North Okeechobee Church of God Youth Services
The North Okeechobee Church of God is now conducting Youth Services every Wednesday at 7:00 PM. The Youth Services will be a time of fun, food, fellowship and a brief devotional message. For information you may call 863-467-1066.

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Okeechobee is growing and needs volunteers. Make a difference for the community in your spare time. Habitat, an ecumenical housing ministry working in partnership with the community and local families in need, is looking for volunteers to help complete construction on their first house. Construction experience is appreciated but not required. Work days are Saturdays and Tuesdays from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Wear sturdy work clothes. Volunteers are also needed to work on the following committees: Public Relations, Fundraising, Legal Advice, Family Support and Volunteer Coordination. Also needed is an experienced bookkeeper to assist our Treasurer. If you are looking for meaningful volunteer work, Habitat has ways for you to contribute! Please call 863-357-1371 for more information.

Ongoing Caregiver Support Group
Hospice of Okeechobee and the Area Agency on Aging sponsor a caregiver support group every Thursday at 2:00pm. Anyone who is caring for and ill family member is welcome to join us. The group is facilitated by social workers and provides an opportunity for caregivers to give one another support, information and ideas. The meetings are held at Hospice at 411 SE 4th Street. For more information call Enid at (863) 467-2321.

Veterans Assistance for Hurricane Katrina Victims
Veterans and veterans' family members that have been displaced due to Hurricane Katrina and have moved to the Okeechobee area may contact the County Veterans Service Officer for benefits assistance at 763-8124. The County Veterans Service Office is located at 462 Hwy 98 North, in the County Administration Annex and is open Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Memorial Scholarship Fund Being Established
     In Memory of Joyce Ruth Hacker, a scholarship fund is being established through the Okeechobee Education Foundation. Ms. Hacker was a PE teacher who taught for 30 years in the Okeechobee County School System and recently passed away after a battle with lung cancer.
     Her many friends wish to honor her memory by establishing a scholarship to be presented to worthy seniors at Okeechobee High School.
     If anyone would wish to contribute to this fund, please mail or bring their contributions by Osceola Middle School, 825 SW 28th Street, Okeechobee, Florida or the Okeechobee Educational Foundation, Okeechobee County School Board Offices, 700 SW 2nd Avenue.
     Please make checks payable to the “Okeechobee Educational Foundation” and note that it is for the Joyce Hacker Scholarship.”

VFW Post #9528
2002 SR 78 West - Buckhead Ridge.
     Post hours are from noon until 8PM Monday through Sunday. For information call 863-467-2882.
     Wednesday dinner by Ladies Auxiliary, men auxiliary or Amvets. There will be music.
     Every Thursday is Bar Bingo at 12:45 PM, lunch will be available.
     Every Friday a steak dinner with baked potato, salad bar and rolls will be served from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM for a $10 donation. Dancing follows immediately after dinner.
     All games and special events are shown on three televisions, game room has regulation size pool table.
     Post meetings are held second and fourth Saturday of the month beginning at 10:00 AM, main meetingis on fourth Satuarday.
     For more information call Commander Johnnie H. Patent, available at 863-467-2882.

American Business Women's Association
     Looking for an opportunity to: interact with women of diverse occupations build personal and business relationships learn business strategies and skills mentor; network, gain leadership, recognition and professional development opportunities you need to succeed in your career?
     JOIN US FOR LUNCH: We meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday each month at the Golden Coral Restaurant.
     Our Mission Statement: "To bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunity for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition." Call Bonnie Kinchen, 467-7100 for information.

Eagles Aeries 4137 Current Events
Tuesdays: Bingo at 1:00 PM, food available for a donation
Wednesdays: Bar Bingo from 4:00 PM until? Food available
Thursdays 1st and 3rd: Meetings: Auxiliary at 6:00 PM, Aeries at 7:00 PM
Fridays: Steak night , 16 oz, cooked to order; for $10.00 donation, %:00 PM - til ? Music by Jimmy Harper
Saturdays and Sundays: Music at 7:00 PM
Sunday 1st and 3rd: Breakfast 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Donation $5.00 cooked to order Call Aeries for other events at 763-2552

Cornerstone Baptist Church
Cornerstone Baptist Church if you would like to Praise God we are looking for a piano player or organist. Call Ellen 763-4786 or Pastor Terry 634-7922.

