CDD A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE RIVERCREST CDD • DECEMBER 2014 Board of Supervisors Daniel J. Leventry Chairman Elaine Sellent Vice Chairman Lisa Fernandez Supervisor Frank Nocco Supervisor Esther Torres Supervisor CDD Staff Rick L. Reidt Operations Manager from the Rivercrest CDD Board [email protected] Frank Nocco, CDD Supervisor

Resident Services Hours As we enter into the Holiday Season your CDD Board of Supervisors wishes Mon., Wed. & Fri.: 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. our residents the best of what this time of year can offer. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Fairly soon you will see construction start on our new pool and cabana fa- cility. When I first was elected to this board the sitting Supervisors were heavily Community Center Office engaged in working with the architect firm developing the master plan amenity 11560 Ramble Creek Dr. center plan. There was also considerable concern from the residents over why is Riverview, FL 33569 this needed. Let me take this opportunity to speak to this. Telephone: 813-672-3804 We live in a CDD community. This was decided while Rivercrest was being After Hours Emergency Only: built. A CDD is a government unit that is created to serve the long-term needs 813-426-6055 of its community. The CDD has the power to plan, finance, construct, operate and maintain community infrastructure and services for the benefit of the district. www.RivercrestCDD.org What exactly does this mean? It means that the CDD is responsible for maintaining the common areas which includes the landscaping, clubhouse, playgrounds, Meritus Districts pool and the tennis and basketball courts. Since taking my seat on the board we have installed a fitness trail, provided shade structures 5680 West Cypress Street over the clubhouse play areas, remodeled the clubhouse which included new stainless appliances and maintained our signature ame- Suite 5680A, Tampa, FL 33607 nity, our pool with the children’s water play area. We accomplished all this without raising CDD revenue. Telephone: 813-397-5121 As a result of prudent financial management the board contracted with an architectural firm to develop plans for an en- hanced amenity center and area which would consist of a newHappy pool with cabana and Holiday hot tub, a multi-purpose Season field, a dog park, a work out gym facility and an expanded clubhouse/amenity center. These improvements were to be incorporated in phases to minimize impact to the community both financially and esthetically. The first goal besides building these improvements was to accomplish all this without raising fees to our residents. We are now on the verge of starting Phase One. The pool/cabana. Build- ing these facilities is consistent with mission set forth for CDD’s. This is an improvement to the district. It is the intent of this board to improve the amenities of the district to increase the value of our homes. These improvements are investments in where we live and how they are valued. Realtors do not just sell homes. They sell communities. When a Rivercrest home is shown, Rivercrest itself is shown and the better our facilities, the better off we all are. In addition to adding value to our homes our new amenities www.RivercrestCDD.org can become income generators as the amenities can be rented for fee for parties, events and gatherings. In closing I am very honored to represent my community on the board. I have been sitting on this board for over 2 years and within that time there has been only one seat turnover and that was because the Supervisor moved to a different state. What this means is that the board is stable and all members are committed to making Rivercrest the absolute best it can be and that is in the interest of all of us. The Rivercrest Reporter 2 Community Phone Numbers HOA Rivercrest CDD Clubhouse Office: 813-672-380 Corner HOA Board of Directors Meeting Agenda Policy The following policy regarding Home Owners Association agenda pol- Meritus Districts icy was voted on and adopted by the Board of Directors at the November, CDD related issues, 813-397-512 Community Vehicle/Parking Patrol HOA regular monthly meeting: The Home Owners Association Board of Directors “The Association and its’ agents value community participation and Saliba has voted to begin a nighttime patrol in order to enforce input. Should an owner in Rivercrest wish to address an issue concerning the Licensed Community Association the parking regulations as stated in the Initial Use Re- community at an upcoming meeting of the Board of Directors, the Owner Manager, CMCA strictions, section (p) Vehicles and Parking. In particular, should send a short description of the issue via email to rivercrest@wisepro- Wise Property Management the patrol will be focused on commercial vehicles, inop- pertymanagement.com or via mail or hand delivery to: erative vehicles, including those unlicensed, and trailers. 813-968-5665, Ext. 308 Rivercrest Community Association, Inc. Such vehicles must be parked inside the garage or may 813-968-5335 (Fax) Attn: Administrative Assistant be covered with an appropriate tarp. If not, it must be 11560 Ramble Creek Drive removed. If it's necessary to have a contractor, moving Riverview, FL 33569 Sessums Elementary van, utility company, or any other vehicle of this nature 813-672-5230 parking short term, this would be allowed. The short description of the issue will then be forwarded to the Presi- The community will be randomly patrolled 2 eve- dent and Vice-President of the Association for review and consideration. If Rodgers Middle School nings per week, 2 hours per evening. If an infraction is the President and Vice-President conclude that the issue concerns the com- 813-671-5228 observed, a violation letter will be sent to the owner of munity and should be included on the agenda for the upcoming meeting of the address where the vehicle is parked. As with any oth- the Board of Directors, the issue will be included on the agenda. Riverview High School er violation, if the violation goes uncorrected or if there is Any request for an issue to be addressed at an upcoming meeting of 813-671-5011 no response to the letter, the violation could lead to the the Board of Directors must be received no later than the close of business fining process of up to $1,000.00. on the first Monday of each calendar month. Otherwise, the issue may be If you have any questions, please contact the HOA addressed at the meeting in the following calendar month. Rivercrest LLC – St. Joe Company on-site assistant at 813-671-2200 or rivercrest@wisepro- Nothing in this policy restricts the right of any director or officer of Warranty Claims Center, 904-301-4200 pertymanagement.com, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fri- the Association to propose agenda items for meetings of the Board of days, 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Directors.” For Sale or Lease Signs Sign Parrot, 813-612-9200 www.signparrot.com/rivercrest

