Governor Rick Scott, in accordance with the proclamation issued by the President, has asked that all state and local governments join him in honor of those who serve in law enforcement, and, in honor of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, fly their United States and State flags at half-staff on May 15, 2012.

• Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old
• Are unemployed
• Received an other than dishonorable discharge
• Are not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)
• Are not in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability
• Are not enrolled in a federal or state job training program

It is limited to 45,000 participants in FY 2012, and to 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants receive $1,473 per month and DoL will offer employment assistance to every Veteran who participates or applies to the VRAP program. Please see the following websites for more information:  http://benefits.va.gov/vow/education.htm and http://www.gibill.va.gov/documents/VRAP_High_Demand.pdf. Procedures on how to apply will be released in the near future.

(reprinted from The Putnam Grapevine, May 11, 2012)

FREE TO THE PUBLIC!  FREE LUNCH!  FREE REGISTRATION!

Register Now!

• Archery Range
• Alligator Hunting Workshop
• Deer Hunting Tactics
• Dog Hunting Florida
• First Aide/Survival
• Fishing Dock provided by Florida Wildlife Commission
• Frog Gigging Workshop
• Shotgun, Rifle and Blackpowder Ranges
• Hog Hunting Workshop
• OutdoorPhotography – 101
• Trapping Fundamentals
• TurkeyHunting Tactics
• Waterfowl Hunting and Identification
• Bird Dogs
• Wildlife Displays
• Pet a Live Alligator

When: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Where: On the West bound right of way of HWY 318, which is across the street from the Frank Stronach Plant Science Center, 2556 West Hwy 318, Citra FL 32113. The Center is 2.5 miles East of 441.

Why: The ribbon cutting at the opening reception is scheduled to occur at 11:30 AM. The Marion County commissioners, Governor Rick Scott, and Adena Ranch owner Frank Stronach are all reportedly planning to attend. It’s our chance to show them how we feel. My attorney was told we would not need a permit. If that changed, we would be informed. We have not heard anything back within the last seven days, so we are proceeding with the rally.

What to do: Make a poster stating how you feel about the Adena CUP, protecting Silver Springs, or the protection and preservation of your aquifer and what you want your legislators to do about it. Use large lettering we will be across the street. Please be respectful and do not go on the Center’s property: we do not have permission. You will be in the sun, so bring water and a hat. Bringing a chair may give them cause to make us leave so I recommend you don’t do that. Do not arrive before 10:00 AM, and we must leave by 1:00PM. This is a grassroots gathering of concerned citizens not sponsored by any organization.

Some additional related background information:

• http://www.ocala.com/article/20120404/ARTICLES/120409888/1412?Title=Law-firm-will-monitor-Adena-Ranch-water-permit-request
• http://www.ocala.com/article/20120417/ARTICLES/120419718
• http://lakeareawateralliance.blogspot.com/2012/04/act-now-protect-silver-springs.html