Hometown

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 30, 2007

High Fives

Children in Kim Mason's voluntary prekindergarten class atMrs. B's Day Care were invited to trick-or-treat with residents of the Residence at Timber Pines for Halloween.

The children and residents both enjoyed the field trip. Many of the children dressed up in their Halloween costumes, and, to their surprise, many of the residents dressed up as well. Some residents even decorated their homes for the occasion.

Mrs. B's thanked Cheryl Paro, activities director at the Residence at Timber Pines, for the invitation.

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Members of Notre Dame Catholic School's Junior Honor Society and Student Council helped decorate the school during Say No To Drugs Week on Oct. 23-31.

The students found a clever and creative way to use plastic red cups, spelling "No 2 Drugs" on the fence surrounding the school. The two groups also hung ribbons throughout the school to help spread the message.

Each day during the week, the students promoted the message by wearing red socks, red shirts and red hats, along with other red articles of clothing.

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Paul Shaskan was chosen as the Artist of the Month for December at the West Hernando Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., Spring Hill. His works consisted of landscapes and seascapes painted in oil.

As a self-taught artist, Shaskan's inspiration is the colorful landscapes of the desert Southwest, coastal New England and coastal Florida. He is a member of the Spring Hill Art League and was co-chairman of the 2007 Fall Harvest of Art.

Clubs and Organizations

Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582 had a special ceremony for Korean War veterans Nov. 4 at the lodge. Greeters included Elks members Larry Cohen and Del Hockenberry, both Korean War veterans, and Gail Cleaves, Elks veterans chairman, all in uniform.

The honorary programs were prepared by Sue Ferguson. The prayer was led by Dawn Waterman, chaplain; the Pledge of Allegiance was led by exalted ruler Paul Stark. Welcomes were given by Stark and Shirley Anderson, from U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite's office.

The speaker was Korean War veteran Richard Mellinger, commander of the Korean War Veterans Association, Nature Coast Chapter 174 in Spring Hill.

Mellinger gave a history about Korea. He complimented the Elks for recognizing the veterans.

Assisting with the event were members of the Elks veterans committee, including: Kathy Knapp, Saul Cohen, Cathy Rosa, Jean Hockenberry, Cherry Fleicher, Marlene Cleaves and Duane Cleaves.

A homemade meal of chicken pot pie and biscuits, prepared by past exalted ruler Joe Morrow and the kitchen crew, was served.

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American Legion Post 99 recently hosted its first city employee awards dinner for specially selected City of Brooksville employees. The employees were nominated by their co-workers for outstanding performance or jobs well done.

The first award presented was a special recognition plaque to Anna Liisa Covell for her dedication to local veterans.

Assisting Legionnaire Ed Baker with the presentations were city department heads. Police Chief George Turner presented an award to Sgt. Marvin "Duke" Maedder, and Fire Chief Tim Mossgrove presented an award to Brad Sufficool, firefighter/engineer.

City Clerk Karen Phillips presented an award to Lindsay Morgan, administrative assistant II; Bill Geiger, Community Development, presented to Pat Jobe; and Jim Delach, finance, presented to Angela Balderson.

Mike Walker, parks and recreation, presented to Audrey Williams; and Emory Pierce, public works, presented to Robert Brown.

Following the awards presentations, the Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion members served a dinner to members, the honorees and the presenters.

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Members of the Hernando Hills Hi-Lites chorus strolled throughout the day during the Founders Day celebration, singing to those who came to celebrate Brooksville's heritage.

The group sang to those dining at various restaurants and to vendors selling their wares, as well as to the curious crowds.

The chorus meets from 7 to 9:30 p.m. each Monday at Mariner United Methodist Church in Spring Hill. New voices are welcome. Women of all ages, races and creeds are invited. For information, call Tessie at 686-4122.

Notes of Thanks

The faculty, staff and students of J.D. Floyd Elementary School would like to thank the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Springwood Estates Women's Club for their generosity in donating Thanksgiving baskets for our families in need.

Each organization has donated food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas for the past few years. The Fraternal Order of Eagles also adopts four families from our school for Christmas, and provides gifts for every member of the family.

Marcia Austin, principalJ.D. Floyd Elementary School

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I'd like to thank the nurses and aides at Hernando-Pasco Hospice for the care they gave my sister, Marie McCrossin.

Thanks to you, my sister had the best care possible in her fight with pancreatic cancer. Anytime, day or night, the loving attention to her needs was outstanding.

As a volunteer at the house, I knew her care would be good, but you exceeded all my expectations. I am proud and humbled by all of you and my association with Hospice.

Joan WearshingWeeki Wachee

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The Hernando County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals would like to sincerely thank all for the donations given to the shelter to benefit the care of Sandy, the German shepherd.

All of her puppies were adopted. She has almost completed her heartworm treatment, with just one shot left. Those who are interested in seeing her for possible adoption can visit her at the shelter, 9075 Grant St., west of Brooksville. The hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call 596-7000.

Kathi JacksonWeeki Wachee

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[Last modified December 29, 2007, 20:35:43]