Bloomindale/Fishhawk Edition

Brandon PM La Leche League Meeting

Mothers' group discussion of parenting and breastfeeding (with accredited leaders on hand and on call) welcomes mothers and dads, mothers and dads-to-be, grandparents and babies.

La Leche League meets the second Wednesday evening of each month at 7 p.m. at the Oakfield Medical Plaza, 119 Oakfield Dr., Suite 262, Brandon (corner of Oakfield Drive & Moon Avenue). Information Line: 932-3664.

Men’s Fitness Boot Camp

Rob Zulkoski of Personal Best Fitness Training has been teaching a Men's Fitness Boot Camp class at Bell Shoals Baptist Church for the past five months from 6-7 p.m. every Monday and Thursday night.

The Men's Boot Camp takes place in the Education Annex, room E1 behind Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon and is open to both members and non-members of the church.

The very first class is free to all new visitors and the monthly fee is just $32. This class is for all ages and fitness levels.

Men's Boot Camp workouts will vary each session, always utilizing all physical components to improve the functional capacity of every individual. Activities will focus on fundamental movement skills as a basis of training. Specific exercises to improve endurance, muscular strength, flexibility and even lower the body fat composition are the physical goals to be attained. Once the basic movements are mastered the program will begin to shift into a more specific training routine.

For more information about and Men's Boot Camp, please follow this link at:

http://eteamz.active.com/encouragingsports

www.PersonalBestFitnessTraining.com

Harry Potter Countdown Begins

Major book stores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders in the Tampa area are preparing for the most anticipated event in book publishing: the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. With an unprecedented initial print run of 10.8 million copies, the sixth book in the Harry Potter series goes on sale at 12:01 a.m. on July 16 and bookstores have been planning midnight events for weeks. A fun-filled experience for Harry Potter fans young and old, the events range from the simple to the elaborate and include one or more of the following elements:

Harry Potter-inspired refreshments: Butter Beer, chocolate frogs, Bertie Botts jelly beans, etc. Games, Costumes & Door Prizes.

For details, visit www.barnesandnoble.com.

Computer Classes Offered at Bloomingdale Regional Library

Improve your computer skills at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. Limited seating is available for these programs. Registration in person required no earlier than one hour prior to the start of the program. For more information on free classes and times offered, please call 273-3652, ext. 2 or visit hcplc.org

Genealogy Series: Census Records at your Library

Learn how to use federal, state and special census records to aid your genealogical research on Thursday, July 21 at 1 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. Discover ways to search through these invaluable records and learn how to overcome research difficulties. For more information about these programs and other free programs at your library™, please call 273-3652, ext. 2 or visit hcplc.org.

AARP Info

The Greater Brandon AARP Chapter 4442 will meet on Tuesday, July 5 at 4:30 p.m. at Willies Seafood, located at 1912 Main St. in Old Valrico for their July "Meet & Eat" meeting. Visitors are always welcome. For information, call Betty at 689-2173.

Bingo every Tuesday

The Women of the Moose Brandon Chapter 1569 sponsors Bingo every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Bingo is located at the Brandon Moose Family Center on 804 S. Miller Rd. For more information, call 689-6043.

Business & Professional Women Award Scholarship and Elect New Officers

On June 9, the Greater Brandon Chapter of Business and Professional Women (BPW) presented a $500 scholarship to Cassia Sookho of Riverview. She is a 2005 graduate of Brandon High School and will be attending the University of Florida.

BPW also held their Installation Ceremony for the new 2005-2006 officers. Sworn in by outgoing President Re Dangremond were Annette Harting, President; Susan Cunningham. 1st Vice President, Kelly Mettler, 2nd Vice President; Marj Young, Treasurer; and Colette Willis, Secretary. Re Dangremond was also sworn in as 3rd Vice President, a newly-formed position.

The Greater Brandon Local Organization of BPW meets at 6:30 p.m., the second Thursday of every month, at River Hills Country Club, 3943 New River Hills Parkway, Valrico. The July 14th guest speaker will be Beth Golden, Phd., MH., CBT., of The Therapeutic Body Center in St. Petersburg. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. Cost is $25.00 for non-members. For information or reservations, contact Re Dangremond at 643-3281.

First Annual block Party Set for July 26

Bring your family out for a night of fun and come meet business owners at the new Winthrop Town Centre. The first annual Winthrop Block Party and Treasure Hunt is coming your way on Tuesday, July 26. The treasure hunt, where you visit each shop to get your passport stamped, begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. The Sheriff's department will be conducting on-site fingerprinting for children. Drop your passport in the treasure chest, at MJ Barleyhoppers by 7 p.m., for a chance to win the grand prize, a night for two in Ybor City, including dinner at MJ Barleyhoppers, tickets to The Improv, and a hotel room. After the treasure hunt, MJ Barleyhoppers is open for an International sampling and beer tasting. Along with the food and drinks there is a steel drum band to entertain guests. So come on out and make a fun family night of it. For more details, visit www.EsiteWorks.com/Winthop.

