Pick’n & Sing’n at The Farm
Residents are invited to bring their guitar, banjo, fiddle or other instruments and join the fun with talented local residents singing about God and country at The Farm, located at 7818 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia the last Friday of each month – this month’s being November 27 – at 7 p.m. Donations are appreciated.
For more information, call 967-3046 or visit http://thefarmusa.com.
Delight your Senses at Sweetbay’s Taste of the Holidays
You’re invited to celebrate FishHawk’s Sweetbay Supermarket’s 5th anniversary on Thursday November 5 from 4-7 p.m. Kick off the holidays with a sampling of holiday favorites.
FishHawk Ranch Cultural Festival
Savor the flavor of each country during the global affair at this year’s FishHawk Ranch Cultural Festival on Sunday, November 15, from 11am – 1pm at the beautiful, Palmetto Club.
You may choose to participate in the event as a sponsor, or attend as a guest. We’re looking for examples of music, dance, art, clothing, food and other signature items from different countries. Ultimately, we’d like to create a diverse atmosphere, featuring as many countries from around the world as possible. This is a great opportunity for local restaurants to set-up a table with samples of their finest foods, or beverages. Choose a country to showcase and bring food/beverage samples that are popular in that country. In addition, residents may participate by providing props, stories, crafts, or other items that they’ve collected from traveling (it does not have to be a food/beverage sample).
If you plan on attending as a guest, passports (tickets) are on sale at the Osprey Club. Admission is $5 per person, ages 3 and up. Residents and guests outside of FishHawk Ranch are welcome. If you are interested in participating, email Jennifer Palermo at jpalermo@fhrhoa.com, or call the Osprey Club at 654-6360.
‘Swimmin’ with the Fishes
Ms. Cyndi’s Corner Cafe announces “Fish Anytime”. Building on the success of her Friday Night Fish Fry, Cyndi will now offer Fish ‘n Chips Tuesday-Saturday during normal business hours 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The meal comes with an 8-9oz portion of hand-breaded Haddock, plus your choice of cole slaw, potato salad or fresh-cut fries. Also available is a huge Fish Sandwich for $6 at lunchtime Tue-Sat 11a.m.-2 p.m.
Ms. Cyndi’s, located at 3327 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in the Albertson’s Plaza, is also open for lunch only on Mondays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (no fish).
Divine Designs “One Divine Evening”
Divine Designs celebrates 10 years of excellence with “One Divine Evening” on Saturday, November 14 from 5-9 p.m. Join them for an evening filled with fun, food, and friends. $25 per person (bring a friend for $20). For reservations, call 661-3737.
TADA presents “The Nutcracker”
This Christmas, you have the perfect opportunity to start a new family tradition or continue an old one by seeing the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” a young girl’s dream of the wonders and magic of Christmas brought to life in music and dance. Theatre Arts & Dance Alliance will be presenting a full-length performance of this beloved story at Riverview High School auditorium, 11311 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, on Saturday, December 19th at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at TADA after November 1 Monday-Thursday 9-1 p.m. and Friday 3-7 p.m. TADA is located at 16711 FishHawk Blvd. For more info, call 571-0901.
Master Gardner Clinic Offered at Bloomingdale Regional Library
On Wednesday, November 4 from 7- 8 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Regional Library, Monica Brandies, Brandon News garden writer and author of 10 garden books, will present a program on “Easy Ways to Grow and Use Herbs”. The library is located at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico.
No pre-registration is required for this informative program. Call 661-8452 for more info.
Shop for the Holidays While Benefiting Organization
Word O Mouth Referrals presents its Holiday Shoppe on Sunday, November 1, from 2-5 p.m. at Music Showcase, located at 402 Oakfield Ave. in Brandon, with proceeds benefiting the Florida Academy of Performing Arts. We will have Mary Kay Cosmetics, Gold Canyon Candles and Just Jewelry and more. Fifteen percent of all sales will go to Florida Academy of Performing Arts.
For more information, email Bonnie Tekampe at bonnie@wordomouthreferrals.com.
