15 minute read
Hooked On Books
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Welcome to the month of October — when we are all looking forward to for cooler weather, fall festivals, pumpkin patches and bonfires. Autumn refreshes us and leads us into our season of Thanksgiving and Christmas. As we enter into this time of year, there is no better opportunity to reflect and teach our children that although our seasons change, God remains unchanged. This is a perfect occasion to explain how God’s beauty is all around us throughout every season in life. Take time this autumn to reflect on all your family’s accomplishments this year and to count all your blessings. Below are a few faith-based children’s books that are perfect for teaching about God’s gift of Autumn. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Have a blessed October.
My Happy Pumpkin: God’s Love Shining through Me
By Crystal Bowman
Celebrate the autumn season with this adorably illustrated board book. This faith-based story tells of little boy who picks out his pumpkin, washes it, carves it and gives it a smile, putting a candle inside to make its happiness glow, just like God’s love for us. He washes us clean of sins and throws those sins away, shaping us and letting His love glow through us.
Te Pumpkin Gospel
By Mary Manz Simon
This faith-based children’s book is a glow-in-the-dark board book that is a fun way to teach families about how God changes us into beautiful new creatures to shine for Him. In well-written rhyme, the book uses a carved pumpkin to illustrate how God gives us a “clean heart,” forgiving “our mess-ups” and ofering us “a new start.” For children ages 0-4 years.
Te Pumpkin Patch Parable: Parable Series
By Liz Curtis Higgs
This charming story for children illustrates how a loving farmer can turn a simple pumpkin into a simply glorious sight. The farmer picks out a special pumpkin from his garden and scoops out all the messy ‘goo’ to make room for his light to shine from inside. In the same way, God’s transforming love can fill each of our hearts with joy and light. This story is a way to share the good news with children each harvest season. Recommended for ages 3-7.
A Pumpkin Prayer
By Amy Parker
Teach your little ones to be grateful for God’s blessings with this adorable board book that’s in the shape of a pumpkin. Through this book, children will learn to celebrate the abundance of the harvest season through charming illustrations and sweet rhymes that are perfect for little ones. Recommended for ages 2-5.
NEEM TREE FARMS IN BRANDON OFFERS MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, PESTICIDE & MORE
By Michelle Caceres
In 1992, Brandon resident and avid gardener Vicki Parsons purchased a dozen neem trees to be used as a nontoxic pesticide in her garden. Its oil reduces insect feeding, acts as a repellant and interferes with insect hormone systems, making it more difficult for insects to grow and lay eggs.
After reading a book, Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems, published by the National Research Council, and reading about reports on neem as a medicinal herb, including its anti-inflammatory properties, she put it to the test.
She had just been told she’d have to put her 9-month-old Rottweiler to sleep because of irreparable congenital joint issues. Upon learning that neem can be used as an anti-inflammatory, she made a neem tea from fresh leaves and poured it over his food for a week. Soon after, he was able to walk without whimpering and went on to live a long and happy life.
In 1996, Parsons, Neem Tree Farms founder and chief dirt farmer, created a website for neem trees but soon began selling capsules, lotion, shampoo, soap and a complete line of facial care products made from the plant.
Parsons is a firm believer in the efectiveness of the product. After starting a daily regimen of neem capsules, she noticed a
change in her vision. Forty years ago, she was diagnosed with nearsightedness and astigmatism and had been wearing glasses since college. “I thought my vision had deteriorated because I couldn’t see with my glasses,” said Parsons. She visited her eye doctor, who performed tests and was
Neem Tree Farms sells neem trees as well as capsules, surprised to lotion, shampoo, soap and a complete line of facial learn her eyesight care products made from the plant. had improved and
glasses were no longer needed. “I had been wearing them so long it never dawned on me to try and see without them,” she joked. As a thriving wholesaler of neem products, Parsons is still a gardener at heart and hosts a monthly plant swap at the tree farm on the first Saturday of most months from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. She shares clippings from her garden and other gardeners bring several types of plants from their own gardens to swap. “It’s a fun outing, and you never know what you’re going to walk away with,” said Parsons. Neem Tree Farms, located at 602 Ronele Dr. in Brandon, is open by appointment only. For more information or to purchase neem products, visit www.neemtreefarms. com or call 813-689-2616.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON HOSTS LIVE EVENT TO SUPPORT THE RECOVERY NETWORK TV LAUNCH
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Local residents Mark and Ruth Scott had a vision and goal for many years to help the community through outreach and Christian ministry. The couple prayed about how to spread the gospel and felt the Lord leading them reach, reconcile and recover through a broadcast ministry and prayer call center.
“Mark and I are very excited with the vision the Lord has put on our hearts,” said Ruth. “We have been meditating on this for seven years.”
The couple anticipates launching their television network, The Recovery Network (TRN), ofcially within the year, considering the necessary licensing and funding required for such an undertaking. But the Scott’s have wasted no time launching the outreach ministry portion, actively sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and finding community partners. The first fundraiser is taking place on Saturday, November 5 beginning at 3 p.m. at the Harley-Davidson of Brandon.
