Osprey Observer 2016-04 Bloomingdale/FishHawk by Osprey Observer

Exterior Home Paint Job Giveaway For Single Moms

Bloomingdale/FishHawk

Painting from the

Heart

April 2016 Volume 15, Issue 4 Ph: 657-2418

See Page 31 C E L E B R A T I N G

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Y E A R S

O F

P U B L I S H I N G

P O S I T I V E

C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S

FishHawk Pinch-A-Penny Donates $4,000 To Newsome Band March To Macy’s

New Water Taxi Service, High Speed Ferry Pilot Program Come To Tampa

Principal Carla Bruning were also in attendance to present a plaque of appreciation to the band and to accept the donation of $4,000 from Pinch-A-Penny. The Newsome Band will open the Free Friday Extra Concert Series concert at Water Works Park on Friday, April 8 at 7 p.m. The series is presented by Friends of Tampa FishHawk Pinch-A-Penny owners from l. to r. Kathy, Jimmy and Recreation. Larry Rutledge present a $4,000 donation to Newsome Band "This is not just a Director Michael Miller and school principal Carla Bruning. trip," Larry explained For nine years, Pinch-A-Penny to the students. "This is an opportunity Owner Larry Rutledge and his staff have that will have lasting effects on you for been able to hear the beating of the years to come and will have benefits you Newsome drum line every afternoon and can't even imagine yet." even during the summer from his store Larry is proud of his family-owned located in the Winn Dixie anchored business and proud to be a part of the Shops at FishHawk. He understands the Newsome Marching Band effort. "It is commitment and the dedication of the truly our pleasure to contribute to this band and its practice schedule. opportunity for the students." So, when he and his wife, Kathy, and After the presentation, several band son, Jimmy, were approached this year members approached the family to echo and asked to make a donation to the their appreciation for the donation. Newsome Marching Band March to So far, about $50,000 has been Macy's fundraiser helping to get the band raised. The primary goal is to raise to the 90th Macy's Thanksgiving Day $140,000. About 160 band students are parade this fall, he didn't hesitate. In fact, to participate in the Macy’s Parade. he made his Sixth Annual Big Green Egg FishHawk Pinch-A-Penny is located Fest a benefit for the band and invited the at 16715 FishHawk Blvd. Call 655-3700. band to perform for the community outFor information on the Marching Band side his store. and upcoming events, visit www.newThe fest was a success and Larry, someband.com. For information on sponwife and son, also a Newsome graduate, sorship, or hosting an event to support were invited to a recent practice at the the effort, contact nbbfundraising@ school and introduced to the band. Band gmail.com or visit its Go Fund Me page to Director Michael Miller and school donate.

At a meeting of In addition to the Tampa the announcement Downtown of Pirate Water Partnership Taxi, a pilot proDowntown gram involving a Debriefing Series high speed ferry on Tuesday, March between St. 1, waterborne Petersburg and transportation in the Tampa was also Tampa Bay area announced. The was discussed. pilot program will Specifically, the begin in November new Pirate Water and will run for six (From left) Ed Turanchik and Troy Manthey months. The ferTaxi was introdiscussed waterborne transportation for the duced. Tampa Bay area at a recent meeting of the ries will run on Tampa Downtown Partnership Downtown Pirate Water Friday, Saturday Debriefing Series. Taxi officially began and Sunday. Each operating over the weekend of February trip will take approximately 40 minutes. 27 and 28 this year. While there have Attorney with Akerman LLP, Ed been water taxi services operating in Turanchik said, “Many things about Tampa for some time (tours and excurTampa make it a great city and water sions), this one is different. It is modeled transportation is one of them.” According after a successful service running in Ft. to Turanchik, pricing for the ferry service Lauderdale which transports approxihas not yet been determined. St. mately 370,000 riders per year. Pirate Petersburg is building infrastructure to Water Taxi operates on a schedule and is accept the high speed ferries which will a hop-on hop-off service. be operated by HMS Ferries. The project Pirate Water Taxi will make 14 stops is intended to showcase the transportaalong Tampa’s waterfront from the tion option to the region. Riverwalk, the Channel District, Davis For more informatoin, visit piratewaIslands, Ulele and Rick’s On The Water, tertaxi.com or call 223-7999. to name a few. Pirate Water Taxi will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m.10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and In This 10 a.m.-12 Midnight on Friday and Issue Saturday. With the growth of downtown, waterborne transportation offers a way to alleviate traffic congestion. According to HOA HOT TOPICS ...............................PG 7 Troy Manthey, operator of Pirate Water KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY.................PG 10 Taxi, “This is the way tourism is going. Tourists want to control their experience FEED THE BAY ..................................PG 14 with hop-on hop-off options.” SUN ‘N FUN......................................PG 15 Pirate Water Taxis will be used for lighted excursions during the holidays so TASTE OF BRANDON........................PG 26 residents and visitors can enjoy Tampa’s SPORTS CONNECTION...............PGS 34‐35 beautiful waterfront and the lighted bridges. In addition, Pirate Taxi is looking CHALKLINES .....................................PG 38 into developing an app similar to Uber ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 46 and is also looking into reduced pricing for rides after 6 p.m. READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE The price for an adult ticket is $15, www.ospreyobserver.com and for children ages 4-12 the price is $8.

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By Marie Gilmore

Photo by Tamas Mondovics

River Hills resident Samantha Evensen, 23, proudly stands by her work during the 8th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Artisan Market, held last month at the Winthrop Town Center in Riverview. As an up and coming artist, Evensen creates portraits, up-cycled from discarded coffee grounds and red wine. For more information, visit www.winthroparts.org.

By Kathy L. Collins

Page 2

Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

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April 2016

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

FishHawk Creek Elementary Students Win Odyssey Of The Mind Competition By Tamas Mondovics

The entire regional competition, also known as the Buccaneer Bay Region of Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association, saw more than 100 teams participating from six counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Hardee and Desoto, Competing against 14 teams in the No-Cycle, Re-Cycle Problem category, the young team built a Scooby Doo themed mystery recycling vehicle to ride on, which was to travel without pedaling for propulsion while picking up discarded items, Members of FishHawk Creek Elementary School’s first ever Odyssey of the Mind Team adapting them and, then delivering won first place in the Division 1, No-Cycle them to places to be re-used. Recycle Regional Competition. The students developed their Hard work and problem solving skills storyline involving two eco-systems; the paid off last month for a team of Coral Reef and the City of Miami. FishHawk Creek Elementary School stuThe Coral Reefs were being destroyed by dents, who were representing the a monster. The team recycled and repurschool’s first ever Odyssey of the Mind posed items from each eco-system to Team. help solve the mystery. The vehicle transThe Florida Odyssey of the Mind is a ported the driver and an assistant creative problem-solving competition between the eco-systems. The entire involving students from Kindergarten problem was developed and executed through college, providing teams of five to without adult assistance. seven students with the opportunity to "I am proud of our team,” Bole said, learn creative problem solving, teamwork, while teammate Hartman added, "I'm brainstorming, self-reliance, and respect super excited that we won the regional for individual strengths. tournament. The team is very creative, Backed by school principal Pam and works great together. We're excited Bush and two teacher volunteers, Sarah to compete at the states.” Clarke and Jennifer Fowke, the six-memSumming up the students’ success, ber team, including John Annett, Blake team parent Kellie Bole said, “Having Bole, Bradley Carlson, Findlay Hartman, won first place at regionals our school's Kaylee Matteis and Leela Walbolt, won first year has really put a spot light on first place in the Division 1, No-Cycle Odyssey of the Mind within FishHawk Recycle Regional Competition held last Creek and the community.” month at Strawberry Crest High School. Visit www.odysseyofthemind.com.

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Page 3

Marballi’s Spirit Recognized With Award

By Michelle Colesanti

go the extra mile. She started a Dementia Support Group and recently began a Cancer Survivor’s Support Group. When it is time for the kids to head back to school, she is the staff liaison for the Y, as well as Ambassador for the Valrico FishHawk Chamber, in supporting the annual Back to School Festival hosted by the chamber and benefiting Local resident Kavita Marballi (left) was recently awarded the Brandon Roundtable’s Volunteer of the the Y’s Backpack program. Year award. Marballi recently received the It isn’t too often that you find someBrandon Roundtable’s Volunteer of the one who is sincerely passionate about Year. When she’s not working at the Y, their job. Kavita Marballi exemplifies all she volunteers on Saturdays at the inforthat is right in the Brandon community. mation desk at Brandon Regional Visit the Campo Y on any given day, and Hospital as she has done for over 20 she can be seen spending time with “her” years. She also spent about 15 years seniors, and has been doing this since helping at The Brandon Outreach Clinic. the Campo Y opened in February 2001. Marballi said, “It was always my Throughout the years, she has been dream to do community service. When I instrumental in starting different clubs moved here, I wanted to make a connecseniors enjoy at the Y such as Art, Pickle tion with my new community, so I started Ball, Bridge and Memoir Writing. If there to volunteer at Brandon Regional is a special event such as for Valentine’s Hospital. I had never seen people like Day or the Mother’s Tea in May, you can those in Brandon; always welcoming.” be sure that Marballi had her hand in the Family time is important too. She and planning and orchestration of it. Her senhusband, Arun, have two daughters, iors love her and for good reason. Roshni, a second year medical student at Her responsibilities include schedulNOVA Southeastern, and Dr. Akshata ing Silver Sneakers classes and activities, Marballi Hopkins, married to Dr. which extends to Camp Cristina and the Christopher Hopkins. Marballi especially JSA Medical Group in Sun City Center. enjoys spending time with her grandson, Marballi recently started a senior Evan, and is looking forward to grandbafocus group so that her seniors can make by number two in May. suggestions on their requests for Y activi“I have to give credit to my role modties. She continues to use her creativity to els, my parents, for the way they brought keep the programs fresh and encourage us up,” commented Marballi. participation, but it is not just the seniors For more information on the Senior who benefit from Marballi’s willingness to Programs at the Campo Y, call 684-1371.

Page 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

April 2016

Page 5

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Local Communities Relay For Life To Honor, Keep Hope Alive

W W W

O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R

C O M

By Michelle Colesanti

tinued her participation in the Relay For Life of Florida State University during college. After graduation, she served as the event lead at Bloomingdale in 2015 and again this year. Kilpatrick is a registered nurse at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in the pediatric oncology unit. “I am really excited for the 2016 event and looking forward to making it better than ever before,” she said. Bloomingdale and FishHawk High Schools have “Our goal at Relay is to provide a upcoming Relay For Life events. fun and entertaining overnight event Each year over 4 million people for the community while raising crucial around the world take part to raise much- dollars and making memories. For me, it needed funds and awareness to save is personal and a passion of mine to find lives from cancer through the American a cure for cancer because I see kids fightCancer Society’s Relay for Life. Locally, ing and battling the illness every day.” Bloomingdale and Newsome Senior High Relay For Life of FishHawk takes Schools will host a Relay for Life event in place at Newsome High School, located upcoming weeks. at 16550 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, from Bloomingdale, located at 1700 12 Noon on Saturday, April 9 through Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, will host its Sunday, April 10 at 6 a.m. Relay For Life of Bloomingdale event on The theme this year is Time is the track at the school beginning at 6 p.m. Precious... Let's make cancer a thing of on Friday, April 22 and will run through 6 the past. All the teams have chosen peria.m. on Saturday, April 23. So far, over 20 ods of time for their campsite themes. teams have signed up to participate. Everything from the Jurassic period to the The theme for the Bloomingdale social age was chosen by the participatRelay this year is Around the World for a ing teams. According to this year’s Event Cure, where each team selects a country Chair Rachael Andrews, “We even have for their campsite. Teams will sell food the FishHawk Mermaid heading up a and fare from featured countries with all team this year and are working to find a proceeds benefiting the American Cancer way to have her swim at the event.” Society. The FishHawk Relay has already The event lead this year is Kelley raised close to $65,000 and hopes to Kilpatrick, who has been involved with reach its goal of $173,501. More team Relay since 2002. She started participatparticipation is welcome at both Relays. ing at the Relay in Bloomingdale and con- Visit www.relayforlife.org.

MANAGING EDITOR

CRIME/SAFETY & NEWS REPORTER

Marie Gilmore

Tamas Mondovics

editor@ospreyobserver.com

Tamas@ospreyobserver.com

ASSIGNMENT EDITOR

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

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Michelle Colesanti

Kathy Collins

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POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS THROUGHOUT BLOOMINGDALE/FISHHAWK, RIVERVIEW, APOLLO BEACH, BRANDON, AND VALRICO DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

RIVERVIEW ADVERTISING

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Page 6

Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Derrick Williams Gospel Voice Tour To Benefit Local Homeless Ministry

16637 FishHawk Blvd. • Suite 101 Lithia, FL

By Julie Williams

The Gospel Voice Tour will begin with a concert on Sunday, April 10 at The Grace Place in Brandon.

Derrick Williams, pianist, vocalist and gospel jazz artist, can be seen every Saturday night on The Christian Television Network (CTN) where he has hosted a successful music TV show, The Gospel Voice, for the past eight years. His songs have an extraordinary blend of contemporary gospel music fused with jazz, funk, rock, and rhythm & blues, but if you make a request for an “old time” favorite, his traditional Southern Baptist roots will always bring him back home. The success of the TV show has warranted the investment of a series of concerts taking “the show on the road” titled The Gospel Voice Tour. The first concert is scheduled on Sunday, April 10 at 6 p.m. (doors open 5:30 p.m.) at The Grace Place, 732 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. A portion of the net proceeds will be donated to New Day Church, which meets at The Grace Place, and its Homeless Ministry, which affiliates with the East Hillsborough County Homeless Coalition and Impact Church in Lakeland.

Williams wants to use his voice as a platform to give back to the community. Concert tickets are $10 in advance, $15 VIP seating, (front row and a free digital download), and $12 the day of the event online and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.itickets.com by visiting www.thegospel

voicetvshow.com. The blessings continue to rain on Williams as he continues his music ministry with the release of his new single Shower Me, a funky upbeat track available to purchase on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. His new CD titled I’ll Go will be released in April. The CD offers a variety of musical styles from jazz, funk, to rock and will include a duet titled A Good Day with his 11-year-old daughter, Jordan Williams, who also sings in The Gospel Voice Band. The song will be released in honor of the famous daughter dad duo the late Natalie Cole and her father Nat King Cole. The Williams are poised to be the next dad/daughter duo to hit the music scene. To learn about upcoming concerts or to book Derrick Williams and The Gospel Voice Band to perform at a church or venue, contact 1-866-337-5439 or derlierecords@verizon.net. Visit www.thegospelvoicetvshow.com or facebook.com/thegospelvoice for more information.

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April 2016

Page 7

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

By Nicole Heubusch

FishHawk Ranch & Twin Lakes Events FishHawk Ranch HOA Spring Events Market Day On Sunday, April 3 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Market Day will be held in Park Square. This monthly event is family friendly and features various and unique vendors. Free Yoga Class From 8-9 a.m. on Saturday, April 16 there will be a free community yoga class in Park Square. Community Garage Sale The FishHawk Ranch Community Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, April 16 from 8 a.m.-12 Noon. FishHawk Ranch’s HOA Board can be found at 5721 Osprey Ridge Dr. in Lithia. Call 657-6629.

News and Events at Twin Lakes

Community Garage Sale Twin Lakes Subdivision in Valrico will hold a Community Garage Sale, Saturday April 9 from 8 a.m.-12 Noon. Monthly Board of Directors Meeting

The Twin Lakes Monthly Board of Directors Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 20 at 6 p.m. at the River Hills Country Club. Twin Lakes Playground Refresh The Twin Lakes HOA will be replacing the Zeina Park playground equipment and providing the park with an overall refresh for spring. Sidewalk Maintenance The Twin Lakes HOA committee would like to remind residents that Hillsborough County is continuing their restoration maintenance on several of the sidewalks in Twin Lakes. The sidewalks being worked on have all been marked within the community. Twin Lakes is located in a quiet, residential community in Valrico, east of Lithia Pinecrest Rd., at the end of Bloomingdale Ave. Does your HOA Community host any spring events that you want featured in the Osprey Observer? Email them to nicoleh@ospreyobserver.com. We would love to share announcements of any upcoming community garage sales, markets, and fun community events. Did your community have a visit from the Easter bunny? Send over any photos to be displayed in our May edition of the Osprey Observer.

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Page 8

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

Daughters Of The American Revolution Projects Help Restore Community Cemetery

Brandon Regional Hospital Begins $60M Emergency Room Expansion Project

gravestones. One of the Limona Cemetery trustees, Loretta Nowlen from the Limona Village Chapel, said they are attempting to reach out to the community for family members and friends who may have loved ones buried at the cemetery to come forward with deeds or other documentation to assist them with their mapping and updating of their current system. Individuals who can provide any information can contact the church (From left) Alafia River Chapter of the Daughters office at 689-8385. of the American Revolution members Donna Nowlen said, “The cemetery Dean, Heather Beckner, and Rebecca Jakobson at the Limona Cemetery in Brandon on one of has benefitted in years past from their many volunteer days. groups like the Boy and Girl Scouts In November 2014, the Alafia River and other youth groups that come out to Chapter of the Daughters of the American participate in their annual community Revolution (DAR) began a volunteer proj- work day to pick up pine cones and ect to clean all the headstones at Limona debris prior to Memorial Day. American Cemetery in Brandon, where approxiflags are placed by Boy Scouts on mately 10 percent of the graves belong to Memorial Day and by DAR members on veterans. They have devoted over 240 Veterans Day to honor our veterans at hours of work cleaning, mapping and Limona Cemetery.” extensive landscape clean up at the This year the Alafia River Chapter of cemetery since then. A spokeswoman for DAR has a goal to buy veteran flag holdthe Limona Cemetery Association said ers for all of the over 120 veteran graves they deeply appreciate the time and work at the cemetery and honor the founder's the DAR has put into this community area of the cemetery with a matching cemetery. grant program. The national DAR will Due to a loss of records and the match whatever the local chapter can transfer of tracking systems over time, raise. The DAR ladies are looking for an there are gravesites at Limona Cemetery individual or company to help with a taxthat are either unmarked or where plots deductible $2,000 donation in order to were sold to individuals or families that apply for the matching grant with the are still unclaimed. For example, one of National Society Daughters of the the DAR volunteers mentioned to a American Revolution. Anyone interested trustee that her grandparents were buried can contact 661-8397 or email at regisin Limona Cemetery, but they had no traralafiadar@gmail.com.

Phase three, which will open in May 2017, will include a dedicated 16 room pediatric department and dedicated pediatric emergency room entrance. When completed, 45,000 sq. ft. will have been added. Brandon Regional Hospital is the fifth busiest ER in the state of Florida. The hospital serves approximately 120,000 patients each year. To keep up with patient demands and needs, Community leaders and hospital dignitaries gathered the hospital allocated 60 million last month to cut the ribbon on Brandon Regional dollars to a multi-phase expanHospital’s newly expanded emergency room. sion. Recently the community gathered for Brandon Regional Hospital CEO, a ribbon cutting ceremony at Brandon Bland Eng said, “This is a bold step for Regional Hospital’s new Emergency the hospital to take for the residents of Room (ER). Attendees were offered tours Brandon. What a gem of a community of the newly expanded facility. Brandon is. This expansion is the transPhase one of the three phase $60 formation from the past to the future. We million expansion will open in April. The are stepping into the future. A hospital’s first phase adds 22,000 sq. ft., 40 new ER is the front door of the hospital. Now exam rooms including an area for pedithe surroundings and physical environatrics and a new main entrance for easier ment of the hospital will be a mirror image access. The new ER entrance is off of of the care given by exceptional healthOakfield Drive. The newly completed care workers at Brandon Regional phase also includes state-of-the-art trauHospital.” ma rooms, private patient rooms where Brandon Regional Hospital has been nurses can chart on computers in the providing emergency care to families of room, two new X-Ray machines, two the greater Brandon area since 1977. It additional 64-slice CT machines and should be noted that during the construcupgraded ultrasound equipment. tion of the massive expansion, the hospiPhase two, which will open in tal stayed open and there was no reducJanuary 2017, will have eight new exam tion in services or capabilities. rooms, four new trauma rooms, centrally Brandon Regional Hospital is located located imaging and a new ambulance at 119 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. Visit entrance with helipad. www.Brandonregionalhospital.com.

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Spring Fashion Fling Fundraiser To Feature Fashion Show By Local Boutique

By Kathy L. Collins

receive is funded by the Annual Holiday Home Tour which takes place each December. The local non-profits who will received checks this year included the Boys & Girls Club of Brandon, The Outreach Clinic, ECHO, LifeCare of Brandon, New Horizon's Group Home, Brandon Women's Resource The GFWC Brandon Service League is hosting A Spring Center and the Sylvia Thomas Center. Fashion Fling on Saturday, April 16. According to Bradless The GFWC Brandon Service Swanson, second vice president and League, a service organization that has fundraising chair, "The non-profits were been serving the greater Brandon area chosen based on recommendations from for over 50 years, is hosting A Spring our club members." Fashion Fling on Saturday, April 16 at The money for the scholarships is 11:30 a.m. The event will take place at derived from other fundraising efforts the Embassy Suites located at 10220 including A Spring Fashion Fling. The Palm River Rd. in Tampa. The cost to winners will be announced at the event. attend is $32. Swanson said, "We are a diverse The event will feature a fashionable group of women dedicated to volunteer afternoon of lunch and a great fashion service. Our mission is to enhance the show with fashions provided by TMarie's lives of others in the Brandon area using Fashion & Gift Boutique. service projects, programs and events This is an annual event that is an which are tailored to the needs of our opportunity for the club to honor its 2015 community. We host several annual comHoliday Home Tour Charities and present munity events including the Holiday checks to the local non-profits. In addition, Home Tour, Very Special Arts and the the club presents three scholarships to High School Art Show. We are very excitdeserving women. The scholarships ed to host A Spring Fashion Fling for the include The Claire and Reynolds Bryan second year and hope it too becomes a Scholarship for the Arts, The Pat and Lee Brandon area tradition." Elam Scholarship for the Renaissance Space is limited, so reserve tickets Woman, and the Brandon Service now by contacting Swanson at 662-4371. League Women in Education For more information on the GFWC Scholarship. Brandon Service League, visit www.gfwThe money that the non-profits cbrandonserviceleague.org.

