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5 Things To Know Today

Friday, December 30, 2011

5 Things to Know Today, Dec. 30: Bluegrass, Jive and Lights

Here's some things you might want to know as you go about your day.

1. Head on over the The Farm in Lithia for a night of bluegrass music Dec. 30 starting at 7 p.m.  The Farm will host four local bluegrass groups, A2J Bluegrass, Cedar Creek, The Exum's and Flatland Bluegrass. Concerts at The Farm, 7818 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd., Lithia, are free. Musicians are also encouraged to bring their own guitars, banjos, fiddles or other acoustic instruments and join in. Hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages are served at 6:30 p.m., and the music starts at 7 p.m. For more information, call 813-967-3046, email dawso­nholmes@­hotmail.­com or visit TheFarmUSA.com. 2. If bluegrass isn't your thing, check out The Jive Band. The Jive Band with Mike Carter and friends will perform at Park Square Cellar, 16132 Churchview Dr., …

Thursday, December 29, 2011

5 Things to Know Today, Dec. 29: Painting, Dancing and Running

Here's some things you might want to know as you go about your day.

1. Artist Greg Manley is offering an In this ongoing painting class for children 7 to 13. Students will experience different painting techniques with multiple art materials such as watercolor, tempura, India ink and paper. Basic drawing skills will be encouraged to create fun paintings and increase confidence in artwork. Classes will be held Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. at Center Place, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon. The cost per month is $30 for members, $40 for nonmembers on months with three weeks and $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers on months with four weeks. Supplies are included. 2. The Bay Area Twirlers offers a square dancing class Thurdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Brandon Community Center, 502 E. Sadie St., Brandon. 3. Brandon…

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

5 Things to Know Today, Dec. 28: Yappy Hour and More

Here's some things you might want to know as you go about your day.

1. Park Square Cellar, 16132 Churchview Dr., Lithia, hosts Yappy Hour from 6 to 8 p.m. on the patio. Bring your pooches for some yappy good times.2. The AM Book Discussion Group will meet at 10:30 a.m. at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 122 Brandon Town Center Dr., Brandon. New members are always welcome. 3. Take a midday break from the hustle and bustle of life and delve into the world of Torah in search of life lessons and inspiration during Much More Than Lunch, hosted by Chabad of Brandon, 3005 Waylon Ln., Valrico, at noon. Glatt-Kosher deli sandwiches will be available for purchase. Call 813-657-9393. 4. FishHawk Fellowship Church offers a weekly Divorce Care seminar and support group for those who are separated or divorced Wednesdays at …

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

5 Things to Know Today, Dec. 20: Hanukkah Begins

Here's some things you might want to know as you go about your day.

1. Today is the first day of Hanukkah. On Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 5 p.m., Chabad of Brandon will kick off the holiday with the annual lighting of the 6-foot menorah at Westfield Brandon mall. The entire community is invited to enjoy hot latkes, music and dancing. There also will be crafts and prizes for kids. Admission is free. 2. The Brandon Chapter of the New World Celts meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at O'Brien's Irish Pub, 701 W. Lumsden Road, Brandon. The charitable organization promotes Celtic history and culture. Membership is open to all. Call Dugg Smith, (813) 291-2387 or e-mail dduggins95@yahoo.com. 3. Ask A Genealogist, advice on tracing your family's history, is offered Tuesdays at 4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale …

Monday, December 19, 2011

5 Things to Know Today, Dec. 19: Santa at Beef O' Brady's and More

Here's some things you might want to know as you go about your day.

1. The big guy in the red suit will be at Beef O' Brady's, 4330 Bell Shoals Rd., Valrico, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 19. Santa will be on hand to greet kids and pose for photos. 2. Southern Company Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a not-for-profit organization composed of an energetic group of women dedicated to singing a cappella barbership harmony, will host a fundraiser at Beef O' Brady's, 4330 Bell Shoals Rd., Valrico, Dec. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. The fundraiser is for the chorus' Angel Fund to help pay the tuition for members who are short on funds. 3. Canine Cabana at 9708 Carr Rd., Riverview, will host a Winter Woof Wonderland Monday, Dec. 19, featuring a white elephant doggie gift exchange, a sleigh ride and spice cake…

Saturday, December 17, 2011

5 Things to Know Today, Dec. 17: Winterfest at Scigliano's and More

Here's some things you might want to know as you go about your day.

