Hometown Happenings 0707

Social

Elks Lodge 2582 will hold fajita night at 6 p.m. July 16 at the Lodge, 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Buy one for $8 and get one free. Also on the menu will be a nacho platter with beef or chicken at a cost of $4 each. Featured entertainment will be Kevin Moglia's karaoke music. Also, the Lodge will hold breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. July 17. A variety of breakfast food will include french toast, eggs any style, omelets, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, coffee, tea and juice. The cost will range from $4.25 to $5.75. In addition, the Lodge will offer wings and things plus karaoke at 5 p.m. July 23. The menu will include nacho platters, chicken wings, fries, quesadillas, potato skins, popcorn shrimp and onion rings. Members and guests are welcome to attend all events. For information, call the Lodge at (352) 596-2582.

Long Island Club will meet at 11 a.m. July 20 at St. Stephen's Parish Hall, 5326 Charles St., New Port Richey. Coffee and cake will be served prior to the meeting. For information, call Vinny Scatturo at 727-869-0043.

VFW Post 10209 holds happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. every day at the Post, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, off Anderson Snow Road, Spring Hill. 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. The public is welcome. For information, call the Post at (352) 796-0398.

Latinos Unidos Social Club of Spring Hill opens at 7 p.m. every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at its facility in the Starck Plaza, 12528 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. Bingo, dominos, cards, billiard table, music and a cash bar are featured. Membership is open to the public. For information, call Jenny Mojica at (352) 688-1022.

Community outreach

Donation Station, an outreach of Love Your Neighbor Christian Outreach, announces renovation and new hours. Donation Station is a "pay what you can" distribution center and food pantry organized to supplement the needs of the less fortunate in the community. The facility at 408 W. Jefferson St. has been recently renovated and will be open the following hours: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. The organization welcomes donations and is currently in need of small appliances, dishes, bedding, towels, etc. Love Your Neighbor provides a free community dinner from 2 to 4 p.m. every Sunday at First United Methodist Church, 109 S. Broad St., Brooksville. For information, call Lisa at (352) 428-9275 or (352) 848-0090.

First United Methodist Church is starting a new soup kitchen serving a hot, nutritious meal from 4:30 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday at the church, 9344 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The meal is for all those in need. For information, call (352) 683-2600 Ext. 1.

Greater Love Outreach Ministries will conduct its "Feed-A-Child" program from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Brooksville Housing Authority, 800 Continental Drive, Brooksville. A bag lunch will be provided for school age children, and the last day that meals will be provided will be Aug. 19. For information, call (352) 593-4175.

DayStar Life Center will provide food during July and August to help families feed their children over the summer at its facility, 7120 Hope Hill Road, off State Road 50, behind St. Anthony Catholic Church, Brooksville. For information, call DayStar at (352) 799-5930 or visit www.daystarlifecenter.org

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church will serve its "In His Footsteps" soup-and-sandwich outreach program lunch for those in need from noon to 2 p.m. July 14 in the Parish Hall of the church, 13485 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The program is offered the second Thursday of every month, and the meal is free. For information, call the church office at (352) 688-0663.

Jericho Road Ministries is seeking volunteers to help provide food supplies to the poor, elderly and homeless people of Hernando County. Jericho is facing extra pressure because of the growing numbers of unemployed and homeless. Volunteer helpers are needed at its food distribution location at Mary's House in Brooksville. To get scheduled to help part time, once a week from 9 a.m. to noon, call Joe LaGuardia at (352) 593-7792 or (352) 799-2912.

Christian Life Assembly of God announces the opening of its food pantry to the community. Hours of operation will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday at the church, 13065 Jacqueline Road, Brooksville. The free program is offered to residents of the county who, whatever their circumstances, are in need of assistance with food. For information, call (352) 597-1139.

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, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. For information, call (352) 683-2010.

Christ the King Full Gospel Worship Center will conduct a food and bread items giveaway for families in need from 10 a.m. to noon every Monday at the worship center, 5111 U.S. 19, Spring Hill. No requirements, other than I.D. Tammy Bennett is in charge of the ministry. For information, call (352) 596-5366.

Computer club

Hernando Computer Club will present "Introduction to Computers with Windows 7," part one of eight, by Brigitte Haag at 10 a.m.; "Picasa, Import, Organize, Improve your Photos" by Fred Wise at 1 p.m. and "Windows 7 After the Basics" by Ron Purkhiser at 7 p.m., all today in the North Room of the Education B building of Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. Also, the club will present "PowerPoint for Fun" by Brigitte Haag at 1 p.m. Friday in the North Room. 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 www.hcc.org or call the club at 352-684-7171.

