Florida State Fair Embraces Super Bowl with “Touchdown Tampa Bay”
It’s just about time for Fair time! The Florida State Fair will be back in town before you know it. The fair will run this year from February 5-16. Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and closing time varies by the day of the week and weather conditions. Read more
Center Places Seeks Wild Dames
The men may have rotary night, but the ladies have Wild Dame Night. This evening for adult ladies only will be held on Saturday, February 21, at Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. Ste. B, adjacent to the Brandon Library. This year’s event is not only a night of social time, dinner and entertainment, but also a fundraiser, with the proceeds going towards children’s programming. With sponsors CMB Creations, Platinum Bank, TECO, Dynamic Printing, the Center for Radiation Oncology, Wachovia Bank, Durkin & Mason, C.P.A.’s, P.A., Valrico State Bank, Chick-fil-A at Lake Brandon Village, Stages Productions and Music Showcase, monetary funding for Center Place is expected to be generous despite the downturn in the economy.
Dawn Galia, art director, participated in her first Wild Dame Night last year. “It is really a lot of fun…the event is very popular, and we do sell out,” said Galia. The fun begins at 6 p.m. with social time and wine. A sit-down dinner will be catered by Affairs to Remember, along with decadent desserts. These include chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-dipped fruit, chocolate-covered pretzels, key lime tarts, pecan tarts, mousse parfaits, rum bourbon balls, cheesecake, and many others. Stages Productions will host Sleeping Beauty – Pajama Party whereat ladies can wear their pajamas. Said Galia, “Sleeping Beauty is actually one of our children’s shows for this season, but it will be changed from a children’s version to an adult version with funny anecdotes added.”
In addition to the above activities, a 50/50 raffle and 20 door prizes will be given out by the end of the night. Last year, the raffle was approximately $800, and the event raised $11,088 after expenses for the children’s programming. Also, the funding will go towards the Saturday, April 25, Art Gala held at the Pepin Hospitality Center. After all, this event is one of the major fundraisers.
Tickets are $50 per person. There are 180 spots, along with sponsored tickets, which sell for $800 for a table of eight. Galia emphasized how quick the event sells out, so she urges those interested to purchase tickets as soon as possible. “If you have never attended a Wild Dame Night, I would highly recommend it. It is a great event and the proceeds benefit Center Place’s children’s programming. It is a fun ladies night out,” commented Galia. Please call Center Place at 685-8888 for ticket sales. Contact Galia at cpbrandon@verizon.net or at cpfinearts@verizon.net. Visit www.centerplacebrandon.com for additional information and upcoming events.
Sharks Host First Season Six-Way
“If you have to wrestle Brandon you might as well get it out of the way,” said Riverview wrestling Coach William Sargable following a meet against the Eagles.
That being said, the young Riverview team was ready to host its firs 2008-09 season six-way tournament in November, producing some impressive results.
Just before the weigh-in, Riverview Head Coach William Sargable commented on the fact that the program continues to work on building the numbers but spoke highly of the effort turned in by each athlete, and the numbers spoke for themselves.
Individually there were some impressive performances with Ryan Hight (5 pins), Herman Hernandez (4 pins), Lemarkus Dennis (3 pins), Ryan Gascon (3 pins) and Rafael Rivera (3 pins) who finished with 5-0 for the day.
Steven Akel and Taylor Akins went 4 and 1 with 3 pins each. Jeffery Hagin, Eric Nava, Ryan Pulaski, Josh Dossantos and Jacob Scott went 3 and 2. Aaron Kee and Lance Gabbert both went 2 and 3.
Team results included RvHS 64 – Armwood 18, RvHS 72 – Blake 6, RvHS 76- Freedom 6 and RvHS 60- Middleton 20. The Bloomingdale defeated the Riverview 54-24.
The event was an opportunity for a number of wrestlers to show what they are made of for first time, but the Sargable was pleased.
“It was the debut matches for several guys… they wrestled well. The JV team went 5 and 0 on the day. Awesome Job,” he said.
For some of the veterans like Ryan Hight, who, according to Sargable, blew through his opponents like a hot knife in butter, it was just practice.
