Osprey Observer » Tampa

Eye on Business January Brandon

Jennifer Silverstein — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:53:44 +0000

Japanese Steakhouse Coming To Brandon
Kobe Steakhouse, a chain of restaurants with locations also in Tampa, Clearwater and Orlando, will soon be open on S.R. 60, across from the Westfield Brandon mall. The steakhouse will sit in the same building that used to house Benningan’s, which closed in July. Currently, the only Benningan’s in the Tampa Bay area that is still open is its location in Channelside.
Kobe Steakhouse and Sushi Bar offers teppanyaki, which means table cooking in Japanese, and a variety of sushi rolls and sashimi.
For more information, visit www.kobesteakhouse.com

Storage Center Available For Rent
Self Storage Centers of America, located at 9234 Causeway Blvd., recently held a ribbon cutting with the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce in December and is now open for business and is available to rent.
The facility has a large facility with 546 inside climate controlled units, 60 parking spots for RVs 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 or to rent a storage unit, call 621-7867.

Local Dentist Earns Fellowship in National Academy
At the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s 2008 annual meeting in California, Sanford Schwartz of Brandon was recognized as a Fellow of the Academy.
As one of 282 dentists who hold this distinguished membership, Dr. Schwartz is one of the leading experts in implant care. Schwartz maintains a dental practice at 787 W. Lumsden Rd.
To qualify for Fellowship, Schwartz completed more than 400 hours of postdoctoral instruction in implant dentistry, performed more than 50 implant cases, held Associate Fellow in the Academy and passed the Academy’s Fellow examination. The Fellow examination included a series of oral examinations, presentation of 10 implant cases and review of Schwartz’s professional and leadership credentials.

Local Resident Starts Online Business Selling T-shirts
Scott King, a Brandon resident and staff member at Fox and Hound Irish Pub, has started his own Website selling T-shirts. His Website, http://www.print fection.com/lowbrowscottking, currently sells three T-shirt styles in 31 different colors. The three designs include an eye and heart, a gothic heart and a heart T-shirt, all on sale for $24.99.
Center Has Entertainment for the Whole Family- requested by Shannon

Looking For A Fun Location For A Family Outing?
K Breeze Indoor Putt Putt opened recently on Bloomingdale Ave., offering a Playstation 3 gaming center in addition to an 18-hole miniature golf course.
Owned by John Tierney, the center is available for birthday parties in a private room, with three different packages available, and offers drinks and light refreshments.
Children under 3 years play for free.
K Breeze Indoor Putt Putt is located at 815 W. Bloomingdale Ave. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, 12 Noon-6 p.m. Call 315-9813 for more information.

Dog Gone Holistic Hosts Pet Photo Day
Dog Gone Holistic, located at 5620 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. in Lithia is hosting a Pet Photo Day with photographers, Flash & Co. on Saturday, January 31.
Pet & People Photos will be taken from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. starting at $20 for one 8×10.
Props such as an airplane, motorcycle, golf cart and bathtub will be available and prop packages start at $89.99.
Visit its Website at www.doggoneholistic.biz or call store at 813-651-0842 for more info or to reserve you photo session.

XB-fit Energy Drink Now Open on Bloomingdale Ave.
Are you constantly on the run? Do you always go from home to work, to a restaurant, then to the store, a game or a club and finally back home? And when you do get home, is there so much to do you can’t think straight? Is this your schedule – day in and day out, week after week? Then you probably aren’t as healthy as you should be. Sounds like you need to XB-Fit energy drinks.
XB-Fit Energy is the brainchild of a firefighter and paramedic, Joe Greco of Thonotosassa. He saw an opportunity in the nutritional supplement and energy drink industries.
XB-fit is available in 8.3 ounce cans, with a five calorie, sugar-free option also available. XB-fit also comes in one ounce convenience packs, which Greco said are perfect for your purse or the kid’s lunch box. For more information or to order your XB-fit energy drinks, visit www.xbenergy.com or call 888-611-2348. Orders placed will be directly shipped t your home.

Little Harbor Announces TownHomes
Little Harbor is pleased to announce an exceptional opportunity – the chance to purchase a two or three bedroom townhome in this amenity-rich, Caribbean-style seaside community on the SouthShore of Tampa Bay. A limited number of townhomes are being offered at significant discounts to qualified buyers.
Priced from the low $300,000s, these residences are marina and canal-front, and constructed of reinforced concrete block. Each unit has many design and construction features including expansive terraces, washer and dryer, and oversized, one-car garages and carports. The total AC sq. footage ranges from 1,000 to more than 1,800 sq. feet, with total area ranging from 1,800 to more than 3,200 sq. feet.
Little Harbor is an island-style residential resort on Tampa Bay. This unique seaside village presents an enchanting combination of beach, bay, river and harbor-front residential homes and resort-style residences, along with a colorful mix of amenities that evoke images of a bygone Caribbean lifestyle. The project is being developed by EarthMark Companies, a real estate development company known for creating resort-style, amenity-rich communities.
Visit the Sales & Information Center, located at U.S. Hwy. 41 and Shell Point Rd., call 888-645-9010, e-mail sales@littleharbor.com or visit www.LittleHarbor.com.

