Osprey Observer Riverview/Apollo Beach December 2022

LIBRARY CELEBRATES 4 YEAR OLD WHO READS MORE THAN 2,000 BOOKS

For all the hightech gadgetry that people use to learn and stay in formed, 4-year-old Liandromeda Ster nemann has em braced the printed word to a degree that doubles a na tional reading goal for pre-kindergart eners.

The 1,000 Books Before Kinder garten national reading campaign operates through participating lo cal libraries to en courage literacy in young children, from infants to toddlers. Lian has read more than 2,000 books as a participant in the program’s current cam paign. While there are developmental rea sons to encourage reading by kids, Lian said her purpose is more straightforward and routine.

“I love books. I read every day,” she said, adding that spending time with books has been beneficial and joyful. “They are fun stories. I learn about stuf.”

Reading to and with children is an im portant piece of the thousand books program and Lian appreciates mother Corinne’s involvement when reading fa vorites like Pete the Cat and Hello World!

“Mom makes funny noises,” Lian said.

According to Corinne, encouraging reading can start with having books with in easy reach of a child’s curious mind.

“We have books everywhere; living room table, dining room, and two book shelves in Lian’s room, not to mention the kitchen table and wherever else we decide

By Brad Stager

to read that day,” Corinne said, and she added that this is not the first time Lian has completed the thousand book program and that her participation continues.

The 1,000 Books Foundation is a non profit public chari ty that works with like-minded part ners to promote literacy through various programs and reading chal lenges. Its website provides tips on en couraging reading at an early age. It also breaks down what might seem to be a formidable goal to what can be achieved by reading one book a day. Such a book-a-day approach means the thousand book goal can be reached within three years.

Andrew Breidenbaugh, director of li brary services for Hillsborough County, said it is worth the efort to pick up a book.

“When children spend time with books, this exposes them to the text and images that will become the backbone of lifelong learning. It also promotes reading and builds quality family time,” Breidenbaugh said.

You can find out more about Tampa-Hill sborough County Public Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program by visiting the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative’s website at https:// hcplc.bibliocommons.com/ and the 1,000 Books Foundation’s website at https:// 1000booksbeforekindergarten.org/.

On a mission to pair her investment in the arts with her love for her commu nity, Sara Battaglia, founder and own er of Dancing for a Diference, is no stranger to the idea of making a difer ence and helping fulfill the dreams of others. Achieving one of her own goals on October 18, Batt aglia was awarded the title of Miss Riv erview, an honor she earned without prior pageant experience.

“I saw it as a fun op portunity and a good way to give back to my community more than I already do,” said Batt aglia. “I will be avail able to the community to volunteer and help wherever needed.”

With a history of helping her students prepare for their own pageants, Battaglia began her journey by fill ing out an online form with information about her education as well as accomplishments to the Girlbossing Inc. Florida USA Organization. Battaglia received her sash shortly after her acceptance of the Miss Riverview USA title.

The core responsibility of holding this po sition is to maintain an active presence in the area, a duty that allows Battaglia to be come involved in opportunities such as help ing #HashtagLunchbag feed the homeless in downtown Tampa. Battaglia has since also volunteered with Small but Mighty Heroes, an organization that works with children and families dealing with childhood cancer, and the Great American Teach-In at DeSoto El ementary School, a program Dancing for a Diference has participated in for the past four years.

While devoting her time to these projects, Battaglia has also worked towards finaliz ing preparations for the weekend of May 12 through May 14, 2023, when the Miss Florida pageant ofcially begins. To acquire more practice in public speaking, she will be

By Madeline Gardner

present at the Valri co FishHawk Cham ber’s Midday Power Hour sessions on Wednesday, De cember 14 and 21 from 11 a.m.-12 Noon. Receiving further support from the surround ing community, she has also secured sponsorship from local businesses Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique and Flow er Me Tampa Décor and Rentals for her evening gown. Continuing her work locally and setting her sights on all that is to come, Battaglia re mains optimistic that her eforts encourage others to follow their dreams and explore new interests.

“Hopefully, it will in spire young girls and boys that they will be able to do whatever they set their minds to,” said Battaglia. “And even though you don’t necessarily have ex perience in something, there’s always a first time for everything, and you should try it if that’s what you want to do.”

To learn more about Battaglia’s mission at Dancing for a Diference, visit https://danc ing4adiference.com/, call 813-601-3009 or email dance4donations@gmail.com. Dancing for a Diference is located at 1076 E. Brandon Blvd., Ste. 109 in Brandon.

More info about her participation in the Miss Riverview and Miss Florida pageants can be found on her Instagram page at www. instagram.com/mypointeofview.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS

Liandromeda Sternemann displays her certif icate of completion in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative at SouthShore Regional Library in Ruskin.

With strong ties to her community, Sara Battaglia’s evening gown for the Miss Florida pageant is sponsored by Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique and Flower Me Tampa Décor and Rentals.

Sara Battaglia is both the founder and director of Dancing for a Diference in Brandon.

DRONE ENTHUSIASTS HAVE A PLACE TO CALL HOME AT COUNTY PARK

Flying drones is a hobby that has become popular in re cent years and as the pastime takes of more people want to know where they can safely and legally fly their remotely piloted model aircraft.

Drone enthusiasts now have a place to get airborne in Hillsborough County’s drone park at the Mango Park & Recreation Center.

Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation provides such a place, complete with course ob stacles and a shaded area for drone operators to work from.

The drone park is located at the west end of Mango Park & Recreation Center, adjacent to Mango Road.

It encompasses a clear area for drones to fly and includes obstacle-course fix tures and gates to sharpen the skills re quired to deftly maneuver the remotely controlled aircraft that can reach speeds of up to 90 mph. Drone pilots can operate their aircraft via handheld controls from under a canopy that ofers necessary pro tection from the sun. Some pilots wear special goggles while flying their drones so they can view video streams of their flights, creating an immersive, first-per son view of the action for them.

Adherence to applicable Federal Avi ation Administration regulations is re quired and flying in airspace above areas such as the adjacent dog park and other

By Brad Stager

recreational facilities is pro hibited.

The drone park is an example of Hillsborough County’s plan to create ‘des tination parks’ that serve the varied inter ests of resi dents who may find it worth the drive from Apollo Beach to Mango, for ex ample, if it meets their recreational needs. County of ficials also cited the drone park’s value as making use of land that would not likely be developed for another purpose.

Cigar City Multirotor Club is a local or ganization that promotes drone and mod el aviation activities in the Tampa Bay area and was involved in designing the park.

Jason Mackenzie is Hillsborough Coun ty’s park planner and development man ager. He says in a video on the county’s YouTube channel that the park is inclusive for all levels of skill in flying drones.

“We always want to make sure our parks are a place where people can find equal ground and equal footing so that when you come to the drone park there is something for everyone,” said Mackenzie.

The drone park is open from sunrise to sunset at the Mango Park & Recreation Center, located at 11717 Clay Pit Rd. in Sefner.

BARRINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL’S FFA WINS NATIONALS IN INDIANA

By Makenzie Atkins

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

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

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

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

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

prepared for the 2022 conven tion. Competing teams included seventh through ninth grade stu dents, and Bar rington’s team had to go up against many of the older stu dents.

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

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

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

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

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OUR LADY’S PANTRY A HUB OF

CARING IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Staf Report

Fighting hunger is a community-wide pas sion in the SouthShore area of Hillsborough County, said Tom Bul laro. Bullaro, who is the director of Our Lady’s Pantry with his wife, Anita, said that the pantry is like a hub of sorts with food coming and going to and from many sources.

“People know we are here,” he said. “It’s not unusual for various clubs and neighborhoods to take up a collection and bring surplus food to us. Just today, in fact, we received a trunk full of food from Florida Acecapaders, a 55-plus mobile community in Lithia.”

“We are just passing it forward,” said Glo ria Welch and Kathy Ferguson, who kindly delivered the food from their friends.

“It’s like manna from heaven,” Bullaro said, referring to the many kind donations he receives.

A special concern, however, is what to do with surplus perishable foods sometimes donated early in the week. Often, it won’t keep until Saturday when Our Lady’s Pantry opens for clients.

“The overflow of fresh foods must be used quickly,” and so he used to be worried, he said. “Then unexpectedly, I got a call from Wings of Love and Street Angels Ministries asking if we could share any of our food with them. Both groups feed the homeless and other disadvantaged families throughout Hillsborough County.

“I said, yes — and we’ve been helping ever since. We also share surplus perishable foods with our local pantries, and they share with us. We do everything we can to get fresh

food to those in need as quickly as possible.”

Sue Jobson, from Wings of Love, said Wings of Love feeds about 30 men, women, and children in Ruskin, Wimauma and River view about three times a week.

Vicki Shafer, from Street Angels Ministry, said the ministry serves about 150 homeless men, women and chil dren every Thursday evening in Gibsonton, Tampa and Ybor City.

