Osprey Observer Christian Voice Monthly December 2022

THE COOKIE LADY LAUNCHES GOD HAS A SWEET TOOTH

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

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

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

Ignoring her professor’s harsh criticism and the ‘C’ on her project, Crabtree’s “cookie busi ness” has continued to prosper for more than 25 years.

Crabtree had attended a few of business coach, Steve Hooper’s

BELL SHOALS TO RELAUNCH RIVERVIEW

the Riverview cam pus in a new location with a larger assembly.

The Riverview campus was established six years ago and has spent the last three years in its loca tion just of U.S. Highway 301. With its lease expir ing this year, Bell Shoals took the opportunity to relaunch the campus, stepping into a new building and core group of members to help establish the campus.

“We’re kind of in a searching process of what might be the right place to put ourselves in a prime location where the people of River view are at,” said Odom about the search for a Riverview campus location.

In November, Bell Shoals began reach ing out to their Brandon and Apollo Beach campuses and asking for dedicated mem bers to serve in the core group of about 40 people. The core group will attend meetings over the next few months to form administrative teams for the

campus. It hopes to host over 100 people in its con gregation when it opens in the spring.

“A lot of the people that were at the Riverview campus … are just as passionate, and they’re part of

By Libby Hopkins

events and she decided to have Hooper coach her on making her thriving cookie business more suc cessful.

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

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

In God Has a Sweet Tooth, Crabtree tells the powerful stories of LeAnne’s Old Fash ioned Cookies and the valu able lessons learned along the path to building an empire.

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

If you would like to learn more about LeAnne’s Old Fashion Cookies or if you’d like to purchase her new book, God Has a Sweet Tooth, you can visit her website at www.leannescookies.com or call 1-888-651-0045.

CAMPUS IN SPRING

By Lily Belcher

the core team,” said Executive Pastor Scott Odom.

Armstrong joined Bell Shoals’ staf this year but has decades of minis try experience and church planting experience. Armstrong currently serves as the multisite strategist for Bell Shoals Church, navigating the success of the Brandon and Apollo Beach campuses as well.

“We have six things we’re focused on in ministry, and one of them is we are community-minded. We genu inely care for our community,” said Odom. “Our goal is to plant a church in Riverview that will make a diference in the commu nity, that will be a bright light in the community and that will rep resent Jesus well.”

For more information on Bell Shoals Church or the relaunch of its Riverview cam pus, visit the website at www.bellshoals.com or call the church at 813-689-4229.

Columns:

Bell Shoals Church is preparing to relaunch its Riv erview campus by Easter of 2023 to spread God’s message to the rapidly growing Riverview commu nity. Campus Pastor Tim Armstrong is working to form a core group to relaunch

Campus Pastor Tim Armstrong will lead Bell Shoals Church’s Riverview campus into its relaunch in spring next year.

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

Bibles and Bas ketball will host a pretournament event to raise mon ey to support am putees ahead of the annual Tampa Bay Christmas Invita tional Basketball Tournament. On Tuesday, December 27 from 5-7 p.m., Bibles and Basketball will host the event for athletes that may have disabilities.

The invitational tour nament will be held from Wednesday through Sat urday, December 28-31 at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County, located at 3021 Space Coast Wy. in Wes ley Chapel, and over 180 teams will participate from around the country.

The tournament is the largest Christmas high school invitational tournament in the country and has continued to grow since its first tournament in 2015.

“I believe that we can win youth and adults over to our Lord via sports and via business,” said Bibles and Basketball founder and coach Ed Treimanis.

Former Harlem Globetrotter Larry ‘Shorty’ Coleman will attend to help raise money for Helping Hands Ministry and 50 Legs. The money raised for Helping Hands Ministry will be donated to Hoops 4 Shorty to help support the legendary Glo betrotter, who had his leg amputated al most two years ago. The rest of the money will go to 50 Legs, which gives prosthetic

By Lily Belcher

arms and legs to child amputees.

Sponsor ship oppor tunities are available for individ uals and businesses to support the basket ball tourna ment. For donations of $500 or greater, businesses and in dividuals can have their logos or names printed on the back of the tournament T-shirts. For $100, companies will be featured on the bas ketball tournament’s website.

Tickets to watch the tournament will be available as well, but those who are disabled or families of the disabled individual will be let in with out charge.

“There [were not] that many gyms and there [were not] that many basketball camps in the Greater Brandon area,” said Treimanis about why he started Bibles and Basketball.

The program includes time at the begin ning of each session for Bible study before engaging in fellowship among athletes.

For more information on Bibles and Bas ketball, visit www.biblesandbasketball. net. To learn more about the Tampa Bay Invitational Christmas Basketball Tourna ment, visit www.tbchristmasinv.com.

FRIENDS, SPECIALLY FIT & MORE TEAM UP FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ADULT ACTIVITIES

As a young adult, it’s taken for granted that you can partici pate in a few rites of passage, such as so cializing with friends, going out to dinner and going on your first date, but for adults with special needs it’s an entirely diferent scenario. After high school, special needs adults have very few choices. Some at tend a day program (if they can aford it or are on the Medic aid waiver), some are lucky enough to get a part-time job if they find a supportive workplace that will work within their limitations, but most special needs adults sit at home, isolated, lonely and shut of from society. If they can get out, they must rely on their parents or sib lings for transportation. As they get older, some adults move into group homes, and it becomes worse as they live on a very limit ed income, and the staf who care for them must look for low-cost activities that the adults can aford.

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

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

12 Noon. Specially Fit is also part of Special Olympics, and its athletes participate in pow er lifting. Oliver also is the owner of several group homes, and his res idents are part of FRIENDS dances and parties.

The Hive Inclu sive’s Tonya Whit lock hosts support groups and get-to gethers in Tampa. It has instruc tor-led classes, social events and support groups for individuals with disabilities, caregivers and siblings. RSVP for events at www.theinclu sivehive.org.

HUG ofers a free website that shares so cial events and activities in Tampa Bay that cater to people of all age groups that live with disabilities. HUG organizes adaptive, inclusive community events from 90+ local organizations in the Pinellas and Hillsbor ough County areas into a simple, easy-touse calendar. The HUG website can be used by people with special needs, parents, care givers and organizations that host events. Check out HUG’s community calendars full of free or low-cost activities for children, teens and adults with disabilities at www. helpusgather.org.

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

Larry ‘Shorty’ Coleman will attend the pretournament event to help raise money for Hoops 4 Shorty and 50 Legs.

Special needs adults having fun at FRIENDS’ Clearwater Halloween 2022 dance.

Grace Notes Grace Notes: Getting A Clue

By Debora Coty

articles I’d had recently pub lished. It wasn’t all that much; just enough to bless someone in their celebration of Christ’s birth with afrma tion that Papa God cares about their needs. But … who?

I hadn’t a clue. Could this be my answer?

KNIGHTEN PROJECT ACCEPTING SUITCASES TO PROVIDE TEENS WITH A FRESH START

Suitcases are often an overlooked element in life, despite being tools used to store essentials during a few occasions of moving and travel. But for the 23,000 teens transitioning out from the U.S. foster care system annually, luggage is a lux ury that many do not have access to. Moving forward into the uncertainty of adulthood without much support, these kids typical ly resort to using garbage bags as a means of storing their possessions.

In my dream, I was playing Clue (re member that childhood board game?).

Three strangers and I were moving our game pieces through the mysterious mansion trying to figure out who done it. Could it be Miss Scarlet in the parlor with a candlestick?

Suddenly, a player exclaimed, “I’ve got it! It’s Mr. Carbunkle!”

The other two opponents and I ogled each other in bewilderment. We shook our heads. There was no such character in this game. I incredulously queried the obvious, “Who is Mr. Carbunkle?”

My words hung in the air as I jerked upright in bed. I must have spoken the question aloud. And suddenly I knew I’d hit the jackpot, as surely as if I had just provided the winning answer in the final round of Jeopardy!

You see, I’d been praying for weeks about how to use my writing tithe … 10 percent of my earnings for magazine

Hmm. Come to think of it, I actually knew a Mr. Car bunkle from church — a quiet, unassum ing man who’d been out of work for over a year. I hadn’t really given him much thought — or prayer — lately. Although he never complained, his family must be struggling, especially with the holidays approaching.

So Mr. Carbunkle it was.

