Eco Quest Challenges All Residents
New and improved, the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) is kicking off its Fourth Annual Eco Quest, offering four challenges for residents to choose from this coming spring.
Scheduled for Saturday, March 28, from 8 a.m.-12 Noon at the Alafia State River Park, located at 14326 S. C.R. 39 in Lithia, the Eco Quest has something for everyone. Residents can sign up for one of four events: the Eco Quest, the Eco Mini Quest, the new Ultimate Challenger or the new Nature Walk.
According to Executive Director Stacey Efaw, Eco Quest was created in 2006 because, “ECHO was looking for a way to come up with a fun, different type of fundraiser that would reach out and touch different groups.”
For those in peak condition, the Ultimate Challenge may be the way to go as one must have endurance and stamina to trek this 17-mile challenge consisting of a four-mile run, 10-mile complex bike, three-mile canoe and an obstacle course. The YMCA actually created the obstacle course which will be incorporated throughout all four races.
Those who are in fit condition but want to have a relatively laid back exercise regime for Saturday morning may want to check out the original, 13-mile Eco Quest maintaining a four-mile run, six-mile bike, a three-mile canoe and an obstacle course.
Both events require participants, taking part solo or in a team of two, to fundraise a minimum of $65 or more to cover the entrance fee.
Those with children in tow can enjoy the family-friendly Eco Mini Quest, a two-mile event comprising of a one-mile run, a one-mile bike and an obstacle course, or the Nature Walk, a low-intensity event encompassing a two-mile walk or run – your choice.
Encouraging each entrant to raise at least $30 for the entrance fee, the Eco Mini Quest’s top three winners will be awarded prizes, along with the top three winners of the Ultimate Challenge and the Eco Quest. All contestants will be given a commemorative T-shirt, a goodie bag, an event poster and free breakfast and lunch.
Having raised almost $30,000 over the last three years, this year’s Eco Quest is expected to bring in a colossal $15,000 with over 250 anticipated to attend, almost doubling 2008’s 150 participant count.
This year, the top three entrants to raise the most funds will be recognized through the sporting of yellow jerseys. Also new in 2009, the Grand Prize Fundraiser will be held as a raffle for those who obtained massive donations, with every $500 calibrating to one raffle ticket for the possibility of winning a $2,000 custom mountain bike frame from Quijano Bicycle Company. All are invited to the event’s festivities immediately following the race, with music, food and activities planned.
“It is a fun day; there are four different ‘adventures’ to choose from, so there is something for everyone,” says Efaw, who mentions, “ECHO will really need their help this year. This is a great way to spend time outside with family and friends and help the needy in our area.”
Helped by approximately 90 volunteers weekly, ECHO has been a place of refuge for those in need since 1987, having helped over 100,000 residents in need. Located at 507 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon, the facility welcomes volunteers and donations, such as jelly, spaghetti sauce and canned meat, through the hours of 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monetary donations are also welcome, going towards the purchase of perishable food items by ECHO at a discounted rate. Those who would like to help can mail donations to ECHO or donate online at www.echofl.org.
To register for the Eco Quest, with a deadline of Friday, March 20, visit www.echofl.org. For more information, email echodirector1@verizon.net or call 685-0935. For more information about Alafia State River Park, call 672-5320.
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.
Eye on Business Riverview December
Playmania Adds New Programs
PlayMania, a family owned indoor children’s play and learning center, offering a series of parent-child programs devoted to the physical, emotional and social development of children including open play and classes children from birth to age six, recently added new programs including a dance class, toddler and preschool music and ornament making.
Visit www.playmaniatampa.com or call 649-8919 for more information.
Florist Celebrates New Location
Formerly Apollo Beach Flowers, Riverview Florist opened recently at 9405 U.S. Hwy. 301 S., at the intersection with Gibsonton Rd., in Riverview. Owned by Rick and Jan Crosby, who owned Apollo Beach Flowers for 15 years and Sun City Flowers before that, Riverview Florist is a full service floral store with products including balloon bouquets, silk flowers and fresh arrangements.
