Bloomingdale/FishHawk
21
April 2021
Volume 20, Issue 4
Ph: 657-2418
See Article On Page 36
CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
FLIGHT TO HONOR MISSION #6 FLY VETERANS TO WASHINGTON D.C. TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICES
By Tatiana Ortiz
Veterans of Flight to Honor Mission #5 visited the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.
to Honor Mission are considered eligible. Top priority will be given to terminally ill and World War II veterans, followed by veterans from the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf Wars and eras. Veterans will fly for free. To become a Guardian, one must be between the ages of 18 and 75, along with not being the spouse or significant other to the veteran. Guardians will be required to pay their own expenses with a $500 donation. Retired United States Air Force Col. Gary Clark, chairman of the Polk County Veterans Council, expressed his gratitude towards those who support this. “This is an important event for the community and [we] appreciate all of the support,” Clark said. Clark stated that anyone interested in welcoming back the veterans as they get off the plane from their trip can come to the Lakeland Linder International Airport in the tarmac area, where it is expected to land around 8 to 8:30 p.m. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.polkveteranscouncil.com/ home.html, email flighttohonorpolk@ gmail.com or call 863-646-5966.
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
Postal Customer
ECRWSS EDDM
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397
Through the Flight to Honor Polk program with the Polk County Veterans Council, veterans will be recognized for their services and sacrifice during the upcoming Flight to Honor Mission #6. On Tuesday, April 27, 80 veterans, as well as their assigned trained Guardians who will accompany them on their oneday trip to Washington D.C., will get an opportunity to visit the memorials, such as the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial erected in honor of their services. The mission will depart early in the morning and return to Lakeland Linder International Airport in the evening. Flight to Honor Polk became established in January 2015. When it comes to goals, Flight to Honor Polk abides by three objectives. One would be to make sure the veterans get to and from their destinations safely. Another objective is to give the community an opportunity to show their appreciation. Lastly, the third objective is to press upon the young people about the importance of doing for others. All veterans who did not participate in a previous Honor Flight Mission or Flight
STRAWBERRY CREST GRAD KENZIE WHEELER TAKES CENTER STAGE ON THE VOICE By Hayley Fedor
With his classic, unforgettable reference old-time country to Wheeler’s mullet, voice, Southern calling him a “unicorn” charm and the ulwith “the party in the timate mullet to back, he’s got the shaved match, Dover ressides, but then the rare ident and Strawwidow’s peak.” Inspired berry Crest High by his dad and a few of School 2016 gradhis friends with mullets, uate Kenzie WheelWheeler decided er took his chances to grow his out auditioning on a few years back NBC’s singing comand now it is part petition, The Voice, of his identity; and blew the judgplus, his fans love Kenzie Wheeler holding his Team Kelly es away. His perit. formance of Keith jacket, which he received after choosing Kelly “I just hope that they Clarkson as his coach on The Voice. Whitley’s “Don’t can relate to me and the Close Your Eyes” caused not just one, but songs I sing on the show; obviously, I hope all four judges to turn their chairs in ap- they like my voice and whatever music I proval. come out with in the future,” said Wheeler. Wheeler’s passion for singing and counBe sure to keep an eye out for Wheeler’s try music stems from his mother’s love for next performance on The Voice, which will the genre which she passed on to him over air on NBC in the upcoming weeks. the years. “Growing up listening in the car and my mom would always play CDs in the living room on our old stereo, so that’s kind of where it came from. Since I was little, I’ve always loved country music,” said Wheeler. Born and raised in the Dover area, Wheeler became involved in the community through music as he got older, singing karaoke both at home and at Uncle Mike’s Bar and Grill in Plant City weekly during high school. This led to many other opportunities for Wheeler, like releasing his own album titled Dover in 2018. His journey with The Voice began last year with a video performance he sent to the show, which led to his first audition in North Carolina and then in California for the blind auditions in front of The Voice judges. Despite a few performance nerves, Wheeler said, “Once I took a deep breath and walked out on stage, I started singing and I always get in kind of a zone.” IN THIS ISSUE: When it came down to choosing a coach, DYNAMIC PAINTING CONTEST PG 4 Kelly Clarkson became a clear choice for Wheeler, given that Blake Shelton had IMAGE 360 ............................................PG 22 been blocked and Clarkson had won with EYE ON BUSINESS ...................PGS 25-26 two country artists before on the show. SUMMER CAMPS.......................PGS 31-38 During the audition, Shelton made an
31-38
05/01/2021
Summer camps offer many options to keep kids active and engaged. Summer camps provide kids with enrichment, educatioin and entertainment. Check out the Summer Camp Guide special section.