You know, there are lots of Mr. Car bunkles who would be blessed by a love gift from you this Christmas. Doesn’t have to be money; it could be help with yard work, home repairs, a loaf of banana bread or, best of all, a gift of your time — thirty minutes for a lonely soul who needs to feel a warm hug from Papa God.

Who’s your Mr. Carbunkle? Don’t have a clue? I know Someone who does. Just ask Him.

“The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” — Luke 6:38 CEV.

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

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

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

By Madeline Gardner

Before founding this nonprofit, Knighten sought a way to issue support for these teens after recognizing that many face homelessness, drug or alcohol abuse and unemployment upon their transition out of the foster care system. Rath er than let these circum stances become an inev itable reality for them, the Knighten Project co ordinates donations and fundraisers such as this one to instill faith that a fresh start for these young adults is indeed achievable.

Those wishing to do nate to this particular campaign can visit the Amazon Wish List and Walmart Donation Reg istry links (which are con stantly updating) on the Packing with Purpose Do nation Drive page on the Knighten Project website, where materials are listed and can be ordered and sent to the organization. Individuals donating can also choose to sponsor a suitcase by select ing one of the three options available for purchase. The Suitcase package is $40 and provides a brand-new suitcase to a teen in need; the Suitcase Plus package is $100 and includes sheets, a comforter and a hy giene kit in addition to a new suitcase; and the Suitcase Deluxe package is $250 and features a new suitcase fully packed with essentials. For more info, visit https://thek nightenproject.org/.

Debora M. Coty is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author of over 40 books, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed series. Visit with Debora anytime at www.DeboraCoty.com.

The Bible is full of fascinating stories about human relationships, including friendships. In fact, stories of friend ships are demonstrated throughout the Old and New Testaments. God wants us to have relationships—not just of the marital and familial kind, but deep and abiding friendships as well. True friend ship provides us with support, love and enjoyment and is nothing short of a gift from God.

Jesus and Lazarus had a special friendship. This friendship existed long before Lazarus became ill. Their rela tionship was close enough that when he was sick, his sisters sent for Jesus with the message, “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” (John 11:3). Lazarus is the only individual character in the Fourth Gospel explicitly acknowledged by name as Jesus’s friend.

When Jesus learns that Lazarus is ill, he stays in Bethany two extra days, but he then leaves for Jerusalem. Shortly after, Jesus learned of Lazarus’s death and was devastated, as any friend would be. Jesus experienced genuine grief since he was human and divine. When Jesus arrived back in Bethany,

Lazarus had been dead for four days. Jesus enters the tomb and performs a miracle, raising Lazarus from the dead. It was witnessed by Lazarus’s sister Martha.

The story of Lazarus tells us that Jesus has power over life and death. The resurrection of Lazarus also fore shadows the death and resurrection of Christ.

Lazarus and Jesus had a close friend ship before Jesus raised him from the dead. The Bible tells us a great deal about the divinity of Jesus including his preaching, his healing, his miracles and his resurrection. But because he was also fully human and felt the power of friendship. The New Testament often uses the word “kinship” to describe bonds among the faithful.

Sound emotional health must include good friendships. Friendships include sharing, playing and laughing as well as sharing our sorrows and di f culties. Friends help us, especially when we are in pain. The friendship between Jesus and Lazarus demonstrates the depth of friendship that even the Son of God needed while here on earth.

By Kelly Wise Valdes

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS, CHRISTMAS MUSICALS, FESTIVALS AND MORE!

By Kelly Wise Valdes

mer Boy Christmas’ at Amalie Arena

King & Country’s “A Drummer Boy Christmas - The 2022 Tour Experience!” is coming to Amalie Arena in Tampa on Friday, December 9 at 7 p.m. This will be an elaborate, meaningful, joy-filled tour of the year, all while celebrating the great est news the world has ever known. Many Christmas classics like “Little Drummer Boy”, as well as some of your year-round favorites will delight audiences. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ fKCTampaFL .

Te Ultimate Gift - A Christmas Story At Love First Christian Center

The Ultimate Gift is a fantastic journey to find out the real meaning of Christmas. It will bring the whole family together as it speaks to all ages from young to old. It’s not every day you have the opportunity to travel back in time and witness the greatest gift the world has ever known. Bring your family and friends to experience the Ultimate Gift, this will likely become your new fa vorite Christmas classic. This event is taking place on Saturday, December 17 at Love First Christian Center, 12847 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview. For more in

formation and to purchase tickets visit www.lfcc.tv.

Jeremy Rosado, from NBC’s Te Voice, Performs Christmas Con cert

Tampa resident and previous contestant on NBC’s The Voice is teaming up with Aar on David and performing a special Christmas Concert at Centerpoint Church. The Concert will take place on Sunday, December 18 at 7 p.m.. Tickets can be purchased at www. eventbrite.com.

this family-friendly free event to put a jingle into the holiday season. First Baptist Church Brandon is located at 216 Parsons Ave. N. in Brandon. For more information visit www. fbcbrandon.org.

Free Family Christmas Drama at Grace Baptist Church

Bring the whole family for a fun night en joying the Christmas drama “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” This musical about family and hope is set in late 1941 and tells the story of the faith of a family, and a nation on the brink of World War II, preparing to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. The music highlights the sounds of the ‘40s, including swing, lush ballads, and big band songs interspersed with reenactments of radio broadcasts during that time. Seating is limited; reserve your free tickets today. Performances on Saturday December 10 and Sunday December 11. Grace Baptist Church is located at 114 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. For more information visit www. growingatgrace.com

ing rides, games, visits with Santa, a snow maze, photo opportunities and an expanded Holiday Market featuring local vendors and artisans. The Holiday Market will be held throughout the duration of the Winter Won derland. The market features handmade, lo cally-sourced goods by small businesses in the community. For more information visit www.centerpointfl.org. Centerpoint Church is located at 1720 S. Saint Cloud Ave. in Val rico.

Christmas Of Hope At Lighthouse Gospel Mission

Christmas Musical First Baptist Brandon

First Baptist Church in Brandon is per forming a Christmas musical with its full choir and orchestra. There will be two per formances – first on Saturday December 10 at 6 p.m. and the second on Sunday, Decem ber 11 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to

Te Holiday Market at Winter Won derland By Centerpoint Church

Centerpoint Church is excited to announce its annual Winter Wonderland on Saturday, December 17 from 4-8 p.m. This Christmas tradition will ofer a variety of amusements and attractions for the entire family, includ

The Lighthouse Gospel Mission and Oper ation Hope of Florida are hosting their an nual Christmas of Hope Outreach on Satur day, December 17 at 12 Noon at 7015 Payne Ave. in Gibsonton. This free family event will include free food, clothes and haircuts, as well as face painting, a bounce house and Christmas gifts for the kids. (Children must be present to receive a gift; Christmas gifts are for children between the ages of 2-10.) There will also be prayer, encouragement and most importantly the love of Jesus for everyone. Please join Lighthouse Gospel Mission for this special Christmas blessing. There’s something for the whole family in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. For more information, visit www.light housegospelmission.org/, check Facebook @lighthousegospelmission or call 813677-5220.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

COLA IS SWEET FOR SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS

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

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

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

• Reduce withdrawals from your investment portfolio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2022-23 Hill sborough County Hiking Spree is here.

The Hiking Spree be gins on Tuesday, No vember 1 and runs through March 31, 2023.

The annual Hik ing Spree began in 2016 as a way to encourage people to exercise, explore the outdoors and experience nature by visiting the many beautiful parks and preserves located in Hillsborough County.

The Hiking Spree has grown in popularity each year and now draws thousands of participants.

This year’s Hiking Spree trail list features 26 trails. If you hike at least eight of the 26 trails between now and the end of March 2023, you can earn a patch, a medallion for a walking stick or a pet bandana. One of the hikes can be at a location of your choice that is not on the list.

Residents are encouraged to bring their leashed dogs on the hikes.

The trails are designed to ofer some thing for everyone, from hiking rookies to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, with hikes rated easy, moderate or strenu ous. Hikes range in length from 5 miles to less than a mile. The environmentally diverse sites are spread throughout the county and range from neighborhood parks like Dover District Neighborhood Park to large preserves with multiple

By Kathy L. Collins

habitats like Edward Medard Conserva tion Park. This year’s list has three state parks, including for the first time Egmont Key State Park, which is only accessible by boat.

