Osprey Observer » University

Eye On Business Riverview/Apollo Beach/Ruskin

Jennifer Silverstein — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:44:20 +0000

Norgard Insurance Holds Ribbon Cutting
In early March, Norgard Insurance Group, located at 809 E. Bloomingdale Ave. # 387, hosted a Ribbon Cutting at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
Norgard Insurance Group offers its clients a variety of benefits the not limited to medical benefits for a group or individual, pre-paid legal, supplemental benefits, life and disability insurance and retirement planning.
For more information, please contact Dwayne Lewis at 928-4508 or via e-mail at dwayne@norgardinsurancegroup.com or Chad Norgard at 454-5072 or via e-mail at chad@norgardinsurancegroup.com
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Tampa Bay Printing Grand Opening
Now located at 501 S. Falkenburg Rd. in Tampa with Tampa Centre, Unit C-7, Tampa Printing will be hosting its Grand Opening with specials from Precision Car Audio (PCA) and The Glass Bandits including full feature car alarms installed for $125 and free windshield installation with full coverage insurance.
It is also offering 35 percent window tint for $100 on any vehicle with a life time warrantee and a free power window motor and regulator diagnostic, a $25 value.
It is also offering 10 percent of your next order of $100 or more from Tampa Printing.
For more information, call 230-9890 or visit www.813TampaPrinting.com.

New Yogurt Shop Open In Brandon
Feel good about supporting a healthier world. Relax your mind, body and soul by escaping to your nearest DJ’s yogurt stop, located at 2946 Providence Lakes Blvd. in Brandon.
The yogurt shop is a self-serve style of natural frozen yogurt in 12 flavors with 33 varieties of toppings and fresh seasonal fruits. It has zero grams trans fat, is low in calories and carbs. Any flavor with unlimited toppings is 0.39 cents an ounce.
It is having a grand opening special of 50 percent off all purchases.
It will be having a raffle drawing giveaway for DJ’s yogurt stop customers, which includes a three gigabyte laptop, two eight gigabyte digital cameras, two eight gigabyte Mp3 players and two $50 gift cards. The final drawing will be March 31 at 6 p.m.
DJ’s Yogurt Shop is located on the corner of Providence Lakes and Causeway, next to Starbucks. It is open Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
For more information, call the shop at 655-9808.

Chick-fil-A goes WiFi
Join the Honorary Mayor Tammy Holmberg at 9 a.m., on Wednesday, March 25 at Chick-fil-A Lake Brandon Village, located at 11325 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon.
Celebrate with owner Paul Holmberg and his staff as they cut the wire for a special ribbon cutting ceremony.
Bring your laptop and try out the WiFi, while enjoying free coffee and breakfast.
For more information, call 655-1237 or visit www.Chick-fil-A.com.

Biker’s Bay
Lenny and Nora Gillespie, owners of the franchise Biker’s Bay, a motorcycle repair shop, are celebrating the business’ one year anniversary. It is the only Ride In/Ride out bike shop in the Brandon area.
They are also members of the Faith Riders at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon.
It is located at 9520 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., by the Sheriff’s Department, three blocks west of Falkenburg Rd. For more information, please call 740-2453 or e-mail noraandlenny@earthlink.com

Computer Help
Providence PC Consulting provides in-house computer, network and application support for all your residential or small business needs.
Owner Jay Drennan started the company after 25 years of experience with computers and related technology. Providence PC Consulting offers a wide variety of solutions, including website design and hosting, data backup and recovery, audio/visual and video production, software training, virus and spyware removal, high speed router set-up and various troubleshooting and repair needs.
For more information, visit its Website at www.ProvidencePCC.com, e-mail Drennan at jay@ProvidencePCC.com or call 393-9495.

Title Company Receives Award
All American Title is proud to announce that it has been notified by its underwriter Stewart Title Guaranty Co. that it was one of its top 10 agents in the entire state of Florida for 2008.
All American Title Company has two offices, one in Brandon at 679 W. Lumsden Rd. and one in the South Shore area at 609 18th Street S.E. in Ruskin.
For more information, call 684-3330 or 649-9740. More information is also available on its Website at www.allamtitle.com.