Mailbox Replacement Rivercrest Community Association, Inc. Beautiful Mailboxes, 954-792-6245 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014 MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS Joe McGee • President 6:30pm, Second Monday of Each Month Trash Removal Tom Weber • Vice President Sandwiches and Soda Available Come join us please, It’s Your Community Waste Services of , 813-248-2820 Don Vella • Villa Representative Cheryl Cusack • Secretary Bright House Networks CONTACT THE Laurel Weaver-Serrano • Townhomes Representative / Treasurer 1-877-588-1010 MANAGEMENT COMPANY Legal Counsel Gary Saliba Bush Ross, Charles Glausier and Nathan Frazier Licensed Community Association Verizon Manager, CMCA 1-800-483-4000 ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE Wise Property Management [Anyone can help out and become a committee member] 17824 North U.S. Highway 41 Animal Services Tom Webber – Chairman Lutz, FL 33549-4502 813-744-5660 Cheryl Cusack – Committee Member 813-968-5665, Ext. 308 813-968-5335 (Fax) Francine DiGiorgio – Committee Member Water Service [email protected] Mary Lee Culver – Committee Member 813-744-5600 www.WiseProperty Management.com YARD OF THE QUARTER COMMITTEE RIVERCREST HOA ON SITE OFFICE [Anyone can help out and become a committee member] 11560 Ramble Creek Drive Cheryl Cusack, Don Vella, Florence Dickson Riverview, FL 33569 Phone 813-671-2200 Fax 813-671-2202 Hillsborough Sheriff’s [email protected] Department Mary Lee Culver - On Site Assistant Non-Emergency: Office Hours 8AM to 5PM 813-247-8000 Monday, Wednesday and Friday Answered only when on duty. SECURITY - CELL PHONE: 813-391-4162 Call only after you have called 911. DECEMBER 2014 3 Publishing & Ad Sales From Bales Security: Meeting Schedule LuBelle Publishing, Inc. is proud to partner Yes, it’s that time of year where thieves and individuals could care less about you with the Rivercrest CDD to bring you or your assets and just wish to take them. Be very cautious with the holiday season The Rivercrest Reporter. approaching and alert to your surroundings when you’re out shopping and or secur- ing your home. In the community keep an eye out for suspicious individuals and or Rivercrest Community Development District Distribution is free to all Rivercrest residents, vehicles that don’t belong, and don’t be afraid to call the Hillsborough County sheriff and your community newsletter will be office quickly. Board of Supervisors delivered to your doorstep every month. Your safety and the safety of your family should be very important to you. Be Regular Meeting Schedule alert, be cautious, and be prepared to call law enforcement. Remember thieves could To Advertise in this publication, please email: care less, and will take advantage of every opportunity. So please do the following: FISCAL YEAR 2014/2015 [email protected] All windows up, and lock your car doors; or call 863.874.0084 Be alert when out shopping; December 15, 2014 Know your surroundings; Publishing Data January 26, 2015 Shop with a friend, have a shopping buddy; The Rivercrest Reporter is a monthly publication February 23, 2015 with delivery to nearly 1400 addresses in the Keep you garage door closed; March 16, 2015 Rivercrest Community Development District. Don’t let a person with no feelings and or concern of your safety April 20, 2015 ruin your holidays. Be alert, be safe and have fun… May 18, 2015 Attention All Residents June 15, 2015 July 20, 2015 Communicating information is paramount to making sure Rivercrest residents August 17, 2015 are well informed. Now that our newsletter is published monthly this is a great means of getting the word out. Sometimes, though, it's important to get HOA informa- September 21, 2015 tion out that can't wait for the newsletter or to reach those residents who prefer to get their information on the website. Wise Property Management has the ability to All meetings will convene at 6:30 p.m., send Eblasts to residents (sending one email to many recipients). To be placed on the Rivercrest Community Center eblast list, please send your email address to rivercrest@wisepropertymanagement. com. Be sure you don't miss out on any Rivercrest HOA information or announce- Clubhouse, 11560 Ramble Creek Drive ments - please send your email address now! Riverview, Florida, 33569 The Rivercrest Reporter 4

