Osprey Observer » Marie Gilmore

Osprey Observer Team Celebrates 10 Years Of Publishing Community News

Marie Gilmore — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:53:02 +0000

Osprey Observer, Inc. consists of a team of 20 local residents who work together to publish more than 200 pages of community news per month.

This month, the Osprey Observer Community Newspapers celebrates 10 years of publishing local, positive community news in the South East Hillsborough County area, and we couldn’t have done it without you!

Needless to say, starting out as a one-sheet newsletter and home-based business and now, with two offices and publishing more than 200 pages in five monthly editions with a team of more than 25 people, it is a little bit of a different workplace environment here at the Osprey Observer.

The main goal when we started, was to make an impact on the local community. Our idea was to get involved and to make a difference in the community.

At the same time, it has been important for us as a company to stay current, trained and active in the changing economic market and with social media and technology, so that we aren’t left behind.

For our business, this has included the addition of video, Facebook, an active, archived Website and the continuation of building our brand at events, festivals and with sponsorships in the community.

In addition to our community office on Lithia Pinecrest Rd., we have leased a second space in our plaza to allow for our staff meetings. This is the Small Business Center which is also open to the public for small, intimate business meetings and trainings for up to 20 people and is a service to our customers.

As a community newspaper, we find that this is what sets us apart and keeps our readers interested as we cover the news. We are supported 100 percent by local small businesses who support the free community newspaper and allow us to print and mail our editions each month.

Without the support of these businesses, we wouldn’t have the staff to send to cover community events nor the community office to be the hub of local information.

Our staff prides itself on being available for community information. ”Its been a lot of fun to watch over the years how the paper has gone from a four-page newsletter, to five monthly editions,” says nine-year team member and assignment editor Michelle Colesanti.

“My role has been very interesting, it has never been boring and I have grown over the years from doing billing to advertising and now settling into the editorial and writing side that I have found that I really enjoy.”

In addition to concentrating on our main business, publishing newspapers that people read, we also have been active in our local chambers and encourage businesses to not just join, but actually get involved and attend events.

The best advice we can give any small business owner, is to find your niche in what you do best, and be the best, treat every customer like your absolute best customer and follow the general small business rules that will set you apart: Be On Time – Send a Thank You Note – Follow Up – Stick to Your Core Business- Do Your Best Every Time.

If it weren’t for our loyal readers, and avid business supporters, we couldn’t do what we do in the community. So from the Osprey Observer team, Thank You!

The Osprey Observer offices are located at 900 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Call 657-2418 or visit www.ospreyobserver.com. Please like us on Facebook at OspreyObserverFans.

Gingrich Makes Stop In Brandon On Campaign Trail

Marie Gilmore — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:38:34 +0000

Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich stands with Brandon business owner Sam Rashid during an private fundraising breakfast at Sumatra Cafe in Brandon in January.

Just days before the Republican primary, presidential candidate and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich made a point to stop at Sumatra Bistro Cafe in Brandon for a fundraising breakfast.

Upon invitation of the cafe’s owner, Sam Rashid, a long-time Republican and political grassroots supporter and also the Hillsborough County Chair for Newt 2012, wanted to show the candidate some of the support from the South East Hillsborough community and also hold a fundraiser for the campaign at the same time.

Attendees paid a donation to the campaign of $500 to $2500 per person for the opportunity to have an intimate breakfast with the candidate.

“I’ve known Gingrich for 20 plus years,” said Rashid. “I believe that he is the only representative of the conservative free-market small business owners in this country and as I happen to be of that particular demographic since I was 19 years old, we have a great affinity for like-minded individuals.”

Rashid also mentioned that he rallied behind Gingrich early on in 2011 and started supporting the campaign financially even when he wasn’t the frontrunner in the polls.

“Just as Marco Rubio came here during his campaign,” said Rashid. “Newt recognizes the power of the vote in suburban Hillsborough County. East and South Hillsborough will be pivotal on primary day, as will North and North-West Hillsborough under the direction of Senator John Grant. This is the reason why Newt came here first.”

For the intimate setting, guests arrived at 8 a.m. at Sumatra, on Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. A continental breakfast was served and more than 45 guests and supporters had a first-hand opportunity to meet the candidate.

