Osprey Observer Christian Voice Monthly August 2023

Columns:

Grace Notes: 04

Hooked On Books: 11

Faith & Footprints: 17

FATHERS

ONEBLOOD COUNTS ON COMMUNITY DONATIONS

By Avery Ranieri

OneBlood, a national charity that saves lives each day, hosted a blood drive in Gibsonton on June 30 where each donor 16 and older received two free movie tickets for the AMC Riverview 14 GDX theater to any show of their choice. With approximately a month to attend the movie and no other general restriction, these individuals had first dibs on seeing some of the world’s most anticipated films. Not only were they gifted these tickets, but more importantly they also helped to gift life to people around the world.

OneBlood and its ongoing blood drives are an important part of the life-saving process. Hospitals in the area report how much blood they’re using and how much they need, and then OneBlood provides it to lower the prerequisite and the mortality rate, as one person’s donation saves up to three lives.

All OneBlood drives also tend to have some sort of trendy incentive for their donors, ranging from gift cards to concert tickets. As if this wasn’t

enough, reduced risk of heart attacks and better overall health are only a few of the donor benefits. Regular blood donors who provide their email

accordance with their demand.”

Yet, through the compassion of the community, blood transfusions around the world are safely accomplished due to charities such as OneBlood.

and phone number are even notified when their blood product is used. Of course, for whom and for what reason is kept anonymous, but donors can know when they have done the deed of saving the life of another.

The host of this particular blood drive, John-Michael Elms, a frequent donor himself, is proud of what these events produce. He also recognizes that it’s “hard for the blood bank to stay stocked.” It is true that the Tampa Bay area is one of the largest trauma centers in Florida, resulting in a lot of required blood products.

Elms stated, “Blood collected in the Tampa area is provided to hospitals in

Elms also said, “The importance of donating blood is so that there are blood products available when someone has a need for treatment, whether it be an emergency or an enduring treatment.”

OneBlood’s main goal is to fund these tissue products to people all over the world to prevent any tragedy and to honor the community. To continue helping the cause, John-Michael Elms is partnering with OneBlood once more for a blood drive the first week of August at Bevis Elementary School, located at 5720 Osprey Ridge Dr. in Lithia.

If you would like more information on how to make a diference, visit www.oneblood.org and keep an eye out for the Big Red Bus — which always a sign that a blood drive is happening near you.

LOU AND JOSH WILL SERVE THEIR NEW ASSIGNMENT AT ST. STEPHEN CATHOLIC

St. Stephen Catholic Church welcomed two new parochial vicars, Fathers Lou Turcotte and Joshua Hare, to its parish on July 1.

Turcotte has served as a priest for five years now, with former assignments in Lutz and St. Petersburg. At St. Stephen, his role as a parochial vicar or associate pastor, like Hare, will be to assist the parish’s pastor, Father Dermot Dunne.

“This is one of the largest churches I’ve ever been a part of, both as a priest and during my time in studies. But there is a wonderful spirit here that makes it seem smaller and more welcoming than at first glance,” said Turcotte.

The Clearwater native attended the University of Florida before pursuing his ordination. While not working, Turcotte enjoys watching soccer or playing disc golf.

“My hopes and goals will really come from the heart of the people here as I learn what makes this faith family tick. In the meantime, I plan on preaching Jesus and the incredible love He has for each of us,” said Turcotte. “I’m expecting God to

show me what the next step is going to be.”

Hare was born in Florida and graduated from Hernando High School. He attended nine years of seminary education before being ordained in 2019.

“There are two main areas that I am eager to focus on: youth ministry and RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). RCIA holds a special place in my heart because, like many others, I wasn’t born into the Catholic faith,” said Hare. “…

By Lily Belcher

Additionally, I have a great love for youth ministry. … I look forward to sharing my zeal for helping our young people grow in their knowledge and love for Jesus Christ.”

Hare enjoys smoking meat and fishing when he is not o f ering mass. He also enjoys trying new things and is looking forward to his new experiences in Riverview.

“I am overwhelmed with joy to have been assigned to St. Stephen’s. In just three weeks, the warm hospitality shown by everyone in the Riverview area has made me feel truly welcomed,” said Hare. Turcotte and Hare were welcomed after Fathers Izzie Hernandez and Anthony Ustick left, following assignments to di f erent parishes. Turcotte admitted he has big shoes to fill, but, alongside Hare, he looks forward to their future at St Stephen.

St. Stephen Catholic Church is located at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. o f Boyette Road in Riverview. For more information on St. Stephen, visit https://ststephencatholic.org/sta f or call the church o f ce at 813-689-4900.

Te traveling Big Red Bus is a staple in the blood drives organized by OneBlood.

Father Lou Turcotte joined St. Stephen Catholic Church to support the parish and share the good news.

Father Joshua Hare is looking forward to sharing his love for Jesus and serving at St. Stephen Catholic Church.

PAYTON’S LEGACY SHINES ON: HONORING A COURAGEOUS TEEN’S BATTLE AGAINST BRAIN CANCER

By Keiko Moral

In the face of adversity, one unwavering teenager’s remarkable spirit and determination continues to inspire countless others. Payton Hardy, a vibrant 15-year-old, bravely fought against glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, during her battle that began in October 2021. Today, she lives on through Payton’s Legacy, a nonprofit organization committed to uplifting young individuals by fostering programs in arts and education.

When Payton underwent an MRI in late September 2021 at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital of Tampa Bay, the call back delivered heart-wrenching news to her family: They had found a malignant tumor.

In the face of uncertainty, Payton displayed amazing strength as she prepared for the long journey of treatment ahead.

Despite her long battle with sickness, her determination and passion for music and academics continued to shine brightly. Payton’s love for the arts extended beyond music; she pursued dance classes in tap and contemporary at Dance Quest International and became the lighting designer in Armwood High School’s theater department. Academic excellence was also a hallmark of Payton’s life, as she achieved straight A’s and set her sights on graduating in 2024 with an associate degree in arts and her high school diploma.

Tragically, in January 2023, Payton’s journey reached its end. She left her loving family and community grieving the loss of

CHRISTIAN MOMS GROUP KICKOFF EVENT

By Ashley Abene

an extraordinary person. However, through Payton’s Legacy, an organization founded by her family — mother Cynde Hardy, sister Hayley Hardy and father Steve Hardy — they honor her memory and carry forward her mission.

Payton’s Legacy empowers youth by enhancing access to arts and education programs. Its heartfelt, deeply personal eforts include donating 399 toy girafes — Payton’s favorite animal — and bringing comfort to children at local hospitals. Additionally, it established an annual band scholarship, providing aspiring musicians with opportunities to pursue their dreams. The organization aims to assist underprivileged children in afording dance lessons with the aim of inclusivity and artistic expression, as well as the continuation of creative endeavors that Payton cherished, ensuring that her memory lives on even after she is gone. Looking ahead, the nonprofit is excited to announce the purchase of a lighting board for Armwood High and upcoming events, where the community can come together to celebrate Payton and contribute to the organization.

“We always knew Payton was going to change the world, but now we have to keep going in her honor,” said Steve, co-founder of Payton’s Legacy.

To contribute to, support or learn more about Payton’s Legacy, visit www.paytonslegacy.org.

Social media is always touting “find your tribe” to women, but this isn’t as easy of a task as it’s made out to be. However, there is a local group of Christian moms called Agape Moms Tampa that ofers community and reading/discussions of biblical-centered books together. Agape Moms welcomes all moms to come as they are: messy hair, spit-up on clothes and all your imperfections.

Agape Moms Tampa Bay is described on its Facebook group page as “a tribe of women who are seeking after Jesus as we navigate mommy-hood together. In our family, you’ll be encouraged, not in competition; empowered, not just getting by; and embraced, regardless of your performance. As we bring everything back to the gospel, it unleashes us to live lives of purpose for God in the everyday mom stuf of life.”

This group meets weekly throughout most of the year and takes the summer of (other than monthly playdates). Each fall and spring, there are kickof events for new and old members to meet and get to know each other before a new study starts. After the kickof, weekly meetings consist of reading a book that always leads back to the Bible.

The kickof event for fall is on Thurs-

day, August 17. There is a Brandon morning and evening group that meets at 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Bell Shoals Church, located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. There is also a Lithia morning group that meets at 9 a.m. at the Chapel at FishHawk at 6026 Churchside Dr. in Lithia.

The Brandon and Lithia groups will be reading two diferent Bible-centered studies. The Brandon morning and evening group will be reading the book None Like Him by Jen Wilkin. This book focuses on understanding the wonder of God’s character and using that lens to understand who we are in Christ. However, the Lithia morning group will be reading Agape Moms Tampa Bay area director Jessica Hundley’s book, entitled enCountering Culture: Teaching Your Kids God’s Truth in a World of Lies.

Hundley said that her book “focuses on giving moms the tools to teach their children how to navigate today’s culture from a biblical perspective.”

More information on Agape Moms can be found by joining its Facebook page entitled ‘Agape Moms Tampa Bay’ or by emailing Hundley at agapemomstampabay@gmail.com.

Agape Moms ofers many events throughout the year, including weekly Bible studies, playdates, crafting, serving in the community and a moms’ night out.

Payton Hardy bravely awaiting presurgery to remove the tumor.

Grace Notes

By Debora Coty Unjamming Te Creek

My family has delighted in experiencing spring in the Smoky Mountains for decades. There’s just something about the physical awakening of life in a previously frigid, barren landscape that stirs a spiritual awakening in your soul.

A dancing creek traverses our 2 acres of treed mountainside, vibrant in the spring as the snow melts from on high.

But the creek’s happy-dance celebration is sometimes stymied by massive trees bookending both banks. Twigs, leaves and heavy pollen clog the creek bed, preventing the little creek from doing what it was intended to do — provide drainage for the excessive rain/snow accumulation so that the forest can prosper.

A creek seems like such a little thing, but if it can’t do its job, the whole forest sufers.

As I got down on my hands and knees to scoop out the debris that had accumulated over the winter, I considered the Christian life and how much like these creeks we humans are.

