A Morning with Citrus County Blessings: Combatting Hunger One Meal at a Time

This morning, I had the privilege of participating as one of the Board of Directors of Citrus County Harvest, also known as Citrus County Blessings. This local non-profit organization is dedicated to silencing the weekend, holiday, and summer hunger of local children in need. Each week during the school year, and as part of the Summer Feeding Program, participants in the program receive a bag of food to take home, ensuring they have the nourishment they need outside of school hours.

Today’s board meeting was another great opportunity to dive into the vital work this organization is doing. Under the leadership of Executive Director Christina Reed and Operations Director Rachelle Garrett, and supported by Gail Bockiaro, Board Chairperson, along with the entire Executive Board and Board of Directors, Citrus County Blessings continues to make a significant impact in our community.

The meeting began with an inspiring impact story shared by one of the high school student representatives, Eli Langston from Crystal River High School. Eli recounted his experience volunteering in the Summer Feeding Program, highlighting the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping others. Eli is one of approximately eight student representatives from various schools including CRHS, LHS, CHS, Seven Rivers Christian Schools, and Inverness Christian Academy. These students not only volunteer in Blessings programs and fundraisers but also provide an important perspective on the Board of Directors, contributing to policy development and strategic planning.

Following Eli’s story, Rachelle Garrett provided an update on the Summer Feeding Program, “Feed the Kids.” Rachelle shared that the program is currently averaging the feeding of about 275 students and 200 adults weekly, spanning around 100 families. Participants in the summer feeding program receive fresh produce once a week during the ten weeks of summer break. This effort ensures that families have access to nutritious food during the summer months when school meals are not readily available.

A special mention goes to our local Wawa and their team members, facilitated by Wawa director manager and Blessings board member Nancy Delaney. Each week, Wawa provides special meals and snacks, which have been a big hit with the kids. This collaboration exemplifies how local businesses can play a crucial role in supporting community initiatives.

In addition to our ongoing programs, we are excited about an upcoming fundraiser. On July 18, 2024, from 5 to 8 pm, the Lecanto Culver’s will host its 40th Birthday fundraiser, where 10% of the earnings will go to Blessings. This event is a wonderful opportunity for the community to enjoy a great meal while supporting a worthy cause. We encourage everyone to stop by Culver’s, enjoy some delicious food, and help benefit the children of Citrus County Blessings.

As I reflect on today’s meeting, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the work being done by Citrus County Blessings. The dedication of our leadership, the hard work of our volunteers, and the generosity of our community partners all contribute to our mission of ensuring that no child goes hungry. Together, we are making a difference, one meal at a time.

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July 4^th: Our Independence Day

Celebrating Independence Day: Honoring Our Heritage and Community in Citrus County

Today, in Citrus County, we celebrate our great nation’s 248th Independence Day. Reflecting on the storied history of Massachusetts, where pivotal moments of our fight for independence took place, I am filled with nostalgia and pride. My childhood was marked by visits to the hallowed grounds of the battles of Lexington and Concord, walking the historic Freedom Trail, and stepping aboard the Navy’s oldest commissioned ship, the USS Constitution, affectionately known as “Old Ironsides.”

Although Citrus County is geographically distant from these iconic landmarks, our community, families, and students take immense pride in our shared American heritage. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring values and freedoms we cherish. While most students in Citrus County Schools are on summer break, many are actively honoring our country in various meaningful ways.

We have students participating in Boys State and Girls State in Tallahassee, engaging in civic education and leadership development. Our JROTC cadets and other student volunteers are dedicating their time to community events, embodying the spirit of service and patriotism. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are also actively involved in numerous events and activities, demonstrating their commitment to community and country.

Today, as I stand in this great nation, I am profoundly grateful. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have sacrificed and continue to serve to keep our nation safe and free. Their dedication and bravery ensure that the principles upon which our country was founded remain strong.

Our celebration today is not just about fireworks and parades but a reflection on the core values that define us as a nation. It is about remembering the sacrifices made by countless individuals to secure our freedoms and recognizing the ongoing efforts of those who serve and protect our nation today.

In Citrus County, we may be far from the historical battlefields of the American Revolution, but the spirit of independence and patriotism thrives within our community. Our students, families, and residents embody the essence of what it means to be American. They honor our past while actively contributing to our future, ensuring that the legacy of our forebears continues to inspire and guide us.

On this Independence Day, I feel privileged to be part of such a vibrant and dedicated community. God bless our United States of America, and may we continue to uphold the ideals of freedom, justice, and unity for generations to come.

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Celebrating the Remarkable Career and Retirement of Deborah Dumas, Pioneering Principal of Citrus eSchool

On Monday, June 24, 2024, we celebrated the remarkable 24-year career and retirement of Deborah Dumas, the pioneering Principal of Citrus eSchool. Ms. Dumas has been an integral part of virtual teaching in Citrus County for well over a decade, but her exceptional talents and knowledge truly shone during the pandemic. Under her leadership, Citrus eSchool expanded its virtual teaching model, offering flexible learning options to our students and families during an unprecedented time.

Ms. Dumas played a crucial role in transforming Citrus eSchool during the pandemic into the largest single elementary, middle, and high school in the district, serving as many as 4,990 students at its peak. Her ability to develop a scalable model of operations allowed the school to efficiently adapt to fluctuating enrollment demands, ensuring that every student received a quality education regardless of the circumstances.

As the first principal of Citrus eSchool, Ms. Dumas was instrumental in establishing protocols and curricula to meet the rapidly changing demands of both the pandemic and the post-pandemic educational landscape. One of her notable achievements was the implementation of virtual Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students and their families. This innovation ensured that students with special needs continued to receive the support and accommodations they required.

Moreover, Ms. Dumas worked tirelessly to provide in-person-like experiences virtually for students whose health conditions prevented them from attending traditional classes. Her dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive virtual learning environment significantly impacted the lives of countless students and their families.

Following the height of the pandemic, Ms. Dumas continued to scale and refine eSchool opportunities to meet the evolving needs of our students and families. Her efforts led to an expansion of virtual courses offered by Citrus County teachers to Citrus County students, providing greater flexibility and access to a diverse range of subjects.

Citrus County Schools owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Ms. Dumas for her unwavering commitment to our students’ education and well-being. Her vision, leadership, and innovation have left an indelible mark on our district, setting a high standard for virtual education.

As we bid farewell to Ms. Dumas, we celebrate her countless contributions and wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide Citrus eSchool and its students for years to come. Thank you, Ms. Dumas, for your extraordinary service and dedication.

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