Morningstar Named Ambassador Of The Year
Local Brandon resident and owner of local electric company, Morningstar Electric, Tammy Morningstar has been selected as the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador of the Year.
Morningstar is co-owner of Morningstar Electric, located at 506 Shamrock Rd. in Brandon, with her husband, Ken.
“I was completely surprised when I was announced as the winner of the award,” she said. “I felt honored to receive this award. I was selected by my peers for this award and it means a great deal to me to know my peers respect and trust me enough to honor me in this way.”
Bonnie Tekampe, who was Ambassador of the Year in 2006, said that receiving the award is quite an honor because the ambassadors do a lot to get the word out to the community. “It meant a whole lot to me,” she said. Tekampe said that Morningstar deserves the award because she is very giving; involved in the community and her business is very reputable. “I’ve used her business both commercially and residentially,” she said.
“Basically, the job of the ambassadors is to welcome new members and make them feel a part of the community, and she does that very well,” Tekampe said.
“When I became an Ambassador I was extremely shy and didn’t know anyone,” she said. “I made it my goal to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself everyday to excel to new levels.”
Morningstar said her future plans for the community is to see it come together and support local business and charities, neighbors helping neighbors and family events for all to attend.
Her company is very involved in the community and has plans to become more involved. It has done free electrical work for wounded soldiers as well as some local charities. It is involved in the Community Roundtable Charities of Brandon and plan to waive its $49 Dispatch Fee to all customers in the month of April and May if they donate a bag of non-perishable grocery items to us for the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO).
“I was also involved with the Brandon Mayors Race and plan to stay involved until I myself am able to run for Mayor,” Morningstar said.
Morningstar and her husband have lived in Brandon for 12 years and have three children, Alexis, 14, Nicholas, 12 and Kelly, 8, and they all attend Central Baptist Christian School located on Windhorst Rd.
For more information on Morningstar Electric, please call 892-4582 or visit www.morningstarlighting.com.
The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce is located at 330 Pauls Dr. in Brandon.
For more information on the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce and its Ambassador program, please call 689-1221 or visit it’s Website at www.brandonchamber.com.
Around Riverview December
Winner of Drawing Announced
The final event for Mary Ann Wilhelm’s race for Honorary Mayor of Ruskin was a breakfast held at the office of Wilhelm Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. in Ruskin where attendees were entered into a drawing for a brand new Carrier Infinity residential air conditioning system, installed at no charge by Wilhelm. The winners of the system were Ruskin residents Dick and Sally Berg. The campaign raised almost $5,400 to be split between the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce and local charities.
Animal Rescue Needs Your Help
The Animal Rescue site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet its quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute to go to the site and click on the purple box “fund food for animals” for free. This doesn’t cost you a thing. Its corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.
Please help by visiting http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com.
Rotary Speakers Scheduled for New Year
The SouthShore Rotary speakers scheduled for January 2009 are: Wednesday, January 7: Christy Foster, Tampa Bay Higher Education Alliance; Wednesday, January 14: Takia McClendon, Lennard High School; Wednesday, January 21: club business meeting; Wednesday, January 28: Jim Hosler, applied demographer. The SouthShore Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 12 Noon at Cypress Creek Golf Club located at 1011 Cypress Village Blvd. in Ruskin. Lunch is $12. Visiting Rotarians and guests are always welcome.
For further information, please contact Club President David Madden at 417-9015.
Corks and Forks a Success
Campo Branch YMCA, located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico, held its fifth annual Corks and Forks fundraiser, raising almost $35,000 to benefit the YMCA’s Scholarship program which helps to fund participation in camping and life enrichment classes for children who might not otherwise be able to benefit from YMCA programs. The Campo Board of Directors has recently adopted a new strategic vision plan that includes an expansion of services into the SouthShore area.
For further information, please contact Mags Oldman of Campo YMCA at 684-1371.
Mayor’s Race Benefits Deputies Darlin’s
Mary Ann Wilhelm, president of Wilhelm Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., presented a check for $1,150 to HCSO Deputy Chris Gerard for the Deputies Darlin’s charity, generated by Wilhelm’s Ruskin Honorary Mayor’s Race campaign. Wilhelm Heating and Air Conditioning, located at 802 4th St. SW in Ruskin, will be a collection center for toy and clothing donations for the Deputies Darlin’s charity, affecting needy children and the elderly in Ruskin, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Especially needed are gifts for children ages 10 to 15. Donations can also be dropped off at the Ruskin Community substation located at the rear of the Village Shoppes at the corner of 19th Ave. and U.S. Hwy. 41 in Ruskin.
For further information about Deputies Darlin’s, please call Officer Budd at 672-7430.
AAUW Updates
The American Association of University Women members sponsored a Book and Author Luncheon in November as an educational scholarship fundraiser for girls and young women. Sally Fox chaired a committee to select an author for the luncheon. After reading several authors’ books, the committee selected Kathleen O’ Connor, a resident of Sun City Center. O’Connor spoke to the group about her three novels and read from her latest novel, No Doubt. O’Connor’s next book, Men of Paradise, will be available in 2009. The American Association of University Women meets in Sun City Center.
For more information, call Edith Rice at 634-7633 or e-mail at edithrice@aol.com.
The Sun City Center branch of the American Association of University Women will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, at Sun City Center Golf and Racquet Club located at 1702 Pebble Beach Blvd. Dini Elliott, director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Journalism at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, will be the guest speaker. Elliott holds an interdisciplinary doctoral degree in Philosophy of Education from Harvard University, is an author of several books and hosted a radio show, Ethically Speaking, from 2003 to 2006. Reservations for the luncheon, $15 per person, must be paid by Monday, December 8. Make check payable to AAUW, Sun City Center and mail to Maryellen Thomas, 835 Oakmont Ave., Sun City Center, FL 33573.
