Park Square Cellar Celebrates Annual Wine Fest

Park Square Cellar Celebrates Annual Wine Fest
By Jennifer Silverstein
Twice a year, Park Square Cellar, hosts a free wine festival for the greater Brandon community, which features more 100 wines to taste, light hors d’oeuvres and live music by jazz musician Gene Cannon. This year, the event is scheduled for Saturday, March 13, from 1 – 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 14, from 1 – 4 p.m.  The event also includes a 15 percent off sale of six bottles or more. “This will be our ninth wine festival that we have hosted. We have been sponsoring these large wine events each spring and fall since March 2006,” explains Mary Sarkisian, co-proprietor of the cellar. “There is no other wine shop in the area that offers the community the chance to taste over 100 wines, sample some great food, and listen to live jazz music, all for free. We expect over 500 people to attend the fest. This is an opportunity not to be missed!”  Park Square Cellar has reason to celebrate. Last summer, Mary and her husband, Shawn fell victim to the slow economy and made the tough decision to cut their losses and close their shop. Two days before closing, however, the Sarkisians were approached by friend and customer, Kevin Fulcher. He offered to help keep the store alive. Two months later, the Sarkisians, with new business partner Fulcher, reopened The Cellar. Along with new beers on tap – like Florida’s own Orange Blossom Pilsner and Brooklyn Brewery’s Black Chocolate Stout, the cellar went through additional transformations such as adding a big screen TV in the wine bar room, a new sound system throughout the store, outdoor seating with murals painted by artist Bob Schott, and a new Wine and Beer of the Month Club.   Club members receive five percent off all their retail and bar purchases, receive a free bottle of wine each time they refer a friend to the club and have exclusive use of the wine bar.  “The wine and beer club has been a huge success for us,” says Shawn. “The community has really supported us since reopening. We are grateful for the support we received and very excited about our future plans. Over 250 families have joined our wine and beer club to date, and it continues to grow every day.” The 15 percent off sale begins on Friday, March 12, and will continue throughout the weekend.  No reservations are necessary.  Park Square Cellar, located at 16132 Churchview Dr. in Park Square in the heart of FishHawk Ranch, is closed Mondays; open Tuesday – Thursday, 2 – 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m.– 12 Midnight; and Sunday, from 2 – 6 p.m. For directions or more information on the event, call Park Square Cellar at 689-4560 or visit www.parksquarecellar.com.

Annual Chalk Walk Celebrates Art

Annual Chalk Walk Celebrates Art
By Carisa Biesecker
Looking to spark your child’s creativity while spending some quality time together? Then look no further than Center Place’s Fourth Annual Chalk Walk, where art and family time go hand in hand.Scheduled for Sunday, March 14, from 1-3 p.m., the Chalk Walk invites parents and children, ages 3 and up, out for a day of fun and freebies, participating in activities and face painting, viewing demonstrations, performances, a magician’s magic and displays and creating animal balloons and more. Upon their arrival, children will be given a Chick-fil-A box, thanks to the generosity of Tammy Holmberg, co-owner of Chick-fil-A at Lake Brandon Village, comprised of local vendors’ coupons as well as chalk. Each box is signified with a number that correlates to a particular position on the sidewalk surrounding the lake at Center Place. Children can go find their spot and get busy with their self-made creations. Headlined under the theme, For the Love of the Arts, the annual Chalk Walk “is another of our free family events,” states Executive Director Dawn Galia, adding that “it was an event developed to bring our Brandon families together for some fun with their children and to be able to express their creativity through chalk drawings. It is a special celebration of the arts.” With hopes of 150 children and families in attendance, the event’s sponsors include Chick-fil-A at Lake Brandon Village, Kappa Kappa and Pat’s Corner – Center Place’s gift shop. Some 125 children and their parents were able to make it out to last year’s event.Vendors are still being welcomed to the event, having no charge initiated for the free publicity. However, any who are interested are asked to contact Center Place by Friday, March 5, to reserve an area and are encouraged to hand out a free item. “It is a fun event for the entire family! We love to see the finished artistic creations!” concludes Galia. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B, in Brandon, and can be reached at 685-8888. To learn more regarding Center Place, visit www.centerplacebrandon.com.

