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By TONY HOLT

Published: August 4, 2008

Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers team with Second Harvest

GAINESVILLE Florida Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) program has teamed up with America's Second Harvest, the largest charitable relief organization in the United States, to help feed America. Young Farmers and Ranchers across the nation have been working in partnership with Second Harvest since 2002 to feed the hungry. Young Farmers and Ranchers – Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 – are donating food and other items to local food banks affiliated with America's Second Harvest. They also donate money and time. Donations by county YF&R groups will be calculated at the Oct. 8-10 Florida Farm Bureau Federation Annual meeting at the Orlando Peabody Hotel and prizes will be awarded to each bureau that donates the most food, money and volunteer hours, respectively. The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is the state's largest general-interest agricultural association with approximately 140,000 member-families statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, the federation is an independent, nonprofit agricultural organization. More information about Florida Farm Bureau is available on the organization's Web site at http://FloridaFarmBureau.org.

Hernando Gastroenterology Associates appoint Chalasani

SPRING HILL Hernando Gastroenterology Associates recently announced the appointment of Dr. Ramu Chalasani as an associate. He recently relocated with his family to the Tampa area from Shreveport, La., where he completed a three-year fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology. Chalasani is board certified in internal medicine and completed his residency in internal medicine at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. He received his medical education at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, in Bangalore, India, from 1991 through 1997. Chalasani originally was raised and educated in Baton Rouge, La., and also holds a degree in aerospace engineering from Boston University. Hernando Gastroenterology Associates is located at 12190 Cortez Blvd. The physicians of Hernando Gastroenterology Associates have been serving the medical needs of the community for nearly two decades. Chalasani can be contacted at 352-597-1206.

Oak Hill Hospital announces improved handicapped parking

BROOKSVILLE Oak Hill Hospital announced it is undergoing remodeling and enhancing of its handicap parking on its campus. Construction began July 25 and will be completed later this week. During the remodeling, supervision will be available to redirect traffic, answer any questions and provide assistance when needed. Oak Hill Hospital wishes to thank the public for their patience during this time as the hospital again improves handicap access on its campus. This enhancement project completes a campus-wide renovation to conform with the latest ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines. Oak Hill Hospital has been serving the Nature Coast since 1984. It is the largest medical facility in Hernando and Citrus County (204 acute care beds) and offers Hernando County's only comprehensive heart program including open heart surgery. The hospital is located at 11375 Cortez Blvd.

Vipond recognized by the Florida Health Underwriters

SPRING HILL Elizabeth Tewksbury Vipond, chartered life underwriter) was awarded the David Saltzman Award for Journalism and Public Speaking by the Florida Association of Health Underwriters (FAHU). Vipond is a member of the Board of Tampa Bay Health Underwriters and served as education/programs chair when she earned her recognition. She was a speaker at the state's annual symposium and addressed a number of chapters at their monthly meetings. She worked on a project to rebuild the state's educational resources and encourage the development of new courses and speakers for FAHU. Vipond is the president of TheMedicareAdvisor, an insurance agency specializing in Medicare products in Homosassa. She also is an active member of the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce. Vipond can be contacted at 1-800-603-0901 or at betsy@themedicareadvisor.com.

Gardner Audiology Welcomes Joanie Davis

SPRING HILL Gardner Audiology recently announced the appointment of Dr. Joanie Davis as a new full-time associate. She recently completed her clinical externship and her doctor of audiology degree from West Virginia University. She will be responsible for a wide range of hearing rehabilitation services at Gardner Audiology. She will be primarily located at the Spring Hill office at 5430 Spring Hill Drive. Gardner Audiology maintains offices in Spring Hill, Crystal River and Zephyrhills. For more information, call 352-666-8910.