Local Honored for His Discoveries
During the formal dedication ceremony of the “first 16 feet” of the Ruskin History Center, Frank Garcia, who discovered numerous early ice age fossils in Ruskin which he has on display in Camp Bayou, received the third annual award for Preserving Ruskin’s History from the Ruskin Historical Society. Garcia is expanding his display to include an educational center there and is preparing a permanent stand-alone display at the SouthShore Regional Library. Recently, he learned that one of his discoveries was a previously unknown species. The small manatee-like creature was given the name Nanosiren garciae which means “little mermaid” and honors its discoverer Garcia. The fossils will be displayed at Smithsonian Institution and the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville.
For more information, visit www.paleopreserve.org. For more on the Ruskin History Center, visit www.RuskinHistory.org
Knights of Columbus Help Veterans
The Knights of Columbus Assembly 1850 recently visited the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, nursing home and Fisher House to help maintain contact with active, injured, nursing home residents and retired military and their families. The order is dedicated to visiting and supplying needed items that are not readily available to them. Members invite residents to come out and spend some time with veterans on Saturday, December 13, at the nursing home, Haley’s Cove, located at the Haley Veterans Hospital Facility, for a pizza party, starting at 11:30 a.m. The group is collecting white T-shirts sizes large-5x, underwear sizes 38-44 waist and socks. These items will be gift-wrapped and handed out to each veteran.
For more information, call Ed Mcnamara at 657-7716 or e-mail Herbert Swoope at hswoope@msn.com.
Beefs Thanks Community for Support
Summerfield Beef O’ Brady’s and the Masengale family – Jamie, Rodney, and its special heart baby Olivia – would like to extend a special thank you to Tim and Missy Dorman and their children. The Dorman family donated the framed jersey that was raffled off at Beef O’Brady’s and $819.30 was raised to support Mended Little Hearts, a support group for children with heart disease and heart defects out of All Childrens Hospital that provides support and care packages for families with children in the hospital, as well as funding to help find cures for these children.
To find out more, contact Jamie Masengale via www.mlhofstpete.org or Kate Dumas at kate_beefobradys@hotmail.com.
ABWC Invites All to Luncheon
The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club’s next membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 10. The members will be treated to the wonderful sounds of the holiday season by the Sounds of Time chorus group from East Bay High School. The luncheons for the club are held the second Wednesday of each month at Summerfield Crossing Golf Course located at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview, costing $16.
If interested, please join members at one of the luncheons as a guest by contacting Regina Lesnau at 642-3305 on or before the Friday prior to the meeting. If interested in becoming a member, please call Judy Peck at 746-1072.
The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club is also selling Apollo Beach license plates for $10 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Beach community in conjunction with the Apollo Beach Chamber of Commerce.
If you would like to purchase a license plate, contact Sylvia Gordon at 641-8793.
In addition to the license plates, the club is offering Village Inn Pie Certificate for $10.
If you would like to purchase one or more certificates, please contact Sonja Davidson 645-2145.
All the proceeds from these two events will go to the clubs scholarship fund which awards scholarships to qualified Apollo Beach residents graduating from high school or adults pursuing a college degree.
Williams Boat Ramp Fishing Pier to Close
Hillsborough County’s Williams Boat Ramp will receive a $275,000 facelift beginning in December as improvements are made at this popular fishing pier and boat launch facility at U.S. Hwy. 41 and the Alafia River. The boat ramp will remain open during construction, but the fishing pier will be closed for 60 days to repair the aged and storm damaged structure. The pier will receive new decking, handrails and general repairs. Other improvements at the facility will include paving of the parking lot, changing boat fender bumpers, new water fountains and sidewalks to the picnic shelters.
For more information, contact Peter Fowler at 903-2263.
Gold Star Wives to Meet
Gold Star Wives Meeting – Suncoast Chapter will meet Wednesday, December 17, at 10:30 a.m.- meeting every third Wednesday – at Panther Trace II Clubhouse located at 11518 Newgate Crest Dr. in Riverview. Widows/widowers whose spouses died while serving in the armed forces of the United States or as a result of service-connected disabilities are welcomed to visit and join this chapter.
For more information, visit www,goldstarwives.org.
Denizens Feed Over 1,500
The 14th Annual Brandon ’86 Rotary Denizens of the Deep Fish Fry fed over 1,500 guests in November at Rotary’s Camp Florida. Organizers said there were more than 294 kids under age 12 who got in free, ate free and had a great time jumping on bouncy castles, experiencing face painting and watching the magician shows all day long. Over 150 volunteers worked non-stop. The money raised from the event will go to charities in the Brandon community.
Caption: The 14th Annual Brandon ’86 Rotary Denizens of the Deep Fish Fry fed over 1,500 people, with the help of 150 volunteers.
Ruskin Mayor Helps Abused
Newly elected Honorary Mayor of Ruskin John Smith presented Laurie Kepler, executive director of the Mary and Martha House, with a check for $2,833. The Honorary Mayor Campaign is an annual fundraiser for the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce and the charity of the candidate’s choice. Smith chose the Mary and Martha House as his charity because he has supported it since moving here in 2006, when he and his wife, Penny, a member of the Board of Directors, purchased the local H&R Block franchises.
Caption: (L-R) John Smith, Laurie Kepler and Melanie Morrison pose for a picture as Smith awards $2,833 to the Mary and Martha House.
ABWA Inducts New Members
The SouthShore Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association recently inducted 14 new members. The organization meets the third Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. for dinner, networking and a business program with a speaker at the Freedom Plaza Clubhouse.
Guests are always welcome and should contact Penny Smith at 641-1040 or psmith@hrblock.com to be added to the email invitation. You can find out more about the SouthShore Charter Chapter at www.ABWASouthShore.com.
Caption: The SouthShore Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association recently inducted 14 new members.
