Hot Locks Welcomes "Bo The Barber"

Michael Thompson, known as "Bo The Barber" around town, recently joined the staff at Hot Locks, a full service salon on Bloomingdale Ave.

A master barber with more than 30 years of experience, "Bo" is looking forward to serving both existing and new clients at this convenient location.

In addition to the barber industry, Thompson spent recent years working as a supported living coach working with disabled adults, assisting them in maintaining independent lifestyles. While he enjoyed the rewards of this career, he realized that his heart remained in the barber industry.

"I realized that I had left behind the career that I loved so much," he says. "Barbering has been my passion for most of my adult life, and it is with pleasure that I now apply my barbering skills daily at Hot Locks on Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon."

Schedule an appointment with "Bo", Wednesday through Saturday by calling 220-4141. Hot Locks is located just east of John Moore Rd. at 106 E. Bloomingdale Ave. Call 684-3099 or visit www.hotlocksbrandon.com.

Dental Office Spreads Cheer

Dr. Jeff Bynum and his staff of Five Star Dental Care, located 3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico, is providing meals for the less fortunate families during the holidays and care packages for deployed soldiers. Donations are welcome.

If you would like to help, contact the office at 653-2273.

Club Z! Tutoring Promotes Personalization

Making its way to the Brandon area, Club Z! In Home Tutoring offers those from kindergarten to adult the chance to receive a tailor-made education in multiple areas of instruction.

According to Assistant Area Director Nancy Martin, "I personally screen and hire all of the tutors from a parent's point of view. I look for tutors with a passion for teaching and a desire to help the individual reach his or her goals." Having three children of her own, two of which have learning disabilities, Martin has come to know the complexity of the school system when it comes to a child's learning needs.

"I can truly empathize with most people when it comes to their child's learning experiences," says Martin. She makes it a point to meet personally with students and their families which "enables me to match them with a qualified tutor that is equipped to address their individual needs and give them the one on one attention they deserve."

With over 500 facilities nationwide, Club Z! caters to Valrico, Brandon, FishHawk, Bloomingdale, Riverview and Apollo Beach. Those interested can call to make an appointment Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. with costs being customized according to subject and grade level. Tutoring sessions are available Sunday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. with over 50 tutors available in the area.

For more information, call 620-3764 or 941-776-5600 or go to www.clubztutoring.com.

New Stylists Join River Hills Salon

Avena Hair Studio, located at 4379 Lynx Paw Tr. in the River Hills Plaza, welcomes two new master colorists and stylists to its team of professionals. Owner Jenni Marun is pleased to announce that Gigi Beyazian and Maria Gibbs, formerly of David Andrews Salon, will now be offering their services at Avena Hair Studio.

Both Beyazian and Gibbs have more than 20 years of experience and specialize in hair cutting and coloring. Other services available include perms and relaxers. Soon, facial waxing will be available.

Avena Hair Studio is open Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 655-6404 to set an appointment.

Have A Horse & Pony Party

Looking for a new and exciting activity for your child's birthday party or other special event? Isabella's Horse & Pony Parties specializes in parties and events at all churches, private schools, company picnics and for personal hire as well. Licensed in Hillsborough County, Isabella's customizes the horse and pony for a specific theme, such as princess theme, cowboys and Indians, holiday themes and even some Disney TM & Pixar TM themes as well.

Hire just the horse or the pony by themselves or hire them both at the same time.

"We can be hired for any length of time needed, but require at least a two week notice for a booking or we can sometimes fit you in and all you need to do is call for times and open availability," says owner Amanda Summers.

Isabella's Horse & Pony Parties serves all of Hillsborough County as well as surrounding counties.

"We enjoy what we do as well as the stars of our show Bella (Black Horse) and Little Feather (Shetland pony)," Summers adds.

For more details or to book a party, call 829-9442 or email summersequinecare@tampabay.rr.com .

Resident Receives Spa Certification

Julie Cook of Brandon recently received certification as a BeautiControl Independent Consultant at the company's BeautiU Training. At BeautyU, Cook learned about sharing BeautiControl's high quality, competitively priced products at in-home Spa ESCAPES and how to quickly grow a flexible, rewarding home-based business that easily fits into her lifestyle and allows her to make money immediately.

At a Spa ESCAPE, guests enjoy one hour of pampering including a complimentary lip and eye treatment. As they relax, they learn about the company's serious skin care targeted for the age of their skin and its exclusive M.R.P. approach to a lifetime of beautiful skin. M.R.P. includes maintenance products for the skin you can see, repair products for the skin you can't see, and prevention products for the skin you will see.

To schedule a complimentary Spa ESCAPE or learn about BeautiControl's life-changing opportunities, contact Cook at 681-4858or visit www.beautipage.com/julieancook.

