“More than 58 million Americans have one or more types of cardiovascular disease, and many more are at risk for developing it,” states a brochure provided by Brandon Regional Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Center, drawing attention to its continued commitment and goal of providing services and patient care in the Brandon community.
There is little doubt that with more than a million suffering heart attacks each year and another 780,000 experiencing strokes, hospitals and medical centers will continue to focus on the care they currently give and are hoping to provide in the future.
It appears that BRH has done just that.  With such grim statistics as well as future growth in mind, BRH was pleased to announce the strengthening of its staff having added a number of new cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons to its heart surgical unit.
An event in July welcomed the staff and included surgeons, doctors, nurses, guests and the media in order to meet Gary H. Dworkin, M.D. and Ignacio G. Duarte, M.D., both of whom will become full-time staff members of the hospital’s heart unit as well as Leah A. Teekell-Taylor, M.D., who will provide her expertise on an on–call basis at BRH.
“Brandon Regional is demonstrating a real can-do attitude of continued high quality programs which, of course, ultimately benefits the patients,” said Dworkin, who brings 17 years of experience to the center as a heart surgeon.
Duarte, with eight years of surgical experience, was also pleased with having the opportunity to be a part of BRH.
“This is a new venture for our group,” Duarte said, adding, “We have recognized the growth and the need in Brandon and are happy to offer our services.” 
The “group” Duarte was talking about is CSA (Cardiac Surgical Associates), now the country’s largest private surgical practice which is currently caring for patients at three other West Florida HCA hospitals: Largo, Northside and Osceola.
While impressed by the incoming surgeons’ clinical performance, the changes they have produced and confident of the improvements their presence will bring to the hospital’s Heart and Vascular Center, Brandon Regional Hospital CEO Michael Fencel was thankful for the hard work performed by the center’s former surgeons.
“We are grateful for the services provided by them which have earned the hospital its reputation for excellence for the past six years,” Fencel said.
Fencel also explained that the hospital’s contract with CSA begins August 1, and by the end of November, all five (two on staff and three backup) surgeons will be aboard.
According to BRH Director of Cardiovascular Services Jill Benford, one of the changes benefiting the hospital as well as providing positive results for both the patients and the nurses is the training given by the new surgeons through in-services and  the like which will allow patients to leave the Intensive Care Unit post surgery sooner while opening rooms for new patients in need of immediate care.
For more information about the Heart and Vascular Center at BRH, please visit www.brandonhospital.com or call 681-5551.

Last year, more than 850 people attended Nativity Outreach Taste of 2007 to sample from many of Brandon’s finest restaurants and to watch Elvis tribute artist Peter Alden sing and swivel his hips to many famous Presley hits. If you missed all the fun, Alden will once again headline this year’s Taste of 2008 for an encore performance on Saturday, September 20, in the church social hall. 
“Peter Alden is the best in the tribute to Elvis genre,” said Pat Le Jeune, director of Nativity Outreach. “He is not only talented and a pleasure to work with, he also has a real interest in assisting our ministry to help us raise the funds to continue our work.”
The all-you-can-sample buffet style fundraising event invites guests to try foods from local restaurants in a family-friendly atmosphere. Since 1994, the Brandon community has stepped up each year to help support Nativity’s outreach programs.  
“Our event has allowed restaurants to present new menus and specialty items to a welcoming crowd as well as provide a full evening of entertainment and seating that allows our guests a chance to relax and enjoy the food,” said Le Jeune.
Last year, more than 16 restaurants and Yuengling Brewery and beverage booths helped raise more than $9,000 to support the Nativity Outreach programs.  
Le Jeune expects to have a total of 20 restaurants this year that include Arby’s, Beef O’Brady’s, O’Brien’s, Brocato’s, Chick-fil-A Valrico, The Club House, Honey Baked Ham, Hungry Howies, Sabor A Mexico, Shell’s, Sweet Expressions, Apron’s and Yuengling Brewery. 
Proceeds from the event benefit Nativity’s food bank and food pantry, where families are provided with groceries, bread and fresh produce at no charge. During 2007, more than 500,000 pounds of food were distributed at the food pantry and emergency distributions to 11,000 needy families. In addition, the food bank distributed over two million pounds of food and essentials to more than 70 local organizations, including neighboring catholic parishes and their food pantries.
Le Jeune gives all the credit of the success of the annual Taste event as well as the impact the ministry has made on the community to the dozens of Nativity Outreach volunteers. “This week, we provided food to 128 families which is quite a feat for my 97 volunteers who receive the donation, then hand it to a needy neighbor,” adds Le Jeune.  “This is a huge job, and we all love it.” 
Advance ticket prices are a $10 donation for adults, or $12 at the door, and include one beverage and an entry into a door prize drawing. Tickets for children ages 6 to 12 years of age are a $5 donation and include one beverage. Tickets are available at the Nativity church office, located at 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, and at the Ave Maria Store located at 222 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. 
Nativity Outreach is looking for volunteers to work as ushers during concerts at the Ford Amphitheater and to usher and work concessions duties at Raymond James Stadium for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and USF Bulls games.  
For more information, call Le Jeune at 707-1523.