Post Announces Meeting
The next meeting of the Riverview Detachment of the Marine Corps League will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, at the American Legion Post 148 located at 7240 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview. The detachment is always seeking new members and the meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month. All former and active duty marines plus navy corpsmen who have served a tour with the Fleet Marine Force are eligible to join.
For additional information, call Jack Skelding at 672-1778 or visit www.mclriverview.org.
Upcoming Events at Moose Lodge
The coming events for Ruskin Moose Lodge, located at 1212 E Shell Point Rd. in
Ruskin, are open to qualified members and guests:
December 13—Hillbilly Christmas Party
December 25— The Lodge will be open Christmas Day
December 31 –Gala New Year’s Eve Dance with Taylor and Taylor
Spaghetti dinner every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m.
Chicken Wings every Thursday from 5-7 p.m.
Fish fry also serving baked fish every Friday from 5-7 p.m.
Sandwiches every Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Karoke every Saturday night from 7-11 p.m.
Live bands every Friday from 7-11 p.m.
For more information, call Katie Schaff at 727-251-5965 or email at caw7142@yahoo.com.
The Market at Summerfield
The Market is an outdoor market with arts and crafts, homemade items, plants and produce, operating every Friday night from 4-9 p.m. and every Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. It is located in CiCi’s Pizza parking lot at 13141 Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview.
Interested vendors can contact Dana at 654-5429.
Ruskin Chamber Collects for Tots
Drop off you donations for Toys for Tots at the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce located at 315 S. Tamiami Trl. in Ruskin.
For more information, call 645-3808.
Drop Off Toy and Get a Cup of Coffee
Please drop off you donations for Toys for Tots at Sava Café, located at 5469 U.S. Hwy. 41 N. in Apollo Beach, and get a free cup of coffee for a great cause.
For more information, call 645-9595.
Hydro Harvest Hosts Bazaar
Hydro Harvest Farms in Ruskin is looking for seven canners and crafters for its first in a series of Homemade at the Farm. A u-pick farm in Ruskin at 1101 Shell Point Rd. E., it is holding its first bazaar on Saturday, December 13, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The farm will also have strawberries ready to be harvested as well as Christmas trees available.
For more information, call 645-6574 or visit http://www.hydroharvestfarms.com.
Holiday Gift Wrapping for a Cause
The Girl Scout Troops of West Central Florida 1175 and 210 will be outside Goin’ Postal, located at 10677 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview, on Saturday, December 13, hoping to raise funds for their troop. The Girl Scouts will be wrapping your holiday presents just in time for the holidays. The over 300 Goin’ Postal store owners nationwide are proud to support the Girl Scouts.
For more information, call 741-3636. To learn more about scouting, visit www.gswcf.org.
Mary and Martha House’s Holiday List
Mary and Martha House in Ruskin is collecting items for its Holiday Closet 2008. Suggested gifts include: gift cards to Walmart and other stores, blocks, arts and craft sets, developmental toys, accessories for girls, cars and trucks, jewelry, purses, make-up, stationary, journals, building sets, dolls, ball and sports equipment, action figures, watches, remote control vehicles, children and teenage DVDs, phone cards, books, preschool play sets, board games/cards, early learning toys, twin bed linens, television, bus passes, radio, vacuum, brooms, mops, DVD/VCR player, electric can opener, scatter rugs, alarm clocks and toasters.
For more information, call 645-7874.
CARE Presents Tree of Lights
The Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort (CARE) no-kill shelter for homeless dogs and cats is holding its Seventh Annual Tree of Lights for the Animals fundraiser from now through Christmas. The annual events allows area residents an opportunity to honor their past or present pets with a Christmas bulb or personalized dog or cat ornament which will be placed on a shelter tree. The trees will be lit through the holidays and the donations will go directly to supporting the 50-60 pets currently at the shelter. For a tax-deductible contribution of $5 or more each, a bulb will be placed on a tree for every pet you want to honor. For a $10 or more donation, a cat or dog ornament with the name of your pet(s) will be placed on a tree. At any time during the holiday season, visitors are encouraged to come view the trees and, hopefully, visit some of the pets available for adoption – if only to say hello and Merry Christmas. Tree of Light donation forms may be picked up at the shelter located at 1528 27th St. S.E. in Ruskin.
For more information, call 645-2273.
AP Chamber Kicks Off Lighting Contest
The Apollo Beach Beautification Committee and the Apollo Beach Chamber of Commerce presents the 18th Annual Apollo Beach Christmas Lighting Contest. Residents of zip code 33572 will have a chance to show off those decorations, with judging to occur on Wednesday, December 17, from 6–9 p.m. Categories are Residential or Condo Complexes/Apartment Complexes, with winners presented with awards by Sunday, December 21. Completed forms must be submitted to the chamber office, located at 223 Flamingo Dr. in Apollo Beach, by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, December 12. Forms can also be faxed at 641-2612 or e-mailed to abeachcham@verizon.net.
For more information, call 645-1366.
SCC Holds First Holiday Walk
On Saturday, December 13, Sun City Center Holiday Walk on the Central Campus on N. Pebble Beach Blvd. Begin your holiday cheer with breakfast in the Florida Room from 8 a.m.-12 Noon for $4. The club rooms will be open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., offering free refreshments and handmade holiday gifts at low prices. The Model Railroad Club is also inviting visitors to come operate the trains, and in the Rollins Theatre, The Performing Arts Club, under the direction of Lew Ressiguie, will present a 20-minute holiday music show at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., John Bowker will entertain with a 20-minute presentation about Sun City Center. Another first will be the Holiday Club Tree that will be in the Atrium.
To volunteer at the event, contact Ann Marie at 633-1979.
Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary Holds Party
Please join Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary for a Christmas Lawn Party with traditional Italian cuisine on Saturday, December 13, starting at 3:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 4 p.m., costing $20 per person. There will be a Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle.
