Osprey Observer 2017-4 Bloomingdale/FishHawk by Osprey Observer

Bloomingdale/FishHawk

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April 2017 Volume 16, Issue 4 Ph: 657-2418

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

Community Invited To FH Fellowship Eggstravaganza At Park Square

By Amanda Boston

C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S

Newsome And Bloomingdale High Schools Relay To Stop Cancer

By Kate Quesada

Community members and students from throughout the area will meet at Newsome High School on April 9 and Bloomingdale High School on May 12 to participate in Relay for Life events raising funds for the American Cancer Society.

FishHawk and Bloomingdale area residents have two opportunities to help fight cancer coming up with Relay for Life events taking place at local high schools. On Saturday, April 8, students and community members will join teams at Newsome High School to walk, camp overnight, and participate in other activities to raise funds for the American Cancer Society (ACS), while the relay at Bloomingdale High School, with similar events, will take place on Friday, May 12. According to Relay for Life Community Manager Samantha Schneider, 49 teams with varying numbers of participants are currently signed up for Newsome’s Disney themed event which has a goal of raising $175,000. The Bloomingdale High School event, with a party theme, is hoping to raise $60,000 with 29 teams currently committed. “Relay for Life is the signature fundraiser for the ACS,” said Newsome Relay Event Chair Rachel Andrews. “This is a community based event because we believe it is time to take action against cancer as a community. Our goal is to show that together, as a community, we can make a difference against cancer.” The events are not traditional relays, although teams are asked to have one participant walking the track at all times,

even through the night, to signify that cancer never sleeps. During the times participants are not walking the track they will be able to join in a large number of other activities planned including dodgeball, Zumba, musical chairs, Mr. and Mrs. Relay, lip sync and frozen shirt contests. According to Andrews, some of the activities will be free and some will have a small cost. One of the highlights of Relay for Life events for participants is the Luminaria Ceremony which will take place at 9 p.m. at both schools. “During the Luminaria Ceremony we honor survivors and remember those who

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The whole purpose is to be a part of the community and build positive relationships.” Typically, Eggstravaganza occurs on the church property, but due to current construction, the event has been moved to Park Square. On Sunday, March 5, the church broke ground to construct a state-of-the-art multiSenior Pastor David Whitten extends an invite to the annual purpose facility. The Eggstravaganza event and to celebrate Easter at Fishhawk Fellowship Church. building will incorporate a full-size gymnaFishhawk Fellowship Church sium and accommodate 1,300 people. invites you and your friends and family Fishhawk Fellowship’s stated misto its annual Easter Eggstravaganza on is “building bridges that connect sion Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. people to a passionate life in Christ." This year, the free event will take place The church is constructing this facility in Fishhawk’s Park Square, located at as a means to connect with its sports16132 Churchview Dr. in Lithia. driven and family-oriented neighbors. As its name implies, The brand-new multi-use center will Eggstravaganza goes above and serve as a venue for various sports beyond the traditional egg hunt, as it ministries and be available to the local transforms the grounds into a minischools. spring carnival abounding with amuse“We are thankful to be in the comment. The larger attractions will include munity. For those who may not be bounce houses, bungee trampolines, involved in church or are looking for a rock walls and giant hamster wheels. church, I hope they will come out for The family can also participate in an the event (Eggstravaganza) and get to assortment of games, feast on tasty know us better. And then possibly, one refreshments and receive a free family day come and check us out,” said photograph. Whitten. Since the church’s formation in Whitten will be preaching a resur1998, it has offered this Easter event to rection message on Saturday, April 15 its surrounding community. It is well at 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. and Sunday, attended with an average of 1,800 to April 16 at 8 a.m. 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 2,000 people. a.m. The church is located at 15326 Senior Pastor David Whitten said, Fishhawk Blvd. in Lithia. Please visit “It is our gift to the community. We will www.fishhawkfc.org. have a ton things going on for the kids.

P O S I T I V E

LITHIA Photo Provided By HCSO Sheriff David Gee

Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee briefs the press just moments after locating Valrico woman Alisa Summers, who was kidnapped from her home by her estranged husband Trevor Summers last month. During her ordeal, Alisa was seen forced into her car by Trevor at the FishHawk Walgreens. Gee thanked the public for their vigilance and support, which he said was vital in assisting law enforcement in their search and relatively quick recovery of the mother of five.

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Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

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April 2017

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Page 3

Fishhawk Dynasty Sporting Clays Club Raises Money For Nationals

Local Reservoir Tests Emergency Sirens On First Wednesday Every Month

The Fishhawk lunch donated by Dynasty Club is BubbaQue’s BBQ in shooting to win its Brandon. third national Potential particichampionship in pants can register the last three early for the tournayears, but they ment by calling 689can’t do it without 0490, or emailing laysome help. The neot@hotmail.com, as club needs to raise well as signing up the funds to be able to day of the event at take 30 kids to Fishhawk Sporting travel and compete Clays. According to in the national Mandracchia, the tourchampionship in nament is open to Columbus Ohio, people at all shooting July 9-15.The levels. Plaques will be money will be used given to the 1st-place to pay for registraPhoto by Dan Wigh team, 2nd-place team, tion, ammunition 3rd-place team, the The FishHawk 2016 National Team hosts fundraiser. and golf cart high female shooter, rentals. It will be hosting a fundraising the high male shooter and the “I Gave it shooting sport tournament that will take My Best Shot” award will be given out place at Fishhawk Sporting Clays, as well. 13505 Hobson Simmons Rd. in Lithia A $600 Mammoth 65-qt cooler, filled on Sunday, April 23 at 9 a.m. with 20 bottles of alcohol, will be raffled Head Instructor Joe Mandracchia off at the event along with a Tampa Bay anticipates that it will cost around $500 Lightning signed jersey and a for each kid to participate at nationals. Weatherby PA-08 shotgun. Raffle The goal is to raise as much money as chances are $5 per ticket, 5 tickets for possible to try to cover the entire cost. $20 or 40 tickets for $100. The fundraising shooting sport tourna“Fishhawk Dynasty is a program ment costs $75 per person to register, that encourages young people to get however, if a group of four people regis- outside, get away from their computers ter together, they will only have to pay a and electronic devices and learn a sport total of $275 for the squad. If you don’t that is probably one of the fastest growhave a team, you will be paired up with ing sports in the country today,” said one because there will be walk-ins the Mandracchia. “I love this sport and love day of the tournament. The registration seeing the kids light up when they hit includes 75 targets plus a barbecue their target.”

Residents liv“The purpose of ing near local the sirens is to reservoirs are notify those closhardly unfamiliar est to the facility with the sound of of an emergency emergency siren situation that tests conducted requires immedimonthly by qualiate evacuation.” fied staff at agen“Safety at the cies such as reservoir is and Tampa Bay Water always has been C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir Testing monthly audible testing conducted by TBW is a priority for us,” (TBW) and the Southwest Florida on the first Wednesday of each month (unless Moore said. “We that is a holiday) at approximately 9 a.m. Water have a compreManagement District (Swiftmud). hensive Emergency Action Plan in coordiReservoirs located in south nation with Hillsborough County Hillsborough County include TBW’s 18.5 Emergency Management that is updated billion gallon, C.W. Bill Young Regional regularly.” Sirens are not mandatory for Reservoir in Lithia as well as Swiftmud’s the Medard Reservoir, but according to three billion gallon, 750-acre, Edward Swiftmud spokesperson Susanna Medard Park Reservoir located on Turkey Martinez Tarok, the District has installed Creek Road and. and maintained sirens at the request of Sirens continually prompt many to the public. “Currently there are three question the level of danger that the near- sirens in use to notify residents within the by reservoir might pose as well as wonimmediate inundation areas; Siren 1 is der what to do in the event of a breach. located at the reservoir, Siren 2 is located TBW conducts monthly tests that include at the east end of Bloomingdale Ave. and three to five short blasts lasting between Siren 3 is located at the south end of 10-20 seconds each. River Drive. In an emergency, however, the sirens Live testing is typically performed sound in a continuous blast which means once a month on the last Saturday of the residents should take steps to evacuate month at 12 Noon, while maintenance their families immediately to higher and complete function testing is perground. formed once every 3 months. “We conduct a test of our emergency More information visit www.tamsiren system on the first Wednesday of pabaywater.org/sirentest. For more inforevery month to ensure the sirens are mation about the construction and the working in the unlikely event of an emersirens in connection with the Medard gency, at the C.W. Bill Young Reservoir,” Park Reservoir, please visit. www.watersaid TBW spokesman Brandon Moore. matters.org.

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Page 4

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Students And Seniors Come Together To Create Unique Art For Exhibit

By Kathy L. Collins

Residents of The Bridges (l) and students from the Art Factory at Winthrop Arts (r) are collaborating on Bridging The Generations Art Show.

The residents of The Bridges Retirement Community are joining forces with the students from the Art Factory at Winthrop Arts to produce a unique crossgenerational art exhibit. The exhibit is called Bridging The Generations Art Show and will be held on Tuesday, May 2 at The Bridges Clubhouse, located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview from 6:30 to 8 p.m. All members of the community are invited to attend and view artwork created by children and adults. There will be portraits painted by the students and residents, jewelry and mosaics. In addition, a short film produced by the students of the Art Factory called Willie Wonka and the Art Factory will be shown along with props and costumes made especially for the movie. While the event is free and open to the community, The Bridges will be selling bagged cookies and fudge. The proceeds will be donated to Winthrop Arts to establish a scholarship fund to allow students to attend art class-

es at the Art Factory. The Art Factory at Winthrop Arts is an after school art program. It is also a place where home school students and senior citizens from The Bridges come to create art. The Art Factory opened in October 2016 and the residents from The Bridges have been attending art classes for several months. "Bridging the Generations, a special collaboration between the residents of The Bridges and students from the Art Factory, provides a wonderful opportunity for seniors and children to develop meaningful connections through creativity and artistic expression," said Donna Steiermann, Executive Director of The Bridges Retirement Community. Steiermann added, "The Bridges has always valued residents' artistic expression by offering a wide array of programming designed to encourage imagination, creativity and most of all pure enjoyment." "The opportunity to grow the arts across the generations is a wonderful opportunity," said Bryant Martinez, the Winthrop Town Artist. Martinez added, "There is no age limit when it comes to art. This is a wonderful opportunity to share each other's art." This will be a night complete with all types of art, culinary delights from The Bridges' Chef Clyde and even a student led film. Visit bridgesretirement.com or call 413-8900 and www.winthroparts.org or call 758-5161.

Team Competitions And Top Standings Keep Newsome JROTC Active

By LTC (R) Maurice Bolduc, Senior Army Instructor

February Teams comhas been an peted at outstanding Zephyrhills month for the High School in Newsome February placJunior Reserve ing 2nd Overall Officers in Platoon, Training Corps Unarmed (JROTC) Regulation Drill Wolfpack (commanded Battalion. The by Cadet Cadets have Captain Ryan been extremeStevens); 5th ly busy partici(Cadet Captain pating in Dylan Renfro) Newsome Best Raiders (Mallory Hirn, Pierce Gannon, Kayla Lucas, Cody Caskey) did an outstand- and 1st (Cadet numerous ing job competing. team competiSergeant tions, finishing up their company led Major Justin Perez) in the Individual Drill Service Learning Projects and conductKnockout; and Cadet Captain Raymond ing their Military Ball. LeDuc took 1st Overall with an impresThe Battalion’s six special teams sive performance in the Individual Armed continue to practice, compete, and bring Exhibition category. home trophies. The Raider Team sent The five Wolfpack Companies are four of its best; Mallory Hirn, Kayla winding up Service Learning Projects Lucas, Cody Caskey and Pierce and will have provided over 10,000 Gannon to compete in the “Best Raider” Community Service and Volunteer hours competition held in Myakka. After a day this year – a new Battalion record. Over of grueling competition, the female team 100 Cadets and their guests participated placed 8th overall and the male team in the Battalion’s 12th Annual Military placed 11th. After a score review, it was Ball at the FishHawk Ranch Palmetto determined the newly established Cyber Club, where they spent the night revelPatriot Team placed 1st at “States” and ing in military tradition, laughing, dancplaced in the “Top Ten” during Regional ing, and honoring our departing seniors. competition. The JROTC Leadership & Twenty-one Cadets were inducted into Academic Bowl (JLAB) Team competed the Newsome Chapter of the National in Phase 2 competition with the Technical Honor Society. Academic Team placing 3rd overall, just For information visit two points from sending them to newsomejrotc.com or click on the Washington DC for National Level comJROTC link under the Programs tab on petition. The Drill and Color Guard the Newsome High School homepage.

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Page 5

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Relay For Life...Continued From Page 1

W W W

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

By Kate Quesada

C O M

MANAGING EDITOR

CRIME/SAFETY & NEWS REPORTER

Marie Gilmore

Tamas Mondovics

editor@ospreyobserver.com

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

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have lost their battle with cancer,” said Schneider. “It is a time to grieve for those we have lost, to reflect on our own or loved ones cancer experience and to find hope that tomorrow holds the promise of a cancer-free world.” The tracks go dark during the ceremony and bags can be purchased and decorated the day of the event. All money raised at the event goes to ACS’s mission to save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer. “In doing so we provide free programs and services to cancer patients and their families including transportation to and from treatment, lodging during treatments and our Look Good Feel Better program,” said Schneider. Kelley Kilpatrick, event lead for the Bloomingdale relay, is a pediatric oncology nurse who believes that several of her patients are alive today thanks to medications funded by the ACS.

“A lot of my patients also use the programs like the Wig Closet, and some families and patients use the ACS National Cancer Information phone line that you can call 24 hours a day to be empowered with accurate, up to date information, and valuable resources and services.” The Newsome event, located on the school track at 16550 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia runs from 12 Noon on Saturday, April 8 to 6 a.m. April 9. Whereas Bloomingdale High School, located at 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, will start at 6 p.m. on May 12 and will end at 6 a.m. the next morning. Residents are encouraged to sign up to participate in either event at www.relayforlife.org, but the community is also encouraged to come out to support the fundraisers at the events, even if they are not part of a team. For more information, contact Schneider at 319-5920.

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Page 6

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Inter-Bay Moorings Adding More Docks On Alafia For Boat Maintenance Services

By Sharon Still

Under tric service the new and all new management floating of John docks are in “Smitty” process. “In Smith, InterMay or June, we will be Bay starting to Moorings, a progress on full-service the new and do-itdocks which yourself ship will really repair yard in open up this Gibsonton is The 70-ton travel lift is just one of the new services place,” he undergoing a available at Inter-Bay Moorings in Gibsonton on the said. “The complete Alafia River. new docks makeover will double the amount of boats that from the inside out. can come in.” “The first rule on my list is cusOther improvements include the tomer satisfaction,” said Smith, who addition of a 70-ton travel lift for boats notes that with 35 years of experiup to 85 ft. long and 21.5 ft. wide, ence in the industry, he has been new signage and a recently installed doing this most of his life. new pump system for gas and diesel Inter-Bay Moorings offers services for commercial and pleasure boats fuel. “We are the only place on the river to get gas and diesel,” Smith that range from full maintenance, added. tune-ups and repair to carpentry and The property also boasts a ship canvas work. Services also include store, pump out facilities, laundry, full fiberglass repair, sandblasting, restrooms, shower and pavilion with bottom jobs, gel coating, pressure washing and boat storage. There also gas grill, electric smoker and picnic tables. is a welding shop on-site for all weldInter-Bay Moorings is located at ing and fabrication. 6210 Ohio Ave. in Gibsonton, along Smith has a full network of conthe Alafia River just east of U.S. Hwy. tacts for any type of product or serv41. Office hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ice needed for any type of vessel. Monday-Friday. Call 677-2739, visit “Anything that can wrong on a boat, I www.interbaymoorings.com and can get a guy for it,” he stated. There are 40 deep water wet slips become a fan on Facebook for additional information. with 30 and 50 AMP water and elec-

HCC’s Funding Request Includes Upgrade For SouthShore Campus

By Tamas Mondovics

Hillsborough large group Community space for comCollege (HCC) munity and colhas recently lege use. announced its Expansion, 2017 legislative however, is not priorities and is new for the requesting more Ruskin area than $40 million campus, which from the Florida was built in 2008 Legislature. on a 100-yearThe old tomato field announcement donated by the focused on the Dickman family. institutions goal The steady Hillsborough Community College SouthShore to expand its increase in stuCampus President Allen Witt, talks to a large group programs, to during a groundbreaking ceremony of the school’s dent count led to last expansion project of a science and technolo- the addition of a fund the design gy building. and construction brand new $10 of a pair of new buildings as well as to million two-story, 36,000 sq. ft., Science respond to critical maintenance issues and Technology building about three affecting its campuses. years ago that now includes new laboraThe college educates more than tories, prep labs, computer and traditional 45,000 students annually through 160 classrooms, offices and a deans’ suite. academic programs supported by close HCC-SouthShore Campus presito 2,000 faculty and staff members on dent, Allen Witt spoke highly of the campuses in Ruskin, Brandon, Plant City, growth and what it means for the college Ybor City and on Dale Mabry Hwy. in and the community when he said, “Many Tampa. students drive past other colleges just to According to a release on its newsattend HCC’s SouthShore campus. room page the college’s current requests HCC’s funding request also includes includes $3 million for planning, designing $500,000 to launch phase one of a twoand engineering for a Workforce phase project titled, Apprenticeship Transitions Center on the SouthShore Tampa Bay. campus, located at 551 24th St. N.E. in Another $15 million is planned to Ruskin. address district deferred maintenance The building would contain a new projects that affect the safety of students campus Veterans Center, support for and faculty. The money would also cover HCC’s Lennard Collegiate Academy, a wide range of other projects. For more multi-purpose classroom spaces, and a information, visit hccfl.edu.

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Page 7

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

By Kate Quesada

River Hills Grant Funds Homes For Birds River Hills residents “The projects began in may be seeing more rare March and TAC worked with birds this year, thanks to Rich Crete of Rich’s funds from Hillsborough Backyard Birds to determine County. suitable areas and comThe Valrico community menced a detailed investigarecently installed 27 new tion into appropriate housing,” houses for Purple Martin said Trautman. “Rich Swallows which make the unselfishly shared his knowljourney to the area from edge and enthusiasm of birdSouth America as the ing which allowed us to proweather heats up here and ceed with the projects. Upon cools further south using Rich’s untimely death in May Valrico’s River Hills money its homeowners’ of 2016, Brian Bisesto HOA recently association (HOA) received community stepped in to help complete used funds from a from a county grant. Hillsborough County grant the projects.” to build bird houses for According to River The Osprey platform was Purple Martin Swallows Hills HOA secretary and installed in July 2016 in the and an Osprey stand. director Libby Trautman, community’s Pond Nine. Purple Martins are the largest swallows in Shortly after, a group of TAC representaNorth America and have been steadily tives took on the project to replace the building a population in Florida since late outdated Purple Martin birdhouses in 2012. Shadowood Park with a new, more easily “They are more numerous here than cleaned birdhouse, as well as installing in most states to the north, but in general two new houses at the retention pond at their population has shown a steady the Fairway One entrance. decline over several decades,” said Hillsborough County Neighborhood Trautman. “They are totally dependent on Relations Department gives out grants human-provided housing and reduced annually to improve communities, numbers can be attributed to declining strengthen neighborhood associations traction of erecting such housing.” and encourage civic involvement. In early 2016, the River Hill’s Town The application period for these Advisory Council (TAC) decided to use grants opens this month and requests are the funds from the county grant, which due in August. Check out next month’s they matched with their own funds, to edition of the Osprey Observer for more build a platform for Ospreys and housing information, or visit www.hillsboroughfor Purple Martins within the community. county.org.

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Metrohm USA Breaks Ground On New Headquarters In Riverview Staff Report

Metrohm is one of the world’s most trusted manufacturers of high-precision instruments for chemical analysis. Founded in 1943 in Herisau, Switzerland, Metrohm operates in more than 80 countries with its own subsidiaries and exclusive distributors. “Metrohm USA has been a Metrohm USA recently broke ground in Riverview on valuable contributor to its new, 90,000 sq. ft. headquarters, targeted for Hillsborough County’s business completion in early 2018. community since their establishMetrohm USA, the North American ment here in 2009,” said the Hon. Lesley headquarters of the global market leader “Les” Miller, Commissioner, Hillsborough in the field of chemical analysis, recently County Board of County Commissioners. broke ground on what will be its new, “We are proud of the fact that you’ve 90,000 sq. ft. headquarters, targeted for done so well in this market that you’ve completion in early 2018. The company already outgrown 55,000 sq. ft. of space also announced that it plans to support its and, with the construction of this new growth by adding good paying, technical headquarters, are strengthening your jobs to the region. commitment to this community.” “We have been located in the Tampa The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Bay area since 2009 and feel that its Development Corporation assisted proximity to major transportation hubs Metrohm USA with connections to and the source of talent created by the CareerSource Tampa Bay as well as many major colleges will continue to help Hillsborough County for expedited permitus achieve our goals,” said Edward ting and impact fee estimates. Colihan, President and CEO of Metrohm “As an international organization with USA. “Metrohm USA has seen sustained a presence in over 80 countries, Metrohm growth over the past 15 years and we are has many opportunities to expand or relovery excited to offer our customers, sales cate its headquarters elsewhere,” said Dr. team and local employees a new state-ofKen Atwater, chairman of the Tampa the-art facility.” Hillsborough Economic Development Metrohm USA, which employs more Corporation and president of Hillsborough than 100 people at its current headquarCommunity College. ters at 6555 Pelican Creek Circle in Individuals interested in available Riverview, will move all operations to the jobs may refer new facility at 9250 Camden Field Pkwy., to http://www.metrohm.com/en-us/compaalso in Riverview. ny/careers/.

