http://www.ospreyobserver.com Your Community Newspaper Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:37:57 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Each week, 10 local residents will be pleasantly surprised to receive gift certificates for local businesses, restaurants and retailers in their mailboxes. Each Monday, entries are drawn from newspaper and online submissions to the Shop Local campaign and it is easy to win! Shop Local, a new small business campaign ... http://www.ospreyobserver.com/2008/11/shop-local-day-declared-by-mayor/ Presbyterian Church Announces Christmas Services The Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, located at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave., has scheduled the following services for the Christmas season: Sunday, December 7 - Advent week two; Sunday, December 14 - Advent week three; Sunday, December 21 - Advent week four; Reverend John Wintringham will ... http://www.ospreyobserver.com/2008/11/community-news-december/ Once in a long while I can get someone from the Osprey Observer to give me an old family recipe from the past. I lucked out this month with one I think you'll like. It is different and little bit special because it came from Vermont, the state where I ... http://www.ospreyobserver.com/2008/11/vermont-pumpkin-soup/ Valrico State Bank FishHawk Blvd. recently hosted a Smart Women Finish Rich seminar. The seminar encourages financial freedom and is the first step towards managing one's own finances. For more information, contact Anita Silverstein at Valrico State Bank in FishHawk at anita.silverstein@valricostate.com. Jaymer-Que Celebrates Anniversary & Grand Opening of Ms. Cyndi's ... http://www.ospreyobserver.com/2008/11/eye-on-business-4/ The Palmer House Bed and Breakfast in Lithia is ready to cater to your holiday guests. Gail Palmer, owner of the Palmer House, said that she would like to thank the community for another great year and for its love, support and encouragement. Even in tough times like these, she ... http://www.ospreyobserver.com/2008/11/palmer-house-gears-up-for-holiday-season/ "I feel comfortable with my decision and I am very relieved and excited about moving on to college. I am looking forward to playing the sport I love at my new school," said Newsome High School senior Jessica Alexander after officially signing her commitment of attending Coastal Carolina University during ... http://www.ospreyobserver.com/2008/11/golf-takes-young-athlete-to-next-level/ The Pinecrest Pilots 2008 Super Midget Cheerleaders had a lot to celebrate on Saturday, November 8. This team of 35 girls ages 9-11 performed a near flawless routine in an effort to defend the title of FYFCA Cheer-Off Champion. Defend it, they did! This first Place Cheer-Off Championship ... http://www.ospreyobserver.com/2008/11/pinecrest-pilots-2008-fyfca-cheer-off-champions/ Thousands of local elementary students were given a gift that keeps on giving. In the spirit of Service Above Self, its motto, local Rotarians from District 6890, divided local schools in order to distribute more than 24,000 dictionaries to local students. Brandon South Rotarians delivered more than 1,400 dictionaries itself ... http://www.ospreyobserver.com/2008/11/local-rotarians-spell-giving-with-dictionaries/ Looking for something to do with the family during the holidays? Take them out for a drive to the following neighborhoods for a look at some of the most extravagant Christmas lights and decorations. Bring along hot chocolate, blankets and maybe even some hay in the bed of a truck. ... http://www.ospreyobserver.com/2008/11/where-to-go-to-see-the-lights-in-brandon/ The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 2008 Small Business of the Year Awards. The annual recognition gala, featuring a red carpet theme, was held in October at The Palmetto Club at FishHawk Ranch. Fifteen area businesses were recognized as finalists at the Chamber's annual ... http://www.ospreyobserver.com/2008/11/small-business-of-the-year-winners-announced/