Bloomindale/Fishhawk Edition

Local Baseball Teams Bring Home Titles

Two local baseball teams are celebrating big wins this month. The Bloomingdale Classics 11 u team won the Labor Day Fall Classic and the Bloomingdale Bullets 10 u team brought home the first place title at the Amateur Athletic Union's (AAU) First Pitch Tournament.

The Labor Day event was the first time a Bloomingdale Classic team won a tournament and according to parent Adam Cohen, members and coaches from all teams were proud of the result.

The September 2-4 tournament at which the Bullets won first place consisted of three games and subsequently the team was chosen for the AAU's team of the week September 9.

The Bloomingdale Bullets organization of eight baseball teams is still looking for sponsors for the 2005-2006 AAU season. Sponsorship funds are used for equipment and field maintenance. For more information, call Laurel at 661-4525.

Newsome Baseball Golf Tournament

Newsome High School Baseball Team will hold its first annual golf tournament October 23 at Summerfield Golf Course.

This is a four person scramble and the cost is $65 per player or $260 per team.

Door prizes, raffle and dinner are included. Hole sponsorships are available; Corporate Packages include hole sponsorship and four team members. Proceeds will be used for field improvements, equipment, travel cost and team dinners.

For information, contact Chad Haschel at 740-4600 ext 520 or Gary Allshouse at 431-2620.

Bloomingdale High School Band Boosters Sponsor Homecoming BBQ

The 15th Annual Rajun' Bull Band BBQ takes place Friday, October 7, from 4:30 -7 p.m. on the cafeteria patio at Bloomingdale High School, located at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave., before the Bloomingdale - Freedom football game and the halftime crowning of the 2005 Homecoming Queen. Sonny's Real Pit BBQ will cater the meal. The feast includes a BBQ pork sandwich, baked beans, coleslaw and beverage at a cost of $6 per meal. Takeout meals are available and tickets can be purchased in advance from any band member or by calling Diane Weidley at 654-9384. The fabulous Bloomingdale Jazz Band will provide entertainment.

For Bloomingdale High School Rajun Bull Band event information, please access the website at www.bloomingdaleband.org.

Annual Fall Festival to be held at FishHawk Creek Elementary

FishHawk Creek Elementary PTA is holding an Annual Fall Festival on Friday, October 21. Hours will be 4-9 p.m. there will be rides, games, food, a ar show and music. This event is open to the general public.

Newsome Fall Concert

The Music Department of Joe E. Newsome High School (NHS) announces a Fall Concert to take place at the high school on Tuesday, October 11 at 7 p.m. This will be a joint performance with Randall Middle School. The NHS Choir, Orchestra and Elite Choir will perform along with the Randall Middle School Choir and Show Choir. Admission is free. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Newsome High Band Boosters Sell Car Wash Tickets

Just in time for love bug season, the Newome High School Band Boosters are currently selling tickets for one deluxe full service car wash for $10. Tickets are redeemable at all five area Grand Prix Car Wash locations and are valid through April 30, 2006. You may purchase tickets at all of Newsome's home football games. For more information, contact Roy or Millie Nyquist 681-5763, or the band's website at www.newsomeband.com. Half of all proceeds benefit the Newsome High School Band Boosters.

Newsome High's Baseball Team holds First Annual Golf Tournament

The Newsome High School Baseball Team will hold its first annual Golf Tournament on October 23 at the Summerfield Golf Course. This is a four person scramble and the cost is $65 per player or $260 per team. Door prizes, raffle and dinner are included. Hole sponsorships are available, Corporate Packages include hole sponsorship and four team members. Proceeds will be used for field improvements, equipment, travel cost and team dinners. For information, contact Chad Haschel at 740-4600 ext. 520 or Gary Allshouse 431-2620.

