Osprey Observer 2017-4 Riverview/Apollo Beach by Osprey Observer

Riverview/Apollo Beach

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April 2017 Volume 15, Issue 4 Ph: 657-2418

C E L E B R A T I N G

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P U B L I S H I N G

Queena Gears Up To Host 6th Annual 5K4Q Run, Family Forms Non-Profit

“Queena’s attacker will spend life in prison, but my daughter also has her own life sentence that she did not choose,” Vanna said. Feeling less stressed and more peaceful, now that the ordeal of reliving the court process and the re-sentencing is over, the Voung family must refocus on the daily routine of taking care of Queena, a full-time job that gives Vanna little time to think about anything else. “Our average day, including the weekends, are very busy,” she said adding that the morning routine to “brush Queena’s teeth, her hair, wash her face, change her diaper, put on a new outfit for her, give her food, water, and medicine through her feeding tube, and lift her into the wheelchair takes a couple hours.” Then it’s time to go to all of Queena’s appointments for the day, either medical or therapy. “We are usually at out-patient therapies for three to four hours before we return home for more in-home therapy,” she said. “Sometimes she gets a special treat like yoga, facial, massage, or art and

Continued on Page 5

C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S

Riverview 14 GDX Now Open As Tampa's Destination Movie Theater

By Tamas Mondovics

When Goodrich Quality Theaters, (GQT) a Grand Rapids, Michiganbased company founded in 1930, chose Riverview to build its 30th location, a $20 million, state-ofthe-art multiplex in Florida, the objective was clear and nonnegotiable; open with no mistakes. “Our company Dubbed as Tampa's destination theater, Goodrich Quality culture is all about Theaters, (GQT) Riverview 14 GDX Theater is now open at the fanatical attention to southwest corner of I-75 and Gibsonton Drive directly east of detail,” said GQT Super Walmart (exit 250). Marketing Director, ner and a movie.” Kelly Nash. “This is our first multiplex outFollowing her visit on opening weekside the Midwest and we wanted to end, Riverview Honorary Mayor, Tammy ensure we opened without excuses or Holmberg, said, "This is not just the errors.” movies. Goodrich Riverview 14 is a game Based on Nash’s sentiments, and changer in the movie watching experijudging by opening weekend results, the ence.” 66,000 sq. ft., Riverview 14 GDX (Giant The lobby features box offices and Digital Experience), located at the southself-serve ticket kiosks as well as conceswest corner of I-75 and Gibsonton Drive sion stands coupled with self-serve soft directly east of the Super Walmart (exit drinks and $0.50 popcorn refills. 250), did not only meet its goals- but has Adding to the experience is far surpassed its best expectations. Continued on Page 11 The theater features 1,665 electronically reclining seats with snack trays and cup holders and all seats are reserved. “We opened our doors merely two hours after government approvals and sold 1,300 tickets within the first 120 minutes,” Nash said, adding that in its first weekend, more than 10,000 tickets were sold. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a giant contemporary lobby that proudly 26 includes Features, a first-of-its-kind, stand-alone restaurant, bar and GastroPub developed by Celebrity Chef Brian HOA HOT TOPICS ...............................PG 7 Duffy of Bar Rescue and drink specials EGG HUNTS........................................PG 8 crafted by mixologist Mike Tipps. The restaurant has its own entrance, and is PAINTING FROM THE HEART ...........PG 17 also accessible through the lobby and EYE ON BUSINESS ............................PG 25 offers a scratch kitchen perfect for lunch, dinner and late-night snacks, with nothing SOUTHSHORE LIVING ...............PGS 36‐37 on the menu over $12, which gives a SUMMER CAMPS.....PULL OUT SECTION 3 whole new meaning to the phrase, “din-

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The result of a recent re-sentencing hearing request is life in prison for convicted 25year-old violent rapist Kendrick Morris. For his victim, Queena Voung, her family, friends and countless supporters it is simply, justice served. “I am thankful that the judge heard and understood our pain,” said Voung’s mom Vanna. “I feel like justice has been served, but it still breaks my heart.” In 2011, Morris was sentenced to 65 years in prison by Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe three years after he was convicted of dragging Queena behind the Bloomingdale Regional Library, where he raped and brutally beat the then 18-year old high school senior leaving her for dead. Queena’s injuries left her brain damaged, paralyzed and blind and she remains in need of ongoing medical care. Morris was also found guilty for an attack and rape of an elderly woman at knifepoint ten months prior when he was 15 years old, in addition to the Bloomingdale incident. Morris requested the hearing after a Supreme Court ruling, which deemed lengthy prison sentences without a chance of parole for juvenile offenders unconstitutional. While the changes in federal laws allowed Morris to face Judge Tharpe once more. Now as an adult in hopes of a lighter sentence things did not go any better for Morris. Instead, Tharpe sentenced Morris—once more—to life in prison.

By Tamas Mondovics

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Sixth grade Burns Middle School student, Dariya Bagley captured second place in the Intelligent Machines, Robotics, and Systems Software Category, during the 2016-17 Regional STEM Fair held last month at the Tampa Convention Center.

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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Corner Lot 2 bedrooms 1 Full bath 1,149 sq feet. Large Living, Dining and family room, air conditioned back patio. Great Community center. Offered @ $109,900

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5/4/3000 sq feet 3 car garage. Upgraded kitchen, built in appliances, dining and eat in kitchen, over garage apartment, large patio and a small pool for relaxing. MUST SEE HOME!! Offered @ $350,000

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Beautiful Custom Built waterfront Home. 4/4/3 with 3,395 sq. feet. Features include, workshop, elevators, chiefs delight kitchen, media room, balcony with amazing view, huge showers and dual sinks, observation deck, Dock with boat slip and so much more. Offered @ $695,000.

To be built. 3 bedrooms + 2 Full Baths & 2 Half Baths with approx. 2763 S.F. + 2 Car Secured Parking. Brisa del Mar is a Mediterranean-styled Townhome Community in the heart of Apollo Beach and steps from a Marina, Beach, and Boating.

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Lovely 4/2.5/3 with approx. 2,519 sq. feet. This private pool on a pond home is amazing. Features include Community dock, waterfront pond, tile roof, paver driveway, interior spnaish tile, whole house water system, chiefs kitchen with upgrades, extensive landscaping and more. Offered @ $490,000.

Starting at $349,900

April 2017

Page 3

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Visit Area’s Top Model Homes During Month Of April At Tampa Bay Parade Of Homes The 2017 Tampa Bay Parade of Homes, hosted by the Tampa Bay Builders Association (TBBA), will take place through the end of April. This is one of the largest Parades in Florida with 96 production model homes and additional custom entries throughout Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties. It is presented by Banko Overhead Doors, Simpson Air, and MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. The Parade is the exclusive opportunity to get to know more about the Tampa Bay housing market and learn about the regions’ notable communities and builders. There is no cost or appointment needed. New this year, Custom Builders are also offering exclusive online virtual tours to preview their luxury homes and projects at TampaBayPOH.com. “The Parade of Homes is a celebration of the new home market in the Tampa Bay area. There is no better time to explore housing options and no easier way than the Parade of Homes. I am proud to lead the efforts on this once a year opportunity,” said Melissa Chaumont, Grey Street Studios. There are many homes in the local area to visit as well as those all around the Tampa Bay area such as: Model #40: Neal Signature Homes

Staff Report

– Siesta Key 2 in Mira Bay at 713 Manns Harbor Dr. Model Price: $1,098,990 (base price - $649,900) This beautiful 2-story home comprises 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room plus den, large open kitchen with walk-in pantry and an upstairs bonus area with the option to add yet another bedroom. The private master’s retreat includes a lavish master bath and double walk-in closets. This home is designed for entertaining with sliding glass doors open to the spectacular outdoor living space with kitchen, pool and spa overlooking the water and dock; or Model #52: David Weekly Homes – The Baycrest in Waterset at 7207 Meeting House Lane Apollo Beach. Model Price: $562,765 (base price -$343,990). Inside the Baycrest, you will find a formal study and contemporary kitchen that overlooks the dining area and family room. A guest room with private bath is downstairs. Upstairs are two secondary bedrooms, the owner’s retreat and a large retreat. Step outside from the large sliders in the family room to your own backyard oasis with covered outdoor grilling area with high bar and an oversized spa. To view the map of all of the participating model homes, please visit http://tampabayparadeofhomes.com/.

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Page 4

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

New Show, Flip My Florida Yard Helps Disabled Veteran Enjoy His Outdoor Space

By Michelle Colesanti

being done, they were sent off to enjoy the day at The Florida Aquarium. The work was done by a team from the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, and led by Thonotosassa-based Tampa Bay Landscaping and Horticulture Services. Flip My Florida Yard has also redone yards in Bradenton, A yard in Riverview was recently transformed to make it accessible for a 25 year old wheelchair bound veteran thanks to the new TV series Flip My Florida Yard with Chad Crawford.

Riverview resident, Brandon Walker, a 25 year old wheelchair-bound veteran and his parents, recently received a backyard landscaping overhaul thanks to Flip My Florida Yard, a new weekly TV series which recently aired its first episode nationally on Fox Sports Sun and locally on WTSP-Channel 10. The yard work, completed in one day, was done in the Park Creek neighborhood and is estimated to be worth $50,000. The work included constructing a lot of outdoor living spaces to give Walker easy access to the backyard, which includes a hot tub and pergola. Walker said, “My new yard is super rad. There’s a workout area for me, and I'm able to go out there independently. I loved the crew and how they designed the yard to be so accessible for me.” The Walker’s had recently closed on their home, and were selected for Flip My Yard after they submitted information describing their yard and their son’s story. The yard work is completely free to the family, and while the work was

Newberry (near Gainesville), Oviedo (near Orlando) and Fort Lauderdale. The family will also get one year of free pest control. The host of the show, Chad Crawford, was onsite during the overhaul. He is also the host of How to do Florida with Chad Crawford. Flip My Florida Yard is created by the Crawford Media Group, and is also responsible for the Emmy-award winning show How to Do Florida. The new series will challenge the way Floridians view their role in preserving the state’s water through education. A native, Florida-friendly yard requires less chemicals, fertilizer and watering. To get a taste of the new series, visit the trailer at https://Vimeo.com/187992983. The Riverview episode will likely air the last week in April.

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April 2017

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Survivor Queena...Continued From Page 1

W W W

O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R

By Tamas Mondovics

music class.” E.G. Simmons Park in The family Ruskin. has tried physi“We will be celecal therapy, brating Queena’s 27th speech, vision, birthday that day,” occupational, Anna said, adding and aqua thera“Just two days before py. For treatreaching the ninth ments, Queena year since she surreceives hypervived the attack. The baric oxygen, family relies on the stem cell theraunwavering hope, py, and neuro prayer and support bio-feedback. from the community to Joined by mom Vanna and her sister Anna, “For holisBloomingdale Library attack survivor Queena keep going. tic, we try yoga, Voung, enjoys a happy moment during her sisFor information ter’s recent wedding. massage, chiabout the 5K4Q event, ropractic, acupuncture, essential oils, visit www.joinqueena.com/fundraisers/. aroma-touch, natural supplements,” she Donations to support queen’s ongoing said. “Queena is currently working on her care can be made at communication device.” www.joinqueena.com. The family has Of course all this is costly and the formed Hope Heals The Brain Inc., a family is grateful for the community’s out501c3 non-profit organization. All donapouring of generosity supporting the long tions are tax-deductible. To support the road to Queena’s recovery. family sponsorships for an upcoming 2nd According to Queena’s sister, Anna annual golf tournament at Topgolf Donato, the family is gearing up to host planned for Sunday, August 6 is also the 6th Annual South Shore 5K4Q Run available, by reaching Donato at 956now scheduled for Saturday, April 22 at 3822 or avdonato1@gmail.com.

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Page 6

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

Boyette Springs Gifted Center Connects Learning To Life To Give Back To Students Exciting projects are underway at Boyette Springs Elementary. Since its inception last year, its Center for Gifted Studies, based on the groundbreaking work of Dr. Joseph Renzulli of the University of Connecticut, has connected students to higher level learning. However, an engaging academic curriculum is not only for gifted students, as the administration adopted Renzulli’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model to ensure all students have access to rigor. Renzulli and his wife, Dr. Sally Reis, are credited with conducting seminal research leading to the design and development of programs and services to meet the needs of gifted students, and Boyette Springs has embraced their model which targets student interest and choice as the foundation of curriculum development. Lead teacher, Jane Wells is excited to implement the three phases of the study. Currently, Boyette Springs is in phase one. They invited the entire school to respond to a survey on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities. Students suggested topics ranging

By Amy Schechter

from photography to food to construction, and these surveys also helped teachers learn more about their learning styles. All units of instruction eventually center on student participation in some form of service-learning project for which students can give back to their community. Wells notes, “Our goal is to pay it forward, so students can work together as a group and to learn to be philanthropic people who care about other people and our environment.” This year, student learned about the Alaskan Iditarod, the last great dogsled race. They researched Alaska and its environment, communicated directly with people who participated, and found out more about the Siberian husky. This connected students with a Clearwater-based nonprofit, Husky Haven of Florida. Students then designed, built, and sold sleds with the proceeds benefit-

take those kids at the individual level who really want to go further. We have one girl who is interested in animals and wants to help out in a local vet center. We connected her with Seffner Veterinary Boyette Springs Students Connect Learning to Life. services and ing Husky Haven. she volunteers there,” Wells explains. One project can naturally lead into A final showcase is slated for May 19 another as many students became from 1-2 p.m., and the community is interested in endangered animals and invited to see what the students have focused on local species. Teachers created and learned. took groups outside to the preserve Because many of the enrichment on Boyette Springs property, and stustudies hinge on community involvedents decided they needed to help ment, Boyette Springs seeks local improve the animals’ habitat. They business partnerships and guest researched how they could clean the speakers. Guest speakers are welwater in the area, including ways to come in person and via technology, get rid of algae, and conducted exper- like Skype. They also seek donations iments. Finally, they contacted the for upcoming projects and community Army Corps of Engineers to come out service. Interested businesses and to discuss more ways to clean the individuals can contact Jane Wells at local bodies of water. 671-5060 ext. 240 or via email at With school-wide efforts fully jane.wells@sdhc.k12.fl.us. For more underway, Wells looks forward to information on National Elementary phases two and three where hopefully Honor Society, contact Tawnya students will break off into small Andersen at groups and individuals to pursue tawnya.andersen@sdhc.k12.fl.us. For issues about which they care deeply. more information on Husky Haven, “As the lead teacher, my role is that I please visit http://huskyhavenfl.org/.

April 2017

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

By Kate Quesada

Students And Seniors Come Together To Create Unique Art For Exhibit

By Kathy L. Collins

Free Water Safety & Scholarship Info Rivercrest Home to Free Water Safety Program

Riverview’s Rivercrest community is hosting free children’s swimming lessons for one week this summer, thanks to the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County Mobile Water Safety Team and the Brandon Sports and Aquatics Club (BSAC). The lessons will be provided by BSAC from June 5-9 in the Rivercrest Family Pool for children 3-14 years old and classes will cover basic swim lessons and water safety. There is a limit of 12 children per class and registration is on a first come, first served basis. To sign up or for more information, visit the CDD office at 11560 Ramble Creek Dr. in Riverview or call 6723804.

Rivercrest Offers Scholarship to High School Seniors

High School seniors graduating in May with a GPA of 3.0 of higher are invited to apply for one of two $1,000 from the Rivercrest CDD. The district is hosting the scholarship competition for students whose parent or legal guardian is an owner and resident in the district. Applicants must also be accepted to an accredited four-year college or university to apply. To receive an application, contact management at the CDD Community Center office, located t 11560 Ramble Creek Dr., after April 1. Deadline for applications is Friday, June 13 at 5 p.m. and the winners will be announced at the July 17 board of supervisors meeting.

Residents of The Bridges (l) and students from the Art Factory at Winthrop Arts (r) are collaborating on Bridging The Generations Art Show.

The residents of The Bridges Retirement Community are joining forces with the students from the Art Factory at Winthrop Arts to produce a unique crossgenerational art exhibit. The exhibit is called Bridging The Generations Art Show and will be held on Tuesday, May 2 at The Bridges Clubhouse, located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview from 6:30 to 8 p.m. All members of the community are invited to attend and view artwork created by children and adults. There will be portraits painted by the students and residents, jewelry and mosaics. In addition, a short film produced by the students of the Art Factory called Willie Wonka and the Art Factory will be shown along with props and costumes made especially for the movie. While the event is free and open to the community, The Bridges will be selling bagged cookies and fudge. The proceeds will be donated to Winthrop Arts to establish a scholarship fund to allow students to attend art class-

es at the Art Factory. The Art Factory at Winthrop Arts is an after school art program. It is also a place where home school students and senior citizens from The Bridges come to create art. The Art Factory opened in October 2016 and the residents from The Bridges have been attending art classes for several months. "Bridging the Generations, a special collaboration between the residents of The Bridges and students from the Art Factory, provides a wonderful opportunity for seniors and children to develop meaningful connections through creativity and artistic expression," said Donna Steiermann, Executive Director of The Bridges Retirement Community. Steiermann added, "The Bridges has always valued residents' artistic expression by offering a wide array of programming designed to encourage imagination, creativity and most of all pure enjoyment." "The opportunity to grow the arts across the generations is a wonderful opportunity," said Bryant Martinez, the Winthrop Town Artist. Martinez added, "There is no age limit when it comes to art. This is a wonderful opportunity to share each other's art." This will be a night complete with all types of art, culinary delights from The Bridges' Chef Clyde and even a student led film. Visit bridgesretirement.com or call 413-8900 and www.winthroparts.org or call 758-5161.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

Egg Hunts And Family Fun Around Town Boyette Springs Church of God will hold its annual Easter egg hunt and Palm Sunday potluck picnic on Sunday, April 9 at 12 Noon. The event will include food, bounce houses and egg hunt. The church is located at 12114 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. For more information, contact the church at 671-0086 or visit www.mybscog.org. The Chapel At Fishhawk will do an Easter egg hunt on Sunday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. between its 9 a.m. and 10:30 Easter services. The church is a diverse nondenominational church family in the heart of Fishhawk at 6026 Churchside Dr. in Lithia. All are welcome. For more information, contact the church at 661-7105. Cornerstone Baptist Church will conduct a children's egg hunt on Saturday, April 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children (2 years through 5th grade) and their families are invited to join the fun and fellowship. Children need to bring an empty basket to collect eggs. The event also includes a Bible story, fun activities, hot dogs and drinks. The event is free and open to the public. The church is located at 818 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. For more information, contact the church office at 689-3325. First United Methodist Church of Seffner will hold an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon with free food, arts and crafts, games and a bounce house. The church is located at 1310 S. Kingsway Rd. in Seffner. For more information, call 6893515.

