Osprey Observer 2018-08 Brandon/Winthrop

Two Sections, 36 Pages of Community News

Brandon/Winthrop ! is Out h T k c Ch e g e 1 0 Pa C E L E B R A T I N G

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August 2018 Volume 13, Issue 8 Ph: 657-2418 1 6

Y E A R S

O F

P U B L I S H I N G

Residents Meet Candidates At Bell Shoals Forum Just In Time For Early Voting

By Kathy L. Collins

C O M M U N I T Y

By Kate Quesada

Thirteen bus operators with HART were recognized last month for driving one million miles without a preventable accident.

Two Brandon-area bus drivers received a special honor last month.

Jimmy Suarez and Marc Henry were two of 13 HART operators recognized during the Authority’s third annual HART Million Mile Safe Driver Awards luncheon as drivers who achieved outstanding safely milestones in driving and service.

Both operators were recognized for driving more than one million miles without a preventable accident.

“I am honored to have received this award,” said Henry, who drives Route 37 from Brandon to Netpark Transfer Center.

“My family is very proud of this great achievement. They know how passionate I am about my job and how I enjoy helping others.”

HART honors drivers reaching the million mile milestone annually.

“In today’s driving conditions these operators have accomplished something that demonstrates their high level of safety consciousness and commitment to the safety of their passengers, fellow motorists, pedestrians and cyclists,” said HART Interim CEO Jeff Seward. “We congratulate these accomplished bus operators and thank them for their hard work and dedication.”

According to HART Deputy Press Secretary Sandra Morrison, a million miles is the equivalent to driving 769 oneway trips from Tampa to New York City and is longer than driving to the moon and back twice.

Brandon resident and 15 year HART operator, Suarez, drives Route 1 and Route 39 in Tampa. “This is a wonderful recognition and I feel truly honored to

have been given the Million Mile Award,” said Suarez. “I take my job very seriously because I have a responsibility to protect my customers and get them to their destinations safely. I take much pride in my job as a HART Bus Operator.”

Additionally, two operators, Cosma Garcia and Tony Hernandez, were recognized for driving two million miles without a preventable accident.

“HART’s Safe Driver Awards program allows executive leadership and management to recognize and honor those who have served the public in a safe and customer-centric manner,” said Chief Administrative Officer and Interim Chief of Staff Kenyatta Lee. “This is a great opportunity to show our appreciation for the best of the best, who take great care of the Authorirty’s customers and vehicles.”

Henry has some words of advice for new bus operators. “Always take your time, watch your surroundings and always use your mirrors,” he said.

For more information, visit www.gohart.org.

In This Issue DONATE BLOOD AND BENEFTIT.........PG 3 OSPREY OBSERVER INTERNS .............PG 4 SCHOOL LEAD WATER TESTS .............PG 7 STUDENT 211 CRISIS CARDS ............PG 11 NEW REFRESHING COOL DESSERT...PG 14 EYE ON BUSINESS .....................PGS 25‐26 RECYCLE COOKING OIL ....................PG 29 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 33 SPORTS CONNECTION......................PG 34

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Hours: 6am - 10pm Bell Shoals Baptist Academy (BSBA) students (from l. to r.) Gatlin Geisler, Ian Peters and Reid Freda are all fifth grade students and are ready to welcome students back to school for the 2018/19 school year. For more information about BSBA, visit www.bsbacademy.com.

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cally active since he was 11 years old. Manley said, "Forums like this are a good idea. It is an opportunity to hear from all of the candidates on different issues. It allows voters to be prepared to vote."

For the candidates, it is a way for them to get in front of a large, diverse group of voters. The forum was set up in two sections. In the first part, For over 20 years, Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon each participating candidate had a table where has been hosting a Candidate Forum. This year's forum attracted 60 candidates vying for Federal, State and Local they could hand out camoffices. The forum is a unique opportunity for residents to paign material and directly meet each candidate. speak with voters.

On Friday August 3, Bell Shoals The second part was in the Church's Baptist Church in Brandon hosted its large auditorium. Each candidate was Candidate Forum. The church hosts the given two minutes to give the audience forum every two years and has done so an overall view on their positions. There for the last 20 years. Over 700 area resiwere no questions during this portion of dents attended this year's forum and met the forum. The only rules were that the and heard from 60 candidates. audience had to listen respectfully to each The candidates who attended are candidate whether they agree with their vying for office including for U.S. House of position or not.

Representatives, State Constitutional According to Dr. Stephen Rummage, Office, State Legislative office, Circuit the Senior Pastor for Bell Shoals Baptist Court Judge, Hillsborough County Court Church, "The church has been sponsorJudge, Hillsborough County Commission, ing this event for over 20 years as a way and Hillsborough County School Board. of showing support to the community."

Liz Hurt, a resident of Brandon Linda Thompson, a member of the attended the forum. This was her first Issues Team for the church, "We believe time attending the forum. She liked the it is important to hold this event which is set up and said, "I came to the forum non-partisan, so that voters can hear from because I wanted to hear the candidates' all of the candidates." position and ask questions." Hurt indicatFor more information on Bell Shoals ed that she would attend the forum again. Baptist Church, please visit www.bellBryce Manley, a home school stushoals.com. To view a complete list of all dent who lives in Valrico, volunteered to the candidates who will be on the upcomwork at the forum. Manley is President of ing ballots, please visit www.votehillsborthe Campo Family YMCA's Youth In ough.org.

Government Program. He has been politi-

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Donate Blood Regularly For Personal Students Learn About Future STEM Careers With The Help Of Local Business Sponsors And Community Health Benefits

By Kate Quesada

By Michelle Colesanti

Kerrie Hoening, Michelle Colesanti and Marie Gilmore stand with the Big Red Bus OneBlood staff. Ten people donated at the drive that the Osprey Observer hosted on August 2.

The next time you see OneBlood’s Big Red bus Bloodmobile in a parking lot, you might want to seriously think about stopping in to make a donation.

We all know that by doing so, you help save other lives, but did you know that the one to benefit the most just might be you?

The Osprey Observer recently hosted a blood drive and I started wondering about the benefits of the donation not only to the blood recipient, but also to the donor.

There is no better feeling than knowing you have done something that might save a life and donating blood most certainly fills that niche.

Feeling good about your unselfish act can help promote longevity of your own life and helps to put you in a positive mood – not a bad start.

Denise Graf, Graphic Artist for the paper said, “My dad has always donated blood in the past. This trained me into being eager to donate whenever there was an opportunity. While witnessing how much blood Dad needed during his recent open heart surgeries (includ-

ing a heart transplant), I recognized each pint as a blessing. I will continue donating every opportunity I get. It saves lives.”

Prior to donating, you get a mini health test – blood pressure taken, iron levels measured and temperature noted.

You will also get a cholesterol reading after donation.

What you might not know is that it might help you with weight loss. A pint of blood will help you immediately lose one pound – one 16 oz. pint of blood equals one pound body weight. You will gain it back in the liquids you consume afterwards, but for the next two days, your body will burn approximately 650 additional calories while your body works hard to regenerate new blood cells.

Donating blood regularly helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. When you donate, some of the iron in your body is depleted. It will quickly be replenished during the weeks following donation, but by regulating iron levels this way, it can prevent danger caused by too much iron on blood vessels and reduce the risk of diseases associated with blockage and other blood vessel abnormalities.

Along with that, studies show that regular blood donors also had lower risks of cancer and mortality, again thanks to the lower levels of iron.

Donating also helps to regulate cholesterol levels, accelerate wound healing and much more.

In order to donate, you must be in general good health, 16 years old and over 110 pounds.

Be a hero to someone. For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.oneblood.org.

Eighty Brandon Tampa Bay Watch and High School stuZoo Tampa. They dents have a better spent about 40 minidea about careers in utes exploring each science, technology, station. engineering and “We had hands-on math thanks to a activities that highlightcamp they took last ed the STEM connecmonth. tions people do daily,” The free, interacsaid Dennison. tive STEM camp, “For example, coordinated by the ZooTampa taught the the School District of students about animals Hillsborough County seen in their own back(SDHC), was open yards, gave informato all high school stution about tracking aniBrandon High School hosted 80 stu- mals and gaining dents and incoming dents and many local businesses freshmen. and organizations at its first STEM awareness about surcamp last month.

“The purpose of roundings as well as the camp was to get students interestexplaining about the clinical vet field.” ed and motivated about STEM careers Moffitt taught the students about and fields with our community partmath oncology, HCC brought it’s robotners,” said Brandon High School ics lab and explained about working Science Department Head Denise with bacteria and Tampa Bay Watch Dennison. used the Bay Grasses at the school for “This was an opportunity for stuinstruction. dents to really immerse themselves in The organizations also taught the the areas of science, engineering, students about their industry, but not in math and technology and see how a typical lecture-style presentation. these fields work together with one Lunch was provided for the stuanother, and speak with professionals dents by Publix, Winn-Dixie and working in each field.”

Brenda Wade Real Estate.

The students were able to particiDennison plans to hold the camp pate in hands-on stations from organiagain next year so that more students zations including Hillsborough County can learn from the district’s community Sheriff’s Office Forensics Team, Lyle partners.

Kelly for cyber security, Moffitt, Brandon High School is located at Hillsborough Community College 1101 Victoria St. and can be reached (HCC), the University of South Florida at 744-8120. For more information on (USF), the University of Tampa (UT), the SDHC, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.org.

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Page 4

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 13, Issue 8

Osprey Observer Gives Summer Interns A Taste Of The Journalism World

By Sammie Green

Each summer, the Osprey Observer gives students an opportunity to work in a real-world, professional newspaper setting and have their writing published. These Mia Cafaro students can be in college or high school and are interested in entering the journalism field. This summer, the Osprey Observer welcomed Cat Wright, Manuela Graf, Mia Cafaro and myself on to the staff.

Cat Wright

Cat Wright is a junior at Boise State University. At Boise State, Cat is studying Communications. She says she has thoughts of grad school but is unsure. She likes studying Communications because it provides a broad and versatile foundation to learn many specialized skills.

Cat’s favorite part about working at the Osprey this summer was learning about the behind the scenes work that goes into a newspaper. She says editing the paper was the part she liked best. From working at the Osprey, Cat gained a more professional level of work experience by operating in a work environment where there are deadlines and time constraints.

Cat Wright To the staff at Osprey, Cat says, “I love you all and thank you for the opportunity. It meant the world the me to being able to come here and learn and learn I did.”

Manuela Graf

Manuela Graf is a senior at Newsome High School, looking to attend USF or FSU. Manuela took this internship at the Osprey to see what journalism is like in the real-world to see if this could be her potential major.

She is very interested in environmental or international relations as well.

Manuela also works on the Newsome newspaper staff.

Manuela’s favorite part about working at the Osprey was the people.

She loved how open everyone was and hearing how everyone got where they are today. While being at the Osprey this summer, Manuela gained experience writing on more professional topics. She said working for a rep

skills to continue improving her writing and also broadened her interviewing skills.

To the staff at the Osprey, Mia says, “You have all been amazing and so nice and so helpful. It has been so fun to get to know the Manuela Graf Sammie Green other interns too.

And shout-out to Michelle, she has utable business made her work harder been amazing.” and taught her so many new skills.

Sammie Green To the staff at Osprey, Manuela I am a sophomore at the says, “Thank you for the opportunity. I University of Florida, studying got to learn about the community I live Telecommunication News. I chose this in where I did not pay attention to major because of my passion for writbefore. Especially to Michelle for helping and talking to people to learn their ing me a lot with articles and giving stories. My goal for the future is to be me feedback about my stories.” in the broadcast industry as a news Mia Cafaro anchor or sports reporter.

Mia Cafaro is a junior at Newsome My favorite part about working at High School, looking to possibly attend the Osprey was how everyone was FSU, but is still unsure and keeping always so kind, welcoming and fun. As her options open. She is thinking of a an intern, I gained more knowledge future in journalism, and leans towards about writing, interviewing skills and sports journalism. Mia also works on the community as a whole. the Newsome newspaper staff.

“I would like to thank everyone at Mia’s favorite part about working the Osprey for letting me come in the at the Osprey was all the new experioffice every day of the week and work ences she had. She said this was alongside you all. Thank you to much different than most jobs Michelle and Marie for giving me this teenagers have and liked getting more opportunity and thank you to Kathi for of the real-world experience. While sharing your office and introducing me working at the Osprey, Mia gained to the best spicy Thai food!”

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August 2018

Page 5

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

From Broadway To Shakespeare At Florida Orchestra Coffee Concerts

W W W

.

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

Broadway (Nov. 1, Mahaffey): Start your day with Broadway, including selections from Fiddler on the Roof and Phantom of the Opera, along with Slaughter on 10th Avenue.

Stuart Malina conducts.

Let’s Dance (Nov. 29, Mahaffey): Get your morning moving with Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty Waltz, Anderson’s Blue Tango and much more. Stuart Malina conducts.

Orchestra à la Carte (Dec. 19 at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Dec. 20 at Mahaffey): It’s your turn to choose what the orchestra performs. Will it

be Barber of Seville or Orpheus in the Underworld?

Swan Lake or The Nutcracker March? Audience choice. Stuart Malina conducts.

