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HOB NOB 2014

Mark your calendars for Eastern Hillsborough County’s premier political event—Hob Nob 2014—taking place on Tuesday, September 16 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at The Regent (6437 Watson Rd., Riverview). The Hob Nob is the perfect opportunity to visit one-on-one with the candidates vying for your vote. All attendees will be able to vote for their favorite candidates in the Hob Nob Straw Poll with results announced at 6:45 p.m. Attendees can also enjoy heavy hors d’oeurves and cash bar. Tickets are $10 for students, $20 for Brandon Chamber members, and $25 for general admission when purchased prior to event. Tickets will be $30 at the door. For more information, contact Laura Simpson at 813-680-1221 or lsimpson@brandonchamber.com.

SEPTEMBER 06 SATURDAY

18 THURSDAY

Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m.

507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help ECHO refresh its stock and raise money by purchasing discounted overstock clothes and small household items.

For more information, contact Joni Damico at 813-685-0935.

Beach Blanket Bunco for the Arts Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association | 6:30 p.m.

619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon Bunco is a game of dice, luck, social interaction, and prizes. No skill or experience is required. In addition to conversation and friendly competition, there will be dinner, refreshments, and a 50/50 raffle. At the end of the evening, five fun prizes will be awarded. Tickets are $20 per person.

For more information, call 813-685-8888.

13 SATURDAY

2014 Dash & Splash Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center Race time- 7:30 a.m.

405 Beverly Blvd., Brandon Register for one of the several races occurring throughout the day. 5K only (Before Race Day $25, Race day $40), Adult 2 Mile Run-1/4 Mile Swim-1 Mile Run Race ($25,$40), Adult 2 Mile Run-1/4 Mile Swim-1 Mile Run Relay ($50, $65), Kid’s Ages 7-10 1/2 Mile Run-100 Meter Swim Race ($15, $25) Kid’s Ages 11-14 1 Mile Run-200 Meter Swim ($20, $35). Trophies and Medals awarded to top 3 in each age group. Register online at mybsac.org.

For more information, call 813-680-0908.

Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m.

507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help ECHO refresh its stock and raise money by purchasing discounted overstock clothes and small household items.

For more information, contact Joni Damico at 813-685-0935.

14 SUNDAY My Big Fat Italian Funeral Murder Mystery Comedy Dinner Show Brandon Elks Lodge | 5 p.m.

800 Centennial Lodge Dr., Brandon Enjoy a hilarious family drama and a delicious dinner to support various Brandon Elks Club charities. Tickets are $25.

For more information, contact Linda Reid at 813-5033204.

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Co-founders of the Florida Inspirational Writers Retreat, Debora Coty and Ruth Carmichael Ellinger, welcome writers to the 2014 day-long event on October 4th at the Cedarkirk Conference Center in Lithia.

FLORIDA INSPIRATIONAL WRITERS RETREAT SET FOR OCTOBER 4, 2014

BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

A

ttention all writers and those interested in the craft: Register now for the Florida Inspirational Writers Retreat, scheduled for October 4 at CedarKirk Retreat & Conference Center in Lithia.

This fifth annual event features co-founders and workshop directors Debora M. Coty and Ruth Carmichael Ellinger, along with keynote speaker and former Florida Senator, Ronda Storms.

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Other session leaders include journalist Barbara Routen, author Terry O’Grady, marketing specialist Tim Barrios of Impact Media Creations, and author/ publisher Cheri Cowell of EA Books.

Attendees can also schedule 10-minute appointments on site to discuss their projects with Cowell and Barrios.

Registration before August 29 is only $95, a savings of $20 for sign-ups after that date and before the September

26 deadline. Members of Brandon Christian Writers are also entitled to a “Bring a Friend Discount,” for which each pays $75 instead of $115.

The event actually begins the previous evening at 6:30 with a “Night Owl Critique Session” to be held in room 305 of the Family Life Building at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 3315 Bryan Road in Brandon.

Those wishing to have their submissions

critiqued should bring 20 copies of maximum two-page manuscript, 500 words or less, double-spaced with oneinch margins. Each writer will receive valuable input from the panel of writing professionals.