Small Business Of The Year Winners Announced

Marie Gilmore — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:45:42 +0000

The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 2008 Small Business of the Year Awards. The annual recognition gala, featuring a red carpet theme, was held in October at The Palmetto Club at FishHawk Ranch. Fifteen area businesses were recognized as finalists at the Chamber’s annual event, sponsored by Bank of Tampa – Brandon Division. Supporting sponsors include Alday Donalson Title, Hanna, Lemar & Morris, P.A., State Farm- Melissa Snively Agent, and The Brandon News & Tribune/ The Tampa Tribune. Dave Mishkin, radio voice of the Tampa Bay Lightning, was the celebrity emcee for the 2008 event. One winner from each of the five categories was announced. Each finalist and past recipients of this prestigious Chamber award were also honored and featured in a video presentation. Nominations were received from the 1,800-plus members of the Chamber and divided into categories based on the number of employees or type of business. Judges reviewed the applications and interviewed the candidates to determine the finalists. The judges made personal visits to the finalists’ places of business, to conclude the judging process and determine the five winners. Award categories include home based businesses, minority and woman owned businesses, businesses with one-five employees, six-15 employees and 16 or more employees. This year’s winners include: Home Based Business Black Diamond Associates, LLC Minority or Women Owned Business Brandon Montessori School at River Hills 1 to 5 Employees Huth & Booth – The Portrait Gallery 6 to 15 Employees i9 Sports Corporation 16 Plus Employees ServiceMaster 24 Hour For more information on this event, visit the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s Website at www.brandonchamber.com or call Jamie Reid at 689-1221, ext. 43.

Community Remembers Fallen Officer

Tamas Mondovics — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:56:02 +0000

“There is not a day that goes by that we don’t think about Ron,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson J.D. Callaway, as he talked about his friend and longtime colleague on the force Ronald “Ron” Harrison, the veteran Hillsborough County sergeant who was killed by a gunman while sitting in his patrol car on his way home from work in Brandon last summer.
That Harrison is greatly missed by many and has never been forgotten was once again evident as the Brandon community came together and made the necessary preparations to hold the Second Annual Memorial Motorcycle Ride for Harrison in early November. The event benefitted MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), an organization that Harrison was deeply involved with while serving on the force.
The event was sponsored by a number of local businesses and organizations in the community such as Harley-Davidson/Buell of Brandon, the Blue Knights of Florida XXVII, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Beef ‘O’Brady’s of Seffner, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the University of South Florida Police Department and the Plant City Police Department.
Callaway said, as it was true last year, this occasion brought together between 200-300 riders and a great mix of people from the community.
“We are more than happy to help and be a part of supporting this annual event on behalf of Harrison, both with our donation as well as offering our store as a kick off point,” said Harley Davidson/Buell of Brandon Marketing Assistant Britni Buss.
MADD Hillsborough County Victims Advocate Becky Gage, also one of the riders — although only on the back of a bike — was thankful for all the sponsors, businesses and individual riders who took part in the event.
“It is a great honor to take part of such an occasion,” she said.
Gage also said that the event was quite timely as the late Harrison was recently named the Top DUI Law Enforcement Individual for 2007 during the National MADD conference held in Dallas, Texas.
MADD chapters around the state regularly hold fundraisers in support of its programs and services. Anyone interested in learning more about fundraisers such as the Annual Memorial Ride for Harrison, which supports MADD Hillsborough County, can call 273-6233.
Anyone wishing to financially support MADD at the grassroots level may mail donations directly to its local chapter. The office of MADD Hillsborough County is located at 1107 E. Jackson St. in Tampa.
For more information about MADD, please visit www.madd.org.chapter/1200.

Zach Treks To Atlanta To Raise Funds

Renee Hobbs — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:47:42 +0000

To commemorate November being National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Valrico resident Zach Bonner is hitting the pavement and walking 280 miles from Tallahassee to Atlanta Georgia. Last year, the 10-year-old took a 250 mile jaunt from Tampa to Tallahassee to raise awareness of the estimated 1.6 million kids that are homeless in our Country and he collected about $25,000 in supplies and money for the organization he founded “The Little Red Wagon Foundation Inc.” Bonner says he has the hike down to a routine of walking about 5 or 6 miles each day, stopping to eat and rest, then walking another 5 or so miles until he and his mother collapse in their Recreational Vehicle each evening.
“The money I raise on the Florida section will stay in the state for the projects my foundation funds for the homeless and street kids” according to Bonner, who adds, “While on the Macon trek that money will go toward building a house with Habitat for Humanity”, and in Atlanta those funds will go into a new project to help underprivileged kids explore their artistic side.
Bonner will be on the road 30 days with the conclusion of the walk on his birthday November 17 and you can follow the progress of the soon to be 11-year-old by going to his Website and clicking on “Zach Tracker.” If you want to contribute any money you can do that too, says Bonner, adding “And you can decide where it goes.” Some of Bonners honors include meeting President George W. Bush, receiving numerous awards for his dedication and hard work through his foundation, and so what could this little man have planned next? Bonner says he is already thinking ahead and “Next year I might do another walk from Tampa to Tallahassee, depending on how this one goes,” and he says he is also trying to figure out how he can walk from Tampa to Key West. For more information about Bonner’s charity you can go to his Website at www.littleredwagonfoundation.com where you can also click on” Zach Tracker” to pinpoint his exact location.

