May 2015
Published for 36 years
Twelve Oaks acorn
Reporter/Editor: Rosemarie Middleton
Editor/Publisher: Kim E. Uhlig 991-7843
TOCA Meeting
&
Volunteer Reception
“…No matter how big government gets, and no matter how many
services it provides, it can never take the place of
volunteers.” (Ronald Regan)
Hillsborough County Commissioner
Sandy Murman, will recognize
Twelve Oaks’ community volunteers
at the May 26th TOCA General
Membership meeting. Volunteers
improve the quality of life for our
residents by performing valuable
public service projects and / or serving
in various community organizations.
Our community volunteers are not
paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are
PRICELESS! Twelve Oaks volunteers include: TOSD Trustees,
TOCA Directors, Neighborhood Watch volunteers, our Webmaster,
and residents who helped with the luminary distribution, holiday
decorating, membership drive, community picnic, community cleanup (Dumpster Day), and the Great American Cleanup.
Pet Resources is responsible for the humane treatment of animals and
public safety within Hillsborough County. Guest speaker, Scott
Trebatoski, Director of Hillsborough County Pet Resources, will bring
residents up to date on services available at the facility. He has been
asked to address problems such as feral cats, barking dogs, and dogs
running loose.
The event begins at 7:00 pm allowing time for volunteers and
residents to enjoy the usual array of good food, desserts, and drinks.
The minutes of the April 7th TOCA business meeting and the current
treasurer’s report will be available. Drawings for door prizes will be
held throughout the evening. TOCA meetings are open to all
residents – homeowners and renters.
TOCA Meeting
Tuesday, May 26th, 7:00 pm
Recreation Center
Morgan Woods School
Team: Twelve Oaks
May 8, 2015
Sickles High School
Relay for Life is a
team event that
celebrates cancer
survivors and raises
funds for the
American Cancer
Society. It is a fun,
outdoor, and
overnight
fundraising event
where team
members take turns
walking around a
track. Relay
represents the hope
that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, those who face
cancer will be supported, and that one-day cancer will be
eliminated. “TEAM: Twelve Oaks” is the Relay team sponsored
by the Twelve Oaks Civic Association. Team leader is Sarah
Richards, who volunteers on the TOCA Board and on the TOSD
Board. The TOCA Board voted to support the team and donated
$200 to the American Cancer Society for the team.
The Relay starts off with a Survivors & Caregivers Walk, where
survivors and caregivers walk the initial lap, symbolizing the
courage that survivors, caregivers and their families display and
sustain in their lives. Opening night, there is a beautiful and
touching Luminaria Ceremony that pays tribute to cancer
survivors and to loved ones who still live on in our hearts. At the
event teams will be selling food, drinks, crafts, and more in order
to raise money. You can also make a tax-deductible contribution
to the American Cancer Society noting that your donation is
supporting “TEAM: Twelve Oaks”. All donations will be used
for cancer research, education, prevention, advocacy, and patient
services.
Stop by Sickles H.S. the evening of May 8 th (starting at 6 pm) and
support “TEAM: Twelve Oaks” and the American Cancer
Society.
2015 TOCA Officers and Directors
Rosemarie Middleton – President
Jeff Berg – Vice President
Janet Owen – Secretary
Chantale Pierre-Louis – Treasurer
Claudia Beran
Marsha Craig
Reggie Henschel
Martha Holmes
Linda Mann
Mercita Ramos
Sarah Richards
Susan Stringfellow
Officers
885-5753
727-534-1679
886-6286
886-1933
Directors
882-0178
886-7323
884-1932
885-4879
886-8193
810-5284
453-0007
280-2496
[email protected]
jeffrey.berg@floridamoves. com
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Twelve Oaks Special District Board of Trustees
[email protected]
Officers:
Rob Edwards, President
884-4321
Rosemarie Middleton Vice President
885-5753
Julie Hirst, Secretary
888-9814
Deborah Presnell, Treasurer
290-8009
Trustees
Stephanie Rose
765-2253
Yves Villard
249-0173
Paul Vogel
574-7485
Sarah Richards
453-0007
Duane Estilette
886-8659
TOSD Meeting
May 13, 2015
7:00 pm
Town ‘N Country
Rec Center
TOCA General
Membership Meeting
May 26, 2015 7:00pm
Town ‘N Country
Rec Center
Please support the advertisers in this
newsletter as it is due to their support
and IKare Publishing, Inc. that the
ACORN is printed and mailed to every
resident in Twelve Oaks.