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

RVR Horse Rescue Celebrates ASPCA Help A Horse Day On April 23

The Outreach Clinic Presents 5th Annual Kentucky Derby Party, A Taste Of The Derby

a.m.-4 p.m. The 40-acre facility in Riverview will bustle with music and food, children’s activities, and pony rides. Facility tours will introduce the guests to the RVR Horse Rescue takes abused and neglected horses and current rescue rehabilitates them. The public is invited to visit on Saturday, April 23 horses and from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. during its annual Help A Horse Day event. those available RVR Horse Rescue invites the public for adoption. Raffle, vendor, and tack to join it in celebrating the 150th year items will be available, along with RVR anniversary of the ASPCA (The American logo merchandise and adult and chilSociety for the Prevention of Cruelty to dren’s books. Every purchase benefits Animals). The event will take place the ranch in some way and each dollar on Saturday, April 23, marking the annual makes the ASPCA grant more possible. Help A Horse Day. With community supIn lieu of attending the event, Help A port, RVR will be eligible to win up to Horse Day contributions may be made $25,000 in grant prizes. This type of fundvia the donation button on the ing is vital to a non-profit organization RVRHorseRescue.org website. Each dedicated to the costly cause of rescuing contribution increases the likelihood that and rehabilitating abused and neglected RVR will receive an ASPCA grant and all horses. donations are tax deductible. "It is only with the support of the comRVR Horse Rescue is an all-volunmunity that we are able to help abused teer, 501(c)(3) organization founded in and neglected horses recover and find 2004. Known for taking on the worst loving homes. RVR Horse Rescue is truly cases of abuse and neglect, RVR supa healing haven for both horses and ports the entire state of Florida and works humans,” said Shirley Alarie. in conjunction with state and federal law The national Help A Horse Day was enforcement agencies. Its mission is fivecreated to showcase various equine fold: rescue, rehabilitate, re-home, and organizations and their lifesaving efforts provide sanctuary and hospice services. on behalf of at-risk horses, and to encourRVR Horse Rescue is located at age community involvement. 12611 Hayes Clan Rd. in Riverview. For Help A Horse Day festivities at RVR more information or to donate toward the are geared for family fun, education, and Help A Horse Day fundraiser, awareness and will take place from 11 visit www.rvrhorserescue.org.

sold out last year. We are expecting an even earlier sell out this year, so get your tickets early.” The Kentucky Derby Party is The Outreach Clinic’s biggest fundraiser. The clinic exists thanks to the generosity of individuals, local organizations and churches. “With the help of our 250 The Outreach Clinic will host its 5th Annual Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 7 at the Palmetto Club. plus volunteers and local community supporters, we The Outreach Clinic will host its 5th are able to return over 2 million dollars in Annual Kentucky Derby Party, A Taste of medical services every year to individuals The Derby, on Saturday, May 7 from 5-9 in need of healthcare each year,” p.m. at The Palmetto Club in FishHawk explained Meegan. Ranch located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in Despite advances with so many Lithia. Tickets are $75 per person. becoming insured through the Affordable Attendees can sip on Mint Juleps and Health Care Act, there are still thousands other refreshments, enjoy great food and in Hillsborough County who cannot afford have lots of fun. All proceeds will benefit health insurance. the Outreach Clinic, the area's only clinic “We get calls every day from patients providing free health care to the low who are discharged from the hospital with income uninsured. immediate medical needs such as follow The Outreach Clinic's 5th Annual up visits, lab work and prescriptions. Our Kentucky Derby Party is a fun and excitclinic is able to provide the immediate ing event. Attendees will view a live healthcare they need which helps prevent stream of the race on a 25 ft. screen. them from returning to the emergency Food and drink samplings will come from room,” said Meegan. “Saving lives everyover 15 of the area's most popular day- that is what we do, and we need the restaurants. community’s help. You do not have to be Executive Director of The Outreach a doctor to save a life. Anyone can be a Clinic Debbie Meegan said, “The Annual part of The Outreach Clinic by supporting Kentucky Derby Party is a lot of fun. We us.” live stream the Derby race, have food The Outreach Clinic is located at 517 and drink, a silent auction, photo booth, N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. For more race contests and lots of derby festivities. information and to get tickets, call 654The ladies wear gorgeous hats and the gentlemen are ever so dapper. The event 1388 or visit www.theoutreachclinic.com.

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Page 12

Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

By Tamas Mondovics

Year-Long Investigation Ends In Major Drug Bust The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s are not reported to law enforcement,” Office (HCSO), working with local and Gee said. statewide law enforcement agencies, Gee added that the most concerning announced earlier this month the conclu- element of such grow houses is that they sion and results of a second lengthy are operating in regular neighborhoods investigation targeting individuals and as area residents may not even realize criminal organizations. that they are potentially in danger. Joined by Hillsborough County State “Some of these grow houses were Attorney and his staff, Sheriff David Gee located next door to a school and a dayannounced the outcome of a year-long, care center,” Gee said. “Most of the statewide narcotics investigation, coined crimes are the results of these individuals by the department “Operation Hydro robbing each other, stealing each-other’s Hustlers,” which busted a major drug drugs, and money. Such violence can growing ring. certainly spill Gee said that over to hard the investigation working citizens began in March of living within the 2015, netting 22 community and arrests while it trying to build revealed 10 grow their lives.” houses, eight of Members of which were in these drugHillsborough growing organiCounty. zations, such as “We began to ringleader Julio notice violent Alvarez who trends and crime reportedly involving these moved to the houses during the Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee talks to area from past couple of Miami, would the media inside HCSO's Homeland Security Division's news conference room as he years, including rent homes and announces the results of Operation Hydro offenses that then turn them Hustlers, a year-long statewide drug investigation. ranged from murinto a facility ders, home invasions and many other supplying them with grow-specific equipcrimes that we are not aware of as they ment suitable for growing, cultivating and

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HCSO narcotics agents remove marijuana plants from one of 10 grow houses discovered as the result of a year-long drug investigation.

harvesting Marijuana plants. “These are very dangerous people,” Gee said and added that average cost to set up a grow house operation, can reach $15-20,000, which includes the purchase and use of various equipment, such as added air-conditioning, electrical boards, high-grade potting soil, just to name a few, often paid for by fraudulent credit cards. Gee emphasized that the drugs and drug trades have always been at the core of violent crime. As the investigation was nearing its conclusion, HCSO deputies began to serve search warrants which resulted in the seizing of 591 marijuana plants weighing 872 pounds. Also seized were 46.67 pounds of processed or packaged marijuana with a value of $2.3 million.

The operation also seized $123,000 in cash, 21 cars, two trailers, one boat, two zero turn mowers, with a value of more than $400,000. State attorney Mark Ober added that Operation Hydro Hustlers broke up a well defined criminal organization. “The maximum penalty on some of these particular cases is 30 years,” Ober said. “As we go through this process, we will see if any of these individuals qualify for enhanced penalties.” Concluding the announcement, Gee thanked all the men and women who took the task on and worked undercover to make these cases and make the community and the neighborhoods involved safer. For more information about the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, visit www.hcso.tampa.fl.us.

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April 2016

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Local YMCAs Honor Volunteers

By Kathy L. Collins

Page 13

Healthy Hearing Expo To Prove Many Ways To Improve Hearing

Staff Report

(From left) David Stamm (North Brandon Y), Jephunneh Hicks (Campo Family Y) and Elijah Bonnett (Tampa YMCA Camp Cristina) were recently honored with Volunteer of the Year awards by their respective Tampa area YMCA.

In February, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA held its annual Regions Community Impact Dinner. The event is an opportunity to bring awareness to what the YMCA does to help kids and families, promote the health and wellbeing of the community, and help give back to neighbors in need. The dinner is also an opportunity to honor and celebrate Volunteers of the Year from area YMCA branches. From the North Brandon Y, David Stamm was selected as Volunteer of the Year. Stamm is a long time member. He serves on the board and was chairman in 2015. Stamm is leading the North Brandon Y’s annual giving campaign. According to Executive Director AJ Hernandez, “He volunteers at all of our branch events. He learned to swim at the Y and truly has a passion for people.” Hernandez gave an example of Stamm’s commitment. “The group exercise classes place a cut-out of him in class when he does not attend because he is so committed, and it is not the same when he is not there,” explained Hernandez. The Volunteer of the Year from the Campo Family Y is Jephunneh Hicks, a

senior at Bloomingdale High School. Youth and Family Director Alicia Bentley said, “Jephunneh is an outstanding kid. He is a part of the Campo Y’s Leadership Club. Throughout the year he has stepped up and helped with as many events as possible.” Hicks volunteers at many events but mostly with Family Programming events. “Jephunneh was chosen for this award for his outstanding performance in volunteering and his leadership in Leaders Club,” added Bentley. For the Tampa YMCA's Camp Cristina, the Volunteer of the Year is 15year-old Elijah Bonnett. He is a member of the Team Leaders Club and volunteers at Camp Cristina year round. According to Executive Director Mark Battig, “Elijah was chosen because of the number of volunteer hours he puts in at Camp Cristina.” Bonnett gave over 100 volunteer hours in 2015. Bonnett helps with events and works on service projects. Battig said, “Elijah is very instrumental and demonstrates what it means to be a team leader.” For more information on the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA, visit www.tampaymca.org.

there will also be wide array of support groups offering complimentary services and guidance for the hard-of-hearing and deaf communities. All attendees will have an opportunity to get a free hearing screening, as well as their choice of a free captioned or amplified phone. The event will also reach out to the commercial and nonprofit businesses that interact with the community to demonstrate some of the new “access technologies” like the loop and captioning systems that have helped organizations such as Over 30 exhibitors will provide a hands-on churches, retailers and meeting places experience to try and compare the most advanced hearing devices and accessories across the U.S. to significantly increase their customer and membership bases by at the upcoming Healthy Hearing Expo. making it feasible for the 20 percent of The Healthy Hearing Expo in the population with hearing loss to particiBrandon will be the first integrated conpate. sumer health fair of its kind in Ed Ogiba, the chair of Healthy Hillsborough County, offering people with Hearing Expo said, “Many people have hearing loss a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of practitioners, new told us that events like an HLAA Expo changed their lives. Many attendees with technologies and support groups to hearing aids learn how to access the full improve their hearing. The all day, open power of their devices or are introduced house health fair will feature a hall full of to the accessories and techniques that exhibitors plus educational seminars. In can empower them to improve their addition, the new Technology Solution understanding of the spoken word by as Center will offer attendees an unparalmuch as 40 percent.” leled environment to both try and comThe Healthy Hearing Expo will take pare cutting-edge technologies to enhance their understanding of speech in place on Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Maudlin Hall in the First the toughest situations. Presbyterian Church of Brandon, located The exhibitors will represent a broad at 121 Carver Ave. in Brandon. It is an range of practitioners such as audioloopen house affair with free admission. gists, hearing instrument specialists and Interested organizations can apply to providers of hearing aid accessory exhibit. For more consumer or exhibitor devices, captioned phones, cochlear information, contact 941-706-4312 or implants, assistive listening devices, loop ed@groupefo.com. systems, CART (captions). Importantly,

Page 14

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

County Pet Resource Center Celebrates Opening Of Newly Renovated Lobby By Tamas Mondovics

Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center Director Scott Trebatoski talks to the press about the facility’s new lobby and the shelter’s benefits in the pet adoption process.

Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center hosted a special ceremony last month as it celebrated the completion and grand opening of the of the shelter’s newly renovated lobby and customer service area. “The opening of the new lobby was a great success,” said Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center Director Scott Trebatoski. “People from every aspect of the community including many of our volunteers have come to gather for this celebration. This is exactly what the Pet Resource Center should be. The community coming together for pets.” Located at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd., the $500,000 project expanded and transformed the lobby and cat adoption area into a spacious, colorful, and comfortable greeting area. Pet lovers and four-legged special guests joined County Commissioners, volunteers and community leaders along with center staff filling the new lobby showing their supports of the facility as

well as vouching for its importance of serving the community. “This center is one of the best places for first time pet owners to visit,” Trebatoski said. “The animals have their shots, medical records, not to mention a very inexpensive adoption.” The major renovation encompassed approximately 2,000 sq. ft. of the main lobby and customer service area with improvements including the addition of approximately 285 sq. ft. to the front of the building, a new welcome desk, selfservice kiosks with touch screens for convenient and comprehensive pet matching, new “cat condos” that offer fancy felines more than twice the space of the previous adoption cages, and energy-reducing LED technology. “This is a great investment for all animal lovers and the entire community really,” County Commissioner Kevin Beckner said. Also on hand for the opening, County Commissioner Stacy White agreed when he said, “I have three pets at home, all three of which were adopted from this facility, so I was just amazed at the transformation that has taken place.” The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is often the first place to receive the community's lost and surrendered animals, and it hopes to be the first place adopters come to select a new pet. It is open daily from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. for adoptions, lost pet searches, low-cost spay/neuter vouchers, and Hillsborough County pet license tags. Call 744-5660 or visit HillsboroughCounty.org/Pets.

Volume 15, Issue 4

Feed The Bay Plans To Donate 190,000 Pounds Of Food To Local Charities

By Bonnie Mentel

Manna on Wheels, the church gives us a recommendation and we call them to ask if they want to be a participating food agency,” said Events Coordinator at Bay Life Church, Melanie Langston. Church partners are provided with shopping lists and are assigned to a Publix located near their church. Each site will have a truck ready to collect donations. Publix Feed the Bay will take place Sunday, April 17. provides trucks at five of their locations and Bay Life Church rents When Bay Life Church started Feed trucks for the other locations. All the the Bay in 2006, the event was held in trucks are decorated with Feed the Bay November. They soon discovered that this was a very popular time for people to banners to promote the event. “It’s time to go and be the church to give and that the local food pantries were the community. At Bay Life, we have a already receiving a lot of holiday donachant where we shout ‘Together we can tions. There was no room at the organido more.’ It’s like a big, high energy pep zations for the over 30,000 pounds of food that was being brought to them, and rally and then we send our shoppers by spring all their holiday donations were out,” Langston said. She expects this year’s event to collect about 190,000 gone. Feed the Bay began holding the pounds of non-perishable items. food drive in the spring to help stock up “Publix is amazing. Sometimes they the food pantries. bring certain items to the front of the This year, Feed the Bay will be store so the shoppers don’t need to go Sunday, April 17 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at through everything. They also open all various Publix locations throughout the their registers from a certain time so peoarea. A list of locations can be found at www.feedthebay.org. Close to 35 church- ple can get through the store,” Langston said. es are expected to partner in the food When the shoppers are finished, the drive, which will benefit 16 local food donations are loaded onto the Feed the pantries. Bay trucks in the parking lots. Some vol“The food goes to Feed the Bay’s unteers work as sorters to organize the participating food agencies. When a food as it gets loaded. At 2:30 p.m., the church signs on and they partner to be a trucks make their way to the agencies. Feed the Bay church, they actually recVisit www.feedthebay.org. For further ommend a food agency that they supquestions, contact 661-3696 or port. So whether it’s ECHO, Women’s Resource Center, Metropolitan Ministries, mlangston@baylife.org.

April 2016

Page 15

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo Honors Armed Forces With Free Admission, More

Staff Report

SUN ’n FUN will provide family fun entertainment Tuesday, April 5-Sunday, April 10.

The 42nd Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo, presented by VISIT FLORIDA and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, will take place Tuesday, April 5 through Sunday, April 10 in Lakeland. Gates open daily at 8 a.m. with workshops and forums for all ages beginning at 8:30 a.m. Airshows begin daily at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 1:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, weather permitting. Attendees will enjoy over 500 exhibitors, a Kids Zone, tours, displays, food vendors, car shows and more. General admission rates for daily tickets are $37 for adults and $15 for youth ages 11-17. Children 10 and under are free. Weekly admission passes are $150 per adult and $60 per youth. Parking is cash only at $10 per day or $40 per week. Florida residents with photo ID can come back free on Sunday, April 10 with each admission ticket purchased on Saturday, April 9. Honoring Our Armed Forces is the

theme for the week and each day will be dedicated to a specific branch of the military. Active military personnel with appropriate ID will receive free admission Tuesday through Thursday and discounted admission Friday through Sunday at the gate. Retired military with ID will receive discounted admission Tuesday through Sunday at the gate. “The Fly-In is our largest fundraiser of the year,” said President/CEO of SUN ‘n FUN, John “Lites” Leenhouts. “Proceeds from all events on the SUN ‘n FUN Convention Campus during the year support Aerospace Center for Excellence STEM education programs, including over $430,000 annually in scholarships for students pursuing aerospace and aviation careers.” A major highlight of the week will take place at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 when a Flight to Honor will arrive, returning WWII and Korean War veterans from a special visit to the memorials in Washington D.C., along with much fanfare. A twilight midweek airshow is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6. The evening program on Saturday, April 9 at 8 p.m. will include fireworks with a night airshow. Making its first appearance at SUN ‘n FUN will be the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Visit www.sun-nfun.org.

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Giving Hope Through Faith Foundation Nears $1 Million Fundraising Mark

By Sherry Tucker

that one day we would surpass $1 million in private funding. God continues to bless the work of our foundation.” The Foundation only needs $40,000 more to reach the million dollar mark. It is hoping this will happen with The Zach Tucker Golf Tournament will take place the next fundraiser, The Zach on Friday, May 6 at River Hills Country Club. Tucker Golf Scramble. Money raised will go toward the Giving Hope “We would love to fill our through Faith Foundation. field with 36 teams once It has been 10 years since 8again, just as we did the first year year-old Zach Tucker passed away when Zach was with us. We are truly from cancer. In those 10 years his amazed with the outpouring of love legacy has lived on in a big way and generosity we have experienced through the Giving Hope Through from the community at this event Faith Foundation. Over these years, every year. Zach’s spirit surrounds us the foundation has provided much as we celebrate his memory during needed assistance to Tampa area the scramble,” said Tucker. families who were in a battle with The golf scramble will be held at pediatric cancer. This year exciteRiver Hills Country Club, located at ment is building as the foundation is 3943 New River Hills Pkwy. in looking forward to celebrating an Valrico, on Friday, May 6. There will important milestone of surpassing $1 be a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Foursomes million in fundraising. start at $500 and there are many “We are very humbled by the opportunities for sponsorship and support we have received from our volunteers. community since the inception of the To register, visit www.givingfoundation in 2007,” noted Dirk hopethroughfaith.org or call Dirk Tucker, administrator for the foundaTucker at 685-6773 for more information. “We would have never dreamed tion.

Volume 15, Issue 4

Futch Family Presents Sunflowers On The Ranch, U-Pick Flowers

By Kathy L. Collins

Stroll through five acres of beautifully hand grown sunflowers and colorful zinnias that have been planted by the Futch Family on their Single R Ranch in Plant City.

This spring, the Futch Family will transform their famous Fox Squirrel Corn Maze in Plant City into a spring event featuring beautifully hand grown sunflowers and colorful zinnias. The Futch Family will present Sunflowers On the Ranch on Saturday, April 30 and May 7 and Sunday, May 1 and May 8 at the family owned, Single R Ranch. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. each day. Single R Ranch is located at 3002 Charlie Taylor Rd. in Plant City. The Single R Ranch is a working cattle ranch that has been in the Futch Family for decades. Janet Futch said, “Make plans to visit this unique event where you will find yourself surrounded by acres of dazzling sunflowers and

brightly colored zinnias. It is truly an awesome sight.” After you meander through the sunflowers, enjoy a nature walk under the shaded live oaks. Take time to shop in the Ranch Store where you will find an eclectic array of antiques and other collectibles. There will be lots of games for the whole family to enjoy. Arts and crafts and vendors of all sorts will help to complete your day in the country. The Futch Family is also planning a UPick Flowers. You will need to bring your own buckets. There will also be photography sessions. Both the U-Pick Flowers and the photography sessions will be on weekdays by appointment only. Contact futchentertainment@comcast.net to make an appointment. Tickets to Sunflowers On the Ranch are $8 for adults 18 and older; children are $7; and 2 and under are free of charge. Ticket prices do not include the 7 percent sales tax. There is a $1 parking fee. For more information on Sunflowers On the Ranch, visit Fox Squirrel Maze on Facebook or visit www.foxsquirrelcornmaze.com.

April 2016

Page 17

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

A Night At the Bullagio To Support Bloomingdale Rajun’ Bull Band

By Michelle Colesanti

really great experience being in the band there. My son graduated last year and my daughter is a junior this year.” In December 2014 the Rajun’ Bull band made a positive impact internationally when students and chaperones travelled to Rome, Italy for its New Year’s Parade. A A Night At The Bullagio on Saturday, April 16 will benefit few years prior to that, the the Bloomingdale Rajun’ Bull Band. band also visited London, While a high school band is a great England. The next planned international opportunity for students to excel in music trip will take place in 2018 when the band and learn to work closely with others, it will head to Paris, France. does take a good amount of money, not Closer to home and more to present provided by the school system, to help day, band members are looking forward fund it. to their spring trip this April to Nashville, The Bloomingdale Rajun’ Bull Band Tenn. will host its third annual Rajun’ Bull At FBA, which was held at Riverview Casino Night, A Night At The Bullagio, on High School this year, the Rajun’ Bull Saturday, April 16 from 7-11 p.m. This will Band received straight superiors for the be held at The LOFT Event Lounge, 29th year in a row despite the unprecelocated at 711 W. Lumsden Rd. in dented heat all the students had to deal Brandon. with on that day. Casino Night takes the place of the Hoping to be good neighbors, the very popular live auction the band held for band recently performed at Walmart’s many years. Although there is not a live grand opening. The band marched over auction at this event, along with all of the from the high school and played the fight games, there will be a silent auction that song at the beginning of the event. will include many great items that guests The band welcomes everyone to can bid on along with fabulous prizes. come out and enjoy Casino Night. Tickets According to band mom, Amy Fluty, cost $35 per person or $60 for a couple “Some of the proceeds from the Casino and include drink tickets, gambling chips Night goes to help cover the costs of and hors d'oeuvres. Tickets and table these trips, uniform maintenance, new sponsorships are also available. For instruments, transportation, and many sponsorship information or tickets, see a other expenses to keep the program runBSHS band member or email rajunbullning. I know both my kids have had a fundraising@gmail.com.

