Greetings

New Project

2011-12-16T08:05:00.000-05:00

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

2011-09-24T08:08:00.000-04:00

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

2011-06-11T07:58:00.000-04:00

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

2011-05-21T20:00:00.000-04:00

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

2011-05-12T06:51:00.000-04:00

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!

Air Pollution Advisory Issued

2011-05-11T11:06:00.000-04:00

I guess these past 2 days were not the best days to be spending so much time in the field...
Hillsborough County News May 11, 2011:
Air Pollution Advisory Issued In Hillsborough County For Today
The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (http://www.epchc.org/) has issued an Air Pollution ADVISORY due to elevated levels of the pollutant OZONE (http://www.epchc.org/ozone.htm).
This advisory was in effect as of 3 p.m. yesterday, May 10, and remains in effect until dusk today, Wednesday, May 11.
OZONE (http://www.epchc.org/ozone.htm) levels reached 66 parts per billion (PPB) at the E.G. Simmons Park monitoring station yesterday afternoon, and were forecasted to stay at a high level, resulting in an eight-hour average greater than the acceptable standard of 75 PPB. A level of 76 PPB for an 8 hour average translates to an Air Quality Index (http://www.epchc.org/current_air_quality.htm) of 101.
Air Quality Index values from 101 - 150 are considered Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory ailments, the elderly, or the very young may want to take this into consideration when planning any outside activities.
For more information, contact: Tom Tamanini, Environmental Protection Commission, Air Management Division at 813-363-8815.

Boating Flea Market, Apollo Beach

2011-05-07T22:14:00.000-04:00

Saturday, May 14, 8am - 2pm, Huge Boating Flea Market sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 75 - Ruskin, and hosted by Lands End Marina, Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach.
Sellers' Tables - $20 each. For tables or tents call Ray Stewart at 813-645-2130.

'Old Florida' programs at our local library

2011-05-04T20:44:00.000-04:00

Florida Kids Pioneer Day at the SouthShore Regional Library
Wednesday, May 11 at 2 p.m. For ages 5-12. This is a school early release day.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
What was life like for the pioneers of Florida? Before televisions, electricity, or cars? Join us and find out as we play games, make crafts, recipes, and listen to stories about the people who pushed America's boundaries.
Funding for this program provided by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.
The views expressed in this program are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Hillsborough County, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, or the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. who do not endorse the presenter(s).

Hillsborough Reads: A Land Remembered at the SouthShore Regional Library
Thursday, May 19 at 2 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
Spanning more than one hundred years, A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith highlights Florida's rich cultural heritage by following the fictional MacIvey family through the challenging wilderness and the developing Florida landscape.
For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.

Hillsborough Reads: Patrick Smith’s Florida – A Sense of Place at the Ruskin Branch Library(Documentary Film)
Wednesday, May 25 at 1 p.m.
Ruskin Branch Library, 26 Dickman Drive S.E. in Ruskin
Join us for a book to film discussion on A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith - our featured Hillsborough Reads selection for May 2011. We will be screening the documentary film Patrick Smith’s Florida: A Sense of Place as he takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through Florida.
Hillsborough Reads is a partnership program between the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library and the Tampa Bay History Center. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/. The views expressed in this program are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Hillsborough County, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, or the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. who do not endorse the presenter(s).

Meetings for New Hillsborough County Commission District Boundaries

2011-05-02T21:10:00.000-04:00

Public Input Needed To Form New Hillsborough County Commission District Boundaries
The boundaries of Hillsborough County Commission Districts 1 through 4 are changing, and public input is needed on how that should be done.
Per County Charter, Commissioners must reapportion and redistrict every 10 years following the Federal Decennial Census. Each single-member district is to have a population representation as near to equal as possible. Since Commission Districts 5 through 7 are countywide districts and include all residents of Hillsborough County, this process will not affect them.
There are many ways to provide public input - attend one of ten public meetings, attend one of two public hearings, or comment online. Details on the Redistricting effort can be found on the Web at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/redistricting/.
Each public meeting listed below will follow the same format and present the same information. Possible new districting boundaries can be reviewed at each meeting site before the meeting, at the four regional libraries and the C. Blythe Andrews Library, and online at the Web link above.
The Redistricting public meetings in South Shore are:
Wednesday, May 11; 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
South Shore Regional Service Center
410 30th St. SE in Ruskin
Thursday, June 2, 2011; 10 a.m. to Noon
Sun City Center Community Association
1009 North Pebble Beach Blvd.
Greater Sun City

The Redistricting public workshop and public hearings are:
Public Workshop- Tuesday May 24; 1:30 p.m.
2nd Floor Board Room – County Center
601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa
Commissioners will discuss alternatives to proposed district boundaries.
Public Hearing- Thursday, June 9; 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
2nd Floor Board Room – County Center
601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa
Commissioners will discuss alternatives to proposed district boundaries.
Public Hearing- Monday, June 20; 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
2nd Floor Board Room – County Center
601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa
Commissioners will adopt new district boundaries.

Public Meeting To Discuss the U.S. 41 - May 12

2011-04-22T21:32:00.000-04:00

From: HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NEWS April 22, 2011
Hillsborough County Holding Public Meeting To Discuss the U.S. 41 Zoning Overlay District
Hillsborough County invites the public to attend an introductory open house on the proposed U.S. 41 zoning overlay district.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss creating a zoning overlay district along U.S. 41 between Big Bend Road and the Little Manatee River as part of implementing the Apollo Beach and Ruskin Community Plans.
The overlay district will not affect the current zoning of properties, but will address establishing standards to improve and enhance the physical appearance of the U.S. 41 corridor. Standards typically address landscaping, signage, architecture and site design.

Staff will make a presentation at 7 p.m. describing intended outcomes, as well as an overview of the process that will be followed. Staff will also be available to provide information and answer questions. Please attend. We need and welcome your input. You may stop by anytime between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 12
Time: 6 p.m.-8p.m.
Place: South Shore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin
All meeting facilities are ADA compliant. For additional assistance, please call us. Translation will be available to Spanish- speaking residents.
For more information, please call Steve Valdez, Client Services, at 272-5275 (TTY: 301-7172). Para información, llamar al 272-5275.
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For Children’s Week- Read a Book

2011-03-04T12:16:00.000-05:00

Read a book. Give a book. Support Florida Children’s Week
Join the Children’s Week campaign at We Give Books, the new online reading community, where by simply reading free digital children’s books you help put books in the hands of children in Florida who don’t have them.
Visit www.wegivebooks.org with a child in your life and read some of your favorite children’s books online – anytime you like, no matter where you are – for free.
And with each digital book you read, we’ll give a brand-new book to a great local Children’s Week partner.

Support Children’s Week simply by signing up and reading at www.wegivebooks.org/campaigns/united-way-of-florida
What is We Give Books?
We Give Books combines the joy of reading with the power of helping others, offering caregivers and educators an easy, engaging way to encourage children to become motivated readers and lifelong givers.
We Give Books also helps some of the world’s best and most inspiring literacy organizations, spreading the word about their essential work and sharing books with the young people these organizations support.
Who Is Behind It?
We Give Books has been created by the Penguin Group and the Pearson Foundation. The Penguin Group provides the free, always-growing digital library of great children’s titles that you can read any time you like, no matter where you are. The Pearson Foundation helps share brand-new versions of these books – and thousands more – with great nonprofit organizations from around the world.
We hope that We Give Books proves to be a way that young children, together with their parents or caregivers, can come to appreciate the power of reading — and of giving — as much as we do.
Always Learning….
We Give Books sets a specific book donation goal for each charity. You will have the ability to track donations to all of the charities we support – knowing that, when the goal has been reached, you were part of the success. Together, we aim to donate a million books this year alone!
Best of all, the We Give Books program provides the opportunity to create a "teachable" moment for children. Not only will they be able to choose to read from hundreds of books in our growing digital library, but reading together at www.wegivebooks.org can be an occasion to teach your child about the power of giving, and the important work that our nonprofit partners do on behalf of children worldwide.

Formatted flier http://www.childrensweek.org/local/WGBFlyer.pdf
WE GIVE BOOKS - A Pearson Foundation Initiative www.wegivebooks.org

Urban Agriculture

2011-03-03T10:05:00.000-05:00

Via TomorrowMatters listserv:

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
University of South Florida

Urban and Community Design Program, School of Architecture & Community Design, College of The Arts
&
Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions
Present
Urban Agriculture: Imperatives, opportunities and challenges at the neighborhood scale

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

10:00 am - Noon

USF's Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions

CGS Building, Room 131

USF Tampa
Pamela Jo Hatley, J.D.