Toys for Tots The time of year is here that we give thanks for all we have and celebrate the winter holidays. In so doing the Rivercrest CDD has partnered with the United States Marines and will host of a collection site for Toys for Tots. We ask all to consider a donation of a new unwrapped toy or stuffed animal to our collection boxes which are located at the Rivercrest Clubhouse. Donations will be received anytime during park operation hours 9:00am to 9:00pm. Let's see if we may fill the community offices wall to wall with toys. Would that ever be grand. The District is also hosting a Free Wrestling Match on December 13th. at 3:30pm, hosted by DWI which is owned by our staff member Tony. Please bring a new unwrapped toy or stuffed animal for this event if you are able. Also the 7th annual Holiday Gathering will be on December 13th and again we request donations if you are able. Please help us fill the Community Center Office with toys wall to wall. Best Regards, Rivercrest Community Development District Staff Holiday Gathering

Saturday, December 13th, 2014 Rivercrest Community Center Santa from 1:30pm to 3:30 pm

Bring a Camera Beverages and Cookies • Free Holiday Carriage Rides sponsored by 1:30pm to 3:30pm Free to All Rivercrest Residents with access card. PLEASE BRING A UNWRAPPED NEW TOY FOR TOYS FOR TOTS

Old-School Wrestling Family Friendly Show TOYS FOR TOTS EVENT Saturday December 13th, 3:30PM Rivercrest Clubhouse • Multipurpose Field So PLEASE Do Not Forget to Bring a NEW UNWRAPPED TOY and/or STUFFED ANIMAL

