New Project

Years ago, I tried canning tomatoes from my garden and it turned out OK but I never really got into it because I didn't have a reliable supply of fruit to make it worth my time.

I decided to try it again when we had a few extra cases of Tasti-Lee tomatoes left over from the Tomato Festival this year. I didn't do anything fancy with the recipe- its just crushed tomatoes (simmered all night in the crock pot) which I use often through the year- but I went out and bought new canning jars and lids (not as easy a task as one mind think- BTW, they have a decent selection in Publix, SCC). My 'canning pot' is just a standard stock pot so I was only able to fit 5 in there and I didn't buy a rack despite dire warnings of breakage. I boiled the jars with my tomatoes for the prescribed 40 minutes then my jars came out of the bath. I set them on the stove, with air space between for cooling, and waited just seconds to hear the first pop! The lid had sealed. Then... pop, pop, pop, pop! All sealed- mission accomplished! Ahhhh.... now it's time (oops past time) to go to work...:o)

U.S. 41 Project - Visual Preference Survey- Sept 29th

From Hillsborough County Planning Dept:

Dear Citizen,

Improving the appearance of U.S Hwy. 41 is one of the main objectives for implementing the Apollo Beach and Ruskin Community Plans. Hillsborough County staff have been working with the community and other stakeholders to explore the development of a zoning overlay district along U.S. Hwy 41 between Big Bend Road and the Little Manatee River. 

An important workshop has been scheduled next week. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to indicate their preference among a series of images that illustrate various designs and planning alternatives that could be considered for U.S. Hwy. 41.  You will be able to rank photos based upon your preference and see the results of the participants instantly! (see attached flyer)

Date:   Thursday, September 29th

Time:   6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Place:  South Shore Regional Library

15816 Beth Shields Way

Ruskin, FL 33573

Your input is very important for this project. Come and joint us!

Information, staff presentations and minutes of previous meetings of this project can be found at:

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/zoning/cpiongoing/US41.cfm

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us

Jose Fernandez

Principal Planner

Development Services

Planning and Zoning Division

Hillsborough County BOCC

p: 813.307.3435  |  f: 813.272.5348

e: fernandezjr@hillsboroughcounty.org

w: http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org

Art Classes for Kida

From Mike at Ruskin's Big Draw Studio:

There are two exciting new classes for kids this summer at the Big Draw Studio in Ruskin. Please see descriptions below. There is limited space so register quickly. You can register online at www.ruskinbigdraw.com through paypal or a check in person at the studio. If you have problems registering call 813-846-2000.

June: The Art Club
Margit Redlawsk, art teacher at Apollo Beach Elementary, will be offering a Summer Series of Art Classes for elementary artists. We will explore many different ways of creating art and use a variety of materials for making our own unique pieces to bring home each day.
1st and 2nd grade:

Thursday’s, June 16, 23, 30, July 7:

3rd, 4th and 5th grade:

Friday’s, June 17, 24, July 1, 8

4:30 pm-6:00 pm

$60.00 per child for a 4 class series

Class size is limited to 12 students, so register early to reserve your child’s spot.
July: The Exploratorium
Come join Tim Delgado, Vice Principal of Wimauma Elementary and long time art teacher, at The Studio for exciting and meaningful learning experiences in the arts. We will be exploring various media each week. Watercolor, collage, sculpture, drawing and more. Come prepared to learn a lot, have a blast, and have people marvel at your creative talent. Instructor Tim Delgado
Mondays and Wednesdays 3:30-5:00pm

July 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 August

Fee $60.00

Class size is limited to 15 students, so register early to reserve your child’s spot.
http://www.ruskinbigdraw.com/

Sun City Center Fresh Market

This Sunday, May 22 - 2011 10am - 2pm
Kings Point and Sun City Center; America's premier retirement community will host their very own Open Air- Fresh Market Event sponsored by Minto Development and presented by Tampa Bay Markets!
Address to Google: The physical address is 1900 Clubhouse Dr. Sun City Center FL 33573 . From I-75 you take exit 240A, east on SR 674/Sun City Center Blvd., turn right onto Kings Blvd (gatehouse), turn right onto Clubhouse Dr.
About the Market Day:
The Sun City Fresh Market at Kings Point will support our mission and cater to another community that is looking to buy fresh and local products. The Market will be located in a grassy event space provided by Kings Point Country Club. This Market Day will feature a minimum of 50+ Vendors selling only fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted and eco-friendly products.
55 Vendors -- Highlights Include:
Old Classic Tunes & Live Broadcast by WDUV www.wduv.com, Live Elvis Impersonator, Ethnic & Unique Ready to Eat Food Court, Gourmet Take Home Foods, Hydroponic & Conventional Produce, Exotic Plants, Herbs, Orchids, Gourmet Cheese, Fresh Baked Breads and Baked Goods, Pasta, Honey, Art, Handmade Jewlery, Candles and more!
Open to the public. Shaded seating and bathrooms on site. Bring your the family and dogs! See you there!

Ruskin Elementary 50th anniversary

From the pages of this week's Observer News :

"Ruskin Elementary will celebrate their 50th anniversary from 10am-2pm on Saturday, May 14. The program begins at 10:30am in the cafeteria.
Activities include: student performances, time capsule opening, historic picture walk, classroom tours, book fair, car show, and a 1950s lunch with hamburgers, hot dogs and floats. Former students, staff and community members are welcome."

Sounds fun!