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Page 8

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

does this continue to • “Look happen and it’s just when you hard to say.” Lock.” – Open While no investithe rear door gation can bring Jacob of your car or back, heeding turn around in reminders of the danyour seat to gers of leaving children look behind By Tamas Mondovics in parked cars, and you just to raising awareness can make sure be done by all. everyone is With temperatures rising during the summer out of the car Many of such reminders are not hard months residents are urged to be aware of before you the dangers of summer heat. Even at just 80 to find, including the degrees outside temperatures, a car can heat lock. Try to “This is everyone’s up to over 120 degrees in less than an hour. make a habit of one posted on the nightmare,” Hillsborough window at the BFF doing this County Sheriff’s Office Kidz day care center, which reads: "Look even when traveling alone (and it Public Information before you lock. Never leave a child could always help you to remember Officer, Larry McKinnon alone in a car." your purse, sunglasses, or something told reporters shortly According to experts, grim statistics else, too.) after a two-year-old forecast dozens of over-heated parked• Keep something important in Brandon toddler, Jacob car casualties across the U.S. each sum- the back seat – Put your purse or walManchego was found mer. let on the seat next to your car-seat. unconscious, in a car at The top ten states for such deaths This gives you another reason to turn the Oak Park Shopping include: Texas, Florida, California, around and look back, helping to build Center at the corner of Arizona, Tennessee, North Carolina, up the habit of looking. W. Lumsden Road and Georgia, Louisiana, Virginia, and • Always lock the doors – This Two-year-old Brandon toddler, Jacob Manchego was found Kings Ave. in Brandon. Oklahoma. can help prevent curious kids from unconscious, in a car at the Oak Park Shopping Center at the The all too familiar corner of W. Lumsden Road and Kings Ave in Brandon in late International Parking Institute (IPI) getting in a car and getting locked incident is another grim February. After being left in his sister’s car for more than five Communications noted that while dozens inside. reminder of the dangers hours, Manchego was transported to Brandon Regional Hospital of children die annually in this tragic way, • Keep keys and fobs out of where he later died and under criminal investigation. of an overheated car it is most often due to being forgotten in reach – Hang your keys and fobs in a Five hours later, she returned to her and the importance of vigilance not only the backseat by a busy parent or a carecabinet or put them somewhere that car and discovered Jacob unresponsive during the summer months, but year giver. children can’t get to them. inside. round. car's interior can reportedly rise 43 A • If you see a child in car alone, McKinnon said Silva-Tello removed Temperatures in the Tampa area degrees in an hour and easily top 123 call 911 – Even on a 75 degree day, the reached the upper-80s the day of the inci- the child from the vehicle and carried him degrees on an 80-degree day, even with inside of car can reach 100 degrees to a dialysis center in the shopping center dent, tying records for this time of year, the windows “cracked” open. Within minwithin 10 minutes, and a child’s body where first aid was administered. authorities said. such sweltering environment can utes, overheat three to five times faster can Paramedics with Hillsborough County According to investigators, turn lethal for a child whose body temperthan an adult. If you see a child left in Fire Rescue arrived and transported Manchego’s 21-year-old half sister, ature rises several times faster than an a car alone, call 911 for assistance. It’s Jacob to Brandon Regional Hospital Fiorella Vanessa Silva-Tello left the little adult’s. far better to be safe than sorry. where he later died. boy locked inside her gray Chevy In a way of offering support, For more information please visit “We see this happen over and over Equinox at around 9 a.m. after she Mckinnon urged residents to take time NHTSA.org or safercar.gov/heatstroke, arrived to work at BFF Kidz day care cen- again,” said McKinnon visibly upset, and review basic safety tips, including: or visit www.parking.org. adding, “You have to ask yourself why ter, at 733 W. Lumsden Road.

Sheriff’s Office Warns To Never Leave Children Alone In Vehicles After Recent Toddler Death

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Page 9

Nightly Events Make Eating Entertaining At Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill

County Celebrates $2.1 Million FishHawk Sports Complex Fields & Parking Expansion

Uncle Mike’s line dancing lesSmokehouse sons; Friday AllGrill, located at You-Can-Eat 106 SR 60 in Catfish Fry, cornPlant City, is offerhole tournaments, ing patrons more DJ Night, and than a great meal. ladies drink free in Recent changes the saloon; to the hours of Saturday All-Youoperation, nightly Can-Eat Steak features, and a Line dancing is a popular Friday night event at Night and karaoke Uncle Mike’s Grill. new party hall at 9pm; Sunday have turned the eating establishment into Pastors Eat Free from 11-3pm and an entertainment venue. church goers receive ten percent off Owner Simone Tolley holds a busiwhen presenting the weekly bulletin. ness degree from the University of South The weekly line dance lessons are Florida. Her husband Mike has been in taught by Simone, who is a former Tampa the hospitality business since 1990 and Bay Buccaneers cheerleader. traveled the world as a corporate trainer “It’s what I love to do,” she said. in chain restaurants. The pair decided to In 2016, the restaurant added Blake fine-tune their years of experience and Hall, an 8800-sq. ft. catering facility which opened their own family- friendly estabseats up to 300 people. In addition to the lishment. contemporary dining room, Mike’s offers a Simone, who runs Uncle Mike’s, semi-private game room with private bar shared, “Corporate America has taken that can accommodate 45 people and an over the restaurant world. I wanted a fam- outdoor covered pavilion with private bar ily-owned “Mom and Pop” place with and stage with 150-person capacity. Full home-cooking.” catering is available along will a full liquor Uncle Mike’s is known for serving bar. On-site wedding and party planners affordable “comfort food” with quality offer expertise for both large and small ingredients including pork, chicken, pasta, gatherings. Brides-to-be can take advanseafood, wraps, soups, salads, and a tage of private tastings, as well. variety of side dishes and desserts. Hours of operation are Tuesdays The restaurant is closed Monday for 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesdays and private parties and features the following Thursdays 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fridays special events: Tuesday Night All-Youand Saturdays 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and Can-Eat Pork and kids eat Free with the Sundays 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. For informapurchase of an adult meal; Wednesday tion, visit www.unclemikesggrill.com, call All-You-Can-Eat Crab Legs; Thursday 737-4444, or log on to Nine Dollar Burger Meal Night and free Facebook.com/unclemikesgrill.

Hillsborough County officials County officials also confirmed that and area resiorganized teams have dents were first dibs on the use of pleased to attend the fields for practice a recent ribbon or playing games, but cutting ceremony the rest of the time that marked the they are all open to official completion residents. Hillsborough County official along with of the long awaitExcited about the representatives of the FishHawk Sports Complex cut the ribbon on the long ed FishHawk expansion, FishHawk awaited facility expansion project, which Sports Complex Sports Complex has added four multipurpose fields expansion projAssociation president, increasing the total to16 fields for baseball softball soccer, lacrosse and football. ect. Scott Powers, menIn 2008, the FishHawk Sports tioned that with youth teams so prevalent Complex joined one of 38 sports facilities in the area, many previously had to play scattered throughout Hillsborough County at four or five separate locations, includand is now considered as one of the ing the then-smaller Sports Complex. county’s largest and most congested “The Sports Complex is one of the community athletic parks. community's best features,” Powers said. As expected since its original com"The promise of this park brought a lot of pletion, the complex has seen a steady people to FishHawk. This really has growth of use. To accommodate the subbecome the hub of the community." sequent need for more athletic space, The opening ceremony saw Powers FishHawk area residents began planning along with other league officials and the to expand the complex in 2011, which project's designers ceremoniously kick then boasted of 12 total fields, concession gold-colored soccer balls into a goal. stand, restrooms and parking. While Hillsborough County owns the Fast forward six years, a $2.1 million fields, the FishHawk Sports Association Hillsborough County project that involved will manage the complex and has priority a land swap deal between Hillsborough over the fields' use. County and local developer, Newland Along with the new fields, the project Communities, added four multipurpose also includes 200 additional parking fields to the complex located at 16120 spaces and access drives, concession FishHawk Blvd., increasing the total fields and storage buildings, lights, landscaping, to 16 - eight baseball and softball diasidewalks, fencing, and irrigation and monds, eight fields for soccer, lacrosse, storm-drainage systems, all paid with and football. The land swap cost Newland development impact fees. $150,000 due to necessary work to preFor more information visit www.hillspare the new tortoise habitat. boroughcounty.org

By Debra Massaro

By Tamas Mondovics

Page 10

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Successful Living Brunch Inspires Entrepreneurs

By Kate Quesada

will leave attendees empowered to break through the barriers holding them back whether as a stay at home mom or a business CEO.” Speakers include Valrico resident Shannon Carlton who opened Co-Work Landing, a co-working space for entrepreneurs, in Brandon last year. “I am inspired every day when I hear other women’s stories of where they have been and where they are now in their lives,” said The Women’s Successful Living Brunch will take Carlton. “From losing more than place April 8 in Brandon. 100 pounds to conquering the Pearl Chiarezza wants to help Appalachian Trail, the Successful Living women overcome the challenges they women are conquering daily and I am face every day, and has brought together excited to be a part of a group that wants a team of inspiring female leaders to do to share their stories to inspire others to just that at the Women’s Successful succeed.” Living Brunch next month in Brandon. Sandy Lee of Sandy Lee Coaching, “In our professional and personal Home Keeper’s International’s Kimberly lives we are going to come up against Solomon, Liz Everett of Liz Everett Style obstacles that will hold us back,” said and The Osprey Observer Managing Chiarezza, a Brandon resident who Editor Marie Gilmore will join Chiarezza founded Women’s Successful Living last and Carlton as the event’s speakers. August. “My goal is to help women realize “These leaders have embraced the that they are not alone if they are finding it need for women to take care of ourselves hard to conquer challenges and achieve first and have been successful in accomgoals.” The Saturday, April 8 brunch, plishing this in their lives,” said Chiarezza. which will take place at The Event Gallery The $55 ticket price includes a bagel in Brandon from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., is breakfast, brunch from catering sponsor the second in what Chiarezza hopes will Livy O’s Catering and 20 minute talks be a quarterly series and will feature a from each speaker, followed by 10 minline-up of six local women who have utes of question time. The event is sponovercome their own sets of challenges to sored in part by Lucyna Aleksandra make a difference in the community. Portraits. Sponsorship opportunities are “We are working to build a local tribe still available. Tickets can be purchased of women who can help and inspire each for an early bird special price of $45 until other,” said Chiarezza, who also estabthe end of March. The Event Gallery is lished and owns Bodyworks Health and located at 524 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. Wellness Center. “My hope is that the day Visit www.womensuccessfulliving.com.

Volume 16, Issue 4

Center Place’s Bet A Buck Auction Is A Fun Way To Support The Arts

By Kathy L. Collins

Center Place will ing the Florida host Bet A Buck Aquarium. There will Charity Auction For also be opportunities to The Arts on Friday, bid on a two night stay May 5 from 6:30 to at Siesta Key 9:30 p.m. at Center Bungalows, golf fourPlace located at 619 somes and even a 32 Vonderburg Dr. in inch Samsung Smart Brandon. This is a fun TV. and inexpensive way In addition to bidto get great stuff and ding on great items support the arts at the such as these, attensame time. Auction dees will enjoy a deliitems have been cious dinner and open Dawn Galia, Executive Director donated by local busifor Center Place, invites you to bar. support the arts, have a great nesses. Last year, Center time and bid on fantastic items at Place raised $5,000. How does Bet A Center Place’s Bet A Buck Charity Buck work? Upon Auction For The Arts on Friday, This year, organizers May 5. arrival, you rent a padhope to double this. All dle. This is the device that gives you funds raised at Bet A Buck, help supthe opportunity to bid on fun and excit- port the wonderful programming at ing items. When an item comes up, Center Place. Galia explained, “Center you put $1, $2 or $3 in the bucket. The Place is celebrating our 40th year in amount you put in depends on the the Brandon community. We offer value of the auctioned item. Paddles summer camps for children and art are just $10 per person. Additional workshops for children and adults. We paddles cost just $5 per person. hire local artists as our instructors. We Dawn Galia, Executive Director for have a different artist exhibit in the Center Place said, “It is a unique and Mook Gallery every month. In addition super fun event to raise dollars for the to all of this, we have 75 children’s arts. If you want something unique and theatre productions each year and fun, join us for Bet A Buck.” Galia bring in over 15,000 children to see added, “We had a wonderful turnout live theatre.” last year and hope to have a great This is an event that is perfect for turnout this year as well. This year we both women and men. There is limited will have a list of items that will be seating, so pick up your tickets or auctioned off that evening.” make a reservation today. At Center Place’s Bet A Buck, you For more information, please visit can bid on all kinds of items including www.centerplacebrandon.org or call tickets to many area attractions includ- 685-8888.

April 2017

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Page 11

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Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

The Outreach Clinic Presents Its 6th Annual Kentucky Derby Party

Grace Christian To Honor Founder With $5 Million High School Expansion

The Outreach fundraiser is a Clinic will host its wonderful opportu6th Annual nity to bring Kentucky Derby awareness about Party on Saturday, The Outreach May 6 from 5 to 9 Clinic and the p.m. at The important role we play in keeping Regent, locatour community ed at 6437 healthy.” Meegan Watson Rd. in added, “All monies Riverview. raised will be used Tickets are Get dressed up and join others as for free medical $100 per perthey raise awareness about The care for the low son. Attendees Outreach Clinic. income uninsured. can sip on Mint This event is truly a funfilled FUNraiser. It Juleps and other refreshments, enjoy is a great way to support a very important great food and have lots of fun. All proceeds will benefit the Outreach Clinic, the need in our community and have some fun at the same time.” area's only clinic providing free health The Kentucky Derby Party is The care to the low income uninsured. Outreach Clinic’s biggest fundraiser. The The Outreach Clinic's 6th Annual clinic, which serves all residents of Kentucky Derby Party is a fun and excitHillsborough County, exists thanks to the ing event. Your ticket includes complimentary valet parking, food and open bar. generosity of individuals, local organizations and churches. Attendees can enjoy delicious Kentucky The mission of The Outreach Clinic is Derby food such as Kentucky hot browns to manage and improve the health of the and dessert and coffee bars. Sip on a low income, uninsured in Hillsborough mint julep while you watch the historic County. The clinic provides much needed Kentucky Derby live on a big screen. healthcare to those who do not have No Kentucky Derby party would be health insurance and cannot afford complete without fancy hats and wellhealthcare. Most of those who are served dressed ladies and gentlemen. Ladies, have either a part-time job, receive only come dressed up in your finest and put min. wage, unemployment compensation on your fanciest hat and compete in the or are receiving Social Security Disability. Most Beautiful Hat Contest and Most The Outreach Clinic is located at 517 Creative Ladies’ Hat Contest. Gentlemen N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. For more can vie to win the Dapper Gentlemen information and to get tickets, please call Contest. 654-1388 or visit Debbie Meegan, Executive Director www.theoutreachclinic.com. of The Outreach Clinic said, “This

Since expand our abiliGrace ty to provide Christian new programs in School sports for stuopened its dents of all doors in 1974, grades. By it has adding a second gymnasium, we suswill be able to tained a engage the elesolid repmentary stuutation dents in exciting for acainterscholastic demic leagues, provide excela greater capaclence. Its Grace Christian School is situated on 26 acres of ity for all of our rigorous curland off of N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. sports teams, and riculum is be the new home of the Grace Christian taught from a biblical worldview while in School Patriots varsity sports.” a structured but caring environment. In In honor of the school’s founder, Dr. addition to preparing its students Robert R. Gustafson, the new facility will scholastically, the school has an intenbear his name. Gustafson, the beloved tional focus on character development with emphasis on moral living, patriotism founder, administrator, pastor, and baseball coach passed away in January and civic duty. 2016. He was a visionary with a passion The more than 40 years of educafor Christian education. His legacy lives tional success has multiplied its student on through the Grace Christian School population—causing the original school as it continues to provide students with a building to swell at its seams. In “Unfortunately, we had to turn away response to the growth, Grace Christian students last year,” said McKeen. “But finalized plans for a two-year construcwith a new building, we will have the tion project to expand the high school campus. The new facility includes a high capacity for 400 more students.” To donate to the building fund, please conschool building, which will house 12 classrooms, two auditoriums, administra- tact the school at 689-8815. Donations are tax deductible. tive offices and a gymnasium. With a Grace Christian School is located at price tag of five million dollars, the school is actively campaigning for funds. 1425 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. Registration is open for the 2017-2018 Administrator Barry McKeen of school year. For further details, please Grace Christian explained, “The facility visit www.gracechristianschool.com. will increase our student capacity and

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Page 13

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Riverview 14 GDX Now Open As Tampa's Destination Movie Theater When Goodrich Quality Theaters, (GQT) a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company founded in 1930, chose Riverview to build its 30th location, a $20 million, state-of-the-art multiplex in Florida, the objective was clear and non-negotiable; open with no mistakes. “Our company culture is all about fanatical attention to detail,” said Dubbed as Tampa's destination theater, Goodrich Quality GQT Marketing Director, Theaters, (GQT) Riverview 14 GDX Theater’s recent opening at Kelly Nash. “This is our the southwest corner of I-75 and Gibsonton Drive directly east first multiplex outside the of Super Walmart (exit 250). Midwest and we wanted stand-alone to ensure we opened without excuses or restaurant, bar errors.” and Gastro-Pub Based on Nash’s sentiments, and developed by judging by opening weekend results, the Celebrity Chef 66,000 sq. ft., Riverview 14 GDX (Giant Brian Duffy of Bar Digital Experience), located at the southRescue and drink west corner of I-75 and Gibsonton Drive specials crafted by directly east of the Super Walmart (exit mixologist Mike 250), did not only meet its goals- but has Tipps. The restaufar surpassed its best expectations. rant has its own The theater features 1,665 electronientrance, and is cally reclining seats with snack trays and also accessible through the lobby and cup holders and all seats are reserved. offers a scratch kitchen perfect for lunch, “We opened our doors merely two dinner and late-night snacks, with nothing hours after government approvals and on the menu over $12, which gives a sold 1,300 tickets within the first 120 minwhole new meaning to the phrase, “dinutes,” Nash said, adding that in its first ner and a movie.” weekend, more than 10,000 tickets were Following her visit on opening weeksold. end, Riverview Honorary Mayor, Tammy Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a Holmberg, said, "This is not just the giant contemporary lobby that proudly movies. Goodrich Riverview 14 is a game includes Features, a first-of-its-kind, changer in the movie watching experi-

By Tamas Mondovics

means disappoint. GQT COO, Martin Betz was also pleased when he said, “The fantastic welcome from across the Tampa Bay area demonstrates its excitement to have our state-of-the-art, family-friendly fourteen screen cinema experience, as this is our first theater in Florida.” Betz highlighted the theater’s rewards program and free popcorn for people who bring a ticket stub from another theater through May 31. Riverview 14 GDX is hosting its Grand Opening Community VIP Weekend, scheduled for Friday-Sun, April 21-April 23. Moviegoers will receive a popcorn and soft drink combo all weekend for only $4. Visit www.GoodrichQualityTheaters.com. and on Facebook @GoodrichRiverview.

ence.” The lobby features box offices and self-serve ticket kiosks as well as concession stands coupled with self-serve soft drinks and $0.50 popcorn refills. Adding to the experience is Goodrich’s cutting-edge, large format auditoriums with 4K digital projection onto two 70 by 40 foot, floor-to-ceiling screens, with sound powered by the Premium Dolby ATMOS system with more than 60 speakers and more than 265 seats each. * $8 Thrifty Ticket Tuesdays The 12 addi* Frequent MovieGoer (FMG) Rewards Program tional screens feaFree popcorn at sign up ture state-of-the-art * Party Room Rentals digital projection on * Save a Stub, Get a Tub 35-45 ft. screens Bring in any other theatre ticket stub, get a free 85 oz. with the Trinnov tub of popcorn valid through May 31. Ovation system. * Classic Movies on the Big Screen every Sunday and “Customers Wednesday at 7 p.m.-upcoming: say that this is the 4/2 & 4/5-The NeverEnding Story best movie experi4/9 & 4/12-The Ten Commandments ence they have 4/16 & 4/19-Hello, Dolly! ever seen,” Nash * Morning Movies-Every Friday, Saturday and said. Sunday at 10 a.m. free movies with FMG Rewards It is safe to say membership. See the movie line-up below: that while Riverview 3/31 – 4/2: Wild Life 4/7 – 4/9: Kubo & the Two Strings 14 GDX opening 4/14 – 4/16: Trolls was a little delayed, 4/21 – 4/23: Ice Age: Collision Course its arrival did by no 4/28 – 4/30: Sing

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Volume 16, Issue 4

Family Owned Dove Interiors Randall’s Odyssey Of The Mind Team Brings Home Top Honors Celebrates 28 Years In Business By Amy Schechter By Michelle Colesanti

Dove being set up Interiors is and orders for family-owned cabinets are and operated already being by Joan Miller placed. and daughter Dove Kim Scott. Interiors is After spending part of Carpet 20 years One Floor & working at a Home, which car dealeris a cooperaship, Miller Dove Interiors is your one stop shop for flooring, window tive of over decided it was treatments, draperies custom fabric and more. It is cele- 1,000 stores brating 28 years in business and is located 2305 College worldwide. time to start Ave. in Ruskin. her own business, so along with her family, it was According to Miller, “We are the decided to open a family carpeting busibiggest purchaser of flooring in the ness. Now, 28 years later, the business United States.” It is because of that we thrives at its current location; 2305 can offer great warranties on all carpet College Ave. in Ruskin, where it has products. There are five levels of warbeen located for the last 10 years. ranties. If you decide you don’t like Shortly after opening, the tile departsomething that you purchased, you have ment was added followed by window up to four months to have it changed. treatments, which opened with Hunter Dove Interiors currently has 12 peoDouglas products. When Dove Interiors ple on staff. Employees are trained in all moved to its current location, it became of the departments to help with any the only Hunter Douglas Gallery in questions or needs that may arise. The Hillsborough County. staff is knowledgeable in the flooring and Through the years Dove Interior has home interior industry, and they are gengrown, now offering all types of flooring, uinely willing to share their expertise with window treatments, draperies, custom you from inspiration to installation. Sales fabric, and bed spreads. Miller’s motto is professionals are trained to ask the right “Beautiful made affordable”. questions, guide you through its easy-toLater this spring, a new cabinet and understand selection systems, and work vanity department is set to open. with you to create exciting solutions. Working with four different cabinet comHours are Monday to Friday from 9 panies, customers will have many cabia.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. nets to choose from in all price ranges. to 2 p.m. Visit www.doveinteriorscarVignettes for the cabinets are currently petone.com.

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Waiting in the wings to perform, Randall Middle School’s Odyssey of the Mind team may have appeared to outsiders like underdogs. Comprised completely of 6th graders, they were going up against older, more seasoned teams of 7th and 8th graders from across the district. But, John Annett, Blake Bole, Bradley Carlson, Findlay Hartman, Kaylee Matteis, Kayla Purifoy, and Leela Walbolt knew they were ready to take it all. Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem solving competition available to students in kindergarten through college. Teams of five to seven students work cooperatively over several months to develop solutions to one of six long-term problems on a limited budget. They also prepare to answer a spontaneous problem where they are given a challenge the day of the competition that involves a possible combination of verbal and hands-on responses.

The students came to the District meet with a lot more experience than one would have thought. The team worked together the previous year at the elementary level. For this competition, they chose a project called “Autobot.” They had to create and code programming for a robot that would perform four different human tasks. They also took home first place for their musical skit involving a “Ghostbuster’s” theme. Furthermore, the students took first place for their spontaneous response question, a testament to teamwork that has been built across almost two years of working together. Two parents coach the team on a volunteer basis, Erin Hartman and Kellie Bole. Bole said, “The premise behind Odyssey of the Mind is that you can teach creativity and I one hundred percent agree creativity can be acquired in watching these kids grow and develop.” Randall’s Odyssey of the Mind team will go on to compete at the state level on April 8 at the University of Central Florida. If they place high enough there, they can be invited to the world finals May 24-27 at Michigan State University. For more information on Odyssey of the Mind and how you can get involved as a volunteer, visit http://floridaodysseyofthemind.org.

