Osprey Observer Bloomingdale/FishHawk December 2022

NEWSOME’S KATIE ROCHA NAMED COUNTY PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Congratulations are in order for New some High School Principal Katie Ro cha, who was recent ly named Hillsbor ough County Public School’s Principal of the Year.

Rocha has been the principal of New some for three years. Her background in education began with her mother, who was an educator in Poland.

At 16, Rocha and her parents immigrated to Brandon. She graduat ed from Brandon High School and later got her Bachelor of Arts and Science degree and her master’s in educational leadership from the University of South Florida. She taught chemistry at Bloomingdale Senior High School for eight years and at Blake High School for one year.

Rocha was selected to be Principal of the Year through a process involving nomina tions from district principals, regional su perintendents and other members of the su perintendent’s cabinet. The award is given to the principal who exemplifies leadership and that can create the best environment for students, faculty and staf “Mrs. Rocha is so inspirational and allows her master schedule to be diverse to give opportunities to her students. She has such a willingness and mindset to create a posi tive place, and I am proud of her.” said Hill sborough County Superintendent Addison Davis.

“Mrs. Rocha taught me how to be suc

By Ariana Pedraza

cessful at being an instructional leader. I appreci ate her hard work for Newsome High School,” said assis tant principal Dr. Chera Jones.

Paul Lindstrom, assistant principal for administration, said, “Her work eth ic is unmatched, and she expects the same from her staf; she would not ask anyone to do something she would not do herself.”

“Mrs. Rocha is a powerhouse principal who holds herself, and her staf, to high expectations. Her en ergy is outstanding, and her love of stu dents makes her the best choice for this award,” said Stacie Cleary, assistant prin cipal for curriculum.

Rocha was sur prised with the award at school on a Spirit Day. She was asked not to dress according to the theme for the day and was dismayed because she did not know why she could not dress up. She was surprised by her as sistant principals and the superintendent, who presented her with the award.

“It was a very exciting day, and it is an honor to receive this award. All the credit goes to the faculty, staf, students and com munity. Newsome would not be the place it is without them,” said Rocha.

When not at school, Rocha enjoys spend ing time with her husband and two sons, and especially enjoys traveling.

From the community, congratulations Principal Rocha!

Take a break and get into the holiday spirit at Bloomingdale High School’s free Holiday Under the Stars concert and festival on Thurs day, December 8. The Bloomingdale High School Mu sic Department welcomes the community to at tend their outdoor holiday concert at Bloomingda le’s Charley Harris football stadium.

Beginning in 2020 as a way to hold a holiday per formance while social distancing during the pandemic, the Holiday Under the Stars concert and festival has become an annual Blooming dale tradition. At tendees will enjoy performances by the Bloomingdale bands, the Crimson Guard, choirs and orchestras. The festive event will include a market for holiday shopping and food trucks for an easy dinner.

Jon Sever, director of bands at Bloomingdale High School, shared that both students and directors are looking forward to the night.

“We are excited to ofer the community the third annual Holiday Under the Stars at Bloomingdale’s football field. There will be food trucks, shopping and, of course, music will be the highlight of the night. The concert is free, but we ask that you bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots,” Sever said.

The event is special to Bloomingdale’s principal, Dr. Marcos Rodriguez. During the first Holiday Under the Stars in 2020, Rodriguez performed with the Jazz Band

playing saxo phone.

Rodriguez shared, “The Holiday Under the Stars event is one of my favorite events of the year at BSHS. This event showcas es the amazing talents of our students in the band, chorus, and orches tra programs while support ing the Toys for Tots char ity. The event also includes local business displays in our “winter vil lage” that help support our local community. If you want to hea r great music, support a great cause, and support our local business es make sure you plan to attend The Holiday Under the Stars event this year!”

The event starts at 5:30 p.m., which is when vendors begin selling items. Food options include Mr. C’s Grilled Cheese, Taco Holic, Nothing Bundt Cakes and JC’s Cofee.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring toys to donate to Toys for Tots.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS

By Jane Owen

Superintendent Addison Davis presenting Principal Katie Rocha with her Principal of the Year award.

Newsome High School Principal Katie Rocha with her assistant principals after being surprised with the Principal of the Year award.

Photo courtesy of Fred Ocasio. Principal Dr. Marcos Rodriguez played the saxophone at the inaugural Holiday Under the Stars in 2020.

20 YEARS AFTER THE FIRE, CAMPBELL’S DAIRYLAND IS GOING STRONG

On November 8, 2002, Camp bell’s Dairyland, co-owned by Jay Paules, Jill Paules, Leesa Lee and James Lee, suf fered fire damag es totaling around $250,000, which the Osprey Ob server covered in our December 2002 FishHawk edition. Jay was alerted of the fire at around 1 a.m. and rushed to his restaurant, but the damage was done.

It took eight months and eight days, but it came back as a missed part of the communi ty. After learning of its return date, Campbell’s Dairyland entered a float in the Brandon Fourth of July parade to announce it and celebrate, receiving much support and cheers.

“I remember the very first customers that I got to take their order was a mother and two young children, a boy and a girl, … and the little boy was the younger of the two, and after I took their order, he looks at me very sincerely and says, ‘Thank you for opening back up!’ I ain’t going to lie, I shed a tear,” Jay said.

The family-owned restaurant special izes in sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and of course ice cream and ice cream-related items, along with options like salads, bat tered veggies, seafood and over 30 milk shake flavors. Plus, it has indoor and out door sit-down dining, a drive-through and

By Taylor Wells

a small play area for kids outside.

It began as founder Boyd Campbell sell ing chili dogs at local events, using a five-gen eration-old fam ily recipe for the chili. In 1985, he and his wife, Pam Campbell, bought an ice cream location, then named Dairy Isle, and began selling chili dogs alongside the ice cream. It became Campbell’s Dairy land in 1993, yet it’s such a popular community fix ture that some customers still call it Dairy Isle. In 1998, the Campbells sold the restaurant to their daughters, Jill and Leesa, and it continued on to now.

“What’s really neat is, I’ve been here for 30 years,” Jay said. “I’ve seen people that I took their order from when they were little kids coming in with their parents, and now they’re coming in here with their own kids — they’re parents themselves, so I’m see ing these second generations with my own eyes, and it’s really gratifying and humbling to see.”

Campbell’s Dairyland is located at 200 S Parsons Ave. in Brandon. It’s current ly seeking employees, so if you’d like to become one, please contact the restau rant. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/people/campbells-dairy land/100063697802657/ or call 813-6851189.

BARRINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL’S FFA WINS NATIONALS IN INDIANA

By Makenzie Atkins

Barrington Middle School is celebrating as its team of Future Farmers bring back an impressive ac complishment.

The Future Farmers Asso ciation (FFA) at Barrington Middle School competed in and placed first at the Conduct of Chapter Meetings at the 95th FFA Na tional Conven tion. Eight girls from Barrington Middle School traveled all the way to India napolis, Indiana to compete against 42 other states.

Barrington Middle School’s FFA team, Ashlyn De manovich, Alexandra Jirinec, Karoline Kmetz, Jessie Parker, Hallie Peacock, Danielle Ricks, Morgan Walters and Camryn Varnadoe, and their advisor, Greg Leh man, brought home a big win for Barrington Middle School at the 95th FFA National Convention in India napolis, Indiana.

“I am so incredibly proud of these stu dents. Their work ethic and determination are unsurpassed,” said Greg Lehman, Bar rington Middle Schools FFA advisor. “To reach the level that they have achieved re quires multiple practices every week plus many hours of study time at home.”

The team came in second place back in 2021 as seventh graders, which gave them the drive to go back and win this year. With multiple practices each week, the team, Ashlyn Demanovich, Alexandra Jir inec, Karoline Kmetz, Jessie Parker, Hallie Peacock, Danielle Ricks, Morgan Walters and Camryn Varnadoe, worked hard to be

prepared for the 2022 conven

tion. Competing teams included seventh through ninth grade stu dents, and Bar rington’s team had to go up against many of the older stu dents.

“It was ex hilarating as a parent to watch such talented students from across the coun try compete in this debate are na,” said Sherie Jirinec, mother of team mem ber Alexandra.

“When we all realized that they had won the National Conduct of Chapter Meetings title, all of our mouths dropped, and the cheers of joy commenced.”

Each student was given an item of busi ness that was debated and voted on ac cording to the rules of parliamentary pro cedure. They were also given privileged, subsidiary and incidental motions that had to be stated and handled correctly. Each student was given 13 minutes and then had to answer the judges’ questions.

To learn more about Future Farmers of America, visit www.fa.org. Barrington Middle School, located at 5925 Village Center Dr. in Lithia, can be reached at 813657-7266.

Te co-owners of Campbell’s Dairyland, from left to right: Jay Paules, Jill Paules, Leesa Lee and James Lee.

BRENDA WADE TEAMS WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO DONATE $10,000 TO A KID’S PLACE

For its 10th annual ‘Partners in Giving’ event on November 1,

the Brenda Wade Real Estate Team and its communi ty partners were able to come to gether and raise $10,000 for A Kid’s Place foster home in Brandon.

This donation will go a long way, according to Samantha Mellen, develop ment specialist at A Kid’s Place.

“This donation will feed all 60 of our kids for two months and it makes a huge diference for our organization,” she said.

Through the years, the Brenda Wade Team, the top real estate agent in Hillsborough County and one of the top 50 real estate teams in the USA, has donated more than $110,000 to local charities.

“Each year, I match the amount of money our partners donate,” said Brenda Wade, president and CEO of the team, “so we truly are partnering together. We help families, day in and day out, as they buy and sell homes, so this was a wonderful opportunity to come alongside of families

By Marie Gilmore

in times of need. This year, we are partnering with a wonderful com munity corner stone that serves both children and families in need right here in our local community.”

Wade is thank ful to her busi ness partners, who ofered their support not only to her clients but to the commu nity as well. The businesses she has worked with this year include the Law Ofce of Rory Weiner, Complete Choice Insur ance, Meek Insurance Group, CrossCountry Mortgage, United Mu tual Funding Corpora tion, the Home Loan Expert, The Rice Finan cial Group, CertaPro Painters, All Amer ican Title Company and Osprey Observer Newspapers.

“When we work together, we can make a diference,” she said.

For more information about A Kid’s Place, visit www.akidsplacetb.org. For more information about the Brenda Wade Real Estate Team, visit https:// brendawade.com/.

RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY HELD FOR NEWSOME HIGH SCHOOL JROTC OBSTACLE COURSE

By Jeanelys Dugrot

Compe

The Newsome High School JROTC pro gram conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremo ny for its obstacle course on October 29. The purpose of the obstacle course is to provide cadets with a challenging, fun but safe opportunity to promote teamwork, build individual confidence, and improve overall physical fitness. The course consists of obstacles that are typically only found on military bases. Building the course on the Newsome campus has been an ongoing project for the Wolfpack Battalion for the past four years. After a lengthy approval process, cadet fundraising eforts and con struction delays caused by the pandemic, the JROTC program finally received ap proval to begin using the course this past summer.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, JROTC raider teams from 18 diferent high schools across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties were invited to run through the course. These teams all returned to Newsome the following weekend to com pete in the Area 9 Raider Competition. This event served as the qualifying meet for the

According to Pres ton Eder, cadet bat talion commander and raider team cap tain, “The cadets are very excited about the completion of the obstacle course. This new addition will be put to great use not only by our raider teams but also by other members of the program during team building events such as field day.”

The Newsome JROTC program would like to thank Dr. Andrea Beverly, CTE supervi sor, and Katie Rocha, principal of Newsome High School.

The endorsement of our administration, as well as that of the many friends, families and organizations that have supported the Wolfpack Battalion, have made the obsta cle course become a reality.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was sup ported by the Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Hillsbor ough County School Board member Me lissa Snively and State Farm, and the Area 9 Raider Competition was sponsored by the Military Order of World Wars, Sun City Chapter 226. The Newsome JROTC program appreciates their dedication and commitment to it and the future leaders of America. Pictures of the obstacle course are available at www.nhsjrotc.com.

Te Brenda Wade Team and its ‘Partners in Giving’ event donated $10,000 to A Kid’s Place.

State Raider

tition, which will take place on Saturday, December 3 at Camp Flaming Arrow Boy Scout Reservation in Lake Wales.

nitishrele@gmail.com

Last year, we test-drove the Q50 Red Sport version of this midsize luxury sport car from Infiniti with 400 horsepow er. For 2023, the carmak er dispatched over the less er-trim Sen sory model boasting 300 hp at 6,400 rpm. Both have the same 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine under the hood. But kid you not, the sedan didn’t feel much diferent on the road, navigat ing sharp curves and turns with self-as surance and grace. And, except for adding the Premium Care maintenance program (three years of oil changes, tire rotations and inspections), the Q50 maintains its status quo.

and daytime running lights. Dual chrome exhaust tips deck the rear.

Wheelbase:

Putting out 295 pounds-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm and available as a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the lively midsize sedan is coupled with a slick seven-speed auto gearbox. An independent double-wish bone front and a multilink rear suspension ensure safety for occupants in adverse road/weather conditions. Credit for the superbly accurate steering goes to a pow er-assist, rack-and-pinion system. Behind the wheels hide large rotors: a front dual piston, 12.6 inches, and rear single pis ton, 12.1 inches, to inspire confidence in the driver. Lest we forget, you can enjoy the Q50 in personal, eco, snow, sport and standard modes.

Up front, the double-arch grille and wide hood are surrounded by LED headlights

If anyone tells you that the In finiti cabin isn’t on par with its German ri vals, point out the top-notch materials and gloss levels. The In Touch infotainment system, which comes with dual 8 and 7-inch touch screens atop each other, is functional. Also standard are leath er, heated, eight-way power front seats; dual auto AC; 60/40 rear seats; overhead sunglass holder; Bose audio with 16 speakers; aluminum sill plates with an ‘Infiniti’ insignia; and power-tilt/telescopic steering column and moon roof. But the 13.5-cubic-foot trunk could use with slightly more space.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags; side curtain airbag; four-wheel antilock brakes; vehicle dynam ic and traction controls; front seatbelts with pretensioners; remote keyless entry; rearview camera; zone body construc tion; blind-spot, lane-departure and for ward-collision warnings; rear cross-trafc alert; auto brakes with pedestrian detec tion; hill-start assist; energy-absorbing steering column; tire-pressure monitoring system; and daytime running lights.

TOYS FOR TOTS – MAKING CHRISTMAS MAGICAL FOR 18 YEARS

Christmas is a magical holiday for children, but for many families in Hillsborough County, Christmas time can be a fi nancial struggle to put toys under the tree. Thanks to the eforts of Pearson Capital Inc. and Toys for Tots, thou sands of children this year will receive gifts from Santa.

Since 1947, Marine Corps Reserve Units nationwide have encouraged businesses to gather new, unwrapped toys for needy children. Pearson Capital has spearheaded this efort in Southern Hillsborough Coun ty through the Toys for Tots program for 18 years now. Last year, Pearson report ed that two entire truckloads of toys and 75 bicycles were collected, and more than $15,000 dollars was donated — in part due to the generosity of Don Pearson/Pear son Capital, who matched every dollar at 50 percent up to the max of $5,000. Don has generously ofered the same match again this year. Toy collection boxes are now being distributed throughout the area and donations are beginning.

“There are many boxes already out in the community, with more being delivered every day,” said Ann Hathaway of Pearson Capital. “If someone wants to be a Toys for Tots location, you can call 813-645-6392 for a box.” Some of the annual collection lo cations include Rachel’s Family Hair Salon, Harriet’s Florist, Bass Pro Shops, The Wine Society, NV Salon, Oops a Daisy florist, the Firehouse Cultural Center, Boggs Jewelers, The Southshore and South Hillsborough

By Kelly Wise Valdes

chambers of com merce. The commu nities of MiraBay, Southshore Falls, Kings Point, Water set, Rice Creek and Hacienda Heights. New this year are Fuzzy’s Tacos on Big Bend Road, Grease Monkey in Ruskin and Flip Flop Shops in Cypress Village.

“It’s so heart warming to see the outpouring of gener osity of the Southshore Community,” said Hathaway.

This year’s collection event is at a new location, CENTURY 21 Beggins at 6542 N. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Apollo Beach. “They have been huge contributors throughout the years, and this year their location will serve as party central,” said Hathaway. “We’d also like to thank CubeSmart storage in Apollo Beach for their donation of a stor age unit to help us contain the boxes and any overflow until our event.”

On Saturday, December 3 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at CENTURY 21 Beggins, the Marines will be on hand to accept boxes and toy donations. Santa will make an appearance and there will be Toys for Tots giveaways. There will also be classic cars on display.

Please remember that toys are to be new, unwrapped and in the original packaging. There is often a shortage of toys for chil dren ages 0-2 years old as well as gifts for boys ages 11-14. New bicycles are in high demand each year. Cash donations are also accepted to help fill in the gap to purchase toys that are needed. For more information, call Hathaway at 813-645-6392 or visit https://tampa-fl.toysfortots.org/.

FLORIDA ORCHESTRA GOES DIGITAL WITH QR CODE CONCERT PROGRAM

With the start of its 55th season, The Florida Orchestra (TFO) is mak ing a bold and exciting change that will improve access to a wealth of concert information while reducing our impact on the environment. Now all con cert information will be provided via digital program pages.

This change allows TFO to provide far more than it could print in a program book: videos, repertoire and sample mu sic; full program notes; full bios of guest artists, musicians and conductors; venue information and maps; resources about the orchestra; and much more.

Everything can be easily updated, so guests will always have the latest infor mation.

And it’s all in the palm of your hand on your smartphone, tablet or other device. The website is mobile responsive, which means it automatically adjusts content to look great and be readable at any point size on any device. In the concert hall lobby, simply scan the QR code with your phone camera and it will take you directly to the program page for that evening’s concert.

No need to wait until the concert, as digital program pages can be accessed at https://floridaorchestra.org/ from anywhere anytime at least a week be fore the performance. Take your time to read the excellent program notes for

Masterworks concerts and get to know the guest art ists and mu sic before you go. You’ll also find more re sources on the website to enhance your experience, including bios of TFO musicians, the TFO Blog, frequently asked questions, more about the mission and history and edu cation and community programs.