Tampa Bay Rays officials as well as pitcher Scott Kazmir were on hand at South Brandon’s Clayton Park Little League field last month to announce the Rays’ intention of helping to renovate it.

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There are times when a delicious food item comes to you out of an unexpected meal. Not long ago I was invited for supper by a friend of mine, Carey Schmitt. (I grew up with the noon meal being called lunch and the evening meal being called supper).

Her mother was visiting with her at that particular time and her mother, Susan Schmitt, made a homemade banana pudding for desert. It was not the typical recipe with vanilla wafers. So as you might know, I had to have the recipe. For those of you who know that I am on a diet, this was on a carb night, so it was OK for me to have the dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup regular flour.
• 2 tablespoons sugar.
• 1/2 cup margarine or butter.
• 1/2 cup pecans.
• 1 - 8 oz package of cream cheese.
• 1 cup powdered sugar.
• 12 ounces Cool Whip.
• 5 or 6 bananas.
• 1 large package instant vanilla pudding.
• 3 cups milk.

Directions:
Step 1: Mix 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 cup of softened margarine and 1/4 cup of coarsely ground pecans. Make into a bottom crust in a 13 X 9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Let cool.

Step 2: Mix together 8 ozs. softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1/2 of the 12 oz Cool Whip. Spread on top of the baked crust.

Step 3: Slice the bananas and place on top of the cream cheese mixture.

Step 4: Mix large package of instant vanilla pudding with 3 cups of milk. Pour over the bananas and let set until ready to serve. Before serving, top with the remaining Cool Whip and 1/4 cup of coarsely ground pecans.

Ms. Cyndi’s Corner Café Coming
Soon using the property next door to her husband’s BBQ place, Jaymer-Que, Cyndi Holcombe will offer two new services. Ms. Cyndi’s Corner Café will serve sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, coffee, etc. The sandwich and deli meats will be smoked at Jaymer-Que which Holcombe believes will give them a unique product from the start. “We will also be highlighting our soon-to-be-famous Smoked Chicken Salad. So far, I am the only one that knows the recipe, and I have to say it is pretty good,” says Holcombe. “No one around here has anything like it.” Although Holcombe says the menu is not quite finalized, she explains the café will offer a great café type menu and dessert menu (cakes, cheesecakes, pies, etc.) with coffee and soft serve ice cream. “We will be open later than Jaymer-Que with a limited menu mainly for the dessert and coffee crowd,” she says. In addition, the space will be used for Jaymer-Que Pit-Side Pick-Up. “Customers will now be able to call in their order and utilize the drive-thru between the two buildings to pick-up their food,” says Holcombe. “No more having to get out of the car with the kids to come in and get dinner to take home, we’ll bring it right to the car.” The phone number for Pit-Side Pick-Up is 689-PITS. visit Jaymer-Que right now at www.jaymer-que.com or stop by Tue-Sat 11-8pm. Closed Sunday & Monday. Call 657-4227.