Library programs

Hernando County Public Library System, as part of its Florida Library Youth Program, will offer the following activities: "Make and Take Craft" will be featured Thursday at the Main Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. Visit the library between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to make a special craft; "Snip Snap Shout!" at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive; Children's movie will be presented at 10:15 a.m. Friday at the Spring Hill Branch Library; and "Snip Snap Shout!" at 11 a.m. Friday at the Main Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. Registration is not required, but parents/guardians must remain on library premises. For information, call (352) 540-6391.

Brooksville Book Discussion Group will meet at 6 p.m. July 18 at the Main Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. "My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey" by Jill Bolte Taylor will be the topic of discussion. In 1996, then 37-year-old Harvard-trained brain scientist Taylor suffered a stroke. The book chronicles her journey from debilitating stroke to full recovery. Registration is not required, but copies of the book are limited. New members are welcome. For information, call the library at (352) 540-6392.

Political

First Hernando Republican Club will meet at 7 p.m. July 12 at the Deerfield Clubhouse, 15471 Atwater Drive, Spring Hill. Guest speaker will be Hernando County Property Appraiser Alvin Mazourek, who will offer a presentation on the current Hernando County property values. A question-and-answer session will follow his presentation. Refreshments will be served. For information, call (352) 585-6402.

Genealogy

Genealogy Interest Group will meet at 10 a.m. 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.

Arts/Crafts

Kids Wildlife Camp will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 12-14 at Towne Square Mall, 3021 U.S. 19, Spring Hill. Certified Ross Instructor Randilyn Cochran will teach the students how to paint a sneaky raccoon, and kids 11-17 are welcome. The cost is $30 per person for the three-day camp. Since the camp is limited to six students, advance registration is required. Kids must register with a parent at the Town Square Mall; a release must be signed and prepaid by July 10. For information, call Randilyn at (352) 683-7672.

Quilters of the Nature Coast is a newly formed guild for experienced and beginner quilters. The group will meet the third Wednesday of each month beginning July 20. For information, visit www.ncquilters.org or call (352) 684-7222.

Spring Hill Art League, along with Rising Sun Café, will hold an artist's reception for artists Susan Duda, Stuart Harrison, Judy Johnson and Jana Withers from 5 to 7 p.m. July 28 at the Rising Sun Café, 10 S. Main St., Brooksville. Refreshments will be served, and the public is welcome to attend. The artists' artwork will be on display during July and August. For information, call Sandra LaValley at (352) 799-9690 or visit www.springhillartleague.com.

Suncoast Ship Model Society will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Weeki Wachee Senior Citizens Club, corner of Toucan Trail and Susan Drive, Spring Hill. All modelers interested in building model ships and boats are invited. For information, call Jim at (352) 592-6419.

Seniors

AARP Chapter 1091, Hernando County West, will meet at 11:30 a.m. July 15 at Spring Hill Diner, 7385 Spring Hill Drive at Kass Circle. The topic will be "Final Arrangements...What you need to know" presented by Grace Memorial Gardens, Hudson. In addition, the chapter will hold a meeting July 12 at Outlet Mall, 3021 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, and July 20 at Elks Lodge 2582, 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The topic will be "Medicare Fraud." Both meetings begin at noon, but plan to arrive at 11:30 a.m. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. Members and newcomers are invited. For reservations or information, call Bob Williams at (352) 596-0722.

AARP Chapter 1026, Hernando County East, will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. July 28 at the Golden Corral, 940 S. Broad St., Brooksville, Social meeting will be held to provide members with legislative positions on senior issues. Bring questions to meeting. Reservations are required. Bring a nonperishable item to the meeting. Call Steve Mattingly at (352) 754-9404 or Kathy Casey at (352) 428-2368.

Botanical

Orchid Lovers of Spring Hill will meet at 1 p.m. July 16 at the Partner's Club, behind Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Bill Nunez will speak on orchid breeding and flasking. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Guests are welcome to attend. For information, call Linda Roderick at (352) 597-3736.

Buttonwood Bonsai Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. July 9 at The Key Training Center, 130 Heights St., Inverness. Jim Van Landingham will be the featured demonstrator. He is on the Bonsai Societies of Florida's list of speakers. Van Landingham is well known as a teacher and demonstrator throughout Florida and at state and national conventions. Meetings are open to the public, and visitors are welcome. For information, call Jim Stephens at (352) 848-0102 or Clay Gratz at (352) 563-2156.

