The Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is recruiting volunteers for National Public Lands Day today at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Volunteers are needed for invasive plant removal, trail maintenance and general park cleanup. Trail maintenance volunteers need to bring a lopper or pruning saw. Suggested attire for the cleanup includes closed-toe shoes, gloves, a water bottle and sunscreen or insect repellent. For information call (352) 592-5656.
The Korean War Veterans Legion No. 5053 and Ladies Auxiliary will hold its annual Fall Festival today at VFW Post No. 10209, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, Spring Hill. The festival will feature a performance by Gypsy Star an American gypsy concert band. Door open at 1:30 p.m. There will be a social hour 2-3 p.m. A buffet-style dinner by John Mason Catering will be served 3-4:15 p.m. The concert will follow 4:30-6 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. There will be a cash bar and door prizes. There will be no tickets sold at the door. Call Rich at (352) 688-7196.
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program of the Hernando County Utilities Department will hold a rain barrel workshop from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Hernando County Extension office, 1653 Blaise Dr., Brooksville. The cost is $55 per person and customers of Hernando County Utilities Department will receive a $25 credit on their water bill. The workshop will be given by the program coordinator, Sylvia Durell and pre-registration is requested to ensure availability of a rain barrel. Contact Sylvia Durell at (352) 450-6230 or email sdurell@co.hernando.fl.us to register or for more information.
The Hernando County Ostomy Association evening meeting is changing to the first Tuesday of the month starting Tuesday, from 7-9 p.m. at the Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 10441 Quality Dr., Medical Arts Building, Suite 105, Spring Hill. Family and friends are welcome. For questions call Bob Barnard (352) 442-9789 or Carol Krause (352) 683-5586.
The Sandhill Crane Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America upcoming meeting will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 200 Mt. Fair Ave., Brooksville. Groups of members will be taking classes, but open stitching for others will occur and membership is open to anyone who is interested, from the most experienced to those who would like to learn. Mentors are available! For more information please call (352) 666-8350.
The GFWC Brooksville Woman’s Club monthly luncheon and general meeting will begin at 12 p.m. Wednesday at 131 S. Main St., Brooksville. Luncheon donation is $6. Meeting will begin at 1 p.m. with Community Improvements by Marilyn Townsend. Guests welcome. Club Information: Cherry Stettin 799-3801 or Yvonne Malone 848-7988.
Jazzercise Spring Hill is celebrating its 2nd anniversary by holding an Anniversary Bash/Open House on Thursday at 7257 Forest Oaks Blvd. (Forest Oaks Plaza), Spring Hill. Admission is free to everyone and participants should dress to exercise. Festivities will include 6 classes at 8, 9 and 10 a.m., 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. There will be giveaways, prizes, and registration incentives for new or returning customers. For information on Jazzercise contact Becky Mooneyham at (352) 442-8595.
The African American Club membership meeting will start at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Regency Oaks Civic Center, 4445 Breakwater Blvd., Spring Hill.
The Historic Hernando Preservation Society cordially invites the public to our monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Brooksville City Hall Council Chamber. Our speaker this month will be Jerry Morris with the Seminole Wars Historic Foundation. For information contact Vickie Jimmerson (407) 401-1600, email hernandopreservation@gmail.com or visit our website www.hernandopreservation.bravehost.
The New York State Club monthly meeting will start at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Knights of Columbus, 10470 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill. Our Nov. meeting will be our annual picnic; therefore this month will be a turkey dinner. Contact Carolyn at (352) 684-6979 for tickets. Bowl for fun every Monday morning at 11 a.m. at Spring Hill Lanes. Contact Marge for information (352) 686-8015.
The Hernando Audubon Society is having a Marine Biology field trip to Ft. Island Gulf Beach on Thursday. Birding of marsh and woods begins at 8 a.m. and at 9 a.m. Wear pants and footwear that can get wet to get a close look at whatever is caught in the seine. Contact Eileen Riccio at (352) 613-5289 or naturecoastbirder@yahoo.com.
The Hernando Fishing Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Friday at VFW Post 9236, 4345 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. For information, call Rich at (352) 796-7711 or visit www.hernandocountyfishingclub.org
Mariner United Methodist Church Craft Group will hold its annual bazaar from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the church, 7079 mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. There will be many infant, children and kitchen handmade items, as well as a white elephant sale. A silent auction will be held for a handmade queen size quilt and a light lunch will be available. Call (352) 596-0080.