Realtor Joins Prudential Tropical
Connecting people to their dreams is what Renee Gregory enjoys most about her career as a real estate professional. She believes that the most important thing she can do is to provide the kind of knowledge and personal attention customers need when making a decision about such a big investment. “My business is more than helping people buy and sell property,” says Gregory, who credits her personal attention and years of experience with her success. “My business helps turn dreams into reality.” A real estate professional since 1987, Gregory regularly attends seminars and continues her education on pertinent topics affecting the real estate industry. She has a thorough understanding of local trends, pricing strategies and negotiating techniques and an in-depth knowledge of the area’s communities, acquired as a native of the Brandon/Riverview area.For more information, contact Gregory at 643-9977 or e-mail rgregory@prutropical.com.

Benjamin Moore Moves To New Home
Fine Designs design center and Benjamin Moore paint distributor recently moved to a new location in the Badcock Furniture-anchored Clayton Plaza on S.R. 60 in Brandon between Parsons and Kings avenues. The store, previously located on Lithia Pinecrest Blvd. in the Publix-anchored plaza, is a signature store for Benjamin Moore paints and offers customers complete design services including color selection, decorative consultations, window treatments, fabrics, wallpaper, accessories and furniture. “Our new location is a one-stop shopping experience,” says owner Brant Wensloff who explains that the plaza also includes Bay Area Kitchens and Baths, Home Accessory Center and K&K Flooring in addition to Badcock Furniture. For more information, call the store at 657-9822 or visit www.finedesignstampa.com.

Local Bounce Business Recognized
Space Walk of Brandon owners Bill and Tanya Doran were recently recognized by Space Walk President Frank Scurlock at the annual Space Walk partner meeting in Daytona Beach. The local franchise owners, members of the FishHawk Area Networking Group (FANG), were named the 2007 Marketers of the Year, were runners up for the 2007 Rookie of the Year award and won the bronze medal for total yearly rentals. “In addition, we were the branch with the highest percentage of customer’s e-mail addresses,” says Tanya. Space Walk, one of the first inflatable amusement rental companies in the United States, has 202 branches around the country. For more information, visit www.herecomesfun.com. To contact Space Walk of Brandon, call 681-8722.

New Business Offers Stress Relief and More
Looking for a way to relieve some stress? Serenity Stream, a new yoga and pilates studio on Boyette Rd. holding its grand opening this month, may be just what you are looking for. Business owner Sherry Smith opened her doors on June 2, welcoming all who are interested in reducing stress level, losing weight and /or reducing pain. “Clients have found relief from the stress of job and personal challenges, heavy traffic, and high gas prices through yoga and pilates classes, private yoga and pilates sessions and Thai yoga massage,” says Smith, who found yoga herself as an escape from the corporate world. At its grand opening celebration on August 16 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Serenity Stream is offering free yoga, pilates and belly dance classes as well as a heath fair including free health screenings, nutrition advice and local vendors. For more information, call 368-6546 or visit www.serenitystream.com.

Custom Crete Expands Services
More than just decorative concrete coatings, Custom Crete and More is expanding its services this month to offer pressure cleaning, house and roof tile painting, roof mildew treatments and general home repair and maintenance services. Celebrating 29 years in business this year, Custom Crete also specializes in decorative concrete coatings for pool decks, patios, driveways, walkways and garage floors, concrete crack repair and restoration. “We are happy to continue serving this area, we have seen it grow through out the years and are proud serve our growing community,” says Colleen Callahan who owns the business with other family members living throughout the Brandon, Valrico and Ruskin area. “Currently we are an ‘on the go’ business, but plan to soon open a shop in the Riverview area. We have thousand of driveways and patios that we have installed in the Sun City Center community and tout it ‘our showroom.’ We often offer clients to go see our work, hands on to really see how our work holds up.” For more information, visit www.customcreteandmore.com or call 633-0410.