As we strive to complete our assignments from our Creator, debris from our resistant neighbors piles up and clogs our flow until we feel stifled. Inefective. Useless.

MELISSA SNIVELY HONORED AS KEY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: A TESTAMENT TO COMMUNITY SERVICE

By Keiko Moral

Sound familiar? Consider cancel culture. Account removal. Accusations of political incorrectness. “If you don’t agree with me, I will no longer be your friend.”

It’s like the world doesn’t like our tiny God-focused stream — maybe even finds it a threat to the sinful behavior it boasts of — and works hard to jam us with gunk.

I found a new resolution as my fingers sifted handful after handful of gooey glops. Nope. No more. I refuse to allow my life flow to be dammed so the Enemy of our souls can continue damning our fellow sojourners to an eternity of sufering. Papa God’s love needs to gully-wash all my neighbors with His grace until the message salvation runs crystal clear.

I stood back and surveyed the now-clean and happily gushing little creek, dancing once again, and I felt happier too. Happy that Papa God is in the comforting business, but even more happy that He’s also in the convicting business.

And now it’s time to roll up my sleeves and do a little dredging in Debbie Creek.

How about you, my friend? Is there a jammed creek in your life that needs clearing?

In a celebration of unwavering dedication and remarkable community service, Melissa Snively, a respected State Farm agent, was recently bestowed with the highly coveted 2023 Key Citizen of the Year award. Presented by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, this prestigious accolade recognizes individuals who wholeheartedly contribute their time and eforts for the betterment of the Brandon community.

Snively’s selection as Key Citizen of the Year reflects her exceptional commitment to enhancing the lives of those around her. With over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Snively’s leadership and expertise have propelled her State Farm Insurance Agency in FishHawk Ranch to great success since its establishment in 2001. Her invaluable knowledge and dedication to excellence have been honed through her graduation from the esteemed State Farm Agency Development Program (ADP) I and II.

“I am completely humbled and honored to be recognized as a Key Citizen. The Greater Brandon community has been the best place to live, own a small business, raise a family and give back to all of the wonderful organizations which thrive here. I’m so grateful for the support and love which this community gives to its citizens,” said Snively.

Beyond her professional achievements, Snively is an active member of numerous local organizations, demonstrating her deep-rooted passion for community involvement.

She has served on the boards of the Brandon Community Roundtable, the Brandon Outreach Medical Clinic and the Glazer Children’s Museum. In 2021, Snively assumed the influential role of Chair of the HCA Brandon Hospital Board of Trustees, further cementing her impact in the local health care sector. Additionally, she contributes her time and eforts to the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, Boy Scouts of America board and actively volunteers for Troop 61 in Brandon, where her youngest son is a Scout.

Snively’s unwavering commitment to community service has earned her prestigious accolades, including the BSA Silver Beaver Award in 2017 for her exceptional service to the Boy Scouts of America. In 2016, the Girl Scouts recognized her as a ‘Woman of Distinction,’ further highlighting her dedication to the community.

For more information about Melissa Snively and her remarkable contributions to the community, please visit State Farm at 16209 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. You can also reach out to her directly via email at melissa@melissarules.com.

Melissa Snively receives her 2023 Key Citizen of the Year award.

BOY SCOUT TROOP FINISHES EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT FOR FALLEN MEMBER

Following the loss of Joshua Sangiorgio, his Boy Scout troop held a remembrance ceremony to finish his partially completed Eagle Scout project in his memory.

The title of Eagle Scout is the highest achievement that a Boy Scout can earn, and it is achieved through an honorable service act that benefits their community. For Joshua’s project, he strived to create a more inviting entrance to Sadie Park for visitors to enjoy, with new landscaping and native Florida greenery. He was unable to complete this task, as he tragically passed away in late January of this year.

Troop members, families, friends and additional volunteers gathered in Sadie Park on June 17 to finish what Joshua started. Equipped with gardening tools and a goal, they were able to build the beautiful entrance to the park that he had in mind.

“It was wonderful to see the support and willingness of our community to come together. What we thought would take us most of the day, as we are a small troop, only took a couple hours to complete,” said Stephanie Gaskins, Scoutmaster of Joshua’s troop.

Although strongly motivated by a cause, hard work was necessary to dodge obstacles that appeared along the way. Coordi-

Pest Control

By Anna Edlund

nating a date for the event to take place, choosing areas to replant with the park manager and determining which plants would be acceptable to use, all of these are examples of decisions that had to be made.

Technicalities were tackled with the help of each and every person involved. Taking lead was Marcos Bares, troop committee leader, who dedicated himself to making sure that the remembrance went smoothly.

“Marcos Bares really helped coordinate the project. Once Marcos confirmed everything with the county, and through the help of an anonymous donor who donated all of the plants and expertise, it was just a matter of showing up with shovels, safety glasses, rakes and some power tools to get it done,” explained Gaskins.

Joshua’s father, John Sangiorgio, was also a Scout for many years. His heavy involvement in Scouting and extensive help towards community families has made him a mentor to troop members, including Gaskins and Bares.

The generosity of the Sangiorgio family over the years further motivated the community to make the remembrance a beautiful one. The family was presented with the Spirit of the Eagle Scout Award following the completion of the project in honor of their son.

Business Sales and Valuations-Legacy Venture Group Brian Stephens 813-571-7700 brian@buybizusa.com

Church (Local) - Lakewood Community Church of God Dr. Degrando Franks 813-714-8562 cdlfranks@aol.com

Cleaning Services - AJ Westfall Co.

Eileen Westfall 813-433-4047 eileen@ajwestfallco.com

Dentist - Dr. Harold Welch Betsie Welch 813-417-3672 motherbetsie@aol.com

Estate Planning - London Baker Law

Deb Baker 813-785-5052 debbaker@londonbakerlaw.com

Financial Services - Brownstone Wealth Management Ryan Hughes 813-731-5017 ryan.r.hughes@lpl.com

Funeral Home/Cemetary

House/Pet Sitter - Neicey House & Pet Sitter

Insurance - Briggs and Associates

Law Ofce - Excalibur Law, PA

Life Insurance

Mail Marketing - Greeting Cards/Gifting - StayInTouch.Me

Mortgage - Caliber Home

Kalyn Dukes 813-857-3236 kduke@stonemor.com

Bernice “Neicey” Popa 856-261-1263 neiceyhousepetsitter@gmail.com

Stephen Briggs 813-767-3970 sawb81@aol.com

Ed Rosado 813-759-3699 ed@excaliburlawinc.com

Doug Canna 941-704-4751 djcanna@earthlink.net

Maureen Montalvo 813-368-8850 maureen@stayintouch.me

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Gaskins.

Te Sangiorgio family holds the Spirit of the Eagle Scout Award, in honor of Joshua Sangiorgio, following the project’s completion.

USF PROFESSOR ‘DR. DEEP SEA’ BREAKS WORLD RECORDS

By Avery Ranieri

researchers and students through Zoom, I missed the sense of human connection. It’s simply not the same.”

However, missing his family and friends only led to a stronger drive to accomplish his goal. The mental and physical impact of hydraulic pressure along with the confined space were overwhelming, yet Dr. Dituri strived to prove his educated guess.

IMPROVEMENTS AT KIDS VILLAGE MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF FOSTER CHILDREN

The Children’s Home Network began as the Children’s Home of Tampa in 1893. The nonprofit is headquartered in Tampa. It serves nearly 7,000 children and adults each year.

It’s an accomplishment in itself to become a college professor; however, to be one who breaks world records, studying underwater is a whole other. University of South Florida’s Dr. Joe Dituri, also known as ‘Dr. Deep Sea,’ spent 100 days in a submarine of the coast of Key Largo teaching, scrutinizing and living abroad. He broke the world record of residing underwater for 73 days.

On March 1, Dr. Dituri entered a 100-square-foot pod and was submerged into an underwater habitat in Jules’ Undersea Lodge. For over the next three months, this international story followed the professor who took care of approximately 5,000 students from online platforms and took care of himself through a groundbreaking sense of spur. These huge milestones involved personal sacrifice, resulting in cases of homesickness.

Dr. Dituri stated, “The feelings of isolation were definitely real while undersea. While I was fortunate enough to be able to connect with friends, family,

“We conducted blood samples, urine samples, saliva samples, electrocardiograms, electroencephalograms, pulmonary function tests, blood pressure tests as well as hearing and ear tests, followed by a series of oxygen testing,” he explained.

Dr. Dituri spoke with many Ph.D.s and M.D.s to discuss ways to preserve and protect marine life. While studying hyperbaric pressure and its efect on the human body, he hypothesized that if it could increase blood flow, then it could be used as treatment for brain injuries and disease. His findings are planned to be shared in November at the World Extreme Medical Conference.

This dawn of a new era is expected to advance space exploration and find cures to treating disease. This uncharted level of technology furthers the scientific field. Dr. Dituri’s inspiring journey opens the doors for new innovations, dedication and the making of history.

In the midst of investigating and preserving marine life, his journey is a prime example of society’s progress, reminding us that the future is near.

The Children’s Home Network provides compassionate and efective integrated child welfare, behavioral health, early childhood intervention and social service programs.

Te Children’s Home Network was able to make major renovations to its Tampa campus thanks to funding through a Community Block Grant from Hillsborough County.

Recently, major improvements were made at the Children’s Home Network main campus in Tampa. The renovations were funded with $1.6 million in the form of a Community Block Grant from Hillsborough County through a Community Development Block Grant.

The completion of the three projects will help improve the lives of foster children.

The projects are centered around Kids Village, the Children’s Home Network’s residential healing program for children ages 6-17. The program, located on the main campus of the Children’s Home Network, provides a place for more than 60 children to recover from abuse and neglect.

Thanks to the funding from the Community Block Grant, the Children’s Home Network was able to build a new Donation Center and maintenance building at the Kids Village campus and upgrade the security system.

