getting a companies owned by minorities, vetercontract with the Super Bowl, working ans, women and LGBT owners to provide with our organization can help expose their goods and services. them to other opportunities available to Business owners were invited to them,” said Hillsborough County Super Bowl LV Business Connect Entrepreneur Collaborative Center Community Information Sessions to help Manager Lynn Kroesen. The center offers link local diverse business suppliers to entrepreneurs easy access to business Super Bowl LV contracting opportunities service providers, resources, mentorship while also providing a series of networkand specialty training. For more info, call ing and professional development work277-1393 or for the Collaborative Center, shops for all participating businesses. call 204-9267.
March 2020
e, c n a D l Socia arket & M Spring ore M ielle Waymire an ed by D ver.com Compil @ospreyobser ire dwaym
Casino Night To Raise Funds For Local Vets
The Sons of AmVets in Plant City will be hosting its annual Bets for Vets Casino Night. The fun-filled evening will include food and drinks plus 5,000 chips, giving you the chance to try your luck at blackjack, roulette, craps, Texas hold ’em as well as winning some awesome prizes in the raffle. The annual fund raising event will be held on Saturday, March 21 from 4-8 p.m. at AmVets Post 44 on 5521 SR 60 E. in Plant City. All proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Athena House, a homeless shelter for female veterans in Tampa Bay.
Brandon Coin Club Show
Brandon Coin Club Inc. has announced its 2020 Coin and Currency shows. The shows will be held on Saturday, April 11, June 27 and November 28 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Brandon Elks Lodge #2383, located at 800 Centennial Lodge Dr. in Brandon. There will be free gold coin drawing along with free admission and parking. Thirty dealers, 45 tables and the ICG grading service will be in attendance offering free verbal opinions and $10 slabbings. For more information, call Jack Laci at 352-777-6073 or email brandoncoinclub@yahoo.com.
Page 7
Valrico Edition
Legendary Spring Yard Sale
GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Club is holding a Legendary Spring Yard Sale on Saturday, March 28 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at its clubhouse, located at 129 N. Moon Ave. in Brandon. You’ll find incredible bargains and exciting treasures in a fun atmosphere. All net proceeds will support club projects.
For more information, visit strawberrysquaredancing.com
Grace Community United Methodist Spring Market
Grace Community United Sun City Center Men’s Club donates $1,000 to the Hearing Methodist will host Loss Association of America a Spring Market on Sun City Chapter. Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. The organizers are still seeking venIndoor Flea Market Scheduled dors to sell a variety of products, such as Brandon Christian Church, located at crafts, jewelry, clothing and 910 Bryan Rd. in Brandon on the corner more. National companies will be on a of Bryan and Lumsden Rds., is hosting first-come, first-served basis. an indoor flea market on Saturday, March The fee for a 10-foot x 10-foot space 21 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. is $30. The market will be outdoors, and For more information, contact the vendors are asked to provide their own church at 689-4021. tents, tables and chairs. Shoppers are invited to come Plant City Social for a fun day and buy from local Dance vendors. Proceeds will help to supThe Plant City port missions in the community. Social Dance Club For more information, visit will have a dance www.GraceCommunityMarket.com on Saturday, March or contact Event Organizer Susan 21 from 6:30-9:30 Ferraro p.m. with compliat bosefer11@yahoo.com or 361mentary lessons 1724. from 6-6:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square Saint Anne Catholic Church Hosts Dance Center, located at 4401 Golf Scramble Promenade Blvd. in Plant City. Saint Anne Catholic Church’s fifth This dance will feature social dancannual Best Ball Golf Tournament ing: slow dances, waltzes, line dances, Scramble will cha-cha, rumbas, two-step and more. be held at the Summerfield Golf Dance to the music by DJ Ken Miller; Course, located at 13050 Summerfield everyone is welcome. Both dance lesBlvd. in Riverview, on Saturday, March sons and dancing cost $6. Water and 28. cups are available; otherwise, bring your Registration is at 7:30 a.m. with a own snacks and drinks. shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $75 per player. Prizes will be offered for first, second and third places; the putting contest; longest drive most accurate drive; and closest to the pin on all par-3s. There will also be a hole-in-one prize of $10,000. Proceeds will benefit Saint Anne Outreach programs in the SouthShore community. Forms can be obtained at the church office on 106 11th Ave. NE. in Ruskin or by contacting John Barr 294-7291 or Diane Rezaii at 615-364-8489.
Karla Marie Carolan, J.D. Jacqueline O. Ellett, J.D., LL.M.
Hearing Loss Association Of America Sun City Center Chapter Receives Donation
The Sun City Center Men’s Club contributed $1,000 to the Hearing Loss Association of America Sun City Center Chapter last month. This donation will be
used to fund the captioning services for its monthly meetings. The captioning (CART) services help to accommodate the members and guests to read what is spoken during their meetings. The SCC Men’s Club is committed to using its resources to make life better and easier for residents of our community through projects such as this. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, located at 1239 Del Webb Blvd. W. in Sun City Center. For more information, visit hhtp://www.hlaascc.com/contact-us, call 634-1252 or email eloise637@gmail.com.
Vehicle Registration Can Now Be Renewed At Three Publix Locations
Because renewing your vehicle registration should also be a pleasure, three Publix locations in Hillsborough County now host tax collector self-service kiosks. The new kiosk program, Florida MV Express, allows customers to get a new registration card and license plate sticker in a matter of minutes, as opposed to several days. The blue and yellow kiosks will be available at the grocery chain’s Citrus Park location at 7835 Gunn Hwy., Plant City’s Walden Woods store at 2202 James L. Redman Pkwy. and the Lake Brandon Plaza Publix at 11255 Causeway Blvd. The kiosk program soft-launched last February at four tax collector locations in Brandon, Drew Park, North Tampa and Ruskin and has already processed 20,000 vehicle registrations. While you can still register your vehicle online or at a tax collector branch, neither of those options come with the ability to take home a Publix chicken tender sub. For more information, visit https://flmvexpresskiosk.com/.
Bunco For Education Night
Get ready for a good time at the upcoming Bunco for Education Night. Bring a friend and enjoy an evening of fun with refreshments, raffle baskets, 50/50 and prizes. The social starts at 6 p.m. and bunco starts at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 at The Bridges Assisted Living Facility, located at 11350 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased from any Brandon Junior Club member. You can earn an extra raffle ticket by bringing either five boxes of crayons or five boxes of colored pencils. Proceeds will support Brandon Junior Woman’s Club scholarships. For more information, contact Karen Manget at 758-4952 or mangetk@gmail.com.
Page 8
Volume 17, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
ion, t a r b e l ’s Ce n e m o ing & W n e d r a ly G f r e t t u B More e Waymire
successful 2019 Student Pantry project, the group was awarded a grant through Hillsborough Community College - MLK Day of Service to engage neighborniell a D m y o ing communities in transc b ed ver. Compil @ospreyobser forming the Dr. Martin ire dwaym Luther King Jr. holiday into a day of citizen action and Incoming Superintendent Addison Davis signs his volunteer service. Youth from four contract. local high schools, including Spoto, Consumer protection investigators Riverview, Kid’s Community College and Incoming Superintendent Addison from the Hillsborough County Consumer Tampa Bay Technical, participated in the Davis and Veterans Services will bring the latest event and provided over 2,000 Hillsborough County Schools signed information on consumer fraud trends canned/dry goods. a new superintendent last month. perpetrated over the internet. Education Women Centered 4 Success is a Addison Davis has spent more than 20 and information is considered the first line nonprofit organization committed to proyears educating and supporting students of defense in the battle to protect conviding support for in Florida. He began sumers from victimization. The workshop women through equipas a classroom will be held at The Bridges on 11350 ping, encouraging and teacher in Duval Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. Call 413empowering them with County and most 8900 to reserve your seat. the connection to tools recently served as and services they need superintendent in The Bridges Retirement for personal growth, Clay County. This Community Hosts Caregiver housing, jobs and health past year, he was a College care to achieve a better finalist for Florida’s The Bridges Retirement life. Superintendent of Community is hosting the Local high school students participatFor more informathe Year. ing in the Student Pantry project. Alzheimer’s Association’s tion, contact Sheila Last month, in a ‘Caregiver College,’ a series of Lewis, executive director, at 951-4268 or unanimous vote, the Hillsborough County educational classes to help you wc4s2016@gmail.com School Board selected Davis as its disbuild your caregiver trict’s next superintendent. On February tool kit. When it comes to Kindergarten Roundup 19, the Hillsborough County School dementia caregiving, knowledge Calling all future Board approved the contract for Davis is power. The classes include: Kindergarten parents. Plan to and had a short ceremony during the Ten Warning Signs of attend a Ready for Kindergarten school board meeting. Davis will start in Alzheimer’s on Tuesday, March event at an elementary school Hillsborough schools on Monday, March 17; Healthy Living for the Brain near you. These events will 2 and work side by side with & Body on Tuesday, March 24; offer students and families a firsthand Superintendent Jeff Eakins during a twoEffective Communication Strategies on week transition period. After spring break, look at kindergarten life and the opportuTuesday, March 31; and Legal & Davis will become Acting Superintendent, nity to see the school and meet the staff. Financial Planning on Tuesday, April 7. All For more information, visit with Superintendent Eakins on adminisclasses will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/doc/2276/bold-begintrative leave until his contract ends on Come to one class or come to four classnings/kindergarten/kindergartenreg/.. Tuesday, June 30. Davis will formally es. There is no fee to attend. become the superintendent of These classes will be held at The The Bridges Retirement Community Hillsborough schools on Wed., July 1. Bridges on 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Hosts How To Protect Yourself From Riverview. Seating is limited. Please Cybercrime Women Centered 4 Success reserve a seat by calling 800-272-3900. Cybercrime is the fastest growing Local nonprofit Women Centered 4 Success partnered with area high schools area of crime, so learn how to avoid Butterfly Gardening Seminar being a victim by attending ‘Cybercrime – to participate in Dr. Martin Luther King Come learn all about the life cycle of The Crime of the 21st Century,’ held on Jr.’s legacy for social change and justice butterflies and the best plants for your Thursday, March 19 from 11:30 a.m.-1 via the second annual MLK Day of garden to attract them as well as celep.m. Service Student Pantry project. After the
brate the grand opening of the bigger, better butterfly house. The event will be held on Saturday, April 4 at 10 a.m at Kerby’s Nursery, located at 2311 S. Parsons Ave. in Seffner.
Cracker Country Make And Take Crafts
Cracker Country, located at the Florida State Fairgrounds, is hosting a make and take craft event this month. This event is designed for homeschool students of all ages but all are welcome. The museum holds a collection of 13 original buildings dating from 18701912 which were relocated from across the state of Florida. There will be knowledgeable interpreters dressed in historic outfits that will be located at each building and activity to lead your students through history, crafts and hands-on activities. You will have an opportunity to make a broom out of broom corn, help churn butter and help with everyday chores. Cracker Country is at the Florida State Fairgrounds located at 4800 US-301 in Tampa. Tickets are $8 per person four years old and up. Children under 3 years old will be admitted free. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. This is a very popular event and there are limited tickets available. Parking is free; enter on Orient Rd. only. Please follow directions listed on the website and not GPS. For more information, visit http://www.crackercountry.org/index.php/c ome-visit/when-to-visit/homeschoolevents/homeschool-day.
FishHawk Trails Hosts Garage Sale
On Saturday, March 28, local shoppers are invited to check out the annual garage sale in Lithia’s FishHawkTrails community. The event will take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., one day only. FishHawk Trails residents can participate in the event for $15 per home. To learn more, contact Association Manager Sandy Shand at sshand@lelandmanagement.com.
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Page 9
Valrico Edition
Family-Owned La Septima Café Celebrates 25th Anniversary In Community
By Libby Hopkins
La Septima can sometimes be Café has been a a struggle with food part of the Brandon and labor costs to community for 25 deal with.” years. Since La “Twenty-five Septima Café years ago, we opened in 1995, opened a little Fernandez, her restaurant on husband, Ron, and Parsons Ave.,” said Owner Dahlia Fernandez. “We La Septima Café, owned only had one dinby Dahlia and Ron Fernandez, has been a ing room, a small part of the Brandon kitchen and a community for 25 years. handful of staff members, most of which were the two of us and our children. We have, for 25 years, always been surprised and grateful for our success. their family have loved being a We certainly love our growpart of the Brandon community and ing community and are proud and gratesupporting it. “We love what we do and ful being a part of it.” we do it because we love our loyal guests La Septima Café outgrew its Parsons and all the new friends we meet every Ave. location and moved to its current day,” Fernandez said. “With more and spot in La Viva Plaza on Lumsden Rd. more new restaurants moving into our “Once again, the experience was scary community, we embrace the challenge. and exciting. Our loyal customers have We will always serve our guests with love supported us and once again encourand great food. Viva La Septima!” aged us. We have made so many new To learn more about La Septima friends within the community since we’ve Café or take a peek at its delicious menu, moved.” visit www.laseptimacafe.com or call 685In 2018, the Tampa Bay Times 0502. La Septima Café also offers caternamed La Septima Café one of the most ing with menus and pricing available on ‘Iconic Restaurants’ in Tampa Bay. its website. La Septima Café is located in “We are simple in the operation of La Viva Plaza on 702 West Lumsden Rd. our beloved family ‘mom and pop’ restau- in Brandon. Hours of operation are rant,” Fernandez said. “We strive to proMonday-Saturday, 11a.m.-9 p.m. The vide the best food at the best prices. This café is closed on Sundays.
Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply To Close
By Michelle Caceres
In real estate, locaknowledge with children tion is everything. working on showing or Everything, of course, marketing their produnless your property is ucts. smack dab in the mid“The children are dle of one of the Florida the future of agriculture,” Department of she said. Transportation’s road Rhonda has been widening projects. touched to have families After month’s of come in during the negotiation, the FDOT store’s final days to say has purchased Harold’s thank you for helping Feed & Pet Supply and teach their children the business will be about integrity, honesty Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply is shutting its doors in March after closing in March. and hard work. serving the Dover community for Harold’s Feed has Some of those kids more than 48 years. sat at the corner of also spent time as a E. Dr. Martin Luther Harold’s employee, King Jr. Blvd. and working side by side Macintosh Rd. in with Rhonda’s family to the city of Dover welcome every cussince it opened in tomer and make each 1972. Bill and visit to the store a Rhonda Burnette memorable one. purchased the The Burnettes are business from required to vacate their Harold more than two decades ago and property by Tuesday, March 31, but changed its name to Harold’s Feed & Pet Rhonda said they will be finished liquidatSupply. The couple expanded the store’s ing their cages, trailers, feed, supplies product offerings. Live animals, including and fixtures before then. “We started the chicks, ducks and rabbits, made kids sale on February 13th and honestly don’t more excited about a visit to Harold’s have much left,” she said. than their parents. In later years, those She expresses appreciation for children would come shop at the store as everyone who has supported their family adults. business for the past 23 years. For her, “Our customers were more than just the hardest day will be when they shut people, they were like family,” said the doors on the last day and walk away. Rhonda. What they do next is uncertain. Harold’s has always been a big sup“When our doors close, we will porter of 4-H, FFA and its community. regroup and decide where to go from The couple were always ready to lend a here,” said Rhonda. “But to our cushand to a future farmer and share their tomers, we’ll never forget you.”
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Page 10
Volume 17, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
Resonate Tampa Bay Community Chorus & Orchestra Welcomes New Members
Valrico Resident Earns The Stars And Stripes Award From The American Heritage Girls
Athenian traditional comphilosopher Plato posers like Bach once said, “Music and Mozart as gives a soul to the well as modern universe, wings to composers like the mind, flight to Ola Gjeilo and the imaginaRene Clausen. tion and life While some to everyof their music may thing.” be religious, the Joseph organization is Resonate Tampa Bay’s Scarbrough, not affiliated with mission is to bring diverse people together for a common goal: music. Sherry Fagan any religion. “As Martin and Laura Ferrario would all agree the director, my goal is to provide a crewith Plato. ative outlet for anyone and everyone These three are members of regardless of age, race, religion, sexual Resonate Tampa Bay, which is a local orientation, gender or economic status,” musical nonprofit. “Resonate was born Scarbrough said. “Music has the ability to out of Not Your Normal Entertainment, a unite, and in our world today, unification is community theater that spent two years what we need.” staging musicals in and around Brandon,” Laura Ferrario is a Valrico resident said Scarbrough, Resonate’s artist direcand recently joined Resonate because tor. “When I got a promotion at my church she wanted to get back to her musical job, I could not keep a full-time theater roots. “The opportunity came at a great running, so we had to close. However, time for me, as I had decided 2020 is the the singers and instrumentalists wanted year in which I reconnect with passions to continue to play and sing under my that have defined me,” Ferrario said. “As direction, so we started the community a child and through my early adulthood, I chorus and orchestra that is now called was always involved in singing/musical Resonate.” theater. The sound of voices blending to Resonate’s mission is to bring create this beautiful sound felt like home diverse people together for a common again.” goal: music. “We welcome all performers, Visit www.resonatethebay.com or call regardless of race, religion, orientation, 812-2466. Chorus rehearsals are held on movie genre preferences or any other Sunday nights from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and factor that contributes to the beauty of our orchestra rehearsals are held on Sunday human family,” Scarbrough said. “Our nights from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Both concerts focus on themes of unity, equali- rehearsals are held at the First United ty and peace. Methodist Church of Seffner, which is The group’s music is selected from located at 1310 S. Kingsway Rd.
The words “I Daniel Duncan had promise to love God, mentioned that Balm cherish my family, Baptist Church, locathonor my country, ed in Wimauma, and serve in my comprayed for a commermunity” are what the cial-grade playground members of American and sought to get Heritage Girls recite their old basketball as part of their oath in court replaced. corporation with the Warrington took on a principles of its pro$30,000 project as gram. A member of she chose to serve American Heritage Balm Baptist Church Valrico resident Emily Warrington Girls Troop FL2031 at receives the Stars & Stripes Award by getting its basketKings Avenue Baptist ball court refurbished through the American Heritage Girls. Church in Brandon, through MF Concrete Emily Warrington, who resides in Services, LLC, along with purchasing Valrico, recently earned the highest and installing a playground. recognition by being rewarded the Before accomplishing this project Stars & Stripes Award, which she felt Warrington persevered through a honored to receive. Warrington is the challenge that she came across. 587th girl nationally and the 23rd girl “Over the span of 10 months I in Florida to receive the award. searched for companies to replace American Heritage Girls was the basketball court within my budget, established in 1995 and is a premier and thankfully MF Concrete Services, national character development LLC did that,” Warrington said. “God organization for young women ages also provided the funds and so much 5-18. The group encourages family more to get the job done.” involvement and advocates Christian Troop Coordinator of Troop values. Currently, Troops can be FL2031 Holly Rowlette shared about found in 15 countries and all states. her happiness for Warrington. Candidates for the Stars & “Emily worked hard to achieve Stripes Award complete a service this and I am thrilled to have our secproject that they get to plan, lead and ond Stars & Stripes recipient in our implement. Warrington knew that she Troop,” Rowlette said. wanted to be involved with a project For more information, visit that benefits children. An opportunity www.americanheritagegirls.org. arose for her as she spoke with one Those interested in joining Troop of her pastors at FishHawk FL2031 should email Fellowship Church in Lithia. Pastor ahgfl2031@gmail.com.
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Page 11
Valrico Edition
Valrico’s Azzy Brooks Sings National Anthem At Lightning Game
Medi-Weightloss Brandon Celebrates 14 Years Of Client Success
By Kelly Wise Valdes
By Linda Chion Kenney
Ten years into her She works with life, Aislynn ‘Azzy’ Brooks managers and probets on a lifetime’s worth ducers and is comof performances, using mitted to learning the her early reviews to butukelele, piano and tress a fledgling career guitar. Her orignal that takes advantage of song, Vices, comes today’s social and userout in March, and friendly platforms and her ‘Azzy Brooks’ technologies. YouTube channel “Ever since I can features her covers remember, I wanted to of popular hits, be Lady Gaga or Bebe including Rexha’s Rexha,” the Valrico resiYou Can’t Stop the dent said about the pop Girl and Lady Gaga’s stars she greatly Shallow. admires. “I wanted to be “Ever since she on that stage performing could make noise, I for people to make them remember her Aislynn ‘Azzy’ Brooks getting set to smile.” singing,” said Azzy’s perform “The Star-Spangled Indeed, that’s what mother, Heather Banner” at the Amalie Arena before the February 29 Tampa she did in a grand way Brooks. “She could Bay Lightning game. February 29 at the say ‘baby’ when she Amalie Arena in Tampa, where she was one, so I played Justin Bieber’s sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” Baby, and she’d belt it out in the before the start of the Tampa Bay stroller.” Four years later, Heather Lightning matchup against the Calgary Brooks added, with Disney’s Frozen Flames. set for unprecedented success, “Azzy “I was excited and nervous at the would prance around in costume, beltsame time because there’s a lot of ing out ‘Let It Go.’” people in that big arena,” Brooks said. From the fake microphones to her “I was really excited because I never real-life live audiences, the journey of got the opportunity to do something a performer is not one Azzy takes like that before.” lightly. “I want to go to the That’s not to say Brooks is a GRAMMYs,” she said, with a name in stranger to the stage. She’s a member mind for her devoted fans. “I want to of the nonprofit Entertainment Revue be a singer and I want to have my own in Tampa, a professional song and concerts with my own ‘Azzy Angelz.’” dance ensemble that stages more To follow Azzy, visit www.facethan 40 shows annually. book.com/azzybrooksofficial.
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Medi-Weightloss in Brandon is happy to be celebrating its 14th year of helping people reach their weight loss goals. The well-known and successful weight loss center was also voted Best of the Best in 2019 by the Tampa Bay Times. The physicians and staff at the Brandon location work with patients to develop a program that will help individuals lose weight and learn to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many people are stuck on the dieting roller coaster. At MediWeightloss, the staff teaches clients to learn to live healthy for life. Michelle Hicks struggled with her weight for many years. With every passing year, losing weight became more difficult and the additional weight began to affect her health. “My health was starting to pay the price from years of being overweight with
high blood pressure and cholesterol,” said Hicks. “I was always tired and run down.” Hicks tried different fad diets and programs, with little success. “I’d been trying to lose weight on my own for months, with little to no results,” she recalled. “I would lose five pounds, then gain them right back.” Then Hicks discovered MediWeightloss. After she researched the physician-supervised program, she ultimately was able to change her life. At the Medi-Weightloss clinic in Brandon, a dedicated medical team, including the supervision of board-certified internist Andrew Weitzman, M.D., helps clients lose weight and learn to live healthier. After an initial consultation, a weight loss program was tailored to suit Hicks’ specific needs and she learned how to create a healthy lifestyle. Ultimately, Michelle lost an amazing 55 lbs. Medi-Weightloss reports that there are 250,000 people nationwide that have lost a combined total of over 6 million lbs. on the Medi-Weightloss Program. Unlike other programs, customers are not required to purchase pre-packaged foods; however, there are MediWeightloss foods that can be purchased as an option. To begin your weight loss journey, call the Medi-Weightloss clinic in Brandon at 654-1110. Medi-Weightloss is located at 203 W. Bloomingdale Ave. For more information, visit www.MediWeightloss.com.
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Page 12
Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
Rolling Pin Cooking Up Great Food, Cookware & Green Eggs For 25 Years
Plant City’s Downtown Makeover Enhances An Already Charming City
Rolling Pin filling. Kitchen Emporium “We try to opened its doors on offer a little someFebruary 15, 1995 thing for everyas a store in one,” he said. Brandon Town “From steakhouse Center mall, now to sushi, date night Westfield Brandon. to kids and tweens In 2006, it relocatclasses, it’s a fun Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium celebrates 25 ed to its current night out to learn years in business. home in the how make some Brandon Crossroads shopping really good recipes, and you get center. This year marks 25 years to eat them too.” in business offering an excellent Riverview resident Darlene selection of gourmet cookware, Cervik has been attending bakeware, kitchen knives, Big cooking classes at the store for Green Eggs and cooking classes to more than 10 years. “Instead of everyone from casual cooks to serieating in a restaurant I book a ous chefs. demonstration class at Rolling At the helm of the shop are Pin,” she said. “I know I will have a husband and wife duo Chef Dave fun and entertaining night out and and Karen West, who said their current eat a delicious, multi-course meal with home is a sprawling 4,500 sq. ft. space drinks too,” she said. located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon, Its 7,000th cooking class will take which includes a 3,500 sq. ft. retail store place in the month of February. The store that houses more than 12,000 brandhas hit the longevity trifecta. It boasts name kitchen items (like All-Clad, Breville longevity in time in business, long-term and Wusthof) and a 1,000 sq. ft. culinary customers and employees who prove loycenter. It’s also the only authorized platalty is not a thing of the past. Gail Doty, inum Big Green Egg dealer in Brandon, for instance, has worked for the Wests for selling all seven Egg sizes, EGG char20 years. coal, more than 150 of the most popular Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium is EGGcessories, cooking islands and open on Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., tables, modular nesting system and Big Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 Green Egg sauces and seasoning. p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 10 Chef Dave spends most of his time a.m.-9 p.m. with his team of chefs in the culinary cenFor more information about Rolling ter, making sure the six to nine cooking Pin Kitchen Emporium or to register for a classes per week, both hands-on and cooking class, visit https://rollingpinondemonstrations, are fun, informative and line.com or call 653-2418.
The City of light repairs; Plant City was installation of LED established in lighting; a sound 1885. The system extension charming in McCall Park; downtown ADA enhancerecently ments; and city underwent a hall facade makeover. improvements. About 100 This initial Workers from different Plant City makeover is a workers from departments came together over multiple city part of the a two-week period to beautify departments and revitalize parts of downtown Downtown Vision Plant City. worked on Plan. This is a beautification and revitalization projects joint, long-term project between the City over a two-week period. of Plant City and Plant City Main Street, a Tray Towles works for Code nonprofit organization whose purpose is Enforcement. He was the project manag- to revitalize the downtown area. er for the current project. According to The Downtown Vision Plan ultimately Towles, “The project was undertaken to seeks to increase economic growth and enhance and make downtown a destinacreate a strategic redevelopment initiation. We have a lot of family-friendly tive. The framework evolving from these events that go on in downtown. We want- assessments will steer Plant City Main ed to continue to entice people to come Street’s downtown revitalization projects downtown.” for another three to five years. Overall, hundreds of trees, small City Manager Bill McDaniel said, “We palms and plants varying sizes were are doing this because who does not love trimmed, planted or removed. Thousands the idea of walking in a vibrant downtown, of square feet of grass were installed, meeting neighbors and new friends, graband 200 yards of mulch was put in place. bing a sandwich at a locally owned café In addition, several games were and watching your children or grandchilinstalled along the length of McCall Park. dren play in the park?” Specifically, adult chess, ring toss and Josh Jimenez, chairman of the Board Connect Four were installed near the of Plant City Main Street, said, “I envision gazebo near Palmer St. Cornhole games the creation of an environment where and Connect Four were installed in the business owners, residents and visitors West Pavilion near Evers St. can say ‘Downtown Plant City is the Furthermore, the two-week project place I need to be.’” involved pressure washing; painting; To keep up on all that is going on in bench refurbishing; street, sidewalk and Plant City, please visit www.plantcity.org.
