Originated by Native Americans as a game “said to be played ‘for the pleasure of the Creator,’” according to the online Wikipedia, lacrosse is becoming popular yet again in the States with the FishHawk Coyotes Youth Lacrosse being forged.
Kicking off in December, the new team is inviting those in second-sixth grades to enroll in the team, with the rec team playing second to fourth grade students and the youth team welcoming fifth through sixth grade students. Up to 25 players will be chosen to put their skills to the test on the fields of the FishHawk Sports Complex, with 10 being on the field at one time.
“The team was started because there was an opportunity for lacrosse to be played at the FishHawk Sports Complex,” says coach and FishHawk resident Brian Lemon, who is vice president of Operations for the National Lacrosse League, having once joined the ranks as a professional lacrosse player for the National Lacrosse League. “We had the choice to bring the team under the umbrella of the FishHawk Youth Sports Association and felt it was a good time to do so.”
Amidst 10 other lacrosse teams connected to the Tampa Bay area’s West Florida Lacrosse League, the FishHawk Coyotes Youth Lacrosse will play a total of 12 games from January to mid-April, with practices beginning in late November. Led by Lemon and fellow coaches Tim Jones and Andrew Cox, also FishHawk residents, the sport of lacrosse “teaches sportsmanship, how to work with your teammates and life lessons so that they can transfer into the real world, done so by the provision of a solid coaching philosophy,” mentions Lemon. “Really, it is all about the kids.”
Any first-year players are welcome to register for the team as ongoing sign-ups continue. The cost is $175 which includes the player’s uniform as well as all equipment being supplied, though players will have to furnish their own lacrosse stick. The league has future plans to develop a middle school team as well as a girls program in the upcoming year, though girls are welcome to sign-up for the current teams until this concept becomes a reality. For further information or to sign-up for the team, visit www.leaguelineup.com/FHCOYOTES or call Lemon at 689-2070.

Over the summer break, seven students, including college journalism majors, marketing and public relations majors and high school journalists, completed an Osprey Observer internship, a program open to all students interested in learning more about the field and jobs in journalism.
“We love to open our doors and teach students about the opportunities available to them in the field of journalism,” said Managing Editor Marie Gilmore. “And, each time we complete a program, we learn something new, too.”
Interns are asked to commit to 100 hours of in-office training on a flexible schedule. “Our interns leave our program with a letter of recommendation from us, 10 published articles and, hopefully, a new love and appreciation for the field,” mentioned Gilmore.
University of Florida journalism major and Riverview High School graduate Jennifer Smith enjoyed her time at the Osprey Observer and said, “From the internship, I learned that writing is truly my passion and that I would like to pursue a career in print journalism.”
The program, which runs spring break and summers throughout the year, requires a resume and a request, along with transportation and a love of writing. In addition, graphics interns are accepted and given the opportunity to design advertising and supplements for the Osprey Observer.
In addition to writing, photography and reporting, interns are invited to Brandon South Rotary meetings and to participate in community events.
For more information, call 657-2418 or email editor@ospreyobserver.com. Resumes and internships are being granted for summer, 2009.
2008 Summer Interns
Name: Jennifer Smith
School: Graduated Riverview High School, currently attends the University of Florida.
Major: Journalism

“The most memorable story I worked on was about the Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s Cure Kids Cancer Walk. It was an inspiring assignment because I got to work with a great organization and offer my support to a great cause.”

Name: Elizabeth Wilhelm
School: Marist College/University of South Florida
Major: Marketing
“I learned how to market myself as an individual and as a part of an organization and how to create contacts throughout a community. I also learned a lot of interesting things about my community.

Name: Nora Zaki
School: Newsome High School
Major: Journalism and MidEast Studies with a minor in Arabic
“I truly think interning at the Observer for nearly four weeks gave me a larger sense of independence. I learned how to listen intently to the person(s) I’d be interviewing to make sure I wrote down their responses accurately and wanted them to realize that I was truly interested in listening to them. I guess one can say, my perception of the community where I live has somewhat improved.”

Name: Lauren Ashley
School: Brigham Young University
Major: English
“I loved writing about the charm classes held at Center Place because of the interview I had with the teacher of the class. She was the perkiest and, yet, most sincere person I had ever met, and even though I was interviewing her about what she did, she took time to get to know me and really helped me to feel the importance of the classes she taught. I really wanted to be a better journalist and person!”

Name: Luz Ma
School: Savannah College of Art &
Design
Major: Graphic Design
“I was interested in using my time wisely over summer break, besides just working, and developing any skills with computers or design.”

Name: Kasie Anthony
School: University of Central Florida
Major: Marketing with a minor in Communications
“The internship helped me enhance those skills and apply them to real life situations. Just being in the office and experiencing how a business is run was a learning experience of itself.”

