Hometown Happenings 0202

Education

Hernando County Utilities Department will offer a class entitled, "Everything you need to know for Spring" at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. The class will be presented by John Korycki of the Hernando County Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program. The class will cover cold damage prevention, spring weed control tactics, and other maintenance practices to ensure a landscape awakens at its best next spring. Since space is on a first-come, first-seated basis, preregistration will not be accepted. For information, call 352-540-6230.

Hernando County Extension Service will offer an "Economic Survival Series" to be presented by various Extension agents at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at the Extension Service office located at 1653 Blaise Drive, Brooksville. The series will teach how to save money and is open to county residents free of charge. Class dates and topics will be as follows: Feb. 2 - Growing a Vegetable Garden and Canning; Feb. 9 - Growing Fruit in your Backyard; Feb. 16 - Saving Money at the Grocery Store; Feb. 23 - Low or No Cost Activities for Children; and March 2 - Cutting your Lawn Costs. Attendees may attend all classes or pick classes of interest only. To register or for more information, call 352-754-4433.

Direct Lending Group and Tropic Shores Realty will host a homebuyer seminar from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the Direct Lending Group office, 3441 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. The seminar is advantageous for first-time homebuyers. A licensed loan originator will be available for preapprovals; and a free list of HUD, foreclosed and short sale homes will be featured. Refreshments and snacks will be served. The seminar is free of charge, and the public is welcome. To register or for information, call Carla at 352-686-8296 or Julie at 352-442-9386.

Seniors

Nature Coast Telecom Pioneers will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, at Mariner United Methodist Church, 7079 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The group will play bingo. Bring used stamps, community service hours, can tabs, ditty bag items, food for the needy, knitted baby caps, box tops for education, and Campbell soup labels. Membership is open to anyone interested in serving the community and fellowship. For information, call Bonnie at 352-592-9856.

NARVRE (National Association for Retired Veteran Railroad Employees) will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, at Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Lane, off Barclay Avenue, Spring Hill. Guest speaker will be from H&R Block, and attendees will have opportunity to ask questions regarding income tax. NARVRE is dedicated to preserving the Railroad Retirement System. All retired and active railroad workers and their spouses are welcome. For information, call Lynn at 352-796-0477.

Hernando County AARP Chapter 1026 invites members and guests to a bonus extra meeting at 11:30 a.m. at Buffet City, 12325 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. A choice of three dates are available - Thursday, Feb. 3, 10 or 17. The host will be Dignity Memorial Gardens of Hudson; and the topic will be "Pre-planning your Final Arrangements" by Paul Ousley. Following the presentation, full complimentary access to the buffet will be featured. For reservations or information, call Bob at 352-596-0722 or Rose at 352-688-5606.

Computer Club

Hernando Computer Club will present ""Linux Workshop" by Clint Pollitt at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, in the South Room at the Education B building of Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The cost for lecture classes of the club 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 website at www.hcc.org or call the club at 352-684-7171.

Ethnic

Italian American Club will meet at noon Saturday, Feb. 5, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. A guest speaker will discuss "Whooping Cranes." The object of the club is for fellowship, social activities, trips, picnics, games as well as interesting speakers 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 Theresa at 352-683-6712 or Cathy at 352-686-9286.

Sons of Norway, Sun Viking Lodge 607, will meet at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The Lodge will celebrate its 23rd anniversary and hold a Valentine's celebration. Cake and coffee will be served, and the public is welcome to attend. Sons of Norway is an international fraternal society open to persons of Scandinavian background, affiliation by marriage or anyone interested in Norwegian culture. For information, call Clair at 352-596-2171 or Nellie at 727-846-1584.

Community

Hernando County La Sertoma Club will meet at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at Guido's Pizza Cafe, 7219 Forest Oaks Blvd., just off U.S. 19, Spring Hill. La Sertoma is dedicated to youth service recognition, fundraising for scholarships for needy and deserving college students, as well as special events for special needs children. Guests are always welcome. For information, call LaVerne at 352-796-4657.

Sales

Brooksville Regional Hospital Auxiliary will sponsor an "Accessories Unlimited" sale from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 8-9, at the hospital located at 17240 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Sales items will include handbags, scarves, jewelry and watches. Proceeds of the event will benefit the Auxiliary's scholarship fund. Cash, checks and most credit cards will be accepted. For information, call Pam at 352-442-0169.

Spring Hill Regional Hospital Auxiliary will sponsor an "Accessories Unlimited" sale from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 10-11, at the hospital located at 10461 Quality Drive, Spring Hill. Proceeds will benefit its scholarship fund and local charities. For information, call Pat at 352-666-8755.

State Clubs

New York State Club will hold an anniversary dinner dance at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Knights of Columbus hall, 10470 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. Tickets were sold at the last meeting. Bowling is held at 11:30 a.m. every Monday at Spring Hill Lanes, 3447 U.S. 19, Spring Hill. For information, call Marge at 352-686-8015.

