Bloomingdale/FishHawk
40
May 2023
Volume 22, Issue 5
2
Ph: 813-657-2418
CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
COMMUNITY & SPECIAL GUESTS COME DR. JANE GOODALL MEETS WITH TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE CIMINO BEVIS STUDENT WHO WROTE LETTER By Madeline Gardner
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2118
Everyone dreams “The chances of meeting their that she would hero at one time or be coming to another, whether Tampa and that they are from a fathis would all vorite comic book happen, and we or are a profeswould actually sional in their rehave a chance to spective field. For meet her, it was 10-year-old Vivian like it was meant Knutzen, all it took to be. It was crawas passion and a zy,” said Holland. handwritten letter On March 29, to meet hers. Knutzen and Knutzen’s fasHolland arrived Vivian Knutzen met Dr. Jane Goodall before the cination with Dr. at the Tampa start of the primatologist’s private lecture at the Jane Goodall began Theatre at 5:15 Tampa Theatre. when her mother, p.m. before the Dawn Holland, gave her a book on the pri- ‘Growing a Compassionate & Sustainable matologist and her life’s work. Soon af- Future for All: An Evening with Dr. Goodter, Knutzen read nearly all the books at all’ private lecture they had been invither local library about Dr. Goodall, even ed to. Escorted to the green room, they checking out and perusing publications were introduced to Dr. Goodall herself, above her reading level. Inspired by Dr. who welcomed Knutzen in with a hug. Goodall’s work, Knutzen, too, has dreams Conversation topics ranged from disof working with chimpanzees in Africa. cussing Knutzen’s dog to Dr. Goodall’s Upon discovering that Dr. Goodall fre- experiences with chimpanzees in the quently visits her childhood home in En- wild. Upon giving Dr. Goodall a handmade gland, Knutzen proposed she write a let- bracelet, the primatologist signed both ter to her hero on how much she admired the first book Knutzen had ever read her work and asking for ways she also about her hero as well as Knutzen’s shirt, could further help the environment and even drawing a chimpanzee on it. animals around the world. Sending the At 7 p.m., Knutzen and Holland sat near letter on its way in mid-January, Knutzen the stage and watched Dr. Goodall’s lecand Holland did not hear from Dr. Good- ture, which began with a discussion of all’s team until almost two months later. her curiosity for animals and segued to Receiving a call from Knutzen’s school, how anyone can have an impact on the Bevis Elementary, one afternoon, Holland environment and raising awareness. Rewas shocked to hear that the publicist for ceiving a personal letter from Dr. Goodall Dr. Goodall was looking for her daughter. the day just prior to meeting her, KnutExplaining that Dr. Goodall had thorough- zen stated she plans to continue writing ly enjoyed Knutzen’s letter and was going to her in the future, especially after this to be in Tampa the following week, the inspiring experience. publicist extended an invitation for Knu“I think it just feels like she can make tzen to meet her idol in person. Waiting anyone love animals,” said Knutzen. “ until her daughter arrived home from She just has this special thing where school that afternoon, Holland surprised she can make you want to help the enviKnutzen with the news. ronment.”
ELEMENTARY’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY
By Jane Owen Cimino Elemenfriends and was an tary School comactive volunteer in memorated its 20th the community. He anniversary on April would have been 6 with a rededitickled to see all the cation ceremony. students at the reCimino, located at dedication. He loved 4329 Culbreath Rd. kids. He loved to in Valrico, opened in hunt, fish and cook. 2002 with Sandra From left to right, school board member Patti He had a booming Frost as principal, Rendon, former Principal Cindy Dowdy (2012- voice, loved to joke and it is named afand tell stories. Pop17), current Principal Joanne Griffiths and former Principal Debby Talley (2006-12). ter Richard Daniel py, as I called him, Cimino. Current Cimino would have said he principal Joanne Grifdidn’t deserve to have fiths described him as a school named after a civic leader and true him. Then he would advocate for children, have grinned, winked education and service. and said, ‘But I’ll take Rosalind (Roz) Creait proudly.’ And we ger and Matt Creager, don’t have the words daughter and grandson to express how proud of Richard, attended he would have been,” the celebration. Roz Matt said. shared memories of Roz Creager and Matt Creager, daughIn attendance at ter and grandson of Richard Cimino. her dad and a poem the celebration were that inspired him. former Principal Cindy “If (my) dad Dowdy (2012-17), former were here with Principal Debby Talley us today, with a (2006-12), school board big teasing smile, member Patti Rendon, he would say, ‘This Region 4 Superintenis my school, and dent Jaime Gerding and these are my kids,’” many teachers and staff Roz said. from the inauguThe celebration began with ral year of a surprise performance by the school. the Bloomingdale Senior High After the School Drumline. It included a c e r e m o n y, presentation of colors by Cimithese special no students; performances by guests were the Cimino choir; a message invited to a from school board member Patti reception in Rendon; a message from Cimino’s teach- the media center. er of the year, Kara Mara (read by third grader Olivia Campo); sharing of Richard’s legacy (read by fifth grader Colin Kurto); reflections of a former student (Madison SPECIAL NEEDS CHEER .................PG 3 Skonie); a recognition of years of service MOTORING TAMPA BAY ................PG 5 for Cimino faculty and staff; and special CANINE CABANA IS 15 ..................PG 9 recognition to Debbie Coleman on her upEYE ON BUSINESS.........................PG 25 coming retirement. “My grandfather loved his family and PIGTAILS & CREWCUTS .............PG 26
IN THIS ISSUE:
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BLOOMINGDALE BULLS SENIOR NIGHT
Photos courtesy of Jessica Hinson and Kathi Hayes
Bloomingdale High School’s baseball team celebrated their senior night in April. Pictured (L-R): Jacob Magadan, Barry University; Alexander Vazquez, Greensboro University; Tyler Clinton, Daytona State; Robert Rossi, Greensboro University; Dawson Harman, High Point University; Trey Wilson, State College of Florida Bradenton; Andrew Pierce, Webber International University; and Coach Kris Wilken.
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5/31/23
$40 OFF BRAKES Includes Free Brake Inspection Not to be combined with any other offer. Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.
5/31/23