Rick Martinez, Executive Director, Sweetwater Organic Community Farm

Jim Kovaleski, Urban Homesteader and Itinerant Farmer

Presentations and a panel discussion will address the following questions:
. What is urban agriculture? What does it include? What are the approaches?
. When is food production enhanced or hindered by neighborhood design, land use or zoning regulations?
. How much food can be produced in an urban neighborhood? What is the role of permaculture and other innovative approaches to food production?
. Why should neighborhood design and planning efforts consider community gardens, farmers markets and community supported agriculture (CSAs) within the context of social, economic and ecological sustainability?
Organization in conjunction with ARC5931.002: Sustainable Neighborhood Development
-- FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC --
For more information, contact: Shawn Landry at landry@arch.usf.edu

Library programs at SouthShore

2011-03-01T10:17:00.000-05:00

Viral Video at the SouthShore Regional Library

Tuesday, March 8 at 5 p.m.

SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
FREE
Mix digital images, music downloaded using Freegal, our new music database, and sound effects so you can create your own sick music video for YouTube. We will even upload a select few on our YouTube channel and Studio 813 Web site.
Registration opens one hour prior to the event. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.
Media/Event Contact:
Lorri Robinson/Branch Supervisor

Chili Cook-off, Flea Market and Classic Car Show

2011-02-17T12:24:00.000-05:00

From: Hillsborough County News
February 17, 2011
Chili Cookers and Eaters Needed Feb. 19
What: Chili Cook-off, Flea Market and Classic Car Show
When: Saturday, Feb. 19
Where: E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. N.W. in Ruskin
Cost: No fee for chili cookers
$3 to sample the chili
$12 for flea market vendors
$2 park entry per vehicle; Free with annual parks pass
Registration: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks

Chili cookers and flea market vendors are needed for the Annual Chili Cook-off, Flea Market and Classic Car Show to be held Saturday, Feb. 19 at E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin. Attendees may purchase a bowl of chili for $3 to taste the various recipes and vote for their favorites. Chili tasting and judging begins at noon.

There is no entry fee for chili cookers. However, contestants need to prepare at least five gallons of their favorite chili. Cookers compete for cash prizes paid out to the top three chili recipes, as well as a trophy for the best decorated booth.

Flea market vendors will be selling their goods at the outdoor market. The cost is $12 for a 12 X 12 space. Vendors must provide their own tables and may rent more than one space. The flea market opens at 8 a.m.

This year's event will also feature a Classic Car Show which begins at 10 a.m.
This event, hosted by the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, and benefits the Friends of the County Parks, a 501 (3) (c) not-for-profit group that promotes financial and community support to the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department.

Applications for chili cookers and flea market vendors are available on the Parks Web site at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks. Look under " PRC News."
Call (813) 671-7655 for additional information.
###

Multi-Chamber Mixer

2011-02-14T12:07:00.000-05:00

From Ruskin Chamber's weekly Memo (sent to members but I'm sure there are folks (perhaps potential members?) who would like to meet some of our local business owners/managers)

Tuesday, March 15, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Join us for a wee bit o' cheer! RUSKIN-SOUTHSHORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MULTI-CHAMBER MIXER at The Resort and Club at Little Harbor, 611 Destiny Drive, Ruskin 33570. FREE. Don't miss this special opportunity to meet business leaders from local chambers: Greater Riverview, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center and Ruskin-SouthShore. RSVP (not required but appreciated) by March 11 to 813-645-3808 or ruskinadmin@earthlink.net. Sponsored by The Resort & Club at Harbor AND the Ruskin-SouthShore Chamber. .

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

2011-02-11T18:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss at the SouthShore Regional Library
Sunday, Feb 27 at 2 p.m.
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
FREE
There are stories and cake on a plate.
A craft you can make, so mark the date.
Lots of fun to partake, so don't be late.
It will be great, can't hardly wait!
For school age children ages 5-12. Funded by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit http://www.hcplc.org/.
The views expressed in these programs are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of Hillsborough County, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, or the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. who do not endorse the presenter(s).
Media/Event Contact: Lorri Robinson/Branch Supervisor

Local Prescribed Burn set

2011-02-01T10:11:00.000-05:00

If you smell smoke in Ruskin it may be this...

From Hillsborough County News; February 1, 2011
Prescribed Burn Scheduled for Feb. 1 in Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve

The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, in cooperation with the Florida Division of Forestry, will be conducting a prescribed burn today, Tuesday, February 01 at Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, 3709 Gulf City Road in Ruskin. The burn will last one day. The purpose of the burn is for site restoration.
For more information, residents should contact the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department at (813) 672-7876.
Prescribed burns are part of the management plan objectives for lands operated by the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, and is an essential tool to maintain and, often, restore the delicate Florida ecosystems. These burns maintain the biological diversity of our natural areas and ensure public safety through the reduction of hazardous fuels in a balance between natural lands and urban living environments.
Additional information about prescribed burns is available at http://hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/resources/publications/prescribedfireinformation.pdf
###

Annual Chili Cook Off, Flea Market and Car Show

2011-01-31T12:24:00.000-05:00

E.G.Simmons County Park has a nice beach too!

Saturday, February 19, E.G. Simmons Park Annual Chili Cook Off, Flea Market and Car Show
at E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave NW, Ruskin, FL 33570,
Ph: 813-671-7655.
$2 Park Entry Fee.
Flea Market: 9:00 am, Car Show: 10:00 am, Cook Off: Noon.
Needed: Chili Cookers, Car Enthusiasts and Flea Market Vendors.
Cash Prizes for Best Chili. Beer will be served this year. Hamburgers, Hotdogs, and Sausage also available.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design – CPTED

2011-01-25T15:25:00.000-05:00

Reducing opportunities for crime in a neighborhood and around your home creates a safer environment. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a planning tool that emphasizes using environmental tactics and designs to create a safer home. CPTED eliminates opportunities for criminals in and around your property. When CPTED principles are applied, people who use an area feel safer and would-be criminals are discouraged from committing a crime.*
CPTED consists of four key strategies.
1. Natural Access Control—Getting into and out of your home.
· Locate walkways, fences, landscaping and lighting to direct visitors to your front door and away from private areas.

· Install small walls or gates between the street and house to indicate entry points.

· Plant thorny plants along fence lines and under windows to deter access by intruders.

· Keep the garage door shut and locked.
2. Natural Surveillance—Maximizing safety by maximizing your visibility.
· Don’t let landscaping obstruct views from doors and windows.
· Keep the front door at least partially visible from the street
· Install windows in main living areas so you can see the yard and driveway.
· Illuminate all doorways that open to the outside, and use dusk-to-dawn sensors on lighting fixtures.
· Install motion sensing lights around the garage and outside your home.
3. Territorial Reinforcement—Using physical attributes to show ownership.
· Mark clear boundaries with fences and landscaping.

· Create transitional areas between the street and the home with front porches or stoops

· Make the home address clearly visible from the street.

· Display security system signage at access points.
4. Maintenance—A well maintained home creates a sense of ownership.
· Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from windows, doors and walkways.

· Trim hedges to three feet in height and prune lower tree branches up to seven feet to maintain clear visibility of streets and sidewalks.

· Keep lawn mowed and neat, as uncut grass and weeds send a signal that a home is uninhabited.

· Keep exterior lighting in working order.

· Keep yards free of items that might attract theft.
*National Crime Prevention Council
This crime prevention tip is provided by the Hillsborough County Criminal Justice Department. For more information or more safety tips, residents should call 813-276-2033 or visit http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/liaisons/criminaljustice .

From HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NEWS- January 25, 2011

Annie’s Project

2011-01-18T15:14:00.000-05:00

From UF/IFAS (and don't forget to read her story at http://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/anniesproject/history.shtml) :

Annie’s Project

Risk Management Education for Farm Women

Facilitators: Christa Kirby, Manatee County Extension Interim Director and Livestock Agent
Samantha Kennedy, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent
Crystal Snodgrass, Vegetable Agent
Sponsor: Manatee County Extension Service
University of Florida Extension/IFAS
Manatee County (941) 722-4524
Location: Manatee County Extension Service
1303 17th Street W
Palmetto, FL 34221

When: Weekly sessions on Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm.
Sessions will begin on February 15 and end on March 22.

Website: For registration and more information, visit the Annie’s Project UF/IFAS website at: http://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/anniesproject/index.shtml .