Fishhawk Fellowship will hold an Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fishhawk Park Square, located at 16132 Churchview Dr. in Lithia. The free event will include bounce houses, rock wall, refreshments, games and family photographs. For more information, visit www.fishhawkfc.org.

hawthornevillageofbrandon.com. Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church will hold a free Easter breakfast and egg hunt on Sunday, April 16 at 9:15 a.m. The church is located at 604 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. For more information, please contact Kelly Black at 480-0800. Living Savior Lutheran Church will conduct an egg hunt and Easter breakfast on

Grace Baptist Temple will hold an Easter Eggstravaganza on Sunday, April 16 following its 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. The Eggstravaganza includes an egg hunt and free family photograph with a backdrop. The church is located at 2909 John Moore Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 689-7190 or visit www.growingatgrace.com. Hawthorne Village Retirement Community will hold its annual Easter egg hunt on Friday, April 14 at 11 a.m. Hunt for more than 2,000 eggs and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny. This event is for ages 12 and under. There will be prizes and refreshments. Hawthorne Village is located at 859 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 661-8998 or visit

Sunday, April 16 at 8:30 a.m., following its sunrise service. The breakfast buffet will feature an assortment of hot and cold items. The church is located at 2650 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. For more information call 6812375 or visit www.LivingSaviorValrico.org. Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale will do an Easter egg hunt on Palm Sunday, following its morning service. The hunt will take place approximately at 12 Noon. Children are asked to bring a basket for the hunt. The children will stuff eggs for an assisted living community and then hunt for candy filled eggs provided by the same residents. The church is located at 710

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E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. For more information, call 654-3699. Redeemer Presbyterian Church will do an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 15 at 9:30 a.m. for children through 5th grade. The church is located at 12404 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. For more information, call 741-1776 or visit www.redeemerriverview.org. Riverview First United Methodist Church will conduct its annual egg hunt and party on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon with crafts, games, and refreshments. The event is free. The church is located at 8002 US Hwy. 301 South in Riverview. For more information, contact Alicia at retinaspecialist@yahoo.com. Southside Baptist Church will hold an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 15 at 10 a.m. on its church grounds, located at 415 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. The event will include games, candy and an egg hunt from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon. It is a free event and open to the public. For more information, contact the church office at 689-6049. St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church of Brandon will put on an Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Family Life Center. The event will include an egg hunt, games, food, candy, and activities. The event is free, but the church asks that you bring one non-perishable food item for its food pantry. Register at www.saumc.net. The church is located at 3315 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 689-6849.

April 2017

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

RVR Horse Rescue To Celebrate ASPCA Help A Horse Day On April 22

By Sandy Meyer

Join RVR Delightful raffle, Horse Rescue vendor, and tack in celebrating items will be availthe ASPCA able, along with Help a Horse RVR logo merchanDay on dise and their adult Saturday, April and children’s 22. The books. RVR Horse ASPCA (The Rescue will be American competing for a Society for the chance to win up to Prevention of $25,000 in grant Cruelty to prizes to assist with Animals®) cretheir efforts to proated the tect horses. “RVR is national celean all-volunteer bration to raise Shawn Jayroe has dedicated her life to rescuing, organization, rehabilitating and rehoming horses. Her 40-acre awareness of ranch in Riverview is the perfect place to follow known for taking on the plight of the worst cases of her dreams. horses. Equine rescues and sanctuaries abuse and neglect,” said Shawn Jayroe, like RVR Horse Rescue will join the Founder of RVR Horse Rescue. “Help a ASPCA on this day by hosting events of Horse Day is a wonderful opportunity for their own to highlight the work they do in us to welcome local residents and busitheir communities in rescuing and pronesses to help spread awareness about tecting these amazing creatures. at-risk horses that are in need of loving To celebrate the day, RVR will be homes. We hope our supporters will open to the public and festivities will come out on April 22 to help us win a include family fun and education. From $25,000 grant so we can continue sav11 a.m. - 4 p.m., the 40-acre facility in ing these majestic, loving animals for Riverview will bustle with music, food, years to come.” and fun for the whole family. Children’s Those who can’t attend the event activities will include carnival games, but still want to participate in Help A pony rides, and petting miniature horses. Horse Day can make a tax deductible Facility tours will introduce the guests to contribution via the donation button on the current rescue horses and those the RVRHorseRescue.org website. In available for adoption. The event locaaddition, donations may be made to the tion is 12611 Hayes Clan Rd. in current “Let’s Go Nuts” initiative that proRiverview. motes and funds the gelding of stallions. Presentations on various topics will Mark your calendars for this worthy comtake place throughout the event. munity event.

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Page 10

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

April 2017

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Goodrich Theater...Continued From Page 1

By Tamas Mondovics

Goodrich’s cutting-edge, large format auditoriums with 4K digital projection onto two * $8 Thrifty Ticket Tuesdays 70 by 40 foot, floor-to-ceiling * Frequent MovieGoer (FMG) Rewards Program screens, with sound powFree popcorn at sign up ered by the Premium Dolby * Party Room Rentals ATMOS system with more * Save a Stub, Get a Tub than 60 speakers and more Bring in any other theatre ticket stub, get a free 85 oz. than 265 seats each. tub of popcorn valid through May 31. The 12 additional * Classic Movies on the Big Screen every Sunday and screens feature state-of-theWednesday at 7 p.m.-upcoming: 4/9 & 4/12-The Ten Commandments art digital projection on 35-45 4/16 & 4/19-Hello, Dolly! ft. screens with the Trinnov * Morning Movies-Every Friday, Saturday and Ovation system. “Customers say that this Sunday at 10 a.m. free movies with FMG Rewards membership. See the movie line-up below: is the best movie experience 4/7 – 4/9: Kubo & the Two Strings they have ever seen,” Nash 4/14 – 4/16: Trolls said. 4/21 – 4/23: Ice Age: Collision Course 4/28 – 4/30: Sing It is safe to say that while Riverview 14 GDX opening was a little delayed, its arrival did by no means disappoint. GQT COO, Martin Betz was also pleased when he said, “The fantastic welcome from across the Tampa Bay area demonstrates its excitement to have our state-of-the-art, family-friendly fourteen screen cinema experience, as this is our first theater in Florida.” Betz highlighted the theater’s rewards program and free popcorn for people who bring a ticket stub from another theater through May 31. Riverview 14 GDX is hosting its Grand Opening Community VIP Weekend, scheduled for Friday-Sun, April 21-April 23. Moviegoers will receive a popcorn and soft drink combo all weekend for only $4. Visit www.GoodrichQualityTheaters.com. and on Facebook @GoodrichRiverview.

Extra Theater Features:

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

April 2017

Page 13

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Gotcha Covered Raising The Bar On Window Treatments In South Shore Area By Debra Massaro

Gotcha Covered, a such as a variety of plantacustom window treattion shutters, blinds, indoor ment company located and outdoor shades, and at 6116 N. US Highway more, Gotcha Covered 41 in Apollo Beach, is allows clients to explore all giving customers someof their decorating options thing to talk about—litbefore making a purchase. erally. Leading the way “We take care of our in blind and shade customers from start to finhome automation, the ish, and it’s all done in house South Shore store’s which sets us apart. Other franchise owner, Clifford places use subcontractors, Oberg is offering winbut Gotcha Covered does it dow treatments with all which makes installing, Clifford Oberg, Gotcha voice control managed servicing, and repairing Covered’s SouthShore franthrough the Amazon products faster and more chise owner, now offers window Echo. convenient.” treatments with voice control managed through the Amazon “The product is A typical Showroom Echo. changing the way peosession consists of the initial ple interact in their homes,” Oberg meeting where customers discuss their explained. “This allows customers to raise decorating needs and receive assistance or lower their window treatments with a from experienced designers and staff who simple voice command, such as Good help them compare the benefits and feamorning” tures of each product. Oberg, who retired from the United “We have something for everyone States Air Force where he served as the and offer many styles and materials to Superintendent of Aircrew Flight compliment any décor, “Oberg said. Equipment, is excited to bring the conOnce our clients have an idea of venience and innovation of technology to what they are looking for, a home visit is his showroom and into homes throughout scheduled so we can help them pick out the greater Tampa area. the perfect product, style, and color. “I knew I wanted to open some sort Once the window treatments arrive, of business upon retiring, “Oberg Gotcha Covered’s highly experienced explained. “I researched many options staff will install and service the product. and decided that Gotcha Covered was Gotcha Covered is open Monday the company that met my needs.” through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and The South Shore franchise began as Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Home cona home-based business, but quickly grew sultation appointments can be scheduled into the storefront/designer showroom outside of these hours. Visit www.gotchaOberg manages today. coveredsouthshore.com or by calling 625Offering custom window treatments 5200 to setup a free consultation.

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Page 14

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

Crossroads Ace Hardware’s Newest Location Now Open In North Riverview

Annual Blueberry Festival Offers Family Fun At Keel & Curley Winery

Local resihardware dents and store with a Crossroads commitment to Ace Hardware community. franchise own“You can’t ers Billy beat our perAtchison and sonal service Tim Gibson or the best recently fastener opened their selection in newest locatown,” he tion in north remarked. Riverview on The comAce Hardware of Riverview North recently opened at U.S. Hwy. pany’s web7441 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. 301, in the site is filled strip center in front of the Riverview with a plethora of information includFlea Market. ing interactive project videos, tips from Ace stores offer a wide variety of home experts, lawn and garden paint, lawn and garden, tools, busiadvice, step-by-step how-to’s and ness supplies, local niche services much more. and virtually anything needed to fix, Gibson and Atchison also are the repair and maintain your home or franchise owners of three other Ace business. And as the company’s sayHardware locations including Ace ing goes, “Ace is the place with the Hardware, Feed & Pet Supply on Big helpful hardware folks.” Bend Rd. in south Riverview; Ace We carry Craftsman, Weber and Hardware & Sporting Goods in Lithia Yeti products, plus we offer some and Ace Hardware of Sun City Center. great brands of pet food, including Gibson said that a second locaVictor, Fromm and Taste of the Wild,” tion in Riverview just made sense. “It said Gibson. was an open market with a need for a In addition to the large selection small hardware store,” he commentof products, Crossroads Ace also ed. offers automotive chip key cutting, Ace Hardware of Riverview North propane, carpet cleaning machine is located at 7441 U.S. Hwy. 301 N., rental, computerized paint colorSuite 120. Store hours are 8 a.m.-7 matching, screen repair, delivery and p.m. Monday-Saturday and 9 a.m.-6 more. p.m. on Sunday. Call 405-8990 or visit Ace Hardware stores are known www.crossroadsace.com for further around the globe as being your local details.

Since Keel & day, there will be Curley was live entertainment established in and over 100 food 2003, blueberries and craft vendors have always with something for been the star everyone includattraction. This ing food, jewelry, year, the winery and clothing. celebrates the Lularoe, Doterra small and tasty Essential Oils will fruit with its join many others. 10th Annual “We will have Keel & Curley’s popular Blueberry Festival your typical Blueberry will take place over two weekends; Friday Festival. and Saturday, April 14 and 15 and Saturday fair/carnival type It has and Sunday, April 22 and 23 from 8 a.m.-6 food vendors (hot p.m. become so popudogs, hamburglar that this year, it is ers, funnel cakes and cotextended to take place ton candy) as well as over two weekends: Friday other foods such as and Saturday, April 14 & Abuelo's mexican food, 15 and Saturday and Smokin' Aces BBQ and Sunday, April 22 & 23 from our very own restaurant 8 a.m.-6 p.m. will be serving up some of our deliThis family event will include a cious food,” added Griffin. kid’s area with inflatables, along with Live music will be out on the deck a rock climbing wall. There will also with a variety of bands that will play be a petting zoo and pony rides. at different times each day. Since it is According to Event Coordinator also strawberry season, a limited Kristin Griffin, “The newest thing will release strawberry shortcake wine will be the expansion of our Kids Zone. In also be available during the festival years’ past we only have had an as well. inflatable bouncy house. This year we Keel & Curley offers three types want to make the event even more of blueberry wine - sweet, semi-dry, family-friendly. Pets are always weland dry; all made from 100% bluebercome during our festival as well.” ries. Admission to the Blueberry U-Pick blueberries will be availFestival is free, but parking costs $10 able from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., but you may ($5 from 8-10 a.m.) Keel & Curley want to arrive on the early side if you Winery is located at 5210 are planning to pick them. During the Thonotosassa Rd. in Plant City.

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April 2017

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Our Residents Are Always On The Move!

Fishhawk Dynasty Sporting Clays Club Raises Money For Nationals

By Nick Nahas

The Fishhawk lunch donated by Dynasty Club is BubbaQue’s BBQ in shooting to win its Brandon. third national Potential particichampionship in pants can register the last three early for the tournayears, but they ment by calling 689can’t do it without 0490, or emailing laysome help. The neot@hotmail.com, as club needs to raise well as signing up the funds to be able to day of the event at take 30 kids to Fishhawk Sporting travel and compete Clays. According to in the national Mandracchia, the tourchampionship in nament is open to Columbus Ohio, people at all shooting July 9-15.The levels. Plaques will be money will be used given to the 1st-place to pay for registraPhoto by Dan Wigh team, 2nd-place team, tion, ammunition 3rd-place team, the The FishHawk 2016 National Team hosts fundraiser. and golf cart high female shooter, rentals. It will be hosting a fundraising the high male shooter and the “I Gave it shooting sport tournament that will take My Best Shot” award will be given out place at Fishhawk Sporting Clays, as well. 13505 Hobson Simmons Rd. in Lithia A $600 Mammoth 65-qt cooler, filled on Sunday, April 23 at 9 a.m. with 20 bottles of alcohol, will be raffled Head Instructor Joe Mandracchia off at the event along with a Tampa Bay anticipates that it will cost around $500 Lightning signed jersey and a for each kid to participate at nationals. Weatherby PA-08 shotgun. Raffle The goal is to raise as much money as chances are $5 per ticket, 5 tickets for possible to try to cover the entire cost. $20 or 40 tickets for $100. The fundraising shooting sport tourna“Fishhawk Dynasty is a program ment costs $75 per person to register, that encourages young people to get however, if a group of four people regis- outside, get away from their computers ter together, they will only have to pay a and electronic devices and learn a sport total of $275 for the squad. If you don’t that is probably one of the fastest growhave a team, you will be paired up with ing sports in the country today,” said one because there will be walk-ins the Mandracchia. “I love this sport and love day of the tournament. The registration seeing the kids light up when they hit includes 75 targets plus a barbecue their target.”

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Page 16

Volume 15, Issue 4

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Flu Bug Encourages Testing And Treatment At Community Events & Schools

By Sandy Meyer

The Flu Bug the message is is spreading straightforward. through the Captain Quidel Tampa commuexplains how often nity. But don’t to wash your fear. The Flu Bug hands, how long to is actually a wash your hands Volkswagen and how to cough Beetle disguised into your elbow as the flu virus. instead of your Sherri Mills, drivhand. He also goes er of the Flu Bug over the symptoms and marketing and reminds kids manager for Fizz and adults alike to Corp., has been get tested as soon tasked with getas you feel the ting the word out symptoms. Testing to the community leads to treatment about prevention and reduces both and treatment for the length and the the flu. severity of the virus. According to Sherri Mills and Captain Quidel are on a Quidel has also cremission to stop flu deaths by educating the ated an app which Mills, the idea for the commu- community about prevention and treatment. allows users to input nity outreach program came from the their zip code to determine how active CEO of Quidel Corporation, a manufac- the flu is in their community. Just visit turer of diagnostic healthcare products. www.communidy.com to see the level of “He wants to eradicate flu deaths. activity in your zip code. There were up to 36,000 flu deaths in “We’re not for or against the flu vac2015 and we’re still waiting for 2016 cine. We just want you to get tested results,” said Mills. and get the proper treatment,” said Mills and her sidekick, Captain Mills. There is no charge for Mills and Quidel, visit community events, schools Captain Quidel to visit an event. They and senior centers in an effort to get the currently visit childcare centers, word out about how to prevent and treat schools, senior centers and attend netthe flu. Captain Quidel is a superhero, working events in an effort to get the cape and all, who comes to the events word out. If you would like to have the with Mills and speaks to the audience Flu Bug at your next event, camp or about the flu. The presentations norbusiness, please call Sherri Mills at mally last only about 10 minutes and 410-900-5630.

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April 2017

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Grace Christian To Honor Founder With $5 Million High School Expansion

By Amanda Boston

Since grams in sports Grace for students of Christian all grades. By School adding a secopened its ond gymnasidoors in 1974, um, we will be it has able to engage sustained the elementary a solid students in reputaexciting intertion for scholastic academic leagues, provide excela greater capaclence. Its ity for all of our rigorous sports teams, Grace Christian School is situated on 26 acres of curriculum is and be the new land off of N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. taught from a home of the biblical worldview while in a structured Grace Christian School Patriots varsity but caring environment. In addition to sports.” preparing its students scholastically, the In honor of the school’s founder, Dr. school has an intentional focus on charRobert R. Gustafson, the new facility will acter development with emphasis on bear his name. Gustafson, the beloved moral living, patriotism and civic duty. founder, administrator, pastor, and baseThe more than 40 years of educaball coach passed away in January tional success has multiplied its student 2016. He was a visionary with a passion population—causing the original school for Christian education. His legacy lives building to swell at its seams. In on through the Grace Christian School response to the growth, Grace Christian as it continues to provide students with a finalized plans for a two-year construc“Unfortunately, we had to turn away tion project to expand the high school students last year,” said McKeen. “But campus. The new facility includes a high with a new building, we will have the school building, which will house 12 capacity for 400 more students.” To classrooms, two auditoriums, administra- donate to the building fund, please contive offices and a gymnasium. With a tact the school at 689-8815. Donations price tag of five million dollars, the are tax deductible. school is actively campaigning for funds. Grace Christian School is located at Administrator Barry McKeen of 1425 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. Grace Christian explained, “The facility Registration is open for the 2017-2018 will increase our student capacity and school year. For further details, please expand our ability to provide new provisit www.gracechristianschool.com.

