Sayuri Marticorena draped herself in the flag of Peru at the Multicultural Parade & Festival held in downtown Brooksville on Oct. 8. Marticorena, who lives in Brooksville, embodied the spirit of the event, being part Peruvian, Ecuadorian and Japanese.

Hilary Frambes works on a chalk-art piece at the Multicultural Parade & Festival held in downtown Brooksville Oct. 8. She traveled from Manatee County for the event, which was the first organized by the Hernando Hispanic Heritage group.

An art show in Hernando Park in downtown Brooksville was part of the Multicultural Parade & Festival held Oct. 8. Works from realist to abstracts like this one were displayed and on sale.

Face-painting artist Melissa Perez puts the finishing touches on a creation for Roxaelly Ortiz, 9, of Brooksville. Face-painting, arts and crafts and art exhibits were a part of the Multicultural Parade & Festival held in downtown Brooksville Oct. 8.

There was a big turnout for the Multicultural Parade & Festival held in downtown Brooksville Oct. 8. The event included live music, food, drink, art, games and vendor booths.

A tribute to Weeki Wachee Springs and Elvis Presley (who once visited the attraction while filming nearby), this painting was on display at the art show in Hernando Park in downtown Brooksville as part of the Multicultural Parade & Festival held Oct. 8.

Children create at the crafts table in Hernando Park Oct. 8. Activities for children were a part of the Multicultural Parade & Festival held in downtown Brooksville.

PORT RICHEY — Incumbent Port Richey Mayor Scott Tremblay is running for reelection, and John Eric Hoover and Bob Hubbard are challenging him. The election will be held April 11 and voting is in Port Richey City Hall. The Suncoast News asked the three candidates for some introductory information about themselves, and here are their responses.

Hoover: I’m 52, have a bachelor’s degree (computing and information science) and an associate’s degree (business administration). I’m a lead solutions architect at Humana and own/operate Hoover Investments, LLC. My wife Amanda and I have lived in Port Richey for eight years and have two pet bunnies named Oli and Indi. Website: JohnEricHoover.com.

Hubbard: I’m 64 years old. Graduated Tarpon Springs High School and had two years of trade school. Owner/operator Island Paradise Charters, licensed captain and contracted by the state of Florida. I’ve owned a house in Port Richey since 1983. Married 44 years. Owned and sold successful businesses.

Tremblay: I am 45 years old. I obtained a B.A. degree from USF and Juris Doctor degree from Thomas Cooley Law School in Michigan. I have lived with my wife and son in Port Richey since 2017. I enjoy boating, fishing and most outdoor activities.

Hoover: I served in the Air National Guard as a financial services specialist responsible for military and civilian financial management and am a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. I ran for Port Richey City Council in 2022 and am currently serving as a member of Port Richey’s Citizens Advisory Committee.

Tremblay: I have had the honor and pleasure of serving Port Richey citizens as the Port Richey mayor. I was elected in June 2019. I am a long-term Rotarian. I volunteer legal services for Veterans Court, Drug Court and Teen Court.

Hubbard: No response given.

Hoover: The mayor is the presiding city council officer, votes as a regular council member and is recognized as the official head of the city by the courts and governor. Why me? I am results-oriented and will make sure Port Richey is sustainable, efficient, fiscally responsible and most importantly, responsive.

Hubbard: I will not ignore our aging infrastructure such as the current mayor, and will return calls.

Tremblay: Port Richey operates under a council-manager form of government. My role as the mayor includes running City Council meetings where we strive to achieve an open and transparent form of government. As an attorney, I am sensitive to running the city in an honest and straightforward manner.

Hoover: Aging infrastructure and limited resources are enormous challenges, compounded by the heavy focus on the current Cotee River Landing project. I will work tirelessly to eliminate wasteful spending, prioritize taxpayer dollars to provide more direct benefits to residents and create alternative revenue streams to alleviate their tax burden.

Hubbard: This community has a number of problems, too many to name here. I can get things done. Our sewer system is 70 years outdated and is a time bomb.

Tremblay: In light of extreme inflation costs that are rapidly on the rise for everyone including the city, maintaining low taxes and reducing spending is paramount to the continued success of Port Richey.

