Digest

Class will tackle chinch bug problem

By TIMES WIRES
Published July 19, 2007

SPRING HILL

The Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service will present a free class, "Chinch Bug Management for Lawns," at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Westside Government Center, 7479 Forest Oaks Blvd. John Korycki, Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program coordinator, will discuss when chinch bugs attack, how they can be prevented and the best control methods, using Florida-friendly techniques. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. For information, call 754-4433.

SPRING HILL

Girls soccer team holds garage sale

The Hernando Heat U12 Girls Soccer Team will have a garage sale fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28 at the Boston Cooker Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 5375 Spring Hill Drive.

Fifteen families will participate in the sale. For information, call 683-7443.

HUDSON

Girl Scout event covers camping skills

Girl Scouts of Suncoast Council will host the 2007 Girl Scout Survivor Camp from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 30 through Aug. 2, at Camp Indian Echo, off Hudson Avenue.

Area girls, ages 9-14, are invited to an event hosted by Girl Scouts of Suncoast Council from 1 to 5:30 p.m. today at Camp Indian Echo, off Hudson Avenue.

Participants will learn fire building, outdoor cooking, knots, crafts, songs and other outdoor camp skills. The cost is $35, which includes Girl Scout membership for the summer.

For information, call Roni Francois toll-free at 1-800-281-4475, ext. 230 or at 813 282-4475.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Retired execs plan business workshop

Service Corps of Retired Executives, Pasco-Hernando Chapter 439, will conduct an interactive workshop for planning small-business startups from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the SCORE offices in the Bank of America building, Suite 302, 6014 U.S. 19, New Port Richey.

The material will be presented in three lecture/discussion segments: business concept highlights, core business elements and financial model highlights.

Dick Hall, a veteran SCORE counselor, will present the program topics, and participants will be encouraged to discuss their specific business issues.

The course fee is $30. The seminar schedule includes a one-hour lunch break. Advance registration is not required, but participants may preregister via PayPal. For information, call the SCORE office at (727) 842-4638; Stu May at 688-6903, or visit www.score439.org.

SPRING HILL/BROOKSVILLE

Master Gardeners will answer questions

Residents are encouraged to bring their questions about landscaping and gardening to the volunteer Master Gardeners with the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service.

The Master Gardeners are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays at the Forest Oaks Government Center, 7479 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the extension office, 19490 Oliver St., Brooksville.

All are University of Florida-trained Master Gardeners. To speak to one in the Spring Hill office, call 540-6232. To reach the Brooksville office, call 754-4433.

RAN 7/11

AARP driver safety offered in August

AARP will conduct its Driver Safety Program classes at these locations in August:

-12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 8 and 15, Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind Oak Hill Hospital). Call 686-7179.

-Noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 14 and 16, Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd. Call 232-5609.

-9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 22 and 29, Spring Hill Enrichment Center. Call 683-8594.

The course, open to anyone age 50 and older, costs $10. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate to submit to their insurance company for a possible rate reduction. Class size is limited; call to register.

SPRING HILL

Learn to scuba dive with lessons at YMCA

Scuba lessons for adults and youths 12 and older will begin Aug. 7 at the Hernando County Family YMCA, 1300 Mariner Blvd. Lessons will be 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The course includes six class and pool sessions. Participants must be in good physical health, and comfortable in and under the water. Upon completion, participants will be certified as open-water scuba divers.

The certified instructors are Jack Farrell and Mark Butler.

Cost is $180, including use of scuba gear. Participants must bring their own mask, fins and snorkel.

For information, call Farrell at (727) 861-3483 or toll-free 1-800-633-1633, Butler at (352) 214-1171, or the YMCA at 688-9622.

BROOKSVILLE

Pesticide handler class, exam Monday

The Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service will offer a free class for those needing to take the core exam for pesticide handlers (general certification standards). The class will be 10 a.m. Monday at the extension office, 19490 Oliver St. The core exam will be at 2 p.m.

The class will be conducted by regional specialized extension agent Stacy Strickland. The class and exam are free.

Those seeking a pesticide handler's certification in the private applicator's and the ornamental and turf categories are required to take the core exam as well as another exam for the pesticide handler's certification, which has a fee.

Study manuals are available in advance for purchase. To register, call 754-4433.

BROOKSVILLE

Christmas in July sale benefits Dawn Center

The Home Business Women's Network Group of Spring Hill will sponsor a Christmas in July Shopping Spree to benefit the Dawn Center from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Glen Raven clubhouse, 2490 Kingswood Circle.

Vendor spaces are available for $25 for those interested in selling holiday and seasonal items. Also, donations of nonperishable food, diapers and toiletries will be accepted that day.

For information, call Susan Dixon at 684-9299.

HERNANDO BEACH

Auxiliary presents an informational program

The Coast Guard Auxiliary, 4340 Calienta St., will host "Who We Are and What We Do" from 7 to 8 p.m. July 30.

This is a free program to familiarize people with all aspects of the auxiliary, including member training, public education and community outreach.

Training opportunities for new members include boat crew and coxswain (small boat operator), vessel examiner, boating safety class instructor and public affairs.

Membership and training is offered to U.S. citizens, at least 17 years old, who must be able to pass a basic background check.

Anyone interested in joining the auxiliary or wanting to learn more about what the auxiliary does in the community is invited. For information, call Charlie McCaffrey at 597-8136.

The auxiliary also offers free vessel safety checks. The checks can be done wherever the boat is. To arrange a safety check, call Jackie at 666-7239.

SPRING HILL

RSVP FRIDAY FOR ANNUAL UNITED WAY OF HERNANDO COUNTY GATHERING

United Way of Hernando County will have its annual officer election and installation at 5:30 p.m. July 26 at Career Central, 7361 Forest Oaks Blvd.

The gathering will bring together agencies, board of directors, corporate and residential donors, staff and volunteers of the local United Way.

Those wishing to attend must RSVP no later than Friday. Call 688-2026 or e-mail to uway@tampabay.rr.com.

[Last modified July 18, 2007, 21:43:17]