Honorary Mayor Tammy Holmberg is teaming up with Stampin’ Up! demonstrator Jeri Fontana to send cards to troops overseas. The pair is holding a card making event on World Card Making Day, Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country club, located at 2721 S. Miller Rd in Valrico. Read more

Many years ago, I was attending the University of Florida in the Civil Engineering Department. I was living off campus and holding down two jobs to make it through. When it came to food, I didn’t live very “high on the hog.” I was experimenting with “semi-homemade” food long before Sandra Lee became famous. There were a couple of food prices that I remember well. When there was a special on, I could get hamburger and chicken for $0.29 a lb. One of my semi-homemade desserts was the combination of Jello and pound cake mix. These were inexpensive items that I could afford. You could create several different flavors, depending on your mood. I know this sounds crazy, but I liked grape. So here is a simple combination that the children will like because they can choose their favorite flavor. How can you beat that?

Jello Pound Cake
Ingredients:

1 box of Betty Crocker pound
cake mix.
Follow instructions on the box.
2 eggs as per box instructions.
3/4 cup water.
1- 9 x 5 loaf pan.

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Heat water to a boil.
Dissolve Jello in the water. Strawberry - Banana Jello is a good one to try. 
Mix as per directions on the box.
Line bottom and sides of loaf pan with Crisco or Pam as needed.
Place mix in the loaf pan and bake as directed.
A slice of this pound cake can be dressed up with various fruits and/or
sauces, depending on the flavor of the Jello.
Let the kids decide. 

P.S. Here is an unusual tip for the kitchen. Whenever you empty a jar of   dill pickles, use the leftover juice to clean the copper bottoms of your   pans. Just pour the juice in a large bowl and set the pan in the juice for  about 15 minutes. It comes out looking like new.

Bell Shoals Hosts Women’s Gathering

La Bella Vita, a special women’s gathering to be held at Special Events Center of Bell Shoals Baptist Church located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon, will be held on Friday, September 12, from 6:30-10 p.m. and continues into Saturday, September 13, from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Ladies will enjoy a comedy video by Anita Renfroe, dinner and a  dessert on Friday evening. Saturday morning begins with a cup of coffee and is followed by a variety of workshops developed by women, for women, to meet the unique needs of women and lunch. Sample topics include: Frazzled Females, The Purse Driven Life, A Car Seat in my Convertible and Decorating Cents. If you are ready to “Taste and See that the Lord is Good” the church would love for you to join it for a lighthearted weekend of love and laughter. Early bird registration is through August 17 at $18 per person. After that date tickets will be $25. Childcare is available with paid registration.
Register via email at bellshoals.com, keyword “Gathering” or call 689-4229, ext 482.

BCWC Holds Liberty Lunch
 Brandon Christian Women’s Connection will be hosting a Liberty Lunch on Monday, September 8, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Special Events Center of Bell Shoals Baptist Church located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. The cost is $12 which includes guest speaker Judge Martha Cook and the special music of Michelle Lazzara. “How to be a good American” will be the feature topic of the luncheon. The deadline for reservations is Thursday, September 4. Please, reservations must be kept, cancelled or used by a friend.  If you are unable to attend, donations are appreciated. Complimentary childcare is available by reservation, birth through age 5. All ladies are warmly welcomed to this non-denominational event, sponsored by Stonecroft Ministries and Brandon CWC.
To make your reservation, call 657-8632, email @ patsells@tampabay.rr.com or mail checks to Barbara Harvey, 7608 Loghouse Rd., Plant City, FL 33565.

Pursue Your Destiny
Women of Destiny, a training class for prospective Christian leaders, speakers and writers, will be offered on the third Monday each month at Onething Prayer Center located at 777 W. Lumsden Rd., in the Oak Park Plaza, in Brandon. This practical application class will provide opportunities for women to learn the skills needed to pursue their destiny. Women of Destiny features nine interactive workshops and live call-ins from the National Leadership Team of Proverbs 31 Ministries. Its daily devotionals are read by over 300,000 women a day. Attend each class to benefit from the experience of nationally recognized professional Christian speakers, leaders and published authors. Participants may arrive prior to the 7 p.m. start time for networking in the cafe or time in The Prayer Center, beginning Monday, September 15. Nine monthly classes are offered at $10 per month, plus a $10 registration fee. All materials are included, and participants receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
You can register and view the 2008-2009 workshop curriculums by going to www.onethingprayer.com and clicking on “Women of Destiny” or call 500-9411.

