22 minute read
RIVERVIEW WOMAN’S CLUB
By Libby Hopkins
The Riverview Woman’s Club is a local nonprofit organization that was founded in April 2012 by Donna Lee Fore and Jeanne R. Burkeson. These two women had a vision to provide scholarships to Riverview students, support various education needs and to identify and support community outreach. The group is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
The mission of the Riverview Woman’s Club is to enrich their community through fellowship and educational support.
“The diference between the Riverview Woman’s Club and other clubs is that we are business-focused,” said Club President Jill Jofko. “We have opportunities for people to promote their businesses, which helps their businesses grow and become known in the group. Our group as a great mix of women from our community.”
Since the club’s mission is to support education, the club thought giving away 10 $1,000 scholarships to local students would be a great way to celebrate the club’s 10th anniversary. “Since our start in 2012, the club has awarded 45 scholarships and supported the community, such as by helping Rodgers Middle School start their STARR program, donations towards the fight against human trafcking, the end to Alzheimer’s and support of Relay for Life to fight cancer,” Jofko said. “This year, in honor of our 10th anniversary, 10 scholarships will be awarded to local graduating high school seniors.” The celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 18 from 6:309:30 p.m. at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview. Tickets are $50 per person and include dinner, a cash bar, an awards presentation, a moti-
Te Riverview Woman’s Club is vational speaker and a celebrating its 10th anniversary by awarding 10 college scholarships. surprise guest. “Sandy Murman, former Hillsborough County commissioner, will be the motivational speaker, reprising her speaking engagement at the Riverview Woman’s Club’s very first luncheon,” Jofko said. “Various sponsorship promotional packages are available and are tax deductible.” The Riverview Woman’s Club Foundation Inc. awards scholarships to graduating seniors in Riverview, and, for members only, scholarships are awarded to member children or grandchildren with no Riverview residential requirement. “I feel … one of the club’s biggest accomplishments for the last 10 years has been the scholarships we have awarded to the students in our community,” Jofko said. If you would like learn more about the Riverview Woman’s Club or if you’d like to attend the 10th anniversary celebration, you can visit its website at www.riverviewwomansclub.org.
Private Charters: 4 hour, 6 hour, 8 hour & 2.5 hour Sunset Cruises. Cruising the Alafa River and Tampa Bay.
Call/Text 813-815-6220
Email: info@tikiboatofriverview.com
TIKIBOATOFRIVERVIEW.COM
MARY & MARTHA HOUSE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS WITH GALA
By Kate Quesada
On Friday, June 10, Mary & Martha House is celebrating 40 years of positively impacting the lives of women and children with a gala fundraising event.
The nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation was founded in 1982 and has been helping Hillsborough County women and children escape domestic violence and homelessness ever since.
According to Executive Director Bill Chini, the event, with its ‘Time to Bloom’ theme, will be extra special this year.
“We feel that both our clients and our organization are ready to do bigger and better things,” said Chini.
The event will begin with an open bar cocktail hour, but just before dinner, Chini has a meaningful celebration planned.
“We are going to have a butterfly release outside in memory of Laurie Herring,” he explained.
Herring, the organization’s former executive director, passed away in 2021.
The emcee for the event will be Juanita Lolita, who will also be performing a comedy bit.
“Our dancers are returning this year— Darlene and Takiyah Johnson, a mother and daughter who stayed at our shelter a year or so ago—to perform another
beautiful interpretive dance routine,” said Chini. In addition, for the first time, the event will include the presentation of three awards. “The Mary & Martha House Thrive Award will be given to a past client that has used their second Juanita Lolita will be the emcee at Mary chance at indepen& Martha House’s 40th anniversary gala dence to the fullest,” in June. said Chini. “Mary & Martha House Philanthropic Award will be given to a business or individual who has done so much to give back to our organization. Lastly, and my personal favorite award, is the Laurie Herring Legacy Award. This award will be given to a community member who is making the world a better place, because that’s what Laurie did.” After the program, Chini explained that the dance floor will open and music will be presented by a DJ. There will also be a silent auction with items to bid on ranging from fun activities to jewelry and sports memorabilia. The event will take place at The Regent, which is located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Sponsorship opportunities, which start at $500, are still available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.marymarthahouse.org or call 813-645-7874.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 9-5 | Friday 9-12
SOUTHSHORE GROUP FIGHTS AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
By Sharon Still
Twenty-one million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking. The SouthShore group Campaign Against Human Trafcking and Domestic Violence (CAHT) is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support the fight against human trafficking and related domestic violence issues by providing educational awareness to schools and the community at large.
