The SouthShore Regional Library in Ruskin holds many events and hosts dozens of programs throughout the month that cater to children, [...]]]> Each month the SouthShore Regional Library in Ruskin will present “No Fuss Foods” cooking classes. The classes are free to the public thanks to funding raised by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library.

The SouthShore Regional Library in Ruskin holds many events and hosts dozens of programs throughout the month that cater to children, teens and adults. The newest addition is a monthly cooking demonstration called “No Fuss Foods.”

According to Allison Turrill, adult program coordinator, “The library added cooking because our patrons expressed an interested in it. We will host as many classes as we can.” Turrill added, “The SouthShore Regional Library has a large cookbook collection. We hope that people will checkout some of the books after attending the demonstrations.”

The first program was “Creative Tacos” held on Friday, January 20. More than 20 people attended, and there was a waiting list. Rowena Sjovall of Lithia led the fun and interactive class. Sjovall showed the class what a taco is (a method of preparing a dish), and made delicious ones with Bulgogi Beef (the national dish of Korea). Attendees were able to sample the delectable beef filled taco.

Diana Walker, of Wimauma, attended the class. Walker said, “I found the class very interesting and informative. I am already signed up for the next class.” Stacey Smith, of Ruskin said,” cook a lot, and she has given me some good tips.

She’s very informative.” Smith added, “This library is beautiful. This class compliments it very well.”

Programs such as the “No Fuss Cooking Class” are funded by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. The Friends raise funds for programs through book sales and the book room. Turrill said, “We have a great set of Friends at the library.”

The next “No Fuss Foods” program will feature Take-Out Chinese At Home and is set for Friday, February 24, beginning at 11 a.m. Seating is limited to 20, and you must register in advance.at the library’s information desk or by calling 273-3652. According to Turrill, “We are looking forward to a demonstration on vegetarian cooking in March.”

The SouthShore Regional Library is located at 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin. For more information on upcoming programs at the SouthShore Regional Library, please visit www.hcplc.org and click on Events/Classes.

Kid’s Community College (KCC),  a nationally accredited charter school renowned for its unique system of individualized learning, has recently announced plans for a new [...]]]> Kid’s Community College founder Timothy Kilpatrick praises the organization’s growth and success during a groundbreaking ceremony of the school’s new 50,000-sq.-ft. facility scheduled for completion this summer and opening this fall.

Kid’s Community College (KCC),  a nationally accredited charter school renowned for its unique system of individualized learning, has recently announced plans for a new International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Campus, the relocation of its current Lake Saint Charles campus to a newly constructed 50,000-sq.-ft. facility in Riverview and the addition of 30 new jobs.

According to KCC founder and director Tim Kilpatrick, the realization of the school’s six-year strategic Riverview Growth Plan actually began in June of 2011 with the design of a new, two-story, 4.5-acre campus, located just west of Lowe’s on Gibsonton Dr. and Mathhog Rd.

Following a ground breaking ceremony held last month, construction of the new campus began with completion scheduled for this July, with an anticipated 125 openings for the upcoming school year.

Kilpatrick said that each oversized classroom will offer smart boards. Along with music, science and technology labs and a 3,600-sq.-ft. cafeteria, the new campus remains true to the Kid’s Community College mission.

“We will keep our total student population to only 636 students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade to make sure our students receive the same successful individualized attention the school has always been know for,”  Kilpatrick said of the tuition free public nonprofit charter school, which was founded locally by residents of the community it serves.

KCC’s Southeast IB modeled campus, which currently is located at 6528 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview, will only admit 108 families in its first year, increasing enrollment to a maximum of 348 students by year three and will follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years programme (IB PYP) of study.

Kilpatrick stressed that KCC’s growth announcements in Riverview are attracting significant attention from educators and parents alike.

“We have made a commitment to Riverview to geographically distribute our unique higher-learning systems throughout the county,” he said. “We are living up to that promise. Expansions such as these not only offer new professional opportunities in a industry recently besieged by cutbacks and layoffs, but it also encourages economic stimulus in a local rural community that is experiencing it’s fair share of financial challenges.”

