5 Things To Know Today (March 15): Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Votel To Speak at Sheriff's Luncheon and More

Time out to honor deputies and civilians who work for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is on tap for today, March 15, along with two Relay For Life meetings, a community open house to discuss sinkhole issues and a support group in Brandon for people with depression and bipolar disorder. We wrap up this “five things to know” list with a link to the Brandon Patch guide for learning more about, and sending aid to, Japan.

1. Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee, with U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base, has scheduled a March 15 appreciation luncheon to honor deputies and civilians who have served, or are serving, as active duty or reservists in the nation’s military. The keynote speaker for this first-ever luncheon honoring individuals in these capacities is  Maj. Gen.  Joseph L. Votel, chief of staff, U.S. Special Operations Command, at MacDill.  
2. On the calendar March 15 for the Seffner/Dover Relay For Life and the FishHawk Relay For Life are a FishHawk team captain party, at 6 p.m. at Sunset Bay Chapel in Lithia, and a team captain meeting, at 6:30 p.m. at Delaney Creek Lodge. For information about these Relays, and the four others in the Greater Brandon/Plant City region, including team numbers, monies raised and dates, visit the latest Brandon Patch . (Note: An update to post at noon.)
3. The Hillsborough County’s Public Utilities Department is scheduled to convene tonight, March 15, a Community Open House to discuss the sinkhole at the Southeast County Landfill. The meetings, from 6 to 8 p.m., is scheduled for the University of Florida IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center,  at 14625 County Road 672 in Balm. Among the topics of discussion: repairs underway and groundwater quality monitoring.
4. A support group for people with depression or bipolar disorder meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at Brandon Christian Church, 910 Bryan Road.
5. The response for Japan earthquake and tsunami relief continues as the breaking news from that region continues to take on a more ominous tone. Brandon Patch compiled as a .