By Michelle Caceres
Palm Sunday April 5
Maundy Thursday April 9
Good Friday April 10
Easter Vigil April 11
Easter Sunday April 12
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March 2020
Page 13
Valrico Edition
Dr. BBQ To Cook At Pinch A Penny Lithia EGGFest 2020 To Benefit Newsome ROTC
Rajun’ Bull Marching Band And Color Guard Host Annual Silent Auction
Who doesn’t love This year’s food cooked on a grill? EGGFest will The smell of a good also feature an barbecue can waft for appearance and miles around. The only cooking demonthing that can make stration from barbecued food taste local cooking better is if it’s cooked in celebrity Dr. a Big Green Egg and BBQ. helps out a local pro“Dr. BBQ gram. For those of you will be at who would agree with EGGFest doing me, you may want to a barbecue The 10th annual Lithia EGGFest will be held attend the upcoming cooking demonon Saturday, March 28 10th annual Lithia stration,” from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at EGGFest on Saturday, Rutledge said. Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa, located at 16715 FishHawk Blvd. “There will also March 28 from 10 in Lithia. This year’s EGGFest will also a.m.-2 p.m. feature an appearance from local cooking be various So what exactly is cooking seccelebrity Dr. BBQ. an EGGFest, you ask? According to tions going on during the event. Those FishHawk resident Jim Rutledge, who sections include team competitions and also owns Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa culinary arts.” in Lithia, “It’s a party for people who love There will be up to 15 teams competbarbecue and who love to cook in a Big ing at this year’s EGGFest, and proceeds Green Egg while competing in teams from the event will go to the ROTC proagainst each other.” gram at Newsome High School. EGGFest is more than just a BBQ “The ROTC program is looking to competition. It is designed to build the build an obstacle course for their Ranger ‘EGGhead’ community by bringing teams Division,” Rutledge said. together to create unique menus. Teams To learn more about the 10th annual will try to outdo their competitors and the Lithia EGGFest, visit attendees are the judges. These www.lithiaeggfest.com. The event is free EGGheads, who travel from all over the to attend, but if you’d like to sample the country, will show off their talents on a Big food you will need to purchase a Taster Green Egg, a complete outdoor cooking Ticket for $10. Tickets can be purchased system that can grill, roast, smoke, bake in advance at Pinch A Penny Pool Patio and so much more. Spa in Lithia or by calling 655-3700. “Eggs used from EGGFest are availThe store is located at 16715 able at a significant discount,” Rutledge FishHawk Blvd. EGGFest will be held in said. “This is the best pricing of the year.” front of the store as well.
A harmoThe group is nious sound looking for donaresonated tions for the silent throughout the auction from local field recently as businesses and the residents, in Bloomingdale addition to items High School’s procured by band Rajun’ Bull and color guard Marching Band members. and Color The band, Guard lined up which mainto perform in tains a tradifront of a large tion of 33 Bloomingdale High School’s Rajun’ Bull Marching Band crowd. This years of and Color Guard is hosting a award-winning superior perfundraiser trivia event and organization, formances silent auction next month at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill. consisting of throughout more than 220 musicians, color the world, guards and supporting volunteers, holds multiwill gather together for its spring ple fundraisers throughout the year to silent auction and trivia night at fund its many activities. O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill in “Overall, the Rajun’ Bull Marching Brandon on Saturday, April 4. Band and Color Guard is a proud This is the second annual event, supporter of community events and which consists of a silent auction enjoys representing the community starting at 4 p.m. and trivia at 5 p.m. year-round,“ Fenn said. The group’s first auction also Trivia at O’Brien’s costs $10 a took place at O’Brien’s last year and person for 10 rounds and up to eight was a great success. people can play on a team. Prizes Auction Chair member and Band will be given for first and second Booster Brandye Fenn explained the place, along with best team name. A motivation for the fundraiser. 50/50 drawing will be available too. “The silent auction will help with This family-friendly event is open to student band fees, uniform purchasthe community. es and instrument repairs,” said O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill is Fenn, whose daughter, a junior at located at 701 W. Lumsden Rd. in Bloomingdale, is in the wind ensemBrandon. Contact Brandye Fenn at ble and plays the trumpet in the rajunbullband@mail.com for more marching band and the jazz band. information.
By Libby Hopkins
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Page 14
Valrico Edition
Pepin Academies In Riverview Offers Welding Program At Winthrop
By Kathy L. Collins
greeted Every day, Martinez and two groups of six then got on their hand-selected stugear and got to dents from the work. I was able Pepin Academies to witness them Riverview campus work together. travel to the Pole The stuBarn at Winthrop dents are and learn the skills accompanied by of welding from a job coach, artist Bryant Bryant Martinez, an artist and nationally certified Monica Garcia. Martinez. The welder, is teaching students from the Pepin Martinez has Pepin Academies Academies Riverview campus how to weld. welding program has been ongoing since taught her to weld as well so that she can get in and help. Garcia has been with August 2019. Pepin Academies for seven years. Garcia Martinez is a nationally certified said, “It has been a dream journey. I get welder who has been welding for 20 to go from the classroom to this.” Garcia years. Each class lasts two hours. added, “The students are learning a trade According to Martinez, the students learn skill. You cannot get this type of training in the fundamentals of welding. “They are a classroom.” taking that knowledge and building Several of the students echoed this items,” said Martinez. Together, they have sentiment. Dimonte said, “This is definitecreated two backpack racks, two bike ly more than I expected.” Eli said, “This racks and two 8-foot sculptures. All of the has opened up new things for me. Bryant items are installed at their school. taught us a lot. Ms. Garcia transporting us Now, they are working on awnings everyday is very meaningful.” Diego said, for the parent drop-off area. Because John Stansberry, the assistant princiMartinez is first and foremost an artist, pal at the Riverview campus, said, each awning will feature little extra items “Providing a welding program allows stusuch as sculpted dragonflies and ladydents to experience a field typically not bugs. Martinez said, “I treat each student offered in high school. They can get certias a welding artist, so the awnings will fication and immediate job placement have artistic pieces added to it.” without post-secondary education.” Each student was required to buy This program would not be possible their own equipment, including steel-toe without commitment from the school’s boots, a welding helmet with full shield administration and the space being proand welding gloves and jackets. vided by Kay and John Sullivan. When I visited a class, it was clear For information, visit www.pepinacadthat the students were 100 percent emies.com. invested in the class. They each warmly
Volume 17, Issue 3
March 2020
Page 15
Valrico Edition
Brooker Elementary’s Miranda Harwood Wins Hillsborough Teacher Of The Year
By Amy Schechter
The evening the to help struggling students Hillsborough Education with their math skills. It’s Foundation announced rewarding for her to see the her name as the overall change in her students, winner of the School many of which “come in with District of Hillsborough some preconceived notion of County’s Excellence in ‘I hate math’ and switch to Education Teacher of loving it and loving school in the Year award is still a general.” bit surreal for Miranda When asked about what Harwood. Speaking it felt like to be recognized with Harwood, it’s easy for her efforts, the 14-year to see how, from nearly Brooker Elementary School’s veteran gushed about the Miranda Harwood was 300 nominees, the home she’s found at Brooker recently named Hillsborough fourth grade math and Elementary, whose staff County’s Teacher of the science teacher from nominated her for the award: Year. Brooker Elementary was the clear “I think the thing that makes it the most choice. special is the people who are with you “She is literally always there for you. every day. We work with so many great No matter the time, what it is—be it frac- teachers. There are six teachers who tions or having a bad day—she will stop have been at Brooker their entire career. everything to make you feel like the They love it. They are my role models. most important kid,” said Dylan Moore, a When asked what’s next, Harwood student lucky enough to be in her class couldn’t see herself doing anything else. this year. In fact, Harwood was the first After briefly flirting with a pre-med major, to call to check in on Moore after a Harwood followed what her heart had cheerleading accident briefly hospitalknown from the time she was 5 or 6 ized her on Super Bowl Sunday years old. She earned her bachelor’s in nonetheless. It’s just what Harwood elementary education and her master’s does. She goes above and beyond to in reading education from the University care for and encourage her students. of South Florida. She wants everyone to We talked well after the school day know the true reward found in teaching. had ended because Harwood routinely “I wish people would come into the gives up her lunch and stays after classroom for just one day, for just one school tutoring kids. Her Monday afterhour,” she said. Her classroom is defischool Math Clubs are dedicated to nitely a place where you will find magic high-performing students wishing to happen every day. push themselves a bit further, but she Brooker Elementary is located at dedicates her Lunch Bunch and 812 Dewold Rd. in Brandon and can be Wednesday/Thursday tutoring sessions reached at 744-8184.
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Volume 17, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
Mary Rossano, 100-Years-Old, Spreads Joy With Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwiches Brandon resident Mary Rossano knows that age is only a number and helping others has no age limit. In March, Rossano will mark a milestone, her 100th birthday, and she remains active by volunteering and keeping busy focusing on family and friends and the difference she is making in the community. Her friend Members and and caretaker volunteers of Nativity Catholic’s Peanut through Seniors Butter and Jelly Helping Seniors, Ministry: Pam Fattore, Debra Caputo, Debra Caputo, Mary Rossano and Rita recently posted a Lichtenwalter. short video on Facebook of Rossano making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Nativity Catholic Church. Since then, the response and outpouring of gratitude from others has been remarkable. “A few weeks ago, we had been talking about what her goals are for 2020,” said Caputo, “and Mary said that she wanted to be more involved in her church—Nativity Catholic.” During the conversation, Rossano and Caputo realized that being part of Nativity’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Ministry was a perfect fit. Now, Rossano makes sandwiches from her home and a member of the church picks them up and takes them to one of the ten outreach food banks in Hillsborough County. Nativity Church distributes more than 7,000 sandwiches a month and has donated 500,000 sandwiches over the last 14 years. “I love helping my church and I love helping people who are hungry,” said Rossano, “and it gives me some-
By Kelly Wise Valdes
thing different to do.” Rossano’s goal is to make 120 sandwiches each month. Caputo will be buying three loaves of bread weekly to ensure that nothing is wasted and that the bread will be fresh each week. In order to help Rossano reach her goal, Caputo reached out to the community via Facebook for donations of peanut butter, squeeze bottles of grape jelly, ziplock baggies and white labels to adhere to the bags. “The labels are so that Mary can send uplifting messages on her sandwiches,” said Caputo. “So, people will know they are valued and the sandwiches were made with love.” The labels say things like, “You are loved” and “God is love.” “This is a win, win, win for everyone,” said Caputo. “Mary is able to contribute to her church by volunteering, the church is reaching out to the community and the hungry are being fed.” If anyone would like to donate to support Rossano in her efforts to make sandwiches for the ministry, please reach out to Debra Caputo at 215-3176442.
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March 2020
Valrico Edition
key, o G y n Dan over Pass re o M & nce lle Waymire e i r e p x E ompiled by Danieyobserver.com C re ire@osp dwaym
Local Ministry Honored By Moody Radio
artist Danny Gokey brings his Unplugged: Stories & Songs Tour to Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon. The GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award-winning artist was also a third place finalist on season eight of the television singing competition American Idol. Gokey is best known for his songs “Hope in Front of Me,” “Rise” and “Haven’t Seen it Yet.” Also joining Gokey on the tour is Coby James. The concert kicks off at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6 p.m. for general admission with first-come, first-serve seating. Tickets are available online at www.transparentproductions.com. VIP options are available with an added VIP meet and greet, photo opportunity and early entrance for access to the best seats. Ticket prices range from $19.95 to $75 per person. More information on the musicians can be found at www.dannygokey.com and www.cobyjames.com. Bell Shoals is located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon.
Steve Turbeville, president and CEO of Lighthouse Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit organization that has been serving the poor and homeless of West Central Florida since 1977, was recently honored by Moody Radio with its Bold Steps Award. The Bold Steps Award was specifically created to recognize and honor contributions made by individuals to enhance the reach and visibility of the gospel of Jesus Christ in their local community. Brandon Christian The Women’s Connection award was Hosts Luncheon given to On Tuesday, April 14, Turbeville for the Brandon Christian his contribuWomen’s Connection will tions to the host a luncheon with Cheryl community Haley of Life’s Treasures with Thrift Store in Brandon. Lighthouse Haley will guide attendees in Ministries. Steve Turbeville, president and CEO of finding treasures to sell and Doug Lighthouse Ministries, Inc. buy in a worthwhile way for Hastings, vice president of Moody Radio, LifePath Hospice. said, “We thank you for the continued This is a nondenominational event for partnership and service over the years. all ladies, no membership required. Lighthouse Ministries is an encourageThe event will take place from 11 ment and example of faithfulness to fola.m.-1 p.m. at Buckhorn Springs Country low God’s leading. Moody would like to Club, located at 2721 S. Miller Rd. in thank you for your ministry to the commuValrico. The cost, which includes lunch nity and example over the years, and we and the speaker, is $15, but first-time thank you and your family for celebrating guests pay $12. with us along with Dr. Jobe and other Call Lillie at 740-0098 for a reservaMoody friends.” tion and more information. Moody Radio is a ministry of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. The Passover For more inforExperience mation on Chabad of Lighthouse Brandon is excited Ministries, please about its new event, contact Turbeville, ‘The Passover at 863-687-4076 Experience.’ (extension 232) There will be a or 863-712-4503 or food tasting and visit www.lighthousepop-up shop featurmin.org. Award-winning Danny Gokey is scheduled ing Passover foods to perform at Bell Shoals Baptist Church. at the Jewish Christian Artist Discovery Center, Danny Gokey To Perform At Bell Shoals Baptist Church located at 1578 Bloomingdale Ave. in On Friday, March 27, Christian music Valrico, on Sunday, March 22 from 1-5 p.m.