Rivercrest Resident Access Card needed to attend. DECEMBER 2014 5

Movie Quotes (Beginners Version) Rivercrest Frank’s Corner by Frank Nocco Community Center by Frank Nocco Guess the movie that the quote is from: 1. “Every time a bell rings an angel gets POOL HOURS The Oldest Trick in the Book its wings” 2. “I got a bad feeling about this” 7a.m. to 9 p.m. - Winter An old medieval scholar tells his young apprentice “Trick number one. Looketh over 3. “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a darn” 7a.m. to 10 p.m. - Summer there” and points across the room. When the young man looks, the scholar chuckles “Madeth thou look thus endeth the trick.” The young man says “hey”, knowing he’s been (Family Version) 4. “I’ve been slimed!” 2 hours at opening and 1 hour prior to fooled and the scholar makes notations in a big old book titled “The Book”. If you’ve seen this commercial I hope you laughed as hard as I did and still do. This 5. “I feel the need - the need for speed” closing reserved as adults only in the pool. has to be one of my most favorite commercials ever. But as usual I just can’t let things go. 6. “This one goes to 11!” What was the oldest trick in the book? I had to know. 7. “Earn this James, earn it” It seems that the oldest trick in the book is quite old and predates even “The Book.” 8. “Houston, we have a problem” And just what was “The Book?” 9. “When you’re a Jet, you’re a Jet all the way” Old Babylonian King Hammurabi spied two of his ministers standing next to each 10. “Snakes! Why does it always have to be other at a big state function. Minister One reached behind and tapped the other on his snakes?” opposite shoulder which made Minister Two look over that shoulder. Of course no one 11. “They’re here.” was there and Minister Two now was perplexed until his saw Minister One laughing. Al- 12. “Who builds a time machine out of a ways the joker, Hammurabi observed all this and enjoyed it so much he ordered the court DeLorean?” scribe to record the event on the paper of the day, a clay tablet. As the scribe pressed 13. “So punk, do you feel lucky?” cuneiform characters into the clay, had Hammurabi record the oldest trick in the book 14. “So let it be written, so let it be done.”

but also invent “The Book?” What a guy. 15. “Here’s Johnny!”

But is this truly the oldest trick? Shining The 15. • Commandments

There is some discussion about a Pharaoh in Egypt’s Old Kingdom telling someone Ten The 14. • Harry Dirty 13. • Future the to

that they had spilled on their shirt. When the person looked down to see the stain Pha- Back 12. • Poltergeist 11. • Ark Lost the of

raoh would flick his finger on the nose of the unsuspecting person and enjoy and good Raiders 10. • Story Side West 9. • 13 Apollo 8.

RIVERCREST CLUBHOUSE RENTAL belly laugh. Could this be the elusive oldest trick? Ryan Private Saving 7. • Tap Spinal is This 6. Another good candidate was telling a person who was looking for someone that Gun Top 5. Ghostbusters 4. • Wind

• You must be a Resident or Member of the they went one way when in fact they had gone the other way. the With Gone 3. • 4) (episode Hope New

Rivercrest CDD to rent the Clubhouse

What was the oldest trick? And does a clay tablet qualify as a book? Questions. A – Wars Star 2. • Life Wonderful a It’s 1. for an event Can it be that each culture in world history had its own oldest trick? The old Roman Answers trick of thumbs up/thumbs down rates as one of the world’s greatest tricks but how does • The Clubhouse is rented on a first come it hold up to the barbarian’s trick of pillage the village. And what about “The Book”? Did Correct Answers first serve basis with paid rental and we go from clay tablets to marble tablets and the scrolls? This is progress? 14-15 Oscar Winner deposit I’m sorry, I’m getting all wound up as I usually do and I must end now. Wait, outside, 13-10 Supporting Cast flash of light, look over there. Ha, made you look, the trick is over. It may be old but it’s 9-5 Extra • Rental is $75 per time slot of still a good one. 4-0 Don’t call us, we’ll call you $200 for the full day 8am to10pm with a $200 deposit and rental fee needed Who Is It? Part 3 – Advanced Students Only to reserve 1. She told Pilgrim John Alden to speak for himself. Bonus – Who was he speaking for? • 60 Chairs and 10 Tables are available 2. The first explorer to circumnavigate Earth. for use 3. He battled Custer at Little Big Horn 4. Who was Mr. Stanley looking for? • Kitchenette is available 5. This seamstress created our country’s first flag. 6. He was the English King that led the Third Crusade • Time Slots for Rental: 8am to Noon, 7. The All-time Home run leader 1pm to 5pm and 6pm to 10pm 8. The All-time rushing touchdown leader 9. He wrote plays at Stratford-on-Avon 10. She wondered where Romeo was from her balcony. • Rental of the Clubhouse is only for Bonus – What was her last name? the Room 11. He’s buried in Grant’s Tomb in New York City. Toddler Tuesday Program 12. His violins are highly valued. • Use of pool and park is not included except 13. His frescoes are still viewed in the Sistine Chapel. Residents, we would like to restart the by Resident access card rules 14. He was the “Mad Monk” Toddler Tuesday Program 15. His nickname was “The Desert Fox”. and are in need of one or two residents

Stradivarius • 13. Michelangelo • 14. Rasputin • 15. Erwin Rommel Erwin 15. • Rasputin 14. • Michelangelo 13. • Stradivarius who would like to volunteer to chair this program.

