Hometown

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 21, 2007

Military News

Coast Guard Seaman Dustin K. Block recently graduated from the Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J.

During the eight-week training program, Block completed a vigorous curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship. A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness, health and wellness.

Block is a 2006 graduate of Scottsbluff High School in Nebraska. He is the son of Robert K. Block of Brooksville and Gwen L. Block of Scottsbluff.

High Fives

Jarred Robinson of Brooksville, whose Boy Scout career has included a multitude of camp-outs, community service projects and 32 merit badges, will be leaving Troop 311 in San Antonio as an Eagle Scout.

Robinson completed his service project on Sept. 9. The project was his last requirement for the rank of Eagle Scout. The project was approved by Scoutmaster Cary Ritter of San Antonio and the district council.

Hillside Community Baptist Church in Brooksville, under the direction of Pastor Joe Sangrinelli, was the site of the project. Robinson installed an irrigation system around the church and also oversaw the installation of an irrigation line to feed the front of the church grounds, where a single cross and boulders are now.

Robinson, who acted as project manager, devised and managed the entire plan.

Troop 311 was founded by Daniel Johnson and Kurt Browning. Cary Ritter took over a few years ago. Robinson is one of the last Scouts from the original troop.

Robinson, 17, is a 2007 honors graduate of Hernando Christian Academy in Brooksville and currently attends the University of South Florida. He thanked Pam Klepper, manager of Lowe's in Brooksville; Beau Tetreau, manager of Sunbelt Rental in Hudson; members of Hillside Community Baptist Church; and Tanner Clarkson and Shawn Heiney from Troop 442, as well as his parents, Joan and Lamar Robinson, for their support of the project.

* * *

Mark Mandel earned his doctorate in pharmacy from the Chicago College of Pharmacy of Midwestern University on Sept. 7.

Mandel, a 1976 graduate of Schaumburg High School in Illinois, is the son of Mickey and Gerry Mandel of Spring Hill.

Clubs and Organizations

On Sept. 8, at the Inverness Golf & Country Club, the Withlacoochee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, which includes Hernando and Citrus counties, presented Walter R. Nichols III of Lecanto with the Sons of the American Revolution Certificate and Medal for Heroism.

On July 18, Nichols, 27, without regard for his own safety, entered a residence in Mossy Oak Mobile Home Park in Inverness that was engulfed in flames after he was told there was an elderly woman still inside.

Once inside, Nichols located Sue Abraham, 63, who was disoriented. Nichols hoisted her onto his shoulders and carried her to safety. The home was destroyed by the fire.

* * *

The American Heart Association recently honored the Hernando County Health Department for leading the way to save lives.

The association recognized the Health Department with a "Heart Ready Community Award," honoring the department's efforts to save the lives of sudden cardiac arrest victims.

Elizabeth Callaghan accepted the award on Sept. 13 at the Nature Coast Start! Heart Walk Kick-Off at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

The Heart Association presents the award to organizations that lead the way to save lives through automated external defibrillator programs. An AED is a small, portable device that can send an electric shock to the heart and restore a patient's heart rhythm to normal levels before emergency crews arrive.

Notes of Thanks

I wish to thank Rep. Robert Schenck for the assistance he gave in identifying the proper channel to assist a friend with numerous medical challenges caused by undiagnosed diabetes. The good deeds were provided by Hernando-Pasco Hospice, which also serves residents in Citrus County.

A year ago, while taking a morning walk, I offered help to a handicapped neighbor who is in a wheelchair. His newspaper was sitting at the bottom of his steep driveway and he asked if I'd bring it up for him. Others he had asked ignored him. Since that day, we have become the best of friends. My repeated offers of further assistance were refused because of his fear that he would be imposing on me. He is determined to be self-sufficient.

This past December, he entered the hospital for surgery on his neck due to herniated disks. The operation went well, but while in recovery he had a heart attack that required a triple bypass. During this same period, his right foot became infected, requiring partial removal of the heel.

Until last month, Joe had never allowed himself to ask for assistance. Through all of this, he has not been able to acquire a power wheelchair. My eventual impatience led me to write a letter to Rep. Schenck. His office called me to say Hospice would be in contact.

Later that same day, I received a call from Hospice. Today, Joe not only has an electric wheelchair, but also a hospital bed to give him long-awaited ease of comfort. Hospice also rearranged some furniture to accommodate the equipment.

Again, I thank Rep. Schenck for his time, understanding and action on this personal matter. Of course, Hernando-Pasco Hospice actually fulfilled the needs, and they have my ultimate appreciation.

As to the fateful newspaper delivery that led to our meeting? Diabetes has taken a toll on yet another bodily function; his eyesight is failing him. So, Joe no longer subscribes to the newspaper.

Ron Rae

Spring Hill

We need your news!

[Last modified October 20, 2007, 20:19:06]