Hometown Happenings 1120

(11/19/09)

Community Outreach

Love Your Neighbor announces that its monthly flea market has moved and will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. the third Saturday of every month beginning Nov. 21 at its warehouse located at 408 West Jefferson St., Brooksville. All proceeds benefit area families and the homeless. Vendors and garage sales are welcome. For more information, call John Rudny at 352-573-8756.

In addition, Love Your Neighbor provides a free community dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. every Sunday at American Legion Post 99 located at 208 East Fort Dade Ave., Brooksville. A food pantry, bread table, toiletries table, and clothing distribution will also be provided. Everyone is welcome. For information, call Lisa Callea at 352-428-9275 or John Callea at 352-428-9434.

People Helping People of Hernando will serve food from 4 to 6 p.m. the second and fourth Sunday of each month at the Senior Citizens Club of Hernando County, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill. The next meal will be served Nov. 22 and is free of charge to families and singles, alone or together, that are homeless or are struggling. The interfaith group has been formed to help feed the homeless and hungry of Hernando County. For information, call 352-573-4178.

Botanical

Spring Hill Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. John Korycki, Florida Yards and Neighborhoods coordinator for the Hernando County Extension Service, will speak on recent legislation that affects fertilization, irrigation and plantings that are encouraged for gated and deed-restricted communities. 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. Visit the gardens anytime during daylight hours. Volunteers are needed to help on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings. To volunteer or for information, call 352-683-9933 or visit online at www.naturecoastbotanicalgardens.com

Genealogy

Genealogy Society of Hernando County will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the LDS Family History Center, 21043 Yontz Road, Brooksville. Members will vote on a slate of officers for 2010. Visitors are welcome. For information, call Kathleen Marsh at 352-796-1623.

Community

United Communities of Hernando County will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at the Spring Hill Enrichment Center behind Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Guest speaker will be County Commissioner Jeff Stabins on the topic of current issues in the county. A question-and-answer session will be conducted following his presentation. For more information, call John Bloom at 352-686-1851.

SHARP Crime Watch is seeking day and night patrollers and dispatchers. SHARP Crime Watch has been in existence for 27 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.

State Clubs

Michigan Club will meet at 3:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. Dinner will follow at 4 p.m. at China One, 4241 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. For information, call George at 688-4198. Any former or current resident of Michigan is invited to join the club. For membership information, call Mary at 352-200-8072.

Wisconsin Club will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The speaker will be Dawn Easter of the Dawn Center, and election of officers for the new year will be conducted. The club's annual Christmas party will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Kally K's Restaurant, 3380 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. Annual dues are $8 per person, and anyone that has lived in Wisconsin at some time qualifies. For more information, call Carol Zellmer at 352-666-2974.

Illinois Club of Spring Hill will meet at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. A Christmas program and the election of officers will be featured. 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 Patricia Godfrey at 352-597-0346.

Business

Ali Lassen's Leads Club Business Partners of Hernando will meet from noon to 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Ercolano's Italian Restaurant, 4185 Mariner Blvd., at Northcliffe Boulevard, Spring Hill. Club members and visitors will order directly from the menu. A meeting will not be held in November due to the Thanksgiving holiday. 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. A membership fee is required to join the club. To attend or for information, call Dianne Hogg at 813-230-1728 or visit www.leadsfl.com

Ethnic

Italian American Club will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. The club's annual homemade Italian cookie swap will be featured, and the election of club officers will be held. Santa and Mrs. Clause will also be featured. In addition, the club will hold its Christmas party on Thursday, Dec. 17; and a full Christmas dinner, floor show and dancing will be featured. The object of the club is for fellowship, social activities, trips, picnics, games as well as interesting speakers plus occasional entertainers at its meetings. Dues are $20 per year, and it is not necessary to be Italian to join the club. If interested in attending as a visitor, call Joe at 352-799-5214 or Theresa at 683-6712.

Arts/Crafts

Weeki Wachee Woodcarvers Association will 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. Anyone interested in woodcarving or its related activities such as painting, burning, mounting, environment, etc. is invited to attend. Demonstrations of all aspects of carving are presented. The club consists of carvers from novice to master. Members share advice and ideas with whoever needs it; and socializing, dessert and coffee are featured. Membership dues are $15 annually, and applications are available at club meetings. All ages can participate, and guests are welcome. For more information, call George Lytle at 352-666-5092 or Mike Rice at 352-683-9087.

Music/Dance

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, George at 352-556-3936 or e-mail BASSharmonySingR@aol.com or visit its Web site at www.HernandoHarmonizers.org.

High Point Community ballroom dance lessons for beginners and intermediate dancers will be conducted from 2 to 3 p.m. every Wednesday, and the cost will be $5 per person per lesson. Practice and review will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, and the cost will be $4 per person. All classes will be held in the High Point Community Center, 12249 Club House Road, Brooksville. For more information, call instructors Ken and Margaret Hammond at 352-688-4867.

Recreation

Nature Coast Bridge Clubs holds duplicate bridge games Monday through Friday at the Senior Citizens Club of Hernando County, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill. Bridge players of all levels are welcome. For more information, call Millie Dabbs at 352-666-5891.

Social

VFW Post 8713 will hold its monthly pig roast at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Post located at 1681 East Jefferson St., Brooksville. Country Pride Band (Western) will provide entertainment from 2 to 5 p.m., and karaoke will be held beginning at 7 p.m. The donation is $5 per person. For more information, call the Post at 352-796-4449.

Seminar

DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 21, at Grace World Outreach Church located at 20366 Cortez Blvd. (truck route), Brooksville. Topics will include "What Emotions to Expect," "How to Plan and Prepare," How to Handle Uncomfortable Situations" and "Using the Holidays to Help you Heal." The seminar is for people who are hurting from the pain of separation or divorce and are struggling with the holiday season. The event will feature practical suggestions and guidance for holiday survival. The cost is $7 per person. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. Registration will be conducted on a first-come first-served basis. To register or for more information, contact the church office at 352-796-3685 or via e-mail at thereshope4u2@att.net.

Radio Clubs

Spring Hill Amateur Radio Club (SHARC) meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month at the Oak Hill Hospital Enrichment Center located at 11375 Cortez Blvd. 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 except meeting night, 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 information, visit the club's Web site 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.

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 more information, call 352-797-7018.

Sales/Flea Market

St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 8064 Weeping Willow St., off State Road 50, Brooksville, holds perogi and bake sales from noon to 3 p.m. every Wednesday. Bapka, apricot, prune, poppy and nut rolls, cookies and perogi will be featured. Phone orders will not be accepted on day of sales. For more information, call Alyce at 352-688-1839 or the church at 352-597-5589.

Hernando County Fairgrounds conducts a flea market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first and third Saturday and Sunday of every month at the Fairgrounds located at 6436 Broad St., Brooksville. Vendors are needed. The cost is $10 per space each day or $15 per space for both days. For more information, call 352-585-1062.

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 more information, call John and Kathy Schatzan at 352-585-7014 or 352-263-4701, or e-mail Schatzan@aol.com.

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 10 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. 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.

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 more 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.

Thrift Shops

Karen's Kit 'n Kaboodle (St. Andrew's Thrift Shop), 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, will be 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 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 pickup of large items, call 352-686-1114.

Jericho Road Ministries has a new 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.

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.

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.

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.