Hometown Happenings 0723-24

Community

NatureCoast Pasco, Hernando and Citrus 9.12 Groups will meet at 11:30 a.m. July 23 at the Spring Hill Lanes lounge, 3447 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. Special guest will be Jordan Baker of Christian Conservative Teens. Also, Christmas in July with early Christmas shopping, 50-50 raffle and a special appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Santa and the Grinch will be featured. T-shirts will also be available for purchase. Admission is free, and the public is welcome. For information, visit www.naturecoast912groups.org.

Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Ridge will hold its third anniversary celebration breakfast meeting at 7:15 a.m. July 29 at the Country Kitchen family restaurant, 20133 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Featured guest speaker will be Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis, who will discuss the Hernando County update. Members of the Kiwanis Club are invited to bring a friend for a free breakfast meeting. To RSVP or for information, call John Ehlenbeck at (352) 592-9435, Rich Linkul at (352) 232-4580 or Dave Mickelson at (352) 686-4808.

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.

Education

Hernando County Extension Office will offer the following Florida-friendly gardening classes: "Termites and Your Florida Home" at 5:30 p.m. July 25 at the Extension Office, 1653 Blaise Drive, Brooksville; and "Getting rid of Lawn Insects" at 10 a.m. July 27 at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. Preregistration is not required; attendees will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, call (352) 754-4433.

Green World Path, Inc. will open its classroom for a meeting on "Growing food for Hernando County's hungry" at 9 a.m. July 25 at Green World Path, 1665 Donto Way, off Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville. The event will include community outreach, gardening, awareness, and a presentation on "Hungry in America." The class is an open forum to create mutual awareness of the plight in the community. To attend or for information, call Dori Bon, organic fertilizer consultant and outreach coordinator, at (352) 799-0200.

Spring Hill Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. July 26 at Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. A potluck luncheon is planned; bring a dish to share and a place setting. Hong Lee, owner of Everlast Orchids in Brooksville, will speak on orchids. 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 www.naturecoastbotanicalgardens.com.

Genealogy

Genealogy Society of Hernando County will meet at 6:30 p.m. July 26 at the LDS Family History Center, 21043 Yontz Road, Brooksville. Tom Caulley will demonstrate some useful techniques for online research; bring wireless notebook computer. Visitors are welcome. For information, call Kathleen Marsh at (352) 796-1623.

Sales/Flea Markets

Hernando County Friends of the Library will hold a "Christmas in July" sale through Saturday, July 23, at the Little Red Schoolhouse Bookstore, 1208 Kenlake Ave., off Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. For store hours or more information, call (352) 684-0660.

Coupon Swap is held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday during the flea market at the Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St. (U.S. 41), Brooksville. Bring unwanted coupons and swap them for sought-after ones that might be available. If not interested in swapping but are willing to donate unwanted coupons, bring them to the flea market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday or Sunday. Also, expired coupons (up to two months) will be accepted to be mailed overseas to military families. For information, contact Angela via email at okrasin@tampabay.rr.com or call (352) 584-5773.

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.

Library programs

Hernando County Public Library System, as part of its Florida Library Youth Program, will offer the following activities for children ages 5-12: Storyteller Windell Campbell will be featured at 10:15 a.m. July 26 at the West Hernando Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., off State Road 50, Brooksville; "Snip Snap Shout!" at 11 a.m. July 27 at West Hernando Branch Library. Local resident John Hlivyak will tell folktales and other children's stories; Cesar Domico at 10:15 a.m. July 27 at the East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Brooksville. Domico creates laughs and illusions; Razzmatazz at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. July 28 at the Main Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. Razzmatazz is a ventriloquist, magician and juggler; "Snip Snap Shout!" at 11 a.m. July 28 at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. To allow the greatest number of children into each program, parents and teens will be requested to remain outside the meeting room. Since space is limited, tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis 30 minutes prior to show time. Programs are free, and registration is not required; but parents/guardians must remain on library premises. For information, call (352) 540-6391.