Sluggish economy forces many to use eLayaway

TALLAHASSEE Holiday shoppers are showing up early this year to take advantage of the more than 700 eRetailers who offer eLayaway during the first 30 days of the "2008 Christmas in July" promotion. eLayaway announced last week that purchases for the alternative payment brand are up 27 percent Year-to-Date (YTD). There also is a 45-percent increase YTD with consumers who take part in the 20-second registration process required to use eLayaway and make a purchase immediately following. The first 30-days of eLayaway's Christmas in July promotion has been such a success for its merchants that the Tallahassee-based payment brand has decided to extend the promotion through the end of August. The promotion boasts zero transactions fees for consumers on a purchase of their choice. eLayaway is similar to traditional layaway, allowing shoppers to buy a product online and pay for it in regular automatic installments with automatic clearing house (ACH) processing by HSBC and delivery upon full payment. Founded by Matt Ryncarz and Sergio Pinon in 2005, eLayaway.com is based in Tallahassee with more than 20 employees and staff. More information and related links and articles are available at www.eLayaway.com.

Intro to QuickBooks seminar will take place today

HUDSON A free SCORE seminar on QuickBooks and record keeping will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at the Hudson Regional Library, located at 8012 Library Road. The free event is for those who have started a small business, but have not set up an effective record system. Counselor Ellie Hollis will cover what records must be kept and how to manage the finances of a small business. For more information or to make a reservation, call 727-861-3040 or 727-842-4638.

Women's Breast Cancer Support Group will meet Tuesday

BROOKSVILLE The Florida Cancer Institute–New Hope recently announced it will host a monthly women's breast cancer support group from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5. The support group will meet at 7154 Medical Center Drive. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call Tambra Randazzo at 352-592-8128. Dr. Philip Townsend will be the guest speaker. Dr. Townsend specializes in Gynecology and is a member of the medical staff of Brooksville Regional Hospital. Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope is affiliated with US Oncology, the nation's largest health care services network dedicated exclusively to cancer treatment and research. Florida Cancer Institute – New Hope has six locations throughout Pasco and Hernando Counties. For more information, call 1-888-206-0054 or visit www.FloridaCancerInstitute-NewHope.com.

Leukemia Support Group won't meet in August

SPRING HILL Florida Cancer Institute–New Hope will not hold its Leukemia/Lymphoma Support Group either in July or August. The group usually meets from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month at the institute's Spring Hill Center, located at 10441 Quality Drive next to Spring Hill Hospital. Meetings will resume in September. For more information, call Jeff Haight at 688-7744. Florida Cancer Institute–New Hope is affiliated with US Oncology, the nation's largest health care services network dedicated exclusively to cancer treatment and research. US Oncology provides extensive services and support to its affiliated cancer care sites nationwide to help them expand their offering of the most advanced treatments, build integrated cancer care centers, improve their therapeutic drug management programs, and participate in many of the new cancer-related clinical research studies. Florida Cancer Institute–New Hope has six locations throughout Pasco and Hernando counties. For more information, call 1-888-206-0054 or visit www.FloridaCancerInstitute-NewHope.com.

Ribbon cutting scheduled for Wednesday

SPRING HILL The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce announced Invisadent will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. The business is located at 11137 Spring Hill Drive. For more information, call John Palladino at 573-8186.

Networking at Noon will be held Friday

HERNANDO BEACH The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon – Networking at Noon – from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8. The event will take place at Waters Edge Find Dining, located at 6024 Cortez Blvd. The cost is $10 with reservation and $15 without. Nonmembers must pay $20. Cancellations must be made within 24 hours of the event. The deadline to RSVP is Wednesday, Aug. 6. For more information or to make a reservation, call Patty Himmelberger at 796-0697, Ext. 18.

Storage facility to host Summer Shindig this Saturday

SPRING HILL Paul and Jerry's Self Storage is inviting the public to its Community Summer Shindig. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at 10161 County Line Road. Career Central and the United Way of Hernando County are among the sponsors. Refreshments will be served and there will be a craft/vendor/yard sale. For more information, call 684-4414.