Okeechobee Historical Society
Plans are being made by the Okeechobee Historical Society to reprint the book “Strolling Down Country Roads” by Twila Valentine and Betty Chandler Williamson. Recent interest in buying a copy of the book has been increasing. We need an estimate of the number of books to order. The expected cost is $35 to $40 and we are hoping they will be available by Christmas. If you are interested in a copy, send your name, address and telephone number to the following: Betty C. Williamson, P.O. Box 249, Okeechobee, Florida 34973. This will not obligate you to purchase the book but you will be notified when the books are available. Please send your information soon. Thank you for your interest in our local history.

VFW Post 9528
VFW Post 9528 is located at 2002 Highway 78 West in Buckhead Ridge. For more information, call 863-467-2882. Post hours are from noon to 8 PM daily. Wednesday dinner is served from 5:30 to 7 by the Ladies Auxiliary and Mens Auxiliary or AmVets. A donation of $5 is accepted. Every Thursday, the Post has Bar Bingo at 12:45 PM. Lunch will be available. Every Friday, a steak dinner with baked potato, salad bar and rolls is served from 5:30 to 7 PM with a $10 donation. Dancing follows the dinner. Monday is Washer Pitching Day at 1 PM. Sandwiches are available. All games and special events are shown on three televisions and the game room has a regulation size pool table. Post meets are held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month beginning at 10 AM. The main meeting is on the fourth Saturday. There is music every Wednesday and Friday nights. Commander Johnny Patent is available at 467-2882.

Attention!
If someone has contacted you in the recent weeks regarding a countywide map, please be advised that they are not associated with the Okeechobee County Chamber of Commerce and their maps will be not available at the Chamber office. These companies periodically come into town to sell ad space and should not be associated with your local Chamber. The Chamber is in the process of gathering information to print a new up-to-date comprehensive City-County map that will be made available to our law enforcement, firemen, rescue personnel and individuals. These maps will only be available in the Chamber office. Any information regarding these maps will be done out of the Chamber office by staff, with no out of town interference.

American Legion Post #64
Our kitchen is open daily, serving the regular menu. The hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday from 11 AM until 2 PM, Wednesday tacos served from 11 AM until 6 PM, Saturday from 12 PM until 8 PM and Sunday from 1 PM until 8 PM. Bar Bingo is held on Monday starting at 1 PM and on Thursday evening starting at 6 PM for members and guests. The third Sunday of each month, we have a ribeye steak dinner prepared by the Sons of the American Legion, starting at 3 PM until 6 PM. The Legion Lounge is open Monday through Saturday at 10 AM, on Sunday it opens at 1 PM. Wednesday tacos and margaritas are served from 11 AM until 6 PM. Happy Hour in the lounge is on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4 PM until 7 PM. Friday night dinner is served from 4:30 PM until 6 PM for a donation. Karaoke by Bruce from 7 PM until ?. Bingo is held every Saturday and Sunday night starting at 6:30 PM. Doors open at 5 PM. Starting in September, Euchre will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6 PM. Everyone is welcome. The American Legion Post is located at 501 SE 2nd St. For more information, call 763-5309.

Computer Classes
Available at the Okeechobee County Public Library are computer classes. There are two classes available and are free of charge. There is a basic and advanced computer class, taught by Gabrielle Turner. To register, please call the library or stop by the library and let them know when you will be able to attend. This is a great opportunity to see one more great program your library can offer you.

Civil Air Patrol Notice
“The Florida Wing of the Civil Air Patrol - United States Air Force Auxiliary is forming a CAP unit in Okeechobee. Senior members and cadets are being recruited for the unit. Youths between the ages of 12 and 18 are eligible. Senior members are needed to administer the unit and provide supervision for the cadets. The three main missions of the Civil Air Patrol are Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs. Senior members and cadets work side by side to accomplish these missions. If you are interested in becoming a Cadet or Senior member please Contact Gene O’Neill at the Okeechobee Emergency Operations Center - Phone 863-763-3212

Okeechobee Historical Society
The Okeechobee Historical Society once again has mugs depicting the old courthouse that are available at the Chamber of Commerce and are selling for $6.00 each. Also available are booklets about the history of Okeechobee, priced at $4.00 each and cups with a picture of the old Okeechobee High School for $6.00 each.