Stepping Stone Welcomed by St. Andrew’s
The Stepping Stones Girls sang at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, located at 3315 Bryan Rd. in Brandon, in July at various Sunday services. This annual tradition is a way for the girls to worship God and to also say thank you for all that the congregation at St. Andrew’s has done for them. These 27 girls come from many different backgrounds. Many are just short of a being placed with the legal system. Their parents have made a commitment for a minimum of one year for their girls to live in a Christian group home setting with strict rules. At the on-site school they work and study hard year round. St. Andrew’s has supported this mission throughout the years. In July, the girls came to enjoy a Summer Cookout. St. Andrew’s has sent teams of volunteers to help on projects including re-grouting tile for three of six of their showers, adding coats of paint to the chapel and the school house and putting a new roof on the chapel. The Just Older Youth group of St. Andrew’s also prepares a Thanksgiving meal to enjoy with the girls each year.
To find out more about the Stepping Stones girls singing performance or St. Andrew’s, please visit www.StAndrewsbrandon.org or call 689-6849.

Ministry to Hold Prayer Day
The Awakening America Alliance of Valrico has called for a Patriot’s Day Prayer Initiative to take place on September 11 at all 3,141 county courthouses in the United States between the hours of 12 Noon and 1 p.m. This prayer initiative is being called Cry Out America! and will be a solemn assembly as residents pause to remember the greatest wake-up call that our nation has ever had, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This will be the seventh anniversary of that attack on America. County Coordinator for Hillsborough County Jesten Peters, an ordained minister, is seeking pastors, churches, ministry leaders and individuals to participate in this prayer initiative. 
Please call 681-1379 or email jesten@keysofauthorityministries.org if interested. For more information, go to jesten@keysofauthorityministries.org if interested. For more information, go to www.awakeningamerica.us.  

FishHawk Fellowship Kicks Off Event
FishHawk Fellowship, located at 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, will be holding the Women’s Ministry Annual Kickoff Event on Saturday, September 6, from 10 a.m.-12 Noon. All ladies are cordially invited to join the group for a time of fun, fellowship and, of course, food. Ladies will enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast as they learn about exciting ministries, events and Bible Study classes that all can be involved in at FishHawk Fellowship.
Please register by emailing trackley@fishhawkfc.org or calling the church office at 655-7431.

Beth Moore Bible Study Begins
The Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, located at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon, will be starting another Beth Moore Bible Study on Thursday evenings and repeated on Monday mornings, starting Thursday, September 25, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The morning group will start Monday, September 29, from 9-11:30 a.m. “When Godly People Do Ungodly Things: Arming Yourself in the Age of Seduction,” by Beth Moore, examines how devoted followers can fall into the enemy’s traps. This seven-week study is written in three parts. The fee is $15 each and registration deadline is September 15.
For more information or to register, call the church secretary at 654-3699.

Congregations Unite
On Friday, September 12, at 6:15 p.m. in an unparalleled celebration of unity, Jewish congregations, of all major denominations, across Tampa will unite to sponsor an event that bonds all Jews – Shabbat. Participating congregations will open their doors and invite unaffiliated Jews and their families to take part in Shabbat with new and established friends via an interactive guided Friday night program. The Shabbat Tampa program and dinner is free to all unaffiliated guests. For planning purposes, RSVP by Friday, September 5.
For more information or to register for Shabbat Tampa, please call the Tampa Federation at 264-9000, visit http://www.jewishtampa.com or Congregation Beth Shalom, which is participating, at 681-6547.

Mark your calendars!  Shawn & Mary Sarkisian, proprietors of Park Square Cellar in Fishhawk Ranch invite all area residents to their 3rd Annual Fall Wine Fest on Saturday, September 13 from 1 – 5 PM and Sunday, September 14 from 1 – 4 PM to taste over 100 wines for FREE.
Whether you are a wine connoisseur or you just like to taste new wines, you are sure to enjoy this spectacular event.  “In addition to our local residents, we draw crowds from Clearwater all the way to Lakeland”, says Shawn.  “It’s a great way to try new wines at all different price ranges from all over the world.”
Fireside Grille will provide complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and jazz musician Gene Cannon will woo the crowd on sax and vocals.  In addition, there will be a sale of 15% OFF the purchase of 6 or more bottles of wine and other store merchandise.
The sale begins on Friday and will continue throughout the weekend.  No reservations are necessary.  For directions or more information on the event, call Park Square Cellar at 689-4560 or visit www.parksquarecellar.com.  Park Square Cellar is located at 16132 Churchview Drive in Park Square located in the heart of Fishhawk Ranch.  Hours of Operation:  Closed Mondays; Tues – Thurs: 11 AM – 8 PM; Fri & Sat:  11 AM – 11 PM; and Sun from 2 – 6 PM.