Currently, Hillsborough County offers just two IB PYP schools and there are only a total of 24 IB PYP programmes in the entire state.

KCC Director of Middle Charter School Operations Karen Seder said that the school’s growth and success of the organization is the result of a continued focus on putting children first while addressing community needs and placing a high value on the associates of the company.

“Being able to work hand-in-hand with our board, students, parents and the Riverview community has allowed us all to grow and bring a long-term, high-quality educational vision into clearer focus,” Seder said.

Open enrollment for both campuses have begun for the much anticipated August openings.

Parents interested in enrolling are encouraged to apply early by visiting www.kidscc.org/register or stop by the Riverview elementary campus.

Interested educators can apply online at www.kidscc.org/careers.

Campus information, including artist renderings of the new campuses, can be found at www.kidscc.org/campuses.

The 2012 cheerleading and football season is a big one for the East Bay Buccaneers Youth Football and Cheerleading, as the organization is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year.

The organization was the dream of local businessmen Howard Corr, Harley [...]]]> This year the East Bay Buccaneers Youth Football and Cheerleading organization celebrates their 25th anniversary

The 2012 cheerleading and football season is a big one for the East Bay Buccaneers Youth Football and Cheerleading, as the organization is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year.

The organization was the dream of local businessmen Howard Corr, Harley Burnett, Dave Sutherland, Gary Moore and other local sponsors in 1987. Practices were originally held behind East Bay High School and then moved to Vance Vogel Park in 1990. What the founders really wanted, though, was to make Vance Vogel Park the East Bay Buc’s home field. 

“On January 26 of this year we were given written approval to make Vance Vogel Park the organization’s home field. This was originally the vision of past president Harley Burnett’s and other board member’s to see this accomplished and I am very happy we can get started on this happen during our 25th anniversary,” said Jason Hillman, current president of the East Bay Buc’s organization.

Other than building their own practice field, the organization has several other plans in the works to help make their 25th anniversary something special, including changing the uniform colors back to the original ‘creamcicle’ orange for the entire year. There will also be a 25th year homecoming event at some point during the 2012 season.
“During the past 25 years there have been thousands of children to pass through this organization, and some of those kids have grown up and are now coaching their own kids here,” said Hillman. “The homecoming event will allow anyone who either currently plays, has played or had a hand in the organization.”

The East Bay Buccaneers allow children from ages five-15 to sign up for tackle football and cheerleading. Open registration dates are Saturdays February 18, March 24, April 21, May 19 and June 16. Those interested can register on these dates from 9 a.m.-12 Noon at Vance Vogel Park, located at 10210 Bull Frog Creek Rd. in Gibsonton.

For more information on the East Bay Buccaneers Youth Football and Cheerleading, please visit their Website at www.eastbaybucs.org or call Hillman at 276-3223.

The sheriff’s office received an emergency [...]]]> Bloomingdale High School student Dylan Michael Torrie, 14, of Brandon, is in stable condition after he was run over and wedged underneath a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Tuesday afternoon at the school parking lot, suffering only minor injuries to his legs, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office received an emergency call around 3:19 p.m., and Hillsborough County Fire Heavy Rescue responded to the scene and lifted the car off Torrie. He was then airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, where he received treatment for injuries to his legs.

According to HCSO spokesperson Larry McKinnon, Torrie was playing a joke on 16-year-old Kelsey Frye, who was driving the Jeep and waiting in a line of traffic that was exiting the student parking lot.

At some point while traffic was stopped, Torrie slipped around the front of the Jeep and laid on the roadway across the front of the Jeep. As traffic began to move, Frye pulled forward and drove over Torrie, investigators said.

Torrie indicated he did this as a joke, McKinnon said.

Hillsborough County School Board is conducting a review of the incident.

Although the investigation continues, Frye is not currently charged.

While Hillsborough County Sheriff’s detectives followed up on all tips, they [...]]]> Following the news about 12-year-old Diego Duran, who was struck in the head by a bullet on New Year’s Eve, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has received more than 30 tips from the community in reference to people shooting guns into the air.

