05.22.15 PCTO

Plant City Times &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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Alvin Orrico is helping veterans for Eagle Scout.

SINGITOUTLOUD

CARDIAC KIDS

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Faith Christian Academy rocks with talent show.

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FREE • FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

Durant High baseball team is off to states.

by Justin Kline | Staff Writer OUR TOWN cheer for autism

Top Shelf to host autism fundraiser Top Shelf Sports Bar & Grill is celebrating its one-year anniversary Saturday, May 23, with cheerleaders from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lightning.

+ Congratulations, graduate

Chelsea D. Kendrick, of Plant City, graduated with a bachelor’s of social work from University of West Florida in a commencement ceremony May 2.

While at the UWF, her activities included dean’s list for two semesters, Student Government Association, Common Ground, Voyages Leadership, Children’s Home Society volunteer and Junior Achievement volunteer.

Kendrick is completing her internship with Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. She is planning to travel with UWF social work students to Guatemala to engage in service and learning with Hearts in Motion, an Indiana–based NGO that has been providing a variety of humanitarian services to needy Central and South Americans for three decades.

A 2011 honor graduate of Tampa Bay Technical High School, Chelsea is the daughter of Jesse and Tonja Johnson, and Willie and Stephanie Kendrick.

It’s been an educational first year for the owners of Top Shelf Sports Bar & Grill, and the restaurant wants to do something big to celebrate.

While the concept of bringing cheerleaders into a sports bar isn’t a new one, owners Lawrence and Zee Brown are

doing it for a different reason than most.

Cheerleaders from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lightning will join the Top Shelf crew and patrons this Saturday to raise awareness and money for autism research, specifically for Tampa-based

group Warriors for Autism.

Zee Brown, co-owner of the restaurant with her husband, Lawrence Brown, hopes that the event will help people erase some of the negativity that sometimes gets associated with autism.

“I was thinking, ‘Cheer for

Autism,’” Brown said. “Let’s try to take something that maybe doesn’t have the most positive connotation, and let’s turn it around.”

Zee Brown’s experiences with people who have autism, and the people who work with them, led her to identify it as

by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Big Brothers Big Sisters comes to Plant City

A representative from the organization will speak next week about the need for mentors.

The Plant City Area Democrats have invited a special guest speaker to their meeting next week, but members of any political party could find the topic interesting: Tampa Bay children’s need for mentors and role models.

Dexter Lewis, from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, will be giving a presenta-

SEE BROTHERS / PAGE 4 Catherine Sinclair

PLANES AND

Tammy Arnold is proud of the medals she earned during active duty, as well as the beautiful quilts she has created.

PATCHWORK Tammy Arnold recently retired as a master sergeant, after 23 years in the Air Force.

Tammy Arnold spends her evenings in peace. She sews flowing, colorful quilts, and cares for her rescued cats and a cocker spaniel with special needs.

But for more than two decades, Arnold had turned up the intensity in her life quite a few notches. In 1991, at 32, Arnold decided to leave her accounting career and join the U.S. Air Force reserves.

“I joined because it’s something I always wanted to do, and I figured if I didn’t do it

OUR TOWN / PAGE 4

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then, I never would,” Arnold said. “And it was a great decision.”

Throughout her 23-year Air Force career, six years of which were active duty, Arnold formed lifelong relationships, earned a bachelor’s degree, saw the world and grew in more ways than she could have imagined.

“I went from somebody who was not very disciplined, to somebody who is very dis-

In honor of Memorial Day, 813scapes has provided a gift for this month’s Hometown Hero.

SEE HERO / PAGE 4

HOMETOWN HEROES

EDITOR’S NOTE: Hometown Heroes is a recurring feature in the Plant City Times & Observer in which we profile veterans from Plant City. If you have a loved one currently serving or who has served in the past, please contact Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen by email at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com or by phone at (813) 704-6850.

This week’s winner is

Jesse Carr

See his photo on PAGE 16.

SEE TOP SHELF / PAGE 4

make a difference

HOMETOWN HERO by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

+ Garden Club hosts field trip

The Plant City Garden Club sponsored a field trip to the Walden Lake Park and Nature Trails for Jackson Elementary gifted students, taught by Elizabeth Damsel.

This year’s Junior Gardener program, chaired

by Deb Flock, included learning about non-native invasive plants and gardening. This hands on learning experience was enhanced by the field trip to the park.

Students each had two target plants to identify during the trip using the scientific skills of observation. They previously learned that non-native, invasive plants cause an imbalance of nature by overwhelming native plants and keeping native birds and insects at bay.

The children enjoyed

a cause she’d like to fight for.

She’s masterminded Saturday’s event, hoping to bring in some more prominent faces of the Tampa Bay area to raise awareness.

“Autism is something that has touched our lives,” Zee Brown said. “We have friends and family members that are dealing with kids with autism.

INDEX Calendar.....................13

ON THE GREEN

by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Unity in the Community to host golf tournament Need to spend a little time roaming around on the green?

Plant City golf nuts can do just that — and help the community at the same time.

Unity in the Community will host its annual Golf Classic benefit Friday, May 29, led by tournament director Henry Falcon, at Bloomingdale Golfers Club.

This is the ninth year the organization has hosted the tournament, which raised $15,000 last year.

Unity in the Community serves to benefit different

SEE GOLF / PAGE 4 Vol.2,No.34 | Twosections

Crossword...................16

Obituaries...................15

Sports...........................5

Weather......................16

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NEWS BRIEFS + One injured in shooting

A 21-year-old man was shot and injured the evening of May 6.

Around 9:04 p.m., Plant City residents Theodore J. Buckley, 21, and Nicole L. Bradley, 20, were talking in a vehicle parked in a field west of Clemons Road when a white Hyundai hatchback pulled up.

Two men, both described as Hispanic, exited the vehicle with handguns and shot at the vehicle multiple times.

Buckley was hit once, while Bradley was uninjured.

The suspects fled the scene, heading south on Clemons Road.

Buckley was transported to an area hospital with a non life threatening injury to the back of his neck.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Plant City Police Department. Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is also offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the unknown suspects in this case. Anyone with any information regarding this case and who wants to be eligible for a cash reward is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477), report anonymously online at CrimeStoppersTB.com, text CSTB plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES) or send a mobile tip using our new TipSubmit Mobile application, which is a free download for iPhones, iPads, and Droids.

+ Abduction suspects sought

Hillsborough sheriff’s deputies are looking for two men they say tried to abduct an 18-year-old high school student Thursday, May 7, from a Plant City bus stop.

The incident happened about 5:30 a.m. near the intersection of Gallagher and Franklin roads. The student, who attends Strawberry Crest High School, was walking to the bus stop when a black car pulled up beside her, sheriff’s officials said.

The driver yelled for the student to “get in the car,” officials said. The student yelled back an obscenity. A passenger then repeated the demand before the student ran away.

The first man was described as skinny, with short, straight hair. He wore a gray T-shirt.

The other man was described as skinny with prominent cheek bones, a light mustache and goatee and short, scruffy hair.

He wore a black shirt with white trim.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Hillsborough County sheriff’s office at (813) 2478200.

+ Two dead in wrong-way crash

Two men have died in a wrong-way crash on State Road 60 at Bugg Road May 8.

At about 11 p.m., Jonathan Molina, 24, of Lakeland, was driving a 2004 Mazda RX8 in the westbound, inside lane of State Road 60 when he was struck head on by a wrong-way driver, Avimael HernandezSargento, 37, of Lake Worth, who was driving a 2000 GMC Sierra.

He was ejected from the car and died later at a Tampa General Hospital.

Hernandez-Sargento died at Tampa General Hospital May 12.

Two other vehicles were also involved in the crash.

Luis Aneudis Diaz, 34, of Valrico, was in front of Molina in the westbound, inside lane of State Road 60. Diaz was able to avoid being struck head on after he steered right. HernandezSargento struck the left side of Diaz’s 2004 Mitsubishi Gallant before hitting Molina.

Post impact, Molina rotated and collided with semi truck driven by Ubeline Rivera, 51, of Tampa.

Molina, HernandezSargento’s passenger, Omar Hernandez, 26, of Lake Worth, was also transported to Tampa General Hospital.

casual wear by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Marilyn Cook and Tonya Lawson

Hope and Taryn Storter

Kim Bennett Drawdy, Eugena Gale and Debbie Simpson

Jeans and Jacket a classic evening

Tucked away in a quaint country barn off Pless Road, supporters of The Youth Alliance gathered to raise funds in a casual gala May 5. Luxury silent auction items were up for grabs and an amazing meal was had. Buddy Bennett posthumously received the Mike Storter Award.

+ Motorcyclist dies in wrong-way crash

A motorcyclist was killed in a wrong-way crash on East Reynolds Street May 11.

Claudia E. Alderman, 59, of Plant City was driving down the road at about 11:45 p.m. when she was hit by a Nissan coupe driven by Osbaldo Campos, 21, of Dover.

A police officer saw Campos traveling the wrong way on East Reynolds Street and pursued him. After multiple failed attempts to get him to stop his car, Campos crashed head first into a Alderman at the intersection of Thonotosassa Road. and Mobley Street.

Alderman was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital.

Campos was arrested for two counts of Failure to Obey a Lawful Order. Later, he was taken in on a vehicular homicide charge.

The Plant City Police Department is awaiting toxicology results.

Plant City Dolphins players were there to support former Dolphins’ President Buddy Bennett, who received the Mike Storter Award posthumously.

Leah Suggs and Lew Thomas

+ Fire sends one to hospital

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to a house fire on North Wiggins Road Sunday, May 17.

It took about an hour for firefighters to extinguish the blaze at a 3,000-square-foot home at 422 North Wiggins Road. One patient was transported from the scene with unknown injuries.

A HCFR investigator was on scene to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Nothing has been determined.

+ Man charged with attempted murder

A 24-year-old man was jailed Sunday night after he shot his mother’s 33-year-old boyfriend in the chest during an argument at their home, according to Hillsborough sheriff’s officials.

Bobby Garza faces a charge of attempted second-degree murder in the shooting of Miguel Navarro-Garcia. At about 7 p.m. Sunday, May 17, the two got into an argument at the home they shared at 1010 Lynch Place, deputies said.

