Osprey Observer 2019-01-Bloomingdale/FishHawk

Bloomingdale/FishHawk

Pages 33-41 8 C E L E B R A T I N G

January 2019 Volume 18, Issue 1 Ph: 657-2418 1 7

Y E A R S

O F

P U B L I S H I N G

School District Breaks Ground On New South County High School TTT

By Kate Quesada

board is also considering minor adjustments to the southern attendance boundaries of Durant and Newsome high schools.

“Currentl,y Lennard High School has 24 portables on campus,” said Arja. “The school is designed for 2,500 students and currently has an enrollment of more than 3,100. In addition, more than 900 Hillsborough County Public Schools recently broke ground on the new “High School TTT” located off C.R. 672 in Riverview. The school is expected to open in August 2020.

students are projected to move into Lennard’s boundaries in the next few years.”

East Bay has similar overcrowding issues despite an additional wing that opened in August, 2017, which increased the school’s capacity by 500.

According to Arja, only 10 Newsome High students would be affected if the board approves the proposed attendance boundaries.

The new school will be located on the north side of C.R. 672 (Balm Rd.), east of U.S. Hwy. 301.

Residents interested in learning more about the attendance boundary changes are invited to attend the Hillsborough County School Board meeting on January 15 at 901 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. For more information, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us or call 272-4608. To submit questions or comments, email boundaries@sdhc.k12.fl.us.

C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S

Newsome Athletic Boosters Host Inaugural Howl At The Moon 5K The Newsome Athletic Booster Club is hosting its inaugural Howl at the Moon 5K Glow Run, along with a Kids’ Fun Run on Saturday, February 9, to help support the athletic programs at Newsome High School.

“The Booster Club is excited to offer this fun event to Newsome and the community,” said Booster President Jill Rintoul. “This is the first nighttime glow run/walk that has been hosted in the surrounding area and we believe it’s a going to be a great fit for our organization and provide a tremendous benefit to Newsome student athletes.”

This event is open to the community.

All participants will receive goody bags, and the first 400 participants will receive a free T-shirt for the event. Participants will go through six color stations with UV color powder and black lights. They will also have a DJ, selfie booths and other activities after the race.

There are several options for entry fees. The early bird registration is $20 and runs through Friday, January 25.

After that the entry fee is $25 through Thursday, February 7. The final Registration is $30 and is only available at packet pickup on Friday, February 8, 2019, or on the evening of the run, if space is available.

The packet pickups will be at the Newsome High School football stadium on Friday, February 8 from 4-7 p.m.

Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. and the race will begin at 7 p.m. for the 5K. The Kids’ 1 mile Fun Run will begin around 7:15 p.m.

The course will start at the Newsome High School football stadium and continue through the FishHawk Youth Sports Complex and back to the stadium.

Strollers are welcome and children under five are free. Teams are welcome and encouraged to participate.

By Nick Nahas

According to Rintoul, the purpose of the Athletic Booster Club is to generate funds through memberships, sponsorships, Wolf Wear sales and concessions to benefit the student athletes and all the sports programs at Newsome High School. This past year the Booster Club gave just over $33,000 to the sports programs, which was 15 percent more than the previous year, and a club record.

Items given to sports teams include senior athletic scholarships, meals for state and regional attendees, banquet meals for athletes and, most importantly, over $20,000 in wish list items that coaches request for their sport, such as uniforms, equipment, transportation and tournament fees.

“Registration is open,” said Rintoul.

“Everyone is welcome, from seasoned runners to families and kids looking for a fun way to support the local high school.”

You can register for the event at NHSBoosters.com

InThis Issue MOMS CLUB COMEDY NIGHT............PG 3 PRODIGY CULTURAL ARTS..................PG 4 HCC CELEBRATES 50TH ......................PG 9 NEW FOODIE SPOT ..........................PG 14 POSITIVE SPORTS COACHING ..........PG 17 MOTORING ......................................PG 19

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...............PG 28 SPORTS CONNECTION ....................PG 46

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Progress is underway for the new Hillsborough County school set to relieve overcrowding at Newsome, Durant, East Bay and Lennard highs.

Hillsborough County officials, community leaders and construction experts met at the school site, located at 10650 C.R. 672 in Riverview, last month to officially break ground on the project and share artist renderings of the school with those in attendance.

“Construction is booming in South Hillsborough County with thousands of students expected to be entering our schools over the next three to five years,” said Hillsborough County Public School’s Tanya Arja. “The high schools in that area are already near or over capacity.”

The new school, currently known as “High School TTT” for planning purposes, will cost an estimated $70 million to build, funded by three years of impact fee collections. Enrollment is expected to reach 3,000 students at the 239,000 sq. ft. building, which is planned to open in August 2020. This is the first high school to be built in the area in 10 years.

Most of the students who will attend the school will come from East Bay and Lennard High Schools, but the school

P O S I T I V E

Wyrd Brothers Productions, a volunteer historical re-enactment group is working in conjunction with Hillsborough County’s Hiking Spree to bring Vikings to Medard Park. Great for families, four walks will be coming up in January and February. Read full story on Page 12.

Serving Our Customers in 4 Locations: Lithia • Big Bend, Riverview • 301, Riverview • Sun City Center

Page 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 18, Issue 1

January 2019

Page 3

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

MOMS Club Hosts Comedy Night To Raise Funds For Local Charity

Staff Report

The MOMS mom sees teachable Club of Lithiamoments in the show Bevis/Stowers is Snapped, has won hosting a the ‘Biggest Jerk’ FishHawk Comedy Contest and Comedy Night to entertains clubs and give parents a fun colleges around the local night out and country with her to raise funds for a sharp stand-up comlocal charity, edy.

Operation Lotus, a Trish Keating's non-profit organistyle of comedy is Heather Campese zation whose misone part social sion is to help satire, two parts perrestore hope for sonal pain and most families who have parts attitude. She experienced a revs up her own loss or a dramatic brand of sarcasm life-altering event. and self-depreciating Throughout humor onstage reguthe years, the larly all across the charity, founded country.

by FishHawk resiMoms Club dent Melanie President Michelle Brockmeier-Jordy, Morgan says “We Catherine Maloney who started the are pleased to be organization after assisting Operation the tragic loss of Lotus to raise money her husband Leon, to aid families who are has stepped in to unable to afford the help members of burial or headstone for the community in a child they have lost. need. The money To provide aid for this raised at Comedy cause, we are hoping Night will be used for a successful to help families fundraising event.” who are struggling Tickets are $45 to afford burial or per person, or a table cremation services for eight can be Trish Keating for their children. reserved for $320.

Comedy Night Tickets include dinner, The MOMS Club of LithiaBevis/Stowers is hosting a comedy will be held on dessert and the show. night on Thursday, January 31 at the Thursday, January Palmetto Club from 6:30-10 p.m. and There also will be a 31, from 6:30-10 cash bar, raffles and will feature local comedians Heather Campese, Catherine Maloney and Trish silent auctions for p.m. at the Keating.

Palmetto Club admission tickets and located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in Lithia. gift baskets all donated by local busiThis year, FishHawk Comedy Night will nesses and sponsors. All proceeds will feature three local comedians: Heather go to Operation Lotus. Sponsorship Campese, Catherine Maloney and opportunities are still available.

Trish Keating.

Businesses can also purchase adverWith a salty, sarcastic style, tisement in the event program. For Heather Campese offers up an more information, to make a donation unapologetic look at dating and intima- or to purchase tickets for the event visit cy. In just a couple of years, she has or contact Michelle Morgan performed at local comedy clubs, start- at: MomsClubBevis@yahoo.com. ed and managed her own room in For more information about Central Florida and has produced com- Operation Lotus, visit www.operationloedy shows for fundraising events in tus.org. Two years ago, Moms Club SW Florida. hosted a similar event and was able to Catherine Maloney seems like a raise more than $10,000 for Water typical hard working mom-except this Smart Tots.

10 % OFF

Stowers Student Is Published Author

By Kate Quesada

FishHawk resident clear and unburied,” said Eden Prescott recently Sherley. “That is because published her first book, she wants younger readan accomplishment for ers and kids with sensory anyone, but especially problems to focus only on as a fifth grade student. the rabbit’s reactions so The Rabbit Who that they understand the Lived in Hat, which story. She understands Eden wrote when she that her brother’s eyes was only four years old, would only focus on the is one of dozens of rabbit’s reacbooks she has complettions and feeled, but the first she has ings if she elimipublished. nates all back“Eden first showed ground drawinterest in writing when ings.”

Stowers Elementary School fifth grade she was two years old,” When Eden student Eden said her mother Sherley is not reading or Prescott recently Prescott. “Sometimes at writing, she published her first book at age nine. that age she would preenjoys playing tend to read to us, her stuffed animals with her brother and friends, going to and to her dolls. But sometimes she the playground and pool, playing the pretended to write. So I asked her to piano, learning ballet and going to tell me what she wanted to write and I AWANA at her church. But writing is by wrote it for her.” far her favorite pastime.

Her first book, which Sherley and “Eden plans to continue writing.

Eden finished together is titled I Love She writes all the time,” said Sherley.

Colors.

“When she finished her homework, “It’s fascinating how she comes up sometimes she will grab a notepad and with ideas,” said Sherley. “She would pencil and write. I would remind her look at an object and write an entire that it’s playtime now that her homestory about that object. For example, work is done and her answer would be, she ate a banana and came up with a ‘I am playing.’” story titled The Day Before Her favorite book is Rump: The Disappearing.”

True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl A fifth grade student at Stowers Shurtliff.

Elementary in FishHawk West, Eden, The Rabbit Who Lived in a Hat, now nine years old, is inspired by her which is self-published, is available for brother Jonah, who has autism. purchase and borrowing on Amazon. It “Eden insisted that the illustrations can be downloaded for free by Kindle for The Rabbit Who Lived in a Hat be Unlimited Members.

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Page 4

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Best-Selling Author Of The Five Love Languages To Speak At Bay Life Church

By Amanda Boston

After the hustle Chapman and know that if and bustle of the holicouples apply the informadays, could you and tion he gives, it will help to your spouse use a build their marriages.” date night? If so, join Couples will be preNew York Times bestsented with valuable tips selling author Dr. Gary on identifying and underChapman on Monday, standing their ‘love lanFebruary 11 from 7-9 guages’ as well as their p.m. at Bay Life partner’s language.

Church in Brandon.

Simply put, love lanThe author of The guages are the way Five Love someone communicates Languages™ will be their love so when couspeaking on relationples learn how they ships for a special show and receive love, it date night. often drastically improves Since 1995, The their communication and Five Love connection.

Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of Languages™ has The event is not limthe best-selling series, The Five sold more than 11 ited to married couples.

Love Languages. He also presents million copies and this relationship advice at seminars Couples who are around the world. helped thousands of engaged or dating can couples build a better marriage with prac- significantly benefit from the seminar. Dr. tical and biblically sound advice. Dr. Chapman will be selling his books on site Chapman, also a seasoned speaker, with up to 50 percent off. delivers an engaging evening filled with Pastor Eichem also added a personlaughter and learning. al invite and said, “Love to encourage The cost is $29 per couple with tickcouples to just take a chance and join us. ets available for purchase online at Take the time to invest in your marriage.” www.baylife.org/date. Tickets will also be Bay Life is also offering a four-week maravailable at the door. However, due to its riage class on Sunday afternoons followpopularity and possible sellout, Bay Life ing the date night event. Couples can suggests purchasing the tickets beforesign up at the date night event. hand.

For information, visit Tom Eichem, the executive pastor at www.baylife.org/date or call 661-3696.

Bay Life, commented on the event, “We Bay Life is located at 1017 Kingsway Rd. are hoping it encourages and strengthens in Brandon. For further detail on author marriages in our community.” He continDr. Chapman, visit www.5lovelanued, “We are excited to host Dr. guages.com.

Volume 18, Issue 1

Florida Orchestra And Prodigy Cultural Arts Program Provide Music Experience To Kids

Staff Report

Prodigy students and families at a TFO Masterworks concert at the Straz Center and offered the Instrument Petting Zoo at various venues, giving students the opportunity to see, touch and play instruments.

More funding will be available for the partnership of The Florida Orchestra and the University Area CDC’s Prodigy® Cultural Arts Program to provide free musicrelated experiences for children who may otherwise not have the opportunity.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners has approved more funding to extend and expand a groundbreaking partnership between The Florida Orchestra and the University Area CDC’s Prodigy® Cultural Arts Program to provide free violin lessons and other musical experiences to children who might not have the opportunity any other way.

“The ProdigyFlorida Orchestra partnership has been a big success,” said Mike Trepper, Prodigy® director. “It has brought new and exciting cultural arts opportunities to youth and adults across Hillsborough County. From violin classes to performances, the more exposure to a variety of arts, the more of an impact we all can make. Our community benefits from solid partnerships that enrich lives."

Thanks to a new $100,000 grant, the University Area CDC and Hillsborough County jointly are providing funding for the program, including instrument rental and other class supplies. The grant also allows the orchestra to hire a violin instructor and a part-time coordinator dedicated to the partnership.

The partnership began over the summer when the orchestra taught group violin classes twice a week to kids at the Roy Haynes Recreation Center in Tampa. The orchestra also performed chamber concerts, hosted

Thanks to an initial $80,000 grant, also from the University Area CDC and Hillsborough County, all was provided free.

Renewed funding through September 2019 will allow the partnership to explore providing lessons and other activities at more Prodigy® locations throughout Hillsborough County.

“We’re excited about the Prodigy® partnership because we already see that it works,” said Erin Horan, TFO’s community engagement director. “Kids are working hard and feeling so proud of what they’ve accomplished. Learning an instrument teaches life skills, such as responsibility, leadership and problemsolving. All of that transfers to other parts of their lives, at home and in school.”

Prodigy® uses an innovative approach to empower, educate and enable eligible youth, providing a doorway to a better world. Kids ages 5 to 18 experience performing and visual arts, taught as a tool for self-expression, to learn communication, exploration, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

For information about the Prodigy® Cultural Arts Program, visit www.uacdc.org/prodigy. For Florida Orchestra, visit www.floridaorchestra.org.

Call Us 689-8131 3159 E. S R 60 - Valrico, FL www.brandonautoservices.com

January 2019

Page 5

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

GET THE DIRT

WITH FLORIDA YARD EXPERT

Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension

Holiday Time Is Best For Enjoying The Poinsettia Plant I’ve written about index finger test: put other holiday plants, finger in soil up to so it’s time to ‘speak the knuckle. If dry, to’ the traditional one, water. If moist or wet, the Poinsettia. This do not water. You holiday favorite was can plant Poinsettia introduced in the outside after the last United States in 1825 chance of frost has

by Joel Poinsett, the passed, which is ambassador to generally around Mexico. mid-February.

The classic Outdoors, it Poinsettia is bright should be located in red, which is easier the sun and away to establish for outfrom artificial light. door use than other Prune to 4-6 inches colors. After much of stem on each Lynn Barber stands in front of a breeding, several branch; then fertilize and quite large poinsettia, monthly with a balother colors are avail- beautiful which is as tall as she is (5’2”). able, including pink, anced fertilizer from peach, white, burgundy, yellow and March to October. This plant has marbled colors. What some think of received a bad reputation as being as the flower is really the leaves, aka poisonous, but it’s not. There is a bracts. The actual flowers are the white, milky sap in the stem. But, if tiny clusters in the middle of the you are allergic to latex, you are bracts. This is a ‘short day’ plant, probably better off not handling this meaning it blooms when days are plant. short and nights are long. Blooming For more information about this requires an extended period of darkholiday gem, please see the ness. If planted near artificial light, University of Florida publication, like a street light or exterior house Poinsettias at a Glance by Sydney lighting after October 1, there will be Park Brown, at: a flowering delay. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep349, from This tropical plant likes temperawhich this information was adapted. tures in the area of 75-80 degrees For assistance with horticultural during the day and 65 degrees at questions, call 744-5519 or visit us at night. Our temps range in that area the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough and below right now. Indoors, don’t County, 5339 CR 579 in Seffner. Visit fertilize or overwater. Give it a drink http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upc only when the soil is dry. Use the oming-events/.

Master Gardener Library Program: Wildlife

Wednesday, January 2, 2019; 6:30-8 p.m.

Bloomingdale Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico Learn how to create a backyard habitat to attract butterflies and birds using native and local plants.

Presentation is from Master Gardener Teri Brockway.

Please bring a plant or other gardening item for a fun Plant Swap.

Email Richard@seedroff.com or call 303-638-3917 for more info.

Social Security Benefits Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Thursday, January 10; Tuesday, January 15; Thursday, February 7 and Tuesday, February 19; Tuesday, March 5 and Thursday, March 21 at 5:45 p.m.

HCC campus of The Regent, 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking your Social Security benefits; perfect for ages 58-67.

Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave a message after 4:30 p.m.

Monthly Car Show & Cannoli

First Saturday of month; 2-5 p.m. Beve Cibo, 5622 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia.

Sponsored by First Light Home Care. 50/50 Raffle supports Relay for Life. $1 of every Sparkling Berries Cocktail donated back to Relay.

Tampa Bay Chief Petty Officers Meeting

Fourth Thursday each month; 6:30 p.m.

Tampa Buffet, 3904 S. Dale Mabry, Britton Plaza, Tampa For information, call Chuck Peterman, President – 767-1569

Parkinson's Support Group At Savannah Court Of Brandon

Third Tuesday of Month; 6 p.m.

Savannah Court of Brandon, 824 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Call 643-6767 to RSVP with Rhonda Fournier, Executive Director.

Hawthorne Health & Rehab Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Third Thursday of the Month; 2 p.m. 851 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon For more information or to register, call 661-8998. M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Congregation Beth Shalom

Shabbat Services – Fridays; 7 p.m. 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. All welcome. Call 681-6547.

Calling All Marines, FMF Corpsmen And FMF Chaplains

First Tuesday of the Month; 7 p.m. Alafia American Legion Post #148, 7240 US Hwy. 301 in Riverview.

The Sgt. Walter P. Ryan Detachment of the Marine Corps League is looking for new members.

All Marines welcome.

Other military branch members accepted too.

Email mclsgtryan@gmail.com or call Ron Essick at 503-0390.

VFW Riverview Post 8108 Events

7504 Riverview Dr.; 671-9845. Every Sunday; 9 a.m.-12Noon - All You Can Eat Breakfast. Every Monday; 7 p.m. – Bingo Night Saturday, December 15 – Dinner; 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Karaoke; 7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased in the Canteen during business hours or at the door.

