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Youth roundup

By TIMES STAFF
Published January 5, 2007

Elks Americanism contest: The Inverness Elks Lodge 2522 announces an essay contest in two divisions for area fifth- and sixth-graders and seventh- and eight-graders. The theme is "Why I Am Proud To Be An American." Essays must be typed or legibly printed in ink, not to exceed 250 words. Participants must include name, grade, school and the sponsoring Elks Lodge on the essays. Prizes include a $100 U.S. Savings Bond for first place, $75 bond for second and $50 bond for third. Mail entries to Inverness Elks Lodge 2522, P.O. Box 840, Hernando, FL, 34442. Deadline is Jan. 12. For information, call Don Goclon at 637-7246.

Open gym volleyball program: Citrus County Parks and Recreation is sponsoring an Open Gym Volleyball Program at the Lecanto Middle School gymnasium for ages 16 and older from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesdays (when school has been in session). The cost is $3 per person. This is open play, no pre-formed teams allowed. All participants will have equal playing opportunity, rotation is required. For information, contact Citrus County Parks and Recreation at 527-5754.

After school drama club: 21st Century Community Learning Center After School Adventure presents a Drama Club for grades 6 through 8 from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Community Learning Center, 2435 N. Florida Ave., Hernando. Free food, games, field trips, plays, dance talent shows and musicals. Contact Kenetra Alexander (drama program coordinator) at 560-0000. All middle school students are welcome.

Little League registration: The Inverness Little League is accepting players for the 2007 softball and baseball season. Registration dates and places are:

- 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday , Inverness Middle School.

- 6-8 p.m. Thursday , Inverness Middle School.

- 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 13, Inverness Middle School.

Tryout dates will be:

- 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Jan. 20, Whispering Pines Park.

- 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Jan. 27, Whispering Pines Park.

All players need their original birth certificates and proof of residence.

Volunteers are also needed for umpires and concession stand. For information, call 344-8820, 560-7300, 341-2456 or 726-8347.

Bicentennial Park skate court: The skate court has new operating hours - from dawn to dusk. Local law enforcement officers with the support of Citrus County Parks and Recreation will strictly enforce the new hours. Any violation of the rules will be punishable by law and may subject the violator to the immediate revocation of privileges and the cancellation of entrance to county parks. Trespassers will be prosecuted. The skate court is an unsupervised facility and safety equipment is highly recommended. Registration and parent/guardian signatures are required for all skaters younger than 17. Registration waivers can be obtained at the Bicentennial Park Pool office or the Parks and Recreation Administrative office in Lecanto. For information, contact Citrus County Parks and Recreation at 527-7677.

Young Entrepreneur Awards program: Up-and-coming entrepreneurs are invited to apply for the 2007 Young Entrepreneur Awards, a program of the National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation. The fifth annual scholarship program for high school seniors is designed to set teenage small-business owners on the path to entrepreneurship. Award recipients attend the university, college, community college or vocational/technical institute of their choice with $1,000 in tuition assistance from the Young Entrepreneur Foundation. Five students will be named regional winners and each receives a $5,000 scholarship. One of the five regional winners will be named the Young Entrepreneur of the Year and will be awarded an additional $5,000. For more information and to download an application, visit: www.nfib.com/YEF and click on Young Entrepreneur Awards under the programs section.

Boys & Girls Clubs: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Citrus County serve youth 6-18 years. There are three clubs serving Citrus County: the Homosassa Westside Unit, the Crystal River Unit and the Inverness Unit. Programs include character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, arts, sports and recreation. Hours are 2-6 p.m. Cost is $45 a month. The Westside and Inverness units offer a before school program starting at 6 a.m. Additional operating hours are during school days out, spring break and summer camp.

Fees vary based on need. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. For information, call 621-9225.

Reading with Rocky: Homosassa Wildlife Park will offer Reading with Rocky, featuring a different animal each session, most of which can be seen in the wildlife park. Volunteer Barbara Cairns will tell stories about that month's featured animal, sometimes including a craft. This event is free with regular park admission, is ongoing and will be 10-11 a.m. on Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, April 14 and May 12. For information, call 628-5343.

[Last modified January 5, 2007, 06:41:56]