Hernando County Animal Services invites the public to an Open House and “Dollar Days” special from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday located at 19450 Oliver St., Brooksville. All pets will be available for a $1 adoption fee and the Animal Services staff would like to introduce their new cat adoption rooms and veterinary medical/surgical room. This is an opportunity for the staff to thank the individuals and organizations that have supported and partnered with Animal services. There will be educational and informational tables staffed by the Hillsborough Community College vet tech program, the County Health department and several volunteers and students. For more information contact Animal Services at (352) 796-5062.
The Brookridge Social Dance Group will host an Oktober Fest themed dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at the Club House, 8150 Hampton St., Brooksville. Cost is $5 per person and includes wieners, kraut, beer, coffee and ice (BYOB). Music provided by Retro Express (Diana Mitch). For information and/or reservations call Dot (352)597-0723.
HPH Hospice is offering a Pet Loss Workshop at no charge from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at The Partners Club located at Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The interactive workshop will be facilitated by experienced HPH bereavement counselors to help one better understand and come to terms with the depth of their grief. Participants will receive a workbook and the opportunity to share their loss. Photos of one’s pet are encouraged. Due to space limitations, pre-registration is required by calling Carla Hayes at (352) 597-1882.
The Brooksville/Spring Hill (CWC) Women’s Connection, affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries, is hosting their “Quarter Auction” luncheon from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 at Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Lane, Brooksville. The cost is $14.50, inclusive. The guest speaker will be Kelly Stigliano from Orange Park. All ladies are invited and bring your quarters for bidding on great items. For reservations call Jan by Oct. 1 at (352) 556-4658.
The GFWC Brooksville Woman’s Club is sponsoring the 11th Annual Victorian Tea from 12 to 3 p.m. Oct. 8-11 at 131 S. Main St., during the Brooksville Founders Week. The cost is $7 per person. Please call ahead if a large group. The menu will be assorted teas, finger sandwiches, jams tarts, sconces with jam, clotted cream and petit fours. For information call Cherry Stettin (352) 799-3801 or Yvonne Malone (352) 848-7988.
The Tarpon Coast Fly Fishers next monthly meeting will start at 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Boston Cooker, 5375 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill. A selection of plate dinners will be served at $18.99 each. The speaker will be Capt. Jimbo Keith from Cedar Key and all members, guests and visitors are welcome. For information call Bobbie Cox at (352) 228-7976 or email flyfishergal@live.com.
A Historic Hernando County Courthouse Centennial Celebration will be held 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 11 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 12. The reception on Friday for past and present elected officials is in the historic courtroom and the public is invited. Saturday’s events include entertainment, birthday cake, historical displays and “cracker” cattle demonstration. Come enjoy downtown Brooksville’s shops and eateries. Contact Hernando County Community Relations for information (352) 540-6780.
The Hernando Hills Hi-Lites Chorus, Hernando County’s only ladies barbershop chorus and members of Harmony, Inc. will present their 20th annual show “Doo-Wop More” at 2 p.m. on Oct. 12 at The First Baptist Church of Spring Hill, 7279 Pinehurst Dr. (corner of Cobblestone Dr.), Spring Hill. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for students (5-18 yrs.), children 4 and under are free and special rates for groups. Included in the price is a self-serve dessert and beverage table during intermission. The Hi-Lites new quartet, Southern Sass will be making their first appearance and vocal and guitarist Ray Soleau will entertain as guests are ushered in. There will be door prizes and a chance to win a basket full of goodies. There is a limited number of seating. For information and advance tickets call Norma at (352) 540-9192.
The Spring Hill Garden Club will host a waterfall fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens, 1489 Parker Ave., Spring Hill. The Spring Hill Garden Club has been responsible for the maintenance of the waterfall since 2011. Businesses, clubs, organizations and individuals are invited to decorate a scarecrow to be displayed in the botanical gardens from Oct. 12 to Nov. 15, during which time visitors will be able to vote for their favorite. Entry forms and contest rules are on the club’s website, http://www.naturecoastgardens.com. Residents are also invited to become “Supporters of the Waterfall” by making a donation in one of five categories: Patron ($250); Sponsor ($100); Donor ($50); Contributor ($25) or Scarecrow Sponsor ($10). Donations may be mailed to the Spring Hill Garden Club, P. O. Box 3504, Spring Hill, FL 34606. For information call (352) 683-9933.
