Riverview/Apollo Beach
7
November 2021
Volume 19,
Issue 11
ENTRY FORM IN SECTION 3
Ph: 657-2418
CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
COMMUNITY GARDEN CREATES A SPACE TAMPA ELECTRIC’S MANATEE FOR GARDENERS TO CONNECT CENTER OPEN & READY FOR TOURS By Makenzie Atkins Staff Report
Tampa Electric’s award-winning Manatee Viewing Center opened earlier this month for the first season since the pandemic started.
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After 19 months, Tampa Electric’s award-winning Manatee Viewing Center opened earlier this month for the first season since the pandemic started. “For the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to the Manatee Viewing Center every winter, we have missed you, and we are so glad to welcome you back,” said Stan Kroh, manager of Land and Stewardship Programs for Tampa Electric. Since the center closed in March 2020, Tampa Electric undertook extensive renovations and repairs of the education building to include new displays and interactive games. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of the year. The center also is taking extra safety precautions, such as limiting the number of guests inside the gift shop, requiring masks indoors, having enhanced cleaning procedures and getting additional hand sanitizer stations. When the water temperature of Tampa Bay is 68 degrees or colder, manatees gather in the clean, warm water discharge canal of Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station, sometimes by the hundreds. Manatee Viewing Center visitors can see the mammals up close from multiple boardwalks and vantage points. Visitors can also enjoy meeting the stingrays, critical animals that rely on a healthy Tampa Bay ecosystem—and even touch them gently as they glide past in the touch tank. Plus, guests can hike the nature
trail and take in the vistas from the 50-foot observation tower. The manatees have gathered in the canal to find refuge from the cold since the early 1970s. Each season, the center draws nearly 400,000 visitors—for a total of more than 6 million. The Manatee Viewing Center is the anchor attraction for the Florida Conservation and Technology Center (FCTC), which is a public-private partnership to showcase nature and technology. In addition to Tampa Electric, the partners include The Florida Aquarium and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Ultimately, the FCTC campus will include Tampa Electric’s Clean Energy Center, The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center and Coral Care Complex and FWC’s Suncoast Youth Conservation Center and Marine Fisheries Enhancement Center. Some buildings will open Monday, and other buildings remain under construction. The grand opening of the 500-acre Florida Conservation and Technology Center will occur in January. Admission and parking at the Apollo Beach facility are free. The boardwalks are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act for our guests’ convenience. The Manatee Viewing Center’s regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day through April 15, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. (The facility closes at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.) Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. Please note that no pets are allowed, only trained service animals. Visit the center online at www.tampaelectric.com/manatee or call 228-4289 for more information.
ty to connect to one another. “Our gardeners are truly wonderful, sharing people and so welcoming that I never left,” said Jill Conson, a member with the garden club. “I never go there and not learn something.” The garden will also be hosting its annual plant sale to raise funds for projects. The sale will be on Saturday, March 5, 2022, and it will be The Apollo Beach Community Garden club gardens together on selling cuttings, seeds, sapTuesdays and Saturdays. lings and full plants. It hopes Communities all over the world are lookto raise enough money for a ing for beautiful ways to connect, and a shade pavilion where gardeners can take a group of gardeners in Apollo Beach is do- break from the heat. ing just that with its community garden. The garden started from a dreamer and The beautiful community garden in Apollo has grown into a beautiful spot that the Beach has plots available to rent along with whole community can enjoy. many community plants for everyone to For more information, please contact share and is always encouraging gardeners Conson at jillmconson@gmail.com or find to join the club. the garden on Facebook @apollobeachgarThe Apollo Beach Community Garden denclub. rents out small spots for gardeners in the community to grow anything they would like. Some gardeners have things like onions, bok choy, herbs and many other plants in their box. The garden has two raised beds and one ADA bed available for rent. It costs $37.50 per year to lease a bed and $27 a year to join the club, along with 10 hours of community service in the common areas. Along with personal gardening spots, the club also has an area it likes to share. In this area, there are things like strawberry trees, papayas, avocados, neem oil, dragon fruits and many other fruits and vegetables. Recently, the Apollo Beach Community Garden was the recipient of the Placemaking Grant from the National Association of Realtors. In February of 2021, a group of realtors volunteered at the garden to build two picnic tables and two blueberry troughs with blueberry bushes; donated irrigation for the west and south perimeter, shovels, spades hand tools and a new marque; and TOY DRIVE ................................................PG 3 mulched the forest. PG 9 Besides all the fun things the garden WEDDING DRESS GIVEAWAY offers, like holiday decorations and guest EYE ON BUSINESS...................PGS 25-26 speaker events, it also creates a loving and GIFT GUIDE................................. SECTION 3 educational environment for the communi-
IN THIS ISSUE:
Great Gifts That Will Really Start Their Engine!
Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town™ returns! Tampa’s biggest and brightest holiday event, complete with millions of lights, storytime with Mrs. Claus & more. Opening select nights starting November 13. See Story Page 47.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
WWW.WOMENSCAREFL.COM
Volume 19, Issue 11
November 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM HOSTS TOY DRIVE FOR CHILDREN
By Libby Hopkins
For more than Guardian ad Litem 20 years, the trainer and toy drive Guardian ad Litem coordinator. “One of Program, in partmy favorite memnership with Voicories from about es for Children, has seven years ago is hosted an annual of a 13-year-old boy Christmas toy that had asked for drive so Guardian a pair of Nike tennis ad Litem volunshoes for Christmas. teers are able to We were able to choose toys for the find a donor to proFor more than 20 years, the Guardian ad Litem children that they vide them. When he Program, in partnership with Voices for Children, has opened the box, the are serving. hosted an annual Christmas toy drive so Guardian “More than young man joyfully ad Litem volunteers are able to choose toys for the 2,700 children are children that they are serving. It is hosting its toy drive shouted, ‘Wow, a real represented by pair of Nikes that through Friday, December 10. the Guardian ad weren’t someone Litem Program currently else’s first.’ He had been and Santa would never in foster care for about want a child to not have three years and had not a toy for Christmas,” had a new pair of shoes in said Community Outhis 13 years that he could reach Coordinator for remember.” Guardian ad Litem Program 13th Circuit The community is able to help with the – Hillsborough Sharon Beningfield. “Over toy drive by donating new gifts for all ages, the years, there have been thousands of like gift cards to stores, gift cards to fastchildren who have received gifts through food restaurants, art and craft items, ear the generosity of our community. It takes buds and chargers, watches and hoodies. a village to raise children and a whole com- “While many people see gift cards as immunity to keep the magic in Christmas.” personal, they actually give a child a chance The Guardian ad Litem Program is very to make a choice of their own, maybe eat a fortunate to have the support of Voices for meal they wouldn’t normally get to choose Children, a local nonprofit that assists with or join a friend for a snack after school bringing normalcy to children in foster care. when they might otherwise have to deIt has wonderful donors who go above and cline,” Beningfield said. “Those who would beyond to make the holidays very special like to donate financially can do so through each and every year. Voices for Children at www.vfcgal.org.” “This is just a story that motivates us to If you would like to learn more about the continue to reach out to the community Guardian ad Litem Program, you can visit for help in making the lives of the children its website at www.galtampa.org. It will be we serve a little brighter and maybe feel a collecting gifts through Friday, December little more normal,” said Sheila DelCastillo, 10.
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MANATEE MEMORIAL BREAKS GROUND ON FREESTANDING ER By Kate Quesada Last month saw “No matter an exciting new what the emerdevelopment for gency, the new SouthShore resER at Sun City idents. Manatee Center will be Memorial Hospiequipped to tal broke ground handle everyon a new freething from mistanding emernor conditions gency room—the to stabilizing ER at Sun City treatment for Center. Located major condiat 16504 S. U.S. A groundbreaking ceremony took place at the location on tions such as October 25 to commemorate the start of construction of 301 in Wimauheart attack Manatee Memorial Hospital’s new freestanding emergency ma, adjacent to and stroke,” room—the ER at Sun City Center. Walmart, the said McDougal. new ER at Sun A groundCity Center will breaking cerprovide emergenemony took cy care 24 hours place at the a day, seven days location on a week. The new October 25 to facility is expectcommemorate ed to open in the the start of second quarter of construction. 2022. It was attend“We are honored to be expanding in Hills- ed by Manatee Memorial Hospital’s Leaderborough County with the first freestanding ship, including McDougal and Kevin DiLallo, emergency room for Manatee Memorial group vice president - Florida region, as well Hospital,” said Tom McDougal, CEO of Man- as by Lynne Conlan, executive director of the atee Memorial Hospital. “By expanding our South Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce, emergency services, we can better meet and Stacy White, Hillsborough County comthe needs of our growing communities and missioner of District 4. provide access to emergency care where it “I look forward to the great service this is needed.” hospital will provide to South Hillsborough The 10,884 sq. ft. ER will always be County in the near future,” said White. staffed by a physician, will offer care for all Manatee Memorial Hospital, a member of ages and will feature six exam rooms, three the Manatee Healthcare System, has been rapid medical exam spaces and a total of 12 operating in Manatee County, Hillsborough treatment areas. There will also be a full-ser- County and surrounding counties for more vice laboratory, X-ray, CT and ultrasound fa- than 68 years. For more information, visit cilities on-site. manateememorial.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
NEWMYER NAMED PRESIDENT FOR NEW ADVENTHEALTH HOSPITAL Staff Report Jason Newmyer has been ing the Healing Ministry named president and CEO of Christ’ in the commufor the recently announced nities we serve,” said 80-bed hospital in Riverview. Mike Schultz, president Newmyer began serving in and CEO for the West the role effective November Florida Division. “I’m 7 and will report to Bruce confident his leadership Bergherm, senior executive and expertise will help officer of acute care for Adcontribute to the future ventHealth’s West Florida success of the organizaDivision. tion.” “I’ve enjoyed watching Under his leadership, Jason grow within the orgaAdventHealth Dade City nization over the years. His has had a significant experience in leading operturnaround in volumes ations, strategic planning Jason Newmyer has been named and financial growth, and building highly engaged president and CEO for the recently an- as well as safety and nounced 80-bed hospital in Riverview. teams will serve quality. The team him well as he steps has achieved the into this new role,” highest scores said Terry Shaw, in clinical expresident/CEO for cellence with a AdventHealth. “Jagrade ‘A’ from son is driven by his the prestigious passion to extend our mission and I am Leapfrog Group and a CMS five-star ratconfident he will continue to help Adven- ing for the hospital’s transitional care unit. tHealth deliver exceptional whole-person Prior to AdventHealth Dade City, Newmyer care throughout the Riverview community.” held several positions, including assistant Currently, Newmyer serves as vice presi- vice president of specialty service lines, asdent/administrator for AdventHealth Dade sistant vice president of strategic planning City, located northeast of Tampa, and he and senior consultant at the West Florida will continue there to ensure a smooth tran- Division’s flagship hospital in Tampa. sition for the next leader. At AdventHealth “I consider it a privilege to have worked Riverview, Newmyer will provide executive with such incredible teams throughout my leadership and oversee the day-to-day oper- career with AdventHealth and I feel honations of the hospital, working alongside his ored to serve in this role. I am excited for leadership teams to ensure the delivery of the work that we’ll get to do in Riverview high-quality care throughout the Riverview and look forward to engaging with our community. team members, providers, leaders and the “Jason is a trusted leader who has prov- community,” said Newmyer. en over the years his ability to build great To learn more, visit www.networkofcare. teams and deliver on our mission of ‘Extend- adventhealth.com.
Volume 19, Issue 11
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
November 2021
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Longtime Riverview challenges in their resident Bob Kalle’s life.” new book Deathworld Working with unveils an exciting children with dystopian era where special needs ullife and death is a chaltimately is what lenge. This fascinating inspired Kalle to novel sets scene in write Deathworld a theme park that is . With the main built to test humanity. character beThe main character, ing 18, the book Jesse, a young man is appealing for with attention deficit young adults but disorder, discovers has appeal to that there is more to readers of ages, the park than what Bob Kalle (pictured here with his wife, Berna- as well as an upthey are told. Not only dette) is a former Bloomingdale and New- lifting ending. is his life in danger, but some High School teacher that has recently “The main charpublished a book titled Deathworld. the lives of his twin sisacter has ADD, and ter and two other stuthat leads him into dents from his school problems but also are at risk as well. leads him to solve Kalle drew from many the problem of the of his lifetime expepark,” said Kalle. riences to bring this “My hero in the book thrilling story to life. is similar to many of Kalle is a psycholthe children I have ogist turned author worked with … overwho has spent most of coming everything his life working with to save the day.” youth and is a former Kalle is also workhigh school teacher ing on another book from Bloomingdale centered around auand Newsome High tism. This book will Schools. He and his consist of letters wife are members of from parents about St. Stephen Catholic their experiences Church, and Kalle has with autistic chilbeen working with children since 1977, dren. including children in group homes, res“I plan to publish the letters as a volidential treatment, therapeutic foster ume for others to read to learn about care, psychiatric hospitals and school the challenges and joys that a parent programs. His passion is youth, and that feels,” said Kalle. “It is also a way for led to his book about teens fighting the parents to realize that they are not system. alone. I would get sponsors to cover the “I was a high school teacher working cost of the book and then all sales prowith students with issues, behavior and ceeds would go to charity.” learning,” said Kalle. “I was taking a Deathworld can be purchased at local course on writing a book for children, so bookstores or online at the iBooks Store, I developed the idea (for the book) from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Purchases there. I also had worked with children and other information, including Kalle’s in all sorts of programs as a psycholo- uplifting blogs, can be found on his webgist, so my heart is with youth that have site, https://bobkalle.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
HARVEST OF HOPE HELPS CROSS BAY FERRY HAS RETURNED TO TAMPA ByBAY FAMILIES WITH THANKSGIVING Kathy L. Collins DINNER, DONATIONS WELCOME The Cross Bay Ferpa will be at 10:45 ry has returned to p.m. on Wednesdays service for the next and Thursdays, 11 several months. The p.m. on Fridays and ferry will provide Saturdays and 7:30 transportation bep.m. on Sundays. tween downtown Pricing for the Tampa and downCross Bay Ferry is town St. Petersburg. quite reasonable. This is the fifth The Cross Bay Ferry, a twin-hull aluminum One-way tickets are season for the Cross catamaran that can carry a maximum of $10 and $20 for round Bay Ferry. It is not 149 guests at an average speed of 30 mph, trips for adults. The only an extended returns to Tampa Bay now through May. cost is $8 for one way season with service and $16 for round trips running through May, for those 65 and older, but the service will also children 5-18, college offer an extended daily students and active and service, including later retired military. Children evening hours. The final 4 and under ride for free. departure from Tampa Residents in wheelchairs will be around 11 p.m. on can also ride for $5 one Friday and Saturday evenings. way and $10 round trip. “Thanks to a great partnership beThe Cross Bay Ferry is a regional coltween four local governments, one of laboration between Hillsborough County, the most exciting and reliable ways to Pinellas County, the City of Tampa and travel across Tampa Bay is back,” said the City of St. Petersburg. Beginning Matt Miller, president of HMS Ferries. this year, Hillsborough County becomes “The Cross Bay Ferry offers an incredibly the lead governmental sponsor, taking accessible and affordable transportation the reins from the City of St. Petersburg. option between two of the hottest spots “Hillsborough County is proud to take in downtown Tampa and downtown St. the lead on continuing this unique rePetersburg. What is more, passengers gional partnership,” said Hillsborough get treated to some amazing views of County Commissioner Pat Kemp. “We the bay and both cities,” added Miller. are glad to be expanding this popular The Cross Bay Ferry will depart from ferry service while also laying the founthe Tampa Convention Center in down- dation for permanent ferry service in town Tampa and from the dock at North Tampa Bay. Together, we are providing Straub Park near the Vinoy Marina in residents and visitors with a fast, fun downtown St. Petersburg. First depar- and affordable way to travel between tures from St. Petersburg will start at our communities,” added Commissioner 4:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thurs- Kemp. days, 10 a.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. You can view the schedule and pricing on Sundays. Final departures from Tam- by visiting www.thecrossbayferry.com.
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Gathering with of us take for family and friends granted.” around a table Swezey said laden with mouththey are seekwatering food is a ing donations Thanksgiving tradifor the event, tion. Another traspecifically frodition is New Hope zen turkeys and United Methodist $10 gift cards Church’s Harvest to Walmart, of Hope, which which can be provides 300 predropped off registered commuat the church nity members with office Monday boxes filled with a through Thursturkey, canned vegday, 9 a.m.-4 etables and fruit, p.m. cranberry sauce, On its webinstant potatoes, site, you can New Hope United Methodist Church is seeking packaged gravy, dry find the list stuffing, macaroni donations for its Harvest of Hope Thanksgiving project. other items and cheese, cake mix and other items so needed. The last day to drop off donafamilies can cook a traditional Thanks- tions is Wednesday, November 17. Mongiving meal. etary donations can also be made on the The event is co-sponsored by Hope website. for Her, a safe place where women ex“Whether it’s your time, talents or fiperiencing crisis and trauma find the nancial resources, come out and support strength, skills and support they need to Harvest of Hope,” said Swezey. rebuild their best lives, and is made posNew Hope United Methodist Church sible from the support of private dona- has two locations: 121 N. Knights Ave. tions from corporations, businesses and in Brandon and 3310 Moore’s Lake Rd. in concerned individuals of the Brandon Dover. Thanksgiving boxes can be picked and its surrounding communities and will up by preregistered families at its Branbe held on Saturday, November 20 from don location. 10 a.m.-12 Noon. To sign up to receive a Thanksgiving “Harvest of Hope has become a tra- meal, visit https://findnewhope.ccbdition that we look forward to partic- church.com/goto/forms/340/responses/ ipating in each year,” said Community new. Coordinator Kellie Swezey. “It’s an easy For more information about Harvest way to care for those who don’t have the of Hope, call New Hope Church at 689resources to purchase something most 4161 or Hope for Her at 309-3357.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
November 2021
LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORTS TOYS FOR TOTS FOR 16 YEARS
By Libby Hopkins
A local busi“Guests have been ness is hoping to treated to a wonmake the holidays derful buffet with brighter for chilsoft drinks and desdren in need and is serts, all among the looking for help. thousands of toys “Before 2005, and bicycles packthe Apollo Beach ing the building.” Chamber used Pearson Capital is their December always looking for business after more locations to hours to collect host a box, and with toys for Toy for Local business Pearson Capital, Inc. has been sup- all the new growth Tots for the holi- porting Toys for Tots for 16 years. It is looking to the in the SouthShore community for businesses to become involved. day season,” said area, there are lots of Pearson Capital’s places that haven’t account manager, been tapped. “OfficAnn Hathaway. “When es, stores, restaurants that tradition ended, and housing commuDon Pearson, our exnities can all particiecutive director, felt pate,” Hathaway said. that the community “They just need to let could help and distribme know they’d like to uted about 25 boxes help. If you can’t host to businesses in the a box, then be sure to area with the idea of drop in a toy or two Pearson Capital hostanywhere you see one. ing a party to gather You can always join us the full boxes in one place for the Marines for our collection event and donate there. to collect.” And it goes without saying, we accept That place was the VFW post in Ruskin. cash donations as well. That money always Local chambers of commerce all pitched helps the Marines fill in the gaps for the in to promote the event to their members, babies and preteens that seem to occur.” businesses and individuals joined in and If you’d like to help Pearson Capital, Inc. things just multiplied. collect toys for Toys for Tots, contact HaOver the years, the event grew so large thaway at 645-6392. On Saturday, Decemthat the VFW post could no longer accom- ber 4 from 1-4 p.m., Pearson Capital and modate the crowd. The Alley at Southshore will be hosting a “That’s when The Alley at Southshore toy drop-off event. “We’ll have some goodstepped up and partnered with Pearson,” ies to share for those who drop off their Hathaway said. “On event day, The Alley boxes and maybe Santa will be on hand to welcomed Marines, businesses, families, greet you,” Hathaway said. “Marines will individuals and, of course, Santa,” she said. be in attendance to load those trucks too.”
Expiration 12/01/2021
Page 7
EARN YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA THROUGH THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
By Kathy L. Collins
Adults who approxwant to comimateplete their ly eight high school hours per education and week to gain career complete training can the online do so through coursethe Hillsborw o r k . ough County Computer Public Library access is Cooperative’s available Career Online All photos provided by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library. at all liHigh School. The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative offers adult brary loThis program residents the opportunity to receive a high school diploma and career cations.” training in one of nine high-growth fields. is a self-paced, T h i s supportive and accredited online educa- program was first offered with great suctional program. cess in 2018-2019. Thirty residents have The program offers nine career tracks: completed the program and received their General, Food and Hospitality, Home Care high school diploma thus far. Wolfe said, Professional, Office Management, Child “With Career Online High School, stuCare and Education, Retail Customer Ser- dents can earn their high school diplomas vice, Commercial Driving, Security Profes- through the library. Participants may be sional and Hospitality and Leisure. able to transfer GED and previously obAccording to Cheryl Wolfe, digital me- tained high school credits into the Career dia and PR coordinator, “These tracks are Online High School program.” offered as part of this online high school Program participants can earn an acprogram in order to help students prepare credited high school diploma in less than for a career in one of these high-demand, 18 months. At the end of the program, high-growth fields.” students will have a portfolio including a This program is unique in that it results resume, cover letter and job preparation in an accredited high school diploma and support. a certificate in a career field chosen from Wolfe said, “The Career Online High the program’s offerings, so it does not re- School program is great because there is quire a final test or need to take the GED. an academic coach. During the program, Wolfe explained, “The library is able to participants earn a career certificate and offer this program as a limited scholarship put together a portfolio while gaining reprogram to qualified adults. Program can- al-world career training through a flexible, didates are adult residents of Hillsborough supportive online education program.” County who are 19 years and older, have You can get started by visiting www. a library card and are able to dedicate hcplc.org/hsdiploma.
Expiration 12/01/2021
Expiration 12/01/2021
Page 8
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFERS TUTORING FOR QUARANTINED STUDENTS
By Michelle Caceres
that need help with a tough problem or concept can call the online tutor. Virtual support teachers are available from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every school day. “These teachers want to help your child and are ready to assist them in their learning,” said Parenteau. Online teacher Jenine Cowan, who has 14 years of experience as a classroom teacher, said she transferred to the new position Quarantined pre-K and elementary school students now have because she wanted to better access to free tutoring by certified teachers. School district leaders in Hillsborough support quarantined students County have created a new virtual tool to during this challenging time. help pre-K and elementary school students “Our number one priority is our students, learn better and reduce learning loss while but secondly, teachers have their hands full in quarantine. The program, which uses the making sure students don’t suffer learning Microsoft Teams platform, kicked off on Oc- losses because of quarantines,” she said. tober 4. “We’re here to make sure these kids don’t Seven certified teachers have been hired miss a beat as they continue to learn, whethto provide one-on-one tutoring and are com- er its math, science, reading or writing.” pletely free to families. Cowan said that while most of her tuEven though parents are no longer re- toring sessions last about 15 minutes, she’s quired to quarantine children who have ready to help until a student masters the been exposed to coronavirus but don’t show concept. symptoms, some parents remain cautious “Students and their parents can call back and isolate their children if they have been in as many times as is necessary,” she said. contact with someone with the virus. Older students in middle and high school “We still see some parents who choose can get help with a free tutoring chat serto quarantine their students who have had vice called Paper. COVID exposure, and we wanted a program When students go in quarantine, they will to offer a personalized learning experience be given instructions on how to access the for students as they get the educational sup- service. port they need,” said Elementary Generalist For more information about Hillsborough Meagan Parenteau. County Public Schools or any of its proQuarantined students get their assign- grams, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org or ments from their classroom teachers. Those call 272-4000.
