Riverview/Apollo Beach
See Our Special Section Pages 45-52 C E L E B R A T I N G
May 2018 Volume 16, Issue 5 Ph: 657-2418 1 6
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
Stolen Kayaks Hurt Local Gem, Camp Bayou Nature Center & Preserve
Amy Schechter
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Sessums Celebrates USF Interns
By Amy Schechter
Human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Malala Yousafzai, said, “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” In that spirit, Sessums Elementary School has welcomed a cohort of 17 University of South 2018 Sessums Elementary Graduating Interns Florida teachers-inSessums know how invaluable the training as interns for the past two interns are. Mohammed mentions, years. Under the tutelage of mentors, “The kids get more one on one time. they have observed masterful teachThey have more of everything,” and ing and honed their craft through guidEdwards echoes that with more time ed practice in preparation for taking for individualized attention and small on classrooms of their own after gradgroups, students are making more uation. progress and test scores are going Within this cohort, two special stoup. It’s a win-win for all involved. The ries stand out. Laura Edwards, assisclassroom teachers have more hands tant principal, actually taught Jasmine on deck, the interns have an irreplaceDelavan at Kingswood Elementary in able apprenticeship experience, and 2005. As a 3rd grader, Delavan creatthe students get more time and attened a ‘dream board’ where she told tion. Edwards that one day she would be a In August, Sessums will welcome teacher like her. Her dream is now nearly a reality. Delavan said, “I’ve Continued on Page 5 been blessed being paired with such great support. I’ve been able to dive in and experiment with strategies. In This Sessums has been amazing.” Her Issue cooperating teacher, Shelly Shannon, reiterates how positive this experience is for everyone: “It has been a great RETIRED SHERIFF GEE. .......................PG 3 year working together. Like a good marriage, we have the same beliefs HOA HOT TOPICS ...............................PG 8 and structure.” GRCC RIBBON CUTTINGS .................PG 10 Another intern, Hannah Money, interned in Arolyn Mohammed’s classCPR CLASSES ....................................PG 13 room, and purely by chance it turns EYE ON BUSINESS ....................PGS 25‐26 out that Mohammed was Money’s kindergarten teacher. Pointing to a ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 41 picture of herself in Mohammed’s SPORTS CONNECTION...............PGS 42‐43 class, Money said, “I remember her from kindergarten. I remember doing it SUMMER CAMP PULLOUT........PGS 45‐52 in her classroom. This experience has been so helpful because we have READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE such a strong relationship.” www.ospreyobserver.com Administration and teachers at
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Few places allow visitors to experience Florida’s natural beauty like Ruskin’s hidden gem, Camp Bayou. Located on 160 acres of untouched habitat from wetlands to pine flatwoods, it is the perfect place for all ages to make a day trip. Camp Bayou is a small non-profit nature center whose mission is “To sustain a portion of Florida’s original habitats in the Little Manatee River Watershed, and to promote appreciation and better understanding of our natural resources, local history and culture through education.” Visit the Nature Center where you can browse the nature library, discovery tables, and specimens native to our area. Walk the land trails where you can explore a replica of a native village, stay on the lookout for gators and gopher tortoises, go bird watching, meander through the butterfly habitat, or view historic fishing cabins actually used in the area in the 1930s. Visit the Paleo Preserve, a small nonprofit museum, that features fossils, photos, and newspaper articles. Guests can also rent canoes to get up close to nature while they paddle a leisurely hour or so
around the island south of the preserve. As a non-profit, donations and volunteers are sincerely needed and appreciated. Dolly Cummings, manager, calls on the community: “We need volunteers who are passionate about nature willing to cover weekly time slots.” Cummings believes in her small, dedicated crew, but she knows they could do so much more with additional help. Sadly, Camp Bayou experienced some theft recently. Someone broke into one of the cabins and stole four kayaks, two that were donated and two that were bought using a small community grant. If anyone happens to see anyone trying to sell 2 small blue kayaks (6ft), a yellow kayak (8ft), and/or a red/orange kayak (8ft) please notify the local sheriff’s office. Pre-registered groups can receive a “hands-on” dig experience at the Paleo Preserve, a “river dig” at the Peace River, and guided tours through their nature stations. Camp Bayou is open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.. To find more information on adult and youth programs or make a donation, visit online at www.campbayou.org or call 641-8545. Camp Bayou is located at 4140 24th St SE, Ruskin, 33570.
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Serving Our Customers in 4 Locations: Lithia • Big Bend, Riverview • 301, Riverview • Sun City Center Canine Cabana, located at 9708 Carr Rd. in Riverview, is celebrating its 10 year anniversary as a premier doggie daycare, lodging and training facility. It recently celebrated with a multichamber ribbon cutting and Spirit Week. See feature on Page 4.