By Jean Hayes , Times Staff Writer
In Print: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Horizon Homecare, a nurse-owned Medicare home health agency, was recently awarded its accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Heath Care for the services of home health care and private-duty care.
The business, which serves clients in Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, Pasco and Pinellas counties, has two locations: 2977 Landover Blvd., Spring Hill, and 7421 Ridge Road, Unit 1, Port Richey.
For information, call (352) 684-3550 or (727) 844-5600.
Brooksville Regional and Spring Hill Regional hospitals were recently named among the nation's top performers on key quality measures by the Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.
The hospitals were recognized by the commission based on data reported about evidence-based clinical procedures that are shown to improve care for certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care and children's asthma.
The hospitals are two of only 405 U.S. hospitals and critical access hospitals earning the distinction. For information, call Robin Schneider at (352) 797-4645 or (352) 684-7574.
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office has announced a free service to safeguard businesses and their employees. The Business Emergency Notification System is a program developed to ensure that proper individuals are notified in the event an emergency - such as a break-in, fire or open door - takes place at a business during nonbusiness hours.
The system alleviates the need to post emergency information on the doors or windows of the business, thus keeping all information private and confidential.
Businesses wishing to take part in the free program must fill out a form, available on the Sheriff's Office website at hernandosheriff.org under the "programs/BENS" tab, then mail or fax the completed form to the address or fax number at the top of the form.
A volunteer assigned to the area will visit the business and place a star in the appropriate location. Should the information provided become obsolete, call (352) 754-6830, ext. 53660, to update it. The information should be
Brooksville Regional and Spring Hill Regional hospitals will sponsor a food drive for the Blessings in a Backpack program, sponsored by People Helping People, through Friday. Boxes will be set up in cafeterias and at nurses' stations at both hospitals.
Blessings in a Backpack is a program designed to feed elementary school children whose families qualify for the federal free and reduced-price meal program and who have little to no food on the weekends.
The children get food-filled backpacks to take home on Fridays and bring back on Mondays. Items needed to fill the backpacks include: toaster pastries, cereal bars, individual cereal packs, chicken spread, deviled ham, beans and wieners, macaroni and cheese, canned chicken or tuna, tuna or chicken salad with crackers, Vienna sausage, ravioli with meat, small packets of crackers, crackers with cheese or peanut butter, raisins, applesauce, nuts, Jell-O/pudding snack packs, Ramen noodles, canned soups, cocoa mix, shelf milk boxes, and juice boxes or pouches.
Who's news
Robert Cassell of Weeki Wachee was recently presented the Pioneer in Modern Economic Development Award by the International Economic Development Council for his service to the economic development profession over five decades. Cassell is a certified economic developer and has been awarded honorary lifetime membership by the council.
Cassell is director emeritus of the basic economic development course at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Chattanooga and a master's degree from Vanderbilt University, with additional work at Princeton University.
Dr. William C. Kohler , medical director of the Florida Sleep Institute, 4075 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, and director of pediatric sleep services at Tampa's University Community Hospital, presented "The Treatment of Sleepwalking with Hypnosis" at the International World Sleep Congress in Quebec City, Canada, on Sept. 12.
Kohler is board certified in sleep medicine and medical director of the institute, as well as a registered sleep technologist. For information, call (352) 683-7885.
The Spring Hill Jazzercise Center , 1287 Kass Circle, Spring Hill, will host a benefit class to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital from 1 to 4:30 p.m. today.
Participants are asked to collect pledges before the event or make a donation at the door. The event includes prizes and refreshments, as well as a marathon Jazzercise class taught by instructors from Hernando County and the surrounding area. The event is open to the public.
For information, call instructor Becky Mooneyham at (352) 442-8595 or Tracie Morse at (352) 796-4796.
A carwash to benefit the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at My Gynecologist , 11175 County Line Road, Spring Hill.
For information, call Lynn Van Meter at (352) 610-2009.
The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce Training Committee is offering its manager and supervisor professional development training series. Workshops will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays and cover topics for managers, supervisors or anyone pursuing a career in a management or supervisory role.
