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Hometown Hernando

What's happening

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 16, 2005

MILITARY NEWS

Army Spec. Brian J. Sowards, 22, and his wife, Army Spec. Guadelupe "Lupe" Sowards, 20, recently traveled to Spring Hill to visit his parents, Linda and Ted Ferguson, while the two were home on a two-week military leave. The couple then flew to Texas to visit with Lupe's family.

Both specialists have been stationed in Iraq since June 2004. The couple were married in May 2004. Brian is a 2001 graduate of Springstead High School; Lupe is a 2002 graduate of Providence High School in San Antonio, Texas.

As the couple traveled home from Iraq, they were accompanied on their flight by Jack Gruber, a photojournalist with USA Today. Gruber covered their flight home, visited with the family in Spring Hill and also accompanied Brian and Lupe to Texas. Gruber's photos, along with an article written by Gregg Zoroya, appeared in the Dec. 23 edition of USA Today.

While in Spring Hill, the Sowards and Gruber visited teacher Cindy Roush's class at Pine Grove Elementary School. The class had "adopted" Brian during the school year and corresponded with him through letters and presents while he was stationed in Iraq.

On Dec. 26, the Fergusons had an open house for family and friends to greet Brian and Lupe before they headed back to Iraq.

The Tap 'N Dolls senior tap dancers performed at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities during the Christmas holiday season.

Betsey Keys, activities director at Atria Evergreen Woods, welcomed the dancers to the Spring Hill facility. According to Keys, the dancers brought joy to the residents. The dancers also performed at Forest Oaks Care Center in Spring Hill.

The dancers' ages range from 45 to 79, which, according to Darlene Myers, instructor and choreographer, makes them able relate to older people. The dancers travel from Pasco and Hernando counties to participate in the group.

The Tap 'N Dolls specialize in active adult Broadway tap dancing. They have won six first-place gold medals at the Lakeland Convention Center and the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Myers, a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette, teaches tap at all levels. Connie Reeds is the costume seamstress for the group.

For information about booking the group, call 684-9975.

Members of the Hernando Old Car Club gathered recently for their monthly meeting at the Weeki Wachee Acres Senior Citizen Center in Spring Hill.

At each meeting, the club has a 50/50 drawing, and the winner gets to select the activity or outing for the month. At a recent meeting, Dave Worme was the winner of the drawing, and he chose a luncheon at Mariner Bowling Lanes.

Club members enjoyed the afternoon bowling and posed for pictures by their cars. There are about 40 members of the club. The oldest car owned by a member is a Model A Ford.

Individuals interested in joining the club do not have to own a classic. Car buffs are welcome. The group meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. For information, call 683-4629.

Members of the Hernando Beach Club had their annual Christmas party Dec. 11. A hot and cold buffet, as well as a dessert table, were prepared by chef Linda Walk and friends.

Children's toys and food staples were collected from more than 80 members and friends and donated to the Dawn Center.

The city of Brooksville had its annual Christmas holiday decoration contest, sponosored by the city's Beautification Board. Judging of residential and commercial entries took place Dec. 7. Judges were members of the Beautification Board.

The residential award went to Jody Heiney, 610 Erin Way.

The commercial award went to the Edward Jones investments, 7 N Main Street.

Council member Mary A. Staib presented both winners with plaques and gifts at the Dec. 20 City Council meeting.

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Brooksville and its Youth Leadership Team delivered Christmas food baskets to needy families in the community Dec. 18.

Club members made contributions that covered the cost of each basket. The baskets were assembled at the Publix store in Brooksville. Store manager Robert Watts and assistant store manager Sue Ortiz ordered items for the baskets and sold them at cost to the club. Fifty-five baskets were assembled and delivered.

Members and volunteers who drove their vehicles to deliver the baskets included Tom J. Deen Jr., Gloria Cardwell, the Rev. Richard Drankwalter, Bill Korn, Karen Beasley, Jim Adams, Robert Draper, Fred Elms, Walt and Peg Roe, Jack Pepper, Carla Fernandez and Tom and Shirley Hammatt.

Leadership team members who traveled along with the drivers and delivered the baskets included Valerie Blount, Natalie Carter, Wendy Cisek, Sarah Davis, Tank Donaldson, Jared Korn, Cheyenne Sellers, Reynolds Watkins and Charleta Williams. Marissa Spagna, a friend of one of the team members, also helped.

[Last modified January 16, 2005, 00:49:38]