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March 2018 Volume 13, Issue 3 Ph: 657-2418 1 6
Y E A R S
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P U B L I S H I N G
First Of Five Habitat For Humanity Homes Completed In Brandon
By Michelle Caceres
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Pratt will be celebrating again in April, when her adult daughter and grandchildren (aged seven, six and three) move into the home next door after it is completed next month. “I have Kiran Patel (R) presented the Pratt family with the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity home in Brandon. been a part of It was a happy day for new homeowner Sonya Pratt and her two sons Kenneth and Keon, who were presented the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity home by Dr. Kiran Patel during the home dedication ceremony in March. The 1300 sq. ft., 3-bedroom 2bath home, is the first ever Habitat for Humanity home built in Brandon and is part of a five-lot neighborhood block on East Morgan St. known my grandchildren’s life since they were as Williams Glen. born and words really can’t describe “I’ve always dreamed about ownhow happy I am to know that they will ing my own home but I never thought be living right next door,” she said. “I’ll it would be possible without being get to see them every day and be married,” said Pratt. “My dream has now come true and I am filled with Continued On Page 7 feelings of joy and happiness.”
P O S I T I V E
24 C O M M U N I T Y
Feed The Bay Returns This April Along With Dedicated Volunteers
By Amanda Boston
Every year Feed the Bay collects upwards of 160,000 pounds of food and store gift cards.
This year’s Feed the Bay will be held on Sunday, April 15 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 17 participating Publix Super Markets throughout Hillsborough County. The one-day event collects thousands of pounds of food to replenish the pantries of local food banks and community agencies. Launched by Bay Life Church in 2006, Feed the Bay leverages more than 30 churches in the Tampa area. The community outreach is an illustration of the body of Christ coming together to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Pickens continued, “We encourage our friends and family to stop by so they can be witnesses to the power of God’s people in action.” Publix Super Market, a longstanding partner in the effort, offers shoppers the convenience of a grocery list with suggested food items. Moreover, after shopping, volunteers are onsite to collect and load the food immediately onto the semitrailers. “Each year we look forward to serving as store coordinators,” said Pickens. “My husband Dwight and I felt that involving our boys, then 10 and 12, would be a great family activity and a way of setting an example of how we should serve others.” While store volunteers are essential to the Feed the Bay mission, other volun-
teer opportunities are available. At 2:30 p.m., the semi-trailers depart from the participating Publix Super Markets and head to one of the 14 participating food banks or agencies. Volunteers are needed to unload and sort the food at these local agencies. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, but children are welcome to participate alongside their parents. To volunteer, visit www.feedthebay.org. Also, the website provides a list of participating Publix Super Markets, churches and agencies. “We love when volunteers bring their children to the event,” Pickens said. If you are unable to participate, gift cards from any supermarket may be dropped off at the Bay Life Church office between now and April 15. Contact Melanie Langston from Bay Life Church at mlangston@baylife.org.
In This Issue ST. STEPHEN REZONING ....................PG 3 NATION’S TOP CANINE ......................PG 9 RELAY FOR LIFE ................................PG 11 FLORIDA ORCHESTRA.......................PG 14 EYE ON BUSINESS .......................PG 25‐26 NEW PARKINSON’S PROGRAM........PG 30 VILLAGE PLAYERS .............................PG 41 BRANDON WRESTLING ....................PG 43
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Relay for Life events raising money for the American Cancer Society are taking place at Newsome and Bloomingdale high schools next month. See fully story on Page 11.
N E W S
Page 2
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 3
March 2018
Page 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Rezoning Of Former St. Stephen Property Could Bring Asst. Living Community
By Sharon Still
Site plan of the proposed redevelopment of the old St. Stephen Church.
The Diocese of St. Petersburg is currently in the negotiating stages to sell the site of the former St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, located at 5049 Bell Shoals Rd. to Bridgepoint Lifecare Group. Plans call for redevelopment of the site into a new style of assisted living for seniors that focuses on freedom, comfort, convenience, and affordability. Plans for the assisted living facility call for one- and two-story villa homes, three-story residences, a building for those with special needs, a building for memory care as well as a resort pool with cabana and town center. Brian Bokor, who identifies himself as a concerned citizen, said, “I keep myself on the pulse of the community and there clearly are two sides to this issue.” He explains that the people that live in the neighboring subdivisions are opposed to the plan because of traffic, noise and other issues.
“There is a lot of opposition from local residents but a lot of support from the people from the church,” he added. While Bokor said that he is not on either side of the issue, he as well as many people who signed the petition referenced below pointed out that the alternative to an assisted living facility could turn out to be something that creates much more noise and traffic. “What is the option if it doesn’t go through,” he mentioned. A rezoning hearing (RZ-PD 180100 BR), originally scheduled for February, is being continued by the applicant and will be held on April 16. Proponents of the plan are asking for community members to sign a petition in support of this redevelopment to present at the Zoning Hearing Master Hearing. The petition can be found at www.thepetitionsite.com/512/198/810/ help-st.-stephen-catholic-church-sellthe-bell-shoals-property/.
Space Team Limona Elementary Students Project Heading To Space
By Kate Quesada
Many chilexplorers.” dren dream of According to becoming astroKemp, their nauts when they hypothesis is grow up and a that the wheat group of fifth seeds will germigrade students nate normally but from Limona the roots may be Elementary in a tangle School will be because they will one step closer to not know up making that a from down. reality when an The stuexperiment they considdents A team of fifth grade students from Limona put together gets Elementary School in Brandon have a science ered a number experiment headed to space later this year. tested in space of different projlater this year. ects before deciding on this one. They The students submitted a proposal to even get to Skype with scientist Dr. a special program through the National Joniqua Howard once per week to conCenter for Earth and Space Education sult with her about protocols and proceand their experiment was chosen to be dures. sent to the International Space Station “We have to be super sanitized,” said later this year. Rieger, a Brandon resident who is consid“It is a very competitive process ering a career as scientist or engineer. which involves the students writing a sci“We can’t touch anything that is not the entific proposal for an experiment that tubes or what we are working on and we tests the effect of microgravity on a syswear gloves, an apron and a mask.” tem,” said Limona Fifth Grade Teacher, “We all freaked out when we found Jane Kemp. out,” said Rieger. “I was excited to have The students, Meghana Thomas, something I touched go into space.” Ben Rieger, Tristin Gant, Soleil Gates, Once the seeds are ready, the stuLyric Judge, Lindsey Wills, Pranav Verma dents will be invited to watch the launch and Josue Bueno, wrote a proposal to into space which is currently scheduled test the germination of wheat seeds in for June 9. They will then be able to anamicrogravity. lyze the data after the trip and will share “They believe the astronauts will their findings with scientists working on need to grow food on long journeys and space flight issues. may be in colonies other planets,” said For more, visit step.ncesse.org. For, Kemp. “Wheat is a nutritious food that visit www.limona.mysdhc.org or call 744can provide a lot of energy for space 8200.
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Page 4
Volume 13, Issue 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
The Community Of Winthrop Continues To Grow According To Founders’ Vision
Now Is The Time To Plan Your Next Adventure
By Kelly Wise Valdes
By Kathy L. Collins
Bloomingdale Ave. are constructed with brick. Building 10 will be constructed with white marble. John Sullivan said, “We wanted to mix things up with this building. It will also match the façade of the Barn at Winthrop.” In addition to white marble, Building 10 and Building 11, which will be built on the other side of the Barn at Winthrop, will have balconies Building 10, which will house four professional/retail on the front of the building. spaces and four spacious apartments, is the newest addition to the community of Winthrop. Cindy Manchesi, Vice President of Winthrop said, The community of Winthrop is a “We listen to the people who live in sprawling, family-friendly, community cenWinthrop about what they like and what tric development located in Riverview they dislike. We took the top three things (bordering Watson Rd, Bloomingdale everyone likes and put that into that Ave. and Providence Rd.) Winthrop was developing Building 10.” founded by John and Kay Sullivan who Winthrop is approximately 55 percent continue to develop the 148-acre properdeveloped. In addition to Buildings 10 and ty. 11, there are plans for 15 apartment Currently, the Sullivans are in the buildings containing 21 units each. There process of constructing Building 10 which are also plans for LIFE: Wellness Building faces Bloomingdale Ave. It is located which will be situated on the corner of adjacent to the Barn at Winthrop. Building Watson Rd. and Bloomingdale Ave. The 10 will have four professional/retail plan is for this building to house multiple spaces downstairs and four apartments health modalities. upstairs. The apartments are 1500 John and Kay Sullivan bought the square feet of lovely industrial loft style. property in 2000. They had a vision for There are two professional tenants the property and to date, they have folwho have signed leases for Building 10lowed this vision. Kay Sullivan said, “We Dr. Luis Carrero with New Image General want Winthrop to be a vibrant, social, Dentistry and Little Nest, a professional community where pedestrian-friendly photographer. Two of the four apartments people of all ages and income feel welare available. The Sullivans hope that come.” Building 10 will be completed by the end For more information on Winthrop, of the year. please visit www.winthropusa.com. Most of the buildings which face
Riverview residents Vern and Christi Elliot, owners of Cruise Planners, are excited to help their customers plan the perfect, stress-free vacation.
Booking a vacation can be stressful. With so much information available on the internet, hours can be spent in front of a computer researching vacation deals, only to end up frustrated with more unanswered questions. Vern and Christi Elliott, franchise owners of of Cruise Planners in Riverview, are excited to help customers create a stress-free, unforgettable, budget-friendly vacation. As Spring Break and summer season is upon us, now is the best time to start planning your next big adventure. And don’t be fooled by the name – Cruise Planners is not just for cruising. The Elliotts specialize in any and all kinds of vacations and emphasize the advantage as being a one-stop-shopping for vacationers. The Elliott’s have a passion and long history of travel experience. Christi grew up in a military family and Vern spent 25 years in military service with many years of associated travel.
“We both feel our military backgrounds had a lot to do with our passion for travel,” said Christi. “It is pretty much a way of life.” The Elliotts have visited 46 States and 40 different countries. “We have always loved putting our travels together but also know the amount of time it can take researching and planning,” said Christi. “We used to think that using a travel agent cost money or charged more than what we could get doing it ourselves.” “We became travel agents because we wanted to use our expertise to give that time back to our clients while we plan and put together memories and create travel that is as unique as they are,” said Christi. “We believe there is true value in using a travel agent.” “This isn't a part time job for us. We are full-time committed,” said Christi. “We love what we do – and we are convinced that we can only be satisfied when our clients are satisfied. We also have great support and experience from the Cruise Planners home-office.” For information on any travel destination, call 445-8300, visit www.whywaittravel.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whywaittravel.
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March 2018
Page 5
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Brandon Chamber Hosts Taste Of Brandon At Westfield Mall
W W W
.
O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R
C O M
FOLLOW US:
By Kathy L. Collins
Are you for the community.” looking for a new Restaurants will serve favorite restautwo to three ounce samples rant or a chance of signature menu items to try a different and guests will have the dish from one of opportunity to try these your favorite samples and then vote for the restaurants with the places? The best tastings, spirits and Taste of desserts. Brandon, in its “The event is all about 24th year, will bringing families together take place at the and fostering a sense of Westfield The 24th Taste of Brandon event, community,” said Lewis. Brandon Mall on hosted by the Greater Brandon Saturday, April Chamber of Commerce, will take place “We want all ages to at Westfield Brandon Mall on attend.” 21 from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, April 21 from 1-5 p.m. Wristband tickets to offering samples event can be purchased from from some of the local non-profit groups or at the area’s most popular Chamber of Commerce. restaurants giving resWristbands are $20 for adults idents the chance to and children older than nine, try many different $5 for children three to eight dishes in one place. and children two and under are “The Taste of free. Brandon will feature In addition to food, music restaurants providing and entertainment, the event menu samples along will also host a vendor area including with a fun filled family atmosphere with exhibitors from area non-profit and formusic and activities for all,” said Rick profit businesses. Lewis, Greater Brandon Chamber of “The mission of the Taste of Brandon Commerce President and C.E.O. is to provide the greater Brandon area The Chamber has been hosting the with a signature event that brings families event since 1994 at locations throughout together and fosters a sense of communithe area. This is the first time the event ty,” said Lewis. will be held at the Westfield Mall, starting For more information about the event outside of The Cheesecake Factory, benand to purchase tickets, visit www.branefitting local non-profit groups. donchamber.com or call 689-1221. “This year’s format is very different in Westfield Brandon Mall is located at 459 that this event no longer serves the Brandon Town Center Dr. chamber,” said Lewis. “It is now hosted
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Page 6
Volume 13, Issue 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Weird, Wacky And Wonderful Holidays – March 2018 Solo Vacation Day • Do Something Day • Let’s Laugh Day • Puppy 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, maybe consider taking time to enjoy some of the entertaining but lesserknown holidays throughout the year. Let’s get the ball rolling for March, the month most well known for St. Patty’s Day celebrations and March Madness. But, how will you honor National Frozen Food day on Tuesday, March 6? Observe a moment of silence thinking about all the yummy foods and snacks in your freezer. Maybe pay special homage to that carton of frozen ice cream. To make this day more special, load up the family and head to Campbell’s Dairyland located at 200 S Parsons Ave. in Brandon and treat
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the kids to an ice cream Sunday to celebrate. Wednesday, March 14 is a national Pi Day. Why? Pi is a mathematical concept and a number that never ends so we round it off to 3.14. If you are a mathematician, this day honors you. It also
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pays respect to Albert Einstein who was born on March 14, 1879. Most of us non-mathematicians will celebrate this day by eating pie. Don’t feel like baking a pie? Stop off at Moreno’s bakery at 737 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon and pick out a delicious pie of your choice. Also, Village Inn is known for giving free slices of pie to their customers on Wednesday, which just happens to be on Pi Day this year. All the waffle lovers of the world can
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unite on Sunday, March 25 for International Waffle Day. If you don’t have time to make homemade waffles in the waffle-maker that your Aunt Theo got you for Christmas 10 years ago, just jump in your car and enjoy a waffle at The Recipe Box Family Diner located at 147 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. And remember, waffles are not just a breakfast food. Throw in a piece of fried chicken and call it dinner. You won’t want to miss out on Take a Walk In The Park Day on Friday, March 30. This is a great occasion to exercise and relax to help clear your mind and enjoy one of the 170 beautiful Hillsborough County parks. To find a park near you, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/recreation-and-culture/parks/find-apark. You may need to walk after eating ice cream, pie and waffles. These holidays might encourage you to appreciate something, try something new or do something silly. At least we hope they inspire you to laugh a little during the days, weeks and months ahead. For more information, visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun
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Page 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
First Of Five Habitat For Humanity Homes Completed In Brandon....Con’t from Page 1
First Baptist Academy Engages In Family Fun With World’s Largest Jukebox At Spring-A-Palooza
needs of the project, complemented the volunteers on their hard work. “Money people can create but time is the only thing that God gives us and how we use that time so important and valuable,” he said. Women Build is a woman-focused Habitat for Humanity “These volunteers home build event that typically spans an 8 – 12-week period. have committed their there to help them with homework or time to making peoples’ lives better.” whatever they may need.” Habitat for Humanity chief operatPratt’s path to homeownership ing officer Ron Spoor said the volunwas not an easy one but Habitat for teers, sponsors, donors, local governHumanity staff partnered with her from ment and homeowners is the real application through construction to magic of the project. “These construcwhen the keys were handed over. She tive partnerships make homeownerprepared for the responsibilities of ship possible for families,” he said. homeownership by learning about perCommunications liaison for Habitat sonal finances, mortgages and how to for Humanity Robin Macar said the maintain her home. project was made possible in part by a An active participant in the county grant that enabled the organiprocess, she contributed 300 hours of zation to purchase the land upon ‘sweat-equity’ as she worked next to which the homes are built. other community volunteers in the conThe Pratt family gets a new home struction of her home. with an affordable mortgage. The new “I enjoyed meeting new people homeowners will pay property taxes to and working with others to help make the county. Volunteers get the satisfachomeownership happen for me,” said tion of knowing they helped their fellow Pratt. men (or women) on their road to More than 1,000 total volunteer homeownership. hours went into the home’s construc“It’s really a win-win-win for everytion. one,” said Macar. At the dedication ceremony, Dr. For more information about Patel, whose family foundation preHabitat for Humanity, visit www.habisented a $171,500 check to Habitat for tathillsborough .org or call 239-2242. Humanity to assist with the financial
First Baptist The festivities Christian will also include a Academy of student art show, Brandon will host entertainment from its first annual the school’s middle Spring-Aschool band and Palooza, featurother exhibitions from school clubs. ing a car show, Ronnie Setser, the horse rides, bounce houses, First Baptist Christian Academy is currently owner of Ronnie enrolling students for the 2018-19 school year Setser’s Customs live music and in Tampa, is hosting entertainment, a car show on location with refreshments and multia registration fee of $20 per ple vendors. car. The first 40 cars to regThe fundraising ister will receive a dash event will take place on plaque. To register, contact Saturday, April 14 from Ronnie Setser 601-7227. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on the “It’s going to be an school campus. Kristal open show,” said Setser. Medlin, the vice principal, “We’ll have everything is coordinating the effort from—antiques, classics, and explained that the hotrods, racecars and money raised would suptrucks to include motorcyport technology needs cles, and we’ll have a fulland other educational blown trophy presentation.” resources. Also on display alongside the cars is The academy is a ministry of First the world's largest jukebox. Setser plays Baptist Church of Brandon, serving music for the crowd and incorporates fun infants through eighth grade. It seeks to activities for the kids like Hula-Hoop conprovide educational and biblical exceltests and dancing. lence for its students while developing Setser continued, “When it comes to their faith in partnership with the home, fundraisers and festivals, at the end of the the church and community. day, the most important thing is putting “We look at educating the whole money back into these schools.” child, and it’s important for students to be To participate, please contact Kristal engaged in the community,” said Medlin. Medlin at Kristal.Medlin@fbcbran“Spring-A-Palooza is an opportunity to donacademy.org. For more information, minister to the community and showcase visit www.fbbca.org. First Baptist is locatour school so others can see what we ed at 216 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. have to offer.”