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Page 6

Volume 18, Issue 1

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Hillsborough County Encourages Trail Hiking With Annual Spree

By Kate Quesada

With the weather cooland Steven J. Worthan ing off, December is the Neighborhood Park in perfect time to enjoy Riverview, Little Florida’s great outdoors Manatee River Corridor and Hillsborough County Nature Preserve in recently launched its annuWimauma and Lithia al program to encourage Springs Conservation residents get out and Park in Lithia. One of explore the many local the hikes can be at a trails and parks. location of the particiLast year, more than pant’s choice that is not 5,000 people participated on the list. in Hillsborough County’s Trails range from Hiking Spree which fealess than a mile to more Hillsborough County is tures 25 trails in 19 locathan four miles and encouraging residents to tions throughout the county, from easy to strenuous. explore local trails with its many in the SouthShore annual Hiking Spree from now A list of all the participatuntil March 31, 2019. area. Residents are ing hikes with informaencouraged to register on the tion about length, difficulty levels and terHillsborough County website and then rain can be found at www.hillsboroughcomplete a minimum of eight of the trails county.org. before March 31, 2019.

“We chose the trails to give residents “Participants may hike on their own, a really good range of the gorgeous trails with others or on our guided park staff Hillsborough County has to offer,” said hikes,” said Dana McDonald, Senior McDonald. “We wanted to showcase Program Coordinator with Hillsborough some of the less popular ones we know County. “Each trail is a unique, fun way to residents will enjoy and also make sure explore outdoor Florida.” we have a wide range of difficulty levels Upon completion of the hikes, resiso there are options for everyone.” dents should turn their completed form to Participants are encouraged to post one of seven local park locations, includphotographs from their hikes on social ing the Ruskin Recreational Center, and media using the hashtag #TakeAHikeHC. can then chose a medallion or an official For information or to register, visit Hiker Patch as a reward. www.hillsboroughcounty.org and search Local parks with participating trails “Hiking Spree.” To receive a reward by include Bahia Beach Nature Preserve, mail, send a completed form with a E.G. Simmons Conservation Park and stamped/self-addressed envelope to Cockroach Creek Nature Preserve in HCPRD Hiking Spree; Bell Creek Ruskin, Triple Creek Nature Preserve, Regional Park Office; 10940 McMullen FishHawk Creek South Nature Preserve Rd. Riverview, FL 33569.

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Registration Is Open For Skyway 10K Virtual Run Runners who missed the chance to register for the physical Skyway 10K Virtual Run can still take part in the action and earn a medal, commemorative race bib and special edition race shirt by doing the virtual run. During the registration period, which will remain open until January 7, 2019 at 12 Midnight. Visit www.Skyway10K.com.

The Skyway 10K Virtual Run presented by Visit St. Pete Clearwater allows runners of all ages, athletic ability and locations, who may have been unable to attend or register for the Skyway Run, to be able to participate in the event, which benefits the Armed Forces Families Foundation.

Registration costs $45 and includes a commemorative bib, Virtual Run T-shirt and Virtual Run medal, all of which will be mailed to participating runners following completion of the race.

Those participating in the Skyway 10K Virtual Run may run, jog, walk or even crawl the 6.2 miles from any location on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill, at the gym or on the track (or even at another race). Once completed, entrants are asked to send an email to Virtual@Skyway10K.com with their full name and the date(s) and location(s) where they completed their 6.2 miles.

The deadline to submit Virtual Run emails is March 1, 2019.

“We have had such a tremendous

By James Judge

turnout of support and those wanting to participate that we decided to add an element to our race that will allow those unable to participate physically to participate virtually,” said Brian Horne, race director at Skyway 10K. “This race means more than just a run over one of the most iconic bridges in the country; it’s a chance to give back to military families, and we want to make sure everyone who wants to help has a chance to do so.”

The 2019 Skyway 10K, scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 3, is the largest fundraising event benefiting the Armed Forces Families Foundation.

The inaugural 2018 Skyway 10K, which featured 7,000 runners from 40 states, three countries and all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces crossing the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, sold out in just five days and raised $560,000 with the entire proceeds going to Armed Forces Families Foundation.

Anyone interested in volunteering for or sponsoring the second annual Skyway 10K can learn more by visiting www.Skyway10K.com or emailing info@skyway10k.com.

All proceeds from the event will go to support the Armed Forces Families Foundation. Visit www.armedforcesfamilies.org

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Page 7

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Chef Gaston Merideth To Be Honored By Black Chef's Association

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Experience Vacation Night!

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Local Brandon resiin Wedding Wire and dent Gaston Merideth or number one in Tampa Chef Gaston as he is Bay by Thumbtack," better known, will be a said Chef Gaston. recipient of the 2nd Gaston's Culinary Annual National Black Service recently did the Chef's Association's Craft Service for the 2019 Chef's Awards. filming of Bernie The Chef Gaston will be Dolphin, a movie that honored with the award was filmed here in the this February in Tampa Bay Area and Philadelphia. released this month.

Chef Gaston will be In addition, recognized along with Chef Gaston other great chefs such Brandon resident, has developed Chef Gaston as New Orleans' legend Chef G's Merideth, will be Leah Chase of Dooky Florida honored at the Chase Restaurant.

Barbecue Second Annual National Black Chef Chase is known Sauce, which Association's 2019 Chef's as the Queen of Creole Chef's is sold locally at Chuck's Award in Philadelphia this Cuisine.

February. Chef Gaston has been Natural Fields Market in Chef Chanda Clark creating delectable culinary dishes Brandon. for a quarter of a century. of Sweetie Pie's and Chef Gaston has Oprah Winfrey's OWN Network will also been cooking for 25 years. He served in be recognized along with multiple other the Coast Guard as a chef. He has chefs from around the country. served as an instructor of Culinary Arts at When asked what he thought when Manatee Technical College. He has also he learned he would be recognized, Chef cooked on live local television. This wellGaston said, "Finally, I have a chance to rounded chef is truly deserving of his get a personal award." Chef Gaston award. added, "My company has received Chef Gaston's love of food and cooknumerous awards and recognitions, but I ing is evident. He said, "When you cook have never received an individual award." for a crowd, you are not only serving your Chef Gaston owns and operates client, but you are serving your client's Gaston's Culinary Services which is an clients. You get instant gratification and offsite catering business. They can cater praise when your food is good and liked." small, intimate and elegant affairs or large For more information on Chef Gaston events with up to 1300 people. "We have and Gaston's Culinary Services, please been ranked number seven by Tampa visit www.gastonculinaryservices.com or Bay Business Journal two times, top five www.flbbqsauce.com.

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Page 8

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Seal: A Concert You Can Feel Good About

By Kelly Smith

When four-time Other upcoming conGrammy Award winner certs at The Florida and international star Orchestra include: Seal performs with The Gershwin’s Florida Orchestra in Rhapsody In Blue February, it will be more (Friday to Sunday, than a unique concert. It January 4-6): Featuring will be a banner of supAldo Lopez-Gavilan on port for a performing arts piano, under the baton of institution that has been popular former TFO cona vibrant part of Tampa ductor Thomas Wilkins.

Bay for more than 50 Free tickets available for years. kids and teens in The evening is the advance. premier fundraising Unforgettable: 100 International star Seal will perevent of the year for The form with The Florida Orchestra. Years Of Nat & Natalie Florida Orchestra, the (Friday and Saturday, largest professional orchestra in the state, January 11-12 with Saturday matinee): performing for more than 200,000 patrons Celebrate a century of the legendary Nat last season. All proceeds help TFO in its King Cole and his daughter Natalie. Jeff mission on stage and in the community, Tyzik conducts, with Dee Daniels and which includes using music to teach life Denzal Sinclaire on vocals. skills to school kids, to comfort hospital Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 patients and to bring together diverse (Friday to Sunday, January 18-20 with communities throughout Tampa Bay. Sunday matinee): Featuring conductor Conducted by Music Director Michael Joshua Weilerstein and “rock star” cellist Francis, ‘An Intimate Evening with Seal’ Joshua Roman on Bates’ Cello features the multiplatinum singer-songConcerto. writer performing classics from the Rat Star Wars Live In Concert: The Pack era such as Luck Be A Lady and Empire Strikes Back (Saturday, I’ve Got You Under My Skin from his January 26): The orchestra performs 2017 Standards album, all with his singuJohn Williams’ iconic score live while the lar sense of soul. Seal also will sing his movie plays on the big screen at Ruth early hits including chart-topping Kiss Eckerd Hall.

From a Rose, which earned him multiple The Florida Orchestra performs regGrammy Awards and global esteem. The ularly at the Straz Center in Tampa, London-born singer has sold more than Mahaffey in St. Petersburg and Ruth 30 million albums worldwide.

Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. It offers Tickets are on sale now for the affordably priced tickets to a variety of Saturday, February 9 concert at the concerts; prices vary. See Mahaffey Theater at FloridaOrchestra.org FloridaOrchestra.org or call 727-892or 727-892-3337 and 800-662-7286.

3337 and 800-662-7286.

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Volume 18, Issue 1

Experience Tea, Bowls And Desserts With A Filipino Flair

By Michelle Colesanti The in-house chef, Maria HollimanKatipunan, has a culinary degree with Filipino roots. Her delicious Chicken Adobo is the most popular menu item.

We tried the Pancit, Filipino style noodles called ‘bihon’, along

The Osprey Observer staff recently got to enjoy learning about tea blends and the health benefits while also enjoying lunch at TBD@301.

Recently the staff at the Osprey Observer was invited to visit TBD@301, a new café. This gem, which stands for Tea, Bowls and Desserts, stands tucked away in a shopping center at 3840 US Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview (across from the Publix plaza). This new business is well worth the stop, and once you do, you will want to return again and again.

The owners, Isabella Rosal and her husband Jerwin, along with his brother JP Rosal, founded TBD@301 to create an impact on the human food experience, embracing diversity, creativity and fun at the same time.

Dylan Chadwell, TBD@301’s tea guru, hosted a tea class for us. An expert at blending teas, he helped us decide what ingredients to include in our individually created blends. We learned what positive effects the different types of herbs offered.

All of the teas are organic. “We pledge to bring tea lovers an exceptional experience with the best loose leaf teas nature has to offer, by sourcing the highest quality teas with passion and integrity," said Chadwell.

Tea blending classes take place once a month, usually on the third Saturday of the month, online or instore. Take home your self-blended flavor for the day. The fee includes your kit comprising of your tea (2 oz.), mixing kit, manual/instructions and tea bags. The fee is $35 per person.

Group rates are available for a minimum of seven people. Visit the café or www.tbdcafe.com/events to sign up.

Many tea blends are available for purchase as well as offered on the menu. Be sure to include some Bobo (tapioca balls) in your tea. The most popular teas served are the Lychee Dragon and Thai teas.

with Lumpia, a Filipino style egg roll, cooked and made in-house. It is the Monday special.

It was my first time trying this and the flavors worked amazingly well together.

Don’t forget dessert. If you are too full after the meal, take some home with you. For something different, try the Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake.

Gluten free cheesecakes and edible cookie dough are available.

A fan of the Paradise Oolong Tea with Boba, Melissa Hartmann returns often. She said, “It’s nice to have a nice refreshing lunch and be able to go back to work energized.”

It is not just the food and drinks.

According to Isabella, “Team TBD is constantly making efforts to implement ways to contribute to a better community.”

The staff wants to make sure you get what you deserve, in the most economical, efficient and sustainable way possible. Five cents from each cup sold goes to g3 life applications. As a member of the responsiblecafe.org, a 20 cent discount is given if you use your own cup.

Can’t get out for a meal? Delivery services are available through Grubhub, DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Hours are Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Call 4200013 or visit www.tbdcafe.com.

January 2019

Page 9

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

New 10,000 Sq. Ft. Building Will Be Built For The Women’s Resource Center

Celebrating 50 years, HCC Plans Women’s Leadership Seminar

Tampa’s Executive Director, Cheryl Hickman, said we walk families through the whole process. “We stay with our families as long as it takes,” A groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 5 for the Women’s Resource Center of Tampa.

Hickman said.

Volunteers, Bay Life Church memIt does offer a variety of services as bers, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s well such as health care, employment Office, Tampa Police Department and and more just to name a few. With the other community supporters attended larger facility, it will offer a new computer the Women’s Resource Center of lab with eight brand new computers, 12 Tampa’s groundbreaking ceremony on case management stations and two December 5 for its new 10,000 sq. ft. classrooms for educational classes such space. Since the organization reached as GED (General Educational capacity and outgrew it, many look forDevelopment). The Women’s Resource ward to the construction that will begin Center of Tampa will also expand its during the first week of January 2019. To food pantry, storage area, clothes closet add, this place will also help the organiand more. zation continue to fulfill its passion of Bay Life Church Care Pastor and changing lives and restore hope to Counseling Center Director, Brenton women and their families.

Shephard shared how the families will In 2003, Women’s Resource Center benefit from the new building. “It will proof Tampa became established. Since vide a long term housing place for the then, more than 33,000 people received families,” Shephard said. “Overall, my assistance. As it is Christ-centered, the heart is to serve those who are lost and organization focuses on restoration of broken,” Hickman said. the mind, heart and more to the needy For information, visit www.wrctamwomen and families in the community. In pa.org. Check out its Facebook page at addition, the Women’s Resource Center www.facebook.com/WRCofTampa/. It is does provide services to 90 residents of located at 1017 Kingsway Rd. in Hillsborough County each month.

Brandon. Open Monday through Women’s Resource Center of Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 309-3357.

It has been 50 “Ms Viamontes is a years since Hillsborough dynamic speaker with a Community College unique story to tell,” said (HCC) first opened its Sorenson. “An HCC alum doors and began eduand author of three books, cating the people of she came to the area as Tampa Bay. To celepart of the boat migration brate, each of the colfrom Cuba. She has held lege’s five campuses is many interesting positions holding an event open during her career and is to the community. On currently in discussions to March 22, the Brandon have a Hollywood movie Campus will host a made from one of her women’s leadership books.” seminar with workWomen at the event shops, mentorship will also be given the opportunities, a keynote opportunity to join a new speaker and panel disfemale mentorship proHillsborough Community College gram with students attendcussions. is hosting a women’s leadership “We are so proud seminar at its Brandon Campus ing the college. to have been an active on Friday, March 22. The event According to is open to the public and part of our community Sorenson, who has been sponsorship opportunities are for so long,” said HCC president of the campus available.

Brandon Campus since 2015, the event has President Nancee Sorenson. “And we are more than one purpose. excited to use this opportunity to reach “We feel that it is very important to more women of all ages.” create a women’s leadership seminar that The event, titled Celebrating Action in is affordable and interesting,” she said.

Leadership: Women Who Make a “We are also using the opportunity as a Difference, will be held at the Brandon fundraiser for scholarships for women to Campus Conference Center on Friday, attend HCC.” March 22 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The date Fifty students will attend the seminar was chosen to coincide with Women’s on scholarships and there are 110 tickets History Month which takes place in available for the community to purchase.

March.

Tickets to the full-day seminar are $90 During the day, attendees will have and there is also an option to only attend the opportunity to choose between multithe Scholarship Lunch for $60. ple workshops, listen to panels and enjoy Sponsorship opportunities are also the Scholarship Luncheon with keynote available. speaker Betty Viamontes.

Contact Sorenson at 253-7817.

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Page 10

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 18, Issue 1

Beef’s, Taco Yolo, Comprehensive Derm & All American Dog Celebrate With Chamber

By Kathy L. Collins

Members of the Valrico FishHawk Chamber have been busy lately helping local businesses celebrate in the community.

Beef O’ Brady’s FishHawk Celebrates Re-Grand Opening

A ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the re-grand opening of the Beef O’Brady’s FishHawk. The restaurant is under new management and has been newly renovated. It offers a full service bar, dine in, to go and catering.

It is located at 16773 FishHawk Blvd. in the Winn Dixie Plaza. Open seven days a week, it is open for lunch and dinner and has an updated menu.

Hours are Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 Noon-10 p.m. For more information, call 651-0388.

Visit www.beefobradys.com/fishhawk.

Your Dog Will Learn Correct Behavior At All American Dog Training Academy

Ribbon cutting for Beef O’Brady’s FishHawk Re-Grand Opening

Ribbon cutting for Comprehensive Center for All American Dog Training Dermatology celebrating one year in business.

Academy has trained over 50,000 your dog understand correct behavior as dogs and their owners in their homes, well as being corrected for wrong decineighborhoods and businesses since sions that may lead to bad behavior. It 1972. A ribbon cutting was recently held by the Valrico FishHawk Chamber for the offers many training courses such as Puppy Obedience local-based All American Dog Training Training, Obedience Training, Off Leash Academy. The Academy is family owned Obedience and Property Boundary and operated. All American Dog Training owners Dave & Hope Springs offer a mili- Training of your home and yard.

For more information call 685-6666, tary style of dog training which utilizes a email info@allamericandog.net or visit positive and negative approach to help www.allamericandog.net.

adults and children as well aesthetic and cosmetic services. She graduated with honors from the University of Florida, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior and received her medical degree from the Georgia Campus of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Comprehensive Center for Dermatology is located at 5607 Skytop Dr. in Lithia. For more information, call 530-6511 or visit Taco YOLO celebrates one year anniversary with a ccdermatology.com.

Valrico FishHawk Chamber ribbon cutting.

One Year Celebration For Taco YOLO Mexican Restaurant

Locally owned and operated, Taco YOLO Mexican Restaurant recently celebrates its one year anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Valrico FishHawk Chamber. Tacos are what the restaurant is famous for, but it offers much more including burritos, enchiladas, salad and bowls.

The name YOLO comes from Ribbon cutting for All American Dog Training the acronym ‘You Only Live Once.’

Academy Its motto is Live Once, Do It Comprehensive Center For Deliciously. It offers hand-crafted one-ofDermatology Offers Full Range Of a-kind recipes that are made fresh to Dermatology order. While there, you can enjoy Dang A ribbon cutting was recently held for Quesadillas, which are flour tortillas with Comprehensive Center for Dermatology, your choice of protein, grilled with YOLO which celebrated one year in business. It Way toppings on the side. Tex-Mex speis located at 5607 Skytop Dr. in Lithia. cials are also offered. Taco YOLO is Dr. Jennifer Conde, D.O. offers a located at 5614 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. state of the art facility offering a full range in Lithia. For more information, call 906of general dermatology services for 9656 or visit TacoYolo.com.

January 2019

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Page 11

Page 12

Volume 18, Issue 1

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Explore Medard Park And Go Hiking With A Viking With Wyrd Bros. Productions

CFC037149

Staff Report

Go hiking with a Viking as they descend on Medard Park in Plant City. There are four dates in January and February to choose from and join in the fun.

Colorfully dressed robbers with parrots on their shoulders descend on Hillsborough County every year, but Gasparilla is not the only entertainment option featuring invaders from the sea.

