Wiinn W FFaam miillyy 44--PPa PPrriizze acckk aanndd eP aa Paacck kaagge $$22,,000000 e!!
Sweepstakes Highlights Best Of Shop Local This holiday season, the Osprey Observer is partnering with local businesses to highlight the best of Shop
By Marie Gilmore
Advertising Sales Manager. “We have never done a program like this in the paper and we are excited to share some of the treasures from our local small businesses with our readers.” Bridget Jenkins Wilson, owner of Cardinal Roofing and a member of the Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of The Valrico/FishHawk Chamber will host the Shop Local Holiday Commerce said Expo on Saturday, December 3 from 9 a.m.-12 noon. the Chamber is also focused on encouraging local Local gift giving. The campaign is shopping this holiday season and in called, the Osprey Observer, A Few of Our Favorite Things and we have gone face has a Shop Local Holiday Expo coming up on Saturday, December 3, 9 to local businesses and asked them to a.m.-12 Noon at Park Square in give us ideas of a few of the top items FishHawk Ranch. “Anything we can do available this holiday season. to keep our local businesses in the From now until December 16, we spotlight is great for our community,” will be collecting Our Favorite Things she said. “And, this is a great opportuall throughout the community and putting them together in one giant gift bas- nity for Osprey Observer readers to have a chance to win an amazing holiket that will be given out in a day gift.” Sweepstakes for our readers. To enter, email Sweepstakes to “We have so many great items contest@ospreyobserver.com or fill out coming in and someone is going to be the entry form and send in by mail, fax very excited to receive all of these or email. Good luck and thank you for great items from the businesses in our shopping local! community,” said Kerrie Hoening,
Enter the Sweepstakes to win a prize basket of items from The Favorite Things Shop Local Campaign. Why would you like to win the Shop Local Sweepstakes Basket?
Name: Address:
Phone: Email: Community: Enter to win online at contest@opreyobserver.com, fax to 657-4469 or mail to 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Brandon, FL 33511.
Be Happy Gifts Give Back And Music Showcase Lessons & Performing Arts
Invest In Gifts That Give Back To The World At Be Happy Boutique As you enter Be Happy Boutique, warm teas perfume the air and guests are surrounded by fashionable, unique lines of apparel, shoes, accessories, home décor, specialty gifts, and candles. Positive energy radiates throughout the entire space, and best of all you will find something here for every taste and every budget. Owner Tonya Antaki seeks out items that give back to the world in some way so you can feel good knowing that the gifts you purchase will have additional impact around the world. A great gift idea for your special
Instrument rentals start at $10 (if you don’t want to make a purchase). If you sign up online, the instrument will be delivered to your school. All your music needs can be found at Music Showcase,
402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, call 685-5998 or visit MusicShowcaseOnline.com and FAOPA.org. Gift Basket Item: Music Lessons Certificate Value: $70
Gift Basket Item: Jewelry Snug Value: $30
Be Happy is located in the Marathon Plaza, 11369 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. Call 677-2300 for more information or visit www.behappyboutique.com.
A Few Of Your Favorite Things Can Be Found At Music Showcase Music is the international language that is understood and enjoyed by all. Share your love of music by offering voice or instrument lessons to your favorite student.
which offers competitive pricing on sheet music and books, in-house repair shop, private and group lessons. Is your child interested in musical theatre, acting, or maybe photography? Sign them up at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts at Music Showcase. Music Showcase is located at
Custom Letterman Jackets For High School Student At 1 st Sporting Goods 1st Sporting Goods provides the community with quality sporting goods and personalization of athletic apparel and letterman jackets, and would be a memorable gift for your high school student. It is something that reflects personality and can be cherished years into the future. “The
AJ’s Fine Wines & Liquor
3443 Lithia Pinecrest Road B We
rin g
Life
Be Happy Boutique seeks out gift and apparel items that give back to the world.
friend or family member is Jewelry Snug. It is the perfect gift for the girl who has everything. This is for the friend who loves to travel and look good when she arrives at her destination. (Don't forget to buy yourself one!)
By Michelle Colesanti
ur Spirits In Yo
813-654-6488
at the corner of Lithia-Pinecrest & Bloomingdale in the Publix Plaza
BUY HERE / SMOKE HERE
Neighborhood Liquor Store with Cigars Self-serve Bar Walk-in Humidor, Walk-in Beer Cooler Craft Beers Gluten Free Beers Organic Beers Variety of IPA’s Stouts Non-alcholic Beers Available Specializing in Fine Wines Special Orders Upon Request Call About Delivery
HAVE A DRINK ON OUR PATIO BAR Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10am - 10pm | Fri. - Sat. 10am - 11pm | Sun. 11am - 8pm
FINE WINES Plumpjack Cakebread Cade Nickel & Nickel and MORE!