One of the many benefits of this change is less waste. Program books are useful for a few hours in the concert hall, yet they produce tons of trash. As an arts leader in our community, TFO is committed to doing more to increase en vironmental sustainability. The scarcity and high cost of paper also are factors that cannot be ignored.

If you prefer to have printed informa tion, you still have that choice. Before the concert, click on the printable pro gram notes with repertoire and print at home. The program will also be available at TFO’s information table in the lobby to view it or take a photo of it with your phone.

A lot of tradition surrounds playbills and program books, but TFO believes this change will give you better access to more information and make your con cert experience even more meaningful.

If you have questions or want to learn more about the digital program pages, please email TFO directly at admin@ floridaorchestra.org.

TFO is excited to announce the new all digital program pages

Pearson Capital is in its 18th year of partnership with Toys for Tots.

and Bry ant Bell are originally from New Jersey but moved to Lithia five years ago. The couple grew up loving the Star Wars movie fran chise. “We both grew up on the Star Wars franchise and are then we raised our boys to love and appreciate it the way we do,” Jessi ca said. “I also have a minor obsession with Christmas decor, trees in particular. I have 12 fully decorated trees in my house at Christ mas time, so this was a natural progres sion.”

In 2019, the couple discovered that their new neighbors had the same Star Warsthemed Christmas decorations, which led to a conversation about coordinating their displays. “We came home one night and saw our neighbors’ had an AT-AT Walker in flatable, with his legs tied up on the ground, and we looked at each other and said, ‘I think we found our people,’” Jessica said. “Fast-forward to 2020, socializing with said neighbors, all of our normal Thanksgiv ing travel plans were canceled and we were looking for a creative outlet. My husband, Bryant, said that he would one day love to have one of those Christmas light displays set to music and our neighbors, Dan Cheney and Kelly Cheney, immediately said, ‘We’re in!’”

As more neighbors noticed the Star Wars Christmas decorations of their fellow neighbors, they wanted to join in with all Force fun. “Our first year, we only had three houses, but we were featured on multiple

HOLIDAYS

By Libby Hopkins

light display websites, including The Holiday Atlas,” Jessica said.

“We spent our nights and weekends updat ing and improving the show throughout that entire season. By the end of the 2020 hol iday season, we had verbal commitments from about 75 percent of our cul-de-sac to participate the follow ing year.”

With the recent damage Hurricane Ian caused to many areas of Florida, the cou ple decided they wanted to do some good during the holidays for those who were afected by the hurricane. “This year, we are supporting the Florida Disaster Fund, which is run by Volunteer Florida,” Jessi ca said. “We have a GoFundMe set up to benefit them directly. There is no fee to see the display; however, we are strongly en couraging donations towards our charity this year if people enjoyed the show. We are very aware of how lucky we were this year after Hurricane Ian while many of us have friends and family who were not so lucky, so, in the spirit of the season, we really hope to raise a lot of money for this worthy cause.” They hope to raise $5,000 for Volunteer Florida.

The Bells’ Merry Sithmas show starts on Thanksgiving night at 6 p.m. and runs nightly at 6 p.m. until New Year’s Day. If you’d like to learn more about the Bells’ Merry Sithmas, you can visit their Facebook page @merrysithmasfromquintessalane. If you would like to donate to their GoFund Me page, visit www.gofund.me/7cce31ca.

MAKING GIFT-GIVING LISTS HELP CREATE STRESS-FREE HOLIDAYS

By Erica Burruezo, Orderly Owl Organizing

Let’s be real, the holiday season can be stressful. The last few months of the year are packed with a lot of holi days and celebra tions. It’s a joyous time of year, sure, but there is so much to do in a short period of time. I would love to share some tips to help you have a smooth holiday season this year and for years to come.

One good thing you can do is to give your home’s holiday hot spots a good de clutter before more gifts come in. That will help you keep your belongings at bay. If you have chil dren, take the time to declutter broken or unused toys. New year, new you? Go ahead and get rid of those clothes that ‘new you’ won’t be wearing. Make room for your seasonal favorites in the pantry and check to see if you have that oncea-year ingredient you always acciden tally buy a duplicate of. You don’t want to buy a fifth jar of nutmeg when you already have four sitting in the back of your spice cabinet right? While you’re in the pantry, make note of what is needed so you can get it now and not at the last minute.

Throughout the year, try making a list

of who you are buy ing for, any ideas you might have for them, and budget accordingly. Keep it on your phone for easy access when you may be out shopping. As you purchase gifts, mark o f who they were purchased for and what they are. This will keep you from trying to memorize every thing and make sure you stay on track with gift giv ing. We don’t want to miss anyone nor buy duplicates ei ther. Speaking of gifts, spare yourself some headaches and come up with some specific gift ideas for you and your family so when you are asked you can give some suggestions.

Fortunately, this fun will come back around next year. As you clean up and prepare for a new year, take note of what worked well this year and what didn’t. Leave ‘future you’ some nicely or ganized holiday bins to pull out next year and keep the gift list for next year as a starting point.

If you would like to learn more or would like some professional help get ting organized before or after the hol idays, feel free to contact us at www. orderlyowl.com.

Jessica

Lithia couple Jessica and Bryant Bell host a yearly Star Wars-themed Christmas light show, Merry Sithmas. Tis year, their light show hopes to help raise money for victims of Hurricane Ian.

FLORIDA TRADE ACADEMY OFFERS NEW PROGRAMS FOR YOUTHS IN THE COMMUNITY

By Libby Hopkins

Florida Trade Academy welcomed its frst cohort of 22 students earlier this month and held its ribbon-cutting ceremony in October.

This past October, Florida Trade Academy launched a pre-apprenticeship program to help open the door for untrained workers entering the construction industry.

Ninety-three percent of construction firms are reported to have open positions, according to a survey taken by the Associ ated General Contractors prior to Hurricane Ian. The pre-apprenticeship program will help address Florida’s skilled laborer short age, which was exacerbated by post-Ian re building eforts.

Chris and Bernadette Pello are the couple who started Florida Trade Academy and they are thrilled to see Florida Trade Acad emy’s pre-apprenticeship program come to life. “Chris and I were honored to have so many people from the community attend our ribbon-cutting,” Bernadette said. “The potential collaborations with community or ganizations are endless.”

The introductory program combines hands-on training with classroom-based instruction taught both virtually and in-per son. Students try out a range of trade spe cialties before homing in on their chosen field, including electrical, HVAC, plumbing, sheet metal, sprinkler fitting, roofing, car

pentry and pipe fitting. “There is a growing shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry as many talented individuals struggle to get their foot in the door.” said Chris Pello, CEO of Florida Trade Acade my. “This program ofers that firststep solution by providing trainees with the skills and connections to find employment and tran sition into a registered apprenticeship.”

The organization welcomed its first co hort of 22 students earlier this month and held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 26 at its East Tampa classroom. Upon com pletion of the nine-month program, FTA will help place students in jobs in their chosen field where they can then enroll in an ap prenticeship, having already completed sev eral prerequisite courses.

Florida Trade Academy is sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, which operates the apprenticeship program across the Gulf Coast region. “Florida Trade Acade my fills an important gap in training the next generation of skilled workers,” said Steve Cona, CEO of ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chap ter. “The program is structured to improve productivity, reduce turnover and lower re cruitment costs for employers.”

The program is open to high school grad uates entering the workplace for the first time, professionals seeking a career alter native and individuals interested in learning technical skills. If you would like to learn more you can visit its website at https:// floridatradeacademy.org/. FTA is located at 410 S. Ware Blvd. in Tampa.

The Tampa Bay Fes tival of Lights opened on Thanksgiving Day, and will run until Jan uary 1, 2023. Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights will transport guests into a beautiful winter wonderland with cus tom light displays and its enchanting Santa’s Village. The festival surrounds guests in over 1 million twinkly lights as they drive 2 miles through a num ber of various themed light displays.

With fun for the whole family, the elab orate light displays feature everything from clever racoons toasting marshmal lows to a giant gingerbread house with candy and cakes, and from a dynamic western display to a Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, the displays are sure to bring magic to everyone’s night. Santa’s Village is filled to the brim with activities and treats for those young at heart. Santa’s Interactive Barnyard features camel rides, crafting sections, hot chocolate, apple-cider do nuts and even visits with Santa himself.

A few new additions to Santa’s Village have been made this year. Families can take the plunge on the Arctic Plunge In flatable Snow Tube, take a spin on the Reindeer Carousel, and take a ride on the special Holiday Train. Those more in clined to explore can take a self-guided walking tour of the enchanting Home town Hillsborough Historical Village. The

By Meghan Reyes

village consists of the fairgrounds’ perma nent display of antique farming equipment and replicas of build ings from the past, all decked out in tradition al decor. Another new addition to the festival is the Holiday Market, where families can find the perfect gifts for those they love. The market will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Along with Santa’s Village and the Christmas light spectac ular, a few additional events will take place during this year’s festival. Holiday movies and video shorts will be shown on the big screen, while picnic tables and fire pits have been added to allow for even more seating. Live music fea turing Dennis Lee and Tampa artist Ka tie Lombardo will be available on select dates. Lee will be performing on Friday and Saturday, November 25 and 26 and December 16 and 17. Lombardo will be performing on Friday and Saturday, De cember 9 and 10.

Further information regarding perfor mances by local organizations and spe cialty evenings will be announced this month.

Tickets for this year’s event are on sale now and cost $25 per car or $80 per bus. For more information about the festival, please visit www.hillsborough countyfair.com.

CARS 4 HEROES BECOME CAR SANTAS FOR THOSE IN NEED

For millions of Amer icans, the availability of public transporta tion is the determining factor in their ability to access jobs and any care they require. For a lot of those people, they either live outside the range of public transit or the places they need to go to are outside of public tran sit zones, making them miss those opportuni ties and forcing them to walk for miles to get where they need to go. Since 1996, Cars 4 Heroes has been addressing that need. “We are trying to raise awareness about our program to hopefully help many in Florida in the future,” said Terry Franz, co-founder of Cars 4 Heroes. “I travel to Florida a lot because I love it, and we also want to make the community aware of what we do for our veterans.”

Franz and fellow co-founder Mike Van Noy owned Car Biz, a used-car lot in Kan sas City, Missouri. There had been a lot of people looking to purchase a car, only to be turned down by credit companies be cause they were out of work due to med ical emergencies, family issues or other circumstances in life.

It was Christmas time when Franz and Van Noy gave away six cars to families that in the past had been denied. A few

By Libby Hopkins

years later, Franz got out of Car Biz and started Cars 4 Christmas full time, earning him the nick name ‘Car Santa.’ As time would go on, he saw the need in Kan sas City increasing more and more, and that is where Cars 4 Heroes came from. Now, Car Santa gives away over 300 cars a year just in the Kan sas City metro alone.

“On Veterans Day, we awarded nine vehicles in three cit ies,” Franz said. “We awarded vehicles to three local Tampa veterans this past Veterans Day at the American Le gion on Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa, and they were Natalie Marcano, Jonathan Fernandez and Freddy Asen cio. We have done this for 27 years and award about 300 vehicles a year across the nation and now in Tampa.”

Cars 4 Heroes’ cause is to repair donat ed vehicles and provide them to people in need. “We take vehicles of all makes, models and ages,” Franz said. “It is easy to donate a car, truck or van to Cars 4 Heroes online or by phone.”

If you would like to learn more about Cars 4 Heroes, you can visit its website at www.cars4heroes.org or call Franz at 913-244-0582.

Cars 4 Heroes is a Kansas City, Missou ri-based nonproft that helps veterans with transportation issues. Tis past Veterans Day, it awarded three Tampa veterans with vehicles.

COME SHOP THE HOLIDAY MARKETS AND SEE THE TWINKLING LIGHTS

Jingle Bell Bazaar In Ybor City

Come and enjoy a free, fun, festive holi day event in Tampa’s historic Ybor City at the annual Jingle Bell Bazaar. The Jingle Bell Bazaar is Ybor City’s largest family holiday festival with live music bands, entertainment performances, food trucks, face painting, balloon artists as well as holiday-themed shopping. Santa arrives at 1 p.m. and children get free photographs with him. The event takes place on Sunday, December 11 from 12-6 p.m. at Centennial Park, located at 1800 E. 8th Ave. in Tampa. Additional information can be found at its web site, www.jingle bellbazaar.com.

S’mores & Stores Event In Rivercrest Community

Rivercrest Community in Riverview is host ing its annual S’mores & Stores event on Sun day, December 11 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Come and shop from a wide variety of local ven dors, enjoy fresh food from food trucks and enjoy your free s’more. A spe cial surprise guest will also be making an appearance; can you guess who? The event is being held at 11560 Ramble Creek Dr. in Riverview. Proceeds from the event go to West Florida Foster Care Services.

FishHawk Ranch Holiday Shop ping Bazaar

With over 40 vendors with an array of wonderful and unique products you are sure to find something for everyone at the Fish Hawk Ranch Holiday Shopping Bazaar. Food trucks will also be outside in the parking lot so come hungry. This fun shopping experi ence is being held in the Palmetto Club Grand Ballroom, located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in Lithia, on Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be accepting donations, so please consider do nating blood to those in need.

Christmas In Wimauma Is A Won derful Family Day

Christmas in Wimauma, organized by Kit tie Corral and Lake Wimauma Convention Center, is pleased to be bringing you all the fixin’s and trimmin’s, arts and crafts, hand made goods and so much more. There will be

vendors ofering every holiday item imaginable, including hot choco late, tea, cofee, breads, desserts and candies, along with handmade bath and body products, jewelry, paintings, decorations, candles and woodworking items. There will also be rafe baskets to win. The event is free, so come and have a wonderful day with the family. The event takes place at Lake Wimau ma Convention Center, located at 5408 SR 674 in Wimauma, on Sat urday, December 10 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

be free wine tasting. Tickets are $10, with proceeds going to C.A.R.E., which includes a free rafe ticket. For more information, visit its website at www.careshelter.org.

Summerfeld Community Center Holiday Market

The Summerfield community will be host ing a holiday market on Saturday, December 3 at its community center, located at 13011 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview. The market will have a wide range of items, including, jewelry, candles, soaps, signs, wreaths, deco rated tumblers, embroidered items and more.

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

Barrington Oaks Lights Display

Each year, Barrington Oaks opens up in the spirit of the holiday to share its light display. The gates will be open from Sunday, Decem ber 11 through Monday, December 26, 6-11 p.m. As during this time Barrington Oaks will have many guests in the neighborhood enjoy ing the season, it asks that you make a righthand turn as you enter the neighborhood.

‘Enchant’ At Tropicana Field

Holiday Market Includes Free Child Care

Tampa’s

Shop with local small businesses, artisans and crafters at the Tampa Holiday Mar ket on Sun day, Decem ber 4 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The event is being held at Water Works

Park, located at 1701 N Highland Ave. in Tam pa. Parents can shop without worry of their children seeing the gifts by using the compli mentary child-care tent. There will also be food trucks and holiday entertainment while you shop, children can visit Santa and they can have cookies and milk with Mrs. Claus.

German-style Christmas At Old Castle Restaurant

Sun City Center’s popular German restaurant, Old Castle, is holding a Christmas market in the Home De pot/Lowes parking lot outside the restaurant, located at 3830 Sun City Center Blvd. in Ruskin. Along with numerous vendors of a wide variety of Christmas items and gifts for all, there will also be awesome German food, wine, beer and music. The fun starts at 12 Noon on Sun day, December 4 and will run until 8 p.m.

C.A.R.E. Gift And Wine Fair

The Critter Adoption and Rescue Efort (C.A.R.E.) Gift and Wine Fair is back again this year on Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Southshore Falls, located at 5831 Cas cade Falls Ln. in Apollo Beach. Along with a wide selection of vendors that will help you to meet your holiday shopping needs, there will also be fabulous items available in the silent auctions and rafe baskets. Plus, there will

Tampa Bay Festival Of Lights

The Hillsborough County Fair grounds is presenting its upgraded holiday light spectacular at Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village, opened on Thanksgiving Day and running through January 1, 2023. This year’s event features a nearly 2-mile drive-through of continuous light features, followed by a festive walking visit to San ta’s Village. Enjoy a visit with San ta’s favorite animals, camel rides, face painting, holiday movies and holiday treats. The Hillsborough County Fair grounds is located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover.

Christmas In Te Park Light Show

The Christmas in the Park drive-through light show and outdoor market will take place from Friday, December 9 through Sat urday, December 31, 5-9 p.m. The fun for all the family event is located at Masonic RV Park & Youth Camp, located at 18050 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Wimauma. Hot chocolate and other festive food and drinks will be available.

Christmas Lane Returns To Plant City

Christmas Lane is return ing to Plant City. Over 2,000 volunteer hours have pre pared this winter wonderland full of the magic of Christmas at every turn. With more than 1.5 million lights adorning over 200 Christmas trees ranging from 4-40 feet tall, the displays are sure to delight. Make sure that you visit and write your letters to Santa, as well as deco rate ornaments and have your face painted. There is also live entertainment on select nights. Christmas Lane is open now through Saturday, December 24 from 6-10 p.m. at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds in Plant City. Additional information can be found on its website at https://christmaslane.com/.

Let Enchant light up your holiday season. Bring your friends and family for a magical evening with over 4 million sparkling lights, its story-themed walk-through light maze, ice skating and so much more. General admis sion includes access to the complete event, including the maze, Santa, Village shops and games. Ice skating though is an additional price. ‘Enchant’ will be at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg and runs now through January 1, 2023. For addition al information and to purchase tickets, visit its website at www.en chantchristmas.com.

Paloma Glade Christmas Lights And Music Show

This year, the Paloma Glade neighbor hood has almost 50 homes joining in with its Christmas light and music show. The thing that really makes Paloma Glade’s display spe cial is how you can tune in with your car radio

and have the display synchronized to the mu sic. Teenagers in the neighborhood are also collecting nonperishable food items for local charity Seeds of Hope, such as boxed pota toes, canned veggies, desserts, bread mixes, pasta, mac ’n cheese and soups, so please bring an item to add to the collection for the event’s ham giveaway. Cash donations will also be accepted.

The display started on Thanksgiving Day and runs from 7-10 p.m., and then the regu lar times are Sunday through Thursday, 6-10 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday, 6-11 p.m. The last day of the light show is Saturday, De cember 31.