Hoover: Our ability to attract and retain growth, sustain it, thrive and to repair state, county and neighboring-city relationships by working closely together is paramount. We need a mayor willing to put forth extra effort, time and actually work hard for the residents and businesses. I will get it done!

Tremblay: Like Rome, good reputations are not built in a day. Port Richey has a colorful and controversial past. Continuing to improve the reputation of the city and gaining the public’s trust and confidence is an important issue and challenge moving forward.

Hubbard: No response given.

Es fácil imaginar cosas terroríficas en la oscuridad, pero algo en Brooksville, Florida, tiene más que un ligero parecido con la muerte esperando a que la recojan.

El debate en torno al “espeluznante” crecimiento comenzó en febrero, cuando apareció una foto en la página de Facebook Unseen Florida, que hasta el 14 de marzo cuenta con 152,000 seguidores.

En ella se ve una figura fantasmagórica con capa preparada para cruzar la carretera y una inspección más detallada revela lo que parecen ser piernas, brazos enjutos y una cabeza parecida a una de las pitones invasoras de la Florida.

“’La Muerte de la Florida’: uno de los árboles muertos más espeluznantes que haya visto nunca y paso por delante de él todas las noches de camino a casa”, escribió Laura Trumpold en su publicación sobre la foto.

La mayoría de los que comentaron estaban de acuerdo y sus observaciones demuestran lo fácil que es que los mitos y las leyendas urbanas germinen a partir de cosas extrañas vistas en la oscuridad. Los osos enfermos se convierten en Bigfoot, los lobos con sarna parecen el diabólico chupacabras y los árboles retorcidos que se mecen con el viento se convierten en monstruos.

“Mantis religiosa gigante”, publicó Cheryl Frisk en Facebook.

“Parece que te está esperando”, escribió Sharon Smith Wesson.

“Tengo recuerdos de cuando era niña y corría tan rápido como podía por el cementerio al anochecer”, dijo Marie Tradd Rutledge .

El árbol, de unos 25 pies de altura, se alza al final de un polvoriento camino de piedra caliza en el barrio de Trumpold. Dijo que la luz del día revela que es “un revoltijo de enredaderas muertas” que asfixiaron a un árbol hasta la muerte.

Los vientos fuertes tienden a darle vida, dijo, haciendo que parezca que las ramas y el velo de las enredaderas de Greenbrier se mueven.

“Recorro este camino todas las noches con mi perro Buddy. Siempre me sobresalto cuando nos cruzamos con este árbol, aunque sé que está ahí”, le dijo a McClatchy News.

Decidió compartir una foto en la, porque “celebra y abraza” la historia de la Florida, incluyendo cosas “raras e inusuales”.

A grand, time-honored celebration of the arts and community will be presented on Saturday and Sunday, March 11 & 12, when the Hernando County Fine Arts Council invites the public to join them for the 38th Annual Art in the Park Festival from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Tom Varn Park. This year’s show is expected to draw 6,000 guests from Hernando County and surrounding areas “for a celebration of artistry in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.”

- Advertisement -

Art in the Park is a signature Hernando County arts event “dedicated to fine art, craftsmanship, and community that creates a unique opportunity and tradition for artists, collectors, and patrons of the arts.” Artists and artisans will showcase a vast spectrum of works and media beneath the stately oak trees at Tom Varn Park. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 for parking. All donations support the arts community of Hernando County. Indeed, Art in the Park is the largest fundraiser of the year for HCFAC, which enables the council to support artists through prizes and scholarships.

Art in the Park will feature more than 100 fine artists and artisans exhibitors, two days of live entertainment, interactive art installations, a children’s art experience, a countywide juried student art show, food trucks, and more.

“We are back with fine artists & artisans from 15 states, new entertainment, our vibrant children’s experience area, interactive art installations, live demos, food trucks, and so much more for a full weekend of celebrating artistry! The growing art scene here in Hernando County is truly one to be celebrated, and the Arts Council is thrilled to be a part of it all,” stated Allisa Babor, chair of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council.

Babor greatly anticipates this year’s Art in the Park event, a true showcase for the arts. “Celebrating our 38th year in 2023, Art in the Park is Hernando County’s premier outdoor art and craft show that hosts over 100 exhibitors of all mediums,” said Babor. “The show draws thousands of eager shoppers and patrons of the arts from all over the Southeast. Save the date to experience art amongst beautiful oak trees at Tom Varn Park in historic Brooksville, Florida.”