Coty is a humorist, columnist, speaker, writing instructor and award-winning author of over 130 internationally published articles and 14 inspirational books, including Grit for the Oyster, Mom Needs Chocolate and Too Blessed to Be Stressed, among others. She has also contributed short stories and devotionals to numerous anthologies. Her passion is sharing her offbeat blend of humor and hope, wit and near-wisdom with women of all ages.

Of this year’s FIWR, she said, “I’m happy that after five years of striving to provide dynamic speakers, relevant topics, and cutting edge publishing information to meet the needs of local writers, the FIWR really seems to be resonating with people. I see a lot of excitement already generated by those planning to re-attend and by newbies seeking further info because they’ve heard such good things about the retreat.

Our goal is for everyone to take home something useful, inspirational, and motivational.”

In 2000, Ellinger established the Brandon Christian Writers group as an American Christian Writers chapter, of which Coty is also a member. The group meets monthly on the fourth Thursday at St. Andrews and welcomes anyone interested in learning more about the writing/publishing/marketing process.

Along with many published articles over the years, Ellinger also wrote the Wild Rose historical fiction trilogy and Women of the Secret Place.

The Saturday event (8:30AM - 5:00PM) also includes lunch. To register, download the form at http:// brandonchristianwriters.wordpress.com and mail with check (payable to Sandi de Laski/FIWR at 1018 Hollyberry Court, Brandon, FL 33511. For further information, e-mail her at delaski. sandi@gmail.com.

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SYDNEY BAPTIST CHURCH CELEBRATES THEIR 105TH ANNIVERSARY

BY MORIAH BARNHART

I

n a state like Florida, where it seems a new Walmart is erupting from another street corner every day, we cherish our history and we work hard to maintain it in the midst of a progressing and forward thinking society. Small towns, like Brandon’s neighboring town of Dover, are great examples of this.

With a total area of less than three square miles and a population of less than four thousand residents, it is a town sandwiched in between growing cities.

In a sense, it has become a melting pot for the preservation of these surrounding cities’ histories.

In the 19th century, Dover was named Sydney; and a few street signs and local businesses still reflect that.

Sydney Baptist Church is one of the oldest churches in the area, and draws a good amount of its membership from many of the nearby cities. Although the original church and school were completed on the grounds in 1908, official documentation began in 1909.

Over the years, many additions and renovations have been made, including a choir loft, a baptistery, an education

wing, an office space, a pastorium across the street, and a sanctuary whose materials were acquired from the old Woodman’s Hall at Durant. In many ways, this church speaks volumes to the dedication of local residents to preserve their history. In 1991, Sydney Baptist became part of an ever-declining statistic when they paid off their mortgage and officially became debt-free, meaning we can rely on the stability of this hometown church despite Florida’s economic roller coasters.

Sydney Baptist Church will be proudly celebrating their hard-earned 105th anniversary on September 14, 2014 beginning at 10:30a.m. Lunch will be served following the morning worship, and no evening services will be held. They may even be announcing their new Pastor at this celebration!

If you would like more information on Sydney Baptist Church, or on their 105th anniversary celebration, please visit www.sydneybaptistchurch.org.

Sydney Baptist Church is located at 1510 Cre Rd., Dover, Florida 33527.

Their phone number is (813) 659-1502.

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON SEPTEMBER 2014

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PLEASE CALL 813-689-1221 FOR MORE INFORMATION. 8

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Wade and Christen Sparling have a passion to help others avoid or recover from divorce through the 13-week DivorceCare outreach to the community.

to their hearts. From prior personal experience, they both know the pain and lifestyle adjustments that come with broken homes.

“The friendly, caring group is a safe place to be when experiencing separation or divorce,” explained Christen.

“Whether you’re going through it now or did years ago, it is so important to learn how to help your children adjust, to right your finances, to overcome the typical emotions of depression, loneliness and anger, and to find healthy patterns for developing future relationships.

You will discover truths that will put you onto a healthy path emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. All these can help you rebuild your life and future, for yourself and your family.”

DivorceCare groups meet weekly to face and overcome these challenges.

Each session has two distinct elements: A Seminar with Experts - During the first 30–40 minutes, members watch an interesting video seminar on divorce and recovery topics that feature expert interviews, real-life case studies and onlocation film clips.

A Support Group with Focus - After each viewing, participants spend time as a support group, discussing information presented in that week’s video and the difficulties and triumphs they are experiencing in their own lives.