EXPERIENCE FESTIVE HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS THIS SEASON

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

The holidays come to life at Busch Gardens Christmas Town, the park’s award-winning holiday event. Celebrate the year with holiday cheer and create merry memories for the whole family during this seasonal event which is in cluded with park admission. Guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist, from millions of sparkling lights throughout the park to holiday shows and visits with Santa and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. Bus ch Gardens Christmas Town runs daily now through January 2, 2023. Visit its website, www.buschgardens.com, for more informa tion.

Church Street Christmas

Come cele brate the spirit of Christmas and enjoy the sights and sounds of this magical season. All are in vited to experience this free annual holiday event along Dade City’s historic Church Ave nue, where carolers, choirs, dancers and mu sicians perform along luminary lit sidewalks and brilliantly decorated homes. The street closes to vehicular trafc from Wednesday through Friday, December 21-23, 7-9 p.m. For more information, visit its website at www.churchstreetchristmas.org.

Te Ultimate Gift Presented By Love First Christian Center

What do snowstorms, time travel and a stubborn donkey have in common? They are all needed in telling the real meaning of Christmas. The Ultimate Gift is a fantas tic journey to find out the real meaning of Christmas. It will bring the family together

as it speaks to all ages from young to old. Bring your friends and family to see The Ul timate Gift on Saturday, December 17 at 7 p.m. at Love First Christian Center, located at 12847 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview. Tickets are available from www.ultimate giftmovie.com.

Christmas In Te Wild At ZooTam pa

It’s the most won derful time of the year at ZooTampa with the return of Christmas in the Wild, featuring one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, delec table holiday treats, amazing wildlife and new festive adventures. This year is bigger, better and brighter than ever with enter tainment that the whole family can enjoy, including festive realms, holiday shows and a visit with Santa. Christmas in the Wild runs on selective nights throughout Decem ber. Visit www.zootampa.org for more infor mation.

A Victorian Christmas Stroll

The Henry B. Plant Museum in Tampa cel ebrates the warmth and spirit of an old-fash ioned holiday with its Victorian Christmas Stroll. Allowing visitors a glimpse into the magic of Christmas past, this holiday expe rience is a wonderful way to celebrate all the season has to ofer with a variety of de

lightful themes and displays in each exhibit room. Decorations include visitor favorites from past years as well as new marvels that are sure to amaze. The Victorian Christmas Stroll will be available at the Henry B. Plant Museum, located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa, from Thursday, December 1 through Fri day, December 23, 10 a.m.8 p.m. daily. Its website, www.plantmuseum.com, has more information.

Santa Fest Christmas Parade And Tree Lighting

Be part of Tampa’s holiday tradition when Santa Fest returns to Curtis Hixon Water front Park again this year. It will open on Sunday, December 4, following the popular parade through downtown Tampa. The pa rade route steps of at 1:30 p.m. and begins at Morgan Street, travels west on Madison Street to Ashley Drive, turns north and ends at Ashley Drive and Cass Street. After the parade, enjoy the activities and entertain ment in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and stay for the tree lighting at 6 p.m. followed by a screening of The Grinch movie to end the day.

Lakeland Christmas Pa rade

Hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland, the Lakeland Christmas Parade will be held on Thursday, December 1 starting at 7 p.m. Participants step of from the RP Funding Center to begin the 1.25-mile course winding through the city’s streets, around Lake Mirror and back down Lemon Street. The floats are decked out to reflect this year’s theme of ‘Christmas Past, Present

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

and Future.’ The best, of course, is saved for last, as the parade wraps up with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Tampa Area Lighted Holiday Boat Parades

Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will take place on the Saturday before Christ mas, December 17, along the Hillsborough River in down town Tampa. The parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Island, travels through the convention center basin and up to the Heights, where the boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf. Public viewing locations include Ar mature Works, Water Works Park and Chan nel Drive.

The annual Apollo Beach Lighted Boat Parade takes place on Sunday, December 11. It will leave the south channel at 6 p.m. and proceed towards Lands End Marina before winding around Lake Sunrise Basin, back out around Bal Harbor and then up Flamingo Canal before returning and going around Dolphin House at the end of Grand Kaymen Drive, then up the canal leading to Symphony Isles. Come and meet the members of the Tampa Sailing Squadron before the parade at its club house, located at 1250 Apollo Beach Blvd. in Apollo Beach.

The Alafia Lighted Boat Parade is always very popular with local residents. It will take place along the Alafia River from the River view Civic Center to River’s Edge Bar and Grill on Saturday, December 3, departing at 5 p.m.

THE WAY 2 DANCE AND CELEBRATIONS VENUE OFFER THE COMMUNITY MANY WAYS TO HAVE FUN

Tatyana Frost runs two local businesses to enhance the lives of so many people in the area. The Way 2 Dance teaches salsa, ballroom and other types of dancing, and Celebrations Venue provides an alternate home for many people to cel ebrate their special day with their friends and family. “I love be ing a part of our com munity and ofering so many dance programs at The Way 2 Dance, and I like that people from our community have a place to host their events and family gatherings at Cel ebrations Venue,” Frost said. “Both of my businesses make lasting memories for our guests and this makes me very happy and proud.”

The Way 2 Dance is ofering holiday gift certificates for a great price to add a gift un der the Christmas tree for your loved ones. “‘Don’t think or talk about it anymore, just do it, just dance’ is something I always say,” Frost said. “Dancing is a great way to relieve stress, great exercise and not to mention fun. I’m not saying I’m Dr. Frost, but many of our clients have said they feel better both mentally and physically after taking classes.”

One of the latest programs that The Way 2 Dance ofers is its three-hour workshops of salsa, bachata, swing and other dances that are a great way to learn or improve a dance in one day. “It really helps a lot of peo ple that can’t come during the week but are

By Libby Hopkins

available for a crash course on week ends,” Frost said.

“Many students have started to work on their choreographed dance routines for a Valentine’s Day showcase that will take place on Sun day, February 5 at 3 p.m. at our studio.

Nothing is better than to learn how to lift your partner, dip and do lots of fancy moves just for fun. Tickets for spectators are only $18 per person. Start dancing today, meet new dance friends and add dancing to your exer cise routine, all while having fun.”

Celebrations Venue is a very afordable event space and is available for rent for many special occasions. “It comes with ta bles and chairs designed and setup for your event, a variety of lights, Bluetooth speakers built into the ceiling, kitchenette with a mi crowave, refrigerator and a sink,” Frost said.

“The venue is flexible. You just need to bring your decorations, food and have an amazing time with your loved ones. We encourage future renters to contact ASAP if they are looking for a rental venue because our calen dar is already getting full for 2023.”

If you would like to learn more about ei ther one of Frost’s businesses, you can visit their websites at www.theway2dance.com or www.celebrationsvenue.com. The Way 2 Dance is located at 6520 U.S. Hwy. 301, #102 in Riverview and Celebrations Venue is located at 610 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES NEEDS COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR ITS LARGEST MOBILIZATIONS EVER

The holidays are a time for celebra tion — unless you don’t have enough to eat. This holiday sea son, at-risk, hungry and hurting families all over Tampa Bay will need you, your prayers and your gen erosity.

The need continues to be great this year with the rising costs of rent, utilities, gas and food. For families who struggle to make ends meet on a day-today basis, the thought of not being able to enjoy a holiday meal can be painful.

Metropolitan Ministries has budgeted to serve 32,000 families for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it knows it will serve more — projections currently stand at over 37,000 families.

In addition to its main holiday distri bution tent in Tampa, Metropolitan Min istries is setting up pop-up tents in “the highest areas of need” in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Currently, 12 pop-up sites are planned, but the total could go as high as 17, which will include two in Lee County, in areas that families are struggling from the devastation by Hurricane Ian.

“It’s the largest mobilization that Met ropolitan Ministries has ever done in our 50-year history,” spokesperson Justine Burke said. “With the help of the commu

nity, we are able to do it. The only reason we are able to mobilize is because of all the collaboration. That’s what makes it so awe some. Everybody from all walks of life coming together to help some one that they don’t even know. It’s very unifying in the times we are in right now.”

To serve the thou sands of families who will reach out to Metropol itan Ministries for help this holiday season, the organi zation needs turkeys, canned vegetables and potatoes. Be sides the traditional fixings, the organization also likes to include a treat, like a healthy cereal, peanut but ter, bread and even dessert, in the holiday boxes given to families.

Those in need of help can register on line (www.metromin.org/holiday-central/ need-help/) or in person. To mitigate ad ditional travel, Metropolitan Ministries has partnered with strategic, like-minded organizations to ofer more sites across Tampa Bay.

The community can also help inspire hope this holiday season by either vol unteering at the tent, hosting a donation drive, donating food or toys or donating at www.metromin.org.

For more information on Metropoli tan Ministries’ holiday initiative, visit the Holiday Central section of its website at www.metromin.org/holiday-central/.

Tatyana Frost runs two local businesses to en hance the lives of so many people in the area. Te Way 2 Dance teaches salsa, ballroom and other types of dancing, and Celebrations Venue provides an alternate home for many people to celebrate their special day with their friends and family.

S A L S A B A L L R O O M S W I N G

A Metropolitan Ministries volunteer sorting food donations.

Happy Holidays From The Tony Baroni Team

“Kate always got back to me quickly and was able to answer my questions or concerns which were important in making my decision to purchase a property. She is more than a 5 star Agent !”

- Jerry S -

“Chris Jossi made our frst home buying experience unforgettably easy! We made a decision to move to Florida from the Midwest buying a house sight unseen only because Chris provided the quality of service and dedication to us to ensure we could make the right decision. So grateful to have worked with the Tony Baroni team and even more grateful to have a great friend in Chris!”

- Tyler Jensvold -

“

Te team were of great help to me in selling and f nding my new home. I’m glad I chose to work with them.”

- Steven Monica -

“

Te team is awesome. Tey advise you based on your needs and what the market is like, not on how much commission they are going to make out of you.”

- John Basilyous -

“Chris J. was a pleasure to work with. His knowledge and friendly professionalism eased the stressed of my home buying journey!”

- Rose Cortes -

“I recommend Tony Baroni team wholeheartedly. From start to f nish, communication was excellent, and expectations were clearly explained. No surprises except for the good kind!

I felt that Craig Keller, with the help of Louis and Chelsea, truly advocated on my behalf. Te process was smooth, and the transaction was completed in a quick and painless way.”

- Elaine Waite -

We’re

thankful for

all of Central Florida with your real estate needs. We have the best clients in the world and we appreciate all of you!

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES OFFERS PERFECT HOLIDAY TREATS FOR EVERY SEASON

classic.

Staf Report

Cakes and festive top pers are available for holiday parties in addi tion to birthdays, gradua tions and weddings. Plus, Nothing Bundt Cakes of fers online ordering and third-party delivery, mak ing it easy for residents to enjoy.

The holidays are a great time to treat yourself and your friends, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, locat ed in Winthrop Town Centre, has the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With 10 delicious flavors and options ranging from sin gle-serving Bundtinis to 10-inch cakes, Nothing Bundt Cakes has something for ev eryone, even those whose diet is restricted to gluten-free foods.

Owner Rob Shufeld, a Brandon High School graduate, grew up in the area and was thrilled to open the Winthrop location four years ago.

“I love the Brandon community and am proud to ofer the quality and flavors of Nothing Bundt Cakes through our store here,” said Shufeld. “Winthrop has been such a great location for us, and we are so thankful to John Sullivan for his vision for such a great community center.”

According to Shufeld, the most popular flavors at the location are chocolate choc olate chip, red velvet and white chocolate raspberry, but he encourages shoppers to look for seasonal choices like peppermint chocolate chip in December — a holiday

As Nothing Bundt Cakes is very popular for gifts and holiday gatherings, Shufeld recommends that residents order online in advance to ensure the availability of their favorite flavors.

The website also ofers information on fundraising with Nothing Bundt Cakes and the opportunity to sign up for the Noth ing Bundt Cakes eClub, which ofers a free birthday treat.

“Stop by and try our products,” said Shuf ield. “Our general manager, Noelle, and the team would love to meet you.”

Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 11238 Sullivan St. in Riverview and can be reached at 813-409-2394. To learn more or order online, visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

When local executive chef Chris Burkey, Steve Bishop, Adam Itzkowitz and Lithia CPA John Zelatis met to talk about barbecue and grilling, the meeting turned into an in stant bonding of friends, busi ness partners and barbecue.

“When Steve Bishop, Adam Itzkowitz and I get together, it’s a total foodie gathering,” Zelatis said. “You have to see us sit down at food tasting, it’s the most hysterical thing you will ever see. Then we met Chris this past January to hang out and barbecue. By the end of the day, we were spoon-feeding each other. All of us have a lot of passion for food.”

It was this food passion be tween the four men that helped to make Craft A’fare Social Kitchen (Cask) more than just the number one brunch spot in Tampa. They have taken the restaurant to the next level, which is a dinner destination in South Tampa.

“We have always been known as the best brunch restaurant in Tampa,” said Burkey. “On the weekends, you couldn’t get a seat in the restaurant, but during the week it was very slow. Once John; Steve; Cask’s sous-chef, Kyle; and I got together, we got our inspiration for our new dinner menu from Cask itself. It was all what we feel Cask is about and the vibe of Cask. The name has a Southern feel to it and we’re known for the vibe and feel, so what

By Libby Hopkins

wanted it to show in the menu items.”

Cask Social is a product of The Social Kitchen Company. Under the direction of Burkey, Cask strives to serve the best in new American fare and handcrafted cocktails. Boasting an extensive whiskey menu, local craft beer oferings and hand crafted cocktails, its are ready to satisfy any taste.

Locals from all over the bay area can wind down their workdays with Cask’s happy hour every week, Tuesday through Friday. During Cask’s popular Friday, Saturday and Sunday brunch services, Cask is the ultimate South Tampa location to eat, drink and be social.

If you would like to learn more about Cask or check out its new menu options, visit https://casksocial.com/. Cask Social is located at 208 S. Howard Ave. in Tampa. Reservation are encouraged and can be made through Cask’s website or by calling the restaurant at 813-251-0051.

The restaurant is closed on Monday. Its hours of operation the rest of the week are Tuesday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

BUSINESS ATTORNEY TAKES PRIDE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Law O f ce of Je f rey Dowd, P.A., located in Brandon, is a law firm for small businesses, handling everything from set ting up to selling and so much more.

Dowd was admit ted to The Florida Bar in 1996 and has experience at all phases of a business with all industries. He has expertise in handling all types of issues, including con tracts, employment, licensing and leasing, franchising and regula tions.

Dowd is passionate about business and vol unteers his time as a certified SCORE mentor with the SCORE Tampa chapter. “I love being a business owner in the Brandon community,” Dowd said. “Keep ing things local is very important to me because most of my customers are lo cal business owners. Many of my clients have become good friends as well, and that’s what community is all about.”

Dowd went to college to be an entre preneur and ended up working in a law firm at the age of 19 to help pay for col lege. He graduated from SUNY College at Bu f alo with a B.S. in business stud ies, but his time working at the law firm inspired him to go to law school.

He graduated from the University

By Libby Hopkins

of Akron School of Law in 1996. In law school, he focused on business, corporate and tax law while working at a law firm writing appel late briefs on work ers’ compensation claims.

If you ask Dowd what makes his firm di f erent from other firms in the area, he will tell you it’s the way his firm handles pricing for its ser vices. “We build our services on a flat fee,” Dowd said. “I bill for the service, not the time. Our clients don’t have to worry about how much money they are spending because they already know how much their service will cost them upfront.”

Meeting his clients’ needs is Dowd’s number one priority. “The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon ad vertisements,” Dowd said. “Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.”

If you’d like to learn more about the services o f ered at The Law O f ce of Je f rey Dowd, P.A., you can visit his website at www.dowdlaw.com or call 813-773-3529. Dowd’s o f ce is located at 523 E. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon.

Te Law Ofce of Jefrey Dowd, P.A., locat ed in Brandon, is a law frm for small busi nesses, handling everything from setting up to selling and so much more.

The 2022-23 Bank of America Broadway at the Straz season, sponsored in part by the Tampa Bay Times, is back. Going for ward, the slate includes Tina — The Tina Turner Musical, Chicago, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Ain’t Too Proud and Jagged Little Pill and the Tony® and Gram my Award®-winning best musical Ha destown. The season also features Shear Madness in the intimate Jaeb Theater and special return engagements of Hamilton and Wicked

“Touring Broadway is back in Tampa in a big, big way,” said Straz Center President and CEO Judy Lisi. “We’ve got an astonish ing season planned that includes audience favorites, award winners, R&B, rock ’n’ roll and a couple of shows that were origi nally announced for the 2020-2021 slate and postponed due to the pandemic,” she continued. “This lineup truly is the best of Broadway, and we can’t wait to share it with Tampa Bay area audiences.”

The remaining 2022-23 Broadway sea son features:

Hadestown, Now through December 4

Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards, in cluding Best Musical, and the 2020 Gram my Award for Best Musical Theater Album, this acclaimed new show from celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and inno vative director Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) inter twines two mythic tales —that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife, Persephone.

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, Jan. 31 – Feb. 5, 2023

This new musical reveals a comeback sto ry like no other – of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of racism, sexism and age ism to become the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Featuring her much loved songs, TINA

– The Tina Turn er Musical is written by Pu litzer Prize-win ning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyl lida Lloyd.

Chicago, Feb. 21 – 26, 2023

After more than 25 years, Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, for tune and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonish ing dancing you’ve ever seen. Chicago has been honored with six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations.

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, April 11 – 16, 2023

All rise for Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick To Kill a Mock ingbird is “the most successful American play in Broadway history.” (60 Minutes).

Emmy Award®-winning actor Richard Thomas will play the role of Atticus Finch in the national tour.

Ain’t Too Proud, May 2 – 7, 2023

Nominated for 12 Tony® Awards and the winner for Best Choreography, Ain’t

AT THE STRAZ SEASON

Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is the elec trifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordi nary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Jagged Little Pill, May 16 – 21, 2023

Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE — ev erything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show — is here in the exhilarat ing, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music. Direct ed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Waitress, Pippin, upcoming 1776) with a Tony-winning book by Diablo Cody (Juno) and Grammy-winning score, this electrify ing production about a perfectly imperfect American family “vaults the audience to its collective feet.” (The Guardian).

