In these most challenging of times, one doesn’t have to look to the big screen to see heroes and heroines. Just look around you–sometimes you see an everyday hero standing right out in the Sun.
Reader Laura Irizarry shares a story of husband Lou Irizarry, an over the road trucker who was making a food delivery when a family stopped him to make a delivery of their own.
The family, who he never had met, handed him a care package that included some sweet candy bars–and a sweeter note.
“Thank you for supplying everyone with food even though it’s hard,” the note read. “Without you, our lives would be difficult. You are a Hero.”
In an Instagram post shared with the Sun by Laura Irizarry, her husband expressed some thanks of his own.
“Leaving a truck stop I got stopped by a family,” he wrote. “They handed me this care package and thanked me for all the hard work during these troubled times. Truckers RARELY get any kind of recognition let alone a thank you. Feels good to know there are still people out there that care enough to let us know.”
“I don’t know who that family was but thank you,” wrote Lou Irizarry. “You made my day.”
For more local heroes, visit the Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. The chamber at this time is featuring video interviews with representatives of Hernando service businesses, letting residents know as to how they are prepared to help and serve them during this difficult time.
In each interview, the business owner shares the services that they currently offer; whether they take the form of food and merchandise delivery, takeout and pickup services, private shop tours, etc. And they relate the measures that they take to keep their facilities safe and clean at all times.
Recently featured on the chamber’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hernandocountychamber/) are video profiles that include Transformed Treasures & Distressed Designs by Diana in Brooksville, Rising Sun Bistro and Market in Brooksville, IHOP Restaurant in Spring Hill, Turnpike’s Rest Stop of Spring Hill, Florida Cracker Kitchen in Brooksville, Dynasty Collision And Auto Repair in Weeki Wachee, Staples #1058 in Spring Hill, Traveling Art Parties, WellCome OM Integral Healing & Education Center in Spring HIll, Gator’s Dockside Spring Hill, Culver’s of Brooksville, Chefs of Napoli in Spring Hill, Tidal Brewing Company in Spring Hill, Spherion Staffing Services in Brooksville, Spring Hill Holistic Wellness Center in Spring Hill, Spring Hill Pediatric Care, Firehouse Subs Spring Hill, Once Upon a Vine in Spring Hill, LongHorn Steakhouse Restaurants in Brooksville, Pizza Villa and Restaurant in Brooksville, Texas Roadhouse in Brooksville, Shelly’s Catering in
Hudson, Pinebrook Pharmacy in Brooksville and Spring Hill, and Domino’s of Spring Hill.
“People are still at work in Hernando,” said Pat Crowley, President/CEO of the Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce. “They’re here to support our residents. They’re here to help.”
And now for good news about a Hernando student volunteer who has earned acclaim on a statewide level.
Naviah Holland of Weeki Wachee is one of five students statewide honored in Florida’s Hometown USA Program, Inc., a non-profit educational youth organization for the students of Florida. The program recognizes students for their volunteer and community service work.
“The purpose of our program is to educate the youth of Florida on the values of volunteer work and inspire them to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors through volunteer commitment,” reads a related press release. “This youth program encourages and works with students who have a desire to volunteer and to promote pride in their community by active involvement. The focus of our volunteer work is with children, youth and the elderly.”
Five students, ages elementary through college, are selected each year to represent their Florida hometown. Naviah Holland was selected as the organization’s middle school representative. She attends Winding Waters K-8 School and is the daughter of Katherine Vega and William Holland of Weeki Wachee.
“Naviah enjoys art, the beach and volunteering with ill and abused children,” reads the press release. “One day she would like to be an International Fashion Model.”
Florida’s Hometown USA Program, Inc., honors students that visit and entertain at nursing homes, children’s hospitals, the Veteran’s hospitals, charity events, and other scheduled activities throughout the state. The program is partnered with 29 facilities throughout Florida where their volunteer programs are established.
Florida’s Hometown USA Program, Inc., has received Disney’s Helping Kids Shine Award, Disney’s VoluntEAR of the Year, the Governor’s Points of Light Award from former Governor Jeb Bush and the national President’s Daily Points of Light Award from former President George W. Bush for volunteer work with youth.
Have good news to share? Send your award announcements, volunteer and good samaritan recognitions, service club news, inspirational stories, poems and artwork, and other good news
to Hernando Sun community reporter Megan Hussey at [email protected]. Show us your sunshine!
