Two Sections, 44 Pages of Community News
Our See on On p 18 u o C age P
Valrico
December 2018 Volume 15, Issue 12 Ph: 657-2418 C E L E B R A T I N G
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New Brunchery Owners Excited To Life Story Writing Classes Help Preserve Stories For Future Generations Continue Community Tradition By Michelle Colesanti By Tatiana Ortiz
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For 30 years, The opportunity came The Brunchery in at the right time for Athan Valrico has been to become owner of the known for its Brunchery as he was stuffed french searching for places in toast, homemade Florida. He fell in love with muffins and decathe 2,300 sq. ft. restaurant dent quiche speand its rooster theme, cials…but also for decor and friendly atmosits founding owner, phere. Kevyn Farley. “I want the community Farley, opened the to know that we plan on original location in being here for a long time Brandon which and appreciate how wellater moved to its coming the customers current spot in the makes us feel,” Athan River Hills Plaza. said. And in November, a new family Stanley Athan, new moved to the area owner of the Brunchery. and took over ownership and pledged to keep the same staff and menu that fans have come to know and love. “We use the exact same ingredients and recipes that Mrs. Farley did,” describes new owner Stanley Athan who purchased the restaurant with wife Natalia. “We buy the same products from the EXACT same vendors. Same Grilled chicken sandwich with homemade bread distributor and same produce discoleslaw is one of the Brunchery’s many delicious lunches.. tributor. And I would NEVER change your coffee. I truly believe you don’t fix The Brunchery offers a variety of what isn’t broken.” breakfast and lunch items such as Ethan comes from a restaurant homemade grits, seasonal coffees and background and grew up in Seattle as its popular home fries along with a the youngest of three boys. “I've seen new special called the Red Rooster all aspects of the business. Dad had that starts at $12. It is located at 4389 me washing dishes as a 15 year old to Lynx Paw Trail in Valrico. Open pay for my first car,” said Athan. “My Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.- 2 favorite part of the business is being p.m. and Saturday through Sunday with my customers and making sure 7:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Call 654-9036. they are taken care from the time they Starting January 1, The Brunchery will are greeted walking in, till they time open until 3 p.m. on Saturdays and they leave.” Sundays.
Drive through a mile of dazzling lights and holiday displays at the Wonderland of Lights & Santa’s Village at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover through Saturday, December 29. Hours are 6 p.m.-9 p.m. daily except Saturday hours are 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Single day admission is $25 per carload. For more information, please visit https://thewonderlandoflights.com.
There are Carol Byrd, many reasons to became ill and the put pen to paper Friends needed and write down the volunteers to carry stories of your life. on the program. You may not think Perry and Lynn that your stories Gardner (now are interesting deceased) offered enough, but your to continue the family’s future genclasses beginning erations will be in the summer of A group photo from the 2018 Saturday appreciative. 2007. Life Story Writing class held at The According to Bloomingdale Regional Library. New classes begin the end of January. Bloomingdale Perry, “I felt strongWriter’s Connection (BWC) offers an ly that this class must continue. I had award-winning Life Story recently retired from my volunteer Writing/Memoir class beginning at the work with the Girl Scouts at their end of January at Bloomingdale Tampa headquarters which meant I Regional Library. This 10-week had the time available. I love to write Life Story Writing (LSW) class is free and most of my previous writing had to participants and funded by the been life stories, although I did not Friends of Bloomingdale Regional know the term at the time.” Library. Classes are for young adults Upon graduation from the 10-week or retirees alike. class, participants become members Each class meets for about two of the BWC, which came about when and a half hours each week and is a group of writers from the original appropriate for all skill levels and all class decided to keep meeting. ages. Whether you are brand new to Email LifeWritersBloom@msn.com writing or a professional writer, you will or pick up a brochure in the lobby of find a fit in this program. the library. Participants should plan on Three classes will run simultaneattending all 10 classes. ously. One begins Wednesday, To register, go to the ‘Ask Desk’ January 30, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. inside the library or Another class begins Friday, February email LifeWritersBloom@msn.com. 1, 1:30-4:30 p.m. and the third class starts Saturday, February 2 from 1:30In This 4:30 p.m. Issue Many people find the course to be therapeutic because the classes invite VIRTUAL RUN FOR VETERANS ...........PG 6 them to reflect on their lives and get new perspectives. CALL TO ARTISTS................................PG 8 A different theme is visited each THE BRIDGES RESIDENT CALENDAR...PG 9 week. Hands-on activities and group interaction help participants to dig SEEDS OF HOPE FUNDRAISER..........PG 11 deeper into buried memories. STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL CONCERTS .PG 13 Individuals can improve selfesteem and increase self-confidence EYE ON BUSINESS .....................PGS 2526 through class interaction. HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ................PGS 3138 The first LSW classes were held at Bloomingdale Library when it first ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 41 opened in 2005. Val Perry was in the first class. The original instructor, www.ospreyobserver.com
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Valrico Edition
Volume 15, Issue 12
December 2018
Page 3
Valrico Edition
Local Candle Company Creates Candles To Help Empower Young Girls
By Libby Hopkins
The Girls choose a scent, Empowered packaging, labeling, Mentally for ordering supplies. Success organizaAlong the way we tion, has a mission emphasize the is to engage eleimportance of qualimentary, middle ty control and work and high school ethics.” girls, empowering Pesano and them to discover her staff made sure their passion and the GEMS were purpose through introduced to all creativity and wisaspects of the canPhala Pesano, owner of dom. dle business in local candle company, Seventh Avenue Phala Pesano, addition to the Apothecary and Valrico resident, recently manufacturing owner of local canpartnered with The Girls Empowered dle company, process from Mentally for Success organization or “GEMS” to create Transitions Candles. Seventh Avenue preparing the canApothecary and Valrico resident, recently dle vessel, cleaning and labeling, then partnered with the GEMS to create packaging and selling. Transitions Candles. “The director, Crystal Pesano hopes other local businesses Bailes reached out to us and told me that will get involved with the GEMS or other she was looking for a company to work local youth programs. “I would love to see with her program,” Pesano said. “I could more businesses get involved directly not resist. It is such a great cause and with programs that support youth in our right down my alley working with teens.” community in a way that helps kids sucTransitions Candles is the social ceed,” Pesano said. “Being a mentor to enterprise of GEMS that provides another these young people is just as rewarding means for a healthy transition for a for our business as it is for the kids. GEMS girl. “The girls came into our shop Tampa has several great programs for and the first step was to sit down and talk young people but they need community about business principals, the value of support both financial but also by giving being an entrepreneur, the perks and the your time for the kids.” challenges of owning your own business Visit it website at www.girlsrgems.org. as well as the core values you must If you’d like to purchase a Transitions establish,” Pesano said. “We go into the Candle, you can visit the candle website how and whats of choosing a product and at www.transitionscandles.com or call how to establish everything from bookPesano at 247-3814. Seventh Avenue keeping to manufacturing to ordering sup- Apothecary is located at 3810 E. 7th Ave. plies, etc. Then the process of how to in Tampa.
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Dover Angler To Compete As Pro On 2019 Fishing League Worldwide Tour Staff Report
Fishing $125,000 with League Worldwide $300,000 going to the (FLW), the world’s winner of the FLW largest tournamentCup. Since the final fishing organizafield exceeds the pubtion, announced lished payout basis of the complete pro150 pros, FLW will fessional angler survey all 170 particiroster for the pating pros to finalize upcoming 2019 the 2019 payout strucFLW Tour season, ture. the 24th season of “With the demand the Tour. The field we saw this year to will be showcased join the FLW Tour, we Local Dover resident Darrell Davis will along the 2019 couldn’t be more compete in his sixth season as a FLW Tour, which professional on the 2019 Fishing League eager to kick off features seven another season at Worldwide (FLW) tour. regular-season Sam Rayburn tournaments around the country with Reservoir in January,” said Bill Taylor, competition kicking off at Sam Rayburn FLW’s Senior Director of Tournament Reservoir, January 10-13, in Brookeland, Operations. “FLW has long been the Texas, and culminating with the world home to some of the most decorated championship of bass fishing, the FLW bass anglers in the sport, and with the Cup at Lake Hamilton, August 9-11, in expanded live coverage at all of our Tour Hot Springs, Arkansas. events this year, we are more than ready Among the 170 professional anglers to show off their skills as some of the best competing will be local angler Darrell fisheries in the world.” Davis of Dover who will be competing in You can watch any FLW Live broadhis sixth season as a professional on the cast, either from on the water or weigh-in, Tour. Davis has more than $212,000 in by logging on to FLWFishing.com and career earnings with FLW and will seek clicking on the FLW Live page link. Onhis second FLW Cup berth. the, water broadcasts will be simulcast There was enormous demand to on FLWFishing.com, YouTube.com/FLWF compete on the 2019 FLW Tour, with 210 ishing andFacebook.com/FLWFishing anglers registering for a slot on the presti- and are free to watch. gious tournament circuit in its final year of For regular updates, photos, tournapriority registration before switching to a ment news and more, follow the sport’s strict qualifying process and a 150-pro top anglers on the FLW Tour on FLW’s field in 2020. social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, The top award at each Tour event is Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat.
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Volume 15, Issue 12
Valrico Edition
Volunteers From DRMP, Inc. Work To Beautify Plant City By Kathy L. Collins
Many compaselves with leading nies proclaim that by example, and they are communiwe feel it is vital for ty minded and every company or believe in giving business in our back to the comlocal communities munity. Actions, to work together to however, speak ensure that our volumes. So, when communities are a company like thriving and offer a DRMP, Inc. pleasant place to engages in a comlive for the citizens munity service of our great state,” project without said Brian Crowl, fanfare, it tells you Volunteers from DRMP, Inc. participated in a Senior Project beautification project in downtown Plant City. a lot about the The team worked to make a portion of South Engineer. Evers St. in Plant City a more beautiful place company. Crowl added, to live and work. Employees of “The employees DRMP, Inc., a full-service Civil who participated were awarded a sense Engineering firm, recently gave of their of accomplishment as a team, a sense of time to help beautify a section of South pride taken in the work completed, and Evers St. (between Reynold St. and the sense of providing the commuters in MLK, Jr. Blvd.) in downtown Plant City. Plant City with a nicer route to travel by DRMP, Inc. has 16 offices throughrevamping the roadside planters on out the Southeast United States. They South Evers St.” recently opened an office in Plant City. Jack Holland, the Recreation and The office will house local staff as the Parks Director for Plant City said, “The company provides construction engineer- DRMP volunteers did a fantastic job, and ing and inspection services for the we really appreciate their effort.” Holland Florida Department of Transportation on added, “DRMP is setting an excellent the CR 580/Sam Allen Road Project. example for our community and helping DRMP’s project staff, with the assiskeep our city a great place to work, live tance of Plant City Recreational Parks and play.” Groundskeeper II Allen Merrill, cleaned For more information on the City of up, weeded, mulched, and planted small Plant City Recreation and Parks palms in existing decorative planters that Department and to find ways that you run along both sides of South Evers St. can help, please visit All of the employees who participatwww.plantcitygov.com. For more informaed in the volunteer activity, reside in the tion on DRMP, Inc., please visit local area. “At DPRM, Inc., we pride ourwww.DRMP.com.
Respite and Day Services Available for the Holidays 824 North Parsons Avenue Brandon, FL 33510
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Valrico Edition
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Master Gardener Library Program: Wildlife
Wednesday, January 2, 2019; 6:30-8 p.m. Bloomingdale Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico Learn how to create a backyard habitat to attract butterflies and \ birds using native and local plants. Presentation is from Master Gardener Teri Brockway. Please bring a plant or other gardening item for a fun Plant Swap. Email Richard@seedroff.com or call 303-638-3917 for more info.
Test Drive A Shelter Dog
Every Thursday; 2-5 p.m. Brandon Honda, 9209 E Adamo Dr., Tampa Meet lovable certified shelter dogs from HCAS Pet Resource Center. #GetEmHomeChallege (Maddie’s Fund)
Monthly Car Show & Cannoli
First Saturday of month; 2-5 p.m. Beve Cibo, 5622 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia Sponsored by First Light Home Care. 50/50 Raffle supports Relay for Life $1 of every Sparkling Berries Cocktail donated back to Relay.
Tampa Bay Chief Petty Officers Meeting
Fourth Thursday each month; 6:30 p.m. Tampa Buffet, 3904 S. Dale Mabry, Britton Plaza, Tampa For information, call Chuck Peterman, President – 767-1569
Parkinson's Support Group At Savannah Court Of Brandon
Third Tuesday of Month; 6 p.m. Savannah Court of Brandon, 824 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Call 643-6767 to RSVP with Rhonda Fournier, Executive Director.
Hawthorne Health & Rehab Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
Third Thursday of the Month; 2 p.m. 851 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon For more information or to register, call 661-8998 - M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Congregation Beth Shalom
Shabbat Services – Fridays; 7 p.m. 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. All welcome. Call 681-6547.
Calling all Marines, FMF Corpsmen and FMF Chaplains
First Tuesday of the Month; 7 p.m. Alafia American Legion Post #148, 7240 US Hwy. 301 in Riverview. The Sgt. Walter P. Ryan Detachment of the Marine Corps League is looking for new members. All Marines welcome. Other military branch members accepted too. Email mclsgtryan@gmail.com or call Ron Essick at 503-0390.
VFW Riverview Post 8108 Events
7504 Riverview Dr.; 671-9845 Every Sunday; 9 a.m.-12Noon - All You Can Eat Breakfast Every Monday; 7 p.m. – Bingo Night Saturday, December 15 – Dinner; 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Karaoke; 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in the Canteen during business hours or at the door.