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Page 8
Volume 13, Issue 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Local Author Pens Out of the Ordinary Fiction With Award-Winning Series
Riverview Drowning Prevention Specialist Wins Award For Water Smart Tots At WEDU Event
Kat Heckenbach, about her heritage. home school mom and Simone wants only to be author of the award-winnormal, and falls in love ning young adult fantasy with a human man, series, Toch Island Reese, but soon realizes Chronicles, is not your typtheir relationship will only ical Christian fiction writer. end in heartache, and Heckenbach writes specuthings become more lative fiction—fantasy, scicomplicated after she ence fiction, horror, leaves and realizes she is dystopian and even a pregnant with his child. touch of steampunk. Her Heckenbach is a stories reflect her faith and graduate of the University worldview, but are rarely of Tampa; receiving a overt. Christian themes Bachelor of Science in Local author, Kat Heckenbach, Biology (magna cum often run deep under the pens young adult fantasy book. narrative, or rise subtly laude) in 1997. Her art near the surface, but rarely break through and science backgrounds come through completely. She works with symbolism in her writing as well. and allegory in her stories of magic teens She is currently president of Brandon on an isolated island with dragons, a talk- Christian Writers, a local group that meets ing beetle, and an Elven rocker. Her sciat St. Andrews United Methodist Church ence fiction generally has no more than at 7 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each hints, reflecting instead simple Christian month. She is also Membership Chair for principles, such as kindness, forgiveness, the Tampa chapter of the National and taking care of those who need help. League of American Pen Women, a Oddly, the clearest themes arise in her group for professional women artists, writdarker works, which is true of her latest ers, and musicians. And once a year in release, Relent. October, you can find her lurking about at Relent is categorized as paranormal the Necronomicon, a Tampa-based sciromance, although Heckenbach ence fiction, fantasy, and gaming convendescribes it as "a theologically murky, tion where she participates in writing pandark inspirational paranormal romance" els, and displays and sells her paintings, focusing more on the paranormal/supermixed media, and handmade wands in natural and less on the romance. She the art gallery. challenges readers to provide a better Find Heckenbach's novels in print description for a story about Simone, the and ebook on Amazon.com and product of an angel-human union, who BarnesandNoble.com. Follow her on becomes best friends with a demon Facebook (KatHeckenbachAuthor) or named Wraith after he tells her the truth Instagram( Katheckenbach).
Riverview’s Kari 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation Bahour, a drowning dedicated to eliminating pediprevention specialist atric drowning in Hillsborough and founder of County by promoting awareWater Smart Tots, ness through water safety edutook home the Be cation and by providing access More Involved to aquatic self-rescue swimMason Dixon Award ming skills to children ages 12 for Volunteerism at months to six years who are the 13th annual financially underprivileged or WEDU Be More have special needs. Awards. “Water Smart Tots was Created by founded on the belief that WEDU PBS to help every child deserves the raise awareness for opportunity to be equipped local nonprofits and Photo courtesy of Water Smart Tots with required survival swimMason Dixon, right, presented ming skills,” Bahour said upon their service to Riverview’s Kari Bahour with West Central the Be More Involved Mason accepting her award. “Since Dixon Award for Volunteerism. our inception we’ve raised over Florida, this year’s event was held on Thursday, February $40,000 to fund approximately 3,000 indi22, at the Bryan Glazer JCC in Tampa. vidualized one-on-one swim lessons. The Mason Dixon Award for “Drowning is a preventable tragedy. It is our vision to eliminate pediatric drownVolunteerism, named for local radio pering and with the support of dedicated sonality and philanthropist Mason Dixon, community members, together we are is bestowed upon the individual, family or making that vision a reality.” group that has lent a unique voice to For more information about Water bring awareness, credence, support, or Smart Tots, visit action to an issue or cause. www.WaterSmartTots.org. In explaining to the audience why he Melonie Hall of Family Promise of and his wife, Pat, chose Bahour as this Hillsborough County was a finalist for the year’s winner among the six finalists, an emotional Dixon shared—for the first time Mason Dixon Award. Family Promise, which is located in Brandon, also was a publicly—that their daughter nearly finalist for the Be More Empowered Small drowned several years ago in the pool at Nonprofit Award, which honors an organitheir home. Bahour became a survival swimming zation with a budget of less than $500,000 that is making a major positive instructor after her 16-month-old son impact on our community. Visit famiexperienced a near drowning incident at a friend’s pool more than 18 years ago. In lypromisefl.org. For a list of winners, visit https://www.wedu.org/bemore. 2014, she started Water Smart Tots, a
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Local Canine Hero Competing To Become Monument Finds Home At Private Brandon Nation’s Top Dog Cemetery With Confederate Ties By Kelly Wise Valdes
Jammer, a has been an amazing 7-yr-old Golden patient. Retriever from Jammer is competing Valrico, will be in the Emerging Hero’s catcompeting egory in the American Hero against 265 Dog competition. Local dog other couralovers and those across the geous canines country are invited to visit for the nation’s www.herodogawards.org highest honor and vote once per day for recognizing their favorite dogs in each Mankind’s best of seven categories. friend. Jammer is The first round of vota certified theraing ends Wednesday, April py dog and dur25 with the selection of 21 ing the last three semifinalists. A second years Jammer round, featuring a combinaJammer, pictured with owner Tracy and his owner, tion of public and celebrity Halfman, is competing for the American Tracy Halfman, voting, will narrow the field Humane Hero Dog Awards. The public is encouraged to visit have spent time to the seven category finalwww.herodogawards.org and support visiting with a ists. The winning dog in this local Valrico canine. young autistic each category will be flown boy as well visiting to Los Angeles and celebrated residents in numerous at a red carpet, star-studded assisted living faciliawards gala on Saturday, ties. Halfman owns a September 29, when this year’s clinic in Brandon and American Hero Dog will be Jammer also comes revealed. to work each day with Winners in each category her, greeting and visitwill earn $2,500 for their desiging with clients. nated charity partner and the “He always overall winner’s charity partner seems to know when will win an additional $5,000 someone could use a dog to pet or hug prize. The charity Halfman chose is to brighten their day,” said Halfman. “In Secondhand Hounds, a nonprofit dog fact, I have people that come by my office rescue that provides safe shelter, vet care just to visit Jammer.” and daily necessities for animals at risk In December 2016, Jammer was until they find them a forever home. diagnosed with a sarcoma in his right lat“As for being my hero, I can only eral triceps muscle. He had surgery to hope that I can approach the challenges remove the bulk of the mass, as well as in life with the grace and dignity of 19 radiation treatments. The process was Jammer,” said Halfman. long and painful for him, but recovered One of Halfman’s favorite dog quotes and continued back to work both with is from Roger Caras, “Dogs are not our Halfman as well as his ALF visits. whole life, but they make our lives whole.” Unfortunately, in October 2017 can“Jammer has made our lives whole,” cer struck again. He had an emergency said Halfman. “He is a real hero to me.” splenectomy and was diagnosed with For more information about the 2018 Hermangio Sarcoma, a very deadly form American Humane Hero Dog Awards® of cancer. Jammer is continuing to fight and to vote daily in the contest, please through homeopathic resources and he visit www.herodogawards.org.
By Kathy L. Collins
The Brandon endorsed by key chapters of the Family Cemetery, a United Daughters of the quiet, privately-owned Confederacy as well as the family cemetery, callBrandon family. The Brandon faming five generations of ily has a track record of working founding area families with both the United Daughters of home, located on the the Confederacy and the Sons of corner of Brandon Confederate Veterans in their misBlvd. and Lithia sion of remembering Confederate military personnel and history. Pinecrest Rd., is the Some members of the comnew home of a 107mission stipulated that private year-old Confederate funds must be used and had to monument. Photo Credit Nancy Nahas Hillsborough County be raised within 30 days to have Memoria In Aeterna is a Commissioners voted 106-year-old monument. the statue moved. The financial 4-2 last summer to The Confederate soldier goal of $150,000 was met in just (left) is facing south and one day. relocate it from the the Union Soldier is facing county courthouse The statue was commisnorth. after issues were sioned in 1911 by the United raised about the statDaughters of the Confederacy ue being located on and the Sons of Confederate public county property. Veterans. The Confederate According to Battle Flag is depicted on the County Commissioner front of the monument, and the Stacy White, the decidates 1861 to 1865 refer to the beginning and ending of the war sion was made to between the states. The poem move the monument to the Brandon Family inscribed on the east side was Cemetery, where the written by Sister Esther Carlotta, founder of Brandon, a Roman Catholic nun. John Brandon, and According to the historical generations of family marker that accompanied the after him, is buried monument, the soldier facing and members of the north has been interpreted as family, who served in the determined warrior facing the Confederate milithe invader at the beginning of tary forces, are buried the war, while the soldier facing south is viewed as a young soldier returnthere. There is also an existing ing home from conflict in a tattered uniConfederate memorial on the site. form, wounded but not forgotten. According to White, this option was
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 3
Early Learning Center Hosts Food Trucks And More At Multi-Culture Fair By Kate Quesada
What do a food truck class creates an inforoffering Middle Eastern mation board containfood and Taiko drummers ing facts and photos have in common? They about their chosen will both be in attendance country. These at the Village Early boards will be on disLearning Center’s free play at the event. Multi-Culture Fair on Community memSaturday, April 7. bers who attend the The community is event will be given a invited to join pre-school passport that will students and their famienable them to travel lies as they learn about from country to counthe cultures of 40 differtry within the preent countries from school, hearing stoPoland and Columbia to ries and making Ecuador and Egypt at the crafts, in addition to event. seeing items from the The Multi-Culture countries the students Fair is sponsored by have studied all week. The Village Family In addition, the fesFoundation, a nontival will include dancprofit organization, ing, music, displays of and the Parent native costumes from Advisory Committee of all over the world and the preschool. ethnic foods as well as “Raising awarea food truck offering ness of the world Middle Eastern food around us and its difand a Kona Ice truck. ferent cultures is the International comgoal of the school’s munity members, international week,” organizations or groups said Marlena Beamer, would are interested in International Festival participating in the Chairman. “The event can call the Village Early Learning school at 651-0779. Annual Village Early Learning Center Multi-Culture Fair will take place on Saturday, April 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Center celebrates our Visit www.vil“The students picked these counbefore the event and the students will diversity here.” lageelc.com. The school is located at tries because they have family memexplore the customs, stories, food, According to Beamer, classrooms 3741 Canoga Park Dr. in Brandon bers that live in these regions,” said at the school will be decorated to rep- flags and geography of various counand the event will take place from 10 Beamer, who explained that each tries in preparation for the festival. resent a particular country the week a.m.-2 p.m.