As the two began to fight, Garza hit Navarro-Garcia in the back of the head, deputies said. Garza then reached into a couch where a gun was concealed, drew the weapon and shot Navarro-Garcia in the chest, deputies said.

Navarro-Garcia was taken to a hospital for treatment. His wound was not considered life threatening, sheriff’s officials said.

Garza ran away after the shooting, officials said.

Deputies later found him and arrested him. He was held in jail May 18 without bail.

Mark, Douglas and Erin Cook

Alcides, Sonia and Aliahs Segui

MY VIEW: HELPING THE HOMELESS

Friends in the Park getting help

There are some exciting homeless individuals Thurschanges happening with the day nights that do not come to Friends in the Park program the park to participate in the to combat homelessness in Friends in the Park program.

Plant City.

If you are interested in The Friends in the Park becoming a partner in the program will be transitioning Friends in the Park program, to the Winter Visitor’s Center please contact Barbara on Dort Street starting Grainger through the in June.

Friends in the Park This new facility Facebook page: facewill provide a more book.com/parkfriendcomfortable environsplantcity. ment with climate control, bathrooms, HOUSING ISSUES and ample seating for Plant City was repreour homeless citizens sented at two meetings to have a meal and in Tampa this month SHIRLEY concerning initiatives fellowship with one CHAMBERLAIN to end homelessness in another.

The program will Hillsborough County. continue to be funded and The first meeting was The the facility cleaned up by the Tampa Hillsborough HomeFriends in the Park partners, less Initiative CoC (Continuand although the building um of Care) regular meeting is provided by the city, there May 7. The June meeting will will be no additional expense be Thursday, June 4. incurred for the city with this The second meeting was a transition. discussion at Social Venture During the past month, Partners Tampa Bay, and the more individuals and families topic was to explore myths have stepped up to assist in and facts about homelessness. the nightly meals at Veterans’ Both meetings discussed Memorial Monument Park. much local data and explored Jackie Hackett and her family success stories from other have been coming with extra areas of the country. food for the past few weeks.

The “Housing First” model Sherry Strawn Kaufmann has was discussed at both meetbeen collecting clothing for ings and has seemed to be the homeless, along with two successful wherever it has friends, and will be distributbeen implemented. The most ing the clothing in Plant City. prominent testimony can be Charlene Cardona has been seen in Utah, where chronic going on location to feed homelessness is down 91%

under the decade-long “Housing First” initiative.

“Housing First” is an approach to ending homelessness that centers on providing people experiencing homelessness with housing as quickly as possible, and then providing services as needed, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

The housing issues are such a Catch-22 for people.

One family who was recently homeless found shelter at a local Inn. The problem for people in this situation is that a room costs between $50 and $100 per night. Even at only $50 a night, this comes out to $1500 a month and does not leave money for food, clothing, laundry, gas to get to and from work, etc. A family in this situation would not be able to save up enough to get into standard housing.

Even a family that has what is considered an average income could find themselves in this situation in the event of hardship occurring. They would benefit from services like “Housing First.”

Many people that are seen as homeless by the community are not counted in the national homeless census because they are not sleeping on the street or in the woods. Many, especially young adults, are sleeping in a different sheltered location every few nights in a pattern

that is known as “couch surfing.” These people are still in need of services and permanent housing in order to pull themselves together and be productive members of our community.

Often times, young adults find themselves in this situation as they “age out” of the protection of the foster care system. One young person in Plant City, who was an adopted orphan, was recently put on the street by their adoptive family as soon as they turned 18.

Other young people choose to go to the street to get away from abusive home environments, including parents with addictions. By getting these young people into permanent housing and stable environments, the community can thwart a possible life of drifting in and out of homelessness.

Other areas of concern that communities can move forward with to help the homeless population when there is not a homeless shelter in the area is: providing a place for individuals to take a shower and attend to personal hygiene; providing a place to store a few belongings while they attend to daily tasks such as day labor or job search.

Shirley Chamberlain is an advocate for the homeless and the Food Ministry Partner for Gospel METS Ministry.

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health nuts by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

WLCA by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

WLCA votes to join lawsuit, oppose rezoning

After a heated discussion at the May 18 meeting, the board voted to join the lawsuit with Walden Lake Community Preservation.

Dave and Sherry Orcutt found a perfect location for Taste of Eden that makes it feel like home.

Photos by Catherine Sinclair

FOOD PARADISE The menu at Taste of Eden is completely plant-based, but even carnivores are likely to love some of the options.

IN OTHER NEWS

• The Board of Directors voted to obtain a permit for varmint hunting after noticing a significant number of buzzards within the community. It is expected that the varmint litigation will take only one day, and the action will be overseen by the police department if the permit is approved.

W

TASTE OF EDEN ADDRESS: 1107 Lithia Pinecrest Road, Brandon PHONE: (813) 655-EDEN WEBSITE: tasteofedenbistro.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/tasteofedenbistro HOURS: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. Grab-n’go items available starting at 9 a.m. every day.

VEGAN A person who does not eat or use animal products. Vegan diets are largely based on grains, seeds, legumes, fruits and mock meats, such as tofu. Not only do vegans not consume meat, they avoid other animal products, such as eggs and milk.

hat would cheesecake be like without cheese? Or how would fettucine alfredo taste without any cream?

According to customers who have tried these items at Taste of Eden Bistro in Brandon, these creations are just as delicious as their dairy-based counterparts, and much healthier, too.

Sherry and Dave Orcutt, who live in Plant City and operate the Hallelujah Acres Lifestyle Center, just opened Taste of Eden a few weeks ago.

The menu is entirely vegan: There is no meat or dairy of any kind. It is the first vegan restaurant to open in Brandon.

But don’t expect the options to be limited to salad and tofu.

There are plenty of creative options, such as an avocado reuben sandwich, spaghetti made of zucchini noodles, veggie tacos and Japanese stir fry. For Freshly made juice made from a dessert, there are sweet treats, always available. such as apple crisp with maple cream or carob coconut truf- vegan potlucks in Brandon and fles. forming relationships with lo“A lot of people that come cal residents, the Orcutts had here eat a regular diet, but they built up a network of friends are looking for healthier choic- who were focused on health. es,” Sherry Orcutt said. “We’re They decided to look in Branoffering healthier versions of don for a place to open Taste of the comfort foods that they love Eden. so much.”

When the space at 1107 LithIn 2001, the Orcutts discov- ia Pinecrest Road, which was ered that Dave Orcutt was suf- originally built as a residential fering from multiple sclerosis. house, went up for sale, the OrHe had existing arthritis and cutts took a look inside. acid reflux. Sherry Orcutt wasn’t “I just knew this was it as in top shape either — she was soon as I walked through the overweight and suffered from door. It feels like a home,” Sherhigh blood pressure. ry Orcutt said.

Sherry Orcutt prayed for wisThe house’s main rooms dom and an alternative to risky have been transformed into medications and procedures, dining rooms, one of which and soon after, she heard about will eventually serve as a classthe Hallelujah Diet, which is room where Sherry Orcutt will completely plant-based and give presentations on healthpromotes holistic healing by related topics. There is also a providing nutrients essential private dining room for groups for the immune system. to hold meetings or events, and “We decided to give it a try, a kitchen and separate food and within days, we felt better,” prep room. On the back porch, she said. customers will be able to dine al After a few months, Dave Or- fresco. cutt’s arthritis and acid reflux The restaurant has been were negligible. Sherry Orcutt open less than a month, but it remembers wrinkles and moles already has a following. Some disappearing from her body. customers have driven two And after just a year on the Hal- hours just to get a taste of what lelujah Diet, Dave Orcutt’s MS the Hallelujah Diet has to offer. symptoms had vanished. The “I think vegans, especially, couple also got their weight they will travel to go to a good back to a healthy level. restaurant,” she said. “A vegan TheyopenedHallelujahAcres or vegetarian will come a long Lifestyle Center in Plant City in way for that food. Brandon order to teach others about the needs this, and I think they’re benefits of the Hallelujah Diet. ready for it. A lot of our customBut about three years ago, they ers have never eaten this food started itching to expand their before, and they’ve said they’ll reach with a full-service restau- come back.” rant that would provide dishes Contact Catherine Sinclair based on the diet. at csinclair@plantcityobserver.

After 10 years of attending com.

At their monthly meeting Monday, May 18, the Walden Lake Community Association voted on two key issues regarding the two 18-hole golf courses in the residential community.

In a close 5-4 vote, the association voted to enter a lawsuit with Walden Lake Community Preservation against Visions Golf Inc., the company that owns both of the golf courses in the community. The WLCP has hired lawyers to argue that, from the standpoint of covenants and deed restrictions, the golf course must remain as such until 2018 and not undergo development.

Visions Golf has plans for constructing more than 300 homes on the site of The Hills course, if they are able to get rezoning passed through the city.

Bob Hunter, president of the Walden Lake Community Association Board of Directors, was among the five board members who voted to join the lawsuit.

“This board, for the first time ,took a positive, aggressive action toward representing this community, to protect our way of living against a negative effort that would destroy our quality of life in Walden Lake,” Hunter said.

The board also voted to oppose the rezoning that was proposed by Visions Golf Inc. “The WLCA voted to oppose the rezoning by hiring our own land use attorney and experts to say why that is destroying our community and quality of life,” Hunter said.

The rezoning application is currently pending, and the company has land use lawyers representing them. The application, which was previously incomplete, is expected to be submitted in June.

WALDEN LAKE PARK

Board members also voted on smaller issues regarding Walden Lake Park.

The park has recently undergone numerous renovations, including a newly rebuilt pier, stage area and gazebo.

The parking lot of the park was closed this past week so that a handicapped parking spot could be installed, in addition to restriping and repaving the parking lot. About $180,000 worth of renovations were done to the park, and the WLCA discussed a possible ribbon cutting for August.

