JORDAN COX, BLACKSMITH TEACHES TRADE WITH CLASSES

While you may not know of many blacksmiths operating in the year 2023, Jordan Cox, known as Jordy the Knife Maker, is working to change that. A former chef turned bladesmith, Cox has quickly developed quite a talent for crafting knives, among various other forged works of art. Thankfully for the public, he is not keeping his talents to himself, as he ofers educational classes where you can learn about the ancient art form, and even craft your own knife.

Despite his first foray into the world of blacksmithing only coming a few years ago when he took an introductory class, his dedication to the craft has left his work looking like he has been in practice for decades. A true creative, Cox is constantly innovating with new styles and materials to bring this millenniums-old trade to modern times. In addition to classes, he takes commissions and has a variety of his knives for sale on his website.

“There is a sort of a resurgence happening, and there are a lot of hobbyists in the area. People seem to be really interested in the concept and being able to engage directly with it, as it is like functional artwork,” Cox said.

By Jonathan Hurst

Currently, he is offering a knife-making class, but he is willing to take on other tasks to help clients bring their visions to life. This is not a watered-down class by any means, as participants not only learn about the art form from a consummate professional but also play an active role in the creation of their knife, guided by him as well. Participants do everything from pounding out the redhot steel to forming the handle to the blade out of stabilized burl wood. Another incredible element is that by the end of the class, you will have a fully functional chef’s knife to take home with you, no extra steps or days involved.

With a typical class running for roughly eight hours, featuring drinks and a truly impressive lunch, this is the perfect outing for a variety of circumstances. Whether you are looking for a bonding experience with friends and family, a unique date or are simply curious about the craft, this is something that you are not going to find anywhere else.

Jordan Cox Knives is located in Thonotosassa on 12921 Cox Lane Trl. For information, visit https://jordancoxknives.com/ or email jordytheknifemaker@gmail.com.

HOW DOES SCREEN TIME AFFECT YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING?

Technology is an integral part of life, dominating the way we communicate, learn, work and more. Today’s children spend a lot of time on smartphones and computers, leaving many parents to wonder about the impact of all that screen time. So how exactly does screen time afect your child’s learning and development?

The Positive Efects of Screen Time

Starting with the good, there’s no question that access to digital media has positives for students of all ages. Technology opens up worlds of opportunity to learn and research. Here are just a few of its many benefits:

• Technology and apps aid in learning. There’s an app for everything, whether your child is learning to read or practicing algebra concepts.

• The internet makes it easy to access new information. A quick Google search can help your child discover just about anything.

• Social media can bring people together. Children often use social media to communicate and connect with others.

By Dr. Raymond J. Huntington

The Negative Efects of Screen Time

While there are definitely advantages of technology, screen time impacts children’s brains and behavior. Here are some of the negative efects of screen time on children and their learning:

• Decreased focus. Frequent use of digital devices can make it increasingly more difcult for children to maintain focus on things like homework.

• Distraction during class. Many teachers today make it a policy that students’ phones must be stowed in their backpacks during class — and for good reason.

• Disrupted sleep. Blue light-emitting screens can suppress the secretion of melatonin, a hormone produced by the brain in response to darkness that helps people sleep.

• Loss of interest in other things. Like many enjoyable activities, use of digital devices can be all-consuming — and difcult for some to stop doing.

Screen time is a hot topic these days, but it’s important to keep things in perspective. Not all screen time is bad, and many children develop healthy screen time habits with the help of supportive parents. If your child struggles with healthy screen time or study habits, call Huntington at 1-800 CAN LEARN (226-5327).

POINT $71,149.00

Tampa Teater, Gardening, Gift Fair, Markets & More...

Tampa Teatre Series Showcasing Tampa Bay-Area Films

Film Tampa Bay Presents is a quarterly series designed to showcase Tampa Bay-area films, filmmakers, actors and locations through free community screenings at Tampa Theatre. Next month, the series welcomes guests to be among the first to see and ofer feedback on a brand-new comedy, The Throwback

Written and directed by Tampa’s own Mario Garcia and produced by fellow University of South Florida alumnus Michael A. Alfieri, The Throwback is a heartfelt family comedy about learning to appreciate the gifts of getting older, while never forgetting what it is like to be young. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Visit www.tampatheatre.org.

Mother’s Day Charity Gift Fair

At Twin Lakes Of Brandon

Twin Lakes of Brandon is hosting a gift fair on Saturday, May 6 to support the Fishhawk Lions Club. The event will be held in beautiful Zeina Park, located at 3054 Lake Michaela Blvd. in Valrico, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be a wide variety of vendors with something for everyone to enjoy, and lots of items perfect for Mother’s Day gifts.

Hillsborough County Hiring For Seasonal Parks & Rec Jobs

School will let out soon for the summer, and many of those children will enroll in Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation summer camp programs. This means that the county is now hiring recreation leaders for the season. The jobs are 40 hours a week and last for 10 weeks. Summer camp leaders will work with children ages 5-16 years old in a variety of educational and outdoor recreational activities. Applicants must have first-aid and CPR certification before starting, along with a driver’s license and having graduated high school or earned a GED certificate. To apply, go to www.hcflgov.net/jobs.

Drive Out Pediatric Cancer Golf Tournament

Small but Mighty Heroes is hosting its first Drive Out Pediatric Cancer charity golf tournament on Saturday, May 13. The tournament will take place at Summerfield Crossing Golf Course, located at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. in River-

Custom Hair

For

Serving food all day. Menu-inspired. Crafted daily. 40 plus rotating craft brews on draft. Like us on Facebook for updated specials and draft beer offerings. Open 7 days a week @ 12pm view. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The entry price is $125 per golfer or $500 per foursome. For more information, visit https://smallbutmightyheroes.org/ or email info@smallbutmightyheroes.org.

Forever Family Market

The Sylvia Thomas Center at 500 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Brandon is hosting a Forever Family Market on Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m.-

2 p.m. Come out and see items from a wide variety of local vendors, including jewelry, wooden signs, resin art, candles and much more. Make sure that you visit the Sylvia Thomas Center tent for delicious bake sale items. Admission is free.

Kerby’s Nursery Fruit Tree Seminar

When it comes to fresh fruit, there is nothing better than biting into ripe, juicy fruit that you just picked from your own garden. In the Kerby’s Nursery Fruit Tree Seminar, the various fruit trees that grow in our area and how to care for them will be discussed. Registration is not required, and the seminar is free. Be sure to visit the greenhouse at Kerby’s Nursery, located at 2311 S. Parsons Ave. in Sefner shortly before 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 29.

with small plates will enhance your time at the bin +board.