Residents Needed to Start Community Garden
Oracle Farms owner Andy Grim is asking those interested in starting a community garden to contact him, with his land, located at 1003 Myrtle Rd. in Valrico, being offered up to create the garden.
For more information, call 689-1814
Live Radio Show Broadcasts at Onething Prayer
Community In Touch with Mike and Sherry Moore will be broadcasting live at Onething Prayer, located at 777 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon, on the third Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
To learn more, visit www.communityintouch.org or www.onethingprayer.com.
Watch the Game at Formaggio’s
Come find out why Formaggio’s was voted the best pizza in Brandon. Join residents every Monday to watch Monday night football. The doors are open from 4 p.m. until the end of the game. It is located at 5622 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia.
For more information, call 643-1418.
Operation Holiday Support Announced
October is the kick off month for the Brandon Junior Woman’s Club annual Operation Holiday Support running through Monday, November 30. There are two ways the community can support the troops – drop off items at one of the drop off locations indicated below or adopt a box by donating $12.50, which is price to ship a box to a soldier. Donation checks can be made payable to Brandon Jr. Woman’s Club, P.O. Box 66, Brandon, FL 33509. The drop-off locations for supplies are:
Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, 3234 S. Miller Rd., Valrico
Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, 1370 Oakfield Dr., Brandon
Berg & Wheeler Law Firm, 217 E Robertson St., Brandon
Tassels Home Decorative Fabric & Trim, 3239 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico
Pottery Patch, 2551 E. S.R. 60 (Sweetbay shopping center), Valrico
TJ Maxx, 2520 W. Brandon Blvd., Regency Square, Brandon
A comprehensive list of items can be e-mailed by contacting Donna Johnson-Griffin at donnaleegriffin@aol.com. Please indicate Operation Holiday Support 2009 on the subject line. If you have any questions, please call Johnson-Griffin at 244-4758.
Celebrate Boxer Bash
Celebrate family, fun and Fido at the annual Boxer Bash – Wags ‘n’ Wiggles on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Al Lopez Park, located at 4810 N. Himes Ave. in Tampa. Bring your family and Fido and enjoy a day of food, shopping, contests, raffles, silent auction, prizes and a variety of both people and pet related vendors. Meet the Florida Boxer Rescue volunteers and our Boxers. All proceeds go directly to saving the boxers.
For additional information, please visit http://flbr.org/BoxerBash2009.html or call 1-888- 612-5782.
Multi-Platform Show Coming
Fantasy of Flight’s is hosting its Third Annual Roar n’ Soar two-day land, sea and air extravaganza on Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8. The All-American-themed, combination air show, classic car show and slalom race, boat show and regatta, water-ski show and extreme sports showcase will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the attraction’s spacious lakefront grounds and airfield at 1400 SE Broadway Blvd. in Polk City.
For more information, call 1-863-984-3500.
Musicians Invited to Join Band in Lithia
Musicians of all ages and levels of experience are invited to join a new community concert band practicing in Lithia at Grace Community United Methodist Church, located at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia, on Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. Anyone who can read music is invited to join. Musicians should provide their own instruments and music stands, however.
To join, contact Sandy Townsend at 864-0287 or communityband@me.com or Kim McCullers at kmccullers@iqidsales.com.
Chiropractor Trades Services for Food
Brandon Chiropractic Associates, located at 409 W. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon, is urging its existing patients to come in on the Tuesday, November 17, to get their treatments in exchange for a bag of food or clothing items to be donated. For the entire months of October and November, new patients will receive up to $225 worth of healthcare for the same donation.
For more information, call 685-7577 or 689-1883.
Brandon Ballet Announcements
Tickets for the Brandon Ballet’s The Nutcracker, taking place Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, are now on sale.
The Barnes and Noble Book Fair is supporting the Brandon Ballet on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m.-12 Noon, at the bookstore, located at 122 Brandon Town Center Dr. in Brandon. There will be The Nutcracker story time, tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy, autographs and pictures with costumed dancers and more. Present book fair ID 599100 from Thursday-Monday, November 5-9, and Barnes and Noble will donate a percentage to the Brandon Ballet.