Among other things, Bullaro often gets frozen cuts of meat from supermarkets that are too large for his regular clients. These groups, however, are able to use these cuts, which they cook to prepare hot, nutritious food for those in their care.

Jobson speaks for the many good-hearted people who care for those struggling with food insecurity and especially the homeless.

“I can’t sit down at my dinner table know ing others are hungry,” she said. “I see the smiles on their face, and it is so rewarding.”

In addition to working with Wings of Love and Street Angels Ministry, Our Lady’s Pantry also delivers food and beverages to veterans in New Beginnings of Tampa every Saturday after the pantry closes.

To learn more about any of these groups, please visit:

• Wings of Love: https://wolmm88.org/.

• Street Angels Ministry: www.streetan gelsministry.org.

• New Beginnings: www.newbeginning softampa.org.

• Our Lady’s Pantry: www.ourladyspantry. com.

OPERA TAMPA 2023 SEASON MASTERPIECES BY BELLINI, LEONCAVALLO AND SONDHEIM

The exciting 2023 season of Opera Tam pa 2023 at the Straz Center features the work of Bellini, Leon cavallo and Sondheim.

A woman scorned to the brink of insan ity. A jilted, homicidal clown. A barber who butchers as well. Op era Tampa’s upcoming season doesn’t lack for mayhem. The Straz’s opera company will navigate the twisted relations and dou ble-crosses of Bellini’s Norma, the raging jealousies of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci and the gruesome business model of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd

Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci on March 10, 2023, at 8 p.m. and March 12, 2023, at 2 p.m. in Ferguson Hall.

on April 21, 2023, at 8 p.m. and April 23, 2023, at 2 p.m. in Fer guson Hall.

Casts, conductors and other creative team members for the 2023 Opera Tam pa season will be an nounced at a later date.

“Opera brings the most basic human emotions to the stage, where they will echo in a much grander, bigger, fuller way,” said Judy Lisi, Straz Center president and Op era Tampa general director. “Opera Tampa’s 2023 season will resonate with those emo tions, as our productions amplify romance, betrayal, despair and revenge. Our lineup should appeal to seasoned opera fans and curious newcomers alike.”

Under the guidance of artistic and man aging director Robin Stamper, the 2023 Opera Tampa season includes:

• Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma on February 10, 2023, at 8 p.m. and February 12, 2023, at 2 p.m. in Ferguson Hall.

• Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci on March 10, 2023, at 8 p.m. and March 12, 2023, at 2 p.m. in Ferguson Hall.

• Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd

In addition to the three mainstage per formances, and with health and safety con ditions permitting, the Opera Tampa season also incorporates a variety of special events, including per formances by the Opera Tampa Singers, pre and post-performance receptions, the popular open rehearsals and informative Discover Opera programs and the elegant Opera Tampa Grand Gala Opera, which is scheduled for May 13, 2023. Information on these programs, including dates, times, prices, etc., will be announced later.

Patrons can sign up now to become new season ticket holders. Prices for the three-show season package range from $90-$349.59. For more information, visit www.strazcenter.org or call the Straz Cen ter Ticket Sales Ofce at 813-229-STAR (7827) or outside the Tampa Bay area at 800-955-1045. Individual opera tickets will go on sale at a later date.

For more information about Opera Tam pa and its upcoming events, please visit www.operatampa.org.

Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.

Director of Our Lady’s Pantry Tom Bullaro and his wife, Anita, work both at the pantry and behind the scenes to serve the hundreds of men, women and children who come for food.

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS, CHRISTMAS MUSICALS, FESTIVALS AND MORE!

By Kelly Wise Valdes

For King & Country’s ‘A Drummer Boy Christmas’ at Amalie Arena

For King & Country’s ‘A Drummer Boy Christmas: The 2022 Tour Experience’ is coming to AMALIE Arena in Tampa on Fri day, December 9 at 7 p.m. This will be their most 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/fkct ampafl.

Te Ultimate Gift - A Christmas Story At Love First Christian Cen ter

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 great est gift the world has ever known. Bring your family and friends to experience the Ul timate Gift — this will likely become your new favorite Christmas classic. The event is taking place on Saturday, December 17 at Love First Christian Center, located at

12847 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.lfcc.tv.

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

Jeremy Rosado, Tampa resident and previous contestant on NBC’s The Voice, is teaming up with Aaron David and per forming a special Christmas concert at Centerpoint Church. The concert will take place on Sunday, December 18 at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

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 performances, the 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 attend this free family-friendly event to put a jingle into the holiday season. First Baptist Church Brandon is located at 216 Parsons Ave. N. in Brandon. For more infor

mation, visit www.fbcbrandon.org.

Free Family Christmas Drama at Grace Baptist Church

Bring the whole family for a fun night enjoying the Christmas drama I’ll Be Home for Christmas at Grace Baptist Church. 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, as the family prepares to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. The mu sic highlights the sounds of the ’40s, in cluding 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

Te Holiday Market At Winter Wonderland By Centerpoint Church

Centerpoint Church is excited to an nounce 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, including rides, games, visits with Santa, a snow maze, photo opportunities

and an expanded holiday market featur ing local vendors and artisans. The holiday market will be held throughout the dura tion of the winter wonderland. The market features handmade, locally 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 Valrico.

Christmas Of Hope At Lighthouse Gospel Mission

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; Christ mas gifts are for children between the ages of 2-10.) There will also be prayer, encour agement 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, please visit www. lighthousegospelmission.org/, check Face book @lighthousegospelmission or call 813-677-5220.

Two Evenings Of Holiday Music

The Eastern Hillsborough Community Band is present ing an Evening of Holiday Music. Kings Avenue Baptist Church, located at 2602 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon, will host the performance on Thursday December 15 at 7 p.m. Donations will be re quested at the door.

Teatre Arts And Dance Alliance

Performs Te Nutcracker

Theatre Arts and Dance Alliance’s pro duction of The Nutcrack er includes 100 dancers, 250 beautiful costumes, special efects and fan tastic lighting and sets, and it features premier dance company Tampa Bay Dance Theatre. It has dazzled audiences for more than 18 years and is sure to please audiences of all ages. Per formances will be held at the Riverview High School auditorium, located at 11311 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, on Saturday and Sunday, December 17-18 at 3 p.m. Visit www.tadance.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Riverside Jukebox Swing Band Playing A Free Concert

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

Compiled by By Jenny Bennett

1239 W. Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Cen ter, on Wednesday, December 14 at 7 p.m.

The church asks for a do nation of a nonperishable food item as admission.

First Baptist Bran don Presents Its Christmas Musical Drama

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

Dancing For A Diference Annie Jr. Performance

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

FLORIDA TRADE ACADEMY OFFERS NEW PROGRAMS FOR YOUTHS IN THE COMMUNITY

By Libby Hopkins

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

By Ariana Pedraza

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This month, 8-year-old Lindsey Baxter showed that it is never too early to start giving back to the community. A student at Stowers Elementary School, Baxter started a snow cone stand from which all profits went to the Ronald Mc Donald House in Tampa. The Ron ald McDonald House is im portant to Bax ter’s family as she was born with a heart condition called congenital dia phragmatic hernia, CDH, which means her heart is on the right side of her body and is flipped in the opposite direction, and it will remain that way for the rest of her life. Her family took her to the best doctors they could find in Ohio away from their home and spent the time that Baxter was in the NICU in the Ronald McDonald House.

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

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

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

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

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

Lindsey Baxter is very grateful to everyone for their support.

Hillsborough County Tax Col lector Nancy C. Millan an nounced today that the ofce has earned 2022 National Top Workplaces Culture Excel lence recogni tion for a wom an-led business and for diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

Issued by Energage, the research compa ny with more than 16 years of experience surveying over 27 million employees at 70,000 organizations, Top Workplaces awards are based solely on employee feedback.

Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards celebrate organizations that ex cel in specific areas of workplace cul ture. The DE&I Practices Top Workplaces award celebrates organizations who are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive place to work, no matter one’s background. This commitment is shared by all levels of the organization and is felt by employees. The Woman-led Top Work places award celebrates outstanding or ganizations whose most senior leader is a woman. These women have fostered and built stand-out workplace cultures that perform.

“Since I took ofce in 2021, we have worked diligently to foster a strong workplace culture that is results-driven,

inclusive, and represents the diverse com munity we serve,” said Millan. “Know ing this award is based solely on employ ee feedback makes it even more mean ingful as it shows our work is truly impactful. I am deeply honored by this recognition from Top Workplaces,” she continued.

Top Workplaces awards are based on a research-backed, 24item employee engage ment survey.

“Top Workplaces is a beacon of light for organizations as well as a sign of resilien cy and impressive performance,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come togeth er to navigate challenges and shape your path forward. Top Workplaces draw on real-time insights into what works best for their organization so they can make informed decisions that have a positive impact on their people and their busi ness.”

Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nan cy C. Millan’s ofce is located on the 14th floor of the Frederick B. Karl County Cen ter at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. For more information or customer service, call her ofce at 813-635-5200 or visit www.hillstax.org.

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COME SHOP THE HOLIDAY MARKETS AND SEE THE TWINKLING LIGHTS

Jingle Bell Ba zaar In Ybor City

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

S’mores & Stores Event In River crest 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 surprise guest will also be making an appearance; can you guess who? The event is be ing held at 11560 Ramble Creek Dr. in Riverview. Proceeds from the event go to West Florida Foster Care Services.

FishHawk Ranch Holi day 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 Shop ping Bazaar. Food trucks will also be outside in the parking lot

so come hungry. This fun shopping experience is being held in the Pal metto 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 Wonderful Family Day

Christmas in Wimauma, organized by Kittie Corral and Lake Wimauma Con vention 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, cofee, breads, des serts and candies, along with hand made bath and body

products, jewelry, paintings, decorations, candles and woodworking items. There will also be rafe baskets to win. The event is free, so come and have a wonderful day with the family. The event takes place at Lake Wimau ma Convention Center, located at 5408 SR 674 in Wimauma, on Saturday, December 10 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tampa Bay Festi val Of Lights

The Hillsborough Coun ty Fairgrounds is present ing its upgraded holiday light spectacular at Tam pa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village, run ning through January 1, 2023. This year’s event features a nearly 2-mile drive-through of con tinuous 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 holiday treats. The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds 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-allthe-family event is located at Masonic RV Park & Youth Camp, located at 18050 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Wimauma. Hot chocolate and other festive food and drinks will be available.

Symphony Isles Drive-Trough Display

Symphony Isles in Apollo Beach is inviting everyone to drive through the neighborhood on Sunday, December 11. The entire neigh borhood is completely lit with holiday lights and themes for everyone to enjoy, and there are almost 5 miles to drive through.

Barrington Oaks Lights Display

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

Paloma Glade Christmas Lights And Music Show

This year, the Paloma Glade neighborhood 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 synchronized to the music. Teenagers in the neighborhood are also col lecting nonperishable food items for local charity Seeds of Hope, such as boxed pota toes, canned veggies, desserts, bread mixes, pasta, mac ’n cheese and soups, so please bring an item to add to the collection for the

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

event’s ham giveaway. Cash donations will also be accepted.

The display is available now and runs from Sunday through Thursday, 6-10 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday from 6-11 p.m. The last day of the light show is Saturday, Decem ber 31.

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 adorn ing over 200 Christmas trees ranging from 4-40 feet tall, the dis plays are sure to delight. Make sure that you visit and write your letters to Santa, as well as decorate ornaments and have your face painted. There is also live entertainment on select nights. Christmas Lane is open from 6-10 p.m. now through Saturday, December 24 at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds in Plant City. Additional information can be found on its website at https://christmas lane.com/.

‘Enchant’ At Tropicana Field

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

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

For its 10th annual ‘Partners in Giving’ event on November 1, the Brenda Wade Real Estate Team and its communi ty partners were able to come to gether and raise $10,000 for A Kid’s Place foster home in Brandon.

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

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

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

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

By Marie Gilmore

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

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

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

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

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

CHARCUTERIE BUILDING FOR THE HOLIDAYS FROM DAVENPORT’S DAILY DELIGHTS

The December hol iday season is one of the busiest times of the year for entertaining — and nothing com pletes your table setup better than a char cuterie board. Listed below are some helpful hints from Davenport’s Daily Delights (DDD) to help you build the per fect charcuterie board. DDD was a leader in bringing charcuterie boards to our area and we have perfect ed the art. It’s easier than you think if you follow these tips.

First, you want your board to look completely full, so start with the right size board for your gath ering; a full grazing table works well for a large crowd. You can also include and/or use small plates, ramekins, etc. as needed. A smaller surface or board works just as well as a full table spread and will be as elegant and jaw dropping; the trick is to have it over flowing.

The best rule of thumb is to have at least three cheeses and three meats, but more is always better. Davenport’s always has at least one soft cheese, like brie, camembert or even Boursin cheese. You should also include hard cheeses; some favorites are Spanish manchego, Italian parmesan and sage Der by cheese. The sage Derby is perfect for the holiday season — the beautiful green color stands out. Strategically place the cheeses

By Peggy Davenport

on the boards, usual ly whole for the wow factor, then fill in with your cured meats — prosciutto is always the first to go but there are beautiful salamis to use as well. You can even add meatballs, sliced steak, grilled chicken, etc. Artfully arrange the meats, draping them in piles, forming a rosette or even lin ing them up snakelike across the boards.

Once that is done, next comes the fun part with all the accompaniments, includ ing crackers, bagel chips, breadsticks and sliced baguettes, to name a few. Some of our favorites are Thinsters, because they are sweet and savory, and almond crackers for the gluten intolerant. We suggest four to six diferent types of crackers; place them both on the board (lined up or standing up) and in cracker trays. Add some dried fruits, honey and jams and assorted nuts as well. Corni chons, pickles and/or olives are a must. And to round it all out, add a little bit of sweet — we tend to use the Lindt chocolate can dies because they are wrapped, but you can personalize and make it festive with season al treats as well. Finish it of with spreaders, forks and honey pots and you are good to go. While you’re at it, try your hand at the next big thing, butter boards, but more on that next time. Be sure to check us out at www.davenportsdailydelights.com.

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

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

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

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

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

By Taylor Wells

a small play area for kids outside.

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

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

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

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

The holiday sea son brings parties and gatherings ga lore — and with that the question of what to bring your host(s). Whether it is joining them for an open-housestyle party, a full meal or an over night visit, you don’t want to show up empty-handed. A gesture of thanks in the form of a note and/or small gift shows your host that you appreciate their eforts and hospital ity.

Your first question may be, “How much should I spend?” A good rule of thumb is about $15-$20 for a dinner or party; if it is a more formal afair, a close friend or if you are planning an extended visit, maybe more. But ultimately, it is the thought that counts, and you should stick to the budget that works for you. It is also important to include a note, even if it is just a quick sig nature of thanks.

So, now what to bring? There are many thoughtful, simple and budget-friendly ways to show your appreciation. A candle tied with a ribbon and a nice note is almost always ‘safe’ (and easy to keep extra on hand for unexpected plans). You can even find some funny, quirky, unique candles that are beyond the basic if you plan ahead. A pair of candlesticks is a nice variation on a candle gift; look for a pair of honeycomb/ beeswax candlesticks or fun seasonal ones.

If you like wine and know your host also appreci ates a nice wine, don’t just regift a cheap one you have been given, but instead opt for a favorite and sign the label or write a note about why it is a favorite. A bottle of liquor works too if you know what your hosts like, or pur chase your favorite and attach a yummy cocktail recipe for a personal touch.

Artisan jams and jellies, clever cocktail napkins, gourmet teas and cofee, boxed sweet treats, succulents in whimsical con tainers and seasonal or silly dish towels are all budget-friendly items that ofer fun variations from candles and wines.

Look for small, locally owned gift bou tiques in your area that carry treasures you may not find in a big-box store. Just a few of our local area go-to shops include South Shore Boutique, Cottonseed Marketplace, the gift shop at Center Place, White Oak Cottage, Lena Maxey and The Green Bou tique. Seasonal pop-up gift markets are also a great place to find unique and hand made or personalized gifts.

Presentation is important too, so make the efort to find a nice gift bag or box, even for the wine.

Whatever you decide, know that your hosts will appreciate the consideration be hind the gift.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY OPENS PEBBLE PARK IN RIVERVIEW

Hillsborough County recently celebrated the opening of one of its newest con servation parks, known as Pebble Park, which is located at 9955 Riverview Dr. in Riverview. The opening was commemorated with a ribbon-cut ting and attended by approximately 50 people on No vember 17.

Those attending the ribbon-cut ting included Hill sborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Director Forest Turbiville, Hill sborough County Board of County Commis sioner Stacy White and Mosaic Vice Presi dent Joe Wolf.

According to Todd Platt with Hillsbor ough County, “Pebble Park is a good exam ple of passive preservation for community use. Pebble Park has about three-fourths of a mile of paved and natural trails, a butter fly garden, three pavilions, restrooms, park ing and is a beautiful site along the Alafia River.”

The Butterfly Garden was built by local Brownie Girl Scout Troop 33133. The troop is located in Riverview. The project also includes approximately 500 native trees and plants. A boardwalk near the river is planned for the site.