Credit Union Now Open
The Railroad and Industrial Federal Credit Union, Valrico location, recently opened a small branch in the River Hills Country Club which is located at 3943 River Hills Pkwy. in Valrico. On July 11 at 4 p.m. a ribbon cutting, grand opening celebration was held for the location. Railroad & Industrial Federal Credit Union is located at 4373 Lynx Paw Trail in Valrico. The satellite office is open Monday– Friday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and by appointment from 3–5 p.m. The Credit Union of River Hills in the River Hills Plaza is open on Saturdays to accommodate members’ weekend requests. “We are excited to have an office within the country club. This will allow our existing members and new members the ability to access their accounts quickly and efficiently. It will be great to work closely with the residents of River Hills for all their financial needs,” says Teresa Perez, Branch Manager. Railroad & Industrial Federal Credit Union has been an integral part of the central Florida financial arena since 1935. It serves over 19,000 members and is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union offering a full range of financial products and solutions. Headquartered in Tampa with 8 locations, membership is available to employees of all local railroads, many local companies and many local home owner associations. Call (800) 769-1424 or visit www.rifcu.org for more information.

The Pizza Pie Reveals New Menu
Items The Pizza Pie, located within Albertson’s Shopping Plaza on Bloomingdale Ave. and Providence Rd., is revealing new menu items such as a sausage grinder, an individual 8-inch pizza and the usual specialties like specialty pizzas, Stromboli and calzones as well as chicken wings, chicken tenders and Philly cheese steak sandwiches. “Come join us for lunch or dinner seven days a week,” said Mark D. Grotheer, owner of The Pizza Pie. The Pizza Pie is located at 10839 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. It is open Monday- Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 12 Noon- 9 p.m. For more information or to order delivery, call 689-4664.

Law Firm Nominated for Small
The law firm of Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. Valrico/Brandon, a Primerus member firm, has been nominated for the 2008 Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Awards. Commenting on this nomination, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Development Council said, “We are fortunate to have businesses of your caliber in the Brandon area and it is with pride that the Chamber continues to present opportunities to spotlight your accomplishments. You are the reason the Brandon business community continues to grow and prosper. “ The law firm of Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. is a real estate and business law firm serving clients throughout West Central Florida from offices located in the commercial heart of the fast-growing community of Brandon. The firm enjoys an outstanding reputation for professional integrity and client satisfaction. The lawyers of Bivins & Hemenway, P.A., also are dedicated to meaningful community involvement in various civic, charitable, and business associations within their communities. Primerus is a network of top-quality, independent law firms that are vetted and accredited for membership based on their commitment to rigorous standards based on the following six principles: Integrity, excellence of work product, reasonable fee structure, professional education, civility and community service. “We are proud to have Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. in our organization,” said John C. Buchanan, president of Primerus. “This firm has not only passed our rigorous screening process, but has distinguished itself as a firm delivering legal services of the highest standards. Clients can be assured that in Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. they will find a trustworthy, experienced lawyer who upholds the highest standards of our profession.” For more information about Primerus, call 800-968-2211 or visit www.Primerus.com. Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. is located at 1060 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. For more information, call 643-4900 or e-mail bbivins@bhpalaw.com.

Foundation Announces New Executive Director
The Greater Brandon Community Foundation announces Diana Niles as the new Executive Director. “We spent a considerable amount of time trying to find the best fit for our organization. I am quite confident that Diana’s past experience in a not-for-profit setting, her skill set and her passion for our mission will allow her to be extremely successful in this role,” said Foundation Chair Mike Fencel. “I truly believe in the mission of the Brandon Foundation, improving the quality of life and shape the future of our community,” stated Niles. “Brandon is my neighborhood and community service is my passion. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work for an organization whose sole purpose is to make a difference in the Greater Brandon community.” Diana Niles formerly served at the YMCA for the past 15 years spending the last several years with Campo YMCA where she focused on fundraising and coordinating with volunteers for the Annual Giving Campaign. “Diana has handled various duties while she was employed at the YMCA that will be similar to her new role,” said Foundation President Anne Nymark. “We are thrilled to have Diana join our team. She will be very helpful in facilitating the development of policy and procedures, creating budgets and business plans, writing grants, and recruiting of volunteers to support the Foundation mission.” To congratulate Niles, call her at 661-8683. To learn more about the Greater Brandon Community Foundation, visit the Foundation’s Website at www.brandonfoundation.com.