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Page 18

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

By Tamas Mondovics

Department, Community Mourns Local Deputy Killed By Wrong Way Driver At the order of Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee, all flags at HCSO facilities were lowered earlier this month to be flown at half staff in honor of Deputy John Kotfila, Jr. who had lost his life after a wrong way driver slammed head on into his cruiser on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. Kotfila, 30, of Valrico was in his HCSO Marked Patrol Car, a 2013 Dodge Charger, driving back from Tampa General Hospital following a traffic crash investigation and was traveling eastbound on the Expressway. Just west of the I-75 overpass, Kotfila was unable to avoid the crash and was struck head-on by the wrong way driver Erik Thomas McBeth, 32 of Hudson, FL. McBeth died at the scene, while Deputy Kotfila was transported to Tampa General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. "All of the traffic control devices were in working order showing the ramp closed to westbound traffic," HCSO spokesman Larry McKinnon said. Shortly following the terrible news, Gee stated, "Our HCSO family is one

less today. The tragic loss of one of my deputies has all of our hearts heavy. The most dreaded part of being Sheriff of Hillsborough County is getting the news that a deputy has lost his or her life in the line of duty. I know the citizens of Hillsborough County - and from all corners of this great nation - join HCSO as we mourn. But this sadness is tempered with an enduring pride that our deputy fought the good fight. That is our vow - then, now and tomorrow. Gee’s words were quickly followed by an outpouring of condolences on the part of local government leaders and members of the community. Chairman Lesley "Les" Miller, Jr. on behalf of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners stated in part, "Hillsborough County has suffered a tragedy today….It is unfortunate that anyone has to experience the grief and pain from a fatal traffic incident, but especially for our law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to keeping each of us safe. On behalf of all of the citizens of Hillsborough County, I offer condolences and prayers to Deputy

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Kotfila's family, and the family of the children with special needs who tend to Hillsborough wander from County home. The Sheriff's Hillsborough Office." County Sheriff’s Florida Office was State pleased to partGovernor Rick ner with Scott said, SafetyNet by “Ann and I are LoJack to better heartbroken respond to such by the death calls for service. of Deputy Ironically, John Robert Kotfila, a 6-year Kotfila, whose veteran served tragic loss will the community as not only be felt a Traffic Crash by his family Investigator to members and Patrol District 4. fellow officers, His father but also by Sergeant John Floridians Kotfila Sr. is with across the the state. Our law Massachusetts enforcement State Police and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy John R. officers bravehis brother Kotfila, Jr.(center) is joined by his father Sergeant ly and selfJohn Kotfila Sr.(left) with the Massachusetts State Michael Kotfila is lessly risk with the Police and his brother Michael Kotfila with the Plymouth Police Department, MA, in their respec- Plymouth Police their lives to tive law enforcement uniforms during a recent protect us. As Department, MA. event. Sadly, John was killed after a wrong way Governor, I While reflectdriver slammed into his patrol car while traveling on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway earlier this honor the sacing on his month. rifices these deputy’s law heroic men and women in uniform enforcement heritage and the question make to serve our families. Our deepest of how to go on in the face of such thoughts and prayers are with the family tragedy, Gee emphasized the sorrow and colleagues of Deputy Kotfila.” felt by the entire community when he The loss of any member of the said, HCSO family is especially painful not “We will embrace our deputy's famionly to the agency and fellow officers, ly with the honor and respect due one but also to the entire community. who dedicated his life ‘to serve and proAs a founding member of the tect.’ Thank you for your prayers for our agency's SafetyNet Team, John’s spedeputy and his family." cial area of expertise also included the For more information please visit assisting families of missing adults and www.hcso.tampa.fl.us.

April 2016

Page 19

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Winthrop Arts, Inc. Puts Awards Over $2,000 In Prizes At Recent Art Show

By Kathy L. Collins

The 8th Annual Winthrop Art Festival was held over the weekend of Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20 in beautiful Founders Park in Winthrop Town Centre. This was the first year that the art festival was held under the auspices of the newly formed non-profit, Winthrop Arts, Inc. It was also the first year that sponsors were a part of the festival, and as result, Winthrop Arts, Inc. was able to award over $2,200 to artists at the Annual Artists’ Banquet. Shows such as the Winthrop Art Festival are a great way for individuals and organizations to support artists and the community as a whole. Tobaison Despite a wet Saturday, added, “We many area residents came out found the quality to see a juried show featuring of the winners fine artists and artisans. The to be very good, crowd enjoyed good art, music diverse and creand food from EATS! ative in their use American Grill and Ciccio of the different Kay Sullivan, president of the Cali’s. Several schools includmedia. There Winthrop Arts, Inc. Board of ing Winthrop Charter School, were certainly Visionaries presented the Best of Riverview High School and quite a few that Show award and $1,000 to 2016 Best of Show winner, Tony Moore. deserved Blake High School participated. awards. It was a very difficult decision, This year there were three judges for especially with the photography entrants.” the show. The judges were Roxanne Awards were presented to the artists Tobaison, a well-known local artist; at the Annual Winthrop Arts Artists’ Christianne Hoyt, an art patron from Banquet. Best in Show went to Tony Tampa; and David Warner, the editor-inMoore, a pencil illustrator. Moore is from chief for Creative Loafing. Tobaison, Land O’Lakes. Moore received $1,000. speaking on behalf of the judges said, This was Moore’s third time in the “There was a general agreement Winthrop Art Festival and his second Best between the judges on the winners. This of Show win. Moore said, “I was surprised was good given the fact that the judges at the win. I am also pleased to see that were from different fields of expertise.” this show is growing into a really good

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offered a level of sponsorship called Friends of Winthrop Art. For $125, an individual, organization or business could contribute to the arts and was given the unique opportunity to select an artist to win this award. $75 went to the artist and $50 to Winthrop Arts. There were three Friends of Winthrop Art sponsors. The Trey Curry Foundation’s award went to the youngest artists in the show, Celia (8) and Gigi (6) Moskowitz of Riverview for their whimsical shell designs. Global Sales awarded Seth Sullivan-Dawes for his fine photography, and the Winthrop Board of Directors awarded Timothy Hoffmeister of Brandon for show. I hope that his blown glass creations. many more Katharine Sullivanartists submit art Dawes, the Director of to be included in Everything for Winthrop next year’s Arts, Inc. said, “We believe show.” this year’s festival brought First place the highest quality of artists and an award of that we have ever had. This $500 was given to Karen Owens The 2016 Winthrop Art Festival was a was our largest goal for this huge success thanks to the hard work year’s festival, and we think of Orlando. of Katherine Sullivan-Dawes, the we achieved it.” Owens is a Director of Everything for Winthrop Sullivan-Dawes added, mixed media Arts, Inc., and Winthrop Town Artist, “This is our third event as a Bryant Martinez. artist. Second nationally recognized non-profit, and with place went to photographer, Paul each event, we are striving to refine ideas Sumberg who resides in Blairsville, or come up with new concepts. We love Georgia. Sumberg received $250. Third thinking outside of the box, and we are place was awarded to Lynda Fishbourne looking forward to the opening of the of Riverview. Fishbourne was given $150 for her mixed media creations. Honorable Winthrop Art Factory, an after school arts program for children of all abilities. We mention went to Riverview resident and are looking forward to hopefully opening mixed media artist, Angela Sulick. She the Art Factory sometime in late spring.” received $100. Visit www.winthroparts.org. The 8th Annual Winthrop Art Festival

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Page 20

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Center Place To Host Paint The Town 5K, Superheroes Assemble!

By Kathy L. Collins

Runners and walkers can register for the event at www.centerplacebrandon.org. The first 50 pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt and goodie bag. In addition to the run, walk and obstacle course, there will be food courtesy of Dragon Fire BBQ, entertainment by Big Center Place's Paint The Town 5k Superheroes Assemble! will take place on Saturday, April 16. Beats Entertainment and art projects for Center Place's 32nd Annual Patron the whole family. Center Place will also Party and Membership Drive, set for have a great silent auction with a "Buy-ItSaturday, April 16, promises to be a great Now" option. family friendly, fun event. The event is Galia said of the event, "Our memonce again called Paint The Town 5k, but bers and our sponsors are important. this year, the theme is Superheroes With school funding allocated to subjects Assemble! that are accountable through state testExecutive Director of Center Place ing, arts are the first things that are cut. Dawn Galia said, "Come dressed as your Center Place believes that the whole favorite superhero. Prizes will be awarded community benefits from exposing young for the best costume." people to the world of fine art." Paint The Town 5k is a timed race. Galia added, "The arts are much There will be prizes and ribbons awarded more than just fun 'extra' activities. for the three fastest times for men, Participation in the arts opens up chilwomen and children. Registration begins dren’s worlds and minds and offers them at 7 a.m. and the race starts promptly at 9 the skills they need for a bright future. a.m. If you are not a runner, you can still The programs at Center Place, through participate with the Family Fun Walk and both action and advocacy, work to embed Children's Obstacle Course. Registration the arts in the fabric of the community." for this is at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at For more information and to register 10 a.m. Cost to enter (on or before for the fun Paint The Town 5k Friday, April 15) for the 5k is $30 per perSuperheroes Assemble!, visit www.censon and the walk/run is $10. terplacebrandon.org or call 685-8888.

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Approves $2.6 Million For Selmon Extension Conceptual Design

By Tamas Mondovics

THEA's CEO and Executive Director, Joe Waggoner as he talked about the agency’s mission and vision in connection with transportation solutions for the Tampa Bay area communities. The Selmon Extension is a 1.6-mile toll lane from Dale Mabry Highway to the Gandy An artistic rendering gives a better idea of the Selmon Bridge that is proposed to run 30 Extension, a 1.6-mile toll lane from Dale Mabry feet high above the median of Highway to the Gandy Bridge. Gandy Boulevard and create a choice for local residents and The Lee Roy Selmon Expressway regional travelers. Future commuters can has been serving thousands of southGandy Boulevard for local destinause eastern Hillsborough County commuters tions or the Selmon Extension for a conwell, including a large number of military nection to the Selmon Expressway or the personnel who are making their way to Gandy Bridge. MacDill Air Force Base, or to Tampa The need for a solution as well as the General Hospital. Unfortunately, comidea to build an elevated highway over muters’ smooth sailing of the roadway Gandy is a long time coming, considering only goes so far, prompting motorist and the gridlock that has plagued the roadway local officials to seek solutions for trafficby turning the boulevard into a traffic plagued areas beyond the end of the nightmare for years. The extension’s conSelmon track. phases as well as its visual struction In an effort to relieve congestion and impact on the community may not be to provide an alternate route for travelers first choice, but according to everyone’s seeking an easier and quicker access to THEA officials, at the end, it is a reasonthe harbor or to the Gandy Bridge, the able alternative to the current traffic woes Tampa Hillsborough Expressway and their subsequent affects felt by Authority (THEA) Board of Directors businesses and area residents. motorists, unanimously voted to approve $2.6 milAside from the design, the projected lion for conceptual designs of the Selmon cost of the extension could reach $190 Extension in February. million funded by tolls. Benefits of the THEA owns, maintains, and operates above ground designs is that the elevated four facilities within Hillsborough County: road would not destroy homes or stores. the Selmon Expressway, the Brandon In preparation for a hurricane, both lanes Parkway, Meridian Avenue, and the could serve as an eastbound evacuation Selmon Greenway. route. The possible completion date is “You don't think about it consciously, 2020. Visit www.selmonextension.com. but you place a value on your time,” said

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Page 21

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Straz Center Presents The Best Of Tampa Bay

By Kathy L. Collins

entertainment from up to five local bands (TBD) at the event. The Straz is one of largest performing arts complexes in the country. The 335,000 sq. ft. venue provides an environment for a wide variety of world class events including one of the nation’s leading Broadway series. It is nationally respected for producing grand opera, concerts, performances and events. According to Paul Bilyeu, The Straz Center’s Best of Tampa Bay is considered Senior Director of Tampa’s Best Party. Be a part of the fun and help raise funds for arts education programming on Communications for the Saturday, April 16. Straz,“Proceeds from the Best of Tampa Bay benefit the misEach year the Straz Center for the sion and arts education programs of the Performing Arts (the Straz) holds the Straz Center and ensure that everyone Best of Tampa Bay, one of its signature in our community has the chance to disfundraising events. This year, the Best cover the life-changing impact of the of Tampa Bay will be held on Saturday, April 16 beginning at 7 p.m. The Straz is performing arts.” Since its inception 30 years ago, located at 1010 N. MacInnnes Pl. in the Straz’ Best of Tampa Bay has raised Tampa. over $2 million for arts education proThe Best of Tampa Bay is a tantagramming. lizing event featuring entrée samplings, Tickets and sponsorships for the luscious desserts, beer and premium Best of Tampa Bay are available. drinks. There will be more than 40 of Individual Tickets including open bar, Tampa Bay’s finest restaurants on hand food tastings and entertainment are $75 including 4 Rivers Smokehouse, EATS! before March 31; after they are $90. VIP American Grill, Anise Global Gastrobar, Tickets which come with early access to Boca Kitchen Bar & Market, Little the event, access to private lounges Greek, Ocean Prime and Yummy and more are just $125 before March House China Bistro to name a few. 31; after they are $150. A number of microbreweries includFor more information and to puring Ulele Spring Brewery, Two Henry’s Brewing Co. and Cigar City Brewing will chase tickets, please call 229-STAR (7827). You can visit the Straz Center also be on hand. Ticket Office or go online at www.strazWhat is an evening of food and center.org. drink without music? You can enjoy

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Page 22

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Bloomingdale Cheer Turns Trouble Into Triumph During State Final Appearance

By Tamas Mondovics

and unable to continue. That was trouble. The decision to stop the routine was made by Groat and assistant coaches Shelly Teal and Taylor Hill. Under the direction of the talented coaching team, the girls regained composure, regrouped, reworked the routine, and poured their hearts and souls into the performance, which led to the squad earning fourth place in Members of the Bloomingdale High School the 2A Medium Varsity competition team turned in a strong performance Division. during the 2016 Florida High School Competitive That was triumph. Cheerleading State Championships. “Knowing they had done “To be a Bloomingdale High School their best, the girls went to the awards Cheerleader is to be part of something ceremony with their heads held high,” special,” said first year program Head Groat said. “When they learned they had Coach Michelle Groat, whose words placed fourth in this division, the team proved true this season. went crazy.” A strong performance at the FSHAA The last time BSHS Cheer perCompetitive Cheer Regional Competition formed at the state finals was in 2011 earlier this year paved the way for the when the squad won Championship title. Bloomingdale squad to take its routine to the 2016 Florida High School Competitive The current season was to be a rebuildCheerleading State Championships finals ing year for the team lead by Team hosted by the Florida High School Athletic Captain Julianne Isabel, who has maintained a positive presence encouraging Association (FHSAA). her teammates to push through and fight According to Groat, the team’s goal for their stunts. going into the semi-finals was simple: “I really wanted to have a good senadvance to finals. As the last words to her ior year with cheer,” Isabel said. “I’m just team before they headed up the stairs to the platform, Groat said, “We are compet- so proud of everyone.” “It has been such a pleasure to ing against 11 teams and only three will watch the girls grow as individuals and as move on to finals…you have a job to do. a team,” Groat said. “I can’t wait to see Go out there and have fun.” what next year holds.” And, that is just what the girls did. For more information about local Unfortunately, during the finals performance, one team member was injured schools athletics, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.

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Volume 15, Issue 4

6th Annual Crawfish Festival Returns To Winthrop By Lisa Jordan past six years. “The annual Crawfish festival is an event we look forward to as a family. It's a great event, with amazing food, music and fun for a good cause and we wouldn't miss it,” she said. Friends of Hillsborough County Animals Services will have pets available for adoption. Charity shredding by Shred360 will start at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased online. Reservations are requested before Thursday, April Photo courtesy Huth & Booth Photography 10 to guarantee a The 6th Annual Crawfish Festival will take place Saturday, April 16. Crawfish Meal available for you and The Rotary Club of FishHawkyour family on the Riverview is excited to announce day of the event. the 6th Annual Crawfish Festival, The meal will which will be held on Saturday, April 16 include about 2-3 lbs. of from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Winthrop Park crawfish with the fixings area in Winthrop at 11349 Bloomingdale (corn and potatoes). The Ave. in Riverview (behind Ciccio Cali Rotary has sold out in all Brandon). All proceeds are donated to previous years so prelocal charities and scholarship funds. ordering is your best option. There will be entertainment and free Other food items and beverages will be activities for the children. Admission is for purchase at the event. Free available free to this event. hotdogs will be given away to children The Rotary Club will be picking up that bring nonperishable food donations. over 2,000 lbs. of Louisiana crawfish and There are many ways the community cooking will be overseen by expert chef, can help make this event a success Michael Broussard. Additional authentic including sponsorship, volunteering, Creole and Cajun food will be provided by donations, selling tickets and more. To be the title sponsor, Roux Creole Nouvelle. a vendor, contact the Rotary. For more Brandon Regional Hospital is another information or to purchase tickets, visit Title Sponsor for the Crawfish Festival. www.FishhawkRiverviewRotary.org/event/ Additional sponsors include Stingray crawfish-festival/ or check it out on Chevrolet and Money Mailer of Eastern Facebook at Hillsborough County. www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofFishHa Marie Gilmore has attended the wkRiverview/. Crawfish Festival many times over the

April 2016

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Page 23

Page 24

Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

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See Inside For More News Section 2 of 3 April 2016

Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/FishHawk

www.ospreyobserver.com

Vail Valley Tours Offers Exclusive Snowmobiling Memories

By Marie Gilmore

On a recent couples trip to Vail, Colorado—thanks to a conference that afforded us a room in the heart of the village for two weeks in February—we really wanted to take full advantage of the pristine powder snow and the gorgeous terrain. Of course, the 195 runs on the ski hill were calling but with a short weekend trip and a fear of breaking a bone or two after 15 years off the ski trails, we decided to opt for a snowmobiling tour instead. This is when we discovered Vail Valley Tours, a family-owned snowmobile tour company located right in the heart of Vail. Vail Valley Tours offers two-hour Adventure Tours and three-hour Lunch Tours seven days a week. Tours include shuttle service to and from most area hotels, professional back-country guide, safety training, hot beverage and snack and a DOT approved helmet. In addition, at check-in riders are outfitted with boots and snow pants as needed. Riders must bring goggles, gloves, jackets and any other cold weather gear. Once we arrived and geared up, our three-hour Lunch Tour group of six was led outside by our guide Beau Mills. Beau grew up in Boulder, Colorado and has spent most of his life outdoors. He is a snowmobile guide in the winter and does ATV and rafting tours in the summer. His passion for the outdoors, his respect for the craft and his knowledge of the area and the snowmobile was evident after just a few minutes.

The Gilmore and Melendez Families of Lithia take a snowmobile tour in Vail, Colorado with Vail Valley Tours.

“Our tours are family friendly as well as provide an adrenaline rush for our thrill-seeking guests and consist of groomed trails, single track through the beautiful White River National Forest, and open meadows,” described Owner Morgan MacKaben. “We welcome you to jump on one of our Arctic Cat snowmobiles and enjoy miles of freshly groomed trails that wind through the backcountry with spectacular alpine views.”

To start the tour, Mills teaches the basics, how to start, how to stop and how to caravan through the mountains on the snowmobiles as a group. We started out on groomed forestry roads with views of the Gore Range and the Holy Cross Wilderness and made our way up to a meadow where Mills gave us a little time to open up and have a little freedom. We continued up into the National Forest and stopped for some views and some deep powder runs. In typical style, I had to be the only one who actually tipped my snowmobile. Mills was calm, cool and collected after I got a little too close to the soft powder under a tree and tipped my craft onto its side. He got a little assistance from the husbands and had us back on our way in minutes. One of the other guests on the tour was also from Florida. Haden

Stoneburner, 23, a recent University of Florida graduate on a break after graduation was visiting a friend working in Vail and made his way onto the tour. “I’m about to head home and start to look for a job,” said Stoneburner. “I’ve never really spent much time in the snow and this was the perfect tour; it gave me everything I wanted from a trip to Colorado.” The other guest on the tour, Patti Evans, came snowmobiling while her husband hit the ski slopes. “This is my first time in Vail and there is absolutely nothing on earth like the Rocky Mountains. This is the perfect tour.” Part of the reason our group selected Vail Valley Tours was because they have a Yurt-a round tent shelter typically covered in skins in the middle of the National Forest, which is the spot for lunch. After a couple hours of riding, we stopped at the Yurt complete with tables, chairs, bathrooms, a wood-burning cast-iron stove, and a hot lunch including lasagna, garlic bread, hot cocoa and fresh-baked cookies. The tour and lunch were exactly what we were looking for to immerse in the natural beauty of the area and get away from the bustle of the village. We can’t say enough about this tour other than we hope to go back next year and do it again! Vail Valley Tours is the only tour company that holds a special use permit by the White River National Forest. Children must be age 6 to ride and can drive at 15/16 with a valid permit. For more information, visit www.vailvalleytours.com or call 1-970-476-7749.

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Upcoming Taste Of Brandon Changes Locations, Seeking Vendors

By Renee Hobbs

Homemade Banana Pudding Though the history of bananas in the United States and Europe is relatively recent, bananas have been a vital source of food calories for humans throughout most of history. The origins of the banana are as complex and convoluted as the nature of the banana’s taxonomic origins themselves. Archeologists have focused on the Kuk valley of New Guinea around 8,000 BCE (Before Common Era) as the area where humans first domesticated the banana. Today, bananas are both a major staple in the global tropical zone as well as an important cash crop and significant fruit varietal available for American and European consumption. They are the fourth most important crop worldwide for developing countries, where they provide an important starch source, especially in Africa and Asia. The banana, also known as a plantain, is a giant herbaceous plant native to the South Pacific. The plant itself has a rather confusing taxonomical hierarchy. In general, “banana” is the name given to those plants that produce a sweeter form of fruit, one that is often consumed uncooked, such as the “desert bananas” that make up most of the fruits consumed in the United States or in Europe. In contrast, the “plantain” often refers to a starchier fruits that are often cooked before eating. Plantains form the bulk of the bananas that are consumed as staple crops.

Ingredients & Directions 1 cup powdered sugar 12 oz. Cool Whip 5 or 6 bananas 1 large package instant vanilla pudding 3 cups milk

1 cup regular flour 2 tbs. sugar 1/2 cup margarine or butter 1/2 cup pecans 1 package of cream cheese 8 oz.

