ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION: Caregiver support groups are offered at several locations:
--2:30 p.m. the first Friday of each month, Lykes Memorial Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. Jerry Fisher, 688-4537.
--2 p.m. the second Thursday of each month, Spring Oaks, 7251 Grove Road, Brooksville. Mona Herreid, 592-1150.
--2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month, Crown Pointe Senior Living Community, 11291 County Line Road, Spring Hill. Sandy Croson, 799-1422.
--2 p.m. Monday, Residence at Timber Pines, 3140 Forest Road, Spring Hill. Meetings are on the third Monday of each month. Joan Schonborn, 683-9009.
ALZHEIMER'S FAMILY ORGANIZATION: The following programs are offered through the Alzheimer's Family Organization to residents of Hernando, Citrus, Pasco, Sumter and Lake counties:
nCaregiver support groups: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St., Brookridge; 1 p.m. Mondays, Spring Hill Enrichment Center (behind Oak Hill Hospital), 11375 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill; Maria Curley, (727) 856-2196.
--Respite Assistance Program: Respite assistance is provided for caregivers of a dementia or Alzheimer's disease sufferer. The Alzheimer's Family Organization also will provide other national respite resources that can reimburse costs to caregivers.
--Wanderers Identification Program: This program provides the person with a memory disorder with an identifying bracelet or pendant with a code number and direct telephone number to the participating sheriff's office. If the person becomes lost or wanders from home, they can be easily identified through a shared database that houses essential patient information and caregiver contacts.
For information, call AFO at (727) 848-8888 or toll-free at 1-888-496-8004.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY NEEDS VOLUNTEER "ROAD TO RECOVERY" DRIVERS: The American Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers for its Road to Recovery program in Hernando County. The program provides transportation for cancer patients to and from local cancer treatments when other transportation is not available. Schedules are flexible and training is provided. Requirements include a safe driving record, valid driver's license, insurance and a smoke-free vehicle. Those interested can call Joan at 799-9078.
ARC NATURE COAST: The Arc Nature Coast is a nonprofit organization that provides services and support for Hernando County residents with developmental disabilities and their families.
--Speaker's Bureau: The Arc Nature Coast has a speakers bureau available to area civic and social organizations. Made up of staff, board members and other volunteers, the bureau serves as a resource to inform the community of Arc's mission and programs. To schedule a speaker, call Executive Director Mark Barry, 544-2322, ext. 103.
--Consumers and Families Leadership and Development Assistance Program: The Arc's Family Cafe has started this program that provides funding for developmentally disabled individuals and their families to attend conferences, public forums and other training opportunities in order to help them become effective advocates and community leaders. Funding is available to pay for travel, accommodation, conference registration fees and other related costs. To complete an application or for information, visit the Family Cafe Web site at www.familycafe.net or call toll-free at 1-888-309-2233.
NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL/NAMI HERNANDO: NAMI Hernando offers the following:
--The "Beautiful Mind" consumer-run drop-in center, 10554 Spring Hill Drive (Brothers I and II Plaza), Spring Hill. This is a self-help rehabilitation and recreation center for consumers and provides support groups, computer classes, bingo, arts and crafts, speakers and social activities. The center is in need of donations, including paper plates, hot and cold cups, napkins, plastic ware, copy paper, soda, coffee, snacks and gift certificates. Call the center at 684-0004.
--General membership meeting, 1 p.m. Wednesday, at the Beautiful Mind. Call the center.--
Consumer Friendship Group meets 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays at the Beautiful Mind. This is an informal group for those with mental illness to visit and socialize. Call the center.
--Family Support Group, 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays (meets separately from the friendship group), at the Beautiful Mind. This is a group for families of the mentally ill to exchange insights about mental illness and learn how others are coping. Call 686-2687.
--Flea Market, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 24, at the Beautiful Mind. Donations of clean, working items are needed. Volunteers are needed as well. Ginny, 686-2687, or the center, 684-0004.