Hernandez— Hight’s wrestling buddy—this portion of the season is just the preparation for the championship.
“For me, the next three months are just to get ready for states,” Hernandez said.
Sargable summed up the day by saying that the Riverview wrestling program’s inexperience was exposed, however, it was still a productive day.
“We still have lots of work to do, starting with not giving up pins. Nonetheless, it has been a great start to the season.”
For more information about the Riverview high School wrestling program, please visit www.eteamz.com/riverviewwrestling.
Library Celebrates Anniversary with Big Event
SouthShore Regional Library is celebrating its second anniversary on Saturday, November 15, with a variety of programs available for all ages throughout the day. The Friends of the Library are organizing this event. According to the SouthShore Friends of the Library Website, the Friends organization does for the library what the PTA does for schools and the booster clubs do for sports programs. “Basically, library employees cannot raise or handle money, so lucky libraries like this have a ‘Friends of the Library’ group that does fundraisers and raises money for programs beyond the basic ones offered at every library,” said Friends Board Member in charge of programs, Diane Waronka. “It really is another example of Sun City Center retirees that find a cause they like and really offer wonderful time and resources.” Jim Duffy was the founder and original president of the SouthShore Friends group. He held meetings a year or more before the library opened and got corporate and individual sponsorships. Duffy asked Waronka to represent Apollo Beach since it’s a regional library. The board of Friends now meets quarterly. Last year, Waronka ran a Harry Potter trivia contest on the first anniversary and “for the opening ceremony, I organized a ‘Why I like to Read’ essay contest with local schools and had a big awards ceremony,” she said. This year, the festivities will begin at the library at 10:15 a.m. with the Fritzy Brothers One Man Circus. “This really funny program truly appeals to kids of all ages,” Waronka said. “The entire family will laugh at juggling, unicycling, clowning and comedy.” At 11:30 a.m., children will learn the art of cartooning as a form of personal expression. All readers and doll collectors ages 7-14 will do games or crafts based on Samantha, Kitt and other girls from the new series of American Girl at 2 p.m. Youngsters are invited to bring one doll of their own, if they wish. At 3:30 p.m., in the Game Zone, local teens will teach seniors how to play Wii bowling and tennis and then assist in games and tournaments. Also in the Game Zone, Rock Band and Guitar Hero will be available to play. For more information on the SouthShore Library’s second anniversary or the SouthShore Friends of the Library, visit www.southshorefriends.com.
Local Moms Roll For A Cure
“An estimated 138,530 people in the United States will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma in 2008,” reads the Website of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, inspiring the MOMS Club of Lithia to continue the fight, hosting the Fourth Annual Roll for a Cure.
Taking place on Thursday, November 20, at the Palmetto Club, located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in FishHawk Ranch, Roll for a Cure will be “a night of fun, food, prizes and bunko,” according to Terri Fischer, president of the MOMS Club of Lithia-Bevis, which is working in conjunction with the MOMS Club of Lithia-FishHawk Creek to host the event. The two groups were once one, having dispersed into two due to growth, and both felt the effects of lymphoma first-hand as they watched one of their own pass away from the disease, forging the conception of Roll for a Cure.
Residents will wine and dine on appetizers, desserts and a cash bar with a DJ on-hand to dole out the tunes and $2 and $5 raffle tickets will be available for purchase to win prizes. With last year’s event welcoming 130 residents and raising $8,500, the group is hoping for a turnout of 100 this year. “Our goal is to beat our amount raised last year, but we will be excited about any amount raised since all the proceeds from the evening go directly to benefit the amazing charity,” says Committee Chair Danielle Triplett of the MOMS Club of Lithia-FishHawk Creek.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. for Roll for a Cure, with games beginning at 7:30 p.m. Those interested in donating to a good cause can play bunko for $20. Sponsors of the event include: www.mountaincabinbythelake.com, Family Medical Care of Riverview, Superior Autobody in St. Petersburg, It’s Personal-Seriously Adorable Personalized Artwork, the Bank of Tampa as well as donations from sponsors such as Alycia Alverez Photography, RobZFitness, Studio 1 to1, Lowery Park Zoo, Stonewood Grill and Tavern and many more.