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Volume 15, Issue 12
Valrico Edition
Five Ways to Support Your Community This Holiday Season
Family Features
Each year, your knowledge the true spirit of and skills to work. the holidays can For example, if seem to get you’re an artist or buried further IT specialist, find a beneath mouncharity that needs tains of wrapping your skill set. paper and Think Longdrowned out by Term commercialism. When you However, are working with when it comes to an organization, the holidays, gifts Photo courtesy of Getty Images consider how you This holiday season, focus on gifts that make can help it find a don’t have to an impact, such as giving back within your comcome in glossy long-term solution munity. paper with crisp to problems. For example, if you’re interedges and hidden tape (though those are ested in helping young girls excel in scinice, too). For example, author Carol ence and math, work with your local eleLavin Bernick recommends focusing on mentary or junior high school to establish gifts that make an impact, such as giving or support an after-school STEM proback within your community. gram. The former chairman of beauty conStart at Home glomerate Alberto Culver, Bernick pubTeach your children the importance lished Gather As You Go, a book sharing of giving back by donating gifts to those in insights she has learned through her need through charitable programs, volunmany roles: corporate leader, working teering at a food pantry or fundraising mother, philanthropist and founder of the through a bake sale. nonprofit organization Enchanted Shop with Purpose Backpack. This year, you can make an impact Consider these tips from Bernick for with your holiday shopping by buying gifts making a difference without breaking the that give back. For instance, all proceeds bank. from Gather As You Go directly benefit
It’s About More Than Just Dollars
Instead of measuring your support by how much money you give, focus on the many ways you can support organizations near and dear to you by spreading the word online and in-person while recruiting new supporters. Alternatively, you can find an organization that puts
Enchanted Backpack.
Focus on Your Passions
Define your focus and make a difference by dedicating yourself to one or two causes that excite you the most. Find your passion and pursue it. Find more inspiration to give back at gatherasyougo.com.
Registration Is Open For Skyway 10K Virtual Run Runners who missed the chance to register for the physical Skyway 10K Virtual Run can still take part in the action and earn a medal, commemorative race bib and special-edition race shirt by doing the virtual run. During the registration period, which will remain open until January 7, 2019 at 12 Midnight, visit www.Skyway10K.com. The Skyway 10K Virtual Run presented by Visit St. Pete Clearwater allows runners of all ages, athletic ability, and locations, who may have been unable to attend or register for the Skyway Run, to be able to participate in the event, which benefits the Armed Forces Families Foundation. Registration costs $45 and includes a commemorative bib, Virtual Run T-shirt and Virtual Run medal, all of which will be mailed to participating runners following completion of the race. Those participating in the Skyway 10K Virtual Run may run, jog, walk or even crawl the 6.2 miles from any location, on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill, at the gym or on the track (or even at another race). Once completed, entrants are asked to send an email to Virtual@Skyway10K.com with their full name and the date(s) and location(s) where they completed their 6.2 miles. The deadline to submit Virtual Run emails is March 1, 2019. “We have had such a tremendous
By James Judge
turnout of support and those wanting to participate that we decided to add an element to our race that will allow those unable to participate physically to participate virtually,” said Brian Horne, race director at Skyway 10K. “This race means more than just a run over one of the most iconic bridges in the country; it’s a chance to give back to military families and we want to make sure everyone who wants to help has a chance to do so.” The 2019 Skyway 10K, scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 3, is the largest fundraising event benefiting the Armed Forces Families Foundation. The inaugural 2018 Skyway 10K, which featured 7,000 runners from 40 states, three countries and all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces crossing the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, sold out in just five days and raised $560,000 with the entire proceeds going to Armed Forces Families Foundation. Anyone interested in volunteering for or sponsoring the second annual Skyway 10K can learn more by visiting www.Skyway10K.com or emailing info@skyway10k.com. All proceeds from the event will go to support the Armed Forces Families Foundation. Visit www.armedforcesfamilies.org
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December 2018
Page 7
Valrico Edition
LET’S TALK SENIOR LIVING
Local Organization Helps Cancer Patients Find Strength And Courage
By Libby Hopkins
Ruth Walker created the Courage Through Cancer foundation to help those affected by cancer and their loved ones who are caregivers. She started the foundation after she lost her husband, Deacon Darryl Walker, to Esophagus cancer. The mission of Courage Through Cancer is to help one who will reach one.
It is often said that courage is not having the strength to go on, it is going on when you have not strength. Ruth Walker, CEO of Courage Through Cancer in Riverview, would agree with this statement because she too found the strength to go on when she felt like she could not after her husband, Deacon Darryl Walker, was diagnosed with Esophageal cancer. He was the inspiration for starting Courage Through Cancer. “My husband displayed courage through his cancer and he maintained his faith and took time out to encourage others,” Walker said. “It got to the point where we maintained our faith and our positivity and others began to seek us out at Moffitt as well as Florida Cancer Center to offer prayers or encouragement to others.” The mission of Courage Through
Cancer is to help one who will reach one. So many people are hurt beyond what we see. There is no preparation in losing a loved one and no words for watching them suffer. “At Courage Through Cancer, we cannot change your circumstances, but we can love you and be your support through it,” Walker said. “Our goal at Courage Through Cancer is to help patients and families financially, spiritually and in areas of comfort living to enable them to be consoled during their time of need. God has given us this mission and in being obedient to His will, our heart’s mission is to open our doors for you to come and receive all that He has to offer for His people.” One of the projects that Walker is currently working on to help expand Courage Through Cancer’s mission is building the Darryl Anthony House in honor of her late husband. “The Darryl Anthony House is one of our main objectives,” Walker said. “It’s a place for the weak and weary. As a caregiver, you can bring your burdens to the Darryl Anthony House. A home named after a man who prayed without ceasing throughout his battle. The best part about visiting the Darryl Anthony House is that you bring your anxieties, your worries and your fears and you get to leave them there and leave with a renewed spirit.” If you’d like to learn more about Courage Through Cancer, or if you’d like to make a donation to help build the Darryl Anthony House, you can www.couragethroughcancer.org or call Walker at 900-9878.
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Communication Strategies
Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia's gradually diminish a person’s ability to communicate. Communication with a person with dementia requires patience, understanding, and good listening skills. Changes in the ability to communicate can vary, and are based on the person and where he or she is in the disease process. Problems you can expect to see throughout the progression of the disease include: difficulty finding the right words, using familiar words frequently, easily losing a train of thought, difficulty organizing words logically, or speaking less often. Understanding how to connect and communicate effectively with our loved ones experiencing dementia is very important, and can add quality to the relationship. Some helpful tips include: • Avoid distractions. This allows your loved one to focus all their mental energy on the conversation.
• Speak clearly and naturally in a warm and calm voice. Refrain from “talking down” to someone with dementia, or any other type of condescension. • Talk about one thing at a time. This will facilitate understanding. • Listen actively. If you don’t understand something your loved one is telling you, politely let them know. • Have patience. Someone with dementia needs extra time to process what you say. If you ask a question, allow time to respond. • Understand that there will good days and bad. While the general trend of dementia is a downward decline, those with dementia will have ups and downs just like anyone else. Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia's effects the ability to communicate. Meeting that challenge with effective strategies can improve the quality of life for everyone.
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Page 8
Volume 15, Issue 12
Valrico Edition
A Call To Artists Has Been Issued For The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival And Market
By Kathy L. Collins
A call to The artists has Winthrop Arts been issued Festival and for the 11th Market is a Annual juried fine art Winthrop Arts show. Festival and Mediums Market, which including will be held on painting, phoArtists of varying mediums are encouraged to enter tography, jewSaturday, the 11th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market. March 30 and Applications for the show are now available. Space is elry making, limited and artists will be eligible for cash prizes, Sunday, March sculpture, including two for Emerging Artists. 31, 2019 from glass, ceram10 a.m.-5 p.m. in Winthrop Town ics fabric/textiles, wood, digital arts and Centre in Riverview. All artists who are more are accepted. The show has interested in having their artwork conbecome a recognized and eagerly sidered for this juried fine arts show can awaited annual event. Artists who are visit www.winthroparts.org and learn accepted into the show will be eligible more on how to apply. to win monetary awards. This year over Applications for the show are being $5,000 is available, including two new accepted through Zapplication, a free awards for Emerging Artists. The show site for artists. Zapplication allows indiis judged by highly qualified judges. vidual artists to apply online to art Artist Paul Sumberg has participatshows. Artists can directly download ed in the show, over the years. images and pay online and the informa- Sumberg said, “I live in the North tion only has to be entered once. The Georgia mountains where I am only a direct link to the application is few miles in any direction from numerhttps://www.zapplication.org/eventous art festivals throughout the year. I info.php?ID=6949. would much rather come to Riverview For the 11th Annual Winthrop Arts to participate in the Annual Winthrop Festival and Market, there is an appliArts Festival and Market because the cation fee of $25. Once artists and artifestival is all about art.” sans are notified of their acceptance There are sponsorships opportuniinto the show, there is a ties available at varying levels. This participation/booth fee of $125. includes the Friends of Winthrop Arts at Vendors are encouraged to apply as $125. This level allows anyone who well. Their booth fee is $150. The dead- loves the arts to support the arts. line to apply is March 10, 2019. Space For more information, please visit is limited, so you are encouraged to www.winthroparts.org, email enter early. info@winthroparts.org or call 758-5161.
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Page 9
Valrico Edition
Seniors In Riverview Retirement Community Recreate Classic Movie Roles In 2019 Calendar
Staff Report and Photos courtesy of Huth & Booth Photography the eccentric socialite made famous by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, she hesitated for a short time, but later agreed. “While I am not a showy person, I thought, why not? I am very pleased with the photograph and my children are so happy I did it,” said Williams. A special Premier Party was held on
The Bridges Retirement Community created a 2019 calendar featuring seniors ‘recreating’ popular Hollywood movie roles, including costumes, props and backgrounds. The residents, aged 73 to 97 years old, participated in recreating 12 movie scenes such as Thelma & Louise, Cleopatra, Grease, Sister Act, Rocky, Mary Poppins and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. For these seniors, age is no obstacle to dressing up like famous movie characters. Frank Danisi, a
The Bridges Retirement Community residents Inez and Charles Kilby appear as Bonnie & Clyde in the 2019 calendar recreating popular movie roles.
November 15 at The Clubhouse at The Bridges to unveil the calendar. Residents portraying movie characters walked the red carpet as part of the event. A framed 24” x 36” canvas portrait of each movie, courtesy of Huth & Booth Photography, was on display. “Involving our residents in meaningful and enjoyable projects such as these has The Bridges Retirement Community resident Shirley become a hallmark of The Michael appears as Mary Poppins in the 2019 cal- Bridges. We strive to showendar recreating popular movie roles. case their skills, share their unique stories and create an environ96-year-old retired Army veteran who ment that promotes each resident’s served during WWII and received the individuality,” stated Donna Purple Heart, had not worn a tuxedo Steiermann, Executive Director. in over 50 years when he dressed up The Bridges Retirement to play the part of James Bond. “I Community in Riverview is dedicated had never experienced a professionto providing health care and housing al photo shoot, let alone as the 007 for the elderly. The Bridges features character,” quipped Danisi. assisted living and memory care resiAt 97 years old, Eileen Williams dences with all amenities at 11202 has traveled much of the world as Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview. Call 413the wife of a Navy Commander. 8900 or visit https://bridgesretireWhen asked to dress as the role of ment.com.
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Page 10
Volume 15, Issue 12
Valrico Edition
New County $17 Million SportsPlex Will Draw From Across County
By Kate Quesada
will own the facility, which will be managed by the Tampa Sports Authority,” said Van Dyke. “Construction is funded by the County, with additional funding through the Tourist Development Tax and support from the Hillsborough County Tourist Development Council.” According to Van Dyke, a feasibility study projects the SportsPlex will have an economic impact of $7.3 million in its first year and $25 million in
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The Brandon area will soon be home to one of the country’s most state-of-theart sports facilities. The Hillsborough County Tournament SportsPlex, located on Columbus Dr. between U.S. Hwy. 301 and Falkenburg Rd., is home to 15 fields that will be used for a variety of sports starting in January. County representatives gathered earlier this month to celebrate the opening of the complex, expected to draw championship-level athletic events with teams from all over the country. “The 65-acre facility can be configured for a variety of sports, including soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby, cricket, ultimate (played with a flying disc) and field hockey,” said Hillsborough County Communications and Digital Media Representative Michelle Van Dyke. The $17 million SportsPlex is a partnership between Hillsborough County, the Tampa Sports Authority and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. “Hillsborough County is building and
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Brenda Wade Real Estate Along With Business Partners Donate $12,600 To Seeds Of Hope
By Barb Kern
Brenda Wade Real Estate and business partners recently donated $12,600 To Seeds of Hope during its Sixth Annual 'Partners in Giving' fundraiser on December 3.