Name: Keria Martin
School: Bloomingdale High School
Major: n/a
“ During my internship, I learned the true meaning of the term “prioritize.” Between phone calls for quotes and deadlines for articles, it was really important to priortize the multiple assignments that were given. Sometimes that meant rescheduling an interview to make room for a more important story that had a much closer deadline. I think this will be a crucial skill in my career as a journalist. “

Tenants Move In To FishHawk Crossings
FishHawk residents now have a new option for their dry cleaning needs. Martinizing Dry Cleaners opened last month in the new FishHawk Crossings Plaza next to the Walgreens at FishHawk Blvd. and FishHawk Crossings Blvd. The location has a drive- through window for easy drop-off and pick-up and offers a wide variety of dry cleaning and laundry services.
According to leasing agent for the plaza, Matt Fuller of Barclay Group, additional tenants coming to the plaza include a dentist, named FishHawk Dental owned by Dr. Kerry Smith DDS, a FishHawk resident, which should be open by mid-November and Snap Fitness, a 24-hour fitness center also scheduled to open this month.
Check out next month’s edition of the Osprey Observer for more information on these stores.
There are still two spaces left to lease in the plaza. For more information, contact Fuller at (727) 733-7385, ext. 324.

Store Opens For Special Occasions
Looking for that perfect dress for homecoming or another formal occasion? Bloomingdale resident Cheryl Bowen recently opened Perfection Prom and Party on Bloomingdale Ave., offering dresses, evening gowns and accessories for prom, Sweet Sixteen, Quinceanera, Bat Mitzvah, holiday parties, destination weddings and other formal events.
A dress registry insures that the dress you choose will be unique for your occasion. Perfection offers personalized service with friendly sales staff to assist you in a fresh, contemporary setting with later store hours to accommodate its busy customers’ schedules. Appointments and fashion show bookings are also available.
Bowen, the wife of a retired Air Force officer, has experienced over a dozen military relocations throughout the United States and Europe and understands the value of a well-stocked dress shop when the need for formal attire arises.
“In addition,” adds Bowen, “my teenage daughter Hannah [has] friends [who] are always happy to offer advice, keeping me in the loop and up on the latest trends.”
Perfection Prom is located at 10313 Bloomingdale Ave., across from SuperTarget in the Bloomingdale Towne Center and can be reached at 621-1991. For more information, visit www.perfectionprom.com.

Orlando’s Best Offers Pizza and More
“We want to be the type of restaurant where we know our customers’ names,” says Orlando Cruz, co-owner of the new Orlando’s Best Pizzeria in the Crossroads Ace Plaza at the intersection of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and C.R. 39.
In addition to New York style pizza, Orlando’s Best offers pasta, wings, Philly cheesesteaks, burgers and meatball sandwiches, many of which are homemade at the restaurant.
According to Cruz, the restaurant’s specialty is the double decker pizza, which is made with the restaurant’s famous dough and secret recipe sauce.
“We are very proud of what we do and what we offer,” says Cruz, a Valrico resident who co-owns the restaurant with Jim Michetti. “This is the type of restaurant where families can come in, sit down and enjoy good food at a great price.”
The restaurant is open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, call 737-1919.

Pet Store Opens in Sweetbay Plaza
Bungle in the Jungle, a pet store located in the Sweetbay shopping plaza at the intersection of FishHawk Blvd. and Lithia Pinecrest Rd., opened recently offering everything from tropical fish to pet supplies.
Owned by FishHawk resident Karin Allen, Bungle in the Jungle carries a great selection of pets including fish, birds, reptiles and small animals. Pet supplies include food, toys and bedding, breeding supplies and medical items.
“With an exciting jungle theme, we make shopping here an experience you won’t soon forget,” says Allen, who has more than seven years experience in the business.The store is located at 16731 FishHawk Blvd. and is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday-Monday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
For more information, call 643-9686 or visit www.bungleinthejunglefl.com.

FishHawk Fest Planned
The FishHawk/Lithia Area Business Council of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce will host the second FishHawk Evening Fest on Thursday, December 4. The free event will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. at FishHawk Office Park on FishHawk Blvd. (behind Regions Bank).
The event will feature local businesses showcasing their products or services and ample networking opportunities. Some of the participating businesses include: Kids Community College, Premier Care Pediatrics, FishHawk Flooring, SouthShore Realty Group, Osprey Observer, Melissa Snively State Farm Insurance, Sidekicks Martial Arts, FishHawk Storage and many more. Non-perishable items will be collected for a holiday donation to the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) located in Brandon. Individuals who bring an item to donate will receive a free ticket for the door prize drawings.
The FishHawk/Lithia Area Business Council, of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, is a group of business owners and representatives from the area of Lithia. The council was organized to assist in both promoting the businesses within this area and to further open dialogue with local businesses to identify area specific opportunities and challenges. The Evening Fest is a joint effort of the council and its members.
For more information about the FishHawk Evening Fest or the FishHawk/Lithia Area Business Council, please contact Allison Braden at 689-1221, ext. 36 or abraden@brandonchamber.com.