Bloomingdale Cheerleading Clinic

The Fourth Annual Bloomingdale High School Cheerleading Clinic will be on Saturday, October 15, from 1-4 p.m. at Bloomingdale High School for boys and girls K-8th grade. Come have fun and learn all the Bulls cheers, chants, and dances from the Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleaders. The coaching staff who led the Varsity squad to the Western Conference title for the past two years will be assisting. Each participant will receive a Bulls cheerleading shirt, pom-poms and a special BSHS cheer momento and free admission to the Varsity game on Friday, October 21 vs. Riverview High School to help cheer on the Bulls. The clinic will benefit the Bloomingdale High School Cheer Program and allow the squad to share their enthusiasm and spirit for the sport with younger members of the community. There is a fee of $30 per child; however, the fee will be reduced by $5 for each new participant your child brings. For registration form or additional information, call Sue Thatcher at 654-3958 or email at Mommalubs@aol.com

Bevis Student Qualifies for Junior Olympics

Bevis student, Karisa Kostecki qualified for the Junior Olympics in swimming. Karisa, who has been swimming since the age of three, qualified in four different events relay, 200 IM, 200 free and 50 backstroke.

Karisa has been a part of the Brandon Blue Waves Team since January 2004.

The Florida State Junior Olympics was held in July at the University of Florida in Gainesville. There, the top swimmers in the state under fourteen years of age competed against each other.

To qualify and swim at this event is very prestigious among fellow swimmers and the community.

Bevis Student Wins International Safety Poster Contest

Riley McChesney is currently a fifth grade student at Colleen Bevis Elementary. He recently competed and placed second in the 8-10 year old category in the safety poster contest at the local Gypsum Company where his father is employed. Riley's poster- "Don't Become the 'Current' News! Be Safe and Smart Around Electricity," was then entered at the national level where he was awarded first place for all of the National Gypsum Companies in the United States and Canada.

Artists and Craftsmen Wanted

Artists and craftsmen are sought for the Kappa Kappa Sorority's 31st annual Brandon Arts & Crafts Festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on November 19 and 20 at Winthrop Village on Bloomingdale Ave. neare Providence Rd. in Brandon. Space fee is $70 for two days. Fee after November 1 will be $80. Kappa Tau will serve a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. For an application, call Julie Gonzalez at 684-4832.

Pecan Sale Begins October 1

Don't forget to place your order for Georgia fresh, shelled pecan halves or pieces in time for your holiday banking.

For the past 35 years, the women of Brandon's First United Methodist Church have sold pecans to support their many mission projects. This year give-pound boxes will be sold for $28.

The pecans will be available for pick-up at the church on Saturday, November 12 or Monday, November 14 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The church is located one block north of S.R. 60 on Knights Ave. between Parsons and Kings Ave.

To commemorate 35 years, the women have produced a book of their favorite recipes. Of course, all of the recipes use pecans in them. The books will be available on November 12 and 14 for a nominal donation.

To place your order, contact Nancy at 689-3308, Doris at 685-8710 or send an email to bjbrooks@tampabay.rr.com.

Edward Jones Sponsors USF Tailgate Party

Elijah Heath, the FishHawk Edward Jones investment representative, is sponsoring a USF Tailgate Party from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, October 22 at Raymond James Stadium. For more information, call Heath at 657-2078.

Toastmasters International Meets

FishHawk Toastmasters is open to everyone. They meet on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Osprey Welcome Center (theatre room). For more information, call Cynthia Wood at 684-7297 or e-mail wood13@earthlink.net.

Concerned Parents of Autistic Children Meet

Concerned Parents of Autistic Children, a support group for the parents and caregivers of autistic children, holds its meetings the last Sunday from 3-5 p.m. each month at Nature's Health Foods, located at 3443 Lithia Pinecrest Rd.

The group had 57 families at their last meeting, plus three elected officials. Organizations like the Masons of Brandon are support groups who offer their services.

For information on CPOAC, contact Dr. Moursi at Late Hours Urgent Care Center at 643-9393 or Ed Dickelman at 681-1491. Dr. Moursi can also be contacted at hmoursi@hotmail.com.

"Smart Women Finish Rich"

“Smart Women Finish Rich” is the subject of a seminar to be given on Tuesday, October 11 by Elijah Heath, Investment Representative, in partnership with Van Kampen Investments, Inc. The seminar will be given at 6 p.m. at the FishHawk Ranch Welcome Center. Admission is free and reservations can be made by calling Lynn at 657-2078.

