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Hernando Today

Hometown Happenings 0724

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By KAREN RAIMONDI | Hernando Today

Published: July 24, 2010

Education

Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service will offer the following classes: "Back to Basics – Native Plants" at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 26, at the Extension Service office located at 1653 Blaise Drive, Brooksville. "Lawn Care Made Easy" at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. Registration is not required for any of the classes; but seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. The classes will be free of charge and will be open to the public. The Extension Service is an educational program which exists to serve the educational needs of the community. For more information, call the Extension Service office at 352-754-4433 or visit its Web site at www.co.hernando.fl.us/County_Extension/

Botanical

Spring Hill Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, at Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. A potluck luncheon and plant raffle are planned; bring a dish to share and a place setting. Members of the club maintain the plant nursery located at 1489 Parker Ave., off Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, the waterfall area at the entrance to Spring Hill on U.S. 19, and the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens adjacent the nursery. The nursery is open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Saturdays. Visit the gardens anytime during daylight hours. For information, call 352-683-9933 or visit its website at www.naturecoastbotanicalgardens.com.

Hernando Chapter of Florida Native Plant Society will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2, at the American Legion hall located at 208 East Fort Dade Ave., Brooksville. The program will be "Dragonflies, Butterflies and other Fauna and Flora of the Flatwoods" by Don Stillwaugh. As a charter member of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), Stillwaugh has served as coordinator for 11 NABA butterfly counts. Members of the Chapter host the garden party to share experiences in using native plants and offer suggestions regarding which plants work best for certain locations. The program will feature slideshows of plants and their placement, and several of the plants discussed will be available via a Florida native plant auction. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free of charge, and the public is welcome. For more information, call Miki at 352-799-4839 or Brooke at 352-583-5085, contact the Hernando Chapter Board at hcfnps@gmail.com or visit its Web site at www.hcfnps.org.

Seniors

Hernando County AARP Chapter 1026 invites members and guests to its monthly meeting at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 29, at the Knights of Columbus hall located at 10470 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. A presentation by David J. Siebert, hearing aid specialist from St. Luke's Institute, on the topic, "You are listening..what are you missing?" will be featured. The cost for the buffet-style meal will be $8.50 per person. Reservations are required. For reservations or information, call Bob at 352-596-0722.

Library Programs

Hernando County Public Library System will host quilting classes presented by Helga Curtis at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 29, at the East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Brooksville. The program is free of charge. For information, call the library program staff at 352-540-6391.

Public Library System will host a seven-week session of children's stories and crafts programs to be held every Friday, which began June 25 and will continue through Aug. 6, at the West Hernando Branch Library located at 6335 Blackbird Ave., off State Road 50, near Weeki Wachee. The time schedule will be as follows: 11 to 11:30 a.m. for children 18 to 35 months; and 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for children 3 to 5 years old. The programs will be presented by the Kiwanis Club of the Nature Coast; and the themed programs will consist of a variety of stories, songs, games and crafts. Registration is not required. For information, call 352-540-6391 or visit its website at www.hcpl.lib.fl.us.

Computer Club

Hernando Computer Club will present "What's New in Windows 7," part four of four, by Ron Purkhiser at 10 a.m., and "Introduction to Computers with Windows Vista," part four of four, by Ron Purkhiser at 1 p.m., both Tuesday, July 27, in the North Room of the Education B building of Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The cost for lecture classes is $2 per person. Lecture classes do not require registration, but hands-on classes require preregistration. The public is welcome. For information, visit the club's Web site at www.hcc.org or call the club at 352-684-7171.

Genealogy

Genealogy Society of Hernando County will hold a share and discussion meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, at the LDS Family History Center, 21043 Yontz Road, Brooksville. Visitors are welcome. For information, call Kathleen Marsh at 352-796-1623.

Arts/Crafts

Suncoast Ship Model Society will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, at the Weeki Wachee Senior Citizens Club located at the corner of Toucan Trail and Susan Drive in Spring Hill. All modelers interested in building model ships and boats are invited. For information, call Jim at 352-592-6419.