Stylists Raise Money For Cancer

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, two Brandon professionals donated their time and expertise to raise money for cancer awareness.

Kimberly Haggerty, a stylist and hair extension specialist/instructor with Balmain Paris and Seamless Extensions and Anne-Marie Dionne-Powell, owner of Jacob Andrew Hair Studio and stylist for over 25 years, offered free hair cuts and styles in support of the cause. Together they raised almost $300 in donations to aid in cancer awareness and support families currently fighting the disease.

"My mom died from cancer when I was in high school," Haggerty relates, "and it's a terrible disease. It's the least I can do to help find a cure."

To schedule an appointment with Haggerty, call 334-477-2611. Dionne-Powell can be reached at 494-7979. 

Tampa Bay's Largest Computer Outlet and Repair Center Open in Brandon

Performance Computer Group (PCG) has expanded into Brandon with the acquisition of the former Mega Micro Systems location on Bloomingdale Ave. PCG opened the outlet and repair center in October, with a newly remodeled store boasting Tampa Bay's largest tech shop.

"Brandon has grown rapidly and we thought it was a great time to expand there considering Mega Micro Systems has closed," says Brett Kappes, president of PCG.

Due to its approach to recycling, the Outlet Center will offer fully refurbished desktops starting at $99 and laptops starting at $199 and in addition, the store will offer new custom built computers, new Dell desktops and laptops, onsite networking, Web design, custom software development, as well as computer and printer repair as do all PCG locations.

The Brandon location is on the corner of Kings and Bloomingdale avenues at 863 W. Bloomingdale Ave. For more information, call 684-1757, e-mail jamie@tampapcg.com or visit www.tampapcg.com.

DaSilva's Opening FishHawk Location

DaSilva's Coffee House & Roastery second area location is scheduled to open the second or third week in December just outside the main entrance of FishHawk at 15282 FishHawk Blvd.

An exciting new feature at this location, according to owner Kevin Brownell, is the drive-up window that will open at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Regular store hours are set for 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.

 The new store will feature the same menu as the Boyette Rd. location with items such as gourmet Panini sandwiches, soups, salads, cakes and pastries, in addition to fresh muffins, bagels and pastries every morning. 

The FishHawk store will also be providing delivery services for lunch and dinner to the schools and preschools in the FishHawk area as well residents within FishHawk and FishHawk Trails. 

Check out next month's Osprey Observer for a full update. For more details, visit www.dasilvascoffee.com.

World's Largest Touring Grill Stops At Publix

In late November, visitors to the FishHawk Publix enjoyed a huge treat when the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill made a stop their and shared some Johnsonville Brats.

The Johnsonville Big Taste Grill is no ordinary backyard barbecue.  Weighing more than 53,000 pounds and measuring a total of 65 feet, this giant grill requires its own semi-truck to haul it from one location to another. The grill has the capacity to cook more than 750 bratwursts at a time - approximately 2,500 per hour - and can accommodate more than 12 "grillmasters." If you missed its appearance, You can view the Big Taste Grill in all its magnitude at

http://www3.johnsonville.com/bigtastegrill

Edward Jones Open House

Local Edward Jones financial advisor Elijah Heath invites the public to attend a holiday open house on December 13, 3-7 p.m. at his office located at 16132 Churchview Dr. in FishHawk.

"We are happy to be part of the FishHawk community and would like to express our appreciation for the confidence and support we receive year-round," Heath says.

The Edward Jones interactive Website is located at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting Website is www.careers.edwardjones.com. To reach Heath directly, call 657-2078.

Tussie Mussie's Holiday Events

It's tea time! Visit Tussie Mussie's, located at 1050 Bloomingdale Ave., on Saturday, December 1 at 11:30 a.m. for the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea. On Saturday, December 8 at 2:30 p.m., there will be "A Very Victorian Christmas" featuring carols performed by the Brandon High School Choir, ending with a visit from The Chestnut Roaster. Finally, on Sunday, December 16 at 1 p.m., it will be a Jane Austen Birthday Tea - complete with a visit from Jane Austen herself (eloquently portrayed by Patti Ripani) in celebration her 232nd birthday. This holiday high tea menu includes creamy Coquille St. Jacques.

For further information, visit www.tussiemussietea.com or call 689-2000.

Weight Loss Seminar

Due to the strong demand in the Brandon area for other measured responses to obesity, Mike Fencel, chief executive officer for Brandon Regional Hospital, announced a non-surgical weight loss option, in addition to its new bariatric surgery program.The first session of the year will be held on Tuesday, January 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at  the Education Center in Oakfield Medical Plaza, Suite 260, across from the  hospital. Rena Greenberg, Director of Wellness Seminars, Inc., is back by popular demand to lead this class.