The 11-year-old group serves the tri-county area, working with multicultural groups in providing short-term housing and other basic needs to families. Mentoring, scholarships, employment and referral services also are ofered. The group donates needed funding and tangible items to at-risk youth, law enforcement, regional anti-trafcking nonprofits and rehabilitation centers.
Residents and business owners looking to get involved can attend the next and last meeting of the year on Monday, May
16 at 1 p.m. in Room 30 at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. The speaker will be Jennifer Sillings, special agent at Homeland Security. On Sunday, May 22, there will be a Tip Your Hat Tea in honor CAHT Puppeteer Show Director Jan Gurley, Deb Petrocelli as Leo the Lion and Betty Mitchell as Frosty the Penguin performing at an after-school event. of all the resilient teens and women the organization supports. The event will be held from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. in the SCC Community Association Atrium’s Florida Room at 1009 N. Pebble Beach Dr. Tickets are $35 per person. “It’s a very rewarding nonprofit organization rather than a social get-together,” said Lou Anne Rossdeutscher, who manages the website and public relations. She explained the heart-shaped logo with an opening at the bottom means “to let the bad out and the good in.” In addition, the group’s motto is “Preventing and mending broken hearts.” Donations are accepted to help fund the group’s safe sheltering program, victim services, educational awareness and prevention activities for schools and the community. For tickets to the Tip Your Hat Tea, send a check to CAHT, P.O. Box 5491, Sun City Center, FL 33571. More information can be found at www.sccblueheart.org; for the tea, click on ‘Tickets to Events.’
SOUTHERN CONSTRUCTION TEAMS UP WITH 100-DAY DREAM HOME
By Sharon Still
Te Valrico-based Southern Construction recently joined with the HGTV show 100-Day Dream Home to turn dreams into reality for Valrico residents.
The Valrico-based Southern Construction recently joined with the HGTV show 100-Day Dream Home to turn dreams into reality for a fellow resident new to the Valrico area.
Southern Construction has been in business since 2015 building custom homes throughout Central Florida, including Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Pinellas and Manatee counties. 100-Day Dream Home with locals Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt, both graduates of Riverview High School and owners of Dirt 2 Design, is in its third season on HGTV. Mika, the realtor, and Brian, the developer, join with local designers and builders to create each client’s dream home in 100 days or less.
As the featured builder in a March episode, Southern Construction Owner Blair Johnson said he is excited about this opportunity and adds that if the show is picked up for season four, Southern Construction hopes to be a part of future episodes.
With a shortage of supplies on everything from lumber to lighting supplies, Johnson explained that his company aims to procure materials in anticipation of need so as not to delay construction. “We pre-purchase windows, cabinets, tresses and whatever we can to set us up for success,” he said. The episode that aired on March 14, “A New Chapter,” left viewers teary-eyed after the unveiling of the 3,200 sq. ft. home for a widowed, single mother of three, whose dream is to start a career in the culinary field. Noting the homeowner’s goal of becoming a chef, the kitchen serves as the centerpiece of the home. “My house is absolutely beautiful,” said homeowner Tabatha Copper. She hopes to finish her culinary studies and start a career as a personal chef, doing meal prep and catering. 100-Day Dream Home airs on HGTV Sunday nights at 8 p.m. Past episodes, like the one featuring Southern Construction as the builder, can be viewed on Discovery+. For more information about 100-Day Dream Home visit www.hgtv. com. Southern Construction is a certified VA homebuilder and can be reached at 813-848-4213.
(Ages K-5)
Genealogy Society, Food Pantry, Woman’s Club & More...
Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com
South Bay Genealogy Society Meeting
On Tuesday, May 17, the South Bay Genealogical Society will meet at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center’s Life Enrichment Center, located at 1210 W. Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center. An optional round table discussion begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by a sitdown luncheon at 12 Noon. Amy Lay will be the guest speaker and present Fold 3: Command and Conquer, a walk through the basics and then give additional tips, information and shortcuts on using the military records in genealogical research. The cost is $15 for the meal and presentation. For reservation and meal choice, call Diane Loudermilk at 864-607-1330.