The Children’s Home Network’s Dona-

By Kathy L. Collins

tion Center enables foster youth living at the on-campus Kids Village to regain a sense of normalcy, independence and self-confidence. From clothes and shoes to self-care and hygiene items, school supplies and room decor, the Donation Center helps youth in foster care feel more at home and comfortable with themselves during a time of major upheaval. The Donation Center is arranged to look like a store, and children can shop for their own styles, sizes and preferences. The shopping experience strives to spark joy and restore a sense of dignity, allowing children to pick out their own belongings to make their living environment a warm, cozy and personal space. The center is stafed and open to all children on campus who are welcome to take whatever they need, whenever they need it.

The funding also provided for new security door readers. The children are particularly vulnerable, and many come from homes with a history of abuse and trafficking. These necessary upgrades to the campus’ safety system provide an extra layer of security for children and staf

The maintenance building is the headquarters for all repair and storage work on the sprawling campus that includes more than 50 air conditioning units, 15 washers and dryers and a dozen vehicles. For information, visit www.childrenshomenetwork.org.

Dr. Joe Dituri, ‘Dr. Deep Sea’

ANGLICAN St. Matthews Anglican Church

10701 Bloomingdale Dr

813-502-8744

BAPTIST

Bay Life Church

1017 Kingsway Ave. Brandon

(813) 661-3696

Bell Shoals Baptist - Brandon

2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon

(813) 689-4229

Congregación Hispana

2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon

(813) 689-4229 ext. 242

Bell Shoals Baptist - Apollo Beach

408 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach

(813) 641-2222

Bell Shoals Baptist - Palm River

5415 Palm River Rd.,Tampa

(813) 621-2058

Bell Shoals Baptist - Riverview

9990 South Hwy 301, Suite 10024, Riverview

(813) 689-4229

First Baptist Church of Brandon 216 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon

(813) 689-1204

First Baptist Church of Bloomingdale 3303 Bloomingdale Ave.,Valrico

(813) 689-3847

First Baptist Church of Gibsonton 9912 Indiana St., Gibsonton (813) 677-1301

First Baptist Church of Ruskin 820 College Ave. W., Ruskin

(813) 645-6439

FishHawk Fellowship

15326 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia

(813) 655-7431

Grace Baptist Church

2909 John Moore Rd., Brandon

(813) 689-7190

Landmark Baptist Church

6021 Williams Rd., Seffner. FL 33584.

(813) 620-0683

Shiloh Baptist Church

1104 Cason St., Plant City

(813) 752-8345

CATHOLIC

Nativity Catholic Church 705 E Brandon Blvd., Brandon (813) 681-4608

Resurrection Catholic Church

Krycul Ave, Riverview 813.677.2175

St. Anne Catholic Church

106 11th Ave. NE, Ruskin

(813) 645-1714

St. Matthews Anglican Church

10701 Bloomingdale Avenue, Riverview

(813) 663-0334

St. Stephen Catholic Church

10118 Saint Stephen Circle, Riverview

(813) 689-4900

CHURCH OF GOD

Boyette Springs Church of God

12114 Boyette Rd., Riverview

(813) 671-0086

Plant City Church of God

2103 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City

(813) 752-4591

EPISCOPAL

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church

604 N. Valrico Rd., Valrico

(813) 689-3130

LUTHERAN

Apostles Lutheran Church

200 Kingsway Rd, Brandon

(813) 689-2571

Immanuel Lutheran Church

2913 John Moore Rd., Brandon

(813) 689-1787

Living Savior Lutheran Church

2650 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico

(813) 681-2375

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church of Sefner

1310 South Kingsway Rd., Sefner

(813) 689-3513

Grace Community United Methodist Church

5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia

(813) 661-8858

Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church

5920 Robert Tolle Drive, Riverview

(813) 337-7457

New Hope United Methodist Church

120 N. Knights Ave., Brandon

(813) 689-4161

Riverview First United Methodist Church 8002 US Hwy 301., Riverview www.riverviewfumc.org Ruskin United Methodist Church

4th Ave. NW, Ruskin

(813) 645-1241

South Shore United Methodist Church 11525 Big Bend Rd., Riverview

649-9462

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Calvary Chapel Brandon

Kingsway Rd., Brandon (813) 681-5318

Celestial Church of Christ Altar of Restoration

1209W Brandon Blvd, Unit 102

(813) 720-0745

Centerpoint Church

1801 S. Miller Rd., Valrico

(813) 689-1906

Grace Community Church

1425 N Valrico Rd., Valrico

(813) 689-9781

Harvest Bible Chapel

Bloomingdale High School

813-699-0517

Love First Christian Center

12847 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview

813-671-2009

River of Life Christian Center

6605 Krycul Ave, Riverview

813-677-4453

New Life Christian Church 401 S. Saint Cloud Ave, Valrico

813-548-2733

South Bay Church

13498 US 301 S., Riverview 813-677-0721

Te Chapel at FishHawk 6026 Churchside Dr., Lithia 813-661-7105

Te Crossing Church - Main Campus

10130 Tuscany Ridge Dr., Tampa, (813) 626-0783

Te Crossing Church - SouthShore

2409 East College Ave., Ruskin

(813) 626-0580

Te Palms Church

207 New Hope Rd., Brandon

(813) 841-9598

True Sanctuary

6528 US Hwy 301 S., Suite 114, Riverview

PENTECOSTAL

HighPoint Church of Brandon 2207 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd., Valrico/Brandon (813) 685-4827

PRESBYTERIAN

First Presbyterian Church of Brandon -PCUSA 121 Carver Ave., Brandon (813) 689-4597

Redeemer Church-PCA 12404 Boyette Rd., Riverview (813) 741-1776

Westminster Presbyterian Church

402 E. Lumsden Rd., Brandon (813) 689-6541

STATE FARM INSURANCE HELPS JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF FLORIDA TO FUND PROGRAMS FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

By Libby Hopkins

Imagine a town where young entrepreneurs organize and operate a business. The business manages a personal bank account and creates a business plan with their staf Displays are created, items are priced and sold, reporters interview local business leaders to get the most up-to-date stories and CEOs and CFOs work together as a team. This describes a day at Junior Achievement (JA) BizTown.

This past June, the Junior Achievement Florida Foundation announced that it received a $70,000 grant from State Farm. The statewide initiative will support Junior Achievement learning experiences in eight localities throughout Florida, enabling thousands of young people to participate in JA’s nationally recognized financial literacy and career readiness learning experiences.

“State Farm believes that financial literacy education is critical to building stronger and more resilient communities,” said Jose Soto, State Farm corporate responsibility analyst. “Part of our education funding is directed toward initiatives and programs that support K-12 financial literacy and pathways for college and career success. We are proud to support Junior Achievement financial literacy and career readiness programs across Florida.”

Each of the eight Florida-based JA areas will use the support to advance learning experiences most needed in their region.

JA Tampa Bay, which includes Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands and Sarasota counties, will use the support for JA BizTown, a capstone learning experience that introduces fifth graders to economic concepts, workplace skills and personal and business finances. They act as employees and consumers, from paying bills to handling customer service, and experience what it’s like to earn and work in a community.

JA Finance Park, another capstone learning experience that is a real-life simulation, is where students enter the game of life and apply financial concepts to balance their personal budget and learn to make choices that support their future goals.

3DE Schools by Junior Achievement, the newest JA learning experience, teaches students in high school relevant business skills and core competencies through business case methodology. “In the past six years, Junior Achievement of Florida has received over $370,000 from State Farm to support all JA chapters across Florida,” Soto said. “In 2022, State Farm provided over $700,000 in charitable grants to JA nationwide in support of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy education program in 43 regions.”

If you would like to learn more about Junior Achievement and the programs it ofers, you can visit its website at https:// jatampabay.org/.

SAM’S HONEY BEES SHARES HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES & EDUCATION

Sam Goodwin is an Apollo Beach beekeeper who shares his love for saving bees and teaches classes after retiring from the Army as a command sergeant major and defense contractor.

Goodwin, with his business, ‘Sam’s Honey Bees,’ started beekeeping around eight and a half years ago after retiring, finally being able to aford to work in a business he had always wanted to be a part of: agriculture.

“My goal is to spread the word on the importance of bees to our food supply and pollination; one third of our food supply depends on bees,” Goodwin said. “We’d have about four to five years left as humans without bees. So, if you like to eat, protect your bees.”

Goodwin spreads his message to those who attend his hands-on beekeeping-experience classes, where he explains to people as young as children the function of bees in our world and how they band together as colonies.

“About six to eight people come out and train with me,” said Goodwin. “Three have been licensed and have their own hives.”

Along the lines of beekeeping, Goodwin also sells local, raw and pure honey to the community, and he takes house calls to remove bees. His daily maintenance of the bees involves inspecting and cleaning the hives, looking for the queen, observing the queen’s progress in the hive laying eggs and assessing

By Sophia Walck

whether boxes need to be added or taken from the hives (about three to five times a week).

“You look for normalcy, and if you don’t find normalcy, you fix it,” he said.

With all this said, a lot goes on in Goodwin’s apiary in the Circle Pond Tiny Home Community.

“It’s definitely a challenge to keep them healthy; … beekeeping is both an art and a science. There’s certain parts of it that will always be the same in the book, but there’s a lot of art to it as well. Not everything is covered by the book,” Goodwin said.

About the struggles in the hives, like rough winters and mite infestations, Goodwin said, “Honey is their winter food. As long as they have honey, they won’t starve. They can generate their own heat and air conditioning in their hives, and the heat they create keeps the hive about 90-95 degrees even with a pile of snow on top. Some of my medicine is vapor; it kills the mites. Mites are their biggest enemy.”

Upon arriving at Goodwin’s apiary in Apollo Beach, it’s obvious that he’s passionate about bees. His hive setup and system are meticulous and well-organized with diferent labeling systems and charts filled with information on each hive. Visit the ‘Sam’s Honey Bees’ page on Facebook or email Goodwin himself at bees4sam@gmail.com; his hobby is truly amazing.

Te Junior Achievement Florida Foundation announced that it received a $70,000 grant from State Farm.

Sophia Walck proudly holds up a frame from a hive, showing of the bees and their work.

Proverbs 28:19 (NLT):

“19 A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.”

In this verse, we see one benefit of hard work: Those who are willing to work will always have food to eat. The Bible makes it clear that if a man does not work, he should not eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:1 0 (NLT): “1 0 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: ‘Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.’”

