HHS grads, thank her for tradition

By JEAN HAYES
Published July 22, 2007

How long have you lived in Hernando County, and where do you live? Where did you live previously?

We've lived in Brooksville since 1965. We moved here from Largo. But my husband, Joe, and I first lived in Columbus, Ohio, where we were married in 1943.

Who are the members of your family?

I have three children: my sons, Les and Tim who co-own the Red Mule Pub in Brooksville, and my daughter, Joanna Zayas, who lives in Spring Hill. Most people spell our name wrong. I wish it was Jenkins; it would have been easier for my children in school. Teachers always thought the kids were spelling it wrong and would try to change it on them. And I have three grandchildren, thanks to my daughter - Aaron, Ben and Kasey.

Tell us about your career.

During World War II, I worked as a secretary for five years. I went to business college to learn typing and shorthand. When my husband and I moved to Florida, I was a stay-at-home mom raising my three children.

I got involved, thanks to the insistence of the late Tom Varn Sr., in Hernando High School's Booster Club. At the time, the club was run by all businessmen. I showed up at my first meeting to learn I was the only woman there. I went home and formed the Leopard's Paw, an offshoot of the club, for women. We raised money to buy things the teams needed, and then we began providing a meal to the football team before every game.

I later formed Project Graduation, which was later changed to the Senior Sober Celebration after Mothers Against Drunk Driving got involved. The event was held the night before HHS' graduation. Local merchants donated items for all the graduates, and we had food and entertainment, too. I did it for 30 years, hoping it would become a tradition. Today the Kiwanis Club of Brooksville has taken it over, carrying on the tradition.

One important highlight of my life in Hernando County was to be chosen as a "Community Hero" for the Olympics in 1996. Only 10,000 were chosen nationwide. I carried the torch for Brooksville for half a mile. The torch is on display at the Red Mule Pub.

For the past 35 years I've been working at Brooksville Elementary School part time in the cafeteria. I also work part time at Hernando Christian Academy in its day care. I help out at the Red Mule, mostly to keep in touch with my grandchildren, who still come home and work there. The restaurant is a landmark in Brooksville, celebrating 30 years this year.

Can I tell you how proud I am of my grandchildren? Aaron graduated from the University of South Florida, majoring in pre-med. He now attends Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine; Ben is a junior at USF, and Kasey is a freshman at USF, where she recently made the cheerleading squad and is so thrilled.

What kinds of activities are you involved in now?

I still help with local fundraisers like Brooksville's Relay for Life. And I help with events at Hernando Christian Academy. I'm also still involved in Bible school at my church, Faith Presbyterian Church in Brooksville. I love my church work. I still want to be involved. I thrive on it.

Do you have any special hobbies?

I love to read, good movies and live stage performances.

What are your favorite things to do in Hernando County?

My gosh, we have so much to offer here. I like a good meal, and we have some good restaurants. Next to the Red Mule, my favorite is Mallie Kyla's. Plus my grandchildren come back from college to work at the Red Mule. It's a blessing to have my children and grandchildren here in Hernando County.

What do you think would make Hernando County a better place to live?

Alfred McKethan told me once that the best feature this county has to offer is the airport. Businesses need to bring in more specialized jobs (not just minimum-wage jobs) so our young don't leave after graduation. More on-the-job training to keep them here would be great.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.

My life is an open book, so most folks know all about me. One thing they probably don't know is that I've been in the choir for 40 years, and I can't carry a tune. I love to be around music and enjoy the fellowship of the choir. Plus, my director, Lee Gordon, has never asked me to leave. She just asked me to make a joyful noise. It was her mistake - they never asked me to audition. I dare them to ask me to do a solo.

Hernando Neighbors is an occasional feature of the Hernando Times. Do you know someone who would make a good profile? We'd like to hear from you. Contact Jean Hayes, community news coordinator, at jhayes@sptimes.com or 848-1438.

[Last modified July 21, 2007, 22:14:28]