published: Friday, September 25, 2009

Remember When

Ann Dupee

Correspondent

25 Years Ago - 1984

Mrs. Ruth Steckman, guidance counselor at Clermont High School, accepted a $150 gift from Clermont Woman's Club president Mrs. Jim Mead for the school's permanent scholarship fund.

-- School Board member Anna Cowin reported in her "School Board Scoop" column that Lake took an academic step forward of the rest of the state by implementing increased graduation requirements, enforcing a strict attendance and discipline policy and mandating set eligibility criteria for participation in extracurricular activities, including athletics.

-- One of the new facilities available to South Lake County residents is the South Lake County Courthouse annex in Sunnyside Plaza.

-- Students with all "A" grades for the first semester of Clermont High School's '83/84 school year were: Amy Jones, Carol Russ, Lance Walsworth, Kelly Cartier, Pamela Garrett, Eric Lynum, Robert McCue, Dell Smoak, Julie Warren, Molly Fogleson, Joanne Frederick, Lendel Raulerson and Kathi Saunders.

-- An expansion of from 16,000 - 18,000 square feet has begun at Publix Market in South Lake Plaza into the space occupied by Neisner's, according to Publix manager James Cason.

-- New officers of the Clermont Chamber of Commerce are: president Mary Ogilvie, president-elect Marino Thomas, vice president Marty Heinrich, secretary Katherine Pool and treasurer Curt DiCamillo. Board of Directors is Dennis Horton, Jerry Brown, Linda Beal, Ken Peach, Sterling Staggers, Calvin Hettinger and Madge Cidad. Lester Cole is City Council representative.

-- Claude Magee of Clermont turned in one of the greatest performances in the history of Eastern Illinois University track. He qualified for the NCAA National Indoor Championship by winning the 60-yard dash in 6.21 seconds. He also won the 300-yard dash in 30.3 that set a meet and EIU record.

Magee has qualified in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes for the Olympic Trials to be held in Eugene, Oregon June 17-19. In May he qualified to run in the 200-meter. He also qualified for the NCAA national event, also to be held in Eugene.

The SOUTH LAKE PRESS, with co-chairwoman Chris Williams, spearheaded a fund-raising campaign to raise the necessary extra expenses so Claude could remain at EIU and train with his coaches from the time school closed May 13 until the Olympic Trials. He needed all living expenses during that time.

-- A good portion of Minneola turned out Saturday, March 10 to watch a crane position three modular homes at the new 20-acre Hodge Subdivision on Pearl Street across from Minneola Elementary School.

-- Clermont's Julia Johnson, a 21-year-old Business Administration junior and daughter of Abraham and Gloria Johnson, was the top vote getter with 4,017 votes for a committee post at the University of Florida.

-- Chairman Bill Ray announced the largest rowing regatta in Florida was held at Jaycee Beach at Lake Minneola March 24 when the Florida Athletic Club of Winter Park returned with its Mayor's Cup Regatta.

-- Florida Department of Transportation opened sealed bids Feb. 29 for new construction on SR 50 from SR 33 in Groveland to 1.5 miles west of SR 561.

-- Senator Richar d H. Langley, Republican from Clermont, was selected by his colleagues to receive the Allen Morris "Most Effective in Debate, Runner-up Award" for the 1983 legislative session. He was the only Republican so honored.

-- Delta Nu sisters of Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority who sponsored the POSH charity ball at Misty Harbor were: Betty Iverson, Pat Meyer, Arlene Hanks, Phyllis Schelske, Pat Olsen, Elaine Lester, Ruth Steckman, Denise Knowles, Anna Rose Pauley, Dorothy Weaver, Betty Brown, Dolores Vander Meer, Carol Warren, Sheila Davis, Betty Lyden, Mary Monk and Monika Zetterlund.

-- Groveland High School student Louise Ciofalo, who will be valedictorian for graduation exercises, won the Lake County PRIDE award for writing.

-- Did You Know In Clermont: The resident of a home may have two garage sales in any 12-month period without obtaining an Occupational License from the city. Each of these sales may last two days.

-- Legislative Report by Senator Richard Langley: The Senate Judiciary - Civil Committee passed a bill known as "The Living Will." This would allow a Florida resident to voluntarily discontinue, in advance, any life-support measures once it becomes clear they are terminally ill or injured.

-- Jerry McLean announced his retirement as principal of Clermont Elementary School, a post he has held since 1962. David Lofgren, principal of Clermont High School for 16 years, was honored in a round of parties upon his retirement.

-- New owners of Clermont Travel Service on Montrose Street in downtown Clermont are Chester and Kerri Leininger, who will be acting manager. They purchased the 9-year-old agency from Clint and Sue Hooten, who celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

-- Otis Sickler, owner of the Western Auto Store at the corner of 8th and Montrose Streets (location of Bishop's Paint & Decorating), is retiring and closing business after 35 years of operation.