Red Hat Society
Wanted: ladies who want to have fun! Join the Red Hat Society! If you’re over fifty, you wear red hats and purple clothing. If you’re under fifty, you wear pink hats and lavendar clothing. For more information, please call Mari at 763-5836.

Widow and Widower Support Group
Widow and Widower Support Group meets every Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM at the Clock Restaurant. For more information call 357-0297.

ALERT: There are solicitations being made for advertising in Okeechobee County and the callers are inferring they are connected to or working with the local Chamber of Commerce. We are not working with anyone outside the Chamber, at this time, for any promotion. Please DO NOT send your dollars outside our county. Please call 763-6464. if you have any questions.

Okeechobee Business Women's Referral Networking Group
When: Third Friday of every month
Location: Brahma Bull
Time: 11:30 Networking 12:00 Lunch
Contact: Robin Delgado Law Offices of Phillip BeBerard 467-7100

Shared Services Network Summer Activity Guide
The Shared Services Network is asking individuals in the community to submit any information they wish to be included in the Summer Activity Guide. For more information, please contact Sharon Vinson at 462-5000, ext 257.

School Volunteers Needed
Seniors, 60 years and older, can share their wisdom and experience mentoring children from kindergarten to grade three and Headstart Programs. Volunteer four days a week and receive a stipend if qualified. Lunch is provided. Please contact Lynn at the Agency On Aging for details -1-800-773-1895.

Cat Taste Test
Do you have a cat that eats canned food? We need your cat to tell us how good a new 100% nutritional canned food tastes. This taste test is organized by Dr. Jane Bicks, veterinarian complimentary products will be given upon completion of the test. Call (863) 763-4239

Computer classes offered at Public Library
Gabrielle Turner, a Technology Information Trainer, will visit all the libraries in Highlands, Hardee, De Soto and Okeechobee counties. She will take a mobile computer lab to the locations four times a month in each location to teach the computer classes. Basic computer knowledge and word processing skills will be demonstrated. Students will use laptop computers to demonstrate their skills during this process. Additionally, the Internet will be accessed on these laptops computers and the students will be shown how to navigate on the Internet. The classes that are offered are a Basic Computer Class, an Advanced Computer Class, a Microsoft Word class, Internet and an Email Class. All of the classes are free of charge and are available at the local libraries in Highlands, Hardee, De Soto and Okeechobee counties. To register for a class you just need to contact one of the libraries and ask to register.

Republican meetings
The Republican Club of Okeechobee meets every second Thursday at 6:30 PM at the Clock Restaurant. The Republican Executive Committee meetings are held every third Monday at 7 PM at the Clock Restaurant.

Heartland Library Cooperative - Basic and Advanced Computer Classes
I am a Technology Information Trainer and will visit all he libraries in Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto and Okeechobee counties The Trainer will take a mobile computer lab to those locations four times per month in each location in the morning to teach computer classes. Basic computers to demonstrate their skills during this process. Additionally the Internet will be accessed on these laptop computers and the students will be shown how to navigate around the Internet. The goal is to introduce computers and the Internet to the community. The classes will teach basic computer skills such as how to start up and use a computer and how to long-on to the Internet and be able to communicate using E-mail with friends and relatives. The more advance computer class will teach how to keep your computer clean and more advance skills such as sending pictures. You may also contact your local libraries for these same classes. For more information please: Gabnelle Turner, Information Tech Trainer- gbi@myhlc.org

Agency on Aging needs Volunteers
School Volunteers needed. Seniors, 60 years and older, can share their wisdom and experience mentoring children form kindergarten to grade three and Headstart Programs. Volunteer four days a week and receive a stipend if qualified. Lunch is provided. Please contact Lynn at the Agency on Aging for details. (1-800-773-1895)

US Coast Guard Flotilla 57 - Needs Volunteers
Come be part of a very important group, learn about boating, help keep the boaters in Lake Okeechobee safe. Teach safe boating classes, inspect boats. Be a part of the radio team. Call 863-467-3085.
Get Involved -- We Need Help!

Hospice Thrift Store Needs Volunteers
Big Lake Hospice's Thrift Store Located in the Publix shopping Center, 3541 Hwy. 441 S. Okeechobee, 863-824-0707, needs volunteers to help sort, price and work in the thrift shop. All hours available. Saturday hours available too. Please Call Sharon Dari, Thrift Store Manager 863-824-0707 or Thriftstoreokee@tchospices.org.

