Hometown Happenings 0602

Social

Elks Lodge 2582 will hold its steak shoot from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the lounge at the Lodge, 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Members and guests will have the opportunity to win steaks by participating in a bingo-type card game. Bonus and grand bonus meats can be won. Karaoke will start at 6 p.m., with wings and things available. Members and guests are welcome. For information, call the Lodge at 352-596-2582.

Computer Club

Hernando Computer Club will present "Working with Files and Folders," half 'n' half, by Joann Frucchione at 10 a.m., "Windows 7 After the Basics," part one of four, by Ron Purkhiser at 1 p.m. and "Windows Movie Maker" by Gray Alexander 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. For reservations or information, visit www.hcc.org or call the club at 352-684-7171.

Botanical

Hernando Chapter of Florida Native Plant Society will meet at 7 p.m. June 6 at the American Legion hall, 208 E. Fort Dade Ave., Brooksville. The program will be "Native Plant Landscaping for Florida Wildlife" by Dr. Craig Huegel, managing ecologist, Ecological Services Associates. Several plant species discussed will be on 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. June 14 in the Fellowship Hall at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, 7922 State Road 52, Hudson. "Shade Gardening with Native Plants" presented by Bruce Turley, owner of Wilcox Nursery in Largo, will be featured. Turley's programs are usually a hands-on look at actual plants; and in this case, natives for shade. 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.

Public Meeting

Hernando County Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) Committee will hold its first meeting at 10 a.m. June 9 at the Emergency Operations Center, 18900 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The committee is coordinated by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Section and is comprised of local citizens and government representatives. The LMS committee is responsible for developing and maintaining a community plan that promotes hazard mitigation and guides post-disaster recovery funding allocations. Representatives will discuss the status of projects approved under state and federal grant programs, new projects and available grants. The LMS committee meets periodically, and all meetings are open to the public. For information, call Pamela Harris, mitigation and recovery, specialist III, at 352-754-4083.

Library Program

Brooksville Book Discussion Group will meet at 6 p.m. June 20 at the Main Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. "Elegance of the Hedgehog" by French novelist and philosophy professor Muriel Barbery will be the topic of discussion. The book has been a best seller in France and has since been translated and published in America. New members are welcome. Discussion leader will be Sue Loveday. Registration is not required, but copies of the book are limited. Visit the library's reference desk for a reserved copy of the book. For information, call the library at 352-540-6392.

Military/Veterans

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) will hold its monthly luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. June 9 at Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Lane, off Barclay Avenue, Spring Hill. Guest speaker will be Brigadier General Scott Hartsell, USMCR (retired), who will speak to members and guests on TRICARE and TRICARE for Life. General Hartsell is the CEO of the Brooksville Regional medical centers in Hernando County. Reservations are required. For reservations or information, call LTC Melvin Sweat at 352-666-9244.

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.

State Clubs

New York State Club will meet at 5 p.m. June 2 at the Knights of Columbus hall, 10470 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. This will be the last meeting of the season. The club will be accepting donations of nonperishable goods for the needy. 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. June 3 in the fellowship hall of Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Instead of a guest speaker, entertainment will be provided by a professional belly dancer. 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. June 6 at Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. After a brief meeting, the club will hold its annual ice cream social, with entertainment provided by Louie Fortunato. The club dines out at a preselected restaurant for its social night; on June 15, social night will be held at 4 p.m. at Applebee's Restaurant, 20090 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The club also offers monthly travel opportunities. On June 28, a Bobbies Bus is scheduled for the Hard Rock Casino. 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.

Arts/Crafts

Suncoast Ship Model Society will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. June 2 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.

Spring Art Exhibit reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. June 9 at the City Hall Gallery, 201 Howell Ave., Brooksville. The exhibit will be on display through Aug. 5 and will showcase carved wood by John Brown Woodcarvers, handmade quilts by the Hernando Quilters, ship models by Suncoast Ship Model Society, photographs by the Spring Hill Camera Club and a new selection of poetry by members of Just Poets. Also, "A Taste of the Arts" featuring the culinary delights of participating Brooksville restaurants and the Hernando County Fine Arts Council will be featured. For information, call Terri Carter or Lindsay Morgan at 352-540-3810.

Ethnic

Italian American Club will meet at noon June 4 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. The annual ice cream social party will be featured for members and guests. Ice cream will be served at 1 p.m., followed by the regular meeting. Coffee and pastry will be served after the meeting. The event is free for members and $2 per person for guests. This will be the last meeting before the summer break. 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 person 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 Lucy at 352-686-6294.

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 352-596-3501.

Community

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.

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.

Community Outreach

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. Joan of Arc Catholic Church will offer an "In His Footsteps" soup-and-sandwich outreach program lunch for those in need from noon to 2 p.m. June 9 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.

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.

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 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. If interested in volunteering, attend the monthly meeting or call 352-683-5936 or email scrimewatch@tampabay.rr.com

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.

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.

Fraternal

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.

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.