“We can do flowers for weddings, funerals, parties or gifts, says Jan, who takes great pride in the flowers, especially the roses. “We pride ourselves on our customer service and stand behind every one of our arrangements.”
The Crosbys have already started making themselves a part of the community through charity work and special deals for students at East Bay High School.
“We are really excited to be here and are looking forward to everyone finding out about us,” says Jan.
For more information, call the store at 677-9700 or visit www.riverviewsfinestflorist.com. For toll free calling nation-wide, call 1-800-525-4438.
Shop Local at CRT
Looking to buy something electronic for someone on your holiday list this year? Then instead of hitting one of the national chain stores, head over to CRT Computers at the intersection of Big Bend Rd. and Summerfield Blvd.
“We sell pretty much everything you will find at one of the big retailers, but with personal customer service and one on one attention,” says Daniel Zell who owns the store with fellow Riverview resident John Delage. “No one gets lost in the shuffle here.”
CRT, which recently celebrated its one year anniversary in this location, is a full retail store offering computer repair and retail, televisions, cameras, MP3 players and much more.
“We recently started stocking security cameras for homes and businesses,” says Zell, who explains that the interest in security cameras has grown in the tough economy.
For more information, call the store at 671-1108.
Legacy Holds Ribbon Cutting
Legacy Venture Group & BuyBizUSA owner Brian Stephens is hosting a ribbon cutting and evening networking event on Thursday December 11, beginning at 5:30 pm.
“Light refreshments, food, live music and fun for all will be available,” says Stephens. “The Beaux Art Gallery next door will be hosting a ‘Your Business & Art’ event in conjunction with the Ribbon Cutting.”
Legacy Venture Group Office is located in the Winthrop Shopping Center at 11256-B Winthrop Main St. in Riverview on the first floor of the Times Building (large white columns) on the far corner in the front, next to the Beaux Art Gallery.
For more information, call 571-7700.
Southbay Hosts Holiday Stroll
The Shoppes of Southbay will hold the first annual South Shore Holiday Stroll on Saturday, December 13. All proceeds will toward helping to stock local food pantries. The event will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the shopping center on the southeast corner of Big Bend Rd. and U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview.
This is a free event open to the public. Guests will begin their stroll at the eastern end of the center where every family will be given a card to be stamped or signed by each of the shops. Each shop will have a sampling or goody for the families. Santa will be at the end of the stroll and will be available for pictures. Once the card is filled out completely the family will be given a goody bag and their card will be entered into a raffle for one of five beautiful gift baskets.
Participating shops include: Smoothie King, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Little Ceasars, Risque, Goin’ Postal, Sweetbay, Great Clips, Sonlight, Playmania, Leslies, Dove Interiors, Planet Beach, New Identities, LeBelle’s, Southbay Auto Service, Game Time, Buffalo Wild Wings, Goodyear and Fifth Third Bank.
Special appearances will be made by Buccaneer Cheerleaders, Lightning Girls, East Bay High School Jazz Band and Krewe of the South Shore Marauders pirates. Girls Scouts will also be available to do all your holiday gift wrapping.
Participants are asked to bring a canned good to assist in this effort.
For more information, contact Jennifer Griest from Southbay Auto at 675-5181.
Self Storage Hosts Ribbon Cutting
Self Storage Centers of America, located at 9234 Causeway Blvd., is hosting a ribbon cutting with the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce on December 16 at 12 Noon.
The facility, which opened in October, has 546 climate-controlled units, 60 parking spots for RV’s and boats as well as 80 outside non-climate controlled units that range from 10×20 to 10×40.
“Our facility has drive up storage units, RV/boat parking, free truck and driver with move-in, boxes and packing supplies and state of the art security,” says General Manager Sheila Burnett. “We are considered a Class “A” Facility.”
Office hours of operation are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday. Gate Operation is 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
For more information, call 621-7867.
Cardel Homes introduces new evening Model Home Hours
To accommodate homebuyers’ schedules, Cardel is pleased to announce new model home hours, effective immediately. The new hours are Monday to Friday, 2–8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday, 12 Noon–6 p.m.