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Volume 19, Issue 11
THE DITCHFIELD FAMILY TO PERFORM CHRISTMAS CONCERT Staff Report family blend,” said Goodenow. “They will be performing carols and holiday favorites to capture the spirit and joy of Christmas. If you love the music of the most wonderful time of the year, you won’t want to miss this concert of Christmas muThe United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, located at 1210 W. Del Webb sic at its best.” Blvd., will welcome the Ditchfield Family Singers to its campus for a 7 p.m. ChristTickets are mas Concert on Friday, December 3. available either Are you looking for in the church a fun way to get in the office Monholiday spirit? Then day through mark your calendar for Thursday, from Friday, December 3 and 8:30 a.m. unplan to head to Sun City til 4 p.m., or Center. online by logThe United Methodist ging onto the Church of Sun City Cenchurch’s webter, located at 1210 W. site at www. Del Webb Blvd., will welcome the Ditch- sccumc.com and following the prompts field Family Singers to its campus for a for ‘Events’ and this concert. Tickets are 7 p.m. Christmas Concert on Friday, De- $15 in advance or $20 at the door, if cember 3. available, on the night of the concert. According to Kevin Goodenow, concert For additional information about this series coordinator, The Ditchfield Family and other concerts and recitals at the Singers are one of America’s most ver- United Church of Sun City Center, please satile family vocal ensembles and one of contact Goodenow at 362-0956. Florida’s favorite family musical groups. To learn more about the United Meth“They are renowned from coast to coast odist Church of Sun City center, please for their close harmony and unique visit the website at www.sccumc.com.
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November 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
WEDDING DRESS GIVEAWAY CELEBRATES 16 LUCKY HEALTH CARE WORKERS
By Lily Belcher
Page 9
HOLIDAY SPECIALS
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Future brides pick up their dresses from the wedding dress giveaway.
Throughout the summer, 16 winning brides arrived one-by-one at The Regent in Riverview to pick our their dream wedding dress. The wedding dresses were donated to the Regent by Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique in Winthrop to be given to engaged health care workers in a special contest. The giveaway was originally supposed to be a scavenger hunt when it was planned two years ago, but, when COVID-19 hit, it was revised to bring hope to health care workers. The brides were nominated in the summer and, once selected, has the opportunity to try on and pick out a wedding dress from Satin & Lace. The future brides arrived at The Regent on a special morning in September for a wedding breakfast supported by The Regent, Satin & Lace & several local businesses including Publix who provided the cake, 3 C’s Catering provided brunch, Fancy That Linens, On the Move Productions and ABC Event Planning for table decor. Each was allowed to bring a plus-one and many of the brides invited their mothers as their guest. “[It] was really cool because their moms hadn’t been with them when they came to pick out the dresses, so their moms hadn’t seen the dresses,” said Alison Farnan from Satin & Lace.
After picking up their dress, the brides could look at various accessories and some of the brides even purchased the matching veils that were paired with their dresses. Each bride had the opportunity to share their equally touching stories with the audience and what getting the wedding dress meant to them. Farnan shared that one of the brides was nominated to receive the dress by her partner, who is also a health care worker. Her future husband’s best friend, who was supposed to be in the wedding, passed away from COVID on the same day she got selected to receive a wedding dress from the event. “The email telling them that they had been selected seemed to come at the time when they really needed it the most, which is the thing that really stood out to everybody,” said Farnan. Next year, Farnan and Regent CEO Shannon Keil are already planning ahead to do the giveaway again, this time for educators. The new contest starts November 15 with dress selection planned for April 2022. For details, visit https://www.experiencetheregent.com/wedding-dress-giveaway.
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Page 10
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
KEEP HOLIDAY DELIVERIES SAFE CHEFS HOST GIRL SCOUT COOKIE-THEMED CHARITY EVENT WITH OPERATION PINCH-A-GRINCH Staff Report
By Brad Stager
Girl Scouts 40,000 meals of West Cento his commutral Florida’s nity, including signature first respondevent, Dessert ers, seniors First, presentand families ed by Publix in need during Super Market the COVID-19 Charities repandemic. turns on SatJoining Valurday, Novemdes in conjurber 20. This ing delightful adults-only confections are evening is filled local Tampa Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s signature event, Dessert Bay favorites, with Girl Scout First, presented by Publix Super Market Charities returns on Cookie-inspired including Chef Saturday, November 20. original dessert Thomas Bascreations by chefs sano of Bassano from some of the Cheesecakes, Chef Tampa Bay area’s Traci Bryant Ferfavorite restauguson of Caracara rants, a plated Tapas and Chef Taro dinner and drinks, Larrea of Eddie V’s. along with fabu“We are thrilled lous experiences to once again be and items to bid welcoming guests on during our auction. This year’s event to Dessert First,” said Mary Pat King, Girl will be emceed by Celebrity Chef and Flor- Scouts of West Central Florida CEO. “This ida Dairy Farmers Ambassador, Chef Chris has always been one of our council’s signaValdes. All proceeds support Girl Scouts of ture events, and with the addition of Chef West Central Florida. Tickets are on sale at Valdes, we are taking the event to the next gswcf.org/dessertfirst. level. Girl Scouts is all about building girls As the master of ceremonies, Valdes will of courage, confidence and character, and take guests on a culinary journey unlike the funds we raise through this event help any they have experienced before. They us continue to shape girls into the leaders will taste one of his delicious creations of tomorrow.” based on the brand-new Girl Scout cookie, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Adventurefuls. Valdes has been featured serves thousands of girls throughout Citon the cover of several magazines, national rus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Marion, PasTV shows such as Hallmark’s Home & Fam- co, Pinellas, Polk and Sumter Counties. ily and LIVE with Kelly and Ryan and was Those unable to attend the event can doa finalist on Food Network Star and Star nate to Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Salvation. The chef donated more than by visiting gswcf.org/donate.
Packages will be accepted on behalf of Hillsborough County residents only from the following online retailers: Amazon, FedEx, UPS and the United States Postal Service. Packages cannot weigh more than 50 pounds. Residents in the Osprey Observer distribution area can have their packages delivered to the District V office located about 1.5 miles north of Brandon Boulevard. HCSO requires packages be addressed to For the second consecutive year, HCSO’s Operation Pinch-A- the recipient in care of the HillsborGrinch will provide a way to keep holiday deliveries safe. ough County Sheriff’s Office. The address The supply chain for the District V offrom online retailers fice is 10128 Windto consumers usuhorst Rd. in Tampa. ally culminates with The HCSO District a timely delivery to III office in Northsomeone’s front door. If things go well, the intended recipients of western Hillsborough County is also particigoods, from Apple tech to zucchini bread, pating in Operation Pinch-A-Grinch. Recipients must show a valid, governwill take possession of their packages before criminals have a chance to steal them ment-issued, photographic identification card and order receipt, or proof of package in acts of porch piracy. Expensive gifts purchased online for shipment showing tracking information. home delivery during the Christmas holiday For child addressees, parents must provide shopping season are especially vulnerable proof of guardianship or child identification. “Operation Pinch-A-Grinch, which origas thieves keep an eye out for unattended deliveries. That’s why the Hillsborough inally launched in 2020 during the coroCounty Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is offering a navirus pandemic, safeguarded more than free way to ensure safe and secure delivery $10,000 worth of purchases,” said Chronisof online purchases for the second consec- ter, who contrasts that with documented thefts. utive year with Operation Pinch-A-Grinch. “Last year, we had more than 200 reports Online purchases can be shipped to two HCSO district offices for safekeeping and of package thefts in Hillsborough County, pickup from November 8 through Tuesday, which amounted to more than $130,000 December 21, but there will be no package in total losses.” Pickups can be made from pick-up on Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and November 25 or Black Friday on November 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sun26. No packages will be accepted after 8 day. You can find out more about Operation Pinch-A-Grinch at teamhcso.com. p.m. on Tuesday, December 21.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
November 2021
LOCAL RESIDENT BECOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SELAH FREEDOM ORGANIZATION
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PARKS & REC EARNS PRESTIGIOUS ACCREDITATION
Staff Report
New
inclusive
ming with more than and better fields 10,000 parfor soccer, baseticipants in ball, football and the last three lacrosse. A commityears. ment to recreation • Offers 350 opportunities for recreational everybody. Hillsborand educaough County’s dedition programs cation to all of these serving nearly community assets 6,000 chilhas earned Hillsbordren, adults, ough County Parks seniors and & Recreation acpeople with creditation through disabilities. the Commission for • Adaptive Accreditation of sports proPark and Recreation gram for peoAgencies (CAPRA) ple with disand the National abilities that Recreation and Park Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation recently received provides ongoAssociation (NPRA). accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of ing programs H i l l s b o r o u g h Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National in multiple Association (NPRA). County Parks & sports, includRecreation first earned the prestigious ing wheelchair basketball, track and field, CAPRA accreditation, which stays in ef- tennis, swimming and archery, for more fect for five years, in 2016. To pass the re- than 300 athletes. accreditation process, Parks & Recreation • Athletic Turf Program Initiative that is had to demonstrate compliance with more improving more than 100 high-use sports than 150 standards from quality of oper- fields in at-risk communities. ations to management to service to the • Converted a decommissioned wastecommunity. CAPRA accreditation is the water treatment plant into Carrollwood only national accreditation for park and Village Park. The park’s playground, splash recreation agencies and is a measure of an pad, pump track, fitness challenge course agency’s overall quality of operation, man- and walking trail attract more than 71,000 agement and service to the community. visitors monthly. Among Hillsborough County Parks & • Tree management program that inRecreation’s recent accomplishments: cludes evaluation of 11,000 trees and • Manages 167 parks, 53 recreation cen- planting of an additional 27,000 trees by ters and 118 playgrounds serving an area 2024 to mitigate effects of urbanization. of 1,020 square miles. To learn more, visit www.hillsborough• After-school and summer program- county.org.
By Libby Hopkins playgrounds. More
Local resident Stacey man trafficking organizaEfaw grew up in a military tion based in Florida and family. She came to the Tamthe Midwest with the pa Bay area in the 80s when mission to end sex trafher family was stationed at ficking and bring freedom MacDill Air Force Base. She to the exploited through graduated from Armwood four strong programs, High School and completed advocacy and awareness, her bachelor’s and MBA at prevention, outreach and the University of South Florresidential. ida. “I have over 20 years Selah Freedom connonprofit leadership expefronts the issue of sex rience,” Efaw said. “After a Stacey Efaw has been a part of the trafficking and is upheld short stint in the corporate Brandon community for many as the model for how to world, I began my nonprofit years. She has recently become the effectively bring solutions career at ECHO of Brandon. executive director of Selah Freedom, to survivors of sex trafI served as the executive di- which is a nonprofit that helps ficking and exploitation. victims of sex trafficking. rector there for 13 years. I ‘Selah’ is a Hebrew word was lucky to watch ECHO transform from which means to pause, rest and reflect. Sea small food pantry to one of the main lah Freedom gives survivors a chance to do social service agencies in Eastern Hills- just that. Women in its sex trafficking outborough County. After that, I served as reach program are provided the opportuexecutive director at the Humane Society nity to dream again—to discover who it is of Pinellas. Then I was chief development they were created to be. “The issue we deal officer at Habitat for Humanity in Pinellas with is tough and not one that many want and West Pasco, the second largest Habi- to tackle,” Efaw said. “We have two safe tat in the U.S.” homes, one short-term and a longer proEfaw recently become the executive di- gram. I am proud of the loving approach rector of Selah Freedom, which is a non- that Selah Freedom takes when dealing profit that works with victims of human with the survivors. They have already been trafficking. “I am very excited about my through so much and really need someone new position at Selah Freedom,” Efaw to give them a chance and encourage them said. “We have had great success in the so that they can have a better life. I am Sarasota area. We have begun program- thrilled that Selah Freedom has such an ming throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough innovative prevention program that goes County and I know, with the communi- into the schools and teaches our children ty’s support, we will have similar results about sex trafficking so they can be aware in these counties as well. There are many and recognize the signs of traffickers.” more people that need our help and our If you’d like to learn more about Selah team is passionate about helping them.” Freedom, you can visit its website at www. Selah Freedom is a nonprofit anti-hu- selahfreedom.com.
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Page 11
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
KIMBERLEY MALAJ WRITES BOOK SERIES THAT OFFERS FAST-PACED ADVENTURE WITH MANY TWISTS
Volume 19, Issue 11
STUDY SHOWS CONTINUED GROWTH FOR SOUTH COUNTY By Michelle Caceres
By Kathy L. Collins Former MiraBay Breeze castle from an attack resident Kimberley Malead by Poseidon and laj has written a series of Medusa. books based upon NorthThe third book, Proern Albanian folk tales, tectors of Time, will be myths and legends. Malaj published this month. now lives on her husband, Protectors of Time is set Arti’s 10th generation six months after Itra homestead in Bajzë, Albaand Danae were ejected nia. from the Castle of TesAccording to Malaj, kom, then an alarming “The fantasy series is wophone call sends them ven from the fabric of my back, and new life here. The Albanot by nian folklore and scenery choice. described in the books are Kimberly Malaj, a former They are area resident, has written from my hiking experiencaided by several books inspired by exes and tales my husband ploration of her husband Arthe supand his family have shared. ti’s home country of Albania port of The series offers a high- and its beautiful mountains. the new paced adventure with lots Her latest book, Protectors of alliance Time, will be published this of twists.” of demonth. Malaj’s first book, Castle scendants of Teskom, is the first in the series known from the bloodlines of Zeus and Mui and as the Ember in Time series. Castle of Tes- the Protectors of Time. They arrive just kom is based upon Itra and Danae, who in time to defend the castle from Ember’s stumble across an ancient secret kept scorned ex-lover, Chronos. But the list of hidden behind a reflection in time near opponents evolves as they uncover an antheir Albanian home. A faded memory and cient prophecy of a new beginning of time cryptic messages have propelled them to between the four dimensions. risk an encounter with foes from Greek Malaj has also written a fourth book, mythology, altering their perception of Al- which is nonfiction, The Old Untold. It is banian folklore and reality. inspired by the weekly conversations with The second book, Recover or Yield, is her 87-year-old Grandma Rex, a true legbased on Danae and her brother, Leon, end and Vietnam War widow. descendants of Zeus, who are thrust into Malaj’s books are available both online a world they barely understand. A new and in hardcover versions. You can also responsibility to protect and serve the request her books at your local libraries. goddess Ember and the Castle of Teskom Audiobook versions of the books will be after Danae’s husband, Itra, a descendant available the end of 2022. For more inforof Mui, and his family failed to protect the mation, please visit www.kimmalaj.com.
Current long-term growth plans show continued population increases and continued school construction in south Hillsborough County, including an addition to Spoto High School.
Hillsborough County School Board members will meet on Tuesday, November 16 to review and discuss the Tindale Oliver Long Range School Planning Study update and the impact of growth on the district. The study, which is an update to a 2017 study, reviews trends in population, planned and proposed development in the county, existing capacity in schools, the cost of debt and maintenance and the estimated cost of building new schools. Initial findings show Hillsborough County continues to be a high-growth county, the South County area will require 15 out of 18 additional district schools, there is a high level of available capacity and impact fees are likely to generate sufficient revenues to build the future schools. There is also an opportunity to repurpose some schools in the central part of the county (including Gibsonton). A repurposing analysis showed underutilized schools, especially at the middle school level, can be converted to better utilize current district schools. Gibsonton Elementary School’s current utilization rate is 75 percent. Some middle schools, including Sligh, McLane and Giunta Middle Schools, have utilization rates as low as 51 percent. It is estimated that Hillsborough County will require 18 schools in the next 15 years, 15 of them in South County. In the near future, four new elementary schools, two new
middle schools and one new high school will be constructed in the South County area. “From a planning perspective, it’s important that our long-range plans continue to evolve and not sit on a shelf gathering dust,” said General Manager of Growth Management Amber Dickerson. “We want to be ahead of the game and ensure that the school board can start building a 15-year inventory of school sites which we haven’t historically been able to do because we haven’t had the funding to do that.” School impact fees, charges assessed to new construction for the impact that is created by new development and help support school construction, have increased from $4,000 to $8,000, money that has been able to be set aside for property purchases. The study also shows that a specific plan is needed for Plant City because the study suggests that, as Southern Hillsborough County growth slows, there will be a population increase there. “South Hillsborough County continues to be a hot growth area,” said Dickerson. “We want to have a robust inventory of sites, so a year or two before we need a school site, we’re ready to move dirt.” For more information about Hillsborough County Public Schools’ long-range plans, call 272-4896 or visit www.hillsboroughschools.org/domain/2920.
November 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 13
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
STRAY CAT FINDS FOREVER HOME AND BECOMES AN ACTION HERO
Staff Report
Wakefield, a Riverview resident, always had a dream of writing a fantasy novel for young readers. Since he was young, he envisioned creating a fantasy world filled with colorful, hybrid animals. He loved the idea of blending two or three animals together to create a magnificent new species and dreamed about breathing life into a world filled with those creatures. That dream recently became Riverview resident Ryan Wakefield wrote the award-winning a reality with the publication book Journey to Jumbalot. of his award-winning debut “The only thing bigger than his appetite novel titled Journey to Jumbalot for young was his heart.” That’s how local award-win- readers aged 11-14. ning author Ryan Wakefield described his The book’s premise is about an engibest friend and the pet who changed his neer’s housecat, Alby, and his adventurous life. search for his missing friend named Profes“I was just sitting on a patio chair one sor Vincent Wizoom. Wizoom is a brilliant day and next thing I know, this large, lov- engineer and builds an unusual triangular ing cat jumped up into my lap,” he said. doorway inside his laboratory. Following “This unexpected visitor decided right then the completion of the doorway, Wizoom and there that he was staying with me, and mysteriously vanishes. To Alby’s astonishI became a pet owner.” ment, the doorway opens independently He named his new friend Albert. and his compassion for his missing friend “I was amazed at how large he was com- gives him the strength to venture through pared to other cats; he could easily push the door and find himself transported to a open my heavy sliding door when he want- strange, new world—Jumbalot. Jumbalot ed out and he even taught himself how to is not a typical fantasy world filled with turn on the faucet to get a fresh drink of dragons, elves and goblins. No, Jumbalot is water,” said Wakefield, who explained that inhabited with hybrid animals called jumwhile amusing, it was not so funny when boos that include the following: menacing Albert did that when he was at work, espe- mantaravens, friendly froguars, couracially when the water bills arrived. geous tigeroons, wise pandowls and much The two were fast friends for 13 years more. until Albert succumbed to poor health. Journey to Jumbalot is the recent recipThat’s when Wakefield, an accomplished ient of multiple awards. graphic artist, decided to make Albert the Visit www.jumbalot.com to learn more lead character in a new fantasy adventure about the novel, which is available as novel to honor his memory. e-book or paperback via Amazon.
Volume 19, Issue 11
PFLAG HONORED AT NATIONAL CONVENTION Staff Report Last month, the night. members of PFLAG That same Riverview were evening, she presented with a attended Chapter Award our PFLAG from PFLAG NaRiverview tional during the support closing ceremomeeting nies of We Are the on Zoom, Change: the 2021 where we PFLAG National were able to Convention. This Last month, members of PFLAG Riverview were presented with grieve with award recognizes a Chapter Award from PFLAG National during the closing her and ofPFLAG Riverview’s ceremonies of We Are the Change: the 2021 PFLAG National fer her love contributions to and supConvention. PFLAG’s threefold mission of support, edu- port. In some ways, this tragic loss made a cation and advocacy. group of strangers friends, and today cho“I could not be more honored, excited sen family for many of us.” and proud of my PFLAG Riverview Family’s Throughout the rest of 2020, the group first year as a chapter,” said Faith Moeller, met every week on Zoom. PFLAG Riverview president and co-found“Everyone is welcome no matter where er and mother of two LGBTQ+ youth. they are at on their journey,” said Moeller. PFLAG is the first and largest organiza- “We have grown to 100 members includtion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender ing LGBTQ+ adults and youth, grandparand queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents, ents, parents and allies—in our very first families and allies. With over 400 chapters year, in spite of the pandemic. Presently, and nearly 250,000 members and sup- we offer both monthly virtual and in-perporters crossing multiple generations of son support at The Regent in Riverview, as families in major urban centers, small cit- well as social and community event oppories and rural areas across America, PFLAG tunities.” is committed to creating a world where In addition to receiving the award, diversity is celebrated and all people are PFLAG Riverview members joined hunrespected, valued and affirmed. dreds of other PFLAGers from across the Moeller is especially proud to receive the country during the three-day We Are the recognition considering the restrictions Change virtual convention. placed on the group due to the pandemic. “The We Are the Change virtual conven“We met only once in person to offer tion is an opportunity for people who are in-person support and a safe space for LGBTQ+ and people who have LGBTQ+ LGBTQ+ people, their families and allies be- loved ones in their lives, as well as comfore the world shut down for the pandem- munity leaders, PFLAG chapter members ic,” she explained. “The following month and LGBTQ+ allies, to gather, network and on April 13, the new plan was to meet on learn,” said Moeller. Zoom. That very morning, I received a call To learn more about PFLAG, visit pflag. from a new member letting me know that org, or follow them on Twitter @pflag or her husband had taken his own life during Instagram @pflag.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
November 2021
MARY & MARTHA HOUSE DEDICATES BUILDING TO FORMER DIRECTOR
By Kate Quesada
The SouthShore comBut Chini feels that munity lost one of its the biggest impact most impactful citizens she made was on the in September when Laulives that she changed, rie Herring, executive from the women and director of the Mary & children she helped to Martha House in Ruskin, those she inspired to passed away. But the help others. staff and board of direc“She changed the tors have made sure that lives of so many,” he Herring’s name will live said. “It’s nice to hear on in the place where she Mary & Martha House Executive Dithat, but actually think changed the lives of hun- rector Laurie Herring passed away in about that, think about September. Last month, a shelter was actually changing somedreds of women. named after her. Last month, one of the one’s life. It’s a very shelters Mary & Martha overwhelming thought, House uses to house wombut something Laurie did en and their children fleeon a regular basis. People ing domestic violence was like Laurie can’t be dunamed Laurie’s Magnolia plicated, we can only be House in her honor. thankful for the time we According to Bill Chini, were able to learn from who stepped up as Mary her and do our best to car& Martha’s executive diry on her legacy.” rector, the decision to name the shelter As a way to continue Herring’s legacy, after Herring was left up to the staff. Mary & Martha House Fashion and Home “Laurie created the name Magnolia Goods Store will host a retail sale event House, much from her love of flowers, and market on the second Saturday of naming all the rooms in the house after each month, starting from December 11 different flowers,” said Chini. “That is through April, in cooperation with Jen’s Laurie’s house. That shelter would have Market. The market will take place from never happened if it wasn’t for Laurie. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the store, which is locatShe built that house. It’s her house, and ed at 312 S. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Ruskin. now everyone will know that, forever.” “We are super excited to be partnering Herring, a Riverview resident, was 56 with Jen and her huge following,” said years old when she passed away on Sep- Chini. “She always brings something spetember 15. She touched many lives during cial to her markets. I think the exposure her time at Mary & Martha House, where for our store will be critical moving forshe aided women in becoming self-suffi- ward for our mission at Mary & Martha cient after escaping domestic violence. House.” “Next to the word ‘impact’ in the dicTo learn more about Mary & Martha tionary is a picture of Laurie,” said Chini. House, call 645-7874 or visit www.ma“She impacted everything she touched.” rymarthahouse.org.
