FOCUS Brandon 06-09 by Floyd Publications

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CONTENTS

06-11 Local

Brandon is filled with organizations that benefit the community. If you’re looking for something to do this month, why not give back to one of these organizations? Register for the Holy Innocents’ Golf Tournament with proceeds going to local and international missions, or attend the Kentucky Derby Party where funds raised support the Brandon Outreach Clinic. Also learn about how the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center has benefitted area youth for the past 50 years.

Feature: FOCUS On Medical

Our special Focus on Medical section highlights Douglas Wendt, Jr., a periodontist who has provided over 25 years of dental experience to the Brandon area. Find out why his patients highly recommend his unbeatable services.

Spotlight: Brandon Regional Hospital

Brandon Regional Hospital has been an important fixture in the community, committed to, above all else, the care and improvement of human life. Their mission is to deliver high-quality, cost-effective health care to Brandon area residents.

Business: Big Frog Custom T-Shirts

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts isn’t just limited to providing customers with shirts in as many as 14 million different colors. The growing business also designs custom blankets, tablecloths, car flags, banners, puzzles, mouse pads, coasters, gym bags, “anything that I can get under the printer,” says owner Gerald Ayers.

Dining: Square 1 Burgers and Bar

Square 1 Burgers and Bar provides an awesome alternative to the fast food burger joint. In fact, they’ll do any burger any way you want—whether beef, buffalo, lamb, chicken, turkey, duck, or vegan...and even elk, venison, ostrich, or crab cake.

See Also: Fishhawk Review - 21 Team of the Month - 23 Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Column - 26

onthecover Photography by Anthony Sassano

Brandon Regional Hospital Honoring a Commitment to Improve Service to the Community

may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

May 2013 | Volume 6 Issue 9 | focusbrandon.com

Letter From The Publisher

Sewing Machines Modern Fabrics Notions Books Patterns Classes

April showers and May’s blooming flowers are visual reminders of a time to celebrate life and fresh starts, when temperatures are moderate and the Florida skies are mostly a gorgeous, cloudless blue. It’s definitely a time when folks get outdoors for some sunshine fun. April’s local gatherings included the 50th Anniversary Open House and Pool Party for the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center and the annual Relay for Life celebration at Brandon High School. Both were perfect venues for families to enjoy the best of Central Florida’s weather. Upcoming in May will be the Kentucky Derby Party to benefit the Brandon Outreach Center and the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Golf Tournament to support mission trips. We look forward to the final reports of funds raised at this year’s Relay and hope you found time to meet your friends and neighbors, chow down on some great food, and engage in meaningful conversation, games, and fundraising activities for the cancer cure cause. Talk about creativity, Relay for Life teams always have it going on. And as we all reflect this month on two recent tragedies in Boston and West, Texas, we are grateful once again for first responders, efficient emergency rooms and compassionate medical professionals. We hope you’ll appreciate our spotlight on Brandon Regional Hospital and feature on Douglas C. Wendt, Jr., DDS. Let us continue to remember that the Greater Brandon Area is full of life and the things that make life good.

www.inspirequiltingandsewing.com 101 N. Collins Street, Plant City, FL 33563 813.704.4867

Thanks, as always, for sharing yours with us.

Mike Floyd - Publisher mike@floydpublications.com Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

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Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

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www.focusbrandon.com Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us. So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail editorial@floydpublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner. FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants and many local venues. Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

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Brandon Sports and

Beverly Knox has been coming to the center since it opened. A mother of three boys she appreciated having a place for them to exercise and play while making lifelong friends.

Celebrates 50 Years

“This has meant a lot to my whole family and we have always enjoyed [the center] for many years,” said Knox.

The facility has expanded to include a 50-meter competition pool, six clay and four hard tennis courts, 17.5 foot deep diving well, fitness room, playground, pro shop, café and more. Besides the abundance of programs and equipment, the center also staffs instructors with a willingness to see members grow and succeed in each program.

Community Members annually

Over the years, the center has evolved to meet the needs of the community including a year and a half old program called TRIDENT (Training and Recreation for the Intellectually Disabled Enhancing their Natural Talents) which focuses on active recreation, proper socialization and interpersonal skills, and independent life skills.

“My favorite part is when you take [someone] who has fear of the water, being able to show them they can learn to swim, and see their excitement when they’ve mastered swimming and overcome their fear of the water,” said Hickie. “Just seeing their excitement and knowing I’m helping them get over their fears, that’s why I keep doing it.”

“That’s the beauty of a continual legacy that started here about 50 years ago; we have a commitment for ongoing programming that’s new,” said Burgess. “That’s the whole reason we even started TRIDENT. The community really needed a bigger resource for this. The staff is committed to it and quite honestly has a desire and heart to impact the community in this way and we just went for it.”

Patrons of the center can expect new programs in the near future as well as possible new partnerships with local organizations.

Aquatic Center

Local Facility Serves 10,000 Article by Nicole Schoen

County Commissioner Al Higginbotham with Team TRIDENT members at the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center’s 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday, April 20. Photo by Lori Harper

ucked away off Beverly Boulevard, the 12-acre Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center is a hidden jewel of sorts in the Brandon community. If it’s not searched for, it may not be found. “We have so much to offer, but so many people don’t know we’re here,” said Aquatics Director Theresa Hickie. “Even myself, I lived in the area for six years before I knew this place existed. We’re here on word of mouth really through this last 50 years.” On Saturday, April 20, BSAC celebrated 50 years in the community by offering free registration for summer camp, free food, carnival games and an opportunity to rub shoulders with community dignitaries like County Commissioner Al Higginbotham, as well as spend time with old friends. Over

1,000 people attended to show their support and join in the festivities.

“We definitely have some capital expansion plans in the next few years [based on] the demand of the community,” said Burgess. “I think we’re going to stage ourselves for the next 50 years to impact as many, if not more, people than we have in the past 50 years.”