The Brenda Wade Real Estate Team and business partners joined together for Brenda's sixth Annual ‘Partners in Giving’ fundraiser. Brenda and her agents spent one day learning from business associates and matched every dollar that was contributed by the partners, so together they could have an impact in the community. Brenda said, “Our goal was to exceed the $11,000 amount we raised last year and we were so very happy to raise and donate $12,600 to our local charity, Seeds of Hope, Inc. Seeds of Hope president Leda Eaton was amazed, “I was beyond excited to hear the total amount raised. It really takes a village to support all that we do as an all-volunteer organization.” Last year, Seeds of Hope led relief efforts for Alafia residents affected by flooding from Hurricane Irma. Those ongoing efforts highlighted the commitment the charity has to helping local people–a commitment shared by the Brenda Wade Team. Brenda was impressed by their efforts then and continues to be excited about Seeds of Hope’s vision. “We share a passion for helping local people. Our business is in this community and has grown here. We feel Seeds of Hope’s efforts to help those less fortunate is a cause that fits well with who we are.” Brenda is thankful to this year's business partners for serving her clients all year long and graciously pulling alongside of she and the Team in support of the people served by Seeds of Hope. A big thank you to: Adela’s Pro Cleaning Service, All American Title, All Bay Insurance Group, American
Page 11
Valrico Edition
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Insurance. Seeds of Hope has been in the Brandon/Valrico/Lithia community for over eight years and began with local resident Leda Eaton helping her then high school students receive meaningful community service hours. That was the beginning of the FishHawk Turkey Trot and from that Seeds of Hope was created to use the money generated to help alleviate local hunger. The organization has maintained its original commitment to providing meaningful community service for students but has grown as an organization to combat hunger in three ways by providing weekend backpacks of food for school children, boxes of food to families on Thursdays and a weekly mobile pantry aimed at short term food relief. Eaton is proud of the impact the charity has had, “Before Hurricane Irma, we were a food relief organization. After Hurricane Irma, we added disaster relief to our resume. It’s not something I ever would have planned but I am so thankful we were there. Larger organizations with cumbersome rules and regulations couldn’t do what we did. We targeted the people who needed/deserved help, took people shopping for personal items, provided daily hot meals, washed clothes and provided showers. So many volunteers stepped up. It was amazing to be a part of the overwhelming groundswell of community support.” For more information about Seeds of Hope, visit www.sohopefl.org.
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Page 12
Valrico Edition
Volume 15, Issue 12
December 2018
Valrico Edition
Page 13
Florida Strawberry Festival Announces Headline Entertainment Lineup
Staff Report
The Florida Anderson & Strawberry Bobby Bare Festival released ($20) and 7:30 its lineup of p.m. Old headline enterDominion’s tainment artists Make It Sweet performing on Tour ($45). the Wish Farms “Our headSoundstage at line entertainthe 2019 event. ment lineup is Whether you are one of the most a country fan, anticipated rock, R&B or Don’t miss Kool & The Gang will perform at Get your tickets for Martina McBride, set to announcements Don’t miss Steven Tyler and The Loving the 2019 Strawberry Festival on Saturday, perform at the 2019 Strawberry Festival on we make prior oldies fan, there Mary Band, set to perform on Sunday, March March 2 at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. 3 at 7:30 p.m. is something for to the opening everyone. The lineup is as of the festival,” said Florida follows: Strawberry Festival President Thursday, February 28 Paul Davis. “We receive many 10:30 a.m. Jimmy Sturr & His calls throughout the year leadOrchestra (Free); 3:30 p.m ing up to the event from The Oak Ridge Boys ($20) guests who are eager to hear and 7:30 p.m. ALABAMA who will be performing.” ($45); Advance tickets for admisFriday, March 1 - 3:30 sion and for headline enterp.m. Willie Nelson & Family tainment shows will go on sale ($45) and 7:30 p.m. Brothers Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018 at 8 Osborne ($40); a.m. and can be purchased Old Dominion will close out the 2019 miss Home Free set to perform Saturday, March 2 - 3:30 Don’t Strawberry Festival headline concerts on online at www.flstrawberryfesat the 2019 Strawberry Festival on p.m. Home Free ($20) and Sunday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. tival.com, at the Amscot Main Saturday, March 2 at 3:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Kool & the Gang Ticket Office located at 2209 Coasters ($20) and 7:30 7:30 p.m. for King & Country ($30); W. Oak Ave. in Plant City and by p.m. NEEDTO($30); Sunday, March 3 - 3:30 p.m. phone at 754-1996. BREATHE ($35); Friday, March 8 - 3:30 Chicks with Hits featuring Terri Clark, For more information about ADA Wednesday, March p.m. Tanya Tucker ($30) and Pam Tillis and Suzy Bogguss ($25) accessible seating or tour group sales, 6 - 3:30 p.m. Gene 7:30 p.m. Chris Janson and 7:30 p.m. An Evening with Steven call 719-6680. Watson ($20) and 7:30 ($30); Tyler and The Loving Mary Band ($25); p.m. STYX ($35); The 84th Annual Florida Saturday, March 9 Monday, March 4 - 3:30 p.m. Pat Strawberry Festival will take place Thursday, March 7 3:30 p.m. Florida Strawberry Boone ($20) and 7:30 p.m. Martina February 28-March 10. Visit - 10:30 a.m. The Festival’s Battle of the Bands McBride ($35); www.flstrawberryfestival.com, Kingston Trio (Free), Finale (Free) and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5 - 3:30 p.m. The 3:30 p.m. The Letterman ($20) and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Keith Sweat ($30); Drifters, Platters & Cornell Gunter’s (#berryfest19). Sunday, March 10 - 3:30 p.m. Bill
Page 14
Valrico Edition
Volume 15, Issue 12
December 2018
Page 15
Valrico Edition
Summer Adventure ‘Workamping’ In Yellowstone National Park Four years ago I retired after a successful career of 38 years. Two years ago my wife Paulette and I traveled to Vermont and Maine in our new RV to escape the heat of summer and to explore our national parks. While there, we found many people in our campgrounds were there for the same reasons as us. We discovered many were ‘Workamping’ working full and parttime in campgrounds or in nearby Grand Prismatic Spring. national parks and tourist destinations. This ‘senior workforce’, as we later discovered, is a vital resource to many businesses and organizations that are operated seasonably during the summer months. We found this to be interesting but didn’t give it a second thought; after all we were enjoying retirement. In January we attended the Tampa RV show and found companies representing organizations lookBison Herd in Lamar Valley ing for summer help. One of the comand made stops in Nashville and St. panies, Delaware North Corporation, Louis before heading further north and manages 12 retail stores in Yellowstone west. We saw the Corn Palace, Wall National Park as well as other parks, Drugs and Badlands, Crazy Horse and sports facilities (Amalie Arena) and nearby Kennedy Space Center retail and food Mt. Rushmore monuments and Devils Tower before we arrived in Yellowstone. concessions. We arrived at the park in early June. We pursued looking at working in Our first purchase was a window scraper Yellowstone for the summer. We comfor the frost on the car windows and pleted applications, had lengthy teleheavier clothes for the cooler weather. phone interviews and both my wife and I The weather in the first week dipped to were excited to be offered positions at 24 degrees at night. During the remainder Lake General Store located on the shores of the summer the average nightly lows of Yellowstone Lake. were in the 30s and daytime highs in the Our adventure began in May, driving 60s, with occasional days in the 70s. Our to Yellowstone in our RV, our home for three month contract began in June right the next four months. We took our time
By Bill McKay
students from the US, Bulgaria, Russia, Romania, the Philippines and Taiwan. This blended family worked well together and many friendships developed. The older staff introduced the students to American culture, traditions and holidays like Halloween and the Fourth of July. We even celebrated Christmas at the end of August following a long standing tradition and folklore in the park. As the summer was closing so was our time in Yellowstone. We said our Paulette and I at the front of Lake sad goodbyes the day after Labor Day, General Store. exchanged addresses, made friends on Facebook and started our journey home. The store remained open for about two more weeks after we left with a short staff and was closed for the season the third week of September. Another season in Yellowstone was completed. If you are looking for an adventure next summer, you may wish to consider working in one of our 59 national parks. At our location, dorm housing and RV Lower Falls, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone at sites for those traveling in recreational vehicles was available. The nearest groArtist Point. cery store was 52 miles away so meal after Memorial Day, and for the next three plans were offered for staff, providing months we lived and worked in paradise. three meals a day seven days per week. The store we worked in was picturDue to the 7,800 foot altitude, it is recomesque, in a building built in 1919 next to mended to check with your physician as the historic Lake Hotel. We were surthe oxygen concentration is 5.5% less rounded by mountains and not far from than the Tampa area and altitude sickgeysers, rivers, rapids, waterfalls, scenic ness affects many. vistas, valleys and abundant wildlife. The experience, the memories and Aside from the scenic beauty of the park, the friendships made this the experience the experience working with the staff was of a lifetime. If you are an adventurist heartwarming. The staff comprised of looking to do something different next seniors and college students from all over summer and can work several days per the world, including many senior couples week, this may be your opportunity of a and singles on an adventure like us and lifetime.
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Page 16
Valrico Edition
Second Annual Bloomingdale High School Running Of The Bulls 5k Set
By Jane Owen
as well as runners from the community and local running groups like Brandon Running Association, FishHawk Road Runners and HTTR Tornadoes. Running on campus was especially sweet for Bloomingdale alumnus, Patricia Help support Bloomingdale Band and athletics at this year’s Rossie. Running of the Bulls 5k on Saturday, January 19. “It felt amazingWith a new year around ly nostalgic. I haven’t been the corner, Bloomingdale back to the campus since High School is ready for its 1990 and since I wasn’t a annual Running of the Bulls runner in high school, I 5k. The 5k, which particinever had the experience pants can run or walk, will be of running on the held on Saturday, January 19. school’s track field. As This unique race is focused being part of the second on bringing the community together to support high school students. Made possible by local business sponsorships, such as the title sponsor Acropolis Greek Taverna, the Band leadership holds a banner supporting the runners at last year’s annual Running of the Bulls 5k. Running of the Bulls 5k was created last year to graduating senior class of raise money for the band. This year, Bloomingdale High School, I was school athletic teams also profit from elated to tour the grounds once the race. again, even if it meant wheezing Participants can enjoy the race towards a finish line.” knowing they are making a difference Rossie encourages everyone to to students. All of the profit goes to consider a 5k. the school. This matters to the pro“A 5K race is the perfect distance grams that often need more than is and opportunity to mix fitness, social available to them. camaraderie and goal-setting. It’s “We will use the funds to help suitable for both runners and walkers supplement instrument repair and of every level to come together, bring replacement. The fact is that we have their families and still have plenty of instruments that are 32 years old. time to enjoy post-race celebrating all Some of them can be repaired and before breakfast.” some of them are beyond repair,” The Running of the Bulls 5k is said Jon Sever, Director of Bands for timed by FitNiche Events. Registrants Bloomingdale Senior High School. receive a dri-fit shirt. Finishers will “The good thing is, this really is an receive medals and top age group fineasy and fun way to raise funds for ishers will receive awards. the program.” Registration costs $30. Register at Last year’s race welcomed curhttps://fitniche.com/event/runningrent and past students and families, bulls-5k-2/.
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Volume 15, Issue 12
December 2018
Page 17
Valrico Edition
, Dancing & a l a G , n o Lunche e… Mor santi, lle Cole e h ic M d by m Compile preyobserver.co s o @ michelle
You Are Invited For Social Dancing
Plant City Social Dance will hold a dance on Saturday, December 8 and 29 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd. in Plant City. This dance will be social dancing on a 3,000 sq. ft. floating wood floor. Dance to the music by DJ Ken Miller. Social dancing includes slow dances, waltzes, line dances, cha-cha and rumbas, two-step and country slow, swing and free style. The cost is $6 a person. No alcohol is to be brought on property. Water and cups are available, but feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks. Visit strawberrysquaredancing.com.
join The Transformation Center (TTC) for a Life Fundraising Gala and enjoy food, live music in a wonderful atmosphere of warmth and joy at Center Place, 619 Vonderburg Dr. in
Brandon. This event is to expand reach in the community and help fund outreach programs in 2019. The focus will target atrisk communities in areas of education, social welfare while reaching them with the gospel of Jesus Christ. TTC is an organization dedicated to building the lives of people within the community by creating a supportive environment that fosters positive change. Over the years it has engaged in numerous activities such as school supply drives, clothing drives, toy drives, feeding programs, health fairs and more. It cur-
Brandon Christian Women’s Connection Steps Out At New Year Luncheon
The Brandon Christian Women's Connection is ‘Stepping out’ at its New Year Luncheon on Monday January, 14 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in the Special Events Center, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. Please come celebrate the New Year and enjoy a luncheon and entertainment for $15. First time guests pay $10. The speaker is Linda Bertolomi. This is a nondenominational luncheon and all ladies are welcome. Please call Lillie at 740-0098 for reservations or information by Monday January 7.
Third Annual ‘Nativities Around the World’ Display
Five Hundred plus crèches on display after each weekend Mass and from 2-5 p.m. on Sundays at St. Clement Catholic Church, located at 1104 N. Alexander St. in Plant City. Come and see Rev. Henry Riffle’s Nativity collection from all over the world through January 6. Admission is free. For more information, contact 752-8251 or info@stclementpc.org.
TTC Life Fundraising Gala
On Saturday, December 22 at 6 p.m.,
collections and learn the interesting stories behind them. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. The Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable Presenting the Environmental Conservation Award award to Lee Ann and excepColeman Cassell and Brett Coleman are local Ducks Unlimited committee tional items. members Joseph and Mike Layrisson. The pair Clays at Lithia located on Hobson hopes to give historically significant Simmons Rds. Fishhawk Sporting Clays, objects a new lease on life, while learning over the past five years, has enabled the a thing or two about America’s past along chapter to sponsor conservation-minded the way. Mike and Frank have seen a lot youth educational events as well as fund of rusty gold over the years and are raising. In partnership with other organialways looking to discover something zations, Fishhawk Sporting Clays enabled Ducks Unlimited to restore 200 acres of Florida wetlands. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has preserved over 14.1 million acres of North American wetlands.