Session topics include:

• Computer Record Keeping
• Developing a Business Plan
• Developing a Vision, Mission & Goals
• Farm succession/Estate Planning
• Insurance
• Interpersonal Skills
• Interpreting Financial Statements
• Marketing
• Women & Money

Registration: $35.00 per person registration fee– Includes materials and a catered meal for the first session. Make checks payable to Manatee County Friends of Extension. This program is limited to 20 attendees

Mail:

Manatee County Extension Service
Attn: Jennifer Glassburn
1303 17th Street W
Palmetto, FL 34221
Fax: (941) 721-6608 Attn: Jennifer Glassburn
E-mail: jeglass@ufl.edu

January at The Big Draw Studios

2010-12-31T17:06:00.000-05:00

From Ruskin's Big Draw Studios:

Greetings Art Enthusiasts,
The Studio has a great lineup for the new year! Our two featured classes, 'Drawing Faces' and 'Painting', have new start dates beginning the first week of January. We will also be hosting The South Sore Arts Council's annual community arts project which has taken on an exciting new form. The first meeting on January 29th at 1pm will serve as an artist and community member exchange focusing on possibilities for community based projects in Ruskin and the South Shore area.
And wow, two new exciting workshops, 'Perception' and 'CoLaboratory', that will replace your "dinner and a movie" for sure!

As always we need your help spreading the word, so if you think your friends would be interested please forward this on.

Thank you and we hope to see you soon!

For more information visit: http://www.ruskinbigdraw.com/

Programs at SS Regional Library

2010-12-30T17:35:00.000-05:00

From Hillsborough County News:
January Programs at SouthShore Regional Library
SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin
For more information about these and other FREE programs @ your library®, visit the information desk at the library or call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

Opening Art Reception
Thursday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
FREE- The SouthShore Regional Library welcomes artists Diane Simon and Cynthia Wortmann for this interesting show of watercolors and pastels. Diane and Cynthia are accomplished artists and very well known in the SouthShore arts community. Light refreshments and music will be provided. Funding provided by the Friends of SouthShore Regional Library and co-sponsored by the SouthShore Arts Council.

Adult Watercolor Pencil Class
Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
FREE - – Registration required. Limited to 20 attendees;
Join art instructor Melissa Miller-Nece for this popular and informative class. Students will learn different techniques by exploring the many possibilities of this medium. Class is limited to 20 and registration is required. Funded by the Friends of SouthShore Regional Library.

Master Gardener: Vegetable Gardening 101
Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m.
FREE- Master Gardener Phil Channell will discuss the basics of vegetable gardening. Co-sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Hillsborough County Extension and the University of Florida.

Heritage Hunting
Saturday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m.
FREE - Genealogist Sharon Tate-Moody outlines the steps to take in order to find your long lost ancestors. Funded by the Friends of SouthShore Regional Library.

Irish Folk Dance
Sunday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m.
FREE- Traditional Irish Folk Dancer Jessica Glover performs dance routines and provides a lively discussion about the history behind the dances. Funding provided by Friends of SouthShore Regional Library.

Finding Your Zen Through Painting
Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
FREE – Registration required. Limited to 20 participants;
This four week adult course will explore the Zen of creativity and painting. Join art instructor Anne Walker for this creative painting series of classes, and let your spirit out by expressing yourself through a mandala and paintings of landscape, still life and figures. Funded by the Friends of SouthShore Regional Library.

All About Stars and Planets
Saturday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m.
FREE; A multi-media astronomy presentation about our near neighbors in space.
Magic for Everyone
Monday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.
FREE; Join us for this special magic show featuring magician, Cesar Domico. Enjoy this energized interactive show full of illusions.

What to do after the tree comes down...

2010-12-28T10:35:00.000-05:00

From Hillsborough County News

Dec. 28, 2010

Reduce, Reuse or Recycle Your Live Christmas Trees
Make a dent in holiday waste this year by reducing, reusing or recycling your live Christmas tree after you are done celebrating. Hillsborough County Extension offers the following five environmentally-friendly tips.
• Yard Waste Processing Facilities

In Hillsborough County, there are three Yard Waste Processing Facilities that accept Christmas Trees for residential solid waste customers.
350 Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL 33619, phone 813-744-5591
13001 U.S. Highway 41, Gibsonton, FL 33534, phone 813-671-7611
8001 West Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33625, phone 813-264-3816
Residential customers must bring their current tax bill and proper identification to access and use the facilities listed above. All decorations, lights and tinsel from trees must be removed. Trees do not need to be cut into sections if delivered to one of above the mentioned sites. However, all trees must be unloaded by the customer. Christmas trees will then be recycled into mulch and other environmentally beneficial by-products. Non-County residential solid waste customers must pay a tonnage fee to use these facilities. Note: Artificial trees are not accepted at County yard waste processing facilities
• Curbside Pick-up

Live Christmas trees can be placed outside for curbside pick-up on regular yard waste collection days. All decorations, lights and tinsel must be removed, and trees must be cut into pieces that are no more than four-feet in length and no more than six-inches in diameter.
• Back Yard

Christmas trees placed in the back yard will provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife. To provide food for birds, hang suet or sliced fruit from the branches.
• Mulch

Chop or grind live Christmas trees and use as mulch around trees, shrubs and flower beds.
• Firewood

Christmas trees can be used as firewood for outside fires, not in a fireplace. The tree must be allowed time to age as burning sap can be smoky and hazardous. Freshly cut wood does not burn as well as aged wood.
For more information regarding recycling live Christmas trees contact:
Lynn Barber
Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Agent
UF-IFAS Hillsborough County Extension
5339 County Road 579
Seffner, FL 33584
(813) 744-5519 x 105

Shop Local

2010-11-23T15:12:00.000-05:00

I am all for shopping locally- Check out some South County sales from the Ruskin-Southshore Chamber of Commerce:
Are you planning on getting out and finding some good BLACK FRIDAY SALES? Support your fellow chamber members who are offering great specials…and avoid all the traffic and chaos at the same time!
Start your Christmas shopping off right- CHAMBER STYLE (local)… Make your shopping list, grab a map and print out this email! You are sure to find something for EVERYONE if you drop in at all of the following shops:

Southern Grace-Ruskin, 10am-5pm, 301 Highway 41 S
Hangover’s Boutique- Apollo Beach, 10am-6pm, 1311 Apollo Beach Blvd. S
2nd Hand Rose - Ruskin, The Rose Boutique, 10am-2pm, E. Shell Point Rd.
Bogg’s Jewelry- Sun City Center, 9am-5pm, 4845 Sun City Center Blvd
SouthShore Bait & Tackle- Ruskin, 6am-8pm, 55 US Hwy 41
Ochunsoino’s Spiritual & Natural Health- Wimauma/Ruskin, 10am-6pm, 5129 SR 674 Unit F

Want to shop WITHOUT the kids? Apollo Beach Racquet and Fitness Club is offering “drop in” Sport Camp for the day! Kids ages 5-12 are ONLY $25. Bring a lunch or include $5.00 additional for a lunch! This is an incredible offer they are extending- be sure to pass the word! 813.641.1922.

Looking for places to dine on Black Friday? Search no more…call the following chamber members for their hours on Friday-
Apollo’s Bistro 641.2685
Beanie’s Family Sports Grill 649.1700
Bella Cucina Italian Family Restaurant 634.7521
Cherry’s Bar and Grill 641.9333
East Coast Pizza 385.6540
Five Guys Burgers and Fries 677.0400
Hungry Howie’s 684.0622
Little Habana Café, LLC. 672.5111
Little Harbor 645.3291
Popi’s Place V 649.1315
S&S Tacos and Stuff 645.8226
San Vito Restaurant 645.5351
The Fish House 641.9451
Sava Café 645.9595
Mabry’s Market 642.0191
Hydro Harvest Farms 645.6574

Now there is NO EXCUSE to not support the local business & chamber community on the BIGGEST SHOPPING DAY OF THE YEAR! Why not keep your money right here in our community?
Please pass this email on to as many friends and family as you like!

If you go, tell them Dolly sent you. It won't get you anything special but it will show SOMEONE reads my blog :o)

SouthShore Gallery to close Oct 30

2010-10-11T20:22:00.000-04:00

A sad letter from one of our local businesses:

Dear Friends,

We have been trying to avoid this decision for sometime now, but the time has come for us to close our doors. Each one of us has dedicated many hours and lots of love to make this gallery what it is, however that is not enough. We would like to remain open through the holidays but it just isn’t feasible. Therefore, our last day of business will be October 30, 2010. Our current hours are still Wed.-Sat. 10am -6pm.