Whether you celebrate Passover, are looking to save money or want to try some new foods, you will be glad you came to the Passover Experience. The Passover Experience is an extension of the year-round kosher meat delivery service available at kosherkaddy.com. For the list of specials and items for sale, visit jewishbrandon.com/passoverexperience or call 771-8100.
Chabad Of Brandon To Celebrate ‘Purim In NYC’
‘Purim in NYC’ is Chabad of Brandon’s creative twist to this year’s community Purim celebration. There will be an airbrush painting by guest artist Rob Sardella, a buffet dinner of delicious NY-style foods, Jewish music and dancing and a multimedia reading of the biblical scroll of Esher, known in Hebrew as the Megillah. The event will be held at the Jewish Discovery Center, located at 1578 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico on Tuesday, March 10 at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $18 per person or $54 per family. RSVP online at jewishbrandon.com/rsvp or call 571-8100.
Page 17
series held by Congregation Beth Shalom that aims to help with the special challenges faced by middle aged individuals and beyond. It will be held on Wednesday, March 4 and Sunday, March 23 at 7 p.m. The fee to participate in this series is $35 for nonmembers and $25 for members. Congregation Beth Shalom located at 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. Call 6816547 for reservations.
Love First Christian Center Offers Life University Classes
Love First Christian Center is located at 12847 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview and will be offering the following Life University classes. For more information, visit www.lfcc.tv. Financial Stewardship – January 27 - April 13 (12 weeks): Financial Stewardship is a class on money and finance management taught from an extensive biblical perspective. You’ll walk through the basics of budgeting, eliminating debt, planning, creating a plan for a solid financial future and much more. You will discover the role your finances are to have in your life and spiritual well-being. DivorceCare – February 4 - April Bell Shoals Baptist Academy Hires 28 (13 weeks): DivorceCare is a friendly, caring New Technology Coordinator group of people who will walk alongBell Shoals Baptist Academy (BSBA) side you through one of life’s very diffihas hired Cyndi Holcombe as its new cult experiences. Most people will tell technology coordinator. Holcombe brings you that separation and divorce are the many years of technology experience, most painful and stressful experiences including owning her own businesses, 15 they’ve ever faced. It’s a confusing years of ministry experitime when you feel isolated and ence from Bell Shoals have lots of questions about issues Baptist Church and is you’ve never faced alone. currently the computer DivorceCare 4 Kids (DC4K) – and STEM/robotics February 4 - April 28 (13 weeks): teacher at BSBA. She DC4K provides your children also has been coaching with a safe and neutral place to the BSBA competitive gain an age-appropriate underrobotics teams, Panther standing of separation and divorce. Tech Black and Green. Cyndi Holcombe is They will learn how to process and The technology coordiBell Shoals Baptist Academy’s new techshare their feelings. DC4K is nator job responsibilities nology coordinator. designed for kids 5-12 years of include overseeing the age. new iPad carts for classroom usage by The Art of Marriage – March 3 elementary students and iPads for all April 7 (six weeks): sixth through eighth grade students for This course is designed to help the fall 2020 school year. Duties also build marriage the way God intended it involve leadership over program designto be. That’s why for more than 35 ing, implementation and development of years, FamilyLife has been helping the BSBA 1-to-1 iPad initiative, as well as couples understand God’s plan for helping to coordinate technology to funcrelationships. The Art of Marriage tion well in the classroom. weaves together expert teaching, realFor more information on BSBA, visit life stories, humorous vignettes and www.bsbacademy.com. more to portray both the challenges and the beauty of God’s design for We’re Not Getting Any Younger marriage. We’re Not Getting Any Younger is a
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Volume 17, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
Interesting Women Of Hillsborough County: Simmons, Brandon, Moseley & More
By Charles Nelson
Our history is a story about, and for, all of us. Sometimes that history is viewed through a single lens producing only a partial story of “long-dead white men.” There are other ways to explore our history. By looking at history from different angles, we can expand ‘Victo , First Source: Florida Comria Joyce Ely.’ s n o m im S and enhance our mission on ‘Mabel f Flowers.’ -28-1997. the Status of Women . LaadTriybuneoat Newspapers.com: 12 understanding. In mp Source: Ta March, during Women’s History Rouen, France. Following the war, she Month, we can do just that by rememworked as a nurse in Perry, Florida at bering a few of the countless a time when a severe outbreak of Hillsborough County women who conmalaria and typhoid fever gripped the tributed to our shared history. region. As a member of Florida’s Board Janie Wheeler Bing operated the of Health, she traveled a nine-county Bing Rooming House in Plant City from area, often carrying a gun safely 1925 to 1970. The Bing Rooming locked in the trunk of her car for proHouse was one of the few hotels protection in this rough and tumble section viding a haven for visiting African of Florida. Ms. Ely returned to Ruskin Americans during Florida’s segregation in 1943. There she opened the first era. Black businessmen, truck drivers, county-run health clinic in Ruskin and travelers, nationally known sports stars was the only trained medical profesand musicians were all welcomed to sional in town. She was the only perone of the very few Plant City hotels son licensed in Ruskin to give injecavailable to them. Bing also operated tions from her small office. Her threadthe Seminole Restaurant, next door to bare office didn’t even have running the hotel, until she retired in 1955. The water, forcing her to sterilize needles at Bing Rooming House is now listed on her home. Today’s Joyce Ely Medical the National Register of Historic Center in Ruskin honors her memory. Places. Today, the building serves as a Bernice ‘Jeanie’ Smith Tomaini museum of the African American expe- from Gibsonton was the diminutive wife rience in Plant City during Florida’s of the giant Al Tomaini. While her hussegregationist past. band got most of the publicity, Victoria Joyce Ely was a World Jeanie—born without legs—billed herWar I nurse for the British Army at self as ‘The World’s Only Half Woman’
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controls for industrial plant emissions and was a respected environmentalist. There are so many other Hillsborough County women whose stories could have been featured here. A ’ today. ing House .edu. ‘The Worl m d’s o Stran o gest few of those R g ‘Bin usf.usf usfnews.w Married Couple.’ Source: w include Sarah Source: Showmensmuseum.com. Dormany Boyett and Victoria standing 2’6” in height. She was, howSeward Brandon, who were the ever, every bit Al’s equal in the ‘founding mothers’ of late 19th-century sideshow world of the circus carnival. towns named in honor of their late Many in Gibsonton considered her as husbands. Julia Daniels Moseley was the ‘grandmother’ of the town’s circus one of the original settlers in Limona in workers. In Ruskin, Jeanie raised her the 1880s. She detailed the difficult two adopted daughters and outlived conditions of pioneer life in a collection her husband by 37 years. She worked of letters later published in a book tirelessly to help shape Gibsonton into titled Come to My Sunland. Edna a safe, off-season haven for circus workers. She continued to manage the Giles Fuller, born in Plant City, was the Giant’s Fish Camp after Al’s death until first woman elected to the Florida Legislature in 1928, representing her death in 1999, always fighting to Orange County. retain the character of her adopted These stories, and others, are home. wonderful reminders that women have Mabel Claprood Simmons was contributed so much to Hillsborough often called the “First Lady of Florida County’s history. Flowers.” She was a member of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. It was in Ruskin where she spent her profesCharles Nelson Bio Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in sional life in the floral business. At one History from George Mason University time, Mrs. Simmons was the largest and taught as an adjunct instructor at flower producer in Florida. She is credHCC (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated with Tampa Bay History Center as a ited with developing gladiolas that volunteer docent, researcher and sprouted early enough to avoid frost. community lecturer, with an emphasis on She is also credited with developing South Hillsborough County history.
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March 2020
Page 19
Valrico Edition
Dr. Earl J. Lennard Scholarship Fund Draws Stowers Support
By Linda Chion Kenney
In honor of member in good their principal, and standing with the in posthumous Riverview chamber memory of or Riverview Catherine ‘Missy’ Woman’s Club. Lennard’s father, Behind the the staff at Stowers Lennard Stowers scholarship drive Elementary were teachers School raised Elissa Walters and $1,200 for the Carly Brook, who newly launched attended Dr. Earl’s Dr. Earl J. Celebration of Life Stowers Elementary School Principal Catherine ‘Missy’ Lennard stands with Lennard at Lennard High on teachers Carly Brook, left, and Elissa Scholarship Fund. January 11. Walters. The smiling photo in the “It was a huge background is of Richard “Dick” Stowers, a “Just hearing lifelong friend of the Lennard family. surprise,” said about his life I felt Catherine, principal of Richard “Dick” changed a little bit, just by knowing who Stowers Elementary School in he was and what he did for kids, how FishHawk. “It really means a lot to me,” important it was for him to figure out Her father, the namesake of Dr. what the kids needed and do right by Earl J. Lennard High School in Ruskin, them,” Walters said. died on December 23, 2019 at age 77 Brook said she was moved by “how after being hospitalized with a progenuine his character was,” a trait she longed illness since Thanksgiving in finds in Catherine as well. 2018. One of nine siblings from a farm“She has that focus, ‘Let’s do what’s ing family, Dr. Earl entered the best for kids,’ ” Brook said. “She pushes Hillsborough County school system as us to think for ourselves and she’s a first grader at Palm River Elementary always there for us if we need support.” and retired in 2005 as its superintendChamber President Mike Jones ent of schools. He also served as the said the scholarship program “will help Hillsborough County Supervisor of make sure we never forget [Dr. Elections. Lennard’s] contributions to this commuAt its January 17 dinner, the nity and, in a small way, continue the Greater Riverview Chamber of work he devoted his life to.” Commerce launched the scholarship To support the fund, call the chamfund, run in partnership with the ber at 813-234-5944; visit Riverview Woman’s Club. To be eligible www.RiverviewChamber.com. The for scholarship consideration, a senior chamber is in the CenterState Bank must live in Riverview or have a family building at 10101 Bloomingdale Ave.
Voice Of Siri Is Special Speaker At 2020 Women Of Distinction Luncheon Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) is proud to announce its 2020 Women of Distinction honorees. Colleen Chappell, APR, Susan Bennett, the Commissioner original voice of Siri is the keynote speaker. Kathleen Peters, Dr. Lauren Weiner and Dr. Tonjua Williams are the group’s Women of Distinction. Jessica Rivelli is the Woman of Promise, a deserving woman under the age of 40. The esteemed Adelaide ‘Alex’ Sink is the Hall of Fame inductee, a previous Woman of Distinction who continues to serve her community. The 29th annual Women of Distinction Luncheon will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, March 19 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. This event honors and celebrates local women whose professional accomplishments make them positive role models who inspire girls to achieve their own goals and dreams. They exemplify the Girl Scout Promise and Law through ethical leadership and a commitment to make a difference in the lives of their fellow citizens through community service. The keynote speaker for the 2020 Women of Distinction Luncheon is Susan Bennett—the original voice of Siri. The ‘Best Known Unknown’ voiceover actor
Staff Report
will share her fascinating story about the history of Siri and the impact of the internet and technology on all of our lives Colleen Chappell, APR, and busipresident and CEO of nesses. ChappellRoberts, is one All proof the Women of ceeds from Distinction honorees at the Women this year’s 2020 Girl Scouts luncheon. of Distinction Luncheon will support the Rising Diamonds Outreach Girl Scout program. The Rising Diamond program ensures that every girl, regardless of her family’s socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouting in order to develop successful leadership and life skills. For more information about the 2020 Women of Distinction Luncheon and to purchase tickets, visit www.gswcf.org and click on the events tab. Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with nearly 2.5 million girl and adult members worldwide. GSWCF offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, skill-building, community service and personal success. To join, visit www.gswcf.org or call 800-881GIRL.
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Page 20
Volume 17, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo Takes Flight This March The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is a 46-yearold event that began with a group of pilots who got together to have a fly-in. The fly-in has grown over the years to include a trade show, career fair, educational workshop and an air show. “Since the beginning, this event has been created and supported by volunteers,” said SUN ‘n FUN’s director of marketing and public relations, Carol Cali. “Even today, with a paid staff of 25 and 3,500 volunteers, we put on a six-day event for 225,000 guests. In 2012, we created the Aerospace Center for Excellence, and our event became our largest fundraiser. With a lot of work and diligence, the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo raises over $2M for our programs. Of that, $500K is attributed to scholarships.” The expo will be held from Thursday to Sunday, March 31 to April 5 at Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland. Tickets for the event cost $39 for adults, $18 for youth ages 7-17 and children 6 years old or younger are free. Members of SUN ‘n FUN can purchase discounted tickets. Cali and her team have worked hard to make this year’s expo a unique experience for all who attend. “In addition to the daily high-adrenaline air shows, we have two night shows that are off the chain, performers with lights and fireworks per-
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forming to music,” Cali said. “Sixty world-renowned aerobatic performers, coupled with military might of the USAF Thunderbirds, the F-35A Lightning Demo Team and more will take to the skies while attendees walk among warbird legends, military displays and the like.” This year, the expo will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII as well as a STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) competition. “For the kids, we’ve added a STEMtastic Youth area which will showcase fun, STEM educational activities for kids of all ages in addition to workshops,” Cali said. “We have over 500 exhibitors, including many plane manufacturers, a three-day career fair and more. Lots of food options and live entertainment too across 2,000 acres of fun, so wear walking shoes, and we will have trams available as well. We also have all sorts of upgrade opportunities too, including the 9/27 Club.” Cali and her team hope the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo will inspire all who attend. “Our primary objective is to inspire the public to get excited about opportunities in aerospace, which includes traditional aviation careers,” Cali said. “If we accomplish that, the rest falls in place.” Visit www.flysnf.org. The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Center for Excellence is located at 4175 Medulla Rd. in Lakeland.
