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FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JANUARY 2015

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JANUARY 2015 thefocusmagazine.com

ANNIVERSARY SALE

SECOND ANNUAL BRANDON ELKS CLUB HOE DOWN

The Brandon Elks Club is sponsoring a hoe down featuring special musical guest Kim Betts & Gamble Creek Band on Saturday, January 17 starting at 6:30 p.m. The event, which will help raise funds for the Veteran Support Program along with other Elks Club charities, will take place at the Brandon Elks Lodge at 800 Centennial Lodge Drive in JBrandon. Tickets are $20 and include barbecue pork or chicken dinner, dancing, drink specials, a YeeHaw auction table, and much more. For more information, contact the Brandon Elks Lounge at 813-685-6469 after 4 p.m. or email loliver13@tampabay.rr.com.

JANUARY

01 THURSDAY

23 FRIDAY

Happy New Year!

Stages Productions Presents: Charlotte’s Web Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association 10:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. 619 Vonderburg Dr. Brandon Based on E.B. White’s bestselling children’s book, Charlotte’s Web tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. This barnyard tale focuses on friendship, sacrifice, compassion, and bravery. Recommended for children ages 3 through 10. Tickets are $6 for members and $7 for nonmembers. Advance ticket purchase is required. For more information, contact Center Place at 813-685-8888.

02 FRIDAY Walker Brothers Band Beef O’Brady’s | 7 p.m. 812 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Seffner Enjoy the musical talents of internationally-known bluegrass musicians the Walker Brothers. For more information, contact 813-661-7343.

10 SATURDAY 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.

11 SUNDAY Bluegrass Concert First United Methodist Church | 6 p.m. 121 N. Knights Ave., Brandon Enjoy the musical talents of Dale Ann Bradley, Phil Leadbetter, and Steve Gulley. Contact Jeff Brant at 813-689-4161 or jeffbrant@fumcbrandon.org.

16 FRIDAY Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration The Regent | 5 p.m. 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview Come ready to celebrate the 2014 successes in our community at a patriotic themed dinner. Cash bar and 50/50 available. Tickets start at $40. For more information, contact 813-234-5944.

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17th Annual FishHawk Road Race FishHawk Ranch Central Park | 8 a.m. This chip-timed 5K race raises funds for local schools with over $300,000 raised over the past 16 years. Kids race begins at 9 a.m. Cost for 5K is $25 in advance, $30 day of race and $15 for children’s race. For more information, visit fishhawkrunning.com.

17 SATURDAY 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 813685-0935.

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JANUARY 2015

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JANUARY 2015 thefocusmagazine.com

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The Walker Brothers (L-R: Tyler, Jarrod, & Cory) will perform at Beef’s in Seffner on January 2 @7PM and at FUMCB on January 11 @6PM.

THE WALKER BROTHERS PERFORM THIS MONTH AT TWO LOCAL VENUES BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

luegrass and Southern Gospel fans are sure to pack the house again this year when Lithia natives, The Walker Brothers, entertain at two local venues: Beef O’Brady’s Stadium Room in Seffner on January 2 at 7:00 p.m.; and First United Methodist Church in Brandon at 6:00 p.m on January 11, 2015. More than 900 fans enjoyed the FUMCB concert in 2014, which also featured International Bluegrass Music

JANUARY 2015 thefocusmagazine.com

Association (IBMA) A-listers Dale Ann Bradley, Phil Leadbetter and Steve Gulley. Each has earned IBMA annual awards: Bradley as Female Vocalist, guitarist Gulley as Songwriter, and Leadbetter as Dobro. Obviously, it will pay to arrive in the sanctuary early for best seating at 121 N. Knights Avenue. Last year, Leadbetter played FUMCB as a one-year survivor of Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma. It returned this spring and at concert time he will have

just finished his sixth month of chemo. Thankfully, doctors are optimistic about the outlook. Among the next generation of nationally known bluegrass musicians, the Lithia-born Walker Brothers are Durant High School graduates. Locals will probably recognize them as Florida Strawberry Festival featured entertainers from 2009-2012. They also opened the 40,000-attendee CMA FANFEST in Titan Stadium (2004) and played Titan