1. Scigliano's Market, 15260 FishHawk Blvd., Lithia, will host Winterfest Dec. 17 starting at 9 a.m. with breakfast with Santa. The cost is $10 for children over 10 years old and $5 for children age 2 to 10. Children under 2 are admitted free. In addition, there will be a bounce house, cookie decorating, kids' games and face painting. Bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and get a free picture with Santa. 2. Grace Community United Methodist Church at FishHawk, 5708 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd., Lithia, will host a family movie night featuring "A Christmas Story" Dec. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. Church youth will be on hand to wrap gifts during the movie. Call 813-661-8858 or visit gcumconline.com. 3. Kids of all ages are invited to Hillsborough County…

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

5 Things to Know Today, Dec. 13: Park Square Tree Lighting and More

Here's some things you might want to know as you go about your day.

1. Christmas is less than two weeks away. Have you completed your shopping list? If not, consider shopping at area small businesses for unique gifts. 2. Park Square Pizza will host a Christmas tree lighting in Park Square Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. There will be a disc jockey spinning holiday tunes. The Girl Scout will sing Christmas carols and there will be a live ballet. In addition, free cookies will be served and a 6-foot stocking filled with toys will be raffled. Park Square Pizza will feature an 18-inch cheese pizza for $10. For information, call 813-681-2000. 3. Toddler Time is offered at the Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, Tuesdays at 10:30 p.m. Story Time follows at 11 a.m. 4. Drop by Park Square …

Monday, December 12, 2011

5 Things to Know Today, Dec. 12: Electric Cars Get Charged at Bloomingdale Library

Here's some things you might want to know as you go about your day.

1. Join Hillsborough County to celebrate the installation of the county’s first electric car charging station, located at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. This electric car charging station is the first of several to be installed at county facilities over the coming months. 2. Bring your kids grades pre-kindergarten through third out for a holiday revue celebrating the many cultures around the world at Center Place, 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon. Santa's Holiday Revue is a fast-paced rollicking musical that gives a tour of the dances, songs and stories from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and many more. Students will sing, clap and tap along as they learn…

Sunday, December 11, 2011

5 Things to Know Today, Dec. 11: Brandon Choral Society Performs

Here's some things you might want to know as you go about your day.

1. The Brandon Choral Society will present the quintessential holiday oratorio at Southside Baptist Church, 415 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. The choir, made up of members from area churches, will treat the audience to Handel's "Messiah" for the fourth year. The all-volunteer Brandon Choral Society is directed by well-known conductor Robert Romanski. Joining him is the society's assistant music director and organist, Chris Westfall. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon, and at Southside Baptist Church. 2. First United Methodist Church of Brandon will host a craft bazaar with handmade treats and crafts Sunday, Dec. 11, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church, 120 N. …

Saturday, December 10, 2011

5 Things to Know Today, Dec. 10: The Nutcracker and More

There's plenty of holiday events going on in the Bloomingdale-Riverview Patch area today. Check these out.

1. The Brandon Ballet will present its annual production of "The Nutcracker" Dec. 10 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 2 and 5:30 p.m. at the Spoto High School auditorium, 8538 Eagle Palm Dr. Riverview. Experience the Brandon Ballet's full-length production featuring  guest professional artists, lavish costumes and scenery, a glorious score by Tchaikovsky and a timeless tale to be enjoyed by all ages. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors age 55 and older. 2. The Theatre Arts and Dance Alliance with the Tampa Bay Dance Theatre will present its annual production of "The Nutcracker" Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. in the Riverview High School auditorium, 11311 Boyette Rd., Riverview. Enjoy this timeless …

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