Hometown Happenings 0610

Community event

Believers Christian Fellowship will offer a free Family Movie Night at 7:30 p.m. June 10 in the worship center, 7410 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, across from The Heather. "Toy Story 3," rated G, will be shown. For information, call Pastor Adam Brant at 352-610-2560.

Library programs

Hernando County Public Library System will be participating in the "Reading with the Rays" program this summer. A special kickoff event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 10 at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. The event will include the Rays Street Team, special guest Raymond (official Tampa Bay Rays mascot) and giveaways. The free kickoff event is for the entire family. The program will provide students the opportunity to earn prizes, including a free ticket to a Rays baseball game, by reading this summer. To participate, visit a local library branch and pick up a "Reading with the Rays: Read your Way to the Ballpark" scorecard beginning June 17. For information, call the library at 352-540-6391.

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.

State clubs

Wisconsin Club will hold its social night at 4 p.m. June 14 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.

Illinois Club of Spring Hill will meet at 1 p.m. July 1 in the fellowship hall of Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Instead of a speaker, the annual red, white and blue potluck luncheon including desserts will be featured. Members are requested to bring the entrée for which they signed up for the buffet table plus own soft drinks and place settings. 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.

Computer club

Hernando Computer Club will present "Introduction to Computers with Windows 7," part two of four, by Joann Frucchione at 10 a.m. and "Get started with your Computer," part two of two, by Joann Frucchione, both June 10 in the North Room of the Education B building of Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. For information, visit www.hcc.org or call the club at 352-684-7171.

Political

First Hernando Republican Club will meet at 7 p.m. June 14 at the Deerfield Clubhouse, 15471 Atwater Drive, Spring Hill. Guest speaker will be Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis, who will address important issues facing his department and county government. A question-and-answer session will follow his presentation. Refreshments will be served. For information, call 352-585-6402.

Wellington Democrats will meet at 2 p.m. June 17 at the Wellington at Seven Hills Clubhouse, 400 Wexford Blvd., off Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill. Speakers will be Avery Wilkens & Michael Cox of Morgan Stanley on the subject of "The Economy." All residents of Hernando County are invited. For information, contact Gene Ehrich at WellingtonDemocrats@gmail.com.

Seniors

AARP Chapter 1091, Hernando County West, will hold multiple meetings as follows: June 14 at Outlet Mall, 3021 Commercial Way, Spring Hill; and June 22 at Elks Lodge 2582, 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Both meetings begin at noon, but plan to arrive at 11:30 a.m. Featured speakers will be Randy and Maryanne Kerr with their Southeastern guide dogs. In addition, an extra meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. June 17 at Spring Hill Diner (Kass Circle), 7385 Spring Hill Drive. The topic "Final Arrangements...what you need to know" will be presented by Grace Memorial Gardens, Hudson. Since seating is limited for all meetings, reservations are required. For reservations or information, call Bob Williams at 352-596-0722.

AARP Chapter 1026, Hernando County East, will hold a bonus meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. June 16 at the Golden Corral, 940 Broad St., Brooksville, compliments of Frank Rojo, 21st Century Financial Advisers. The topic will be "Increased Returns and Safety of your Money." Since seating is limited, reservations are required. Call Steve Mattingly at 352-754-9404 or Kathy Casey at 352-428-2368.

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. The next training class will begin June 20. 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.

Social

Long Island Club will meet at 11 a.m. June 15 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.

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.

Genealogy

Genealogy Interest Group will meet at 10 a.m. June 14 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.

Botanical

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.

Orchid Lovers of Spring Hill will meet at 1 p.m. June 18 at the Partner's Club at Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd. Hick's Orchid Supplies will be offering a variety of medium, pots, hangers and fertilizers for orchids. Complimentary refreshments will be served, and plants will be available for purchase. A members' show table of orchids will be featured. For information, call Linda Roderick at 352-597-3736.

Spring Hill Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. June 28 at Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Rita Grant, Hernando County Master Gardener, will present a program, "Gardening for Wildlife." 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.

Community Outreach

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church offers an "In His Footsteps" soup-and-sandwich outreach program lunch for those in need from noon to 2 p.m. the second Thursday of every month 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.

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.

Crime Watch

SHARP Crime Watch will meet at 7 p.m. June 13 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. 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

Arts/Crafts

Suncoast Ship Model Society will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. June 16 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.

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. Join before July 4 and become a charter member. For information, visit www.ncquilters.org or call 352-684-7222.

Music/Dance

Opera Lovers Club will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 18 in the clubhouse of the Forest Glenn Retirement Village, 1431 Friar Tuck Lane, off Osowaw Boulevard, Spring Hill. The topic will be "Leading Ladies of Opera - Past and Present." For information, visit http://naturecoastwebsites.com/opera.htm, e-mail jsquier1939@earthlink.net.

Military/Veterans

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.

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.

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.

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.