- Advertisement -

Jessica Knutila, admin for the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, agrees. “Art in the Park is Hernando County’s largest art show, so it’s the perfect opportunity to get to know many of the talented artists here. Many of the winning artists from last year’s Art in the Park are returning! A crowd favorite, Danny O’Driscoll, will be back with his incredibly realistic wildlife paintings, as well as our “Best in Show” winner, Clovis Dean Rusk,” she said. “We will also have artists from 15 other states coming for a truly diverse showcase of the arts!”

Babor regards Art in the Park as a true celebration of the arts. “We are so grateful to return to Tom Varn Park to showcase the talent of our community, of Florida, and beyond!” she said.

This year’s Art in the Park, Babor reveals, will be a vibrant and robust experience for guests of all ages. “We will be back with new entertainment, our vibrant children’s experience area, and so much more for a full weekend of celebrating artistry!” she said.

A number of organizations have joined the Art in the Park team to ensure that the children’s experience area, sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union and offering free art activities for children, is welcoming to all kids, including Posability, Inc, NAMI Hernando, The Sensory Center Inc, and Florida Rainbow Alliance.

“This year, I’m most excited about all of the live art demonstrations we have planned!” said Knutila. “We will have a live chalk artist, live glass-blowing demonstration, and three live painters at Art in the Park this year!”

Knutila says that guests can look forward to live chalk art by Hilary Frambes (@hilary_frambes), live glass blowing by Nathanuel Spence of senOiH Glass (@senOiH), live painting by Lenny and Clay from Rusted Jade Art Collective (@rustedjadeartcollective), and an interactive mural by Nancy Barry (@artbynancybarry). Live entertainment acts will include MissyLTM, Dan Chapman and Davy Daniels, Live Oak Theatre, Suzuki Strings, Above Reproach, Funtastic Gymnastics, Hernando Youth Orchestra Percussion Petting Zoo, Debbie Cole School of Dance, Rhythm and Sole Tap Ensemble, Tony the Balloon Guy, guitarist Nick France, Profound Revelations Studio, Rhythm and Movement, Serious JuJu Show, The Gray Suns, Dino Danger, and a finale led by Petria Dye and Jane Geddings.

Award-winning Hernando County artist Christine Weeks is among those artists set to inspire and guide the efforts of student artists at Art in the Park. “I’m so grateful to the arts council for putting together this show for artists in the community,” said Weeks. “And for giving the children of this county the opportunity to create beautiful artwork.”

Also along these lines, the Art in the Park student art show is open to students of public, private, and homeschools in Hernando County, including elementary, middle, high school, and AP/College. Students may submit up to 3 entries. Prizes will be awarded for best works in each age category and as well for Sculpture media, visual arts, painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, etc. For more information, visit www.hernandoarts.org/student-art-show-registration. And for the participating artists, says Babor, Art in the Park is a prime opportunity to show their very best work–winning valuable prizes in the process.

“We are eager to see members of our community display their artwork at the show as well as artists from all over the United States!” said Babor. “We have a total of $6,500 to award over the weekend to our talented exhibitors.”

Among those performing live at Art in the Park will be Stir Up the Gift, a Hernando County-based nonprofit arts organization that teaches dancing, singing, and acting skills to area children.

“We’re looking forward to finding a whole new audience at Art in the Park, singing, dancing, and modeling as we meet the community,” said Stir Up the Gift instructor McKenzie Freeman. “The Arts Council always gives us a fantastic stage to showcase our art amongst all of the beautiful visual art.”

Volunteers are still needed to assist with the organization and presentation of this signature arts event.

“Art in the Park is quickly approaching on March 11-12,” read the information provided via the Art in the Park Facebook page. “We still need volunteers to assist with parking needs both Saturday and Sunday in 2 or 3-hour time slots between 9-5; Children’s Art Saturday 2-5; Children’s Art Sunday 9-12 & 2-5; and Entertainment both days. If you have a few hours to volunteer, or if you are a student in need of community service hours, please sign up at the link below: https://tinyurl.com/bdewtkvx.

To learn more about Art in the Park or to volunteer, please visit www.hernandoarts.org or email artinthepark@hernandoarts.org. For general information, questions, or comments, please contact the Hernando County Fine Arts Council at 352-587-8062, email office@hernandoarts.org, or visit www.HernandoArts.org.