Residents are also invited to Wine Exchange in Hyde Park for an afternoon of fine wine, food and company, on Sunday, November 1, from 2-4 p.m. for $50.
For tickets or more information, go to www.brandonballet.org or call 684-4282.
Poker Run Helps Benefit Guide Dogs
Paws for Patriots Poker Run, sponsored by the Old Town HOG Chapter (Brandon) and Southeastern Guide Dogs, starts and ends at Harley-Davidson of Brandon, located at 9841 Adamo Dr. with registration starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 21. This event will also feature a “poker walk” for those not able to ride, raffles, both a Chinese and silent auction, a swap meet, a chapter challenge, vendors and food.
Contact Cal Reimann for more information at 760-4757 or email fancy55@verizon.net.
Foundation Unveils An Evening of Hope
The Greater Brandon Community Foundation presents An Evening of Hope on Saturday, November 7, from 6-9 p.m. at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. Tickets are $50 per person. Corporate tables and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Call 689-6889 for information.
Chili’s Offers Fundraisers
Chili’s is offering Restaurant Nights with the local schools, where the restaurant gives the schools 10 percent back on the sales that they bring in to the restaurant on their particular day.
For more information, contact Managing Partner Cheryl Hammond at 653-7375.
Hall of Fame Dinner Announced
BHSAA Hall of Fame Dinner will take place on Thursday, November 12, at 6 p.m. in the Brandon High School dining hall, located at 1101 Victoria St. in Brandon. Prepaid reservations can be made by sending $15 per meal to Karen Rodriguez, 308 W. Jersey Ave., Brandon, FL 33510.
For more information, call 651-3261.
Flotilla Seeks Volunteers
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 74 Brandon is seeking volunteers interested in becoming members to conduct various kinds of patrols on Tampa Bay waterways, assist with Homeland Security duties, teach boating safety programs, conduct free vessel safety checks for the public and assist in public affairs and administration. Members must be at least 17 years old and a U.S. citizen.
For information, or to become a member, call 1-800-704-4216 or go to www.cgaux74.org.
Women’s Connection Hosts Local Talent
The Stonecroft Brandon Christian Women’s Connection announces Jeremy D. and Katie Silverman as the featured performing artists for its only 2009 fundraising event on Saturday, November 7, at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, located at 120 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon.
For more information, contact Michelle Burgess at 310-9518.
Shop Til You Drop at Nativity
Nativity Catholic Church, located at 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, will host Shop Til You Drop on Saturday, November 21, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be crafts, gifts and holiday decorations. It will be free admission.
For more information, call 689-9101.
Stonecroft Ministries Hosts Several Events
The Stonecroft Brandon Christian Women’s Connection meets for lunch on Thursday, November 19 at the Bell Shoals Special Events Center off Overhill Street at Bell Shoals Boulevard at 11 a.m. Cost is $12. Guest speaker is Mary Ellen House. Mary Ellen is an inspirational speaker and an energetic lady, full of life with a warm and happy spirit.
A Special Event is planned for Saturday November 7 at 7 p.m. to benefit Stonecroft Ministries. Jeremy D. and Katie Silverman will be featured performing artists for our only 2009 fund raising event at the First United Methodist Church, 120 Knights Ave., Brandon. The cost is $10. Jeremy D. and Katie Silverman are acclaimed and award-winning performing artists based in the Tampa Bay area. Jeremy is a nationally-recognized, Grammy-affiliated songwriter and producer who is also popular for his work as an accomplished singer/pianist. Jeremy and Katie will perform a variety of music including Broadway, original compositions, and Christian contemporary selections. They will feature several guest artists. Visit www.JeremyDSilverman.com for more info.
For details and further info, call Michelle at 310-9518.
Bell Shoals Celebrates Veterans and Girlfriends
Bell Shoals Baptist Church, located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon, will be hosting the following events: Veterans Appreciation Celebration on Sunday, November 8, at 5:30 p.m.; and A Girlfriend’s Christmas on Friday, November 20, at 7 p.m. A dessert reception will be held. Tickets are $15.
