Hometown Happenings 0514-15

Community Event

Retired New York City Firefighters of Spring Hill, Chapter 343, will hold a fundraiser garage sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 20-21, at 1229 Muscovy Drive, Spring Hill. Proceeds of the sale will go toward the 9-11 memorial site at VFW Post 10209 located at 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, Spring Hill. For more information, call 352-686-4401.

Botanical

Spring Hill Garden Club will hold its "Night Bloomers" meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at Nature Coast Botanical Gardens located at 1489 Parker Ave., just east of the waterfall entrance to Spring Hill, off U.S. 19. A walk-through of the botanical gardens and a discussion on night blooming plants will be featured. Tuang Tuggey, an herbalist and member of the garden club, will talk about herbs and showcase those currently growing in the garden she maintains. For information, call 352-683-9933 or visit the club's website at www.naturecoastbotanicalgardens.com.

Hernando County Extension Office will offer a free class entitled "John's Favorite 50" at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 23, at the Extension Office, 1653 Blaise Drive, Brooksville. The class will be presented by John Korycki of the Hernando County Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program. The list of plants will be selected with drought tolerance, disease resistance, cold tolerance and good growth in poor soils in mind. Information on their growth characteristics, needed maintenance, and sun/shade preference will be discussed. Preregistration is not required; attendees will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, call 352-540-6230.

Spring Hill Garden Club will meet for a luncheon at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at the Boston Cooker restaurant, 5375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. Carol Fernandes of Keller Williams Realty will speak about the "Festival of Fun Fundraiser" for the "Save Our Waterfall Campaign." 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. To help "Save Our Waterfall" or for information, call 352-683-9933 or visit its website at www.naturecoastbotanicalgardens.com.

Recreation

Spring Hill Camera Club will present a special class on "Photoshop CS5 Workflow" from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the Brooksville Enrichment Center, which is located in the Medical Arts Building, Suite 120, of the Brooksville Regional Hospital campus, 17222 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Club Competition Night will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, May 23.

The Camera Club meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Brooksville Enrichment Center. 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 the club's website at 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 more information, call Lucky Todaro, club president, at 352-596-3501.

Historical

Daughters of the American Revolution will meet at noon Thursday, May 19, at Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Lane, off Barclay Avenue, Spring Hill. The installation of officers and memorial service will be featured. Membership is open to women 18 years or older who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. The group can help with genealogy. For information, call Sharon at 352-796-7996.

Social

Sons of Italy, Nature Coast Lodge 2502, will meet Thursday, May 19, at the Knights of Columbus, St. Jude Council, 10470 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., and the meeting will be held at 7 p.m. For information, call Eugene at 352-684-7460. For membership information, call Rose at 352-796-7714.

Elks Lodge 2582 will hold a wine tasting from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Lodge located at 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Cheese, fruit and desserts will be included. The cost is $10 per person, and members and guests are welcome. Elk member Pam Paulsen will host the event. In addition, the Lodge will hold pizza night from 6 to 10 p.m. May 21. Pizza with special drinks will be offered for members and guests. A free slice of pizza will be served with a beverage purchase. For information, call the Lodge at 352-596-2582.

High Point Community will host its last dance of the season from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at its community center located at 12249 Clubhouse Road, Brooksville. Music will be provided by Two Fold. Complimentary coffee will be provided. Ticket cost is $5 per person, and tickets will be sold at the door. For table reservations and tickets, call Marlene at 352-596-2745.

Music/Dance

Opera Lovers Club will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, in the clubhouse of the Forest Glenn Retirement Village located at 1431 Friar Tuck Lane, off Osowaw Boulevard, Spring Hill. The topic will be "The Past and the Present - can today's Opera stand the Test of Time?" - a discussion and demo on the merits of today's singers versus the so-called Golden Oldies. For information, visit http://naturecoastwebsites.com/opera.htm, e-mail jsquier1939@earthlink.net or call Kathy Hoover at 352-688-4741.