Among those in attendance were former Attorney General Bill McCollum and his wife, Plant City Mayor Dan Raulerson and his daughter Jackie, currently Ms. Florida, Senator (retired) John Grant, Tampa Airport Authority Chairman, Steve Burton, Plant City restaurateur Fred Johnson, the President of the New Tampa Republican Club, Matt Fleming and one of the original founders of the Florida Tea Party movement, Sharon Calvert, all of whom espoused their support for Gingrich and contributed financially to attend the fundraiser.

Rashid added, “We are facing incredible challenges ahead and we need a leader who will articulate and fight for a common sense vision for our country. This race will be won by people like you and me – citizens willing to dig deep and make financial and personal sacrifices driven by the knowledge that our success or failure will impact generations to come.”

Gingrich, who arrived in his campaign bus, introduced his daughter Kathy Gingrich Lubbers who lives in Key Biscayne and is a senior campaign advisor and took a few minutes to speak to the crowd and thanked them all for their support, “I promise to run an American campaign and to invite everyone to be engaged. I want to run as a paycheck president and not a food stamp president,” he described, saying that he wants to put Americans back to work and reduce dependence on government assistance.

Rashid, the CEO of HOLTEC USA Corporation, a lumber manufacturing equipment supplier also owns Divine Designs Salon & Spa, Sumatra Bistro Cafe and multiple commercial properties in Brandon. He is also the Chairman of the NEWT 2012 campaign for Hillsborough County and a father of two.

“This guy will be the next president of the United States,” said Rashid. “One grassroots volunteer can deliver more votes than a room full of establishment donors and each one of the people in this room today will have a major impact on the campaign. I have been with Newt since 1994, when I was 32 years old and I campaigned for his Contract with America. This is the same small business – grassroots campaign.”

FishHawk resident Georgia Carney was thrilled to be invited to the event, “I’ve been a supporter since the 80s because Newt says what he believes. He is telling people what he thinks, not what they want to hear.” Carney volunteers to hold signs, campaign and rally with the former FishHawk Republican Club, now expanded and renamed the Alafia Republican Club.

River Hills Teen Gets ‘Made’ On MTV

Marie Gilmore — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:51:07 +0000

River Hills resident Alyssa Sikand appears on the MTV Show made to pursue her dream of becoming a talented hip-hop dancer.

River Hills resident and Tampa Bay Tech Senior Alyssa Sikand didn’t quite know what she was in for when MTV came to her school to recruit students for its show ‘Made’. And, she never imagined she would be selected but, she got the call and in the fall MTV cameras and crew showed up at her school.
Her dream to become trained in hip-hop dance in order to perform in her High School talent competition was granted and she would be receiving formal training and a chance to perform her dream.
Filming took place across more than 118 days. Sikand trained with hip-hop professional Bonita Lovett who was assigned by MTV for daily trainings. She also got a lesson in growing up and had to take responsibility for the extra pressures of the training.
Despite a set back with a knee injury, Sikand never gave up and after 112 days, she entered her school contest and won her school talent competition.
Sikand will graduate this year and has found school a challenge due to learning disabilities including ADHD and Dyslexia. But, that didn’t stop the driven young woman from pursuing her dream.
“This has changed my life,” described Alyssa who is looking forward to finishing high school and currently also works as a child care provider at Kids ‘R’ Kids Circa FishHawk. “I found new friends, learned that I really could achieve my dreams and pushed myself. I am very happy with the experience and glad that I did it.”
Parents Kathy and Bobby couldn’t be prouder of their daughter and are glad she got the opportunity to pursue her dream.
The show aired in December, and is now available online.
Dance instructor Bonita ‘Bgirl Bonita’ Lovett was thrilled with the achievement of her student. She is from Pheonix, Arizona and is a classically trained dancer and choreographer. Bonita performed on Dancing With The Stars and is now a member of the California-based Beat Freaks. She is a hip-hop professional and has worked with P.Diddy, The Black Eyed Peas, Sean Kingston, Rob Base and Doug E. Fresh, she has also been featured in commercials for Nike, Adidas and Sketchers. She now lives in LA.
For more information, visit www.MTV.com. Made is an MTV show about making dreams come true, according to its website. Candidates must be between the ages of 15-22 and applications can be found online.