1. Mix 1 cup flour, 2 tbs. of sugar, 1/2 cup of softened margarine and 1/4 cup of coarsely ground pecans. Make into a bottom crust in a 13 X 9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Let cool. 2. Mix together 8 oz. softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar and half of the 12 oz. Cool Whip. Spread on top of the baked crust. 3. Slice the bananas and place on top of the cream cheese mixture. 4. Mix large package of instant vanilla pudding with 3 cups of milk. Pour over the bananas and let set until ready to serve. Before serving, top with the remaining Cool Whip and 1/4 cup of coarsely ground pecans.

This year’s Taste of Brandon is a day filled with food, fun and festivities on Saturday, April 30.

Restaurants, caterers and bakeries, oh my. It’s all at this year’s The Taste of Brandon on Saturday, April 30. “We are very excited about this year’s event,” said Denise Pare, director of events for the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce (GBCC). The event is in a new location this year, making its home at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover. Pare said the spot was changed from last year’s venue to this one because, “We needed more room to expand.” Guests will be able to taste menu samples from 12 Noon-5 pm from Brandon area restaurants, and there will be a “Best of” competition where attendees can vote for their favorite tasting. There will also be arts, live music, crafts, retail vendors and “a large children’s play

area with free activities,” said Pare. GBCC puts on this annual event and Pare said, “We are trying to create a family friendly event with things to do for all ages. We want everyone to attend so we try to keep the costs low for those coming to the event.” General admission tickets are $15 and include food. Back by popular demand, VIP tickets are on sale for $25, which includes food and a beer and wine tasting from local wine distributors and breweries. Children ages 3-11 are $5 and if they are under the age of 3, they get in free. Pare said GBCC is targeting all different kinds of food vendors, including BarB-Q, Latin cuisine and more. “You name it, we’re interested,” laughed Pare. Local restaurateurs who want to participate still have time to register. The deadline is Friday, April 22. To participate in all the festivities at this year’s Taste of Brandon, visit the event at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover. Contact Pare at dpare@brandonchambor.com if you are have a restaurant and are interested in participating. For more information about The Taste of Brandon, call the Chamber at 689-1221 or visit brandonchamber.com.

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April 2016

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Sing Along With The Florida Orchestra In “Sing Out! Tampa Bay”

By Kelly Smith

If you think you sing tickets for ages 5-18 for great in the shower, just this and all Tampa Bay imagine how you’ll sound Times Masterworks conin the concert hall with The certs. Florida Orchestra. In April, And The Tony Music Director Michael Goes to … (Saturday Francis will lead TFO’s and Sunday, April 9-10 first-ever “Sing Out! Tampa with Saturday matiBay,” a sing-along concert nee): In this Raymond that also features a comJames Pops concert, munity chorus performing TFO’s very own Tony with the orchestra. Award winner Stuart “The beauty of a Malina teams up with singing event is that everyBroadway singers for body can participate,” said music from Funny Girl, Maestro Francis. “It is the The Music Man, Wicked, most natural form of musiLes Miserables, Mamma cal communication.” Mia and more. The debut event will The Firebird Suite Violinist Simone Porter makes (Friday-Sunday, April be 7 p.m. Tuesday, April her debut in April with The 26, at the Mahaffey 15-17): A concert with Florida Orchestra. Theater in St. Petersburg. two masterpieces: Admission is pay-what-you-can. Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3, A diverse group of about 250 singers “Strassburg” with TFO Concertmaster already has signed up to perform onstage Jeffrey Multer as soloist, and Stravinsky’s with the orchestra, but the entire audience powerful Firebird Suite (1919). will sing as well. The repertoire includes Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony classical works such as Handel’s (Friday-Sunday, April 29-May 1): Music Hallelujah Chorus and Beethoven’s Ode Director Michael Francis conducts the to Joy, as well as popular pieces such as symphony that changed all symphonies, Skyfall, You Raise Me Up, Amazing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.” Grace and much more. The Florida Orchestra Masterworks Highlights of other upcoming TFO and Pops tickets are $15, $30 and $45 at concerts: floridaorchestra.org or 727-892-3337 Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and 1-800-662-7286. The orchestra regu(Friday-Sunday, April 1-3): Stunning 19- larly performs at the Straz Center in year-old violinist Simone Porter makes Tampa, Mahaffey Theater in St. her TFO debut with Mendelssohn’s Violin Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Concerto. Ask about free Classical Kids Clearwater.

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April 2016

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

en’s m o W c i t Democraeting, Garage Club Mepring Concert Sale, S More… & Michelle Colesanti, d by m Compile preyobserver.co s o @ michelle

Moms Club Welcomes Members

Moms Club of Lithia-Bevis/Starling is open to all stay at home moms and dads that live in Starling or the Bevis school district. It offers playgroups, MNO and local support to all interested. Email momsclubbevis@yahoo.com for additional information.

behind some of your favorite superheroes' powers. Classic Superman Cartoons - check daily schedules - Get into the superhero spirit as MOSI shows the classic 1940's Superman cartoons. MOSI members can also join Member Date Night on Friday, April 15. For $30, couples get two tickets to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, popcorn to share, and free child care from MOSI's educators.

Spring Concert Schedule For Eastern Hillsborough Community Band

Audience and band member favorites will be performed by the Eastern Hillsborough Community Band (EHCB) during the band’s 2016 Spring Concert Series. The “The Band Remembers – Tampa Teacher Soars Like A Selections From Our Past” series Superhero On MOSI's Zip Line includes Tijuana Brass, Pirates of the Hillsborough County and Florida Caribbean and Star Wars. Teacher of the Year Diane McKee, Performance dates and locations are recently soared in from 50 ft. overhead on Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel MOSI's Sky Trail Zip Line. McKee at New Hope United, 115 Knights Ave. in received a Lifetime Brandon, Thursday, MOSI Membership to April 14 at 7 p.m. at honor her dedication the United Methodist to Florida's children. Church of Sun City McKee's heroic flight Center, 1210 Del Web took place just before Blvd. W. in Sun City MOSI's month-long Center, and Thursday, Superhero Festival May 5 at 7 p.m., began. The festival Strawberry Ridge continues until Crime Clubhouse, 3419 SR. Fighters 60 E. in Valrico. Diane McKee, last year’s Hillsborough Weekend, April A $5 suggested County and Florida Teacher of the 16 and 17, when donation at the door Year, was honored at MOSI with a police, fire, and EMS Lifetime Membership. at each location. workers get free Reservations are not admission to MOSI and all guests can required. Call 569-1771, see and touch real crime fighting vehicles email info@ehcb.org or and technology. visit www.ehcb.org. Other Superhero Festival events all included with MOSI admission: Democratic Women's Club SE Comic Book Swap - Saturday, March Hillsborough Meeting 26 - Buy, sell, or trade comics as stores Eleanor Saunders, executive director from across Tampa gather at MOSI. of ECHO, will speak at the Thursday, April Science of Superheroes - every day - 7 meeting of the Democratic Women’s Hands-on demonstrations, led by MOSI's Club of SE Hillsborough. Saunders’ presSTEAMpunks, show you the science

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entation topic is helping those in need “go life back on track, Dupere is running an beyond relief … towards achieving stabili- online fundraising campaign on ty.” The club will meet from 6- 7:30 p.m. in RedBasket.org, a free fundraising webthe McClean Room at the Bloomingdale site, in hopes of raising $20,000 to purRegional Library. Members and guests chase a medical alert service dog. are asked to bring a When Dupere toiletry item such as experiences one of toothpaste, shamher migraine poo, or deodorant to headaches the right donate to ECHO of side of her body Brandon. becomes temporarily The recently paralyzed. She sudformed club meets denly loses vision, the first Thursday of gets confused and is each month. unable to speak. The Democratic Women’s Club SE The She has visited Hillsborough is hosting a meeting Bloomingdale numerous doctors Thursday, April 7. Regional Public and specialists to try Library is located at 1906 Bloomingdale different solutions, but none have been Ave. in Valrico. Call 654-7464. successful. Looking for a way to gain some indeTop 10 Ways to Improve Hearing pendence and security, Dupere was introThis special open-house presentation duced to Little Angels Service Dogs, a non-profit organization based in San given by the Hearing Loss Association of Dupere was recently approved to Diego. America Tampa Chapter will highlight the receive a service dog from Little latest cutting edge treatments, technoloAngels. To support Dupere with a taxgies, programs and community initiatives deductible donation, that can help people with hearing loss to RedBasket.org/845. visit significantly improve their hearing. It will be presented on Tuesday, May 3 at 1 Upcoming Spring Concert; Singers p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. at the Sought For Summer Concert Season Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderberg Dr. in Brandon. “The Road Home,” a collage of uplifting, soulful and spiritual music, will be Jim Norman To Speak At Alafia presented on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 Republican Club Meeting p.m. at Eastside Baptist Church in Plant City. Under the direction of Claudia Liliana On Tuesday, April 26 at 6 p.m., the Bolaño Becerra, the Chorale will sing a Alafia Republican Club will feature guest selection of spirituals to include Mack speaker Jim Norman, candidate for Hillsborough County Commission, District Wilberg’s Peace Like a River; Deep River, Andrè Thomas’ Beautiful City and Dere’s 6, to speak about his candidacy. Also No Hidin’ Place by Alice Parker and speaking will be Stanley Gray, candidate Robert Shaw. for Hillsborough County School Board. For the Saturday, June 25 Americana The meeting will be held at Beef concert, the Chorale is looking for new O’Brady’s, located at 4330 Bell Shoals singers, especially in the Tenor/Bass secRd. in Valrico. tions. Rehearsals begin Monday, April 11 for the concert on Saturday, June 25. Fundraiser Started for Lithia Woman The registration fee is $30 per concert in Need of Service Dog season. Twenty-four-year-old Alyssa Dupere Eastside Baptist Church is located at of Lithia was pursuing her Master’s when 1318 E. Calhoun St. in Plant City. Tickets she was forced to leave school in the are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. middle of the semester due to debilitating Visit www.pccchorale.org for details. migraine headaches. Hoping to get her

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

ry, launched Women’s Connection is nondenominathe Shmurah tional and no membership is required, but Matzah initiaa reservation is requested by Monday, tive as part of April 4. Call 740-0098 for reservations or an effort to more information. create awareCompiled by Michelle Colesanti, michelle@ospreyobserver.com ness and pro- Concert At Bell Shoals Baptist Church mote obserFeature Harmonic Booth Brothers vance of the holiday. This year an estiCommunity Passover Seder: “Relive The Booth Brothers, who are known mated four million hand-baked Shmurah The Passover Exodus” for their harmony-drenched vocals and Matzahs will be distributed by the warm easy voices, are coming for an Few Jewish holidays evoke the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. In addition, exciting musical event on Friday, April same warm sentiments as Passover. millions of Passover guides in 17 lan22 at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, located Memories of family and friends gathered guages will educate people on the meanat 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. as the four cups of wine are poured, the ing and pracRonnie Booth, four questions asked and the Matzah Michael Booth, and served, all contribute to Passover’s popu- tices of the holiday. Paul Lancaster larity in the Jewish community. Bringing All Jews are make up this the warmth and tradition of this festival to welcome to join award-winning trio. the Brandon Community, Chabad of Their God-given talBrandon is inviting the Jewish community the community ent has garnered to participate in a community Seder to be seder, regardless of Jewish them numerous held on Friday, April 22. affiliation or awards including The seder will take participants background. Album of the Year, through the wondrous liberation of our Reservations Song of the Year, ancestors from Egyptian bondage, while can be made Trio of the Year, sharing the relevance and beauty of the online Favorite Artist of the age old festival in our modern lives. Year and many othIncluded in the seder will be a Handmade at www.jewishKatherine O’Neil, Hannah Grace Wiles and brandon. Austin Wiles of the St. Stephens Kings of ers. The Booth Shmurah Matzah from Israel, fine kosher Columbus Council 14084 recently competed in Brothers have a com/rsvp or by wines and a full gourmet dinner. the Florida State Kinghts of Columbus Free calling 571unique ability to “Passover is not simply a celebration Throw Championship. communicate of the historic liberation of an ancient peo- 8100. through song and humor. They appreciple,” said Rabbi Mendel Rubashkin, April Luncheon Will Discuss Support ate the opportunity to meet their friends director, Chabad of Brandon. “Passover Of Lifepath Thrift Store and fans through their appearances on is about our own personal liberation – The April Brandon Christian the Bill Gaither Homecoming tours and physically, emotionally and spiritually. Women’s Connection luncheon, “A clean their own touring schedule. This concert Passover inspires us to break free from will begin at 7 p.m. For more information the shackles restraining us from reaching sweep of life’s treasures,” will show how to support Lifepath Thrift Store. The or tickets, visit new heights - in our lives, relationships luncheon will take place at Bell Shoals www.stephenrummage.com or call 689and connection with G-d.” Baptist Church’s Special Event Center, 4229, ext. 268. Chabad's community seder is part of located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in a global Passover campaign that began Brandon on Monday, April 11 from 11 Annual Basketball Free Throw in 1954, when the Rebbe, Rabbi a.m.-1 p.m. The cost is $15. First time Contest Menachem M. Schneerson, considered the most influential rabbi in modern histo- guests pay $10. The Brandon Christian With March Madness in the air, there

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is no greater way to celebrate this magical month of basketball than the Florida State Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship. The St. Stephens Knights of Columbus Council 14084 watched as three of their very own shot their way into the championships held in Clermont on Saturday, March 5. Katherine O’Neil, Hannah Grace Wiles, and Austin Wiles competed in the 13, 11, and 9-year-old divisions. Each of them first shot their way into the event at their local, district, and regional competitions for the chance to be among Florida’s top shooters at state. A huge thank you goes out to the council for not only providing the opportunity for these students to participate, but for being their cheerleaders at each and every level of the competition. The parents and contestants were elated to see familiar faces of the Knights rooting them on all the way to the end. Christian Galvan was at every stage of the competitors journey’s to State and to have our very own Grand Knight Mark Lovejoy at the Championship as well brought smiles to all the kids’ faces from St. Stephen. Each competitor was given 25 shots and the top three scorers were then selected from each age group based on the number of shots made. O’Neil sunk a consecutive four in a row to end her round with 12 shots to then fight her way through a five shot playoff round to place third in Florida in the 13-year-old division. Hannah Grace faced a similar situation as she and three girls sunk 12 free throws and then went to a five shot playoff to determine the winning order. She was blessed to receive second in the 11year-old division. Austin was able to edge out his competition by one shot with 13 free throws in the regular shoot off to win first in the 9-year-old division.

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April 2016

Page 31

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Local Boy Scout Troop Reports Record Sales For Annual Fundraiser

Painting From The Heart Seeks Single Mom To Receive Exterior Home Makeover

“The idea for this fundraiser sprang from a desire to interact and serve our local community and raise funds to pay for the scout’s summer camp, replace aging equipment and help the scouts pay their dues,” said Hernandez. The month of February was the perBoy Scout Troop 632 in Lithia recently delivered over 9,700 fect opportunity to bags of mulch as part of their annual fundraiser. launch this fundraiser with many local homeBoy Scout Troop 632 in Lithia recentowners looking to refresh their mulch ly completed its annual spring fundraiser beds for spring. in which more than 9,700 bags of mulch “We found a way to allow the boys to were sold and delivered to homes in provide a service, learn the value of hard FishHawk, Brandon, Valrico and Plant work and to interact with the local comCity. munity. And hard work it was,” Hernandez FishHawk Fellowship Church is the added. troop’s sponsor and the boys meet at the Six flatbed semi-trucks dropped off church weekly to work on life skills edu131 seven-foot tall pallets at FishHawk cation, leadership development, citizenFellowship Church on Friday, February ship, and values training. The scouts 26. During that weekend, the scouts and range in age from 10-and-a-half to 17their family members delivered the more years-old. Scouting serves an important than 9,700 bags of mulch to over 550 role to the young males in the community. homes. In the end, the scouts and their The mission of the Boy Scouts of families volunteered 730 man-hours that America is to prepare young people to weekend. make ethical and moral choices over their Thanks to the support of the local lifetimes by instilling in them the values of community, scouts from Troop 632 will the Scout Oath and Law. earned funds to help pay for their have Kristy Hernandez is the adult volunannual summer camp. This year the teer that has spearheaded the annual troop will be traveling to Camp Daniel mulch fundraiser effort, and each year it Boone in North Carolina. has been more successful than the last. For more information on joining a This is the third year with sales doubling local troop, visit www.scouting.org. last year and quadrupling the initial year.

teenage boys, lost her husband from a tragic heart attack and was finding it hard to keep up with the exterior of her home. Past Painting from the Heart recipients include, Brandon single mom Sharon Cooley, who adopted a son and two young siblings, The Ellis family of Riverview, whose father, Jason, is a wounded Iraq war veteran with five children and most recently, Lithia single mom Daniella Vetencourt whose oldest son has special Nominate a deserving single mom to receive an exterior home makeover. See entry form below. needs. “I am so thrilled with the Once again this year, Rob Silver, the house came out,” said Ramoska, way owner of Dynamic Painting USA, and the “I don’t have to be embarrassed about Osprey Observer have teamed together how it looks anymore. Painting From the to offer a Mother’s Day Painting From the Heart is the perfect name for your camHeart campaign. The campaign, intended paign, for your crew were all so wonderful to give an exterior home paint job to a and worked so hard.” single mom in the community, has been a Silver is also pleased with the parthuge success and Silver plans to continnership with the Osprey Observer and the ue the effort this upcoming Mother’s Day impact of the campaign and says that he by once again giving away an exterior is able to do it once again this year. home paint job. believe in giving back to the “We “I am a small business owner,” said community,” said Silver. “And there is no Silver. “But, if I can give back and make a better feeling than seeing an entire family huge impact for a local family and a local light up with the opportunity to pick a new mom for Mother’s Day, I am happy to do color.” house it.” To enter or nominate a single mom, Silver’s commitment to serving others email contest@ospreyobserver.com with began when he was a child, tagging a letter regarding the family and a photo along with his mom as she volunteered in of the exterior of the house by Thursday, the community. April 30 or contact Silver at Dynamic One of the past recipients of a free Painting at 689-9333 or visit www.dynamexterior paint job is Pam Ramoska. icpaintingusa.com. Ramoska, a single mom with two

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Page 32

Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Annual Saladino Tournament Dedicated To Celebration Of Host’s Life

By Tamas Mondovics

Honoring its longtime host, the 36th Annual Saladino Baseball Tournament was dedicated to a celebration of Bertha’s life, guided by her love of the game and community and fond memories. “This week was tough to get through, but we all know that this is what she wanted,” said Tony Saladino III, Bertha’s son, who has committed to continue the community tradition Steinbrenner Warriors senior pitcher Al Alberger pitches with the help of longagainst the Alonso Ravens during the first inning of the 36th time family friend and Annual Saladino Baseball Tournament hosted by Brandon High School. Bailey Elementary At first glance, this year’s annual School Principal, Russell Wallace. Saladino baseball tournament seemed Commenting on his dad’s absence very much like the previous 35 held at from the limelight this time, Tony emphaBrandon High School during spring sized that each game began with a break. The tournament championship moment of silence in memory of his mom final game between defending champiand said, “The loss is painful and the ons, Alonso Ravens, and the tournament came around a bit too soon Steinbrenner Warriors, led by program for dad to be present.” head coach John Crumbley looking to As for the 28 teams that took part in seal the team’s first Saladino champithis year’s contest, which has come down onship in school history, managed to fill to a battle between the Ravens and the the bleachers to capacity. Team and indiWarriors, all played each game with as vidual championship trophies along with much passion as it deserved. the usual baseball paraphernalia and The Ravens took a commending 4-0 tournament banners scattered all around lead right off the bat, giving fans the the grounds coupled by several members impression that the defending champions of the local media, reminding everyone will keep the trophy. However, Warrior’s present that the tournament is alive and coach Crumbley, who was only a game is as important to the community as ever. short of a historic career win, was hungry However, the absence of the engine for a personal victory and the Saladino that has both propelled the week-long title. tournament forward each year as well as In the seventh inning, things got celebrated the sport by making it festive intense as the Warriors managed to and a success over the past three-and-a- score the tying run sending the game into half decades, did not go unnoticed by three extra innings. anyone who has had a chance to taste its The game changer came in the tenth spirit. inning when the Warriors added two The tournament’s matriarch, Bertha more runs and won the 36th Annual Saladino, who passionately came to be Saladino Tournament 6-4 over Alonso. known as the event’s first lady, died less Crumbley also got his wish as he walked than two months short of the opening day away with his 700th career game win. ceremony, thus missing the chance to Summing up the emotionally charged welcome the young players, friends and event, Tony said, “She is still here with us family, back to what has become more and we are already talking about next like a family reunion, high school baseball year’s tournament and continuing the tratourney style. dition while keep mom’s memory alive.” Leaving behind her husband of 52 For more information about the years, Tony, and a large family, Bertha Saladino baseball tournament, visit suffered a heart attack before she died— www.tonysaladinobaseballtournament.co surrounded by friends and family. She m. was 84.

Bay Life Church’s Scrapbooking For Missions Event Seeks To Raise $3,000 By Bonnie Mentel

A scrapbooker creates her scrapbook page at Bay Life’s Scrapbooking For Missions.

