FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON AUGUST 2015
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can’t miss events
AUGUST
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Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon 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 ECHO at 813-685-0935.
Discover ECHO ECHO of Brandon | 2 to 3 p.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Learn more about ECHO, the services it provides, and its needs during a one-hour exploration. To RSVP, contact laura@echofl.org.
02 SUNDAY
Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon 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 ECHO at 813-685-0935.
Campo Family YMCA Back to School Festival Campo Family YMCA | 1 to 4 p.m. 3414 Culbreath Rd., Valrico Gear up for this upcoming school year at this 13th annual festival presented by the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA, and the Tampa Bay Times. For $10 donation of school supplies or cash per family gets you access to over 100 indoor vendors, music, entertainment, and more. Festival supports the Y Backpack Program. For more information, contact Marie at 813-657-2418.
03 MONDAY Woodworking Art Exhibit Opening Day Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon Charles (Charlie) Hufstetler was born in Ybor City, Florida and is a life long resident of Hillsborough County. He graduated from Brandon High School in ‘62. He has always had a passion for the arts. His exhibit showcases his ability to work with woods. All the wood used in his pieces are all natural wood color, and are not dyed or stained. Come see his unique works of art using different woods from around the world from Monday, August 3 through Friday, August 28. The public is invited to attend the art reception and meet the artist on Thursday, August 20th.
07 FRIDAY Tax Free Shopping The Florida Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday allows families to stock up on clothes and supplies tax-free. Enjoy shopping around Brandon and at the Westfield Brandon Mall. Holiday ends Sunday August 16.
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BSAC Community Day Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center | 11 a.m. 405 Beverly Blvd., Brandon Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center invites eastern Hillsborough County families to experience BSAC amenities and learn about the organization’s programs and mission. Attendees can visit with area businesses, swim in the pool, play basketball, and enjoy the playground. For more information, contact 813-689-0908.
22 SATURDAY Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon 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 ECHO at 813-685-0935.
29 SATURDAY Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon 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 ECHO at 813-685-0935.
Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon 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 ECHO at 813-685-0935. FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON AUGUST 2015
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BRANDON BALLET’S MAGICAL FOURTH SEASON WITH DIRECTOR OCTAVIO MARTIN BY HEATHER DAVIS
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he Brandon Ballet has been in existence for over twenty years, and for the past four years has flourished and progressed under the direction of Octavio Martin. Martin was the principal dancer with the world renowned Cuban National Ballet for many years. After becoming a U.S. citizen Martin was the principal dancer for seven years with the Sarasota Ballet of Florida. Four years ago Martin was approached by Brandon Ballet to become their director. Martin accepted the position and has been working non-stop to bring the Brandon Ballet to where it is today. “We went from having only two performances per season to over sixteen shows per season.” Martin explained. Under Martin’s direction all
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of the Brandon Ballet performances are written, produced, choreographed, and directed to be one of a kind shows that you won’t find any other ballet company performing. “Many ballet companies do the same show over and over.” Martin stated. “We take risks to transform and create interesting and unique shows no one else is doing.” October 17th the Brandon Ballet will be doing their performance of Dracula at the Centro Asturiano de Tampa in Ybor. “Last year we sold out, said Martin, and this year we expect to do the same.” The Brandon Ballet has a full schedule of additional performances following Dracula which include The Nutcracker to be performed December 12 and 13 at the Spoto Auditorium in
Riverview. Also in the works is a brand new original performance of Aladdin which will be performed at the HCC Ybor Main Stage Campus Theatre, May 14 and 15. Brandon Ballet is a non-profit organization and requires support from our community to not only survive but to thrive. “My vision, Martin stated, is to transform the Brandon Ballet into a professional company, not just preprofessional.” With the background in ballet Martin has he is equipped with the connections, determination, drive, and talent to bring Brandon Ballet to that level. What is needed is the continued and renewed support of our community. Several ways to help support the Brandon Ballet is by attending the performances or by becoming a sponsor. “We invite sponsors to rehearsals and shows and want them to become part of our family” said Martin. Every day the Brandon Ballet is creating magic in the Brandon and surrounding areas. To find out more about the Brandon Ballet, their performances, or on how to become a sponsor or donate you may visit the website at http://brandonballet.org/.