For tickets and directions, call 941-776-8975 or visit www.elmiraswildlife.org.
SKids Perform Christmas Memories
The Performing Arts Club Kids are coming in concert for Christmas Memories on Friday, December 12, at 7 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 5309 U.S. Hwy. 41 N., with a reception to follow. It will feature the Packettes and Ellen Kleinschmidt. Donations will provide Christmas gifts to needy children in the SouthShore area.
For more information, call 633-4286.
Resident Receives Good Samaritan Award
Ruskin resident Maxine Zerr was recently honored by Lutheran Services of Florida for her volunteer work, especially with the Community Cupboard food pantry, a ministry of Calvary Lutheran Church located at 5309 U.S. Hwy. 41 N. in Apollo Beach. The Community Cupboard provides food for 20,000-25,000 needy persons per year.
For more information, call 645-1305.
RUMC Dedicates Youth House
Ruskin United Methodist recently dedicated a house on Shell Point Rd. meant to be used by the Youth group. Many of the youth of the church and their parents devoted time and work to refurbishing the home. The youth group meets weekly on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., welcoming those in sixth grade and up. In November, several of the men who helped refurbish the youth house roasted Youth Director Hal Jeffery. A great time was had by all.
For more information, call 645-1241 weekdays between 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
St. Stephens Hosts Adore 2097
Adore 2097, featuring popular Christian recording artist Matt Maher, will be at St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 5049 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon, on Friday, December 19, to help celebrate the Advent season at the church. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the night of Eucharistic adoration, praise and worship will run from 7-9:30 p.m. Joining Maher on stage as fellow worship leaders will be Christian recording artists Kelly Pease and Josh Blakesly. Audience members also will hear from Adore 2097 co-founder George Paul. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Buyers will receive one free ticket for every eight tickets purchased.
For information, call Eduard Lugo at 671-4434 or the parish office at 689-4900. You can also visit http://www.ststephencatholic.org.
Calvary Holds Annual Angel Tree Project
Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 5309 U.S. Hwy. 41 N. in Apollo Beach, will hold its annual Angel Tree project through Sunday, December 14. Project chairpersons, Jack and Norma Kitzman have compiled a list of over 500 SouthShore needy children from area schools and agencies. A Christmas tree will be at the church with tags that give the sex, age, sizes and requested gifts from the children. Every effort is made to provide each child a set of clothes and one toy. Proceeds raised by fundraisers held to benefit Angel Tree and monetary gifts will be used to purchase clothes and gifts for those tags that are not taken. Beall’s Outlet is giving a discount card punch for each food item donated for the Community Cupboard food pantry. Those cards that are not being used by the recipient can be donated to the church and will be used toward those purchases. Because of hard economic conditions, some families, in lieu of gifts, have asked for support of special medical needs of a child. It is the hope that the project can provide for some of those needs and make sure the rest of the children also have a gift to open.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting the church office at 645-1305.
St. John Episcopal Offers Holiday Hope
St. John the Divine Episcopal Church is offering a service of comfort and hope that will be held Tuesday, December 16, at 7 p.m. This will be a time for prayer, reflection and fellowship for those experiencing difficulty handling the holidays due to sorrow, loss, pain, depression, addiction, financial problems or any other contributing factors. Refreshments will be served after the service. Everyone in the community is invited; whether in need and hurting, or willing to offer support and compassion.
For more information, please call 645-1521.
Musical Drama Emmanuel Coming
First Baptist Church of Gibsonton, located at 9912 Indiana St., presents Emmanuel – Celebrating Heaven’s Child on Saturday, December 20, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 21, at 10:30 a.m. See and hear the story of the first Christmas as told in Luke’s Gospel. Watch as Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem, the wise men bring their gifts to the Savior and shepherds leave their flocks to worship baby Jesus in the Bethehem manger.
For more information, call 677-1301.
New Members at Big Bend
Big Bend United Methodist Church in Riverview, located at 11525 Big Bend Rd., accepted 13 new members in November. The church offers two identical services at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sundays in which people of all races worship in a casual atmosphere.
The church is offering DivorceCare, a 13-week support group for people experiencing divorce or separation, meeting on Sundays at 6 p.m. A support group, Celebrate Recovery, for women who have hurts, habits or hang-ups meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Call the church at 677-9482 or visit www.bigbendumc.org for more details.
Choir Members at UMC Perform Musical
The 60-voice Chancel Choir from the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, located at 1210 Del Webb Blvd. W., will be performing its Christmas musical entitled A Classic Christmas during the worship services of Saturday, December 13, at 4 p.m. and again on Sunday, December 14, at 10:55 a.m. The production will feature a powerful visual element that includes images and video from various historical periods. These services are free and open to the public, and early arrival is encouraged due to limited seating.
For additional information, please contact Jeff Jordan at.634-2539 or 938-4911.
South Shore Sound Chorus Welcomes Ladies
The South Shore Sound Chorus will be taking a break from practices until Monday, January 5 and invites all ladies interested in singing to come join in the fun and educational chorus at that time. Practices are on Monday at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church on W. Del Webb Blvd.
For further information, call Terry at 786-9418 or visit www.southshoresound.org.
South Bay Donates to Those in Need
South Bay Church, located at 13498 U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview, joined together with Coldwell Banker Dolphin Realty this year in an effort to help many families during these economic hard times. Together they were able to assist 18 families by providing free turkeys and baskets filled with all the fixin’s needed to prepare a hearty Thanksgiving dinner. South Bay Church will once again reach out to the local community and try to assist those in need during these economic hard times by sponsoring a local dinner and collecting presents for children ages 1-18.
If you would like to donate gifts or if you know of someone who has children and needs some assistance with Christmas gifts this year, please contact Diane at dianeallers@verizon.net no later than Monday, December 15.
