Community events …
Local System of Care will hold information meeting
Interested in learning more about the local System of Care? There is a meeting on Thursday, April 19, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at Indian River State College in the Williamson Center. Children are welcome. A light dinner will be provided and there will be activities for the children to do. Help us build a System of Care for Okeechobee that supports the mental health of children and youth across our community.
Shrek, the Musical being performed
The OHS Theatre Troupe #7319 will present “Shrek the Musical” on April 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. The cast and orchestra is comprised of not only high school students, but students from Yearling Middle School and several elementary schools. Tickets are available in advance from Okeechobee High School located at 2800 U.S. 441 N. You may also contact Director Debbie Raulerson at 863-462-5000. This year they will also offer Shrek ears for $5 and Shrek buttons for $1.
Legion will host dinner
On Friday, April 20, come and enjoy dinner at the American Legion, 501 S.E. Second St. Everyone is welcome. Dinner will be fish, shrimp or chicken and french fry baskets, for a $6 donation and is served from 5 until 8 p.m. with music from 6 to 9 p.m. For information, call 863-763-5309.
Torch run planned
The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Torch Run will be held Friday, April 20, starting at 8:30 a.m. The run starts at the sheriff’s office and ends at Publix supermarket. A barbecue will be held in the Publix parking lot from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. A meal of one-half rack of ribs, green beans, potato salad and roll will be $10. Whole racks of ribs will be available for $20. Anyone can participate. You just need to have a 2018 t-shirt, which is available for $15 or dry fit for $20. To purchase contact Michele Bell at Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, 863-763-3117. Advance tickets for the barbecue are available. Meals can also be delivered. To purchase meal tickets or make arrangements for delivery, call Michelle, Joan or Rhonda at 863-763-3117.
VFW serves dinner
The Buckhead Ridge VFW Post 9528, 29012 S.R. 78 W., in Buckhead will serve dinner on Friday, April 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The menu will include grilled boneless rib eye steak, grilled pork tenderloin, fried fish and shrimp, baked and french fried potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, fried onion rings, salad and desert. All proceeds go to homeless veterans. For information, call 863-467-2882.
Business women to meet
Come help us help you, at the Okeechobee Business Women’s Referral Network. This lunch-time meeting is at Cowboys, 202 N.E. Seventh Ave., Friday, April 20, at 11:30 a.m. After a get-acquainted time, you then have the opportunity to tell others about you and your business. For more information, call Raye at 863-467-2557.
Veterans ride set
The second annual all-veterans ride will be held on Saturday, April 21, at 8 a.m. Meet up at the Buckhead Ridge VFW Post #9528, 29012 U.S. 78. Kickstands up at 11 a.m. The ride ends at VFW post #4423, 300 N.W. 34th St. There will be a memorial service at 1 p.m., live music at 2 p.m., a ribs or chicken dinner available for a $9 donation and more. For information, call 863-763-0818.
Amvets host 5-card bingo
Amvets Post 200, 3651 U.S. 441 S.E. Suite 6, will host five-card bingo on Sunday, April 22, at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, April 24, at 2 p.m. For information, call 863-484-8135.
Clements reunion planned
A Clements reunion is planned for Sunday, April 22, at Zelda’s home with lunch at 1 p.m. Any descendants of Clifford and James Clements are welcome. For information, call Zelda at 863-763-2229.
Legion opens Sunday bingo
American Legion 64, 501 S.E. Second St., will host Sunday night bingo on April 22, at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. in the bingo area. All proceeds will benefit the American Legion veterans’ programs. The event is open to the public.
VFW will serve breakfast
The VFW Auxiliary will serve breakfast on Sunday, April 22, at VFW Post 9528, 29012 S.R. 78 W., from 8:30 to 11 a.m. All benefits will go for veteran’s services. For information, call 863-467-2882.
Legion host 5-card bingo
American Legion Post #64, 501 S.E. Second St., will host five-card bingo on Monday, April 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. with lunch served at 12:30 p.m. For information, call 863-763-5309.
Church hosting bingo
Sacred Heart Church, 901 S.W. Sixth St., will host bingo on Monday, April 23. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the fun will begin at 7 p.m.
Men’s chorale in search of singers
A Big Lake Men’s Chorale is organizing and searching for all men of all ages who would like to sing. Rehearsals begin on Tuesday, April 24, at Oakview Baptist Church, 677 S.W. 32nd St. Concert dates are to be announced. For information, call Mike Zierden at 863-763-4600.
CCC to meet
The Community Collaborative Council of the Okeechobee County Shared Services Network will conduct its monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 24, at 10 a.m. in the Okeechobee County School Board board room. The purpose of the meeting is to allow the community to identify issues, collaborate, and share information regarding services for children and their families. The meeting is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, please call Erin Moore at 863-462-5000, ext. 257.