AMERICAN PICKERS To Film In Florida
rently supports an orphanage of 65 children in Kisii, Kenya and has partnered with local organizations such as MCM Food Pantry, A Kid’s Place, Mind Body & amp; Soul Health Ministry, Trinity Café Soup Kitchen and Care Community Center. To purchase tickets, visit www.ttclife.org/ttc-life-gala. Call 954-5916848 for more information.
Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are on a mission to find extraorexcited to return to dinary items among your hidden treasure for AMERICAN Florida. They plan to film PICKERS. episodes of the hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout the they’ve never seen before. AMERICAN region in February 2019. AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would PICKERS is a documentary series love to explore your hidden treasure. exploring the fascinating world of antique Send your name, phone number, ‘picking’ on History. The hit show follows location and description of the collection Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled with photos to: americanpickers@cinepickers in the business, as they hunt for flix.com, or call 855-OLD-RUST (653America’s most valuable antiques. They 7878). Visit on Facebook @GotAPick. are always excited to find sizable, unique
Make a difference this holiday season and donate.
Conservation Award Presented To FishHawk Sporting Clays
The East Hillsborough County – Plant City Ducks Unlimited Chapter presents its five year Environmental Conservation Award to Fishhawk Sporting
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Page 18
Volume 15, Issue 12
Valrico Edition
Local Teen Hosts Concert To Benefit High School Best Buddies Program
By Libby Hopkins
Musician Billy Joel from his performance to once said, “Musicians Riverview High School’s want to be the loud voice Best Buddies program. for so many quiet hearts.” “Leaven Brewing has been Seventeen-year-old open for almost a year and Riverview High School is becoming a local fixture student, Riley Stanley, is for neighbors and friends the voice for many quiet to meet up with their famihearts of students in the lies and dogs to enjoy Best Buddies program at some good food and bevRiverview High School. “I erages,” Stanley said. started playing guitar “Jillian and K.J., the ownwhen I was about 8-yearsers of Leaven have been old and began to sing very supportive of me; they when I joined the chorus gave me my first paid gig Seventeen-year-old Riverview department at Riverview when I was only 16-yearsHigh School student, Riley High School,” Stanley Stanley will be hosting at con- old. It was a great success cert at Leaven Brewing in said. “I have always loved and a lot of fun. They are Riverview on Saturday. music. I first heard The excited about this performMonkees and The Beatles when I was ance and that the money raised will be about seven and it created a connection going to Best Buddies at Riverview High to music that continues now, and I think School.” Stanley hopes to raise as much would always be a part of my life. In fact, money as possible for the Riverview High many of the songs I play now are songs School’s Best Buddies program as they from The Beatles that I loved as an eleprepare for the annual Friendship Walk in mentary school student. ”Best Buddies is downtown Tampa on Saturday, May 4. “I an organization that helps people with would be happy with any amount of intellectual and developmental disabilities money that I can raise, but the more the by creating personal relationships better, of course,” Stanley said. “I would between them and their fellow students. also like to raise awareness for the Best “Growing up I had the opportunity to Buddies program. It would be great to get spend a lot of time around children with more people involved.” special needs,” Stanley said. “These If you would like to check out some important interactions have given me a of Stanley’s live performances, you can desire to help others. I joined Best visit his YouTube Channel at Buddies as soon as I got to Riverview https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAN4 High School.” Stanley will be hosting a Llx6l4naqfHWgcUSzoA/videos. To learn concert at Leaven Brewing in Riverview more about Best Buddies, visit www.beston Saturday, December 22 from 7 p.m.buddies.org. Leaven Brewing is located at 10 p.m. He will be donating all his tips 11238 Boyette Rd. in Riverview.
Civil War Veterans Honored With New Memorial
By Kate Quesada
Veterans killed in action during the Civil War and Florida naval casualties from 1861 to 1865 are inscribed on the monuments. The monuments are part of the Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Park and Museum which was established to provide a centralized location for residents to honor veterans of all eras. Additional war Hillsborough County dedicated a memorial at the Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa last month to those who fought in the Civil War.
A new group of the nation’s finest are now represented at Hillsborough County’s Veterans Memorial Park and Museum. Last month, Hillsborough County dedicated a memorial to veterans killed during the Civil War. According to Hillsborough County Media Representative Todd Pratt, soldiers on both sides of the war are historically represented and honored at the memorial. “The two gray granite monuments that make up the memorial represent the west and east sides of the Hillsborough River; the blue marble strip between the monuments represents the river,” said Pratt. Each monument displays historical images related to Hillsborough County’s connection to the Civil War, including the gunships, the Cow Cavalry, the Battle of Fort Brooke and the Battle of Tampa. The names of Hillsborough County
memorials at the park include Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Vietnam, World Wars I and II and the Spanish American War. There is additional space at the park for more memorials and a new museum building. A Veterans Resource Center is also located on the grounds offering services for veterans. Volunteers are always welcome and anyone interested should contact the Center at 744-5502. Veterans Memorial Park and Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum is located at 3602 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Tampa. For more information, please visit www.veteransparkhc.com.
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Page 19
Valrico Edition
Local Author Shares 100 Things To Do In Tampa Bay In New Book
By Taylor Wells
Solomon’s Castle in Ona in Hardee County.
Kristen Hare, the author of 100 Things to Do in Tampa Bay Before You Die, 2nd Edition. The cover of 100 Things to Do in Tampa You can now read local Bay Before You Die, 2nd Edition. author Kristen Hare’s 100 Things aged to give these 100 things to Do in Tampa Bay Before You Die, a try. 2nd Edition, which recently became Kristen had this to say available in October. The helpfully about writing her guidebook: varied and descriptive bucket list “When we first moved here in 2012, shares Kristen’s personal experimy family thought it would just be for ences of the most noteworthy attraca year, so we decided to live like tions she visited in Tampa Bay. Whether you are new to the area or a tourists and see, try and go everylongtime resident, you may find some where we could. We loved it here so much that we decided to look for jobs new and interesting places nearby to that would let us stay.” Writing this visit. book has allowed to her to explore The second edition features 30 even more places. new adventures in the list. This new The author has many personal edition of Kristen’s book was written favorites. She loves Medard Park in with locals in mind so tourists wouldPlant City for its convenient location n’t be the only ones having fun. and the fun kids have there. Then Everything inside is a good time for there is Leaven Brewing in Riverview, all, though, so everyone is encour-
a top brewery that is perfect for date nights. Next up is Brocante Market in St. Pete, a place filled with amazing vintage treasures that opens only on the first weekend of
each month. Those who seek the weirder side of Florida might want to visit Solomon’s Castle in Ona, an aluminum construction filled with art crafted from recycled objects. And there are so many more things to do. Have a delightful time getting the password to an exclusive 1920s-inspired speakeasy called Ciro’s. Explore the excitingly strange Dali Museum that celebrates the surreal Salvador Dali. Find countless different things at the massive Big Top Flea Market and its 1,200 booths. Visit the mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park for a beautiful show and fun times. There are hundreds of things to do, so go out and explore. “I think as long as I live here, future editions are possible, and I have no plans to leave!” said Kristen. “Next on my list is a road trip guide.” The book is published by Reedy Press and can be purchased at www.reedypress.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other places where books are sold.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 15, Issue 12
Weird, Wacky And Wonderful Holidays*December 2018
Repeal Day * Monkey Day * Festivus For The Rest Of Us * Fruitcake Day Did you know that there are an abundance of daily holidays and special days every month? Some are immersed in tradition, while others may be silly, bizarre, unique, special or inspirational. Unofficial Holidays are not traditionally marked on calendars but are celebrated by various groups and individuals. Some are designed to promote a cause or to recognize historical events not recognized officially, while others are fun holidays, generally intended to just be humorous. So, in the midst of our busy lives, consider taking time to enjoy some of the entertaining but lesser-known holidays throughout the year. December is a month filled with love, humanity and gift giving events like Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve. December is the last month in the Gregorian calendar and its name is based on the Latin term for 10. In the Roman calendar, December was the 10th month until the addition of January and February at the beginning of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, December has the shortest daylight hours and marks the beginning of winter. Although Christmas gets most of the attention this time of year, December is a month full of other fun days as well. If you need a moment to forget the stress that sometimes comes with the major holidays, there's probably a few days here that can bring joy throughout the month. Let’s start this month with Repeal Day, on Wednesday, December 5. On this day in 1933 the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, thereby
repealing the 18th Amendment, which banned the sale, distribution and consumption of alcohol. This prohibition period started on January 5 1919 and officially ended on December 5 1933. The 21st Amendment brought back the neighborhood pubs and breweries to society. Celebrate the end of prohibition by stop-
work and Fetus-X comic strips as well as promoting it online along with other artists. Since then, Monkey Day has been celebrated internationally in America, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom. So go bananas on this day and grab the kids and head to the Lowery Park Zoo or Busch Gardens to get your
ping by your local bar, tavern, winery, distillery or brewery and enjoy a drink. There are so many places to celebrate, but if you’re looking for someplace that can really appreciate this day, visit Ciro’s Speakeasy in Tampa. Ciro’s is a throwback to prohibition era. You will need to call ahead for the secret password. Visit www.cirostampa.com. After celebrating the end of bootlegging, there is no better time to honor our special primate friends than on Monkey Day on Friday, December 14. While the holiday is mainly about monkeys, it also celebrates other primates such as apes, chimpanzees and lemurs. The day was accidently created in 2000 when artist Casey Sorrow jokingly scribbled Monkey Day on a friend’s calendar. He then began including Monkey Day in his art-
fill of monkeys. Use #MonkeyDay to post on social media. To donate to monkey causes, visit www. monkeyday.com/links/. If you are looking for a holiday that serves as an alternative to the commercialization of Christmas, then look no further than Festivus, on Sunday, December 23. Festivus gained notoriety on the critically acclaimed sitcom, Seinfeld. It appeared on the episode entitled ‘The Strike’ that aired December 18, 1997. Although Festivus originated as a way to make light of traditional holidays and ease the stress of family get-togethers, today it has grown into a fun holiday for the entire family. According to Festivus tradition, the Festivus meal is accompanied with the airing of grievances, followed by the feats of strength, where the
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head of the house-hold wrestles with other guests. So grab an aluminum pole and greet people by saying ‘Happy Festivus for the rest of us!’ Thursday, December 27 is National Fruitcake Day, and no, we are not talking about your crazy Uncle Bob. This is the day to pay homage to the controversial and sometimes misunderstood fruitcake. This cake is traditionally made with chopped candied or dried fruit, nuts, spices and alcohol. Many people give fruitcakes as gifts for the holidays, howev-er, more than 38 percent of people say they re-gift their fruitcakes. Nevertheless, fruitcakes have remained popular for thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians buried their loved ones with fruitcakes because they believed the fruitcake was essential for the journey to the afterlife. The small cakes could withstand long voyages without spoiling. Publix, Winn Dixie and commercial bakeries such as Harry & David all get their fruitcake candies from local company, Paradise, Inc., located on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Plant City. There’s a 90 percent chance that if you’re eating a fruitcake, the candied fruit originated from Paradise, Inc. Download coupons and find locations for the best fruitcakes at www.paradisefruitco.com. December boasts many other fun holidays including National Pastry Day, Violin Day, Poinsettia Day and National Eggnog Day, just to name a few. For a complete list of holidays, please visit www.holidayinsights.com.
December 2018
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Valrico Edition
Ohall Recognized By Super Lawyer
#AL11670
The Bridges Should Be Your
By Michelle Caceres
Each year, cial needs parents Super Lawyers rechave to jump through ognizes the top when their child turns lawyers in Florida 18,” said Foyt. “Laurie through a patented was able to get all the multiphase selection paperwork completed process involving and was with us every peer nomination, step of the way.” independent Ohall has a big research and peer heart for families with evaluation. special needs children. Elder law attorHer firm has worked ney Laurie Ohall has with the 13th Judicial received Super Circuit to put guardian Lawyer designation advocacy forms online as a 2018 Top-Rated so that families who Elder Law Attorney Elder law attorney Laurie Ohall has cannot afford an attorbeen recognized as a 2018 Topin Brandon. This is ney can file on their Rated Elder Law Attorney in her fourth year earnown to become their Brandon. ing the distinction. child’s guardian advo“The fact that attorneys are nomicate. She has also hosted workshops nated by their peers is an honor,” said for families, free of charge, to walk Ohall. “It means a lot to know that they them through the process and help have recognized my qualifications, them fill out the forms. education and experience.” The law offices of Laurie Ohall, Ohall is one of only 106 board-cer- associated with R.F. Meyer & tified elder law attorneys in the state. Associates, LLC, is located at 1464 Requirements for this honor include: a Oakfield Drive. Ohall is a Florida board minimum of five years practicing law, a certified elder law attorney who condemonstration of substantial involvecentrates her area of practice in estate ment in the field of law where certificaplanning, elder law, probate and estate tion is sought as well as being showing administration, wills and trusts, good character, ethics and professionguardianship and Medicaid planning. alism. “Clients who hire me can be confiFishHawk resident Ann Foyt didn’t dent in knowing that I have the knowlneed anyone to tell her that attorney edge and experience to help them with Laurie Ohall is a super lawyer. Ohall their elder law concern,” said Ohall. assisted her in obtaining guardianship The law offices of Laurie Ohall is for her adult son, who has Down’s open Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5p.m. Syndrome. For more information, visit “It’s an unfortunate hoop that spewww.ohalllaw.com or call 438-8503.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 15, Issue 12
December 2018
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Valrico Edition
TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center Now Open To Visitors
By Taylor Wells
It is that time of the year again as the manatees take up residence near TECO Energy's Big Bend Power Station. Bring your family and friends to visit and take this chance to marvel at the sea cows at the Manatee Viewing Center. The manatees make the clean bay water in Tampa Electric’s discharge canal their home from November through April. The area maintains temperatures in the low 70s, allowing manatees to comfortably thrive. Water below 68 degree Fahrenheit can make manatees cold stressed, causing sickness and sometimes death. Although they were reclassified as a threatened species last year, mana- A close-up of a manatee’s face as it resurfaces. tees exist in low numbers and are vulnerable to endangerment, so TECO provides a wonderful opportunity for manatee populations of Florida to live and grow healthily at the Manatee Viewing Center. In addition to providing these marine mammals an area to prosper, people are given the chance to have a fun time while seeing and learning about the manatees. The Manatee Viewing Center provides an environmental education building featuring great photos A crowd taking in the manatees. and information about manatees. water, 10-15 minute movie about manaThe education building also has puzzle tees, natures trails, 50 ft. wildlife obsertables, game kiosks, manatee bones and power plant, solar energy and stew- vation tower, sandbox and chalkboard area, butterfly garden, gift shop and ardship information. concession stand. There is also a Other attractions include viewing stingray touch tank that, in partnership platforms, a 900 ft. tidal walk through a with the Florida Aquarium, acts as the mangrove forest that goes out over the
off-season home of the actual mascots of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays. Visiting the Manatee Viewing Center is free. Along with being operated by Tampa Electric, the gift shop, concession stand and donation boxes all help fund the facility. As many as 342,000 visitors spent time at the Manatee Viewing Center last year. The Manatee Viewing The stingray touch tank containing the Tampa Bay Center is open now through Rays’ mascots. April 15, 2019. It is located at 6990 Dickman Rd. in Apollo Beach and is open all week from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The center is closed on Christmas Eve (at 3 p.m.), Christmas Day and Easter. Parking is free. For information, visit www.tampaelectric.com/company/mvc/, call 228-4289 or use TECO’s Residential Contact Us Form at www.tampaelectric.com/forms/residential/contact/ The wildlife observation tower is 50 ft. tall, allow- (select Manatee Viewing Center in ing guests a great view of the area. the pull-down box).
