DATELINES

Credit Card Awareness Class To Be Held Twice

SPRING HILL - Hernando County Cooperative Extension will provide a one-hour class on "Credit Card Awareness" on consecutive weeks. The class is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, at the Hernando County Extension classroom, located near the fairgrounds.

For more information or to register for one of the free classes, call Scott Taylor at 754-4433.

County Connection Will Begin Thursday

BROOKSVILLE - Registrations are being accepted for the January session of the "County Connection" program. It is scheduled to run from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on a weekly basis from today till March 12. The sessions will take place at various county facilities. It is a 10-week program that provides participants with an inside look into county government. Transportation, public safety, the budget, judicial services and utilities services will be among the many topics covered.

or more information, call Brenda Frazier at 540-6780. People may also learn more about the program or register for it by visiting www.co.hernando.fl.us.

Playground To Remain Closed Until Jan. 12

BROOKSVILLE - The Hernando County Parks Department has closed the playground at Ernie Weaver Youth Park until Saturday, Jan. 12. The park's playground, located at 19473 Youth Drive, is being renovated. All of the equipment is being replaced.

For more information, call 754-4154.

Brooksville Idol Contest Will Begin Jan. 12

BROOKSVILLE - For the second year in a row, Brooksville Elks No. 2582 will sponsor the Elks Idol Contest. The first day is Saturday, Jan. 12, during which the contestant will choose his or her own song. On Jan. 19, contestants will perform a country song.

For the finale, scheduled for Jan. 26, songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s will be chosen. Contestants must sign up in the lounge. Winners will be awarded prizes. Snacks will be provided. There will be judges, but attendees in the lounge will get to vote by paper ballot.

For more information, call Kathy Minotti at 596-2582.

Landscaping For Wildlife Seminar To Be Held Jan. 15

SPRING HILL - A free class, "Landscaping for Wildlife," will be presented by Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program coordinator John Korycki at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, at the Forest Oaks Government Center, located at 7479 Forest Oaks Blvd. Korycki will teach people how to create a wildlife habitat in their backyards - a habitat that would attract birds, butterflies and other animals. Space is limited.

For more information, call 754-4433.

Art Reception Scheduled For Jan. 16

BROOKSVILLE - The public is invited to attend an art reception and meet the artists whose works are on display in the Winter Art Exhibit in City Hall. The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16.

For more information, call 544-5407.

Fine Arts Council Applications Due Jan. 22

BROOKSVILLE - The Hernando County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications from those interested in filling four unexpired terms on the Fine Arts Council. One is effective until Dec. 31, 2010, and the other three are effective until Dec. 31, 2011. The purpose of the council is to promote the arts and to support groups associated with the arts in Hernando County. Applications are available at the County Administrator's Office, located at 20 N. Main St. in room 461. They must be returned to the same office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22. Applicants must be residents and registered voters in Hernando County. This is a voluntary, non-paid position. For more information, call 754-4002.

Health Care Board Applications Due Jan. 22

BROOKSVILLE - The Hernando County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications from those interested in filling the six vacancies on the Health Care Advisory Board. The vacancies are for an institutional medicine industry representative, health-care consumer, managed-care representative, post-secondary education representative, long-term care industry representative and a non-profit health care provider representative. All terms are effective until Dec. 31, 2009. There also is a vacancy for a community health organization representative effective until Oct. 17, 2008. Applications are available at the County Administrator's Office, located at 20 N. Main St. in room 460. They must be returned at the same office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22. Applicants must be registered voters in Hernando County. This is a voluntary, non-paid position.

For more information, call 754-4002.