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Page 15
SEEDS OF HOPE TURKEY TROT RETURNS WITH COMMUNITY SUPPORT By Kate Quesada two years ago, Seeds of Hope is offering the Turkey Trot two ways this year, in person or virtual, so that everyone can run wherever and whenever they choose. Race Director Leda Eaton is pleased to be offering the race once again. “People have missed it,” she said. “My family missed it. It’s the beginning of Thanksgiving … such a family fun event: people taking photos The Rutledge family, owners of Pinch A Penny FishHawk, located at with our mascot turkeys, 16715 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, are the title sponsors of the Seeds of kids making crafts and Hope FishHawk Turkey Trot taking place in person and virtually on dancing the ‘Wobble’ song, Thursday, November 25. families running together— This year, two of the Thanksgiving seait just makes you smile. Afson’s greatest traditions are back—the ter this past year and a half, we all need FishHawk Turkey Trot and the generosity that.” of the community that comes along with New this year, the race will be offering it. the first 100 across the finish line a goody Seeds of Hope’s largest fundraiser will bag of race-themed prizes in lieu of age take place in person or virtually on Thurs- group medals. day, November 25, and thanks to the rac“It’s a much easier way to distribute ers and the many community sponsors, prizes and requires less standing around funds raised from the event will provide by participants,” said Eaton. “Also, know for thousands at the charity’s weekly food before you go … It’s a large race, so socialpantry distributions. ly distancing and wearing masks for those Pinch A Penny FishHawk, located unvaccinated will be recommended.” across from Newsome High School in the Get your spot before pricing increases. Winn-Dixie shopping plaza, kicked off Don’t delay—registering will ensure you the season with a generous donation of and your family have the coolest shirts at $10,000 last month, making it the event’s your Thanksgiving table. Keep up to date title sponsor. on race announcements through the Seeds “It’s important that businesses give of Hope Facebook page. back to the community they operate in, All proceeds from the race support loand knowing 100 percent of what we give cal charity Seeds of Hope, Inc., which progoes directly to those in need makes Seeds vides weekly distributions of food through of Hope an easy choice,” said Larry Rut- a food bank, school backpack of food proledge, owner of Pinch A Penny FishHawk. gram and mobile pantry. For more inforWith over 2,300 in-person participants mation, visit www.sohopefl.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
RIVERCREST HOSTS COMMUNITY EVENTS TO BENEFIT CHARITY
Staff Report
The Rivercrest community is offering two events this season to allow residents to help a local charity, Grow Into You Foundation. Lace up your running shoes on Saturday, November 13 for the first annual Rivercrest Community Ready…Set…Grow 5K run/walk raising funds for Grow Into You Foundation, which exists to provide coaching and mentoring services to individuals experiencing a hardship, particularly youth and those within the foster care systems. “These services will educate, empower and give perspective to those that need it most. Grow Into You Foundation will empower foster teens as well as underprivileged and at-risk youth and their families so they can overcome their hardships and become the best version of themselves,” said Organizer Kacey Folger with Events by KC. The 5k race begins at 11560 Ramble Creek Rd. in Riverview at 8 a.m. and ends at the same point. The fun run will start at 9 a.m. “This will be a great run with friends and family for runners of all skill levels and will be timed,” said Folger. Packet pickup will be on Friday, November 6 from 6-8 p.m. as well as on the day of the race from 6:30-7:45 a.m. Race
registration will end on Friday, November 12 at 9 a.m. There will be race registering at 7 a.m. 5K participants will receive a shirt, medal and surprise swag. Fun run kids will receive a shirt, and there will be a DJ playing music, a food truck and vendors. A virtual option is also available. To register for the race, sign up as a vendor or if you have questions regarding being a sponsor, please contact Folger/ Events by KC at 240-4107 or eventsbykacey@gmail.com. Sign up directly at https://rivercrestrun.itsyourrace.com. The event’s Facebook page can be found by searching ‘Rivercrest Run/Ready.Set. Grow 5K.’ If running is not your speed, mark your calendars for Rivercrest’s first S’mores & Stores event on Saturday, December 11 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Shop through over 40 local vendors just in time for Christmas. A food truck, DJ and Santa will be there giving out the s’mores. Proceeds go to Grow Into You Foundation. Vendor spaces are available at $35 for a 10x10 space. For additional information on signing up as a vendor, please contact Folger at 240-4107 or eventsbykc@ gmail.com.
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Volume 19, Issue 11
HIGH SCHOOL VET TECH PROGRAM HELPS STUDENTS TRAIN FOR FUTURE
By Michelle Caceres
Former Sumner Medical Association teacher Jordan Her(FVMA) to become a nandez’s class went certified veterinary to the dogs…literally. assistant (CVA). Her students, in the Sumner’s Veterischool’s Veterinary nary Assisting ProAssisting Program, gram is just one of a offer a once-a-week number of elementadoggy day care for ry, middle and high faculty members’ caschool programs nine friends, which offered to allow stuprovides pamperdents opportunities to ing for the pooches discover, explore and while giving students refine their talents hands-on experience and interests while in animal husbandry, Sumner High School’s Veterinary Assisting Pro- focusing on excellence grooming and pet gram offers a doggy day care to faculty members. in academics. Options care. can be based on location, curriculum, interThe program started last year and geared ests or system of learning (either brick-andtowards students seeking a career working mortar or virtual schools). Programs include with animals. a particular theme or focus, such as mathe“My students were so excited about start- matics, science, technology, communications, ing a doggy day care that they were willing international affairs, business, performing to work hard to secure the necessary fund- arts or industry certifications. Collegiate ing and donations to begin the program,” academies help students earn a high school said Hernandez. “To be able to train using live diploma and a college degree upon graduaanimals is a bonus.” tion. Medical science programs prepare stuThe Veterinary Assisting Program, also dents for medial careers. offered at Lennard, East Bay, Riverview, “It’s crucial to offer our learners a multiStrawberry Crest, Brandon, Freedom and tude of dynamic programs that will prepare Chamberlain High Schools, helps students them for fulfilling careers,” said Superintenfeel a sense of accomplishment, have a com- dent Addison Davis. “The district’s robust petitive edge upon graduation and become magnet and choice program options exemmore marketable in their career. plify our dedication to finding every child’s Hernandez, herself a certified veterinary passion and inspiration in the classroom.” assistant who went through Riverview High’s Parents and legal guardians may choose Veterinary Assisting Program while she was from a list of choice/magnet schools with in school, said approximately 10-15 students space available during open application wineach year complete all four years of the pro- dow, from October 29 through Saturday, Degram and also finish the required 250 expe- cember 11. riential hours in a veterinary office. Those For info about choice schools, visit www. students qualify to take the industry certi- hillsboroughschools.org or call the Student fication test through the Florida Veterinary Placement Information Line at 272-4692.
November 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 17
TNT TERMITE & PEST CONTROL WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS
By Michelle Caceres
making sure bugs stay outside her customers’ homes and businesses. “It’s especially gratifying to hire these two women and welcome them to our TNT family as we have strived to achieve diversity in our hiring,” said Co-Owner Bonnie Tekampe. “Our business model meshes well with their other responPest Control Technicians Amanda Holdren and Ariel Faulkner love sibilities of being wives, working for TNT Termite & Pest Control. mothers and homemakMost little girls don’t imagers.” ine themselves growing up to For nearly 12 years, work with insects. Even fewTNT Termite & Pest er would imagine themselves Control, owned by Ed working in the professional and Bonnie Tekampe, pest management industry. has offered compreTNT Termite & Pest Conhensive prevention and trol Technician Amanda Holtreatment solutions for dren wasn’t like most girls. Florida’s creepiest of “I was always a tomboy and loved playing creepy crawlies, from ants and roaches to outside and with bugs growing up,” she said. ‘sugar’ ants and spiders. That is, until, at 6 years old, she was bitten The company also provides affordable, by a carpenter ant that was crawling on her EPA-compliant solutions to prevent or elimhand. inate termites from destroying a family’s “I remember being mad and telling my largest investment. Subterranean termites, mom that I thought it was my friend,” she the most common termite in Eastern Hillssaid. borough County, are responsible for most of It’s no wonder that now, as an adult, she the termite damage reported each year. spends her days providing full-service resiThe Tekampe family, whose son, Andy, is dential and commercial pest management also a certified TNT operator, has a passion services in the Greater Brandon area. for helping others. “This is my dream job, and getting to know “Being a family-owned and operated comcustomers is an absolute bonus on top of pany, we value family and the community,” that,” said Holdren. “Working for TNT has said Bonnie. really been a huge blessing for me and my TNT Termite & Pest Control is open Monfamily.” day-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 Holdren isn’t the only female in the TNT a.m.-12 p.m. Visit www.tnttermiteandpestfamily. Technician Ariel Faulkner, who also control.com or to schedule a service appointprofessed to be a tomboy growing up, enjoys ment call 716-9196 or 760-2691.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
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November 2021
Page 19
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
FLORIDA RV TRADE ASSOCIATION TAMPA STEEL FABRICATION COMPANY ANNOUNCES LOCAL EXPANSION HOSTS TAMPA BAY FALL RV SHOW By Michelle Caceres By Sharon Still
Admission is $5 per adult; children ages 16 and under are free. Military and first responders are discounted $1 off the price of admission for all days of the show and seniors get a $1 discount on Thursday, November 11. Bring a canned good for Metropolitan Ministries and receive $1 off admission for all days of In addition to all makes and models of RVs, the Tampa Bay Fall RV Show the show. vendors will showcase everything from accessories for your RV to discounted For those who campground stays. wish to particiThe RV lifestyle is so hot right pate, there will now dealers are having trouble be two $100 keeping their lots stocked for poAmerican Extential buyers. If you have already press Gift Cards made the plunge into RV life or are given away as a just looking to get your feet wet, door prize each the Tampa Bay Fall RV Show is the day. place to go. Show hours The Tampa Bay Fall RV Show are November offers the opportunity to see it all 11 through Satunder one roof, from travel trailers urday, Novemand fifth wheels to motorized RVs ber 13, 9 a.m.-5 in all shapes and sizes. Attendees p.m., and Sunwill be able to tour the RVs and there also day, November 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Leashed will be a variety of vendors offering ser- pets are welcome. vices and accessories for RVs. Vendors will The Florida State Fairgrounds is located include campgrounds, RV rental compa- at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. in Tampa. Visit nies and others. It is a great way for peo- the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVple to learn about the different offerings TA) website, www.frvta.com, for a coupon and see the advancements in RVs over the and more information about the upcoming years, as these days they are equipped show. Make sure to subscribe to FRVTA on with USB chargers throughout and other YouTube to see the sneak peek and openconveniences. ing day videos.
T a m p a Bay EDC is conTa n k - F l o r i d a necting TamStructure Steel, pa Tank with a Precision Build local workSolutions, LLC force training company, has anprograms to nounced plans to help establish expand its Tama candidate pa headquarters pipeline, parlocated at 12781 ticularly skilled U.S. Hwy. 41 S. welders. Tamin Gibsonton. The pa Tank joins company plans to a growing list invest $3 million of companies in new equipment that have anand add 60 new Tampa Tank-Florida Structure Steel, a Precision Build nounced exjobs by the end of Solutions, LLC company, has announced plans to expand pansions in Hillsits Tampa headquarters located at 12781 U.S. Hwy. 41 S. borough County, 2022. in Gibsonton. “Business has including Integbeen returning this year, and we’re pleased rity Express Logistics, Amazon and Cirkul. to be back to pre-COVID levels with plans Over the past 10 years, manufacturto expand even further next year,” said Ja- ing employment in the Tampa metro area son Bahamonde, vice president of fabrica- has grown to be the second largest in the tion and general manager. “We have a long state with more than 8,000 jobs added. and proud history in Tampa, and we look During the same time period, Tampa saw forward to partnering with local organiza- an increase of 13 percent, or nearly 350 tions to create a robust workforce pipeline new manufacturing businesses established. and grow our team.” In 2020, the manufacturing industry proTampa Tank was established in 1953 in duced $11 billion in GDP for the Tampa area, Tampa and acquired Florida Structural with the average annual percent change in Steel in 1984. The company is a diversified the past 10 years up 4.5 percent, compared custom job shop of heavy steel fabrication to the nation’s 2.3 percent. weldments. For more than 60 years, Tam“Manufacturing has a long history in pa Tank has served customers around the Tampa and Hillsborough County and proworld as a one-stop shop for welded steel vides a broad range of career opportunities products of nearly any size and specifica- for our highly skilled and specialized worktion. force,” said Jim Weiss, chair of the Tampa Tampa Tank has added 40 new jobs this Bay Economic Development Council and reyear to bring its workforce back to pre-pan- gional president of Fifth Third Bank. “We’re demic levels. By the end of 2022, it plans proud to work with a well-established local to recruit 60 more welders, fitters, ma- company like Tampa Tank as they continue chinists and equipment operators with an to expand in Hillsborough County.” average wage of $21 per hour. The Tampa To learn more, visit www.tti-fss.com.
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As always, we are here for any legal support you may need and wish everyone good health.
November 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
RIVERVIEW RESIDENT ORGANIZES SUICIDE AWARENESS SHOWDOWN By Kate Quesada Has your life been to overcome touched by suicide? the darkness, If it has, you are while educating not alone, and Apoland supporting lo Beach resident those who are Celeste Hudson is still struggling helping to organize and those who an event this month love them. that will help spread “Education is the word about rethe key to helpsources available ing all individto assist in mental uals of all ages crisis and celebrate and genders reThe Suicide Awareness Showdown will take place on Saturday, those who chose alize that there November 27 at the Straz Center in Tampa. life. are options The first part that will enof the four-part able them Suicide Awareto choose ness Showdown life as they (SAS) will take resolve their place on Saturchallenges,” day, February said 18-year26, 2022 at the old LAB Straz Center in Co-Founder Tampa with a and Chief Night at the OsOperating cars theme. Hudson, who works with local Officer Aniah Danielle Edwards. “As we nonprofit Live Achieve Believe, Inc. (LAB), grieve for those who felt they had no other is one of the event founders. Her group is option, we want to bring more attention working with other local organizations like to suicide prevention and celebrate those the Tampa Bay Crisis Center to celebrate who have chosen life.” those who have chosen life over suicide. Established in 2019, LAB provides sui“Suicide doesn’t have a face, demograph- cide awareness and therapist matching ic, ethnicity or any specific feature—it can services to residents throughout Florida. affect anyone,” said Hudson. “The SAS is A hybrid event, SAS will offer limited designed to celebrate life, the fact that we seating at the Straz Center’s Ferguson Hall have been through so much these past two and a virtual option for online viewing. For years and we are still here.” advanced seating and online reservations, The event will feature live performances, visit www.thelab-inc.org. dancing, singing, poetry and awards which Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities will be presented to anti-suicide advo- are still available for this event. To become cates. The goal is to celebrate individuals a sponsor, call 588-5010 or email info@ who struggled with suicide and were able thelab-inc.org.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
THE ROAMIN’ OLDIES CAR CLUB OF SUN CITY CENTER
NEW WINTHROP ARTS MOBILE ART FACTORY ART EXHIBIT FEATURES MUSIC AND MUSICIANS
The Roamin’ Oldies vation award. I drive Car Club of Sun City my collectible cars Center is dedicated and the Toronado to the enjoyment is pretty luxurious, and use of interesteasy on my 86-yearing cars and trucks. old bones and has air Its members’ vehiconditioning.” cles include antiques, The Roamin’ Oldies collectibles, street will host a cruise-in rods and even an from 1-4 p.m. on the occasional tractor. The Roamin’ Oldies Car Club of Sun City Center is first Sunday of every They range from dedicated to the enjoyment and use of interesting month, with a rain cars and trucks. award-winning resdate on the following torations to works-in-progress of ques- Sunday at the Mira Bay Village Shopping tionable heritage. Center on U.S. 41 in Apollo Beach. “About The club was formed to share the 100 of the area’s finest antique and colmembers’ common interest in all things lectible cars often take part, accompaautomotive and to enjoy the company of nied by classic oldies music played by DJ like-minded friends. The members also Joey Ferrante,” Courter said. “We’d like to take pleasure in helping those less fortu- continue to build on our current successnate among them. Many of its events are es with strong attendance at our monthconducted in support of local charities, ly cruise-ins and especially our upcoming particularly those dedicated to children, Christmas season show, which benefits the elderly and others in need. several charities in our local area.” “We started in 2002 with a dozen or If you ask Courter what he likes most so folks deciding to get together to share about being a member of the club, he’ll tell the fun of fixing, driving and showing off you the friends he has made since joining the cars they love,” said club member Paul the club. “[They’re] great people, happy to Courter. “We have more than 100 mem- be together with others with a shared inbers and also attract other collectible car terest in automobiles,” Courter said. “Most and truck owners to our monthly cruise-in are much more mechanically talented than at Apollo Beach.” me, glad to share their expertise and lend a Like most members, Courter has been a helping hand. The club provides an opporcar guy forever. “When we started the club, tunity to do just that, as well as providing I was driving a 1973 Triumph TR6 we’d a way to show off the cars and trucks we had for 33 years,” Courter said. “I didn’t love. We also enjoy using the club to help find a lot of British car interest hereabouts others when we can by bringing our vehiand switched to a 1960 Oldsmobile 88 cles to events like charity shows and visits convertible, which I kept for 15 years. My to area retirement centers.” current car is a 1980 Oldsmobile Toronado. If you would like to learn more about the It has just 29,000 miles on the odometer Roamin’ Oldies Car Club, you can visit its and is a past winner of a historical preser- website at www.roaminoldies.com.
Winthrop Arts has a Annabel Saavenew exhibit created by dra is the Commuthe students who atnity Coordinator tend the Winthrop Arts for Hispanic SerMobile Art Factory on vices Council in display at Krazy Kup loPlant City. Saavecated at 101 EJ Arden dra said, “The stuMays Blvd. in historic dents made some downtown Plant City. beautiful pieces of The exhibit was created art. It is very hard with Lead Art Instructo pick a favorite. It tor, Bryant Martinez, is also hard not to and students from Hissmile when you see panic Services Council the kids’ little faces in Plant City. beam with pride The theme of the as they admire all current exhibit is muthe canvases hung sic. Martinez said, “I up on Krazy Kup’s wanted to do a theme brick wall. We had based on music bethe fortune of cause Krazy Kup offers The new art exhibit on display at Krazy Kup in having families live music. I wanted to Plant City features the artwork of students, like come out to share pay homage to Krazy Josue Robiero, shown here with his art inspira- the special art extion, Dr. Roy Yanong. Kup for providing the hibition.” art space in their courtyard so that the Saavedra added, “Krazy Kup’s art wall students’ art work can be shown in pub- speaks so much for the livelihood of our lic. I also wanted to honor several of our community. Every painting is unique with supporters.” both personality and identity. It is all a Two of the supporters who are featured mixing pot, reflecting what a community in the paintings are Dr. Roy Yanong (Dr. should be at its core- diverse, different Roy) and Tad Denham. Dr. Roy is a founding backgrounds that blend together and unify board member of Winthrop Arts. Denham, to make up, build up and create a connecwho is retired from TECO, has supported tion of people. We hope to continue our Winthrop Arts from its inception. great partnership with Winthrop Arts and Guests, the student artists and their their Mobile Art Factory.” families attended an artists’ reception at The Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory Krazy Kup on Thursday, September 23. is a grant funded and community supportJosue Robiero, age nine, worked on the ed outreach program. Grant funding is painting of Dr. Roy and his guitar. Robiero received from the Arts Council of Hillsborsaid, “My art looks beautiful, and making it ough County and Suncoast Credit Union. was fun. My family said that they enjoyed To learn more, please visit www.winseeing my artwork.” throparts.org.
By Libby Hopkins
By Kathy L. Collins
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
November 2021
Page 23
Thanksgiving reminds us to be grateful for all we have -- and to help those less fortunate. Here are some worthy organizations that welcome your donations here in our community! Feeding Tampa Bay, serving needs countywide: 813-254-1190 or feedingtampabay.org Seeds of Hope, organizing the Nov. 25 FishHawk Turkey Trot, Lithia: info@sohopefl.org St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, St. Stephen Catholic Church, Riverview: 813-689-4900 ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization), Brandon: 813-685-0935 Redlands Christian Migrant Association, Wimauma: 813-671-5264
100 sales & rents closed in 2020 RE/MAX Hall of Fame, Top 1% among all agents across Tampa Bay Certified Luxury Home Specialist 29-year resident of Riverview “I live here. I love it here. And I sell here like no one else!”
I have free ad space for groups or events that improve our community. Call me with your ideas! — Ann Marie
Riverwatch, the gated part of Riverglen west/southwest of FishHawk & Bloomingdale, is where you’ll find all the pool homes on this page. That includes this 4-bedroom-&-bonus, 3-bath, 3,000-SF beauty with more than an acre & no rear neighbor! Here you’ll discover upgrades throughout, including new appliances, carpeting, refinished cabinets, a 2-zone HVAC new in 2019, dimensional-shingle roof in 2018 -- & almost every aspect of the heated, saltwater pool & spa new or improved in the last 5 years. Custom window treatments, fresh paint, & many other extras are waiting, too. The 3-way split of beds & baths provides flexibility upstairs & down, & of course there’s a 3-car garage. Newly listed at $565,000.