Topics and dates include: "Developing Direct Reports," Monday, and "Performance Management," Oct. 17 and 24.
Each topic is $10 per person, or $15 for two topics. Training will be provided by Knowledge Quest Education Solutions. All workshops will be at the chamber office, 15588 Aviation Loop Drive, south of Brooksville. Advance registration is required. Call (352) 796-0697.
Pasco-Hernando Community College will host a workshop covering interview skills for job seekers from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday in Room A-251 at its North Campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Brooksville. The workshop is free and open to the public.
To register, call the information center toll-free 1-877-879-7422. Call Barbara Russo, career and testing specialist, at (352) 797-5174.
The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will have the following ribbon cuttings during the coming week:
Dr. Lakshmi Kolli , 34 Seven Hills Drive, Spring Hill, noon Tuesday. Call Laura Balatosos, (352) 835-7155.
My Video Talk , at Superior Bank, 14211 Powell Road, south of Brooksville, noon Thursday. Call Bobby Wilson, (727) 902-5393.
BNI Winning Edge will meet 7:15 to 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Regency Oaks clubhouse, 4445 Breakwater Blvd., Spring Hill. The cost is $10 and includes breakfast. Visitors are welcome. The group meets every Tuesday. Call Mike Esposito, (352) 585-6551.
The Hernando Builders Association Lunch Club , open to all HBA members and any business interested in the association, will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Gennaro's Pizza and Restaurant, 7375 Commercial Way, north of Weeki Wachee.
Those attending pay for their own lunch. The club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at area restaurants.
To RSVP, all the HBA office at (352) 596-1114.
The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce is offering assertiveness training to members and the general public from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Oct. 11 in the chamber's training room at 15588 Aviation Loop Drive, south of Brooksville.
The course consists of five weekly sessions of two hours each, conducted by Vince Vanni.
A certificate of completion will be awarded to those who attend four of the five classes. The fee is $60 for chamber members and $120 for nonmembers. To register or for information, call the chamber at (352) 796-0697.
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar , at 4651 Commercial Way and 10601 County Line Road, Spring Hill, will host a Dining to Donate fundraiser to benefit Stage West Community Playhouse from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Ten percent of customers' bills will be donated to Stage West. Those participating must present a copy of the Dining to Donate flier to their server before ordering. The donation percentage excludes tax and tip. The offer is valid for dine-in customers only. To obtain a flier, visit Stage West's website at stagewest.net and click on the Applebee's Dining to Donate box at the top of the page.
Changes Adult Fitness Center of Spring Hill , 12597 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, will have an open house for the medical and health care community from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Medical and health care employees are invited to tour the facility and visit with the staff. All new members receive a complimentary consultation with a certified personal trainer.
For information, call (352) 200-4680.
The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center at USF will offer the seminar "Improve Your Selling Skills" from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the chamber office, 15588 Aviation Loop Drive, south of Brooksville.
The seminar will be presented by Jerry Karp, certified business analyst. Participants will learn how to develop new sales skills.
The cost is $45 per person. For information or to register, call (352) 796-0697.
The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will host its Business After Business Social at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Brooksville Regional Hospital, 17240 Cortez Blvd., west of Brooksville.
The hospital will be celebrating its 85th anniversary. The event, which is free and open to the public, will include hors d'oeuvres. Call Carla Hayes, (352) 796-0697.
Nature Coast Business Professionals , a nonexclusive networking group, will meet at 8 a.m. Friday at IHOP, 3660 Commercial Way, Spring Hill.
The goal of the group is to develop long-term relationships with business professionals. There are no membership fees.
Call Dana Cutlip at (352) 293-4317 or visit naturecoastbusinessprofessionals.com.
Superior Bank , 1300 Pinehurst Drive, Spring Hill, will be the site of a fall festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 24. The event will be co-hosted by the Kiwanis Club of the Nature Coast, and proceeds will benefit club projects and programs for children.
Vendors are needed. Booths are available for businesses and nonprofit organizations. The cost is $10, and renters must provide their own table and chairs. Tents are encouraged.