Hillsborough County’s ‘Hiking with a Viking’ features park rangers and members from Wyrd Brothers Productions, a volunteer historical re-enactment group focusing on the Viking era.

The group trains at Medard Park on the weekends and wanted to become involved in the hiking spree. So the inaugural event held on December 1 was set up, and it reached capacity almost as soon as it was announced.

All of the attendees, including the kids, had a lot of fun. In fact, it was so popular that Wyrd Brothers Productions agreed to do it again, and the next four dates were set up: Saturday and Sunday, January 26 and 27, and February 9 and 10, all at Medard Park.

According to Hillsborough County Park Ranger Chris Kiddy, “It is a really cool event that combines education and entertainment. The Vikings really depended on nature.”

Together, the rangers and costumed marauders lead hikers through Edward Medard Conservation Park’s Singing Bluffs Trail. On the journey, the Viking guides teach hikers about their lifestyle, skills and crafts, weapons and combat, and their appreciation and dependence on nature. The length of the hike is 1.5 miles. Each event begins at 9 a.m.

Hiking with a Viking is held in conjunction with Hillsborough County’s Hiking Spree, which encourages people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through the County’s parks and preserves. This year’s trail list features 25 trails at 19 locations throughout the county. Complete at least eight before March 31, 2019 and earn a patch or medallion.

Registration is required for Hiking with a Viking, and entry is limited to those who have registered for the Hiking Spree.

The cost is $5 (cash only). You pay on the day of the event at the park. There is also a $2 park entry fee per vehicle for up to eight people.

Medard Park is located at 6140 Turkey Creek Rd. in Plant City.

For information, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/calendar/03-parksandrec/2019/celm/20190126-hiking-with-aviking

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Page 13

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Newsome Orchestra Holds Fundraiser For Carnegie Hall Trip

By Kate Quesada

Students from the group has arranged the golf tourNewsome High School are working nament and participants hard this month to and sponsors are still achieve a dream. needed. The goal for the The school’s orchestournament is to raise tra has $10,000. A drawing for been invited to perform a full at Carnegie Invisalign Hall in New treatment York City in from the spring, Busciglio and in order Smiles to fund the worth trip the $5,000, two group is tickets to see holding a Students from the Newsome High School orchestra are golf tourna- raising funds for a trip to play at Carnegie Hall in New York Hamilton at City with a golf tournament this month. Sponsors and ment at the Straz participants are needed.

Riverhills Center in Country Club on Saturday, January 26.

February and two one-day Disney park According to orchestra director hopper passes will also take place at the Christopher Allen, this is a once in a lifetournament. Anyone interested in purtime opportunity few students get to expe- chasing a ticket can email Terri Fischer at rience. dntfischer@gmail.com.

“These opportunities do not come “An opportunity like this means the frequently,” said Allen. “This will be some- world to me,” said Newsome tenth grade thing that these students, parents and I student, Valrico resident Alison Ryan who plays the violin. “Music is pretty much my will remember for the rest of our lives.”

The students will perform as part of life. There aren’t many people who get to an annual concert put on by Manhattan say they’ve played in Carnegie Hall and Concert Productions featuring top ranked can’t believe our orchestra gets to do it. It school music groups from around the is a huge honor.” country. Students will also receive a priFor information about the golf tournavate music clinic and feedback from a ment, please visit panel of nationally acclaimed musicians. www.planmygolfevent.com/32174Drive_for_Carnegie/. Donations can also The cost to take 99 students by plane to the event is $163,000, not includ- be accepted in the form of checks made ing the cost of transportation to and from out to Newsmen Orchestra Booters and airports, equipment truck rental to transsent to C/O Newsome Orchestra, 16550 port the instruments to New York or hotel FishHawk Blvd., Lithia, Fl 33547. Contact costs for the drivers.

Allen at christopher.allen@sdhc.k12.fl.us To offset some of the costs of the trip, for any questions.

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Page 14

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Sparkman Wharf Is Tampa’s Newest Addition To A Growing Local Foodie Scene

By Kathy L. Collins

When I Oyster Co. serving moved to the freshly harvested Tampa area oysters, BT In A nearly 30 years Box serving French ago, downtown Vietnamese Fusion, Tampa was seriFlock & Stock ously lacking in Chicken and fine and indeBurgers serving pendent dining roadside favorites options. Today, such as burgers, with the opening chicken sandwiches of Sparkman and tenders and Tampa’s newest unique outdoor space is Sparkman Wharf.

Wharf in the fries. Other vendors Channelside District, Tampa is becoming include Foundation Coffee which is a a true foodie destination. This fact is local favorite and Gallito Taqueria, a twist brought home with the recent articles in on Mexican Street Food. This was creatBon Appetite Magazine and Food & Wine ed by Chef Ferrell Alvarez and Ty featuring Sparkman Wharf, Armature Rodriguez of the Rooster and the Till.

Works and the Hall on Franklin.

Montados Tapas and Wine by Mise en Sparkman Wharf is located at 615 Place offers Spanish tapas style food.

Channelside Dr. in Tampa. There is Edison’s Swigamajig is created by ample parking in either the Garrison Lot Edison: Food and Drink Lab chef, or the Tampa Port Garage. If you park in Jeannie Pierola. The Corners offers the latter and spend more than $10, you Detroit style pizza and comes to us from can get your parking validated. the chef who introduced Tampa to Sparkman Wharf consists of nine Ramen, Noel Cruz of Ichicoro Ramen. pop up style restaurants and an outdoor Whatever Pops and Bowls is locally Biergarten featuring over 24 taps. There owned and serves hand crafted ice pops is ample seating and lots of space for and bowls. children and dogs to play and enjoy Jacob Seace of Riverview was lucky Tampa’s waterfront. On the weekends, enough to experience Sparkman Wharf there is live music offered. on opening day. Seace said, “Sparkman The pop-up restaurants have been Wharf is the new hot spot of Tampa servcreated by some of Tampa’s outstanding ing the best beer and coffee the city has chefs and popular eateries. On the day to offer.”Sparkman Wharf is open we visited, we started with a delicious Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. latte from Foundation Coffee, a crispy to 11 p.m. It is open on Mondays and spring roll from BT In A Box, tacos from Tuesdays when there are events at Gallio Taqueria and finally pizza from The Amalie Arena.

Corners.

For more information, please visit The restaurants include Boat Run www.sparkmanwharf.com.

Volume 18, Issue 1

Let Family And Veteran Owned Dream Vacations Help Plan Your Perfect Getaway

By Michelle Caceres

Whether it is a trip to Breckenridge, weekend getaway or an complete with ski extended vacation, travschool, dog sledding el planning can be and snowmobiling. stressful and time conFrom cruises to suming. FishHawk resiland packages anydent Becky Kelly has where on the globe, learned the secret to Breaux has the stress-free travel planresources to plan and ning: she calls Jenifer create seamless vacaBreaux, owner of tion experiences for her Dream Vacations and customers while offerrelaxes while Breaux ing the best value. plans vacations her To get a sample of Dream Vacations owners Barry & family will remember cruising or the all-incluJenifer Breaux and family for a lifetime. sive vacation experivacationing aboard Norwegian Epic.

Kelly first met ence, attend Dream Breaux when she was trying to decide Vacation’s second annual vacation night between an Alaskan cruise or land packon Thursday, January 10 from 5:30-7:30 age. p.m. at The Venue, 11268 Boyette Rd. in “Jenifer listened to my family’s needs Riverview. Attendees will get their mock and what we wanted in a vacation and passports stamped at various booths we decided that a land package would be showcasing the experiences found at alla better fit for my family,” said Kelly, inclusive resorts and cruise ships, includwhose four children at the time were ing spas, kids’ clubs and food and drinks. between the ages of 11 and 16. The Attendees booking a cruise will receive a vacation package included a flight to $50 onboard credit that isn’t available Anchorage, train travel throughout the through the cruise line. state, hotels, all transfers and excursions.

Whether you are planning a relaxing “My kids still talk about the train ride escape, a girlfriend getaway, a manbecause they were able to relax, read, cation, romantic honeymoon or a family nap, charge their electronic devices and reunion, the Dream Vacations experience look out the windows at the amazing will be completely hassle-free. Breaux is views,” she said. “We would not have prepared to handle every detail, from these memories if it hadn’t been for printing out documents and luggage tags Jenifer.” to identifying sights to see, packing lists, Since that first trip, Dream Vacations maps and weather forecasts. has helped Kelly plan a Norwegian cruise To schedule your dream vacation, (including directions to the port, parking visit www.jbvacationpros.com or call and shore excursions) and a five-day ski directly at 667-7000.

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January 2019

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Barrington Students Start Robotics Club

By Kate Quesada

ship for students.”

Currently 35 students belong to the club, named Barrington Bots, which meets after school and is one of very few middle school robotics clubs in the county.

Fewell paid for the club’s first set of robotics kits with his own money, but he has since applied for and received some grants, including one from TECO which enabled him to purchase 10 cir-

Students at Barrington Middle School recently started a robotics club with the help of teachers Jeffrey Fewell and Cynthia Fleming.

Students at Barrington Middle School in Lithia are starting the New Year with an exciting new opportunity.

Business Technology teacher Jeffrey Fewell recently started a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) afterschool club focusing on circuitry and robotics for the school’s sixth grade business technology education students.

According to Fewell, the club was created when students in his class last year developed an interested in technology and Raspberry Pi computer programming. After research and trial and error, the group decided that purchasing VEX IQ Robotics, a snaptogether robotics system designed from the ground up, would be more beneficial for tangible learning for the students.

“The VEX IQ Robotics combine computer coding with the plastic parts and gears, rubber wheels, motors, sensors, wires, batteries and more,” said Fewell, who stated that his main goal is to have a group where the students can learn, explore, feel and achieve. “By packaging advanced concepts into an accessible package, the system also naturally encourages teamwork, problem solving and leader-

cuitry kits for the group, and also has a Donor’s Choose page which he hopes will fund more equipment.

There is a $30 membership fee for the club if the student does not own his or her own Raspberry Pi device.

With help from Barrington sixth grade science teacher Cynthia Fleming, Fewell is hoping to start additional similar clubs at the school, including a LadyBolt team, a female competition team, that will be led by Fleming, and a circuitry robotics team.

“This is a student club,” said Fewell. “They plan it, they organize it, then do it. My job is to get them the resources.”

To learn more about the club and possibly donate to the group, visit www.donorschoose.org/weteach/4095626 or email jeffery.fewell@sdhc.k12.fl.us.

Barrington Middle School is located at 5925 Village Center Dr. in Lithia and can be reached at 657-7266.

Page 15

New Truly Greek In Bloomingdale Square Offers A Variety Of Tasty Food Items Diners seeking to add a new flavor onto their plates should visit Truly Greek in Brandon. The restaurant provides authentic Greek dishes by utilizing the best market quality food products.

With 35 years of Ismail Abu (center) experience in the with son Faisal Abu (l) restaurant indusand daughter try and a bacheAmal Abu (r). lor’s degree in Hotel Management, Truly Greek’s owner, Ismail Abu, gives Brandon a taste of fresh ingredients in every meal that gets created.

The original location of Truly Greek opened in 2015 in Pasco County. Abu and his family reside in the Brandon area and the opportunity came at a good time for the restaurant, which opened in December, to become established. In addition, the 2,000 sq. ft. restaurant can seat 60 guests comfortably.

Abu mentions what makes Truly Greek unique.

“As a family business, we work from our heart and everything here is homemade,” Abu said.

The menu at Truly Greek offers various food options for those who might be vegetarian, vegan and more. For example, people can order Truly Greek’s homemade signature soup, which comes in two flavors such as Healthy Chicken Ginger Noodle or Lentil soup. These

By Tatiana Ortiz

soups cost $4.99 and are paired with an herb pita.

Another item that individuals order most often would be the gyros.

Individuals can get a gyro with a choice of lamb, beef or chicken in it for $7.99. It also provides desserts, appetizers and more.

Furthermore, the types of services Truly Greek offers would be takeout, delivery through Uber Eats within a five mile radius and catering with delivery, too. To save money, individuals can join the Rewards Program at Truly Greek. This program will give a free meal on the 11th visit. Before reaching that point, it does offer a couple of other perks as well in the program.

“Overall, I am excited to be here and hopefully this place will grow,” Abu said.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Truly-Greek720150305010659/. It is located at 887 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. Open Monday through Sunday 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Call 324-7933.

Page 16

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Are You Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired? Correction Starts At The Core

By Dr. Stephen Steller

Did you know that 93 So if you have a million Americans have health issue, should you heart disease? If you add drugs or remove the need to take blood presblockage to the body? sure medication, you Remove the interference have heart disease. to your health.

MERSA is an antibiotic How does your resistant bacteria killing nerve system become people, and the only reablocked? Misalignments son it is around is of the spine called subbecause Americans take luxations cause damage way too many antibiotics. to your nerves. We do Type 2 Diabetes is comthis to ourselves by daily pletely avoidable and living and minor trauma. reversible, and cancer is Think about all of the little completely avoidable, Dr. Stephen Steller ia at Spinal things you have done to Correction Centers at 11964 which is the only way to yourself over your lifeBoyette Rd. in Riverview. cure it. Are you sick and time. We bend wrong, sit tired of being sick and tired? You should wrong, lift wrong, play sports, car accibe. dents, falls and more. Pinched nerves to Here is the truth about how your any organ or your immune system will body functions and how pharmaceutical cause poor function and poor health in companies hope you always stay sick. your body.

Health is very simple. Your brain and The true definition of health is funcspinal cord control every tioning and healing at single function in your 100%. What controls all body every second of functioning and healing? It every day and it happens is your brain and central no other way. When signerve system. Nothing nals from your brain are blocked to your else can do it. So correcting your core organs and immune system, they start to health and removing the misalignments is malfunction. extremely important. How do you do this?

So what is the medical answer to all You get your kids and yourself checked health problems? Do drugs remove for nerve interference (subluxation) by a blocked nerve function? No! Drugs actuchiropractor. ally slow down healing. We all know that To get checked, give Spinal but drug companies want you to take Correction Centers a call to schedule an drugs, continue to be unhealthy and appointment at 540-7270. It is located at believe that there is no other way to 11964 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. Visit regain your healing and function. www.spinalcorrectioncenters.com.

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Volume 18, Issue 1

January 2019

Page 17

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Five Ways Parents And Coaches Can Take The Toxicity Out Of Youth Sports

Staff Report

For many kids, learning aspect of organized sports are not the game needs to much fun anymore. be the focal point of Overbearing paryouth sports,” Castro ents, over-the-top said. coaches and overzealModel positive ous competition are frebehaviors. Part of quent images associatthe negative image ed with youth athletic of youth sports is leagues today. Though related to parents playing ball often used yelling at coaches, to embody the enjoyreferees, opponents, ment of being a kid, the or even their own Maya Castro is the author of The experience for many kids.

Bubble: Everything I Learned as a youngsters is too seriEnjoy the Target of the Political, and Often ous and stressful, and moment.

Too many Corrupt, World of Youth Sports. ultimately not worth it. parents and their young athletes are fret“The politics, as well as the overting the future. “Too often it’s all about emphasis adults put on kids to see a winning and getting the scholarship,” college scholarship as the ultimate goal, Castro said, “But my parents told me is ruining a kid’s ability to get the most there was a time when kids actually out of sports,” said Maya Castro, author enjoyed playing for the sake of playing, of The Bubble: Everything I Learned as and parents won just by getting to watch a Target of the Political, and Often them play. We need to get back to that.

Corrupt, World of Youth Sports Without it, memories are wasted.” (www.thebubbleweb.com).

Be encouraging. “Celebrate the “This overemphasis has created an effort, not just the result,” Castro says. environment amongst the parents and “This goes for youth coaches as well as coaches that is similar to a mafia. We parents.” badly need changes in this toxic, political Make education first. Castro and and corrupt environment. And it must many observers of youth sports say parstart with the parents.” ents have lost perspective by thinking Castro, who says her own experitheir kid is on the fast track to a scholarence as a young soccer player was ship or a pro career. Statistics show few tainted by misguided and misbehaving advance that far. adults, offers ideas on how adults can “Whether a kid decides to keep improve the youth sports culture: playing sports or to walk away,” Castro Strive to be a mentor. Parents and said, “He or she should be able to do so coaches have a great opportunity to use without deep regret in having wasted sports as a teaching tool for life. “The their time.”

New Brunchery Owners Excited To Continue Community Tradition

By Tatiana Ortiz

For 30 years, The Brunchery in Valrico has been known for its stuffed french toast, homemade muffins and decadent quiche specia, but also for its founding owner, Kevyn Farley. Farley opened the original location in Brandon, which later moved to its current spot in the River Hills Plaza.

And in November, a new family moved to the area, took over ownership and pledged to keep the same staff and menu that fans have come to know and love.

“We use the exact same ingredients and recipes that Mrs. Farley did,” describes new owner Stanley Athan, who purchased the restaurant with wife Natalia.

“We buy the same products from the EXACT same vendors.

Same bread distributor and same produce distributor. And I would NEVER change your coffee. I truly believe you don’t fix what isn’t broken.”

Athan comes from a restaurant background and grew up in Seattle as the youngest of three boys. “I've seen all aspects of the business.

Stanley Athan, new owner of the Brunchery.

Dad had me washing dishes as a 15 year old to pay for my first car,” said Athan. “My favorite part about the business is being with my customers and making sure they are taken care of from the time they are greeted walking in until the time they leave.”

The opportunity came at the right time for Athan to become owner of the Brunchery as he was searching for places in Florida.

He fell in love with the 2,300 sq. ft. restaurant and its rooster theme, decor and friendly atmosphere.

“I want the community to know that we plan on being here for a long time and we appreciate the friendly welcoming the customers have given us,” Athan said.

The Brunchery offers a variety of breakfast and lunch items, such as homemade grits, seasonal coffees and its popular home fries along with a new special called the Red Rooster that starts at $12. It is located at 4389 Lynx Paw Trail in Valrico.

Open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 7:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Call 6549036. Starting January 1, The Brunchery will open until 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Page 18

Volume 18, Issue 1

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center Now Open To Visitors

By Taylor Wells and Photos Courtesy of TECO It is that time of the year atees, natures trails, 50 ft. again as the manatees take up wildlife observation tower, residence near TECO Energy's sandbox and chalkboard Big Bend Power Station. Bring area, butterfly garden, gift your family and friends to visit shop and concession stand. and take this chance to marvel at There is also a stingray the sea cows at the Manatee touch tank that, in partnerViewing Center. ship with the Florida The manatees make the Aquarium, acts as the offclean bay water in Tampa season home of the actual Electric’s discharge canal their mascots of Major League home from November through Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays.

