Hometown Happenings 0709

Botanical

Hernando Chapter of Florida Native Plant Society will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, July 12, at the American Legion hall located at 208 East Fort Dade Ave., Brooksville. The program will be "Garden Party and Plant Auction." 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.

Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, in the Fellowship Hall at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, 7922 State Road 52, Hudson. Don "Woody" Wood will present "Orchids of Florida." Wood, past president of the Orchid Society of West Pasco, is a land surveyor. He will talk about native Florida orchids, as well as those that can be grown in a backyard, discuss ways to grow them, bring in different growing mediums, and will have orchids and supplies for sale. Refreshments will be served. Meetings of the Chapter are free of charge, and interested parties are invited to attend. Bring questions and participate in the native plant drawing. For information, call Mary at 727-849-2335 or visit the Chapter's website at www.pasconativeplants.org.

Buttonwood Bonsai Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 10, at The Key Center, 130 Heights St., Inverness. Bonsai artist Jim Van Landingham, well-known bonsai teacher, not only in Florida but throughout bonsai circles, will be featured. Van Landingham is a regular feature at most of the Bonsai Societies of Florida conventions. Meetings are open to the public, and visitors are welcome. For more information, call Clay Gratz at 352-563-2156 or Jim Stephens at 352-848-0102.

Orchid Lovers Club of Spring Hill will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at the Spring Hill Enrichment Center behind Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Ed Bugbee of Featherstone Orchids will speak on the topic, "Orchids of Panama." Monthly meetings feature a show table of orchids, speaker, orchid sales and complimentary refreshments. Club membership is $17 per person or $25 per couple annually. For information, call 352-597-3736.

Seniors

Hernando County AARP Chapter 1026 invites its members and guests to a meeting at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 15, at Buffet City restaurant, 13235 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Susan Cuttler, area manager for HEARx, will present "Better Communication for Better Relationships." Following Cuttler's presentation, full access to the complimentary buffet will be featured. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. In addition, the Chapter 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 regarding either meeting, call Bob at 352-596-0722.

Community

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, 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.

Aripeka Elks Lodge 2520 will host a blood drive, in conjunction with Florida Blood Services, from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at 9135 Denton Ave., Hudson. The blood shortage is drastic not only for our military but for our communities. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the board in the hallway at the Lodge the week of the blood drive and walk-ins are welcome. Attendees will receive a recognition gift from the Florida Blood Services and a thank you gift from the lodge. For information, call Dave Taylor at 727-819-3379.

Computer Club

Hernando Computer Club will present "Getting Comfortable with your PC," part two of two, by Joann Frucchione at 10 a.m. and "Dress Up Your Email with Graphics and Animations" by Brigitte Haag at 1 p.m., both Friday, July 9, in the North Room of the Education B building of Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. In addition, the club will hold a newcomer orientation brunch at 10 a.m. Monday, July 12, in the North Room for those that joined in May. 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.

Social

Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582 will hold breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday, July 18, at the Lodge located at 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. French toast, eggs any style, omelets, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, coffee, tea and juice will be available. The cost will range from $3.25 to $5.25. For information, call the Lodge at 352-596-2582.

Long Island Club will meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 21, at St. Stephen's Parish Hall, 5326 Charles St., New Port Richey. Coffee and cake will be served. The public is welcome. For information, call Vinny Scatturo at 727-869-0043.

Library Programs

Hernando County Public Library System will feature "Cesar Domico - Magician" at 10:15 a.m. Friday, July 9, at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. Registration is not required, but parents/guardians must remain on library premises. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hernando County. 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 the library program staff at 352-540-6391 or visit its website at www.hcpl.lib.fl.us.

Genealogy

Genealogy Interest Group will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, at the West Hernando Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., off State Road 50, near Weeki Wachee. For information, call Kathleen Marsh at 352-796-1623.

Political

Hernando County Democratic Club will meet at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 10, at Southern Pines Condos Clubhouse, 8075 Southern Pines Drive, Brooksville. Guest speaker will be David Michalicka of the Crime Prevention Task Force. For information, call Harvey Martin at 352-686-0686 or visit its website at www.hernandocountydemocrats.com.

Music

Opera Lovers Club will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 17, in the clubhouse of the Forest Glenn Retirement Village located at 1431 Friar Tuck Lane, off Osowaw Boulevard, Spring Hill. The program will be "How to Listen to and Understand Opera" - an overview of opera verismo, a 19th- and 20th-century genre favoring depictions of the darker side of the human condition, using the pivotal second act of Giacomo Puccini's Tosca as an example. The public is welcome to attend, and everyone is encouraged to ask questions and contribute to the discussion. For information, visit http://naturecoastwebsites.com/opera.htm, e-mail jsquier1939@earthlink.net or call Kathy Hoover at 352-688-4741.

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.

Literary

Writers Group will meet the first and third Tuesday of the month at the West Hernando Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., off State Road 50, near Weeki Wachee. The group will meet from 4 to 6 p.m. July 20. New and experienced writers are welcome. For information, call Sue at 352-293-4988.

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.

Sales

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.

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.

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.