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Page 21
Valrico Edition
Phoenix House Florida – A Place For Hope, Healing, Recovery
By Kelly Wise Valdes
The president and CEO of Phoenix House Florida, Maria Alvarez, is excited about the difference it is making in the community. “Phoenix House Florida is proud to be a local nonprofit who has been delivering lifechanging treatment to our Phoenix House Florida is a nonprofit and nationally local community for nearly 30 recognized and accredited program. years,” said Alvarez. “We are Florida seems like a picture-perfect proud to be the expert in the area to paradise with its mild weather, beautiful meet the unprecedented need for beaches and unlimited activities at our access to substance use treatment in fingertips. However, despite these Tampa and the surrounding area.” sunny days, many Floridians suffer from Because everyone is unique, treatvarious types of substance addictions. ment at Phoenix House Florida is indiPhoenix House Florida is a nonvidualized to meet the particular needs profit and nationally recognized and of each patient. Its programming can accredited program, specializing in the accommodate stays from as short as treatment and prevention of substance one week to as long as one year. Also, use and mental health disorders. it has contracted with most insurance Delivering the highest quality of care providers to accept almost all insurance with professionalism and respect, plans. It also offers an affordable selfPhoenix House Florida provides outpay option available. standing and accessible treatment to Phoenix House Florida offers a adults and teens. Over the past eight wide variety of programs and services years, more than 14,000 patients have to meet most clients’ needs, including sought treatment at Phoenix House inpatient and outpatient programs, all of Florida. which utilize the latest evidence-based Phoenix House Florida is accreditpractices. Phoenix House Florida also ed by CARF, the Commission on provides educational and supportive Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, services to family members, friends, a nationally recognized standard of significant others and the community. excellence. In 2012, CARF awarded “Our goal has always been and will Phoenix House Florida accreditation continue to be to help more people live confirming performance at the highest a healthier, more purposeful life in level of excellence, and it is fully recovery,” said Alvarez. licensed by the State of Florida For more information, visit Department of Children and Families. www.phoenixfl.org.
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Page 22
Volume 17, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Service League Hosts Annual Alice Storms Very Special Arts Festival On also said, “This February 18, is the largest the General VSA to date Federation of with over 300 Women’s children attendClubs ing. This is my (GFWC) favorite event. Brandon All of the chilService dren and volLeague (BSL) unteers was nothing but smilheld its annu- There bring a ing, happy faces at the al Alice great spirit annual Alice Storms Very Storms Very Special Arts Festival, hosted to the by the GFWC Brandon Special Arts event.” Service League at First Baptist Church of Brandon. This Festival at Deni is a day for young special needs children to go on a field trip and have fun. First Baptist Kruger, a Church of Brandon. This event gives senior at Brandon High School, has special needs children from elementary been a volunteer at the event for four schools in Hillsborough County an years. Kruger said, “The children are all opportunity to go on a fun field day filled so sweet and fun. It is good to get expewith arts and crafts and entertainment. rience with children who have difficulties The Very Special Arts event is just one in social settings.” of many service projects that BSL memSimilarly, Reva Goldberg, also a bers undertake each year. senior at Brandon High School who has This year, over 300 students attend- volunteered for four years, said, “It is ed the event. The children were assistsomething I look forward to each year. It ed by BSL members and 60 student shows that a disability does not stop volunteers from Durant High School, you from having fun.” Brandon High School ROTC, Riverview Billie Broughton is the PTA presiHigh School, Brandon Academy and, dent at Summerfield Elementary new this year, CATCH (Connecting All School. Broughton said, “This is our first Temple Terrace Christian time back after a long absence from the Homeschoolers). The children engaged event. We wanted to come back so that in multiple craft stations, including finger the students could experience it.” puppets, face painting and hat making. Dianne Foerster, the incoming Children were entertained by two magiFlorida president of the statewide cians and with musical instruments and GFWC, said, “This event serves special bubbles. needs students who are 4 or 5 years Jeri Robinson, co-president of BSL, old. It is a wonderful service for BSL to said, “This event is just awesome. All of offer to our community.” the children are having fun.” For more information, please visit Bradlee Swanson, co-president, www.gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org.
Art Guild Presents 2020 Fine Arts Show At The Florida Strawberry Festival The 2020 sales go directly Florida Strawberry to the artists. Festival Fine Art The Best of Show, presented Show award by the East was awarded to Hillsborough Art Beth Smedley Guild (EHAG), of Valrico for her showcases the graphics/mixed artwork of the talmedia piece. ented residents of The Best of the area. The Show award is show is open to given along with the public during a cash prize of the annual Florida $300. This year, the Best of Show Award at the annual Strawberry The Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Arts Show went Strawberry Festival in Plant to Beth Smedley for her graphics/mixed media City. Theme Award piece. The winner of the Strawberry Theme Award is Carolyn Greeson. Karen winner is Crumley, chair of the show, said, “I was Carolyn Greeson of Valrico. She pleased to see the Youth Division age received a ribbon and a cash award of group 15-17 show an increase to 50 $100. entries. For 2021, we want to implement The winner of the Suncoast Credit several plans to attract even more high Union Purchase Award is Lurline Tanner school age students to enter.” Crumley of Thonotosassa for her piece titled added, “We had a total of 491 entries for Lake Panasofkee. The winning piece both youth and adult. This is an increase will be on display at the Plant City over last year.” branch throughout the coming year. The judges for this year’s show were Tanner also received a cash prize of Carol Hughes and Lisa McCarthy. $500. Hughes is the program director at Arts The youth entries were outstanding Ensemble Education Foundation and this year. All youth prizes are sponsored leads the Veterans Art Program exclusively by Jarrett Scott Ford of Plant ‘Arts4Vets’ and all Art in Public Places City. programming. In addition to the above awards, 24 McCarthy is currently a candidate for area businesses stepped up to be a Master of Fine Arts at the University of part of the Business Leader Choice South Florida. McCarthy co-founded Awards. Among them were the Osprey CommCreative, a digital and traditional Observer and Winthrop Arts, Inc. marketing agency. She is also the For more information on this year’s founder of Factory Mark Gallery, a conshow and to get information for next temporary art gallery for emerging and re- year, please visit emerging artists where 100 percent of www.ehagfinearts.com.
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Page 23
Valrico Edition
Lady Bulls Basketball Dynamic Duo Secures 1,000 Career Points Each By Nick Nahas November 15 to play for Rollins College in Orlando. “We came in and created our legacy here,” said Leigh. “As a freshman, I didn’t believe that I would be able to accomplish that, but as the years went by, it became more of a realistic goal that I thought I could achieve.” One week later, Nya King, the Lady Bulls’ leading scorer at 14 points per game, became the fourth player in school history to The seniors hold up their framed jerseys on score her 1,000th career point Senior Night. against Blake on January 24. She Erin Leigh and Nya King, as a pair, has several offers to play at the next have accomplished something that has level, but hasn’t made the decision on never been done before in Bloomingdale where she wants to play yet. girls basketball history. Leigh and King “I feel like I’m a part of something bigare the third and fourth players in program history to score 1,000 career points, ger than just me,” said King. “I felt relieved because this is something that and the first pair of teammates to accomI’ve been dreaming about since I was a plish this milestone in the same season. freshman, so to actually do it feels amazThey are the first players since Erica ing.” Woodard (2004) and Paris Moore (2008) Bower said that King and Leigh have to reach 1,000 points. excelled in the classroom and are leaving “Erin and Nya have helped change the program in better shape than when the culture of our program,” said Head they first got there. They started over 95 Coach Joel Bower. “Their passion for the games together and won 64% of those game and will to get better everyday has games. set the example for our younger players.” “I think that these young ladies reachErin Leigh became the third Lady Bull ing the 1,000-point milestone says that ever to score her 1,000th career point. we have kids here who work hard,” said She did it in front of the Bloomingdale Bower. home crowd on January 17 against The seniors led their team to a fanBrandon. The team’s second leading tastic season with a 19-7 record and a scorer at 12.5 points per game also regional playoff birth for the second time became the first girl’s basketball player in four years. They have made an impact from the school to sign on to play college on the floor and in the hearts of their basketball in the last 10 years when she teammates and fans. signed her National Letter of Intent on
Love Being Outdoors? Protect Your Skin All Year
Staff Report
Average conditions, temperatures in such as the Tampa Bay eczema, area can range rosacea, dry anywhere from skin, rashes, highs in the 70s warts and to mid-90s most more, with the days during the latest technomonths of March logical through options. November. The Medical sunny and Director Dr. Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers favorable yearoffers free skin cancer screenings in Gibsonton. K. Wade round conditions Foster is also experienced in our fellowship-trained area can create quite in Mohs surgery, a recipe for too much the most effective exposure to ultraviolet technique for (UV) light, thus causing a lot of peomost types of skin cancers with miniple to have significant sun damage. mal scarring or risk. Unfortunately, sun damage can lead FLDSCC Apollo Beach is currentto skin cancer and a whole host of ly offering free skin cancer screenings other issues. to new patients. An annual skin exam Skin cancer, such as melanoma, can help identify suspicious growths, can appear at any time in a person’s moles and other dermatologic life, and the risk increases as you changes. Areas of the skin that are age. The good news, though, is that if exposed to the sun are more prone to it’s detected early, it’s almost always develop moles or certain growths, treatable. and because of this, it’s very imporWith more than 9,500 people in tant to have an experienced dermatolthe U.S. given a new skin cancer ogist or licensed medical professional diagnosis every day, Florida conduct a yearly body analysis to Dermatology and Skin Cancer check all areas of your body, includCenters (FLDSCC) makes an impact ing your scalp, neck and back. with its new office in Apollo Beach, Contact FLDSCC today for your offering a full spectrum of dermatolnext free skin cancer screening. FLDogy and skin care services. With an SCC Apollo Beach is located at expert team of physicians, APRNs 13145 Kings Lake Dr., #104 in and PAs, FLDSCC diagnoses and Gibsonton. You can also reach the treats skin cancers as well as skin new office by calling 741-3376.
Page 24
Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
Valrico 29-36
March 2020
Volume 17, Issue 3
Bullfrog Creek To Celebrate Two-Year Anniversary With Party
Ph: 657-2418
It’s hard to believe, but Bullfrog Creek Brewing will be celebrating its two-year anniversary with a weekend of fun-filled entertainment and, of course, beer. The events will take place at the The crew at Window Genie of Southeast Tampa Bay brewery, located at 3632 offers more than just window cleaning. Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in washing, concrete and paver washing Valrico, over the weekend of March 21 and sealing and holiday lighting, in and 22. Saturday’s festivities will start addition to window washing, the at 12 Noon; there will be live music, Barkers stated, “We wash windows food trucks and a special beer release. and a whole lot more!” Minigames will continue throughout To contact Window Genie, call the day and the evening will end with 906-5200 or free dueling pianos. visit www.windowgeSunday will continue nie.com/se-tampa. the celebrations with a You can also find the Low Country boil, business on music from the Old Facebook by searchMan Garage Band and ing Window Genie of finish up with an Southeast Tampa. evening of Marvelthemed trivia. New Vet Clinic Offers Affordable For more details, visit Alternative To Veterinary ER www.Bullfrogcreek.com or call 703UrgentVet, the first dedicated 8835. urgent care clinic for pets, is expanding into the Brandon area, opening a Window Genie Offers More Than new clinic in the BayCare HealthHub Clean Windows at 2446 Bloomingdale Ave. in Mike and Mindy Barker of Window Brandon. UrgentVet fills the widening Genie of Southeast Tampa Bay are care gap that exists between traditionexcited to bring their services to the al daytime veterinary practices and area. Offering gutter clean-out, house specialized 24-hour emergency hospi-
options to Plant City. Palm Cove will consist of 47 beautiful apartments designed to meet the needs of seniors, offering assisted living, memory care and respite services. UrgentVet, the first dedicated urgent Mary and Martha House The community care clinic for pets, is expanding Receives $500 Donation. into the Brandon area, opening a will offer assisnew clinic in the BayCare tals, tance with all activities of daily living, HealthHub. proincluding culinary services, social providing affordable after-hours relief on gramming, therapies and pharmacy to weeknights, weekends and holidays ensure the physical, emotional and year-round. “We’re so excited to be spiritual well-being of residents. opening up our next location in Solinity CEO Josh Crisp said, Brandon to serve pets and pet par“Solinity is excited to form this partnerents,” said Dr. Jim Dories, founder of ship with the local owners of the comUrgentVet. “We specifically sought out munity to meet the growing and insuffiBrandon because we know it’s a very cient senior housing needs of Plant family and pet-friendly community, and City. I was inspired by the vision that the opportunity to secure space in the was shared with me by the late owner, BayCare HealthHub just reinforced our Mark Jordan.” decision to open a clinic here.” “Mark’s goal was to create a culUrgentVet - Brandon will be open ture of caring. The Solinity team truly from 3 to 11 p.m. Monday through understands what Palm Cove is all Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on about and every team member listens Saturday. For more information, and communicates at all levels to stay visit UrgentVet.com. focused on creating the type of community that the founders envisaged,” New Senior Living Community said Mike Tatum, owner of Palm Cove. Coming To Plant City Palm Cove is expected to open in Local Plant City senior living fall 2020 at 2102 N. Shannon Ave. in developers are partnering with nationPlant City and is now leasing. A leasally recognized Solinity to bring worldContinued on Next Page class, locally owned senior housing
Page 26
Valrico Edition
Business Column Continued................... ing and hospitality center will open at 110 S. Collins St. in Plant City in the downtown district. To schedule an appointment and learn more, visit PalmCoveLiving.com or call 444-5299.