Resident Installs Theaters For Any Budget
Hoppen Home Systems owner Jason Hoppen loves to get theater quality sound and viewing into people’s homes. In fact, his entire business is dedicated to providing sales, service and installation of: home theaters, surround sound, gaming systems, lighting control, High Definition TV, universal remote, security systems, structured wiring, intercom systems and central vacuum. “We specialize in Home Theaters, Surround Sound, Gaming room, security, universal remotes intercom systems and HD TV’s,” Hoppen said. “We build every system to meet the client’s lifestyle and budget.” Hoppen can design a system for any budget from $1,000 to $250,000. Being open since September of 2003, Hoppen relocated his business to Valrico from Connecticut three years ago to bring his work closer to his family. He said they moved to Valrico about three and a half years ago and kept the business going here in the Hillsborough / Lakeland area. “We have a great reputation out in the industry as great customer service. We provide all our clients free in-home consultation, he said. “We work on new construction, existing houses and commercial buildings. “ Hoppen said the biggest thing that sets his company apart from all the rest is that you will always get the same technician working on your house (Hoppen himself), he focuses on the last 10 percent of the job which most companies fall short (cleaning, training customer and neatness) He has one of the best customer service departments going. If something does happen to your system, Hoppen will take care of it right away. “We work on very large $200,000 systems to $2,000 systems and provide the customer with the same support and care no matter the size of the project,” he said. “We are very honest and try to provide the customer with the most information so they can make a sound decision based on their lifestyle and budget.” Hoppen offers all of his customers with free in-home consultations to discuss project needs. He performs these consultations Monday through Saturday at the customer’s convenience. For more information, visit www.HoppenHomeSystems.com or call Hoppen directly at 313-4531.

The Osprey Observer has merged its community online, on demand television My Osprey TV and its Website www.ospreyobserver.com and to celebrate the merge, is giving away more than $1,000 in gift certificates to local restaurants. The campaign kicked-off at the 50th Annual Fourth of July Parade in Brandon when Osprey staff handed out more than 5,000 postcards with Harley’s Home cooking’ recipes for Mom’s Apple Pie on one side and a Website announcement on the other.

“The postcards are promoting our www.ospreyobserver.com campaign,” explained Managing Editor Marie Gilmore. “We partnered with Chick-fil-A on Lumsden Rd., Jaymer-Que BBQ and Honey Baked Ham to offer more than $1,000 in gift certificates to residents who subscribe to our twice monthly informative updates on the site.”

The first sets of prizes are the in the mail so sign-up today to win!

In addition to the contest, the Osprey Observer is launching its weekly news broadcast of community news and events on its site. The show called, This Week’s Edition, is a weekly broadcast update available on demand, online at any time.

“We have guest hosts and Osprey staff who will come in each week and go live with an informative news show each week that highlights things going on in our community,” describes Gilmore. “In addition, we encourage community members who have a passion for their industry to contact us about having a segment on our weekly show.”

Current Brandon Honorary Mayor Tammy Holmberg will feature Coffee with the Mayor several times per month where she will invite local charities to come in for an in-person, sit down interview in the Valrico studios of MyOspreyTV. This week, the charity interviewed is The Dream Factory of Florida.

For more information, visit www.ospreyobserver.com or e-mail editor@ospreyobserver.com with show ideas.

New BBQ place open on Lithia Pinecrest
Debbies’ Classic BBQ, located at the Chevron gas station on the corner of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and Lumsden Rd., recently opened its doors. Offering BBQ ribs, chicken, pork, sausage and even turkey legs, this new BBQ is sure to cure your cravings. Side items include southern favorites like potato salad, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, chips and Cole slaw. The BBQ joint also offers sweet tea and lemonade as well as cookies and children’s plates. The restaurant opens at 10:30 a.m. daily and is owned by local resident Debbie Poole. Visa and MasterCard are both accepted at this location. For more information, call 813-802-5114.

Instant Replay Sports offers new and used sporting equipment
A new sports store recently opened in the Valrico area. Instant Replay sports, located within the Sweetbay-anchored plaza at 2549 S.R. 60 E., offers new and used sports equipment. It will also buy your used equipment or do a trade with you, said Drew Downs, who co-owns the shop with his father. He said the shop specializes in golf and will re-grip and re-shaft clubs. They have everything from children’s and women’s clubs to clubs for lefties and apparel. Other sporting goods also sold at the store include baseball uniforms and gloves. Downs said he picked this location because he liked it—and its right next door to popular sports bar Beef ‘O’ Brady’s. He also said he chose it because of the growth we are experiencing this side of 60. For more information on this buy, sell, trade store, call 653-GAME (4263) or visit its Website at www.instantreplay-sports.com.