Riverview Edition

First Block Part Set for July 26

Bring your family out for a night of fun and come meet business owners at the new Winthrop Town Centre.

The first annual Winthrop Block Party and Treasure Hunt is coming your way on Tuesday, July 26. The treasure hunt, where you visit each shop to get your passport stamped, begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. The Sheriff's department will be conducting on-site fingerprinting for children. Drop your passport in the treasure chest, at MJ Barleyhoppers by 7 p.m., for a chance to win the grand prize, a night for two in Ybor City, including dinner at MJ Barleyhoppers, tickets to The Improv, and a hotel room.

After the treasure hunt, MJ Barleyhoppers is open for an international sampling and beer tasting. Along with the food and drinks there will be live music to entertain guests. So come on out and make a fun family night of it. For more details, visit www.EsiteWorks.com/Winthop.

Vacation Bible School

Christ the King Lutheran Church of Riverview invites children from 3 to12 years old to embark on a faith-filled Safari Adventure July 9-10 and July 16-17.

We can't wait for the journey to begin," says Past Kevin Yoakum. "As kids travel on an expedition of wild safari animals, they learn Jesus is King. Catchy music and one-of-kind crafts make VBS memories that will last forever."

Safari Adventure begins Saturdays, 9 a.m. to Noon and Sundays, Noon to 3 p.m. Call 677-1332 for more information and to register your child.

East Shore Today features SCC American Legion Post

SCC American Legion Post was the topic of discussion June 29 on East Shore Today. Paul Wheat, commander, and John Berlekamp, finance officer, were guests on the interview-format program.

East Shore Today, hosted by Bill Hodges of Apollo Beach, is aired at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays on channel 20 (Bright House cable). It primarily features guests of interest to residents on this side of Tampa Bay from Brandon to the Manatee County line.

Victory Cathedral Christian Center

Evangelist John Trotter will be returning to Victory Cathedral, The Dome church on U.S. Hwy. 301 S. on July 11, 12 and 13. Three days of faith teaching that you will not want to miss. Each night starts at 7 p.m. Brother Trotter ministers in many countries bringing the faith message to thousands of people.

Plan now to attend. Form more information, call 642-0004.

Riverview Little Theatre presents Sweet Charity

On July 28-30, and August 4-6, Riverview Little Theatre, a community theater in residence at Riverview High School, presents its summer musical, Sweet Charity, featuring classic songs like "If They Could See Me Now" and "Big Spender." All performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for students and senior citizens and for all advanced sales. Call 671-5011 x259.

Ticket prices at the door are $8. Riverview High School is located at 11311 Boyette Rd. The school is one mile east of Hwy. 301.

Diane Gugliotta Studio/Gallery

The Diane Gugliotta Studio is offering beginner, intermediate or advanced four part drawing classes called the "Art of the Pencil" beginning July 6. The classes will be held Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The fee is $120 for four classes and the cap is four students. There are only three spots left. Call for registration and advanced payment at 645-8433, or just stop by the studio 1312 Apollo Beach Blvd. Suite J (behind Alpha Pizza).

The "Gyotaku" or "Fish-Rubbing" class is being offered on July 29 from 6-9 p.m. The class cap is four, so hurry and reserve your space.

On July 30 from 6-9 p.m., the Gugliotta Gallery will hold an opening reception and showing featuring Apollo's local artists selected by Diane called "What's Your Hang-Up?".

Alafia Bait Offers Pontoon Rentals

By Sharon Still

The Alafia River offers area residents and visitors a chance to get away from the busy hustle of life to enjoy scenery, wildlife and recreational activities like boating and fishing. If you don't own a boat yourself or if you are looking to spend a relaxing day on the water with a group of friends or family, renting a pontoon boat from Alafia Bait & Tackle provides great river experiences.

Pontoon boats, most equipped with canopies, come in 18-, 20- and 22-foot and can accommodate between 8 and 12 people. Pack a picnic lunch, a cooler full of drinks, sunscreen and some fishing poles and you are set for a day of fun and entertainment. Bring a camera too because you never know what you may see.

On a recent family pontoon trip, right before our eyes, a mother and baby dolphin frolicked in the waters, coming so close to the boat, we could have touched their sleek bodies if we had leaned over the side far enough.

There also is a wide variety of bird life, both in the water and on the land. Woodpeckers, the great blue heron, red-shouldered hawks and a host of smaller birds are common sightings among the large oak, cypress and cedar trees that line the river's banks in places and there are also plenty of colorful flowers and bushes.

A favorite spot for locals on the east side of Interstate 75 is a natural spring and rope swings located at the elbow of the river about five or six miles from Alafia Bait & Tackle.

Catfish appear to be abundant on the Alafia River or I am just a really great fisherwoman. I snagged two small catfish within the first hour and a couple more during the day, including one that measured more than two feet. Friends tell me you can also catch redfish, snook and sometimes bass.

