1. home and garden

APRIL 2015
Published for 36 years
Twelve Oaks acorn
Reporter/Editor: Rosemarie Middleton
Editor/Publisher: Kim E. Uhlig 991-7843
Neighborhood Picnic
Saturday, April 18, 2015
12:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Morgan Woods Recreation Center
A community picnic is a great way to get re-acquainted with
neighbors and even welcome some new neighbors.
It’s a day for you to relax and enjoy a good Bar-B-Q, listen
to live music, and have some fun! In a picnic style
atmosphere TOCA will be providing the food, desserts,
beverages, paper goods, and even sno-cones. The picnic
will be catered by Sonny’s Bar-B-Q and is FREE to all
TOCA members. Not a member? Not a problem. Simply
pay $10 at the gate and enjoy the afternoon.
You may see some of Hillsborough County’s finest at the
picnic, as we have invited our County Commissioner, our
Code Enforcement officer, the Major and Captain from the
Sheriff’s Department-District 3, and Deputy Alter, our
Community Resource Deputy.
Wonders of Nature, a traveling wildlife show, will take place from 1:00 to 1:45. This fun and fast paced show is full of
amazing animal behaviors to illustrate and highlight the beautiful natural world around us. Some of the things you'll
see in the show are beautiful raptors flying inches above your head, a talking parrot imitating human speech and the
sounds of other animals, an eagle owl, a flying squirrel demonstrating how they got their name, and much more!
A Magical Craft Table will be under the big tent where children can make fun craft projects. Children’s games,
activities, and fun dances are planned. KenTastic, The Magician will entertain children and adults with his 30-minute
magic show. This is the third year that Ken, a Twelve Oaks resident has volunteered and donated his show.
Music will be provided by disc jockey, Eric Myers. Eric has provided music for four previous picnics and he does an
outstanding job. He has a comprehensive music library that includes Top 40, Hip Hop, R&B, Swing, Disco, Latin,
Modern/Classic Rock, 80’s, Oldies, Country, and just about anything else you can think of.
Your Civic Association (TOCA) is working hard to make this picnic one you will enjoy. So join us for a fun afternoon.
Meet and greet your neighbors, enjoy the entertainment, and eat good Bar-B-Q! We look forward to seeing you.
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
rmiddlet@tampabay.rr.com
jeffrey.berg@floridamoves. com
Jowen004@yahoo.com
chantale2163@yahoo.com
cpberan@gmail.com
Marshajcraig@gmail.com
reg76hen@yahoo.com
namronsemloh@yahoo.com
LindaAYN@tampabay.rr.com
nmramos@netzero.com
srich000@msn.com
nottsarocks@tampabay.rr.com
Twelve Oaks Special District Board of Trustees
TOSDtampa@gmail.com
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
April 8, 2015
7:00 pm
Town ‘N Country
Rec Center
TOCA Business Meeting
April 28, 2015
7:00pm
Town ‘N Country
Rec Center
Neighborhood Watch
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:
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www.ikarepublishing.com
General Coordinator: Position Open
Email Coordinator: Doreen Clauer
nwatch12oaks@verizon.net
Patrol Coordinator: Ann Carletti
tocrimepatrol@gmail.com
Community Resource Deputy:
Deputy Hugh Alter
(813) 247-0330
Halter@hcso.tampa.fl.us
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
TOSDtampa@gmail.com
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
The Twelve Oaks’ Ladies
Social Group will meet for lunch
at Lee Garden Chinese Restaurant,
8309 W. Hillsborough Ave. on
Monday, April 27th at 11:30.
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.
Christmas was last December!
A few of residents have forgotten to
take down their Christmas lights
and decorations. Please do it NOW.
The Easter bunny arrives April 5th.
Twelve Oaks.. Page 2
to the businesses that
contributed door prizes for
the February 24th Twelve
Oaks Civic Association
General Membership
Meeting:
Glenna Rubin, Realtor (Florida Executive Realty)
Publix (Twelve Oaks Plaza)
Village Inn (W. Hillsborough Ave.)
Charann’s Tavern (W. Hillsborough Ave.)
