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LOCAL CHURCH DIRECTORY Vol. 26 | Iss. 6 | June. 2022
INSIDE ...
FISHHAWK COUPLE SHARE THE GIFT OF LIGHT WITH HANDMADE NIGHT-LIGHT MINISTRY
By Michelle Caceres
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Columns: Grace Notes: Hooked On Books: Faith & Footprints: News From The Wire:
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When FishHawk they’ve never seen residents and retirees a night-light like Andy and Linda Dethese and it puts a Gagne received a gift smile on their face,” five years ago, they said Andy. “It makes didn’t know it would us feel good and it inspire them to share makes the person rethat gift with thouceiving it feel good.” sands of people. On a recent flight The gift giver was out of Tampa, they Sun City Center resihanded over a nightdent Sam Pantano, and light to the employee the gift was a unique helping them check LED night-light, which FishHawk residents Andy and Linda DeGagne have given away more than 2,000 hand- in, who was working made night-lights to hardworking members of the community. he gave them at a lunhard on a holiday. She cheon. showed it off to her “I was really impressed with fellow coworkers so each of its unique design,” said Andy. them received one as well. Pantano, who was in his 80s at “That happens a lot,” said the time and has passed away, Linda. designed the night-light himself, This month while eating at utilizing an LED base, safety pins, Cappy’s in Bloomingdale, the beads, wire and glue. Before he couple gave their server a died, he taught his friend, Drew night-light. She was happy to Godmar, how to make them, receive it and proudly showed then she taught Andy and Linda. it off to the kitchen staff. One “Sam was a religious man, and grateful staff member came we loved the idea of sharing to their table and recollected The couple has made more than light with others, so we decided that they’d given her one at 2,000 night-lights, giving them to her last job. to continue his legacy,” said Linda. The night-lights cost a few dollars servers, hostesses, salespeople, emWith the demand for night-lights each to make. They purchase the ployees at local doctors’ offices and so strong, you’d think the retirees beads and safety pins from Amazon anyone else who looks like they need would want to set up shop at local and buy the bases from Walmart. a gift. When bestowing the light, craft fairs. “Nope, we don’t want to Inflation hasn’t spared the night- they always say “God bless you” so sell them,” they said. “Our reward light materials; the cost of each base they know the original gift giver. is the joy we get from giving them “People are surprised because away.” recently increased from $1.50 to $2.
NEW HOPE EARLY LEARNING CELEBRATES 56 YEARS SERVING COMMUNITY By Kelly Wise Valdes
Are you searching for an early education program that would be the perfect first your preschool-aged child? Look no further than New Hope Early Learning. This faith-based school is a ministry of New Hope Church that has been providing children in the community a safe and loving education for 56 years. Preschool Director Michelle Ashcraft is excited for the new registration and the upcoming educational school year. Registration is now open for the 2022-23 year. “We’re similar to other learning centers, but we’re very lucky and blessed to have dedicated and loving staff that have been committed to New Hope Early Learning has been educating children in the teaching preschool-aged children in the Bran- Brandon community for 56 years. Registration is now open for the 2022-23 school year. don community for a long time,” said Ashcraft. “Mrs. Pullara, who is retiring this year, has comby the state. There is a monthly tuition of $90 for mitted 42 years to New Hope Early Learning. Mrs. the extended VPK program. Mahan has been here for 26 years.” The center is offering the before and after-care New Hope Early Learning offers VPK as well as oth- this next school year as well as a Parent’s Morner programs. ing Out program. The current Parent’s Morning Out According to Ashcraft, VPK is free, but the school runs from 9-12 Noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. will also offer an extended VPK class with an extra Parents can register as needed online and drop off. hour of enrichment beyond the three hours required Next school year, Parent’s Morning Out will take place
Monday through Friday and parents can pay a weekly fee of $100 or still drop in at $25 a day. With 56 years of educating children, New Hope is certainly a foundation that is trusted by families and enjoyed by children. “I’ve had two children that have gone through VPK at New Hope Early Learning,” said parent Arielle LeBlank. “My third child will be starting in August 2022. We love NHEL. The teachers and staff are amazing. They truly love the children and are definitely called to this ministry. They do a great job of balancing learning and fun for the kids, ... easing them into the school routine. I wouldn’t send my children anywhere else.” New Hope Early Learning is located at 130 N. Moon Ave. in Brandon. For more information, call 813-6899482 or visit www.newhopeearlylearning.com.