again in 2005. Internationally, they have performed in Canada, France, Italy and Japan. Cory plays banjo and dobro, Jarrod plays mandolin and Tyler plays guitar. Their nationally-played “New Branches” CD features guest artists Ricky Scaggs and his band, country artist Chad Brock, and Leadbetter with members of Mountain Heart, among others. Cory, a Middle Tennessee State University grad, is a 2014 IBMA Instrumentalist of the Year. Last year he filled in six weeks with Ricky Skaggs, along with his regular work, playing both instruments with Sierra Hull. Jarrod, also an MTSU grad, has played the Grand Ole Opry several times with his brother as Cory and Jarrod Walker, and with other bands as well. In 2004, both performed with Keith Urban on CBS and in 2005 on ABC with Earl Scruggs and Ricky Skaggs. Recently Jarrod played for national touring groups Missy Raines and the New Hip, but just began a new gig with the multi-award winning Nashville group, The Claire Lynch Band. Tyler, a Florida State University freshman, played with his brothers as the Walker Brothers with Austin Wilder in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Pennsylvania this summer. According to their father, David Walker, “Phil Leadbetter and his wife have become good friends over the years, helping the boys.” Jeff Brant, FUMCB Director of Music Ministries, explained the purpose of the concert at the church. “Southern Gospel and Bluegrass music have always stemmed from a steep tradition of Christ-followers. They witness through their music to their own faith and testimonies of God’s miracles. From some of the best in the business, we’ll hear great Bluegrass and welcome folks to our family of faith and the journey of knowing the God who loves us.” Audience donations will cover costs for the FUMCB concert costs, as people feel led to contribute at the door, both before and after the concert. E-mail or phone for additional information: Jeffbrant@fumcbrandon.org or 813-6894161.

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Tweens and Kids learn to love cooking through classes at Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium

ROLLING PIN KITCHEN EMPORIUM: YOUR CULINARY RESOURCE SINCE 1995

other classes, too. We are thankful to represent this great line.” “Our 4.500 square foot store’s inventory also includes 15,000+ kitchen tools and gadgets,” explained Dave, “and if we don’t have it, we’ll help you find it. When folks need quality cookware, professional cutlery and kitchen tools, they shop here.” Approximately 3,000 square feet accommodates the gourmet retail space, plus a Demonstration Center and Wine Bar, where customers can learn about Food and Wine Pairing. Additionally, the “dream come true” for the Wests also allows them space for private parties, corporate events, and a 1,000 Culinary Center which is now the largest cooking school in Florida. Eight to ten cooking classes weekly are offered in styles such as hands-on, demonstration, socially interactive and team building. Register early for classes, either online at www.rollingpinonline. com, in store, or by phone to 813-6532418 as they fill quickly. “Whether presented by Celebrity Chefs, local instructors or In-house Chefs,” added Dave, “these classes are fun, informative and always a great value. The food is great too!” Additionally, Rolling Pin offers training for kids and teens, with the FUNdamental series being the most popular. Each year the staff also hosts a

hands-on Breakfast with Santa, Winter and Summer cooking camps and monthly classes for Kids/Tweens. The Wests are grateful for their “ten very knowledgeable, well-trained employees who love food and love helping guests with their food questions and needs.” Dave added, “Some have been with us for 15+ years.” The Florida chef graduated with honors and Grande Diploma from the French Culinary Institute in New York City. His wife of 28 years is a South Carolina native and Erskin College graduate who serves as the company’s buyer. Both have extensive food service backgrounds with the McDonald’s Corporation in management, training and leadership positions. Fortunately for the travel-loving couple, their passion for fine cuisine and cooking expertise has taken them to Italy, Britain, France, Spain, Germany and Canada. For customer convenience, the store also offers knife sharpening, a Cooking Class Assistant Program, customized fundraisers, gift cards, and layaway service. For the latest news, photos and upcoming events, be sure to visit Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s page on Facebook and definitely bookmark http://www.rollingpinonline as a favorite website for frequent access.

BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

ave and Karen West love their business and their customers! As the very involved owners of Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium, they know the secret to satisfying shoppers: Offer products they want or help them locate the ones they don’t stock, and teach them how to be more successful in the kitchen. Since 1995, Rolling Pin has been the “Culinary Resource” for the Tampa Bay Area. And since their 2010 Small Business of the Year recognition by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the awards just keep coming. Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium

JANUARY 2015 thefocusmagazine.com

has accomplished wide recognition by earning the Global Innovators Award (GIA) for the U.S. in 2014. This past March, the Wests were honored with 21 other businesses worldwide, and Gourmet Retailer also awarded the company as 2014 “Retailer of the Year.” In October, Big Green Egg announced the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium as a BGE Gold Retailer and Cooking School Partner, which is a very big deal. “We carry all their eggs and merchandise, as well as assist with warranty requests,” said Chef Dave. “We offer classes on product use and have incorporated the use of the Eggs in our

The Breakfast with Santa event is one of the favorites Rolling Pin offers each year for kids.

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JANUARY 2015 thefocusmagazine.com

Socialights Connections, Inc., Occupational and Speech Therapy Where every child is given the opportunity to reach his/her full potential. By Heather Davis

On September 6, 2012 two companies, Achievable Community Interaction Therapy (ACIT) and All About Speech and Language (AASL) launched an amazing social group called Socialights Connections, Inc. The Socialights mission is “Social Growth for Social Success.” Each company has their own unique mission statement. The mission statement for AASL is to “Communicate, Grow, Connect” and the mission statement for ACIT is “Connecting the Community, Families, and Friends.” The

common

denominator between the mission statement for each is the word “Connections”. One simple word with a determined and heartfelt commitment. Together their combined vision is to increase a child’s potential for positive and appropriate social interactions, build successful and meaningful peer relationships and grow and connect as a community.

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JANUARY 2015

community they aim to help them achieve a sense of selfworth that cannot be generated exclusively within four walls. They are the only company in the Tampa bay area that offers the therapy approach of providing both therapies, OT and SLT in a program to better adapt and grow each individual child and/or young adult.

The beginnings of this collaboration of therapy companies began with conversations between Occupational Therapists (OT), Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) and caregivers of children with special needs. The recurring discussion was that, of course, children with special needs require traditional OT and SL therapies; however,there is a disconnect between clinic-based therapy and many families’ abilities to apply it in real-life situations out in our communities. Quite frankly, that is a huge responsibility to put on the backs of the caregivers of these children. Families are spending valuable time and money for the needed therapy with the experts, yet do not have the necessary support needed to apply the therapeutic benefits outside of the school/office environment. It is a novel thought that by having the caregiver watch the therapy with the therapist in an office environment or sit in the waiting room with treatment notes in hand at departure that they would then be able to take the information with them and smoothly transition and apply it into their community. Transitions are something many of these children have some of their most difficult issues with anyway and to expect parents to have the skillset for this type of application is simply not realistic. So, with this discussed hour after hour, treatment after treatment, for years with no obvious improvement in this very real disconnect, it was finally time to act. Angie Hill, Brieann and Alicia Yimoyines, and Holly Marino wanted to make this dream become a reality, one where a caregiver would feel comfortable taking their special needs child to a community venue where the family is accepted for who they are and given a chance to live a more “normal” life like other families. A dream where siblings can participate in classes, camps, and extracurricular activities together, building a bond like they have never had the opportunity to realize before ACIT and AASL. Through the Socialight programs every child deserves the opportunity to reach his/her full potential and by giving them the tools in an accepting

JANUARY 2015 thefocusmagazine.com

MEET ACIT Occupational Therapists Angela Hill, OTR/L Holly Marino, BSW, MBS Achievable Community Interaction Therapy (ACIT) is a new, forward thinking, treatment company that will impact the lives of individuals with special needs and their families. ACIT’s vision is to enrich, unite, and teach individuals with special needs and their families how to achieve independent and meaningful personal, social and vocational skills that are necessary in life through the participation in peer community camps. The classes strive to provide all individuals with special needs the unique opportunity to reach therapeutic goals in preferred extracurricular activities while building meaningful and lasting friendships. ACIT was founded by licensed, registered, and experienced occupational therapists skilled in sensory integration therapy with certification in Therapeutic Listening, Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention, Neuronet, Interactive Metronome, Balametrics, The Astronaut Spinning Protocol, Therapressure Brushing, and Handwriting Without Tears. ACIT’s Goals Create Community Classes/Camps for individuals with special needs (pair 4-6individuals based on age, diagnosis, and level of functioning together for participation in weekly personal, social and/or vocational skills). Adapt and give individuals with special needs a chance to explore a variety of personal, social, and extra curricular activities at a level where they will achieve success.

