Osprey Observer » Florida

Stokes Named Buccaneers 2008 Coach Of The Year

Tamas Mondovics — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:51:02 +0000

While Buccaneers fans walked away disappointed after the realization that their team will not advance to the playoffs this year, one fan, teacher and high school Varsity football coach took home much more than just memories from the season’s final game.
Earlier, Bloomingdale High School coach Jason Stokes was named the Buccaneers 2008 Coach of the Year and presented with a trophy and $1,000 for his efforts by Buccaneers General Manager Bruce Allen before kickoff of the Buccaneers’ final season home game.
Formerly a defensive coordinator at Riverview High School, Stokes replaced Corey Brinson, who resigned at the end of the last season in November of 2007, following the Bulls’ final regular season 10-20 defeat to Durant and finishing the season with only two wins out of 11 games.
Stokes, who played football at Oxon Hill High School in Maryland, went on to Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, where he was part of a two-time conference champions team and named All-League Linebacker. He began his Florida teaching and coaching career at Riverview High in 2003.
Understanding his limits at the start of the 2008-09 season with the Bulls, Stokes felt confident about his new role as head coach.
“I am feeling positive about the upcoming season,” Stokes said, but added, “While I know we will have a winning season, the bottom line is that we can only go as far as the kids are willing to go and perform to the best of their ability.”
The Bloomingdale Bulls finished the past season with a 6-5 overall and 3-1 district record which has earned the program its first winning season and first playoff berth in the school’s 21-year history.
“I had a great season, but the work is not done,” Stokes said, adding, “We are eager to start the new season with its changing district line up.”
For more information about the Bloomingdale High School athletic program, please visit www.highschoolsports.net.

Florida State Fair Embraces Super Bowl with “Touchdown Tampa Bay”

Jennifer Silverstein — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:07:03 +0000

It’s just about time for Fair time! The Florida State Fair will be back in town before you know it. The fair will run this year from February 5-16. Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and closing time varies by the day of the week and weather conditions.
This year there will be five armband days, February 6, 8, 13, 15 and 16.
“This year’s ‘big event’ should be a lot of fun,” said Paul Wilson, President/CEO of Wilson Media, the company which handles all of the fair’s advertizing and media relations.
Rides and foods are still being secured, and there will be new of each, Wilson said. Food is the No. 1 reason people came to the fair last year, he said.
Wilson said, “Sharks will be sighted at this year’s Fair. A new exhibit, Shark Encounter is very interesting. But it’s educational and exciting for Fair-goers.”
“Yep, someone swims with the sharks, ‘live’ at the Fair,” he said.
Elvis impersonators will shake, rattle and roll in as the Elvis Extravaganza returns. Also, new this year, a Vegas-style show is coming called Glitz, A Tribute to halftime shows.
Opening day, Thursday, February 5, after 3 p.m., you can save 33 percent off regular price of an armband at $20 each armband. No advance sales; must be purchased at a Fair Midway booth inside the Fair.
Student days Friday, February 6 and Monday, February 16, students ages 12 through 12th grade can get into the fair for $6, children ages 6-11 for $5. This student discount on gate admission can only be purchased at the entrance gate on these fair days.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a box of pens and/or pencils to benefit Teaching Tools program for Hillsborough Education Foundation.
This discount is separate from the free admission voucher provided to the public school district students in participating counties. Students must bring their admission voucher and provide it at the entrance gate to get free admission on the specified day.
Hillsborough county public school students will receive free admission vouchers valid for use on Friday February 6.
Senior days are February 10-12, with seniors ages 55 and over getting in for $6; free gate admission is available on February 12 after 4 p.m. This discount can only be purchased at the entrance gate on these days during the fair.
For more information about the 2009 Florida State Fair, call toll-free (800) 345-FAIR or 621-7821 or visit www.floridastatefair.com.

Around Riverview December

Marie Gilmore — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:51:54 +0000

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.

First Big Box Opening In February

Jennifer Silverstein — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:43:26 +0000

The SouthShore area will soon be home to its first department store, Bealls.
According to its Website, the corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates over 560 retail store sites in states across the Sun Belt, from Florida to California, with annual sales over one billion dollars. Since its modest beginnings in 1915, Bealls has grown to be a major employer in the state of Florida as well as a valued asset to all the communities it serves throughout the country.
Director of Public and Government Affairs for Bealls, Bill Webster, said the grand opening for the Riverview Bealls is scheduled for Friday, February 6. “And we are on schedule,” he said.
The first department store in the SouthShore area, the Bealls store will be 80,000 sq. ft. which, Webster said, is one of the larger new prototypes. The store will be equipped with larger aisles and larger shopping carts, as well.
Webster said that the store will have “more depth of product” and will carry a “broader assortment of items pretty much across the board.”
He said that Bealls chose this area because it is a rapidly growing area and that the Apollo Beach and SouthShore areas are under-equipped in retail. “People in this area have to travel through several miles of traffic to get to other locations,” he said. Webster also said he believes this is a good geographical location for the store.
The new store does not yet have an address assigned to it from the post office, however, it is located on the corner of U.S. Hwy. 301 and Big Bend Rd., next to the existing Publix, about one mile from I-75.
For more information, call 1-800-569-9038, Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. or visit www.beallsflorida.com.