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Page 17

Enter to win a Paint Job!

Why could you use up to $2,500 in free painting! Send us your story and a photo. Email a story approx. 500 words about your painting needs to contest@ospreyobserver.com subject line Painting along with a photo. At least 4 winners from the community will be selected as part of Dynamic Painting USA’s 10 year Anniversary Give Away! Name: Address: Phone: Email: Community: Email to win at contest@ospreyobserver.com, fax to 657-4469 or mail to 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Brandon, FL 33511.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

does this continue to • “Look happen and it’s just when you hard to say.” Lock.” – Open While no investithe rear door gation can bring Jacob of your car or back, heeding turn around in reminders of the danyour seat to gers of leaving children look behind By Tamas Mondovics in parked cars, and you just to raising awareness can make sure be done by all. everyone is With temperatures rising during the summer out of the car Many of such reminders are not hard months residents are urged to be aware of before you the dangers of summer heat. Even at just 80 to find, including the degrees outside temperatures, a car can heat lock. Try to “This is everyone’s up to over 120 degrees in less than an hour. make a habit of one posted on the nightmare,” Hillsborough window at the BFF doing this County Sheriff’s Office Kidz day care center, which reads: "Look even when traveling alone (and it Public Information before you lock. Never leave a child could always help you to remember Officer, Larry McKinnon alone in a car." your purse, sunglasses, or something told reporters shortly According to experts, grim statistics else, too.) after a two-year-old forecast dozens of over-heated parked• Keep something important in Brandon toddler, Jacob car casualties across the U.S. each sum- the back seat – Put your purse or walManchego was found mer. let on the seat next to your car-seat. unconscious, in a car at The top ten states for such deaths This gives you another reason to turn the Oak Park Shopping include: Texas, Florida, California, around and look back, helping to build Center at the corner of Arizona, Tennessee, North Carolina, up the habit of looking. W. Lumsden Road and Louisiana, Virginia, and Georgia, • Always lock the doors – This Two-year-old Brandon toddler, Jacob Manchego was found Kings Ave. in Brandon. Oklahoma. can help prevent curious kids from unconscious, in a car at the Oak Park Shopping Center at the The all too familiar corner of W. Lumsden Road and Kings Ave in Brandon in late International Parking Institute (IPI) getting in a car and getting locked incident is another grim February. After being left in his sister’s car for more than five Communications noted that while dozens inside. reminder of the dangers hours, Manchego was transported to Brandon Regional Hospital of children die annually in this tragic way, • Keep keys and fobs out of where he later died and under criminal investigation. of an overheated car it is most often due to being forgotten in reach – Hang your keys and fobs in a Five hours later, she returned to her and the importance of vigilance not only the backseat by a busy parent or a carecabinet or put them somewhere that car and discovered Jacob unresponsive during the summer months, but year giver. children can’t get to them. inside. round. car's interior can reportedly rise 43 A If you see a child in car alone, • McKinnon said Silva-Tello removed Temperatures in the Tampa area degrees in an hour and easily top 123 call 911 – Even on a 75 degree day, the reached the upper-80s the day of the inci- the child from the vehicle and carried him degrees on an 80-degree day, even with inside of car can reach 100 degrees to a dialysis center in the shopping center dent, tying records for this time of year, the windows “cracked” open. Within minwithin 10 minutes, and a child’s body where first aid was administered. authorities said. utes, such sweltering environment can can overheat three to five times faster Paramedics with Hillsborough County According to investigators, turn lethal for a child whose body temperthan an adult. If you see a child left in Fire Rescue arrived and transported Manchego’s 21-year-old half sister, rises several times faster than an ature car alone, call 911 for assistance. It’s a Jacob to Brandon Regional Hospital Fiorella Vanessa Silva-Tello left the little adult’s. far better to be safe than sorry. where he later died. boy locked inside her gray Chevy In a way of offering support, For more information please visit “We see this happen over and over Equinox at around 9 a.m. after she Mckinnon urged residents to take time NHTSA.org or safercar.gov/heatstroke, arrived to work at BFF Kidz day care cen- again,” said McKinnon visibly upset, and review basic safety tips, including: or visit www.parking.org. adding, “You have to ask yourself why ter, at 733 W. Lumsden Road.

Sheriff’s Office Warns To Never Leave Children Alone In Vehicles After Recent Toddler Death

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Page 19

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

IMPACT’s Third Annual Talent Show And Summer Staff Opportunities

By Amanda Boston

Got talent? IMPACT’s Got Talent, and on Friday, May 5, the nonprofit organization will hold its Third annual talent show, a spin-off of NBC’s television show, America’s Got Talent. The family fun kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Bloomingdale High School, located at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. The fundraising event will also hold IMPACT’s Summer Staff travels a 50/50 raffle and a throughout the Hillsborough County silent auction with fabuencouraging abstinence and the avoidance of risky behavior. lous gift baskets. Young stars will pregnancy center." light up the stage in a variety of acts— Since 1998, the mulsinging, dancing, acting, and instrument tidimensional organiplaying, to name a few. School-aged zation has served contestants will compete against one the Hillsborough another for prestige and prizes. First community with the and second place trophies will be goal “to educate, equip, empower and awarded in each category with an over- support students, parents and teachers all grand prize of $250. in the area of sexual risk avoidance and General admission tickets are $15 healthy relationships.” per adult and $5 per student. Preferred Teen IMPACT is a group of high seating is available for $20 per adult school teens devoted to a lifestyle that and $10 per student. Doors open at 6 is free of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and p.m. for preferred seating and 6:10 p.m. premarital sex. During the academic for general admission. All ticket sales year, teens garner peer support in benefit the IMPACT program. IMPACT’s student-led school clubs. Angie Kagey, the Executive Moreover, IMPACT has teamed up with Director of IMPACT, explained, "We are the local high school’s HOPE (Healthy the prevention arm of the local pregOpportunities through Physical nancy center encouraging teens to Education) program and Family and make healthy choices, so they are not Consumer Science classes. The classin the situation where they need the room education not only imparts the

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Summer Staff was a great experience and personally loved the message.” Applications for Summer Staff will be accepted until Friday, April 14 and are available on IMPACT’s Website. With a staff three, the nonprofit organization heavily relies on its volunteer force. "We are the eighth IMPACT’s Got Talent will take place on Friday, May 5, at Bloomingdale largest school district in the nation and could High School. not do this without our importance of volunteers,” said Kagey. Formerly, making positive IMPACT was under the auspices of the choices, but also LifeCare Network, a local pregnancy provides practicenter but became its own 501(c) 3 cal guidance on non-profit organization in 2010. circumventing “LifeCare is still a financial and relationrisky behavior. al partner, but the program grew in In the summer, high school stusuch a way that it needed to have its dents can participate in the Summer own funding strength," stated Kagey. Staff program. For eight weeks, a IMPACT receives its funding from the group of selected students perform Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, skits that encourage abstinence and local pregnancy centers, individuals, healthy lifestyle choices for their peers churches, businesses and fundraising in community organizations such as events. IMPACT’s primary fundraiser is the Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA's, its annual Celebration Dinner at The recreation centers and churches. The Regent in Riverview, which will be held skits use comedic drama as the pathon Thursday, September 21. way into serious subjects like sex and For information on IMPACT, drugs. visit www.whatisimpact.com. For furLast summer, Cassi Graf, a ther questions, contact Angie Kagey at Newsome High School freshman parakagey@whatisimpact.com or 264ticipated and said, “I felt that IMPACT’s 9368.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

By Tamas Mondovics

Seven Arrested At County Park for Lewd, Indecent Activities Hillsborough Remaining in a Place County Sheriff Office’s for Lewdness. (HCSO) detectives The men arrested see no shortage of included Lanny crime that keeps them Losure, 75 of Parish, busy, but the recent Cecil Richardson, 74, arrest of seven men of Sun City, Robert between the ages Schneider, 84 of St. HCSO detectives arrested seven men for Petersburg, Frank 55 and 84 for lewdlewd sex acts at Heritage Park in Sun City. Brooks, 78, of Sun ness at a County Park in Ruskin is definitely one for the City, Joseph Martinez, 55 of Ruskin, books. Douglas Brown, 57 of Palmetto and According to Hillsborough County James Pacitto, 79 of Millville NJ. Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer, Schneider, the oldest in the bunch, Debbie Carter, detectives from the has reportedly been put on probation in Special Investigation Division, Selective Pinellas County for exposing himself six Operations Section conducted undercovyears ago. The men were charged with er operation at Heritage Park in Sun City Battery, Entering or Remaining in a Place in southern Hillsborough County. The for Lewdness. Local park goers hope that investigations were in response to inforthe men got the message and that the mation that parts of the public park were recent arrest will stop the indecent activiknown to be meeting places for lewd ties in their park. Officials said that their activities. meet up at the park was not all that diffiArea residents and visitor to the park cult as the men connect through websites located at 3030 S US Hwy. 41 in Ruskin and private chat rooms. have been complaining about perverts While the recent arrests raised frequenting the family-friendly facility, awareness of the activities in the park, meeting up for sex acts, which they said and has seemingly halted the “hook ups”, sometimes happens on the park benches the sheriff’s office emphasized that it was or in their cars. good detective work and most importantly During the undercover operation, utithe public’s vigilance and assistance lizing male undercover detectives, the working with law enforcement that helped seven individuals were arrested for variclean up the park; at least for now. ous charges including Battery, Exposure For information about the HCSO, visit of Sexual Organs and Entering and hcso.tampa.fl.us or call 247-8200.

Volume 15, Issue 4

Center Place’s Bet A Buck Auction Is A Fun Way To Support The Arts

By Kathy L. Collins

Center Place will ing the Florida host Bet A Buck Aquarium. There will Charity Auction For also be opportunities to The Arts on Friday, bid on a two night stay May 5 from 6:30 to at Siesta Key 9:30 p.m. at Center Bungalows, golf fourPlace located at 619 somes and even a 32 Vonderburg Dr. in inch Samsung Smart Brandon. This is a fun TV. and inexpensive way In addition to bidto get great stuff and ding on great items support the arts at the such as these, attensame time. Auction dees will enjoy a deliitems have been cious dinner and open Dawn Galia, Executive Director donated by local busibar. for Center Place, invites you to support the arts, have a great nesses. Last year, Center time and bid on fantastic items at Place raised $5,000. How does Bet A Center Place’s Bet A Buck Charity Buck work? Upon Auction For The Arts on Friday, This year, organizers May 5. arrival, you rent a padhope to double this. All dle. This is the device that gives you funds raised at Bet A Buck, help supthe opportunity to bid on fun and excit- port the wonderful programming at ing items. When an item comes up, Center Place. Galia explained, “Center you put $1, $2 or $3 in the bucket. The Place is celebrating our 40th year in amount you put in depends on the the Brandon community. We offer value of the auctioned item. Paddles summer camps for children and art are just $10 per person. Additional workshops for children and adults. We paddles cost just $5 per person. hire local artists as our instructors. We Dawn Galia, Executive Director for have a different artist exhibit in the Center Place said, “It is a unique and Mook Gallery every month. In addition super fun event to raise dollars for the to all of this, we have 75 children’s arts. If you want something unique and theatre productions each year and fun, join us for Bet A Buck.” Galia bring in over 15,000 children to see added, “We had a wonderful turnout live theatre.” last year and hope to have a great This is an event that is perfect for turnout this year as well. This year we both women and men. There is limited will have a list of items that will be seating, so pick up your tickets or auctioned off that evening.” make a reservation today. At Center Place’s Bet A Buck, you For more information, please visit can bid on all kinds of items including www.centerplacebrandon.org or call tickets to many area attractions includ- 685-8888.

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April 2017

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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Traditional High Tea & Raffle Supports PEO, Women's Education By Amanda Boston

Ladies, are you looking for an excuse to adorn yourself with pearls and don a fancy hat? If so, grab your gal pals for a traditional High Tea on Saturday, May 13 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Riverview United Methodist Church. The local Chapter AM-DV of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) International is hosting the High Tea as a fundraising event to support and celebrate the advancement of women in education. Since 1869, P.E.O. International has helped tens of thousands of women achieve their educational goals through scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans. The Sisterhood originated in Iowa with only seven members. Today, the organization consists of nearly a quarter of a million members in thousands of chapters hailing from all 50 states and Canada. Fran Carillo, the former president of the local Chapter AM-DV, expressed much gratitude for the organization as she shared her special connection. “I went to college at the age of 37. When I was doing my teaching internship in 1978, the chapter nominated me for a Program of Continuing Education grant. At the time, I wasn’t working because of my internship, so the money really helped. ... Then when I retired 20 years later from teaching, I joined P.E.O. to help

P.E.O. International is a philanthropic organization assisting women in educational pursuits through grants, scholarships and loans. Its motto is “women helping women reach for the stars.”

other women. I have been a member since 1999,” Carrillo said. The High Tea will feature varieties of teas accompanied by scones served with clotted cream and jam, chocolate-covered strawberries and other assorted desserts. For those with savory palates, the menu will include pinwheel sandwiches, chicken salad croissant sandwiches, and cucumber sandwiches. The elegant event will boast traditional fine China table settings, beautifully hand-made boxed candy favors and lovely photo opportunities. Additionally, guests can expect door prizes, a raffle for themed baskets, and a 50/50 raffle, adding to the fun and benefitting the noble cause. Tea ticket prices are $20 per person, with the proceeds going towards scholarships for young women. Tickets are sold as single seats, but you may reserve a table for a group of six or eight women. The Church is located at 8002 US Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview. Contact Connie Mosley at 766-7104 or Fran Carrillo at 677-6836. Visit www.peointernational.org.

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Circle K Fuels Symmes Elementary

By Amy Schechter

Often, back to the schools are kids using it to faced with the purchase ireality of havPads, sporting ing to do more equipment, with less, but and school one local busistore items, ness is changwhich students ing that for can purchase Symmes with school Elementary money earned School in from incenRiverview. tives for Dennis Ihm, General Manager Circle K; Anna Rothenbush, Symmes' principal; Nicole Bowser, Circle K at the grades and Symmes PTA president partner together. corner of behavior. Bloomingdale Ave. and Watson Rd. is Dennis Ihm, Circle K’s general mangiving back a portion of profits in its ager, is so happy that his location was Fueling Our Schools effort. chosen to participate in the program: At Circle K, pumps nine and ten give “We’re totally thrilled and excited to be one cent back to the school every day. helping the school system and the larger Additionally, one night every quarter, they community. We’re relatively new, so we donate ten cents for all the pumps back definitely wanted to become involved.” On to the school. Each quarter, Circle K will quarterly Fueling Our Schools nights, Ihm give up to $500 dollars back to the sets up tents with specialty vendors and school. Nicole Bowser, the president of gives away $50 gift cards through raffles the Parent Teacher Association at as another way to encourage community Symmes, is excited to have received the members to take part. Plus every day, he maximum amount: “We’ve received a and Bowser definitely want people to pull $1000 check for the first two quarters.” up to pumps nine and ten brightly Circle K presented the check on the wrapped with Fueling Our Schools logos, school’s morning show, and teachers and so you know your money is going to a students are so very appreciative. great cause. Bowser adds, “We are using their Circle K #7645 is located at 11320 donated money to do things we didn’t Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. For inforthink we could do and provide for the kids mation on how Circle K is Fueling Our this year due to Hillsborough County Schools, call 662-1274. For information budget cuts. For example, there’s a lot of on how you can partner with Symmes technology that is out of date at school.” Elementary, contact the Symmes PTA at Symmes was selected out of many local Symmespta@gmail.com. Check out the schools who applied to the program, and Fueling Our Schools initiative on the PTA directs the donations directly Facebook facebook.com/CircleKFlorida/.

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April 2017

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

Riverview/Apollo Beach

April 2017

Volume 15, Issue 4

Ph: 657-2418

InThis Section

CHALKLINES....................................PG 28 YOUTH PROGRAMS ........................PG 31

SOUTHSHORE LIVING ..............PGS 36‐37 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...............PG 40 KENTUCKY DERBY...........................PG 41 SPORTS CONNECTION. ...................PG 47

Guardian Advocacy Workshop For Parents Of Adult Children With Developmental Disabilities

A Guardian Advocacy Workshop will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m.-12 Noon. The speakers will be special needs planning attorneys, Laurie OHall and Dana Kemper. If your child is turning (or has turned) 18, and has been diagnosed with a developmental disability (intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, Down syndrome, PhelanMcDermid syndrome, or Prader-Willi syndrome), and continues to need your help to make financial, educational and health care decisions, you will likely need to petition the court to become a Guardian Advocate over your child. When a child with special needs turns 18, he or she is still considered a considered a “legal adult” in the eyes of the law—despite his or her disabilities. Because of this, parents and caregivers are often prevented by law from making medical decisions, speaking to financial institutions or even managing the child’s benefits. The Workshop will take place at F.R.I.E.N.D.S Down Syndrome Tampa conference room, located at 1219 Millennium Pkwy. in Brandon. Admission is free and handouts will be available. Seating is limited to 25 spots. To RSVP, visit www.Ohalllaw.com/guardianadvocacyworkshop or call 438-8503.

Maid, “They love to do the job you hate”. Call 999-4929.