While Hillsborough County Sheriff’s detectives followed up on all tips, they have all met with negative results.

In an effort to generate more specific and accurate tips from the community, HCSO has released some additional information:

1. The bullet that struck the victim is a .45 caliber full metal jacket

2. The shooter was most likely within one mile of the intersection of 14th Ave. SE and 6th St. SE in Ruskin.

3. The bullet struck the victim between 12:01am and 12:07am on Sunday, January 1, 2012

“Since the incident, Duran has undergone multiple surgeries and is continuing to recover at home,” said HCSO spokesperson Larry McKinnon.

Detectives are requesting if anyone was in the area of 14th Ave. SE and 6th St. SE in Ruskin during the times indicated and has information that could assist in the investigation; please contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS. You can also text your tip to 274637 (text CSTB plus your tip).

This month, the Osprey Observer Community Newspapers celebrates 10 years of publishing local, positive community news in the South East Hillsborough County area, and we couldn’t have done it without [...]]]> Osprey Observer, Inc. consists of a team of 20 local residents who work together to publish more than 200 pages of community news per month.

This month, the Osprey Observer Community Newspapers celebrates 10 years of publishing local, positive community news in the South East Hillsborough County area, and we couldn’t have done it without you!

Needless to say, starting out as a one-sheet newsletter and home-based business and now, with two offices and publishing more than 200 pages in five monthly editions with a team of more than 25 people, it is a little bit of a different workplace environment here at the Osprey Observer.

The main goal when we started, was to make an impact on the local community. Our idea was to get involved and to make a difference in the community. 

At the same time, it has been important for us as a company to stay current, trained and active in the changing economic market and with social media and technology, so that we aren’t left behind.

For our business, this has included the addition of video, Facebook, an active, archived Website and the continuation of building our brand at events, festivals and with sponsorships in the community.

In addition to our community office on Lithia Pinecrest Rd., we have leased a second space in our plaza to allow for our staff meetings. This is the Small Business Center which is also open to the public for small, intimate business meetings and trainings for up to 20 people and is a service to our customers.

As a community newspaper, we find that this is what sets us apart and keeps our readers interested as we cover the news. We are supported 100 percent by local small businesses who support the free community newspaper and allow us to print and mail our editions each month.

Without the support of these businesses, we wouldn’t have the staff to send to cover community events nor the community office to be the hub of local information. 

Our staff prides itself on being available for community information. ”Its been a lot of fun to watch over the years how the paper has gone from a four-page newsletter, to five monthly editions,” says nine-year team member and assignment editor Michelle Colesanti.

“My role has been very interesting, it has never been boring and I have grown over the years from doing billing to advertising and now settling into the editorial and writing side that I have found that I really enjoy.”

In addition to concentrating on our main business, publishing newspapers that people read, we also have been active in our local chambers and encourage businesses to not just join, but actually get involved and attend events.

The best advice we can give any small business owner, is to find your niche in what you do best, and be the best, treat every customer like your absolute best customer and follow the general small business rules that will set you apart: Be On Time – Send a Thank You Note  – Follow Up – Stick to Your Core Business- Do Your Best Every Time.

If it weren’t for our loyal readers, and avid business supporters, we couldn’t do what we do in the community. So from the Osprey Observer team, Thank You!

The Osprey Observer offices are located at 900 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Call 657-2418 or visit www.ospreyobserver.com. Please like us on Facebook at OspreyObserverFans.

You only have to walk into Revolution Cycle & Fitness to see that it is not just ‘another gym’. Instead of housing a plethora of machines for different workouts, Revolution Cycle & Fitness [...]]]> Staff members from the Osprey Observer recently enjoyed a spinning class at Revolution Cycle & Fitness, located on Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

You only have to walk into Revolution Cycle & Fitness to see that it is not just ‘another gym’. Instead of housing a plethora of machines for different workouts, Revolution Cycle & Fitness has 21 Schwinn AC Sport indoor cycling bikes, two 60-inch TV screens and a state-of-the-art sound system that is ideal for playing music.