Employee Helps Capture Bank Robber

Jennifer Silverstein — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:44:35 +0000

A local citizen who works at DaSilva’s Coffee House & Roastery, located at 15282 FishHawk Blvd., stopped a bank robber in his tracks in early October.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, Jeffery Gordon Merritt, wearing a striped polo shirt, entered the Valrico State Bank and removed a handgun from a cooler bag and demanded money from the teller. After the suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of cash, he fled the bank into the parking lot.
Once outside the bank, about 100 ft. away, a bank employee followed the suspect into the parking lot and, along with a private citizen, tackled the suspect and restrained him until law enforcement arrived. The sheriff’s Office is not releasing the name of the citizen because she is a witness and is also former law enforcement.
Merritt was unemployed at the time of the robbery and was living at 9411 Chalet Dr., Apt. 1408, in Tampa. Merritt is believed to be involved with two other robberies in Pinellas County. He is still currently occupying a jail cell, and a court date has not yet been set for him.
Debbie Carter, public information officer for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, said that the Sheriff’s Office does not encourage citizens to get physically involved in the prevention of a crime because it does not want the citizen to endanger themselves in any way. Instead, she says, “We encourage citizens to get a good description, direction of travel, tag numbers and vehicle descriptions, anything that would assist in the investigation.”
Carter said that every year, there are numerous citizens that assist law enforcement with descriptions of suspects or suspicious behavior.
“It is difficult to say that the citizen did the right thing since we do not encourage it,” Carter said. “But, in this case everything worked out great.”
For more information, visit the Hillsborough County’s Website at www.hcso.tampa.fl.us or call 247-8200.