Tutor Doctor Now Making ‘House Calls’ In FishHawk

There will be fewer “math meltdowns” and other homework headaches in FishHawk, Brandon, Tutor Doctor, an at-home tutoring fran- Valrico & Riverview chise recently opened locally. now that Tom Avino Attorneys Laurie OHall and Dana This treathas introduced Tutor Doctor – the fastest Kemper will hold a Guardian ment is used to Advocacy Workshop on Saturday, growing “at-home” tutoring franchise April 22 from 10 a.m.-12 Noon at Riverview-Opoly is available for stimulate the worldwide – to the community. 1219 Millennium Pkwy. in Brandon. sale at the Greater Riverview therapeutic Tutor Doctor, a rapidly expanding Chamber of Commerce for $20. nature of reflexes one-on-one tutoring service designed to found in the help students from ages six to 106, hands or feet in order to balance the announced the opening of a new franbody and restore proper circulation. This chise location in FishHawk offering the is a standalone treatment performed on community and students a private, easy the hands or feet. way to catch-up or get ahead in school. DayDreams Day Spa & Bath Shop is For more information, call 305-2696 Reflexology Now Offered At located at 658 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. or visit tutordoctor.com/brandon. DayDreams Day Spa For more information or to book your DayDreams Day Spa now offers 80 appointment, call 657-2992 or visit Riverview-Opoly Makes A Great Gift minute Reflexology with Foot Bath for http://daydreamsdayspa.com/. Or Fun Game Night $95. This therapy uses pressure applied While Benefitting to carefully selected reflex points in both Royal Maid Now Offering Local Charities feet and hands to unlock tension and Cleaning Services On For many years, stress. This treatment will stimulate circuSaturday Greater Riverview lation, relieve stress, promote relaxation, Royal Maid Service Chamber of Commerce and release energy through your entire would like to help you with (GRCC) has hosted an body. your spring cleaning. It is now doing Honorary Mayor of Riverview Race. In You can also book a 45 minute hand Saturday Cleans. If you book before April addition to being a fundraiser for the or foot Reflexology for $50. 15, receive a 10% discount. At Royal Continued on Next Page

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Business Column Continued.............

By Michelle Colesanti

Chamber of Commerce, it has become a significant source of income for several worthy charities. Now, this year, the privilege of being Honorary Mayor has risen to new heights and is providing new fun. 2017 Honorary Mayor of Riverview, Tammy Holmberg, Chick-fil-A Brandon, opted to host her very own Inauguration party to kick off her one-year term. The jovial event was held in January at The Barn at Winthrop with close to 200 people in attendance. In true Holmberg style, all proceeds from the event went to charity. The Deputy Mayoral team of Bryan and Marijean Reith are continuing their dedication to charity through a fundraising effort that began during their 2016 campaign. The duo has created a Riverview-Opoly game through sponsorships paid by GRCC members. There are still games for sale and the profits are still going to the Chamber and to various local charities, such as Relay for Life. These games are available at the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce for $20. The Chamber is located at 10012 Water Works Lane, in the Boardwalk of Riverview offices. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Call 234-5944 for more details.

Convenient & Affordable Health Care Offered At Fast Track Urgent Care

ward to serving the Riverview community for the years to come.” The staff will work diligently to get you taken care of and on your way to feeling better, in most cases, in 30 to 60 minutes. You can make a reservation online through the Fast Pass system on the website or by calling 9251903. The Riverview office is located at 11406 S. US Hwy. 301. Visit at www.fasttrackurgentcare.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FTUCC.

maintaining the highest possible level of employee training and development. Stop in today to have your fluids checked, your wipers or air filters replaced and/or your oil changed. Take 5 in Riverview is located at 13376 Lincoln Road in the former Halvoline Express Lube building across from The Alley at SouthShore. They are open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Be sure to check them out online for coupon savings www.take5oilchange.com. If you need

Teachers In Voice And Piano Sought In Riverview

The Leopold School is the premier music school in Tampa for excellence in voice and piano instruction. It is seeking teachers in the Riverview and FishHawk areas to work with students of all ages. If interested, contact Ester or Blake Leopold at 253-3339. The Leopold School is located at 3603 W. Azeele St. in Tampa. For more information, visit www.theleopoldschool.com.

Take 5 Oil Change Takes Off With Ribbon Cutting Event

Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) was happy to conduct a Ribbon Cutting ceremony for Take 5 Oil Change on Friday, February 17. In addition to the local Riverview team, there were Take 5 representatives on hand

Fast Track Urgent Care, a walkin based facility that is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., has been providing medical care to the Tampa Bay community for over 10 years. Clinics are located throughout the area, Fast Track Urgent Care is now serving Riverview with their newest including Wesley location. Chapel, Carrollwood, Westchase, South Tampa from across the bay and from their and now Riverview. Louisiana headquarters. Daron G. Diecidue, M.D. is the owner The company began in 1984 as of the new Riverview location. “Our misRapid Oil Change, they are today sion is to provide an exceptional patient "Home of the 5 Minute Oil Change". experience during every visit. Every facili- Take 5 Oil Change's Mission Statement ty has board certified providers that can is to set service standards and achieve treat pediatric to adult patients with the customer satisfaction standards that highest level of quality care. We look forexceed every customer's expectation by

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Volume 15, Issue 4

to take part in the ceremonial ground breaking which was followed by a Blessing of the Land. KCC is still growing and recently conducted another ground breaking for a Preparatory High School on Johanna Ave. in Riverview. Visit www.kcchs.mykidscc.org.

Business Network Int’l To Hold A Visitor’s Day Event

BNI, Business Network Int’l, a networking organization specializing in the exchange of qualified business referrals among members, will hold a Visitor’s Day breakfast meeting on Wednesday, April 12 at The Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, located at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview from 7:30 – 9 a.m. This is an opportunity to see and learn the secrets of how businesses thrive on word of mouth or referral based marketing,” said Tom Fleming, Executive Director for the Organization. Please contact Katie Henry at 4491749 to be added to the guest list as seating will be limited.

Evolution Primary Care Office Recently Opened

Dr. Matthew Dowdy has recently opened Evolution Primary Care, a priKids Community College Breaks mary care office offering nighttime and Ground For Its Southeast Middle weekend hours. With a friendly and helpSchool ful staff, the practice has been tailored In March, the Greater Riverview around patients' schedules to allow for Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) memeasy access to the doctor for routine bers were excited to take part in a care and minor urgent illnesses and ground breaking ceremony at the new injuries without the inconvenience of Kids Community College (KCC) missing work or school. It offers convenSoutheast Middle School site located at ient online scheduling and messaging Balm Riverview and McMullen Rds. with the staff so that patients will always This is the latest develhave a direct line to opment for KCC’s their providers and Southeast Campus access to their which already includes medical records. an International The office is less Baccalaureate® World like that of the typiSchool. With the musical doctor's office cal talents of the KCC and more like the Southeast Elementary casual atmosphere students starting the you might find in a program with their rendilocal coffeehouse. tion of our National It guarantees that Anthem it was a perfect you will be seen at day to celebrate the the time your educational growth in appointment is Dr. Matthew Dowdy recently opened this community. Evolution Primary Care which offers schedule. Several KCC offiEvolution night and weekend hours. cials, as well as GRCC Primary Care is President, Elijah Heath of Edward located at 11264 Boyette Rd. in Jones welcomed and spoke to the Riverview. Hours are Monday to Friday crowd expressing their enthusiasm for from 12 Noon-9 p.m. and Saturday from this new school to serve the middle 12 Noon-5 p.m. For information, call 672school students. Then they proceeded 2014 or visit www.evolutionprimary.com.

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April 2017

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Photos and story by Tamas Mondovics

District Hosts Transportation Fair, Magnet Schools Receive Recognition & More District Hosts Series of School Transportation Resource Fair

With school transportation concerns making headlines in recent months, Hillsborough County Public Schools officials began hosting a series School Transportation Resource Fairs at school sites throughout the District. Although scarcely attended, Randall Middle School have also hosted the event on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. Randall, Barrington Middle and Newsome High in the FishHawk Ranch area serves nearly 1,000 students who are currently receiving courtesy busing, but according to district officials have met the state hazardous criteria, and will be losing their courtesy bus service this coming fall. The next nearby fair is scheduled to take place at Eisenhower Middle School, 7620 Old Big Bend Rd, Gibsonton, on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, in the school cafeteria from 5:307:00 p.m. According to Jeff Eakins each event provides resources to parents including a list of alternative school transportation options, including walking school buses and bike trains. “These are options where a group of children walk to school with one or more adults,” Eakins said, during

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a brief instructional video promoting the school transportation fair. ‘“A variation on the walking school bus is a bicycle train where adults supervise a group of children riding their bikes to school. Eakins added that parents can find more information on creating such options on the Florida Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School website. Eakins emphasized that the Tampa Bay Regional Transportation Authority TBARTA provides access to a list of names and contact information of school parents who are interested in assisting with the alternative transportation programs. Lisa Silva of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) one of the presenting partners for the event, is a liaison for the School Transportation Working Group. “We want to provide resources to parents,” Silva said. “We already have these great partners participating in our school transportation working group so we wanted to bring it all together. Our goal is to hear parents' concerns and give them some educational materials and information.”

HCPS is encouraging parents to attend one of the remaining School Transportation Resource Fairs. Officials said that whether a child walks, bikes, gets a ride or takes the bus, families will find promotional materials, information and helpful tips at these events, along with representatives from HCPS and various other state and local agencies and organizations who will be on hand to answer questions and concerns. Parents are encouraged to visit the district’s website at www.sdhc.k12.fl.us and type ‘alternative transportation’ in the search engine.

Orange Grove, Stewart, and Williams middle magnet schools; Rampello K-8 School; and Tampa Bay Technical High School. Magnet Schools of Distinction awards recipients included, Cahoon, Dunbar, Lee, Lincoln, MacFarlane, Muller, and Shore elementary magnet schools; Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy, Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy, Progress Village and Walker middle magnet schools; and Blake, Jefferson and Middleton high schools.

Magnet Schools Receive National Recognition

Three top educators and support staff were recently honored as winners of the 2017 Excellence in Education Awards Representatives of the Hillsborough Education Foundation presented the awards at the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts. The 2017 Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year award went to Pedro Castrejon of Jefferson High School. The 2017 Instructional Support Employee of the Year award went to Terranique Ragins, Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy Middle School. The 2017 Teacher of the Year award went to Memorial Middle School teacher Maria Torres Crosby.

Magnet Schools of America (MSA) has recognized a list of Hillsborough County public magnet schools and programs as Magnet Schools of Excellence or Magnet Schools of Distinction. According to district officials the awards recognize member magnet schools and programs that demonstrate a commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, desegregation/diversity efforts, specialized teaching staffs, and parent and community involvement. Magnet Schools of Excellence Awards recipients included, Riverhills Elementary Magnet School,

HCPS Announces Excellence in Education Winners

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happy, motivated remarks by and County excited…watch Commissioner out…because Stacy White, who something amazing presented is inevitably going Valencia Lakes to result,” said with a "commenCommunications dation" from the santi, lle Cole Director Lalita BOCC. Major e h ic M d by m Llerena. “As that Bullara of the Compile preyobserver.co @os child grows and Hillsborough michelle fulfills their full County Sheriff's potential, they will Department also truly make the spoke. Valencia Lakes recently hosted a Community Resources Expo which drew 800 world a better place Valencia residents. Nothing for Kids To Do? County for everyone.” Lakes residents active minutes each week. Summer Camps To The Rescue Healthy Kids Day is a free comwere able to recycle their used elecTry for the Y Mini Triathlon. Want to keep your kids engaged munity event to help parents begin tronics, shred no longer needed docuChallenge Day Triathlon will take and active over their summer break? thinking early about ways to keep their ments and donate blood, at the event. place on Saturday, May 20. You can Let them try archery. Or play basketkids both physically and intellectually The Florida Highway Patrol also preball. Or work on interesting, challengactive this sumsented demonstrations ing craft projects. All those activities mer. It is the throughout the morning are available at Hillsborough County’s largest event of using their "Crash Rollover popular summer camps for children. its kind in the Simulator", which shows Open registration for the camps nation, taking what happens to crash test has begun. Camps are offered for kids place at over dummies who don't wear ages 6-12, and from 12-15, and adap- 1,600 Ys comtheir seatbelts. tive recreation for ages 5-22. The mitted to taking This was the largest camps are open from 7:30 a.m.-6 on summer to event of its kind to be held p.m. Monday through Friday from Jun address critical at Valencia Lakes. e 5-August 4. gaps in health Children can learn, play, and grow and education. Pepin Academies in a safe and supervised environment As spring Celebrates New Riverview as they explore new places and activi- turns to sumSchool ties with their peers. The camps offer mer, Healthy On February 24, Pepin Photo courtesy of Kevin King, Majestic Photography, LLC arts and crafts, sports, and other Kids Day is a Academies hosted a very Pepin Academies opens location in Riverview. recreational activities to keep kids powerful well-attended Ribbon entertained and physically active. reminder that a child’s development is Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the participate as an individual or team. Rates for a two-week session are never on vacation. The Y is here to brand-new campus in Riverview. Your distance will be tracked for $76, or $60 with a reduced lunch leteducate families and motivate kids to Along with several members of the prizes. Triathlon includes 20 minute ter, and $40 with a free lunch letter. stay active in spirit, mind and body Greater Riverview Chamber of run, 20 minute bike ride in treadmill For more information, throughout the summer. Each particiCommerce that were on hand, there the spin studio and 20 minute lap visit HCFLGov.net/SummerCamps. pating YMCA has more information on were also elected officials, Pepin swim in the pool. Parents are encouraged to regiswhat type of free activities and food board members, staff, students and Celebration day on May 20 will ter early as some they’ll offer durbenefactors, to participate in the celeinclude prizes and drawings for those camps fill up quickly. ing their Healthy bration. who participated in either event. Kids Day event. Tom Pepin, member of the Pepin Campo Y is located at 3414 Tampa YMCA Visit www.tamFamily, founding patrons of Pepin Culbreath Rd. in Valrico. Call 684Invites Families To paymca.org/locaAcademies, was on hand to congratu1371 for more information. Take Charge tions/. late everyone involved in the creation During Free of this school. Ken Hagan, Valencia Lakes "Community Healthy Kids Healthy Living Hillsborough County Commissioner, Resources Expo" A Huge Success Day® Events Challenge At was also on hand and delivered a Valencia Lakes inaugural On Saturday, Campo Y commendation to the school. A lively "Community Resources Expo" was April 29, the commustaff of energetic, highly-qualified Join Campo held on Wednesday, March 29 at the nity is invited to free teachers and support personnel are Family YMCA for Valencia Lakes Social Hall in Healthy Kids dedicated to providing each and every a healthy living Wimauma. Nearly 800 residents regis- student a nurturing, fun, and meaningDay® events hosted at nine Tampa challenge to support its Annual tered for this informative event which Metropolitan Area YMCA locations ful academic and social experience Campaign as well as to provide featured 62 booths. Hillsborough from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The goal of despite their learning disabilities. healthy fun ending with a celebration County, State of Florida and Federal Healthy Kids Day is to teach healthy This new Riverview campus has a including prizes, food fun and more. Government departments and agenhabits for kids and families; encourtrue school atmosphere with lunchThis challenge will be from cies, as well as local non-profits and age physical and mental play and room, media center, gym and more. It Saturday, April 22 to Friday, May 19. support agencies, all participated in inspire a lifetime love of exercise. is located at 9304 Camden Field Pkwy. Each participant logs their total the Expo which ran from 9 a.m. – 1 “At the Y, we believe charged up in Riverview. It is now accepting appli“Healthy Minutes” spent at the Y with p.m. kids achieve amazing things. We see cations. Visit riverview.pepinacadea goal of completing the American The Expo featured opening it all the time. When a child is healthy, Heart Association’s recommended 150 mies.com for more details.

YMCEAxpo , s t n e v E More… &

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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Golf Scramble Fundraiser Benefits Royal Family Kids

On Tuesday, April 25 from 5:30-9 p.m., Royal Family Kids Tampa will hold its first annual fundraiser golf scramble at Top Golf in Brandon. Enjoy over two hours of golf, a hot breakfast and listen to a keynote speaker. Prizes will be given away for the good (and not so good) performances. A silent auction will be held. All proceeds support a week of camp for kids that have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment. Corporate sponsorship is available as well as individual registration. Visit TampaKidsCamp.org or contact Scott Mulhollen, camp director at 641-4141 or email at scott@rfkctb.com.

Old McMicky’s Farm Announces “Mission I Do”

Hawthorne Hosts Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Hawthorne Health & Rehabilitation Center hosts a monthly support group for those who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers on the third Thursday of every month. Upcoming meetings include April 20, May 18, June 15, and July 20. Physical, speech and occupational therapists will discuss treatment for issues related to balance, swallowing, talking and other skills that can be affected by Parkinson’s Disease. Hawthorne Health & Rehabilitation Center, located at 851 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon, is a skilled nursing facility with inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs including speech, physical and occupational therapies. Hawthorne also hosts a dementia support group in their assisted living facility, as well as past meetings for those dealing with strokes, diabetes, low vision and other diseases. The Parkinson’s Disease support group is free of charge and open to those who have been diagnosed with the disease, family members, caregivers and anyone with an interest in learning more about Parkinson’s. For more information or to register, call 661-8998 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.5 p.m.).

In appreciation of men and women in the military and in honor of those who have been wounded in combat, Old McMicky’s

East Hillsborough Democratic Club Meets

The April meeting of the Farm (OMF) is honored to East Hillsborough announce the 6th "Mission Democratic Club will be held I Do" Dream Wedding at Beef O'Brady's, located Applications are currently available for the 6th “Mission I Do” Dream at 4330 Bells Shoals Rd. in Giveaway. Old McMicky’s Wedding Giveaway from Old McMicky’s Farm. Farm will provide an active Valrico on Tuesday, April 11 officiant and more. To make this speduty or military veteran, residing or at 6:30 p.m. There will be a surprise cial event even more perfect, all wed- guest speaker. For more information, stationed in Tampa Bay, the wedding ding elements and services have of their dreams at The Barn at visit www.easthillsboroughdemocraticbeen graciously donated by several Crescent Lake. The lakefront venue is club.com. local hospitality industry businesses elegant, rustic and will play host to with amazing hearts. OMF launched the lucky couple and their 100 guests. Jazz Performance At Firehouse

Cultural Center

Riverview Garden Club Meets

The Riverview Garden Club will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, April 12 at 10 a.m. at the Riverview Civic Center, 11020 Park Dr. in Riverview. The guest speaker will be National Day Lily Judge Linda Sample. She will discuss Growing Day Lilies in the Tampa Bay Area.