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Page 24
Valrico Edition
Volume 15, Issue 12
Valrico
December 2018
Volume 15, Issue 12
Mega Agent TRISH WALLER Joins Keller Williams In Brandon
Ph: 657-2418
comes to the Tampa Bay area Trish Waller, one of Hillsborough from Ohio where County’s top-producing real estate he worked in professionals, is leaving RE/MAX membership, Across The Bay to join the Keller aquatics and wellWilliams Realty team in the ness at the Lima Brandon/Suburban Tampa Florida, Family market center. YMCA. Prior to Waller’s consistent performance the Y, he worked as a top-producing agent over 13 for a national fityears has landed her into the coveted ness chain where ‘Top 100 Agents’ register in he supported Hillsborough County. Through that membership and time she has helped nearly 1000 fampersonal trainTrish Waller has recently joined ilies achieve their real estate ing. Hernandez goals. Her integrity and professional- the Keller Williams Realty team With both Lauren has a bachelor’s in the Brandon/Suburban Brun (l) and CJ ism are appreciated by buyers, sellers Tampa Florida, market center. degree in Hernandez (r) and fellow Realtors alike. onboard the Campo Healthcare opening in early “We’re excited to welcome Trish to Y team is eager to Administration expand its positive and an MBA from 2019. Call Lisa Spencer the Keller Williams family,” said Lisa impact in the Greater Brandon area. at 748-1834 or Spencer, Broker/Team Leader of Keller Northwestern visit www.kwBrandon.com for more inforWilliams Brandon/Suburban Tampa and Ohio University. “Christian is excited for mation. Plant City. “At Keller Williams we believe the opportunity to take his experiences in succeeding through people. We only into his new role and continues to grow by creating the best customer expe- New Y Directors Ready To Serve The advance the Campo Y’s impact in the rience and attracting and retaining top tal- Community community,” said Campo Y Executive The Campo Family YMCA is pleased ent. Trish has been admired by her colDirector Jarrod Williams. to welcome Christian ‘CJ’ Hernandez and leagues here at Keller Williams for years Brun is the new senior aquatics Lauren Brun to its leadership team as it and we are so excited to have her on experience director for the Campo Y. continues to provide a safe place where board.” She has served as the aquatics experiGreater Brandon area community mem“I joined Keller Williams Realty ence director for the Northwest bers can go to feel supported, improve because I saw great opportunity in being Hillsborough Family YMCA for the past their well-being and create meaningful a part of this talented network of real two years. Prior to that, Brun served as experiences in their lives. estate agents,” said Waller. an aquatics coordinator, lifeguard and As membership experience director, The Brandon/Suburban Tampa and welcome center representative at variHernandez leads staff in providing a Plant City Market Center, located at 2350 ous Ys within the Tampa Metropolitan superior member experience at the Y. He E. SR 60 in Valrico, will hold a grand Area YMCA. She received her bache-
Enter To Win Page 35
lor’s degree in Exercise Science from Indiana University. “Lauren’s commitment to program quality and staff development along with her exceptional work ethic and drive has been instrumental in the growth of the Tampa YMCA’s aquatic departments,” said Aquatics Experience Executive Amanda Walker. For more information, visit www.tampaymca.org/locations/valricofl-campo-ymca/ or call 684-1371.
Tax Preparation Volunteers Sought Local AARP Foundation coordinators are looking for volunteers to work in the annual Tax-Aide program. The program offers free tax preparation assistance to a wide range of taxpayers with a focus on clients over 50. AARP volunteers receive free training and are IRS-certified each year. All volunteers are required to attend class and must pass a national tax test for certification. Tax training is done at the Bloomingdale Library during January. Tax help is offered completely free at the Seffner-Mango and Bloomingdale Libraries from February until April 15. To become a much needed volunteer in your community, log on to www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaid and fill out the application. For more information, email local coordinator Lee Neal at lee45neal@gmail.com.
Continued on Next Page
Page 26
Business Column Continued.............
By Michelle Colesanti
Pre Sales At New Fitness Center To Be Located In The BayCare HealthHub At Bloomingdale BayCare Fitness Center (Bloomingdale) will be a 20,000 sq. ft. fitness space housed inside the BayCare HealthHub at Bloomingdale - an innovative, high-tech health and wellness facility designed to make life better for residents in the greater Brandon area and surrounding communities. It is expected to open in spring 2019. It will have state-of-the-art technology including art cardio and strength equipment. It will also provide personal training, a free fitness tracker, more than 50 group exercise classes per week (including barre), separate yoga and cycling studios and nutrition services. The facility will also have on-site child care services for an additional fee. Pre-sales for the BayCare Fitness Center (Bloomingdale) have just begun and will run until it opens. “We’re thrilled to work with EXOS to bring a world-class fitness center into our BayCare HealthHub at Bloomingdale,” said Todd Jones, vice president of Ambulatory Experience and Operations at BayCare. “This facility’s amenities and features will help create an environment where wellness, community and fitness become one.” At this time, the community can come see BayCare Fitness Center (Bloomingdale) representatives in the BayCare Membership Bus located at the corner of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and S. Miller Rd. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. -7 p.m. and Saturday
Volume 15, Issue 12
Valrico Edition
through Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Residents can also call 586-8600. BayCare HealthHub at Bloomingdale, located at 2470 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. For more information on the fitness center, visit https://baycare.org/services/fitness-centers/baycare-fitness-center-bloomingdale?hcmacid=a0Z1a00000E7CZKEA3.
South Florida Baptist Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South Receive Florida Award For Safely Reducing Primary C-Sections
cesarean sections (C-sections) can pose serious health risks to mothers and babies. Once a woman has a cesarean, she has a greater chance of having a Csection for subsequent births, increasing her risk of major birth complications. For the baby, some of the consequences can include a longer hospital stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, as well as higher rates of respiratory infection. The mission of this recognition program is to highlight the importance of this health care quality issue statewide and to recognize those hospitals that are contributing to providing quality health care for mothers and infants. Both AHCA and DOH have recognized that the high rate of low-risk cesarean births is a major maternal and child health issue in Florida, as the state has one of the highest rates in the nation.
The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) announced South Florida Baptist Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital-South as two of 20 Florida hospitals in 2017 that achieved the Healthy People 2020 (HP2020) Mary Wells Recently Maternal and Child Health Awarded Graduate goal focused on reducing REALTOR® Institute cesarean section deliveries (GRI) Designation Mary West of Valrico was for first-time mothers with recently awarded the GRI The Greater Tampa designation. low-risk pregnancies. AHCA Association of REALTORS and DOH announced the recognition member, Mary Wells of Valrico, recently awards to hospitals at the Florida Hospital completed the curriculum required to Association’s annual meeting on Oct. 4, achieve the highly acclaimed designation. 2018 during the Celebration of She joins a select group in the residential Achievement in Quality and Service real estate industry holding the designaAwards Ceremony. tion across the nation. South Florida Baptist Hospital’s CWest earned the ‘Graduate REALsection rate in 2017 was 21.0 percent TOR® Institute’ (GRI) designation by and St. Joseph’s Hospital-South’s C-secattending a specific, intensive series of a tion rate was 18.3 percent, well below the minimum of 90 hours of classroom 23.9 percent national goal. instruction and examinations, covering a While life-saving in certain cases, variety of subjects including: contract law,
professional standards, sales and marketing, finance, and risk reduction. Individuals completing the program learn the fundamentals of brokerage and other areas of real estate specialization. With this designation and through increased awareness of current topics important to the real estate professional, such as legal issues, these REALTORS® can better serve prospective clients and customers. The GRI designation sets the individuals who have attained it apart from other practitioners because it indicates to the public that the individual has obtained a professional educational foundation on which to base the services they provide and that they are a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
Unique Fighting Style Teaches Defense Strategies That Work
Anyone can learn Krav Maga. Since it is very unique from other fighting styles, it teaches the user the mentality to survive when a threat is unavoidable. It also covers technique for speed, aggression, and raw violence. Krav Maga is designed for anyone to learn quickly and easily, by taking advantage of the attacker's vulnerable points. These are all real world self defense strategies that work. Classes include high intensity warm up, power drills, and cardio or strength drills at intense intervals. No martial arts experience is needed. For this holiday season, give the gift of self defense and pre-order gift cards. Outcast Krav Maga is located at 3636 Erindale Dr., Unit 103 in Valrico. For info, call 365-5726 or visit https://outcastkravmaga.com/.
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December 2018
Valrico Edition
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Volume 15, Issue 12
Valrico Edition
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r? What are your goals as a teache ts is to give them the foundaden stu My primary goal for my wledge and skills but for movtion for not only academic kno ls. I hope that no matter ing into high school with life skil the organizational foundation what they study, they will have in which to be successful. ? surprised to find out about you What would your students be dance lessons CO DIS e gav I t tha w kno to ed My students may be a bit surpris in the 70’s! .. ments you are willing to share.. Any embarrassing teacher mo ool event in the sch a ised erv sup I and partner I suppose it was when my grade on four-wheeled gym and played a racing game hed. Needless scooters … she rode while I pus t. sigh to mention, it was quite the ed on secufilm e wer Unbeknownst to us, we and shared it d che wat s che rity video; the coa it for all to see!
ade Brenda W ealty R Signature
island with If you were trapped on a desert it be and uld wo your favorite book, what why? h a good I would have to settle down wit Mary mystery … James Patterson or ad rere Higgins Clark. Sometimes I supI it. g books without even realizin lly rea it nd pose on a desert isla wouldn’t matter!
Ms. Ton iT teacher arsi has been a for 35 y ears.
you live by? Is there a quote or saying that a WAY!!! re’s Where there’s a WILL, the change in our schools? Is there anything that you would y for peace and ing in our schools today, I pra With all the tragic events happen the safest be uld y are learning in what sho safety for our students while the place for them.
Rajun’ Bulls Drum Line Helps Bass Pro Ring In The Christmas Holiday
Bloomingdale High School’s Rajun’ Bulls drum line helped ring in the holiday at Bass Pro Shops in November, along with Santa Claus and Sickles High School JAFROTC Color Guard. Santa then lit the Christmas tree in the store with the help of carolers from Bloomingdale High School chorus. Santa’s Wonderland will be open different times every day for free photos, crafts, carousel rides and games until December 24. See www.basspro.com/santa for details on dates and times.
Congratulations To The 2018-19 Hillsborough County School Board
Melissa Snively was elected to the Hillsborough County School Board (District 4) for her second term. Snively will serve her second term as vice chair. She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.A. in English, and a Minor in Secondary Education. She has owned and operated her own business in Lithia since 2001, where she employs eight professionals. Tamara Shamburger, Chair District 5 Tamara was elected to the School Board, in District 5, in 2016. Tamara is a proud Tampa native. She is the product of Hillsborough County
Superintendent Eakins and the newly elected HCPS Board Members.
Public Schools and is a proud graduate of Bloomingdale Senior High School. Tamara has a Liberal Arts degree from Hillsborough Community College; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Florida; and a well-earned Master of Business Administration (MBA) from St. Leo University Other school board members are Steve Cona (District 1), Stacy Hahn (District 2), Cindy Stuart (District 3), Karen Perez (District 6) and Lynn L. Gray (District 7). For more information, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.
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December 2018
Page 29
Valrico Edition
Adult Mentors Needed For Waiting List In Hillsborough County Schools
NOMINATIONS NEEDED!