Since its establishment in May 1963, the center has grown to serve over 10,000 children each year with a wide array of programs for all ages and abilities, some of which include gymnastics, tennis, aquatics (swimming, diving, aerobics), fitness, martial arts, after school programs and summer camps. The center is now a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers financial assistance to families in need. “In ’63, there wasn’t anything like it around. It was so ahead of its time,” said Executive Director Chuck Burgess. “I think the whole concept back in the early 60s was to have a community place for people to congregate.”

Executive Director Chuck Burgess (left) and Associate Executive Director Lori Bukaweski receive a commendation from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, April 20 at the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center’s 50th anniversary celebration. Photo by Lori Harper

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Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Golf Tournament Raising Funds for Local and International Missions Article by Diana Brink

Proceeds from the golf tournament will help support several ministries and missions of the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. Pictured here, a missions team that traveled to the Dominican Republic. Photo courtesy of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church

oly Innocents’ Episcopal Church in Valrico will be hosting their first annual golf tournament at Bloomingdale Golfer’s Club on Saturday, May 18. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. The tournament will begin at 9 a.m. So, why would a church sponsor a golf tournament? “Because God loves golfers,” shared Steve Purifoy, coordinator of the golf tournament. “But seriously, we have a number of golfers in the congregation and thought that it’d be a good way to get the community acquainted with the good people and things that we do at Holy Innocents’.” The church is hoping to get 120 golfers to participate in the tournament, which will include a long drive, a $10,000 hole-inone, and putting contests. A luncheon will follow with goodie bags and different prizes available such as Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lightning memorabilia.

for the men and women serving in North American and international maritime workplaces. Founded in 1834, the agency is affiliated with Episcopal churches around the nation. Locally, the Seamen’s Church Institute provides hospitality to foreign sailors whose ships dock at Port of Tampa. One Sunday a year, Holy Innocents’ collects an offering that goes directly to this ministry. Holy Innocents’ international mission work includes trips to the Dominican Republic. Last year, a group went to help build a church and a school. While there, Holy Innocents’ Church members realized how poor the country was, so much in fact that most children didn’t even have shoes.

Other ministries Holy Innocents’ supports are Meals on Wheels, Alcoholic Anonymous, A Kid’s Place, Feed the Bay, the Brandon Outreach Clinic, Rachel’s Guild and many others. All are extremely worthy causes and keeps the church in line with its vision: “a The money raised will help Holy Innocents’ church on track with Jesus.” continue in their mission and ministry work here and abroad, along with operation For information on how to be a sponsor or to expenses. One local mission the church register for the 18-hole golf tournament, call supports is Seamen’s Church Institute, Steve Purifoy at 813-495-4307 or go to the an organization that promotes the safety, church’s website, hiepiscopal.org. dignity, and improved working environment FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

local

A Rising Star Local Cinematographer Showcases Film at Gasparilla Festival Article by Johanna Santana

For fantasy films such as “The Moon Child,” Hyde uses other films such as “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Fall” as inspiration. “They’re so visually rich with a few shared elements in terms of story and style,” Hyde said. Shooting the Gasparilla-featured film did not come without its challenges. Working 23 1/2 days in a swamp in the middle of August was just part of it. “Everyone was just super tired and worn out but we had to finish it,” said Hyde. “Then our generators started going down, and I lost a lot of the power I needed to create the lighting that we wanted.” But after two months of planning, four days of filming and three months of post-production, “The Moon Child” was successfully showcased

not only at Gasparilla, but also the Sunscreen Festival. “Movies, I know they look glamorous, I know they look awesome, and you watch them and two hours later you’re like, that was fun,” Hyde said. “Movies are typically 16 to 18 hour days, five days a week and then sometimes weekends, sometimes overnight shoots and lots of overtime.” Hyde seems to have found film almost accidentally. As a high school student, he dreamt of becoming a baseball star. After an arm injury and not growing as tall as he thought he’d be, Hyde quit baseball and tried theater, photography and music. A move to Florida led him to going from school to school while finally attending Southeastern University where he decided to try film and instantly found his passion. However, he credits his successes to his wife, Sophia Hyde, who he started his own production company with. Other films by Hyde being released this year are the psychological thriller “The Blood and the Burn,” and “Brush,” which Hyde calls “the most creative” piece he has ever done.

A behind-the-scenes look at “The Moon Child” film. Photo submitted Gasparilla Film Festival

s a teenager living in Tennessee, Brandon Hyde was not a fan of movies. In fact, he recalls his family’s television having only three channels and remembers a handful of times of having gone to the movie theaters as a kid. Today at 28, Hyde is a Director of Photography in Plant City with over 30 movies under his belt. One of his latest, “The Moon Child,” was featured at the Gasparilla Film Festival in March. “Gasparilla was my first experience at a bigger festival and I loved it,” said Hyde. “Everyone there pretty much had the same goal and was very supportive of each other’s dreams.” The film “The Moon Child” tells the story of a father who makes up a fantasy tale for his dying daughter to explain why she is in the hospital. Hyde’s friend, Matt Glover, wrote and directed the film, where the inspiration came from people who are given bad news every

may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

day and how he would tell someone he loved that they may not make it, according to Hyde. Adding to that was the element of relaying that sentiment to a child who might not be able to understand. As the director of photography, Hyde’s job was to bring Glover’s ideas to life. While the director is the one most people are familiar with, the director of photography is in charge of tonality, pacing, lighting and camera movement of the film, said Hyde. The director cannot be in control of the actors and be behind the cameras at the same time or something will get missed, Hyde added. Therefore, he works hand in hand with the directors of each film to create their vision onscreen. “It’s not my story, but I am bringing their vision to the surface and visually putting them together,” said Hyde.

