Band of Brothers Hosts Dinner
Bell Shoals Baptist Church’s Band of Brothers is hosting its annual Sportsmen’s Night scheduled for Monday, September 22, featuring Lt. Colonel Buck “Ballistic” Burney who has over 3,000 hours flying many of our nation’s top fighters, including the F-16 and the F-15. After September 11 terrorist attacks, Buck was one of only three commanders given the incredible responsibility of authorizing the downing of a commercial airliner if deemed necessary. Tickets are $20 each or you may purchase a table for eight for $120. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m.
Tickets and more information are available at www.bsbcmen.com, clicking on “Sportsmen Dinner” or call 689-4229.
Fall Brunch Held by Women’s Connection
Brandon Christian Women’s Connection will host a Fall Brunch on Monday, October 13, from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the Special Events Center at Bell Shoals Baptist Church. The cost will be $12 with speaker Marti Rogers in attendance. Please bring a food item which will be collected for a community food bank. To make reservations, call Bobbi at 657-8632, e-mail, barbara_gardner4@yahoo.com or mail checks to Barbara Harvey, 7608 Loghouse Rd., Plant City, FL 33565.
South Brandon Celebrates 20 Years
South Brandon Worship Center, 4929 Bell Shoals Rd., is turning 20. To celebrate its anniversary, it is helping you simplify. A message series on “The Simple Life” will take place during October and November Worship Services at 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. There will also be dramatic performances, great music, free food and a free gift for every visitor.
For more information, call 661-2273, ext. 221, or visit www.southbrandon.org.
Drink Tea for Cancer
On Saturday, October 4, from 1-3 p.m., over 350 women will gather together to raise awareness and help raise money for breast cancer research at a Pink Ribbon Tea hosted by St. Andrew’s United Methodist church located on 3315 Bryan Rd. The Pink Ribbon Tea has been an annual tradition at St. Andrew’s United Methodist church for six years. For more information, contact Lynn Nankervis at 689-6849, ext. 207.
Troop Helps Out Church
St. Mark United Church of Christ, located at 2419 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico, shows signs of revitalization. Although St Mark has been the home of Boy Scout Troop 466 for many years, the past few months have shown a developing relationship between the troop and the congregation. In March, the troop, parents and the congregation worked together to give the outside of the church a face lift. It was fantastic to watch and participate in Jason Hick’s Eagle Scout project. Proud of this landmark project, Eagle Scout candidate Chris Perry seeks to revitalize the interior of St. Mark UCC by inviting scouts, their parents and the congregation to paint the sanctuary and fellowship hall.
For more information, call 685-0998.
C.A.I. Announcements
Concerned Action, IncHRIST will hold Orientation on thought-action process, repressed anger, grace, forgiveness and choosing a happier life the first and third Monday of each month, from 7-9:30 p.m., September 15 and October 6 and 20, at C.A.I.’s office, located at 3813 Ravenna Dr. in Valrico and the third Friday of each month from 12:30-4 p.m., October 17, at Lighthouse Gospel Mission, 7211 S. 78th St. – Riverview. Canoeing, Rope Swings and Family Fun will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on September 19 and October 18. At the I Am HOPE Café a free hot meal, help and referral assistance to the homeless, needy singles and families in our community will be provided every Saturday, from 9-10:30 a.m. at 114 N. Kingsway Ave. in Brandon. The Share and Prayer Group’s Journey through the Bible is covering one book of the Bible at a time at the groups pace every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at CAI’s Office.
Local Resident Accepted to Bethel
Bethel College of Admissions Office would like to announce the acceptance of Jerry Clark for the fall 2008 semester. Clark graduated from Bloomingdale High School and is the son of Jerry and Laurie Clark of Valrico. For more information on Bethel College programs, scholarship opportunities or athletics, call 731-352-4030.
Stroller Strides Announces New Times
With the summer weather cooling off and school back in session, all Stroller Strides classes will begin at 9 a.m. in September. Lithia classes at FishHawk Ranch Community will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Brandon classes at Brandon Parkway will be held every Tuesday and Thursday. For more information about Stroller Strides Tampa, call Ginger Couden at 394-7754 or visit www.strollerstrides.com.
Ducks Unlimited Meets at Elks Lodge
The members of Ducks Unlimited’s East Hillsborough Chapter, No. FL 089, will
hold their annual Banquet and Auction on Saturday evening, September 27, at the Brandon Elk’s Lodge. Duck’s Unlimited, with one million supporters and members, is the world’s largest waterfowl, wetland and wildlife conservation organization. Since its inception in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has raised nearly $2 billion to conserve and enhance nearly 11 million acres of habitat throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
For more information, contact Frank L. Schiele Jr. at 685-0365 or Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee at 901-758-3825.