April. The area maintains temperVisiting the Manatee atures in the low 70s, allowing Viewing Center is free. manatees to comfortably thrive.

Along with being operated The stingray touch tank containing the Tampa Bay Rays’ Water below 68 degree

by Tampa Electric, the gift mascots.

Fahrenheit can make manatees shop, concession stand and cold stressed, causing sickness donation boxes all help fund A close-up of a manatee’s face as it resurand sometimes death. the facility. faces.

Although they As many as 342,000 were reclassified as a visitors spent time at the threatened species last Manatee Viewing Center year, manatees exist in last year. low numbers and are The Manatee Viewing vulnerable to endanCenter is open now through germent, so TECO April 15, 2019. It is located provides a wonderful at 6990 Dickman Rd. in opportunity for manaApollo Beach and is open all tee populations of week from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Florida to live and The center is closed on grow healthily at the Christmas Eve (at 3 p.m.), Manatee Viewing The wildlife observation tower is 50 ft. tall, allowing guests a Christmas Day and Easter. great view of the area.

Center.

Parking is free.

In addition to proFor information, visit game kiosks, manatee bones and viding these marine A crowd taking in the manatees. power plant, solar energy and steward- www.tampaelectric.com/company/mvc/, mammals an area to call 228-4289 or use TECO’s ship information. vides an environmental education prosper, people are given the chance Residential Contact Us Form at Other attractions include viewing building featuring great photos and to have a fun time while seeing and www.tampaelectric.com/forms/residenplatforms, a 900 ft. tidal walk through a information about manatees. The edulearning about the manatees. tial/contact/ (select Manatee Viewing mangrove forest that goes out over the cation building also has puzzle tables, The Manatee Viewing Center proCenter in the pull-down box). water, 10-15 minute movie about man-

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January 2019

Page 19

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

LifeCare Network Asks Local Community To Support Diaper Drive

By NITISH S. RELE nitishrele@gmail.com

By Amanda Boston

With a lofty goal Jessica Rickenbach, of 100,000 diapers, the Development LifeCare Network is Director of LifeCare asking the community Network in Brandon. to be the helping “This year we started hands with its Sanctity to run out of sizes in of Life Diaper Drive.

October. We are hopFor more than 30 ing that others in our years, LifeCare community will partNetwork has sought ner with us for the to protect the sanctity diaper drive.” of life through promotLifeCare Choices ing biblical sexuality Centers offer a variand educating new ety of support for parents. expecting mothers Pictured are Bell Shoals The diaper and and new parents.

Baptist Church members wipe drive correFrom pregnancy who assisted with last year's Sanctity of Life sponds with National tests to assistance Diaper Drive.

Sanctity of Life after the birth, the Sunday, which falls on the third Sunday ministry educates as it provides physiin January. President Ronald Reagan cal, emotional and spiritual support. first enacted the Sanctity of Life Sunday The diaper and wipe drive specifion January 22, 1984, which was also cally supports its ‘Earn While You the same day that the U.S. Supreme Learn’ program, which offers classes Court legalized abortion in all 50 states covering prenatal care, labor and deliv(January 22, 1973). The Church uses ery, nutrition and breastfeeding. While the third Sunday in January to celethe clients learn, they also earn ‘Baby brate human life as well as mourn the Bucks’ to purchase items like diapers lives lost to abortion. and other supplies in its Baby Boutique.

In previous years, local churches The nonprofit is requesting diaper supplied the demand for diapers, but sizes newborn to five with the greatest this year, the nonprofit is reaching out need for sizes 3, 4, 5. Rickenbach to businesses, neighborhoods and added, “We are believing that the Lord schools to host a drive. The amount of will provide immeasurably more diapers 100,000 diapers would sustain and wipes than we could ever imagine.”

LifeCare’s Choices Centers in Brandon For information or to get involved, and SouthShore for the entire year of visit www.LifeCareNetwork.net, contact 2019.

Jessica Rickenbach at “Our need for diapers is growing as Jessica@LifeCareNetwork.net or call we are serving more clients,” said 654-0491.

2019 SILVERADO GETS A TOTAL REDESIGN – FOR THE BETTER! That the cessor, the pickup mar88-pound ket, like the lighter SUV segfully-boxed ment, is steel frame tough and Silverado competitive shows off is a given. chrome There’s the accents on best-seller the Ford F-150, bumpers, the dual-port revamped grille, mirRam, Toyota ror caps, Tundra, door hanNissan dles and Titan, GMC hockeySierra and stick beltmore. In the line as midst of all LED headSILVERADO 1500 4WD LTZ lands an lights, fog Tires: P275/60R20 overhauled lamps 2019 Chevrolet meet up with a Wheelbase: 147.4 inches Silverado 1500 louvered, power Length: 231.7 inches 4WD with a dome-style Weight: 5,090 pounds wheelbase hood. Step into Fuel capacity: 24 gallons stretched by 3.9 the airy interior Base price: $48,700 and length by 1.6 and you are Website: www.chevrolet.com inches offered in greeted by a either a 5’ 8” or large, clear six6’.6” box. Rear seat legroom gets a gauge instrument cluster, easy-to3-inch boost. And the truck is lighter use HVAC and entertainment conby 450 pounds from previous model. trols, and of course supportive seats.

Our LTZ Crew cab version was Hands-free navigation, phone and equipped with the optional 6.2-liter audio controls are within quick reach V-8 engine blasting off 420 horsewith the 8-inch color touchscreen. power @ 5600 rpm and 460 pounds- Well-placed storage bins and cubfeet of torque @ 4100 rpm. It is bies are scattered throughout. Best mated to a slick-shifting 10-speed of all is the center console bin, which auto gear box. GM’s Dynamic Fuel can consume a laptop. Other no-cost Management system deactivates half goodies include a tilt/telescopic of the cylinders to conserve gas steering wheel, dual auto a/c, 60/40 while cruising or at slower speeds. A rear seat and a 6-speaker audio systweaked front independent coil-overtem. shock front and solid axle rear susDual front and side airbags, fourpension ensures a solid but compliwheel antilock brakes, stability and ant and calm ride with poised hantraction control, trailer sway control, dling and response. Guiding the hill start assist, rearview camera, large SUV into a tight parking spot remote keyless entry, tire pressure with little effort is an accurate and monitoring system and daytime runwell-weighted electric power steerning lights are standard. ing. Tow capacity peaks at a comThe revamped Silverado comes mendable 12,200 pounds. And 12 with a varied choice of power trains, fixed tie-downs now have a capacity abundant passenger room and of 500 pounds, up from 250 in the incredible tow/haul capabilities. What 2018 model. more can a pickup shopper ask for in More muscular than its predea work ride?

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Page 20

Volume 18, Issue 1

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

New Main Street Group To Work With Elected Officials

By Michelle Colesanti

of forum instead of what we see played out.”

This is not a political organization and Clark hopes that the local business owners can work with elected officials no matter their political affiliation to help benefit both sides.

A group of local business owners are starting a Main Street As the represengroup and met with Representative Adam Hattersley from District 59 (second from left). Local business owners are invited tatives gain a better to participate in upcoming meetings. understanding of As the 2018 election season came to what local businesses need, it is the hope a close, a group of local entrepreneurs that this information can be useful when from the Brandon area met with newly the representatives return to the state elected Representative Adam Hattersley house or to Washington, D.C. (Dist. 59).

This was Hattersley’s first meeting Business owners from the automowith local constituents. He was very intertive sector as well as others are starting a ested in what the business owners had to Main Street group and invite local busisay despite the fact that his term had not ness owners in the community to particiyet officially began. pate. The purpose of these meetings will “We’re already out there meeting be for the business owners to meet with constituents, no matter what side of the local elected officials to discuss issues political fence they sit on,” he noted. that directly affect how their business is Other business owners at the meetdone. ing included Neal Kahn owner of Olin Bob Clarke, Owner of Clarke Mott Tire; Mark Yencarelli, who recently Automotive Systems, said, “The governpurchased Velocity Lube & Repair; Julie ment becomes increasingly important in Arndt, owner of Minuteman Press; and my business, and without true represenMatt Chipman, a retired army veteran. tation I’m not going to be able to be sucThere were a few other interested busicessful in the future.” ness owners that were not in attendance.

He said the group is forming to call Jeff Eakens, Superintendent of Schools elected officials to explain what is on the also plans to participate in the group. legislative table and to tell the business For information on its next meeting, owners what the issues are. “This is an contact Bob Clarke at 685-2939 or extremely important time for the country Bob@clarkeauto.net. and we need to be able to have this kind

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A Visit To The Ybor City Museum State Park Is A Trip Back In Time

By Kathy L. Collins

industry and its workers, The casita has been restored and furnished to look as it would have when cigar workers lived there. At the height of the cigar industry, there were approximately 150 casitas located in the area.

The volunteer The Ybor City Museum is a fascinating place to visit. It allows visitors to take a trip back in time to an era when the cigar industry was booming.

This holiday break, take a visit to the Ybor City Museum State Park located at 1818 9th Ave. in Tampa (Ybor City). Whether you are interested in looking for something to do or want to learn more about the history of the area, the Ybor City Museum is a great place to visit.

The Ybor City Museum consists of the museum building, the garden and grounds and three casitas. You will learn all about the unique and colorful history of the founding of Ybor City, the rise of the cigar industry and the immigrants (Cubans, Italians, Jews, Spaniards and Germans) who settled the area and lived in Ybor City.

Admission to the Ybor City Museum is just $4 and free for children five years old and younger. The price of admission gets you access to the museum building, the grounds and a docent led tour of the casita.

The museum is housed in the historic Ferlita Bakery building. In it, you can see the old baking oven and a replica of a cigar rolling room. You will learn fascinating facts about the people who lived in the area, the rise of the cigar industry and the businesses that sprung up to support the

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docents do an excellent job of describing how the area looked and changed during the period of time from 1885-1930.

Bryant Martinez, a resident of Riverview, has visited the museum several times. Martinez said, "The Ybor City Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Ybor City. It has a rich and colorful history."

After your visit, take a walk around the historic area and see some of the 84 buildings that are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, and the 956 buildings that were deemed to have historical significance by the National Park Service.

The Ybor City Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit www.ybormuseum.org.

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Page 21

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

New Eagle Scout Builds Wood Benches For Veteran’s Nursing Home

Staff Report

Jamie of the resiVaughan dents and always their families. dreamed of Jamie becoming an finished his Eagle Scout Eagle Scout since he was requirements a Tiger with under the Cub Scout guidance of Pack 604 Troop 11, from Lithia who welSprings comed him Elementary with full supJamie Vaughan achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in April School.

2018, and will officially be recognized at Boy Scout Troop port and After earning guidance in 11’s Eagle Court of Honor on January 12. his Arrow of Light, he crossed over to completing his trail to Eagle. He earned Boy Scout Troop 665 enjoying the many 28 merit badges and held many troop adventures offered, including hiking 50 leadership positions, including Patrol miles on the Appalachian Trail, where it Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, was freezing and raining hard the entire Senior Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, week. He attended the National Webmaster and was inducted into the Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve Order of the Arrow. in West Virginia both in 2013 and in Jamie earned the rank of Eagle 2017, where he served as his continScout in April 2018 and will be recoggent’s Quartermaster in 2017. One of nized for this outstanding achievement his favorite trips was going to Sea Base during his Eagle Court of Honor on where he went deep sea fishing in the Saturday, January 12.

Keys.

As a senior at Newsome High Jamie said, “I enjoyed eating the School, Jamie currently holds the posireally fresh tuna that was caught there.” tion of Operations and Training Officer For Jamie’s Eagle project he built, in his JROTC Battalion as a Major and with the help of many friends and fellow is Co-Captain of the Drill Team. scouts, wooden benches for the He is also a member of the National Baldomero Lopez State Veteran’s Honor Society, National Technical Honor Nursing Home in Land O’Lakes. Each Society and Mu Alpha Theta. bench was built to represent a branch of Troop 11 meets at Saint Andrew's the military, painted with the colors and United Methodist Church in Brandon. sporting the emblem of each branch.

For more information, email They are currently installed at the Scoutmaster is Kevin Beach entrance of the facility for the enjoyment at kbeach@ut.edu.

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Page 22

Volume 18, Issue 1

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Weird, Wacky And Wonderful Holidays- JANUARY 2019 National Spaghetti Day * Dress Up Your Pet Day * National Cheese Lover’s Day * Inspire Your Heart With Art Day

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Did you know that there are an abundance of daily holidays and special days every month? Some are immersed in tradition, while others may be silly, bizarre, unique, special or inspirational. Unofficial Holidays are not traditionally marked on calendars but are celebrated by various groups and individuals. Some are designed to promote a cause or to recognize historical events not recognized officially, while others are fun holidays, generally intended to just be humorous. So, in the midst of our busy lives, maybe consider taking time to enjoy some of the entertaining but lesser-known holidays throughout the year.

The month of January is all about new beginnings. It is most well known for the fun-filled party event – New Year’s Eve, which is celebrated by more than one million people ringing in the New Year in Times Square in New York City and more than one billion people watching the famous ball drop on television. January is certainly popular for reflection and new goal setting. This month gets its name from the Roman god Janus and is depicted as having two heads.

He looked back to the last year and forward to the new one.

As we settle into January, many of us start on our resolutions. On average, about 45 percent of Americans consistently make a resolution. The most common resolution is to exercise and other healthy habits. Unfortunately, about 22 percent of resolutions fail after about a week and 50 percent fail after three months. If you want to make a resolution you can stick to, decide to spend each month celebrating a fun and unusual holiday!

Let’s start with National Spaghetti Day on Friday, January 4.

This day can be spent honoring the most traditional noodle of all noodles – spaghetti. More than 1.3 million pounds of spaghetti are sold each year in American grocery stores. If those packages were lined up, they would circle the Earth’s equator nine times. Spaghetti is the most common round-rod type of pasta and means ‘little lines’ in Italian. Fun Spaghetti fact: In March 2010 a Buca di Beppo restaurant in California successfully filled a swimming pool with more than 13,780 pounds of pasta. To celebrate National Spaghetti Day, make spaghetti and meatballs for dinner or head to your favorite Italian restaurant, such as Rosati’s located at 3437 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

Use #NationalSpaghettiDay to post your perfect pasta picture on social media.

Does your pet have a picture-perfect sense of style? Then Dress Up Your Pet Day on Monday, January 14 is the precise opportunity to flaunt their colorful collars, sassy sweaters and other pet fashion accessories.

National Dress Up Your Pet Day began in 2009 by celebrity pet lifestyle expert and animal behaviorist Colleen Paige. This doggone delightful day is designed to celebrate our pets and to support the pet fashion community. Take a moment to ‘paws’ and reflect, then snap a photo of your purrrfect pet in a fun outfit and use #DressUpYourPetDay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

To find some fur-friendly outfits, visit Pet Supplies Plus at 1937 East S.R. 60 in Valrico or Pupaholic at www.pupaholic.com.

If the cold weather this month has you feeling bleu, Sunday.

January 20 is a gouda day to celebrate National Cheese Lover’s Day. Did you know that the average American consumes more than 31 pounds of cheese each year?

Cheese is certainly popular throughout the world as well. There are more than 1,400 types of cheeses, classified by taste and texture. Some popular cheese types range from mozzarella, feta, fontina, cheddar, swiss, gorgonzola, limburger and brie. The earliest record of cheese-making dates all the way back to 5,500 B.C. in Poland. If you are a self-proclaimed cheese lover, treat yourself by visiting a local grocery store and pick up your favorite kind of cheese.

Or consider a visit to Cheese Please in Tampa. Visit www.cheesepleasetampa.com.

Finally, gather up your creative juices and celebrate Inspire Your Heart With Art Day, on Thursday, January 31. You don’t have to be artistic to appreciate this day, just use the day to reflect on your appreciation of the arts. Whether through music, paintings or dance, art has the power to change us. Inspire Your Heart with Art Day encourages us to explore the many genres of art.

When was the last time you went to a museum, a play, or a live concert?

Let the art into your heart and mind on this day. If you feel inspired to create a work of art, consider a visit to AR Workshop, a DIY studio that offers hands-on classes for creating custom, charming home décor. Visit www.arworkshop.com/brandon.

January boasts many other fun holidays including Bean Day, Bubble Bath Day, National Hat Day and National Kazoo Day. For a complete list, visit www.holidayinsights.com.

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January 2019

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Page 23

Page 24

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 18, Issue 1

Bloomingdale/FishHawk

January 2019

Volume 18, Issue 1

Ph: 657-2418

In This Section ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...............PG 28 SANTA’S DRILL TEAM......................PG 30 YEAR IN REVIEW......................PGS 33­41 CHALKLINES....................................PG 45 SPORTS CONNECTION ....................PG 46

New Y Directors Ready To Serve The Community

The Campo Family YMCA is pleased to welcome Christian ‘CJ’ Hernandez and Lauren Brun to its leadership team as it continues to provide a safe place where Greater Brandon area community members can go to feel supported, improve With both Lauren Brun their well-being and (l) CJ create meaningful Hernandez (r) Busch Gardens has extended Christmas experiences in their onboard the Town™ to continue with the Three Kings Campo Y Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, January lives. team is eager to expand its posi5 and 6.

As membership tive impact in the Greater experience director, Brandon area.

Campo Y Executive in the growth of Hernandez leads staff in Director Jarrod Williams. the Tampa YMCA’s aquatic departproviding a superior member experiBrun is the new senior aquatics ments,” said Aquatics Experience ence at the Y. He comes to the experience director for the Campo Y. Executive Amanda Walker.

Tampa Bay area from Ohio where he She has served as the aquatics For more information, visit worked in membership, aquatics and experience director for the Northwest www.tampaymca.org/locations/valriwellness at the Lima Family Hillsborough Family YMCA for the co-fl-campo-ymca/ or call 684-1371.

YMCA. Prior to the Y, he worked for past two years. Prior to that, Brun a national fitness chain where he served as an aquatics coordinator, Busch Garden’s Christmas Town™ supported membership and personal lifeguard and welcome center repreFestivities Extended To January 6 training. Hernandez has a bachelor’s sentative at various Ys within Keep the spirit of the season degree in Healthcare Administration the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. glowing bright with more opportuniand an MBA from Northwestern Ohio She received her bachelor’s degree ties to visit Busch Gardens® Tampa University. “Christian is excited for in Exercise Science from Indiana Bay’s Christmas Town™. Park guests the opportunity to take his experiUniversity. “Lauren’s commitment to can stroll through Christmas Town ences into his new role and continprogram quality and staff developVillage under millions of twinkling ues to advance the Campo Y’s ment along with her exceptional work lights and enjoy fan-favorite holiday impact in the community,” said ethic and drive has been instrumental shows each day now through

January 6.