The Wellness Seminar for weight loss is a highly effective seminar combining the power of hypnosis with behavior modification. Participants learn to lose weight without feelings of deprivation or denial and eliminate unproductive eating habits such as snacking, binging, overeating and emotional eating, in one convenient session. The first 45 minutes of each session is a free orientation. If the participant feels comfortable with the program, a one-time fee of $79.99 is paid. This fee includes a powerful hypnotic session, Rena's Hay House book, The Right Weight: Six Steps to Permanent Weight Loss ($14.95 value), behavior modification booklet, home reinforcement hypnosis CD, and unlimited free repetitions of the hypnosis for one full year, if needed.

To register, call 1-888-3-BRANDON (1-888-327-2636). Wellness Seminars has offered smoking cessation and weight control programs in over 70 hospitals since 1990.

Tech Camp Cures Winter Break Blues

Winter Technology Camp has become a huge success for students throughout eastern Hillsborough County. Students look forward to creating video games, programming LEGO robots, making digital movies and making "science-tastic" toys at TechPlayzone during winter break. This year, TechPlayzone will offer two weeks of Winter Technology Camp for young people in K-7 grade. Full day camp lasts from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. for $150 per week while half day camp lasts from 9 a.m.-12 Noon for $100 per week. The first week of camp will be offered December 26-28. The second week of camp will be offered January 2-4. TechPlayzone, 13208 Boyette Rd., will also be open on Monday, January 7 for hands-on fun and excitement. Registration for Winter Camp has begun. 

Call 453-8612 or go to www.techplayzone.com for more information.  

Science & Cooking Experience

Mad Science and Young Chefs Academy are teaming up again this winter break to offer kids a mini version of their popular summer experience. Students age 7 and older can participate in a hands-on Mad Science activity each day and then will apply The Scientific Method to recipes and experiments in the Young Chefs Academy kitchen. The workshop runs January 2-4 from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon each day, at 1576 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico (home of Young Chefs Academy).

Registration fee is $125 per student, or $99 if registered before Friday, December 7. Call  643-7025 for registration materials.

La Chic Boutique Goes Formal

Looking for a great dress for New Year's Eve or holiday parties? The La Chic Boutique, located at 220 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, recently unveiled its new concept - bridal and formal wear.

To learn more about this business venture, call 662-0007 or go to lachicboutique@msn.com.

Comedy Club Offers Parties

Booked your Christmas party yet? Let the staff at Brandon Comedy Club make this the best party ever. Parties are available for 10 people to 300. Staff does all the work and cleans up the mess. Or if you are looking for a good laugh, shows are Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a full appetizer menu and liquor bar. It is all first come, first seated. The club is located at 779 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon.   

Call Jeff at 951-1265 for all the details or go to www.bonkerzbrandon.com.

Local Printer Helps Troops

The staff at Iguana Graphics & Printing recently decided to coordinate and raise money for "care packages" for overseas soldiers and marines who are in Iraq and Afghanistan for the holidays. Iguana Graphics & Printing is located at 1345 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

For more information, contact Carlos Arias at 657-7800 or carlos@goiguana.com.

Leadership Brandon Holiday Social

Attention Leadership Brandon participants and alumni - be Leadership Proud at this year's Leadership Brandon Holiday Social scheduled for Thursday, December 6 at 6 p.m. at the

Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. This annual events features networking among alumni members, a cash bar and door prize giveaways. The cost is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information email Kate Baierlein at kateplacement@msn.com

Net proceeds will be donated to families in the area as supported by Cynthia Pinckney Ministries. Pinckney is 2006 alumni.

Moose Lodge Starts Bike Club

The Brandon Moose Lodge 1880 is forming its own motorcycle club dubbed Moose on Bikes (MOB). The club's inaugural run will take place on Sunday, December 2 after the 11 a.m. monthly meeting.

The ride will begin at Veteran's Park on U.S. Hwy. 301 N. at 2 p.m. and will be sheriff-escorted for 20 miles.

In addition to the new motorcycle club, Moose Lodge 1880 also is renovating its building and adding more space in order to accommodate an increasing membership.

Moose Lodge 1880 is located at 804 S. Miller Rd. Anyone interested in joining should call 689-6043. More information can be obtained by visiting www.brandonmoose1880.org.

Invisible Fence Reaches Eastern Hillsborough

Invisible Fence® Brand recently expanded and will be offering pet containment and behavioral solutions to eastern Hillsborough County and Lakeland from its new Lakeland office..

Gibbs is the distributor for 14 Invisible Fence dealers throughout the state of Florida, and runs Invisible Fence of Tampa, Invisible Fence of Pinellas County, Invisible Fence of Ocala, and now Invisible Fence of Lakeland.

Visit www.invisiblefence.com or call 877-611-3647 (DOGS) for more information.