NEWS SERVICE FOR THE BLIND: The Hernando-East Pasco chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida offers a free Newsline service, an electronic text-to-speech national network that delivers both national and local newspapers, using synthetic speech, over conventional local telephone lines. The service is geared for the blind and print-impaired. Seven Florida newspapers are available through Newsline, including the St. Petersburg Times, Tampa Tribune, Bradenton Herald, Miami Herald, Orlando Sentinel, Tallahassee Democrat and Palm Beach Post. Users also have access to USA Today,the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post and New York Times. To enroll, call the Florida Talking-Book Library toll-free 1-800-226-6075. For information, call David Bearden at 754-2808 or Susan Cook at 584-0263.
REACH TO RECOVERY: Individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer may receive information and support through this American Cancer Society program. Call toll-free 1-800-227-9954; those who ask to be contacted by Reach to Recovery can have a trained volunteer provide a one-on-one visit. The program is free.
SENIOR Rx ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: This program is for Hernando County residents 60 or older who need financial assistance in purchasing prescription medications. For details, call 597-6331 or stop by the Oak Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind the hospital), Spring Hill. This is a nonprofit organization; donations are tax-deductible.
Aripeka
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Open speaker group, 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Aripeka Community Center, Osowaw Boulevard. 683-4597.
Brooksville
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Sunset group, 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Christ Lutheran Church, 475 W North Ave. Back to Basics, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, the Harbor, 7074 Grove Road (across from Springbrook Hospital). Garden Grove group, open speaker's meeting, 8 p.m. the last Saturday of each month, First Presbyterian Church, 250 Bell Ave. Heavy Hitters group, 8 p.m. Wednesdays, First Presbyterian Church, 250 Bell Ave. Welcome group, 8 p.m. Thursdays, St. John's Episcopal Church, 200 S Brooksville Ave. TGIF group, 8 p.m. Fridays, First Presbyterian Church, 250 Bell Ave. 683-4597.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS: Words of Wisdom group, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Salvation Army Fellowship Hall, 15464 Cortez Blvd. This is a 12-step program geared toward the development of healthy relationships and the building of self-esteem. Step work is done on the first Wednesday of each month. Newcomers welcome. Joan, 597-3926.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: Stairway to Serenity group (open discussion), 8 p.m. Fridays, Faith Fellowship Church, 19255 Camp Ground Road. Open discussion group, noon Tuesday, Faith Fellowship Church. Just for Today group (closed discussion book study), 8 p.m. Tuesdays, First United Methodist Church, 109 Broad St.; open discussion meetings are at 8 p.m. Thursdays at First United Methodist. Stairway to Serenity/Newcomers Meeting (open discussion), 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Faith Fellowship Church, 19255 Camp Ground Road. 754-7200.
REIKI CLINIC: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Inner Peace Metaphysical Bookstore, 425 W Jefferson St. Maria, 544-0304.
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY 208: 6 p.m. today, Gulf Ridge Park Baptist Church, 20200 Manecke Road. Linda, 796-1236.
WEIGHT WATCHERS: 10 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Thursdays, First United Methodist Church, 109 S Broad St. Meetings open 30 minutes early for weighing in. Toll-free 1-800-651-6000.
Hernando Beach
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Open discussion, noon Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Hernando Beach, 4446 Shoal Line Blvd. 683-4597.
Ridge Manor/ Ridge Manor West
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Ridge Manor Community Center, Cortez Boulevard. 683-5497.
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY 530: 8:15 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, First Lutheran Church of Ridge Manor West, 30419 Park Ridge Drive. Eve, 796-0477.
Spring Hill
AL-ANON/ALATEEN GROUPS: Harmony Al-Anon family group, 7 p.m. Mondays, Spring Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center, 12170 Cortez Blvd. Use rear building entrance, Unit One, Activity Room. 683-4597. Al-Anon Family Group/Adult Children of Alcoholics, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Spring Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center. 683-3987. Spring Hill New Beginnings Alateen/Alanon, 7:30 p.m. (for beginners) and 8 p.m. (general meeting) Wednesdays, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 5030 Mariner Blvd. Al-Anon Serenity group, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd. 683-4597.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Tranquility group, 7:15 p.m. Mondays, Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive. Fun & Frolic group, 11 a.m. Thursdays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd. Living Sober group, 8 p.m. Thursdays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Friendship group, 8 p.m. Fridays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. 683-4597.
