Compiled by Jenny Bennett
Sylvia Thomas Center celebrates 22nd anniversary
The Sylvia Thomas Center for Adoptive and Foster Families recently celebrated its 22nd anniversary. It keeps the “forever” in forever families by providing adoptive and foster children and families with the tools and support needed to enable them to bond and thrive. It is committed to supporting families, working together to overcome obstacles and address challenges, which may include counselling, case management and other supports to address the experiences children have had.
For more information about the Sylvia Thomas Center for Adoptive and Foster Families, visit their website at www.sylviathomascenter.org or call 813-651-3150.
Centerpoint Church celebrates with Back to School Party
Centerpoint Church celebrates the last days of summer and prepares for an exciting new school year with a back-to-school party. The event will be held on August 6th from 10am to 2pm at 1720 S. St. Cloud Ave. of Valrico.
There will be fun activities for the whole family, including laser tag, a bungee run, a climbing wall, bounce houses, an indoor dance party and more. The event and all games are free, and food trucks and Kona Ice will be available for purchase of food and beverages.
Open day of the religious school of the Congregation Beth Shalom
Congregation Beth Shalom in Brandon is a vibrant, warm and growing Reform synagogue. As the only Reform synagogue in the Greater Brandon area, for 32 years it has provided a home for Jewish, interfaith and LGBTQ families of all ages and backgrounds.
It is accepting applications for its religious school for the 2022-23 school year. The school’s mission is to provide an enriching educational and learning environment for all in attendance and strive to nurture the child’s Jewish identity while providing a welcoming and comfortable environment.
You can enroll your child in the religious school at its open day on Sunday, August 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit their website at www.bethshalom-brandon.org for more details. Congregation Beth Shalom is located at 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon.
Home of the HCC SouthShore campus
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) SouthShore is hosting its Campus Kickoff event on Thursday, July 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This year’s theme is Celebrating Our Heroes, featuring local heroes including veterans, first responders, medical and legal professionals. execution, will be honored. The event will include music, food and community information booths.
HCC’s SouthShore Campus is located at 551 24th St. NE to Ruskin. Additional information about HCC can be found on their website at www.hccfl.edu.
The Florida Aquarium received the Lowe’s Hometowns grant
The Florida Aquarium has received a grant as part of Lowe’s Hometowns, an initiative that is helping to restore and revitalize spaces that serve as the hubs and heartbeats of communities. The grant will provide funding for The Florida Aquarium to renovate the first floor lobby restrooms. The new bathrooms will improve energy and water efficiency, supporting its commitment to sustainable business practices and serving visitors for years to come.
The Florida Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Dr. in Tampa. Information about the Aquarium and the purchase of tickets can be found on its website at www.flaquarium.org.
HCA Florida Brandon Hospital receives a distinguished rating
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons awarded HCA Florida Brandon Hospital a three-star rating for its patient care and outcomes in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. The three-star rating, denoting the highest category of quality, places HCA Florida Brandon Hospital among the elite of bypass surgery in the United States.
“At Brandon Hospital, providing safe, high-quality cardiac surgery is the highest priority of our cardiac surgery team,” said Bradley Bufkin, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist at Brandon Hospital.
For more information, visit www.hcafloridabrandonhospital.com.
The Furball Frenzy event is looking for vendors
Local pet charities Kittie Corral and Community Pet Project will be hosting a Furball Frenzy fundraiser in the fall and are looking for vendors of all kinds. The event will take place at Heroes Paradise, located at 733 Knowles Rd. in Brandon on Sunday November 6th from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Spaces are $40 for 10ft x 10ft.
For more information and to book a place, send an email to kittiecorral@gmail.com.
Hillsborough County Veterans Council is looking for new members
The Hillsborough County Veterans Council is looking to add new members. The purpose of the Veterans Council is to serve as a local affiliate of military veterans’ organizations, to act as a liaison between county government and veterans’ organizations in actions affecting the benefits of veterans and veterans’ families Hillsborough County military and uphold the ideals, principles and traditions of our armed forces.
For more information and to apply for membership, visit the website at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/social-services/veterans/action-folder/apply-for-the-veterans-council.
Back to School Party at Westfield Brandon Mall
Westfield Brandon Mall is hosting the Florida Penguin’s Back to School Party on Sunday, July 31st. It will distribute more than 250 backpacks and thousands of school supplies, in addition to having after-school programs, tutors, pediatricians and other child care services. in attendance
There will be face painting, dance performances, photo stops and magicians to keep everyone engaged. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m