Spirit of America (Jan. 9 at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Jan. 10 at Mahaffey): A salute to American composers, featuring Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from On the Town, Gould’s Second American Symphonette and Joplin’s The Entertainer. Jeff Tyzik conducts.

Symphonic Shakespeare (Feb. 27 at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Feb. 28 at Mahaffey): Music inspired by The Bard, including Porter’s Brush Up Your Shakespeare and selections from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. Stuart Malina conducts.

The Florida Orchestra: Coffee concert season tickets are on sale now at 20% off the single ticket price.

Single tickets are available Aug. 13 at the same low price as last year: $24, $29, $34, $42 at floridaorchestra.org or 727.892.3337 and 1.800.662.7286.

918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Brandon, FL 33511 657-2418 (fax) 657-4469

7 © Copyright 2012-2013 - Osprey Observer, Inc. No reproduction without written permission.

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Led by charismatic Principal Guest Conductor Stuart Malina, The Florida Orchestra’s light symphonic Coffee concerts are popular every year. Think it could be the free coffee and doughnuts? The two series include nine concerts at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on Thursdays, and five at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Wednesdays. Come early for the free Pre-concert Conversation at 10 a.m., featuring delightful stories from the conductor and TFO musicians. Concerts start at 11 a.m.

Highlights of the 2018-19 season include:

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Volume 13, Issue 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

t, h g u o S s Vendor Groups, t Suppor ings & Meet …

MMoicrheelle Colesanti, com ed by Compil spreyobserver. o @ e michell

Seventh Annual Gifts & Crafts Fair At The Bridges Seeking Local Vendors

Vendors with unique gifts and crafts are invited to register for the annual Gifts & Crafts Fair held on Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Bridges Retirement Community. "Due to the positive feedback from those who attended last year, and the fact that we were filled to capacity with vendors, made the event a huge success," said Janet Noah, Director of Community Relations and event organizer.

The Bridges is located at 11350 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview.

Interested vendors please contact Janet at 413-8900 or jnoah@thebridgesbvm.com.

Chief Petty Officers Meeting

The Tampa Bay Chief Petty Officers Association (TBCPOA) meets the fourth Thursday each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Tampa Buffet, 3904 S. Dale Mabry, Britton Plaza in Tampa. It is open to all Navy and Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers.

The TBCPOA holds fund raisers for the scholarship fund during the year and coordinates with the active duty Chiefs Association (Suncoast CPOA) at MacDill AFB for many of these events. Included are the activities at MacDill and the annual Army-Navy game at a Beef O'Brady's in the area.

For more information, call Chuck Peterman, President, at 767-1569.

Vendors Sought For Craft Show

The Elks Lodge 2672 will be hosting a Craft Show on Saturday, September 29 and are looking for vendors to participate. If interested, please contact Harv Berman at 938-4110 for additional information.

Local Kappa Delta Phi Attends National Convention

Several women from the Gulf Coast Region of Kappa Delta Phi attended the 91st National Convention

in Kansas City, Missouri; lighting up the way for KDP as the group bonded and shared its many fundraising and civic activities within the communities of fellow sisters. Kappa Kappa Chapter was pleased with our local presence.

Shoals Baptist Church on Saturday, September 22 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Veritas is a contemporary classical vocal group whose harmonies infuse the sounds of pop and gospel music. The quintet covers both traditional hymns and current Christian music.

General admission is $8 per ticket, and a VIP experience is available for $25 per ticket. The VIP experience provides early Registration And entrance at 4:30 p.m. and Kappa Delta Phi Ladies: First Row: Lily Barney, PNP, Rhonda Sponsorships Available includes preferred seating, McDougall, PNP and National Associate, Colleen Barney. Back Row: Connie Marshall, Nancy Kelley, Nancy Brooker, Kay Garcia, PNP, a ‘meet and greet,’ autoNow For Alafia Boat Flora Temoin, and Nancy Wimble.

Parade graphs, photo-ops and a p.m. All vendors are welcome with any Q&A session.

The Rotary Club of FishHawktrain memorabilia, trains, accessories, Tickets can be purchased at Riverview announces the 35th Annual baseball cards, crafts, comic books, www.itickets.com or by phone at 1-800Alafia Lighted Boat Parade and Chili coins, crafts, antiques, diecast cars or 965-9324. Bell Shoals Baptist Church Cook-Off on Saturday, December 1. It any other hobby or collectible related is located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in will kick off at 5 p.m. at the Riverview items you may be interested in selling.

Brandon. For more information, visit its Civic Center.

Six ft. tables are $20 each. If interested website at www.bellshoals.com or There will be a Chili Cook-Off and call Joe at 727-244-1341 or www.veritasfive.com. refreshments ($5 donation to taste the visit www.regalrailways.com to buy a chili) and entertainment at the Civic table online.

Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest Center with photo opportunity available for the children with Santa.

Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest will take place at the Brandon Moose Sponsors are Lodge #1880, 804 S. Miller Rd. In being sought Valrico on Friday September 14 at different from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. It is open to levels and the public and admission is free lighted boats for attendees 50 and over. to parade There will be free coffee and down the goodies, prizes and giveaways, Alafia River great exhibitors, health needs, for the benefinancial home services and Contemporary Classical Music fit of many onlookers. To compete in more. Enjoy live entertainment by Group To Perform At Bell Shoals the Boat Parade Rotary asks for a $25 Anthony Barcelo. Brandon Moose Join Veritas in concert at the Bell donation from the boater. Boaters do Lodge will present great lunch options. not have to compete to participate in the boat parade. All proceeds from this event will benefit local charities the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club supports, along with providing scholarships for local high school students.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Mike Broussard at Michael.broussard@flyinglocksmith.co m. For more general information, contact Jamie Simons at jsimons@pilka.com. Additional information and all registration forms along with the rules, can be found at alafiaboatparade.com.

Vendors Wanted For Toy Train, Collectible And Hobby Show

A Toy Train, Collectible and Hobby Show/Sale will take place Saturday, November 17 at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover from 9 a.m. –2

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Page 7

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Proactive Water Testing At County Schools Staff Report

In recent months, there have been a number of news stories throughout the country about high levels of lead in school drinking water.

Hillsborough County School District has proactive efforts in our district to ensure the water that students and staff drink is safe for consumption.

According to Chris Farkas, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, “Since last year, we have tested the water at 1,781 individual faucets, drinking fountains, and fixtures where water is likely to be used for drinking or cooking in 53 schools and district sites. We will continue testing the drinking water sources in our schools for lead until we have checked all 270 facilities in our district.”

Since the average campus age is 50 years old, older pipes and fixtures do have a higher likelihood of adding lead to water.

Federal guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency recommend action to fix an issue when lead is measured at 20 parts per billion or higher.

One part per billion is equivalent to a single drop of water in a swimming pool.

“Our district is using a stricter standard of 15 parts per billion. Any fixture

found to have lead levels of 15 parts per billion or higher is immediately taken out of operation and is not used again until the problem is fixed,” commented Farkas.

Of the 1,781 samples taken so far, 26 have returned with levels higher than the guidelines. District protocol is to immediately shut down the affected faucet, correct the issue, and then retest the water to ensure the levels are in compliance before putting the faucet back into service. Options to correct an issue include replacing the fixture, adding water filters, or other plumbing projects. Alternative sources of water may be supplied to schools if needed.

Each school may have dozens of faucets requiring testing, and results take time to come back from the testing lab.

Results are posted as received at www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/watertesting. If a school has a fixture testing over the 15 parts per billion level, parents and staff will be notified by email and text message.

If you have any questions about the testing or results as we receive them, please visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/doc/2012/maintenance/resources/watertesting-faq/.

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Page 8

Volume 13, Issue 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

ons, e h c n u Fall L Outreach ck a p k c dren a l i B h C y Man s t i f e n e B e… & Mor

thumb drive.

Local Artisans have donated their time and supplies to provide these Make & Take Projects for you.

The cost is $25 for , Friday night, $35 for ti n a les helle Co ic Saturday, or $50 for both, M y ed b com Compil spreyobserver. and electricity is available e@o michell for a fee of $5 per person. Late registrations, late payments and walk-ins are welcome if space allows.

Get your group together, and Fall Crop Scrapbooking Event At Bay visit www.baylife.org/scrapbooking to regLife Church ister and reserve your Bay Life Church space early. announces its annual Fall Crop, benefiting youth BCWC Begins New activities and mission trips.

Of Themed Season Bring your own supplies to Luncheons work on your paper craftThe Brandon Christian ing projects in a well-lit Women's Connection is and fun atmosphere. The commencing the new searegistration fee is tax son of themed luncheons deductible, and includes on Monday September 10 continental breakfast, 11 a.m.1 p.m. with from home cooked lunch and ‘We will Remember’ and the program will drinks and snacks all day, plus scrapfeature a presentation of patriotic music book/crop space, swap table, goody bags and readings with John and Sandra and door prizes.

The speaker will be Betty Kubler.

This year’s crop will be held Burgue.

This inspirational luncheon will on Friday, October 19, from 6:30 – 11pm, also feature a raffle of gift cards, door and Saturday, October 20, from 9 a.m. – prizes and lunch for $15.

First time guests 4:30 p.m. On Friday night, dinner is pay $10.

All ladies are welcome and no included. You can leave your work set up membership is required.

Please plan on if you choose to stay for Saturday. attending this nondenominational friendly On Saturday, there will be ‘Make and luncheon which will be held at Bell Shoals Take’ stations (for nominal fee), silent Baptist Church in The Special Event auction and raffle baskets valued Center, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in between $150 and $300 as well as a Brandon.

Swap table.

Please call Lillie at 740-0098 for inforSylvia Cuillo, from Photos Organized, mation and a reservation by Monday will be here to scan your photos (100 September 3. photos (front and back) for a $7 donation to missions.) Bring your photos and a

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Backpack Outreach Event Benefitted 1,100 Kids

The 20th Annual YMCA Backpack Outreach Event held on July 28 at YMCA Camp Cristina, provided free backpacks stuffed with school supplies to 1,100 Greater Brandon area students.

Each summer, the Tampa The Tampa YMCA is committed to giving students the supplies Metropolitan Area they need in order to succeed in school and held its 20th annual YMCA teams up with YMCA Backpack outreach event in July the Emergency Care side 12X12 space which is well shaded.

Help Organization (ECHO) to help preInterested vendors can register for a spot qualified Greater Brandon area students, at www.hiepiscopal.org. Any questions in grades K-12, with backpacks stuffed please contact the church during normal with essential supplies for the school business hours at 689-3130. year. The YMCA Backpack Outreach Event is designed for families facing Vendors Sought For Lithia Church financial hardship or recovering from job Market In November loss, fire or another qualifying emergency.

Vendors are being sought by Grace During the event, each family Community United Methodist Church at received free healthy snacks, complimenfor its Holiday Market FishHawk tary vision and dental screenings, fun on Saturday, November 10. The event, entertainment, a wood workshop courtesy 9 a.m.-2 p.m., is being presented by from of Home Depot and free treats from Kona the Women of Grace.

The church is locatIce of Valrico. ed at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia.

Organizers are seeking a variety of Holy Innocents’ Fall Whistle Stop products, including arts and crafts, jewelCraft Show Seeks Vendors ry, clothing and children’s items. The fee Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church is for a 10-ft. x 10-ft. space is $25. Proceeds accepting vendor signups for its 11th help support missions in the community. annual Fall Whistle Stop Craft Show on The bazaar will be outdoors, and vendors Saturday, November 3 from 9 a.m.- 3 are asked to provide their own tent, table p.m. The event will be held on the church and chairs. grounds at 604 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico.

For information, visit www.graceBoth inside and outside locations are holidaymarket.com, or contact event available. The fee for an inside location, organizer Susan Ferraro at bosewhich accommodates one six ft. table fer11@yahoo.com or 361-1724. and two chairs is $40 and $35 for an out-

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August 2018

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 9

Page 10

Volume 13, Issue 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Discovery Pass Partners Offer Hillsborough County Library Patrons Free Admission

By Michelle Colesanti With a valid library card, you can now reserve a free admission or tour pass to select local museums and attractions.

Each pass provides a one-time admission or tour to an attraction during a seven-day checkout period with your check-out receipt serving as your admission or tour pass.

You can reserve a pass through the library’s catalog and check it out at your library branch with the same library card used to request them. The passes are available on a first-come, firstserved basis.

One Discovery Pass may be checked out per adult library card at a time. You do not need to return anything to the library.

Check with the following attractions for hours and holiday closures. Blackout dates and restrictions may also apply.

Big Cat Rescue is home to about 80+ lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, and other species, most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts.

Good for admission for one guest age 10 or younger on a weekend Kids Tour. Reservations required for all tours and must be booked at https://bigcatrescue.org/tickets/. Enter the voucher code on your receipt at the time of purchase.

The Florida Holocaust Museum honors the memory of the millions who

dren or one adult and three children.

suffered or died in the Holocaust. It is dedicated to teaching the members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides.

Admission for up to five: two adults and three children under 18 in the same household.

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is dedicated to exhibiting important photographic art as central to contemporary life and culture and collects, preserves, and exhibits historic and contemporary works by nationally and internationally known photographic artists. Admission for up to four: two adults and two children or one adult and three children.