Soon, the park will also be host to approximately 200 potato vine beetles. The insects, which look very similar to ladybugs, are being released in the area to eliminate the invasive potato vine. The vine has killed other vegetation growing in the area, and previous efforts to remove it have not worked. The beetles eat only potato vines, and it is expected that the beetle population will decrease with the decrease in vines.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

BEAUTY by Abby Baker | Contributing Writer

PCHS cosmetology students win state competition variety of fruits and vegetables is

ON THE MENU

Courtesy photos

FETTUCCINE ALFREDO. Brown rice noodles with vegan cream sauce and tomato bruschetta.

AVOCADO REUBEN. A grilled sandwich with sauerkraut, avocado, Dijon, onion and dressing on gluten-free bread.

MARVELOUS MANICOTTI. Raw zucchini strips stuffed with spinach, basil and pine nut riccota, topped with marinara sauce and pine nut parmesan.

Three cosmetology students are going to states for their year-round work with special needs clients.

At Plant City High School, the cosmetology department and special needs program mingle to create something that is a cut above. Aspiring beauticians style and care for the beauty — inside and out — of special needs students. It is this relationship that allowed cosmetology students Chloe Christie, Chloe Fuson and Emily Rosenbaum to snag first place in the state community service division at Skills USA April 29.

They will be continuing on to nationals June 21 in Louisville, Kentucky.

To this team of students, the accomplishment of winning was more than just a static set of numbers. The special needs students are their friends and their inspiration.

“I like to get my hair cut, but I mostly like to see Chloe every day,” student Trey Owens said.

Last week, he came in for a haircut by Emmy. The team has taken the win appreciatively, but they have not let it distract them from their goals of satisfying their clients. Trey approved the haircut.

Laurel Ritenbaugh, the teacher that has assisted this team and others like it for the last 13 years, is a major supporter of the cosmetology department’s work.

“Many of these kids are uncomfortable with strangers, and this program allows for them to make friends and get their hair cut by people they know and that they are comfortable with,” Ritenbaugh said.

All three girls have earned

Abby Baker

Emily Rosenbaum shapes up Evan Gales’ cut.

the chance to win, will be offered scholarship opportunities and will get to see parts of the country that they normally would not. They plan to fly to Kentucky for nationals in June, after overcoming a big obstacle. Each girl needed $1,272 for travel expenses and registration. The team was concerned about raising $3,816 in such a short amount of time.

But karma came back to them. A few weeks after they won state championships, the girls received an anonymous offer to pay the required expenses in full.

“She and her husband were having their morning coffee, they saw our cause and just decided it was a great thing to fund,” Chloe Fuson said.

The team is overjoyed, and now they can spend their time again focusing on their clients.

Regardless of the winning or losing, the program has not only affected their clients by forging friendships, but the their long-term goals and life plans.

“I want to major in business and own a salon that specializes in special needs, because sometimes they need more attention,” Emily said.

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HERO / PAGE 1 ciplined,” she said.

Arnold had the choice of going to Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois and doing egress, or going to Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado to become a weapons loader. She chose Colorado.

INTO THE WILD BLUE YONDER

When Arnold started basic training, the age difference between her and most of the other women in training was apparent. But she didn’t have trouble forming friendships.

“I had a lot of little sisters,” she said. “I was the one everybody turned to to ask questions.”

In 1997, Arnold married her husband, Larry Arnold. He wasn’t able to travel around the world with her, but he could always be counted on to anxiously await her return at the airport, sometimes with a bouquet in hand.

Throughout the years, Arnold traveled on missions and on tour to Spain, Italy, Germany, England, Portugal, France, Canada and all over the United States. Her tasks included working on electronic circuitry, loading armament, manpower appropriation, special operations and leadership duties.

One of Arnold’s most memorable assignments was a humanitarian mission in Hawaii, where her team treated 23,000 people in the span of 12 days.

Her job was to tally up the patients and procedures for each site.

Arnold still keeps in touch with some of the women she met there, as well as many of the other mentors, friends and contacts she met during her military career.

“I have friends all over the world,” she said.

She also moved up to the rank of master sergeant in just nine years.

“It’s almost unheard of,” Arnold said. “I made it really fast.”

The average is usually 12 to 15 years.

But in 2001, some unexpected bad news put Arnold’s travels and progression on hold.

NOTHING CAN STOP HER

“The doctor called me on the telephone and told me I had breast cancer,” Arnold said. “It was terrifying.”

Following the diagnosis, Arnold had to take an entire year off of service. She went through treatment from November to May of that year.

Arnold said one of the most emotionally devastating parts of cancer was losing her hair.

She decided to shave it instead of waiting for it to fall out.

“We went crying to the barber,” Larry Arnold said. “They shaved her head completely bald.”

But Arnold was a fighter at heart.

“It’s just a speed bump in life,” Arnold said. “You do what you have to do, and you press on. That’s one thing the military taught me — you soldier on.”

And she did ‘solider on’ throughout the following years, around the world, and all the way to a graduation ceremony in Atlanta, where she received her bachelor’s degree in information technology. She graduated in 2012.

“It was awesome,” she said.

“We drove to Atlanta so I could walk. Most people that don’t live locally don’t go and walk.”

EVER TO SOAR

In January 2015, after spending the last 11 years at MacDill Air Force Base, Arnold decided it was time to retire.

She was satisfied with her accomplishments, such as her rank of master sergeant. She also wanted to care for her husband, who is having some health issues.

Now, Arnold works at Tancredo Law Firm in Plant City, as a technology specialist. She volunteers at South Florida Baptist Hospital and the Florida Strawberry Festival, where she has won ribbons for some of her quilts.

“I would not trade the experience I had in the military for anything,” Arnold said. “It was an opportunity to travel the world, go to school, grow as an individual. It’s just so rewarding to be able to guide people and help them. I got to help people get their professional military education, get promoted, go into supervisory roles — and you just can’t trade that for anything.”

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

STATISTICS

In a survey comparing children with BBBS mentors to their peers, researchers found that: • Littles skipped half as many days of school.

• Littles felt more confident about their abilities to do schoolwork.

• 96% of Littles had no involvement with the juvenile justice system • 96% of Littles were promoted to the next grade level.

• 90% of Littles showed an increase in selfconfidence after having a BBBS mentor

BROTHERS / PAGE 1 tion on the organization’s local mission at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at Bruton Memorial Library. The presentation will

GOLF / PAGE 1 agencies in the Plant City and East Hillsborough County communities based on need, especially those that help children and the elderly. All proceeds from the Golf Classic benefit will go to Unity in the Community and will be given to organizations such as United Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, the YMCA and Lots of Hugs summer reading program.

“Every penny we raise from the golf tournament helps the needy in Plant City,” Falcon said. “It’s a good cause.”

Last year, Unity in the Community made a number of donations across Hillsborough County, including awarding college scholarships to local students, purchasing school supplies and backpacks, and

OUR TOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

dipping in one of the large ponds using viewers. They were able to identify many organisms of a fresh water pond.

They also compared the butterfly garden at the park to the one at Jackson, both of which are maintained by the Plant City Garden Club. Students were tasked with identifying host and nectar plants needed to sustain a butterfly population.

Each child received plants from the garden club to begin a butterfly habitat in their own yard.

Justin Kline

Top Shelf Sports Bar & Grill opened a year ago this week.

TOP SHELF / PAGE 1 I have a coworker, and I’ve watched her struggles with it over the years. Her daughter is a year apart from my daughter, so it was very important that I give back to the Tampa Bay community. The community has supported us over the past year.”

And, since this celebration happens to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the business, the Browns and the staff plan to make this as fun as possible.

A portion of all proceeds from Saturday’s sales will be donated to Warriors for Autism, and the restaurant has also been teasing events on its Facebook page. Top Shelf will have door prizes and giveaways during the day, including a trip for two to Las take place after the Plant City Area Democrats’ usual meeting, and it is open to the public.

“Our job is to spread the word about the need for mentors in Plant City and the surrounding community,” De Anna Sheffield Ward, BBBS vice president of marketing, said. “While many people have heard our name, they may not be familiar with what we do.”

BBBS’ mission is to provide children with strong, enduring relationships with adult role models. The organization serves more than 3,000 children in the Tampa Bay area in over seven counties. Most of the children come to BBBS in the midst of adversity.

Lewis will address the Plant City community about BBBS’ need for volunteers.

“Our Bigs come from all walks of life, from college students, to business and community leaders, to retirees,” Ward said. “They all have one thing in common — a passion

IF YOU GO WHEN: Tee time, 8 a.m.

Friday, May 29, WHERE: 4113 Great Golfer’s Place, Valrico COST: $125 per person, $450 per foursome REGISTRATION: Call Henry Falcon at (813) 754-9338. Registration can be done at 7 a.m. the day of the tournament, but tickets usually sell out. donating $13,000 to Area Six schools.

The annual benefit is sponsored by Winn-Dixie and Stingray Chevrolet. According to Secretary Director Sharon Moody, Unity in the Community wants to reach their increased fundraising goal of

Vegas: three days, two nights at the Tropicana Resort and Casino. Patrons can dine on free chips and salsa all day or if they’re feeling adventurous, take on the restaurant’s timed hot wing-eating challenge.

The celebration will go on all day, and the Browns are happy that they’ve made it far enough to be able to throw such a party. But the most important thing about Saturday, in their opinion, is using the opportunity to help give back to the community that’s helped them reach this point, and helping some people with autism live a little more comfortably than before.

“At the end of the day, what you’re doing is going to go back, in a little way, to a charity, and to help someone in need,” Zee Brown said.

IF YOU GO WHERE: Top Shelf Sports Bar and Grill, 110 E. Reynolds St. Suite 100B WHEN: All day Saturday, May 23. Bucs cheerleaders will be present from 12 to 2 p.m.; Lightning cheerleaders will be present from 3 to 5 p.m.

WHAT: Part of all proceeds will benefit Warriors for Autism, a Tampa group that works with people affected by the disorder. Door prizes, such as t-shirts and other souvenirs, will be handed out. Giveaways, such as a trip to Las Vegas, will be held throughout the day.

Patrons can meet Bucs and Lightning cheerleaders in person during scheduled times.

to help kids.”

There are two kinds of volunteers at BBBS. Communitybased volunteers take their “Littles” around town for safe and relaxing activities, such as going to a park or library. Sitebased volunteers visit their Littles at a school or other care center, to help with homework or spend time on the playground.

Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 15 months with BBBS, for an average of four to eight hours each month.

BBBS is trying to increase its partnerships in Plant City and the number of volunteers who live in the area. This will be the third time in the last year that the club has invited a representative from BBBS to speak.

“The topic is timely because we do not have enough mentors for our young people who are in need,” Plant City Area Democrats secretary Anita Balch said. “With what has been going on in Baltimore, Ferguson and other areas, we need to learn from other communities’ problems and make certain we support our young people in need.”

If you cannot attend the presentation but would like to learn about volunteering with BBBS, visit bbbstampabay.org.

“We know there’s great pride in Plant City, and we’re hoping those who live here will help us reach more kids who desperately want — and need — a mentor in their lives,” Ward said.

$20,000 at this year’s benefit.

“I’m just proud of it,” Falcon said. “I’m proud to be part of Unity in the Community.”

The classic will offer fun for golf lovers of all ages — free food will be served, along with drinks that are available at every hole.

“Anyone that enjoys golfing, I can guarantee that they will have a great time and be doing something to help their community,” Falcon said.

Excellent golfers might have the chance to win a car from Stingray Chevrolet, one of the classic’s sponsors, if they can make a hole-in-one at one of the designated holes at the classic.

Further prizes will be available through a raffle, which will award first, second and third place prizes. Though it is unclear what the first place

prize will be, it is expected to be worth between $800 and $1,000.

To register for the Golf Classic, each player must pay $125, or $450 for a foursome. Sponsorships are also available. For those who aren’t the best with a club, but still want to support Unity in the Community, donations of prizes or food can be made. Or companies can choose to sponsor a single hole with a sign representing their company for $125.

Registration is available on the day of the classic, and begins at 7 a.m. Tee time begins at 8 a.m. There are still spots open, but Falcon recommends that interested golfers sign up as quickly as possible, as tickets usually sell out.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

IF YOU GO WHEN: Club meeting starts at 6 p.m.; the BBBS speaker will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 WHERE: Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon Street CONTACT: plantcityareadems@gmail.com

+ Students celebrate high scores

Plant City High School congratulates students earning a spot in the 1290 Club.

Students inducted into the club have met the SAT or ACT scores that make them eligible for the highest Bright Future Scholarship. Students must score a 1290 on the SAT in math and critical reading or a composite score of 29 on the ACT. Students meet quarterly, and the roster increases as students achieve qualifying scores. The highest eight students each quarter receive reserved parking places.

Courtesy photo

The students are: David Pequeen, Paige Adams, Kellie Pernula, Alexander Attir, Cole Arn, Reid Adams, Zachary Cross, Herron Wills, Cole Nadwairski,

Tyrus Williams, Kellen Morris, Ashley Calkins, Vicki Nguyen, Lauren Gray, Latoya McIntyre, Joshua Sanders, Jordan Shears and Nicholas Palestrini.

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Neese Shannon scores first place in Tri-Soccer Skills. 7 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

SIDELINES

Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com, or Tweet us at @ PCTOSports.

RACING

+ Keel crashes in Dallas

The start of Aidan Keel’s MAXSpeed/Rotax U.S. Open campaign didn’t go as well as hoped. He wrecked and was not able to finish the feature race.

Keel, who started 23rd in the field, was pushed over a curb before completing the first lap. The impact caused his vehicle’s chain to come off, and the young driver was done for the weekend.

The next race of the U.S. Open will be held June 25 to 28 at the Grand Junction Motor Speedway, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Factoring in the crash at Dallas, Keel may have to race August 6 to 9 in the U.S. Rotax Max Challenge Grand Nationals in Kershaw, South Carolina to earn a spot in the Rotax World Finals this November.

knuckleball princess by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Baker ends high school career, focuses on college Chelsea Baker, Durant’s internationally-known knuckleballer, is ready to be a normal college student — with a little baseball on the side.

It’s been one heck of a ride for Chelsea Baker: a high school career full of ESPN cameras, trips to Japan and team success. But now that the FHSAA 7A State Championship tournament is over, the Durant senior has other plans.

Chief among them is being a normal student again.

The incoming Florida Atlantic University freshman believes she’s done with baseball as a

full-time commitment and will be heading to Boca Raton after one last summer tournament.

“My goal was always high school,” Baker says. “I never even looked for college. That would be awesome to do, but I’m happy with where I’ve gotten.”

She’ll be training for a weeklong tournament in Virginia, for which she’ll depart June 12, and will then begin the

moving process.

“I’m not playing baseball there, but I’m playing baseball with other teams,” she said. “I know I’m going to Virginia this summer, for a week, to play with a travel ball team. I’m going to do tournaments here and there, but college-wise, as of right now, I’m not doing anything.”

The senior reliever, as of press time, is 2-2 with a 2.39 ERA and eight strikeouts this

Justin Kline

Chelsea Baker made national news last summer, when she threw batting practice with the Tampa Bay Rays before a game. season. Over her two-year varsity career, Baker has put together a 5-2 record with a 1.46 ERA. Outside of Durant, Baker’s

baseball career has taken her places that many young players dream of. She’s been to

SEE BAKER / PAGE 6

getting there by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

+ P.C. athletes in summer games

Plant City’s Special Olympics athletes came home from the State Summer Games with plenty to show for all of their hard work.

In total, area teams took home 11 medals: four gold, three silver and four bronze. The results are: Volleyball: Gold (Black, Orange teams); Silver (Teal team) Soccer: Silver (Teal team); Bronze (Orange team) Track and Field: Gold (Bailey Lemelin, running long jump; Thomas Kranz, tennis ball throw); Silver (Bailey Lemelin, 100 meter run); Bronze (Tori Selph, running long jump; Devin Amerson, 100 meter run; Thomas Kranz, 25 meter assisted walk); fifth place (Tori Selph, 100 meter run; Devin Amerson, running long jump)

PARKS & RECREATION

+ Register now for youth program

Plant City Recreation & Parks Department is accepting registration for youth summer programs.

From June 8 through August 14, children enrolled in either program will get to participate in indoor and outdoor activities, take field trips and more. These programs are open to any child 5 to 11 (MLK) or 6 to 15 (Planteen), so long as they have completed kindergarten. They run from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Field trip locations include Lowry Park Zoo, Wet ’n’ Wild and Fun Spot.

Registration at the MLK Rec Center costs $300 per child, and Planteen Rec Center registration costs $400. The fees cover costs such as park admission fees, transportation and camper T-shirts.

To register with the MLK Rec Center, call Lillie Brown, (813) 757-9196; the Planteen Rec Center, call Jason Hargrove, (813) 659-4256.

Durant celebrated the win with a big dogpile in the infield.

BACK AT THE TOP WHAT HAPPENED?

Because the state tournament was held after press time, this post will be updated online with complete tournament results. Visit plantcityobserver. com to read about Durant’s run through the tournament and follow @ PCTOSports on Twitter for more information.

Durant baseball last made the state championship two years ago, with pitching phenom Tyler Danish leading the way. After losing Danish, and a big senior group, the Cougars have used great teamwork to get back in the game.

Who can forget Tyler Danish’s masterful 2013 season, when the senior led the Durant Cougars to the FHSAA State Championship tournament?

Maybe Durant fans haven’t forgotten those good days, and much of the 2015 squad certainly hasn’t either. But this year’s team has done what Danish’s squad didn’t: They got to the State Championship without any star power in the starting lineup.

Durant’s clubhouse has traditionally been a loose, fun-loving group, but even its veterans have noticed something different about this team

— different from last season, when the Cougars boasted the area’s strongest senior core.

“This year’s team, we kind of work together more,” senior pitcher Bryce Gainer says.

“When Danish was on the mound, our sophomore year, we had a pretty solid defense.

When Chaz (Fowler) and some of our other pitchers got on the mound, our defense kind of wasn’t the same. When Danish was up there, we didn’t worry about it. With everyone else, we kind of stressed it.”

Justin Nardello and the Durant Cougars played in the That’s to be expected of any FHSAA 7A State Championship Tournament this week.

SEE DURANT / PAGE 6

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Sign your kids up for camp this summer There are seva traditional summer eral things that I miss camp, they’ll keep about being a kid, but your kids happy and one of the things at, busy, and they sound or near, the top of my like a lot of fun. If list is going to summer you’re curious as to camp every year. what’s available this The good news summer, you may for you parents out want to hop on our JUSTIN there is that you have website and look up KLINE plenty of options to our Spring Fever Sumchoose from around Plant mer Camp Guide from a few City. While not every one is weeks ago.

When I was in third grade, in Buffalo, New York, I remember it being the very last day of school before summer vacation. I was sitting in the Starpoint Elementary auditorium listening to several presentations. I couldn’t tell you what most of them were, because I was too antsy to care about anything except starting break. But the last one was a pitch by members

of YMCA Buffalo Niagara for Camp Kenan. I don’t know why I chose to pay attention at that moment, but I’m glad I did.

Camp Kenan was about a half-hour drive from my parents’ house, right on the south shore of Lake Ontario and close to the Canadian border. It had everything you could ask for in a summer camp: kayaking and canoe-

ing, an archery range, arts and crafts cabins, gear for most sports, a giant rockclimbing wall with a zip line, outdoor camping areas, wilderness trails and so much more.

I had so much fun my first time that, the following year, I talked my best friend into signing up for the summer

SEE KLINE / PAGE 7

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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP BAKER / PAGE 5 Japan to take on some of the best all-girls’ teams from the Land of the Rising Sun, and was most recently invited to try out for the U.S. Women’s National Team last year. Her adventures in the East earned her the nickname, “Knuckleball Princess,” as well as a professional contract offer at age 15. She’s appeared on television many times, striking out former Boston Red Sox player Kevin Millar and throwing batting practice for the Tampa Bay Rays live on SportsCenter.

She also once plunked Rays superstar Evan Longoria on accident, which he took in

stride. She does not consider that her favorite baseball moment ever.

“Heck no,” Baker says, laughing. “That was the worst.”

Her national exposure has inspired many young girls to pick up the sport, and Baker says she still gets fan mail from them on her social media accounts.

