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Hometown Hernando

By TIMES WIRES
Published December 20, 2006

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Clubs and Organizations

The Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill has a new club banner to display. At the weekly meeting Nov. 28, the club displayed a banner dedicated it to former member, Tom J. Deen Jr. of Istachatta.

Born in Georgia, Deen moved to Brooksville in 1925. He left home for the first time in 1942 to serve in the Marine Corps. When he got out of the service in 1945, he came home and purchased 80 acres of land in Istachatta. It would be much later before Deen would build his family home there, until then, his father would use the land for his cattle. About a week after he purchased the land, Deen left for Stetson University in DeLand. After graduation, Deen and his family would move all over the country.

Before returning to Florida, the Deen family was living in Charlotte, N.C., where he owned a business and was involved in Kiwanis Club. In 1970, Deen had become distinguished lieutenant governor of the Carolinas District, Division 2.

In 1971, family friend Alfred McKethan asked Deen to return to Florida and serve as vice president of the Hernando State Bank, which McKethan owned and would later become SunTrust in downtown Brooksville, as well as serve as vice president of the American Bank, which McKethan also owned and which would later become SunTrust on Cortez Boulevard in Spring Hill.

In 1972, Deen and his family lived in Spring Hill so he transferred his Carolinas membership and joined the newly formed Kiwanis Club of West Hernando, today known as the Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill. With his previous Kiwanis experience and knowledge, Deen was instrumental in helping the club gain a strong footing in the community.Using his advice, the club won an International Award for its project that year.

With the club's backing, Deen was encouraged to run for Florida state treasurer and he won. He served as treasurer in 1976-77. He served as state governor elect in 1977-78. At that time, McKethan asked him to focus his attention only at the Brooksville bank.

In 1978-79, Deen served as state governor and built his family home on the Istachatta land. That year he transferred his Kiwanis membership to the Kiwanis Club of Brooksville, which was closer to his home.

In Kiwanis, Deen has earned awards and recognition, including 35 years of perfect attendance, the George F. Hixon International award, Florida District Resolution for Outstanding Service, Circle K Kiwanian of the Year, Kiwanian of the Year and Life Member of Kiwanis International, to name just a few.

Deen said he would not have become Florida state governor without the support and backing of the former West Hernando club. It was the first Florida Kiwanis club he joined and the club that started him on his statewide career with Kiwanis.

Jean Hayes Times Staff Writer

* * *

Hernando Highland Dancers participate in the Dunedin indoor Highland dance competition, Oct. 28. The dancers performed traditional Scottish dances with various degrees of difficulty.

In the beginners (under 10) group, Emma Rogerson, 8, placed second in the sword dance. Carson Nelson, 9, placed first overall, winning the trophy.

In the beginners (10 and older) group, Nicole Cannon won first place and a trophy; Emily Hall, placed second overall; Caitlyn Hall, took third overall, and Ginny Steverson, placed fifth.

In the novice group, Alexandra Keith placed fifth. In the intermediate group, Jen Dampman took third place.

In the premier (under 13) group, Bridgette MacDonald placed second overall. In the premier (under 18) group, Carolynne MacDonald won first place overall and took home the trophy; and Caroline Dokoupil placed third overall.

In the premier (18 and older) group, Lindsey Dubock won first place and took home the trophy.

On Nov. 4, several of the Highland dancers took part in a fundraiser with the Tampa Bay Pipes and Drums in Tampa, raising money for a trip to Scotland in 2008. On Nov. 5, the group danced for the Scottish American Club of Central Florida at its annual dinner.

[Last modified December 20, 2006, 06:32:13]