Valrico
16
February 2022
Volume 19, Issue 2
Ph: 657-2418
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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
MULRENNAN TEACHER RECOGNIZED ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD AND MORE BY TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING AT STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL By Michelle Caceres
data/graphic analysis and more. Using the game of hockey as a STEM learning vehicle, the program helps students understand the real-world applications of science and math principles. “The app uses games to teach students about science through different aspects of hockey,” she said. “One lesson teaches them about the scientific method, and it’s great because my students are learning and having fun at the same time.” Two years ago, she was able to take a group of students to a Lightning hockey practice to see the principles in action. “We all know how vital and important teachers are in the lives of all children, which is why we are thrilled to be able to celebrate them through the Most Valuable Teacher program,” said Rob Zepp, manager of special projects Mulrennan Middle School teacher Kelli Michael was for the NHLPA. “The opportunity to selected for nomination as a National Hockey League recognize teachers who, through their (NHL) Most Valuable Teacher. She was one of up to 20 involvement in the NHL/NHLPA Future teachers that were ‘featured’ for January. Goals program, go above and beyond Mulrennan Middle School science teachis something we are extremely excited er Kelli Michael was selected for nomina- about.” tion by the Tampa Bay Lightning as JanuIf Michael received the most votes in ary’s Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher. January, she will be recognized as the Most Each month, from January through Valuable Teacher for that month. One winMarch, up to 20 Future Goals teachers ner will also be selected in February and throughout the country are selected to March, which will then narrow the field to participate in the National Hockey League three finalists. Final voting will take place (NHL) Most Valuable Teacher program. The from Monday to Friday, May 2-6 during public has the opportunity to vote for the Teacher Appreciation Week 2022 to deterteacher who they think should be declared mine who will be declared the Future Goals Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher of the Most Valuable Teacher of the Year. Month. The nominee with the most votes at the Michael, a Valrico resident, received the end of each month will receive $10,000 nomination because of her participation worth of technology donations for their in the NHL and National Hockey League school district as well as street hockey Players’ Association (NHLPA) Future Goals equipment. program. Michael accesses the program Michael said her principal, assistant printhrough an app on Clever and uses it to cipals and fellow teachers are rooting her teach sixth-grade students skills using a on. STEM sports curriculum, including founda“Our school could really use the technolotional STEM concepts, scientific thinking, gy money,” she said.
By Kate Quesada
youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry shortcake. The agricultural center features livestock shows, sales and contests and a Kiddie Korral that is open daily with activities for younger guests. The entertainment lineup the first week includes Lady A on March 3; The Beach Boys and Boyz II Men on Friday, March 4; Lauren Daigle on Saturday, March 5; and Sammy Hagar and the Circle on Sunday March 6. Kenzie Wheeler kicks off week two on Monday, March 7, with Lee Greenwood and Jake Owen performing on Wednesday, March 9. Nelly will take The Florida Strawberry Festival will take place in Plant City next month.
It is that time of year again. March in Eastern Hillsborough County means not only delicious strawberries but also world-class entertainment at the Florida Strawberry Festival when it comes to town. Taking place from Thursday, March 3 to Sunday, March 13 GRAMMY Award-winning and chart-topping Christian in Plant City, the theme for this music artists Lauren Daigle and Zach Williams are schedyear’s festival is ‘#1 For FUN.’ It uled to perform at the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival. is the 87th time the Strawberry Festival has taken place. the stage on Saturday, March 12 and “Our festival and the City of Plant City The Bellamy Brothers and Sam Hunt will hold the strawberry in high regard,” said close down the festival on March 13. President Paul Davis. “We’re No. 1 for Other entertainment at the festival will wholesome family fun and excitement.” include the Belmont Festival of Magic The 11-day event offers something fun Show, K9s in Flight, Circus Incredible, for the whole family with a daily schedule Rock-It the Robot, Robinson’s Racing of events, including concerts, shows and Pigs and the Dakin Dairy Farm Milking even a parade in addition to the midway Parlor. rides and a wide variety of food. For more information and a full listing “We feel like this is a theme other fairs of entertainment times, visit www.flstrawand festivals, in our profession, can re- berryfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram late to,” said Davis. “Like most fairs and and Twitter (#berryfest22). festivals, the Florida Strawberry Festival represents a piece of Americana, a time in American history when events like ours brought communities together to cele- BEEPERMD COVID TESTING PG 3 brate the harvest, and that’s No. 1 in our NAM KNIGHTS K-9 ........................... PG 5 book.” EYE ON BUSINESS ................. PG 25-26 Each year, nearly 500,000 visitors enjoy the festival’s headline entertainment, ARTS......................................................PG 39
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Hope For Her is offering Healthy Habit Classes on Monday evenings in March from 6:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m. To register, call 309-3357. Classes will be held at 140 Yarbrough Rd. in Brandon. To learn more, visit www.hopeforherfl.org. See the full story on Page 9.
Page 2
Valrico Edition
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Volume 19, Issue 2
Valrico Edition
February 2022
DURANT HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES LITERACY WEEK
Page 3
COVID-19 TESTING COMES TO YOU AT HOME WITH BEEPERMD
By Libby Hopkins
By Lily Belcher Throughout the nection between reading week of January and the books and inter24, Durant High preting that into … a piece School celebrated of art,” explained Randall. Literacy Week to Students were encourpromote reading aged to wear camouflage and writing in the and ‘hunt’ for a good book school. Durant’s on Tuesday and teachers literacy week read an excerpt from one of was packed with their favoractivities and ite books to competitions for their classes all staff and stuon Wednesdents. day. “It’s just a Staff and great way to raise students awareness of each incorsomething that Durant High School Senior Cassidy Bran- porated their favorite word kley picks out books in the Media Center I think that we into their outfit and Durant’s on Friday of Literacy Week. take for granted staff had a teacher book a lot—the ability to read and the right to club where they discussed popular teen read. There’s so many people who can’t novels on Thursday. read and it’s a struggle in their everyday “We’ve got a teachers book club where life,” said librarian Melanie Randall. we’re gonna meet and have breakfast Durant kicked off literacy week by an- as teachers, and we read young adult nouncing a variety of student contests books together so then we can connect that are related to popular novels. The with students reading those books also,” National English Honor Society hosted said Randall. a writing contest for students to share Literacy Week concluded with a free a book, character or symbol that has book swap and giveaway in the library shaped or changed their life. Students on Friday. could also post their favorite lines from “My favorite activity is always weara book on their social media pages and a-word day … but my students’ favorite enter for a drawing to meet with author day is when they get free books,” said Fred Aceves in February. English and literature teacher Laura EsFor the more artistically inclined stu- tes-Swilley. dents, there were movie poster and Literacy Week is a statewide celebrabookmark design contests and a manga tion that Durant participates in each drawing contest. year. This year’s theme was ‘Launch Into “I love all the art contests because … Literacy, Blast Off Into New Worlds.’ we have a lot of students that it really For more information on this year’s draws them in and they can make a con- event, visit fldoe.org.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 2
Valrico Edition
February 2022
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Page 5
NAM KNIGHTS CREATE A K9 MEMORIAL
By Libby Hopkins
Denise and Gary east Asia, and Olson, the new to help other owners of Branveterans of don’s HiTech Autoall wars who motive, have been are unable longtime members to physically of the AMVETS or financially organization, parhelp themticularly AMVETS selves.” Post 26. The Ol“My wife, Desons and nise, was volunteering their fellow her time as Canteen Nam Knights Steward one night and members the Nam Knights Westare currently side Chapter came into working on the post,” Gary said. a Regional “My wife called me at K9 Law Enhome and said, ‘There forcement are some guys up here Memorial to I think you would rehonor all the ally like to meet.’ So, I fallen K9 ofNam Knights Westside Chapter of Brandon went up to meet them. ficers who is currently working on a Regional K9 Law I found they were a milhave paid Enforcement Memorial to honor all the fallen K9 officers who have paid the ultimate price for itary/law enforcement the ultimate our protection, which will be located in the city club, both current and price for our of Temple Terrace. veterans. Since I’m a p ro t e c t i o n , veteran, we hit it off imv be located mediately.” in the city of Temple In the summer of 1989, a Terrace. small group of Harley-riding “The city has kindcombat vets of the Vietnam ly donated a piece of War, who were also police property to us for this officers, banded together to memorial,” Gary said. form the Nam Knights. The “We have the bronze club was founded in New Jerdog statue, which sey by Jack Quigley, now-rewill be the center tired undersheriff of the piece of this memoriBergen County Sheriff’s Deal, completed at this partment. Quigley served as time and are hoping a platoon sergeant with the to have a ground11th Motor Transport Battalbreaking ceremony ion, First Marine Division. held very soon. Also, Today, the Nam Knights of America we have our annual charity event, the Pig Motorcycle Club has grown to 69 chap- Roast, coming up on April 2 at Brandon ters in 16 states, Washington D.C. and Harley Davidson to help us support the ristwo Canadian provinces, with hundreds of ing costs to build the memorial. There will members made up of veterans of all eras be live music, vendors, food, raffle items as well as law enforcement personnel, plus and much more to enjoy.” a few special and dedicated ‘patriots.’ As If you would like to learn more about Quigley has said, “The club was formed to the Nam Knights Westside Chapter, you recapture the brotherhood its founding can visit its website at www.namknightsmembers shared while serving in South- westside.com.
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Valrico Edition
CONGRESSMAN SCOTT FRANKLIN OFFERS MOBILE OFFICE HOURS
By Libby Hopkins
Congressman including assisting with Scott Franklin serves government agencies, the citizens of Florsecuring passports and ida’s 15th Congresother needs. “As a federal sional District. He is Congressional office, we a 20-year veteran in can essentially help folks insurance and risk navigate the bureaucracy management, having in any federal agency, inled Lanier Upshaw cluding Veterans Affairs in Lakeland as presiand the Social Security dent and CEO for 20 Administration,” Franklin years before merging said. “During the last outinto BKS Partners reach event in Plant City, in 2020, where he we had four people regisserved as managtered to attend, and eight ing partner. He was Congressman Scott Franklin serves the citi- showed up. Currently, we zens of Florida’s 15th Congressional District. elected to Congress have three people regisFranklin recently started a Mobile Office in November 2020 Hours program in our community. It had tered to attend the event and was sworn in on its first office hours at the Greater Riverview in Clermont.” January 3, 2021. For the current quarter, Chamber of Commerce’s office. Franklin recentFranklin and his team are ly started a Mobile Office visiting Plant City, Groveland, ClerHours program in our commont and Riverview. “Next quarmunity. It had its first ofter, we plan to visit four more fice hours at the Greater locations, including Brandon,” Riverview Chamber of Franklin said. “Our plan is to host Commerce’s office last four Mobile Office Hours events month. every 90 days. Our primary goal is “It was an idea from to serve the people of the 15th Conour excellent district gressional District. We want to make office staff, who do a that process as simple as possible, so remarkable job servwe are more than happy to come to ing the constituents where our constituents are. It’s also a of Florida’s 15th Congressional Disgreat opportunity for folks to interact trict,” Franklin said. “We represent a large with our amazing district office team. I’d endistrict, which sometimes makes it difficult courage all of your readers to follow my sofor constituents to come to our district of- cial media account on Facebook and Twitter fice in Lakeland, so we figured we could go and check their emails for our future mobile to them.” office hours, we’d love to see you.” Franklin and his staff can help residents You can learn more about Franklin’s Mowith all the traditional constituent ser- bile Office Hours program on his Facebook vices they provide at their Lakeland office, page at www.facebook.com/RepFranklin.
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Volume 19, Issue 2
SUMMER JOBS HIRING SEASON IS HERE AND CAREERSOURCE TAMPA BAY CAN HELP By Brad Stager A job market with line is Monday, a lot of opportunities February 28, and plenty of young with applipeople needing work cants served experience is a comin the order bination of factors their applithat CareerSource cations were Tampa Bay (CSTB) received. The is trying to turn into agency plans a successful summer on providing jobs program. jobs for up to Matching busi760 youths in nesses with potential 2022. employees who EmployCareerSource Tampa Bay’s 2022 Summer Hires promay be new to ers are the labor force is gram may be one way to ease the glut of ‘Help Wanted’ needed to signs that fill local business windows. the goal of CSTB’s participate Summer Hires program, and the career and and Jennifer Wilson, director of the Tampa workforce development agency is soliciting Bay Summer Hires program, said businessapplications from employers and youths to es can play an important role in developing participate this year. talent they need by being a part of the proThrough the program, opportunities to gram and providing employment opportuniearn money while learning employable skills ties for young adults. are made available to young people 16 to 24 “This program would not be able to sucyears of age. Wages and incentives are paid ceed without the support of our business by CSTB to individual participants who take community,” she said. “Our business coma position with a company that is part of munity has been key to our success by the summer employment program. meeting businesses’ short-term workforce There are three tracks individuals can needs, improving our regional talent pipechoose from for their Summer Hires activi- lines and expanding workplace learning ty. An eight-week internship of 24 hours per opportunities through our paid work expeweek will earn a participant $13 an hour. rience model.” Those looking to sample a work experience Of particular interest to CSTB are pocan select the Online Career Exploration sitions in industries such as construction, track and earn a $200 weekly incentive hospitality, retail, health care, manufacfrom CSTB. A $200 weekly incentive is also turing, information technology and logisavailable for those participating in the six- tics. Among last year’s employers were 78 week Youth Leadership Academy. for-profit businesses, 33 nonprofit entities People interested need to complete a and one governmental agency. 2022 Tampa Bay Summer Hires application For more information, visit www.careeron the CSTB website. The registration dead- sourcetampabay.com or call 419-5398.
Valrico Edition
February 2022
COUNTY CHANGES MOST RESIDENTIAL TRASH PICKUP DAYS
By Kate Quesada
what they pay for in regard to their solid waste collection.” The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners awarded the eight-year contracts to FCC Environmental Services FL LLC, Republic Services of Florida and Waste Management of Tampa in 2021. According to Tramel, 68 Solid waste collection dates changed last month for the percent of residents in uninmajority of unincorporated Hillsborough County. corporated Hillsborough CounResidents throughout ty will have Hillsborough County their pickup may have to get into a days changed. new routine this month. Those with As of January 31, many c h a n g communities will have es will be new service days for mailed posttrash, recycling and yard cards that waste collections. detail the According to Hillsnew days for borough County Solid their trash, Waste Collection Manrecycling and ager Damien Tramel, these changes should yard waste collection services and can also lead to a more reliable schedule of pickups visit the Hillsborough County trash and for residents. recycling web page at www.hillsboroughResidents will continue to receive two county.org/trash to find the new trash, regarbage collections, one recycling collec- cycling and yard waste collection schedules. tion and one yard waste collection weekly, All household garbage, recyclable materibut the days may have changed due to the als and routine yard waste should be placed consolidation of zones and the addition of curbside either the night before or by 6 a.m. a new service provider. The county is now on the scheduled collection day. Residents split into three zones and is serviced by FCC are asked to keep all of their trash inside the Environmental Services FL LLC, Republic carts and to make sure that there is at least Services of Florida and Waste Management 3 feet of space around each cart so that the of Tampa. trucks can easily access it. “We are very excited about these changComplete residential garbage, recycling es,” said Tramel. “We know that recently and yard waste collection guidelines are many homes have had problems with their available at hcflgov.net/trash, or contact pickups not being reliably scheduled and we Hillsborough County Solid Waste Customer believe this change will help residents get Service at 272-5680.