The motivational seminar helps to empower women to walk away knowing they can plan for financial security and seek their dreams.

Valrico Garden Club Meets

The Valrico Garden Club meets every third Wednesday of each month from September through May. Our first meeting of this calendar year (2005-2006) will be on September 21.

We meet at the Sadie Park Recreation Center, 510 East Sadie St. at 10 a.m.

This month's meeting features a tour of one of our members private gardens directly following a salad luncheon and short meeting. Visitors are welcomed at all meetings, no membership required. Next month our speaker will be instructing on Perennials.

Thursday Morning Mom's Club

Chick-fil-A of Valrico introduces the Thursday Morning Mom's Club, a playgroup for mom's and their children featuring story and craft time. The playgroup will take place from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month beginning Sept. 15th. Those attending the first meeting will receive an offer for a free Kid's Meal with any purchase, and will get their picture taken with the cow.

For more information please contact Chick-fil-A of Valrico Marketing Director Traci Dyer at 760-7166

Community Clubs and Businesses Wanted for Halloween Horribles Event at Center Place

Center Place, 619 Vonderburg Dr., is looking for businesses and clubs to participate in the 8th annual Halloween Horribles Parade to be held on Sunday, October 30 at 3 p.m. at Center Place.

Participating Businesses and Clubs will provide treat stations on the parade route around Center Place. Last year's event was attended by 800 kids, and we are looking forward to another fun-filled day. To sign up, please call the Center's office at 685-8888 by Tuesday, October 25.

Putting for Paws Second Annual Golf Tournament

On October 22, come on out and join friends for Putting for PAWS. This four-person scramble is to be held at the beautiful Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview and is limited to the first 140 players. Tee Time is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., registration and grill opens at 11 a.m. The $60 per person registration fee includes a bucket of range balls, greens fee, golf cart and a trip to the grill. Mulligan and raffle tickets for door prizes available at registration.

Please register for this event on our website at www.pawsofhc.org.

BPW NETWORKING:

The Business and Professional Women's Organization of Greater Brandon meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday at River Hills Country Club, 3943 New River Hills Pkwy., Valrico. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. For information, contact Re Dangremond at 643-3281.

Brandon Newcomers Events

The Brandon Newcomer's Club will hold a garage sale on Saturday, October 22 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at 1402 Graywood Ct. in Valrico. Proceeds will benefit local charities.

The Brandon Newcomer's Club will hold a "Fun and Games Day" at Center Place on October 31, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 admission buys sandwiches, drinks, treats and gifts. Sign up for bunco, euchre, dominos or bridge. Event is open to public; please call Jo Anderson 654-3456 to reserve.

Riverview Edition

Putting For Paws

Putting for PAWS second annual golf tournament will be held October 22 at Summerfield Crosssings Golf Club.

This 4-person scramble is limited to the first 140 players. Tee time is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., registration and grill opens at 11 a.m. The $60 per person registration fee includes a bucket of range balls, greens fee, golf cart and a trip to the grill. Mulligan and raffle tickets for door prizes available at registration.

As a special treat, there will be an auction of some Tampa Bay Lightning and other sports collectibles. This auction will also be open to the public -- no registration necessary.

Please register for this event at www.pawsofhc.org.

Community Garage Sale

Boyette Farms, located on McMullen Rd. and Boyette Rd. north of CVS will hold its annual community yard sale on Saturday, November 1, 8 a.m.- 12 Noon. Visit www.boyettefarms.org.

Ladies Club Hosting Garage Sale

The Summerfield Ladies' Club is sponsoring a community garage sale on Saturday, October 15, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Summerfield Crossings, located off U.S. Hwy. 301 and Big Bend Rd. This will be a huge event with more than 20 separate communities participating. A rain date has been scheduled for the following weekend October 22, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. All residents within Summerfield are invited and encouraged to participate. This is a fundraising event for the Ladies' Club in which some of the proceeds will be contributed to a local charity. For any information on this event you may contact Shirley Parrish at 677-8341 or Nancy Rademaker at 672-2802.