April 2017

Page 15

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

County Hosts Ribbon Cutting On New $36M Public Safety Operations Complex

By Tamas Mondovics

Hillsborough of emergency,” said County Board of County Fire Rescue County Chief Dennis Jones. Commissioners, Built to the highemergency operaest hurricane rating tions officials, Fire construction stanRescue personnel, dards, the 52,000members of the sq. ft. main building community and the houses Fire media celebrated Rescue’s command the opening of the staff, Emergency County’s New Dispatch Center Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Chief Dennis Jones is joined by Florida Division and the high-tech Public Safety of Emergency Management Director Bryan Operations Koon, along with County Commissioners, Emergency Complex (PSOC) Stacy White, Sandra Murman a Pat Kemp Operations Center, during the ribbon cutting ceremony of the to serve residents last month in county’s brand new Public Safety Brandon. during major storms Operations Complex, in Brandon. Following a riband other emergenbon cutting ceremony, attendees had a cies. “This is a really big deal for our chance to tour the new $36 million dollar county,” said Commissioner Sandra facility located at 9450 E. Columbus Dr., Murman whose district touches the counwhich now becomes the new home to ty’s shoreline. “This complex is very Fire Rescue headquarters and the important as safety and security is on the County’s Emergency Operations Center mind of our residents especially during (EOC). hurricane season and safety and security Sitting on 20 acres between U.S. is what this new complex is all about.” Hwy. 301 and Falkenburg Rd. the project While commenting on the need for was funded by the Public Safety the new PSOC, County Commissioner Improvement Bond Project and General Stacy White drew attention to what Revenue funds. While the price tag is makes the new facility functional when he high, officials said that the facility brings said, “This new facility is important, but it together several major public safety build- is the people who work inside that make ings and critical support functions into one the real difference.” location. County Emergency Operations “This is an amazing new facility and Director Preston Cook also emphasized will become the center of our community the reason for the new complex when he as aside from our fire stations throughout said, “Our citizens now have a facility the county, it brings all of fire rescue’s they deserve.” For information about buildings together as well as our governHillsborough County and the new PSOC, ment operations into one location in case visit www.hcflgov.net.

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Family Promise Fundraiser Generates Homelessness Awareness

By Amanda Boston

Rain or to reflect on the diffishine, Family culties and uncertainPromise of ties afflicting the Greater Brandon homeless. will conduct its “The night was fourth annual Box truly humbling. You Car City event to could get a glimpse raise funds to into the struggle of help homeless finding shelter and families and genprovisions for those erate awareness who battle homelessin the community. ness,” said Carrie Participants spend a night in boxes, tents, or Simmons, a particiThe fundraising cars in order to better understand the chalevent will take pant from last year. lenges homeless families encounter. place from Simmons is a volunFriday, April 28 at 4 p.m. until Saturday, teer host coordinator for Grace April 29 at 7 a.m. on the grounds of First Community United Methodist Church in Presbyterian Church of Brandon. Lithia. As a host coordinator, she works For one night, participants are temas the liaison between her church and porarily transported into another reality—a Family Promise in regard to accommodalife of a homeless person. The registration tions and meals. Grace Community is fee is $25 per person to sleep on the one of 17 supporting churches lending property in a tent, car or box. The fees space for interim lodging. Simmons will benefit the Family Promise organization camp out again this year to share in the whose mission is “to empower homeless daily challenges homeless families face. families to obtain sustainable housing and She said, “Taking part in this experience lasting independence by partnering with puts you temporarily in the shoes of the area Christian congregations and local homeless. This one night reminded me resources.” that I am blessed and I can support this The event is open to the public and program. Box Car City opened my eyes attracts a wide-variety of participants to the huge opportunity we have to help including entire families. The cardboard families with children right here in our city comes alive as arriving participants Brandon area.” create makeshift sleeping arrangements To find out more Box Car City or how out of tents and cardboard boxes. to support Family Promise, visit At dinnertime, participants are provid- www.FamilyPromiseBrandon.org, email ed a simple meal and lights are out at 10 executivedirectorfpgb@gmail.com or call p.m. At sunrise, breakfast is served and 681-6170. Registration forms are availthe city dismantled. With a lack of modern able online and available on the day of amenities, the night offers plenty of time the event.

F l o r iodoras The

Outd

I recently explored this wonderful park as part of a habitat course for the Florida Master Naturalist course. The approximately 70 nautical sq. mi. Pennekamp is the first undersea park in the U.S., established in 1963 to protect and preserve a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The late John D. Pennekamp, a Miami newspaper editor whom the park is named after, contributed to the establishment of Everglades National Park and the preservation of what would become John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. On April 14, 1972, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places You can enjoy seeing the reef and associated marine life from a glassbottom boat tour, by scuba diving or snorkeling, or canoeing and kayaking. You can fish in designated areas, picnic, swim at the beach, and camp. I also love the Visitor Center with a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos in its theater. If you include the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, you have approximately 178 nautical square miles of beautiful and diverse coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps to explore, extending

Volume 16, Issue 4

By Dr. Rob Norman

American Alligator

three miles into the Atlantic Ocean. I recall being at Pennekamp while in college and being fully occupied with snorkeling and socializing. Although I certainly encourage checking out the famed coral reefs, the two nature trails showcase the tropical hammocks and extensive mangrove swamps. The Mangrove Trail is a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that takes you right into the heart of a mangrove tunnel. I had a chance to explore the amazing trails while learning the hands-on techniques of examining our habitat, including data collection, field mapping, and water quality testing. Everywhere in the park you have unique opportunities to photograph and observe a wide variety of birds, and perhaps even a salt-water crocodile. Head down to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and along the way stop at the Big Cypress National Preserve or a hundred other places worth exploring. Enjoy the Great Florida Outdoors. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located at 102601 Overseas Hwy. (MM 102.5) in Key Largo. For information, call 305-4516300.

April 2017

Local Y Volunteers Honored For Service At 2017 Community Impact Dinner

FINANCIAL FOCUS

By Kathy L. Collins

Melissa L Haskins Financial Advisor

Area residents who volunteer their time, talent and treasure to the neighborhood Y were recognized at the Annual Community Impact Dinner. Local Y Volunteers of the Year included Mike Hurlburt from North Brandon Y, Michelle Smith from the Campo Family Y, Robert Lindsey from the Big Bend Y and Larry Eaton from Camp Cristina.

The Tampa YMCA 2017 Community Impact Dinner, is an opportunity for attendees to learn about the Tampa YMCA's real impact on the community. In addition, awards are given to dignitaries and Volunteers of the Year from each of the Tampa YMCA's 15 branches are recognized. From the North Brandon Y, Mike Hurlburt, was selected as Volunteer of the Year. Hurlburt is a past board chair and just stepped down from nine years of service. Hurlburt was one of the driving forces behind the Y's Lopez Exceptional Student Center Christmas Project. Children from the center receive Christmas presents thanks to the efforts of volunteers such as Hurlburt. The Volunteer of the Year from the Campo Family Y is Michelle Smith. As Chair of the Youth Development Committee, Smith was instrumental in getting a large courtyard completely renovated. According to Dwight Kerr, Development Director, "The committee had a dream to convert a dirty unused space into an area which can be used for

Page 17

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

exercise, sports and picnics." Kerr added, "The committee had a dream and Smith helped lead the efforts." From the new Big Bend Y, the Volunteer of the Year is Robert Lindsey. He was chair of the Volunteer Board and helped to get it off the ground and make it fully functioning. Kerr said, "Lindsey was a true leader. The board raised and awarded $13,000 in scholarships." The Big Bend Y opened in 2015 and offers youth soccer, basketball and summer camp. The Volunteer of the Year from Tampa YMCA's Camp Cristina is Larry Eaton. According to Mark Battig, the Executive Director for Camp Cristina, “Larry puts the camp and its needs at the forefront of all that he does for us.” In addition to honoring volunteers who go above and beyond for their neighborhood Y, the Tampa YMCA awarded the Community Impact Award to former Hillsborough County School Board member, Doretha Edgecomb. She was recognized for her dedication and positive impact on Tampa Bay residents. Visit www.tampaymca.org.

Don’t Keep Family in the Dark About Your Plans

You might work diligently at building a financial roadmap for your retirement years and a comprehensive estate plan. But you can’t just create these strategies – you also have to communicate them. Specifically, you need to inform your spouse and your grown children what you have in mind for the future – because the more they know, the fewer the surprises that await them down the road. Let’s start with your spouse. Ideally, of course, you and your spouse should have already communicated about your respective ideas for retirement and have come to an agreement on the big issues, such as when you both plan to retire, where you’ll live during retirement, and what you want to do s retirees (volunteer, travel, work part time and so on). But what you both might have let slip through the cracks are the important specifics related to financing your retirement. You’ll need to answer several questions, including these: • When will you each start taking Social Security? • Are there strategies for maximizing both of your Social Security payments? • When will you need to start tapping into your respective retirement accounts, such as your IRA and 401(k)? And, once you do start withdrawing from these accounts, how much should you take out each year? You may want to work with a financial professional to address these issues, but however you proceed, you and your spouse need to be “on the same page” regarding the key financial components of your retirement. Now, consider your grown children. You need to clearly communicate your estate plans to them, not only for the sake of openness and honesty, but also because they may well play active roles within those plans. So when talking to your children, make sure you cover these areas:

• Durable power of attorney – You may well decide to give one of your grown children the durable power of attorney to pay bills and make financial choices on your behalf if you are unable to do so. • Estate executor – An executor is the person or entity you name in your will to carry out your wishes. An executor has a variety of responsibilities, so you’ll want to choose someone who is honest and capable of dealing with legal and financial matters. Again, you could ask a grown child to serve as your executor, but, to avoid potential conflict of interests among your children, you might want to go outside the family. Talk with an attorney about how best to name your executor. • Status of will and living trust – Assuming you have already drawn up a will, share it with your grown children. The same is true with a living trust, a popular estate-planning tool that may allow your survivors to avoid going through the time-consuming, public and expensive process of probate. A will and a living trust will obviously contain a great deal of information your children should know about – so take the time to explain your thinking when you created these documents. You want to enjoy a comfortable retirement, and you want to leave a meaningful legacy through your estate plans. To help accomplish both these goals, you need to include your loved ones in your arrangements – so open those lines of communication. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Melissa L Haskins, Financial Advisor

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Page 18

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Expanded Emergency Department & Upgraded Servcies Unveiled At Brandon Regional Hospital

By Kathy Collins the ability to provide faster care to area residents. A new radiology suite located

Members of the community joined the staff of Brandon Regional Hospital to unveil the new emergency department complete with a rooftop helipad, for faster emergency treatment.

Brandon Regional Hospital unveiled the second phase of its newly expanded emergency department on Monday, February 20. The new $20 million phase features eight new exam rooms, four new trauma rooms, an ambulance entrance and a new helipad. Brandon Regional Hospital’s emergency department serves over 120,000 patients each year. “As one of the busiest emergency departments in Florida, we are always seeking new ways to treat patients more efficiently while maintaining our high quality of care,” said Bland Eng, Brandon Regional Hospital’s CEO. “This $60 million ER expansion improves patient care and experience in the ER. We now have 53 new private treatment rooms, a rooftop helipad and the latest radiology equipment, which allows us to better serve our community,” added, Eng. “This ER expansion project demonstrates Brandon Regional Hospital’s commitment to the future of our community,” said Andrzej Dmowski, M.D., Emergency Department Medical Director. The expanded ER provides for efficiency and

in the ER means that ER patients do not have to leave the ER in order to get imaging services. The new helipad and elevator take patients straight to the trauma room treatment area. According to Natalia Diaz, Marketing Director for Brandon Regional Hospital, “We are committed to the continued growth and prosperity of the greater Brandon community. We want to be the healthcare provider of choice for residents of the greater Brandon area.” Diaz added, ”We continue to invest in program technology such as our new transcatheter aortic valve replacement program for cardiology patients and our new Mako robot for joint replacement surgery. The hospital is also proud to be the largest employer in the Brandon area.” The final phase of the hospital’s $60 million emergency department expansion will include a 16-room pediatric emergency department. Brandon Regional Hospital is located at 119 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, please visit www.BrandonRegionalHospital.com.

County Hosts Free Document Shredding And Skateboarding Contest During Shred Fest

By Tamas Mondovics

In an effort to reduce stress and promote peace of mind, Hillsborough County hosted Shred Fest 2017 to kick off Consumer Protection Week (March 5-11). The event appropriately named Tear it Up! Shred Paper Clutter and the Competition at Hillsborough took place on March 4 at Apollo Beach Park and Young skaters show off some shredding skills at the Recreation Center and Northwest Skate Park. Hillsborough County is now offering skateboarding lessons at each of its three state-of-the-art included free document skate parks including those in Brandon and Apollo Beach. shredding, with fitness waiver is also required, while skaters and skateboarding contests for all 12 and under must also have elbow ages. and knee pads. According to Michelle VanDyke Shred Fest 2017 is also the time with Hillsborough County to remind local skaters to prepare for Communications, “This event allows the County’s annual “Best Shredder 3participants to shred their personal Part Series,” which rewards particidocuments and papers and to enjoy a pants with great prizes, and of course, skateboard shredding contest as well some much-valued bragging rights. as free lunch,” VanDyke said adding The 2017 ‘Best Shredder’ series is that attendees are also able to shred scheduled for Saturday, June 21 and their consumer know-how by getting Saturday, August 19 at the Brandon expert advice on a wide variety of topics, including marine safety and how to and Apollo Beach Skate Parks, respectively. Admission to each park, choose a life jacket.” While Shred Fest 2017 focused on staffed with people who are passiona number of fitness and skateboarding ate about skateboarding, is free. No motorized boards of any kind contests, the event specifically drew are allowed. Shirt and shoes are attention to the County’s three skate required at all times. parks, which are now offering skateFor information on the Skate board lessons for all skill levels, Parks, visit HCFLGov.net/Consumer, including beginners as long as they or call 671-7635. have a helmet and board. A notarized

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April 2017

Page 19

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Lottery Hits Close To Home By Lucky Brandon Resident

By Kate Quesada

A Brandon resident’s lottery winning dreams came true last month when she purchased a scratch-off ticket at a local Publix store. According to The Florida Lottery, Deborah Harvey of Brandon, purchased a Gold Rush Doubler Scratch-Off game ticket at the Valrico Publix, located at 3461 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. The ticket gave her a $1 million prize which she chose to receive as a onetime, lump-sum payment of $745,000. As commission for selling the winning ticket, Publix received a $2,000 bonus. Harvey purchased the ticket for $20. The Gold Rush Doubler features six top prizes of $5 million, 30 prizes of $1 million and more than $752 million in total cash prizes. According to lottery representatives, the game offers more than 16.8 million winning tickets and overall odds of winning one-in-2.99, but the odds of winning the $1 million are 1-in-1,680,000.

Scratch-off games are an important part of the lottery’s portfolio of games, making up approximately 65 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $734 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2015-16. According to the Florida Lottery Website, scratch-off tickets with $1 million prizes became available for purchase in 1988 and since then, 565 people have become millionaires from playing the games. The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $31 billion to education and sending more than 750,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its revenue back into Florida's economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Florida retailers and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $52.4 billion in prizes and made more than 1,900 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.

By Tamas Mondovics

County Aging Services Reports Isolated Breach of Protected Health Information Hillsborough County or used inappropriately or has reported an isolated maliciously. breach of protected infor“In accordance with mation within its Aging federal law, Hillsborough Services Department last County has notified the month. 647 affected clients via Aging Services offers mail, and has reported numerous services the breach to the U.S. Hillsborough County Aging designed to enhance the Department of Health Services has reported an isolat- and Human Services lives of older adults age ed breach of health information 50 and over, from active of more than 600 clients and is and the Florida now offering affected clients free Department of Elder adult programming and credit monitoring for a year. in-home services to hot Affairs,” Cardenas said. meals and referral services. In an abundance of caution, According to a press release by Hillsborough County is also offering County Aging Services officials, a comaffected clients free credit monitoring for a plete and thorough internal investigation year. has been conducted and the department “We have sent instruction by mail to has taken steps to notify the estimated our clients to utilize this service,” she said 650 then-clients affected by the breach. adding that clients may also contact her Elizabeth Cardenas, Hillsborough directly at 1-800-466-5400 or via U.S. County HIPAA Privacy Officer, said that mail at P.O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL, 33601. the breach, which was discovered by In the press release, County officials Aging Services employees on December emphasized that Hillsborough County 22, 2016, is believed to have occurred in employees adhere to comprehensive proMarch 2011, 2016 when a former cedures, policies, and training regarding employee inadvertently came into posprotected information. session of personal, protected information An internal review of Hillsborough including social security numbers, County policies and training confirms that addresses, financial information and or current practices for handling confidential case notes. information provide the utmost protection Cardenas confirmed that at this time, of confidential information, the release the investigation has not revealed any said. For information about Hillsborough facts indicating the information has been County Aging Services, please visit out of possession of the former employee www.hillsboroguhcounty.org.

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Page 20

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Egg Hunts And Family Fun Around Town Boyette Springs Church of God will hold its annual Easter egg hunt and Palm Sunday potluck picnic on Sunday, April 9 at 12 Noon. The event will include food, bounce houses and egg hunt. The church is located at 12114 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. For more information, contact the church at 671-0086 or visit www.mybscog.org. The Chapel At Fishhawk will do an Easter egg hunt on Sunday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. between its 9 a.m. and 10:30 Easter services. The church is a diverse nondenominational church family in the heart of Fishhawk at 6026 Churchside Dr. in Lithia. All are welcome. For more information, contact the church at 661-7105. Cornerstone Baptist Church will conduct a children's egg hunt on Saturday, April 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children (2 years through 5th grade) and their families are invited to join the fun and fellowship. Children need to bring an empty basket to collect eggs. The event also includes a Bible story, fun activities, hot dogs and drinks. The event is free and open to the public. The church is located at 818 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. For more information, contact the church office at 689-3325. First United Methodist Church of Seffner will hold an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon with free food, arts and crafts, games and a bounce house. The church is located at 1310 S. Kingsway Rd. in Seffner. For more information, call 6893515.

Fishhawk Fellowship will hold an Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fishhawk Park Square, located at 16132 Churchview Dr. in Lithia. The free event will include bounce houses, rock wall, refreshments, games and family photographs. For more information, visit www.fishhawkfc.org.

hawthornevillageofbrandon.com. Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church will hold a free Easter breakfast and egg hunt on Sunday, April 16 at 9:15 a.m. The church is located at 604 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. For more information, please contact Kelly Black at 480-0800. Living Savior Lutheran Church will conduct an egg hunt and

Grace Baptist Temple will hold an Easter Eggstravaganza on Sunday, April 16 following its 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. The Eggstravaganza includes an egg hunt and free family photograph with a backdrop. The church is located at 2909 John Moore Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 689-7190 or visit www.growingatgrace.com. Hawthorne Village Retirement Community will hold its annual Easter egg hunt on Friday, April 14 at 11 a.m. Hunt for more than 2,000 eggs and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny. This event is for ages 12 and under. There will be prizes and refreshments. Hawthorne Village is located at 859 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 661-8998 or visit

Easter breakfast on Sunday, April 16 at 8:30 a.m., following its sunrise service. The breakfast buffet will feature an assortment of hot and cold items. The church is located at 2650 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. For more information call 681-2375 or visit www.LivingSaviorValrico.org. Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale will do an Easter egg hunt on Palm Sunday, following its morning service. The hunt will take place approximately at 12 Noon. Children are asked to bring a basket for the hunt. The children will stuff eggs for an assisted living community and then hunt for candy filled eggs provided by the same residents. The church is located at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. For

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more information, call 654-3699. Redeemer Presbyterian Church will do an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 15 at 9:30 a.m. for children through 5th grade. The church is located at 12404 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. For more information, call 741-1776 or visit www.redeemerriverview.org. Riverview First United Methodist Church will conduct its annual egg hunt and party on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon with crafts, games, and refreshments. The event is free. The church is located at 8002 US Hwy. 301 South in Riverview. For more information, contact Alicia at retinaspecialist@yahoo.com. Southside Baptist Church will hold an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 15 at 10 a.m. on its church grounds, located at 415 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. The event will include games, candy and an egg hunt from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon. It is a free event and open to the public. For more information, contact the church office at 6896049. St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church of Brandon will put on an Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Family Life Center. The event will include an egg hunt, games, food, candy, and activities. The event is free, but the church asks that you bring one non-perishable food item for its food pantry. Register at www.saumc.net. The church is located at 3315 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 689-6849.

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April 2017

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

The Village Players Community Theatre Presents Seussical The Musical

By Kathy L. Collins

The characters Village from the Players will beloved bring to life books.” the beloved Barber characters of added, “I Dr. Seuss as want our they present patrons to sit Seussical the back and Musical enjoy the beginning on fantasy of Friday, The Village Players will present Seussical the Musical Seussical this spring. You will not want to miss as the talented March 31 the Musical local actors of the Village Players bring the beloved Dr. and watch with their Seuss characters to life on stage. new tradithe charaction, Dinner and a Show. Doors open at ters come to life. The show is fun, funny 7 p.m. and dinner is served immediately. and whimsical.” This is definitely a show The show begins at 8 p.m. The sponsor for the whole family to enjoy together. for the Opening Night Dinner and a Pierce said, “It’s a family night out togethShow is Chick-fil-A. er sharing childhood memories with The show will also be shown on friends and family.” Saturday, April 1, 8 and 15; Friday, April 7 Tickets for Opening Night Dinner and 14 at 8 p.m. There will be two matiand a Show are $30. All proceeds from nees on Sunday, April 2 and 9 at 3 p.m. this night will go toward renovation and Seussical the Musical involves a maintenance of the historical James large cast. All of the actors are from the McCabe Theatre. According to Pierce, community and are incredibly talented. “We are currently giving the building a Gail Pierce with the Village Players face lift.” All renovations and maintesaid, “Many grew up with Dr. Seuss nance that need to be done on a historic books. The generations that followed building are costly and ongoing. also enjoyed the animated movies. This Tickets for the other shows are $18 is definitely family entertainment at its for general admission and $15 for stubest.” Pierce added, “We hope our dents, military with identification and senpatrons will leave the theatre with a smile iors. Groups of 10 or more are also $15 on their face, humming a tune and recall- but must be reserved in advance. ing memories from their childhood.” The James McCabe Theatre is Todd Barber directs the show. located at 506 5th St. in Valrico. Barber said, “Directing Seussical the For tickets and other information, Musical is a way to get creative and please call the box office at 480-3141 or bring to life the well-known Dr. Seuss visit www.thevillageplayersvalrico.com.

Volume 16, Issue 4

Cyber Security Takes Center Stage During Brandon Chamber Luncheon

By Tamas Mondovics

With a topic of everything to do cyber security on whatever was its program, the needed to help the Greater Brandon Chamber in its Chamber of hour of need.” Commerce was Rojas also pleased to host its developed a promonthly Synergy gram to help membership lunchreconnect memeon. bers who had lost On the first touch with the Tuesday of each Chamber, affecBrandon Chamber hosted FBI special agent month, the lunchtively strengthenA.J. Gilman, an 18-year veteran with the eon is held at The Bureau’s cyber crime squad for its luncheon. ing the group as a Regent, 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. whole. A good example of the Chamber’s “All of our businesses are vulneracontinued effort to benefit its members ble,” Gilman said. was the invitation of FBI special agent In sharing some quick tips that the A.J. Gilman, who thanks to his expertise lunch hour time-frame allotted, Gilman on the Bureau’s cyber security squad, first mentioned that each attack is a result addressed the subject, which was very of a combination of a number of steps. much on the minds of all present. “It’s never just one thing that leads to The Chamber has had its ups and an attack,” he said, “A big problem is over downs lately, including the most recent confidence and lack of vigilance when it incident affecting all of its members when comes to updates in hardware and softhackers attacked its computer system. ware, and security,” he said. “They had stolen everything,” said Gilman emphasized that the Bureau Christine Michaels, Brandon Chamber of first focuses on larger establishments that Commerce Executive Director. “Years affect many such as energy companies or worth of valuable data had been lost.” financial institutions, while added that Michaels explained that the Chamber these larger facilities can also recover leadership had no idea how to recover easier and faster as they can afford paywhat was lost, eventually prompting the ing off hackers who through ransom ware board to turn to DataCorps Technology may hold businesses hostage by stealing Solutions a local Brandon IT Services data or shooting the whole system down. Company and its CEO, Angel Rojas. Lunch was provided by Cater Tampa “I called Angel and I said, ‘Can you and the next meeting is scheduled for please come help us?’ He came right Tuesday, April 4. For more information away, dropped other appointments,” about the Greater Brandon Chamber of Michaels recalled the events during the Commerce please visit, www.brandonluncheon, adding, “He literally dropped chamber.com.