If you are a business owner and would like to make a donation to be incorporated within the prize baskets, need more information or would like to find out more about the MOMS Club of Lithia-FishHawk Creek, please contact Triplett at 294-0405 or visit www.rollforacure.info. To learn more MOMS Club of Lithia-Bevis, call Fischer at 654-9988. To inquire about The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, visit www.leukemia-lymphoma.org.
Festival of Food & Fun For Families
The Ruskin Seafood Festival is celebrating its 20th year as South Hillsborough County’s largest community event.
Last year, over 18,000 people enjoyed the arts, crafts, music and sumptuous seafood. “We hope we’ll have 20,000 visitors for our 20th anniversary,” said Melanie Morrison, executive director of the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce. Read more
Eye On Business
Photographers Recognized
Local photographers Edward Booth and Betty Huth, owners of Huth and Booth Portrait Gallery, recently received the Florida Service Award for service to the profession at the Florida Professional Photographers Annual Convention.
“We both were honored to receive the Florida Service Award given for service to the profession,” says Booth. “Receiving this award in just three years is very unusual.”
According to the duo, they have worked together for 18 years to create family portraits with the expectation that they will be handed down from generation to generation.
“We pride ourselves in providing our clients with exceptional portraiture of families and children,” says Booth. “It’s a pleasure that we continue to strive for, that of seeking excellence in preserving precious memories.”
Since moving to the area from California in July of 2005, Huth and Booth have been active members in the Riverview and Greater Brandon area communities volunteering their services to numerous charity organizations, clubs and civic centers. They are also members of the Brandon ‘86 Rotary Club.
The Huth and Booth Portrait Gallery is located at 11711 Nikki View Dr. in Brandon in Lake Brandon Professional Park. For more information, call 571-2100 or visit www.hbphoto.com.
Tennis Store Opens at BSAC
The Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC) is now home to the Brandon area’s first tennis pro shop, The Tennis Shack of Florida, offering a wide variety of products for every tennis player’s needs, from apparel to custom stringing services.
According to owner Tim Plossl, the store will carry brands including apparel by Adidas and Fila and shoes by Adidas, Fila, Prince and Babolat.
For more information, call 315-9810 or visit www.mybsac.org.
New Business Brings Fun to the Streets
Valrico residents James and Josette Delaney are bringing a taste of the tropics to the Brandon area.
The Delaney’s recently opened a franchise of Kona Ice, a traveling Hawaiian Ice van offering 20 flavors of shaved ice and ice cream.
In addition to traveling through local neighborhoods, Kona Ice can be scheduled for private parties or group events.
“Kona has its most fun when they are supporting the community,” says James. “Whether you are a school, a church, or an organization looking for fundraising ideas, Kona Ice is there to help. In a time crunch, don’t worry because under the right conditions we can serve over 200 people in less than an hour.”
For more information, call 484-6595 or visit www.kona-ice.com.
A Massage and Rehab Clinic Opens in Brandon
A new clinical, medical and rehab massage clinic, A Touch of Wellness, opened its doors recently at 915 Oakfield Dr. Ste. A. and celebrated with a Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, August 15.
“A Touch of Wellness, is a massage and rehab clinic with a softer feel which caters to the diversity that is part of what makes Brandon so great,” says Scott Robinson, L.M.T., owner. “We specialize in auto injuries, sports injuries, and any soft tissue injuries. We also offer nutrition consulting, nutritional supplements, and will be adding a chiropractor to the practice within the next 45 days.”
The practice’s two massage therapists are trained in a variety of techniques from Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy and Reiki to Hot Stones and Relaxation massage.
In addition to taking patients at their Brandon office, A Touch of Wellness makes outcalls for any patients not ambulatory and offers corporate accounts.
For more information, please call Robinson or Sharon Aldrich, L.M.T., M.M.P. at 689-7799.
New Store is 4Reel
With fall on the horizon, the temperatures will be just right for outdoor activities like fishing and camping and a new store, 4Reel Fishing and Camping Supplies, which opened recently in the SteinMart-anchored Lithia Crossings Plaza makes shopping for those outings a breeze.