Eye on Business Valrico

Kate Quesada — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:26:15 +0000

Sprouts Open on Lithia Pinecrest Good news for parents and children throughout the Valrico area. Sprouts, a play, music and art facility, opened recently on Lithia Pinecrest Rd., just south of the intersection of Lumsden Rd. Sprouts, which opened in the area five years ago, encountered many obstacles while attempting to move into its own freestanding building which kept the business closed for just over a year. “Sprouts is back and stronger than ever,” says Rene Vojnovic, owner and operator. “The new building is designed specifically for the children.” According to Vojnovic, the little white cottage has wall murals throughout, thanks to the work of local mural artist Ann Migowski and is designed for safe play. Classes are offered for children from 9 months to 5 years, with parent/child play-music with colorful, soft play equipment and mats for structured, fun, kid-friendly classes and art classes in a custom-made room with easels displaying the work of the world famous artists. In addition to the Mommy and Me play, music and art programs, Sprouts and Vojnovic obtained child care licensing, allowing Sprouts to offer a new Moms Morning Out each Monday. Children 3-5 years can spend the morning at Sprouts without a parent or caregiver and enjoy music, snacks and art. Sprouts’ classes are already underway. Visit www.sproutskids.com for information including schedule, fees and to register for a free trial play-music class or contact Vojnovic at 653-2233 or 393-9084. Creamery Comes to Valrico Soft serve ice cream fans keep your eyes open in the Lifestyle Family Fitness-anchored plaza at the intersection of Bloomingdale Ave. and Lithia Pinecrest Rd. According to representatives at Toppers Creamery, the soft serve ice cream franchise will be opening a location in the plaza in the next 90 days. Toppers offers high quality chocolate and vanilla soft serve with a variety of toppings to mix in. For more information, visit www.topperscreamery.com and check future issues of the Osprey Observer. Chamber Hosts Business Seminar The Brandon Chamber of Commerce is hosting a seminar this month to help members find balance in their lives during these tough economic times. “Life Balance” is presented by Black Diamond Associates and will be held on October 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Chamber’s TECO Energy Board Room. The cost, which includes lunch, is $18 for members, $12 for Elite members, no charge for Platinum Elite members and $30 for prospective members. The following topics will be addressed in this seminar: life balance truths, balance quadrants, formula for success and closing the balance gap. To register for this Biz Ed 101 Session, contact Amy at 689-1221 or via email at abelliveau@brandon chamber.com. Space is limited. Biz Ed 101 is a professional development program of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Sunshine State Federal Savings & Loan Association. Salon Welcomes New Stylists There are some new faces at the All Me Salon on Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. Talented hair professionals Master Stylist Martie Webb, Advanced Stylist Rachel Weaver, Melissa Haynes and Joe Caglianone, who has 30 years of experience, all recently joined the team at the upscale north Brandon salon. All Me Salon is located at 1263 Kingsway Rd. and can be reached at 651-1213. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Valrico Resident Promoted at Scottrade Scottrade, a leading branch-supported online investment firm, has promoted Valrico resident Brian Courtney to manage its Tampa branch office, located downtown at 1408 N. Westshore Blvd., Ste. 104. As branch manager, Courtney is responsible for branch operations, managing personnel and providing customer service. Courtney began his career at Scottrade nearly two years ago as a stock broker at the St. Petersburg branch office. He has 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. “Scottrade is focused on customer interaction,” said Courtney. “Working directly with our customers is something that I value.” As a leading online investment firm, Scottrade offers a full line of investment products, online trading services and market research tools to help investors take control of their financial future. Scottrade provides customers the convenience of buying many stocks online at just $7 per trade and the support of the largest branch network among online investment firms, with over 350 nationwide branch offices. Named Highest in Investor Satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates, Scottrade is dedicated to exceptional customer service and unprecedented value. Scottrade is also one of the FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America. For more information, visit www.scottrade.com. New Market Offers Fresh Produce From handmade glass jewelry to homemade fudge, there is something for everyone at the new farmers; market, taking place on Wednesdays from 12 Noon-6 p.m. at the Lancaster’s Hydro Farm Produce stand. Vendors’ items, including organic herbs and plants, artwork, photography, pet portraits, shea butter imported from Africa and orchids will be for sale. In addition, visitors can purchase funnel cakes, popcorn, hotdogs, homemade fudge and Italian ices. The stand is located at 5329 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Dog Groomer Comes to You Does your dog get stressed out at the thought of a trip to the groomer? Then let the groomer come to you! Valrico resident Joy Simms, owner of Pampered Paws Mobile Dog Grooming, serves Brandon area dogs with services including baths, haircuts, ear cleaning and nail trimming. “Each dog is cared for one at a time, so that your pet does not sit in a cage for six to eight hours until we get around to them,” says Simms, who started her business at the age of 21. “Being in a loud, strange environment for several hours is very stressful for dogs. Our service is far less stressful. The best benefit is that you don’t have to take two trips to the groomer nor have to deal with the hassle of loading and unloading your pet.” For more information, call 562-PAWS(7297). YMCAs Challenge Corporations This year, the Brandon area YMCAs will take participants on a wild adventure full of mental and physical challenges at the 2008 Corporate Challenge: Survivor! fundraising event. Held on Friday, November 7, from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at YMCA Camp Cristina, a 65-acre outdoor adventure site in Riverview, the event will put teams of six–10 members from local organizations head to head in a day of healthy team-building competition. The Corporate Challenge Volunteer Planning Committee is comprised of Riverview and Brandon area community leaders, including Tanya Doran of Spacewalk of Brandon, Cathy Middleton, Russ Young of South Bay Hospital, David Van Dyke of Gevity, Tyler Niermann of Wachovia and Melissa Poague of Media General. Sponsorships are available, and team entry is $500, which includes all activities of the day, light breakfast, lunch, and a signature commemorative bandana. All proceeds benefit the YMCA’s Building Strong Kids Campaign, which helps make YMCA participation possible for children and families in the Brandon area regardless of their financial circumstances. For more information, call Bryan Beckham at 677-8400. 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. 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 menus 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.

Eye on Business Riverview October

Kate Quesada — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:21:12 +0000

Rita’s Water Ice Opens In Riverview
Looking for a delicious, cool treat? Then head over to Rita’s Water Ice which opened recently in Riverview. With flavors of Italian ice, which are made with fresh fruit in the store ranging from green apple and raspberry lemonade to mango and lemon, old fashioned frozen custard and layered gelatin, the franchise, owned by Riverview residents Lucio and Marleny Rodriguez, has something for everyone.
Rita’s Water Ice Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, is the largest Italian ice concept in the nation and is currently operating in 17 states with more than 500 stores.
“Rita’s signature product is its Italian ice, often referred to as water ice, which is much smoother than a snow cone and combines ice with real fresh fruit; mixed onsite in batches and served within 36 hours,” says Rodriguez, who moved with Marleny from New Jersey two years ago. “Real fruit adds dramatically to the taste of the ice, which comes in over 30 different flavors.”
Rita’s also offers cream ice, Italian ice flavors that, according to Rodriguez, are as smooth and silky as ice cream, in different flavors.
Rita’s in Riverview is open Sunday through Thursday from 12 Noon-9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 12 Noon-10 p.m. The store is located at Summerfield Square, 13149 U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview.
Please call the store at 741-0ICE (0423) for directions or to learn the available flavors of the day.