By Kate Quesada
Have you hour. Every mentor always wanted to is trained and must make a difference in pass criminal history the life of a teenagbackground checks er? The Hillsborough and abide by all Education Hillsborough County Foundation (HEF) is Public School polilooking for at least cies and procedures. 80 adult mentors for They are also given its Taking Stock in a grade specific road Children program map to guide during (TSIC) that connects the weekly sessions. residents with mid“We look for our dle and high school mentors to be honstudents at local est, caring, patient, schools. flexible, reliable and According to open-minded,” said TSIC Program Laird. “This is such Manager Anna Laird a great opportunity The Hillsborough Education Foundation for anyone who realthere are currently is looking for adult mentors for mem- ly wants to make an 350 students from bers of its Taking Stock in Children prosixth to twelfth grade impact on a teenaggram. involved in er, because the program with the weekly and only meetings for at 270 menleast a full tors. school year, “The they can really purpose of get to know the mentor relationship and really help the peris to give these students son they are set up someone on their side to with.” guide them and help Residents who do them improve their acanot have the time to demic and life skills,” commit to a full mentor said Laird. position can help the Foundation in All students in the program have other ways, including volunteering at been awarded a college scholarship the Teaching Tools Store which offers through TSIC after meeting criteria set school supplies to teachers at Title by the state program. One schools throughout the county. “The students all have risk factors The Foundation is funded by comthat make it statistically less likely for munity and personal donations that them to graduate from high school and are matched by the state. then go on to something post secondFor more information or to make a ary,” said Laird. “But they are all highly donation, visit www.educationfoundamotivated and eager to do well and tion.com. Contact Laird at 463-4283 or just need someone on their side.” email Mentors meet with their assigned alaird@educationfoundation.com. student weekly, at the school, for an
Your favorite teacher could have their very own spotlight editorial in the Osprey Observer Community Newspaper! Complete the form below and email your nomination to: teacher@ospreyobserver.com
Teacher Name: School: Why should this teacher be Teacher of the Month?
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Page 30
Volume 15, Issue 12
Valrico Edition
Hillsborough County Encourages Hiking With Annual Spree
By Kate Quesada
With the weather cooland Steven J. Worthan ing off, December is the Neighborhood Park in perfect time to enjoy Riverview, Little Florida’s great outdoors Manatee River Corridor and Hillsborough County Nature Preserve in recently launched its annuWimauma and Lithia al program to encourage Springs Conservation residents get out and Park in Lithia. One of explore the many local the hikes can be at a trails and parks. location of the particiLast year, more than pant’s choice that is not 5,000 people participated on the list. in Hillsborough County’s Trails range from Hiking Spree which fealess than a mile to more Hillsborough County is tures 25 trails in 19 locathan four miles and encouraging residents to tions throughout the county, from easy to strenuous. explore local trails with its annual Hiking Spree from now A list of all the participatmany in the SouthShore until March 31, 2019. area. Residents are ing hikes with informaencouraged to register on the tion about length, difficulty levels and terHillsborough County website and then rain can be found at www.hillsboroughcomplete a minimum of eight of the trails county.org. before March 31, 2019. “We chose the trails to give residents “Participants may hike on their own, a really good range of the gorgeous trails with others or on our guided park staff Hillsborough County has to offer,” said hikes,” said Dana McDonald, Senior McDonald. “We wanted to showcase Program Coordinator with Hillsborough some of the less popular ones we know County. “Each trail is a unique, fun way to residents will enjoy and also make sure explore outdoor Florida.” we have a wide range of difficulty levels Upon completion of the hikes, resiso there are options for everyone.” dents should turn their completed form to Participants are encouraged to post one of seven local park locations, includphotographs from their hikes on social ing the Ruskin Recreational Center, and media using the hashtag #TakeAHikeHC. can then chose a medallion or an official For information or to register, visit Hiker Patch as a reward. www.hillsboroughcounty.org and search Local parks with participating trails “Hiking Spree.” To receive a reward by include Bahia Beach Nature Preserve, mail, send a completed form with a E.G. Simmons Conservation Park and stamped/self-addressed envelope to Cockroach Creek Nature Preserve in HCPRD Hiking Spree; Bell Creek Ruskin, Triple Creek Nature Preserve, Regional Park Office; 10940 McMullen FishHawk Creek South Nature Preserve Rd. Riverview, FL 33569.
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Mainstream Boutique In Winthrop Helps Build Relationships and Confidence With the arrival of fall, some might ponder revamping their wardrobe this season. Jeanmarie Milla, who owns Mainstream Boutique in Riverview, along with her staff of five women can provide assistance to those seeking a new wardrobe and much more. Mainstream Boutique strives to strengthen, celebrate and empower the women in its communities everyday, as stated in its mission statement. The Riverview location opened in December 2017. A total of four Mainstream Boutiques exists in the state of Florida. As a franchise, people can discover this boutique in more than 20 states. The Riverview location came into fruition through an opportunity Milla came across as she decided it would be a good time to exit working in a corporate environment to fulfill her dream of owning a boutique since the age of five. The 1,185 sq. ft. building offers more than 500 pieces of merchandise such as jewelry, clothes and shoes for women of all ages to choose from. Individuals can also find Mac and Me jeans, Mainstream Boutique’s exclusive brand. It also sells other brands that include locally owned Three Pearls Jewelry, Elan and more. It
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By Tatiana Ortiz carries sizes 0 to 16 and extra small to extra large, suitable for various occasions. “Mainstream Boutique is multigenerational and my goal would be for women to feel confident when they leave here as relationships get built,” Milla
said. A complimentary service that Mainstream Boutique offers is a private shopping experience and a ladies night out. Those who participate will get one on one help from the staff here as they help women find what looks best on them and more. It also gives a 10 % military discount with a valid identification. In addition, as part of the loyalty program individuals will automatically get 20% off their next purchase once they spend $500. “Overall, thank you all for your support and encouragement to help me fulfill my dream,” Milla said. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/mbriverview/. Check out their Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mainstreamriverview/. It is located at 11232 Sullivan St. #8A in Riverview. Open Monday through Friday 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. Call 643-0090 or email jmilla@mainstreamboutqiue.com to book.
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Favorite Things Sweepstakes Highlights Best Of Shop Local & Best Early Bird Prize Ever By Marie Gilmore
Favorite Things, and we have gone to local businesses and asked them to give us ideas for a few of the top items available this holiday season. From now until midDecember, we will be collecting Our Favorite Things all throughout the communis g te Thin will ty and putting ri o v a F ird the k home e early b them togethtrecki tooze! This year, thFishHawk. ie W ri a h ri P ny rS er in one giant Last yeaeepstakes Grandom Pinch-a-Pen g fr Sw gift basket that will be given Holiday a Big Green Eg win out in a Sweepstakes for our readers. “We have had so many great For three years, Osprey items coming in and someone is Observer newspapers has been going to be very excited to partnering with local retailers to receive all of these great items publish the Holiday Favorite from the businesses in our comThings Sweepstakes and gift munity,” said Kerrie Hoening, guide, and this year promises to be one of the best yet! This year, Advertising Sales Manager. “We have such great success we've partnered with our friends over the last two seasons and at Pinch-a-Penny FishHawk to we are excited to share some of offer an early bird prize of a Big this year's treasures from our Green Egg Grill! We are so excited to have such a great prize for local small businesses with our readers.” our readers! Bridget Jenkins Wilson, owner The campaign is called, the of Cardinal Roofing and a memOsprey Observer, A Few of Our
ber of the Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber is also focused on encouraging local shopping this holiday season. “Anything we can do to keep our local businesses in the spotlight is great for our community,” she said. “And, this is a great opportunity for Osprey Observer readers to have a chance to win an amazing
holiday gift.” To enter, email Sweepstakes to contest@ospreyobserver.com or fill out the entry form and send in by mail, fax or email. Last year, more than 500 local residents entered the campaign and ONE lucky winner walked away with a prize package worth more than $2,000. Good luck and thank you for shopping local!
Holiday Coins From Corbin’s, Spa Gifts From DayDreams And A Little Shine From McAuley By Michelle Colesanti Corbin’s Stamp & Coin Is Your Source For Treasured Family Heirlooms If you are looking for the perfect gift, maybe for a family with a new baby or to celebrate a momentous occasion, a special coin may be the perfect keepsake. Start a new family tradition by commemorating the Christmas season each year. Gift Basket Item: Holiday coin Corbin’s Holiday collections Silver Coin are the perValue: fect way. Silver coins &29.95 are 1 troy oz. of .999 fine silver and are available for $29.95 in a gift box or as an ornament that can be displayed. The coins measure 39mm in diameter and have a reeded edge. There are nine varieties this year: Baby's First Christmas, Bells with Season's Greetings, Santa with Merry Christmas, Angel with A Christmas Wish, Puppies with We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Farm/Tractor with Merry Christmas,
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas with Poinsettias, Manger scene with Oh Holy
Journey To Tranquility At DayDreams Day Spa With all the stress the holidays bring, what better gift for someone (or yourself) than to escape for a few hours to DayDreams Day Spa & Bath Shop which can be made possible with a gift card to Night and Daydreams. Train Station With many different types of spa with a train packages to choose from including and snow. All massage therapy, body therapy, skin have the care therapy, nail and pedicure treatsame ments, waxings & brows, airbrush reverse: ‘Best tanning, maternity services, services for men and for teens Wishes For Peace And Joy and This Holiday Season’ and the more, date.The only ones with the there is date on the front are the someFarm, the Train and Baby's thing First Christmas. The coins for come either in an AirTite capsule with a gift Gift Basket Item: everyone. The shop in box or in an ornament 65 Minute Serenity Daydreams also offers spa products which would also holder. The ornament Stone Massage make great gifts. Pevonia Skin holder does not fit into Value: Care products are offered. the gift box. $115 Gift certificates are available Corbin’s Coins is at the Spa, located at 658 Oakfield located at 209 N. Kings Dr. in Brandon or online at www.dayAve. in Brandon and is open Monday dreamsdayspa.com. A second thru Friday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and DayDreams location is in Lakeland at Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call
CORBIN’S
Stamp & Coin
Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve Services 5:00 PM* - Family Service* 10:00 PM - Seasonal Music Prelude 10:30 PM - Festive Eucharist (With Incense) Choose one of our two beautiful Christmas Eve services to honor the birth of Jesus. A variety of traditional seasonal music will be offered by our Organist, a Brass Quartet, and our Adult, Children's, and Handbell Choirs.
Tuesday, December 25 Christmas Day 9:00 AM - Holy Eucharist
Sunday, December 30 Holy Innocents Episcopal Church 604 N. Valrico Rd. Valrico 33594 http://hiepiscopal.org/ 813-689-3130
8:00 AM* - Holy Eucharist* 10:30 AM* - Holy Eucharist with Choir*
Sunday, January 6 Epiphany 8:00 AM* - Holy Eucharist* 10:30 AM* - Holy Eucharist with Choir* *Childcare provided at these services
1463
651-3266.
Gift Basket Item: 14k Tin Cup 89mm Pearl Necklace Value: $452
Town Center Dr. For more information on this location, call 863-686-5859.
McAuley Fine Jewelry Is A Gem In The Community This season, design something uniquely ‘you’ to surprise your special someone. McAuley Fine Jewelry will help you plan your custom-made piece of jewelry. Jewelry repairs are also done on premises as well as repairs and restoration of old watches. McCauley Fine Jewelry is located on Oakfield Drive, in the Atlantic Village Plaza, Kings Ave. & Oakfield Dr. It is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday
Gift Of Music Showcase, Cooking Classes At Rolling Pin & Nothing Bundt Cakes from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 689-8124 or visit www.mcauleyfinejewelry.com.
A Few Of Your Favorite Things Can Be Found At Music Showcase Gift Basket Music is the international lanItem: guage that is Ukelele and $20 understood and Gift Certificate enjoyed by all. Total Value: Share your love $50 of music by offering voice or instrument lessons to your favorite student. Instrument rentals start at $10 (if you don’t want to make a purchase). If you sign up online, the instrument will be delivered to your school. All of your music needs can be found at Music Showcase, which offers competiRolling Pin tive pricing on Cooking Classes sheet music & Norma Fleming and books. Themed Gift There is an Basket in-house Total Value: repair shop, $300 and private and
group lessons are offered. Is your child interested in musical theatre, acting, or maybe photography? Sign them up at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts at Music Showcase. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, call 685-5998 or visit www.MusicShowcaseOnline.com and www.FAOPA.org.
Great Gift Ideas and Classes Help Make Rolling Pin A Great Stop For Holiday Gift Needs If you are stuck coming up with creative gift ideas, make a visit to Rolling Pin to find something for every chef in your life. Rolling Pin offers cooking classes for all types of meals. Stop by and browse the gourmet retail store’s extensive collection of classic and unique kitchenware. You will find everything from barware, bakeware, aprons, towels and mitts, coffees and teas, cookware, electrics, gadgets,
gifts for entertaining, knives and cutting boards, outdoor cooking and more. Enjoy shopping in the specialty food and wine departments. There are many great reasons to attend Rolling Pin’s cooking classes, whether you enjoy cooking or just eating, from great date nights to learning about new foods, this is a great gift idea anyone would be excited to receive. It is also Brandon’s only Platinum Dealer for the Big Green Egg, the ultimate cooking experience. Rolling Pin Emporium is open for private events too. Gift cards are also available. Rolling Pin is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Call 6532418 or visit http://rollingpinonline.com/ for more information.