Liberty Tax Is Just What The Doctor Ordered; Free Tax Preparation for Hospital and EMT Employees
To honor these often unsung heroes, Liberty Tax Service is offering free tax preparation for all emergency medical technicians and hospital employees during the week of March 2-6. The company will offer this service at their Brandon offices located at 231 W. Brandon Blvd. and 10827 Bloomingdale Ave. for first-time customers.
“EMT and medical professionals work selflessly each and every day, saving lives and making friends and family comfortable through times of stress and pain. It’s our pleasure to be able to give back just a little to these individuals who perform life-saving miracles every day,” said Stephanie Nussbaum, general manager and owner of Liberty Tax Service.
Call Liberty Tax Service at 681-5358 if you’re eligible for this promotion, and you’d like more details.

Planet Smoothie Has New Owner, Outlook
Planet Smoothie in Brandon has been in operation for nine years. Eight months ago, Tony Menendez opened Planet Smoothie by University of South Florida (USF) and has enjoyed running this store and seeing it grow. In December of 2008, he was presented with the opportunity to take over the Planet Smoothie Brandon location and was not very familiar with the area. “In taking a good look I immediately fell in love with Brandon,” he said.
Menendez said he is trying to build a new customer base to go on top of the great loyal customer base that Planet Smoothie already has and is actively looking for events, parties and meetings to cater.
He is also trying to educate potential customers out there about Planet Smoothie and its great products. Planet Smoothie uses all fresh fruit in its smoothies and no preservatives. “This is what I feel makes our smoothie such a great tasting product,” Menendez said. “We also have very unique names for our smoothies that stick with you like the ‘Chocolate Elvis’ and ‘Yo’ Adrian’ to name a few.”
Menendez said the USF store is very involved with the community and Planet Smoothie Brandon will be no different.
Planet Smoothie Brandon is located at 11391 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon.
For more information, call the store at 653-9515 or visit www.planetsmoothie.com.

Cuenelli’s Peruvian Chicken
Mayla Cuevas recently opened Cuenelli’s Peruvian Style Rotisserie Chicken with the support of her husband Erick and her sons Kito and Daniel and her daughter Gabriela, who work in the restaurant with her. The Peruvian restaurant first opened in October and offers authentic Peruvian food, cooked from scratch. The 1,200 sq. ft. storefront is complete with an oven that was shipped from Peru. It cooks on charcoal only, using no electricity or gas. “That’s what gets us the great taste of the chicken and is what we are known for,” said Mayla.
Cuenelli’s other popular dishes include Bisteck a lo Pobre, a sirloin steak served with white rice, beans, fried egg, French fries and plantains; Lomo Saltado, a grilled sirloin with onions and tomatoes served with white rice and French fries and Papa a la Huancaina, boiled potatoes topped with spicy creamy cheese sauce. It also serves some traditional Peruvian desserts including Alfajores or Peruvian cookies, flan and cuatro leches or four milk cookies.
The restaurant can seat 40 people inside, with room for approximately 35 on its patio area.
Mayla said that she has been getting requests for Peruvian ceviche and will begin to serve it on the weekends. Cuenelli’s is available for dine in, take out and also does catering.
The Cuevas’ have been local Riverview residents for six years and say they plan on participating in local Winthrop events with the other tenants.
Cuenelli’s Peruvian Style Rotisserie Chicken is located at 6260 Winthrop Town Centre Ave. in Riverview within the Winthrop Town Centre. It is open Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday 12 Noon – 8 p.m. and is closed on Monday. For more information or to place a takeout or catering order, call 681-7773.

Kiddie Kat’s Childcare
A new business recently came to the area, Kiddie Kat’s Childcare, located at 1109 E. Camellia Drive in Brandon
Kiddie Kat’s is a licensed family childcare home and is looking to fill all current openings. The business was opened for two reasons. First, to help parents afford quality childcare at a reasonable price and second, to assist in teaching a strong foundation to our future. “Nurturing Our Future,” is the motto of Kiddie Kat’s, according to its owner and provider Kathi Collins.
The rates are very competitive, and the quality of care is extraordinary due to a low class size.
The following services are offered: structured environment; healthy, nutritious, tasty snacks and meals provided; diapers provided; indoor/outdoor activities; north Brandon/Seffner area, educational development based; daily workout video with Bert, Ernie and Big Bird; infant/toddler CPR and first aid certified; early childhood development certified and babysitting Available.
For more information, call 571-7085 or 918-7772 Collins is also available via e-mail at kathi@kiddiekats.net. Kiddie Kat’s also has a Website at www.kiddiekats.net.

Women’s Care Offers Extended Hours
To make those well women’s visits and paps a little easier for its patients, Women’s Care is staying open late on Tuesday nights in the Brandon office for those ladies who need evening appointments. One Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) will be on-site until 7:30 p.m. seeing patients in May, every Tuesday.
Also, Women’s Care is starting to perform in-house surgeries such as NovaSure and Essure procedures in the office.
Women’s Care of Brandon is located at 731 S. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. For more information, call 681-9171.

