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
Locally Owned and Operated
Everything Cooking and Entertaining Gourmet Foods and Boutique Wines Cooking Classes, Private Parties & Corporate Events
Brandon B Brandon’s randon’s ’s Big Green “EggQuarters” “EggQuarters”
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0400 or email Brandon@PinosPalette.com. Visit www.PinotsPalette.com/Brandon.
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
‘wow’ your staff or clients by hosting an event in this spectacu-
Christmas C ins 1oz Pure Silver
$29.95
plus tax each
Gift Boxed or Ornaments
CORBIN’S
Stamp & Coin 209 N. Kings Ave. Brandon, Florida 33510
813-651-3266 corbincoin@verizon.net
Mon-Fri 9am - 4pm
Sat 9am - 1pm
*Silver prices subject to change.
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
Family Owned & Operated
Specializing in Hollistic Foods made in the USA from real ingredients with no byproduct.
Pamper Your Pets for the Holidays! purchase of $5.00 OFF $50 or more Not to be combined with any other offers
Visit our store for free & helpful advice on the nutrition and health of your pets.
3110 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., V 3110 Valrico alrico 813-684-3663 www.kimsnaturalpetfoods.com www.kimsnaturalpetfoods.com
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.
THE BIG GREEN EGG THE MOST VERSATILE COOKING DEVICE EVER... IS IT A GRILL, AN OVEN, OR A SMOKER?
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for Hol
813-655-3700
(Across from Newsome High School)
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Six Month Family YMCA Membership them, but through the friendCampo Y offers many ships made through the other exercise options for all programs offered. ages and body types such The local Campo Y is truly a as Yoga, cycling, Pilates, part of our community so make aerobics and much more. it a part of your family. Located at Many programs and 6 Month 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico, it camps are offered for the Family is open Monday to Friday from family including child Membership to 5 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday from 7 care while you work out. YMCA a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from Sports for the kids are Value: $569 12 Noon-6 p.m. available such as basCall 684-1371. Visit www.tamketball, volleyball and paymca.org/locations/campo. more. Seniors not only benefit from workouts geared toward
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.
Happy Holidays
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Page 40
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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December 2018
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
Code: XMAS2018 | Expires 01/15/19
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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
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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.
Expires 1/31/19
Page 44
Volume 15, Issue 12
Valrico Edition
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