The Glazer Children’s Museum creates learning environments where children play, discover, and connect to the world around them to develop as lifelong learners and leaders. Admission for up to four: two adults and two chil-

The Plant Museum features original opulent furnishings and artifacts in educational exhibits, transporting visitors to the late Victorian period, the beginning of Florida’s tourist industry, and the early years of Tampa. Admission for up to four: two adults and two children or one adult and three children. Not valid during the Victorian Christmas Stroll, December 1-23.

Discover the joys of the great outdoors by visiting a Hillsborough County Conservation Park; the perfect place for your daily jog, walking the dog, or relaxing and being one with Mother Nature. Passes are provided by the Friends of the County Parks and Recreation Inc. Visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/recreation-andculture/conservation/conservation-parks for a list of parks. Admission includes up to eight people in a single vehicle per pass. Pass gives you entrance, but does not cover additional activities/rentals etc.

Stageworks Theatre has a 35-year history of bringing the finest professional theatre to the Tampa Bay area and showcasing socially relevant plays.

Admission for two to the same performance. Call 374-2416; ext. 1 for calendar and availability.

The Straz Center is the largest performing arts center in the Southeast and the only one with an on-site performing arts conservatory. Passes will become available again once the fall season resumes.

The Tampa Bay History Center is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate and features three floors of permanent and temporary exhibits focusing on 12,000 years of our region's rich history.

Admission for up to four: two adults and two children or one adult and three children.

The Tampa Museum of Art, the region’s largest museum devoted to art of our time, has built a reputation for embracing contemporary photography and new media. Admission for up to four: two adults and two children or one adult and three children.

Learn the Tampa Theatre's secrets, stories, art, and architecture with a ‘balcony to backstage tour of the historic movie palace. Good for a 90-minute walking tour and demonstration of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. Bring receipt to Tampa Theatre Box Office at 711 N. Franklin St. between 11 - 11:30 a.m. the morning of the tour for admission.

Check http://tampatheatre.org/tour/balcony-backstage-tour for dates.

For more information, call 273-3652.

August 2018

Page 11

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Crisis Center Of Tampa Bay Distributes Crisis Hotline Information To Students

By Ken Gibson

Congratulations to our own

Vanessa Bevington for once again being named a RISING STAR for 2018

by SUPER LAWYERS MAGAZINE

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, President & CEO, Clara Reynolds presents information about 2-1-1 and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to Hillsborough County Public Schools Student Services staff. (Pictured L-R: Valerie Dickson, Carmela Pizzichetti and Kimberly Terrell.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has distributed 150,000 plastic 2-1-1 information cards to Student Services staff working in Hillsborough County Public Schools. Boxes of cards were distributed to Student Services staff at a school district professional planning day at Riverview High School on August 3.

The cards remind people that help and connections to community resources can be found 24 hours a day through a simple phone call to 21-1. Funds to print the cards were provided by TECO. In addition, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay President & CEO, Clara Reynolds, did a presentation to the school counselors and provided an overview of Crisis Center of Tampa Bay services.

“School counselors and teachers are community heroes. They help to mold and shape the next generation, but they can’t do everything for the kids and their families. People in our community need to know they can call 2-1-1. That number is a community gateway where they can have a confidential conversation and be connected to help.” said Clara Reynolds President & CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. “TECO is proud to support this important initiative,” said Holly Miller Moore, regional manager of Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. “By helping to provide resources like these

Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in Florida are selected to receive this honor. We are proud to have Vanessa as part of our team!

Ms. Bevington offers free consultations regarding any family law related matter including divorce, alimony, time sharing, child support, paternity, domestic violence injunctions, and modifications. cards, we’re helping to empower and educate families and grow stronger and safer communities.”

This is the second year in a row the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has worked with Hillsborough County Public Schools to distribute 2-1-1 cards. In 2017, over 60,000 cards were distributed to high school students. This year cards will be distributed to elementary and middle school students in August with additional cards being distributed to high school students in September.

The mission of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is to ensure that no one in the community has to face crisis alone. The organization is the community’s gateway to help, hope, and healing, and is Tampa Bay’s elite provider of crisis and trauma services. Responding to over 160,000 requests for help each year, the nonprofit agency offers a range of evidence based programs designed to meet community needs: • Corbett Trauma Center (trauma counseling and sexual assault survivor services) • TransCare (9-1-1 emergency and mental health ambulance services, medical van transportation) • Gateway Contact Center (2-1-1: suicide prevention, crisis counseling, and information and referral services) For more information, please visit www.crisiscenter.com.

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Page 12

Volume 13, Issue 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Tampa Jeep Krewe Spends $30,000 On Toys For Christmas In July Project

Set Up My Solar Provides Clean, Cost-Effective Energy

toys to achieve its goal of a $30,000 value.

At each of the gatherings and socials members collected toy donations, and they raised money through raffles and comMembers of the Tampa Jeep Krewe pose with $5,000 worth of toys events munity bought for children at St. Joseph's Hospital. such as Yappy On July 27, $30,000 worth of toys Hour and bowling at The Alley. was delivered to St. Joseph’s Children’s The drive was organized by Teri Hospital by Tampa Jeep Krewe, a local Smith and Lisa Wheeler, the co-leadJeep organization of over 8,000 memers of event coordination for the bers. This was its fifth time participating Tampa Jeep Krewe, with the help of in the Christmas in July fundraiser, many other members. This is an which allows children in the hospital for important cause because children long periods of time to receive agestuck in the hospital often miss birthappropriate gifts, which can serve to days and Christmases at home. overcome the monotonous routine of The Christmas in July project can the hospital and lift the spirits of be participated in by any business, patients. individual or organization that wishes The members shopped for these to help out. St. Joseph’s passes out toys at three different local Walmart fliers each year detailing the types of locations on July 25, spending a total toys that would be good for patients to of about $16,000. They cleared the use. The unique aspect of this project shelves of the Walmarts on is that the children get to take the toys Bloomingdale, Brandon, and Dale home when they are discharged.

Mabry. The volunteers from the Tampa “It’s not really like these are donaJeep Krewe who came to shop were tions to the hospital, they are donasorted into several categories, such as tions to the kids. It’s all for the kids,” toddler toys, electronics, and crafts. All said Wheeler. of the volunteers were enthusiastic If you would like to learn more and came ready to fill their carts to the about Tampa Jeep Krewe, brim. visit www.thejeepkreweinc.com. To The Tampa Jeep Krewe spent learn about the Christmas in July projthree months collecting the money and ect, go to www.sjhfoundation.org.

“The opportupeople can know that nity to help homethey have assurance owners save on that if they need sometheir energy costs thing, we will deliver on and invest in their alleviating their conhomes was one of cerns,” said Lane. “Not the major reasons just in the beginning to start Set Up My when they sign up, but Solar,” said owner long term. Five to 10 Frankie Lane. years down the road Lane started his they have a warranty, Photo Courtesy of Set Up My Solar but at the same time Solar Energy busiSolar energy is clean and can save you ness back in 2016. they also have a compamoney.

According to ny that can back it up Lane, Solar energy is clean energy and is and actually make sure that they have more cost effective than electric. Having what they need along the way.” the solar barrier installed on your roof can According to Lane, it costs zero outprotect it, as well as absorb the heat from of-pocket for solar, meaning that you are the sun, which can decrease your air con- essentially taking the money that you ditioning costs. Solar equipment also spent on energy each month and investadds more equity to your home. ing it directly into solar energy and equipAdditionally, there is a 30% tax credit to ment. They don’t take any down payconsumers who install solar equipment, ments, credit cards or checks up front.

Lane said. Financing is available for anySigning the contract and doing permitting body with average income and credit. with them is all it takes to get solar. They Lane emphasizes building long-term offer a 10-year roof warranty as well. relationships/partnerships with his clients.

Customers don’t save a lot of money in His company has a customer service the beginning, but as power companies department dedicated to taking calls, keep raising their rates they will eventualquestions and concerns. They have serv- ly start saving. Lane said that it typically ice-experienced managers as well as takes 5-10 years to see a return on your techs that are on call 24-7. They have investment. invested money, personnel, infrastructure This is the last year to take full and equipment so that the customer advantage of the solar energy tax credit, experience is what they desire, which is and the tariffs being applied next year will important when making a long-term affect prices of solar equipment. “Now is investment. the perfect time to invest in solar,” said The company also visits their cusLane. tomers proactively on a frequent basis.

For more information, you can visit “We try to set up every department so SetUpMySolar.com.

By Mia Cafaro

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August 2018

Page 13

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Center Place To Host Bet-A-Buck This September

By Kathy L. Collins

Center fun entertainPlace of ment, themed Brandon will baskets, golf hold one of its packages, oil signature changes, gas events in cards to salon September. The experiences special event is and more. its fun, fastThere will be paced fundraissomething for ing event, Beteveryone," A-Buck. The said event will be Rodriguez. In held on Friday, Join other residents and support the arts by attending addition to Center Place's upcoming Bet-A-Buck. This fastSeptember 21 getting your paced game of chance that combines a raffle, beginning at auction and bingo, will be held on Friday, September auction pad21 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Center Place in 6:30 p.m. at dle which Brandon.

Center Place gives you the located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in opportunity to bid on these fantastic Brandon. "Join us for an exciting, fastitems, attendees can enjoy delicious food moving game of chance," said Lisa and drinks.

Rodriguez, Marketing Director for Center Bet-A-Buck is a great way to help Place. fund a Brandon institution. Center Place "Bet-A-Buck is a fast moving game of is a 501(c )(3) non-profit that has been chance on a live auction. This fun combiserving the greater Brandon community nation of raffle, auction and bingo for over 40 years. "Center Place provides fundraiser (with a few surprises thrown in) quality art instruction to children and is just what you need to end your week adults, live children's theatre productions, with a win. You can win a lot for a little," monthly art gallery exhibitions, and speexplained Rodriguez. cial community events throughout the Bet-A-Buck is for adults only. The year. Help us to continue this mission," cost to attend is $20 per person or you said Rodriguez. can get your friends together and sponsor "The arts play an important role in a table for eight for just $200. Space is our society by enriching our community," limited so get your tickets today by visiting added Rodriguez.

Center Place Monday through Friday For information on Center Place and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to get information on purchasing tickets "We will have a wide variety of items, for Bet-A-Buck, please visit www.centerranging from restaurant gift cards, family placebrandon.org or call 685-8888.

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Page 14

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 13, Issue 8

Local Puppy Fosters Needed For Lithia Bahama Buck’s Brings A Piece Of Paradise To Brandon, Worth The Drive Service Dog Training Business

By Tatiana Ortiz

The Agnew Family (Left to right:Tamara Agnew (Owner), Riley Agnew (General Manager), Brian Agnew (Owner) and Bridget Agnew.

because we want to be part of the community, neighborhood and a place where everyone feels welcomed,” Agnew said.

Those who visit the Brandon location will notice a rolling cart filled with classic board games such as Battleship, Jenga and more for guests to play. The 1,200 sq. ft. building at Bahama Buck’s provides indoor seating and outdoor patio seating options for

To beat the heat, individuals might crave a refreshing sweet treat, which melts in their mouth.

Even though the summer will be winding down, Bahama Inside the dining area at Bahama Buck's in Brandon.

nearly 40 guests. It also offers free Wi-Fi as well.

To add, Bahama Buck’s considers flavor to be an art form and infuses it into every aspect of its business by providing more than 100 flavors of shaved ice such as birthday cake, sour patch Sour Patch, Birthday Cake and Jolly Rancher and much more. A vast shaved ice "sno." selection of shaved ice sizes can be ordered, which range from Buck’s in Brandon offers a variety of Baby-8 oz. to Avalanche- 32 oz. It shaved ice flavors and more yearalso sells smoothies, fruit cups, iced round. or frozen lemonades and more.

On July 24, the Agnew family Prices do vary with all the Bahama Bahama Buck opened in Brandon.

This would be the seventh location in Buck’s products.

For those interested, Bahama the state of Florida. With it being a Buck’s offers punch cards as part of franchise, more than 100 locations its loyalty program. Once guests can be found throughout the United reach their 10th visit on the card, they States and Puerto Rico. In 1990, can then choose one free item off the Blake Buchanan opened the first menu. It also gives a military discount Bahama Buck’s in Lubbock, Texas. of 10% off the total bill with a valid The island adventure began with a identification. vision for the Greatest Sno® on For information, visit www.faceEarth, which resulted in the Bahama book.com/bbfl1229/. It is located at Buck’s attitude, style and eclectic 1258 Kingsway Rd. Ste. 15 (corner of taste of the tropics.

Kingsway Rd. and Windhorst Rd.) in Bahama Buck’s general managBrandon. Open Monday through er, Riley Agnew, shared how its Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday Brandon location came into fruition.

12 Noon-10 p.m. Call 548-0341.

“We sought this area out

Call for Pricing!

By Kate Quesada are trained to perform specific tasks to help their handler.

For example, a dog can learn to be aware when a person is having a panic attack and can

ABCK9s offers service dog training and its facility in Lithia.

The group is always looking for volunteer puppy raisers to foster dogs as part of their training.

For people with physical and psychiatric disabilities, service dogs can be life saving. But, as Lithia resident Annika Charo learned when she determined that a service dog could help her, the welltrained animals usually come with a very high price tag, often upwards of $10,000.