Moreover, Pebble Park will soon include a Native American-inspired statue created by

By Kathy L. Collins

Milligan Studios in collaboration with artists and craftspeople of the Seminole Tribe. The com pletion target date for the statue, known as ‘Sovereign: The Unconquered,’ is late December/ early January. The land was owned by Mosaic but never mined. However, the name ‘Pebble Park’ comes from the material mined by Mosaic known as phos phate pebbles. The land where Pebble Park now sits was pur chased by Hillsborough County in 2018 as a part of the Capital Improvements Program.

Pebble Park is a delightful addition to Hill sborough County’s long list of neighborhood parks, nature parks and conservation parks. Before I participated in my first Hillsbor ough County Hiking Spree in 2020, I never knew just how many parks we had in the area. Pebble Park is one of the locations on this year’s Hiking Spree, which runs through March 2023.

The Hillsborough County Hiking Spree is an opportunity for all residents to get out and explore the tranquility of nature and earn a prize.

For more information on Pebble Park and all of the other parks you can visit in Hills borough County, or to register for the Hik ing Spree, please visit www.hillsborough county.org.

St. Anne Catholic Church

Advent & Christmas Schedule

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

Hillsborough County celebrated the opening of its new est park, Pebble Park, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Te park is conveniently located in Riverview.

HOW TO HEAR GOD PASTOR JOMO COUSINS RELEASES HIS NEWEST BOOK

Dr. Jomo Cousins, founder and pastor at Love First Chris tian Center, has just released a new book titled How To Hear God . Cousins is a re tired NFL defensive end for the New York Giants and the Ari zona Cardinals and has become an active leader in the south ern Hillsborough community, providing outreach programs, seminars, various life groups and youth partnership pro grams.

How To Hear God is Cousins’ 6th book and is appropriately titled after a personal experience with God. “I had an encounter with God, and I realized He was real and wanted to talk with me,” said Cousins. “And that made me wonder how many other peo ple would like to hear from God.” Cous ins goes on to explain that God wants to speak to all of his children directly. The book gives readers an easy-to-fol low blueprint on tuning into the voice of God. The book explains that God wants to communicate with us as He did with Adam in the Garden of Eden. It asks the readers to examine real-life ques tions such as, “If God had some infor mation that could change your life for the better, would you want it? If God had answers to questions, you needed

By Kelly Wise Valdes

answered, would you want it?”

Cousins’ other books include Prayer Life: The Conver sation , The ABC’S of Success , Fully Equipped: God’s Total Package , Watch Your Mouth The Work Book , and 60 Prayers in 60 Seconds: Strict ly Business . Through his books, Dr. Cousins remains committed to the growth and development of God’s kingdom and His peo ple.

According to Cous ins, Love First Chris tian Center is also in full construction mode. The church has more than 1,700 in-person weekly church goers as well as 1,500 people that watch from home. With the numbers on the rise after the pandemic, Love First is ready to ac commodate its growing numbers. “God is continuing to do great things,” said Cousins.

Love First Christian Center is located at 12847 Balm Riverview Rd. in River view. For more information about the church, visit www.lfcc.tv or call 6712009. Cousins’ can be heard on his weekly radio programming including podcasts and social media outlets. For more information or to purchase Cous ins’ books, visit www.jomocousins.com or www.amazon.com.

Week 1: 1/5/23 Uncle Louie’s

Week 2: 1/12/23 Cali Cafe

Week 3: 1/19/23 Wooden Spoon

Week 4: 1/26/23 Chill Cawfee

Week 5: 2/2/23 Fuzzy’s Taco (Brandon) Week 6: 2/9/23 The Alley Week 7: 2/16/23 Leaven Brewery Week 8: 2/23/23 Seinfeld Trivia night - Doc’s Grille Summer feld

Dr. Jomo Cousins, pastor at Love First Christian center in Riverview, has just released his sixth book titled How To Hear God.

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

“Touring Broadway is back in Tampa in a big, big way,” said Straz Center Pres ident and CEO Judy Lisi. “We’ve got an astonishing season planned that includes audience favorites, award winners, R&B, rock ’n’ roll and a couple of shows that were originally announced for the 20202021 slate and postponed due to the pan demic,” she continued. “This lineup truly is the best of Broadway, and we can’t wait to share it with Tampa Bay area audienc es.”

T e remaining 2022-23 Broad way season features:

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

This new musical reveals a comeback story like no other – of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of racism, sex ism and ageism to become the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Featuring her much loved songs, TINA – The Tina Turner Mu sical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd. Chicago , Feb. 21 – 26, 2023

After more than 25 years, Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a uni versal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after

another and the most astonishing danc ing you’ve ever seen. Chicago has been honored with six Tony Awards, two Oliv ier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations.

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

All rise for Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick To Kill a Mockingbird is “the most successful American play in Broadway history.” ( 60 Minutes ). Emmy Award®-winning actor Richard Thomas will play the role of At ticus Finch in the national tour.

Ain’t Too Proud , May 2 – 7, 2023

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.

Nominated for 12 Tony® Awards and the winner for Best Chore ography, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying new smashhit Broadway musical that follows The Temp tations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Jagged Little Pill , May 16 – 21, 2023

Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, ca tharsis, LIFE — every thing we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show — is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music.

Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus ( Waitress, Pippin , up coming 1776 ) with a Tony-winning book by Diablo Cody ( Juno ) and Grammy-win ning score, this electrifying production about a perfectly imperfect American family “vaults the audience to its collec tive feet.” ( The Guardian ).

The season also features: Shear Madness, Feb. 15 – April 8, 2023 This unique comedy whodunit takes place today in the Shear Madness hair styling salon and is chock-full of up-tothe-minute spontaneous humor. During the course of the action, a murder is com mitted, and the audience gets to spot the clues, question the suspects and solve the

funniest mystery in the annals of crime. The outcome is never the same, which is why many audience members return again and again to the scene of the may hem.

In addition to the eight-show Broad way series, the Straz will present two special return engagements: Hamilton , Dec. 28, 2022 – Jan. 22, 2023

Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. With the book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda; direction by Thomas Kail; cho reography by Andy Blankenbuehler; and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony, Grammy and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an un precedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

Wicked , March 8 – 26, 2023

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

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

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

Holiday Mini Camp For Artists

Center Place Arts & Civic Association Inc. is hosting a Holiday Mini Camp for children from ages 8-13. The camp is a fun drawing camp where the campers will grow their skill set and sharpen their creative vocabu lary. It will run Monday through Friday, De cember 26-30 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and the cost is $125; all art supplies are included. For more infor mation or to register for the camp, call 813685-8888 or visit its web site at www. centerplace brandon.com.

Center Place Arts & Civic Association is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon.

Riverview Woman’s Club Night Of Holiday Music And Cheer

The Riverview Woman’s Club is hosting a Night of Holiday Music and Cheer, a musi cal holiday celebration to get everyone into

a festive mood. It will be a sen sory experience of food and entertainment catered by Chef Tony and staf of the Summer field Crossings Golf Club, and entertainment will be a vari ety of music from several area high schools. The event takes place on Wednesday, Decem ber 14 from 6-9 p.m. at Sum merfield Crossings Golf Club, located at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview. Tickets are $45. To purchase your tickets to a Night of Holiday Music and Cheer, go to www.riv erviewwomansclub.org or call 813384-8633.

Breakfast In Santa’s Village

Step into a winter wonderland at the GFWC Ruskin Woman’s Club Breakfast in Santa’s Village on Saturday, December 10 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The event will take place at the club’s historic house located at 503 S. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Ruskin. Besides a deli cious breakfast bufet, children can enjoy arts and crafts and play a variety of games where they can win ‘Grinch Bucks’ to use to purchase all sorts of fun gifts. Santa and

Mrs. Claus will be on hand for photo as well as carolers. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gfwcruskinwomansclub. org or by calling 813 296 3900.

Horse Christmas Photo Fund raiser

A Horse’s Touch will be raising funds this holiday season by having a horse and barn-themed Christmas photograph event and party. Sessions are available on Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18 at the barn in Wimauma; they are $25 and include the party. A Horse’s Touch exists to provide therapeu tic horsemanship instruction and is afliated with nu merous 501(c)(3) charities, includ ing Horses4He roes. For more information and to book your ses sion, please email mmbarn4@gmail. com.

1966 Mus tang Has Over 300,000 Miles

The Roamin’ Oldies selected Bill Bassler’s 1966 Mustang as its cruiser of the month for November. It has done more cruising than most, as he bought it in 1982 and used it as his daily ride for the next 32 years. Bill said that he’s kept the Mustang all these years because “it’s a fun car to drive,” and it must be since he’s put more than 300,000 miles on the odometer. Over the years, it has had several new paint jobs and re freshings with new body panels and other repairs as needed to keep it on the road

and looking good. The Roamin’ Oldies host a cruise in from 1-4 p.m. the first Sunday of every month at MiraBay Village Shopping Center on U.S. Hwy. 41 in Apollo Beach. For more information, call Frank at 856-3738497.