Twelve Oaks Ad Prices
Call For
Advertising prices
991-7843
Email:
[email protected]
www.ikarepublishing.com
The Twelve Oaks’ Ladies Social
Group will meet for lunch at Village
Inn, 7011 W. Hillsborough Ave.
Monday, May 18th at 11:30 am.
(Note: Date is a week earlier due to
Memorial Day.) We would love for
you to join us. Consider inviting a relative, friend or
neighbor. Interested? Call: Marsha at 886-7323 or
Rosemarie at 885-5753
What reduces property values in a
neighborhood?
 Overgrowth (yard and easements not
cared for)
 Accumulations of junk, trash, debris
 Vehicles, trailers, boats parked across the
front yard
Are you responsible?
It’s time to turn eyesores into assets.
Twelve Oaks.. Page 2
Neighborhood Watch
General Coordinator: Position Open
Email Coordinator: Doreen Clauer
[email protected]
Patrol Coordinator: Ann Carletti
[email protected]
Community Resource Deputy:
Deputy Hugh Alter
(813) 247-0330
[email protected]
Sheriff Emergency Number: 911
Sheriff (Non-Emergency Dispatcher)
247-8200
Twelve Oaks Official Community
Website
www.TwelveOaksOnline.com
Twelve Oaks Special District
P.O. Box 260352
Tampa, FL 33685-0352
[email protected]
Meetings and Business Hours
7:00 – 9:00 pm on the 2nd Wed. of every
month at the Town ‘N Country
Recreation Center, 6039 Hanley Rd
For County Services Who Do You
Call? Contact Hillsborough County at
272-5900, a one-stop county service and
information center! The center provides
comprehensive information and referral
to all government, health, and social
services in the community. It
coordinates government service requests
and handles complaints quickly and
courteously. This office works with all
county departments to ensure you
receive accurate and timely responses.
Hillsborough County Information – 272-5900
TOCA Membership
Dedicated volunteers are walking throughout the community for the
door-to-door membership drive. These volunteers are calling on
residents who have not paid membership dues for 2015. There are
994 homes in Twelve Oaks and we currently have 383 members. If
you have not joined or renewed your TOCA membership, please do
it today. A $10 annual donation (or more if you choose) supports
year-round community events and services that maintain the quality
of living in our beautiful community. Complete the application on
this page of the Acorn and mail it along with your check made out
to TOCA @ P.O. Box 261012 Tampa, FL. 33685.
2015 Memberships received March 12th through April 7th
Ruperto & Dulcie Rivera – Barry
Hazel & Jackie Davison – Clearview
Patricia Mills & Lisa Hargiss – Fairford
Michael & Diana Blamey – Greenshire
Charles & Nancy Hill – Kirkwood
Ralph & Maria Brumfield – Kirkwood
Mario Martinez & German Martinez – Kirkwood
Orlando & Sonia Perera – Meadow
Joseph & Eva Menendez – Meadow
Michael & Frances Harrington – Meadow
Dana Anis – Nova
Gary Esser & Johanna Cintron – Nova
Nancy Hartunian – Oakvista
John & Marga Jones – Oakvista
Margaret Stevens – Sunshine
Shannon Boogades – Sunshine
Katalee Tanasuk – Twelve Oaks
Rolando Gonzales – Williams
Want to Dispose
of That Old
TV?
Please don’t place it street
-side for your neighbors to
look at for days! They are
NOT considered yard-art.
Hillsborough County
Solid Waste reminds residents to recycle obsolete or broken
electronics (including old TV sets) that may contain lead,
mercury, and other toxic materials. They should not be
thrown out with regular, household garbage. Items containing
a digital display or circuit board, including televisions,
computers, laptops, mobile devices, stereo equipment, gaming
consoles, VCR/DVD players and printers, may be safely
recycled at sites that will take them for free. The most
generous way to discard working electronics is to inquire
about donating them to a local shelter, charity, or thrift store.