From camping lanterns and air mattresses and fishing tackle and hooks, 4Reel has a wide variety of supplies.
“Our store carries something for every person in the family,” says Cheryl Phelps who owns the store with her husband Mike. “We have fishing and camping supplies for the most experienced to the up and coming.”
Valrico residents who grew up fishing and camping on the Alafia River, the Phelps see the Bloomingdale area as a perfect place for the store.
“The area is so family oriented as well as out going and that combination spells camping and fishing,” says Cheryl.
4Reel Fishing And Camping Supplies is located at 3430 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and can be reached at 651-5151. For more information, visit www.4reelfishingsupplies.com or stop by the store Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Aquali Opens In Valrico
With a wide range of services from master technicians, Aquali Salon and Spa opened recently on Erindale Dr. in Bloomingdale.
“All of our stylists are master technicians, many of whom have furthered their skills by becoming educators for product lines, including Alterna, Rusk, Sexyhair and Scruples,” says stylist Hannah McArty.
The full service salon and spa offers services including hair color, perms, relaxing techniques and hair extensions and spa services including acrylic nails, manicures, spa pedicures, facials and full body waxing.
“Aquali salon and spa is a green friendly environment,” says McArty. “Not only do we recycle, we offer coffee and fruit flavored water in glasses rather than non bio-degradable cups. We are trying hard by taking small steps to preserve our environment just as you are at home.”
Aquali Salon and Spa is located at 3652 Erindale Dr. and is open Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
For more information, call 653-3736.
Cruise Planners Offers Deals
October is National Cruise Vacation month and Sherry Leybovich ECCS, CTA, owner of Cruise Planners, is celebrating with The World’s Largest Cruise Event, offering clients values and incentives on cruise travel to the world’s top destinations.
“The World’s Largest Cruise Event is a celebration where lucky agents like me get to give the gift of great savings on cruises, and our clients are the guests of honor,” says Leybovich. “Best of all, Cruise Planners is extending what is traditionally one special night into an entire week of offers and incentives, so the gifts will keep coming from October 4 to the 10.”
According to Leybovich, a prize-a-day giveaway has been incorporated into this year’s cruise event week where clients can enter a daily contest for fabulous prizes and ultimately be entered into the week end grand prize of a free cruise.
Cruise Planners will host a cruise night on October 6 from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Palmetto Club located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in FishHawk Ranch where clients can learn more about Cruise Planners and the new Royal Carribean Oasis of the Seas, which will be the largest cruise ship in the world when she debuts in December 2009. Representatives from the US Postal Service will be on hand to take applications for passports and to answer questions on the new regulations concerning passports. Lights refreshments will be provided by Bellafia Chocolate Boutique and Lah-Tea-Dah.
Founded in 1994, Cruise Planners is an American Express Travel Services Representative national cruise agency headquartered in Coral Springs, that operates a franchised network of more than 700 experienced travel professionals who independently book cruises and other associated travel. Leybovich has also earned many personal awards and is one of the top franchisees within Cruise Planners. She is currently one of the finalists for home based business of the year through the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call at Leybovich 657-0844, or visit www.cruisesforu.com.
Hospital Welcomes New CNO
“Susan Laber, RN, BSN, MHA, CHCQM, has been promoted to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Brandon Regional Hospital,” says Mike Fencel, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, “replacing Cheryl Goforth who was promoted to CNO at Trident Health Systems, in Charleston, South Carolina.”
Prior to assuming this role, Laber was the Interim CNO for several months, as well as Assistant CNO at Brandon, from 2006-2008. Since her promotion, Laber and her family have relocated from the Sarasota area to FishHawk Ranch.
Laber’s vision for her nursing team can be boiled down to “do what is right for patients first and inspire others to do the same thing. The opportunity lies in providing an environment where patients are the number one priority; use data to make positive changes; challenge the status quo and create a positive culture where nurses want to work.”
For more information, call the hospital at 571-5105.