Tampa Dynamo Winter Acade my

Tampa Dynamo youth soccer is holding a four-week (twice a week) training-only program this winter. The program is run by the club and its competitive coaches who deliver quality, planned sessions over eight training days. It gives players and parents an understanding of the level of training provided at the competitive level to prepare the players for tryouts for the following season. The sessions will take place on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. starting on January 16, 2023, and finishing February 9, 2023. All ses sions will be held at the Summerfield El ementary School campus in Riverview. For more information and to register for the winter academy, visit www.tampady namofc.com.

CIGARS ON THE BOULEVARD HOSTED PROFESSIONAL WRESTLERS FOR FUNDRAISING EVENT

Cigars on the Boulevard host ed an autograph and photo session with famous wres tlers at the Apollo Beach store to raise money for the Cauliflower Alley Club on De cember 5. Fans paid $20 to re ceive autographs and photos from all the wrestlers and all profits were donated to the charity.

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

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

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

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

By Lily Belcher

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

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

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

The autograph-signing event was pre sented in association with Frontier Ci gars, which are available at all Florida Tobacco Depot and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits locations.

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

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

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This provides a road map for immunotherapies that strengthen the way your cells fight cancer. Our patients also have access to the latest clinical trials delivering quality treatment and expertise in communities across Florida. We take care of the big things in cancer care, so you can make the most of the little moments—every step of the way.

Hector Guerrero

B Brian Blair

Haku Steve Keirn

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SELECT KEN HAGAN AS NEW BOARD CHAIR, APPOINT POSITIONS ON BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS

The Hill sborough County Board of County Commis sioners (BOCC) today se lected Com missioner

Hagan as chair and Com missioner Gwendolyn ‘Gwen’ W. Myers as vice chair during its annual organization al meeting. Commissioner Don na Cameron Cepeda will serve as chaplain.

The organizational meet ing followed a ceremony this morning in which three return ing commissioners and three newly elected commissioners took the oath of ofce.

Newly elected commission ers include Commissioner Mi chael Owen, District 4; Com missioner Cepeda, District 5 countywide; and Commissioner Joshua Wostal, District 7 countywide.

Reelected commissioners include Com missioner Harry Cohen, District 1; Commis sioner Hagan, District 2; and Commissioner Myers, District 3. Commissioner Pat Kemp continues to serve District 6 countywide.

Hagan has served as a commissioner

since 2002. This is his sixth term as board chair. He has served as the Board of County Commissioners’ representative on key eco nomic development boards, including Visit Tampa Bay, Tampa Hillsborough Express way Authority and the Tampa Sports Au thority, as well as the Florida Association of Counties and the Hospital Authority.

After choosing leadership positions, members of the BOCC selected positions

on the various boards, committees and councils on which they serve.

Some of the positions include:

• Afordable Housing Advisory Board — Myers.

• Arts Council of Hillsborough County — Kemp.

• Aviation Authority — Cohen.

• Children’s Board of Hillsborough County

— Myers.

• Envi ronmental Protection Commis sion — Wostal and Cohen.

• Hills borough Area Re gional Transit Authori ty — My ers, Owen, Kemp and Wostal.

• Hospital Authority — Ha gan and Cepeda.

• Juvenile Justice Board — Cepeda.

• Port Authority — Owen.

• Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority — Kemp.

• Tampa Bay Regional Plan ning Council — Member, Co hen; alternate, Cepeda.

• Tampa Bay Water Board of Directors — Cohen and Wostal.

• Tampa Hillsborough Eco nomic Development Corp. — Hagan.

• Transportation Planning Organization — Cohen, Myers, Owen, Wostal, Kemp and alternate Hagan.

• Tampa Sports Authority — Hagan.

For a complete list and more informa tion, please visit the Hillsbourough County website at www.hcflgov.net/bocc.

LISA

SPENCER

CHESTER

TORIE MCCORKLE

Commissioner Harry Cohen District 1

Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda District 5 - Countywide

Commissioner Pat Kemp District 6 - Countywide

Commissioner Joshua Wostal District 7 - Countywide

Commissioner Michael Owen District 4

Commissioner Gwendolyn ‘Gwen’ W. Myers, District 3

Commissioner Ken Hagan District 2

BIBLES AND BASKETBALL RAISES MONEY FOR HOOPS 4 SHORTY & MORE

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.

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

Apollo Beach Society Wine Bar Celebrates

First Anni versary

Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce joined with Apollo Beach Society Wine Bar to cel ebrate its one-year anniversary with a ribbon-cutting. Apollo Beach Society Wine Bar is a warm and friendly neighborhood destination located at 238 Har bor Village Ln. in Apollo Beach. It has over 200 wines available by the glass to choose from and a fun menu ofering cheese boards, dips, flatbreads as well as delectable desserts, all in an elegant and fun chic vibe. A semiprivate room is also available for small groups look ing for a space to get together. To learn more about Apollo Beach Society Wine Bar, visit its website at www.apollobeachwinebar. com or call 813-331-3907.

Twisted Sugar Satisfes Sweet-Tooth Cravings

Twisted Sugar is a bakery and specialty drink shop with locations all over the country. The newest location is in Riv erview at 13159 S. U.S. Hwy. 301 and ofers a variety of goodies for those who enjoy something sweet. The cookies are baked fresh daily and feature a variety of unique combinations, including its namesake cookie topped with coconut frosting and a lime wedge, a peanut butter Nutella cookie and a banana cream pie cookie. Twisted Sug

ar also ofers bombshell drinks, beginning with a base soda of your choice followed by add-ins, such as cherries, peach puree, pine apple, etc. With so many combinations avail able to enjoy, the possi bilities to delight your taste buds are endless. To learn more about Twisted Sugar, visit its website at www.twistedsugar.com.

Iron Rock Insurance Holds Customer Ap preciation Day

Iron Rock Insurance recently held a custom er appreciation day at its ofce, located at 400 Frandorson Cir., Ste. 103 in Apollo Beach. Along with lots of fun-filled activities a rafe was held to benefit Florida Sherifs Youth Ranch, for which, when round ed up by Iron Rock Insurance, $2,000 was raised.

Riverview Tap House Opens

Riverview Tap House is a new neighbor hood stop for those looking for fun, food and drinks. Burgers, nachos and wings are all on the menu, and you have your choice of beer, wine or liquor from the bar. Big screens show the latest sporting action and live music, and cornhole tournaments and trivia nights make for fun nights out. Riverview Tap House is lo cated at 10656 New East Bay Rd. in Gibson ton. To learn more about it, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/riverviewtap house or call 813-374-3643.

Corbin’s Stamp & Coin Ofers

Christmas Coins

Corbin’s Stamp & Coin has been Brandon’s source for rare coins and precious-metal bullion for 30 years. Each year, the store ofers silver Christmas coins that are timeless, unique gifts for both collectors and noncollectors. Corbin’s also buys and sells coins, both old and new; if you are a coin collector or an investor in physical gold and silver, it has what you want. If you have old coins and don’t know what they are, Corbin’s

to balance everything when creating the Vine Vegan menu. Her mission is to bring people to gether, capture the culture of community and use delicious vegan food to do it. Vine Vegan is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon

Instagram @vineveganfl.

Photo courtesy of Gerardo Luna Photographs. Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce celebrated Apollo Beach Society Wine Bar’s frst anniversary.

Westfeld Brandon’s Sincerely, Santa Toy Drive

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

Guests can make holiday wishes come true by sponsoring a letter to Santa writ ten by a local child in need, purchasing the items listed and bringing the unwrapped gifts back to the Sincerely, Santa booth in the Dillard’s court. All gifts will be delivered to each child’s home in time for Christmas.

The event lasts through Sunday, Decem ber 18, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. in the booth at West field Brandon, located at 459 Brandon Town Center Dr. in Brandon. For more information, visit www.westfield.com/brandon/event-de tail/sincerely,-santa-toy-drive.

Pediatric Care Ofered 24/7 At HCA Florida Brandon Hospital

Florida Brandon Hospital is excited to announce that Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital specialty physicians are now pro viding pediatric hospitalist care to patients admitted to HCA Florida Brandon Hospital’s pediatric unit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “We are pleased to have the Johns Hopkins All Chil dren’s specialty physicians here to support our inpa tient services for children and pro vide highly specialized care for our pediatric patients,” said Tripp Owings, chief executive ofcer at HCA Brandon Hospital. “Through this partnership, Brandon Hospital pediatric

By Jenny Bennett

patients now have ac cess to expert care at any time of day.”

Hillsborough Coun ty Buys Land To Ex pand Wildlife Cor ridor

Hillsborough County is buying a nearly 500-acre cattle ranch to help create a critical environmental corridor in fast-grow ing South County. The tract connects 9,000 acres of county preservation along the Little Manatee River with 3,000 acres protected by the state. Acquiring the property brings significant environmental benefits, including allowing the county and state preserves to function as a wildlife corridor. The property will also help mitigate the impact of flood waters, and the pasture areas will be re stored to a more natural state.