The Salon at Remington Provides Professional Services
The Salon at Remington, a Cosmetology program part of Remington College recently opened and held a ribbon cutting at its location at 6302 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Ste. # 400 in Tampa.
The Salon at Remington is a MATRIX signature school. It uses professional products from Matrix, Design Essentials, Pevonia and OPI.
All services are performed by students under the strict supervision of a licensed instructor. The salon functions and provides all services of a full service salon and spa including manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing. Hair services include cuts, color, perms, relaxers, up do’s, braids, hair extensions and many more services.
If you’re interested in starting a cosmetology program, please come and take a tour of Remington’s campus. It has classes starting monthly. Remington also has many other diploma and degree programs. You can reach the admissions department at 935-5700.
The salon is open Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. -3:30 p.m., appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 316-4470.

Brandon Regional Unveils New Cancer Treatment With CyberKnife

Marie Gilmore — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:58:21 +0000

By Kathy L. Collins

Brandon Regional Hospital held a ribbon cutting ceremony in early March and unveiled its newest weapon in the fight against cancer, CyberKnife. For cancer patients and others with benign tumors, the CyberKnife Radiotherapy System allows doctors to focus the radiation with a tiny beam. This allows for a higher dose of radiation to a specific area.
The Medical Director for the CyberKnife Cancer Center at Brandon Regional Hospital is Robert S. Lavey, M.D., M.P.H. He is a Board Certified Radiation Oncologist who graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and earned his medical degree at Stanford University. He also has a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to moving to Brandon to work at the Center for Radiation Oncology in 2008, Dr. Lavey served as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Radiation Oncology at the University of Southern California for 13 years.
According to Lavey, “This is the only machine that uses advanced robotics and image-guidance to keep its radiation beam focused on tumors that move when the patient breathes or shifts position. This allows us to give more radiation to the tumor in a shorter time that conventional radiation therapy.”
With traditional radiation, you have a wide margin of error. As such, traditional treatment ends up damaging a lot of healthy cells, explained Lavey.
While CyberKnife does not replace standard radiation for all patients, it does allow doctors to treat where you could not previously. Lavey explained that a patient who has a tumor in the brain, lung, trunk or spine, can now receive a highly effective dose of radiation to the tumor with minimal effects on the delicate normal cells in the surrounding brain, nerves, and organs.
CyberKnife technology was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1999 for treatment of tumors in the head. In 2001, the technology was cleared to treat tumors anywhere in the body. Worldwide, there are 150 CyberKnife treatment machines in clinical use.
Because CyberKnife is non-invasive and concentrates the radiation to an area close to the tumor, there are minimal to no side effects. Additionally, because the radiation is so tightly focused, the course of treatment lasts one to five days as opposed to one to two months for standard radiation treatment.
“Having the CyberKnife Cancer Center in Brandon gives patients access to the most technologically advanced radiation therapy system in the world right in their community,” notes Melonie Hall, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Brandon Regional Hospital. “They can drive in from their home for treatment daily, and their local doctors can participate in their radiation treatment and offer care,” added Hall.
Patients who want to determine whether CyberKnife treatment is appropriate, can be referred by their physicians or can contact the Center directly at 571-6464 and speak with the Cyber Nurse, Brenda Bailey
Patients in the Brandon area are indeed lucky, as the community has two machines in operation. In addition to the one at the CyberKnife Cancer Center in the Brandon Medical Plaza at 425 S. Parsons Ave., there is one located at New Millennium CyberKnife at 601 Lumsden Professional Ct., Brandon. For more information on the CyberKnife Cancer Center, call 571-6464 or visit www.cyberknifeflorida.com. For more information on New Millennium CyberKnife, visit www.newmillenniumcyberknife.com.