Victorian Tea Room Hosts High Tea
Don’t miss this chance to join Tracie L Arnold of Past and Present Creations and Jewelry Designer Jill Bailey for Afternoon Tea and High Fashion on Sunday, September 28, from 1-4 p.m. at the Victorian Grace Tea Room located at 616 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. Travel back in time for a very feminine and fun event as you view the timeless pieces of jewelry and fashion of that era. Victorian and Edwardian attire is welcomed and encouraged but not necessary. After, enjoy the Afternoon Tea, served on a beautifully presented three tiered tray with mouth watering scones, finger sandwiches, desserts, tea and more. A raffle will be held to benefit Concerned Parents for Autistic Children.
For information or reservations, please call Joy at 653-2662.
Chorus to Bring Down House
Holding the 2008 Sweet Adeline International title of “World’s Most Entertaining Chorus,” the Toast of Tampa Show Chorus is sure to bring the house down with its exciting, family-friendly entertainment package entitled “Standing Room Only” at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center’s Ferguson Hall on Sunday, September 21, at 3 p.m. Laced with comedy and humor, this crowd-pleasing event will also showcase 2007 BHS men’s international gold medalist quartet MaxQ as well as SAI 2008 finalist quartet Moxie Ladies. The Toast of Tampa Show Chorus has been active in the Tampa Bay arts community for over 20 years and is dedicated to advancing barbershop singing in a most contemporary way through dynamic choreography and beautiful harmonies.
Tickets for its upcoming show are priced from $20 to $35 and can be purchased by calling 837-3407 or 294-3226. For more information, visit www.toastoftampa.org.
Health Forum Series Begins
Alafia Village, an assisted living facility located at 3918 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon, is hosting the first in a series of Senior Health Forums beginning October 9. At 6:30 p.m., a guest speaker from Johnnie Byrd Institute will be available to discuss the newest research and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Dessert and coffee will be served.
Please RSVP to Alafia Village Assisted Living Facility at 662-1535 by October 6.
Pregnancy Center Changes Name
Brandon Care Pregnancy Center has changed its name to LifeCare of Brandon. The facility is also holding “Gala of Hope” at the Tampa Convention Center, located at 333 S. Franklin St. in Tampa, on October 2.
For more information, call 654-0491.
Ministry Announces Holiday Schedule
The Cynthia Pinckney Ministries’ next feeding is September 20, at Able Body Labor, located at 12006 Martin Luther King in Seffner, from 12 Noon–2:30 p.m. There are only two remaining training classes offered for serving at the 2008 Community Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners. The 5th Annual Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner will be held at the Bill Carey Boys and Girls Club, located at 213 N Knights Ave. in Brandon, from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Everyone involved in the set-up on Wednesday, November 26, and the completion of set-up early Thanksgiving morning, will be contacted as to what time to report. Finger foods and drinks will be served on Wednesday evening for anyone coming directly from work.
If you are interested in volunteering, please register for either September 27 or October 25 by calling 571–1556 or emailing cp@cynthiapinckneyministries.org.
Quit Smoking Through Acupuncture
Healing Light Acupuncture Clinic, located at 4367 Lynx Paw Trl. in Valrico, will be conducting a stop smoking seminar. It will be held Wednesday, October 15, at 7:30 p.m. A revolutionary, new electronic cigarette that dispenses nicotine and smoke just like a real cigarette without the harmful side affects of a tobacco cigarette will be released.
Call 657-2640 to reserve your spot.
Walk Held for Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation is hosting its 1st Annual Creaky Bones 5k and One Mile Walk, featuring the Trick or Treat Trot, on October 25. The event is being held at the Plant City YMCA, located at 1507 YMCA Place in Plant City. There will be a children’s costume contest, door prizes, food and lots of fun.
Contact Brenda Truffa at 417-6924 or btruffa@aol.com for more information.
Valrico Retirees Mark Social Security’s 73rd Birthday
Activists with the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans recently presented a card and cake to the Valrico Social Security Administration Office, located at 1947 S.R. 60 E.in Valrico, to celebrate the program’s 73rd birthday. On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law with the words, “We can never insure one hundred percent of the population against one hundred percent of the hazards and vicissitudes of life, but we have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age.”
Learn more about the organization’s goals and sign up for its free newsletter at www.FLARA.org.
Knights of Columbus Support Veterans
Knights of Columbus Assembly #1850, an international Catholic family fraternal service, recently visited veterans at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Nursing Home and Fisher House, in a program aimed at “Serving Those Who Served.”
Stephen Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Council 14084, located at 5049 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico, announces Blue Mass 2008 on Wednesday, September 17, at 7 p.m. to be held at St. Stephen Catholic Church. The annual event honors police, fire, EMT and other first responder personnel. For more information, call 689-4900.
Rotary Holds Casino Night
Brandon Rotary Club, having donated $70,000 to local charities, will hold its annual Casino Night on September 19 at Best Western Brandon, located at 9331 Adamo Dr., from 7-10 p.m. A $35 donation per person for casino games, dinner buffet and door and casino prizes is requested. There will also be a $200 Texas Hold’em Tournament.