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March 2018
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Two Local High Schools, Bloomingdale & Newsome Host Relay For Life Events
By Kate Quesada
Bloomingdale and Newsome high schools are inviting community members to join them fighting cancer next month at their annual Relay For Life events. On Friday, April 6 at 6 p.m., students and community members will join teams at High School to walk, camp overnight and participate in other activities to raise funds for the American Cancer Society (ACS), while the relay at Newsome High School, with similar events, will take place on Saturday, April 14. “Relay For Life is ACS’s largest fundraising movement,” said Samantha Schneider, ACS Relay for Life events raising money for the Community Development Manager. American Cancer Society are taking place at Thirty-five teams, with between Newsome and Bloomingdale high schools next month. five and 25 members, starts at 9 p.m. and are signed up to parshowcases luminaria ticipate in the bags lit in memory or in Bloomingdale event honor of loved ones. and 50 teams in the “It is a very moving Newsome event, with ceremony where we participants ranging turn the stadium lights from children to 75 off and hold a silent year olds. The lap,” said Schneider. fundraising goal for the “The luminary bags Bloomingdale event is can be purchased $78,000, as particionline or the day of the pants raised $77,000 event for a donation.” last year, and the goal Each event will for the Newsome relay also have a variety of is $195,000, the same food sold by the teams, amount raised at the including Chick-fil-A, walking tacos, event last year when participants surbaked goods, chili and breakfast foods. passed their goal of $175,000. The teams also host games, raffle bas“Relay For Life provides an outlet kets, silent auctions and obstacle for individuals touched by cancer to feel that they are not alone, whether the dis- courses. All money raised at the event goes ease has affected them or a loved one,” to ACS’s mission to save lives, celesaid Schneider. “It really encompasses brate lives and lead the fight for a world the community and provides a tangible without cancer. way to make a difference while having Bloomingdale’s event will take fun.” place at the school’s track, located at “The fact that participants walk 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, throughout the night makes us a unique from 6 p.m. April 6 to 6 a.m. April 7. event that resembles the fact that canNewsome High School, located at cer never sleeps and neither do we at 16550 FishHawk Blvd., is one of the our 12, 15 or 18 hour events,” said few 18 hour Heritage Events and will Schneider. start at 12 Noon on Saturday, April 14 Each event has a theme which parand end at 6 a.m., Sunday April 15. ticipants use for costumes, fundraising Residents are encouraged to sign games and items, decorations for their up to participate in either event at camp sites and themed laps during the www.relayforlife.org, but the community event. The Bloomingdale relay will use is also encouraged to come out to supcartoons and fairy tales to ‘Make the port the fundraisers at the events, even Fairytale of a Cure Come True,’ and if they are not part of a team. Newsome attendees will have a ‘Battle For more information, contact of the Bands’ while raising funds. Schneider at 319-5920. One highlight of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony that typically
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Volume 13, Issue 2
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Page 13
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Have A Voice In The Choice Of Tampa The Florida Orchestra: Mozart To Michael Lynche By Kelly Smith Bay’s Next Drinking Water Sources Staff Report
The Florida Mozart’s Eine Orchestra works Kleine hard to be Nachtmusik, accessible to Haydn’s treaseveryone in ured Cello Tampa Bay. It Concerto No. 1 offers affordable and Schubert’s tickets – most Symphony No. start at $15 – but 5. Renowned also a wide varicellist Lynn ety of music and Harrell is conconcert formats. ductor and As the orchestra soloist. Includes celebrates 50 an intimate perLocal St. Petersburg native Michael Lynch of years in the bay formance at the American Idol fame teams up with the Florida area, there are Palladium Orchestra on Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7 for more ways than Theater in St. a night of classic R&B and vintage soul. ever to experiPetersburg. ence great live music. Free tickets for kids and Hot Latin Nights teens are available in with The Mambo advance for this and all Kings (Saturday and Tampa Bay Times Sunday, March 3 & Masterworks concerts. 4): TFO’s Jeff Tyzik, one of the top pops R & B Legends with Michael conductors and arrangers in the nation, Lynche (Friday and Saturday, April 6 & teams up with The Mambo Kings for a 7): American Idol star and St. Petersburg night of Latin-inspired hits, with music by native Michael Lynche fuses classic R&B Piazzolla, Tito Puente’s Oye Como Va, and vintage soul into a fresh sound. He and their own spicy Salsa stylings. Part of joins forces with TFO’s Principal Pops the Raymond James Pops series. Conductor Jeff Tyzik for the music of Beethoven! (Wednesday and James Brown, Otis Redding, Luther Thursday, March 14 & 15): This morning Vandross and Marvin Gaye in this coffee concert offers beloved works by Raymond James Pops series concert. Beethoven, along with a performance by Now with a new Saturday matinee at the pianist Shinya Lin, winner of the Justine Mahaffey Theater. LeBaron Young Artists Competition sponThe Florida Orchestra performs sored by The Florida Orchestra Musicians regularly at the Straz Center in Tampa, Association. Free coffee and doughnuts, Mahaffey in St. Petersburg and Ruth too. Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Most tickets A Little Night Music (Friday to start at $15 and are available at floriSunday, March 23-25): A cozy evening daorchestra.org or 727-892-3337 and 1featuring TFO’s strings, performing 800-662-7286.
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cuss the projects live, and offers a survey to collect input. Based on projections, the Tampa Bay area will need to have additional drinking water ready in 2028. Input is needed now to ensure there is enough time for the design, permitting and construction process. Tampa Bay Water’s board of directors is expected to review the projects and community feedback before its December 2018 meeting when the board will be selecting a project or projects to move forward for more study, design and permitting. Planning ahead is always smart, especially when it comes to something as important as drinking water. Now is the time to be part of the conversation — so we have the right supply ready at the right time to keep our region growing and thriving. Visit FutureWater.org to learn more and be heard. Locally, the 15.5-billion gallon C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir makes the region’s water supply more drought resistant, reliable and flexible. Surface water from the Tampa Bypass Canal, Hillsborough and Alafia rivers is stored in the reservoir during wet times. During dry times, when river is unavailable, water stored in the reservoir is withdrawn, treated and blended with other supplies to serve the region. To learn more, visit tampabaywater.org.
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Page 14
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 3
March 2018
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Group Knits Prostheses For Patients By Kate Quesada which protheses will be best just based on bra size,” said Sandrock, who will also teach the recipient about care of protheses during the short fitting. “We also have many different colors from neutral and black to hot pink, depending on personality and mood.” The knitted protheses can be placed in a regular bra and according to Sandrock are Volunteer knitters and women looking for breast protheses more light-weight and are invited to attend monthly meetings of the new Brandon Knitted Knockers group the third Wednesday of the month comfortable than traditional synthetic protheat Brandon Regional Hospital. ses that can not be Valrico resident Lynette Sandrock worn for weeks after surgery. In addiis changing lives with her knitting. Sandrock is starting a Brandon group tion, the knitted knockers can be adjusted to fill the gap for breasts of Knitted Knockers, a national that are uneven and are easily adaptorganization that provides free knited for those going through reconted breast protheses for women who struction by removing some stuffing. have had a single or double mastecThe closest Knitted Knockers tomy or other breast surgery. She is looking for both knitters to help make group was previously in the Sarasota area, so Sandrock contacted the protheses and women who are interested in being fitted for one or two. An avid knitter since childhood, Sandrock learned about the Knitted Knockers group from a newspaper article and upon further research realized that making the protheses was a way she could give back. “I looked at one of the patterns and thought ‘I could do that,’” she said. The protheses are made from super soft acrylic yarn and are machine washable and dry quickly. Brandon Like other knitRegional ters in the Hospital and national organilocal doctors zation, and has now Sandrock set up a monthdonates the ly session the materials and third time for the Wednesday of ones she every month in makes. The the hospital’s knitters have Classroom A, found that it is located at 262 S. Moon Ave. in important that recipients, who can have recently had their mastectomies Brandon. For more information, call Sandrock at 300-1505 or visit or be years out from the surgery, be www.knittedknockers.org. Sample fitted for the protheses in person. patterns for people interested in knit“The fittings take a short time, ting are also available on the webbut are very important because we site. are all different and we won’t know
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Page 15
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 3
New Vanish Point Drop Tower Slides Right Into Adventure Island
Citrus Carpet And Tile Celebrates Two Years Of Cleaning And Community
Guests are in for high-speed thrills the slide of their lives and tropical, tranwhen Adventure quil surroundings Island®Tampa for guests of all Bay’s new epic drop ages. Within a slide, Vanish soothing Key Point®, opens in West atmosphere, March 2018. guests enjoy Inspired by the slides, point on a wave corkscrews, where water and gravwaterfalls, a wave ity form a perfect partpool, children’s nership, the crest of water playground this 70-ft. tower chaland other family lenges you with two attractions. Adventure Island®Tampa Bay’s new Vanish Point® 425 ft. wave paths. Step epic drop slide, Vanish Point®, opens in March 2018. will be located at into one of two skyboxthe center of the es, and face your park next to anothfears as the floor diser family-favorite appears beneath thrill slide, Colossal you. Or, get horizontal Curl™, and near on a 455-ft. long slide waterfalls, a ending with a high speed finale. 17,000-sq. ft. wave “These unique pool, children’s ride paths give guests water playground options on how they called Fabian’s want their thrills delivFunport® and other ered,” said Stewart family attractions. Guests can dig their toes into the Clark, president of Busch sand or relax in lounge chairs or a priGardens® Tampa Bay and Adventure vate cabana. Island®. “Whether you choose to Construction on Vanish Point® will have the floor drop from beneath your begin in the coming weeks, and the feet, or race to the bottom on a ride is expected to be completed to looped slide, the only way down once you get to the top is a wild ride that kick off the 2018 season for Adventure gets your heart pumping.” Island®. Located right across the street Visit AdventureIsland.com for more from Busch Gardens®, Adventure information, hours and special offers Island is the ultimate combination of for Advernture Island.
Citrus Carpet an additional and Tile Cleaning employee to work with him on of Tampa owner jobs. Jim Hirz is proud For carpet to have been cleaning, Citrus servicing the Carpet and Tile community for uses a quick drytwo years this ing, low month. During moisture that time he has process that made a name for not only prehimself with hunvents redreds of satisfied Riverview resident Jim spotting but carpet and tile Hirz with Citrus Carpet and Tile Cleaning of Tampa is celebrating two years in also means customers and the community this month. that cusas president of tomers can fully use the area within an the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon. hour. All services are personalized and Hirz, who moved with his wife Carol 100 percent guaranteed. to Riverview from Atlanta in 2014, decidBut one of Hirz’s favorite things about ed that Citrus Carpet and Tile Cleaning owning a small business is the way it has would be a great fit for a new business in helped him get immersed in his commueastern Hillsborough County. nity. He has been a member of the “The company’s product, approach Kiwanis Club, a global organization of and philosophy sets it apart,” said Hirz, members dedicated to serving the chilwho ran a video production business for dren of the world and developing youth 20 years before moving to Florida. leaders, for 16 years and states that his Using a special all natural formula work with the group influences everything derived from skins of citrus fruits, the he does. company specializes in carpet, tile and “I am so thankful and proud that my grout cleaning, but also offers furniture, business has allowed me to take on an area rug and upholstery cleaning. An important role with the Kiwanis Club,” additional service Hirz feels sets his busisaid Hirz, who became president of the ness apart is grout color sealing, which is a painting process that creates an impen- Greater Brandon group last year. Citrus Carpet and Tile services all of etrable boundary to the pours grout and Hillsborough County. For more, visit allows the customer to custom pick the www.citruscleantampa.com or call Hirz at color of the finished product. 314-7800. For Kiwanis, visit www.bran“When we are done it looks like a donkiwanis.com or call 810-8584. new floor,” said Hirz, who recently hired
Staff Report
By Kate Quesada
March 2018
Page 17
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
l, u o S o o h Choo C Veterans V i e t n am M o re … D ay &
santi, lle Cole e h ic M d by m Compile preyobserver.co s o @ michelle
“Hawk” Albracht, U.S. Army Special Forces, Retired, Pastor Ted Marshall, Great Hope Christian Fellowship Church, National Medal of Honor Day tribute to Florida’s 23 medal recipients, The Last Patrol living history war reenactment, Sgt. Walter P. Ryan Detachment, Marine Corps League rifle salute, and playing of taps and Refreshments courtesy of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day
Each year, the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County stages a heartfelt gathering in remembrance of the Vietnam War and the service of its military brothers and sisters, many of whom were shunned upon their return from the war. The community is invited join the 2018 Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day event on Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park and LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 U.S. Highway 301 N. in Tampa. The gathering precedes National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29. Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day will commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the Vietnam War in March 1965, including a salute to military war dogs and their handlers. Attendees will hear about the roles and contributions of canines in service from a local Vietnam Veteran whose own war dog is memorialized at Tampa’s Veterans Memorial Park. The event will also feature: Bill
8108. The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day event and parking are free and open to the public. Daily hours for Veterans Memorial Park are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services at 246-3170.
Special Exhibit On Reptiles At Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) for Reptilepalooza. Learn all about these cold-blooded creatures with fun activities and up-close encounters with
live tortoises, snakes, skinks and alligators on select dates. Now through Sunday, April 8 there will be an exciting array of reptile themed educational activities and exhibits. This will include a hands-on sea turtle triage and intake station each day. Each weekend, the Aquarium will have a selection of live reptiles visiting. CMA will have gopher tortoises from FWC Gopher Tortoise Program; an alligator, Burmese python, blue tongue skink, African spurred tortoise, and a red footed tortoise from Amazing Animals Inc; as well as snakes and tortoises from Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife. All activities are included with general admission. Live Reptile Schedule: Sunday, March 18 - Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife, Sunday, March 25 - Amazing Animals Inc., Saturday, March 31 - Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife and Sunday, April 8 – Amazing Animals Inc. CMA is located at 249 Windward Passage in Clearwater. Visit www.seewinter.com.
Experience the Soulful, Hip Singing Of Choo Choo Soul With Genevieve Experience Disney Junior’s Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve Goings, the soulful, hip, singing train conductor and Constantine ‘DC’ Abramson, the beatboxing, breakdancing engineer on stage engaging children in sing-alongs, dance
routines and lots of crowd participation as they perform all the hits you know and love; when it comes to the RP Funding Center on Saturday, March 31 at 4 p.m. Genevieve Goings and Constantine ‘DC’ Abramson, the stars of Disney Junior’s ‘Choo Choo Soul,’ are entering their 11th year of entertaining preschoolers and parents worldwide. Born from the mind of a Silicon Valley video game developer, Choo Choo Soul began as a hip-hop/soul children’s album of music that “won’t drive parents crazy.” The album caught fire and the brand was acquired by Disney and developed into a live-action television interstitial paired with animation in 2006 that encouraged young viewers to get up and dance to the funky, urban sound. Choo Choo Soul began touring the country in 2007 and has performed for thousands of children in over 100 cities across the globe. With the wildfire success of the go-to duo for tots, Disney commissioned a release of the second studio album; a remake mashup of Classic Disney hits. Genevieve Goings is now the voice of Disney Junior the Channel and the host of the ‘Radio Disney Junior.’ Writing music for acclaimed brands such as Leapfrog and Fisher-Price, releasing a children’s clothing line with Walmart.com, and touring schools with her ‘Do You Know?’ Brand, Goings has solidified her path in the Children’s Market. Along with Choo Choo Soul, Constantine ‘DC’ Abramson is an Entertainment Professional working with the NFL, NBA, and MLB through mascotting, choreographing, and fan engagement. Tickets are on sale for $51 and $29. Service charges may apply and are available by visiting the RP Funding Center Box Office or toll free 888-397-0100, and at www.rpfundingcenter.com.