Additionally, many electronics retailers have free recycling
programs for both working and broken devices. Twelve Oaks
residents may recycle household electronics at the Northwest
County Collection Center, 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave. by
presenting a photo ID. The Center is open Monday through
Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
Twelve Oaks.. Page 4
Twelve Oaks Special
District
Proposed Budget Hearing
Fiscal Year 2015-2016
Minutes
March 31, 2015
The 2015-2016 Proposed Budget Hearing was held at the Town ‘N
Country Rec Center, 6039 Hanley Rd., a Hillsborough County Parks
and Recreation Facility, Tuesday, March 31, 2015. Deborah
Presnell, TOSD Treasurer, distributed copies of the proposed budget
and called the hearing to order at 7:00 pm. She led those in
attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Attendees included TOSD Trustees Deborah Presnell, Rosemarie
Middleton, and Paul Vogel. Dave Presnell, resident-homeowner,
was also present.
Deborah Presnell reviewed the proposed budget and explained each
line item. The annual assessment will remain at $120 per home.
There were no suggestions from those present for additions or
changes. The Hearing was adjourned at 7:20 pm.
It was noted that the proposed budget will be published in the May,
June, and July Acorn and will be on the community website,
www.twelveoaksonline.com. The final vote on the budget will be
held at the July 8, 2015 TOSD meeting.
Respectfully submitted by:
Rosemarie Middleton, Trustee
Happy Mother’s Day
Twelve Oaks.. Page 6
Quality Services Available:
 Weekly Chemicals
 Weekly Full Service
 One Time Clean Ups
*with n
ew mo
nthly se
rvice
813-244-3782
COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SERVICE
EC13001826 - Licensed & Bonded
Joe Cruz
11530 Belmack Blvd. S.
Odessa FL 33556
Ph: 813.901.8185
Fx: 813.884.5060
Mobile: 813.924.0063
Email: [email protected]
problems to people and pets. If they become aggressive they will
have to be removed and killed. Florida Wildlife Commission warns
people NOT to feed alligators or other wildlife near the water or walk
dogs near gators, especially at night or at dusk. If you encounter an
alligator more than 4 feet long or one that poses a threat to life or
property, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
alligator hot line at (866) 392-4286. Alligator Warning signs are
posted on Twelve Oaks Blvd by each pond.
Memorial Day is our nation’s commemoration of
the sacrifices made by those whose lives were put
on the line for the freedoms we hold sacred.
Whether our veterans survived their military
service or were lost on the field of battle our
country owes each of them and their families a
debt of gratitude. This Memorial Day all Americans are asked to
pause at 3 pm for a moment of reflection and think about those
who died to preserve our liberties. The Moment of Remembrance
serves to remind all Americans of the importance of remembering
those who sacrificed for our freedom and what it means to be an
American. Twelve Oaks residents are encouraged to fly the
American flag Memorial Day, MAY 25.
Twelve Oaks Volunteers will be honored at the May 26 TOCA
General Membership meeting. The event begins at 7:00 pm allowing
time for volunteers and residents to enjoy the usual array of good food,
desserts, and drinks. See article on the front page. TOCA meetings are
open to all residents – homeowners and renters.
2015 Hillsborough County Neighborhoods Conference Saturday,
May 9th – Each year Hillsborough County's Neighborhoods Conference
brings together residents, county officials and the business community
for FREE educational workshops, exhibits and more. The Conference
will be held at the Sheraton Tampa East, 10221 Princess Palm Ave. in
Tampa from 7:30 am – 2:30 pm. The conference will feature a variety
of workshops designed to help improve neighborhood safety,
community aesthetics, develop effective communications with
neighbors, help in understanding public and private resources that are
available, and learn how to work with governments to improve the
quality of life. Exhibit booths hosted by county departments and event
sponsors will be set up for participants to visit. Registration is FREE
and includes attendance at three workshops, access to exhibit booths,
breakfast, an awards ceremony, and luncheon. Twelve Oaks residents
are invited and encouraged to participate in the Conference. Register
on line at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/onr and click on the tab for
Neighborhoods Conference or for additional information call 813-2725860.
It’s alligator mating season! Tread carefully
when walking or sitting next to the two stormwater ponds in Twelve Oaks these days. Small
gators have been spotted in the larger pond;
however, residents living around the ponds report
that so far they are not causing any problems.
