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Time Capsule Preserves Memories

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By BARBARA ROUTEN

Tribune correspondent

Published: August 6, 2008

BRANDON - The observation of Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon's "chai," or 18th, anniversary this year culminated in a family celebration May 18, during which members buried a time capsule full of memorabilia. In 2026, at the synagogue's "double-chai" anniversary, members will unearth the capsule.

The capsule contains things "Judaic in nature, as well as current events items," said Lauren Shaw, the congregation's publicity chairwoman. Among them was the script of a play performed during the chai celebration by Errol Fishman's sixth-grade religious school class. "It was a spoof about a board meeting," Shaw said. "I think it was a projection of how things would be done years into the future."

Rabbi Betsy Troop, who leads the congregation, is celebrating the 18th anniversary of her ordination this year, too. She studied at the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati.

Troop said, "To celebrate our 18th anniversary is to celebrate life - all of the joy and challenge that has helped build our community and all of the potential that still exists for our future."

"Traditionally, the number 18 has been a significant number for Jews," Shaw said. "It is the numerical equivalent of the Hebrew word 'chai', which means 'life.'"

For details about what the Reform synagogue has to offer, go to www.bethshalom -brandon.org, call the office at (813) 681-6547 or visit a free open house from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon Sunday at 706 Bryan Road.

All Candidates Invited To Tuesday Forum

A free candidate forum will held Tuesday in the new worship center at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Road. A meet-and-greet session with candidates for public office will start at 5 p.m. The candidates will speak beginning at 7 p.m.

The Community Issues Team, a volunteer organization at the church, has invited all candidates on the Hillsborough County ballot to the forum, whether they are running for county, state or national offices. Representatives sponsoring amendments to the state Constitution will explain the proposals and answer questions.

For information, visit www.bellshoals.com/cic or contact J.W. Pope, forum coordinator, at (813) 523-6360 or candidateforum2008@ gmail.com.

Weather At Center Stage For H2U Gathering

The Health Happiness 2 You wellness center, known as H2U, will host a discussion about severe weather by Daniel Noah, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's forecasting office in Ruskin, at a meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Classroom B, Suite 260, in the Oakfield Medical Plaza, 260 Moon Ave. S., Brandon.

The Ruskin weather service's outreach program, called Adopt-a-County, provides clubs and organizations with speakers to improve communication with the public about weather-related phenomena and safety.

Refreshments will be provided. All ages are welcome. For information, call H2U, (813) 684-3316.

Women, Kids To Model Fashions

The Brandon Christian Women's Connection and Stonecroft Ministries invite area women to a back-to-school fashion show and luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday in the Special Events Center at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Road.

Dillard's and Premier Designs will provide fashions and jewelry to be modeled by women and their children.

Seffner resident Debora M. Coty, author of "Heavenly Humor for the Women's Soul" and "Mom Needs Chocolate: Hugs, Humor and Hope for Surviving Motherhood," will give a seriously humorous talk called Taming the Beauty Beast. "We'll explore five beast-busters," Coty said, "dealing with insecurity about our appearance, self-forgiveness for imperfections, recognizing our real value, redefining beauty and glowing with inside-out love."

Cost is $15. Reservations should be made by Friday. Call Shirley Goldston at (813) 661-6262 or e-mail Pat Thibodeaux at patsells@tampa bay.rr.com. Free child care will be available by reservation.

Brandon Alumni Plan Casino Night

The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce invites the public to its ninth annual Leadership Brandon Alumni Casino Night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association, 619 Vonderburg Drive. Money raised will go toward Leadership Brandon scholarships.

Tickets are $35 per person and include $2,500 worth of casino "fun money," a silent auction, hors d'oeuvres, door prizes and entertainment.

To register or for details, go to www.brandonchamber .com or contact Crystal Colegrove at (813) 689-1221, ext. 24, or ccolegrove@brandon chamber.com. People who need special accommodations to participate must contact the chamber by Aug. 13.

Snippets

American Legion Alafia Post 148 will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the post, 7240 U.S. 301 S., Riverview. For information, call (813) 677-6529 or go to www.americanlegionalafia post148.org.

Send news and photos of community interest to Barbara Routen at The Tampa Tribune, 505 W. Robertson St., Brandon FL 33511, call (813) 657-4531 or e-mail neighbors@tampabay.rr.com.

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