South Pointe Fall Festival

The community of South Pointe located on U.S. Hwy. 301 north of Big Bend Rd. will host a fall festival on Sunday, October 9, 1-4 p.m. There will be several business displaying their wares and services, plus food and refreshments and visits from the Bloodmobile, sheriff's office, fire department and more. Visit www.oursouthpointe.com or call 230-6764 for further details.

Sessums Family Night

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 21, 5 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. and bring the family to Sessums Elementary School, located at 11525 Ramble Creek Dr. (in the Rivercrest Subdivision). The event will feature food, fun, games, raffles and moon walks. Call 426-7540 for further details.

Bake Sale

The Women of St. John the Divine are having a bake sale featuring homemade baked goods, cakes, pies, breads and fresh coffee on October 11, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Business Expo Building of the Sun City Center Community Hall located at 1910 Pebble Beach Blvd. S. in Sun City Center. The bake sale will raise funds for many outreach focuses. For more details, call Carole Elliott at 633-9960.

Fall Festival

St. John the Divine is having its annual Fall Festival on October 8 from 5-8 p.m. at the Sun City Center Community Hall located at 1910 Pebble Beach Blvd. S. in Sun City Center.

Social hour begins at 5 p.m. A German dinner catered by C.J. Cafe in Sun City Center will begin at 6 p.m. Music will be from the "Front Porch Pickers" at 7 p.m. and music for dining and dancing will be provided by the memory keyboard of Al Frenzel.

Tickets are $15 each and are on sale at the church. For reservations or ticket questions, please call Lena Rose at 642-0788.

Spotted Redfish Tournament

D & J's Bait, Tackle & More and The Beer Shed present the first annual Spotted Redfish Tournament on Saturday, October 15. The cost is $30 per angler and pre-registration is available at D & J's, located at 8811 S. U.S. Hwy. 301 or the Beer Shed, located at 11208 McMullen Lp. The registration fee includes tournament entry and a T-shirt. Proceeds will go towards the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.

Redfish will be judged based on he total spots combined from both sides. An awards ceremony will take place at the Beer Shed at 8 p.m. Activities throughout the day at the Beer Shed include a wild hog stew, raffles, a horseshoe tournament and live music from the T-Blue Band.

For information, call 671-9595.

Ruskin Seafood Festival

The 17th Annual Ruskin Seafood Festival and Ruskin Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, November 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, November 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at E. G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Avenue NW, Ruskin.

Vendors will be serving up all types of food including crab cakes, oysters and shrimp scampi. To add variety to the fare, there also will the Polish sausage, black beans and rice, kettle corn and more.

Additional activities include a juried art show will, a boat show and a business expo. There will also be educational exhibits on wildlife, big cats on display, rock climbing and more.

Admission is $5, seniors $4, and children under 12 are free. Parking is free. The Ruskin Seafood Festival and Ruskin Arts Festival is an alcohol free, family friendly, community event that promotes appreciation of the unique environment in the area. Funds raised support the Chamber of Commerce and its economic and community development programs.

Contact the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce 645-3808 or visit www.ruskinchamber.org/rccsff for information.

Republican Metting

Valrico Edition

Leaping Bullfrogs, Classic Cars and More

Valrico State Bank will hold its eighth annual Fall Festival and Classic Car Show on Saturday, October 15, 1-5 p.m. on the main bank grounds located at 1815 S.R. 60 E.

Admission is free and there will be a host of activities, both fun and educational, plus fabulous food.

Pony rides, a petting zoo, "Benny the Talking VW Beetle," 50s and 60s music and a trick dog and bird show are among the activities scheduled.

For more details, call 689-1231. Valrico State Bank also has locations at 10101 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview (621-7773); 102 W. Robertson St. in Brandon (685-2811), and at 305 S. Wheeler St. in Plant City (759-2265).

Carradine Appears at Sign Here

Sign Here Autographs Inc. is proud to announce an in-store autograph signing with legendary actor and star of more than 100 movies including Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2 as Bill and class television show Kung Fu as Caine "Grasshopper," David Carradine.