According to Brad Lympany, recreation program supervisor with Hillsborough County Parks & Rec reation, “The Hik ing Spree is timed to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather and to coincide with prime bird-watching season. Participants are encouraged to post photos from their hikes using the hashtag #TakeAHikeHC.”

There are 24 parks on this year’s list. The list includes several local destina tions, such as Edward Medard Conserva tion Park, Veterans Memorial Park and Museum, Balm Boyette Nature Preserve, FishHawk Creek Nature Preserve, Do ver District Neighborhood Park, Ruskin Park & Recreation Center and Stephen J. Wortham Park.

The list of trails is higher because two of the parks each have two eligible trails. Having completed the Hiking Spree for the last few years, I can tell you that is a delightful way to see and experience all the beautiful nature that Hillsborough County has to ofer.

You can find information on the Hiking Spree and register to participate by vis iting www.hcflgov.net/hikingspree.

This past October, Florida Trade Acade my launched a pre-apprenticeship program to help open the door for untrained work ers entering the construction industry.

Ninety-three percent of construction firms are reported to have open positions, according to a survey taken by the Asso ciated General Contractors prior to Hurri cane Ian. The pre-apprenticeship program will help address Florida’s skilled laborer shortage, which was exacerbated by postIan rebuilding eforts.

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

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

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pentry and pipe fitting. “There is a growing shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry as many talented individuals struggle to get their foot in the door.” said Chris Pello, CEO of Florida Trade Academy. “This program ofers that first-step solu tion by providing trainees with the skills and connec tions to find em ployment and transition into a registered apprenticeship.”

The organization welcomed its first co hort of 22 students earlier this month and held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Octo ber 26 at its East Tampa classroom. Upon completion of the nine-month program, FTA will help place students in jobs in their chosen field where they can then enroll in an apprenticeship, having already complet ed several prerequisite courses.

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

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

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

Libby Hopkins

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

Journey Church 415 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon (813) 699-8262

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 6819 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 105 4th Ave. NW, Ruskin (813) 645-1241

South Shore United Methodist Church 11525 Big Bend Rd., Riverview (813) 649-9462

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Calvary Chapel Brandon 1331 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 (813) 319-5862

PENTECOSTAL

Destiny Church 2322 11th Ave. SE, Ruskin (813) 645-3337

HighPoint

PRESBYTERIAN

First

Redeemer

Westminster

Psalm 127:1 (NLT):

“1 Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wast ed. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.”

If you have been to New York or Chicago or have seen pictures of their incredible skylines, you will notice that the buildings rise higher, and higher, and higher. We often focus on the height of the buildings, but rarely do we fo cus on their depth. Those massive structures stand because of the hidden support they receive from their equally impressive foun dations. What we can learn from those buildings is that we only el evate to the level or depth of our foundation.

As a business owner, be sure that your foundation is solid and is built on biblical principles. When I was a teenager, I worked for a contractor who taught me

Pastor’s Corner

Jomo Cousins, PhD

FOUNDATION

By Pastor Jomo Cousins, PhD

that you can fix a wall, you can fix a window, you can fix a roof and you can fix a doorway, but if the foundation is cracked, the whole building gets condemned. A building can expand only if its foundational pieces are de veloped enough to handle its growth.

We must be willing to invest our time, energy and resources to de velop great relationships with key people.

These foundational relation ships will help our businesses reach amazing heights in the long run.

Prayer:

Father God, I thank You for giv ing me the wisdom to put the right foundational people in place. Lord, give me principles that I can imple ment to build this business, in Je sus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Except from: 60 Prayers in 60 Sec onds, Page 42.

BE A HOLIDAY LIGHT

There’s a great need for help in our community, and Metropolitan Ministries is here to serve at-risk and homeless families who live closest to you. Help us Inspire Hope this holiday by either volunteering at the holiday tent, hosting a donation drive, donating food or toys, or donating at MetroMin.org. #InspireHope

La Esperanza Clin ic in Wimauma, which provides free health care and disease-pre vention services for low-income residents without employ er-provided health insurance, recently received its first ul trasound machine.

La Esperanza, which translates to “The Hope” in English, is a partnership between BayCare and Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg. Many in the migrant com munity benefit from La Esperanza’s ser vices. BayCare’s Faith Community Nursing program provides medical services at La Esperanza. The lo cal St. Joseph’s Hospital-South in River view, located just minutes from La Espe ranza, is part of the 15-hospital BayCare Health System.

The Faith Community Nursing program used grant funds from TD Charitable Foundation to purchase the ultrasound machine. Previously without an ultrasound machine, La Esperanza patients needing an ultrasound had to go to the San Jose Mission in Dover, another free clinic oper ated by BayCare and Catholic Charities.

Stephanie Morrison, a board-certi fied advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and supervisor of both La Espe ranza and San Jose Mission, said lack of transportation and other challenges asso

ciated with going to Do ver would sometimes prevent La Esperanza patients from get ting the ul trasound. San Jose Mission is located more than 25 miles from La Esperanza and can take up to an hour to get to for some residents in Hillsborough’s SouthShore. Morri son also noted that one ultrasound machine between both locations caused delays for patients as often there was a wait list.

The ultrasound at La Esperanza will help alleviate some of the barriers and obsta cles associated with transportation and wait lists. La Esperanza will use the ma chine to detect abnormalities in the female productive tract and provide diagnostic images in the gastrointestinal, abdominal, urological and endocrine systems.

“This will help fulfill an enormous need in our community,” Morrison said. “Our goal is to help keep people out of the hospital and help the health system as a whole to provide for this community. Having this (the ultrasound) is big in that sense. We’ve only just begun, and we already have a list of patients that we feel need it.”

ADVENT MASS SCHEDULE

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. Tuesday 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday 7:00 p.m. (6:45 Novena)

Tursday Spanish Mass 7:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass

Sunday 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. (Spanish) & (5:00 p.m.)

FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT

Friday, December 2

7:00 p.m. Mass followed by Adoration until 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 3

8:00 a.m.-10:00 Adoration followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m.

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Tursday, December 8

Holy Day of Obligation Vigil Mass 7:00 p.m. (Dec 7) 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Masses

THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

Monday, December 12

Our Lady of Guadalupe 12:00 p.m. Spanish Mass

7:00 p.m. Mass

Advent Penance Service Wednesday, Decemer 14 7:00 p.m. Several priests available

Simbang Gabi Friday, December 16

6:30 p.m. Rosary 7:00pm Mass

FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

Saturday, December 24

8:00 a.m. Mass 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Reconciliation

Te time of preparation ends as we welcome the newborn King.

MASSES for the CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS

Friday, December 24

3:30 p.m. Choral Singing

4:00 p.m. Family Mass

6:00 p.m. Christmas Prelude 6:30 p.m. Mass 9:00 p.m. Spanish Mass

MIDNIGHT MASS

11:30 Christmas Prelude 12:00 a.m. Mass

CHRISTMAS DAY

8:00 a.m. • 10:00 a.m. • 12: p.m. Masses

machine, purchased by BayCare’s Faith Community Nursing program with grant funds from TD Charitable Foundation

Keeping Christ In T e Center Of T e Christmas Season

By Kelly Wise Valdes

The Christmas spirit is in the air, the holiday songs are on the radio, lights are sparkling on the houses and kids are getting their lists ready for Santa. Sometimes, it can be difcult to embrace the season with the busyness that comes with the holidays. And many families are facing hardships either personally or financially, so embracing the spirit of Christmas may feel

meaning of

a great gift, and you can

of

the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11.

Christmas: A Gift for Every Heart

By Charles F. Stanley

Beloved pastor Dr. Charles Stanley takes us back to our truest and best reason for celebration, the birth of the Christ child. By revisiting the people and events of that first Christmas, this book reveals the unique lessons that long-ago starry night ofers to each of us still today. Christmas itself is undeniable evidence that God always keeps His promises. Filled with scriptures, insights and Dr. Stanley’s own personal thoughts and memories, this book is a treasure.

12 Stories of Christmas

By Robert Morgan

Experience the wonderment of Christ mas with this endearing collection of original stories. Pastor Robert Morgan writes only one short fiction story each year — an original work he shares with his church on Christmas Eve. The col lection of stories will present the true meaning of Christmas with adventures that evoke the splendor and love found at the manger over 2,000 years ago.