Hernando County Recreation Department and instructor Jaynellen will sponsor a free intro to Belly Dance Class at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at Kennedy Park, 895 Kennedy Blvd., off E. Jefferson St., Brooksville. The class will introduce participants to the basics, provide a brief history of the ancient and mystical art of belly dance, along with the different styles of the art. The class is open to all ages, body types, sizes, and skill levels. If interested in attending, RSVP to instructor Jaynellen at 352-540-1568 or email Jaynellen333@sbcglobal.net

Education

Hernando County Utilities Department will hold a Rain Barrel Workshop at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 26, at the Utilities Department, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The workshop will be presented by John Korycki of the Hernando County Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program. Each participant will receive a completed rain barrel, along with instructions on its proper use and set-up. Using rain barrels in a landscape helps to reduce dependence on irrigation and supplements rainfall when it is dry. The cost of the class is $30 per completed barrel. Preregistration is required and will be received on a first-come, first-served basis. To register or for information, call John Korycki at 352-540-6230.

Seniors

AARP Chapter 1091, Hernando County West, will hold its kickoff meeting for charter members, Chapter 1026 transferees, and for newcomers of the newly formed chapter as follows: Tuesday, May 17, at Guido's Pizza Café, 7219 Forest Oaks Blvd., just off U.S. 19, Spring Hill; and Wednesday, May 25, at Blue Moon Diner, 8405 Northcliffe Blvd., just off U.S. 19, Spring Hill. All meetings begin at noon, but plan to arrive at 11:30 a.m. Eligible members will vote their officers and board members into office at the organizational meeting. Additional business will be obtaining members' ideas for future meetings including how often to hold meetings, locations for meetings, and topics to be presented. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. For reservations or more information, call Bob Williams at 352-596-0722.

AARP Hernando County East Chapter 1026 will meet Thursday, May 26, at Buffet City, 13235 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Arrive at 11:30 a.m. for lunch; the meeting will be held at noon. Topics of discussion will be "AARP Driver Safety Program" and "Financial Fraud." Reservations are required. For reservations or information, call Steve Mattingly at 352-754-9404 or Kathy Casey at 352-438-2368.

State Clubs

New York State Club will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, 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. Friday, 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. Monday, 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 Wednesday, 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

Hernando Porcelain Artists will gather for its spring luncheon at 11 a.m. Monday, May 16, at Kally K's Restaurant, 3383 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. Visitors are welcome. For reservations or more information, call Judy by May 11 at 352-592-4814.

Suncoast Ship Model Society will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at the Weeki Wachee Senior Citizens Club located at the corner of Toucan Trail and Susan Drive in Spring Hill. All modelers interested in building model ships and boats are invited. For information, call Jim at 352-592-6419.

Spring Hill Art League will hold an artists' reception for Art League members Charlie Hage, Mae Pollizze and Joe Starkey from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, at the Rising Sun Café, 10 S. Main St., Brooksville. Their artwork will be on display during May and June at the Café. For information, call Sandra LaValley at 352-722-9690.

Political

Wellington Republican Club of Hernando County will hold a presentation of Government Gone Wild - The Tea Party Edition: Government is Broke(n) at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at the Wellington at Seven Hills Clubhouse, 400 Wexford Blvd., off Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and admission will be free of charge. The event will feature how the federal government is bankrupting the nation and why your children and grandchildren will inherit a financial mess. Reservations are required. For reservations or information, register online at www.governmentgonewild.org/springhill or call Kathy Hill, club president, at 352-200-6896.

Hernando County Democratic Executive Committee will hold its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Temple Beth David, 13158 Antelope St., Spring Hill. A special election for the position of treasurer will be conducted. The meeting is open to the public. For information, call 352-593-8220 or visit its website at www.hernandodemocrats.us.

Hernando County Republican Executive Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at the Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St., Brooksville. The meeting is open to registered Republicans who would like to become more involved. For information, call 352-585-6402 or visit its website at www.hernandorepublicans.org.