Breathe Easy at Salt Grotto, Soar To New Heights At The New iFLY Indoor Skydiving good thing about our process is that we don’t have to send off the jacket to be made,” said owner Laurel Giardina. 1st Sporting Goods provides silk screening and embroidery services as well. Many things are provided to customers who walk in the doors. 1 st Sporting Goods is located at 3321 Gift Lithia Pinecrest Basket Item: Rd. For infor3 Local High mation, call School Team 571-0111. Spirit T-Shirts
Value: $60 Visit The Salt Grotto And Breathe Easier This Holiday Season Breathe easier this holiday season. Relax in luxury at The Salt Grotto. Dig your into the sand like salt and fill your lungs with safe, naturally salty air. With each breath, inhale micro-particles that holistically address respiratory and skin ailments. Give the gift of good health
to your loved ones. There are both adult and children’s Salt Room Therapy. Acupuncture, therapeutic massage and foot reflexology are also offered. Another great gift idea is a Himalayan Salt Lamps, which are said to help blood flow, improve sleep and also improve asthma and allergy symptoms. The Salt Grotto is located in Plaza Bella Shopping Center, Gift 1026 Bloomingdale Basket Item: Ave. in Valrico. It is Salt Lamp Value: $25 open Tuesday Friday from10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday from10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noon-4 p.m. It is closed on Monday. For more information, call 324-8946 or visit http://thesaltgrotto.com/.
Soar to New Heights At iFLY Indoor Skydiving Enjoy some holiday time creating amazing memories with your family. Why take flight at iFLY? - To experience the fun and sensation of flying in a safe
By Michelle Colesanti
Repair Your Home Damage In Time For The Holidays With Restoration One Restoration One offers remediation and restoration of residential or commercial properties for damage caused by environment. From water, fire, smoke or mold. It is localage 3 to 103, almost ly owned and operated by David Gift anyone can fly. and Heidi Adams. Trained and cerBasket Item: New to the Family 4-Pack tified technician’s offer 24/7 emerBrandon area, iFLY Indoor Skydiving gency service. Value: $240 Indoor Skydiving For more information, call 888now brings this 466-8055. Visit experience locally. www.restoration1.com/tampa-bay or Imagine the excitement www.facebook.com/Resto1TB. when loved ones find out they will have the opportunity to fly like a bird. iFLY also offers kid and adult parties, corporate team building opportunities, educational experience for students and much more. It will be open seven days a week. Gift iFLY is located at 10654 Palm Basket Item: River Rd. in Tampa. For more inforFamily Basket with $50 Visa GC and mation, call 773-4359, email accessories info.tampa@iFLYworld.com or visit Value: $120 iFLYworld.com.
SPAS & HOT TUBS! We’ve got Tampa Bay’s Largest Selection! Bullfrog, Caldera, Sunrise,Dream Maker, and More!
Christmas C ins 1oz Pure Silver
$29.95
each Gift Boxed or Ornaments
FROM JUST $2,695
BIG GREEN EGG BBQ GRILLS! Come See Our BIG Selection of the Most Versatile Outdoor Barbecue on the Market!
Dad wants a BIG GREEN EGG!
CORBIN’S
Stamp & Coin 209 N. Kings Ave. Brandon, Florida 33510
813-651-3266 corbincoin@verizon.net
Mon-Fri 9am - 4pm
Sat 9am - 1pm
*Silver prices subject to change.
OUTDOOR KITCHENS! Custom Built Kitchen of your Dreams! (813)324-8824
recpoolsspasandmore.com
FROM JUST $4,995
Holiday Coin Collections, A DayDreams Day Spa Escape & New Sporting Goods Corbin’s Stamp & Coin Can Help You Start Treasured Family Heirloom Are you looking for the perfect keepsake gift for a family with a new baby? Maybe you are interested in starting a new family tradition by commemorating the Christmas season each year. Holiday coin collections are the perfect way. One ounce pure silver coins are available for $29.95 in a gift box or also as an ornament that can be displayed. Corbin’s Coins is located at 209 N. Kings Ave. in Brandon and is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FishHawk Sporting Goods Offers New And Gently Used Apparel & Gift Equipment Basket Item: FishHawk 1 oz. Silver Sporting Goods Christmas Coin is a new store Value: $30 that recently opened at 13446
Boyette Rd. Bath Shop. You can make that posin Riverview sible with a (RiverSprings gift card to plaza at Daydreams. FishHawk and Boyette There are Rds. It is a locally many differowned family busient types Gift Basket Item: ness, and offers a of spa packages to choose from The Tranquility local alternative including massage therapy, Journey for all of your body, therapy, skin car therapy, “Escape to family’s nail and pedicure treatments. Tranquility” Spa sporting There is also a shop that Day Value: $135 good needs in includes spa products. Pevonia a family friendly Skin Care products are offered. environment that is Gift certificates are available at close to home and offers competitive the Spa, located at 658 Oakfield pricing. Dr. in Brandon or online at You will find new and gently used