Riverview Church Unveils Christmas Events
Riverview United Methodist Church, located at 8002 U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview, announces several events to make your Christmas special: The Chancel Choir will be presenting the Christmas Cantata One Small Child at both services, 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., on Sunday, December 14; On Wednesday evening, December 17, free spaghetti and all the trimmings will be provided by the worship committee. There will be fun activities, carols to sing and entertainment to follow the meal; The Children’s Christmas Musical will be held on Sunday, December 21, at 6:30 p.m.Practices are being held every Wednesday evening from 7–7:45 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Amy Yost at 840-8120; The Praise in Motion liturgical dance group has also begun meeting and is also preparing presentations for the Advent season, meeting weekly on Sundays in the Ford Youth Building at 4:30 p.m. Praise in Motion is open to all children from kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, contact Diana Williams at 677-3261. Contact the church office at 677-5995 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 12 Noon or visit www.riverviewflumc.org.
Stowers Honored With School Naming
By Michelle Caceres
Hillsborough County School Board named the Lithia elementary school located adjacent to FishHawk Ranch after Richard “Dick” Stowers, 79, a local civic leader and businessman that revolutionized the funeral business in the Brandon area. Born in Hillsborough County, Stowers grew up in the Palm River area when Brandon was just a sleepy bedroom community. Ironically, Stowers fondly recalls his younger days of courting young ladies on the property where the elementary school now resides. He and his friends would swim in the lake and park their cars on its banks. “That area was a real lover’s lane,” he says. As an 8-year-old boy, Stowers attended the funeral of a young neighborhood girl, an experience that irrevocably altered the direction of his life. “I knew from that moment on that I wanted to be a funeral director,” he reflects. His big break came in 1960, when a friend loaned him the money to purchase the James Brandon Homestead located on S.R. 60. After remodeling the historic home, he opened Stowers Funeral Home in 1961. “Going into business for myself has given me a lot of opportunities to help other people and that’s a lot of fun,” said Stowers. Throughout his life, he has donated his time and money to many organizations, including the Brandon Kiwanis Club, Brandon Elks Club and Boys and Girls Club of Brandon. He was an active member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. Stowers and wife Raymetta have five daughters and one son. Raymetta said the naming is the perfect birthday gift (he’ll turn 80 on the 4th of July) for a man who never asks for anything. Friends signed petitions and wrote compelling letters to the school board in favor of using Stowers’ name. “It was wonderful to see so many people come out to support Dick and all he’s done for Brandon,” she says. Other schools receiving names in November include the middle school sharing the same campus, named in honor of the late Glenn Barrington, a long-time educator and school board member. Strawberry Crest High, located near Plant City and its adjacent elementary school, David E. Bailey Jr. Elementary, honoring a former educator and Plant City historian, were also named. Stowers says he hopes the children at his school will learn from his example to go after their dreams. “I hope each child at the school will have a vision to do something great,” he said. For more information about the schools named in November visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.
Ruskin Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Teaming up with the South Hillsborough County Service Center advisory board and Beanie’s Family Sports Grill, the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce plans to lull the pangs of hunger for 500 people at the upcoming SouthShore’s Big Give in Ruskin. Read more
Festival of Food & Fun For Families
The Ruskin Seafood Festival is celebrating its 20th year as South Hillsborough County’s largest community event.
Last year, over 18,000 people enjoyed the arts, crafts, music and sumptuous seafood. “We hope we’ll have 20,000 visitors for our 20th anniversary,” said Melanie Morrison, executive director of the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce. Read more
Melonie Hall, Brandon Regional Hospital, Committed to Community
By Derek Maul
Born: St Louis, Missouri, 1962
Raised: Freehold, New Jersey
Moved to Florida: 1978
Lake Brantley High School,
Seminole County: 1980
Florida State University: 1984
Moved to Brandon: 1988
Member: St. Andrew’s United
Methodist Church
Brandon Regional Hospital’s Melonie Hall is a self-confessed overachiever.
As director of marketing and public relations for Brandon’s biggest employer (1,600 on staff), Hall has more than enough work to keep her busy.
“I like being stretched,” she said. “I don’t like being bored.” Being stretched this year has involved co-chairing the 2008 Leadership Brandon class; board work with Camp Rotary Florida, Young Life, and the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce; extensive leadership roles at St. Andrews’ United Methodist Church and active membership with the Brandon ‘86 Rotary.
Then she sets the alarm for 4 a.m. every morning so she can work out at the YMCA at 5 a.m.
The energetic Hall has been with Brandon Regional Hospital (BRH) since October of 2007, when she left her position as The Tampa Tribune’s southeast advertising manager in order to take a new challenge in the heart of Brandon.
“I was impressed with leadership style of CEO Mike Fencel,” she said.
“I can do any job if I have a great boss, I wanted to work here in Brandon, and it felt like a calling. I’m getting to help people here.”
Helping means getting the word out. “I get to share the good news about what happens here every day,” Hall said. “Lives are being saved. They don’t see themselves as heroes but I’m truly in awe and I love to tell people those stories.”
“I think my role is educational. A key element in hospital marketing is to let people know and to help with prevention. We’ve seen an increase of people getting to hospital on time.”
BRH, she said, sees hundreds of patients every day. “We average 200 a day in the Emergency Department,” she said, “Sixty percent of those are admitted. We have 367 beds, but that will be 407 after the neuroscience floor opens in December.”
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Hall spent most of her growing up years in Freehold, New Jersey. In 1978, after a year as an exchange student in Finland, she moved to Florida and graduated from Lake Brantley High School in Seminole County (1980).
“I graduated from Florida State (1984) in hospitality administration,” she said, “and found out that I loved marketing. By then I’d spent several years in guest relations with Disney.” She was hired by Club Corporation of America to work in marketing.