Golf Takes Young Athlete To Next Level

Tamas Mondovics — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:56:46 +0000

“I feel comfortable with my decision and I am very relieved and excited about moving on to college. I am looking forward to playing the sport I love at my new school,” said Newsome High School senior Jessica Alexander after officially signing her commitment of attending Coastal Carolina University during a ceremony at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club. A talented athlete who enjoyed soccer as her main sport, Alexander started playing golf when she was 12 years old. After a decision to take some time off playing the fast moving game she decided to concentrate her attention on golf, a decision that changed her athletic career for good. She developed a passion and love for golf and has been training with her swing coach, Shane Gillespie of the Inner Circle of Golf, for the pats four and a half years. While her main strength is driving distance (260-280), Alexander is working on improving her percentage of hitting greens in regulation. Her most recent golf highlight was coming in tied for nineth out of 74 women at the Florida State Women’s Stroke Play Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida at the LPGA International Golf Course. “I am so proud of Jessica and how well she has done,” said Alexander’s mom, Caroline, adding, “This game takes a lot of dedication including practices, five-six days a week. There were many times when Jessica couldn’t do things with friends because of having to get ready for a tournament.” While playing the game she loves, Jessica walks in the footsteps of many exemplary young athletes who make sure that education is not neglected. Well liked by all who know her, she is in the top 10 percent of her class at Newsome High School and has a 3.76 un-weighted grade point average and a 5.32 weighted GPA. “I am planning on majoring in Exercise and Sport Science” she said. Understanding that golf is one of those sports one can play beyond college, Jessica is not shy sharing her goals for the future. “I would ultimately like to play golf professionally and my goal is to earn a top playing spot at Coastal by my sophomore or junior year,” she said. For more information about area high school sports and athletic programs, please visit www.highschoolsports.net.

Council Meeting Focuses On Gang Awareness

Tamas Mondovics — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:40:15 +0000

“There are more than 30,000 documented gangs in the U.S., with more than a million certified gang members,” said detective Mark Wilder, of the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office (HSCO) Gang Unit, during the recently held Bloomingdale area community council meeting. What do these numbers mean for Hillsborough County? Wilder explained that as of the second week of November 2008, the county has 156 documented gangs on record with 3,200 certified members, an almost 50 percent increase in recent years. Gangs and gang awareness are not new to most communities, but with numbers like this, the topic merits attention, hence the reason for the great turnout at the HCSO Bloomingdale substation’s November meeting which is normally held on the third Thursday of each month. Residents, along with local deputies as well as local county officials, discuss important issues pertaining to the community including crime trend, traffic problems or, in this case, gang awareness. According to Wilder, gangs are not illegal in the state of Florida, but gang activity is. Wilder explained that while the state ranked second in the nation only to California, beating out cities like Chicago, New York and New Jersey just to name a few, Hillsborough County is leading the state in taking action to control the problem. “As of October 1 in Hillsborough County, all certified gang members who have been convicted of a crime will be registered and handled similar to the way sex offenders are,” Wilder said. This means that parents and community members will have the opportunity to know about convicted gang members within their neighborhoods. “While registration has already begun, the process of posting the information for the public is currently being worked on,” Wilder said. For now, bedsides the efforts of local law enforcement, members of each community are being encouraged to take the necessary steps in controlling or, hopefully, eradicating gangs or gang-related activity. “But, by all means, do not take matters into your own hands,” HCSO Deputy Pete Maurer said. “That’s when we come in,” he commented. For more information about gangs or to report gang activity, residents are encouraged to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Tampa Bay Area Gang Hotline at 877-Gang-Out (426-4688).