A majority of people will agree that separation and divorce are the most painful, stressful and confusing

experiences they’ve ever faced. Often spouses feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues they’ve never faced before.

Engaging with the following DivorceCare topics can expedite the healing: • The Road to Healing/Finding Helpful Strategies • Facing Anger, Depression and Loneliness • Explore Biblical Answers Regarding Separation, Divorce and Remarriage • New Relationships • Financial Survival • Kid Care and Single Parenting • Single Sexuality (from God’s perspective) • Forgiveness is a Must • Pursue Reconciliation, Even Without Restoration • Moving Forward and Growing Closer to God Wade encourages newcomers.

“DivorceCare is a community outreach program for anyone who is struggling with recovery. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. You’ll meet people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. We’re here to care and help.”

To register, search “Find a Group” at divorcecare.org. For additional information, call 813-752-4591 or e-mail wadesparling@gmail.com.

DIVORCECARE AN ONGOING CLASS OFFERS HOPE AND HEALING

BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

S

adly, approximately 50 percent of marriages end in divorce and obviously, its impact can be devastating for all involved.

For folks who find themselves in this situation or in separation, DivorceCare provides help and healing for the hurt and hope for the heart.

The ongoing 13-week program is

now offered year around at Plant City Church of God at 2103 Mud Lake Road. The class meets each Sunday in room 17 at 4:30 p.m. All are welcome to register online at divorcecare.org or simply attend and sign up any Sunday afternoon.

Wade and Christen Sparling facilitate the ministry that is close

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON SEPTEMBER 2014

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CENTER PLACE FINE ARTS AND CIVIC ASSOCIATION

BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

U

ndeniably, Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association is one of the Brandon community’s happening hubs.

Since 1976, this not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, “created by the community for the community,” has offered cultural enrichment opportunities for all ages through programs that include original art exhibits, art education and the performing arts. Its goal is to “engage the community at all levels” in promoting the arts in Eastern Hillsborough County.

Located in the heart of Brandon at the Sandy Rodriguez Center, 619 Vonderburg Drive, the hub is home to both Center Place and the Brandon Regional Library. Residents are blessed to fully utilize the convenience of a centrally located cultural, educational, and social facility.

When tremendous growth in Eastern Hillsborough County established a need for a regional library, Center Place donated three acres of land. In turn, the county constructed the first documented library/cultural center in Florida, a cooperative effort of the private sector and county government.

Although complementary, Center Place and the library operate autonomously. The center includes a 300-seat auditorium, the Phillip G. Mook Gallery, art workshop rooms, meeting rooms, and the “Pat’s Corner”

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gift shop.

The Community Roundtable’s “Non-profit of the Year” 2011 award-winner provides a wealth of easy access resources for civic organizations and for citizens to engage in the arts. Exceptional programs in art education, fine art exhibits and performing arts for all ages are available and aspiring artists can enroll in an impressive array of fine art classes taught by professional award-winning artists.

Theatrical productions for children are also a major emphasis. These provide parents an opportunity to supplement school art and civic programs. Young students also enjoy art classes, summer camps, free educational workshops, community events and school art exhibits. Adults attend theatrical performances, monthly fine art exhibits, art workshops, fundraisers and special events.

IMPRESSIVE INFLUENCE

The vital role Center Place fulfills in eastern Hillsborough County is evidenced in this list: • Over 800 art classes for adults and children at a low cost • Over 50 theatrical productions attended by over 12,000 children and adults annually (Underprivileged

• • •

•

•

children from high poverty rate area schools particularly benefit from the low cost/no cost ticketing for the children’s theater program 35-45 youth art scholarships awarded to elementary school children every year Offers display area for elementary student art each month 12 local artist exhibits rotate monthly in the Mook Gallery, including the High School Student show, Adult Student Show, Brandon League of Fine Arts “Artworks” exhibit, and the Brandon Historical Photographs show, among others) Free Community Events such as Cards for Troops, Chalk Walk, Halloween Horribles Parade, monthly artist receptions, and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Provides a reasonable venue for civic and town hall meetings

MAKING AND PRESERVING HISTORY

Center Place provides a voice for the Hillsborough County arts community through presentations and the sharing of expertise and viewpoints with other business and cultural organizations. Local civic organizations regularly hold meetings and functions here, and

the Grand Room serves as a “town hall” when the community has specific issues to address.