Guests will be immersed in festive fun at the Christmas Town Village, including merry merchandise and tasty holiday treats.

Indulge in winter whiskey and wine tastings and explore unique treasures from artisans around the world at the Artisan Market at Xcursions and around the park.

Little ones can visit Sesame Street Safari of Fun to join some furry friends as they learn the meaning of Christmas in ‘Elmo’s Christmas Wish,’ and even take a ride on the fan-favorite Jingle Bell Express miniature train.

The holiday merriment continues into 2019 with the Three Kings Celebration on January 5 & 6. This cultural celebration boasts authentic Latin flavors found only during the holidays and live entertainment honoring the three Wise Men under a dazzling display of twinkling Yuletide lights.

For complete event information, including dates, times and packages, visit ChristmasTown.com.

Continued on Next Page

Page 26

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

By Michelle Colesanti

Grand Opening Of Florida Orthopaedic Institute Celebrated

“Florida Orthopaedic Institute celebrated the grand opening in November of its new Brandon office, located at the Brandon Gateway Medical Plaza is located at 560 S. Lakewood Dr. Florida Orthopaedic Institute relocated on September 10 2018 to a larger facility to accommodate its growing practice in the Brandon community and to offer high-end technology and amenities. These enhancements include advanced X-ray and MRI machines, and an Orthopaedic Urgent Care, their second urgent care center in Tampa specializes in orthopedics offering faster service and lower cost than an emergency room. Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s Urgent Care is open during both regular business hours and extended hours Monday through Saturday. No appointment is necessary, and all ages are welcome. Patients experiencing an unexpected bone, joint or muscle injury, can visit the only urgent care centers in Tampa Bay specializing in orthopedics.”

David Weekley Homes Launches New Product In Encore At FishHawk Ranch

David Weekley Homes, the nation’s largest private home builder, will soon offer villa homes in the master-planned community of Encore at FishHawk Ranch.

Priced from the low $200s, Encore at FishHawk Ranch Villa Homes will showcase two floor plans, which range in size from 1,600 to 1,800 sq. ft. Situated on 55-ft. homesites, the series is part of Weekley’s line of low-maintenance, one-story homes in a 55+ lifestyle community and will be available for sales beginning in early 2019.

Homebuyers in Encore at FishHawk Ranch have access to resident-only community amenities, such as the award-winning, state-of-the-art amenity center, The Oasis Club, which includes a full-time lifestyle director, resort-style pool and fitness

Volume 18, Issue 1

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

center. The community is located close to parks, miles of hike and bike trails and a variety of shopping and dining options.

For more information about David Weekley Homes in Encore at FishHawk Ranch, contact 422-6175.

Create Your Life Vision-Board Workshop

Shannon Carlton with CoWork Landing, Pearl Chiarenza with Women's Successful Living; Ronnie McLaughlin with Keller Williams Realty and Lori Nadglowski with Laurel Wealth Management present the Third Annual Vision Board Party.

Vision boards – those collages of daily reminders to achieve a life you envision for yourself – have been around for so long, it is hard to know when they even started.

But like many things that start on paper, vision boards went digital with apps like Pinterest and carefully curated Tumblrs.

Experts say electronic boards lack authenticity, creativity and are, ultimately, less effective, which is why Create Your Life Vision-Board Workshop was created.

Create your vision Board to take home with the help of experts and new friends. The event is 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, January 5 at 2350 E SR 60.

Tickets are $57 per person or two tickets for $90. Ticket price includes your vision board, all materials, brunch and mimosas.

Contact Shannon Carlton at CoWork Landing at 924-4679 or shannon@coworklandingbran-

don.com for tickets.

Business Immersion Retreat

The beginning of a new year is a great time to spend a full day working on your business with other successful business owners in the area. On Sunday, January 6, CoWork Landing is hosting a dedicated day for business owners. This is a full day complete with an agenda for you to generate goals for the upcoming year. Set up systems, marketing calendars, goals, events, projects, etc.

We will come together twice during the day to mastermind with each other about our progress and our goals.

There is a limit of 15 people. Ticket price is $50. Call or email Shannon at 924-4679 or shannon@coworklandingbrandon.com to reserve your seat.

drills at intense intervals. No martial arts experience is needed.

For this holiday season, you can now give the gift of self defense and pre-order gift cards.

Outcast Krav Maga is located at 3636 Erindale Dr., unit 103 in Valrico.

For more information, call 365-5726 or email outcastkravmaga@gmail.com. Visit https://outcastkravmaga.com/.

New Self Serve Car Wash Open

Fishhawk Finish Line Car Wash recently opened at 5603 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia. It offers a clean, safe, family-friendly car washing environment.

Unique Fighting Style Teaches Defense Strategies That Work

Finish Line Car Wash is now open at 5603 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia.

Anyone can learn

Krav Maga. Since it is very unique from other fighting styles, it teaches the user the mentality to survive when a threat is unavoidable. It also overlooks technique for speed, aggression, and raw violence. Krav Maga is designed for anyone to learn quickly and easily, by taking advantage of the attacker's vulnerable points. These are all real world self defense strategies that work. Classes include high intensity warm up, power drills, and cardio or strength

Strong water pressure and top of the line hogs hair brushes are in the self service bays along with the best in class soap products. Reverse osmosis technology offers a spot-free rinse.

It is open seven days a week, 24 hrs a day for self serve wash.

Detailing service is available by appointment.

For information, visit www.fishhawkfinishlinecarwash.com. Call 6660628.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

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Page 28

Volume 18, Issue 1

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins

Area Residents Encouraged To Enter Artwork In The Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show A Call To basis. Anyone interArtists has been ested in entering artissued by the East work must carefully Hillsborough Art review all of the rules Guild (EHAG) for and take care to folthe 2019 Florida low them. Early Strawberry entries are accepted Festival Fine Art until Friday, February Show. The show 8. Artists can mail will run throughout their entry form and the Florida fee to East Strawberry Hillsborough Art Festival which is Guild, P.O. Box 3055, set to run from Plant City, FL 33564.

Thursday, Arts must be brought February 28 to the Festival through Sunday, Grounds on Friday, March 10 at the February 22 from 12 Artists, young and old, professional and amateur, are encouraged to enter original artwork into the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Festival Grounds noon to 6 p.m.

Fine Art Show. Your artwork may just be chosen as the Best of Show or win a Business Leaders Choice Award. in Plant City. The Youth entries Suncoast Credit “We believe that show will be held in the Milton E. Hull Union. In addition to have the option of mailing their paper active involvement Building. art along with their entry form and the prize money, the by the festival Karen Crumley, a member of fee.

However, if youth art is on canwinning artist’s piece attendees increasEHAG, is this year’s chairperson. vas gallery wraps or canvas boards, is displayed at the es awareness of Crumley encourages all area resiyouth must follow the above proceSuncoast Credit the great artists in dents, both young and old, to enter dure.

Union Plant City our local commuthe show. The show is open to both Crumley said, “This show is a branch. nity.” Attendees amateurs and professionals. All great way to get exposure for artists.

There are also will have the entries must be original works of art.

You can reach over 500,000 festival prizes for first, secopportunity to vote There are multiple categories for attendees.”

Crumley added, “It is also ond and third places for their favorite both Adult and Youth entries. Adults a great way for the youngest artist, in all Adult and Youth piece. Voting will are divided into Professional Groups including high school students, to get Divisions. take place (entry fee is $15) and Amateur the chance have a real-life experiProfessional Adults throughout the Groups (entry fee is $12). Adults can ence of showing their artwork in a can win $150 for First entire 11 days of enter Oils, Acrylics, Watercolors and gallery setting that is seen by thouPlace, $100 for the festival.

Graphic/Mixed Media. The entry fees sands.”

Second Place, and All Youth for both Miniature Art (2D Media) and $75 for Third Place.

Entry forms and rules can be Division entries Sculpture (3D Art) are $12. found at Amateur Adults can win $100 for First are sponsored by Jim Scott of Jarret The Youth Divisions are by ages. www.FLstrawberryfestival.com.

Place, $75 for Second Place and $50 Scott Ford. All Youth Entries receive Youth can enter Oils, Acrylics, Simply click on Contests and scroll for Third Place. Likewise, Youth can a participation ribbon.

Watercolors, Graphic/Mixed Media down to the Art Show. If you have win $25 for First Place, $15 for While this is not a juried show, and new this year, Sculpture. The questions, please email Crumley at Second Place and $10 for Third there is limited space. Entries are entry fee is $5. kscrumley@yahoo.com or call 924Place. accepted on a first come, first serve Adults can enter up to four 3829.

Artists who do not win one of the entries, but no more than two in the above prizes are eligible for a LOOSE LEAF same division. Youth can enter up to Business Leaders Choice Award. two entries.

TEAS These awards are sponsored by local The Annual Florida Strawberry AND FILIPINO businesses and chosen by a repreFestival Fine Arts Show has grown sentative of the business. Crumley FOOD TO GO. over the years. Entries are eligible for said, “We have over 20 businesses 3840 US-301 S, Riverview • (813) 420-0013 Mon. - Thur. 10 - 7 | Fri. - Sat. 10 - 8 | Closed Sunday substantial monetary awards. This that will be sponsors this year.” includes $100 for the Strawberry Back by popular demand is the Theme Award, $300 for Best of Show People’s Choice Award. The winner and $500 for the Exclusive Purchase will receive $50. Crumley explained, Text TBD301 to 33733 Award. The latter is sponsored by Mention this ad for a FREE scoop of cookie dough!

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retirement community for a wartime veteran or his/her surviving spouse. Veterans of any branch of the armed services who served 90 consecutive days on olesanti, C active duty, including lle he ic M by Compiled om .c er one day during a rv se ob ey pr michelle@os wartime period, may be eligible to receive up to $1,794 per month for assisted living expenses if they served during It’s Bunco Time World War II, the Kappa Kappa Chapter of Kappa Korean War, the Delta Phi will be hosting a Bunco for Vietnam Era or Children's Charities on Thursday, other more January 31 at 6 p.m. at Center recent conflicts Place, 619 Vonderburg Dr. in (duration of servBrandon. ice required may The cost is $20 and includes vary). light fare, snacks, refreshments and Edwin Ortiz, wine. Enjoy the fun while benefitting Manager of local Brandon charities.

Hillsborough Tickets are available at Center County Veterans Place or at the door. For more information, please call 967-3954.

The Bridges Retirement Community Hosts Veterans Assistance Seminar

The Bridges Retirement Community is hosting a veterans assistance seminar on Thursday, January 17 from 10-11 a.m. to educate wartime Veterans and their survivors about a benefit through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ‘Improved Pension with Aid and Attendance.’ This benefit can help offset the cost of living in a

You have heard that house plants are great for cleaning the air you breathe and for improving the sense of

Members of the Sgt. Walter P. Ryan Detachment, Marine Corps League, participated in the Wreaths Across America event at American Legion Post 5 cemetery in Tampa on December 15, 2018. L-R: Boris Parker, Ron Essick, Larry Westcott, Jim Maines,Hank Wolons, Mel Stillwell, Walt Raysick and Joyce Stillwell.

Saturday, January 26 at 2 p.m. for a free, one-hour seminar. Registration is not required.

You Are Invited For Social Dancing

Plant City Social Dance will hold a dance on Saturday, January 12 and 19 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd. in Plant City. This dance will be social dancing on a 3,000 sq. ft. floating wood floor.

Dance to the music by DJ Ken Miller. Social dancing includes slow dances, waltzes, line dances, chacha and rumbas, two-step and country slow, swing and free style. The cost is $6 a person. No alcohol is to be brought on property. Water and cups are available. Please bring your own snacks and drinks. Visit strawberrysquaredancing.com.

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well-being in your home.

But you are not sure where to start.

Kerby's Nursery is offering a free House Plants Seminar where you will learn how to care for The Performance Team from the Academy of house plants, Services, will Dynamics, 4383 Lynx Paw Trail in Valrico, where to provide informa- Dance recently performed prior to a Lightning game at place them in tion and answer Amalie Arena. For more information, call 6558277. your home questions about and how to this benefit. This repot when needed. All the tips and free seminar will be held at The tricks you need to turn your bungaBridges, 11350 Bloomingdale Ave. in low into a jungalow.

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Join in at Kerby’s Nursery, 2311 Seating is limited. Please reserve a S. Parsons Ave. in Valrico on seat by calling 413-8900.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

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Page 30

Volume 18, Issue 1

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Roberto Ferrer Entertains Through Song With His Starlight Cabaret

By Kathy L. Collins

Roberto Ferrer, Ferrer said, a resident of “People do not value Brandon, has been songwriters and this an entertainer his makes me sad. The entire adult life. He singer is often just the has traveled the interpreter of the world over entersong.” In his shows, taining audiences.

Ferrer will sing popuHe has had the lar songs. “People good fortune of instantly recognize the working with many songs I sing,” added celebrities and getFerrer, who knew ting to know other many of the comsingers and songposers and songwritwriters.

Roberto Ferrer entertains audiences ers personally. He not only with song, but with the Today, he is knows thousands of history and back story about the taking his experisongs and knows the composers and songwriters who ences and knowlwrote the popular songs we all know history of the song. and love. edge of songs and By adding history songwriters and providing audiences and context to the songs he sings, with an entertaining and educational Ferrer gives audiences a view into the experience. Ferrer not only sings background of the song that they may songs that everyone knows, but he never have known. This is what makes gives you the back story on the writing his Starlight Cabaret shows so unique. of the song.

Ferrer said, “This extra information is In his show, Starlight Cabaret, what makes my concerts different.”

Ferrer will give the audience the histoFerrer was born in Havana and ry of a song, information about the came to the United States by himself background of the songwriter and then at the age of 17 in 1959. His parents sing the song. The songs in his show sent him here to work. He struggled will include classics such as What is when he came to this country, but forThis Thing Called Love which was tunately for him, he met his wife, written by Cole Porter in 1929 for the Carmen. They have been married for musical Wake Up and Dream and the 54 years. song, Raindrops Keep Falling On My You can see Ferrer in concert at Head, written by Hal David and Burt The Barn at Winthrop on Friday, Bacharach for the 1969 film Butch December 21 and on Friday, February Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. That 8. To get tickets and to reserve your song won an Academy Award for Best spot, please contact Jamie Reid at Original Song in 1970.

684-2276.

Santa’s Drill Team Looks To Partner With Veteran Organizations In The Community

By Libby Hopkins

assemble.

“Santa’s Drill Team serves as the Honor Guard for the Santa Claus Oath, for the Santa Claus Hall of Fame and for the Knights of St Nicholas,” Elkin said.

“The drill

The Santa Claus Drill Team is public charitable organization. Santa’s Drill Team is not a precision drill team, rather a collection of primarily grizzled old Veterans who are Santas and whose mission is to bring honor, sometimes with a little humor, to those who serve, those who have served, along with our local heroes, our first responders and our teachers.

Being Santa Claus is a busy job, especially this time of year. Bob Elkin, or ‘Santa Bob’ as he is known to many, is busy year-round. Why you ask? Well, because he is one of the founding members of The Santa Claus Drill Team. “I first portrayed Santa at my 3year-old granddaughter’s preschool in 1993 and was hooked,” Elkin said.

“After attending a Santa workshop in 2004, I became serious about my role as a professional Santa Claus. In 2006 I attended the first modern-day Santa convention and I started the Palm Tree Santas and have served as president since then. I was one of the founding members of The Santa Claus Drill Team in 2010 and have served as president since 2012.” He was also inducted into the Santa Claus Hall of Fame 2017.

The Santa Claus Drill Team is a public charitable organization. Santa’s Drill Team is not a precision drill team, rather a collection of primarily grizzled old veterans who are Santas and whose mission is to bring honor, sometimes with a little humor, to those who serve, those who have served, along with our local heroes, our first responders and our teachers. “Santa’s Drill Team was started to honor those who serve and those who have served as well as a way for us Santa’s to give back to the community the other 11 months of the year,” Elkin said.

The drill team’s primary mission lies in performing patriotic presentations in honor of our American Heroes wherever and whenever patriotic Americans may

team is called upon to present our special patriotic presentations at almost all the national Santa Conventions.”

Elkin and his drill team would love to get involved with veteran or patriotic events in the Brandon community in the near future. “I love just being able to honor our veterans, and we have added honoring our local heroes, our policemen, our firefighters and our teachers,” Elkin said.

“We are available to entertain at most any type of event. We would love to bring our special show of patriotism to elementary schools.” Unfortunately, Elkin and his Santa’s are not available during the month of December.

If you would like to learn more about The Santa Claus Drill Team, you can visit our website at www.facebook.com/groups/santasdrillteam or email Elkin at santa@santatb.com. Elkin said you can also “Give Old Kringle a jingle at 2309254.”

Title Insurance and so much more!

Congratulations Allie Meirose!

Universal Cheer Association’s pick to represent Bloomingdale High in London’s New Year’s Day Parade!

GO BULLS!

Michelle Hernandez, Account Executive 813-928-2283 (cell) | 813-514-2828 (office) 1731 S Kings Ave, Brandon, Fl 33511

Estate Planning Wills & Trusts Powers of Attorney Guardianship Probate

January 2019

Page 31

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Local Author Shares 100 Things To Do In Tampa Bay In New Book

By Taylor Wells

Solomon’s Castle in Ona in Hardee County.

Kristen Hare, the author of 100 Things to Do in Tampa Bay Before You Die, 2nd Edition.

The cover of 100 Things to Do in Tampa You can now read local Bay Before You Die, 2nd Edition. author Kristen Hare’s 100 Things aged to give these 100 things to Do in Tampa Bay Before You Die, a try.

2nd Edition, which recently became Kristen had this to say available in October. The helpfully about writing her guidebook: varied and descriptive bucket list “When we first moved here in 2012, shares Kristen’s personal experimy family thought it would just be for ences of the most noteworthy attraca year, so we decided to live like tions she visited in Tampa Bay. Whether you are new to the area or a tourists and see, try and go everylongtime resident, you may find some where we could. We loved it here so much that we decided to look for jobs new and interesting places nearby to that would let us stay.” Writing this visit. book has allowed her to explore even The second edition features 30 more places. new adventures in the list. This new The author has many personal edition of Kristen’s book was written favorites. She loves Medard Park in with locals in mind so tourists would Plant City for its convenient location not be the only ones having fun. and the fun kids have there. Then Everything inside is a good time for there is Leaven Brewing in Riverview, all, though, so everyone is encour-

a top brewery that is perfect for date nights. Next up is Brocante Market in St. Pete, a place filled with amazing vintage treasures that opens only on the first weekend of

each month. Those who seek the weirder side of Florida might want to visit Solomon’s Castle in Ona, an aluminum construction filled with art crafted from recycled objects.

