5 Things to Know Today, April 2

1. There is still time for Hillsborough County neighborhood association board members and active community residents to register for the eighth annual Hillsborough County Neighborhoods Conference and learn how to make their communities stronger.

The 2011 Neighborhoods Conference will be held Saturday, April 2, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Hillsborough Community College Dale Mabry Campus, across from Raymond James Stadium, 4001 Tampa Bay Blvd. in Tampa.

 Registration is $20 at the door.

The 2011 Neighborhoods Conference will feature 24 workshops that will help build a sense of community among the more than 1,000 registered neighborhood, civic, homeowners, and crime watch associations throughout Hillsborough County. Attendees can learn how to improve neighborhood safety; get tips for Do-It-Yourself home improvements; receive ideas to develop effective communications with neighbors; learn how to find the public and private resources that are available to them; and learn how to work with governments to improve the quality of life for their residents. There will also be networking opportunities with citizens and leaders of other associations, and more than 90 exhibit booths hosted by County departments and local businesses.

Also during the Conference, the 2010 Neighborhood Recognition Awards will be presented. These awards are designed to acknowledge neighborhood organizations that have been active in civic affairs and worked collectively to improve and enrich their communities and the lives of their residents. 

2. The Frenzie Life Theatre returns to the stage this weekend with “The Rocky Horror Show”  tonight at 8 p.m. The adult-themed rock musical is on stage at the Barn Theatre at Winthrop.

Based in Brandon, the community theater troupe is known as one of the Tampa Bay area’s “edgier” acting troupes.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, military and students with identification. Note, this is not “shadow theater,” meaning this is a live production and audience participation is not allowed. Also, this show is not recommended for children under the age of 13.

3. After being postponed Thursday due to weather, the St. Stephen Spring Jubilee got off to a great start Friday night with performances by the Riverview High School Chorus, local dance studios and Luna Blue.

Today, Spirit FM 90.5 Radio will do a remote broadcast from the jubilee grounds.

Hours are from noon to 11 p.m. on the grounds of St. Stephen Catholic School, 10424 St. Stephen Circle, Riverview, off Boyette Road.

4. Don't forget to stop by O'Brien's Bar and Grill, 721 Lumsden Road, Brandon. for some early afternoon poker fun in support of a great cause! The event features food and drinks, local vendors and loads of prizes and giveaways for players with the best and worst hand. All proceeds will benefit the Pink Dragon Ladies Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team.

5. The 2011 Bay Area Renaissance Festival continues its theme weekends with Wonders of the World, featuring local Middle Eastern and Asian vendors. Enjoy food, wine, and multicultural entertainment throughout the day along with arm wrestling, dancing, juggling and egg roll eating contests for all ages. The festival takes place at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa.