Rotarians Recap Meeting
Michael Porter, territory manager for Carrier Florida West Coast, South West Territory spoke at the July meeting of the Rotary Club of SouthShore about the recent changes in the heating and air conditioning industry which have resulted in more efficient and more environmentally friendly units. The Rotary Club of SouthShore meets at 12 Noon every Wednesday at the Cypress Creek Golf Club located at 1101 Cypress Village Blvd. in Ruskin. Lunch is $12, and guests and visiting Rotarians are always welcome.
For further information on the SouthShore Rotary, please contact President David Madden at 645-3732. Caption: Michael Porter poses with Mary Ann Wilhelm, president of Wilhelm Heating and AC, Inc. at a recent Rotary Club of SouthShore meeting.
A Regal Affair
The next event scheduled as a part of Mary Ann Wilhelm’s Race for Honorary Mayor of Ruskin is “A Regal Affair,” an evening of fun, food and entertainment which will include an “Artful” silent auction. The evening is scheduled on Thursday, September 25, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and will be hosted by M&I Marshal and Ilsley Bank located at 5461 N. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Apollo Beach. Tickets are $10 and can be obtained from Wilhelm Heating and AC, Inc. or in the M&I Bank Apollo Beach Branch office.
For more information, call 641-1811 or e-mail amadden34@earthlink.net.
Riverview Detachment to Meet
The next meeting of the Riverview Detachment of the Marine Corps League will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, at the American Legion Post 148 located at 7240 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview. All former and active duty Marines, plus Navy Corpsmen who have served a tour with the Fleet Marine Force, are eligible to join.
For additional information, call Jack Skelding at 672-1778 or visit www.mclriverview.org.
Free Educational Seminar for Seniors
A free public seminar covering the pros and cons of the FHA Reverse Mortgage program for seniors age 62 and older is to be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, at the Riverview Public Library located at 10509 Riverview Dr. Refreshments will be provided. For additional information or to register, please call Donna Moore or Janet Brooks at 800-540-3259.
Hormone Replacement Seminar Announced
Learn how Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, presented by Leott Ferlita Wydetic, Pharm. D., at The Compounding Shop, located at 13224 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, can provide safe and effective relief from your PMS, peri-menopausal or menopausal symptoms at a free seminar. Seminars will be held on Tuesdays and Saturdays in September and October, the first to be Wednesday, September 10, at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, September 20, at 10 a.m. and Wednesday, September 24, at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Seating is limited so please call 341-1050 to make reservations or visit www.gotocompoundingshop.com
Educator Nominations Wanted
The Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 wants to identify and recognize America’s best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students. The VFW offers cash awards, commemorative plaques and all-expenses-paid trips to the nation’s capital for these worthy teachers. The VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top classroom elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America’s history, traditions and institutions in grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Nominations can be submitted by fellow teachers, supervisors or other interested individuals. Self-nominees are not eligible. Anyone interested in nominating an outstanding teacher need only complete an entry form and in 350 words or less, describe why they feel the nominee should be selected. All nominations must be received at the Ruskin VFW Post 6287 located at 5120 U.S. Hwy. 41 N., Ruskin, Florida 33572 by November 1.
Please contact Shirley May at 645-3410, e-mail aability1@verizon.net or visit www.vfw.org for more information
Businesses Unite for Apollo Beach Victims
A portion of The Docks Bar and Grill August sales went to benefit the two Apollo Beach victims who were recently assaulted. The business is also taking donations throughout the week to help the women. The following bands have also contributed to the victims: Silvertongue, Lester Freeman and “D” Band and Crossroads Blues Band. The Docks Bar and Grill says thank you to all of you in the community for your support.
For more information, call 610-3826. Anyone with information on the women’s attackers is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.
The Big Draw is Coming
SouthShore Arts Council and community partners are sponsoring a month-long series of drawing and art events throughout the area from September 15-October 11. The SouthShore series includes workshops with visiting artists, mini-classes and the development of a large community mural. The series will end with a community “Draw-In” event on October 11 in Ruskin. The Big Draw-Ruskin is inspired by, and linked to, the international Campaign for Drawing, a growing movement first begun eight years ago in England to honor John Ruskin(www.campaignfordrawing.org).
Visit http://www.southshoreartscouncil.org/bigdraw for sponsorship information or contact Beth Howard at beth@southshoregallery.com or Steve Stancil at 259-6152.
Walk for the Cure
On Sunday, September 28, from 5-9 p.m., Kickin’ Breast Cancer 3-Day Fundraiser will take place with the Pink Cowboy Party at the Sun City Center Florida Room at the Sun City Center Community Hall located at 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. Tickets cost $10 per person.
For more information, call 495-5718.
Ruskin Celebrates 100 Years
As was appropriate, the community of Ruskin celebrated the first 100 years of the founding of Ruskin at one of the last remaining buildings from the early college era. What is now the Ruskin Woman’s Club, the building was built almost 100 years ago for the president of the first Ruskin College Dr. George Mac Miller and his wife Adaline Dickman Miller. It was Adaline who founded the first post office in Ruskin on August 7, 1908. Members of the Ruskin Women’s Club, located at 503 U.S. Hwy. 41 in Ruskin, treated all to sweet tea and homemade cookies. Visitors were able to view the historic home and see various displays set up for the occasion and to hear short talks about the history of Ruskin. To a packed house, Dr. “Mac” Miller, grandson of Dr. George Miller, regaled the audience with stories about the early days of the Ruskin Community. Noted local paleontologist Frank Garcia talked about the very early days of Ruskin when giant cats and elephant-like creatures roamed the neighborhood. Dr. Diane Alvarez capped off the formal presentations with a talk about the philosophy of John Ruskin which inspired the formation of the Ruskin community and college. The new HCC SouthShore campus, located at 5511 24th St. NE in Ruskin, represents the beginning of another 100 years set to the opening of the college in Ruskin. An American flag donated by the Ruskin Community Development Foundation was raised over the campus by the Color Guard of the Ruskin VFW Post #6287. The National Anthem was sung by RaDaina Crawford of Wimauma. After the flag raising ceremony, the Lennard High School marching band played a few selections for the gathered crowd. Tours of the new campus building capped off the day.
For more information, e-mail fred@RuskinHistory.org or call 298-6028.
Playmania Fundraises for Breast Cancer
Whitney Brundage of Playmania held a breast cancer dinner fundraiser in August and raised $200 with 75 percent of the money staying in the community. Playmania donated its facility, and East Coast Pizza donated pizza towards The Pink Stars captain Vanessa Cain.
To learn of more upcoming fundraising events to be held at Playmania, call 649-8919 or visit www.playmaniatampa.com.
See these and many more local events under community events on www.ospreyobserver.com.
Apollo Beach Celebrates 50 Years
The Apollo Beach Chamber of Commerce is taking reservations for vendors and arts and crafts for the Apollo Beach 50th Birthday Bash celebration scheduled for Saturday, November 15. The event is being planned at Tampa Electric’s SouthShore Community Events Center on Noonan Branch Rd. in Apollo Beach from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Booth space is $30.
Contact the Apollo Beach Chamber for details and applications: 223 Flamingo Dr., Apollo Beach, 645-1366, ABeachcham@verizon.net or www.ApolloBeachChamber.com.
Apollo Beach Chamber Holds Luncheon
The Apollo Beach Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon will take place on Thursday, October 2, at Circles Restaurant, located at 1212 Apollo Beach Blvd., from 12 Noon-1 p.m. Guest speaker Jeff Knott, author of Navigating the HealthCare Maze, will be in attendance.
For more information, contact the Apollo Beach Chamber of Commerce at 645-1366 or by e-mail abeachcham@verizon.net.
Fair Held for Pets
Summerfield is hosting an annual Pet Fair to raise awareness for pet owners during the upcoming hurricane season to be held on September 27 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon on the Community Center grounds located at 13011 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview. The Pet Fair is free and open to animal lovers of all kinds. Stop by to see the latest in pet care needs, products and services from vendors: Adogable, LLC, Pet Services, Aussie Pet Mobile, Big Bend Animal Hospital, C.A.R.E., The Furry Godmother and many more. There will be giveaways, information, door prizes and more.
Call Chelsea for more information at 671-4568.
Gold Star Wives’ Upcoming Meeting
The Gold Star Wives Meeting-Suncoast Chapter meets at 10:30 a.m. every third Wednesday of the month, the next one being September 17, at the Panther Trace II Clubhouse located at 11518 Newgate Crest Dr. in Riverview. Widows/widowers whose spouses died while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States or as a result of service-connected disabilities are welcome to visit and join this chapter.
For more information, visit www.goldstarwives.org.
Call for Artists for Upcoming Festival
The Ruskin Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications from artists and crafters to participate in the 20th Annual Ruskin Seafood Festival to be held at E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin from November 1-2. Applications must be submitted by September 15.
For more information or to obtain an application, call the chamber at 645-3808 or visit www.ruskinchamber.org and follow the link to the Seafood Festival.
9/11 Remembrance
On Thursday, September 11, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this seventh anniversary of one of our country’s worst tragedies. We do this honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms. In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times, and it shouldn’t take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country, and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 75 Ruskin says thank you for your participation. God bless you and God bless America.
Canoe Eco-tour Fundraiser to be Held
A Canoe Eco-tour Fundraiser for Honorary Mayor of Ruskin candidate Dolly Cummings will be held on Saturday, September 13, from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. Enjoy a leisurely paddle along the Little Manatee River – a great eco-tourism opportunity- as you learn about the river and how to preserve our natural resources. The cost is just $60 per couple per canoe; $20 per person if you bring your own canoe or kayak. The price includes BBQ (pulled pork, chicken drumsticks, salads, baked beans and a beverage) at end of a two-hour paddle tour, served in Camp Bayou’s screened pavilion. Limit is 24 participants.
Contact Cummings for more information or to reserve your space at 363-5438 or email at campbayou@yahoo.com.
Quilt Show in October
The Brandon Piecemaker’s Quilt Show will take place on Friday, October 10, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, October 11, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the International Independent Showman’s Association located at 6915 Riverview Dr. Over 100 quilts will be on display, with an auction and pink ribbon opportunity quilt to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the cure. There will be a boutique, vendors, a certified quilt appraiser, a u-pick-it -patch and a concession. Admission for one day is $5 while two-day admission is $8.
For more information, visit http://brandonquiltguild.com.
Women’s Club to Meet
Apollo Beach Woman’s Club’s first meeting is to be held at Doc’s Grill located at Summerfield Crossing Golf Club on Wednesday, September 10, at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at 12 Noon. The cost is $15 and must be prepaid.
For more information about luncheon reservations, please contact Regina Lesnau at 642-3305 or rlesnau@lowrateonline.com.
VFW Hosts School Sock Hop
Riverview Memorial VFW Post 8108 Ladies Auxiliary will be having a Back to School Sock Hop on Saturday, September 13, to help the children in the community. Pull out your poodle skirt, shine up those saddle shoes and get ready for an evening of fun while you twist the night away with music by Jeff. There will be a dance contest, hula hoop contest, a cake walk, best originality of dress and a door prize. Tickets are $7 and include dinner (served from 6-7 p.m.). Bring in school supplies to be donated to an area school and receive a free root beer float. VFW Post 8108 is located at 7504 Riverview Dr.
For more information, contact Norrine Forrest at 677-9559 or Anne Schmidt at 892-0824.
CAPTION (NO PRESS RELEASE): Dr. Stephen Zweibach delivered a 7 lb. 7 oz. baby boy, Ryan, on August 8, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. at Brandon Regional Hospital to Joanna and Carmine Caporaso of Riverview. Pictured above are Christopher, Carmine, Joanna and Ryan.
ABWA Provides Tips on Business Planning
American Business Women’s Association invites residents to its next meeting on Monday, September 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Freedom Plaza Clubhouse on Upper Creek Dr. and American Eagle Blvd. in Sun City Center. This month’s speaker is attorney Astrid Silva, with Owens Law group, who will address succession planning for business owners. Registration is needed by 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10. Dinner cost is $12.50 per person. Members are reminded to bring your donated items for the Mary and Martha House (paper supplies, cleaning supplies, unused cell-phones).
Call Toni at (727) 698-8292 to the reserve your seat. If you wish to invite a guest, please email their name and email address to psmith@hrblock.com. For information, visit www.ABWASouthShore.com.
Become a Catholic
If you are interested in becoming a Catholic, or just want to learn more about the Catholic faith, then join Resurrection Catholic Church for its R.C.I.A (the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) classes at Resurrection Catholic Church located at 6819 Krycul Ave. in Riverview. Sessions will be held every Monday night beginning on September 8 with mass at 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 4, marks the 25th year of service to the community of Resurrection Catholic Parish in Riverview. To celebrate its milestone, the church is hosting a Jubilant Party, straight from the 1940s, from 6-11 p.m. Live bands playing great swing dance music, a stage show, a magic show featuring “Fritzy the One Man Circus” and theatrical presentations from the “Almost Andrew Sisters” and the Theatre Department at Spoto High School will take place along with a seven-course dinner, cash bar and soda fountain. Roast the Monsignor – Hour of Power. For more information, call 677-2175.
St. Anne Blesses the Cross
At St. Anne Catholic Church’s, located at 106 11th Ave. NE in Ruskin, special ceremony, the vigil of the feast of Saint Anne, Fr. John McEvoy blessed the cross which will be suspended above the sanctuary of the new church, located next to the current church on S.R. 41 in Ruskin. For more information, call 645-1714.
South Bay Food Pantry Open
South Bay Community Church, located just south of Big Bend Rd. at 103498 U.S. Hwy. 301, opened its food pantry in August. The shelves were stocked to help feed those in the area that need assistance and several families came by to shop off of the shelves for free. South Bay Church Plans on having the food pantry open once a month and the next date is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. Anyone residing in the local community that needs some assistance is welcome to come by.
If you have questions, please call 677-0721.
Fall Festival at St. Anne Catholic Church
The 2008 St. Anne Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26, and will be held on the church grounds at 106 11th Ave. NE in Ruskin. Activities will include face painting, inflatable bouncers, a dunking booth, bean bag games and many other events, in addition to food and drink booths. On Saturday, clowns will be roaming the grounds most of the day and there will be a fire truck demonstration and lots of special treats for the family. Saturday will end with the preliminaries of the dance contest. The festival committee is seeking Christian bands that would like to perform during the festival. Music must be Christian-based and appropriate for all ages.
For further information, contact Fran Nason at 641-9109.
See more events on www.ospreyobserver.com.
St. Anne Holds GriefShare Series
Another series of the Christian-based bereavement program called GriefShare begins at St. Anne Catholic Church, located at 106 11th Ave. N. in Ruskin, on Thursday, September 11, from 6:30–8 p.m. and every Thursday thereafter. GriefShare is a professionally produced program lasting approximately 13 weeks. At each session, you will view a video featuring personal stories of people like you who are grieving the death of a loved one. After the video, the group will discuss what was viewed and what is going on in group members’ lives. One need not be Catholic to attend.
To register, please call 645-1714. You may also visit http://www.griefshare.org/about/ for more information.
St. Matthew’s Ordains New Priest
Christopher Gardner of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, located at 10701 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview, was ordained to the priesthood in August. The service was a High Solemn Holy Eucharist. Bishop Walter Grundorf, diocesan bishop, administered the Holy Orders according to the Anglo-Catholic Rites of the church. Gardner was a parishioner of St. Matthew’s until his elevation to the Diaconate. He was then assigned to the Anglican Church of the Redeemer located at Hilton Head Island, SC. There he will become the parish rector after his ordination.
For more information, contact Reverend William H. Perkins, Jr., rector, at 663-0334.
Bingo Offered at St. Stephen Church
St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 5049 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico, will host bingo September 11 and 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the church multipurpose room. The cost is $15 for 20 games with a possible jackpot of $250. The dinner special for September 11 is baked ziti, salad and garlic bread for $4.
Call 689-4900 for more information.
Essay Contests, After-School Care Options & More
REQUESTED
HCC Seeks Host Families
Hillsborough Community College is sponsoring another group of 20 international students of the Cooperative Association of States for Scholarships (CASS) Program. The college is still looking for families to host two male students for a period of eight months, who can provide room and board and the meals to the scholars; also with whom the students can best gain proficiency in English as a second language, learn more about the American culture and the local community. The host families also have the opportunity to learn about another cultural background, participating in social and recreational CASS activities; receiving a monthly stipend of $200 for hosting a scholar; gaining new friends from the U.S. and other countries; and gain the satisfaction of helping international students, among other benefits.
If you know people that may be interested in hosting a student, please tell them to call Mery Young at 259-6593 or 924-5825 or email at myoung20@hccfl.edu.
School of Dance Holds Open House
Victoria’s School of Dance, now located at 11958 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, will hold its Open House on September 20, Saturday, 1-4 p.m. within the Boyette Executive Center. Entertainment will be provided by the Spectrum Dance Team. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be for sale with 50 percent of food sales being donated to a charitable organization.
For more information, call 661-1172 or visit www.VSOD.net.
NEW
Essay Competition Announced for Students
The Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 is conducting its “Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition.” High school students have the opportunity to compete in the annual audio essay competition and win thousands of dollars in scholarships, a trip to Washington, D.C., as well as dozens of other awards. The deadline for entries, to be submitted to the Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287, located at 5120 U.S. Hwy. 41 N., Ruskin, Florida 33572, is November 1.
Students in grades six-eight have the opportunity to compete in the VFW’s annual Patriot’s Pen Essay Competition essay and win thousands of dollars in U.S. savings bonds and other valuable prizes. Students begin by competing at Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 level. This year’s patriotic theme is “Why America’s Veterans Should be Honored.” Each essay entry must be typewritten and cannot be less than 300 words nor greater than 400 words.
Interested students, parents and teachers should contact Shirley May at 645-3410 or by email at aability1@verizon.net or visit www.vfw.org for more information or to obtain an entry form.
Zumba Fitness Heats Up at Summerfield
Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms with easy to follow moves that create a dynamic workout which is not only fun and exhilarating but will melt away inches too. For beginners to advanced residents, classes are held every Monday and Wednesday evening from 8-9 p.m. at the Summerfield Community Center located at 13011 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview, free to Summerfield residents. Wear comfortable, cool clothing and bring a yoga mat and towel for floor exercises. No classes are offered on the second Wednesday of each month. Guests are welcome to participate for $5 a class.
Call Chelsea at 671-4568 for more information.
Local Residents Graduate From South University
The following local students received degrees from South University in spring 2008: Willie Addison of Gibsonton received a master’s in business administration degree as a high honors graduate; Abdelmajid Dema of Riverview received a Bachelor of Science in
nursing degree; Dungca Juneli of Riverview received a Bachelor of Science in
nursing degree; and Eniscia B. Khan of Riverview received a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.
For more information, visit South University at www.southuniversity.edu.
Dance Classes Offered at Panther Trace
Jennifer Thomas, who is Florida Dance Masters certified, is offering recreational dance classes at the Panther Trace Community Clubhouse, located at 12515 Bramfield Dr. in Riverview, this fall. Those age 4 to adult are invited to join the fun. Jazz is offered on Mondays from 6-7 p.m. for ages 6-10. Hip Hop is offered on Mondays from 7-8 p.m. for ages 6-10 and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. for ages 11 and up. Adult Jazz/Hip Hop is on Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. Those ages 4-6 can enjoy a combination class on Saturday mornings from 9-10 a.m.
For more information or to register, visit www.msjsdance.com or call 671-8899.
V.F.W. Seeks King and Queen for Parade
Again this year, the Ruskin Memorial V.F.W. Post #6287 is launching an essay contest which is open to all local third-fifth grade students. Each contestant is required to write an essay entitled “What it Means to be an American” and submit the written essay to Shirley May, 1028 Apollo Beach Blvd., 113, Apollo Beach, FL 33572. Each essay is required to be between 50 to 100 words in length and must describe each student’s personal viewpoint. The deadline for entry is October 22. All essays will be judged and the winners notified by October 29. The Buddy Poppy King and Buddy Poppy Queen as well as their runner-ups will ride in the Veteran’s Day Parade which will be held on November 8. The Buddy Poppy King and Queen will receive further recognition at the Award’s Presentation Ceremony at the V.F.W. following the parade, where the winners will be presented a savings bond, sash, crown, etc.
For additional information, contact Dianna Feiler at 634-8740 or email diannafeiler@wmconnect.com or Shirley May at 645-3410 or email aability1@verizon.net.
Free Activities for the Family
The Ruskin Family Support & Resource Center, located at 201 14th Ave. S.E., will offer the following free programs in the month of September: Germaine the Germ Thing, a 45-minute interactive educational program to the world of germs and disease prevention for children ages 3 and up will be held on Tuesday, September 9, from 7-8 p.m.; and Family Movie Day, featuring “Alvin and The Chipmunks,’’ will be held on September 13, from 12 Noon-3 p.m.
For more information, call 641-5600 or visit www.familysupporthc.org.
TechPlayzone Offers After-School Care
TechPlayzone, a popular science and technology center for kids in Riverview, provides enrichment for kids ages 5-13. TechPlayzone is a safe, educational, and enriching option for young people in kindergarten through seventh grade. After-school youngsters enjoy a snack, receive homework help and then participate in hands-on, high-tech activities with drop-off at 2:45 p.m. and pickup at 6:30 p.m. Transportation is provided for those students who attend the program a minimum of two days per week. TechPlayzone also offers discounts for families with multiple children attending the after-school program. As an added benefit, during summer, winter break and spring break, TechPlayzone after-school participants pay a fraction of the cost for science and technology camp. The costs range from $35-$90 per week.
For more information, call 684-7329 or visit www.techplayzone.com/techplay.
Girl Scouts Team Up With Camp Bayou
Ambassador Girl Scout Janet Zicht, of Troop 966 is teaming up with Camp Bayou of Ruskin for her Girl Scout Gold Award Project Linking to the Land…Going for the Gold which promotes Florida eco-friendly landscaping through the use of native plants with an emphasis on water conservation. Free to residents, the event will take place on Saturday, September 27, from 9 a.m.–12 Noon at Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center located at 4140 24th St. SE in Ruskin. A variety of activities for families, the young and young-at-heart, focused on Florida eco-friendly techniques through the use of native plants and an emphasis on water conservation, will be available. Goodie bags will be distributed to all participants.
Register online by September 17 at http://www.idealist.org/en/event/106702-283. For questions, email Janet Zicht at gem0402@hotmail.com and Karen Zicht at girlscouttroop966@yahoo.com. To learn more about Camp Bayou, visit www.campbayou.org.