Riverside Jukebox Swing Band Playing Free Concert
Riverside Jukebox Swing Band (RJSB) is a new band formed to entertain the SouthShore community with music from the big band era to the 1980s. Audiences love to dance, and the music covers multiple dance styles from chacha to polka with plenty of ballads to slow dance to. RJSB has 16 musicians, including saxophonists, trumpeters, trombonists and a rhythm section. The band is playing a free concert/dance at Redeemer Lutheran Church, located at 701 Valley Forge Blvd. in Sun City Center, on Wednesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Donations to the church’s food bank are encouraged.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Designer Bag Bingo, Brunch And Wine Tasting
Mustang Mach 1 Is Cruiser Of Te Month
A superbly restored and updated 1969 Mustang Mach 1 owned by Mike Morrison of Riverview is the Roamin’ Oldies Car Club April cruiser of the month. “This was my high school dream car, and now I finally have it,” he told fellow enthusiasts. The Roamin’ Oldies Car Club hosts a cruise-in from 1-4 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month, with a rain date the following Sunday, at the MiraBay Village Shopping Center of of U.S. 41 in Apollo Beach.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Families, Respect, Inspire, Education, Networking, Down syndrome, Special needs) is celebrating moms with a designer bag bingo event on Saturday, May 28. The event will take place at Lucaya Lakes Clubhouse, located at 12116 Blue Pacific Dr. in Riverview from 11 a.m.2 p.m. Participants will get the chance to win luxurious handbags from the top brands, including Coach, Vera Bradley, Dooney & Bourke, Michael Kors and Kate Spade. Enjoy a delicious brunch with the choice of a mimosa or Bloody Mary, and taste local wines. Tickets are $40 for presale until Wednesday, May 18 or $50 at the door and can be purchased by calling 813-245-2782. For more information Te 1969 Mustang Mach 1 on the event or about owned by Mike Morrison. F.R.I.E.N.D.S., visit www. friendssupport.org.
Our Lady Of Guadalupe Food Pantry Is Here To Help
GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Club Bunco
The GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s club is hosting a bunco fundraiser on Thursday, May 12 from 6 p.m. at The Bridges, located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview. Bring a friend and enjoy an evening of fun with refreshments, raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing and prizes. Tickets are $20 and available until Sunday, May 8 at www.gfwcbrandonjuniors.org. There are limited seats so get your tickets today.
Our Lady’s Pantry is part of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Food Pantry, located at 16650 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Wimauma, and has been helping the local community for 22 years. “You may never have visited Our Lady’s Pantry before, but if this historic inflation is afecting you and your loved ones, remember we are here,” said Director Tom Bullaro. It is open on Saturday mornings from 7:30-10:30 a.m. and serves families living in the Balm, Sun City Center and Wimauma communities. To find out more, visit www.ourladyspantry.com or call 813633-2384.
Bingo Returns To St. Stephen Catholic Church
St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. in Riverview is pleased to announce the return of bingo to its Family Life Center. The event is usually held on the fourth Tuesday of every month. The next date is Tuesday, May 17, and it will begin at 6:30 p.m. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and a concession stand will be available for refreshments. There will also be a 50/50 rafe, and proceeds from the evening will support community families in need and church groups like St. Vincent de Paul.
The 87th annual Florida Strawberry Festival ended in March with an outstanding attendance record. The 11-day event drew 543,129 visitors to take part in concerts, livestock shows, free entertainment, rides, food, arts and crafts vendors and more.
“We had a phenomenal run, and we are truly thankful,” said Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis. “We had good weather, terrific crowds and everyone seemed to be enjoying time with their families.”
The 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival will be held from March 2 through March 12. For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.
Fishhawk Trails 2021 Garage Sale Fishhawk Trails 2022 Garage Sale Saturday, September 18th, 2021 Saturday, May 21st, 2022 9:00 am - 2:00pm (1 Day Only) 9am - 2pm (1 Day Only)
(7:30 am – 9:00 am for community residents only) 5555 FishHawk Trails Dr. | Lithia 33547
813-551-3399
www.drjoonies.com
Bringing Pediatric Healthcare to your Doorstep
Icky Sicky Visits and Happy & Healthy visits Direct Pay for Service Ages 0 - 21 years School entry physicals, sports physicals and immunizations Strep, fu and rapid covid tests On-demand consults when YOU need them Experienced pediatric healthcare at your fngertips
OVER 500 POSITIVE REVIEWS SHOW PEOPLE LOVE ADVANCED ORAL SURGERY OF TAMPA IN VALRICO
By Sharon Still
Dr. Tomas Backeris recently joined Advanced Oral Surgery of Tampa’s Valrico ofce, and the staf said people love him.