Twice a year, a group of 30-50 people meet for a scrapbook weekend to benefit the mission trips at Bay Life Church. The first crop of the year will take place Friday, April 9 from 6:30-11 p.m., and Saturday, April 10 from 9 a.m.5 p.m. at Bay Life Church. “We’ve been doing this event for eight years and we contribute to missions trips which go everywhere from Africa to South America,” Database Coordinator and Crop Organizer Patty Fuller explained. She said that the event’s registration fee supports missions while also contributing to kid’s camps and youth department events. There are several mission trips offered throughout the year for both adults and youth. “The adult trips generally focus on working with orphans and education. One of the adult mission trips goes to Africa to work with pastors to give them biblical and pastoral teaching. Then they work with an orphanage there and an orphanage in Honduras,” she said. “The student trips encourage kids to take on leadership roles and teaches them how to serve others, and they work often in disadvantaged areas of towns.” The church youth minister domestically through Vacation Bible Schools, or help with hands-on projects such as construction work for a needy family in the area. They also paint houses, rebuild basketball courts, and help churches in older areas of towns that need reconstruction work, but don’t have the resources for repairs. The Scrapbooking for Missions event typically raises between $1,200 to $3,000 per weekend, depending on attendance. They’re expecting to sell out, which

means that $3,000 will be raised for missions. Attendees should bring their own scrapbook supplies to the church. Fuller says that the registration fee is tax deductible, and it includes a continental breakfast, home cooked lunch, drinks and snacks all day, plus scrapbook/crop space, swap table, goody bags and door prizes. There will also be “Make and Take” stations (for a nominal fee), a silent auction (including retired Stampin' Up! products), and raffle baskets valued between $150 and $300. “On Friday night, they can come for dinner, an ice cream sundae bar and their crop space for $25 until April 3. After that, it goes to $30. Or, they can do Saturday, which is when we do the silent auction, raffle baskets, and we do ‘Make and Takes,’ in which all the demonstrators of various companies come in and teach a specific project. They can spend 30-45 minutes making a specific project that the demonstrator has provided all the materials for; that’s only on Saturday. It’s $30 if you register early, or $35 if you register late. Or, you can do the bundle which is Friday and Saturday for $45 until April 3, and $55 after,” Fuller said. Sylvia Cuillo from Photos Organized will also be at the event on Saturday to scan photos onto CDs or thumb drives. She will scan stacks of 100 photos for a $5 donation to missions. Individuals interested in this service will need to bring their photos and a thumb drive. Participants should register online at www.baylife.org/scrapbooking. Note that a space is not reserved until it is paid in full. For further questions, email pfuller@baylife.org or call Communications Coordinator Johnna Gelfenstein at 661-3696 ext. 232. Bay Life Church is located at 1017 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. “It’s the best thing going. It’s the best scrapbook event in town. We have a home-cooked lunch and a continental breakfast on Saturday. We provide drinks and snacks all day,” Fuller said. “And chocolate.”

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April 2016

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

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WITH FLORIDA YARD EXPERT Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension site. This overwintering site generally has more than 100 million adult Monarchs and this year, we were told there were 150 million at this site. There have been several recent media articles about the plight of the Monarch butterflies and the best news is that it appears there has been a reverse in their decline. We witnessed one burst of butterPhoto courtesy Kerry Bennett flies leaving a cluster which was truly amazing. The In Florida, we have more than 180 Monarchs were landing on us and on the butterfly species that include 170 ground, which at this site was pretty flat. native/newly established species. We We could hear the movement of their have the highest number of butterflies wings, like leaves rustling in trees. east of the Mississippi River, which The second adventure was to Sierra means Florida is a perfect spot for butterChincua, 10,000 ft. elevation, and a more fly gardening. Butterflies are important isolated site. Frost was on the ground as because they are pollinators and provide we started our trek up the mountain. This natural pest control. My bucket list has was more physically challenging because included the migration of Monarch butterflies and I have successfully checked that the viewing area was at a significant slope. There were 130 million Monarchs â&#x20AC;&#x153;to doâ&#x20AC;? off my list. at this site. All viewing areas are roped off I vacationed in Mexico to view the so the general public must remain in speMonarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) cific areas and there are volunteers makprior to their leaving two mountain sites ing sure this happens. This Monarch for the United States and Canada. The experience surpassed my expectations. first Monarch site we visited was El next article will cover threats to My Rosario, located in the state of Monarch butterflies, what they need to Michoacan, in the mountains near survive and what we can do to make a Angangueo, approximately 100 miles difference by encouraging their presence west of Mexico City. El Rosario is the in our landscapes. most easily accessible Monarch viewing

Page 33

Page 34

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

PRESS

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Sports Connection 657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com

Flag Football Returns To Strong Spring Season Lineup By Tamas Mondovics the 2A-6 district lineup. As defending district champions, Bloomingdale is facing a tough run with area teams growing and building their programs season by season. Yet Bulls Head Coach Mike Lankford spoke highly of his team’s strengths and positively of another season success. “This is the most athletic team I have had in my five years with this program, and we are setting our goals high,” Lankford said. “We expect to win our district for the third year in a row, and make the state tournament for the first time ever.” Lankford emphasized that the season’s focus is on defense. “We have traditionally been very strong on defense, giving up less than five touchdowns in each of the last two years during the regular season,” he said, adding that on the other hand, offense, which returns Reaching high, a Newsome Lady Wolves wide receiver completes a pass under pressure seven starters, should be even more

high powered. “We expect to score a lot of points.” In her fourth season as the Newsome Lady Wolves Head Coach, Stephanie Utroska was also confident of a season success, pointing to a senior-strong varsity team lead by senior quarterback Emily Harrell. As for East Bay, led by Head Coach Mike Cooper, there really is no need for introductions. The program started out with one of the best records this year and is hoping to reclaim the district title it claimed five times since 2005. Of course, the beauty of flag football remains to be the fact that it is played by the girls not for a scholarship, but for the sheer love of the game and healthy competition, which truly intensifies during the district playoffs. For a complete schedule, visit www.floridahsfootball.com.

by the Durant Lady Cougars defense during a recent conference game. With a senior strong roster, the Lady Wolves have every reason to be confident of a season success.

It’s been more than a dozen years ago that flag football began making a foothold in Florida, allowing a growing number of local high school studentathletes to play the sport they love. While the gap of flag football teams that do not yet exist in the state is slowly closing, local teams such as those representing the FHSAA’s Class 2A District 6 division including Newsome, Bloomingdale, East Bay, Riverview, Durant, Plant City, Tampa Bay Tech and Strawberry Crest, are also growing stronger every season. According to the Florida High School football website, entering the 2016 season 265 schools are now on the state program roster representing an increase of nearly threefold since the sport’s modest beginning. Thanks to the increase, the FHSAA has reportedly implemented a second classification for flag football

in 2016 with 119 schools in Class 2A and 109 schools in Class 1A. Public schools in Miami-Dade County are also fielding the sport for the very first time. Close to 30 schools are also posting teams as independents. Based on the numbers reported by www.floridahsfootball.com, more than a third of the 67 counties in Florida now have at least one team sponsoring flag football. Winning two of its preseason games this year against Brandon (200) and St. Pete’s Northeast (22-6) respectively, the Bloomingdale Lady Bulls are one of those local teams that have started the season strong. Halfway through the 2016 season, local teams such as East Bay, Newsome and Bloomingdale are once again showing some real talent rightfully taking the top three spots within

Bloomingdale sophomore Olivia Correll gets a first down before she is stopped by the Alonso defense.

April 2016

Page 35

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Sports Connection FishHawk Nine-Year-Old Headed To BMX World Championship Story and Photos by Tamas Mondovics

for speed, the love of racing and the rush of adrenaline, which comes from soaring through the air on his bike, propelled by his own strength and physical stamina that sealed the deal of BMX for Kirchhoff. This was confirmed without any hesitation by his parents, Cody and Lisa Kirchhoff. “Kyle picked up BMX (bicycle motocross racing) as the choice of sport when he was just 7years-old and never looked back,” Cody said. It’s a good thing too, since not only did Kyle find the right sport for himself, he has quickly worked his way up the ranks to race with the best of the best in his age group. Thanks to hard work, commitment and dedication, as well as the support of his parents, the young BMX talent went from a newcomer cyclist (or novice as it is called within the BMX community) just two years ago to an expert today, which includes earning the qualification to repreFishHawk resident Kyle Kirchhoff, 9, proudly shows sent USA at the BMX World off his reward as the newest qualifying member of Championship in Medellin, the US BMX Team. Columbia this summer. Kyle’s qualification came as Nine-year-old FishHawk resident the result of racing against the countless Kyle Kirchhoff is one of those young athopponents within his age group, including letes who, like his peers, could have the three races at the nationals qualifying equally taken on and excelled in just about any sport. However it was the need event held in Oldsmar on the weekend of

February 19-21, which took the top eight riders. Placing second during the race, Kyle had no problem securing his spot to represent his community, state and country in a few months. “It is neat to see our son succeed in a sport so different from what we did,” Cody said. “Kyle had to personally work at this, pushing himself from one race to another across the country.” Besides his parent’s support, Kyle is also fortunate to have a training facility within minutes from his home at the USA Official BMX training and race facility that opened in 2010. As one of more than 370 BMX tracks located all around the coun-

try, the USA BMX Riverview, located at 12705 Balm-Boyette Rd., is a non-profit facility sanctioned by USA BMX and the American Bicycle Association. The 1,080-ft.-long track sits on 58 acres of county leased property and has earned the recognition as one of the hardest and fastest in the state, offering steep backsides, deep turns, and downhill sections. USA BMX Riverview is run by volunteers, and at a cost of $5 per practice is open on Thursday nights from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday from 9-11 a.m. For more information about full membership, cost, race details, bike and gear, visit the track or www.usabmx.com.

Young BMX riders show off some skill at the USA BMX Riverview.

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

April 2016

Page 37

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Law Offices Of George Brezina Jr. P.A. Celebrates 25 Years In The Community

By Tatiana Ortiz

The Law because of the Offices of George growing communiBrezina, Jr., P.A. ty. Brezina located in Brandon, expressed that he reached its 25th is blessed to have year of being in worked with the business. Personal people of Injury Attorney Hillsborough George R. Brezina, County. Jr. is the owner of Brezina attendthis firm. He is very ed Law School at thankful for all of the University of the support from Florida from 1986 his clients and prothrough 1989. In viding service to December of 1989, the community over Brezina earned the the years. Juris Doctor “The philosoLocal lawyer George Brezina Jr. has been Degree from the serving the community for 25 years. phy of this office is University of that we consider Florida. He was our client as our boss. They awarded the Certificate to are who we are responsible Practice Law through the to represent,” said Brezina. Supreme Court of Florida in Plaintiffs Personal Injury May of 1990. Brezina Claims is its primary focus, interned for an attorney in most of those cases being Gainesville who practiced auto related. The firm also Personal Injury. services individuals who In regards to a role have sustained injuries from dog model, Brezina mentioned Gregory bites, slip and fall injuries, assault and Peck from the movie To Kill a battery and any type of personal Mockingbird. injury. This is what the firm specifies “Peck’s character inspired me to in. Currently, there are six employees become a lawyer and it left a positive who work in the office; three of them impact in my life,” said Brezina. are attorneys. The office is located at 1218 Brezina chose this area to open Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. Hours of his office because there was a need operation are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.for attorneys to represent the injured 5 p.m. Call 870-0500 anytime after 5 parties. From a business standpoint, p.m. for after hours services or for this was an excellent decision information, visit accidentsareus.com.

If you have a question for the Bird Guy, his email is: Rich@RichsBackyardBirds.com Or stop by the store in the Erindale Plaza, 3642 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. . Or call 813-657-BIRD(2473) ...Or try telepathy (results vary)

Rich Crete is the owner of Rich’s Backyard Birds and has been a birder for over 30 years.

Hey Bird Guy! What is the proper colof ravens, but no. They assigned charm to finches. I think the crows and ravens lective noun for eagles? -M.M. of FishHawk should consider a class action lawsuit for Super fun question, M. Collective nouns are curious. Some seem to make sense, some seem forced, and some really make you scratch your head in wonderment. As far as eagles go, I’ve seen and heard several: gathering, convocation, congress and aerie. Which is correct, or can you just use the catch all collective noun, boatload? As best as I can tell, all are acceptable. Way back in the olden days (yes, even before I was around) writers utilized a technique called poetic license. With this technique they could often use words in ways they hadn’t been used before, or even make up words to help enhance their writing. Who was going to argue with them? They were the writers after all. If anyone would know, it would be them. Some of these creative words and descriptions stuck, many of them collective nouns. Some were humorous. Some were based on perceived or imagined characteristics. Some were simply used to add to the mood the writer was trying to create. A murder of crows, comes to mind, as does a conspiracy of ravens. What did these birds ever do to deserve such macabre descriptors? They could have just as easily called them a charm

slander. I wonder who came up with a piteousness of doves. Piteousness? Seriously? Heck, I didn’t know piteousness was a word. Maybe it isn’t. Generic collectives for birds are often used, like flock, flight, congregation, group or even covey. I think they are pushing it with volery or dissimulation. Sounds like someone was just trying to sound smart. Owls were always thought to be wise so they called a group a parliament. I bet they’d rethink that one these days. Your question has given me a fun idea. Let’s have a “Create Your Own Collective Noun” contest. Here are the rules: Let’s keep it to birds so I’m not getting ideas like “an idiocy of columnists” or “a poverty of bird seed sellers.” Email your collective bird nouns to Rich@RichsBackyardBirds.com and I’ll select my favorite based on creativity and cleverness (as opposed to piteousness). The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to, you guessed it, Rich’s Backyard Birds. It’s fun and easy once you get started: a clergy of cardinals, a formality of penguins, a funeral of vultures, a litter of catbirds, a pontification of godwits. What? Tough crowd. No, a bucket of chicken will not be the winner. Have fun!

Page 38

Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Photos and story by Tamas Mondovics

Pig-Kissing Event Raises $5,600 For Relay, YEA! Awards Accepting Nominations & More Kiss The Pig Event Supports FishHawk Creek Elementary Relay For Life Effort

FishHawk Creek Elementary School students, staff and parents gathered last month to celebrate a successful campaign to raise money for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Relay for Life. The effort included a Kiss the Pig event, which raised $5,600. The center of attention (the pig to be kissed) came from R&R Ranch in Lithia. All of the money is going to FishHawk Creek Relay for Life Team.

Nominate An Outstanding Young Hillsborough County Resident For The YEA! Awards

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners are now accepting nominations to recognize local student-leaders through the Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards). The YEA! Awards were created in 2010 to recognize Hillsborough County students for making a difference in their community. Students honored show initiative, innovation, and a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity demonstrated in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation, or other areas.

honored during a luncheon of the JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Convention in Los Angeles in April. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every day I get to help students tell their peers' stories that will actually be published in a keepsake that will be shown to children and grandchildren,â&#x20AC;? Clark said adding that in the process, her staff gets to learn life lessons: how to talk to people, how to present information, how to make decisions, how to meet deadlines and how to be part of a team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It feels validating to have this day-to-day process and my part in it recognized. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Members of FishHawk Creek Elementary School Relay for Life Team celebrate the success of raising money for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Relay for Life, including a Kiss the Pig event. empowering to know that the Journalism Nominations can now be submitted in May. The nomination form can be sub- Educator's Association sees value in the through 5 p.m. Monday, April 4, for both mitted online at opportunities I create for my students middle and high school students in each www.HillsboroughCounty.org/YEA, or and the products that result from that of the following categories: printed and mailed. process.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Leadership - demonstrating a posiNominations will be reviewed The Rising Star Award tive impact on others in an ongoing by the Commission on the honors scholastic student endeavor, such as sports, academics, or Status of Women. media advisers who have the arts. completed five or fewer â&#x20AC;˘ Success Despite Difficult Odds Journalism Teacher Among years in the profession. A overcoming tremendous personal difficulRising Star Award Winners total of 109 advisers have ty to attain success and to make a posibeen honored since the East Bay High School tive impact on others. awardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception, and teacher Ashley Clark was one â&#x20AC;˘ Volunteer or Community Service many have gone on to of 13 journalism teachers and allocating discretionary time to help othgreater involvement in local, media advisers to receive the ers or complete a project that has state and national scholasRising Star Award in 2016. East Bay High School improved our community. According to The Journalism journalism teacher Ashley tic journalism organizations. Clark was one of 13 The YEA! Awards will be presented For more information, Education Association (JEA), Rising Star Award win- visit www.jea.org. by the Board of County Commissioners this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winners will be ners in 2016.

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Women’s Army Corps Member Remembers Service

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Jill Andrews has had many imporVeteran’s History Project for the Library tant roles during her life. She currently of Congress. “It was really nice to make serves as the Senior me stop and think Solutions Expert at about my military Superior Residences service,” she in Brandon but once shared. upon a time she She rememserved our country as bers being ostraone of the last of the cized at the time, Women’s Army not only for being a Corps (WAC). woman in the miliThe Women’s tary, but because it Army Corps was a was at the end of volunteer program the Vietnam War created out of necesand “joining the milisity during World War tary wasn’t the thing II as a way to free up to do.” male soldiers for After serving combat. These stateside and in women served as Germany in the additional resources hospital food servin noncombatant ice as a dietician, roles. The role of the Andrews stayed in Jill Andrews is grateful for her years in WAC evolved over the food service the military which led to her rich career the next several industry upon with assisted living facilities like Superior Residences. decades, eventually return to civilian life. being disbanded in She worked as an 1978 when female units were fully inteexecutive chef at a restaurant in Destin grated with male units. before being asked to help manage In 1975 Andrews was in the first food service at a retirement home. group of women sent to Fort Jackson She says she wouldn’t be where for basic training. “We really blazed the she was today if her work in food servtrail in having women on a base that ice hadn’t led her to the retirement busiwas normally all men for Basic Training. ness and eventually to assisted living. This was when they were first integrat“This is my love, my passion – working ing men and women with the same with those with dementia and teaching standards,” she said. the world about what it is.” Andrews admits that she hadn’t Andrews is proud to have her story thought much about her military service be recorded permanently in our counover the last several decades until she try’s history and to this day she still lives recently recorded her story for the her motto “Inspire and Serve”.

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Page 40

Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Southern Eye Care Associates Celebrate Fifth Anniversary In Valrico

AJ’s Fine Wines & Liquor 3443 Lithia Pinecrest Road

B We

rin g

Life

By Libby Hopkins

Baccalaureate program at King High school in Tampa. She then attended the University of Florida and graduated with Cum Laude and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Zoology. She received her Doctor of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University where she was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society. Since 2010, Southern Eye Care Associates has been the leader and preferred provider of quality vision Branning Hollis and Mona Kardani are care products and personalized optometrist and co-owners of Southern Eye optometric services to their patients Care Associates in Valrico. in Valrico and the surrounding Southern Eye Care Associates has areas. Its mission is to provide the best been a part of the Valrico community for eye care services possible. Its doctors five years and recently celebrated its five use only the most advanced, state-of-theyear anniversary this past March. art diagnostic technology and eye care “We opened Southern Eye Care products available. “We address people’s Associates after seeing a need for quality concerns about their vision as well as eye care in the Lithia and FishHawk com- their general health,” said Kardani. “We munities,” said Mona Kardani, co-owner also have a new piece of equipment, a and optometrist at Southern Eye Care topographer, which maps the surface of Associates. “We opened in 2010 and the cornea. Not only does it assist in the recently had our five year business diagnosis and treatment of a number of anniversary as well as our five year wedcorneal conditions but it also aids in the ding anniversary.” fitting of specialty contact lenses.” Optometrist Branning Hollis is Keeping things local is very important Kardani’s husband and co-owner of the to Hollis and Kardani. “Our business is eye care business. Hollis is originally from completely dependent on the local comColumbus, Georgia where he received munity,” Kardani said. “Most of our his Bachelor’s of Science degree in patients come from neighborhoods Biology at Columbus State University. He around us.” Southern Eye Care received his doctorate from Nova Associates is also a member of the Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of where he was a member of the Beta Commerce. Visit www.visionsource-valriSigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society. co.com or call 654-0220. Southern Eye Kardani is a native of Tampa and Care Associates is located at 3307 Lithia graduated from the International Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

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Brumbach Team Markets Townhomes With A View In Apollo Beach By Michelle Caceres adorning the second floor and master suite and 5” baseboards throughout. “What really makes this property stand out are the breathtaking views of St. Pete and Tampa from each home’s rooftop deck,” said Brumbach. Brisa Del Mar residents will enjoy the community’s amenities, which include a privacy gate and Team Brumbach Realty Group has been selected as exclusive marketers of Apollo Beach’s upscale townhome a heated pool and spa to community Brisa Del Mar. relax in after a long day. Realtor Joel Brumbach knows real Located at 6542 U.S. Hwy. 41 N., estate and recognizes a unique commuadjacent to Apollo Beach Boulevard, the nity when he sees it. The coastal living community is within minutes of the beach community of Brisa Del Mar, located in park, the marina and world-class dining the rapidly developing neighborhood of options. Apollo Beach, is such a community. Team Brumbach Realty Group and “It’s a million-dollar community withCentury 21 Beggins Enterprises excluout the million-dollar price tag,” said sively market Brisa Del Mar. Brumbach. “We were selected to help the ownPriced between $309,990 and ers market this property because we $369,990, these Mediterranean-style have a keen sense of the real estate townhomes are spacious, with two floor industry in this area, have been a Top plan options with three or four bedrooms Real Estate Team in Tampa for more ranging from 2,800 to 3,200 sq. ft. than 20 years, and offer a marketing plan Built by Fuller Construction, these and budget unsurpassed by anyone,” thoughtfully constructed three-story plans said Brumbach. “We bring in clients from feature two-car garages, dens, bonus outside the community and sell them on rooms, kitchen and living areas, and all that Brisa Del Mar and Apollo Beach stairs or an elevator. An option for a sechas to offer.” ond master suite is available. For more information or to schedule Many features give this property the an appointment to see one of these stun“wow” factor, such as the granite counter- ning townhomes, call Brumbach at 760tops in the kitchen and baths, hardwood 7190 or email joelbrumbach@c21 and ceramic flooring, crown molding be.com. Visit www.TeamBrumbach.com.