“Every now and then, I still get girls that message me on Instagram saying, ‘You inspire me to keep playing baseball,’ and stuff like that,” Baker says.

“That’s something I’ll always be proud of.”

But her favorite baseball memories come from be-

ing a member of the Durant Cougars. As a JV player in her sophomore year, Baker was able to watch the team’s previous state championship tournament run in person and longed to get on the field.

This week, she was able to do that at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers — not a bad place to be for the last leg of one’s high school career.

The camaraderie among the Cougars is, perhaps, Baker’s favorite thing about the team.

In all her years of playing, she says she’s never played on a team like this one.

“This is the funnest team I’ve ever been on,” Baker says.

“I’ve played baseball for years

and years, and I’ve never had brothers like them, people that will stick up for me. I just have fun out here. I love it.”

Now that the tournament’s over, so are her days as a Cougar. Baker is looking forward to graduation and starting the next chapter of her life, but this chapter is something she’ll always flip back to and remember fondly.

“I’m gonna miss it a lot,” she says. “Baseball keeps me sane.

I love coming out here. I don’t play as much as everybody else, but being in the dugout, being with the family is something I’ll miss forever.”

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Bryce Gainer brought his swing-and-miss stuff to the mound for Durant.

DURANT / PAGE 5

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIZ ANSWERS 1) Kansas 2) West Point 3) Operation Torch 4) NATO 5) President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Plant City Times & Observer Locally Owned by Ed Verner, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a joint-venture of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com &RS\ULJKW 3ODQW &LW\ 0HGLD //& $OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG

team with a certified stud ace in its employ, something that was confirmed when the Chicago White Sox made Danish a second-round draft pick in 2013. He left some big shoes to fill, and while no pitcher has exactly come close to pitching on that level, the staff has been good enough to give the defense the confidence it’s needed.

“This year, whether I’m on the mound, Jonah (Scolaro)’s on the mound, Chelsea (Baker)’s on the mound or anybody else, we just play the same,” Gainer says. “We all expect everybody to do their job and pick everybody up, and that’s what’s gotten us this far.”

In some ways, this team has been even better than the 2013 squad. That squad went 7-3 in the district, with a 25-6 overall record, but this year’s team put up a perfect 10-0 district mark, and as of press time, a 23-6 overall record. The 2015 batting average is a bit higher, at .296, and the only major difference at the plate is that the 2013 squad was a little more adept at getting on base: they posted a .397 on-base percentage, compared to this year’s .367 OBP. There is another big difference that shows up on the field these days, one that no one needs a stat sheet to see: The 2015 team has developed a tendency to make fans freak out.

In 2013, the Cougars were dominant from April to May. Other than a 1-0 loss at Newsome April 2, that team won every game until the May 18 state championship final. Durant posted 10 wins by three or more runs, including six shutouts. The team also never allowed more than three runs to any opponent in that span, at least until they drew Lake Brantley in the finals and lost, 8-3.

In 2015, the Cougars opened April with a 9-0 thrashing of

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Some early struggles almost got the better of Durant.

Brandon Wheat makes it to third base.

Plant City on the second of the month. Since then, they’ve posted only one loss, but have only won one game by more than two runs, and have taken three contests to extra innings.

None of those wins have seen the offense score more than five runs. In many of these games, especially throughout the district and regional tournaments, Cougar fans have

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays.

It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City.

The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

been everywhere on the emotional spectrum but “angry.”

Maybe it’s made those wins sweeter. After Durant defeated Osceola in the regional championship, for example, the atmosphere at the school was so hyped that even head coach Butch Valdes, who has long preferred to let the team’s actions speak for themselves, rather than do much talking,

opened up before and after his first-ever Gatorade bath as coach.

“This is a close family,” Valdes said. “You don’t see any big names that are popping up.

There’s just not that huge Tyler Danish stigma … It’s a family.

They’re part of the family, and they know it, but these kids just stick together. I’ve never had a team this close.”

This team is once again set to lose a big group of seniors to graduation, but the atmosphere around the clubhouse hints that the younger guys have all picked up on what makes the chemistry so great and how to apply it for the future. While many sports teams will talk about brotherhood, family ties and the like, not all of them say what they say with conviction. This team, however, has shown its true colors from top to bottom, and any possible result from this week’s tournament seems unlikely to have affected that.

“What we do is we stay together,” Valdes said. “We take care of each other, and we fight together as a family.”

Plant City Times &

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General Manager/Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writers / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com; Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executive / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Circulation/Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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KLINE / PAGE 5 after fourth grade. We went every single summer, for one or two weeks at a time, and our last trip was the summer after I finished sixth grade.

Some of my favorite memories include climbing the big rock wall, hitting my first bullseye in archery (which got me a coupon for free

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stuff from the on-site candy “store”), a karaoke competition between the members of every cabin, the days when a fire truck came and gave us a water day, and making new friends every year.

I know the Plant City Family YMCA is hosting a summer camp. As someone who’s seen what the Y can do over the summer, I would

encourage parents to look into a Y camp. But there are also plenty of other camps around here which bring experiences to the table that the Y doesn’t. Look into those if they align better with your kids’ interests.

No matter what you do, you can’t go wrong by giving your little ones the summer camp experience.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

NEESE SHANNON At the May 2 Optimist Club of Plant City Tri-Star Soccer Skills Contest, many local footballers made the most of their chance to shine. While competition on the boys’ side was tight, Neese Shannon blew away the girls’ competition. Her 250 total points gave her a 47.5-point lead over the next-highest finisher. If combined with the boys’ scores, it would have been good for third place overall.

You did really well at the Tri-Star competition. How fun was that for you?

It was really fun because we got to do drills, and it helped me more with my soccer.

What part of your game do you think it helped the most?

Playing forward and midfield.

Which drill really helped you?

The shooting drill.

Was this your first Tri-Star competition ever?

No, I did one last year. This is my second time doing it.

How did you do last year?

I got first place again.

I’m sure a lot of girls out there will want to know how you do so well, then.

What’s your secret to success?

Just paying attention, looking for open passes and playing your heart out.

How long have you been playing soccer?

About four years. I’m 10 years old.

Have you always played forward and midfield?

At first, I started at midfield. Then, I went up to forward. Now, I play both.

What’s your favorite thing about playing those positions?

You get to run and get a lot of energy.

So, you just play soccer. Have you ever wanted to try any other sport?

No, I want to stick with one sport.

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing soccer?

I hang out with my family, and we sometimes go outside and pass the soccer ball.

Who’s your favorite soccer player?

Messi.

Where do you go to school?

Trapnell Elementary.

What’s your favorite subject?

Reading.

Do you have any favorite books right now?

“The Sasquatch Escape.”

What’s your favorite movie?

“Maleficent.”

What’s your favorite TV show?

“Austin & Aly.” If you could meet any famous person, who would it be?

Nick Jonas.

If you could hang out with Nick Jonas for a day, what would you want to do?

Go to Disney World.

What’s your favorite thing about Disney World?

The rides and the candy. My favorite ride is Space Mountain.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To be fast at everything.

Do you have any goals for the rest of this year? Anything you want to get better at?

Mostly going around people and seeing open passes.

What do you think is the coolest thing you’ve ever done on a soccer field?

Do a header into the goal. I think it was last year, on the Lancers.

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Neighborhood R E A L E S TAT E | P L A N T C I T Y L I F E | O B I T U A R I E S | G A M E S | FA I T H

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

SCOUT’S HONOR by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Alvin Orrico and his family are well known at AMVETS Post 44 in Brandon.

Riding Out the Storm To earn his Eagle Scout rank, Alvin Orrico is building a shelter for veterans’ motorcycles at a Brandon AMVETS post.

“

Do a good turn daily.”

The official Boy Scout slogan is simple, but not always easy to follow. Alvin Orrico, a sophomore at Santa Fe Catholic High School, should know — he has been a loyal scout for five years.

Alvin is a member of Troop 734, chartered by Cork United Methodist Church. It the fourth troop he has been part of. Because of his father’s military career, the Orricos were often on the move.

Now, Alvin is working on earning his rank as an Eagle Scout. His project will help veterans and friends of his father, who are members of AMVETS Post #44.

Foreign Trailhead

Alvin joined Boy Scouts as a sixth grader, in Germany, where his father, Dan Orrico, was stationed at the time.

He and the troop camped all around Germany, France and Switzerland.

One trip stands out in Alvin’s memory. He and his father once joined about 2,500 scouts on Normandy Beach around D-Day. A developer had announced interest in building on the beach, but out of respect for the site’s history, the scouts gathered to try to head off the project.

Traveling throughout Europe and having hands-on opportunities to learn about military history were experiences that he wouldn’t trade for anything.

“Having those kinds of experiences made me really appreciate my father’s military career,” he said.

After living all around the world, Alvin returned to Florida before starting eighth grade.

Dan Orrico finished out his 30year military career on a tour in Afghanistan.

Photos by Catherine Sinclair

Alvin Orrico’s project will provide a rain shelter for the motorcycles at the post.

When Dan Orrico returned to Plant City to reunite with his family, he joined the AMVETS Post #44 in Brandon.

Now, the Orricos are frequent visitors to the post, and Alvin has built relationships with many of the other veterans there.

It was those relationships that led to the idea for his Eagle Scout project.

Building a Fire

Though Alvin’s brothers also participated in Boy Scouts, neither of them reached the Eagle Scout rank. He is excited to be the first in his family to be honored in this way.

Before Alvin turned 15, Dan Orrico made a deal with him.

“He was floundering in scouts a little, not progressing in his rank,” Dan Orrico said.

“So I told him if he got his Life Scout, he could get his driver’s permit.”

The incentive worked. A

year later, Dan Orrico came up with a similar plan: In order to get his driver’s license, Alvin would have to first become an Eagle Scout.

But the license isn’t Alvin’s only motivation. He is aware of the accomplishment’s lifelong value.

“I’m told by a lot of people that not only will I appreciate it now ... but I’ll appreciate it 30, 40 years down the road, because you’re always an Eagle Scout,” he said. “It’s a high badge of honor. Not a lot of people have it.”