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April 2017

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Volume 16, Issue 4

See Inside For More News Section 2 of 3 April 2017

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/FishHawk

www.ospreyobserver.com

Queena Gears Up To Host 6th Annual 5K4Q Run To Continue Therapy Nine Years After Brutal Library Attack, Family Forms Non-Profit

By Tamas Mondovics

The result of a recent resentencing hearing request is life in prison for convicted 25year-old violent rapist Kendrick Morris. For his victim, Queena Voung, her family, friends and countless supporters it is simply, justice served. “I am thankful that the judge heard and understood our pain,” said Voung’s mom Vanna. “I feel like justice has been served, but it still breaks my heart.” In 2011, Morris was sentenced to 65 years in prison by Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe three years after he was convicted of dragging Queena behind the Bloomingdale Regional Library, where he raped and brutally beat the then 18-year old high school senior leaving her for dead. Queena’s injuries left her brain damaged, paralyzed and blind and she remains in need of ongoing medical care. Morris was also found guilty for an attack and rape of an elderly woman at knifepoint ten months prior when he was 15 years old, in addition to the Bloomingdale incident. Morris requested the hearing after a Supreme Court ruling, which deemed lengthy prison sentences without a chance of parole for juvenile offenders unconstitutional. While the changes in federal laws

allowed Morris to face Judge Tharpe once more. Now as an adult in hopes of a lighter sentence things did not go any better for Morris. Instead, Tharpe sentenced Morris—once more—to life in prison. “Queena’s attacker will spend life in prison, but my daughter also has her own life sentence that she did not choose,” Vanna said. Feeling less stressed and more peaceful, now that the ordeal of reliving the court process and the re-sentencing is over, the Voung family must refocus on the daily routine of taking care of Queena, a full-time job that gives Vanna little time to think about anything else. “Our average day, including the weekends, are very busy,” she said adding that the morning routine to “brush Queena’s teeth, her hair, wash her face,

“For holistic, we try yoga, massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, essential oils, aroma-touch, natural supplements,” she said. “Queena is currently working on her communication device.” Of course all this is costly and the family is grateful for the community’s outpouring of generosity supporting the long road to Queena’s recovery. According to Queena’s sister, Anna Donato, the family is gearing up to host the 6th Annual South Shore 5K4Q Run now scheduled for Saturday, April 22 at E.G. Simmons Joined by mom Vanna and her sister Anna, Park in Ruskin. Bloomingdale Library attack survivor Queena “We will be celebrating Queena’s Voung, enjoys a happy moment during her 27th birthday that day,” Anna said, sister’s recent wedding. adding “Just two days before reaching change her diaper, put on a new outfit for the ninth year since she survived the her, give her food, water, and medicine attack. The family relies on the unwaverthrough her feeding tube, and lift her into ing hope, prayer and support from the the wheelchair takes a couple hours.” community to keep going. Then it’s time to go to all of Queena’s For information about the 5K4Q appointments for the day, either medical event, visit www.joinqueena.com/fundraisor therapy. ers/. Donations to support queen’s ongo“We are usually at out-patient theraing care can be made at www.joinpies for three to four hours before we queena.com. The family has formed return home for more in-home therapy,” Hope Heals The Brain Inc., a 501c3 nonshe said. “Sometimes she gets a special profit organization. All donations are taxtreat like yoga, facial, massage, or art and deductible. To support the family sponsormusic class.” ships for an upcoming 2nd annual golf The family has tried physical therapy, tournament at Topgolf planned for speech, vision, occupational, and aqua Sunday, August 6 is also available, by therapy. For treatments, Queena receives reaching Donato at 956-3822 or avdonahyperbaric oxygen, stem cell therapy, and to1@gmail.com. neuro bio-feedback.

Page 26

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Annual Blueberry Festival Offers Family Fun At Keel & Curley Winery

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Since Keel & day, there will be Curley was live entertainment established in and over 100 food 2003, Blueberries and craft vendors have always with something for been the star everyone includattraction. This ing food, jewelry, and clothing. year, the Winery Lularoe, Doterra celebrates the Essential Oils will small and tasty join many others. fruit with its “We will have 10th Annual Keel & Curley’s popular Blueberry Festival your typically Blueberry will take place over two weekends; Friday Festival. and Saturday, April 14 and 15 and Saturday fair/carnival type It has and Sunday, April 22 and 23 from 8 a.m.-6 food vendors (hot p.m. dogs, hamburgbecome so popuers, funnel cakes and cotlar that this year, it is being ton candy) as well as extended to take place other foods such as over two weekends: Friday Abuelo's mexican food, and Saturday, April 14 & Smokin' Aces BBQ and 15 and Saturday and our very our restaurant will Sunday, April 22 & 23 from be serving up some our delicious 8 a.m.-6 p.m. food,” added Griffin. This family event will include a Live music will be out on the deck kid’s area with inflatables, along with a rock climb wall. There will also be a with a variety of bands that will play different times each day. Since it is petting zoo and pony rides. also strawberry season locally, a limitAccording to Event Coordinator ed release strawberry shortcake wine Kristin Griffin, “The newest thing will be the expansion of our Kids zone. In will also be available during the festival as well. years past we have only had an Keel & Curley offers three types inflatable bouncy house. This year we of blueberry wine - sweet, semi-dry, want to make the event even more and dry; all made from 100% blueberfamily-friendly. Pets are always welries. Admission to the Blueberry come during our festival as well.” Festival is free, but parking costs $10 U-Pick blueberries will be avail($5 from 8-10 a.m.) Keel & Curley able from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., but you may Winery is located at 5210 want to arrive on the early side if you Thonotosassa Rd. in Plant City. are planning to pick them. During the

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April 2017

Page 27

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

GET THE DIRT

By NITISH S. RELE nitishrele@gmail.com

WITH FLORIDA YARD EXPERT Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension

Florida State Fair Recycled Yard Art Winners On Display Through March 21 As you probably know by now, twice a year, we sponsor a Recycled Yard Art Contest, one at the Hillsborough County Fair and one at the Florida State Fair. The purpose of the Recycled Yard Art Contest is to increase environmental awareness and encourage reuse/recycling of wooden fence pickets. First place for a High School was awarded to Hannah Barrionuevo from Wharton High School for her “Piano” created from clay and clothespins. materials into yard art. The competition involved two and three dimensional art created from items already used for their original purpose. During the 12 days of the 2017 Florida State Fair, attendees voted for the People’s Choice award on one of the 24 entries submitted. The votes have been tallied, all 9,142 of them (an increase from the 2016 vote total of 8,144), and the winner is: Andy Hamilton for the “Farm Bike” created with boat fenders, bicycle parts, wheels and a propane cylinder. Jeffrey Scott De Blasio won first place for his “Metal Bonefish Sculpture”, which was created from horseshoes and various other metal parts. Dowdell Middle Magnet School won the first place Middle School Award for its creation, “Teacup Planter” that utilized old tires, tin cans, paint, a paper bag and rope. The first place award for an Elementary School went to Ballast Point Elementary for “Fence Picket Self Portraits” made with reclaimed

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All of the contest winning entries will be on display at the UF/IFAS Extension Service, 5339 CR 579, Seffner, until March 21. We hope you will stop by to view these creations, stroll through the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden and see what we have to offer. I’m truly amazed at the creativity of all of the artists. Each of us would probably be surprised at how creative we can be. This is a great time to put on your thinking caps for a Recycled Yard Art project you have been considering creating…and create it. We will have two Recycled Yard Art competitions in 2018; one at the Hillsborough County Fair, and one at the Florida State Fair. Hope you will participate. Thanks for Reducing, Reusing, Recycling and Repeating.

“If it’s on a door, we service it!”

Goodbye S80 ter readings. Volvo and hello to a more Sensus infotainment, powerful and capawith a distinct vertical ble S90, which 9-inch display touch scoots 0 to 60 in screen, is essentially just 6.5 seconds made up of four tiles: with a top speed of navigation, media, 130 mph. This allphone and usernew midsize luxury defined. Activate one sedan from Volvo is and watch it expand a fun ride to pitch while keeping the through corners on other tiles visible for even the most chalfuture use. Walnut lenging roads. wood inlays on Reassuring brakes, dashboard, center S90 (AWD) solid steering feel console and doors Wheelbase: 115.8 inches and inspired hangive the S90 a rich Length: 195.4 inches dling ensure your feel. Other standard Suspension: double wishbone safety in this allamenities include front, integral axle rear wheel-drive ride. power moon roof, Steering: electric power rack Sharing its tilt/telescopic steerand pinion powertrain with its ing column, fourDrive modes: comfort, eco sibling SUV XC90, zone auto a/c, 10Fuel capacity: 15.9 gallons this Volvo flagship way power front City: 22 mpg is equipped with a seats, and a mamHighway: 31 mpg T6 2.0-liter inline-4 moth 17.7 cubic feet turbocharged and of trunk space. Weight: 4,080 pounds supercharged Dual front and Base price: $52,950 engine cranking side airbags, side Price as tested: $66,105 316 horsepower @ airbag, fourcurtain Website: www.volvo.com 5700 rpm and 295 wheel antilock pounds-feet of brakes, anti-whiplash torque @ 4500 rpm. The 8-speed auto front seats, pedestrian/cyclist/large animal gearbox in the front-wheel or all-wheeldetection, semi-autonomous driving drive SUV is as seamless as can be pos- called Pilot Assist, rear park assist and sible. And the start-stop feature (auto camera, side impact protection, dynamic engine stop when the vehicle halts) stability and traction control, three-point ensures substantial savings in fuel and safety belts with pretensioners for all, lane weight. departure warning and driver alert control, Up front, LED headlights and Thor’s City Safety (brakes automatically to help hammer-like daytime running lights surprevent a rear-end collision), tire pressure round a silver-matte waterfall grille with monitoring system and daytime running chrome frame. The centered and familiar lights are standard. Volvo iron mark portrays a confident and Displaying remarkable agility, the S90 athletic stance. The interior radiates both sedan is a welcome addition to the Volvo elegance and simplicity, mainly the 12.3family. Lest we forget, the Swedish carinch instrument digital display of the maker’s much-touted and renowned saferounded speedometer and tachometer, ty features make this exhilarating ride a and fuel, temp and driver information cen- no-brainer.

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Page 28

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Enter to win a Paint Job!

Why could you use up to $2,500 in free painting! Send us your story and a photo. Email a story approx. 500 words about your painting needs to contest@ospreyobserver.com subject line Painting along with a photo. At least 4 winners from the community will be selected as part of Dynamic Painting USA’s 10 year Anniversary Give Away! Name: Address: Phone: Email: Community: Email to win at contest@ospreyobserver.com, fax to 657-4469 or mail to 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Brandon, FL 33511.

Coaching Offered to Help Young Women Professionals Grow Their Careers By Debra Massaro

Women looking to starting their own businesses. grow their assertiveNewlin utilizes eLearning conness and climb the tent and live streaming video career ladder now technology to offer her empowhave a new support erment locally and across the system in the area. globe. Jennifer Newlin, career Newlin, who is married strategist and founder and has four children under of JN Coaching is age ten, understands that striving to make a difworking women have to juggle ference in the lives of their careers, family, and young professionals. finances and is conscious of “After working in the need for families to save corporate training the money. “I offer "freemiums" to Jennifer Newlin makes it her clients interested in testing out last 10 years and business to inspire young teaching "high potenmy programs so prices range women to achieve career suctial" team members from $0- $150 for my fourcess. how to maximize their week Emotional Intelligence career potential through soft skill develop- workshop,” she said. ment, I began to notice my impact on Newlin assisted over 50 women this young women in the business world and past February in her “Career Up" sesthe importance of increasing their sions, an informational program with HR assertiveness through professional devel- insights into hiring and personal branding. opment. This was a niche I found sucFuture workshops include a 12 week processful to me personally since it was gram this summer that will focus on something I always struggled with in my Personal Branding for corporate promo20’s,” Newlin said. tion. This program will help women in the In October 2016, Newlin decided to areas of assertiveness, presentation, make use of her certifications, which salary negotiation and self-awareness. include Gallup Strengths Coaching, She also offers speaking engagements to Integrity Solutions Mentor Facilitation and local women’s groups and businesses. corporate work with Franklin Covey’s “7 “I’d like to see the company grow to Habits of Highly Successful People. She include teaching women more tactical offers both paid and free E Learning proconcepts such as interviewing, resume grams that range from two to six weeks. writing, cover letters, and more, “Newline These include live weekly check in sessaid. sions allowing two-way communication For information email jennnewlinwith clients or direct coaching on their coaching@jennewlin.com or visit careers. Some clients seek advice on www.jennnewlin.com.

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Page 29

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Resident Chosen For Coveted JetBlue Flight Program

Staff Report

Terence Harris, a local resident and Florida State University graduate, was recently selected for a coveted spot in a pilot training program that is the first of its kind in the United States. As highlighted by the Today Show, JetBlue Airways Gateway Select Program is designed to train selected cadets with little flight experience to become professional Local resident Terrance Harris was selected from over 3,000 applicants for the JetBlue Airways Gateway pilots within four years. Selected pilot training program. Harris has always a long process of submitting writcrew/multi-engine operations, full After dreamed of becoming a professional motion simulator training, crew ing samples, tests, interviews, behavpilot. In 2012, he sprang into action resource management, and threat and ioral and skill assessments he was and began taking flight lessons at error management. Once meeting all selected from among 3,000 applicants Tampa Executive and Peter O’Knight requirements, including the unique, accessible and cost program This Airports earning enough hours to fall FAA's 1,500 flight-hour requirement, effective JetBlue Pilot Gateway just shy of gaining his private pilot’s pilots will become a new hire at Program will take a more competencylicense. He faced many challenges in based approach to becoming a profesJetBlue. At that time, graduates will go the coming years that prevented him the same orientation and sixsional pilot. The Program optimizes through from being able to fly again. In 2016, week instruction that all E190 first offithe training of prospective airline pilots he found out about the Gateway complete. offering early exposure to multicers by Select Program and decided to apply.

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Since being selected, Harris began a spirited campaign to garner the support of his friends and community to aid in the cost of the program. He also wants to give back to the community while fundraising and pledges to provide a $10,000 aviation scholarship to a deserving young high school or college student towards obtaining their own private pilot’s license if he meets his fundraising goal of $125,000. “The aviation community has a high bar of entry,” said Harris. “Too many times the cost of training deters many people from pursuing their aviation dream. If I am successful, I want to do my part to pay it forward to someone else to enter the aviation community because I understand how difficult it can be.” Harris urges the community to visit and to donate to the Journey to JetBlue fundraising campaign at www.journeytojetblue.com. For information on the JetBlue Gateway Select Program, visit http://bit.ly/1nupGEg.

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Special Easter Services Offered By Local Churches Bay Life Church will host four services on Easter weekend. Pastor Mark Saunders will be speaking on Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; journey to the cross and his resurrection in a sermon titled, Best Week Ever. Easter service times are as followed on Saturday, April 15 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 16 at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Bay Life is located at 1017 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. Boyette Springs Church of God will celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m. with a special message from Pastor Michael Parnell. The church is located at 12114 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. For more information, contact the church at 671-0086 or visit www.mybscog.org. The Chapel At Fishhawk will hold Easter services on Sunday, April 16 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the radical one-way love of Jesus. We are a diverse non-denominational church family located in the heart of Fishhawk at 6026 Churchside Dr. in Lithia. All are welcome. Cornerstone Baptist Church will celebrate Easter Sunday with an outside early morning worship service on Sunday, April 16 at 7 a.m. Then at 10 a.m., another worship service will be held in the sanctuary. The church is

located at 818 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. The Crossing Church will observe Good Friday with a service on Friday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Tampa campus. This particular service combines both campuses for a time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and take communion together. The Crossing will hold weekend services at both campuses with its Hope Is Alive Easter production. The Crossing invites you to bring family and friends to hear the story of Jesus' Resurrection through dramatic storytelling, media, lights and a special message from Lead Pastor Greg Dumas. The Tampa campus will hold Easter services on Saturday, April 15 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 16 at 8:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. The Tampa campus is located at 10130 Tuscany Ridge Dr. in Tampa. The

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SouthShore Campus will hold Easter services on Sunday, April 16 at 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and is located at 3058 E. College Ave. in Ruskin. First Presbyterian Church of Brandon will hold a Maundy Thursday Service on April 13 at 7 p.m. and a Good Friday Service on April 14 at 7 p.m. On Sunday, April 16, the church will hold an Easter sunrise service at 6:45 a.m. and other services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. The church is located 121 Carver Ave. in Brandon. First United Methodist Church of Seffner will celebrate Easter on April 16 at 7 a.m. with a sunrise service, followed by a continental breakfast in the Fellowship Hall. The traditional Easter service will be at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at 1310 S. Kingsway Rd. in Seffner. For more information, please call 6893513. Fishhawk Fellowship will celebrate Easter with a resurrection message on Saturday, April 15 at 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. and

Compiled By Amanda Boston

Sunday, April 16 at 8 a.m. 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. The church is located at 15326 Fishhawk Blvd. in Lithia. For more information, visit www.fishhawkfc.org.

Grace Baptist Temple will celebrate the Risen Christ on Sunday, April 16 with two services 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. The church will serve complimentary coffee and donuts and provide a free family portrait. Children may participate in Eggstravaganza (an egg hunt), which will follow both services. The church is located at 2909 John Moore Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 6897190 or visit www.growingatgrace.com. Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church will observe Good Friday, on April 14 at 7 p.m. with the reading of the Passion of Christ narratives and a time of prayer for the church and the world. On Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m., the church will hold an Easter Vigil service. The four-part service will include the service of light, the service of readings, the service of baptism and the service of Holy Communion. On Sunday, April 16 at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., the church will celebrate Christ with Scripture read-

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Special Easter Services Offered By Local Churches ing and music. The 10:30 a.m. service will include music by the parish choir. At 9:15 a.m., between the Easter morning services, there will be a free egg hunt for children and free breakfast for everyone. The church is located at 604 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. For more information, please contact Kelly Black at 480-0800. Immanuel Lutheran Church will hold multiple services during Holy Week and Easter. On Palm Sunday, April 9, services will be held at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. On Thursday, April 13, the church will do a Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. On Friday, April 14, the church will observe Good Friday at 7 p.m. On Saturday, April 15, the church will observe Holy Saturday at 9 p.m. On Easter Sunday, April 16, the church will hold an outside sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. and two additional services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. A complimentary Easter breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Easter Sunday. The church is located at 2913 John Moore Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 689-1787 or visit www.GodSoLoved.org. Journey Church of Brandon will observe Good Friday on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. with great worship throughout the service. The message will be centered around Jesus’ words on the cross. On Easter Sunday, April 16 at 9 a.m., the worship service will celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The church is located at 1310 John Moore Rd. in Brandon. For more information, visit www.journey7.com or call 699-8262. Living Savior Lutheran Church will observe Good Friday on April 14 at 7 p.m. with its Tenebrae Service (Service of Darkness). On Sunday, April 16, the church will celebrate Easter with an outdoor traditional sunrise service at 7 a.m., followed by an egg hunt and breakfast buffet, featuring an assort-

ment of hot and cold items. Then at 10 a.m., the church will hold an Easter Festival Service with a message of hope in today's world focused on the saving work of Christ. The church is located at 2650 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. For more information call 6812375 or visit www.LivingSaviorValrico.org. Nativity Catholic Church will observe Good Friday services on April 14 at 8 a.m. for Morning Prayer in the chapel, at 3 p.m. for Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion (ASL), 6:30 p.m. for Liturgia de la Pasión, followed by a dramatization of the Passion in the gymnasium, and at 7 p.m. for Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion. On Holy Saturday, April 15, services will be held at 8 a.m. for Morning Prayer in the chapel, 12 Noon for the Blessing of the Easter Food Baskets in the chapel and 8 p.m. for an Easter Vigil (bilingual). On Sunday, April 16, the Easter Masses in English are as followed: 6:30 a.m. in the church, 8:30 a.m. in the church (ASL) and gymnasium, and 10:30 a.m. in the church, chapel, and gymnasium. Easter Masses in Spanish will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the church and chapel. The church is located at 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon. For more information, call 681-4608 or visit www.nativitycatholicchurch.org. New Hope United Methodist Church will celebrate Palm Sunday with a special musical program, featuring its full choir and orchestra at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. On Maundy Thursday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m., the church will do a worship service with communion. On Good Friday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m., the church will do a combined English and Hispanic service lead by the Hispanic congregation and Pastor Roberto Chaple in the sanctuary. On Easter Sunday, April 16, the Emmaus

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Community at Camp Rotary Florida will conduct a Hispanic sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. at Little Harbor Beach, 602 Bahia Del Sol Dr. in Ruskin. Dress warmly; bring your lawn chair and a flashlight for reading. On Sunday, April 16, Easter services will take place at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. on the church property. The Hispanic service will take place in Logan Hall at 11 a.m. On Easter morning, the church’s annual flower cross will be located in the courtyard. Bring a cut flower to place on the flower cross. The church is located at 121 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon. For more information, email info@findnewhope.com or call 6894161. The Palms Church will hold an Easter celebration on Sunday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m. at 207 New Hope Rd. in Brandon. The Easter celebration service will hold a separate children’s service to include Easter egg hunts for different age groups. Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale will observe Maundy Thursday on April 13 with a meal at 6 p.m. and service at 7 p.m. On Sunday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m. the church will hold a traditional Easter service. The church is located at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. For more information, call 654-3699. Redeemer Presbyterian Church will observe Good Friday on April 14 at 7 pm. On Sunday, April 16, the church will hold a sunrise service at 7:15 a.m. and regular worship at 9:30 a.m. The church is located at 12404 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. For more information, call 741-1776 or visit www.redeemerriverview.org. Riverview First United Methodist Church will hold its annual Chancel Choir Easter Cantata on Palm Sunday, April 9 at 10:30 a.m. On Easter Sunday, April 16 at 8 a.m., the church will hold a worship service. Immediately following the service, the church will serve brunch in its fellowship hall. The church is located at 8002 US Hwy. 301 South

Compiled By Amanda Boston

in Riverview. For more information, contact Alicia at retinaspecialist@yahoo.com. South Shore United Methodist Church will hold three Easter services on Sunday, April 16, beginning with a traditional service at 8:30 a.m. and two contemporary services 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. The church is located at 11525 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. For more information, call 6779482.