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Volume 13, Issue 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
ce, n a D g n i l Spring Fnt Show Tale re… o M & s n Auditio lle Colesanti, he d by Mic r.com Compile ospreyobserve @ michelle
Second Annual Daddy/Daughter Mother/Son Spring Fling Dance
On Friday, April 13 from 6-9 p.m. join in for the Second Annual Daddy/Daughter Mother/Son Spring Fling Dance. This special evening is for children ages 4 and up and raises money for Autism Speaks Walk. It will take place at The Barn in Winthrop, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. Dress up with your child for a special evening neither of you will forget. In instances where a parent is unable to attend, special adults are welcome (ie grandparent, uncle/aunt, etc). There will be dancing, desserts, raffle auction, photos and more. Purchase tickets at www.amazingkidztherapy.com/spring-fling---charityevent.html. Each ticket is for one adult and one child and includes hors d'oueves, dessert table and photos. There will be one swag bag per child. Tickets can also be purchased directly at Amazing Kidz Therapy, located at 4312 Bell Shoals Rd, in Valrico. Autism Speaks is a national non-forprofit organization that works towards increasing family services, science, advocacy and awareness for the ASD community. Funding is solely generated from the
fundraising conducted through events. For additional information, please contact Kathleen Pici at Kathleen.Pici@AmazingKidZtherapy.com.
Calling All Performers For Impact’s Got Talent Show
Mark your calendar for Friday, May 11 for the fourth annual Impact’s Got Talent show based on the hit television show America’s Got Talent. The family-friendly fundraiser kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Bloomingdale High School, located at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. The grand prize is $250. Auditions will be held on Sunday, April 8 from 1–5 p.m. at Dance Quest International, located at 853 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon. Participation is for those in grades K-12 and talent acts such as but not limited to: vocalists, actors, dancers (solo, duets and groups)
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and musicians. To each additional child). There sign up for an is limited availability. Call audition time, 685-5998. please contact Jennifer Crum at Learn About Tools For 661-3236 or informed Financial crummiej@tamDecisions At pabay.rr.com. Bloomingdale Library Impact’s Got On Tuesday, April 24 Talent event tickfrom 6:30-7:30 p.m., a ets are $10 per licensed financial adviser will person and availintroduce tools for informed able on financial decisions making Eventbrite.com. cash management strateThe evening will gies, and managing financial also feature a 50risk. This program is present50 raffle and ed as part of Money Smart silent auction. All Week, a national public Jilly Woodward, 9, a student at Immanuel Lutheran in Brandon, ticket sales beneawareness campaign raised over $550 for Jump for Heart fit the Impact pro- by designed to help consumers going door to door, doing a lemongram, which proade stand, online and by donating better manage personal money received for her birthday. motes healthy finances. Admission is free; lifestyles and relationships to teens, parno registration. The program will take ents, teachers, and other youth leaders place at Bloomingdale Regional Public through classroom education. To be a Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in sponsor, contact Angie Kagey at 264Valrico. 9368 or akagey@whatisimpact.com. For more information, visit IMPACT’s Workshop Demonstrates Got Talent 2018 Facebook Event page Incorporating Pen And Ink Into or www.whatisimpact.com. Journals and Scrapbooks
Parents Night Out
Music Showcase and The Florida Academy of Performing Arts will be hosting a Parents Night Out Easter Party on Saturday, March 24 from 6-10 p.m. There will be food, popcorn, games, prizes, crafts and an Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter Bunny movie, Hop will also be shown. Children will also be participating in an Easter Egg Hunt. Be sure to bring a basket with the child's name on it and each child will get to take home the eggs they find. The cost is $35 per child ($10 for
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A Create Workshop demonstrating how to incorporate pen and Ink into your journal, scrapbook, or to illustrate your writing in other media, will be held Saturday, April 14 from 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. in Room 8, at the Bloomingdale Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Bonnie Phillips, a local well known artist, will present how to use a technical ink pen and a disposable pen in your writing projects. All supplies will be provided. Register for this free class at the library's Ask Desk, or online at HCPLC.org in the Bloomingdale Library Events section.
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March 2018
Upcoming Business Networking & Learning Girls Night Out Hosted By Local Home Based Businesses
Join in for a night of Wellness, Fashion and Beauty hosted by Linda Foster (dōTERRA), Lori Wyatt (Beautycounter), Rowena Sjovall (vêtue boutique) and Sharen Hunziker (Premier Designs). Enjoy discussions that focus on well-being, skin care, make-up, fashion and style. In addition to the various discussions offered, there will be giveaways and light refreshments provided. Grab your Carole Gill favorite gal pals and make this night a fun Girls Night Out. FabYOUlous & BeYOUtiful will take place on Thursday, April 5 from 6-9 p.m. at Co-Work Landing , located at 522 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. Admission is free. For more information, vsiit Facebook; FabYOUlous and BeYOUtiful.
NPI Brandon Chapter to Host Membership Drive
Brandon Chapter of Network Professionals Inc. (NPI) will host a membership drive on Friday, March 23 at The Egg & I restaurant, 11220 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview from 7:30–9:30 a.m. NPI is a networking group designed to help local business owners grow their customer base through referrals. Each
Page 19
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
By Michelle Colesanti
week, members take turns educating other members about their business, including a clear description of the type of customers they are currently looking for. While membership in the group is paid, guests and participants during the drive are invited to attend for free, and the group will supply free breakfast for the event. Seats are limited. RSVP to Toni McQuilken at toni@tonimcquilken.com.
Mastermind Workshop Will Help You Develop Your Three Year Plan
Most of us wouldn't consider it smart to get in the car and head off on vacation with no destination in mind. Did you know that the majority of people spend more time planning their annual vacation than they do actually planning their lives? The sad fact is true. If you don't know where you are headed, you probably won't be satisfied with the end result you achieve! And by then, it's too late. ‘What's Next’ with Carole Gill Develop Your Three Year Plan and Create the Life You Want, a workshop, will be held on Saturday, April 7 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at The Chateau Banquet Hall, 1903 E. SR 60 in Valrico (Unit F). The cost to attend is $99 per person and includes lunch and pre-work. If you bring three other people, you will attend free (only pay $15 for lunch). For more information, visit www.carolegill.com or call 802-8376.
Spring Brings Beautiful (But Deadly) Blooms For Our Pets
By Dr. Jennifer Challenger DVM, MPH
April showers bring May flowers, and now that the spring season is approaching, many people will begin gardening, as well as purchasing plants and flowers. As gardens begin to grow and homes and yards become filled with green plants and vibrant blooms, we need to be sure that curious cats and dogs are safe from any potential dangers. Certain flowers and plants are extremely toxic and can be deadly if ingested. It is a good idea for people with a green thumb, as well as all pet owners, to keep lifesaving information on recently purchased foliage on hand. Cats are prone to chewing on indoor or outdoor plants, so if you know your mischievous kitty does this, you might want to check out the ASPCA Animal Poison control Center's Web Site www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poisoncontrol/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants where you can read lists of toxic and nontoxic plants to ensure that none of those you own are poisonous to pets. In addition, new puppies love to chew on anything they come across. Make sure indoor plants are placed in safe, unreachable areas to prevent potential poisonings. Some flower and plants included on the list are: amaryllis, calla lilies, (and all other lilies), carnations, azaleas, daffodils, elephant's ear, hibiscus, morning glory,
tulips, sago palms and especially oleander. Surprisingly, there are approximately 100 types of plants and flowers which are considered toxic. Your local floral shop or nursery should be able to provide you with a list of potentially toxic foliage if you do not have access to a computer to visit the web site provided earlier. The most common side effects that result from ingesting plants or flowers are vomiting and/or diarrhea. If you suspect that your pet may have been exposed to a potentially toxic substance, call your veterinarian for advice. It may be that emergency treatment is the best course of action you can take for your pet. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. Also, keep in mind that some plants and flowers are sprayed with pesticides that can cause serious adverse reactions. Finally, remember that some pets have allergies to pollens from plants and flowers, just like people. The difference is that people get ‘hay fever’ symptoms that can include sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes, but pets get itchy, inflamed skin. Symptoms include scratching excessively at the skin or ears, as well as constant licking and chewing on the skin. If you notice these symptoms, call your veterinarian to discuss ways to give your pet some relief from airborne allergies to blooming flowers, as well as plant and tree pollen.
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Page 20
Volume 13, Issue 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
or F o c n u B GFWC on & Educati Coin Show lesanti, helle Co d by Mic rver.com e il p m o C obse @osprey e ll e h ic m
‘Bunco For Education’ Hosted By GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Club
The GFWC Brandon Junior Woman's Club is hosting "Bunco for Education" on Tuesday, April 10, to raise funds for college scholarships for high school students in the Brandon community. The event will be held at The Bridges Assisted Living Facility at 11350 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview, with social time beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by Bunco at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $20, each, and can be purchased from any member of the club. Enjoy an evening of fun, with light hors d'oeuvres,
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refreshments, raffle baskets, 50/50, and prizes. For additional information, please contact Maureen at 758-9593, or maureenspagnola@gmail.com.
16th Annual Community Roundtable Golf Tournament
The 16th Annual Community Roundtable B. Lee Elam Golf Tournament will take place on Thursday, March 29 at Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club. Check in begins at 11 a.m. with a 1 p.m. Shotgun Start. The cost of $125 for individuals and $400 for foursomes includes lunch and dinner. You can pay online (submission deadline is March 16). Visit www.TheCommunityRoundtable.org or make your tax except check payable to: The Community Roundtable, PO Box 1061, Brandon, FL 33509-1061.
Brandon Coin Club Hosts Coin & Currency Show The Brandon Coin Club Inc., a 501(C) 7 non-profit organization, is
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pleased to announce its next Coin & Currency Show on Saturday, March 31 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Brandon Elks Lodge #2383, located at 800 Centennial Lodge Dr. in Brandon. There will be 30 dealers/45 tables Free American Silver Eagle. Admission and parking are free. Free coin grab bags for all children under 12. Food will be available on site. Get free appraisals and door prizes. ICG Grading Service will be in attendance and offering free verbal opinions along with $10 slabbing. For more information, contact Jack Iaci at 352-777-6073 or brandoncoinclub@yahoo.com.
Put On Your Dancing Shoes
Valrico Dancing will hold a dance on Friday, April 6 and April 20 at the Knai Thomman Social Hall, located at 225 N. Dover Rd., in Dover. The dance will take place from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The cost is $6.
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Plant City Community Chorale Spring Concert
The Plant City Community Chorale is celebrating its 10th year as a premier singing group in the area. In its fourth year under the direction of Claudia Bolano, the choir has grown in number as well as level of performance. To celebrate the beginning of its 10th year, the Chorale will present Sing On! at Eastside Baptist Church, 1318 E. Calhoun St, in Plant City, on Saturday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, $10 in advance and $15 at door, are available at www.pccchorale.org/buy-tickets, by calling 951-5166, and from any Chorale member.
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March 2018
Page 21
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Brandyn’s Angels Helps Mom Serve Homeless In Son’s Name After Loss
By Kate Quesada
Valrico resident Kimberly Wood recently started Brandyn’s Angels to help Tampa’s homeless population.
Valrico resident Kimberly Wood is turning the loss of her son into a mission to help others. Wood recently started Brandyn’s Angels, a group dedicated to helping the homeless in Tampa using restitution funds given to her due to her son’s death. Wood’s son Brandyn Preston was shot in the neck at a graduation party for his cousin in Iowa in 2011. He was 19 years old at the time and underwent treatment with his mother as his caregiver for two years until he passed away in January 2013. Wood now receives $187 a month in restitution from the Iowa Department of Corrections on behalf of the man serving a life sentence for Preston’s death. She is using that money to buy supplies for homeless people in the Tampa area. “The idea for Brandyn’s Angels came from the short life my son lived,”
said Wood. “He was always lending a helping hand to those less fortunate without looking for anything in return.” Preston, who attended East Bay and Robinson high schools while living in Florida, played basketball and worked hard in school. Wood feels confident he would want her to use the money to help the community he once enjoyed. From November 2017 until January 2018, Wood collected blankets and provided more than 200 bags of toiletries to the homeless at Gaslight Park in downtown Tampa. “My goal is to continue to give to the homeless throughout the whole year,” said Wood. She is now collecting water, chapsticks, hats and other items to help people be more comfortable during the warm weather months. “My son Brandyn was a beacon of light to many, both young and old,” said Wood. “My son believed that there was good in everybody so he basically trusted people until they gave him a reason not to.” Wood is accepting donations for the toiletries bags and funds through PayPal. For more information, call her at 409-8374 or search for Brandyn’s Angels on Facebook.