Hernando Chapter of Florida Native Plant Society will meet at 7 p.m. July 11 at the American Legion hall, 208 E. Fort Dade Ave., Brooksville. Each July, members of the Hernando Chapter host the Garden Party to share experiences in using native plants and offer suggestions for which plants work best for which places. The program will feature slideshows of plants and their placement, and several of the plants discussed will be available for sale. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free, and the public is welcome. For information, call Miki at (352) 799-4839 or Brooke at (352) 583-5085, contact the Hernando Chapter Board at hcfnps@gmail.com or visit www.hcfnps.org.

Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. July 12 in the Fellowship Hall at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, 7922 State Road 52, Hudson. The annual open forum will be featured. Chapter members will share garden activities in which they have been involved over the past year and any special yard, community or environmental projects or problems they have tackled. Meetings of the chapter are free; and interested parties are invited to attend, bring questions and participate in the light refreshments and native plant drawing. For information, call Mary at (727) 849-2335 or visit www.pasconativeplants.org.

Crime Watch

SHARP Crime Watch will meet at 7 p.m. July 11 at the Senior Citizens Club of Hernando County, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill. Crime Watch is seeking day and night dispatchers and patrollers. 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. If interested in volunteering, attend the monthly meeting or call (352) 683-5936 or email scrimewatch@tampabay.rr.com

Fraternal

St. Frances Cabrini Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly 3022 will hold its regular business meeting at 7:30 p.m. July 12 in Xavier Hall of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 5030 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. All 4th Degree members of the Knights of Columbus possessing a current 4th Degree membership card are welcome. For information, call (352) 686-9767.

Elks Lodge 2582 holds bingo from 4:30 to 10 p.m. every Thursday at the Lodge, 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, 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.

Education

Hernando Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 15-8 will offer its Paddle Sports class from 7 to 9:30 p.m. July 19 at the Flotilla's training facility, 4340 Calienta St., Hernando Beach. The course will teach students about local waterways, how to operate a canoe or kayak safely, and what to do in case of an emergency. The cost is a $20 registration fee which includes the course text. Registration will be conducted one-half hour before the class. For information, call Public Education Officer Jeffrey Hoff at (352) 397-5417.

State club

Wisconsin Club will hold its social night at 4 p.m. July 20 at Kally K's Restaurant, 3383 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. The club also offers travel opportunities. On July 29, a group will attend the Show Palace presentation of the Neil Sedaka musical, "Breaking Up is Hard to Do." Annual dues are $10 per person, and either spouse having lived in Wisconsin qualifies membership for both. For information or to book a trip, call Carolee at (352) 666-2974.

Military/Veterans

VFW Post 9236 offers meals to the public at its Post, 3435 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach, as follows: first Wednesday of the month, spaghetti is served from 4:30 to 7 p.m.; second Saturday of the month, steak, potato, veggie, salad bar, roll, coffee is served at a cost of $10 per person; third Friday of the month, fish and shrimp; and last Sunday of the month, breakfast of eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, biscuit and gravy, blueberry pancakes, juice and coffee is served. For information, call the Post at (352) 596-9236.

Navy Seabee Veterans of America meets at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of every month at VFW Post 9236 at 3435 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. For information, call (727) 488-0153.

Music/Dance

Hernando County Recreation Department offers "Tribal Belly Dancing" from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays as follows: Tuesdays at Springstead High School, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill; and Thursdays at Kennedy Park, 895 Kennedy Blvd., Brooksville. Tribal belly dancing is a unique form of dance because of the dance steps and the ability to be improvisational. This form of dance is a melting pot of movements and attitudes taken from various dance cultures throughout the world. The instructor is Jayne Arrington, and prior dance experience is not necessary. The cost is $10 per class paid monthly or $9 per month for six weeks, or $15 for drop-ins. Advance registration is not required, and all ages are welcome. For information, call Jayne at (352) 540-1568 or the recreation department at (352) 754-4031 or visit www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec.

Hernando Harmonizers has openings for singers. Men who love to sing are invited to join the Hernando Harmonizers of the Barbershop Harmony Society every Monday at Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, just north of the intersection of State Road 50 and U.S. 19, Weeki Wachee. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., and singing begins at 7 p.m. Singers have an opportunity to participate in community performances, annual show, competitions, etc. Guests are requested to call (352) 556-3936 prior to planning a visit. For information, visit its website at www.HernandoHarmonizers.org

Hernando Hills Hi-Lites will meet for rehearsal at 7 p.m. every Monday at Fellowship Community Church, 11250 Spring Hill Drive, 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. 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.

