Hometown 1022-23
Community
United Communities of Hernando County will meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Silverthorn Community Center, 4400 Mallard Lake Drive, Spring Hill. Guest speaker will be Hernando County Administrator David Hamilton, offering a presentation on the state of affairs in the county. A question-and-answer session will be conducted following his presentation. All Hernando County residents are welcome. For information, call John Bloom at (352) 686-1851.
Hernando County La Sertoma Club will meet at 11 a.m. Nov. 7 at Guido’s Pizza Cafe, 7219 Forest Oaks Blvd., just off U.S. 19, Spring Hill. La Sertoma is dedicated to youth service recognition, fundraising for scholarships for needy and deserving college students, as well as special holiday events for special needs children. Guests are welcome. For information, call Laverne at (352) 796-4657.
Brooksville Rotary Club meets at noon every Tuesday at the Brooksville Country Club, 23446 Links Drive, off Croom Road, Brooksville. Members of Rotary are devoted to helping the local, national, and international community via charity events and volunteerism. Local organizations supported include New Beginnings Youth Shelter, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Hernando County Fair and more. For information, visit www.brooksvillerotary.org or call Terry Weaver at (352) 796-9891.
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.
Education
Explorer K-8 will host a bilingual informational meeting for parents from 5:45 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26 in the cafeteria of the school at 10252 Northcliffe Blvd., Spring Hill. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss educational resources that are available at the school and how parents can assist their children succeed in school. The information will be provided in Spanish and English. Topics will include resources in the media center, accessing Edline, getting assistance from guidance personnel, and accessing useful and free Internet sites. Refreshments will be served. For information, call the school at (352) 797-7094.
Seniors
AARP Chapter 5445, Hernando County West, will meet Oct. 28 at Denny’s, 1445 Wendy Court, off U.S. 19, Spring Hill. The meeting begins at noon, but plan to arrive at 11:30 a.m. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. Members and newcomers are invited. For reservations or information, call Bob Williams at (352) 596-0722.
In addition, the chapter invites members, newcomers and guests to an extra meeting as follows: at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25 at Florida Sleep Institute, 4075 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The topic will be “Sleep Disorders” presented by Dr. William C. Kohler. 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.
AARP Hernando County East Chapter 1026 will meet Oct. 27 at Buffet City, 13235 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Arrive at 11:30 a.m. for lunch; the meeting will be held at noon. Dr. Marc Polecritti will speak on reconstructive surgery, and Jim McGrath will discuss Medicare/HMO changes for 2012. Reservations are required, and all seniors are welcome. For reservations or information, call Steve Mattingly at (352) 754-9404 or Kathy Casey at (352) 428-2368.
Nature Coast Telecom Pioneers will meet at 1 p.m. Nov. 2 at Mariner United Methodist Church, 7079 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The annual Thanksgiving dinner will be featured. Bring used stamps, community service hours, can tabs, ditty bag items, food for the needy, knitted baby caps, box tops for education, coupons, and Campbell soup labels. Membership is open to anyone interested in serving the community and fellowship. For information, call Bonnie at (352) 592-9856.
Political
Hernando County Democratic Club will meet at 11 a.m. Nov. 5 at Southern Pines Condos Clubhouse, 8075 Southern Pines Drive, Brooksville. Guest speaker will be Al Friedman, vice president of the Suncoast Letter Carriers Local 2008. For information, call Harvey Martin at (352) 686-0686 or visit www.hernandodemocrats.us
Arts/Crafts
Hernando County Fine Arts Council will hold its annual meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Brooksville Enrichment Center, Suite 120, in the Brooksville Regional Medical Arts Building, 17222 Hospital Blvd., off State Road 50. The council will discuss its plans for 2012 including the Art in the Park event, which will be held in March instead of May. Friends of the Arts applications will be available at the meeting, and representatives of all Hernando County arts organizations are invited to attend. For information, contact Jerry Cowling, HCFAC chairman, at (352) 797-0984 or [email protected]
Suncoast Ship Model Society will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 3 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.
Genealogy
Genealogy Society of Hernando County will meet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at the LDS Family History Center, 21043 Yontz Road, Brooksville. Visitors are welcome. For information, call Kathleen Marsh at (352) 796-1623.
Music/Dance
Opera Lovers Club will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 22 in the clubhouse of the Forest Glenn Retirement Village, 1431 Friar Tuck Lane, off Osowaw Boulevard, Spring Hill. The group will be watching the second half of the “Barber of Seville” after a short discussion period, comparing sopranos in the role of Rosina and comparing Broadway tenors to operatic tenors. The public is welcome to attend, and all are encouraged to ask questions and contribute to the discussion. For information, visit http://naturecoastwebsites.com/opera.htm, e-mail [email protected].