By Jenny Bennett
pany, My HR Advisor, LLC, provides advisory and HR support services for small to medium business owners, Palm Cove Senior Living Community is now Thai Restaurant including under construction in Plant City. Under New payroll servManagement ices, legal compliance and recruiting. Though it has a professional suite, When you’re in the mood for the services are primarily available via a best authentic Thai food, think of Thai dedicated client portal online, offering Hot (formerly Thai Xpress). Whether you’re looking for a family takeout or a the most flexible and convenient way to get professional HR support at a date night dinner for two, the menu is fraction of the cost of a full-time HR sure to have something for everyone. professional. For more details, visit its The food is made fresh while you wait and the spices are adjusted to your lik- website, www.myhradvisor.com, or call ing, from mild to HOT. Thai Hot is fam- 1-866-4MYHRPRO. ily-owned and operated, taking great Crafty Crab Celebrates One pride in providing fresh, high-quality Year In Business ingredients for a fast and delicious meal at an affordable price. The Thai Crafty Crab offers fresh Hot family welcomes you for dine-in, seafood and authentic recipes get takeout and call ahead when and is celebrating a year in ordering for lunch and dinner. business this month. When Thai Hot can be found in the same you walk into the restaurant, plaza as the neighborhood Wal-Mart at you will immediately 921 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon. experience Southern charm and a Call 643-THAI (8424) to learn more or friendly, welcoming atmosphere that to place an order. makes you feel at home. Whether you are stopping for a business lunch, family dinner, date night or a night out Free Facial Beauty Seminar At with friends, you’ve come to the perRiver Hills Country Club Dr. Rich Castellano, a face-lift spe- fect spot. Delicious, hot-style seafood with generous portions is what you cialist at ImageLift, will be hosting a facial beauty social mixer seminar. The can expect with every meal. Chefs are cooking up crab, crawfish, calamari event will be held at the River Hills and lobster in the kitchen, made fresh Country Club on 3943 New River Hills daily. Not into shellfish? Try the Cajun Pkwy. in Valrico at 1p.m. on Thursday, April 9, and lunch will be served. Along rice, chicken tenders and other flavorful meal options. with information on the latest facial Crafty Crab knows food tastes betbeauty assistance, there will be a rafter with your hands, so fle with a chance to don’t be shy—dig in! win a syringe of filler. The signature To book your seat at New Orleans-style low this seminar, please country boil is a feast call 888-875-3223 or for seafood lovers and look for more details perfect for a casual at www.imagelift.com. dinner. The restaurant makes its own seasonNew Human ing to create a unique Vong Keovongsa MSHM, PHR Resources Advisor opened his human resources suparrangement of flavors. Office Opens port services business, My HR Crafty Crab is Vong Keovongsa, Advisor, LLC, recently. located at 704 E. MSHM, PHR opened Brandon Blvd. and can be reached at his human resources support services 278-5111. For more information, business recently at 1219 Millennium visit www.craftycrabrestaurant.com. Pkwy., Ste. 138 in Brandon. His com-
Local Business Owner Releases Book To Share Message Of Hope
Volume 17, Issue 3
After nearly losing everything to cancer, local entrepreneur, business owner and author Jacky Costello found the meaning of life—at least the meaning of hers. Costello’s new book, How Far I Have Grace Manor at Hunters Creek opens new independent and assisted living facility at 765 W. Grant St. in Plant Risen: Coming Clean City. To learn more, visit About Cancer, God and My www.gracemanorhunterscreek.com or call 863-873-6222. American Dream, details at customcleanups@gmail.com. her early life in East Germany, starting a family, her battle with cancer, the Kerby’s Garden Center Celebrates crushing pain of a loss she never thought she’d have to face, finding her 40 Years With Community Event Kerby’s Garden Center invited best friend, finding her faith, the community to kick off the spring finding herself and building her busiseason and celebrate its 40th birthness in the face of it all. It’s a true day on March 7. page turner that will lead you through The unveiling of a large, new butthe gamut of emotions as you follow in terfly mural kicked off the event, folher footsteps through Germany and lowed by mini semiher eventual move to the nars on favorite garUnited States, taking dening topics you from tears to throughout the day, laughter and a including houseplant renewed sense of care, butterfly garempowerment and dening and growing love. cacti and succulents. Costello is the Children also enjoyed owner of Custom the event with face Cleanups, LLC, a fivepainting and garden star rated housecleaning comKerby’s Garden Center unveiled a new butterfly activities. pany serving the FishHawk, mural as part of its 40th As a way of sayLithia, Brandon birthday celebration on ing thank you to its and Greater Tampa Bay areas. March 7. customers, Kerby’s is Through Custom Cleanups’ also gave away $40 gift cards at 40 partnership with Cleaning for a minutes past each hour from 9 a.m.Reason, Costello and her team pro5 p.m. vide services free of charge to those Visit www.kerbysnursery.com for battling cancer because, as she mentions in her book, sometimes it’s the lit- more information. The nursery is located at 2311 S. tle semblances of normal Parsons Ave. in Seffner. that help you keep it all together when you’re fightGrade A Spanish ing for your life. She is honTutors Is Open For ored to be able to give back Business to her community in this Looking for some and many other ways. help with learning How Far I Have Risen: Spanish? The employees Coming Clean About of Grade A Spanish Cancer, God and My Tutors can help. The American Dream will be new business serves released on Amazon in Brandon, Riverview, March, and Costello celeLithia and Valrico for brated with a meet-thechildren and adults author event and book signLocal business owner Jacky Costello recently struggling to learn the ing at Tin Roof Trading. published her first book. language. According to Learn more about Owner Kevin Kemp, a Lithia resident, Costello and her company the its tutor has more than 40 years at www.customcleanups.com. For any of teaching and tutoring experience. questions or to connect with her To learn more, call 763-5435 or for author-related information, reach visit www.GradeASpanishTutors.com. out via email
March 2020
Valrico Edition
Page 27
Page 28
Volume 17, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
Jennifer McCafferty
Future Fair Academy Comes To Lennard High April 28 To Develop Workforce Opportunities
come a teacher? Why did you decide to be my love chestra teacher because of I decided to become an Or nt sharing music with others, is spe for music. My entire day ul. erf nd wo and it's really
The Greater is its Education and Brandon Chamber of Workforce Commerce is working Connections Council, with the newly formed chaired by Past nonprofit Workforce Brandon Chamber Development Partners Chair and Corp. to ensure stuHillsborough School dents not bound for Board member college have good Melissa Snively. In paying jobs with 2018, the council Hillsborough School Board member career-focused hosted the Great Melissa Snively (left) and Brandon High School Principal Jennifer Sparano American Teach-In futures. are set to be involved with the Future Career Expo at The nonprofit is Fair set for Wednesday, April 15, for behind the Future Armwood, Bloomingdale and Brandon Brandon High to conHigh School students. Career Academy taknect students to ing root in Hillsborough County schools, career and job training opportunities which grew organically from a 2015 close to home. career fair at Plant City High, then organ“I loved it,” said student Isaiah York, ized by the Plant City Economic then a junior. “The resources were very Development Corporation. useful to help students learn the paths to Today, four clusters of schools are success and the opportunities available.” involved, with Future Fair dates set for Now, working with Workforce them all, including Wednesday, April 15 Development Partners, chamber offiat The Regent for the Brandon cluster cials embrace the nonprofit’s integrat(Armwood, Bloomingdale and Brandon ed approach, which includes classHigh Schools) and Thursday, April 23 at room studies for job searching and HCC Trinkle Center for the Plant City readiness skills, an application-based cluster (Simmons Career Center and field trip to local businesses, the Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest Future Fair in April and a ‘Signing Day’ High Schools). celebration in May for hired students at According to Yvonne Fry, a founding their respective schools. member of the Plant City Development The East Tampa cluster is taking Corp. and the driving force behind shape with Middleton High, where the Workforce Development Partners, the Future Fair date is Tuesday, April 21. overall aim is “to change the paradigm of The South Hillsborough cluster is what success looks like” for high school emerging with Lennard High in Ruskin, students, who mostly do not go on to where the fair date is Tuesday, April earn college degrees. “Success,” Fry 28. said, “is no debt, a good salary with a To learn more and for business great company, benefits and opportuniand community partnership opportunities for advancement.” ties, visit Leading the interest for the chamber www.thefuturefairacademy.com.
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Quote:
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Summer Camps Offer Many Options To Keep Kids Active And Engaged Have you got the calendar ready? What should we do this summer? Where should we travel, what skills should we learn and how will we get there? It’s that time of the year when parents are beginning to wonder how to keep the kids busy during the dog days of summer. The staff at the Osprey Observer has collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pull-out section. Busch Gardens’ Summer Day Camp for kids is a time to make new friends, try new things, come face-to-face with a giraffe and challenge North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower. Overnight Summer Resident Camp is a home away from home where you live what you love right at Busch Gardens! Maybe your kids would like to spend the summer learning how to cook and use new kitchen utensils at Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium. At Music Showcase, music and theater take the stage, and so can your child. Musicals will be offered where your child can hold starring roles in popular musicals offered by the Florida Academy of
Performing Arts for children ages 5 and up. The local YMCAs will offer many types of camps at its great summer camp location, Camp Cristina in Riverview, which mixes fun along with great learning experiences. With plenty of choices, there is something for everyone. Mathnasium offers ways to keep your children’s math skills from getting rusty in a fun environment. Weekly themes utilizing age-specific activities and field trips are what make BSAC’s Camp High 5 unique. Specialty camps for soccer (Florida Hawks FC), LEGO® (Bricks 4 Kidz) and art (Center Place) also offer great opportunities for creative and athletic summer learning. Kids ‘R’ Kids at Circa FishHawk and Valrico offer full and half-day summer fun with weekly field trips and themes with it’s summer theme of #focusonfun. For dates, prices and registration information on these camps and more, turn the pages, enjoy this special section and have a great summer. Watch for our Summer Camp Sweepstakes link where the Osprey Observer will buy your child a week of camp at the summer camp of your choice! Enter now by emailing subject line ‘Summer Camp Free’ to contest@ospreyobserver.com. Did we miss a great summer camp option? Let us know by emailing subject line ‘Summer Camp’ to kquesada@ospreyobserver.com and we will be sure to add it to our full listing online. Have a great summer of fun!
Fun And Education At Busch Gardens And Adventure Island Camps What could be more fun than spending the summer at one of the area’s most famous attractions? Starting in June, Busch Gardens and Adventure Islands are offering summer camps for students with a sense of adventure and fun. According to Rebecca Romzek, public relations and communications leader with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island, camps are available for students from kindergarten to those heading to college. “This year, Florida’s best thrill rides and breathtaking up-close animal encounters make Busch Gardens Tampa Bay the fan favorite choice for summer camp,” said Romzek. “Campers at Busch Gardens explore inspiring, exciting and educational experiences with immersive, multi-day camp programs for all interests.” Camps, both day and residential, run weekly from June to August and offer students a wide variety of fun and educational options with the choice of signing up for three or five days at a time. “Camp is all about making memories
Staff Report
At Busch Gardens and Adventure Islands’ summer camps, students learn while getting to enjoy all the parks have to offer.
with new friends while enjoying thrilling rides and world-class shows that can only be found at our parks,” said Romzek. “Come face-to-face with a giraffe or take on all-new attractions opening this spring. Spin and splash on Solar Vortex, America’s first dual tailspin water slide at Adventure Island, or take on Iron Gwazi, North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world at Busch Gardens.” Campers can explore even more with complimentary admission into the park each day following camp. Space is limited, so Romzek encourages residents to register today at www.buschgardens.com/tampa/summercamps.
A Great Array Of Creative Summer Camps Offered At The Patel Conservatory
By Kathy L. Collins
Spend your summer learning all about musical theater, dance, improv and more. The Patel Conservatory has a wide array of choices and would make a great option for people of all ages and abilities.