And there are so many more things to do. Have a delightful time getting the password to an exclusive 1920s-inspired speakeasy called Ciro’s. Explore the excitingly strange Dali Museum that celebrates the surreal Salvador Dali. Find countless different things at the massive Big Top Flea Market and its 1,200 booths. Visit the mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park for a beautiful show and fun times. There are hundreds of things to do, so go out and explore.

“I think as long as I live here, future editions are possible, and I have no plans to leave!” said Kristen. “Next on my list is a road trip guide.”

The book is published by Reedy Press and can be purchased at www.reedypress.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other places where books are sold.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

lch u M t u o c S Boy et P e n i l n O w Sale, Ne System & Adoption re…

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by Mich Compiled erver.com ospreyobs @ e ll e h ic m

BSA Troop 632 Annual Mulch Sale

Troop 632 will be out in Fishhawk and Valrico selling mulch door-to-door from Monday, January 21 to Monday, February 11. Thanks to such a supportive community, last year’s proceeds were used to send 35 Scouts to summer camp at Camp Daniel Boone in North Carolina; six Scouts and two adults to BSA’s high adventure Seabase; six Scouts and two adults to BSA’s high adventure at Northern Tier; one Scout to intensive service at OA Seabase; and 12 Scouts this year to National Youth Leadership Training.

Troop 632 was also able to replace worn equipment.

Hillsborough’s New Online System Makes Pet Adoption Simpler

Hillsborough County has made major improvements to the way people look for adoptable pets.

The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center recently unveiled its online kennel, a new system that substantially increases the amount of information available to prospective adopters. The online system, called ADOPT, features individualized pet profiles, realtime updates on which dogs and cats are available for adoption, and detailed search options for those looking for specific characteristics in a pet such as breed, sex, or age. A resident can now filter search results to find, for example, only female dogs less than 2 years old, or look online to see if their lost cat has been taken to the shelter.

ADOPT pet profiles also include all the information the staff and volunteers have gathered when observing pets while at the shelter, giving those considering adoption a look into the dog or cat’s personality and how it could fit within their life.

The ADOPT online kennel system

can be accessed by desktop computer or mobile devices at HCFLGov.net/Adopt. An instructional video also is available.

Dozens of dogs and cats are adopted every day from the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, and the ADOPT system is designed to make the process even easier and more convenient. The PRC is Hillsborough’s only open-admissions shelter, meaning it accepts dogs and cats regardless of size, breed, age, or medical condition.

Free Program Addresses Concerns About Falling

Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. The program, A Matter of Balance, will take place Thursday, January 24-Thursday, March 14 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. This is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels.

If you are concerned about falls, interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength, have fallen in the past or have restricted activities because of falling concerns, this program is for you.

It will take place at Sun Towers

Retirement, 101 Trinity Lakes Dr. in Sun City Center. RSVP a must.

Please call Debbie Caneen at 8922990.

Help Your Children With Literacy Skills At After School Reading Crew

In-person registration takes place Monday, January 7 from 3:45-5:30 p.m. for the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in Brandon’s After School Reading Crew. This is a reading program provided by A! SLS Success through Learning & Support and is designed to help your child improve their literacy skills and develop a love for reading. It is a five week program for children. Each session will consist of reading instruction and activities and will last 60 minutes.

Caregiver must be present at all sessions.

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To register, bring your child and their most recent report card or progress report.

Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in Brandon is located at 1271 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. Call 7404634 for more information.

Volume 18, Issue 1

son. The community is also invited to get same-day picked strawberries by ordering via the front office in Randall Middle School. Cash or check pay-

Farm Fresh Strawberries To Support Randall Middle School PTSA

The Randall Middle School PTSA has partnered with Wish Farms, a 4th generation familyowned and operated farm based in Plant City to bring Randall Hawk friends and families fresh local grown strawberries.

Start celebrating strawberry season by ordering a carton (4 quarts) of peak-ofthe-season strawberries for $20, handpicked and delivered straight from the farm to Randall Middle School the same day! The sale will take place January 8-22 and delivery is scheduled for mid-February when the strawberries are at the height of their sea-

ment is required at signup. Please make checks payable to Randall Middle School PTSA. Proceeds will benefit our local farmers and programs, services and teacher grants for the students and teachers at Randall.

Randall Middle School is located at 16510 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. For more information contact Randall Middle School at 740-3900 or call or text Colleen Horan-Green, PTSA Vice President via 516-695-3647.

January 2019

Page 33

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Year in Review- Updates on the Top Stories from 2018

Osprey Observer Celebrates 17 Years Of Good News

Team MaKEITHappen raised more than $5,000 for the Moffitt Cancer Foundation.

It seems like 2018 has been another year that has flown by.

Wasn’t it just yesterday, we were celebrating 15 years of publishing positive community news? And this month, as we publish the January edition of the Osprey Observer newspapers, we are marking the 17th year of publishing local newspapers in the community.

As a locally-owned, direct-mail community newspaper, what does this mean? This means that the S.E. Hillsborough Community has a voice and a representation. We have 14 freelance writers in the community that live here, work here and have chosen this area to raise a family. We care. We care about the schools, we care about the charities, about the

The Osprey Observer team and spouses enjoyed an annual holiday dinner at Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium.

The Osprey Observer Team welcomed teachers at the Back to School Teacher luncheon!

opportunites for our kids to volunteer want to celebrate the best posand for the businesses that choose to sible things that our community has come here. We care about the healthto offer and we want to get involved! care options for our families, about We are a free distribution, directour locally-owned, mom and pop mail newspaper because of the conbusinesses and we care when sometinued support of the businesses and one wins a prize, corporations in the comearns an award or munity. celebrates a new In addition, we have a certification. dedicated office team and The Osprey have staff members who Observer is an have been on board for active member of more than 15 years. They five local chambers have become familiar including Brandon faces in the community Chamber, the and they continue to make Greater Riverview an impact.

Chamber, South We have an office Shore Chamber, Sun located at 918 Lithia City Chamber and Pinecrest Rd. Brandon, the FL 33511. We are in the The first edition of the Osprey Valrico/FishHawk Five Points Plaza directly Observer, Jan 2002.

Chamber. We make across the street from the every effort to be in the know of road Neighborhood Walmart at the corner widenings, improvements, approvals of Lithia Pinecrest and Lumsden. and Grand Openings as we can. We Stop in sometime and say hello; we

always have extra editions and we’re happy to meet members of our community.

Finally, the most important person is you, the readers in the community who continue to read the local paper and Shop Local at community businesses. If you have a story to share, we would love to hear from you!

Follow us on social media and subscribe online to our bi-monthly newsletter. This is the best way to stay ‘in the know’ on all the latest news in the local community.

We appreciate you for supporting the Osprey Observer and for reading the editions each month.

Please let us know if there is something we can do for you!

Sincerely, Marie Gilmore Managing Editor editor@ospreyobserver.com

Page 34

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 18, Issue 1

Year in Review- Updates on the Top Stories from 2018

Dooley Orange Groves Celebrates Three Generations And 50By Kate Years Quesada Dooley Orange Grove is gearing up for its 51st season this month following a very successful year in 2018.

The much anticipated U-Pick Honeybell season kicked off at the end of December and groups can now pick every day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. until the oranges are gone.

Citrus is also available to be shipped around the country and the gift shop has new offerings this year in addition to the well-loved citrus products, local honey and so much more.

Original Story printed Jan 2018 A lot has changed in Hillsborough County in the last 50 years, but one thing that has remained consistent is the Houghtaling family and Dooley Orange Groves. Located in Ruskin, Dooleys has been handed down for three generations offering citrus U-pick, a retail store with fresh squeezed orange juice and fruit shipping all over the United States and many parts of Canada.

The business started as a U-pick location in 1967 by Julius and Edith Houghtaling and is now owned by their grandson, Mike Houghtaling and his wife Diane, who began working on the property as teenagers 45 years ago.

“Our family members have always worked hard to give customers a great product,” said Diane, who met Mike in 1971 when she was in the eleventh grade

at East Bay High School. “Grandma Dooley started sharing her delicious fruit with friends and neighbors in the 1960s, and she worked to build the business the old fashioned way, family-run, turning customers into friends.”

When Mike started worked at the groves, the farm owned 80 acres of land,

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approached,” said Diane. The couple still lives on the property as many of their family members have done before them.

Citrus picking season starts in November at Dooley Groves and runs through April when the growing season starts.

During season, U-pick is open every day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with tours taking place every half hour.

“Each group is accompanied by a guide who can tell the pickers the history of our groves and give them information about the citrus industry in addition to helping them find the perfect fruit to pick,” said Diane. “We also like people to learn about the animals in our area and the nature corridor Owners Mike and Diane Houghtaling are celebrating that runs through the property.”

Dooley provides clippers 50 years of Dooley Groves this year. and baskets for pickers, and it 40 acres of that hosting the 3,000 citrus is recommended that visitors wear trees. The farm now boasts 8,500 citrus enclosed shoes and long pants. After trees, with 6,500 of those being the wellpicking, the fruit is weighed and cusloved Honeybell variety which customers are charged by the pound for the tomers travel from miles to pick. But it produce. has not been an easy road. In 2005 the In addition to the famous fresh groves were completely wiped out by citsqueezed orange juice, the market stores rus canker, and it took five years for Mike offers a wide variety of local products and his team to replant. The recent threat from honey to marmalade and there are of Hurricane Irma also scared the various options for fruit shipping available Houghtalings, although they were lucky to in store, online and over the phone. For weather the storm almost unscathed. more information, visit www.dooley“We actually went out and said goodgroves.com or call (800) 522-6411. bye to the trees as the storm

January 2019

Page 35

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Year in Review- Updates on the Top Stories from 2018 American Idol Finalists Perform At Benefit Concert For Hurricane Victims

By Amanda Boston

Following Bell Shoals Baptist Church’s Relief Concert for Hurricane Maria, the church sent $16,133.70 to the North American Mission Board for disaster relief assistance in Puerto Rico. Bell Shoals also donated $5,000 to Metropolitan Ministries who was also serving families affected by the hurricanes.

Othoniel Valdres, the pastor of Bell Shoals Hispanic Campus, said, “We have many people with Puerto Rican roots living in the Brandon area, so seeing what we could do to help this island nation after this terrible tragedy seemed like a natural thing to do. God calls us to help those in need.”

Durant High School graduate and recording Additionally, Bell Shoals artist Jeremy Rosado will perform for the bendeployed four mission teams, totalefit concert aiding Puerto Rico. ing 21 people, to Puerto Rico. The prayed majority of the work was comprised to see how God would use us to help of debris removal and roof repairs. the precious people of Puerto Rico.”

Original Story printed Feb 2018 To support the worthy cause, mark Aptly titled Puerto Rico—We your calendar Haven’t Forgotten, Bell Shoals for Saturday, Baptist Church is hosting February 17 at a concert to raise funds 7 p.m. Doors for victims of Hurricane open at 6 p.m.

Maria in Puerto Rico.

The On September 20, concert Hurricane Maria made a takes place at direct hit on Puerto Rico Bell Shoals’ at Category 5 strength. It Brandon is the Island’s worst natuCampus with ral disaster on record. tickets available at the door.

Dr. Stephen Rummage, the senior Ticket cost is $7 per pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church, person.Discounted tickets are availsaid, “From the day the devastation of able for $5 per person if purchased in Hurricane Maria was known, we advance at www.bellshoals.com/con-

Blind from birth—Scott MacIntyre is an author, inspirational speaker and Christian singer-songwriter.

cert. A love offering will be collected during the event, with all proceeds going to support hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

The show will feature performances from two American Idol finalists—Scott MacIntyre, from season eight and Jeremy Rosado, from season eleven.

Rosado, a Durant High School graduate, released his first album Heartbeat in 2015 and an extended play record titled Rewind in 2017. He is also a worship leader for Free Life

Chapel in Lakeland.

“I am so grateful to be a part of this benefit concert for Puerto Rico,” said Rosado. “When I got the call from Bell Shoals, I didn’t think twice. You see I have so much family back on the island, and since the hurricane came through months ago, I've wanted to attach myself to something that would benefit [them]."

Blind from birth, MacIntyre is a two-time kidney transplant recipient.

After his appearance on American Idol, the world fell in love with MacIntyre’s vocals and story, launching him into the public eye as both a musician and inspirational speaker.

His album Lighthouse, which includes the song Remarkable, debuted at No. 1 on the Christian Radio Chart.

“Our church has a special love for the people of Puerto Rico,” said Dr. Rummage as he noted that many living in the Brandon and Tampa area have family and friends in Puerto Rico.

For information or to support the relief effort, visit www.bellshoals.com or call 689-4229. The Brandon Campus is located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. Additional information on the artists can be found at scottmacintyre.com and www.iamjeremyrosado.com.

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Volume 18, Issue 1

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Year in Review- Updates on the Top Stories from 2018 Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. To Open In Erindale Plaza Near Car Wash On The Greens

By Kate Quesada

One of the most anticipated openings in the area for 2018, Bullfrog Creek Brewery has quickly become a well-loved local spot.

Offering food trucks and fun themed events almost every night of the week, from open mic on Mondays to Music Bingo on Thursdays, trivia on Wednesdays and Sundays and live music on Friday and Saturday nights, Bullfrog Creek offers fun for everyone.

“We pride ourselves on being a family friendly brewery with things to do for people of all ages,” said owner Jamie Ratcliff.

The brewery is also proud to give back to the community and has raised more than $12,000 in its first year for charities including FishHawk Strong Relay for Life team and Newsome basketball.

A schedule of events is available on Facebook at BullfrogCreekBrewing.

Original Story printed Feb 2018 Valrico resident Jamie Ratcliff is realizing a dream this month as he gets ready to open the doors to Bullfrog Creek Brewing Company on Lithia PInecrest Rd. in mid-March.

Ratcliff began his brewing journey last year and is very excited about sharing his craft with local beer lovers.

The 3,000 sq. ft. brewery and tap room will be housed in Erindale Plaza, next to Car Wash on the Greens, in a space formerly occupied by the Erindale Market and gas station.

“The location is a perfect fit for my vision because of the great bones and porch area where we can offer outdoor seating and an area for entertainment,” said Ratcliff, a veteran, born and raised in the Valrico area.

Ratcliff, who works closely with the brewery’s production manager, Chanse Haas, recently brought brew

Valrico residents Jamie Ratcliff and Chanse Haas plan to open the doors to Bullfrog Creek Brewing Company in mid-March.

master Matt Morrow to the team from Arches Brewery in Atlanta. They plan to offer 16 types of beer on tap with a variety of choices including IPAs, pilsners, porters and stouts.

The brewery uses a nano-brewing, small-capacity system giving it the capability to brew many different types of beers and change out the recipes regularly. Bullfrog Creek will also offer guest taps with cider and other local beers and will have wine available to purchase.

Plans include regularly scheduled food trucks on the weekends and partnerships with local restaurants who will deliver food to the brewery.

“As a long time resident, I am so excited to bring craft beer to the Valrico community,” said Ratcliff. “We plan to host a lot of local events focusing on good beer and great service.”

In addition to offering drinks and entertainment and a founder’s club opportunity, Ratcliff plans to schedule events where residents can come in and participate in the brewing.

“It is such a cool process,” he said. “It starts out as grain and turns into a great beer......all right here in Valrico.”

The brewery, located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., will be open every day from 12 Noon until 9 or 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. For more information, call 703-8835 or visit www.bullfrogcreekbrewing.com.

New FishHawk Fire Station No.44 Nears Completion

By Tamas Mondovics

Since opening its doors in late February, 2018, the Lithia fire station has answered 1,186 calls for service.

The station is still staffed by three to four firefighters each day who work on a three shift rotation with 24 hours on and 48 hours off. At least one certified Paramedic is on the Construction of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue’s engine for each shift, but they new fire station (No.44) on FishHawk Blvd. is nearly all have the same medical complete and promising to maximize response time for residents living in the area. capabilities as an ambulance unit.

Jason Dougherty said that the three-bay Residents interested in scheduling station mirrors the recently completed staa station tour or having an engine visit tion No. 7 on Bloomingdale Ave. a school, fair or community event, The building includes modern living should call 272-6600 or visit quarters and workspace for each of the https://hillsboroughcounty.org/en/resi24-hour full-time crew of five to six perdents/public-safety/fire-rescue/publicsonnel each shift, a fire engine and reseducation. cue unit.

Original Story printed Feb 2018 In 2005, the County designated a site for a fire station within the FishHawk Sports Complex.

It was later decided that the new location near Boyette and Bell Shoals Rd. will serve the community better, taking the heavy load off nearby stations such as station No. 2 in Lithia, and No.16 in Riverview near SR 301 HC Fire Station Number 44 opened on FishHawk Blvd. last month. Top: VPK students from Kids ‘R’ Kids were invited to as well as station No. 7 on Bloomingdale Ave., participate in the opening of the new fire station. in Valrico.

One of the most anticipated projects “The new station will allow quicker nearing completion is Hillsborough response times for those that call us in an County’s brand new fire station No.44 in emergency,” Dougherty said.

FishHawk.

Emphasizing the benefits of the new Construction of the new 9,300 sq. ft. location, HCFR Chief Dennis Jones said, three-bay fire station located on the south “When open, the new station will be an side of FishHawk Blvd. on a two-acre lot ALS or Advanced Life Support station, donated by Newland Communities, with a fire engine ladder truck and between Mosaic Dr. and Bell Shoals Rd. Rescue Ambulance Unit.” began last May, with a promised opening Motorists have already noticed that early this year. the new station will have direct access to According to officials, the new station FishHawk Blvd. for fire rescue vehicles, cost the county approximately $3.4 milwhich is something the property within the lion. initially proposed sports complex site did Mansour Yazdi Real Estate and not have. Looking to the future, HCFR Facilities Services manage the project also continues to work on a master plan funded through the Public Safety covering the next 25 years.

Improvement Bond Project Funds.

Based on current growth, officials Construction completion is now set estimate the need for an additional 70 for the end of this month, followed by final new stations to safely serve residents livmove-in and official opening in April. ing in Hillsborough County.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue For more information, please visit (HCFR) Deputy Chief of Administration www.hillsboroughcounty.org.

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Page 37

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Year in Review- Updates on the Top Stories from 2018 New Playground Ready To Open & Skate Park Reno Project Continues

By Kate Quesada

FishHawk area the current site,” said residents will be Terrie Morrison, pleased to hear that Chairman of the plans are moving FishHawk Community ahead for the former Development District skate park area next (CDD 1), which funded to Bevis Elementary the project.

