Give A Dog A Bone Donates to Pups

Creating a spin-off of Toys for Tots called Presents for Pups, Give A Dog A Bone, 6114 N. U.S. Hwy. 41, Apollo Beach, is asking for essentials that local shelters and rescue groups are always in need of such as towels, shampoo, beds, collars/leashes, blankets, toys and treats. Donations will go to the Humane Society, C.A.R.E. and other rescue groups.

For more information, call 641-3734.

Updates from Riverview Detachment

Recently celebrating its 232rd birthday, the Riverview Detachment of the Marine Corps League, 7240 U.S. Hwy. 301, Riverview, presented the Haley House Fund a check for $2,500 raised by the detachment at its First Annual Poker Run.

The group also informs those sending packages/letters addressed to "Any Wounded Soldier" at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center will not be accepted according to the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.

For more information, call 672-1778 or go to www.wramc.amedd.army.mil.

Home Safety Seminar for Caregivers

Hillsborough County Department of Aging Services is partnering with the Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer Center and Research Institute to present its Third Annual Holiday Home Safety Seminar for Caregivers. This seminar will be held December 8, from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Ruskin Senior Center, 901 6th St. S.E., Ruskin. Respite and refreshments will be provided.

Please call to reserve your seat at 319-4115. For more information, call 307-8345 or 319-4115.

ABWC Unveils Agenda

ABWC meets Wednesday, December 12 at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at 12 Noon. This month's program is holiday music performed by "The Sound of Times" East Bay High School Awarding Winning Chorus, under the direction of B. NeSmith. The group is selling $10 Village Inn pie certificates as a public fundraiser for its scholarship and ongoing community service project fund. The meeting place has been changed this year to the Summerfield Crossing Golf Club at Doc's Grill, 13050 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview. The cost is $15 and must be paid by December 7. 

Reservations can be made by contacting Regina Lesnau at 642-3305 or  rlesnau@lowrateonline.com. For information, call Angie Glaser, VP membership, at 748-2135 or aglaser1@verizon.net.

Chamber Hosts Lighting Contest

 The Apollo Beach Chamber of Commerce, 223 Flamingo Dr., and Winn Dixie of Apollo Beach Presents the 17th Annual Apollo Beach Christmas Lighting Contest, a chance to show off those decorations and get your community into the Christmas spirit. Judging will occur on Monday, December 10. Please be sure lights are on from 6-8:30 p.m. Contestants will receive a $50 gift card first place, $25 for second place and $25 for third place. Completed forms must be submitted to the Chamber office by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, December 10. Forms can be hand delivered, faxed or e-mailed to the Chamber.

For more information, call 645-1366.  

YMCA Needs Donations      

On December 15, the Brandon Area YMCAs will host a holiday celebration for local families in need at YMCA Camp Cristina in Riverview. Each child will receive an age-appropriate toy, and each family will receive a box of groceries. Please bring donations to a local YMCA by Friday, December 7.

For more information, contact Heather Cazzola at 684-1371.

Groups Organize Free Deployment Gatherings

Jennifer Tracey of James-Rivard Buick-Pontiac-GMC, The Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post 6287 and the VFW Post 6287 would like to welcome deploying military groups to contact them if they are interested in being provided providing a family day and deployment gathering. There is no charge for this function, just a great time, great prizes and an opportunity to meet community members ready to offer support and services to families of deployed soldiers. In a joint effort to provide this function, James-Rivard Buick-Pontiac-GMC is providing food and entertainment, a certificate providing each family with free oil changes, car washes, discount on services as well as one percent over invoice on all new vehicles while deployed. VFW Post 6287 of Ruskin is providing the hall and the LAVFW and will provide volunteers, prizes and hospitality. The group is seeking other businesses with services to offer.

To schedule your Deployment Gathering or to donate, contact Jennifer Tracey, James-Rivard Buick Pontiac-GMC at 645-0505 or Lois McBride, president of LAVFW Post 6287, at 671-9411.

Attention Steeler Fans

Buffalo Wild Wings, on the corner of FishHawk Blvd. and Boyette Rd., has been and will continue to show all Steeler games this season, in volume, in addition to Buccaneer games. Grab your Terrible Towels if you're ready for some Steeler football close to home while enjoying Buffalo Wild Wings' great food, unmatched service and awesome atmosphere! Buffalo Wild Wings is the perfect football destination offering 14 varieties of wing sauce ranging from Sweet BBQ to Parmesan Garlic to its hottest sauce, Blazin', which will satisfy even the most finicky wing enthusiast. "They've got the best wings this side of the Allegheny!" states Brad Duffola, originally from Cranberry Township just outside of Pittsburgh.