St. Frances Cabrini Knights of Columbus Council 13209 will hold their 2nd Chinese Auction in Xavier Hall starting at 5 p.m., dinner served at 6 p.m., on Oct. 12. Tickets for the auction and sit down dinner are $15 per person and include 25 raffle tickets. There will only be 200 tickets sold for this event. Reservations are available for tables of 8 or more. Approximately 150 prizes valued from $20 to $80 will be raffled off. Additional raffle tickets available at $5 for 25 and special raffle tickets will be available for higher value prizes. The proceeds from this event will be used for many charities that St. Francis Cabrini Knights of Columbus supports. Tickets available from Jack Hauser (352) 686-9767, John Moonan (352) 596-4709, Billy Lueke (352) 666-9202, Chuck Bugge (352) 597-8878, Bud Quehl (352) 596-6111, Dan Coad (727) 856-4982, or Parish office (352) 683-9666.
Marine Corps League Detachment 708, 8405 Sunshine Grove Road, Brooksville, will hold a benefit breakfast from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 13 for the Breast Cancer Support Group of Hernando County. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the charity. The group assists the uninsured and under insured in obtaining mammograms through Spring Hill Regional Hospital. For information call (352) 597-7979.
The Arc Nature Coast will hold their Annual Membership Meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at their Education Center and Regional Evacuation Shelter, 6495 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. We will recognize our enclaves and review the past fiscal year. Appetizers will be served. For additional information contact Nancy Stubbs at (352) 544-2322 ext. 109 or nstubbs@thearc-naturecoast.org.
The Hernando Audubon Society will have a walk starting at 8 a.m. on Oct. 15 at John Chesnut Park and Wall Springs Park, Palm Harbor. Walk the boardwalks and trails of these beautiful parks looking for fall migrants and early winter birds. For information contact Eileen Riccio at (352) 613-5289 or naturecoastbirder@yahoo.com.
The Arc Nature Coast Halloween Dance Party will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 18 at The Arc Nature Coast Education Center, 6495 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The cost is $5 per person with door prizes, refreshments and music by PJ the DJ. Wear your costumes and join us for a frighteningly fun night. For information call (352) 544-2322, ext. 109 or email nstubbs@thearc-naturecoast.org.
Joshua’s House for Golden Retriever Rescue will hold its annual Golden Retriever Rescue Reunion from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 19 at Rainbow Springs State Park. Registration will start at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and something sweet. Dr. Trish Kallenbach from The Healing Place will speak at 11 a.m. Admission to the event is a gift of canned or bagged pet food and admission to the park is $2 per person. The event will feature a “Duke Look alike” contest, raffle and silent auction. All dogs must be on a leash, they are not allowed in the water and poop scooping is required. For more information call (352) 527-0669.
The Sons of Italy Nature Coast Lodge No. 2502 will hold its annual Columbus Day Dinner Dance on Oct. 19 at the Elks Lodge, 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Doors will open for a 5 p.m. The dinner will be at 6 p.m. and the entertainment by All Shook Up will run from 7 to 10 p.m. There will be a cash bar, gift basket drawing and a 50/50 drawing. The cost is $20 per person. For information call (352) 688-9234.
The Nature Coast Modelers will have a show and tell Model Show from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Oct. 26 at 4042 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. There is no admission fee and no charge for available tables, please bring your own chair. All ship, airplane, car, truck, military, plastic, wood models and dioramas are welcome. Parking and refreshments will be available. Call (352) 684-2484 for details.
The Hernando County Stormwater Engineering Department has scheduled a Coastal Clean-Up from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 26 starting at Linda Pedersen Park, 6300 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. Volunteers will report to the park to receive trash bags and complete clearance forms. The Coastal Clean-Up is the first event of its kind in several years and we hope to attract youth groups, civic organizations and individuals. Help keep Hernando County beautiful. For information contact Mr. Black at (352) 754-4062.