School in FishHawk The CDD Board Ranch. of Supervisors voted in According to August to approve the county officials, the project after reviewing land will be the locaThe new playground at the Osprey several proposals and tion of the county’s Club in FishHawk Ranch is expected playground designs. to open this month. first pump track/skate The $89,539.77 park combination and although cost of the project was paid for with existplans are not yet final, Parks and ing CDD 1 funds and the work was done Recreation representatives are

by Rep Services Inc., a family-owned working on permitting plans and company based in Lake Mary, Florida pricing with the contractor. with expertise in outdoor spaces and Look for ground breaking as extensive experience with neighborhood soon as the next few months. playground areas.

Original Story printed March For more information, visit www.fish2018 hawkcdd.org. The Osprey Club is located Two well-loved FishHawk area parks at 5721 Osprey Ridge Dr. and can be are experiencing exciting changes. reached at 657-6629.

Construction is expected to be comIn addition, a new amenity is in the plete this month on a new playground at planning stages on the site formerly occuFishHawk Ranch’s Osprey Club. pied by a skate park next to Colleen The new equipment, located adjaBevis Elementary School. According to cent to the Osprey Club swimming pool, Dana McDonald with the Hillsborough replaces a playground installed approxiCounty Parks and Recreation departmately 18 years ago with a more modern ment, a contract is in the final stages of “Kids in Motion” set featuring multiple new development to build a new facility on the slides, climbing apparatus and rope feaspace. tures. Rubberized playground mulch will “The next step for the project is also be installed to make the area safe design and planning and we expect to be for young children. moving on to that soon,” said McDonald.

“Additionally, a new ‘Global Motion’ For more information, contact the sphere will be incorporated into the new county parks and recreation department playground, expanding the total size of at 744-5595.

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Two Local High Schools, Bloomingdale & Newsome Host Relay For Life Events 2018 was yet another successful year for local Relay for Life events.

The FishHawk Relay, held at Newsome High School, raised $170,000 thanks to work of 900 participants. The 2019 event will be held at Newsome once again on Saturday, March 30.

The Bloomingdale Relay, with 350 participants, raised $76,800 in 2018 and is scheduled to take place at Bloomingdales High School on Friday, April 26 this year.

Events are also scheduled at Riverview and East Bay high schools in April. Those events last year raised a combined total of $162,200.

Original Story printed April 2018 Bloomingdale and Newsome high schools are inviting community members to join them in fighting cancer next month at their annual Relay For Life events.

On Friday, April 6 at 6 p.m., students and community members will join teams at Bloomingdale High School to walk, camp overnight and participate in other activities to raise funds for the American Cancer Society (ACS), while the relay at Newsome High School, with similar events, will take place on Saturday, April 14.

“Relay For Life is ACS’s largest fundraising movement,” said Samantha Schneider, ACS Community Development Manager.

Thirty-five teams, with between five and 25 members, are signed up to participate in the Bloomingdale event and 50 teams in the Newsome event, with participants ranging from children to 75 year olds. The fundraising goal for the Bloomingdale event is $78,000, as participants raised $77,000 last year, and the goal for the Newsome relay is $195,000, the same amount raised at the event last year when participants surpassed their goal of $175,000.

“Relay For Life provides an outlet for individuals touched by cancer to feel that they are not alone, whether the disease has affected them or a

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Relay for Life events raising money for the American Cancer Society are taking place at Newsome and Bloomingdale high schools next month.

loved one,” said Schneider.

“The fact that participants walk throughout the night makes us a unique event that resembles the fact that cancer never sleeps and neither do we at our 12, 15 or 18 hour events,” said Schneider.

Each event has a theme which participants use for costumes, fundraising games and items, decorations for their camp sites and themed laps during the event. The Bloomingdale relay will use cartoons and fairy tales to ‘Make the Fairytale of a Cure Come True,’ and Newsome attendees will have a ‘Battle of the Bands’ while raising funds.

One highlight of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony that typically starts at 9 p.m. and showcases luminaria bags lit in memory or in honor of loved ones.

“It is a very moving ceremony where we turn the stadium lights off and hold a silent lap,” said Schneider.

“The luminary bags can be purchased online or the day of the event for a donation.”

Bloomingdale’s event will take place at the school’s track, located at 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, from 6 p.m. April 6 to 6 a.m. April 7.

Newsome High School, located at 16550 FishHawk Blvd., is one of the few 18 hour Heritage Events and will start at 12 Noon on Saturday, April 14 and end at 6 a.m., Sunday April 15.

Sign up to participate in either event at www.relayforlife.org. For more information, contact Schneider at 319-5920.

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Page 38

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 18, Issue 1

Year in Review- Updates on the Top Stories from 2018

Feed The Bay Returns This April Along With Dedicated Volunteers Feed the Bay 2018 generated 124,254 pounds of food from 15 Publix locations. The one-day community-wide effort included 31 church campuses and 12 agencies, totaling 704 volunteers.

Janine Skipper was a store coordinator and truck driver for one of the Publix locations and reminisced about the day.

"This past year we had a tornado touchdown out in the Bay at the height of Feed the Bay,” said Skipper. “Even with the impending weather, the volunteers and Every year Feed the Bay collects parishioners came out in droves, upwards of 160,000 pounds of food and we had a full truck. Even and store gift cards. through the storms—the wind tion of Fire Station No.44 is and the rain, God’s people showed now well underway, with plans up and gave from their hearts.“ to complete the project by Feed the Bay yields instant and December 2017 and to open the visible results of replenished new station to serve the public in pantries in food agencies across early 2018. the Bay as volunteers and shop“The fire station was much needpers serve as the Hands and Feet ed for the citizens of the area, so we of Jesus. This year’s Feed the Bay can have quicker response times for will be held on Sunday, March 31 those that call us in an emergency,” from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit said Deputy Chief of Administration www.feedthebay.org for more infor- Jason Dougherty. The 9,300 sq. ft., mation or to volunteer. three-bay fire station is located on the Original Story printed March south side of Fishhawk Blvd. on a 2018 two-acre lot donated by Newland It was nearly two years ago when Communities, between Mosaic Dr. residents first learned about the and Bell Shells Rd. Construction county’s plans to build a brand new costs are approximately $2.8 million fire station to better serve the with a total budget of $3.4 million.

FishHawk and Riverview communiThe project is managed by ties.

Mansour Yazdi, Real Estate and County officials hosted a groundFacilities Services, and is funded breaking ceremony in May and are through the Public Safety pleased to announce that construc-

By Amanda Boston Improvement Bond Project Funds.

The three-bay station will mirror the newly completed station No. 7 on Bloomingdale Ave., which includes modern living quarters and workspace for each of the 24-hour full-time crew of five to six personnel each shift, a fire

cials decided that the new location will serve the community better.

HCFR Chief Dennis Jones emphasized the benefits of the new location, which he said will maximize response time for residents living in the area.

“The new station will be an Advanced Life Support station (ALS), with a fire engine ladder truck and Rescue Ambulance Unit,” Jones said adding that the new station will have a direct access to FishHawk Blvd. for fire rescue vehicles, which is something the property within the originally proposed sports complex site did not have.

Earlier this year, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, emergency operations officials, Fire Rescue personnel, and members of the community also celebrated the opening of the County’s brand new $36 million Public Safety Operations Complex (PSOC) in Brandon.

According to County officials the adopted $4.9 billion FY17 budget, which represents a $100 million increase over the previous year is a balanced, equitable plan to provide Hillsborough County residents with vital services.

Aside from funds to support Fire Feed the Bay welcomes young children to Rescue, the increase meant new participate alongside a parent. funding for transportation, public safeengine, and rescue unit. ty, parks, and libraries for In 2005, a site was originally des- Hillsborough County. ignated for a fire station within the For more information, please visit FishHawk Sports Complex, but offiwww.hillsboroughcounty.org.

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January 2019

Page 39

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Year in Review- Updates on the Top Stories from 2018 Co-Work Space, Philly Pretzels, Kimi’s Ice Cream Join Leaven Brewery At Shoppes Of Boyette Plaza A lot has changed in the Shoppes of Boyette Plaza since Leaven Brewery opened its doors early last year.

Not only has Riverview’s first brewery become a destination for craft brew and food lovers from all Jay and Adam Souza of will open the over the area, but the second location of Kimi’s Ice Cream & plaza is now home to Coffees in July in the Shoppes of Boyette. three additional eating opening in the coming establishments. months, in addition to the Philly Pretzel Factory, located at recently opened Leaven 11244 Boyette Rd., is now open offerBrewery which celebrated ing fresh baked Philly-style sweet and its grand opening with a savory pretzels, pretzel dogs and Greater Riverview more. For more info, call 741-0005 or Chamber of Commerce visit www.phillypretzelfactory.com. ribbon cutting last week.

In addition, Kimi’s Ice Cream and Leaven Brewery, owned by Apollo Coffees, which has been supplying Beach residents KJ and Jillian Lynch, is sweet treats to Apollo Beach for years, now open Fridays and Saturdays, 3-10 also opened a location in the plaza p.m. The brewery offers 12 beers on tap offering 43 flavors of homemade, that include their flagship beers, plus seagourmet ice-cream with a large variety sonal offerings and a guest tap featuring of sauces and toppings. Kimi’s opens beers from other Florida breweries. Food everyday at 12 Noon at 11270 Boyette trucks and local restaurants will provide Rd. For more information, visit food. For more details, visit www.leavenwww.kimisicecreamsandcoffees.com. brewery.com or call 813-677-7023.

Finally, the authentic Vietnamese The Venue will be a meeting space restaurant Pho Loc Tho is also now for professionals to host training, conferopen offering a wide variety of fresh, ences, networking and other small made to order food choices and wine. events. Owned by Julie and Eros Dahl, For more information, call 570-6163. also owners of the neighboring Riverview The restaurant is located at 11262 Mortgage, the Venue is set to open in late Boyette Rd. April or early May. Original Story printed April 2018 Build-out of the 1,400 sq. ft. space is The Shoppes of Boyette is 100 perunderway and when complete, it will feacent leased. There will be four new stores ture two bathrooms and a kitchen area, in

By Sharon Still

addition t the meeting space. Tables and chairs offering seating for up to 80 people, plus audio visual equipment will be provided.

The Dahls are members of the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce and have been active members of the community for the past five years. “We are looking forward to working with more people in the area and being able to fill this need,” said Julie.

For more information, call 813-773MEET. Philly Pretzel Factory is another new addition to the plaza with an anticipated opening of late June or early July, according to owners Michele and John Maffei.

The Maffeis, Philadelphia natives, have been interested in opening a Philly Pretzel Factory franchise for several years and after moving to the Tampa area in 2016 and seeing that there were no franchises in the area, they decided it was the perfect opportunity. “We came in contact with a lot of people from the north

who knew about the pretzels and were excited about the idea of having them available in the area.

The pretzels are homemade from scratch, hand-twisted and fresh baked daily. Pretzels, minipretzels and pretzel twists will be on the menu along with specialty items like pretzel dogs, pepperoni pretzel melts and pepperoni cheesesteak.

Party trays and orders for special events, catering, fundraisers and more will be the focus of the business.

Visit www.phillypretzelfactory.com or call 808-1469 to find out more.

Kimi’s Ice Cream & Coffees, which currently has a location in Apollo Beach, will open a second location in the Shoppes of Boyette. “The target opening date is July 1,” said owner Jeff Souza.

The store will be run by his two sons Jay and Adam, who also run the Apollo Beach store, doubling its business since they took over from the previous owners two years ago.

The Souzas plan to open three more locations in the south Hillsborough area in the next five or six years. To find out more, visit www.kimisicecreamandcoffees.com or call 645-2038. Rounding out the plaza, Gel Nails & Spa has expanded into the two spaces adjacent to its existing location and Pho Loc Tho, a Vietnamese restaurant, will open in the remaining 1750-sq-ft. space in early summer.

The Shoppes of Boyette is located on the northwest corner of Boyette and Balm Riverview roads. There is one out parcel available. Call 941-954-2300 or visit www.icorr.com for more information.

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Page 40

Volume 18, Issue 1

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Year in Review- Updates on the Top Stories from 2018 Randall Students Head To Odyssey Of The Mind World Championships In Iowa

Randall Middle School students Blake Bole, Kayla Purifoy, Bradley Carlson, Findlay Hartman, Leela Walbolt, John Annett and Kaylee Matteis are heading to the World Championship Odyssey of the Mind competition in Iowa this month.

The Randall Middle School Odyssey of the Mind team made the area proud at the world competition at Iowa State University in May, 2018.

The group competed with 830 schools from around the world and placed 11th out of 69 middle schools in their division, including teams from Hong Kong, Poland, China, Singapore and British Columbia.

The same team is already work ing to compete again this year with their eyes set on the world competition. Their first step is a regional contest at Bloomingdales High School in March. If they place first or second there, they will move on to the State of Florida competition which will be held at the University of Central Florida. A first or second place win at the state level will allow them another chance at the world stage.

Original Story printed May 2018

Seven 7th grade students from Randall Middle School are heading to Iowa this month with an exciting task ahead of them. The students make up the school’s Odyssey of the Mind team and they recently won the state competition and a ticket to the world championships at Iowa State University from May 24-27.

The Randall students are the only group from Hillsborough County invited to the championships where they will compete against approximately 850 teams from around the world.

According to Co-coach Erin Hartman, Odyssey of the Mind events are creative problem solving competitions made up of two parts: Performance and the Spontaneous Round.

“During the Performance section,

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the students are given a problem to solve and the solution must be presented in an eight minute play,” said Hartman.

For example, during the state competition, the students were asked to build a vehicle that could travel forward and backward and they had to joust and curl while on the vehicle during the performance. Students are not allowed help from adults; they have a strict budget and must construct sets and costumes. They also write their own script for the play.

The Spontaneous Round involves the students solving a question or problem during a short time, typically four to eight minutes, and they are judged on creativity and quick thinking.

To prepare for the competitions, the team meets twice a week for months in advance.

“The competition encourages taking a different approach to a

By Kate Quesada

problem,” said Hartman. “Kids that love STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) would love Odyssey of the Mind.”

The team is working hard to raise almost $10,000 to fund the trip to Iowa for the world championships and would appreciate the community support with fundraising and donations.

“These kids have worked so hard for the past seven months,” said Hartman. “Last year we were not able to attend the world championship due to funding, but this year we told them if they could win again at states, we would take them all the way. They are extremely talented, competitive and super creative.”

To contribute, visit www.gofundme.com/hy2ece-odysseyof-the-mind-world-finals. For information, email Hartman at erin@admechanics.com.

January 2019

Page 41

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Year in Review- Updates on the Top Stories from 2018

Sheriff’s Office Teams With Kraftologee To Host Coffee With A Cop

By Kate Quesada

HCSO Community Resource Deputy Cliff Residents from all over the Brandon area met with Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Fletcher is one of eight to ten officers who representatives, including Sheriff Chad Chronister, at Moreno Bakery last month for the deputies Breanna Rodriguez and Clifford will attend Coffee with a Cop taking place at second Coffee with a Cop event of the year.

Fletcher hosted the second Coffee with a Cop Kraftologee in Riverview on Thursday, May 3 event of the year at Moreno Bakery. Kathi eight and ten officers from HCSO’s from 8-9:30 a.m. public feels the same way.”

Hayes Hillsborough County PTA Vice President District V are planning to attend.

According to Rodriguez, plans Leadership and Kate Quesada Osprey “Our goal is to provide citizens with The District V Community are in the works for additional simiObserver News Reporter were among the a chance to engage and interact with commmunity members in attendance.

Resource Deputies hosted two very lar events this year.

successful Coffee with a Cop outreach events. The events were organized by Fletcher and Rodriguez, both community resource deputies for Hillsborough County’s Region V working out of the Bloomingdale Substation, to increase HCSO’s interaction with the public and to allow residents a chance to speak with deputies and ask questions in a relaxed environment. The second event of which took place in August at Moreno Bakery with 40 to 50 people in attendance, including Sheriff Chad Chronister.

“One of our goals this year is to get out and meet more of our residents, face-to-face,” said Rodriguez, a Valrico resident.

“And seeing the wonderful turnout for this event makes us feel that the

The District also coordinated donations of Christmas gifts for children in Brandon Regional Hospital last month.

Original Story first ran in May, 2018.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is teaming up with Kraftologee in Riverview to offer residents a unique experience this month.

From 8-9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 3, HCSO officers who patrol the Brandon, Valrico and Riverview area will be on hand at the coffee shop to network and talk with residents and business owners.

The event, which is the brain child of Bloomingdale Community Resource Deputies Cliff Fletcher and Breanna Rodrigues, is called Coffee with a Cop and according to Fletcher between

the deputies who work in their area,” said Fletcher, a Riverview resident who has been with HCSO for more than 10 years.

Fletcher hopes that in addition to concerned citizens, local business owners will attend the event.

“This Coffee with a Cop is unique because we are hoping to reach as many local businesses as possible to hear their thoughts on our community and how we can work together,” said Fletcher, whose role as community resource deputy means that he is always looking for ways to connect with citizens.

The partnership between HCSO and Kraftologee was formed at a Riverview Chamber meeting when Fletcher mentioned to a member that he was looking for a place to host an

event for the public.

“We looking forward to meeting other business owners who might be able to host similar events in the future,” said Fletcher.

Residents who are not able to attend the event, but who are interested in getting to know their local officers, are invited to visit Fletcher and Rodrigues at the Bloomingdale Community Substation, located at 3622 Erindale Dr. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The station also responds to property crime and handles community complaints and fraud reports for the Bloomingdale area. For more information, call the station at 635-8040.

Kraftologee is located at 10312 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview and can be reached at 252-3106.

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Page 42

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Life Story Writing Classes Help Preserve Stories For Future Generations

By Michelle Colesanti

and get new perspectives.

A different theme is visited each week. Hands-on activities and group interaction help participants to dig deeper into buried memories.

Individuals can improve selfesteem and increase self-confidence through class interaction.

The first LSW classes were held at Bloomingdale Library when it first opened in 2005. Val Perry was in the first class. The original instructor, Carol Byrd, became ill and the Friends needed volunteers to carry on the program. Perry and Lynn Bloomingdale Regional Library offers a 10-week Life Story Writing class will be held starting at the end of January 2019. Val Perry has kept the program going since 2007.

There are many reasons to put pen to paper and write down the stories of your life.

You may not think that your stories are interesting enough, but your family’s future generations will be appreciative.

You have the interest, but how do you begin?

The Bloomingdale Writer’s A group photo from the 2018 Saturday Life Story Connection (BWC) offers an Writing class held at Bloomingdale Regional Library. award-winning Life Story New classes begin the end of January.

Writing/Memoir class beginGardner (now deceased) offered to ning at the end of January at continue the classes beginning in the Bloomingdale Regional Library. This summer of 2007.

