Are you passionate about Family History? Whether you have been tracing your lineage for years or are simply curious but unsure of where to begin, consider visiting the Genealogy Room at Cooper Memorial Library. Situated at 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive on the second floor, this private room is filled with research materials. It is accessible to the public during regular library hours Monday thru Saturday.

The room features four computers that provide access to the Ancestry website Library edition and Heritage Quest, along with various local digitized resources, including newspapers dating back to 1914 and historical documents such as those from Edge Funeral Home. Regardless of where you are conducting your research globally, Cooper Memorial Library has something to offer you. The Genealogy Room boasts a collection of 2,176 books, with 285 of them being recently added. These books cover a wide range of topics, including how to get started, DNA research, Native American history, Surname Bibliography, several wars, and lineage organizations like the DAR. Additionally, we have books that encompass 20 countries and 38 states, as well as periodicals from various organizations.

The Pastfinders of South Lake County Genealogical Society offers volunteers to assist you with your research. If you encounter a brick wall or feel overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available online, visit their website at https://PastfindersSLC.org to find out when research assistance is available.

The Pastfinders Genealogical Society has partnered with the Lake Library system on a project aimed at preserving our local history. We are in the process of cataloging and scanning historical documents and photographs, which will eventually be made available through the Digital Public Library of America. If you are interested in contributing your time to this meaningful project, please reach out to Pastfinders at Info@PastfindersSLC.org or visit the library on a Wednesday morning.

Pastfinders is the genealogical society serving Clermont, FL. It operates as a non-profit organization run by volunteers and is funded through membership fees and donations.

We invite you to join us for one of our free programs, visit us at the library, and think about becoming a member of the organization. Additionally, you can discover us on Facebook at PastfindersofSL.

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Since this weekend is the Groveland High School Reunion, we will be sharing some school history.

Around 1870, Simon Brown built his house and started his sugarcane crop along the Palatlakaha River. The community that formed around the river crossing on his land, became known as Brown’s Ford.

In 1896, Simon’s mother, Ellender, was buried on the neighboring land of the Dukes/Daniels family in what became known as Dukes Cemetery north of Graveyard Lake (Lake Catherine).

In 1899, Cassidina (Dukes) Daniels petitioned for a school to be built near the cemetery, likely as it also served as the community’s church. Cassidina nor her husband could read or write, but they wanted their children to have a proper education.

The school year was tailored for the farming communities, as it often lasted for just a few months , so the children could still provide the much needed labor for the family farm. Grades 1-8 were in session for six months.     

The school’s first teacher was R. B. Ervin. Ervin was the grandfather of Richard Ervin Jr., Florida’s Attorney General and Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, and Robert Ervin, a prominent lawyer in Tallahassee. Through Erwin’s influence, one of the Daniels’ sons became a minister and three of their daughters became school teachers. One of the daughters was Groveland’s well known Nellie (Mrs. Fletcher) Smith.

Another teacher was Alva Knight who went on to become Dr. Alva Knight, a prominent Chicago surgeon.

William Jessie Brown, who had taken over the Brown family farm, built the first “bridge” out of fence posts, so the girls living on the north side would be able to cross the river without getting their dresses wet on their way to school.

In 1904, as the community was moving closer to the new Taylorville train stop, Mr. Edge donated land for a new church and school, located at Greenwood Cemetery. It was known as the Union School.     

It was an upgrade from the one room shack, now with several classrooms on the first floor and a large auditorium on the top floor, complete with a stage.

The school boasted two teachers; one teaching grades one through four and the other grades five through eight.

Several faiths, including Methodists, worshipped at the Union Church in alternating Sunday services for 15 years.

This building would serve as the Taylorville and later Groveland school for over a decade.

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The new, 51,000-square-foot Science and Health building in Clermont will feature modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, and state-of-the-art facilities to support nursing and other health-related programs. The building is designed to meet critical workforce needs and significantly increase student capacity in high-demand healthcare fields.

With this landmark investment, Lake-Sumter State College is poised to train the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthen the community’s access to quality care.

***

The Live Well Foundation of South Lake County was created to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health, wellness, and well-being of South Lake County residents.

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For a second year, the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall was part of Clermont’s Memorial Day Ceremony. The traveling wall is a smaller version of the Washington, D.C. memorial that honors the great sacrifices of the Vietnam War. The Patriot Guard Riders  escorted the memorial to Waterfront Park, where it was displayed through Monday, May 26. 

The ceremony featured keynote speaker Major Stanley Lay, a U.S. Army veteran with a distinguished military career, shared some experiences and memories from his 26-year military career.  He served in the 82nd Airborne Division. Currently, Major Lay serves as the VFW District Senior-Vice Commander of District 18 and remains an active member of Clermont VFW Post 5277 where he has held the positions of Post Commander and Service Officer.

Clermont Mayor Tim Murry, retired Air Force, welcomed guests. Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks delivered the official Memorial Day Proclamation. The presentation of colors presented by the Clermont Battalion was followed by special remarks from Congressman Daniel Webster.

All veterans and active-duty service members were invited to stand and be acknowledged for their service.  Four WWII veterans, all over 100 years old, were honored for their service. 