State Club

Illinois Club of Spring Hill will meet at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, in the fellowship hall of Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Featured speaker will be David Michalicka of the Florida Crime Prevention Task Force. The object of the club is to promote fellowship, social and fraternal activities for former residents of Illinois. In addition to monthly meetings, activities include eating out at a local restaurant each month and group travel opportunities. Annual dues are $12 per person. All former Illinois residents and their partners are invited to join the club or to come as a guest prior to making a decision to join. For information, call Pat Godfrey at 352-597-0346.

Sales

Christ Lutheran Church has added an additional order date to its July schedule for Angel Food orders. Orders will be accepted from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 24, at the church located at 475 North Avenue West, Brooksville. Orders can be placed using cash, food stamps (EBT), debit and credit. Online orders can also be placed through Sunday, July 25, at www.clcfla.org. Angel Food Ministries provides reduced cost food on a monthly basis and is available for anyone to order. For more information, call the Angel Food hotline at 352-799-3452.

Superior Bank will host a weekly garage sale mania on Fridays in July from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Spring Hill branch located at 1300 Pinehurst Drive. Participants can supply own table and set it up in the parking lot at a fee of $5 for the space. All fees collected will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters, which Superior's Spring Hill branch sponsors. Participation in the weekly garage sale is open to non-customers as well as customers of the bank. If interested in setting up a table or for more information, call the bank's Spring Hill office at 352-666-5200.

Political Club

Hernando County Democratic Women's Club will host its third annual "Men Can Cook" event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Delta Woods Park pavilion located at 3400 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. The food-tasting event will feature chili, short ribs, fried fish, salads and desserts including James Yant's carrot cake, etc. A donation will be appreciated. For information, call Terri at 352-799-8034.

Community

Suncoast Christian Church will conduct a couponing workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at the church located at 8449 Cobb Road, Brooksville. The workshop will teach participants how to save money on their grocery bill by using coupons effectively. Registration is required, and seating will be available for the first 60 registrants. Refreshments will be available. To register or for information, call the church at 352-797-0401.

Second Amendment Club of America will meet Monday, July 26, at the Cotee River Café, 12830 Shady Hills Road, Spring Hill. Social hour will begin at 6 p.m., and the general meeting will be held at 7 p.m. The club is open to all who believe in and support the second amendment regardless of political party. For more information, call 727-841-8507 or visit its website at www.secondamendmentclub.org.

Hernando County Community Anti-Drug Coalition meets at 3:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of every month at the Harbor, 7074 Grove Road, Brooksville. The Coalition is a group of county citizens united in a common goal – to successfully prevent, significantly reduce, and effectively manage substance abuse issues in all segments of the community. The public is welcome and is encouraged to become a member of the Coalition. For more information, call 352-596-8000.

Chill Smart, the youth group of the Hernando County Community Anti-Drug Coalition, meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Harbor, 7074 Grove Road, Brooksville. Its membership is open to Hernando County middle- and high school-aged youth. The youth group's role is to assist in planning and implementing strategies that target underage drinking, tobacco and drug use. The public is welcome to attend its meetings, and teenagers are encouraged to become members. For more information, call 352-596-8000.

Recreation

Nature Coast Bridge Center will hold bridge lessons from 11 a.m. to noon every Wednesday during the month of July at the Hernando County Senior Citizens Center, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill. Beverly Tillberry, certified American Contract Bridge League teacher, will offer lessons on Standard American bidding. The fee of $30 per person will include four classes and entry fee for the same day 299er game. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. For information, call Beverly at 352-556-3892.

The $50 Investment Club will meet at 8:30 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Edward Jones office, 3296 U.S. 19, Spring Hill. New members are invited to attend. For information, call Ross or Wynn Keith at 352-596-2649.

Elks Lodge 2582 holds "Dime Jingle" at 10:30 a.m. every Monday, except holidays, at the Lodge located at 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The game is similar to bingo except playing cards are used. Bring 14 dimes and two quarters. The event is open to members and the public. For information, call the Lodge at 352- 596-2582.