Southshore Charter Academy

Named Purple Star School Of Dis tinction

Southshore Charter Academy is hon ored to announce its receipt as a Purple Star School of Distinction by the Florida Department of Education and approved by Governor Ron DeSantis. Only 114 schools out of the over 4,000 schools statewide received this recognition. Purple Star schools work closely with active and vet eran military families to ensure students are supported during times of transition and extraor dinary challenges. These support skills are translated into the school environment to create a family atmo sphere and an educational setting based in resiliency and perseverance. Southshore Charter Academy is proud to promote support of its military community.

KNIGHTEN PROJECT ACCEPTING SUITCASES TO PROVIDE TEENS WITH A FRESH START

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

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

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

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

By Madeline Gardner

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

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

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

On November 3, the Hillsborough County Fair was kicked of with the 2022 Harvest Awards Presentation and Luncheon. Jake and Melissa Rayburn acted as masters of ceremonies. Melissa said, “Over the years, I have watched the county fair grow. This is an opportunity to celebrate people who have done some ex traordinary things in the areas of agricul ture and farming.”

The Farm Family of the Year was presented by Hillsbor ough County Board of County Commis sion Commissioner Stacy White and was awarded to Sammy and Jef Busciglio. Sixty-seven years ago, the Busciglio family started Tower Dairy in Palm Riv er. Back then, Hillsborough County was home to 60 dairy farms, and now there are none. The Busciglio family has relocat ed to Georgia. Tower Dairy was the last dairy farm in Hillsborough County. For their support of youth involved in farming, the family was given this year’s award.

Next, the Lifetime Achievement in Ag riculture was awarded to Helen Parke by Hillsborough County Sherif Chad Chro nister, who said, “It is an honor to present this award to an amazing lady and iconic figure, the matriarch of the Parke family dynasty.” Chronister added, “Even in her 90s, the farm spirit emerges. She remains active.” The Parkesdale Farm Market, which Parke helped build, was established

By Kathy L. Collins

in 1963.

The Outstanding Woman in Agricul ture was given by Jackie Barron of Mosaic to Michelle Williamson. She is the operations man ager for G&F Farms. She is also the secretary for the Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board. Williamson is active in promoting all areas of agricul ture and farming.

The Outstanding Young Farmer was awarded to Joshua Grifn by Simon Bollin, agriculture indus try development manager. Young started in farming at the age of 7 when he en tered his first swine at the Florida State Fair. He has travelled the world promoting agriculture and will receive his bachelor’s degree this fall.

The Outstanding Public and Community Service Award was given to St. Vincent de Paul Faith & Grace Garden in Temple Terrace. The award was presented by Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, who grew up in Temple Terrace. Ground was broken on the garden in 2019. It is 100 percent volunteer operated and serves 600 families each month.

In addition to these awards, Memorial Tributes were given to Al Berry, Vernon Blackadar, Perry Buttram and Bruce and Susan Harrell. Finally, Greg Messick, Hills borough County Fair president, presented 11 Friends of the Fair awards.

Te 2022 Farm Family of the Year was presented to Sammy and Jef Busciglio at this year’s Harvest Awards. Te presen tation was made at the Harvest Awards on November 3. Tis event kicks of the Hillsborough County Fair each year.

Manatee

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

Physicians

Memorial Hospital,

Manatee Memorial Hospital.

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

BY LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™ AGENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Barber at labarber@ufl.edu.

Gardenia

Amaryllis

DELANIE’S LEMONADE STAND

AWARDED ‘KID OF THE YEAR’ BY ASPCA

By Madeline Gardner

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

It all began with a book about a girl who ran a lemonade stand for pediatric cancer patients, a commercial on animal cruelty and a dream. On October 12, Delanie Dennis, the 10-year-old owner of Delanie’s Lemon ade Stand, was recognized as the ‘Kid of the Year’ by the American Society for the Pre vention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) at the Humane Awards Luncheon in New York City. At 12 Noon, she gave a speech discuss ing her continued involvement in supporting rescues in her community through her busi ness and special events.

“We had no idea — it was a complete surprise. We received a phone call from the ASPCA saying they’d been following Delanie for a long time, and that it was amazing to see what she’s accomplished,” said Delanie’s mother, Julie Dennis.

Running her business from her parents’ restaurant, Cafe Delanie, Delanie has raised over $50,000 since she first opened her lemonade stand in April 2019. Every month since, Delanie sits down with her mother and researches a handful of local rescues that are nonprofit organizations and choos es which she would like to donate 100 per cent of her proceeds to for that month.

Delanie and her family also assisted with the third annual RVR Horse Rescue ‘Barn-

o-Ween’ event on Oc tober 30. Located at 1710 W. SR 60 in Plant City, RVR Horse Rescue is a nonprofit geared towards rehabilitating severe cases and help ing rescue horses find a loving home after they’ve recovered. Dela nie planned to increase support for this non profit by setting up her lemonade stand as visi tors were encouraged to trick-or-treat and visit the rescues.

Additionally, her second annual ‘Squeeze the Day’ Lemonade Stand Adoption Fair was held on November 13 at Dallas Bull, lo cated at 3322 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Tampa. This event showcased local rescue groups and shelters that are free to the public and fea tured food trucks as well as an appearance by the Hillsborough County Police Depart ment alongside their K9 units for demon strations. For more information about Dela nie’s Lemonade Stand Adoption Fair, please call 813-957-8301 or email delanieslemon adestand@aol.com. Working to increase the number of animals adopted this year, Delanie hopes to spread the message that anyone can make a diference and achieve any goal.

“My two goals are to hopefully get some people to follow in my footsteps and start their own lemonade stand, and to get $100,000 donated to animals. Any kid at any age can change the world,” said Delanie.

To learn more about Delanie’s Lemon ade Stand, please visit the Cafe Delanie Facebook page or call 813-740-2233. Cafe Delanie and Delanie’s Lemonade Stand are located at 3016 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Tampa.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Delanie Dennis was surprised and excited to be recognized at the na tional level for her work in the local community.

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

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RHEUMATOLOGY PAIRS CUTTING-EDGE SCIENCE WITH PERSONALIZED CARE

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

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

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

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

By Madeline Gardner

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

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

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

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

FLORIDA SPECIAL OLYMPICS RECOGNIZES MARY FRANCES SMITH FOR HER EXTRAORDINARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

By Lily Belcher

has been an active and de voted

of the Florida Special Olym pics since she was 9 years old. Now, 24 years later, she con tinues to serve the organization and won the Florida Special Olympics Athlete of the Year award for her eforts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary Frances Smith, a Bran don resident,

member

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

La Esper anza Clinic in Wimauma, which provides free health care and disease-preven tion services for low-income res idents without employer-pro vided health in surance, recent ly received its first ultrasound 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 services. BayCare’s Faith Community Nursing program provides medical services at La Esperanza. The local St. Joseph’s Hospital-South in Riverview, located just minutes from La Esperanza, is part of the 15-hospital BayCare Health Sys tem.

The Faith Community Nursing program used grant funds from TD Charitable Foun dation to purchase the ultrasound machine. Previously without an ultrasound machine, La Esperanza patients needing an ultra sound had to go to the San Jose Mission in Dover, another free clinic operated by Bay Care and Catholic Charities.

Stephanie Morrison, a board-certified advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and supervisor of both La Esperanza and

San Jose Mis sion, said lack of transportation and other chal lenges associ ated with going to Dover would sometimes pre vent La Esperan za patients from getting the ultra sound. San Jose Mission is locat ed more than 25 miles from La Esperanza and can take up to an hour to get to for some residents in Hillsbor ough’s SouthShore.

Morrison 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 obstacles associated with transportation and wait lists. La Esperanza will use the machine to detect abnormalities in the female produc tive 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.”

La Esperanza Clinic’s frst ultrasound machine, pur chased by BayCare’s Faith Community Nursing program with grant funds from TD Charitable Foundation

ORIGINALLY FROM VALRICO, ERIK HESSON CREATES ART AND MUSIC IN ST. PETERSBURG

Erik Hesson is a fine artist and sing er-songwriter. While he now resides in St. Petersburg, he grew up in the Valrico area.

Hesson’s original art is called Linear Perspectivism. He ex plained, “What Cub ism did to the cube, Linear Perspectivism does to linear per spective. Instead of linear perspective reimagining just an underlying design el ement, I feature it to create the main aes thetic and construct my compositions with this in mind.”

Hesson’s medium of choice is oil on canvas. However, when he is creating art featuring styles such as Cubism and his Faces of Dali Collection, his medium is digital painting. For that, he uses Clip Studio Paint.

Hesson has a solo exhibit each Saturday from 1-4 p.m. on the patio of the Dalí Mu seum, located at 1 Dali Blvd. in St. Peters burg. You can also purchase framed giclée prints and limited editions on his website.