Volume 15, Issue 4

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The Whitney James Jazz Quartet will perform on Saturday, April 29 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at The Firehouse Cultural Center, located at 101 1st Ave NE, in Ruskin. Engaging jazz vocalist Whitney James is making her debut performance at the Firehouse, backed by well-known jazz guitarist and composer LaRue Nickelson, withAlejandro Arenas on bass, and Dave Rudolph on drums. Tickets cost $23-18 in advance and $28-23 on the day of the show. Call 645-7651 or visit www.firehouseculturalcenter.org

April 2017

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Boy Scouting & Youth Programs Encourage Leadership 7 Goals Parents know there is a small window of time to make a meaningful, positive impact on children and shape who they may become as adults. A large portion of that influence comes at home, but it often also involves school, friends and extracurricular activities, many of which can help families make the most out of childhood experiences. A survey by Forrester found that millennial parents are more likely to engage their children in activities at a younger age. They want to introduce their children to a diverse set of experiences, allowing children to discover their talents and skills. Balancing this heightened level of engagement with the demands of hectic family schedules means parents are increasingly challenged to select the most meaningful activities for their children. While most extracurricular activities help children socialize and learn new skills, some go further in areas like character building, good citizenship and exploring future goals. Often, the most effective programs work to deliver those outcomes without focusing on them, subtly teaching skills through activities young people consider fun. Consider Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, which most associate with camping and outdoor adventures. While boys spend time transforming a block of wood

into a race car and learning how to shoot an arrow, the underlying program helps create a strong foundation of leadership, service and community. A study conducted by Tufts University of kids ages 6-12 found that youth who participate in scouting exhibit strong moral values and positive character attributes, allowing them to embrace new opportunities, overcome obstacles and become better prepared for future success. As one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based, youthdevelopment organizations in the country, Boy Scouts of America is applying this proven approach in introducing new programs designed to reach youth who may not be interested in building fires. “Scouting offers youth and their Families life-changing experiences they can’t get anywhere else – from outdoor adventure to building robots, youth learn the value of hard work and experience the thrill of it paying off,” said Michael Surbaugh, Chief Scout Executive for Boy Scouts of America. According to Surbaugh, scouting programs are focused on providing experiences that youth and their parents want. From astronomy and other STEM-based skills for future professionals to outdoor adventure, such as camping and paddle boarding, scouting can give direction to

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the curiosity youth have for life. Boy Scouts of America has introduced several innovative programs that bring exciting opportunities to youth and families. Lion: Research has shown that involving kids in scouting at a young age builds character and better prepares them for future success. Rooted in understanding the impact and importance of involving kids in scouting at an early age, the Lion pilot program, currently available in 201 councils across the country, combines concepts of character development, leadership skills, personal fitness and citizenship with age-appropriate, fun activities for kindergarten-age boys and their parents. STEM Scouts: Jobs in STEM-related fields are expected to grow 17 percent by 2018, and salaries in those fields are on average 26 percent higher than salaries for other disciplines. With STEM-related careers on the rise, the STEM Scouts pilot program helps boys and girls learn more about science, technology, engineering and math through interactive, hands-on activities. The program, currently piloted in 20 councils, helps youth prepare for the future by conducting experiments and learning about lesser-known innovators to demonstrate to youth that people with similar backgrounds to their own can become accomplished STEM professionals. Exploring: The expanded Exploring

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program offers youth and young adults, ages 14-20, real-world career experiences that help young men and women build confidence and discover fields where they may find their passion and excel in a future career, such as law enforcement, firefighting, aviation, engineering, medicine and others. Learn more about scouting programs and how to get involved in your community at beascout.org. When choosing activities for your children consider the following: 1. Diverse experiences. Look for programs that offer a multitude of experiences to keep it fresh and interesting for your child. 2. Experienced mentors. Evaluate the training volunteers and staff members go through to ensure your child gets the best experience possible. 3. Build a solid foundation. Ask questions about how the organization teaches children about values and character. 4. Start early. Getting youth involved in extracurricular activities at a young age can help with their development. 5. Maximize your time. Extracurricular activities can be time consuming, but many organizations like Boy Scouts of America provide flexibility for families’ busy schedules. Make sure to ask questions about required meetings or activities to ensure the program fits with your schedule.

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Resident Chosen For Coveted JetBlue Flight Program

Staff Report

Terence Harris, a local resident and Florida State University graduate, was recently selected for a coveted spot in a pilot training program that is the first of its kind in the United States. As highlighted by the Today Show, JetBlue Airways Gateway Select Program is designed to train selected cadets with little flight experience to become professional Local resident Terrance Harris was selected from over 3,000 applicants for the JetBlue Airways Gateway pilots within four years. Selected pilot training program. Harris has always After a long process of submitting writcrew/multi-engine operations, full dreamed of becoming a professional ing samples, tests, interviews, behavmotion simulator training, crew pilot. In 2012, he sprang into action ioral and skill assessments he was resource management, and threat and and began taking flight lessons at selected from among 3,000 applicants error management. Once meeting all Tampa Executive and Peter O’Knight This unique, accessible and cost program requirements, including the Airports earning enough hours to fall JetBlue Pilot Gateway 1,500 flight-hour requirement, effective FAA's just shy of gaining his private pilot’s Program will take a more competencypilots will become a new hire at license. He faced many challenges in based approach to becoming a profesJetBlue. At that time, graduates will go the coming years that prevented him sional pilot. The Program optimizes through the same orientation and sixfrom being able to fly again. In 2016, training of prospective airline pilots instruction that all E190 first offithe week he found out about the Gateway by offering early exposure to multicers complete. Select Program and decided to apply.

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Since being selected, Harris began a spirited campaign to garner the support of his friends and community to aid in the cost of the program. He also wants to give back to the community while fundraising and pledges to provide a $10,000 aviation scholarship to a deserving young high school or college student towards obtaining their own private pilot’s license if he meets his fundraising goal of $125,000. “The aviation community has a high bar of entry,” said Harris. “Too many times the cost of training deters many people from pursuing their aviation dream. If I am successful, I want to do my part to pay it forward to someone else to enter the aviation community because I understand how difficult it can be.” Harris urges the community to visit and to donate to the Journey to JetBlue fundraising campaign at www.journeytojetblue.com. For information on the JetBlue Gateway Select Program, visit http://bit.ly/1nupGEg.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Letter: Thank You To Riverview For Help With Our I-75 Motorhome Fire Phyllis and Carl Schroeder Letter To The Editor: Tuesday, February 28, we were headed home to Lombard, Illinois in our three month old, 2017 motor coach after six weeks of vacationing in Florida. Suddenly, ahead of us, a trailer carrying a large container blew a tire. Very large debris of tire littered the lane we were traveling in. With no place to go, we hit the debris which ripped off the exhaust system of the motor home and punctured the fuel system causing an immediate fire. My husband pulled to the shoulder, stopped and we exited the motor home. The fire was moving rapidly from the rear of the coach to the front where the exit door is located. Having a bad knee I fell to the ground while holding onto our small dog. I could not get up. Suddenly two strangers appeared and lifted me up by the arms and dragged me off to safety. One of the gentlemen was Donnie Carl. I did not get the other man’s name. I owe my life to both men and cannot thank them enough for their courage in helping a stranger. They also saved my dog. Many travelers stopped and offered to help in any way needed. We’ll never forget your local Ring

Power/Cat family. What a wonderful caring bunch of men and women. They offered assistance immediately. Jason sent out a covered golf cart for the dog and me to sit on to get out of the sun. Eventually we were taken to the main building with air conditioning. Once inside, there was more generosity such as the use of a cordless phone from Tanya to call family as well as treats and a dog blanket for our beagle, from a gracious lady whose name I did not get. A CAT leash from the company store replaced the temporary strap from the guys in the shop. One gentleman offered to take us and the dog into his home for the night. Jason gave us a ride to LaQuinta in Brandon and Pam brought us a cell phone donated by Carl and his wife to replace ours lost in the fire. Marsha gave me her telephone number and offered to help. I met so many wonderful people just sitting in the vestibule of your company. I apologize if I didn’t get a name or couldn’t remember you all by name. Your generosity and compassion to complete strangers amazed and renewed our faith in mankind. You have a wonderful company. Thank you again for everything.

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Page 34

The

F l o r iodrsa Outdo

I recently explored this wonderful park as part of a habitat course for the Florida Master Naturalist course. The approximately 70 nautical sq. mi. Pennekamp is the first undersea park in the U.S., established in 1963 to protect and preserve a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The late John D. Pennekamp, a Miami newspaper editor whom the park is named after, contributed to the establishment of Everglades National Park and the preservation of what would become John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. On April 14, 1972, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places You can enjoy seeing the reef and associated marine life from a glassbottom boat tour, by scuba diving or snorkeling, or canoeing and kayaking. You can fish in designated areas, picnic, swim at the beach, and camp. I also love the Visitor Center with a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos in its theater. If you include the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, you have approximately 178 nautical square miles of beautiful and diverse coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps to explore, extending

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

By Dr. Rob Norman

American Alligator

three miles into the Atlantic Ocean. I recall being at Pennekamp while in college and being fully occupied with snorkeling and socializing. Although I certainly encourage checking out the famed coral reefs, the two nature trails showcase the tropical hammocks and extensive mangrove swamps. The Mangrove Trail is a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that takes you right into the heart of a mangrove tunnel. I had a chance to explore the amazing trails while learning the hands-on techniques of examining our habitat, including data collection, field mapping, and water quality testing. Everywhere in the park you have unique opportunities to photograph and observe a wide variety of birds, and perhaps even a salt-water crocodile. Head down to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and along the way stop at the Big Cypress National Preserve or a hundred other places worth exploring. Enjoy the Great Florida Outdoors. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located at 102601 Overseas Hwy. (MM 102.5) in Key Largo. For information, call 305-4516300.

Valrico Sunday Market

Our seasonal market under the grandfather oaks is a weekly event that offers fun in the sun, fresh shopping and serves as a gathering place for families and friends to bond, mingle and buy local. 50 Artisans- Jewelry, Wood Works, Glass, Candles, Flowers, Foods, Pet Products, Clothing, Soaps, Fruits & Vegetables, Baked Goods, Kids Gifts, Knife Sharpening and more.

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April 2017

Page 35

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

The Florida Orchestra Celebrates 50 Years With 2017-18 Season The Florida Orchestra celebrates its milestone 50th season with a blockbuster lineup of concerts ranging from Carmina Burana to the Music of Star Trek & Star Wars under the leadership of Music Director Michael Francis. The 2017-18 season debuts in October and reflects TFO’s deep roots in Tampa Bay while underscoring its bold future, with the debut of two weekend matinee series at the Mahaffey Theater, the world premiere of a major work commissioned by the orchestra, and expansion of its popular Coffee series at Ruth Eckerd Hall. “The Florida Orchestra is a jewel in the crown of Tampa Bay,” said Maestro Michael Francis, who has signed on to lead TFO through the 202021 season. “Our 50th anniversary is a chance for us to celebrate our rich and successful past by performing favorite masterpieces from throughout the years. We will also look to our future with vibrant new works, including a very special anniversary commission by exciting young composer Michael Ippolito, who will capture the spirit of Florida to honor The Florida Orchestra. At the heart of our past and future is the extraordinary talent of The Florida Orchestra musicians, whom we will showcase in a variety of

By Kelly Smith

ways all season long. “Outside the concert halls, we will continue to grow our community programs, which have been so warmly received by everyone. We want to touch even more people this season through the power of music.” Francis leads his third season TFO Music Director brimming with Michael Francis conducts the orchestra. special moments to celebrate the orchestra’s 50th anniversary of bridging the bay with music -- which fittingly started more than five decades ago with an agreement signed on a boat in the middle of Tampa Bay in a merger of the Tampa Philharmonic and the St. Petersburg Symphony. The Florida Orchestra still is the only performing arts organization that unites the bay area, with performances in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. For a look at the full 2017-18 season, visit floridaorchestra.org, where you can purchase subscriptions online, a new feature available this season, or call the TFO Ticket Center at 727-892-3337 or 800-662-7286. Single tickets will go on sale in August.

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By Sandy Meyer

With the flats. A live exception of pinfish or a few cold cut-bait will snaps, we be my bait of haven’t had choice, but much of a they will winter. As a most likely result, spring not turn fishing has down a fresh taken off a pilchard. bit early and Right the bay is now, the key heating up. is having Large numsome good bers of bait. If you Snook are don’t know being caught the differSouth Shore Angler Oscar Rivas did everything right to ence on a daily catch and release his largest Snook ever on a recent basis, between a trip with Capt. Travis Yaeckel. Redfish are threadfin showing up and the Trout are hit and herring and a pilchard, now is the miss here lately. On some of the time to learn. When catching bait on calmer days, we have made it out to markers or deeper areas you will look for some Mackerel and have most likely run into these bait fish. been successful. There is a lot of Certain times of the year they will bait around and it’s showing up on also be on the flats. It will not take the flats in pretty good numbers. Just long to figure out which ones you the other day, I saw some smaller have as soon as you venture to shalpods of threadfin herring out in the low water. The threadfins will most bay which means the predators won’t likely die and any pilchards you have be far behind. Tarpon, Sharks, will be kicking strong. Pilchards are Mackerel, Kingfish, and Cobia will all much tougher baits and can with be spotted this month around the bay. stand the process of being caught in Water temps right now in the the net and recovering, especially back country and flats are just about when you are “blacking out” your perfect, but look for that to change livewell. It’s not all bad though, keep over the coming weeks as the water some of the larger threadfins and use will heat up pushing towards summer. them as cut bait. This technique My charters will be taking advantage works great on the hotter days or of this and fishing for Snook and when the tide is not moving much. Redfish primarily for another month. As we get into Tarpon season, those Snook will be found staged up on threadfins will be like gold. Stay tuned open shallow flats on the lower water and I’ll tell you all about it… and feeding around mangrove points on the higher tides and moving water. Captain Travis Yaeckel is a native resiPilchards (white bait, scaled sardines) dent of the SouthShore area and charters will be the bait of choice, and I prefer full time for Redfish, Snook, Trout, and a free-line. Redfish are sitting in the Tarpon. He is owner and operator of Instinct Fishing Co.,based out of lower Tampa Bay. deeper pockets on the flats until they To book a charter, call 830-FISH or visit have just enough water to get under www.fishbyinstinct.com. Catch him on the mangroves. If you are lucky, good Tampa Fishing Outfitters Radio Show on number of fish can be located on the Sunday mornings from 8-9 a.m. at 1040 tide transitions moving across the a.m. Sports Talk the Team.

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Southshore late for us to be able to Insurance Professionals help clients in that particular storm,” said recently celebrated its Mosher. It is also third birthday. The indeimportant to note that pendent Property & flood coverage is Casualty insurance comspecifically excluded on pany specializes in perhome insurance polisonal and commercial cies. needs. Its founder and Over the last year, President, Michelle Mosher, began her insur- In addition to running a success- a new alternative to ful insurance agency, Michelle government flood insurance career back in Mosher is also the current ance has become 1994 as a claims reprePresident of the Greater Riverview available according to sentative and over the Chamber of Commerce. Mosher. Private flood years has become an expert in auto, home, umbrella and flood insurance is now being offered by variinsurance. “We sell all the things a family ous homeowners insurance companies which Mosher says tends to be a less needs to protect them,” said Mosher. expensive option than the government Each year around this time, Mosher version. This is because government and the other agents at Southshore Insurance Professionals begin calling on insurance is a national program so a disaster in one state can affect the rates of their existing customers to review their every state. If you’re wondering if you insurance needs and remind them that need flood insurance for your home, hurricane season is coming. Hurricane Mosher’s reply is “If it rains where you season, which begins June 1, also live, it can flood where you live” added brings with it significant risk of flooding. Mosher. “As our area continues to develFlood insurance, while not required by op, there’s nowhere for that water to go most mortgage companies, still is an anymore except for up”. important component of protection that For more information on flood insurhomeowners should consider. According ance or any of the many personal and to Mosher, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) requires a 30 day commercial insurance options offered by Southshore, please call 448-7580 or visit waiting period unless the policy is pursouthshoreins.com. The office is located chased in conjunction with your home purchase. “Waiting until we get warnings at 1219 Millenium Pkwy.Ste.132 in Brandon. from the news is going to make it too

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First Annual Hooked On Hope Golf Classic Will Benefit USF’s Breast Health Program Golfers take a step onto the greens at Club Renaissance in Sun City Center during the 1st Annual Hooked on Hope Golf Classic on Saturday, May 6. This event will benefit The University of South Florida’s Breast Health Program under the leadership of Dr. Charles Cox. Registration and breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. Tee time will be at 8:30 a.m. The celebrity guest host will be Reginald Roundtree. In 2009, Captain Lori Deaton and her sister Mary Ostein founded the non-profit organization Hooked on Hope with a location based off of Apollo Beach. The organization raised more than $310,000 for The University of South Florida’s Breast Health Program, which goes towards the breast cancer patients in the Tampa Bay communities. Through Hooked on Hope, the funds pay for post-operative medically needed surgical garments and other items needed that insurance does not cover. A total of 200 uninsured and under insured patients gets assistance. The organization also partnered with local specialty companies to pay for ‘lym-

By Tatiana Ortiz

phedema sleeves’ for breast cancer patients or survivors with the debilitating condition lymphedema. The event came into fruition through Deaton’s long time friend Captain Sean Rice and his wife Aine Rice. Sean came up with the idea for the golf tournament. He and his wife own the Salty Shamrock Gastro Grill in Apollo Beach and they support Hooked on Hope. To participate in the four-person scramble golf tournament it will cost $500 per foursome and $150 individual golfers. This includes breakfast, lunch, cart beverages, prizes and an award ceremony at the Salty Shamrock Gastro Grill and more. Prizes will be awarded for closest to the pin for men and women, longest straight drive for men and women and first, second and third overall teams. Individuals can become a sponsor as well with prices ranging from $100-$3500. “It will be exciting to entertain the golfers and I hope everyone comes out to support this,” Sean said. To register, visit www.hookedonhope.org or call Lori Deaton at 9675032.

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Volume 15, Issue 4

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Expanded Emergency Department & Upgraded Servcies Unveiled At Brandon Regional Hospital

By Kathy Collins

Members of the community joined the staff of Brandon Regional Hospital to unveil the new emergency department complete with a rooftop helipad, for faster emergency treatment.