St. Anne Catholic Church will begin its Easter celebration with Holy Thursday on April 13 at 8 a.m. with Morning Prayer of the Liturgical Hours and then from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m., the Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper, followed by the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. St. Anne will observe Good Friday on April 14 at 12 Noon with the Stations of the Cross, at 3 p.m. with Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, and at 6 p.m. with La Pasión del Señor. On Saturday, April 15 at 10 a.m., the church will celebrate Holy Saturday with Reconciliation, then at 12 Noon with the Blessing of Easter Food, and at 8 p.m. with an Easter Vigil. On Sunday, April 16, Easter Mass will take place at 6:30 a.m. (sunrise service), 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Spanish), and 5 p.m. St. Anne is located at 106 11th Avenue N.E. in Ruskin. For more information, call 645-1714. St. Stephen Catholic Church will observe Good Friday services at its Bell Shoals campus, located at 5049 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico, at 12 Noon with the Stations of the Cross, at 2:30 p.m. with Novena of The Divine Mercy and at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. with the Veneration of the Holy Cross. On Saturday, April 15 at 8 p.m., an Easter Vigil Service will take place at the Bell Shoals campus. On Sunday, April 16, an Easter sunrise service will take place at 6 a.m. in the Family Life Center, located at the Boyette Campus, 10136 Saint Stephen Cir. in Riverview. On Sunday, April 16, Easter services will be celebrated at both locations at 8 a.m., 9:30 am, 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Page 32

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

unt, H g g E r Easte Broncos Brandon n & More… io Registrat ,

Volume 16, Issue 4

Both football players and Florida. cheerleaders are currently The being accepted, however grasssome levels are limited on roots availability. The Broncos will effort is also be holding a free compart of a munity Easter event growing santi on Friday April 14 from 6:30lle Cole e national h ic M d by m e o il c r. p e m v 8:30 p.m., fun and Easter r o e network C obs @osprey e ll e h egg hunt included. Please ic of homem visit based and www.brandonbroncos.org. amateur rain spotters with a THE DANCE CENTER'S goal of providing a Meet The Easter Bunny At Summer Programs high density preHawthorne Village’s Annual Easter cipitation network The Dance Center Egg Hunt An Easter Egg Hunt at Hawthorne Village will be held on April 14 at 11 a.m. that will supple(TDC) will be holding many Hawthorne Village Retirement ment existing fun and exciting activities Community will hold its annual Easter reports for the public to view. The observations. Given the variable pattern and camps this summer for kids Egg Hunt on Friday, April 14 at 11 a.m. process takes less than five minutes a of rainfall over Florida, it's important to between the ages of 6 and 11, who Hunt for (over 2,000) eggs and meet day, but the impact to the community is understand just how much rain fell in a would like to either, learn more about and get your picture taken with the tenfold: By providing high quality, accudance, try new styles, or learn new Easter Bunny. This event is for ages 12 particular area. rate measurements, observers are able Volunteers may obtain an official skills. At TDC all day dance camp, you and under. There will be prizes and to supplement existing networks and rain gauge through www.cocorahs.org will receive classes in a wide variety of refreshments. provide useful results to the National for about dance styles Hawthorne Village is Weather Service, $30 plus ranging from located at 859 W. other scientists, shipping. acrobatic, ballet, Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. resource managers, Besides jazz, modern, For more information, call decision makers and the need and Hip-Hop, 661-8998 or visit other users. To for an offialong with arts hawthornevillageofbranbecome a cial four and crafts, don.com. CoCoRaHS observer, inch plasstretch and convisit the CoCoRaHS tic rain ditioning and Volunteers Needed As website (above) and gauge, many more activiLocal Weather click on the “Join volunties. Observers CoCoRaHS” emblem teers are TDC Dance Do you ever wonder on the upper right required Camp will take how much rainfall you side of the main webto take a place July 10–28. received from a recent site. short It is located at thunderstorm? If so, a voltraining 161 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. unteer weather observing Brandon Broncos Early Registration module online and then can use the For more information please contact program needs your help. The And Community Event CoCoRaHS website or mobile app to the Administrative Director or Owner of Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, The Brandon Broncos will be holdsubmit their reports. Observations are The Dance Center at tdc@brandonand Snow network, or CoCoRaHS, is ing early on- site registration event immediately available on maps and dance.com, call 684-4282, or visit looking for new volunteers across Wednesday April 5 from 6:30- 8:30 p.m. www.brandondance.com.

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Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

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Jesuit Tigers Beat Alonso Ravens To Take 37th Saladino Trophy Win

By Tamas Mondonvics

the final out to Thirty-two end the game local public high while allowing school teams only two hits. played each other In the sevduring spring enth, Jesuit's break last month, Garrett to complete the Sheppard woke 37th Annual everyone up Hillsborough with his homer County School’s that was folTony Saladino lowed by two High School more RBIs from Baseball junior McGuire Tournament. Weaver and The title game senior Alex did not disappoint Mocny. baseball fans as As it is the the Jesuit Tigers case each year, defeated the Jesuit senior Jeffrey Hankanson pitches against Alonso during the Alonso Ravens sophomore pitcher, Marc DeGusipe turns the heat on equally talented 37th Annual Hillsborough County School’s Tony Saladino High School the tourney was in the first inning against the Jesuit Tigers during the 37th Annual Baseball Tournament championship game. Taking over in the third much more than Alonso Ravens 5Hillsborough County School’s Tony Saladino High School Baseball inning, Hankanson led his team to a 5-2 tourney win for the second just winning a 2 to win the covetTournament. time in school history. trophy. ed trophy. The week-long, round-robin With four Saladino tournament provided fans of all ages championship titles the opportunity, not only to spectate, already under its belt but to participate in and enjoy a varisince 2009, Alonso ety of baseball-related activities in a (2016 runner up) led by nostalgic, family oriented and safe program head coach atmosphere. Landy Faedo had high “This is much more than just a hopes for a better outtournament,” said Tony Saladino. “It come. is a celebration of the sport, while it As for the Tigers, keeps the kids and all who love the victory was a sweet baseball busy and out of mischief accomplishment nearly during Spring Break.” three decades in the Of course, tournament matrimaking. arch, Bertha Saladino’s absence The last time never goes unnoticed by anyone Jesuit won the who have tasted the event’s spirit, Saladino title was in anchored by her unmatched gen1986, although the proerosity, kindness, love of her family gram reportedly had and friends, fans the media and, of not been a regular par- Jesuit senior Jake Jones connect for a base hit in the second inning during the 37th Annual Hillsborough County School’s course, the young players. ticipant in the event. Tony Saladino High School Baseball Tournament championship Bertha died in early 2016 surWith two runs in game against Alonso. Jesuit senior Garrett Sheppard slides into home rounded by friends and family. She the first inning, the base during the 37th Annual Hillsborough decided it was time to get serious and to County School’s Tony Saladino High School was 84. Ravens came out strong, a lead they replace the young player with senior Baseball Tournament championship game For results and more information managed to maintain until the fifth. against Alonso. Sheppard sealed his team victoJeffrey Hankanson who took the mound about the Saladino baseball tournaTo start, Jesuit sported junior varsity ry with a seventh inning homer. with a vengeance striking out five of the ment, please visit, www.tonysaladipitcher Cristian Troncoso in the first two three more; two in the seventh including first six batters and finished the night with nobaseballtounament.com. innings when coach Miguel Menendez

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Hawks Soccer Teams Win Big at Bazooka By Kate Quesada

Local Resident’s Act Of Kindness Featured In Chicken Soup For The Soul

By Amanda Boston

The Florida Hawks FC U8 Boys’ team, coached by Tyrone Cunningham and Brandon Riley, U9 Boys, coached by Santi Alexis, and U10 Boys, coached by Bengi King, each won first place in their age groups at the 2017 Bazooka Soccer Junior Showcase Championship in Winter Haven last month.

It is an exciting time to be a member of the The Florida Hawks Futball Club (FHFC). Three teams from the club’s competitive program recently brought home first place trophies from the Bazooka Soccer Junior Showcase tournament in Winter Haven and new board members and coaches have an inspiring vision for the future of youth soccer in the area. Teams in the boys’ U8, U9 and U10 age groups all took first place in the tournament after playing four games each against clubs from around the region over the weekend of March 18 and 19. “We attribute these wins to three things,” said Juan De Brigard, who recently took over as director of coaching for the club. “First, good coaching, second a promising group of talented players and finally support of their parents. Without the commitment of the parents, we wouldn’t have anything.” FHFC, based at the FishHawk Sports Complex on FishHawk Blvd., offers soccer programs for players from fives years old to adults, with recreational and competitive teams for girls and boys. The competative program consists of 22 teams of players from 8 to 16 years old, organized by birth year, who are professionally coached to play in the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) league with games and tournaments throughout the region from the fall until early May. There is also a pre-academy program for six and seven year old players. The club recently named a new board, in addition to making changes on the coaching side, and staff and mem-

bers are working hard to make a name for the club in the area. “We have refocused our efforts towards becoming a community service to the families in the FishHawk neighborhoods and surrounding area; and not just being a soccer club,” said Board President Tom Cool. To that goal, the club recently invited the community to a Spring Kick Off event with food trucks, games and prizes where they collected used soccer equipment for the Fund For Armenian Relief (FAR). But while De Brigard, who has more than 30 years experience teaching and coaching soccer from the professional level down to elementary school aged players, predicts that in five years the club will have teams that are consistently among the best in the state, he also emphasizes that this isn’t his only goal. “The trend in youth soccer is to create huge clubs, but I have enough experience to know that quantity doesn’t always quality playing,” said De Brigard, who also coaches the University of South Florida women’s soccer team. “Quality playing comes from finding quality, engaged and dynamic coaches for the kids and giving them the right tools to create great players.” The club will be holding try-outs for players interested in playing on its competitive teams the week of April 3 with a second date to be scheduled in May. Follow FHFC on Facebook for updated information about try-out dates and times or call 436-9377. For more information on the club, visit www.floridahawksfc.com.

and local news. Burton never intended for his simple act of love and appreciation to become public, but was thankful for how God has used it to inspire others. Perhaps, Hebrews 10:24-25 is the first text to cite how an act of kindness spurs others to do the same. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging After his initial act of generosity, Audra and Rodney Burton conone another, tinue to bless high school and all the more teacher Sharon Leto each year as you see the with supplies. Day drawing In February, the well-known series near.” Chicken Soup For The Soul released Good works its latest book titled Random Acts of glorify God. Kindness. The new compilation conBurton veys 101 individual stories about comexplained, “It passion, random acts of kindness and has nothing to paying it forward. with me—it’s all When the global him (God). I am publisher solicited just an average ordinary for stories on person—just average. The benevolence, it only difference is that I welcomed a choose to open my heart record number of and listen.” submissions. One In Burton’s case, saying of the submissions yes to God incited a comfeatured in the munity to pay it forward to book was from its teachers. He also sugValrico resident gested that his short-lived Sharon Leto, a Hillsborough High Rodney Burton. spotlight has opened up School teacher, was the grateful Burton’s story took recipient of Rodney Burton’s random other opportunities to share act of kindness. place in August his faith and bless others. 2013 at the Staples store in Brandon. He Burton and his wife Audra live in said, “I felt prompted by God to purValrico where he runs his Results Health chase school supplies for a teacher.” In & Nutrition studio. Burton works with the checkout line, Burton studied the clients to reduce stress by eating better basket belonging to the lady in front of and exercising. He said, “I am blessed to him. Based on the contents, he prebe able to help others on a daily basis.” sumed she was a teacher. After confirmTo read more of Burton’s story, you ing his speculation, he discreetly bought can purchase Chicken Soup for the Soul: her entire basket of school supplies. Random Acts of Kindness from Amazon, Although Burton did his good deed in Barnes & Nobles and Indie Bound. For private, the account of his random act of information on the Chicken Soup for the kindness unfolded over social media Soul series, visit chickensoup.com.

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Volume 16, Issue 4

April 2017

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

For 50th Season, Florida Orchestra Will Launch Matinee Series By Kelly Smith

Love The Florida new stage shell over the Orchestra but hate summer that will better the late nights? You direct sound into the hall, won’t even have to making the acoustics think about the kids’ better than ever. The bedtime with two new new engineered shell will weekend matinee be in place for the start series at the of the orchestra’s 50th Mahaffey Theater in anniversary season in downtown St. October. The Petersburg, just Masterworks Matinee announced as part of series concerts are TFO’s 2017-18 50th Tchaikovsky’s 1812 TFO Music Director Michael Francis anniversary season. Overture (October 29), conducts the orchestra. A five-concert Rachmaninoff’s Raymond James Pops Matinee subscrip- Symphony No. 2 (December 3), Jahja tion series will debut on Saturday afterLing Conducts Beethoven (January 7, noons, featuring family-friendly concerts 2018), Dvorak’s Cello Concerto (Jan. 21, such as Holiday Pops and the Music of 2018) and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. Star Trek & Star Wars, which will be con26 (April 15, 2018). The Pops Matinee ducted by TFO Music Director Michael series concerts are Marvin Hamlisch & Francis. A five-concert Tampa Bay Times More (November 11), Holiday Pops Masterworks Matinee subscription series, (December 16), Rodgers & Hammerstein with free tickets for kids and teens, will be (January 13, 2018), Music of Star Trek & performed on Sunday afternoons. Star Wars (February 10, 2018) and R&B “One of The Florida Orchestra’s Legends with Michael Lynche (April 7, strengths is our ability to understand our 2018). patrons’ changing needs and adapt,” said Full Masterworks, Pops, Coffee and Thomas H. Farquhar, TFO’s board chairMatinee series subscriptions are available man. “These new matinee series offer now with all the perks, including priority more flexibility for all patrons. We’re seating, single ticket discounts and free thrilled to present them at the beautiful flexible ticket exchanges. Subscribers to Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. the Coffee series also receive 20% off the Petersburg, which has become a great regular ticket price. For a look at the full arts destination.” 2017-18 season, visit floridaorchestra.org, Both series will be at 2 p.m. at the where you can purchase subscriptions Mahaffey Theater, where TFO’s attenonline, a new feature available this seadance has grown 42 percent since 2011. son. Or call the TFO Ticket Center at A premier performing arts venue in 727-892-3337 or 800-662-7286. Single Tampa Bay, the Mahaffey is installing a tickets will go on sale in August.

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Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Photos and story by Tamas Mondovics

District Hosts Transportation Fair, Magnet Schools Receive Recognition & More District Hosts Series of School Transportation Resource Fair

With school transportation concerns making headlines in recent months, Hillsborough County Public Schools officials began hosting a series School Transportation Resource Fairs at school sites throughout the District. Although scarcely attended, Randall Middle School have also hosted the event on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. Randall, Barrington Middle and Newsome High in the FishHawk Ranch area serves nearly 1,000 students who are currently receiving courtesy busing, but according to district officials have met the state hazardous criteria, and will be loosing their courtesy bus service this coming fall. The next nearby fair is scheduled to take place at Eisenhower Middle School, 7620 Old Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, in the school cafeteria from 5:307:00 p.m. According to Jeff Eakins each event provides resources to parents including a list of alternative school transportation options, including walking school buses and bike trains. “These are options where a group of children walk to school with one or more adults,” Eakins said, during

a brief instructional video promoting the school transportation fair. ‘“A variation on the walking school bus is a bicycle train where adults supervise a group of children riding their bikes to school. Eakins added that parents can find more information on creating such options on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Safe Routs to School website. Eakins emphasized that the Tampa Bay Regional Transportation Authority TBARTA provides access to a list of names and contact information of school parents who are interested in assisting with the alternative transportation programs. Lisa Silva of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) one of the presenting partners for the event, is a liaison for the School Transportation Working Group. “We want to provide resources to parents,” Silva said. “We already have these great partners participating in our school transportation working group so we wanted to bring it all together. Our goal is to hear parents' concerns and give them some educational materials and information.”

HCPS is encouraging parents to attend one of the remaining School Transportation Resource Fairs. Officials said that whether a child walks, bikes, gets a ride or takes the bus, families will find promotional materials, information and helpful tips at these events, along with representatives from HCPS and various other state and local agencies and organizations who will be on hand to answer questions and concerns. Parents are encouraged to visit the district’s website at www.sdhc.k12.fl.us and type ‘alternative transportation’ in the search engine.

Orange Grove, Stewart, and Williams middle magnet schools; Rampello K-8 School; and Tampa Bay Technical High School. Magnet Schools of Distinction awards recipients included, Cahoon, Dunbar, Lee, Lincoln, MacFarlane, Muller, and Shore elementary magnet schools; Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy, Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy, Progress Village and Walker middle magnet schools; and Blake, Jefferson and Middleton high schools.

Magnet Schools Receive National Recognition

Three top educators and support staff were recently honored as winners of the 2017 Excellence in Education Awards Representatives of the Hillsborough Education Foundation presented the awards at the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts. The 2017 Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year award went to Pedro Castrejon of Jefferson High School. The 2017 Instructional Support Employee of the Year award went to Terranique Ragins, Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy Middle School. The 2017 Teacher of the Year award went to Memorial Middle School teacher Maria Torres Crosby.

Magnet Schools of America (MSA) has recognized a list of Hillsborough County public magnet schools and programs as Magnet Schools of Excellence or Magnet Schools of Distinction. According to district officials the awards recognize member magnet schools and programs that demonstrate a commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, desegregation/diversity efforts, specialized teaching staffs, and parent and community involvement. Magnet Schools of Excellence Awards recipients included, Riverhills Elementary Magnet School,

HCPS Announces Excellence in Education Winners

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Page 40

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Giving Success To The Next Generation Courtesy of Family Features

opportunities. Example: Check with local schools that may need reading, math or science tutors. Speak. Sign up for speaking engagements, paid or unpaid, as well as storytelling events. Example: Open-mic events, often at theaters and libraries, welPhoto Courtesy of Getty Images come speakers of all ages. From self-expression to selfEngage. Visit a senior center or direction, there are countless ways to organize a gathering focused on conage out loud. Some of the most necting with others. Example: Book rewarding ways for older adults clubs attract participants of all ages involve passing on experiences, wisand encourage the exchange of dom and skills to others. ideas. Everyone has something to Write. Pen an article, op-ed or share, and these ideas from the even a book to communicate wisdom Administration of Community Living and lessons learned. Example: Start can help you get started. with something you know the most Mentor. Use professional or perabout, such as a career, hobby or hissonal experiences to guide a child, torical event, and submit a column to young adult or peer. Example: Visit your local newspaper. Senior Corps at nationalservice.gov Create. Pick a medium and use to learn about becoming a foster art to express yourself and share your grandparent. perspective. Example: Paint, draw, Volunteer. Put skills to use while sculpt, play music, dance, make giving back to your community. crafts – whatever suits you. Example: Sign up to collect food or These ideas and many others can clothing donations, serve meals at a help amplify the voices of older local soup kitchen or help older adults Americans and raise awareness of with daily tasks at home, such as vital aging issues in communities paying bills. across the nation. Find more ideas at Teach. Impart expertise via formal oam.ACL.gov. or informal education and tutoring

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

rt o p p u S s ’ n Parkinso R Meets A Group, D More… Locally &ichelle Colesanti,

Brandon. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women's service organization, whose mission is to promote historic preservation, yM b d m e education, and o il c p r. rve Com preyobse s o patriotism. Some @ e ll miche volunteer projects include collecting donations for local veterans and schools on a recurring basis, in addiGarage Sale Will Help Raise Funds tion to an ongoing To Support Motorcycle Safety cemetery clean-up project that aids in FL1-B of the Gold Wing Road historic preservaRiders Association will be holding a tion/conservation. garage sale on Saturday, April 8 at Any woman 2213 Ray Rd. in Valrico from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Funds are being raised in support over 18 years old who can prove lineof Motorcycle safety within the local al descent from a area. patriot of the American Hawthorne Hosts Parkinson’s Revolution is eligiDisease Support Group ble for Hawthorne Health & membership. If you Rehabilitation Center hosts a monthly are interested in support group for those who are diagattending a meeting nosed with Parkinson’s Disease and and learning more their caregivers on the third Thursday about joining the of every month. Upcoming meetings include April 20, May 18, June 15, and Daughters of the July 20. Physical, speech and occupa- American Revolution, please email registrarAlafiaDAR@gmail.com.” tional therapists will discuss treatment Upcoming 2017 meetings are April for issues related to balance, swallowing, talking and other skills that can be 6, May 4, September 7, October 5, November 2, and December 7. affected by Parkinson’s Disease. Hawthorne Health & Rehabilitation Riverview Garden Club Meets Center, located at 851 West Lumsden The Riverview Garden Club will Rd. in Brandon, is a skilled nursing hold its next meeting on Wednesday, facility with inpatient and outpatient April 12 at 10 a.m. at the Riverview rehabilitation programs including Civic Center, 11020 Park Dr. in speech, physical and occupational Riverview. The guest therapies. Hawthorne also hosts a dementia support group in their assist- speaker will be National Day Lily ed living facility, as well as past meetJudge Linda Sample. ings for those dealing with strokes, She will discuss diabetes, low vision and other disGrowing Day Lilies in eases. the Tampa Bay Area. The Parkinson’s Disease support First time attendance group is free of charge and open to is free and parking is those who have been diagnosed with free. For more inforthe disease, family members, caremation, call Harriet givers and anyone with an interest in at 727-6567. learning more about Parkinson’s. For more information or to register, call Old McMicky’s 661-8998 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.Farm Announces 5 p.m.).

Daughters of the American Revolution Alafia River Chapter Meets Locally

“The Alafia River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) meets the first Thursday evening of the month in

Giveaway. Old McMicky’s Farm will provide an active duty or military veteran, residing or stationed in Tampa Bay, the wedding of their dreams at The Barn at Crescent Lake. The lakefront venue is elegant, rustic and will play host to the lucky couple and their 100 guests. This all-inclusive

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Democratic Women's Club April Meeting On Healthcare Issues

wedding giveaway will include everything a couple dreams of on their wedding day, from a beautiful venue and a wedding planner to award-winning catering, photography, entertainment, wedding dress, wedding rings, wedding cake, officient and more. To make this special event even more perfect, all wedding elements and services have been graciously donated by several local hospitality industry businesses with amazing hearts. OMF

The Democratic Women's Club of Southeast Hillsborough County will host a meeting on healthcare issues on Thursday, April 6, at the Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Featured speakers are Dr. Kathryn Kepes, radiation oncologist and founder of Project Starfish, and Scott Darius of the Florida Consumer Health Alliance. The club invites all like-minded Democrats in E. Hillsborough County to attend the meeting and consider joining. Contact 654-7464 for more information.

Learn About Honey Bees From The Experts

The Tampa Bay Beekeepers Association will hold a Honey Bee Seminar “Bee Taught by the Experts” on Saturday, April 8 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Upper Tampa Bay Park in Tampa. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Learn about hive construction, starting a hive, honey extraction, pests and diseases, queen bees, nectar sources, wax rendering, tools “Mission I Do” & smokers, looking inside the hive. In appreciation of The cost is $20 for adults ($25 at men and women in the The Riverview Garden Club guest speaker will be National Day the door). Children under 12 are free. Lily Judge Linda Sample. military and in honor of The price includes coffee and doughthose who have been nuts, full lunch, prizes and plenty of launched the “Mission I Do” program wounded in combat, Old McMicky’s knowledge. in April 2014 and since its inception, Farm (OMF) is honored to announce Register through Eventbrite.com “Mission I Do” has provided five dream the 6th "Mission I Do" Dream Wedding (search for Tampa Bay Beekeepers).