After four years at their Knoxville Headquarters, she moved to the regional office in Tampa, eventually helping open the Hunter’s Green Country Club.
Later, after a couple of years at home with her daughter, Hall was hired by the Tampa Tribune.
“I’ve lived in Brandon since 1988,” she said. “I love this community; I love my church; I’m here; I’m committed. I think great things are on the horizon for all of us. I love the way we rally around each other as a community.”
It’s one of the reasons she is committed to Leadership Brandon. “It’s a concentrated effort to see how we can make Brandon a better place,” she said. “You see about 30 individuals come together to learn more about community, and improve leadership skills and to contribute.”
“Relationships, networking – the community instantly becomes a better place. They make you believe anything is possible. ”
Even over-achievers have to relax. Hall says she does that by reading, baking, spending time with her family and working out at the YMCA.
And, with seven of HCA’s (Hospital Corporation of America), 170 plus facilities located in the United Kingdom, Hall is hopeful there will be some travel in her future “I love to travel,” she said, “especially Europe.”
Eye on Business
New BBQ place open on Lithia Pinecrest
Debbies’ Classic BBQ, located at the Chevron gas station on the corner of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and Lumsden Rd., recently opened its doors. Offering BBQ ribs, chicken, pork, sausage and even turkey legs, this new BBQ is sure to cure your cravings. Side items include southern favorites like potato salad, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, chips and Cole slaw. The BBQ joint also offers sweet tea and lemonade as well as cookies and children’s plates. The restaurant opens at 10:30 a.m. daily and is owned by local resident Debbie Poole. Visa and MasterCard are both accepted at this location. For more information, call 813-802-5114.
Instant Replay Sports offers new and used sporting equipment
A new sports store recently opened in the Valrico area. Instant Replay sports, located within the Sweetbay-anchored plaza at 2549 S.R. 60 E., offers new and used sports equipment. It will also buy your used equipment or do a trade with you, said Drew Downs, who co-owns the shop with his father. He said the shop specializes in golf and will re-grip and re-shaft clubs. They have everything from children’s and women’s clubs to clubs for lefties and apparel. Other sporting goods also sold at the store include baseball uniforms and gloves. Downs said he picked this location because he liked it—and its right next door to popular sports bar Beef ‘O’ Brady’s. He also said he chose it because of the growth we are experiencing this side of 60. For more information on this buy, sell, trade store, call 653-GAME (4263) or visit its Website at www.instantreplay-sports.com.
Artist Visits Orange
On Friday, September 5 from 5-9 p.m., Orange Home Accessories in Plaza Bella at the intersection of Bloomingdale Ave. and Bell Shoals Rd. will host artist Pam Smith in an event open to the public. Smith, who specializes in handmade and hand painted imagery art and furniture, currently has work featured in the Tops Gallery in Malibu, California, and in various galleries in Sanibel and Captiva Islands and Key West. She is a resident of Vero Beach and the Bahamas. “Pam allows inspiration and imagination to rule her hand,” says Orange owner Debbie Ploor, who is excited about offering Smith’s work in the store. “Each piece reflects the influence of the colors and wildlife of Florida and the Caribbean. This is functional art at its finest. Art that is fun to look at and fun to use.” Orange is located at 1046 Bloomingdale Ave. and can be reached at 681-8686. For more information, visit www.orangehomeaccessories.com.
Benjamin Moore Moves To New Home
Fine Designs design center and Benjamin Moore paint distributor recently moved to a new location in the Badcock Furniture-anchored Clayton Plaza on S.R. 60 in Brandon between Parsons and Kings avenues. The store, previously location on Lithia Pinecrest Blvd. in the Publix-anchored plaza, is a signature store for Benjamin Moore paints and offers customers complete design services including color selection, decorative consultations, window treatments, fabrics, wallpaper, accessories and furniture. Our new location is a one stop shopping experience,” says owner Brant Wensloff who explains that the plaza also includes Bay Area Kitchens and Baths, Home Accessory Center and K&K Flooring in addition Badcock Furniture. For more information, call the store at 657-9822 or visit www.finedesignstampa.com.
Local Bounce Business Recognized
Space Walk of Brandon owners Bill and Tanya Doran were recently recognized by Space Walk President Frank Scurlock at the annual Space Walk partner meeting in Daytona Beach. The local franchise owners, members of the FishHawk Area Networking Group (FANG), were named the 2007 Markerters of the Year, were runners up for the 2007 Rookie of the Year award and won the bronze medal for total yearly rentals. “In addition, we were the branch with the highest percentage of customer’s e-mail addresses,” says Tanya. Space Walk, one of the first inflatable amusement rental companies in the United States, has 202 branches around the country. For more information, visit www.herecomesfun.com. To contact Space Walk of Brandon, call 681-8722.
Chamber Hosts Seminar
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund in providing free, Spanish spoken business seminars for the Hispanic community in the Greater Brandon area. The seminar will be held on Wednesday, August 27 from 10 a.m.-12 Noon, at the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. The ‘How to Start a Business’ seminar will offer attendees the information necessary to start a business or improve an existing one. Participants may register by contacting Venessa Loredo at 689-1221, Ext. 16 or vloredo@brandonchamber.com.
Resident Starts Dog Walking Business
Do you leave your dog at home all day when you go to work? Twin Lakes resident Denelle Christensen recently opened Happy Hounds Dog Walking L.L.C., a company which, in addition to pet sitting and training services, offers daily dog walking. Christensen has completed a Red Cross Pet First Aid course, volunteered with Basset Rescue in three states, served as a foster home for several rescue dogs over the years and is a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. She also carries $1,000,000 in liability insurance to protect clients and offer peace of mind. “My goals for the business include helping my clients to enjoy a rewarding, stress free relationship with their companion dogs, assisting my four-legged clients to become healthier, happier, more balanced dogs through regular exercise and stimulation,” says Christensen, who welcomes all breeds of dogs and has specialized experience with large breeds including German Shepards, Labs, Rottweilers and Basset Hounds. For more information, visit www.happyhoundswalking.com or call 759-3802.
