Brandon/Winthrop
37
February 2023
Volume 15, Issue 2
Ph: 813-657-2418
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CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE IRIS THURMAN OF ECHO WAS NAMED A LIGHTNING COMMUNITY HERO WELCOMES TWO NEW BRANDON CAMPUS DEANS Staff Report
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2118
The Hillsborough of Associate in Science Community College programs at the Dale (HCC) Brandon camMabry campus. pus is pleased to anShe is a graduate nounce the hiring of of the University of Dr. Simone B. Jenkins South Florida, where as dean of Associate she received her Ph.D. in Science programs in curriculum and inand Nestor Melendez struction with an emas dean of student serphasis in career and vices. workforce education, Both deans assumed as well as her mastheir new position at ter’s and bachelor’s HCC on January 4. degrees. “Dr. Jenkins cares Nestor Melendez, deeply about pro- Dr. Simone B. Jenkins is the new dean of Ed.S. brings over two Associate in Science programs. viding a high-quality decades of experieducation to all stuence in higher educadents, building modern tion to HCC. His exworkforce programs tensive professional and thinking creatively background includes with an entrepreneura progression of leadial spirit. Her focus and ership positions, such experience on workas assistant dean of force programming student affairs and will help propel the enrollment manageBrandon campus forment at Pasco-Herward,” said Dr. Debnando State College, orah Kish Johansen, director of student Brandon campus presleadership and camNestor Melendez is the new dean of ident. pus life at Guttman student services. “Dean Nestor is pasCommunity College sionate about student and director of stusuccess and brings a dent leadership and wealth of experience in engagement at Hofsstudent advocacy and tra University. support to HCC, the Brandon campus and Hillsborough Community College the Greater Tampa community,” Dr. Johan- serves more than 42,000 students sen said. “We are excited for him to bring annually at its five campuses located this passion to the Brandon campus.” throughout Tampa Bay. For more inforDr. Jenkins started her career in educa- mation, visit www.hccfl.edu. tion as a classroom teacher for the HillsHCC is accredited by the Southern Asborough County School District in 2005. sociation of Colleges and Schools ComAt HCC, she has served in a variety of mission on Colleges (SACSCOC). roles, such as college and career counselFor more information about Hillsboror and academic advisor at the Ybor City ough Community College, please visit its campus, assistant dean of Associate in website at www.hccfl.edu/about-us/colScience programs as well as interim dean lege-accreditation.
By Jonathan Hurst
One of the driving for budgeting, sewing, forces behind ECHO couponing, starting a of Brandon was rebusiness, selling oncently recognized line and more. ECHO for her hard work was founded in 1987 with the program, as a central place as Iris Thurman was where those in need named a Lightning of help could go, and Community Hero by over the last 30 odd the Lightning Founyears it has provided dation. As the 524th countless individuals Lightning Commuand families with the nity Hero, Thurman resources they needwas presented with ed. What started as a $50,000 donation a group of volunteers that will be directed working out of a firePhotos courtesy of ECHO Brandon. house has become to ECHO, which will be instrumental in Iris Thurman was recognized by Lightning a permanent fixture Foundation for her hard work at ECHO of helping ECHO conwithin the Brandon Brandon. tinue its mission. community, consisTo say Thurman tently providing a ray is deserving of this of hope in dark times. recognition is an unWith this donation derstatement since and the leadership she has developed of Thurman and ECHO’s advocacy the others involved, department into ECHO will continue to having multiple fullserve the community time staff as well as for years to come. If interns, and she has you would like to volgone on to lead the unteer, there are muldepartment as well. tiple areas available: In all avenues of life food pantry, clothing it seems, Thurman room, ECHO Thrift always rises to the Store, welcome centop, as she was the first to graduate col- ter, truck driver, ECHO Handmade artisan, lege in her family and raised four children community garden, handyman, advocacy as a single parent. care, back-to-work job coach and workThere are further plans to expand the shop facilitator. advocacy department in the future as well, For more information about ECHO, its which will be greatly aided by the donation services, volunteer opportunities or to from the Lightning Foundation. This grant donate, please visit its website at www. will directly contribute to allowing ECHO echofl.org/brandon or call 813-685-0835. to employ a full-time homeless advocate ECHO of Brandon is located at 507 N. Parand supply 20 shelter vouchers. sons Ave. in Brandon. ECHO of Brandon exists to provide aid and assistance to residents of Hillsborough County who are experiencing food insecurity as well as general instability and crisis within their lives. ECHO provides this HOPE FOR HER CLASSES ...............PG 3 help through emergency food and cloth- BUSCH GARDENS...............................PG 5 ing, along with offering a variety of ‘Life WILD GAME ........................................ PG 8 Rebuilding’ programs, such as employ- EYE ON BUSINESS ...............PGS 25-26 ment services and financial counseling. Throughout the year, it offers workshops SPORTING CLAY SHOOT..............PG 28
IN THIS ISSUE:
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Rescue Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017 that delivers both veterinary care and a comfortable home for senior and hospice pets in Brandon. Primarily geared toward assisting dogs, the rescue works with local animal shelters such as the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to provide companionship for animals deemed unadoptable. See the full story on Page 3.
27 Years in Brandon!