Hesson is a self-taught artist. He said, “I have been learning through a rigorous and persistent process of ‘trial and error’ and ‘trial and success’ for the past 22 years.”

If you are into music, you should check out Hesson’s, which can be found on mul

By Kathy L. Collins

tiple digital streaming platforms. He releas es his music inde pendently, and he cur rently has eight songs out, including Some thing Magic, Halo and Everytime I Close My Eyes. He plans to re lease a new song ev ery 60 days.

Hesson said of his music, “My songs can honestly be played in almost any style, but my personal style is kind of a fusion of folk, pop, hip-hop, soul, reggae and rock. Throw those all in a blender and you will be in my realm musically.”

Hesson has been playing the guitar for about 10 years and the piano for about four years. He said, “I realized a couple of years ago that I have a gift for channel ing piano melodies of the top of my head. I then started organizing them into song format, and then one day I had an epiph any about writing songs.” Hesson added, “All of my songs are written as conver sational dialogue with either another per son, myself or society.”

Hesson has written about 40 songs and created around 100 visual pieces of art in the last few years. He said, “I have a gift for turning struggle/pain into beauty through creative works.”

For information, visit www.uniquemod ernart.com.

Fine artist and singer-songwriter Erik Hesson grew up in Valrico. He now resides in St. Petersburg, where he creates his art and music. His music can be found on multiple digital streaming platforms. You can meet Hesson and see his art during his exhibits at the Dalí Museum on Saturday afternoons.

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

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

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

By Taylor Wells

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

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

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

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

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

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

IS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR AT TAMPA THEATRE

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

In this year’s Holiday Classics series, come see Elf on Sunday, December 11. Guests are encouraged donate new, un used socks. Witecki said, “During the epic Central Park snowball fight scene, we will turn up the house lights for an audi ence-wide sockball fight in the auditori um. Tampa Laundry Company is donating their services to wash the socks, which will benefit the homeless in our commu nity this holiday season.”

Next, you will have eight opportunities to see It’s a Wonderful Life beginning on Friday, December 16 at 7 p.m. Additional shows will be held on Saturday, Decem ber 17 at 3 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 18 at 3 p.m.; and then Monday to Thurs day, December 19-22 at 7 p.m.

Tampa Theatre will of fer a free screen ing of A Christmas Carol on Decem ber 16 at 7 p.m. in Cur tis Hixon

Park, located at 600 N. Ashley Dr. in downtown Tampa, as a part of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Winter Village.

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

The Holiday Classics series will con clude with a Frozen sing-along on Janu ary 8, 2023 at 3 p.m.

Tampa Theatre is partnering with the Junior League of Tampa to help provide diapers to those in need. Guests attend ing the Holiday Classics movie series are asked to bring disposable diapers to do nate.

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

THE VILLAGE PLAYERS PRESENT FRUITCAKES, A CHRISTMAS COMEDY

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

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

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

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

Fruitcakes is directed by Gail Pierce, who said, “Fruitcakes, written by Julian Wiles, is a delightful little gem of a Christ mas comedy. It has a ‘cast of thousands,’

which includes lots of children.”

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

Mix this together with a Christmas tree farm, thou sands of outdoor Christmas lights, a chickenpox epidem ic, two Southern spinsters who bake fruitcakes for the whole town, a lost tom cat named Tutti Frutti, and the Christmas Illumination with Buster the Christmas hog.

Then, add into this Jamie, a city kid who has run away from home and trav eled as far as his money will take him.

At first, he thinks this town’s inhabitants are “nuttier than fruitcakes,” but soon he comes to admire, appreciate and adore this nutty little town.

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

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

IT

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

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

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

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

By Libby Hopkins

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

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

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

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

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA NAMES NEW CELLO LEAD

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

Draiblate has toured the United States, Eu rope and South Ameri ca with orchestras and has appeared on pres tigious stages such as Car negie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Teatro Colón in Argen tina, the Philharmonie Ber lin and many more. He is one of eight new musicians TFO welcomes this season. The Florida Orchestra em ploys 71 full-time professional musicians and conductors.

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

Draiblate is a former principal cellist of the Haifa Symphony Orchestra in Isra

Staf Report

el, former principal cellist of Symphony in C in New Jersey and former associ ate principal of the Annapolis Sympho ny Orchestra. He also appeared as a guest principal cel list with the Princ eton Symphony Orchestra. Before moving to Florida, he was a full-time member of the Co lumbus Sympho ny Orchestra. For more on Draiblate, visit https://florid aorchestra.org/mu sicians/yoni-draiblate/.

Draiblate succeeds James Connors, TFO’s es teemed principal cellist since 1988, who is prepar ing to retire at the end of this season in May 2023.

TFO will perform more than 100 concerts this season in venues throughout Tampa Bay, including a wide range of classical, popular, film, rock and family-friendly music. The Raymond James Pops series includes blockbusters such as Holiday Pops, Harry Potter vs Star Wars , and the Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album. The orchestra’s 55th Celebration con cert featuring legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman will be on March 11, 2023 at the Maha f ey Theater. If you would like to purchase tickets to the concerts, please visit https://floridaorchestra.org/.

CELEBRATING LIFE THROUGH FOOD WITH VEGAN RESTAURANT CHOZEN FOODS

Zen Paul will tell you she wasn’t able to fry an egg until she was 14 years old. “I understood that cook ing food for someone was a true expression of love,” Paul said. “The memories of my maternal grandpar ents who cooked every weeknight showed me that food was hope. Those meals were a sure thing, calming many family trou bles.”

Paul is originally from Washington D.C., but she now calls Tampa home. She became a vegan at age 22, which forced her to cook to sustain her life. “Coming from a long line of cooks, I knew I had to bring out the grace and gratitude of my family’s fla vors,” Paul said. “I relocated to Tampa after visiting a few times, but something I could never understand was why there was an obvious lack of food and resources while so many people were living lavishly. I wanted to create a solution and take noth ing away from people who were already thriving, eating and living, but add to those who were down on their luck.”

Seeing those who were in need or food insecure made her want to give back to her new home and community. “This is where Chozen Foods was born,” Paul said. “I have been down and needed a simple act of kind ness, and it was nowhere to be found. If I can create a solution without asking any thing extra from people in a time where

By Libby Hopkins

we are all doing our best, maybe I can show that love is all around us and not limited to transactions and afordability.”

Chozen Foods’ goal is to provide a local sustainable food system that revolu tionizes how people invest in their community without compromising their lives.

“We ofer contemporary casual takeout and dine-in, highlighting vegan cuisine with flavors that celebrate life,” Paul said. “At Chozen Foods, we understand that food is much more than a few forkfuls but can be compassion, self-love and hope. Our mobile and laun dry services will also sup port those in need when you choose to eat with us.”

Chozen Foods has been a part of many local artisan markets in the Brandon area. “This work, feeding people, nurturing and lov ing on people through food, is a spiritual work,” Paul said. “I really enjoy preparing my dishes, ones that have mem ories of patrons dancing at the first bite or closing their eyes while eating my pineap ple upside-down cake. Cooking for others is such a blessing, being able to feed people who are experiencing food insecurity and even people who may be newly homeless.”

Chozen Foods can be found at Win throp Pop Up Market and other markets in Brandon. If you’d like to learn more about Chozen Foods, you can visit its website at www.chozenkitchen.com.

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

Zen Paul is the owner of Chozen Foods, a vegan restaurant that provides a local sustainable food system that revolutionizes how people invest in their community without compromising their lives.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,” Jessi ca said. “I also have a minor obsession with Christmas decor, trees in particular. I have 12 fully decorated trees in my house at Christ mas time, so this was a natural progres sion.”

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

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

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

By Libby Hopkins

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

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

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

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

MAKING GIFT-GIVING LISTS HELP CREATE STRESS-FREE HOLIDAYS

By Erica Burruezo, Orderly Owl Organizing

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

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

Throughout the year, try making a list

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

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

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

BELL SHOALS TO RELAUNCH RIVERVIEW CAMPUS IN SPRING

Bell Shoals Church is pre paring to relaunch its Riv erview campus by Easter of 2023 to spread God’s message to the rapidly growing Riverview community. Campus Pastor Tim Arm strong is working to form a core group to relaunch the Riverview campus 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 location just o f U.S. Highway 301. With its lease expiring this year, Bell Shoals took the opportunity to re launch 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 Riverview 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 dedicat ed members to serve in the core group of about 40 people. The core group will at tend meetings over the next few months

By Lily Belcher

to form admin istrative teams for the cam pus. It hopes to host over 100 peo ple in its congrega tion when it opens in the spring.

“A lot of the peo ple that

were at the Riverview campus … are just as passionate, and they’re part of the core team,” said Executive Pastor Scott Odom.