East Ridge High School Song Director Robert Walker led the “Rhythm of the Knights”, in an arrangement of patroitic songs.

A rifle salute honored the fallen, followed by a moving performance of Echo Taps, resonating through the solemn crowd.

“We must never forget those who gave everything for this Country,” said Robert Mock, CTMC (SS), USN, Retired, and a member of the South Lake Florida Base Submarine Veterans. “As Americans, it is our duty to honor those soldiers who gave their lives and to ensure our younger generations understand that sacrifice and carry on the tradition.”

The ceremony was presented by the South Lake Florida Base Submarine Veterans, VFW Post 5277, American Legion Post 55, and the Marine Corps League Detachment 1120—organizations dedicated to honoring the legacy and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. 

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The spirit of community and compassion was on full display on Saturday, April 12, as nearly 300 people gathered at Clermont’s Waterfront Park for the 2025 Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Clermont 5K. The event, hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) of Central Florida, brought together people of all ages for a morning filled with fun, unity, and purpose.

Kicking off bright and early at 7 am, the event offered participants more than just a walk or dash. Children delighted in a lively egg hunt, and families took pictures with the Easter Bunny, making it a festive affair for everyone. Participants also received commemorative T-shirts and medals, adding a personal memento to an already unforgettable day.

Kristi McElroy, Area Executive Director of MADD Central Florida, shared the event’s success with pride: “This year’s Walk in Clermont had close to 300 attendees and doubled our fundraising goal—raising over $40,000.”

Whether walking, running, or cheering from the sidelines, attendees came together in support of MADD’s vital mission: to eliminate drunk and drugged driving, prevent underage drinking, and support victims and survivors of impaired driving crashes.

McElroy added, “We are looking forward to next year’s event as we continue to bring further awareness within our community to help save lives. Hope to see you there!”

Since its founding in 1980, MADD has been a leading voice in the fight against impaired driving. Events like the Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash 5K not only raise crucial funds but also serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together to create safer roads and stronger communities.

For more information on MADD or how to get involved, visit www.madd.org.

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The 2025 Florida Scholastic Rowing Association (FSRA) Sculling Championships took place this past weekend, April 12 and 13, at the world-class Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. Rowers from across the state gathered for two days of intense competition, with Lake County Rowing Association (LCRA) delivering a standout performance.

LCRA entered eight events and showed exceptional strength across the board, advancing to the finals in six events. Seven of LCRA’s boat crews finished in the top ten statewide—a remarkable achievement that reflects the team’s dedication and growth.

The weekend’s highlight came with a historic milestone: LCRA captured its first-ever state championship title. Junior standout Sophia Picciano secured the gold medal in the Girls Lightweight Single event, making her the first LCRA athlete to win a state title in the club’s history.

Parents and Coaches agree that this is a breakthrough moment for the program. “The entire team has been training relentlessly, and Sophia’s victory represents the heart and grit of what we’re building here,” says Vice President Dana Kelly.

The weekend’s success underscores the club’s rising profile in Florida’s competitive rowing scene and sets a strong foundation for the remainder of the 2025 season.

With momentum and excitement, LCRA athletes, families, and coaches now look ahead to the FSRA Sweep Championships and Southeast Regionals.  Stay tuned for more updates from this up-and-coming powerhouse on the water.

For more information on the LCRA, visit https://rowlcra.org/contact/

 SOUTH LAKE TABLET CONGRATULATES LCRA and Junior standout Sophia Picciano, both SOUTH LAKE Champions. 

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Sites will be selected based on volume, geography, and commitment, including the ability to participate from June 2 – August 8, 2025. For more information, contact Santos Maldonado at smaldonado@feedhopenow.org.

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Give A Day Foundation, Inc. organized the first Non-Profit Showcase on Monday, March 31st, at the Bella Collina Club Ballroom, located at 15920 County Road 455, Montverde, to bring attention to the mission statements of each organization in attendance.

The showcase, which accommodated 40+ organizations, was an event that gathered various non-profit organizations and community members to display their work, network, find collaboration opportunities, and offer new membership opportunities to area residents. The idea was born by Bella Collina resident Sandra Stewart to bring attention to so many organizations in the area that do so many wonderful things. The Bella Collina Club Ballroom provided a picturesque and inviting venue for the event, adding to the showcase’s success.

Organizations such as New Beginnings, Nurturing Spirit, Kiwanis Club of Clermont, Hands of Hope America, U.S. Naval Sea Cadets – Clermont Battalion, Clermont Fire Department Cadets, Christian Men in Action, Clermont Woman’s Club, South Lake Junior Women’s Club, Well of Hope, Thrive, Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation, Find Feed & Restore, The Neighborhood Center of South Lake and Building Blocks Ministries were but a few of the many organizations in attendance. Members of the non-profits also took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about their neighboring non-profits.

Give A Day Foundation (GADF) is a local non-profit that organizes volunteer opportunities for special events, non-profit functions, cleanup projects, and much more in the Clermont area.

 GADF was founded to help connect people who enjoy giving back to their community with volunteer service. The GADF also organized the local Think-Tank meetings – a bi-monthly gathering of volunteer organizations that share information, needs, and ideas.

Visit GiveADayFoundation.org for volunteer opportunities, community service hour needs, and meeting schedules.

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