Fishing Fun At Little Harbor
The popular sport fishing television and radio show, Reel Animals Fishing, which is aired weekly on NBC and Florida Sun Sports, recently filmed an episode at The Resort & Club at Little Harbor in Ruskin.
Captains Billy Nobles and Mike Anderson ventured out into Tampa Bay from one of the Little Harbor marinas and spent the morning of Wednesday, September 3 fishing for redfish, snook and trout.
While the captains fished, the film crew toured the 124-acre Resort & Club at Little Harbor, a Caribbean-style waterfront island resort and residential seaside village, complete with lush tropical landscaping, island-style hospitality and the natural wonders of a waterfront resort. Little Harbor is a full-service AAA Travel Three-Diamond resort which offers its guests a secluded beach, two restaurants, lounge, Tiki bar, tennis, marinas and a bounty of amenities.
The show airs each week in the Tampa Bay area on NBC on Saturday at 6:30 a.m. and again on Sunday at 11 a.m. and on the Florida Sun Sports Network on Friday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. The very popular fishing duo is also viewed regionally in 23 markets and will soon be expanding into the Canadian market. You can also listen in to captains Nobles and Anderson on ESPN radio WHBO 1470 AM on Sunday mornings or log onto www.reelanimalsfishingshow.com.
For information and reservations at the Resort & Club at Little Harbor, call 1-800-327-2773 or visit www.staylittleharbor.com.

New Manager at Self Storage Centers of America
Self Storage Centers of America recently announced the addition of Sheila Burnett as general manager for the new storage facility located at 9234 Causeway Blvd.
Burnett brings a strong real estate, accounting, sales and marketing background to the storage facility which opened in early October.
“We are excited about providing a full range of moving and storage services in a unique setting for local residents, and we are pleased that Burnett will be instrumental in the marketing and leasing for the store,” says Larry Jordan, partner of Self Storage Centers of America, Inc.
Self Storage Centers of America offers climate controlled and standard storage in a variety of sizes as well as boat, RV and vehicle storage. Additionally, a full range of boxes and quality packing supplies are available. This gated facility also features extended personalized access hours and a friendly professional staff.
For more information, call Self Storage Centers of America at 621-7867 or visit www.selfstoragecentersofamerica.com.

Storsafe Opens for Boats and RVs
Looking for somewhere to store your RV or boat? Then look no further than Storsafe, which opened recently in Gibsonton.
“Storsafe is a premier RV, boat and self storage facility,” says Marketing Manager Karin Mundt. “We found that there was a need in the area for covered, enclosed and open RV and boat storage since we have so many boaters in the area.”
According to Mundt, many residents living in communities with restrictions that do not allow storage of boats and RV use Storsafe.
Some of the features at Storsafe include 50 amp services, wash down areas, an air station and a RV dump station. The entire 20-acre facility is built to withstand hurricane strength winds and in addition to the RV and boat storage, the building offers climate controlled and non-climate controlled storage.
“We also provide the customers with moving boxes, locks and a free moving truck,” says Mundt. “We have 24/7 computerized access control for the customers and 24 hour video recorded surveillance, monthly specials, military discounts and senior citizen discount.”
Storsafe is located at 12704 S. U.S. Hwy. in Gibsonton and can be reached at 341-STOR(7867). For more information, visit www.storsafeselfstorage.com.

Triangle Resolutions, LLC Opens Doors
Triangle Resolutions, LLC and owner, Damon Dye LMHC, NCGC, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with the support of the Riverview Chamber of Commerce last month for the new business hoping to help residents seeking life balance.
Dye, a licensed mental health counselor and nationally certified gambling counselor, started Triangle Resolutions, LLC in July, 2007, and recently began serving the Riverview community from his office at 10014 Park Place Ave. off Gibsonton Dr., between U.S. Hwy. 301 and I-75.
Dye has a master’s in mental health counseling and is currently pursuing his doctorate in counseling psychology. He serves as a primary referral for the Florida Council on compulsive gambling, and is board certified in clinical hypnosis to treat clients dealing with trauma. Dye also has extensive experience counseling children from the ages of 3 to 17.
Triangle Resolutions, LLC is proud to open its doors to offer discreet services for a wide variety of life challenges. Hours include evenings and weekends to accommodate all schedules. Consulting services and workshops are also available.
For more information, call 714-6107 or visit www.triangleresolutions.com.

Pulte Nears Halfway Point in Ventura Bay
Pulte Homes is almost 50 percent sold-out at Ventura Bay, its gated community at Bloomingdale Ave. and Gornto Lakes Rd.
“To date, nearly half of the 206 homes have been sold in this 20-acre community that will have 29 residential buildings when completed,” says Scott Campbell, Tampa division president. The community’s amenities – including a pool and cabana – are complete.
Prices start at $156,900 in Ventura Bay, where Pulte Homes has two furnished model homes.
The Montenero model, with 1,715 sq. ft. of living space, has three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It also includes a covered, screened lanai and an attached two-car garage. Pricing starts at $175,900.
The 1,580-sq.-ft. Milan model also has three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, as well as a covered, screened lanai and an attached one-car garage. It is priced from $156,900.
The Montenero features an 18-by-24-foot living-dining area with triple sliding glass doors opening to the lanai. Similarly, the Milan has a 17-by-19-foot living-dining area, also with triple sliding glass doors to the lanai.
Both designs feature three bedrooms and two baths on the second floor, and a powder bath on the first floor.
Sales are being conducted from the Ventura Bay sales center at 10286 Post Harvest Dr. Office hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday and 12 Noon-6 p.m., Sunday. Call 627-9333 for more information.