People often run from hard work, but work should be your best friend. Working can move a person out of poverty and into prosperity. The key question is, who are you working for? The goal should be to work for yourself. I realized an amazing truth: People often work harder for others than they do for themselves. We can have anything we want once we are willing to put in the work. What I love about this princi -

Pastor’s Corner

Jomo Cousins, Ph.D.

HARD WORK

ple is that most people are not willing to do the work, which makes success that much easier for people who are. Success does not happen by accident but by consistent action towards a goal.

The Holy Grail of every business owner is duplicatable and predictable income. Our goal should be to get our business down to a science so that we can predict, track, adjust and fine-tune our business at any moment. Success is always available; people just refuse to put in the hard work to have it. Success also does not discriminate. The key to it is hard work.

Prayer:

Father God, I thank You for the spirit to work and all the benefits that come with diligence and hard work, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Except from: 6 0 Prayers in 6 0 Seconds, Page 57.

MOVIE FILMED IN VALRICO SHARES IMPORTANT ALZHEIMER’S MESSAGE

A new holiday full-length feature film is in development and was filmed locally this summer in Valrico and Plant City.

Dimming Lights is a movie about three sisters who head to their childhood home for Christmas after they learn their estranged mother is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s.

The movie stars award-winning actress Heather Fraley and is directed and produced by Domain Pictures, an independent film company founded in 2007 by international award-winning director Preston Walden and Fraley.

Scenes were shot in Valrico at Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, a local church led by Senior Pastor Susan Hill, who is known in the community for allowing service organizations and groups to meet at the church. Home of Boy Scout Troop 61 and Seeds of Hope’s weekly food distribution, the church also holds Bible study, support groups and classes, and it is also a voting precinct.

Hill, a former army chaplain, credits her church leadership for allowing community activities like feature films being shot at

By Marie Gilmore

her church.

“It was an exciting moment for members of the church and community to come together,” said Hill. “It was pure joy hosting this movie scene. I believe God used us to help lift up Alzheimer’s awareness, and that is truly the best thing about the church hosting this.”

Walden was thrilled with the location and said, “Bloomingdale Presbyterian was the perfect set for a very important and a very emotional scene for the film.”

Other filming locations included a restaurant, a Christmas store, downtown Plant City and a bar.

“We are set to have our premiere in November,” added Walden, “which is the beginning of the holiday season, and it is also National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.”

There will be a memorial dedication at the end of the film for those involved with family members afected by Alzheimer’s. For more information about Dimming Lights and its release dates, visit www. facebook.com/domainpicturesest2007/ or email domainpictures37@gmail.com.

Extras were excited to be a part of a feature length movie shoot at Bloomingdale Presbyterian

A feature length flm Dimming Light was shot at Bloomingdale Presbyterian Church in July.

MEET THE 2023 OSPREY OBSERVER SUMMER INTERNS

During each summer, the Osprey Observer ofers local high school and college students a taste of writing for local news, providing interns with invaluable experience working in the journalism business. This summer, the Osprey Observer is proud to show of their interns: Bella Ferretti, Avery Ranieri, Ava Benedict, Keiko Moral, Ella Shockley, Anna Edlund and Sophia Walck.

Bella Ferretti

Ferretti is from Orlando, currently attending Florida State University (FSU) for marketing.

“I first grew my passion for writing when I worked as the social media specialist for Dash Realty Group and wrote blog posts for the website,” Ferretti explained.

Ferretti also writes for FSU’s Strike magazine and was excited to take the internship at Osprey Observer. Some of Ferretti’s other interests include working out, traveling, reading and going to the beach with friends. Ferretti’s favorite article that she’s written so far is “How Studying Abroad Changed My Outlook on Life,” which was significant due to her experiences studying abroad and being her first story at Osprey Observer

Avery Ranieri

Ranieri is from Brandon, and she has pursued positions in her school’s student government like class president and vice president. Ranieri plans to attend the University of South Florida or FSU for journalism or psychology. Ranieri’s favorite article that she’s written so far is “TGH at Home,” where she was invited to view the TGH Command Center to see what goes on behind the scenes of the program.

“I’ve had a lot of fun with this internship because it’s shown me a lot about myself and the power of writing and will continue to search for opportunities like this. It has been an eye-opening and inspiring experience built of plain fun,” said Ranieri.

Ava Benedict

Benedict wrote for the Talon a few years ago and enjoyed it, leading her to pursue more opportunities to write for newspapers. Benedict plans on attending the College of William and Mary. Besides reading and writing, Benedict enjoys acting and painting. Benedict’s favorite article written so far was about an organization called You Matter to Me, which helps migrant families and the community. “The internship program has not only helped me grow as a writer, but as a person. Being able to spread the word about an organization that makes an impact and hear stories from a diverse group of people changes your perspective on the world,” said Benedict.

Keiko Moral

Moral is from Lithia, and she plans on attending college in-state for her Bachelors. Besides writing, Moral also enjoys Orchestra. Moral’s favorite story that she’s written was about a program entitled Small But Mighty Heroes, which helps kids with cancer in many ways. “This experience has been very positive. Everyone at the Osprey Observer has been kind and helpful when it comes to the stories,” said Moral.

Ella Shockley

Shockley attends the University of Central Florida for journalism and has been involved in many productions, including Tampa Bay HEAT and the Florida Academy of Performing Arts. After COVID-19, Shockley became more oriented with journalism and began producing and anchoring for her high school’s magazine show. Other than writing, Shockley finds inspiration and connection through music and loves attending Disney World. Shockley’s favorite story she’s written so far is one about Haley Berger, Miss Kansas USA 2023.

“The input we have during meetings is truly thought upon, which is so refreshing. Our voices matter on story ideas, topic ideas and ideas on how to approach certain stories. I would recommend this experience to anyone who is possibly considering journalism, or just loves to write,” said Shockley.

Anna Edlund

Edlund is a local resident who plans to transfer to the University of Florida for journalism after a year of attending Santa Fe College, starting this fall. Edlund has pursued journalism for the

By Sophia Walck

last six years through yearbook and journalism programs at her school. Besides writing, Edlund enjoys music and art and is currently learning the electric guitar. Edlund’s favorite story that she’s written so far was one about Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai Temple, which aided her knowledge in Tai culture. “I am enjoying this experience because I’m able to share cool stories with my community whilst also gaining my own knowledge in the process. Multiple stories that I’ve researched have left me amazed as I learn so much that I hadn’t known before. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to connect on a deeper level with the world around me,” said Edlund.

Sophia Walck

Walck is a local resident who plans on attending the University of Central Florida for journalism. Walck writes for her current school paper as a news editor and has enjoyed writing all her life. Other than writing, Walck enjoys marching band as the flute section leader, music and art. Walck was recommended this internship by her current journalism teacher at Newsome High School, Adam Musgrave. Her favorite story that she’s written so far is one about her fellow intern Avery Ranieri’s brother, who underwent a kidney transplant 10 years ago and was written about this summer as a follow up for the 10-year mark.

“It was truly inspiring to see such a supportive and strong family, who have no doubt been through a lot, persevere through the unknown,” she said.

Walck described her time at Osprey Observer as a “great opportunity” for herself and the other interns to learn the ropes of writing for a real newspaper.

“It has been an amazing experience, and I plan on writing for them more after the internship,” she said.

AVERY RANIERI AVA BENEDICT

KEIKO MORAL ELLA SHOCKLEY ANNA EDLUND SOPHIA WALCK

BELLA FERRETTI

Hooked On Books: Back To Class — Because Summer Has Passed

By Kelly Wise Valdes

As summer is winding down, parents and children begin to prepare for a new and exciting school year. Anticipation of making new friends and learning new things can bring its own challenges to plenty of students. Many families use this time to renew family routines, and in those routines we all need to remember to center our families around Christ. Whether you are attending a public or private school, homeschooling or are about to attend a diferent school from last year, we all need to stay focused on putting God first in our collective lives. Start mornings with a devotion or family prayer. End the days with sharing our thoughts with each other and with God. Make God part of your daily routines this school year.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths,” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Have a blessed school year.

Make It Count: 180 Devotions for the School Year

By Sue Christian

From September to June, students’ calendars are filled with homework, exams, football games, play rehearsals, concerts and more. Remind them to slow down and focus on their daily faith walk with this school-year devotional.

Decisions, Decisions Devotions for Kids: Featuring 40 Fun, Choose-anEnding Stories

By Trisha Priebe

For decades, young readers have enjoyed ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ stories — now there’s a Christian devotional with a similar twist. This faith-based book features 40 fun choose-an-ending stories that 8 to 12-year-old readers willday experiences and the ways we might

One-minute Devotions for Kids

By Jan de Wet

This faith-based book is geared to tweens ages 8-12 years old and will guide readers to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by following God’s Word when making decisions while facing challenging situations at school or playing sports. This one-minute devotional has a daily reading based on the calendar year, and a Scripture verse followed by devotional thought. Themes include following God, obedience, the purpose of prayer and much more.

How Great Is Our God: 100 Indescribable Devotions About God and Science

By Louie Giglio, Tama Fortner

How Great Is Our God was written for elementary-age kids who are curious about the natural world and God’s role in it. Packed with amazing scientific facts, beautiful photography and fun illustrations, this book covers topics like space and time, Earth and weather, the human body, animals, plants and more. It is recommended for ages 6-10 years old.

LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRIES HELPS

Lighthouse Ministries Inc. is dedicated to reaching the least, the last and the lost for Jesus Christ. Today, Lighthouse Ministries con tinues its fight against home lessness by providing food, clothing, shel ter and various life recovery programs to the homeless and at-risk communities of Central Florida. Locally, the Brandon Thrift Store, located at 535 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, was opened in 2009.

The thrift store is open to anyone who would like to shop or donate gently used items for sale. Within the thrift store, Lighthouse Ministries ofers the HOPE Assistance, which provides for those in need through an application process.

If you need help, Lighthouse Ministries will provide a food box which you can get every 30 days. You can get three outfits per individual every 90 days. Once a year, you can get furniture and other household items.