Bonefish Grill Awarded Top Honors
Consumers have voted and the results are in: Bonefish Grill has been awarded the Platinum Award in the seafood category at this year’s Consumers’ Choice in Chains Awards. Platinum is the highest honor. The annual survey, conducted by Restaurants & Institutions magazine and now in its 28th year, is considered a key measure of success for restaurant chains across the nation.
For the 2008 awards, more than 3,100 consumers were asked to rate 120 restaurant brands on eight customer satisfaction attributes: food quality, menu variety, value, service, atmosphere, cleanliness, reputation and convenience.
“We are especially thrilled that this award is voted on by consumers,” says John Cooper, President of Bonefish Grill. “It means our customers appreciate the lengths we go to in delivering an exceptional dining experience. Congratulations and thanks go to our teams across the country.”
Patricia Daily, Restaurants & Institutions’ publisher, says, “The R&I Consumers’ Choice in Chains awards is a people’s choice award that conveys to the industry and beyond which restaurants have earned consistent business and guest loyalty and why.”
Complete survey results are available through Restaurants & Institutions magazine (www.rimag.com).
For more information and sample menu from the restaurant, visit www.bonefishgrill.com.
Winn-Dixie Helps Hurricane Victims
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. announced recently that customers can help their neighbors affected by the 2008 hurricane season by simply donating at any neighborhood Winn-Dixie.
Winn-Dixie is implementing its “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program in all of its 521 stores as a way to assist the American Red Cross, which has seen its Disaster Relief Fund depleted after an active year of disasters.
The Red Cross provided food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the communities affected by the storms that battered Florida and the Gulf Coast during the past month. Similar efforts across the country have forced the Red Cross to launch a national drive to raise $100 million to keep the Disaster Relief Fund afloat.
Winn-Dixie customers will find “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” donation sheets available at all registers, where they can donate an amount between $0.50 and $500 directly to the American Red Cross. The cashier will scan the Neighbors Helping Neighbors donation sheet, which automatically adds the amount designated by the customer to the total bill.
“Our neighbors face a long and difficult recovery process, and we want to do everything we can to help them,” says Terry Grooms Derreberry, Winn-Dixie manager of corporate giving. “Our hearts go out to those who were impacted by these storms.”
The American Red Cross provides immediate response in more than 70,000 disasters each year through its Disaster Relief Fund. Disasters include fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and tornadoes. Contributions to the relief fund are used to provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to victims as needed.
The Winn-Dixie in the Bloomingdale Plaza at 179 Bloomingdale Ave. can be reached at 681-7337. For more information, please visit www.winn-dixie.com.
Bleu Donates Special Day For Victim
There has been a recent outpouring of support from the community for the East Bay High School student who was attacked at Bloomingdale Library in April. Read more
Around Town
Sweetbay Offers Cooking Classes
Sweetbay is now offering the “Taste the Passion Cooking Class” every second Saturday of every month from 1-2 p.m. Call 643-5564 or see the store, located at 16751 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, for more details.
Companies Unite
TRW and Associates, Inc. of Tampa is pleased to announce that it recently signed a five year, multi-million dollar agreement with Gramercy Capital Corporation (NYSE: GKK) to provide the company with project management, consulting and facilities management on all building and construction projects all while helping it conserve energy and waste. The scope of work includes overseeing approximately 11 million sq. ft. for 900 banking facilities, including branch locations for Bank of America, Wachovia and Fifth Third banks. The joint venture is slated to begin in July and marks one of TRW’s largest contracts in company history. TRW has been mindful of the environment and dedicated to “green” service since its conception in 2003.