Vigo & Alessi Importing
Carrabba’s (Sheldon Road)
The generosity of these businesses and individuals
demonstrates their support of the community of Twelve Oaks.
Residents are encouraged to THANK THESE AREA
BUSINESSES BY SUPPORTING THEM!
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: ehs915@aol.com
Internal
Concerns
Welcome / Sunshine
Welcome New Residents
They say, “You
shouldn't judge a
book by its cover”,
but let’s face it, we
do. Every homeowner should know how important it is to stay
on top of property maintenance in order to maintain a home in
good condition. Right or wrong, an area's reputation and its
property values can be harmed by the appearance of a single
neglected or littered property. An unkept or neglected home
can do a lot of damage to our neighborhood..
Carlos & Glenda Canto…………………..……8014 Greenshire
Phillip & Karen Arenas……………..………….8202 Greenshire
Dustin & Leslie Batista…………………...……8248 Malvern
Humberto & Fernanda Gonzalez………….....7542 Armand Cr.
Step outside and take a look at your home and your property.
Is there something YOU can do to improve the looks of your
street? Perhaps you need to make home repairs, pressure
wash the outside, paint, replace your fence, or simply clean
up your property. Are you responsible for a poorly kept yard?
Weeds grow all year in Florida and many homeowners have
neglected their yards all winter. Please, either kill the weeds
or mow them! An overgrown, unkempt yard can lower
property values, anger the neighbors, and attract dangerous
vermin. Rake and pick up the leaves and DON’T blow them
into the street or into the gutters and storm drains. Are you
guilty of piling yard waste, tree cuttings, old wood, garbage,
etc. in front of or on the front side-yard of your home for
visitors and neighbors to view? Do you park your cars on the
lawn, easement, over the sidewalk, or blocking a mailbox?
I encourage you to become involved by joining our civic
association, attending meetings, and asking questions. Take
the time to read The Acorn, our community newsletter and
visit our community website www.TwelveOaksOnline.com.
Share your email address with Neighborhood Watch,
Nwatch12Oaks@verizon.net and receive weekly updates on
safety and security issues in our community. Questions?
Concerns? Please call any TOCA Board member. You will
find our phone numbers and email addresses on
page 2 of this newsletter.
Pride in your home and neighborhood starts with you and is
reflected throughout our community. BEGIN by cleaning up
your yard or fixing up your home. BEGIN by getting
neighbors together to clean up around a vacant or abandoned
home on your street. BEGIN by suggesting to or helping a
neighbor clean up his property. BEGIN today!!
10 Ways To Be A Good Neighbor
1. Regularly mow your lawn including all easements and
keep tree branches and shrubbery trimmed.
2. Do not park vehicles in the front yard.
3. Place trash and yard waste by the curb on the evening
before pickup. Store containers out of view from the street.
4. Obtain a pet license and have your pet vaccinated. Clean
up after your pet. Keep pets from roaming loosely or barking
excessively.
5. Keep your swimming pool clean and secure.
6. Respect your neighbors. Keep your music from
disturbing them.
7. Keep the exterior of your house in good repair.
8. Replace dilapidated fences.
9. Do not park or store commercial or inoperable vehicles or
conduct major repairs on them in the driveway.
10. Park campers or RVs in side or rear yards on approved
surfaces.
Twelve Oaks.. Page 4
Congratulations and Welcome
We hope you will enjoy living in Twelve Oaks for many years.
We want you to feel like you are an important part of this
community and to know that YOUR civic association is always
available to help you.
Sunshine Thoughts for April




Always keep your words soft and sweet just in
case you have to eat them.
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be
vague.
A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if
they don't like you.
Always remember that you mean the world to someone.
April Dates to Remember:
April 3 ― School Holiday
April 4 ― Passover begins
April 5 — Easter Sunday
April 8 ―TOSD Meeting
April 11 ― Town ‘N Country Garden Circle
Spring Expo and Plant Sale
April 15 ― Tax Day
April 18 ― Community Picnic
April 22 ― Earth Day
April 24 — Arbor Day
April 27 ― Twelve Oaks Ladies Luncheon
@ Lee Chinese Garden
April 28 ― TOCA Business meeting
School News: Morgan Woods Elementary
Important dates for parents to remember:
April 3 – Non-Student Day
April 9 – PDQ Spirit Night
April 13 – 16 – FSA 5th Grade
April 13 – Report Cards
April 14 – Chick-fil-A Spirit Night
April 17 – STEM Night
April 27 – 28 FCAT Science 5th Grade
April 29 – Spring Concert
Questions? Contact the school office @ 872-536
One More Time!
