Hometown

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 14, 2007

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High Fives

The Leadership Hernando Class of 2007 is making a difference. Five local charities are reaping the rewards of this class' commitment to the community.

Each year since 1991, the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the Leadership program in an effort to foster teamwork and community service, and to support and encourage community involvement for the betterment of Hernando County. Each class explores all aspects of life in the county, including government, education, culture, health, safety, agriculture and business services.

It is the responsibility of each class to design a community service project - something that will have a lasting impact and enhance the lives of those who live and work here. The Class of 2007, with 21 businessmen and women, couldn't decide on just one group to support, so they chose to help all the groups that made their list.

Through the class' efforts, a check for $5,000 was presented to Jericho Road Ministries from the Community Foundation of Hernando Countyto help fund improvements at the new Mary's House, which will provide temporary housing for six homeless women. The check was matched by local businessman Blaise Ingoglia, for a total of $10,000 presented at the August chamber breakfast meeting.

Clubs and Organizations

The Brookridge Community Property Owners Association honored two of its own - Ed and Maxine Kolbe - before the start of a budget meeting Oct. 17.

To show support for American soldiers, the Kolbes organized an effort in Brookridge to donate items for care packages, which they send to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. They began this project in 2005, and to date they have mailed 893 packages.

Brookridge residents Barbara and Joe Graywanted to find a way to thank the Kolbes, so they enlisted the help of their daughter, Tech Sgt. Ann Wiley, and her husband, Tech Sgt. Steven Wiley, both serving in the Air Force and both of whom benefited from the Kolbes' generosity while they were serving overseas.

While Steven Wiley was serving in Baghdad this year, he received permission from his superiors to present the Kolbes with a flag flown over Camp Liberty, home of the 732 Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, Detachment 3. Wiley had the flag encased in a shadow box. Also included was a plaque containing photos of the flag flying over the camp and Wiley folding the flag with the help of a fellow soldier, after it was lowered from the flag pole in March. A story about the meaning of the American flag is also on the plaque. The plaque was signed by Air Force Lt. Col. Douglas D. Hardman, commander.

The flag and plaque were presented to the Kolbes, with sincere thanks from the 732 ECES Detachment 3 personnel deployed in Baghdad.

The thanks didn't stop there. Ed Kolbe turned the tables on the evening's activities, offering his own presentation. He presented the Brookridge community with a new MIA flag to fly at the community center, because not every soldier can be thanked with a care package. Kolbe then thanked Joni Industries for donating the flag.

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Charles Kirst was honored in September as the recipient of the 2007 community service award by the Republican Club of the Wellingtonduring the Old Time Country Hoe Down at the Wellington at Seven Hills clubhouse.

Kirst was recognized for his commitment and dedication to the community.

Kirst, who lives in the Wellington with his wife, Gail, has served as a board member for the Republican club for the past four years.

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Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582 on Cortez Boulevard celebrated its 29th anniversary with a ball and dinner-dance Oct. 6.

Darleen Keck, chaplain, gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Paul Stark, exalted ruler. Seated at the head table were: Harry Thompson, a charter member, and his guest, Julie Hooten; Garland Thornton, charter member, and his wife, Gloria; Everett Patterson, leading knight, and his wife, Maude; Ed Czechowski, Elks Central District vice president; Paul Stark and his wife, Sylvia; Donna Zuk, district deputy grand exalted ruler; Darleen Keck; andJudge Ed Malmquist, charter member, and his wife, Katherine.

Bill Mieska, head cook, and his crew served chicken and pork roast dinners to the 180 who attended. The history of the Elks was read by Everett Patterson, who along with his wife, Maude, headed the event.

Stark noted that the now-disbanded Ladies Auxiliary had contributed much to the lodge and that the group will always be an important part of Lodge 2582's history. Music for the evening was provided by Take Two.

[Last modified November 13, 2007, 20:02:23]