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DISCOVERING THE WORLD THROUGH A NEW PERSPECTIVE BY ANDRIA BARRIOS
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here are many organizations in the community available for special needs children, but one in particular, Lenses to Their World, has truly made them shine. Owner Jamie Brown, teacher at Pepin Academy in Tampa, has always had a dream of helping others through a non-profit organization. “I wanted to find a way, beyond the classroom, to reach children and give them something positive to focus on,” she explains. Brown first began organizing weekly after-school photography classes at her school in September 2014. She wanted to create an outlet for special needs children struggling to grasp academics. The classes produced overwhelmingly rewarding results. The kids exhibited confidence behind the camera and in turn produced beautiful photos. Self-esteem is restored through the simple lens of a camera. Each student creates a portfolio of their work and learns about the art of photography. “I have found that the children I teach are extremely talented in the arts and my goal was to help them pursue those talents by giving them the right resources and guidance,” Brown says. Many times it is difficult for special
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needs children to pursue their passions. They lack confidence and can barely excel in fundamental subjects, let alone extra-circular. But the classes Lenses to Their World offers allow children to establish foundations to pursue professional photography in the future, or any other useful skill. The first fundraising event was held in April at the Rialto Theatre in Tampa. “We had news coverage and an amazing turnout of more than 150 people. Photographs were displayed and money was raised to purchase more cameras. The best part was seeing how proud the kids were of their own work.” The goal was to show the community the real talent special needs children can uncover with a little incentive. Hoping to reach as many kids as possible, Lenses to Their World is now expanding their outreach to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa. Lenses to Their World raises money through the sale of photographs taken by the students. Each 8x10 photo sells for $20 and all proceeds go to purchasing more cameras and materials. Donations are also welcome, and can be made at www.lensestotheirworld.org.
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Feature by Andria Barrios | Photography & Cover Photo by Eric @ SanchezArts.com
With kids making their way back to school this month, getting them involved in a variety of extra-circular activities is important. Music Showcase provides countless education and entertainment options, packed with fun. Whether kids want to learn a new musical instrument, take part in a production or join a band, the answer can be found in one place.
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Studies from the Encyclopedia of Entertainment say that singing improves the mood, as well as lowers the blood pressure. It can improve breathing, reduce perceived pain, improve rhythm, forge comforting memories, promote communal bonding, motivate and empower. Sounds in general can influence brain wave frequencies and increase well-being. The acclaimed author Leo Tolstoy himself stated that “Music is the shorthand of emotion.” Clearly, it’s important to experience the joys of music. One place, located in the heart of Brandon, helps the community do just that. A dream that began 20 years ago, Music Showcase first opened its doors in 1996. “After several meetings with architects and music professionals in the area, I took a leap of faith and dove right into Brandon,” owner and president Heather Stump explains. “I had a heart for the arts, especially education, so teaching lessons was a definite focus for the company.” The facility began with only a showroom, repair shop and two lesson rooms, but within five years added a full education center and auditorium. Now, the store is fully stocked and carries brands such as Yamaha, Selmer/Bach, Pearl, Marshall, Casio, Martin and Dean at affordable pricing. A variety of orchestra and band instruments are housed, as well as amps, sound systems, accessories and printed sheet music. “The idea behind our store is to be large enough to offer variety yet small enough to specialize in customer service,” says Stump. The instrument repair shop consists of a passionate team that can repair and maintain everything from piccolos to tubas. With free estimates and typically a one-week turnaround, all work is done in house on brass, woodwind, string or percussion instruments. “We also reach out to customers by offering an online rental instrument program with instruments being delivered to the child’s school,” explains Debbie Evans, Director of Accounts and Marketing. “We have education representatives who service schools in a tricounty area assisting teachers with their musical needs including repair pickups, workshops and instrument and accessory deliveries,” Stump elaborates. Other nonstudent rental customers are required to pick up instruments in store. The Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA) is another exciting facet of Music Showcase. This is a