So Charo started ABCK9s on her Lithia property with the goal of providing low-cost service animals to those in need. In order to keep costs reasonable, she is asking for the public’s help to train and prepare the dogs for their roles as service animals to low-budget clients.

ABCK9s hosts an average of 15 dogs at the training facility at a time.

The dogs come from breeders and rescues and some are donated to the program.

“Each dog is temperament tested before coming into our program,” said Charo. “They must not have aggression, outstanding fear or any negative signs.

They get socialized through extensive training to aid their future handler.”

Once Charo learns the dog’s personality, she determines what speciality to give them.

“We temperament test the dogs and find their strengths and weaknesses,” she said. “Larger dogs with well built frames are often used for mobility, Velcro-like dogs are often used for PTSD. The dog cannot be too sensitive to emotions with psychiatric disabilities or they can become reactive and become nervous or too sensitive as well.”

Depending on the disability, the dogs

retrieve medication or guide to an exit and find a safe place for the person to calm down.

“A service dog is a medical device and in order to prepare them to be an asset to their future handlers, they must be exposed to many situations,” said Charo.

One of the most valuable parts of the training, according to Charo, is only possible with the help of volunteers.

“Puppy raising, where a family or individual fosters a dog in their home, is essential to any service dog program,” she said. “The dog learns individually and gets more work with house manners, basic obedience and house breaking.”

The fostering can last anywhere from three-12 months, depending on the household, and volunteers can come to weekly lessons where training is given step-by-step.

ABCK9s, located at 19065 Boyette Rd., also offers boarding, obedience and behavioral lessons to the general public including specific cases such as aggression or rehabilitation.

To find the group on Facebook by searching ABCK9s Dog Training or call 841-4512.

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August 2018

Raise Your Glass To New Bier Fest At Busch Gardens Toast to new traditions at Bier Fest, a new event at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, weekends from Saturday, August 25 through Sunday, September 16, including Labor Day. In blending the local Tampa Bay craft scene with Florida’s best thrill rides, Bier Fest creates a unique food and beer celebration.

More than 100 beers from 60 different breweries around the world will rotate through the four-weekend festival. Bier Fest is included in park admission and features live entertainment and flavorful fare. Explore some of Florida’s best-known craft beers.

Beer connoisseurs will also find an assortment of award-winning U.S. drafts and centuries-old European brews. During Bier Fest, the domestic and international selection will include beers from many breweries.

Bier Fest also features a contemporary menu rooted in tradition and cultivated to meet Tampa Bay foodies’ sophisticated tastes. Themed culinary cabins will feature savory small-plate options that pair perfectly with beer.

Two-bite burgers are always a hit and Das Sliders will have a burger for every taste with an all-beef burger; Cuban-style pork burger; and Impossible™ sliders – an all-natural, all-plant burger.

German beers pair perfectly with selections at Hops & Handhelds including bite-sized Reuben croquettes, soft pretzel sticks with bacon beer-cheese

Page 15

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Staff Report

dip, and mac and cheese fritters.

Discover fresh fare at Seasonally Inspired where cool, crisp watermelon pairs with heirloom tomatoes and feta for an end-of-summer salad; fall’s first golden beets are roasted and tossed with pecans, goat cheese, and balsamic vinegar; and crispy duck glazed with sweet and spicy gochujang is paired with the last peaches of summer.

At The Best of the Wurst, traditional German handheld ‘fast food’ has a new twist with curry wurst – knockwurst, fresh caraway slaw, and curry ketchup on a pita; brat wurst – spiced German sausage on a pretzel roll; and schnitzel – thin pork cutlet fried and topped with Swiss cheese and mushrooms on a pretzel roll.

The best way to celebrate all the flavors of the event is with the purchase of a Bier Fest Sampler.

Available in quantities of five or ten, Samplers start at $29.99 for a choice of any food or beverage sample throughout the festival. Pass Members can purchase an exclusive 12-item Sampler for the same price as a 10item Sampler.

Food and beverage is not included with park admission and is available for an additional fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

Visit www.buschgardens.com/tampa/events /bier-fest/.

Kids Get New Backpacks At The Annual Seeds Of Hope Backpack Distribution

By Sammie Green

hours for students.’

Many students from the local schools volunteer with Seeds of Hope and see first-hand their impact on people.

Students Eva Gutierrez, Naomi Boerner and Kaitlin Francavilla all agreed Seeds of Hope pro-

Seeds of Hope Volunteers help run the event stuffing backpacks and checking families in.

On August 2, Seeds of Hope hosted its second annual back-to-school backpack distribution to local families in need.

At the event, over 200 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to kids getting ready to go back to school.

Papa John’s pizza also attended the event and donated 35 pizzas for the families to enjoy.

Newsome student Morgan Gardner was the leader of the backpack distribution. “I help regularly with Seeds of Hope and have gotten to know the families and the kids. This kind of stuff is so helpful for them and that’s why I wanted to lead this event,” Gardner said.

President of Seeds of Hope Leda Eaton explained the goal of their organization is to listen to what the people need and help where it is needed.

“We meet the need of the community we serve. We are not people who come to just throw things at people. If they did not need backpacks, we would not be here doing backpacks,” Eaton said.

Along with distributing over 200 backpacks, 132 boxes of food were also given to families to take home.

Seeds of Hope is a food bank organization created eight years ago with a mission to ‘provide help to local people in need and meaningful community service

The leader of the backpack distribution, Morgan Gardner, poses with some of the kids after they received their backpacks.

vides something other food banks don’t because you get to see the people and their impact. These students become familiar with the families coming to the bank and learn their stories, making for an impactful volunteer experience.

Seeds of Hope hosts different events throughout the community, including Soup for the Soul, FishHawk Turkey Trot and the Color Your Egg Run. For more information about the organization and volunteering, visit its website, sohopfl.org.

To stay up to date on Seeds of Hope events and donation needs, visit its Facebook page, Seeds of Hope Inc.

NOW TING ACCEP ONS A C TI APPLI 8-2019 01 2 R FO L YEAR SCHOO

New private Christian school opening this Fall to serve VPK-8th grade students. www.brandonchristianschool.org | (813) 689-8846 | Info@brandonchristianschool.org

Page 16

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

New Chapter Of Blue Thong Society Founded To Serve Area Non-Profits

By Kathy L. Collins

volunteering. It is fun to do it with other like-minded women,” added Drost.

Blue Thong Society was founded in 2005 by Mary Jo Wallo. Blue Thong Society Chapters pledge social commitments called GoodWorks and commit to them publicly in front of the entire Blue Thong Society membership. “The goals are serious and our Chapter’s reputation in the Blue Thong Society is on the line to deliver what we commit to. But we have also Shelly Drost (R ), director of the new Southern committed to enjoying ourselves Belles Chapter of the Blue Thong Society with Annie McKelvey (L), co-director of Southern along the way. It is a founding credo Belles and Mary Jo Wallo (c ), co-founder of of the Blue Thong Society that we Blue Thong Society. accomplish goals, but we do it with Shelly Drost of Dover has founded like-minded women who enjoy each Sunshine Belles, a new chapter of the other’s company,” said Drost.

Blue Thong Society. Member of Blue “The next step for us is to grow our Thong Society Chapters are all women.

Chapter and then make our first They meet regularly, have fun and do GoodWorks TM commitment to the Blue good works in their community. Members Thong Society founder, Mary Jo Wallo of Blue Thong Society Chapters are like and the entire Blue Thong Society memthe boots on the ground for local nonbership,” added Drost. profits. The members volunteer at organi“Pledged commitments get results,” zations on a regular basis or will be the said Wallo. “We are proud of Shelly and volunteers at a fundraising event. her team and are delighted for the Sunshine Belles members volunteer Brandon community, who will benefit from at ECHO one time a month. They work in their efforts,” added Wallo. the donation room and help clients in the There are 300 Blue Thong Society clothing area. They will also volunteer at Chapters and consist of more than 5000 the Hailey House Golf Tournament and at women who are modern, confident, prothe Am Vets Post 44 Golf Tournament in fessional and philanthropic. The women November. connect socially but with purpose and Members of Blue Thong Chapters intent to make the world a better place. have fun while doing good in the commuIf you would like more information on nity. Drost said, “If there is a group that the Southern Belles Chapter of the Blue needs volunteers, we will be happy to Thong Society, please contact Drost at help.” Drost grew up volunteering. “I enjoy 541-5292 or srdrost@hotmail.com.

Volume 13, Issue 8

Plant City Plays Role In New Film No Postage Necessary

By Kathy Collins

No Postage Necessary the Plant City was set and filmed in Plant Police Department.

City. Several members of “Growing up in the film, including Plant City gave me Actress/Composer/Producer, a deep appreciaCharleene Closshey, are tion for the groundPlant City Natives. No ed goodness of its Postage Necessary precitizens,” said Charleene miered on June 28 at the Closshey. “Plant Tampa Theatre.

City is a unique Charleene Closshey, sort of Small Town, who plays Josie, explained USA- there are why Plant City was selectmany national and ed, “Making and distributing a movie successfully is a international corpodelicate balance between rate headquarters art and commerce. The located in our little team prepared cost analysis No Postage Necessary was set area lending a and filmed in Plant City. Like the more robust ecofor multiple sites in Texas, film’s star and Plant City native, Georgia and Mississippi nomic and world Charleene Closshey, the city itself is an important character in view, all whilst before choosing to film in the film.

Plant City. It just made good maintaining a small Southern town feel,” she added. business sense.”

“Coming back to film in my home“Filming in our hometown allowed town brought intense emotions and us to personally reach out to locals to absolute joy.” connect with a once-in-a-lifetime Yvonne Fry, Associate Producer opportunity. From little kids with big said, “Filming in Plant City was excitdreams, to adults happy for a little break from everyday life experienced a ing.” Fry added, “Plant City’s people and places were heavily featured and behind the scenes glimpse of the it was heartwarming during the promany moving parts of moviemaking,” duction process, but so meaningful said Executive Producer Jennifer Closshey. when you see it on the screen.”

When you watch the movie, you Film Tampa Bay confirmed that will recognize local businesses and over $200,000 was spent locally in places showcased in the film including Hillsborough County during the 19-day Winn Dixie and Twistee Treat on film shoot. You can download or James Redman Parkway, to The stream the film on any digital platform Corner Store to representatives from such as Amazon and iTunes.

August 2018

usic M s ’ n e Childr ps, Crafts o Worksh & More…

Show helle Colesanti, d by Mic Compile preyobserver.com @os michelle

Tampa Bay Young Marines Get First Aid & Safety Training

The owners of Jewels First Aid & Safety recently gave the Tampa Bay Area Young Marines instructions on CPR, the use of an AED (defibrillator) and general first aid.

The Young Marine program is a non-profit youth education and service program for boys and girls age 8 through the completion of high school.

For more information on the Young Marines contact the unit commander Brian Frank at 463-3130.

More information about Jewels First Aid, CPR and Safety may be found at www.jewelssafety.com.

Music Maker Workshops For Mini-Musicians

Free workshops for children ages 410 to try instruments like a trumpet, flute, guitar, drums, violin and more will take place on the second Saturday of the month October 13, November 10 and December 8 from 9:30-11 a.m.

The workshops will take place at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, call 6855998. Visit musicshowcaseonline.com.

Page 17

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Brandon Resident Receives Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship

Brandon resident Andres Alvarez, who attends the University of South Florida, is a winner in the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarships For Children of Fallen or Disabled Service members.

The scholarship grants for this special program are principally underwritten by the author’s after tax proceeds from the book Of thee I Sing. A Letter to my Daughters, written by President Barack Obama, as well as corporate sponsorships and private donations.

Andres, the child of Pedro Alvarez, will major in Computer Criminology. He

Standing behind the Young Marines are the instructors Julie and Carlos Tyson.

has been involved in the local community has a hospital volunteer, competition swimming, National Honor Society, Pet Resource Center and Spanish Honor Society.

Bikes, Cars And Crafts Show Event At Nativity Catholic Church

A Bikes, Cars and Crafts Show will take place on Saturday, October 13 from 9

a.m.-2 p.m. to be held at Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E Brandon Blvd. in Brandon. Registration forms are available by email at Nativity BCCShow@gmail.com. If you are interested in becoming a craft vendor, call Ashley at 625-1188. To register your vehicle or bike for the show, call Wendy at 823951-2054. This event is hosted by the Nativity Women's Guild. The proceeds will benefit Nativity Women's Guild Charities and Church Ministries. There will be prizes, gift baskets, trophies, food, DJ, Vendors, 50/50 Raffle Everybody is welcome and the event is kids friendly.

anniversary.

D.E.L.T.A., Inc. focuses on providing essential products and services that enhance the quality of life for children, families, and adults of all ages residing in the diverse community of Hillsborough County/Tampa, Florida. We make significant impact within the community by leveraging our resources with other like-minded service organizations.

The event will take place at the USF Gibbons Alumni Center, 11810 USF Alumni Dr. in Tampa.

D.E.L.T.A. Incorporated Celebrates 20 Years

Mary Cantell’s ties to the Tampa area has her book, Untying the Shadows, taking place in a Tampa neighborhood where her dads' aunts were old-money society matrons.

A picture on Facebook; an out-of-town wedding; an unexpected encounter all helps to bring a woman one step closer to solving a decades-old mystery.

