Two Sections, 36 Pages of Community News
Valrico
See Coupon On Page 18 C E L E B R A T I N G
September 2018 Volume 15, Issue 9 Ph: 657-2418 1 6
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
YMCA Spooky Spokes Twilight Ride Supports Local Community Programs
By Michelle Colesanti
Come out for an evening of fun and cycling exercise while helping a great charity – Campo YMCA.
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Where else can you get a great workout and have fun dressing up in costume; all to help a great charity? Campo YMCA, located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico, will hold its second annual Spooky Spokes Twilight Ride on Friday, October 19 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Lalita Llerena said, The money we’re raising from the Spooky Spokes Twilight Ride goes back into the local community of Valrico. We raise dollars throughout the year in our annual campaign to keep our doors open to all.” Because of the community’s generosity, the Y is able to provide financial assistance to kids, adults and families facing financial hardship. “The Y is proud to say every dollar raised stays local and has a lasting impact on local residents. From swim lesson scholarships to our Livestrong cancer survivor program - our fundraising efforts ensure we remain open to all walks of life in our community,” she added. Spooky Spokes is open to the community. Both Y members and non-members can join in the fun, which will take
place in the Bella Y. Patel courtyard located outdoors. Come in your favorite costume. Just make sure that whatever you choose is comfortable to spin in. While cycling, you will enjoy fun Halloween-themed music along with coordinated videos in the background behind the instructor. A Parents’ Night Out (PNO) will take place the same night and it is free for kids of any parent participating in the cycling event. On the registration form for the Twilight Ride, there will be a box to indicate that PNO will be needed that night for riders’ kids. Pre-registration is required so it can be staffed accordingly. You can register anytime, including the night of the event as long as bikes are still available, but if you register by September 30, there is a $5 discount off the registration fee. If you register after October 5, there may not be event Tshirt’s available. The cost to participate is $35 for 30 minutes, $55 for one hour and $125 for three hours. Register at the Welcome Center or mail your registration in to Campo Family YMCA, Attn: Dwight Kerr, 3414 Culbreath Rd., Valrico, FL 33596. Online registration is not available for this particular event. For info visit, www.tampaymca.org/locations/valrico-flcampo-ymca/.
The new 2.5 acre Saladino dog park is now open at the Bertha and Tony Saladino Park, 1705 Bryan Road in Brandon. The dog park includes 1.8 acres for large dogs and 0.8 acres for smaller dogs. The park was dedicated by the county in September.
P O S I T I V E
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C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Bloomingdale Rajun’ Bull Band Marches Towards Performances Abroad Even before the new school year was underway, the band room and music hallway of Bloomingdale High School buzzed with activity as the band’s students, parent volunteers and Director prepared for the new marching band season. The percussion section and Crimson Guard practiced, students were fitted for uniforms, and student leaders hosted the incoming freshmen at band camp. All were getting ready for the new school year and the excitement of preparing for this year’s halftime show featuring the music of The Incredibles 2. The Rajun’ Bulls will be looking to extend their 31-year streak of ‘Superior’ ratings at their district Marching Music Performance Assessment. This year, however, the football field will not be the only performance venue for the Rajun’ Bull Band; the ensemble has been invited to perform in Vienna, Austria and Prague, Czechia in March of 2019. Performing abroad is a distinct honor for these music students. “Traveling to foreign countries in such musically historical places like Vienna and Prague is an extension of the classroom. It creates a lifetime of memories and learning,” said Jon Sever, Director of Bands at Bloomingdale. Parents of students who have participated in such trips agree with Sever’s assessment. Susan Maley’s two children have traveled with the Bloomingdale music programs. Maley said the band trips are trips of a lifetime and added, “My children experienced music in a way that they couldn’t have in the classroom.” Facilitating such a trip is no small endeavor; the band will have to raise $700,000 for its members, instruments and equipment to make it to Europe.
By Kelly Ford
The Bloomingdale Band Boosters will be supporting the trip through fundraising. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our students and the band boosters will provide as many opportunities to help offset the costs with fundraising opportunities. We welcome anyone who would like to help with this,” said Alan Chastain, Band Boosters President. The Rajun’ Bull Band is asking for additional support from the community in the form of sponsorships and donations. Anyone interested in contributing to Bloomingdale’s travel fund may contact Jon Sever or the Bloomingdale Band Boosters at jon.sever@sdhc.k12.fl.us or rajunbullband@mail.com.
In This Issue ENERGY SAVINGS...............................PG 3 BLOOMINGDALE SQUARE PLANS ......PG 4 BLOOD DONOR BENEFITS ................PG 10 DISCOVERY PASS PERKS...................PG 11 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 16 EYE ON BUSINESS .....................PGS 25‐26 SPORTS CONNECTION......................PG 23 CHALKLINES .....................................PG 31
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