Brandy, our custom framer, is here on Wed. and Sat. afternoons to take custom framing orders. There is still plenty of time to have your art framed before the end of the month. Also, all of the furniture, jewelry and art that the gallery owns is on sale at 30 % off until the end of the month.

Thank you all for your support, patronage and friendships. We will miss you. Please call or email if you have any comments or questions. And remember to try to always buy American made and support your local artists. Best wishes during your holiday season and beyond.
Sincerely,
Melvin H. Sims
Beth Howard
Richard Chill Cott
Diego Duran
Sandra Z. Duran
Kate Hamilton
Vicki Knauff

County Commissioners tearing "opt-out" loopholes in Community Plans - Action Items

2010-10-03T14:08:00.000-04:00

We spent far too many hours coming to concensus on our Community Plans to have them ignored. Read about the latest in the ongoing tension between 'resident' and 'developer' and the County Commissioners who show their true colors by their votes:
Read more about it:
County Commissioners tearing "opt-out" loopholes in Community Plans - Action Items

Backyard Gardening Workshop 10/10/10

2010-09-28T16:23:00.000-04:00

This just in...

On 10/10/10, as part of the 350 Global Workday, people around the world are getting together to participate in activities that promote the reduction of CO2.

In Ruskin, people can be part of this event by coming to the Backyard Gardening Workshop on Shell Point Rd. at First St. SW (one block west of Hwy 41) and learning how to transform their lawns into sustainable vegetable gardens – composting & soil preparation, beneficial bugs, growing in different mediums, Florida-friendly and organic plant sales. Sunday, October 10 from 9am to 1pm. For further information contact anitajimenez@ymail.com.

350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide - measured in "parts per million" - in our atmosphere. 350ppm is the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change. We are currently above 390ppm, and we are witnessing the results of higher CO2 levels manifested in record high temperatures around the globe, melting glaciers, rising sea levels and extreme weather.

350 is also a global grassroots movement that focuses on the barriers to climate solutions, working to implement real climate solutions in our communities and demonstrating the benefits of moving to a cleaner energy economy.

To learn more about the 10/10/10 Global Workday, go to www.350.org.

Aerie

2010-09-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Years ago, I went on a volunteer work-vacation to Wyoming. One of the reasons I wanted to go was to see an eagle in the wild. I did and they were as majestic as all those documentaries said they were. Sailing over the canyons, blue skies- I might just break into a John Denver song! It was memorable as something I may never get a chance to see again.
A few years later I moved to Ruskin where I was thrilled to find that we had an eagle's nest just down the road from us, just yards off the paved road, in plain sight for any who cared to look up. I watch for their return each year. This photo was taken last week so they are hopefully getting ready for the season.
It was good to see the eagle perched on its nest. It has been nesting in that pine on Shellpoint Rd for as long as I've lived here and I've been told its been returning there for decades. It is one of the nests monitored by FWS whose website shows it was actively used up until last year. I did see the eagle sitting on its nest last year but did not see any tell-tale signs of nesting or chicks. I hope they have a better year this year!

Farmer Training

2010-09-04T07:27:00.000-04:00

I missed the Farmer Training last month (signed up but the day slipped by). I will be attending the next session (on my calendar this time):

When: September 16th at 5:30pm-7:30pm

Where: SouthShore Library at 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, Florida 33573

Who: The Center for Integrated Agriculture (http://farmertraining.org/events.html)

A dozen eggs doesn't make me a farmer but I can dream...

Fundraiser 9/11/10- 6pm

2010-08-30T12:20:00.000-04:00

When: September 11, 6 pm
What: A fundraiser
Where: The Elks Club, 1630 S US Highway 41 in Ruskin
Who: Cindy-Lou Wood is a South County resident and daughter of Penny Fletcher, news report and columnist for this area.
Why: Cindy was the victim of a violent crime in Tennessee and has had 4 hospitalizations, including 2 brain surgeries. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. For more info, contact Jeanie Irwin (813) 927-2677 or jkirwin@hotmail.com; or Pat Smit (813) 677-8352.

Home Canning Classes

2010-08-23T20:02:00.000-04:00

I think I may sign up for these classes from the Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension!

Upcoming Classes

Home Canning Classes - These free class will show complete processing procedures, use of equipment and answer questions. All classes are 1:30 to 4:30 pm. Register online through http://hillsboroughnutrition.ifas.ufl.edu/#Home_Canning_Classes:
Pressure Canning Vegetables:

Sept 29 - Details Registration

Oct 29 - Details Registration

Nov 6 - Details Registration

Making Jams and Pickles:

Oct 6 - Details Registration

Canning Jam and Fruit:

Nov 19 - Details Registration

Directions to Hillsborough Cooperative Extension

Ruskin Family Drive-in

2010-08-09T15:42:00.000-04:00

I love that we have one of the few drive-in theaters left in the U.S. right here in Ruskin. They play current movies, are cheaper than the multi-plex and they have some of the best movie snacks around. They still have the old time speakers you can hang on your window or, if you prefer to keep the skeeters out, set your radio to play the movie's audio.
Here's this week's email blast:

Ruskin Family Drive-In

5011 US Hwy 41N., 813/645-1455 www.ruskinfamilydrivein.com

YOUR BEST FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT VALUE IN SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SINCE 1952!
Our movie schedule for Friday thru Thursday, August 13 to 19

Our BOX OFFICE opens at 8:00 pm
8:30 pm - "Ramona and Beezus"

This comedy stars Joey King, Selena Gomez, John Borbett, Josh Duhamel &

Sandra Oh is rated G for the entire family and has a running time of 1 hour 44 minutes.
OUR SECOND FEATURE
10:15 pm - "Knight & Day"

This action/comedy stars Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz is rated PG-13 for sequences of action/violence and language and has a running time of 1 hour 50 minutes.

Folks,the only revenue that keeps a drive-in in business is the money you spend in the snack bar. Those of you who bring your food and beverages with you are effectively closing us down. If you do not support the snack bar we can not stay open.

VISIT OUR GREAT SNACK BAR FOR DINNER OR EVEN A MID-MOVIE SNACK WE HAVE GREAT PIZZA, BUTTERED POPCORN, NACHOS, BURGERS & HOT DOGS. WE ALSO SERVE ICE Coca-Cola PRODUCTS FOR YOU AT A VERY LOW PRICE
NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED IN THIS DRIVE-IN

Admission prices to our drive-in:
$5.00/person ages 9 and up

$1.00/child ages 5 to 8

children under 4 are free
Please remember to forward this to all your friends and family!
Thanks for your support!

EGGS!!!

2010-08-05T18:39:00.000-04:00

Finally the long wait is over. Today I checked the coop and found not one, not two but three beautiful pink eggs. Since I haven't checked since Sunday, I'm not sure if it's just one of the girls laying daily or if this is the first laying for 3 of them. My guess is that it's the first day for the three since the weather has finally changed- ever so slightly- with the cooling afternoon rains. I no longer find them burying themselves in the sandy soil under the orange tree, which I guess cools them down a bit. They'd sit there with their beaks open, trying to vent some of the internal heat (that's what happens when you can't pant or sweat). The one bird not laying may be the one I exchanged a while back to replace the rooster. I think she may have been younger than the rest of them.
Anyway, we are having omelets for breakfast!

Beginning Farmer Training to Focus on Local Food Opportunities

2010-07-09T15:31:00.000-04:00

** I'm going- are you?**

From HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NEWS
July 1, 2010
For more information, contact:

Sarah Crane, Agricultural Program Manager
Florida West Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council

Phone: (941) 961-7060
Beginning Farmer Training to Focus on Local Food Opportunities
What: FREE Agriculture Business Development Seminar for New, Beginning and Aspiring Farmers
When: Thursday, July 15, 6:00 p.m.
Where: SouthShore Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin

Hillsborough County's Agriculture Industry Development Program has partnered with the Florida West Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council to provide a free agricultural business development training seminar for new, beginning and aspiring farmers.

This seminar will focus on "Opportunities in Local Food" & "Selling Your Products Locally." Two farms, Heart of the Garden Farms and Brown's Grove, will share insights and expertise they have learned along the way.

Topics will include:
. Niche marketplaces
. Key factors to success
. Marketing language
. Product presentation
. Labeling your products and more!