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10437 Gibsonton Drive, Riverview, FL 33578
813-445-7121 www.budgetblinds.com/brandon Showroom Hours: Mon. - Fri. 10:00 - 5:00 | Sat. 10:00 - 3:00 *Applies to selected window treatments from Budget Blinds. Restrictions may apply, ask for details. Valid for a limited time, not valid with any other offers, discounts, or coupons. Offer good at initial time of estimate only. At participating franchises only. ©2018 Budget Blinds, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Excludes shutters where everyday low price applies. Expires 4/30/18
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 3
March 2018
Page 23
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Brandon Foundation Rebrands And Continues Its Annual Charity Golf Classic
By Amanda Boston
Since its through the Angel inception in 2003, Foundation will go the Brandon directly into the Foundation has hands of the famiserved more than lies rather than to 550 families and the local charities distributed for distribution. “We are very $2,000,000 in proud of the enorgrants, goods mous impact we and services to have made togethlocal charities and er in our communifamilies in the ty,” said Brewer, community. speaking about the In 2006, the Celebrity Guests from the 2017 Charity Golf partnership between Brandon Classic. the Brandon Foundation launched its Angel Program to assist fam- Foundation and local charities. She conilies in the area that have suffered a cata- tinued, “We are stronger as a community due to their accomplishments.” strophic event or life-threatening illness. Now rebranded as the Angel Liz Brewer, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Brewer hopes to enlist more Brandon Foundation, announced that the local business owners as Angel Providers nonprofit is rebranding and refocusing its to donate their time, services or mission. resources to families in crisis. Likewise, Brewer said, “Because of the enormous impact of the Angel Program and to Brewer would love more volunteers to become Angel Team members who come provide more clarity for our supporters alongside families in crisis to assist them and corporate business partners, the with practical needs and match them with Brandon Foundation will now be called local Angel Providers. the Angel Foundation.” “We encourage everyone to get The Angel Foundation will unveil its involved as an Angel Team member, new look and vision at this year’s Charity Angel provider, volunteer, sponsor or Golf Classic. The annual golf fundraiser donor so we can help even more families will be held on Friday, March 23 and in the years ahead,” noted Brewer. Saturday, March 24 at the River Hills Visit www.brandonfoundation.org or Country Club in Valrico. Each year, the golf fundraiser features celebrity golfers, a call 689-6889. To register or become a sponsor for the Charity Golf Classic, visit live and silent auction and fantastic food www.brandonfoundationgolfclassic.com. and drinks donated by local restaurants The River Hills Country Club is located at and caterers. 3943 New River Hills Pkwy. in Valrico. Moving forward, all monies raised
Inna’s Alterations Offers Exceptional Service And A Boutique Experience With a lifetime of experience in costume design and sewing, Inna Lilov of Inna’s Alterations and Repair offers unsurpassed talent to the Brandon community. Born in Russia, her family was part of the Moscow Circus, and she found herself traveling the globe with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey raising and training bears and walking a tightrope. She made and embellished her own costumes and her artistic prowess is noticeable in all her work. She with her staff, Vlasta Weimann and Natalia Vertuozova, offer an array of alteration services for men and women with a promise of honesty and quality. “I have a reputation,” Lilov said in between customers who have popped in to pick up a piece, have a fitting, or just to say hello. “I want people to come back.” And they do because the work reflects excellence.
By Amy Schechter
Beyond alterations, Inna’s storefront is a hidden gem of dresses, shoes, accessories, and attire for all occasions. She and her staff take department store and designer pieces with slight damage and repair them until the defect is unnoticeable. She then boasts 20-50% off designer prices in all sizes. In the market for a prom dress, a cocktail dress, or a sundress? She has something for all tastes including casual wear and jewelry. The deals are too good not to stop by. Inna’s Alterations and Repair is open Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, call 651-4416. Inna’s Alterations is located at 1548 Bloomingdale Ave. E., Suite 1548, Valrico, 33594.
M cAuley Fine Jewelry (Located in the former Martin’s Jewelers)
Open Tuesday-Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-4
813-689-8124 • Oakfield Drive, Brandon (Located in the Atlantic Village Plaza, Kings Avenue & Oakfield Drive)
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 3
Brandon/Winthrop
March 2018
Volume 13, Issue 3
Ph: 657-2418
Inside Mainstream Boutique Opening Celebrates With Ribbon Cutting
With more than 30 years’ experience, Burnetti is one of only four attorneys in the State of Florida who is GRCC members, double Board Certified by Mainstream Boutique staff the Florida Bar in the areas and family members were of Worker’s Compensation on hand to conduct a riband Civil Trial Law. bon cutting ceremony to The firm consists of celebrate this new store in two other attorneys, Tim Winthrop Town Centre. Coleman and Scott Graul. Mainstream Boutique Graul works primarily out is a retail fashion and of the new Brandon office. accessories franchise conThe firm’s praccept that is in 22 states Photo Courtesy of Ed Booth, Huth and Booth Photography tice connationwide. Owner, The Bank of Tampa Terry McFatter, Mainstream Boutique Opening Celebrates With and Alison LaPointe are ready to centrates Jeanmarie Milla opened Ribbon Cutting. serve the local community. on the the boutique in December has been privately owned by its staff, located in Lakeland and was areas of and is thrilled to be part of the commu- directors, and clients. founded in 2015. The foundpersonal nity. The store is a neighborhood bouBoth commercial and corporate ing attorney and the firm’s injury, auto tique designed with the customer in banking are offered—which includes namesake, Burnetti, attendaccidents, mind. Please stop in for a visit soon middle market, commercial real estate, premises and check out some of the great merSBA lending, and treasury services— liability, nurschandise. Mainstream Boutique is personal banking, wealth manageing home negligence, medlocated in the front of Winthrop Town ment, and trust services—truly making ical malpractice, workers’ Centre at 11232 Sullivan Street, #8A, it a full-service community bank. compensation, sexual batRiverview. Visit To learn more contact: Alison tery, and Social Security mainstreamboutique.com/pages/Riverv LaPointe, Private Relationship Disability law. iew or call 643-0090. Manager Personal Banking at 998When asked what com2665 alapointe@bankoftampa.com or him to open an office pelled The Bank of Tampa Terry McFatter, Market Director in Brandon, Burnetti said, With assets totaling more than Commercial Banking at 998-2701 or “With so much recent $1.6 billion, The Bank of Tampa is one tmcfatter@bankoftampa.com. in this area, I wantgrowth of the largest community banks in the Burnetti Law Office celebrated its new office with a ed a Christian Law Firm to riboon cutting Brandon Honorary Mayor Sue Burkett. Tampa Bay area. For more than three New Brandon Office For Dean be available to serve the decades It has developed quality relaBurnetti Law ed seminary before graduating from people of Hillsborough County.” tionships that are personal and accesDean Burnetti Law recently Oral Roberts School of Law in 1986. Call 813-BURNETTILAW. Visit sible, and aims to deliver a client opened its new Brandon office, located Dean Burnetti Law is a Personal www.BurnettiLaw.com. experience like no other. Since The at 413 Lithia Pinecrest Dr. in Brandon. Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Bank of Tampa’s inception in 1984, it The Christian law firm’s main office is Social Security Disability law firm. Continued on Next Page
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Page 26
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Business Column Continued.............
By Michelle Colesanti
Home Franchise Concepts Recognizes Local Budget Blinds As Franchise Of Year
adjustments of hearing aids, computer analysis of hearing aid, three-day trial risk-free. This friendly, no pressure, professional hearing center provides a full range of hearing products and services. Repair and maintenance are provided on most hearing aid brands, and offer a 30-day riskBudget Blinds Franchise Owners, free trial on its prodJames and Elaine Trotter, were ucts. recently recognized and awarded Hours are Budget Blinds’ Franchisee of the Year. Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 775-2631 or visit www.floridamedicalhearing.com.
Home Franchise Concepts (HFC), parent company of the top-selling family of direct-to-consumer brands in the home improvement space – Budget Blinds, Tailored Living and Concrete Craft – recently recognized and awarded Budget Blinds’ franchise owners James and Elaine Trotter as Budget Blinds’ Franchisee of the Year for best overall sales volume in a single calendar year. They have also been recognized in the Top 20 for a single territory sales performance for 2017. The Trotters, franchise owners of three territories - Brandon, North Tampa and Land O Lakes, have owned their Budget Blinds’ businesses since 2008. Active in their local community, they support many charity organizations, fundraisers and givingback efforts, including Habitat for Humanity, Homes for Our Troops, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Metropolitan Ministries, and Hillsborough Homeless Initiative. In recognition of their long-time giving back efforts, HFC presented the Trotters with a Heart & Home Award. Visit the local website at www.budgetblinds.com/Brandon.
Florida Medical Hearing Centers
The Florida Medical Hearing Centers recently opened at 3435 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in the Publix plaza. A ribbon cutting was held with the Valrico FishHawk chamber. Free hearing evaluations are available along with computerized
OfferPad Offers Real Estate Simplicity To Consumer
OfferPad is revolutionizing the real estate industry and providing a solution to local residents. Consumers visit OfferPad.com, enter information about their home and within 24 hours receive an offer. The company, launched in 2015, is currently in eight markets. OfferPad has seen an increase with residents desiring a more seamless and convenient option, giving them back the control of the real estate process. The company empowers the consumer with choice, convenience and certainty, and eliminates the stress and unpredictability associated with the traditional real estate process.
Julie’s Walk-In Closet Offers Boutique Experience
Julie's WalkIn Closet is an upscale ladies' boutique and consignment shop offering new and gently used (like new) fashions: clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry for women. It also offers a small selection of collectibles and home décor, and is located in the heart of Brandon. Team members are ready to be your Personal Shopper, able help you put together the perfect outfit every time you come in. Julie’s is a beautiful boutique featuring top designer brands from all over the world. There is no reason to ever pay full price again for clothing, handbags or jewelry. You will find many choices at a fraction of the prices you would expect to pay at the mall or online. Approximately half of the shop is filled with new ‘boutique’ items, and the rest is carefully selected pre-owned pieces. Choose handbags from Coach,
Dooney & Bourke, Michael Kors, Brahmin, Brighton, B Makowski, Fossil, Tignanello, and many others. Everything is priced up to 80% off of retail. Julie’s Walk-In Closet’s selection includes fine jewelry, gemstones, sterling, Swarovski, Brighton, Tiffany, and fashion jewelry from all your favorite stores. Julie’s is open MondaySaturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Thursdays. It is located at 720 W. Robertson St. in Brandon. Call 381-3846 or visit http://julieswalkincloset.com.
Flow Fitness Will Celebrate Turning One Year
A ribbon cutting with the Valrico FishHawk Chamber was held to celebrate the opening of Florida Medical Hearing Centers.
Flow Fitness celebrates its one year anniversary on Saturday, March 31 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. PDQ will be on site cooking fresh yummies along with other planned things for you and your young ones, including a bounce
Volume 13, Issue 3
house, slime making station, face painting, video game center, Mary Kay, Juice Plus, 1 Rock Nails, Ruffles and Roses, Housel Dance, Thrive, Pruvit and more. Flow Fitness is located at 11331 US Hwy. 301 S, Ste 101 in Riverview. Call 374-3019 or visit www.flowfitnessboutique.com.
Girls Night Out Hosted By Local Home Based Businesses
Join in for a night of Wellness, Fashion and Beauty hosted by Linda Foster (dōTERRA), Lori Wyatt (Beautycounter), Rowena Sjovall (vêtue boutique) and Sharen Hunziker (Premier Designs). Enjoy discussions that focus on well-being, skin care, make-up, fashion and style. In addition to the various discussions offered, there will be giveaways and light refreshments provided. Grab your favorite gal pals and make this night a fun Girls Night Out. FabYOUlous & BeYOUtiful will take place on Thursday, April 5 from 6-9 p.m. at Co-Work Landing , located at 522 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. Admission is free. For more information, vsiit Facebook; FabYOUlous and BeYOUtiful.
David Weekley Homes Partners With St. Baldrick’s Foundation For Resident Appreciation
David Weekley Homes, the nation’s largest privately-held builder, is celebrating its residents in Encore at FishHawk Ranch with month-long homeowner appreciation events, culminating with a head-shaving event on Saturday, April 21, benefitting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Encore at FishHawk Ranch is a 55+ lifestyle community within the master-planned FishHawk Ranch. Homeowners within the community are invited to participate in the second annual flamingo decorating contest and other events, concluding with the fundraiser for St. Baldrick’s. Encore by David Weekley Homes set a fundraising goal of $5,000 to donate toward pediatric cancer research. For more information, call 422-6175.
March 2018
Page 27
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Tampa’s Premier Festival Returns With Busch Gardens Food & Wine And Music
Staff Report
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay‘s most delicious event returns this March with tastes for every palate at the fourth annual Food & Wine Festival. Guests can sample delectable cuisines paired with a selection of 65+ wines, 50+ craft brews and specialty cocktails, while enjoying some of the biggest names in entertainment. The Food & Wine Festival runs Saturdays and Sundays, March 3 through April 29 and is included with any Annual Pass, Fun Card or daily admission to the park. The Festival features allnew twists on cuisine at 13 culinary cabins, along with favorites like mango shrimp ceviche and beef brisket on a spiced corn waffle. Experience bold new eats at the Savory Tavern with fried frog legs with bacon corn fritters, or indulge in flavorful treats at Artisan Eats with beloved dish duck fat truffle fries and then spice it up with tostones rellenos de pollo at Comfort Kitchen. Opt for lobster tart with leeks and Swiss cheese or mushroom vol-au-vent at the Light Fare
the Festival which include priority seating and a five-item sampler lanyard for even more access to great times and great tastes. Additionally, guests can purchase of 5, 10 and 12-item sampler lanyards to tailor the experience to any taste bud. Food and beverage is not included with park admission and is avail-
H E A D L I N E C O N C E RT S E R I E S Saturday, March 24: Sunday, March 25: Saturday, March 31: Sunday, April 1: Saturday, April 7: Sunday, April 8: Saturday, April 14: Sunday, April 15: Saturday, April 21: Sunday, April 22: Saturday, April 28: Sunday, April 29:
Canteen, or relish in the robust flavors at Chef’s Plantation with salmon cake with lemon aioli, Korean-style ribs and allnew short rib and brie grilled cheese. Guests can elevate the Food and Wine
Festival experience even more by sipping a carefully curated selection of fine bourbons and new tequila tastings. Guests can choose from two exclusive VIP concert upgrades at
Better Than Ezra & Tonic Michael Bolton Boyz II Men Natalie Grant Hank Williams, Jr. TLC Bret Michaels Coming Soon The All-American Rejects Cole Swindell Flo Rida Kaleo & Bleachers able for an additional fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consumer alcoholic beverages. Visit www.buschgardens.com/tampa/events/food-and-wine-festival.