Develop meaningful peer relationships. Unite and empower families to successfully venture outside of their homes, schools, and therapy clinics so they can truly enjoy and embrace all of life’s possibilities (within the family and also family to family). Individualized Services Interactive Metronome Neuronet Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention Therapeutic Listening Private Occupational Therapy For more information visit website www.acitherapy.com. MEET AASL Speech-Language Pathologists: Alicia Yimoyines, M.S., CCC-SLP Brieann Yimoyines, M.S., CCC-SLP All About Speech & Language (AASL) is a multi-purpose, innovative company recently founded by licensed, experienced, and skilled speechlanguage pathologists. AASL works with individuals with special needs throughout the lifespan, from early childhood through adulthood. Our Mission, “Communicate, Grow, Connect,” supports our whole-hearted desire to help the individual acquire communication skills in order to grow as a unique and special person and thrive in the community by connecting with his/her family, friends, and those around them; people like you with whom they interact with on a consistent basis. Alicia and Brieann are sisters, speech-pathologists, and the co-founders of All About Speech & Language. Together, they always dreamed about opening their own speech-language practice; upon seeing a growing need for effective social skills intervention as well as functional language therapy allowing children and adolescents to connect within their communities, they began this exciting endeavor! As a result of their passion and desire to help individuals with special needs meet their full potential through individual and collaborative therapies, All About Speech & Language came into being!!

Specializing In: Individual and collaborative group treatment for speech and language therapy across a variety of disorder areas and abilities including: ADHD Apraxia Articulation and Phonology Disorders Auditory Processing Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder Developmental Speech & Language Delays Down Syndrome Dyslexia Reading/Literacy Skills Social Skills Stuttering Writing Skills Early childhood through adulthood Additional Services Offered: Comprehensive Speech & Language Screenings and Evaluations Consultations and Parent Support Interactive Metronome Program PROMPT technique for speech elicitation iPad Technology Social Groups: Socialights Connection, Inc. Social Dyads (2 peers to a Speech and Occupational therapist) Co-treatment (1 child to a Speech and Occupational therapist) For more information, please visit their website: www.aaspeechandlanguage.com SOCIALIGHT PROGRAMS The Socialights programs consists of cotreatments (one child with an OT & ST), social dyads (two peers with an OT & ST), Socialights’ social skills groups for different ages, consisting of 6-8 peers with an OT & ST, that consists of functional and friendship components, and extracurricular activities adapted by Occupational and Speech Therapists. They are certified providers of PEERS, an evidencedbased program developed at UCLA with the goal of making and keeping friends. The goal of the programs is to develop a plan for the child to help realize his/ her full potential in life and within the community. Tiny Socialights Occupational and Speech Therapy: The goal of our Tiny Socialights social skills program is to help refine skills for school readiness.

We will focus on areas such as language, separation anxiety, attention and focus, social and play skills, and fine motor skills. The classes will be an hour in length and will be led by an occupational therapist and a speech-language pathologist. Through this unique collaboration, your child will receive therapeutic level support that will lead to a better transition from preschool to elementary school and a more enriching and successful experience when entering primary school. Class Age: Recommended for ages 4 – 7 (with flexibility depending on group dynamics) Class Size: Limited and designed to best meet the needs of every child. We will conduct a FREE screening for your child to determine appropriateness of this class. Please call at your earliest convenience to schedule a time for this screening. When: Wednesdays: January 7 – May 20, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., excluding March 11 Location: 6152 Delancey Station St., Ste. 205, Riverview, FL 33578 Cost: $60 per class. The payment for the entire month is due by the 1st day of each month’s class: Jan 7 ($240), Feb 4 ($240), Mar 4 ($180), Apr 1 ($300), and May 6 ($180). Refunds will not be provided for absences for any reason. Elemenatary Socialights Occupational and Speech Therapy: This program is planned and facilitated by licensed, insured, and skilled Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists and is designed to teach your child essential social skills, aspects of higherlevel communication that on a very basic level allow them to connect with and build relationships with other individuals. Social skills that will be addressed include: self-esteem/confidence, self/body awareness, listening, teamwork, considering other’s thoughts/ feelings, empathy, problem solving, negotiating, compromising, and play and interaction skills. These multifaceted skills, which play an important role in your child’s development, will be addressed in a dynamic group setting with developmentally and age-matched peers. Class Age: Recommended for ages 7 - 12 Class Size: Limited and designed to best meet the needs of every child. Each child will be screened prior to admittance to our class to determine appropriateness of and readiness for this program. When: Wednesdays: 4:00-5:30 pm, January 7 – May 20 (off March 11 – Hillsborough Spring Break) Location: 6152 Delancey Station Street, Ste. 205, Riverview, FL 33578

