The opportunity for the community to interact with the Hernando County Sheriff’s department builds a family-oriented bond as well as community trust. Spring Hill Lanes recently hosted the 15th Annual Hernando County Sheriff’s Charities Bowling Extravaganza and this year was the lanes were full.
Bob Pestercy, Chairman of the Scholarship committee of the Youth Education Board, has been actively involved for ten years and has seen this program grow each year. There are two scholarship programs offered by Hernando County Y.E.S program; Richard Nugent Scholarship and Richard Buckingham Scholarship. Richard Nugent was the Hernando County Sheriff from 2000 to 2010 and is currently the U.S. Representative for Florida’s 11th congressional district. The Richard Nugent Scholarship is for those applying in a public service position and the Buckingham Scholarship is for those that have dedicated volunteer time within the community.
“It’s very satisfying…I enjoy every minute of it.” Pestercy said. A Senior Citizen at the young age of 84, Pestercy is always seeking volunteers to help. “That is one of the reasons why I try to keep as busy; it keeps the mind working and keeps me physically moving around too.”
Spring Hill Lanes was filled with volunteers and members of the Hernando County Sheriff department as well as members of the Explorer Program. “It’s the biggest fundraiser that they (Hernando County Charities) have throughout the year” said Denise Moloney, Community/Media Relations Manager for the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
The prize tables where showcasing a variety of donated merchandise to guest passes that were being raffled. “Some of them are strike prizes and raffles. This is what allows us to generate a lot more money (for the scholarships)” Moloney explained.
Jim Powers, Captain of Special Operations for the Sheriff’s Office, participated in the bowling event with his family. “Who doesn’t like to bowl?” said Powers. Powers has been a strong supporter of this event since the beginning and knows that bringing his family to these events improves community relations with law enforcement officers in Hernando County.
“Our initial mission is to protect and serve, but it’s also the interaction.” Powers said who has been in the in law enforcement since he was 18 years old. “I love it, enjoy it and of course I want to provide an environment best suitable for any family.”
Building the bond ensures that there is a trust, and having these events and programs such as the Bowling Extravaganza and Y.E.S Program brings the families and community together.
“To say that I am humbled by the response is an understatement” Sheriff Al Nienhuis said. “The youth education service is a great group of people that are really dedicated to our young people, so it’s a win-win.”
As the games begin, the community is building new friendships and rekindling the old. The sense of honor and accomplishment in being a part of this event can be heard from lane to lane. With witnessing many smiles and hearing laughter echo throughout the building as well as the occasional pop of a balloon, this event was a great success. It was successful not only for a great program but the relationship between the community and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Department.
“It’s important for us (Hernando County Sheriff’s Department) to have that community involvement because we are only going to be as successful as the support we have from the community” Nienhuis said. “We’re servants that protect the community… We are here to be a part of the community.”