The season also features:

Shear Madness, Feb. 15 – April 8, 2023

This unique comedy whodunit takes place today in the Shear Madness hairstyling sa lon and is chock-full of up-to-the-minute spontaneous humor. During the course of

the action, a murder is committed, and the audience gets to spot the clues, question the suspects and solve the funniest mys tery in the annals of crime. The outcome is never the same, which is why many au dience members return again and again to the scene of the mayhem.

In addition to the eight-show Broadway series, the Straz will present two special return engagements:

Hamilton, Dec. 28, 2022 – Jan. 22, 2023

Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has tak en the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revo lutionary moment in theatre — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. With the book, mu sic and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda; di rection by Thomas Kail; choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler; and musical supervi sion and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s ac claimed biography. It has won Tony, Gram my and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

Wicked, March 8 – 26, 2023

Wicked, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz, but from a diferent angle. From the first elec trifying note to the final breathtaking mo ment, Wicked — the untold true story of the Witches of Oz — transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story that USA Today cheers is “a complete triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry and think.”

For more information about the Broad way season, individual shows, other Straz Center events and productions or to be come a season ticket holder, visit www. strazcenter.org.

Te 2022-2023 Bank of America Broadway at the Straz season features Hadestown, Tina — Te Tina Turner Musical, Chicago, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Ain’t Too Proud and Jagged Little Pill, as well as Shear Madness.

CIGARS ON THE BOULEVARD TO HOST PROFESSIONAL WRESTLERS FOR FUNDRAISING EVENT

Cigars on the Boulevard will host an autograph and photo session with famous wres tlers at the Apollo Beach store to raise money for the Cauliflow er Alley Club on Monday, Decem ber 5 at 6 p.m.

Fans can pay $20 to receive auto graphs and photos from all the wres tlers and all prof its will be donated to the charity.

Fidel ‘The Cu ban Assassin’ Si erra, Haku, B. Bri an Blair, Hector Guerrero, Steve Keirn and Kahagas will attend the event, taking pictures with fans who pay the $20 fee. Some of the wrestlers will bring their championship belts for guests to pose with as well.

“It’s an association that wrestlers, boxers and stuntmen from Hollywood movies put together years ago,” said wrestling promoter Hal Je f ery.

The Cauliflower Alley Club aims to support wrestlers, boxers and stuntmen who do not have the financial resources to receive medical treatment or pay o f medical bills from their time in the pro fession.

“The money we raise goes through a private group of our leaders in the club that sipher money o f to them to pay

their bills and get the medical help they need,” said Je f ery.

The $20 fee will allow guests to take a picture with all the wres tlers and receive an 8 x 10-inch photo of each wrestler for auto graph.

“We give away thousands a year to help support these retired ath letes. It’s a good organization, and most people don’t know about it be cause they are not behind the scenes with wrestling or boxing, … but it’s there, and it’s there to help others,” said Jef fery.

The autograph-signing event is being presented in association with Frontier Cigars, which are available at all Flori da Tobacco Depot and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits locations.

Cigars on the Boulevard is a clean, up scale cigar restaurant that invites guests to drink and socialize at its Apollo Beach lounge. It has over 130 types of cigars, including traditional and local cigars.

Cigars on the Boulevard is located at 1438 Apollo Beach Blvd. near Lands End Marina and is open from 3-11 p.m. every day. For more information, visit www. caulifloweralleyclub.org.

HOLIDAY MUSIC & PRODUCTIONS

Two Evenings Of Holiday Music

The Eastern Hillsborough Community Band is present ing an Evening of Holiday Music. On Tuesday, Decem ber 6 at 7 p.m., the concert will be held at Bell Shoals Church, located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. Kings Avenue Baptist Church, lo cated at 2602 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon, will also host it on Thursday December 15 at 7 p.m. Donations will be requested at the door.

Teatre Arts And Dance Alliance

Performs Te Nutcracker

Theatre Arts and Dance Alliance’s pro duction of The Nutcracker includes 100 dancers, 250 beautiful costumes, special efects and fantastic lighting and sets, and it features premier dance company Tam pa Bay Dance Theatre. It has dazzled audiences for more than 18 years and is sure to please audiences of all ages. Performances will be held at the River view High School audi torium, located at 11311 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, on Saturday and Sun day, December 17-18 at 3 p.m. Visit www. tadance.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Riverside Jukebox Swing Band Playing A Free Concert

Riverside Jukebox Swing Band formed this year to entertain the Southshore com munity with music from the big band era to the 1980s. The band has 17 musicians, including three singers who mix vocal numbers into each of the sets. They are playing a free Christmas concert at St. An

Compiled by By Jenny Bennett

drew Presbyterian Church, located at 1239 W. Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center, on Wednesday, December 14 at 7 p.m. The church asks for a donation of a non perishable food item as admission.

First Baptist Bran don Presents Its Christmas Musical Drama

First Baptist Brandon is performing its Christmas musical drama on Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11 at 6 p.m., shar ing the greatest story ever told. This year’s program will consist of some all-time-fa vorite Christmas songs, from familiar car ols to an army of angels announcing the birth of Jesus. The First Voice Choir has approximately 70 members from sixth graders and up, and the orches tra has approximately 30 musi cians. First Baptist Brandon is located at 216 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon.

Dancing For A Diference Annie Jr. Performance

Dancing for a Diference is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to make dance and the arts available and afordable to the community. It welcomes dancers with special needs and has a free program for children in foster care. It is performing Annie Jr. on December 10 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Bloomingdale High School. There are two casts, and each cast has about 40 students starting at age 3 and includes children with varying abilities. To purchase tickets, visit https://dancestudio-pro.com/ tickets/d4d. For more information about Dancing for a Diference, visit its website at www.dancing4adiference.com.

Hector Guerrero

By Lily Belcher

B Brian Blair

Haku Steve Keirn

Hillsborough County recent ly celebrated a major milestone: the 100,000th pet saved at the Michael S. Mer rill Pet Resource Center since Hill sborough County committed to improving the live-release rate at the shelter a decade ago.

In 2012, the euthanasia rate at the shel ter, like at most public shelters throughout the country at that time, was painfully high. About 12,000 dogs and cats were eutha nized that year, nearly two-thirds of the pets brought to the shelter.

Today, the Pet Resource Center’s live-re lease rate is above 90 percent, among the highest in the nation. Those figures are even more remarkable because the Pet Resource Center is the only open-admission shelter in Hillsborough County, meaning it accepts all dogs and cats regardless of age, medical condition or breed.

On October 21, county and shelter of cials celebrated that accomplishment and recognized the local resident who adopted the 100,000th pet saved at the shelter since 2012.

Ray Villegas is the proud adoptive parent to Milo the dog, the 100,000th pet saved at the Pet Resource Center. “If you have the op portunity to love an animal and you have the capability, then please do because it saves a life and they add to your life,” said Villegas. The policy changes began with a commit ment to trust and rely upon people in the community — pet owners, veterinarians, rescue groups and many others — to band

together to build a lifesaving communi ty for pets. Among the policy and practical changes responsible for the dramatic improve ment in live-release rates and accompa nying drop in eutha nasia are:

• The creation of a pet support team that works to help residents keep their pets rather than turning them over to the shelter. Team members can help resolve issues with pet behavior, provide food and other supplies and even help arrange med ical care.

• Actively working with more than 300 pet rescue groups.

• Establishment of a foster program that allows residents to take pets home for as lit tle as a week. The program helps clear shel ter space and provides valuable information about the pets’ behaviors and personalities.

• Establishing pet-enrichment programs, such as dog play groups.

• Quickly spaying/neutering and evaluat ing pets.

• Allowing residents to view virtually all available dogs and cats at the shelter through an online kennel that includes pho tos, medical information and behavioral notes.

• A commitment to matching people with the right pet, which increases owner satis faction and reduces return rates.

• Increasing the number and variety of medical issues that can be treated at the shelter.

For more information or to adopt a furry friend, please visit hcflgov.net/adopt.

TAMPA ELECTRIC’S AWARD-WINNING MANATEE VIEWING CENTER NOW OPEN FOR THE SEASON Staf

The Manatee Viewing Cen ter is the an chor attraction for the Florida Conservation and Technology Center (FCTC), which is a pub lic-private part nership to show case nature and technology. In addition to Tampa Electric, the partners in clude The Florida Aquarium and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

“We’re proud to be the showcase for Tam pa Electric’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Stan Kroh, manager of Land and Stewardship Programs for Tam pa Electric. “The Manatee Viewing Center proves that you can have fun while learning about the natural treasures of Florida.”

When the water temperature of Tampa Bay is 68 degrees or colder, manatees gath er in the clean, warm water discharge canal of Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station, sometimes by the hundreds.

Manatee Viewing Center visitors can see the mammals up close from multiple board walks and vantage points. Visitors can also enjoy meeting the stingrays, critical animals that rely on a healthy Tampa Bay ecosystem, and even touch them gently as they glide past in the touch tank. Guests can hike the nature trail and take in the vistas from the 50-foot observation tower. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at a table near the base of the tower. To help support the manatee rescue and research eforts, be sure to stop at the gift shop on the way out.

The manatees have gathered in the canal to find refuge from the cold since the early 1970s. The Tampa Electric discharge canal is a state and federally desig nated manatee sanctuary that provides critical protection from the cold for these unique, gentle animals. Each season, the center draws nearly 400,000 visitors — for a total of 7 million.

Admission and parking at the Apollo Beach facility are free, and the boardwalks are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act for our guests’ convenience.

Contributions are welcomed and will direct ly support protecting manatees, preserving their habitats and educating the public.

The Manatee Viewing Center’s regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day now through April 15, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. (The facility closes at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.) Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. Please note that no pets are allowed, only trained ser vice animals.

Visit the center online at www.tampa electric.com/manatee or call 813-228-4289 for more information.

Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest in vestor-owned electric utilities, serves about 800,000 customers in W. Central Florida.

Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Left

right are Pet Resource Center director Scott Tre batoski, Ray Villegas, Hillsborough County Assistant Administrator Dexter Barge, Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan.

Each season nearly 400,000 visitors are drawn to see the many manatees gathered in the warm waters of the Tampa Electric discharge canal

South Shore Concert Band To Perform Holiday Concert

The United Method ist Church of Sun City Center, located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center, welcomes the South Shore Con cert Band for a holiday concert on Tuesday, De cember 6 at 7 p.m. It’s the time of year to begin hearing music to get us into the mood for the most wonderful time of the year. What better way to do that than listening to the South Shore Concert Band bringing you your favorites? No ad vance tickets are needed; a donation of $5 at the door is all you need to start getting into the holiday mood.

Seeds Of Hope Plays Boo With Food

Booing neighbors with Halloween treats has be come an exciting holiday trend. Children of all ages enjoy sneaking up to their neighbor’s porch and sur prising them with candy and treats. Since 2019, elementary and middle school ages children on Natures Reserve Drive in Lithia have played the game a lit tle diferently by using it to collect food for Seeds of Hope. In addition to some Hallow een-themed items, food pantry items were also collected and left as donations. “Our game is like typical boo, but you get to buy groceries that feed people,” said Marilynn

T., age 9. Seeds of Hope is a local charity which provides a weekly food distribution. For more information, vis it www.sohopefl.org.

A Kitten Place Bingo Fundraiser At Bullfrog Creek

Local 501(c)(3) nonprofit A Kitten Place is hosting a bingo fundraiser at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Company on Thursday, De cember 8, with bingo starting at 7 p.m. All proceeds from this event will go to care for the homeless, orphaned or those in need of medical-assistance kittens that it has in its care. Bullfrog Creek Brewing Company is located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

Breakfast In San ta’s Village

Step into a winter wonderland at the GFWC Ruskin Woman’s Club Breakfast in San ta’s Village on Saturday, December 10 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The event will take place at the club’s historic house located at 503 S. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Ruskin. Besides a de licious breakfast bufet, children can enjoy arts and crafts and play a variety of games where they can win ‘Grinch Bucks’ to use to purchase all sorts of fun gifts. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for photo as well as carolers. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gfwcruskinwomansclub.org or by calling 813 296 3900.

Center Place Is Looking For Christmas Tree Lighting Sponsors

Holiday Mini Camp For Artists

Center Place Arts & Civic Association Inc. is hosting a Holiday Mini Camp for children from ages 8-13. The camp is a fun drawing camp where the campers will grow their

Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Associ ation’s annual Christmas tree lighting will take place on Wednesday, December 7 from 6:30-9 p.m. at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon. This is a great event to kick of the holiday season with your family with lots of fun activities, and it is free to attend. Center Place is still looking for sponsors to help cover some of the ac tivities at the event. If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Libby Hopkins at libby.hopkins@centerpla cebrandon.com or call Center Place at 813-685-8888.

Horse’s Touch Christmas Photo Fundraiser

(3) charities, including Horses4Heroes. For more information and to book your ses sion, please email mmbarn4@gmail.com.

Lighthouse Operation Of Hope

skill set and sharpen their creative vocab ulary. It will run Monday through Friday, December 26-30 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and the cost is $125; all art supplies are included. For more information or to register for the camp, call 813-685-8888 or visit its web site at www.centerplacebrandon.com. Cen ter Place Arts & Civic Association is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon.

A Horse’s Touch will be raising funds this hol iday season by having a horse and barn-themed Christmas photograph event and party. Ses sions are available on Sat urday and Sunday, Decem ber 17 and 18 at the barn in Wimauma; they are $25 and include the party. A Horse’s Touch exists to pro vide therapeutic horseman ship instruction and is afli ated with numerous 501(c)

The Lighthouse Gospel Mission and Operation Hope of Florida are hosting their annual Christmas of Hope Outreach on Saturday, December 17 at 12 Noon at 7015 Payne Ave. in Gibsonton. This free family event will include free food, clothes and haircuts, as well as face painting, a bounce house and Christmas gifts for the kids. (Children must be present to receive a gift; Christmas gifts are for children be tween the ages of 2-10.) There will also be prayer, encouragement and most impor tantly the love of Jesus for everyone. Please join Lighthouse Gospel Mission for this spe cial Christmas blessing. There’s something for the whole family in cel ebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. For more informa tion, visit www.light housegospelmission. org/, check Facebook @lighthousegospelmis sion or call 813-6775220.

LOCALLY OWNED EGGS UP GRILL CELEBRATES 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

At Eggs Up Grill in Riverview, the smells of fresh ly brewed cofee, crispy bacon and sweetness hit the senses immedi ately upon enter ing. In addition to a massive menu featuring break fast and brunch classics, salads and lunch hot of the grill, guests can expect to experience genuine hospitality from people who live in the community.

As they celebrate their two-year anniversary, Eggs Up Grill franchise owners John and Priscilla Conyers are grateful for the community support in a time of recovery from a global pandemic.

By Sharon Still

Sweet Cream.

“Tampa Bay loves a good meal that is fresh and locally sourced, and that’s what we are bringing to our guests,” stated Priscilla.

Reflective of the demands of the lo cal foodie commu nity, the new menu will also feature more heart-healthy and gluten-free items, plus an added kids’ menu.

OLDER LUNDY

KOCH MARTINO

“We are all about neighbors serving neighbors,” said franchise owners Priscilla and John Conyers.

The couple celebrated the restaurant’s two-year anniversary during the entire week of November 16. “The community has been so good to us, and we wanted to pay homage for helping us crack so many eggs,” said Priscilla.

“We have an egg counter, and we lit erally track how many eggs we’ve handcracked since day one, so it was a super fun celebration,” she added.

Stop by for breakfast, lunch or brunch; there surely is something for everyone. Priscilla pointed out that the shrimp-andgrits bowl, coastal crab cake benedict and Cali mac and cheese bowl are guest favor ites.

Along with its two-year anniversary, Eggs Up Grill is rolling out a new, expanded menu and premiering refreshing signature drinks including The Harvest Peach and

Eggs Up Grill also ofers catering for any size meeting or corporate event. A huge variety of catering options are available for breakfast, brunch and lunch, from bufet-style to individual boxed meals. Additionally, a private dining suite on-premises dubbed the ‘Community Coop’ is available for groups of up to 15 guests.

“Let Me Make You Smile”, the company’s mantra, starts with warm welcomes by friendly team members and continues with genuine hospitality throughout the dining experience.

“Service is our passion. We provide real service for real people and making them smile is job number one,” said John.

Eggs Up Grill is located at 3920 U.S. Hwy. 301. Its hours are 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m., seven days a week. Stay up to date on spe cial promotions and details on Instagram and Facebook @eugriverview and check out the full menu online at www.eggsup grill.com.

TRUE LIES FISHING COMPANY OFFERS INSHORE CHARTERS & SUNSET CRUISES

Captain Branden Mc Corkle grew up on the waters of Tampa Bay in the Ruskin/Apollo Beach area. Convincing his grandmother at 12 years old that he need ed a boat, which was a 1969 Boston Whaler, his summers as a teen were spent chasing snook, trout and redfish in the back bays and flats along SouthShore. Learning from his dad, and some of the best guides in the Tampa Bay area. “I’ve been fishing all my life,” Mc Corkle said. “My dad would take me out fishing whenever he could. I was out there with him inshore, of shore; wherever we could find a place to fish, we would fish.”

At a young age, McCorkle was certain that fishing and being a charter captain was exactly what he wanted to do. “Since I grew up around charter captains,” Mc Corkle said. “One of the charter captains was our neighbor, and I would fish of his dock as a kid. I hung with him a lot as a kid too. I saw what he did, and I fell in love with it, so I knew it was something I wanted to do when I grew up.”

In 2018, he received a job ofer from Billy Nobles, the captain he grew up idol izing, watching on TV and asking as a kid, “When can I be your mate?” “That was a dream come true for me,” McCorkle said. In addition to working ofshore for Nobles,

By Libby Hopkins

McCorkle has his own business, True Lies Fishing Com pany.

True Lies Fish ing is an inshore charter company specializing in the Tampa Bay region with a target catch of snapper, grou per, snook, trout and redfish. “We ofer Ruskin, Apol lo Beach or Lit tle Harbor fishing charters and sunset cruises,” McCorkle said. “Quality and a personalized experience is our specialty. Wheth er you are a sea soned pro or new to fishing, this is your trip. Getting on the fish and knowing what the fish want is what we do for our customers.”

Captain McCorkle feels awesome that he gets to fish every day as his job. “I love being around the people who take charter with us every day,” McCorkle said. “What makes my charter business diferent from others is that we fish in a lot of shallow water and we do a lot of site fishing. A lot of our men clients like to get a big group of guys together to have a party and fish all day.”