Tess Thompson always hoped the mystery surrounding her father’s untimely death only days after Christmas when she was a child would one day be solved. Years later, a nostalgic glimpse back calls her to seek out the truth surrounding his cold-case murder for which, oddly, the police have no case record.

While visiting her father’s hometown in Tampa, the keys to her past slowly turn. Old family secrets and hidden motives surface beyond what she could ever imagine as she tries to bring closure to the haunting puzzle.

Untying the Shadows is available on Amazon. For more information on Cantell, visit http://marycantell.com/.

Delta Enriches Life through Training & Awareness (D.E.L.T.A. Inc.), a local 501(c)3 organization, is celebrating 20 years of service to the Tampa Bay community with a wine sampling and live music reception featuring a silent auction, followed by a program with keynote speaker. n Friday, August 24 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., the 20th Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser event will feature a reception and silent auction followed by a program with keynote speaker, Dr. Solita Jones, OB/GYN, Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Jones, a Hillsborough High School graduate and former recipient of a scholarship provided by the nonprofit, will share her story of triumph and commitment to give back to the community.

The celebration and fundraiser event is open to the public. Tickets are $40 per person. Tickets and sponsorship options at various levels of support are available online at https://deltainctampabay.org/20th-

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Page 18

Volume 13, Issue 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

National Opt-Out Site Offers Consumers Choice For Yellow Page Delivery

By Kelly Wise Valdes

If you're like 90 percent of Americans, you probably won't open the phone book even one time before the next year's book arrives. That is, if you even actually kept the phone book.

Because technology and the marketplace has changed, coupled with the dwindling use of home phones, the phone book is becoming widely regarded by the consumer as irrelevant. With the increase in multiple technological advances, most consumers are finding what they need using Google, Siri or an app on their cellphone. Ask anyone under the age of 30 about phone books, you might as well have inquired the about using a card catalog or typewriter. Although there are exceptions in the older population, internet use among seniors has risen steadily over the last 15 years.

Statics show that 67 percent of adults ages 65 and older say they use the internet on a daily basis. So, with all this available technology that easily allows people to search for names, phone numbers and addresses, why are phone books still regularly delivered to most American households every year?

More than 500 million phone directories are printed and distributed every year, which represents nearly two books

for every American.

Automatically printing phone books for millions of households across the country causes multiple issues. The printing produces roughly 3.57 million tons of greenhouse gases and consumes billions of gallons of water, regardless of the fact that recycled paper is generally used.

Here are the phone books currently being printed and distributed in Hillsborough County: Tampa: 428,596 Plant City: 25,210 Brandon-Sun City: 125,459 According to the current statistics, approximately 521,000 of those households will throw away or recycle the phone books. This leaves about 58,000 phone books that are kept. And of those 58,000, there are no statistics that indicate how often the phone book is actually used.

If you’re wondering if there is an alternative to receiving a phone book, you’re not alone.

Most consumers are not aware that there is currently an OPT-OUT program in effect in Hillsborough County. For more information or to register to optout, visit the national yellow pages consumer choice and opt out site, visit www.yellowpagesoptout.com.

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Page 19

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Rabbi Mann Starts Shabbat Services At New Congregation Beth Shalom Post

Staff Report

Justice Intern at Congregation Mishkan Tefilah. This was preceded by two Rabbinic Internships at Congregation Betenu in Amherst, NH and Synagogue Adas Yoshuron in Rockland, ME. During his one-year internship with Congregation Betenu, he had a strong significant educational role and developed all-school programming appropriate for the developmental stages of kindergarten through seventh graders.

He found ways for the older and younger students to work together, empowering the older students to be mentors and teachers.

From August 2012 through May 2015, he taught Hebrew classes at Temple Sinai, a large Reform congregaRabbi Bryan Mann, a recent graduate of tion in Brookline MA. During that time, Hebrew College in Cewton Centre, MA, recently joined Congregation Beth Shalom as Bryan also led Kabbalat Shabbat and its new Rabbi.

Ma’ariv services at Moishe Kavod House in Brookline and Keshet Boston.

It is with great joy that Congregation During the summer of 2015 he Beth Shalom announces that Rabbi served as a Summer Chaplain Intern at Bryan Mann will join our Congregational Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Family on August 6, 2018.

Boston.

Since August 2015, Rabbi Bryan Sheila Fishman, chairperson of the has been studying in Jerusalem, where Rabbi Search committee said, "After a he is an Israel Fellow of T’ruah: The very long year, we are excited to Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. announce that Rabbi Bryan Mann will be Rabbi Bryan grew up in Penacook, joining Congregation Beth Shalom of NH. His family were members of Temple Brandon on August 6. We are looking forBeth Jacob in Concord, where he attendward to a future of spiritual growth, excited Hebrew School, had his Bar Mitzvah, ing educational opportunities, and sharwas confirmed, and was active in the ing with our Jewish Community and NFTY youth group.

He attended Temple beyond."

University in Philadelphia, PA. Rabbi Bryan completed his rabbinic Rabbi Bryan’s first official Shabbat studies at Hebrew College of Newton service will be held on Friday, August 17 Centre, MA and was ordained on June 3, at 7 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom is 2018. During his final three years of located 706 Bryan Rd, Brandon. Call Rabbinic studies, he served as a Social 681-6547.

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Page 20

Volume 13, Issue 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Saturated Soils And Improper Root Pruning Lead To Trees Falling

By Robert Northrop, UF IFAS – Hillsborough Extension Forester

During the the diameter past few weeks of the tree. it has been When roots raining in the under the Tampa Bay canopy of area. It has large trees been rainy a are cut, they lot, which is are more precausing local disposed to flooding, filling falling over.

Saturated up storm water soil allows ponds and satroots to slide urating soils. in the soil At the making them same time we very unstahave witnessed ble. This is numerous especially a reports in the problem in news media the shallow about of trees Trees managed properly provide numerous benefits soils or soils falling. These including clean air and water, beauty, shade, in addition to living longer. with a high two events are water table often found in the Tampa connected.

Bay area. This mix of improper prunOne third of a tree is underground ing of roots and excessive rainfall has – the roots. The roots not only bring led to the reports of trees falling. moisture and important soil nutrients People need trees. Managed up into the tree, but also form the properly trees are long-lived; provide foundation of the tree that keeps it numerous benefits including clean air upright.

Scientists have shown that a tree’s and water, beauty and shade. They should to be managed professionally root system can extend out two to three times the distance of the canopy by ISA Certified Arborists. Do not trust your safety to someone untrained and or crown. The roots often come into experienced in tree management. conflict with building and road con‘Chuck With a Truck’ who knocks on struction. As we remove the tree’s your door wanting to trim you trees is roots to make way for buildings and not an inexpensive alternative to a roads we are destabilizing the entire professional arborist, but an invitation tree. Professional arborists suggest to a serious problem. not cutting roots any closer than 5x

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Don’s Painting Gives Free Paint Job To Local Hero, USAF Veteran

Staff Report

You may States Air Force for have noticed a 20 years and then rise of superhero retired. In his movies in the retirement, Brod theaters in followed his genrecent years. uine heart of servThese movies ice as a Physics offer entertainteacher at ment, but also Bloomingdale High the idea of hope School in and possibility.

Hillsborough But Tampa area County for the past residents do not 23 years. As a need to watch way to give recogmovies to find a nition and to say Major Joseph Brod, USAF, Retired, who served in the Air Force for 20 years received a “Thank you for hero. Tampa free home paint job from Don’s Painting. residents are your service” to all surrounded by heroes that sacrifice the local heroes we have in the Tampa their lives daily for others. Some are area, Don’s Bay Area Painting painted first responders such as firefighters, Brod’s home entirely for free, partparamedics and police officers; some nered with PPG Porter Paint who proare officers of the military; some are vided the paint used to paint the school teachers. The heroes that live home. among us serve anywhere from the Brod responded to Murray’s genlocal library to the trenches in foreign erosity, “It felt so good to know that lands giving Tampa residents and there are people who wanted to thank American citizens the ability to live in us for our service.” freedom, to survive a severe auto Don’s Bay Area Painting, whose accident or house fire giving them a motto is ‘We’re not happy until you’re chance to live another day, to receive happy!’, has been a Tampa painting an education with the possibility to company for over 15 years. Services become anything they dream. include painting homes and commerDon Murray, owner of Don’s Bay cial buildings inside and out. Don Area Painting, set out to find a local offers free estimates and free pressure hero in the Tampa community who washing with the painting of your was in need of having his or her home. Payment is not required until house painted, but without the means the job is completed to the customer’s to get it done. His search for a hero satisfaction. To request a free painting led him to Major Joseph Brod, USAF, estimate, visit www.donsbayareapaintRetired, who served in the United ing.com or call 563-8656.

Page 21

Catalyst Club Presents STEM To Middle School Audiences

By Mia Cafaro

The Catalyst audience.

Club is a stuOne of the readent-led organisons the club was zation at King started was to reach High School, an audience who which is dedicatmay not be interested ed to sharing sciin STEM, and to get entific and techthem interested. “We nological innovawant to tartions to middle get a school students. younger Middle school is an important time audience so for students to explore their paswe can plant sions, and the Catalyst Club shows a seed in them how fun and important them,” said Science, Technology, Engineering Immen. and Mathematics (STEM)-related The jobs are.

Catalyst The club is headed by junior Club has laid Members of Catalyst Club present Aaryan Sharma, and currently has STEM innovations in engaging and out a twounderstandable ways. four members. Nusheen Immen is fold mission the Director of Outreach and for the future. One goal is to reach more Communication, Jon Karthaka is the places in the community. They have Content Director, and Ansh Bhatt is the already spoken at several middle schools Vice President. These four students work and at Girl Scouts events and they hope together to organize and put on STEM to reach as broad an area as possible. presentations.

Their second goal is to expand the The presentations are designed to be club itself. They are hoping that more engaging and relatable. “By showing high school students will become application in the real world, we think it involved and start chapters of the solidifies their understanding of it,” said Catalyst Club at their own schools. Forms Sharma. For example, in one recent can be found for inviting the Catalyst Club presentation, Oobleck, which is a gel-like for a presentation at a school or organizasubstance, was used to imitate the way tion, and for starting a chapter at another liquid armor can protect things. An egg high school on the website at www.catawas placed in the Oobleck, and it did not lystclub.tk.com break when it was dropped. This allowed The Catalyst Club can be contacted Sharma and the others to explain the through email nuances of liquid armor, which is used to at kingcatalystclub@gmail.com, or protect electronic screens, to a young through the website.

Page 22

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 13, Issue 8

Keeping Pets Safe When Temperatures Soar SCORE Chapter 203 Provides A Variety

By Dr. Jennifer Challenger DVM, MPH

As the temperature rises to extreme levels, ensuring that our pets are able to maintain proper body temperature is extremely important. Keep pets indoors with plenty of fresh water during the hottest times of the day. If your pets must remain outside, make sure they have access to water and shade at all times. Some pet owners have found that filling small children's pools with water for supervised outdoor play will help pets cool off.

Fatal Mistakes - No matter how warm the weather gets, it goes without saying- NEVER leave your pet on a parked car. According to reports from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), even on mild days, when outdoor temperatures are 73 degrees F, the temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees within 30 minutes.

Avoiding Heat Stress - Dogs and cats can suffer from heat stress just like people. Very young, old, overweight and short-nosed pets are more susceptible. If your pet has had a previous history of cardiovascular or respiratory disorders, be extremely cautious as well. Healthy pets can have severe reactions to long exposure in the heat or even to short exposure if they are exerting themselves during a walk or run. After dark, animals can still overheat if they are too active. It is not a good idea to take a dog on a run or jog with you in hot weather at any time of the

day or night. Jogging is for people, not dogs, they are not equipped to sweat and let off excess heat the way people can.

Telltale Symptoms Some symptoms of heat stress or heat stroke include profuse panting and salivations, staring or an anxious expression, failure to respond to commands, warm dry skin, high fever, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, muscular weakness, collapse and bloody diarrhea. If your pet experiences any of the symptoms, try to reduce the body temperature by gradually immersing the pet’s body in cool water or applying ice packs to his head and neck. Get your pet to a veterinarian immediately after applying the cool water and ice packs. Rapid treatment for shock, brain swelling and other side effects of heat stroke is needed to prevent death and for a better chance of survival.

To prevent heat stress in pets: make sure animals have plenty of clean, fresh water at all times; provide proper ventilation and air circulation for animals kept in kennels or pens; make sure your pen has shade cover when outdoors; avoid excessive exercise during hot weather and again, NEVER leave your pets in parked vehicles.

Pets depend on us and give us unconditional love, so do your best to keep them cool during the months when weather is the hottest.