Radio Clubs

Spring Hill Amateur Radio Club (SHARC) meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at the Oak Hill Hospital Enrichment Center. Anyone interested in Ham Radio is welcome to attend. Testing for an FCC license is conducted at 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the same location. The club operates a 2-meter repeater on 146.805 MHz (no tone). Every Tuesday the club conducts a Club net at 7:30 p.m. Anyone with a Ham Radio license is welcome to participate in both nets and attend monthly meetings. For club information, visit its website at www.kf4ixu.org or call Ed at 352-684-7623.

Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Club invites those interested in HAM radio to join the group on its radio net at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday nights on the club's repeater WA4GDN, 146.670 MHz and read the club's newsletter at www.gulfcoastarc.org. For information, call John at 727-848-7785.

Crime Watch

SHARP Crime Watch is seeking day and night patrollers and dispatchers. SHARP Crime Watch has been in existence for 28 years watching over the Spring Hill area. Patrollers are provided with radios and patrols his or her own area. Dispatchers keep close contact with the Sheriff's Department, Animal Services, Road Department, Code Enforcement, etc. SHARP makes daily calls to the elderly who live alone and will also watch someone's home when the residents are out of town. SHARP meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Senior Citizens Club of Hernando County, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill. If interested in volunteering, attend the monthly meeting or call 352-683-5936.

Seniors Activities

Senior Citizens Club of Hernando County offers the following activities at the hall located at 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill: bingo will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday, and card games are held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday. For information, call Barbara at 352-683-2440. For information regarding crafts, line dancing and Weight Watchers, call the club at 352-596-1095. Group road trips such as Biloxi, Sterling and Hard Rock plus cruises are periodically arranged for members and their guests. Club membership is $20 annually. For information, call the club at 352-596-1095.

Adult Education

HEART Literacy Adult Education Program is offering reading, math, language arts, free Pre-GED testing, Florida Ready to Work (work credentials for employment), and ESOL (English for Speakers of other languages). All classes are free of charge, and child care is also offered free of charge at most sites. An appointment is not necessary. To sign up, bring a Florida photo I.D. to any of the following sites: Career Central, 7361 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill, from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; Northcliffe Baptist Church, 10515 Northcliffe Blvd., Spring Hill, from 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday and Wednesday; Grace World Outreach Church, 20366 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday; HEART Literacy, 801 North Broad St., Brooksville, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. For information, call 352-797-7018.

Music

Hernando Harmonizers has openings for singers. Men who love to sing are invited to join the Hernando Harmonizers of the Barbershop Harmony Society from 6:45 to 9:15 p.m. every Monday at Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, just north of the intersection of State Road 50 and U.S. 19, Weeki Wachee. Singers have an opportunity to participate in community performances, annual show, competitions, etc. For more information, call John at 352-666-0633 or George at 352-556-3936, or visit its website at www.HernandoHarmonizers.org.

Spring Hill Acoustic Guitar Club meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of every month for a jam and song circle. All styles are welcome at all playing levels. The club's goal is to play together, have fun doing it and to provide encouragement and support for each other in an effort to become better players. Also, the club is available to perform at nonprofit and social club events. For information, call Curt at 352-666-3951 or Ken at 352-684-6789.

Social

Sons of Italy, Nature Coast Lodge 2502, Order of Italy of America, holds a monthly dinner/business meeting the third Wednesday; a "social night" at a local restaurant monthly on the first Wednesday; three yearly dinner-dances; St. Joseph Day Mass and an annual picnic. The Lodge supports local charities and sponsors bowling, bocce, Italian culture and classes, and yearly trips. Membership is open to all; it is not necessary to be of Italian heritage. For information, call Eugene at 352-684-7460 or Irma at 352-686-5946.

Marine Corps League, Spring Hill Detachment 708, holds a steak shoot from 1 to 3 p.m. every Tuesday at the Detachment located at 8405 Sunshine Grove Road, off State Road 50, Brooksville. The Leatherneck Lounge and Gunny's Galley will be open for the purchase of food and beverages. The Gunny's Galley serves Sunday breakfast from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday (Fridays only until 2 p.m.), plus pasta night from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays; wing and basket night from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays; and seafood night from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays. The Leatherneck Lounge is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Daily specials are available from the Galley and the Lounge. The Detachment is open to all veterans and the public seven days a week. For information, call 352-597-7979 and ask for the lounge.