Lithia Pinecrest Road Widening Public Meeting Draws Crowds

Tamas Mondovics — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:17:29 +0000

Hundreds attended a recent public meeting concerning the proposed widening of approximately an 11 mile section of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. from its current two travel lane roadway to a six travel lane roadway, affecting the Brandon, Bloomingdale and Lithia communities from S.R. 60 in Brandon to C.R. 39. Local residents who showed up at the Palmetto Club at FishHawk Ranch to hear more extensively about the project had the opportunity to view maps, elevations, a video presentation of the proposed change, as well as talk to county officials on-hand to address questions and concerns. Hillsborough County, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), has been working on preparing a Project Development and Environment (PDE) Study to consider the proposed widening of Lithia Pinecrest Rd., which according to county officials and many local residents, at this point, is simply not sufficient to handle the traffic. “Portions of this roadway currently operate below the county’s adopted minimum acceptable level-of-service standard,” said Hillsborough County Engineering Division Public Works Center Project Manager William Alford. Alford explained that the meeting was strictly about gathering information and that the improvements are intended to accommodate both existing and future traffic volumes as well as enhance motorist safety and reduce emergency response times. But while area residents in general agree that something needs to be done, just as many were unsatisfied due to the lack of information offered by the county. For starters, county officials were faced with complaints that the video presentation of the project seemed to be short on facts. The hot topic that seemed to concern most included the lack of traffic lights planned for the Valrico portion of the project. “I don’t see how they can talk about safety. It is difficult to turn onto Lithia Pinecrest going north now. How is that going to be better trying to cross three lanes and then merge in to three lanes of traffic without a traffic light,” said Gene Will of Valrico, who has lived on Hummingbird Ln. for the past 40 years and is very concerned about being able to turn northbound onto Lithia Pinecrest once the six lane road project is completed. For many residents the small but problematic as well as infamous, Bell Shoals Road and Lithia Pinecrest intersection just a few yards south of Lumsden was the worry of the day-although not on the agenda for the meeting-the proposed road widening plan will include the turning Bell Shoals Road, into a cul-de-sac, cutting traffic flow from it to merge onto Lithia Pinecrest. That is a big problem for Sue Curd with Curd and Associates who feels that the change would choke or at least alter the volume that her business generates. “I will lose business,” she said. Jim Barfield, also a Valrico resident for the past four decades whose wife Jean became Honorary Mayor of Brandon in1996, was disturbed by the fact that the County took this long to decide on thinking about the roads. “The County has been passing out building permits to developers for years. Now they have a problem on their hands and rightly; nobody is happy,” Barfield said. Good, bad or ugly, the meeting seemed to have accomplished its purpose and as expected could and would not please everyone while provided an opportunity to hear or to be heard. One thing is sure. This project will be done and Lithia Pinecrest Road will be a six lane major artery for commuters even if its success remains to be seen. For ore information about the project or for project updates, public comments and concerns please visit www.lpcstudy.com.

FREE Disney Admission On Your Birthday in 2009

Jennifer Silverstein — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:15:41 +0000

“Spend your happiest day of the year at the happiest place on Earth,” says Disney World’s Website, referring to its Free Admission on Your Birthday promotion. Beginning in 2009, you can spend your birthday at Disney for free. Disney is also offering specials for first time visitors, reunions, honeymoons, anniversaries and more.
Dave Herbst, print managing editor for Disney Destinations/Walt Disney World Resort said, “We realized that many guests come to Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate several years ago when we introduced Magical Gatherings and, more specifically, Grand Gatherings (www.disneyworld.com/grandgatherings).”
“That initiative was launched because we became aware that a significant amount of our visitation was made up of groups beyond the single household – whether it was extended family, neighbors, classmates … any circumstances that forge lifelong associations and friendships,” he said. “In the process of making vacation arrangements for these larger groups, our vacation planners frequently learned that personal milestones and celebration occasions were the impetus for the vacation – anniversaries, birthdays, graduations and such.”
Online registration has already begun for the free admission and will continue through December 31, 2009.
You must be 18 years old or older to register your birthday. If you’re under age 18, you need to have an adult in your household register your birthday for you. And you don’t have to register online as long as you have valid identification, including date of birth, allowing you to take advantage of this birthday offer at the Walt Disney World will-call windows. The reason for registering your birthday online is to save you time. You won’t have to wait while you fill out the forms at the will-call windows.
If you’re age 18 or older, proper ID would be a driver’s license, state-issued or government-issued photo ID or a government-issued passport. If you are under age 18 and don’t have any of the above mentioned ID, an original or certified copy of a birth certificate is required.
For Florida residents, Herbst said, “Considering their relative proximity to Walt Disney World Resort, many Floridians may make a ‘Disney day’ of their birthday in 2009.”
Herbst said, “As guests plan their days or full-scale vacations at Walt Disney World Resort, there are many ways that they can tailor the experience to make it something very individual.”
Some of the ways to do this include a pre-ordered Disney birthday cake that can arrive at your table, decorated and personalized just for you.
Unfortunately, the free admission cannot be used the weekend before or after your birthday. It’s only good for free admission on the ticket holder’s birthday.
This offer is good for anyone over age 3. Children under 3 are not required to have an admission ticket to enter the theme parks.
And this offer is valid for all guests, regardless of their place of residency.
The free birthday ticket may be upgraded to another ticket type on your birthday. However the celebrant is responsible for the incremental cost, and the new ticket may only be used by the celebrant. In addition, the one day/one park ticket is good for 12 months (an option for select guests) and may not be upgraded.
For more information or to register your birthday, visit www.disneyparks.com.