Local Director of Photography Brandon Hyde worked on “The Moon Child,” a film that was featured at the Gasparilla Film Festival in March. Photo submitted Gasparilla Film Festival

FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

local

Kentucky Derby Party

Event to Raise Funds for the Brandon Outreach Clinic Article by Diana Brink

Last year’s Dapper Gentleman and Best Hat winners. Photo courtesy of Debbie Meegan

ark your calendars—The Kentucky Derby will be coming to Brandon on May 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. at CenterPlace Fine Arts and Civic Association, located at 619 Vonderburg Drive. With a live feed of the derby being presented, party patrons can experience all the excitement of America’s most popular horse race right in their own backyard. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Brandon Outreach Clinic. The second annual gathering will feature several race-themed contests, a silent auction, and a 50/50 pot, as well as Ladies Hat and Dapper Gentleman competitions. So ladies, show off your most creative hat, and gentleman, put on your most flamboyant southern attire for a chance to win prizes. Kentucky Derby-inspired food will be provided, along with an open bar and Mint Juleps, a traditional derby beverage made with a sweet, minty syrup poured over whiskey and crushed ice. “Our Kentucky Derby-themed food will feature Kentucky Hot Browns with Mornay sauce, Derby Pie, and of course the Mint Julep,” shared Deborah Meegan, Executive Director of the Brandon Outreach Clinic.

Kentucky Hot Browns are open-faced turkey and bacon sandwiches with a cheesy Mornay sauce drizzled on top. The sandwich is baked or broiled until the bread is crisp and the sauce begins to brown. Patrons will finish up their meals with a delicious, sweet treat, Derby Pie, a chocolate and walnut tart served in a crust.

LIVE-IN & OVERNIGHT CARE

Certain situations may require more care than just a few hours a week for your elder loved one. Seniors recovering from hospitalization or illness, those who have chronic medical conditions, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia call Right at Home for live-in and overnight care. Whether you have a health insurance plan, Medicaid waiver, or plan on paying privately, the right plan is here to welcome you to our close knit, extended family of clients.

The Brandon Outreach Clinic helps provide medical care to approximately 210 people from the area per month. Over 100 volunteer doctors and nurses assist with primary care and diagnose different health problems for people in the Brandon community who can’t afford health care coverage and who aren’t eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. In addition, the Brandon Outreach Clinic provides prescriptions to patients, as last year the clinic provided over 5,000 medications to those in need. All this is possible through the donations of others. In order to stay in operation, the Brandon Outreach Clinic relies on help from the community and hosts a Kentucky Derby Party to raise necessary funds. Tickets cost $75 per person. Sponsors are also needed. Please call 813-654-1388 for more information or to take part in a great cause for the community.

Call us today and see Right how really affordable at we are. Home HOME CARE & ASSISTANCE 813-764-9290 ®

www.rightathome.net/plantcity/

FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

FOCUS On Medical

(This is a paid advertisement)

focus medical on

Douglas Wendt, Jr. D.D.S.

“Those who don’t take insurance leave patients Husband to wife Teri for over 20 years, he to kind of fend on their own and they can’t go is also father of daughters Kailie, 19, and to you unless they want to pay out of pocket.” Claire, 13. Dr. Wendt has written several articles and given lectures on different aspects Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State of periodontal therapy ranging from bone University is where Dr. Wendt started his grafting to the regeneration of new bone and education and received two bachelor’s degrees soft tissue. in international relations and biology upon graduation. He then attended Virginia “I have been Dr. Wendt’s patient since 1989, Commonwealth University School of and I feel very qualified to speak regarding Dentistry in Richmond where he received his professionalism. My visits to Dr. Wendt his dental degree. After that, he received his have included treatments for grafts, scaling doctorate in periodontics from Kornberg and root planning, periodontal maintenance School of Dentistry Temple University in cleanings and exams. My most recent visit involved osseous surgery. In all treatment Philadelphia. cases healing was successful,” Sally Cook While he was attending Temple University, said in her testimonial on his website. “In my Dr. Wendt had a friend who lived in the opinion, Dr. Wendt is at the very top of his Brandon area. After graduating he decided chosen profession. I highly recommend Dr. to move to Florida starting his career in St. Wendt and his staff to anybody requiring Petersburg at the St. Petersburg Dental Center dental work.” and with Dr. Steven Lieber in Pasco County working part time at both locations. Douglas C. Wendt., Jr., DDS He resigned from his Pasco 268 S. Moon Ave. County position then started his current practice in 1988 Brandon, FL 33511 still working in St. Petersburg Phone: 813-684-8085 for a few years before devoting Web: dcwendtjrdds.com himself completely to the Brandon area. Hours:

focusonmedical since 2000 and has seen his clientele grow over the years. “It’s a small office and we all get along really well,” Lowry said.

Averaging 15 patients a day he still makes each customer feel personally cared for.

ust across the street from Brandon Regional Hospital resides the practice of Douglas Wendt, Jr. D.D.S. off South Moon Avenue which has been providing quality dental care to the Brandon community since 1988. Dr. Wendt has continued to provide a variety of services while expressing a genuine concern for his patients over the past 25 years. “He just has a real good bedside manner with patients I would say. Patients love him,” said Office Coordinator Brenda Lowry. “He really takes time with new patients, like 45 minutes to an hour, to really explain things to them.” Lowry has been working with Dr. Wendt

may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

“Dr. Wendt has been my periodontist since April 1990. He took the time to explain to me and reassure me on all procedures he has performed,” Saowalak Hurt said in a website testimonial. Some of the services Dr. Wendt provides to the community include crown lengthening, extractions, frenectomy and occlusal adjustment to name a few. He also uses Nobel Biocare implants, OraGRAFT for bone grafting and Henry Schein dental products. CareCredit is offered to help patients financially with treatments and procedures their insurance won’t cover. “A lot of periodontists don’t take insurance, or they might take very limited insurance, and we take a lot of different insurances which accommodates a lot of people,” Lowry said.