Brandon Regional Hospital unveiled the second phase of its newly expanded emergency department on Monday, February 20. The new $20 million phase features eight new exam rooms, four new trauma rooms, an ambulance entrance and a new helipad. Brandon Regional Hospital’s emergency department serves over 120,000 patients each year. “As one of the busiest emergency departments in Florida, we are always seeking new ways to treat patients more efficiently while maintaining our high quality of care,” said Bland Eng, Brandon Regional Hospital’s CEO. “This $60 million ER expansion improves patient care and experience in the ER. We now have 53 new private treatment rooms, a rooftop helipad and the latest radiology equipment, which allows us to better serve our community,” added, Eng. “This ER expansion project demonstrates Brandon Regional Hospital’s commitment to the future of our community,” said Andrzej Dmowski, M.D., Emergency Department Medical Director. The expanded ER provides for efficiency and the ability to provide faster care to

area residents. A new radiology suite located in the ER means that ER patients do not have to leave the ER in order to get imaging services. The new helipad and elevator take patients straight to the trauma room treatment area. According to Natalia Diaz, Marketing Director for Brandon Regional Hospital, “We are committed to the continued growth and prosperity of the greater Brandon community. We want to be the healthcare provider of choice for residents of the greater Brandon area.” Diaz added, ”We continue to invest in program technology such as our new transcatheter aortic valve replacement program for cardiology patients and our new Mako robot for joint replacement surgery. The hospital is also proud to be the largest employer in the Brandon area.” The final phase of the hospital’s $60 million emergency department expansion will include a 16-room pediatric emergency department. Brandon Regional Hospital is located at 119 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, please visit www.BrandonRegionalHospital.com.

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April 2017

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 39

Page 40

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins

South Shore Arts Council Presents High School Local Artist Receives Grant From Arts Council Of Hillsborough County Student Art Competition On Friday, March 24, students from East Bay, Lennard and Riverview High School competed in the South Shore High School Student Art Competition held at Hillsborough Community College South Shore located in Ruskin. There were 74 entries in the juried show. Awards totaling Students from local South Shore High Schools competed in the $2,325 were given to South Shore High School Student Art Competition. This year, the students, and an the competition was held at Hillsborough Community College additional $1,400 was South Shore. awarded to the particiwere four students who received $75 and pating schools’ art departments. honorable mention awards. The students The South Shore High School included Connor Addams, Aiden Polly, Student Art Competition is organized by Savannah Harris and Taylor Davis. the South Shore Arts Council. The The teachers who received funding awards are funded by a grant from the from the show for their school’s art proCommunity Foundation of Tampa Bay, gram included Barbara Lawton and and show is sponsored by HCC South Randall Klein from East Bay High School, Shore. Michael Parker is the president of Aaron Bowers and Adrienne Vander the South Shore Arts Council. Parker Ploeg from Lennard High School and said, “This program is extremely imporBritzel Vasquez from Riverview High tant to us to keep enthusiasm and creSchool. ativity in the South Shore schools alive.” The show was previously held at the Laurie Burhop, former Art SouthShore Regional Library. According Coordinator for the SouthShore Regional to Parker, “The show was moved to HCC Library, served as the juror. Burhop said, South Shore because it provides a new “The artwork in the show was excellent. dynamic to the exhibition with a mutual The winning artwork was very interesting benefit. High school students get to and creative.” Burhop added, “Many of engage directly with a local continuing the pieces made you think and ponder. I education institution, and the HCC comliked the variety of the show.” munity gets to support potential future Best of Show was awarded to students.” Fabiola Velez-Miranda who received Parker added, “There are some $400. First place and $300 went to Willy exceptionally talented students in our De Oieo. Second place was awarded to schools. It is our pleasure to recognize Julia Allen who received $300. Tanner their work as well as the teachers’ tireless Morris was awarded $100 and third encouragement of that talent.” place. The People’s Choice award and For more information, please visit $100 went to Samacha Nerngin. There www.southshoreartscouncil.org.

Michael informs how I approach a public Parker of Ruskin work.” was one of 14 With the grant, local artists who Parker will shift his were awarded personal body of grants totaling work to using high nearly $40,000 quality and better by the Arts materials which will Council of lead to longevity and Hillsborough a higher standard of County as part of its visual quality. Parker 2017 individual said, “After doing some Artist Grant proresearch and experigram. The grant mentation, I found that program is there are very high designed to provide quality materials such support projects as pigments and bindthat help further the career of accomMichael Parker ( R) of Ruskin and Alan ing vehicles available plished, local artists. Witt, President of HCC South Shore, for industry coating receive an individual grant from the Arts applications.” Parker Parker received Council of Hillsborough County. has started a new $3,000 for a new body of work, studio equipment, materials series of paintings which he will exhibit in and supplies. In addition, Parker received a gallery setting. “Community and public art are still a the 2017 Carolyn Heller Visual Arts major part of my focus and goals as an Award, providing him with an additional $1,000 unrestricted gift. Heller was a pop- artist. By being able to experiment and create a new series of paintings with ular visual artist. Her family established a fund in her name with an annual award of quality materials, I can approach commu$1,000 designated for the highest scoring nity based art with more knowledge of visual artist from the Arts Council’s individ- material and a broader range of visual aesthetic to offer when working with comual Artist Grant program. munity groups,” added Parker. Parker said, “For the past 12 years, I Funding for the Individual Artist Grant have dedicated my career to engaging program is made possible by the members of the community in public and Hillsborough County Board of County community driven projects.” Parker’s Commissioners and the Arts Council’s most recent project is a large sculptural annual FIVE by FIVE event. installation in the new Perry Harvey, Sr. Parker said, “This program allows Park in downtown Tampa. artists to supplement their research thereParker explained, “Recently, I have by making the cultural landscape in come to a point in my own personal Hillsborough County a rich and inclusive processes where I found that I need to community.” For information, visit parkerrefresh some of my basic thoughts and publicart.wordpress.com or approaches to design and technique. My www.TampaArts.org. personal artwork and philosophy heavily

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April 2017

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

The Outreach Clinic Presents Its 6th Annual Kentucky Derby Party

By Kathy L. Collins

The Outreach fundraiser is a Clinic will host its wonderful opportu6th Annual nity to bring Kentucky Derby awareness about Party on Saturday, The Outreach May 6 from 5 to 9 Clinic and the p.m. at The important role we Regent, located at play in keeping 6437 Watson Rd. our community in Riverview. healthy.” Meegan Tickets are added, “All monies $100 per perraised will be used Get dressed up and join others as for free medical son. Attendees they raise awareness about The care for the low can sip on Mint Outreach Clinic. Juleps and income uninsured. other refreshments, enjoy great food and This event is truly a funfilled FUNraiser. It have lots of fun. All proceeds will benefit is a great way to support a very important the Outreach Clinic, the area's only clinic need in our community and have some providing free health care to the low fun at the same time.” income uninsured. The Kentucky Derby Party is The The Outreach Clinic's 6th Annual Outreach Clinic’s biggest fundraiser. The Kentucky Derby Party is a fun and excitclinic, which serves all residents of ing event. Your ticket includes compliHillsborough County, exists thanks to the mentary valet parking, food and open bar. generosity of individuals, local organizaAttendees can enjoy delicious Kentucky tions and churches. Derby food such as Kentucky hot browns The mission of The Outreach Clinic is and dessert and coffee bars. Sip on a to manage and improve the health of the mint julep while you watch the historic low income, uninsured in Hillsborough Kentucky Derby live on a big screen. County. The clinic provides much needed No Kentucky Derby party would be healthcare to those who do not have complete without fancy hats and wellhealth insurance and cannot afford dressed ladies and gentlemen. Ladies, healthcare. Most of those who are served come dressed up in your finest and put have either a part-time job, receive only on your fanciest hat and compete in the min. wage, unemployment compensation Most Beautiful Hat Contest and Most or are receiving Social Security Disability. Creative Ladies’ Hat Contest. Gentlemen The Outreach Clinic is located at 517 can vie to win the Dapper Gentlemen N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. For more Contest. information and to get tickets, please call Debbie Meegan, Executive Director 654-1388 or visit of The Outreach Clinic said, “This www.theoutreachclinic.com.

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Local Y Volunteers Honored For Service At 2017 Community Impact Dinner

By Kathy L. Collins

Area residents who volunteer their time, talent and treasure to the neighborhood Y were recognized at the Annual Community Impact Dinner. Local Y Volunteers of the Year included Mike Hurlburt from North Brandon Y, Michelle Smith from the Campo Family Y, Robert Lindsey from the Big Bend Y and Larry Eaton from Camp Cristina.

The Tampa YMCA 2017 Community Impact Dinner, is an opportunity for attendees to learn about the Tampa YMCA's real impact on the community. In addition, awards are given to dignitaries and Volunteers of the Year from each of the Tampa YMCA's 15 branches are recognized. From the North Brandon Y, Mike Hurlburt, was selected as Volunteer of the Year. Hurlburt is a past board chair and just stepped down from nine years of service. Hurlburt was one of the driving forces behind the Y's Lopez Exceptional Student Center Christmas Project. Children from the center receive Christmas presents thanks to the efforts of volunteers such as Hurlburt. The Volunteer of the Year from the Campo Family Y is Michelle Smith. As Chair of the Youth Development Committee, Smith was instrumental in getting a large courtyard completely renovated. According to Dwight Kerr, Development Director, "The committee had a dream to convert a dirty unused space into an area which can be used for

exercise, sports and picnics." Kerr added, "The committee had a dream and Smith helped lead the efforts." From the new Big Bend Y, the Volunteer of the Year is Robert Lindsey. He was chair of the Volunteer Board and helped to get it off the ground and make it fully functioning. Kerr said, "Lindsey was a true leader. The board raised and awarded $13,000 in scholarships." The Big Bend Y opened in 2015 and offers youth soccer, basketball and summer camp. The Volunteer of the Year from Tampa YMCA's Camp Cristina is Larry Eaton. According to Mark Battig, the Executive Director for Camp Cristina, “Larry puts the camp and its needs at the forefront of all that he does for us.” In addition to honoring volunteers who go above and beyond for their neighborhood Y, the Tampa YMCA awarded the Community Impact Award to former Hillsborough County School Board member, Doretha Edgecomb. She was recognized for her dedication and positive impact on Tampa Bay residents. Visit www.tampaymca.org.

Page 42

Volume 15, Issue 4

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Golf Scramble, Food Drive, Women’s Luncheon & More… Compiled by Michelle Colesanti, michelle@ospreyobserver.com

Riverview Easter Egg Hunt & Festival

Kerin Realty, Heather Michael @ Salon Jennifer & Co, Tax Happens & The Summerfield Crossing Golf Club presents the first annual Riverview Easter Egg Hunt & Festival on Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be music, food, and drinks. Spring photos will be available from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for $5. Enjoy visits with the Easter Bunny. There will be vendors and three zones for Easter Egg Hunting. Zone 1 - 5 years and younger; Zone 2 – ages 6 12 years old; and zone 3 – Adults Zone – bringing back your childhood with a twist. Each adult has 15 Seconds to get one egg. There will be candy and prizes. The Hunt and Festival will take place at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, 13050 Summerfield Blvd.

Food Pantry Volunteers Hold Food Drive

Saint Anne Catholic Church Food Pantry partners with Feeding Tampa Bay, USDA, Publix and Winn-Dixie supermarkets and Saint Anne Parishioners to assist an average of 400 families each week as well as the homeless in the South Shore Area. The food pantry is open every Wednesday from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. All in need are welcome. Food Pantry volunteers held a food drive at Publix Supermarket in Apollo Beach in February where 5,000 pounds of food and $800 in charitable donations were collected to help stock the food pantry shelves. Saint Anne Catholic Church is located at U.S. Hwy. 41 and 11th

Avenue N.E. in Ruskin. For more information about the Parish, visit its website at SaintAnneRuskin.org.

Women’s Luncheon - Women And Leadership

Author and Therapist Dr. Reba Haley will host a Women’s Five thousand pounds of food and $800 were recently collected to assist around 400 families in the South Shore area. Luncheon on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Covenant Family Church, 6321 US Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview. Katie McGill, Executive Director for Dress for Success, will the guest speaker at the luncheon. The event is free, but it is requested that you please bring suits and shoes to donate to Dress for Success, which provides business attire clothes for women seeking employment and going on job interviews. Please RSVP online at www.rebahaley.com by Monday, April 17.

Local Therapist’s New Book Now Available

Dr. Reba Haley’s book, 7 Keys to Building Effective Leaders and Teams, is available for purchase. This book has proven strategies to establish and improve your leadership skills. Dr. Haley is a business owner, therapist, public speaker and an ordained minister. The book is available on Amazon.

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which participants immersed in the Gospel message of Lourdes given by Our Lady to St. Bernadette, had the opportunity to touch Grotto Rock and experience the healing grace of Lourdes Water, and received a Plenary Indulgence granted by Papal Decree. Saint Anne Catholic Church is located at U.S. Hwy. 41 and 11th Avenue N.E. in Ruskin. For more information about the Parish, visit SaintAnneRuskin.org.

Seventh Annual FishHawk Riverview Rotary Crawfish Festival

The Rotary Club of FishHawkRiverview is pleased to announce

Saint Anne Catholic Church Hosted Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage

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the 7th annual Crawfish Festival will be held on Saturday, April 22, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Winthrop Pole Barn area in Winthrop on Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. All of the money raised is donated to local charities and scholarship funds. There will be live music and plenty of food, drinks, and activities for the children available for purchase. For reserved crawfish meal tickets, please purchase tickets before the April 2nd cutoff for $25. Reservations will guarantee a Crawfish Meal to be available the day of event. This will include about 2-3 lbs. of crawfish with the fixings (corn and potatoes). Other food items and beverages will be available for purchase at the event, to include Cajun food, hamburgers and hotdogs. Free hotdogs will be given away to children that bring nonperishable food donations. There are many ways that you can help make this event a success including sponsorships, volunteers, donations, selling tickets and more. For more information, please visit www.FishhawkRiverviewRotary.org or call 927-4603.

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Page 43

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Local Attorney Vanessa Bevington A Country Cat House Celebrates 25 Years With Feline Suite Renovations Receives Super Star Honor By Michelle Caceres By Kate Quesada

Brandon family law the Hillsborough attorney Vanessa County Bar Association Bevington recently and the Brandon Bar received an honor that Association, works on sets her apart from family law matters, other professionals in while her partner, Allen her field. The partner at Carman handles perCarman and Bevington sonal injury cases. P.A. was selected to the Bevington has worked Super Lawyers 2017 on cases ranging Rising Star list, a disfrom divorce and tinction given to less pre-nuptial agreethan two and a half perments to child supcent of lawyers in the port and paternity state. issues and domestic violence cases. Bevington, who “We really get to got her law degree know our clients and from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in work hard to resolve Brandon family law attorney Michigan and started their issues for them,” Vanessa Bevington was recently selected to the Super Lawyers practicing in 2006, was said Bevington. “Our 2017 Rising Star list. nominated for the list firm is very personable by her peers and was then selected by in the sense that when you hire me, you the research team at Super Lawyers, a are going to get me working on your case rating service of outstanding lawyers, to from start to finish.” receive the honor using a multi-level In addition to working hard for her process including a statewide survey of clients, Bevington also strives to be an lawyers and an independent research active part of the Brandon community. evaluation of candidates. She works with local charities including The Super Lawyer lists are published Metropolitan Ministries and the Salvation nationwide in Super Lawyer Magazines Army and has participated in a mission and feature lawyers from 70 different trip to Haiti. practice areas. Carman and Bevington, P.A. is locat“This award is a great honor,” said ed at 223 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and can be Bevington. “It means a lot to me to be reached at 654-3444. For more informarecognized by my peers and to know that tion, visit www.brandonlegal.com or contact the office for a free initial consultation. not only my clients appreciate my hard To learn more about the Super Lawyers work.” Rising Star list, visit Bevington, who is a member of the www.superlawyers.com. Florida Bar, the Middle District of Florida,

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A Country Cat brushing and immediHouse, celebratate litter box changes ing its 25th year in when they get soiled. business, is the “We’re odor-free purr-fect place for here,” said Dalton, cat owners to who treats every guest board their pet like it was her own. and not feel guilty Additional services that they are leavoffered include hairing their beloved cuts, nail trims and feline behind baths. Short and long when they jet off term boarding is on a humans-only offered. vacation. A Country Cat Located at House is a two-time 15501 Boyette Angie’s List Super Rd., two miles Service Award winner. south of the inter- A Country Cat House owners Scott and “We do our best to Eileen Dalton have been running the section of Boyette keep the kitties happy hotel for kitties for 25 years. and Bell Shoals and that keeps their Rd., A Country Cat House is currently owners happy,” said Dalton. undergoing a complete renovation of Boyette Springs resident Celia its hotel units. Room options will Howe has been boarding her cats with include a fish aquarium townhouse A Country Cat House since 1996. Her complete with its own private aquaricurrent feline Shiloh enjoys the first um. Condos will be decorated in a floor rooms for better views of lizards “Margaritaville” theme. Rooms can be and butterflies. reserved with one, two or three levels. “The rooms are spacious and All rooms feature floor to ceiling glass always kept clean,” she said. “Shiloh walls for views of the outdoors. deserves the best and he gets that “We find that cats really like the there.” upper rooms,” said owner Eileen A Country Cat House is open Dalton. “They love the view of the garMonday to Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. dens and go crazy when they see and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., birds.” but staff is on-hand 365 days per year Renovations will be completed by to take care of its feline guests. the end of April. For more information about A Prices are reasonable and include Country Cat House or to make a reserpremium Science Diet food, daily playvation, visit www.acountrycathousetamtime with one of their people pals, daily pa.com or call 654-2287.

