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FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON DECEMBER 2014

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can’t miss event CENTER PLACE FINE ARTS AND CIVIC ASSOCIATION’S

LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

It’s back for its 30th year..Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association’s annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree on Wednesday, December 3 at 7 p.m. Kick off Christmas season in Brandon with performances by several young local artists including the Boy Scouts Color Guard, Kim Hall’s School of Dance, Tampa Bay Family Theater, Music Showcase, Leonard’s Academy of Dance, Meera Nair, Brandon Ballet, Garments of Praise, Judy’s Academy of Dance, DanceQuest International, and the ambassadors from Bloomingdale High School. Refreshments will be served

by The Community Roundtable and Boston Market. Children of all ages can visit with Santa.

For more information, contact 813-685-8888. Event takes place at Center Place at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon.

DECEMBER 04 THURSDAY Jingle Bell at the Rack The Rack | 5:30 to 8 p.m.

1025 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon YP Brandon and The Greater Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the 2nd annual community event consisting of interactive holiday activities, business displays, door prizes, and food vendors. Event benefits A Kid’s Place. Admission is $5 or a complementary donation of Zip Lock bags, trash bags, and lawn bags.

For more information, contact Christie Lemar at clemar@ brandonchamber.com or 813-689-1221.

07 SUNDAY Holiday Tea Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association | 2 p.m.

619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon Ladies, break out your hats and holiday attire for the 4th annual Holiday Tea. A special holiday lunch will be provided including scones and Devonshire cream. Desserts will be provided by Jute’s Box Bakery. Teavana Holiday teas provided

by Orange Boutique. Enjoy special holiday entertainment by Craig Hartfield. Also take part in a silent auction. Tickets are $35 per person and $250 for a table of 8.

For more information, contact Center Place at 813-685-8888, centerplacebrandon.org, or cpfinearts@verizon.net.

08 MONDAY Center Place Color Contest Deadline Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon Children, don’t miss out on a fun coloring contest. Coloring page is available online at centerplacebrandon.org under the Santa’s Holiday Workshop event page. Ages 3-8 are eligible for the prize of children’s theater tickets. One prize will be awarded per age group (3-5 years, 6-8 years).

Contact 813-685-8888 for more information.

Charity Ball The Regent | 6:30 p.m.

6437 Watson Rd., Riverview Bring your dancing shoes and your giving spirit at the annual Charity Ball. Enjoy music by Big Beats Entertainment, Dance, dinner from 3C’s Catering, a red carpet entrance, dancing exhibition, silent auction, and cash bar. Proceeds benefit Toys of Tots.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit holidaycharityballbrandon.com.

12 FRIDAY Stages Productions Presents: Santa’s Holiday Revue Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association | 7 p.m.

619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon Enjoy this annual musical that offers a world tour of the dances, songs, and stories from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more. Children will sing, clap, and tap along as they learn about old traditions and customs that instill the magic of the holiday season. Tickets are $6 for members and $7 for nonmembers.

For more information, contact Center Place at 813-685-8888.

RECURRING DAILY Nights of Shimmering Lights Hillsborough County Fairgrounds | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (weeknights) and 11 p.m. (Friday-Saturday) 215 Sydney Washer Rd., Dover Enjoy interactive Christmas light displays throughout December. Includes over 1,500 displays featuring 1 Million+ lights. Also enjoy visiting vendors at the Christmas Village.

Tickets are $20 for a Weekend One-Night Pass (Thurs.-Sun) and $15 for a Weekday One-Night Pass (Mon.-Weds.).

Purchase tickets online at nightsofshimmeringlights.com.

11 THURSDAY Pat’s Corner Gift Shop Holiday Open House Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon Enjoy 25 percent off storewide on this special night of holiday shopping. The boutique features many unique items including ornaments, handbags, wallets, jewelry, perfume, bottles, wine holders, night lights, shawls, and many more.

Gift wrapping and refreshments available.

For more information, contact Center Place at 813-685-8888.

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON DECEMBER 2014

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For a little bit of extra cheer stop by the gourmet booth for some yummy treats and check out the “Ghost of Christmas Past” display to purchase beautiful previously owned decorations to display in your home or share with someone special. The tickets are $20 and can be purchased from any Brandon Service League member, The Green Boutique, Julie’s Walk-In Closet, The Loft Hair Salon, Greg’s Hallmark and Attorney B. Lee Elam’s office. If you need more information on tickets contact Bradlee Swanson, tour chairwoman at bradleep6@gmail.com. Last year they sold about 300 tickets so make sure you purchase yours early to secure your place.