A new roof & a cul-de-sac spot make this big pool home a smart choice even before you enter! The decision becomes easier once you see how the 3,100-SF design creates flexible options for occupancy! 5 bedrooms with new carpet & 4 full baths are arranged in a 4-way split of separate suites, allowing the master to be upstairs or down. A tiled foyer is flanked by French-doored rooms that can be formal living & dining, offices, etc. The heart of the home is a huge family room with built-in shelves beside a kitchen with casual dining area overlooking the pool. A 3-car garage, fresh exterior paint, & privacy-fenced 1/4 acre complete the picture. Under contract after sellers reduced price to $504,900.
Just 2 doors down from the home shown above right, this 4-bed/3-bath is 750 SF smaller but much more upgraded! Under a 2018 roof, the sellers renovated the entire interior since last year: Spanish porcelain tile in the wood-plank style, granite counters with undermount sinks, stainless-steel appliances, custom blinds on every window & slider, plus new fans, lights, handles, fixtures, outlets, toilets, shelves, medicine cabinets & more. With fresh paint in & out, new water filter & softener system, tankless water heater, heated pool, rock waterfall, 2018 roof & a privacy-fenced 1/4 acre, it’s easy to see why it attracted multiple contract offers in only 2 days on the market last month at its list price of $475,000.
Finally, here’s a Riverwatch rental that I listed & will manage for its out-of-state owners! (I can help landlords, too.) It’s a 2,374-SF 4/3/2 with a pool overlooking a woodsy pond. No worries here with a 2016 roof, new gas water heater, fresh paint inside & out, tile & wood laminate floors (no carpet), plus an updated kitchen featuring stainless-steel appliances. . Granite, tile, wood, crown, decorative columns, built-in shelves & more give this home the extra touches to separate it from many other rentals. Best of all is that tree-lined, peaceful, water view in a security-gated community near quality schools, shops, restaurants, commuter routes & more. New neighbors arrived this month at a rental price of $2,895.
Email: annmarievaughan @verizon.net Web: annmarievaughan. realtor
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
Celebrating 40 Years Serving our Community Thinking it’s time for a new roof? Do you think your roof may have wind damage? DO NOT REPLACE YOUR ROOF WITHOUT LETTING US TAKE A LOOK!
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Riverview/Apollo Beach
ENTRY FORM IN SECTION 3
New Apollo Beach Society Wine Bar Opens Apollo Beach has been eagerly awaiting the opening of Apollo Beach Society Wine Bar, and it did not disappoint. It is a fun, educational wine bar with over 200 wines available by the bottle and glass, over 100 craft beers and small food plates to accompany these. Live music will also entertain guests. It is located at 238 Harbor Village Ln. in Apollo Beach, and opening hours are Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 12 Noon-12 Midnight; and Sunday, 12 Noon-10 p.m. Visit www.apollobeachwinebar.com or by calling 331-3907. Follow it on Facebook and Twitter @apollobeachsocietywinebar.
CZ’s Adventure Jumps Bounce House And Slide Rentals
CZ’s Adventure Jumps has the coolest bounce house rentals and water slide rentals. Its inflatables are brandnew and sure to wow your kids and guests. It is a family-owned party equipment rental service based in Ruskin that delivers to most of Hillsborough County. CZ’s Adven-
ture Jumps can’t wait to make your party memorable with its selection of jumpers, inflatable water slides, combo inflatables, bounce castles and more. Visit its website at www.czsadventurejumps.com to book your rental today. Follow on Facebook @czsadventurejumps.
achieve their financial goals. His role is to advise clients and keep them on track to achieving their financial goals while simultaneously providing exceptional customer service. “It is always about the clients’ needs and never about my own. Therefore, what’s important to you is important to me, as it should be,” said McCormick. McCormick’s services are available at Brown Comfort Systems Heating Ameriprise Financial, located at 1517 Sun And Air Celebrates 16 Years In City Center Plaza, Ste. A in Sun City CenBusiness ter. For more, call 634-5677 or visit ameriIn 2005, Deforest Brown decided to start AJ’s Fine Wines offers custom bottle engraving. Reserve priseadvisors.com/mikemccormick/. his own heating and air conditioning compayour personalized gift today. ny as he did not like the way big box stores Bill Lavender Credit Restoration of Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve Bourtreated their customers and knew that he Specialist bons. These make for the perfect personalcould do better by providing reliable and Looking to restore or repair your credized holiday gift, thank-you present or a ‘just honest service. Sixteen years later, his viit so you can buy a home? Get preferred because.’ Buy one for someone special or sion is still the same as when he started: to rates? A better paying job? Lower your car treat the whole office. The engraving event give the consumer a fair price for awesome insurance? will take place at AJ’s Fine Wine & Liquor, service and be committed to providing far Contact Bill Lavender, credit and filocated at 3443 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valgreater value and nancial specialist for over 30 years. He is rico, on Saturservice than any othHUD-certified and the recipient of the Best day, December er air conditioning of Brandon Award 2021. Featured on ra4 from 6-9 p.m. company used bedio, YouTube and television as the ‘Credit Preorders are fore. Brown Comfort Doctor,’ Lavender has helped several thouhighly encourSystems is located at sand people reach their goals. Originally aged and there 235 Apollo Beach the owner of Bill Lavender ERA Mortgage are no quantity Blvd., Ste. 230 in Apollo Beach. Addirestrictions. Call AJ’s at 654-6488 to make Company, he later became a financial plantional information can be found at www. ner and investment advisor and 20 years your preorder selection. brownac.com or by calling 671-2555. ago established Credit Restoration SerMike McCormick Offers Financial vices using all his experience, knowledge AJ’s Fine Wine & Liquor Holiday and education to best help consumers. LavServices Engraving Event ender maintains relationships with home Mike McCormick provides customized builders, realtors, mortgage companies, Join Ajay Jambhekar, owner of owner of AJ’s Fine Wine & Liquor, for his holiday investment management solutions along bankers to provide comprehensive help for engraving event featuring a wide selection of with comprehensive financial planning that his clients. The main office is in Brandon at spirits to have engraved, including a variety create a framework for helping his clients 710 Oakfield Dr., Ste. 135. Call 655-9451.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED... Fields & Table Donates To Cancer Charity Fields & Table is a proud supporter of the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Store Owner Mirna was thrilled to present the organization with a check for $5,000 to support their efforts to fund research to eliminate childhood cancer. Fields & Table thanks its amazing customers who supported the organization with donations every time they shopped there and appreciated the generosity shown.
Southshore Insurance Now Offers Cyber Liability And Data Security Southshore Insurance now offers cyber liability and data security coverage. Forty-seven states, along with the federal government, have enacted legislation protecting personal information. Businesses that experience a breach of this personal information are subject to expenses to comply with these laws, not to mention regulatory action. Businesses that accept credit cards or payment cards are subject to fines and penalties for violations of the Payment Card Industries Data Security Standards. Businesses will find that claims arising from activity on its website are likely not covered under its general liability coverage if it concerns intellectual property or activity in a chat room. To discuss coverage for these issues, call Southshore Insurance on 448-7580 or visit www.southshoreins. com. Southshore Insurance is located at 11216 Winthrop Main St. in Riverview.
Salsa Classes And Latin Night At The Way 2 Dance
The Way 2 Dance in Riverview has many group dance classes, including salsa for all levels. Beginner salsa classes are held on Mondays from 7:30 until 8:15 p.m., followed by practice until 9 p.m. The next session will start on November 8 and run for four weeks. Once you have mastered some skills, try dressing up and showing them off at Latin Night on Saturday, November 27, with class starting at 7:30 p.m. Come and see how easy and fun dancing is. The Way 2 Dance is located at 6520 U.S.
Volume 19, Issue 11
at eight students and will meet at Art Monkey Emporium after school. Elementary and middle school sessions are available. For more information, visit www. artmonkeyemporium.com.
Vacations Made Easy
301, #102 in Riverview. Additional information about its many and varied dance classes can be found at www.theway2dance.com or by calling 966-4788.
100% Chiropractic Opens In Brandon
100% Chiropractic is a family of full-service wellness clinics that offer cutting-edge chiropractic care, massage therapy and a full line of quality nutritional supplements. Its newest office has just opened at 911 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. Its doctors, assistants and therapists care about you and your individual health goals and will work with you to make sure you turn those goals into a reality. At 100% Chiropractic, it won’t just treat your pain, it will work to educate, inspire, empower and provide lasting care for you to live life to the fullest. For more information, visit www.100percentchiropractic.com or call 662-4326. Follow it on Facebook @100chiropracticbrandonfl or Instagram @100chiropractic_brandonfl.
Art Monkey Announces Square Theatre
Park
Art Monkey Emporium in Park Square at FishHawk Ranch is pleased to announce a new partnership with New York-trained actress and local resident Marnie Robbins. Park Square Theatre differs from other local programs as it will focus on helping individuals create and develop characters, prepare monologues for auditions and other aspects of the craft. Classes are capped
Kay Giordano knows how difficult it can be travelling with young children and all the equipment that comes with them. That is why she created Vacations Made Easy, a baby and young child equipment hire service based in Brandon. It offers much-needed essentials such as portable crib, baby gates, strollers and monitors, it will also deliver and pick up free of charge within its service area. All equipment is cleaned and disinfected according to CDC guidelines. To find out more information about its services, visit www.BabyStuffRentals.com or call 857-4614.
ecabana.biz or calling 672-9663. Canine Cabana is located at 9708 Carr Rd. In Riverview.
Citizens Bank & Trust Extends Into Hillsborough County
Citizens Bank & Trust has received full regulatory approval to acquire the Valrico and Dade City offices of The Bank of Tampa. This move represents its first expansion outside of Polk County. “We have served the people of Polk County for the past century. We look forward to welcoming these new customers to the Citizens Bank & Trust family and developing new businesses and personal relationships within both communities,” said Greg Littleton, president and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust
Canine Cabana Now Offers Full-Time Grooming Services
Canine Cabana is very excited to continue to meet the needs of its pet parents by adding exceptional services to enable it to be a full-service pet care facility. Kara Kontomichalos recently started working at Canine Cabana and has six years of grooming experience. Get your pup ready for the holidays, spa treatments include nail filing, shed control treatments and healthy skin and coat treatments. Appointments can be made in conjunction with any other Canine Cabana service or as a single service by visiting www.canin-
The Flying Locksmiths Celebrate Five-Year Employee
The Flying Locksmiths would like to celebrate Ryan Filholm. Filholm has been with them since they started five years ago and has shown great integrity, dedication and leadership. His knowledge of the locksmith industry has helped the company grow into what it is today. Filholm always has the company’s best interest at the forefront of all situations, and he has been an amazing leader and motivator to the apprentice. The Flying Locksmiths feel very blessed to have Filholm on its team and wish him every continued success. Visit https://flyinglocksmiths.com/tampa-south or by calling 701-3145.
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November 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
USF CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF FOOTBALL WITH NEW BOOK
By Michelle Caceres
University of South Without a stadium Florida (USF) football of their own (although is celebrating its 25th the original plans for season of football this the campus included year. a site for a football It has come a long stadium at the inway since its humble tersection of Fowler beginnings, when, on Ave. and 30th St., September 15, 1995, now Bruce B. Downs Florida Board of ReBlvd.), the team plays gents approved USF’s its games at RayDivision 1-AA football mond James Stadium. program by a 13-1 While USF Board of vote. It would be anTrustees Chair Will other two years beWeatherford said a fore the team would stadium was in the play its first game, on school’s future during September 6, 1997, the groundbreaking with an 80-3 victory ceremony for the against NCAA Diviteam’s new Indoor sion II Kentucky WesPerformance Facilileyan at the old Tamty this year, Siegrist University of South Florida football is celepa Stadium. said the team is thankbrating its 25th anniversary this year. This was more ful to be playing in a than four decades after the university was stadium that has hosted three Super Bowls founded in 1956. Football at USF was a long and the CFP championship and has seen time coming. $100 million in improvements in the last A new 104-page, softcover book, The Sil- four years. ver Stampede, 25th Anniversary of South For USF football, the future is bright. Florida Football, written by USF alumnus “We’re a young football program,” said Joey Johnston, highlights the team’s jourSiegrist. “Our excellent location, thriving ney through the years and can be purchased community, large alumni and student base at the USF bookstore. One chapter is dediand strong recruiting area will allow us to cated to the late Lee Roy Selmon, who was continue to grow and increase in national the driving force behind the program. relevance.” USF Associate Athletic Director for ComThe best decade in USF football is still to munications Brian Siegrist said football procome. Go Bulls. vides a common rallying point for current For more information about USF footstudents, alumni and the community. “It’s ball or to purchase tickets to one of its rea large communal gathering six to seven maining games, visit www.gousbulls.com/ times a year for USF fans to unite and share sports/football. their passion for the university,” he said.
Volume 19, Issue 11
PUBLIC LIBRARY COOPERATIVE INTRODUCES THE LISTEN PROJECT By Kathy L. Collins The Hillsborough The Life Story County Public LiWriting Program brary Cooperaconsists of 10 tive (HCPLC) is a classes that are treasure within free to library our community. In patrons. The 10the last year and week class is a half, the HCPLC open to adults of has worked hard all ages and writto provide lots of ing skills. programming. One Mueller added, of the newest pro“The audio project grams is The LISgoal is to leave a TEN Project. history of the Like NPR’s StoryCorps and several of the Hillsborough County The LISTEN col- Public Library Cooperative’s digital collections, The LISTEN area, revealing lection showcases Project preserves the community’s life stories through narrative the dynamic life stories read by and is an important piece of local history for future genera- ethnicities and tions to discover. the authors, and cultures presthe recordings are available as part of the ently found in East Hillsborough County library’s digital collections online. The li- and surrounding communities.” brary’s digital collections are available to Cheryl Wolfe, digital media and PR coeveryone online via their personal devices ordinator for the HCPLC, said, “We are or by using the computers available at your excited to release The LISTEN Project. It local branch library. A library card is not is a collection of recorded true-life stories required. written and read by the residents of East The LISTEN Project was initiated by Hillsborough County and the surrounding the Bloomingdale Writers Connection communities. There are 19 stories fea(BWC) and is co-sponsored by the Friends turing over 70 subjects. The public can of the Bloomingdale Regional Library and browse and listen to the stories to gain an Hillsborough County Public Libraries. The understanding of the history of East HillLISTEN Project is a part of the Blooming- sborough County and surrounding comdale Regional Library’s Life Story Writing munities, and the dynamic ethnicities and course. cultures presently found in this region.” Susana Mueller oversees The LISTEN To view the collection, visit https://digProject. Mueller said, “The LISTEN Project italcollections.hcplc.org/digital/collection/ (LIfe STories ENrich) is the audio part of p16054coll14/search. the project, which began with an antholFor more information about the Life ogy titled I Have a Story to Tell, published Story Writing Program, please contact Val by the Bloomingdale Writers Connection Perry, coordinator, at lifewritersbloom@ at the Bloomingdale Regional Library, msn.com. For more information about the which administers the Life Story Writing LISTEN recordings, contact Mueller at suProgram.” sanamueller@aol.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
November 2021
Page 29
THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION HOLDS TAMPA WALK
Staff Report
COUNTY OFFERS ADULT DAY SERVICES
By Kathy L. Collins
If you are an adult Elissa Bass, RN, caregiver or know of an nurse manager for adult resident of HillsborAdult Day Services, ough County in need of said, “We want peoservices, please review all ple to know that we that Hillsborough County are still active and offers through the counproviding services ty’s Adult Day Services. despite the fact Adult Day Services operthat centers are ates four centers throughcurrently closed.” out Hillsborough County. Services are Hillsborough County offers an array of At present, the centers paid for through a are closed due to the pan- programs for both residents with dementia variety of means, demic. All services are or other disabilities and caregivers through including through Adult Day Services. currently being offered the VA, grant servirtually and are good for residents 60 years vices or self-pay on a sliding scale. Eligibility and older who suffer from dementia or a dis- to participate is based on the assessment, ability or for their caregiver. which looks at the physical and mental needs Each resident who applies undergoes a as well as income and other factors. personal assessment that results in a personDuring the month of November, Hillsboral care plan which addresses the resident’s ough County Adult Day Services will celeindividual needs. The personal care plan ad- brate National Caregiver Week from Monday dresses therapeutic, social and health needs. to Friday, November 15 to 19. Several wellBecause there are nurses on staff, the physi- thought-out programs for a three-day online cal well-being of residents is also addressed. forum with a theme of ‘Caregiving Around According to Michael Pullman, general the Clock’ will be offered. manager of Adult Day Services, “The proSpeakers will include Eileen Poiley, director grams are designed to give adults with de- of education at USF Health on Monday, Nomentia or disability a way to stay engaged vember 15; Dr. Nicole Crawford on Tuesday, (out of the house when centers reopen) and November 16; and Michelle Keaton, program to give caregivers a respite.” The most im- general support coordinator for the VA; and portant aspect is to ensure that residents Miriam Gonzalez, life coach, on Wednesday, stay healthy and active. The services are also November 17. designed to support caregivers. Anyone who is interested in participating Activities include Brain Boosters and Mu- in the programs for National Caregiver Week sic Therapy. Support groups for caregivers should contact Pullman at 853-1002, and he who care for people with Alzheimer’s are will forward registration information. also offered. For info, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org.
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Saint Anne Catholic Church ~Masses~ Vigil Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., & 5 p.m. (12 p.m. Spanish) Monday-Friday 8 a.m. Wednesday & Jueves 7 p.m.
Recorded Masses can be viewed on the St. Anne website (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page. Reconciliation Tue. at 8:30am, Thurs. at 6pm, Sat. at 3:15pm and By Appointment.
For more information, please check the St. Anne website.
U.S. Hwy. 41 • 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714
The Alzheimer’s and their perAssociation is invitsonal reasons ing Tampa residents for walking. to join the fight to According end Alzheimer’s by to the Alzheiparticipating in the mer’s AssoAlzheimer’s Associaciation, more tion Walk to End Alzthan 6 million heimer’s on Saturday, Americans November 13. are living with While last year’s A l z h e i m e r ’s event was mainly disease—a virtual due to the leading cause COVID-19 pandemic, of death in the the Alzheimer’s AsUnited States. sociation is moving The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Tampa residents Ad d i t i o n a l l y, forward with hosting to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in more than 11 the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on the Tampa Walk to million family Saturday, November 13. End Alzheimer’s in members and person. Walk Director Steve Manuel, how- friends provide care to people living with ever, noted that the health and safety of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. participants, staff and volunteers remain In Florida alone, there are more than the association’s top priorities. 580,000 people living with the disease “All events will implement safety proto- and 527,000 caregivers. cols, including physical distancing, masks University of Tampa student Adriana where required, contactless registration, Garcia, who will be walking with her Sighand sanitizing stations and more,” Man- ma Kappa sorority sisters, became one of uel said. “We will also be offering options those caregivers at an early age when her to participate online and in local neighbor- great-aunt, Aida, was diagnosed with Alzhoods and will continue to closely monitor heimer’s. CDC, state and local guidelines to ensure “As a child, nobody expects you to beevents adhere to recommendations and come a caretaker,” Garcia said. “All I could are safe for attendees.” do was sit on the sidelines and try to proWalk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s cess what was going on.” largest event to raise funds for Alzheimer’s The Tampa Walk to End Alzheimer’s— care, support and research. On walk day, presented by Old Republic Title and sponparticipants honor those affected by Alz- sored by iN2L, Tampa General Hospital heimer’s with the poignant Promise Gar- and Frontier Communications—will kick den ceremony—a mission-focused expe- off with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. on rience that signifies their solidarity in the November 13 at Raymond James Stadium. fight against the disease. The colors of the To register and receive the latest updates Promise Garden flowers represent partici- on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, vispants’ connections to Alzheimer’s disease it alz.org/walk.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
GET THE DIRT:
2021 COMMUNITY WATER WISE AWARD WINNERS BY LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™ AGENT The Commuplanted areas, nity Water Wise harvested rainAwards, sponwater, minimal sored by Tampa to no turfgrass. Bay Water, a We are exregional municcited about ipal water proAlence and vider, recognize The Community Water Wise Awards, sponsored by Tampa F e l d m a n ’ s individuals and Bay Water, winner for unincorporated Hillsborough County is c o m m i t m e n t businesses com- the landscape of Beth Alence and the City of Tampa winner is to water and Allen Feldman. mitted to conenvironmental serving our water resources and protecting conservation, the use of native and non-nathe environment by using Florida-Friendly tive adaptive plants and their landscape Landscaping™ (FFL) principles. There are designs—which were amazing and comnine FFL principles which include: right pletely different. plant, right place; water efficiently; fertilAs you can see from the photos, these ize appropriately; mulch; attract wildlife; landscapes are water-wise and fascinatmanage yard pests responsibly; recycle; ing. With 15 entries submitted this year, reduce stormwater runoff; and protect the it was difficult selecting the 2021 Comwaterfront. Many of these principles are munity Water Wise Award Winners. We used as part of the landscape evaluation hope each of you will consider entering process for this award program. the contest, which you can do any time at I’m pleased to announce the winners for https://awards.tampabaywaterwise.org/. the 2021 Community Water Wise Award The deadline for entries is June 30 each Contest. For unincorporated Hillsborough year, so you can complete an application County, the winner is the landscape of now, submit it and get a head start on the Beth Alence. The City of Tampa winner is 2022 contest. Allen Feldman. View our calendar of events and FloriThere are several positive examples of da-Friendly Landscaping Facebook page Florida-Friendly Landscaping water-wise on the internet at Hillsborough County Expractices. These include the planting tension. For assistance with horticultural of drought-tolerant trees and plants, questions, call 744-5519 or visit us at UF/ self-mulching areas under trees and plants IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, at selected were appropriate for their site 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner. We hope conditions. Plants with similar water and to see you at an upcoming workshop soon. maintenance needs are grouped together, Barber is the Florida-Friendly Landscaporganic and alternative mulch was used. ing agent with UF/IFAS Extension HillsborEach landscape had gutter downspouts ough County. Contact her at labarber@ufl. and roof runoff directed onto mulched/ edu.
The Doors of The Church Are Open Church Services 10am Sunday Youth & Teens Church School 9:00 a.m. Kingdom Builders 10:00 a.m. (Children’s Church 2-10) Bible Study 7pm Wednesday (Adults) 5920 Robert Tolle Drive 7pm Thursday (Teens)
Riverview, 33578 813-337-7457 Office Hours: Mon - Thur 10am- 3pm www.Mtzionriverview.com FACEBOOK: Mt Zion AME Church Riverview
Community Food Pantry 2nd & 4th Thursday 11:00 -2:00 Monthly Second Chances Job Training Mon.-Thurs.