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Page 44

Library ,SLpoeccaial l Events er & Theat … More

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Library System. Inquire at the Library Service Desk or phone 273-3652 for all programs. Special Adult Compiled by Michelle Colesanti, Programming for michelle@ospreyobserver.com April includes: College Matters: Avoid Costly Mistakes And Discover Funding – Monday, Volunteers Needed As Local April 24 at 6:30 p.m. - College Weather Observers planning is complex. Join The Community Collaborative Rain, Thrivent financial advisor Hail, and Snow network, or CoCoRaHS, Matthew Oleson for this free eduis looking for new volunteers across cational workshop designed Florida. The grassroots effort is part of a specifically for parents of high growing national network of homeschool students. based and amateur rain spotters with a Sketching with Pencils goal of providing a high density precipiApril 18 - 4-5 p.m. - Art Saturday, tation network that will supplement instructor Maria Brennan will existing observations. Given the varidemonstrate various pencil techable pattern of rainfall over Florida, it's niques in this popular class. You important to understand just how much will complete a drawing projrain fell in a particular area. ect. All levels welcome. For Volunteers may obtain an official grades 4-8. Limit 12. rain gauge through www.cocorahs.org for about $30 plus shipping. Besides the Registration required: at the Service Desk or call 273-3652. need for an official four inch plastic rain Celebrate Earth Day – Tgauge, volunteers are required to take a Shirt Tote Bags: Saturday, April short training module online and then 22 from 2:30-4 p.m. Learn how can use the CoCoRaHS website or recycle and repurpose old tto mobile app to submit their reports. To shirts to create a fun, reusable become a CoCoRaHS observer, visit tote bag. No sewing required. the CoCoRaHS website (above) and Materials will be provided, but click on the “Join CoCoRaHS” emblem feel free to bring in a t-shirt of on the upper right side of the main webyour own. Limit 12 participants. site. Register at the Service Desk or 273-3652. call Riverview Library Special Events The Friends of the The Riverview Library, located at Riverview Library meet the third 10509 Riverview Dr offers many free Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. programs are courtesy of the Friends of with dues as low as $10. It supRiverview Library and the Hillsborough

Volume 15, Issue 4

Department presents Annie, Jr., an adaptation of one of the world's bestloved musicals. Annie, performed by Brooke Wilson, charms everyone she meets despite her rough start during the Depression-era in New York City. Annie is determined to find her parents who abandoned her at an orphanage run by the cruel, Miss Hannigan (Daviana Denney). When billionaire Oliver Warbucks performed by George Hambos, decides to invite RCMA Wimauma Academy recognizes the Terrific Kids for March; an orphan to his mansion thanks to Helen Halm and Marie Ware for their support. 1st row: for Christmas, Annie’s Allison Jose, Victor Hernandez, Brenda Gonzalez, Yamilet San Juan, 2nd row: Yahaira Saavedra, Luz Rodriguez, Aidan Alarcon, whole life begins to 3rd row: Belinda Reyes, Gelsey Espinoza, Emily Murillo, Aryanna change. Despite Miss Shoup. Hannigan's evil plans concocted with her brother Rooster (Justin Floyd) and his girlfriend Lily (Cameron Givens), Annie befriends President Franklin D Roosevelt and finds a new home alongside Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell (Marianne Samson), and her lovable mutt named Sandy (Joshua McKeen). Directed by Aimee Griggs and assisted by two GCS Graduates Emily Pickles and Jasey Stebbins. Performances will take place on Thursday and Wimauma Retirees attending quarterly meeting are: Kevin Fuller, Friday, April 27 and 28 at 7 Laura Lott Hynds, Roberta R. Stefanik, Aquilla Morgan, Theresa p.m. Tickets may be purGonzalez, Tommy Beal, Donna Marra, Elaine Tharp, Gail Crowley, chased at the door for $10. Julie Lampkin and Guest, Alice Singleton and Guest, Grace Ippolito, Nancy Geraci, Jenny Jennings, Carolyn Miller, Joyce Grace Christian Ceechi, and Kenneth Weber. School is located at 1425 ports library programming for youth and N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. adults, recruits volunteers to help in the Library and speak for the Library at all Wimauma Elementary Retiree governmental levels. The Used Book Group Gathered At Tibby’s Sales and honor-system book store proThe Wimauma Elementary School vide funds to support efforts in all these Retiree Group gathered at Tibby's New areas. Orleans Kitchen, in Brandon for its quarterly fellowship reunion. Many new Bring Your Family To See Annie, Jr. faces joined the group. The group would like to thank Grace Ippolito for treating The Grace Christian School Drama them to one of her favorite dishes. FREE ESTIMATES

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Page 45

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Family Promise Fundraiser Generates Homelessness Awareness

The Rustic Door Décor & More Joins The Brandon Community

Rain or to reflect on the difficulties and uncertainshine, Family ties afflicting the Promise of homeless. Greater Brandon “The night was will conduct its truly humbling. You fourth annual Box could get a glimpse Car City event to into the struggle of raise funds to finding shelter and help homeless provisions for those families and genwho battle homelesserate awareness ness,” said Carrie in the community. Participants spend a night in boxes, tents, or Simmons, a particiThe fundraising cars in order to better understand the chalpant from last year. event will take lenges homeless families encounter. Simmons is a volunplace from teer host coordinator for Grace Friday, April 28 at 4 p.m. until Saturday, Community United Methodist Church in April 29 at 7 a.m. on the grounds of First Lithia. As a host coordinator, she works Presbyterian Church of Brandon. as the liaison between her church and For one night, participants are temporarily transported into another reality—a Family Promise in regard to accommodalife of a homeless person. The registration tions and meals. Grace Community is one of 17 supporting churches lending fee is $25 per person to sleep on the space for interim lodging. Simmons will property in a tent, car or box. The fees camp out again this year to share in the benefit the Family Promise organization daily challenges homeless families face. whose mission is “to empower homeless families to obtain sustainable housing and She said, “Taking part in this experience puts you temporarily in the shoes of the lasting independence by partnering with homeless. This one night reminded me area Christian congregations and local that I am blessed and I can support this resources.” program. Box Car City opened my eyes The event is open to the public and to the huge opportunity we have to help attracts a wide-variety of participants families with children right here in our including entire families. The cardboard Brandon area.” city comes alive as arriving participants To find out more Box Car City or how create makeshift sleeping arrangements to support Family Promise, visit out of tents and cardboard boxes. At dinnertime, participants are provid- www.FamilyPromiseBrandon.org, email executivedirectorfpgb@gmail.com or call ed a simple meal and lights are out at 10 681-6170. Registration forms are availp.m. At sunrise, breakfast is served and the city dismantled. With a lack of modern able online and available on the day of the event. amenities, the night offers plenty of time

The local ture with chalk paint. mother/daughter “Our style influences duo of Carmen are a combination of Hutchison and country charm, rustic, Linda Dorremocea shabby, coastal, glam, are the owners of Mediterranean, and vinsocial media store, tage,” Dorremocea The Rustic Door said. “Our products are Décor & More. “I a creatively induced consider myself fusion of our different adventurous, personalities. Some always striving for work showcases my success, and never mother's love of vinLinda Dorremocea and her mother, willing to take no tage and French counCarmen Hutchison are the owners of the for an answer,” try decor while other social media home décor store, The Hutchison said. “I pieces reflect my love Rustic Door Décor & Moore. Their business provides customized services of rustic, country think this has to their customers with handmade helped me in life to charm. We are truly a wreaths, pallet art signs, burlap door overcome the hangers, and refreshing furniture with family owned business chalk paint. impossible and to unlike other large never give up. I am so happy to be able home decor companies.” They love being to pursue this dream of making The able to connect with their customers on a Rustic Door a reality with my daughter.” personal level and provide customized Dorremocea wanted to be an services to suit their home decor needs at interior designer from a very young age. “I a price that is affordable. would watch my grandmother sew and Both Hutchison and Dorremocea she taught me to sew clothes for my hope to grow their social media business Barbies,” Dorremocea said. “I loved rearand increase their following as well. “Our ranging my bedroom, college dorm, and hopes are to continue growing and servlater homes and would give advice to ing our customers' needs for their homes, friends. I love experimenting with colors, while still retaining a personalized experipatterns, and creating a feeling of warmth ence,” Dorremocea said. “We have some and comfort to one’s home. I love the exciting ideas for this year, so stay tuned.” idea of bringing a creative thought to If you would like to learn more fruition and producing work that I am about the products offered at The Rustic proud of.” Door Décor & Moore, you can visit their Their business provides cusFacebook page at tomized services to their customers with www.facebook.com/TheRusticDoorTamp handmade wreaths, pallet art signs, a, or you can contact Dorremocea and burlap door hangers, and refreshing furni- Hutchison at 541-3229.

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Page 46

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

Tomato Festival Returns To Ruskin After Three Year Hiatus

Local Reservoir Tests Emergency Sirens On First Wednesday Every Month

The Ruskin Tomato & Heritage hand-painted Tomato Rocks around the Festival will take place once again at E.G. SouthShore area while teaming up with Simmons Park in Ruskin on the SouthShore Rock group. If Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m.-6 someone finds a rock, it can be p.m. It will be a re-hidden, or benefit for the redeemed at Ruskin the Ruskin Community Tomato and Development Heritage Foundation. Festival on May The festival 6. So get ready has its roots to learn about back to the tomatoes and 1930's when it have some fun was the Tomato (big and little Festival, and kids are welran off and on come to play). for many years. The cost to The last enter the The Ruskin Tomato & Heritage Festival will once again take place in Ruskin on Saturday, May 6 at Tomato Festival Festival was E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin. The Festival returns held in 2014. after a three year hiatus. It has roots in Ruskin since is $5 per perThe event son. Children the 1930’s. is still in the planning stage, but included under 12 are free. will be a market with many vendors, live E.G. Simmons Park is located at music, arts and crafts, along with a Kid’s 2401 19th Ave. NW in Ruskin. There is Zone, which will include lots of family fun also a $2 per car parking fee that will be such as potato sack races. There will be charged when entering the park. free tomato slices, tomato dishes, as well Volunteers are being sought to help as tomato-eating contests. with all aspects of the event, including Organizers will also bring back the help handing out tomato slices, gate hanMiss Ruskin Tomato Queen Pageant, dlers, grounds crew and more. To help, ewhich will be open to all ages. Categories mail volunteer coordinator Juan Garcia will include ages 2-4, 5-12, 13-19, 20-40 at juan@zunigamarketing.com. and ages 41+. If you are interested in For general information on the finding out more information on the Ruskin Tomato & Heritage Festival, email Pageant, email Selena Sandoval at seleruskintomatofestival@gmail.com or visit nasandoval@yahoo.com. www.facebook.com/ruskintomatofestival o Prior to the Festival, Alfred the r www.jens-market.com for updates on Roaming Tomato will be placing special the event.

Residents liv“The purpose of ing near local the sirens is to reservoirs are notify those closhardly unfamiliar est to the facility with the sound of of an emergency emergency siren situation that tests conducted requires immedimonthly by qualiate evacuation.” fied staff at agen“Safety at the cies such as reservoir is and Tampa Bay Water always has been C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir Testing monthly audible testing conducted by TBW is a priority for us,” (TBW) and the on the first Wednesday of each month (unless Moore said. “We Southwest Florida that is a holiday) at approximately 9 a.m. Water have a compreManagement District (Swiftmud). hensive Emergency Action Plan in coordiReservoirs located in south nation with Hillsborough County Hillsborough County include TBW’s 18.5 Emergency Management that is updated billion gallon, C.W. Bill Young Regional regularly.” Sirens are not mandatory for Reservoir in Lithia as well as Swiftmud’s the Medard Reservoir, but according to three billion gallon, 750-acre, Edward Swiftmud spokesperson Susanna Medard Park Reservoir located on Turkey Martinez Tarok, the District has installed Creek Road and. and maintained sirens at the request of Sirens continually prompt many to the public. “Currently there are three question the level of danger that the near- sirens in use to notify residents within the by reservoir might pose as well as wonimmediate inundation areas; Siren 1 is der what to do in the event of a breach. located at the reservoir, Siren 2 is located TBW conducts monthly tests that include at the east end of Bloomingdale Ave. and three to five short blasts lasting between Siren 3 is located at the south end of 10-20 seconds each. River Drive. In an emergency, however, the sirens Live testing is typically performed sound in a continuous blast which means once a month on the last Saturday of the residents should take steps to evacuate month at 12 Noon, while maintenance their families immediately to higher and complete function testing is perground. formed once every 3 months. “We conduct a test of our emergency More information visit www.tamsiren system on the first Wednesday of pabaywater.org/sirentest. For more inforevery month to ensure the sirens are mation about the construction and the working in the unlikely event of an emersirens in connection with the Medard gency, at the C.W. Bill Young Reservoir,” Park Reservoir, please visit. www.watersaid TBW spokesman Brandon Moore. matters.org.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

P R E SS

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Jesuit Tigers Beat Alonso Ravens To Take 37th Saladino Trophy Win

By Tamas Mondonvics

the final out to Thirty-two end the game local public high while allowing school teams only two hits. played each other In the sevduring spring enth, Jesuit's break last month, Garrett to complete the Sheppard woke 37th Annual everyone up Hillsborough with his homer County School’s that was folTony Saladino lowed by two High School more RBIs from Baseball junior McGuire Tournament. Weaver and The title game senior Alex did not disappoint Mocny. baseball fans as As it is the the Jesuit Tigers case each year, defeated the Jesuit senior Jeffrey Hankanson pitches against Alonso during the Alonso Ravens sophomore pitcher, Marc DeGusipe turns the heat on equally talented 37th Annual Hillsborough County School’s Tony Saladino High School the tourney was in the first inning against the Jesuit Tigers during the 37th Annual Baseball Tournament championship game. Taking over in the third much more than Alonso Ravens 5Hillsborough County School’s Tony Saladino High School Baseball inning, Hankanson led his team to a 5-2 tourney win for the second just winning a 2 to win the covetTournament. time in school history. trophy. ed trophy. The week-long, round-robin With four Saladino tournament provided fans of all ages championship titles the opportunity, not only to spectate, already under its belt but to participate in and enjoy a varisince 2009, Alonso ety of baseball-related activities in a (2016 runner up) led by nostalgic, family oriented and safe program head coach atmosphere. Landy Faedo had high “This is much more than just a hopes for a better outtournament,” said Tony Saladino. “It come. is a celebration of the sport, while it As for the Tigers, keeps the kids and all who love the victory was a sweet baseball busy and out of mischief accomplishment nearly during Spring Break.” three decades in the Of course, tournament matrimaking. arch, Bertha Saladino’s absence The last time never goes unnoticed by anyone Jesuit won the who have tasted the event’s spirit, Saladino title was in anchored by her unmatched gen1986, although the proerosity, kindness, love of her family gram reportedly had and friends, fans the media and, of not been a regular par- Jesuit senior Jake Jones connect for a base hit in the second inning during the 37th Annual Hillsborough County School’s course, the young players. ticipant in the event. Tony Saladino High School Baseball Tournament championship Bertha died in early 2016 surWith two runs in game against Alonso. Jesuit senior Garrett Sheppard slides into home rounded by friends and family. She the first inning, the base during the 37th Annual Hillsborough decided it was time to get serious and to County School’s Tony Saladino High School was 84. Ravens came out strong, a lead they replace the young player with senior Baseball Tournament championship game For results and more information managed to maintain until the fifth. against Alonso. Sheppard sealed his team victoJeffrey Hankanson who took the mound about the Saladino baseball tournaTo start, Jesuit sported junior varsity ry with a seventh inning homer. with a vengeance striking out five of the ment, please visit, www.tonysaladipitcher Cristian Troncoso in the first two three more; two in the seventh including first six batters and finished the night with nobaseballtounament.com. innings when coach Miguel Menendez Assisted Living #AL9739

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Page 48

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4

2017 Camps Offer Many Options To Keep Kids Engaged This Summer It’s only the start of spring, but before you know, the dog days of summer will be upon us. What can you do to keep the kids entertained? Where can they go to try new things, learn how to swim, meet new friends and have great adventures and even learn about places and cultures far away? There are many options to choose from locally that will fit the bill. The staff at the Osprey Observer has collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pull out section. Maybe your kids would like to spend the summer “horsing around.” R&R Ranch offers just that opportunity, and not just to learn to horseback ride, but also about the care of the horses. At Music Showcase, music and theatre take the stage and so can your child. Musicals such as The Lion King Jr. and Legally Blonde Jr. will be offered, and your child can hold starring roles in these and other popular musicals offered from the Florida Academy of Performing Arts for children ages 5 and up. The local YMCAs will offer many types of camps which mix fun along with great learning experiences. With choices of half or full day camps, there is something for everyone. LEGOs and robotics take center stage at the camps offered by TechplayZone. Introduce your kids to hands-on fun

that will both enrich and entertainment them. Camp Superkids at A Child’s Haven offers field trips twice a week. Do you want your kids to retain the math skills they learned during the school year? Mathnasium is the place to help give them a strong start in the fall. For dates, prices and registration information on these and more, turn the page and enjoy this special section and have a great summer. Your kids will use a lot of STEAM by enjoying the science and tech camps offered this summer by MOSI. Your kids can experiment with many different things that will be offered. For the artist in your family, sign them up for workshops to learn about painting, drawing, pottery, modeling and more at Center Place Fine Arts. With weekly themes utilizing agespecific activities and field trips that make BSAC unique, your kids will enjoy every moment of summer camp. Did we miss one? Let us know by e-mailing subject line “Summer Camp” to michelle@ospreyobserver.com and we will be sure to add our full listing online.

Get Ready For Kids ‘R’ Kids Most Interactive Summer Adventure Ever

Discover and explore a unique camp each week. During Kids R Kids 10 week summer camp series, campers will explore their hidden talents, potential passions and intriguing interests. Each boy and girl will experience art and cooking, engineering and community service and everything in-between. This summer camp is all about the journey to discover what suits each camper’s personality – the quest to discover what they like best. Kids R Kids Valrico is located at 4321 Lynx Paw Trail in Valrico. Call 657-6200. Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Circa / FishHawk is located at 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. in Lithia. Call 654-7000. For info on both locations, visit http://krkvalrico.com/.

Art Mural, Build a Beach Party, Charm, Etiquette & Modeling, Collage, Creative 3-D Masks, Cruise around the World, Fantasy Sculptures, Paper Schulpures, Pet Sculptures, Print Makimg, Project Role-Model, Recycled Art, Space Art and Wet & Wild Canvases. Classes are offered from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register today by calling 685-8888 or visit www.centerplacebrfandon.org.