State Fair Has “Super” Theme

The Florida State Fair will return with the theme “Super Fair” this year from Thursday, February 4- Monday, February 15, at the State Fairgrounds, located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. in Tampa, on the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and U.S. Hwy. 301, near I-4.New to the fair this year are helicopter rides in the original Batcopter used in the TV series, a Las Vegas-style show called Celebrate! and frog jumping championships, in addition to the already popular Kachunga alligator show, Sea Lion Splash and Welde Big Bear Show and Grizzly Falls.According to Florida State Fair spokeswoman Denise Shreaves, the Batcopter will provide a 15-minute aerial tour of the surrounding area for two people at $30 per person. Two people are needed to ride the Batcopter. She said this and the Slingshot are considered “thrill rides” and are not included in ride tickets or armbands. The newest “fair food” this year is Fair Squares, which are described as fluffy, deep-friend goodness with pink powdered sugar topping. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen For the Cure charity. Reaves said Fair Squares are similar to the French pastry beignet, meaning fried dough. Other discount offers include a coupon value book which can be purchased in advance for $4. Shreaves said it is similar to the entertainment book but is specific to fair vendors only. For instance, she said, you may have a coupon for $1 off a corndog, or in the Entertainment Hall, a vendor may offer $1 off a $10 purchase. Coupon books will be available for $5 at the fair. Other discount offers include 30 ride tickets for $24 per sheet and Pepsi armbands for $25 per armband.  When residents purchase the ride tickets in advance, Shreaves said they get 10 more ride tickets.Special value days at the fair include the opening day armband for $20 after 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 4; student days at the fair are Friday, February 5, and Monday, February 15, and cost $6 for ages 12 through 12th grade and $5 for ages 6-11; senior days are Tuesday, February 9, and Thursday, February 11, and cost $6 for ages 55 and over; Thursday, February 11, is Salute to Veterans day where admission is free after 4 p.m. and there is free musical entertainment at 6 p.m. in the Sweetbay Entertainment Hall; and 4-H and FFA days are Saturdays, February 6 and 13. For more information on the 2010 Florida State Fair, please call 621-7821 or visit www.floridastatefair.com.

The View Church Reaches Out With Vogel Park Clean-Up Day

By Amy Woodard
The View Church members are committed to giving people a great view of Jesus Christ. “We are going outside of our doors to show God’s love,” states pastor Rob Rutherford. For the past several years, The View Church has demonstrated its love of people by hosting events ranging from free car washes to free oil changes. This year, members wanted to impact the SouthShore community in a lasting way, and, thus, the idea of “The Big Give” was born.The Big Give will be a day of labor given to Vance Vogel Park. Thousands of children, including The East Bay Little League, use the park on a weekly basis.  Nelson Russo, vice president of East Bay Little League, explains that county budget cuts have really hurt the park, and, now, the county is only able to mow the lawn and relies on volunteers to maintain the facilities. Russo states, “It’s cool that people are reaching out to help us. It’s back to basics since the budget cuts, and we need people to support our little leagues. We can use all the help we can get.” The Big Give will be held on Sunday, January 10, at Vance Vogel Park. The View Church will congregate on-site at 9:30 a.m. for worship and will begin service projects by 10:15 a.m. Rutherford encourages everyone to get involved in The Big Give. “We want the community to come together and make this a better place. You don’t need to join the church, just lend a helping hand.”  Projects planned for The Big Give include rehanging screens, replacing netting, painting, field maintenance and much more. The park is also in dire need of plumbing repairs, new concrete around the concession stands and roof repairs on storage buildings. Organizers of the event are praying for someone to volunteer their services for these particular projects. Anyone coming to help out on January 10 is encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring any supplies such as shovels and rakes with them. Vance Vogel Park is located at 13010 Bullfrog Creek Rd. in Gibsonton.The next season of East Bay Little League begins in February. For more information, check out eastbayll.org. For more information on The Big Give, contact Nelson Russo at 505-0326 or Rutherford at 230-3967. The View Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m. at Summerfield Elementary in Riverview.