To earn the title, Alvin has to complete a project that will benefit the community. He decided that his project should focus on helping the veterans at Post #44.

Many veterans drive their motorcycles to the post, but there is no covered parking.

Alvin noticed that on sunny days, the bikes’ metal parts were too hot to handle. And

when it rained, riders would walk outside to a soaked seat.

To solve these problems, Alvin got the idea to build an awning over the motorcycle parking area. He shared his idea with the president of the post, who ran with it.

“He really liked the idea, so he brought me in front of (the board),” Alvin said. “They immediately said yes and donated.”

The total estimate for the project is about $2,000. Alvin has been making presentations to businesses and organizations around town to ask for donations.

“He’s done a real good job on raising the funds,” Dan Orrico said.

The project has almost been completely approved, but a county permit requires a professional engineer to sign off on the feasibility of the design. Alvin is working with an engineering firm in Tampa to complete this step.

Other than plywood, metal sheeting, and red, white and blue roofing materials, the supply list is pretty simple.

“20 to 30 scouts, and a lot of power tools. No hired work,” Alvin said.

After the completion of his Eagle Scout project, Alvin doesn’t expect to leave Boy Scouts behind. He still hopes to go to campouts and maybe become a troop leader.

“I don’t believe in investing six years of my life in something, and then just dropping it,” he said. “A lot of people hide it and are ashamed of it, but I’m proud of my scouting.

It teaches me about leadership and builds a lot of qualities that a lot of people tend to miss growing up.”

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

Alvin Orrico’s favorite neckerchief is from his first troop in Germany.

JOIN IN Alvin Orrico still needs to raise some of the last funds for his Eagle Scout project. To donate, contact Dan Orrico at danorrico@gmail.com.

Any extra money left after the project will be donated to AMVETS Post #44.

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LINK BY LINK

by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Networking group starts in Plant City A new business networking group has started a chapter in Plant City. Networking Professionals Inc. meets weekly in town with the goal to grow its members’ businesses.

Directors of Networking Professionals Inc. say that one important thing is missing at their chapter meetings: competition.

What makes NPI unique from other networking groups is that each member of a chapter has a niche so that they don’t have to worry about competition. For example, there can be only one dentist, one painter or one jeweler.

NPI thrives on referrals.

Members are continually referring other members when they hear of someone in the community whose needs can be met by those members’ businesses. They carry one another’s business cards at all times.

The cost to join NPI is $365 per year — $1 a day.

If someone joins a second chapter, the fee is just $300.

There are discounts for bringing guests who end up joining as members.

After a year of referrals, it is common for active members to make back that money, and more, for having joined NPI. “Our guarantee is that if, at the end of a year’s period of time, someone has not made their investment back, then we will refund their money,” Guy Howerton, the Hillsborough regional director for NPI, said.

NPI meets Thursday mornings at the Plant City IHOP, starting at 8:30 a.m.

“We are through in an hour and 15 minutes at the most, so that folks can get to work or back to work,” Howerton said.

Currently, the Plant City chapter has five members, and the meetings are casual interactions. But after there are at least eight members, Howerton will lead a structured program each week, as he does at the other chapters he directs.

Each meeting will include time for each member to offer an elevator speech.

Then, one featured member will give a 20-minute presentation on his or her business. Sometimes, there is a training session, through which the chapter learns more about how to network outside of the meetings. But the training is more than just the basics of business, and it comes at no additional cost.

“Some networking organizations require the purchase of materials, sales materials, or require their members to go through sales courses,” Howerton said. “We take the position that folks have been in business, and they know how to do all this. They don’t need to be burdened with this expense of going through that kind of training.”

Plant City’s current members represent promotional services, health and wellness, financial advising, realty and pest control. Howerton said he hopes some of the next professionals to join will be in banking, cleaning services, plumbing, auto services and insurance. But any industry is welcome.

“We’re all little business people here that are trying to make a living,” Marsha Howerton, Howerton’s wife, said.

business by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Banquet hall opens in Historic Downtown Veronica Camargo, owner of Creative Parties, opened a new banquet hall in historic downtown this month.

Folding tables are stacked on top of one another inside the main hall of a downtown banquet hall, and twinkling lights are wrapped around the columns, still lit from last Saturday’s wedding. Veronica Camargo is busy these days, but happy — her new banquet hall, simply called Downtown Banquet Hall, is booked every weekend through September.

“The opportunity came,” Camargo said of her decision to open the business with her family. “We are open to anything that comes.”

The grand opening for the hall was May 5, the same day that Camargo’s other business, Creative Parties by Veronica, opened three years ago. Downtown Banquet Hall will host a multitude of parties, including birthday parties, graduations, family reunions and anniversaries.

Although Camargo is already hosting events, there are still some renovations that need to be made to the building.

“We have a lot to work on,” Camargo said. “We want to

TO RESERVE A SPOT Address: 201 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd, Plant City Phone: Veronica Camargo, (813) 758-0517

Veronica Camargo

Downtown Banquet Hall has already hosted a number of events. make it nicer.”

In the near future, Camargo is planning on getting ceiling drapes, in addition to new paint for the interior. One wall will also be taken out to make the inside of the hall larger, allowing for bigger parties. All of the repairs are expected to be done by July 1.

To some, it might seem like a lot of work to complete in under two months, but Camargo has a reliable team behind her: her husband, Roberto, and sons, Raul, Johan and Evan.

“It’s a family business and we all work together,” she said. “We believe that if we

work together as a family we can achieve more. We want them to have a better life than we did.”

Business has also picked up at Creative Parties by Veronica since the opening of the banquet hall. Because the businesses are so closely related, Camargo offers

bundles to those who use the banquet hall. For weddings, she offers the hall completely decorated, including tablecloths and centerpieces. Camargo also said that she can take care of other details for events, such as reserving the band and catering.

“We are a Christian business,” Camargo said. “We try to work with everyone. We are here to help and make their parties easier. We can do anything.”

The website for Downtown Banquet Hall is still under construction, but the business does have a Facebook page with the same name. For now, reservations for the hall can be made by calling Camargo directly.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

PEACH FUZZ by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Winery hosts first Peach Fest

Plant City fruit lovers headed to the groves May 16 for the first-ever Keel and Curley Winery Peach Festival. Attendees could pick blueberries, blackberries and peaches while enjoying vendors and free beer tastings.

It was a successful day of picking at the first-ever Keel and Curley Winery Peach Festival.

Attendees of all ages took part in the U-picks at the Keel and Curley Winery Peach Festival.

NETWORKING PROFESSIONALS INC., PLANT CITY CHAPTER

When: 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. Thursdays Where: IHOP, 805 S. Collins St., Plant City Annual Dues: $365 More information: Guy Howerton, (813) 3102860 or guy@npiflorida. com

Left: Wallace, a rescue dog from Florida Boston Terrier Rescue, enjoyed his day along with owners Tom and Terri Neary.

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HIGHER EDUCATION by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

RCMA employees awarded scholarships Terry Bonilla and Ramona Matthews will be able to pursue bachelor’s degrees with the help of the Krome Educational Fund.

TERRY’S TREK

When Bonilla started working at RCMA, she was just 18.

By this time, her mother had become a director at one of the centers and encouraged

her to become her co-worker.

Bonilla knew her job made a big impact on the children, and it was rewarding for her, but some of the loved ones in her life encouraged her to go back and get a high school diploma.

She started high school at age 21, and it was clear that she didn’t fit in.

“I dropped out because I couldn’t take it anymore,” Bonilla said.

But she didn’t give up. She earned her GED, and later, an associate’s degree in early childhood education.

Soon, motivated by her goal to become a center director like her mother, Bonilla will be taking her first classes as a bachelor’s degree candidate.

“Education’s very important,” Bonilla said. “And if you want to do something, just keep it up. It’s never too late.”

RAMONA’S ROUTE

Matthews always knew she wanted to be a teacher and help guide young minds. She was inspired by her mother, who raised eight children on her own.

“All of us, wherever we went, everybody had to go,” Matthews said. “My mom made us stick together.”

But she has come a long way since her first days in a childcare center.

“When I first started working with children, I was young. I was 19 years old. I really didn’t know anything about kids,” Matthews said.

Matthews soon joined the staff at RCMA’s center in Wauchula, which was a head-start program where the children all spoke English.

Over time, Matthews learned more and more about children’s developmental stages, cognitive processes and motor skills.

But when she transferred to

Catherine Sinclair

Ramona Matthews and Terry Bonilla said they love working at Redland Christian Migrant Association and are proud to be on staff there. a center in Plant City, she ran into a language barrier. She had taken only one Spanish class in high school, and that limited material wasn’t exactly fresh in her mind.

“Here, it was a challenge,” Matthews said. “But it didn’t bother me, because I was willing to learn.”

Through daily interactions with the children and their families, Matthews has picked up a lot of the language and is now able to communicate in Spanish at a basic level.

Matthews earned her associate’s degree with the help of an RCMA funding program.

One of her supervisors encouraged her to take the next

step and complete a bachelor’s degree.

Matthews started classes at Florida Polytechnic University in 2013, and then transferred to University of South Florida. She now has just three classes remaining Matthews’ goal from here is to become certified as a teacher so that she can teach at one of RCMA’s charter schools.

“I’m just so happy to be at the finish line,” Matthews said. “I never stopped. I said, ‘I’m going to go until I get this degree.’”

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

“

I’m just so happy to be at the finish line. I never stopped. I said, ‘I’m going to go until I get this degree.’

“

Red tomatoes. Green cucumbers. Brown potatoes.

At age 5, Terry Bonilla learned her colors not in a kindergarten classroom, but in the fields of Alabama. She matched the word for each hue to a crop she learned to pick.

“All my family has been migrant — my grandpa and my grandma, my mom and my dad, everybody,” she said.

Bonilla grew up in those fields. As other children her age learned multiplication and division, her mathematics lessons came in the form of counting how many berries she had loaded into a bucket.

But one thought kept playing through her mind: “What am I doing here?”

After 13 years in the fields, Bonilla got a job as a preschool teacher at Redland Christian Migrant Association. She has stayed with the organization ever since.

“It’s really easy to connect with those kinds of children because I’ve been there,” Bonilla said.

