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Learn boat skills from Coast Guard

By Times staff
Published December 16, 2006

HERNANDO BEACH

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer the following courses in January:

- America's Boating Class, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 8, 9 and 11. This is a basic course. Completion satisfies requirements for a Florida boating safety ID card. The cost is $30.

- Boating Skills and Seamanship, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 10 to Feb. 28. The course includes trailering, "highway" signs, legal requirements, boating emergencies, Florida law and other topics. Successful completion satisfies requirements for a Florida boating safety ID card. The cost is $50.

- Weather and Boating, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 13. This course includes basic weather information sources, as well as weather patterns and storm forecasting and precautions. Participants will learn how different fronts affect decisions on go or no-go situations for boaters, and what to do if a storm catches you at sea. The cost is $10.

- Navigating With GPS, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 27. Participants who have a hand-held GPS system should bring it. Those who don't own one shouldn't make a purchase until after taking this course. Participants will learn how GPS receivers work, review navigation fundamentals and other uses. The cost is $35.

- Who We Are and What We Do, 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 29. Visitors may attend this presentation on the Coast Guard Auxiliary, which will familiarize people with all aspects of the auxiliary, including member training, public education and community outreach. There is no cost to attend.

All programs are at the auxiliary building, 4340 Calienta St. For information or to sign up for any of the courses, call Ginny at 754-1988. For information on the free presentation, call Charlie McCaffrey at 597-8136.

COUNTYWIDE

Join bird watchers for January events

The Hernando Audubon Society will host the following events in January:

- Bird Walk at Bayport, Jan 6. Those attending are to meet at 7 a.m. at Hardee's at Commercial Way at Cortez Boulevard, Weeki Wachee. This is a coastal trip to observe shorebirds. Call Clay at 592-4949.

- Breakfast and Birds at Ahhochee Hill, 8 a.m. Jan. 13, 24268 Lake Lindsey Road, north of Brooksville. A bird walk will follow breakfast. RSVP to Linda, 754-9436.

- Weeki Wachee Salt March Safari, Jan. 20. This is a strenuous hike into a harsh environment. Heavy shoes and clothing are recommended, as well as plenty of water. RSVP to Clay, 592-4949.

- Birding trip to Phosphate Mines in Polk County, Jan. 24. Those attending are to meet at 8:30 a.m. at the McDonald's on State Road 60 in Mulberry. Reservations required by Jan. 10. Call Shirley, 683-9370.

- Crystal River Boat Cruise, Jan. 26, at the Crystal River Archaeological Park. This event includes a birding hike followed by a boat trip on Heritage Eco cruise to view manatees. The cost is $10. RSVP to Mary, 797-7874.

BROOKSVILLE

Literacy program to train tutors

The HEART Adult Literacy Program needs volunteer tutors to teach adults reading, language and math skills.

A training class will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 9 at 801 N Broad St.

There will be a one-hour break for lunch.

For information, call Justa Bozman at 797-7018.

SPRING HILL

Course to help cope with mental illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness/NAMI Hernando will offer a "Family-to-Family" education series 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, starting Jan. 11, at the Beautiful Mind, 10554 Spring Hill Drive.

Classes are structured to help people maintain their own well-being while understanding and supporting an ill relative. The course is taught by a team of trained volunteers.

Space is limited to 20 participants, registration is required. To register, call Bill or Judy at 544-0352.

[Last modified December 16, 2006, 07:43:56]