Of Services To Small Businesses

By Tatiana Ortiz

Owners working to brated its 50th year in develop a small busiMarch of this year. This ness or wanting more specific chapter helps growth, can find some between 65-100 new great supportive clients each month with its resouces through the 32 members. In addition, local SCORE Tampa SCORE Tampa Chapter Chapter 203, which 203 offers its services to serves clients in local chambers of comHillsborough County, merce and community and offers business educational organizations education and mentorserving the small busiing. ness community. For SCORE is a nationinstance, it judges the al nonprofit volunteer South Tampa Chamber of organization that SCORE Tampa Chapter 203, Commerce, Brandon Chairman Kit Werremeyer. became established in Chamber of Commerce 1964 by the United and Valrico/FishHawk States Small Business Chamber Small Business Administration (SBA) to of the Year Awards. assist small businesses The organization to build, grow and thrive. offers workshops includThe creation of it originally included the ing, Going into Business and Service Core of Retired Executives, Developing a Business Plan. Both which today it consists of more than workshops begin at 9 a.m. and cost 11,000 volunteers amongst the 320 $15. SCORE Tampa Chapter 203 also chapters in the United States who work teaches a free two-day course called or retired. To add, SCORE aims to Boots to Business, which is part of the assist small businesses get off the militaries transition program. A new ground, grow and achieve goals workshop called Understanding and through mentorship and education.

Negotiating Construction Contracts will SCORE Tampa Chapter 203 be introduced this month and has a Chairman Kit Werremeyer shares the cost of $20. mission statement of this organization.

For more information about regis“Our main mission would be to tering for upcoming workshops, receiveducate and mentor,” Werremeyer ing mentoring or volunteering, visit said. https://tampa.score.org. It is located at SCORE Tampa Chapter 203 2101 E. Palm Ave. Suite A in Tampa. became established in 1968. It celeCall 448-2311.

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Come Meet Your Medical Team Frank Sirchia, MD & Jasmine Siska, PA-C Conveniently located at Winthrop Town Center 2nd floor in building behind Regions Bank 6037 Winthrop Commerce Ave., Ste 201, Riverview

• Same Day Appointments • Acute Care • Chronic Disease Management • Nutritional Health and Supplements

• Preventative Medicine • Complete Diabetes Management • Heart Health and Hypertension • Cholesterol Screening • Minor Surgery

• Dermatology Procedures • Onsite Labs • Immunizations and Flu Shots • Men’s Health and Well Women Care

August 2018

Page 23

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Brandon All-Stars Offers Elite Training For Cheerleaders Of All Levels

By Nick Nahas

improve in overall strength, body control, and the tumbling technique, as well as classes in stunting, and a chance to be on a competitive team. These classes are offered yearround.

You can also book your child's birthday party at the Brandon All-Stars North location.

Brandon All-Stars offers classes to athletes of all different levels and skillsets, from beginner to elite, ages 2-18 for both Parties are available boys and girls. for both members Since 1995 Brandon All-Stars has and non-members with two package been training cheerleaders. They now types to choose from. Open gym is held have three locations, including Orlando, on Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Brandon and Tampa. and costs just $5 for all members and “Our program teaches students that non-members. hard work always pays off,” said Brandi This summer they are in full-season Hotchkiss, Brandon All-Stars Director. “If and they are about to release their halfthey keep working hard with whatever season competitive team information. skillset they are working on, or in school, Specials include 15% off a customer’s it is going to pay off. That is our biggest first month of classes with the coupon in motto.” the Osprey Observer at the Brandon The Brandon All-Stars are four-time location at 102 S. Falkenburg Rd, Small Coed World Champions, including Tampa, 33619. Parents can also offset recently in 2016 and 2017. “It is a prodcosts by volunteering to work concesuct of our students coming in and wantsions at area venues. ing to be successful day-in and day-out, For more information, you can visit to become a high-caliber athlete and to their website at BrandonAllStars.com, or be able to compete with the best proyou can visit their Facebook page at grams in the world,” said Hotchkiss.

Brandon AllStars.

They offer classes to athletes of all “Our goal is for our kids to come in different levels and skillsets, from beginand have a great time while being athletner to elite, ages 2-18 for both boys and ic and feeling like this is a second family girls. They give private lessons that help to them,” said Hotchkiss.

Every Kid Is A Star At Broadway Everyday Star Theater

By Sammie Green Education.

“I've always loved theater, since before I can even remember. It has always been a dream of mine since I was very young to open my own theater company,” Welch said. “Seeing my students’ creativity and confidence expand and how it has The cast of the first B.E.S.T. show, a condensed version of The Lion King all designed their own costumes for the show.

For all the creative kids who love to sing, dance and act, signing up for a local theater program will help sharpen those skills. The Broadway Everyday Star Theater (B.E.S.T.) aims to do just that. At B.E.S.T., each student/actor has the opportunity to play a significant role and to have fun while improving their theater skills.

Not only will students have the opportunity for significant roles in different shows, B.E.S.T. also exposes them to stage-management, lights, sound and costume designing so they are involved in all aspects of production. B.E.S.T produces all genres of theater, including murder mysteries, musicals and improv.

B.E.S.T. welcomes students K-12 regardless of their talent level, academic level or experience.

Owner of B.E.S.T., Katie Welch, has a long-time love of theater with four years of drama teaching and producing experience as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater and a Master’s in Special

transformed their daily lives is very fulfilling to me.”

B.E.S.T. currently holds practices at CuttingEdge Learning Academy on Tuesday and Thursday nights. It has its second show coming up called A Talent For Murder on Saturday, November 17.

Registration for the play is open August 220 for $100 and $125 if registered after August 20. Rehearsals for A Talent For Murder will begin on September 4.

For more information about the theater and registration, visit the Facebook page by searching ‘Broadway Everyday Star Theater’ or e-mailing broadwayeverydaystartheater@gmail.com.

M cAuley Fine Jewelry Open Tuesday-Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-4

813-689-8124 Oakfield Drive, Brandon (Located in the Atlantic Village Plaza, Kings Avenue & Oakfield Drive)

Se Habla Español

Page 24

Volume 13, Issue 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

BRANDON’S BEST HOMES

Top Producer 2002 - 2017

MORE THAN $82 MILLION SOLD SO FAR IN 2018 !

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GORGEOUS EXECUTIVE HOME ON OVER 1.6 ACRES WITH 2018 NEW ROOF! 4/5.5/4 + office + bonus + pool/spa home! Long driveway & side car garage! Inside offers over 4,000 sqft with crown, generous room sizes, great paint choices, columns & kitchen with 42" cabinets, granite & stainless appliances! Huge yard! $650,000

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Fenced yard with no houses behind! This home is in a great location, close to everything Brandon has to offer! $265,000

0.29 ACRES IN GATED COMMUNITY! 5/3.5/3 + bonus + pool home with beautiful landscaping & 2014 NEW ROOF! Be in awe with neutral paint tones, separate formals, split floor plan & kitchen with 42" maple cabinets, island & TWO pantries! Pavered lanai with two story pool cage & large covered area! $385,000

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office: (813) 655-5333 | direct: (813) 924-8677 | Brenda@BrendaWade.com www.BrendaWade.com

InThis Section

Brandon/Winthrop

ENOCH’S JOURNEY TATTOO. ..........PG 28 8TH GRADE CONTEST.....................PG 31 ROUNDABOUT WATERCRAFTS .......PG 32 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...............PG 33 August 2018

Volume 13, Issue 8

Pet Vaccination Clinic At Kim’s Natural Pets

EZ Pet Low Cost Pet Vaccination will hold a pet vaccination clinic on Saturday, September 8, from 2-3 p.m. Kim’s Natural Foods is located at 3110 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, just north of Bloomingdale Rd. Call 684-3 663 to confirm.

Get Up, Dress Up And Step Up! With Kris Beaird & Laura White

On Saturday, September 8, Kris Beaird and Laura White join their leadership and coaching skills to bring a dynamic, refreshing event to the women of Tampa Bay area with Get Up, Dress Up, and Step Up! Join them as they encourage women to: GET UP to move past their challenges, DRESS UP to boost their confidence and self-image, and STEP UP into who they are designed to be.

It will be an unforgettable day with fun activities and free giveaways. Cost is $34-$39 and will take place from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. High tea and light brunch is included and will take place at the Empress Tea Room, 12924 N. Dale Mabry, in Tampa. Bring a friend to enjoy networking and inspiration.

Register on Eventbrite at: http:bit.ly/2018stepup.

Ph: 657-2418

NEW DIVING COACH ......................PG 35

Sa Ri One B.B.Q. & Sushi Offers High Quality Korean Cuisine

any other lawn details the homeowner provides. Homeowners can then select who they want to work with based on vendor's ratings, reviews, and price.

Unlike Once the vendor most other has completed the servKorean ice, the lawn care pro restaurants will send a timein the Bay stamped photo of the Kris Beard and Laura White - Join their leadership Area, Sa Ri and coaching skills to bring an event to Tampa to completed work. encourage woman.

One is in a Homeowners can modern, then pay via the is open to Sa Ri One B.B.Q. new structure, complete with sushi bar. app and set up Parkinson's & Sushi has Each sushi roll is constructed to perappointments. more patients, family recently opened fection by Chef Joon Kim, former chef “After successin Brandon. Chef The first meetJoon Kim is the former chef from at Pacific Grill. The interior is clean, fully launching in 30 ing will take Pacific Grill. sophisticated and new. Tables have other markets, we are place on August their own ample sized hibachi grills. excited to help home21. Call 643-6767 to RSVP with The servers are helpful, very friendly owners in Brandon find reliable, local Rhonda Fournier, Executive Director. and knowledgeable about the menu. lawn care,” said co-founder Gene The high quality meats are cut per Lawn Mowing App GreenPal Expands Caballero. order to maintain the freshness.

Nashville-based GreenPal currentTo Brandon Area Sa Ri One also offers traditional ly operates in Tampa, Boulder, Atlanta, GreenPal, an app that connects Korean cuisine along with its daily Charlotte, Orlando, Houston, OKC, homeowners with local, vetted lawn made side dishes. It is located at 1025 San Antonio, DFW, San Antonio, care professionals, is launching this W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon. Call Christi, San Diego, San Jose, Corpus week in Brandon.

548-0024. Follow on Facebook at Sa Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, Fresno, New Nashville-based GreenPal allows Ri One Sushi and Korean BBQ. Orleans, Sacramento, Miami, Ft homeowners to find local, preLauderdale, Louisville, Cincinnati, screened lawn professionals.

Parkinson's Support Group At Columbus, Cleveland, Kansas City, Homeowners can list their lawns with Savanna Court Of Brandon and St. Louis. Visit Pittsburgh, their service date and lawn care A new Parkinson’s Support Group www.yourgreenpal.com/fl/brandonneeds. Vetted lawn care pros can then will meet every third Tuesday at 6 p.m. lawn-care. bid on their properties based on the at Savanna Court of Brandon, located Google street and aerial images and Continued on Next Page at 824 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. It

Classes for high school Dual Enrollment, Associate of Arts and Associate of Science programs in high paying careers are ready for you now!

Visit our Advisors in the Student Services Building at the Brandon Campus, 10451 Nancy Watkins Drive, Tampa, FL 33619 or send us an email at bradvising@hccfl.edu.

Campus hours are 8:0 0 a.m. to 7:0 0 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 8:0 0 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

Visit www.hccfl.edu to apply for admission online!

Page 26

Volume 13, Issue 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Eye On Business Continued.............

By Michelle Colesanti

Are You Prepared For Another Hurricane Season?

Join in at the next quarterly meeting at Senior Connections Center, 8928 Brittany Way in Tampa on Friday, August 24 at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will inform and prepare you with the latest information on hurricane preparedness.

Better Living For Seniors strives to empower its members with the knowledge and resources they need to advocate for, provide guidance to and improve the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers. It is an alliance of professionals who work with seniors and caregivers.

Visit www.blfsa.com for more information.

The Florida Aquarium Announces Museums On Us Partnership With Bank Of America

The Florida Aquarium is proud to participate in the Museums on Us® program, sponsored by Bank of America, which provides cardholders free access to some of the nation’s finest arts, cultural and educational institutions during the first full weekend of every month.

“Our collaboration with Bank of America provides their cardholders with wonderful opportunities to connect with the rich plant and animal life unique to Florida and our blue planet,” said Roger Germann, President and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. “We are building more sustainable relationships with our planet through education, conservation and quality experiences for people of all ages which in turn provide social, health and well-being benefits to our society as a whole. We are thankful to Bank of America for this outstanding program.”

“Our Museums on Us partners are so important for the community in that they support the local economy and educate, connect and enrich all who walk through their doors,” said Bill Goede, Tampa Bay president, Bank of America. “We are thrilled to have the Florida Aquarium as our newest partner in Tampa Bay and we know our customers will be, too.”

To qualify for Museums on Us, Bank of America customers simply present their ATM, credit or check card and valid photo ID to gain free general admission to the museum.

Free access is available on the following 2018 dates: Saturday and Sunday, September 1 & 2, October 6 & 7, November 3 & 4 and December 1 &2.

For more information on Museums on Us or Bank of America’s arts and culture programming, please visit https://about.bankofamerica.com/enus/what-guides-us/arts-and-culture/partners.html.

Order Little Caesar’s On New Mobile App

Little Caesars, the largest carryout-only pizza chain in the United States, is offering the ‘easiest way to pizza’ thanks to its mobile app available for both iOS and Google devices, helping everyone spend more time outside enjoying the summer sun rather than waiting in line for their favorite pizza.

Little Caesars restaurants in Florida are owned and operated by Sizzling Platter, the Utah-based restaurant management company with more than 430 restaurant units globally.

“We’re aware that many of our customers are bogged down with hectic summer schedules and are looking for a simpler way to grab their favorite pizza,” said David Tresko, director of marketing for Sizzling Platter. “Keeping up with tradition, Little Caesars mobile app is easy to access and available for

ordering from any of our Little Caesars locations nationwide.