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Page 41

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

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Page 42

Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

International Festival, Robotics And Engineering Camps & More…

from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Village Early Learning Center, located at 3741 Canoga Park Dr. in Brandon. Experience international food including food trucks for international flavors, crafts, and live cultural Compiled by Michelle Colesanti, entertainment. Performers michelle@ospreyobserver.com this year include Tampa Taiko Drummers, Bagpipes by Shane Twaddell, Team K Martial Arts, Bhangra Dancing by Aman Local Girl Wins World Title, Dhillon, Drama Kids, and The Village Upcoming Pageant Preliminary To Adventure Club. There will be henna tatTake Place too artists and origami craft tables. Admission is free, and the first 400 Sarah Lee Dunsmore, 13, competed in attendance will be given a children at the Worlds Official Our Little Miss keepsake passport that they can have Scholarship System and won the title of stamped as they travel from country to 2016 Worlds Official OLM Preteen. Her country inside and outside of the school. talent was tap dance, choreographed by Guests can view artifacts from the counSinead Comiskey at Judy's Dance tries represented by Village students and Academy in Valrico, where Sarah has The Village Family Foundation families. been a student for the last five years. will also provide a free book for each of Our Little Miss is a year-round first 100 families in attendance. the scholarship pageant Sponsors include system focusing on TrueBlue, a leading natural beauty. The provider of specialized system builds characworkforce solutions, and ter, self-esteem, leadMosaic Company. The ership and community Village Early Learning by providing an outlet Center invites any interthat gives recognition community national to beautiful and talmembers, organizaented girls, and tions, or groups that women of all ages wish to participate. Free throughout Florida. available. Visit parking Our Little Miss bit.ly/1UJFlhx. has two separate pageant seasons, Sarah Lee Dunsmore won the 2016 Free NAMI Family one beauty and one Worlds Official Our Little Miss Course In Brandon official. When competPreteen. ing in the official seaThe Hillsborough son (January-July), talent is included in County affiliate of the National Alliance the scoring for ages 7 and up. Beauty on Mental Illness (NAMI Hillsborough) is season (July-January) does not require offering a free course starting Thursday, talent and is scored based on natural April 7 from 6-8:30 p.m. for family membeauty and personality. All ages are wel- bers and caregivers of persons living come to compete and no previous pagwith mental illness. If you have a loved eant experience is necessary. one who has been diagnosed with a A pageant preliminary will be held in mental health issue like bipolar, schizothe area on Sunday, April 3 at the YMCA phrenia, anxiety, borderline personality Camp Christina, located at 9840 Balm or PTSD, this class is for you. Riverview Rd. in Riverview. Registration The NAMI Family to Family will begin at 1 p.m. and the prelim will course is designed to help participants begin at 1:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. understand and support individuals with For more information or to register, conmental illness while maintaining their tact lisa.floridasolm@gmail.com, visit own well-being. The class will meet once www.floridasolm.com, or visit the a week for 12 weeks and will be led by Facebook Event page at Florida’s Our NAMI-trained family members who have Little Miss Tampa. been there. The first class will take place at New Travel Around The World At 5th Hope United Methodist Church, located Annual International Festival at 121 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon. To sign up, send an email Visit more than 40 countries at the to support@namihillsborough.org or call 5th Annual Village Family Foundation International Festival on Saturday, April 2 273-8104 and leave a message. Seating

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The Bloomingdale High School sotfball and baseball games on March 22 were dedicated to breast cancer awareness.

is limited. For more information on NAMI Hillsborough resources, programs and support groups, visit www.namihillsborough.org.

Bloomingdale Games Dedicated To Cancer Awareness

The Bloomingdale High School softball and baseball teams dedicated their home games on March 22 to breast cancer awareness. They played a PINK game honoring and in memory of all those affected by the disease. The goal of these games was to bring more breast cancer awareness to the community by separating myths from facts and to raise funds to support continued research. Funds raised were donated to Moffitt. Bloomingdale High School is located at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. For more information, contact 695-4055.

Robotics And Engineering Camps For Middle And High School Students FLATE, the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center, a Tampa-based National Science Foundation Center of Excellence, is

hosting several robotics and engineering camps this summer for middle and high school students across Tampa Bay. Students can choose from various options to whet their appetite for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), with a special “Girls Only” camp to kick off the season. All camps will be held at Hillsborough Community College in Brandon. Cost for the intro and intermediate camp is $175 per week; cost for the high school engineering and technology camp is $200 a week. This year’s (Monday to Friday) schedule and list of camp offerings include: June 20-24: Girls Only - Introductory EV3 Robotics Camp for Middle School June 27-July 1: Introductory EV3 Robotics Camp for ALL Middle School students July 11-15: Intermediate EV3 Robotics Camp for ALL Middle School students July 25-29: Engineering Technology Camp for High School Students For more information, visit www.flate.org/projects/camps.html, and www.madeinflorida.org. Contact barger@fl-ate.org.

April 2016

Page 43

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Learn Music In Your Home With Local Traveling Instructor

By Andria Barrios

Chloe Caputo (above) is one of the many in her family taught by mobile music instructor Daniel Swartwood (right).

Daniel Swartwood, a local music instructor, offers private piano and keyboard lessons within the comfort of the homes of his students. As a teacher at various music schools for the past 25 years, this musician has a Master’s in composition and a Bachelor’s in performance. Swartwood, who’s also principle pianist and keyboardist at the First Baptist Church of Riverview, began playing the piano as a toddler and has played in churches since his preteen years. “I teach all levels; beginner, intermediate and advanced,” he explained. He also teaches many homeschool students. Swartwood teaches more than just traditional piano. He also instructs in electronic keyboard, as well as composition

and songwriting of many genres from movie soundtracks to praise and worship. He’s willing to teach all over Brandon, Valrico, Plant City, Riverview and FishHawk, and has competitive pricing, but the main thing Swartwood prides himself on is his diverse background, as he has played in every state barring Alaska and Hawaii. “I have a real world base that I can draw on every day, from my experience with Broadway and classical to pop and praise and worship bands,” said Swartwood. This instructor is also diverse in what he offers students. “If they like classical music, we focus on that, if they’d rather jazz or religious, we’ll do that. I teach the basics but I also use the student as a guide,” said Swartwood, who has been background checked to work with children. “Daniel has a very strong knowledge of music theory and uses current, innovative piano techniques in his teaching,” said student Carole Fluhart. Mother of a student, Kerrie Hoening said, “With such a hectic schedule, it’s helpful and convenient to have lessons at my home, rather than us squeezing in drive time.” “Sharing music is a great privilege and I’ve known from a young age that I wanted to teach,” Swartward, who is currently open to new students, said. To find out more or to schedule a lesson, call 841-4752 or visit www.mobilemusicinstructors.com or bit.ly/25nnHDX.

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Page 44

Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Women’s Personal Financial Goals Program, Job Fairs & More…

goals will be hosted by the Hillsborough County Extension Office in April. The twoday program

HCC Hosts April Job Fairs

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) will host job fairs during the month of April at the Brandon, Dale Mabry and Ybor City Campuses. The job fairs will provide job seekers with the chance to Compiled by Michelle Colesanti, michelle@ospreyobserver.com meet with prospective employers from a variety of industries in Hillsborough Brandon Regional Hospital Sponsors runs from 6:15-7:45 County such as governp.m. at the Children’s Seniors’ Fitness Classes ment, manufacturing, Board of Hillsborough retail and technology. Brandon Regional Hospital County, located at 1002 Job seekers are announces that its H2U is sponsoring a E. Palm Ave. in Tampa, encouraged to bring seniors’ fitness class on the following days: copies of their resume every Monday, Wednesday Monday, April 25 and and to dress in busiand Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Wednesday, April 27. ness attire. All events Oakfield Medical Plaza, Ste. 226, on the Topics will include are free of charge and campus of Brandon Regional Hospital, evaluating money deciopen to the public to located at 119 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. sions, goal setting, cash attend. Call 653-1065 or visit flow management, and Brandon Campus BrandonRegionalHospital.com. saving and investing. – Tuesday, April 5 from Seating is limited. The 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 10414 Brandon MS Support Group Meets cost is $10, and total E. Columbus Dr. in The Brandon MS Support Group Macy's recently supported the spouses and partners Tampa; Student meets the fourth Monday of each month Newsome March to Macy's for the are welcome to attend at Services Building, first marching band by holding a fashion from 7-9 p.m. at the Bloomingdale no additional registration show. Make-up artist Morgan Wilson For more info, call floor. Regional Library, Room 7, which is locatfrom Stacia Michaels Salon, located 259-6590 fee. No-shows and late ed at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. at 3448 Lithia Pincrest Rd., Ste. 26, cancellations will not Dale Mabry helped put the finishing touches on Contact 454-7585 or receive a registration the participants. Campus – Tuesday, BrandonMSsupportGroup@gmail.com. refund. Register online April 12 from 9:30 a.m.at bit.ly/1pJTFdx by Monday, April 18. 2 p.m. 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd. in County Extension Office Offers Refreshments will be provided. Persons Tampa., Dale Mabry Gymnasium. For Women & Money Program with disabilities requiring special accommore info, call 253-7309 An educational program designed to modations may contact 744-5519 at least Ybor City Campus – Monday, April explore issues unique to women and help five business days prior so proper consid18 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 2112 N. 15th St. in them achieve their personal financial eration may be given to your request. Tampa, Ybor Building, Ybor Room. For

more info, call 259-6096 Hillsborough Community College serves more than 46,000 students annually at five campuses and three centers throughout Hillsborough County. HCC is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

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Clay Shoot Benefits Durant Football

The Second Annual Durant Football Cougar Clay Shoot Out will be held on Saturday, April 30 at 9 a.m. to benefit the Durant Football Program. This event will include prizes and BBQ lunch. It will be held at FishHawk Sporting Clays. For more information, contact 917-2171.

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April 2016

Page 45

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

By NITISH S. RELE nitishrele@gmail.com

Your FishHawk Community Physician for Health & Beauty

LISA HART MONICA RIVERA, M.D.

STEADFAST TOYOTA CAMRY SEATS FIVE WITH EASE

After a major re-do inside out last year, the best-selling car in the United States continues as is in 2016. The 2.5liter inline-4 cylinder engine in the Toyota Camry develops 178 horsepower and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque, plenty to cruise on the highway or dodge traffic in the city (the other power train is a 3.5-liter V-6 cranking 268 hp and 248 pounds-feet of torque). The sedan is equipped with an effective 6-speed auto transmission and a sport-tuned suspension for nippy and attentive handling. It helps that engineers used sound-insulating materials to further reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels in an already-quiet ride. Projector-beam halogen headlights with black trim bezels flank a smoked chrome upper grille hosting the familiar Toyota emblem. Satin-chrome accents deck up the interior with its center stack,

custom-tuned JBL audio system, 4.2-inch TFT screen between the tachometer and speedometer, and a wireless charging system for select cellphones. Trunk space is a cool 15.4 cubic feet. Standard goodies include eightway power driver and four-way front-passenger seat, a/c, leather three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering column, 60/40 rear seat, two 12-volt power outlets and a 6.1inch touchscreen for navigation, audio and phone controls. Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag and front knee airbags are fitted at no extra charge along with sideimpact door beams, four-wheel antilock brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution with brake assist, vehicle stability and traction controls, rearview camera, front/rear crumple zones and tire pressure monitoring system. This bread-and-butter vehicle for and from Toyota is an agile, sporty and tidy ride that seats five with comfort. The Japanese carmaker’s reputation for durability and reliability can only help to keep the recently fine-tuned midsize sedan at the top for several years to come. Test-drive the Camry at Courtesy Toyota of Brandon at 9210 E. Adamo Dr. in Tampa. For more information, call 6398045.

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins

The Brandon Ballet To Perform Aladdin

For the closing Princess Jasmine will be production of the played by Brandon 2015-2016 season, Ballet’s own Myriam the Brandon Ballet will Frederick. perform an original According to Martin, production of the “This is a ballet the whole magical tale, Aladdin. family can enjoy. It is a This production will good opportunity to introtake place Saturday, duce a young generation April 30 at 7:30 p.m. to the art of dance and at the Spoto High classical music. This is a School Theatre locatperformance you will not ed at 8538 Eagle want to miss.” Attendees Palm Dr. in Riverview. will be able to take photos Octavio Martin, with the life size elephant the artistic director for The Brandon Ballet will perform an prop and some dancers original production of Aladdin featur- after the performance. the Brandon Ballet, ing company dancers performing created this version. The Brandon Ballet roles such as Harem Girls. Martin said, "I chose was founded in 1993. It is Aladdin because it is such a well-known a non-profit regional ballet company that tale, and there are not many versions of develops and promotes opportunities for the story being told through ballet. Most aspiring young dancers. In the case of people are familiar with the Walt Disney Aladdin, the Brandon Ballet is looking for version. Aladdin was adapted from one of student male actors as extras. Martin the tales in the book, One Thousand and said, “We are in need of these extras to One Nights (often referred to as Arabian help play roles such as guards, the Nights).” Martin added, “I am creating Sultan and slaves.” Martin added, “The characters for our dancers such as the more people in the community that are jewels (rubies, diamonds and emeralds involved in the show, the better this prowill come to life) in the cave of wonders, duction can be.” and a snake charmer with his cobra Tickets for this production are $25 (which is presented as a pas de deux). for adults, $15 for children 12 and under We are making over 50 handmade origiand $20 for seniors. nal props including a giant snake and a For more information on the Brandon life sized elephant.” Ballet, visit www.brandonballet.org or call The character of Aladdin will be 684-4282. To purchase tickets to Aladdin, played by Guest Dancer, Roberto Vega. visit www.tututix.com/brandonballet.

Brandon Ballet Announces 2016 Richard Munro Scholarship Winner The 2016 winner been accepted during of the Richard Munro the year in which the scholarship is awardMemorial Scholarship ed. from the Brandon “Brandon Ballet is Ballet is 15-year-old, fortunate in having Alexis Griner, a home truly dedicated schooled student. dancers in our ballet Griner is dancing as company,” said Paige a Pre-Professional in Kolm, president of the the day program at Board of Directors for the Brandon Ballet. the Brandon Ballet. She has been train“Our Artistic Director, ing in dance for the Octavio Martin and last four years. Griner has participatPhoto courtesy Gianna Grace Photography Executive Director, Alexis Griner is the Brandon Ballet's Alice Holden Bock, ed the last two years in summer intensive 2016 Richard Munro Scholarship winner. possess true gifts for drawing out the very best efforts from our programs at the Brandon Ballet and the dancers. Alexis works very hard in her Joffrey Ballet. training and is quite single-minded in her The Richard Munro Scholarship was focus and goals. The Brandon Ballet is established to honor the late Richard charged with providing her with the highMunro who spent his life nurturing the art est quality of classical ballet training. of ballet as a ballet master and artistic Awards like the Richard Munro director and a ballet academy founder in Kentucky and Texas. He spent the last six Scholarship prove that we are on the right track.” years of his life teaching, coaching, The Brandon Ballet's summer choreographing and performing for the Intensive program is three weeks of Brandon Ballet. detailed ballet instruction with an emphaThe $500 scholarship is available to sis on Technique, Pointe Work, Pas de any dancer in the greater Brandon comDeux (certain levels only), Variations, munity who is classically trained in ballet Men’s classes, Character, Jazz, Modern, and between the ages of 13 and 18. The Flamenco and Conditioning for dancers. recipient may use the scholarship to offAdmission is by audition only. For more set the cost of any summer ballet inteninformation, visit www.brandonballet.org. sive program to which the recipient has

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Budget Blinds Opens Location In Riverview By Libby Hopkins

Jim and Elaine Trotter are the owners of Budget Blinds of Brandon, and recently opened a new location in Riverview.

Owning their own business has been always been a dream for Jim and Elaine Trotter of Tampa. The couple met while attending the University of North Carolina and has been married for 31 years. They have called Florida home for more than 14 years. “Jim worked in the corporate world for 20 years and we have lived in many cities, so when another transition was looming, we realized we did not want to leave the Tampa area,” Elaine said. “Owning a small business was always a dream of ours, so we took about a year of due diligence and found Budget Blinds to be a great fit for our goals and lifestyle.” They purchased Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa in October 2008. Locally, Budget Blinds has served over 12,000 customers in the greater Tampa area for over 20 years. “We wanted to invest in the local community by growing a team of dedicated employees who feel the way we do, which is to give great service at a great value, offer continued support and give

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

back to the community who supports us,” Elaine said. The couple donates locally to Habitat for Humanity, Metropolitan Ministries, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Prelude to a Cure for lung cancer research and in 2015 they partnered with Homes For Our Troops. “Budget Blinds Corporate and partners have pledged to give $1 million over three years in products and services to Homes For Our Troops,” Elaine said. “Jim and I also wanted to contribute since several of the Homes For Our Troops have been awarded in our area and a new home has been awarded and will be built in the coming year in Valrico. We started a campaign last year to contribute to Homes For Our Troops $1 for every window covered and we are so pleased to announce our team contributed $13,000 in 2015.” They are continuing the campaign in 2016 and cannot wait to see what they will be donating to the local area. The Trotter’s latest business venture is opening a new Budget Blinds location in Riverview. “We are excited for the new opportunity to service our East Hillsborough customers with a more convenient location to see our shutters, blinds and fabrics,” Elaine said. To learn more, visit www.budgetblinds.com/Brandon or call 445-7121. Budget Blinds is located at 10437 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview. Showroom hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Try Tobacco Free Florida AHEC Cessation Program To Successfully Quit Smoking

By Kathy L. Collins

to encourage prospective participants as they begin their journey to a tobacco-free lifestyle." McNaughton added, "We always encourage participants to explore all of Tobacco Free Florida's 3 Ways to Quit. Therefore, participants always have the opportunity to follow up with the Florida Quit Line to receive telephonic counseling and two additional weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), as available. Participants also have the opportunity to participate in AHEC in-person, group cessation sessions up to two times in a fiscal year in the event they relapse." Participants are educated on the health effects related to tobacco use and how beneficial The Tobacco Free Florida AHEC Cessation Program has a local office located at USF and staffed by (from quitting tobacco is and what to left) Staff Assistant Paul March, Systems Change Coordinator Brittany McNaughton, Assistant Director expect when quitting. The faciliMaureen Guthke and Program Director LaToya Clark. tator guides participants as they identify triggers and withdrawal If you have ever wanted to quit symptoms, and brainstorm ways to cope smoking but have found the process with them. daunting and difficult to do on your own, Anyone who has tried to quit smokthen you may want to give the Tobacco ing on their own knows how difficult it can Free Florida Area Health Education be. McNaughton said, "It can take up to Center (AHEC) Cessation Program a try. seven to 10 quit attempts to successfully Tobacco Free Florida AHEC quit. It is much easier with help, and Cessation Program offers two different group counseling can double the suctypes of cessation groups. The "Tools to cess rate of quitting tobacco. I often hear Quit" group is a two hour, one-time group that patches and lozenges did not work. where participants learn how to develop The truth is, many people are not aware a successful quit plan. The "Quit of the proper ways to use NRT. We teach Smoking Now" is a support group that participants how to use them. This promeets once a week for six weeks and vides the participant with the best chance covers a variety of topics that will help at kicking the habit, along with behavioral them quit successfully. All participants will changes." quit during the third session of this group. Tobacco Free Florida AHEC The "Tools to Quit" and "Quit Smoking Cessation Program is a statewide organiNow" group sessions both offer quit aids zation supported by 10 regional AHEC like free Nicotine Replacement Therapy centers and five AHEC program offices (NRT) patches, gum and lozenges when affiliated with the state’s five medical available and medically appropriate, to schools. The Florida AHEC Network prohelp participants become tobacco free. vides services to Floridians in all 67 According to Brittany McNaughton, counties. Locally, the University of South MHA, CTTS, CWWS, a Tobacco Florida AHEC Cessation Program is Cessation Specialist/Systems Change located within the Morsani College of Coordinator, "We enroll participants into a Medicine on USF’s main campus. course that is most convenient for them. There is no charge to participate as The pre-registration process helps our the program is fully funded by the Florida Tobacco Cessation Specialists determine Legislature through the Department of the prospective participant's level of Health. addiction, motivation to quit, and recomCessation programs are offered at mended dosage of Nicotine work-sites, hospitals, and clinics. To find Replacement Therapy (NRT). Basic motia cessation group near you, visit vational interviewing techniques are used www.ahectobacco.com or call 974-7889.

Sushi and Asian Cuisine Now Open 3452 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico (Located in the SteinMart Plaza)

813-65-SUSHI

Mon - Fri 11:30-2:30 & 5-9 | Sat 12-9 Sundays 12-8:30 (Serving lunch until 3 p.m.)

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

April 2016

Volume 15, Issue 4

Ph: 657-2418

InThis Section

Bloomingdale/FishHawk

PSYCHIATRY SERVICES.........................PG 52 LOCAL SUMMER CAMPS..............PGS 53‐60 A COUNTRY CAT HOUSE......................PG 61 JOB SEEKING HELP..............................PG 62 LARRY BAUER HANDYMAN..................PG 63

Carousel Kids Moves

Carousel Kids consignment shop has moved to 16727 FishHawk Blvd. (two doors down from previous location). It is taking larger boys and girls clothing sizes up to 18/20 and now carries dancewear and sports cleats. No appointment is necessary to drop off items. The new location offers more room to display baby items and toys. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and Sunday 12 Noon–3 p.m.

Rejuvenation Spa Holds Grand ReOpening Event

Gentle Yoga at the Market

Salon Essence, located in Plaza Bella on Bloomingdale recently hosted its ribbon cutting with the Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of Commerce. The full service salon offers hair styling, cuts, color, manicures, pedicures, waxing and more. Visit salonessencespa.com or call 681-2060 for an appointment.

Newland Communities Launches 55+ Community at FishHawk Ranch

FishHawk Ranch by Visit Rejuvenation Spa Newland at its new location on Communities Saturday, April 23 for the debuted Encore, grand re-opening celebraDavid Weekley tion. The event includes Homes’ first 55+ wine and food, raffle prizes community, at a and gifts from the spa’s grand opening product lines. Come for event in February free tours of the spa as and announced well as complimentary that 14 homes were sold of services from HydraFacial the initial 20 offered. and Pevonia as well as Encore at FishHawk massage, facial and Ranch is a new approach mani/pedi giveaways. Take in home design specifically advantage of huge disRejuvenation Spa is hosting a for buyers 55 years and grand re-opening event on counts on services booked older, and is the first ageSaturday, April 23. on the day of the event. qualified neighborhood Call 643-8266 or visit within the award-winning FishHawk www.RejuvenationSpaFL.com. Ranch community. Rejuvenation Spa is now located at 4373 Encore at FishHawk Ranch is a 20Lynx Paw Trail in Valrico. acre, neighborhood featuring 240 single

This evening class is designed to get you outdoors breathing fresh air. Yoga is a series of basic movements and stretch to help release tension, build strength and create balance. The class is for beginners and is taught by Jenna Clay from Lucky Cat Yoga. No experience necessary. Bring a yoga mat or blanket, wear comfortable clothes. Sessions are held on Thursdays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. through April 21 and cost is $5 per class. Sign up using Eventbrite or pay at the event. Classes are held at A Simpler Place Farm & Market at 1022 Carr Rd. in Riverview.

level homes. The 16 open concept floor plans are precisely designed to fit the needs of the active Boomer popValrico Learning Center Earns ulation. Prestigious Award The Oasis Club, the commuKids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of nity’s 5,000 Valrico recently sq.-ft. recreannounced it has ation center is earned the esteemed already open APPLE (Accredited for the excluProfessional sive use of Preschool Learning Encore resiEnvironment) accredidents. Featuring a tation for the eighth resort-style pool, state year in a row. APPLE of the art fitness center, is a national early Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of business center and learning program catering kitchen, home- Valrico which has a second location in accreditation given FishHawk, recently earned APPLE owners can also enjoy accreditation for the 8th year in a row. out by the Florida basketball courts, pickAssociation for Child le ball and a card room. Care Management. In Florida, APPLE is Homes at Encore at FishHawk will accepted as one of Florida’s Gold Seal range between 1,600 to 2,600-sq.-ft. and Quality programs. The Kids ‘R’ Kids will be priced from the high $200s to mid Learning Academy of Valrico is located at $3,000s. Visit www.fishhawkranch.com. 4321 Lynx Paw Trail. Visit krkvalrico.com

Continued on Next Page

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Business Column Continued............. or call 657-6200. A second location is located at 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. in Lithia.