Have your next Antonio 12. • Grant 11. • Capulet – Bonus – Juliet 10. • Shakespeare

Giants) – 762 • 8. Emmitt Smith (Dallas Cowboys)- 164 • 9. William William 9. • 164 Cowboys)- (Dallas Smith Emmitt 8. • 762 – Giants)

family gathering here! SF Pirates, (Pitt. Bonds Barry 7. • I) (Richard Lionheart the Richard 6. If you are interested please contact

(Sitting Bull was not a war chief) • 4. Dr. Livingston • 5. Betsy Ross Betsy 5. • Livingston Dr. 4. • chief) war a not was Bull (Sitting Rick at the Clubhouse 813-672-3804

Visit the Community Office for details, Horse Crazy 3. • Magellan 2. • Standish Miles – Bonus – Priscilla 1. or [email protected] for more information. availability and the rental form. Answers

Correct Answers • 14 – 17 Gold Medal • 13 – 10 Silver Medal • 9 – 5 Bronze Medal • 4 – 0 Lump of Coal The Rivercrest Reporter 6 Volunteers Needed! We need your help to continue making the events for the Rivercrest Community a success. Several events are planned this year. New ideas are always accepted and your help is needed. If you are willing to assist please contact: [email protected] A Christmas message from your Rivercrest House Beautiful Chairperson, Don Vella Annual Christmas Lighting Contest Janus Home Services, LLC This year we are requesting that everyone please enjoy presenting your Painting & Pressure Washing display in December from the 1st to the 14th. During this time period our viewing review will be between 6 and 9 PM The Rivercrest neighborhood is large and viewing all the beautiful displays does take time and we want to give the small committee enough time to view. Now, did I say small committee,? Yes, that means myself, Florence Dickson and a newly added volunteer Lindsay Hayward. The house Beautiful welcomes and needs new volunteers. Hoping your holiday is merry, cheerful, joyful and giving! Email: [email protected] Below are the Jake & Cindy Janus Fully licensed and insured. www.JanusHomeServices.com Owners Christmas Prize Categories: Family owned and operated Single Family Three Prize Categories due to number of homes competing. 1st Place - Christmas - Single $200 2nd Place - Christmas - Single $100 3rd Place - Christmas - Single $ 50

Villa - Christmas - 1st $200 Townhomes - Christmas - 1st $200

~Discovery Point ~Anytime Fitness, Riverview ~Janus Home Services ~Pets, Paws & Beyond ~Riverview Grooming ~Crossroads ACE Hardware ~Ott’s Off Leash Sanctuary ~Canine Cabana ~4 Boys Bait & Tackle ~Around the World Animals ~Tampa Crosstie & Landscape ~Taylor’s Pet Sitting ~Yard Guards on Doody ~Overstock Dog Food ~Camp Bow Wow ~A Country Cat House ~Constance Larkin Message ~Ron’s Cleaning Service ~Lester Garcia, Realtor This publication is made possible by the continuous support of these local businesses. DECEMBER 2014 7

11719 Symmes Rd, Riverview

[email protected] www.symmes.discoverypoint.com Enro Now lling 2014-2015

Must present ad at time of enrollment - New families only Certified and experienced teachers Ɣ All teachers first aid and CPR certified Ɣ Low teacher student ratio Ɣ 3 separate playgrounds Ɣ Nutritious snacks & hot lunches included Protential Sports Holiday Program at Rivercrest Ɣ 10% military discount Aft s Accepting ages 6 week to 12 er se Ɣ noon VPK Clas Open for full day camp 7:00am-6:30pm years old Open: December 22, 23, 26, 29, 30 and January 2. The Symmes Rd Center is family owned and operated by two sisters who are also Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Moms. We believe in Discovery Point’s philosophy of caring for children which is New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. rooted in the three A’s; Attention, Affection and Approval

Anyone not enrolled in our after school program will be $35 per day. This will included lunch and field trip.

