American Idol Phil Stacey Headlines Hunger Awareness Benefit In Brandon

By Carisa Biesecker

To all those American Idol fans out there, you may want to head over to First United Methodist Church of Brandon this coming month, as season six’s Phil Stacey will headline a concert to aid Brandon’s Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) in its efforts against hunger.Performing at First United Methodist Church of Brandon, located at 121 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon, on Friday, August 20, at 7 p.m., Stacey says, “I was thrilled to be a part of it. Anyway to be involved,” in regard to helping ECHO, a nonprofit emergency center he had heard about from a friend. Using this concert as a prelude to the Feed the Bay effort put forth by area churches, taking place on Sunday, October 24, ECHO Executive Director, Stacey Efaw, states, “We are very grateful to Phil for taking time out of his busy schedule to conduct the concert for ECHO. Our main focus of the concert is hunger awareness.” Here, details regarding Feed the Bay will be revealed, which prompts the community to help fight hunger amongst its fellow neighbors and residents by going out and purchasing nonperishable food items at Sweetbay and Publix to donate on-site that very same day.After organizing donations at ECHO, Stacey took a minute to talk about his fame, having made it into the top five on American Idol. “Fame has been funny,” he asserts. Reminiscing of his days in the military band Navy Band Southeast, one of 13 official United States Navy bands, he says things have changed since his first years of hitting the stage in Jacksonville, FL, where loyal fans always made their way to his shows with signage in hand and could be recognized by face. Now the fan base is a bit different, having traveled to Italy with his wife on his last vacation to be hit up for a picture by an unknown admirer.His plans for the upcoming year include finalizing production on a third album, while finishing up the Into the Light tour with special guests II Edition, promoting his newest album Into the Light. The singer mentions that tours will lighten up into next year, so he can get into the studio to produce his CD. Having toured in the past with Christian singers Natalie Grant and Michael W. Smith, Stacey leaves this advice with readers: “Whatever it is, whether it be singing or acting, that your dream may be, just go after it. My uncle, Mitchell Tolle, who is a famous artist, gave me the best piece of advice. He said, ‘If you have a back-up plan, that’s what you are going to do.’ So I never did. If you love to sing, you’ll sing. It’s for the love of what you do and the connection you make with people, touching people’s hearts.”Tickets, costing $20, are now available at www.itickets.com or ECHO, situated at 507 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon, open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Those interested in getting up close and personal with Stacey can do so through the VIP experience, paying $50 for dinner, an introduction, pictures, an autograph and VIP seating.“ECHO is the only one receiving funds from the concert, but ECHO does often supply food to many of the smaller food panties in the area,” adds Efaw. “We are hoping that the community supports the concert and that it becomes a yearly event to help us end hunger in Eastern Hillsborough County. Together we can accomplish a lot.” For more information, call 685-0935. To learn more in regard to ECHO, visit www.echofl.org. To find out about Stacey, visit www.philstacey.com.

Support Riverview High Sharks At Upcoming Fishing Tournament

Support Riverview High Sharks At Upcoming Fishing Tournament

By Sharon Still

Attention all anglers: Grab your fishing buddies and sign up to participate in the 2010 Shark Fishing Tournament presented by Riverview High School and hosted by S & S Tacos/Pizzas & Stuff, SouthShore Anglers and Cherry’s of Apollo Beach. The event will kick-off with a captains meeting at 7 p.m., Friday, July 23, at S & S Tacos/Pizzas & Stuff, located at 10664 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview. Tournament fishing will begin at 9 p.m. The entry fee for the event is $35 per angler. The pre-weigh-in party begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 24, at Cherry’s Apollo Beach, with the official weigh-in scheduled for 4 p.m. sharp. Three prizes will be awarded for the biggest black-tipped sharks. There also will be raffles and live music by Zebron & James. Raffle items include Tampa Bay Storm, Tampa Bay Lightning and East Bay Raceway tickets; gift cards; golf packages; and a kayak, among other items. Additionally, a signed basketball by Florida Gators basketball coach Billy Donovan will be auctioned. Local businesses are banding together to make this event a success and all proceeds will be donated to the Riverview High School football team in order for them to purchase stencils and imprint the Sharks’ logo on the football field at the school.“We are so fortunate that we could put this together,” says Mike Self, owner of S & S Tacos/Pizzas & Stuff, who is spearheading the tournament. “We just want to make a difference for the school and be part of a lasting thing in the community.”In addition to the aforementioned hosts of the event, other sponsors include Don’s Boating Supplies, SportClips, T.A. Mahoney Co., TakeOutButler.com, Osprey Observer, My Family Chiropractic, Sweetbay Supermarket, Multi Gear Bicycles, Linksters Tap Room, The Brandon Gazette, James Pulkowski, CPA, Your Neighborhood Magazine, USA BMX Riverview, The Sports Club 24/7 Fitness, Hot Spots Fishing Charters, Fisherman’s One Stop Bait & Tackle, ECB Business Services and County Commissioner Ken Hagan. “We hope this will be a huge community event that will partner the school with the businesses as a win-win event,” Self adds.For more information, contact Self at 677-8226 or visit www.southshoreanglers.com.