www.daydreamsdayspa.com. sporting apparel and equipment for A second DayDreams location is all sports. These will make great gifts in Lakeland at 1463 Town Center for your favorite young athletes Dr. For more information on this this holiday season. location, call 863-686-5859. For more information, Gift Basket Item: Enhance Your Photos At call 324-9161 or visit New FastFrame For The Perfect FHSportingGoods.com. Football Holiday Gift Value: $30 Did you take a special picture Journey To Tranquility At this year while you spent time with DayDreams Day Spa your family, maybe on vacation or at a With all the stress the holidays special event? Surprise your family this bring, what better gift for someone year with a wonderful family picture com(or yourself) is to escape for a few memorating this special shared time. hours to DayDreams Day Spa &
By Michelle Colesanti
Once you have that beautiful photo, a frame becomes part of the bigger picture, so it’s important to make sure that it brings out the photo in just the right way. When customers bring in their personal items and they are not sure about how to decorate their art, FastFrame owner Alex Roche helps to educate them on how to enhance their item through framing. He offers competi-
tive pricing and has been assisting customers with frames for over 28 years. For more information, visit www.fastframe.com or call Roche at 655-6400. FastFrame is located at 6128 Gift Basket Winthrop Town Item: Two $40 Center Ave. in Gift Cards Riverview. Hours Value: $80 of operation are Sunday and Monday by appointment only with 24-hour notice and Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
3642 Lithia Pinecrest Rd (next to CarWash on the Greens)
1026 Bloomingdale Avenue • Valrico (Located in the Plaza Bella)
813-324-8946 Debbie@TheSaltGrotto.com
www.TheSaltGrotto.com
Salt...a relaxing natural, drug-free therapy Natural Relief From:
Sinusitis • Allergies • Bronchitis • Congestion & Cough Asthma • COPD • And Much More! ALSO OFFERING MASSAGE, ACUPUNCTURE & INFRARED SAUNA
813-816-BIRD (2473)
www.BackyardBirdseed.com BackyardBirdseed@gmail.com
Backyard Birdseed
Great Gift Ideas for Everyone On Your List! Premium Birdseed • Bird Baths
Bird & Bat Houses • Hummingbird Feeders Patio & Garden Decor
Gift Certifificcates Available! Mondays (closed) | T thru F - noon to 6pm | Sat & Sun - 10am to 4pm
813-689-8124
Gifts Of Fashion At TMarie’s, Gift Of Health From The Campo Y, Gifts For Home At Orange Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 Noon-5 p.m. It is located at 3407 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. For more information, call 530-0922. Visit www.TMariesfashions.com
Find Your Perfect Holiday Ensemble Gift the Gift of At TMaries Fashion & Gifts Gift Basket Item: Health At Boutique Luxurious blue vel- Campo Y TMaries Fashion & Gifts Boutique The vet evening bag is your one stop shop for all of your with Swarovski crys- start of a favorite fashion outfits and accessories tal embellishment new year for the upcoming holiday season. and peacock holds a lot of design While you are in there shopping for promise. Value: $128 those party clothes, you will also find Everyone makes many accessories including jewelry resolutions to eat that would make great gifts for friends healthier and to exercise more. This and family members. Some brands year, it is time to do someavailable at thing about it. By giving a TMaries gift of a Campo Y memberinclude Tribal, ship to someone, you are Elan, letting them know how Catherine much you care and want Barclay, them to live their healthiest Julian Chang, lives. Campo Y offers French many exercise options Dressing for all ages and body Jeans and types. Many family proCabana Life. grams and camps are T. Marie’s offered including child care while you Fashion & Gift Boutique is open
work out. Other programs are also offered. For many, Campo Y becomes like a second home.
Campo Y is located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico. It is open Monday to Friday from 5 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noon-6 p.m. For more information, call 684-1371. Visit tampaymca.org/locations/campo. Gift Basket Item: Family Find That Perfect Membership Wow Gift At for Three Orange Home Months Accessories Value: $250 Orange Home Accessories is a great
By Michelle Colesanti
place to find an inspired mix of great gifts for men, women and children. It carries home accessories, gifts and jewelry. Debbie Ploor opened this chic shop filled with the eclectic color, artistry, elegance and whimsy of topquality designs. Whether you are looking for something to complete your room décor or a great gift for a hard to shop for friend, this is the place. Orange Home Accessories offers unique gifts for everyone. Gift Basket Orange Item: S’well Home 25oz bottle and The Giving Key Accessories is (necklace with located at a key) 1046 E. Value: $85 Bloomingdale Ave. in Plaza Bella. For more information, email info@orangehomeaccessories.com, visit www.orangehomeaccessories.com or call 681-8686.