Page 7
GRADUATION RATES HIGHEST IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HISTORY Staff Report rate in our district at 98.9 percent, an increase again from last year. “I am so excited for our community and our organization for obtaining the highest graduation rate in district history. This is in direct correlation to the hard work and dedication exhibited by our students, caregivers, teachers, Hillsborough County Public Schools is celebrating a graduation rate school leaders, school of 89.2 percent. counselors, support professionals and disHillsborough County Public Schools is celebrating an achievement even amid a trict staff. We will continue to work tirepandemic, with a graduation rate of 89.2 lessly to prepare full option graduates percent. This number represents the high- that can have an immediate impact on est graduation rate in the district’s histo- our community,” said Hillsborough Counry, capping off two consecutive years of ty Public Schools Superintendent Addison graduation gains during one of the most Davis. Hillsborough County Public Schools contumultuous times in our educational systinue to narrow the achievement gap in tem. The majority of high schools demon- key areas, including: African American students had a 1.9 strated tremendous accomplishments throughout this past school year due to percentage point increase in graduation the ongoing commitment from school- rates, rising almost 10 percentage points based leaders, teachers, counselors, and in the last five years. Hispanic learners achieved a 7.4 persupport professionals. Highlights include: Spoto High School has, for the first time centage point increase over the last five in its history, reached a 92.1 percent grad- years. Students with disabilities have steadily uation rate. This represents a 7.2 percentage point year-to-year increase, the larg- increased their graduation rates 16.6 percentage points over the last five years. est improvement in the district. Economically disadvantaged students Armwood High School demonstrated a 5.5 percentage point year-to-year in- illustrated impressive gains, with a 3.9 crease with an 87.9 percent graduation percentage point year-over-year jump—9 percentage points over five years. rate. To learn more, visit www.hillsboroughNewsome High School once again has the distinction of the highest graduation schools.org.
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Page 8
Valrico Edition
LIBRARY2GO PROGRAM IS ON THE MOVE TOWARDS FULL RESTORATION
By Tatiana Ortiz
Beginning in the “The vehicle is 1930s during the loaded up with all of Great Depression, the components of the Hillsborough a branch library and County Public Lionce the Library2Go brary Cooperative staff, along with the has been delivervehicle, arrives at the ing bookmobile scheduled stop, we services to Hillunload those matesborough Counrials to create a popty residents for up library utilizing nearly 100 years. Historic photo from July 17, 1939 of the first era of the space the facility With funding from has given us,” Wagner bookmobiles in Hillsborough County. the Works Projects said. Ad m i n i s t rat i o n , Despite the chalthe first bookmolenge that Librarybile service in the 2Go faced in spring county was posof 2020 with sussible. This specific pending operations bookmobile bus redue to the COVID-19 tired from service pandemic, it still on May 31, 2019. aims to get back into On June 3, 2019, A few Library2Go staff members at a location full restoration. The providing service. Library2Go hit the planning of restoration road for the first time, delivering service to started last fall. At this time, Library2Go library customers who may not have easy is not open to the public. Wagner also said access to brick-and-mortar library branches. that interested customers should continue Currently, Library2Go visits retirement to check back for additional information as communities, congregant living facilities and Library2Go works through the spring to fulsuch on selected dates and times within the ly restore those services again. Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Wagner mentioned what the overall goal areas. Library2Go provides the full array of of the Library2Go program is. library services, information and technology, “The goal of the program is to make sure which includes the use of the internet, reg- that all citizens of Hillsborough County have istering or renewing a library card, picking access to library services,” Wagner said. up materials placed on hold and more. These Library2Go will be at Apostles Village, services are offered in English and in Span- located at 525 E. Sadie St. in Brandon, on ish. Thursday, February 17 at 3:30 p.m. Lisa Wagner, library public service reFor more information and a schedule of gional manager for the Hillsborough County locations, visit https://hcplc.org/services/ Public Library Cooperative, shared how the library2go, call 273-3652 or text 352-1972 Library2Go program works. or 352-1603.
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Volume 19, Issue 2
THE 2022 VALRICO FISHHAWK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR ITS SCHOLARSHIPS By Tatiana Ortiz why the student would be an excellent choice for the scholarship and complete additional requirements. Dr. Bob Lutz, owner of Motion ChiroTherapy and scholarship chair at the VFCC, stated what makes these scholarships unique. “It is business The Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications owners investing in for this year’s $750 scholarship program. our youth,” Lutz said. Graduating high school seniors can “We want to be a now apply for the 2022 Valrico Fish- small part of allowing someone to reach Hawk Chamber of Commerce’s (VFCC) their dreams and goals.” scholarships. The group offers four $750 The VFCC is one of the premiere busischolarships for students who have al- ness organizations in Eastern Hillsborready been accepted to an institution, ough County. It consists of nearly 250 two for two or four-year accredited members representing businesses of all universities or colleges and two for an sizes. accredited vocational-technical college. On Tuesday, April 12, the winners and The scholarship monies are paid direct- their families will be invited to the VFly to the student to assist with required CC’s General Assembly at the River Hills books and tuition. Country Club located in Valrico. The There are some specific requirements winners will be announced and awarded for applicants. For instance, the candi- their checks. date’s parent or guardian must be a res“Overall, these scholarships are here ident of the Valrico or FishHawk area. and available for students; please apply,” Another requirement is that the student Lutz said. must attend Newsome High School, Applications must be received by Bloomingdale High School or Durant Wednesday, March 2. High School, or the parent must be a curThose interested in applying should rent paid member of the VFCC. Students speak to their guidance counselor or should also have an unweighted 3.0 or email Lutz at recognition@valricofishhigher GPA (Grade Point Average), com- hawk.org. For more information about plete a 500-word or less essay stating VFCC, visit https://valricofishhawk.org.
February 2022
Valrico Edition
DOVER DOODLES DOG BREEDERS TRY TO HELP SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES
By Libby Hopkins
our puppies F1BB Susie and Paul and birthed with Wirth of Dover are excellent pedigreed the owners of Dobloodlines. Still, our ver Doodles. They goal is to breed for embarked on their health and temjourney of breeding goldendoodles beperament first and foremost.” cause they wanted While the Wirths to share the love of are proud of their doodles with other friendly and adorfamilies, especially those with a special able family of dooneeds family memdles, they only prober. vide a few litters “We have been per year. The Wirth Family of Dover are the owners of dog lovers for many Living with auDover Doodles. They embarked on their journey years but bringing of breeding Goldendoodles because they wanted tism, as with any a doodle into our to share the love of doodles with other families. special need, can home added so make it very chalmuch more fun and enjoyment to our lives lenging for the entire family to live a northat we felt compelled to breed them,” mal life. The Wirths’ daughter, Ashlyn, is Susie said. “We do breed medium/stan- autistic, and she has a special soft spot for dard-size goldendoodles currently because her fur babies. “Since the arrival of our goldendoodle our daughter is autistic, and this is the size [of] pet with which she has truly engaged has helped our family, we want to help othand played. Our puppies should weigh be- er people with life challenges be able to extween to 45-50 pounds. We are open to perience the love and joy of a goldendoodle the possibility of breeding Bernedoodles in as well,” Susie said. “It is with this in mind the near future.” that we have committed to give a doodle Dover Doodle began in 2018 to provide away each year we breed to a special peran incredible experience for those seeking son. These puppies bring so much enjoyto add a Goldendoodle to their family. ment and love wherever they go.” “Our puppies live and play with us,” SuIf you would like to learn more about sie said. “Our dam and sire are genetically Dover Doodles, you can visit the website at tested and health cleared. Lord Augustus www.doverdoodlesfl.com. If you would like Gloop is full F1B goldendoodle and is CKC to be considered for a goldendoodle, please registered with a strong pedigree. Lady Ag- share your story of autism and how you feel nes comes from five generations of grand a puppy would benefit your special needs champion and champion on her sire’s side child with the Wirths via their website. Be and champion on her dam’s side. Lady is sure to fill out the puppy application that 100 percent standard poodle. This makes can be found on their website as well.
Page 9
HOPE FOR HER OFFERS MARCH CLASSES Staff Report
Hope for Her is offering classes to help women live their best lives.
“We are excited to have our second series of Healthy Habit Classes on Monday evenings in March from 6:15 pm to 7:30 pm,” said Hope for Her Director of Operations Myriam Lugo. The group’s mission is to help women and their families in crisis find stability and live their best lives, and these new classes go along with that. “We are creating a community of women who want to live their best lives,” said Lugo. “We do this by sharing our mutual experience and growing together. All facilitators will share from their personal experiences.” This month’s classes are: March 7 - Nutritional Health With Charlee - Baking Low Carb If you’re wanting to try low-carb sweets but are not sure where to begin or not sure about almond flour, then come check out this class where you will learn how to bake low-carb chocolate chip cookies using almond flour. You’ll also learn about the different sweeteners available and how they are used. Get ready because recipes and samples will be available. March 14 - Emotional Health With Ilene - Declutter Your Heart, Part 2 Join the class on March 14 to free your mind of overload and your living space of
stuff. Learn tips for decluttering to ease anxiety and emotional stress. Let’s organize, give away and feel hope to head into spring with enthusiasm. March 21 - Physical Health With Amanda and Vivienne Get energized with Hope for Her! You’ll dance and move for 30 minutes of Zumba, then you’ll slow down by stretching, relaxing and praising God. March 28 - Spiritual Health With Kristen - Learning To Love Ourselves as God Loves Us Hurtful relationships or traumatic pasts can make us feel that we aren’t good enough. If our hearts really wrestle with that, we may be hesitant to accept that we are fully accepted and loved as God’s children. Many of us struggle to believe that God truly loves and forgives us for our past, but God’s forgiveness and love are truly available to every one of us. Join in on March 28 for an interactive discussion and time of sharing with other women working to overcome shame and explore evidence from the Bible that can empower us to move with hope and confidence. To register, call 309-3357. Classes will be held at 140 Yarbrough Rd. in Brandon. To learn more about Hope for Her, visit www.hopeforherfl.org.
Page 10
Valrico Edition
NEW BRANDON REGIONAL LIBRARY PROJECT MOVING FORWARD
By Brad Stager
Volume 19, Issue 2
THE CITY OF PLANT CITY TO HOST CITY MANAGER PHOTO WALK AT MCINTOSH PRESERVE
By Kathy L. Collins
A replacement for the aging Brandon Regional Library on Vonderburg Dr.will be built at the northeast corner of Lumsden Dr.and Woodview Dr., just west of Parsons Ave.
A new chapter is beginning in the history of the Brandon Regional Library. The library’s current building, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., will be replaced with a new facility to be built less than a mile south at the northeast corner of Lumsden Rd. and Woodview Dr., just west of Parsons Ave. According to Sean McGarvey, Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative’s manager of support services, the current library has served the community well since opening in 1991, but things have changed and a new one is required in order to meet residents’ information needs in the 21st century. “Over the past 30 years, the community has grown, and its needs have evolved,” said McGarvey, adding that the types of services libraries provide go beyond providing shelves of books to read. “We recognize the community’s need for collaborative spaces and access to more diverse technology resources, and the current location is unable to accommodate this. The proposed new library will offer customers an accessible, modern, 25,000-square-foot facility equipped with meeting room spaces to host technology instruction and library programs. The proposed library will also include an enclosed children’s room and audio-visual studio.” The replacement library is planned to be a single-story building that will be built on the approximately 7.5-acre piece of land that the county owns. The project is budgeted at $12.5 million and is being paid for with
The Brandon Regional Library on Vonderburg Dr. will be replaced by a new facility to be built at the northeast corner of Lumsden Dr. and Woodview Dr., just west of Parsons Ave.
county library taxing district funds. Completion of the new building is expected to be in 2025. As for appearance, the new library will likely feature a neoclassical red brick building, including classical columns with decorative cornices, according to information published online by the county about the project. The nature of public libraries has changed since Brandon’s first library was created in 1960, when the Brandon Women’s Club allocated space for 1,000 books in their clubhouse and choices were pretty much paperback or hardcover. The Brandon Branch Library of the Tampa Public Library began operations in a larger facility in 1968 before moving to the Vonderburg Dr. location in 1991. Current activities and resources include access to computers and internet service, videos, 3D printers, writing workshops, story time events of all types and assistive technology to ensure everyone benefits from what the library offers. Residential • Commercial Exterior Repaint Specialists
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In June of 2021, experience in conservaPlant City celebrated tion land management, the opening of McInnature preserves, trails tosh Preserve. On Satand conservation parks. urday, March 19, hikers He comes to Plant City can join City Manager from Hillsborough Bill McDaniel on a City County’s Conservation Manager Photo Walk. & Environmental Land The Photo Walk will Management Departtake place at 8 a.m. and ment. is open to all area resFoster is responsible idents. for helping the park McIntosh Preserve rangers enhance and is located at 775 E. preserve environmenKnights Griffin Rd. in tally sensitive park Plant City. The trails Plant City is a diverse area which includes land citywide. He is and tower project cov- many parks and preserves. Come explore also charged with helpone of the city’s newest preserves on er about 50 acres of ing guide continuing the overall 363-acre Saturday, March 19 as City Manager improvements to McInBill McDaniel leads attendees on the parcel. A series of imtosh Preserve, which will City Manager Photo Walk at McIntosh proved hiking trails include the development Preserve. totaling a little over of enhanced wetlands 2 miles, along with a 30-foot observation and additional trails. tower, parking area, trail head, educational Foster said, “The City of Plant City is signs, benches and trash receptacles, have committed to developing McIntosh Prebeen added to the uplands portion of the serve into a destination for families to see preserve. The main trail to the tower is 0.72 the spectacle that is Florida’s natural envimiles long and, at 8 feet wide, it is easily ronment. The City of Plant City hopes to ennegotiable for families and wheelchairs. gage and educate the public about the imThe other trails are 5 feet wide and wind portance of natural resource preservation through large oak, pine and cypress areas. and benefits that McIntosh Preserve can Attendees of the Photo Walk will hike provide toward a sustainable future. The along the trails and other areas of the pre- City Manager Photo Walk is an opportuniserve while capturing photos of wildlife, ty for experienced and new photographers plants and the landscape. Attendees should alike to take a closer look at the beauty of bring a camera or a smart phone to capture Florida’s natural surroundings.” photos. You must preregister for the Photo Walk Chris Foster, environmental land manage- and complete the form found at https:// ment supervisor for the City of Plant City www.plantcitygov.com/parksrec/page/ Parks & Recreation Department, will help city-manager-photo-walk by Thursday, lead the Photo Walk. Foster has extensive March 17.