The owners of Revolution, Victor and Christine Giordano, are cycling enthusiasts, which is what first gave them the idea to open their own studio. “We are very passionate about cycling and we saw that we were not getting the results we were looking for at other cycling classes,” said Victor. “That’s what inspired us to open our own cycling studio and people have been really excited about it.”

Revolution Cycle & Fitness is the only studio of its kind in the Brandon area and has received rave reviews from those who have attended classes. Several members of the Osprey Observer staff went to Revolution to try a class, with cycling expertise ranging from ‘newbies’ to ‘advanced’, and each staff member enjoyed the experience.

“The cycling class was a hard workout, but at the same time it was also a lot of fun,” said Jennifer Silverstein, assistant editor at the Osprey Observer. “You get to choose you fast you pedal and how much resistance you want on the bike.
Even though it’s a class setting, the instructors are sure to remind you that you can still go at your own pace.”  

Revolution Cycle is a 45 minute class that the Giordano’s refer to as their ‘cardio party’ and research shows that, on average, indoor cycling classes can burn anywhere from 400-700 calories per class.

There are no membership fees, as at Revolution you can pay per class or they have different ‘class packages’ that are good all year long and each person’s first class is free.

Revolution Cycle & Fitness is located at 524 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information about cycling and to check their class schedule, call 447-1410 or visit their Website www.revolution-cycle.com.

As the low-tech methods associated with Internet fraud and identity theft like purse snatching or “dumpster diving,” are being replaced by high-tech techniques like “phishing” [...]]]> HCSO Cpl. Bruce Crumpler, left and detective Phil Newman speak to a senior residents gathered at the Riverview Civic Center during a recent seminar on identity theft and Internet fraud.

As the low-tech methods associated with Internet fraud and identity theft like purse snatching or “dumpster diving,” are being replaced by high-tech techniques like “phishing” or  “skimming” through deceptive e-mails or malicious software known as “spyware,” one thing remains unchanged; identity theft is a crime and no one is safe.

Identity theft tops the list of consumer complaints that are reported to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) which estimates that  as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year.

While everyone is a target, senior residents find themselves especially vulnerable as they take a shot at maneuvering their way through the Word Wide Webb.

To educate and protect them, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office held an informational seminar last month organized by HCSO Riverview Community Service Officer Barbara Jones and supported by and co-sponsored by P.R.I.D.E.  (People of Riverview, Informed, Dedicated, Educated) and the Riverview Hobby Club.

The well-attended free event was held at the Riverview Civic Center at 11020 Park Drive, and welcomed a number of detectives including HCSO Economic Crime Division Detective Phil Newman, who spoke to those present at length on the topic.

“Trust Nobody,” Newman said, as he drew attention to the fact that seniors were raised at a time when most people could be trusted, adding, “Things have changed.”

Newman emphasized the importance of paying close attention, to be aware and suspect all and to make use of all resources available such as asking questions.

“Legitimate people will not mind you asking questions,” he said. “If in doubt, be patient. Call your neighbor, grand kids friends and family.”

Barbara Adams of Riverview, a recent victim of identity theft, spoke highly of the effort by the sheriff’s office to educate the public on the topic.

“I am very frustrated with all of this, but the seminar provides a great forum to learn,” Adams said. “I hope they keep it up.”

For more information about how to avoid becoming a victim, please call the sheriff’s office at 247-0893 or visit the FTC at www.ftc.gov.

Hillsborough County officials and representatives of Tampa Metropolitan Area Y recently hosted a public [...]]]> Tampa Metropolitan Area Y President and CEO Tom Looby talks to residents about the  proposed location of the Riverview Y. The new facility is hoped to be built on county owned land adjacent to the Vance Vogel Sports Complex, in Riverview.

Hillsborough County officials and representatives of Tampa Metropolitan Area Y recently hosted a public meeting to receive comments on a proposal to build a Y on county owned lands adjacent to the Vance Vogel Sports Complex, off Bullfrog Creek Rd., just north of Big Bend Rd. in Riverview.

The meeting began with County Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) Acquisition Manager Kurt G. Gremley, who explained to a roomful of residents that the proposed site of the new Y is a small portion of an ELAPP county owned property.