South Bay Installs Mammography Unit
South Bay Hospital is pleased to announce the installation of a new digital mammography unit at the South Bay Hospital Outpatient Diagnostic and Rehab Center. Digital mammography produces a higher quality image than traditional mammography, during a shorter exam time for the patient.
The image produced by the digital mammography unit is a high resolution image that can be enhanced and manipulated. This means that the physician can zoom in on questionable areas and make adjustments to the image. This technology expands the ability to detect abnormalities and breast cancer in more women.
Digital mammography also allows for less time in the exam room and less time waiting on results. Since the image is instantly transferred to a computer, there is no longer the need to wait on film development. This means patients are able to get their results sooner.
“Waiting for mammography results can be very stressful,” says hospital CNO and breast cancer survivor Terrie Jefferson, RN. “Reducing that wait time for our patients while producing a higher quality image for diagnosis can help ease some of that anxiety.”
For more information about digital mammography, contact Melissa Morgan at 634-0496, or to schedule a digital mammography, call 642-8468.

Serenity Stream Empowers Women
In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness month, Serenity Stream Yoga & Wellness is beginning a Women’s Empowerment series that will continue on through 2009. Judy Shepherd, licensed clinical social worker, and Ellen MacKay, registered yoga teacher, will join together to promote health and well-being through an hour of education and group discussion and an hour of yoga.
The start-up workshop in October will focus on simplifying life, appropriately being named, “I Have Everything I’ve Ever Dreamed of but Why am I Still Not Happy?” In this workshop, participants explore why people become dissatisfied with their lives, despite the fact that they are achieving their goals and appear to be successful. This workshop helps participants develop strategies to really simplify and enjoy life. The yoga section of the workshop will involve becoming aware of and enjoying the subtleties of basic yoga postures, breath and meditation.
Monthly workshops will begin in January, featuring such topics as “Are You a Mess from Stress?”, “Relationship Check-Up,” and “Creating Joy in Your Life.” Each workshop will include an hour of related yoga postures including focus on balance, stress relief, partner yoga and strength building.
Serenity Stream Yoga & Wellness is located at 11954 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. The class will take place on October 25 from 3–5 p.m. and tuition is $35.
For more information about this workshop and other classes offered, visit www.serenitystream.com or call 368-6546.

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.

Local Hair Stylists Open New Salon
Local Hairstylists Maria Elena Martinez and Siriinthip “Tipp” Chanthamart recently opened En Vogue hair Salon in Summerfield Shoppes, located on Big Bend Rd. in Riverview across from the Summerfield Golf Course. With over 37 years of combined experience, Martinez and Chanthamart practice the newest technologies in hair, updating their clients look with the perfect color and cut. Specializing in color design and utilizing the latest techniques, they listen to their clients and can provide a full beauty makeover. Also on staff is PJ Hughes with 25 years of hair styling experience. If you desire a classic look, funky color or anything in between, En Vogue Salon will meet your needs. An exclusive Keune distributor (www.keune.com) affords for a variety of hair products to choose from. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with appointments available by calling 672-3632 or salonenvogue2@yahoo.co.m

Ruskin Hosts The Big Draw

Kelly Legg — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:17:38 +0000

As part of Ruskin’s celebratory 100th anniversary year, the SouthShore Arts Council organized a month-long art event – The Big Draw – to honor its founder, artist John Ruskin. The community founders were influenced by the writings and philosophy of Ruskin, who was best known for his work as an art critic.
The Big Draw is associated and motivated by the international Campaign for Drawing first initiated in Great Britain to honor John Ruskin, who was born in London in 1819 (www.campaignfordrawing.org).
Ruskin’s version of The Big Draw incorporates every medium of art. Traditional art classes such as drawing, painting, photography, watercolors, and landscape drawings were taught by professional artists. Many non-traditional art mediums were also offered such as drawing with cloth, drawing with light, and traditional Chinese brush painting.
Drawing workshops, classes and activities were hosted throughout the month by community organizations, museums, libraries, schools and clubs. More than 14 guest artists participated in teaching classes that were offered for the novice artist as well as for the more advanced. Almost all classes were free of charge thanks to generous donations by the Community Foundation of Sun City Center, Hillsborough County Arts Council, Las Damas del Arte of Tampa, and Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation.
Bruce Marsh, SouthShore Arts Council board member, was thrilled with the overwhelming participation in The Big Draw. “We are delighted that this event is planting the seeds towards a community arts center in the Ruskin area,” said Marsh.
Marsh, who retired after 40 years teaching art and art history at the University of South Florida, taught a workshop at The Big Draw and also assisted in the coordination of the month-long event. “It started out much smaller, but quickly grew like a runaway train,” said Marsh. The event averaged 15 people per workshop, with some popular workshops such as the beginning drawing classes – holding more than 25 people in attendance.
“Our hope is that people will become aware of the value of art and professional art instruction,” said Marsh.
Apollo Beach resident Debbie Van Ore brought her 7-year-old daughter, Olivia, to the “Drawing Club.” This class was designed for children ages 6 – 9 to explore different ways to draw and the opportunity to meet guest artists. “This is a great experience for kids to be taught to draw by a professional artist,” said Van Ore. The children were instructed to start a drawing and pass the drawing to the next person to continue the picture. Each student added their own imagination to the drawing to create one piece of art.
“I love to draw, and we learned how to use our imaginations to draw what we were thinking about,” said Olivia Van Ore.
As part of this initiative, “The Community Mural Project” was a major focus for the month-long art event. The mural was designed and created by community teens and culminated in the painting of a 100-foot by 20-foot-tall mural along the south wall of Clark’s furniture store on U.S. Hwy. 41. This mural will remain on the wall as a benchmark for the revitalization in the Ruskin community.
For more upcoming events being hosted by the SouthShore Arts Council, visit its Website at www.southshoreartcouncil.com.