Arby’s coming to FishHawk Corridor

Arby’s has a new location under construction in front of the Tire’s Choice on FishHawk Blvd. The project is being built by Titan Development.

New Mailbox Store in FishHawk
FishHawk area residents now have a new option for all their shipping needs. The Postal Shop opened last month at 5668 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. in the Publix at FishHawk Plaza offering shipping through FedEx, DHL, UPS and the United States Postal Service and other services, including key cutting, passport photographs, photocopies and a notary.
Owner Tim Kronenwetter, an Apollo Beach resident, adds, “We also carry a lot of neat retail items and offer gift wrapping.”
In addition, the store has high speed Internet and computer time rental, mail forwarding and fax services.
Kronenwetter is looking forward to the store becoming an important part of the FishHawk community. “It is a great area that continues to grow,” he says. “Everyone I have met has been so pleasant.”
For more information, call the store at 661-5668 or e-mail postalshop@verizon.net. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

New Vet and More in Plaza
“Our Shopping Center at FishHawk Blvd. and Osprey Ridge Dr. has opened to much success,” says Barclay Group Leasing Agent Matt Fuller. 
According to Fuller, an animal clinic will join the current tenants, which include All Stars Italian American Grill, Exit Realty, After Image Salon, Tippy Toes Nails and Spa and DaSilva’s Coffee, this month. 
Paw Prints Animal Clinic is currently under construction in the plaza and is scheduled to open soon with veterinarian care. 
“We still have three small spaces available, each approximately 1,500 sq. ft.,” says Fuller. 
For further leasing information, contact Fuller at 727-733-7585, ext. 324.

New Store is 4Reel
With fall on the horizon, the temperatures will be just right for outdoor activities like fishing and camping and a new store, 4Reel Fishing and Camping Supplies, which opened recently in the Stein-Mart-anchored Lithia Crossings Plaza making shopping for those outings a breeze.
From camping lanterns and air mattresses and fishing tackle and hooks, 4Reel has a wide variety of supplies.
“Our store carries something for every person in the family,” says Cheryl Phelps who owns the store with her husband Mike. “We have fishing and camping supplies for the most experienced to the up and coming.”  
Valrico residents who grew up fishing and camping on the Alafia River, the Phelps see the Bloomingdale area as a perfect place for the store.
“The area is so family oriented as well as outgoing and that combination spells camping and fishing,” says Cheryl.
4Reel Fishing And Camping Supplies is located at 3430 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and can be reached at 651-5151. For more information, visit www.4reelfishingsupplies.com or stop by the store Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Dog Gone Holistic Events
On September 6, Dog Gone Holistic, located at 5620 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. in Lithia, will hold a Cat Call Adoption Day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Also on September 27, the business will offer a Holistic Pet Nutrition Seminar held by Dr. Frances (Lea) E. Baker, DVM. It is a two-hour, free seminar from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. It is free to attendees with a minimum donation of $10 for a local pet rescue group to secure a seat. Sign-up and donation suggested.
Please call 651-0842 or visit www.doggoneholistic.biz for more information.

Victoria’s Hosts Open House
School of Dance Holds Open House Victoria’s School of Dance, now located at 11958 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, will hold its Open House on September 20, Saturday, 1-4 p.m. within the Boyette Executive Center. Entertainment will be provided by the Spectrum Dance Team. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be for sale with 50 percent of food sales being donated to an organization still to be chosen. For more information, call 661-1172 or visit www.VSOD.net. 

Park Square Holds Wine Fest
Park Square Cellar, located at 16132 Churchview Dr. in Lithia, is holding its Third Annual Fall Wine Fest through Friday, September 12, from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, September 13, from 1-6 p.m. and Sunday, September 14, from 1-6 p.m. There will be live entertainment, light hors d’oeuvres from Fireside Grille, complimentary wine tasting featuring over 100 wines and more.
For more information, call 689-4560 or visit www.parksquarecellar.com.

