9 minute read
GRANT FOR HIGH 5
QUEENA CHARITY HOSTS THIRD ANNUAL HOPE CLASSIC AT TOP GOLF
By Libby Hopkins
Local nonprofit Hope Heals the Brain was created to raise funds for the Bloomingdale Library Survivor, known to the community as Queena, to regain the life she once knew. As the foundation grows, the possibilities of helping other local survivors is now possible.
Queena’s sister, Anna, started the nonprofit in hopes to continue raising funds and awareness for families and individuals affected by traumatic brain injury in the Central Florida region.
Area golfers are coming together for a fun-filled night at Topgolf in Brandon for Hope Heals the Brain’s Hope Classic. “This is our third event at Topgolf,” said Queena’s mother, Vanna Nguyen. “The last two were so successful we thought it would be a great idea to bring it back and try to reengage the community again. The COVID pandemic was so tough for us and many nonprofits. We were not able to hold fundraisers like we used to and the turnout dropped.”
The Hope Classic will be held on Sunday, February 19 from 4:30-8 p.m. Participants will enjoy an all-American bufet, private cash bar, 50/50 rafe, silent auction as well as a top-notch Topgolf experience. Early registration is encouraged, but day-of signups will be accepted. To register online and pay by credit card, please visit https://hopeclassic.eventbrite.com. All registration fees and tournament sponsorships are tax-deductible donations; a sixsome costs $400, individuals are $75 and spectator/dinner registration is only $30. “We’re really looking forward to bringing everyone back together again for Queena, and for the Jasmin and Churchill,” Nguyen said. Jasmin and Churchill are other local residents who have brain injuries. Churchill is a 40-yearold woman who was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery in 2021. The surgery was only able to remove part of the tumor, and she was left in
Local nonproft Hope Heals the Brain was created to raise funds for the Bloomingdale Library a coma for several months as a result. The surgery Survivor, known to the community and remaining tumor have as Queena, to regain the life she left her unable to walk, once knew. stand, move or shower on her own. Churchill has limited resources and would benefit from a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to see her three young children and attend appointments and therapies. Securing permanent transportation options will allow Churchill to continue with her recovery journey. Jasmin is a 13-year-old girl who was on vacation with her family in Mexico and was involved in a tragic accident that claimed the lives of her parents and grandparents, which has left her in critical condition. Her family was able to raise funds to have her airlifted back to the U.S. She is currently in ICU at a local Tampa hospital. “We hope to raise enough money to help cover a few sessions of Queena’s therapy this year,” Nguyen said. “Jasmin will also be coming home from rehab soon and will need some renovations in her home to make it wheelchair accessible. Churchill’s family really needs a new vehicle that can fit a wheelchair. They have no other mode of transportation right now to get her to doctor’s appointments.” For more information or to get involved, visit www.JoinQueena.com
COUNTY GRANT FUNDS HIGH 5 INC. POOL RENOVATIONS JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS
By Lily Belcher
High 5 Inc. was awarded a grant to fund the resurfacing of its three pools, which are expected to be completed at the end of April.
The $550,000 grant was given to High 5 by Hillsborough County at the beginning of the 2023 annual budget cycle.
“It helps us to be able to teach children under the age of 3 to swim, increases the opportunity to run competitions, which would have a nice economic impact to our area and create a much better experience for all community members that use these areas,” said High 5 CEO Chuck Burgess.
At High 5’s location of U.S. Highway 60 at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon, all three pools will undergo the resurfacing financed by the county’s grant. High 5 owns an Olympic-sized lap pool with five diving boards and a diving well. Its 10lane, 25-yard pool and teaching pool are also being renovated.
The pool resurfacing project is part of a three-phase improvement project to update High 5’s facilities. This phase will allow the recreation center to add aquatic facilities to expand opportunities for swim lessons, school practices and other events. Additionally, these improvements will make space for senior programming,
giving large groups or church organizations the appropriate space for their meetings. “The grant is more than just a resurfacing,” explained Burgess. “It has been part of a three-phase overall Resurfacing the pools will allow High 5 Inc. to project to update better support its community and members. and add significant aquatic facilities for learning to swim for all ages.” BCI Pools is in charge of the renovation project. The Fort Myers-based swimming pool contractor has 40 years of experience building pools for the community. High 5 is a community recreation center that supports education, athletics and community through its programs. High 5’s value-added membership opportunities give members special prices, early registration and exclusive invitations to events, among other perks. Juniors can receive a membership for $40 per month, individual memberships cost $55 per month and family memberships cost $75 per month. One-day guest passes are also available for $10 per person. For more information on how to join High 5 and to learn about its mission to serve the community, visit www.high5inc. org. To contact the organization, call 813689-0908 or email memberservices@ high5inc.org.
