Hometown Happenings 0805
Community event
Operation Heartfelt fundraiser – Hernando’s Backpack Program – will be held Aug. 5 at Brooksville Country Club, 23446 Links Drive, Brooksville. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Featured entertainment will be Eliot Sloan from Blessed Union of Souls – pop, gospel and country; Billy Dawson, Clear Channel Country Music Talent Search winner 2010; Deanna Loveland – pop, country, gospel – harpist and singer; and George Marshall, the Salt Water Cowboy. Ticket cost is $35 per person; and tickets can be purchased at Westover’s Florist or Killingsworth Insurance Agency or by calling (352) 754-5463.
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.
In addition, the chapter invites members, newcomers and guests to extra meetings as follows: at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 11 at Elks Lodge 2582. The topic will be “Hurricane Preparedness” by Mark Tobert of Hernando County Emergency Management. Attendees will have the option to order from a multi-choice menu at a firm price of $8 per person; and at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 19 at Florida Sleep Institute, 4075 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The topic will be “Sleep Disorders” presented by Dr. William C. Kohler and sponsored by Brooksville Hospital Association. Attendees will order a personally chosen box lunch assembled by HoneyBaked Ham Café and Restaurant, courtesy of sponsors. Since seating is limited, early reservations are suggested. For reservations or information, call Bob Williams at (352) 596-0722.
Ethnic
Sons of Norway, Sun Viking Lodge 607, will meet at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The lodge will hold its midsummer pizza night and games. Up to three slices of pizza can be ordered at a cost of $3 each, which will include a garden salad and ice cream. Reservations are required, and the public is welcome to attend. Sons of Norway is an international fraternal society open to persons of Scandinavian background, affiliation by marriage or anyone interested in Norwegian culture. For reservations, call Jan at (352) 686-6538 or Gladys at (727) 868-6302. For information, call Elsie at (352) 666-2220 or Nellie at (727) 846-1584.
Computer club
Hernando Computer Club will present “Get Started with your Computer,” part one of two, by Joann Frucchione at 10 a.m. in the North Room; “MS Publisher for all your Desktop Publishing Needs” by Brigitte Haag at 10 a.m. in the South Room; and “Windows 7 After the Basics,” using the club’s new ‘half and half’ setting, by Ron Purkhiser at 1 p.m. in the North Room, all Aug. 5 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.
Education
CredAbility, nonprofit credit counseling and education, will present a “First-Time Home Buyers Workshop” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 6 at Career Central, 7361 Forest Oaks Blvd., off U.S. 19, Spring Hill. Attendees will learn the ins and outs and helpful tips for buying a first home. Questions will be answered about securing a loan, available tax credits and more. The workshop is free and is open to the public. If interested in attending, RSVP to (800) 251-2227.
Hernando County Extension Office will present a Financial Management Class entitled “Simple Strategies for Managing your Money” at 2 p.m. Aug. 10 at the East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Brooksville. A good financial strategy is the key to a family’s activities in buying, borrowing, saving, investing, purchasing a home, paying debts, and planning for the future. With simple financial strategies, families can identify unnecessary expenses, establish consistent savings habits, prepare for emergencies, and begin to focus on their future financial plan. For information, call the library at (352) 540-6391 or visit www.hcpl.lib.fl.us
Community
HEART Literacy Program is in need of volunteers to tutor adults in reading, language and math skills. A training orientation class will be offered to new volunteers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 26 at HEART Literacy, 801 N. Broad St., Brooksville. For information, call Justa Bozman at (352) 797-7018.
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.
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.
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: World of Reptiles at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Aug. 5 at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. John Storm will feature snakes, turtles, a crocodile, lizards and possibly a 15-foot python; and Jiggleman at 10:15 a.m. Aug. 9 at the West Hernando Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., off State Road 50, Brooksville. The show involves high energy, audience participation, juggling and more. 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.
Hernando County Public Library System will host a Water Cycle Program for children ages 5-12 years old at 2 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. The program will be presented by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and will demonstrate how the water cycle works. The interactive program will include a story, craft and an activity book. Registration is not required. For information, call (352) 540-6391.
Workshop
Hernando County Public Library System will hold a “Writing your Personal History” workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 10 at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. The workshop will offer ideas and tips to participants on how to get started writing their personal life experiences. Since seating is limited, preregistration is required. To register or for information, call the reference department at (352) 540-6392.
Youth
International Pageant Productions Inc., a Florida nonprofit, pageant will hold a seminar at 1 p.m. Aug. 20 at Envy Models and Talent, 4078 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. The seminar is open to young women ages 3 through 25 and their parents. The event will be an information session for the upcoming Miss Hernando pageant to be held Sept. 10. The pageant is an official preliminary pageant for the Miss Florida U.S. International Teen Florida-World, Jr. Miss and Little Miss Florida pageants. At the state level, a four-year college scholarship will be awarded. The seminar is free, but reservations are required. For reservations or information, call (352) 256-9959 or email [email protected]
State club
Wisconsin Club will hold its social night at 4 p.m. Aug. 17 at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, 14387 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The club also offers monthly travel opportunities. On Aug. 22, the club has scheduled a bus trip to the Hard Rock Casino via Bobby’s Bus. 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
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.
Suncoast Ship Model Society will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 18 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.
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.
Social
Elks Lodge 2582 will hold its steak shoot from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 6 in the lounge of 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 5 p.m.; and the following menu items will be available: wings and things, nacho platters, wings, fries, popcorn shrimp, homemade onion rings, quesadillas, potato skins and more. In addition, the lodge will serve a spaghetti dinner at 4 p.m. Aug. 7 which will include meatballs, salad, coffee and dessert. The cost is $6 per person. Members and guests are welcome to attend. For information, call the Lodge at (352) 596-2582.
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.
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.
Orchid Lovers of Spring Hill will meet at 1 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Partner’s Club, behind Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Louis Del Favero will speak on miniature orchids and will offer plants for sale. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Guests are welcome to attend. For information, call Linda Roderick at (352) 597-3736.
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.
Recreation
Nature Coast Bridge Club offers bridge games at 12:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday, and at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Senior Citizens Club, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill. Games for all levels of players are offered as well as lessons for beginning to advanced players. Join the group for an afternoon or evening of competition and friendship. For a complete schedule of games and/or lessons, call Beverly Tillberry at (352) 556-3892 or Annabelle Hills at (352) 597-5221 or email [email protected]
Spring Hill Camera Club meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Brooksville Enrichment Center, Medical Arts Building, Suite 120, of the Brooksville Regional Hospital campus, 17222 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Club business and an informative presentation are conducted on the second Monday, and a photo completion is judged each fourth Monday. Membership is open to all beginning and experienced film and digital photographers. For information, call Bill at (352) 556-3708 or visit www.springhillcameraclub.org.
Spring Hill Bocce Club meets at 7 a.m. every Tuesday and Friday at Delta Woods Park, 3400 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. The club is accepting new members. Annual membership dues are $5 per person, and the club holds a tournament once a year. For information, call Lucky Todaro, club president, at (352) 596-3503.
Sales/Flea markets
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 [email protected] 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.
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.
VFW Post 1681 and Ladies Auxiliary 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 at the post, 1681 E. Jefferson St., Brooksville. For information, call the post at (352) 796-4449.
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.
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 be 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.
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.
Crime Watch
SHARP Crime Watch will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 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 [email protected]
Radio clubs
Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Club meets the fourth Monday of the month at the Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Club clubhouse, 6909 Tierra Verde St., Port Richey. 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 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.