Cost: $60 per class. The payment for the entire month is due by the 1st day of each month’s class: Jan 7 ($240), Feb 4 ($240), Mar 4 ($180), Apr 1 ($300), and May 6 ($180). Refunds will not be provided for absences for any reason. Peers Socialights Occupational and Speech Therapy: PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is a 14-week evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated teens in middle and high school who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each group session, teens are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session during socialization activities. Parents attend separate sessions at the same time and are taught how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends by helping to expand their teen’s social network and providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments. Enrollment is limited. Parent participation is required. Topics of Instruction: How to use appropriate conversational skills How to find common interests by trading information How to appropriately use humor How to enter and exit conversations with peers How to handle rejection, teasing, and bullying How to handle rumors and gossip How to be a good host during get-togethers How to make phone calls to friends How to choose appropriate friends How to be a good sport How to handle arguments and disagreements How to change a bad reputation What are the participation requirements? Have friendship problems Teens in middle school or high school Teens interested in the attending program Teens must agree to participate in the program voluntarily. Details on our current enrollment: Mondays, 5:30-7:00pm February 2 – May 11, 2015 (off on March 9 – Hillsborough Spring Break) Ages: 12 – 19 years old Cost: $60 per 90-minute session, $840 for the 14week program. Two payments of $420 are due, one each on February 2nd and March 30th. No refunds will be provided for any reason. There is also a $60 fee for the intake.

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JANUARY 2015

Extracurricular Activities: Martial Arts for Children With Special Needs: Class Description: All classes are led by a Sensei, a certified martial arts instructor, along with licensed and skilled occupational therapists dedicated to helping your child increase eye/hand coordination skills, build core muscle strength and balance, enhance peer and social skills integration, and increase focus and attention. This class will enhance your child’s ability to follow multi-step directions auditorially and physically while encouraging self-confidence, self-worth, and the development of meaningful and lasting relationships. Please note: there is no sparring in our classes. Class size is limited to ensure every child gets the level of support needed for successful participation. Spring 2015 Dates - Wednesdays: January: 7, 14, 21, 28 February: 4, 11, 18, 25 March: 4, 18, 25 April: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May: 6, 13, 20 Time: 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. Location: 6152 Delancey Station St., Ste. 205  Riverview, FL 33578 Cost: There is no charge for the first class attended as it is used to evaluate the level of support needed for your child. Beyond that the cost of our class is based on level of support required, starting at $30 per class. The payment for the entire month is due by the 1st day of each month’s class: Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 1, and May 6. Refunds will not be provided for absences for any reason. Gis are not required the first month of attendance. Sensei will then have them available for $30. Gymnastics for Children with Special Needs: at The Dance and Gymnastics Adademy of Tampa. Class Description: This class will enhance bilateral integration skills, motor coordination skills, core strengthening, eye-hand coordination, balance, following multi-step directions, peer and social skill integration, expressive language, receptive verbal communication, tactile input, as well as, vestibular and proprioceptive processing. This class is open to any child including those

JANUARY 2015 thefocusmagazine.com

with physical, developmental, or neurological disorders. Diagnoses may include but are not limited to children with Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s, Cerebral Palsy, or Sensory Integration Disorder. Class size is LIMITED. This class will be led by licensed, insured, and skilled occupational therapists (specializing in sensory integration) and speech-language pathologists, and experienced gymnastics instructors from DGA. Spring 2015 Dates - Mondays: January: 5, 12, 19, 26 February: 2, 9, 16, 23 March: 2, 23, 30 April: 6, 13, 20, 27 May: 4, 11, 18 Times: Level 1: 2:30 - 3:25 p.m., Level 2: 3:304:25 p.m. Location: 23633 Venzia Drive, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639 Cost: There is no charge for the first class attended as it is used to evaluate the level of support needed for your child. Beyond that the cost of our class is based on level of support required, starting at $30 per class. The payment for the entire month is due by the 1st day of each month’s class: Jan 5, Feb 2, Mar 2, Apr 6, and May 4. No refunds will be issued for any reason. Please note that there is a $50 registration fee payable to DGA per program year. *Additional extracurricular activities such as art therapy, zumba and tap are also scheduled throughout the year. Free childhood developmental screenings for speech, language, behavior and overall development are made available by appointment only during scheduled months. Testimonials: “Angie has been our son’s Occupational Therapist for years; she is experienced, patient, caring, and highly skilled. When we learned she was starting ACIT, we were thrilled. Finally there is an opportunity for our son and our family to participate in community activities in an inclusive setting with appropriate supports. As strong advocates for inclusion, we are grateful that ACIT (now collaborating with AASL to form Socialights) is bridging what sometimes feel