Despite the later hours and elegant decor, evening dress is not required.
Cardel Homes builds single family, multi-family, and resort homes in locations across North America. For more than 30 years, their dedication to quality, fairness, and community involvement has made Cardel a mainstay among serious builders in the cities where they operate. In addition to achieving a reputation for design innovation and homebuyer satisfaction, Cardel is known for their charity and community initiatives. Cardel has conceived of organized, and funded numerous events that bring neighbors together on behalf of worthy causes. Cardel offers models in Starling Water on FishHawk Blvd. and within the Garden District in FishHawk Ranch and in Covington Park, in Apollo Beach.
For more information, visit www.cardelhomes.com.
Planet Beach Celebrates Anniversary
Planet Beach Contempo Spa is celebrating one year in its location in Summerfield.
“Planet Beach Contempo Spa offers an escape from daily stress by offering affordable day spa services that are controlled by the client,” says representative Anne Toro.
New services at the spa include cosmetic teeth whitening by Whiter Image, a Hydration Station, similiar to a vitamin infused steam bath that also used radiant heat that allows pores to open up and skin to become deeply hydrated, a private label nutrition line that includes meal replacement shakes, as well as online indiviualized meal planning, UV therapy (previously known as tanning) and Mystic spray tan.
“We also offer Hydromassage: it uses whirlpool jets heated to 100 degrees that the customer can adjust the pressure and the speed. The water is fully encapsulated so the client does not get wet from the jets,” says Toro. “We also offer photo rejuvenation via our Rejuvasun bed. LED light is known to help with collagen production, which is what helps plump our skin. This in turns leads to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Planet Beach is located in the Shoppes of Southbay, at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 301 and Big Bend Rd. and is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 12 Noon-5 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, call 741-9280 and for more information, visit www.planetbeach.com.
Author Joins Dolphin Realty
Tommy Lovett, author of Doors Wired Shut, has joined Coldwell Banker, Dolphin Realty, in Apollo Beach.
“Tommy’s drive and desire to help people will bring great value to Dolphin Realty and fit well with our Customer First mentality and we are blessed to have him,” says broker Dianne Allers. “Tommy’s book is a true story about unfair housing practices toward handicapped and disabled American Veterans attempting to purchase a home.”
Lovett joined the United States Army in September of 1982 and was injured in the line of duty receiving an honorable discharge on May 15, 1984.
“Tommy quickly noticed discrimination in housing for Disabled veterans and has become a champion for Veteran housing,” says Allers. “He specializes in Veterans Administration specially adapted housing as well as VA loans and grants for veterans qualified for home purchase. Tommy brings to Coldwell Banker Dolphin Realty the passion to further the cause of veteran housing expertise.”
For more information, contact Lovett at 494-4867.
Ground Brocken at Riverview Hilton
Stacy Snow Feiler of Legacy Venture Group Business Brokers was one of the first visitors at the site of Riverview’s first hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, Tampa South East, which is slated to open in January 2009.
“I saw first hand what the Great American Bar & Grill will look like, heard the echo of the 4,200 sq. ft. meeting space, climbed six flights of stairs to the presidential suite and tromped through construction workers to visit the fitness room, pool, fireplace lobby and two kitchens,” says Feiler.
For more information, visit www.hilton.com.
Free Financial Seminar
United Mortgage Affiliates is offering a free seminar covering financial issues including short sales, how to get 100 percent financing and home buying and selling this month.
The seminars will take place on Wednesday, December 10, and Wednesday, December 17, from 6-7 p.m. and both Saturday, December 13 and Saturday, December 20 from 10-11 a.m. at the Century 21 – Link Realty office at 1517 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.
For more information, contact Michelle Teeter at 300-2522 or Joe Haynes at 781-9487.