Chili Contenders Take Their Mark With Spices In Hand

Chili Contenders Take Their Mark With Spices In Hand
By Carisa Biesecker
With cold fronts flitting through the state, chili lovers are readying their recipes for a bit of warmth in the kitchen and throughout Lithia, as FishHawk Ranch’s Fourth Annual Chili Cook-Off unveils, hosted by the FishHawk Ranch Homeowners’ Association.Contenders will battle to the last spoonful on Saturday, January 23, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at FishHawk Ranch Park Square, located at 16144 Churchview Dr. in Lithia, as onlookers gather around their intoxicating concoctions. For $5 enthusiasts of the hearty fare can taste-test each opponent’s chili, voting for the one that they can’t resist. Upon the outcome of tallied votes, first, second and third place will be rendered to those with the most saliva-inducing admissions, collecting the title and trophies for the day. “Everyone from cooks to tasters to staff all has fun participating in this event,” states Aquatic/Program Coordinator Erin Olson, who is also the chili committee chairperson. “The chili competition is family-friendly, and the event is very laid back. It’s fun to bring out the family, taste various chili recipes and just hang out in the park. It’s also a great way to meet your neighbors and see what local businesses are in the area.”With more than 200 residents expected to attend – last year bringing in a total of 200 attendees – meeting your neighbors won’t be especially hard. If you think your chili could stand on its own, you are encouraged to come out and compete. Registration is $20, but if you need a table, add $10 more to that figure. All proceeds will go towards the operation of the event, from the disc jockey and trophies to staffing and signage. The $5 paid by residents covers cups, spoons and napkins. Businesses that participate can do a bit of self-promotion with the use of their own banners and advertising items. Those businesses that cannot attend are welcome to donate raffle items instead. The deadline to register is Wednesday, January 20.“This is a great event that draws all types of people that have one thing in common – the love of chili,” concludes Olson. For more information or to register, contact Olson at 685-7880 or eolson@fhrhoa.com. Registration forms and rules for participating can be downloaded from www.FishHawkConnect.com.

Local Grandmother Receives Community Support For Our Troops

Local Grandmother Receives Community Support For Our Troops
By Jennifer Gibbs Transue
“Support the Troops:” To some of us, this is just a slogan we see and hear quite often, but one grandmother living in the Brandon area has discovered its true meaning.Natalie Transue, 71, is a retired teacher’s assistant, having worked for Hillsborough County schools for more than 17 years. No stranger to military life, she enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956, where she met and married her late husband, Jim. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, earning a silver star, two purple hearts and two bronze medals. Transue has a son and grandson currently serving in the U.S. Army. Her son, Mark, has almost 20 years of service and will soon be deployed to Iraq. Her grandson, Josh, who is only 20, is currently doing his first tour in Afghanistan. Says Transue, “Having both a son and grandson being deployed at the same time prompted me to get more involved with helping all of our troops.”Transue came across an organization called Our Troops Online run by Bob Williams. Located in Wesley Chapel, Williams’ organization  sends much needed “care packages” to our troops deployed to the Middle East, primarily Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Kyrgyzstan. These packages can contain anything from coffee, snacks, cookies, candy, toiletries, DVDs and much more.  “Although the troops have some necessities, they are limited,” Transue says.  Transue started volunteering her time up at Our Troops Online, but wanted to do more to help. She started asking local schools in the community to help. A few local schools already involved are Brooker, Gibsonton, Palm River and Riverview Elementary. She plans to visit all of the local schools and churches to get them on board. Many companies, such as Starbucks, Sam’s Club and Sweetbay, have donated, too. Transue is a determined grandmother who does not plan to stop there. She knows our community is generous and will come together for this great service. After all, this is a reminder of what America stands for.To make a donation, call Natalie at 621-2104 or 663-0106. For more information on Our Troops Online, visit www.ourtroopsonline.com.

