Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 16, 2000
High fives
On May 23rd, students in Margie Yurtinus' kindergarten class at Suncoast Elementary School ended the year with a geography lesson about living out West. Artifacts, books and pictures depicting western mountains and desert regions, along with stories and illustrations made by the students, adorned the classroom.
A "Western Day" was the culminating activity of this mini-unit of study. The children came to school dressed in Western attire, brought in toy horses, lassoes and cattle to school, and used antiqued branding irons over a pretend campfire.
Parents cooked Western grub for lunch and helped the children roast their own marshmallows for S'mores. The school's physical education teacher, Coach Gary Pane, arrived with his guitar led everyone in a sing-along. The day ended with stories and sleeping bags pulled around the campfire.
The students in Margie Yurtinus' class are: Nicole Burdick, Dillon Chapo, Chelsea Curl, Brittney Flannery, Justin Forand, Douglas Gajus, Jessica Halaby, Matthew Hess, Deanna Iaboni, Kory Mackey, Summer Mills, Alex Morera, Sierra Nelson, Dustin Newport, Derik Ramirez, Domenique Sorresso, and Casey Whalen.
Four individuals are honored as heroes after they helped to save the life of a motorist whose vehicle had gone out of control. Cynthia Sarnecki, Antimo Schiano, Edward Peppin, and Hernando County sheriff's Deputy Mike Glatfelter recently accepted proclamations from the County Commission, thanking them for their heroism.
In May, 80-year-old Loretta Harper was driving erratically on Commercial Way, obviously suffering some type of medical problem. Her car at times, reached speeds of 100 mph. These three motorists, according to Deputy Glatfelter, followed her, and after her car eventually crashed in the woods off of Centralia Road, jumped out of their cars and pulled her from her smoking vehicle. Minutes later, Harper's car was engulfed in flames.
On May 19, Relay for Life was held to raise money for the American Cancer Society in Hernando County. The 18-hour event was held at Tom Varn Park in Brooksville, during which, one team member at all times, walked, jogged or ran around the track.
Relay for Life involved teams of 10-15 participants from all walks of life, including businesses, civic organizations, churches, and other affiliations throughout the community.
The teams are required to pay a $100 registration fee (which pays for T-shirts), and are asked to raise a minimum of $1,000 per team. During the relay, a festive community atmosphere is created by team members camping out, enjoying entertainment, food, games, and camaraderie.
The evening of the event, candlelight luminary ceremony is held to honor survivors and remember those who lost the battle against cancer.
SunTrust Bank's "Margaritaville" team won first place for most money raised. The team collected $2,393.56, and their team captain was Kathleen Menzies. Oak Hill Hospital's "Gilligan's Island" team won first place for best team theme. Their team captain was Diane Villancourt. Springstead High School Air Force Junior ROTC's "War Against Cancer and Gypsies" team won first place for most team spirit. Their team captain was Katie Toye.
The following teams also participated, and all teams received trophies: Students Working Against Tobacco, Linda Campbell, captain; Oak Hill Hospital "Cows On the Prowl", Cindy Say, captain; Medical Dictation "Gators-Taking a Bite Out of Cancer", Liz McGrogan, captain; Red Mule Pub "Red Mule Runners", Chuck Boldt, captain; Mariner United Methodist's "Rock Youth Ministries", Gary Shepard, captain; Huntington Bank, Patty Goble, captain; Brooksville Baptist's "Noah's Ark-Fighting Cancer Two By Two", Michelle Hamilton, captain; Florida Community Cancer Center's "Cancer Smashers", Barbara Cara, captain; Springstead High School Key Club's "Hawaii", Dorothy Peterson, captain; Faith Baptist's "Pajama Party", Erica Sizemore, captain; Springstead High School Interact's "Marti Gras", Jessica Donnelly, captain; Spring Hill Rotary's "Rock Around the Clock", Carla Hayes, captain; Oak Hill Hospital's "Oak Hillbillies", Julie Flatt, captain; Oak Hill Volunteers' "Bugged", Bridgett Webb, captain; Hernando High School's "Leopards", Debbie Marlow, captain; and Robert Rogers Photography's "Team Fins South-Ducks With Pink Fins", Robbie Rodgers, captain.
Denise's Beauty Boutique was unable to attend the event but instead held a Cancer Cut-A-Thon on June 18, led by Roxanne Taylor. The cut-a-thon raised more than $500 for Relay for Life. The organizers recognize the following sponsors: Oak Hill Hospital, Hernando Today, Medical Dictation Inc., Zephryhills Water, Aripeka Elks, Register Chevrolet, Brooksville Kiwanis, Publix, Jonathan Shaw, M.D., J&J Industries-McDonalds, and all sponsors who did in-kind conributions.
Organizers also wish to recognize all of the board members and chairpersons: Katherine and Dick Binder,Donna Bonneau,Sarah Alice Bronson,Pat Deutsch,James Eason, Stephen Emerson, Kimberly Eppley,Bob Klare,Sue Loveday, Katherine Mason,Ann Mau,Susan McGrogan,Tom Pepe, Jean Piermatteo,Jonathan K. Shaw, M.D.,Sue and Tim Stoops,Nancy Wilkes, Chuck Boldt,Denise Nelson,Barbara Manuel,and Angie Beetz. Special thanks to Lorrie Hudson, chairwoman; and Jean Harberts, co-chairwoman, both from Oak Hill Hospital.
To date, more than $30,000 has been turned in to help fight the battle against cancer. Eighty-six cancer survivors attended the kick-off of the Relay for Life on May 19. Over 350 luminaries were lit to honor or remember those who are fighting the battle, or have lost it to cancer. Organizers hope to hold next year's Relay for Life at Springstead High School in May of 2001. For information or to get involved with the Relay for Life, please contact Melinda at (800) 940-1969, ext. 114.