13 Things To Know (Posted May 17)

Looking for news to pass along, to talk about at the office, to mark on your calendars as prospects for things to do and support in your Greater Brandon community? Here's a list to get you started (and feel free to add your additions in the comment box below).
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Posted May 17, 2012:

• has posted a plea for parents to persuade their teens to wear sunscreen and to avoid tanning beds, noting that "more patients under 20 are now being seen for skin cancer than eer before." The post includes a link to a TBO.com article, Skin Cancer Concerns Target Teenagers.

• With Father's Day and graduations in sight, Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill in Brandon is offering $10 in "Bones Bucks" with the purchase of a $50 gift card.

• at the shopping mall is introducing "Sampling Saturdays." Through May, stop by Auntie Anne's and try a free sample from noon to 4 p.m. The May 19 sample is the Pepperoni Pretzel.

• The Green Iguana Bar & Grill is promoting its "Ba Da Bing" gourmet burger, a "half-pounder on ciabatta with Tuscan mayonnaise mounded with peppers, onions, tomato, provolone, arulgula and sweet fennel sausage, finished with balsamic syrup."

• The 2012 Spring/Summer Dining Dollars Discount Cards, co-sponsored by and FOCUS Magazine have arrived, and will be available at the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce's annual Brandon Business Expo & Taste of Brandon, May 17, at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

• notes its role in joining the sponors of a "Teen/Adult Night Out Benefit" fundraiser in Plant City to support Darby Hasting, 15, who is battling FSGS, an incurable disease. Diagnosed last year, the ordeal has reportedly taken "quite a toll" on Hasting, who faces the prospect of a kidney transplant. "Her faith, her family and her loving friends have been a huge support system for her." Now, it's the community's turn to help the family with its medical bills and prescription costs. The event is 6 p.m. at the Red Rose Ballroom at the Red Rose Inn and Suites in Plant City. For information, call Julie Hasting at 813-695-1783. 

• Christian Business Connections is branching out to Riverview, with a kick-off social scheduled for 5:30 p.m. May 21 at C1 Bank (formerly known as Community Bank). The bank is just south of the Gibsonton/Boyette light on the west side of U.S. 301, at the entrance to Lowes. The address is 10109 U.S. 301. The networking group is open to business professionals and focuses on business growth from a Christian perspective. For more information, email tom.reagin@brownstoneinsuranceservices.com.
• The Frenzie Performance Factory is holding last-minute auditions for its upcoming production of "Xanadu." The notice is as follows: "Seeking attractive tenors, teens to 20's, skating ability a plus." Contact director Pedro Amaral at 813-992-6912.

• AMVETS Post 44 is sponsoring its first annual Armed Forces Day Putt Putt Scramble on May 19, beginning at 9 a.m. The contest is open to all ages but is limited to the first 72 registered golfers. The family friendly event features food, fun and prizes. The $10 cost includes food and raffle ticket. The scramble is at Ace Golf, 12910 Boyette Road in Riverview. For information, and to pre-register, call Shawn Lash at 813-679-2313. The post meets at 318 Pauls Drive in Brandon. Call: 813-651-4444.

• The Joshua Generation Musical Theater & Production Company is hosting a dinner theater fundraiser May 17 and 18 at the Journey Church at 1310 John Moore Road in Brandon. Doors open at 6 p.m., with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $20 for standard seating and $25 for premium seating. The cost for the show only is $10. Reservations suggested, with remaining tickets available at the door. The Joshua Generation bills itself as a "Christian Musical Theater Evangelism Company as well as a Discipleship and Training Program training up triple threats in all styles of dance, drama and voice, as well as mentoring bands." The group is looking for a permanent home and rehearses now at the  in Brandon, at 763 West Lumsden Road, in the Oak Park Plaza.

• The deadline to apply for a mini-grant to attend the Florida PTA's Leadership Conference and Convention, July 13-15 at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, is May 25. The grants are for "several deserving Hillsborough County PTAs/PTSAs to have up to three of their 2012-13 officers" attend the conference. The grant covers the cost of registration only. The application, along with additional rules, is posted online.
• TakeOut Butler restaurant delivery has a unique cross-marketing opportunity, naming The Oaks Bar & Grill as this week's free delivery partner. "Get the area's best onion rings and a diverse menu including great burgers, seafood, chicken, pasta, BBQ/Ribs, salads, and more, brought to your door." TakeOut Butler delivers the offerings of more than 45 area restuarants to your favotite table, home or office, seven days a week.
• TechPlayzone's Summer Camp signups are going on right now. Visit www.techplayzone.com for details.