Karen J. Sims, Pastor and Roy Sims (brother)
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Volume 19, Issue 11
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS ARE CRUCIAL TO OUR SUCCESS
By Superintendent Addison Davis
It has never been more evident how community partnerships can enhance the lives of our children, teachers, staff and families. The pandemic has shined a light on a number of critical issues facing our educational system, including learning loss, the digital divide and food insecurity. While it is our responsibility as school leaders to ensure learners have the tools they need to succeed both academically and emotionally, our district and others across the country cannot achieve our goals in isolation. We are blessed to have a caring community in Tampa Bay where it is clear that positively impacting the lives of children is a top priority. Hillsborough County Public Schools has benefitted from generous donations of both time and money that help our children reach their maximum potential. When we work together, we collectively create magical moments for learners that will have a tremendous impact beyond the classroom. One incredible program that illustrates the spirit of community engagement is CEOs in Schools, which will launch its third session on Friday, November 5 in conjunction with Hillsborough Education Foundation and Vistra Communications. This initiative pairs each one of our elementary school principals with a chief
executive officer from the local community. This endeavor provides CEOs with a firsthand look at the challenges facing our educational system and offers an opportunity to create meaningful connections that inspire change. Our principals and students are afforded the opportunity to meet and learn from business leaders who will ideally become part of the fabric of that school beyond the first day of volunteering. CEOs in Schools has created long-lasting relationships on many of our campuses where business leaders see an educational need and fill the gap with their expertise and resources. But you don’t have to be a CEO to affect change within Hillsborough County Public Schools. We have marvelous volunteers who donate their time to help mentor students who benefit from having an additional positive role model in their lives. Our district also receives generous donations from local restaurants who sponsor anything from a teacher luncheon to PTA night. Every minute, every dollar, every gesture builds a stronger foundation for our learners, strengthening not only our schools but our community as a whole. I am deeply appreciative of each one of our community partners and look forward to an even stronger future for Hillsborough County Public Schools.
November 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
VETERANS TRIBUTE IS COMING TO BRANDON
Staff Report
In a month when during display hours many feel the need to honor all branches to thank those who of service, past, preshave given all to our ent and future.” country, the Veterans Artist and creator Art Center Tampa of the exhibit AniBay (VACTB) 501(c) ta Miller unveiled (3) will host The Eyes her work in the Ohio of Freedom: Lima State House Rotunda Company Memoriin 2008. al at Brandon Har“The main reason ley-Davidson from for creating The Eyes Tuesday through of Freedom was to Saturday, November heal family members 16-20. and loved ones after The Eyes of Freedom, an exhibit honoring The exhibit, with suffering such loss in the mission to hon- veterans, will take place at Brandon Harley-Da- 2005, and now it travor the service and vidson Tuesday through Saturday, November els as part of a much 16-20. sacrifice of all who larger mission,” said serve, then, now and Miller, who worked tomorrow, consists with family and Lima of life-size paintings Co. Marines to paint this of the 22 Ohio-based tribute, a project that Lima Company Matook her two and a half rines and one Navy years to complete. corpsman who in 2005 Strahle retired from paid the ultimate price Lima Co. 3/25, and upon for our freedom during seeing The Eyes of Freecombat operations in Iraq. dom unveiled at the statehouse in 2008, “We’re very excited to bring this in- he knew he had witnessed something credibly impactful military tribute to the truly special. Three years later, he would Tampa Bay. We are proud to have every- contact Miller, requesting to host the one in attendance honor the men and memorial at a veteran’s support fundraiswomen that serve in our great military,” er he co-founded. This exhibit has been added Mike Strahle, director of The Eyes shown at 330 venues across the county, of Freedom and a member of the Lima including the National Museum of USMC Company (he served along with the men and two times on Independence Day at honored in the life-size paintings). “There the Washington Memorial. are many veterans in the Tampa Bay area To learn more, visit www.eyesoffreeand all over the state that have served dom.org. Brandon Harley-Davidson is loproudly, and I invite everyone to visit us cated at 9841 E. Adamo Dr. in Tampa.
Page 31
BRANDON PAIR WIN STATE AWARD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS SOCCER PROGRAM
Staff Report
The Brandon have done for TOPSoccer prothe TOPSoccer gram got its start program.” in 1998 when a At the award few soccer dads ceremony, had an idea. Their Muzyk was kids played recquick to point reation and comout that the petitive soccer program was and they wanted successful due to give kids with to the many special needs the volunteers who chance to play too. contributed. They put their idea This included into action and Pat Hendryx the first season of and Tricia CarThe Brandon TOPSoccer program, with volunteers Pat TOPSoccer (The Hendryx, son, current Ken Muzyk, Fred Englehardt, Tricia Carson and Outreach Program Carlos Montero, was recently honored by the Florida Youth board memfor Soccer) in bers; Carlos Soccer Association. Brandon was held that year with about Montero, concessions; along with team 25 special needs boys and girls. Word coaches and high school students who spread quickly and the number of play- assisted as ‘on-field buddies’ to the ers increased every year to over 150 players. Thanks to donors and sponsors, athletes. This made program among the players received uniforms, cleats, trolargest in the state. phies and food free of charge. Gary Rach On August 7, The Florida Youth Soc- and Joanne Quinn of the West Florida cer Association (FYSA) honored two of Flames allowed the use of their soccer the founders at their annual meeting fields and concession stand. Muzyk said, held at JW Marriott in Orlando. Ken “It’s been a wonderful program for the Muzyk and Fred Englehardt were pre- special needs community. We couldn’t sented with the FYSA TOPS Volunteers have done it without the involvement of of the Year award for their efforts in hundreds of volunteers over the years.” starting and managing the program for Due to the ongoing virus situation, 23 years. While presenting the awards, continuing the program as in previous FYSA commented, “Their hard work and years became unrealistic. For this reaorganization efforts for the TOPSoccer son, the program has been modified program shows every season when the and will now be managed directly by athletes take the field. The West Flor- the West Florida Flames organization. ida Flames will be forever thankful to Those interested in more information on these individuals for everything they the program can call 684-5948.
• Class times: Mon-Fri 8:30am - 12:15pm • Accelerated Pre-K Curriculum with Math, Science,Spanish, Music, Sign Language & More • Preparation for National Kindergarten Standards • Must be 4 years old by September 1, 2022 • Must be Florida resident
Page 32
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
By Michelle Caceres
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CENTER PLACE?By Libby Hopkins
When Brandon us serve our neighresident Julie Bills bors to the best of found herself unable our ability,” said to work because of Thompson. an automobile acVolunteers work cident, she sought Monday-Friday, 9 ways to fill her days a.m.-1 p.m., and are with activities that asked to commit would bring purpose to at least one day to her life. a week working at She found that either the Brandon purpose as a volun(507 N. Parsons Dr.) teer at Emergency or Riverview (7807 Care Help Organiza- Brandon resident Julie Bills volunteers at ECHO in Capitano St.) location (ECHO), where tion. New volunteers the ECHO Clothing Closet one day a week. she volunteers once are asked to attend a a week in the ECHO brief New Volunteer Clothing Closet by Orientation, which helping neighbors find are offered once a suitable clothing for month at its Brandon their lifestyles. office. “I love giving back to the community Assistance is needed in several departand serving neighbors in need,” she said. “I ments, including its opportunity center, might not get a paycheck, but every time I which provides job coaching, GED help, see someone smile, especially during these financial workshops and one-on-one tuchallenging times, because I’ve helped toring, and its advocacy program to help them brings me such joy.” neighbors connect to local resources. In Brandon Center Director Savanna its Riverview outreach center, volunteers Thompson is thankful for Bills and all of are needed to fill greeter positions, helping ECHO’s volunteers but said they’re always neighbors needing assistance feel welcome in need of able bodies to help fulfill the or- as the organization’s first point of contact. ganization’s mission of assisting residents “If you have time, please consider volof Hillsborough County with emergency unteering at ECHO,” said Thompson. “Volfood, clothing and access to life-stabilizing unteers help our neighbors find stability programs and resources. in their lives and we can’t do this without One critical need is bilingual volunteers. them.” Approximately half of the neighbors ECHO For more information about ECHO or serves are more comfortable speaking about volunteering at the organization, Spanish than English, but only 10 percent visit www.echofl.org and click on the label of ECHO’s volunteers can speak and under- at the top of the page titled ‘Get Involved’ stand Spanish. or contact Thompson at 685-0935, ext. “Having bilingual volunteers will help 8002.
The fall season is 6-7 p.m. This class is bringing many new and for children ages 10fun classes and pro12. grams to Center Place Baudrit is offering Fine Arts & Civic Assoher Intro to Drawing ciation. classes on Tuesdays The center recently November 2, 9, 16, held its second Artist 23 and 30. Baudrit’s Night on October 1. classes for tweens This event is getting and teens are offered bigger and better since from 4:30-5:30 p.m. its beginning this past and 5:30-7 p.m. for September. “This event teenagers 14 through gives local artists from adult. Both classes all walks of life to have are try-it-one-time for a place and opportunity $12 or four sessions to showcase their artisfor $45. Call Center tic talents,” said Execu- Center Place’s art therapy programs and Place at 685-8888 to Artist Night events are in full swing at tive Director of Center register. Center Place. Place Libby Hopkins. In November, Center “This event takes place the first Friday of Place will be beginning to offer a free art each month from 7-10 p.m. It is an adult therapy program for veterans. “We are event and free to attend. We do offer wine thrilled to be offering another art therapy with a donation to Center Place.” program,” Hopkins said. “We are also lookCenter Place is excited to announce that ing for community sponsors to help fund they are offering new art classes and art this free program for our local veterans.” therapy programs. “Our 3-2-1 Art and Free Finally, in December, the children’s Form Art therapy classes recently started holiday play, Holiday Traditions Around at Center Place,” Hopkins said. “These two the World, will be at Center Place from classes are offered through a partnership Wednesday through Friday, December 1, 2 with the Down Syndrome Association of and 3. Tickets are just $7. Showtimes are Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County. We coming soon, so keep an eye on Center encourage families to take advantage of Place’s website at www.centerplacebranthese two free programs because at Cen- don.com. ter Place, we strongly feel that art heals We hope you will join us for Center Place and art helps.” Sip and Shop with the Brandon League Two new local artists have joined the of Fine Arts on Wednesday, November 10 staff at Center Place too. Local street art from 4-9 p.m. and for our first-ever Holiday artist Alejandro Algarin and local teen art- Makers’ Market on Saturday, November 13 ist Isabelle Baudrit are bringing their tal- from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We are still accepting ents to the center. Algarin will be offering vendors for both events. If interested, conhis street art class on Wednesdays from tact Center Place at 685-8888.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
MARCHING BAND BRINGS BACK VETERANS DAY PARADE
By Kate Quesada
This Veterans Day, the community is invited to celebrate and honor those who have served at a parade in FishHawk Ranch organized by the Newsome High School Band and Color Guard. The parade, which will take place on Thursday, November 11 beginning at 10 a.m., will start and end in the community’s Park Square and will include a loop around FishHawk Crossing Blvd., past the FishHawk Aquatic Club, through Ibis Park and back up Dorman Rd. Residents are invited to set up chairs or stand along the parade route. “The parade is to honor and thank all of our veterans in our community,” said Melanie Hutcheson, who is helping the Newsome Band Boosters organize the event. “We will have many groups, participants, and veterans participating in the parade.” According to Hutcheson, a Veterans Day ceremony will take place in Park Square after the parade where vendors will also be set up. The Newsome High Marching Band organized the first Veterans Day parade two years ago in 2019, and although they were not able to host the event last year, the group hopes to make the parade an annual event for the community. “After not being able to do so last year due to the pandemic, we are very excit-
ed to present this wonderful parade this year,” said Hutcheson. “Our goal is to continue with this annual event to honor our veterans.” Sponsorship opportunities are available, and any support is appreciated. “It is a pleasure to sponsor the second annual FishHawk Veterans Day Parade to support the NHS band and especially to honor our country’s veterans,” said Melissa Snively, Hillsborough County School Board member and sponsor of the event through her State Farm business. “As the daughter of a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam, my family greatly appreciates the dedication and service by our military men and women who have made significant sacrifices to protect our freedoms. Veterans Day is certainly a special day to recognize the members of our community who have served, but we should really recognize and respect them every day of the year.” Any veterans, participants, sponsors and vendors interested in being involved should call Hutcheson at 546-7644. Park Square is located at 16132 Churchview Dr. in Lithia. To learn more about the Newsome High School Band and Color Guard and upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.newsomeband.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
RESIDENTS INSPIRE MEMORIES THROUGH THE TULIP HOUSE
By Libby Hopkins
Did you know that celebration when lit,” Parry a human’s sense of said. “This sparked a love smell, unlike any of for candle making together our other senses, is and created a special memdirectly linked and ory for us.” intertwined with Parry enjoyed it so much, the processing of The Tulip House was born. emotion and memo“Interesting fact, my favorry? That is why the ite flower is the tulip,” Parry aroma of a simple said. “In developing a name summer daisy can for our business, my daughremind you of a ter wanted to incorporate favorite childhood the ‘tulip’; she said it was an memory, or why the ‘ode to her mom.’” smell of pine trees If you ask Parry what reminds you of she likes most about her Desiree Parry (right) and her daughter are the Christmas. business, she’ll tell you it alowners of a local scent company called The Tulip Riverview mothlows her to express her creHouse. er Desiree Parry is ativity. “It allows for us to big on family and express our creativity both taking in every bit visually and aromatically, of beauty life has to create scents that call to offer. “Whether to mind some of life’s best it’s using a calming experiences for both us and scent to refresh a our customers,” Parry said. tired spirit or just “Candles are a staple of to take you back to self-care. As such, we enjoy memories of simpler times,” Parry said. “We bringing the gift of relaxation and aromabelieve in the power of lovely aromas.” therapy to people.” Parry and her daughter are the owners Keeping things local is important to Parry. of a local scent company called The Tulip “Keeping it local and supporting our fellow House. “Our mission is to bottle up inspiring small business owners is important to us,” scents and bring out these moments for our Parry said. “We seek out opportunities to customers without sacrificing great quality purchase from and promote local small busior clean ingredients,” Parry said. “We hope nesses whenever possible. As a small busiour fragrances bring our customers as much ness owner, we value the time, effort and joy and relaxation as it brings our family.” attention it takes to create a quality product Parry’s daughter was married in 2019, for our community. Strong, local small busiand her wedding theme was lavender. “We nesses create strong communities.” decided on mini lavender scented candles If you would like to learn more about The as favors for her guests to take the scent Tulip House, visit www.tuliphousecandles. of lavender home and remind them of her com.
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November 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA MOBILE UNIT TO VISIT AREA
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By Libby Hopkins
During the holidays last year, a small delivery of fresh wreaths from Wreaths Across America arrived at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Riverview for placement on veterans’ graves in the cemetery. Rico Dixson, a family service counselor there, was intrigued and researched this annual tradition, then shared it with his wife, Kelly Hoban, a high school science teacher at Florida Virtual School. “We then visited Sarasota National Cemetery and were moved by the sight of hundreds of beautiful wreaths with red bows adorning the monuments,” Hoban said. “We set out to learn more about the Wreaths Across America organization and how this wreath tradition came to be.” The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember, honor and teach. This knowledge lasts all year long, far beyond the single day in December when the organization coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies. All throughout the year, Wreaths Across America works, in a number of ways, to show our veterans and their families that we will not forget and that we will never forget. When a volunteer places a wreath on a veteran’s grave on National Wreaths Across America Day, they are encouraged to speak that veteran’s name aloud, thank them for their service and sacrifice and reflect on that person and their life along with the wreath-laying ceremonies. At all cemeteries throughout the country, the organization also holds special memorial ceremonies. “We knew they wanted to ensure more
veterans interred right here in their community at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park receive this unique recognition in 2021 and beyond,” Hoban said. “We had already established a nonprofit organization called the Decide and Provide Foundation dedicated to ensuring honor and dignity for all lives lived through estate planning, so contributing to the Wreaths Across America mission was right in line with their values. We decided to focus their efforts on raising awareness of Wreaths Across America, the annual wreath placement ceremony on December 18 and how the community can contribute by donating funds for the purchase of wreaths.” Wreaths Across America’s goal is to lay 300 wreaths to honor veterans at Serenity Meadows as well as display one for each branch of the military. Local Boy Scouts and volunteers will assist in the ceremony, which involves saying the name of the veteran in recognition of their service as their wreath is placed. “Right now, with community support, we have purchased 219 wreaths out of our goal of 300,” Hoban said. “To help raise awareness about Wreaths Across America, we had a free event on October 25 with the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit in Riverview. The exhibit serves as a mobile museum educating visitors about the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.” Wreaths Across America Day is on Saturday, December 18. If you’d like to learn more about the organization, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
PARTY LIQUORS AND FINE WINES JOINS THE COMMUNITY
By Libby Hopkins
Party Liquors and Fine Wines is considered Tampa Bay’s largest keg retailer, discount beer, cigar, liquor and wine store. It recently opened a new location in Riverview. The store is located at 9630 U.S. 301 S. in Riverview. The store’s hours of operation are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Party Liquors and Fine Wines offers delivery as well.
Nick Tanoukhi is originally from New Jersey, and he moved to Florida in 1998. Tanoukhi knew from a very young age that he wanted to be in business for himself. “I always wanted to work for myself,” Tanoukhi said. “In New Jersey, I was working in the casinos in Atlantic City. I saved some money, came down to Florida and purchased my first liquor store though an SBA loan.” Tanoukhi is the owner of the new Party Liquors and Fine Wines in Riverview. He opened his first liquor store in Thonotosassa. “It was 1,500 square feet and I loved it,” Tanoukhi said. “[In] 2002, I opened my second liquor store on Florida Ave., and I sold that one in 2018. In 2007, we expanded our Thonotosassa liquor store from 1,500 square feet to 10,000 square feet by building a freestanding liquor store across the street. In 2015, we went out to Land O Lakes and opened up an 11,000-square-foot liquor store.” Tanoukhi’s new Party Liquors and Fine Wines joined the Riverview community in October of this year. “In 2021, we went out to Riverview and opened an 11,000-squarefoot liquor store,” Tanoukhi said. “What makes party liquor different from other liquor stores is we are a very large store, we
have a very large selection, we have very aggressive pricing, we work on low margins and excellent customer service.” Party Liquors and Fine Wines is considered Tampa Bay’s largest keg retailer and discount beer, cigar, liquor and wine store. “We are the perfect place to get your party started,” Tanoukhi said. “We are the largest retailer of kegs in Tampa Bay. We offer super discounts on many brands of whiskey, beer, cigars and wine. Our selection is sure to exceed any party planner’s expectations. We’re the ultimate stop before any Lightning, Rays, Bulls, Bucs or USF tailgate party.” Tanoukhi and his staff are going to have a grand opening at the end of October. “We will be offering lots of free wine tastings, beer tastings, liquor tastings, raffle giveaways, food—it’s going be a good time.” If you would like to learn more about Party Liquors and Fine Wines, visit https:// riverview.partyliquorsuperstore.com or call Tanoukhi at 785-0675. The store is located at 9630 U.S. 301 S. in Riverview. The store’s hours of operation are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m.10 p.m. Party Liquors and Fine Wines offers delivery as well.
Volume 19, Issue 11
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
November 2021
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RHEUMATOLOGY,
EXCELLENT DOCTORS AVAILABLE QUICKLY
By Amy Schechter
Southwest Florida Rheumatology’s team of providers works to assist patients who experience a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that primarily impact their body’s joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
When you’re in pain, you don’t want to wait, and you shouldn’t have to. That’s why when joint pain and inflammatory conditions become intolerable, it is just as painful to wait weeks for an appointment. You won’t have to wait with Southwest Florida Rheumatology. Its caring, knowledgeable team of medical professionals can see you within two weeks and help get you on the road to recovery. Rheumatologists work to assist patients who experience a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that primarily impact their body’s joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. These conditions may also impact blood vessels, skin, nerves and internal organs, so living without care is often difficult. You won’t find a team nearly as knowledgeable as the doctors at Southwest Florida Rheumatology. Before she opened the practice in 2010, Dr. Priya Reddy worked in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of South Florida (USF), and she continues to teach and train medical residents as faculty and curriculum coordinator for USF at Brandon Regional Hospital. She also is president elect of the Florida Society of Rheumatology (FSR), sits on the board of directors of the American Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates (AARA/Bendcare) and serves as secretary/treasurer for the Association of
Women in Rheumatology (AWIR). Her passion for the field is evident in her service to her profession and desire to care for patients and train a new generation of doctors who hold the same drive to deliver empathetic, quality care. Along with Dr. Gina Prakash, Dr. Atefah Vafa and their physician assistant, Teena Lukose, Dr. Reddy is dedicated to offering the most state-of-the art therapies and commitment to continuity of care. Their combined experience domestically and internationally leaves them poised to offer world-class care. They treat various rheumatic and allied diseases, offer in-office infusions and injections, have on-site ultrasound capabilities and access to quick lab evaluations and also offer lifestyle education and nutritional supplements. Southwest Florida Rheumatology is conveniently located near the Lithia, FishHawk, Bloomingdale, Brandon, Valrico, Gibsonton, Sun City Center, Ruskin and Apollo Beach areas. For more information, call 813-672-2243 or visit www.swflrheum.com. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. It also offers a satellite branch in Sun City Center located at 4002 Sun City Center Blvd., Ste. 101. Please contact the office for Sun City Center hours.