Expires 3/31/18
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Family Sells Dipped Strawberries For Mission Trip Fundraisers
By Michelle Caceres
Riverview out in her memory as particuresident Rose larly impactful. Conte loves par“There was a lot of love ticipating in misthat was poured out from our sion trips and local community,” she said. serving people “Once I announced I was in other coungoing over and taking suptries. She also plies, people that I didn’t even loves working in know were showing up and the kitchen. donating food, health supplies Rose, Tori and Christian Conte sell Since misand money for the people of large chocolate-covered strawberries sion trips are Puerto Rico.” to support their mission trips. In Puerto Rico, residents not cheap, were grateful for the muchConte combined needed supplies. They brought her two passions to form Tasty Berries, a satellite phone so residents a service selling, could make a call to worried rellarge, fresh, decoatives. rated Ghiradelli “It was such a humbling chocolate-dipped experience,” she said. “I’m so strawberries. thankful that I was able to go Proceeds from the and be His hands and feet and The Conte family runs Tasty Berries, providing chocolateberry sales help represent our community.” dipped strawberries for parties fund mission trips “If I can impact someone’s and events to fund mission work for herself, her life it brings me great joy,” said to other countries. daughter Tori and her son Christian. Rose. “Transformation or life begins at The family caught the mission bug in the edge of your comfort zone and going 2013, when her son was trying to earn on these trips proves that God provides enough money to go on a mission trip to the opportunity but it’s up to us to take Brazil with his church. That same year them. they decided to start selling chocolateOne dozen chocolate-covered strawberries start at $25. Customization of covered strawberries to help pay for the orders is possible; berries can be trip. It was so successful that they have wrapped in gift boxes or displayed on continued to offset the cost of the trips platters, perfect for weddings, bridal with money earned from the berry sales. showers and parties. Pick-up or delivery Christian has been on four mission is available. trips. Rose and her daughter have been To place an order, visit www.tastyberon two trips to Brazil and one to Puerto ries.org, by email at Rico after Hurricane Irma. rose@tastyberries.org or call 501-2036. The Puerto Rico mission trip stands
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Volume 13, Issue 3
Rowdies Youth Club To Compete In Foyle Cup in Ireland
By Nick Nahas
The Rowdies Youth Club with a team from England that they played.
Three local boys will go to Ireland this summer to compete in the Foyle Cup as a part of the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The international tournament will host some of the top soccer clubs in Ireland, as well as professional academies in Europe, in addition to the top premier teams from other countries. It is also attended by numerous scouts from both the English and Scottish Premier Leagues. The club is associated with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and they train at the Waters Complex in Tampa. They will be the only team from the U.S. to compete in this tournament. Grayson Ayer from Fishhawk, Alejandro GranadosTorres from Brandon, and Jojo Davila from Valrico, all 5th and 6th graders, will compete in the Foyle Cup. The under-12 team consists of players born in 2006. “This opportunity means a lot, because we get to see how good we are compared to other teams around the world,” said Ayer. “This is such an amazing opportunity for the boys,” said Grayson’s mom, Tiffany Ayer, who is trying to get the word out to raise funds for the trip. The team is currently looking for sponsorships and donations to be able to make costs more affordable for the trip. Dex Imaging and Mosaic are the sponsors they have so far. They will also be doing an online auction that will go live in April that will
include items such as Tampa Bay Rays memorabilia, Tampa Bay Buccaneers memorabilia, a Martin Gramatica autographed football, multiple wine baskets, multiple liquor baskets, two tickets to to the Tampa
Bay Rays club seats (included with buffet, beer/wine, dessert bar), foursome of golf at Cypress Creek Gold Club, a basket from Sun Bum, and a basket with certificates from Pure Barre. They also will be hosting a youth camp over the summer at Ed Radice Park from 9 a.m.-3p.m., June 19 through June 22 for players born from 2007-2009. The fee will be $175 per person. Additional information will be published on the TBUSC.COM website closer to the event. If you would like to donate or become a sponsor, you can contact Darren Miller at DMiller@ElectroTape.com or you can call him at 363-3905.
March 2018
Brandon/Winthrop
The Community Roundtable Holds Its Annual Community Affairs Dinner
By Kathy L. Collins
This year’s Fidler, a senior at Community Roundtable Bloomingdale High Annual Dinner theme School. Fidler has a was Vision. The keynote weighted GPA of 5.72 speakers were and plans to attend the Hillsborough County University of Central Florida. Commissioner, Stacy The Non-Profit of White and John the Year Award was Dingfelder. White and given to Seeds of Hope, Dingfelder, along with an all-volunteer nonCommunity Roundtable profit. Seeds of Hope President, Janine provides food assisNickerson, spoke about Shaun Fidler, a senior at plans to preserve Bloomingdale High School, shown tance to local people in here with Janine Nickerson, need and meaningful Brandon’s history. President of the Community service community Specifically, the three Roundtable, was awarded the laid out a vision of preMaureen Krzanowski Scholarship. hours for students. The Alice serving Julia B. Tompkins Mosely’s propCommunity erty (located Service along Hwy. 60 Award was between presented to Haverty’s and John Noriega Portillo’s) in of Bill’s Brandon. The Prescription property has Center in been in the Brandon. family’s possession since John Noriega of Bill’s Prescription Center is the recipi- Noriega has they settled ent of this year’s Alice B. Tompkins Community Service always equatAward. ed his job with there in the service to the community. 1880’s. Noriega said, “We would not be here Currently, there are plans to preserve without the community. Your problems go this historic landmark. Ultimately, the site away when you help others.” may be transformed into a history center. For more information on The The community will be informed of the Community Roundtable, please visit progress of this plan. www.thecommunityroundtable.org or call This year’s Community Roundtable 661-4350. Scholarship was awarded to Shaun
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Brandon/Winthrop
New First Wednesday Services At Bell Shoals Bring In Great Christian Minds
Staff Report
New for 2018, Bell Shoals Baptist Church has started an evening of highenergy worship, dynamic prayer and relevant Bible teaching on the first Wednesday night of each month. Aptly called First Wednesday, these events present relevant topics in today’s culture. These special services start at 7 p.m. in the Worship Center on its Brandon Campus. “I wanted to try something on Wednesday nights that would add new energy and life to our regular programming, “ said Dr. Stephen Rummage, senior pastor at Bell Shoals Baptist Church. In a What God Says About... series, Dr. Rummage will speak about loving your spouse in the month of April, giving and receiving forgiveness in September and understanding your Bible in December. Invited speakers scheduled for the rest of the year include May’s guest Al
Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, the largest seminary in the world. In June, Frank Page, the president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee, will be talking about surviving grief after someone close to you commits suicide, and how God can heal you following such tragedies. Nik Ripken, a missionary and author will speak on his lifeand-death experiences revealed in his books The Insanity of God and The Insanity of Obedience in August. October brings Ronnie Floyd, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, president of the National Day of Prayer, and pastor of Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas will be talking about the importance of praying for America. In November, Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources will speak about what it means to be a church member. “We are blessed to have these speakers coming to Bell Shoals,” said Dr. Rummage. “They are some of the greatest minds in the evangelical world today.” For more, visit www.bellshoals.com, its Facebook page or call 689-4229. Bell Shoals Brandon Campus is located at 2102 Bell Shoals Road in Brandon.
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Volume 13, Issue 3
Enter to win a Family 4-Pack!
Winners will receive family 4-Pack of tickets to the Sun n’ Fun Air Show. 1. What is the name of one advertising restaurant in this Osprey Observer. 2. What is one thing you like best about this paper?
Name: Address: Phone: Email: Community: Email to win at contest@ospreyobserver.com, fax to 657-4469 or mail to 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Brandon, FL 33511.
March 2018
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Family-Owned Forever Green Lawn & Pest Control Service Offers Quality
By Nick Nahas
Mike For 35 Compton years, started his Forever family-run Green Lawn lawn compa& Pest ny, Forever Control has Green Lawn been working & Pest in the lawn Control, in care industry. 1987. He and The company his son Ben offers free Compton estimates and work together no contracts to ensure are required. that your They offer lawns look monthly and amazing. “I bi-monthly want to make lawn maintepeople happy nance packand proud of ages. Mike Compton started Forever Green Lawn & Pest their lawns, Control 35 years ago offering many services, including According to the trimming of trees, weed control and tree injections. its website, and make their landscaping look great,” said the company promises excellent cusMike Compton. “Our goal is to turn tomer service and strive to make you something that doesn’t look good into proud of your lawn. With lawn maintesomething that looks really nice.” nance contracts, they assign a personThe St. Pete native takes pride in al lawn care expert to you, ensuring making people’s lawns beautiful. He they learn your preferences and do the offers lawn care, trimming of trees and job exactly how you want it, each and shrubs, weed control, pest control, every time. All of the chemicals used deep root tree injections for palm trees are nontoxic and safe for pets. and repairing of irrigation systems. Compton’s goals are to keep the They span from St. Pete, to business growing and to keep making Clearwater, to Tampa, in addition to customers happy about its lawn care. Bradenton, and all the way down to For more information, visit Fort Meyers and Cape Coral. They www.forevergreenlawnandpest.com. have offices located in St. Pete, Coupons and special offers can be Bradenton, Tampa and Fort Meyers. found in the Osprey Observer and on “We do it right the first time or we don’t the company’s website. do it at all,” Compton said.
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Page 31
2018 Summer Camps Offer Many Options To Keep Your Kids Active It’s only the start of spring, but before you know, the dog days of summer will be upon us. What can you do to keep the kids entertained? Where can they go to try new things, learn how to swim, meet new friends and have great adventures and even learn about places and cultures far away? There are many options to choose from locally that will fit the bill. The staff at the Osprey Observer has collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pull out section. Maybe your kids would like to spend the summer ‘horsing around.’ R&R Ranch offers just that opportunity, and not just to learn to horseback ride, but also about the care of the horses. At Music Showcase, music and theatre take the stage and so can your child. Musicals such as Mary Poppins jr. and Fiddler on the Roof jr. will be offered, and your child can hold starring roles in these and other popular musicals offered from the Florida Academy of Performing Arts for chil-
dren ages 5 and up. For your actor or musician, check out Firehouse Cultural Center and Patel Conservatory also offer fun and exciting ideas. The local YMCAs will offer many types of camps which mix fun along with great learning experiences. With plenty of choices, there is something for everyone. Mathnasium is the place to help give them a strong start in the fall. For dates, prices and registration information on these and more, turn the page and enjoy this special section and have a great summer. Do you have a child interested in cooking? Check out Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s Cooking Camps for Kids through Teens. With weekly themes utilizing agespecific activities and field trips that make BSAC unique, your kids will enjoy every moment of summer camp. Did we miss one? Let us know by e-mailing subject line “Summer Camp” to michelle@ospreyobserver.com and we will be sure to add our full listing online and in future editions.
Camp BSAC
Brandon Sports & Aquatics (BSAC) impacts lives and the community as a whole by providing over 10,000 swim lessons per year, in conjunction with its mission to prevent youth drowning. It also provides quality affordable childcare for working families. There is programming for the special needs population with its Team Trident Program, which is focused on three main areas: active recreation, proper socialization and interpersonal skills, and independent life skills. There is something at BSAC for every child. Over the past 55 years local families have counted on BSAC to provide year-round, quality sports, recreation and educational experiences for their children. We are a favorite of working parents who want to feel good about where they are leaving their kids every day; that the kids are safe, are learning valuable athletic and social skills and are practicing good leadership. Summer Camp at BSAC is a place for all children to be active, exploratory, creative, independent, playful, friendly, and confident. Join in for BSAC’s Passport to Adventure where your child will experience food, games and culture from all around the world. Both full day, half day and drop-in options at an affordable rate are offered. There are field trips weekly for all ages too. Every week the children will ‘travel’ to a new region of the globe, earning passport stamps as they go. They will dazzle you with the stories of their daily adventures as they bring out their inner Beast Mode in Africa and Seas the Day explor-
ing the Islands. Along with the Summer Camp Experience, additional programming, such as swim lessons are offered. The Learn to Swim Program is the most comprehensive swim lesson program in our area, working with ages six months and up. These are conveniently offered during your child’s Summer Camp day.
Bricks4Kidz
Bricks 4 Kidz Tampa is back with awesome LEGO® Summer Camps being offered all over the Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico areas. Join in for a different theme each week such as Star Wars, Minecraft, Ninjago, and much more! Each week our campers will be building signature Bricks 4 Kidz robotic LEGO® models, very popular LEGO® mosaics and 3D LEGO® sculptures, as well as playing fun games and creating arts and crafts projects they will get to take home. At the end of each week, every camper will get to take home their very own LEGO® mini figure. Each day and week will be a brand new LEGO® adventure you won’t
want to miss. Below is the schedule for the camps being offered at nearby locations: We Rock The Spectrum in Valrico, Monday to Friday, June 18-22: LEGO® STAR WARS Camp; July 9 – July 13: LEGO® Movies Camp and July 30 – August 3: LEGO® Superheroes and Villains. Livingstone Academy Campuses in Seffner, Riverview, and Bloomingdale: May 29 - June 1: LEGO® STAR WARS-Mincraft Mashup Camp (Seffner Campus); Monday to Friday, June 25 - 29: Autism Spectrum LEGO Club Brandon Area
LEGO Camp Morning Session (Bloomingdale) and July 23-July 27: LEGO® Mashup Camp (Riverview Campus). Sign up today at www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa or call 545-4282.
Math Help
Musical Theater And Much More Offered At Firehouse Cultural Center
The Firehouse Cultural Center will be offering Summer Camp through the summer. It is located at 101 1st Ave. NE in Ruskin. Week 1: June 4 – June 8 - Musical Theater I; Week 2: June 11 – June 15;
Musical Theater II Week 3: June 18 – June 22; Musical Theater III; Week 4: June 25 – June 29; Musical Theater IV Week 5: July 2 – July 6; No Camp on Wednesday, July 4; Week 6: July 9 – July 13; The Art of Printmaking; Week 7: July 16 – July 20; Cartooning & Animation; Week 8: July 23 – July 27; Robotics-Materials Fee for Robotics: $50; Week 9: July 30 – August 3; Robotics Materials Fee for Robotics: $50. For more information, call 645-7651 or visit www.firehouseculturalcenter.org.
Dance, Music And Theater Camps Take Center Stage At Patel Conservatory
Registration is now open for Patel Conservatory dance, music and theater summer camps and classes, which begin the week of May 29.
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Math Enrichment
Test Prep
Summer Fun
Avoid The SUMMER SLIDE! Summer Topics
• Curing Finger Counting • Focusing on Fractions • Having Fun & Building • Confidence in Math
• Preparing for Middle School • Maximizing ACT/SAT Math Skills • Previewing or Reviewing • Algebra I & II or Geometry
Now Enrollin g for Summer
Mathnasium has two options to serve you with an In-Center experience or an @home experience.
Beach Side, Cliff Side, or World Traveler; take Mathnasium@home anywhere!
813-655-MATH
Nearly 70 camps and classes are offered, most with performance opportunities, for students of all ages and abilities. Some camps and classes require auditions. Theater auditions will be held March 29, April 19 and May 18 and music auditions will be held April 7 and May 5. Auditions for Patel Conservatory Popular Dance (PCPD) classes will be held April 7. Registration for auditions is required. Additional information about the Patel Conservatory, including audition scheduling, is available at www.patelconservatory.org and by calling 222-1040. Nearly $200,000 in scholarships will be awarded for Patel Conservatory camps and classes this summer. Scholarship applications are available online and the priority deadline is April 16. The Patel Conservatory offers classes in dance, music and theater for students of all ages and experience levels. Each year, the Patel Conservatory and the Straz Center’s arts education programs enrich the lives of more than 70,000 students in our classrooms, on our stages and through the community. The Patel Conservatory is located at the Straz Center, 1010 N Macinnes Pl. in Tampa. Visit www.patelconservatory.org.