Lamb of God Opens Child Care Center
Members of the Lamb of God church recently celebrated the opening of a new child care center, Open Arms Early Childhood Center, with a ribbon cutting with the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
The center, located at 10540 Browning Rd. in Lithia, offers child care for children starting at 6 weeks old, preschool and prekindergarten programs and before and afterschool care for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Applications are now being accepted for enrollment.
For more information, call the church at 653-2354 or visit www.ThisIsLove.org.

New Technician at Animal Hospital
Dr. Ellen Matheson and the staff at Alafia Animal Hospital are pleased to welcome Daphne Farmer to the team as a technician and registered dental hygienist.
In addition to having a bachelor of applied science in Dental Hygiene from St. Petersburg College, Farmer, a Lithia resident with three dogs and two cats, has an associate of science degree in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg Junior College.
To compliment Farmer’s skill set and Matheson’s interest in dentistry, Alafia River Animal Hospital is adding digital dental radiography to its services. These dental x-rays will enable the group to best diagnose and treat dental disease.
Alafia River Animal Hospital is located at 7017 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. For more information, visit www.alafiariveranimalhospital.com or call 643-1002.

Mandalay Mist Gets New Home
Mandalay Mist Bronzing Spa and Boutique recently moved to a new location at 1123 Professional Park Dr. in Brandon (behind the Publix on Causeway Blvd.) after four-and-a-half years at its current location at One Divine Place.
According to owner Allison Macri, the new location has been well received by clients. “Besides being in a more convenient part of town for many of our customers, the upfront parking allows quick access to the boutique and tanning,” says Macri.
Mandalay Mist has been exclusively offering and specializing in UV-free mist tanning since opening in April of 2004. With over 4,000 customers to date, its popularity spans the ages with clients ranging from 13 to 82 years old.
In addition to award winning mist tanning, Mandalay Mist also features a specialty boutique for jewelry, handbags, clothing, giftware, gifts for baby, and much more. New lines for this holiday season include By Boe jewelry, Zum soaps, Skeem candles, Makes Scents candles (made right here in the Brandon area), giftable ornaments, Poo-pourri, Madie Deluxe handbags, Lucy B. perfume, and Wonderful Wacky Women gift art. Mandalay Mist will continue to feature jewelry and art from local artists as well.
For updates and more information, call 662-MIST (6478) or visit www.MandalayMist.com.

Tailgate with Edward Jones
Elijah Heath, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Lithia, is sponsoring a University of South Florida Tailgate from 5-7 p.m. on November 15 at Raymond James Stadium.
Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliates, in Canada and the United Kingdom. Every aspect of the firm’s business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The firm’s 10,000-plus financial advisors work directly with more than seven million clients to understand their personal goals - from college savings to retirement — and create long-term investment strategies that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. Edward Jones embraces the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today.
For more information, call Heath at 657-2078.

Pick Up Marketing Tips
Please join the American Business Women’s Association at 5:30 p.m. on November 4 at Giordano’s to hear Shannon Carlton, sales manager for the Osprey Observer, speak about “Marketing Magic.”
Business owners are invited to come and learn about target marketing, honing networking skills, inexpensive ways to increase market presence by using what you already have and effective advertising.
Carlton leads monthly Marketing Seminars for the Osprey Observer’s advertisers.
“Many clients come to her seminars with little or no marketing direction,” says American Business Women’s Association representative Debbie Bradley. “They can learn that they are their own marketing department and can increase their business without a lot of time, money or hiring of expensive specialists.”
For more information, call Bradley at 493-1086.

Company Helps Get Computer Solutions
Nearly all American families have at least one personal computer in the home and at work, being a vital part of everyday lives, but do you know what to do when something goes wrong? Now you can turn to Express PC Solutions, owned by FishHawk resident Liz Smith.
“While it may be true that your children are surprisingly proficient at running your computer, you may discover times when even they don’t know what’s wrong with it,” says Smith. “Unlike the major companies and corporations, you might not have an IT department at your beck and call when something goes wrong. That’s where we come in.”
Smith and her team have worked for major companies and corporations and are trained and certified to come to your rescue, no matter how small or large the issues may be. “We have even created an optional monthly maintenance plan that is affordable even for the newest start-up business owner,” says Smith. “We will schedule a regular monthly visit to your office to service your computer to help ensure that your system is up and running and not costing you valuable downtime.”
Express PC Solutions also builds computers and designs them according to customers’ personal needs and requirements.
For more information, visit www.ExpressPCSolutions.net, e-mail Smith at LizSmith@ExpressPCSolutions.net or call 846-5833.