Street Sweeping April
21 – This will be final
sweep to rid Twelve
Oaks of all the tree
pollen and leaves that
have plagued our
community since January. Spring is here, flowers are
blooming, grass is turning green, and the trees have all new
growth. DO NOT PARK CARS ON THE STREETS ON OUR
STREET SWEEPING DAY. If you notice that your neighbor’s
car is parked on the street, please remind them that the
sweeper is coming. One parked car equals nearly three car
lengths of space that can't be swept because the street
sweeper must leave room to avoid it. Moving your car on
sweep day is the most important thing you can do to ensure
clean streets in Twelve Oaks. Warning: Your tax dollars pay
for street sweeping in Twelve Oaks. DO NOT blow, sweep,
or rake grass clippings and leaves into our roadways and
storm drains. Not only is it unsightly, but also it is a waste of
your money. According to the Hillsborough County Dept. of
Public Works this is considered “ILLEGAL DUMPING” and if
caught by Code Enforcement or the Sheriff’s Dept., you can
be fined. If you have a lawn service, please inform them of
this warning. Bag the leaves and put them out for pickup
on Saturday or use them to mulch your plants. NOTE: The
sweeper WILL NOT return to your area to pick up the leaves
you blow into the street.
Town ‘N Country Garden Circle will meet Wednesday,
April 2, at 11:30 am, at the Town ‘N Country Recreation
Center on Hanley Road (next to Webb Middle School).
Following lunch, final plans for the Circle’s Spring Expo and
Annual Plant Sale will be made and election of 20152017officers will be held.
Town ‘N Country Spring Expo and Plant Sale hosted by
the Town ‘N Country Garden Circle will take place April 11th
from 10 am – 4 pm in front of the TnC Recreation Center,
6020 Hanley Rd., north side of Webb Middle School. Circle
members will host the Annual Plant Sale Gardening-related
vendors and other plant societies will be available to answer
questions and give gardening tips. Artisans, crafters, and
garden tool sharpening will be available. The event is
FREE, open to the public, and includes a food truck rally.
For additional information contact: Sharon Cooper @ (813)
727-2947 (plants) or Barbara Beauregard @ (813) 886-2015
(vendors).
Twelve Oaks.. Page 6
Town ’N Country Youth Council will meet Sunday, April 5 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. During April
Youth Council members will be found volunteering at the
Twelve Oaks Picnic, the Garden Circle’s Annual Plant Sale,
and for the Great American Cleanup. 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 813-6242753.
A Teen Center is open at the Jackson Springs Recreation
Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Road. Twelve Oaks teens,
13 – 17 years old, can enjoy sports, games, computers,
music, power lifting competition, learn to cook, and more.
For information about teen programs call 554-5064. The
Northwest (Town ‘N Country) Skate Park is located at this
site. The skate park features a street and transition course
that caters to all styles of skateboarding. Helmets are
mandatory for all ages. Children twelve and under must wear
full knee and elbow pads. The Skate Park provides helmets
and pads on a first come first serve basis.
Visit the Town ‘N Country Library – Book discussions,
computer classes in English and Spanish, activities for
toddlers, teens and adults, and more are offered at our local
library. ►Free Tax Assistance from VITA will be provided
through April 11 by appointment only every Tuesday at 3:00,
Friday at 1:00, and Saturday at 10:00. This service is
provided through the Prosperity Campaign of Hillsborough
County, a partnership community based organization working
with the United Way Suncoast. ►One-hour YOGA classes
will be offered every Monday in April at 11:00. A certified
yoga instructor will guide participants in the use of simple and
effective tools to reduce stress, relieve pain, improve
breathing, enhance flexibility, and increase strength and
balance. Attend the session in comfortable exercise clothes
and bring a yoga mat or towel. ►“Attract Wildlife” will be the
topic of discussion at the Master Gardener Program
Thursday, April 9 at 6:30. Participants will learn how to create
a garden that attracts butterflies and birds using native and
local plants. ►Saturday, April 11 at 1:30 children in grades
K - 5 can enjoy “Building Blocks”, a fun interactive afternoon
of creativity using Lego blocks. The library provides the
Legos; kids provide the imagination. Theme for April is
“Things That Fly”. ►Monday, April 20 at 10:00 Florida
Licensing On Wheels will bring the following motorist services
directly to the customer: first time licenses, convert out of
state license, renewals, replacements for lost or stolen
license, address/name changes, ID cards, reinstatements,
Continued on page 8
News In Brief Continued...