It also ofers monthly emergency vouchers for a set of clothing for homeless individuals.

People in need should plan on bringing proof of income for anyone living in the household, as well as copies of bills

Ministries, said, “The Brandon location is set apart by the spirit of God to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet the physical and emotional needs of the poor and at-risk people of Brandon and its neighbors. We want people to know that we employ 22 people at this location, and we serve thousands in Hillsborough County.”

Lighthouse Ministries has two other campuses in Hillsborough County. There is one in Ybor City which is at the Kimmins Campus and one in Plant City. The Ybor location ofers a multitude of classes including GED and faith and finance classes. Plant City houses a smaller retail store as well as HOPE Assistance.

For more information on Lighthouse Ministries either to get help or to learn how you can give and volunteer, please visit www.lighthousemin.org.

one year.

Previous projects have included rain garden installations, coastal cleanup events, environmental education lesson plans and field trips, native planting, oyster recycling, retention pond rejuvenation, nature documentaries, storm drain upgrades, participatory science projects, art installations and more. Projects that are particularly unique or engage the community are especially encouraged to apply.

Organizations within the watershed are eligible to apply for Bay Mini-Grant funding. Tampa Bay has a vast watershed that includes all of Hillsborough County and extends north through parts of Pasco County, south into Manatee County, east into Polk County and west through Pinellas County. Past award recipients have included nonprofit leaders, educators, filmmakers, neighborhood associations, students, artists, museum curators and researchers.

informational webinar on Wednesday, Au gust 23 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Register for the webinar and learn more about Bay Mini-Grants by visiting the Tampa Bay Estuary Program website at https://tbep. org/bay-mini-grants.

If you’re not ready to apply for the Bay Mini-Grant, you can still support this important work by purchasing a ‘Tarpon Tag’ specialty license plate next time you update your vehicle’s registration at https://TBEP. org/tarpon-tag.

Let’s keep Tampa Bay on the road to recovery!

TBEP is a congressionally designated organization and part of a national network of similar programs. The program’s mission is to build partnerships to restore and protect Tampa Bay through implementation of a scientifically sound, community-based management plan.

SUMMER SPLASH EVENT, MEN’S COOKOUT, LOLLIPOP HOP AND MORE!

Summer Worship Nights 2023 Tour Coming To AMALIE Arena

Join Grammy-nominated artist Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake on the Summer Worship Nights

Tour hitting 16 cities this August, including a stop in Tampa. This powerful concert will take place on Thursday, August 10 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at AMALIE Arena, located at 401 Channelside Dr. in Tampa. Come join in a night of authentic worship and prayer that will impact not just the venues they are coming to but also the cities and beyond. To purchase tickets, visit https:// summerworshipnightstour. com/.

South Shore United Methodist Church Hosts Summer Splash Event

South Shore United Methodist Church (SSUMC) invites the community to Summer Splash, a family-friendly community event, on Sunday, August 27 beginning at 9 a.m. on its campus, located at 11525 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview.

“With Summer Splash, we are excited to welcome our neighbors onto our campus to share a meal and enjoy the last days of summer,” said Reverend Sarah Miller, SSUMC’s pastor.

The event will begin with an abbreviated worship service, followed by food, fun and fellowship, including a picnic lunch, a water slide, inflatables and a dunk tank. Those attending are invited to dress in their tackiest tourist outfit and participate in the Tacky Tourist Con-

test. For more information, visit www. southshoreumc.com or email the church o f ce at info@southshoreumc.com.

Going Beyond With Priscilla Shirer

Simulcast At Bay Life Church

Going Beyond Simulcast with Priscilla Shirer is coming to Bay Life Church. On Saturday, August 26, join thousands of women across the globe from 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. in this one-day event where you’ll experience teaching straight from God’s word, worship and prayer to inspire and challenge you to listen for His voice in your life.

The simulcast features best-selling author Priscilla Shirer. Shirer is a wife and mom first, but put a Bible in her hand and a message in her heart and you’ll see why thousands meet God in powerful,

personal ways at her conferences.

Worship will be led by Anthony Evans. For two decades, Evans has voiced the gospel and has emerged as one of Christian music’s premier worship leaders and singer-songwriters. Ensure your attendance through registering by Sunday, August 6. Tickets are $35 and lunch from Chick-fil-A for just $10 more. For more information, email women@baylife.org and Carmelita or Lacie will help you. Bay Life Church is located at 1017 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon.

Love First Church Hosts Men’s Cookout Fellowship

The community of men are invited to join Love First Church’s Men’s Cookout Connection for a time of fellowship where you can play cards, dominoes,

By Kelly Wise Valdes

basketball and checkers or just hang out and get to know others. The cookout takes place on Saturday, August 19 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the large pavilion picnic area in the very back at YMCA Camp Cristina. Water and soda will also be provided. Please register by Wednesday, August 16. YMCA Camp Cristina is located at 9840 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview. For more information or to register, visit https://lfcc.tv/.

Te Lollipop Hop Family Dance

You’re invited to the most delightful candy-themed dance of the year: the Lollipop Hop. Kids of all ages, grab your favorite adult and join in for an evening of sugary fun, music, games and laughter. Get ready to dance the night away and create sweet memories together. Whether it is a daddy-daughter duo, a mother-son pair or whatever family member you choose to share the evening with (because all families are unique and deserve to be celebrated), put on your dancing shoes and get ready for an evening you won’t soon forget. There will also be a live DJ, a dessert bu f et and a complimentary digital portrait to commemorate the evening. Don’t miss this opportunity to dance, laugh and create sweet memories with your children. A limited number of tickets are available. Centerpoint Church is located at 1720 S. St. Cloud Ave. in Valrico. The cost is $5 per adult; children attend free. For information, visit www.centerpointfl.org.

GET OUTSIDE AND EXPLORE THESE FIVE TAMPA BAY NATURE PARKS THIS SUMMER

Florida is known for its majestic nature parks that are filled with colorful plants and abundant wildlife. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far to see the beauty these parks have to ofer. With over 3,000 acres of parks in Tampa Bay alone, there’s plenty of great areas to explore. If you’re looking for a place to spend time in nature this summer, make sure to grab some sunscreen and check out these five local nature parks.

Alafia River State Park spans across almost 8,000 acres and is renowned for its variety of mountain biking trails, ranging from beginner to highly advanced. For those who want to enjoy a more leisurely experience, scenic hiking trails run throughout the park. If you want to sleep under the stars this summer, camping and glamping spots are also available and only a short walk away from hiking and biking trails. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown and is located at 14326 S. County Rd. 39 in Lithia. For more information, visit www.floridastateparks.org or call 813-672-5320.

Created in 1848 by settler James Alderman, Alderman’s Ford Nature Preserve features a 1.9-mile paved hiking loop where visitors can view a diverse scene of creeks and pine woodland habitats. It’s perfect for those who want to take a relaxing hike, ride a bike or walk with their furry friend. A playground area is also available for families with children, and several pavilions can be rented for special events. The park is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. in the summer/spring and is located at 100 Alderman Ford Park Dr. in Plant City. For more information, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org or call 813757-3801.

Sprawling tree roots are a highlight of Edward Medard Conservation Park, which includes numerous amenities, such as a 3-mile walking trail, boat launch and observation platform. A disc golf course and beach volleyball court provide family-friendly fun for people of all ages. Canoes and kayaks can be rented on-site,

SEEDS OF HOPE PROVIDES FOOD TO THOSE IN NEED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

By Ava Benedict

and campsites give guests the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors overnight.

The park is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. in the summer and is located at 6140 Turkey Creek Rd. in Plant City. For more information, visit www. hillsboroughcounty. org or call 813-7573802.

If you’re looking to see a beautiful sunset over Tampa Bay, Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a must-visit this summer. During the day, visitors can spot manatees swimming in the warm waters near the TECO power plant. Sandy pathways span across the park, showcasing the incredible nature of the beaches. A large lookout tower can be spotted as soon as you enter the parking lot, providing guests with an incredible view of the summer sunsets and the shimmering waters of the bay. The preserve is open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. during the summer and is located at 6760 Surfside Blvd. in Apollo Beach. For more information, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org or call 813-672-7876.

Circle B Bar Reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise with a huge population of bird species (including bald eagles and ospreys) present on the property. Foxes, otters and owls are just some of the amazing creatures you can see in the vast, 1,300-acre park. Out of the nine hiking trails, Alligator Alley is one of the most popular to venture down — but beware, as it ofers a close glimpse at these massive reptiles. Walking isn’t the only way to enjoy the park, as cycling and mountain biking is allowed on all trails, and free guided tram tours are available a few times per month. The park is open every day from 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. and is located at 4399 Winter Lake Rd. in Lakeland. For more information, visit visitcentralflorida.org or call 863668-4673.

Exploring these local parks is a fun way to get outside this summer and embrace the beauty of nature while still staying close to home.

Seeds of Hope was established in 2009 by Leda Eaton. Seeds of Hope helps fill the gap that exists for families that are food insecure. It helps fill this gap in three different ways.

First, it ofers a weekly food bank every Thursday between 5-7 p.m. at Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale located at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. At this location, it provides between 300-350 boxes of food.

Secondly, it ofers a backpack program operated out of Barrington Middle School where students pack backpacks weekly for elementary students identified as food insecure. These backpacks provide weekend food. Students in need are selected by teachers and social workers. During the school year, Seeds of Hope serves around 150 students weekly and about 70 during the summer term.

Thirdly, Seeds of Hope ofers a mobile pantry for people who need short-term food assistance, usually due to an unexpected death of a family member, divorce, loss of employment or illness.

Seeds of Hope is unlike many food pantries because its eligibility requirements are simple. If you need food, you can get it.

Eaton said, “We have found that it takes a while for government agencies to approve SNAP benefits, and when peo-

By Kathy L. Collins

ple are faced with a crisis, the need is immediate. Waiting for assistance could take months. With us, it is immediate. We help provide food without the red tape.”