Nothing Bundt Cakes Are Perfect Desserts To Add To Your Holiday Meals Nothing Bundt Cakes creates cakes using hand-crafted recipes that not only remind you of home, but
By Michelle Colesanti
also open you to a new world. At Nothing Bundt Cakes, you get real eggs, butter and cream cheese in every cake. Not only do these cakes look great, they taste even better. These are great holiday gifts to take to all of your holiday events. It is located at 11238 Sullivan Street in Winthrop Town Centre. Everything you need to make your party complete is available. The hardest part is choosing from the 10 delicious varieties, including a ‘featured’ flavor. Hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.,
Gift Basket Item: 3 Bundtlet Tower; plus gift card for one free bundlet per month for one year Value: $62.85
Something New At Mainstream Boutique, Make A Masterpiece At Pinot’s Palette By Michelle Colesanti Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com or call 409-2394 to place your order ahead of time.
Mainstream Boutique You can visit Mainstream Boutique, a retail clothing store, in Winthrop to get some great ideas on gifts as well as attire for the holiday season. Everything in the store is new. It carries clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes. You can purchase head to toe. Enjoy new arrivals weekly. The exclusive brand of jeans called Mac and Me is available. They are the best jeans for all body types. It feels like you are wearing your pajamas. They fit in all the right places. Once a woman purchases one, they are back for more. Another popular brand in stock is Liverpool. All jewelry is handmade and
made in the USA. Some of the jewelry is made locally and are one-of-akind pieces. Other services offered are One on One Style sessions, Ladies Night Out and shopping for a cause. Mainstream Boutique is located in Winthrop at 11231 Sullivan St. in Riverview. Hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noon-4 p.m. Call 643-0090.
Pinot’s Palette Gift Certificate Offers Creative Gift Ideas For For those in Mainstream: your gift life that Value $100 enjoy creativity, consider purchasing a gift card to Pinot’s Palette. It provides everything you need for an unforgettable evening of painting, fun, beer and wine for either a girls’ night out or a date night. Both seasoned painters and newbies will enjoy the experience of creating their own personal pieces of art. You may also want to consider
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gifting a piece of art you have specially created at Pinot’s Palette for that special person in your life. For more information, call 685-
Pinot’s Palette Holiday Parties Will Gift Certificate Sparkle At The Regent And Wood The Regent is a Palette Christmas great place to host Painting your corporate holiValue: $50 day party. Plan now to
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Book The Regent & Suncoast RV Rental lar setting. The Regent is one of largest venues in the area, but it can also be a small, intimate and stylish one. It can accommodate intimate parties of 50 upwards to 600 seated. The Regent hosts many events including breathtaking wedding ceremonies and receptions, successful fundraisers, glamorous galas, tradeshows, corporate training and seminars, proms, homecomings, church services and even sweet 16 parties. When planning your next event, Suncoast RV consider The Rental Gift Regent. Certificate Hours are Tuesday to Value: Friday from 9 $200 a.m.-5 p.m. and
By Michelle Colesanti
Saturday and Sunday by appointment only. It is closed on Monday. The Regent is located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. For more information, call 5712494 or email info@experiencetheregent.com. Visit www.ExperienceTheRegent.com.
Creative Family Memories With Suncoast RV Rental Whether you are planning a trip out to Yellowstone, a Florida staycation, a Gift Basket college campus Item: tour or a football tailgating weekFlower end, Suncoast Bouquet RV Rental has an Value: RV to suit most $150 needs and budgets.
Enter the Sweepstakes to win a prize basket of items from The Favorite Things Shop Local Campaign. Why would you like to win the Shop Local Sweepstakes Basket?
Name: Address: Phone: Email: Community:
Family-owned and operated since 2005, Suncoast is in the business of Continued on Page 36
PINOTSPALETTE.COM/BRANDON/HOLIDAY
Pinot’s Palette Brandon • 2086 Badlands Dr. • 813.618.3064
Enter to win online at contest@opreyobserver.com, fax to 657-4469 or mail to 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Brandon, FL 33511.
Also, enter by email at contest@ospreyobserver.com
Give The Gift Of Mobile Massage & Go Under The Sea AT The Florida Aquarium By Michelle Colesanti helping families make unforgettable memories. New model Class C and Class A RVs with TVs inside and out, automatic awnings and all of the comforts of home. Plan a holiday trip this season or surprise family, friends or a loved one with holiday gift certificates for an RV trip. Live in the Action. Call 984-0107 or visit www.suncoastrvrental.com to view fleet or book now.
dveten@gmail.com. Visit on Facebook at Daniellas Mobile Massage.
Gift Your Family Florida Aquarium Passes There are plenty fish in the sea and plenty at the Florida Aquarium too. The fish and other sea life and birds housed at the Aquarium allow you to see them up close and personal. Give A Gift Of The Florida Relaxation Aquarium offers Daniella's Mobile great holiday gift Massage offers Deep ideas. Tissue, Neuromuscular, Why not purPrenatal and Sports chase gift certificates Massage. Her goal is for your family or to provide pain and friends to visit the stress relief through Aquarium. If you purtherapeutic massage chase annual memall in the convenience bership passes, of your home. She is a your gift will conprofessional, licensed Schedule Your Appointment Today! tinue to be used Massage Therapist and throughout the D Ti l l has 16 years of experiyear. ence as well as a background Gift Certificate You can directly help in Physical Therapy. For One Hour support the care and conDaniella offers a flexible schedule. Free Daniella’s servation of animals at The To schedule an appoint- Mobile Massage Florida Aquarium and in the ment or to get gift certificates, Value $65 wild by symbolically adopting an animal of your choice. By which make great holiday gifts, doing this, you are helping to care for call 323-4901or email Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Wonderland of Lights & Santa’s Village Hillsborough County Fairgrounds Open Now thru Saturday, December 29th
After driving thru the beautiful lights, stop by Santa’s Village and Enjoy: • • • • • •
Hot Cocoa & Donuts Fried Dough Camel Rides Popcorn & Cotton Candy Funnel Cakes A selection of Fair foods & more
• North Pole Express Train Ride • Pony Rides • Horse Drawn Wagon Rides • Visit with The Wolves of the World • Free Comedy & Magic Show
Vehicles (up to eight passengers) $25 Visit our website for Drive Thru Tickets and to view our Show Schedule: www.thewonderlando!lights.com
7,000+ animal residents, save imperiled and endangered species in the wild and so much more. Adoption packages make great gifts for holidays, birthdays or any special occasion. The Florida Gift Basket Item: Aquarium also FL Aquarium offers a variety of tours, cruises Family 4-Pack and dive experiTotal Value: ences which would also make $100
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A Gift Of Redefine Beauty, Catering & Toffee Gifts, Pets & More At Kim’s Natural
By Michelle Colesanti
meat balls. Don’t Forget Your Pet’s Toffee Traditions Will Satisfy Enjoy items In the Holiday Your Sweet Tooth such as Nonna Celebrations With over 40 years of tradition, Josephine’s Your pets are part of the Toffee Tradition & DiMisa 721 hand-breaded family and you don’t want Gourmet Catering offers fresh handchicken cutlet them to miss out on the made buttery toffees. Jennifer with mac n holiday celebrations. Kim’s Rhoades, owner, is excited to share cheese or Joey D’s Pet Gift Natural Pet Foods has everything her family traditions of making deliMeatball Sub, named you need to give your pets a happy, cious toffee with the community, Basket after loved ones. Meals healthy life specializing in holistic which will make a great gift to bring Value $100 foods made from real ingredients are available individually to someone’s home you are visiting via take-out or through her like meat, fish, and healthful vegetathis holiday season. Of course, catering services. Why not bles; not byproducts, it offers a great there is no reason that you can’t treat your office staff to a holiday Look Great For The Gift Certificate enjoy them yourself too. There selection of all natural foods as well lunch catered by DiMisa 721 Holidays; Redefine as unique natural chews and treats, are no preservatives and it is For Laser Hair Gourmet Beauty Offers Many including a frozen section featurmade in small batches with Removal Catering? Non-Surgical Options ing all natural raw food diets. All only the finest ingredients. Redefine Beauty offers Value $500 Gluten free options are offered foods are American made, corn, non-surgical options such as wheat, soy, and gluten free. You too. Two Bags of will find natural remedies for Toffee Tradition & DiMisa 721 Neuromodulators, Dermal Fillers, Toffee (chocoworms, fleas and ticks. Gourmet Catering is located at 8205 Kybella, Laser Hair Removal, late and white Kim’s also offers a wide variety of S. US Hwy. 301 in Riverview. Visit IPL/Photofacial, Tattoo Removal, toys, dog and cat bedding, appartoffeetradition.com or visit on chocolate) Fractional Skin Resurfacing, Long el and supplies. Facebook at www.facebook.com/tofPulse ND: Yag (Vein Treatment), Value $30 Located at 3110 Lithia Pinecrest feetradition/ to discover the latest Peels, Facials, Skin Care, Make Up Rd. in Valrico. For information, call specials. Call 758-8472. and MicroChanneling/MicroNeedling. 684-3663 or visit kimsnaturalpetItalian Family All patients deserve to be treated Cater Your Holiday Parties foods.com. Meal of choice with honesty and respect and will Through DiMisa 721 Gourmet come to know that the knowledge Give The Gift Of Health With Y Catering Offering Italian (Feeds 4-6) and expertise at Redefine Beauty will Specialties Membership Value $45 Jennifer Rhoades, who has a long bring the best results. We all start the New Year with Sicilian heritage and grew up in the Redefine Beauty is located at great intentions. We make resoluYou will find their walk-up window kitchen cooking with her grandmoth405 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. For tions to eat healthier and to exercise at 8205 S US Hwy 301, just north of er offers gourmet catering. She more information, call 820-3138 or more. This year, it is time to do the Alafia River next door to Peck’s. developed a love of cooking at a email info@re-definebeauty.com. something about it. The gift of a Visit on Facebook at young age. The dishes created are Please visit our website at www.reCampo Y membership to someone www.facebook.com/toffeetradition/ to authentic Italian; all hand-made definebeauty.com. you care about has benefits that can discover the latest specials or call sauces and dishes, and hand tossed last a lifetime. 758-8472. great gifts. The Florida Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Dr. in Tampa. For more information, call 273-4000 or visit www.flaquarium.org.
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Toy Donation Efforts Celebrated At Tots Collection Party
By Michelle Colesanti
On Saturday, December 15, Donald Pearson of Pearson Capital, along with help from Account Manager, Ann Hathaway, hosted a Big Collection Party for Toys for Tots at The Alley, located at 10221 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. The party, was held from 1-5 p.m., and each year, is a culmination of the Toys for Tots collection effort that has taken place now for 13 years. These local Toys for Tots Campaigns are the heart and soul of the Marine Toys for Tots Program managed by dedicated United States Marines and local volunteers. Donald and his father, Walter Pearson, held their first Toys For Tots Collection Party in 2005 where businesses donated 32 boxes of toys. The Big Collection Party used to be held at the VFW, but when they outgrew the space, it was moved to The Alley, 10221 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. Due to Pearson’s collection efforts, this is now the top collection in Hillsborough County. “The owner of the Alley, Jeff Boje,
donates paper plates, soft drinks and silverware as well as the space,” said Donald. Donald feels good knowing that every needy family in the SouthShore area will be taken care of. He feels blessed that this is something he can do to give back to the community. He said, “It is nice to find ways to give back.” He personally makes sure that there is enough food and drink for all of those who attend. “You come to the party and I guarantee the shrimp will not run out,” he commented. For more information, or to make a cash or check (written out to Toys for Tots) donation, call Pearson at 641-7575. The Marines from the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion will be in attendance to welcome visitors as well as to help gather up the toys at the end of the party, when they will bring the donations to the Toys For Tots distribution centers. For more information, email Hathaway at pearsoncapital7@gmail.com. For more information on the Marines Toys for Tots, visit www.toysfortots.org.
December 2018
Page 39
Valrico Edition
Locally-Owned Rosati’s Pizza Keeps It Real With Authentic Chicago-Style Pizza
Amy Schechter
You don’t have to time to make dinner go far to get a taste of or plan that party. authentic ChicagoRosati’s offers many style pizza. Rosati’s catering options for pizza in Valrico brings family dinners and that famous flavor to celebrations, holiday the entire Brandon gatherings, and office area. Both thin-crust or school meetings. and deep dish pizza Whether you’re lookare offered, fresh pasing to feed your famitas, homemade ly or a large group, sauces, wings, sandyou can pick from an wiches, and desserts. assortment of appeWith the entire menu tizers, entrees, sides, available for carry-out and desserts that are or delivery, you’ll have guaranteed to your entire family full please. and satisfied without Plus, Fridays are The Tucker family are the proud owners of the local Valrico Rosati’s FriYays, and you will lifting a finger in the Pizza located near Publix. kitchen. want to make every The family behind Friday night Rosati’s the pizza is another night. To kick off the great reason to keep weekend, get half off all coming back. Whitney Grab-N-Go items like and Marshall Tucker pre-made cheese, pepopened Rosati’s with a peroni or sausage deep purpose. Whitney states, dish pizzas which you “We are entrepreneurs, heat in your oven, as and we wanted to bring well as half off all jarred something to the comhomemade sauces and munity we could stand behind. hot pepper mixes. This month’s FriYay Everything here is fresh made, highadditional special includes a free comquality, real food. It’s more of somememorative Coke glass with every thing to be proud of than you would purchase of $20 or more. get from any other pizza chain.” The To inquire about catering or place proof is in the taste, and the taste will an order call 643-1003 or visit online keep Rosati’s on your speed dial. at rosatispizza.com. Rosati’s is located With the holiday season fast in the Publix plaza at 3437 Lithia approaching, it is easy to run out of Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.
Charity Needs Bikes Donated For Santa’s Visit To Panhandle Area
By Amanda Boston
Pat Simmons (center with scissors) is pictured at the Valrico/FishHawk ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the nonprofit Bikes For Christ.