Mon-Thurs, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

FOCUS On Medical

(This is a paid advertisement)

Right at Home of Plant City decades. These are not just statistics; they represent millions of families with loved ones who require help with basic, daily activities such as cleaning, cooking, medication reminders, and safety supervision.

early six million individuals in the United States and Canada have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia—a number that is expected to reach nearly 20 million in the next five

As the number of older adults in the United States grows, so does the number of adult children caring for aging parents, as an estimated 5 million Americans spend some time caring for an aging parent—a figure that is projected to double within the next 20 years. In past years, a group of siblings, often including stay-at-home daughters or daughters-in-law, would band together to care for elderly loved ones. Some families

still reflect this very model, but it is less and less the norm. An increasingly lower national birthrate means that the caregiving load is spread among fewer siblings. In addition, the higher divorce rate means many more seniors live alone, without a spouse caregiver to help if they become disabled. Some adult children even find themselves serving as primary caregiver for both their divorced parents— and perhaps a stepparent or two. The number of seniors who need care is growing, but the ratio of family caregivers to people needing care is widening every year.

Help is available for these overextended families. Since 1999, families have trusted Right At Home of Plant City to provide oneon-one care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Right At Home provides caregivers with the latest in Alzheimer’s education and dementia care techniques, so you can be assured your loved one is with a trusted professional. Caregivers from Right at Home come in for as short or as long a period as the client requires and handle a wide variety of tasks. Some clients receive help with activities of daily living, such as chores around the house, safety supervision, medication reminder, shopping or trips to the doctor. And in some cases, caregivers provide companionship, often to clients with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s or stroke.

In addition, the National Alliance for Caregiving reports that close to 1.5 million children under age 18 are caring for elderly loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia; heart, lung or kidney disease; arthritis; diabetes; and other disabling conditions. Another troubling report by Civic For more information on the services Right Enterprises for the Bill & Melinda Gates At Home can provide, contact 813-764-9290 Foundation revealed that almost one-quarter or rightathome.net/plantcity. of children who drop out of school do so to provide care for a family member—often a disabled or elderly relative. Caregiver associations are Right at Home of Plant City taking note of these children 813-764-9290 and are working to assist rightathome.net/plantcity them.

Zweibach Women’s Health

omen’s Health and Wellness is a medical practice specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, providing healthcare to women in Brandon and Riverview. Their integrated, patient-focused philosophy offers a refreshing departure from the usual, combining excellence in medical care with sensitivity to individuality. The board-certified physicians are delighted to offer all the advantages of a major medical facility in an intimate and comforting environment, designed with a woman’s unique experience in mind. The remodeled women’s center is focused on making the clients visit as relaxing as possible—from the plush waiting room with free Wi-Fi to the friendly, thoughtful and bilingual staff who strive to make your appointment an enjoyable one. To communicate with the office, patients can utilize the secure patient portal, access the Women’s Health & Wellness website, www. whnw.net, or make appointments through the internet. The diverse personal backgrounds of the providers ensure a comfortable patient-doctor relationship. A testament to the compassion demonstrated by the providers is emphasized

by the many awards they have received from America’s top physicians to the People’s Choice Awards. When it comes to obstetrics and gynecological care, they perform advanced in-house surgical procedures. They offer Essure sterilization, endometrial ablations and bladder continence evaluations. 3-D ultrasounds are available during pregnancy as well as a wide range of wellness services from cosmetic fillers and facial peels to our extremely successful weight loss program. They have two convenient locations to serve you. Please visit whnw.net or call 813-571-2777. Offices are located at 815 S. Parsons Ave., Brandon and 13148 Vail Ridge Dr., Riverview.

Zweibach Women’s Health 813-571-2777 815 S. Parsons Ave., Brandon and 13148 Vail Ridge Dr., Riverview. FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

Photography by Anthony Sassano

may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

Honoring a Commitment to Improve Service to the Community

hen Bland Eng, the new CEO of Brandon Regional Hospital, assumed the administrative reins in January 2012, he made several personal commitments. One of them was that the community would see a substantial difference in the delivery of a variety of hospital services – in particular the ER.

Janice Balzano

close to home,” said Brandon’s COO Janice Balzano. “We are committed to continually improving the quality and efficiency of the care we provide and we’ve made great strides over the last year,” she added. In 2012, over 106,000 people from our community utilized the ER services at the main campus alone. This represents an 11% increase over the prior year. Hospital officials are projecting an additional 10% increase in 2013, based on current utilization. “This shows us that the community is aware of our dedication and commitment to provide top quality healthcare at Brandon Regional Hospital and in the Emergency Department,” said CEO Eng. “Our continuous customer perception surveys show that starting in the third quarter of 2012, residents were more apt to receive services at Brandon Regional Hospital’s ER than anywhere else,” he added.

Bland Eng

“The ER is a very important resource for our community and is typically the patient’s first experience with the hospital. It is essential to have quality ER services

Hospital officials count the current improvement in several patient indicators over the last year. “We’ve reduced the number of people that are held in the emergency room, waiting for an in-patient hospital

Photography by Anthony Sassano

bed, by almost 35%,” said Ms. Balzano. Hospital indicators hovered around prior year statistics in the first few months that Eng took over. However, as new processes and procedures were implemented, those statistics began to improve. Those improvements are in the following areas: • The number of ER patients that must wait for an available in-patient bed • Length of time patients stay within holding areas And there’s more - in the past, the average patient would wait up to 45 minutes from the time they entered the ER to when they saw an emergency room physician or a specially trained physician assistant working with the doctor. (The national goal is 25 minutes.) Brandon’s current wait time has been reduced to an average of 15 minutes. “I think about the experience I would want for my loved ones,” said Ms. Balzano. “When someone is sick, they want to be seen by a physician, and have tests and care started quickly, so they can start to feel better as soon as possible,” she added.