Brooksville Music Club will hold its annual coffee social at 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 200 Mount Fair Ave., Brooksville. John St. John, director and founder of the Hernando Youth Orchestra, will take center stage for a live instrumental performance. The event is free, and the public is welcome. For information, call J. Hooten at (352) 799-4029.
Hernando County Recreation Department will offer a free belly dance class at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 27 and Nov. 17 at Kennedy Park, 895 Kennedy Blvd., Brooksville. To attend, RSVP to instructor Jaynellen at (352) 540-1568 or email [email protected] In addition, the 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.
High Point Community Ballroom Dance classes will be held every Wednesday at the High Point Community Center, 12249 Clubhouse Road, Brooksville. Intermediate and beginner classes will be held from 2 to 3 p.m.; open dancing for all will continue from 3 to 4 p.m. The cost per couple per lesson is $10; open dancing is $3 per person. Instructor Bonnie Jordan welcomes anyone interested in learning the basics, as well as advanced dance routines. For information, call Bonnie at (352) 683-3699.
Community activity
Boy Scout Troop 442 is conducting its annual pumpkin patch from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, through Oct. 31 at Fellowship Community Church, 11250 Spring Hill Drive, just east of Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill. Proceeds of the fundraiser will be used to help boys of the troop with their annual summer camp costs and other needs within the troop. For information, call the church at (352) 686-4612.
Library programs
Hernando County Public Library System will offer a computer class, “Computer Basics for Job Seekers” at 10 a.m. Oct. 26 at the West Hernando Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., off State Road 50, Brooksville. The two-hour class is designed for persons searching for work who have little or no experience with computers. Topics covered will include how to use the mouse, and the fundamentals of the Internet and email. Participants will receive assistance with completing online applications and setting up email accounts. The class is free, but registration is required. To register or for information, call (352) 540-6392.
Computer club
Hernando Computer Club will present “Selling online” by Brigitte Haag at 10 a.m. and “Picasa – Making collages and movies” by Ron Purkhiser at 1 p.m., both Oct. 24 in the North Room at the Education B building of Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. Lecture classes do not require registration, but hands-on classes require preregistration. The cost for lecture classes of the club is $2 per person. The public is welcome. In addition, the club is offering one-to-one tutoring. Members wanting to learn a specific task can call the club with their request. Holger Bruning will then schedule an appointment for the desired topic. The cost is $10, and the session can be up to two hours. For information, visit www.hcc.org or call the club at (352) 684-7171.
Radio clubs
Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Club will meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Club clubhouse, 6909 Tierra Verde St., Port Richey. Meetings are held the fourth Monday of the month. All HAM radio operators and those interested in HAM radio and emergency communications 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. 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.
Community
Hernando County Animal Services is recruiting volunteers who are interested in helping to save the lives of animals. Openings are available for rescue coordinators, lost and found advocates, pet adoption advocates, and pet photographers. Anyone who loves animals and has time to donate should visit the county’s web site at www.hernandocounty.us/code/animal/ to view job descriptions and complete a volunteer application. Volunteers might be subject to background checks and fingerprinting. For information, call (352) 796-5062.
Kiwanis Club of the Nature Coast meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of the month at IHOP, 3636 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. The event is a dinner meeting with meals ordered from the menu. For information, call Scott Edmisten at (352) 346-2515.
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.
Botanical
Hernando Herb Society will meet at 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. The program will be “Making herbal vinegars.” Mary Ann Johnson will demonstrate the technique of making the vinegars and bottling them for gifts or for own use. Several of the vinegars will be raffled off. Guests are welcome to attend, and the event is free. For information, call Carmen at (352) 796-7253.
Spring Hill Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Darin Merkle, Genesis Landscape Services, Inc., who landscaped the waterfall area, will discuss Florida-friendly landscaping. 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.
Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Fellowship Hall at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, 7922 State Road 52, Hudson. “History of Naval Stores and the Turpentine Industry in Florida” presented by Sid Taylor, park naturalist and historian for the Withlacoochee State Forest, will be featured. 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.
Workshop
Crescent Community Clinic will host a Grant Writing Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 at the St. Petersburg Times building, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Participants will learn A to Z of grant writing techniques. Secrets about researching for appropriate funding sources will be provided; bring ideas for the type of projects that need to be funded. Presenter Barbara Sweinberg has conducted grant writing workshops for over 35 years. She has written hundreds of successful grant proposals and has been a reviewer for foundation and government grants. Sweinberg has served on several boards of directors and has been an executive director of several nonprofits. Registration at the door is $60 per person. Promotional table space is available for organizations to promote services or products, and the cost is $15 per space. Participants will need to provide own lunch or brown bag it. To attend, sign up at facebook.com/CrescentCommunityClinic.org or email [email protected] For information, call Ali Humphreys at (352) 263-7469.