like the parallel world of families with special needs and the everyday world most people inhabit. Gaby has been able to enjoy activities like gymnastics, bowling, and summer camp alongside neurotypical peers who model, help, and encourage him with the support of trained professional who work to build on his strengths and discover new ones. Socialights’ goal is our own, to expand Gaby’s world. Thank you! - Bill and Jessica “ The Socialights program has been amazing for our daughter Kaitlin. She looks forward to going every week. It has helped her to become more outgoing and confident. Her teachers at Claywell have noticed the change in her. In the past she was more withdrawn and kept mostly to herself. But now she loves being with all the children and participating in the different activities at school. She always goes out of her way to say hello to the teachers especially the ones she had previous years. They can always count on getting a big hug from her. We are so grateful for all the love and support Kaitlin receives from Angie, Brieann, Alicia, and Holly. Sending Kaitlin to the Socialights classes has been one of the best decisions we have made for her and her future. Thank you for everything!!! - Lisa and Sam Giglia “The program (gymnastics) has been very beneficial for my daughter, Nina. Every week she gains more and more social skills. She also gets to experience the benefits of extracurricular activities in an environment that is supportive and considerate of her special needs. - Ronee Wilson Socialights are an inspired and unprecedented collaboration ready to help your family with their whole body social skills approach. To find out about the Socialights and their revolutionary approach of therapy for the special needs population in the Tampa bay area visit their facebook page at www.facebook.com/ socialightsconnectionsinc. Office Location: Socialights Connection, Inc. 11146 Winthrop Market St. Riverview, FL 33578 813-220-0971

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Opening January 26, 2015 • Now taking appointments Our board certified physicians are ready to meet the healthcare needs of your entire family—from babies to grandparents. Our physicians provide a range of healthcare services, from immunizations and treatment of childhood illnesses to well woman exams and management of chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JANUARY 2015

SHE’S A GAME CHANGER BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN

acqueline Thompson is a Junior at Durant High School the home of the Cougars. Jacqueline started playing soccer when she was just four years old; she began playing competitive soccer at the age of nine. At such a young age her love for the sport grew in her heart every day she played. Once she found the sport she was most passionate about she hung on to it; her dedication and leadership have made her the successful soccer player she is today. Soccer is solely a team sport; her team mates that share the same interests make playing so enjoyable. It is like one big family. Jacqueline is on two soccer teams, Tampa Bay United and Durant High School. At Durant playing on the team is so great for Jacqueline because she is close friends with all the girls at school and gets to play beside them on the field. “All the team bonding and fun things we do bring us closer together,” Jacqueline stated. In her eyes having girls she trusts around her is the best win of all.

JANUARY 2015 thefocusmagazine.com

Jacqueline has played soccer for many years and with those years come fond memories. Her favorite memory from this season was when she scored a goal off of a throw in. She threw it straight to the keeper who jumped and tipped her fingers to push the ball into the net. “It was against Bloomingdale, and it was the first goal of the night,” Jacqueline described. It spear headed the momentum for the Durant girls to beat Bloomingdale 2 to 1. Jacqueline’s dreams of playing college soccer came true on January 27, 2014; when she verbally committed to University of Central Florida. “I was so ecstatic that day the coaches called me, I was jumping up and down crying because I was so happy,” Jacqueline gushed. This has become a motivator for her to work harder at practices, games and to keep up with her academics. All of these factor into being a successful young adult. Congratulations Jacqueline Thompson on being Athlete of the Month!