INVEST IN GOLD AND SILVER AT BLOOMINGDALE RARE COINS
By Michelle Caceres
Bloomingdale Rare Whether you are Coins and Gold Owna novice coin collecer Brendan Carnes tor or a numismatist said he has seen an (a specialist who increase in the numcollects and studies ber of customers coins), you can meet visiting his store to other local collectors buy gold and silver for an evening with as a way to diversify other coin enthusitheir asset portfolio. asts. Doors open at “People are ner6:30 p.m. for buying, vous about the staselling, trading and bility of our governshow-and-telling. ment and today’s Bloomingdale Rare Coins and Gold is the place The meeting runs high inflation envi- to buy bullion, learn about coins and sell your old from 6:50-8 p.m. jewelry. ronment and they’re Carnes offers door looking for a safe haven to preserve their prizes and raffles. In the near future, an wealth,” said Carnes. “Having a percentage auction will also be held at the end of the of your portfolio invested in gold and silver meeting. are great ways to increase your diversifi“The goal of the club is to generate a cation and help you greater interest in achieve your financoins,” said Carnes. cial goals.” “We’d love to see Inflation, which young people take is rearing its ugly an interest in coins, head, can be damagbut it’s really for ing to both the econanyone who wants omy and financial markets. During these to learn about the history of money in our conditions of market volatility, precious country and how to preserve coins propmetals have historically shown strong per- erly.” formance. Bloomingdale Rare Coins and Gold also In addition to gold and silver bullion makes cash offers for broken or wearable sales, Bloomingdale Rare Coins, located jewelry, including gold, silver, platinum, at 1544 E. Bloomingdale Ave. behind AJ’s palladium and rhodium, perfect for earning Bikes, buys and sells common, semi-key extra money for holiday shopping. and key date United States and foreign Bloomingdale Rare Coins is open from coins. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; on SaturBrandon Coin Club also hosts meetings day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and Sunday and Monon the third Tuesday of every month at St. day by appointment. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, locatFor more information about Bloominged at the corner of Bloomingdale Ave. and dale Rare Coins and Gold, visit www. Bryan Rd. bloomingdalegold.com or call 438-8889.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
November 2021
GREAT ENTERTAINMENT AVAILABLE
LOCALLY AT THE FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER IN RUSKIN
The Firehouse Then, on SatCultural Center in urday, DecemRuskin will offer ber 4, come some excellent see local faentertainment vorite Valerie during the months Gillespie from of November and 7:30 to 9:30 December. p.m. Gillespie On Friday, Nowill entertain vember 19, the you on both Firehouse Cultural her smooth sax Center will presand jazzy voent Girls Night Out cals. comedy featurTickets for ing Helen Keaney all three events from 7:30 to 9:30 cost $23 for p.m. on its Cenmembers of ter Stage. Keaney the Firehouse began her career Cultural Cenin New York City, ter and $28 fuwhere she honed ture members. her comedy skills There is no The Firehouse Cultural Center, on its Center Stage, will offer at the Boston d ay - of - s h o w great entertainment over the next few weeks, including local Comedy Club and pricing as the favorite Valerie Gillespie on Saturday, December 4. The Comic Strip. Firehouse CulShe caught the attention of television ex- tural Center is striving to have reserve ecutives, landing a job co-hosting Short seating and allow for social distancing. Attention Span Theater on Comedy CenThe Firehouse Cultural Center is a tral. 501(c)(3) arts nonprofit that sits on land Next, on Saturday, November 20, come first donated to Hillsborough County by back to the Firehouse Cultural Center and the Ruskin Commongood Society, which listen to Jimmy Griswold Band: Fast Fin- founded Ruskin in 1908. The Ruskin comgers Rocking Blues from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. munity was formed as an idealist, egalitarGriswold is a New England native now liv- ian community strongly influenced by the ing in Florida, where he can regularly be writings and philosophy of John Ruskin, an found playing guitar at venues of all sizes. English art critic, social thinker, poet and Griswold properly pays homage to any artist. artist he covers, whether it be the warm In addition to live local entertainment, tones of T-Bone Walker and B.B. King or the Firehouse Cultural Center offers a wide the screaming sounds of Roy Buchanan, array of artistic activities for the whole Jeff Beck and Steve Ray Vaughan, all the community. while staying true to his highly original Please call 645-7651 for tickets or restyle. Griswold projects unparalleled ener- serve online by visiting www.firehouseculgy and feeling into his guitar playing. turalcenter.org.
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THE ARTS COUNCIL OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY IS NOW A NEW ARTS COUNCIL UNDER HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY The Arts CounCollier cil of Hillsborough ex p l a i n e d , County is now offi“ Prev i o u s cially an Arts Counly, the Arts cil division under Council had Hillsborough County a limited government and an capacity to advisory body to the step into a Hillsborough Counbroader role ty Board of County of champiCommissioners. The on, collabArts Council of Hillsorator and borough County was facilitator in formed in 1967 as By restructuring the Arts Council of Hillsborough County the effort to an independent spebroaden the from an independent special district to a division of cial district and was the county government, the Arts Council will be able to scope and a governmental des- provide more efficient use of resources in supporting the outcomes asperforming and visual arts in Hillsborough County. ignation separate sociated with from the Board of County Commissioners. the cultural economy. Working within In its new role as a division of Hillsbor- the county, the Arts Council is now more ough County government, the Arts Council effectively positioned to identify unmet will have more opportunities for integrat- community needs relative to arts and culing its existing community building strate- ture and to establish strategies to fill the gy with economic development and other gaps.” county initiatives. Local arts agencies like the Arts Council Additionally, the Arts Council will be provide a wide array of services to supable to utilize the resources provided by port the creative economy and arts and various county departments to provide a culture ecosystem. In doing so, they play more robust programmatic impact. a key role in unitin According to Executive Director Martine g and connecting with local partners to Collier, “This transition provides opportuni- address community needs and make their ties for greater consolidation and collabo- communities more healthy, vibrant and ration. As a division of county government, equitable. the Arts Council will be able to group The Arts Council will provide key serstrategically with economic development, vices, including providing workshops for redevelopment, workforce development, organizations and artists. It will award tourist promotions and the Entrepreneur- grants to artists and organizations that ial Collaborative Center, as well as all the offer accessibility to the arts and culture cultural and performing arts programs throughout the county. funded by the county.” It will publish an annual Guide to Arts Collier added, “The core programs of the and Culture and manage an online calenArts Council will remain the same, but this dar. It will also serve as a clearinghouse new structure will make it possible going for arts opportunities. forward to more easily expand and enFor more information, please visit www. hance programmatic offerings.” hillsborougharts.org.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
November 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 41
LOCAL RESIDENT OFFERS REIKI OUR LADY’S FOOD PANTRY EXPANDS TO SERVE MORE PEOPLE HEALING TO THE COMMUNITY By Kelly Wise By Libby Hopkins
Cinthia Melucci is originally from Uruguay. She is a Reiki master, sound healer and holistic counselor. She is also the owner of Zen Space Therapy.
Cinthia Melucci is originally from Uruguay, a small country in South America. She came to live in the U.S. after meeting her husband and is now helping the people of SouthShore through Zen Space Therapy. “I have been here for 10 years, and we have a sweet, 6-year-old boy and two dogs,” Melucci said. “We were in New Jersey until May of 2021 when we to Sun City, and honestly, I love it. I knew deep down in my heart this move was going to be a life-changing experience; you can say, I had the feeling something good was waiting for me here.” Melucci is a Reiki master, sound healer and holistic counselor. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. The technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch to activate the natural healing processes of the patient’s body and restore physical and emotional well-being.
“I found my passion is to help people, to heal, to release trauma, to try new things outside conventional medicine and to connect to their power, because we all have it,” Melucci said. “It’s a matter to learn how to reclaim it instead of keep giving it away. I love seeing someone realize how powerful they are, how they can change their life. I like everything about what I do, but just the fact of being of service to others this way just fills my heart with love and joy.” Melucci’s clients are surprised at how calm and relaxed they feel after one of her sessions. “Reiki is a healing energy, so during sessions, some people cry while releasing pain or navigating through blockages. This is good,” Melucci said. “Some others have other physical sensations; it all depends how open and receptive you are at the time. We all have emotional wounds, and these present themselves as illness. It’s our body—is the way for them to say, ‘Hey, look down here, let’s work on this if you want to get better.’ With Reiki, we facilitate that connection to yourself, restoring and opening the energy flow within yourself. That is where Reiki and holistic counseling meet each other. But overall, I am happy to say all my clients have had really nice experiences, and they tend to come back. I am very grateful.” If you would like to learn more about the services Melucci offers, you can visit her website at www.zenspacetherapy.com or call 201-814-8614.
registered clients It is estimated that with a wide variety there are more than of food required 49,000 children who for good health.” face food insecurity Each car rein Hillsborough Counceives a box or ty each year. Food bag full of grocerinsecurity refers to ies, including fresh USDA’s measure of meats, produce, adequate food for an Our Lady’s Food Pantry is located at 16650 dairy and a variety active, healthy life for U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Wimauma. of dry goods. all household mem“Our Lady’s Pantry serves anyone in bers. Food-insecure children are living in households experiencing food shortages. need without regard to race or religion. Families are not necessarily food-insecure And everyone is treated with respect,” all the time but may reflect a household’s said Bullaro. According to Pat McAdams, who has need to make decisions between important basic needs, such as housing or med- been a volunteer since 2014, additional ical bills, and purchasing nutritionally ad- volunteers at the pantry are always welcome. Along with the need for volunteers, equate foods. Because of this need, Our Lady of Guada- monetary donations also are always wellupe Food Pantry in Wimauma is expand- come. “We are especially grateful for cash, being its outreach. The pantry has been a resource to clients in Balm, Wimauma and cause we can purchase much of our food Sun City Center for more than 20 years. at wholesale prices,” said McAdams. “BeOur Lady’s Pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprof- yond food, our big need right now is for it organization run entirely by volunteers. a new refrigerated truck to replace our It distributes food from The Emergency old 2006 truck with more than 260,000 Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)—a miles. Having a refrigerated truck is refederal program under the umbrella of the quired by the USDA and Feeding Tampa United States Department of Agriculture Bay.” “If you wish to register as one of our (USDA). TEFAP helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including regular clients, kindly bring your ID/drivthe elderly, by providing them with emer- er’s license,” said Bullaro. Our Lady’s Pantry is located at 16650 gency food and nutrition assistance at no U.S. Hwy. 301 S., just south of Sun City cost. “We are now in a position to serve cli- Center Blvd. (SR 674), in Wimauma. The pantry is in the classroom building ents in Apollo Beach, Gibsonton, Riverview and Ruskin as well,” said Director Tom Bul- on the far-right corner of Our Lady of Gualaro. “Thanks to the generosity of so many dalupe Mission. It is open every other Satindividuals, supermarkets and other ven- urday from 7:30-10:30 a.m. For more indors, we are usually able to provide our formation, visit www.ourladyspantry.com.
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Page 42
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
DISTRICT 4 COUNTY COMMISSIONER THE 2021 HARVEST AWARDS RECOGNIZED LEADERS IN STACY WHITE RECEIVES REPUBLICAN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY AGRICULTURE LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD By Kathy L. Collins
Each year, memher life investigating bers of the commuin others and freely nity who make an sharing her knowlimpact on Hillsboredge and experiough County’s rich ence.” agricultural comThe Outstanding munity and heriWoman in Agricultage are honored ture was awarded at the annual Harto Debbie Gill. She vest Awards Lunlives on a 5,000-acre cheon. The Harvest cattle ranch that has Awards kicks off been in the family for the Hillsborough over 100 years. Gill County Fair. This The Farm Family of the Year was given to the Glen said, “I am honored year, the Harvest and Francis Williamson family at the 2021 Har- to win this award.” Awards was held vest Awards Luncheon held at the Hillsborough She added, “It takes County Fairgrounds. on September 23 a family to make a at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. ranch work.” The Harvest Awards was established by The Outstanding Young Farmer Award the Cooperative Extension Service 20 years was given to Matt Parke of Plant City’s ago to celebrate those outstanding pioneers Parkesdale Farms. Parke was recognized in agriculture in the farming community and for among other things, taking time out of to preserve the agricultural heritage of Hills- his busy day to answer questions whenever borough County. groups went to visit the vast Dover strawThis year, Melissa Raburn acted as the berry farm. Parke said, “For me, farming is Master of Ceremonies. Raburn said, “The love not work.” Hillsborough County Fair is a longtime traThe SouthShore Chamber of Commerce dition in my family. It is a special event for was awarded the Outstanding Public and generations of families.” Community Service Award for its efforts in This year’s honorees included families, indi- helping teachers and the migrant communividuals and organizations. ty. The Glen and Francis Williamson family This year, a special Memorial Tribute was was honored as the Farm Family of the Year. awarded to Dr. Earl Lennard for his leaderGlen Williamson was born on the family ship in agriculture and the community. Dr. homestead. He and his wife, Francis, have Lennard started his career teaching vocabeen married for 70 years. They were early tional agriculture. He is most remembered adopters of water practices that now prevail for his leadership as superintendent of Hillwithin the agricultural industry. sborough County Public Schools. He is also The Lifetime Achievement in Agriculture former president of the Hillsborough County was awarded to Jemy Hinton. Hillsborough Fair Board. County Commissioner Kimberly Overman For more information, please visit www. said, “Hinton (who is a biologist) has spent hillsboroughcountyfair.com.
By Makenzie Atkins
graduated from East Bay High School and then went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Florida (UF). Spending a lot of time at UF, he is a practicing pharmacist as well as a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy. White is no stranger to winning awards, as in 2006, UF recognized him by naming him the Roche Preceptor of the Year in an Stacy White receives the Legislator of the Year Award at the 2021 Outpatient Setting. “I don’t wake up every Lincoln Day Dinner. Stacy White, Hillsborough County day seeking ways to win commissioner, was awarded with the awards. Rather, it is my goal to be a Legislator of the Year Award recently servant leader in my community—to by the Hillsborough County Republican work hard and do what is right,” said Party. White. “Sometimes this leads to being White received the award at this recognized with an award, and it is a year’s Lincoln Day Dinner, hosted by tremendous honor when this happens.” the Hillsborough County Republican Some of the commissioner’s duties Party. The annual Lincoln Day Dinner include Agency on Bay Management, was held on August 27 and recognized Aviation Authority, Hillsborough Rivmany of those in the Republican Par- er Interlocal Planning Board, Metroty as well as hosting a guest speak- politan Planning Organization and the er, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Tampa Bay Estuary Program Policy Greene. Board. White enjoys working for the White is a member of the Republi- community as a leader and pushing to can Party who is currently serving do good. He has always been a hard on the Hillsborough County Board of worker and strives to continue to do Commissioners. White represents Dis- right by the community he loves. trict 4, which includes Balm, Brandon, For more information, please conDover, Lithia, Plant City, Riverview, tact Megan Nixon, senior legislative Sun City Center, Wimauma, Ruskin aid for White, at nixonm@hillsborand Valrico. oughcounty.org. Reach out the HillWhite is a fifth-generation native sborough County Republican Party of Hillsborough County and current- through its website, https://www.hillly lives in Valrico with his family. He sborough.gop/contact.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
November 2021
BUDGET BLINDS OFFERS AFFORDABLE STYLE
By Amy Schechter
When you’re looking your choice, Budget to design or remodel Blinds is committed your home, it’s amazto your health and ing what a custom safety, and it follows window treatment can all CDC guidelines to do to create a stylish, include a ‘no-contact’ comfortable space. consultation process. Budget Blinds Greater Whether you want to Tampa, Brandon and upgrade or redesign Lakeland has everyyour home, keep or imthing needed to create Budget Blinds raises funds to fight pediatric prove your view, assist the look you want with in controlling temperacancer. the price tag that’s ture or install smart right for you. home technology, it Mike and Adriane has something for every Wonderlin moved to taste and price range. Florida to purchase a Moreover, Budget local business together, Blinds is able to negoand when they found Budget Blinds, fam- tiate better prices and warranties on the ily-owned for over 25 years, Mike knew it same products, so you’re more able to get was the right place for them. With 20 years the best deal than if you went with a big box of custom window treatment experience un- store. “You can buy the same line at Home der his belt, he realized they could carry on Depot, but you won’t get the same warrana legacy of friendly, convenient service and ty,” Mike explained. Many of Budget Blinds’ a wonderful selection of trusted products. warranties are both lifetime and ‘no quesConsequently, their franchise has won Bud- tions asked.’ This means that whether the get Blinds’ Franchise of the Year in 2020, dog eats it or the kids damage it, the product 2018, 2017 and 2016 and earned second will be replaced. place in 2019. When the Wonderlins aren’t helping others “Our niche in the market is somewhere achieve their design vision, they are spending between a big box store and calling a dec- time with their 8-year-old daughter, Harper, orator,” explained Adriane. “Our design con- and helping the community by sponsoring litsultants don’t just go out and give a quote, tle league, local schools and pickleball. they help design.” Their team of design conThe showroom is open Monday-Friday sultants can come to your home with many from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. To schedule a complisamples for a complimentary consultation to mentary in-home consultation, call 445help you choose the products that meet your 7121 or visit www.budgetblinds.com/branneeds. Additionally, their beautiful show- don. Budget Blinds of Brandon is located room is open, and customers are welcome at 10437 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview in the to come in to explore different product lines Lowe’s shopping center on the corner of U.S. and consult with design experts. No matter 301 and Big Bend Rd.
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ABBY DICENZO SCORES HISTORIC RUSHING TOUCHDOWN IN A FLORIDA VARSITY FOOTBALL GAME By Lily Belcher Abby DiCenzo, a “She has earned sophomore at Bell the ‘attitude and Creek Academy, beeffort’ award multicame the first girl ple times, as well as to score a rushing our school’s princitouchdown in a varpal award and spirit sity football game award,” said Abby’s in Florida history on mother, Melissa DiSeptember 24. Her Cenzo. “I love her touchdown, the last spirit and attitude.” of the game against Abby said she has Berean Christian been able to balance School, gave the Bell Abby DiCenzo with Head Football Coach Willie e x t r a c u r r i c u l a r s Creek Panthers their Murphy after her history-making performance and her schoolwork second win of the in the Bell Creek Academy’s varsity game against through her time Berean Christian School. season. management skills. The middle line“To be honest, I backer and fullback bejust get done what needs gan playing flag football to be done so nothing is when she was 9 years keeping me off the field,” old and has been playing explained Abby. tackle football since she She was able to bewas 12. The Riverview come the first female to teen earned a spot on Bell score a rushing touchCreek Academy’s varsidown in Florida with the ty football team in her help of her friends, famifreshman year because ly, teammates and Coach of her talents and trainWillie Murphy, who she ing that has given her the said has supported her skills to dominate on the field. throughout her time on both Bell Creek “Abby is hardworking, dedicated, intelli- Academy’s football and wrestling teams. gent, charismatic and a general pleasure to While her supporters have helped her, be around,” said Roshonda Exantus, head Abby’s accomplishment is a testament to athletic trainer and football coach for Bell her personal training and dedication to her Creek Academy. sport. Abby’s talents and dedication extend off “This accomplishment shows me that my the football field as well. She is an honors hard work does have rewards and it shows student, a member of Bell Creek Acade- my progression from last year,” said Abby. my’s student government, a member of “I am honored I had this opportunity and its show choir and a wrestler for the Bell hope it inspires a lot of people to do what Creek Academy wrestling team. they love no matter the cost.”
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Page 44
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 11
BY LILY BELCHER
TAMPA BASEBALL MUSEUM NOW OPEN AT THE AL LOPEZ HOUSE YBOR to open it.” On September The museum is cu25, the Tampa rated by the Ybor Baseball Museum City Museum Society. at the Al Lopez All memorabilia preHouse opened to sented in the Tampa the public. The Baseball Museum was grand opening donated by Tampa was hosted by locals, including PinLou Piniella, foriella, the Tampa Bay mer Major League Rays Organization Baseball player and Bertha and Tony and manager, Saladino. It features with guests Mayhistory on Tampa’s or Jane Castor influence on baseball, and Hillsborough from Lopez to Jake County CommisWoodford, Hillsborsioner Pat Kemp. ough County’s most Al Lopez was Signed baseball by all 89 Hillsborough Tampa Bay Rays exhibit in the Seats and home plate from Al Lopez Field. recent major leaguer. Tampa’s first maCounty Major League Baseball Players. Al Lopez Museum. sits next to the players from Hillsborough County to The museum is open jor league player, manager and hall of fame inductee. play in the majors and lived in Tampa Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Thursday through Saturday from 10 History Center on 19th St. in Tampa’s a.m.-4 p.m. for guests who purchase The backstop played with four teams until his death in 2005. His house was delivered to the National Landmark Historic District. tickets online (adult tickets are $12; in his 19-year playing career in the “We’ve been working on it ever seniors, military and students are majors, posting a .261 batting aver- museum site a mile from its original age and holding the record for most location on May 15, 2013. The Ybor since with rehabilitation and creating $10; children are $6). For more information, visit tamcareer games as a catcher for 40 City Museum Society has restored the exhibits and raising the money,” years. The Tampa native was a two the house and developed it into a mu- said President and CEO of the Ybor pabaseballmuseum.org or contact time All-Star and went on to manage seum that commemorates Lopez as City Museum Society Chantal Hevia. the museum by emailing info@tam18 years until his retirement in 1969. well as Hillsborough County’s 88 oth- “Museums take a while to build and pabaseballmuseum.org or calling Lopez was the first of 89 baseball er baseball legends. The museum now we’re excited that we are here today 247-1434.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
November 2021
Page 45
WOMEN’S CLUB HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, ROAMIN’ OLDIES CRUISE-IN & MORE
By Charles Nelson
Apollo Beach Woman’s Club Holiday Luncheon
The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club (ABWC) has been serving the community since 1959. Its primary objectives are to promote sociability among its members, work toward the advancement of womankind and provide scholarships for education and training of students who live in Apollo Beach who demonstrate financial need. Its holiday luncheon will be held on Tuesday, December 7 at Southshore Falls Clubhouse, located at 5831 Cascade Falls Dr. in Apollo Beach, with a performance by The East Bay Choral Group. For menu details and reservations, contact Barbara DeOca at 892-1219 or email abwclub2020@ gmail.com. Reservations and payments must be received by the Friday prior to the luncheon. Additional information can be found at www.apollobeachwomansclub. com.
54 years ago; everything else is new and contemporary. For more information on the cruise-in, call Frank at 856-373-8497.
Our Lady’s Pantry Needs A New Refrigerated Truck
Our Lady’s Pantry volunteers are driving every day of the week picking up food from all over the county. The U. S. Department of Agriculture and Feeding Tampa Bay require that food be transported in a refrigerated truck. It currently has two used trucks, the oldest one being a 2006 truck with more than 240,000 miles and expensive to maintain. A new one costs $99,000. Publix Charities has donated $3,000 but there is obviously a long way to go. Kindly send any donation to Our Lady’s Pantry, 16650 U.S. Hwy. 301 S., Wimauma, FL 33598, and please designate that it be used for the truck. No gift is too small, it
Roamin’ Oldies Cruise-In
The Roamin’ Oldies will host a cruise-in from 1-4 p.m. the first Sunday of every month, with a rain date the following Sunday, at Mira Bay Village Shopping Center on U.S. 41 in Apollo Beach. About 100 of the finest antique and collectible cars often take part accompanied by classic oldies music. A meticulously restored, repowered and updated 1967 Chevrolet Nova was a recent cruiser of the month winner. From the outside it looks much like it did on a showroom floor
Christmas Toy Train and Sale at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover. On Saturday, December 11 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., there will be a running train layout as well as vendors selling model trains, collectibles and die-cast cars. There is something for children of all ages to enjoy. For more information, visit www.regalrailways.com.
Popcorn Fundraiser To Fight Pediatric Cancer
Art Monkey Emporium in Park Square at FishHawk Ranch is holding a Holiday Popcorn fundraiser. Popcorn is available in one or twogallon-sized, festive, decorated tins and in a variety of flavors, including caramel, cheddar and buffalo. Tins will be ready for pickup on Wednesday, December 1, and orders of 10 or more will qualify for free local delivery. For every gallon of popcorn sold, $4 will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand to fight pediatric cancer and to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. To order, go online at www. artmonkeyemporium.com.
Riverview Woman’s Club Meeting
all adds up. To learn more about the pantry, visit its website at www.ourladyspantry.com.