Photography by Anthony Sassano FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

High HCA Standards As an HCA facility Brandon Regional Hospital is committed to ensuring its parent company’s high standards. HCA insists that its facilities obtain third party accreditations as objective measurement of the high level of quality care that its facilities provide the community. Brandon Regional Hospital allows residents to have access to services with the following accreditations: • • • • •

Three star accreditation for Excellence in Cardiac Surgery, which is the highest award given by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons An accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI by the Society of Chest Pain Centers Certification by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center A Bariatric Center of Excellence by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeries The newly acquired accreditation of Brandon Regional Hospital’s Echocardiography by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL)

As further indication of its commitment to quality Brandon Regional Hospital is a proud recipient of the following designations and awards: • • • •

Joint Commission’s Top Performers in Quality Recognition for: Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia, and Surgical Care Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for Acute Myocardial Infarction Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for Coronary Artery Bypass Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for Heart Failure

Brandon Regional Hospital was recently recognized for: • • •

UnitedHealth Premium® Surgical Spine Specialty Center Program UnitedHealth Premium® Total Joint Replacement Specialty Center Florida Blue Distinction Center Designation for Quality in the Areas of Spine Surgery, and Knee and Hip Replacement

Brandon Regional Hospital’s Emergency Center also provides the community with: •

• • •

Direct access to cardiologists and cardiac surgeons at a full service Heart & Vascular Center ranked highest in quality for cardiac surgery by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons – based on clinical outcomes Access to the latest stroke treatment options at its accredited Primary Stroke Center Board Certified emergency medicine physicians and registered nurses Services to children have expanded to include a new eight bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in addition to our 10 bed in-patient unit, pediatric seizure monitoring, pediatric sedation services, Level II and III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and many other specialized pediatric services.

may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

Photography by Anthony Sassano

Brandon’s Improved STEMI Time

Bland Eng is particularly proud of Brandon Regional Hospital’s STEMI Time, which is the time the most serious of heart attack patients are treated. In this type of heart attack, the longer the delay in treatment, the more likely there will be irreversible damage of the heart muscle. The outstanding cardiologists at Brandon Regional Hospital are complemented by the only 3 star rating (which is the highest rating given) from cardiac surgeons in the region. “Our average STEMI Time is 59 minutes, which is lower than the national benchmark of 90 minutes,” said Jill Benford, Director of Cardiovascular Services.

STEMI is an acronym meaning “ST segment elevation myocardial infarction,” which is one type of heart attack. In a STEMI ,the coronary artery is severely blocked off, often sudden, and as a result virtually all the heart muscles being supplied by the affected artery begin to die. It is a profoundly life-threatening medical emergency and usually associated with coronary artery disease. Brandon Regional Hospital’s average STEMI Time is 59 minutes, which is lower than the national benchmark of 90 minutes. “We treat between 120-140 STEMI’s a year,” added Ms. Benford. Jill Benford

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Big Frog

Custom T-Shirts

etting paid to have fun is something most people only dream of. However, this is exactly what Big Frog Custom T-Shirts franchise owners Karen and Gerald Ayers seem to have accomplished. After working in the telecommunications business for 30 years, the Ayers decided to leave the corporate world and start a franchise. Now they run a unique concept for a t-shirt business in Valrico, where they offer consumers the chance to order from one to a 1,000 custom-made shirts in as many as 14 million different colors. Big Frog Custom T-Shirts is unique in the fact that it uses a direct to garment, or DTG printing process, on a highly-modified ink jet printer. “We are putting the design into the fabric instead of setting it on top,” says Gerald. “It (the ink) becomes part of the shirt; it doesn’t have a texture to it. It breathes.” But making a living selling shirts was not something the Ayers had thought of. After deciding to start a business of their own, a company helped them look at franchises. “They kept giving us these things that were very corporate America, “said Gerald. “We

Profile by Johanna Santana

kept telling them over and over again ‘we want to have fun.’” When they were shown the Big Frog Customs T-Shirts business model, they knew it was the opportunity they had been seeking. “It felt right,” Gerald said. A year and a half later, business has grown and the designs are not limited to just t-shirts. Big Frog Custom T-Shirts can print on blankets, tablecloths, car flags, banners, puzzles, mouse pads, coasters, and even gym bags. “Anything that I can get under the printer, we’ll do,” said Gerald. Many customers come in looking for last minute gifts they can bring home that same day as printing is done onsite. The Big Frog Custom T-Shirt store has also seen successes with small businesses, sports teams, and family reunions. While some people come in with their own design, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts is equipped with the talent to help put a

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts in Valrico utilizes the direct to garment printing process to create custom designs that become part of the shirts. Photo by Johanna Santana

Gerald Ayers demonstrates the process of heat pressing the design on a shirt for an almost instant dry. Customers who order shirts from Big Frog Custom T-Shirts can walk out with their purchase that same day as printing is done onsite. Photo by Johanna Santana

client’s ideas on paper or even design a brand new logo for an emerging company. Whether bringing their own shirt or picking one out from an array of selections in the store, the Ayers affirm that seeing someone’s ideas come to life is part of their enjoyment. Perhaps it’s that passion that has led their Big Frog Custom T-Shirt shop to score in the 97 percentile in customer satisfaction.

The Ayers’ shop also partners with local schools to offer chosen students a chance to come in to the store to design and watch the making of their own free custom made t-shirt. This is part of what the Ayers call “experiencing the Frog.”

“When you come in and you get to see how the design process works, how we actually From the brightly colored orange and print the shirt and then walking out with green store to the “Welcome to the pond” the satisfaction of knowing you got your greeting customers receive when joining business done for the day, we think that’s a their Facebook page, for the Ayers, it really is really neat thing,” Gerald said. about loving what you do. “There are days that I am out on the floor and people are standing there working with the designer and just looking at it (the artwork) on the screen going ‘wow, that’s so cool, I love it’ and I think, every time I hear that, you know in 30 years in IT I never heard that, not once, and now I get to hear it every day,” said Karen.

information 3450 Lithia Pinecrest Road Valrico, FL 33596 Phone: 813-684-2873 Website: bigfrog.com/Valrico/ Email: valrico@bigfrog.com Hours: Mon –Sat 9 a.m. to 7p.m.

