Compiled by Michelle Colesanti, michelle@ospreyobserver.com
David Korte Reaches 100 Gallon Donor Milestone
David Korte has been sharing his “Gift of Life” by donating blood and platelets for many years. The day after Christmas, he achieved his 100 Gallon Donor Milestone at OneBlood’s Brandon Donor Center, located at 722 W. Lumsden Rd.
Korte started donating whole blood in 1990 in honor of his grandmother who was fighting breast cancer in another state. Blood donors there were helping her, so he would help others here in Tampa Bay. In 1993, due to his commitment, good veins and B positive blood type he was asked to become a platelet donor and give blood in that special way. He then began to donate platelets as often as every two weeks, 24 times a year.
Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. All donors receive a wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening, plus a surprise gift.
For more information, visit oneblood.org or call 888-936-6283.
Master Gardener Class – Getting Ready For Spring At Bloomingdale Library
On Wednesday, February 1from 6:30 -7:30 p.m., there will be a clinic called Getting Ready for Spring given by Master Gardener Nicole Pinson at the Bloomingdale Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. This event is sponsored by the Hillsborough County Master Gardner Program of the Hillsborough County Extension, University of Florida, IFAS Extension.
This talk focuses on how to start planning a new garden or how to care for existing landscape along with understanding your soil, care, maintenance, troubleshooting, pests and diseases.
Brandon Lions Club Sold Luminaries To Raise Funds For Eye And Hearing Organizations
With the help of Boy Scout Troop 61 from the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, the Brandon Lions Club put together 750 luminary kits that were sold in time for Christmas.
The Brandon Lions Club has been selling the kits for over 10 years, which are used to put on display Christmas Eve by lighting the candles put into white bags which have sand as ballast. They are put along driveways and sidewalks when the candles are lit make for an evening scenic presentation especially in local subdivisions. Proceeds are donated to 501(C3) organizations and special eye/hearing care cases. For more information on the Brandon Lions Club, visit www.brandonlions.org/.
Help For Quitting Tobacco
Quitting tobacco isn’t easy. Finding help should be. Tobacco Free Florida offers free tools and services to help you get started. Free Community worksite and clinic groups will be offered, with programs covering all forms of tobacco. Free Nicotine replacement patches, gum and lozenges will be available, while supplies last and if medically appropriate.
Locally, classes will be available: Monday, January 23 and February 20 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Oakfield Medical Plaza, 276 S. Moon Ave., Ste. 260 in Brandon; Tuesday, January 31 and February 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.
Pre-registration is required by calling 974-7889. For additional classes, visit www.ahectobacco.com.