Group Raises Funds for Women

In response to the disproportionate number of women and girls that experience poverty, abuse and teen pregnancy, the Community Foundation of Greater Sun City Center established the Women's Fund through the Community Foundation of Greater Sun City Center in 2006. The purpose of the Fund is to improve the quality of life for women and girls by providing charitable contributions to local nonprofit agencies that address these issues in South Hillsborough County. The group rose to the challenge and in only a year the Fund was endowed with $300,000.

For more information, call 391-4312.

Post 8108 Offers a Multitude

Riverview Memorial VFW Post 8108 has the following monthly events: Mondays - Bingo at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesdays - Spaghetti dinners from 5-7 p.m.; Fridays - Fish fry that is all you can eat with shrimp or chicken fingers with combos available from 5-7 p.m.; Saturdays - Karaoke by Jeff at 8 p.m.; and Sunday - Breakfast  at 9 a.m.-12 Noon. Euchre at 6 p.m. All events are open to the public. The Post prides itself in "good food" and "great prices." The VFW is located at 7504 Riverview Dr., Riverview.

Please call 671-9845 after 3 p.m. for any inquiries.

Restaurant Sponsors Fishing Show

The Docks, located at 6520 N Us Hwy. 41 in Apollo Beach, is the main South Hillsborough restaurant sponsor for Simply Banana's Fishing Show on WHNZ 1250 AM on Saturdays from 5-6 p.m. It features two local well-known fishermen, Captain Joel Brandenberg and Captain Ric Liles. On December 15 starting at 2 p.m. the after tournament awards party for "My Lures are better than your Lures" fishing tournament will be held along with the South Shore of Tampa Bay, put together by paddle-fishing.com. The Crossroads Blues Band will be playing at the restaurant on December 14. Tuesday Nights are the Docks Bar Olympics featuring Beer Pong, Bean Bag Toss, Darts and Golden Tee. While Wednesday nights now have karaoke by Brenda and Lee from 8 p.m.-12 Midnight. There will be no cover charge New Year's Eve with a party starting at 9 p.m. featuring DJ Shean Hudson spinning the tunes to bring in the New Year. Many drink specials will be available as well as free champaign at 12 Midnight.  

For more information, call 641-8792.

Winthrop Hosts Town Hall Meeting

On Tuesday, December 11, residents are invited to attend a townhall meeting at the Barn Theatre at Winthrop to discuss improvements to the U.S. Hwy. 301 from Gibsonton to Bloomingdale. The event is hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation and will take place from 5-7 p.m.

Church Holds Concert and Nativity

Ruskin United Methodist Church, 105 4th Ave. NW, Ruskin, will be sponsoring another concert in support of the Community Cupboard on Sunday, December 9 at 5 p.m. Donations of money will be matched in part by Thrivent Financial, a charitable Lutheran organization.

In addition to the concert, the church will have a cookie recipe exchange following the music.

 Admission to the event is $5 plus a donation of non-perishable food items at the door. The church's youth will be presenting a "Live Nativity" on the grounds the evening of Saturday, December 22 at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. For further information, please call 645-1241.

South Shore Hosts Candlelight Service

South Shore United Methodist Church invites you to a Community Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 7 p.m. at the East Bay High School auditorium, located at 7710 Big Bend Rd. in Gibsonton. The church is also looking for potential members for the Praise Choir with practice taking place at 6 p.m. every Wednesday at the church office. Worship starts at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday's at East Bay High School. The church office is located at 435 Apollo Beach Blvd. and can be reached Monday-Friday.

For more information on the Praise Choir, contact Kristen Franzen, director, at 645-3965 or the church office at 649-9462. For more information, go to www.southshoreumc.com.

Resident Transitions to TV

Local resident, singer, songwriter and pianist Derrick Williams will make his transition from theater to television as the host of The Gospel Voice, a new music show, premiering in December on The Christian Television Network. Williams plays Jazz, Rat Pack and Rhythm and Blues every Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at The Italian Kitchen located at 6915 US Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview.

Riverview Resident Graduates

Knights of Columbus Council #14084 recently celebrated as Riverview member Thomas Cummings IV graduated New Agent School. The Knights of Columbus is an order of Catholic men dedicated to community service. Cummings follows in the footsteps of his father, Thomas Cummings III, who is also a Knights of Columbus insurance agent and member of St. Stephen Council #14084. St. Stephen Parish church is located in Valrico and operates St. Stephen Catholic School located at 10424 Saint Stephen Cir. in Riverview.

For more information, please contact Greg Grambor at 966-7794.

Church Creates New Mom Group

First Baptist Church of Riverview, located at 8626 U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview, is launching a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) group. The group will meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 9:30-11:30 am. 

Please visit http://fbcriverview.org or call 677-6377 to register or for more information.

South Shore Sound Debuts

South Shore Sound is having a musical show on December 16 at 2 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on 1239 Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center. Guest performers will be the "Visions" from Riverview High School under the direction of Liz Stewart. Tickets may be purchased at the SCC Atrium Kiosk December 7 and 10-14. The group is also looking for singers.