TechPlayzone Plans Night Out
Every third weekend, TechPlayzone invites young people to participate in Parents’ Night Out from 6:30-11 p.m. Leaving parents with an evening off, young people are able to enjoy TechPlayzone’s computers, movie making, electronic kits and more.
During the month of December, there will be two weekends of Parents’ Night Out so that parents may take advantage of additional time for holiday shopping, cooking and gift wrapping.
During Parents’ Night Out, TechPlayzone staff orders pizza and provides drinks and popcorn. The cost is $30 per child per night, plus $15 for each sibling.
TechPlayzone is a science and technology center conveniently located near Riverview, Valrico, Lithia and Brandon communities. TechPlayzone is pleased to announce that it is a finalist for the 2008 Brandon Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award.
Parents can find out more about TechPlayzone’s Parents’ Night Out, Tech camps, afterschool programs and birthday parties by calling 684-7329 or visiting techplayzone.com/techplay.

Lil’ Swimmer Aquatics Offers Swim Lessons
Although summer has come to an end, it is never too late to teach your little one to swim.
New business, Lil’ Swimmer Aquatics teaches children from about eight months, or as soon as they can crawl, to 5 years survival swimming skills based on the proven PediaSwim methodology in the Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Riverview and Brandon areas.
“One of the unique aspects of this business is that I can actually go to the family’s home pool to teach their children to swim,” says Owner and Apollo Beach resident Korey Nielson, a graduate of the PediaSwin Academy. “All of our lessons are one-on-one with the child so we can individualize the lesson and gear the lessons toward the child’s learning style.”
Nielson is a member of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), hold a bachelors of science degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Utah and is a Certified Personal Trainer. For more information, call 777-3373 or visit www.lilswimmer.net.

Infant Swim Offers Survival Lessons
Survival swim Master Instructor and Riverview resident Kari Bahour owns Infant Swimming Resource (ISR), a nationally recognized system of aquatic survival instruction for infants and young children. The program focuses on educating parents and children about aquatic survival and safety issues
For details on these lessons for children ages 6 months-4 years old, call 643-SWIM (7946), email k.bahour@infantswim.com or visit www.watchmeswim.com.

Scare the Crow at Plaza Bella
Scare the Crow will take place at Plaza Bella, located at 1078 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, on Saturday, November 15, starting at 10 a.m. Scarecrows are provided by area businesses and organizations. People can bid on their favorite scarecrow by silent auction and the top bid gets to take home their scarecrow. Coordinators will also be asking people to vote on scarecrows in the following categories: Scariest, Most Trendy (fashionista), Best All-around and Most Talented. Organizing its Stuff the Turkey event for the month of November, Plaza Bella will be collecting food and cash donations for E.C.H.O. (Emergency Help Care Organization). For every five food items or $25 donated, donors will receive a chance for a Plaza Bella basket to be drawn at the end of November. At Scare the Crow, there will be samples, music and fun. There will also be a signed helmet by Bucs player Derrick Brooks for auction, benefiting the Diabetes Foundation.
To enter a scarecrow, contact Roz or Matt at the Green Boutique at 685-9494.

Chai Yo Thai Cuisine Now Open
In the Thai language, “chai yo” means “cheers,” and at the new Chai Yo Thai Cuisine customers are treated to a celebration with every meal.
“We strive to infuse a celebratory, yet refined, spirit into the food that we prepare, the service that we provide, and the atmosphere that we create for our guests,” says owner Topp Saenngarm. “We will offer a dining experience that highlights the simple elegance of Thai cuisine and the warmth of Thai culture, so that our guests will come to think of Chai Yo as the ideal place to relax with friends and family.”
Located at 11695 Boyette Rd., Chai Yo’s menu includes a wide variety of Thai favorites from Pad Thai to Green and Red Curry and appetizers such as fresh rolls and satays.
“We pride ourselves on three main principles: the quality of our foods and services, the teamwork of our employees, and the respect we have for each other and our customers,” says Saenngarm, who started in the restaurant business at the age of 16 and went on to get a graduate degree in engineering from the University of South Florida.
For more information, visit the Website at www.chaiyothaicuisine.com or call 671-6935.

