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Father Time.

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By Cheryl Kuck

Published: January 3, 2007

Brandon, FL - Brandon, FL - Normally, we think of him as a weary old gentleman with a long gray beard and cane, limping away at the exit of another year. This image, created by artists long ago, has remained with us as we celebrate the birth of a New Year. But in 2006, something changed.

Mind you, just like always, this year was filled with highs and lows. It was also filled with blessings and tragedies. And, as in years past, it was filled with hopes and dreams.

But despite the many year-to-year similarities, something was really different about 2006. Did you notice the winds of change? It wasn't just the bull market. And it wasn't the fact that Tampa Bay's crime rate continued to decline. No, it was the positive, can-do attitude floating in the ethers. It was the hustle and bustle of things moving forward in our world, despite war and natural disasters.

Greater Brandon is growing, well, greater. But while increasing in size and industrial growth, Brandon is also paying attention to increasing its cultural growth while protecting its intrinsic life values. The fact that businesses are encouraging knowledge of the arts is fueling a spectacular growth period. Dance, music and arts classes are filled to overflow capacities. Greater Brandon can also boast that it now has an established Greater Brandon Arts Council.

Need more evidence? Just-built libraries are already in need of expansion to accommodate the needs of the public; our children's scholastic scores are improving; and family-oriented activities and entertainment are on the rise. And finally, there is an active pursuit toward planning a community complex that would benefit Brandonites of all ages while giving them much needed learning and performing space.

 One of the favorite sayings of the past year was, "Well, being 50 or 60 is not your grandmother's or grandfather's 50 or 60!" The past 365 days were unlike any previous 365 days. For the first time ever, Father Time did not limp out the door a broken old man. Rather, he roared into the sunset, a la Easy Rider, on a Harley!

What does the future for Brandon hold? Truly, only time will tell if 2007's newly-born Baby Time will fulfill his potential. It is a tall order, thanks to the out-going Big Daddy Time of 2006.

Cheryl Kuck writes about the arts

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