Nature Coast Orators Toastmasters Club, a member of Toastmaster International, meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Brooksville Regional Hospital’s Enrichment Center in the Medical Arts Building, Room 120, 17222 Hospital Blvd., off State Road 50, Brooksville. Members learn communication skills by following a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking. Participants learn skills related to the use of humor, gestures, eye contact, speech organization and overall delivery in addition to leadership skills. For information, call Terry Weaver at (352) 796-9891.
State clubs
New York State Club will hold its annual picnic Nov. 3 at Crews Lake Park, 16739 Crews Lake Drive, Shady Hills. Lunch will be served at noon, ad tickets should be purchased before Oct. 28. For tickets, call Carolyn at (352) 684-6979. Bowling for fun is held at 11 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. Nov. 4 at Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Featured entertainment will be Louie Fortunato. The object of the club is to promote fellowship, social and fraternal activities for former residents of Illinois. Following each meeting, coffee and dessert is served. 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 hold its annual Oktoberfest from 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at Delta Woods Park, 3400 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. The club will provide cooked brats, buns, condiments and coffee. Members are requested to bring a dish to pass or a dessert for the buffet table, along with own soft drinks and place setting. Following the meeting, bingo will be played for prizes. The club meets monthly at Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. The club also offers monthly travel opportunities. On Oct. 24, 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.
Ethnic
German American Club will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Shriners Club of Hernando County, 13400 Montour St., off Sunshine Grove Road, Brooksville. New members are welcome, and it is not necessary to be German to be a member or attend. For information, call Jack Yaskulski at (352) 688-3744 or visit www.germanclubspringhill.org In addition, the club will hold a “Schlachtfest” dance Nov. 18 at the Shriners Club. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with food served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dancing will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Dress code will be club casual; no shorts or jeans. Music will be provided by Manni Daum. BYOB. Ticket cost is $18 per person for members and $20 per person for guests, and tickets must be purchased in advance. For tickets or information, call Lisa Yaskulski at (352) 688-3744.
African American Club of Hernando County will meet at 2 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Regency Oaks Civic Center, 4445 Breakwater Blvd., Spring Hill. Guest speaker will be Dr. Robert Martinez, chiropractor of Spring Hill. In addition, the club will hold an Oldies but Goodies dance Oct. 22 at the SNPJ Lodge dance center, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill. National recording artist Gwendolyn Battle and her band Deep Pockets will be featured. For tickets or information, call (352) 596-3694. Also, the club will host a meet-and-greet picnic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at Delta Woods Park, 3400 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. Barbecue ribs and chicken will be served from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The cost will be $10 per person for non-members. For club information, call Jerome McNealy, club president, at (352) 835-7003.
Italian American Club will meet at noon Nov. 5 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. Scheduled speaker, Linda Kidwell, will offer a presentation about the “Gifts from Home” program. Coffee and pastry will be served after the meeting. 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.
Fraternal
St. Frances Cabrini Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly 3022 will meet at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 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. For information, call Jack Hauser at (352) 686-9767.
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.
Community outreach
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church serves its “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 meal is free. For information, call the church office at (352) 688-0663.
DayStar Life Center food pantry will provide food to help families every month through Jan. 1, 2012 at its facility, 7120 Hope Hill Road, off State Road 50, behind St. Anthony Catholic Church, Brooksville. For example, the food pantry provides a family of four – meat, butter, bread, pastries and nonperishable items that equal 37 pounds of food. For information, call DayStar at (352) 799-5930 or visit www.daystarlifecenter.org
People Helping People is seeking groups, large or small, to prepare an entrée for one of its Sunday dinners. PHP will help volunteers through the process. Donations are also always needed. People Helping People serves a free meal to the homeless and the very needy in the community from 4 to 5:30 p.m. every Sunday at the Senior Citizens Center of Hernando County, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill. In addition, PHP offers free bread and groceries, clothing and referrals to help other organizations. Its Blessings in a Backpack program provides food for 200 elementary students at four local schools for the entire school year. For information, call (352) 686-4466. To donate, send to People Helping People, P.O. Box 6182, Spring Hill, Fla. 34611 or visit www.phpinhc.org
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.
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.
Community activities
Nature Coast Children’s Chorale is gearing up for its fourth year in Hernando County. The chorale is open to children in grades 4-12 and meets weekly on Thursday evenings at Powell Middle School, 4100 Barclay Ave., Brooksville. The chorale has performed the last two years at Carnegie Hall in New York City and at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. If your child loves to sing, schedule an audition by calling (352) 403-8437 or emailing [email protected]
Sales/Flea markets
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 (352) 428-9275.
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.
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.
Dance/Music
Hernando County Recreation Department will offer a free belly dance class at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 27 and Nov. 17 at Kennedy Park, 895 Kennedy Blvd., Brooksville. To attend, RSVP to instructor Jaynellen at (352) 540-1568 or [email protected] In addition, the 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 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.
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
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.
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 & 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 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 at 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Senior Citizens Club of Hernando County, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill or call (352) 683-5936 or email [email protected]
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.