This is the GFWC Brandon Service

START THE SEASON OFF RIGHT WITH THE 22ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

BY SHERRI ROBINSON

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he holidays mean something different to everyone. Some love the food and gifts while others revel in the shopping. Though it’s a joyous season it can be difficult to get started even with the decorating. That’s why the Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Brandon Service League’s Annual Holiday Home Tour is a perfect way to experience a little bit of cheer while gaining some pretty great ideas for your own little castle.

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As a matter of fact some people have commented that this event actually starts off their holiday season. After visiting the beautiful homes, they might go have lunch with friends and then head on home to decorate.

This year the event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Three homes are featured, two model homes by David Weekly Homes in Booker Reserve and FishHawk Preserve along with the Johnson home in Dover.

League’s biggest fundraiser of the year which helps support the Claire and Reynolds Bryan, Pat and B. Lee Elam, and The Woman In Education Scholarships. Last year they raised about $14,000 and hope to raise at least that much this year. “Everything goes right back into the community” says Bradlee Swanson . “It truly is a community event.”

There’s so much more to say about this event that there isn’t room for here so make sure you check it out. The GFWC Brandon Service League is always looking for new members. For anyone who might be interested go to their website at www. gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org

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Lisa Spencer and Julie Swain talk over next year’s expectations

LISA AND JULIE: CELEBRATING SUCCESS! NEW ROLES FOR THE NEW YEAR

BY WENDY BROWN | PHOTOS BY KATHY SHALOSKY

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s 2014 comes to a close, there is a bright and shiny 2015 full of global opportunities, New Year’s Resolutions, and of course change. Here are two women at the head of their game, carefully chosen to lead, and ready to inspire the rest of us.

Lisa Spencer and Julie Swain both work for Keller Williams Realty and were selected for success.

Focus. What qualities did Julie have to be your successor?

Lisa: “Julie, first and foremost, had a proven track record. As they say, ’success leaves clues.’ When I first became a Team Leader, Julie was

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a manager for another company. I remembered that whenever I spoke to her agents they had a fierce loyalty to her leadership.”

Focus: What’s your new position and responsibilities?

Lisa: “My new position is General Manager over the ‘Chadwick Group’ of Keller Williams Realty. I will be working with Kevin Chadwick, our Operating Principal, as an extra layer of support to agents as our growth exceeded capacity.”

Julie: “My new positon is Team Leader. My responsibilities include

recruiting, training, mentoring, and coaching amazing agents.”

Focus: What are your first year goals, second year goals?

Lisa: “My goal is to expand our business to include commercial and property management divisions as well as to increase our services through Luxury, International, and Farms and Land specialties.”

Julie: “My first and second year goals are to continue with the growth plan Lisa Spencer has put into place.

To continue to grow and enhance the relationships with our agents and local communities, and to ensure we

are living within the Keller Williams’ Mission Statement: Careers Worth Having, Businesses Worth Owning, and Lives Worth Living.”

Focus: What makes you a successful trailblazer?

Lisa: “I moved constantly as a child, and 5 times in 7 years as a military spouse. If you are not growing you are decaying, so love being in an industry where no two days look alike, no two transactions are exactly the same, and tomorrow the market will require you to reinvent the success you had today.

Julie: “Although I don’t see myself as a ‘Trailblazer,’ what I can say is that I believe in myself. Being raised by parents who were both Active Duty Air Force and being a veteran myself, I was taught that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I was never told that because I am a female, things are out of reach for me. I’ve never been afraid to express my thoughts and ideas, and also know the importance f recognizing

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the achievements of others around me.

My passion and desire to produce the best results possible has always been my motivation.”

Focus: As an empowered woman, how are you able to wear so many hats confidently?

Lisa: “Learning the difference between confidence and conceit has served me well. You can only wear one hat at a time, so I surround myself with an amazing group of counselors.

I don’t have all of the answers, and I have found the quality of the answers is directly impacted by the quality of the questions. I have learned to ask great questions, and I have encouraged my team to challenge me with great questions so we can all get better.”