Seeds of Hope provides fresh and shelf-stable food during its weekly distributions as well as shelf-stable food to students during the school year. In addition, anyone who is homeless can come for help on a weekly basis. The homeless have specific needs, such as bikes or personal care items, so Seeds of Hope strives to provide those as well.

Annually, Seeds of Hope distributes over 16,000 boxes of food, or an average of 640,000 pounds or more of food, to those in need. Additionally, through its backpack program, it gives over 1,650 backpacks of food and over 8,000 additional pounds of food. When Seeds of Hope was first started, Feeding America showed that Southeastern Hillsborough was a food desert, with Seeds of Hope being one of the few food banks in the area.

Donations can be dropped of at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. on Thursdays between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. You can also drop of donations at several partner locations, including RockStar Fit Camp, Action Karate, Eaton Realty and more. For more information, please visit https://sohopefl.org/.

Alafa River State Park features several trails that showcase the park’s calming scenery.

Alderman’s Ford Park is home to a variety of natural wildlife and plants.

Te large tree roots of Edward Medard Park are perfect for hiking and taking photos.

Te Apollo Beach Observation Tower, fnished in 2020, is a great way to view the entire park and watch the sunset.

Circle B Bar Reserve is full of hiking and biking trails that immerse guests into nature.

RIVERVIEW RESIDENT LORAINE LUYTEN’S YOUNG SOUL CELEBRATES HER 103RD BIRTHDAY

By Bella Ferretti

103 years of life full of experiences, learning and lots of stories is worth celebrating.

Riverview resident Loraine Luyten celebrated her 103rd birthday on June 21 surrounded by family and friends while enjoying her favorite dessert: red velvet and carrot cake.

Luyten was born in Upstate New York in 1920 alongside her three older siblings. From an early age, Luyten was drawn to creativity, such as a passion for music, playing the piano and hairdressing. She led a successful career in hairdressing and even went on to open her own cosmetology school in St. Petersburg called Loraine’s Hairstyling Academy. This school is still up and running today with specializations in beauty school, nail school, spa, skin care and massage therapy. Her institution has even been recognized locally, nationally and internationally for vocational career education since 1966.

As you may be wondering how she stays so young, Luyten stated that she keeps a positive attitude, does her daily exercises and regularly plays solitaire on her computer. She also mentioned her favorite that she had lived in were the 40s and 50s because her kids were still young, and

FIND THE BEST TRADE SCHOOL IN THE AREA FOR YOU

By Bella Ferretti

she could continue to work in her at home salon.

Luyten radiates positivity, and those who have the pleasure of knowing her have said nothing but great things.

“Everybody says she is amazing, and although she has her ups and her downs, she has been able to get over any illness,” said her daughter, Ann Marden, age 76.

Marden believes that the secret to her mother’s longevity is her constant healthy lifestyle, as well as the heart bypass that she had at age 83. Luyten has always taught her daughter that it is better to keep quiet when you do not agree with something rather than trying to prove yourself.

Since moving into The Bridges Retirement Community in 2011, she has had an impact on those around her.

“In the 10-plus years I have known Loraine, she maintains such a positive attitude regardless of circumstances or what life gives her,” said Janet Noah, director of community relations at The Bridges.

Luyten is full of life and is a positive spirit who has continued to celebrate these milestones year after year. The Bridges is located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview.

Does the thought of four years of school and costly tuition make you uneasy? Although most people consider this path of college the traditional route, trade school is another option that ofers just as many benefits. With a variety of program ofers, direct entry into high-demand careers, shorter time in school and cost-saving programs, trade school allows people to experience real-world learning and tap into fields of high demand. Whether you’re looking to attend cosmetology school, become a welder or work in automotive maintenance, trade school ofers all the programs and more.

With three trade schools afliated with Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) and several private and non-profit trade schools throughout the Tampa area, it is easy to find which school is best for you in your area of interest. The three under the HCPS umbrella are Erwin Technical College, Aparicio-Levy Technical College, and Brewster Technical College.

Erwin ofers 27 programs, including ALTC programs. With a plethora of resources and financial aid options, there are plenty of opportunities to choose from at Erwin. For more information and contact lists, check out Erwin Technical College’s website at www.hillsboroughschools.org/erwin.

The Aparicio-Levy Technical College campus is the newest of three technical colleges operated by Hillsborough County Public School District and is located on the east side of Hillsborough County. Not sure which department is right for you? Check out Aparicio-Levy’s website at www.hillsboroughschools.org/altc, where you can find career links to personality tests and look through its various programs.

Finally, Brewster Technical College ofers similar programs along with opportunities for students with disabilities, and it even offers English language acquisition practices. More information can be found at www.hillsboroughschools.org/brewster.

Southern Technical College has a campus in Tampa as well as six other campuses around Florida. This school ofers programs in the allied health, veterinary, technical trades and nursing fields. For more information, you can request through email or schedule an appointment on The Southern Technical College website at www.southerntech.edu/locations/brandon/.

Trade schools often ofer resources for tutoring and academic support that make people feel welcomed and comfortable in this new stage of hands-on education. Florida Technical College is known for its resources, such as e-books and digital libraries, and even won the Hispanic Community Champion 2022 Don Quijote Awards. Additional information about Florida Technical College and more of its awards and recognitions can be found via its website at www.ftccollege. edu/college-campus/tampa-florida/.

Finally, the Florida Trade Academy in Tampa is another campus that ofers specialized concentrations and licenses that can be completed in just six months. Chris Pello from the Florida Trade Academy sees firsthand the demand for these jobs and why trade school is such a great path for people to choose.

“There is a huge push in the state of Florida for CTE (career and technical education) programs and workforce development,” said Pello. “Governor DeSantis has made it a priority that Florida will lead the nation in workforce development by 2030. Workforce development are initiatives that educate and train individuals to meet the current and future workforce for businesses in our community.”

To contact advisors or get more information, check out its website at www.floridatradeacademy.org.

With several trade college campuses right in the Tampa area, all specializing in diferent concentrations, there are many options available for your preferred path.

Students at Florida Trade Academy getting hands-on experience in the feld.

Loraine Luyten on her 103rd birthday.

Loraine’s Hairstyling Academy.

FAITH & FOOTPRINTS

ST. BARNABAS CHURCH –

St. Barnabas Church, located in the suburbs of Liverpool, England, is well known by the street it stands on — Penny Lane, which was the inspiration for one of the Beatles’ most popular songs. The church was frequented by Beatles songwriter and bass player Paul McCartney, who was a member of the local choir at St. Barnabas as a young boy.

Before the popularity of the band skyrocketed, St. Barnabas hosted the Beatles for several performance events in the early 1960s. Music has always played a huge part of during the church’s history.

This unassuming but historical church on Penny Lane opened its doors in 1914 and became a sanctuary during and after the war. There are many interior memorials commemorating the lives lost during the war. This beautiful and significant church has many features of interest, particularly the large east window, which is a memorial to the First World War and where it features members of the armed forces.

However, the church recently fell on difcult times. With

LIVERPOOL,

ENGLAND

By Kelly Wise Valdes

a decline in regular church attendees over the years, St. Barnabas was set to close in 2019 and the building was scheduled to be sold of. A funding ofer from the Church of England to protect the building from disrepair ultimately saved the historic landmark. In 2020, the church was ofcially protected from closure and given a new life with big plans for the local community.

St. Barnabas has now been renovated to operate additionally as a music venue and community space.

The new interior has a permanent stage, a sound desk and a snack area. Pews have been made removable to make the space adaptable. The staf work alongside local musicians and promote performances in the Liverpool community. The church is now thriving and has rebranded itself as Penny Lane Church. Visitors and Beatle’s fans still pilgrimage to see the famous landmark.

The church is located at Smithdown Pl. in Liverpool. Church services are held on Sundays at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.pennylanechurch. org.

Innovation Defnes The American Experience

“Then the one seated on the throne said, ‘Look! I’m making all things new,’” (Revelation 21:5).

Innovation is critical to life and growth and success in pretty much anything we care about, from relationships to learning to business to recreation to cooking to our lives of faith and more.

It’s one of the reasons I find reformed theology so compelling. Not just reformed but reforming. The great irony, of course, is that many ‘reformed’ congregations are so stuck and resistant to innovation that they are well on the way to rigor mortis.

This is why Rebekah and I enjoyed our recent visit to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation so much. The collections powerfully illustrated just how

critical imagination and reinvention has always been to the American experience.

Hence my thoughts around reformed theology. When Rebekah became an ordained minister she promised to lead with “energy, intelligence, imagination and love.” There sure was a boatload of intelligence and imagination on display at the Ford museum in Detroit.

I’m not sure what captured me the most; I was blown away by so many of the innovations on display. All represented breakthroughs and new ways of think-

ing. Breakthroughs come in response to real world challenges plus the application of imagination, hard work, creativity and innovation.

Curating such a collection involves asking a lot more questions than simply, “Is it old?” or “Is it of historical significance?”, but also taking into account the story of innovation. It’s a narrative the Christian Church must learn — and embrace — if it is to be at all relevant in the future.

Rebekah and I could easily have wan-

dered around the exhibits for another day or two. We’re the people who tend to read the background material too, and it’s not hard to become so engrossed we stay in one section for an hour or more.

Regardless, I am inspired to ask hard questions when it comes to applying the lessons of creativity, imagination and innovation to the way I live out — and communicate — my faith in Jesus.

Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, Te United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, Te Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com

By Derek Maul

RIVERVIEW FAMILY CELEBRATES 10-YEAR TRANSPLANT ANNIVERSARY

Ten years ago in May, Evan Ranieri received a kidney transplant from his mother, Melissa Ranieri, at just 2 years old. Born in 2011 on March 10, Evan was born with a stage-four kidney disease that stemmed from hypoplasia. Evan would eventually be given another chance at life from his mother in May of 2013 with the kidney transplant. Evan continued to flourish following the procedure, but how is the now-12-year-old doing today?

When asked how Evan is doing, Melissa said, “Great. Evan is the epitome of a healthy preteen boy. He’s had zero complications; you would have no idea of his journey from the outside. We are as good as can be.”

Both Melissa and Evan have sufered no repercussions, and Melissa’s kidney function is as good as it was 10 years ago, even with only one kidney. In fact, Evan is also living a fully healthy and normal life.