Concert Series Continues into August
Summer is far from over, so gather up your beach blankets, chairs, friends and neighbors every Friday night through August to catch FishHawk’s Annual Summer Concert Series with performances on: August 1 featuring The GoDaddies, a current rock and dance band with just the right amount of classics thrown in. The GoDaddies possess a wide range sound with three part harmonies and a song list to be enjoyed by all; on August 8, Crystal Blue, a four-piece band that features four lead vocalists, all with distinctive styles, returns to center stage to rock out the park; on August 15, Yesterdayz, a 60s tribute band, will take residents back to the decade of peace, love and rock and roll with the popular sounds of the 1960s; on August 22, Disco Inferno, a 70s tribute band, will surely have you grooving and moving to some of the best disco songs of all time; on August 29, Revenge of the Spazmatics makes its first appearance, center stage, with popular hits from the 1980s. The Summer Concert Series is free and open to the public being held at Park Square at FishHawk Ranch, located at 16144 Churchview Dr. in Lithia, every Friday night through August beginning at 7 p.m. For additional information on scheduled performances, please visit www.fishhawkconnect.com or call 654-6360.
Village Players Perform
The Village Players present Noises Off, the brilliant, award-winning comedy by Michael Frayne. It will take place at the James McCabe Theater, located at 506 5th St. in Valrico, on August 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 with all proceeds benefiting the restoration of the theater as well as future community events and programs. For more information, call 657-1834 or visit www.villageplayers.scriptmania.com.
Resident Donates Locks to Charity
Lauren Crisp, recent graduate of Newsome High School, has been letting her hair grow this last year to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. This charity uses donated hair to make wigs for women affected by cancer. Stylist Leah Almeida of Studio Tripp, located at 4340 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia Plaza, cut Crisp’s hair for the donation.
Walk Against Pediatric Cancer
The Cure Kids Cancer Challenge will be taking place on Saturday, September 13, at Park Square in FishHawk Ranch. Residents are encouraged to register at 7:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. start, choosing from the 5K Walk/Fun-Run or the One Mile Family Walk. There will be food, festivities and family fun. The event is open to the public with a $25 per entrant fee or a cost of $100 per team, up to six participants. To register, visit fastercure.org or call 269-0955 with any questions.
Palmetto Club to Host Luau
The Palmetto Club at FishHawk Ranch, located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in Lithia, will be hosting the Tropical Island Luau on Friday, September 5, from 7-11 p.m. Tickets, costing $15 each, are to go on sale August 11. There will be hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and entertainment. For more information, contact the Osprey Club at 657-6629.
Residents Clean-up Buckhorn County Park
For five hot hours in July, 47 adults and children of the Buckhorn and Buckhorn Preserve subdivisions in Valrico volunteered their time to help clean-up the Buckhorn County Park. The joint effort was organized by the Buckhorn Homeowners Association and Buckhorn Preserve Homeowners Association. Buckhorn Park is a small eight-acre park that features a jogging trail, playground equipment, basketball court and green area. The volunteers pulled weeds, picked up trash and broken glass, sifted small debris from the playground sand, weed-wacked the fence and other areas, edged, spread two large pallets of mulch, cut tree limbs and mowed some of the areas. Jeff Mauch of the Hillsborough County Parks Department arranged to supply the mulch for the work. The volunteers celebrated their work by socializing during a hot dog barbecue picnic at 12 Noon on the work day. For more information, contact Ken Nailling, chairman of Buckhorn HOA’s Park & Security Committee, at 684-9688.
Auxiliary Donates $8,000 to Clinic
The Brandon Regional Hospital Auxiliary has contributed over $8,000 to the Dover Health Clinic, located at 14254 S.R. 574 in Dover, since 2000, prior to it being renamed after former Senator Tom Lee. The auxiliary has supported the Greater Brandon Community with over $750,000 in total scholarships and donations since its inception for over 31 years. The auxiliary’s main fundraising vehicle is through the two hospital gift shops, which the volunteers staff and purchase merchandise for throughout the year.
Help Stuff the Bus
The Kiwanis Clubs of Brandon and Sun City kicked off their first “Stuff the Bus” campaign today by delivering boxes to area businesses for the collection of school supplies. On August 7 from 7-8:30 a.m. residents are welcome to visit Kmart, located at 1602 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, to help fill an entire bus with school supplies which will be allocated to schools within the Brandon and South Shore areas. Drop boxes will also be located at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the Sun City Chamber of Commerce, Kmart, Music Showcase and Beef O’Brady’s in the local area (Call for drop point verification). For more information, visit www.brandonkiwanis.org.