emergency contact information registration, vehicle
registration renewals, disabled parking placard issuance and
renewals. Visit the GatherGoGet website (gathergoget.com)
for a complete listing of documents needed and fees. This
program is in partnership with Florida Highway Safety and
Motor Vehicles. ►For information on these and other library
activities visit the Town ‘N Country website, click on Schedule
of Events or call (813) 801-6722.
The Town 'N Country Senior 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.
Seniors can learn about Medicare, how to manage
prescriptions, and the importance of having blood pressure
checks. All are part of the center's mission to focus on active
adults and healthy living. On any given day guests could be
working out in classes or alone in the fitness center. Seniors
enjoy Ping Pong, Wii games, playing guitar, dancing,
watching movies, participating in crafts, art lessons, or playing
bridge, bingo, mahjongg, pinochle, and canasta. The Center
is part of the Computers for Seniors Program. There are
computers available for use and the Center provides
computer training to seniors.
Special programs / events in April include:
April 1 & 8 @1:00 – USF Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Presents – Write Your Own Story (registration required)
April 9 @ 2:00 – Book of the Month Club
April 13 @ 10:00 – The Children’s Home Presents – Kinship
Care
April 16 @ 11:30 – Nutrition Education – Grow You Own –
Gardening for Health
April 17 @ 11:00 am – USF College of Pharmacy Presents –
Prevention and Management of High Cholesterol
April 21 @ 11:30 – Wellness Presentation: Kidney Health
April 21 @ 1:00 – Arm Chair Travel to Jerusalem, Mesada, &
The Dead Sea
April 24 @ 1:30 – Monthly Birthday Celebration
AARP Tax-Aide provides free tax preparation assistance to
taxpayers with low and middle incomes through April 15.
Special attention is given to people age 60 and older, but you
do not need to be an AARP member or a retiree to use the
service. The closest site to Twelve Oaks is the American
Legion Post 152 located at 11211 Sheldon Road. This service
is available every Monday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. No
appointment necessary.
Please Keep Storm Drains Clean!
No leaves! No grass! No trash!
For a calendar of activities, events, and times or for additional
information about the Senior Center call 873-6336.
Special Break for Seniors — 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 2014. You only need to apply for the
discount one time.
Twelve Oaks.. Page 8
Grass & Weeds Too Tall?
Guess What? It’s Time To Mow!
Complete Plumbing
Repair
●
●
●
●
●
●
Sewer and drain cleaning
Slab Leaks-ultrasonic leak detection
Water Heater Installation and Repair
(Never more than 1 hour labor charge for
electric water heater repairs, plus parts)
Faucet and toilet repairs
Repipes
Fixture replacements
Free Estimates, All Work Guaranteed,
No Travel Charge
(813) 882-8646
Lic # CFC022569
2015 TOCA Membership
Linda Mann and Reggie Henschel, TOCA’s Membership Directors, are putting together a team of dedicated volunteers for a door
-to-door membership drive during April and May. These volunteers will be walking around our community calling on residents
who have not paid membership dues for 2015. There are 994 homes in Twelve Oaks and we currently have 366 members. If
you have not joined or renewed your TOCA membership, please do it today. 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. With your financial participation
and the dedicated efforts of volunteers, the Twelve Oaks Civic Association (TOCA) has and will continue to make noticeable
improvements in our neighborhood. Listed below are 2015
Memberships received February 12 through March 11.
Virginia Green – Armand Cr.
