Hometown Happenings 0821

Community Outreach

Second Chance Restoration Ministries will host a free day for the needy beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at the ministry located at 19235 Cortez Blvd., in the Killingsworth Plaza, Brooksville. Clothes, school uniforms, shoes, toys, electronics, etc. will be distributed free of charge. Complimentary refreshments such as hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served. For information, call 352-585-6083.

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church will conduct a free bread giveaway from 9 to 10 a.m. every Saturday at the church located at 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. For information, call the church office at 352-683-2010.

Political Club

Nature Coast 9.12 and Hernando 9.12 Project meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, in the lounge at Spring Hill Lanes, 3447 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. Guest speakers will be County Commissioner Dave Russell Jr.; Sandra K. Nicholson, candidate for Hernando County School Board, District 5 (up for re-election); and Jim Piccillo, candidate for U.S. Congress, District 5. Admission will be free of charge, and all non-members are welcome. For information, call 352-597-6756 or visit online at www.meetup.com/Nature-Coast-912-Project.

Seniors

Hernando County AARP Chapter 1026 invites members and guests to its regular meeting at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at The Outlet Mall (south entrance) located at 3021 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. Topic will be "Identity Theft...Deter, Detect, Defend, Avoid" by Ed Vance of the Tampa office of Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union. The cost of the "meet and eat" will be $8.50 per person. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. For reservations or information, call Bob at 352-596-0722.

Education

Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service will offer a class titled, "Successful Fall and Winter Vegetable Gardening in Florida" at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. Proper timing and care for a Florida vegetable garden will be discussed. Registration is not required; but seating will be on a first-come, first-seated basis. The class 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, Aug. 31, at Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Kathy Grandoff of "Unbelievable Hibiscus" will speak and bring plants for sale. 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.

Library Programs

Hernando County Public Library System will show a movie at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The heartwarming true story is an American adaptation of a Japanese tale about a loyal dog named Hachiko. The movie is rated G and runs 93 minutes. The program is free of charge, and registration is not required. Light refreshments will be provided. For the movie title or more information, call the library program staff at 352-540-6391.

Computer Club

Hernando Computer Club will present "PC Maintenance and Security" by Gray Alexander at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 23; and "Introduction to Computers with Windows 7," part three of four, by Brigitte Haag at 1 p.m. in the North Room and the feature event of the month, "Making a Mirror Image Backup" by Gray Alexander at 7 p.m., both Tuesday, Aug. 24. Also, the club will present "Facebook and Social Networking" by Steve Kirman at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, in the North Room of the Education B building at 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.

Community

Second Amendment Club of America will meet Monday, Aug. 23, 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 information, call 727-841-8507 or visit its website at www.secondamendmentclub.org.

West Hernando Tea Party will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the 50-50 Consignment Shop, 1403 Kass Circle, off Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The nonprofit, grassroots organization is attempting to steer government back to the Founding Fathers' vision for America - the U.S. Constitution. The group is not affiliated with any political party, and everyone is welcome. For information, call Debra at 352-610-4436 or 666-2903.

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.

Music

Opera Lovers Club will celebrate its sixth anniversary with a special event to be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, in the clubhouse of the Forest Glenn Retirement Village located at 1431 Friar Tuck Lane, off Osowaw Boulevard, Spring Hill. A potluck lunch and a "get to know you social" will be featured. The club will provide a cake and cold drinks, but participants are requested to bring a dish or salad to share. For information, visit http://naturecoastwebsites.com/opera.htm, e-mail jsquier1939@earthlink.net or call Kathy Hoover at 352-688-4741.

Hernando Hills Hi-Lites will meet at 7 p.m. every Monday at Mariner United Methodist Church, 7079 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The women's chorus invites women of all races and creeds who can carry a tune and love to sing. The chorus sings a cappella, four-part harmony. All are invited to rehearse Christmas music for the chorus' annual Christmas show in December. The Hi-Lites perform at many community functions, as well as private celebrations and are members of Harmony, Inc., an organization of over 20,000 outstanding women, and compete at area and international levels. For information, call Tessie at 352-686-4122.

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 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.

Genealogy

Genealogy Society of Hernando County will hold a share and discussion meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the LDS Family History Center, 21043 Yontz Road, Brooksville. Visitors are welcome. For information, call Kathleen Marsh at 352-796-1623.

Recreation

West Hernando Coin Club will meet at 6:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at the Community Center of The Heather located on U.S. 19, two miles north of State Road 50, Weeki Wachee. Educational speaker will be Jack Iaci on the topic of "Error Coins and Varieties." Refreshments, educational speakers, door prizes and auctions will be featured. Children and beginning collectors are welcome. For information, contact Vincent at 352-678-7769.

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.

Fraternal

Elks Lodge 2582 will offer karaoke by Kevin Moglia at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Lodge located at 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The event is for members and guests. In addition, the Lodge will offer wings and things at 6 p.m. every other Saturday in August and September, which began Aug. 14, in the lounge of the Lodge located at 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The varied menu will include a choice of South Carolina jumbo wings, chicken tenders, chicken nacho platter, beef nacho platter, cheese quesadilla, chicken quesadilla, popcorn shrimp, homemade onion rings, potato skins and fries. This will be in conjunction with juke box Saturday night. For information, call the Lodge at 352-596-2582.

In addition, the Lodge holds bingo from 4:30 to 10 p.m. every Thursday at the Lodge. Food will be available which will include pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, coffee and soda. The event is open to the public. For information, call bingo chairman Joe Damroth at 352-442-3664 or the Lodge at 352-596-2582. Also, starting in August, pizza and wings will be offered at 6 p.m. in the lounge. A slice of cheese pizza will be $1.25, a slice of pepperoni pizza will be $1.50 and a full pie will be $10. Jumbo wings will be 50 cents. This will be available to members and guests. For information, call the Lodge.

Arts/Crafts

Suncoast Ship Model Society will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 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.

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.

Military/Veterans

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.

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.

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.

Thrift Shops

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.