Artist Visits Orange
On Friday, September 5 from 5-9 p.m., Orange Home Accessories in Plaza Bella at the intersection of Bloomingdale Ave. and Bell Shoals Rd. will host artist Pam Smith in an event open to the public. Smith, who specializes in handmade and hand painted imagery art and furniture, currently has work featured in the Tops Gallery in Malibu, California, and in various galleries in Sanibel and Captiva Islands and Key West. She is a resident of Vero Beach and the Bahamas. “Pam allows inspiration and imagination to rule her hand,” says Orange owner Debbie Ploor, who is excited about offering Smith’s work in the store. “Each piece reflects the influence of the colors and wildlife of Florida and the Caribbean. This is functional art at its finest. Art that is fun to look at and fun to use.” Orange is located at 1046 Bloomingdale Ave. and can be reached at 681-8686. For more information, visit www.orangehomeaccessories.com.

Benjamin Moore Moves To New Home
Fine Designs design center and Benjamin Moore paint distributor recently moved to a new location in the Badcock Furniture-anchored Clayton Plaza on S.R. 60 in Brandon between Parsons and Kings avenues. The store, previously location on Lithia Pinecrest Blvd. in the Publix-anchored plaza, is a signature store for Benjamin Moore paints and offers customers complete design services including color selection, decorative consultations, window treatments, fabrics, wallpaper, accessories and furniture. Our new location is a one stop shopping experience,” says owner Brant Wensloff who explains that the plaza also includes Bay Area Kitchens and Baths, Home Accessory Center and K&K Flooring in addition Badcock Furniture. For more information, call the store at 657-9822 or visit www.finedesignstampa.com.

Local Bounce Business Recognized
Space Walk of Brandon owners Bill and Tanya Doran were recently recognized by Space Walk President Frank Scurlock at the annual Space Walk partner meeting in Daytona Beach. The local franchise owners, members of the FishHawk Area Networking Group (FANG), were named the 2007 Markerters of the Year, were runners up for the 2007 Rookie of the Year award and won the bronze medal for total yearly rentals. “In addition, we were the branch with the highest percentage of customer’s e-mail addresses,” says Tanya. Space Walk, one of the first inflatable amusement rental companies in the United States, has 202 branches around the country. For more information, visit www.herecomesfun.com. To contact Space Walk of Brandon, call 681-8722.

Chamber Hosts Seminar
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund in providing free, Spanish spoken business seminars for the Hispanic community in the Greater Brandon area. The seminar will be held on Wednesday, August 27 from 10 a.m.-12 Noon, at the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. The ‘How to Start a Business’ seminar will offer attendees the information necessary to start a business or improve an existing one. Participants may register by contacting Venessa Loredo at 689-1221, Ext. 16 or vloredo@brandonchamber.com.

Resident Starts Dog Walking Business
Do you leave your dog at home all day when you go to work? Twin Lakes resident Denelle Christensen recently opened Happy Hounds Dog Walking L.L.C., a company which, in addition to pet sitting and training services, offers daily dog walking. Christensen has completed a Red Cross Pet First Aid course, volunteered with Basset Rescue in three states, served as a foster home for several rescue dogs over the years and is a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. She also carries $1,000,000 in liability insurance to protect clients and offer peace of mind. “My goals for the business include helping my clients to enjoy a rewarding, stress free relationship with their companion dogs, assisting my four-legged clients to become healthier, happier, more balanced dogs through regular exercise and stimulation,” says Christensen, who welcomes all breeds of dogs and has specialized experience with large breeds including German Shepards, Labs, Rottweilers and Basset Hounds. For more information, visit www.happyhoundswalking.com or call 759-3802.