Surprises are inserted with your Rivercrest Reporter inside of the delivery bag. If you are a recipient, and would like to be pictured in the next Edition, please email us at: [email protected]. Surprises are delivered to random addresses, and not planned in advance. Recipients remain anonymous, unless they choose to contact us.

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exceptional. niche. publications. [email protected] The Rivercrest Reporter 8

HIGHLIGHTS

[email protected] DECEMBER 2014 9 The Rivercrest Reporter 10 Five Ways Having a Pet Teaches a Child Responsibility Adding a dog or cat to your family is a great way to teach Attention your children how to be responsible for another living creature Children sometimes view a pet as a plaything. They may and learn to appreciate the work and dedication involved in tire of it the same way they do a toy, but learning the impor- caring for that pet. By including them in the care of the pet, tance of caring for a living being teaches your child the value of children not only learn how to nurture it but they learn that that animal as a real creature, not a toy. The commitment is for loving another creature is much more than just playing with the life of the pet. Even a very small child can empathize and it on occasion. A pet depends on its people to provide food, learn to understand the importance of good pet care. shelter and full care. Actually helping and spending time with the pet helps When you adopt a dog or cat, kids may not always do the them understand that responsibility includes taking time each care work consistently, even with guidance or prodding, so be day to pay attention and give love to their dog or cat. Children prepared and willing to do it, too. The ultimate responsibility is need that time and attention from their parents. Your child yours, but having a pet can be a good way to help a child learn can learn that their pet needs the same thing and they can be how to care for and empathize with another living being and a source of fulfilling that need. be responsible for something important. They will learn that their care matters to the pet. Personal Care Don’t get a pet just to teach your child responsibility. You Helping to bathe or brush a furry pet can help to reinforce should get a dog or cat because you want to love it, enjoy its a child’s own personal care skills. If the doggy or kitty needs to company, care for it, and be a companion and family for each have these things done, and they help do it, that helps them they want to do. That lesson helps them learn that prioritizing other. The responsibility lesson is just an added bonus. understand that it is a need many living creatures have, includ- needs and wants is an important part of responsibility. Don’t be ing themselves. hesitant to include them in something as simple as having to let Food the dog out in the middle of the night in the backyard for a potty Feeding a pet is something concrete that all children can Medical Care break, or have them help change the kitty litter. understand. They know what it feels like to get hungry and Although any medical pet home treatment, (wound, in- Don’t limit the help requests to older children. Even young they understand that food is the way hunger goes away. They jury or illness), needs to be supervised by an adult, having your children can begin to learn responsibility with simple tasks will understand the pet needing food. Teaching them to be re- child with you while that treatment is taking place helps the that they can manage or help you with. Praising their positive sponsible for feeding the family pet is one of the easier lessons child understand that pet care also involves attending to the involvement will encourage your child to want to be more in- in pet care for them to learn. kitty or doggy when it is ill or injured. It also teaches empa- volved with the care of the pet. When a dog or cat really loves its pet food, and gobbles it thy. Most kids understand what feeling sick or getting an injury Being a responsible pet owner means being a model for up the moment the child fills the bowl, the child will see that feels like. Sometimes responsibility involves a not-so-pleasant your children to follow to learn how to be responsible for your what they did is important. Learning responsibility and really situation, and kids need to learn that as well. pet. Kids learn by example and will follow your lead. With guid- understanding that helping the pet matters – to the pet as well ance, a child can learn to be responsible for the care of a loved as the family – will reinforce your child’s desire to want to be Around-the-Clock Responsibility family dog or cat. Learning that their involvement matters in involved. Like children, pets require around-the-clock care at one level the care of your dog or cat will teach your child that respon- or another. A child can learn that having a pet means caring for it sibility is important and that they can contribute and make a Reprinted with the permission of Canidae Natural Pet Food Company. even when it is inconvenient or conflicting with something else difference.