Space Walk Starts Inflatables Around the World
In an effort to give back to those less fortunate, Space Walk of Brandon owner Tanya Doran recently started a new program, Inflatables Around The World.
“We were looking for a way we could bless children around the world and had a wonderful idea,” says Doran. “Each year, Space Walk purchases many new products so that our customers get the newest and finest product available. As we purchase the new equipment, we retire several pieces that still have many years of useful life in them.”
Through the program, these inflatables can be donated to ministries all over the world and Doran is looking for groups that qualify for a donation.
Call 681-8722 or fill out the application at www.herecomesfun.com.

Nativity School Welcomes Runners
Nativity Catholic School will host its inaugural 5K Run/One Mile Walk on Saturday, November 15, in conjunction with its annual Novemberfest festival. The run/walk route will take participants on a scenic jaunt through many neighborhoods surrounding the school and church grounds located on the corner of S.R. 60 and Bryan Rd. All participants will receive a race T-shirt, and awards will be presented to the top finishers.
The registration fee is $20. The check-in on race day begins at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 8 a.m.

Women of Destiny Welcome
Onething Prayer Center, located at 777 W. Lumsden Rd. in the Oak Park Plaza in Brandon, will be hosting Women of Destiny, a program for prospective Christian leaders, speakers and writers which will be held on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. This practical application workshop will provide opportunities for women to learn the skills needed to pursue their destiny. A $10 registration fee is required and there will be a total of nine monthly workshops with a fee of $10 per class. Each class will include live call-ins from the National Leadership Team of Proverbs 31 Ministries. 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 “Ministries.” If you have specific questions, contact Ann Marie Peterson at 500-9411.

St. Stephen Holds Picnic
St. Stephen Catholic Church will hold a parish picnic on November 9 from 12:30-3 p.m. on its school property located at 10424 Saint Stephen Cir. in Riverview. Everyone is welcome.
For more information, call 689-4900.

High Rollers Welcome
Congregation Beth Shalom and The JCC of Brandon are proud to present “High Rollers – An evening of Luck” to be held at The Barn on Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview on November 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person. Your ticket includes admission, chips to play at the casino tables, the silent auction, food and the cash bar. There will also be a Texas Hold’Em Tournament with a fantastic grand prize. Tickets for this are $100 per person and include a complimentary cigar from Cigar Outpost.
Please call the JCC preschool to purchase tickets at 643-0522. For further information or questions, please contact Sarah Meyers at slmeyers2000@yahoo.com or call 681-6547.

Pecans for Sale
The ladies of Brandon’s First United Methodist Church are selling fresh pecans again this year, and selling them at last year’s prices. Five-pound boxes of shelled halves or pieces will be sold for $32. Specialty item prices vary according to package size. Plan to pick-up your order at the church on Saturday, November 15, or Monday, November 17. The church is located one block north of S.R. 60 on Knights Ave., between Parsons Ave. and Kings Ave.
Call Melissa at 757-0734 to place your order or e-mail bjbrooks@ tampabay.rr.com.

Craft and Bake Sale Announced
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, located at 604 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico, will host its First Annual Christmas Whistle Stop Craft Show and Bake Sale on Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., featuring homemade crafts, baked goods, jewelry, quilts, candles, etc. It will highlight local vendors, a silent auction and entertainment.
For more information, call 689-3130 or visit http://holyinnocentsvalrico.com.

CAI’s Upcoming Events
Concerned Action, IncHRIST announces the following events:
Orientation on our thought-action process, repressed anger, grace, forgiveness and choosing a happier life: first and third Monday of each month from 7-9:30 p.m. at CAI’s office located at 3813 Ravenna Dr. in Valrico and the third Friday of each month from 12:30-4 p.m. at Lighthouse Gospel Mission, located at 7211 S. 78th St. in Riverview.
Rope Swings, Canoeing and Family Fun: Saturday, November 15, at 9 a.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. on November 16.
Sunday Services: 3:30-4:15 p.m., November 23, at one of four assisted living facilities in Brandon.
I Am Hope Café: Free hot meal, help and referral assistance to the homeless, needy in our community every Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 6-7 p.m. at Mango Baptist Church and every Saturday, from 9-10 a.m. at two locations: Mango Baptist located at 11619 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Brandon Church of the Nazarene located at 114 N. Kingsway Rd.
Share and Prayer Group: Journey through the Bible covers one book of the Bible at a time every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at CAI’s Office.
For more information, call 689-9552.

Divorce Care at FishHawk Fellowship
Join FishHawk Fellowship for this weekly seminar and support group to help people find healing from the pain of separation or divorce. The seminar takes place on Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., in Room 216, at 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. The facilitators of the group are Scott and Rita Stephens and Barbara Davidson.
For details and registration, contact Barbara at 655-7431 or by e-mail at bdavidson@fishhawkfc.org or go to www.divorcecare.org.
Registration forms are available at Nativity Catholic School or online at www.nativitycatholicschool.org. For more information, e-mail janus.chris@gmail.com.