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Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Boy Scouting & Youth Programs Encourage Leadership 7 Goals Parents know there is a small window of time to make a meaningful, positive impact on children and shape who they may become as adults. A large portion of that influence comes at home, but it often also involves school, friends and extracurricular activities, many of which can help families make the most out of childhood experiences. A survey by Forrester found that millennial parents are more likely to engage their children in activities at a younger age. They want to introduce their children to a diverse set of experiences, allowing children to discover their talents and skills. Balancing this heightened level of engagement with the demands of hectic family schedules means parents are increasingly challenged to select the most meaningful activities for their children. While most extracurricular activities help children socialize and learn new skills, some go further in areas like character building, good citizenship and exploring future goals. Often, the most effective programs work to deliver those outcomes without focusing on them, subtly teaching skills through activities young people consider fun. Consider Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, which most associate with camping and outdoor adventures. While boys spend time transforming a block of wood

into a race car and learning how to shoot an arrow, the underlying program helps create a strong foundation of leadership, service and community. A study conducted by Tufts University of kids ages 6-12 found that youth who participate in scouting exhibit strong moral values and positive character attributes, allowing them to embrace new opportunities, overcome obstacles and become better prepared for future success. As one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based, youthdevelopment organizations in the country, Boy Scouts of America is applying this proven approach in introducing new programs designed to reach youth who may not be interested in building fires. “Scouting offers youth and their Families life-changing experiences they can’t get anywhere else – from outdoor adventure to building robots, youth learn the value of hard work and experience the thrill of it paying off,” said Michael Surbaugh, Chief Scout Executive for Boy Scouts of America. According to Surbaugh, scouting programs are focused on providing experiences that youth and their parents want. From astronomy and other STEM-based skills for future professionals to outdoor adventure, such as camping and paddle boarding, scouting can give direction to

the curiosity youth have for life. Boy Scouts of America has introduced several innovative programs that bring exciting opportunities to youth and families. Lion: Research has shown that involving kids in scouting at a young age builds character and better prepares them for future success. Rooted in understanding the impact and importance of involving kids in scouting at an early age, the Lion pilot program, currently available in 201 councils across the country, combines concepts of character development, leadership skills, personal fitness and citizenship with age-appropriate, fun activities for kindergarten-age boys and their parents. STEM Scouts: Jobs in STEM-related fields are expected to grow 17 percent by 2018, and salaries in those fields are on average 26 percent higher than salaries for other disciplines. With STEM-related careers on the rise, the STEM Scouts pilot program helps boys and girls learn more about science, technology, engineering and math through interactive, hands-on activities. The program, currently piloted in 20 councils, helps youth prepare for the future by conducting experiments and learning about lesser-known innovators to demonstrate to youth that people with similar backgrounds to their own can become accomplished STEM professionals. Exploring: The expanded Exploring

Coutesy Of Family Features

program offers youth and young adults, ages 14-20, real-world career experiences that help young men and women build confidence and discover fields where they may find their passion and excel in a future career, such as law enforcement, firefighting, aviation, engineering, medicine and others. Learn more about scouting programs and how to get involved in your community at beascout.org. When choosing activities for your children consider the following: 1. Diverse experiences. Look for programs that offer a multitude of experiences to keep it fresh and interesting for your child. 2. Experienced mentors. Evaluate the training volunteers and staff members go through to ensure your child gets the best experience possible. 3. Build a solid foundation. Ask questions about how the organization teaches children about values and character. 4. Start early. Getting youth involved in extracurricular activities at a young age can help with their development. 5. Maximize your time. Extracurricular activities can be time consuming, but many organizations like Boy Scouts of America provide flexibility for families’ busy schedules. Make sure to ask questions about required meetings or activities to ensure the program fits with your schedule.

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Tampa’s Oldest Theatre Welcomes Young Moviegoers For Family Favorite Films

By Kathy L. Collins

The Tampa Jam. This movie appeals Theatre is proud to kids and adults alike, to announce the so bring the whole family. return of the popOn Sunday, April 9 ular Family come see the 1985 clasFavorites classic sic, Pee-Wee’s Big movie series. The Adventure. The movie Tampa Theatre features a brilliant, will offer a disbizarre road trip set in a counted kid’s tickworld without functioning et at just $8 for grown-ups. This is the ages 12 and movie that catapulted the younger. Adult careers of Tim Burton tickets are just and Danny Elfman and $10. Movies will introduced us to a totally be shown at 3 original species of absurp.m. dist comedy that is funny Jill Witecki, no matter what age. Marketing Then, on Sunday, Director for the April 16 come see Chitty The Tampa Theatre’s kid-inspired movies series is back. Tampa Theatre Chitty Bang Bang starring said, “This is the only classic movie series Dick Van Dyke in an Edwardian-era musifor which we offer a child’s price.” Witecki cal as charming, slapsticky Englishman added, “While many of our summer and who is good with kids. holiday classic offerings are family-friendOn Sunday, April 23 you can bring ly, this is the series that we program the family to see Pete’s Dragon. This is a specifically with families in mind. I want memorable film with animated characters parents to be able to introduce their kids inserted into a live action movie. The to some of their own favorite movies from movie has strong character performances childhood and to see them again on the and was a step forward for the art form big screen.” back in 1977. The fun series kicks off on Sunday, Finally, the series closes out with The March 26 with Steven Spielberg’s timePrincess Bride on Sunday, April 30. This less classic, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. movie is truly a timeless classic that The story of a lost and magical visitor everyone, adults and children alike, will from long way away, trying to return simply love. The Tampa Theatre is locathome, continues to captivate viewers of ed at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown all ages. Tampa. For information and to buy tickNext on Sunday, April 2, come see ets, please visit www.tampatheatre.org. Michael Jordan in the 1996 classic Space

Three Benefits of Living Near a Cruise Home Port Tampa Cruise Terminal is 20-60 Minutes Away with Cruises Departing Weekly to Key West, Bahamas, Caribbean and Cuba With more than 20 cruise terminals located in the U.S., more than half of the country lives within driving distance of a cruise vacation, which translates to many travel benefits. The closest cruise terminals to Lithia, are Tampa Cruise Terminal or Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal, which are 20 minutes and 2 hours away by car, respectively. “According to the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), travel agents can save clients approximately $452 each trip, says Jenifer Breaux, Dream Vacations franchise owner in Lithia. “This savings coupled with the ability to travel internationally and avoid the hassles of airports, are fantastic benefits of living near a cruise terminal.” In addition to convenience, here are three benefits of living near a cruise port:

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Page 44

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

ent and m a n r u o Golf T Fundraisers, Scramble Speaker & Lenten e… Mor nti, lesa helle Co ic M y b d m Compile preyobserver.co s o @ e ll miche

Lenten Mission Speaker Comes To St. Stephen Catholic Church

Dr. Ann Garrido, a Catholic writer, educator, administrator and communications consultant who has a passion for bringing the best research and practice of healthy communication and conflict management from the business world into the church world, will be the Lenten Mission Speaker at St. Stephen Catholic Church, Monday to Wednesday, April 3-5 at 7 p.m. each night. She will speak about “Redeeming Conflict. “Sometimes we think that if we were good Christians, our lives would be void of conflict. Nothing could be further than the truth. The witness of Jesus and the history of the church tells us that conflict is a perennial factor of life lived in community with others. But, the tensions we encounter don’t need to tear us apart. Handled well, they have potential to help us build much stronger relationships with each other and become holier persons. Come reflect on what the Christian tradition has to teach us about conflict done well,” Garrido said. St. Stephen is located at 5049 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico. Visit www.StStephenCatholic.org.

Fifth Annual Golf Tournament Hosted By Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church will hold its Fifth Annual Golf Tournament at River Hills Country Club, on Saturday, April 29, at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the winning foursome as well as for Longest Drive and Closest to the Hole

Contests. There are also Hole in One Prizes and a putting competition. The event will conclude with dinner, a raffle and silent auction during the Awards Ceremony. For individual and foursome registration as well as sponsorship opportunities visit www.hiepiscopal.org. All proceeds will benefit the mission and ministries of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church.

Brandon Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon

The Brandon Christian Women’s Connection luncheon My best friend is in her 70’s and can’t remember didly will feature Jill Andrew from Superior Residences in Brandon. The luncheon on Monday, April 10 is nondenomina-

soup and charoset tastings, sing Dayenu to Take me out to the Seder,” and enjoy crafts and magic for kids. This will take place at the Mira Bay Clubhouse, Point Harbor Ln. in Apollo Beach. Community Seder Tuesday, April 11 at 6 p.m. Catered by Puff’nStuff Catering, serving matzo ball soup, chicken marsala, potato kugel, honey glazed carrots, and fresh baked peach cobbler. Gefilte Fish will be available, as well as a vegetarian plate. Cost for the Seder is $36 per adult, $18 per child 5– 12 years old, and children under 5 are free, no meal provided. Call the office at 6816547 to make your reservations. Welcome the Sabbath at Congregation Beth Shalom on Friday evenings at 7:45 p.m. Oneg (nosh and mingle) follow services. All welcome. Congregation Beth Shalom is located at 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon.

Women’s Luncheon - Women and Leadership Author and Therapist Dr. Reba

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Page 45

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Strong Dogs Wheelchair Basketball Team Aims For National Tournament “Everybody talks about LeBron being the greatest basketball player in the world, but let him try to play basketball in a wheelchair and see how he does,” said Wayne Bozeman, head coach of the Tampa Bay Strong Dogs wheelchair basketball team. Bozeman became the leader of the start-up team nine years ago after inquiries from some injured veterans at the VA Hospital. Bozeman works as a Recreation Therapist with the Hillsborough County Parks The Strong Dogs are ranked fifth in the national for Division II. They and Recreation have built a family atmosphere and compete in several tournaments Department. during the season. Robert Gordon has been with the Tampa Bay The Strong Strong Dogs since he was 15. Dogs compete ers out there, not just our guys, but as part of Paralympic Sport Tampa everybody, “Bozeman said. “It’s not Bay, a signature program of about their disability, it’s about their Hillsborough County Parks & ability.” Recreation. The team is comprised of For the players on the team, this 17 players, some of whom have spina adaptive sport has given them an bifida and others who are amputees opportunity that they normally wouldn't or have spinal cord injuries. Four of be able to pursue, to travel and play the players are injured veterans. “To in a competitive league and to showme, they are the best basketball playcase their skills and abilities. Robert

By Nick Nahas

Gordon, a 21-year-old resident of St. Petersburg and current student at St. Pete College majoring in Communications, is one of the team’s leaders and has played for the Strong Dogs on and off since he was 15. Gordon, who was born with spina bifida, is thrilled with the chance to play the sport. “Growing up, I got tired of just watching my friends play and I didn’t know about adaptive sports at the time, so I did some research,” he

said. The Strong Dogs are ranked fifth in the county in Division II in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. They recently hosted a sixteam Sunshine Shootout Wheelchair Basketball Tournament where they went 2-2. Currently, they practice two hours a day, twice a week at the All People’s Life Center on 6105 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa, in pursuit of their eighth consecutive appearance in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association tournament, which will be held March 29-April 2 in Louisville, Kentucky. Some people may view adaptive sports as an inspiration, but to the players, this is an opportunity to play sports and to be active. “It’s a great honor to coach these men,” said Bozeman. “I think it’s the hardest basketball game in the world.” Both Bozeman and Gordon encourage people to come out and watch the team play. For more information, search on Facebook for its page at @tbsdofficial.

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Page 46

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Volume 16, Issue 4

April 2017

Page 47

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins

The Brandon Ballet Will Perform The Magical Tale Of Aladdin At USF Theatre This Year

Summer Camps At The Tampa Bay History Center Take Kids On A History Adventure During the week of July 10, campers can be Pirates and Explorers. Enjoy games and crafts as professional archaeologists help campers solve mysteries of sunken ships. Campers can imagine, create and build amazing projects with

The Brandon Ballet will perform their original production of Aladdin at USF Theatre 1 on Saturday April 22 at 7:30 p.m. The ballet features both professional and pre-professional dancers.

For the closing production of the 2016-2017 season, the Brandon Ballet will once again perform its original production of the magical tale, Aladdin. You can see this fabulous production on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. at USF Theatre 1 located at 4202 Fowler Ave. in Tampa. The Brandon Ballet is performing this production at USF in order to expand the audience throughout the Tampa Bay area. Octavio Martin, the Artistic Director for the Brandon Ballet said, “USF has a wonderful theatre and great facilities.” Martin explained that they are bringing back Aladdin as their closing performance again this year because, “Our audience raved about it last year, so we decided to produce the return.” This year there will be more backdrops and better lighting and sound. Come on a magical carpet ride and watch as talented dancers bring this story to life on stage. The highly acclaimed lead dancers are returning this year. The character of Aladdin will be played by Guest Dancer, Roberto Vega from Dance Alive National Ballet. Princess Jasmine will be played by Brandon Ballet professional dancer, Myriam Frederick.

Eden the Genie will be played by Sarah Metzler and Abu the Monkey by Reid Ginoza. Both dancers are Brandon Ballet professionals. The rags to riches story of Aladdin is timeless and appeals to audiences of all ages. According to Martin, “This is a ballet that is great for the whole family to enjoy. It is perfect for those new to the ballet as well as ballet aficionados.” The Brandon Ballet was founded in 1993. It is a non-profit regional ballet company that develops and promotes opportunities for aspiring young dancers. Over the summer, Brandon Ballet will be holding its annual Summer Intensives. The Brandon Ballet will kick off the 20172018 season with Beauty and the Beast in October. The Brandon Ballet strives to make the performing arts accessible to the community. Tickets for this wonderful production are just $30 for adults and $20 for students, seniors and military with Identification. For more information on the Brandon Ballet, please visit www.brandonballet.org or call 6844282. To purchase tickets to Aladdin, please visit www.tututix.com/brandonballet.

Tampa Bay History Center's History Adventure Camps offer fun, hands-on learning experiences for children. Sign up for one or all and spend the summer immersed with pirates, wooly mammoths and more.

Would your child like to spend the summer with one-eyed pirates, mysterious mermaids and wooly mammoths? Then sign your child up for the Tampa Bay History Center's History Adventure Camps beginning the week of June 5. The summer camps are open to children ages seven to 11. Each week-long History Adventure Camp includes a streetcar excursion to historic Ybor City, behind the scenes tours, field trips to nearby cultural sites, outdoor activities and interactions with historians and experts. At the conclusion of each week, each child will take home a memory book of their adventures. Adventure Camps are led by experienced educators who provide hands-on, educational activities for campers. You can choose to participate in one or more week-long adventures. First up, children can attend American Girl Camp either the week of June 5 or June 12. Campers will get to peek into the past with their favorite dolls. Next, experience Archaeology Mysteries the week of June 26. Campers get their hands dirty as archaeologists show them how to use prehistoric tools and uncover what life was like for Florida's very first people.

their friends at Museum Makerspace the week of July 24. Next, during the week of July 31, campers will see cool inventions and hear about weird Florida history at Hysterical History. Each week-long camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended care is available. The cost for each week is $230. Tampa Bay History Center members receive a $20 discount. "Our camps are intimate-limited to about 25 kids. This allows for one-onone learning and interactions with real historians, archaeologists and other experts to learn about the history of Florida and the Tampa Bay Area. I do not think anyone else offers this type of experience," said Manny Leto, Director of Marketing for the Tampa Bay History Center. "They will have fun, and they will learn about the history and culture of Florida and their community," added Leto. The Tampa Bay History Center is located at 801 Old Water St. in downtown Tampa. For more information and to register, please visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org or call 6758987.

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Page 48

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/FishHawk

April 2017

Volume 16, Issue 4

Ph: 657-2418

InThis Section RAILROAD MUSEUM ......................PG 54 SUMMER CAMPS.....................PGS 55‐60 JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT...................PG 62 AFTER SCHOOL FUEL ......................PG 65

Tutor Doctor Now Making ‘House Calls’ In FishHawk

There will be fewer “math meltdowns” and other homework headaches in FishHawk, make financial, educational Brandon, Valrico & and health care decisions, you Riverview now that Tom likely need to petition the will Avino has introduced Tutor court to become a Guardian Doctor – the fastest growAdvocate over your child. ing “at-home” tutoring franSpecial needs planning attorchise worldwide – to the Attorneys Laurie Ohall and Dana Amazing Kidz Therapy offers neys, Laurie Ohall and Dana community. Kemper will hold a Guardian pediatric occupational therapy Advocacy Workshop on Saturday, services to children. It recently Kemper will speak. Tutor Doctor, a rapidly Admission is free. April 22 from 10 a.m.-12 Noon at opened at 4312 Bell Shoals expanding one-on-one 1219 Millennium Pkwy. in Brandon. Rd. in Valrico. Seating limited to 25 spots. To tutoring service designed Call 530-4549 for call 438-8503 or visit RSVP, to help students from ages six to 106, more information. www.Ohalllaw.com/guardianadvocacyannounced the opening of a new franworkshop. chise location in FishHawk offering the Advocacy Workshop For Guardian community and students a private, easy Parents Of Adult Children With Premier Pediatric Occupational way to catch-up or get ahead in school. Disabilities Developmental Therapy Services Now Open For more information, call 305-2696 Guardian Advocacy Workshop will A Amazing Kidz Therapy provides or visit tutordoctor.com/brandon. be held Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m.premier pediatric occupational therapy 12 Noon at F.R.I.E.N.D.S Down services to children from birth to the age A Local Artists Exhibit To Benefit Tampa conference room, Syndrome of 18. Owner Kathleen Pici, OTR/L, Alzheimer Foundation At located at 1219 Millennium CAS, said, “Quality care and customer 22 Moons Pkwy. in Brandon. are the cornerstones on experience On Saturday, April 1 from If your child is turning (or which we are founded. Every child is 6-9 p.m., The Gallery at 22 has turned) 18, and has unique and deserves services that Moons will present a Local been diagnosed with a develreflect the same in order to maximize Artists Exhibit, which will benopmental disability (intellectutheir independence within all of their efit the Alzheimer Foundation al disability, cerebral palsy, natural settings, including home, school Benefit and will include a autism, spina bifida, Down play.” and Wine & Cheese Degustation. syndrome, Phelan-McDermid Services are provided within a com22 Moons is located at 3110 syndrome, or Prader-Willi syndrome), fortable and relaxed setting in which Lithia Pinecrest Rd.Ste.103 in Valrico. and continues to need your help to children and their families can feel at

home, allowing for a maximum therapeutic benefit. Therapy is provided on a one-on-one basis as well as group settings as appropriate for your child and their individual needs. Specialties and Programs include: Handwriting Support, Fine Motor Coordination and Strengthening, Strengthening and Postural Control, Sensory Processing Integration, Visual Motor/Perceptual Skills, Self Care, Life and Social Skills, Animal Assisted Social Skills Groups, Pre-Vocational Training, and Certified Autism Specialist. Amazing Kidz Therapy is located at 4312 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico. Hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 298-9298 or visit www.AmazingKidZtherapy.com.

From Black Tie To BBQ - Cater Tampa Offers It All

Cater Tampa caterers are committed to quality and decadence in every bite. All food is made from the freshest ingredients—nothing is frozen. No processed meats are used and all roasts are prepared in-house. Many orders are prepared on-site. The business was founded over 15 years ago, and caters to special events hosting for between 10 and 10, 000 patrons. Owner, Adam Harris, trained under a five-star Cordon Bleu™ chef in

Continued on next page

Page 50

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

By Michelle Colesanti

the 1980s, now doing where he Saturday learned indisCleans. If you pensable skill book before sets that were April 15, sharpened for receive a 10% more than 30 discount. At years. Royal Maid, Cater “They love to Tampa does it do the job you all, including hate”. Call 999UBREAKIFIX Brandon location at piping hot lunch Storefront of the 4929. 2492 W. Brandon Blvd. drop-offs for pharmaceutical reps and corporate UBREAKIFIX Opens Second Area events, breakfast catering, sandwich Location In Brandon trays, and more for local offices. At UBREAKIFIX, it is understood For corporate events, Cater Tampa how traumatic it can be when you break includes entrées for sit-down or buffetone of your electronic devices, be it style events. There are many selections your cell phone or note pad. The staff is to choose from include seafood, poultry there to help you get it repaired quickly. and beef. UBREAKIFIX services all brands of Cater Tampa offers a new take on electronics, repairing cracked screens, wedding catering. Its meals are served water damage, and much more. Cell buffet-style and it supplies the china, sil- phone accessories are also available. verware and all serving equipment as Owners Bryant, Michael and well as tables, linens and the decoraRenelda Sells have a new location in tions. Brandon at 2492 W. Brandon Blvd. The Cater Tampa is located at 1903 E. hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 SR 60 Ste. in Valrico. For more informa- a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noontion, visit www.catertampa.com or call 5 p.m. Call 324-8342. Visit www.ubreak906-0222. ifix.com.

U.S. News & World Report Recognizes Hawthorne Health And Rehab Of Brandon

Hawthorne Health and Rehab of Brandon has been recognized as a Top Nursing Home for 2016-2017 by U.S. News & World Report, a leading expert in evaluation and rating of health care providers across the country. Ratings are based on information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services. Only 13% of facilities receive the Best Nursing Home designation, which represents a 41% decrease from prior year. “This is a wonderful honor to be recognized as a top nursing home, especially in light of the more stringent criteria. “Our dedicated, caring staff work hard every day to enrich the lives of our residents, and this award validates their efforts,” said Hawthorne Executive Director, Joseph Cassiba.

Royal Maid Now Offering Cleaning Services On Saturday

Royal Maid Service would like to help you with your spring cleaning. It is

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Oakfield Dental Provides High Quality Care With State Of The Art Technology

Oakfield Dental upholds its commitment to the highest quality of care by combining state of the art technology with passionate clinicians and staff. Located at 1457 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon, Dr. Amir Boules provides highquality dental care in a stress-free environment. Services include: all digital x-ray technology provide accurate images with a fraction of the radiation exposure of old style film; colored intra-oral camera pictures help you see exactly what the dentist sees, making it easier for you to make an informed decision about your dental needs; one hour whitening for same day results; tooth-colored fillings and crowns that are the strongest and most esthetic in the dental field, all options for missing teeth including implants, bridges, partial and complete dentures to fit your specific needs and desires; and cleanings with an emphasis on communicating oral hygiene tips, because we believe that the more you

know, the better you can take care of yourself. Oral appliance therapy to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea is also provided. To make an appointment, call 906-8808. Visit www.OakfieldDental.com.

Evolution Primary Care Office Recently Opened

Dr. Matthew Dowdy has recently opened Evolution Primary Care, a primary care office offering nighttime and weekend hours. With a friendly and helpful staff, the practice has been tailored around patients' schedules to allow for easy access to the doctor for routine care and minor urgent illnesses and injuries without the inconvenience of missing work or school. It offers convenient online scheduling and messaging with the staff so that patients will always have a direct line to their providers and access to their medical records. The office is less like that of the typical doctor's office and more like the casual atmosphere you might find in a local coffeehouse. It guarantees that you will be seen at the time your appointment is schedule. Evolution Primary Care is located at 11264 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. Hours are Monday to Friday from 12 Noon-9 p.m. and Saturday from 12 Noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 672-2014 or visit www.evolutionprimary.com.