Reduced Rates for After-School Care at YMCA
YMCA Camp Cristina, located in Riverview, has received a grant to help reduce the cost of after-school care for qualifying area children from limited-income families through the Palm River Youth Development/CDBG program. If qualified for the program, families with incomes below $57,400 may be eligible for reduced after-school program rates based on income and family size. The program runs Monday-Friday until 6:30 p.m. for kindergarten through fifth grade and includes physical activity, games, academic enrichment, homework time, character education, arts and crafts, sports and more. Transportation is provided from Boyette Springs, Riverview, Summerfield and Collins elementary schools to Camp Cristina’s beautiful 60-acre outdoor facility in Riverview.
Parents and legal guardians are encouraged to contact YMCA Camp Cristina at 677-8400 to find out more about program requirements and apply for the program.
School Holds Dedication for Former Teacher
On Friday, August 15, Eisenhower Middle School dedicated a bench and student garden area, outside their newly constructed sixth grade building, to Sandra Bailey who worked at Eisenhower for 27 years. She began as a physical education teacher and later became the assistant principal of curriculum. During her tenure at Eisenhower, she became especially known for her flexibility, working for the good of all students. She had an especially strong commitment to sixth grade students as their assistant principal for many years. As Bailey moves to Burnett Middle School, she will be fondly remembered in this community for her many years of dedication to the students, parents and faculty of Eisenhower Middle School.
Caption: Eisenhower Middle School holds dedication for Sandra Bailey, former teacher and assistant principal.
Local Student Makes Dean’s List
The following student was named to the Marist College Dean’s List for the spring 2008 semester: Elizabeth J. Wilhelm of Ruskin is a member of the Class of 2010 and is majoring in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. Marist is an independent comprehensive liberal arts college with an enrollment of 4,300 full-time undergraduate students from 39 states and seven countries.
VFW Sponsors Essay Contest
The Riverview Memorial VFW Post 8108, along with its Ladies and Men’s Auxiliary, are offering high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, along with homeschooled children, the opportunity to participate in the Voice of Democracy Contest by writing and recording a broadcast script on a patriotic theme competing for more than 2.5 million in college scholarships and incentives. This year’s theme is “Service and Sacrifice by America’s Veterans Benefit Today’s Youth by….” Students interested need
to submit the required entry form, along with their script, to VFW Post 8108 located at 7504 Riverview Dr. in Riverview no later than November 1.
The post is also promoting the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest for students in grades six-eight. Contestants are to write a 300-400 word essay based on an annual patriotic theme.
This year’s theme is “Why America’s Veterans Should Be Honored.” Students need to submit the required entry form, along with their essay, to VFW Post 8108, located at Riverview Dr. in Riverview, no later than November l.
For more information, call Bill Forrest at 677-9559.
Girl Scouts Host Dessert First
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) is pleased to announce its Dessert First Dinner & Auction to benefit the more than 33,000 girls and 13,000 adult volunteers served by the council in its eight-county jurisdiction. The fifth annual event will be held Friday, October 3, at 7 p.m. at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club located at 501 Fifth Ave. N.E. in St. Petersburg. Tickets for the Dessert First Dinner & Auction are $100 per person.
For more information, visit www.gswcf.org. Table sponsorships are also available by calling 800-881-4475, ext. 1792 or cklich@gswcf.org.
Tampa Bay Rhythmics Celebrate 2008
The 2008 Rhythmic Gymnastics season for Tampa Bay Rhythmics was one of the best ever. Overcoming adversities of its new gym still under construction and having to train in various different facilities, the team came away with national champions, junior Olympians and Future Star National Team members. The next event for the team will be the Suncoast Sports Festival, which Tampa Bay Rhythmics will be hosting the rhythmic portion from January 23-24, 2009. Classes will be available for ages 3 and up starting September 2 at its new gym at 6542 Krycul Ave. in Riverview. The team will be offering preschool competitive rhythmic gymnastics classes Monday-Saturday.
For more information on the group’s winnings, contact Tyana Marlowe at 230-5424. To learn more about the preschool classes, call 741-2TBR(2827).