Chick-fil-A Offers a Night Out with the Family
The newly revamped Chick-fil-A of Lake Brandon Village, located at 11325 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon, will continue to host “Kid’s Eat Free” nights on Tuesday nights from 5-10 p.m. with the purchase of a combo meal. There are activities for children from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with local businesses providing activities every second Tuesday of the month. Starting Thursday, September 4, from 5-8 p.m. the restaurant will also be offering monthly themed nights for children and their parents kicking off with an “Under the Sea” theme. There will be free face painting Diane’s Funny Faces as well as giveaways. Also, children can partake of free mermaid cake and bubbles and are encouraged to dress for the theme. A “Princess and Pirate” theme night is scheduled for Thursday, October 16.
For more information, call 655-1237 or visit www.chick-fil-a.com/lakebrandonvillage.

Carvel Hosts National Customer Appreciation Day
In May, Carvel successfully launched its new frozen beverage line with a Happy Hour event which resulted in locations system-wide giving away over 97,000 Arctic Blenders and Blended Coffees. The company had a very successful summer and has no one other to thank but its loyal guests. For that, Carvel is saying thank you by throwing a Nation-wide Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 20, from 12 Noon–5 p.m. Every guest that comes into the store within this time frame can purchase a small soft serve ice cream cone for $0.59. This is close to an 80 percent savings off the regular price. Additionally, every guest that comes in will receive a free Lil’ Rounder novelty.
Carvel, located at 117 W. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon, can be contacted at 571-7841.
 
Curves Holds Open House
Residents are invited to come out to Curves’ Lithia location on Saturday, September 6, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to see what the women’s fitness center has to offer.
In addition to special offers, entertainment and products from local vendors, a special sign-up discount of 66 percent will be offered to anyone who signs up for one year during the open house.
Curves of Lithia is located at 5618 FishHawk Crossing Blvd., in the Publix at FishHawk plaza.  Owner Nancy Marc, RN, MSN, can be reached at 413-8500 for additional information.

Avena Celebrates Anniversary
On Friday, September 12, at 6:30 p.m., residents are invited to celebrate one year of success for Avena Hair Studio with a Silpada Jewelry party.
The celebration, which will be held at the salon, located in the River Hills Plaza at 4379 Lynx Paw Trl., will also feature refreshments, including cheese and wine, raffles and an opportunity for residents to become familiar with the salon and everything it has to offer.
For more information, call the salon at 655-6404.

Storage Facility Opens
Crosstown Stor-N-More Self Storage, LLC, a family owned and operated company, opened its doors in July to a brand new, seven-acre facility housing more than 750 units. In business for more than eight years in other areas, Stor-N-More is excited to open its newest location in Brandon. 
Climate controlled and non-climate controlled units, a state-of-the-art security system and RV and boat parking are just a few of the many amenities and services offered. Free truck usage is included with all move-ins. 
Stor-N-More is located at 1505 U.S. Hwy. 301 S., just one block north of the Crosstown Expressway. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
For more information, call 627-8559. 
 
New Office Suites Available
Crosstown Executive Suites at Stor-N-More, located at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 301 and the Crosstown Expressway, is open with great locations to operate your business. 
With furnished or unfurnished offices available, flexible lease terms and full administrative and receptionist services are available. 
“Whether you need a permanent office space or just a place to meet with clients, we can suit your business needs and your budget,” says representative Erin Williams. 
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Williams at 626-0673.

Cruise On A Budget
FishHawk resident Dan Rondeau wants to help you have the vacation of your dreams this year. Rondeau recently opened www.1CheapCruise.com, a Website dedicated to finding the best deals on cruise vacations.
“My company is challenging the big boys in the online cruise market,” says Rondeau. “I cater to the cruise passenger that knows exactly what they want and reward them for their experience.”
Rondeau, who has more than 21 years of experience in the travel business, negotiates every sale for the customer and saves them time and money.
For more information, call 651-9727 or e-mail sales@1cheapcruise.com.