Christmas Toy Train Show And Sale The Regal Railways will be presenting a
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
The Riverview Woman’s Club will be meeting at the Riverview Library, located at 9951 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview, on Wednesday, November 17. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch and a guest speaker. This month’s guest speaker is Ann Griffith, a Riverview High School guidance counselor. She has worked tirelessly assisting the youth of all backgrounds to obtain their high school diploma and explore career options. Visit its website to register
for the meeting at www.riverviewwomansclub.org.
Trash To Treasure Competition
The next time you throw something away in the trash or the recycle bin, consider, “What could I make with this?” Accept the challenge and compete in the Trash to Treasure upcycle competition while helping the environment at the same time. Prizes will be awarded by upcycling artist Kathy Carrier at the opening of the Creative Junk Therapy Upcycle Show on Thursday, December 9, 6-8 p.m., at Center Place for the Arts, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. For more information on Creative Junk Therapy and to see competition entry rules, visit www.creativejunktherapy.org.
Alafia Republican Club Monthly Meeting
The Alafia Republican Club meets on the third Monday of each month at O’Brien’s Irish Pub at 701 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon in the special event room. Social hour starts at 6 p.m., followed by a meeting that has interesting, well-informed guest speakers covering current issues. All conservative-thinking individuals are invited. For further information, please call or text Steve at 763-7505 or email Arlene at arlene@theloft-lounge.com.
Page 46
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
APOLLO BEACH WOMAN’S CLUB WELCOMES 2021/22 BOARD
Volume 19, Issue 11
10 Games of BINGO!
10 Bags Given Away!
Staff Report
members, work toward the advancement of womankind and provide scholarships for education and training of students who live in Apollo Beach and the surrounding areas with a The full ABWC Elected Board 2021-2022 includes (L-R): Beverley Brooks, secretary; demonstrated Sheila May, treasurer; Claudia Gassett, president; Liz Pedersen, second vice presi- financial need. dent of membership; Katherine Cintron, past president; Barbara DeOca, third vice The holipresident of membership meetings; and Jeanette Doyle, first vp of programs. day luncheon will be held on The Apollo Tuesday, DeBeach Woman’s cember 7 at Club (ABWC) held Southshore its October 13 lunFalls Clubhouse cheon at the Apolat 5831 Caslo’s Bistro, located at 6520 Richies Way cade Falls Dr. in Apollo Beach with a perin Apollo Beach. Guest speaker Christian formance by The East Bay Choral Group, Baiter, CFP financial advisor, discussed “Sounds of Time,” directed by Brian Nemanaging your affairs after life-changing Smith. events while attendees dined on delicious All luncheons are $22, and reservations chicken marsala with vegetables and rice and payments must be received by the Frior a scrumptious Santa Fe salad and apple day prior to the luncheon. For menu details cobbler or fruit for dessert. and reservations, contact Barbara DeOca The guest speaker for the November 10 at 892-1219 or abwclub2020@gmail. luncheon at Apollo’s Bistro will be Sam com. To keep everyone safe, the club asks Goodwin, who is a retired Army major, de- that only vaccinated ladies attend the lunfense contractor and now a local beekeep- cheons for the time being. er. He will share his story of becoming a If you wish to learn more about the beekeeper, removal of unwanted swarms ABWC, information can be found on its and supporting vital bees. website at www.apollobeachwomansclub. The ABWC has been serving the com- com or by contacting Second Vice Presimunity since 1959. The primary objec- dent of Membership Liz Pedersen at 777tives are to promote sociability among its 8215 or kenlizpedersen@msn.com.
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Tickets: $40/person Includes a Charcuterie Box from Davenport’s Daily Delights Includes (1) Set of 10 Bingo Games Additional Game Packs of (3) cards available for purchase! Doors will open at 6 p.m. BINGO will begin promptly at 7 p.m. for all participants Holiday Fun! Raffles & Silent Auction!
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November 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
BUSCH GARDENS CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS WITH CHRISTMAS TOWN Staff Report One of Tampa’s to Bethlehem, biggest and brightis celebrated in est holiday event the round at the opens earlier this Stanleyville Theyear with millions ater, and guests of twinkling holiday have the chance lights throughout to journey to Busch Garden’s 335 Rudolph’s Winacres, spectacuter Wonderland lar fireworks and to find the most a brand-new expefamous reindeer Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town events start this rience with Santa of all. month and offers something for everyone. that will create merry As guests dash memories for guests of all ages. Included through the night between iconic rollerin park admission, the award-winning hol- coasters, they can explore the Christmas iday event features all-new activities for Town Village, a delicious destination filled the whole family. with drinks and dishes from an indulgent Three new events this year add to the holiday menu. These unique, limited-time traditional experience. The new Holiday in options include new specialty cocktails the Sky Fireworks Show will let guests en- like the Mistletoe Margarita and the Apjoy classic holiday tunes and watch festive ple Brandy Hot Toddy. Complete the night bursts of Christmas colors as they cover with a signature Christmas Town Hot the sky in a dazzling fireworks display. Chocolate featuring festive flavors like Holiday in the Sky is offered on the Festi- peppermint or gingerbread. Feel the spirit val Field every Saturday and select event of the season in each bite with the new nights beginning on November 13. There maple bourbon pecan pie or feast on holwill also be a new Storytime with Mrs. iday favorites like the smoked brisket toClaus and the chance for guests to visit tchos. Guests can purchase a Christmas Santa in his workshop with Santa’s North Town Sampler Lanyard, starting at only Pole Experience. $44.99 for an eight-punch lanyard. Other fan-favorite holiday entertainTo be the first to know about event dement returning to this year’s Florida-style tails and special offers, visit www.christwinter wonderland includes Christmas on mastown.com and follow Busch Gardens Ice, Busch Gardens’ longest running holi- Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Insday show, in the Moroccan Palace Theater, tagram. Guests are encouraged to check and Elmo’s Christmas Wish, where guests the park’s website before visiting to learn can join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover which event components are available and Zoe as they help Elmo find his Christ- each date. Christmas Town runs daily with mas wish. Also, the Three Kings Jour- park-wide festive fun from Friday, Novemney, a musical tale of the famed journey ber 12 through Sunday, January 2.
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CHECK BEFORE CHOPPING DOWN THAT TREE By Brad Stager An oak tree by any of water, contactother name would ing the Hillsborough be just as shady on a County Environmenbright summer day. tal Protection ComBut when it comes mission is required to removing a tree to determine if the of the genus Quertree can be removed cus and many other or trimmed, as these types of trees, Hilltrees are regulated sborough County’s by the Environmental Natural Resources Protection Commisteam also sees it in sion (EPC). terms of location, Oak and other trees provide an abundance of Stricter requireshade and other benefits to the community, and such as street rightments are in place for that’s why their maintenance and removal is reguof-way, yard, wettrimming or removing lated by Hillsborough County. land or conservation grand oak trees, inarea, as well as size cluding submitting a when it comes to permitting grand oak pruning affidavit filled removal. out by a certified arborist to the The county’s Land DevelNatural Resources staff prior to opment Code is the primathe trimming. ry source of the regulations In the cases of dangerous applying to tree removal in trees, permitting can be waived unincorporated Hillsborough if a certified arborist or licensed County and relevant guidance is available to landscape architect evaluates and properly the public in the form of the county’s online documents the claim and submits a dangerpublication, Residential Tree Removal Guide. ous tree declaration to the county. The guide contains information to help According to Natural Resources Review determine whether a permit is required to Manager Carrie Moore, there is a good rearemove or trim a tree, as well as how to pro- son the county takes an interest in the trees ceed with planting an appropriate type and within its jurisdiction. number of replacement trees which may “It helps to maintain a high quality of life be required even if a removal permit is not for the citizens of Hillsborough County,” she needed. told attendees of a recent tree removal weAmong considerations are a tree’s diam- binar. eter (as determined by a simple formula), Violations of tree removal regulations the type of property it is on and the tree’s could result in a financial penalty as well as location within the property. an obligation to mitigate tree loss. Some species of trees, such as Australian You can find more information about the pine and earleaf acacia, may not require requirements for removing trees by visiting a permit to be removed from private lots, the Natural Resources section at hillsborbut if they are within a wetland or a body oughcounty.org or calling 627-1300.
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Page 48
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Top Producer 2002 - 2020
Volume 19, Issue 11
November 2021
Holiday Gift Guide
Page 49
2021 HOLIDAY FAVORITE THINGS SWEEPSTAKES
Staff Report
For seven years, Osprey Observer Newspapers has been partnering with local retailers to publish the Shop Local Holiday Favorite Things Sweepstakes and Gift Guide, and this year promises to be one of the best yet, with prizes totaling over $3,000! For the 2021 Sweepstakes, we’ve partnered with our friends at Express Oil & Tire Engineers in Riverview to offer an amazing early bird prize: a brand-new set of four tires plus three oil changes, with a total prize value of over $1,000! Plus, our friends at McAuley Fine Jewelry are offering an exquisite 14K, two-tone, bezel-set, 1.28 ct. blue topaz ring valued at more than $600. In addition, we have (four) tickets to Busch Gardens, a $250 cruise voucher from Dream Vacations, a foursome of golf at River Hills Country Club worth $160, a
$25
Gift Card
$100-value sunset cruise with Latitudes Tours in Ruskin—and So. Much. More. And all from our amazing local businesses. Our campaign, the Osprey Observer, A Few of Our Favorite Things, is so important this year when families are continuing to struggle during a global pandemic and need some joy. We love partnering with
our local businesses to help bring some positivity in whatever small way we can. “The annual sweepstakes is so successful and just seems to get better each year. We have so many amazing prizes this year and are more excited than ever to share these finds with our readers,” said Assignment Editor Kate Quesada. So, from now until mid-December, we
will be collecting Our Favorite Things all throughout the community, and we will put them together in one giant gift basket that will be given out in our annual sweepstakes for our readers. To enter, email ‘Sweepstakes’ to contest@ospreyobserver. com or fill out the entry form in this section and send in by mail, fax or email. Last year, more than 1,500 local residents entered the campaign and ONE lucky winner walked away with a prize package worth more than $2,800. Prizes will be drawn just in time for Christmas. We will have two early bird prizes and the final grand prize, and we can’t wait to see who our lucky winners are. Good luck and thank you for shopping local and reading your Osprey Observer Community Newspaper! Your Managing Editor Marie Gilmore
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Holiday Gift Guide
Volume 20, Issue 11
Holiday Gift Guide
November 2021
GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP WITH RIVER HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
By Kate Quesada
Are you looking Swezey. for a gift for someClub amenities one who has everyinclude an 18-hole thing? Then what championship golf about the gift of course designed by membership? RivJoe Lee, eight lighter Hills, a full-sered Har-Tru courts, a vice country club junior Olympic pool, located in Valrico, a fitness center with offers a variety of 24-hour access and membership levels social and dining opand options with portunities. something for every River Hills, a full-service country club located in Programs include member of the fam- Valrico, offers a variety of membership levels and a swim team, tennis options with something for every member of the leagues, year-round ily. family. According to Gentournament schederal Manager Bob ule, a golf practice Swezey, the club has complex, ladies’ nights, dedicated professional junior camps and clinics, managers in every deGals Golf, Men’s Weekly partment. Rumble, Ladies Nights, “The professional Kids’ Craft days, holiday team has over a cenevents and very large tury of experience in community events. club operations that Memberships levels have been recognized range to fit family needs locally, regionally and and budgets, and memnationally for excellence in areas of ser- bers do not have to live within the comvice, education and operational excellence munity to join. by the PGA of America, USTA, National “River Hills Country Club sets itself Golf Foundation and National Golf Course apart from other private clubs as it is truOwners Association,” said Swezey. ly a family-oriented culture that is built by Established in 1989 and renovated reg- the membership themselves and nurtured ularly, with a full clubhouse renovation by a team that cares personally to serve in 2019, River Hills Country Club is now professionally,” said Swezey. “The vision owned by the River Hills Master Associa- of the entire staff on a daily basis is to tion, the community HOA. be inviting, distinctive and dynamic for a “River Hills Country is truly the only wide spectrum of demographics.” family-centric private facility in the area To learn more, visit www.riverhillscounthat provides a safe haven from the hec- tryclub.com or find it on Facebook. For tic world outside the 24-hour guarded membership details, contact is Margie facility for all members of a family,” said Martin at 653-1554, ext. 232.
$250 Norwegian cruise voucher with gift basket Value: $350
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NOTHING BUNDT CAKES OFFERS PERFECT HOLIDAY TREATS FOR EVERY SEASON By Kate Quesada The holidays like pumpkin spice in are a great time November and pepto treat yourpermint chocolate self and your chip in December. friends, and Cakes and toppers Nothing Bundt are available for holCakes, located in iday parties in adWinthrop Town dition to birthdays, Centre, has the graduations and perfect way weddings. to satisfy your Nothing Bundt sweet tooth. Cakes offers onWith 10 deli- Nothing Bundt Cakes offers holiday treats for every line ordering and cious flavors and third-party delivery, occasion. options rangmaking it easy for ing from single residents to enjoy serving Bundtinis while keeping safe to 10-inch cakes, during the pandemic. Nothing Bundt As Nothing Bundt Cakes has someCakes is very popular thing for everyfor gifts and holiday one, even those gatherings, Shuffield whose diet is recommends resirestricted to gludents to order online ten-free. in advance. Owner Rob The website also Shuffield, a Branoffers information on don High School graduate, grew up in the fundraising with Nothing Bundt Cakes and area and was thrilled to open the Winthrop the opportunity to sign up for the Nothing location three years ago. Bundt Cakes eClub, which offers a free “I love the Brandon community and am birthday treat. proud to offer the quality and flavors of “Stop by and try our products,” said Nothing Bundt Cakes through our store Shuffield. “Our general manager, Noelle, here,” said Shuffield. “Winthrop has been and the team would love to meet you.” such a great location for us, and we are so Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 11238 thankful to John Sullivan for his vision for Sullivan St. in Riverview and can be reached such a great community center.” at 409-2394. To learn more or order onAccording to Shuffield, the most popular line, visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com. flavors at the location are chocolate choc- Its hours of operation are Monday-Friday, olate chip and red velvet, but he encour- 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and ages shoppers to look for seasonal choices Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Holiday Gift Guide
Volume 20, Issue 11
A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR THE MUSIC LOVER AT MUSIC SHOWCASE Staff Report
DONOVAN’S MEATERY DELIVERS DELICIOUS DATE NIGHTS
Are you looking try out for free for a unique gift different infor a music lover struments and or a fun way to make a craft get into the holto take home. iday spirit? Then There are look no further also Parent’s than Brandon’s Night Out own Music Showevents. The case. next one is on Music ShowSaturday, Decase, a famicember 4 from ly-owned busi- Music Showcase is a one stop shop for music lovers this holi- 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ness open since called Santa’s day season 1995, has all Workshop. kinds of name-brand inChildren ages 5-12 will struments for purchase, inhave dinner, snacks, play cluding brass instruments, games, do crafts, watch drums, guitars, keyboards, a movie and more. orchestral instruments and If you are looking for woodwind instruments, plus a fun way to spend time various accessories. Music together as a family, Showcase offers a monthwhy not take in a perforto-month instrument rent-to-own pro- mance this holiday season? Shows include gram. You can even rent online and have Annie Jr. and All Together Now!. Beauty the instrument delivered to the school. Mu- and the Beast is Friday-Sunday, December sic Showcase has an in-house repair shop 10-12 and 17-19. You can also enjoy breakand sells used gear on consignment. fast with Belle and friends on Saturday, It is also a place of learning for all ages December 11 and Saturday, December 18. from 4 to senior and experience levels from Visitors will meet and greet the characbeginner to advanced. Lessons are provid- ters, have a photo op and get autographs, ed for singing as well as most instruments breakfast and a Beauty and the Beast stoMonday through Saturday. Students have rybook as keepsake. The rock band will opportunities to perform in recitals as well have its concert on Friday, December 3. as at community events. Also, students in middle and high school In addition to lessons, students can can still join the cast of Godspell. participate in many programs run by the Music Showcase is located at 402 OakFlorida Academy of the Performing Arts field Dr. in Brandon. To learn more about (FAOPA), located at Music Showcase. The Music Showcase and its gear, lessons and academy offers musical theater, acting more, visit www.musicshowcaseonline. classes, rock band and many more. One com. To learn more about FAOPA’s proprogram provided regularly is called Mu- grams, events, tickets and prices, visit fasic Makers, where children can come and opa.org.
Think you need to is live fire cooking drive to Tampa or St. within view of the Petersburg for upguests. scale dining? Think “There are only a again. Donovan’s Mehandful of restauatery, located converants in Tampa Bay niently in Winthrop that have open wood Town Centre in Rivfires cooking almost erview, is the perfect everything on the location for a funmenu,” she said. filled, food lover’s Its hip, stylish atnight on the town. mosphere is perfect The menu boasts to enjoy the comDonovan’s Meatery, located conveniently in elegant starters and Winthrop Town Centre in Riverview, is the perfect pany of friends and exceptional entrees location for a fun-filled, food lover’s night on the family. Plus, the vibe rivaling any steakcomplements the town. house. Start delicious food out with an aryou’ll be sure tisanal cheese to enjoy. Pull up board, duck a chair at the confit flatbread bar, dine inside or something or enjoy the refrom their raw bar. Pair it with a delicious freshing breeze on the patio. wine from its wine list, complete with reThe holidays are approaching quickly, serve wines for the most discerning con- and gift cards to Donovan’s make excellent noisseur, or an original cocktail. Then, stocking stuffers and presents for family Donovan’s takes your steak seriously. It and friends. Plus, it is conveniently availoffers a wide selection of certified angus able online. beef and American wagyu. Whether you’re To check out its entire menu, purchase craving a tomahawk ribeye, New York strip gift cards, make a reservation or order onor porterhouse, its cuts are aged to perfec- line, visit donovansmeatery.com. Check it tion and cooked over an open fire. Grab a out on Facebook, where the pictures of its salt-crusted, jumbo baked potato and car- food will solidify the location of your next amelized sweet corn, and your taste buds meal, at www.facebook.com/donovansmewill thank you. Plus, it has an impressive atery. You can also call the restaurant diselection of alternatives, such as the very rectly at 295-8445. popular wild game specials, brown sugar Donovan’s Meatery is located at 11206 and bourbon salmon and even boneless Sullivan St. in Riverview. It is open daily fried chicken. for lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with SunAccording to Suzanne Perry, owner of day-Thursday dinner from 5-9 p.m., and FriDatz Restaurant Group, Donovan’s parent day-Saturday dinner from 5-10 p.m. Happy company, the primary focus for Donovan’s hour runs daily from 3-5 p.m.
By Amy Schechter
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November 2021
Holiday Gift Guide
DATZ WINTHROP OFFERS COMFORT FOOD WITH A TWIST By Amy Schechter over a bed of potatoes, peas and pearl onions, never disappoints. There’s truly something for everyone, whether you are a vegetarian, prefer chicken or feel like fresh fish. Then, you’ll want to devour a dessert like the horse soldier bourbon chocolate cake. Plus, Datz has mastered every meal. Sundays are all about brunch, and no brunch is complete without a morning margarita or mimosa and a dive into its famous monkey bread, a pull-apart cluster Datz, located in Winthrop Town Centre, offers over the top of gooey cinnamon sugar bread drizzled in icing and caramel. Save American comfort food with a twist. room for a chicken George Bernard Shaw and waffle benedict, said, “There is no love shrimp and grits sincerer than the love of or the Cheesy Todd food.” Roger and Suzanne Breakfast, which is Perry can attest. Since a mac and cheese 2009, when they opened bun, two eggs and Dr. Datz, they have helped BBQ’s smoked brisreimagine Tampa’s food ket. Datz partnered scene, and the same comwith Ray Lampe to fort food-filled with fun, create Dr. BBQ in flair and flavor patrons St. Petersburg, and all its food-forward, cannot get enough of makes its home right smoke-basted meats come straight from here in Riverview in Winthrop Town Cenits smokehouse to your table. tre. With holidays approaching, a gift card Recently named Creative Loafing’s Best to Datz shows that you know about food of Brandon/Riverview, a reimagined Amerand care about your friends and family. It ican comfort food full of modern, decadent is conveniently available online. twists inspires Datz’s dishes and pairs with To check out its menu, make a reservathe perfect craft beer, bourbon, or cocktion, purchase a gift card or order ahead, tail. You’ll want to start with some sharevisit datztampa.com or give it a call at able Nom Noms or tobacco onion stack, 535-7952. Datz Riverview is located at although you may not want to share. And 6264 Winthrop Town Centre Ave. in Rivit doesn’t serve mom’s meatloaf; as seen on erview. It is open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.the Travel Channel, Barry C’s Stuff Meat9 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 8:30 a.m.-9 loaf, filled with jalapeno mac and cheese p.m., with an all-day brunch on Sunday.
Page 53
LET THE HOLIDAYS SPARKLE WITH A TIMELESS GIFT FROM THE TEAM AT MCAULEY FINE JEWELRY
By Michelle Caceres
Looking to give an with a dazzling selecenduring holiday gift tion of exquisite jewthat holds special elry creations, like meaning? Look no diamond earrings further than a jewel(natural and lab-crery piece from McAuated) and trendy ley Fine Jewelry. Belle Etoile pieces “This is the time that incorporate of year everyone besterling silver and gins to think about enamel into works of what gifts to give wearable art. their loved ones Let the holidays sparkle with a custom piece from “We love to help to show them how you pick out the perMcAuley Fine Jewelry. much they care,” fect gifts for everysaid Sales Specialist Dyan Taylor-Harris. one on your list,” said Taylor-Harris. “We Located in Brandon at 664 Oakfield Dr. want each customer to be a customer for in the Atlantic Village Shopping Center at a lifetime.” the corner of Kings Ave. and Oakfield Dr., McAuley Fine Jewelry is ready to bring McAuley Fine Jewelry is a local jewelry family and friends together through gifts store that specializes in custom design and of meaning and connection. jewelry repair. This holiday season, the company is en“What really sets us apart from other couraging customers to shop early to avoid jewelers is our ability to help customers last-minute crowds. Sales are held from design their own custom pieces,” she said. Tuesday, November 23 through Friday, De“We help customers bring their ideas for cember 24, all regular-priced jewelry and new items to life or help them repurpose watches will be 25 percent off (excluding their own stones.” the ‘Previously Loved’ and ‘50 percent off’ Looking for a holiday gift that will sur- cases). prise and delight a special someone? If McAuley Fine Jewelry is open from they have a piece of jewelry they love but Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and on never wear because it’s broken or has been Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The store will be damaged, jewelry repair makes a surpris- closed on Thanksgiving Day. Its Christmas ingly delightful holiday gift. McAuley Fine week hours will be Sunday, December 19 Jeweler’s three on-site jewelers, each with from 12 Noon-4 p.m.; Monday, December more than 40 years of experience, can re- 20 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Friday, Decempair those special pieces, from sizing rings, ber 24 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The store will repairing breaks in jewelry, setting stones be closed on Christmas Day. and watch repair, including replacing crysFor more information about McAuley tals and installing new movements. Fine Jewelry, visit www.mcauleyfinejewelIn addition to custom pieces, jewelry re- ry.com, call 689-8124 or visit its Facebook modeling and repair, the store is also filled page @mcauleyfinejewelry.
