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Elks Cast A Wide Net To Keep Kids Off Drugs

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By BARBARA ROUTEN

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 11, 2008

DOVER - More than 120 children ages 2 to 13 cast their lines in the Brandon Elks Lodge's fifth annual Hooked on Fishing Not Drugs event May 17 at Doug Holmberg's property on Gallagher Road in Dover.

"We try not only to let the kids know that there are other activities besides taking drugs, but also to get the parents involved with the children," said Len Brown, public relations chairman for the lodge.

The Elks grilled hot dogs and burgers for the kids and their families, and a few sponsors provided other food and kept everyone hydrated.

The children caught 90 fish. The grand prize for the most fish caught went to 8-year-old Brianna Hess, who caught eight. The grand prize for the biggest fish went to 8-year-old Andrew Clyburn, whose catch was 20 inches long.

In the 2- to 5-year-old category, Nathaniel Jackson, 4, caught the most fish - four, and Alyson Simmons, 3, caught the biggest - 15 inches.

Of the 6- to 7-year-olds, Joseph DeLally and Damion Neale, both 6, tied for the most fish with four each, and Andrew Skidmore, 7, caught the longest, an 8-inch fish.

Krista Harrington, 8, caught three fish - the most in the 8- to 9-year-old group. Nikki Lubbers, 8, caught the largest at 51/2 inches.

Jessica Williams, 10, caught the most fish in the 10- to 11-year-old group - five. Two in this category caught large fish: Jack Hubbard, 10, reeled in a 16-inch fish, and Avery Brown, 11, nabbed a 14-inch one.

The most fish caught by 12- to 13-year-old anglers were the five reeled in by 13-year-old Hayley Muley. The biggest was 9 inches, caught by Jimmy Rentz, 13.

The winners were allowed to choose something from the prize table, which had fishing rods and reels, footballs, basketballs, skateboards and other sporting equipment.

Included in a bag of take-home items for each child was a coloring book with prints of anti-drug posters drawn by students, with captions such as "Drinking is for people who aren't thinking," "Don't be a fuzz brain - don't do drugs" and "Say nope to dope." Participants also received pamphlets with information about the dangers of illegal drugs.

The message of the fishing tournament was loud and clear. Everyone who stays away from drugs makes the best catch of all.

Giving Home Care Topic of Meeting

BRANDON - People of all ages are invited learn about how to live independently in spite of age and illness at Health Happiness to You, better known as H2U, at 10 a.m. today at Oakfield Medical Plaza, 260 Moon Ave. S., Brandon. The class will be in Classroom B, Suite 260.

Kristi Campbell of Home Instead Senior Care will explain how people can live independently in their homes as age or illness advances and how caregivers can help.

"Join us for information, fun, refreshments and get to know more about our activities and how to become more involved with H2U," said Betty Boston, H2U vice president.

For information, call (813) 684-3316.

Newcomers Welcome Officers At Luncheon

VALRICO - The Brandon Newcomers Club will install new officers at a luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m. June 18 at Buckhorn Country Club, 2721 Miller Road, S., Valrico.

The new officers are Miriam Smith, president; Hilda Hiner, vice president; Pat Fuller-Gardner, secretary; Esther Varon, treasurer; and Jessie Stamford, member-at-large.

The club took a novel approach to charitable giving this year by awarding scholarships instead of donating to local nonprofit organizations. Recipients were Courtney Parker, a Durant High School graduate and granddaughter of member Emma Jean Smith; Hillary Pinson, a Bloomingdale High School graduate and granddaughter of Miriam Smith; and Julie Thompson, a graduate of Durant and granddaughter of Doris Blake. Parker is studying medicine at Hillsborough Community College. Thompson is studying medicine at the University of North Florida. Pinson is studying education at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

The Gal's Night Out group will meet at 5:30 p.m. June 26 at Red Lobster, 2604 Brandon Blvd., W., Brandon. Other outings are planned for July 24 at Outback Steakhouse, 16547 FishHawk Blvd., Lithia, and Aug. 28 at Willie's Seafood Restaurant, 1912 Front St., Valrico. For details, call Jeanne Archambault at (813) 684-8391 or (813) 731-4910.

Snippets

Anniversary wishes are in order for Frank and Mary Ann Lombard of Valrico, who celebrated 57 years May 5; Bill and Mary Schmidt of Brandon, who celebrate 60 years Thursday; and Thomas and Amelia Pounds of Brandon, who will celebrate 58 years June 28.

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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