TechPlayZone Hosts Imagine Tomorrow
TechPlayZone, a popular science and technology center for children located on Boyette Rd., is joining forces with Imagine Tomorrow to offer an eight-week session of classes for children starting Monday, September 8.
Imagine Tomorrow is a nationally recognized curriculum established in 1991 offering classes to students ages 2-7 years, aimed at expanding their understanding of sophisticated technology in a fun manner.
“Every class brings new experiences designed to teach young students how to think creatively, express their ideas and apply the skills they are learning to solve problems and accomplish their goals,” says Brandi Hopper, Imagine Tomorrow representative. “This unique approach takes fundamental literacy concepts and brings them to life for children by immersing them in a story where they get to become the main character.”
According to Hopper, every class combines interactive video and software in a proprietary format that allows children to work at their own pace in a group setting.
“Created to incorporate core literacy and technology concepts, this program is designed to prepare all young children with the skills necessary to succeed in their future,” she adds.
For more information, contact Hopper at 404-1811 or e-mail puterbugs2@yahoo.com. For more information on TechPlayZone, visit puterbugs2@yahoo.com. For more information on TechPlayZone, visit www.techplayzone.com.

Resident Installs Solar Screens
A trip to visit his sister in New Mexico brought about a new way of life for FishHawk resident Kevin Sanders. After noticing the solar shields on his sister’s windows and how they helped save her money on air conditioning and heating bills, Sanders decided to bring the concept to the Brandon area and opened SUN BLOCK Screens of Florida, LLC.
According to Sanders, the screens block up to 80 percent of the sun’s heat before it hits the glass, reducing the interior room temperature up to 15 degrees and can also cut air conditioning bills by up to 50 percent. 
“During the daytime, your neighbors cannot see into your house, but you can see out. The screens actually allow 75-80 percent of the natural light into the room so you do not have to close your blinds or curtains during the day; but at night your neighbors can see in, so make sure you keep your blinds for nighttime privacy,” says Sanders, who runs the company with his son Shaun. 
For more information and a free estimate, call 690-4637 or visit www.sunblockscreens.com.

Salon Thanks Clients and Offers New Services
Ambiance Salon and Spa is hosting its annual Customer Appreciation Party and Open House on Friday, September 12, from 4–8 p.m.
According to owner Inna Konyayeva, residents are invited to the spa, located in FishHawk Ranch’s Park Square, to meet the staff and sample exciting new products and services which include Brazilian keratin hair straightening treatments and cupping massage, a modern adaption of the ancient art of Chinese cupping therapy.
“Guests will enjoy complimentary hair styling and consultations, nail treatments, skin evaluations, microdermabrasion skin treatment samplings, chair massages, mineral makeup makeovers and much more, says Konyayeva. “It is a wonderful opportunity for Ambiance Salon and Spa to open its doors to new guests as well as to give back and thank their clients for continuous support.”
The event will also feature wine, hors d’oeuvres, prizes and product samples.
For more information, call 657-6000 or visit the salon at 16132 Churchview Dr.

Aquali Opens In Valrico
With a wide range of services from master technicians, Aquali Salon and Spa opened recently on Erindale Dr. in Bloomingdale.
“All of our stylists are master technicians, many of whom have furthered their skills by becoming educators for product lines, including Alterna, Rusk, Sexyhair and Scruples,” says stylist Hannah McArty.
The full-service salon and spa offers services such as hair color, perms, relaxing techniques and hair extensions and spa services which include acrylic nails, manicures, spa pedicures, facials and full body waxing.
“Aquali Salon and Spa is a green friendly environment,” says McArty. “Not only do we recycle, we offer coffee and fruit flavored water in glasses rather than non bio-degradable cups. We are trying hard by taking small steps to preserve our environment, just as you are at home.”
Aquali Salon and Spa is located at 3652 Erindale Dr. and is open Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
For more information, call 661-1414.