Finds & ReDesigns Offers Local Treasures

Beth and Tony Chavez along with store manager, Robin Horton-Wagar, would like to announce the grand opening of Finds & ReDesigns. The shop showcases the talents and craftsmanship of local artisans. Many vendors will custom make items. Store hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 808-6621 or visit www.findsnredesigns.com. Finds & ReDesigns is located at 207 S. Parsons Ave. in Brandon.

By Sandra Meyer Great Clips Opens in Riverview

Great Clips offers top quality haircuts for the entire family with minimal waits. Owner Lea Orchard opened the area’s newest location in the Goolsby Point Shopping Plaza in Riverview. She recently had a ribbon cutting with the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce. The salon is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Great Clips is located at 11653 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. Call 677-6300.

Brownlee Real Estate TeamKeller Williams Hosts Ribbon Cutting

The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) made a Chai Yo Offers trip down to Thai Cuisine FishHawk in Chai Yo Thai January to celeCuisine offers fullbrate a new GRCC service modern member. With listFinds & ReDesigns showcases local vendors Thai cuisine and ings for thousands and artisans. seats up to 45. of homes in the Owners Topp East Tampa area, Keller Williams and the Saenngarm and Jennifer Dryer strive to Ken Brownlee Real Estate Team are infuse a celebratory, yet refined, spirit into ready to help you with your real estate the food that they prepare, the service needs. Call Andy to schedule a showing provided, and the atmosphere that they (614) 364-5509 or call the office at 413create for their guests. 4229. Drop in at 15268 FishHawk Blvd. The restaurant offers online orders or visit www.kenbrownlee.com. with delivery service through Doorstep Delivery. Visit chaiyothai.biz or call 671Julie's Walk-In Closet Expands to 6935. Chai Yo is located at 11695 Boyette Offer Home Decor, Couture Clothing Rd. in Riverview. Julie's Walk-In Closet, an upscale consignment boutique, has recently Unique New Homes Available at expanded its showroom at 720 W. Winthrop Village in Riverview Robertson St. in Brandon to offer home Winthrop Village takes what we love decor and couture clothing. The new from the past and blends it with today’s expansion adds approximately 1,500 sq. amenities with its Traditional ft. of extra retail space. Customers can Neighborhood Design.The cheerful now find occasional furniture, stemware, homes in this neighborhood are designed paintings and various home accessories. with beautiful architectural details and the For a limited time, Julie's is offering an high quality Taylor Morrison introductory sale of 20 is known for. percent off all home Choose from one- and decor items. Julie's fretwo-story homes in the quently features new Cottage and Traditional colarrivals on its Facebook lections, ranging from page at www.faceapproximately 1,927 to 2,327 sq. ft. and book.com/julieswalkincloset and mainfeatures flexible options for additional livtains its designer inventory at ing space. Call 685-0700 or visit the www.julieswalkincloset.com/designerSales Center at 11207 Winthrop Main St. items/. Contact 381-3846 or julieswalkinin Riverview. closet@tampabay.rr.com.

The Brownlee Team is part of the Keller Williams family and has been in the FishHawk neighborhood for two years.

Local Psychology Practice Wins 2016 Best of Brandon Award

Hammond Psychology & Associates, PA has been selected for the 2016 Best of Brandon Award in the Mental Health Practitioner Offices category by the Brandon Award Program. Hammond Psychology & Associates, PA is among a small group of companies that have won the Best of Brandon Award for two consecutive years. This distinction has qualified Hammond Psychology & Associates, PA for the 2016 Brandon Business Hall of Fame. Hammond Psychology & Associates, P.A. is located at 710 Oakfield Dr. Ste. 153 in Brandon. Call 654-0503 or visit www.Hammond Psychology.com.

Griffin & Associates, P.A. Welcomes Newest Team Member

for the entire family for all of the special days in your lives. The shop is located at 10615 Riverview Dr. behind the Riverview Sandwich Shop. Call 671-3456 or email vjohanson@ tampabay.rr.com.

IGS Upcoming Events

Intentional Growth Strategies is in the business of transforming the way professionals work by creating a community that hosts professional development events throughout each month in the Brandon, FishHawk, Valrico and Riverview areas. These events are designed to help professionals develop their skill set and become more involved with other like-minded entrepreneurs in the area. As the IGS community continues to grow, it will evolve into a shared co-working space that will serve as a trendy, comfortable and inspiring workspace and meeting area. Upcoming events include 9 Marketing Secrets for Small Business Tuesday, April 12, 12 Noon-1:30 p.m.; Deal Flow Sales Meeting, Wednesday, April 6 & 20, 12 Noon-1 p.m.; How to Create and Use Facebook ads, Thurdsay, April 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Personal Branding, April 21–May 24, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Visit www.igscommunity.com.

The law firm of Griffin & Associates, P.A. has hired Ryan Griffin, Esq. as an Associate Attorney in the firm. Griffin has followed in the footsteps of his mother, Eileen Griffin, who is the senior partner of the firm. Eileen has been practicing family law in the Brandon area for 30 years and has built one of the most respected firms in the Tampa Bay area. Ryan is a Brandon native who graduated Cum Laude from Florida State University College of Law after a standout soccer Ryan Griffin joins Griffin Designer and Name career at the University of & Associates, P.A. Brands For Sale At Tampa where he graduated Sidewalk Sale Magna Cum Laude. Ryan joins a wellrespected legal team consisting of A sidewalk sale will be held at Inna’s Attorneys Eileen Griffin, Mark Mann, and Alternations & Repair, located in the Ashley Sigrist and looks forward to repreBloomingdale Professional Center at senting clients in the Brandon area. 1548 Bloomingdale Ave. E. in Valrico on Saturday, April 2 and May 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Over 50 pieces of name-brand and Your Special Day: Bridal Prom designer clothing will be for sale. Come Tuxedo Service Now Open and check out shorts, pants, and dresses, Your Special Day: Bridal Prom including prom and homecoming dresses. Tuxedo in Riverview offers prom gowns, Call Inna at 651-4416. bridal gowns and tuxedos. You can shop

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Psychiatry Services Available At Holistic Medical Care Clinic

By Amy Schechter

conjunction with medication management. His philosophy is simple, yet profound: “I like to look at the person as a whole instead of just symptoms. This is the philosophy that my [colleagues] and I share. We like to look at the person holistically, not just using medicine, and treating them to really seek out the problems with complementary and alternative treatThe Holistic Medical Care Team includes Nataliya ments.” Examples of alternative Sia, Teri Reidt and Sunny Sia. treatments include hyperbaric oxygen therapy for children diagWhen one reflects on health, the nosed with autism and ADHD and cogniinterconnectedness of mind and body tive behavioral therapy to aid in coping along with social factors must come into with depression. play in order to paint a full picture of an With the addition of Sia, Holistic individual. This is the philosophy of Medical Care Clinic forms a triad to treat Holistic Medical Care Clinic of Apollo both the mind and body: Sunny Sia, a Beach, and it makes the addition of mental health practitioner; his wife, Sunny Sia, MBA, MSN, PMHNP-BC, a logical and needed compliment to the uni- Nataliya Sia, ARNP, a nurse practitioner and specialist in alternative medicine; and fied care already offered. After earning his MBA, Sia decided to Dr. George Rucker, the medical director, a urologist and general practitioner. Now pursue a career in psychiatry because of residents from Ruskin to Riverview to his passion for helping others. Now a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner, Sia Brandon have more choices in dealing with emotional and physical pain or sickreceived his Master’s of Science in ness. Sia and his colleagues want “to Nursing from the University of South heal by incorporating their backgrounds Alabama following conferment of his and experiences in enriching and helping Associate of Science from the Miami their patients live better and more fulfilling Dade College of Nursing. lives.” Originally from the Philippines, Sia From his experience at the James A. has been a longtime resident of Haley Hospital Department of Veterans Riverview, and he and his colleagues are Affairs, St. Joseph’s, and Gracepoint excited to offer these new services to the Behavior Health, Sia is well versed in community. Holistic Medical Care Clinic is psychiatric care and crisis management with both adults and children. He wants to located at 400 Frandorson Cir. #103 in Apollo Beach. Call 398-0470 or visit holisfocus on integrated solutions that take ticmedicalcare.net. into account therapy and counseling in

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Volume 15, Issue 4

PULL OUT SECTION

There is something about the summer that most of us look forward to. Those hot and humid days make us slow down. Without the hectic school schedules, what can you do to keep the kids entertained? Before you know it, the summer will be here and there are many local options to choose from. For kids, summer spells time to sleep in, no homework and maybe an upcoming family vacation. With long days that seem to drag on, think about signing your child up to learn a new skill, or to try something adventurous, learn to swim, or about places and cultures far away. The staff at the Osprey Observer has collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pull out section. Whether kids want to enjoy some olympics fun at Kids ‘R’ Kids Summer Games camp, or maybe learn to swim at the iconic Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center, home to Olympic swimmers and divers, there is plenty to do. Enjoy themed weeks that include Futuristic Fun, Fear Factor, Under the Big Top and other fun subjects. Kids can look forward to tons of field trips at Camp Primrose Summer Camp with explorations and fun including field trips every week to places like MOSI and the Ringling Museum or hiking at Lettuce Lake Park. Ostinger Baseball summer camps provide hands on training from professional baseball players. Or Hillsborough Community College offers camps for students interested in FLATE technology and more. At Happy Days Summer camp, your child will enjoy many field trips to fun places

such as the Florida Aquarium and Dinosaur World. My Gym in Brandon will keep your child entertained through movement, while A Child’s Haven will offer a mix of education along with great field trips. Maybe your kids would like to spend the summer “horsing around.” R&R Ranch offers just that opportunity, and not just to learn to horseback ride, but also about the care of the horses. Artist campers will enjoy projects at Art Monkey or Center Place camps, and a Christian curriculum is offered at The Peacock’s Plume. At Music Showcase, music and theatre take the stage and so can your child. Musicals such as Fiddler on the Roof and High School Musical will be offered, and your child can hold starring roles in these and other popular musicals offered from the Florida Academy of Performing Arts for children ages 5 and up. Patel Conservatory located at the STRAZ in Tampa offers budding young actors a chance to participate in dance, theater and music. Ages 1 to 10 Morning Glory campers will enjoy biweekly field trips, and The Learning Experience offers themed weeks. The local YMCA will offer many types of camps which mix Sign Up To fun along with great learning experiences. With choices of half or day! $88/ wk full day camps, there is something for everyone. For dates, prices and registration information on these and more, turn the page and enjoy this special section and have a great summer. Did we miss one? Let us know by e-mailing subject line “Summer Camp” to michelle@ospreyobserver.com and we will be sure to add to our full listing online. Weekly The mes & Theme Day

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Kids ‘R’ Kids Summer Games is an olympic themed camp this year.

Kids ‘R’ Kids Offers Global View of Rio 2016 Olympic Games Enroll your kids for Summer Games 2016 Camp at Kids R Kids. The all new Kids ‘R’ Kids Summer Games prove the ideal destination for 5 to 12 year old boys and girls. By providing a global view of Rio 2016 Olympic Games, campers will experience an interactive peek inside participating countries’ cultures, customs, cuisine and more. Add to that a unique twist on the games themselves, and campers

will experience 10 weeks designed to instill confidence, encourage teamwork and foster fun. After 30 years of providing unforgettable summer camp experiences for children, Kids ‘R’ Kids has found that whenever you combine physical activity, interactive learning and good old-fashioned fun – everybody wins. The cost is $155 per week (new families only) and includes field trips, meals and transportation.

Summer art workshops

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Valrico is located at 4321 Lynx Paw Tr. in Valrico. For more information on this location, call 657-6200. Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Circa/FishHawk is located at 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. in

NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER ART CAMP! POTTERY WHEEL REATE COME C S! WITH U CANVAS PAINTING SCULPTURE MOSAICS GLASS FUSING AND MORE!

WHO KNEW THAT ART COULD BE SO FUN?

ART JOURNALING ART MURAL BEGINNING PHOTOGRAPHY COMIC BOOK STORYBOARD CREATIVE 3-D MASKS CREATIVITY TO THE MAX CRUISE AROUND THE WORLD FAMILY POTTERY JUMP START TO ART KID'S CRAFTY CORNER This summer, bring your 7-16 year olds to Center Place Fine Arts to learn about PAPER SCULPTURES painting, drawing, pottery, modeling and more! PROJECT ROLE-MODEL Classes are offered Monday through Friday RECYCLED ART from 9:30 am-3:00 pm! SPACE ART

Center Place Fine Arts 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste B Brandon, FL 33511 813-685-8888 www.centerplacebrandon.org

Themed Weeks At BSAC Promise Creativity And Fun What should we do with the kids this summer? At Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center (BSAC) your child gets the state-park old-fashioned camp experience you had as a child, with some modern technology, like Wii Challenge Competitions, thrown in. The Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center has the most comprehensive summer camp in the greater Brandon area for ages 3 to 14. In addition, each child has the opportunity to experience all of the sports that you have come to expect at BSAC; swimming, tennis, diving and more. Each child has option to attend BSAC's Summer Camp per day or week. A Full Day Program is available from 7 a.m.-

Call or visit us online for camp details and registration:

(813) 315-9803

Located in Park Square - FishHawk Ranch

just 10 minutes from Brandon, Valrico, and Riverview!

WWW.ARTANDICECREAM.COM

Our instructors have 30 years combined professional playing and coaching experience.

Session 1 June 20-24 (M-F)

Session 2 July 11-15 (M-F)

Session 3 July 25-29 (M-F)

Location: FishHawk Sports Complex Space is Limited Age Group: 7 - 15 yrs Register Early Time: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm to hold your spot! Cost: $175/camper **(Second Child $125) **Multi week discounts

Daily Instruction • Games • Pitching/Catching Fundamentals Addressed • Drills For More Information:

Call 813.737.3000 or visit our website at www.OstingBaseball.com

6:30 p.m. for $145/week per child. Half day programs, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-6:30 p.m. are available from $85/week per child. There is a $35 daily charge per child for a one day drop-in fee. Advance notice required and also a $35 registration fee per child. Camp weeks run from Monday, June 8 through Friday, August 21. Visit bit.ly/1W6OcHz for more information on the weekly themes. Contact Youth Development Director Christie Lemar at clemar@mybsac.org or call member services at 689-0908 for more information on camps. Let Your Imagination Take Flight At Camp Primrose This summer, imagination takes flight at Summer Adventure Club at Primrose. Among exciting classroom activities, camp “Explorers” will be going on two field trips every week

to enjoy what the local community has to offer. These trips include a voyage aboard Captain Memo’s pirate ship, “cooking” at the California Pizza Kitchen, hiking at Lettuce Lake Park, an afternoon of Improv at the Florida Studio Theater, trips to MOSI and the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, and more. Even with all the fun, Primrose has many learning opportunities planned through its creative, handson curriculum, emphasizing literacy, science, and mathematics, while keeping young minds sharp this summer. Its experienced teachers are trained in education and safety. Summer Adventure Club is now accepting registrations for children aged 5 to 10. Visit the school at 1280 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico or call 438-5980 for more information.

camp day. Space is limited, so sign up today. Those paying in advance will have a guaranteed spot. Walk-ins are welcome if there is availability. For more information, call 5796872 or book online.

Kids Are On The Move At My Gym Summer Camp My Gym is offering Summer Camp for ages 3 through 13 years 11 months. During camp, children move and stay active throughout the program, and just like all My Gym classes and programs, no two days are ever the same. My Gym Camp was created to enhance physical development, promote social interaction, and bring about personal success. The cost for non-members is $31 per half-day (three hours). For members the cost is $29. Bulk discount options are available. All children must be potty-trained. Healthy snacks and all-natural juice will be served to all campers during each

Your Child’s Best Summer Ever At YMCA Camps At the YMCA, you kids will feel welcome and supported in their developmental journeys. This summer you are invited to enroll your kids in YMCA Summer Camps. The days will be full of educational adventures and exciting exploration. They will meet new lifelong friends along the way.

Continued on Next Page

of Performing Arts is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, call 490-2787 or visit faopa.org.

Summer camps run from Monday, June 13 through Friday, August 5. Camps start at $135 per week. Camp hours are from 9 a.m.4 p.m. with extended care from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. at no additional cost. For more detailed information or to register online, visit www.tampaymca.org. Patel Conservatory Offers Dance, Theater And Music Camps, Classes The Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory, located in downtown Tampa, offers nationally recognized intensives, camps and classes in the areas of dance, theater and music. Whether your child is skilled in the arts or wants to participate for the very first time, it offers a fun-filled summer for students of all ages and skill levels at our state-of-the-art facility. For more information, visit patel-

conservatory.org or call 222-1002. Music And Acting Fun At The Florida Academy of Performing Arts Summer Camp at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts will allow your child’s creativity to surface. They can choose from Music, Acting, Singing, Guitar and Drums. There will be field trips and more fun. Acting in musicals will also be offered: Knight at Dawn Kids, Fiddler on the Roof, High School Musical and HONK! Camp is for ages 5 and up and is available both for the full day or half day. There is free early drop-off and after camp pick-up. The Florida Academy

Themed Weekly Camps Offered At A Child’s Haven Now enrolling ages 1 to 10 for Camp Superkids at A Child’s Haven, which will take place from Monday, June 13 through Friday, August 5. There will be two weekly field trips for K5 through fifth grade. The cost is $115 a week for K5 through fifth grade and includes all field trips and activity fees. Healthy lunch and snacks provided along with fun academic summer studies, character building, arcade recreation room and activities. Pick your week or come all summer. A Child’s Haven is located at 1520 Brentwood Hills Blvd. in Valrico. For more information, call

684-1622 or visit achildshavenschool.com. Make Summer Days Happy Days At Happy Day Summer Camp Happy Day Summer Camp is for ages 1 to 10. There are weekly themes and theme days that include arts & crafts, friendship place, academic summer fun, music, sports & games, character & manners, ice cream social, pizza parties, bouncy house and giant slide along with outdoor water play. The cost is $88 per week for upcoming K5 to fifth grade campers. This includes all field trips and weekly activities such as bowling, skating, AMC Movies, state parks, MOSI, public library, Publix, Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo,

Ages 1 to 10 Weekly Themes & Theme Days

• Arts & Crafts • Friendship Play • Academic Summer Fun • Music • Sports & Games • Character & Manners • Ice Cream Social • Pizza Parties • Bouncy House & Giant Slide • Outdoor Water Play

Dinosaur World and more. Happy Day is open from Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m.6:30 p.m. and is located at 722 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 685-0028. Create Great Memories At Art Monkey’s Summer Art Camp Art Monkey is now enrolling for summer art camp. Your kids can enjoy creating on a pottery wheel, canvas painting, sculptures, mosaics, glass fusing and more. Camp classes are small so that each artist can receive individual attention. The camp counselors are experienced and great with kids. There are three age groups for camp: ages 4-6, 7-14 and an evening Teen Camp (only one) for ages 14-16. Art Monkey is located in FishHawk Ranch’s Park Square at 16114 Churchview Dr. in Lithia. For more information or to register

Includes All Field Trips & Weekly Activities: Bowling • Skating • AMC Movies • Skate Parks • MOSI • Public Library • Publix • Florida Aquarium • Lowry Park Zoo • Dinosaur World and More

Happy Day Summer Camp includes hands on activities for children ages 1-10.

online, visit www.artandicecream.com or call 315-9803. Center Place Summer Art Workshops Will Keep Creativity Flowing Who knew art could be so much fun? There are so many choices this

Christian Preschool 6 weeks - 5 years Secure Entry & Internet Viewing Mandarin Chinese and Spanish Language Programs FREE Summer VPK

813-684-0700 www.ThePeacocksPlume.com 1094 Bloomingdale Avenue Valrico

Summer Camp at

Camps Dates:

June 15th through

August 5th Sign Up for

We specialize in horse experiences for S u m m e r C am p the young child and beginner riders. Space is limited. • Daily Trail Rides & Hay Rides O n ly $ 1 9 5 p e r wk . (Mon. thru Fri. 9am - 5pm) • Horse Education We Also Offer: Field Trips, Pony Parties, Trail Rides, Play Groups & More 9805 Bryant Rd Lithia, FL 33547 Visit us on the web: rrranchlithia.com

F or more info call 81 3-653 -3 819

summer for your 716 year old students at Center Place Fine Arts where they can learn about painting, drawing, pottery, modeling and more. Classes are offered from Monday through Friday from 9:30

a.m.-3 p.m. and include art journaling, art mural, beginning photography, creative 3-D masks, family pottery, paper sculptures, recycled art, space art and more. Center Place Fine Arts is located at 619 Vonderburg Continued on Next Page

Dr., Ste. B in Brandon. Visit http://bit.ly/1QHhmgm to learn about each of the classes or call 685-8888 for more information. Register Your Kids For Morning Glory’s Kids Club Kids Club Junior Camp will take place this summer at Morning Glory Summer Camp, located at 6001 Christy Ln. in Riverview (located off Bloomingdale Ave. near 301). Morning Glory accepts kids from ages 1 to 10. The Junior Camp is for upcoming K5 to fifth grade campers. For $100 per week, campers get two weekly field trips and all the activities. Your kids will enjoy arts & crafts, friendship play, academic summer fun, music, sports & games, character & manners, ice cream social, pizza parties, bouncy house & giant slide and outdoor water play. For more information, call 6280541 or visit morningglorypreschool.org.