Elier Santana & Ereneidy Garcia –
Armand Cr
German & Phyllis Cerrato –
Armand Dr
Justin & Lisa Keeney – Barry
John & Amanda Wallace – Barry
David & Patricia Tinkey –
Brookhaven
Adassa Thompson – Brook Hollow
Angela Helenek – Brook Hollow
Douglas & Jacqueline Robb –
Brook Hollow
Thomas & Kathy Buckley –
Brook Hollow
Hilton Vargas & Milagros Roman –
Brookview
Greg & Cynthia Wiggs – Brookview
Richard & Rosemarie Jaszka –
Brookview
Dolores Osterstuck – Brookview
Bill & Tammy Cook – Brookview
Jim & Jan Hellwig – Brookview
Celso & Elizabeth Alvarez –
Brookview
Vic & Mary Nieves – Brookview
Hilbert & Olya Valdez – Edenbrook
Rafael & Anita Caballero –
Edenbrook
Chet & Joan Szeglowski –
Edenbrook
Ligia Ivonne Williams – Forestview
Robert McDowell – Greenshire
Lionel & Kathy Henry – Greenshire
Maya Daniels – Greenshire
Marc & Loretta Desourdy – Greenshire
Jesse & Ashley Marshall – Greenshire
Enrique & Flor Lopez – Greenshire
Stephen & Luz Engel – Heathermoor
Andreh Alito & Trish Taken – Kirkwood
Louis & Norma Cruz – Malvern
David & Helen Brown – Malvern
Adriano Triana – Malvern
Reynaldo & Rita Corsa – Malvern
Hilda Bernini – Mayfair
Maria Silvania Rodriguez – Mayfair
Georgina Hernandez &
Blanca Rodriguez – Meadow
Robert & Sharon Ball – Meadow
Jerry & Eileen Hendricks – Meadow
Larry & Judy Palmer – Meadow
Evelyn Turrin – Meadow
Martha & Gisele De Los Rios – Meadow
Kay Cooper – Mitchell
Marlen Gonzalez – Mitchell
Amy Stephenson – Nova
Robert & Linda Lehman – Oakview
Matthew & Elizabeth Bosio – Oakvista
Twelve Oaks.. Page 10
Maria Munoz – Oakvista
Renelus & Garry Paul Belizaire – Oakvista
Nancy Cloonan – Overbrook
Cosme Orraca & Ada Nunez – Overbrook
Sally Laird – Palmbrook
Joe & Linda Carrens – Palmbrook
Reinaldo & Carmen Molina – Palmbrook
Yuslein & Dailyn Aguila – Rustic
Kendra Bruns & Olivia Bruns – Rustic
Patricio Gonzalez & Genny Saldarriaga –
Rustic
Eric & Emi Yates – Seton
Luis & Carmen Hernandez –
Summerbridge
Joseph & Lynn Osborne – Summerbridge
Waldemar & Vivian Ramirez –
Summerbridge
Jose & Maria Rey – Summerbridge
Sam & Aileen Wilson – Sunshine
Rocky Moreno & Shakira Fontalvo –
Sunshine
James & Barbara Bicket – Twelve Oaks
Vivian Gonzalez / Gisela Sanchez –
Twelve Oaks
Ron & Heather Dial – Twelve Oaks
Maria Julia & Carlos Abreu – Twelve Oaks
Ken & Melissa Spanola – Twelve Oaks
Roland & Teresa Morgado – Twelve Oaks
Jorge Alvarez – Twelve Oaks
Jimmy Miller – Twelve Oaks
Wayne & Ruth Ramberac – Twelve Oaks
Connie Roberts & James Hix –
Twelve Oaks
Ray & Joan Serre – Vassar
Fred Thomas – Vassar
Claudio Zegarra – Williams
Joe & Linda Domingo – Williams
Nelva Ramentol – Windwood
Vivian Figueroa – Windwood
Mislaydis Cabrera-Linares – Windwood
Mercedes Alvarez – Windwood
Craig & Janice Anderson -- Woodhall
We Want YOU
To Pay Your Dues!
Twelve Oaks Civic Association
Post Office Box 261012
Tampa, Florida 33685-1012
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
TAMPA FL
PERMIT NO. 1741