Hometown Happenings

Computer Club

Hernando Computer Club will present "Introduction to Computers with Windows Vista," part two of three, by Ron Purkhiser at 10 a.m. in the North Room; "Ebay" by Tim Neddy at 1 p.m. in the North Room; and "Linux Workshop" by Clint Pollitt at 7 p.m. in the South Room, all Monday, May 11, at Grace Presbyterian Church located at 8375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. 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 352-592-0070.

Genealogy

Genealogy Interest Group will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the West Hernando Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., off State Road 50, Brooksville. The public is welcome. For information, call Kathleen Marsh at 352-796-1623.

Seniors

Hernando County AARP Chapter 1026 will host its monthly meeting at noon on three separate dates as follows: Tuesdays, May 12, 19 and 26, at the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens located at 1489 Parker Ave., off Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The event will be catered either by Honeybaked Ham Co. & Café or Blue Moon Café. A complete box lunch will be available at a cost of $7.50 each, which must be paid in advance. Several menu choices will be available. A tour of the various specialized gardens will be featured at 1 p.m., during which Jim Moll of the Hernando County Extension Service will speak about gardening in Florida. Since seating is limited to 45 people per day, reservations are required. For reservations or information, call Bob at 352-596-0722 or Joyce at 352-688-6910.

Workshops

Writers Workshop will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the East Hernando Branch Library (Ridge Manor West), 6457 Windmere Road, Brooksville. Group members write fiction and/or life history. The workshop is free of charge, and experience is not necessary. The public is invited to attend. For information, call 352-583-2441.

Christian Church in the Wildwood will begin its Life Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, in Building C of the church located at 10051 Country Road, Weeki Wachee. The purpose of the program is to help anyone who is struggling with a hurt, habit or hang-up. There will be men's and women's groups available. Supper will be served from 5 to 6:15 p.m. in Building D of the church, and first-time visitors will be free of charge. Also, Wednesday classes are scheduled for children from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Building A. For information, call Joyce Myers at 225-253-0828.

Business

Ali Lassen's Spring Hill Professionals' Leads Club will meet from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the Boston Cooker Restaurant, 5375 Spring Hill Drive, just east of U.S. 19, Spring Hill. The cost for lunch is $13 per person, to be paid at the meeting. The restaurant will not accept personal checks. Speakers will be Joe Jeffords, owner and certified operator, J&J Pest Away, Inc.; and Dean Welshans, MCSE, director of McDavidWelshans Consulting, Inc. At club meetings, members describe their businesses and what they do to help their clients. Word-of-mouth advertising, positive referrals and networking are marketing tools to expand a business. Ali Lassen's Leads Club is open to business owners, professionals, salespersons, managers, etc. To attend or for information, call Lois Bleicher at 352-200-4809 or visit www.leadsfl.com

Library Programs

Hernando County Public Library System will show a movie at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at the Spring Hill Branch Library located at 9220 Spring Hill Drive. Seventy five members of a football team were killed in a plane crash on a fateful night in 1970. The film follows the struggle of those who were left behind to deal with the loss. The movie is rated PG and runs 124 minutes. The program is free of charge, and registration is not required. Light refreshments will be provided. For the movie title or information, call 352-540-6391.

Book Discussion Group will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, May 18, at the Main Branch Public Library, 238 Howell Ave, Brooksville. The group will be discussing "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. The poignant and funny novel is engrossing with engaging characters. Registration is not required, but copies of the book are limited. Check out a copy at the Main Library to join the informal discussion. For information, call 352-754-4043.

Recreation

Spring Hill Camera Club meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of the month at the Oak Hill Enrichment Center, located behind Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. The topic of the May 11 meeting will be "Lighting," such as portrait/studio lighting; natural light; window light; strobes/fill light; and corrections via computer assistance. Club business and an informative presentation are held the second Monday of the month. A photo competition meeting is held the fourth Monday of the month. Membership is open to all beginning and experienced film and digital photographers. Guests, visitors and new members are welcome. For information, call Strat Simon at 684-1850 or visit the Web site http://meckstein.com/shcc/Home.html.

Arts/Crafts

Hernando Porcelain Artists will hold a spring luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 18, at Kally K's Restaurant, 3383 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. Guests are welcome. For information, call Kay at 352-597-1614.

Weeki Wachee Woodcarvers meet from 7 to 9 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Weeki Wachee Senior Center located at the corner of Susan Drive and Toucan Trail, Spring Hill. The club consists of carvers from novices to masters. Members share advice and ideas with whomever might need it. Dessert and coffee will be served. Anyone interested in woodcarving or its related activities is invited to attend. Annual dues are $15 per person, and membership applications are available at club meetings. For information, call George Lytle at 352-666-5092 or Mike Rice at 352-683-9087.