When Holidays Hurt: Finding Hid den Hope Amid Pain and Loss

By Bo Stern

Are you struggling to connect with the joy of the season? Divorce. Financial stress. Chronic illness. Losing a loved one. Expe riencing any of these situations can make the holidays difcult. Through stories and Scriptures, Stern ofers a way to redeem your pain and ideas for engaging with the holidays in diferent ways that ofer a tan gible outlet for healing. At the heart is that Christ came — to bring hope and healing to those who are hurting.

Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional

By Asheritah Ciuciu

Treat your family to the ultimate gift this Christmas as you ‘unwrap’ the mean ing-filled name of Jesus week by week. This faith-based devotional leads parents and children through the four weeks of Advent with weekly interactive devotion al activities, each followed by five read ings celebrating the Savior at the heart of our hope, preparation, joy and love.

tough. In spite of the hustle, bustle, brokenness or loneliness, focus on the real

Christmas: God’s gift

His Son. Some of these inspirational Christmas books can help prepare your heart for Christmas. Books always make

celebrate Christmas this year by sharing these Christmas books with your family and friends. “For unto you is born this day in

BEST BUDDIES PARTNERS WITH THE MOSAIC COMPANY IN SUPPORT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH IDD

Best Buddies In ternational, a non profit organization dedicated to estab lishing a global vol unteer movement that creates op portunities for oneto-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership de velopment and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental dis abilities (IDD), is excited to announce that it is partnering with The Mosaic Company to decrease barriers and improve access for people with intellectual and develop mental disabilities.

Through The Mosaic Company’s commit ment of $50,000, students will be provid ed ongoing opportunities to impact their schools and communities through oppor tunities that provide them with leadership, allyship, future employment and general life skills in Best Buddies’ School Friendship Program.

“Best Buddies is grateful for partners like The Mosaic Company who have shown incredible fortitude and commitment throughout the challenges stemming from the pandemic,” said Anthony K. Shriver, founder, chairman and CEO of Best Buddies International. “With their support, Best Buddies will continue to reach thousands of participants with IDD and provide them with the resources needed to feel included, confident and optimistic about the road ahead. I am confident that together we will continue to empower this community — connecting advocates and mobilizing our supporters to create a more inclusive world.”

“At Mosaic, we be lieve in decreasing barriers and increas ing access for Hillsbor ough and Polk County students in Best Bud dies’ School Friend ship Program. These students seek to im pact their schools and communities through opportunities that provide them with leadership, allyship, fu ture employment and general life skills,” said Sarah Fedorchuk, vice president of North America government and public af fairs. “I am personally familiar with the im pact that Best Buddies’ School Friendship Program has on its participants and the rip ple efect it has on the school, families and community, and I am thrilled to see Mosaic partner on this powerful investment.”

Best Buddies Friendship programs (www. bestbuddies.org/what-we-do/friendship/) represent one of Best Buddies’ four key mission pillars.

Founded in 1989 by Shriver, Best Bud dies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school and col lege chapters worldwide.

For more information, visit www.best buddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or twitter.com/bestbuddies.

The Mosaic Company is one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Mosaic is a single-source provid er of phosphates and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry. More information on the company is available at www.mosaicco.com.

METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES NEEDS COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR ITS LARGEST MOBILIZATIONS EVER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Staf report

A Metropolitan Ministries volunteer sorting food donations.

Happy Holidays From The Tony Baroni Team

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

- Jerry S -

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

- Tyler Jensvold -

“

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

- Steven Monica -

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

- John Basilyous -

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

- Rose Cortes -

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

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

- Elaine Waite -

MAY THE FORCE INSPIRE YOU TO GIVE BACK DURING THE HOLIDAYS

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

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

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

By Libby Hopkins

including The Holiday Atlas,” Jessica said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Libby Hopkins

but are available for a crash course on weekends,” Frost said. “Many stu dents have started to work on their choreographed dance routines for a Valentine’s Day showcase that will take place on Sun day, February 5 at 3 p.m. at our stu dio. Nothing is better than to learn how to lift your partner, dip and do lots of fancy moves just for fun. Tickets for spectators are only $18 per person. Start dancing to day, meet new dance friends and add danc ing to your exercise routine, all while having fun.”

Celebrations Venue is a very afordable event space and is available for rent for many special occasions. “It comes with ta bles and chairs designed and setup for your event, a variety of lights, Bluetooth speak ers built into the ceiling, kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator and a sink,” Frost said. “The venue is flexible. You just need to bring your decorations, food and have an amazing time with your loved ones. We encourage future renters to contact ASAP if they are looking for a rental venue be cause our calendar is already getting full for 2023.”

Visit www.theway2dance.com or www. celebrationsvenue.com. The Way 2 Dance is located at 6520 U.S. Hwy. 301, #102 in Riv erview and Celebrations Venue is located at 610 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

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

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

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

The Arts Council of Plant City will present its 35th annual At Home for the Holidays Home Tour on Sun day, December 11 from 1-4:30 p.m.

The Holiday Home Tour will feature three festively dec orated area homes plus the Spark man House Luxury Bed & Breakfast. Tickets for the event are $25 per person.

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

According to Maggie Carlisle, chair of the Holiday Home Tour, “Each home is fes tively decorated. All of the homes reflect the personality and traditions of the indi vidual homeowners.” Carlisle added, “Each guest tours the homes on their own.” Once you pay for your ticket, you will receive a map showing where each home is located. Last year, approximately 250 people toured the homes. According to Carlisle, “People from as far away as Homosas sa Springs come to the tour. We never know how the homes will be decorated. One year, a dentist’s home featured a tree decorated with all types of dentistry tools. We tell the homeowners to decorate the way they normally would at Christmas.”

The funds raised at the Holiday Home

By Kathi L. Collins

Tour help the Arts Council of Plant City provide many dif ferent pro grams for the commu nity. This includes high school scholarships given to four deserv ing seniors from Plant City High

School, Durant High School and Straw berry Crest High School. Students must be interested in pursuing a degree in the arts. Applications can be obtained from each school’s guidance counselor in March 2023. Awards are made at the end-of-theyear assembly at each school.

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

Additionally, they provide youth devel opment at each of the above-mentioned high schools for drama, band and orches tra.

For more information and to get tickets to the annual Holiday Home Tour, please contact Carlisle at mcarlisle@trinkle-law. com or Marsha Passmore at mappmore@ msn.com.

ECHO OF BRANDON SEES INCREASE IN NEED FOR SERVICES DUE TO ECONOMY AND HURRICANE IAN

The Emergency Care Help Orga nization (ECHO) in Brandon has established a rep utation over its 35-year history as a place where people who find themselves in a life-altering finan cial crisis can turn to for resources to regain solid footing on their life’s journey.

The nonprofit operates a food bank and makes clothing available for those lacking the basics of daily living. ECHO also pro vides help with job searches and access ing appropriate government programs, as well as connecting with specialized ser vices ofered by other organizations that could benefit an individual or family try ing to navigate out of a difcult financial situation.

“At ECHO, we create opportunities and advocate for our neighbors to provide for themselves,” said Eleanor Saunders, ECHO’s executive director.

Recently, the ability of ECHO to fulfill its commitment to the people who turn to it is being challenged by an increased demand for services.

According to Saunders, the rise in re quests for assistance has been significant, with a 72 percent increase from 3,746 during the three-month total of July through September 2021 to the same time frame of this year, with 6,443 indi viduals served.

Saunders added that many of those

By Brad Stager

requests for help come from people who are without shelter, citing a more than fourfold increase in the past year for those cases, from 60 in the nonprofit’s first quarter last year to 250 for the same period in 2022, a 316 percent in crease.

As if the climbing number of people in financial distress wasn’t enough, Hurri cane Ian has made the problem worse, according to Saunders, with its impact on people who were on the edge of stability before the storm. Many of them lost hour ly wages from business closings while Ian tracked through the state or had food spoilage from a lack of electricity to pow er their refrigerator.

“This is proving to be another setback,” she said in a video available on the ECHO of Brandon YouTube channel and Face book page. Saunders added that ECHO and the neighbors it helps are counting on community support to get through the current increase in demand for services.

“When supporting an organization that stands in the gap for the struggling, my hope is that local residents would allocate their philanthropic giving to the Small but Mighty nonprofit community right here in the Greater Brandon community.”

To learn more about ECHO or to make a donation, visit https://echofl.org/.