Okeechobee Farm Bureau has tax forms for Agricultural Exemptions
As a service to the agricultural community, the Okeechobee County Farm Bureau has the tax exemption certificate for certain power farm equipment purchase and the purchaser’s tax exemption certificate for electricity used directly and exclusively in production or processing of agricultural products on a farm. To pick up either certificate, visit the Okeechobee Farm Bureau office at 401 NW 4th Street in Okeechobee. At the cost of both equipment and electricity for farm use, these tax exemptions represent sizable savings for the agricultural producer.

Collecting empty printer cartridges for School Supplies
Yearling Middle School is collecting empty printer and copy toner cartridges. They are sent in for credits toward school supplies to be used by all students. They can be dropped off at Yearling Middle School or The Stitchin Post of call Tracy at the school (462-5056) or Linda at 467-1484 for free pick-up.

Call to Artists for Mural Project !
Okeechobee Main Street’s Mural and Visual Arts committee is seeking an experienced mural artist to paint an outside mural. The building the mural will be painted on is the Embarq/Sprint building located in the heart of the City of Okeechobee at 110 S Parrott Avenue. The expected size of the mural should cover the front of the 2 story by 30' building. The theme of the mural will feature the history of the telephone service in Okeechobee. Two portraits will be required for this project. The mural committee is accepting designs and proposals for this mural project. Project to begin Spring of 2007. Please contact Bridgette Waldau at 863-467-7300 for more information.

Red Cross Offers HIV/AIDS Instruction Course
The American Red Cross-Okeechobee Branch offers a basic HIV/AIDS instruction course that complies with Florida Statutes employment requirements for individuals working in various vocations. This is a self-study course which includes text work and the successful completion of a multiple choice written test. The cost of the course if $15.00. Please call our office 863-763-2488 for more information.

Red Hatters Planning Red Hat Day
2nd luncheon- Queens in Abundance Luncheon, Monday, March 12, at 11:30 a.m. Dot’s Restaurant- 950 Sebring Shopping Mall.
 The Red Hatters of South Central Florida are in the planning stages of celebration of National Red Hat Day for 2007.  In order to invite those heading home soon, we are having the event on Thursday, March 29th at Brighton in the Bingo Hall. A party for nine year olds is the theme, with red hatters dressing in their youth of the 40’s and 50’s in red and purple, of course.  A special Birthday is planned with  dessert served first and then a Kid’s All American luncheon of hot dogs, hamburgers and the trimmings and drinks.  Cost is $ 7.95.  Food, Fun, Fellowship, and a special Friendship with games and other entertainment.  Bingo will end the day.  Cost $ 13.00.  Preregistration fee of $ 2.00 is now being collected by Becky Williams, 3 Cherrywood Way, Lake Placid, Florida 33852.  For more information contact Becky at 1-863-465-0161.

Apply Now for IRCC'S Public Safety Scholarships
Because of Bank of America’s generous donation of $50,000 to the Indian River Community Foundation, qualifying students majoring or planning to major in any of IRCC’s public safety education programs for the 2007-2008 academic year may receive funds for tuition, books, uniforms, housing expenses, and/or supplies. Interested students can apply online now at www.ircc.edu/stars for the Bank of America Public Safety Education Scholarship. The application deadline is March 5, 2007. For more information, contact Melissa Tedder, IRCC Foundation Office, at 772-462-7249.

Daughters of the American Revolution to Hold Monthly Meetings
Okeechobee Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold monthly meetings the first Saturday of every month. Meetings will be held from October to May. The Daughters of the American Revolution meet at 10AM at Oakview Baptist Church.
For more information or if you have any questions please call Kenna Noonan at 863-634-5669 or email at noonanus@yahoo.com.

Martha's House Offers Hearing Impaired/Domestic Violence Workshop
If you are, work with or know someone who is hearing impaired and may be dealing with domestic violence issues, then this will be the workshop for you.
Martha’s House will offer a workshop “Deafening Silence” on providing services to deaf and hard of hearing survivors of domestic violence. The date and time will be announced at a later date according to community interest and response. Please contact Shirlean Graham at (863) 763-2893.

