Hometown Happenings 0619

Community

Hernando County Sheriff's Office, Emergency Management Section, in partnership with the Florida Department of Financial Services, will conduct a workshop focusing on the claims process for the Gulf oil spill at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 23, at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary building located at 4340 Calienta St., off Shoal Line Boulevard, Hernando Beach. The workshop is specifically targeted to individuals and business owners that need assistance in understanding the following: eligible items for the claims process; how to complete the claims form; where to submit/file a claim; who to contact for additional assistance and information; and legal concerns. Additional workshops will be scheduled as necessary. For information on the status of the Hernando County Emergency Management's response and contingency plan, visit its website at www.hernandosheriff.org and click on link under Highlights.

Angel Food Ministries will sponsor an open house/cookout from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at Fellowship Community Church located at 11250 Spring Hill Drive, just east of Mariner Boulevard, across from PHCC, Spring Hill. A tour of its delivery and service area will be featured. The cookout will be free of charge, and the community is invited. For information, call 352-686-4612.

Botanical

Orchid Lovers Club of Spring Hill will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at the Spring Hill Enrichment Center behind Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Learn about orchids - speaker, show table of orchids and complimentary refreshments are featured. Club membership is $17 per person or $25 per couple annually. For information, call Linda at 352-597-3736.

Spring Hill Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, at Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. 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.

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.

Music

Opera Lovers Club will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 19, in the clubhouse of the Forest Glenn Retirement Village located at 1431 Friar Tuck Lane, off Osowaw Boulevard, Spring Hill. Joseph Tomaselli, local voice teacher, will lead a discussion on the topic of "Sopranos and Tenors." For information, visit http://naturecoastwebsites.com/opera.htm or call Kathy Hoover at 352-688-4741.

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.

Library Programs

Main Branch of the Hernando County Public Library will hold its next monthly book discussion meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, June 21, at the library located at 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. "The Palace of Illusions" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni will be discussed. Relevant to today's war-torn world, the novel takes the reader back to a time that is half-history, half-myth, and wholly magical. 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 more information, call 352-754-4043.

Hernando County Public Library will feature "Tony the Balloon Guy" at two county libraries as follows: at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, at the West Hernando Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., off State Road 50, near Weeki Wachee; and at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, June 23, at the East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Brooksville. Tony uses balloon art as a vehicle for comedy, information and a pro-reading message. Registration is not required, but parents/guardians must remain on library premises. The programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hernando County. For more information, call the library program staff at 352-540-6391.

Social

Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582 will hold a Father's Day breakfast from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Sunday, June 20. Pancakes to omelets will be offered, and fathers will receive their meal at half price. For information, call the Lodge at 352-596-2582.

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.

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 and yearly trips. Membership is open to all; it is not necessary to be of Italian heritage. For information, call Eugene Laveroni at 352-684-7460.

Seniors

Hernando County AARP Chapter 1026 invites its members to a meeting at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 24, at the Knights of Columbus hall located at 10470 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The topic will be law concerns for the senior population by Skipper & Skipper with emphasis on power of attorney, wills and trusts. The cost for the buffet-style meal will be $8.50 per person. Reservations are required. For reservations or information, call Bob at 352-596-0722.

Education

Writers Group will meet the first and third Tuesday of the month, beginning July 6, at the West Hernando Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., off State Road 50, near Weeki Wachee. The group will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. July 6 and from 4 to 6 p.m. July 20. New and experienced writers are welcome. For information, call Sue at 352-293-4988.

Arts/Crafts

Nature Coast Decorative Artists, Chapter of the Society of Decorative Artists, will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 3, at the Weeki Wachee Senior Citizens Club located at 3357 Susan Drive, off U.S. 19 and Toucan Trail, Spring Hill. A short meeting and monthly project in acrylics, oils, etc. will be featured. The project will be a salsa set in acrylics taught by Karen Reinke. Also, on Saturday, July 31, Pat Landry will teach a Christmas tree scene. For information, call Andi at 352-666-9091, Jeanette at 727-857-1045 or Pat at 352-249-7221.

Suncoast Ship Model Society will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 1, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thrift Shops/Sales

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.