Illinois Club of Spring Hill will meet at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, in the fellowship hall of Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Guest speaker will be Judy Kosh. Following the meeting, coffee and dessert will be served. 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 Pat Godfrey at 352-597-0346.

Wisconsin Club will meet at 1 p.m. Mon., Feb. 7, at the Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. The speaker will be Anna Murray representing Grace Memorial Gardens. Following the meeting, coffee and dessert will be served. The club dines out at a preselected restaurant for its social night; on Feb. 16, social night will be at European Eats. The club also offers monthly travel opportunities. Annual dues are $10 per person, and anyone that has lived in Wisconsin at some time qualifies. For information, call Carolee at 352-666-2974.

New Hampshire Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at Buffet City, 13235 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. A short program will be presented prior to the meeting. The club meets at 11:30 a.m. the second Thursday of each month from October through April at Buffet City. Current and former New Hampshire residents are welcome. For information, call Walt King at 352-596-3578.

Maine Club will meet at noon Friday, Feb. 11, at the Spring Hill Community Center (Lake House), 1202 Kenlake Ave., Spring Hill. A potluck dinner will be featured, so everyone is requested to bring a dish to share and a coffee cup. Entertainment will be Lee Southard, a well-known musician and singer. The club meets the second Friday of the month from November through April, and all current and former residents of Maine are welcome. For information, call 352-592-0741.

Military/Veterans

U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc., Weeki Wachee Base, will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Marine Corps League, Spring Hill Detachment 708, located at 8405 Sunshine Grove Road, off State Road 50, Brooksville. Membership is open to all Submariners who are qualified to wear Dolphins. For information, call Base Commander Robbie Roberts at 352-592-5161.

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.

Political

Hernando County Democratic Club will meet at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at Southern Pines Condos Clubhouse, 8075 Southern Pines Drive, Brooksville. Diane Rowden will be the speaker. For information, call Harvey Martin at 352-686-0686 or visit its website at www.hernandocountydemocrats.com.

Wellington Democrats will meet at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at the Wellington at Seven Hills Clubhouse, 400 Wexford Blvd., off Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill. A discussion on "Government's role in our economy" will be featured. All residents of Hernando County are invited. For more information, contact Gene Erich at WellingtonDemocrats@gmail.com.

Recreation

Nature Coast Bridge Club will host a social bridge game from 12:30 to 3 p.m. every Thursday during February. The club has approximately 400 members in the Hernando, Pasco and Citrus area. The club plays duplicate bridge but is starting a new group for social bridge players. For more information, call Annabelle Hills at 352-597-5221 or e-mail hillsja@gate.net

Arts/Crafts

Embroiders' Guild of America, Sandhill Crane Chapter, will meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 200 Mt. Fair Ave., Brooksville. Members will be participating in a class that guests will be free to observe. All types of needlework are covered including cross stitch, needlepoint, crewel, and surface embroidery. Membership is open to anyone who is interested in stitching from experienced to those wanting to learn. Guests are welcome. For membership information, call 352-666-8350.

Suncoast Ship Model Society will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, 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.

Hernando Quilters Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. This is a new meeting location. Prizes can be won at monthly meetings plus trips are taken to quilt shows and shops - most of the group will carpool and make a day of it. Annual dues are $18 per person payable in January, and new members are always welcome. For information, call Barb Theriault at 352-597-8816.

Historical

Hernando Historical Museum Association will celebrate Hernando Heritage Day Feb. 19 with the theme "Early Education in Hernando County." Individuals and groups that would like to participate as entertainers, vendors and docents are encouraged to contact Mary Sheldon at 352-799-7138 or 352-428-5408. The Museum Association is especially interested in student suggestions for contests, projects, and other activities involving the theme of education. A planning session will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, at the May Stringer Historical Museum located at 70 Museum Court, Brooksville. For more information, call Suzanne Touchton, acting media coordinator, at 352-666-7676.

Social

Brooksville Woman's Club will meet Wednesday, Feb. 2, at its clubhouse located at 131 S. Main St., Brooksville. A luncheon will be featured at noon, followed by the general meeting at 1 p.m. Luncheon donation is $6 per person. The program "Domestic Violence" will be presented by speaker Karen Perry. Guests are welcome, and the club is open for membership. For membership information, call Audrie Henson at 352-754-8627. In addition, a Mardi Gras fundraiser dinner will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. Louisiana Dan and Dale Band will provide entertainment. Ticket cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple. For ticket information, call Phyllis Mlecka at 352-796-2089 or Yvonne Malone at 352-848-7988.

Weeki Wachee Area Club will meet at noon Thursday, Feb. 3, at the club located at 7442 Shoal Line Blvd., Weeki Wachee. A potluck will be featured, so bring a covered dish to share. For information, call Audrey at 352-596-3316.

St. Frances Cabrini Council of Catholic Women (CCW) will hold its general meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, in Xavier Hall of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 5030 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. Join the group at 7:30 a.m. for Mass and the Rosary. For information, call the parish office at 352-683-9666.