The September art exhibit in the Mook Gallery is the Brandon League of Fine Arts’ show called “Artworks 2014” (Art Reception is scheduled here for September 11th from 5:30pm-7pm).

Center Place also houses a collection of historical photographs that portray the Greater Brandon area from the 1890s through the 1960s. The photos are made available for public viewing in the Mook Gallery during the annual October exhibit.

CHILDREN’S & FAMILY THEATER PRODUCTIONS

The Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners did a beautiful thing in 2009-2010 when they supported that period of the Children’s Theater Season. Through grants and awards, Center Place desires to offer affordable performances to school children and families, which is made possible with the assistance of Stages Productions, The Franzini Family Science Circus, Katie Adams Make Believe Theater and Arts Power in making this desire a reality.

Although the recommended ages for the children’s theater productions are 3-10, older children and adults also love the performances. Member pricing for the non-refundable tickets is $6.00 and $7.00 for nonmembers. For public school, private school or daycare groups, tickets are only $6.50 per person. Advance ticket purchase is required.

PAT’S CORNER CENTER PLACE GIFT SHOP

Staffed by volunteers, the gift shop features a variety of unique treasures for any special occasion. Pat’s Corner offers paintings, prints and handmade items from local artists. All proceeds support children’s programming at Center Place. Hours are Monday-Friday from 11:00AM-2:30PM and Thursday evenings from 4:307:30PM. For additional information, phone 813-6890319.

RENT A VENUE

In addition to the facility for cultural events, Center Place also offers exceptionally affordable rental of space for community functions, both public and private, for up to 150 people. Events such as weddings, birthdays, group meetings and many other happenings are easily accommodated in the beautiful surroundings. The space includes a standard household kitchen, buffet room, 15’ x 18’ dance floor, and grand room with deck access overlooking a pond. Tables and chairs are available for no additional fee. Catering and alcohol use is

permissible, as restricted by the rental contract. To save money, plan events for January and August when rental fees are reduced by 25 percent.

MEMBERSHIP AND SPONSORSHIP DETAILS

Members are dedicated to the promotion of the fine arts and civic involvement. Center Place offers exceptionally affordable membership packages.

• Family - $50/6 months; $75/year • Single - $35/6 months; $50/year • Senior over 55 - $20 • Military - $50/year Sponsorships at the Patron, Bronze, Silver and Friends of Center Place levels are also key to the success and growth of Center Place. Corporate sponsorships are always appreciated, too.

VOLUNTEERS WITH BENEFITS!

With its small staff, the not-for-profit organization could not accomplish all it does without volunteer help.

Folks can offer to help in Pat’s Corner Gift Shop, in ushering/helping with Children’s Theater, in serving on Special Events committees for the annual Arts Gala, Bunco, Wild Dame Night and Holiday Tea or in helping during the Free Community Events. Youth volunteers can serve, too!

Executive Director Dawn Galia explained: “Besides managing all the art exhibits and receptions, art classes, and live theater, our staff, board members and many volunteers give tirelessly to fundraise and provide free community events such as our annual Chalk Walk & Art Festival, Cards for Troops, the Halloween Horribles Parade, and the Community Tree Lighting.”

Sue McElligott, IT Coordinator, agrees. “We couldn’t pull off all Center Place does for the community without everyone pitching in on their time off, in the evening, and on weekends! We’re very lucky to have so many people who care about children and the importance of art and culture here in Brandon.”

So, join the current CP Board of Directors President, Judy Moore, who is “happy” to be working with such a great organization. “Since I started volunteering, I have called Center Place my “happy place,” she said. “When I walk in the door, my whole demeanor changes and a comfort comes over me. Although the staff is always running (not walking) around, they stop dead in their tracks to help anyone who enters the front door.”

It pays to volunteer as well. Volunteers can purchase all merchandise, excluding artist sales, at a 25% discount on the day they serve. To learn more, stop by Center Place or print the volunteer form accessible through the website.

POWERFUL INFLUENCE

Lisa Rodriguez, Marketing Coordinator, sums up the role of Center Place. “We believe the arts make a positive difference in all our lives. It’s much more than just ‘extra activities,’ she explained. “The arts help children form skills they need for a positive future including especially important social interaction. That’s why we work together with local businesses, artists, other civic associations and community members to keep the arts alive.”