Customers can bring in their own T-Shirt to be printed or choose from a wide selection of colors and sizes displayed at the Big Frog Custom T-Shirts store. Photo by Johanna Santana FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

Real Estate » column

fishhawk

Real estate review Column by Terry Chandler

ith the month of May upon us, it is time to celebrate and honor our mothers. We wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers out there. Did you know that the modern holiday of Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1908 in America when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother? In 1912, she trademarked the phrases “Second Sunday in May” and “Mother’s Day” and created the Mother’s Day International Association. May is also the month to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and enjoy the Margarita Fiesta at the FishHawk Ranch Aquatic Club. Save the date and join the party on Friday, May 3 from 7 to 10 p.m. $15 per Adult. With the end of the school year approaching in May, many families will be moving into new residences. If a move is in your future, are you ready? An efficient, well managed move not only saves time and money, but will make the transition to your new home easier. Here is a Before-Your-Move Checklist to help make your move a pleasant experience. • Hire the movers. Make sure to understand the company’s policies and make your needs and expectations clear. • Do a room by room inventory of your home. • Organize your belongings, clean and sort your items for packing, garage sale or charity. • Arrange for shut-off or transfer of utilities. • Contact your bank and retrieve safe deposit bank contents.

• Complete the change-of-address kit at post office. • Give friends and relatives your new address. • Obtain copies of all medical and dental records, and school transcripts. Real Estate Market Update In March, Florida’s housing market reported increased closed sales, more pending sales, higher median prices and a reduced inventory of homes for sale, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. In Florida, median days on market for single-family homes was 57 days and 61 days for townhouses and condos. Greater Tampa Association of Realtors last month’s report stated for the Tampa Bay Area: • Monthly Sales: 2,222 • Average List Price: $187,170 • Average Sale Price: $181,027 • Average Days on Market: 75 Currently, FishHawk Ranch has 81 Active Listings, 13 Active Listings with a Contract, 120 Pending Contracts and 38 sales from March 1, 2013 through March 31, 2013 with a median price of $254,950 according to The Greater Tampa Association of Realtors’ Multiple Listing Service. We look forward to providing you local information each and every month. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us. FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

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may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

sports » team of the month

Mulrennan Middle School Volleyball Team Article by Deana Garrison

he Mulrennan Volleyball team is on top of its game again this year. With a County Championship title from last year, these girls continue their sparkle on the court. With coaches Jennifer Alexandre and Robert Pechacek leading the way, they can’t go wrong. Coach Alexandre is in her third year of coaching. She enjoys her leadership role and likes to see the girls work together. Academics are no worry to Alexandre. She knows that school grades come first to her team, and they are willing to work as hard as they can to show their success on paper as well as on the court. This year she is used to seeing mostly A’s from her volleyball girls. These girls show just how easy it is to be a skillful player and keep their grade point average up at the same time. With practice taking up a

lot of their after school time, it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to make it all come together. The attitude and teamwork that is displayed among the girls is evident in practices and games. Their positive attitude is shown to other teams as well. They are known to show great sportsmanship to teammates as well as to other teams. So far this season, Mulrennan is undefeated. Alexandre believes they are successful due to their team work. “They work well together,” she replied. No matter how skillful players are, Alexandre believes it is how well they play together that makes a good team. Her proof is in her own

team. The teamwork that is involved in their games takes them to the top. They definitely have the skill, but it is putting it all together as a team that builds their success. Some members of the team are also involved in travel volleyball teams that compete outside of school. With ongoing court time, these girls continue their practice throughout the year to keep up their skill. Another secret of success is the parent involvement. Mulrennan’s volleyball team has one of the best parent participation. They always have the parent support before, during, and after each game.

Two of their players have played all three years of their middle school career. Skylar Brooks and Deja Flanagan have returned all three years and definitely contribute a great deal to this team showing great leadership. With sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, this team has a great display of skill through all ages. As the season comes to an end, Mulrennan is hopeful to achieve yet another championship title. One thing is for sure, the Mulrennan Volleyball team set their goals high and work hard to achieve them. They definitely make their school proud. FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

sports » athlete of the month

Skylar Brooks

Athlete of the Month W Article by Deana Garrison

hen searching for an athlete of the month, I tend to seek out someone with great skill,dedication, and academic achievement because to have everything in complete balance is outstanding. This month, I have found the perfect candidate for the title…Skylar Brooks. This eighth grader has proven to be an excellent role model for other players, going over and beyond her limits. As a third year veteran on Mulrennan Middle School’s volleyball team, Brooks always gives 110%. Her coach Jennifer Alexandre thought back through the years and said, “I have watched her grow into such an amazing athlete. She is very versatile. I can put her anywhere on the court.” No matter where she is asked to play, Brooks shines. This is definitely something all coaches love to see…a player that can be placed in any position and play their hearts out without any worries or doubts. She knows the game inside and out and can quickly change it up at any given moment to fit the situation.

Brooks continues to strive to do her very best in all areas. Alexandre had the opportunity to be her teacher as well as her coach last year and saw firsthand the dedication and responsibility that Brooks displays. “She is very humble and quiet. She lets her skills do all the talking.” While many athletes take breaks during off season, Brooks continues playing her sport through volleyball teams outside of school. Keeping active and in tune with the skill is her way of staying on top of the game. Her dedication and drive to only get better with each practice or game makes her stronger. Her teammates look up to her and are able to see just how much she contributes to the team. Her positive attitude and friendly disposition makes her a true Mulrennan Mustang. As she moves up into high school she will definitely be missed; however, some lucky school is getting a gem of a player.