Armstrong joined Bell Shoals’ sta f this year but has decades of ministry ex perience and church planting experience. Armstrong currently serves as the mul tisite 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 com munity-minded. We genuinely care for our community,” said Odom. “Our goal is to plant a church in Riverview that will make a di f erence in the community, that will be a bright light in the community and that will represent Jesus well.”

For more information on Bell Shoals Church or the relaunch of its Riverview campus, visit the website at www.bell shoals.com or call the church at 813689-4229.

OLDER LUNDY

KOCH MARTINO

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

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 person ally or financially, so embracing the spirit of Christmas may feel tough. In spite of the hustle, bustle, brokenness or loneliness,

on the real meaning of Christmas: God’s gift of His Son. Some of these inspirational Christmas books can help

and you can celebrate Christmas this year by sharing these Christmas books

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 les sons that long-ago starry night ofers to each of us still today. Christmas itself is undeniable evidence that God always keeps His prom ises. Filled with scriptures, insights and Dr. Stanley’s own personal thoughts and mem ories, 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 collec tion of stories will present the true mean ing 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 devotional activ ities, each followed by five readings cele brating the Savior at the heart of our hope, preparation, joy and love.

focus

prepare your heart for Christmas. Books always make a great gift,

with your family and friends. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David

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

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

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

Over $20 million in sales in 2022

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

Certified Luxury Home Specialist Newsome High, Riverview High parent

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

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

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

Just like the home pictured

EXPERIENCE FESTIVE HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS THIS SEASON

Busch Gardens Christ mas Town

The holidays come to life at Busch Gardens Christmas Town, the park’s award-win ning holiday event. Celebrate the year with holiday cheer and create merry memories for the whole family during this seasonal event which is included with park admission. Guests can en joy holiday traditions with a twist, from mil lions of sparkling lights throughout the park to holiday shows and visits with Santa and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. Busch Gar dens Christmas Town runs daily now through January 2, 2023. Visit its website, www.bus chgardens.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 experience this free annual holiday event along Dade City’s histor ic Church Avenue, where carolers, choirs, dancers and musicians perform along luminary lit side walks and bril liantly 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 Chris tian Center

What do snow storms, time travel and a stubborn don key have in common? They are all needed in telling the real meaning of Christmas. The Ul timate Gift is a fantastic 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 Ultimate 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. ultimategiftmovie.com.

Christmas In Te Wild At ZooTampa

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at ZooTampa with the return of Christmas in the Wild, featuring one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, delec table holiday treats, amaz ing wildlife and new festive adventures. This year is bigger, better and brighter than ever with entertain ment that the whole family can enjoy, including festive realms, holiday shows and a visit with Santa. Christmas in the Wild runs on selective nights throughout December. Visit www.zootampa.org for more informa tion.

A Victorian Christ mas Stroll

The Henry B. Plant Museum in Tam pa celebrates the warmth and spirit of an old-fashioned holi day with its Victorian Christmas Stroll. Al lowing 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. Deco rations include visitor favorites from past years as well as new marvels that are sure to amaze. The Victorian Christmas Stroll will be available at the Henry B. Plant Museum, located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa, now through Friday, December 23, 10 a.m.8 p.m. daily. Its website, www.plantmuseum. com, has more information.

Celebrate Christmas On Te Farm

Raprager Family Farms invites you to celebrate Christmas on the farm. It has many of the traditional activi ties that you know and love, including photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus read ing stories to the children and tons of beautiful decorations, lights and photo ops. It also has many activities that are farm-based, including a huge variety of animals to pet and mingle with in the area’s largest petting zoo, a caroling hayride, a hay chute slide and a butterfly garden. Raprager Family Farms is

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

located at 16907 Boy Scout Rd. in Odessa; please visit its website at www.raprag erfamilyfarms.com for addi tional information.

Tampa Area Lighted Hol iday Boat Parades

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

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

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

By Libby Hopkins

her thriving cookie business more suc cessful.

“The Cookie Lady.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kings Avenue

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

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

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

Destin Van Den Bogaert is a Durant High

By Kelly Wise Valdes

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

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

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

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

LeAnne Crabtree in known in the Bran don area and beyond as

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

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

TRUE LIES FISHING COMPANY OFFERS INSHORE CHARTERS & SUNSET CRUISES

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

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

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

By Libby Hopkins

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

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

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

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

CAN YOU MAKE THE HOLIDAYS BRIGHT FOR A HILLSBOROUGH PET?

The holidays are in full swing, and Hill sborough County is asking residents to consider making room at the table for a res cue pet this year.

Whether it’s be cause of the economy, lingering e f ects from the pandemic or some other reason, pet shel ters across the coun try have been over flowing for months. At the Hillsborough Coun ty Pet Resource Center, the dog population has been well over capaci ty all year. Many won derful, adoptable dogs — through no fault of their own — have been at the shelter for more than 100 days. Shelters are meant and designed to be short-term homes for pets; longer stays create an inevitable toll on pets’ physical and emotional health.

Adopting or fostering a dog from the Pet Resource Center will not only make a great addition to the home but will also help make room for the next pet that needs help. Those interested in adopting can visit the center at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd. in Tampa or search online at https:// public-solutions.hillsboroughcounty.org/ enterprise/f?p=236. All adoption fees are currently waived.

The shelter also has a robust foster program that allows residents to take a pet home for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. All foster pets are up

to date on shots and medical treat ments.

The resi dent provides a temporary, safe place to live by giving love, food and care to a pet that just needs a chance.

The Pet Resource Center is the only open-admission shelter in Hillsborough County, meaning it accepts dogs and cats regardless of breed, size or medical condition. Adoption hours are 10 a.m.5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit https://www. hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/ pet-resource-center.

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

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 dropo f location will be available the week of Thanks giving.

A life-size Santa will be stationed at the door clos est to the mailbox so children can see him watching as they drop their letters 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 op portunities.

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

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

According to Shannon Keil, chief exec

By Kathy L. Collins

utive o f cer for The Re gent, “This event start ed in 2020 as a safe, kid-friendly activity during COVID, and it has continued to grow.” Keil added, “We love seeing the kids drop o f their letters and the excite ment they have on their faces.”

The Regent is the primary sponsor of the event. Tammy Holmberg, owner/op erator 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 hav ing 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 people celebrate the great mo ments 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 diverse interests to come together and build connections and a sense of civic pride.

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Kathy L. Collins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Taylor Wells

CHECK OUT THE NEW AND IMPROVED RIVER HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

By Libby Hopkins

For more than 25 years, Music Show case in Brandon has been the premiere location for music, music lessons, instru ments, repair and suppiles in our com munity. Plus, with the onsite Florida Acad emy of Performing Arts (FAOPA), Music Showcase o f ers pro grams where kids can participate in musical theater, classes, work shops and events.

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

From Friday through Sunday, Decem ber 9-11 and 16-18, there will be perfor mances of A Christmas Story: The Mu sical, directed by Heather Ochalek and with performers ranging from 8-yearolds to adults. Based on the beloved Christmas movie, this show will add a new dimension to enjoy for fans of the movie and stand on its own for people who haven’t seen it. Regular tickets cost $15 and VIP tickets cost $20. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sat urdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“We have spent over 25 years build ing relationships with families in this community 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 perform ing in the community. We hope you join us for one of these events,” said Ochalek, executive director of FAOPA.

Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. To learn about its gear, lessons and more, visit www. musicshowcaseonline.com or call 813685-5998. For FAOPA, visit https://fa opa.org/ or call 813-490-2787.

In 1988, the first home was built in River Hills.

The River Hills Country Club was conceived as a daily-fee golf facility with ame nities that far surpassed any in what was a fair ly remote area of Hillsborough County at that time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

By Libby Hopkins

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

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

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

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

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

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

METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES NEEDS COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR ITS LARGEST MOBILIZATIONS EVER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Metropolitan Ministries volunteer sorting food donations.

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES OFFERS PERFECT HOLIDAY TREATS FOR EVERY SEASON Staf Report

classic.

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

CASK SOCIAL KITCHEN: BRUNCH, BBQ, ATMOSPHERE, CRAFT COCKTAILS & MORE

By Libby Hopkins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was this food passion 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 tak en 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 souschef, Kyle; and I got together, we got our inspiration for our new dinner menu from Cask itself. It was all what we feel Cask is about and the vibe of Cask. The name has a Southern feel to it and we’re known for the vibe and feel, so what 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 Ameri can fare and hand crafted cocktails. Boasting an exten sive whiskey menu, local craft beer of ferings and hand crafted cocktails, its are ready to satisfy any taste.

Locals from all over the bay area can wind down their workdays with Cask’s happy hour every week, Tues day through Friday. During Cask’s popu lar Friday, Saturday and Sunday brunch services, Cask is the ultimate South Tam pa 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.

Craft A’fare Social Kitchen (Cask) is a product of Te Social Kitchen Com