News briefs
By Times Staff
Published October 6, 2006
VALRICO
FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE: Members of the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department will demonstrate their skills during an open house Saturday. The event includes methods of rescuing crash victims who are trapped in their vehicles, and how to put out kitchen fires.
The firefighters will provide an inflatable moonwalk for children and refreshments for all. The open house runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Station 27, 4705 E Bloomingdale Ave. Call 744-5906.
BRANDON
HEALTH FAIR: The sixth annual multicultural festival celebrating health will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the Brandon Community Center, 502 E Sadie St. The health fair will include folkloric dancing, live music, international foods as well as health screenings, and blood pressure and cholesterol checks. Admission is free.
AUTHORS TO APPEAR: The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce hosts a pair of authors to conclude its Diversity Week today.
Kellye Davis writes and leads seminars about health, lifestyle and yoga.
She has appeared on lifestyle segments of several television news shows in New York and contributed to magazines such as Essence and Cosmo Girl. She will sign copies of her book, The Bliss Principle - 5 Easy Ways to Reduce Stress, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kandi Harris, who has a master's degree in education from the University of South Florida, writes children's books and tutors students in reading. She will sign copies of her Prince and Princess series books today from 3-4 p.m. Both signings take place at the chamber, 330 Pauls Drive, Suite 100. Call 689-1221.
AID TO BRAZILIANS: The Brandon chamber, along with two groups that aim to help local Brazilians, have organized an event to help iron out passport and other legal issues Saturday and Sunday at Hillsborough Community College's Brandon campus.
A Brazilian consulate official will help with renewals of expired or lost passports, offer assistance in completing Immigration and Naturalization Service forms to extend tourist visas, and address issues related to tax identification numbers, birth and death certificates, and power of attorney.
The Brazilian Association of Tampa Bay will lead seminars throughout the weekend. A baby sitter, copying service, snack bar and passport photographer will be available.
The event runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Hillsborough Community College, 10414 E Columbus Drive, Tampa. Call 881-9755 or visit www.brazilianpost.com online.
SPORTS SIGNUPS: The Tampa Sports and Social Club has moved its headquarters to the Brandon area and is inviting residents to sign up for a variety of adult co-ed sports and social events. The new Brandon area leagues include soccer, softball, basketball, football, softball, volleyball and golf. The club also offers parties, events, volunteer opportunities and mini-adventure vacations to members. For more information, call 655-7777.
BUSINESS MEETING SPACE: Business professionals who need a place to meet occasionally can use the new Executive Centers of America facility. The ECA site at 150 E Bloomingdale Ave. offers meeting space, support and state-of-the-art technology for those looking to host gatherings that are annual, monthly or less frequent. ECA was formed as an alternative to traditional leased office space, company officials said. A grand opening with cocktails, food and live music will be held from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. For more information, visit www.ecabrandon.com.
BALM
CANDIDATES' FORUM: The Balm Civic Association is sponsoring a candidates' forum at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16.
All candidates for county commissioner in Districts 5, 6 and 7 have been invited.
Candidates will begin with brief statements and then take questions from the audience. All area residents are invited to attend.
The forum will be held at the Balm Civic Center, 14747 Balm-Wimauma Road. Call 633-5200.
SUN CITY CENTER
BALLROOM DANCING: The Academy of Ballroom Dance will introduce the public to ballroom dancing during an open house Thursday.
The school invites Sun City Center and Kings Point residents, whether beginning or advanced, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sun City Center's Community Hall, 1910 S Pebble Beach Blvd.
Instructors Bernice and Art May will lead an evening of demonstration and instruction. Refreshments are included.
The academy is one of three ballroom dance clubs in Sun City Center. Its 200 members and their guests enjoy a club-sponsored dance each month. Call 634-3205.