Her skills also extend into her academics as well. She makes it look so easy with sports and high academics all rolled into one. With straight A’s lined up on her report card,

FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

extra » brandon chamber

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BRANDON CHAMBER

BUSINESS BRIEFING 2013 BRANDON BUSINESS EXPO & MAY NETWORKING “TASTE OF BRANDON™” OPPORTUNITIES The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce hosts the 25th annual Brandon Business Expo & “Taste of Brandon™” on Thursday, May 16 from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. inside the Special Events Center at the Florida State Fair Grounds, located at Hwy. 301 and Interstate-4. The Brandon Business Expo is a spectacular event open to the entire community that features a trade-show setting and annual “Taste-off ” competition. Attracting new participants each year, the 2013 Brandon Business Expo & “Taste of Brandon™” is sure to be bigger and better than ever. Join more than 200 exhibitors in showcasing all that your business has to offer. Business industries of all types are welcomed and encouraged to exhibit. Returning co-title sponsor for the event is Ed Morse Cadillac of Brandon. Exhibitor space is available! Chamber member booth investments are $275, and prospective member space is available for $375. Product sales are allowed at the Expo. For registration information contact Suzanne Dowdy at 813-6891221, Ext. 8836 or email her at sdowdy@ brandonchamber.com.

SMALL BUSINESS EDUCATION

In partnership with the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the Hillsborough County Small Business Information Center (SBIC) holds free small business counseling every Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chamber. For more information, or to schedule an appointment please call 813-689-1221.

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may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

FREE Working Smarter Workshops led by counselors of the Hillsborough County Small Business Information Center. “Bookkeeping Essentials” will be held on Tuesday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. This seminar will cover how to maintain necessary records, accounts receivable/payable, payroll, sales taxes and other procedures. This seminar will be led by certified business counselors from the Hillsborough County Small Business Information Center (SBIC). For more information or to register please contact Suzanne Dowdy at sdowdy@ brandonchamber.com or 813-689-1221, ext. 8836.

Business After Hours – Tuesday, May 14, 5:30 p.m., hosted by Sencommunications, Inc., 1611 Allison Woods Ln., Tampa Coffee Club – Tuesday, May 28, 8 a.m., hosted by Best Western Brandon Hotel & Conference Center, 9331 Adamo Dr., Tampa

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BRANDON

Are you under 39 years of age…or feel like it? Then this group is for you. YP Brandon inspires young professionals to Lead by example, Grow by association, and Give back to the Brandon community. Come join the Young Professionals at Tres Amigos Cantina, 2025 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, Thursday, May 2 at 5:30 p.m. for a Networking Social. This event is free for YP members and $5 for guests. Can’t make the social? Come join us for a “Straight Up” Networking Luncheon on Wednesday, May 8 at 11:45 a.m. at Outback Steakhouse, 2020 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon. This luncheon is open to all Brandon Chamber members. For more information on YP Brandon or its events please contact Suzanne Dowdy at 813-689-1221, Ext. 8836 or sdowdy@ brandonchamber.com.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Advocare American Fundraising Services-American School Partners An Affair to Remember Catering, Inc. Bond Jewelers Brandon Chiropractic Associates Computer Medix Crescent Crosstown Apartments Famous Tate Electric Co. IIG Energy & Marketing Jenny Skincare Landstar Freight Broker Agent Liz n Things Consignment Boutique Mackey Productions Major’s Motor Works, LLC Nuviva Medical Weight Loss of Brandon Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza PKG Medication Solutions Sakura Asian Cuisine Scott J. Givens, P.A. Sticky Spanish Total Insight Screening, Inc. United Healthcare Medicare Solutions

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PLEASE CALL 813-689-1221 FOR MORE INFORMATION. FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

D & E » dining profile

Square 1

Burgers and Bar Profile by Janice Doyle

t’s easy to get hooked on the burgers at Square 1 Burgers and Bar in Brandon. My first bite told me I was eating real beef, the kind we used to take for granted. The reason is that Joanie Corneil, President and Executive Chef of the boldly decorated restaurant, uses only Meyer’s 100% Natural Red Angus Beef from Montana. The restaurant is a fun place to visit, with visual accents that show how serious the owners are about the real-meat concept. The booth seats are covered with cowhides and the walls hold large pictures of cows. There’s one of Awesome Sooner (the red Angus bull) and several more of friendly Holstein cows. Open the menu and be amazed at the choices. The spacious bar area can provide basic and specialty drinks, including hand crafted beers and martinis such as the Peach Blossom. And there’s Happy Hour every day. From the appetizers menu, we shared Woo Hoo Fries (crispy fries drenched in beefy mushroom sauce), the Frito Chili Pie (served in the bag) and the Awesome Chicken Wings

(brined, dried, rubbed and smoked). Choose your sauce and say “Awesome.” A variety of soups and salads include standout items like a spicy cheese soup, a strawberry salad and more. Deciding which of the nearly 30 sandwiches to order can take up a good part of a lunch hour if you let it. A standard burger comes in options from the Juicy Lucy to the Rise & Shine (burger with fried egg on top). Or get a burger made from buffalo, lamb, chicken, turkey or duck, as well as vegan burgers. An indulgent dessert? Of course! We had the Ricotta Beignets, served with raspberry and chocolate sauce for dipping. If there’s another burger you might crave—say elk, venison, ostrich or crab cake—just check the web site or sign up for Square 1’s notices about weekend specials. Jeremy, at Square 1 on his fifth visit, said, “They’ll do any burger any way you want it.”

A side of mac and cheese perfectly complements The Juicy Lucy, a 1/2 pound patty filled with cheddar cheese, topped with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and dijonaise. Photo by Janice Doyle

may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

Square 1 Burgers and Bar is located at 2042 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Photo by Janice Doyle

His friend Jason ordered the duck burger I found the wait staff very easy to work with. because “it’s a variation of the standard burger.” They knew the menu and were very helpful and attentive. “To maintain our standards of Mary Cummings, who works for the Brandon service, we use (secret) shoppers every week to Chamber of Commerce, says Square 1 burgers rate our service,” says Corneil. are “the best.” Attorney Ellis Faught ordered the turkey burger, calling it “a nice alternative Clean, comfortable, spacious and lots of variety in the menu. It’s easy to see why Brandon to beef.” diners keep “going back to Square 1.” Every plate coming out of the kitchen received personal attention before it was handed over to be delivered by one of the wait staff. Many of the staff have been with Square 1 since it opened last year.

information

Families find the restaurant a fun and easy place to bring the kids because they all like the funky decorations and the kids menu. Square 1 sponsors teams and helps with fundraisers, making a big impact on the community.