CARE CONNECTION/CARE TOO: Respite/social program for people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or other memory-related illnesses, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, Catholic Charities, 1423 Kass Circle. 686-9897.
CHRISTIAN-BASED ADDICTIONS RECOVERY GROUP: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Spring Hill, 7279 Pinehurst Drive (at Cobblestone Drive). Frank, 442-1314.
DIVORCE CARE SUPPORT GROUP: 7 p.m. Wednesdays, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Cabrini Center Classroom 1, 5030 Mariner Blvd. DivorceCare is weekly seminar and support group. 686-9954, ext. 303.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive. Call toll-free 1-800-397-9843.
MOVING ON: 12:30 p.m. Thursdays, Perkins Family Restaurant, 4685 Commercial Way. This is a mutual help organization for senior citizens who have lost a spouse or who need help and understanding in dealing with their grief. Lunch following the meeting is optional. Marilyn Richards, 597-5315, or Bill Donofrio, 683-7409.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: Let It Go group (open discussion), 8 p.m. Mondays, Hope Community Bible Church, 13241 Spring Hill Drive. Vision of Hope group (closed discussion book study), 7 p.m. Sundays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd. 754-7200.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Spring Hill Health and Rehab, 12170 Cortez Blvd.; Pat, 688-1236, or Ernie, 596-4082. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Fridays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd.; Pat, 688-1236, or Dee, 686-4213.
PARKINSON SUPPORT SYSTEM EXERCISE CLASS: Noon Tuesdays, Gold's Gym, 5400 Pinehurst Drive. This class us tailored for those suffering from Parkinson's disease and includes slow stretching, similar to tai chi. The cost is $5 per class. Jean Crowe, 666-9327.
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES: Catholic Charities offers professional counseling services at its Hernando Area Center, 1423 Kass Circle. The counseling services are available to individuals, couples, families and children experiencing a broad range of personal, relationship and family problems. Sessions are provided on a sliding fee scale to ensure mental health services are available to those in need. Daytime and evening appointments are available. Marty, 686-9897, ext. 1.
SPRING HILL STROKE AND SUPPORT GROUP: 11 a.m. Thursdays, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive. All stroke victims, family and friends are welcome. Coffee and cake follows the meeting. A. Schaffer, 688-2594, or the church, 683-9016.
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY: TOPS 604, weigh-in from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. and meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Regency Oaks clubhouse, 4445 Breakwater Blvd.; Doris, 666-9525, or Norris, 799-7907. TOPS 701, Weigh-in at 9 a.m. and meeting at 9:30 a.m. Fridays, United Methodist Church, Shady Hills Road; Beverly, (727) 856-2436, or June (727) 856-4988. TOPS 716, 5 p.m. Fridays, Fellowship Wesleyan Methodist, 11250 Spring Hill Drive; 683-2063 or 686-0261.
WEIGHT WATCHERS: 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays, Suncoast Elementary School, 11135 Quality Drive. 10 a.m. Tuesdays and 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Spring Hill Community Center, 1202 Kenlake Ave. 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mondays and 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Fridays, Senior Citizens Center, 7925 Rhanbouy Road. Meetings open 30 minutes early for weighing in. Toll-free 1-800-651-6000.
Weeki Wachee
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY: TOPS 461, 9 a.m. Thursdays, Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way. Marilyn, 686-5120, or Dorothy, 596-6697. TOPS 547, weigh-in from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. and meeting at 9:30 a.m. Fridays, Nativity Lutheran Church. Betty, 686-8719.
Information for the Health and Support column should be submitted to Phyllis Day, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613. Information can be faxed to 754-6133 or e-mailed to day@sptimes.com The deadline for this news is seven working days before your event or reservation deadline. Information cannot be published if the time, date, place, ticket price (if applicable) or contact person and phone number are missing. For information about the Health and Support column, call 754-6101 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
