Thank you and kudos

ABATE thanks Highlands County

American Bikers Aiming Towards Education would like to say thank you for all of your support in this year's school supply drive. It turned out better than we could have expected, and hopefully next year will be even better. Unfortunately with the economy being in the condition that it is in, some parents needed that little extra bit of help this year.

We just wanted to personally thank each and every one of you who took the time and went out of your way to help, so that these children would not go without!

Last but not least, thank you to all of the businesses that allowed us to place our donation boxes throughout the county: The Blue Crab Restaurant, Halo's Hair Designs, TJ Leathers, Kegel Bowling Center, Royal Palm Lanes, Family Dollar and Alan Jay.

Vicky Nickerson

American Bikers

Aiming Toward Education

Sebring

Thanks for safety clinic

On Aug. 17, MetLife, the Sebring Police Department, and the Kindergarten Learning Center in Sebring sponsored a child identification and safety clinic for children as part of an ongoing campaign to help keep kids safe. MetLife Auto and Home provided the child identification kits, called "All About Me." The clinic was a great success, and we were able to fingerprint approximately 125 children.

I would like to thank the following people not only for volunteering their time, but also for their commitment and dedication to child safety: Ayla Boscarino, my assistant, and Daffne Cruz, as Snoopy. In addition, I must acknowledge Officer Wilma Tindell and Officer Ray Rossy of the Sebring Police Department to who we owe a great debt of gratitude for their assistance in professionally printing all of the children as well as Lieutenant Karl Hoglund for arranging the Department's presence.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge Andrew Lethbridge, principal of the Kindergarten Learning Center, for his commitment and interest in not only this program, but the continuing education and protection of the children of this community.

If there are any parents-guardians who were unable to attend the clinic, but wish to receive free fingerprint ID kits, they are still available by contacting me at 407-393-6628, or simply stop by the Sebring Police Department.

Most of all, I want to thank the parents and guardians who brought their children to the clinic.

William Hillborn III

Financial Services Representative

Metlife

Orlando

Thank you AP Fire Department

I'm writing this letter to give thanks to the Avon Park City Fire Department. I had a fire at my home on Aug. 19. I live in the county behind the Clock Restaurant. When the call went out the county usually picks up, but the city stepped up and responded. If it had not been for them I would have lost my home.

I lost three sheds and lots of stuff, but because of the caring firefighters of Avon Park City Fire Department, I still have my home and my husband, and even my pets. The county guys finally did show up and with all of the cutbacks, there were only two of them and they wouldn't have been able to stop the fire themselves.

At this time I'd like to give a great big thanks to Mike Turner, firefighter-EMT; Steve Kempe, firefighter-EMT and P.J. Shannon, firefighter-EMT. I pray that they always answer calls to fires even if the fires are in the county. Again many thanks to you guys. Thank you for saving my home. I pray that you'll always be safe while fighting fires.

Marie Clausen

Avon Park

Thank you to Corinne Burgess

This is a letter to thank Corinne Burgess very much for recognizing the efforts of the U.S. Military Veterans Motorcycle Club, especially the local Sebring Highlands Chapter who performed the Flag Raising that honored Jacob James Casey at the Highlands County Sports Complex, on Saturday, Aug. 21. These same military veterans will man a booth at the Ride to the Heartland in Sebring, on Oct. 1-3, as a fundraiser to further their financial efforts to help fellow veterans.

Everyone is invited to stop by t just say hi or to participate in the $1 donation for the possible $500 gift card. Thank you all veterans for your service.

Ronald E. Hochhauser

Lake Placid