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February 2022
Valrico Edition
Page 11
REBEL POET BRINGS SPOKEN WORD TO MISSY’S INK CELEBRATES FIVE ARTIST NIGHT AT CENTER PLACE YEARS OF MAKING LOCAL WOMEN By Libby Hopkins BEAUTIFUL By Libby Hopkins Missy Duncan areolas and niphad a successful ples for clients who photography career have had a mastecfor more than 20 tomy, breast augyears, but somementation or want thing was missing. to renew the pigShe wasn’t hapmentation of faded py and needed a areola and nipples change. With lots has been a tremenof encouragement dous blessing to from her husband, me,” Duncan said. she embarked on a “Replacing the arenew career path in ola and nipple can permanent makeup, restore a woman’s and she is so glad Missy Duncan is the owner of Missy’s Ink in Valrico. self-esteem. I can she did. Missy’s Ink has been a part of the Brandon commu- create the look of nity for five years. “I enjoy each and a three-dimensional every client that comes in no matter the nipple on a completely flat surface.” procedure,” Duncan said. “Making women Duncan’s goal is to learn all she can about feel more confident from the outside in is permanent makeup. “My goal for the future a blessing to me. My clients become my is to continue to learn, grow and gain more friends.” confidence,” Duncan said. “Learning creates Missy’s Ink has been a part of the Bran- knowledge and knowledge creates confidon community for five years. In those five dence.” years, Duncan has opened a new location in The next service Duncan is excited to Valrico, offered more services to her clients offer her clients is tattoo removal. “I’m so and had more training in various permanent excited about the future,” Duncan said. “My makeup procedures. next phase is to start offering tattoo remov“I now have a bigger, better studio office,” al. This will be awesome for women who Duncan said. “I now have a business associ- have had previous permanent makeup and ate working with me, Kami Elrod with Tam- it didn’t go well. Now, instead of sending pa Babe Beauty, who offers lash extensions, them away for laser, I will be able to offer a tanning, microneedling and more. We are a noninvasive solution that won’t require any good compliment to each other’s business. scabbing or downtime. I can’t wait to share We like to think of our office as a one-stop more details in the months ahead.” for all your beauty needs.” If you would like to learn more about the Areola pigmentation is another service services offered at Missy’s Ink, you can visit that Duncan is honored to offer women her website at www.missysink.com or conwho have battled breast cancer. Duncan tact Duncan at 695-0648. calls this service, “Pink, by Missy’s Ink.” Missy’s Ink is located at 3117 Lithia “Creating beautiful, three-dimensional Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Asso- “I am also the host of Poets Cafe. A poetciation is striving to become the epicenter ry night/creative jam session held on the of all things art in the Brandon commu- first Thursday of the month, geared tonity. In support of this goal, it is hosting wards providing the creatives in the area a monthly event a space to express called Artist Night, themselves.” and it is held on Poet will be makthe first Friday of ing her next apeach month. pearance at Center “This event has Place’s March 4 been growing Artist Night. “I am more and more passionate about since we first uplifting and inspirstarted it back in ing others to find Sept. of 2021,” their own passion said Center Place’s and purpose,” Poet executive direcsaid. “I absolutetor, Libby Hopkins. ly believe my own “We have now purpose lies in proadded more artists viding a platform Rebel Poet will be performing at Center Place’s and spoken word for my fellow poets to this monthly Artist Night on Friday, March 4. Artist Night is a to have a place to be free 18-and-up event that is held the first Friday of seen and heard and event.” The spoken word every month at Center Place, which is located at for the audience to 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in the Brandon is provided and be inspired by the Regional Library. performed by Rebexperience of my el Poet of Wesley Chapel. “I’m a Colombi- spoken word events and the words of the an-born poet,” she said. “I’ve been writing poets performing.” poetry since the age of 11. My name, Rebel If you would like to learn more about Poet, comes from my rebellious nature to Poet, you can visit her Instagram page at never conform to the expectations of so- @the_rebel_poet_. ciety. I’ve always questioned everything. I If you would like to learn more about pour love into everything that I am pas- Artist Night or if you are a local artist or sionate about and I believe my purpose poet who would like to participate in Cenlies in uplifting and inspiring others to find ter Place’s Artist Night, you can visit the their own passion and purpose.” center’s website at www.centerplacebranHer poetry focuses on her admiration don.com. The Artist Night information is for the divine feminine and our connection under the ‘Events’ tab on the website. to divinity as human beings. She loves all Artist Night is a free 18-and-up event expressions of art. that is held at Center Place, which is lo“I am the art curator at Coffee Speaks cated at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in the N Tea Talks in Wesley Chapel,” Rebel said. Brandon Regional Library.
www.edwardjones.com/adam-benabram adam.benabram@edwardjones.com Member SIPC
Page 12
Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 2
FROM TEENAGE PIZZA MAKER TO FORMAGGIO’S PIZZERIA ENTREPRENEUR
By Vicki Moses
In 2011, when a 16-year-old boy went with his dad to pick up pizzas for dinner at the original Formaggio’s Italian Restaurant in Lithia, little did he realize that this was the beginning of a dream and a career path for him. As he reached out to carry the multiple large pizza boxes for his dad, a woman nearby overheard the boy say, “Let me take those for you, Dad,” as he simultaneously held open the door for him. As he headed for the parking lot, the woman stopped him, told him that she was an owner of the restaurant and said, “You seem like a really nice, responsible kid. Would you like to learn how to make pizza?” The boy said, “Sure.” That Jordan Moses began working at Formaggio’s Pizzeria in Valrico when he was in high school. He is now the owner. was on a Friday evening, and on Sunday, Jordan Moses became employed at Formaggio’s and started learning the art of a head pizza maker and pizza making. cook, all while continuHis parents weren’t totally surprised that ing with his high school he chose to work in the restaurant industry studies, graduating from to earn some extra money. At the age of 8, Newsome High School with a degree in political science one evening he donned a tuxedo he’d worn that same year and startin 2019. in a wedding, had his family sit down at the ing his undergraduate deWhy political science? Moses dinner table and handed them a hand-writ- gree at the University of South Florida (USF) had planned on going to law school, but his ten menu that he had created for them— that fall. heart wasn’t in it anymore—he had a passion complete with different kinds of sandwiches, The next few years would bring changes. for cooking, specifically pizza making and condiments and chips to choose from, and Formaggio’s closed its original dine-in loca- Italian food, and he couldn’t shake it. And cookies for dessert. His restaurant’s name tion, moved its Express location from Lithia then, COVID-19 changed everything—for evwas ‘Subjay’ (sorry Subway). He wrote down Crossing to River Hills—where it is located erybody. He was at a loss on how to move his family’s orders on his notepad and off he today—and the owners who had given Mo- forward and thought that maybe his best went to make their dinner. The food was sur- ses the chance to learn a craft sold Formag- option was to take a corporate job. So, he beprisingly good, and he even cleaned up after- gio’s Express. Still, Moses continued on with gan working remotely for USAA as a licensed wards. Formaggio’s and proved himself to the new insurance professional. But he longed to go A junior at Joe E. Newsome High School owner, who encouraged him to pursue a cer- back to his days as a pizza maker and a cook, when he began his career with Formaggio’s, tification in food management—which he and he dreamed of one day having his own Moses quickly learned how to do restaurant did. Pizza making and cooking became more pizzeria and becoming his own boss. prep work as well as make hand-tossed piz- and more of a passion for Moses, so much so Some people may not believe in fate, but zas, and other Italian foods soon followed. He that he found himself taking on more hours Moses is definitely a believer. Just as he was became such a good cook and dependable to cook and spend time in the restaurant and contemplating leaving the corporate world employee that when the owners of Formag- less hours to finish his degree at USF. So, in and trying to get a job as a pizza maker, he gio’s decided to open an Express location in 2017, after working for Formaggio’s for al- was contacted by the owner of Formaggio’s, Lithia Crossing a year later in 2012, Moses most seven years, he made the decision to who was interested in selling the pizzeria and moved to the new location, where he became devote himself to school full time, graduating was looking for a buyer, and he thought of
Moses, his loyal former employee. For Jordan, it was like his dream had dropped out of the sky and into his lap. He had come full circle. Moses discussed the venture with his family. Did they believe he could do this? After all, he’s 28, and he’s never run a business of his own. Moses forged ahead with his dream, and on April 30, 2021, his dream came true when he became the new owner of Formaggio’s Pizzeria in Valrico. In 10 years, he went from a teenage boy who didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life to owning his own restaurant and doing what he loves: making hand-tossed pizzas, cooking Italian dishes and serving his community. Not too bad. While he kept the menu pretty much the same with homemade sauces, homemade dough and fresh ingredients, Jordan has made a few changes by adding online ordering for customers’ convenience, which can be found on Formaggio’s new website at www.formaggios.com; putting in a new POS system to push through orders more quickly; and enhancing the menu with some new additions and tasty surprises. Down to earth, a hometown boy born and raised in Brandon and a loyal Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays fan through and through—stop by Formaggio’s, located at 4356 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico (across from River Hills) or call 689-1744, and say hello to the new owner, Moses. And try a homemade pizza while you’re at it.
CAC1820162
February 2022
Valrico Edition
Page 13
Page 14
Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 2
COVID-19 PUBLIC EDUCATION ALL AMERICAN DOG TRAINING ACADEMY CAMPAIGN REACHES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY By Libby Hopkins The HHS COVID-19 ties,” Dembner said. public education cam“Today, CCC continpaign is a national ues all its original initiative to increase efforts and has expublic confidence panded to include in and uptake of over 17,000 memCOVID-19 vaccines bers that stretch while reinforcing baacross health care, The HHS COVID-19 public education sic prevention measports, rural and sures such as mask campaign is a national initiative to increase faith organizations. wearing and social public confidence in and uptake of COVID-19 CCC provides revaccines while reinforcing basic prevention distancing. sources to trusted measures such as mask wearing and social Through a nationmessengers so that distancing. wide network of they can open a trusted messengers and conspace for vaccine promotion in sistent, fact-based public health person or online, reaching peomessaging, the campaign helps ple where they are. Organizathe public make informed detions have led vaccination concisions about their health and versations, testing clinics and COVID-19, including steps to social media promotion.” protect themselves and their HHS has also launched a webcommunities. site called We Can Do This that “In January, we activatserves as a hub for volunteers ed nearly 50 local communito grab statistics and stories to ty-based organizations that share on the ground, supporting hosted in-person and virtual over 300,000 unique visits and events, share resources and more than 850,000 page views. materials through trusted messengers and “It featured dozens of toolkits and over 95 host vaccine pop-up clinics,” said Press Sec- videos in English and Spanish from trusted retary for Vaccine Public Education Cam- messengers providing fact-based informapaign Zachary Dembner. “Events will be tion about COVID-19,” Dembner said. happening nationwide and in priority marThe COVID-19 Public Education Camkets to promote initial vaccines and boost- paign are organized around three themes, er shots.” This effort focuses on Americans which are to slow the spread of COVID, who want to protect their health but may build vaccine confidence and protect our have questions about the COVID-19 vac- nation. “We’re growing every day as vaccicines. nating as many people as possible becomes Another way Dembner and his team are even more critical to our nation’s health, spreading the word about COVID-19 vacci- communities and economy,” Dembner said. nations is through their COVID-19 CommuIf you would like to learn more about the nity Corps (CCC). “CCC began as an effort COVID-19 Community Corps and the We to empower people and organizations to Can Do This campaign, visit the HSS webbuild vaccine confidence in their communi- site at www.wecandothis.hhs.gov.
By Tatiana Ortiz
Those considerpartnered with All ing getting their American Dog Traindogs trained by ing Academy, and experienced cerDave became the vice tified dog trainers president before they could reach out to both took over the All American Dog company in 2011. Training Academy. As a family-owned Since its establishand operated busiment in 1972, it has ness, it ensures that provided dog trainclients get the best ing in Tampa, Clearcustomer service as water, St. Peterswell as the best trainburg, Bradenton er that they and their and the surrounddog need. The trainers ing areas to more there have obtained Dave Springs, president, evaluator and trainer than 50,000 dogs at All American Dog Training Academy, with many years of experiand their owners Frankie, a cane corso after performing his lesson ence and knowledge to within their neighmake sure clients get on protection. borhoods, homes the skills needed to efand businesses. This year, fectively train their dog. All American Dog Training All American Dog TrainAcademy is celebrating its ing Academy offers a mil50th anniversary. itary style of dog training Valrico resident Hope utilizing a positive and negSprings, vice president and ative approach. It provides office manager at All Amera full range of obedience ican Dog Training Academy, courses for one’s pets. The shared what is in store for types of services that intheir 50th anniversary. dividuals can select from “We are putting special 50th anniversary include protection training, puppy training, stickers on every diploma each client re- advanced obedience, service training and ceives at completion,” Hope said. “We also much more. do plan to offer specials throughout the Hope mentioned how it feels knowing year,” she added. that the business reached being in operation Glen White and his family founded All for 50 years. American Dog Training Academy. He had a “It is an amazing feeling that we can still gift for dog training, and White turned that serve the Tampa Bay area with quality and passion into a reality after he retired from professional training for their pets,” Hope the Army. In 1999, Hope’s husband Dave said. Springs, became a trainer there and worked For more information, visit https://allamhis way to training supervisor. The Springs ericandog.net or call 685-6666.
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February 2022
Valrico Edition
Page 15
LEANNE’S OLD FASHIONED COOKIES SERVES UP SMILES
4TH-GRADER RECOGNIZED THROUGH COMPLETION OF 50-YARD CHALLENGE
From hearing her social media presence college professor say and helped put them her idea would nevin a good spot despite er work to running a the difficulties of the successful family busipandemic. Now, she, ness, LeAnne Crabtree under the direction of knew the Lord had a Hopper, is writing a hand in all of it. “God book about her famput people in our lives. ily’s story called God He built our base beHas a Sweet Tooth. It fore I even knew it tells the story of how would be a company,” an unlikely idea, when she said. And if you given over to God’s want a taste of heavhands, became someen, her family’s secret thing so much more. fourth-generation recLeAnne; her husband, ipe is close. Travis; and their famNow, LeAnne’s Old ily truly believe LeFashioned Cookies LeAnne’s Old Fashioned Cookies offers Anne’s Old Fashioned six delicious flavors. boasts six deCookies is also licious flavors: a ministry, and fudge spectacutheir story is set lar, coconut chipto come out late a-roons, chocothis year or early late chip pecan, next year. white chocolate Besides permacadamia nut, sonalized gifts, oatmeal raisin LeAnne’s Old and peanut butter. Boxes start at a doz- Fashioned Cookies is happy to be a part en cookies and range all the way up to its of your next corporate event. She’s look72-cookie tower. It’s the perfect gift for ing forward to baking for the TASTE at a special occasion, a holiday or a thank- The Straz on Saturday, April 9, where you. Each tasty treat is individually supporting the arts is sure to taste wrapped, so they’re perfect for sharing amazing. Mother’s Day and graduations in office and education settings as well are soon approaching as well, so you’ll as at your next gathering. want to get your order in soon. It really Her daughter, Amanda, who just is the perfect gift for all occasions and graduated with her bachelor’s degree, celebrations. still does marketing. Also, LeAnne is so We don’t blame you if you cannot wait. very thankful for her business coach and To order online, visit leannescookies.com friend, Steve Hopper. He really built their or call 888-651-0045.
Last summer for free for the Valrico resident disabled, the elCorbin Dihel acderly, veterans, single parents as cepted the 50well as anyone Yard Challenge in need of help. through the RaisTo get started, ing Men & Women participants get Lawn Care Service a white Raising nonprofit organiMen/Women shirt zation. With all of with ear protecCorbin’s hard work and perseverance, tion and shades. this fourth-gradFor every 10 lawns cut, a new er, who attends shirt color is givBoyette Springs Elementary en. School’s Center Smith stated For Gifted Studies what he hopes the in Riverview, comparticipants such as Corbin gain pleted the ChalCorbin Dihel (left), standing with Rodney Smith from this experilenge by mowing Jr. (right), founder of Raising Men & Women 50 lawns. On Janence. Lawn Care Service, on the night of his recognition “I want kids to uary 5, the foundfor completion of the 50-Yard Challenge. learn from the 50er of Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service, Rodney Yard Challenge would be the importance Smith Jr., made an appearance to award of giving before you receive and the Corbin with a brand-new lawn mower, a importance of helping those who need help,” Smith said. leaf blower and a weed eater. As a mother, Andrea felt proud to see Andrea Dihel, Corbin’s mother, who is a teacher at Orange Grove Middle Mag- her son being an asset to their comnet School in Tampa, mentioned how her munity through spreading kindness, son got involved with the 50-Yard Chal- along with helping others. With all of the equipment that Corbin received, he lenge. “I saw a post on Facebook about Rod- plans on starting his own business called ney Smith Jr. and this challenge with the Corbin’s Crazy Cuts. Corbin shared some advice for those Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service,” Andrea said. “I asked Corbin if he who may be interested in participating in the 50 Yard Challenge. would be interested in doing it.” “Do not give up,” he said. This challenge is geared toward boys For more information, visit https:// and girls between the ages of 7-17. Participants are challenged to cut 50 lawns weareraisingmen.com.
By Amy Schechter
By Tatiana Ortiz
Page 16
Valrico Edition
LUXURY ASSISTED LIVING AT MERIDIAN BRANDON READY TO OPEN
By Libby Hopkins
Opening early 2022, The Meridian at Brandon is now reserving spots.
Opening early 2022, The Meridian at Brandon is now reserving spots to those who want a distinctive lifestyle experience, from spacious, well-designed apartment homes with convenient features to delicious dining and daily activities. Designed like a boutique hotel, The Meridian at Brandon will impress at every turn with elegant decor, grand spaces and a high expectation for customer service and care. “The Meridian at Brandon is in the final stages of preparation for our opening which is planned for the end of February or early March,” said Meridian Senior Living Marketing Consultant Jessica Castleberry. “Our community will be licensed as assisted living, allowing us to offer a true aging in place model to those who will move in and enjoy the conveniences of independent, supportive living with the peace of mind knowing that when and if they need assisted living, they can remain in their apartment home and services can be brought to them, as we will offer four levels of assisted living.”
