Beth Shalom Celebrates Chai Year

Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon, located at 706 Bryan Rd. as part of its Chai (18th) Year Celebration, will host a free, special educational weekend featuring Rabbi Michael J Cook, Ph.D, professor of Intertestamental and Early Christian Literatures at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio. The schedule of services and lectures, open to the public, includes: Shabbat services beginning at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, February 29 which will incorporate a presentation by Cook entitled, "Jews, Jesus and Gospel Dynamics: Has Advice of our Ancient Sages Ceased to Be Sage Advice?" and on Saturday, March 1 Shabbat morning services/study begins at 10 a.m. with Cook presenting, "The Talmud's Views on Jesus: Unraveling an Ancient Problem and Addressing its Modern Legacy."

Havdalah service begins at 7:30 p.m. with attendees invited to bring their best pot luck dessert and a presentation by Cook entitled, "Praying For and Preying On the Jews: Why is Florida the Capital of Messianic Judaism?" Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information, call 681-6547 or go to www.bethshalom-brandon.org.

REAL Invites New Members

REAL, Radically Excited About the Lord, invites residents to join the group which meets at the South Brandon Worship Center located at 4929 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico. Meeting on Friday nights, the group offers the Encounter Cafe Family Group for high school seniors through age 30 at 7 p.m. and worship for adults of all ages at 8:30 p.m. Following worship, AfterGlow takes place for adults of all ages. In the month of February events will include Friday, February 22 - Worship: Walking by Faith; AfterGlow: Channelside Outreach and Friday February 29 - Worship: Walking under Peace; AfterGlow: Bloomingdale Outreach.

For more information, call Brandon Knight at 746.2289 or email at encountercafe@gmail.com.

Sunset Bay Hosts Seminar

Sunset Bay Chapel, located at 6026 Churchside Dr. in Lithia, will host a Family Life Seminar with Dr. David Clarke on Friday, February 29, from 7-8:30 p.m. through Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m.-12 Noon.

On this special weekend, you'll discover: five things you must do to raise winning kids; healthy parenting styles that help your kids become confident, godly and responsible; proven tactics for dealing with tantrums, bedtime rebellion and other tough challenges; Biblical, no-nonsense guidelines for discipline that works and much more. Sign-up today in the lobby and make a parenting investment in the life of your family; you'll be guaranteed to find some answers. The cost is $20 per person with childcare being provided for infants- fifth grade. 

For more information please contact Rex and Cheryl Lautzenheiser at 689-5766.

Men's Club Hosts Fish Fry

The Men's Club of the Knights of Columbus Council and Community for Women at St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 5049 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico, will host Lenten fish fries on February 29 as well as March 7 and 14 from 5-7:30 p.m. The cost is $7 for three pieces of fish, fries, coleslaw and a drink. Two slices of pizza, fries and a drink will be available for $5. Carry-out and drive-thru will be available without the drink.

Call 689-4900 for more information.

Horizon Church Announces Events

The "Believe" Conference for middle school grades will take place through March 28-29 in Kissimee. It's a great weekend of fun; two days at "Believe" will change your child's life.

For more information or to register, contact Ben Diehl at 689-1457. Deposits are required immediately with the balance due on March 24.

A Men's Retreat at Lake Aurora will be held March 7-8. This event is a statewide event involving approximately 200 churches. Only 250 tickets will be sold for this event, so register today at www.lakeaurora.org. Check in begins Friday at 4:30 p.m.  A full event schedule and details are available at www.lakeaurora.org.

The kids' "Cruise on the Steward Ship ... All Aboard!" program takes place 5-7 p.m. every Sunday evening beginning in February in Room 106. It is open to ages 3 through fifth grade. Attendees should bring a sack dinner, a drink and come on board.

Contact Children's Director Jill at 689-1457 or by email at Jill@horizonchristianchurch.org. Horizon Christian Church is located at 1720 S. St. Cloud Ave. in Valrico. For more information, call 689-1457.

Stonecroft Ministries Holds Brunch

Stonecroft Ministries presents an Easter Brunch on Monday, March 10 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The cost of the event will be $12, taking place at the Special Events Center within Bell Shoals Baptist Church located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. Tamara Nashman of Naples, an accomplished vocalist, pianist, composer, author and professional model, will lead you down the road of life…but wait, "Are you wearing the right shoes?"

Reservations must be kept, cancelled or used by a friend. Please reserve your seat by Tuesday, March 4 by calling Bobbie at 657-8632 or e-mail Barbara_gardner4@yahoo.com.

Brooker Announcements

Fourth grade students Austin Michael, Sarah Loyd, Kyle Gavagon, David Cooper and Matthew Trzeciak from Brooker Elementary School, located at 812 DeWolf Rd., competed in a Hillsborough County-wide Math Bowl competition and placed second.