Grabbing your favorite style of pizza is that easy, making it all the more delicious!”

Customers just place an order and pre-pay via the Little Caesars mobile app. The app will notify the customer when the order is ready.

When the customer arrives to the store, they skip the line and go directly to the Pizza Portal and input a three-digit pin or scan a QR code.

The Little Caesars app is available for download via the App Store and Google Play.

TNT Termite And Pest Control Celebrates Eight Years

TNT Termite and Pest Control owned and operated by Ed and Bonnie Tekampe, recently celebrated eight years in business. It is located in the Valrico/Fishhawk area. TNT actually stands for Tekampe and Tekampe and their goal is to provide dynamite customer service. Ed and Bonnie are honored to protect your home or business by offering solutions to the variety of pest problems Florida has to offer. “Whether it is our pest

control services tailored to your needs, consultations with do it your-selfers or identifying a ‘what is this bug’ text on the weekends we are happy to assist our community in protecting their largest

investments.”

Call 716-9196 or 760-2691 or visit www.TNTtermiteandpestcontrol.com.

Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group

Claiming your Social Security benefits at the wrong time could cost your family tens of thousands of dollars. A seminar will be held at The HCC campus at the Regent on Tuesday, September 18 and Thursday, September 27 (promptly). Plan to be there by 5:45 p.m. This seminar is perfect for those 58-67 years old.

Learn some of the unknown strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking your Social Security benefits.

The HCC campus at the Regent is located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave a message after 4:30 p.m.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 27

Page 28

Volume 13, Issue 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Unique Enoch’s Journey Tattoo, Art Gallery & Studio Opens In Brandon

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Peter Erow is change,” said Erow. the son of a preach“When I realized I had er, raised in a small a different vision of town in Florida’s what the tattoo induspanhandle in the try could be as middle of the Bible opposed to what is belt. In 2015, Erow now and has been for headed to the decades, I settled on Tampa area after the name, and more earning his degree specifically, the title of in legal studies, ‘studio,’ not parlor or however, because shop.” life is often unpreCombining the Peter Erow, owner of Enoch’s Journey dictable, Erow’s talents of local artistic Tattoo Studio and Art Gallery, is excited journey led him to artists and tattoo to offer customers an opportunity to return to his original appreciate and purchase local artwork artists in an artistic as well as a beautiful tattoo studio. love – art. gallery setting is what “I thought I could get a good job as a makes Enoch’s Journey unique. It proparalegal but after months of searching, I vides a venue for local artists to display settled for a nine-to-five job with Lowe's,” and sell their work and a warm atmossaid Erow. “During that time I met the love phere in the studio is inviting and friendly of my life and married her in November for tattoo clients.

2017. I then realized my passion all my “We welcome everyone that walks-in life had been art, but somewhere in all the the same way and want to help them legal studies and drowning myself in edu- decide what they want to put on their cation that I lost the passion.” body forever very carefully,” said Erow.

In January 2018, Erow decided to “My favorite part of running this business embrace his fervor for art and take a leap is getting to interact with people from all of faith and that is when Enoch’s Journey walks of life without there being any fear Tattoo Studio and Art Gallery was born. of being judged. Whether it is your perThe Book of Enoch is an apocryphal sonal beliefs or how you look, you won’t book of the Bible that describes Enoch's be judged in my studio.” visions and how God showed him a magEnoch’s Journey is open Monday to nificent journey. With a focused desire to Saturday from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Enoch’s bring a new vision of art to the communiJourney is located at 2010 S. Parsons ty, Erow is now embarking on a journey of Ave. in Brandon. For more information, his own. visit www.enochsjourney.com or find it on “I went and studied every tattoo parFacebook by searching Enoch’s Journey lor in a 50 mile area and saw how they Tattoo Studio and Art Gallery, or you can did things and decided what I wanted to call the studio at 716-9290.

Local Cancer Survivors Gain Confidence And Help Others

By Kate Quesada

Riverview resident Susie Morris is one of many women fighting cancer who have participated in The Affirmations Project which aims to give women confidence while raising money to help others in need.

Five years ago Adriana Pabon had an idea that is saving lives.

Pabon, a breast cancer survivor, created The Affirmations Project which not only gives confidence to women battling disease but also raises money to help those in financial need.

The Project unites women who have cancer and survivors when they participate in an artistic photoshoot with a professional photographer where a word of affirmation is painted on them. The photographs are then displayed at an annual art exhibit fundraiser where the money raised goes directly to help a local woman with her medical expenses.

“My dream is to inspire women to look at themselves and see love,” said Pabon, who underwent a double mastectomy almost five years ago. “It is so important that as women we see that our value goes beyond how we look.”

Riverview resident Susie Morris par-

ticipated in the Project after having her eye removed due to an ocular melanoma. She feels that the community developed from The Affirmations Project saved her life.

“I truly had no selfesteem after losing my eye,” said Morris. “I hated looking in the mirror every day, but doing the Project changed me in so many ways. It taught me that I am beautiful and gave me confidence I’ve never had before. It taught me to love myself for the first time in my entire life.”

Pabon also uses the Project to connect women fighting cancer through a website and private Facebook page.

“It is amazing what a feeling of community can do for someone going through something so life changing,” she said.

The women also come together at the annual gala when the photographs are unveiled on canvases to all all those in attendance.

“The event heals in so many ways,” said Pabon, who explains that after choosing their word of affirmation, all the women are artistically painted from the waste up for the photographs.

For more information about The Affirmation Project, visit www.theaffirmationsproject.com, call 618-7125 or find the group on Facebook.

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August 2018

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Help Your Community By Joining County Cooking Oil Recycling Effort

By Manuela Graf

Next time County website. (See you cook a delisteps in box below). cious dinner for C.O.R.E stations your family, do accept only residennot be quick to tial cooking oil. For ignore the silent information on dropkiller of your off locations near home’s plumbyou, visit ing system. http://www.hillsborUsed cooking oughcounty.org. oil is one of the largest issues affecting Hillsborough County’s wastewater collection system and home plumbing. According to the Hillsborough County website, cooking oil that is poured down the drain can solidify and constrict water flow, leading to issues such as overflow, sewage spills, and bad odors in 1. Carefully pour cooled cooking oil into a homes and large, sturdy plastic or wax-coated neighborhoods. container, such as the original container, Join a juice carton, or a Cooking Oil Recycling Hillsborough Effort jug County’s Cooking Oil 2. Cap the container and store in a cool, Recycling Effort safe location (C.O.R.E) to help 3. Don’t mix the oil with any other liquids your community and the environ- or products ment by follow4. Once the container is full, bring it to a ing these simple Cooking Oil Recycling Effort station or to steps as posted one of our Household Hazardous Waste by the Collection Centers.

Hillsborough

Cooking Oil Recycling Effort (C.O.R.E.)

Page 29

Page 30

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Legacy Mortgage Offers Personalized Lending Options For Homeowners Back in our forefather’s day, getting a loan for a house meant you rode your horse to the nearest bank and a handshake sealed the deal.

Now that we have entered the age of technology, you may not even have to leave the comfort of your own home to pick a mortgage lender and there is certainly no shortage of lenders that are competing for your business. The numm ber one criterion that will help you to pick the best mortgage lender is customer service.

Michael Murkin is a senior loan officer at Legacy Mortgage Lending Group, a division of Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group, and prides himself in providing the personalized customer service that his reputation has been built on. Murkin has been originating loans since he moved to the Tampa area in 1996. He has continually helped hundreds of customers with their mortgage needs since that time throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk and Pinellas County.

“My favorite part of running the business is helping homebuyers achieve the American dream of home ownership,” said Murkin. “We help borrowers overcome obstacles that may be preventing them from being able to purchase a home and we also work with a network of realtors who can help them find the per-

By Kelly Wise Valdes

fect home within their budget.”

Legacy Mortgage Lending Group has built its business on solid personal relationships with the best agents in the business.

Legacy agents handle home purchases as well as home refinance transactions.

“Our rates and fees are extremely competitive,” said Murkin. “Our clients have 24/7 access to us during the entire loan process as well as face-toface office appointments. This is very different from the service offered by larger lending institutions and traditional banks.”

All loans must satisfy company and investor underwriting guidelines, which The service provided to clients is very personalized with a variety of loan products, including conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo and USDA loans. Legacy Mortgage offers a variety of lending products to fit each borrower’s individual needs to make buying a home less stressful, especially for first-time homebuyers learning to navigate the waters.

“It is extremely rewarding to attend closing for first time homebuyers purchasing their first home,” said Murkin. “This is a significant life event that will always be remembered and it’s an honor to be part of that.”

If you are someone who prefers personal customer service and a lender who knows your name, then look no further than Legacy Mortgage.

Legacy Mortgage is located at 6152 Delancey Station St., Suite 105, Riverview, in the Winthrop Town Center For information, call 445-4805 or visit www. fltp02.mymortgage-online.com.

Volume 13, Issue 8

August 2018

Page 31

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

AAA Announces Contest For 8th Graders To Win A Free European River Cruise

By Matt Nasworthy, Florida Public Affairs Director, AAA

AAA will give Florida meet to be similar to and 8th graders the chance different from yourself and to go on the trip of a lifeyour friends and family? time. The Auto Club Winners will be notiGroup will hold a contest fied beginning in October. where winners receive One parent or legal free round trip airfare to guardian will serve as a Amsterdam, travel insurchaperone. Each pair will ance, money for passshare a cabin while sailing ports, and a river cruise on the AMA Waterways through the Netherlands ‘AmaDante’ ship, and Belgium. from March 28 – April 4, It is partnering with 2019.

AMA Waterways and “This is the first time Allianz Global AAA has held a contest Assistance to provide like this,” said Deborah AAA is holding a contest for the trip. A total of 60 stuHaas, Vice President, eighth graders in Florida to win dents in select states Travel Products and a riverboat trip through the will be chosen to go on Services, AAA-The Auto Netherlands and Belgium.

Contest runs through what AAA calls the Club Group. “We truly September 21. Visit ‘Discovery Crew’ cruise. want to inspire young travAAA.com/DiscoveryCrew.

The contest runs elers and make the world through Tuesday, September 21. their classroom. The winners will explore Students can enter beautiful destinations in The Netherlands at AAA.com/DiscoveryCrew. and Belgium, learn about the people and To be eligible, students must be their culture; and create memories that entering the 8th grade in good standing; will last a lifetime. at least 13 years old and reside in Florida, “AAA is extremely excited to co-sponGeorgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, sor the contest and trip,” Haas continued.

North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, or “This would not be possible without our select areas of Illinois, Indiana, or travel partners AMA Waterways - who Minnesota. donated the cruise – and Allianz Global Winners will be selected based on a Assistance.” creative ‘selfie’ showcasing their love for For official rules, prize descriptions, travel, as well as their answers to three and eligible zip codes, essay questions: Why do you want to go visit AAA.com/DiscoveryCrew. Sponsors on this trip; How do rivers affect the comare The Auto Club Group, munities through which they run and durAmaWaterways, and Allianz Global ing the trip, you will meet many people. In Assistance (a brand of AGA Service what ways do you expect the people you Company).

TFO Announces Guidelines For 2018-19 Student Composition Competition

Staff Report

New guidelines are being set for the Florida Orchestra’s Student Composition Competition open to all Florida universities and colleges with a music composition department.

Next season, The Florida Orchestra will open its Student Composition Competition to all Florida universities and colleges with a music composition department, encompassing about a dozen schools, the orchestra said in announcing new guidelines for the 2018-19 season.

Music Director Michael Francis and a panel of TFO staff and musicians will choose the winning work, which the orchestra will premiere on the final TFO Masterworks series concerts May 24-26, 2019. The winner also will receive a $1,000 honorarium.

The competition underscores TFO’s commitment to education and to music as a living art form, focusing on Florida talent. “We’re showing that as the third biggest state, we have an incredible artistic voice,” Maestro Francis said. This year’s winner, Shattered Clock Fanfare by David Browne of Florida Atlantic University, was featured on the Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony concert on May 18-20 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

The first round of the selection

process will be blind, and the committee will have no knowledge of the composers or their schools. Up to four finalists will be chosen for a ‘reading session,’ in which The Florida Orchestra will play through each finalist’s work, on March 19, 2019.

General guidelines include: Each university or college may submit up to two works for TFO’s consideration. The orchestra suggests each school hold an internal competition, but it’s up to the school.

The competition is open to any composition major, regardless of specific discipline (i.e. classical or jazz), or degree program (i.e. bachelors or masters).

The work should be between three and six minutes in length.

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Page 32

Volume 13, Issue 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Ruskin-Based Roundabout Watercrafts Sells Unique Personal Fishing Boats

By Nick Nahas

Todd years-old, tells Foucher me that it’s like launched his fishing out of a company on La-Z-Boy. It’s September 1, that comfort2015, perfectly able,” Foucher merging his said. background in The onethe boat-buildman boat can ing industry easily become and his knowla two-man edge of fishing boat with the in Tampa Bay. addition of Foucher, a fishanother seat ing guide in the that attaches Tampa Bay quickly. The area for six Roundabout years, also had can hold up to a fishing show 674 lbs. and on the has 22 sq. ft.