The Patel Conservatory, located at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Straz Center) in downtown Tampa, is offering a unique set of summer camp options. This includes, but is not limited to, Acting Camp with three productions, such as Galactic Battles, Myths and Legends and Within the Wizarding World. There is an afternoon enrichment class available. You can also choose to attend Improv Camp: ComedySportz or Making Movies and Music. Into musical theater? You can select from three Mini Musical Theater productions, featuring Backyard Beats, Troll Time Live! and Octo Exploration. There are 10 Musical Theater Camps as well, featuring Broadway Rocks!,
Broadway Today, Kids on Broadway, Magic and Muggles, Mystery and Mayhem, On The High C's, Patel's Got Talent, Remake Remix, Spooktacular Tunes and Wiz-O-Mania. You can also take part in camps featuring vocal musical instruments, dance and more. Suzanne Livesay, the Straz Center's vice president of education, said, "Patel Conservatory camps are worth the drive to downtown. Our camps are not only fun but also provide excellent training in the performing arts, which develops confidence, creates camaraderie and engages creativity. The term 'conservatory' can be a little intimidating, but do not let it prevent you from exploring the many camps we offer for all ages and abilities." Livesay added, "Our camps develop participants' performing arts skills at a variety of levels and always conclude with some form of showcase where campers demonstrate what they have learned throughout the session." The Patel Conservatory has been offering summer camp for the past 15 years. Each year, it averages approximately 1,200 campers. The Conservatory offers scholarships and the deadline is Monday, April 13. To apply, visit strazcenter.org/financialaid. For more info, please visit patelconservatory.org.
Camp High 5 At BSAC Offers A Summer Of Fun For Children In The Community
Kids Step Into Their Favorite Stories At Performing Arts Summer Camps
Brandon Sports or program available and Aquatic Center for everyone and it (BSAC) will have works hard to provide the opportunity for low income families area children to with the opportunity to attend Camp High 5 participate on scholarat BSAC this sumship. “We offer scholmer. arships year-round,” “Camp High 5 Paruas said. “We at BSAC program is have scholarships going to be aweavailable for every some,” said BSAC’s This summer, children fwill have the opportu- program, from nity to attend Camp High 5 at BSAC. director of youth camps, swimming programming, Nicole lessons to dive team.” Paruas. “Our summer Camp High 5 is in the camps, as well as all our process of finalizing its sumprograms, let kids be kids and have fun. mer camp program. “We are finalizing our The support staff we have for our camps new camp website, so families can begin are awesome and they make our camps registering for our camps very soon,” and programs very enriching for everyone Paruas said. “This year’s summer camps who attends.” are going to have weekly themes, offer The Brandon Sports and Aquatic field trips and so much more, all while Center is a community-based nonprofit making an impact on the lives of our organization. Its mission is to impact lives campers.” daily through superior educational and Proposed field trips include Sky athletic programming that enhances Zone, a Rays game, Astro Skate, Tampa physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Zoo and trips to local slash park pads. To BSAC focuses on four main pillars of learn more about Camp High 5 and the service: after-school care, youth drowning fun summer camps it will be offering this prevention, sports and recreation as well summer, you can visit www.mybsac.org as special needs education. or call 689-0908. BSAC is located at 405 BSAC goes above and beyond tradi- Beverly Dr. in Brandon. The hours of tional programming to make a real impact operation are weekdays, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., in the lives of children who attend any of Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and it is its programs or camps. There is a sport closed on Sundays.
As summer available for your quickly approachconvenience. es and the school Have a child year ends, that wants to rock thoughts of sumout this summer? mer camp regis‘Rockin’ with tration might Alex’ is a come to mind. summer rock Budding thespiband proans or just a child FAOPA’s summer camps offer children the gram with who likes to enter- chance to step into the role of a character camps geared for all from one of their favorite stories. tain will enjoy The experience levels. Florida Academy of the Performing Arts at Director Debbie Evans said these Music Showcase’s (FAOPA) two types of programs offer children an outlet for summer camps for children ages 5 and expressing themselves and learning older. about emotions and public speaking. Located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in “Whether it’s for a career in the arts or Brandon, FAOPA offers two-week, halfjust for having fun, music and musical day musical theater camps, from 9 a.m.-1 theater are great ways for children to gain p.m., that are structured by age, ability, self-confidence,” she said. interests and progress and feature live Valrico resident Julie Howard’s three productions at the end. daughters, Lily (13), Addison (10) and In past years, shows have included Rachael (8), have all participated in the Willy Wonka, Mamma Mia, Matilda, academy’s summer programs including Seussical, Elf and Les Mis. The Lion King and Willy Wonka. The second type offered are the Music Showcase Owner Heather Music and More Camps, which are fullOchalek said the benefits to an arts eduday weeklong camps, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., cation can be seen in improved academic during select weeks. Campers will learn performance and increased self-esteem. to play instruments like drums, ukuleles “From our private lessons, rock band, and guitars. They can also learn to sing, string ensembles and musical theater to act, paint/make art, dance and more. The workshops and master classes, our two camp options can be combined to classes can spark creativity and innovacreate an entire day of fun and learning. tion,” she said. For further details, visit Free early drop-off and late pickup is FAOPA.org or call 490-2787.
By Libby Hopkins
“Soccer Fun with Coach Juan”
Boys and Girls
born between 2013 and 2008 July 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 2020 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
Soccer Fields of the FishHawk Sports Complex Lithia FL
Your child must bring: • Readiness to have a lot of fun playing soccer • Cleats, shin guards, and a ball • Snack • Water bottle
$195.00 if registered before April 15, 2020 $215.00 if registered after April 15, 2020 CAMP FEATURES:
Age appropriate technical and tactical instruction • Small sided games • Daily 5 v 5 Competitions Daily Soccer Tennis and Soccer Golf Competitions • Professional coaching staff Athletic Trainer onsite • Hydration Station • Camp T Shirt Registration:www.floridahawksfc.com Contact Juan E De Brigard, Director of Coaching, Florida Hawks FC | doc@floridahawksfc.com • Cell # 754 244 3016
By Michelle Caceres
Soccer Fun For Boys and Girls
The Florida Hawks Futbol Club has fun and educational camps for local soccer lovers. The club is driven to develop great people by building the skill and character of its players on and off the field. Soccer Fun with Coach Juan will take place Saturday to Wednesday, July 6-10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for girls and boys born between 2008 and 2013. It will feature age-appropriate technical and tactical instruction from a professional coaching staff with smallsided games and daily 5 v 5, soccer tennis and soccer golf competitions. Visit www.floridahawksfc.com to sign up or learn more.
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium Is Cooking Up Some Summer Fun
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s Summer Camps are a great way to learn new skills in the kitchen, create tasty recipes and meet lots of new friends. The only things you need to be prepared are closed toe shoes and a
restraint for shoulder-length hair. All of the ingredients, tools and even the fun are included. Students are taught how to properly use real kitchen tools, knives and appliances safely under adult supervision. Students will come away with the confidence to prepare dishes that are age appropriate and tasty. The goal is to encourage your child to be a help in the kitchen and to have fun while building a lifetime of good skills. Cooking camps for kids ages 6-11 will take place from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. daily and the tweens’ and teens’ summer camps, ages 11-15) will take place from 2-4 p.m. Camps will take place weekly for four days and run from Monday, June 1 through Thursday, August 6. Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium is located at Brandon Crossroads, 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Call 653-2418 or visit www.rollingpinonline.com.
Straz Center Hosts Patel Conservatory Performing Arts Camps
The Patel Conservatory, located at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Straz Center) in downtown Tampa, is offering a unique set of summer camp options from acting to vocal musical instruments, dance and more. The Patel Conservatory has been offering summer camp for the past 15 years. Each year, it averages approximately 1,200 campers. Camps are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so signing up early is strongly encouraged. The Patel Conservatory offers scholarships for summer camp. You must apply, and the deadline is Monday, April 13. Please apply for a scholarship by visiting strazcenter.org/financialaid. For more information on all that the Patel Conservatory has to offer this summer, please visit patelconservatory.org.
Bricks 4 Kidz Offers LEGO® Summer Camps
Bricks 4 Kidz is back with awesome LEGO® Summer Camps being offered all over the Brandon, Riverview and Valrico areas. Join in for a different theme each week, such as Fortnite, Pokemon, Star Wars, Minecraft and much more. Each week, campers will be build-
ing signature Bricks 4 Kidz robotic LEGO® models, very popular LEGO® mosaics and 3D LEGO® sculptures, as well as playing fun games and creating arts and crafts projects they will get to take home. At the end of each week, every camper will get to take home their very own LEGO® minifigure. Each day and week will be a brand-new LEGO® adventure you won’t want to miss. Sign up at www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa or call 545-4282.
Swimming To Horseback Riding And More At Local YMCA Camps
The Tampa Metropolitan YMCA summer camps are well known for offering something for every child. With multiple locations offering daily activities including swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor education, nature encounters, horseback riding, canoeing, visual arts and more the Y camps
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are always a local favorite with boys and girls alike! In addition to a traditional camp called Activity Central, the YMCA offers specialty camps such as basketball, equestrian, extreme team, gymnastics, leadership, soccer, swimming, visual arts, science and performing arts to name a few. Spots are filling fast with area locations including Brandon, Valrico, Riverview and SouthShore. To ensure your kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer, register today at www.tampaymca.org/letscamp..
Summer Fun at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island
This year, Florida’s best thrill rides and breathtaking upclose animal encounters make Busch Gardens Tampa Bay the fan favorite choice for summer camp. From kindergarten to college-bound, campers at Busch Gardens will explore inspiring,
KIDS
Summer Camps (Ages 6-11) 10:30am - 1:00pm
exciting and educational experiences with immersive, multi-day camp programs for all interests. Camp is all about making memories with new friends while enjoying thrilling rides and worldclass shows that can only be found at its parks. Come face-to-face with a giraffe or take on all-new attractions opening this spring. Spin and splash on Solar Vortex, America’s first dual tailspin water slide at Adventure Island, or take on Iron Gwazi, North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world at Busch Gardens. Campers can explore even more with complimentary admission into the park each day following camp. Weekly offerings vary by camp but run from June to August with three and five-day camps with an overnight option available. Camps are open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Space is limited. To register today, visit https://buschgardens.com/tampa/summer-camps/.
Fun And Education Spins Throughout The Summer At Kids ‘R’ Kids
Kids ‘R’ Kids is excited to launch a
June 1 - 4 June 8 - 11 June 15 - 18 June 22 - 25 June 29 - July 2 July 6 - 10 July 13 - 16 July 20 - 23 July 27 - 30 August 3-6
TWEEN’S & TEENS
Summer Camps (Ages 11-15) 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Brandon’s Big Green “EggQuarters”
new twist on camp where kids are redefining summer and turning ordinary days into the extraordinary. Just as fragments inside a kaleidoscope fuse together to captivate us with a new perspective, Kaleidoscope 360° will spin this summer into a unique dimension of discovery, fun and friendships through various weekly themes. This summer promises a well-supervised, engaging and enriching camp for preschool and elementary-aged children. Extended hours, meals/snacks, weekly field trips, sports and more are available. Summer camp is offered at both Kids ‘R’ Kids locations: Circa FishHawk on 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. (next to Stowers Elementary and Mosaic), visit www.KRKCirca.com or call 654-7000, and at 4321 Lynx Paw Trl. in Valrico (across from Lithia Springs Elementary), visit www.KRKValrico.com or call 6576200.
BSAC Offers Field Trips, Swimming And More
The Brandon Sports and Aquatics Center (BSAC) is offering Camp High Five this summer, using superior educational and athletic programming to enhance students’ physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Camps will have weekly themes,
offering field trips to locations including SkyZone, a Tampa Bay baseball game, Lowry Park Zoo and local splash park pads. To learn more about Camp High Five and the fun summer camps it will be offering this summer, visit www.mybsac.org or call 689-0908. BSAC is located at 405 Beverly Dr. in Brandon. The hours of operation are weekdays from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and it is closed on Sundays.
Music and Acting Camps Offered Through Music Showcase
Budding thespians or just children who like to entertain will enjoy The Florida Academy of the Performing Arts at Music Showcase’s (FAOPA) two types of summer camps for children ages 5 and older. Located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon, FAOPA offers two-week, halfday musical theater camps, from 9
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a.m.-1 p.m., that are structured by age, ability, interests and progress and feature live productions at the end. Parents will enjoy watching their children bring the musical to life in the auditorium, which is equipped with a professional sound and lighting system, costumes, props and set design. The second type offered are the Music and More Camps, which are full-day weeklong camps, from 9 a.m.5 p.m., during select weeks. Campers will learn to play instruments like drums, ukuleles and guitars. They can also learn to sing, act, paint/make art, dance and more. The two camp options can be combined to create an entire day of fun and learning. Free early drop-off and late pickup is available for your convenience. For more information about summer camps or any of FAOPA’s other programs, visit FAOPA.org or call 4902787.
Combat Dreaded Summer Slide With Mathnasium Of Brandon
Mathnasium Brandon offers a variety of ways students can power up their math skills and have fun this summer. From mini camps to summer
sessions, there is something for every student. There are two options for mini camps, which run from Monday, June 1 through Friday, July 31. Students can either do the traditional Camp Mathnasium or STEM Camp, which includes additional fun such as robotics, LEGO Mindstorm EV3, experiments and pizza parties. Summer sessions, where students attend 13 times during the first nine weeks of summer, start on June 1. Students can also sign up for Summer Power Math Workout Programs, which include Numerical Fluency, Multiplication Fact Fluency, Problem-Solving, Algebra and Geometry Readiness and SAT/ACT Workshops. Fun in the Mathnasium Sun will also offer weekly attendance contests, game time, Fun Fridays, chess club, summer bingo and movie nights. Experts say that the effects of a summer learning program, such as Mathnasium’s, will make a positive difference for students moving forward. Call 655-MATH (6284) or visit www.mathnasium.com/brandon/. Mathnasium of Brandon is located at 1048 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico (Plaza Bella shopping center).
YMCA Offers Fun And Exciting Summer Camps At 16 Tampa Bay Locations
By Libby Hopkins
Tampa YMCA is hosting a summer full of great camps for children.