For more information about events, call Center Place at 813-685-8888 or visit online at www. centerplacebrandon.org. Your tax-deductible donations are always welcome, too!

UPCOMING EVENTS Beach Blanket Bunco Fundraiser for the Arts Thursday, September 18th at 6:30PM $20 per person- Dinner Included Holiday Cards for the Troops Saturday, October 4th from 9:00AM-3:00PM FREE EVENT- Group Registration Available Kid’s Night Holiday Cards for the Troops Wednesday, October 8th from 6:00-8:00PM FREE EVENT- Registration Required Halloween Horribles Parade Sunday, October 26th at 3:00PM FREE EVENT but tickets required Chalk Walk & Art Fest Saturday, November 1st Art Fest from 10:00AM-4:00PM and Chalk Walk from 1:00-3:00PM FREE EVENT (tickets required for Chalk Walk)

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON SEPTEMBER 2014

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FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON SEPTEMBER 2014

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Interview By Amanda Deck

In Florida, air conditioning is a vital resource, and this summer—with its blazing hot temperatures—has proven just that. What a relief it is to enter a room at a cool, comfortable 72 degrees after spending time in the heat.

Therefore, a broken air conditioning unit can cause much discomfort…but it doesn’t have to cause distress when you have ACE Heating and Cooling on your side.

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SEPTEMBER 2014 thefocusmagazine.com

ACE Heating and Cooling is dedicated to providing the best possible solution for your home or business and has been effectively meeting the unique heating and cooling demands of the Tampa Bay area since 2003. From diagnosing your current system’s failures to installing new units, ACE Heating and Cooling always provides first class service. FOCUS Magazine recently had the pleasure of speaking with ACE president and owner Chris Myers to learn a little more about how his business stands out.

FOCUS MAGAZINE: Please tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) business.

CHRIS MYERS: I had a friend in the business and he asked me to come work and go to night school. I attended Erwin Technical School from 1996 to 1998 and graduated with a degree in HVAC. After that I worked for a handful of different companies in the area, and in 2003 opened my own business.

FOCUS: What was it that interested you most in HVAC? MYERS: I looked into air conditioning because you get to do a little bit of everything. You need to be an electrician, a plumber, and you have to know physics, especially when it comes to refrigeration.

What really interested me was the opportunity to do a little of everything.

FOCUS: What services does your company provide and what would you consider your specialty?

MYERS: We provide services for residential, commercial, new construction, renovation, replacement installation, emergencies, and maintenance. Although we do a lot of different things, I think our specialty is customer service. We always want to make sure our customers are pleased and feel they’ve made a good decision by calling us.

FOCUS: What communities does your business primarily focus on?

MYERS: We service all of Hillsborough County, but we do a majority of our business in Brandon.

FOCUS: What do you love most about being a part of the Brandon community?

MYERS: I was born and raised in Brandon and I love being a part of a thriving economy. Brandon is growing and a lot is going on here. I’ve also been a Brandon Chamber of Commerce member since 2004.

FOCUS: Why should someone choose ACE Heating and Cooling?

MYERS: It always comes back to our customer service. We keep our customers informed and educated. We make sure they are satisfied and happy with the service they receive. We strive to be a company our customers can trust.

FOCUS: How has your business been able to remain successful over the years?

MYERS: Our diversity really makes us stand out. Like I said earlier, we provide services for commercial, residential, new construction, etc. Because we do so much in so many different areas, it’s kept our phones ringing and the business becomes more successful each year.

Also what keeps us successful and sets us apart is that we send technicians, not salespeople, to your door. That’s our motto. Our staff won’t try to sell you on products you don’t need. We always give options on the repair needed and then educate the customer on the different solutions.

Then the customer can make their own decision. This is always better when deciding on repair verses replacement.

FOCUS: How has your team of technicians contributed to your business’ success?

MYERS: I have a great staff who all have their heart in the business as much as I do. Their hard work and care has definitely helped us become successful.

We’re all one big happy family.

FOCUS: When it comes to your business, what are you most proud of?