If you’d like to learn more about True Lies Fishing Company, visit McCorkle’s website at www.trueliesfishingcompany. com or call 813-480-5111.

THE COOKIE LADY LAUNCHES FIRST BOOK, GOD HAS A SWEET TOOTH

LeAnne Crabtree in known in the Bran don area and beyond as “The Cookie Lady.” She is the owner of LeAnne’s Old Fashion Cookies and her rise to the prestigious title as “The Cookie Lady” has been quite the journey.

As a Finance major at the University of Central Florida, one of Crabtree’s required marketing projects was to plan and set up a business, keep accurate records and report any profits or losses her ‘cookie busi ness’ generated.

“My cookies were an instant hit with the college students, pro fessors, neighbors and friends, who were anxious to buy all the cookies I could make,” Crabtree said. “ My ‘cookie business’ immediately made a profit and the overwhelming demand for my cookies continued even after my professor gave me a ‘C’ on the project. He emphatically stated, ‘People are becoming too health conscious and will no longer eat cookies; therefore, this business will not be a success”.

Ignoring her professor’s harsh criti cism and the ‘C’ on her project, Crabtree’s “cookie business” has continued to pros per for more than 25 years.

Crabtree had attended a few of business coach, Steve Hooper’s events and she de cided to have Hooper coach her on making

By Libby Hopkins

her thriving cookie business more suc cessful.

“When Steve and I met, he told me one of the requirements for all his clients was that they had to write a book,” Crab tree said. “I told him, ‘I can’t write a book’ and he said, ‘Yes you can.’”

Crabtree can now add ‘author’ as she just released her book, God Has a Sweet Tooth. “This book has been in the making for about three years,” Crabtree said. “This is a story of persistence and perse verance in the face of adversity. It’s a story of holding true to your faith no matter what may come your way and overcoming all obstacles on the jour ney to success.”

In God Has a Sweet Tooth, Crabtree tells the powerful stories of LeAnne’s Old Fashioned Cookies and the valuable les sons learned along the path to building an empire.

“This book will inspire you to fight for what you desire, love with all your heart and never give up on your dreams.”

If you would like to learn more about LeAnne’s Old Fashion Cookies or if you’d like to purchase her new book, God Has a Sweet Tooth, you can visit her website at www.leannescookies.com or call 1-888651-0045.

BE A HOLIDAY LIGHT

great

help in our community, and Metropolitan Ministries is

at-risk and homeless families who live closest to you. Help us Inspire Hope this holiday by either volunteering at the holiday tent, hosting a donation drive, donating food or toys, or donating at MetroMin.org.

#InspireHope

There’s a

need for

here to serve

Captain Branden McCorkle grew up on the waters of Tampa Bay in the Ruskin/Apollo Beach area.

LeAnne Crabtree is the owner of LeAnne’s Old Fashion Cookies. She recently wrote a book about her journey to be known in the community as “Te Cookie Lady.”

Improvements inside & out, including the expansive lanai around a refinished pool, enhance this 3 bedroom, 2 bath rental with a 1/4 acre yard in Boyette Springs!

Its Waldorf design features 4 sets of double sliders from the living room, family room, kitchen & master suite that throw the home open to the lanai with screened & roof sheltered sections for all weather enjoyment. The tree lined yard behind it is privacy fenced & gated with a custom built storage shed. Inside 1,850 SF, you’ll find tile floors in all the main rooms as well as the master suite. Both baths & the kitchen are upgraded with wood, granite, lighting & fixtures. Weekly pool care is provided for your convenience. Rent is $2,695 per month.

Count on maintenance & convenience at this 3 bed, 2 bath rental in Lake St. Charles! A new roof over head, new vinyl plank floors under foot, & fresh paint all around you provide reassurance this 1,835 SF home is well maintained. As for convenience, you get a new washer with dryer in a laundry room, owner paid lawn & landscape care in the privacy fenced yard, & a great spot on the cul de sac street closest to the neighborhood's lakefront pool / recreation center! Lake St. Charles is a master planned community built around a 70 acre fishing lake with piers, parks, playgrounds, lighted tennis courts & more. There s no rear neighbor here; the yard abuts a brick community wall. Rent is $2,395 per month.

RE/MAX Hall of Fame, Top 1% among all agents across Tampa Bay

Certified Luxury Home Specialist Newsome High, Riverview High parent

“I live here. I love it here. And I sell here like no one else!”

Email: annmarievaughan @verizon.net Web: annmarievaughan. realtor

Here’s another 3 bed, 2 bath rental in Boyette Springs with a list of updates, from a brand new roof to replaced AC to nicely renovated bathrooms! This lacks the private pool like the home at left, but it boasts a similar lanai that screened & roof covered space of over 500 SF, extended for your enjoyment of a privacy fenced, 1/4 acre yard. The Waldorf's open dining space beside a front living room has been customized here to a French doored formal room suitable as an office or den. Boyette Springs is a neighborhood with its own playground park & strong elementary school near other fine schools, shops, restaurants, recreation options & travel routes. Rent is $2,495 per month.

Just like the home pictured at left, this 3

Vine Vegan Now

Open

Danielle Stevens, owner and chef of Vine Vegan, learned to cook from her fam ily. As a daughter of a Latino and a Brit, who was born in Hawaii, raised in Europe and an American through and through, Danielle was sure to balance everything when creating the Vine Vegan menu. Her mission is to bring people together, capture the culture of com munity and use delicious vegan food to do it.

Vine Vegan is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information on opening hours and to view the menu, visit its website at www.vinevegan.com or follow it on Face book and Instagram @vineveganfl.

Law Ofce Of Samuel C. Higginbottom

Samuel C. Higginbottom is a maritime, insurance and boat ing injury lawyer who serves individuals and small businesses that rely on the Tampa Bay wa terways. His ofce can be found at 10312 Bloomingdale Ave., Ste. 108-315 in Riverview. With over a decade of experi ence working at large law firms in the Tampa area, Higginbottom has lots of experience in all types of cases that have involved legal is sues, including in the areas of personal injury, insurance disputes, government contracts, professional liability, property damage and maritime law. For additional information, visit its website at www.lawsch.com or call 813-825-1267.

R Processor Inc. Helps You To Process Payments

R Processor Inc. makes it afordable for business owners to collect money. Whether you need a point of sales solution or maybe a mobile payment option, it has a solution for your business. It allows small to midsize busi ness owners to streamline their businesses and increase cash flow. Richard Rohde, owner of R Processor Inc., has been in the business for over 30 years and ofers both equipment and software solutions. To find out more, visit its website at www.richrohde.com or call 813-405-5210.

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Riverview

The state of Florida and FEMA have opened an additional disaster recovery center at HCC Regent, located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview, it is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. dai ly. Disaster recovery centers provide disas ter survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the Small Busi

vivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resourc es available. Assistance is also available on line at www.disasterassistance.gov, through the FEMA app or by calling 800-621-3362.

Pediatric Care Ofered 24/7 At HCA Florida Brandon Hospital

Florida Brandon Hospital is ex cited to announce that Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital specialty physicians are now providing pediatric hospitalist care to patients admitted to HCA Florida Brandon Hospital’s pediatric unit 24 hours a day, sev en days a week. “We are pleased to have the Johns Hopkins All Children’s specialty physi cians here to support our inpatient services for children and provide highly specialized care for our pediatric patients,” said Tripp Owings, chief executive ofcer at HCA Bran don Hospital. “Through this partnership, pe diatric patients now have access to expert care at any time of day.”

Sincerely, San ta Toy Drive

In partnership with Sincerely Santa Tampa, Westfield Bran don will host its Sincerely, Santa Toy Drive, an opportunity for the local community to participate in providing at-risk and under privileged kids with items on their Christmas lists this holiday season.

Guests can sponsor a letter to Santa writ ten by a local child in need, purchasing the items listed and bringing the unwrapped gifts back to the Sincerely, Santa booth in the Dillard’s court. The event is now through Sunday, December 18, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. in the booth at Westfield Brandon, located at 459 Brandon Town Center Dr. www.westfield. com/brandon/event-detail/sincerely,-san ta-toy-drive.

RiverHills Shell station owner Todd Kane was proud to present Seeds of Hope founder Leda Eaton with a check for $3,100 for it’s food bank eforts. Te money was rasied by cus tomers during a Drive & Buy community giving campaign.

CHRISTMAS TOWN AT BUSCH GARDENS

CELEBRATES HOLIDAY CHEER WITH NEW SHOWS, FIREWORKS & MORE Staf Report

Celebrating its 10th anniversa ry, Busch Gardens

Christmas Town re turns as the longest holiday celebration in the Tampa Bay area ofering brandnew experiences to celebrate the holidays and create memories to cher ish for a lifetime.

Christmas Town joyfully bundles millions of twinkling lights, uplift ing shows, iconic holiday light displays, culinary de lights and award-winning attractions such as Iron Gwazi every day now through January 9, 2023. Running for 57 consecutive days, the beloved event is in cluded with park admission.

Several all-new activities make this year’s Christmas Town its biggest celebration yet.

A reimagined Holiday in the Sky fireworks show comes to life with a colorful display of festive fireworks while an added spec tacular water fountain show dances to the rhythm of a reimagined soundtrack with classic holiday tunes. Holiday in the Sky will take place on the Festival Field on select event nights. A new mesmerizing and en chanting musical light and projection show will adorn the Serengeti Overlook building, running daily every 15 minutes starting at 6 p.m. Christmas with the Celts is a won derful combination of Christmas Carols and Irish dance that will captivate guests. The renowned group of vocalists, musicians and dancers will perform live at Stanleyville The ater’s stage on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Friday, December 16 through Sunday, December 25.

In Land of the Sweets, guests will find the Sugar Plum ballerina stilt walker and her Cavalier soldier, the newest characters to join the Sugar Plum Princess in her mag nificent new realm. And, right in the heart of Jungala, guests will be in awe with a new 32-foot-tall Christmas tree surrounded by a red-and-white winter wonderland.

Returning again is Santa’s North Pole Experience, presented by Co ca-Cola, a unique experience where jolly elves guide guests to interact with Santa in his workshop. Holiday tales come to life for Storytime with Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer is joined by Clarice and Bumble at Rudolph’s Winter Won derland.

Also returning are ‘Christmas on Ice’ at the Moroccan Palace Theater, the home of Busch Gardens’ lon gest-running holiday show, Elmo’s Christ mas Wish in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area of the park and Three Kings Jour ney, the musical tale of the three wise men’s famed journey to Bethlehem, at Dragonfire Grill during select nights now through Jan uary 8, 2023.

The Holly Jolly Express is back to trans port guests into the celebration as they loop around the park aboard this sing-along jour ney playing the favorite songs of the season.

Delicious eats and specialty cocktails await all guests at this year’s Christmas Town.

The absolute best way to experience the jolliest of all seasons at Busch Gardens is with a Christmas Town Sampler Lanyard. Starting at $40 and redeemable at the nu merous cabins located throughout the en tire park, samplers ofer the best value for guests and will be available in quantities of five and 10. An exclusive 12-item sampler for the same price as a 10-item is available for all pass members. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

Guests are encouraged to please check Busch Garden’s website at www.christmas town.com before visiting to learn which event components are available at each date.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town is back with both new and returning experiences for everyone.

DROP OFF LETTERS TO SANTA AT HIS SPECIAL OUTPOST LOCATED AT THE REGENT

The Regent, located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview, is once again keeping alive the much be loved tradition of writing letters to Santa. The mail box at the special North Pole dropof location will be available the week of Thanksgiving.

A life-size Santa will be stationed at the door closest to the mailbox so children can see him watching as they drop their let ters into the spe cial mailbox. This is also a great pho to opportunity. There will be other spots around the building that will be good for photo opportunities.

Beginning the week of Tanks giving, children can mail letters to Santa at the very special North Pole outpost at Te Regent, conveniently located in Riverview. Letters received by Tursday, December 15 will get a special response crafted by Santa’s helpers.

Children whose letters are received by Thursday, December 15 will receive a specially drafted personal response from one of Santa’s helpers before Christmas. In addition, they will receive a special gift courtesy of Chick-fil-A. Teachers who want to use this as an opportunity for a class project, and who are not providing addresses, must have the letters delivered at least one week before school lets out for the winter holidays in order to get the responses.

According to Shannon Keil, chief ex

By Kathy L. Collins

ecutive ofcer for The Regent, “This event started in 2020 as a safe, kid-friendly activity during COVID, and it has continued to grow.” Keil added, “We love seeing the kids drop of their let ters and the excitement they have on their faces.”

The Re gent is the primary sponsor of the event.

Tammy Holmberg, owner/ operator of Chick-fil-A at Lake Brandon Village, is also a sponsor. Keil said, “Tam my is always ready to help out the community. We love having Chick-fil-A partner with us.”

The Regent was once again named the number one wedding venue in Tampa Bay. Keil said, “We love our community, and we are very happy to be the place where peo ple celebrate the great moments in their life.”

The Regent is home to many commu nity-centric events including weddings, fundraisers, galas, retreats and sweet 16 celebrations. The Regent is a place for di verse interests to come together and build connections and a sense of civic pride.

For more information, please visit www. experiencetheregent.com.

BY MICHAEL MURPHY

GET THE DIRT: HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR THE GARDENERS IN YOUR LIFE

BY LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™ AGENT

Fishing in Tampa has been getting hot with the temps beginning to drop. The tides are beginning to get lower at the same time. This a f ords the opportunity to locate those deep er holes during the low tides, and it becomes shooting fish in a bar rel. Artificial baits have been working very well, including soft plastics, suspended hard plastics and topwater plastics. Work them over the deeper pockets of wa ter where visible tidal flows are evident. Bait has been getting a little tricky with the weather change and some slow tide days. With the re duced bait, don’t be afraid to break out the artificial baits and catch those few golden hours in the morning before the temps really fall. When the water be comes really chilly, the fish may become a lit tle shut-mouthed and hard to get a bite from. Those days, you want to find areas with darker bottoms and a southern ex

posure as to absorb and retain that radiant heat from the sun as the day progresses.

Snook bite remains hot and consistent on the bars and cuts in mangrove areas. They may start to transition into more of the back water flats and residen tial canals as the water temps fall.

Redfish have been on the prowl but not so much in big schools like the months prior. Trout bite is great on the arti ficial baits, and we will begin to get into the sea son where live shrimp will be the go-to bait of choice for all the target species. Locate some of the remaining grass flats and drop-o f s in the mangrove areas and res idential canals. Grouper will close at the end of the month and snook are already closed for the season, so keep that in mind when making you fishing adventure plans. They can still be caught in good numbers, but all catch and release.

With Christ mas and the New Year right around the cor ner, it’s time to ponder what to gift to your gar dening friends. The classic holi day plant gift is a poinsettia. How ever, this article will focus on two other great holi day plants, such as amaryllis and gardenia.

Amaryllis is a bulb that pro duces large, trumpet-shaped flowers. It is also a good contain er plant and can reach a height and spread of 1-3 feet. This bulb needs welldrained soil, has medium drought tolerance and low to no salt tol erance. It makes a great impact when planted in terraces, at gate entrances or as a border plant in groups of 10 or more. Plant this bulb be tween September and January. Amaryllis performs best in partial shade and well in sun. Propagation is from seeds, cuttings and smaller bulbs attached to the ‘mother’ bulbs. You can leave bulbs in the ground for years or dig them up and replant them during September and October. Blooms last for several weeks. For more information, see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp255.

Gardenia produces fragrant white flow ers and has glossy, dark-green leaves. This plant can reach a height and spread of 4-8 feet. Full sun to partial shade provides the best flowering. Well-drained soil that has been amended with organic matter is pre ferred. This large shrub has medium drought tolerance and low to no salt tolerance. It should be fertilized two or three times each year. After flowering has been completed, it can be pruned. However, if you prune after October 1, blooming the following year will be decreased. You propagate this plant by grafting or cuttings. Gardenia can be used

as a hedge or groundcover, and it’s beautiful in mass plant ings or as a spec imen plant. See http://edis.ifas. ufl.edu/pdffiles/ EP/EP33800. pdf.

For the gar deners in your life, they may well want non plant-garden ing-related gifts. Consider giving items such as knee pads, a garden cart, a saw or pruner, gloves, seeds, bulbs, pots, mulch, potting soil, perlite, com post, plant hang ers, composting bins, compost ing worms, a mi croirrigation kit, garden sculp tures, garbage cans (I only have 11 and could use more) and dozens of other items gardeners want or need.

The University of Florida IFAS Extension Bookstore, http:// ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/, has an amazing se lection of gardening, health and nutrition, homes and home maintenance, health and nutrition, natural resources and wildlife and so much more. Logo items include clothing, umbrellas, key chains, hats, children’s books, toys and more. What a place!

Ofer your labor for a specific number of hours or tasks to perform for your friends who may not want or are not able to do them. Tasks could include weeding, plant ing, pruning, watering, propagating, fertil izing, mulching, relocating plants and more. Please come outside and garden so you can check things of your list, enjoy the outdoors and frolic with nature.

For information about upcoming horticul tural programs, visit our website, http://sfyl. ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/, and check out our calendar of events at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ hillsborough/upcoming-events/. Wishing all of you safe and wonderful holidays.

Contact Barber at labarber@ufl.edu.

Gardenia

Amaryllis

As the only spe cies of bird endem ic to the state, the Florida scrub jay is a rare and delight ful sight to behold. Their exclusivity to Florida makes them unique how ever they are also federally listed under the Endangered Species Act as a threatened and protect ed species. These beautifully muted blueand-gray birds with long tails are closely related to blue jays, crows and magpies. An easy way to distinguish them from the common blue jay is that the scrub jay lacks a crest atop their head.

Florida scrub jays are distributed around distinct parts of the state, and they prefer open habitat that contain an abundance of oak shrubs, sand pines and flatwoods. Their habitat tends to fall in the dryer and more low-growing parts of the state which we refer to as the Florida scrubs. In fact, prescribed burns in these areas are a key factor in their conserva tion eforts.

Scrub jays forage in flocks, on the ground and in trees. Their omnivorous diet mainly consists of acorns, insects, snails, eggs, berries, seeds and small ver tebrates. An interesting behavior is that Florida scrub jays nest in groups and of ten have other birds helping them raise their young. This is referred to as cooper ative breeding and usually includes fami ly members. The pairs average two to six eggs per brood, having a clutch once or twice per year. Mating typically occurs

from March through June. Scrub jay chicks fledge their nests around 3 weeks of age and often stay near their flock to help with the next hatch.