First Big Box Opening In February
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. Read more
Event Brings Story Of Jesus To Life
During the month of December, Kings Avenue Baptist Church will undergo a huge transition, continuing its annual tradition of Walk Thru Bethlehem, a live portrayal of the city of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. Read more
Library Celebrates Anniversary with Big Event
SouthShore Regional Library is celebrating its second anniversary on Saturday, November 15, with a variety of programs available for all ages throughout the day. The Friends of the Library are organizing this event. According to the SouthShore Friends of the Library Website, the Friends organization does for the library what the PTA does for schools and the booster clubs do for sports programs. “Basically, library employees cannot raise or handle money, so lucky libraries like this have a ‘Friends of the Library’ group that does fundraisers and raises money for programs beyond the basic ones offered at every library,” said Friends Board Member in charge of programs, Diane Waronka. “It really is another example of Sun City Center retirees that find a cause they like and really offer wonderful time and resources.” Jim Duffy was the founder and original president of the SouthShore Friends group. He held meetings a year or more before the library opened and got corporate and individual sponsorships. Duffy asked Waronka to represent Apollo Beach since it’s a regional library. The board of Friends now meets quarterly. Last year, Waronka ran a Harry Potter trivia contest on the first anniversary and “for the opening ceremony, I organized a ‘Why I like to Read’ essay contest with local schools and had a big awards ceremony,” she said. This year, the festivities will begin at the library at 10:15 a.m. with the Fritzy Brothers One Man Circus. “This really funny program truly appeals to kids of all ages,” Waronka said. “The entire family will laugh at juggling, unicycling, clowning and comedy.” At 11:30 a.m., children will learn the art of cartooning as a form of personal expression. All readers and doll collectors ages 7-14 will do games or crafts based on Samantha, Kitt and other girls from the new series of American Girl at 2 p.m. Youngsters are invited to bring one doll of their own, if they wish. At 3:30 p.m., in the Game Zone, local teens will teach seniors how to play Wii bowling and tennis and then assist in games and tournaments. Also in the Game Zone, Rock Band and Guitar Hero will be available to play. For more information on the SouthShore Library’s second anniversary or the SouthShore Friends of the Library, visit www.southshorefriends.com.
Residents Walk To Fund Project Cure
Together with the Lightning Foundation, St. Stephen Catholic Church welcomes the community to take the “steps” necessary in order to combat breast cancer by joining its upcoming effort known as Project Cure. 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
Eye On Business
Photographers Recognized
Local photographers Edward Booth and Betty Huth, owners of Huth and Booth Portrait Gallery, recently received the Florida Service Award for service to the profession at the Florida Professional Photographers Annual Convention.
“We both were honored to receive the Florida Service Award given for service to the profession,” says Booth. “Receiving this award in just three years is very unusual.”
According to the duo, they have worked together for 18 years to create family portraits with the expectation that they will be handed down from generation to generation.
“We pride ourselves in providing our clients with exceptional portraiture of families and children,” says Booth. “It’s a pleasure that we continue to strive for, that of seeking excellence in preserving precious memories.”
Since moving to the area from California in July of 2005, Huth and Booth have been active members in the Riverview and Greater Brandon area communities volunteering their services to numerous charity organizations, clubs and civic centers. They are also members of the Brandon ‘86 Rotary Club.
The Huth and Booth Portrait Gallery is located at 11711 Nikki View Dr. in Brandon in Lake Brandon Professional Park. For more information, call 571-2100 or visit www.hbphoto.com.
Tennis Store Opens at BSAC
The Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC) is now home to the Brandon area’s first tennis pro shop, The Tennis Shack of Florida, offering a wide variety of products for every tennis player’s needs, from apparel to custom stringing services.
According to owner Tim Plossl, the store will carry brands including apparel by Adidas and Fila and shoes by Adidas, Fila, Prince and Babolat.
For more information, call 315-9810 or visit www.mybsac.org.
New Business Brings Fun to the Streets
Valrico residents James and Josette Delaney are bringing a taste of the tropics to the Brandon area.
The Delaney’s recently opened a franchise of Kona Ice, a traveling Hawaiian Ice van offering 20 flavors of shaved ice and ice cream.
In addition to traveling through local neighborhoods, Kona Ice can be scheduled for private parties or group events.