For information or reservations, call Tammy Lavalle, branch manager, at (352) 666-5200.
The Foundation for Early Learning in Hernando and Pasco Counties invites businesses and organizations to sponsor an event at the Cook Family's Antique Classic Car Museum, 2445 Success Drive in Odessa, from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 25.
Museum owner Jim Cook and his family will lead guests on a free tour of their historical items, with automobiles from 1915 to 1986, engines including Hemi Cutaways, and more than 100 antique radios.
Donations will be accepted to support the foundation's mission of promoting high-quality early education in Pasco and Hernando counties.
Companies and organizations may purchase exhibitor and sponsorship packages, which include hosting an exhibitor's booth, displaying a company or organizational banner and placing a logo in event marketing materials.
For information, contact the foundation at (727) 233-8291.
The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center at USF will offer the marketing seminar "Learn How to Really Connect with the Right Audience" from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 29 at the chamber office, 15588 Aviation Loop Drive, south of Brooksville.
The seminar will be presented by Jerry Karp, certified business analyst. Participants will learn how to craft the right message for the right audience and how everything one does communicates something about a business.
The cost is $25 per person. For information or to register, call (352) 796-0697.
The Hernando Builders Association Ladies of the HBA has teamed up with Patricia's Boutique to present "A More Glamorous You," a luncheon and fashion show, at 11 a.m. Oct. 1 at Glen Lakes Country Club, 10485 Glen Lakes Blvd., north of Weeki Wachee.
Tickets are $30, available in advance or at the door. To RSVP, call (352) 596-1114.
Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant will have its 30th annual Spaghetti Fest from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 4 at the restaurant, 6244 Spring Lake Highway, east of Brooksville.
The event is a fundraiser for the Arc Nature Coast, which provides support for persons with disabilities and their families.
The event will feature all-you-can-eat spaghetti for 99 cents, live entertainment, a bounce house, pony rides, face painting, games, cart rides and door prizes.
Leading up to the festival, live entertainment will be featured inside and outside the restaurant from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 30 and from 3 to 9 p.m. Oct. 1.
The fourth annual Summit for Youth and Families will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 6 at Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 200 Mount Fair Ave. The event is presented by the Hernando Youth Initiative of the Education Committee for the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce .
The event will include a vision and a plan for "Hernando 2030," as well as information about the progress of "Pre-birth to Success," a program that 10 committees have been working on for the past year.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are needed by Sept. 30. RSVP to hernandoyouthinitiative@yahoo.com or call Tracy Echols at (352) 277-3322. Sponsorships are also available; visit hernandochamber.com.
The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will have its annual Beach Bash: The Dredge of the Pirates at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Hernando Beach Club, 3145 Flamingo Blvd., Hernando Beach.
The event is open to the public. Tickets are $15 and include dinner and dancing. There will be a cash bar. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the chamber at (352) 796-0697.
Vendors, sponsors and volunteers are needed for the second annual Auto Show Charity Event, which begins at 9 a.m. Oct. 29 at the Hernando County Fairgrounds, 3436 Broad St., Brooksville.
Fireworks will begin at 8 p.m. The event is hosted by Monster Transmission in Brooksville, which hopes to fill a semitrailer full of food.
Proceeds will benefit five charities: Feeding America Tampa Bay, the Saving Animal from Euthanasia Society of Florida, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hernando and Citrus Counties, the Bubba the Love Sponge Foundation, and Youth and Family Alternatives.
Individuals who bring a bag of groceries (for people or animals) for Feeding America Tampa Bay will receive a free event T-shirt. Raffle tickets will be sold for $1 for a chance to win Disney World tickets for four; 12 $100 gasoline gift cards (one per month), or a transmission worth up to $1,500.
For information, call Nancy Holley toll-free (888) 628-9817.
If you have business announcements you would like to share with our readers, mail the details to Jean Hayes, Business Digest, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613-6174. You may also e-mail items to jhayes@sptimes.com or fax them to (352) 754-6133. Items may be edited for length and clarity. Photos are published as space permits; they will not be returned.