For tickets, please call 361-3412 or 335-6016 or email kpontillo@verizon.net or casinoanight@verizon.net.
Macy’s Donates to Charities
Macy’s announced its third annual Shop for a Cause charity shopping event, which has raised nearly $19 million over the past two years for charities across the U.S. This year’s Shop for a Cause day will take place in all Macy’s stores and on macys.com on Saturday, September 20.
Brandon Outreach Hosts Garage Sale
The Brandon Outreach Clinic is hosting a huge garage sale on Saturday, October 4, beginning at 8 a.m. at the clinic, which is located at 517 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. All proceeds will be used to help the clinic provide free medical treatment for the uninsured in the community. All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Donations need to be received by September 30.
Please contact Debbie or Gail at 654-1388 if you have any new or gently used items that you would care to donate to this worthy cause.
Dog Gone Holistic Events
On September 27, Dog Gone Holistic, located at 5620 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. in Lithia, will offer a Holistic Pet Nutrition Seminar held by Dr. Frances (Lea) E. Baker, DVM. It is a two-hour, free seminar from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. It is free to attendees with a minimum donation of $10 for a local pet rescue group to secure a seat. Sign-up and donation suggested.
Please call 651-0842 or visit www.doggoneholistic.biz for more information.
Delaney Creek Kicks Off Garage Sale
The Delaney Creek Garage Sale will be held on Friday, September 26, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 320 S. Lakewood Dr. in Brandon. It is open to the public and there will be several food and snack options for sale.
For more information, call 655-8858.
Upcoming Events for YP Brandon
The upcoming events for YP Brandon are as follows:
Professional development seminar, “Turning Knowledge Into Action,” to be held at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce located at 330 Pauls Dr. in Brandon on September 16 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Meeting at Stonewood Grill & Tavern located at 612 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon on Tuesday, September 23, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Networking social to be held at Tres Amigos Cantina located at 2025 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon on October 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
On September 25, River Hills Golf & Country Club will play host to the 13th Annual Golf Tournament. Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Sponsors and players can register the same day of event starting at 10:30 a.m.
Call 653-1554 for information.
For more information regarding YP Brandon, contact Bernadette Casey at 689-1221, ext. 20 or bcasey@brandonchamber.com.
YMCA to Host Hispanic Community Forum
Residents are invited to attend a Hispanic Community Forum led by Orlando Nieves, general manager of CENTRO Mi Diario, on September 30, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Brandon Family YMCA located at 3097 S. Kingsway Rd. in Seffner. During the event, staff hopes to learn more about how the YMCA can support and serve Hispanic families and children through its sports, summer camps, exercise facilities, classes and outreach programs. Refreshments will be provided, and free childcare is available for children 7 and under. For directions, call 685-5402. To reserve a space, please call Sarah Vincent at 263-6097.
Center Place Offer Contemporary Painting
Center Place, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon, will offer Contemporary Painting Techniques with Greg Manley, instructor. Students will learn basic and advanced painting techniques working with a variety of painting mediums, including mixed media. Students will also learn color theory, basic composition and realistic and abstract techniques. Basic acrylic paints and brushes required. Other supplies needed will be discussed in classed. Classes will be on Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Classes also to be held on Tuesdays, November 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The fee for members is $40; non-members $50.
For more information, call 685-8888.
Come Out and Dance
Saturday Night Dance Party will be held on September 20, from 7-10:30 p.m. at Plant City Plaza located at 1405 Collins St. in Plant City. Dance to the music with Mike and Peg.
Call Donna at 340-9433 for more information.
Girl Scouts Clean Closets for Charity
Girl Scout Troop 931 of Valrico cleaned out its closets and asked friends and families in to help it gather gently used women and children’s clothing and toys for The Spring of Tampa Bay. The Junior Girl Scouts earned their Bronze Award by helping The Spring, an organization which provides shelter and assistance to abused and neglected women and children. Those who earned the Bronze Award include: Hope Clinton, Samantha Gray, Marisa Collado, Ashtyn Lowry, Savanna Picariello, Ella Larsen, Haleigh Fitzpatrick-Owen and Ashley Foran.
Company Helps Booster Clubs
North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) is available to help with any and all booster clubs, church groups, band, music, fellowship groups, drum corps, softball, football, soccer, basketball, etc. NABCA and Kidz-IDz have united with their partnership aiming to achieve three goals, raise $500 million for NABCA booster clubs, distribute 25 million free Kidz-IDz child photo ID cards and increase the number of markets served by
Enjoy the City, coupon book, from 135 to 240. Enjoy The City, the nation’s premier coupon book fundraising company is creating custom coupon books for NABCA, which will be sold by booster clubs, sports teams and youth groups across the country, providing a valuable, healthy fundraiser for countless children’s programs. Each participating booster club will receive a voucher for $100 off the NABCA annual enrollment fee of $195 which entitles them to a host of benefits including leadership training, professional guidance, discounted insurance opportunities and so much more.
Interested parties should visit www.etcfundraising.com for more information.