Thrift Shops

SPCA Thrift Shop, 9075 Grant St., adjacent to the shelter, Brooksville, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Housewares, books, games, toys and clothing for the entire family are featured. All clothes are $5 a bag. All proceeds from the thrift shop benefit the care and upkeep of the animals at the shelter. Donations are welcome and can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays or Fridays, but large furniture or appliances cannot be accepted. To reach the SPCA shelter and thrift shop, take Sunshine Grove Road (off State Road 50) to Taylor Street, then turn left onto Grant Street. For information, call the thrift shop at 352-540-5727.

Also, the SPCA is seeking volunteers to provide companionship and assist in the care of the dogs and cats at the shelter. Day and hours are flexible. For more information, call the shelter at 352-596-7000. In addition, the SPCA of Hernando County is seeking a clinical microscope in an effort to reduce operating costs of the no-kill animal shelter. To donate a microscope, call 352-596-7000.

Daystar Lifecenter Thrift Store, 7120 Hope Hill Road, off State Road 50, Brooksville, is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays. Clothing, crafts, furniture, housewares, books, small appliances, electrical items and Christmas decorations are offered. The store is located one-quarter mile behind St. Anthony Catholic Church. To schedule a pickup or for information, call 352-799-5930.

Karen's Kit 'n Kaboodle (St. Andrew's Thrift Shop) will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday but will be closed on Saturday during June, July and August. The boutique-style shop is located at 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, and features a $5 bag sale the second Tuesday of the month. Donations are appreciated and can be left in the shop during hours of operation or in the drop-off bin after hours. To volunteer or schedule pick-up of large items, call 352-686-1114.

Jericho Road Ministries has a thrift store in the Winchester Plaza located at 5260 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, in addition to its stores located at 16479 Wiscon Road, Brooksville, and in the Sunrise Plaza at 31170 Cortez Blvd., Ridge Manor. All stores are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Clothing for adults and children, household items, furniture, kitchenware, toys, as well as numerous specialty items are available for sale. The Ministry has a women's shelter, Mary's House, which is located at 1163 Howell Ave., Brooksville. The thrift stores were established for the purpose of supporting the Jericho Road Men's Rescue Mission Shelter located at 1090 Mondon Hill Road, Brooksville. Donations are welcome and can be brought to any of the thrift stores during business hours or larger items can be scheduled for pick-up daily. For information or to schedule a pick-up, call 352-797-9009.

Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store, 19450 Cortez Blvd., in the Brooksville Square Shopping Center, Brooksville, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Clothing for adults and children, furniture, household items, kitchenware, books and a holiday room are featured. Donations are welcome and can be delivered to the thrift store during business hours. Larger items can be picked up Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Volunteers are needed to work in the thrift store or on construction. Habitat established the thrift store to support the construction of decent and affordable Habitat houses for low-income eligible individuals who are willing to partner in the building of someone else's home and their home. For information, call 352-754-1159.

Seniors Programs

Mid-Florida Community Services provides nutritious meals year-round to seniors age 60 and over. Seniors are welcome to visit any one of its four dining sites within the county. In addition, the Meals on Wheels program provides nutritious lunches five days a week to seniors who are homebound. The daily contact by the program's volunteers ensures a visit by someone who provides companionship, while checking on the person's health and well being. Volunteers are welcome, and donations are appreciated. For information, call 352-796-1425 or 352-796-0485.

Experience Works, a senior work force solution, provides information and assistance with employment and training to income eligible seniors age 55 and older. For information, call Amy at 352-200-3042.

Equine Rescue

Schatzan Ranch is a nonprofit horse rescue/rehab facility that is accepting donations of any kind, i.e. monies, time, supplies, or services. Donations are tax deductible and are all used for the horses. Appointments can be arranged to visit the ranch. For an appointment or information, call John and Kathy Schatzan at 352-585-7014 or 352-263-4701, or e-mail Schatzan@aol.com.

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