Florida scrub jays are also interesting because they are con sidered homebodies that do not migrate. Rather, they stay close to where they hatched and spend their lives in one area, with very little movement from their homes. They routinely protect their same nesting area year after year. This prefer ence is to their detriment, as these birds sufer greatly from habitat destruction, habitat fragmentation and habitat loss. Land clearing for agricultural purposes as well as development are also massive threats to the species.

It is estimated that the Florida scrub jay population has tragically declined by 90 percent in the last decade. This has catalyzed a myriad of eforts to save the Florida scrub jay. Eforts in preserves and parks are focusing on habitat restoration, public awareness, strategic conservation eforts and increased prescribed burns in their preferred locations. These eforts are an important beginning to helping the Florida scrub jay recover and thrive.

Ali Holton is currently director of FishHawk TNR Inc. She has a master’s in biodiversity, wildlife and ecosystems and 20 years of experience specializing in animal behav ior and conservation. To reach her, email fshhawktnr4@gmail.com.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

COLA IS SWEET FOR SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS

If you receive Social Security, you’ve probably already heard that your checks in 2023 will be bigger – con siderably bigger, in fact. How can you make the best use of this extra money?

Here’s what’s happening: For 2023, there’s an 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefts – the largest increase in 40 years. Also, the monthly Medicare Part B premiums are declining next year, to $164.90/month from $170.10/month, which will also modestly boost Social Security checks for those enrolled in Part B, as these premiums are automatically deducted.

Of course, the sizable COLA is due to the high infation of 2022, as the Social Security Administration uses a formula based on increases in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). So, it’s certainly possible that you will need some, or perhaps all, of your larger checks to pay for the increased cost of goods and services. But if your cash fow is already relatively strong, you might want to consider these suggestions for using your bigger checks:

• Reduce withdrawals from your investment portfolio

When you’re retired, you will likely need to withdraw a certain amount from your portfolio each year to meet your expenses. A boost in your Social Security may enable you to withdraw less, at least for a year. This can be particularly advantageous when the markets are down, as you’d like to avoid, as much as possible, selling investments and withdrawing the money when investment prices are low. And the fewer investments you need to sell, the longer your portfolio may last during your retirement years.

• Help build your cash reserves. When you’re retired, it’s

a good idea to maintain about a year’s worth of the amount you’ll spend from your portfolio in cash, while also keeping three months’ of your spending needs in an emergency fund, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. Your higher Social Security checks could help you build these cash reserves. (Also, it’s helpful to keep another three to fve years’ worth of spending from your portfolio in short-term, fxed-in come investments, which now, due to higher interest rates, ofer better income opportunities.)

• Contribute to a 529 plan. You could use some of your extra Social Security money to contribute to a tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan for your grandchildren or other family members.

• Contribute to charitable organizations. You might want to use some of your Social Security money to expand your charitable giving. Your generosity will help worthy groups and possibly bring you some tax benefts, too.

While it’s nice to have these possible options in 2023, you can’t count on future COLA increases being as large. The jump in infation in 2022 was due to several unusual factors, including pandemic-related govern ment spending, supply shortages and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It’s quite possible, perhaps even likely, that infation will subside in 2023, which, in turn, would mean a smaller COLA bump in 2024.

Nonetheless, while you might not want to include large annual COLA increases as part of your longterm fnancial strategy, you may well choose to take advantage, in some of the ways described above, of the bigger Social Security checks you’ll receive in 2023. When opportunity knocks, you may want to open the door.

Performance Care to

Your Athlete’s Abilities

It’s common for us to have athletes come into our offce to get an injury treated, but more often than not, a non-traumatic injury is the result of body mechanics not func tioning appropriately. This means that if we were to just treat the injury itself and then send that athlete back to the sport that caused the injury in the frst place, they would likely end up injured again. This is why in all of our treatment plans we perform a head to toe joint evaluation.

From your neck down to literally how your big toe is functioning, we evaluate how that joint is performing when you run, pitch, jump, etc. Not only does this approach keep our athletes out of injury, but it can make them to pitch faster, run harder, and jump higher.

Generalized training and conditioning with the team or even sport-specifc with most trainers does not account for every athlete’s individualized anatomical abilities. They train for the sport requirements and not what that athlete may be able to safely per form, so ultimately, it ends up training compensation patterns that result in injury or decreased performance.

Our physicians are trained in techniques that many professional athletes and teams utilize to keep their players performing at their highest ability, safely.

You can fnd the same techniques and protocols in our offce that are used throughout the MLB, NHL, NFL, and even at Westside Barbell, which produces arguably the

Dr. Robert Lutz

FLORIDA SPECIAL OLYMPICS RECOGNIZES MARY FRANCES SMITH FOR HER EXTRAORDINARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Mary Frances Smith, a Bran don resident, has been an active and de voted member of the Florida Special Olym pics since she was 9 years old. Now, 24 years later, she con tinues to serve the organization and won the Florida Special Olympics Athlete of the Year award for her eforts.

“The way she goes about the competition and the playing and the interacting with other athletes [has impressed me most]. She encourages everyone to do their best, which is essentially what Special Olympics stands for,” said mother Audrey Smith.

Smith, who has Down syndrome, joined the Special Olympics and began participat ing in track and field. Smith has also played tennis, bowling and swimming with the Special Olympics and played soccer with the TOPS Soccer League. Smith has been an active member of Tennis for Fun and has been involved with the organization since 2003.

Now, Smith is a part of the University of Tampa’s Unified Flag Football team. She is also trained and certified in the Athletic Leadership Program and is a health mes senger.

“Mary Frances is a motivator and an excellent example to other [intellectually disabled] individuals about the possibilities

By Lily Belcher

one can ac complish. Spe cial Olympics has given Mary Frances the op portunities to excel and the confidence to accomplish so much. She is an inspiration to everyone she meets,” said Judith Moore on her nomi nation form for the Athlete of the Year award.

Outside of her involvement with the Spe cial Olympics, Smith is active in her com munity, serving in TRIDENT and the Nativ ity Catholic Church PB&J Ministry. One of Smith’s defining qualities is her leadership skills, encouraging TRIDENT classmates to join the PB&J Ministry and supporting her teammates on the Special Olympics team.

Smith is learning American Sign Lan guage to communicate with her nonver bal teammates so they feel included and supported in their own accomplishments through the Special Olympics. She has worked to include all her teammates and coworkers and support them in their ac complishments as well.

“You have given me a place where I feel included and respected and I can’t tell you how important that is to me and all my fellow athletes,” said Smith at the Orlando award gala on October 22.

For more information on the Florida Spe cial Olympics, visit its website at www.spe cialolympicsflorida.org.

Kings Avenue Baptist Church of Brandon invites the community to experience the true meaning of Christmas at its 36th annual Walk Thru Bethlehem (WTB) event. The city of Bethlehem will once again be brought to life at this nostalgic, free community event that has brought Christmas joy to countless families since it first began in 1986.

This interactive, fami ly-friendly holiday experience transports guests to the an cient city of Bethlehem as it existed during the time of Je sus’ birth. Guests will feel immersed in the WTB experience, such as the town’s realistic backdrop, the authentically dressed towns people, Roman guards, potters, shepherds and live animals. Throughout the 30-min ute guided tour, visitors will see the sights, sounds and smells of Bethlehem. The tour concludes with a visit to the manger with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

WTB Chairman Tracy Hoyt is thankful for the over 350 volunteers from multi ple churches and organizations that help make this event a success. “American Her itage Girls are a huge help in both setting up, acting and cleaning up after the event,” said Hoyt. “We have volunteers from all over Florida and other states that come just to help share the story.”

Destin Van Den Bogaert is a Durant High

By Kelly Wise Valdes

School student and WTB youth volun teer that is looking forward to volun teering again this year. “I help be cause it’s the right thing to do to show everyone the amaz ing God that we believe in,” said Van Den Bogaert.

George Mathis one of the WTB volunteers that helps build the city scenes and acts as a tour guide on all four days of the event. “The reason why I do Walk Thru Bethlehem is the fellowship and team work to put on such a true extraordi nary story about the very first Christmas,” said Mathis. “We also want to keep the tradition going in so many families, and this is the only way a lot of people get to hear about Jesus.”

This free event drew more than 3,000 vis itors last year, which marked the first year for the reservation system to streamline the tours. Reservations can be made by visit ing www.walkthrubethlehem.com. Walk-up spots are available on a first-come, firstserve basis, but registration can guarantee a tour.

Walk Thru Bethlehem takes place on Thursday, December 8 from 6:30-10 p.m.; Friday, December 9 from 6:30-10 p.m.; Sat urday, December 10 from 3-10 p.m.; and Sunday, December 11 from 3-10 p.m. For more information, call 813-684-9453. Kings Avenue Baptist Church is located at 2602 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon.

Mary Frances Smith was named Florida Special Olym pics Athlete of the Year because of her dedication to the program and her teammates.

Te community is invited to register to attend Kings Avenue Baptist Church’s 36th annual Walk Tru Bethlehem event.

FISHHAWK LIONS CLUB CELEBRATES RECEIPT OF ITS OFFICIAL CHARTER

The Lions Club first began in 1917 with a mission to empower Lions clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and well-being. It also wanted to strengthen com munities and sup port those in need through human itarian services and grants that impact lives globally while encouraging peace and international under standing. Lions strive to be global leaders in community and humanitarian services.

“The Lions clubs are for anyone who is service minded, basically for people who just want to help others but don’t know where to start,” said LaTonyia Roberson, membership chair for the FishHawk Lions Club. “Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest nonprofit service organization, made up of nearly 1.5 million men and women in over 200 countries. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world. Its missions include diabetes, hunger, environment and childhood cancer.”

The FishHawk Lions Club recently cele brated becoming an ofcial charter of the Lions Club organization. “It feels amazing,” said Roberson. “This club started as an idea in a library. We wanted to make diference in our community and wanted to find good people who like to serve to help us. It took some time, but the right people answered the call. These people have pure, full hearts and love helping people. Sometimes, I can’t

By Libby Hopkins

believe it. If there are any other like-minded indi viduals, this club is for you. Come serve and have fun doing it.”

During the charter cer emonies, the members of the newly chartered FishHawk Lions

Club were presented with their ofcial char ter. Members of the Brandon Lions Club, who sponsored the formation of the Fish Hawk Lions Club, and numerous other mem bers representing clubs as far away as Arca dia, Fort Myers and Sanibel were on hand to congratulate members of the new club.

Although only recently chartered, for the past three years the FishHawk Lions Club has been actively supporting and assisting the Lithia, Riverview and Valrico commu nities, including providing masks during COVID-19 to numerous groups and facilities, supporting local food banks and shelters as well as instituting and supporting various grassroots activities, such as luggage and shoe drives. “Our members worked hard and stuck together during some difcult times, which makes the chartering of the FishHawk Lions Club even more significant and shows that we will be here for the community for many years,” said FishHawk Lions Club Pres ident Jack Bello. “This achievement was a complete group efort by our members.”

For information about joining the Fish Hawk Lions Club, email robersonlatonyia@ gmail.com or cbogart111817@gmail.com. Visit www.fishhawklionsclub.com.

KNIGHTEN PROJECT ACCEPTING SUITCASES TO PROVIDE TEENS WITH A FRESH START

Suitcases are often an overlooked element in life, despite being tools used to store essentials during a few occasions of moving and trav el. But for the 23,000 teens transitioning out from the U.S. foster care system annu ally, luggage is a luxury that many do not have access to. Moving forward into the un certainty of adulthood with out much support, these kids typically resort to using garbage bags as a means of storing their possessions.

Support for foster teens in need of brand-new suitcases can also be shown by selecting the Knighten Project as the charity of choice when shopping on https://smile. amazon.com/.

Intending to help teens aging out from the nation’s foster care system now through Christmas, the Knighten Project will be working to provide these young adults with luggage for the next stage of their lives. Its Packing with Pur pose Suitcase Donation Drive encourages members of the Tampa Bay communi ty to donate either suitcases or materials to be stored within the brandnew luggage collected by Thursday, Decem ber 15.

“The foster teen population is an invisible population. You could be walking right by them in the mall, in the grocery store and you don’t have any idea that this person is homeless. You don’t have any idea that this person doesn’t have loving parents or family at home. You just see someone walking by you,” said Bernetta Knighten, founder of the Knighten Project. “And if I can help them in any way, we want to do that — to let them know we see them.”

By Madeline Gardner

Before founding this nonprofit, Knighten sought a way to issue sup port for these teens after recognizing that many face homelessness, drug or alcohol abuse and un employment upon their transition out of the foster care system. Rather than let these circumstances become an inevitable real ity for them, the Knighten Project coordinates dona tions and fundraisers such as this one to instill faith that a fresh start for these young adults is indeed achievable.

Those wishing to do nate to this particular campaign can visit the Amazon Wish List and Walmart Donation Regis try links (which are con stantly updating) on the Packing with Purpose Donation Drive page on the Knighten Project web site, where materials are listed and can be ordered and sent to the organization. Indi viduals donating can also choose to spon sor a suitcase by selecting one of the three options available for purchase. The Suitcase package is $40 and provides a brand-new suitcase to a teen in need; the Suitcase Plus package is $100 and includes sheets, a com forter and a hygiene kit in addition to a new suitcase; and the Suitcase Deluxe package is $250 and features a new suitcase fully packed with essentials.

For more info, visit https://theknighten project.org/.

Te FishHawk Lions Club recently celebrated becoming an ofcial charter of the Lions Club organization.

Tom McDougal, Jr., DSc, FACHE CEO, Manatee Memorial Hospital

Finding a medical team who goes beyond just get ting to know your condition can be tricky. At Southwest Florida Rheumatology how ever, professionals such as Dr. Priya Reddy and her staf make it their mission to not only address diseas es but also build a connec tion with their patients through shared deci sion-making.

“We really want to partner with our pa tients to make sure we’re not just hitting our targets for improvement but their targets for their lives,” said Dr. Reddy.

Southwest Florida Rheumatology treats common diseases such as gout and osteoar thritis as well as diseases that are not very common among the general population. The path to treatment through Dr. Reddy and her team begins with patient consultations to determine the nature of symptoms before proceeding to labs, X-rays and physical ex ams that conclude with a solid diagnosis.

The Southwest Florida Rheumatology team also includes Dr. Gina Prakash, Dr. Atefeh Vafa and physician assistant Teena Lukose. Additionally, the scope of their of ferings now includes access to point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) examinations, in-ofce infusions and increased lab biomarkers and diagnostics. The newest development has been Southwest Florida Rheumatology’s in volvement in clinical research trials, which are opportunities to collect information about patients with active diseases who have not yet found success with medications currently on the market.

By Madeline Gardner

Since opening Southwest Florida Rheumatology in 2010, Dr. Reddy has remained active in the medical commu nity through her work as the faculty and curriculum coor dinator for Brandon Regional Hospital Residency Program - USF, giving lectures at the hospital and ofering internal medicine residents the op portunity to come to her ofce to observe physical findings. She is also involved as the president-elect for the Florida Society of Rheumatology (FSR) and is the secretary/treasurer for the Asso ciation of Women in Rheumatology (AWIR).

Additionally, her practice is part of the American Arthritis and Rheumatology As sociates, (AARA/Bendcare) as she acts as a member of the board of directors. Dr. Reddy maintains that involvement in these other professional roles allows herself and her staf to continue dedicating themselves to helping patients find the best possible solu tions.

“I think it’s an honor and a privilege to be a doctor. Patients are very generous in spend ing that time and sharing these issues that they’re facing with us. I think our patients are really our best barometer of success,” said Dr. Reddy.

For more information, please visit www. swflrheum.com or call 813-672-2243. Lo cated at 11954 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, Southwest Florida Rheumatology is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. More infor mation about its ofce hours for satellite branches in Sun City Center and Wesley Chapel can be found on its website.

IMPROVED RIVER HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

In 1988, the first home was built in River Hills. The Riv er Hills Coun try Club was conceived as a daily-fee golf fa cility with ame nities that far surpassed any in what was a fair ly remote area of Hillsborough County at that time.

River Hills Country Club opened the Joe Lee-designed course and clubhouse in 1989.

The developer realized that Tampa was a burgeoning market and built a community that ofered a great golf course, superb dining, clay tennis courts, Junior Olympic-sized pool and tre mendous value just as it does to this day.

“We have a strong bond with our mem bers,” said River Hills HOA President Paul Brooks. “Our members are ambassadors for River Hills. They invite friends who are not member to come and check out our amazing facility. We ofer membership to people who live in River Hills as well as to people who live outside of River Hills. We also ofer membership options to fit most budgets.”

When the development was sold out, the developer sold the club to a growing golf course operator in 2000. That ownership resulted in multiple sales of the property over the past two decades until the River Hills Community Association (HOA) pur chased the club to enhance home-values

By Libby Hopkins

community and to create an ameni ty worthy of the lush and beautiful development. Mis sions of $2 million of improvements were initiated through 2020 to the property to renovate, refresh and rejuvenate a private country club within one of the most respect ed communities that prides itself on exquisite landscaping, nature and protecting the environ ment. “Our focus is still the same as it was when we started, and that is to make River Hills Country Club the best country club around,” Brooks said. “We continue to make improvements to River Hills, and it’s almost as if River Hills is new and improved.”

Brian McManis recently became the general manager of River Hills Country Club. “I’m excited to be a part of the team,” McManis said. “From the first day I started with the team, I jumped right in on making improvements to River Hills. We are very family friendly, and we pride ourselves on all of our programming, in cluding our junior programming for golf, tennis and swimming.”

If you would like to learn more about River Hills Country Club, you can visit its website at www.riverhillscountryclub. com or call 813-653-1554. River Hills Country Club is located at 3943 New Riv er Hills Pkwy. in Valrico.

Te team at River Hills Country Club prides itself on making the club on of the best in the Brandon community.

LOCAL 8-YEAR-OLD FUNDRAISES FOR THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

This month, 8-year-old Lindsey Baxter showed that it is never too early to start giving back to the community.

A student at Stowers Elementary School, Baxter started a snow cone stand from which all profits went to the Ronald Mc Donald House in Tampa.