Julie: “Starting with my mother, who is one of the bravest, most educated and decorated woman I know (both in her military and civilian careers), I come from a long line of women in my family who have always worn multiple hats with great success. I wouldn’t say it is genetics; however, I would attribute it to my nurturing environment, the stories that were shared, and the lessons I learned from these women that have shaped and helped me grow into the person I am today. These women were and still are my mentors. Having a husband and children who are incredibly supportive also plays a major role in my life. Without the backing of my entire family I do not believe I could achieve all that I have.

Focus: What is your favorite quote?

Lisa: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”-Thomas A. Edison Julie: “My father has always played baseball, even while in the Air Force. Throughout; my life, growing up around ball players, baseball sayings and quotes, especially ‘Yogi-isms’ were used to make a point. With that being said, my favorite quote is from baseball legend, Yogi Berra. “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.’ For me, this is a metaphor for when I am faced with a challenge to essentially make a

Lisa Spencer and Julie Swain planning an agent partner meeting

decision and do something using the information I have at hand to make the best decision. Don’t allow yourself to be frozen with fear or indecision. Choose a path, and if it turns out to be the wrong path…adjust.”

Focus: What can you say to encourage other women?

Lisa: “My sister-in-law is such a wise woman, and she shared this philosophy with me years ago. As a woman our life comes in chapters: a great love, raising children (I have 6 children and 9 grandchildren), a great loss, recovery, victory, and so on. I make every effort to get the most out of every chapter in my book. I heard a comedian once remark how ridiculous our culture is at funerals. You know the crazy ‘doesn’t she look good’ comments. Well, as the comedian went on to say: ‘I want them to look down at me and say: ‘She looks awful.’ ‘She is all used up.’ ‘She squeezed every bit out of herself.’ Yep, don’t leave any of your love, your talent, or your life unused…Use it all up?”

Julie: “Believe in yourself. Follow your heart and from that you will find your passion. Embrace it, and don’t let anyone prevent you from reaching your goals-including yourself. Find a good mentor (s) that you can learn from, and above all else, have fun, embrace the day, and LAUGH… a lot!”

Lisa Spence and Julie Swain are ready for their new positions next year

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BRANDON LEGAL GROUP ATTORNEYS AT LAW

BY AMANDA DECK

Over the past few years, Ingrid Hooglander was able to transform her personal home law office into a full-time private practice, offering legal representation for complex family law cases such as divorce and child custody and was nominated for the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award. However, she always had greater things in mind. In order to achieve more for her clients, Hooglander recently partnered with several other skilled lawyers to create the Brandon Legal Group.

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“The Law Office of Ingrid M. Hooglander was limited in its subject area. The good thing about joining with other attorneys is the ability to offer assistance in more areas like bankruptcy, criminal law, and others that I don’t necessarily practice every day,” said Hooglander.

Brandon Legal Group partners include Ms. Hooglander, 2014 Super Lawyer Adam L. Bantner II, Theresa S. O’Neill, and Luke A. Mattson.

Additionally, Dipawali “Dipa” Shah and Anthony R. Reeves work “of counsel” with Brandon Legal Group. Together, the attorneys are able to offer services in family law, criminal law, DUI/DWI defense, traffic law, bankruptcy, personal injury, real estate law, civil litigation, immigration, wills and trusts, and appeals.

“It’s our goal to be your legal representation for whatever challenge life throws at you,” said Hooglander. “We know that our clients come to us facing life-changing circumstances—usually when they’re at their lowest point. We work hard to educate our clients of the options available and craft and ideal solution for their particular circumstance.”

Each attorney spent time crafting what they consider the perfect mission statement for the Brandon Legal Group, “We strive to provide excellent customer service, quality representation, and responsive to our clients’ needs in a timely fashion.”

“We consider it a privilege to represent our clients,” said Hooglander. “We truly understand that people choose us from a wide offering of legal options, so we work with them as a team to accomplish their goals.”

Hooglander believes the key to a successful firm is the right mix of attorneys and staff. Employees are at the heart of our business. We do our best to encourage a work-life balance for our attorneys and support staff alike. Healthy employees are happier and more productive.