Suncoast Ship Model Society will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 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 or visit www.geocities.com/suncoastshipmodelsociety/

Social

West Hernando-Spring Hill Hadassah will hold its closing meeting at 1 p.m. Monday, May 11, at Temple Beth David, 13158 Antelope St., Spring Hill. Following the installation of the 2009-2010 officers, a program is planned. Refreshments will be served. For information, call Rose at 352-688-1686.

Grace Presbyterian Women's Gathering will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 11, in Fellowship Hall of Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The program will be the installation of new officers and a memorial program for past members. The Birthday Offering will be received, and the Coordinating Team will serve refreshments. For information, call 352-683-2082.

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; scholarship, Columbus Day and Christmas. In March, the Lodge sponsors a St. Joseph Day community Mass and complimentary spaghetti dinner. In September, annual picnic. Membership is open to all; it is not necessary to be of Italian heritage. Dues are $40 per person, plus a one-time payment of $15 to the state lodge. For information, call Gene Gesselli at 352-596-9456.

Out n' About Singles meets at 7 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at St. Andrew's Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. The club is a singles group for people 30-60 years of age living in the tri-county area of Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties. The group offers dining, picnics, listening to music, biking, walking, boating, going to movies and visiting area attractions and parks as well as supporting community and charity events. The group also meets for a meeting/social at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Dunkin' Donuts in the Coastal Way shopping center, 13179 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. For information, call 352-797-6116.

Radio Club

Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Club will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, May 18, at its club house located at 6909 Tierra Verde St., Port Richey. All HAMS and those interested in HAM radio are welcome to attend. 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.

Military/Veterans

Hernando Beach VFW Post 9236 will hold a Memorial Day service at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 25. Snacks will be served following the ceremony. All members and guests are welcome to attend. For information, call the Post at 352-596-9236.

Sales

St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 8064 Weeping Willow St., off State Road 50, Brooksville, will hold the last day of its perogi and bake sales from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, before the summer recess. Bapka, poppy seed, nut, apricot, and prune rolls will be featured. Sales will resume in September. For information, call Alyce at 352-688-1839 or the church at 352-597-5589.
Spring Hill Garden Club members maintain the plant nursery located at 1489 Parker Ave., off Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, and the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens adjacent the nursery. Visit the gardens anytime during daylight hours. For information, call 352-683-9933 or visit online at www.naturecoastbotanicalgardens.com

Youth Activities

Grace Lutheran Church is offering a Toddler Power Hour for 2-3 year olds with an adult at 10 a.m. Tuesdays; and a Mommy & Me class for 0-18 months to play and interact at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, at the church located at 411 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. Both sessions will have Bible stories and activities for children and parenting tips for adults. For information, call Director Jason Draeger at 352-688-1057.

St. Anthony Catholic Church will hold "Mommy & Me" from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the church located at 20428 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Children must be between 2 and 5 years old. The cost is $35 per child annually. For information or to enroll a child, call 352-796-2096.

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.

Fraternal

Fraternal Order of Eagles, Hallcrest Aerie 4497, is open from noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Aerie located at 1391 Kass Circle, Spring Hill. The Aerie is accepting new members, dual membership transfers, and previous members. Activities are as follows: karaoke is held Saturday evenings, free pool Thursdays, bowling machine tournament, monthly barbecue party, auctions, yard sales, holiday parties, fundraising, raffle. The Aerie has all new officers and new trustees. For information, call 352-684-3860.

Aripeka Elks Lodge 2520 will present Ed Salmon's String Band every Monday at the Lodge located at 9135 Denton Ave., Hudson. Doors will open at 4 p.m.; and sandwich of choice, doughnut and coffee will be served at 6 p.m. Dancing will be held until 8:30 p.m. including strutting, line dancing and couples. The cost is $3 per person. In addition, the Lodge will serve dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the Lodge. The cost of dinner will range from $6.50 to $8.

Thrift Shops

SPCA Thrift Shop, 9075 Grant St., 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 352-592-4709.

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), 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The boutique-style shop features a $5 bag sale the second Tuesday of every 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 pickup of large items, call 352-686-1114.

Jericho Road Ministries has a thrift store located at 16479 Wiscon Road, Brooksville, and in the Sunrise Plaza at 31170 Cortez Blvd., Ridge Manor, and also has an expanded book department at its thrift store located at 15319 Cortez Blvd. (State Road 50), Brooksville. 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 thrift stores were established for the purpose of supporting the Jericho Road Men's Rescue Mission Shelter located at 1090 Mondon Hill Road in Brooksville. Donations are welcome and can be brought to the Wiscon Road thrift store during business hours or larger items can be picked 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.