2042 Badlands Drive Brandon, FL 33511 Phone: 813-689-1611 Web: square1burgers.com Hours: Sun-Thurs | 11 am to 11 pm Fri & Sat 11 am to 12 am

Square 1 boasts a fully-stocked bar and offers a wide variety of craft beers, martinis, wines, and specialty cocktails. Photo by Janice Doyle

FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

events

can’t miss Craw fish Festival

The Rotary Club of Fishhawk Riverview will be sponsoring one of their largest fundraisers of the year—the third annual Crawfish Festival at Fishhawk Ranch on Saturday, May 18 from 11 to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the Fishhawk Ranch Park Square at 16132 Churchview Dr. in Lithia. The Rotary Club is requesting a $15 donation per ticket, which must be purchased by May 10 online at fishhawkriverviewrotary.org. Apart from fresh crawfish straight from Louisiana, other food items will be available for purchase, and children can receive free hotdogs with nonperishable food donations. Families can also enjoy a live performance by a Cajun band, various vendors, and children’s activities. All proceeds collected from the festival will benefit a countless number of local charities and scholarships associated with the Rotary Club.

Taste of Brandon

The 25th annual Brandon Business Expo sponsored by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce will be held on Thursday, May 16 from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Special Events Center. Over 200 area exhibitors will be in attendance to showcase what their business has to offer the community. In addition, the “Taste of Brandon” competition will take place during the Expo as businesses vie for the coveted “Best Taste” and “Best Dessert” awards. A $10 advance ticket ($15 at the door) covers the cost for a beverage and all food samples. Purchase your tickets by contacting Suzanne Dowdy at 813-689-1221, ext. 8836 or sdowdy@brandonchamber.com.

MAY

02 thursday

Rolling Pin Presents: Top Chef Contestant Tre Wilcox Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium | 6:15-9 p.m. 2080 Badlands Dr., Brandon The Brandon Foundation and Rolling Pin has partnered together to bring eight Celebrity and Top Chefs to the Tampa Bay area this spring. May 2 edition will feature Tre Wilcox, Top Chef All-Star and Iron Chef competitor as well as Executive Chef of Marquee Grill in Dallas. Tickets costs $100 and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Brandon Foundation and its charities. For more information on this or future Top Chef events, contact kbock@rollingpinonline.com or 813-653-2418.

04 saturday

2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Party Center Place | 4-8 p.m. 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B., Brandon This Kentucky Derby-themed party includes a silent auction, mint juleps, delicious food, race contests, and Ladies Hat and Dapper Gentleman Competitions. Tickets are $75 and all proceeds benefit the Brandon Outreach Clinic. For more information call 813-654-1388.

may 2013 thefocusmagazine.com

10 friday

Three Little Pigs Center Place | 7 p.m. 619 Vonderberg Dr., Ste. B., Brandon Stages Productions combines all the charm and comedy of this family classic with plenty of singing, dancing, and even a rapping Big Bad Wolf. Throughout the show, children will learn the themes of teamwork, character, sibling rivalry, and work ethic. The show is approximately 50 minutes in length and recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets cost $6 for Center Place members and $7 for non-members. For more information, call 813-685-8888.

11 saturday

10th Annual Math at the Mall Westfield Brandon | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 459 Brandon Town Center, Brandon Dick’s Court Elementary students, grades K-5, will go on a mathematical scavenger hunt throughout the mall for a chance to win prizes. Math challenge stations will allow students to apply their classroom skills to a realworld setting. Presented by the Hillsborough County Elementary Mathematics Council.

Mother’s Day Storytime Barnes & Noble Booksellers | 4 p.m. 122 Brandon Town Center, Brandon Celebrate Mother’s Day by joining us for a special reading of the children’s classic “Are You My Mother?” by P.D. Eastman. Storytime will be followed by an arts and crafts session during which children can make something special for their mothers. Call 813-661-9883 for more information.

Proceeds benefit the several local and international missions associated with Holy Innocents’. For registration information contact Steve Purifoy at 813-441-4307.

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Golf Tournament Bloomingdale Golfers Club 4113 Great Golfers Pl., Valrico. Registration open at 7:30 a.m. Tournament begins at 9 a.m. Lunch and prizes at 1:30 p.m. Event includes 18 holes of golf, cart, range balls, lunch, gift bag, and various contests. Cost is $65 per individual and $240 per team. Tournament is limited to 120 golfers, so register today.

Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Parsons Ave., Brandon Monthly charity thrift sales help refresh ECHO’s stock and raise money for the center. All are welcome and encouraged to purchase discounted overstock clothing and small household items. For more information contact Joni Damico at 813-6850935 or join@echofl.org.

18 saturday

Second Annual 5K4Q & Fun Run E.G. Simmons Park | 8 a.m. 2401 19th Ave. N.W., Ruskin Join East Bay High School’s Student Government Association for a 5K and 1-mile fun run to benefit the Bloomingdale Library Survivor. Cost is $25 for runners, $20 for students, $20 for Fun Run, $25 for non-running donation. Park entrance fee is $2. To register, search 5K4Q at active.com. Registration closes Friday, May 10.

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FOCUS Magazine brandon may 2013

Serving Brandon area families since 1960. A long tradition of caring compassionate service.

STOWERS funeral home 401 West Brandon Blvd. Brandon, Fl 33511 • 813-689-1211 • www.Stowersfh.com

Herb S. Popple Funeral Director, General Manager

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