HBA supports Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch

BROOKSVILLE Last week at the Hernando Builders Association's monthly General Membership Meeting, the 2008 "Bang Bang" Sporting Clays Tournament Committee presented to Chief Deputy Michael Hensley a check for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch. The event took place at Silverthorn Country Club. This is the second consecutive year this event has given a portion of their proceeds to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch. Sgt. Jim Powers and his deputies' volunteer at the tournament as score keepers for the shooters. Hensley thanked the HBA on behalf of Sheriff Richard Nugent who was in Orlando at conference.

HBA supports Hernando Pasco Hospice

BROOKSVILLE Last week at the Hernando Builders Association's monthly General Membership Meeting, 2008 Casino Night Committee members Lisa Kiddon and Linda Wisniewski presented a check to Leslie Taylor for Hernando Pasco Hospice. This is the second year a portion of the proceeds from this event has gone to the local hospice. Taylor accepted the check on behalf of the nonprofit group.

HBA Spike Club presents scholarship

BROOKSVILLE Last week at the Hernando Builders Association's monthly General Membership Meeting, Spike Club President Patty Goble announced the winner of its annual scholarship. This year's recipient is Gabrielle Roberts, a 2008 graduate of Central High School. Roberts will work toward her goal of becoming a residential contractor by starting at Pasco-Hernando Community College before attending a Florida state college. She and her parents attended the meeting to accept her scholarship. Her mother, Louise Roberts, was a residential builder in Hernando County and a former member of the HBA.

Caregiver Support Group will meet Aug. 14

SPRING HILL Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope will hold its Caregiver Support Group at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14. The group meets the second Thursday of every month at the Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope's Spring Hill Center, located at 10441 Quality Drive, Suite 203 in the Medical Arts Building next to Spring Hill Hospital. For more information call Dorothy Hiller at 688-7744.

Dixon to be guest speaker at Aug. 18 Support Group

SPRING HILL Oak Hill Hospital recently announced Karen Dixon, physician's assistant-certified, will be a guest speaker at Oak Hill Hospital's bimonthly Healthy Hearts support group. Dixon is a P.A. in cardiovascular surgery and has been with HCA-The Health Care Company for more than 16 years. She came to Oak Hill Hospital from Regional Medical Center, Bayonet Point. She has been with Oak Hill since the opening of the Heart Institute. Dixon is a graduate of Washington University in Washington, D.C. Her topic of discussion will be "Cardiovascular Anatomy and Disease." The Heart Institute at Oak Hill offers a bimonthly support group open to anyone looking for information on cardiac disease. The meeting will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Enrichment Center at Oak Hill Hospital, located at 11375 Cortez Blvd. The purpose of the support group is to provide information and answer questions about the heart. For more information, call 597-6331 or visit www.OakHillHospital.com.

All About IBS seminar will be held Aug. 20

BROOKSVILLE The Hernando Endoscopy and Surgery Center announced it will continue its popular seminar series at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, when Dr. Ramu Chalasani presents "All About IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)." The seminar will be presented at Hernando Medical Park Conference Center, located at 12208 Cortez Blvd. Refreshments will be served, but seating is limited and reservations are required. For reservations and information, call 352-596-4999. The Hernando Endoscopy and Surgery Center is the oldest independently owned out-patient surgery center in Hernando County and is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). It is located at 12180 Cortez Blvd. For more information, visit www.MyHESC.com.

Annual Truck Night Explosion to be held Aug. 23

SPRING HILL The Hernando Builders Association will present its Annual Truck Night Explosion at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Palace Grand, located at 275 Della Court. There will be a variety of prizes, including a 2008 truck, 2008 car, Harley Davidson motorcycle, Wave Runners, all-terrain vehicles or $20,000 in cash. There will be other prizes given away all night valued from $50 to $800. Tickets are $100 each, which includes dinner for two and entry into the reverse drawing for the grand prize. Seating is limited so ticket holders must RSVP to attend the event. For more information or to purchase a ticket, call the HBA office at 596-1114.