Alafia Bait & Tackle has four pontoon boats available for rental for both half and full day trips. Prices start at $85, plus gas.

Valrico Edition

MOMS Club of Valrico

MOMS Club of Valrico is a non-profit organization which provides support to stay at home moms and their children. Meetings are the first Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. For more information, please call Stacie at 394-1461.

The MOMS Club of Valrico announces its newly elected board: president Julie Preiss; administrative VP Sinead Williams; membership VP Stacie Knuth; treasurer Jill Robinson; and Secretary Katie Hopkins.

La Leche League Meets

La Leche League meets the second Wednesday evening of each month at 7 p.m. at the Oakfield Medical Plaza, 119 Oakfield Dr., Suite 262, in Brandon (at the corner of Oakfield Dr. & Moon Ave.). The next meeting is July 15. Information Line: 932-3664

Men’s Boot Camp

Rob Zulkoski of Personal Best Fitness Training has been teaching a Men's Fitness Boot Camp class at Bell Shoals Baptist Church for the past five months from 6-7 p.m. every Monday and Thursday night. The Men's Boot Camp takes place in the Education Annex, room E1 behind Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon and is open to both members and non-members of Bell Shoals.

The very first class is free to all new visitors and the monthly fee is just $32. This class is for all ages and fitness levels.

Men's Boot Camp workouts will vary each session, always utilizing all physical components to improve the functional capacity of every individual. Activities will focus on fundamental movement skills as a basis of training. Specific exercises to improve endurance, muscular strength, flexibility and even lower the body fat composition are the physical goals to be attained. Once the basic movements are mastered the program will begin to shift into a more specific training routine.

For more information about the Men's Boot Camp, please follow this link at http://eteamz.active.com/encouragingsports/index.cfm?subsite=2978079 or go to www.PersonalBestFitnessTraining.com

Computer Classes Offered at Bloomingdale Regional Library

Improve your computer skills at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. Limited seating is available for these programs. Registration in person is required no earlier than one hour prior to the start of the program. For more information on free classes and times offered, please call 273-3652, ext. 2 or visit hcplc.org Genealogy Series: Census Records at your Library™

Learn how to use federal, state and special census records to aid your genealogical research on Thursday, July 21 at 1 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. Discover ways to search through these invaluable records and learn how to overcome research difficulties. For more information about these programs and other free programs at your library™, please call 273-3652, ext. 2 or visit hcplc.org.

Music Showcase Sponsors Musical Theatre Camp

Music Showcase will be sponsoring another Kid's Summer Musical Theatre Camp from July 18-31. Children (ages 7 and up) can register now to perform in "School House Rock", a fun and educational show. Music Showcase's theatre program is unique in that no auditions are required. Enrollment is based on first-come-first serve. So register now for a place in the next musical production at Music Showcase. Call 685-5998 for more information.

Suzuki Method of Music Offered for Violin Lessons at Music Showcase

The Suzuki Method of music education began in the 1950's by Japanese violist Shinichi Suzuki. Dr. Suzuki believes that the best and most effective way to learn music is to be exposed to it from a very early age. He calls this the "mother tongue" method - young children learning to play an instrument in the same way they learn their own language: by listening, absorbing and copying. When the child begins learning, it is "by ear" - music reading is deferred to a later time in the same way speaking comes before reading. Parents are involved in the learning process, joining forces with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment. Suzuki also holds to the philosophy of "Talent Education" - there's no such thing as gifted or talented children, but that every child has infinite potential. He believes that in teaching the child music we are, in fact creating a medium for the emotional and spiritual growth of the child.

Stephanie Guajardo, an accomplished violist and registered Suzuki instructor, is teaching small children the violin using the Suzuki method at Music Showcase. Her students are as young as three years old. Small, quarter and half size violins are available for these 'quarter' and 'half' size musicians. Classes will be on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. Registration (children ages 3-10) for the summer session is open through June 18 and is available first come, first serve. Call Marilyn Medley, program director at 685-5998 for more information.

Bingo every Tuesday

The Women of the Moose Brandon Chapter 1569 sponsors Bingo every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Bingo is located at the Brandon Moose Family Center on 804 S. Miller Rd. For more information, call 689-6043.

Autistic Support Group Meets

A support group for parents and caregivers of Autistic Children meets the last Sunday of each month from 3-5 p.m. at Nature's Health Foods, located at 3443 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. This group discusses topics including developments, strategies and sharing experiences. For information, call H. Moursi at 643-9393 or Ed Dickelman at 681-1491 or e-mail hmoursi@hotmail.com.

BPW Greater Brandon Chosen "Best in State"

On June 17, the Greater Brandon Chapter of Business and Professional Women (BPW) was chosen the Best Local Organization in Florida at the BPW State Conference held in St. Petersburg. The Business and Professional Women's Organization of Greater Brandon meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday monthly at River Hills Country Club, 3943 New River Hills Pkwy. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. Cost is $25 for non-members. For information, contact Re Dangremond at 643-3281.