Resident Starts Baby Boot Camp
For many new moms, finding time to work out and get their body back in shape is difficult. But Riverview resident Chantel DiMuzio, franchise owner and instructor for Baby Boot Camp Brandon East/Apollo Beach has come up with the perfect solution. Baby Boot Camp is a national franchise with over 100 locations nationwide where moms don’t have to find someone else to look after the baby while they squeeze in some time to work out. “Our tagline line is: “Bring your Baby, Get Fit!” which pretty much says it all,” says DiMuzio, a certified fitness instructor and mom to 16-month old Anthony. “Baby Boot Camp is a stroller based exercise program for new and expecting moms. Anyone with stroller aged children can attend. Classes are designed to help moms get back their pre-baby bodies, only better.” Ffter a grand opening celebration on September 8 from 9:30-11 a.m., classes will be held Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at the Campo Family YMCA in Valrico. Class start time will be 9:30. In addition, DiMuzio plans to open a second location in the Riverview area in the near future. For more information, e-mail DiMuzio at chantel.dimuzio@babybootcamp.com or call 600-5057. For more information on Baby Boot Camp, call 1-888-990-BABY or visit www.babybootcamp.com.

New Pet Grooming Studio
The new Pickled Pink S’Paw Grooming service is now open and ready to pamper your dog. From bathing with natural organic shampoos (gentle herbal formulas for any skin type) and breed specific styling with hand scissoring by certified groomers to doggie facials and gland expressions, Pickled Pink S’Paw has something for every canine. “Let us find the right style for your special pet that is a maintainable fit to your families’ lifestyle,” says owner Jennifer Rathert, a retired veterinary technician with 20 years of experience. In addition, the studio, located at 2619 S.R. 60 East, between Miller Rd. and St. Cloud, offers doggie daycare services with a variety of membership options and indoor and outdoor activity areas. As retired veterinary technicians, with over 20 years of experience, we are motivated to provide caring company for canines with welcoming arms and kindness. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 657-SPAW.

Ms. Cyndi’s Corner Café Coming Soon
Using the property next door to her husband’s Jaymer-Que BBQ, Cyndi Holcombe will offer two new services. Ms. Cyndi’s Corner Café will serve sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, coffee, etc. The sandwich and deli meats will be smoked at Jaymer-Que which Holcombe believes will give them a unique product from the start. “We will also be highlighting our soon-to-be-famous Smoked Chicken Salad. So far I am the only one that knows the recipe and I have to say it is pretty good,” says Holcombe. “No one around here has anything like it.” Although Holcombe says the menu is not quite finalized, she explains the café will offer a great café type menu and dessert menu (cakes, cheesecakes, pies, etc.) with coffee and soft serve ice cream. “We will be open later than Jaymer-Que with a limited menu mainly for the dessert and coffee crowd,” she says. In addition, the space will be used for Jaymer-Que Pit-Side Pick-Up. “Customers will now be able to call in their order and utilize the drive-thru between the two buildings to pick-up their food,” says Holcombe. “No more having to get out of the car with the kids to come in and get dinner to take home, we’ll bring it right to the car.” The restaurant will be opening soon. The phone number for Pit-Side Pick-Up is 689-PITS.

Realtor Joins Prudential Tropical
Connecting people to their dreams is what Renee Gregory enjoys most about her career as a real estate professional. She believes that the most important thing she can do is to provide the kind of knowledge and personal attention customers need when making a decision about such a big investment. “My business is more than helping people buy and sell property,” says Gregory, who credits her personal attention and years of experience with her success. “My business helps turn dreams into reality.” A real estate professional since 1987, Gregory regularly attends seminars and continues her education on pertinent topics affecting the real estate industry. She has a thorough understanding of local trends, pricing strategies and negotiating techniques and an in-depth knowledge of the area’s communities, acquired as a native of the Brandon/Riverview area. For more information, contact Gregory at 643-9977 or e-mail rgregory@prutropical.com.

Professional football season is just around the corner and with pre-season games starting in August, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up to do what they do best; play football. But there are thousands of loyal Buccaneer fans who are also getting ready to do what they do best; being fans and supporting their favorite team.