10-week Life Story Writing (LSW) According to Perry, “I felt strongly class is free to participants and fundthat this class must continue. I had ed by the Friends of Bloomingdale recently retired from my volunteer Regional Library. The class is based work with the Girl Scouts at their off of Dr. James Birren’s Guided Tampa headquarters which meant I Autobiography, a method used for had the time available. I love to write helping people document their life and most of my previous writing had stories. Classes are for young adults been life stories, although I did not or retirees alike. know the term at the time.”

Each class meets for about two Upon graduation from the 10and a half hours each week and is week class, participants become appropriate for all skill levels and all members of the BWC, which came ages. Whether you are brand new to about when a group of writers from writing or a professional writer, you the original class decided to keep will find a fit in this program. meeting.

Three classes will run simultaneFor more details about the class, ously. One begins Wednesday, please feel free to pick up a brochure January 30, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. in the lobby of the library or Another class begins Friday, email LifeWritersBloom@msn.com.

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Volume 18, Issue 1

Local Organization Helps Cancer Patients Find Strength And Courage

By Libby Hopkins

Ruth Walker created the Courage Through Cancer foundation to help those affected by cancer and their loved ones who are caregivers. She started the foundation after she lost her husband, Deacon Darryl Walker, to Esophagus cancer. The mission of Courage Through Cancer is to help one who will reach one.

It is often said that courage is not having the strength to go on, it is going on when you have not strength. Ruth Walker, CEO of Courage Through Cancer in Riverview, would agree with this statement because she too found the strength to go on when she felt like she could not after her husband, Deacon Darryl Walker, was diagnosed with Esophageal cancer. He was the inspiration for starting Courage Through Cancer.

“My husband displayed courage through his cancer and he maintained his faith and took time out to encourage others,” Walker said. “It got to the point where we maintained our faith and our positivity and others began to seek us out at Moffitt as well as Florida Cancer Center to offer prayers or encouragement to others.”

The mission of Courage Through

Cancer is to help one who will reach one.

So many people are hurt beyond what we see. There is no preparation in losing a loved one and no words for watching them suffer. “At Courage Through Cancer, we cannot change your circumstances, but we can love you and be your support through it,” Walker said.

“Our goal at Courage Through Cancer is to help patients and families financially, spiritually and in areas of comfort living to enable them to be consoled during their time of need. God has given us this mission and in being obedient to His will, our heart’s mission is to open our doors for you to come and receive all that He has to offer for His people.”

One of the projects that Walker is currently working on to help expand Courage Through Cancer’s mission is building the Darryl Anthony House in honor of her late husband. “The Darryl Anthony House is one of our main objectives,” Walker said. “It’s a place for the weak and weary. As a caregiver, you can bring your burdens to the Darryl Anthony House. A home named after a man who prayed without ceasing throughout his battle. The best part about visiting the Darryl Anthony House is that you bring your anxieties, your worries and your fears and you get to leave them there and leave with a renewed spirit.”

If you’d like to learn more about Courage Through Cancer, or if you’d like to make a donation to help build the Darryl Anthony House, you can www.couragethroughcancer.org or call Walker at 900-9878.

January 2019

Page 43

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Summer Adventure ‘Workamping’ In Yellowstone National Park Four years ago I retired after a successful career of 38 years. Two years ago my wife Paulette and I traveled to Vermont and Maine in our new RV to escape the heat of summer and to explore our national parks. While there, we found many people in our campgrounds were there for the same reasons as us.

We discovered many were ‘Workamping’ working full and parttime in campgrounds or in nearby Grand Prismatic Spring. national parks and tourist destinations. This ‘senior workforce’, as we later discovered, is a vital resource to many businesses and organizations that are operated seasonably during the summer months. We found this to be interesting but didn’t give it a second thought; after all we were enjoying retirement.

In January, we attended the Tampa RV show and found companies representing organizations lookBison Herd in Lamar Valley ing for summer help. One of the comand made stops in Nashville and St. panies, Delaware North Corporation, Louis before heading further north and manages 12 retail stores in Yellowstone west. We saw the Corn Palace, Wall National Park as well as other parks, Drugs and Badlands, Crazy Horse and sports facilities (Amalie Arena) and nearby Kennedy Space Center retail and food Mt. Rushmore monuments and Devils Tower before we arrived in Yellowstone. concessions.

We arrived at the park in early June.

We pursued looking at working in Our first purchase was a window scraper Yellowstone for the summer. We comfor the frost on the car windows and pleted applications, had lengthy teleheavier clothes for the cooler weather. phone interviews and both my wife and I The weather in the first week dipped to were excited to be offered positions at 24 degrees at night. During the remainder Lake General Store located on the shores of the summer the average nightly lows of Yellowstone Lake. were in the 30s and daytime highs in the Our adventure began in May, driving 60s, with occasional days in the 70s. Our to Yellowstone in our RV, our home for three month contract began in June right the next four months. We took our time

REMODELING GARDENING

By Bill McKay

students from the US, Bulgaria, Russia, Romania, the Philippines and Taiwan.

This blended family worked well together and many friendships developed. The older staff introduced the students to American culture, traditions and holidays like Halloween and the Fourth of July. We even celebrated Christmas at the end of August following a long standing tradition and folklore in the park.

As the summer was closing so was our time in Yellowstone. We said our Paulette and I at the front of Lake sad goodbyes the day after Labor Day, General Store. exchanged addresses, made friends on Facebook and started our journey home.

The store remained open for about two more weeks after we left with a short staff and was closed for the season the third week of September. Another season in Yellowstone was completed.

If you are looking for an adventure next summer, you may wish to consider working in one of our 59 national parks.

At our location, dorm housing and RV Lower Falls, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone at sites for those traveling in recreational vehicles was available. The nearest groArtist Point. cery store was 52 miles away so meal after Memorial Day, and for the next three plans were offered for staff, providing months we lived and worked in paradise. three meals a day seven days per week.

The store we worked in was picturDue to the 7,800 foot altitude, it is recomesque, in a building built in 1919 next to mended to check with your physician as the historic Lake Hotel. We were surthe oxygen concentration is 5.5 percent rounded by mountains and not far from less than the Tampa area and altitude geysers, rivers, rapids, waterfalls, scenic sickness affects many. vistas, valleys and abundant wildlife.

The experience, the memories and Aside from the scenic beauty of the park, the friendships made this the experience the experience working with the staff was of a lifetime.

If you are an adventurer heartwarming. The staff comprised of looking to do something different next seniors and college students from all over summer and can work several days per the world, including many senior couples week, this may be your opportunity of a and singles on an adventure like us and lifetime.

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Page 44

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Brenda Wade Real Estate Along With Business Partners Donate $12,600 To Seeds Of Hope

By Barb Kern

Brenda Wade Real Estate and business partners recently donated $12,600 To Seeds of Hope during its Sixth Annual 'Partners in Giving' fundraiser on December 3.

The Brenda Wade Real Estate Team and business partners joined together for Brenda's sixth Annual ‘Partners in Giving’ fundraiser. Brenda and her agents spent one day learning from business associates and matched every dollar that was contributed by the partners, so together they could have an impact in the community.

Brenda said, “Our goal was to exceed the $11,000 amount we raised last year and we were so very happy to raise and donate $12,600 to our local charity, Seeds of Hope, Inc. Seeds of Hope president Leda Eaton was amazed, “I was beyond excited to hear the total amount raised. It really takes a village to support all that we do as an all-volunteer organization.” Last year, Seeds of Hope led relief efforts for Alafia residents affected by flooding from Hurricane Irma.

Those ongoing efforts highlighted the commitment the charity has to helping local people–a commitment shared by the Brenda Wade Team.

Brenda was impressed by their efforts then and continues to be excited about Seeds of Hope’s vision. “We share a passion for helping local people. Our business is in this community and has grown here. We feel Seeds of Hope’s efforts to help those less fortunate is a cause that fits well with who we are.”

Brenda is thankful to this year's business partners for serving her clients all year long and graciously pulling alongside of she and the Team in support of the people served by Seeds of Hope.

A big thank you to: Adela’s Pro Cleaning Service, All American Title, All

Bay Insurance Group, American Mortgage Service Company, Buyer’s Choice Home Inspection, Bungalow Home Inspections, IberiaBank Mortgage, Complete Choice Insurance, Couture Painting, Don's Painting, Gonzalez Roofing, Guaranteed Rate, NFM Lending, Osprey Observer, Pilka & Associates Law Firm, Pillar to Post Home Inspections, Suddath Movers, Supreme Lending, The Rice Financial Group, United Mutual Funding Corp, Watts Dental and Dawson & Associates Insurance.

Seeds of Hope has been in the Brandon/Valrico/Lithia community for over eight years and began with local resident Leda Eaton helping her then high school students receive meaningful community service hours. That was the beginning of the FishHawk Turkey Trot and from that Seeds of Hope was created to use the money generated to help alleviate local hunger. The organization has maintained its original commitment to providing meaningful community service for students but has grown as an organization to combat hunger in three ways by providing weekend backpacks of food for school children, boxes of food to families on Thursdays and a weekly mobile pantry aimed at short term food relief.

Eaton is proud of the impact the charity has had, “Before Hurricane Irma, we were a food relief organization. After Hurricane Irma, we added disaster relief to our resume. It’s not something I ever would have planned but I am so thankful we were there. Larger organizations with cumbersome rules and regulations couldn’t do what we did. We targeted the people who needed/deserved help, took people shopping for personal items, provided daily hot meals, washed clothes and provided showers. So many volunteers stepped up. It was amazing to be a part of the overwhelming groundswell of community support.”

For more information about Seeds of Hope, visit www.sohopefl.org.

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Volume 18, Issue 1

Local Candle Company Creates Candles To Help Empower Young Girls

By Libby Hopkins

The Girls choose a scent, Empowered packaging, labeling, Mentally for ordering supplies.

Success organizaAlong the way we tion, has a mission emphasize the is to engage eleimportance of qualimentary, middle ty control and work and high school ethics.” girls, empowering Pesano and them to discover her staff made sure their passion and the GEMS were purpose through introduced to all creativity and wisaspects of the canPhala Pesano, owner of dom. dle business in local candle company, Seventh Avenue Phala Pesano, addition to the Apothecary and Valrico resident, recently manufacturing owner of local canpartnered with The Girls Empowered dle company, process from Mentally for Success organization or “GEMS” to create Transitions Candles.

Seventh Avenue preparing the canApothecary and Valrico resident, recently dle vessel, cleaning and labeling, then partnered with the GEMS to create packaging and selling.

Transitions Candles. “The director, Crystal Pesano hopes other local businesses Bailes reached out to us and told me that will get involved with the GEMS or other she was looking for a company to work local youth programs. “I would love to see with her program,” Pesano said. “I could more businesses get involved directly not resist. It is such a great cause and with programs that support youth in our right down my alley working with teens.” community in a way that helps kids sucTransitions Candles is the social ceed,” Pesano said. “Being a mentor to enterprise of GEMS that provides another these young people is just as rewarding means for a healthy transition for a for our business as it is for the kids.

GEMS girl. “The girls came into our shop Tampa has several great programs for and the first step was to sit down and talk young people but they need community about business principals, the value of support both financial but also by giving being an entrepreneur, the perks and the your time for the kids.” challenges of owning your own business Visit it website at www.girlsrgems.org. as well as the core values you must If you’d like to purchase a Transitions establish,” Pesano said. “We go into the Candle, you can visit the candle website how and whats of choosing a product and at www.transitionscandles.com or call how to establish everything from bookPesano at 247-3814. Seventh Avenue keeping to manufacturing to ordering sup- Apothecary is located at 3810 E. 7th Ave. plies, etc. Then the process of how to in Tampa.

NOMINATIONS NEEDED! Your favorite teacher could have their very own spotlight editorial in the Osprey Observer Community Newspaper!

Complete the form below and email your nomination to: teacher@ospreyobserver.com

Teacher Name: School: Why should this teacher be Teacher of the Month?

January 2019

Page 45

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Ms. Jodi Keedy

Brandon High School Hosts Career Fair

By Kate Quesada

Teacher Of The Month

edy Ms. Ke

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the event and she hopes to coordinate an even larger job fair in the spring.

“There are tons of employers hiring in the Tampa Bay Area and we want to keep the students here,” said Snively. “With this type of event, students are able to learn how their interests can be transformed into a career.”

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Warren Brooks, Workforce Connections Officer, Brandon HS Principal Jennifer Sparano, HCPS Board Member Melissa Snively, Dr. Nancee Sorenson HCC Brandon Campus President and HCPS Government Relations Representative Jason Pepe attended a career fair at Brandon High School.

Brandon High School (BHS) found a new way to inspire their students at this year’s Great American Teach-In last month. The school collaborated with the Education and Workforce Connection Council of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce to host a career fair offering information from a group of local employers.

Businesses and organizations, including Hillsborough Community College, Tampa Electric, Rasmussen College, Empire Beauty School, Hillsborough County Public Schools Technical Colleges, Brandon Regional Hospital and the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, met with students throughout the event discussing possibilities for their futures after high school.

“There is no greater asset to a school than the support of its community,” said BHS Principal Jennifer Sparano.

“This career fair represents the opportunity for students to connect with our community businesses and network, so that they have post-secondary opportunities readily available where they live.”

Hillsborough County School Board member Melissa Snively worked closely with the Chamber and BHS to develop

BHS junior Zack York attended the event with the hopes of finding out more about the possibility of a career in elementary education.

“Today I learned that there are so many opportunities out there for employment and I should really take advantage of these opportunities because they can help me later in life,” said York.

Tampa Electric brought out equipment and information about their journeyman lineman program, which is an apprenticeship where students are paid while learning the hands-on skills and taking the classes required to become professionals in the field.

“We came to show students that there are other options out there for them besides college,” said Sam Nowakowski, Supervisor of Technical Training at TECO. Brandon High School is located at 1101 Victoria St. in Brandon and can be reached at 744-8120. For more information on the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Education and Workforce Council, visit www.brandonchmaber.com or call 689-1221.

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Page 46

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Sports 657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com

Volume 18, Issue 1

Connection

By Nick Nahas and Photos courtesy of Jake Coulson

Warner Takes Coaching Job At Bowling Green, Bloomingdale Hires Coulson As Head Coach Former Bloomingdale football Head Coach Max Warner has accepted a job at Bowling Green University as the quarterbacks coach.

Warner led the Bulls to three straight winning seasons, including a record-setting season this year, with an 112 record and an appearance in the regional final against perennial power Venice. The Bulls won their first two playoff games in school history and hosted their first playoff game ever.

Jake Coulson with his players at the football banquet.

“I am extremely proud of standard has been put in place and Jake what we were able to accomplish in our Coulson and the staff and players will conthree years at Bloomingdale,” said tinue to raise the bar in 2019 and beyond.”

Warner. “The most important thing to me Bloomingdale has promoted first-year was the friendships and relationships we formed with the coaches, players, families, defensive coordinator Jake Coulson to head coach. He had great success as the and faculty at Bloomingdale. It is a very special place, and it all starts with the peo- defensive coordinator, leading a defense that gave up less than a touchdown per ple associated with the program.

Bloomingdale will forever be in my family’s game and didn’t give up a point until the fifth game of the season, while posting six heart as my first opportunity to be a head total shutouts. “I’m thankful to Coach coach. Collectively, we all changed the Warner and the Bloomingdale administrafootball culture at Bloomingdale — the

coordinator for HamshireFannett in 2012-2013; and was the passing game coordinator for Florence from 20092011.

Coulson will inherit a good program. The Bulls had minimal success until Max Warner became head coach three years prior. Bloomingdale had only made two playoff appearances in the schools 31-year history before Warner took them to the playoffs the last two seasons.

“I think Coach Coulson Jake Coulson will take over as head coach for Max will be a great head coach and Warner, who will coach at Bowling Green University. I know for sure he knows a lot about football, and we all tion for the opportunity,” said Coulson. “It means the world to me. I have worked my respect him,” said junior running back Dominic Gonnella. “He leads by example. entire life for this opportunity, so I am He does everything the right way, in my ready to get going.” eyes, and I have a tremendous amount of Before Coulson came to respect for that.”

Bloomingdale last season, he coached in According to Coulson, the Bulls offTexas, where he is from. He was the assistant head coach/special teams coor- season will start on January 8. “The offseason is where you win football games,” dinator for Georgetown’s East View high said Coulson. “We are going to out-work school from 2015-2017; the defensive our opponents.” coordinator for the 2014 Rockdale (12-2 ) state quarterfinalist team; the defensive

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Page 47

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

In The Mood Returns To The Tampa Theatre This February

By Kathy L. Collins

In The more. “This is a Mood, a 1940’s program that will musical revue leave audiences will return to the cheering,” said Tampa Theatre Witecki. for two shows In The Mood on Saturday, creator and February 9. The Producer, Bud shows are at 2 Forest said, “The and 8 p.m. show introduces Tickets are now new generations Back by popular demand, In The Mood, a available. As it to the swing, the 1940’s Musical Revue, returns to the Tampa returns to rhythm and the Theatre for two shows on Saturday, February 9.

Tampa, In The jazzy, sentimental Mood is celebrating 25 years of entertain- and patriotic music of a pivotal time in ing audiences. Get your tickets now.

American history when everyone listened In The Mood, whose singers and to, and danced to up-tempo big band dancers are backed by the String of rhythms and intimate ballads.”

Pearls Orchestra, feaThis music is being tures nostalgic songs made popular today thanks that give tribute to the to the talents of singers 1940’s. “In The Mood such as Lady Gaga and aspires to promote the Tony Bennett. The duo crememory of this most sigated a Grammy award-winnificant time in American history and conning duet album, Cheek to Cheek. In tinues to inspire across the generations,” addition, the YouTube phenomenon, said Jill Revelle Witecki with the Tampa Postmodern Jukebox, earns hundreds of Theatre. millions of views covering big band era Witecki added, “For more than two hits. hours, this big, retro event will hold audiThe Tampa Theatre itself is a City of ences enthralled with its period costumes, Tampa landmark. It is one of America’s fine vocal and orchestral arrangements, best preserved movie palaces and the choreography by Broadway veteran, Alex perfect venue for a show like In The Sanchez, and sheer American pizzazz.”

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You will hear classics such as Tickets to In The Mood start at Swingin’ on a Star, Tuxedo Junction, $49.50 (service charges may apply). You Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Sing Sing can get your tickets at the Tampa Theatre Sing, Chattanooga Choo Choo, I’ll be Box Office located at 711 N. Franklin St. Seeing You, La Vie En Rose, Take the A in downtown Tampa. You can also order Train, The Last Time I Saw Paris and them online at www.tampatheatre.org.

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Volume 18, Issue 1

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

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