In December, Math Bowl preliminaries were held where Brooker took first place out of 16 schools. From the preliminaries, 18 teams from the top three placements gathered at the Trinkle Center in Plant City in January. Four student teams, with one alternate from various schools in the county, answered 10 math questions. The teams competed to answer each question correctly with the fastest time.

In addition, Brooker's Kindergarten Round-Up will be held on Thursday, March 6 at 8:30 a.m. Parents will learn about the kindergarten teachers, and the school nurse will communicate information about the necessary health requirements. Requirements to enroll in kindergarten include the child turning five years of age before September 1, 2008; an original birth certificate; a Florida physical; an updated immunization record; a social security card; and proof of residence (TECO bill, water bill, copy of lease agreement/mortgage).

Please feel free to call 744-8184 if you have any questions. In reference to the Math Bowl, more information can be found at www.mathcouncil.com.

Bloomingdale Hosts Live Auction

The Bloomingdale High School Rajun' Bull Band will be hosting its 20th Annual Live Auction on Saturday, March 1 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria, located at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. A preview of the items will take place at 5:30 p.m.

The auctioneer will be Evan Minck. Food will be available throughout the evening and the Bloomingdale Jazz Band will be performing for some musical enjoyment. Proceeds from the auction will be used to help support the band. There will be a wide variety of items from gift certificates for local and central Florida attractions to large appliances and collectables to a 42" plasma television. Bring your family and friends to support the band and go home with some great buys.

For more information, call Sandra Cruz at 653-3273.

Brandon Christian Holds Yard Sale

Brandon Christian Community School is hosting its second annual Yard Sale Fundraiser on March 8 at 1205 Lakewood Dr. in Brandon from 7 a.m.-12 Noon. This is a community-wide, multi-family event with tons of items for purchase including electronics, baby items, toys, exercise equipment, collectibles, furniture, sporting goods, and much, much more. The students also get involved by selling soft drinks, bottled water and snacks. 

For more information, call 770-LIFE (5433).

Music Showcase Provides Programs

Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon, is now taking registration for its spring programs and classes offering private and group lessons for all instruments including voice as well as musical theatre in four age groups beginning at age four. Rock band, jazz band, group guitar, show choirs, mini musicians, Suzuki violin, drum line prep course, worship u and much more is offered.

For more information please contact Wendi at 685-5998 or go to www.musicshowcaseonline.com.

Club Demonstrates Square Dancing

The Bay Area Twirlers (B.A.T.S.) Square Dance Club started intermediate square dance lessons (known as Plus Lessons) and a workshop for those who would like to attend on Thursday, March 6, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Brandon Community Center located at 502 E. Sadie St. in Brandon. Van Coble will be teaching the class which costs $4. For more information, call Dehnbostels at 689-5897 or email Oleander39@verizon.net. Regular square and round dances are every second and fourth Saturday nights from 7-9 p.m., with a variety of great callers and cuers. The address is the same as the lessons. Dancers range in age from 14-98. 

Contact jbrookover@regencycenter.com for more information.

St. Stephens Easter Mass

St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 5049 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico, will hold Palm Sunday on March 16 with mass being held at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the church and the tent as well as 5:30 p.m. There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. On March 22, Holy Saturday, the church will bless the Easter food at 11 a.m., have Divine Mercy Novena at 3 p.m. and Easter vigil mass at 8 p.m. On Sunday, March 23, Easter day mass will be held at 6:30 a.m., Sunrise at the School, 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., all in church and tent, with a 5:30 p.m. mass as well. Divine Mercy Novena will take place at 3 p.m.

For more information, call 689-4900.

FishHawk Fellowship Church Easter Services

Easter Eggstravaganza, a free community outreach festival, will take place at FishHawk Fellowship Church, located at 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, on Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Easter services will take place on March 23 at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. with residents welcomed to attend.

For more information, call 655-7431.

Grace Community Easter Services

The Spring Fling at Grace Community UMC at FishHawk, located at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia, will be held on the grounds of the church following the 11 a.m. service. There will be food and games for the entire family. Fun activities will also include an Easter egg hunt. The public is welcome to attend. There is also a 9:30 a.m. service which will be held.

For more information, call 661-8858.

Interactive Easter at Horizon Church

The public is invited to come and experience Horizon Christian Church's new Easter ministry in a live, interactive portrayal of Jesus' last days - Walk the Way of the Cross. The ministry will take place on March 20 from 7-10 p.m. and March 21 and 22 from 6-10 p.m. For more information, contact Dave Chamberlain at 494-3145. Horizon Christian Church is located at 1720 S. St. Cloud Ave. in Valrico.

For more information, call 689-1457.

Easter Bunny at Center Place

Hop on over to the annual “Lunch with the Easter Bunny” which will be held at Center Place, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon, on Saturday, March 8.  The lunch will begin at 11 a.m. and be followed by an egg hunt. The Brandon Newcomers Club, and the Gift Shop at Center Place make this event possible. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, March 6, costing $5 for members, $6 for others and must be purchased in advance at the Center Place office.