For those that will require assisted living at the time of their arrival, The Meridian at Brandon will offer the same apartment-style living, but the level of care begins immediately. “Providing a secure memory care setting with Meridian Senior Living’s trademark Montessori Moments in Time program rounds out the services and programs that this upscale community has to offer,” Castleberry said. “Our commitment to provide a nurse and care team on-site 24/7 allows our residents the assurance that they will receive the assistance they need.” Castleberry added, “Our state-of-the-art fitness center is equipped with the latest senior-friendly fitness equipment, including tonal machine and a variety of other pieces of equipment designed to challenge our residents in fun and engaging methods of exercise.” Its goal is reach at least 150 minutes of physical activity per resident through its fun and community-wide program, #RoadTo150. Castleberry and her team hope The Meridian at Brandon will be recognized as a community that chooses the most skillful, compassionate and resident-focused team members. “We know this is a challenging time in health care, but our goal of encouraging, supporting and celebrating our team members will set us apart from other retirement living providers,” Castleberry said. For more about The Meridian, visit its website at www.meridiansenior.com/senior-living/fl/tampa/meridian-at-brandon.
Volume 19, Issue 2
MASTERPIECE GARAGE OFFERS READERS
$100 OFF MAKEOVER PROJECTS
By Amy Schechter
step process that uses a special chemical to seal your floor rather than a regular epoxy. Plus, they have over 20 color options available. W h i l e your floor may steal Founded in 2005 by father and son Ed and Jerrett Swing, Masterpiece Ga- the show, Masrage is committed to bringing customers the highest quality garage solutions. terpiece Garage Are you tired of tracking dust and has a variety of custom-built cabinet and concrete into your home? Have you storage options so you can hide all of ever spilled a chemical and ruined your that garage clutter. Jerrett is confident garage floor? Do you want an outdoor their quality beats the competition: “We workspace that’s stylish and function- carry a line of garage cabinets designed al? Then you need to give Masterpiece for the humidity in Florida; they have a Garage a call. Mention this ad and you’ll solid back on them for added strength. receive $100 off. There’s never been a Plus, they are reinforced with aluminum, better time. so shelves and cabinets won’t bow.” Founded in 2005 by father and son Ed Masterpiece Garage has a reputation and Jerrett Swing, Masterpiece Garage that speaks for itself. Jerrett went on to is committed to bringing customers the say, “People will tell me one of the reahighest quality garage solutions. It offers sons they use us are we are family owned. a variety of flooring, cabinets and stor- We’ve grown through word of mouth; my age spaces to fit your needs and budget. employees are like family, and I take care Its liquid granite garage floor system of them like they’re family. The floor guys creates a combination of style and dura- are all trained personally by me. I go out bility customers rave about. Jerrett ex- and do all the estimates and work on all plained the benefit, “You’ll want to stay the projects. I’m involved in the process in the space. It’s just so clean after the from start to finish. I don’t have estimaprocedure, you’ll feel you can eat off of tors or subs, and I don’t do multiple jobs it.” Masterpiece Garage can finish your at the same time; I start one and I finish flooring in as little as a day, and it holds it.” If there’s a name synonymous with up to wear and tear. Unlike some painted trust, it’s Masterpiece Garage. floors that can lift up from the heat of For more information or a free ‘in-gatires, with proper care, these floors will rage’ estimate, call 541-0002 or visit last a lifetime. This is due to the multi- masterpiecegarage.com.
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February 2022
Valrico Edition
Page 17
METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES VOLUNTEER DONATES FOOD TO NEARLY 300 FAMILIES IN NEED
By Lily Belcher
Brandon Regional Hospital’s Jill Lansky volunteered at Metropolitan Ministries’ holiday tent.
In 2020, Jill Lansky volunteered at Metropolitan Ministries’ holiday tent. After volunteering with the nonprofit organization based out of Tampa, Lansky felt compelled to find a way to provide more substantial food to families in need. “I spend time volunteering … and it warmed my heart to pack boxes with food for families that are struggling in our community,” said Lansky. Lansky spent all of 2021 searching for someone who could provide 1,000 pounds of potatoes for struggling families. She remembered that one of her family friends, Zach Hawkins, a Bloomingdale High School graduate, manages a potato farm in South Carolina. With the help of Hawkins, Lansky was able to get in contact with Walther Farms, who was willing to donate the potatoes. The only problem was that she had to find a way to pick up 1,000 pounds of potatoes.
“As luck would have it, Zach was traveling to Tampa at the time [and] they were ready and delivered the donated potatoes himself,” said Lansky. “I am so grateful and proud of Zach and for his hand in giving back to his hometown.” Lansky was able to help nearly 300 families with the potatoes by donating a large bag to feed each family. “I saw a need to provide something substantial that would give families more on their dinner plates. I thought potatoes would be the perfect food. There are so many ways to prepare them, and they fill bellies,” explained Lansky. When Lansky is not volunteering with Metropolitan Ministries, which she has been doing for five years, she is working as the director of business development at Brandon Regional Hospital. Lansky helped start the mentor program for women through Metropolitan Ministries’ residential program during her time volunteering as well. Contact 209-1000 or visit its website at metromin.org. For more information on how to volunteer, visit the website to fill out the interest form or contact volunteer@metromin.org.
BECOME YOUR OWN PATIENT ADVOCATE
By Kathy L. Collins
The Hillsborough County diagnosis, treatPublic Library Cooperative ments and medicaoffers many programs that tions of the senior help better the lives of area they are caring for residents. Recently, it ofis critical for imfered a program called ‘Beproved health and coming Your Own Patient overall quality of Advocate.’ life.” This program was of- Everyone, regardless of their age, should Daly explained, fered by Jessica Daly, B.S. learn to become their own patient advo- “As your own paEd., MLS with the Clifford E. cate. Know your health, your rights and tient advocate, you be a knowledgeable patient who is not Graese Community Health are an active parafraid to ask questions to make sure you ticipant, but to be Library. The program is a know what is being prescribed. part of an initiative aimed effective you must to help families in need connect with in- develop your own health literacy. That formation, resources and assistance. The means knowing where to look and knowpartnership is with the University of South ing who to ask. You can ask questions and Florida and is called Libraries Build Com- make well-informed decisions directly immunities. More information can be found at pacting your health.” www.hcplc.org/librariesbuildcommunities. This knowledge includes understanding Christopher Sturgeon with Tampa-Hill- your health insurance and how it works. sborough County Public Library said, “We Do not be afraid to ask questions of anyone are committed to serving everyone in our who is a part of your health care team. Keep communities. Our strategic plan aptly com- personal notes and your medical records municates this: ‘We extend our reach and organized. Learn to ask for a second opinimpact through partnerships to advance ion with confidence. Learn to communicate efforts toward an improved quality of life your own health priorities and concerns. and community prosperity.’” You should know your health risks, how to Daly said, “The main purpose of the pre- manage them and understand and follow sentation is to improve patient health liter- your treatment plan. This should include acy. When people better understand their discussing all medications you are taking health, they are empowered to improve or that you will be prescribed and knowing their own personal health. No matter the their side effects. Finally, do not be afraid to diagnosis, people can feel better than they bring a friend or loved one with you to appresently feel both mentally and physically. pointments.Visit medlineplus.gov, www.orThe program information applies to pa- landohealth.com/library and https://www. tients and caregivers alike. Daly added, verywellhealth.com/how-to-become-a-pa“Having a caregiver who understands the tient-advocate-or-navigator-2614922.
Karla Marie Carolan, J.D.
As always, we are here for any legal support you may need and wish everyone good health.
Page 18
Valrico Edition
JUSTON FEIST JOINS NATIVITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AS THE NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
SERGEANT BRIAN LAVIGNE’S LEGACY IS HONORED WITH NEW K9By ROY Libby Hopkins that K9 Roy will be a constant reminder of the legacy he left behind when his life was cruelly taken from us. It is an honor that the LaVigne family has allowed us to use his name to always remember the loving man, husband, father and friend Sergeant LaVigne was to us all.” K9 Roy is a 1-yearold Belgian Malinois The legacy of Sergeant Brian Roy LaVigne will now be carried on by and German shepherd one of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s (HCSO) new K9s. Together with the LaVigne family, HCSO’s K9 unit named Roy after mix. He specializes in Brian’s middle name. K9 Roy’s handler is Deputy Sarah Ernstes, who the search of narcothas been with the agency since 2011 and is a close family friend of the ics. Ernstes and K9 Roy LaVignes. and two other handler/ In January of 2021, the Hillsborough K9 duos graduated County Sheriff’s Office lost Sergeant Bri- in September 2021 after 480 hours of an Roy LaVigne. He was killed when his training together. patrol car was intentionally rammed by The LaVigne Family is truly honored to another vehicle on W. Lumsden Rd., near have K9 Roy named after Sergeant LaViS. Kings Ave., in Brandon. gne. “My dad was tough as nails, just like The legacy of Brian will now be car- the dogs are, so it’s nice to know he is ried on by one of the Hillsborough County still kind of our here with us,” said Dept. Sheriff’s Office’s (HCSO) new K9s. Caitlin LaVigne, Brian’s daughter. Together with the LaVigne family, HCErnstes is proud she can help carry on SO’s K9 unit named Roy after Brian’s Brian’s legacy. “For me, it was a hope that middle name. K9 Roy’s handler is Depu- it would give the family some peace and ty Sarah Ernstes, who has been with the joy despite everything they have been agency since 2011 and is a close family through this past year,” Ernstes said. friend of the LaVignes. “I just hope Roy and I can honor him in “This tribute to Sergeant Brian LaVigne some way that they will be proud of us.” is one that will be ever present amongst The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Ofthose who come into contact with K9 fice is delighted that it has K9 Roy as Roy,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “While part of its team, and it hopes that Brian we continue to heal as an agency after is smiling down from above on Ernstes losing Sergeant LaVigne last year, I know and K9 Roy.
Volume 19, Issue 2
By Lily Belcher
University of citizens,” said Feist. South Florida grad“He is my biggest role uate Juston Feist model and my inspiwas hired as Nativration for wanting to ity Catholic School’s become a PE teacher new physical eduand make an impact cation teacher and in the community.” athletic director Feist’s role as following HillsborNativity Catholic ough County’s winSchool’s athletic diter break. Nativirector extends bety’s staff is aims to yond the walls of the “prepare and inspire Sister Irene St. Jean each student acaGymnasium. Every demically and spirmorning and afterJuston Feist was hired as Nativity Catholic itually to serve the noon, Feist assists his School’ s new physical education teacher and coworkers in helpBody of Christ” and, athletic director in hiring Coach Feist, ing guide Nativity’s they are entrusting young students to him with the physical eduand from their classrooms cation of their students as during carline and greeting well as their academic and the parents dropping off spiritual education. and picking up their young “Before being hired at students. Feist plans to Nativity, my experience in athletics was coach Nativity’s girls and boys varsity basbroad. I played baseball growing up all ketball teams later in the year as well. my life and basketball competitively,” said The 29-year-old coach was raised in Feist. “Sports have been something that’s Brandon and knew of Nativity’s prestige, been a part of my life since I was 3 years which is what attracted him to joining the old.” staff, under the leadership of Principal Feist had coached high school basket- Maureen Ringley and Pastor John Tapp. ball in New York and Florida as well as “Nativity School and Church has been travel baseball prior to joining Nativity’s and continues to be an iconic place in faculty. Feist explained that it was his Brandon, and to have the opportunity to grandfather, Tony Saladino, who inspired work here and give back to the community him to become a physical education teach- I was born and raised in is truly a blesser through his own teaching career of over ing,” said Feist. 50 years. For more information on Nativity Cath“I wanted to be a PE teacher because olic School, contact 698-3395 or visit Naof my grandfather and passion to devel- tivity’s website at nativitycatholicschool. op the youth into caring and responsible org.
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Valrico Edition
February 2022
Page 19
MULRENNAN PTA WINS TOBACCO PROGRAM CONNECTS ADULTS WITH CHILDREN IN NEED USE PREVENTION GRANT Staff Report By Michelle Caceres than two million middle and high school students using e-cigarettes in 2021. McDonough, who has two children attending Mulrennan, said she applied for the grant because she recognized the need to educate students about the dangers associated with vaping, the act of inhaling a vapor produced by an electronic vaporizer or e-cigarette. The liquids that are vaporized, which can contain nicotine and other substances, come in many different flavors and might even smell fruity. E-cigarettes are very small, come in many different shapes and can easily be hidden on a person or blend in Mulrennan PTA won a $1,000 grant from the Campaign with normal backpack items. for Tobacco-Free Kids to address tobacco use among “I spend a lot of time on camschool students. pus, and it’s been a concernMulrennan Middle School PTA Presi- ing trend to see more students talking dent Kimberly McDonough said she nev- about vaping and bringing their vape er wins anything, so it came as a sur- pens to school,” she said. “We need to prise when she was told she had won a educate our students that it’s not safe, $1,000 grant for her school. not a healthy habit and they shouldn’t be “I screamed because it’s such a big doing it.” deal,” she said. McDonough’s first call upon learning The grant, sponsored by National PTA of the award was to the school’s princiand The Campaign for Tobacco-Free pal, Tamara Brooks. Kids, a nonprofit advocacy organiza“She does so much for our school, tion working to reduce tobacco use and and we are thrilled to be able to use the its deadly consequences in the United money to help our students encourage a States, was awarded to only nine PTAs healthy lifestyle,” she said. throughout the country who serve sixth While details of how they will spend to 12th-grade students and their fami- the grant are still being determined, lies. McDonough said, “We want to use the The purpose of the grant is to help grant money wisely to implement a propromote tobacco use prevention. Youth gram that will address these concerns.” e-cigarette use remains a serious pubFor more information about the Nalic health problem in the U.S. with more tional PTA grants, visit www.pta.org.
my first hearing, I “Every kid is one knew I was in the caring adult away right place, and this from being a sucis what my heart cess story,” said Josh wanted me to do. I Shipp, a foster child couldn’t be happier who knows firsthand with the decision. I what a difference just wish I had done it can make to have it sooner.” a consistent, caring You can help adult who wants to change a child’s stobe there for you. Volry. A foster child unteering as a Guardwith a Guardian ian ad Litem (GAL) ad Litem volunteer for children in fosgets better grades, ter care can make a receives more serwonderful difference for the child—and The Guardian ad Litem program is looking for vices, has fewer foster home placeyou, as some of the adult volunteers to connect with local foster ments and is more program’s current children. likely to be advolunteers will atopted. They feel test. more secure and “There are many develop higher worthy forms of self-esteem bevolunteering,” said cause someone Kristine, “but in is offering enthis, I have found couragement. something that feels really important.” And what do children say about how ad With a few hours a month, a Guardian Litem gets to know a child as well as what their Guardian ad Litem makes their life needs they may have and represents the better? “You help me find places to live child’s best interests in court. The program where people are nice to me.” “You listen to provides training. Mary, a newer volunteer, me.” “You check on me—if my grades are was nervous about taking on the role of a good and I am going to school.” “You make Guardian ad Litem but said she was quickly me laugh.” “You like donut holes too.” Guardian ad Litem volunteers are from reassured. “In training, the GAL staff was backgrounds and careers. They domany she clear and direct on what to expect,” said. “They offered support as I began to nate an average of 10-15 hours per month build relationships with these children in a of their time. Information sessions about the Guardian ad Litem Program and what hard season of their lives.” A volunteer is part of a multidisciplinary volunteers do are available via phone. To team and requires no social services or le- learn more, visit www.galtampa.org or gal degree. Nicole L. said, “After attending contact Guardian ad Litem at 272-5110.