The Marine Corps League Detachment 708 will hold a benefit breakfast for Toys for Tots of Hernando County on Nov. 3 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. with a full menu at 8405 Sunshine Grove Rd., Brooksville. Bring a $10 toy (minimum) and receive 50 percent off your breakfast. Come help us make Christmas 2013 a very special one for the needy children in our community. For more information call (352) 597-7979 or visit www.mcl708.org.
The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties Inc. is seeking sponsors, exhibitors and presenters for its sixth annual Early Learning Conference on Nov. 2 at Bishop McLaughlin High School, 13651 Hays Road, Spring Hill. Last year’s conference attracted more than 800 attendees and presenters from across Florida as well as other states, including Georgia, Maryland and Texas. These early-childhood educators, caregivers, mental-health professionals, students, child advocates, owners/directors of preschools, parents and community members enjoyed a full-day conference, including a complimentary breakfast and lunch. For more information about how to become a presenter, sponsor or exhibitor, contact Bev Doucet, quality supervisor, at b.doucet@phelc.org or (727) 233-8291. For information, visit www.phelc.org or call (727) 233-8291.
The Marine Corps League 708 will celebrate the 238th year of the United States Marine Corps with a Birthday Ball on Nov. 8 at Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Ln., Spring Hill. The evening will start with cocktails at 4 p.m., ceremony at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are $45.00 per person and are available to league members and the general public. The theme is “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” with guest speaker Lt. General Stephen G. Olmstead, USMC retired. The evening’s entertainment will feature Norm Bernard Southern Exposure. Seating is limited and all tickets must be purchased by Oct. 30. Contact Sr. Vice Commandant Al Tamburrino at (352) 277-2732 or visit www.mcl708.org.
American Legion Auxiliary, Charles E. Murray Post 186, will host its annual Fall Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the post, 12091 Cortex Blvd., Brooksville. Available spaces for the yard sale are $10.00. Homemade baked goods, coffee and donuts will be available. Proceeds will benefit the military, veterans, their families and the community. To reserve a space, donate articles or obtain more information call Lynda Anderson at (352) 596-4436 or Betty Corbin (352) 797-0099.
The Hernando County Crime Stoppers, Inc. presents “Red, White, Blues Country: A Veteran’s Day Celebration” from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the Strong Tower Vineyard and Winery, 17810 Forge Dr., Spring Hill. Tickets are $15 by advance purchase only. Host-sponsor Strong Tower Vineyard and Winery will offer a wine tasting included with ticket purchase. The festivities will open with the Presentation of Colors and the entertainment will be Brooksville’s own “The Blues Pig” band, followed by local award winning country artist, Jenny Rimmer. Food, beer and wine will be sold and prizes will be raffled throughout the evening. Guests are asked to bring a chair and flashlight. All proceeds to benefit the Crime Stoppers organization. For credit card or cash purchases: Strong Tower Vineyard and Winery, (352) 799-7612 (Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) or Friendly Car Wash, 1108 Commercial Way, Spring Hill (Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). For cash or check purchases: Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) 18900 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville (Civil Unit) or 7499 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. For information call (352) 346-5914.
A “Stand Tall Together” USO-style evening of entertainment will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov.11 at the Brooksville Elks Lodge.
The event will honor all men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Services, especially those who served during World War II.
The Friends of Chinsegut Hill will host the inaugural Chinsegut Hill Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 16 on the grounds of Chinsegut Hill Manor, 22495 Chinsegut Hill Road, Brooksville. The free community event will feature arts and crafts, educational activities, student art, music by the Hernando Youth Orchestra Quartets, and food and beverages compliments of Hernando High School’s Culinary Institute. A members’ only reception will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 15. Non-members can join at the door for $20. The reception will feature a silent auction to benefit Chinsegut Hill, music and refreshments, an update on current and future goals and plans by Friends of Chinsegut and special guest Gary Mormino, author and retired professor of Florida Studies at University of South Florida who has conducted educational events at Chinsegut. For information visit www.chinsguthillcelebration.org, email friendsofchinseguthill@gmail.com, or call (352) 799-5400.