Look Good Feel Better Support Group will meet Aug. 30

SPRING HILL The Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope will hold its Look Good Feel Better Support Group at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30. The Group meets the third Wednesday of every month at the Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope's Spring Hill Center, located at 10441 Quality Drive, Suite 203 in the Medical Arts Building next to Spring Hill Hospital. For more information, call Peggy Dome at 352-688-7744.

Summit for Youth scheduled for Sept. 30

SPRING HILL The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and other community service partners are sponsoring the first-ever Summit for Youth. The event will take place Tuesday, Sept. 30. This Summit is a think-tank opportunity for key community partners, social service agencies and the school district to come together to brainstorm solutions to improve key indicators for our youth in the areas of graduation rate, substance use/abuse, teen pregnancy and violence/abuse/neglect. Anyone interested in participating in one of the working committees is encouraged to contact Tracy Echols at success@theabundanceadvantage.com or 352-277-3322. There are $250 and $100 sponsorship opportunities available.

Sponsorships, booths still available for Oct. 18 Health Fair

BROOKSVILLE Sponsorships and booths are still available for the fourth Annual Hernando County Health Fair, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 18. The annual event has drawn as many as 2,000 visitors. Various sponsorship packages are available starting at $500. The Health Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582, located at 14494 Cortez Blvd. More than 65 local health care businesses share information, give demonstrations and provide free health screenings for the community. Interior booths are available for $135 and a limited number of outside booths also will be available for $110. Complimentary samples from local food establishments will be available as well as live music and entertainment. Flu shots will be offered for $25 each (Medicare and most insurances will be accepted). Current presenting sponsors include Oak Hill Hospital, Brooksville and Spring Hill Regional Hospitals, the Nature Coast Community Health Center, Elks Brooksville Lodge 2582 and Hernando County Health Department. Media sponsors include Hernando Today, WWJB AM Radio, TBO.com and News Channel 8 On Your Side. Additional major sponsors include THE Bus, Hernando Orthopedic and Spinal Surgery, Medicare Health Options LLC and Wellcare. For more information, call Denise Nohejl at 352-544-5206.

Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central meets every Thursday

SPRING HILL The Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central meets every Thursday throughout the year at the Wellington Clubhouse, located at 400 Wexford Road. Past Rotarians always are welcome to visit. Those interested in becoming a member are encouraged to have lunch with group members at 11:45 a.m. every Thursday. For more information, call Brooks Edwards at 666-4107 or Josh Kelly at 666-0068. The Web site is located at www.shcrotary.com.

Chamber offers marketing opportunity

SPRING HILL The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce is offering its members the opportunity to market their business with table top space at any of the upcoming monthly membership meetings. The cost for the table top is $50. For more information, call the chamber at 796-0697.

Dawn Center offers free speaker's bureau

SPRING HILL The Dawn Center, Hernando County's domestic and sexual violence shelter, has a free speaker's bureau available to organizations that are interested. Advocates at the center can offer seminars on domestic and sexual abuse and keys to prevention. .For more information, call Morgan Moeller at 592-1288.

Local women's business network meets twice per month

SPRING HILL The Hernando County Home Business Women's Network group meets twice a month. The Spring Hill Chapter meets on the first and third Wednesday and the Brooksville Chapter meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. This is a non-compete group for women who are home-based, own their own store or office and are entrepreneurs. The members network to help one another promote products and services as well as helping in the community. For more information on meeting times and locations, visit www.hchomebusinesswomensnetwork.com.

Business Briefcase, compiled by Tony Holt, is published each Monday. News releases must be received by the Wednesday before the desired publication date. Items of interest include employee promotions, company openings, closings, expansions and relocations, business celebrations, classes, lectures and special events. Send news to Hernando Today, 15299 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, Fla. 34613, or e-mail them to wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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