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If you like barbecue and helping the community, mark your calendars for Saturday, February 4. Boy Scout Troop 61 will host the fifth annual ‘Taste of Scouting’ barbecue event from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, located at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon.
This community-wide event will include barbecue meals prepared by Scouts for customers to pick up and enjoy. The Scouts will also be explaining and demonstrating various skills, such as knot tying, camping demonstration, pioneering and more.
“The event was first held in February 2019, and we have been holding it every year since,” said troop committee member and grillmaster John Zelatis.
This year, the meal will include a choice of low and slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork and turkey with potato salad, baked beans, a roll and drink. The meals are $18 if you preorder online, or $20 at the door.
“The funds raised will be utilized to help lower Scout dues and registration fees, purchase new or upgrade existing camping equipment, repair our flotilla of canoes, ofset the cost of summer camp
and provide Scout families assistance through scholarships in case of financial hardships,” said Zelatis. “We want every young person to experience Scouting. Also, Members of Boy Scout Troop 61 are getting ready a portion of the for their annual Taste of Scouting BBQ fundraiser proceeds will go on Saturday, February 4 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. to the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale to help pay for building and grounds maintenance and incidentals.” Scouts are involved in every aspect of the event, from preparing the meats to serving the guests. “The night before, the Scouts will first make the rubs and sauces,” said Zelatis, “then they will trim and prepare the meats for smoking. Being that this is an overnight cook, the adult leaders will man the smokers while the Scouts camp out and sleep in preparation of the next day’s activities. On the day of the event, they will be serving food and setting up activities such as knot tying, orienteering, fire building, camping, backpacking, first aid and more so all our guests can see what Scouting is all about.” To preorder a meal, visit www. bstroop61.com and click on ‘Taste of Scouting.’
CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR ANNUAL FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL FINE ART SHOW
By Kathy L. Collins
A call to artists has been issued by the East Hillsborough Art Guild (EHAG) for the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show, which runs from Thursday, March 2 through Sunday, March 12 at the festival grounds in Plant City.
Adults are divided into professional groups (entry fee is $15) and amateur groups (entry fee is $12). Adults can enter oils, acrylics, watercolors and graphic/mixed media. The entry fee for miniature art (2D media) and sculpture (3D media) is $12.
The youth divisions are by ages between the age of six and 17. Youth can enter oils, acrylics, watercolors, graphic/mixed media and sculpture. The entry fee is $5.
Adults can enter up to four entries, but no more than two in the same division. Youth can enter up to two entries.
Entries are eligible for substantial monetary awards. This includes $300 for best of show. Entries can also win $100 for the Strawberry Theme Award (entries must include strawberries or reflect the current festival theme of ‘We Have a Winner’).
There are prizes for first ($150) and second ($100) place in all adult professional divisions. Adult amateurs, miniature and sculpture receive $100 for first place and $75 for second. Adults who receive third and fourth place receive rosette ribbons.
For youth, first place receives $25 and
second place receives $15. Entries that win third and fourth receive a rosette ribbon. All youth participants receive participation ribbons. Youth prizes are sponsored exclusively by Jarrett Scott Ford. Artists who do not win one of the above prizes are eligible for a Business Leaders Choice Award. Area Artists are invited to enter the 2023 Florida residents can also
Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show. Your become a sponsor for artwork could win a ribbon and cash prize the In Honor Award just like Tom Harrah did last year with his and select a winning delightful mushroom house. artist who will receive a ribbon and $50. Space is limited and entries are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Early entries are accepted until Saturday, February 11. Artists can mail their entry form and fee to East Hillsborough Art Guild, P.O. Box 3055, Plant City, FL 33564. Artworks must be brought to the festival grounds on Saturday, February 18 from 1-6 p.m. Tom Harrah of Brandon is a sculptor who entered the show last year. Harrah’s piece received first place. Harrah said, “It was a great pleasure entering the show. We love visiting the Strawberry Festival and especially seeing all the wonderful art.” Entry forms and rules can be found at www.flstrawberryfestival.com. If you have questions, please email Karen Crumley at kscrumley@yahoo.com or call 813924-3829.
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