Bring School Supplies To Eighth Annual Back To School Festival

Bring School Supplies To Eighth Annual Back To School Festival

By Marie Gilmore

This year’s eighth annual FishHawk Area Networking Group (FANG) Back-to-School Festival will benefit local needy children with back-to-school supplies. With more than 100 local business booths, samples from 10 restaurants, music, extracurricular demonstrations, exhibits from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, free giveaways and door prizes, there is lots to do. The Back to School Festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 24, from 9 a.m.-12 Noon at the FishHawk Youth Sports Complex located at 16120 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. Admission is free but $10 worth of new school supplies or a $10 cash donation is requested that will benefit the YMCA migrant children effort. Last year, more than 400 students received supplies as a result of the event.In addition to food and business booths, Theatre Arts & Dance Alliance (TADA) will emcee the event with sound system provided by Pure Power Productions and performances from TADA, Music Showcase and Sidekicks Martial Arts. There will be family-friendly games and activities. Chick-fil-A at Lake Brandon Village, Formaggio’s Italian Restaurant and Sno Cones, Ol’ Kentucky Kettle Corn and others will provide samples.“This is one annual event that highlights the summer,” described Chick-fil-A at Lake Brandon Village owner Paul Holmberg. “We have been participants every year for eight years, and each year, it continues to grow and expand.”In addition to food, event and business booths, representatives from all the sports complex’s teams will be represented to talk about fall registration requirement.The event is sponsored by the St. Pete Times/Brandon Times, Kids ‘R’ Kids Valrico, CruisePlanners, Brandon Regional Hospital and Osprey Observer.For more information, visit www.fangconnect.com, call Denise Graf at 657-2418 or e-mail denise@ospreyobserver.com.FANG is an organization of more than 100 local business owners who meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Palmetto Club, located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in FishHawk Ranch, to network, do community service and host events, promoting local businesses. For more information, stop by any meeting or contact Graf.

Caption: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office will bring its bomb disposal robot to the Eighth Annual FANG Back to School Festival on Saturday, July 24, 9 a.m.-12 Noon.

Motorcycles Rev In Memory Of Beloved Resident

Motorcycles Rev In Memory Of Beloved Resident

By Carisa Biesecker

Known by many titles – husband, son, friend and so much more – former Riverview resident Brad Ruel’s memory will be celebrated this month as motorcyclists take to the road for the Moment of Thunder Tribute for Brad “The Wrench” Ruel Memorial Ride and Hog Roast to benefit the American Heart Association.Planned for Saturday, July 10, family, friends and fellow motorcyclists are welcome to head out to The Wrench, Brad’s bike shop, located at 4911 E. Broadway Ave. in Tampa, at 10:30 a.m. to put rubber to pavement, traveling from there to Mango Joe’s, situated at 2626 E. College Ave. in Ruskin. Here, from 12 Noon-7 p.m., riders as well as the general public are invited to partake of a hog roast, bike show; live music; the Kid’s Corner, with face painting, a coloring contest and games; food; drinks; a 50/50 raffle; and more. Then at 1 p.m., bikers will have the opportunity to pay tribute to the man of the hour during the Moment of Thunder. “We will all fire up our bikes and make sure Brad hears us in the heavens,” reads wife, Karen Ruel’s post on the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Website. Brad passed away in July of 2009 at the age of 43 from heart disease caused by arteriosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries), having left behind a legacy of love for his family, his businesses – Coastline Roofing and The Wrench – and motorcycles. While growing up, he built a prolific resume of accomplishments in the world of professional motorcross racing, winning the Easy Rider Custom Bike Competition three times and taking the title of national champion for the Rat’s Hole Bike Show, his dreams being cut short due to a leg injury at the age of 21. He would go on to be quoted in more than 60 magazines for his expertise in the field and appear on the television series Metric Revolution Bike Build Off, Two Guys Garage, American Thunder and Born To Ride and work as a builder for Pumpkin Films and Broken Spoke Films. Always having regular checkups and no signs of previous problems, Brad’s diagnosis did not come until after his passing, with signs of two past heart attacks being present. The one thing he did have was a family history of the disease.His fervor for bikes continues on even after his passing, fueling the tribute, which will benefit the American Heart Association (AHA). “If I can help one family to catch the signs early and to not go through what our family has had to go through, the day will be a success,” says Karen, coordinator of the event. Recognizing the event as a time to remember Brad, she adds: “Brad always went above and beyond to help people whenever he could and would never think twice about it. He was the kind of person that would give you the shirt off his back.  He never set a goal and did not accomplish it!”Some 250 people are expected to attend the event, with hopes of raising $10,000 for AHA, which states, via its Website, that heart disease is the No. 1 killer, with stroke being the third, in the United States.For more information, call 927-3986. Residents who are unable to attend the event are welcome to make donations on behalf of Brad at http://tampabayheartwalk.kintera.org/bradruel.