Care partners of those with any type of memory loss, whether family, friends or professionals, need to be equipped with the knowledge to best support their loved one.

this knowledge at our NEW hybrid support groups being held via

and in person at Tessera of Brandon.

A group of neighbors in need of assistance wait for their turn to meet with ECHO volunteers Connie Talley, in the black shirt, and Mary Montufar, in the blue shirt, at the nonproft’s welcome center.

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

When local ex ecutive chef Chris Burkey, Steve Bish op, Adam Itzkowitz and Lithia CPA John Zelatis met to talk about barbecue and grilling, the meeting turned into an instant bonding of friends, business partners and barbecue. “When Steve Bishop, Adam Itzkowitz and I get together, it’s a total foodie gathering,” Zelatis said. “You have to see us sit down at food tasting, it’s the most hyster ical thing you will ever see. Then we met Chris this past January to hang out and barbecue. By the end of the day, we were spoon-feeding each other. All of us have a lot of passion for food.”

It was this food passion between the four men that helped to make Craft A’fare Social Kitchen (Cask) more than just the number one brunch spot in Tam pa. They have taken the restaurant to the next level, which is a dinner destination in South Tampa. “We have always been known as the best brunch restaurant in Tampa,” said Burkey. “On the weekends, you couldn’t get a seat in the restaurant, but during the week it was very slow. Once John; Steve; Cask’s sous-chef, Kyle; and I got together, we got our inspiration for our new dinner menu from Cask itself. It was all what we feel Cask is about and

By Libby Hopkins

the vibe of Cask. The name has a Southern feel to it and we’re known for the vibe and feel, so what wanted it to show in the menu items.”

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

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

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

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

The Bloomingdale High School Art Club painted festive holiday designs on the windows of the Farmers In surance Valen tino Agency on November 5 as a service project for the students.

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

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

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

“It meant so much to me personally that the Valentino Agency could part ner with the Bloomingdale High School Art Club to show support to our local school by showcasing these talented

students’ artwork with hopes that as a result it helps draw new poten tial customers’ eyes to our color ful windows and draws them into our ofce to hear about our prod ucts that we have to ofer,” said LaRosa.

The Bloomingdale Art Club has been a part of the school since it was found

ed, but this is Reeves’ first year as the teacher. Reeves was a student and vice president of the art club in 1990 when they had a local window painting con test. Now, she is trying to revive the pro gram and is hoping to start a Blooming dale window-painting contest after the new year.

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

The Bloomingdale Art Club is willing to paint additional windows for compa nies that are looking to bring some holi day cheer to their business.

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

FAITH & FOOTPRINTS

The Berlin Cathedral — Berlin, Germany

Every Christmas, the Berlin Cathedral boasts thousands of colorful lights projecting diferent patterns and images on the outside of its spectacular and historic building. Christmastime brings thousands of visitors to the cathedral year after year, with good reason.

The monumental cathedral church in Berlin is a major attrac tion for the city with an opulently decorated interior, fascinat ing history and remarkable architecture.

The large dome of the cathedral is one of the main landmarks in Berlin’s cityscape. With its elaborate decorative and orna mental designs, the church interior is especially worth seeing and is considered city’s most important Protestant church.

Although the church is known as a cathedral, it actually is a parish church, but not just any parish. This was a representa tive stage for the Hohenzollern dynasty, the rulers of Prussia and later the German Emperors. Today, as the High Parish and Cathedral Church, the church serves the Protestant community in Berlin and the surrounding areas.

The history of the Berlin Cathedral dates back to the 15th century. The previous buildings were part of the Berlin City Pal

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

“the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;

“the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26.)

Monday morning, my dad passed away, peacefully. He had been slipping in and out of awareness since Thursday and under the care of hospice since Saturday. He was, as my mother said, “More than ready to go home.”

Rebekah came out to his assisted living home with me. We talked, we gave him reassurances and we played his favorite hymns. The last was from a London Em manuel Choir anthology, circa 1970, and

By Kelly Wise Valdes

ace. But, in the early 19th century, Prussia’s leading architect, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, redesigned the building into a neoclas sical cathedral.

Wilhelm II came to throne as emperor of Germany in 1888 when the cathedral was more than 50 years old. Wilhelm considered several designs that had been proposed for a new church, though none had been accepted. The emperor also found the church far too modest and insisted on a colossal new church to represent the monarchy’s power and prestige. The lavish, impressive structure was Berlin’s answer to St. Pe ter’s Basilica in Rome and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

The old building was demolished in 1893, and 11 years later the new church was dedicated. The church was severely dam aged during the Second World War. The work on restoring the church began in 1975 and was completed in 1993, just four years after the Berlin Wall fell.

With its strong and vibrant musical tradition, the cathedral church ofers a regular program of concerts, including the Ad vent and Christmas season, including a traditional Christmas Mass. For more information, visit www.berlinerdom.de/en/.

Live Like You Mean It ... Last Goodbye To A Faithful Servant

ful words of life; “Words of life and beauty, teach me faith and duty.

“Beautiful words, wonderful words, won derful words of life, “Beautiful words, wonderful words, won derful words of life.” (Philip Bliss.)

dad’s voice is in there among the tenors — “Wonderful Worlds of Life”:

“Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life, “Let me more of their beauty see, wonder

Dad’s breathing became more shallow, more labored, with extended time be tween each halting breath. We were hold ing his hand when Rebekah leaned in: “The Lord bless you and keep you,” she said, “the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His counte nance upon you and give you peace.”

And in that moment, dad slipped away —

By Derek Maul

gently and peacefully; carried seamlessly, so it appeared, resting in those wonderful words of life. Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

I was composed until I took mum in there to see him. She bent down to kiss him, gen tly, on the forehead. Then she asked me to pray. “Thank you, Lord,” I said in a broken whisper, “for the gift that was dad’s long and beautiful life. Please bless him with your peace and your presence and your as surance that all is well; bless him with your grace and your light and your mercy and your love, now and forever — Amen.”

I am writing these words in love, and be cause love conquers all. — DEREK.

HOT OFF THE CHRISTIAN NEWS WIRE

TBN Faith-and-Family Network Hosts Christ

mas Specials

Christmas is a joyous season at Trinity Broadcasting Net work (TBN), and throughout December America’s favorite faith-and-family network is featuring a treasure of difer ent specials to celebrate the season.

All Heaven and Nature Sing with Bill Gaither & Friends features music legend Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band for an evening of joy ful holiday harmonies, with special guests including Gaither Vocal Band alumni Mark Lowry, along with gospel music favorites The Nelons, Ladye Love Smith and Gene Mc Donald.

Let Us Adore Him: A Christmas Celebra tion will fill your heart with holiday cheer with an evening of Christmas music and worship with Steven Cur tis Chapman, The Isaacs, Ev vie, Christine D’Clario, Jeka lyn Carr, Riley Clemmons, Pas tor Mike Jr., and more.

Divine De tours is a Christmas special featuring Pas tor Joel Osteen and wife Victoria along with Matt and Laurie Crouch. Pastor Osteen guides brings an inspiring message about the divine detours God orchestrates to bring His best into our lives. This powerful special includes memorable Christmas music from Grammy Award-winning artist Jason Crabb.

In addition to these exclusive TBN spe

cials, stay tuned throughout the month of December for other joyful Christmas pro grams, including author Max Lucado and award-winning Christian music artists Na talie Grant, Danny Gokey, and For King & Country. For more information visit TBN. org/christmas2022.

New Billy Graham Archive And Research Center Opens

On Monday, November 7 on what would have been the late evangelist Billy Graham’s 104th birth day, a new Billy Graham Archive and Research Cen

ter opened in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 30,000-square-foot state-of-the-art research center includes videos, cassette tapes, films, newspaper clippings, corre spondences, sermon notes and memorabil ia from Graham’s lifetime of ministry. The two-story building reportedly took $13 mil lion to build and is located across from the Billy Graham Library. While the library is

open to the public, only researchers are per mitted in the archive with an appointment. For more information visit www.billygra ham.org.

Hillsong United Artist Benjamin William Hastings Goes Solo

Singer and songwriter Benjamin William Hast ings is known for his work with Hillsong Unit ed. But the award-win ning songwriter is now embarking on a solo mu sic career. This new jour ney comes as he finds himself nominated for a Dove Award for “Wor ship Song of The Year.”