Accordion Adventure will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month at Elks Lodge 2582, 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The informal group consists of accordionists that are enthusiasts of all levels of performance. Admission will be $2 per person, and the public is welcome. For information, call Cathy at (352) 686-0975 or Peg at (352) 442-5574.

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.

Recreation

Spring Hill Camera Club meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Brooksville Enrichment Center, Medical Arts Building, Suite 120, of the Brooksville Regional Hospital campus, 17222 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Club business and an informative presentation are conducted on the second Monday, and a photo completion is judged each fourth Monday. Membership is open to all beginning and experienced film and digital photographers. For information, call Bill at (352) 556-3708 or visit www.springhillcameraclub.org.

Spring Hill Bocce Club meets at 7 a.m. every Tuesday and Friday at Delta Woods Park, 3400 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. The club is accepting new members. Annual membership dues are $5 per person, and the club holds a tournament once a year. For information, call Lucky Todaro, club president, at (352) 596-3503.

Sales

Brooksville Farmers Market will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday along Main Street in front of the Hernando County Courthouse in downtown Brooksville. Local vendors, produce, crafts, food, dog treats, jewelry, honey and more will be featured. If interested in becoming a vendor or for information, call Jodi at (352) 232-4241.

Radio Clubs

Spring Hill Amateur Radio Club (SHARC) meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at the Oak Hill Hospital Partner's Club, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. 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 two nets: a SKYWARN Weather Net at 7:15 p.m. and 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 www.kf4ixu.org or call Dave KB3GYN at (352) 684-3925.

Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Club features its club radio net at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday nights on the club's repeater WA4GDN, 146.670 MHz. Read the club's newsletter at www.gulfcoastarc.org. For information, call Bill KI4QJK at (727) 869-0784.

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 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 information, call 800-246-0493.

Community

Hernando County Sheriff's Office/Emergency Management is seeking individuals 18 years of age or older to join the Hernando County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT volunteers receive special training which enhances their ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster situation. As an organized team, CERT volunteers provide vital services to the community when emergency personnel are delayed due to the severity of the situation. Classes will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. every Monday through Aug. 8 (except July 4) in the Emergency Operations Center, 18900 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Previous emergency responder experience is not required. The training, materials and equipment will be provided free of charge. CERT members must pass a required background check. An application is available at www.hernandosheriff.org/em, click on the CERT link. If interested, contact Richard Russell at (352) 754-4083 or email rrussell@hernandosheriff.org.

Hernando County Sheriff's Office Citizen Volunteer Corps is accepting applications for its Public Service Aide Program. The program is an exceptional volunteer opportunity that provides a higher level of training and a sense of satisfaction due to its extensive nature of service. PSAs serve on patrol by handling minor calls for service from citizens and by assisting patrol deputies in nonemergency cases. Applications are available at the main office, 18900 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, and at the Sheriff's District II office, 7499 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. A total of 14 citizens will be selected for the first PSA Academy class to begin in July. For information, call (352) 797-3678 or visit www.hernandosheriff.org

Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill meets from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday at the Atria Evergreen Woods pool house, 7030 Evergreen Woods Trail, off State Road 50, Spring Hill. For information on upcoming events and speaker opportunities, visit www.springhillkiwanis.org or call Dennis McKenna at (352) 584-7023.

The Reading Room is open from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays at the Spring Lake Community Center library, 4184 Spring Lake Highway (the "rock building" across from the church). No computers, no e-books, just good reading. Membership is not required. For information, call (352) 796-4704.

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.

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

Jericho Road Ministries has a thrift store in the Winchester Plaza, 5260 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, in addition to its other stores, 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, 1163 Howell Ave., Brooksville. The thrift stores were established for the purpose of supporting the Jericho Road Men's Rescue Mission Shelter, 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.

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 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.

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.

Daystar Life Center Thrift Shop has announced the Thursday opening of its clothing thrift shop at its facility, 7120 Hope Hill Road, off State Road 50, Brooksville. BOGO Day (buy one-get one free) will be featured, with the free clothing item being of equal or lesser value than the purchased clothing item. BOGO Day hours will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday. All of the Daystar Life Center thrift shops will be open from 8:30 a.m. to noon every Friday and Saturday including the clothing thrift shop. Furniture, housewares, books, small appliances, clothing, crafts, electrical items and a children's toy shop will be featured. The Daystar facility is a quarter mile behind St. Anthony Catholic Church. To schedule a pickup or for information, call (352) 799-5930 or visit www.daystarlifecenter.org.

Karen's Kit 'n Kaboodle (St. Andrew's Thrift Shop), 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, 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 boutique-style 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 shop 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.

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 email Schatzan@aol.com.