“Kona has its most fun when they are supporting the community,” says James. “Whether you are a school, a church, or an organization looking for fundraising ideas, Kona Ice is there to help. In a time crunch, don’t worry because under the right conditions we can serve over 200 people in less than an hour.”
For more information, call 484-6595 or visit www.kona-ice.com.
A Massage and Rehab Clinic Opens in Brandon
A new clinical, medical and rehab massage clinic, A Touch of Wellness, opened its doors recently at 915 Oakfield Dr. Ste. A. and celebrated with a Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, August 15.
“A Touch of Wellness, is a massage and rehab clinic with a softer feel which caters to the diversity that is part of what makes Brandon so great,” says Scott Robinson, L.M.T., owner. “We specialize in auto injuries, sports injuries, and any soft tissue injuries. We also offer nutrition consulting, nutritional supplements, and will be adding a chiropractor to the practice within the next 45 days.”
The practice’s two massage therapists are trained in a variety of techniques from Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy and Reiki to Hot Stones and Relaxation massage.
In addition to taking patients at their Brandon office, A Touch of Wellness makes outcalls for any patients not ambulatory and offers corporate accounts.
For more information, please call Robinson or Sharon Aldrich, L.M.T., M.M.P. at 689-7799.
New Store is 4Reel
With fall on the horizon, the temperatures will be just right for outdoor activities like fishing and camping and a new store, 4Reel Fishing and Camping Supplies, which opened recently in the SteinMart-anchored Lithia Crossings Plaza makes shopping for those outings a breeze.
From camping lanterns and air mattresses and fishing tackle and hooks, 4Reel has a wide variety of supplies.
“Our store carries something for every person in the family,” says Cheryl Phelps who owns the store with her husband Mike. “We have fishing and camping supplies for the most experienced to the up and coming.”
Valrico residents who grew up fishing and camping on the Alafia River, the Phelps see the Bloomingdale area as a perfect place for the store.
“The area is so family oriented as well as out going and that combination spells camping and fishing,” says Cheryl.
4Reel Fishing And Camping Supplies is located at 3430 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and can be reached at 651-5151. For more information, visit www.4reelfishingsupplies.com or stop by the store Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Aquali Opens In Valrico
With a wide range of services from master technicians, Aquali Salon and Spa opened recently on Erindale Dr. in Bloomingdale.
“All of our stylists are master technicians, many of whom have furthered their skills by becoming educators for product lines, including Alterna, Rusk, Sexyhair and Scruples,” says stylist Hannah McArty.
The full service salon and spa offers services including hair color, perms, relaxing techniques and hair extensions and spa services including acrylic nails, manicures, spa pedicures, facials and full body waxing.
“Aquali salon and spa is a green friendly environment,” says McArty. “Not only do we recycle, we offer coffee and fruit flavored water in glasses rather than non bio-degradable cups. We are trying hard by taking small steps to preserve our environment just as you are at home.”
Aquali Salon and Spa is located at 3652 Erindale Dr. and is open Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
For more information, call 653-3736.
Cruise Planners Offers Deals
October is National Cruise Vacation month and Sherry Leybovich ECCS, CTA, owner of Cruise Planners, is celebrating with The World’s Largest Cruise Event, offering clients values and incentives on cruise travel to the world’s top destinations.
“The World’s Largest Cruise Event is a celebration where lucky agents like me get to give the gift of great savings on cruises, and our clients are the guests of honor,” says Leybovich. “Best of all, Cruise Planners is extending what is traditionally one special night into an entire week of offers and incentives, so the gifts will keep coming from October 4 to the 10.”
According to Leybovich, a prize-a-day giveaway has been incorporated into this year’s cruise event week where clients can enter a daily contest for fabulous prizes and ultimately be entered into the week end grand prize of a free cruise.
Cruise Planners will host a cruise night on October 6 from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Palmetto Club located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in FishHawk Ranch where clients can learn more about Cruise Planners and the new Royal Carribean Oasis of the Seas, which will be the largest cruise ship in the world when she debuts in December 2009. Representatives from the US Postal Service will be on hand to take applications for passports and to answer questions on the new regulations concerning passports. Lights refreshments will be provided by Bellafia Chocolate Boutique and Lah-Tea-Dah.
Founded in 1994, Cruise Planners is an American Express Travel Services Representative national cruise agency headquartered in Coral Springs, that operates a franchised network of more than 700 experienced travel professionals who independently book cruises and other associated travel. Leybovich has also earned many personal awards and is one of the top franchisees within Cruise Planners. She is currently one of the finalists for home based business of the year through the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call at Leybovich 657-0844, or visit www.cruisesforu.com.
Hospital Welcomes New CNO
“Susan Laber, RN, BSN, MHA, CHCQM, has been promoted to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Brandon Regional Hospital,” says Mike Fencel, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, “replacing Cheryl Goforth who was promoted to CNO at Trident Health Systems, in Charleston, South Carolina.”
Prior to assuming this role, Laber was the Interim CNO for several months, as well as Assistant CNO at Brandon, from 2006-2008. Since her promotion, Laber and her family have relocated from the Sarasota area to FishHawk Ranch.
Laber’s vision for her nursing team can be boiled down to “do what is right for patients first and inspire others to do the same thing. The opportunity lies in providing an environment where patients are the number one priority; use data to make positive changes; challenge the status quo and create a positive culture where nurses want to work.”
For more information, call the hospital at 571-5105.
Bonefish Grill Awarded Top Honors
Consumers have voted and the results are in: Bonefish Grill has been awarded the Platinum Award in the seafood category at this year’s Consumers’ Choice in Chains Awards. Platinum is the highest honor. The annual survey, conducted by Restaurants & Institutions magazine and now in its 28th year, is considered a key measure of success for restaurant chains across the nation.
For the 2008 awards, more than 3,100 consumers were asked to rate 120 restaurant brands on eight customer satisfaction attributes: food quality, menu variety, value, service, atmosphere, cleanliness, reputation and convenience.
“We are especially thrilled that this award is voted on by consumers,” says John Cooper, President of Bonefish Grill. “It means our customers appreciate the lengths we go to in delivering an exceptional dining experience. Congratulations and thanks go to our teams across the country.”
Patricia Daily, Restaurants & Institutions’ publisher, says, “The R&I Consumers’ Choice in Chains awards is a people’s choice award that conveys to the industry and beyond which restaurants have earned consistent business and guest loyalty and why.”
Complete survey results are available through Restaurants & Institutions magazine (www.rimag.com).
For more information and sample menu from the restaurant, visit www.bonefishgrill.com.
Winn-Dixie Helps Hurricane Victims
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. announced recently that customers can help their neighbors affected by the 2008 hurricane season by simply donating at any neighborhood Winn-Dixie.
Winn-Dixie is implementing its “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program in all of its 521 stores as a way to assist the American Red Cross, which has seen its Disaster Relief Fund depleted after an active year of disasters.
The Red Cross provided food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the communities affected by the storms that battered Florida and the Gulf Coast during the past month. Similar efforts across the country have forced the Red Cross to launch a national drive to raise $100 million to keep the Disaster Relief Fund afloat.
Winn-Dixie customers will find “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” donation sheets available at all registers, where they can donate an amount between $0.50 and $500 directly to the American Red Cross. The cashier will scan the Neighbors Helping Neighbors donation sheet, which automatically adds the amount designated by the customer to the total bill.
“Our neighbors face a long and difficult recovery process, and we want to do everything we can to help them,” says Terry Grooms Derreberry, Winn-Dixie manager of corporate giving. “Our hearts go out to those who were impacted by these storms.”
The American Red Cross provides immediate response in more than 70,000 disasters each year through its Disaster Relief Fund. Disasters include fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and tornadoes. Contributions to the relief fund are used to provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to victims as needed.
The Winn-Dixie in the Bloomingdale Plaza at 179 Bloomingdale Ave. can be reached at 681-7337. For more information, please visit www.winn-dixie.com.