GFWC Announces Scrapbooking Event
The GFWC Brandon Jr. Woman’s Club will be holding Santa in September Scrapbooking Croportunity to benefit its annual Children’s Holiday Party for underprivileged children in the Brandon area. The event will take place on September 20 at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, located at 3315 Bryan Rd. in Brandon, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The cost will be $25 which will include lunch, scrap space, snacks, a goodie bag and more. Vendors will be on hand along with classes and raffles. Any business who would like to donate a raffle prize will be advertised the day of the event. To register or donate an item, please contact Becky Goble at agoble@aol.com or 651-9333.
Leadership Brandon Alumni Night
On August 15, from 6:30-11:30 p.m. the Leadership Brandon Alumni Ninth Annual Casino Night will be held at the Palmetto Club located in FishHawk Ranch at 17004 Dorman Rd. in Lithia. Tickets are on sale for $30. For more information, call Aubrey Primrose at 244-5525 or by e-mail at aprimrose@sptimes.com or call Miranda Avecillas at 765-1021 or by e-mail at Miranda.avecillas@wachovia.com.
Local Troop Visits New Mexico
In June, Troop 610 of Lithia visited Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. According to Troop Leader Peter Williams, Philmont has enormous mountains, the likes of which never seen in Florida. There are towering pines and thick copses of aspens, trickling streams, and a brilliant blue sky. Out at Philmont, one can see the stars undiluted by any city lights, shining in all their glory. On Mount Baldy’s peak, which is 12,441 feet above sea level, one can see the entire camp in its glory, stretching out in thick forests and diamond sheets of water. Along with the view from Baldy, the troop hiked about 80 miles in 11 days, usually gaining about 200 feet of elevation every day. Most days, while hiking, the troop would have Philmont programming, which entailed tomahawk throwing, branding, lassoing, tree climbing, a challenge course including a line of tire swings and a climbing wall, rock climbing, repelling and horseback riding. The troop saw the top of Tooth of Time, deep valleys, babbling streams, and many incredible animals. There were bears, rattlesnakes, chipmunks, mule deer and mountain lions. Then there was Felipe Alajandro Cortez. Felipe was the troop’s burro for three days, but it seemed much longer. He never really wanted his saddle, so he was prone to take off down the road. He also dragged two of his handlers in his sprints and kicked three people. One day at a staff camp, a kitten spooked him, causing him to chase the entire staff onto their porch. Overall, the troop found Felipe to be a lovely addition to the group. The group delighted in the exquisite adventure it took part in. For more information, visit www.troop610.net.
Girl Scouts Promotes New Program
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida assumed the lead role for the Florida Girls Collaborative Project (FGCP), a project that informs and motivates girls and young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related fields. The FGCP offers a number of resources for collaborating partners to implement STEM programs for girls and young women across the state and brings together leading organizations to share resources and collaborate on future STEM projects. This year, the FGCP will host its annual conference at the University of Central Florida’s Student Union in Orlando. The conference, held on Friday, October 10, will bring together lead organizations from across the state to learn more about mini-grant funding, successful STEM projects, evaluation methods and networking. To find out more, contact GSWCF Director of Program Services Amy Foster at afoster@gswcf.org or (800) 881-4475, ext. 210 or at 262-1764. Those interested in learning more about the programs can visit www.ngcproject.org/directory.
League Unveils Fall Season
The FishHawk Youth Baseball League will host a fall baseball season at the new FishHawk Sports Complex from September 2-November 22. Registration will be held at the complex’s concession building on Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, August 21, from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, August 23, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for the FishHawk Youth Baseball League as well as the Miss Tampa Bay Softball League. On Wednesday, August 27, from 6-9 p.m. only registration for baseball will be held. The fees are $65 for T-Ball, $85 for Rookie/Minor Divisions and $105 for Major/Junior Divisions (with paid umpire). The team will have a football friendly schedule. For more information, please log onto www.fishhawksports.org or e-mail vintille@aol.com.