The light and cheerful atmosphere at Advanced Oral Surgery of Tampa in Valrico is intended to take the fear out of going to the dentist. As evidenced by the more than 500 positive Google reviews with words like ‘professional,’ ‘friendly’ and ‘kind’ throughout, even by people with self-proclaimed fear of the dentist, people love it.
“We realize that people are scared to visit the dentist, so we do what we can to create a more cheerful environment,” said Terry Brown, business manager.
At Advanced Oral Surgery of Tampa in Valrico, Dr. Jason Edwards and Dr. Thomas Backeris specialize in wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, complete teeth replacement (full arch) under IV sedation as well as other oral surgery needs using the latest techniques and advanced training.
“Many dental practices ofer limited tooth extractions or implants,” Brown added. “We specialize in these areas with outstanding patient care.”
Dr. Edwards has extensive training in facial trauma, pathology and reconstruction; anesthesia; craniofacial surgery; bone grafting; dental implants; and surgical dental extractions. His love for his job led him to participate in cleft lip and palate surgical missions in Mexico to benefit underprivileged children.
“We manage each case … individually and customize treatment,” commented Dr. Edwards. “What remains consistent is treating each patient and family with care, dignity and compassion.” “Dr. Thomas Backeris joined last summer and is developing a very strong reputation for skill and care,” said Brown.
He trained extensively in anesthesia, facial trauma and reconstruction, pathology, orthognathic surgery, complex bone grafting, dental implants and surgical dental extractions.
“We are continually upgrading our technology, such as digital scanning to avoid the discomfort and time with traditional impressions,” added Brown. “We are growing and expect to add surgeons in the near future,” noting a newly acquired location in South Tampa.
Advanced Oral Surgery of Tampa’s state-of-the-art Valrico ofce is at 2922 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. It is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and on Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call 813-452-6380 or visit www.valricooralsurgery.com and www.advancedoralsurgerytampa.com.
Assisted Living
“Tessera Brandon...living your lifestyle.” Memory Care
“Living the present...cherishing the past.”
• Active contemporary style living • Spacious apartments • All day dining from 7am to 7pm with a bountiful variety of choices • Pet friendly • Educational and social opportunities • Cable and Wi-Fi included • Live entertainment from Bach to Big Band • “Wine Down” Wednesdays
Questions about memory loss? Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Groups - LIVE and ZOOM Call for Zoom link
Assisted Living Facility #AL13150
Located in the heart of Brandon close to I75, Hwy 60 and Hwy 301 Call TODAY for special pricing!
By Kate Quesada
St. Joseph’s Hospital-South has a very important volunteer, and he is looking for some friends to join him.
Romeo, a 6-year-old, longhaired German shepherd, volunteers with his owner, Bill Bergsma, every week at the hospital, bringing joy and comfort to patients and staf members alike, and according to the hospital’s volunteer resource manager, Kim Wallace, there are opportunities for more canine philanthropists.
According to Wallace, the program began at the hospital in 2015, and there are currently four dogs who regularly participate.
Bergsma, who moved to Riverview from Michigan three years ago, felt Romeo would be a good pet therapist because of his personality and calm demeanor.
“I knew I needed to find him a job,” he explained, adding that Romeo, who weighs more than 100 pounds, looks forward to coming to the hospital ev-
ery week. “He is a totally diferent dog when he puts on his vest. He knows he is going to work.” Romeo’s duties include greeting patients and staf at the front desk and visitAnya Shapiro, a 5-year-old from Riverview, got a pet ing patients in therapy visit from Romeo, a 6-year-old, long-haired rooms who have German shepherd, and his handler, Bill Bergsma, also from Riverview. Romeo’s been a pet therapy dog at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South for three years. requested pet therapy. “We often end up in the pediatric wing because so many of the kids love him,” said Bergsma. “If they are scared, they usually stop crying as soon as they see him and can pet him during treatments.” In order to participate in the program, dogs must have passed one of the four Bill and Romeo. Romeo has an identifcation tag just like hospital team members and other volunteers. certification programs approved by BayCare. They must also be up to date on all shots and their owners have to provide the necessary paperwork every year. “The experience is so rewarding for both of us,” said Bergsma. To learn more about the program and the requirements for volunteering, email Wallace at kim.wallace@baycare.com. For more information on St. Joseph’s Hospital South, visit www.baycare.org.