(813)335.4948 (813)215.6674 Live Bait Frozen Bait Tackle Nets Crab Traps Accessories and more! DECEMBER 2014 11 The Bizarre Behaviors of Cats Cats are such strange creatures. Not strange in a bad way, just prone to bizarre behavior that can leave you wondering what exactly is going Rivercrest on in that pretty little head of theirs. I suppose there are cat critics who’d argue that nothing is going on in their heads and that’s why they act so Upcoming Events peculiar. However, I’m convinced that cats know exactly why they do the things they do! And I think they might even do some things precisely December 13th • 1:30pm - 3:30pm because it keeps us guessing. I think they don’t want us to “figure them out” because being decoded would go against their feline nature, i.e., Annual Holiday Gathering with Santa pretending to be independent and oblivious to us. After decades of living with cats, I’ve concluded that it’s pointless to try to understand why they do such strange things. Most if not all of the December 13th • 3:30pm - 4:30pm funny things cats do will never be understood. Knowing the crafty feline mind like I do, I wouldn’t put it past them to pretend to be asleep when DWI Wrestling Toys for Tots Free Show they’re actually lying there concocting yet another kooky behavior to confuse their gullible human. Please Donate a Toy A cat’s fascination with boxes is high on my list of the behaviors I find perplexing. What’s up with that? I saw a photo cartoon that had a bunch of boxes on a deserted road, and each box had a cat sitting in it. The caption said, “The cat traps are working.” Funny, but so true! I daresay there isn’t a cat alive that doesn’t love boxes. They sleep in them, play in them, slide through them (Maru!) and wedge themselves into the teensiest box like feline contortionists. Why? And how can that even be comfortable? Moreover, why would they prefer sleeping in that hard box or on the cold floor instead of their cozy cat bed? Who sleeps on the floor, any- way? I was so excited when I got my cats a multi-level scratching post/cat condo with three places that looked (to my dumb eye) like great places to sleep. They took one look at this thing and bolted off to find their favorite box. It’s become a lovely piece of “corner art” now. I’ve seen my cats sleeping outside on a pile of brambles, on top of plants or in the dirt. How can this possibly be comfortable? My kitchen towel drawer will often have a cat in it, which makes a lot more sense than on twigs or in a box, but it’s still an odd place for a nap. Mickey digs out half of the towels before making his little nest in there. He does the same thing to my sock drawer if I accidentally leave it open. I’ll come home to a floor littered with socks, and find him in the now-empty drawer snoozing away. Rivercrest Speaking of funny places to sleep, if cats hate water so darn much, why do they like to sleep in sinks? Show- Weekly Events ers seem to be a cat magnet also. Without fail, Rocky comes running the minute he hears the shower on. He sits on the edge of the tub, and when I get out, he gets in and licks up any water droplets he finds. It’s Ongoing Weekly After School Camp not because of extreme thirst, and I know this because I fill up his water bowl every day!! Monday through Friday Why do cats always need to be in the bathroom with you anyway? I don’t need or want an audi- Rivercrest Community Center ence in there. But heaven forbid I lock Rocky out; he scratches on the door like his life depends on getting Zumba with Damaris in. I think he just can’t stand not being able to “snoopervise” everything I do. That’s probably why all three Tuesdays and Wednesday - 7:00 p.m. cats insist on inspecting every single thing I bring into the house, too. My nosy felines must scrutinize the groceries, new clothes, office supplies… Rivercrest Clubhouse you name it, they act like Inspector Catso until it’s put away. And then the paper bag becomes their new favorite toy! Cats pay no attention to newspapers or magazines until you try to read one, then they’re all over it like it’s been dipped in catnip. Same for Protential Sports Events the computer; they never notice it until you’re trying to type something, and then those furry little paws just can’t resist trying to help. I can Register online at: understand the fascination with the mouse, but the keyboard? Not so much. Mickey’s favorite activity is hitting “delete” right after I’ve finished www.PROtentialsports.com writing my best work ever. I think I see a mischievous glint in his eye, but it could just be that I need new glasses. 813-843-9460 In the end, I put up with all of the bizarre things that cats do, because I love them. Besides, their quirkiness is what makes them even more fun to have around! Reprinted with the permission of Canidae Natural Pet Food Company.