For more information, call 685-8888.

Wine Tasting for Charity

Kid's Charity of Tampa Bay is pleased to announce its first annual Vine to Wine Tasting & Silent Auction event. Proceeds will benefit Kid's Charity of Tampa Bay and the construction of a new 48-bed emergency assessment shelter in Brandon. The event will include wine and spirits, great food, lively entertainment and fabulous auction items.

The event will be held Saturday, April 26 from 7-10:30 p.m. at The Palmetto Club at FishHawk Ranch located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in Lithia. Tickets are $75 per general admission and $150 per VIP admission which includes early entry at 6 p.m. and exclusive wine seminar opportunities throughout the event.

For more information, please call 263-3469.

GFWC Hosts Bunco for Education

The GFWC Brandon Jr. Woman's Club is holding Bunco for Education on March 13 at Center Place located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon. Proceeds will go to benefit scholarships and other educational organizations. Refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. and games will begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Center Place or by contacting Eva Ruiz at 681-4208.

Masonic Lodge Inducts Officers

The installation of 2008 officers of the Brandon Masonic Lodge No. 114 F. & A.M. recently took place. The installation was held at the Brandon Masonic Lodge in December and was attended by 130 members and friends. After the installation a dinner was enjoyed by all in the dining room. The group is located at 203 N. Moon Ave. in Brandon.

For more information, call 689-4221.

Winery Showcases Artist's Work

Tita Quintero, a Colombian artist, will be participating at Keel and Curley's Wine & Art Festival, showcasing her Bamboo Collection. The event is scheduled for March 8-9 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. in Plant City.

For more information, go to http://www.keelandcurleywinery.com. To participate in this event, e-mail olgakeelandcurleywinery@yahoo.com or call 748-0441.

Chamber Holds Health Fair

The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce will hold the 2008 Health Fair on Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Campo Family YMCA, 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico. The Health Fair provides health-related industry members the opportunity to exhibit their products and/or services to the community. In 2007, approximately 1,800 people took advantage of the health services and latest educational materials offered at the event.

Health screenings will be provided throughout the day at various exhibit booths. Screenings include: skin and hair analysis, kid ID's, blood pressure, weight and spinal screenings and chiropractic and vein consolation screening. GE Women's Health and Wellness Bus will also be onsite to offer free screenings and additional health information. Admission into the event and all screenings are free to the public.

Brandon Regional Hospital will again be this year's title sponsor. Additionally, CitiBank is a gold sponsor and Medi Weight Loss Clinic is participating as a platinum sponsor. The Tampa Tribune and The Brandon News are this year's media sponsors. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.

For more information on being a sponsor, exhibitor or placing an advertisement in the event program, please contact Venessa Loredo at 689-1221, ext. 16, or via email at vloredo@brandonchamber.com.

All Pro Dads Group Tees Off

The Lithia All Pro Dads group will meet on March 15 from 1-4 p.m. for an NFL Dads 'n' Kids event at Raymond James Stadium. The group plans to meet at 10:45 a.m. at Chick-fil-A off Lumsden Rd. to caravan to the stadium. All Pro Dad is the fatherhood enrichment program of Family First and is the ultimate resource for men who want to become better fathers.  To RSVP or for more information, email LithiaAPD@gmail.com or call 672-7750. For more information regarding the group, visit www.allprodad.com.

ECHO Needs Racers for Eco Quest

The Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO), 507 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon, is currently seeking adventure racers of all skill levels for the third annual ECHO Eco Quest held at the beautiful Alafia River State Park, 14326 S. County Rd. 39 in Lithia, on Saturday, March 15. The event is comprised of two races: a full adventure race consisting of a four mile run, six mile trail biking and three mile canoe; and the mini-quest, which is a one mile run, one mile bike and an obstacle course. The adventure race begins at 9 a.m. and mini-quest kicks off at 10 a.m. Eco Quest registration is $100 and mini-quest registration is $30. Prizes will be awarded for winners in each category (team or individual) and for the top participants who raise the most money. Last year's ECHO Eco Quest race raised over $11,000 for ECHO, which is a non-profit organization located in Brandon. Established in 1987, ECHO provides food and clothing to residents of eastern Hillsborough County that have suffered a recent emergency. Last year alone, ECHO assisted over 8,000 residents. 

For more information, visit www.echoecoquest.org or call 685-0935.

Center Offers Counseling & Tax Help

Located at 1277 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon, the Family Support and Resource Center offers family counseling every Monday, Thursday and Saturday in February with licensed counselors as well as tax preparation every Tuesday and Saturday in February with specialists who will help clients fill out their IRS tax forms. The staff is bilingual. All programs are free. FSRC hours are Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

To make an appointment, call 740-4634.Check out more activities at www.familysupporthc.org.