STUDENTS HONORED WITH YOUTH EXCELLENCE AWARDS
By Kate Quesada
Do you know an outstanding young adult who deserves some recognition?
Each year, Hillsborough County recognizes the many positive contributions made by young people in our community through the Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards). The deadline to submit nominations this year has been extended for the awards. Nominations are now being accepted through Friday, May 13 until 5 p.m.
YEA! Awards nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of the following categories:
Leadership— demonstrating positive impact on others in an ongoing endeavor, such as sports, academics or the arts.
Success Despite Difcult Odds—overcoming tremendous personal difculty to attain success and to make a positive impact on others.
Volunteer or Community Service—allocating discretionary time to help others or complete a project that has improved our community.
The nomination form is available for submission online at hcflgov.net/yea. Nominations will be reviewed by the Commission on the Status of Women.
The YEA! Awards were created in 2010
to recognize Hillsborough County students for making a diference in their community. Students honored show initiative, innovation and a commitment to themselves and others while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity. This can be demonstrated in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservaAfton Kinkade was one of the winners tion or other areas. of Hillsborough County’s YEA! Awards last year. Applications for this year’s awards are accepted until Friday, Afton Kinkade was one of the winners last May 13. year. A leader in the aviation community as a strong female, Kinkade maintains high scores in school while pursuing her passions in aviation. She is a member of the John Glenn Top Gun Academy (an honor society for STEM students), brand ambassador for Women in Aviation Tampa Bay Chapter and Flight School Association of North America’s youth envoy. She was recently a guest editor for AviNation magazine with her article, “My Path to the Left Seat,” and was a featured pilot in the movie documentary Fly Like A Girl. The 2022 YEA! Awards will be presented by the board of county commissioners in June. For additional information on the YEA! Awards, visit hcflgov.net/yea or contact Hillsborough County Communications & Digital Media at 813-272-5194.
DON’T TURN BACK ON NESTING HAWKS DURING SEASON
By Sharon Still
Sam Riscile of Riverview’s Riverglen community can tell people firsthand about the damage a red-shouldered hawk can do after he was attacked in his front yard recently.
He explained that for three weeks the hawk, which had made a nest in a tree nearby, had taunted him, flying close enough to him to feel its feathers as it zipped by. “Well, it finally happened,” exclaimed Riscile. Although he had seen the raptor up in the tree, he thought nothing of it until he was walking toward the rear of his vehicle in the driveway and then suddenly felt a blow to his head. It was the hawk.
“I felt like I got punched in the back of my head with a fist,” he said. The gash stretched from ear to ear, and there were also two puncture wounds from the bird’s talons.
With a wingspan of nearly 4 feet, red-shouldered hawks are most aggressive during nesting season, which generally runs from March through June. The raptors warn potential predators with talon strikes. Although not normally hostile to humans, during mating season, peo-
ple look like predators. Threatened by habitat loss from all the building, the hawks are now forced to live among the humans. The female lays two to three eggs and incubates them for about 30 days. Riscile will have to stay vigilant for a while, as the chicks usually fledge when they are about 45 days old. Riscile said that It is red-shouldered hawk mating season, while he has seen the and these raptors may sometimes red-shouldered hawks in perceive people as predators. the neighborhood, this is the first time one has nested near his home. “Now I know to keep my eyes peeled and wear a hard hat,” he commented. Since hawks are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to hunt, kill, shoot, poison or capture a hawk.
A red-shouldered hawk attacked local Proper permitting is resident Sam Riscile, leaving him with an needed to trap and injured head. relocate the birds or their nests. So, for now, that is all Riscile can do, or else he could be faced with a fine ranging from $5,000-$15,000 and up to six months in prison. According to www.forestwildlife.org, when near a hawk’s nest, wave your arms, make loud noises and do not turn your back. Scarecrows and fake owls also are good deterrents.
SHOP FOR ALL OF YOUR FISHING NEEDS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!!!
Rods, Reels and Tackle Live Shrimp (Small-Medium-Large-Jumbo) BAIT RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED Frozen Bait • Live Worms • Live Shiners • Rod Repair Marine Oil • Batteries• Life Preservers Trolling Motors • Coolers • Electrical • Hoses • and so much more! (813) 296-7735 6040 US 41 N, APOLLO BEACH