constantly expanding nonprofit organization established to support the performing arts through programs for children. FAOPA also offers scholarships to students as they continue their performing arts education in classrooms, theatre and beyond. While musical theatre is the most popular program, many others are also available such as show choirs, group instrument lessons, audition prep workshops, songwriting clinics, preschool music programs and photography classes. Showcase Players is a teen centered acting program where teens perform more challenging productions like “Grease” and “Hairspray.” “We have tried to develop programs that excite and educate the student, while meeting schedule needs of working parents. We even offer free early drop off and late pickup,” Stump says. Musical theatre programs are offered as well for children ages 5-9 and 8 and up. Productions are performed every other weekend throughout the summer and several times between November and May. Shows are open to the public and tickets may be purchased online for $5 to $10 a seat. Other events also take place throughout the year at Music Showcase such as talent shows, recitals and holiday festivals. Camps keep kids entertained throughout carefree summer days. Theatre camps allow children to memorize lines, sing, dance and learn about different facets of theatre such as sets, sound and lighting. Each child is guaranteed a part in the production held at the close of each camp. This summer’s productions included Annie Kids, Cinderella, the Little Mermaid and Shrek Jr. Music & More is another annual summer camp with the focus of exposing campers to all genres of music. The Elite Center partners with FOAPA and offers both individual and group training. Over fifty instructors teach many different instruments. An Elite team of top child and adult students perform on a regular basis throughout the community.
Look for this audition based group at the Florida State Fair, the Florida Strawberry Festival or Nativity Catholic Church’s Novemberfest. Music Showcase contributes to a wide range of charities that include local school fundraisers, Metropolitan Ministries, LifeCare of Brandon and Kids R Kids. “We endeavor to support all public and private school music departments by working closely with directors and PTAs,” says Stump. “We believe in giving back to the community on a corporate, personal and community level.” Every fall, Showcase hosts its own fundraisers and donates the money to a nominated local woman fighting breast cancer. “Music Showcase is one-stop shop where you can buy or rent musical instruments, learn to play them and then perform on our stage,” says Evans. “The teachers on staff have degrees in music and many perform in churches and bands throughout the community.” The goal is to create a community of wonder and beauty, and to help people discover and develop their gifts in order to ultimately better the world. “The gift of music extends far beyond pitches and notes, and can help a person improve memory, brain function, confidence and expressivity. We believe in keeping theatre and music alive, and in the necessity of the arts for a thriving society,” Music Showcase concludes. For more information, visit www. musicshowcaseonline.com or call (813) 6855998. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. Brandon, FL, 33511.
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OfficeMoversOfFlorida.com. OMOF excels in the industry but one thing that sets them apart from the competition is their ability to solve problems. They also work the days and hours their clients need them to work. They are not a 9-5 company. Trent states that they realize that some companies may need to move and set up at the new location during the week-end. No problem. They will move everything you have in your office and handle it with care and expertise. Office Movers of Florida is an accredited business with the better business bureau and a member of American Moving and Storage
OFFICE MOVERS OF FLORIDA MOVERS, INSTALLERS, PROBLEM SOLVERS BY JUDY RONEY
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rent Portner has always been a natural at installing office furniture. He has been in the furniture moving and installing business since 1997. Three years ago he took the opportunity to open his own business in Tampa, Office Movers of Florida (OMOF). Trent’s gift of being a detail man has served him well in the industry. He loves the feeling of accomplishment when he can facilitate an installation that is perfect. Whether he is disassembling or reassembling office furniture he takes every job to heart. In his spare time Trent likes to mountain bike, play Frisbee and dish golf, and just about all things outdoors. Trent met his beautiful wife, Crystal, fourteen years ago and they were married ten years later. Crystal helps out at the business whenever she is needed. His leisure time is precious because he works every aspect of his business.