The Ron ald McDonald House is im portant to Bax ter’s family as she was born with a heart condition called congenital dia phragmatic hernia, CDH, which means her heart is on the right side of her body and is flipped in the opposite direction, and it will remain that way for the rest of her life. Her family took her to the best doctors they could find in Ohio away from their home and spent the time that Baxter was in the NICU in the Ronald McDonald House.

“The Ronald McDonald House was a place to rest our heads and recharge before get ting back to her bedside. They did not ask us for a penny, and we were surrounded by par ents who give up a lot for their kids. Every one there is there for their child, and regard less of who they are they all want the same

By Ariana Pedraza

thing. It was a very supportive environment,” explained Bax ter’s father. The Ron ald McDonald House takes in families from all over the world, and meals are made by the communities for those stay ing.

Baxter’s family moved to Florida from Virginia in July, and this is the second time she has hosted a snow cone stand to raise money. Last April in Virgin ia she raised $311 and this November in FishHawk she made $561. She was very excited to be able to help others, and even bought the supplies herself!

Baxter’s mother gushed, “It’s hard to come by that kind of empathy in a kid. It is great to see her be not only a great friend and daughter but also have such a great heart.”

When she is not running her snow cone stand, Baxter enjoys playing with her friends, doing math and tumbling. She plans on running another fundraiser very soon and is very grateful for all of the community sup port.

Lindsey Baxter is very grateful to everyone for their support.

BLOOMINGDALE ART STUDENTS PAINT COMPANY WINDOWS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Blooming dale High School Art Club painted festive holiday designs on the windows of the Farmers Insurance Valentino Agency on November 5 as a service project for the students.

Art teacher Pa mela Reeves and seven of her stu dents visited the company on Fish hawk Boulevard in Lithia and painted fall designs on the windows. Art club students painted pumpkins with the names of the Farmers Insur ance agents, sur rounded by detailed leaves, flowers and a cornucopia on the door.

“Our FishHawk ofce understands how important it is to support local business es and encourage education so we can be successful together as a community,” said Colleen LaRosa.

LaRosa, Valentino Agency employee and mother of an art club student, approached Reeves with the idea of having Blooming dale High School students paint the win dows in October. The Valentino Agency purchased the art supplies and donated to the club before getting their windows painted by the students.

“It meant so much to me personally that the Valentino Agency could partner with the Bloomingdale High School Art Club to

By Lily Belcher

show support to our local school by showcasing these talented students’ artwork with hopes that as a re sult it helps draw new potential cus tomers’ eyes to our colorful windows and draws them into our ofce to hear about our products that we have to ofer,” said LaRosa.

The Blooming dale Art Club has been a part of the school since it was found ed, but this is Reeves’ first year as the teacher.

Reeves was a student and vice president of the art club in 1990 when they had a local window painting contest. Now, she is trying to re vive the program and is hoping to start a Bloomingdale window-painting contest af ter the new year.

“Bloomingdale Art Club has been around since the start of school. I recently moved to Bloomingdale to become the art teacher, so we are trying new things,” said Reeves.

The Bloomingdale Art Club is willing to paint additional windows for companies that are looking to bring some holiday cheer to their business.

For more information on the Blooming dale High School Art Club or to have com pany windows painted, email Reeves at pa mela.reeves@hcps.net.

Seven Bloomingdale High School students painted fall designs on the windows of the Farmers Insur ance Valentino Agency.

For more than 25 years, Music Show case in Brandon has been the pre miere location for music, music les sons, instruments, repair and suppiles in our community. Plus, with the on site Florida Acad emy of Performing Arts (FAOPA), Mu sic Showcase ofers programs where kids can participate in musical theater, class es, workshops and events.

With FAOPA, attendees experienced the jazzy beats of Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS on November 19. The perfor mance, directed by Rachel Battle, fea tured colorful characters and beloved songs from the movie. Regular tickets were $10 and VIP tickets, which seated attendees in the front two rows, were $12. Tickets were very limited, and sold quickly.

On Friday, December 2 from 5-10 p.m., kids ages 5-12 can enjoy Parent’s Night Out. The night includes dinner, snacks, games, crafts, the movie Polar Express and Santa’s Workshop, where they’ll be able to make Christmas gifts for friends and families. Registration costs $35 if not currently enrolled in a FAOPA program or $30 if enrolled, and siblings are $15 each. Availability is limited, so register early.

Next, look forward to a free Music Makers workshop on Saturday, Decem ber 3 from 9:30-11 a.m. There, children ages 4-10 will learn about and get to play

By

several mu sical instru ments, as well as create and take home an instrument craft.

And then, from Friday through Sun day, Decem ber 9-11 and 16-18, there

will be performances of A Christmas Story: The Musical, directed by Heather Ochalek and with performers ranging from 8-year-olds to adults. Based on the beloved Christmas movie, this show will add a new dimension to enjoy for fans of the movie and stand on its own for people who haven’t seen it. Regular tickets cost $15 and VIP tickets cost $20. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“We have spent over 25 years building relationships with families in this com munity and we are excited for the sea son with A Christmas Story: The Musical, Polar Express, Parents’ Night Out and Santa’s Workshop, our annual Christmas recital and Amplify performing in the community. We hope you join us for one of these events,” said Ochalek, executive director of FAOPA.

Music Showcase is located at 402 Oak field Dr. in Brandon. To learn about its gear, lessons and more, visit www.mu sicshowcaseonline.com or call 813-6855998. For FAOPA, visit https://faopa.org/ or call 813-490-2787.

Taylor Wells

Music Showcase is the go-to for the gift of music, and it’s got plenty of events for this season with the Florida Academy of Performing Arts.

IT IS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR AT TAMPA THEATRE

Tampa Theatre celebrates the season with clas sic holiday films, free movie in the park and even a sockball fight. Ac cording to Jill Witecki with Tampa Theatre, “One of the brightest and most beloved experienc es of coming to Tampa Theatre is the tradi tion of sharing favorite holiday films on the big screen with family and friends.”

In this year’s Holiday Classics series, you can sing along with White Christmas on Sunday, December 4 at 3 p.m.

Then, come see Elf on Sunday, Decem ber 11. Guests are encouraged donate new, unused socks. Witecki said, “During the epic Central Park snowball fight scene, we will turn up the house lights for an audi ence-wide sockball fight in the auditorium. Tampa Laundry Company is donating their services to wash the socks, which will ben efit the homeless in our community this holiday season.”

Next, you will have eight opportunities to see It’s a Wonderful Life beginning on Fri day, December 16 at 7 p.m. Additional shows will be held on Saturday, December 17 at 3 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 18 at 3 p.m.; and then Monday to Thursday, December

19-22 at 7 p.m.

Tampa Theatre will of fer a free screen ing of A Christmas Carol on Decem ber 16 at 7 p.m. in Curtis Hixon Park, located at 600 N. Ashley Dr. in downtown Tampa, as a part of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Winter Village.

On Sunday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m., you can see Eight Crazy Nights

The Holiday Classics series will conclude with a Frozen sing-along on January 8, 2023 at 3 p.m.

Tampa Theatre is partnering with the Ju nior League of Tampa to help provide dia pers to those in need. Guests attending the Holiday Classics movie series are asked to bring disposable diapers to donate.

Tickets for the sing-along are $14.50, or $11.50 for Tampa Theatre members. All other Holiday Classics movies are $10, or $7 for Tampa Theatre members. You can purchase tickets at the historic theater’s box ofce, located at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. You can also purchase tickets online at www.tampatheatre.org. You should note that a $2 convenience fee applies.

THE VILLAGE PLAYERS PRESENT FRUITCAKES, A CHRISTMAS COMEDY

The Village Play ers will present Fruitcakes, a fam ily-friendly Christ mas comedy, this December. Fruit cakes opens with the first Village Players Fundraiser Dinner Theater in two years on Friday, December 2 at 7 p.m. Fruitcakes will be performed at the historic James McCabe Theater, located at 506 5th St. in Valrico.

The dinner the ater is $35 per per son and advanced reservations are required. Food will be provided by Fat Willie’s Fish Camp and will feature catfish and/or cod, hushpuppies, cole slaw and grits or green beans. Drinks include iced tea, lemonade and ice water. Sodas are avail able for an additional cost.

Performances are on Friday, December 9 and 16 as well as Saturday, December 3, 10 and 17 at 8 p.m. Three matinees will be on Sunday, December 4, 11 and 18 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $18 for general admission and $15 for seniors and students with ID. For group sales of 10 or more, please call ahead for reserved seating or dinner res ervations. You can call Chris at 813-4803147. For other tickets, please visit www. thevillageplayersvalrico.com.

Fruitcakes is directed by Gail Pierce, who said, “Fruitcakes, written by Julian Wiles, is a delightful little gem of a Christ

mas comedy. It has a ‘cast of thousands,’ which includes lots of children.”

Fruitcakes also features a bunch of small-town eccen trics, including Mat tie Sue, a six-time widowed woman with a heart as big as all outdoors. You also have Skeeter, a Har vard graduate with a degree in engineer ing, who spends his time fishing, using nothing but poetry for bait; a group of hunters who pray to Clyde the hunting angel; and Mack’s Barn becomes the town’s meeting place.

Mix this together with a Christmas tree farm, thou sands of outdoor Christmas lights, a chickenpox epidem ic, two Southern spinsters who bake fruit cakes for the whole town, a lost tomcat named Tutti Frutti, and the Christmas Il lumination with Buster the Christmas hog. Then, add into this Jamie, a city kid who has run away from home and traveled as far as his money will take him. At first, he thinks this town’s inhabitants are “nuttier than fruitcakes,” but soon he comes to ad mire, appreciate and adore this nutty little town.

Pierce added, “This is a moving story of comedy mixed with alienation, under standing and reconciliation. Fruitcakes provides audiences with a heaping helping of warmth and Christmas cheer and a fun way to start the holiday season.”

Te Village Players will present a family-friend ly Christmas comedy this December called Fruitcakes.

Tampa Teatre, Tampa’s majestic movie palace, celebrates the season with Holiday Classic movies, a free movie in the park and even a sockball fght right in the middle of the theatre auditorium.

NEWSOME HIGH SCHOOL HAS RECORD NUMBER OF SOFTBALL PLAYERS SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT

The Newsome High School soft ball team had a school-record number of stu dent-athletes sign National Letters of Intent from one team at the beginning of November. All seven of its senior girls com mitted to a col lege team, with five staying in Florida and two moving out of state.

Newsome High School had a record seven Softball players sign National Letters of Intent.

Maria Brooks and Ava Wells will go out of state to pursue their college dreams at Washington University in St. Louis, Mis souri and Converse University in Spartan burg, South Carolina, respectively.

Samantha Walz and Olivia Feldman will move to Tampa, planning to play for the University of South Florida and The Uni versity of Tampa, respectively.

Emma Edwards committed to Florida National University near Miami and Ash ley Grieser and Mia Sanchez will both play at Eastern Florida State College in Brevard County.

“All of the seniors on the Newsome soft ball team signed, and I am actually going to the same college as one of my best friends since sixth grade, Mia Sanchez,” said Grieser. “… It felt incredible to be surrounded by my closest friends, family and coaches on the most special day of my life.”

By Lily Belcher

Newsome’s varsity softball team is very competitive, and few freshmen earn a spot on the team. How ever, four of the signees earned that spot on the team four years ago because of their skill and passion for the game.

While each of the signees is dedicated and skilled, the guid ance of coach Allyson Ledenham played a significant role in their success.

“Coach Ledenham has supported me since my freshman year at Newsome. She is always encouraging me to push myself to be a better player than I was yester day,” said Grieser.

Ledenham is a former Newsome softball player and is able to relate to the players while correcting and encouraging them on and of the field. She gave each of the ath letes the opportunity to showcase their skills and earn the attention of recruiters.

“We can’t wait to see all the great things these ladies will do at the next level and are excited to get their senior season started,” Newsome’s softball team said in a Facebook post.

For more information on Newsome High School’s softball team, visit newsome. mysdhc.org or the Newsome High School Softball Facebook page.

Thanks to the Os prey Observer and lo cal business owners, Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Wednesday, December 7 at Cen ter Place from 6:30-9 p.m. “Center Place’s executive board and I are thrilled to have so much community sup port,” said Libby Hop kins, Center Place’s Executive Director. “We are a community center, and our com munity has showed us so much love, it’s overwhelming. Thank you to the Osprey Observer for sharing our story of needing sponsors for our event.”

Local businesses Curry Law, ABC Event Planning, Florida Trade Academy, Leg ends, Game Over Escape Rooms, RAZZLE DAZZLE Barbershop and 7th Sky Ven tures have all agreed to sponsor Center Place’s Christmas Tree Lighting.

Local Brandon residents Kelley Miller and Dorothy Rinaldi have also stepped up to be sponsors of the yearly event. “We still have many sponsorships available and there is still time to help us make this a wonderful holiday event for our commu nity,” Hopkins said.

Center Place’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting is a family holiday event that is free to attend. Center Place is working with local vendors to be on hand as well.

By Libby

“If you are a local vendor and want to be a part of Center Place’s tree lighting event, we would love to have you join us,” Hopkins said. “We are looking for ven dors you can ofer our guests hot cocoa, Christmas cookies or other holiday snacks. We are also looking for vendors to be on hand the night of the event to do crafts with the children who will be there having fun.”

If you are interest ed in being a sponsor of Center Place’s an nual Christmas Tree Lighting, there are still three North Pole sponsorships for $750 each. This spon sorship level covers the mural that will be painted on the windows of Center Place’s Grand Room and indoor Christmas trees. There are also still three Santa Claus sponsorships for $500, which will cover pictures with Santa Claus at the event, and three Elves sponsorships available for $250, which covers snacks for guests of the tree lighting.

If you would like to be a sponsor of Cen ter Place’s annual Christmas Tree Light ing, you can contact Hopkins at libby. hopkins@centerplacebrandon.com or call Center Place at 813-685-8888.

Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Center is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B inside the Brandon Regional Library.

FEEL THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT DURING THE ARTS COUNCIL OF PLANT CITY 35TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

The Arts Coun cil of Plant City will present its 35th annual At Home for the Hol idays Home Tour on Sunday, De cember 11 from 1-4:30 p.m. The Holiday Home Tour will feature three festively decorated area homes plus the Sparkman House Luxury Bed & Breakfast. Tick ets for the event are $25 per person.

In addition to the tour, the Arts Council of Plant City will ofer refreshments at the Plant City Photo Archives, located at 106 S. Evers St. in Plant City. Refreshments are included in the cost of your ticket.

According to Maggie Carl isle, chair of the Holiday Home Tour, “Each home is festively decorated. All of the homes reflect the personality and traditions of the individual homeowners.” Carlisle added, “Each guest tours the homes on their own.” Once you pay for your ticket, you will receive a map showing where each home is located.

Last year, approximately 250 people toured the homes. According to Carlisle, “People from as far away as Homosassa Springs come to the tour. We never know how the homes will be decorated. One year, a dentist’s home featured a tree decorated with all types of dentistry tools. We tell the

By Kathy L. Collins

homeown ers to deco rate the way they normal ly would at Christmas.”

The funds raised at the Holiday Home Tour help the Arts Council of Plant City provide many diferent pro grams for the community. This includes high school scholarships given to four deserving seniors from Plant City High School, Durant High School and Strawberry Crest High School. Students must be interested in pursuing a degree in the arts. Applica tions can be obtained from each school’s guidance coun selor in March 2023. Awards are made at the end-of-theyear assembly at each school.

In addition, the Arts Council of Plant City is the sponsor of a variety of community events. It sponsors among other things, the annual Seward sculptures, banners on the light poles in downtown Plant City, Meals on Wheels, Empty Bowls and a caboose at Railfest.

Additionally, they provide youth develop ment at each of the above-mentioned high schools for drama, band and orchestra.

For more information, contact Carlisle at mcarlisle@trinkle-law.com or Marsha Pass more at mappmore@msn.com.

Te Arts Council of Plant City is proud to present the 35th annual At Home for the Holidays on Sunday, December 11. Ticket holders get to tour three private homes and the Sparkman House Luxury Bed & Breakfast. All locations are festively decorated and will put you in the holiday spirit.

ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER WILL SUPPORT VETERANS HELPING VETERANS

By Lily Belcher

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA NAMES NEW CELLO LEAD

Hillsborough County Veterans Helping Veterans will host their seventh annual golf tournament fundraiser on Saturday, De cember 17 at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview to support veterans and their families.

The golf tournament will begin at 8:15 a.m., with golfer check in starting at 7 a.m. At 1 p.m., Summerfield Crossings Golf Club will host a luncheon and give rafe items to the winners.

While golfer registration is closed, Vet erans Helping Veterans is still accepting hole sponsorships for $200. The commu nity can also support the organization by donating rafe prizes or giving financial donations to the organization.

“It’s the gap,” said board of directors member Rick Rohde, “The drop through the cracks stuf we can help fund.”

Veterans Helping Veterans will host approximately 150 golfers and 50 vol unteers during the 18-hole tournament. Each participant will have the opportu nity to participate in a rafe, where they can win anything from a synthetic oil change to a boat-ride excursion.

Veterans Helping Veterans currently has over 50 rafe prizes but is looking for the community to donate more.

The fundraiser was originally scheduled for October 1, but Hurricane Ian forced Veterans Helping Veterans to postpone

the event to the middle of December. The December date was the earliest it could book Summerfield Crossings Golf Club after the original date was canceled.

After the hurricane, Rohde and his team were responsible for calling all the golfers, who agreed to still participate on the rescheduled date.

Its goal this year is to raise around $35,000, as the golf tournament is its only big annual fundraiser. Members of the community can help by donating raf fle prizes or money to support the orga nization.

Veterans Helping Veterans is a nonprof it organization dedicated to supporting Hillsborough County families. It passion ately advocates for members of the vet eran community and help the hungry and needy.

For more information on the Veterans Helping Veterans Annual Golf Tourna ment or to sponsor the event, contact Vince Cardella at 813-335-0308 or vince techsales@gmail.com

For more information on Hillsborough County Veterans Helping Veterans, visit its Facebook page or contact it at 813450-9082 or susiquehelpsvets@icloud. com.

For the first time in nearly 35 years, The Florida Orchestra has named a new principal cello. Yoni Draiblate won the highly com petitive blind audition and will lead the cello section of the largest professional orches tra in Florida, under the artistic leadership of internationally ac claimed music director Michael Francis.