Computer club

Hernando Computer Club will present "Digital Scrapbooking" by Mich Morin at 10 a.m. and "Getting started with your Computer," part two of two, at 7 p.m., both July 26 in the North 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. In addition, the club is now offering one-to-one tutoring. Members wanting to learn a specific task can call the club with their request. Holger Bruning will then schedule an appointment for the desired topic. The cost is $10, and the session can be up to two hours. For information, visit www.hcc.org or call the club at (352) 684-7171.

Radio Clubs

Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Club will meet at 7 p.m. July 25 at the Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Club clubhouse, 6909 Tierra Verde St., Port Richey. Meetings are held the fourth Monday of the month. All HAM radio operators and those interested in HAM radio are welcome and encouraged to attend. Join the group during 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 at (727) 869-0784.

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.

Seniors

AARP Chapter 5445, Hernando County West, announces three regular meetings as follows: Aug. 8 at Buffet City, 13235 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville; Aug. 16 at Towne Square Restaurant, 3021 Commercial Way, Spring Hill; or Aug. 24 at Elks Lodge 2582, 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The topic will be "Identity Theft." The meeting begins 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.

Fraternal

St. Frances Cabrini Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly 3022 will hold its regular business meeting at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9 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.

Botanical

Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9 in the Fellowship Hall at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, 7922 State Road 52, Hudson. Dr. Robert L. Knight will present "Florida Springs - the Original Native Plant Community." His presentation will cover Florida's water needs, the ecology of the spring systems, threats to the springs that include nutrient issues, and what needs to be done to restore these precious Florida resources. 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.

Arts/Crafts

Spring Hill Art League, along with Rising Sun Café, will hold a reception for local 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.

Quilters of the Nature Coast will meet from 2 to 4:30 p.m. July 29 at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. Future meetings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon the second Wednesday of each month. The group is a newly formed guild for experienced and beginner quilters. For information, visit www.ncquilters.org or call (352) 684-7222.

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.

Nature Coast Decorative Artists Chapter of the Society of Decorative Arts will meet at 9 a.m. Aug. 6 at the Weeki Wachee Senior Center, corner of Susan Drive and Toucan Trail, Spring Hill. The project will be a mixed media beach scene on canvas taught by Jeanette Seese. The group holds a short meeting, show and tell, and a birthday raffle. For information, visit www.ncda-artists.com or call Andi at (352) 666-9091, Jeanette at (727) 857-1045 or Pat at (352) 249-7221.

Weeki Wachee Woodcarvers Association meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Weeki Wachee Senior Center located at the corner of Susan Drive and Toucan Trail, Spring Hill. Demonstrations of all aspects of carving are presented, and the club consists of carvers from novice to master. Members share ideas and advice with whomever might need it; and socializing, dessert and coffee are also featured. Anyone interested in woodcarving or its related activities (painting, burning, mounting, environment, etc.) is invited to attend. Annual membership dues are $15 per person, and membership applications are available at club meetings. Guests are welcome, and all ages can participate. For information, call George Lytle at (352) 666-5092 or Mike Rice at (352) 683-9087.

Community outreach

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 Ext. 104.

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

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.

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. Aug. 11 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.

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.

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.

Military/Veterans

VFW Post 1681 and Ladies Auxiliary will feature horse races, auction, and a bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the post, 1681 E. Jefferson St., Brooksville. The event will be followed by a bike run with a large-item auction. In addition, the post holds bar bingo at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday; door prizes and snacks every Sunday; play the wheel game at 1 p.m.; and a complete breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. the second Sunday of every month. For information, call the post at (352) 796-4449.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Social

VFW Post 10209 announces new summer canteen hours at the post, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, off Anderson Snow Road, Spring Hill, as follows: from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; noon to midnight Friday; and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday through Monday. Call for Tuesday night entertainment and food menu. Entertainment is provided every Friday night; call for lineup. Fish fry and weekly specials featured. 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.

Crime Watch

SHARP Crime Watch meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month 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. If interested in volunteering, attend the monthly meeting or call (352) 683-5936 or email scrimewatch@tampabay.rr.com

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.