Backyard Birdseed Gifts For Nature Lovers, Tasteful Fruit Bouquets & Your Pet Find Great Gift Ideas for Nature Lovers and Birders At Backyard Birdseed Fly on by to check out the great gift ideas for the nature lovers in your life. A great gift idea is the Squirrel Buster bird feeder, which helps to limit squirrels from making claim to the food. Backyard Birdseed carries premium seed for all types of feeders depending on what type of birds you are trying to attract. You can also mix your own blend birdseed. A wide array of other products is also carried to increase backyard (and front yard) enjoyment for children and birders of all ages., find ideas and problem-solvers for your outdoor living spaces, and discover activities and tools for indoor learning and fun. Backyard Birdseed is located at 3642 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico (next to Carwash on the Green). It is open Tuesday-Friday from 12 Noon-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10
a.m.-4 p.m. It is closed on Monday. For more information, call 816-BIRD (2473) or visit www.BackyardBirdseed.com and on FB: Backyard Birdseed. Gift Basket Item: Squirrel Buster & Food Value: $50
Tasteful Gifts From Edible Arrangements Make Great Holiday Treats What better way to say you care than with a healthy and tasteful gift of fresh fruit. With many assortments from Edible Arrangements, you will find something for everyone on your gift list. Choose from many beautiful holiday gift baskets such as the Christmas Tree Bouquet, which is decorated with cantaloupe, “ornaments” made of Swizzle Apple Fruit Truffles®, small
pineapple star “lights”, a large pineapple star tree topper, and a Merry Christmas Gourmet Belgian Chocolate Pop; or an adorable snowman keepsake with a Season’s Greetings Celebration™ bouquet featuring gourmet chocolate dipped pineapple stars, reindeer, and strawberries. Following the traditional Delicious Celebration® bouquet recipe, honeydew, cantaloupe, strawberries, and grapes are scattered throughout to create an eyecatching and wow-worthy effect. There are many other eye-catching and delicious choices. Edible Arrangements can be found locally in the Shoppes at Lithia, located at 3455 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico (571-7200), and also at 10273 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview (Bell Plaza) (672-6111) or order online at www.ediblearrangements.com. Gift Basket Item: 12-count Chocolate Covered Fruit
THE BIG GREEN EGG THE MOST VERSATILE COOKING DEVICE EVER... IS IT A GRILL, AN OVEN, OR A SMOKER?
By Michelle Colesanti
Shop Pet Supplies Plus This Holiday Season For All Your Pet Needs Holiday gift shopping is not just for your two legged family and friends. Your pets will enjoy receiving some new toys and snacks and Pets Supply Plus is the perfect place to find the perfect gift. If you are planning to welcome a new pet member to your family this holiday season, Pet Supplies Plus is the perfect spot to pick up any supplies and goodies for your new family member. You will find everything you might need for dogs, cats, smaller pets, reptiles, birds, and fish. Gift Basket Item: Pet GloFish Supplies Aquarium Plus is Value: $30 located at 1937 E. S.R. 60 in Brandon. It is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call 540-0645.
®
YES
* VERSATILITY- Steak, Pizza, Dessert, Breakfast, Ribs, Roasts, Chicken, Burgers, Turkey * EGGCESORIESS - BBQ Tool Set, Rib Rack, Dutch Oven, Vertical Chicken/Turkey Stand, Electric Starters * SPICES - Dizzy Pig Seasonings, Carolina Sunshine
ft ur i G Yo t n ! a o e e ist r n G Anyoiday L
* 4 in 1 - Grilling, Smoking, Roasting, Baking
Lithia/FishHawk 16715 FishHawk Blvd.
for Hol
813-655-3700 (Across from Newsome High School)
Visit our website at WWW.PINCHAPENNY.COM
Lic# CPC1458117
Give Gifts For The Chef, Gifts For Your Outdoors And Gifts Of Jewelry cooking classes - whether you enjoy cooking – or just eating from great date nights to learning about new foods, this is a great gift idea for everyone. It is also Brandon’s Big Green ‘Eggheadquarters’, the ultimate cooking experience. Rolling Pin’s Favorite Things basket will include items for a Florida-style holiday season, with a fun, novelty food-truck cutting board and a poultry grilling rack for cooking your bird outdoors. These are complemented by everything you need to make the feast flavorful with a subtropical twist. Rolling Pin is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Call 6532418 or visit http://rollingpinonline.com/ for more information.