Healthy Start to meet
Okeechobee County Healthy Start Coalition Board of Directors will meet Wednesday, April 25, at noon, at their office in the White House Plaza, 1132 S. Parrott Ave. The meeting is open to the public. The Coalition is part of a statewide network responsible for planning and implementing services for pregnant women and infants. The Coalition is made up of citizens interested in promoting healthy pregnancies and healthy birth outcomes for Okeechobee County Residents. For information, contact Kay Begin at 863-462-5877.
Advisory Board to meet regarding Automotive Academy
The Automotive Academy would like to invite you to an Advisory Board Meeting on Thursday, April 26, at 5:30 p.m. in the automotive shop at the Okeechobee High School, 2800 U.S. 441 N. This short meeting will take place to get input on how we should train these future technicians and employees.
Hospital hosts Lunch and Learn
Raulerson Hospital invites you to attend a lunch and learn about acid reflux and treatment options on Thursday, April 26, at 11:30 a.m. at IRSC Williamson Center, 2229 N.W. Ninth Ave. Lunch will be served. RSVP is required at raulersonhospital.com or call 863-763-9228.
Clinic hosts original production
Join us at Open Hands Health Center on Friday, April 27, at 7 p.m. or Saturday, April 28, at 3 p.m. for the third original production entitled “Not of This World.” Performances will be held at Treasure Island Baptist Church, 4209 U.S. 441 S.E. Follow Mr. T, a patient whose life was forever changed by the truth he learned during his visits to Open Hands Health Center. See what is happening with Ms. Edna and the Colonel, two of our faithful volunteers, as they strive to glorify God through this ministry. Enjoy some laughs as you catch a small glimpse of what God is doing through the lives of our patients and volunteers at Open Hands Health Center. This is a free, non-ticketed event and seating is first come, first serve. Doors open 15 minutes prior to show time.
Glow run set for April 27
End the Hunger 5K Glow Run will be held at Okeechobee High School on Friday, April 27, at 7 p.m. Registration is open online until Friday, April 13, at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/end-the-hunger-glow-run-tickets-43276907395?aff=affiliate1. You can also visit the Our Village Okeechobee Facebook page to obtain more information or register for the event. The registration cost is $20 and all online registrants are guaranteed an event t-shirt. On site registration will be available for $25 with no guarantee of a t-shirt. Come out and see local vendors, sample some food and enjoy the glow run to support End the Hunger which is a student led program to ensure local school children have food for times when school is not in session. Questions – contact NHS Sponsor, Wendy Reister at OHS 863-462-5025.
Avon Park will hold Bluegrass and Blueberry festival
The eighth annual Avon Park Rotary Bluegrass and Blueberry festival will be held on Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Donaldson Park, 109 E. Main St. There will be live bluegrass entertainment, fresh blueberries, a kid zone, arts and craft vendors and more. For information, visit their website at www.avonparkrotaryblueberryfestival.com.
School reunion to be held
Basinger School’s 33rd reunion will be held on Sunday, April 29, at the Basinger Civic Center, 20350 U.S. 98 N. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, call 863-634-1775.
Learn Butterfly Gardening
The Okeechobee County Library, 206 S.W. 16th St., presents “Butterfly Gardening” by Master Gardener, Ben Kafka on Saturday, May 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. Mr. Kafka will teach you how to create a successful Florida butterfly garden.
Vietnam Veterans will meet
Vietnam Era Military Service Personnel are invited to Gladys’ Restaurant, 511 S.W. Park St., every Wednesday about 7 a.m. No membership required. For information, contact Chapter President Dan Hunt at 863-447-3662.
Oasis Lounge open to the public every Friday and Saturday
Meet your friends and neighbors to enjoy an evening of fun and relaxation at the Oasis Lounge at the Okeechobee Shrine Club on Friday, and Saturday. The Lounge is open from 5 until 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday evening and features live music. For activities happening at the Okeechobee Shrine Club, or to inquire about leasing opportunities, contact Kip Gardner at 863-610-6659 or 863-357-0427.
Tai Chi classes resume at Okeechobee Senior Services
This is the opportunity to enhance your health, fitness and balance at no cost to you. Certified instructor, Carol Yates, will again teach the Senior-Safe exercise classes which will be held each Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. beginning Monday, Nov. 6. Classes will be held at the Okeechobee Senior Center, 1690 N.W. Ninth Ave.
Line dancing resumes at senior center
Okeechobee Senior Services is once again offering line dancing classes at the Lottie Raulerson Senior Center. Line dancing is a wonderful form of exercise and the classes provide a great opportunity to meet and become friends with other like-minded people. The classes will be taught by Barb Newman each Monday at 11:30 a.m. beginning Nov. 13, 2017. All levels of dancers or would be dancers are invited and there is no cost for these classes. The Senior Center is located at 1690 N.W. Ninth Ave., at the south end of the County Planning and Zoning and Health Department building. Call 863-462-5180 for additional information.
Reach columnist Tammi Kelly at tkelly@newszap.com