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Here we are with the Annual Villa Block Party held in our Neighborhood park on November 8th. Annual Villa Highlights Thanks to Francine Digorgio for the planning Block Party and presenting the flyers, that she created, to all the Villa residents. The turnout was good the games were funny but challenging and the food was always enjoyable. Thanks to all the setup volunteers and one of our annual cooks Jeff Culver and of course it wouldn’t be rocking without yours truly DJ Donnie V with , Blues, Oldies, Country, and Funky sounds to keep everyone moving. We all met some of our new and previous friends and Neighbors to have just great day in the Park. DECEMBER 2014 13 Check Out Our New & Improved Website! Visit us at www.Rivercrestcdd.org • Pictures of Community Events • Calendar of Events • Registration Forms • District Rules & Regulations • CDD Meeting Agendas & Minutes • CDD Financials • Community Room Rental Form • Access Card Agreement Form • Current Park & Recreation Events Registrations Plus Much More! Also, stay connected with the Rivercrest Community Association website: www.rivercrestneighborhood.com/rivercrest

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Permit #P01018449 813.654.CATS (2287) 15501 Boyette Road • Riverview www.acountrycathousetampa.com The Rivercrest Reporter 14 advertising in the rivercrest reporter is both affordable & easy! www. for more information, please contact us. RivercrestCDD [email protected] 863.874.0084 .org

FOOTBALLEARLY BIRD SOCCER 58 BASEBALLSPECIAL AFTER SCHOOL CAMP WITH TRANSPORTATION TENNISArbor Greene Our After School Camp is designed to give your child structure, fun Grand Hampton BASKETBALLand physical activities after school Serving your realty needs in the SouthShore area Club Monday through Friday until 6:30pm. Dupree Lakes The sports curriculum is set up so GOLF your child will experience a multi- Call For Heritage Isles sport rotation daily, with individualized Free Estimate CHEERLEADINGRivercrest attention from trained athletes. 7 Days a Week Seven Oaks REGISTER ONLINE AT SWIMMINGWaterchase PROTENTIALSPORTS.COM OR CALL 813.843.9460 Cory Lake Isles 813.846.7629 SUMMER*Residents Only CAMP [email protected]

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Dave does an amazing job keeping my boys Danny,Dusty & Petey looking great! They always look & smell so good. I highly recommend Riverview Grooming for all of your furry family members! -Lisa My little girl went in for her very first grooming and she came out beautiful and happy. ..and she smells great!” -Melissa They do a great job grooming our two yorkies, Baylee and Lola! -Mike $30 Small Breed Groom Coupon $45 Large Breed Groom Coupon $20 Bath Any Breed Coupon

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GBCC 2014 Small Business of the Year Licensed, Insured Cat Litter Box Service One Time, Weekly and Bi- Weekly Service Waste is Double-Bagged & Hauled Away “Dooing” Business Since 2003 The Rivercrest Reporter 16 Recipe Corner Forget the chips and pretzels… SWIM AT HOME two easy ideas for Holiday snacking OR EXERCISE, REHAB, AND PLAY Sweet and Spicy Candied Nuts Directions 1. Heat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment; set aside. 2. Combine the brown sugar, butter, 1 tea- Ingredients: spoon salt, and cayenne in a large pot over me- 1/2 cup brown sugar dium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until melted, 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 2 to 3 minutes. Add the almonds, pistachios, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt pecans and stir to coat. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 3. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and 1/2 cup almonds spread in a single layer. Bake, tossing once, until 1/2 cup pistachios golden brown and glazed, 17 to 22 minutes. Stir, 1/2 cup pecans then let cool; break into clumps. Toss with the 1/4 cup granulated sugar granulated sugar Savory Herb Popcorn Ingredients 1 cup popcorn kernels 2 ounces Parmesan, finely grated (1/2 cup) THE ENDLESS POOL® HAS A SMOOTH, 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted THE ENDLESS POOL HAS A SMOOTH, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves ADJUSTABLE CURRENT FOR SWIMMING, 1 teaspoon kosher salt EXERCISE, REHAB, AND FAMILY FUN. Directions 1. Cook the popcorn according to the package directions. 2. Toss the popcorn, Parmesan, butter, thyme, and 1 tea- REQUEST YOUR FREE IDEA KIT 800-878-5211 spoon salt in a large bowl.

2604 College Ave. E. • Ruskin S.R. 674, 1/2 mile west of I-75 813-641-0090 Monday - Friday 8-5 • Saturday 8-2