Resident Starts Baby Boot Camp
For many new moms, finding time to work out and get their body back in shape is difficult. But Riverview resident Chantel DiMuzio, franchise owner and instructor for Baby Boot Camp Brandon East/Apollo Beach has come up with the perfect solution. Baby Boot Camp is a national franchise with over 100 locations nationwide where moms don’t have to find someone else to look after the baby while they squeeze in some time to work out. “Our tagline line is: “Bring your Baby, Get Fit!” which pretty much says it all,” says DiMuzio, a certified fitness instructor and mom to 16-month old Anthony. “Baby Boot Camp is a stroller based exercise program for new and expecting moms. Anyone with stroller aged children can attend. Classes are designed to help moms get back their pre-baby bodies, only better.” Ffter a grand opening celebration on September 8 from 9:30-11 a.m., classes will be held Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at the Campo Family YMCA in Valrico. Class start time will be 9:30. In addition, DiMuzio plans to open a second location in the Riverview area in the near future. For more information, e-mail DiMuzio at chantel.dimuzio@babybootcamp.com or call 600-5057. For more information on Baby Boot Camp, call 1-888-990-BABY or visit www.babybootcamp.com.
New Pet Grooming Studio
The new Pickled Pink S’Paw Grooming service is now open and ready to pamper your dog. From bathing with natural organic shampoos (gentle herbal formulas for any skin type) and breed specific styling with hand scissoring by certified groomers to doggie facials and gland expressions, Pickled Pink S’Paw has something for every canine. “Let us find the right style for your special pet that is a maintainable fit to your families’ lifestyle,” says owner Jennifer Rathert, a retired veterinary technician with 20 years of experience. In addition, the studio, located at 2619 S.R. 60 East, between Miller Rd. and St. Cloud, offers doggie daycare services with a variety of membership options and indoor and outdoor activity areas. As retired veterinary technicians, with over 20 years of experience, we are motivated to provide caring company for canines with welcoming arms and kindness. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 657-SPAW.
Ms. Cyndi’s Corner Café Coming Soon
Using the property next door to her husband’s Jaymer-Que BBQ, Cyndi Holcombe will offer two new services. Ms. Cyndi’s Corner Café will serve sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, coffee, etc. The sandwich and deli meats will be smoked at Jaymer-Que which Holcombe believes will give them a unique product from the start. “We will also be highlighting our soon-to-be-famous Smoked Chicken Salad. So far I am the only one that knows the recipe and I have to say it is pretty good,” says Holcombe. “No one around here has anything like it.” Although Holcombe says the menu is not quite finalized, she explains the café will offer a great café type menu and dessert menu (cakes, cheesecakes, pies, etc.) with coffee and soft serve ice cream. “We will be open later than Jaymer-Que with a limited menu mainly for the dessert and coffee crowd,” she says. In addition, the space will be used for Jaymer-Que Pit-Side Pick-Up. “Customers will now be able to call in their order and utilize the drive-thru between the two buildings to pick-up their food,” says Holcombe. “No more having to get out of the car with the kids to come in and get dinner to take home, we’ll bring it right to the car.” The restaurant will be opening soon. The phone number for Pit-Side Pick-Up is 689-PITS.
Realtor Joins Prudential Tropical
Connecting people to their dreams is what Renee Gregory enjoys most about her career as a real estate professional. She believes that the most important thing she can do is to provide the kind of knowledge and personal attention customers need when making a decision about such a big investment. “My business is more than helping people buy and sell property,” says Gregory, who credits her personal attention and years of experience with her success. “My business helps turn dreams into reality.” A real estate professional since 1987, Gregory regularly attends seminars and continues her education on pertinent topics affecting the real estate industry. She has a thorough understanding of local trends, pricing strategies and negotiating techniques and an in-depth knowledge of the area’s communities, acquired as a native of the Brandon/Riverview area. For more information, contact Gregory at 643-9977 or e-mail rgregory@prutropical.com.
Eye On Business Valrico
Ms. Cyndi’s Corner Café Coming soon
Using the property next door to her husband’s BBQ place, Jaymer-Que, Cyndi Holcombe will offer two new services.
Ms. Cyndi’s Corner Café will be serving sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, coffee, etc. The sandwich and deli meats will be smoked at Jaymer-Que. Holcombe said this will give them a unique product to start off with.
“We will also be highlighting our soon-to-be-famous Smoked Chicken Salad. So far I am the only one that knows the recipe, and I have to say it is pretty good!” she exclaimed. “No one around here has anything like it!”
She said they are still working on the menu, but plan on having a great café type menu and dessert menu (cakes, cheesecakes, pies, etc.) with coffee and soft serve ice cream.
“We will be open later than Jaymer-Que with a limited menu mainly for the dessert and coffee crowd,” she said.
The other thing the space will be used for is “Jaymer-Que Pit-Side Pick-Up”. Holcombe said their customers will now be able to call in their order and utilize the drive-thru between the two buildings to pick-up their food.
“No more having to get out of the car with the kids to come in and get dinner to take home, we’ll bring it right to the car!” she said. The phone number for Pit-Side Pick-Up is 689-PITS.
The couple is hoping to have both of these open in August.
Credit Union now open in Valrico
The Railroad and Industrial Federal Credit Union, Valrico location, recently opened a small branch in the River Hills Country Club. In July, a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration was held for the location. This is a satellite office for the Valrico location located at 4373 Lynx Paw Trail in Valrico.
The satellite office is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and by appointment from 3 – 5 pm. The Credit Union of River Hills in the River Hills Plaza is open on Saturday to accommodate members’ weekend requests.