Rookies Holds Tryouts
Rookies Academy will be holding tryouts for boys ages 8-14 for the Seminoles AAU Baseball Teams. Tryouts will begin on Saturday, August 2. The team is located in the Brandon area. Also, Rookies Academy will start taking registration for after-school programs starting at the beginning of the new school year. It will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4 p.m. If interested, please call 857-2847 for times and place. For more information, visit www.rookies-bsa.com.
BSAC Offers Free VPK
The Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center Academy of Early Learning, located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon, is offering free VPK (voluntary pre-kindergarten). All children who turn age 4 by September 1, 2008 are eligible. The VPK program at the BSAC Academy of Early Learning addresses all aspects of your child’s cognitive, socio-emotional and physical development. It has four available options to suit your family’ busy schedule: 8-9 a.m.-Early Drop off; 9 a.m.–12 Noon-VPK; 12 Noon–2:30 pm-Lunch & Longer; and 2:30–6:30 p.m.-All Stars Program. Or choose all four. Space is limited, so register today. Contact Kim Dearth at 689-0908 or at kdearth@mybsac.org for more information.
Dinner & a Show at Little Harbor
Death Bemoans Her will be performed on Thursday, August 7, from 6-10 p.m. at The Resort and Club at Little Harbor located at 611 Destiny Dr. in Ruskin. The cost is $50 per person which includes dinner and drinks. Get your team together and solve the mystery of the murder at the special meeting of the Gazillionaire Girls Group. Proceeds from this event go to the Ruskin Honorary Mayor Campaign of Mary Ann Wilhelm, president of Wilhelm Heating and Air Conditioning. Charities benefiting from this campaign are the Scholarship Fund of the SouthShore Charter Chapter ABWA and Deputy’s Darlin’s. For more information, call 645-3291.
Young Writer’s Workshop Announced
A fun, fabulous and free workshop for aspiring writers ages 11-18 is offered by creative writing instructor and author of nine books, Debora M. Coty. Come and laugh while you learn. The Young Writer’s Workshop will be from 10 a.m.- 12 Noon on Saturday, August 9 at the Brandon Barnes & Noble bookstore in Brandon. For more information, call 681-7516 or e-mail dcoty@earthlink.net.
Paint at Center Place
Center Place, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B, in Brandon, is offering the Art of Acrylic Painting with instructor Harvey Berman. Beginners, intermediate and advanced students will be introduced to the application of color by the use of palette knifes, brushes and the methods of glazing. Subject matter will be either by instructors’ choice or students’ preference. Subject matter can be either landscapes, still life or seascapes. Students will also be introduced to the basics of painting portraits as the sessions progress. The supply list will be provided. The class runs through August 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The fee for members is $40 while non-members pay $50. Another class will run through September 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 1-3 p.m. The fee for members is $40 while non-members pay $50. For more information, call 685-8888.
Boating Safety and Seamanship Course
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 74 of Brandon, located at 3006 S. Kings Ave. in front of J.C. Handley Park, will be offering a Boating Safety and Seaman (BS&S) course in the Brandon area designed to help the new and average boater improve on their skills and knowledge to be a safer recreational boater. The BS&S course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Lab Administrators. Successfully completing the course with a passing grade qualifies the participant to become eligible for a state issued boating education ID card. Many insurance companies offer boat insurance discounts. The fee is $50 (and only $45 for each additional family member) which includes materials. The presentation will be held Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. beginning August 11 for nine weeks, not including Labor Day. To pre-register, call 1-800-704-4216 or go to www.cgaux74.org. The Flotilla also offers free Vessel Safety Checks the first and third Saturdays of every month at Williams Park in Riverview at the boat ramp on the Alafia River. For information, contact Robert Lowry at 685-3130.
BSAC Offers New Program
The Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center will kick off its new Kaleidoscope Home School Program with an open house on Tuesday, August 5 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon and from 5-7 p.m. Home school parents and children will have an opportunity to tour the facility and meet program coaches. The program begins Tuesday, September 2 and runs from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. Registered students will experience swimming, diving, gymnastics, martial arts, self defense, tennis, track and field and arts and crafts. The first session ends December 9, and all students will receive a certificate of completion for their home school portfolios. For more information, please call 689-0908.