Valrico September Eye on Business

Kate Quesada — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:44:48 +0000

Creamery Comes to Valrico
Soft serve ice cream fans keep your eyes open in the Lifestyle Family Fitness-anchored plaza at the intersection of Bloomingdale Ave. and Lithia Pinecrest Rd. According to representatives at Toppers Creamery, the soft serve ice cream franchise will be opening a location in the plaza in the next 90 days.
Toppers offers high quality chocolate and vanilla soft serve with a variety of toppings to mix in.
For more information, visit www.topperscreamery.com and check future issues of the Osprey Observer.

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.
Owner Tim Plossl will showcase his new store on Saturday, September 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in a grand opening event featuring racquet demonstrations by Babolat, Prince, Yonex, Wilson and Fischer, food, music and door prizes.
Brands available at the store will include 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 travelling Hawaiian Ice van offering 20 flavors of shaved ice and ice cream.
In addition to travelling 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 Drive 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 its Brandon office, A Touch of Wellness makes out calls for any patients are 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 Stein-Mart-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 661-1414.

Center Has Entertainment for the Whole Family
Looking for a fun location for a family outing? K Breeze Indoor Putt Putt opened recently on Bloomingdale Ave. offering a Playstation 3 gaming center in addition to an 18-hole miniature golf course.
Owned by long-time Valrico resident John Tierney and his 6-year-old son, the center is available for birthday parties and corporate events in a private room, with three different packages available, and offers drinks and light refreshments.
Children under 3 years play for free.
K Breeze Indoor Putt Putt is located at 815 W. Bloomingdale Ave. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday 4-9 p.m., Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m. Call 315-9813 for more information.

New Team Member and More at Integrative Health Solutions
The summer brought some exciting changes to Integrative Health Solutions, formally Family Care Chiropractic, located in the River Hills Plaza.
“We changed the name to reflect the fact that chiropractic is just a component of the evidence-based, non-surgical health care services that we offer,” says Practice Director Dr. Nicholas Cammarata. “Other services offered include massage therapy, soft-tissue mobilization, rehabilitation and nutritional counseling. In our experience, we have found that integrating these approaches often creates a synergy that leads to better results.”
“We have also brought in an exciting, new, FDA-approved technology for pain relief: Class IV laser therapy,” says Nicholas. “It is fast and painless, and it has applications for many different musculoskeletal conditions.”
In addition, Dr. Andrea Cammarata, Nicholas’ wife, recently joined the staff, having graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida in 2006. As a native of Valrico, she hoped to return to the area and offer this healing art to her hometown community. Now she is able to do just that, treating patients on Monday and Wednesday afternoons by appointment.
Mother to 19-month-old daughter Mia, Andrea treats all ages, and she especially enjoys working with pregnant moms who need natural forms of pain relief.
Hours are Monday and Wednesday 9 a.m.–12 Noon and 3–8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.–12 Noon and 3–6 p.m. and Saturday by appointment.
For more information, visit the office at 4341 Lynx Paw Dr., the Website at www.integrate 4health.com or call 868-1138.

Raydiance Offers Tanning and More
The newest location of Raydiance Tanning opened recently on Lumsden Rd. offering seven levels of sun bed tanning, Mystic Tan spray tanning and tanning products.
Founded in 1996, the Raydiance chain has grown from a small nine-bed center to numerous locations throughout Tampa and Brandon including a center at 151 E. Bloomindale Ave.
Trained tanning consultants are always on hand to explain the benefits of tanning, answer questions and help customer chose the right tanning plan and products from an extensive selection.
New customers are eligible for a free introductory tour, skin type analysis and new member special.
The center is located at 942 W. Lumsden Rd. For more information or to make an appointment, call 661-7733 or visit www.RaydianceTans.com.

Mary Kay Rep Attends Conference
Valrico resident Lorraine Meineker joined more than 35,000 Mary Kay independent business owners from throughout the United States and around the world recently at the company’s annual seminar held in Dallas, Texas.
Mary Kay Inc.’s annual Seminar is a business conference held each year in Dallas to educate, motivate and recognize the accomplishments of the rapidly growing Mary Kay independent sales force, which includes more than 1.8 million Independent Beauty Consultants. Mary Kay® products are sold in more than 30 global markets.
Before traveling to Dallas, attendees were encouraged to collect previous pink and platinum Mary Kay® compacts from their customers and bring them to Seminar for recycling. For every compact returned, Mary Kay Inc. will plant a tree, up to 100,000, in the Bitterroot National Forest in Montana and Idaho through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and under the direction of the U.S. Forest Service. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, Mary Kay Inc.’s donation of 100,000 trees is equivalent to half of a forest.
Meineker began her Mary Kay business in 1999 and is currently a team leader. To learn more about Mary Kay, log on to www.marykay.com or call 1-800-MARY KAY (627-9529).