Norwegian Cruise Line Offers New Tampa Itinerary, Great Way To Get Away

Marie Gilmore — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:30:57 +0000

Brandon South Rotarians Marie Gilmore and Tammy Holmberg find the Rotary Wheel on the Welcome sign in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

For true relaxation and vacation getaways, I have often said there is no better way to travel than a cruise line. From the unlimited 24-hour complimentary food and dining, to the Broadway style entertainment, music, educational opportunities, or the freedom to do nothing, there is no easier vacation than planning a cruise, unpacking and letting the waves take your worries away!

And, with today’s options in cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line and its Freestyle method of cruising has quickly become a favorite way to travel on the high seas. And now, for the first time NCL is offering an itinerary from the Port of Tampa, making for a very immediate vacation opportunity for area residents.

With Freestyle cruising, unlike a traditional reservation-style seating for dinner with formal nights, Norwegian passengers enjoy the freedom and flexibility to eat where they want, when they want and how they want.

Our most recent cruise was on the Norwegian Dawn out of Miami, this 10-year old ship was recently renovated and offers an easy-to-navigate ship with full amenities, excellent work out room and plenty to do all day.

This cruise itinerary travelled to Samana, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Basseterre, St. Kitts; along with three full days at sea.

The recent multi-million dollar refurbishment on the 2,224-passenger ship included the addition of 28 suites and flat screen televisions in all guest and crew staterooms, along with many other exciting updates.

“Norwegian Dawn’s refurbishment is very similar to those enhancements made to Norwegian Star last year,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We have found Norwegian Star’s updates very well received and we expect our guests will appreciate the changes made to Norwegian Dawn as well.”

In addition to the renovations to the Dawn, Norwegian also brought a new ship to the Port of Tampa making cruise embarkation much more convenient for local residents. Guests cruising from Tampa on Norwegian Star will sail a seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary through April 8, 2012.

Norwegian Star’s seven-day Western Caribbean cruises from Tampa will depart on Sundays and include stops in Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; along with two days at sea. Norwegian Sun will return to Orlando (Port Canaveral), through April 7, 2012 offering alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.

To book one or more of these new sailings, please visit www.ncl.com; call 866-234-7350 or contact a travel professional. Also, visit Norwegian’s Facebook page at www.ncl.com/facebook to become a fan.

Today, Norwegian has the youngest fleet in the industry with 10 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea.

Norwegian launched the Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic.

On our cruise aboard the Norwegian Dawn we enjoyed the ship, the restaurants, the state-of-the-art workout room and Broadway style theatre.

On the stops, we recommend researching the islands prior to arrival to determine excursions, from shopping, to diving, snorkeling, swimming and beach days to historic tours, visits to volcanoes and more adventurous tours including 4×4 treks, hikes, zip-lining and more, are all available at different ports. Excursion staff are happy to assist with trips and recommendations based on ability or relaxation.

For this trip, we enjoyed beach excursions in both Dominican Republic and Antigua with both destinations offering crystal clear waters and pristine sandy beaches. In Barbados, we opted for the Atlantis Submarine excursion. Each guest gets their own personal porthole within the submarine to view a shipwreck and a one-mile long coral reef teaming with sea life. A highly recommended tour for families.

And, finally, in St. Kitts, we enjoyed the St. Kitts Scenic Railway tour. This 3-hour round trip tour around the island is an educational, fun-filled 30-mile rail tour that offers a guided tour through the history of the St. Kitts sugar cane industry.

Having two sea days returning home gave us an opportunity to relax before returning to reality and now we are dreaming of our next cruise adventure!