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One surprise that he has had about being in business is how much time he spends in the office. He’s a hands on guy and likes it when he’s out in the field installing furniture or helping with a move. Office Movers of Florida facilitates commercial office moves, relocations, inter-office moves, liquidations, hauling, packing, installing, moving, storing of office equipment and furniture, removal of furniture during remodels and reassembling the equipment and furniture afterwards. OMOF presently employees twenty-seven field and office personnel. They will work throughout the state of Florida but the majority of their jobs is in the Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and New Port Ritchie areas. They work any size job from small mom & pop businesses to huge corporations with equal precision and dedication. A more comprehensive list of services offered can be found on their website;
INFORMATION OFFICE MOVERS OF FLORIDA
“Movers, Installers, Problem Solvers” 5110 Causeway Blvd Tampa, FL 33619 813-304-2273 OfficeMoversOfFlorida.com
Association. They are also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Do you have a business move, relocation or re-design of your office ahead? Call (813)304-2273 for a free quote for your particular situation. They will sit down with you and come up with a plan that works.
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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
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KIPP THE CATCHER BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN
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ipp Kochera is a boy making a great name for himself. He is the oldest of four brothers, maintained all A’s as a sixth grader, and made the Top 60 for twelve year old baseball players in the United States. He has lots of experience leading the way on and off the field. He has learned to keep a positive attitude when playing and to be the right influence for his teammates. He works hard at every practice to become a better player for his team and his future as a catcher. He started playing T-ball at the age of five and has been playing for eight years now. Kipp knew he loved playing at a young age when he grew up playing baseball in the backyard with his parents. “I always get excited for every game, I just enjoy playing,” Kipp said. Kipp always has a smile on his face when he’s on the field. He also explained that his greatest challenge in
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baseball is to keeping his teammates motivated. It is important to Kipp that the team is on the same page and every boy is focused to do their best. As a sixth grader he just recently finished out the season on the Pro Talent Instructs team with a 515.6 batting average. His ability to be so successful at bat as well as catcher position has earned him a spot in the United States Top 60 twelve year old division to play in a New York showcase, where he will play in a tournament with the other 59 players in two guaranteed games and to also have a chance at the championship. When Kipp isn’t playing baseball he is fishing with his family, throwing the football around, playing basketball in his driveway at home, and “golf carting” around his neighborhood. He is a well-rounded athlete who loves the game. Congratulations Kipp on being Athlete of the Month!
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TEAM OF THE MONTH
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THE TRIPLE OPTION FISHING TEAM BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN
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he Triple Option Fishing Team was created twenty years ago by Brian Thornton. Every year for two weeks the team goes to Islamorada in the Florida Keys to fish. There are many members to this team but the youngest generation is the most exciting to watch, Captain Brian Thornton explained, “It is important for the kids to build up their experience in offshore fishing so they can keep the team going after I’m gone.” The Triple Option team was built off of a football family established in the early 1990s, and has been a way to bond ever since. The team likes to fish mainly for Mahi and Snapper in the Keys. The youngest generation includes Colby Thornton, Brennan Taylor, Hanna Gottman, and Olivia Gottman
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all ages varying between seventeen and thirteen. This group has grown up together fishing. Every day of fishing is different and every trip comes with new challenges, “The greatest challenge about fishing for everyone was losing a fish, it can create hostility throughout the team and make things more stressful occasionally,” Colby explained. But nothing beats the best days of fishing. Every one has their own unforgettable memory of fishing. Michael Thornton, First Mate, recalls his favorite memory of the team catching 18 tuna and a 30 pound Mahi on the first day of trolling. Hanna also explained her memory of catching her first Mahi offshore, “It was a great feeling to battle such a huge fish and win.” All in all nothing beats spending the day on the water.