To register, contact Sarah Crane, Agricultural Program Manager, Florida West Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council, at (941) 961-7060. For more information, visit http://www.farmertraining.org/.
The Hillsborough County Agriculture Industry Development Program is a section of the Hillsborough County Economic Development Department. The purpose of the County's Agriculture Industry Development Program is to initiate and assist with efforts to create a business atmosphere that is conducive to the continuation and expansion of agricultural businesses within Hillsborough County for the benefit of all its residents.
In 2008, more than $800 million in agriculture products were sold from Hillsborough County, with almost 240,000 acres devoted to agriculture in the County. The top three agricultural products by sales were strawberries, ornamental plants and vegetables. For more information on Hillsborough County's agricultural industry, visit the County's Agricultural Industry Development Program online.
###

Day 93

2010-07-02T08:16:00.000-04:00

The cockerel we said good-bye to...

So the 'girls' turned out to be '3 girls and a boy' but Erik at 24 Rivers Farm was nice enough to exchange the cockerel for a pullet. Being new to the group, she got harassed quite a bit by the existing clique and after 3 weeks still tends to eat apart from the others. She did learn very quickly the routine of heading toward the coop with the first strains of 'Good Night Ladies'. They are all growing strong and healthy but -damn- how much longer before those eggs start coming? The oldest are now just over 4 months old. Then again, patience is not one of my more reliable virtues...

Snake Sentry

2010-06-04T19:30:00.000-04:00

This black racer was kind enough to pose for at least 5 minutes while I got just the right shot. He was laying across a branch above my head in a bougainvillea bush that I was trying my best to cut out of existence. I made sure that it moved along before I left the area otherwise it may have been lunch for a passing raptor.

Basic Guide for the Backyard Chicken Flock

2010-06-04T08:13:00.000-04:00

Good paper on raising Florida chickens. Most resources in print or online are written by folks who need to worry about really cold weather. This one is through UF Department of Animal Science:
Basic Guide for the Backyard Chicken Flock
AN239, a 4-page illustrated fact sheet by Derek L. Barber, provides basic information for small-farm owners about brooding, housing, feed and water, nesting, breeds of chickens, and hatcheries, for starting a backyard flock. Published by the UF Department of Animal Science, April 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an239

Chicken siesta

2010-05-27T14:42:00.000-04:00

So the girls are settled in nicely- here settin' on their front porch...
They have finally been trained to go into the coop at night- sometimes with a song, sometimes they just head on in on their own. I've taken down the smaller fence since I don't have to worry about them being as flighty as they used to be. Now if they'd just start laying those eggs...

Projects, projects...

2010-05-10T07:42:00.000-04:00

So I had a wonderful Mother's Day, puttering around with all my current projects:
The pond, which is ground-zero for the hydroponics attempts, was emptied and the hydropipe repositioned so it flows but sits entirely out of the water and has an adequate slope to keep the water moving without rising more than an inch or so. The plants that had survived in there for the past few months had shown serious signs of too much water- pale, stunted and barely holding their own. So now I'm ready to try the next run of plants- this time I'll focus on herbs since they require less fertilizer and grow smaller so I'll have less of a tipping issue. I will also think about different ways to set the pot on top and hold the growing media in, since that was part of the tipping issue as well (lost a lot of perlite that way).
One interesting outcome of my time emptying the pond is that I found out that chickens like fish as much as cockroaches! There were hundreds of small fish in the pond, mostly volunteers from who-knows-where: mosquitofish, killifish and varigated mollies. Invariably, some fish got caught in the bucket I was baling with and ending up flopping on the ground as the water drained away. The chickens saw them flopping around and had a seafood feast. I still saved plenty of fish to put back in the pond but the girls had a great time dispensing with the overflow.
Last, but not least, the garden's soaker hose was repaired so now I can be sure that my tiny garden will get watered- at least until the rainy seasons starts. I planted this garden very haphazardly over the course of a week and it shows in the growth of the plants. I don't mind the lack of organization but I wish I hadn't planted the beans so close to the fence. The girls have quite long necks when they are reaching for a tasty treat and all the leaves nearest the fence have been picked and poked. Ah, well... It'll be good for the eggs.
Next possibility on the research horizon- rabbits!

Chicken project- first month

2010-05-05T19:21:00.000-04:00

The girls are on layer feed mix now. Just a month or so to go before I can expect some return on my labors with fresh eggs! Yum!

Second Hand Rose celebration

2010-04-30T16:37:00.000-04:00

The date for the RIBBON CUTTING next week has been changed to Friday, May 7, 8:15 a.m. at Second Hand Rose, 100 E. Shell Point Road, in Ruskin. To celebrate the boutique's one-year anniversary, the Ruskin-SouthShore Chamber will host the ribbon cutting, followed by an open house until noon.

Second Hand Rose is a thrift shop operated by Mary and Martha House, a non-profit 501(c)3 located in Ruskin, Florida that has cared for battered and homeless women and their dependent children since 1982.

Two South Shore Arts announcements

2010-04-26T12:20:00.000-04:00

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT:What: South Shore Arts Council an Open House and General Meeting
Date: Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Ruskin Women’s Club - West side of US 41 just north of College Avenue (SR 674), across from Grannie’s restaurant.

The meeting, the first since the election of a new president and board members, will consist of general reports on matters of interest, such as progress on a late spring program featuring drama, dance, music, and other arts; the Big Draw 2010, grants applications, and other organizational matters.

Refreshments will be served.

All are welcome, especially those who might be interested in joining our efforts to bring a variety of arts and arts education to the South Shore community

Please see our website, www.southshoreartscouncil.org, for more information about the SSAC.

SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT:

What: Opening Reception For "Outsider Art"
Date: Thursday May 7
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Community Room of the SouthShore Regional Library
15816 Beth shields Way, Ruskin

Info: 273-3652, ask for SouthShore Library Reference Desk. Come see and celebrate the first ever Opening Reception for "Outsider Art," works by Pam Tipton of SCC and Michael Manghise of Kings Point. Their approach to painting is innovative, colorful and unusual. Meet the artists and hear live jazz by Gary Tatlock's group, "Cloud Seven."

Light refreshments.

South Shore Arts Council Open House

2010-04-21T14:44:00.000-04:00

Press Release for South Shore Arts Council Open House & General Meeting

The South Shore Arts Council will hold an Open House and General Meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4th, at the Ruskin Women’s Club, which is on the West side of US 41 just north of College Avenue (SR 674), across from Grannie’s restaurant. The meeting, the first since the election of a new president and board members, will consist of general reports on matters of interest, such as progress on a late spring program featuring drama, dance, music, and other arts; the Big Draw 2010, grants applications, and other organizational matters. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome, especially those who might be interested in joining our efforts to bring a variety of arts and arts education to the South Shore community. Please see our website, www.southshoreartscouncil.org, for more information. For further information, call 645-3842.

Chicken update

2010-04-20T07:34:00.001-04:00

Nearly a month at home in the backyard coop and the girls are getting big. I got in touch with the farm who sold them to me because I forgot to ask the exact day they were hatched. The three older chicks hatched 2/21/10 and the younger one 3/8/10.

Today was the second day that they walked themselves into the coop in the evening, with just a little encouragement from me. I'm trying to train them to learn that it's time for bed when I start singing 'Goodnight Ladies'.

This is also week 2 for a small, somewhat conventional garden (I say 'somewhat' because I do not plan to use pesticides and hope to fertilize with compost enhanced with chicken manure) I created using some of the great pile of soil left over from when they installed the sewer system next door. Under all the fill dirt below the first couple feet of digging was the compressed, rich black remains of the wetland area that existed under this housing development back in the 50s when it was considered an improvement to convert all those useless, mosquito infested acres for the good of the economy. At least I'm trying to also plant native plants for the benefit of some of the descendants of the critters that were displaced half a century ago.

News from the Library

2010-04-18T12:34:00.000-04:00

From Jim Duffy of SouthShore Friends of the Library:

General Meeting: April 21st is the next general meeting for the SouthShore Friends. It is at 3:00 pm at the library in the Community Room. All SouthShore Friends meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome. Being part of the Friends gives you a chance to "Have Fun and Help the Library". We hope to see you there!

Special Good News: At the meeting, we will announce a new Child Literacy Programs for 2010. The programs will be co-sponsored by the Friends, the County Library System and the Greater Sun City Center Community Foundation. Come to the meeting to learn about this WONDERFUL new children literacy program at the library.

Website: Checkout our Friends website....www.southshorefriends.com. It has lots a news about the library and the Friends. Click "Programs and Programs" to learn about all of the free programs available at the library.

Teen Poetry Contest: The Teen Advisory Board of the SouthShore Regional Library held a poetry contest recently and the winners were announced at an awards event at the library on April 12, 2010. There were 28 entries and prizes were awarded in both middle school and high school categories. The event was sponsored by the Friends of the Library who donated cash awards as well as trophies. Cash awards were $75 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. Honorable Mention winners received a certificate. It was agreed the contest should become an annual event.

