Crist appoints Hehn to serve on Byrd Alzheimer's Center board

Gov. Charlie Crist has appointed John Hehn of Plant City to serve on the board of directors for the Johnnie B. Byrd Sr. Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute at the University of South Florida.

Hehn chaired the building committee while the center was under construction. He is executive director of Florida Presbyterian Homes and lives in Plant City with his wife, Jean, a Plant City social worker and counselor, and has two grown children and a grandson.

The institute is named for the late Johnnie B. Byrd Sr., father of Plant City resident and former House Speaker Johnnie B. Byrd Jr.

Students treated to Christmas party

The Plant City Civitan Club held its annual Christmas party Dec. 17 for the developmental disability wing at Robinson Elementary on Turkey Creek Road.

This year the classes had a total of 123 students. The Civitan Club gives the school money to buy a gift for each child and the Junior Woman's Club furnishes the refreshments at the Christmas party.

Both clubs have been participating in the Christmastime party at the school for more than 30 years.

Community choir seeks new members

The Plant City Community Choir wants to expand its membership and is seeking singers of all musical backgrounds and abilities to join. The group sings throughout the year, including a March 9 performance at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

Current members range from age 16 to 82. Singers who are at least 16 years old and willing to commit to rehearsals and performances are asked to call Lark Underwood at (813) 757-0212.

Register your baby for festival parade

Registration for the Florida Strawberry Festival Baby Parade will be Jan. 23 at the Plant City Woman's Club, 1110 N. Wheeler St.

Registration times include: 1- and 2-year-olds, 8 to 9 a.m.; 3-year-olds, 9 to 10 a.m.; and 4-year-olds, 10 to 11 a.m.

Registration is limited to one child per adult unless they are siblings. The competition is open to east Hillsborough County residents only. Proof of residency is required.

There is a $25 entry fee and the first 50 entries for each age group are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Categories include Most Beautiful Girl, Most Handsome Boy, Most Personality, Best Costume, Most Beautiful Float and Most Creative Float.

For information, call Leah Long at (813) 967-4152 or the strawberry festival office at (813) 752-9194.