A Child's World Childcare and Preschool Offers Summer Program
A child's World Childcare and Preschool will be offering a FREE summer program for four year old children. Space will be limited so register early. To qualify for the program the following requirements must be met: 1. Child must have turned 4 and 5 by September 1, 2006. 2. Child could not have participated in a VPK program during the school year. 3. Parent must obtain certificate of eligibility from the Early Learning Coalition located at the One Stop Career Center. Call Heather, Theresa, or Pat at 462-5350 for more information regarding the FREE program please contact Malissa at 763-5453.

Free Blood Pressure Checks Offered by Professional Respiratory
Professional Respiratory Home Care is offering free Blood Pressure checks. The tests are being offered the first Tuesday of each month from 9AM-1PM at 1020 North Parrott Avenue.

Widow & Widowers Group Will Host "Senior vs. Crime" Speaker
On Tuesday, March 6, at their regular breakfast meeting, a discussion on ‘Crime Prevention for Seniors ‘ will be presented by Wayne J. Picone. Mr. Picone is the Regional Director for ‘Seniors vs. Crime’, a special project of the Florida Attorney General. The purpose of the project is not only to inform seniors of possible scams, but to aid them in disputes of overcharging, scams, and other problems that confront them.

Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events
February 17: Car Show... Buckhead Ridge Christian Church...9:00AM to 1:00PM...3 Linda Road...for more information please call 863-357-6500.
February 17/18: Brighton Seminole Reservations Field Festival & Rodeo Advance Rodeo Tickets ($12)...Available at Eli's Western Wear and Eddie Accardi Dodge...Tickets at gate ($15)...Rodeo tickets include festival admission...Festival tickets only($5).
February 22: Coffee Klatch...Sponsored by Big Lake Hospice...8:00AM...3154 Hwy 441 South...863-763-0707...Please join us for this morning social.
February 22/24:" A Wonderful World" presented by KOA...7:00PM...KOA Convention Center...musical, dancing, singing, laughter and fun...tickets available at KOA office...$5.00 advance...$6.00 at the door...for handicap seating call: Arlene Fanter 863-357-0224.
February 22:Gun safety and handling class (handguns only)...7:00PM...conducted by Joe Hazellief and Mike O'Connor at Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce...openings available...for more information please call 863-763-6464.
February 24:Second segment of gun safety class...meet at chamber office 8:30AM to go to shooting range at Joe Hazellief's ranch.
March 2:Speckled Perch Beauty Contest...KOA convention center...7:00PM...sponsored by Okeechobee County Chamber of Commerce...for more information please contact 863-763-6464.
March 10:Car show...Flagler Park
March 10:Speckled Perch Parade...10:00AM
March 10/11:Speckled Perch festival...Flagler Park...sponsored by Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce...applications available at Chamber office 863-763-6464.

Okeechobee Chapter D.A.R Announces Monthly Meetings
The Okeechobee Chapter of D.A.R. meets the first Saturday of every month from October to May. The meetings are held at the Oakview Baptist Church at 10:00AM. For more information please contact Kerra Noonan, Secretary for further details at 863-634-5669.

Prom Dress Rescue
My name is Pam Chesley and I have had this vision since my own daughter started going to proms. Over the years I have heard of girls who wanted to attend proms, but could not afford the often exorbitant dress prices.
So I thought it would be great idea to assemble all the beautiful gowns, worn once and now sitting idle in our closets, and make them available for FREE to those who need them.
My church, Church of Our Saviour, 200 N.W. 3rd Street, Okee., Fl. 34972 will be the fitting location, where the girls can come, select and try on dresses.
It will take generous hearts to donate these gowns, but the joy they will bring another will be wonderful and rewarding. I will be happy to pick up the gowns, if you cannot take them to the church.
For further information please call Pam Chesley: 863 – 946 – 2736 Home; 863 – 634 – 7158 Cell; 863 – 946 – 2736 Fax

Prom Dress Rescue
Friday March 30, 2007
3::00-6:00 pm
Church of Our Saviour
200 N.W. 3rd Street
Okeechobee, Fl. 34972

Library Book Sale
Friends of the Okeechbee Library Book Sale will be held Thursday, March 1 from 10:00am to 7:30pm; Friday, March 2 from 10:00am to 5:30pm; and Saturday, March 3 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Hardcover books are $2.00 and paperbacks are $1.00. Library discards are half price. For more information call the library at 763-3536.