Brandon’s 52nd Annual Fourth Of July Parade Changes Time, Route

Brandon’s 52nd Annual Fourth Of July Parade Changes Time, Route

By Jennifer Silverstein

Started in 1958, the Brandon Fourth of July Parade has become a tradition for many area families. The Community Roundtable (formerly The Presidents’ Roundtable) had been formed just one year prior and wanted to do something to give back to the community which came in the form of today’s well-known parade. That tradition continues to this day; however, this year marks the first for a new parade starting time and route.“We changed the time because I have been a judge for six years and was in the parade for two, so I know how hot it can get,” said President of the Roundtable, George May. “Last year, we had people waiting for the parade to start just baking. Finally, someone asked me why the parade wasn’t just moved to the evening. It was like a light bulb came on.”With the theme, “Defenders of Freedom,” the Brandon Fourth of July Parade will be held on Sunday, July 4, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the intersection of Lakewood Dr. and Brandon Pkwy., heading north on Lakewood. From there, the parade route takes a right on Oakfield Dr. and will end at the back of Burlington Coat Factory in the parking lot. Before the parade begins, the morning of July 4, the new Honorary Mayor of Brandon will be announced as the candidate who raised the most money for local charities. Riding through the streets of Brandon during the parade, the Father of the Year will also be announced as chosen by the Roundtable from the submission of local children who wrote about their dads in school.The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department and the Bloomingdale Fire Department will offer their support by providing volunteers.This year, as in the past, participants in the parade will include local active military and veterans. The Bloomingdale and Brandon bands will once again join forces, playing patriotic music through the streets. It will include local organizations such as the Rough Riders, Moose Lodge, Shriners, MacDill Color Guard and various car and motorcycle clubs.Also expected are some local football and cheerleading groups such as the Brandon Ravens (formerly the Brandon Steelers) as well as Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. “We’re trying to get more floats and fewer cars,” May said. “And, for the first time I know of, the Roundtable will have a float in the parade. We partnered with Young Professionals (YP) Brandon, who are building and decorating our float.”Saturday, June 12 is the deadline for floats, costing $150. The Roundtable will also be allowing more throwaways such as beads and candy. Food vendors, with a purchased permit, will set up along the route serving hot dogs, hamburgers and shaved ice. “We’re anticipating the parade to be bigger and better than ever before. We’re bringing back the throws,” he continued. “It will be cooler in the evening and afterwards, you have the option of staying to see the fireworks. It’s a win-win all around.” Dawn Arvidson, marketing director for Westfield Brandon, said the Brandon Blast will begin around 9 p.m. or whenever it is dark enough to see the fireworks. She is expecting the same amount of people as in previous years.“They will be visible anywhere on property.  Visitors can park anywhere and they will be able to see them,” she said. “They are launched further away from the building for safety reasons.”   The Community Roundtable hosts the Community Affairs Dinner annually, taking place in May every year, which is used to announce awards, including the participants in the honorary mayor’s race, which it also puts on annually. It is also involved in the Halloween Horribles Parade at Center Place as well as its Christmas tree lighting ceremony.  The Community Roundtable is the host of the event. May, who has been the president since September of 2009, said he contributed to changing the name to adapt to the times. The Roundtable meets the second Wednesday of the month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Center Place, 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B, in Brandon and is open to the public. “That’s why we changed the name. It’s open to everyone,” he concluded.

For more information, please visit www.brandonroundtable.com.

An Adventure For Your Family

An Adventure For Your Family
By Amy Woodard
Grab your tennis shoes and sunscreen and get ready to experience an afternoon in the great outdoors. YMCA Camp Cristina invites the community to a free family adventure day on Sunday, May 23, from 1–5 p.m. Located in the heart of Riverview, Camp Cristina offers 55 acres of outdoor fun. During the event, the YMCA will be showcasing many of the camp activities it has to offer. This free family event will feature archery, horseback riding, arts and crafts and some of the high ropes course. High ropes consists of a climbing wall, a leap of faith (jumping off a high tower), a zip line and a giant swing. Families will also be able to take camp tours and register for summer camp if they desire. Campers are able to create their own schedule of programs according to their interests.Camp Cristina combines the fun of sleep away camp with the convenience of a day camp. Campers enjoy participating in opening and closing ceremonies and camp songs and traditions. Day campers can choose their own adventure from exciting activities, including paintball, swimming, sports, high/low ropes, environmental education, arts and crafts, drama, music, horseback riding and canoeing. Specialty/sports campers will enjoy a half-day of their specific skill-based activities, and then splash in the pool and enjoy great outdoor games for the remainder of the day.Children ages 6-15 are encouraged to sign up for summer camp. Transportation between Camp Cristina and other local YMCAs will also be available.    Program Director Dana Snyder states, “Family Adventure Day gives kids the chance to experience first-hand what we have to offer at Camp Cristina, meet our staff and get excited about summer camp. Come join us for an afternoon of fun.”  YMCA Camp Cristina is located at 9840 Balm Riverview Rd. For more information call 677-8400 or ymcacampcristina.org.