New Team Member and More at Integrative Health Solutions
The summer brought some exciting changes to Integrative Health Solutions, formally Family Care Chiropractic, located in the River Hills Plaza.
“We changed the name to reflect the fact that chiropractic is just a component of the evidence-based, non-surgical health care services that we offer,” says Practice Director Dr. Nicholas Cammarata. “Other services offered include massage therapy, soft-tissue mobilization, rehabilitation and nutritional counseling. In our experience, we have found that integrating these approaches often creates a synergy that leads to better results.”
“We have also brought in an exciting, new, FDA-approved technology for pain relief: Class IV laser therapy,” says Nicholas. “It is fast and painless, and it has applications for many different musculoskeletal conditions.”
In addition, Dr. Andrea Cammarata, Nicholas’ wife, recently joined the staff, having graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida in 2006.  As a native of Valrico, she hoped to return to the area and offer this healing art to her hometown community.  Now she is able to do just that, treating patients on Monday and Wednesday afternoons by appointment. 
Mother to 19-month-old daughter Mia, Andrea treats all ages, and she especially enjoys working with pregnant moms who need natural forms of pain relief.
Hours are Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.–12 Noon and 3–8 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.–12 Noon and 3–6 p.m. and Saturday, by appointment.
For more information, visit the office at 4341 Lynx Paw Dr., the Website at www.integrate4health.com or call 868-1138.

Center Has Entertainment for the Whole Family
Looking for a fun location for a family outing? K Breeze Indoor Putt Putt opened recently on Bloomingdale Ave., offering a Playstation 3 gaming center in addition to an 18-hole miniature golf course.
Owned by John Tierney, the center is available for birthday parties in a private room, with three different packages available, and offers drinks and light refreshments.
Children under 3 years play for free.
K Breeze Indoor Putt Putt is located at 815 W. Bloomingdale Ave. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, 12 Noon-6 p.m. Call 315-9813 for more information.
 
Free Listings Available
EZ Choice MLS is now offering a free MLS listing for all FishHawk residents. The listing will be good for 90 days with the promotion ending September 30. 
Go to www.ezchoicemls.com and use promo code 150pC upon checkout for your free listing, or you can contact EZ Choice MLS at 653-9676 or info@ezchoicemls.com with any questions.

As the most experienced and proven personal training studio in the Brandon/FishHawk area, RobZFitness continues to create effective ways that allow it to focus on client’s, now offering boot camps throughout the fall that are open to the public.
Rob Zulkoski, owner of RobZFitness said, “I really want to let everyone know that these classes are open to the public.  Many people believe you have to be a RobZFitness member to join.  You don’t.  My boot camp classes are open for everyone.”
The four-week classes are just $189 and are designed to deliver results no matter what your level of fitness, be it beginner or experienced. Through fast paced, interval style training, each participant is motivated in the outdoor environment to excel beyond his/her current level of fitness.
Each 45-minute session includes a powerhouse of drills, relays, balance work, ball work, core training, agility training, resistance training, weight work and dynamic team work/team building exercises designed to surprise, motivate and inspire clients.
Zulkoski said that at RobZFitness, “We believe that we bring a higher education and years of experience to our boot camps.  We are looking to always create effective ways to challenge people and this boot camp is just another way to change people’s lives for living a healthier life.”
By joining RobZFitness for an invigorating four-week program, you will increase your daily energy, drop pounds, lose inches, build long, lean muscles, decrease the middle bulge, trim your hips, shape your bottom, gain noticeable strength, endurance and overall stamina, all while adding flexibility and grace to your everyday movement. “You will see a firmer, shapelier, much livelier you in just four weeks,” Zulkoski said.
Zulkoski said that his Boot Camps are different from a regular workout or personal training session for the following reasons: “First of all, the workouts are outdoors in the open air.  Studies show that your body burns more calories while exercising outdoors in a warmer environment than indoors in a controlled environment,” he said. RobZFitness boot camp training sessions are with a group of people trying to attain the same goals.  “Studies also show that working out with a buddy or a friend is more productive, exciting and fun. You have the accountability factor that others hold you accountable to.”
“While we would love to be a ‘one size fits all’ program, success in our boot camp relies on a participant’s ability to utilize basic physical mobility,” Zulkoski said. “This implies continued capability to move from standing exercises to sitting exercises with relative ease and to either walk or run without difficulty.”
 Those with serious chronic illness or ongoing physical ailments of the low back or knee joints may not be a good fit.
Dates for boot camps, which are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, are as follows: Fall Session two from September 23 - October 16, Session three from October 28 - November 20 and Session four from December 2 - December 23 with a special December 20 class at 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
The 45-minute long boot camp sessions are held early at 5 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in front of the RobZFitness studio, located at 3438 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico in the Lithia Crossings Shopping Center and at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the FishHawk Sports Complex soccer field’s.
Cost for the RobZFitness Boot Camp is $189. Class size will be limited. No refunds will be allowed. For more information, call RobZFitness at 571-3700 or www.RobZFitness.com to register.