Website Workshop

2010-04-04T13:23:00.000-04:00

Getting your Website Found
Is your website working hard for you, or hardly working?
10 free or nearly free things you can do to and for your business website
that will make it stand out on search sites such as Google, Yahoo! and Bing.
Free Admission
Reserve a seat - fred@SHEDCouncil.com
Thursday April 8, 2010
5:30pm – 7:30pm

Hosted by the South Hillsborough Economic Development (SHED) Council
SouthShore Regional Library
Community Room
15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin

Day 2- Chicken project

2010-04-04T09:33:00.000-04:00

I've temporarily reduced the area the girls can forage in since 2 of them squeezed through the backyard fence yesterday while I was trying to get them in for the night. Luckily I had the other 2 already in so their frantic peeping kept the escapees close by. I was able to corner one and catch her outside the fence because she ran into a corner that had the solid shed on one side and a smaller gauge wire on the other so that was fortunate. The other, smaller/younger, pullet popped back through the fence so rather than try to catch her, I set up the smaller pen area using about 20 feet of chicken wire I happened to have on hand (this is why I never throw anything away...) and left one side open and went inside the house. After a little while, she came out of hiding and found her way into the penned area and right up to the coop door to get closer to sounds of the rest of the girls. Watching, I went out, closed the fencing up so she couldn't get out if she ran again and I easily grabbed her and put her in for the night. Another comic moment NOT caught on tape- thank God!

New project- Chickens!

2010-04-03T07:35:00.000-04:00

Since the hydroponics project has been put on hold due to some yet-to-be-resolved issues, the next project to bring fresh food to the table is the introduction of 4 pullets to the backyard.

I played with a variety of coop designs but after pricing the materials needed, I decided to make use of the old metal shed that contains seldom used equipment in our backyard. Rather than give them free reign in there, I designated an area using some random materials and leftover wire fencing where they can stay at night, safe from predators. An old boat hatch was my only expense. It allows entry into the shed, has a nice fold down door for a walkway and easily fit (well, my hubby put it in and there was no cussing so it must have been easy :o) into the metal wall of the shed.
The biggest concern was how the dog and cat were going to handle them, but after a few stalking attempts and the firm "NO!", hopefully they'll loose interest. In any case, the chickens are certainly sensitive to their surroundings and have shown they can evade these playful dangers.
I can see the biggest challenge for me will be finding a way to train the chickens to go into the coop at night. We've got some big things that go bump-in-the-night around here and the girls need the safety of that coop whether they like it or not. Anyone watching me try to catch them last night would probably have had a good laugh. Well at least I got my exercise for the day...

Poetry reading at library March 4th

2010-02-26T21:24:00.000-05:00

From Melanie Hubbard:
As Literature chair for the South Shore Arts Council, I have arranged a Poetry Reading featuring Peter Meinke next Thursday evening at the library. He's old, he's wise, he's funny, and I think you'll really appreciate his poetry, which is both accessible and accomplished. I hope you can make it! Spread the word to anybody you think might be interested. It's free, and refreshments will be served!!

Distinguished poet Peter Meinke will be reading from his works at the South Shore Library on March 4th at 7:15 in conjunction with the library’s opening and reception for artists Gunnie Nilsson Price and Nancy Cooper from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Info: 672-1155

Peter Meinke has published 15 books of poems, 7 in the prestigious Pitt Poetry Series, the most recent being The Contracted World (2006). His poetry has received two NEA Fellowships and three prizes from the Poetry Society of America. His book of short stories, The Piano Tuner, won the 1986 Flannery O’Connor Award. He directed the Writing Workshop at Eckerd College for many years. The University of Tampa Press has just re-published Lines from Neuchâtel with original illustrations by his wife, Jeanne.

Ruskin Platted 100 years ago

2010-02-26T07:48:00.000-05:00

100 years ago on March 9, 1910 the plat map of “ Ruskin City ” was officially filed with Hillsborough County . The map designates several lots for the college, parks and for homes of the founding families and includes the original names of the streets at the time.

Tuesday March 9, 2010 marks the 100-year anniversary of this historic event. That morning in Commongood Park at 7:30am members of Ruskin Community Development Foundation (RCDF), The SouthShore Campus of Hillsborough Community College and the South Hillsborough Economic Development (SHED) Council will be on hand to welcome in the next 100 years of Ruskin with coffee and donuts for all. This is not a big event or formal meeting; it is just some local citizens getting together at Commongood Park for the use which it was intended.

HCC SouthShore President Allen Witt will be there to answer questions about what the future of the newest Ruskin campus might mean to the surrounding community.

Jim Hosler of the SHED Council will answer any questions about partnering for future economic development in the region.

Conrad Peterson, owner of a historic Ruskin home dating from the college era will be there to share his copy of the 1910 Ruskin map. Peterson’s home has recently been approved by Hillsborough County to become a bed-and-breakfast inn. Peterson also recently appeared before the County Historic Resources Review Board to start the process to have his home designated an historic landmark.

Commongood Park is located on the Ruskin Inlet in Ruskin on 1st Avenue NW near the intersection of US Hwy 41 and Shell Point Road . The boardwalk in the park that runs through the mangroves was donated years ago by the RCDF to the County for the use and enjoyment of its citizens.

HCC- SS Comprehensive Master Plan overview

2010-02-24T07:19:00.000-05:00

I received the following invitation by email but I'm it's not exclusive. If you haven't checked out the HCC SouthShore campus yet, this would be a great opportunity!

(BTW- HCC SouthShore will be the location for this year's Ruskin Tomato and Heritage Festival, May 1-2.)

You are invited to a presentation on the Comprehensive Master Plan for Hillsborough Community College’s SouthShore Campus, conducted by the planning and design team of WilsonMiller. You will have the opportunity to view, and have input into the future growth and development of your local Community College Campus.

Please join us at 5:30 pm on Monday, March 1st 2010, in room 201/202 of the Dickman Community Center on the SouthShore Campus.

We hope to see you there.

Kathy Jacobs
Executive Staff Assistant
HCC SouthShore Campus

Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans

2009-10-22T18:01:00.000-04:00

From NASA Education email:

The Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee, headed by Norman Augustine, has provided its final report to NASA and Dr. John Holdren, the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The report is available on the committee's Web site.

The report provides the nation and Administration with a thoughtful and comprehensive review of where the nation has been and where we could be headed in low Earth orbit and beyond. The report will assist NASA and America as we move forward with human exploration of space.

Fish Spots in Ruskin Area

2009-10-02T18:04:00.000-04:00

Classic map of fishing spots in Ruskin, courtesy of our local paper The Oberserver News. A must-see!
Fish Spots in Ruskin Area

Harvest Moon this Sunday

2009-10-02T17:34:00.000-04:00

From Space Weather News for Oct. 2, 2009
http://spaceweather.com

HARVEST MOON: This weekend's full Moon has a special name--the Harvest Moon. It's the full moon closest to the northern autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). In years past, farmers depended on the light of the Harvest Moon to gather ripening crops late into the night. Now we appreciate it mainly for its beauty. Go outside this weekend and enjoy the moonlight.

SOLAR MINIMUM RETURNS: Two sunspots, which appeared on the autumnal equinox to break several months of extreme solar quiet, have faded away, leaving the sun blank once again. The deepest solar minimum in nearly a hundred years appears poised to continue. NASA spacecraft are now reporting a surge in cosmic rays around Earth caused, somewhat ironically, by this low solar activity. The full story may be found at http://spaceweather.com .

NASA Launches New Education Initiatives with Disney's Buzz Lightyear

2009-10-02T14:17:00.000-04:00

OK, so some folks may think I sold out because I am a closet Disney fan. The secret's out- I visit the 'World' about once a year, mostly EPCOT (does that make it better or worse?). Anyway, along with my recent application to be a Solar System Ambassador (jury is still out on that one), I thought this notice from one of my NASA listservs deserved a posting:

NASA Launches New Education Initiatives with Disney's Buzz Lightyear

NASA and Disney Parks, which collaborated to carry toy space ranger Buzz Lightyear into orbit, are launching new efforts to encourage students to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The 12-inch-tall action figure spent more than 15 months aboard the International Space Station and returned to Earth on Sept. 11. On Friday, Oct. 2, a ticker-tape parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., will officially welcome Lightyear home.

"Buzz's historic spaceflight is a great example of spreading the excitement of space exploration with students around the world," said Joyce Winterton, NASA's assistant administrator for Education at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "We hope our space station crews and Buzz will continue to spark student interest in the space station and its scientific potential."