Lots of Fun Horsing Around At R & R Ranch Summer Camp From Monday, June 13 through Friday, August 5, your child can attend camp at R&R Ranch, which specializes in horse experiences for the young child and beginner riders. Your child will enjoy daily trail rides and hay rides along with learning about grooming and the care of horses and farm animals. Field trips, pony rides and trail rides are offered. They will also enjoy movies and popcorn in the air conditioned camp house, as well as the petting zoo with baby bunnies, chicks, ducks and baby pigs. Also included are arts, crafts and more. Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.5 p.m. The cost for camp is $195 per week. R&R Ranch is located at 9805 Bryant Rd. in Lithia. For more information, call 653-3819 or visit www.rrranchlithia.com. The Peacock’s Plume Offers Christian Curriculum Summer Camps

Summer Camp Summer Camp Summer Camp at at at

Camps Dates: Camps Dates: Camps Dates: June 15th June 15th

June 15th Summer Camp August 5th August 5th through

through

August 5th Camps Dates:

Sign Up for June 15th Sign Up for through We specializeWe in horse experiences Sign Up for specialize in horsefor experiences for August 5th We specialize incampers horse experiences foras the young beginner riders. Space limited. R & R child Ranch Summer Camps to rideis horses well as how theand young child andteach beginner riders. Space is limited. to care

Summer Camp Summer Camp for Summer Camp

them and other farm animals. the young child and beginner riders. • Daily Trail Rides & Hay Rides Space is limited. Only $195 per wk. • Daily Trail Rides & Hay Rides Only $195 per wk. (Mon. thru Fri.system, 9am -(Mon. 5pm) thru • Daily Trail Rides & Hay Rides • HorseThe Education Peacock’s Plume offers a camera and new playOnly $195 per wk. Fri. 9am - Sign 5pm) • Horse Education Up for (Mon. thru Fri. 9am - 5pm) • Horse Education We specialize in horse experiences for Werigorous Also Offer:Christian Field Trips, Pony Parties, Trail Rides, Play Groups & More curriculum forPony Parties, ground. Summer We Also Offer: Field Trips, Trail Rides, Play Groups & MoreCamp theAlso young child and beginner riders. Trail Rides, We Offer: Field Trips, Pony Parties, Play Groups Space is limited. 9805 Bryant Rd Lithia, FL 33547 children, 6 weeks to The entire staff& More is 9805 Bryant Rd Lithia, FL 33547 • Daily Trail Rides & Hay Rides Visit us on the web: rrranchlithia.com Only $195 per 9805 Bryant Rd Lithia, FL 33547 Visit us on the web: rrranchlithia.com 5-years-old. It has a trained in preschool wk. (Mon. thru Fri. 9am - 5pm) • Horse Education Visit us on the web: rrranchlithia.com For more info call 813-653-3819 For more info call 813-653-3819 language program education, CPR and We Also Offer: Field Trips, Pony Parties, Rides, Play Groups & More For more info call Trail 813-653-3819 incorporating signfirst-aid certified. 9805 Bryant Rd Lithia, FL 33547 language, Mandarin For more inforVisit us on the web: rrranchlithia.com

Chinese and mation, visit For more info call 813-653-3819 Spanish. There is a www.thepeacockVoluntary Presplume.com or call Kindergarten class 684-0700. for fall and summer. Christian Preschool 6 weeks - 5 years Register Now For Learning Fun And Secure Entry & Internet Viewing It has a double entry secure facility, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish Language Programs FREE Summer VPK

813-684-0700 www.ThePeacocksPlume.com 1094 Bloomingdale Avenue Valrico

Hands-On Activities At Camp TLE Who says learning has to end during the summer months? At The Learning Experience (TLE), all children can stay engaged in hands-on learning activities throughout the summer. Children complete science experiments, learn new sign language and create exquisite art projects while still having plenty of time for sun and fun in the state-of-theart outdoor playground. Register now At TLE FishHawk for nine thematic weeks such as Water Play Days, Outdoor Sports and Activities and more. Camp is for ages 2 and up. TLE is located at 16233 Bayberry Glen Dr. in Lithia. Mention reading this in the Osprey Observer and receive a special tuition offer (only at FishHawk location). For more information, call 681-5544.

Youth & Teen Summer Camps Offered At HCC This summer, Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is offering Tampa Bay’s best camp options. Kids’ College offers fun with a purchase through a wide variety of education topics and interests. The camps bring children and teens opportunities to experience quality programs, learn new skills, make meaningful friendships, and rediscover themselves outside of their usual routines. Dedicated, professional, energetic staff members are enthusiastic about making camp exciting and educational. The many various programs are offered at nine HCC locations including Tampa, Brandon, Ruskin, Riverview and Plant City. Scholarships are available

• 6 Weeks Through 12 Years • Full & Part Time Options • Open: M-F 6am to 6:30pm • Creative Curriculum for Infants & Toddlers • ABC Mouse Computer Technology • Brainwaves Curriculum • APPLE Accreditation • CITA Approved Curriculum • Security Code Access Entry • FREE Internet Viewing of Your Child’s Day • Outdoor Playgrounds with Water Park • Before & After School Care: 6-12 Years

through Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. To register or for more information on class options, visit www.Tampa Training.com or call 259-6010. 2016 Ostingers Baseball Academy Summer Camps Ostingers Baseball Camp will take place during the weeks of June 20-24, July 11-15, and July 25-29 from 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. at the FishHawk Sports Complex. Ostingers staff is made up of all former professional players who instruct. They want to teach the game from the ground up. The camp is not a full day camp with video games, indoor activites, etc. The instructors include Jim Osting, a baseball Instructor with 10 years of professional baseball play-

$155 per week

Includes field trips, meals, and transportation New families only. Expires 8/30/16

CIRCA FISHHAWK - 813-526-7000 (Located next to Stowers Elementary and Mosaic)

NOW ENROLLING SUMMER & FALL VPK Voluntary Pre Kindergarten 2016-17 FREE 3 Hr Program with “Pay for rest of day” Option

• Nutritious Meals & Snacks: Low Salt & Sugar • Spanish & Music Included • Trained Professional Staff, Certified in First Aid & CPR • Extracurricular Programs

www.KRKCirca.com

Continued on Next Page

Now Enrolling Summer Camp

Stowers, Valrico Academy, FishHawk Creek, Bevis, Lithia Springs, Alafia, Cimino, and Foundation Christian

5815 Kids Crossing Drive

ing experience; two years of Major League Experience (Padres and Brewers); Patrick Ryan– baseball instructor with eight years professional pitching experience; Kris Wilken– Head Baseball Coach at Bloomingdale High School and college and high school players trained by Ostingers Academy to assist your child throughout their camp experience. Additional help is provided from Ostinger players current and past to make the campers experience one of a kind. With the instructors and the staff, the ratio per camper is around 6:1. This ratio allows for added reps for each player and helps to break up the groups in age appropriate format. The cost is $175 (multi week/ multi camper discount). For more information, visit ostingbaseball.com or call 7373000.

• Accelerated Pre-K Curriculum with Math, Science, Spanish, Music, Sign Language & More • Preparation for National Kindergarten Standards • Must be 4 years old by September 1, 2016 • Must be Florida resident

Two Great Locations!

VALRICO - 813-657-6200 4321 Lynx Paw Trail

(Located across fromLithia Springs Elementary)

www.KRKValrico.com

4 Nutritious Reasons To Drink Beat The Heat With Pet Safety Tips Chocolate Milk Chocolate milk is more than just a sweet treat. The drink you enjoyed as a kid actually has many nutritious benefits, in addition to its delicious, chocolatey taste.

It’s a Nutrient Powerhouse

Nutrition experts recommend adults consume three servings of milk and milk products a day, as milk is one of the top sources for three key nutrients – calcium, vitamin D and potassium. And like regular milk, chocolate milk provides eight essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D and potassium, as well as protein, vitamins A and B12, riboflavin and phosphorus.

It Ups the Calcium Ante

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 50 percent of boys ages 9-13, girls ages 9-18, women over 50 and men over 70 are failing to meet their daily calcium requirements from diet alone. “Calcium is one of the most important minerals for the human body,” said Katherine Brooking, MS, RD, Appetite for Health. “Not only is calcium essential for building strong, healthy bones, it also helps muscles, nerves and hormones function optimally.”

special needs and preferences. The varieties offered by Natural Balance, which is now available at PetSmart, span dry and wet food made with premium quality ingredients in formulas such as limited ingredient, grain-free and weight management.

(Courtesy of Family Features)

Made with 50 percent more calcium per serving than regular low-fat white milk, TruMoo Calcium Plus low-fat chocolate milk is the perfect way to introduce more calcium into your diet. With no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial growth hormones and no artificial sweeteners, you can feel great about enjoying it on its own or using it as a base in delicious smoothies, such as the Fuel Up Smoothie and Chocolate Berry Blast Smoothie.

It Helps Build Bone Mass

Bones grow throughout childhood and adolescence, with peak bone mass occurring around age 30. The more bone you have at the time of peak bone mass, the less likely you are to break a bone or develop osteoporosis later in life. Meeting daily calcium and vitamin D needs by consuming foods rich in calcium, such as low-fat chocolate milk, or other low-fat dairy products like yogurt and fortified cereal, can help build strong, healthy bones and, as part of a well-balanced diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Learn more about TruMoo Calcium Plus at TruMoo.com.

Never Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car

(Courtesy of Family Features)

Sunny, warm days bring the welcome opportunity to change up your routine and spend more time outdoors with your beloved pets. However, soaring temperatures bring risks from heat and sun exposure, making your furry friends rely on you to help keep them healthy and safe. Make these warm-weather adjustments to keep your pets in top condition and ready to enjoy all the season has to offer with these safety tips from PetSmart experts:

Keep Them Hydrated

Dehydration and heatstroke can be fatal to pets, so access to a clean water bowl both inside and outside is critical in the summertime. While you're on the go, be sure to bring water for your pet in a suitable drinking container.

Serve Up Healthy Meals

Warmer weather invites opportunities, such as enticing picnic spreads, for pets to nab tasty treats. Protect your pet's health by preventing them from ingesting food intended for humans, and opt instead for food and treats that fit their

Studies show that on a hot day, the temperature inside a car can reach more than 160 degrees in five minutes. Leaving the windows cracked for fresh air or parking in the shade doesn’t keep temperatures from soaring in record time, either. Leaving pets in the car "just for a minute" is never a good idea.

Groom Regularly

One of the best ways to keep a dog's coat healthy and help prevent matting and summertime skin irritation is regular grooming. The right grooming tool can dramatically reduce shedding by removing the undercoat and loose hair without sacrificing the healthy top coat.

Provide Skin Protection

Just like humans, dogs can experience sunburn and even skin cancer. To prevent sunburn, apply a sunscreen where hair is thin and skin lacks pigment (nose, ears and sensitive areas) every day your dog is outside. Keep water safety in mind. Even if you consider your dog a good swimmer, a life jacket is very important if you take him with you on the boat or trips to the beach. Find more ways to keep your pet summer safe at www.petsmart.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

April 2016

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Love’s Tire And Service Center Celebrates 20th Anniversary

A Country Cat House Provides Luxury Vacation Townhomes For Felines Only

By Nicole Heubusch

By Tatiana Ortiz

Owners Scott Love and Gay Lynn Love from Love’s Tire and Service Center are celebrating 20 years in business.

Owners Scott Love and his wife Gay Lynn Love from Love’s Tire and Service Center in Valrico are celebrating their 20th anniversary. Love’s Tire and Service Center is family-owned and operated, and the owners are local. “By the grace of God, putting people first and our employees is what helped our business reach its 20th anniversary,” said Gay Lynn. Love’s Tire and Service Center has been in operation since April 1, 1996. Its location was chosen because of the good opportunity. Major, minor and full service repairs are just a few examples of the various types of services that are provided to its customers. Goodyear products are sold at Love’s Tire and Service Center, which is supported by the Goodyear company. A special sale event will be conducted on Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23, in honor of being in business for 20 years. Gay Lynn mentioned there will be all kinds of sales going on. It is a free

event to the public. The event will include a cookout, beverages, a car show, door prizes and a service sale. The cookout is going to be held during both days. Food will be served from 11 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. The car show is on Saturday from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. “Once a year for our anniversary, we have a big cookout. My husband makes a huge pot of collard greens and it has become quite a tradition with the customers, since they come back every year for them,” said Gay Lynn. Hold tight to your dream and do not give up, is advice that Gay Lynn Love shared. For more information, visit lovesautorepair.com. It is located at 1701 Hwy. 60 E. in Valrico. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Call 661-3955.

Lake Brandon Village Westfield Brandon Mall (813) 655-1237

(813) 654-6769

www.chickfilabrandon.com

Page 61

(Right) A Country Cat House owners Elieen and Scott Dalton, along with honorary CEO Papa.

With summer upon us, many people are beginning to plan family vacations. One of the most important parts of vacation planning include making sure pets are taken care of while away. For those families with cats, look no further than A Country Cat House. Located on 15 acres of property on Boyette Road, this five-paw vacation resort is the perfect place to leave your feline friend while away on a trip. A Country Cat House, run by Eileen Dalton and her husband Scott, has been open for business for 24 years, and received an Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2015. “Our dream with A Country Cat House was to open a loving place for kitties to enjoy their stay, without the hassles of barking dogs. We love cats, and in the past we’ve tried different ways to board our cat but found no success. There were always unreliable pet sitters or boarders

that only offered services for both cats and dogs. We wanted to open a place where cats could feel comfortable while their owners were away,” said Eileen. Cat owners are able to take a tour of the facility, where they can see the different cat houses and townhomes available. There are a few different views to choose from as well. Cat owners can pick a villa with a television, a villa with a fish tank filled with little fish for your cat to watch, or even a villa with a view of the grounds. There are single villas available, as well as three-story townhomes for those that have more than one cat and would like them to room together. Along with regular feeding and litter box changing, cats will enjoy daily one-on-one playtime with an employee of A Country Cat House, treats, brushing, grooming, haircuts, and will receive any medications they are currently on. The staff will also take pictures of the cats enjoying their vacation, and send them to their owners who are enjoying their own vacation. Rooms start at $16 a night for a Garden View villa. Luxury TV suites for one cat is $18 a day, Fish Aquarium villas are $18 a day, Townhouses for multi-cat families are $34 for two cats and two floors and are $45 for three cats and three floors. Long term discounts are available. There is a 10 percent discount for all military members. A Country Cat House is located at 15501 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. Call 654-2287 or visit acountrycathousetampa.com.

Page 62

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

ECHO Launches Job For Job Program To Help Equip Job Seeking Locals

By Sandy Meyer

(Right) Client Center Director Sharmaine Burr helps Job for Job participant Fontaine Fosco. The new program prepares and enables participants to be more competitive in the job seeking process.

Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) is pleased to announce a new program called Job for Job, made possible through a grant from Bank of America and a partnership with a national reemployment coaching and training company called NextJob. NextJob has chosen ECHO to rollout this charitable job search program in the Brandon area. Participants in the program will receive job search training with cutting-edge software, career coaching and membership in a job club which will focus on networking and soft skills training. Classes meet on Thursdays at ECHO, located at 507 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon from 1–2:30 p.m. The class time is broken down into segments for networking, discussing job search topics and working independently on the job training software. After two weeks, clients are

paired with a job coach and given oneon-one coaching to work on interview skills, resume building and other job searching skills. The program duration is structured to be completed in 17 weeks however; it is a self-paced program and can be completed in as little as two weeks once the student has received an access code. “We are honored to be recognized by NextJob as a partner site and so thankful to Bank of America for making this program a reality. While we are committed to providing immediate relief to families in need, our true passion is to create opportunities for our neighbors to provide for themselves,” said Executive Director at ECHO Eleanor Saunders. The program currently has six students registered with room for more. Fontaine Fosco is enrolled in the new program and feels it has already had an impact. "This program has helped me create a better resume and helps me stay motivated to look for a job,” she said. Classes are on a rolling schedule so they can be started on any Thursday by calling to register. Contact Sharmaine Burr at 685-0935 ext. 8003 to register. Additional classes sponsored by ECHO include GED, Basic Computer, and Financial Literacy, Healthy Living and Mommy and Me. For more information on ECHO, visit www.echofl.org. For more information on NextJob, visit www.nextjob.com.

Volume 15, Issue 4

Brandon Regional Hospital Expands Pediatric Surgical Services

By Rosalinda Torres

Brandon one of the Regional lengthiest in the Hospital, an U.S. medical HCA West system. The typFlorida hospital, ical pediatric expanded its surgeon underpediatric progoes nine years gram and colof training after laboration with medical school All Children’s and has passed Specialty two certifications Physicians, administered by adding two All Children’s Specialty Pediatric surgeons Dr. Drew the American Rideout (left) and Dr. Henry Chang join BRH. pediatric genBoard of eral surgeons to its medical staff. All Surgery, one in general surgery and one Children’s Specialty Physicians Dr. Drew in pediatric surgery. There are fewer than Rideout and Dr. Henry Chang will help 800 pediatric general surgeons practicing provide 24 hour access to pediatric surgiin the United States and Canada. cal care, as well as bring the highest-level “Our youngest patients and their famof pediatric surgical expertise closer to ilies have benefited from the expertise of home for children in the Brandon area. All Children’s Specialty Physicians for This recent collaboration adds to the more than a year now, and Brandon already established relationship with All Regional Hospital is honored to welcome Children’s Specialty Physicians. Since Dr. Chang and Dr. Rideout to this high2014, neonatologists and maternal-fetal caliber team,” said Bland Eng, CEO of medicine physicians with All Children’s Brandon Regional Hospital. Specialty Physicians have provided spe“Our physicians are committed to cialized care to high-risk mothers and providing the highest level of care to infants at Brandon Regional Hospital. infants and children and this added colPediatric general surgeons provide laboration with Brandon Regional surgical care for all problems and condiHospital will now allow us to bring expert tions affecting children including thoracic pediatric surgical care closer to home for and abdominal surgery, surgery for families in the Brandon area and abnormalities in the groin, surgical repair beyond,” said Paul Colombani, M.D., of birth defects, thoracic surgery and vas- president of All Children’s Specialty cular surgery. Additionally, Dr. Rideout Physicians and chair of the Department and Dr. Chang have advanced training in of Surgery at All Children’s Hospital Johns laparoscopic surgery, also called minimal- Hopkins Medicine in St. Petersburg. ly invasive surgery, in which operations Th hospital is also adding a dedicatare performed through small incisions in ed pediatric ER entrance as part of its the body. emergency room expansion project, slatThe training for pediatric surgeons is ed for completion in 2017.

BUYING or SELLING We Can Help! PATRICIA TRACY Realtor

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April 2016

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Larry Bauer: Handyman With Integrity, Honesty & Quality Work For Over 40 Years

By Renee Hobbs

Larry Bauer has over 40 The one thing everyyears experience as a handyone thinks they can fix is man and has been operating toilets said Bauer but he in Hillsborough County since added, “As simple as it 2002. Bauer believes the most is, it’s not always the important things to consider case.” when hiring a handyman are Fishhawk resident “honesty, integrity, quality and Jeff Winkler said he that the person is licensed.” knows if he can tackle Bauer said he knew he something or not, as he wanted to become a handystated, “If I don’t think I Larry Bauer has more than man ever since he was a can do it I won’t attempt 40 years experience as a child, when he would help his it. I will call in a specialhandyman. father around the house and at ist.” work. Bauer said he Bauer was encouraged laughed with by others to open almost every senhis own business tence and was so he did, and he happy to talk about added, “God anything. “I like to taught me everything I have fun; I like a know and now I work for his people.” sense of humor. Personality is a big thing He heads the Community Action in this business” said Bauer. Team as a volunteer at the Crossing He continued, “My sense of humor Church in Tampa, which provides conhelps me help others not to stress about struction services to underprivileged peoremodeling or anything else they need ple in the Tampa Bay area. He also voldone.” unteers in the children’s ministry coordiBauer went on, “It's all minor to me; nating the Safety/Security Team. anything can be fixed so I don’t want Bauer enjoys the outdoors on his anyone to stress out about it.” The rare days off and said, “My wife and I like Handyman said the craziest thing he has to jump in the camper and go to any of ever pulled out of a drain was, a pair of Florida’s state parks.” Camping is a ladies unmentionables. favorite of Bauer’s, along with hiking and And to add fuel to the fire Bauer just enjoying life. You can reach Bauer recalled, “They didn’t belong to anyone in for emergency services or for more inforthe family.” mation about Bauer, you can contact him Bauer said he left quickly, and added at larry@bauerhandyman.com. as he chuckled, “I didn’t want to get in You can also reach the Handyman the middle of that.” at 737-5544.

Lose Weight • Build Strength Body Tone • Endurance • Flexibility “Lost 7.5% Body Fat, 10 lbs, Pant Size from 6 to 2” I am a teacher with 2 children and had been feeling pretty good about myself, spending the summer at the beach, being in a bathing suit, having fun with the family……. until it was time to go back to work and I couldn’t button some of my pants! And the ones that did fit were uncomfortably tight. No problem, I thought, I know how to work out and eat healthy. So, I hit the gym a little harder, and watched what I ate a little better. All to no avail. Not one pound budged (the scale actually went up!) I decided enough was enough. Ten pounds may not seem like much, but it was making me miserable, not to mention uncomfortable, all day at work. My daughter even asked if I had a baby in my belly. Gotta love kids! BEFORE I decided to check out RobZFitness. I had heard good things about him. I made an appointment with Rob and told him my goals were to lose 10 pounds and fit in my pants which were size 4-6. I said I had never been smaller than that and he said AFTER “we’ll see”. I ended up signing right then and there. I was paired with Samantha (Sam) and she was great! She encouraged me through the nutrition transformation – this was hard! I was totally changing my eating habits – but that was what I wanted, right? Long term fitness and lifestyle change? Right, I could do it. I have a hard time sticking to what I start when it comes to personal goals, but I was determined to do this right. Everyone at RobZFitness was so nice and easy to get along with. We would chat throughout the workouts making them fly by. They were very knowledgeable and could answer any question I threw at them whether it be fitness or nutrition related. Though it took awhile to get used to the lifestyle change, it has been totally worth it. I could never have dreamed I could feel so good about myself! Not only did I lose that 10 pounds, but I lost inches everywhere. I am not just skinny, but toned and look great. I went from needing to buy a new wardrobe in a bigger size, to needing one in a smaller size. I just bought my first pair of size 2 jeans!! I now have the tools and knowledge I need to stay looking good and I know I can call on Samantha or Taylor or anyone else at RobZFitness if I need a little advice or input. Thank you for helping me get back into the best shape of my life! Michelle Toale

Rob Zulkoski BS, CPT •

Certified Personal Trainer

813-571-3700

www.RobZFitness.com

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

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