“The growing art scene here in Hernando County is truly one to be celebrated,” said Babor, “and the Arts Council is thrilled to be a part of it all.” Knutila agrees. “Come buy some original artwork, or just enjoy some live music in the park with us!”

BROOKSVILLE – On Monday, Sept. 26, during a special meeting of the Brooksville City Council, city leaders declared a state of emergency due to the approach of Hurricane Ian.

The state of emergency will remain in effect for seven days.

Voluntary evacuations are recommended beginning Monday, Sept. 26, and mandatory evacuations on Tuesday, Sept. 27, beginning at 9 a.m. for all properties west of U.S. 19, to include all mobile/modular homes and low-lying areas county-wide.

Evacuation shelters will open on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 9 a.m. as follows:

All local, to include the City of Brooksville, government offices/facilities, parks and cemeteries will be closed beginning Monday, Sept. 26, at 5 p.m. through Monday, Oct. 3 at 8 a.m.

At this time, the city of Brooksville and HernandoCounty is forecasted to have significant impacts as follows:

The city sandbag site is open and will remain open until further notice for Brooksville residents. The self-serve site is located at 600 S. Brooksville Ave., and is open 24 hours a day. Residents are asked to only take what they need and leave the shovels for the next resident to use. There is a limit of 10 bags per resident.

To be considered a resident, individuals must reside within the city limits of Brooksville. All individuals who live outside the city limits are encouraged to utilize the HernandoCounty sandbag sites.

Sanitation will be in emergency mode during the closure; all garbage pickup will resume routes on Monday, Oct. 3; recycling is anticipated to resume on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

The city’s Streets Department is sweeping streets and clearing storm drains in anticipation of the upcoming storm and the Utilities Water/Wastewater Divisions are fueling generators, and preparations are underway to limit water and sewer disruption. The normal on-call procedures will be in place during the course of the closure. Residents may call (352) 540-3860 for water related emergencies. The Department of Public Works, to include Utilities, will not respond to any calls when there are dangerous or hazardous conditions. We will address all issues once the storm has passed, and it is safe to resume all repairs and road clearing.

The city of Brooksville encourages residents to act immediately to prepare yourself, friends and family if you plan to stay and ride out the storm or, if need be, make the necessary arrangements to evacuate to a safer locale.

PORT RICHEY — Incumbent Port Richey Mayor Scott Tremblay is running for reelection, and John Eric Hoover and Bob Hubbard are challenging him. The election will be held April 11 and voting is in Port Richey City Hall. The Suncoast News asked the three candidates for some introductory information about themselves, and here are their responses.

Hoover: I’m 52, have a bachelor’s degree (computing and information science) and an associate’s degree (business administration). I’m a lead solutions architect at Humana and own/operate Hoover Investments, LLC. My wife Amanda and I have lived in Port Richey for eight years and have two pet bunnies named Oli and Indi. Website: JohnEricHoover.com.

Hubbard: I’m 64 years old. Graduated Tarpon Springs High School and had two years of trade school. Owner/operator Island Paradise Charters, licensed captain and contracted by the state of Florida. I’ve owned a house in Port Richey since 1983. Married 44 years. Owned and sold successful businesses.

Tremblay: I am 45 years old. I obtained a B.A. degree from USF and Juris Doctor degree from Thomas Cooley Law School in Michigan. I have lived with my wife and son in Port Richey since 2017. I enjoy boating, fishing and most outdoor activities.

Hoover: I served in the Air National Guard as a financial services specialist responsible for military and civilian financial management and am a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. I ran for Port Richey City Council in 2022 and am currently serving as a member of Port Richey’s Citizens Advisory Committee.

Tremblay: I have had the honor and pleasure of serving Port Richey citizens as the Port Richey mayor. I was elected in June 2019. I am a long-term Rotarian. I volunteer legal services for Veterans Court, Drug Court and Teen Court.

Hubbard: No response given.

Hoover: The mayor is the presiding city council officer, votes as a regular council member and is recognized as the official head of the city by the courts and governor. Why me? I am results-oriented and will make sure Port Richey is sustainable, efficient, fiscally responsible and most importantly, responsive.