Find Fun Activities For Your Budding Artists At Center Place Fine Arts

Who knew that art could be so much fun? This summer, you can sign up your budding artists, ages 7 to 16, for workshops at Center Place Fine Arts. Learn about painting, drawing, pottery, modeling and more. Workshops include Art Journaling,

MOSI Offers Lots Of Choice Science And Tech Camps

When school is out, MOSI is in. Get in-depth and hands-on with your favorite Science, Technology,

Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) subjects or try something totally new. Enjoy hands-on experience and building projects. From extracting DNA to launching rockets and building robots, we are about creating the experiences that expand interests and make dreams a reality. Doing real science with the tools and technologies used by industry professionals is just one way MOSI Summer Science Camps inspire our campers with a can-do attitude that can last a lifetime. Real science coupled with exciting experiments, simulations, explorations, and inventions will help you discover the innovator within. Instruction in the camps are by certified teachers and experienced science and technology educators in a positive environment. There will be opportunities to conduct experiments and use cutting-edge equipment and technology. Your kids will have access to current science and technology in one of the best science

centers in the world. Summer Camp at MOSI will take place from Tuesday, May 29 through Wednesday, August 9. Upgrades available for extended care from 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. and daily hot lunches are available. Register online at MOSI.org or call 987-6000 for more information. MOSI is located at 4801 E Fowler Ave. in Tampa.

Enjoy Music And More This Summer At The Florida Academy For Performing Arts

Full and half day camps are available for kids ages 5 and up at The Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA) at Music Showcase. Kids will enjoy drums, acting, guitar, field trips, singing and games and more. Musical Theatre productions of

Continued on Next Page

NOW ENROLLING SUMMER 2017

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www.KRKValrico.com

Stowers, Valrico Academy, FishHawk Creek, Bevis, Lithia Springs, Alafia, Cimino, and Foundation Christian

• Nutritious Meals & Snacks: Low Salt & Sugar • Spanish & Music Included • Trained Professional Staff, Certified in First Aid & CPR • Extracurricular Programs

NOW ENROLLING SUMMER & FALL VPK Voluntary Pre Kindergarten 2017-18

“FREE 3 Hr Program with “Pay for rest of day” Option • Accelerated Pre-K Curriculum with Math, Science, Spanish, Music, Sign Language & More • Preparation for National Kindergarten Standards • Must be 4 years old by September 1, 2017 • Must be Florida resident • Class times: Tuesday - Friday, 8:30am - 12:15pm

The Lion King Experience, Jr., Legally Blonde the Musical, Jr., Winnie the Pooh Kids and Doctor Dolittle Jr. will all take place this summer. For more information, call 4902787 or visit faopa.org.

Kids Will Enjoy Horsing Around At R&R Ranch

R&R Ranch is a family-owned and operated horse ranch specializing in horse experiences for the young child and beginner riders.

Ostingers Baseball Camp Will Hold Three Sessions This Summer

Ostingers Baseball Camp will give your child ages 7-14 years old a better understanding of the game of baseball, through instruction, drills, and games. Having a good time while learning the fundamentals will be the main focus of the camp. The instructors have 30 years combined professional playing and coaching experience. Kids will receive daily fundamental drills and activities for: Throwing, Pitching, Hitting, Fielding, Base Running, and Mental Game. There will be games at the end of the week to evaluate progress. Session 1 will take place MondayFriday June 5 to 9, Session 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Monday-Friday, July 10-14 and Session 3 from Monday-Friday, July 24-28. Camp will take place at FishHawk Sports Complex from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 pm. The cost is $175 per camper. Second child costs $125. Space is limited so register early to hold your spot. Call 737-3000 or visit www.OstingBaseball.com.

pickup can be arranged. Spaces are limited. Camp runs from Monday, May 29 through Friday, August 4. R&R Ranch is located at 9805 Bryant Rd. in Lithia. For more information, visit rrranchlithia.com or call 655-3819.

Your Kids Will Enjoy The Best Summer Ever At Y Camps

Campers range in age from 6-12. They will enjoy daily trail rides and hay rides along with receiving an education on grooming and the care of the horses and farm animals Kids will also enjoy a bounce castle, movies and popcorn in the air conditioned camp house, a petting zoo with baby bunnies, chicks, ducks and baby pigs, arts, crafts, and more. The cost for camp, which takes place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. is $195 per week or $50 per day. Early and late

The local YMCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are offering a Passport to the Best Summer Ever from Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, August 4. Get ready for the total camp experience. Day Camp is separated by grade level and features a rotation of diverse activities including indoor games, outdoor recreation, team challenges, structured and free swim. The themes change weekly and range from Super Heroes to Around the World and everything in between. Specialty camps are for kids looking for something different. Choose

from any number of skills and specialties. Sports camps are for the kid who is an athlete at heart. It is for those looking to try a new sport, or those simply curious about sports in general. The camps are full of fun with an emphasis on team work, sportsmanship and fundamentals. Aquatic camps include swim lessons and lots of fun water adventures guaranteed to keep kids active and engaged. Teen camps are for those looking to develop leadership skills. Gymnastic camps are for all skill levels from beginner to advance. Adaptive camps are available for campers with special needs ensuring fun and inclusion for all. For info on the North Brandon location, call 685-5402, Campo Family location, call 684-1371, Camp Cristina, call 677-8400 or please register online at tampaymca.org.

Continued on Next Page

Welcoming Students 1st - 12th Grade

Grand Opening Special!

Mathnasium

of Riverview 844-667-MATH(6284)

11446 S US Hwy 301, Riverview www.mathnasium.com/riverview riverview@mathnasium.com

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Brandon Edition

TechPlayzone Offers Hands-On Technology Enrichment In Fun & Safe Environment

TechPlayzone has led the charge for engaging young people in science, technology, engineering, and math since 2005. With an increased demand for hands-on technology enrichment, TechPlayzone has continued to provide families with excellent curriculum, and fun in a safe environment for all kids. Give your child a hightech advantage at TechPlayzone this summer. TechPlayzone Engineering Camp - TechPlayzone is pleased to partner with the Doolittle Institute to offer an engineering camp for young people in 2nd-12th grades. This will allow campers to build and program drone quad-copter robots, self-driving cars with sensors, and 3D print objects for use with Tetrix Robotics Systems. This camp has been developed for kids who enjoy problem-solving, designing, and building and will take place at 1528 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Camps are weekly from Monday, June 5-Friday, August 4. The cost is $150 per week from 9 a.m.-12 Noon or 1-4 p.m. TechPlayzone STEM Camp TechPlayzone is pleased to partner with Families Instructing Students at Home (FISH) to offer an amazing STEM camp for all young people in 2nd-7th grade. TechPlayzone Camp

Volume 12, Issue 3

call 684-7329 or email techplayzone@gmail.com.

Your Kids Will Enjoy Camp Superkids At A Child’s Haven

at Bell Shoals Baptist Church includes hands-on science experiments, LEGO Mindstorms Robotics, and Minecraft for Engineers. Campers rotate through hands-on activities. Each week is a different theme and campers enjoy different challenges every week. It will take place at Bell Shoals Baptist Church - The Annex, located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. This camp is for ages 7-11 and costs $125 per week. It will run Monday to Friday, July 1014, July 24-28, and July 31-August 4. More details and camp descriptions will be available at www.techplayzone.com. For more info,

K5-5th Grade Arts & Crafts • Friendship Play • Academic Summer Fun • Music Sports & Games • Character & Manners • Ice Cream Social • Pizza Parties Bouncy House & Giant Slide • Outdoor Water Play

$115/wk

(Upcoming K5 - 5th Grade Campers)

Includes 2 Weekly Field Trips & All Activities

www.MorningGloryPreschool.org

Different themed camps will keep your kids busy at A Child’s Haven. Camp is for ages K5 through 5th grade. Each week there will be two weekly field trips. Your kids will enjoy a healthy lunch and snacks along with fun academic summer studies, character building, awesome friendships, an arcade recreation room and lots of other fun activities. The cost is $125 per week and includes all field trips and activity fees. A Child’s Haven is located at 1520 Brentwood Hills Blvd. in Valrico. For more information, call 684-1622 or visit www.AChildsHavenSchool.com.

FishHawk Ranch Tennis Club Offers Tennis For All Levels Of Skill

FishHawk Ranch Tennis Club is offering its 5th Annual Tennis Camp for your child ages 6 and up. Full day camps include plenty

of tennis games and fun. Kids cool down in an air conditioned event room, and during lunch times engage in other fun outdoor and indoor games. On Fridays, campers walk down to the Starling pool and game room for a nice finish to the week. All levels from Beginning to Advanced. Register online at FishHawkRanchTennisClub.com or call the Pro Shop at 681-4000.

BSAC Offers A Lot Of Fun Activities For Kids This Summer

What can you do to keep your kids active and happy this summer? Splash into summer with the best summer camp around. At Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC) your child gets the old-fashioned camp experience you had as a child, with some modern technology, like Wii Challenge Competitions, thrown in. BSAC has the most comprehensive summer camp in the greater Brandon area for ages 3 to 14. With weekly themes come corresponding age-specific activities and field trips that make our summer camp unique.

In addition, each child has the opportunity to experience all of the sports that you have come to expect at BSAC; swimming, tennis, diving and more. Lunches and snacks can be brought from home or purchased from the full concession bar. Camp runs from Tuesday, May 30 through Wednesday, August 9. Full day camps run from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and half day camps from 7 a.m.12:30 p.m. or from 1-6:30 p.m. BSAC is located at 405 Beverly

Blvd. in Brandon. For more information, call 6890908 or visit www.mybsac.org.

Kids Club! Weekly Summer Camp Includes Field Trips

ice cream social pizza parties, bouncy house and giant slide and outdoor water play. Sign up today for $115 per week. The price includes two weekly field trips and all activities. Morning Glory is located at 6001 Christy Lane (off Bloomingdale near

Your kids, ages K5-5th grade, will enjoy the Kids Club! at Morning Glory Summer Camp. They will enjoy arts & crafts, friendship play, academic summer fun, music, sports & games, character & manners,

Helping Girls Develop Positive Self-Esteem for a Lifetime Topics Include:

Friendships Girl Power Role Models Positive Mind & Attitude Love My Selfie Being Brave Taking Care of Yourself and much more! 5 Day Camps for K-Rising 6th Grade Girls

Camps offered throughout the Summer Full Day Camps 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (some end at 4 p.m.)

813-571-2002

Special Camp for GIRLS 6th-12th Grade!

Rt. 301). For information, call 6280541 or visit www.MorningGloryPreschool.org.

Callaghan Sports Camps Offer Basketball and Volleyball

Callaghan Sports Camps has been running basketball and volleyball camps at Nativity Catholic School for the past 11 years. Callaghan Basketball Camp and Cougar Volleyball Camp will be held at Nativity Catholic School in the gym. Basketball Camp will run from

Continued on Next Page Our instructors have 30 years combined professional playing and coaching experience.

Session 1 June 5-9 (M-F)

Session 2 July 10-14 (M-F)

Session 3 July 24-28 (M-F)

Location: FishHawk Sports Complex Space is Limited Age Group: 7 - 14 yrs Register Early Time: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm to hold your spot! Cost: $175/camper **(Second Child $125) **Multi week discounts

1/2 Day Camps 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Daily Instruction • Games • Pitching/Catching Fundamentals Addressed • Drills

Early Registration Discounts Available Please visit our website for full listing of available camps!

Call 813.737.3000 or visit our website at www.OstingBaseball.com

*Extended Care Available

For More Information:

Page 54

Monday-Friday, June 12-16 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon for boys and girls in grades 1-4. Boys and girls in grades 5-8 will play from 1-4 p.m. Volleyball Camp will be held Wednesday-Friday, July 5-7 from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon for boys and girls in grades 4-10. Coach Patrick Callaghan has a B.S. from the University of South Florida in Physical Education and has coached basketball at the middle school, high school and AAU level. He has been the recipient of the All-sports award for HCYSL for coach of the year three times in the last 10 years. Coach Callaghan has also been the head volleyball coach for one of the top volleyball programs in the catholic league. A camp t-shirt is included. For more information, call Coach Callaghan at 719-0723.

Mathnasium Now Enrolling For Summer

You can keep your kids on track this summer by enrolling them at Mathnasium. The summer programs are designed to combat summer learning loss. Through their time spent during the

Brandon Edition

Summer Camps For Girls Develop Positive Self Esteem

summer at Mathnasium, your kids will retain all they learned in math class this year giving them a strong start in the fall. Mathnasium offers help in math, enrichment, and test prep as well as homework help. It is located at 11446 US Hwy. 301 in Riverview. Call 667-6284 or visit mathnasium.com/riverview for more information.

Summer Camp At T.L.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gypsy Haven

T.L.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gypsy Haven is now registering for summer camp. With limited space (I spots weekly), you will want to call early. Your kids, from age 7 and up, will have a lot of fun enjoying weekly themed horseback riding camps. They will receive hands-on experience, learning to ride as well as how to groom the horses. Camp takes place Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Monday, June 5. Your kids will enjoy field trips each Friday they are at camp. Just 10 minutes from FishHawk, T.L.C. Gypsy Haven is located at 4325 Keysville Rd. in Lithia. For more information, call Tammi at 842-4236 or visit www.tlcsfarms.com.

Girls With Confidence offers fun and creative workshops, events and camps for girls in K-12th grade that focus on the development of strong self-esteem and confidence. This summer, Girls With Confidence will help your daughter between the ages of Kindergarten through rising 6th graders develop positive self-esteem during day camps geared just for them this summer.

Volume 12, Issue 3

Camps will begin on Monday, June 5. Girls will enjoy camps: Girls Empowered Camp, Cool Confidence Camp, Giving Back Camp, Back-To school Camp, Girls Rock! Scrapbook Camp, Cool Confidence Camp, Girls Empowered Camp, and Believe in YOU Camp. Please visit www.girlswithconfidence.com for more information. You can also email info@girlswithconfidence.com or call 571-2002.

The Firehouse Cultural Center In Ruskin Offers Nine Weeks Of Summer Camp

Apollo Beach Racquet & Fitness Club Will Hold Summer Sport Camp

Your kids can enjoy camp the way it used to be. Without phones and electronic devices on hand, kids will enjoy being kids and get to learn life skills through sports, play and crafts. Campers will enjoy a daily mix of activities including swimming, field games, canoeing, crafts and much more. Activities rotate throughout the week. All full time campers will receive swim lessons at no additional charge and advanced swimmers can learn competitive strokes by joining the swim team. There is a $60 registration fee (free for ABRFC members) and includes one camp shirt for field trips. The cost per week is $125 or a daily drop in fee of $30. Early drop off and late pick up available. The Apollo Beach Racquet & Fitness Club is located at 6520 Richies Way. Call 641-1922 or visit www.ABRFC.com to register or for more information.

Jubilee Gymnastics Summer Camp Offers Four Themed Camps

Is your child ages 5-13 interested in gymnastics? Jubilee Gymnastics will offer four weeks of summer camp. Included in all camps are two hours of gymnastics/fitness instruction with a small coach/student ratio, arts and crafts, games and team building activities, dance parties, martial arts lessons and more. Week 1 runs Tuesday- Friday, June 27-30 – Cirque Du Jubilee; Week 2 runs TuesdayFriday, July 11-14 – Superheroes and Princess Power; Week 3 runs Tuesday-Friday, July 25-28 – Ninjago Ninja Warrior; and Week 4 runs

By Kathy L. Collins

Monday-Friday, July 31-August 5 – Star Wars. Full day camp is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Weeks one to three cost $200 and week four costs $240. Half day camp is available 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for $130. Jubilee Gymnastics is located at 89 7th Ave. NE in Ruskin. Call 8631168 or email info@jubileegym.com. Visit http://jubileegym.com/.

Protential Summer Camp Offered In Two Riverview Locations

Protential offers action-packed, full-day summer camps that rotate between multiple sporting activities including swimming, which is offered daily. Your child is given the opportunity to participate in many engaging and fun-filled field trips including, but not limited to laser tag, roller skating, bowling, water skiing, horseback riding, and more. A trip to Busch Gardens is also offered, which always promises a full day of excitement and entertainment

Children, ages eight through 11, can have fun with all kinds of creative and inventive summer camps at the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin this summer. Campers can choose to attend one or all nine camps.

The Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin will be offering nine weeks of summer camp this year. Children in the SouthShore area have great choices for summer camps this summer. You can choose to attend one or all nine. Campers are required to bring a brown bag lunch. Snacks will be provided by the Firehouse Cultural Center for morning and afternoon breaks. Each week culminates with a performance or a “Showoff” for family and friends. Children can be dropped off at 8:30 a.m. and picked up at 3:30 p.m. Weekly camp rates are $125 for members and $140 for non-members. Save on two or more weeks. There are a limited number of scholarships available. You can register by calling 645-7651 or online at www.firehouseculturalcenter.org. During the month of June, campers will sparkle like a star during four weeks of Musical Theatre. Musical Theatre I will be held June 5 to 9; Musical Theatre II will be held June 12 -16; Musical Theatre III will be held June 19 to 23; and Musical Theatre IV will be held June 26 to 30. During the week of July 3 to 7 (no class on July 4), campers will engage in

Drawing, Painting and Watercolor Camp. Campers will create imaginative and unique drawings, paintings and watercolor works of art.For the next two weeks, July 10 to 14 and July 17 to 21, campers will explore the art of Cartooning and Animation. Campers can bring their favorite character to life and create their own different and unique characters. Campers will develop basic cartooning, animation and storytelling skills. Summer camp will round out the last two weeks with Robotics during the weeks of July 24 to 28 and July 31 to August 4. Campers will work in small groups to create and program a robot. There is an additional $50 materials fee for Robotics. Georgia Vahue, Executive Director of the Firehouse Cultural Center said, “Musical Theatre has become one of our popular summer camps, building confidence, while bringing out the best in our campers. Each Friday, when our campers perform for families and friends, I am truly impressed with their talent and what they accomplished in a matter of four and a half days.” For information,visit www.firehouseculturalcenter.org or call 654-7651.

Welcome to Our Family Owned & Operated for ages 5 to 15 years old. The cost is $125 per week You can choose from two Riverview locations – one in Panther Trace and one in Rivercrest. Visit www.protentialsports.com/camps to register.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 15, Issue 4