Carradine will be appearing in person to meet fans and sign autographs October 21 starting at 6 p.m.

Sign Here Autographs recently opened its retail location at 2498 W. Brandon Blvd. (right next to the AMC box office), but owners R. Greg Albach and Criag Moore have each been collecting autographs for more than 25 years.

For info, visit www.autographdealer.com or call 654-8122.

Valrico Soccer Club News

Valrico Soccer Club's U-9 soccer team, the Dawgs of War, recently won the West Pasco Labor Day Tournament. During the four games in this Tournament, the Dawgs of War scored over 60 goals and allowed on four goals to be scored on them. The Dawgs of War played and defeated teams from FC Tampa, West Pasco and Central Pasco.

Free Breast Cancer Pink Tea

On Sunday, October 30 from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m., a Pink Tea will be hosted by the Bay Area Church of Christ located at 3905 Orange St. in Mango. Ladies, age 18 and up, are invited to the Tea Party and program of free professional advice on breast health and breast cancer. Spanish speakers and cialiac's are welcome. To reserve your seat, call 689 3390 during business hours. Bookings close on October 23.

Christmas Luminarias

For the 26th consecutive year Brandon will be aglow on Christmas Eve as the tradition of lighting luminarias (paper bag lanterns) continues. Brandon Branch, American Association of University Women (AAUW), in conjunction with the Lions Club of Brandon, will again "Light up Brandon" by distributing luminaria kits, which contain 15 Em-Kay eight hour votive candles, 15 bags (brown or white) , matches, instructions, and a bag of sand. Each kit sells for $5.00.

Orders should be placed before November 5.

The Lions Club of Brandon and Brandon AAUW welcome new neighborhoods to participate in "Light Up Brandon." For additional information, contact Joyce, 661-9205 or Chris at 426-3367.

Artists and Craftsmen Wanted

Artists and Craftsmen are sought for the Kappa Kappa Sorority's 31st annual Brandon Arts & Crafts Festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on November 19 and 20 at Winthrop Village on Bloomingdale Ave. near Providence Rd. in Brandon. Space fee is $70 for two days. Fee after November 1 will be $80. Kappa Tau will serve a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. For an application, call Julie Gonzalez at 684-4832.

Annual Pecan Sale

Don't forget to place your order for Georgia fresh, shelled pecan halves or pieces in time for your holiday baking.

For the past 35 years, the women of Brandon's First United Methodist Church have sold pecans to support their many mission projects. This year, pound boxes will be sold for $28.

The pecans will be available for pick-up at the church on Saturday, November 12 or Monday, November 14 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The church is located one block north of S.R. 60 on Knights Ave. between Parsons and Kings avenues.

To commemorate 35 years, the women have produced a book of their favorite recipes. Of course, all of the recipes use pecans in them. The books will be available on November 12 and 14 for a nominal donation.

To place your order, contact Nancy at 689-3308, Doris at 685-8710, or send an email to bjbrooks@tampabay.rr.com.

Valrico Garden Club Meets

The Valrico Garden Club meets every third Wednesday of each month from September through May, at the Sadie Park Recreation Center, 510 East Sadie Street @ 10 am.

Thursday Morning Mom's Club

Chick-fil-A of Valrico introduces the Thursday Morning Mom's Club, a playgroup for moms and their children featuring story and craft time. The playgroup will take place from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month. For more information, please contact Chick-fil-A of Valrico marketing director Traci Dyer at 760-7166

Halloween at Center Place

Center Place, 619 Vonderburg Dr., is looking for businesses and clubs to participate in the eighth annual Halloween Horribles Parade to be held on Sunday, October 30 at 3 p.m. at Center Place.

Participating businesses and clubs will provide treat stations on the parade route around Center Place. Last year's event was attended by 800 kids.

To sign up, please call the Center's office at 685-8888 by Tuesday, October 25.

Brandon Newcomer’s Events

The Brandon Newcomer's Club will hold a garage sale on Saturday, October 22 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at 1402 Graywood Ct. in Valrico. Proceeds will benefit local charities.