Bloomingdale/FishHawk 41-48
21
March 2022
Volume 21, Issue 3
Ph: 657-2418
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
FISHHAWK EARLY LEARNING OWNERS SELL LOCATIONS AFTER 21 YEARS By Michelle Caceres For more than 20 The property next to years, Susan Rind FishHawk Early Learning and her staff have Center 2 was originally cared for thouzoned for a church. Rind sands of children purchased the land and at FishHawk Early again, the new center Learning Center. was at capacity before it In January 2000, opened. she and her sisRind credits her success ter-in-law, Beverly to the centers’ staff. Rind Gonzalez, opened said many of her teachers the first center, loare longtime employees cated next to Bevis and friends. She also said Elementary. Gonzaher success couldn’t have lez was already an been possible without the Longtime FishHawk Early Learning expert at managing Center Owners Susan Rind and Beverly support and involvement Gonzalez have sold the businesses to early learning cenof parents. ters, having opened people who will continue their legacy of Everything has its time educating local children. Walden Lake Early and season though, and Learning Center for Rind and Gonzalez, the with Rind almost season of owning Fish10 years earlier. Hawk Early Learning Cen“We had to purters has come to end. They chase three resisold the centers on Decemdential lots next ber 17, with Rind selling to to the elementary Walden Lake Early Learnschool and have ing Center Owner and rethem rezoned to tired Principal Mary Lou commercial use,” recalled Rind. Hewett and Gonzalez selling to FishHawk Gonzalez, a former elementary school Early Learning Center’s longtime director, teacher, became the center’s director, even- Karri Hasty. tually purchasing the center from Rind in “Children have always been my life’s work 2005. “It was the most fantastic experi- and my goal at FishHawk Creek Early Learnence teaching young children,” said Gon- ing Center is to continue to provide quality zalez. “We had a phenomenal staff and the childcare and early learning programs so support of wonderful parents and the com- that children are prepared to start kindermunity.” garten,” said Hewett. When construction of FishHawk Creek ElHasty plans to continue to live up to Gonementary was slated to begin, Rind bought zalez’s high standards. “I have the same the lot adjacent to it and built FishHawk vested interest as Beverly of inspiring a love Early Learning Center 2. “Our center was at of learning in children,” she said. capacity before we even opened the doors,” Rind plans to keep herself busy playing said Rind. tennis and volunteer as a guardian ad litem. Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Pro- Gonzalez is enjoying walking, bike riding, gram (VPK), free preschool for 4-year-old reading and spending time with family. children, had yet to come into existence. Visit www.fhelc.com or call 662-5978 for Rind knew she would need another building location next to Bevis Elementary or 684accommodate growing demand. 5506 for the FishHawk Creek location.
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
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PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397
Fishhawk Ranch Saturday March 26
10 am
1 pm
Park Square
16134 Churchview Dr. LITHIA
Spr ing into health with your ellness assport Experience all interactive business booths and be eligible to win a raffle prize! Healthy FREE fun for everyone!!
➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢
BLOOMINGDALE & NEWSOME HOST 6TH INCREDIBULLS GAMES
By Michelle Caceres
Hart. In addition, each athlete will visit the ‘Olympic Village’ to play games and win prizes at more than 30 booths designed and staffed by student clubs. There will also be a DJ and dancing. Bloomingdale Principal Marcos Rodriguez is pleased the event will happen this Bloomingdale and Newsome High Schools will host the sixth annual IncrediBULLS Games on March 11.
Sports don’t just give participants the chance to experience the thrill of victory, they also allow the community to come together to support each other, to be a part of something bigger and more important than just their personal needs. A perfect example is the sixth annual IncrediBULLS Games that will be held on Friday, March 11 at Bloomingdale High School. This special event allows more than 400 student athletes of all abilities from 11 schools throughout Eastern Hillsborough County the opportunity to compete in Special Olympic-type competitions in front of their friends and family. Hosted in prior years by Bloomingdale High School, staff and students at Newsome High School will also be participating in the event this year. “The partnership between the two schools increases community involvement, but more importantly it gives opportunities to students at Newsome to become buddies with our special athletes,” said Newsome teacher (also former Bloomingdale teacher) and event coordinator Donna Hart. At the event, each athlete is assigned a student from Newsome or Bloomingdale to serve as their buddy throughout the day as they compete in the events. “The friendships that come out of this event can last for years and truly show the positive impact of inclusion,” said
year since there was a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. “It’s such a wonderful opportunity for our students to participate in this event that helps students with disabilities discover new strengths and abilities and find joy and confidence,” said Rodriguez. Rodriguez and Hart know the event couldn’t happen without the support of members of the community. “We could not host this event without the help of our community sponsors and volunteers,” said Hart. “The hours of planning, coordinating and hard work pay off in the smiles of our athletes and their buddies.” For more information about the event, contact Bloomingdale High School at 744-8018.
IN THIS ISSUE: IMPACT SPRING TEA ..........................PG 3 DREW’S RV TECHS ..............................PG 11 EYE ON BUSINESS ...................PGS 25-26 SUMMER CAMPS......................PGS 41-48
FAIR
Raffles & Giveaways Interactive Business Booths Food Samples Fitness & Healthy Food Demos Health Education & Resources Free Health Screenings Mobile Mammography & Dermatology *appointments strongly recommended * most major insurances accepted www.onspotdermatology.com/fishhawk.com www.AdventHealthMobileMammography.com
➢ Blood Drive www.oneblood.org/donate-now Use sponsor code 25477
➢ Fire Prevention Resources ➢ Music
For more information call (813) 957-1841 or email sparvin@fishhawkranchcdd.org
Don’t miss the annual FishHawk Ranch Health & Wellness Fair Saturday, March 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Park Square. Full listing of participants Pg 14.
Not to be combined with any other offer. Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.
3/31/2022
$40 OFF BRAKES Includes Free Brake Inspection Not to be combined with any other offer. Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.
3/31/2022