Summer is just a few short months away, but the YMCA is already gearing up for months full of fun camps. “We offer children a day camp curriculum full of fun, educational activities,” said Lalita Llerena, senior communications director for the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. “Activity specialists lead campers through various unique experiences each day, including swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor education, nature encounters, horseback riding, canoeing, visual arts and more. These fun and unique experiences give Y campers an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.” In the YMCA summer camp, children are in a welcoming environment where they can feel like they belong, build relationships, develop character and discover their potential. “In addition to a traditional
day camp called ‘Activity Central,’ the YMCA offers specialty camps such as basketball, equestrian, extreme team, gymnastics, leadership, soccer, swimming, visual arts, science and performing arts, to name a few,” Llerena said. “Parents have the option to add on before and after-care activities, which include swimming, horseback riding, sports and high ropes. Activities and specialty options vary by location.” The YMCA’s goal for its summer camps is to make all who attend happy. “We guarantee an exciting summer filled with lots of memorable moments,” Llerena said. “Our camp staff members are kind, trustworthy individuals committed to creating a safe place for campers to practice social skills and character values.” “Some kids can experience learning loss and gain weight twice as fast than during the school year,” Llerena said. “That’s why the Tampa YMCA offers summer camp, to make sure kids and teens in the Tampa Bay area are adventurous, active and healthy this summer.” Spots are filling up fast at 16 locations across Hillsborough and East Pasco Counties. To ensure your kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer, register today at www.tampaymca.org/letscamp.
Tampa Kids Camp To Host Benefit Dinner With Special Keynote Speaker
By Amanda Boston
Tampa Kids With a ratio of Camp exists to one adult to one make the lives of child, campers foster children betreceive extra attenter through lifetion and the ‘royal changing summer treatment’ in a safe camps. This sumand caring environmer, the nonprofit ment. Counselors will host two camps demonstrate unconfor foster children ditional love while ages 6-15 who helping to create have experienced positive memories abuse, abandonThe campers come from backgrounds of and building selfabuse, neglect and abandonment. ment or neglect. worth. The 100 percent volunteer-operated The ‘Royal Family KIDS Camp’ is for camps are free to the campers. To raise children ages 6-11. The weeklong funds and awareness, Tampa Kids Camp overnight camp will be held from June 15will hold a benefit dinner at The Regent in 19. Along with traditional camp activities, Riverview on Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 the week will include a carnival, birthday p.m. The dinner will feature a silent aucbash, waterworks and much more. tion and a keynote speaker. Loryn Smith, The ‘Royal Teen Camp’ is for ages M.S.W., the owner and CEO of Finally 12-15 with two separate sessions. The Home Christian Adoption Services, has boys’ camp will be held from Thursday to the keynote speaker honors. Saturday, July 9-11 and the girls’ camp Smith, a mother of 20 children of from Monday to Wednesday, July 13-15. which 13 are adopted, will speak about All counselors undergo background her 30 plus years of experience in the checks and training. To find out more or child welfare system. More information on to volunteer, Smith and her adoption agency can be visit www.TampaKidsCamp.org. found at www.finallyhomecas.com. Tickets to the benefit dinner may also Smith has also been a camp therabe purchased online. All proceeds go pist and said this regarding the camp, toward sponsorships for foster kids to “Children have the opportunity to be ‘norattend summer camp. Corporate sponmal kids’ for a week in a structured, healsorships are also available. For any quesing environment.” tions, email camp@tampakidscamp.org.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 3
March 2020
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Valrico Edition
Walks In Nature: The Real Florida Awaits At Polk County Circle B Bar Reserve
By Michelle Colesanti
On a recent winter day, I needed a nature fix, so I visited one of my favorite places—Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland. With warm temperatures and a cloudy sky, I set off for the place that brings me serenity. Although I would prefer to keep it secret, I share my special place in hopes that all who visit will learn respect for the wildlife that call this place home. In doing so, you too may reconnect with nature and find a peace that you may not get to feel in your day-to-day routine. Once upon a time, Circle B was a cattle ranch. It was acquired in December 2000 by Polk County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The main reason for this acquisition is to protect the valuable water and wildlife resources and to restore the Banana Creek marsh system, but we all benefit. The reserve is 1,267 acres and as you walk the trails, you will go through several different ecosystems. There are over six miles of trails, which are well marked and vary in length. Plan to stop in at the Polk Nature
Discovery Center to Center or online. Take learn about the local your time on all the trails. environment. The Stop to watch the birds younger crowd will sunning, preening and enjoy the exhibits. feeding. Take a few There are brochures deep breaths and just you can pick up there enjoy the view. listing all of the birds Circle B is great in you might see. If you all seasons, but can get are only looking for a very hot in the summer. short walk, from there If you choose to visit duryou can walk a halfing those months, you mile hike to the lake, may want to go around where you're sure to sunrise or sunset; great see alligators and other times of the day for Enjoy the trails at Circle B Bar Reserve, located in Lakeland, year- photo ops. Not only do wildlife. round to take in the natural wonders I like to start my the bird sightings change of Central Florida. walk on Heron Hideout with the seasons, so then walk down Marsh does the landscape. No Rabbit Run to the Wading matter the time of year, the Bird Way. It wraps around abundance of birds, insects to Eagle Roost and then and other wildlife in conAlligator Alley back to the stantly changing light make Discovery Center. This this a photographer’s paraparticular route is around dise. four miles. Trail maps are While many types of available at the Discovery birds call Circle B home,
some are year-round while others visit mostly from October through April. Late winter will give you the best variety of bird sightings. It is also mating season for a lot of species and Circle B is a major breeding area. It is not a zoo, but if the weather is decent and you stop to pay attention, you are always guaranteed to see something new. If you choose to visit, please leave your pets at home. They are not allowed in the reserve. Many alligators inhabit Lake Hancock and the waters close to many of the trails. Alligators do cross the paths (they have the right of way). Please respect their space. If you are lucky enough, you may also see raccoons, otters, bobcats, wild boars and other wildlife. Circle B is free to visit and is located at 4399 Winter Lake Rd. in Lakeland, about 45 to 50 minutes from the Brandon area. It is open daily from 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. during standard time and 5:30 a.m.8 p.m. during daylight savings time. For more information, visit www.polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve.
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Volume 17, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
Photos courtesy of Laura Robinson
Veteran Flag Football Coach Larry Langston Takes Over At Bloomingdale High School The Bloomingdale flag football program has a new head coach at the helm as they try to build off of last year’s success, making it to the district championship game. Fourteen-year veteran flag football coach Larry Langston is the longest-tenured The 2020 Bloomingdale flag football team. coach in Hillsborough the last 25 years called the Tampa Bay County. He takes over the Bloomingdale Flag Football Association (TBFFA). program after longtime coach Mike Langston was born and raised in the Lankford stepped down over the summer. Plant City area. He previously worked for Langston coached at his alma mater, the Hillsborough County Parks and Plant City, for eight years before heading to Brandon as an assistant coach. After a Recreation Department for over 15 years before becoming a teacher six years ago. couple of years as an assistant, he got He now teaches AVID at Chamberlain promoted to head coach, where he built High School. Langston was immediately up an Eagles program that previously drawn to the Bloomingdale job when it averaged less than two wins per season. became open because of the winning traIn his four years at Brandon, they won dition the school has built athletically. This two district championships. is also his first year teaching at Langston has had great success Chamberlain. This is a huge commitment coaching flag football. He led the Plant because he has to drive for about an City Raiders to five district titles and two hour and 10 minutes from his teaching straight final fours, including a state championship game appearance in 2008, job to Bloomingdale for two-hour practices every day. and an overall record of 83-13. He also “Coach Langston brings a lot of has run an adult flag football league for
through AAU so that his players can participate in the off-season on a club team. The league contains all of the surrounding teams from the area, such as Newsome, East Bay, Durant, Riverview and Larry Langston giving his team some advice. Lennard. The regunew techniques and visions to our lar season started on March 3 at home team,” said sophomore flag football vs. Lennard. player and class president Hayley Langston has been impressed Robinson. “We are working together to with the parents, administration and get where we need to be. We were in student-athletes at Bloomingdale, and a fall league and have done some he hopes that the community will tournaments, which have been a great embrace the team and show up to start to where we are headed. The games and events. He has planned coaches have high expectations for us several community service events and and it has made us more fundraisers for next summer. He competitive.” hopes to compete for a district title this The young team has already been season and eventually bring participating in events since the sumBloomingdale its first flag football state mer. They practiced twice a week over championship. the summer at a local park, and in “We want to compete at the state July they competed in a tournament in level every year, and we want our Plant City that Langston hosted, finish- chance at the state championship ing in third place. Langston also creat- every year,” said Langston. “We want ed a local flag football league club to bring one home for sure.”
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Valrico Edition
813Preps Expands Local High School Baseball Coverage
By Nick Nahas
Since its inception in advertisers, spon2017, 813Preps.com has sors and donations. come a long way. Valrico In August 2019, resident and founder of 813Preps hosted the site Jarrett Guthrie has its first annual golf brought on five local jourtournament to help nalists to help expand high fund coverage of school baseball game covthe 2020 season. erage in Hillsborough The response from County. The crew averthe baseball comages anywhere from six munity was Jarrett Guthrie interviews former to 10 games per week. tremendous, with Jesuit player McGuire Weaver. The website has a new look after about 110 golfers. Over 20 baskets of getting revamped in the off-season. The items were also donated from businesses site gained a lot of momentum in 2019, to help benefit the fundraiser. as the staff covered a total of 105 games “When I started, it was kind of about in the season, along with 25 features, getting out there and getting some kids weekly rankings for the 10-week regular some attention, getting their names recseason, nightly roundups with box scores ognized for the hard work that studentand a wrap-up of every game, along with athletes put in. But now, to see that we giving postseason awards to the players have been 100 percent embraced by not and traveling to Fort Myers for a week to just the baseball community, but the high cover four Hillsborough County teams school athletic community as a whole, that made it to the state tournament. This has been really gratifying,” said Guthrie. season, the site has started a weekly Guthrie was approached by Ben baseball notebook that is more featureHenderson, Strawberry Crest’s track and driven, as well as weekly top performers. field and cross country coach, and Bill One player is selected by the staff, and Jenkins, Gaither’s track and field and the other is chosen from a Twitter poll. cross country coach, about 813Preps Winners receive a T-shirt. being the platform for a coach-driven con“The growth that the site has had in tent coverage of track and field. The site its first three years was amazing,” said helps out with the social media coverage Guthrie, “but the uptick we’ve made from and the promotion aspects, and the two last year to this year with the new webcoaches provide the coverage. site, a commitment to social media, all “Im very hopeful that this is somethose things have ticked up and we’re thing that we can do more of in the growing our audience, and that’s somefuture,” said Guthrie. To donate or thing that I never really knew if we would become an advertiser of 813Preps, ever do.” mesor visit 813Preps.com. For live game 813Preps is completely funded by coverage, follow 813Preps on Twitter.
Three-Man Stream Live Tampa Crew Broadcasts Local High School Games
By Nick Nahas
Stream Live player Andrew Tampa is one of Burdick to the the very few team as a broadstreaming compacaster. Burdick is a nies in Hillsborough teacher at Brooks County that broadDeBartolo and he casts live high also owns a sports school sporting performance comevents online. pany called AB Since January, the Sports three-man team Performance in has covered at Apollo Beach. The Photo by Nancy Nahas least one baskettrio didn’t have any (L-R) Jim Delaney, Andrew Burdick and Kavier Nunez broadcasting the Bloomingdale prior experience ball game a week vs. Lennard basketball game. in the area to give producing broadthe student-athletes the recognition they casts, but they learned from watching deserve while also filling a need for local nationally televised games. They all talk high school sports coverage that the area daily about ideas to expand the business lacks for the most part. They have covand discuss which games they will cover ered games at Lennard, Bloomingdale, next through a group text. They started Durant, Newsome, Plant City, Riverview covering the 2019-2020 basketball seaand Strawberry Crest in the east/south son in January. Delaney interviews areas of Hillsborough County. coaches on the day of the game for backKavier Nunez started streaming the ground information on the teams and Lennard High School baseball games last players. spring as a hobby to record his son Yo-yo The crew hopes to gain more sponNunez’s games. After his son graduated, sors in order to expand coverage and Nunez began plans to extend his coverupgrade equipment. They would evenage of the area and to also add some tually like to have enough crew memsportscasters to the mix to help spice up bers to cover two games a night the broadcasts. instead of just one. Delaney also pointLocal school teacher and friend Jim ed out that this service can be benefiDelaney joined Nunez as a partner and cial for players because a college became the voice of Stream Live Tampa coach could be watching the broadcast in January. The 34-year Valrico resident is and might gain interest in recruiting a a former Bloomingdale baseball player player. (class of 1990) who previously had his “My goal is for Steam Live Tampa own recruiting service and has been to be the livestreaming service provider involved in youth sports through his for Tampa and the local area, and daughter. Delaney had the sporting coneventually local colleges for the out-ofnections that Stream Live Tampa needed state family and fans, while at the same to help further the business. time becoming trusted business part“We do this for the kids,” said ners in the Greater Tampa Bay area,” Delaney. “Kids love it, parents love it, said Nunez. “We want to do multiple coaches love it and it is fun for us, we broadcasts in the future.” have a blast doing it. At the end of the Subscribe to their YouTube chanday, it’s all about the community.” nel, Stream Live Tampa, or follow them Nunez and Delaney also added foron Facebook and Twitter to view a mer Lennard quarterback and basketball livestream.
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Volume 17, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
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