Sportsman of deck space.

Channel.

The two seats While doing sit about 16 research, he inches apart came across a from one round boat another. called a coraLocated at cle. According 1510 River Dr. to Foucher, the SW in Ruskin, coracle has Roundabout been around Watercrafts, since the preLLC headquarRoman era and ters offers free is still used demos to try today in the out some of Middle East the boats. “We and Far East. want to make Foucher sure that our used his knowlcustomers are edge to get to The Roundabout can hold up to two people, with absolutely 100 work on a new two seats about 16 inches apart from one another percent comand easy to transport with a trailer and a hitch. innovative pletely comdesign. He made improvements to fortable with their purchase,” he the original coracle by adding more said. deck space, more storage, a flat-botFoucher's main focus is on customed hull, as well as a motor. A seat tomer service. “We know we have a with swiveling ability gives a 360great product,” he said. "We know degree turning radius and a great that our product is going to withstand vantage point to spot fish. Foucher and hold up for a long time but, to named his new design the me, customer service is number one Roundabout. His company, in importance. We take care of our Roundabout Watercrafts, is one of clients and we make sure that we are two companies in the entire U.S. that there for them if they need anything.” sell round boats.

The already affordable According to Foucher, most of Roundabout is even more reasonable the good feedback he gets from when the buyer picks the boat up clients is that the Roundabout is very and doesn't need to have it shipped. stable and the upright natural seatThey will receive an additional $200 ing position makes it very comfortoff the retail price. able to sit in. Many of his clients are Visit www.roundaboutwaterolder and can’t jam themselves into crafts.com for more information or to a small kayak. “My father, who is 69- purchase a Roundabout.

Crossing Church South Shore Campus Celebrates Groundbreaking

By Joe Kerr

made that our focus." Of the church leadership, Pastor Rivera said, “We don’t have a large staff, because we have so Executive Pastor CFO Curtis Boozer, South Shore Pastor Hector Rivera, Lead Pastors Greg and Tamara Dumas, Executive Pastor Jonas Alday

Sunday, July 15 marked a milestone for the Crossing Church South Shore campus as they broke ground for its new building at 2409 East College Avenue in Ruskin.

Crossing Church Lead Pastor Greg Dumas opened the event with prayer. “Father God, You told David after he was attacked by the Amalekites, to go and recover all. We thank You for the South Shore community and surrounding communities.

We pray that You will recover moms and dads and men and women and brothers and sisters; and that You will redeem them for Your good name. We declare Jesus is Lord of this land and all that rests upon it.”

Community is a central theme at the church. South Shore Pastor Hector Rivera sees their growth and the new building as God’s confirmation of the church’s strong relationship with the community.

"When God called us to South Shore, He said, ‘Love My people.' We

many servant leaders. We train, empower and release people to reach their community.”

Michael Mandarino, who gave his life to Christ in 2012, the year Crossing South Shore opened shared, “It’s a great community here. I love seeing God at work.”

Doctor Richard Rivas, servant leader of South Shore’s Iron Men and Outreach ministries said, “It is such a blessing to have a church in our own backyard, that is involved in this community.”

At the conclusion of the event, people walked the property spreading grass seed and praying for God’s blessing on the church grounds.

The first service in the new location is scheduled for Easter Sunday, 2019. More information about the South Shore campus is available at http://wearecrossing.com/southshore or by calling 626-0783.

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August 2018

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 33

With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins

Center Place Features Young Artists In Little Monsters Create Community Art Show Center Place held its Sixth Annual Little Monsters Create Children’s Community Art Show in July. This year, there were more than 120 entries from area children. The show features diverse mediums, and the show is open to any child ages four to 13.

An Artists’ Reception was held on Thursday, July 26.

The judge for the show was Jennie Sikora-Muehl, an artist and instructor at Center Place. SikoraMuehl said, “My first impression of the show was that each artist had fun experimenting with color, design and materials.

The youngsters just dove in and created designs from the heart where the older kids really thought about design and how to use shape and color. As a judge, I had the difficult job of selecting award winners amongst this beautiful collection of art.

The pieces that I chose for awards were selected because they were outstanding in workmanship, design and details. The artists really went the extra mile to set them apart from other works of art.”

The show was divided into three age groups. The first-place winner in the four to six age group was Cayden Johnson with Footprints in the Sand. Stuffed Fable

by Hazel Foister took second place. Third place went to Zoe Gonzalez for Natilda.

In the seven to nine age category, first place went to Dana Eytalis with Reflective. Second place was given to Levi Vogt for Freckles, and third place

Young aspiring artists from the area entered the Sixth Annual Little Monsters Create Children’s Community Art Show at Center Place. They were honored for the talent and hard work at a reception. Best of Show was awarded to Kylie Burt for Salena Gomez.

went to Kurt Carpenter for Boney Head.

The winners in the 10 to 13 age group included first place winner Landon Mallor with The Running Horse, second place winner Evan Fialla with Wren in the Brush, and third place winner Rachel Hope with Galactic Unicorn.

The 3D Category winners included Vaughn Gloetzner who received first place for Face It. Second place went to Dayanara Duran with Wild Ride, and third place went to Tanner Johnson with Sweet Home Alabama.

Center Place offers a Best in Show award, and this was given to Kylie Burt for her piece titled, Salena Gomez.

The Little Monsters Create Art Show is open to every child in the area regardless of their skill level. Sikora-Muehl said, “It is motivational and exciting for the children to create a piece of artwork for the show and then see it hang on the gallery walls.”

Little Monsters Create is held every July, and the deadline to apply is near the end of June. For information, visit www.centerplacebrandon.org.

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Then, when He also creates Chivers was lovely one of a close to kind furniture retirement, Rex Chivers of such as tables he met Brandon creates beautiful works of and cradles. someone art from wood.

"It is nice to take an old who was piece of wood and clean it and turn it into turning wood using the same machinery something," said Chivers. Everything that that he had used for 20 years.

Chivers creates is unique and original.

"I had turned metal all my life. I "No two of anything is alike," said thought I can do that," explained Chivers.

Chivers.

He certainly can do it. Chivers has Chivers' furniture and cradles are attained a level of artistic skill. Chivers' custom made. The price of an original artwork is detailed and stunning. It is both work of art created by Chivers depends stylish and functional. on what type of wood is used and how Chivers' art is of a level such that his much work goes into creating and prowork is regularly juried into multiple ducing the item. shows throughout the year. He attends "The first discussion I have with a two show/festivals each month (except in potential client is centered around deterthe summer months) throughout the year. mining what kind of wood they would like This included the 10th Annual Winthrop to use. This will also help determine the Arts Art Festival and Artisan Market which budget. Once the type of wood and budg- was held this past March. et are determined, I then create the Chivers' art work can be seen and piece, said Chivers. purchased at Creativity Unpinned located Chivers has lived in the area since in The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley 1993. Prior to becoming a full time, proChapel or by visiting www.trexcoturnfessional artist, Chivers had prior careers. ings.etsy.com.

Page 34

Volume 13, Issue 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Sports

Connection

By Nick Nahas

657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com

Brandon 15U All-Stars Compete In Softball World Series The Brandon All-Star 15U happy that Softball Team won the 2018 Florida they got to Dixie State Tournament experience Championship and earned a spot in the Softball the Dixie Girls Softball World Series World Series.” in Alexandria, Louisiana where they The parrepresented the state of Florida. ents and The team had been together coaches were since the start of the summer, winable to raise ning the district and state champithe funds onships in the Dixie League in necBrandon. They are from Sadie Park off of Parsons Road as a part of the Brandon Velocity League. All-Star players were selected by a group of coaches from the three teams in the league after the recreational season.

They came up a little bit short, but they still accomplished a lot.

This was the first time in league hisThe Brandon All-Star 15U Softball Team won the 2018 Florida Dixie State tory that a team won states and it Tournament Championship and earned a spot in the Dixie Girls Softball was the first time ever having a World Series in Alexandria, Louisiana. This was the first time in league history that a team from Brandon won states and it was the first time ever team compete in the World Series. having a team compete in the World Series.

They had a tough road being a recreational squad with many girls daughter, Alyssa Garcia, was on the essary to send the being 13 playing against older girls on team. “I was very proud of the girls,” he girls to Louisiana by getting sponsortravel ball teams. said. “They went out there every day ships and doing raffles. Sponsors The All-Stars were led by head and worked hard for two to three hours include The Hitting Academy in Brandon, coach Jimmy Rodriguez, whose grandper day in order to get prepared. I’m Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Brandon, Beef

Photos Courtesy of Jimmy Rodriguez O’Bradys in Seffner, Hamburger Mary’s in Brandon, Publix in Valrico and Orthopedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay. “We wanted to make sure that these girls had the ability to participate in these games and make their dream of playing in the World Series a reality,” said Rodriguez.

Players include Danielle Broduer Oroca, Marie Kuti, Marisa Vargas, Hannah Booth, Trinity Sperry, Ella Anema, Alyssa Garcia, Kailee Lynn, Jaylee Kirschner, Rashelle Clark, Genesis Martell and Zoe Zernick.

“It was an experience of a lifetime and I was ecstatic that I was able to do this with my players and my coaches,” said Rodriguez. “All the credit in the end goes to the girls. They fought hard and I give them all the credit in the world.”

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August 2018

Page 35

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Nicole Russell Named Head Diving Coach Of Team Colwill

By Nick Nahas

Team Colwill practices at BSAC.

coach under Colwill.

When Russell was 15, she started coaching summer camps at BSAC. She stopped coaching when she went off to college and got back to it with Team Colwill when she moved back to Florida a couple of years ago.

“I always

Nicole Russell has taken over as head diving coach of Team Colwill at the Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center (BSAC). The founder of the team, Chris Colwill, was named head diving coach at the University of Georgia on August 2. The team consists of divers aged 6 to 18.

Russell and Colwill grew up together and have remained long-time friends. She was eight and he was six when they Nicole Russell has taken over as head diving coach of Team Colwill at the Brandon Sports & Aquatic first started diving training under Center. had an affinity for sports and diving in general,” said Russell. “I picked up coaching well and was able to relate and explain it well to children.

When my coach saw that, he offered me an opportunity and I took it and that was it from there.” Russell is a middle school math teacher at Winthrop Charter School in Riverview as well.

Russell said that this Russell gives her students instructions. chance to be head diving Coach Joe Greenwell at Brandon Swim & instructor was unexpected but that it means the world to have this opportunity.

Tennis Club which is now BSAC. They “I’m looking forward to the future and later went on to be on the Junior what it will hold with our team and for Olympics and National Teams and comtheir growth within the sport of diving,” peted in East Coast Championship comshe said. petitions together.

Russell thinks that Colwill, being the “We share the same vision for what head coach at Georgia, will offer opportuwe want out of the program here and nities to its divers and to its program overhow we want it to continue,” said Colwill. all through dive camps and other things “We know what works and what doesn’t. of that nature.

“The realm of possibilities She has already developed a great rapjust expanded for both of our facilities,” port with the team. Having that relationshe said.

“The ultimate goal is to grow the ship is definitely going to be helpful, and program.” not only that, she is a fantastic coach.”

For information, visit MyBSAC.org.

Russell was previously an assistant

9/11 Heroes Run Remembers Victims And Benefits Families

By Kate Quesada

The annual Lithia 9/11 Heroes Run with start in FishHawk’s at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept.15.

FishHawk area residents are invited to remember the victims of 9/11 while getting exercise and helping families of veterans and fallen heroes next month. The annual Lithia 9/11 Heroes Run will take place on Saturday, September 15 in FishHawk Ranch with both a 5K and a one-mile fun run.

Race organizer Beau Higgins is expecting 400 runners at the event which will start and finish in FishHawk’s Park Square and will mean that roads in the surrounding area will be closed from approximately 7:45-9 a.m.

“The annual race will unite the community to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11, as well as honor our military and first responders that serve our country and communities,” said Higgins.

The Lithia race is one of many 9/11 Heroes Runs around the world in which more than 30,000 people participated last year. Proceeds from the local race, which raised close to $4,000 in 2017, will benefit the Travis Manion Foundation which empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future gen-

erations.

The foundation, named after Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion who was killed by a sniper in Iraq in April 2007, also donated $1,000 to Seeds of Hope to help local flood victims after Hurricane Irma in 2017.

A FishHawk resident, Higgins served with Manion in Iraq and was inspired to work with the foundation to make sure that his legacy

lives on.

“Before his final deployment, Travis visited Rescue One in New York City, famous for losing almost all their men on 9/11, and returned home with a deeper passion about why he was fighting in Iraq,” said Higgins.

Local sponsors for the event include Philly Pretzel Factory, GTE Financial, PESCO Energy, Boksa Marine Design, Mission BBQ, Amici’s Pizza, George Shea Realty and Pinch a Penny.

“Knowing that so many people gave their lives during the 9/11 attacks touched my brother Travis in a way that would forever change him,” said Ryan Manion Borek, President of Travis Manion Foundation. “Six years after 9/11, my brother also gave his life for his country, so every year we gather communities together to run a 5K, not just to honor the fallen, but to continue the legacies of character, leadership and service that they left behind.”

To learn more and register for the race visit www.travismanion.org.

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Page 36

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 13, Issue 8