The idea of a healthy staff was taken to the next level when Brandon Legal Group became the first private corporate High Intensity Workout class offered twice weekly with nearby Core 5 Studios.

“Not only does the emphasis on health improve the efficiency of the office staff, it also encourages teamwork,” adds Adam Bantner, attorney with Brandon Legal Group.

In addition to group personal training, Brandon Legal Group also offers staff low-fat protein shakes and healthier meal options at the office.

“We hope that by pioneering health and fitness efforts will lead to a happier, healthier staff to better serve clients,” said Ingrid Hooglander.

To learn more about Brandon Legal Group, check out the website at brandonlegalgroup.com or join the discussion on their Facebook page. You can also stop by the office, conveniently located at 1209 Lakeside Drive or call 813-902-3576 for more information.

ABOUT THE TEAM INGRID M. HOOGLANDER

• Graduate of the University of Florida and Cleveland State University (Juris Doctorate and Master of Public Administration) • Served as Assistant State Attorney with the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office, Judicial Law Clerk for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, among others • Active member of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals of Brandon • College professor at the University of Phoenix, Kaplan University, Hillsborough Community College, and Saint Leo University

ADAM L. BANTNER II

• Graduate of Florida Southern College and Florida State University College of Law (Juris Doctorate) • Practice areas include criminal defense, DUI, juvenile delinquency, juvenile dependency, personal injury, and immigration • Awarded with a Super Lawyers Rising Star award between in 2012, 2013, and 2014

THERESA S. O’NEILL

• Graduate of Florida State University and the University of Florida College of Law • Practice areas include family law, wills and trusts, and appeals • Previous experience includes representing the Department of Children and Families within the State Attorney’s Office in Gainesville

LUKE A. MATTSON

• Graduate of Southern Illinois University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School • Practice area includes Family Law • Established his own practice in 2006 and joined Ingrid M. Hooglander in June 2013

DIPAWALI “DIPA” SHAW

• Graduate of Temple University and Widener University School of Law (Juris Doctorate) • Practice areas include bankruptcy and real estate

ANTHONY R. REEVES

• Graduate of the University of Tampa, the University of South Florida, and Florida State University College of Law • Served as Lieutenant for the United States Navy and 2nd Lieutenant for the United States Army • Practice areas include disability, social security, and employment law • Accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to represent disabled veterans

Brandon Legal Group | 1209 Lakeside Drive | Brandon, Florida 33511 | Phone: 813-902-3576 Web: brandonlegalgroup.com FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON DECEMBER 2014

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NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE

BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN

J

oe Williamson is a man of few words but on the field with his team, he played a greater role than many fans would know. Joe Williamson, a senior, played tight end for the Durant football team.

He has played on varsity for the past three years and as a captain led the team to a successful season. “I trusted Joe as captain because he is not just intelligent as an individual but also ‘football smart’ and he was a great leader,” explained Coach Mike Gottman. Many of his team mates looked to him for guidance and to have their back.

Joe’s first love was football, he started playing at the age of seven.

Football has instilled characteristics that are sometimes difficult to gain as a young adult, by playing football for a majority of his life he has developed accountability, commitment, and heart. Practices were everyday of the week and training during the off season took up a great deal of time. “I have played football my whole life, it is all I know,” he confessed.

The word “football” is often correlated with the word “family”.

From Joe’s perspective everyone on the team plays an important part in

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creating a well-oiled machine, “My team mates are my family especially in the locker room, we love to joke around but we know when it is time to get serious.” Joe stated. He spent a large amount of time preparing and going to war on the football field with these boys. He shares such a connection with the other players around him that Joe is all about putting his brothers first. They not only are close on the field but they love to spend the weekends hanging out at his house.

Football comes with many perks and the best part about playing football for Joe is that he gets to go out and hit someone and no one cares, because that’s the sport, it was part of his responsibility too. Joe exemplifies a leader on and off the field by being a true scholar athlete.

He has created lots of memories throughout his football career and his fondest memory from this season was winning the 7A District Championship. “It was a good feeling to know we as a team came out on top.” Joe said. Congratulations on being Athlete of the Week Joe!