MYERS: I’m really most proud of the success my business has had. I basically started something from nothing back in late 2003, opening our doors in 2004. At first it was just me and a truck, networking and running calls. I was able to turn that into a thriving business that employs 11 and has six trucks on the road.

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON SEPTEMBER 2014

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STACEY GIOVANN EFT AND NLP COACH

BY AMANDA DECK

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hether work-related, caused by family issues, or due to other factors, traumatic events can have a great effect on your life. Not only can they contribute to emotional and behavioral problems like irritability, depression, drug use, and social isolation, but they can also cause severe physical symptoms such as body aches, chest pain, nausea, and chronic illness, all of which can disrupt daily life activities.

Stacey Giovanni knows firsthand the effects post-traumatic stress can

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have on the body. A survivor of child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence, these experiences caused her to have panic attacks for several years. However, through hypnotherapy sessions, Stacey was able to overcome the negative effects of her horrific life events and now works to help others as a certified hypnotist, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) practitioner, and emotional freedom techniques (EFT) coach.

“My mission is to let others know that there’s a way out and a light at the

end of the tunnel,” said Stacey.

Although Stacey’s general practice helps her clients deal with emotional eating, weight loss, test anxiety, sports enhancement, and fear of public speaking, her passion is to lead those hurting from abuse and addiction toward the road to recovery. Through her EFT and NLP teachings, clients learn how to visualize their futures, release negative energy, erase fears, break bad habits, become more successful, and create positive thoughts and actions. In addition, Stacey

teaches her clients how confront future challenges that may cause the stressrelated symptoms to reoccur.

“I teach my clients how to continue living life after achieving their initial goals,” said Stacey. “Even after one recovers, life still happens. My clients use EFT techniques to handle whatever comes their way in a positive, productive manner. I want them to continue living life on their terms.”

In addition to her practice, Stacey has helped others overcome obstacles through her book, “No Time for Tears: A Survivor’s Tool Kit for Healing.”

The book, available on Amazon, tells Stacey’s compelling story—how she survived years of childhood abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

“This book is a tribute to the vast amount of women who are still struggling with abuse on a daily basis,” said Stacey.

Stacey is also a keynote speaker and has presented to audiences across the country at conferences and professional training sessions.

Whether through her practice, book, or presentations, Stacey has touched hundreds of lives: “Times were tough; I felt like I would never heal from the nightmare of trauma. I kept going in circles and never seemed to be able to understand what was going on with me,” said an abuse survivor. “Working with Stacey opened the door to finding myself, the self I wanted to be all my life.”

Another abuse survivor commented, “I was viciously sexually assaulted.

It took my life away in every way. I lost my control, my ability to have a meaningful relationship, and the ability to love anyone. Working with someone that has experienced that has made all the difference in the world. I didn’t feel alone anymore..Stacey was compassionate and really understood what I was going through.”

To learn more about Stacey’s practice, contact her at 888-205-0075 or stacey@eftandnlp2.com, or visit her website at eftandnlp.com.

“If I could overcome, others can too,” said Stacey. “Seek help. Healing comes from community.”

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MADELINE PENA ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

BY DEANA GARRISON

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adeline “Maddie” Pena is an outstanding softball player. She was recently on the Bloomingdale All Stars 12 U team that went all the way to the Babe Ruth World Series Championship and brought that title back to Bloomingdale.

Pena started playing baseball when she was seven years old. She then switched her game up a little and signed up for softball at the age of nine. Now that she has recently turned 13, she

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has developed her softball skills and continues to play on All Star teams, regular league teams, and travel teams.

She has that strong desire to play and it shows.

Pena was the “Field Leader” on her All Stars team. She called out many plays for the team at the most intense times of the game. The team responded so well to her in this last season and when those plays went as planned, it only meant success for the team. When

Bloomingdale just recently won the World Series title, it was Pena that made the call on a play that resulted in players responding to the split second move that needed to be made in order to win.

Playing shortstop is Pena’s favorite position because that is where most of the action takes place. She is on top of her game in every game and gets at least two to three outs against the other team per game.

Pena is not only awesome on the

field, but her academics are outstanding as well. She has made all “A” throughout her academic career except for one “B”… Now that says a lot about her determination and drive for success.

Pena was also a member of the “Math Bowl” team in Elementary School and has been on the “Math League” in middle school. Her individual Math League ranking was 3rd in the Area competition and 8th in the District competition. She may be very busy with sports, but she doesn’t let it get in her way of her academics.