Great Gift Ideas And Classes Help Make Rolling Pin A Great Stop For Holiday Gift Needs If you are stuck coming up with creative gift ideas, make a visit to Rolling Pin and you will find something for every chef in your life. Rolling PIn offers a gourmet retail store, cooking classes, Open for Private events, gift cards and lots of great holiday gift Gift items. Enjoy Outdoor Time Basket Item: If you are looking to bring With Great Gift Ideas Small Basket From Recreational wine to your host or hostess, Including Rolling Pin has many choices $100 Cooking Class Pools What’s on your of quality wines. GC and $100 in Products holiday gift list? There are many great reaValue: $200 Recreation Pools, Spas sons to attend Rolling Pin’s & More can help you. Are
By Michelle Colesanti
visit www.recreationalpoolsspasandmore.com.
you looking for spas and hot tubs? It has Tampa Bay’s largest selection – Bullfrog, Calder, Sunrise, Dream maker & more. Maybe your dad wants a Big Green Egg (maybe he doesn’t know it yet)! Visit and see the big selection of the most versatile outdoor barbeque on the market. It is the ultimate cooking experience Gift and dad will love Basket Item: you for it. Pool Lounge Value: $50 Recreational pools also offer custom built outdoor kitchens. It is located at 509 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon. Call 324-8824 or
Martin’s Jewelers Offers Fine Jewelry For The Special People On Your Gift List Martin’s Jewelers has been a staple in the Brandon area for the last 61 years. It will soon be closing its doors and must liquidate its entire inventory. Great offers on fine jewelry will make you happen and will thrill that special person on your gift list. Come on in to receive up to 60% off on custom jewelry designs and watches. Martin’s Jewelers is located at 664 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon and is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 681-2298 or visit Gift www.marA Set of 7mm Freshwater Pearls tins-jewel(Necklace, ry.com. Bracelet, & Earrings). Value $135
Your FishHawk Community Physician for
Health& Beauty
LISA HART MONICA RIVERA, M.D. LICENSED MEDICAL AESTHETICIAN
BOARD CERTIFIED IN FAMILY MEDICINE
Pamper Your Loved Ones This Holiday Season
Purchase $100 in Gift Certificates, Receive $10 FREE 50% OFF All Laser Hair Removal Packages Receive a FREE Large Tote Bag with every $250 ZO product purchase
Aesthetic Center:
813-540-5110 Patient Care:
Wed. - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri. - noon - 5 p.m.
HOURS: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm • Sun 12pm-5pm
813-530-0922
www.TMariesFashions.com 3407 Lithia Pinecrest Rd Valrico (at Bloomingdale)
813-651-9396
Mon. &Tues - 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thur. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Fri. - 8 a.m. - noon
Holiday Open House December 7th 5-7pm RSVP to reserve your special gift! 16144 Churchview Dr. Bldg A, Ste 109, Lithia, FL
(Located in the Park Square in FishHawk Ranch, next to Cherry’s)
www.SunshineStateFamilyCare.com LIKE US on Facebook for current Skincare specials Sunshine State Family Care & Aesthetic Center
Give The Gift Of A Massage, Pool Or Patio, Skin Care And Fashion
DK’s Outlet Offers Great Gift Ideas At Outlet Prices Are you ready to look your best this holiday season? All new top designer looks are available at outlet prices at DK’s Outlet, located at 3455 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. (Winn Dixie Plaza). DK’s Outlet also has plenty of gift ideas such as clothes, jewelry, luggage, and shoes. Brand names such as Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Cole Haan, Style & Co. are available. The store is open Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m.- Gift Basket Item: 6:30 p.m., Blouse And Friday and Jewelty Ensemble Saturday from Value $50 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For information, call 409-3521. Everyone Needs The Gift of Relaxation This Holiday Season The holidays can be a very stressful time of year. With the flexible schedule that Daniella’s Mobile Massage offers, find a convenient time to take that break and be good
to yourself. Daniella offers Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Pre-natal and Sports Massage. The goal is to provide pain and stress relief through therapeutic massage in the privacy of your own home. What a great gift to give to someone on your list. Daniella is a professional licensed Massage Therapist, who has Gift Basket 13 years of experiItem: One ence and a backHour ground in Physical Massage Therapy. For inforValue: $65 mation, call 3234901, email dveten@gmail.com.
The Gift of Health Can Be Found At Sunshine State Family Care & Aesthetics Give yourself or a loved one the gift of health. Gift certificates are available for purchase (for every $100 in gift card purchases, receive $10 free).
Sunshine State Family Care is your FishHawk Community Physican for Health & Beauty. Monica Rivera, M.D. is board certified in Family Medicine and Lisa Hart is a licensed medical Aesthetician. Specializing in medical spa services and aesthetics, it provides a relaxing MedSpa setting for: Dermal Fillers and Wrinkle-Reducing Treatments, Microdermabrasion and Skin Rejuvenation, Chemical Peels and Medical Grade Facials, Permanent Makeup, Facial Waxing (Brow, Lip, Chin), along with Skincare Products and Consulting. Sunshine State Family Care is located at 16144 Churchview Dr., Bldg. A - Ste. 109 in Lithia. For information, call 651-9396 for patient care (Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-12 Noon), and 540-5110 for the Aesthetic Center (Wednesday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday 12 Noon-5 p.m.). Visit www.SunshineStateFamilyCare.com.
