A year ago, Hillsborough County's Affordable Housing Office lost $2 million in federal money for not committing the funds to eligible projects in time. ...more

November 11, 2008

Nazdar, It's almost that time again - the election of community officers in January for the ensuing year. Seats up for election are president, treasurer and director. If you are interested, applications must be filled out and can be obtained at our post office on U.S. 41 near the yellow caution light from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Any cardholding member of the community is eligible to run. ...more

November 9, 2008

I read, sometimes with amusement, John Reiners' column in your newspaper. I have met and spoke with John on a few occasions, but try to stay away from politics knowing his views and mine aren't always the same. I also know John's charming and very talented wife, Marsha. I had the fortune to be with her in a few plays at Stage West, and not only can she sing, but is also a very fine actress. ...more

September 7, 2008

Well, let us thank God for all little favors. The Barack Obama week long circus at Denver is finally over and what did it prove? It proved that Obama is still an empty suit and no more qualified to be president of the USA than my German shepherd. He still offers only a glib tongue and an air of complete arrogance. Nothing he has shown makes him a qualified candidate. ...more

August 31, 2008

It may have officially started Aug. 1, but the Samaritan Project, created to aid needy families in and around the city, has been helping people for months. ...more

August 8, 2008

SEBRING — Of Highlands County's nine baby deaths in 2007, three are a result of mothers sleeping with their babies. It's called co-sleeping, and officials say it's a big problem in Highlands County. Deborah Hadley, program manager of Healthy Families for Highlands County, said family support workers with Healthy Families, who visit mothers in the home, are reporting many teen mothers sleeping with babies in their bed. "We have a huge problem with co-sleeping," Hadley said. "Some of our parents use drugs or alcohol, and it concerns us greatly that that have babies in the bed with them." Hadley said some mothers say co-sleeping is a cultural habit they don't want to change and others say they cannot afford cribs for their babies. ...more

June 2, 2008

High fuel costs for shipments is motivating a local food bank to grow its own food. ...more

May 21, 2008

SULPHUR SPRINGS - At 2 p.m. Tuesday, Metropolitan Ministries will hold the groundbreaking for 12 apartments that will be homes for the formerly homeless. The Sanctuary, 750 E. Waters Ave., will be built on the former site of the Calvary United Methodist Church's sanctuary and fellowship hall. The facility was torn down within the past week. ...more

May 12, 2008

Babies from needy families might get a faster start in life, thanks to a diaper collection drive which continues through early next week. It will conclude with a free baby shower on May 10. ...more

May 3, 2008

The 2008 elections are crucial for all, particularly so for the young and the frail elderly. It's time for both parties to get specific about poverty, education and health care. Both Bill Clinton and the Bush's endorsed welfare cuts, giving the choice of "work or no welfare" to many needy. What choices do they have ? The young and old cannot work, yet if they have no wage earner or political support, they are dropped from the safety net. In education, "No Child Left Behind" failed in Bush's Texas. Middle class Americans can pay high school property taxes which ensure good school with facilities for young minds and bodies, but these are not the needy families with deprived and undernourished children. They and the poor elderly desperately need our attention. It's a common sense investment to offer disadvantaged kids a chance to learn a living wage skill. Discrimination and second class schools do not a well adjusted adult make. It only reinforces the old cycle that "we are not good enough or worthy enough for your best efforts." We are not mean people, nor unfeeling politicians seeking profit. We are generally kind to the less fortunate, but we need to be reminded that our immigrant forefathers were given opportunities that we now deny some citizens. ...more

February 21, 2008