Local Real Estate Agent Ranks Tops On Recent Kenst Report

Tamas Mondovics — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:24:34 +0000

The real estate boom of 2005 and 2006, coupled with the chance of starting a financially-secure and promising new career, enticed many to join the ranks of eager agents. Of course, the subsequent downward spiral of the market has seen its casualties as well, which has included a number of seasoned realtors in the Tampa Bay area.
But, for a number of agents who hoped for more, this is no time to throw in the towel but to use their skills or, in most cases, their natural talents, and be the kind of agent a client would want or need, no matter what the market looks like.
According to a realtor-by-realtor sales totals report, compiled by Tarpon Springs publisher Fred Kenst, the downturn in the business did not affect everyone, including Trish Waller, a leading agent, who simply knows how to keep her business prosper ing.
Waller of Signature Reality Associates, has been commanding respect and standing out among her peers, and has now teamed up with brother-in-law Randy Waller to be recently listed at No.76, of the top 125 selling associates (there are 7,800 licensed real estate agents listed in the Greater Tampa Bay area).
“I live by our motto, “customer service is priority one” because, I know that our customers are truly the life of our business,” Waller said. “Our number one goal is to give the highest service levels in our operating area.”
The Philadelphia native and mother of two Jenna, 7, and Alexandra, 9, relocated to Brandon, FL in 1994 after earning her degree in Sociology from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. She then earned a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Penn State University at Lima.
While pleased with her choice of business as well as the subsequent success in the world of real estate in Florida, Waller mentioned that she is both fortunate and proud to be associated with Signature Realty Associates and the other sales staff, but said that family still comes first.
“I am busy, but I cannot forget that I am also a mom, and that I do have mom duties” she said, adding, “I believe that actually it is just one more thing that helps me appreciate my clients and help them make the best choices.”
The Waller team specializes in residential home sales, short sales, relocation services and rental properties in the FishHawk Ranch, Lithia, Valrico, and now the Riverview and Apollo Beach communities, and emphasized the importance of protecting the interest of her clients, which includes having the knowledge as well as being able to educate her customers.
The purchase of seven full color pages per month divided between three editions on the pages of the Osprey Observer Newspapers, the largest community newspaper in the area, adds to the value of the business.
These ads are direct-mailed to over 70,000 homes in FishHawk-Lithia, Valrico, Riverview and Apollo Beach. They ads are also drop-shipped to dozens of businesses that distribute it as well, not to mention the team’s Web presence, which is massive and is rated among the highest in the industry for traffic, receiving thousands of hits each month and far exceeding nearly every nationwide brokerages local office for web traffic.
“The ball is rolling and now people know us,” Trish said, adding, “I always call back within 24 hours or less or, I can be reached directly at 629-5130.
The Trish and Randy Waller team is currently seeking listings for qualified buyers in the Riverview and Apollo Beach area.To inquire about listing your home, call 629-5130 or visit the website at www.TrishWaller.com.

Stokes Named Buccaneers 2008 Coach Of The Year

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

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

Golf Takes Young Athlete To Next Level

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

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

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.

Interns Learn The Ropes While On Osprey Observer Summer Assignment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RH Holds Season’s First College Signing

Tamas Mondovics — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:38:50 +0000

Known for its high number of students who receive both athletic and academic scholarships year after year, Riverview High School has once again wasted no time to hold its first college signing of the 2008-09 school year.
Continuing in the tradition of parents, friends, teachers and coaches who gather in the principal’s conference room for a festive occasion, the school hosted a college signing for Kayla Webb in September.
Webb, who has played for the Sharks’ girl soccer team, was excited to sign her letter of intent on attending and, of course, playing soccer for Tennessee Temple University, a choice, she admitted was not too difficult to make since she will be joining her best friend Brandy Schock, who had signed with Tennessee Temple University at the end of the last season and began attending this year.
“My coaches and Brandy have convinced me to take this road, and, now, I can hardly wait to start,” Webb said.
Pleased with Webb’s success, Riverview High School Athletic Director Ron Wardlow began the ceremony by sharing his thoughts with those present.
“The greatest joy for a school is to see a student succeed and advance both academically and athletically,” Wardlow said, adding, “We are extremely proud of Kayla and wish her the best at her new school.”
Riverview High School principal Robert Heilman was also proud of Webb and her decision when he said, “I am pleased with your choice, not only of the sport but of the education as well. We wish you a successful future.”
According to Steven Houle, who has coached the girls soccer program at Riverview for the last three years and has now tuned the responsibility over to the school’s new head soccer coach Katie Reed, Webb was essential to the Sharks’ success.
“Kayla is a happy spirit, and I have enjoyed her company on the team. She has played and is capable of playing well in every position. She is a team player and never questioned her coaches. I am honored to have had her here with us,” Houle said.
Webb’s future college coaches Matt Smith and assistant coach Carlos Goncalves were also present during the celebration. While Webb will play-out most of the current season, she will be graduating early.
For more information about upcoming events and future college signings, please call the school at 671-5011, ext. 222.

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.