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Page 20
Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 2
FORGOTTEN ANGELS LAUNCHES RAFFLE HILLSBOROUGH SCHOOLS REINFORCES SUPPORTS IN LIGHT OF PANDEMIC TO WIN FORD RANGER AND HARLEY By Kelly Wise Valdes
Forgotten Angels is a nonprofit that provides resources and support to support children that have aged out of foster care and are struggling to achieve housing, education and life skills. Many children that lived in foster care until the age of 18 find themselves with no home, no transporForgotten Angels will be raffling a new 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor with the tation and little hope full off-road package. All ticket sales will go to benefit Forgotten Angels. for the future. That’s where Forgotten Angels steps in. The or- money aside for retirement. ganization purchased 12 acres of land in “As a foundation, we are blessed to have Valrico several years ago, and it currently one of the best communities in the world houses 17 residents in tiny homes built on as supporters,” said Tyler. “That would be the property. the motorcycle community. Through our “We are proud to say that we are opening motorcycle rallies, motorcycle camp outs, new facilities in the near future in Atlanta, sponsored rides and sponsors like Harley Georgia; St. Augustine, Florida; another fa- Davidson, we have been able to grow fastcility in Valrico,” said David Tyler, executive er than we ever anticipated.” director. “The hard work that goes into the In order to continue funding and growyoung men that come to us is paying off in ing, Forgotten Angels is raffling off a spades. Every single resident of Forgotten brand-new 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor with Angels is either working full time at great the full off-road package. companies like Hoppen Home EntertainThis incredible truck will be won on Satment, Smart Surfaces and, very soon, Tam- urday, March 19. There will also be a secpa Bay Fisheries, or attending Hillsborough ond-place raffle winner of a Low Rider S Community College or taking online college Harley Davidson motorcycle. Raffle tickets courses. We are also proud to have a grad- are $25 for one ticket, and $100 for five uating JRTC member at Newsome High tickets. All the money donated to this raffle School making us very proud.” goes to benefit the Forgotten Angels chilForgotten Angels takes these children in dren, build more tiny homes and expand and teaches them life skills, including the the circle of compassion. opportunity to build their own tiny home, To purchase a raffle ticket, visit https:// open a bank account, build credit, get a job rafflecreator.com/pages/47938/ford-rangand transportation as well as love, care and er-raffle-fundraiser. To find out how you guidance from being part of a family. All can help, email david@forgottenangels17 residents have their own vehicles and florida.org, call 728-0461 or visit www. sources of income, with some even putting forgottenangelsflorida.org.
By Superintendent Addison Davis
As school districts across the nation contend with a new wave of an ever-changing pandemic, we as educators must remind our students and ourselves of the importance of mental wellness. Our learners are grappling with difficult issues such as social isolation and family instability. Hillsborough County Public Schools is not only re-educating our student body about the supports in place but increasing efforts to ensure our students feel safe and healthy. Although it is our job to be instructional leaders to prepare learners for graduation, it is just as important for educators to act as a compass for students in need. Many learners are filled with anxiety and battling depression during this time of turmoil. For this reason, I would like to remind families about the multitude of free mental wellness supports provided by our district. Our school sites have counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, mental health clinicians and multiple trusted adults that can be called upon whether a student is experiencing a true crisis or simply needs to share their feelings. When needed, our Student Services teams work in tandem with a variety of community partners to provide additional specialized assistance. Hillsborough County Public Schools
is adding therapists to more than 100 of our schools this semester as we expect an increase in need for students in all grade bands. Whether learners are experiencing trauma due to bullying, harassment, or COVID-19, we stand ready to provide experts who can guide them through this tumultuous time. In addition, our district staff is working directly with principals as we begin this semester to reintroduce all learners to their Student Services staff on campus. It is important to remind learners who can help and how to gain access to these resources when needed. We will continue successful emotional wellness initiatives such as Sandy Hook Promise and provide district-wide school-based presentations to students about who to call upon when they need help. These proactive strategies will offer much-needed support to families as they, too, contend with impactful changes in nearly every aspect of their lives. I encourage all parents and guardians to talk to your children and offer your own support, as we cannot do this in isolation. Oftentimes, just knowing they have additional encouragement is a relief when challenging times arise. We will strive to continue to provide the best learning environment possible while promoting positive mental wellness for all.
February 2022
Valrico Edition
Page 21
HCC OFFERS WORKFORCE CERTIFICATE GET HELP PREPARING YOUR TAX SCHOLARSHIPS THROUGH GRANT RETURN THIS YEAR FROM UNITED WAY Staff Report SUNCOAST The Florida Department of Education The student is responsible for the first By Kathy L. Collins
The tax season is upon Residents us. If you earn $74,000 need to make an or less, you can get your appointment by 2021 taxes prepared for visiting http:// free through the United www.uwsvita. Way Suncoast’s Volunorg or by calling teer Income Tax Assis833-897-8482 tance (VITA) Program. (833-UWS-VIDouglas Griesenauer, TA). Residents director of workforce need to show development and fieither a social nancial stability for security card The United Way Suncoast can help residents who earn United Way Suncoast $74,000 or less prepare and file their 2021 tax return or Individusaid, “No one should for free thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance al Taxpayer have to pay to file taxId e n t i f i c a (VITA) Program. es; everyone should have it done tion Number (ITIN). You for free.” must also bring all of your The United Way Suncoast tax-related documents VITA Program uses only certiand your tax return will fied IRS tax preparers who will be prepared for you. make sure your tax return is preIf you prefer to do your pared accurately. Griesenauer return yourself, you can said, “Every single person’s taxes use the above website for are done and double-checked for free to prepare and file accuracy.” your return. The VITA staff can help you navigate the United Way Suncoast is always looking complexities. While you can file your own for skilled tax preparers to volunteer in the taxes with no assistance, VITA volunteers program. However, it offers a training proassure that you get the maximum refund, gram which takes approximately four and a including the Earned Income Tax Credit half days to train anyone interested in voland the Child Tax Credit. It is also import- unteering for the program. ant for taxpayers who received a COVID-19 United Way Suncoast offers a whole host relief Economic Impact Payment last year of programs, including housing support, or who got an advance Child Tax Credit financial support, education and more. payment to make sure they report the cor- Griesenauer said, “We are here for the comrect amount on their tax returns. munity so people can live successful lives. The VITA Program has been around for If we cannot provide the support or assismore than 50 years. United Way Suncoast tance needed, we can refer you to another has been offering the program for many nonprofit.” years and helps an average of 12,000 resiFor more information, please visit www. dents prepare their tax returns. unitedwaysuncoast.org.
awarded Hillsborough Community Col- one-third of the tuition at the time of enlege (HCC) Institute for Corporate and rollment, then the Open Door Scholarship Continuing Education (ICCE) $993,813 Program pays the remaining two-thirds in funding through the Open Door Grant of the tuition if the student successfully Program (Open completes Door) which will the course run through Sepand protember 30, 2023. vides the “The Open Door results of grant will provide their indusscholarship funds try certito eligible stufication to dents at HillsborHCC-ICCE. ough Community Funds from College Institute the profor Corporate The Florida Department of Education awarded Hillsbor- gram may ough Community College (HCC) Institute for Corporate and Continuing be used to and Continuing Education (ICCE) $993,813 in funding Education,” said cover the through the Open Door Grant Program (Open Door) Director of ICCE cost of tuwhich will run through September 30, 2023. Ryan Buckthorition, fees, pe. “The partial exa m i n at i o n , scholarships will books and maexpand the affordterials. ability of workforce Hillsborough training and credenCommunity tials to 600-plus Florida residents in tar- College serves more than 42,000 stugeted and growing industries. Our focus dents annually at its five campuses lohas always been to empower residents of cated throughout Tampa Bay. The college Tampa Bay with opportunities to achieve is accredited by the Commission on Coltheir career aspirations, and Open Door leges of the Southern Association of Colhelps us accomplish that mission.” leges and Schools. For more information, During the 2021 Florida Legislative visit hccfl.edu. Session, Section 1009.895, Florida StatFounded in 1998, the Institute for Corutes, was created under House Bill 1507 porate and Continuing Education is Hills(2021) to establish Open Door. The Open borough Community College’s corporate Door Scholarship Program at ICCE sup- training arm that provides customized ports unemployed, underemployed or business solutions for local companies furloughed students in completing short- and individuals. term and technical education credentialFor questions regarding scholarship ing courses. The goal of the program is for criteria, how to apply and upcoming inparticipants to successfully attain a work- formation sessions please visit tampaforce certificate in high-demand fields. training.com/open-door.
Page 22
Valrico Edition
COUNTY SHARES PLANS FOR LUMSDEN & VALRICO INTERSECTION Staff Report
Hillsborough County has released plans for the intersection of Lumsden Rd. and Valrico Rd. in Brandon, which is part of the Intersection Improvement Program. Left and right-turn lanes will be added to the signalized intersection to improve mobility and safety for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Sidewalks and bicycle lanes will be added or replaced to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and safety.
An important intersection in Brandon at Lumsden Rd. and Valrico Rd. will be redesigned to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. According to the Hillsborough County website, the project is part of the Intersection Improvement Program and is designed to include left-turn lanes for all approaches at the intersection and a westbound-to-northbound rightturn lane at Lumsden Rd. and Valrico Rd. Additionally, the existing signalized intersection will be upgraded and will include pedestrian enhancements. Sidewalks and bicycle lanes will be added or replaced to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity through the intersection. Improvements will include retrofitting for Americans with Disability Act (ADA) ramps, curbing and pavement markings to provide services that improve access for all users. The project is expected to be completed in early 2025 with the project devel-
opment (planning) completed last year, the design/land acquisition expected to be complete in Mid-2023 and procurement completion expected in 2024. The total budget for the project is $6.6 million, with planning, design and land estimated at $1 million and construction at $5.1 million. According to the Hillsborough County website, funding sources may include developer contributions, financing, gas taxes and ad valorem revenue. The cost and schedule data are the county’s current best estimates and are subject to change. Changes (if any) are updated once a month at www.hcflgov. net. The County held a virtual engagement session on the Hillsborough Engagement Hub to collect feedback from the public last month. The feedback, which was mostly in favor of the project, can be viewed at www.hcflgov.net/hcengage.
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Volume 19, Issue 2
THE TIKI BOAT OF RIVERVIEW OFFERS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR GUESTS By Lily Belcher United States ex p e r i e n c e , ” Coast Guard said Foley. Captain Dan “[We] always Foley from Rivstrive to make erview and Capour customers tain Jeff Worthfeel like a part en from Plant of the family.” City started D u r i n g the Tiki Boat of the tour, Riverview last the United year to provide States Coast the SouthShore Guard-licommunity a censed capunique private tains guide The Tiki Boat of Riverview is a custom-built, 24 ft. boat designed for the guests’ experience. charter boat expeguests through rience. Tampa Bay’s waThe Tiki Boat is a custerways, where they tom-built, 24 ft. boat can see manatees, that provides up to six dolphins and othguests, per United States er wildlife and look Coast Guard regulations, for shells and fossils with a shaded area, coolduring the tour. As er, bathroom, Bluetooth locals, both captains sound system and lights, have great knowlwhich creates an enteredge of the area and taining experience on the can point out sights boat during the private charter tour of around the bay for tourists and guests. the Alafia River. The Tiki Boat also ofFoley and Worthen, with their wives fers complimentary ice and water, but Heather and Jessica, respectively, foundguests can bring their own food and ed the Tiki Boat of Riverview in order to drinks for the tour. Foley and Worthen give back to locals who may not have the offer two, four, six and eight-hour tour opportunity to enjoy Tampa Bay on their options in addition to their two-and-a- own and to showcase Tampa Bay’s beauhalf-hour sunset cruise. tiful waterways to tourists. Prices, which can be found on its web“We support parties and group events site, vary by cruise date and time, and like birthdays, graduations, company the Tiki Boat proudly offers a discount team building, family gatherings and to military, law enforcement and fire- anything you would like to celebrate or fighters. do,” said Foley. “What is unique about the Tiki Boat For more information on pricing or of Riverview is that we are the only ‘ti- to book a cruise aboard the Tiki Boat ki-themed’ charter in the SouthShore of Riverview, visit www.tikiboatofriverarea with an awesome private charter view.com. For questions, call 815-6220.
February 2022
Valrico Edition
Page 23
Celebrating 41 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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Page 24
Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 2
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Valrico Feb/22
ed at 3003 Pearson Rd. in Valrico. It carries farm-fresh eggs, artisan breads, cookies, jams, seasonal produce and specialty Hungarian products. For more information, visit its website at www.wingspread.farm or call 361-1546. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
New Fundraising Partnership To Support The Shriners Hospitals
The Osprey Observer is proud to announce a new partnership with a local and veteran-owned business, Florida Foam Factory, on a fundraising event supporting the Shriners Hospitals. As busy families, you will surely be hosting some type of party/event in the next 12 months, like a birthday, gender reveal, graduation, holiday party, family reunion, etc. If you’re looking for something unique to wow your family and friends with, the Osprey Observer encourages you to use the services of Florida Foam Factory. It’s foamtastic! Florida Foam Factory has multiple packages to choose from as well as UV glow foam. Packages may also include age-appropriate music, a photo booth area, lighting, beachballs and yard games. It will also run its portion of your party/ event, leaving you with nothing to worry about. Imagine an event where you can sit down and relax while others provide a service for your guests! When you schedule your party/event, be sure to provide the person you are speaking with our special code, ‘OO’. When you do this, Florida Foam Factory will donate a portion of its proceeds to Shriners Hospitals in its work to help children. Be sure to schedule well in ad-
vance, as dates fill quickly. Cakes Or Cupcakes To Scheduling your event Make Any Occasion Speis as easy as calling either 736-FOAM (3626) or 980Herzing University celebrates opening new campus with a ribbon-cutting. cial What sweeter way is there to 214-2897 or emailing briFor more information about Herzing celebrate or solve the little things in life an@floridafoamfactory.com. University, visit its website at www.herzthan with cake? Check out Adjudicake, To learn more about Florida Foam Fac- ing.edu/tampa or call 316-2081. where its specialty is custom, handcrafttory, please visit www.floridafoamfactory.com or www.facebook/floridfoamfac- Wingspread Farm Enters Valrico ed, 6-inch cakes and cupcakes—all beautory. Business Hall Of Fame Each year, the Valrico Award Program
Herzing University Opens New identifies companies that it believes have Campus achieved exceptional marketing success Herzing University is proud to offer several online and on-campus diploma, degree and certificate programs in nursing, health care, business, public safety, legal studies and technology from its new Tampa location at 3632 Queen Palm Dr. Herzing University wants to become your lifelong partner in learning and be at your side to encourage and support you with every step you take. Its goal is to help you both start and grow your career into what you’ve always wanted it to be.
in their local community. These are companies that enhance the positive image of small businesses through service to their customers and community. One of them is Wingspread Farm, which is very proud to have won the Best of Valrico Award in the Farm category for the fourth successive year. This distinction qualifies Wingspread Farm for an exclusive Hall of Fame Award. Wingspread Farm is locat-
Page 26
Valrico Edition
BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED...
Tropical Elegance Veteran Team Memtifully packaged and ready to gift. Owner and pursue the protection and growth of ber Now New Owner and local resident Judi Prinzivalli believes “every day is a special occasion.” Birthdays, new home, promotions, corporate referrals or even just because are only a few ideas; the list is endless. Whatever the reason, Adjudicake is ready to help you celebrate with the perfect cake. Like Prinzivalli said, “Life is too short to say no to cake.” Support your local artisan baker and visit Adjudicake on Facebook @Adjudicake, go to www.adjudicake.com or contact Prinzivalli at 313-6292.
Shell Point Marina Is Your OneStop Shop For All Boating Needs Shell Point Marina is centrally located at 3340 W. Shell Point Rd. in Ruskin near both Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg, making it easier to plan your day trips when taking family or friends out on your boat. It is surrounded by beautiful islands and small coves which you will find great for fishing, shell searching, relaxing and much more. Shell Point Marina also has its own team of me-chanics, making it a one-stop shop marina. It specializes in bottom painting, fiberglass and blister repair and sand blasting. Other services include mechanical servicing, detailing, canvas and up-holstery, transport loading and more. For additional information, visit its website at www.shellpointmarina.com, Facebook @ruskinshellpointmarina or call 645-1313.
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your personal wealth. Total Financial Picture Wealth Strategies is located at 100 Ashley Dr. Ste. 600 in Tampa. Additional information can be found on its website at www.totalfinancialpicture.com or by calling 703-343-6878.
Royal G Snacks Launches New Healthy Snack Line
Royal G Snacks (RGS Foods), located at 850 E. Adamo Dr. in Tampa, recently launched a new line of healthy snacks. Its mission is to ensure that every one of its products is made with high-quality ingredients to ensure the satisfaction of its customers at all times. Each product is made with you and your loved ones in mind, and it is working towards becoming a reliable provider of nutritious and delectable snacks. For more information about RGS Foods, visit its website at www.rgsfoods.com or call 941-357-3189.