If approved, the $6-8 million project will be funded jointly with the Y, with about $2 million provided by the county, which will then be leased to the Y for the cost of the use of the land.

Drawing attention to a market study conducted in 2010, Tampa Metropolitan Area Y President and CEO Tom Looby emphasized that the project would provide much needed additional recreational facilities in southern Hillsborough County.

“The study surveyed approximately 700 residents within the Riverview, Apollo Beach and Gibsonton area and revealed an overwhelming desire for a new facility to be built,” Looby said.  “The study was all positive and showed that the need for a new Y is significant.”

Voicing a different view, Riverview resident Mary Beth Sultenfuss was not in favor of the county’s financial contribution. 

“I am not against the Y, but I do have a problem with our tax dollars spent on a private business,” she said. “Why can’t we spend the money on our own sports facilities and ball fields?”

In answer, Looby mentioned that the Y is a nonprofit charitable organization that provides services in partnership with the local government to accommodate the needs of the community.

“Understanding what our organization does is important in order to see the benefits of its partnership with the public,” Looby said.

East Bay Little League president and current Y member Dean Walters mentioned that while his organization does not see the project as a threat to the league, which plays and practices at the Vance Vogel Sports Complex, attention to the necessity of additional sports facilities built by the county should also be considered.

While the meeting mainly concerned the proposed location of the Y by Vance Vogel Park, Looby entertained some questions and comments by those present in connection with some of the other aspects of the project, which include various indoor recreational facilities, an aquatic center and various athletic fields.

“Our goal is to build what the people wanted,” Looby said. “If this location is approved, an additional meeting will be scheduled to discuss the project in more detail including some of the specific functions.”

Looby was unable to provide a time frame of the project, but did confirm that, if the proposed location is approved, construction of the facility’s outdoor portion will likely start by the end of 2013 with the indoor portion to follow.

For more information, call 272-5810 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org.

The Greater Brandon Area Friends of Scouting Committee in conjunction with the Gulf Ridge Council Timucua District Boy Scouts of [...]]]> You can help support the over 3,000 boys who participate in the Boy Scouts in the Brandon/SouthShore area by attending the 2nd Annual Soaring Eagle Dinner on Thursday, February 23 at The Regent in Riverview.

The Greater Brandon Area Friends of Scouting Committee in conjunction with the Gulf Ridge Council Timucua District Boy Scouts of America will host its Second Annual Soaring Eagle Dinner on Thursday, February 23, at The Regent in Riverview. All members of the community are invited to attend. The Regent is located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow at 7 p.m.

This year’s Soaring Eagle Award recipient is Richard Eatman. According to Becky Jordan, co-chair for the dinner, “The Soaring Eagle Award was established as a means of recognizing members of the greater Brandon/SouthShore area who has had a significant impact on Scouting and in the southeastern area of Hillsborough County.”

In addition to presentation of the Soaring Eagle Award, the keynote speaker will be USF Bulls Football Coach, Skip Holtz. Jordan said, “We are exciting to have Coach Holtz as our guest speaker.”

Molly Blanton, District Executive, Timucua District, Gulf Ridge council,l said, “Our Soaring Eagle Dinner is an opportunity to bring together people from around the community and share with them a little of what our Boy Scouts (and Cubs and Venturers) are doing around our area.” Blanton added, “It is also an opportunity for us to recognize an outstanding community builder.”

There are no tickets to attend the event. Funds raised by the dinner are by means of donations and/or pledges to Scouting.  The dinner is a major source of support for the area packs and troops.

Blanton explained, “The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations.” Blanton added, “The Boy Scouts provide fun and challenging programs for young people that build character, train them in responsibilities of participating citizenship and develop personal fitness.”

The Brandon/SouthShore areas are home to over 150 Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops consisting of over 3,000 boys and over 900 adult volunteers.

If you would like to support Scouting, the Soaring Eagle Dinner is a prime opportunity for you to enjoy a dinner catered by Southern Gourmet Catering, hear a guest speaker and help honor a community leader. To RSVP, contact Molly Blanton at 210-1788 or mblanton@boyscouting.com.