Holiday Cheer & Goodwill Towards Others Unveiled Through Holiday Stroll

Holiday Cheer & Goodwill Towards Others Unveiled Through Holiday Stroll
By Carisa Biesecker
“This is our way of saying thanks to the community – our supporters,” states Women’s Resource Center of Tampa, Inc. Event and Finance Chair Sandi de Laski in regard to the upcoming Palmer House Bed & Breakfast Christmas Stroll.Taking place on Saturday, December 5, from 7-9 p.m., Lithia’s Palmer House Christmas Stroll will be one of good times and socializing, led by the infectiously jovial Gail Palmer, who co-owns the residence with her husband Bob. Here, each one of the five suites as well as the main house at the bed and breakfast will be adorned with holiday décor, transformed into a wonderland of glimmering ornaments and prickly garland, candescent with lights and the smells of the holidays. A Christmas tree will take precedence in the main house, posing a striking entrance to onlookers. While hearing the tunes of local carolers throughout the grounds, guests can sample the Christmas drink wassail and palate delectable desserts. Having coordinated home tours in the past with her co-chair Ella Chadwell, de Laski mentions that the Christmas Stroll was forged as a nonprofit event to rid residents of the “hustle bustle feeling” of the season. Comments de Laski, “It’s an evening where a bunch of girlfriends or a husband and wife can come after dinner and really enjoy Christmas and all its wonders.” Supporting the Women’s Resource Center of Tampa, Inc. – a shelter serving some 100 women and their families monthly who have faced job loss, addiction, domestic violence, divorce and traumatic events – the stroll is hoped to welcome some 200-250 attendees. All will have the chance to enter a drawing for goodies and a stay at the Palmer House. Also, guests will be able to learn more about the shelter through a continuously run video seen on the Palmers’ flat screen as well as through attending Executive Director Cheryl English. “My commitment was to put the Women’s Resource Center on the Brandon map. We are doing awesome things,” adds de Laski, who mentions the nonprofit’s future groundbreaking for 21 additional cottages to house 21 more families.Choosing a charity annually to aid, Gail says, “WRC is an outreach so needed this day and age, when things are tough and family and support are not enough. WRC is truly a spirit-led ministry. Come and be blessed as we support this cause.”  Residents can purchase tickets to the Christmas Stroll for $10, with proceeds going towards refreshments and paper goods, by calling 220-1829. To learn more about the Women’s Resource Center of Tampa, Inc., visit www.wrctampa.org. Besides special events, the Palmer House is available for vacationers, weddings, baby showers, holiday parties and more. Located at 2221 Hinton Ranch Rd., residents can call 654-0961 or visit www.Palmer-House.com for more information.

Center Place Starts Holiday Events With Tree Lighting

By Kathy L. Collins

The holidays are a time for festive celebration and joyful gatherings, some of which will take place at Center Place in Brandon during the month of December. The holiday season is kicked off with the Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree on Wednesday, December 2, at 7 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Kim Hall’s School of Dance, Brandon Spotlights, Tampa Bay Family Theatre, Music Showcase, With One Voice Youth Choir and the Ambassadors from Bloomingdale High School. Santa Clause will make an early visit to Brandon as well. Cookies and punch will be provided by co-sponsor of the event, the Community Roundtable. Honorary Mayor Connie Smaldone will appear at the event. Boy Scout troop 110 will be the color guard for the event.A holiday open house is planned for Pat’s Corner gift shop on Thursday, December 3, at 4:30 p.m. It’s never too early or too late to stock up on holiday gifts.The December Art Reception will feature Debra Bryant, a Plant City resident who works with oils primarily and acrylics, pastels, colored pencils, watercolor and charcoal. The reception will be held on Saturday, December 5, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bryant’s art will be on display throughout the month of December. Center Place is the host for monthly art receptions and exhibits the art of local artists. If you have not come out to one of the receptions, then you should treat yourself to one for the holidays.Music Showcase and The Florida Academy of Performing Arts will present Into The Woods Friday and Saturday, December 11 and 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets for adults are $12. Seniors, students and military personnel can get tickets for $10.Center Place will present Santa’s Holiday Revue on Friday, December 18, at 11:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets for members are $6, and tickets for non-members are $7.Center Place Art Director Dawn Galia said, “We always look forward to our community events that bring our greater Brandon families together. We love to showcase the fine arts in the greater Brandon area. It is wonderful to see so many talented children all in one place!”Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. For more information, please call 685-8888 or visit the Website at www.centerplacebrandon.com.