The team comradery created throughout the years and life lessons learned on the water are the most important keys to making a great fishing team. The Triple Option Fishing Team took home an average of 60 Snapper
and 40 Mahi from the Keys trip of 2015. They never like to come home empty handed but as a fishermen, a bad day of fishing beats a good day of working every time. Congratulations Triple Option on being Team of the Month!
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INFORMATION
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Gyro Platter
ACROPOLIS
sides which in our case consisted of Orzo and Roasted Vegetables. This entrée is another must try with the combining flavors all coming together to create another fabulous meal. One cannot go Greek of course without trying the Gyro Platter which comes together with thinly sliced, spiced lamb and beef served with pita, Greek fries, and salad and of course the tzatziki sauce. The meats are perfectly seasoned, tender and melt in your mouth good. Another delicious surprise on the menu was the Avgolemono soup which is a traditional Greek soup made with chicken, egg, rice and lemon. This is like your most favorite chicken noodle soup, taken up a couple notches and made better then what you can imagine soup can be. All soups at Acropolis are made fresh and from scratch daily. As we sat back and enjoyed the dancing of the belly dancer accompanied by the live music we were relaxed and enjoying the benefits of a fine meal. No
GREEK TAVERNA GREEK FOOD, GREEK WINE, GREEK FUN BY HEATHER DAVIS
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meal at the Acropolis Greek Taverna is more than just a meal. It is also an entertainment filled event accompanied by belly dancers, music makers, singing and dancing waiters, along with the occasional smashing of plates and napkins thrown into the air followed by the shout of Opa! The entertainment though is just the icing on the cake because the food is satisfying, delicious, and a great representation of high quality traditional Greek cuisine. Acropolis in Riverview is the newest addition to the Acropolis family with three other restaurants located in Tampa, Ybor and St. Pete. As expected by the ambiance of all Acropolis restaurants, Acropolis in Riverview is welcoming, bright, airy and a fun atmosphere to dine in. Our dining experience began with an appetizer of Ouzo Mussels consisting of sauteed mussels with garlic, onions, basil, fresh tomato, Ouzo and Santorini wine along with lightly toasted bread
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to sop up the delicious sauce. Acropolis is known for using fresh ingredients which include premium herbs and spices. The freshness and quality show up in each delicious, tantalizing bite of the Ouzo Mussels appetizer and the accompanying sauce. Next to show up on our plates was the Mousaka. The Mousaka is prepared with potatoes, eggplant, zucchini and ground beef, baked with creamy béchamel sauce and topped with fresh tomato sauce and feta cheese. I can honestly say, and I am sure my dining companions would agree that this was one of the most flavorful plates of Mousaka we have ever eaten. The complex flavors were perfectly balanced to make an entrée that you will be sure to order again and again. The second entrée we sampled was the Chicken Rhodes, which consisted of grilled chicken breasts prepared in a lemon wine sauce with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and olives all topped with crumbled feta cheese. The Chicken Rhodes also comes with a choice of two
Moussaka
Chicken Rhodes
ACROPOLIS GREEK TAVERNA
6108 Winthrop Town Center Riverview, Florida 813-654-2255 www.acropolistaverna.com Hours: Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 11am – 11 pm Friday and Saturday: 11am – 12am
meal is complete however without the finalization of a meal with desert and in the world of deserts, Acropolis will both deliver and satisfy. The baklava, a traditional Greek desert prepared with a freshly baked flaky filo dough crust is filled with sweet honey, butter, and nuts and will satisfy any sweet tooth. Desert is made extra special when experienced along with a made to order cup of Turkish coffee. Acropolis is Greek dining at its finest. OPA!!
Exquisite Fine Dining
Authentic Indian Cuisine
Specialties include:
Butter chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Masala dosa, Garlic Shrimp, goat Curry, Whole Fried Snapper
FULL BAR • MILITARY DISCOUNTS
WEEKDAY BUFFET 11:30-2:30 $9.95
WEEKEND BUFFET 12:00-3:00 $12.95
689-4040 902 E. Brandon Blvd.
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ACE Heating & Cooling is a full service heating and air conditioning contractor.
RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL
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