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, the station commander from October 2008 to April 2009, is spending the day at the Magic Kingdom to tell students about two new educational design challenges and a new online game.

Mission Patch Design Challenge: Students ages 6-12 will have the opportunity to design a patch to commemorate Lightyear's mission and his accomplishment of being the longest serving space ranger. The student with the most creative mission patch and 100-word essay will win a tour of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and a trip to Walt Disney World Resort. NASA will fly the winning patch into space then present it to the contest winner.

Kids in Micro-g Experiment Challenge: Students in the fifth through eighth grades are encouraged to devise experiments to be conducted aboard the space station. The 12 winning experiments will be performed by the end of the school year and videotaped for the winning schools.

For more information about the challenges, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/buzzoniss.

NASA and Disney Parks are launching a new online game as part of the Space Ranger Education Series. The series includes fun educational games for students and materials for educators to download and integrate into classroom curricula. In the newest game, "Putting It All Together," players can build the entire station using all of the real modules.

"We can't thank our partners at NASA enough for bringing Buzz Lightyear home from space to his family, friends and fans here at Disney Parks -- after all, this was his dream come true," said Duncan Wardle, vice president of Disney Parks.

NASA Television will air highlights of Finke's meeting with students and the Buzz Lightyear parade. For streaming video, schedules and downlink information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv.

For information about other NASA education programs, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/education.

For more information about the space station, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/station.

For more information about the space shuttle, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.

Locally grown...

2009-09-25T18:02:00.000-04:00

Neat idea!
http://mymothersgarden.locallygrown.net

It works like this…..

This online market is meant to emulate many aspects of a traditional “booths and tables” farmers’ market. The customers are buying directly from the grower, at prices set by the grower. The grower describes what is available, supplies photos of the items, and sets the purchase price.

The Fall 2009 issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now online

2009-09-24T15:34:00.000-04:00

The Fall 2009 issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now online at http://campbayou.org/newsletters/2009fall.pdf.

Painting of thrift shop is sure to be a big draw

2009-09-23T07:22:00.000-04:00

Painting of thrift shop is sure to be a big draw

Visit Tampa Bay - Bok Tower Offers Free Admission for Boktoberfest

2009-09-15T17:55:00.001-04:00

Visit Tampa Bay - Bok Tower Offers Free Admission for Boktoberfest

That's Saturday, October 17, 2009- First annual Boktoberfest Plant Sale,
9am- 5pm.
Sounds like a winner!

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Help Clean up Marsh Creek

2009-09-15T07:16:00.000-04:00

From mariella's posterous:

September 14, 2009

Clean up Marsh Creek this Saturday

Help Clean up Marsh Creek

Saturday, Sept. 19, 8:00 a.m. – noon

Ruskin Commongood Park, 121 1st Ave NW, Ruskin

Marsh Creek, a vital tributary of the Little Manatee River, is an important nursery ground for many of the fish we love to see in Tampa Bay. Once choked in Brazilian Pepper, this tidal creek flowing through the heart of Ruskin, surrounded by public land, is beginning to reap the benefits of its restoration thanks to volunteer efforts led by the Ruskin Community Development Foundation (and the Pepper Patrol), along with monumental work done by Hillsborough County's Conservation Services and SWFWMD's SWIM program.

See aerial map and photos.

Now is our chance to polish up this jewel. All we have to do is take out the trash!

See details from the SWIM flyer at the blog.

Program Announcement

2009-09-09T07:59:00.000-04:00

From Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension:

An Introduction to Landscaping for Florida's Wildlife

Wednesday, September 16th .... 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Hillsborough Co Extension office, 5229 CR 579, Seffner FL 33584

This will be the second in a series of three classes concerning wildlife around homes and communities.

(If you missed the first class don't worry, these classes are designed to build on each other or stand alone)

We will address the 'Ten Specific Steps to Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Landscape' Using a typical home site in Hillsborough County as an example we will design, step by step, a Florida native landscape plan that mimics one of our natural plant communities and has the potential to provide wildlife and plant habitat appropriate for our region.

While there is no charge for this program we ask you to contact Carol Carson, 813-744-5519 x104 to register.

Camp Bayou Nature Notes

2009-09-06T08:11:00.000-04:00

I created this blog so that I'd have a place to put my non-Camp Bayou, non-REEF Med LLC interests and announcements. However, I've just posted, on the Camp Bayou blog, a piece about Fall in Florida, with some uncharacteristic musings about the differences in North and South. Check it out:
On the trail...

FWC News - Bald eagles among first 'snowbirds' to arrive in Florida

2009-09-05T07:50:00.001-04:00

FWC News - Bald eagles among first 'snowbirds' to arrive in Florida

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FWC News - Manatees in Tampa Bay need boaters' help

2009-09-05T07:49:00.001-04:00

FWC News - Manatees in Tampa Bay need boaters' help

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SouthShore Regional Library Art Shows in September 2009

2009-08-21T07:11:00.000-04:00

Hispanic Heritage Celebration - In recognition of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System’s “Hispanic Heritage Celebration” a special art exhibit will be held during September 2009 at the SouthShore Regional Library ……

This is your invitation to a Hispanic Heritage Artists' Exhibit, September 3- October 30, 2009, near the Genealogy Room at the library, at the library. The exhibit will feature 5 Hispanic Artists. Each will exhibit five pieces of art:

· Carlos Gabarro: La Havana , Cuba ~ art in oil and acrylic

· Alcira Levy: Columbia ~ art in oil and acrylic

· Dora Iregui: Columbia ~ art in watercolor and acrylic

· Jessica Sandin: Ecuador ~ art in acrylic

· Dr. Felix Velasquez: Peru ~ art in acrylic

Opening Reception/ Meet the Artists….An opening reception will be held at the library on Thursday Sept. 3^rd, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library

The reception will include musical entertainment sponsored by SouthShore Arts Council, featuring Alex Buitrago, East Bay High School student, who is a vocalist and guitarist in the group "Sounds of Time".

Agriculture Continues To Thrive In Hillsborough County

2009-08-18T17:53:00.000-04:00

The Hillsborough County Agriculture Industry Development Program and the County's Cooperative Extension Service have released the agriculture sales and acreage estimates for 2008.

According to the data, the 2008 sales estimate of Hillsborough County agriculture products is $803,104,025 with 239,288 acres devoted to agriculture. Hillsborough County produces the most tropical fish and strawberries of all counties in the state.The top commodities together generate 86 percent of the agricultural sales in the County, using only 16 percent of the total land area devoted to agriculture.

Read the entire article at:

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/communications/news/releaseoutput.cfm?r_id=8352

Crawford Art Studio exhibits

2009-08-17T07:26:00.000-04:00

Art Reception and Exhibits at the SouthShore Library

Frog Pond Center for the Arts & SouthShore's 4-H Youth Photo Group Present an Art Show at the Library

During September 2009, the Crawford Art Studio at the SouthShore Regional Library is hosting "KALEIDOSCOPE BEHIND THE LENS", a bright and unusual" exhibit of talented young photo arts from South Hillsborough County.

The "Opening Reception" is Wednesday, September 2nd, 5:00 to 7:30 PM at the library. Hors d'oeuvres are provided free. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library.

Please join us on September 2nd or come see the exhibit any day the library is open from September 1 to 30, 2009.

For more information contact Suzanne Prach, Coordinator of the John Crawford Art Education Studio, SouthShore Regional Library at 273.3652 or email Suzanne at sprachs@hillsboroughcounty.org

Compost Happens & Water- Wise Workshop at HC Ext

2009-08-13T13:45:00.000-04:00

Hillsborough County News Release, August 13, 2009
For Immediate Release

Compost Happens & Water-Wise Workshop

 Hillsborough County Extension Office, 5339 County Road 579 in Seffner

 Wednesday, Aug. 19, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

The Hillsborough County Extension Office is inviting residents to register for the Compost Happens & Water-Wise Workshop on Aug. 19:

 Compost Happens, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.: Learn how to reuse and recycle garden trimmings and kitchen scraps to create a rich and organic soil that can be added to your garden.

 Water-Wise, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Learn how efficient water use results in a healthier, more beautiful landscape. Also, find out about micro-irrigation technology and techniques.

Hillsborough County residents will receive a free compost bin and thermometer for attending the Compost Happens session, and a free micro-irrigation kit for attending the Water-Wise session. Attendees who do not reside in Hillsborough County must pay $20.

Seating is limited. To register, residents should call 813-744-5519x146.