Bikes For Christ puts bicycles and Bibles into the hands of those less fortunate. Founded in 2016 by local resident Patrick (Pat) Simmons, the nonprofit serves the homeless, veterans, seniors and underprivileged children. Pairing his passions for cycling and helping others, Simmons said, "I want to do this the rest of my life, providing transportation for those in need and sharing the Gospel." The recipients are striving to better their situation, and bikes provide a mode of transportation to employment, doctor appointments and more. Along with every bicycle distributed, a Bible or some other scriptural text is given to remind them that God loves and cares for them. Bikes For Christ accepts bicycles from the counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Pasco and then redistributes them through several different agencies. The organization also welcomes monetary donations, as the majority of donated bikes require maintenance, and parts are needed for repairs. With Christmas rapidly approaching,
the focus is predominately on providing bicycles for underprivileged children. This holiday season will be a bit busier for Simmons as he will also be delivering bikes to children living in the Panhandle’s Bay County in midDecember. For 38 years, Officer Mike Jones, also known as ‘Salvage Santa,’ has been repairing and gifting bikes to less fortunate children in Bay County. Unfortunately, Salvage Santa’s house and workshop were devastated after Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle on October 10. After learning about Jones’ plight, Simmons decided to collect and deliver bikes to Bay County to ensure that Salvage Santa’s Christmas mission continues. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for Bikes For Christ on November 8 at the Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of Commerce. "I was extremely happy with the turn out we had for the ribbon cutting,” said Simmons. “Not only were people excited about the overall work that we do, but business owners really stepped up to offer their locations as drop off points for our holiday drive for bikes both here for the work we do in our area and to take to the Panhandle for the Salvage Santa project." Bikes For Christ is always accepting roadworthy bikes and monetary donations. If you would like to donate, please visit www.Bikes4Christ.com/donations or call 533-9177.
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Volume 15, Issue 12
Valrico Edition
Celebrate The New Year And Ring In 2019 All Over Tampa Bay New Year’s Eve is time for reflection and revelry, but in the end, everyone wants to have fun ringing in the New Year. This year say goodbye to 2018 and hello to 2019 by experiencing some of the great events happening in Tampa Bay. This is just a sampling of what you can do this New Year’s Eve. Take the children to the Kid’s New Year’s Eve 12 Noon Balloon Drop at the Armature Works from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This family friendly, free event will be held in the courtyard and will feature Spheres Bubbles, a magic show and a balloon drop countdown. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/y83u4kpy Adults can enjoy the New Year’s Eve 2019 Gala at the Armature Works in The Gathering. You can dance to a live band and a DJ, enjoy Top Shelf open bar, a wide selection of late night hors d’oeuvres as well as a champagne bar. Enjoy a midnight toast as you watch fireworks. The cost to attend is $165 per person. The gala is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. For more information, please visit www.AWNYE.com. The Armature Works is located at 1910 N. Ola Ave. in Tampa. Busch Gardens is a great place to ring in the New Year with music, fireworks and thrilling rides. The park will be open until 1 a.m. Admission to the New Year’s Eve celebration is
By Kathy L. Collins
There are lots of options for residents to choose from to ring in the New Year! You can select an elegant gala at the Armature Works, thrilling rides at Busch Gardens or an Austin Powers themed night at the Tampa Theatre. The choice is yours!
included with the paid admission. Busch Gardens is located at10165 McKinley Dr. in Tampa. For more information, please visit www.buschgardens.com. If you want to be out on the water in Tampa Bay, there are several options. Pirate Water Taxi is offering a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise The one-hour cruise includes champagne and party favors. You will also get prime viewing of the downtown Tampa fireworks display. The cruise time is 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and the cruise departs from the Tampa Convention Center (home dock stop #7). The cost is $49.95 plus tax for adults and $39.95 plus tax for children 4 to 12 years old. You also get a boarding photo. For more information, please visit www.piratewatertaxi.com. Adults can enjoy dinner and dancing on either a two-hour ($149.95 plus
fees and taxes) or a three-hour ($199.95 plus fees and taxes) cruise. Both feature dinner, party favors and a midnight fireworks show. Check out the Tampa VIP New Year’s Eve Cruise on Yacht Star Ship. For more information, please visit www.yachtstarship.com. The Tampa Theatre will hold its 3rd Annual NYE Wrap Party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Jill Witecki with the Tampa Theatre said, “Join Dr. Evil and Mr. Bigglesworth for heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts, live music and dancing.” You can watch the ball drop live on the big screen at midnight. There is an open beer and wine bar and a cash bar featuring Austin Powers themed cocktails. The cost to attend is $99 for general admission and $89 for Tampa Theatre members. For more information, please visit www.http://tampatheatre.org/annualevent/nye-wrap-party/. The Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium in Brandon is hosting a No
Jacket Required New Year’s Eve Celebration at 6 p.m. Chef Dave will prepare gourmet dishes before your eyes as you sip wine throughout the evening. The cost is $110 per person and wine and champagne are included. The Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. For more information, please visit www.rollinpinonline.com or call 653-2418. Top Golf, located at 10690 Palm Ave. in Tampa, is holding a party featuring live entertainment, a chefinspired menu and a midnight celebration. You will also get party favors to help ring in the New Year. You can enjoy unlimited game play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and enjoy a midnight fireworks display. To reserve a bay for up to six guests, the cost is $225 excluding food and beverages. You can upgrade to VIP status for $450. Bays are limited, so you are encouraged to reserve early by visiting www.topgolf.com.
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Yes Florida Residents, Even You Can Enjoy Outdoor Ice Skating
Happy Ha Happy ppy Holidays Holidays
By Kathy L. Collins
The muchday snack at the Café anticipated yearly at Winter Village which tradition of outfeatures Kahwa Coffee door ice skating Roasting, Mise has returned to Waterfront Bar and downtown Whatever Pops and Tampa. The grilled cheese. Winter Village This is a fun holifeatures Winter day activity for the Village Shops, whole family. Chrissy the Winter Village Nieves, a resident of Express, and Winthrop in Riverview more. The Winter said, “We are so excitIce skating, holiday shopping and more available at the Winter Village in Curtis Village and ice ed to go back this year. Hixon Park in downtown Tampa now skating take place Our son, Nolan, just through Saturday, January 5, 2019. in Curtis Hixon turned two so we know Park which is situated along the he will get a huge kick out of the giant Hillsborough River at 600 N. Ashley Dr. in tree, all the decorations and watching the downtown Tampa. ice skaters. Hopefully next year he will be The temporary ice skating rink and able to skate.” Winter Village will be up through You do not need to own skates. Rent Saturday, January 5, 2019. The Winter skates and get 90 minutes on the ice for Village Shops are made up of 10 bou$14. Group rates are available. You can tiques featuring local merchants and purrent the rink for a private party by contactveyors. The pop-up holiday shopping ing Rachel Radawec at rradawec@tamexperience allows shoppers to get an pasdowntown.com or call 221-3686. assortment of holiday decorations and The rink will be open Monday gifts. through Thursday from 4-9 p.m. On Back this year is the Winter Village Friday the hours are 4-10 p.m. On Express. You can hop on a holiday Saturday, come out anytime between 10 themed streetcar in either Ybor City a.m.-10 p.m. and on Sunday from 12-9 (Service begins at 3:55 p.m. and ends at p.m. During school breaks, the rink is 7:55 p.m.) or at the Whiting Station (seropen 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through vice begins at 3:25 p.m. and ends at 7:25 Saturday and 12-9 p.m. on Sunday. The p.m.) Roundtrip tickets are $5. You can rink will be open on Christmas Eve from enjoy treats, music and activities on the 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Christmas Day non-stop ride. The Holiday themed from 4-10 p.m. Streetcar will run on select Sundays now Hours vary for the Winter Village through Sunday, December 23. Shops. Visit You can also treat yourself to a holiwww.wintervillagetampa.com.
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Page 41
Valrico Edition
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Page 42
Valrico Edition
Volume 15, Issue 12
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Plant City Resident M’ria Swire Creates Beautiful Works Of Art M’ria Swire of Plant City is Quality Foods Market in an Abstract Figurative painter. Lutz and Cider Press in She uses acrylic as her priSt. Petersburg. mary medium to create wonThis March, you can derful works of art. While see Swire’s art work at acrylic is her primary medium, the 11th Annual Winthrop her creativity allows her to Arts Festival and Market. experiment with applications The 2019 juried art festiand other mediums to build val will be held on texture and form in her works Saturday, March 30 and of art. Sunday, March 31 in the Swire said, “I use the Winthrop community female form as a way to har(Winthrop Commons) ness expression, emotion and Artist M’ria Swire creates located in Riverview. “I beautiful works of art using applied to the festival energy.” Swire added, “My acrylic as her primary work morphs movement and because I want to take medium and the female fluidity into a layered experiform in her paintings. You my art exhibition to the can see her work all over next level. I want to ence which is constructed the area including at the immerse myself in art through application and color. weekly TMarie’s Valrico This links the mindset to Sunday Market and next events especially at locaMarch at the 11th Annual tions where people are movement and application.” Arts Festival and into the arts,” Said Swire. “I hope that my art makes Winthrop Market. people feel something. I want Swire hosts Live people to really look at art and appreciate Painting and Potluck events at Overflow it,” said Swire. Brewing Company located at 770 N. 1st Swire has been an artist for as long Ave. in St. Petersburg one time a month. as she can remember. She received a The next one is on December 30 from 2 BFA from the University of South Florida to 6 p.m. in 2013. She is a prolific artist whose art Swire takes commissions. Because can be seen all around the Tampa Bay she is an abstract artist, she will make up area. You can see Swire’s work each to five paintings to ensure that the cusweek at the TMarie’s Valrico Sunday tomer receives something that they like. Market. In addition, you can see her art at For more information on Swire and to The Blind Tiger in South Tampa on see some of her art, please visit www.mriHoward Ave., 81 Bay Brews in Tampa, asmezzanine.com.
Bruton Memorial Library Hosts Art Exhibit The current exhibit "The family asked me if I at the Bruton Memorial was interested in finishLibrary in historic ing her work, and I downtown Plant City is humbly accepted. a collection of paintThough my own style ings that were started has developed to be less by Margaret Riedel Impressionistic, finishing and finished by artist, Margaret's paintings was C. Dillon. a refreshing reminder of Riedel was an the incredible skill it takes educator who moved to simplify images into to Hillsborough County brush strokes," said in 1960. Dillon. Riedel's artwork is "I admit that I am not mostly done in the by any stretch of the Stop by the Bruton Memorial style of Paris-based Library in Plant City and admire imagination as skilled a the current art exhibit which is a painter as she. I went painters of the tribute to Margaret Riedel. Impressionist movethrough her stacks of ment which began in the 1860's. images and found what seemed to be According to the Artist Statement left by her inspiration for each unfinished work. Dillon, "Impressionism is considered the Lastly, I did a portrait of young Margaret first modern movement in art history. as a tribute to her young joyful spirit and The modern qualities of the style are the constant smile upon her face," most apparent in the use of visible brush added Dillon. strokes." You can view this wonderful exhibit Dillon added, "In my beginning at any time during the library's normal years as a child artist, I loved the operating hours. The exhibit will be up Impressionists and revered their artistic through December. The Bruton freedom and felt challenged to charge Memorial Library is located at 302 ahead on their shoulders and find my McLendon St. in Plant City. own style. When I was still a teenager, I If you are an artist and would like to asked Margaret what to do when I got have an exhibit featuring your artwork at stuck and she said, 'Paint the Masters!'" the library, please stop at the front desk Riedel passed away in 2017. Her and request an application. You can also family asked Dillon to finish her work. visit www.plantcitygov.com/544/library.
December 2018
Page 43
Valrico Edition
Feline Pets Can Spend Their Holidays In Luxury At A Country Cat House
By Elisa Santana
The holidays are es where the here and that means Daltons themselves you are busy cookdo the grooming. ing food, gathering The Daltons are also with your family and trained to administer getting your house basic medications decorated, for many such as eye drops people that also and ear drops. They means traveling. both went through So much the American Kennel preparation and Association-now the traveling mean American Kennel many people Club-training and are going to training in Colorado. need a safe There is one place to house thing the Daltons The units the cats stay in during their time their feline family feel sets them apart at A Country Cat House. members. That is where A Country Cat is that they call their business a luxury House comes in. hotel that just happens to be for cats. “[It started with] our love for our cats. Every cat is housed in a kennel with a We wanted a nice place for our cats to floor-to-ceiling window to view the outstay while we were on vacation and we side. They get individual playtime with the didn’t want someone coming into our employees and toys. For those cats that house for fifteen minutes and then run watch television, they have access to flat out the door a few times a week,” said screen televisions. There are aquariums co-owner Eileen Dalton. for the cats to look at and each unit is She and her husband, Scott Dalton, either one, two, or three levels. have owned the business for almost 27 And, since these are the holidays, years. Located in Riverview, this business the cats enjoy butterball turkey along with specializes in one thing-housing cats. their regular food-provided their diet The Daltons live on the same proper- allows them to eat turkey. And for ty where the cats are housed and the Christmas the real party begins. The cats business is also open 24 hours a day, get a special visit from Kitty Clause and seven days a week and holidays. they each get a special present of Doctor “We have 15 acres of land and every Daniel catnip mice. cat has a view from their kennels,” said A Country Cat House is located at Eileen. “I make sure everyone who works 15501 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. Call 654for us knows they will work on Christmas 2287 or email acountrycathouse@veriand on Thanksgiving.” zon.net for more information. Visit The business offers grooming servic- http://acountrycathousetampa.com.
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Page 44
Volume 15, Issue 12
Valrico Edition
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