German American Club will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Shriners Club of Hernando County, 13400 Montour St., off Sunshine Grove Road, Brooksville. New members are welcome, and it is not necessary to be German to be a member or attend. For information, call Jack Yaskulski at 352-688-3744 or visit the club's new website at www.germanclubspringhill.org.

African American Club of Hernando County will meet at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Regency Oaks Club House, 4445 Breakwater Blvd., off U.S. 19, Spring Hill. The club will be celebrating Black History Month with a member-provided buffet dinner. Wallace Johnston, P.E., will present Black History information with handouts. In addition, tickets will be available for purchase for the club's Caribbean Carnival/Mardi Gras dance to be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at the SNPJ Lodge, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill. Ticket cost is $20 per person and appropriate costumes/masks are welcome. For tickets or information, call 352-596-3694 or 352-597-8098.

VFW Post 10209 will hold a Super Bowl celebration beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, at the Post located at 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, off Anderson Snow Road, Spring Hill. The game will begin at 6 p.m. Food and chicken wings will be featured - bring a covered dish to share; a covered dish sign-up sheet will be in the canteen. Beer specials, free popcorn and basket of cheer will also be featured. Also, the Post will hold Sweetheart Karaoke from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. Valentine trivia, prizes, and drink specials will be featured. The public is welcome to attend both events. In addition, the Post holds happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. every day at the Post. Every drink is 25 cents off, except soda and bottled water. Also, a steak shoot is held from 1 to 3 p.m. every Wednesday. Everyone is welcome. For information, call the Post at 352-796-0398.

Grace Presbyterian Women's Gathering will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, in Fellowship Hall of Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The speaker will be Dr. Judy Green of Temple Beth David on the topic "Taste of Judaism." The hostess will be the Mary Martha Circle. 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; St. Joseph Day 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.

Botanical

Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, in the Fellowship Hall at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, 7922 State Road 52, Hudson. "Florida Native Shrubs," a PowerPoint presentation by Nature Coast Chapter member and Pasco master Gardener, Peggy Gretchen, will be featured. The presentation will be an introduction to some of the many Florida native shrubs useful for Central Florida landscapes. 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.

Brooksville Garden Club will meet at noon Wednesday, Feb. 9, at First Presbyterian Church, 250 Bell Ave., Brooksville. A light luncheon will be served, followed by a program. The club has field trips planned and offers education on horticulture, conservation and the environment. For information, call Louise at 352-799-3160, Robin at 352-799-2503 or Lorraine at 352-397-3157.

Library Programs

Brooksville Book Discussion Group will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, at the Main Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. February's selection will be "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, led by Mary Sciglia. Each month, the "no guilt" book discussion group holds an informal discussion at the Main Library. Registration is not required, so visit the front desk of the library for a copy of the book. For information, call Ronette at 352-544-5669.

Youth

City of Brooksville's Recreation Department will offer a "Play to Learn" indoor toddler program from 10 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at the Jerome Brown Community Center, 99 Jerome Brown Place, off Darby Lane, Brooksville. The cost is $3 per class and is for toddlers ages 1-5 and their moms. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 352-540-3835.

Boys and Girls Clubs are conducting a Car Campaign program to help underwrite its youth programs. Donations of unwanted cars are being sought, and cars do not need to be in running condition. To donate a car or for more information, call 800-246-0493.

Sales

Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service announces that the 2011 Master Gardener calendar is available at the Extension Service office located at 1653 Blaise Drive, Brooksville. The cost of the calendar is $3 each. The calendar features month-by-month expert advice on the central Florida landscape. For more information, call the Extension Service office at 352-754-4433.

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. The club is for those 55 years of age and older, and club membership is $25 annually. For information, call the club at 352-596-1095.

Community Outreach

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church will conduct a free bread and pastries giveaway for those in need from 9 to 10 a.m. every Saturday in the Parish Hall (side entrance) of the church located at 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. For information, call the church office at 352-683-2010.

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church will offer an "In His Footsteps" soup-and-sandwich outreach program lunch from noon to 2 p.m. the second Thursday of every month in the Parish Hall of the church located at 13485 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The meal is free of charge. For information, call the church office at 352-688-0663.

Fraternal

Elks Lodge 2582 holds bingo from 4:30 to 10 p.m. every Thursday at the Lodge located at 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. 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, 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.

American Legion Post 186, its Auxiliary and Color Guard host a fish fry every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Post located at 12091 Cortez Blvd. Menu choices will include filet of fish, jumbo shrimp, chicken fingers, along with fries, cole slaw, and a roll. Combination plates can also be purchased. The price will range from $5.50 to $7. In addition, the Auxiliary will be selling items from a dessert table. Following the meal, karaoke will be provided from 7 to 11 p.m. The Post is open to members and their guests. For information, call the Post at 352-597-9995.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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) has a new furniture storage building offering a variety of furniture such as chairs, wall units, electric organs, artwork will be featured, including some sick room needs. The shop 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 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.

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.

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.