Public Meeting To Discuss Lithia Pinecrest Road Project Development & Environmental (PD&E) Study

Marie Gilmore — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:27:51 +0000

Public Meeting To Discuss Lithia Pinecrest Road Project Development & Environmental (PD&E) Study

Hillsborough County, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), will hold a public meeting to discuss the Project Development and Environmental Study for Lithia Pinecrest Road in the Brandon area.

The Study evaluates the proposed widening of Lithia Pinecrest Road from SR 60 (Brandon Boulevard) to CR 39. The study length is approximately 10.95 miles.
The meeting is being held to obtain your input regarding the location, conceptual design and environmental effects of the alternatives for the proposed project’s needed improvements.

County Staff and representatives from FDOT will be at the meeting to discuss the details of the project and answer any questions residents may have. Please attend, we welcome your input.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 18
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Palmetto Club, 17004 Dorman Road
All meeting facilities are ADA compliant. For additional assistance, please call us.
For more information, please call Steve Valdez, Public Works Department, at 272-5275 (TTY: 301-7172).
Visit us on the Web at – www.hillsboroughcounty.org.

Interns Learn The Ropes While On Osprey Observer Summer Assignment

Marie Gilmore — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:54:50 +0000

Over the summer break, seven students, including college journalism majors, marketing and public relations majors and high school journalists, completed an Osprey Observer internship, a program open to all students interested in learning more about the field and jobs in journalism.
“We love to open our doors and teach students about the opportunities available to them in the field of journalism,” said Managing Editor Marie Gilmore. “And, each time we complete a program, we learn something new, too.”
Interns are asked to commit to 100 hours of in-office training on a flexible schedule. “Our interns leave our program with a letter of recommendation from us, 10 published articles and, hopefully, a new love and appreciation for the field,” mentioned Gilmore.
University of Florida journalism major and Riverview High School graduate Jennifer Smith enjoyed her time at the Osprey Observer and said, “From the internship, I learned that writing is truly my passion and that I would like to pursue a career in print journalism.”
The program, which runs spring break and summers throughout the year, requires a resume and a request, along with transportation and a love of writing. In addition, graphics interns are accepted and given the opportunity to design advertising and supplements for the Osprey Observer.
In addition to writing, photography and reporting, interns are invited to Brandon South Rotary meetings and to participate in community events.
For more information, call 657-2418 or email editor@ospreyobserver.com. Resumes and internships are being granted for summer, 2009.
2008 Summer Interns
Name: Jennifer Smith
School: Graduated Riverview High School, currently attends the University of Florida.
Major: Journalism

“The most memorable story I worked on was about the Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s Cure Kids Cancer Walk. It was an inspiring assignment because I got to work with a great organization and offer my support to a great cause.”

Name: Elizabeth Wilhelm
School: Marist College/University of South Florida
Major: Marketing
“I learned how to market myself as an individual and as a part of an organization and how to create contacts throughout a community. I also learned a lot of interesting things about my community.

Name: Nora Zaki
School: Newsome High School
Major: Journalism and MidEast Studies with a minor in Arabic
“I truly think interning at the Observer for nearly four weeks gave me a larger sense of independence. I learned how to listen intently to the person(s) I’d be interviewing to make sure I wrote down their responses accurately and wanted them to realize that I was truly interested in listening to them. I guess one can say, my perception of the community where I live has somewhat improved.”

Name: Lauren Ashley
School: Brigham Young University
Major: English
“I loved writing about the charm classes held at Center Place because of the interview I had with the teacher of the class. She was the perkiest and, yet, most sincere person I had ever met, and even though I was interviewing her about what she did, she took time to get to know me and really helped me to feel the importance of the classes she taught. I really wanted to be a better journalist and person!”

Name: Luz Ma
School: Savannah College of Art &
Design
Major: Graphic Design
“I was interested in using my time wisely over summer break, besides just working, and developing any skills with computers or design.”

Name: Kasie Anthony
School: University of Central Florida
Major: Marketing with a minor in Communications
“The internship helped me enhance those skills and apply them to real life situations. Just being in the office and experiencing how a business is run was a learning experience of itself.”

Name: Keria Martin
School: Bloomingdale High School
Major: n/a
“ During my internship, I learned the true meaning of the term “prioritize.” Between phone calls for quotes and deadlines for articles, it was really important to priortize the multiple assignments that were given. Sometimes that meant rescheduling an interview to make room for a more important story that had a much closer deadline. I think this will be a crucial skill in my career as a journalist. “