Wellington Democrats will meet at 2 p.m. Friday, May 20, at the Wellington at Seven Hills Clubhouse, 400 Wexford Blvd., off Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill. Speaker will be Linda Graves, Senior Services of Hernando County. All residents of Hernando County are invited. For more information, contact Gene Ehrich at WellingtonDemocrats@gmail.com.

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 much more will be featured. If interested in becoming a vendor or for information, call Jodi at 352-232-4241.

Military/Veterans

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

Computer Club

Hernando Computer Club will hold its general meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the Education B building of Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. After department reports, the featured speaker will be Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis. Following his presentation, he will answer any questions. The club's monthly meetings are open to the public and are free of charge. Also, the club will present "Using Email" by Pat Turek at 10 a.m. Monday in the North Room. For information, visit the club's website at www.hcc.org or call the club at 352-684-7171.

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 located at 13485 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The meal is free of charge. 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 located at 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. For information, call the church office at 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 located at 5111 U.S. 19, Spring Hill. No requirements, other than I.D. Tammy Bennett is in charge of the ministry. For information, call the church at 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 its website at 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 more information, call the Recreation Department at 352-540-3835.

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

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 located at 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Food will be available which will include pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, coffee and soda. The event is open to the public. For information, call bingo chairman Joe Damroth at 352-442-3664 or the Lodge at 352-596-2582. Also, pizza and wings will be offered at 6 p.m. in the lounge. A slice of cheese pizza will be $1.25, a slice of pepperoni pizza will be $1.50 and a full pie will be $10. Jumbo wings will be 50 cents. This will be available to members and guests. For information, call the Lodge.

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

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

Karen's Kit 'n Kaboodle (St. Andrew's Thrift Shop) has a new furniture storage building offering a variety of furniture such as chairs, wall units, electric organs, artwork will be featured, including some sick room needs. The shop is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The boutique-style shop is located at 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, and features a $5 bag sale the second Tuesday of the month. Donations are appreciated and can be left in the shop during hours of operation or in the drop-off bin after hours. To volunteer or schedule pick-up of large items, call 352-686-1114.

SPCA Thrift Shop, 9075 Grant St., adjacent to the shelter, Brooksville, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Housewares, books, games, toys and clothing for the entire family are featured. All clothes are $5 a bag. All proceeds from the thrift shop benefit the care and upkeep of the animals at the shelter. Donations are welcome and can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays or Fridays, but large furniture or appliances cannot be accepted. To reach the SPCA shelter and thrift shop, take Sunshine Grove Road (off State Road 50) to Taylor Street, then turn left onto Grant Street. For information, call the thrift shop at 352-540-5727.

Also, the SPCA is seeking volunteers to provide companionship and assist in the care of the dogs and cats at the shelter. Day and hours are flexible. For more information, call the shelter at 352-596-7000. In addition, the SPCA of Hernando County is seeking a clinical microscope in an effort to reduce operating costs of the no-kill animal shelter. To donate a microscope, call 352-596-7000.

Jericho Road Ministries has a thrift store in the Winchester Plaza located at 5260 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, in addition to its stores located at 16479 Wiscon Road, Brooksville, and in the Sunrise Plaza at 31170 Cortez Blvd., Ridge Manor. All stores are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Clothing for adults and children, household items, furniture, kitchenware, toys, as well as numerous specialty items are available for sale. The Ministry has a women's shelter, Mary's House, which is located at 1163 Howell Ave., Brooksville. The thrift stores were established for the purpose of supporting the Jericho Road Men's Rescue Mission Shelter located at 1090 Mondon Hill Road, Brooksville. Donations are welcome and can be brought to any of the thrift stores during business hours or larger items can be scheduled for pick-up daily. For information or to schedule a pick-up, call 352-797-9009.

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 located at 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 located one-quarter mile behind St. Anthony Catholic Church. To schedule a pickup or for information, call 352-799-5930 or visit its website at www.daystarlifecenter.org.

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.