###

http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/communications/news/releaseoutput.cfm?r_id=8336

Back to Nature event

2009-07-29T18:58:00.000-04:00

A quick plug for Camp Bayou's Second Annual Back to School- Back to Nature event, this Saturday, August 1 from 9am to noon. Check it out at http://www.campbayou.org/ .

2009-07-18T19:55:00.000-04:00

Little Manatee River Flood Warning

2009-07-13T19:03:00.000-04:00

Ah, the joys of Florida living...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TAMPA FL HAS ISSUED A

FLOOD WARNING FOR THE LITTLE MANATEE RIVER AT WIMAUMA
FROM THIS AFTERNOON (Monday, July 13, 2009) UNTIL TUESDAY AFTERNOON

* AT 02PM MONDAY THE STAGE WAS...11.1 FEET
* MINOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING AND MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST
* FLOOD STAGE IS 11 FEET
* IMPACT...AT 11 FEET...THE RIVER OVERFLOWS ITS BANKS
* FLOOD HISTORY...THIS CREST COMPARES TO A PREVIOUS CREST OF 11.2 FEET ON AUG 20 2004.

Tampa Bay area- National Weather Service: www.srh.noaa.gov/tbw

Seeds are sprouting!

2009-06-27T14:21:00.000-04:00

So the bad news is- I'm down to one tank; but the good news is- most of the seeds have germinated and seem to be doing fine, despite the heat. The only variety that has not sprouted is the red basil but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed ;o)

Slight glitch in the system...

2009-06-23T19:09:00.000-04:00

The second tank developed a leak, which emptied out the pond rather quickly. With our lack of consistent rain, I had to fill the pond at least to the level where the pump wouldn't run dry and burn out the motor. I disconnected the second tank and will continue this experiment with just the one tank.
I received my seeds in the mail and, while I know it is not the best time of year here to expect great results (the temperatures have been in the 90s with a heat index over a 100), I just had to give it a shot. I added about a cup of perlite to each unit, then added the seeds and covered with a half inch or so of perlite for added moisture retention and to help slow evaporation from the wick/drain socks. I added a shade cloth to help block some of the intense sun. On June 13, I planted these vegetable seeds in the following order:

tomato tomato pepper squash
cucumber- basil- cilantro- redbasil- pumpkin

10 days later and still no seedlings. I just may have to wait until fall whether I like it or not :o)

Hydroponics log 06.05.09

2009-06-05T08:54:00.001-04:00

So I looked around in the local discount stores to see if I could find some inexpensive seeds to further testing on the hydroponics system, but alas, it is past the cheap seeds season. Rather than take what is left at Home Depot (the only local store that still carries a variety of seeds), I decided to go for the good stuff and placed an online order with Parks Seed (I chose this company strictly because they are located in South Carolina and specify in their descriptions whether the variety is good for southern gardens- and because they have a long history of quality service). Here's my order:
Order Shipping To: Dolly
Item Description
Tomato Terrific Vfn Hybrid
Bean Mon Petite Cheri
Pumpkin Jack Be Little
Squash Sunglo Hybrid
Basil Dark Opal
Cucumber Muncher
Lettuce Merlot
Pepper North Star Hybrid
Cilantro Delfino
They should arrive within a week. We will see how these do in my system.
By the way, the tomato cutting I put in as a test is still alive although that's about the most I can say about it. I am concerned that the temperature within that open cup is higher than the plant should be exposed to during the hot afternoon hours. I will test it today if it doesn't rain.

Local announcements

2009-06-03T18:34:00.000-04:00

Beth Howard at South Shore Gallery offers these announcements :

Growing and Cooking with Herbs, presented by Chef Shari and hosted at South Shore Gallery

Join Chef Shari on Sunday, June 14 beginning at 2pm for a presentation on Growing and Cooking with Herbs. Think about how great it would be to be able to go in the garden and gather your own tasty garden herbs to give your dishes a world of wonderful flavors! For many, the prospect of starting and maintaining an herb garden seems daunting or even impossible. Fortunately, you don’t need a green thumb and acres of land to begin a garden. Chef Shari will demonstrate how easy it is to plant container herb gardens. Herbs require little space (even a windowsill will do) and don’t demand a lot of time or attention. With minimal effort, you can have a perpetual supply of spice and flavor to enhance your kitchen and home. A well-rounded herb garden can be a cook’s best friend. Chef Shari will prepare some of her favorite herb dishes, perfect for our hot summer days. South Shore Gallery is located at 447 Apollo Beach Blvd. in Apollo Beach. Reservations not required, but appreciated- 813.645.0483. http://www.southshoregallery.com/
Chef Shari’s inspiration draws heavily from instinct and seasonality, depending on what is in bloom and what flavors and textures appeal to her. A Chesapeake Bay, MD native, one of Shari's favorite childhood places was her mom’s garden, picking fresh herbs, strawberries, or tomatoes, straight off the vine. Her style and approach to food today pay tribute to those early memories. She learned her love of cooking and gardening from her mother.
Chef Shari was an Army wife for over 25 years and during those years, the happiest times she had was in the kitchen cooking with friends and family. Throughout those years, she has traveled extensively, cooking for all cultures and anywhere from her family of four to a company of soldiers. Now that her husband has retired and her children have “flown the coop” she spends all her energy on food, gardening and wine. Chef Shari is a graduate of the USPCA Culinary Business Academy and has been a Personal Chef in the Riverview area since 2007. Her motto is “Elegantly Easy”. Visit her blog at www.chefshari.blogspot.com.

Art Classes for elementary-age students. Margit Redlawsk, fine artists and art teacher for Apollo Beach Elementary, will teach small groups of elementary-age students, skills used in drawing, painting and design to create a beautiful work of art to take home each week. Classes begin Wednesday, June 10, 2009 and will be held every Wednesday and Friday, 10:30am - 12:00pm and 12:30 - 2:00pm. The classes will be at the office of South Shore United Methodist Church which is located in Harbor Pointe Business Center, 435 Apollo Beach Blvd. (Right by the gallery!) The fee per class is $18.00. A registration fee of $10.00 covers all material. There is a maximum of 10 students per class, so register early! Contact Margit Redlawsk to register your child by June 8, 2009. 813.641.2547 or mredlawsk@tampabay.rr.com

Apollo Beach Boot Camp Announces Fitness Boot Camp for the Cure When: Saturday June 20th at 8:00 am Check in begins at 7:30 am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in. Penalty for being late is 20 push-ups for the entire group!! Where: The Resort & Club at Little Harbor, 611 Destiny Dr., Ruskin, FL 33570 What: Please bring a towel, an exercise mat (such as a yoga mat), and 5– 8 lb. hand weights. Who: Anyone over the age of 14 Cost: Cost is only $5 and WHY:100% of proceeds goes to “The Breast of Times” team in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day – 60 Mile Walk To find out more information on this event or the other weekly boot camps please go to http://www.apollobeachbootcamp.com/.

Ruskin Community Market-Fresh Produce-Food-Plants-Art-Crafts Open Saturdays 9-2 Across from the Ruskin Post Office in downtown Ruskin. Call 645-6028 for more information. A project of the Ruskin Community Development Foundation- www.ruskinfoundation.org .

South Shore Gallery~Where Art Enriches Life!!

Beth Howard

South Shore Gallery
447 Apollo Beach Blvd
Apollo Beach, FL 33572
(813) 645-0483 Voice
(813) 645-1244 Fax
beth@southshoregallery.com
http://www.southshoregallery.com/

Hydroponics experiment

2009-06-01T18:52:00.000-04:00

So one of my problems with growing a garden here in Florida is that after just one season, those nasty root-knot nematodes find my beautiful garden and reduce it to a wilting mass of frustration. I've tried solarizing the soil and that lasts for a couple months, then those critters are back to destroy all my efforts. Even if I was pro-pesticides, I would still have the problem that the only tried and true method for ridding the soil of nematodes is by fumigation with a chemical is that is dangerous enough to be on the list of items that are being phased out world-wide and currently available only to commercial growers (just Google methyl bromide).

My solution, which is years in planning and revision, is a hydroponics system that takes advantage of the fish waste generated by my ponds. Time will tell if the idea will work but this past weekend I've installed my first experimental plant- a tomato cutting.

One of the things I will record on this blog is the progress (or setbacks) of this very makeshift system. Stay tuned...

New Blog

2009-05-27T19:36:00.000-04:00

So now, in addition to the other 3 (actually there are more but these are the main 3- campbayou.blogspot.com, citizenscienceatcampbayou.blogspot.com, hillsboroughfmnp.blogspot.com), I am starting a blog that will have a variety of items, not just those associated with the non-profit.
Check back for weekly updates...