By Michelle Colesanti
Pinch a Penny’s Big Green Egg Is Eggsactly The Perfect Gift The Big Gift Basket Green Egg is a Item: great gift for anyHydraFacial one on her holiValue: $165 day list. Lithia/FishHawk. It is the most versatile cooking device ever made. It is a grill, an oven and a smoker. It can basically cook everything from stake, pizza, breakfast, chicken, turkey, desserts and much more. Pinch a Penny offers all of the Eggcessories to go along with the Big Green Egg such as a BBQ Tool Set, Rib Rack, Dutch Oven, Vertical Chicekn/Turkey Stand and Electric Starters. Of Gift Basket Item: course all of Dizzy Pig Spice your pool Set needs are Value: $95 available too with great gift ideas for pool owners. Pinch a Penny is located at 16715 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia (across from Newsome High School). Call 6553700. Visit www.pinchapenny.com.
Eight-Year-Old Survivor, Tristan Wombacher Speads Cheer Throughout The Community
By Amanda Boston
optic nerve, only part of This past the tumor could be Halloween, extracted. eight-year-old, Today, the benign Tristan tumor still resides in Wombacher Tristan’s brain, except didn’t dress up now; it is only the size of in the ordinary a sugar cube. As a result superhero cosof living with this tumor, tume or lug Tristan must take growth around the hormones, maintain a pumpkin-colrestricted diet, and have ored pail while frequent blood draws. trick-or-treatAdditionally, he cannot ing. Instead, he donned a Santa suit complete with a red velvety sack, chockfull Eight-year old, Tristan of candy Wombacher dressed up as canes. Denise Santa for Halloween delivering candy canes to his neighGraf, a bors. Fishhawk neighbor, said, “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I was sitting on the porch watching what was happening and The Wombacher Family with Tristan, on hearing the reaction from the people the bottom right. who were getting gifts from Santa on allow his body to overheat, which can Halloween.” be quite a challenge in the Florida cliThis account of a kindhearted mate. third grader, who opted to pass out Despite the daily inconveniences, candy on a holiday, which is known Tristan is an upbeat little boy with a for receiving it, could end here as a giving spirit. He loves all things heart-warming story. However, it Christmas, but specifically, he enjoys doesn’t. It simply can’t. There is far too much to divulge about this special crafting elaborate homemade presents for others. This year, Christmas little boy named, Tristan. could not come soon enough for this Three years ago, Ken and Jamie third grader. As Halloween Wombacher were vacationing in approached, Tristan told his mother, “I Anchorage, Alaska with their fiveneed some candy canes so I can year-old son, Tristan and three other hand them out and make people children. Within 24 hours of arriving, happy.” Resembling an elf prepping Tristan started experiencing terrible headaches, throwing up, and became for Christmas Eve, he began creating his Santa costume. extremely lethargic. His parents On Halloween night, he strolled rushed him to the local emergency the streets as Santa sharing candy room, where a CT scan revealed a canes. The sight of this gesture captibrain tumor about the size of a large orange situated on his pituitary gland. vated the hearts of his neighbors while throngs of children trailed Without delay, the Wombacher behind in support of his undertaking. family returned to Florida; their son’s new diagnosis required extensive sur- The adage it is better to give than to receive became apparent to the entire gery followed by 28 days of intense community through the actions of this radiation. Due to the location of the selfless little Santa. tumor, and its intertwining with the
Witness The Wonder Of Jesus Through One Man’s Eyes At Bell Shoals Baptist Church
By Amanda Boston
multi-talented McConnell, also known for his brilliant 6 one-man dramas, will portray Simon Peter in the production. Millsaps’ vision is a fresh approach to the Christmas message presenting the full Gospel with a modern day emphasis. According to Millsaps, “It’s going to be a memorable and powerful night.” The Bell Shoals’ Worship Choir and
Bell Shoals Worship Choir and Orchestra
Bell Shoals Baptist Church invites you to experience The Wonder of Jesus Through One Man’s Eyes, a musical and theatrical production, at the Brandon campus on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 at 6:00 p.m. This Christmas performance is presented from a unique perspective as it retells the story of Jesus’ life through one of his disciples. The event is free, open to the public, and suitable for all ages. This year’s production is not your typical Christmas pageantry with its cast fashioned in archaic costumes gathered around the babe in the manger. But rest assured, the play is biblically sound and transports the audience back 2000 years to the birth of Jesus. The story also continues with a depiction of Jesus’s ministry, death, and resurrection through the eyes of Simon Peter. The Wonder of Jesus Through One Man’s Eyes is the brainchild of Worship Pastor Jason Millsaps, who began collaborating in February with long time friend and award-winning Christian narrator and scriptwriter, Mac McConnell. The
Orchestra is set to tickle the ears of the audience with a more contemporary vibe of Christmas tunes. The ensemble welcomes Dave Cleveland, one of the world’s premier guitarists, who has recorded and toured with top music artists like Steven Curtis Chapman, Point of Grace, and Michael W. Smith. In addition to the spectacular music and stage talent, a free app called Offline Lights is available for download. Although the app is not essential for viewing, it will add some fun elements to enhance the audience’s experience. Bell Shoals Baptist Church of Brandon is located at 2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon. For more information on the event, please contact the church at 689-4229 or visit www.bellshoals.com/brandon or on social media [Facebook, Instagram & Twitter] @bellshoals.
Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Pre-natal and Sports Massage Convenient, Mobile Massage with Flexible Scheduling Professional, Licensed Massage Therapist with 13 years of experience and a background in Physical Therapy
Orange Home Accessories 1046 Bloomingdale Avenue Valrico, Florida 33596 813-681-8686
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
info@orangehomeaccessories.com
(813) 323-4901
www.orangehomedecor.com
dveten@gmail.com www.facebook.com/DaniellasMobileMassage
Gift Certificates ... the Perfect Gift for ANYONE on your list! License #39122
Tucker Family Says Many Thanks For Ten Years Of Stocking Hope
Staff Report
$40,000 dollars with our Stockings of Hope Project this holiday season.” There are many ways you can participate in this project - from making your own tax deductible donation at www.givinghopethroughfaith.org to hosting a holiday party at your office or home and encouraging friends to bring a gift card or donation to fill a stocking. A gift of $1,500 provides packages to a family for a year. A gift of $500 will purchase dinner for Sherry and Dirk Tucker 20 of our families. A gift of started the foundation after losing their son to $100 provides five boxes of pediatric cancer 10 years smiles and a gift of $50 facing pediatric cancer with ago. gives a night at the movies financial, spiritual and emotional support. In those ten years, over $1 for one of our families. The families receive monthly care million has been raised with over 600 packages containing gift cards and mesfamilies being served. “We are beyond sages of hope, once a month for a year. grateful for the amazing support we have The foundation is operating on a volunreceived from the Brandon area,” states teer basis with ninety-six cents of every Sherry Tucker, President of the foundadollar received going out to the families tion. “We were so determined to bring that are assisted. good from this terrible tragedy and To learn more about the foundation because of so many family, friends and or the Stockings of Hope project, please strangers coming together to help us, we visit www.givinghopethroughfaith.org or have been able to bring much needed help to many families. We are on target to contact Sherry or Dirk Tucker at 6856773. serve 75 families in 2016 if we can raise
Ten years ago the grief from the loss of a child became the catalyst to bring hope to families facing cancer. The Giving Hope through Faith Foundation began with a mission to support families
Shoppes at Lithia
3455 Lithia Pinecrest Rd Valrico, FL 33596
813-571-7200
Save $5
Bell Plaza
10273 Big Bend Rd Riverview, FL 33578
813-672-6111
CODE:FLOS1216 EXP 12-31-16
*See store for details. Offer expires 12/31/16. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Restrictions may apply. Edible®, Edible Arrangements®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2015 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.
“FramingYour Windows in Time”
Our prices are already affordable! No 50% Coupons Needed!
AT E R G T GIF A! IDE
Oil Paint Stretches Shadow Boxes Needle Points
Restoration Repairs 15 Years In The Area
(813) 655-6400
6128 Winthrop Town Center Ave. Riverview fastframe328@hotmail.com
Volunteers Are Needed For Christmas Baskets For Seniors By Sandy Meyer
Caregiver’s meet its goal this Helping Hand, year. Last year Inc. is reaching Caregiver’s was out to the comable to purchase munity for help socks for all the with its Christmas seniors thanks to Senior Gift a donation from Baskets program. its major sponsor, Caregiver’s will the Tampa be delivering care Yankees. baskets to local This is the senior nursing 15th year for the Kids and adults of all ages are welcome to homes, resident Christmas Senior deliver baskets, sing carols and bring joy to centers, Gift Baskets proseniors this Christmas season. and senior living gram which facilities at Christmastime. This year the began with Ybor Health and Rehab and organization is looking to provide the bas- has added new centers each year. kets for 20 centers and includes gifts for Richedean Hills-Ackbar, founder of more than a 1,000 men and women. Caregiver’s, says this is one of the many Caregiver's Helping Hand, Inc. is a projects she takes on each year. non-profit volunteer organization with a Caregiver’s will begin delivering the mission to always give a helping hand. Its baskets on Saturday, December 3 at Intergenerational Program has been help- which time volunteers will visit three care ing local seniors since June 15, 2001. centers. Additional delivery dates include Volunteers of all ages deliver gifts Saturday, December 10; Thursday, and sing Christmas Carols. Caregiver’s December 15; Saturday, December 17, needs the following items donated: wrapSunday, December 18 and Monday, ping paper, lotions, shower gel, body December 19. For more information, wash, sweaters, socks, T-shirts for men please visit www.chhincvolunteers.org. and women and wall pictures. Cash “This is a great time to bring the donations are also needed to purchase whole family out to teach our kids what the gifts and cards and Caregiver’s is Christmas is all about. GIVING TO OTHhoping to raise the $3,500 needed to ERS!” concluded Hills-Ackbar.