Bonilla has helped and encouraged hundreds of children throughout her 28 years at RCMA, but the organization has also provided opportunities for her to work toward the education she never was able to attain earlier in her life.

This spring, Bonilla and Ramona Matthews, who both work at RCMA centers in Plant City, were awarded some of the first scholarships through the Krome Educational Fund.

Matthews will soon be finishing her bachelor’s degree, and Bonilla is about to start working on hers.

Ramona Matthews

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SO LONG, FAREWELL by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

SING OUT LOUD

The original four members of Next Radical Generation (NRG) gave their farewell performance Friday, May 15. The lineup for the evening also included younger and newer members of NRG, who sang for awards in a talent show. All three judges were professional music teachers. The audience could also vote for their favorite singer.

“We have had such a wonderful ride with these kinds, and tonight is not only about the original kids in NRG, but it’s about our future,” Executive Producer Yvonne Fry said.

Left: Arie Fry, Ashtyn Steele, Emily Menia and Bryson Keel, NRG’s original quartet, opened Act II with “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift.

Giselle Gutierrez played guitar and sang.

Right: Marissa Steiner sang a song by Taylor Swift.

Zachary Pillai’s powerhouse vocals filled the theater.

Serena Scott, 10, was one of the youngest performers.

Benji Padgett played piano at the beginning of his song.

who’s got talent? by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

These contestants were excited for the show to start.

Karina Townsend, one of FCA’s hidden talents, sang “I Give Myself Away.”

Friends and family were proud of all of the great contestants.

Talent sings at Faith Christian

Deandre Carnegie’s breakdancing was a crowd hit.

Students didn’t just stick to the stage during their theatrical performances.

Faith Christian Academy students put on a talent show for friends and family May 14. Whether they were singing or dancing, FCA students blew the audience away — especially in its stunning grand finale.

Right: The show included all ages.

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COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, MAY 22

Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 22, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

Michael LuBeck Live! — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.

Plant City Social Dance Club — takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 22, at the Florida National Guard Armory, 4004 Airport Road. Joni Canova will perform. $6 for members; $8 for non-members.

Singles and couples welcome.

PCSocialDanceClub@mail.com

SATURDAY, MAY 23 Anytime Fitness Free Workout — takes place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23, at Martin Luther King Recreation Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. It is part of a nationwide initiative

Saturday, May 23, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd.

Enjoy live music from local artists. (813) 752-1220.

MONDAY, MAY 25

BEST BET Plant City Memorial Day Ceremony — takes place beginning at 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, at American Legion Post #26, 2207 W. Baker St. If you would like to participate by placing a wreath or floral offering at the American Legion’s Flag Pole, email alpost26.fl@gmail.com. among 1,000 Anytime Fitness locations to help members of their communities get more active – even those who do not feel like they are in the best shape. The free session is a circuit workout that includes walking lunges, burpees, pushups, planks and step aerobics. There are variations of each exercise, to accommodate participants of all ability levels.

Gospel Concert — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at Gospel Mets Ministries, 1102 E. Laura St. (813) 754-1096.

Skip Frye Live! — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m.

Celebrate Recovery — takes place beginning at 7 p.m.

Monday, May 25, at Parkway Baptist Church, 4305 James L. Redman Parkway. A free recovery program for those struggling with addictions, depression, co-depency, anger and grief.

Contact Lauren at (813) 7634355 for more information.

Skip Frye Blues on Memorial Day — takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 25, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.

TUESDAY, MAY 26 City Commission — takes place beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 26, at City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St. The meeting has been moved from Monday, May 25, to Tuesday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. Plant City Democrat Club — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. A get acquainted

To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday. period starts at 6 p.m. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.

A special speaker from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay will talk at 7 p.m. The community is invited to learn more about volunteering.

The Recovery for Life — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, May 26, at the Lorena Jaeb Rainbow House, 504 N. Palm Drive. It is a 12-step Bible-based program to help free individuals from all forms of addiction. Debbie Ray, (813) 763-1562.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Durant Graduation — takes place beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 27, at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, 4800 US 301, Tampa.

Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 27, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

Plant City Local Harvest Farmers Market — takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. PCLocalHarvestFarmersmarket. com.

Shane Meade Live! — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday, May 27, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Network Professionals Inc. — meeting takes place beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 28, at IHOP, 805 S. Collins Street. For more information call Guy Howerton at (813) 3102860.

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Hoyt Hughes Stomp On Release Party — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse, 106 State Road 60 E. Support a local musician with the CD release party. (813) 737-4444.

HoytHughes.com.

Open House — takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Edward Jones, 2501 Thonotosassa Road. Come find out about saving for your child’s college. Refreshments will be served. (813) 759-1491.

Unity in the Community Golf Classic — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, May 29, at 4113 Great Golfer’s Place, Valrico. Registration can be done at 7 a.m. Call Henry Falcon at (813) 754-9338.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Thank You, Officers On May 12, law enforcement officers were honored at the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation dinner. The dinner was held at the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Expo Hall. Law enforcement officers, along with their family and friends, enjoyed an evening of food and fun at this annual event.

Right: Sgt. Al Van Duyne, Sgt. Steve Gaskins, Officer Priscilla Clark

Marc Makholm, Mary McDonald, Janette McElwain, Suncoast Credit Union; James Escobio, Frank Tagliarini

Trooper Teressa Hill and Retired Captain Jacqueline Freeman

Majors Alan Hill and Scott Wellinger

CUTESTCRITTER

S

andi Shea’s 17- month-old cavapoo, Jack, is adorable, playful, sweet and funny. He keeps her on her toes, as well as keeps her toes warm.

Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center have partnered to present a weekly Cutest Critter Contest. Entering is simple: Just submit a high-resolution photo (200 dpi or better) and a sentence or two about why your pet is the cutest. Include your name and contact information.

Winners will be showcased in the Plant City Times & Observer and will receive a free bag of dental chews to be picked up at Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center.

Submit your entries to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com; subject line: Cutest Critter Contest. Good luck!

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OBSERVER OBITUARIES Claudia Mae Eaton Alderman

Claudia Mae Eaton Alderman, 59, of Plant City, died May 12, 2015.

Ms. Alderman was a realtor with Charles Rutenberg Realty, and a member of the Florida Association of Realtors and GirlRiders. She loved her family, and she enjoyed riding her motorcycle and working out.

Ms. Alderman is survived by her daughters Toni Simonds Raulerson (Roy), of Plant City, Stacey Simonds, of Valrico, and Crystal Alderman (Bryan Couture), of Plant City; grandsons, Dylan, Austin, Drake and Coltin; siblings, Katrina, Linda, Andy, Margaret, Clifford, Libby and Rick; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A celebration of life was held May 17 at Hopewell Funeral Home. A committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopeWellFuneral.com.

Jack Richard Atkins

(SunTrust). In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Barbara, and attending Gator football games. He and Barbara believed in giving back by donating to various causes such as the South Florida Baptist Hospital, University of Florida Foundation and Plant City’s First Baptist Church. Mr. Bowman served on the Board of Trustees for Hillsborough Community College and was instrumental in establishing the Plant City campus. He also served on the board of directors at Tampa Sports Authority, South Florida Baptist Hospital, Bruton Memorial Library and the Florida Strawberry Festival.

Mr. Bowden is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Bowden; sons, Bud Bowden (Pam) and Charlie Bowden (Leecy); grandchildren, Katie Corby (Alex), Chip Bowden (Nina), Chelsea Bowden, Bailey Bowden and Lindsey Bowden; great-grandson, Brent Corby; mother-in-law, Ledgie H. Alley; two nieces; and one nephew.

The family would like to thank the Aqua Team of LifePath Hospice for all of their compassionate help. A funeral service was held May 19 at Plant City’s First Baptist Church. A committal followed at Oaklawn Cemetery, Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Plant City’s First Baptist Church building fund, The Foundation at South Florida Baptist Hospital, Meals on Wheels, and/or LifePath Hospice, c/o Chapters Health. Online condolences may be made at HopeWellFuneral.com.

Jack Richard Atkins, 74, of Hayesville, North Carolina, died Monday, May 18, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was a native of Roanoke, Virginia and lived many years in Plant City before moving to Murphy, North Carolina in 1977. Mr. Atkins was the owner/operator of a HVAC company and mentored several young men in the field. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was the son of the late Omar Ashby and Mary Elizabeth Chisom Atkins. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Atkins Sellers; and a brother, Michael Atkins.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda Young Atkins; daughters, Beth Atkins and Debra Atkins Intemann (Henry), all of Hayesville; brother, David Atkins (Kay), of Salem, Virginia; and grandchildren, Lexie, Breanne, Lindsey, Sutherlan, Madison and Sumner Cope, and Elizabeth Intemann.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences may be made at IvieFuneralHomeInc.com.

Bridgette Louise Corbin, 48, of Plant City, died May 17, 2015 at South Florida Baptist Hospital.

A native of Seymour, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Alonzo and Marjorie Thornton Wooley. She was employed by Walmart and loved to photograph flowers and other natural scenes.

She is survived by her son, Michael; daughter, Christina Nicole; sister, Rhonda Hyatt; brother, Alan Wooley; grandchildren, Cadance and Camden Shirley.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

James Bayer

Louie J. Davis

James Bayer, 65, of Plant City, died Friday, May 15, 2015 at Tampa General Hospital.

Mr. Bayer was a native of Murphysboro, Illinois. He was the son of the late Hubert and Wilma Bayer. He was a member of Plant City Church of God and owner of Design Consultants International.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Lori Bayer; children, James D. Bayer and Cherise Rose (Giovanni); sister, Debra Sue Smith (Danny); and grandchildren, Isabella Rose, Abby and Emily Bayer.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ron W. Bayer.

The family will receive friends Friday, May 22 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Plant City Church of God. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m.

Contributions may be made to The Plant City Church of God’s General Fund. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Hilman F. Bowden

Hilman F. Bowden, 91, of Plant City, died May 16, 2015 at home.

