Two Sections, 36 Pages of Community News
Valrico
See Full Article On Outdoors Activities Page 15
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Faces Of Courage Has A Simple Motto: Cancer Is Serious, Camp Is Serious Fun
By Kathy L. Collins
Faces of Courage provides an assortment of free life enriching programs for children and families touched by all types of cancer and blood disorders.
added, "While the emphasis at the camps is certainly on fun, it also provides support and focuses on developing a strong positive attitude towards recovery and good health management. Many of the volunteers are survivors as well, and when they tell a camper they know what they are going through, they really do know." Sherry said, "No one can understand the cancer journey until they have heard the words 'You have cancer.' When these survivors can get together, leave their wigs in the cabin and openly talk about their feelings, worries and hopes, it is very healing." Faces of Courage has several upcoming camps for women and children. It is hosting two Adult Women's Camps on August 17-19 and September 14-16. It will host Santa's Workshop Weekend for children ages 2-12 the weekend of November 30 to December 2. Registration for camps opens approximately five weeks before camp. Camps cost approximately $250 per camper. To offset the cost of the camps, Faces of Courage holds events such as ‘It's Too Hot Music Fest’ on Sunday, July 15 and a Top Golf event on Sunday, July 22. For more information on Faces of Courage, please visit www.facesofcourage.org or call 948-7478.
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Faces of Courage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides day outings and overnight camps for women, children and families touched by all types of cancer and blood disorders. All programs are given free of charge. Faces of Courage was founded by Peggy Sherry in 2004. It is a Tampa based nonprofit, but it serves cancer survivors from all over the country. Faces of Courage is able to provide services for free thanks to tireless volunteers and support from the community. Volunteers such as Larry Brooks provide essential services. Brooks, who lives in Sun City Center, became involved with Faces of Courage about eight years ago. He works in the kitchen at every camp that is held. Brooks said, "I volunteer because I see what the camp means to the survivors who attend. At one of the camps, a woman with cancer gave me a hug and thanked me for being there." Brooks
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C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
The Theme Of This Year’s 4th Of July Parade Is Traveling America
By Kathy L. Collins
parade reminding us why we have our freedoms in this country.” The Annual 4th of July Parade is a tradition for many Brandon area residents and their families. “Many families have come to the parade for years,” added Nickerson. Brandon’s 4th of July Parade is a great tradition Photos courtesy of Stephen Nickerson
Come out with family and friends and continue or start the tradition of attending The Community Roundtable's Annual Brandon 4th of July Parade. The parade is held on the 4th of July beginning at 10 a.m. in the heart of Brandon.
The Annual Brandon 4th of July Parade presented by The Community Roundtable will be held on Wednesday, July 4. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the Law Offices of Reed & Reed at the corner of Lumsden and Parsons. The route will continue north on Parsons, stop at the reviewing stand located in front of Nature's Health Foods at Parsons and Oakfield, continue west on Robertson and end in the Publix parking lot at Buckingham Place. This year’s theme is Traveling America. Janine Nickerson, President of the Community Roundtable said, “The Community Roundtable proudly presents the 61st Annual Brandon Independence Day Parade. This is a family tradition with family values at the core of the parade and highlighting the event.” The Grand Marshall for this year’s parade is Tony Saladino. Nickerson added, “Participants in the parade include bands from both Bloomingdale High School and Brandon High School. They combine to provide live music for the spectators. In addition, many military and veterans’ organizations appear in the
that celebrates the residents, schools, organizations and nonprofits of the greater Brandon area. The parade features floats, marching bands, dancers and more. Included
Continued on page 5
In This Issue
MOSQUITO EATING FISH ...................PG 3 HOA HOT TOPICS ...............................PG 6 TECO’S SOLAR ENERGY ......................PG 9 SUMMER READING..........................PG 10 HONORARY MAYOR .........................PG 16 MOBILE SWIM LESSONS ..................PG 23 EYE ON BUSINESS .....................PGS 25‐26 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 33 SPORTS CONNECTION......................PG 34
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June 2018 Volume 15, Issue 6 Ph: 657-2418
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Ronnie Cheeks- General Manager at Bass Pro Shops in Brandon stands with Meagan Springen, Program Director and Kyle Francavilla, Specialty Camp Coordinator at YMCA’s Camp Cristina. They were presented with donated fishing rods and reels from Bass Pro Shops for use at camp. Nationwide, 50,000 rods and reels were given out during National Donation Day on June 7 in an effort to get kids outdoors.
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