Bloomingdale Orchestra Hosts Dinner
The Bloomingdale High School Orchestra announces its Second Annual Dinner and Variety Show on Thursday, November 13, from 6-8 p.m. at Bloomingdale High School, located at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Enjoy a catered meal and entertainment by the school’s talented students. The Variety Show includes drama, singing and much more. The cost is $12 per person or $45 for a table of four for tickets purchased by November 6. Tickets will be available at the door for $7 for the Variety Show portion of the program.
For additional information or to purchase tickets, please contact Lisa Curcio at rcurcio3@verizon.net or at 689-9319.

Fall Festival Announced at Cimino
Cimino Elementary School of Valrico, located at 4329 Culbreath Rd., will host a Fall Festival for the community on Friday, November 7, from 4-8 p.m. Events include games, bounce houses, entertainment, a used book sale and a silent auction. There will be a variety of foods available including cotton candy, hotdogs, pizza, snow cones and dinner from Chick-fil-A or Moe’s. Businesses may set up display tables for a $25 fee. Wristbands may be purchased at a savings prior to the event in the school office and entitle participants to unlimited games, including bounce castles.
For additional information, contact Gwen Porter at 740-4450 or gwen.porter@sdhc.k12.fl.us.

Randall Students Gather for Prayer
Randall Middle School recently celebrated the national See You At The Pole in September, praying for a science teacher who was recently hospitalized and underwent brain surgery, their teachers, their fellow students, their country and its leaders, the upcoming election and for boldness and courage to reach out to their friends. See You at the Pole (SYATP) is an annual gathering of Christian students of all ages at a flagpole in front of their local school for prayer, scripture-reading and hymn-singing, during an early morning hour preceding the start of the school day. The American SYATP events occur on every fourth Wednesday of September. This annual gathering began in Burleson, Texas in 1990 as a response to a Disciple Now weekend with a handful of Christian students. In 2005, over two million students in the U.S. participated, as well as students in Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Germany, Ghana, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Malaysia, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Scotland and South Africa.
For more information, visit http://www.syatp.com/home/.

Pinecrest Holds Fall Festival
Pinecrest Elementary, located at 7950 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia, announces its annual Fall Festival to take place on Friday, November 14, from 6-9 p.m. There will be lots of fun things for the kids to enjoy as well as lots of food. Families with more than one child can expect to pay $10 for the first and second child and $5 for each additional child. Children ages 4 and under are free.
For more information, call 744-8164.

Newsome Names First Idol Contestant
Newsome Chorus recently held its first Newsome Idol contest, hosted by Newsome’s own Tim Alvarez. Local judges in the music field held the initial auditions, narrowing the contestants down to 12 finalists. After performing in September, the audience voted for their favorites. The following week, the 12 finalists returned to perform one last time and to hear the results of the voting. A tie for sixth place left the audience with seven finalists: Alyssa Dessoye, Derrick Ferrell, Megan Greer, Stephanie Kent, Krista Ramsey, Sara Villa and Tyler Waring. The finalists performed for the judges and audience, and the judges once again gave their critique. The audience votes were counted, and performing Catherine McPhee’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Dessoye was named the first-ever Newsome Idol.
Visit www.NewsomeChorus.com for information about upcoming Newsome Chorus events.

Fall Festivities Planned at Academy
Seffner Christian Academy, located at 11605 U.S. Hwy. 92 E. in Seffner, will hold its Fifth Annual Fall Festival and Silent Auction with inflatables, games, food, vendor booths, a silent auction featuring themed Christmas trees, gift baskets, music, a chili cook-off and sports memorabilia on Friday, November 7, from 5-8 p.m., and Saturday, November 8, with the auction from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and festival from 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
For more information, call 763-5380 or e-mail mhowe@tampabay.rr.com or visit http://www.scacrusaders.com/.

Mommy & Me Classes Available
Mommy & Me classes are available at The Dance Center, located at 161 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon, for mommies and 2-year-olds (Must be 2 by September 1, 2008). It is a fun class that will introduce your child to listening, memorization, musicality, and coordination. Classes include dancing, music and singing on Tuesdays from 10:30–11:15 a.m. and Wednesdays from 10:30–11:15 a.m. or 12:30–1:15 p.m.
For more information, call 684-4282 or e-mail dance@brandonballet.org.