For more information, call 689-4229.
Paintball Aids Women’s Center
On Saturday, November 14, the WFC’s Fundraising Paintball Game – Take Back Tampa Bay – will open at 7:30 a.m. for registration and sign-in at the FishHawk Fellowship Church, located on 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. The game will raise funds for the Women’s Resource Center of Tampa.
This event is open to the public and pre-registration discounts are available by visiting www.wfcpaintball.com/nov14game.htm or Tiki’s Paintball Shop, located at 428 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon.
Yard Sale Benefits PTA
The Lithia Springs Elementary PTA will host a yard sale on Saturday, November 7, at 7 a.m. at the school, located at 4332 Lynx Paw Trl. in Valrico. Residents can rent a space for $10 or donate items for the group to sell. All proceeds go to the Lithia Springs Elementary PTA to benefit its students.
For more information or to rent a space, visit www.lsespta.com or contact Ivette Bauers at tbauers@tampabay.rr.com.
Openings Available at Life Academy
Children’s Life Academy has openings in its preschool, located at 3120 S. Miller Rd. in Valrico, open from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday – Friday for ages 2-5. It will be starting a free VPK program in November and any child who will begin kindergarten next year is eligible.
Please call 657-4802 or childrenslifeacademy@hotmail.com for more information.
Boot Camp Formed For Etiquette
Manners DO Matter is offering a two-hour etiquette boot camp starting in November at Sunset Bay Chapel, located at 6026 Churchside Dr. in Lithia, where children, ages 5-12, are exposed to the rules of table etiquette through discussion and role-play activities that include appropriate posture, place settings and acceptable conversations during a meal plus much more. Daytime and evening sessions are available, costing $29 per child, with a sibling discount available. The cost of the workshop includes a meal.
For more information, call Lisa Aber at 966-9787 or email mannersdomatter@verizon.net.
Kids Sculpt Clay
Kid’s Clay, for ages 5-13, will be led by instructor Donna Hall at Center Place, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B, in Brandon, on Tuesdays, November 3 and 17, from 5:15-6:15 p.m. The cost is $20 for members or $25 for non-members. Supplies are included in price per month.
For more information, call 685-8888.
School Celebrates Fall Festival
Pinecrest Elementary, located at 7950 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia, is having its annual Fall Festival on Friday, November 13, from 6-9 p.m., celebrating its third annual chili contest. There will be a silent auction, raffle items, games, bounce houses and lots of food. Entry is free. A $10 armband will be available for midway fun, which includes games, prizes and bounce houses. Children 4 and under are free.
For more information, call 744-8164.
Wannabe Scientists Welcome
Mad Science will be hosting classes at the Osprey Club in FishHawk Ranch, located at 5721 Osprey Ridge Dr. in Lithia, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 1:30 -4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23, Tuesday, December 29 and Wednesday, December 30. The cost is $45 per day or if all three days are chosen, $30 a day. For ages 5-12.
For more information, call 655-6643 or visit www.madscience.org.
Kids Welcome To Santa’s Workshop
The Second Annual Santa’s Holiday Workshop will be held at Center Place, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B, in Brandon, on Saturday, November 14, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for children grades kindergarten-fifth. Each child will receive a bag lunch and small gift. The price of admission to this event is two canned goods or one new toy that will be donated to a needy family that Center Place will sponsor for the holidays through the Cynthia Pinckney Ministries. A ticket is required.
Call 685-8888 for more information.
Tea Party Celebrates Book Series
Grace Christian School, located at 1425 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico, will be hosting a Girls ‘n Grace Tea Party with the creator and author of the Girls ‘n Grace dolls and book series Pam Davis on Saturday, November 7, at 12 Noon. There will be a fashion show of the girls with the dolls and their clothes. Adults cost $15 and children $10.
Please call the office at 689-8815 for reservations.