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Page 54
Holiday Gift Guide
Volume 20, Issue 11
HOW TO MAKE THE HOLIDAYS LESS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & SANTA’S VILLAGE STRESSFUL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY OPENS AT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS Family Features
Staff Report
Between changes greeting that feels in routine and visitmost comfortable ing family (or having in the moment. To them visit you), the lessen the presholidays can be emosure, make sure tionally overwhelmfamily members ing for children and and friends underadults alike, even in stand what you ‘normal times.’ Add and your children in inclement weathare comfortable er, the desire for a with. For example, perfect holiday and “It looks like Zazil Photo courtesy of Getty Images doesn’t want a hug parents still working, and you have a perfect cocktail for emotion- right now, Auntie Mei. Perhaps a high five al meltdowns. would be better.” “The key to enjoying whatever this holiday Give your children (and yourself) grace. season brings is to acknowledge the range Talk with your children about the range of of emotions the entire family may be feeling emotions you feel throughout the day. This and hold space for those feelings,” said Ariel can help them learn emotional literacy and Acosta from KinderCare’s Inclusion Services flexible thinking. It also normalizes feelings. team. “By working on a few key things now When a big feeling does happen, remember before the heightened expectations and to connect before you correct by labeling busyness set in, families can build a toolbox and validating your child’s emotions: “I can of skills that will help make the season less see that you’re really sad we have to leave stressful for everyone.” the party. Leaving makes me feel sad too. Consider these tips to help your family What would help you feel better?” prepare for a less stressful holiday season. If your child is engaged in unsafe behavFind ways to destress as a family. Throw iors, like hitting, wait until after everyone on some music and have a dance party. is calm before talking about what could be Incorporate some simple yoga moves or done differently next time. stretches into your day to create mindful “How you handle your mistakes can be a moments. Help your children create a list of powerful example for your children,” Acoscalm-down techniques to choose from when ta said. “Once you’re calm, explain what they start to become overwhelmed or as a happened to your children. Start by naming way to reset after an outburst, such as tak- your emotion, apologize if you didn’t handle ing a deep breath. your feelings well and let your children know Set expectations for greetings. Talk with what you plan to do differently next time. ‘I your children about your family’s expecta- was really mad you two were arguing and I tions around greetings and help them think yelled. I shouldn’t have done that. Next time, of and practice different ways to say hello, I’m going to try to remember to take some such as a hug, handshake, high five, wave or deep breaths to help me speak more kindly.’” verbal greeting. Giving your children options For more tips for social and emotional deahead of time allows them to choose the velopment, visit kindercare.com.
The Hillsborough munity holiday disCounty Fairgrounds play events, as the announces its alllighting design firm new holiday light to further elevate spectacular, openthe event. Led by Pat ing on ThanksgivBrandano, the team ing Day, Thursday, brings 45 years of November 25, and design experience to running through the event. Sunday, December “People who at26. Tampa Bay’s Festend this year will tival of Lights and feel as if they’ve been Santa’s Village will dipped in holiday envelop guests in an Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Vil- magic while createnchanting winter lage open this month at the Hillsborough County ing family memories. Fairgrounds. wonderland from With enchantment its entrance marked by a custom, signa- in mind, we have added brighter lights, ture light display on SR 60 to their exit jaw-dropping displays, new activities through twinkling trees as they leave the and music that combine to create an unfairgrounds. One million lights will blanket forgettable immersive experience,” said the entire site. Holcomb. “We are focused on the guest This year’s event boasts a nearly 2-mile journey from the time they enter the road drive-through of continuous light features leading to the gate to the moment they followed by a festive walking visit to San- leave Santa’s Village.” ta’s Village. Designed to appeal to all ages The immersion begins upon entrance, as and backgrounds, the elaborate light dis- vehicles travel through 80 themed display plays themed to Florida and traditional areas with more than 250 larger-thanwinter holidays are complemented by indi- life pieces. Convenient post-drive-through vidual presentations representing Christ- parking allows guests to easily walk to mas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Santa’s Santa’s Village, which will be fully decked Village is filled with activities and treats out in holiday decor and music, including that tempt the young and young-at-heart, more than 3,000 feet of lights on buildsuch as Santa’s barnyard, holiday movies, ings and 500 animated dripping lights on visits with Santa and plenty of social me- trees. dia-worthy photo opportunities. Planned displays will include Pirates of For the first time, the Hillsborough Coun- Tampa and Santa Driving an Airboat, and ty Fairgrounds Board of Directors named activities will range from Santa’s BarnFair Manager Suzanne Holcomb the event yard to holiday movies and shorts. producer, ensuring that the fairgrounds Tickets for this year’s event are on sale are wholly transformed into a spectacle now and cost $25/car. For more informaof holiday cheer. Holcomb hired Brandano tion and tickets, please visit www.hillsborDisplays Inc., nationally known for com- oughcountyfair.com.
Ukulele
With Lesson Book Value: $50
November 2021
Holiday Gift Guide
ANNUAL VALRICO CHAMBER SHOP LOCAL EVENT OFFERS 60 VENDORS
By Kate Quesada
some fun activities to partake in as well,” said Merkle. “Many of the booths will have something for them to do or even take home with them.” In addition, Dancing for Donations, the chamber’s 2021 charity of choice, will have times The Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce’s seventh annual Shop Local different Holiday Expo and Market will take place on Saturday, November 13 from 9 throughout the day where students will a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Lithia. perform. The holiday shopping season is upon All funds raised at the event from booth us, and the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce (VFCC) has an event planned registrations and raffle ticket sales, after that can help you knock some names off expenses, will go to Dancing for Donations, your list while supporting local businesses a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dance studio with the mission to make dance more available and a well-loved charity. The seventh annual Shop Local Holiday to all ages and abilities in the Tampa Bay Expo and Market will take place on Sat- area. “The goal for this event, this year and urday, November 13 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Lithia years passed, is and has been to help raise and will feature more than 60 local ven- money for our charity of choice,” said dors in addition to fun activities for the Merkle. “We also want to bring awareness to what our chamber has to offer, but whole family. According to VFCC Chairman of the better yet, bring our community’s small Board Abi Merkle, the market will have businesses together for attendees to learn vendors ranging from home crafting prod- more about shopping local.” Another fun aspect of the event is for ucts to service industry businesses. “It will be the perfect mix to help visitors the vendors. “We have a flamingo decorating contest with their holiday shopping or to splurge with several awards being given, and, of on themselves,” said Merkle. The event will also offer activities and course, with that comes some fun bragevents with an MC to keep the crowd en- ging rights,” said Merkle. To learn more about the event, visit tertained and help out a local charity as www.valricofishhawk.org or call the chamwell. “We wanted to make sure the kids had ber at 324-7902.
Dixie Belle Starter Gift Bag
with $30 gift certificate Value: $60
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IMPACT HOSTS HOLIDAY PURSE BINGO TO SUPPORT PROGRAM By Kate Quesada Are you to continue looking for a their efforts fun and deliin educating, cious way to equipping get into the and empowholiday spirit ering teens while helpto avoid highing a local risk behavcharity raise ior by makimportant ing healthy funds? Then choices,” said mark your Angie Kagey, calendars IMPACT execfor Thursday, utive director. December 2, The event’s because the title sponsor IMPACT pro- The IMPACT program is hosting a holiday designer purse bingo is The George on Thursday, December 2 at The Regent in Riverview. gram is hostShea Team ing a holiday with Signadesigner purse bingo. ture Realty. AdditionThe event, which al sponsorship opporwill take place at The tunities are available. Regent in Riverview, “This event is spewill offer 10 rounds of cial because it is a bingo with a designer fun-filled night for purse as the prize for the community to each round. come together to Tickets to the event support a wonderful cost $40 a person and include one set of cause,” said Kagey, who added that it is 10 bingo cards and a box of charcuterie a good way to get into the holiday spirit from local favorite Davenport’s Daily De- before the busyness of the season kicks lights. Guests will have the opportunity in. to purchase additional bingo cards, raffle The Regent is located at 6347 Watson tickets and participate in a silent auction. Rd. in Riverview, near Winthrop. Doors The event is the annual fundraiser for the event will open at 6 p.m. with hosted by IMPACT program, a Bran- bingo starting at 6:30 p.m. For more indon-based charity which educates teen- formation, contact Kagey at akagey@ agers on the benefits of healthy choices whatisimpact.com or visit www.whatiwhile avoiding high-risk behaviors. simpact.com. The deadline to purchase “This is a great opportunity for com- tickets is Wednesday, November 24, and munity awareness and to provide nec- tickets can be purchased at www.imessary funds for the IMPACT program pactdesignerpursebingo.eventbrite.com.
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Holiday Gift Guide
Volume 20, Issue 11
LOCAL FUN HOLIDAY EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Compiled by Jenny Bennett and Kate Quesada
Brandon Lions Club 2021 Luminaria Project Each year, the Brandon Lions Club conducts its luminaria fundraising project providing the kits to neighborhoods and individuals throughout the Greater Brandon area. The Luminaria Kits are constructed with white paper bags weighed down with sand and illuminated from within by a candle. They are traditionally displayed on Christmas Eve. Each kit contains 15 long-burning votive candles, 15 candle holders, 15 white bags and a plastic bag of sand (to use in the base of each bag). Kits are still just $7. Orders over 15 kits can be delivered to your neighborhood. You may contact Joe Kuebler at 263-2522 to place your order or email brandonlionsclub@gmail.com. All orders are COD and can be picked up at our clubhouse located at 610 Limona Rd. in Brandon or delivered (orders of 15 kits or more) on Saturday, December 18. Proceeds benefit Brandon Lions Charities, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization supporting its eyesight and hearing programs, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Greater Tampa Lions Sight Fund, ECHO, Family Promise, The Outreach Clinic, Brandon High School Don Bishop Track Meet, and other local area needs since 1954.
Victorian Christmas Stroll At The Henry B. Plant Museum Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel during the Henry B. Plant Museum’s Victorian Christmas Stroll. Allowing visitors a glimpse of Christmas past, the event runs daily from Saturday, November 20 through Sunday, January 2 (Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). With a different theme in every exhibit room, there is sure to be something for everyone. Look closely in exhibit cases and you will find snow babies and tiny antique trees. Gaze in wonder at a 14’ tree bedecked in antique ornaments. Other decorations include a replica Plant System train, vintage fashions, antique toys, orchids, fruit, shells and fanciful ornaments. During the Victo-
rian Christmas Stroll, visitors will explore the museum transformed by Christmas trees ranging in height from a few inches to more than 14 feet, 40,000 lights and hundreds of feet of garland. Decorations include vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced items and fanciful ornaments. The Victorian Christmas Stroll celebrates the warmth and spirit of an old-fashioned holiday. Guests can enjoy live music on select dates. The Museum Store is a treasure trove of unique gifts, including elegant jewelry, artwork and beautiful holiday accessories. Enjoy shopping in a unique Victorian atmosphere; the Museum Store is open daily. The museum is located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. Admissions: adults - $16, seniors - $14 and youth - $10. Last tickets are sold 30 minutes before closing. For more information, visit www.plantmuseum.com. Ybor Tree Lighting Scheduled It is never too early to mark your calendar and get into the holiday spirit. The Ybor Chamber is hosting its annual tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, November 17. The event will kick off with live holiday entertainment from 6-7 p.m., and Mayor Castor will light the tree at 7 p.m. Photos with
Santa and Mrs. Claus will take place from 7-8 p.m. and there will be free hot chocolate and cookies for the kids. For more information, visit www.ybor.org/treelighting. Lakeland Christmas Parade Features Santa And Mrs. Claus The 2021 Lakeland Christmas Parade will be held on Thursday, December 2 from 7-9 p.m. Hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland, the Lakeland Christmas Parade is held annually on the first Thursday in December. Recognized as one of Lakeland’s largest annual events, parade participants step off from the RP Funding Center to begin their 1.25-mile course winding through the city’s streets, around Lake Mirror and back down Lemon St. Parade participants deck out their floats to reflect each year’s theme, which in past years has included ‘The Giving City’ and ‘A Storybook Christmas.’ Each year, float participants compete to win special recognition in eight categories: most outstanding band, most original float, best professional float, best youth or educational float, best community float, best business float, best theme float and judge’s choice. The best, of course, is saved for last, as the parade wraps up with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Events Con’t...on next page
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November 2021
By tradition, the city will start at the TSS typically chose a disclubhouse, locattinguished Lakeland ed at 1250 Apollo citizen to serve as the Beach Blvd. in Apolparade’s honorary lo Beach. For more grand marshal. But, information, call starting in 2018, the 645-8377 or visit Junior League took www.sail-tss.org. a different approach The Tampa Lightaimed at encouraging ed Boat Parade, literacy with a Polk which begins at the County student essay Convention CenPhoto by Matt Stroshane ter, travels to The contest, which quickly became a new beloved This holiday season, Disney Springs at Walt Disney Heights and finWorld Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., will transtradition. ishes at Sparkman form into a winter wonderland, full of sparkling To learn more, lights, enchanting décor and holiday surprises. Wharf, will take visit www.jlgl.org/ place on Saturday, eve n t s /202 1 - l a ke December 18. For more informaland-christmas-pation, visit www.thetampariverrade. walk.com. Local Boat Parades Are Florida-Festive What better way is there to celebrate the holidays in Florida than with a festive boat parade? Many local communities are hosting boat parades this season. The Alafia Boat Parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview, will take place on December 4 from 5-8 p.m. starting at Williams Park and ending at River’s Edge Bar and Grill. For more information, visit www.alafiaboatparade.com. The Apollo Beach Boat Parade, sponsored by Tampa Sailing Squadron (TSS), will take place on December 11 at 6 p.m. The event
Walt Disney World Resort Making Plans For A Magical Holiday Season in 2021 Beginning November 12, festive entertainment, whimsical décor, seasonal food and drinks, special merchandise and more will all be a part of the 2021 holiday season across Walt Disney World Resort. For a first look at the merrymaking to come this year as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring the resort’s 50th anniversary, visit www.wdwresorts.com. Additional details about the 2021 holiday season will be announced in the future. For more on “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” and the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, visit WDWNews.com.
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Holiday Gift Guide
POP UP A CELEBRATORY SNACK FOR A HOLIDAY TREAT
Family Features
Popcorn lovers 3/4 cup chopped rejoice: October is toasted almonds, National Popcorn divided Poppin’ Month, a 6 tablespoons seasonal celebratoffee bits, divided tion of one of Amer6 ounces milk ica’s oldest and chocolate, melted most beloved snack 1 ounce dark foods. chocolate, melted As farmers head In large bowl, into the fields to toss popcorn, a harvest crops, fam1/2 cup of almonds ilies and friends and 4 tablespoons gather to enjoy this of toffee bits. Drizever-popular treat. Popcorn is a great dish to serve during the holdiays zle with melted and for every day! Whether it’s premilk chocolate; toss pared on the stovetop, in the microwave until well coated. or ready to eat from the bag, Americans Transfer to parchment paper-lined bakconsume 15 billion quarts of this whole ing sheet. Drizzle with dark chocolate, grain each year. and sprinkle with remaining almonds and Celebrated for its seed-to-snack sim- toffee bits. Refrigerate for about 30 minplicity, popcorn is also non-GMO, vegan, utes, or until set, then break into clusters. gluten-free, sugar-free and naturally low Substitution: Use dark chocolate for in fat and calories, which makes it an milk chocolate, if preferred. easy fit for dietary preferences—and it’s budget-friendly. Churro Popcorn Add in popcorn’s irresistible smell, Servings: 2-3 taste and versatility, and it’s easy to un2 tablespoons granulated sugar derstand its popularity. With so many 1 tablespoon powdered sugar different ways to eat it—plain, buttery 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or loaded with goodies like these tof2 tablespoons butter fee almond chocolate popcorn or churro 6 cups popped popcorn popcorn versions—popcorn fits many In small bowl, mix granulated sugar, moods and occasions. powdered sugar and cinnamon. Pop up a bowl and join the Popcorn In small saucepan, melt butter, then Poppin’ Month celebration with more stir in 1 tablespoon of cinnamon sugar. recipes at popcorn.org. In large bowl, toss popcorn with cinnamon butter until well coated. Sprinkle Toffee Almond Chocolate Popcorn evenly with remaining cinnamon sugar; Total time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes toss to coat well. chilling time Tips: For spicy variation, add 1 teaspoon Servings: 4 of spicy chipotle seasoning. Serve with 4 cups popped popcorn hot chocolate.
Volume 20, Issue 11
PLAN AHEAD FOR THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY VACATION Family Features Whether your famM a n a g e ily counts a holiday against the unvacation among your expected. Detreasured traditions spite all the or you’re anticipating advantages of a holiday getaway for planning ahead, the first time, getting it’s impossible to an early start on your predict unknown planning can help envariables like the sure your trip is filled weather when with good tidings and you make travel joy. arrangements Know what you months ahead of want to spend. If time. Travel inPhoto courtesy of Getty Images surance can help you’re planning to open your wallet a little wider for this trip protect the majority of your investment if than you have in the past, you’re not alone. you have to cancel your trip. Some policies A survey by American Express Travel found offer coverage for cancellation for any reamore than 60 percent of travelers are plan- son, so you’ll want to research exactly what ning to spend more on trips in 2021 since your policy allows, including weather and they missed out on travel in 2020. Setting pandemic-related cancellations. your budget now can help you make choicBook lodging early. With travel volume up es about things like accommodations and and availability for accommodations already activities while giving you some extra time trending downward for the holiday season, to save. Working off a budget from the start consider making reservations sooner than can also help you take advantage of book- later. now, pay-later options that may give you “We typically see December bookings added savings or incentives. peak in October and November, but families Be conscious of high-demand destinations. are locking in their holiday vacation plans Popular travel spots tend to fill up fast, so if much earlier than usual,” said Melanie Fish, you’re considering visiting a high-demand lo- Vrbo’s travel expert. “Vacation homes have cation, be aware of how crowds might affect been quickly scooped up during every popuyour plans for everything from wait times at lar travel season this year, so it’s no surprise attractions to rental cars and more. Accord- families are planning ahead to ensure they ing to vacation rental company Vrbo, prime have a great place to spend the holidays towarm-weather destinations where families gether.” can spend the holidays together are already Consider how the holidays will affect your facing lower availability for homes, including packing. Especially if you’re traveling with Florida and Hawaii beaches. Similarly, Maui, children; you’ll need to make space for beHawaii, has less than 20 percent of homes loved holiday traditions such as gifts or a available during Christmas week. Ski spots visit from a certain jolly old elf. also see a large share of holiday travel, so be For more inspiration for your holiday getprepared if you’re planning on a holiday hot away, visit vrbo.com. spot.
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November 2021
Holiday Gift Guide
BRANDON BALLET WILL HOST SUGAR PLUM FAIRY TEA PARTY IN NOVEMBER
By Kathy L. Collins
The Brandon Ballet will once again host its popular Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party on Sunday, November 21 at 3 p.m. The tea will be held at The Regent, located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Tickets are $17.50 plus tax online and $20 plus tax at the door. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www. b r a n d o n b a l l e t . The Brandon Ballet is excited to invite the community org/events/. The Sugar Plum to their Sugar Plum Fairy Fairy Tea Party is Tea Party on Sunday, Noa family-friend- vember 21 at 3 p.m. at The Regent. ly event which is perfect for all generations to enjoy together. Attendees get to enjoy cupcakes from Sweetie’s Delights, finger foods and, of course, tea. Join the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, and all of their friends from the Land of Sweets as they perform excerpts from The Nutcracker. Hannah Townend, administrative director for the Brandon Ballet, said, “We want everyone to know that even though the tea is returning to our season events, we are doing so with the health and well-being of every guest in mind. As such, all of our tea party guests, as well as the Sugar Plum Fairy herself, are required to wear masks for the duration of the event. Please note that we are limiting the number of tickets available this season in order to keep the indoor crowd to a
minimum.” Townend added, “We held many of our performance outdoors last season. We made a point to prioritize live performances as we know that is what united the community the most. This season, though we will not have as many outdoor performances, we still believe in the magic of live ballet, and we seek to do so safely.” The Brandon Ballet, which was founded in 1993, is a nonprofit ballet company that provides aspiring preprofessional artists with an education in the art of dance. By offering a superior training program and three major performances each year, the Brandon Ballet helps serious dancers broaden their dance experiences. The Brandon Ballet serves the community by offering performances in public spaces so that the community can attend live ballet performances. All company dancers receive the highest caliber of professional training on a weekly basis and are provided the opportunity to learn standard classical repertoire. For more on the Brandon Ballet, please visit www.brandonballet.org.
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LOCAL CHARITY BALL SUPPORTS LOCAL CHILDREN
By Kate Quesada
Are you ing the event looking for a in 2011, the way to have group has colfun for a lected $38,500 great cause in cash, 196 this holiday boxes of toys season? The and 95 bicy10th annucles. al Holiday This year, Charity Ball Savage and for Toys Frost hope to for Tots is collect more scheduled than ever with The 10th annual Holiday Charity Ball for Toys for Tots is to take scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 9 at The Regent the theme place on ‘Proud to be in Riverview. Th u r s d ay, an American.’ December Frost came 9 at The Regent in up with the idea for the Riverview, and tickevent 10 years ago and ets and sponsorship her student, Savage, opportunities are helped her bring it to available now. reality. Organized by lo“So many from the cal business owners community also pitched Tatyana Frost of The in to volunteer,” said Way 2 Dance and Bob Savage of Savage Frost. “Assistance that is invaluable to our Consulting, the gala is a high-class holiday cause and to whom I am forever grateevent raising toys and cash for Toys for ful. This year will be better than ever. We Tots and Metropolitan Ministries. can’t wait to have you join us.” According to Frost, who is the president Tickets to the event are $75 until the of The Way 2 Dance, the event will include end of October and $85 after that. a catered dinner, dancing, professional There are many sponsorship opportunientertainment and a silent auction in the ties available, from Star Diamond Sponbeautiful atmosphere of The Regent. sor at $2,500 to Bronze Sponsor at $150. “It is a fun event that helps two chariAttendees are asked to bring a new, unties,” she said. “This much-needed social wrapped toy, and attire is dressy jeans to event is sure to put a smile on the face of formal. everyone who is involved.” To learn more about the event and how Due to COVID-19, there was no gala last to purchase tickets, visit www.holidayyear, but the group was still able to do- charityballbrandon.com. Contact Frost nate 11 boxes of toys, 38 bikes and $7,000 at 966-4788 or Savage at 240-7772 to to Metropolitan Ministries. Since start- learn more about sponsorship.
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Holiday Gift Guide
Volume 20, Issue 11