Hubbard: I will not ignore our aging infrastructure such as the current mayor, and will return calls.

Tremblay: Port Richey operates under a council-manager form of government. My role as the mayor includes running City Council meetings where we strive to achieve an open and transparent form of government. As an attorney, I am sensitive to running the city in an honest and straightforward manner.

Hoover: Aging infrastructure and limited resources are enormous challenges, compounded by the heavy focus on the current Cotee River Landing project. I will work tirelessly to eliminate wasteful spending, prioritize taxpayer dollars to provide more direct benefits to residents and create alternative revenue streams to alleviate their tax burden.

Hubbard: This community has a number of problems, too many to name here. I can get things done. Our sewer system is 70 years outdated and is a time bomb.

Tremblay: In light of extreme inflation costs that are rapidly on the rise for everyone including the city, maintaining low taxes and reducing spending is paramount to the continued success of Port Richey.

Hoover: Our ability to attract and retain growth, sustain it, thrive and to repair state, county and neighboring-city relationships by working closely together is paramount. We need a mayor willing to put forth extra effort, time and actually work hard for the residents and businesses. I will get it done!

Tremblay: Like Rome, good reputations are not built in a day. Port Richey has a colorful and controversial past. Continuing to improve the reputation of the city and gaining the public’s trust and confidence is an important issue and challenge moving forward.

Hubbard: No response given.

Residents of the City of Brooksville will be electing a representative for Brooksville City Council Seat 4. Candidates for seat 5 are also on the ballot. Each candidate was given the opportunity to provide a 150-word bio and respond to our questions within 800 words.

- Advertisement -

Casey Thieryung (NPA)

BIO: I was born and raised in Brooksville. I am a proud graduate of Methodist School Center, Hernando High School, PHSC, and University of South Florida. I hold a degree in American History. I am a small business owner and a lifelong Conservative. I am invested in our community through my membership in the Brooksville Rotary Club, volunteering for Brooksville Main Street, and sponsoring many school and community events. I am looking for long-term solutions because my wife and I intend for our children and grandchildren to grow up in the Best Small Town, in the Best State, in the Best Nation in the world.

What inspired you to run for city council?

First, I love our city. Brooksville is a small town with heart and the people are all like family. As a small business owner, I feel that the current council is not in a position to understand the needs of businesses in the community. Small businesses provide services and jobs to our town and need some representation on the city council to help ease the burden put on us by government.

- Advertisement -

Do you see any areas where the city needs to increase funding? How could this be paid for?

Our infrastructure, mainly water and sewer systems, need investment. Many of the pipes under our city were installed around 75 years ago. At that time pipes were made of cast iron, which not only corrode, rust, and fail, they can also cause problems with the water quality. I truly believe that most of this funding can be found if the Council reviews budget line item, by line item. Every government over spends, and everyone knows that is the case. I am certain funds can be found to devote to our critical infrastructure.

Do you see any areas where the city is overspending?

I think that our contract/bidding process needs to be reviewed carefully. Large dollar items go before the Council and are reviewed, smaller dollar items are not and those are areas which need to be looked at for waste.

What city projects are most important and why?

As above stated, lack of previous investment in our infrastructure is the biggest problem facing the city. If we are expecting our city to expand and to draw smart investment, we must have excellent services all around, especially in roads, sewer, and water.

What are some top issues facing the city that need to be addressed?

Population growth in our state and our county is increasing at a pace never seen. Brooksville is surrounded by other large and growing areas. If we do not prepare for the increasing population wisely, we will end up like Pasco County.

What qualifies you to hold this office besides your experience/education?

You will find no one who loves this city more than I. I was born and raised here. I spent a lot of time in Tampa going to college and I know, firsthand, what the unrestrained and unplanned growth can do to a small, charming town. I know the people and I know why they live here; I speak to the public every day. No one wants us to lose the charm of our city, so we must plan and control the growth to keep Brooksville the amazing place that it is today.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities of this office?

We are here to represent the citizens of our city. We need locals with the city’s best interest at the forefront. To keep the decisions about Brooksville in our citizens’ hands and not in the hands of the county at large.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you have heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Every day I speak to people that live a street or two outside of city limits or they own a business in city limits but live three miles from town. These people’s lives and livelihoods are affected by the decisions of the city council, but they have no representation at all. They are very invested in Brooksville but have no voice. Many of these residents want to be included, and some even assume they are included in the city, but they are not. I believe a responsible, practical, and voluntarily annexation policy is needed to round off city limits and, at the very least, give a voice to those seeking representation.