When is zero a good number?  When it is the amount of dollars your Community Development District (CDD) fees are going up the next fiscal year, if you live in FishHawk Ranch. Originally, it was thought that the charge could go up as much as $67 per household with the proposed district’s combined multimillion dollar budget. Right now each resident pays $1,242 in CDD fees and that will stay the same when it shows up on your Hillsborough County tax bill. CDD District Manager Debby Bayne with Rizzetta and Company, an agent for FishHawk Ranch Developer Newland Communities, says, “Both boards have worked hard to decrease costs and it has paid off.” Bayne sent letters to each homeowner in FishHawk explaining the originally proposed increase and inviting them to the workshop and public hearing. Only a handful of people showed up at the workshop which Bayne took as a good sign, saying, “I guess people are happy with the way things are.”  It was at the workshop that Bayne explained the numbers and how she was able to whittle the increase down to zero, even keeping in resident’s requests for aquatic plants to be installed in ponds, to include pond bank repairs because of low water levels this year and maintain some small capital improvements. Bayne also says, “These workshops allow me to get feedback from the residents and present it to the board before the final decision on the budget is made.”  Each CDD board went over its own budget, line by line, before it was finally adopted by both Districts l and ll at the public hearings. Although there are two different districts in FishHawk Ranch, there is an interlocal agreement between the two where operations and maintenance costs are shared at a flat rate, meaning all residents in FishHawk Ranch pay the same assessment and it lets them use all the facilities in each district. Each CDD meets the third Monday of each month beginning at 2 p.m. at the Palmetto Club in FishHawk Ranch and both are open to all residents. For more information about what is going on in the community, you can go to www.fishhawkconnect.com and to learn more about the Community Development District, click on “CDD”.

Lithia and its surrounding area residents will soon have one more place to enjoy the great outdoors that will include a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
That’s because the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board recently approved a land management plan for the Chito Branch Reserve in southeastern Hillsborough County located around the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir in Lithia.
According to Senior Land Use Specialist Gina Sowders, the district purchased the 5,515-acre reserve in 2001 in cooperation with Tampa Bay Water for the primary purpose of building the 16-billion-gallon reservoir to collect and store drinking water. The reservoir is built on 1,100 acres. The remaining property consists of a variety of habitats, including wetlands, pine and scrubby flatwoods, scrub, freshwater marshes and improved pasture.
“It is a lot of fun to see an area developing into a place so useful to the public,” Sowders said.
While protecting the area’s natural resources, the district has determined that hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, primitive camping, wildlife observation, interpretive uses, nature study, outdoor nature photography, picnicking and trail running are recreational opportunities compatible with these objectives.
Public input and comments were solicited at a noticed public meeting last summer during the drafting of this plan. Approximately 26 people attended, nine of which completed a questionnaire form about their recreational interest for Chito Branch Reserve. The results of the questionnaire included 63 percent equestrian uses, 50 percent primitive camping, 38 percent biking, 25 percent nature study, 13 percent hiking and 13 percent photography.
However, Sowders said that the district must finish constructing the parking area, marking trails and completing the other infrastructure to accommodate recreation. 
“This work is expected to be fully completed by next spring,” she said.
 As part of the plan, the district will be responsible for managing the reserve’s natural resources and for accommodating recreational usage.  Tampa Bay Water will continue to manage the operations of the reservoir.
Of course, anyone who would be interested in volunteering to help maintain the trails, which would include trail work, trash pick-up or trimming branches, may contact the Southwest Florida Water Management Board.
For more information, please visit Southwest Florida Water Management at www.swfwmd.state.fl.us or call 1-800-423-1476.

