The Villages - December 2010 - (Page 52)

Florida’s Blood Centers expands Donors are raving about the new branch office that Florida’s Blood Centers opened in November just north of the Publix Super Market in Spanish Plaines Plaza Shopping Center. “The 5,000-square-foot donor center is more than double the size of the previous donor center, the nonprofit blood bank operated in La Plaza Grande Professional Plaza,” said blood bank spokesman Pat Michaels. “With this expansion, The Villages branch becomes one of the largest donor centers within the nonprofit group’s service area.” “This will now be one of the larger out of our 42 centers in 20 counties, which is significant,” Michaels said of The Villages branch. “It’s grown from one of the smallest in one fell swoop to one of the largest.” “With 10 donor beds,” Michaels added, “the new donor center already is averaging from 20 to 30 donors a day.” The blood bank recently celebrated its grand opening by attracting hundreds of donors during November’s “Be a Hero” blood drive. Neighboring merchants joined in the celebration. Ollie’s Frozen Custard, for instance, contributed cards to Gift of Life Business Briefs Retail Briefs the first 500 donors during the blood drive for a free cone, cup or sundae. Subway also donated free sandwiches to the donors. Under the direction of branch manager Vicki Hodges, the donor center operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. MondayFriday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays at 1550 Bella Cruz Drive. Call 750-4088 for an appointment or more information. GO & DO Fun Spanish Springs Holiday Event plus a Toys for Tots collection drive through the Phillip C. DeLong Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Just as last year, the Belle Chords, a community musical group, will sing Christmas music throughout town square. Around 65 area women participate in this a cappella, barbershop-style musical group. “This is the first year we’re including Toys for Tots,” said Alan Cook, president of the Spanish Springs Town Square Merchants Association. “That is something that is new this year. But the caroling and shopping event is something we’ve done for the last two years.” The merchants expect a big turnout. “Last year it was great,” said Cook, co-owner of the All Things Fine specialty gift shop. “Everyone seemed to enjoy it. So we want to make it bigger and better this year. That’s why we approached the Marine Corps League to come down and join us to benefit their cause.” Just as last year, Cook added, expect a return visit from a special guest. “We’ve also been promised a visit by Santa,” Cook said. ‘Christmas Cheer’ Great holiday fun is planned for Tuesday evening, Dec. 14 throughout Spanish Springs Town Square. Merchants will celebrate their third annual “Spanish Springs Christmas Cheer” from 5 to 9 p.m. with free entertainment, store sales and restaurant specials — DECEMBER 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - December 2010

The Villages - December 2010
Contents
Looking Back at 2010
Experiencing Broadway’s Best
Strength and Discipline
Spreading Holiday Cheer
Sports and Recreation
Health
Food
Business Briefs
Major Events
Snapshots

The Villages - December 2010

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