Busch Gardens Offers Exciting And Educational Camp Programs
Busch Gardens’ Summer Day Camp is a time to make new friends, try new things, come face-to-face with a giraffe and challenge North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower.
For more than 25 years, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has provided children with inspiring, exciting and educational experiences with some of the best Tampa summer camp options found anywhere. A variety of Summer Day Camps to fit your student’s grade level and interest are offered. Different programs are offered for kids in grades K through 8th. Day Camps include daily lunches, snacks and drinks, a Camp T-shirt and a water bottle, complimentary photo with a Busch Gardens animal ambassador and compli-
mentary admission to Busch Gardens following camp each day for camper For students in grades 9-12, Busch Gardens offers Counselor in Training. If you are looking for something fun to do this summer, that will provide you with valuable career experience, then the Busch Gardens Counselor in Training program (CIT) is the summer camp program for you. This week-long program offers a real opportunity to learn from the
best. Expert educators will share their experience and knowledge with you on topics from child development to zoo careers and environmental awareness. Complete a specialized orientation and participate side by side with camp counselors during the summer day camp programs. Application required. Information is available at https://buschgardens.com/tampa/summer-camps/day-camps/. If your child is looking for a homeaway experience, Busch Gardens Summer Resident Camp offers this chance for students. Busch Gardens Summer Resident Camps have combined nature and thrills to create a unique one-of-a-kind experience. Based out of a secure onsite dormitory, Mzinga Lodge, camper’s grades 5 through college are provided with an all-inclusive camp experience from start to finish.
Come Experience The World With Kids R Kids
Some of the fun summer programs taking place at Kids R Kids this summer include: Kid Power - Explore heroes around the world to create an unforgettable
superhero story of your own that combines STEAM concepts with special powers. Epic Escape – Solve ‘the-who-doneit’ cases from favorite children’s liaterature and global mysteries throughout history. Use secret code detective work, teamwork and problem-solving to reveal the plots of epic literature. Melting Pot – Get involved in making the world a better place by visiting new cultures, exploring unique languages, cooking up new recipes using math and science and creating new traditions for your family. Mind Blast – Build an original, interactive game using recycled materials found in your community. This is a fun-focused week that fuses innovation, imagination and conservation. Pay it Forward – Create a lasting impression on the world by expressing your kindness and goodwill through community-focused projects and cooperative games that will unite everyone involved. Other fun weeks include Creative Destination, Steam Revolution, Cloud Exploration, Habitat Hunters, Globe Trotters and Our Town. Kids ‘R’ Kids has two locations: Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Valrico is located at 4321 Lynx Paw Trail
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
• 6 Weeks Through 12 Years • Full & Part Time Options • Open: M-F 6am to 6:30pm • Creative Curriculum for Infants & Toddlers • ABC Mouse Computer Technology • Brainwaves Curriculum • APPLE Accreditation • CITA Approved Curriculum • Security Code Access Entry • FREE Internet Viewing of Your Child’s Day • Outdoor Playgrounds with Water Park • Servicing the following schools, Grades K to 5 Stowers, Valrico Academy, FishHawk Creek, Bevis, Lithia Springs, Alafia, Cimino, and Foundation Christian • Nutritious Meals & Snacks: Low Salt & Sugar Summer Camp • Spanish & Music Included Begins • Trained Professional Staff, Tuesday, May 29th Certified in First Aid & CPR thru • Extracurricular Programs
NOW ENROLLING
SUMMER VPK 2018 & FALL VPK 2018-19 FREE 3 Hr Program
Kids ‘R’ Kids is excited to introduce our first summer camp EVER designed to teach your child that they are an important part of the global community. With a different “world” to explore each week using STEAM strategies and hands-on activities kids will explore all the things our world has to offer – all while sharing loads of laughter and having heaps of fun! Over the course of the summer, your child will build confidence and discover that one person no matter how big or small – CAN make a difference. And when we work together, there’s NO LIMIT to the amazing things we can accomplish to ROCK THE WORLD!
Friday, August 3rd Trips and Meals included
Two Great Locations...
CIRCA FISHHAWK 813-654-7000
5815 Kids Crossing Drive
VALRICO 813-657-6200
4321 Lynx Paw Trail
(Located next to Stowers Elementary and Mosaic)
(Located across fromLithia Springs Elementary)
Lic # CHC432384
Lic # CHC431024
www.KRKCirca.com
www.KRKValrico.com
in Valrico. Call 657-6200 for more information and Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Circa/FishHawk, 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. Call 654-7000 for more information. Visit www.krkvalrico.com/programs/2018-summer-camp
Spend The Summer At R&R Ranch Horsin’ Around
Summer Campers will enjoy riding and caring for horses at family-owned R&R Ranch. It specializes in safe enjoyable horse experiences. The name stands for ‘Rest" and "Relaxation’ and also offers pony parties, trail riding lessons, horse boarding, playgroups and horse camps. Summer Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Monday to Friday. Early and late pickup can be arranged. Student’s ages 6 to 12 years are invited to attend. Campers will enjoy: a daily trail ride or lesson, pony painting, hay rides, lots of games, snowball fight, learning how to care for horses and farm animals, bounce castle, Lunch and disco in the air conditioned camp house. There is a petting zoo with baby bunnies, chicks, ducks and baby pigs. Kids will also get to enjoy arts and
crafts and more. Campers should wear closed toe shoes and comfortable clothes. They will also need a swim suit if they want to participate in the water activities. Campers will need to bring their lunch and lots to drink. Sunscreen and bug spray are also recommended. Safety helmets will be provided. R&R Ranch is located at 9805 Bryant Rd. in Lithia. Visit www.rrranchlithia.com.
Improve Math Performance Over The Summer At Mathnasium Brandon
Incorporating math studies into a student’s summer routine brings other significant benefits. “Take advantage of the more relaxed environment of summer break as a golden opportunity to improve math performance,” suggests Becky
McDaniels, Center Director at Mathnasium Brandon and Mathnasium @home. Mathnasium’s new @Home tutoring program will also help students keep up on their math skills from virtually anywhere.
“During the summer, children have a lot of unstructured time, allowing them to unplug their busy minds and begin making different connections. These are ideal conditions for effectively absorbing new information and having a sudden ‘aha’ moment when concepts click into place. McDaniels has found the summer months to be a great opportunity for students to work on mathematics and have seen children make great strides with a serious commitment of just two to three hours a week all while having a great time. Call 655-MATH or visit online at www.mathnasium.com/brandon to schedule summer sessions at your neighborhood center or at home using its Mathnasium @home program and combat the summer slide from virtually anywhere. Mathnasium will also be offering a coding/robotics camp this year on Sunday, June 17 and July 15. More dates to be added based on enrollment. Mathnasium of Brandon is located at 1048 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico in Plaza Bella.
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium Is Cook Up Some Summer Fun
Summer Camps are a great way to learn new skills in the kitchen, create tasty recipes, and meet lots of new friends. The only things you need to be prepared are closed toe shoes and a restraint for shoulder length hair. All the ingredients, tools, and even the fun is included. Students are taught how to properly use real kitchen tools, knives, and appliances safely under adult supervision. Students come away with the confidence to prepare dishes that are age appropriate and tasty. The goal is to encourage your child to be a help in the kitchen and to have fun while building a lifetime of good skills. Cooking Camps for kids ages 6-9 will take place from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. daily and the tween’s and teen’s Summer Camps, ages 10-15) will take place from 2-4:30 p.m. Camps will take place weekly for four days and run from May 29 through August 2. Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium is located at Brandon Crossroads, 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Call 653-2418 or visit www.rollingpinonline.com.
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s
Bricks 4 Kidz Tampa is back with awesome LEGO® Summer camps being offered all over the Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico areas! Join us for a different theme each week such as Star Wars®, Minecraft®, Ninjago®, and much more!
Motorized LEGO® and LEGO® Art Projects
Full Week Camps Half Day and Full Day Options Ages 5-12
Camp locations all over Brandon • Riverview • Valrico Lithia • Fishhawk Early Bird Registration and Sibling Discounts To find out more and to register please visit
www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa
or call us at 813-545-4282
Our instructors have 30 years combined professional playing and coaching experience.
Session 1 June 4-8 (M-F)
Session 2 July 9-13 (M-F)
Session 3 July 23-27 (M-F)
Location:
M-W Ostingers Academy Space is Limited Th-F FishHawk Sports Complex Register Early Age Group: 7 - 14 yrs to hold your spot! Time: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Cost: $175/camper **(Second Child $125) **Multi week discounts
Daily Instruction • Games • Pitching/Catching Fundamentals Addressed • Drills For More Information:
Call 813.737.3000 or visit our website at www.OstingBaseball.com
Brandon’s Big Green “EggQu arters”
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Your Kids Will Enjoy Their Best Summer Ever At YMCA Camps
The area YMCA’s offer a lot of options for summer camp fun. With the full day camp experience, campers enjoy days full of themed camp fun like arts and crafts, swimming games and more. Specialty Full Day Camps include time throughout the week spent engaged in activities specific to the specialty chosen. If your camper is looking to spend an entire day immersed in something they are passionate about, the Aquatics, Sports, Teen or Gymnastics camps may be for them. Is your camper looking for a unique adventure? Two camp options may be YMCA Camp Cristina or The First Tee of Tampa Bay. Preschool and Adaptive Camps are offered at a few locations too. For more information at some of the local Y’s, call North Brandon Family YMCA at 685-5402, Campo Family YMCA at 6841371, YMCA Camp Cristina at 677-8400 and Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Road at 228-9622.
Enjoy The Summer Scene 2018 At The Florida Academy Of Performing Arts
Full and half day camps are available for kids ages 5 and up at The Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA) at Music Showcase. Kids will enjoy music, acting, guitar and drums, field trips, singing and games and more. Musical Theatre productions of Mary Poppins jr., Seussical, Fiddler on the Roof jr. and Junie B. Jones The Musical jr. will all take place this summer. Daily themes will include Wicked, The Greatest Showman, Frozen, Hamilton and more. For more information, call 490-2787 or visit faopa.org.
Second Annual Family-Friendly Summer Camp Expo
The Family-Friendly Summer Camp Expo (Tampa Edition) will kick off on Saturday, April 7 from 47 p.m. at the George M. Steinbrenner Field in connection with the Tampa Tarpons MLB team Inaugural Home Opener. When families pre-register online, they can take advantage of discounted $1 admission tickets to the Expo and the game.
The Summer Camp Expo will offer a one-stop shop to local summer camps, summer activities, special needs camps, family products and services. The first 250 families will receive a free swag bag. Kids can run the bases, get player autographs, enjoy a fun Kids Zone, live entertainment, and so much more. There will be lots of giveaways and prizes up for grabs. Make sure to stay for the postgame fireworks. Visit FamilyFriendlyTampaBay.com for ticket
Learn Baseball From The Pros At Ostingers Academy Baseball Camp
Ostingers Academy will hold Baseball Camp this summer to give your child a better understanding of the game of baseball, through instruction, drills, and games. Having a good time while learning the fundamentals will be the main focus of this camp. Ostingers staff is made up of all former professional players who instruct, teaching the game from the ground up. The camp is not a full day camp with video games and indoor activities.
Jim Osting is a Baseball Instructor with 120 years of professional baseball playing experience including two years of Major League Experience (Padres and Brewers). Patrick Ryan is a Baseball Instructor with eight years professional pitching experience. Kris Wilken is the Head Baseball Coach at Bloomingdale High School and has six years of professional playing experience College and high school players trained by Ostingers Academy will assist your child throughout their camp experience. Additional help is provided from Ostinger players current and past to make the campers experience one of a kind. Camp weeks run Monday to Friday, June 4-8, July 9-13 and July 23-27. Camps run half days from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Camps are held Monday to Wednesday at Ostingers Academy and Thursday and Friday at the FishHawk Sports Complex. The cost is $175 (multi week/multi camper discount). For more information or to register, call 737-3000 or visit www.OstingBaseball.com.
TechPlayzone Offers Hands-On Technology Enrichment In Fun & Safe Environment
TechPlayzone has led the charge for engaging young people in science, technology, engineering, and math since 2005. With an increased demand for hands-on technology enrichment,
TechPlayzone has continued to provide families with excellent curriculum, and fun in a safe environment for all kids. Give your child a high-tech advantage at TechPlayzone this summer. TechPlayzone is pleased to offer 4 weeks of STEM Camp for beginning and returning TechPlayzone campers in 2nd5th grade. TechPlayzone is honored to partner with FIRST LEGO League at Hillsborough Community College to power the FIRST LEGO League Camp.
We also offer engineering enrichment specifically for 6th - 8th grade students. Using TechPlayzone's formula of hands-on project-based learning with cutting edge technology, students can work at their own pace or work as a team with the assistance of facilitators and staff members to complete one of the engineering projects each week. For information, visit techplayzone.com, call 684-7329 or email techplayzone@gmail.com.
The Suncoast Youth Conservation Center Offers Six Weeks Of Summer Camp
By Kathy L. Collins
Campers get to experience fun this summer along the shores of Tampa Bay at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center’s marine-focused summer camps.
If you are looking for a unique summer camp experience for your child this summer, then look at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center (SYCC) in Apollo Beach. The SYCC is offering six weeks of marine-focused summer day camps for students who have completed the third through eighth grades. The SYCC is offering three weeks of Saltwater Fish Camp, one week of Kayak Adventure Camp and new this summer, two weeks of Marine Science Camp. The Saltwater Camps, offered in June and July, are geared for beginners who want to learn how to rig a fishing rod, tie knots, throw a cast net and stock a tackle box. As part of the Saltwater Camp, campers get to fish the mangrove shorelines of the Tampa Bay estuary. The Kayak Adventure Camp, offered in July, is for youth who have completed grades six to eight. It will cover basic kayak strokes and maneuvers, rescues, orienteering, chart reading, water safety, habitat conservation and provide plenty of opportunities for trying out the new paddling skills they have learned. Campers will also learn everything they need to know to obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card.
The newest camp is the Marine Science Camp. This camp is offered in July and August. Dr. Kathy Guindon, Director of SYCC explained, “Students will learn about the animals found within various marine habitats. They will also use tools and techniques scientists use to study a range of marine wildlife from birds to fish. Games, experiments, crafts, recreational activities and sessions with a scientist will be used to connect students with the outdoor world.”