Gators 4 feet and under are able to wander in and out of the
connecting ponds and canals in the area. Please do not to feed the
turtles or other animals by placing food down by the water. Doing so
encourages wildlife and other animals to gather in an area where
gators may see them as food. Once gators become comfortable with
humans and see them as a food source they are more likely to cause
Twelve Oaks.. Page 8
Town ‘N Country Garden Circle will meet Wednesday, May 6th, at
11:30 am, at the Town ‘N Country Recreation Center on Hanley Road
(next to Webb Middle School). Installation of new officers and the
Circle’s Annual Plant Exchange will take place following a potluck
lunch provided by Garden Circle members. Twelve Oaks green and
brown thumb gardeners are welcome to attend. This is the last
meeting of the Garden Circle until September; however, Circle
members will be working starting and caring for new plants for their
2016 Fall Plant Sale, volunteering at the “Kids In The Garden”
summer camp and for various events at the Tampa Garden Club. For
additional information call Sharon T Cooper (813) 727-2947.
School News: Morgan Woods Elementary School – Activities
for students this last full month of school include grade level Math
Bowls, PTA’s Spring Fling, field trips, the annual Patrol Picnic, a
spring Book Fair, and a Multicultural Fair.
Important dates for parents to remember:
May 5 – 4th Grade Battle of the Books
May 4 - 8 – Teacher Appreciation Week
May 12 – Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night
May 13 – 5th Grade Field Trip – Lego Land
May 15 – PTA Spring Fling
May 20 – PDQ Spirit Night
May 21 – Conference Night
May 22 – Patrol Picnic
May 22 – 29 – Book Fair
May 25 – School Holiday
May 29 – Multicultural Fair & District Robotics Competition
For dates and times of all events, check the Morgan Woods’ school
calendar or call the school office @ 872-5369.
Town ’N Country Youth Council will meet Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00
pm at the Town ‘N Country Regional Library. Twelve Oaks teens
interested in joining and having an opportunity to earn Community
Service Hours for college scholarships and National Honor Society
membership are invited. This month YC teens will have opportunities
to volunteer at Rocky Creek Retirement Village, for the Great
American Cleanup, for Spring Fling at Morgan Woods School, and at
the American Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life” at Sickels High
School. The Youth Council is a part of Hillsborough County Parks,
Recreation, and Conservation Department and is open to all Town ‘N
Country teens ages 12-17 who are attending school. To obtain a
membership application contact Sherry Vennett at 813-624-2753.
Visit the Town ‘N Country Library: Book discussions, computer
classes in English and Spanish, activities for families including
toddlers, teens and adults, and more are offered at our local library.
(NOTE The Library will be closed Monday, May 25 for Memorial
Day.)
► Saturday, May 9that 2:00 accomplished photographer, Bryan
Weinstein shares his passion for both local history and the photographic
arts in this entertaining presentation. He is working on the Tampa
Changing Project, in which he takes old photographs of Tampa and reshoots them in the present day to show the changes that Tampa has
undergone in the last century. ► Become a hometown tourist with
local author Kristen Hare Wednesday, May 13 th at 6:30. Don't let the
tourists have all the fun! Join Kristen Hare as she discusses Theatre’s
presentation of Hansel and Gretel Friday, May 23 at 10:15. The
Continued on page 10
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News In Brief Continued...
her book “100 Things To Do in Tampa Bay Before You Die," which
contains ideas for all the treasures to discover in Tampa Bay. Copies of
the book will be available for purchase. ►“Propagation” will be the
topic of discussion at the Master Gardener program Thursday, May 14 th
at 6:30. During this hands-on presentation, you will learn how to
propagate plants using a variety of techniques, including seeds, leaf
cuttings, root cuttings, woodcuttings, air layering, and division. By
learning basic principles of propagation, you will save money growing
your own plants and have more plants to share! ►Saturday, May 16 at
1:30 children in grades K - 5 can enjoy “Building Blocks”, a fun
interactive afternoon of creativity using Lego blocks. The Lego theme
for May is “Things That Walk, Run, or Roll.
► Children, ages 4 and up, will enjoy The Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet
Theatre’s presentation of Hansel and Gretel Friday, May 23 at 10:15.
The theatre combines storytelling, literature, and music to make a great,
fun-filled experience for children. A brief puppet workshop will take
place after the show. ►For information on these and other library
activities visit the Town ‘N Country website, check on Schedule of
Events or call (813) 801-6722.
The Town 'N Country Senior Center is a leading facility for senior
citizens to engage in an assortment of daily programming. The Center
provides stimulating activities, health and wellness, educational
programs, opportunities for socialization and nutritious meals in an
enriched environment for active adults and senior citizens. The Center,
located on the first floor of the Town ‘N Country Library, is open from
8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. (NOTE: The Center will be
closed Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day.) Exercise classes including
walking, weight training, and cardio fitness are offered. Seniors can
learn Tai Chi, Zumba, ballroom dancing, acoustic guitar, and more.