“We have all the things now that we prayed for before. He’s not hooked up to machines and he goes to school like a normal kid. He’s a lot shorter than all of his friends, but they all accept him for who he is; they’re not fazed by him,” said Melissa. Evan reiterated, “I feel like any other kid my age. I’m excited for summer and my

By Sophia Walck

labs for my kidney have been good all year. My parents are supportive and allow me to do all the things other kids do, like sports, going to amusement parks and hanging out with friends.”

Melissa described the bond between them that was gifted from this transplant: “To be able to see his progress as a mother is truly special, it’s a very unique situation to see him live life because of that opportunity that I gave him.”

Although Evan was too young at the time to truly process his journey, now that he’s older, he has realized the impact on his life.

“He understands how his selflessness has inspired others who are struggling. However, we want people to understand that this is not the end of Evan’s journey; he will need another transplant again, and we don’t know when. As we get past the 10-year mark, we hold onto the unknown. We’ve felt so much love and support from this community, and when the time comes, we know they’ll be there for us again. Right now, we just live our lives to the fullest and will face what will come.”

For more information about kidney transplant awareness, visit www.kidney. org.

Saint Anne Catholic Church

Saint Anne Catholic Church

Vigil

MASSES

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY LAUNCHES HOME SWEET HILLSBOROUGH TO HELP NEW AND EXISTING RESIDENTS CONNECT WITH COUNTY SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

The Hillsborough County Communications and Digital Media Department has come up with a great way to connect new residents as well as longtime residents with the services, activities and opportunities that Hillsborough County has to ofer. The new service is called Home Sweet Hillsborough.

Each month an estimated 2,500 people move to Hillsborough County. There are nearly 1.5 million residents in Hillsborough County. The county is larger than several states, including Alaska, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Hawaii.

Hillsborough County launched Home Sweet Hillsborough to welcome the thousands of new residents every month and help them learn about the county they now call home. Te county wants residents to easily locate services and learn about unique programs and new initiatives that will help lead to a better quality of life.

Terri Cordova-Hewitt, director of Hillsborough County’s Communication and Digital Media Department, said, “Our goal is to be proactive and not reactive. We want to ofer a page that is helpful and residents can turn to and know they are getting quality information.”

Cordova-Hewitt added, “With Home Sweet Hillsborough, we want to welcome our new residents and serve as a trusted voice that they can depend on and turn to. Home Sweet Hillsborough can serve as a page where they can find the resources to help answer questions that they might have about the county or find new opportunities that they did not know existed.”

Home Sweet Hillsborough is a digital welcome guide that is a one-stop shop

By Kathy L. Collins

for a number of services, programs and topics of interest that would be useful to new residents and longtime ones alike.

Cordova-Hewitt said, “Residents can learn about what is available in recreation, culture and parks. They can learn about family resources, including our public library system, and the county’s mental health resources hub. They can learn about our pet adoption program, how to prepare for a hurricane and all about their trash, water and sewer services. It is a variety of important and fundamental information that can serve both the new residents and existing residents.”

The Hillsborough County Communications and Digital Media Department works with the other county departments to provide important and helpful content to residents on the services that each department provides. The county’s programs, activities and services are always evolving with residents in mind. Home Sweet Hillsborough will be updated as programs are updated. The plan is to update the site regularly, so that residents will always be able to find out about new events and services being offered by Hillsborough County.

For more information and to find the new service, please visit www. hillsboroughcounty.org/residents/ home-sweet-hillsborough.

Saturday 4:30 p.m.

Sunday8 a.m., 10 a.m., & 5 p.m. (12:30 p.m. Spanish)

Monday-Friday 8 a.m.

Wednesday & Jueves 7 p.m.

Vigil.....................................................................Saturday 4:30 p.m.

Sunday........................ 8 a.m., 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. (12 p.m. Spanish)

Monday - Friday......................................................................8 a.m.

Wednesday............................7 p.m. Jueves.........................7 p.m.

Recorded Masses can be viewed on the St. Anne website (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page.

Reconciliation Tue. at 8:30am, Thurs. at 6pm, Sat. at 3:15pm and By Appointment.

Te Masses will be streamed and uploaded to the St. Anne website (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page.

Te church will be open weekdays for private prayer between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Reconciliation Tues. at 8:30 a.m., Tur. at 6 p.m., Sat. at 3:15 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, please check the St. Anne website.

For more information, please check the St. Anne website. Registration is now open for the 2021-2022 Faith Formation year. Please call the ofce for more information.

SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714

Evan Ranieri smiles for a portrait 10 years after his kidney transplant.

Te Ranieri family on the 10th anniversary of Evan’s kidney transplant.

Nestled among the roads of Valrico is an expansive 4.3-acre property that is home not just to the Karnowski family, but also their farm full of miniature animal friends.

“I hope that it just brings joy in sometimes a sad world,” said Melissa Karnowski, founder of Mini Friends Farm.

The farm aims to provide a place of peace for people with autism and mental health conditions.

“Our goal is to equip all children with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to overcome their challenges,” the Mini Friends Farm mission statement reads.

Melissa views the farm as a place to disconnect from the rest of the world and embrace the quiet of the outdoors. She and her husband, Tom, were inspired to create the farm after their son, Brandon, started showing pigs through his school’s FFA program.

Brandon was diagnosed with autism and used showing pigs as an outlet to express himself. Melissa described how his entire demeanor seemed to shift when he was around animals, and she wants to give other kids with autism the opportunity to experience the same happiness. Currently, several people with autism visit the farm every one to two weeks to brush and feed the ani-

By Ava Benedict

mals.

Melissa’s ultimate goal is to have even more children with autism visit and experience the farm. She said the animals have a healing touch, and spending time with them is extremely calming for everyone who visits. The farm is home to a variety of animals, including alpacas, miniature donkeys and a pony. Each animal is named after a celebrity or pop culture figure, including donkeys Snoop Donk and Martha Stewart and a pony named Dolly Parton. Although these animals are super lovable, it takes a huge amount of work to maintain the farm and cover the costs of providing for them.

To raise money for feed, farm supplies and animal surgeries, Mini Friends Farm hosts birthday parties and other special events on the property. One of these special events includes an annual Open Farm Day, where the public has the opportunity to learn how to brush, feed and take care of the animals on the farm. The last Open Farm Day attracted a crowd of over 70 people, so booking ahead is a must for those wishing to participate. Mini Friends Farm also gives people the opportunity to book experiences with the animals, such as walking the donkeys and animal-assisted therapy. To learn more about Mini Friends Farm and how to donate, visit its website at www.myminifriends.org.

‘SPRING’ TO HOMOSASSA FOR A UNIQUE ADVENTURE

Many of our closest experiences with a Florida spring are drinking from a bottle of water, but Florida’s crystal-clear spring system, in the middle of our state, o f ers much more. Historic Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Park is located inland from the Gulf at 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd. in Homosassa, just south of Crystal River and north of Spring Hill. Given its name by the Seminole tribe, meaning ‘pepper is there,’ Homosassa Park is home to a beautiful 1-mile, largely shaded walking trail through a uniquely Florida-centric wildlife preserve.

Open since the early 1900s, Homosassa Springs State Park is a delightfully pristine, uncrowded alternative to the overcrowded attractions in nearby Orlando and Tampa. Along the elevated boardwalk and walking trail (perfect for strollers), you will meet Lu, a 6,000-pound, 63-year-old hippopotamus who was granted honorary Florida citizenship by former Governor Lawton Chiles. You will also meet Jester and Rose, endangered red wolves who are part of the park’s successful species survival plan. Our favorite was the regal and magnificent Florida panther, elusive

By Jef Hoening

and rare in the wild. Impressive native raptors, like owls, hawks and bald eagles, are additional stops on your stroll. There is even a reptile house for the snake lover in your family.

All the wildlife you will enjoy at Homosassa Springs State Park are unable to live in the wild for a variety of reasons and so live their lives well cared for as Florida wildlife ambassadors. Check out the Manatee Care Center, a hospital for the gentle giants of Florida’s waterways that arrive sick and injured and are lovingly nursed back to health by experts. Watch the manatees face-to-face at their aqua salad bar from the unique and before-itstime underwater observatory. Splurge an extra $3 ($2 for kids) on a boat tour down Pepper Creek with knowledgeable boat captains who will educate you and your party on the history of the springs and the park. End your stay at the air-conditioned cafe with sandwiches, popcorn and snacks — and try the frozen fruit smoothies and freshly popped popcorn, perfect on a hot Florida day. For more information, visit www. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ ellie-schiller-homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park.

Melissa Karnowski, owner and founder of Mini Friends Farm, uses animals as a way to help people with autism or mental health conditions.

HOT OFF THE CHRISTIAN NEWS WIRE

Sound of Freedom Movie Breaks

$100

Million At Box Office

Angel Studios, a platform and studio empowering filmmakers to crowdfund, create and distribute films and TV series globally, is announcing its newest film — Sound of Freedom — broke box o f ce records, bringing in over $100 million after two weeks.

“While the entire summer movie box o f ce lineup is underperforming, our small independent film continues to grow week over week. Driven by millions of fans and supporters, Sound of Freedom has become a national, and soon international, movement for change,” said Jared Geesey, senior vice president of global distribution at Angel Studios. There have only been 10 wide-release movies in box-o f ce history that have had a second weekend increase greater than 35% over their opening weekend. All of them achieved this milestone during Christmas. Angel Studios is the only studio to accomplish this feat during the summer blockbuster season with Sound of Freedom Sound of Freedom is based upon the true story of former government agent

Tim Ballard, who quit his job to rescue a little girl from sex tra f ckers in the Colombian jungle. In the process, Tim ended up saving 123 people, 55 of which were children, from one mission alone. For more information, visit www.angel. com.

Florida Recording Artist To Perform For Pope Francis

Shevin McCullough and Australian performer Father Rob Galea are set to debut their new single, Emmanuel Forever , in the presence of Pope Francis. The duo will perform the song live for the first time on Friday, August 4 at World Youth Day on the Central Stage in Lisbon, Portugal.