Holiday Decor Vandals Don’t Dampen Resident Spirits

Marie Gilmore — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:58:33 +0000

Despite a rash of more than 100 homes hit by holiday decor vandalism and destruction, local residents are not taking the crimes lightly or sitting on their heels for the next attack.
Starting in mid-December, what is believed to be a pair of youths, driving a late model white SUV believed to be a white GMC Jimmy would drive through FishHawk Ranch and surrounding communities, hop out of their vehicle between 9 p.m.-2 a.m. and slash holiday blow up characters and take a baseball bat to other ornaments. In addition, several residents simply lost holiday yard decor which would sometimes end up on other resident lawns.
The crimes were not isolated in FishHawk Ranch, but FishHawk did seem to be the majority of the attacks.
In several instances, families who were attacked would replace lost decor only to be attacked a second time.
Multiple residents have caught the attackers on home surveillance cameras and posted the videos online on YouTube. But so far, license plates numbers or clear facial views have not been seen.
In FishHawk Ranch, resident and mom Michelle Estrada had already started a popular resident Facebook Page, FishHawk Peeps.
“FishHawk Peeps started after my neighbor’s house got robbed and I was putting together a list of people that I knew in Merlin Glen,” explains Estrada. She called her list FishHawk Peeps and soon neighbors were inviting friends and other residents of FishHawk to join and now the page has more than 1,100 members, all approved as residents.
“We were just trying to help our neighbors get the word out about the people who broke into their house,” said Estrada. “And, within a couple weeks, we had 700 members and kept growing.”
“The main goal is that if anyone in the neighborhood is noticing something not right, suspicious or something that can help somebody else get out of danger or harm’s way, we can come together as a community.”
The results of that initial effort were positive and due to the surveillance video from the summer, the robbers were caught.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Detective James Howell met with about 20 residents at Osprey Club regarding the current vandalism and encouraged residents to continue to be the, “eyes and ears of the Sheriff’s Office. On the surface, these crimes are relatively minor but in total, when you see the extent of the damage, it becomes a more major issue and we would love to get a tag number and description of these individuals.”
“Typically, we have some damage to decorations in FishHawk each year,” he describes. “Oftentimes, people will find their decorations rearranged or will find different decorations in their yard, but this year, there seems to be a different dynamic.”
What started the current momentum, the summer robbery, where the homeowner had surveillance video that was distributed through YouTube and on TBO.com, led to the ultimate arrest of the criminals. “When the video was distributed on TBO.com,” explains Howell, “a St. Petersburg resident recognized one of the individuals and contacted the Sheriff’s Office. Because of the evidence and the surveillance video, we were able to make three arrests in that case and recover some of the stolen property.”
For the current acts of vandalism, FishHawk residents should continue to keep an eye out in the neighborhood for suspicious activity and to keep the Sheriff’s Office informed.
Anyone with information should call the non-emergency number 247-8000 and reference case number 11-630802. Residents are encouraged to report all damage, no matter how small.

Picture Caption: Multiple residents have caught the vandals on surveillance video but no one has identified the attackers who have vandalized holiday decorations at more than 100 homes in Lithia.

Local Mom Gets To Build Her Own Home With Habitat For Humanity

Marie Gilmore — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:47:40 +0000

Raquell Piper, center, enlisted the help of friends, family and co-workers including Anne St. John (left of center)) to complete the 300 sweat equity hours required to complete her Habitat for Humanity home in Providence Point.

Single mom Raquell Piper doesn’t have a lot. With a single-wide mobile home needing expensive repairs and a 8-year-old son to raise, extras were a privilege. But, being a member of Bay Life Church, she noticed that Habitat For Humanity was in need of some donations. Because the church directs a lot of its giving through the www.meettheneed.com website, she went online to see what was needed and made a contribution that she delivered to Habitat’s offices. On the walls, were photos of families in the process of building their new home.
Piper dreamed of having a home to raise her son in and left thinking about the program.
” I went on their website and completed their Pre-Qualification Form,” she explains, “The rest, as they say, is history!”
Shortly after filling out the full application, she did an in-home interview after which her file was presented to Habitat’s board for approval. Upon approval, she was placed on the waiting list and then was contacted to fill out the homeowner paperwork.
“I am currently in the process of completing the 300 sweat equity hours required of all of their homeowner candidates,” explains Piper who has been working on homes of her soon-to-be neighbors in their new community, Habitat’s Fourth Hillsborough County community, Providence Pointe along Radio Lane off of MLK Blvd. in Tampa. The community will consist of 15 homes. Three are completed and homeowners are ready to move in in early 2012.
The single-family development highlights green building and 15 charming, bungalow-style homes on 3 acres. Habitat Hillsborough offers floor plans featuring 2 to 5 bedrooms with 2 baths, based on family size. Habitat homes in Providence Pointe will feature an open kitchen/dining/living room area, large laundry and linen closets, a walk-in master bedroom closet, as well as tile flooring throughout the homes. Plus, Habitat homeowners will be able to choose from several color packages to personalize their home’s exterior. They will also have the following energy-efficient features: Whirlpool EnergyStar appliances, compact fluorescent lighting, energy-efficient windows and doors, low-flow faucets and toilets, and Florida-friendly landscaping.
When asked who should contact Habitat, Piper adds, “Habitat is an organization which gives hope to so many people…anyone looking to become a homeowner who does not feel that owning their own home is attainable should contact Habitat, as well as anyone with the desire to help others by volunteering their time and talent.”
Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County Florida, Inc., focuses on first-time homebuyers and families in Hillsborough County by giving them a hand up, not a hand out. Habitat homebuyers must donate 300 “Sweat Equity” hours, be able to assist with closing costs, and make monthly mortgage payments. Habitat homes are sold to qualified homeowners at no profit with a no-interest mortgage.
“We are always seeking families. If you know an individual or family who may be a good fit for our program, please have them contact me, ” said Habitat community relations director Kathy Brogli.
Providence Pointe is soon to welcome its first homeowner and Piper is now working on the completion of her own dream home.
Since 1987, Habitat Hillsborough has built more than 130 safe, affordable homes in partnership with hard-working families and the community. Providence Pointe is Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County’s fourth neighborhood in the Tampa area.
To get involved, visit its website at www.habitathillsborough.com or call Habitat at 239-2242.