For further information about tickets, go to www.southshoresound.org or call Terry at 786-9418 or Cookie at 634-5028.

Calvary Lutheran Presents Christmas Play

"Retrieving the Lamb", a play by Judy Simpson Cook will be presented at Calvary Lutheran, located at 5309 US Hwy. 41 N between Apollo Beach and Ruskin, on Friday, December 7 at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 8 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 9 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12 and are available at the church office or may be purchased the day of performance if available. All proceeds will benefit the Angel Attic Thrift Store and Calvary's Music and Arts ministries. 

For additional information, call 645-1305.

Music Students Donate to Metropolitan Ministries

Through the "Practice Makes Perfect" fundraiser, students of Shindorf's Music Studio within MUSE Inc., located in the teacher's home on the Alafia River in Riverview, were able to raise funds throughout the month of November for Metropolitan Ministries. At the close of the contest on November 30, the students collected the donations for Metropolitan Ministries and will make a presentation of the collected grand total amount, just in time for the Christmas holidays when the organization is in most need.

For more information, call Shindorf at 672-9262.

East Bay Announcements

East Bay High School Instrumental Music Boosters are proud to announce that the following students will be representing the school from December 6-9 at: University of South Florida Festival of Winds Honor Band-Cassandra Holbrook, Caitlin Snell, Randy Moore, Nick Kosmela and Mike Vernon; University of Tampa Quad County Honor Band-Ellana Gifford, Anthony Powell, Kayla LaValley, Paul Butler, Joe Louis Jr. and Monty Byrd. East Bay is located at 7710 Big Bend Rd. in Gibsonton.

For more information, call 671-5134.

Summerfield Unveils Line-Up

The following programs will be offered to residents at Summerfield Community Center located at 13011 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview:

The instructors at Shirley's Dance Studio in Brandon will initiate the Christmas Dance Recital on December 15 from 2-5 p.m. which is free and open to the public. The studio is also registering students for dance classes. Join certified ballroom instructors Art and Bernice May as they teach you the basic dance steps to the Rumba, Cha Cha, Fox Trot, Waltz, Salsa, Swing and West Coast Swing along with Rhythm and Night Club dancing.

Contact instructor Douglas Benrother at 677-3718 to schedule a class or visit www.digitalspectrum@excite.com for more information. For more information regarding this activity or other Summerfield programs, contact Meghan Fogg, facility director, at  671-4568.

Library Hosts Harry Potter Contest

The South Shore Regional Library recently held a Harry Potter contest during its first anniversary celebration of the library. Winners of the Harry Potter Trivia Contest individual event are Tyler Glosson (fourth place), Billy Dotson ( third place), Joshua Lelacheur (second  place) and Kathleen Eastep (first place).

Boyette Springs Reveals Events

Boyette Springs Elementary PTA would like to invite all parents and children from the school to the December PTA general meeting on December 11 at 7 p.m. at the school in the multi-purpose room which will include award presentations to "Honored Pioneers." Following the meeting children, will have an opportunity to make winter crafts and purchase items at the Holiday Shop.

All Boyette Springs Elementary families are encouraged to support the PTA by dining at the following restaurants which will give the school a percentage of their sales: Bloomingdale Pizza on Wednesday, December 12 at 4334 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico and Sonic on Wednesday, December 19 at 10033 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview. Please tell the businesses you are from Boyette Springs Elementary so the school can receive credit.

Call 671-5060 for more information.

Apollo Beach Elementary Goes Back to 1982

Apollo Beach Elementary, 501 Apollo Beach Blvd., recently hosted an exciting event called "Where Were You in 1982?" which was the year the school opened. Now in its 25th year, the school is scheduled to begin a remodel on the building beginning this December. For more information, call 671-5172.

Boy Scouts Hold Fundraiser

Ruskin Boy Scout Troop 661 will be hosting a Holiday Breakfast with the Santa fundraiser on Saturday, December 15 from 8-11 a.m. at the Ruskin Elks Lodge, 1630 S. US Hwy. 41. Tickets can be purchased early for $5 but will also be available at the door. This event will help sponsor troop activities and will also help finance the troop's annual summer camp. This year the boys are planning their trip to Thunder Mountain Scout Reservation in Georgia. 

To make a donation or purchase advance tickets, please contact Denise St. Sauvier at denise@longtire.com.

Riverview High Performs Musical Comedy

Riverview High School is pleased to announce the upcoming production of The Pajama Game, a musical comedy. The Pajama Game is a rambunctious pillow fight of jazzy songs, hot dance and exuberant laughter.

The production will run through December 15, Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. at Riverview High School, located at11311 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. Tickets are $8 for general admission and $6 for students and seniors 55 and over. For ticket information, call 671-5011, ext.259 or go to www.ticketleap.com.