Music Showcase In Search of Vendors
Music Showcase will hold its annual Christmas Festival in Brandon this year on December 13 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and has room for vendors to purchase a booth and sell items or give information about their business. The price of booth rental is only $35 which includes a table and two chairs. There will be live entertainment throughout the day, a rock-climbing wall, a bounce house, food, student recitals and even a visit from Santa and the Chick-fil-A cow.
All those interested in participating should contact Wendi Pruitt at 685-5998.

To commemorate November being National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Valrico resident Zach Bonner is hitting the pavement and walking 280 miles from Tallahassee to Atlanta Georgia. Last year, the 10-year-old took a 250 mile jaunt from Tampa to Tallahassee to raise awareness of the estimated 1.6 million kids that are homeless in our Country and he collected about $25,000 in supplies and money for the organization he founded “The Little Red Wagon Foundation Inc.” Bonner says he has the hike down to a routine of walking about 5 or 6 miles each day, stopping to eat and rest, then walking another 5 or so miles until he and his mother collapse in their Recreational Vehicle each evening.
“The money I raise on the Florida section will stay in the state for the projects my foundation funds for the homeless and street kids” according to Bonner, who adds, “While on the Macon trek that money will go toward building a house with Habitat for Humanity”, and in Atlanta those funds will go into a new project to help underprivileged kids explore their artistic side.
Bonner will be on the road 30 days with the conclusion of the walk on his birthday November 17 and you can follow the progress of the soon to be 11-year-old by going to his Website and clicking on “Zach Tracker.” If you want to contribute any money you can do that too, says Bonner, adding “And you can decide where it goes.” Some of Bonners honors include meeting President George W. Bush, receiving numerous awards for his dedication and hard work through his foundation, and so what could this little man have planned next? Bonner says he is already thinking ahead and “Next year I might do another walk from Tampa to Tallahassee, depending on how this one goes,” and he says he is also trying to figure out how he can walk from Tampa to Key West. For more information about Bonner’s charity you can go to his Website at www.littleredwagonfoundation.com where you can also click on” Zach Tracker” to pinpoint his exact location.

A local citizen who works at DaSilva’s Coffee House & Roastery, located at 15282 FishHawk Blvd., stopped a bank robber in his tracks in early October. Read more

It is safe to say that the start of every school year is the most hectic time for parents, students, teachers and school administrators all around the county. But nothing seems to stir the emotions more than student transportation and bus stop issues which were once again a hot topic at the recently held series of 2008-09 town hall meetings led by Hillsborough County’s Superintendent MaryEllen Elia.
After parents fired questions at Elia, which included the problem with not enough bus stops, having unsafe bus stops on busy streets, changes on routes, overloaded busses and a seeming lack of transportation efficiency of drop-off and pick-up times, there was no doubt changes would have to be made.
One of these parents, convinced the system is flawed, was Becky Goodman, whose daughter was mistakenly put on the bus at school and dropped off at a bus stop without a parent to meet her.
According to school officials, as far as the recently raised issues are concerned, such as the overloading as well as the installation of safer bus stops, problems have been resolved, and the department has made the necessary changes.
Elia told parents that the district did investigate more than 200 bus stop complaints and moved about 80 stops already, while most concerns had to be referred to Hillsborough County Schools General Transportation Manager John Franklin, who said, during a phone interview, that the issues parents were concerned with at the start of the year were legitimate and have been addressed.
“Parents can rest assured that the department is working hard to make sure that the kids are safe,” Franklin said.
Franklin explained that safety is the department’s first and foremost goal and focus, while acknowledging that there are situations that do arise every year.
“We have installed additional bus stops and given parents some additional information on the changes that were made,” Franklin said.
The way this is done, according to Franklin, is through the department’s Bus Stop Safety Review Committee, set up not only to fix the problems already on the list, but, also, the ones that might arise in the future.
While not trying to minimize the transportation department’s responsibilities and the errors made at the start of the year, Franklin said that it does take time to work out some of the bugs, especially when parents do not follow the directions given by the school their children attend.
According to Franklin, children are often left at a certain bus stop without notifying the department under the assumption that their children will get to school.
“While we will not leave a child alone at the stop, it does create some overloading problems,” Franklin said.
To work on these and other safety issues on and off the buses, the department sends out field supervisors as well as certified traffic safety inspectors to evaluate each route on a regular basis.
Franklin said that the budget cuts are not affecting the way the department operates.
For more information, changes or questions, please visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/transportation or call 272 4602.