“We are excited to have an office within the country club. This will allow our existing members and new members the ability to access their accounts quickly and efficiently. It will be great to work closely with the residents of River Hills for all their financial needs,” said Teresa Perez, branch manager of Railroad & Industrial Federal Credit Union.
Railroad & Industrial Federal Credit Union has been an integral part of the central Florida financial arena since 1935. It serves over 19,000 members and is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union offering a full range of financial products and solutions. Headquartered in Tampa with eight locations, membership is available to employees of all local railroads, many local companies and many local home owner associations. Call (800) 769-1424 or visit www.rifcu.org for more information.
Law Firm nominated for Small Business of the Year Award
The law firm of Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. Valrico/Brandon, a Primerus member firm, has been nominated for the 2008 Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award.
Commenting on this nomination, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Development Council said, “We are fortunate to have businesses of your caliber in the Brandon area and it is with pride that the Chamber continues to present opportunities to spotlight your accomplishments. You are the reason the Brandon business community continues to grow and prosper.”
The law firm of Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. is a real estate and business law firm serving clients throughout West Central Florida from offices located in the commercial heart of the fast-growing community of Brandon. The firm enjoys an outstanding reputation for professional integrity and client satisfaction. The lawyers of Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. also are dedicated to meaningful community involvement in various civic, charitable and business associations within their communities.
Primerus is a network of top-quality, independent law firms that are vetted and accredited for membership based on their commitment to rigorous standards based on the following six principles: integrity, excellence of work product, reasonable fee structure, professional education, civility and community service.
“We are proud to have Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. in our organization,” said John C. Buchanan, president of Primerus. “This firm has not only passed our rigorous screening process, but has distinguished itself as a firm delivering legal services of the highest standards. Clients can be assured that in Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. they will find a trustworthy, experienced lawyer who upholds the highest standards of our profession.”
For more information about Primerus, call 800-968-2211 or visit www.Primerus.com.
Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. is located at 1060 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. For more information, call 643-4900 or e-mail bbivins@bhpalaw.com.
MTV Nails & Spa Now Open
MTV Nail salon, located at 2058 Badlands Dr. in Brandon, near Borders and Buffalo Wild Wings, is now open with services like UV gel, manicures, Pink & White, pedicures, acrylic nails and waxing. Gift certificates are available. All of their equipment is sanitized. For more information, call 571-9999.
Major retail plan proposed
A 10-acre parcel of land on the northwest corner of Causeway Blvd. and Falkenburg Rd. is being considered for development. Developers are hoping to get approval for zoning changes from Urban Mixed Use. The developer’s request will be heard by the Hillsborough County zoning hearing master on August 4 and by the Hillsborough County Commission on September 23. The land is owned by Bissett-McGrath Independence Partnership. The developer, RBI Development Group, is hoping the changes will allow them to build an 80,000 sq. ft. building of retail space and one or two out-parcels.
The Pizza Pie reveals new menu items
The Pizza Pie, located within Albertson’s Shopping Plaza on Bloomingdale Ave. and Providence Rd., is revealing new menu items such as a sausage grinder, an individual 8-inch pizza and the usual specialties like specialty pizzas, Stromboli and calzones as well as chicken wings, chicken tenders and Philly cheese steak sandwiches.
“Come join us for lunch or dinner seven days a week,” said Mark D. Grotheer, owner of The Pizza Pie.
The Pizza Pie is located at 10839 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. It is open Monday- Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday, 12 Noon- 9 p.m. For more information or to order delivery, call 689-4664.
Foundation announces new executive director
The Greater Brandon Community Foundation announces Diana Niles as the new executive director.
“We spent a considerable amount of time trying to find the best fit for our organization. I am quite confident that Diana’s past experience in a not-for-profit setting, her skill set and her passion for our mission will allow her to be extremely successful in this role,” said Foundation Chair Mike Fencel.
“I truly believe in the mission of the Brandon Foundation, improving the quality of life and shaping the future of our community,” stated Niles. “Brandon is my neighborhood and community service is my passion. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work for an organization whose sole purpose is to make a difference in the Greater Brandon community.”
Niles formerly served at the YMCA for the past 15 years, spending the last several years with Campo YMCA where she focused on fundraising and coordinating with volunteers for the Annual Giving Campaign.
“Diana has handled various duties while she was employed at the YMCA that will be similar to her new role,” said Foundation President Anne Nymark. “We are thrilled to have Diana join our team. She will be very helpful in facilitating the development of policy and procedures, creating budgets and business plans, writing grants and recruiting of volunteers to support the Foundation mission.”
If you wish to congratulate Niles, you can call her at 661-8683. If you would like to learn more about the Greater Brandon Community Foundation, you can visit the Foundation’s Website at www.brandonfoundation.com
Events at Winthrop
The Winthrop/Bloomingdale Business Council will host a quarterly Evening Fest on Wednesday, July 30, at 5:30 p.m. at the Winthrop Marketplace at the corner of Providence Rd. and Bloomingdale Ave. Bring the family and your dog! The Evening Fest coincides with Happy Paws and Tails’ Yappy Hour between Mojitios Latin Café and Starbucks. If you are a vendor on Bloomingdale Ave., you can have a table at the fest at no charge. Contact Billie Smith at 661-2438 for booth space. For more information, please contact Allison Braden at 689-1221, ext. 36.
Fast Dryer Vent Cleaning
Eleven-year Riverview resident Kenneth Taylor opened his new dryer cleaning business in April of this year.
He charges $75 for the cleaning of the dryer vent up through the vent outlet.
His mobile dryer cleaning business hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
“Clogged dryer vents extend drying time and cause an increase in your electric bills,” Taylor said. “Having your dryer vent cleaned annually will decrease your drying time and save you money.” For more information, call Taylor at 643-0045 or 295-3222.