“We are so thankful to Harley-Davidson of Brandon and pray this fundraiser will help us achieve our goal. It is God’s vision, so we have faith He will send the provisions,” said Ruth. “The heartbeat of TRN is to launch a 24/7 Prayer and Resource Support Call Center with live operators around the clock.” “We will have a text-to-give option during the live event as well as on our website under the ‘GIVE’ tab,” said Ruth. “We are a not-for-profit organization, and all charitable financial donations are tax
deductible.” At the Harley-Davidson event will be multiple local speakers, such as Army Major Mack Macksam from Eyes of Freedom; Dr. Douglas J. Wingate, founder and president of Life Chris-
Te community is invited to a live event at tian University; and Harley-Davidson of Brandon to help launch Mark Mulligan of Soli
Te Recovery Network, a nonproft orga- Deo Gloria Internationnization that will be providing prayer and support resources to the community. al Ministries, who will share how TRN will im-
pact the community. The Scotts will also be there to answer questions and share their vision. Mark is a U.S. Army veteran with over 30 years of experience in the area of communication, broadcasting and ministry. Ruth is a former English teacher and youth pastor. The couple is actively involved at Grace Community Church, located at 1425 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico TRN needs organizations to partner with in order to connect callers with local resources to meet their needs. “We want to pray for our callers but also be able to connect them with a local resource organization that can help meet their tangible need,” said Ruth. “Another way to support us would be to supply us with broadcasting cameras; Mac laptops/computers; ofce supplies such as cubicles, desks, conference tables, volunteers and more. Until the launch of the actual television network, viewers will be able to find support through Facebook @youcanrecoverall and on YouTube starting in January 2023. For more information, visit www.youcanrecoverall.com. Harley-Davidson of Brandon is located at 9841 E. Adamo Dr. in Tampa.
Tird Annual Trunk-or-Treat At Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church
Get ready for Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church’s third annual Trunk-or-Treat. This is a free community event including food, games, activities and more. Many unique and fun trunk displays with goodies for children of all ages. Bring your friends, family and neighbors. The event is being held on Sunday, October 30 from 5-7 p.m. Holly Innocents is located at 604 North Valrico Rd. in Valrico.
First United Methodist of Sefner, located at 1310 South Kingsway Rd. in Sefner, is inviting the community to join in the fun on Saturday, October 29 from 4-6 p.m. Bring the whole family for some treats while playing games at diferent trunks and game booths. There will also be a petting zoo and food available for purchase.
Crosswind Church Hosts Community Trunk-or-Treat
Crosswind Church is excited about its upcoming Trunk-or-Treat event being held at 1510 W. Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa on Monday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. This is a safe and fun event to bring children of all ages to trick-or-treat with other families in the community. Stop by Trunk-or-Treat at Crosswind Church to grab some candy have a great time. Opendoor Church In Brandon Offers Fun Trunk-or-Treat Event
Opendoor Church located at 2908 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon is inviting the community to participate in its annual Trunk-orTreat on Sunday, October 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. This is a kid-favorite event, so don’t miss it. Kids will be able to vote for their favorite trunk, so come find out who will win this year. For more information, visit www.theopendoorchurch.com.
Grace Community Church is holding its first Pumpkin Patch from Wednesday, October 5 through Monday, October 31. The patch will be open Monday through Friday from 2-8 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays from 1-8 p.m. Bring the family out to pick out a perfect pumpkin to carve. There is also ‘Dinner and a Movie in the Pumpkin Patch’ on Saturday, October 22 at 6 p.m. Students can get community service/Bright Futures hours for helping with shifts in the patch. Grace Community Church is located at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia. For more information, visit www.mygraceumc.com or call 813-661-8858. Limona Village Chapel United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch
If you’re looking for a pumpkin patch for the whole family to enjoy, you’ve found the right spot. Your family will find the perfect pumpkin on the front lawn of Limona Village Chapel United Methodist Church, which has been an icon of Old Brandon for more than 100 years. There will be pumpkins and gourds of diferent sizes and photo opportunities throughout the patch. Kids will enjoy games such as pumpkin tic-tac-toe, pumpkin ring toss and more. The pumpkin patch is open from Sunday, October 9 through Monday, October 31. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Limona Village Chapel is located at 408 Limona Rd in Brandon.
Liberty Southern Baptist Church In Plant City Announces Trunk-orTreat Event
Come out and enjoy a fun night for all ages that includes free food, games and, of course, Trunk-or-Treating. No tricks here. Bring your friends, family and neighbors for this safe community event. Liberty Southern Baptist is located at 2505 W. Granfield Ave. in Plant City. For more information, visit www. libertysbc.org.
