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Young Phenoms Put Science To The Test

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By BARBARA ROUTEN

Tribune correspondent

Published: May 21, 2008

VALRICO - The annual Grace Christian School Science Fair, for sixth- through ninth-grade students, was held March 17 in the school dining hall.

The first-place winner was ninth-grader Alex Holliday, whose experiment title was "Does Your Eye Color Affect Your Vision?" In second place was sixth-grader Brian Do, who asked, "Does an Increase in Temperature Result in an Increase or Decrease in the Electrical Output of a Solar Panel?" Third-place went to seventh-grader Abby Auten, who wondered, "Does Pepsi Affect People's Blood Pressure?"

Holliday chose people who did not wear glasses or contacts to participate in her experiment. They read an eye chart in dim light, natural room light and bright light. She found that melanin, the pigment that colors eyes, does affect vision. She said her experiment was "really fun."

Do learned from his experiment that when heat is added as light is absorbed by solar panels, the panels' electrical output increases. "This did not surprise Brian," said Gail Ann Swales, Grace Christian School principal. "And he is very proud of his research because he is thinking of many ways this research could help other people."

Auten's experiment was lifestyle-changing for her. After comparing people's blood pressure five minutes before they drank Pepsi and then a half-hour after they drank it, she discovered their pressure rose a couple of points.

As a result, Auten wants to reduce her consumption of caffeinated beverages.

All students who participated in the competition were selected by their science teachers. "We are proud of all our science fair competitors," Swale said. "Great work!"

Local Chef Gives Back

BRANDON - Executive chef Dave West, co-owner of the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium in Brandon, and his staff hosted and coordinated the International Association of Culinary Professionals' "IACP Gives Back" charity event March 11.

Other chefs volunteered their time. They were Ray Lampe, also known as Dr. BBQ, a cookbook author and executive chef at Southern Hospitality, Justin Timberlake's restaurant in New York City; Jaden Hair, cookbook author, food columnist for The Tampa Tribune and host of SteamyKitchen.com; Fabrizio Schenardi, executive chef of Pelagia Trattoria in Tampa; Giuliano Hazan, cookbook author, television personality and IACP Cooking School teacher of the year for 2007; John McGlinchey, chef, instructor and fine dining consultant; and John Verville, master certified barbecue judge and team leader.

Crescent City Farmers Market in New Orleans received the more than $4,000 raised at the event. The market, which was started in 1995, was damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Contributions from many companies that participated in the event, including Transatlantic Wine and Spirits, Fruit of the Boot, Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium and U.S. Foodservice, went directly to the New Orleans market. The 20 class participants paid $100 to $175 per seat to attend.

Musicians Needed For Fall Play

BRANDON - Stagedoor Performing Arts is assembling a live ensemble to accompany its fall play, "Taffetas."

Any musical director or proficient pianist, upright bass player or drummer willing to consider volunteering his or her talents for this community theater experience may contact Jonathan Douglas for details at showstoogo@aol.com.

Stagedoor invites actors, stagehands and theater lovers to become members. The group meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be June 10.

"The meeting is for everyone that is interested in the arts," said secretary Doni Holmes. "Of course, we would like to have more members, and the best way to expose them to Stagedoor is through our monthly meetings and/or our shows."

For meeting locations, contact Holmes at sunshine460@ msn.com.

'H.M.S. Pinafore' Seeks Crew Members

BRANDON - Brandon Youth Theatre is seeking actors in grades four through 12, musicians of high school or college age and students interested in set design, set construction and costuming for the group's upcoming summer production of Gilbert and Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore."

Rehearsals will begin at 5:30 p.m. June 3 at Brandon High School, 1101 Victoria St. Registration for actors is $175 before May 25, $185 after that. There is a $25 sibling discount. Tuition will include a T-shirt and cast party.

For details or to register, contact board member Karis Denhoff at (813) 719-2744 or Denhoff@hotmail.com. Interested musicians should contact Robert Nicholson at (813) 654-6897.

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

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