Photo caption: Valrico resident Lorraine Meineker recently returned from the Mary Kay annual seminar in Texas.

Resident Celebrates Memories at Convention
June Murphy of Valrico recently attended the 2008 Creative Memories National Sales Convention, called Showcase, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to discover the latest products, learn new techniques for memory celebration, engage in interactive discussions and celebrate achievements.
“Attending Showcase is one of the best things I can do to help my customers celebrate their memories,” says Murphy, a unit leader. “Every year at Showcase, Creative Memories rolls out the latest and greatest products for preserving and sharing memories and this year was no exception. The new products are wonderful, and I learned lots of new ways to use pictures and tell a story through an album, as a gift or on the walls of a home.”
One of the highlights of Showcase was the announcement that Creative Memories will be supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.® Creative Memories Sales Consultants chose the Foundation to be the company’s charitable organization for 2009.
“Creative Memories has always been dedicated to charitable giving, and we are thrilled that our sales field selected the Make-A-Wish Foundation to be our new partner,” says Asha Morgan Moran, Global President.
Contact Murphy at JFMurphy@tampabay.rr.com or 657-8527 for more information.

Publix Promotes Healthy Eating
An educational and fundraising campaign from Publix Super Markets, PBS KIDS and Produce for Kids, an organization that promotes the benefits of healthy eating and supports worthy causes for children, will raise awareness among kids and parents of the role fresh fruits and vegetables play in a healthy diet during the month of September. For additional information on Produce for Kids, visit www.produceforkids.org or to learn more about Publix, visit www.publix.com.

Port Java Auction
A Valrico coffee shop, which opened in September 2006, is the newest victim of a slow economy when it was forced to close its doors last month. The Lithia Pinecrest coffee shop, located at 3330 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., will hold a liquidation auction on Saturday, September 20, at 10 a.m. All auction items will have no reserve. Auction items available for bid include a complete Point of Sale system with printers, monitors, cash drawers, menu board and speakers, microwaves, refrigerators, espresso machines with grinder feeds, vitamat juicer to pots and pans, chairs, stools, tables and more. As an added bonus, the auction will also include a 1978 Ferrari 308GTS, which has less than 12,000 miles and has been stored in a controlled humidity garage.
The public can view auction items at www.kincaid.com. For additional information, please contact John Harris of Kincaid Auction at 784-3926.

Successful Women of Tampa Bay Seminar
The 11th annual Leaders Light the Way seminar, sponsored by six local chapters of the American Business Women’s Association of Greater Bay Area Council, is being held at Banquet Masters in Pinellas Park on Saturday, September 20, from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. with a continental breakfast and lunch for $25.
To RSVP and directions, please call Dolores Berens at 634-1418. For more information, visit www.aabwa.org or www.abwassouthshore.com.

Help Send Cards To Deployed Troops

Jennifer Silverstein — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:08:47 +0000

Honorary Mayor Tammy Holmberg is teaming up with Stampin’ Up! demonstrator Jeri Fontana to send cards to troops overseas. The pair is holding a card making event on World Card Making Day, Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country club, located at 2721 S. Miller Rd in Valrico.
Holmberg said she became involved in this event because “nothing means more than getting a hand written card in the mail” especially when loved ones are away.
They are planning to make 1,500 cards to send to the troops. The cards will be holiday cards and will be sent over blank for the troops to fill out to their family members and friends. Fontana has been in the Army and has been deployed twice; her husband is currently deployed so she understands the meaning of getting a handwritten card in the mail.
When Fontana moved to Valrico from Colorado last August, she started this as a project with a military spouse support group. “I thought it would be a good way to meet people and give back to the community.”
She met Holmberg through FishHawk Area Networking Group (FANG) when she announced this “round” of dates for cards for the troops. She makes cards for the troops “quarterly,” she said.
Over this past year, she has sent cards for the holidays, Mother’s Day and all occasion cards. The Plant City Juniorettes made Valentine’s Day cards to send over for the troops (not to be filled out by them and sent back). Holmberg approached Fontana after her announcement and said, “We could do something bigger.”
Recently, Fontana received one of her own cards back in the mail from Tom in the 345th CSH. It read, “I put cards where everyone could get one and they were literally gone in one day.”
Sponsors for the event are the Bank of Tampa, Brandon South Rotary, Chick-fil-A and the Osprey Observer; however, more sponsors are still needed with sponsorship levels of $50, $100 and $150.
Also needed are addresses for deployed troops overseas. If you or anyone you know can provide addresses, please send them via e-mail to jerifontana2001@yahoo.com. For more information on this event, e-mail Fontana or call 684-3415.