The Brothers That Just Do Gutters Local Escape Rooms Win ‘World’s Best’ Opens Locally The Brothers That Just Do Gutters is Awards a family-oriented company that specializes in all aspects of gutters: gutter install, gutter cleaning, gutter guards and repairs. It is a company that values its reputation in a small niche industry. It offers only the best services and products because it focuses all its effort on gutter
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Jon and Megan Hurst have bought Tropical Elegance Window Fashions from the original owners, Don and Sabina Hanson. This company has been serving this area for 20-plus years and Jon has been an employee of the company for over 10 years. Jon and Megan are FishHawk residents and public service workers; Jon is a firefighter and Megan is a teacher at Bevis Elementary school. Tropical Elegance is known throughout the community for competitive prices, high-quality products and unmatched customer service. It specializes in plantation shutters, shades, blinds, motorization and more. To view products and find out more, visit www.tropicalele g a n c ew i n d ow fa s h i o n s . com, view on FaceBook @ TropicalEleganceWindowFashions or call 766-9744.
Exp 2/28/2022
Two local escape rooms won ‘best escape rooms in the world’ titles. Game Over Escape Rooms is located at 10266 Causeway Blvd. in Tampa and was awarded Best Horror Theme. Its escape rooms are themed to the last detail to enhance your experience. It creates a unique movie-like setting with puzzles and electronics. Legends Escape Rooms is located at
Volume 19, Issue 2 952 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon and won Best In-Person Escape Room for Dungeon VII. It has a variety of escape rooms with different levels of difficulty and genres. Legends was founded as an antidote to the mundane, and its owners wanted players to step out of the rut of being entertained and join the thrill and adventure of being part of the mystery. Additional information about Game Over can be found on its website at info@ gameovertampa.com or by calling 3720040. Information for Legends can be found at www.legendsescaperooms.com or by calling 643-9411.
High 5, Inc. Offers New Combined Pickleball And Tennis Membership
Joining the High 5 Paddle and Racquet Membership gives players full access to both pickleball and tennis activities. Racquet sports are first and foremost a social sport, and membership gives unlimited access to many organized play sessions and other fun events. The play does not stop on the courts and includes invitations to social outings and community driven activities that are led by volunteers and other players in the community. High 5, Inc. is located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon. For additional information, visit its website at www.high5inc org or call 689-0908.
February 2022
Valrico Edition
COMMUNITY SETS UP GOFUNDME TO WELCOME AFGHAN REFUGEE FAMILY
By Michelle Caceres
Many FishHawk Even with the residents serving right paperwork, the in the military can Shayan family enclaim at least one dured a harrowing Afghanistan dejourney that began ployment during on September 17 in their career. For Mazar-i-Sharif and FishHawk resiended on November dent and U.S. Army 22 when they setLieutenant Colonel tled in Tampa. They Cornelius Batts, he were in Afghanistan spent years in Af27 days after the ghanistan. His last government colassignment was lapsed. Words can’t working as an ad- The FishHawk community has supported the adequately describe visor to the Afghan Shayan family, who have settled here after escap- the fear they experiing from Afghanistan. Army’s program to enced as they strugeducate and empower women into leader- gled to secure transportation out of the ship positions. country. The family is now living in FishWhen the Taliban entered the Afghan Hawk Ranch. capital of Kabul, completing a rapid take“FishHawk is such a beautiful communiover over the country with a speed that ty, and the people here are very kind,” said surprised many Afghans and Americans Ruhullah. “When we go for a walk, passalike, many of those same women in po- ersby tell us they’re sorry our journey was sitions of power were in fear of their lives. so difficult and ‘Welcome to America.’” One of them was Zainab Shayan. She Ruhullah is grateful for the communiand her husband, Ruhullah, both served as ty’s support as they acclimate to Ameriofficers in the Afghanistan National Army can life. From pots and pans to clothing to (Zainab for 11 years and Ruhullah for 13 leads about jobs, FishHawk residents have years), and both feared for their lives (and helped ease the transition. A GoFundMe the lives of their two children) after the has also been set up to help the family government collapsed to the Taliban. They purchase a vehicle. were both on duty the day the government Nicola can’t thank the community fell. Ruhullah’s brother-in-law contacted enough. “I really want to extend a thank him and told him that the Taliban was you to all the members of the communishooting members of the security forces. ty that have stepped up and helped,” she Zainab reached out to Batts and an- said. “Their life in this country is off to an other Army officer to help her with the amazing start because of the kindness of critical paperwork that would allow her the FishHawk community.” family to escape the country. To learn more about the Shayan family or “Helping this family was really import- to donate funds to help them purchase a veant to my husband,” said Batts’ wife, hicle, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ Nicola. help-afghan-military-family-in-america.
Page 27
BLACK ROCK FARMS OPENS GATES TO SHARE THE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
By Makenzie Atkins
Meg Shue and ens of rocks. After beher family started ing unsure for a while Black Rock Farms of what to do with in Dover back in them, they decided 2019 to create a to create a black rock hands-on learnfire pit, which you can ing environment now roast marshmalfor their kids, lows at after your now they want to tour. This is the stoshare that experiry of how the name ence with others Black Rock Farms through farm The whole Shue family loves life on the farm. Josh, was born. Gunnar and Baylee help out every day. tours. “In 2017, our lives There will be were rattled; I was three types of tours assaulted and developed depending on the time PTSD. Not only was I affectof year and will include ed by the experience, but things like feeding baby so were my kids,” said Meg, goats and other aniowner of Black Rock Farms, mals, milking goats, “My love for animals grew, egg collecting and even they understood me and our s’more roasting over kids’ anxieties. So, in 2019 a black rock fire pit. we decided to grow our farm Throughout the tours, by welcoming all kinds of anguests are welcome to imals that we could love on.” ask questions and learn The whole family loves to all about what it is like be a part of the farm and to run a small farm. each family member has Black Rock Farms has their role. Zach Shue, Meg’s seven different types of husband, does all the buildanimals: one horse, one ing. Josh, their oldest son, livestock dog, six goats, lots of chickens, handles all the cleaning. Gunnar, their one pig, one bunny and many fish in the 8-year-old, oversees the bathing of the anpond, all of which you get to interact with imals. Baylee, their 7-year-old, is the egg or see on the farm when you take a hands- collector and washer, and she also loves on tour. to help her mom handle the baby animals. When the family moved to their new Finally, with Meg’s background in wound farm, it needed some serious rehab. As care, she deals with any animal ailments. they began cleaning up and fixing the To learn more or schedule a tour, please space, they found large rocks everywhere. visit the Black Rock Farms’ Facebook More would come out of the dirt every page at www.facebook.com/Black-Rocktime it rained, and they were left with doz- Farms-104952845273101.
Page 28
Valrico Edition
Artist Night, Bulls Fundraiser,
Cartoon Class & More ... Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com
Monthly Artist Night To Show Case Local Talent
awards that the U.S. bestows and recognizes the contributions and extraordinary heroism of the men of the 65th Infantry Regiment. Local veteran Anthony Torres proudly accepted the award for his great uncle, Carlos Figuera, in recognition of his service during World War II.
Bloomingdale Bulls Clay Shoot Fundraiser
The Bloomingdale High School football team is hosting a clay shoot fundraiser on Saturday, March 5 starting at 9 a.m. The shoot will take place at FishHawk Sporting Clays, located at 13505 Hobson Simmons Rd. in Lithia. The event includes 50 clay targets, and you do not need any shooting experience. Tickets are $70 per person or $260 per four-person team, which also includes cart rental, 50 targets each and lunch. Raffle prizes and silent auction items will also be available, as will a variety of sponsorship deals. To find additional information or to ask any questions, email gobullsfootball@gmail.com or call Coach Wyatt on 516-9338.
Center Place is calling all artists, musicians, poets and actors to come and showcase their talent to the community in a monthly artist night on the first Friday of each month from 7-10 p.m. There is no admission for this event, but your work will need to be seen by Center Place’s executive director before attendance is approved. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon. Call 685- Kappa Delta Phi Bingo At 8888 for more information. You must be The Talking Pint 21 or older to attend. Kappa Delta Phi are hosting a bingo night at The Talking Pint Bar Local Veteran Accepts Congres- & Bistro on Tuesday, February 22, sional Gold Medal On Behalf Of from 7 p.m. Join them for a night of fun and prizes. Bingo cards are Great Uncle The President signed a bill in June 2014 $15, and food and drinks are availawarding members of Puerto Rico’s 65th able for purchase from the menu. Infantry Regiment, also known as the Come early to secure a table for Borinqueneers, the Congressional Gold you and your friends; there will not Medal. The medal is one of the highest be any reservations. The Talking
Volume 19, Issue 2
Pint Bar & Bistro is located at 13418 Calligraphy Classes Coming To Boyette Rd. in Riverview. Ruskin Learn to create the beautiful writing Cartooning Classes With Alejan- you see on invitations, place cards and wall art—almost everywhere you go. dro At Center Place C a r t o o n i n g Nail the basics and have fun at Brush classes with Pen Lettering 101. A professional calligAlejandro Al- rapher will teach you the basic strokes, garin at Center the principles of modern lettering and Place will talk how to make that brush pen behave. about cartoon- The next class will be held at the beauing and car- tiful new Holiday Inn Express in Ruskin tooning history on Saturday, March 5 from 1-3 p.m. The as well as show class fee is $40, which includes profeshow to express sional instruction, and all supplies are inemotion and cluded. For registration information, call acting through 489-5507. cartooning. With these Bingo Returns To St. Stephen classes, you will Catholic Church discover how St. Stephen Catholic Church, located to create and at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. in Riverview is evoke laughter pleased to announce the return of binand convey hu- go to its Family Life Center. The event mor using sim- is held on the fourth Tuesday of every ple shapes and composition as well as month. The next date is January 25, and express everyday characters, scenes and it will begin at 6:30 p.m. The doors open stories. The classes at Center Place, lo- at 5:30 p.m., and a concession stand will cated at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon, be available for refreshments. There will are on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. for kids who also be a 50/50 raffle, and proceeds from are K-7 years old and from 6-7 p.m. for the evening will support community famthose 8-14 years old. For more informa- ilies in need and church groups like St. tion, visit www.centerplacebrandon.com Vincent de Paul. or call 685-8888.
Alafia Republican Club Meeting
The Alafia Republican Club meets on the third Monday of each month at O’Brien’s Irish Pub, located at 701 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. Speakers for the meeting on Monday, February 21 are Mike Owens, Hillsborough County Commissioner candidate, and Jeff Lukens, Republican Club of Hillsborough County Election Integrity. Social hour will begin at 6 p.m. and guest speakers at 7 p.m.
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February 2022
Valrico Edition
THE LONGEST-RUNNING OSCAR PARTY RETURNS TO TAMPA THEATRE
By Kathy L. Collins
Tampa Theatre will the Academy Awards present one of it most begins at 8 p.m. glamorous events, Hollywood Awards Hollywood Awards Night 2022 offers Night, on Saturday, three levels of watch March 27. Tickets are party experiences. The on sale now. Balcony Ticket is just Jill Witecki with $25. You get to enjoy Tampa Theatre said, all of the Red Carpet “Tampa’s majestic Reception activities on movie palace will be Franklin St. as well as the hottest ticket watch the 94th Acadein town on Sunday, my Awards broadcast March 27 as we celfrom the balcony, plus ebrate Hollywood’s free popcorn, soda and biggest night of the water. A 20 percent year with a Red Cardiscount is available pet Reception and bigfor groups of eight or screen watch party for more. the live telecast of the For $55, get the 94th annual Academy Mezzanine Ticket, Awards®.” which gives you a Now in its 23rd year, reserved seat in the the Hollywood Awards mezzanine, two comNight Red Carpet plimentary drink tickReception begins at Tampa’s historic movie palace, Tampa The- ets redeemable for beer 6:30 p.m. on Franklin atre, will roll out the red carpet and provide or wine and concierge guests with lots of choices of how to watch the St. under the historic 94th annual Academy Awards® on Sunday, drink service to your marquee. After a limo seat, plus free popcorn, March 27. ride around the block, soda and water. courtesy of longtime event sponsor Skyline Go all out and enjoy the VIP Party Ticket Limousine, superstar guests will walk the red for $150. You can enjoy the festivities from carpet past adoring fans and paparazzi, rub a custom stage extension built out over the shoulders with costumed characters repre- seats. You get all of the Red Carpet Recepsenting Hollywood’s biggest bigwigs and chat tion activities on Franklin St. and admission with ‘Roan Jivers’ about who or what they to watch the 94th Academy Awards broadare wearing. cast from the VIP Party Deck. A buffet dinner Inside the Tampa Theatre, there will be catered by SaltBlock Hospitality; open beer, games, prizes, free popcorn and soda, hair wine and signature cocktails until 11 p.m.; and makeup touch-ups with professional styl- free popcorn, soda and water; and casual ists from Paul Mitchell The School, the OS- lounge seating will be available as well. CAR® Red Carpet Live pre-show on the big Get your tickets by visiting www.tamscreen and a cash bar. ABC’s live coverage of patheatre.org.
Page 29
GET READY FOR THE 2022 GASPARILLA MUSIC FESTIVAL By Kathy L. Collins The 11th annual Gasliner will be Best New Artparilla Music Festival ist Grammy® nominees, (GMF) will take place from Austin, Texas, Black from Friday through Pumas. In addition, alterSunday, February 25-27 native roots rockers The on four stages in downRevivalists will bring their town Tampa. Proceeds iconic psychedelic jams to from the nonprofit festhe main stage on Saturday tival, which has been night. Closing the festival dubbed a ‘Festival on a out with positivity on SunMission,’ provide supday are hip hop legends Arport to music classrested Development with rooms in Title I elemenpost-jazz combo Trombone tary schools across the Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Tampa Bay area. The excitement continThe Gasparilla Music The 2022 Gasparilla Music Festival ues as the festival conFestival features over 35 will take place in downtown Tampa firms the return of Kids along the beautiful waterfront the last local and national bands Fest, featuring the beloved weekend in February. across four stages along Imagination Movers, along downtown Tampa Riverwalk. The event with additional artists, and food and drink features food from Tampa’s top local chefs vendors. The full schedule of band days and and restaurants and offers family-friendly times can be found by visiting https://gasprogramming (kids 12 and under receive parillamusic.com. More information about free admission) on several stages each day. the festival and related health and safety Following the success of the 2020 Festi- issues can be found at https://gasparillaval, Gasparilla Music Festival expanded its music.com/frequently-asked-questions/. programming by adding a third evening of The Gasparilla Music Foundation is a events this past October. The 2022 Festi- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded val will further expand its programming on in 2011 that produces the Gasparilla Music the Friday evening by featuring a full slate Festival. The foundation works year-round of vendors and bands on all four stages for to support music education through its Rethe full three days. cycled Tunes program and to promote local David Cox with the Gasparilla Music musicians through its GMF Productions Foundation said, “The Gasparilla Music Fes- program. The foundation receives support tival is an exciting three days of live music from its membership program, Higher from every genre with over 40 bands. In Ground. For information about becoming a addition to its award-winning lineup of na- member, visit www.gmfhigherground.com. tional acts, the festival highlights some of Some of the schools helped include Dover Tampa’s best restaurants and many of the Elementary, Valrico Elementary, Alafia Elearea’s top up-and-coming musicians, in- mentary and FishHawk Creek Elementary. cluding Dover’s Kenzie Wheeler.” To learn more and to get tickets, please Kicking off the festival as Friday’s head- visit https://gasparillamusic.com.