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HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS

NEWSOME BOYS’ SOCCER TEAM OF THE MONTH

BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN

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ewsome Boys’ Soccer team is full of humor, determination, and competitiveness. This team is sure to keep everyone on their toes this season. Coach Allen Ware explained, “This team is full of great guys, and they keep me young.” The group of seniors this year are destined for success because of their ability to play as one, Austin Cobb and Connor Fitzgerald as forwards, Jacob Buckner at center midfield then Jake Van Der Luit at center back. The team’s goal for this year is to make it to states.

This is a tight knit group of boys that seem to know the ins and outs about each other. “We are like brothers,” Jake Van Der Luit explained and Connor Fitzgerald quickly added, “Most of us have played together for a long time.”

These boys enjoy cracking jokes about their school’s obsession with the famous Newsome saying “Bleed Blue.” Also, like any team, traditions are important even if their pregame rituals are more rare than most, “We like to see who can eat the most at team meals,” said Jacob Buckner.

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It is something they do before every game. The little quirks like this make Newsome’s boy soccer team so unique.

So far this season the boys felt most accomplished when they won the Wharton invitational tournament. It was an exciting achievement because the wins proved the team’s ability. Coach Ware stated, “We have the potential to go far.” This is Coach Ware’s third season at Newsome and his love for the game transparently shows throughout his players.

The boys like to set their stakes high because their favorite part about playing for Newsome, Cobb clarifies, is the “team camaraderie, winning, and playing in play offs.” Later on in the season the weather is colder, the crowds get bigger, and there is greater pressure to win.

This team of boys are hungry to succeed this season and hope to reach their full potential. The weather may be getting colder but the wolves are hot in pursuit to make it to play offs.

Congratulations Newsome Boys’ Soccer team on being Team of the Month!

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perfectly fluffy thick bread stuffed with creamy blackberry deliciousness. Also equally wonderful was the artichoke, onion, tomato, provolone omelette. The artichokes were so tender and combined with the other ingredients made for a well-balanced and unforgettable omelette. As a side the hashbrowns were the right amount of crispy without being overcooked and the homefries were great chunks of fresh seasoned potatoes with grilled bits of onions, making for a great accompaniment to our breakfast. Our coffee cups were never even half empty as the fresh hot coffee was always refilled and delicious enough to drink black.

The Brunchery also serves lunch until 2:00pm, Monday-Friday, and until 1:30 Saturday and Sunday. “I have people come from Lakeland for my grilled

THE BRUNCHERY BREAKFAST AT ITS BEST

BY HEATHER DAVIS

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ncreasingly it seems everyone’s favorite meal of the day is brunch.

It signifies the time when you have the luxury to eat breakfast anytime before lunch. The Brunchery in Valrico has been satisfying the brunch needs of its community since 1988 and has since celebrated its 26th anniversary.

When I arrived a little past ten the place was packed with people standing outside. Even with the volume of people, hungry customers were seated quickly and efficiently. Owner, Kevyn Farley began The Brunchery in 1988 following in the footsteps and using all the recipes from her parents restaurant they owned by the same name. “I wanted to have a job, she explained, where my kids didn’t even know I worked because I opened at 7:30 and closed at 2:00.

The décor of The Brunchery is bright, cheerful and homey, just the type of place you want to come to relax and

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enjoy a delicious meal. Menu boards are posted on the wall listing daily specials such as specialty crepes, omelettes, and stuffed french toast. The menu is full of mouthwatering selections including various egg benedicts, omelettes, waffles, pancakes and an endless variety of sides. Kevyn recommended the seasonal specialty of pumpkin pancakes. “People begin calling us in August, Kevyn said, requesting our pumpkin pancakes.”

Once we tried them I could see why they were extremely popular and anticipated. Another recommendation was the chorizo benedict, prepared using poached eggs, chorizo, avocado, and pepper jack cheese served on an English muffin topped with tomatillo sauce.

The poached eggs were perfect, not too runny or overcooked and the ingredients together made for a great combination.

The blackberry stuffed french toast was as good as it sounds, prepared with

INFORMATION THE BRUNCHERY 4389 Lynx Paw Trail Valrico, Florida 33596 813-654-9036 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-2:00pm Saturday and Sunday, 7:30am-1:30pm

raison pecan chicken salad sandwich,” Kevyn said.

Based upon the happy brunch eating customers along with the quality of food we tried, I am willing to bet many people would drive a distance to eat at The Brunchery.

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