Join Radio’s Jack Harris At Casino, Auction Night For ACS Funds

Join Radio’s Jack Harris At Casino, Auction Night For ACS Funds
By Carisa Biesecker
Continuing its mission to protect the sanctity of life, the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) 2010 Celebrate Life Gala perfectly echoes the hope of the nonprofit. Allocating $3.4 billion in funding towards cancer research since 1946, the American Cancer Society’s gala is one event that aids in this endeavor, bringing in $41,000 at 2009’s event alone, with some 200 in attendance. 2010’s gala, taking place on Friday, May 7, from 6:30-11 p.m. at TPepin Hospitality Center, located at 4121 N. 50th St. in Tampa, is hoped to raise $50,000 amongst more than 300 guests when everything is said and done. Residents will enjoy the antics of emcee Jack Harris, dinner, dessert, casino games, a silent and live auction, live entertainment and a performance by members from Leonard’s Academy of Dance. According to Area Executive Director Andrew Kramer, the gala is held “to fund the mission of the American Cancer Society and save lives.” He continues, saying: “We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.” To date, the ACS has a “hand in nearly every major cancer breakthrough of the last century,” mentions Kramer, from mammography screening and new treatments to validating the connection between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. All in all, the organization’s research has attributed to helping 15 percent of cancer victims from the early 1990s to 2005 have a chance at life, sparing the lives of 650,000 from being taken by cancer. Recognized as the official sponsor of birthdays, the ACS has spent every day since 1913 battling on behalf of cancer victims to help them see another year, with some 11 million cancer survivors within the United States celebrating a birthday in 2010. “At the American Cancer Society, we’re working to create a world with more birthdays where cancer never steals another year from anyone’s life,” adds Kramer. If you are interested in furthering this effort to make more birthdays a reality, then plan on attending the gala. Tickets are $75 per person. Those who would like to provide a sponsorship or volunteers are welcome to do so by calling chairwoman Liz Brewer at 299-6745 or the ACS office at 685-0670, ext. 5451, both of which are also taking reservations for the gala.

Learn Theology Over A Glass Of Wine At Park Square Cellar

Learn Theology Over A Glass Of Wine At Park Square Cellar

By Carisa Biesecker

Some St. Stephen Catholic Church members are taking theology to the masses on-site at the venue of Park Square Cellar through the new Theology on the Vine.Talking specifics of faith, morals, purpose and the like, all over a glass of wine or a mug of beer, the group will delve into Matthew Kelly’s “Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose” and the C.S. Lewis Collection. Topics of philosophy will also be delved into, asking the questions “What is happiness?” “Why do good people suffer” and all other topics relating to the human condition, such as sex, politics and religion. The first class is scheduled for Thursday, May 6, from 7-9 p.m. at Park Square Cellar, found at 16132 Churchview Dr. in Lithia, with classes to continue on the first and third Thursdays of each month. “By providing an alternative location and relaxed environment, we hope to engage adults in discussing those issues of faith, life and love to bring them to a deeper understanding and love for their Creator,” states Mary Sarkisian, co-owner of Park Square Cellar, a retailer of more than 500 fine wines, international beers, delectable cheeses, handmade breads and unique wine accessories. “We want folks to feel comfortable discussing issues that matter, that are important in their everyday life, because at the end of the day, it is these everyday issues that matter.”With some 15-20 expected to attend the initial meeting, Theology on the Vine is a free class which will incorporate respect for all views provided and is open to those ages 30 and older who are “in search for purpose, passion, truth, and happiness (God),” according to St. Stephen Adult Faith Enrichment Coordinator Cindy Wood, who adds that the class is perfect for those who are unable to make weekly church services as well as those who can. “It really gets to the question of why we are here and how to become the best version of ourselves.”Merging theology and philosophy into one, the study “will ultimately lead one to discover God in the most intimate way,” concludes Wood.  For more information, please contact Wood at 728-2056 or cwood@ststephencatholic.org or Sarkisian at mary@parksquarecellar.com. To learn more about Park Square Cellar, visit www.parksquarecellar.com.