Kids Manage City For Day at JA BizTown

Marie Gilmore — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:24:25 +0000

Fifth grade Students from Bevis Elementary learn how to run a business from start to finish at their day at JA BizTown.

How many 10 year-olds do you know that can create a profit and loss statement and create a business with a balanced budget? At the Junior Achievement BizTown village in Tampa, every Hillsborough County fifth grade student gets this chance plus more at their field trip to BizTown. Students enter BizTown with a previously determined job assignment that they have personally applied for and work a business for the day from start to finish. From TECO, Busch Gardens/AAA, Tampa Bay Lightning and Devil Rays to McDonald’s and CVS and Publix, the students use a four-week curriculum, completed in class to work a business.
Upon entering the full-day field trip, students report to their job assignments within the BizTown village which is a 15,000 sq. ft. town with small, mock version businesses with bright and colorful logos and marketing and more than 20 top corporations represented. After settling into to their assigned jobs, whether it is CFO, writing paychecks or the CEO signing the checks, the students must determine a budget for their business and make a plan to make their business profitable.
JA BizTown is an indoor center that contains a mini city with up to 18 public and private businesses. Each business within the center is sponsored by a real local business and displays the authentic logo and the actual marketplace appearance of the sponsor bringing the town to life for the students. Before visiting JA BizTown, students complete a pre-visit curriculum program where they learn basic economic principles such as how to manage their personal bank account. They also participate in job interviews, learn about their new workplace and the job they will perform. Jobs range from retail sales professionals, accountants, business managers, medical professionals to TV and newspaper reporters. There is even a mayor!
The Bill Poe Family Junior Achievement Center in Tampa houses a world-class learning facility where fifth grade students explore the world of business in a mini-city consisting of public and private enterprises. The village has an annual capacity of 14,000 students and features a state-of-the-art training facility for educators and volunteers. JA BizTown, a partnership between Junior Achievement and the Hillsborough County Public Schools, operates through the generosity of volunteers and teachers and depends solely on financial donations from individuals, businesses and foundations.
BizTown director Sally Eidge started as a volunteer during the piloting of the program six years ago. “I was unbelievably impressed,” said Eidge who welcomes the parent volunteers and gives them training to assist students into maximizing their BizTown experience. “It exposes them to financial literacy in a hands-on experience.”
JA BizTown is located at 13707 N. 22nd St. Tampa. For more information, visit 631-1410 or visit www.jahillsborough.org.

Disney’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Keeps Spooky At Bay

Marie Gilmore — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:29:25 +0000

Photo by Gene Duncan Dressed in her favorite Halloween costume, Minnie Mouse casts her spell on look-alike guests during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party held until Tuesday, November 1, at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.

A great incentive to preparing Halloween costumes early is the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This limited access party at the Magic Kingdom encourages family-friendly costumes for kids, parents and grandparents alike.
What has become an annual event for our family, makes for a special treat especially because of the limited access to the park, the ability to get on all the rides and attractions, the treats, and of course, the very special fireworks and parade!
This year, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns for 23 select nights between now and November 1.
The after-hours party includes two entertainment spectaculars created especially for the event: Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular.
Lithia resident Cross Gilmore, 10, said his favorite part about the party is that, “You have to have a special ticket to get in and all the rides are open.”
In addition to candy treats, raisins and fruit snacks are also available for the kids at select treat stations around the park.
The Boo-to-you Parade takes place at 8:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. with HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular at 9:30 p.m. The park stays open until 12 Midnight, with transportation back to the parking lot until 1:30 a.m.
The night begins at 7 p.m. and runs until midnight, with guests encouraged to don their favorite Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat around the Magic Kingdom. Treat bags are provided.
Dates include October 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 and 31 and November 1.
To purchase advance tickets, guests can visit disneyworld.com/halloween or call 407/W-DISNEY. Advance purchase (prior to event day) savings of $6 per ticket are available for October 2, 6, 10, 11, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25 and 27 and November 1.