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Valrico Edition
RCMA PROGRAM CONTINUES TO HELP CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN NEED
By Libby Hopkins
CHINI TAKES THE LEAD AT MARY & MARTHA HOUSE
By Kate Quesada
Bill Chini has big Chini credited the plans for Mary & Marteam Herring built with tha House (MMH). Chithe success of the charni, who has been on ity. the board of the orga“In my mind, the staff nization that provides was committed to doing shelter and services the very best they could to victims of domestic to continue to help othviolence and homeers in need, and to keep less women and their Laurie’s legacy alive,” he children since 2018, said. recently took over as MMH looks at those executive director. in need differently than Born in South New Bill Chini recently took over as executive most. director of Mary & Martha House in Jersey, Chini enlisted “MMH is guidance,” Ruskin. in the Air Force afhe said. “Society is very ter high school and served quick to expect everyone to at MacDill AFB in Tampa. know what to do and are even Post-military, he worked in quicker to throw them away hospitality, eventually beinstead of taking the time to coming the general managhelp them. We don’t do that er of Little Harbor Resort in here. We help with the obstaRuskin. cles, we help with the baggage, we help Former MMH Executive Director Laurie women and children get back on the path Herring, who passed away last year, en- to success. Our future is going to be a couraged Chini to join the board. bright one, for both our survivors and our “I had no idea what that meant and was organization.” a little reluctant at first, but I knew what Chini’s goal, as MMH celebrates its 40th the organization did and wanted to be a anniversary this year, is to be able to help part of it,” he said. “I have close family more people, with the idea of including a members who suffered through domestic larger thrift store, more housing and more violence when I was a child. During my on-site support services for families. time in New York, I was homeless for a “It’s going to take a lot of planning, short while. Knowing about this place that work and capital. One thing I’ve learned assisted people affected by two issues I from working in this operation more closewitnessed/lived through my life, this was ly is the unwavering support from our a chance to help others.” community,” he explained. “The big plans Chini stepped up when Herring got sick we have can look scary at times; however, but never thought he would permanently I’m confident we can accomplish anything take the role. with the support of our community; they “I hate telling the story of how I became always have our back.” executive director because to me it’s a sad To learn more, visit https://marymarstory,” he said. thahouse.org.
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RCMA provides quality an enrollment of 344.” childcare and education Many of RCMA’s to children living in ruscholars graduate with ral poverty, including the high school credit in children of migrant famieither algebra, algebra lies throughout Florida. and geometry or comAt RCMA, it makes the puter coding. dreams of children in mi“We have a robust grant working and low-insports program with come families their focus. significant hardware in That means making sure our trophy case,” Haganything that impacts gett said. “We are also their learning is taken a dual language school care of. From early childthat currently runs hood education to K-4, adding a health care assisgrade level each tance to supplying year. We are well Wi-Fi hotspots and known and well tablets for homerespected in our work, it takes a hodistrict for our listic approach that program and cares for the entire model.” child, including a Over the last helping hand for 56 years, RCMA their parents. has worked hand “I have been with in hand with RCMA for 20 years families to help Over the last 56 years, RCMA has worked hand and the principal for in hand with families to help them leverage their them leverage the last 14 years,” strengths and overcome the challenges seasonal their strengths said Mark Haggett. migrant work presents for the education of their chil- and overcome “I am originally dren. With their collaboration, over 40,000 children the challenges have made quality education a reality. from New York, seasonal migrant where I grew up on a work presents for the dairy farm. I am the education of their youngest of eight and children. With their I am a career changcollaboration, over er because I started 40,000 children have teaching in my 30s made quality educahere at the school.” tion a reality. RCMA School opened in 2000 along “The sense of community is what drew with a sister school in Collier County, me here and what draws most here,” RMCA Immokalee Community Academy. Haggett said. “We have many teachers “Our charter was written to serve and staff who have similar longevity the migrant and low-income farmwork- with the organization as mine. We wrap er families in these areas, Wimauma, our arms around this community and Ruskin and Balm,” Haggett said. “RCMA make sure that they are protected, repserves children of these families through resented and respected. We consistently Migrant Head Start and Head Start pro- outperform schools with similar demograms. We have several centers in our graphics and often those with a smaller area which are the feeders of our kinder- percentage of Latino scholars. We are garten classes. We are a true community very proud of this.” school providing wraparound services to If you would like to learn more about our families. We serve K-8 scholars with RCMA, you can visit www.rcma.org.
Volume 19, Issue 2
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Page 30
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February 2022
Valrico Edition
EXPRESS OIL CHANGE & TIRE ENGINEER IS A TRUSTWORTHY ONE-STOP SHOP By Michelle Caceres FishHawk resito avoid costly dent Tom Lee said breakdowns and it’s important to repairs. trust your auto mePersinger, who chanic. “I have a has been in the wife and two teenautomotive inage boys that drive, dustry for most and when they take of his adult life, their vehicles in for emphasizes that service, it’s importwhile his busiant I know that ness is the home they’re not going to Located on Boyette Rd., Express Oil Change & Tire of the 10-minute get sold something Engineer CEO and President Jeremy Persinger oil change (custhey don’t need,” he and his team keep vehicles running with efficient tomers don’t even service and repair. said. have to get out of Lee and his family get their vehicles), it really their vehicles serviced is a one-stop automotive at Express Oil Change & service provider staffed Tire Engineers, located with ASE-certified techat 11690 Boyette Rd. in nicians that can perform Riverview, next to Culscheduled maintenance; ver’s. replace and repair tires; When Lee’s son reperform brake jobs, cently felt a little wobble in his car’s front alignments, tune-ups; and more. There are end, he took it to Express Oil to diagnose 11 employees working in nine service bays. the cause of the problem. He assumed “Except for body work and windshields, he needed new brakes, but after examin- we can take care of all your automotive ing his vehicle, the mechanic told him his needs, and that’s our real competitive adbrakes didn’t need replacing yet. “They vantage,” said Persinger. could have easily said he needed brakes Lee is happy to have found a trustand then we would have been sold some- worthy auto repair shop. “We trust them thing we didn’t need,” said Lee. “I appre- for tires, brakes, batteries, oil changes— ciate that the trust factor is very high at really, all our automotive needs,” he said. Express Oil.” Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers is Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers CEO open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.and President Jeremy Persinger said he’s 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; not in the business of recommending a re- it is closed on Sunday. pair or maintenance that a vehicle doesn’t For more information about Express need. In addition, Express Oil’s goal is to Oil Change & Tire Engineers, visit https:// provide the manufacturer-recommended www.expressoil.com/stores/riverview/ preventative maintenance that is needed fl/0831/ or call 499-9606.
Page 31
NEW VITALITY CENTERS HELPS YOU LOOK AND FEEL YOUR BEST
By Amy Schechter
Whether you’re simply looking to improve your overall health and wellness, combat the effects of aging or manage a chronic condition, New Vitality Centers has a New Vitality Centers offers caring team microneedling facials to combat signs of aging. of licensed physicians and medical professionals who can tailor a plan that’s just right for you. If you’re ready to improve your confidence and quality of life, it has the latest technology and individualized wellness programs to do just that. Owner Mary Heysek is passionate about their patients. “People who come to us want to look and feel better,” she said. “All of our treatments are all natural.” New Vitality Centers offers many safe and effective therapies that reverse the processes associated with aging. It now offers the state-of-the-art MoreNova linear wave therapy for erectile dysfunction. Unlike acoustic waves, which can be very painful, linear waves offer a pain-free solution that actually regrows blood vessels to combat the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. Clients can operate the machine themselves without assistance in office. The closest other facility with this technology is in Miami. MoreNova offers 80 percent efficacy worldwide, and so far, its office has seen 100 percent client satisfaction. Skincare is especially important to clients who want to look and feel younger.
New Vitality Centers also offers platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and microneedling facials. By numbing your face and drawing blood, New Vitality Centers helps its team can clients regrow separate the hair through regenerative hair platelets from restoration. the patient’s own blood, which they then place back on the skin to rejuvenate it. This process is regenerative in that it helps rebuild collagen and elastic, removes dark spots and fades fine lines. Unlike other facials, the effects can last up to 18 months. Clients also seek New Vitality Centers to help them manage weight loss. Using a combination of keto/Mediterranean diets and intermittent fasting along with an appetite suppressant and a weekly injection that helps burn fat instead of muscle, clients learn how they can make healthy choices that result in weight loss and the ability to keep the weight off. It also offers other services such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), including testosterone therapy; regenerative hair restoration; IV drips; Botox; nutraceuticals; and CBD products. Whatever your needs, it can customize a program getting you to look and feel your best. For more information, call 436-0708, visit newvitalitycenters.com or find it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newvitalitycenters. New Vitality Centers is located at 665 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon.
Page 32
Valrico Edition
BRANDON LEAGUE OF FINE ARTS ANNOUNCES 2022 SQUARE’S OFF COMPETITION WINNERS
Volume 19, Issue 2
JUNE ROGERS MEMORIAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT HELPS RAISE FUNDS FOR MOFFITT COLON CANCER RESEARCH By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
The Brandon tography called League of Fine Arts The Kiss – Great presented Square’s Blue Herons. ChuOff, a juried art comnat said, “Great petition, in January capture. It has at Center Place in motion and emoBrandon. The annution, tells a story al competition was and is well preopen to all area artsented.” ists. Finally, honThis year’s compeorable mention tition brought in 15 was given to Beth entries. According Smedley, who to Christopher Leo won $50 for her Klein, president of the mixed media piece Brandon League of called Something Fine Arts, “The show Familiar. Chuwas very high calinat said of the ber. Every piece was piece, “Good use excellently done and of color and texprofessionally preture engages the sented.” viewer. The piece This year’s judge had great color was artist Wayne harmony, and I Chunat, who is an love the textures award-winning local throughout.” Tampa Bay Artist. He An artists’ reis known as a conserception was held vation wildlife artist. at Center Place, Klein said, “His work is where the winexcellent. His website ners were anis www.waynechunat. nounced and prizcom.” es were awarded. The first-place winCenter Place had ner, who received previously spon$250, is Francine Husored the event. dak with her waterThe Brandon color painting known League of Fine as Friendly Flamingos. Arts meets at 7 Chunat said of the p.m. at Center piece, “A fun piece Place, located at with exceptional val619 Vonderburg ues. It grabs the eye. Dr. in Brandon, on Bold use of color and the third Monday brush. Proportions of of each month, exsubject, head, neck cept in June, July and body are very and December. In good.” addition to generSecond place went al meetings, the to Doug Steinbarger, league offers free who won $100 for his workshops. The acrylic painting, Linext one will be brarian. Chunat said, an acrylic work“This piece had great shop on Monday, values. The facial February 21. The The Brandon League of Fine Arts held its Square’s Off competition in January. The planes were well deworkshop is good fined and created di- first-place winner was Francine Hudak with a for residents 12 mension. It was well beautiful watercolor painting called Friendly and older, and no Flamingos. proportioned, and the special abilities piece tells the story; the title matches the are required. You do, however, have to work.” RSVP by Saturday, February 19. Please Third place was awarded to Marsha RSVP to Klein at 516-220-8246 or email Nelson, who won $75 for her fine art pho- christopherleok@verizon.net.
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June Rogers was fore she was able to achieve an inspiration to so her dream of playing at the many people throughevent. Her friends Melanie out her life, and espeSkinner and Allison Townsend cially during her bout remarked that Rogers never with stage four colon complained about her situacancer. She was diagtion and always had a smile nosed with the disease on her face, even while not four years ago and unfeeling well. She had a great derwent chemotherasense of humor and insisted py throughout the rest that they go out to lunch after of her life. her matches. June Rogers was an inspiration to While Rogers lost “She was a true friend,” said so many people throughout her her battle with colon life and especially during her bout Townsend. “There are not a cancer in September, lot of people that you can call with stage four colon cancer. her legacy will your true friend. live on through You could count the June Rogon her to be ers Foundation honest, straightfor Colon Canforward—if cer Research you needed ( J R F FC C R ) , anything, she which was was there for started by you. She made seven of her me realize that friends in her you can be on honor. The this earth and JRFFCCR is be graceful June Rogers with her River Hills tennis teammates at partnering and true and lunch. with Moffitt hardworking Cancer Center to be the recipient of the pro- and determined, even with the odds that she ceeds from the inaugural June Rogers Memo- faced. She fought until the end.” rial Tennis Tournament that will take place Rogers never gave up, even when doctors from Saturday to Sunday, April 23-24. The told her that there was nothing further that goal is to raise a minimum of $100,000 to they could do to help her. She wanted to do start the fund. All proceeds from the annual everything possible to keep fighting, receiving tournament will be directed entirely to this chemo until her body could not handle it anyfund in support of colorectal cancer research more. She even wanted to pursue any experprojects selected by the JRFFCCR. imental treatment that was available during In 1974, 9-year-old Rogers emigrated with her final months. her family from Thailand to the United States, “I miss her every single day,” said Skinner. where she taught herself English. She gradu- “She was one of the most generous people ated from East Bay High School, where she that I’ve ever met. She was the kind of person played on the tennis team. She later graduat- that everybody should strive to be like.” ed from the University of South Florida with The fund will be established to solely supa Bachelor of Science degree from the Col- port the gastrointestinal oncology program lege of Business Administration. at Moffitt, with oversight provided by ProRogers was a pillar of her community. She gram Chair Dr. Jason Fleming. The current was a manager with the Outback Restaurant project selected by the JRFFCCR is “HarnessGroup in both Florida and Georgia. Many ing the Immune System in the Fight Against people knew her from her restaurant, Simply Colorectal Cancer.” Thai, in Brandon that she and her husband, Registration for the women’s tournament Brian Smith, started in 1998 and owned for begins on February 1. Sponsorships are still 11 years. The restaurant flourished until it available. It takes place from April 23-24 at was sold in 2010. the River Hills Country Club in Valrico. The Rogers was an excellent tennis player who event is open to the public, with food and played at tennis clubs all across the Tampa drink available. Several items will be aucarea but called River Hills Country Club home. tioned off, including a five-day trip to ScotShe battled on the court while she battled for land to stay in a castle and play golf, and two her life, winning matches while she received vintage Napa Valley wines. chemotherapy treatment. She helped lead To register or for tournament sponsorship her team to United States Tennis Association opportunities and donations, visit https://ti(USTA) Nationals, but sadly passed away be- nyurl.com/jrffccr.
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February 2022
Valrico Edition
DANCING FOR A DIFFERENCE CELEBRATES NEW NAME AND LOCATION By Tatiana Ortiz merce. A local dance Since its studio in Brandon establishhad a fresh start ment in May to the year with 2017, Dancits new space ing for a Difand name. Rivference has erview resident grown, hence Sara Battaglia, need the who is the presiof this new dent and director The space. of Dancing for a former studio Difference, held was 1,500 sq. a grand opening ft. This new for the new stuSome of the Dancing for a Difference students wearing shirts with one is doudio on January the new logo. ble that size. 29. Battaglia stated Dancing for a Difthe reason for the ference is a nonprofnew studio and how it organization with it will be beneficial a mission to make for the organization. dance more avail“We have over 200 able to all ages and students and could abilities within the not grow much more Tampa Bay area as due to limited size well as give back to in space,” Battaglia the community. Prior to the name change, the organization was said. “With the new space it provides us called Dancing for Donations. Battaglia felt room for more students,” she added. Dancing for a Difference offers a wide that the time was appropriate to move forvariety of classes, such as ballet, jazz, tap, ward with the rebranding. The organization received a $13,000 voice, piano and more. Battaglia said that grant from the Mabel and Ellsworth Sim- they love to meet new people and welcome mons Charitable Foundation, Inc., which them to their dance family. Those who are helped with the funding of Dancing for interested can register for these classes. “Overall, thank you to the community, a Difference’s new studio. In addition, through the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of along with the dance families, for supportCommerce, Dancing for a Difference was ing us all of these years,” Battaglia said. For more information about classes, visthe 2021 Charity of Choice. Battaglia is also involved in other chambers, such as it https://www.dancing4donations.org. It the Greater Riverview Chamber of Com- is located at 1076 E. Brandon Blvd., Stes. merce and the Ybor City Chamber of Com- #108 and #109 in Brandon. Call 601-3009.