To make the cheering just a bit easer while adding to the football fever Chester Smigiel of Brandon is one fan who not only has everything he needs for the new season but is also ready to supply the thousands of fellow Buccaneers fans with all the Bucs stuff they need for the new season.

Owner of Team Sports Merchandise Bucs Stuff and More Showroom located in the heart of Brandon, Smigiel’s shop has just about everything a fan may need before, during and after the game.

“It is the football fanatic’s store,” said Smigiel adding, “With the new season approaching things get pretty hectic.”

The shelves are loaded with a wide selection of merchandise, for the young and the young at heart. From clothing for men, women, and children, car accessories, bedding, pet items, autographed pieces as well as footballs just to name a few, the store, located at 435 East Brandon Blvd, is truly a Bucs fan’s paradise.

But that is not all. While about half of the 2,500 square feet “Bucstopia” which was formerly located in Valrico and had to move to its current spot due to the need for more space is filed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers memorabilia Smigiel’ store is also the place for the Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, Miami Hurricanes, South Florida Bulls, and Tampa Bay Lightning fans as well.

Smigiel explained that the fun of being a fan of a favorite Florida team does not stop with just clothing or memorabilia as he said that the store offers much more.

“We host autograph signings, sales, and other events for our customers as often as possible,” Smigiel said, after mentioning one of the latest visitors to the store was former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mike Alstott.

The Bucs Stuff Showroom is open Monday –Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday during football season 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For fore information please visit www.bucsstuffbrandon.com or call 657-2470.

Reading name Derek Smethurst or his occupation as director of training for the Valrico Youth Soccer Club may not mean much to most people in the Brandon area or in Florida or simply this part of the world. But what if you found out that Smethurst to soccer is like Michael Jordan to Basketball? Well that might make many want to read on.

Smethurst who now provides professional coaching and training for the Valrico Soccer Club working directly with the select teams on a weekly basis and who directs clinics and training for all the teams and coaches as well as provides the basis for instruction which helps the young players excel at all levels of competition is not only a blessing but a privilege to have in the community.

Making his debut into professional soccer in South Africa at the age of 18 with his first kick inside of 12 seconds, Smethurst had scored his first pro goal and went on to score 3 goals on his debut. He became one of South Africa’s greatest goal scoring forwards. While in South Africa he won 4 Championships, but there was more to come.

In 1968 he joined Chelsea F.C. (now English Premier League) leading him to be a part of one of the best teams in history. In 1970 Chelsea won the FA Cup and then went on to win the European Cup Winners Cup against Real Madrid, where Smethurst scored the goal in the semi final putting Chelsea through to the finals and on to victory. He won his fifth championship with Chelsea from 1968 – 1971.

In 1975 he became the Rowdies’ all time leading goal scorer with 57 goals in 65 games with an NASL goal tally of 75 goals in just over 100 games (in baseball terms he batted .750). The subject of many books - (one of which is) Soccer Super Stars (Goldstein and Wohl) he is a main feature with Pele, George Best, Franz Beckenbauer and Eusebio.

“These guys were the best players of my time and I am proud to have had a chance to play with them as well as against them,” Smethurst proudly said.

Smethurst’ knowledge of soccer has prompted the world famous Pele to speak of him as an expert in knowing how to find space and how to use the correct techniques.

“These are the same two principles that are getting scholarships and championships for our students today,” Smethurst said adding, “The push and move technique is something that we have been able to perfect here which in turn led the our players to be as successful as they now are. No one can keep up with us only try to copy.”

Smethurst’s talent can also be found on the pages of a number of books he has published the first of which found its way onto the bookshelf in 1994. He is the author of the SOCCER FOR WINNING SERIES (Reedswain Publishing - reedswain.com). The first three of these cover techniques, offense and practice while the fourth soon to hit the stores deals with defense.

A fifth book is also planned to be published later which will give insight into the politics of the sport and will deal with the ups and downs players face during their athletic careers.

Interestingly, Smethurst explained that the most important thing his young players are being taught is not the techniques or how to score the most goals, but he said, “I teach these kids to learn and reflect on each game and to win with dignity and lose with grace.”

For more information about Derek Smethurst or the Valrico Youth Soccer Club please visit www.valricosoccer.com.