Things to do in Hernando County this week 20140101

Dade battle re-enactment

The annual Dade’s Battle Re-enactment takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, 7200 County Road 603 in Bushnell. Live battlefield re-enactments will be at 2 p.m. each day.

This marks the 178th anniversary of the battle, when Maj. Francis Dade and 105 men were killed, setting off the Second Seminole War.

The event includes period civilian, soldier and Seminole camps; historic arts and crafts demonstrations; trade fair; full-scale cannon firing and authentic 19th century games and activities for kids.

Admission is $5, and free to children ages 5 and younger. Parking is $3 per vehicle.

For information, call (352) 793-4781.

Polka party

Dance in the new year to American and Polka music provided by the Frank Moravic Band, from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Sun Coast Dance Center, 13383 County Line Road in Spring Hill. The cost is $10 for members and $12 for non-members. There will be food available along with a cash bar.

For information, call Catherine at (989) 768-0031 or email [email protected].

Cruise for charity

Meet and mingle while enjoying classic cars on display at Monster Transmissions’ Charity Cruise-In at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Chic-Fil-A restaurant at 13143 Cortez Blvd. in Brooksville. The car show offers a fun and unique way to raise funds and awareness for local charities. January’s charity recipient is A New Generation.

For information, call 1-800-708-0087 or email [email protected].

John Denver tribute

Enjoy a special evening starring Tom Becker in his tribute to the music of John Denver at 7 p.m. Thursday at Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St. in Brooksville. Becker, a former member of the folk group New Christy Minstrels, will recreate many of Denver’s most memorable songs, including “Rocky Mountain High” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Tickets are $20.

For information or to purchase tickets, call (352) 610-4901.

Seminole Wars program set

Hernando County Public Library is calling all history buffs to join them for a special program, “Voices of the Seminole Wars,” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. today at the Main Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. Award winning authors John and Mary Lou Missall will present the Seminole Wars through the words of those who fought them. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hernando County Inc. For more information, call (352) 754-4043 or visit www.hernandocountylibrary.us.

AARP offers driver safety training

AARP offers Driver Safety program training during January. Each class is six hours and the cost for AARP members is $15 or $20 for non-members. The dates and times are as follows: Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Hill Partners Club, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Contact Bill Conn, (352) 556-3050 or (606) 669-3224; Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 3 p.m. at Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Contact Ginny Holohan, (352) 684-2126 or (570) 205-1261; Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brooksville Enrichment Center, 17240 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Contact Marge Lingor, (352) 596-9193; Jan. 13 and 14 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 10461 Quality Drive, Spring Hill. Contact Bill Conn, (352) 556-3050 or (606) 669-3224. Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St., Brooksville. Contact Michele Haenel, (352) 666-4044.

Audubon Society hosts field trips

Hernando Audubon Society’s next field trip will be at 8 a.m. on Jan. 10, featuring a guided tour to see some of the 248 species of birds found in the Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area in Lake and Orange counties. This is a 20,000-acre wetland managed by St. Johns River Water Management District. Participants will be walking short distances and driving.

For more information contact Bev Hansen at (352) 686-0460 or email [email protected].

? Hernando Audubon Society also will have a field trip to Merritt Island National Refuge on the Atlantic Coast on Jan. 17. This trip is mostly driving with multiple stops for bird viewing. You must sign up in advance for this trip. Contact Eileen Riccio at (352) 613-5289 or email [email protected].

Sons to show Ellis Island film

A cultural video and presentation on “Ellis Island” will be presented by the Sons of Italy Nature Coast Lodge No. 2502 at 1 p.m. on Jan. 11 at the Spring Hill Branch Library meeting room, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. If you are interested in the immigrant experience through Ellis Island, contact Larry Sciacchitano at (352) 398-3506 or email [email protected]. Please reserve your seat, seating is limited to 50.

They accommodate your accordion

Accordion Adventure invites you to start the new year in celebration of our country, at “Celebrate the USA,” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the Spring Hill United Church of Christ, 4244 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The cost is $2 and coffee and cake will be provided or bring your own snacks. Everyone is invited.

Accordion Adventure an informal group of accordionist/enthusiasts of all levels of performance. For information, call Cathy at (352) 686-0975 or Peg at (352) 442-5574.

‘Judah Ben Hur’ to aid mission group

Youth With a Mission Tampa Bay and Live Oak Theatre present “Judah Ben-Hur, the Musical” at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 17 and 18 and 3 p.m. on Jan. 19 at Faith Evangelical Church, 200 Mt. Fair Ave., Brooksville. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for students 13 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket. Doors will open one half-hour earlier for coffee or tea and dessert.

“Judah Ben-Hur, the Musical” is a magical tale of romance, comedy and adventure. All proceeds will be used to send the JBH team to the Philippines to help build homes and bring joy through free performances of JBH.

For, information call the box office at (352) 593-0027 or visit www.LiveOakTheatre.org.

German Club plans to have a ball

The German Club of Spring Hill hosts its Inaugural Ball for the installation of its 2014 Board of Directors on Jan. 17 at the Hernando Shrine Hall, 13400 Montour St., Brooksville. Tickets are $11 for German American Club members and $14 for guests and available by advance purchase only. Doors open at 4 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres served from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and dancing from 6 to 10 p.m. with music by Manni Daum. B.Y.O.B.

For tickets call Lisa Yaskulski at (352) 688-3744.