Pena is a great example of a hard working athlete. Congratulations Madeline for being this month’s Athete of the Month. You deserve it.

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12 U WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS BLOOMINGDALE ALL STARS SOFTBALL TEAM

BY DEANA GARRISON

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he Bloomingdale 12 U All Stars Softball team was just recognized as Team of the Month last month; however, there was no way I was going to pass up giving it to them again. These girls are amazing. The Bloomingdale 12 U All Stars Softball Team is now the Babe Ruth Softball 12U World Series Champions. Achieving this goal was

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a long determined journey that all the girls were willing to take. They worked together helping one another along the way by improving in their skills and only building a stronger undefeated team. By the time they reached the World Series competition in Alachua, Florida, they were ready for all the other top rated teams around the world.

With friends and family following

along on via web, the girls pulled through some really tough games. A major achievement in the semi-finals was when they competed against the team from North Carolina that has held the World Series title six year in row and won 11-1. Bloomingdale All Stars did what most teams have been trying to do for several years by defeating this team and they made it look so easy.

The trick to winning this kind of title all begins with the “gel” of the team.

If you have a team that just clicks and every player is in it for the “team” and not themselves, then you have yourself a good start to a great team. A team cannot come together for a win if all players are not playing as a team. This team does just that. They have very strong “team skills” and listen to one another to build on their strength as a team not individually. All that is usually strongly enforced by great coaches and that is exactly what this team has with coaches D.J.Pena, Dan Cooper, and Bryon LoPreste.

When speaking with Coach Pena he is very proud of his team and loves how the girls play together as a team and acknowledges how consistent their pitching is as well as their field playing.

These girls have what it takes to make it to the top and put it in full force to achieve their ultimate goal.

The Bloomingdale league has not had a win like this since 1995. These girls brought the World Series title back to their hometown. Congratulations 12 U Bloomingdale All Stars for a job well done.

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a mild spinach sauce. Most foods are prepared from mild to medium spicy.

While eating Indian food never pass up the naan which is a light a fluffy indian bread baked in a tandoor, or clay oven.

At Taste of India, the dinner menu is very extensive and offers a wide selection of chicken, lamb, seafood, and vegetarian options as well as soups and sides and appetizers. The mixed platter appetizer is an excellent choice as it offers a delicious combination of items to try such as the vegetable samosa which is a pastry stuffed with spiced potatos and green peas as well as both chicken and lamb kabobs.

Dinner always begins with a platter of

TASTE OF INDIA BRINGS THE FLAVORS OF INDIA TO BRANDON

BY HEATHER DAVIS

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dream of mine for as long as I can remember is to visit India.

While I have yet to have turned that dream into a reality, I have dined in some of the most authentic Indian restaurants in the area. One restaurant, The Taste of India, has always been consistent in providing as it’s name suggests a taste of the many flavors of India. For one who has not yet tried Indian food this is a fine place to start.

Taste of India is located in Brandon at 902 E. Brandon Blvd. The lunch hours are Monday-Friday, from 12pm3pm. Dinner is served Sunday-Thursday from 5pm-10pm and on Friday and Saturday from 5pm-10:30pm. The lunch

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is always served buffet style and for the novice and experienced alike this is a wonderful way to try a wide variety of endless Indian delicacies. On the lunch buffet the savory meat dishes are usually butter chicken, chicken tikka, and lamb.

All of the ingredients are freshly cooked in sauces using fresh spices and herbs.

The meat is always tender and flavorful.

Other dishes you may find on the buffet include; vegetable korma which is vegetables cooked in mildly spiced creamy cashew and almond sauce, or the saag paneer made with homemade cottage cheese in a creamy spinach sauce. My personal favorite is the daal saag prepared with yellow lentils in

crispy flatbreads served with various chutneys to dip it in. If you are able to save room for desert, be sure to try the rice pudding that is sweetened perfectly with the right amount of cardamom and cinnamon.

Taste of India offers something for everyone. For the first timer I would recommend trying the lunch buffet so as to sample and find your personal favorites. For those who like it spicy you can always adjust the level upon your own taste preference. As for an Indian food lover like me..Taste of India brings the flavors of India just a bit closer to home.

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