His 25-track debut album self-titled “Ben jamin William Hastings.” The diferent sides of Hastings in each song come out of his own personal struggles. The songwriter decided to use this debut album as a way to go pub lic with his own personal battles. Through

By Kelly Wise Valdes

years of work, this compila tion of songs shows everything Hastings was feeling and what he was fighting. The album a compilation of struggle, fight ing, feeling, loving, and hope. For more information visit www.benjaminwilliamhastings. com.

Veggie Tales: Te Ulti mate Christmas Collec tion 2022

Plug in the tree, light the fire, and get ready for a Very Merry Veggie Christmas. Join Bob, Larry, and the entire VeggieTales crew as they tell stories of hope, love, and forgiveness that bring home the meaning of Christmas. VeggieTales: Ultimate Christmas Classics Collection includes all 8 clas sic holiday favorites that everyone in the family will love. All 8 Very Merry Veggie Christmas favorites including the clas sicsThe Toy That Saved Christmas, The Star of Christ mas, Saint Nicholas Christmas SingAlong Songs, It’s a Meaningful Life, The Drummer Boy, Merry Larry and the True Light of Christ mas and The Best Christmas Gift. This is a great present and Christmas classics for all ages. Can be purchased on www.target.com.

ICE SKATING AND WINTER VILLAGE RETURN TO TAMPA JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

This year, cele brate the holiday season by visiting the Winter Village and its outdoor ice-skat ing rink. It is a great holiday activity for the whole family. The Winter Village is lo cated in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park at 600 N. Ashley Dr. in downtown Tampa. The Winter Village is open Friday, Novem ber 18 through Jan uary 4, 2023.

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

Get

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

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

The Tampa Theatre will ofer two holi

day movies on the lawn on Saturday, November 19 and Friday, December 16 at 6 p.m.

Back this year is the popular Winter Village Express. The family-friendly excursion takes you from Whiting Station, located in downtown to Ybor City, and back on the TECO Line Streetcar.

The one-hour trip features a holiday sing-along, hol iday trivia, milk and cookies and added surprises along the way.

New to the holiday cele brations at the Winter Village this year is curling. This will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Equipment will be available for rental.

There will also be a curling league. This will be available from Wednesday, Naaovember 30 through Wednesday, December 28. Games will be played every Wednesday from 6-10 p.m.

Katie Collins of Valrico said, “The Winter Village is truly special. It re ally puts you in the holiday spirit and is a fun way to spend a few hours in downtown Tampa.”

For more information on hours and rentals, please visit www.wintervil lagetampa.com.

BRANDON BALLET TO PERFORM THE NUTCRACKER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The Brandon Bal let will present three live performances of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, The Nutcrack er. The performances will be held on Sat urday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 11 at 2 and 5:30 p.m. All performances will be held at Riverview High School, located at 11311 Boyette Rd. in Riverview.

The Nutcracker is a magical Christmas production that is both imaginative and a timeless classic that is great for the whole family.

Tickets are avail able online at www. brandonballet.org. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under and seniors. Homeschool students can get tickets for $15 per person. For the latter, please email dance@brandonbal let.org. Tickets are available at the door, but all prices increase by $5.

courtesy of Ricardo Romero. Te Brandon Ballet is celebrating the Season of Discovery with three live performances of Te Nutcracker at Riverview High School this December.

This year, the role of Sugar Plum Fairy will be reprised by Courtney Moody. Drosselmeyer will be played by new company member Andres Gomez. Hannah Townend, admin istrative director for the Brandon Ballet, said, “This performance is the company’s first Nutcracker under new artis tic direction of Alice H. Bock and Brentwood Townend. Along with rehearsal director Court ney Moody, they are proud to present a production in which some of the lead roles in act two will be danced by stu dent company members.”

The Nutcracker is set on Christmas Eve with a gathering of friends and family. During the performance, toys come to life and rats grow to life size characters. Clara is given a toy soldier by her uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer, and is transported to magical lands, including the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets. The toy soldier turns into a magical nutcracker. Clara meets the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the audience is left wondering whether it was a real trip or just a magical dream.

Townend added, “Of special note is Jada Stevenson, a senior at Blane Hugh School who has danced with Brandon Ballet for many years. Stevenson will be performing the lead Arabian role for the first time.”

“Our 2022 production will include a Nutcracker Prince, and Drosselmeyer will be included in the snow scene. This change has never been done in any other Nutcracker production. Audiences will be surprised at the athletic and theatri cal ability,” said Townend.

For information, visit www.brandon ballet.org or call 684-4282.

Photo

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

CROSS-BAY FERRY’S 2022-23 SEASON SETS SAIL

The Cross-Bay Ferry has begun its sixth sea son of operations across Tampa Bay. The service, which provides a sce nic and congestion-free transportation option between downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg, returns following its most suc cessful season since the service began with a re cord-breaking 62,130 riders from October 2021 to May 2023, 10,000 more people than its previous record.

The Cross-Bay Ferry is an innovative collaboration between Hillsborough Coun ty, the City of Tampa, the City of St. Pe tersburg and the Florida Department of Transportation that is working to build the ferry into a long-term local transportation resource that will significantly relieve road way congestion, boost commerce to local businesses and provide a fast, fun and af fordable way to travel. Hillsborough County is currently the lead governmental sponsor.

“Thanks to a productive partnership between the local governments and the Florida Department of Transportation, the Cross-Bay Ferry is returning this month and is well-positioned for another success ful season as we continue to build upon the system’s early success,” said Matt Miller, president of HMS Ferries. “The Cross-Bay Ferry ofers a uniquely accessible and af fordable transportation option between downtown Tampa and downtown St. Pete, providing local residents and visitors with a commuting option that includes incredible views of the bay and surrounding skylines.” This year, the ferry will again ofer an

extended season with an additional month of service and an expanded daily schedule that includes later eve ning runs. Service lasts until May 2023. Later-eve ning departures will also be avail able. The Cross-Bay Ferry will operate from the same terminal locations as in previous seasons. In Tampa, the ferry will depart from the Tampa Convention Cen ter, and in St. Petersburg, from the dock at North Straub Park, near Vinoy Marina.

The ferry vessel, named Provincetown III, is a twin-hull aluminum catamaran that can carry a maximum of 149 guests at an average speed of 30 mph. The vessel has a full-service bar with basic food service. Passengers may bring up to two pieces of luggage and one small personal item at no extra charge, and they may also bring bikes on board. Customer surveys will also be taken regularly to improve service and gain better insight into how future permanent service can be structured.

In February, the Federal Transit Adminis tration awarded Hillsborough Area Region al Transit Authority (HART) a $4.9 million grant to buy a new 350-passenger vessel that HART requested last October. This will further establish the Cross-Bay Ferry as a mainstay transit option to reduce conges tion, create local jobs, and increase connec tivity across the Tampa Bay area.

Visit www.thecrossbayferry.com. Tick ets can also be purchased at dockside tick et booths in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay today announced Seren geti Flyer as the park’s all-new 2023 attraction. Seren geti Flyer will be the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, a screamin’ swing, upon opening in spring 2023.

With each swing, riders will soar higher and higher above Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s ex pansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain while ex periencing multiple negative-G moments before plunging back toward the Earth. Serengeti Flyer will feature twin duel ing arms that soar progressively higher, reaching speeds of 68 mph and a maxi mum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak. Guests will be seated back-to-back in rows of 10 across two gondolas, allowing for 40 guests to experience the ride at once.

“Serengeti Flyer’s thrilling ride expe rience is bound to provide riders with a pulse-pounding encounter that can only be found at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay,” said Neal Thurman, park president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “We believe that Serengeti Flyer will be the perfect high-thrill addition to our world-class portfolio of attractions, including Iron Gwazi, the Golden Ticket Award winner for the Best New Roller Coaster in 2022.”

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay annual pass members will be among the first to expe rience the new attraction upon opening

in spring 2023. Enjoy the breathtaking thrill of Seren geti Flyer all year long with a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay annu al pass or 2023 fun card. Start ing as low as $14 per month with exclusive pass member benefits valued at over $400, a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay annu al pass is the best way to experience this all-new attraction.

Guests looking for incredible savings can pay for a day and get the rest of 2022 and 2023 free with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s limited time fun card ofer, which provides unlimited access to the park’s world-class attractions, award-winning entertainment, up-close animal encoun ters and vibrant seasonal events.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ul timate family adventure, ofering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world.

Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrill ing rides, an AZA-accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled expe riences for guests of every age. For more information, visit www.buschgarden stampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and enter tainment company.

Provincetown III, the current vessel the CrossBay Ferry uses for providing passengers comfort able rides.

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens.

Te Serengeti Flyer, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s all-new attraction, opens in spring 2023.

LOCALLY-OWNED EGGS UP GRILL CELEBRATES 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Sharon Still

and Sweet Cream.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FLORIDA SPECIAL OLYMPICS RECOGNIZES MARY FRANCES SMITH FOR HER EXTRAORDINARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Mary Frances Smith, a Brandon resident, has been an active and devoted mem ber of the Florida Special Olympics since she was 9 years old. Now, 24 years later, she con tinues to serve the organization and won the Florida Spe cial Olympics Ath lete of the Year award for her eforts.

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

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

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

By Lily Belcher

“Mary Frances is a motivator and an excellent example to other [intellec tually disabled] individuals about the possibilities one can accom plish. Special Olympics has giv en Mary Frances the opportunities to excel and the confidence to accom plish so much. She is an inspiration to everyone she meets,” said Judith Moore on her nomina tion form for the Athlete of the Year award.

Outside of her involve ment with the Special Olympics, Smith is active in her community, serv ing in TRIDENT and the Nativity Catholic Church PB&J Ministry. One of Smith’s defining qualities is her leadership skills, en couraging TRIDENT classmates to join the PB&J Ministry and supporting her team mates on the Special Olympics team.

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

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

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

Mary Frances Smith has played tennis for 20 years now.

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

S’mores & Stores Event In Rivercrest

Community

Rivercrest Community in Riverview is hosting its annual S’mores & Stores event on Sunday, December 11 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Come and shop from a wide variety of local vendors, enjoy fresh food from food trucks and enjoy your free s’more. A special sur prise guest will also be making an appear ance; can you guess who? The event is being held at 11560 Ramble Creek Dr. in River view. Proceeds from the event go to West Florida Foster Care Services.

Christmas Lane Returns To Plant City

Christmas Lane is returning to Plant City. Over 2,000 volunteer hours have prepared this winter wonderland full of the magic of Christmas at every turn.

With more than 1.5 million lights adorning over 200 Christmas trees ranging from 4-40 feet tall, the displays are sure to delight. Make sure that you visit and write your letters to San ta, as well as decorate ornaments and have your face painted.

There is also live entertainment on select nights. Christmas Lane is open Thursday through Sunday, 6-10 p.m. from November 25 through December 24 at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds in Plant City. Additional information can be found on its website at https://christmaslane.com/.

FishHawk Ranch Holiday Shopping Bazaar

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

Christmas In Wimauma Is A Wonder ful Family Day

Christmas in Wimauma, organized by Kittie Corral and Lake Wimauma Conven tion Center, is pleased to be bringing you all the fixin’s and trimmin’s, arts and crafts, handmade goods and so much more. There will be vendors ofering every holiday item imaginable, including hot chocolate, tea, cof fee, breads, desserts and candies, along with handmade bath and body products, jewelry, paintings, decorations, candles and wood working items. There will also be rafe bas kets to win. The event is free, so come and have a wonderful day with the family. The event takes place at Lake Wimauma Con vention Center, located at 5408 SR 674 in Wimauma, on Saturday, December 10 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

German-style Christmas

At Old Castle Restaurant

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

Tampa Bay Festival Of Lights

The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds is presenting its upgraded holiday light spec tacular at Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village, opening on Thanks giving Day on Thursday, November 24 and running through January 1, 2023. This year’s event features a nearly 2-mile drive-through of continuous light features, followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village. Enjoy a visit with Santa’s favorite animals, camel rides, face painting, holiday movies and hol iday treats. The Hillsborough County Fair grounds is located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover.

Christmas In Te Park Light Show

The Christmas in the Park drive-through light show and outdoor market will take place from Friday, December 9 through Sat urday, December 31, 5-9 p.m. The fun for all

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

the family event is located at Masonic RV Park & Youth Camp, located at 18050 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Wimauma. Hot chocolate and other festive food and drinks available.

Barrington Oaks Lights Display

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

Paloma Glade Christmas Lights And Music Show

This year, the Paloma Glade neighbor hood has almost 50 homes joining in with its Christmas light and music show. The thing that really makes Paloma Glade’s display special is how you can tune in with your car radio and have the display synchro nized to the music. Teenagers in the neigh borhood are also collecting nonperishable food items for local charity Seeds of Hope, such as boxed potatoes, canned veggies, desserts, bread mixes, pasta, mac ’n cheese and soups, so please bring an item to add to the collection for the event’s ham giveaway. Cash donations will also be accepted.

The display starts on Thanksgiving, Thurs day, November 24 and runs from 7-10 p.m., and then the regular times are Sunday through Thursday, 6-10 p.m., as well as Fri day and Saturday, 6-11 p.m. The last day of the light show is Saturday, December 31.

EXPERIENCE FESTIVE HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS THIS SEASON

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

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

Church Street Christmas

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

Te Ultimate Gift Presented By Love

First Christian Center

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

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

Christmas In Te Wild

At ZooTampa

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at ZooT ampa with the return of Christmas in the Wild, featuring one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, delectable hol iday treats, amazing wildlife and new fes tive adventures. This year is bigger, better and brighter than ever with entertainment that the whole family can enjoy, including festive realms, holiday shows and a visit with Santa. Christmas in the Wild runs on selective nights November through Decem ber. Visit www.zootampa.org for more in formation.

A Victorian Christmas Stroll

The Henry B. Plant Museum in Tam pa celebrates the warmth and spirit of an old-fashioned holiday with its Victo rian Christmas Stroll. Allowing visitors a glimpse into the magic of Christmas past, this holiday experience is a wonderful way to celebrate all the season has to ofer with a variety of delightful themes and displays in each exhibit room. Decorations include

visitor favorites from past years as well as new marvels that are sure to amaze. The Victorian Christmas Stroll will be available at the Henry B. Plant Museum, located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tam pa, from Thursday, December 1 through Friday, December 23, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Its web site, www.plantmuseum.com, has more information.

Santa Fest Christmas Pa rade And Tree Lighting

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

Lakeland Christmas Parade

Hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland, the Lakeland Christmas Parade will be held on Thursday, December 1 starting at 7 p.m. Participants step of from the RP Funding Center to begin the 1.25-mile course winding through the city’s streets, around Lake Mirror and back down Lemon Street. The floats are decked out to reflect this year’s theme of ‘Christmas Past, Present and Future.’ The best, of course, is saved for last, as the parade wraps up with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

Tampa Area Lighted Holiday Boat Pa rades

Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will take place on the Saturday before Christ mas, December 17, along the Hill sborough River in downtown Tampa. The parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Island, travels through the convention center basin and up to the Heights, where the boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf. Public viewing lo cations include Armature Works, Water Works Park and Channel Drive.

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

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

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

With just over a month until the 2022 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, ESPN Events is proud to an nounce that tickets are now available for purchase to the general public. The 15th edition of the bowl game will take place at Raymond James Stadium on Friday, Decem ber 23 at 6:30 p.m. Last year’s in-state matchup between the UCF Knights and Florida Gators host ed a sold-out crowd of 63,669 fans.

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

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

Block Party at the Tampa Convention Center, Gasparil la Bowl activities honor the rich his tory of Tampa’s famed Gasparil la Invasion, our community’s rich waterfront and the fun of football in Florida. Stay tuned for more an nouncements.

TOYS FOR TOTS – MAKING CHRISTMAS MAGICAL FOR 18 YEARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Kelly Wise Valdes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beginning on Sunday, November 27, a life-size Santa will be stationed at the door closest to the mailbox so children can see him watching as they drop their let ters into the special mailbox. This is also a great photo opportunity. There will be other spots around the building that will be good for photo opportunities.

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

According to Shannon Keil, chief ex

By Kathy L. Collins

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

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

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

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

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

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & SANTA’S VILLAGE RETURNS TO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS ON S.R. 60

The Tampa Bay Fes tival of Lights will open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, and will run till Jan uary 1, 2023. Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights will transport guests into a beautiful winter wonderland with cus tom light displays and its enchanting Santa’s Village. The festival sur rounds guests in over 1 million twinkly lights as they drive 2 miles through a number of various themed light displays.