Page 33
MARDI GRAS COMES TO BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY
Staff Report
rade, where the Bird Gardens comes to life as entertainers, stilt walkers and musicians participate in the lively parade; the Bead Garden, where families can stop by for the opportunity to catch beads; the Brass Mardi Gras is taking place at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay through Sunday, March 6. Band and local live music. Mardi Gras is starting early at For bands and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The other event times, fun-filled, New Orleans-inspired visit www.busevent started this month and runs chgardenstampa. weekends and select days through com. Sunday, March 6 with live music Busch Garand entertainment for the whole dens® Tampa Bay family. offers 300 acres “Catch some festival beads from of attractions strolling performers throughout based on exotic the day and get caught up in the explorations around the world. Busch Garfun as you dance through spacious walkdens is a unique blend of rides, AZA-accredways,” said a recent press release. “Feast like kings and queens on classic Cajun cuisine as ited zoo with thousands of animals repreBusch Gardens brings the ‘Big Easy’ to Tam- senting more than 200 species and exciting seasonal events all year. pa Bay.” Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Mardi Gras-inspired food, including a sigEntertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leadnature shrimp po’ boy, hearty jambalaya and ing theme park and entertainment compagumbo; specialty sweets like iconic beignets; ny providing experiences that matter and as well as handcrafted cocktail classics like inspiring guests to protect animals and the Hurricanes, will be available at the park. The wild wonders of the world. Nola Creamery is also offering a new French Guests can visit www.buschgardenstamquarter chocolate amaretto cheesecake waffle cone and reimagined Mardi Gras waf- pa.com for more information. Fans can stay fle cone sundae and Bourbon Street cream up to date with park events, attractions and more by following Busch Gardens Tampa and cookie. Festivities also include a Mardi Gras pa- Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 2
WE DID IT AGAIN!
We Are The TOP Team in Tampa/Hillsborough County LD SO
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February 2022
Page 35
With 402 Families Served And $195 MILLION In Volume SOLD In 2021!
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Valrico Edition
DISCOVER THE FUN AT FLORIDA STATE FAIR THROUGH FEBRUARY 23
By Kate Quesada
Mark your caldog, which conendars because sists of a homethe Florida State made Long John Fair is coming donut, freshly to town. Held at grilled all-beef the Florida State hotdog, appleFa i r g r o u n d s wood bacon and from Thursday, icing drizzled on February 10 to top. Wednesday, FebTo prepare to ruary 23, the fair eat all the delioffers food, fun, cious fair food, entertainment residents are and even educa- The Florida State Fair opens on Thursday, February 10. invited to partion for the whole ticipate in the family. Deep-Fried Dash The Florida State Fair, 5K and Fun Run. The first held in Tampa in run, which starts at 7 1904, has become one of a.m. on Saturday, Febthe largest events in the ruary 19, takes particstate, attracting more ipants through the fair than 500,000 people grounds on the 5K and during its 12-day run. fun runs. The fair boasts the largAll proceeds from est midway in the USA, a the Deep-Fried Dash robust agricultural prowill benefit the Florida gram, a circus, interactive State Fair Foundation, animal exhibits and new attractions each a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to improve year. and support agricultural, scientific and As the first state fair of the year, the educational programs at the Florida Florida State Fair is the first to debut State Fair like Cracker Country Living new foods as well as all of the unique fair History Museum, Ag-Venture and more. foods visitors have come to know and Participants can register today at love. https://floridastatefair.com/5K/. According to the fair’s website, some It’s affordable family fun at its best. of this year’s unique food items include Armbands for unlimited rides and other the caramel apple cinnamon roll, which advance ticket deals are available online. is a cinnamon roll topped with warm cin- For more information about the Florida namon apple pie topping, drizzled with State Fair, please visit www.floridastatewarm caramel; deep fried banana pud- fair.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter ding, which is donut holes topped with and/or Instagram. banana pudding, whipped cream and The Florida State Fairgrounds are locaramel drizzled on top; and the donut cated at 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa.
Volume 19, Issue 2
NEW FOOD BANK OPENS AT CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Congregation Beth Shalom entrance in Brandon reto the temcently opened ple. If you a food bank would like for the Greater to donate Brandon area. and cannot Food insecurity drop off on can affect anyFridays, the one: neighbors, food bank friends, children volunteers and the elderly. can arrange Many working for a pickCongregation Beth Shalom, located at 706 Bryan Rd. in people are findup. ing themselves Brandon, has opened a food bank that is available to anyone G i n s in need in the community. struggling to put berg is also food on the table with the rising prices reaching out to the community in hopes of groceries and other necessary items. of seeking additional volunteers by a loA large population of people in the com- cal Scout troop or students looking for munity are simply one layoff, tragedy or volunteer hours to assist in the distribunatural disaster away from needing assis- tion on Sundays. tance. According to Meral Ginsberg, the The food bank is normally open for discongregation’s food bank outreach coor- tribution of the donated items to those in dinator, Beth Shalom honors and serves need on the third Sunday of each month the community compassionately and free from 1-3 p.m. including January 16, Febof prejudice. ruary 20, March 20 and May 15. With “We are asking for food donations and the conflict on Easter, the pickup date in other personal products such as soap, April is Sunday, April 10. There is no need feminine supplies, toothpaste, shampoo to call ahead or to register. Those in need and deodorant,” said Ginsberg. “Our new can simply drive to Congregation Beth rabbi, Robert Lefkowitz, is very support- Shalom on the dates/times listed and the ive of this new mission. We have a whole items will be loaded into your car by food classroom that is dedicated to the food bank volunteers. bank supplies and we are hoping to fill “When you give from the heart, you get the entire room with donations.” back,” said Ginsberg. “Congregation Beth Some of the other items needed are Shalom is here for the community and boxed food, canned goods, can openers, to help the community. It’s a blessing to boxed milk, boxed juice as well as clean- give and help.” ing products and laundry detergent. PeoCongregation Beth Shalom is located ple can also donate via check (with food at 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. For further bank noted) or by gift card. Donations are information about donations or volunbeing accepted on Fridays from 11 a.m.-8 teer opportunities, contact Ginsberg at p.m. with a donation box located at the 690-5713.
REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2022 VPK • Class times: Tues - 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
February 2022
Valrico Edition
Page 37
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CENTER PLACE: TRAVELING ARTS EXHIBIT
By Libby Hopkins
Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association has many new events and programs coming in 2022. “We are very excited to join partners with The Exhibiting Society of Artists (TESA), which is an artist group from Pinellas County,” said Center Place’s executive director, Libby Hopkins. “TESA is a fine arts cooperative that brings original local artist to art buyers in our community. Many of their pieces available at Center Place depict beloved scenes emblematic of our community.” TESA currently has a hallway show at Center Place, but next month it will have a full show in Center Place’s Grand Room. “We are just so excited that this large art group from Pinellas County reached out to Center Place because they want to get their foot in the door of the Brandon art scene,” Hopkins said. “I feel that Center Place is moving in the right direction to be the hub of all things art in our community.” During Center Place’s recent Christmas Tree Lighting, MOSI was on hand to offer
Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association has many new events and programs coming in 2022. The center has recently joined partners with The Exhibiting Society of Artists (TESA), which is an artist group from Pinellas County, to do a hallway art show. Next month, TESA will have a full art exhibit in Center Place’s Grand Room.
some pop-up STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) programming at the event. Since the programming was a hit with Center Place’s guests, the center is working on a partnership with MOSI to offer more STEAM programming at the center. “Since the ‘A’ in STEAM stands for ‘art,’ it only seems natural for Center Place to partner with MOSI and offer more STEAM pop-up programming,” Hopkins said. “We are hoping to offer STEAM summer camps with MOSI
Scott Graf at the Porsche Driving Experience in Atlanta
this coming summer as well.” The New Year brings new classes and events at Center Place as well. “We are excited to partner with Dark Light Portrait Studios to start offering photography classes at Center Place,” Hopkins said. “They joined us at our Christmas Tree Lighting and asked if they could offer photography classes. We’ve been
wanting to have photography at Center Place for a while now, so we can’t wait for their program to start in February.” Center Place artist and teacher Alejandro Algarin is going to be offering his Street Art class and has added a Cartoon Drawing class. “This class will help students become cartoonist and help them to express everyday characters, scenes and stories,” Hopkins said. “Alejandro will also discuss cartooning history and how to express emotions and acting through cartooning.” If you would like to learn more about all the classes and events happening at Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association, you can visit its website at www.centerplacebrandon.com or call the center at 685-8888. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon, next to the Brandon Regional Library.
Page 38
Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 2
FAMILY-OWNED BRYAN HINDMAN ELECTRIC
TREATS CUSTOMERS LIKE FAMILY
By Michelle Caceres
By Bob Swezey, General Manager
PLAY WELL. PLAY FAIR. HAVE FUN. Golf is the closest sport to real life. Both are games to a degree, tough and unfair at times. In both, ‘players’ get good and bad breaks. Both have good, satisfactory or bad outcomes from decisions, actions or behaviors. Both need to overcome obstacles, bad breaks and fear. And golf is a lifetime sport. Life is a game that is learned, practiced and lived well—or not. Both games can be based on desires, ethics and abilities to envision, focus and execute. Everybody makes mistakes every day. Both have bad, near and good misses. Champions in both just have more ‘better misses’ than others. We have all won or lost games. Winning cannot be appreciated without learning to lose first. Permanently borrowing ideas, philosophies and paths creates better chances of success. Both require failures, successes and learning to overcome barriers. Is golf fair? Not even close on one’s best day! Bad bounces and breaks happen in every round and every day we live. Both create doubts, fears and anxieties. Trying not to hit two bad shots or taking questionable actions in a row is a goal for golf and life. Is life fair? Like golf, no way! Outside in-
fluences can affect us negatively. Life is a game where the good, bad and ugly rear their heads, and sometimes unfair. Even the best intentions sometimes go awry. Sounds like golf. “It’s better to be lucky than good.” Luck is not perpetual. It comes and goes and can be good or bad. It appears out of nowhere. Consistency is the key to create your own luck and is produced from learning, failing and trying again. Knowing your weaknesses helps eliminate recklessness, poor decisions and results. Is that golf or life? Both games create fears. Fear often predicates failure because it generates negativity and comes at the wrong place and time. Commitment to visions, beliefs and execution of playing well and fair will dictate the enjoyment one derives over the course. You must give to receive. That is fair and fun for all. Reflecting through intent, execution and results push us towards increased enjoyment in the future. Golf and life are humbling. Both ‘games’ can be played better if we know what is stopping us. Both are an intricate game. Play it well, play it fair, and have fun!
It’s no secret that outlet, for a larger job homeownership comes he wanted to rely on with a lot of responsian expert in the field. bilities, including home Hindman personmaintenance. While ally came out to give certain basic repairs him the quote and he like caulking or replacworked with Charing air filters can be lene in his office to handled by the homeschedule an appointowner, when it comes ment to have the to electrical work, it’s work done. Mailloux best to leave it to the hired Hindman to professionals. install a 30-amp RV “Certified electrical outlet and a special contractors are experts breaker in his breakin their field and can Call the experts at Bryan Hindman Electric er box so he could to handle all of your electrical needs. complete work quickly run his home, if necand professionally for homeowners,” said essary, with a portable generator. Bryan Hindman, owner of Bryan Hindman “If my power goes out now, I just flip one Electric, master electrician and Florida breaker and can run my generator,” he said. State-certified electrical contractor. “We’re “It’s increased the value of my home.” able to pull permits if necessary and make As a former small business owner himself, sure the work is completed correctly and up Mailloux is a big advocate of hiring locally to code.” owned businesses and tries to hire them A family-owned business (Hindman’s whenever possible. “Bryan Hindman Electric spouse, Heather, is the co-owner and busi- came highly recommended and they’re realness operations manager), Bryan Hindman ly knowledgeable about local building codes Electric specializes in taking care of everyday and statutes,” he said. “You can’t go wrong electrical needs, including electric repairs with them.” (faulty wiring and breaker replacement), He was also impressed that Hindman installation (of fans, recess cans, fixtures, called and followed up after the job was pendant lights, new outlets and switches) completed to make sure he was satisfied. and maintenance for homeowners, business “He’s a hands-on owner, which I really apowners and property managers. Additional preciated,” he said. services include installing surge protectors, Bryan Hindman Electric will be moving smoke detectors, security cameras, foun- soon to a new office in Riverview. “We’re extains, pool lighting and security lighting. His cited to be in our new location,” said Heathteam can also upgrade existing wiring to er. meet current electrical codes. Bryan Hindman Electric is open Monday Riverview resident Christian Mailloux to Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. hired Hindman after getting glowing recomFor more information about Bryan Hindmendations from other homeowners. While man Electric, visit www.bryanhindmanelecMailloux said he is capable of changing an tric.com or call 672-4084.
February 2022
Valrico Edition
WINTHROP ARTS OFFERS A DYNAMIC SCHEDULE OF ART CLASSES in a thoughtful and thought-provoking setting. For younger artists, Winthrop Arts offers a wide range of mediums, including Art with Bryant on Mondays at 3:30 p.m., Mixed Media Make and Take on Mondays at 4:30 p.m., Printmaking on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and Ceramics on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. There Let 2022 be the year of art discovery with classes at the Winthrop Arts’ Art Factory in Riverview. is also a 3D Art class ofThere are a multitude of classes to choose for adults, fered on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. teens and children 5 and up. Winthrop Arts was established as a 501(c)(3) in 2015, but artist Bryant Winthrop Arts, an arts nonprofit located Martinez had been leading art classes and in Riverview, is excited to offer a dynamic holding art festivals under the name for schedule of art classes for 2022. Classes many years. Since 2016, art classes have are available for children 5 years and oldbeen offered at the Art Factory. er, teens and adults. All classes are offered Martinez said, “Students are taught how at Winthrop Arts’ arts education studio, to create and appreciate art in an atypical known as the Art Factory, which is located way.” He explained, “We like to think of our at 11267 Winthrop Main St. in Riverview (at style more as artists creating art with fellow the intersection of Bloomingdale Ave. and artists. Students learn to appreciate what Providence Rd.). they create when left to freely imagine and For adults 15 years and older, Winthrop not worry about making mistakes or being Arts offers a ceramics class on Mondays judged.” from 6-7:30 p.m. Adults can create original Preregistration is required for all classes ceramics pieces by hand or a potter’s wheel. and a minimum of four classes is required In addition, throughout the year, a basket except for basket weaving. weaving class is offered. Students learn to Winthrop Arts will once again offer a hand-weave beautiful baskets of all types summer camp this June and July. Registraand sizes. tion for summer camp will be available in For teens, there are two classes being ofMarch. fered this year on either Tuesday or ThursFor more information on classes and to day from 6-7:30 p.m. Teens will work with register, please visit www.winthroparts.org Varonica Hattix, an abstract artist, to create or call 758-5161. mixed media and drawing/painting pieces
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ARTS COUNCIL OF PLANT CITY OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS If you are a high in your life?” school senior from The scholarDurant High School, ships are funded Plant City High through several School and Strawevents that the berry Crest High Arts Council of School and you are Plant City holds interested in pursuing each year—ina degree in an art-recluding its annual lated field (architecTour of Homes ture, photography, and Chili Cookteaching, studio art Off—as well as and more), now is the membership dues. time to apply for a The mission of scholarship from the the Arts Council Arts Council of Plant of Plant City is to City. The deadline to bring arts to the apply is Wednesday, Plant City comHigh School seniors from Durant High School, March 30. munity, to promote Plant City High School and Strawberry Crest Each year, three to High School who want to pursue a degree in an education in the four seniors from the arts-related field can apply for a scholarship from arts and to develop the Arts Council of Plant City. above-named schools artists and arts proare selected. The winning recipient receives grams. a $1,000 scholarship. Winning students Hart added, “The Arts Council of Plant must present a copy of their class schedule City is dedicated to the development of culto verify that they have been accepted to tural excellence, community outreach and the college or university. A check is then sent arts educational enrichment as well as the directly to the school. heightening of community awareness and Melissa Hart with the Arts Council of participation in all programs the Arts CounPlant City said, “The Arts Council of Plant cil offers. The Arts Council of Plant City also City believes in supporting the arts for the strives to increase the availability of arts younger generation. The scholarship is a experiences through arts education curricsmall way to strengthen their artistic ability ulum in our schools, through local theater by pursuing their dreams.” productions and through the presentation of Eligible seniors must have a 3.5 GPA or professional and emerging artists, including above to apply. Each applicant must com- musicians, visual artists, dancers or actors. plete an application that includes a 500- The Arts Council of Plant City is committed word essay answering one or two questions. to education and development of enthusiThe first question is: “How will you use your asm for the arts by the next generation.” education for the betterment of the commuFor more information on the Arts Council nity in which you live?” The second question of Plant City and to download the applicais: “How have the arts been a strong factor tion, please visit www.plantcityarts.com.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 2