Cardinal Roofing Awarded USF Fast 56 Award The University of South Florida (USF) Alumni Association will honor the 2017 USF Fast 56 – the fastest growing USF alumni-owned or -led businesses in the world – on Friday, April

28, in the Marshall Student Center Ballroom and Oval Theater at USF Tampa. Cardinal Roofing led by Bridget Jenkins Wilson and Chad Curchin is a full-service roofing company specializing in repairs. It will be one of 56 businesses inducted into the 2017 USF Fast 56 by USF System President Judy Genshaft and USF Alumni Association Board of Directors Chair Jim Harvey. “Cardinal Roofing is thrilled to be recognized by the University of South Florida for the growth of our business,” said Bridget Jenkins Wilson a 2001 graduate of USF. “We thank our community for the continued loyalty and confidence they have placed in us. We look forward to continuing to serve their residential, commercial, and industrial roofing needs in the coming years.” The 2017 USF Fast 56 companies were ranked by percentage of cumulative annual growth in revenue, as documented by Cherry Bekaert, a public accounting firm based in Tampa. Fifty-six USF alumni owned or led businesses were selected as recipients, in recognition of the year USF was founded, 1956. “We’re proud to recognize Cardinal Roofing as one of the 56 fastest growing USF Bull-led businesses in the world,” said USF Alumni Association Executive Director Bill McCausland Bridget Jenkins Wilson at 813-6897663 or bridget@cardinalroofingandsolar.com

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Page 51

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Volume 16, Issue 4

The Rustic Door Décor & More Joins The Brandon Community

By Libby Hopkins

The local ture with chalk paint. mother/daughter “Our style influences duo of Carmen are a combination of Hutchison and country charm, rustic, Linda Dorremocea shabby, coastal, glam, are the owners of Mediterranean, and vinsocial media store, tage,” Dorremocea The Rustic Door said. “Our products are Décor & More. “I a creatively induced consider myself fusion of our different adventurous, personalities. Some always striving for work showcases my success, and never mother's love of vinLinda Dorremocea and her mother, willing to take no tage and French counCarmen Hutchison are the owners of the for an answer,” try decor while other social media home décor store, The Hutchison said. “I pieces reflect my love Rustic Door Décor & Moore. Their business provides customized services of rustic, country think this has to their customers with handmade helped me in life to charm. We are truly a wreaths, pallet art signs, burlap door overcome the hangers, and refreshing furniture with family owned business chalk paint. impossible and to unlike other large never give up. I am so happy to be able home decor companies.” They love being to pursue this dream of making The able to connect with their customers on a Rustic Door a reality with my daughter.” personal level and provide customized Dorremocea wanted to be an services to suit their home decor needs at interior designer from a very young age. “I a price that is affordable. would watch my grandmother sew and Both Hutchison and Dorremocea she taught me to sew clothes for my hope to grow their social media business Barbies,” Dorremocea said. “I loved rearand increase their following as well. “Our ranging my bedroom, college dorm, and hopes are to continue growing and servlater homes and would give advice to ing our customers' needs for their homes, friends. I love experimenting with colors, while still retaining a personalized experipatterns, and creating a feeling of warmth ence,” Dorremocea said. “We have some and comfort to one’s home. I love the exciting ideas for this year, so stay tuned.” idea of bringing a creative thought to If you would like to learn more fruition and producing work that I am about the products offered at The Rustic proud of.” Door Décor & Moore, you can visit their Their business provides cusFacebook page at tomized services to their customers with www.facebook.com/TheRusticDoorTamp handmade wreaths, pallet art signs, a, or you can contact Dorremocea and burlap door hangers, and refreshing furni- Hutchison at 541-3229.

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Page 53

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

April 2017

Artists Compete In Center Place Inaugural Contemporary Juried Competition

By Kathy L. Collins

taken root in our Center local community Place of and beyond conBrandon recenttinues to inspire ly held its first me. Each work of National art was carefully Contemporary selected for its Juried exploration and Competition and mastery of conExhibitioncept, material Square’s Off. and technique.” The competition Kozlowski is drew many sub- Dawn Galia (L), Executive Director of Center Place, congratulated Center Place’s Inaugural an independent missions and National Contemporary Juried Competition and approximately Exhibition- Square’s Off Winners. Also shown, curator and has over 12 years of 20 artists from Leslie Jennings, Barry Goodman, Deborah Biasetti and Leonard Brzezinski. curatorial and as far away as gallery experience with a specialty in California were selected to compete. contemporary ceramics. Her most There were five winners selected by recent exhibition, The Wildlife Project, juror, Elizabeth Kozlowski. The five is travelling nationally and debuted at won a total of $950 in prize money. the Houston Center for Contemporary The five winners were Leonard Craft in the fall of 2015. Center Brzezinski, who won Best of Show. Place’s Square’s Off was a unique Brzezinski hails from San Jose, competition and exhibition in that all California. First place went to Tiffany of the artwork had to be in the shape Sikora from Grand Rapids, Michigan. of a square. Center Place asked the Second place was awarded to artists to “think outside of the BOX as Deborah Biasetti of Riverview. Third you create a unique square piece of place went to Barry Goodman of St. art.” Petersburg, and Leslie Jennings of Center Place was created by the Tampa received an honorable mencommunity in 1976 and has been an tion award. advocate and fierce promoter of the Juror, Kozlowski said of the artarts ever since. Center Place is celework and judging, “It was a pleasure brating its 40th year as a not-for-profit to serve as the 2017 juror for the cultural arts center proudly serving Inaugural National Contemporary the greater Brandon area. For inforJuried Competition and Exhibition, mation on Center Place and to see Center Place’s Square’s Off. It was a what exhibits and events are coming daunting task to choose the final up, visit centerplacebrandon.org or works from the many accomplished call 685-8888. submissions. The talent that has

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Page 54

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum Plant City Presents Railfest 2017

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If you like The official trains or have a program begins at child who does, 11 a.m. The Third then you should Annual Golden attend Railfest Spike Award will 2017 at the be given to an indiRobert W. vidual who has Willaford Railroad been instrumental Museum located in establishing and at 102 N. Palmer maintaining the St. in historic Come out to Railfest 2017 at the Robert W. Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum in downtown Plant Willaford Railroad downtown Plant City and enjoy a day devoted to the history City on Saturday, Museum. The and lore of the great American railroad. April 8 from 10 museum helps to a.m. to 4 p.m. Railfest 2017 is a free preserve the history of the railroad and its event perfect for the whole family. presence in Plant City. Past recipients of According to Benito (Bennie) the Golden Spike Award include Robert Lubrano, Jr., Executive Director of the W. Willaford who donated most of the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum items on display in the museum, and Society, Inc., “Railfest is an opportunity for Commissioner Michael S. Sparkman. us to educate the community about the The Robert W. Willaford Museum railroad and its importance to us as a Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose community.” mission is to promote and educate visiRailfest 2017 will be a fun filled day tors about railroad history and its impact which will include balloon artists, face on Eastern Hillsborough County and painters, a bouncy house and even a Plant City. The museum displays and miniature train for children to ride in and maintains a sizable collection of railroad enjoy. There will be live music both inside memorabilia, including a completely and outside of the museum. Children can restored Seaborn Air Line no. 5735 even meet with “Mr. H. B. Plant” himself. caboose. They can also meet with personnel from The museum is open Monday CSX who will be on hand to provide infor- through Wednesday from 12 to 4 p.m. mation about safety around railroads. The and Thursday through Saturday from 10 museum will be open for viewing. a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is also open Railfest 2017 is a fundraiser for the until 8 p.m. on the third Saturday of the museum. Everyone can enjoy a delicious month. Bar-B-Que dinner. There will be a silent For more information, please call auction which will include railroad memo719-6989 and like them on rabilia as well as non-railroad items such facebook.com/TheRobertW.WillafordRailr as gift cards from local merchants. oadMuseum.

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December 2013

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Page 55

2017 Camps Offer Many Options To Keep Kids Engaged This Summer It’s only the start of spring, but before you know, the dog days of summer will be upon us. What can you do to keep the kids entertained? Where can they go to try new things, learn how to swim, meet new friends and have great adventures and even learn about places and cultures far away? There are many options to choose from locally that will fit the bill. The staff at the Osprey Observer has collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pull out section. 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. At Music Showcase, music and theatre take the stage and so can your child. Musicals such as The Lion King Jr. and Legally Blonde Jr. 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. The local YMCAs will offer many types of camps which mix fun along with great learning experiences. With choices of half or full day camps, there is something for everyone. LEGOs and robotics take center stage at the camps offered by TechplayZone. Introduce your kids to hands-on fun

that will both enrich and entertainment them. Camp Superkids at A Child’s Haven offers field trips twice a week. Do you want your kids to retain the math skills they learned during the school year? Mathnasium is the place to help give them a strong start in the fall. For dates, prices and registration information on these and more, turn the page and enjoy this special section and have a great summer. Your kids will use a lot of STEAM by enjoying the science and tech camps offered this summer by MOSI. Your kids can experiment with many different things that will be offered. For the artist in your family, sign them up for workshops to learn about painting, drawing, pottery, modeling and more at Center Place Fine Arts. With weekly themes utilizing agespecific activities and field trips that make BSAC unique, your kids will enjoy every moment of summer camp. 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 our full listing online.

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Get Ready For Kids ‘R’ Kids Most Interactive Summer Adventure Ever

Discover and explore a unique camp each week. During Kids R Kids 10 week summer camp series, campers will explore their hidden talents, potential passions and intriguing interests. Each boy and girl will experience art and cooking, engineering and community service and everything in-between. This summer camp is all about the journey to discover what suits each camper’s personality – the quest to discover what they like best. Kids R Kids Valrico is located at 4321 Lynx Paw Trail in Valrico. Call 657-6200. Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Circa / FishHawk is located at 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. in Lithia. Call 654-7000. For info on both locations, visit http://krkvalrico.com/.

Art Mural, Build a Beach Party, Charm, Etiquette & Modeling, Collage, Creative 3-D Masks, Cruise around the World, Fantasy Sculptures, Paper Schulpures, Pet Sculptures, Print Makimg, Project Role-Model, Recycled Art, Space Art and Wet & Wild Canvases. Classes are offered from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register today by calling 685-8888 or visit www.centerplacebrfandon.org.

Find Fun Activities For Your Budding Artists At Center Place Fine Arts

Who knew that art could be so much fun? This summer, you can sign up your budding artists, ages 7 to 16, for workshops at Center Place Fine Arts. Learn about painting, drawing, pottery, modeling and more. Workshops include Art Journaling,

MOSI Offers Lots Of Choice Science And Tech Camps

When school is out, MOSI is in. Get in-depth and hands-on with your favorite Science, Technology,

Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) subjects or try something totally new. Enjoy hands-on experience and building projects. From extracting DNA to launching rockets and building robots, we are about creating the experiences that expand interests and make dreams a reality. Doing real science with the tools and technologies used by industry professionals is just one way MOSI Summer Science Camps inspire our campers with a can-do attitude that can last a lifetime. Real science coupled with exciting experiments, simulations, explorations, and inventions will help you discover the innovator within. Instruction in the camps are by certified teachers and experienced science and technology educators in a positive environment. There will be opportunities to conduct experiments and use cutting-edge equipment and technology. Your kids will have access to current science and technology in one of the best science

Volume 12, Issue 12

centers in the world. Summer Camp at MOSI will take place from Tuesday, May 29 through Wednesday, August 9. Upgrades available for extended care from 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. and daily hot lunches are available. Register online at MOSI.org or call 987-6000 for more information. MOSI is located at 4801 E Fowler Ave. in Tampa.

Enjoy Music And More This Summer At The Florida Academy Of Performing Arts

Full and half day camps are available for kids ages 5 and up at The Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA) at Music Showcase. Kids will enjoy drums, acting, guitar, field trips, singing and games and more. Musical Theatre productions of

Continued on Next Page

March 2017

The Lion King Experience, Jr., Legally Blonde the Musical, Jr., Winnie the Pooh Kids and Doctor Dolittle Jr. will all take place this summer. For more information, call 4902787 or visit faopa.org.

Kids Will Enjoy Horsing Around At R&R Ranch

pickup can be arranged. Spaces are limited. Camp runs from Monday, May 29 through Friday, August 4. R&R Ranch is located at 9805 Bryant Rd. in Lithia. For more information, visit rrranchlithia.com or call 655-3819.

R&R Ranch is a family-owned and operated horse ranch specializing in horse experiences for the young child and beginner riders.

Ostingers Baseball Camp Will Hold Three Sessions This Summer

Ostingers Baseball Camp will give your child ages 7-14 years old a better understanding of the game of baseball, through instruction, drills, and games. Having a good time while learning the fundamentals will be the main focus of the camp. The instructors have 30 years combined professional playing and coaching experience. Kids will receive daily fundamental drills and activities for: Throwing, Pitching, Hitting, Fielding, Base Running, and Mental Game. There will be games at the end of the week to evaluate progress. Session 1 will take place MondayFriday June 5 to 9, Session 2 – Monday-Friday, July 10-14 and Session 3 from Monday-Friday, July 24-28. Camp will take place at FishHawk Sports Complex from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 pm. The cost is $175 per camper. Second child costs $125. Space is limited so register early to hold your spot. Call 737-3000 or visit www.OstingBaseball.com.

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Your Kids Will Enjoy The Best Summer Ever At Y Camps

Campers range in age from 6-12. They will enjoy daily trail rides and hay rides along with receiving an education on grooming and the care of the horses and farm animals Kids will also enjoy a bounce castle, movies and popcorn in the air conditioned camp house, a petting zoo with baby bunnies, chicks, ducks and baby pigs, arts, crafts, and more. The cost for camp, which takes place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. is $195 per week or $50 per day. Early and late

The local YMCA’s are offering a Passport to the Best Summer Ever from Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, August 4. Get ready for the total camp experience. Day Camp is separated by grade level and features a rotation of diverse activities including indoor games, outdoor recreation, team challenges, structured and free swim. The themes change weekly and range from Super Heroes to Around the World and everything in between. Specialty camps are for kids looking for something different. Choose

from any number of skills and specialties. Sports camps are for the kid who is an athlete at heart. It is for those looking to try a new sport, or those simply curious about sports in general. The camps are full of fun with an emphasis on team work, sportsmanship and fundamentals. Aquatic camps include swim lessons and lots of fun water adventures guaranteed to keep kids active and engaged. Teen camps are for those looking to develop leadership skills. Gymnastic camps are for all skill levels from beginner to advance. Adaptive camps are available for campers with special needs ensuring fun and inclusion for all. For info on the North Brandon location, call 685-5402, Campo Family location, call 684-1371, Camp Cristina, call 677-8400 or please register online at tampaymca.org.

Continued on Next Page

NOW ENROLLING SUMMER 2017

Now Enrolling!

• 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 • STEAM 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

Two Great Locations! CIRCA FISHHAWK 813-654-7000 5815 Kids Crossing Drive

(Located next to Stowers Elementary and Mosaic)

www.KRKCirca.com

VALRICO 813-657-6200 4321 Lynx Paw Trail

(Located across fromLithia Springs Elementary)

www.KRKValrico.com

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

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

NOW ENROLLING SUMMER & FALL VPK Voluntary Pre Kindergarten 2017-18

“FREE 3 Hr Program with “Pay for rest of day” Option • 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, 2017 • Must be Florida resident • Class times: Tuesday - Friday, 8:30am - 12:15pm

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Brandon Edition

TechPlayzone Offers Hands-On Technology Enrichment In Fun & Safe Environment

TechPlayzone has led the charge for engaging young people in science, technology, engineering, and math since 2005. With an increased demand for hands-on technology enrichment, TechPlayzone has continued to provide families with excellent curriculum, and fun in a safe environment for all kids. Give your child a hightech advantage at TechPlayzone this summer. TechPlayzone Engineering Camp - TechPlayzone is pleased to partner with the Doolittle Institute to offer an engineering camp for young people in 2nd-12th grades. This will allow campers to build and program drone quad-copter robots, self-driving cars with sensors, and 3D print objects for use with Tetrix Robotics Systems. This camp has been developed for kids who enjoy problem-solving, designing, and building and will take place at 1528 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Camps are weekly from Monday, June 5-Friday, August 4. The cost is $150 per week from 9 a.m.-12 Noon or 1-4 p.m. TechPlayzone STEM Camp TechPlayzone is pleased to partner with Families Instructing Students at Home (FISH) to offer an amazing STEM camp for all young people in 2nd-7th grade. TechPlayzone Camp

Volume 12, Issue 3

call 684-7329 or email techplayzone@gmail.com.

Your Kids Will Enjoy Camp Superkids At A Child’s Haven

at Bell Shoals Baptist Church includes hands-on science experiments, LEGO Mindstorms Robotics, and Minecraft for Engineers. Campers rotate through hands-on activities. Each week is a different theme and campers enjoy different challenges every week. It will take place at Bell Shoals Baptist Church - The Annex, located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. This camp is for ages 7-11 and costs $125 per week. It will run Monday to Friday, July 10-14, July 24-28, and July 31-August 4. More details and camp descriptions will be available at www.techplayzone.com. For more info,

Different themed camps will keep your kids busy at A Child’s Haven. Camp is for ages K5 through 5th grade. Each week there will be two weekly field trips. Your kids will enjoy a healthy lunch and snacks along with fun academic summer studies, character building, awesome friendships, an arcade recreation room and lots of other fun activities. The cost is $125 per week and includes all field trips and activity fees. A Child’s Haven is located at 1520 Brentwood Hills Blvd. in Valrico. For more information, call 684-1622 or visit www.AChildsHavenSchool.com.

FishHawk Ranch Tennis Club Offers Tennis For All Levels Of Skill

FishHawk Ranch Tennis Club is offering its 5th Annual Tennis Camp for your child ages 6 and up. Full day camps include plenty

of tennis games and fun. Kids cool down in an air conditioned event room, and during lunch times engage in other fun outdoor and indoor games. On Fridays, campers walk down to the Starling pool and game room for a nice finish to the week. Register online for all levels from Beginning to Advanced at FishHawkRanchTennisClub.com or call the Pro Shop at 681-4000.

BSAC Offers A Lot Of Fun Activities For Kids This Summer

What can you do to keep your kids active and happy this summer? Splash into summer with the best summer camp around. At Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC) your child gets the old-fashioned camp experience you had as a child, with some modern technology, like Wii Challenge Competitions, thrown in. BSAC has the most comprehensive summer camp in the greater Brandon area for ages 3 to 14. With weekly themes come corresponding age-specific activities and field trips that make our summer camp unique.

March 2017

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

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. Lunches and snacks can be brought from home or purchased from the full concession bar. Camp runs from Tuesday, May 30 through Wednesday, August 9. Full day camps run from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and half day camps from 7 a.m.12:30 p.m. or from 1-6:30 p.m. BSAC is located at 405 Beverly

Blvd. in Brandon. For more information, call 6890908 or visit www.mybsac.org.

Kids Club! Weekly Summer Camp Includes Field Trips

ice cream social pizza parties, bouncy house and giant slide and outdoor water play. Sign up today for $115 per week. The price includes two weekly field trips and all activities. Morning Glory is located at 6001 Christy Lane (off Bloomingdale near

Your kids, ages K5-5th grade, will enjoy the Kids Club! at Morning Glory Summer Camp. They will enjoy arts & crafts, friendship play, academic summer fun, music, sports & games, character & manners,

SUMMER CAMP

AT T.L.C.’S GYPSY HAVEN!

Rt. 301). For information, call 6280541 or visit www.MorningGloryPreschool.org.

Callaghan Sports Camps Offer Basketball and Volleyball

Callaghan Sports Camps has been running basketball and volleyball camps at Nativity Catholic School for the past 11 years. Callaghan Basketball Camp and Cougar Volleyball Camp will be held at Nativity Catholic School in the gym. Basketball Camp will run from

Continued on Next Page Our instructors have 30 years combined professional playing and coaching experience.

Come Join The Fun!! For ages 7 - 99

Weekly Themed Horse Back Riding Camps Hands On Experience & Education

Session 1 June 5-9 (M-F)

Come learn about... RIDING • GROOMING • FIELD TRIPS Monday - Friday Camps 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. With Friday field trips!

STARTS JUNE 5TH ...THROUGH JULY 24TH

We are just ten minutes east of FishHawk!

NOW REGISTERING Limited Space (8 spots weekly) Call TODAY!

Visit our website at TLCSFARMS.COM. 4325 Keysville Rd., Lithia • Call Tammi at 813.842.4236.

Session 2 July 10-14 (M-F)

Session 3 July 24-28 (M-F)

Location: FishHawk Sports Complex Space is Limited Age Group: 7 - 14 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

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Volume 12, Issue 3

Brandon Edition

Monday-Friday, June 12-16 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon for boys and girls in grades 1-4. Boys and girls in grades 5-8 will play from 1-4 p.m. Volleyball Camp will be held Wednesday-Friday, July 5-7 from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon for boys and girls in grades 4-10. Coach Patrick Callaghan has a B.S. from the University of South Florida in Physical Education and has coached basketball at the middle school, high school and AAU level. He has been the recipient of the All-sports award for HCYSL for coach of the year three times in the last 10 years. Coach Callaghan has also been the head volleyball coach for one of the top volleyball programs in the catholic league. A camp t-shirt is included. For more information, call Coach Callaghan at 719-0723.

Mathnasium Now Enrolling For Summer

You can keep your kids on track this summer by enrolling them at Mathnasium. The summer programs are designed to combat summer learning loss. Through their time spent during the

Summer Camps For Girls Develop Positive Self Esteem

summer at Mathnasium, your kids will retain all they learned in math class this year giving them a strong start in the fall. Mathnasium offers help in math, enrichment, and test prep as well as homework help. It is located at 1048 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico - For information, call 655-6284 or visit mathnasium.com/Brandon.

Girls With Confidence offers fun and creative workshops, events and camps for girls in K-12th grade that focus on the development of strong self-esteem and confidence. This summer, Girls With Confidence will help your daughter between the ages of Kindergarten through rising 6th graders develop positive self-esteem during day camps geared just for them this summer. Camps

Summer Camp At T.L.C.’s Gypsy Haven

T.L.C.’s Gypsy Haven is now registering for summer camp. With limited space (I spots weekly), you will want to call early. Your kids, from age 7 and up, will have a lot of fun enjoying weekly themed horseback riding camps. They will receive hands-on experience, learning to ride as well as how to groom the horses. Camp takes place Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Monday, June 5. Your kids will enjoy field trips each Friday they are at camp. Just 10 minutes from FishHawk, T.L.C. Gypsy Haven is located at 4325 Keysville Rd. in Lithia. For more information, call Tammi at 842-4236 or visit www.tlcsfarms.com.