The 10th Annual Festival of Trees and Craft Show, sponsored by GFWC Brooksville Woman’s Club and St Anthony Catholic Church, 20428 Cortez Blvd., will take place Dec. 6-7. There will be bake goods, plants, towels, wood craft, jewelry, jams, and much more. Vendor spaces $35 donation for two days. For information or application please contact Yvonne Malone (352) 796-6026 or ymalone@tampabay.rr.com or Christy Stafford (352) 796-2096, ext. 22.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Hernando County have an opportunity to assist the Brooksville based Florida Army National Guard aviation unit, the 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment. RSVP of Hernando County, sponsored by Mid Florida Community Services, Inc., has identified the need and interest in providing services to this unit. RSVP needs your help to collect care package items for “Holiday Care Packages” to be shipped in late Oct. Please contact Abby Evert, RSVP project coordinator at (352) 796-8117 or aevert@mfcs.us.com for a list of items and drop off sites.
South Brooksville Neighborhood Watch is seeking volunteers. Meetings are held 6-7 p.m. the second Monday of the month at 601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. For more information, call Cecile Davis at (352) 397-1423.
Gifts from Home, a nonprofit organization that sends packages to the troops in Afghanistan, is in need of food items for our soldiers. Items needed are crackers, granola/power/cereal bars, peanuts, Slim Jims, beef jerky, drink mixes, trail mix, hard candy (please, no candy bars at this time), tuna, VanCamp’s Beanee Weenees and Fruit Roll-Ups. Items should be in individual packages. Monetary donations accepted. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations: Up 4 Breakfast, 14359 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill; Magnolia Tea Room, 5598 Commercial Way in Weeki Wachee; and the Marine Corps League Detachment 708, 8405 Sunshine Grove Road in Brooksville. To donate money or for more information, call Linda Kidwell at (352) 684-4185 or email giftsfromhome @tampabay.rr.com.
Hernando County Public Library welcomes parents to bring their 18- to 35-month-old children to Toddler Time at 10:15 a.m. and 3- to 5-year-old children to Storytime at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Main Library, Wednesdays at East Hernando Library, Thursdays at Spring Hill Library and Fridays at West Hernando Library. Call (352) 754-4043 or visit http://hernando countylibrary.us for more information.
The Hernando County Recreation Department offers “Tribal Belly Dancing” 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Springstead High School, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, and Thursdays at Kennedy Park, 895 Kennedy Blvd., Brooksville. Tribal belly dancing is unique 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. Dance experience is not necessary. The cost is $10 per class paid monthly, $9 per month for six weeks or $15 for drop-ins. Advance registration is not required, and all ages are welcome. Call (352) 540-1568 or (352) 754-4031, or visit www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec.
Live Oak Theatre Company’s first production of the 2013 season will be “Fiddler On the Roof,” which will be performed Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26 theatre. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening for dessert at 7 p.m. Sunday performance begins at 3 p.m. with doors opening for dessert at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call the box office at (352) 593-0027, email LiveOakTheatre @gmail.com or go to www.LiveOakTheatre and 27. All performances will be held at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 200 Mount Fair Ave., Brooksville. All performances are dessert .org.
Sons of Italy Nature Coast Lodge 2502 holds its monthly dinner/business meeting at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at The Lake House, 1202 Ken Lake Ave., Spring Hill. Social Night is on the first Wednesday. The lodge functions supports local charities sponsors bowling, bocce, Italian culture yearly trips. Membership is open to all. Call Richard (352) 263-7829 or Rose (352) 796-7711 for more information.
Brooksville Elks Lodge No. 2582, 14494 Cortez Blvd., has karaoke 2-5 p.m. every Tuesday with a lunch from noon to 3 p.m. Every Thursday evening dancing is available in the main hall with entertainment by Bill Castner. A pub menu is served and there is a $3 cover charge. There is also karaoke starting at 7 p.m. on Fridays. For information, call (352) 596-2582.
News releases to be published in Hometown Happenings should be received 10 days in advance and will not be published without complete information, such as the time, date and physical address of the location of the meeting or event. Also, an information telephone number for the public and the name and telephone number of a contact person must be included. Email news releases to Michael Terry at mterry@hernandotoday.com, fax to (813) 579-9246 or mail to Hernando Today, 12973 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613.
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