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FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JANUARY 2015

THE LADY WOLVES’ GIRL POWER

NEWSOME GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TEAM OF THE MONTH BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN

he Newsome Girls Basketball team has all the sparkle and shine it takes in order to stand out from the rest in the area. It takes skill and stamina to take on the length of the court, but this girl power team takes it by storm. Their record is 8-3 and they take the pride in representing their school with poise and the strength to overcome any opponent. They have so much love for the game. They enjoy their time together practicing and playing on the court. Off the court they love their school and spending time together on the weekends hanging out. All the girls have such commitment towards the team and it has created a great advantage for them. “We have never had such a strong group

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of girls that lift one another up and play together as if we have known each other forever;” Emily Shea who plays forward and center confessed. Before games while in the locker room the girls get focused and pumped to play to the point where they can feel the excitement in the air. After team prayer, hand in hand, the girls would look at one another in the eyes, and know they wanted to show everyone what they could bring to the table. During game time dependence and communication on the court are keys to getting the win. The Lady Wolves are intent on getting the job done. The girl’s favorite part of the season so far, was beating their rival Bloomingdale Bulls by twenty points.

There was nothing more exciting than for the girls to have a huge win at home. There is nothing like the home court and having your school cheering for you. “We played so well and it was thrilling for the crowd;” Cassidy Baker who plays center explained. The support from the crowd filled the team with

positive energy and the will to win. The basketball season is still in full swing with many more games to be played, watch the Newsome Lady Wolves take the court and experience the passion for yourself. Congratulations Newsome Girls Basketball on being Team of the Month!

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JANUARY 2015

INFORMATION

EATS AMERICAN GRILL 6264 Winthrop Town Centre Ave. Riverview, FL 813-655-3287 www.eatsamericangrill.com Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11:00am-10:00pm

EATS AMERICAN GRILL AMERICAN FOOD PREPARED IN ITS TRADITIONAL MANNER PROFILE AND PHOTOS BY HEATHER DAVIS

or the community of Winthrop finding a great place to eat is as simple as walking right outside of your front door. For the rest of us Winthrop has become a destination for those of us who enjoy a great meal. Winthrop has over ten restaurants to boast of, with one of it’s newest editions being Eats American Grill. Eats has been a part of Winthrop for the past six months. Eats American Grill first established itself in the community of Tampa and now Brandon can claim Eats American grill as one of their own. Owner, Chris Rose, when not in back in the kitchen overseeing and cooking was gracious enough to explain why he came to Winthrop. Rose explained,

“within Winthrop there is a real sense of community, it feels like family.” “We plan to be here for a long time to come.” Eats provides American food prepared in its traditional manner. One of the sandwiches they prepare the “Midwest BLT” landed them on the Food Network show “Heat Seakers”. Situated in the heart of Winthrop the restaurant has a comfortable wide open feel with it’s high raftered ceilings and an expansive dining area with plenty of natural light. In the center of Eats is a full bar stocked with everything to make seasonal drinks, mules, cocktails, as well as a full menu of craft beers. Service at Easts was courteous, fast, and warm. Based on the numerous selections and

choices offered on the extensive menu one could dine at Eats for months and still have something new to try. The first item on our plates was the bourban brushed grilled shrimp served with rice pilaf. The shrimp served on skewers was perfectly seasoned and melt in your mouth delicious. Another must try appetizer is the mac n’ cheese fritters, made with homemade mac n’ cheese, combined with bacon and garlic and then fried until golden brown and

Owner, Chris Rose with restaurant Manager, Drew

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drizzled with mac n’ cheese sauce. Trust me there is something very magical about their homemade mac n’ cheese. In reference to the ultimate comfort food another great selection from the sandwich menu is the sloppy pig. Prepare youself to get messy as you bite into tender pieces of pork placed on top of housemade mac n’ cheese, with red onions and nestled between two pieces of Texas toast. Not to be outdone was the 8 oz sirlion that was seasoned and grilled to perfection. Tender and juicy, just the way you want your steak to be. No meal is complete without desert and just as all dishes we tried this desert exceeded all expectations. In front of us sat the largest fried oreo cookie sundae, which was in front of me long enough to get a whif and a nibble before it was devoured by my companions. In the world of find dining and family friendly fare that is offered throughout the community of Winthrop and Brandon, Eats American Grill rises to the occasion and delivers.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JANUARY 2015

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JANUARY 2015 thefocusmagazine.com