Summer Camp at

Helping Girls Develop Positive Self-Esteem for a Lifetime Topics Include:

Friendships Girl Power Role Models Positive Mind & Attitude Love My Selfie Being Brave Taking Care of Yourself and much more! 5 Day Camps for K-Rising 6th Grade Girls

Camps offered throughout the Summer Full Day Camps 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (some end at 4 p.m.) *Extended Care Available

1/2 Day Camps 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Early Registration Discounts Available Please visit our website for full listing of available camps!

813-571-2002

Special Camp for GIRLS 6th-12th Grade!

Camps Dates:

May 29th through

August 4th 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 !

Award W inning STEM Camps Since 2005 Where Bright & Creative Kids Play to Learn

will begin on Monday, June 5. Girls will enjoy camps: Girls Empowered Camp, Cool Confidence Camp, Giving Back Camp, Back-To school Camp, Girls Rock! Scrapbook Camp, Cool Confidence Camp, Girls Empowered Camp, and Believe in YOU Camp. Please visit www.girlswithconfidence.com for more information. You can also email info@girlswithconfidence.com or call 571-2002.

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

April 2017

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

IMPACT’s Third Annual Talent Show And Summer Staff Opportunities

By Amanda Boston

Got talent? IMPACT’s Got Talent, and on Friday, May 5, the nonprofit organization will hold its Third annual talent show, a spin-off of NBC’s television show, America’s Got Talent. The family fun kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Bloomingdale High School, located at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. The fundraising event will also hold IMPACT’s Summer Staff travels a 50/50 raffle and a throughout the Hillsborough County silent auction with fabuencouraging abstinence and the avoidance of risky behavior. lous gift baskets. Young stars will pregnancy center." light up the stage in a variety of acts— Since 1998, the mulsinging, dancing, acting, and instrument tidimensional organiplaying, to name a few. School-aged zation has served contestants will compete against one the Hillsborough another for prestige and prizes. First community with the and second place trophies will be goal “to educate, equip, empower and awarded in each category with an over- support students, parents and teachers all grand prize of $250. in the area of sexual risk avoidance and General admission tickets are $15 healthy relationships.” per adult and $5 per student. Preferred Teen IMPACT is a group of high seating is available for $20 per adult school teens devoted to a lifestyle that and $10 per student. Doors open at 6 is free of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and p.m. for preferred seating and 6:10 p.m. premarital sex. During the academic for general admission. All ticket sales year, teens garner peer support in benefit the IMPACT program. IMPACT’s student-led school clubs. Angie Kagey, the Executive Moreover, IMPACT has teamed up with Director of IMPACT, explained, "We are the local high school’s HOPE (Healthy the prevention arm of the local pregOpportunities through Physical nancy center encouraging teens to Education) program and Family and make healthy choices, so they are not Consumer Science classes. The classin the situation where they need the room education not only imparts the

Summer Staff was a great experience and personally loved the message.” Applications for Summer Staff will be accepted until Friday, April 14 and are available on IMPACT’s Website. With a staff three, the nonprofit organization heavily relies on its volunteer force. "We are the eighth IMPACT’s Got Talent will take place on Friday, May 5, at Bloomingdale largest school district in the nation and could High School. not do this without our importance of volunteers,” said Kagey. Formerly, making positive IMPACT was under the auspices of the choices, but also LifeCare Network, a local pregnancy provides practicenter but became its own 501(c) 3 cal guidance on non-profit organization in 2010. circumventing “LifeCare is still a financial and relationrisky behavior. al partner, but the program grew in In the summer, high school stusuch a way that it needed to have its dents can participate in the Summer own funding strength," stated Kagey. Staff program. For eight weeks, a IMPACT receives its funding from the group of selected students perform Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, skits that encourage abstinence and local pregnancy centers, individuals, healthy lifestyle choices for their peers churches, businesses and fundraising in community organizations such as events. IMPACT’s primary fundraiser is the Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA's, its annual Celebration Dinner at The recreation centers and churches. The Regent in Riverview, which will be held skits use comedic drama as the pathon Thursday, September 21. way into serious subjects like sex and For information on IMPACT, drugs. visit www.whatisimpact.com. For furLast summer, Cassi Graf, a ther questions, contact Angie Kagey at Newsome High School freshman parakagey@whatisimpact.com or 264ticipated and said, “I felt that IMPACT’s 9368.

Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily

NOW OPEN IN RIVERVIEW 11406 US Hwy. 301

(new Publix Shopping Ctr. on Symmes Rd.)

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Junior Achievement Starts Construction On New Finance Park Near JA BizTown

By Tamas Mondovics

nears its goal of $4.6 million and, following a ground breaking ceremony, JA officials are anticipating the start of construction by EWI Construction within the next few weeks. “Junior Achievement Finance Park will be the most Renderings by FleischmanGarcia Architects An artist’s rendering shows the new Junior Achievement innovative and far-reaching Finance Park to be built this year, to serve eighth grade program for youth financial students to teach them how to handle their own finances education in Tampa Bay and when in and out of the home. will impact 8th grade students Junior Achievement (JA) is known by as they will learn to balance their home many through its education of millions of finances, their budget the cost of kids, students across the United State and mil- health insurance, education and or enterlions more worldwide each year. tainment just to name a few,” George JA programs give young people the said. knowledge and skills they need to own The new 18,000 sq. ft., state-of-thetheir economic success, plan for their art facility will be located on Hillsborough future, and make smart academic and County Public School property, adjacent economic choices. to the existing 16,000 sq. ft. Junior Most local families come in contact Achievement Center presented by the Bill with the organization through its local pro- Poe Family, which opened in 2005 and is grams such as JA BizTown, which curthe current home of JA BizTown, presentrently offers a 5th grade curriculum under ed by Pam and Les Muma, sporting a 5th the direction of Junior Achievement of grade curriculum. Tampa Bay. George confirmed that the original Last year, Junior Achievement of $1.7 million grant, to kick off the capital Tampa Bay reached 98,662 students in campaign came from the SunTrust the Tampa Bay area. Foundation. It is little surprise then that the organiJA programs’ success is credited to zation has recently revealed its plans to corporate and community volunteers, and construct a brand new Junior to its relevant, hands-on experiences that Achievement Finance Park. give students from kindergarten through According to Richard George, presihigh school knowledge and skills in finandent of JA Tampa Bay, the new capstone cial literacy, work readiness and entreprefacility is scheduled to open in early 2018. neurship. With Phase I of the capital campaign Visit www.ja.org.

Volume 16, Issue 4

Canine Cabana Offers Custom Training

By Michelle Caceres

Think an more of that obstacle mental engagecourse, soccer ment and and scavenger enrichment. hunt are games Red Rover is a best played by game played schoolchildren? with trainers Think again. where dogs These and work on focus, other games recall and are part of patience. Canine “Whether Cabana’s you are gone newest service for the day runoffering: cusning errands Canine Cabana has expanded its services and is tomizable dogand meeting now providing customizable daycare enrichment progie daycare friends, having grams. enrichment prohome repairs grams that focus on the pet’s special completed or simply wanting your dog to interests or needs without compromising have a little fun for a day, Canine Cabana the high level of care and safety. can meet your and your dog’s needs,” Canine Cabana owner Angie Pickren said Pickren. said this program is an alternative to tradiPet owner Bob Shireling trusted tional daycare of all-day off-leash play. Canine Cabana with his beloved Bailey, a “We found the dogs left exhausted shelter puppy who suffers from separaand knew there had to be a balance,” tion anxiety. He sensed the staff’s professaid Pickren. sionalism and could feel the love they Daycare enrichment programs solve had for their job and most importantly that balance. Pickren says they cusBailey. “When we picked her up from her tomize the program based on each dog’s stay she was calm and showed no signs individual personality. Each enrichment of distress,” he said. “She’ll definitely be activity helps reinforce and strengthen returning.” animal behavior. Canine Cabana is located at 9708 Each activity is planned to address Carr Rd. in Riverview and is open 365 each animal’s individual needs. days a year. Its lobby hours are Monday “Some dogs aren’t social or prefer – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and humans over other dogs, some dogs are Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. super smart and need more mental For more information about Canine engagement and hands-on time,” she Cabana visit www.caninecabana.biz or said. One-on-one time with her team call 672-WOOF(9663) to schedule a members give dogs the opportunity to get doggy daycare stay.

R WATCH FOHLY T N O M R U O SPECIALS!

Spring Has Sprung and So Have Allergies ... just breathe ...

www.TheSaltGrotto.com

OFFERING MASSAGE AND INFRARED SAUNA 813-324-8946 • info@thesaltgrotto.com 1026 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico • Plaza Bella

April 2017

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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Dads And Daughters Create Memories At Campo Family YMCA Dance

Nancy’s Interiors & Remodeling Complete Home Remodeling

Smiles and YMCA does so laughter filled the much for the comCampo Family munity,” Hernandez YMCA said. Multipurpose Room In order to paron February 25, as ticipate individuals individuals arrived paid a certain in their Sunday amount, which best for the Daddy depended primarily Daughter Dance. on their memberDads escorted their ship type. It cost daughters to the the Everywhere dance floor as the Members: $20 a disc jockey began pair, $5 per addithe night with a tional daughter. For song called the the Here Members: Refreshment break from dancing the night away. Hokey-Pokey. The $28 a pair, $7 per Chick-fil-A cows also joined in. This additional daughter. With non-members: would be the second year of the event. $35 a pair, $8.75 per additional daugh“With the help of Chick-fil-A South ter. The girls must be at least 2-yearsBrandon Bloomingdale and Chick-fil-A old and less than 19-years-old. Dads, Lake Brandon Village, we put the Daddy uncles, grandfathers and father-figures Daughter Dance together,” Family came too. Another attendee Jason Activities Coordinator at Campo Family Cohen brought his daughter to this YMCA Alicia Bentley said. event as well and shared his thoughts. Besides dancing, participants had “Great turnout and this Daddy Daughter the opportunity to get their photos taken Dance sets a wonderful example of how in a photo booth. Or individuals could a man should treat a woman,” Cohen step in line for a balloon creation. said. Refreshments and food from Chick-fil-A “With the numerous family events did get provided as well. This event that the YMCA offers, the Daddy brought the dads and their daughters Daughter Dance would be my favorite,” together to create a long lasting memory. Bentley said. With it being more than just a gym and For information about Campo swim, Campo Family YMCA believes in Family YMCA, visit building strong families. tampaymca.org/locations/campo/. It is Valrico resident Richard Hernandez located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico. attended the Daddy Daughter Dance Open Monday through Friday 5 a.m.- 10 with his two daughters. “It felt terrific to p.m. Saturday 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. and go out with them and Campo Family Sunday 12 p.m.- 6 p.m. Call 684-1371.

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Page 64

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Local Attorney Vanessa Bevington Receives Super Star Honor

Community Roundtable Recognizes Deserving People In The Community At Annual Dinner

Brandon family law the Hillsborough attorney Vanessa County Bar Association Bevington recently and the Brandon Bar received an honor that Association, works on sets her apart from family law matters, other professionals in while her partner, Allen her field. The partner at Carman handles perCarman and Bevington sonal injury cases. P.A. was selected to the Bevington has worked Super Lawyers 2017 on cases ranging Rising Star list, a disfrom divorce and tinction given to less pre-nuptial agreethan two and a half perments to child supcent of lawyers in the port and paternity state. issues and domestic Bevington, who violence cases. got her law degree “We really get to from Thomas M. know our clients and Cooley Law School in work hard to resolve Brandon family law attorney Michigan and started their issues for them,” Vanessa Bevington was recently selected to the Super Lawyers practicing in 2006, was said Bevington. “Our 2017 Rising Star list. nominated for the list firm is very personable by her peers and was then selected by in the sense that when you hire me, you the research team at Super Lawyers, a are going to get me working on your case rating service of outstanding lawyers, to from start to finish.” receive the honor using a multi-level In addition to working hard for her process including a statewide survey of clients, Bevington also strives to be an lawyers and an independent research active part of the Brandon community. evaluation of candidates. She works with local charities including The Super Lawyer lists are published Metropolitan Ministries and the Salvation nationwide in Super Lawyer Magazines Army and has participated in a mission and feature lawyers from 70 different trip to Haiti. practice areas. Carman and Bevington, P.A. is located at 223 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and can be “This award is a great honor,” said reached at 654-3444. For more informaBevington. “It means a lot to me to be recognized by my peers and to know that tion, visit www.brandonlegal.com or contact the office for a free initial consultation. not only my clients appreciate my hard To learn more about the Super Lawyers work.” Rising Star list, visit Bevington, who is a member of the www.superlawyers.com. Florida Bar, the Middle District of Florida,

Melissa Chin, a senior at Riverview High School. Chin has a weighted GPA of 6.7. Chin is an active volunteer and established the Best Buddies Chapter at Riverview High School. Melissa Chin, a senior at Riverview High School was honored The Non-Profit with the Maureen Krzanowski Scholarship, Lela Lilyquest, of the Year Award founder of Portamento of Hope, shown here with Lisa Rodriguez, was named the Non-Profit of the Year and Walt Raysick, retired was presented USN was presented with the 2017 Alice B. Tompkins Community Portamento of Service Award at the Annual Community Affairs Dinner. Hope, a local soup Each year, the Community kitchen founded by Lela Lilyquist. In Roundtable, an all-volunteer organization accepting the award, Lilyquist said, that has been serving the greater "When I started this organization, I did not Brandon community for over five know much about feeding the homeless. I decades, holds its Annual Community have since learned that we throw away Affairs Dinner. This dinner is widely antici40 percent of the food supply each year.” pated each year. It is an opportunity for Portamento of Hope accepts 75,000 the community to come together to celepounds of food each year and uses it to brate the past year's accomplishments feed 1,100 homeless each week. Lilyquist and to recognize those in the community added, “I appreciate this award. I am who have given of their time to make the delighted and humbled.” area better. This year's Community Affairs The Alice B. Tompkins Community Dinner was held on Wednesday, Service Award was presented to Walt February 22 at Center Place in Brandon. Raysick, retired USN. In presenting the Jeff Eakins, Superintendent for award, last year’s recipient, Kavita Hillsborough County Schools, served as Marballi said, “This individual has a pasthe keynote speaker. Eakins thanked the sion for all he does including Crime Community Roundtable for providing stuStoppers, Toys for Tots, Eagle Scouts, the dents in Hillsborough County with access Brandon Chamber Military Affairs to community service projects. Eakins Committee and more. He was a key said, “Thank you for all you do to change member in establishing the Veterans the lives and hearts of students.” Memorial Park. For more information on Each year, the Community The Community Roundtable, please visit Roundtable awards the Maureen www.thecommunityroundtable.org or call Krzanowski Scholarship to a deserving 661-4350 or email high school senior. This year's recipient is roundtable2008@aol.com.

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April 2017

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

After-School Fuel for Busy Families After a long day at school, kids need a chance to unwind. Often that downtime involves physical activity, and a nutritious snack is the perfect way to make sure kids are ready to take on their free time with gusto then recharge to keep going until bedtime. A busy schedule may make the temptation for unhealthy convenience snacks strong, but it is actually easier than you think to refuel with good-foryou foods on the go. One simple trick: use kids’ favorite ingredients in unexpected ways. For example, these Chocolate Banana Muffins show that a glass isn’t the only way to enjoy chocolate milk. When you use a nutrient-rich option like TruMoo Chocolate Milk, you can feel great about serving up these muffins to your whole family. It’s a nutritious and delicious treat for adults and kids alike, whether you enjoy it on its own – served cold or hot – or as an addition to recipes. It is made with fresh white milk sourced from local dairies, pure cocoa and just enough natural sugar to make it taste great, it's a nutritious and delicious treat for adults and kids alike. What’s more, there’s no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial growth hormones and no GMO ingredients. "The protein, vitamins, minerals and great taste in TruMoo Chocolate Milk

Courtesy of Family Features

can help kids meet their nutritional score in every pour," registered dietitian Leslie Bonci said. "The protein and carbohydrates included is the perfect ratio to help replace electrolytes lost after engaging in after-school sports." Find more delicious afterschool and after-sports snack ideas at TruMoo.com. Chocolate Banana Muffins Recipe courtesy of the Mommy Hates Cooking blog on behalf of TruMoo Yield: 18 muffins 1 cup all-purpose flour or glutenfree all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 cup baking cocoa 1 1/2 cups TruMoo Chocolate Milk 4 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 large eggs 3 medium bananas old-fashioned rolled oats Heat oven to 350 F. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and cocoa. Add in milk, butter, vanilla and eggs. Continue mixing until batter is formed. Mix in bananas. Add spoonful of batter to greased muffin tins; fill about halfway full then sprinkle batter with rolled oats. Bake 25 minutes, or until golden on top.

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Page 65

Page 66

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

Volume 16, Issue 4

Burns Middle School Celebrates 30 Years Of Excellence With Anniversary Festival

A Country Cat House Celebrates 25 Years With Feline Suite Renovations

More than white. 300 alumni, stuBurns’ long dents and staff list of successes along with current includes its Men's and future Burns Choir, which has Middle School recently earned families enjoyed a an overall rating special fun-filled of excellent with event earlier this a superior in month to celesight reading. brate the school’s The Burns 30th anniversary Chamber Choir Burns Middle School located at 615 Brooker with a festival, Rd, in Brandon opened in 1986 as Burns Junior and which according Intermediate High School, but was restructured 10 years later as a middle school represented by the to Burns Student Ladies received Burn’s Bruins as its mascot. Government straight superiSponsor and event organizer Martin ors, while the Advanced Ladies Harrigan, had something for everyone. received straight superiors ‘with disBurns Art Club joined the festivitinction’ as they had an accompanities as the students offered face paint- ment by Bryton Smith on the Cello. ing and games. The student governBurns students also won the ment members class offered temporecent Math League Team rary tattoos, while the Burns PTSA vol- Competition. unteered to operate the 'cake walk,' “Our students, families and teachconcession stand and silent auction. ers work very well together to support The school has every reason to be our success,” said current principal proud of its long history and accomMatthew DiPrima, a graduate of the plishments including its consecutive University of South Florida. "A" rating for the past 15 seasons. In 2013, DiPrima followed the Named after Guy O. Burns, known school’s tradition of success in the as “Pop” Burns, a Hillsborough County footsteps of former principals Morris educator, coach, and assistant princiPate, Linda Kipley, Brenda Nolte, and pal, the school is located at 615 Sue Burkett. Burkett is now serving as Brooker Rd. in Brandon. Bloomingdale High School principal. The school opened its doors to the Burns Middle School is currently public in 1986 as Burns Junior High boasting of its student enrollment of School, but was restructured 10 years 1,250 with capacity at 1,400. later as a middle school, represented For information about Burns by the Burn’s Bruins as its mascot with Middle School, visit www.burns.mysdthe colors of navy blue, maroon, and hc.org

A Country Cat brushing and immediHouse, celebratate litter box changes ing its 25th year in when they get soiled. business, is the “We’re odor-free purr-fect place for here,” said Dalton, cat owners to who treats every guest board their pet like it was her own. and not feel guilty Additional services that they are leavoffered include hairing their beloved cuts, nail trims and feline behind baths. Short and long when they jet off term boarding is on a humans-only offered. vacation. A Country Cat Located at House is a two-time 15501 Boyette Angie’s List Super Rd., two miles Service Award winner. south of the inter- A Country Cat House owners Scott and “We do our best to Eileen Dalton have been running the section of Boyette keep the kitties happy hotel for kitties for 25 years. and Bell Shoals and that keeps their Rd., A Country Cat House is currently owners happy,” said Dalton. undergoing a complete renovation of Boyette Springs resident Celia its hotel units. Room options will Howe has been boarding her cats with include a fish aquarium townhouse A Country Cat House since 1996. Her complete with its own private aquaricurrent feline Shiloh enjoys the first um. Condos will be decorated in a floor rooms for better views of lizards “Margaritaville” theme. Rooms can be and butterflies. reserved with one, two or three levels. “The rooms are spacious and All rooms feature floor to ceiling glass always kept clean,” she said. “Shiloh walls for views of the outdoors. deserves the best and he gets that “We find that cats really like the there.” upper rooms,” said owner Eileen A Country Cat House is open Dalton. “They love the view of the garMonday to Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. dens and go crazy when they see and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., birds.” but staff is on-hand 365 days per year Renovations will be completed by to take care of its feline guests. the end of April. For more information about A Prices are reasonable and include Country Cat House or to make a reserpremium Science Diet food, daily playvation, visit www.acountrycathousetamtime with one of their people pals, daily pa.com or call 654-2287.

By Tamas Mondovics

Valrico Sunday Market

Our seasonal market under the grandfather oaks is a weekly event that offers fun in the sun, fresh shopping and serves as a gathering place for families and friends to bond, mingle and buy local. 50 Artisans- Jewelry, Wood Works, Glass, Candles, Flowers, Foods, Pet Products, Clothing, Soaps, Fruits & Vegetables, Baked Goods, Kids Gifts, Knife Sharpening and more.

Food Court with Live Music

and even Free face painting and balloons for the kids.

Every Sunday 9:30am to 3:00pm 3407 Lithia Pinecrest (just south of Bloomingdale) 813-530-0922

www.ValricoSundayMarket.com

By Michelle Caceres

April 2017

Page 67

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

STEVE MORAN P.A. 813-661-2476

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A normal trip to the it were entirely natsalon can leave you feelural. Furthermore, ing refreshed and attracshe offers a variety tive, but for Laura Craig’s of hair system servclients, it is more than ices and wigs for that; they often feel like men and women of themselves again. Laura, all ages, including founder of LGC Hair prescribed cranial Restoration, specializes prostheses, in helping customers who which can experience varying levels range from of hair loss due to disthe finest ease and the natural proEuropean gression of age. “You’re hair to dealing with the whole Syntress Laura Craig, owner/operator of LGC Hair, with her husband, entire person when fiber. Gerald Craig. you’re dealing with hair All consultarestoration. It’s just not getting your hair tions are free, and Laura means for done. Hair identifies who you are.” And each person’s experience to be comfortyou’ll be amazed at the before and after ing and private. She will work with indipictures where you can see the differviduals to figure out the best way to ence in her clients’ smiles. achieve the look you want while fitting For over 25 years, Laura has honed with your lifestyle and budget. her craft, and with the unconditional Furthermore, LGC is a certified love and financial support of her husambassador for Wigs for Kids where band, Gerald Craig, she launched her they can collect ponytails for donation. solo salon three years ago, where she These ponytails are used to create wigs has built a loyal clientele. Having for children experiencing hair loss due recently changed locations to inside to medical conditions like cancer and Mandalay Mist, she still offers the same alopecia. Laura is also running a special great services to clients in need of where clients can receive a Keratin restorative services as well as those smoothing treatment, cut, and style for who want a great salon experience. only $99. Laura offers services for men, women, LGC Hair Restoration is now locatand children; her youngest client is cured inside Mandalay Mist at 1123 rently nine and then ages range well Professional Park Dr. in Brandon. To into the mid-eighties. She offers the schedule a consultation/appointment, ALLIEVE Process, which unlike any call 990-9234. Visit www.lgchairrestoraother conventional hair replacement tion.com/ or on Facebook at www.faceprocedure, this process mimics natural book.com/lgchairrestoration. Other hair growth. Many options allow you to inquiries can be directed to shower and swim treating your hair as if laura@lgchairrestoration.com.

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Page 68

Volume 16, Issue 4

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition

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