Mr. Bowden was born in Enterprise, Alabama and moved to Florida with his family during the Great Depression. He graduated from Plant City High School and joined the United States Navy immediately after Pearl Harbor. Mr. Bowden served his country during World War II and the Korean War. He graduated from Florida Southern College in 1948, but was always a Florida Gator at heart. He was a career banker at Plant City’s Hillsboro State Bank

Bridgette Louise Corbin

Louie J. Davis, 83, died May 12, 2015 in Graceville, Florida.

Mr. Davis was a disabled ArmyVeteran who served during the Korean War. Visitation was May 18 at Wells Memorial and Event Center. The graveside service was at Fellowship Cemetery, Wimauma.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com.

Richard Walter Greer Sr.

Richard Walter Greer Sr., 79, of Plant City, died May 2, 2015.

Mr. Greer was a retired tech sergeant with the United States Air Force, having served two tours in the Vietnam War. Mr. Greer is survived by his children, Donna Hendrix (Robbie), of Loganville, GA, Penny Fuller (Tim), of Plant City, Jackie Bustle, of Quincy, and Richard Greer, Jr., of Brandon; brother, George Greer (Ann), of California; and 10 grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held May 8 at Hopewell Funeral. Interment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Audrey A. Hancock

Audrey A. Hancock, 95, of Dover, died May 17, 2015 in Plant City.

Mrs. Hancock moved to Florida from Dodge County, Georgia in 1922. She and her husband were farmers. Mrs.

Hancock attended Dover Pentecostal Holiness Church, was a Deaconess, a Sunday school teacher and sang in her church choir.

She is survived by her son, Joseph E. Hancock; daughter-in-law, Patsy Knight; four grandchildren, Sherry Staggs, Jack Hancock, Jamie Hancock, Wayne Hancock; five great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Dan Hancock; and sons, Jimmy and Daniel Hancock.

A funeral service was May 21 at Wells Memorial Funeral Home. Burial followed at Dover First Baptist Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Catherine McDermott Ott

Catherine McDermott Ott, 90, of Plant City, died May 13, 2015.

Mrs. Ott was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut July 19, 1924 to Irish parents. She married John G. Ott in 1952, while he was in the Navy.

The family moved in 1966 to Winter Park, where Mrs. Ott retired from the school system having worked as a cafeteria manager. In August 2012, they moved to Plant City. Mrs. Ott was a wonderful caring wife, mother and grandmother, who was loved by all who came in contact with her.

She is survived by her children, the Honorable John E. Ott (Karen), of Birmingham, Alabama, and Mary OttWood (Art), of Plant City; and granddaughter, Abby Ott Hester (TJ), of Lousiville, Kentucky.

Mrs. Ott was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, John J. Ott. A celebration of life was May 18 at Hopewell Funeral Home. A funeral Mass was May 19 at St. Clement Catholic Church, followed by a committal at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Clement Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

J.W. Switzer

J.W. Switzer, 77, of Dover, Florida died May 11, 2015.

Mr. Switzer enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marsha Switzer; daughters, Lois Gee (Donald) and Crystal Holt (Anthony); grandchidren, Deanna Young (Casey), Jessica Meyenburg (Derrick), Gabriella and Logan Holt; and greatgrandchildren, Cara, Brenna Connell and Ella. He is predeceased by his brother, Clem Switzer.

Visitation was May 15 at Wells Memorial Funeral Home in Plant City. A funeral service followed at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens in Brandon. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Fannie Bell Wells

Fannie Bell Wells, 90, of Plant City, died May 11, 2015.

Mrs. Wells was born Feb. 9, 1925. The only people who didn’t love her didn’t know her. Mrs. Wells is survived by her loving children, Gwendolyn Wood (Wayne) and James Wells (Linda); grandchildren, Donna Cherry, Tony Wood, Cheryl Viers, Mike Wells, Angela McLaughlin, Mark Wells and David Wells. She is also survived by 17 greatgrandchildren and two greatgreat-grandchildren who all brought great joy into her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Ida Kilcrease; brothers, Jerry and Charlie Kilcrease; sisters, Myrtle Hall, Lucille Smith and Lizz Kilcrease; her husband, James Woodrow Wells; and daughter-in-law, Glenda wells.

Visitation was held Monday, May 18, with a service and burial following at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens.

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PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

WEATHER

THURS. May 14

0.00

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

May 15

0.00

SAT.

Friday, May 22 Saturday, May 23 Sunday, May 24 Monday, May 25 Tuesday, May 26 Wednesday, May 27 Thursday, May 28

May 16

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May 17

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MON.

May 18

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

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May 20

0.00

MAY

4.23 (2014: 1.55)

SUNRISE 6:36 a.m.

6:35 a.m.

6:35 a.m.

6:34 a.m.

6:34 a.m.

6:34 a.m.

6:34 a.m.

Friday, May 22 Saturday, May 23 Sunday, May 24 Monday, May 25 Tuesday, May 26 Wednesday, May 27 Thursday, May 28

May 19

TO DATE

HIGH 95 95 92 93 95 96 96

SUNSET 8:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

8:16 p.m.

8:16 p.m.

8:17 p.m.

8:17 p.m.

8:18 p.m.

LOW 74 73 72 73 73 74 74

, 3&

MOON PHASES

Jesse Carr took this picture of God’s promise.

May 25

This week’s winner won a $15 gift card from Nick’s Pizza to be used for lunch or dinner. Nick’s Pizza offers wings, salads, calzones and burgers, as well as pizza, for dine in, delivery or catering. Pick your gift card up at the Plant City Times & Observer office, 110 E. Reynolds St. Suite 100A.

June 2

CUCUMBERS

SHIPPING POINT: Orlando

YEAR

TO DATE 10.51 (2014: 8.60)

$4 to $4.85

June 9

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

June 16

CROSSWORD 100 PERCENT by Henry Quarters

CRYPTOQUIZ Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of an American general. Using the hints Y=E and B=T, decipher the clues to name the general.

1. D F O M F M 2. C Y M B L N E O B 3. N L Y J F B E N O B N J Z U 4. O F B N 5. L J Y M E K Y O B

This general served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe in WWII:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.

9

3

4

8

3

7

1

1

9

6

3

5

7

9

4

5

5

1

3

6

2

2

6

2

4

1

5 7

6

4

ACROSS 1 Apportion 6 “Uh-huh” 9 Attempt, in slang 13 “Beg pardon ...”

17 Jeweler’s glass 18 First name in the “Frasier” cast 19 Athlete’s foot, e.g.

21 Shoestring 22 Cupid’s boss 23 “___ It Romantic?”

24 Badgerlike mammal 25 Capital of Rhone 26 Ballroom dance 28 Lifeguards, at times 30 Off the beaten track 32 Mamie’s man 33 Leaning Tower city 34 Collects 35 Athletic elite 41 Revealed, as an identity 42 Used a rotary phone 43 Campus cadet’s org.

44 “Cool” amount 45 “Rudolph the Red-___ Reindeer” 49 French clergyman 50 Electric guitarist’s need 51 Cool in manner 53 About 1.3 cubic yards 54 Shag rug made in Sweden 55 Recently 58 Abominable Snowman 59 Stretched out in bed 60 Cornell’s ___ Taylor Hall 62 Grander than grand 64 Museum pieces 67 French novelist Pierre 68 Forcibly splits 70 Historical times 71 Santiago padres?

75 Nerd kin 76 Ohio home of the Wright brothers 79 Automobile sounder 80 “Beetle Bailey” dog 82 Pancake toppers 84 Possesses 86 Bubbling hot 88 Comes down in buckets 90 Remove, as branches 91 Running behind 92 “101 Dalmatians” Dalmatian 93 Chip companion 94 “... and make it fast!”

96 Well-tossed pigskin 98 Even bigger 100 Alone 102 More moth-eaten 105 Scottish Gaelic 106 Brit’s bar 107 Part of a threat 108 You acquire them upon marriage 110 Drop in the ocean?

115 Painter Joan 116 Hot spot in the kitchen 118 Clickable image 120 Like oak leaves and ears

©2015 Universal Uclick

121 Capital city on the Aare river 122 Use, as plates 123 Brazil and pecan 124 “All My Children” vixen 125 Smeltery refuse 126 Treats, as to dinner 127 Ball club VIPs 128 City of sin DOWN 1 “Not to mention ...”

2 Advance money 3 Moon over Paris 4 Makes a choice 5 4 p.m. in London, often 6 “Absolutely!”

7 Banquet staples 8 Heartbeat rhythm 9 Anxiety 10 Beauty pageant topper 11 Tiny industrious insects 12 Buzzing insect 13 “Keep hope alive” 14 Garfield’s predecessor 15 Sorbonne, e.g.

16 Darns 18 “The Twelve Days of Christmas” musician

20 “King of the Hill” beer 27 Barely managed (with “out”) 29 Periwinkle 31 Babes in the woods 34 Highly motivated 35 Hebrew calendar month 36 Tripoli’s home 37 Father of Rachel and Leah 38 Brewpub offering 39 “___ la Douce” (1963 film) 40 Rescue vehicle, for short 41 Flora and fauna 44 “The Simpsons” bartender 46 Brand, in a way 47 Estrada of “CHiPs” 48 Places for lions 50 Perfectly arranged 52 Relatives of 15-Down 55 Symphony woodwind 56 Greek cheese 57 Poor imitator 61 Lionel Richie classic 63 “Correct” suffix 65 Duffer’s obstacle 66 Partner for means 69 First U.S. space station 71 Roughen, as lips 72 Bindle bearer

73 Multivitamin supplement 74 No place for a roller skate 77 Chicago airport 78 Birth-related 81 Waiter’s reward 83 Beyond stringy 85 Attachment to “one” or “your” 87 Boxing great Joe 89 Kind of 93-Across 91 Fleur-de-___ 95 Rotating or pivoting 96 Give the cold shoulder 97 Bamm-Bamm’s friend 99 “Silly” birds 100 Senator Specter and others 101 Starts the business day 102 Some burial sites 103 Disney mermaid 104 ___ cotta 105 Diplomatic agent 108 Minute amount 109 Pond residue 111 Bullfight bull 112 Bibliographical abbr.

113 Art ___ 114 Hard, yellow cheese 117 Faucet 119 Fourth-qtr. followers, sometimes