Draiblate has toured the United States, Eu rope and South Ameri ca with orchestras and has appeared on presti gious stages such as Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Teatro Colón in Argentina, the Philharmo nie Berlin and many more. He is one of eight new musicians TFO welcomes this season. The Florida Orchestra employs 71 full-time professional musicians and con ductors.

“I am incredibly honored to fill this role in The Florida Orchestra. I’ve lived and performed all over the world, but my col leagues here have quickly made me feel at home,” Draiblate said. “I am lucky to be part of an orchestra that values the high est level of excellence, both onstage and in our community and schools.”

Draiblate is a former principal cellist of the Haifa Symphony Orchestra in Israel, former principal cellist of Symphony in C in New Jersey and former associate principal of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. He also appeared as a guest

principal cellist with the Princeton Sym phony Orchestra. Before moving to Florida, he was a full-time member of the Columbus Sym phony Orchestra. For more on Drai blate, visit https:// floridaorchestra. org/musicians/ yoni-draiblate/. Draiblate suc ceeds James Con nors, TFO’s es teemed principal cellist since 1988, who is preparing to retire at the end of this season in May 2023.

TFO will perform more than 100 con certs this season in venues throughout Tampa Bay, including a wide range of classical, popular, film, rock and fam ily-friendly music. Next up, Maestro Francis continues the Hough Family Foundation Masterworks series with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 on Friday through Sunday, December 2-4, featuring the world premiere of Michael Ippolito’s violin concerto, composed especially for concertmaster Jefrey Multer. The Ray mond James Pops series includes block busters such as Holiday Pops, Harry Pot ter vs Star Wars, and the Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album. The orchestra’s 55th Celebration concert featuring legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman will be on March 11, 2023 at the Mahafey Theater. For tickets to the concerts, visit https://flor idaorchestra.org/.

Photo courtesy of TFO. Yoni Draiblate, who was named Te Flor ida Orchestra’s new principal cello. Photo courtesy of Te Florida Orchestra.

HELP YOUR KIDS LEARN TO COUNT AND DREAM OF TAMPA AND CHRISTMAS WITH THESE TWO BOOKS

Countdown children’s books are great for helping kids learn count from 10 to 1 and easing them into bed time, and two re cently published by Arcadia Chil dren’s Books are perfect for the Christmas season and the lo cal area. Dreaming of Christ mas and Dreaming of Tampa are board books illustrated by Oldsmar resident Nathan Heinze, and his creative, col orful art will inspire wonder in children while teaching them about Tampa and all the fun and magical parts that make up Christmas.

With Dreaming of Christ mas, kids will be counting down to Santa’s visit. From 10 caroling carolers to one twinkling star atop the Christmas tree, they’ll learn about what makes Christmas and the leadup to it special — as well as take part, such as finding out the names of Santa’s nine reindeer and baking seven cookies with their parents. This book is the perfect introduction and gift for a child’s first Christmas, and it’s great for little ones looking forward to the holiday.

Dreaming of Tampa is great for anyone wanting to explore and discover the area with their children. Have fun counting down around the town from the 10 rising arches of the Tampa Union Station to one sleepy

By Taylor Wells

pirate ship — representing the bay’s Gasparilla celebration. The 10 subjects also make for great spots to visit with your kids as they learn about where they live, and there’s a fun map at the end showing approximately where each subject is.

Heinze, along with be ing an illustrator, is also a writer, designer, fine artist, occasional music producer and more who’s passionate about all forms of creativ ity and is glad to do what he loves. While illustrating the books, Heinze received much help from his daugh ter, who is very artistic, and his son gave his opinions as well, both telling him what they liked most and acting as his editors. His children are even featured in the swimming sea creatures page of the Tampa book.

“They were my very small test market, my two kids,” Heinze joked. “My daughter got very specific: ‘Yeah, the pink’s a little too hot here, you should calm it down,’ or, ‘I think the sun needs to be bigger here,’ … she’s very particular.”

To learn more about Heinze, visit https:// nathanheinzeart.com/. The Dreaming of books are available at www.arcadiapublish ing.com/, on Amazon and at other places books are sold.

TICKETS FOR THE 2022 UNION HOME MORTGAGE GASPARILLA BOWL ARE NOW ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC Staf Report

With just over a month until the 2022 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, ESPN Events is proud to announce that tickets are now available for pur chase to the gener al public. The 15th edition of the bowl game will take place at Raymond James Stadium on Friday, December 23 at 6:30 p.m. Last year’s in-state matchup between the UCF Knights and Florida Gators hosted a soldout crowd of 63,669 fans.

The Gasparilla Bowl welcomes two teams from among the American Ath letic Conference (AAC), Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big 12, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference (MAC), Moun tain West, Pacific 12 Conference (Pac-12), Southeastern Conference (SEC) and inde pendent programs, Brigham Young Universi ty and Army. The event annually showcases many top college-football players who go on to play in the NFL.

The week leading up to the game ofers student-athletes and fans a variety of inter active events across the Tampa Bay area to celebrate Bowl Week and get into the game-day spirit. From visits to local sites and attractions to a loud and proud Block

Party at the Tampa Convention Center, Gasparilla Bowl activities honor the rich history of Tam pa’s famed Gaspar illa Invasion, our community’s rich waterfront and the fun of football in Florida. Stay tuned for more announce ments.

Fans can now purchase tickets for the 2022 Union Home Mortgage Gasparil la Bowl tickets with lower bowl seating available starting as low as $40, making it an afordable option for holiday family fun. Club-level seating and access starts at $75. Taxes and service gees will apply.

College-football fans who want to catch all of the action with their favorite krewe of 10 or more can purchase discounted group ticket packages by calling 813-301-6900. Group ticket information is also available at www.gasparillabowl.com/tickets/.

Gasparilla Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN with a portfolio of 34 collegiate sporting events nationwide.

For more information on this year’s bowl game and the bowl week events, please visit www.gasparillabowl.com or follow along on social media @GasparillaBowl.

Nathan Heinze, illustrator of Dreaming of Christmas and Dreaming of Tampa.

Dreaming of Tampa and Dreaming of Christmas, il lustrated by Nathan Heinze and published by Arcadia Children’s Books.

FRIENDS, SPECIALLY FIT THE HIVE INCLUSIVE AND HUG TEAM UP FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ADULT ACTIVITIES

As a young adult, it’s taken for granted that you can participate in a few rites of passage, such as socializing with friends, going out to dinner and go ing on your first date, but for adults with special needs it’s an entirely dif ferent scenario.

After high school, special needs adults have very few choices. Some attend a day program (if they can aford it or are on the Medicaid waiver), some are lucky enough to get a part-time job if they find a supportive workplace that will work within their limitations, but most special needs adults sit at home, isolated, lone ly and shut of from society. If they can get out, they must rely on their parents or siblings for transportation. As they get older, some adults move into group homes, and it becomes worse as they live on a very limited income, and the staf who care for them must look for low-cost activities that the adults can aford.

FRIENDS (Families, Respect, Inspire, Education, Networking, Down syndrome, Special needs) realizes just how difcult it is and has teamed up with Specially Fit, The Hive Inclusive and HUG (Help Us Gather) to bring special needs adults to gether to meet others, make new friends and enjoy time together.

Specially

Staf Report

at 12 Noon. Spe cially Fit is also part of Special Olympics, and its athletes par ticipate in pow er lifting. Oliver also is the owner of several group homes, and his residents are part of FRIENDS danc es and parties.

The Hive In clusive’s Tonya Whitlock hosts support groups and get-togethers in Tampa. It has instructor-led classes, social events and support groups for individuals with disabilities, caregivers and siblings. RSVP for events at www.theinclusivehive.org.

HUG ofers a free website that shares social events and activities in Tampa Bay that cater to people of all age groups that live with disabilities. HUG organiz es adaptive, inclusive community events from 90+ local organizations in the Pi nellas and Hillsborough County areas into a simple, easy-to-use calendar. The HUG website can be used by people with special needs, parents, caregivers and or ganizations that host events. Check out HUG’s community calendars full of free or low-cost activities for children, teens and adults with disabilities at www.hel pusgather.org.

FRIENDS ofers two dances a month: one at the Hilton Garden Inn in Riverview and one at the Holiday Inn Express in Clearwater. For more information about FRIENDS, visit www.friendssupport.org.

ICE SKATING AND WINTER VILLAGE RETURN TO

TAMPA JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

This year, cele brate the holiday season by visiting the Winter Village and its outdoor ice-skat ing rink. It is a great holiday activity for the whole family. The Winter Village is lo cated in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park at 600 N. Ashley Dr. in downtown Tampa. The Winter Village is open now through January 4, 2023.

Located along the Tampa River walk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed each year with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays, which is great for children and adults alike.

Each year, a gi ant ice-skating rink is erected on the perimeter of the park. You must purchase and reserve tickets for ice skating in advance. Tickets are $17, and the cost includes skate rentals. All hours are subject to weather and rink conditions.

In addition to the 5,000-square-foot ice-skating rink, the Winter Village fea tures random Santa sightings, the Curtis Hixon Choo Choo, shopping and snack and beverage options. The Curtis Hixon Choo Choo o f ers a five-minute ride through the park where riders can enjoy the sights, lights and sounds of the Win

By Kathy L. Collins

ter Village.

The Tampa The atre will o f er two holiday movies on the lawn on Friday, December 16 at 6 p.m.

Back this year is the popular Win ter Village Express. The family-friend ly excursion takes you from Whiting Station, located in downtown to Ybor City, and back on the TECO Line Streetcar. The one-hour trip features a holi day sing-along, holiday trivia, milk and cookies and added sur prises along the way.

New to the hol iday celebrations at the Winter Village this year is curling. This will be available on a first-come, first-serve ba sis. Equipment will be available for rent al. There will also be a curling league. This is available now through Wednes day, December 28. Games will be played every Wednesday from 6-10 p.m.

Katie Collins of Valrico said, “The Win ter Village is truly special. It really puts you in the holiday spirit and is a fun way to spend a few hours in downtown Tam pa.” For more information on hours and rentals, please visit www.wintervillag etampa.com.

Fit CEO Mark Oliver hosts a free weekly exercise program at BayCare on Bloomingdale Avenue every Saturday

Photo courtesy of FRIENDS. Adults enjoying a picnic on World Down Syn drome Day in March this year.

Get into the holiday spirit with a visit to the Winter Village located along Tampa’s beautiful riverwalk at Curtis Hixon Wa terfront Park. You can enjoy holiday sights and sounds, ice skating and even curling this year.

SEVEN BLOOMINGDALE STUDENT-ATHLETES SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT

By Nick Nahas

lege and will major in business.

“My goals for col lege baseball next year are to get an opportunity to play at a bigger school af ter my two years and help my team win,” said Clinton. “My goals for my last high school season are to win a state champion ship and to get better every day.”

Bloomingdale High School hosted anoth er successful National Signing Day, in which seven athletes committed to their future schools. Six baseball players, including Trey Wilson (State College of Florida), Dawson Harman (High Point University), Bobby Rossi (Greensboro College), Alex Vazquez (Greensboro College), Tyler Clinton (Day tona State College) and Jake Magadan (Barry University), as well as girls soccer player Aubrey Cripe (Newberry College), all signed.

Wilson signed with the State College of Florida and will earn his A.A. degree. “I chose that school because I really like the coaching staf there, and when I went on my visit, it was everything I was looking

for. It is in a great part of town, and the lo cation of the school lets me enjoy my hobby of fishing while being close to school,” said Wilson. “I would like to thank my parents and brothers for pushing me through this whole process, my coaches for making me the player I am today, Randy Sullivan, Amy Marsh and all the employees at Florida Baseball Armory for helping me perfect my craft of pitching to make me the best pitcher I can be. Go Bulls.”

Dawson Harman will attend High Point University and major in sports manage ment.

“It was the best feeling of my life,” said Harman. “I had a major setback in my re cruiting process sophomore summer and

that definitely made me work harder on the comeback. I had a chip on my shoulder, and I wanted to prove everyone wrong, so to have done that really makes me feel good, but the grind never stops.”

Rossi chose Greensboro College and will major in business administration and man agement.

“To achieve my dream almost felt unreal,” said Rossi. “I will be attending Greensboro college. It was the right fit for me because the school was a smaller, beautiful campus and I loved the coaches. I want to shout out all my boys who signed with me. I’ve known all these kids for a long time and I’m very proud and happy for them.”

Clinton signed with Daytona State Col

Magadan will at tend Barry University and major in sports medicine.

“I felt that all my hard work paid of and I was very relieved to have signed with a college,” said Magadan. “Shout out to coach Wilken and coach Jimmy for helping me along the way.”

Vazquez will join his teammate Rossi at Greensboro College and major in exercise science.

“I would like to thank my parents for helping me through this journey and do ing whatever it takes to help me get bet ter,” said Vazquez. “As for my coaches, I would also like to thank you for all the help through this journey and helping me get better as a baseball player and human being. Let’s go Bulls.”

Seven Bloomingdale student-athletes participated in National Signing Day.

NEWSOME FOOTBALL’S J.C. ROQUE SCORES EIGHT TOUCHDOWNS IN ONE GAME

Newsome

running back/ receiver Juan Carlos (J.C.) Roque went out with a bang in the fi nal game of his high school ca reer, scoring a school-record eight touch downs in a 5443 win over Gaither. For mer Newsome standouts Con ner Powers and Will Worth previously held the record with five total touchdowns in one game. The senior tallied 15 rushes for 153 yards, five touchdowns on the ground, four catches for 95 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

The three-year varsity starter said that this game was easily the most memorable of his career, and he knew after the first half that it was going to be a night for the record books.

“I realized it was going to be a special night when we went into halftime and I had three touchdowns,” he said.

Newsome football head coach C.J. Yockey said he didn’t know what an amazing night Roque was having until he heard the PA announcer say that he had six touchdowns during the game.

“It just started to snowball after the first half,” said Yockey. “He took a hookand-ladder play for a touchdown with five seconds left in the half to give us a lead for the first time. We never gave the lead back after that.”

By Nick Nahas

The Wolves slot receiver had a tremen dous season overall, scoring a team-leading 25 total touch downs. He had 964 rushing yards on 96 carries with 15 touchdowns on the ground, 450 receiving yards on 29 catch es with seven touchdowns through the air and two kicko f returns for touchdowns on just eight chances.

“The cool thing about J.C. is that he really doesn’t like the spotlight, so he’s kind of a low-key guy that just puts his head down and goes,” said Yockey. “He’s not really going to pound his chest and want everybody to look at him. One of his great qualities is that he’s just really humble, he does what he’s supposed to do and leads by example.”

Yockey said that Roque is being re cruited by several colleges and thinks that he will be a Division I athlete. Roque said that he has several o f ers, including one from Stetson University.

“What I remember most about the game was all of my teammates’ faces when we won,” said Roque. “The joy and excitement is just amazing, and it made me realize that football is about building a bond with your team — that makes us like a family. I just want to thank my family and the Newsome coaching sta f for an amazing four years.”

Photo courtesy of Newsome Football Program. Newsome Wolves slot receiver Juan Carlos (J.C.) Roque had a tremendous season overall, scoring a team-lead ing 25 total touchdowns.

NEWSOME HIGH SCHOOL HAS RECORD NUMBER OF ATHLETES SIGN

By Lily Belcher

Twelve student athletes at Newsome High School signed letters of intent to play with Division I or II institutions fol lowing their graduation on National Sign ing Day. Newsome hosted the athletes as they signed their National Letters of In tent, committing to play their sport for a particular college following their high school graduation.

Around 300 people attended the event, as the athletes invited family, friends, teammates and the coaches they grew up with to celebrate with them. The gymna sium was decorated with school colors, cakes and balloons to celebrate each of the 12 athletes.

Sydney Warmbier signed with the Uni versity of Alabama for rowing. Warmbier swam for Newsome High School, but her passion was rowing, despite Newsome not having a rowing team. Her dedication to her sport drove her to join Plant High School’s rowing team after school while still a student at Newsome. She became one of the team’s best rowers and now has a future at the University of Alabama

as a rower.

Samantha Swanovich signed her letter of intent to play lacrosse at Rutgers University.

“The signing day was such a fun and memorable experi ence. So many fami ly members, friends, teammates and coach es were there to sup port me and all of the other student athletes. I was proud to be one of the athletes recognized that day,” said Swanovich. “Each of us were allowed to make a speech in front of a packed gym of supporters to announce our intent to play our sport in college.”

Kaley Kugler committed to the Univer sity of Pittsburgh at Johnstown to play volleyball. In her recruiting profile, Kugler explained it has been her dream to play college volleyball and to follow in her fa ther’s footsteps.

“My parents were a significant part of my start to volleyball, as they pushed me to the best of my abilities. My father played volleyball and I as pire to follow in his foot steps, and maybe even farther than college play ing the sport that I love,” she wrote in her NCSA personal statement.

Newsome’s baseball team had four ballplayers sign as well. Evan Dempsey signed with Florida Gulf Coast University after playing for four years as a pitcher and outfielder with the Wolves. Dempsey started with Newsome early, participating in its sum mer program to train before joining New some’s team in his freshman year of high school.

Brian Young, a pitcher, signed with Cap ital University in Ohio, and infielder and pitcher Reilly Kuhar signed with Thomas University in Georgia, where they both

plan to continue their baseball careers. Pitcher and infielder Luke Peterson signed with Coker University in South Carolina as well.

Newsome baseball coach Dick Rohrberg said Peterson knew he wanted to play baseball and Coker, but, instead of wait ing for them to come to him, he pursued the ofer.

“Luke Peterson kind of came out of nowhere,” admitted Rohrberg as he ap plauded Peterson for his independence and ambition in pursuing a college base ball career.

Seven softball players signed letters of intent, setting a record for the Newsome team. Samantha Walz, Olivia Feldman, Emma Edwards, Ashley Grieser and Mia Sanchez all signed letters of intent with Florida colleges. Maria Brooks and Ava Wells will continue their softball careers in St. Louis, Missouri and Spartanburg, South Carolina, respectively.

For more information on Newsome High School’s athletics, visit their website at www.nhsboosters.com

Newsome High School had 12 athletes who signed National Letters of Intent in November.

Each athlete was supported by their family, friends and coaches.