McCullough, a popular Tampa-based recording artist, says the hip-hop-styled worship song stresses humanity’s need for a savior and God’s extraordinary mercy. The single will drop on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music on August 4.

More than a million Catholic youth are expected to gather for World Youth Day from Tuesday, August 1 through Sunday, August 6 in Lisbon. For more information, visit www.studio316.com.

Women Of Grace® Celebrates 20Year Milestone

What began in 2003 as an inspiration to a f rm Catholic women in their dignity and vocation as daughters of God, helping them discover the beauty of authentic femininity, Women of Grace® has grown into one of the largest Catholic women’s ministries in the world today.

“Through the Holy Spirit’s intervention, we held the first Women of Grace conference in the Fall of 2003 and soon thereafter developed the Women of Grace Foundational Study,” said Women of Grace’s founder and president, Johnnette Benkovic Williams. “Since that time, over 50,000 women have taken the study, and our mission to transform the world one woman at a time is happening not only in the United States but places such as the British Isles, Asia, Africa, Central and South America, even in war-torn Ukraine.”

For more information, visit www. womenofgrace.com.

Phil Wickham’s New Album Releases August 18

Two-time Grammy® nominee Phil

Wickham dropped the title track and official music video from his highly anticipated new studio album, I Believe , set to release on Friday, August 18.

“My song, ‘I Believe,’ was written to shout about Jesus from the rooftops. Something that we as believers can unify together on and say with joy in our hearts that we believe in the mighty name of Jesus,” said Wickham. “I can’t wait to sing this one with you all. I’ve never put more time, e f ort and prayer into a project, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you all when it releases on August 18.”

Also, this month, Wickham will embark on the ‘Summer Worship Nights Tour’ alongside Brandon Lake, with a stop in Tampa. For more information, visit https://philwickham.com/.

FIVE BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY SPRINGS IN FLORIDA TO VISIT THIS SUMMER

Florida’s natural springs attract thousands of visitors every year. With their beautiful water and amenities, there’s no better way to spend a hot, sunny day. Here are the top five natural springs to visit all around Florida this summer with activities and amenities to fill a whole summer day for your family.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park, located in Fort White, is home of a national landmark, the Ichetucknee Head Spring. Costing only $8 per vehicle for entry, this park includes family favorites such as tubing, kayaking, canoeing, paddling, swimming, snorkeling and even scuba diving. No need to worry about buying tubes or kayaks before you go, as the general store at this spring has rentals of all types available so your family can have the perfect day at the springs.

Silver Springs State Park, located in Silver Springs, is home to the filming of over 20 movies back in old Hollywood, including Rebel Without a Cause, starring James Dean; Distant Drums, starring Gary Cooper; the James Bond movie Moonraker; Creature from the Black Lagoon; and six Tarzan flicks. Costing only $8 for entry, its amenities include glass-bottom boats, paddling, hiking, wildlife/birding, camping, educational sites (museum and environmental center), cracker village

MORPH’D: FLORIDA AQUARIUM’S NEW GALLERY KICKS OFF $40 EXPANSION PROJECT

By Ella Shockley

and plenty of dining options.

Blue Spring State Park, located in Orange City, is home of the Thursby House, historically where Louis Thursby shipped tourists and goods to Jacksonville back in 1856. Costing $6 per vehicle, manatees are ready to be seen at this location. Also, activities such as birding, boat tours, camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, scuba diving, picnicking, snorkeling, swimming and tubing are all available.

Devil’s Den Spring, located right between Ichetucknee and Silver Springs in Williston, is known to be an underground spring home to many extinct animal fossils dating back to Pleistocene age. Costing between $18-$25, this spring ofers snorkeling and scuba diving in a prehistoric cave, a picnic/grill area, a heated swimming pool and assorted lawn games, as well as camping and a RV park.

Wekiwa Springs State Park, located in Apopka, was the first tourist attraction in Central Florida, just miles outside of Orlando. Costing $6 per vehicle, this spring is home to unique amenities like horseback riding and mountain biking while including activities like paddling, fishing, geocaching and four diferent types of camping.

For more information on the springs listed, visit www.floridastateparks.org.

Having opened on July 1, The Florida Aquarium’s newest gallery and interactive experience, MORPH’D, offers visitors many new exhibits and species.

Part of the Aquarium’s $40 million expansion, MORPH’D features 19 exhibits and 18 species that are known for their adaptable qualities. Some of these unique species include axolotls, foureyed fish, bird-poop frogs (yes, they look like bird poop), archerfish, paddlefish, chameleons and more.

“The paddlefish and archerfish will be a big crowd pleaser,” said Eileen Caro, biologist II at The Florida Aquarium. “Archerfish are one of the two known species to actually shoot the water to get food.”

Caro demonstrated this amazing tactic by placing some krill on a branch that hangs above the archerfish tank. Then, the fish came up to the surface and spit water to free the food stuck above. This show that the archerfish put on will surely lure in a large audience.

“They have great aim, but you’re in a splash zone standing by the tank,” Caro said.

The MORPH’D gallery also promotes interactive features to viewers, like touch screens. These interactive features depict the correlating species’

By Sophia Walck

characteristics, locations and more. All of this contributes to the aquarium’s overall goal to connect humans to these unique species, helping those participating to have a better understanding of what it is they’re looking at and just how remarkable these creatures are.

“I hope that this exhibit will bring in new people, especially people in our community that maybe have never been to the aquarium or people who have just recently moved here. Hopefully, with new visitors viewing the gallery, they’ll also get to see how special the rest of oaur aquarium is,” stated Caro. “It’s not just an entertainment factor but also a key to opening people up to conservation and education.”

MORPH’D is just the tip of the iceberg for The Florida Aquarium’s large expansion, which will go on for the next few years. This incredible exhibit that showcases the unique adaptable qualities the animals have acquired is the first step of many to transform The Florida Aquarium.

The Florida Aquarium is located in downtown Tampa in the Channelside District at 701 Channelside Dr. For more information on this exciting new exhibit, upcoming events, tickets and all the things yet to come, visit www.flaquarium.org.

Eileen Caro, biologist II at Te Florida Aquarium, in front of Te Florida Aquarium’s new gallery, MORPH’D.

Tis beautiful spring is found below the surface, in an underground cave where visitors can snorkel around, or even scuba dive if they wish at Devil’s Den Spring.

Tese ancient relics can be found underwater in the famous Silver Spring at Silver Springs State Park.

SMALL BUT MIGHTY HEROES: EMPOWERING CHILDHOOD CANCER WARRIORS AND FAMILIES

By Keiko Moral

Small But Mighty Heroes, a remarkable childhood cancer organization, continues to make an impact by providing tailored support, raising awareness and advocating for children battling cancer and their families. Founded in February 2017, the organization has grown exponentially, currently supporting over 400 oncology children and welcoming approximately eight new applicants every week.

Driven by a personal passion for pediatric care, the organization’s founder, Tina Downing, experienced a life-altering moment upon the birth of her second son. Inspired by a medical IT company’s nonprofit focused on children of all ailments, Downing dedicated her time as a volunteer and generously donated 6 percent of her paycheck. It was during this period that they crossed paths with a little boy named Blakey, who left an indelible mark on their heart. Witnessing Blakey’s journey and ultimately his passing, the founder realized the profound need for support in the pediatric oncology realm.

“My very real experiences fuel my mission. Connecting with these children and their families is the backbone of the support we provide,” said Downing.

Small But Mighty Heroes takes a personable approach, putting the needs of the children and families they serve at the forefront. Its dedication to remaining connected throughout the entire

THE POWERFUL PARABLES OF JESUS PARABLES OF NEW CLOTH AND NEW WINESKINS

By Kelly Wise Valdes

journey, regardless of its direction, sets it apart. The organization ofers five programs designed to address the unique needs of children fighting cancer, their siblings and parents. Furthermore, its commitment to collaboration has seen it forge partnerships with other nonprofits, expanding its reach and capabilities.

Notable partnerships include Dancing for a Di f erence, The Grow Group and Costumers with a Cause, organizations that contribute to the village of support o f ered to these families. Small But Mighty Heroes has also established strong alliances with esteemed medical institutions such as the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital oncology team and bone marrow transplant team, which work closely with dedicated sta f to expedite crucial assistance. Additionally, collaborations with Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando and Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri have reinforced its commitment to providing support.

As a licensed nonprofit organization in both Florida and Missouri, Small But Mighty Heroes remains resolute in its mission to empower and uplift childhood cancer warriors and their families. With its upcoming program launch in the fall, the organization continues to evolve and grow, ensuring that every child battling cancer knows that they matter.

During his ministry, Jesus frequently challenged conventional wisdom, and He also encouraged His followers to radically demonstrate God’s love. He often did this through the use of parables. Jesus used these short stories to relay important instructions and lessons in ordinary language. There are more than 30 parables in the Bible, each with its own dynamic lesson.

In Matthew 9:16-17, we learn of the Parables of the New Cloth and New Wineskins. “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

In Jesus’ time, wine was stored in wineskins, not bottles. In doing so, new wine was never put into an old skin. While fermenting the wine, it was always poured into new skins. The

reason is because during fermentation, the gases exerted created pressure. The new wine skins were elastic enough to take the pressure, but old wine skins could burst because they could not withstand the fermentation process.

In the parable, Jesus also refers to patching a garment. Normally, you shouldn’t waste a piece of new cloth to repair an old garment. If new cloth is used to patch an old garment and the patch becomes wet, it could shrink and then put strain on the old garment. The tear ultimately could be worse.

Jesus was trying to tell believers that if we want to follow His teachings, we can’t be like that old piece of clothing. We can’t put Jesus’ new teaching on our old selves because it won’t work. If we want to follow Jesus’ teaching, we have to become new through Him.

A person’s behavior reflects his commitment to Christ as seen in the illustration of attaching new cloth to old clothing. The old clothing — our sinful, selfish life — cannot be mended but must be replaced. We must seek to be new through Jesus and be an outward example of how we can be transformed through His grace and mercy.

Small But Mighty Heroes members having fun with superheroes.