Burning rubber never felt so good as motorcyclists are invited to ride in the First Annual Benefit Toy Run initiated by Thornton Chiropractic Center of Brandon.
Taking place on Saturday, December 6, motorcycle enthusiasts are welcome to join the ranks of fellow bikers, taking off at 11 a.m. from Harley-Davidson/Buell of Brandon, located at 9841 Adamo Dr. S.R. 60 in Tampa, to help benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Guardian Ad Litem. After the 30-mile ride, the motorcyclists will end their route at Thornton Chiropractic Center, located at 906 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon, around 12 Noon. Here, participants and residents alike can enjoy the sounds of the band Live Wire and the delicious spread of food catered by Oakfield Market, all for just $10 and a new, unused toy. Those who rode as a passenger on the bike only pay $5 and donate a new, unused toy as well.
Having had its hand in multiple philanthropic benefits in the past, some of which include the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO), LifeCare of Brandon (formerly Brandon Care Pregnancy Center), American Heart Association and Toys for Tots, the center is trying “to do something on a grander scale. It is now a full scale event,” comments Dr. Glen Thornton, a chiropractor for the past 21 years. Hoping for over 100 riders, he says, “We’ll see how it goes and have some fun with it.”
From 12 Noon-3 p.m., local businesses will be onsite as well, allowing attendees to network. Participants of the ride will also receive a commemorative T-shirt as well as a free consultation with Thornton where an examination and x-ray of their area in question will be administered at no charge. According to Thornton, this is a “patient appreciation event as well,” having held previous patient appreciation days where patients would bring in toys in place of payment in order to benefit both the patient and the Toys for Tots charity. Having been at its current location for the past 14 years, Thornton Chiropractic Center offers a variety of techniques to bring its patients to their optimal spinal health providing chiropractic treatments, rehabilitation, therapy and nutrition guidance. A member of the Florida Chiropractic Association, The Hillsborough County Chiropractic Society and the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Thornton, a Brandon resident, adds, “We provide customized care for every individual. I am a doctor who listens to them, that cares. It is this quality of care that leads to excellent results.”
If you would like to join in the festivities, please go online to www.brandonbackdoc.com, clicking on “Special Offer,” to register for the event. If you won’t be able to participate in the motorcycle ride or attend the networking event, but still want to participate in some way, feel free to drop off a new, unused, unwrapped toy to either Thornton Chiropractic Center, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m.-12 Noon, 3-6 p.m.; Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, or the Osprey Observer, open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, located at 900 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon. Those who have a business are welcome to sign-up for the event until November 22. Spaces are available for the cost of $25, though no electricity or awning/tables will be provided. Sponsors are still needed as well. For more information, please call 685-7107.

“An estimated 138,530 people in the United States will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma in 2008,” reads the Website of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, inspiring the MOMS Club of Lithia to continue the fight, hosting the Fourth Annual Roll for a Cure.
Taking place on Thursday, November 20, at the Palmetto Club, located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in FishHawk Ranch, Roll for a Cure will be “a night of fun, food, prizes and bunko,” according to Terri Fischer, president of the MOMS Club of Lithia-Bevis, which is working in conjunction with the MOMS Club of Lithia-FishHawk Creek to host the event. The two groups were once one, having dispersed into two due to growth, and both felt the effects of lymphoma first-hand as they watched one of their own pass away from the disease, forging the conception of Roll for a Cure.
Residents will wine and dine on appetizers, desserts and a cash bar with a DJ on-hand to dole out the tunes and $2 and $5 raffle tickets will be available for purchase to win prizes. With last year’s event welcoming 130 residents and raising $8,500, the group is hoping for a turnout of 100 this year. “Our goal is to beat our amount raised last year, but we will be excited about any amount raised since all the proceeds from the evening go directly to benefit the amazing charity,” says Committee Chair Danielle Triplett of the MOMS Club of Lithia-FishHawk Creek.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. for Roll for a Cure, with games beginning at 7:30 p.m. Those interested in donating to a good cause can play bunko for $20. Sponsors of the event include: www.mountaincabinbythelake.com, Family Medical Care of Riverview, Superior Autobody in St. Petersburg, It’s Personal-Seriously Adorable Personalized Artwork, the Bank of Tampa as well as donations from sponsors such as Alycia Alverez Photography, RobZFitness, Studio 1 to1, Lowery Park Zoo, Stonewood Grill and Tavern and many more.
If you are a business owner and would like to make a donation to be incorporated within the prize baskets, need more information or would like to find out more about the MOMS Club of Lithia-FishHawk Creek, please contact Triplett at 294-0405 or visit www.rollforacure.info. To learn more MOMS Club of Lithia-Bevis, call Fischer at 654-9988. To inquire about The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, visit www.leukemia-lymphoma.org.

Together with the Lightning Foundation, St. Stephen Catholic Church welcomes the community to take the “steps” necessary in order to combat breast cancer by joining its upcoming effort known as Project Cure. Read more