Riverview Hosts 26th Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

By Amy Woodard
Many local residents kick off the holiday season with the tradition of watching the Christmas parade on the Alafia River. Head to the International Independent Showmen’s Association on Saturday, December 5 for the festivities. Riverview’s 26th Annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade and Chili Cook-Off will be held from 5-10 p.m. The event is hosted by The Rotary Club of Riverview and will be held at 6915 Riverview Dr.  If you’re a boat owner, it’s time to get those Christmas lights out of the attic and decorate your boat. Judges will determine the top two best decorated boats in two different categories. Boats 24 feet and up will be judged separately from boats 23 feet and under. The first place winner of the large vessels will receive $750 and the second place winner will receive $250. For the smaller vessels, the first place winner will receive $350 and the second place winner will receive $150. The boats will launch from Williams Park and travel east the U.S. Hwy. 301 Bridge and circle counterclockwise and proceed back to Williams Park. Register by Monday, November 30 to be eligible for judging and prizes. The fee to enter is $25.You can view the parade from dry land and enjoy the many activities that are planned. Santa Claus will be there to get everyone in the holiday spirit and will provide children with a free picture with him. Food and drinks will be available to purchase. An exciting change to this year’s venue will be the addition of a carnival rides and inexpensive games for children. You also don’t want to miss the silent auction. Massage gift certificates, photography packages and lawyer services are just some of the items up for bids. Can you prepare a mean chili? Then enter the chili cook-off and let the people decide. Community residents and visitors can pay $5 to sample the chili and vote for their favorite. There is a $10 fee to enter and you must register by Monday, November 30. The top three winners of the chili cook-off will receive gift certificates from area restaurants.  Denise Rodriguez, president of The Rotary Club of Riverview, states, “We hope to attract over 1,500 people to this annual Riverview tradition.  It will be a fun-filled evening and all proceeds will fund charitable activities of Riverview Rotary. Sponsorships are available and we will work with your business to ensure you get maximum recognition and exposure for your promotional dollars.” For more information or to register for either event, check out www.riverviewrotary.org or contact Rodriguez at 299-8616. If you would like to donate an item for the silent auction, contact Rodriguez to arrange for pick-up.

South Florida Baptist Offers Community Free Health Fair

By Jennifer Currence Stupp

South Florida Baptist Hospital is collaborating with St. Joseph’s Hospital to provide a Safe-Sitter certification course at the Palmetto Club in FishHawk Ranch. The all-day class was strategically planned on Wednesday, November 11, when there is no school, to provide parents with a safe option for childcare during the day for ages 11 and up if they need to work. “The course is packed with info,” says Heather Coats, Community Health Program Coordinator, including what to do if a child is choking or stops breathing and what to say when calling 9-1-1. “There’s a lot of role-playing involved. It’s very interactive.” Additionally, attendees will learn some basic babysitting skills and some tips on how to grow their babysitting business. At the end of the day, they are given an open-book test to aid in retention of the materials taught during the day. Parents are welcome to join the group for a certificate presentation and mini-graduation ceremony. Children leave with a babysitting manual, a Band-Aid dispenser and an “Important Phone Numbers” pad to aid in collecting critical information from the parents they babysit for. All instructors are certified to teach the course.The course runs from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and costs $50. It is also being offered at the Plant City YMCA, located at 1507 YMCA Pl. in Plant City, on the same day. It is also available for private groups, such as church youth groups or Girl Scout troops. For more information about private groups, contact Coats directly at 757-8511.The hospital is also gearing up for its second annual Health Fair at Park Square in FishHawk Ranch on Saturday, November 7 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. The event was highly successful last year and includes numerous free health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, skin cancer and osteoporosis. Healthy cooking demonstrations, children’s nutrition information and seasonal flu shots will be on-site as well. Games and entertainment are available for the kids, including a moonwalk, face painting, airbrush tattoos and a magician. A free cookout lunch, drawing for a Wii Fit gaming system and a bike rodeo – complete with a helmet check and obstacle course – round out the events planned for the day. The last Ladies’ Night Out of the year will be held at the Park Square office in FishHawk on Tuesday, November 10 from 6:30-8 p.m. and will focus on information surrounding cosmetic surgery. The event will include a light dinner. For more information or to register for any of these events, call 754-4444.