December 2016
Page 55
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Lights Will Shine Bright Around Town During Holiday Season Here are a few places you can visit with your family to help get into the spirit of the season. Wonderful light displays that include fun for the family. If you know of additional displays locally, please email michelle@ospreyobserver.com.
Wonderland of Lights New Display Offers Family Fun
Brandon will be the home of The Wonderland of Lights Drive Thru, at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover. This premier holiday light show and winter festival will be a spectacular celebration and brings back a family holiday tradition that so many have grown to love. Opening Thanksgiving Night, November 24 and running through Saturday, December 31 (6-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday). This 38–day event incorporates beautiful animated and still light displays that will dazzle the young and “the young at heart.” Plus, it will offer a blend of fun, family activities and entertainment sure to please all. Take some time to stop at the Christmas village featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, North Pole train ride, amusement rides, food and crafts. The show is produced by Massachusetts based North Pole Productions, known for their shows in Branson, Missouri and other locations
across the country. To save time at the gate, tickets for the drive-through can be purchased online at www.brandonchamber.com under the events tab. Prices are: Vehicles (up to 8 passengers) $20; Season's Pass $35 (vehicles only); coaches, limos, mini vans (9-24 seating) $35; Motor Coaches (25-50 seating) $75.
Christmas Lane at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds
Christmas Lane started humbly enough. Over 30 years ago, a young boy started hanging Christmas lights in front of his childhood home in Dover. As with most things that grow, Christmas Lane began feeling growing pains several years ago. With the display outgrowing the family yard setting and a parking lot that was becoming overwhelmed by the growing Christmas Lane crowds, something had to change in order to accommodate Christmas-loving crowds. Christmas Lane has a new home at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, 2508 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City. Over 1.5 million lights will adorn over 200 Christmas trees, from 4 to 40 ft. tall. There is a train taking children through a winter wonderland which
includes a tunnel of lights, along with several new rides. Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with his elves, attend nightly in his sleigh. Children share their wishes and the parents capture many memorable photo opportunities. Enjoy real characters such as Rudolph and Frosty the Snow Man make spontaneous appearances and a complete nativity scene demonstrates the real reason for Christmas. There are larger-than-life items on display, such as a Christmas Castle, two 10 ft. toy soldiers, a 14 ft. reindeer, and even a stuffed polar bear flying a small airplane. Christmas Lane will be open Nov 25 Dec 25, 2016. From Friday, November 25 – Thursday, December 15, the hours are 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 6-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. As Christmas approaches from Friday, December 16 – Saturday, December 25, the hours will be extended to 6-10 p.m. For more info, visit www.christmaslane.com.
Oakdale Light Display Is One of the Largest and Longest Running Displays in Country D O G
D A Y C A R E
•
Compiled by Michelle Colesanti
Now in its 40th year, the Oakdale Light Display has become a tradition in the Tampa Bay area drawing people from all over. It was ranked in the top three nationally by NBC’s Today Show, presented first in HGTV’s All Out Christmas Special and also featured in People Magazine. Every year the display is different. There are about one-half million lights. You will enjoy walkways, water fountains, a computerized light show, a huge collection of animated dolls, a snowman about three stories high. Enjoy the large HOscale model railroad running 18 trains at a time. The kids love the double bubble machines and games. The display is free and fun for the entire family. It is open from Friday, November 25 and continues nightly through Tuesday, January 3 from 6-10 p.m. (rain or clear skies), located at 2719 Oakdale Street, South in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.christmasdisplay.org.
FishHawk
Residents Tim and Christine Chefalas decorate their house, located at 6023 Palomaglade Dr. in Lithia, each year. The Christmas light display is set to music. As you drive by, tune in to 107.7 FM. You can enjoy the lights from Thanksgiving through the first of the New Year.
L O D G I N G
•
T R A I N I N G
P.O. Box 6099 • Brandon, FL 33508 • Water, Fire, Smoke & Mold Remediation and Restoration • Residential & Commercial Buildings • 24/7 Emergency Service • Licensed and Insured • Trained and Certified Technicians • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed • Locally Owned & Operated
Don’t Forget Your Dog’s Holiday Vacation! Book Your Lodging TODAY! 9708 Carr Road, Riverview 33569 • (just off Boyette Rd., 1 mile West of Bell Shoals Rd)
(813)672-WOOF (9663) • www.CanineCabana.BIZ Dave Adams
888-466-8055
State Licenses: • CGC 1514699 (General) • MRSR 2642 (Mold Remediator)
www.Restoration1.com/Tampa-Bay