Dr. Guindon added, “The Center’s weeklong camps are a fun way for students to learn about saltwater fishing, kayaking and more.” Camps run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The registration fee for each camp is $190. Campers get a t-shirt, water bottle and a lifetime of memories. Space is limited. Spaces are filled on a firstcome, first-serve basis. Dr. Guindon said, “The SYCC is a marine-focused conservation education center on the shores of Tampa Bay that provides exciting learning opportunities for youth and families. It is a part of the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, an FWC program dedicated to Creating the Next Generation That Cares about fish and wildlife conservation.” For information, visit the website directly at www.fyccn.com/SYCC_ Summer_Camp.
Award W inning STEM Camps Since 2005 Where Bright & Creative Kids Play to Learn
!
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 3
March 2018
Page 39
Brandon/Winthrop
al a, G e d a r e Masqu t Show T a l e n M o re … s& n o i t i d u nti, A e Colesa hell d by Mic m Compile preyobserver.co s o @ e ll miche
Brandon Christian Writers Meet
Do you have a story to share but don’t know how to start? Would you like to get your feet wet in the sea of publishing? Come meet with a great mix of successful and aspiring writers who get together monthly to learn the ropes, find inspiration and enjoy networking. The Brandon Christian Writers meet the fourth Thursday of every month at St. Andrews Methodist Church, 3315 Bryan Rd. in Brandon in Room 305 of the Family Center. At the next meeting on April 26 will be pubtions.com/ncsgala/tickets?type=15343 . Admission ticket sales close on April 20. For more information, email Gala@nativitycatholicschool.org.
The LifeCare Network’s Annual Golf Tournament With Helicopter Drop
LifeCare’s annual golf tournament will be held on Friday, April 13 at the River Hills Country Club in Valrico. Check-in begins at 11 a.m. and is followed by lunch and a helicopter golf ball drop. The shotgun start is at 12:45 p.m. The registration fee is $150 per person and includes golfing, lunch, dinner, a Dri-Fit polo shirt, a goodie bag and con-
tests along the golf course. The LifeCare Network exists to lead those they serve to know Christ, protect the sanctity of human life and promote biblically based sexuality according to God’s plan for marriage. For more information, visit www.LifeCareNetwork.net. To register or become a sponsor for the golf fundraiser, please contact Jessica Rickenbach at Jessica@LifeCareNetwork.net or 6540491. The River Hills Country Club is located at 3943 New River Hills Pkwy. in Valrico.
Scrapbooking Event
Holy Innocent’s Episcopal Church is hosting a scrapbooking event on Saturday, April 14 from 9a.m.-6 p.m. Registration fees include workspace, light breakfast and lunch. Bring your own supplies. There is plenty of room and great lighting. Registration fee is $35. Proceeds from this event will benefit Holy Innocents mission trips. The event will be held at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, 604 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. Register at www.hiepiscopal.org. Any questions, please 727-365-2300.
Holy Innocents’ Sixth Golf Scramble
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church will hold its Sixth Annual ‘Best Ball’ Golf Tournament at River Hills Country Club, on Saturday, April 14’ , at 1 p.m. Prizes
will be awarded to the winning foursome as well as for Longest Drive and Closest to the Hole Contests. There are also Hole in One Prizes and a Putting Competition. The event will conclude with dinner, a raffle and silent auction during the Awards Ceremony. For individual and foursome registration as well as sponsorship opportunities visit www.hiepiscopal.org. All proceeds will benefit the mission and ministries of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church.
Music And Friendship Theme Of Brandon Christian Women’s Next Luncheon
The Brandon Christian Women's Connection will be hosting s luncheon on Monday April 9 to celebrate ‘Music and Friendship,’ with special friends and concert performers, Cia McKay and Nancy Unsworth. The luncheon goes from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in the special Event Center, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd in Brandon. The cost is $15. First time guests pay $10. This is a nondenominational luncheon and all ladies are invited. A reservation is requested by Monday, April 2. For more information, call Lillie at 740-0098.
Interfaith, Community Wide Yom HaShoah Service
Congregation Beth Shalom, 706 Bryan Road, Brandon FL 33511. Call for more information 681-6547. Shabbat services. Welcome the Sabbath Friday evenings at 7:45 pm. Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. All welcome. A joint program with SCC United Methodist Church, this service will include prayers, memorial candle lighting and readings, and an interfaith community choir led by Jeff Jordon. As a community, we will come together to remember what happened to the victims of Hitler, and to remember the heroes who did not live to tell their stories. For carpool information, contact Rudina Richter 690-1436 or meet at Beth Shalom at 6 p.m. This event is being held at the Sun City Center United Methodist Church, 1201 Del Webb Blvd, West Sun City Center, Wednesday, April 11 at 7 p.m. Havdallah Service and Diversity Panel Remembering that the Holocaust was fueled by the dynamics of discrimination, demonization and marginalization, we are hosting a panel discussion of diverse and marginalized community groups. All will share information to help us become aware of each group’s challenges and missions. In an effort to create a better understanding and acceptance. Saturday, April 14 at 7 p.m. Yom Ha’Atzmaut festival, Celebrate and honor Israel’s 70th birthday in South Hillsborough County. All invited and welcome to join us for this festive celebration. Sunday, April 15 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Pirkei Avot is available for free online at: www.chabad.org information, contact Julie at 813-502-5549 or, JulieREnszer@gmail.com.
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We Buy C ins We also buy Stamp Collections, Proof Sets, Postcards, and Foreign Coins Buy • Sell • Estimates • Appraisals
CORBIN’S Stamp & Coin
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Volume 13, Issue 3
Brandon/Winthrop
Bell Shoals Baptist Volunteers Make It Their Mission To Help Puerto Rico Hurricane Victims
By Tenetia Faircloth
to people in great need and giving The people of Puerto Rico have out the good news of the gospel. a saying, ‘Puerto Rican strong.’ We traveled an hour southeast Although proud and strong, more of San Juan in Punta Santiago, than five months after category 5 Humacao, the area hardest hit by Hurricane Maria hit the island, people the storm. Everywhere, power are still struggling. Large parts of the poles leaned at awkward angles, island are still without electricity, and dangling power lines dangerously the power companies are telling low over homes, sidewalks and the these people that it will be June street. Broken power poles, before power is restored in some downed trees and piles of debris areas. Supplies sit in warehouses lay everywhere. instead of reaching the people in Our team worked all day with need as distribution is a problem. Rick and Diane, volunteers from Bell Shoals four chainsaws, cutting and removDue to primitive conditions, it has Baptist Church work to remove gigantic tree from Volunteers from Bell Shoals Baptist Church and ing trees and debris fallen in the been difficult to send volunteer a small home in Puerto Rico. Alexandria, Virginia deliver food to hurricane of an elderly couple as well yard groups to help. victims in Puerto Rico. as the house next door. After the In February, a group of 10 volunjob was finished, the couple fed us all a teers from Bell Shoals Baptist Church hot meal of chicken, rice and beans. flew to San Juan for one week, joinwhat little they had, they made From ing the Southern Baptist North sure to show hospitality. What a blessAmerican Mission Board’s (NAMB) ing it was to pray with each family as disaster relief team, Send Relief. Its we completed the task for the day. mission in Puerto Rico supports existWe walked through the neighboring churches on the island ministering hood, delivering food. At each home we to the community after Hurricane visited, the people gladly received the Maria. With four locations on the food and told us their stories. One lady island, NAMB has 80-100 volunteers us shelves on her wall where showed on the island on any given day. she displayed beautiful figurines. “I When we arrived ,we were Volunteers from Bell Shoals Baptist Church join found my dog, [a Chihuahua], up on relieved to find both the municipal Send Relief in Puerto Rico as they feed the this shelf,” she told us. Her family saw electricity and water supply working community and distribute FEMA boxes. the roof fly off of the church next door at our location. and watched its furnishings fly out. After We cleaned and painted buildings eled to the La Perla district in Old San heard their stories, we prayed with we and assembled and set up wooden bunk Juan to visit Pastor Ivan. Although there Send Relief volunteers Tom and Tenetia each family, letting them know that God beds for Send Relief’s mountain camp are many worldly influences all around Faircloth ready to help Puerto Rico. and cares for each of them. knows set to house groups of 60-130 college his small church, Pastor Ivan chooses down walls. He stopped in front of a What a blessing it was to go. students during March spring break. to live right next door to his church, to small crumbling block home where he Bell Shoals Baptist Church is sendOn Sunday we split into two teams to best understand the needs and to minplans to build an art center where chiling another team to Puerto worship in local churches, joining them ister to his flock. He led our team on a dren can come to enjoy creative activiRico February 24. Let’s remember to after church as they fed a hot meal to the walk through La Perla, praying for the ties and learn of God’s love for them. It pray for our neighbors, the people of community and passed out FEMA boxes people of Puerto Rico. Many buildings was a challenging day, seeing these Puerto Rico. to each family. Sunday evening we trav and homes had no roof and broken young pastors going out, reaching out
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Artists Compete In Center Place’s 2nd Annual National Juried Competition And Exhibition ferent. There are more florals and more tropical works of art. It is just a great show.” Carol Stanton, the new Executive Director at Center Place said, “I have really enjoyed looking at all of the beautiful artwork. We had a lot of talented artists from all over enter the show. I am proud of this wonderCenter Place recently held its 2nd Annual National Contemporary Juried Competition among the winners included ful turnout for the exhiDiana Ranstrom’s Best of Show acrylic piece “Fierce Flamingo” bition.” and Douglas Steinbarger of Brandon’s “Four O’clock Florida.” The winners of Center Place of Brandon recently the 2nd Annual Square’s Off included held its 2nd Annual National Diana Ranstrom from Tampa, who won Contemporary Juried Competition and Best of Show. First place went to Tiffany Exhibition- Sqaure’s Off. The competition Sikora from Grand Rapid, Michigan. drew over 100 entries from 68 artists from Second place was awarded to Barry all over the country. The show was Goodman from St. Petersburg. Third judged by Christine Renc-Carter, the place went to Brenda Michaels from Lutz. Curator of the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Douglas Steinbarger from Brandon and Art located in Tarpon Springs. Anna Rodriguez from Tampa both won Renc-Carter said, “It was truly an Honorable Mention. honor to have the opportunity to judge the The non profit Center Place was creSquare’s Off National Contemporary ated by the community in 1976 and has Juried Competition and Exhibition at been an advocate and fierce promoter of Center Place. the arts ever since. Jennie Sikora-Muehl, Chair of For more information on Center Square’s Off and Art Instructor at Center Place, please visit www.centerplacebranPlace said, “This year’s exhibit is very difdon.org or call 685-8888.
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An Agatha Christie Murder Mystery Will Be Performed By The Village Players This April The Village Players of Valrico will next perform Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None (also known as 10 Little Indians). The show will commence with the traditional Opening Night Dinner Theatre on Friday, April 6. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets for the Opening Night Dinner Theatre are just $35 per person. Reservations are required. Regular shows will be held on Friday, April 13 and 20, Saturday, April 7, 14 and 21 at 8 p.m. Sunday matinee shows will be held on April 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.thevillageplayersvalrico.com or by calling the box office at 489-3147. And Then There Were None is directed by Gail Pierce who said, "And Then There Were None is one of Agatha Christie's best mysteries." In And Then a There Were None, 10 strangers are summoned to a remote island. The guests have one thing in common- a wicked past they are unwilling to reveal and a secret that will seal their fate. Each stranger has been marked for
murder. As the weather turns, and the group is cut off from the mainland, one by one they are murdered in accordance with the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme. Pierce said, "And Then There Were None is one of Christie's darkest tales. It is a masterpiece of dramatic construction. It's growing sense of dread and unfaltering tension will keep you guessing until the end." The play was a smash hit on London's West End and on Broadway. And Then There Were None has alternate versions of the ending. Pierce said, "The ending may surprise you. I believe the delivery can change the whole ending." Pierce added, "Agatha Christie's shows are a delight to bring to life. She gives you the plot and the location and leaves room for creativity. That is why her plays can be seen over and over again because they can each be delivered and interpreted in their own unique way. I believe murder played out on stage adds another dimension." Performances will be held at the historic James McCabe Theatre located at 506 5th St. in Valrico. For more information, please visit www.thevillageplayersvalrico.com.
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Page 42
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 3
March 2018
Page 43
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Sports Connection Story by Nick Nahas
Photos courtesy of Brandon High School
Brandon Wrestling Consecutive State Titles Streak Ends At 17 By Nick Nahas
place as a team, but “We are what had two individual state we repeatedly do; champions and six excellence then, is players that cracked not an act, but a the top 6 to place. habit.” This quote Trey Lane (63-0) by the famous and Noah Ridley (81-0) philosopher both went undefeated Aristotle has been and claimed individual a way of life for the state titles. Ridley, the Brandon High team captain, didn’t School wrestling miss a match the entire program for a very season and was the long time. lone senior on the Dominance doesn’t team, claiming his first even begin to individual state title as describe what the well. Ridley was the Eagles have 118 state Champion at accomplished The Eagles had a 34-year win-streak from 1974-2008, winning 459 straight matches. Brandon, and Lane was throughout the Trey Lane (63-0) (left) and Noah the 119, years. Ridley (81-0) both went undefeated adding to an For 34 years, this season and claimed Individual Noah Ridley went 81-0 this season and state titles. unmatched the Eagles obliterclaimed his first individual state title. legacy of most ated the competididn’t end According individual state tion, setting the record for the longest there. to Cozart, champions winning streak in American sports hisThe Eagles had won 17 state who just finfrom one tory with an astounding 459 wins in a championships in a row and 28 state ished his 38th school in row. The Streak, an ESPN documenchampionships overall. That streak season as the Florida. tary that came out in 2008, chronicled ended this season. The Eagles were head “We are the winning-streak that started way defeated by Lake Gibson 160.5 to wrestling setting the bar back in 1974 under head coach Jim 139.5 in the Class 2A tournament. coach at high for other Graves and continued up until 2008 “That’s what sports are all about, winBrandon, last if programs under legendary head coach Russ ning and losing,” said Cozart. “Our season when they are willing to take on the chalCozart. The streak came to an end in win-streak and consecutive titles they won the state title, they had two lenge,” said Cozart. “Finishing second 2008 when South Dade defeated streak is over, but I’m proud of all the individual state champions and four Brandon 32-28; however, the dynasty boys, they worked really hard.” that placed, this season they won 2nd isn’t bad, as long as you don’t get used to it.”
Page 44
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 3
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