With fun for the whole family, the elaborate light displays feature ev erything from clever racoons toasting marshmallows to a giant gingerbread house with candy and cakes, and from a dynamic western display to a Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, the displays are sure to bring magic to everyone’s night. Santa’s Village is filled to the brim with activi ties and treats for those young at heart. Santa’s Interactive Barnyard features camel rides, crafting sections, hot choc olate, apple-cider donuts and even visits with Santa himself.

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

By Meghan Reyes

Hometown Hillsborough Historical Village. The village consists of the fairgrounds’ permanent display of antique farm ing equipment and rep licas of buildings from the past, all decked out in traditional decor. An other new addition to the festival is the Holi day Market, where fam ilies can find the perfect gifts for those they love. The market will take place on Friday and Sat urday evenings.

Along with Santa’s Village and the Christmas light spectacular, a few ad ditional events will take place during this year’s festival. Holiday movies and video shorts will be shown on the big screen, while picnic tables and fire pits have been added to allow for even more seating. Live music featuring Dennis Lee and Tampa artist Katie Lombardo will be available on select dates. Lee will be per forming on Friday and Saturday, Novem ber 25 and 26 and December 16 and 17.

Lombardo will be performing on Friday and Saturday, December 9 and 10.

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

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

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

MUSIC SHOWCASE & FAOPA BRING SHOWS, MUSIC AND EVENTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

For more than 25 years, Music Show case in Brandon has been the premiere location for music, music lessons, in struments, repair and suppiles in our community. Plus, with the onsite Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA), Music Showcase ofers programs where kids can participate in musical theater, class es, workshops and events.

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

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

Next, look forward to a free Music Makers workshop on Saturday, December 3 from 9:30-11 a.m. There, children ages 4-10 will learn about and get to play sev eral musical instruments, as well as create

By Taylor Wells

and take home an instrument craft.

And then, from Friday through Sun day, Decem ber 9-11 and 16-18, there will be perfor mances of A Christmas Sto ry: The Musi

cal, directed by Heather Ochalek and with performers ranging from 8-year-olds to adults.

Based on the beloved Christmas movie, this show will add a new dimension to en joy for fans of the movie and stand on its own for people who haven’t seen it. Reg ular tickets cost $15 and VIP tickets cost $20. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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

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

TAMPA ELECTRIC’S MANATEE VIEWING CENTER NOW OPEN FOR THE SEASON

The Manatee Viewing Center is the anchor at traction for the Florida Conser vation and Tech nology Center (FCTC), which is a public-private partnership to showcase nature and technology. In ad dition to Tampa Electric, the partners include The Florida Aquarium and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

“We’re proud to be the showcase for Tampa Electric’s commitment to envi ronmental stewardship,” said Stan Kroh, manager of Land and Stewardship Pro grams for Tampa Electric. “The Mana tee Viewing Center proves that you can have fun while learning about the natu ral treasures of Florida.”

When the water temperature of Tam pa Bay is 68 degrees or colder, mana tees gather in the clean, warm water discharge canal of Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station, sometimes by the hundreds.

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

The man atees have gathered in the canal to find refuge from the cold since the ear ly 1970s. T he Tam pa Electric discharge canal is a state and federal ly designated manatee sanctuary that provides critical protection from the cold for these unique, gentle animals. Each season, the center draws nearly 400,000 visitors — for a total of 7 mil lion.

Admission and parking at the Apollo Beach facility are free, and the board walks are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act for our guests’ con venience. Contributions are welcomed and will directly support protecting manatees, preserving their habitats and educating the public.

The Manatee Viewing Center’s regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day now through April 15, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. (The facility clos es at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.) Comfort able shoes and clothing are recommend ed. Please note that no pets are allowed, only trained service animals.

Visit the center online at www.tampa electric.com/manatee or call 813-2284289 for more information.

Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 800,000 customers in W. Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquar tered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

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

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

CHRISTMAS TOWN AT BUSCH GARDENS CELEBRATES HOLIDAY CHEER WITH NEW SHOWS, FIREWORKS & MORE

Celebrating its 10th anniversa ry, Busch Gardens

Christmas Town returns as the longest holiday celebration in the Tampa Bay area ofering brandnew experiences to celebrate the holidays and cre ate memories to cherish for a life time. Christmas Town joyfully bundles millions of twinkling lights, uplifting shows, iconic holiday light displays, culinary delights and award-winning attractions such Iron Gwazi every day from Monday, November 14 through January 9, 2023. Running for 57 consecutive days, the beloved event is included with park admission.

Several all-new activities make this year’s Christmas Town its biggest celebration yet. A reimagined Holiday in the Sky fire works show comes to life with a colorful display of festive fireworks while an added spectacular water fountain show dances to the rhythm of a reimagined soundtrack with classic holiday tunes. Holiday in the Sky will take place on the Festival Field on select event nights. A new mesmerizing and en chanting musical light and projection show will adorn the Serengeti Overlook building, running daily every 15 minutes starting at 6 p.m. Christmas with the Celts is a won derful combination of Christmas Carols and Irish dance that will captivate guests. The

renowned group of vocalists, mu sicians and danc ers will perform live at Stanleyville Theater’s stage on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Friday, December 16 through Sunday, December 25.

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

Also returning are ‘Christmas on Ice’ at the Moroccan Palace Theater, the home of Busch Gardens’ longest-running holiday show, Elmo’s Christmas Wish in the Ses ame Street Safari of Fun area of the park and Three Kings Journey, the musical tale of the three wise men’s famed journey to Bethlehem, at Dragonfire Grill during select nights from Friday, November 18 through January 8, 2023.

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

For tickets and event details, visit www. christmastown.com.

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

This interactive, fami ly-friendly holiday experi ence transports guests to the ancient city of Beth lehem as it existed during the time of Jesus’ birth. Guests will feel immersed in the WTB experience, such as the town’s realistic backdrop, the au thentically dressed townspeople, Roman guards, potters, shepherds and live ani mals. Throughout the 30-minute guided tour, visitors will see the sights, sounds and smells of Bethlehem. The tour con cludes with a visit to the manger with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

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

By Kelly Wise Valdes

George Mathis one of the WTB volunteers that helps build the city scenes and acts as a tour guide on all four days of the event. “The reason why I do Walk Thru Bethlehem is the fellow ship and team work to put on such a true extraordinary story about the very first Christmas,” said Mathis.

This free event drew more than 3,000 visitors last year, which marked the first year for the reservation system to stream line the tours. Reservations can be made by visiting www.walkthrubethlehem.com. Walk-up spots are available on a firstcome, first-serve basis, but registration can guarantee a tour.

Walk Thru Bethlehem takes place on Thursday, December 8 from 6:30-10 p.m.; Friday, December 9 from 6:30-10 p.m.; Saturday, December 10 from 3-10 p.m.; and Sunday, December 11 from 3-10 p.m. For more information, call 813-684-9453.

Kings Avenue Baptist Church is located at 2602 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon.

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

Destin Van Den Bogaert is a Durant High School student and WTB youth volunteer that is looking for ward to volun teering again this year. “I help because it’s the right thing to do to show every one the amazing God that we believe in,” said Van Den Bogaert.

attend Kings Avenue Baptist Church’s 36th annual Walk Tru Bethlehem event.

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES OFFERS PERFECT HOLIDAY TREATS FOR EVERY SEASON

classic.

Cakes and festive top pers are available for holiday parties in addi tion to birthdays, grad uations and weddings. Plus, Nothing Bundt Cakes ofers online or dering and third-party delivery, making it easy for residents to enjoy.

MAKING GIFT-GIVING LISTS HELP MAKE HOLIDAYS STRESS FREE

By Erica Burruezo, Orderly Owl Organizing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 11238 Sullivan St. in Riverview and can be reached at 813-409-2394. To learn more or order online, visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com.

Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

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

Throughout the year, try making a list of who you are buying for, any

ideas you might have for them, and budget according ly. Keep it on your phone for easy ac cess when you may be out shopping. As you purchase gifts, mark o f who they were purchased for and what they are. This will keep you from trying to memorize every thing and make sure you stay on track with gift giving. We don’t want to miss anyone nor buy duplicates either.

Speaking of gifts, spare yourself some headaches and come up with some specific gift ideas for you and your family so when you are asked you can give some suggestions.

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

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