Ongoing activities include billiards, dominoes, card games, table
games, and board games. The Center is part of the Computers for
Seniors Program. There are computers available for use and the Center
provides computer training to seniors. Seniors learn about Medicare,
how to manage prescriptions, good nutrition, and the importance of
having blood pressure checks. Special activities for May include:
May 5 @ 11:30 – Cinco de Mayo Celebration
May 8 @ 1:00 – Garden of Love Mother’s Day Luncheon ($5.00)
May 14 @ 11:30 – Program: Empowering Seniors to Prevent
Healthcare Fraud
May 14 @ 1:30 – heART & Soul – Art, Poetry & Culture Program
May 19 @ 1:00 – Arm Chair Travel Presents: Utah & Arizona National Parks & Monuments
May 20 @ 9:00 – AARP Smart Driver Course (Pre-registration
required)
May 27 @ 10:00 – SHINE presents: Medicare 101 - An overview
May 28 @ 10:00 – Health and Wellness Expo – “Walk the Wellness
Trail”
May 29 @ 1:30 – Monthly Birthday Celebration
For a complete calendar of activities and events call the Town ‘N
Country Senior Center (813) 873-6336.
Seniors – Apply for this Special Break Before May 12th — Once you
turn 65 years of age, Hillsborough Public Utilities Department offers a
25% senior citizen's discount for the solid waste disposal assessment to
residential customers who qualify. To qualify for the Senior Citizen
Discount, you must be at least 65 years of age by January 1, 2016. You
must own and live in your home and your home must be located in
unincorporated Hillsborough County. The reduced fee is reflected
every year, in November, on your Ad Valorem Tax Bill. You can
obtain the application form from the Solid Waste Management
Department at 272-6680. You must apply on or before May 12, 2015
to receive the discount on your annual billing cycle in November 2015.
You only need to apply for the discount one time.
Twelve Oaks.. Page 10
Welcome / Sunshine
Welcome New Residents
Ivan Santana and Mercedes Sarroca ……7410 Meadow
Josue Romero & family…………………….8304 Kirkwood
Angel & Maritza Herrera……………………6903 Shady
Congratulations and welcome to the neighborhood! We
wish you many years of happiness in your new home.
“Welcome Bags” will be delivered to each of you sometime
during this month. These bags contain information about
Twelve Oaks and gift items for you and your family. I
encourage you to read The Acorn, our community newsletter
that is delivered monthly to your home and visit our
community website www.TwelveOaksOnline.com. Share
your email address with Neighborhood Watch,
[email protected] and receive weekly updates on
safety and security issues in our community. These are the
best ways to stay informed about what is happening in and
around our community. Twelve Oaks Civic Association
(TOCA) general membership meetings are held quarterly.
The next meeting is Tuesday, May 26th at 7:00 pm at the
Morgan Woods Parks and Recreation building located on the
north-side campus of Morgan Woods Elementary School on
Armand Drive. Questions? Concerns? Please call any
TOCA Board member. You will find our phone numbers and
email addresses on page 2 of this newsletter.
A Special Message To
Twelve Oaks Mothers
Thank-you to every
woman who has ever
hugged a baby, kissed a
boo-boo, taught a lesson,
listened closely, cared
deeply, and passed on
her love and wisdom to
someone in the world
who needed her.
Mother’s Day is May 10th
and this is the perfect
time to thank you for
sharing so much of
yourself and for giving
your family the special
gift of your love.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
May Dates To Remember:
May 5-9 — Teacher Appreciation Week – is a perfect time to
let teachers know how they have touched kids' lives.
Remember to say “thank you” to your child’s teacher
sometime during this special week. Thank you to all
teachers, especially to the teachers living in Twelve Oaks.
May 11 — Mother’s Day
May 14 — TOSD Meeting
May 17 — Armed Forces Day
May 19 — Ladies Luncheon at Village Inn (W. Hillsborough Ave.)
May 26 — Memorial Day (observed)
School Holiday
May 27 — TOCA Quarterly Membership Meeting
Twelve Oaks Civic Association
Post Office Box 261012
Tampa, Florida 33685-1012
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
TAMPA FL
PERMIT NO. 1741