Brandon South Rotary’s Lobstah Fest 2011

Marie Gilmore — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:06:04 +0000

Everyone is welcomed to attend Brandon South Rotary’s Lobstah Fest on Saturday, September 17.

Brandon South Rotarian Rob Silver knows a good lobster when he sees one. Being from New Hampshire and growing up surrounded by lobster bakes and family festivals, he has worked with his Brandon South Rotary club to create a big community gathering including lobster, the first annual Lobstah Festival. The event will be held at the Winthrop Pole Barn on Saturday, September 17, from 12 Noon -4 p.m. and $25 tickets include a whole lobster and all the fixins’. Buy two adult tickets for $45 and full kids meals including hotdogs, hamburgers and more are just $5 each. The rest of the festival including a craft fair and live concert by Otis and the Old School Band, is free. Kid-friendly activities will include bouncy castles, face painting and balloon creations will also be complimentary.
“We will raise money for local charities,” said Silver, “And have fun at the same time.” This is not the first successful event that Silver has hosted. In fact, the very first fest was held during his run for Honorary Mayor of Brandon and the feedback from the attendees was that the event was welcome in the community.
Craft vendors are still welcome.
“This is the first time we’re doing this fundraiser,” said club President, Kathy Collins. “Our Mad Hatter Tea Party in the spring was such a success that we decided to try an additional event so we can raise even more for the nonprofits in the community. We hope to make this an annual event.”
The cost is $25 per person or $45 for two dinners, which includes a boiled Maine lobster, potato salad, cole slaw, corn on the cob, a roll, dessert and drinks.
The first glass of beer or wine will be available with a meal ticket. After that, drinks will be available for a suggested donation of $2.
To reserve a craft booth or serve as an event sponsor, contact Karen Atkinson at 215-6904 or e-mail katkinson@nbcsecurities.com.
Tickets are available at::
Chick-fil-A at Lake Brandon Village, located at 11325 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon
The Osprey Observer, located at 900 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon
Jaymer Que BBQ, located at 3331 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico
Winthrop Pole Barn is located at 11349 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview.
Brandon South Rotary meets Wednesdays at 12 Noon at Buckhorn Country Club in Valrico. Guests are welcome.

IloveKickboxing.com Brings Free Gloves And New Classes To Sidekicks

Marie Gilmore — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:48:52 +0000

Sign up for ilovekickboxing.com at Sidekicks Martial Arts to try three classes and receive free boxing gloves for $19.99. Visit www.ilovekickboxinglithia.com.

Since 2003, Sidekicks Family Martial Arts Centers has been bringing self-protection, character development and fitness instruction to families.
Now, the FishHawk school is adding the ilovekickboxing.com program and curriculum to its line-up of class offerings.
Joining its martial arts instruction for all ages, along with its after-school program and its summer camp, Sidekicks is now offering kick boxing for all levels and ages.
“Our instructors are personally selected for not only their skill and achievement in martial arts, but also for their ability to effectively relate that knowledge and understanding to students of all ages and backgrounds,” explained owner Manny Cabrera III, Fourth Degree Black Belt and Chief Instructor.
“Our instructors continuously undergo advanced training.”
To find out more information, visit ilovekickboxinglithia.com where the introductory special will run through the summer, offering the first three kickboxing classes along with a free pair of boxing gloves for $19.99.
“Kickboxing is great for fitness, self defense, cardio fitness and muscle toning,” explains Cabrera. “No other workout burns more fat, more calories or builds and tones muscle as well.”
Sidekicks is offering ilovekickboxing.com classes twice every weekday and at both 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturdays.
For more information, visit ilovekickboxinglithia.com or call 661-2224.
Sidekicks Family Martial Arts Centers, home of the iLoveKickboxing.com program. is located just off of FishHawk Blvd. at 16633 FishHawk Blvd. Lithia, FL 33547.