The 10th annual Alafia Challenge - a recreational canoe and kayak race - is scheduled to take place this year on November 8. The all-day event, which will begin at 7 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m., is poised to be a whole lot bigger than last year. But the much anticipated adventure race as well as the before, during and after festivities may not be such a success unless organizers are first triumphant in rounding up some help.
According to Event Organizer Karen Wagner, volunteers and sponsors are a vital part of the smooth operation of the event which began in 1999. Last year, the event welcomed close to 350 peddlers who, besides peddling their way down the 11-mile lower Alafia River track, were served food and drinks along with receiving help transporting their canoes and kayaks to and from the vehicles and the water.
“We are struggling for both sponsors and volunteers,” Wagner said and explained that while normally by this time of year the program would have at least a couple of dozen volunteers, it barely has 10.
Sponsors who support the race by providing breakfast and lunch for the competitors and the visitors, and who also help with some of the other costs associated with the event, are also in short supply. With the current economic woes, many businesses that have been more than ready to support the race before, Wagner said, “May not sign-up this time.”
While the challenge’s organizers hope to receive the help needed before the race, there will be one solid entity that will be on-hand to help with a number of things. John Brill of the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department ensured all involved with the race that the county, despite cutbacks, will be on-hand to help with the challenge.
“The department is committed to being present for staging the start and finish as well as the providing of staff for timing, along with the subsequent clean-up of the race.” Brill said.
Meetings for the race are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Riverview Civic Center on Park Rd. in Riverview, on August 21, September 18, October 2 and 23 and November 6.
All those interested in volunteering, sponsoring or signing up to race, please visit www.alafiachallenge.com.

There has been a recent outpouring of support from the community for the East Bay High School student who was attacked at Bloomingdale Library in April.
Recently, a benefit was held at the Ruskin VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), Read more

By Derek Maul

Born: St Louis, Missouri, 1962
Raised: Freehold, New Jersey
Moved to Florida: 1978
Lake Brantley High School,
Seminole County: 1980
Florida State University: 1984
Moved to Brandon: 1988
Member: St. Andrew’s United
Methodist Church

Brandon Regional Hospital’s Melonie Hall is a self-confessed overachiever.
As director of marketing and public relations for Brandon’s biggest employer (1,600 on staff), Hall has more than enough work to keep her busy.
“I like being stretched,” she said. “I don’t like being bored.” Being stretched this year has involved co-chairing the 2008 Leadership Brandon class; board work with Camp Rotary Florida, Young Life, and the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce; extensive leadership roles at St. Andrews’ United Methodist Church and active membership with the Brandon ‘86 Rotary.
Then she sets the alarm for 4 a.m. every morning so she can work out at the YMCA at 5 a.m.
The energetic Hall has been with Brandon Regional Hospital (BRH) since October of 2007, when she left her position as The Tampa Tribune’s southeast advertising manager in order to take a new challenge in the heart of Brandon.
“I was impressed with leadership style of CEO Mike Fencel,” she said.
“I can do any job if I have a great boss, I wanted to work here in Brandon, and it felt like a calling. I’m getting to help people here.”
Helping means getting the word out. “I get to share the good news about what happens here every day,” Hall said. “Lives are being saved. They don’t see themselves as heroes but I’m truly in awe and I love to tell people those stories.”
“I think my role is educational. A key element in hospital marketing is to let people know and to help with prevention. We’ve seen an increase of people getting to hospital on time.”
BRH, she said, sees hundreds of patients every day. “We average 200 a day in the Emergency Department,” she said, “Sixty percent of those are admitted. We have 367 beds, but that will be 407 after the neuroscience floor opens in December.”
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Hall spent most of her growing up years in Freehold, New Jersey. In 1978, after a year as an exchange student in Finland, she moved to Florida and graduated from Lake Brantley High School in Seminole County (1980).
“I graduated from Florida State (1984) in hospitality administration,” she said, “and found out that I loved marketing. By then I’d spent several years in guest relations with Disney.” She was hired by Club Corporation of America to work in marketing.
After four years at their Knoxville Headquarters, she moved to the regional office in Tampa, eventually helping open the Hunter’s Green Country Club.
Later, after a couple of years at home with her daughter, Hall was hired by the Tampa Tribune.
“I’ve lived in Brandon since 1988,” she said. “I love this community; I love my church; I’m here; I’m committed. I think great things are on the horizon for all of us. I love the way we rally around each other as a community.”
It’s one of the reasons she is committed to Leadership Brandon. “It’s a concentrated effort to see how we can make Brandon a better place,” she said. “You see about 30 individuals come together to learn more about community, and improve leadership skills and to contribute.”
“Relationships, networking - the community instantly becomes a better place. They make you believe anything is possible. ”
Even over-achievers have to relax. Hall says she does that by reading, baking, spending time with her family and working out at the YMCA.
And, with seven of HCA’s (Hospital Corporation of America), 170 plus facilities located in the United Kingdom, Hall is hopeful there will be some travel in her future “I love to travel,” she said, “especially Europe.”