3POSTER
Performing Arts Academy Started
Brandon’s theatre and arts offerings are about to reach a whole new level with the arrival of the Florida Academy of Performing Arts. The academy will initially lease rehearsal and performance space from Music Showcase, located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon, offering classes and programs in acting, film, television, musical theatre, orchestra, rock band, jazz band, chorus, showchoir and public speaking, as well as education in the business of entertainment, planning a performing arts career, audition and casting workshops and an exciting new WebTV show featuring local actors.
For more information, contact Janet Frenkel at 244-8669 or visit www.floridaacademyofperformingarts.org.
Durant Drama Opens Season
The Durant High School theatre department opens its 2009 – 2010 season with “A Night of One Acts.” Drama students from Durant, Plant City, Valrico, and Lithia will be staging a night of three one act plays. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” “In the Wings,” and “Forbidden Broadway.” The show features the talents of Chris Tousignant and Mackenzie Jenkins of Valrico and Amanda Zappia and TyLynn Eben of Plant City. A Night of One Acts goes up November 5, 6, & 7 at Durant High School Auditorium. Curtain is at 7 p.m. Cost of admission is $5. Reservations can be made by contacting Mason at 813-757-9075 ext 280 or online at www.theatredurant.com.
Football Enthusiasts Welcome
Located at 6026 Churchside Dr. in Lithia, Sunset Bay Chapel’s First Annual Turkey Bowl will be held on Saturday, November 21, at 2:30 p.m., starting with games. There will be a gigantic blow up “Big Kahuna” slide and obstacle and a seven-on-seven touch football tournament for all ages. Champions of turkey bowl receive great prizes. The barbeque will begin at 5 p.m. The event is free. Residents must register by Wednesday, November 11.
For more information, contact Kody Kirchhoff at 210 0609 or email highschool@sunsetbaychapel.com.
Baseball League Announces Golf Tourney
The FishHawk Youth Baseball league is having its Second Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser on Friday, November 20, at the River Hills Country Club, located at 3943 New River Hills Pkwy. in Valrico, starting at 1 p.m. Food – sponsored by Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – and a drink will be provided, and there will be lots of great prizes. Residents can sign up for $80 per person or as a foursome for $300. Funds raised go towards the baseball teams and fields of the FishHawk Sports Complex in Lithia.
For more information, go to www.fishhawksports.org.
Girls Basketball Tryouts Held
The East Tampa Thunder will be holding open girls basketball tryouts on Sundays, November 1 and 8, at the Barrington Middle School outdoor courts, located at 5925 Village Center Dr. in Lithia, from 4-6 p.m. All sixth, seventh and eighth grade girls are invited to tryout.
For more information, please call 753-9174.
CAMPO YMCA Offers Competitive Youth Volleyball Team Coached by Olympian Keba Phipps
Rising youth volleyball stars can now train with two-time Olympian Keba Phipps at the Campo Family YMCA. Tryouts for the YMCA’s two 2010 competitive volleyball teams will be held on November 1 at the Campo YMCA from 1-3pm (14’s team) and 4-6pm (15’s team).
Athletes should arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled tryout time to register. Tryout fee is $40 per athlete, which is due on the day of tryouts. A USAV membership card is required at tryouts. For more information, call Christy Lowe at 684-1371 or email camposports@tampaymca.org.
Register Now for FishHawk Coyotes Lacrosse
Registration is currently underway for the spring program. “We had a very successful inaugural season last year and our expansion with the fall program this year was just as successful.
With the explosion of interest in the Coyotes lacrosse program, they are proud to announce the addition of a Middle School team (7th & 8th graders), as well as their Youth (5th & 6th graders) and Rec (1st – 4th graders) teams this upcoming season. Registration started last month and is full steam ahead, as 3 teams are already full. But space is still available on a first come first serve basis and you can register up until November 13. Practice will begin in December and the season runs January through April. For full details and to register your son or daughter today, check out the Coyotes website at www.fishhawkcoyoteslacrosse.com, or call Brian Lemon at #813-689-2070.
The fastest growing youth sport in America, lacrosse, has certainly found a home in Lithia at the FishHawk Sports Complex – home of the FishHawk Coyotes.