Trunk-or-Treat Event Hosted By Tony Baroni, Keller Williams And Suburban Tampa Bring your family and friends to join the Tony Baroni, Keller Williams and Suburban Tampa teams at their scary and fun trunk-or-treat event. The fun-for-all event is on Thursday, October 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 2350 E. SR 60 in Valrico. Have fun roaming around collecting candy, popcorn and more. Attend in your costume or as you are.
St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church Hosts Its Annual Pumpkin Patch
Did you know that the tradition of the St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church’s pumpkin patch began over 25 years ago? It started as a youth fundraising venture where 1,500 pumpkins were unloaded into the arms of 40 students and 10 adults. It has since earned the name of the ‘Pumpkin Patch Church’ and serves as one of St. Andrew’s largest community outreach events, all while raising money for youth mission trips. The pumpkin patch is open every weekday beginning on Wednesday, October 19 from 4-7:30 p.m. St. Andrew’s is located at 3315 S. Bryan Rd. in Brandon. For more information, visit www.saumc. net.
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RELAX AND REJUVENATE AT VITALITY BOOTH WELLNESS CENTER
By Michelle Caceres
Brandon resident Christa Delgado, who was one of Vitality Booth Wellness Center’s first clients and has a silver membership, couldn’t be happier with the benefits she’s witnessed from her sessions.
“I have been in the wellness industry for 10 years and thought this would be an excellent additional health practice to add to my regimen,” she said.
Delgado has had several health issues, including a recent life-threatening blood clot in her lung. She prefers holistic treatments to pills.
“With the treatments I have noticed an improvement to my respiratory health,” she said. “I’ve been able to stop taking Zyrtec, which I’ve been on for 20 years.”
Located at 3113 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., the center ofers eight diferent Vitality Booths, each ofering red light therapy, halotherapy (salt inhalation), oxygen concentration, negative ion immersion and ionized water intake. Some booths feature advanced cardio equipment, automated massage therapies or vibration plates. The benefits of treatment include an antiaging natural face lift through collagen generation, improved respiratory health, improved skin health, an immune system boost through ATP creation at a cellular level, weight loss, pain reduction and injury healing, athletic performance enhancement as well as a testosterone boost and hair growth for men.
Vitality Booth Wellness Center general manager Sheila Alba said the benefits of each 20-minute session make it an excellent option for everyone, from top-tier athletes seeking to enhance their performance to individuals seeking to improve their overall health. “The benefits of this treatment modality are for everyone,” she said.
Vitality Booth Wellness Center treatments For John Brier, ofer a range of health benefts. managing part-
ner for HaloTherapy Center (the parent company that holds the patent filings for the Vitality Booth scientific wellness system), the Valrico wellness center is the flagship location of his brand and vision. “In the past year, we have sold close to 100 Vitality Booths all over the country and internationally to dozens of spas, clinics, wellness centers, doctors’ ofces and professional sports teams,” he said. Vitality Booth Wellness Center’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.7 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Walk-in appointments are accommodated, but appointments are recommended. Single sessions, multisession packages and unlimited monthly membership plans, including family member upgrade options, are available for purchase. Click on the QR code to take a virtual tour of its facility. To book a session, visit https://vbwellnesscenter.com/ or call 813-315-9633.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BUCS HOSTS USA WHEELCHAIR FOOTBALL LEAGUE TOURNAMENT
By Lily Belcher
The Hillsborough County Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team hosted the second of three meets in the USA Wheelchair Football League (USAWFL) tournament at the Tampa Convention Center from August 24 through August 28. Eight teams competed for the title, with the Kansas City Chiefs emerging victorious at the end of the tournament.
“Everybody can play football. Just because you are in a wheelchair doesn’t mean you can’t play football,” encouraged Hillsborough County Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team coach Wayne Bozeman.
This is the first time Hillsborough County has hosted the tournament and only the second time the Hillsborough County Buccaneers have participated. The team of 20 athletes, from 20-50 years of age, have been practicing since May and placed fourth at the end of August, losing to the Arizona Cardinals.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed their support through the partnership and provided helmet decals, shirts and a pep talk by former Buccaneers safety and Superbowl MVP Dexter Jackson. Jackson spoke to the team during the Friday night banquet that served dinner and drinks to the athletes as they got to know one another better.
Football is not the first sport made accessible to those with disabilities in the area, but USAWFL is the first of its kind for those with physical
Te Hillsborough County Buccaneers huddle midgame in the disabilities annual USA Wheelchair Football League tournament. looking to
play football, according to its website. The league was made possible by the NFL Salute to Service Award and the Bob Woodruf Foundation. “The wheelchairs run from $4000 to $7000, just for a sports chair to play in,” said Bozeman. “With the support of the community, they can get these for the kids [and] put it in the program. [Then,] the program has a chair they can use for everybody, not just one person.” Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation hosts year-round sports, from archery to basketball to track and field, through its Adaptive Sports program, which now includes football. The availability of these sports to those in wheelchairs promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for all participants while encouraging a fun and supportive community. For more information on the Hillsborough County Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team, visit its website at www. hillsboroughcounty.org or contact Mary Cales at 813-416-0467.