CHRIS KINGSLEY(NPA)

BIO: Experience Chris is a father and grandfather Veteran, Viet Nam era veteran 1970 -1974 United States Coast Guard Retired firefighter, City of Clearwater, Florida Former State Certified teacher 8 years as a County Commissioner Hernando County 32 years as a resident of Hernando County and Brooksville

Education MBA St. Leo University, Dade City, Fl BA Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Fl. AA and AS St. Petersburg JC University of South Florida: teacher certification

What inspired you to run for city council?

I have lived in Hernando County and now Brooksville for a total of 32 years. For eight years I worked in Downtown Brooksville. I have seen the City’s luster and value to the public rise and fall. The dependence on housing tax revenue is becoming overwhelming. Some diversification of the economy is occurring but not as much as needed to pay for the costs of a deteriorating infrastructure. To be a desirable location to live or open a business the city needs to provide more desirable services. I have in the past and believe now that I can be an integral part in the development of those.

Do you see any areas where the city needs to increase funding? How could this be paid for?

Like all cities and counties, the needs outweigh the ability to pay for them. Many streets are deplorable. Although the brick streets are historically valuable, they will be very expensive to redo as they are. For this type of historic restoration to preserve the charm and value as a road there will need to be a public/private partnership to provide that service and to pay for it. The city needs to increase funding/efforts towards increasing the appeal of the area for commercial and manufacturing activities. There needs to be more higher paying jobs. Some of this could be paid for by grants and co-operative efforts with the county.

Do you see any areas where the city is overspending?

Personnel. I understand the need for sovereignty of the city. But when the needs outweigh the ability to pay for them governments turn to raising the taxes. That is not an option with me. Annexing newer communities and taxing them to death is not the answer either. Consolidation of services could be a financial resource. If someone is providing an excellent service and you are not and they can provide it cheaper, why wouldn’t you look to utilizing that provider?

What city projects are most important and why?

One of the most important city projects is the maintenance and replacement of the core infrastructure, the water, the sewer, the roads and lighting. With substandard infrastructure the ability to attract new housing and diversified economic development is severely hampered. Economic growth is important to the viability and growth of the city. If, as it seems, housing becomes the core growth factor for the city, economic vitality will not follow. Housing growth costs money and often costs more than the taxes from it provides. Cost effective and cost-free growth is necessary.

What are some top issues facing the city that need to be addressed?

Taxes. Taxes are going up every year and there seems to be no end in sight. Having the tax rate the same for three or four years is the same as raising the taxes. The value of housing and businesses is going up dramatically. That means the taxes on that property are going up. Geographic limitations. The location of the city creates some logistical hinderances to economic development. Growth centers are being developed more around transportation corridors that provide access to services and jobs. The city may need to provide some zoning changes, and land usage opportunities that could off set the transportation advantages of other areas. The issue of affordable housing is still a top issue within the city. Dealing with this issue helps by not only providing better housing but also with the overall appeal of the city to others.

What qualifies you to hold this office besides your experience/education?

My honesty not only distinguishes me for this position but also distinguishes me from my opponent. My integrity is vital to good leadership. My compassion helps me see and understand the needs of those I serve. Competency. My experience and education have provided me with the tools needed to make competent fair and successful decisions. Conciliatory/Flexible. I practice tolerance and a willingness to see and hear both sides. This allows for decisions that are made by consensus.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities of this office?

Provide for the public safety and health Direct and authorize public improvements – infrastructure Determine the need for and levy taxes as needed Determine the budget Appropriate spending and borrowing as needed Provide direction for the City Manager to administer

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you have heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

As a member of Kiwanis and as a teacher I have worked with others to provide meals for disadvantaged families at both Thanksgiving and Christmas. These families would not have had meals without those provided by these groups. One family lived in a small unit in a very rural area. The inside of the house was as clean as it could be. There were three kids and a mom inside. One of the children knew me from school. There was a sense of embarrassment at first but then the joy from the mom and the other kids erased the embarrassment and lifted the child to come over to me and express her appreciation. It overwhelmed me.