Healthy Start seeking volunteers

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 30, 2007

SPRING HILL

The Central Healthy Start Coalition announces that the Healthy Start program is looking for volunteers who will be trained to ask new moms questions from the "Healthy Start Infant Risk Screening Form" before they leave the hospital with their newborn babies.

The program is searching for a team of eight willing to work one Saturday or Sunday at Spring Hill Regional Hospital from 9 to 11 a.m. every other month.

Healthy Start is a free program serving women and children up to age 3 to maximize health, well-being and self-sufficiency. The aim is to improve pregnancy outcomes and child health through universal risk screening and targeted services. Completing the risk assessment form helps keep the program available to all who need it.

For information, contact Dawn Easter, Citrus and Hernando community liaison, at 239 494-7553, e-mail to dawn@dishmail.net or visit www.centralhealthystart.org.

SPRING HILL

Fundraiser will honor the 'Music Bum'

A tribute to Mark Lokan, the original "Music Bum" will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 27 at The Horse & Crown Pub, 5230 Commercial Way, Spring Hill.

Many bands have signed up to perform during the concert fundraiser, including: Prospect, Recoil, Bullwinkle, Sunspot and Nothing in the Dark, with more to be added.

Lokan, 49, passed away Nov. 23. The tribute will benefit his wife, Wendy, and their family. Lokan was a guitar player and lead singer for the bands Dog Leg Left and Soupstone.

He was also the original owner of the Music Bum store in Spring Hill and organized annual benefits for local bands, called Bumfest.

The tribute will also feature food and raffles. For information or to donate, contact Dave Kelly at 584-3607.

COUNTYWIDE

Audubon Society has hiking, birding trips

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

- Weeki Wachee Salt Marsh Safari - Hernando Beach to the Gulf - on Saturday. This is a strenuous hike into a harsh environment. Those wishing to participate are to call Clay at 592-4949 for the time and meeting place.

- Bird Walk at Bayport, Jan. 12. This is a coastal birding trip to identify shorebirds and coastal inhabitants. Participants are to meet at 7 a.m. at the Hardee's at Commercial Way and Cortez Boulevard, Weeki Wachee. Call Bernie at 754-9030.

- Birding trip at Merritt Island, Jan. 18. Those going are to meet at 8:30 a.m. at the kiosk on the causeway to Merritt Island. Reservations are required by Jan. 5. Call Shirley at 683-9370.

- Birding at Mosaic Mines, Jan. 30. Reservations are required by Dec. 30. Participants are to meet at 8:30 a.m. sharp at the McDonald's in Mulberry. Call Shirley at 683-9370.

- Volunteer workday, 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 26 at Peck Sink. Those wishing to help out can call Linda at 754-9436 for information and the meeting place.

- The next Hernando Audubon meeting will be 7 p.m. Jan. 24. Snacks and beverages will be served before the meeting.

Frederick "Fritz" Davis, assistant professor of history at Florida State University, will present a program on the famed naturalist Archie Carr, who is credited with saving the loggerhead turtle.

COUNTYWIDE

AARP offers January driver safety classes

The AARP Driver Safety Program is a refresher course for drivers 50 and older. It is an eight-hour course provided in two four-hour classes.

The cost is $10. Participants must attend both segments to receive a certificate to submit to their insurance company for a possible rate reduction.

The following classes will be offered in January:

- 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Jan. 9, Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind Oak Hill Hospital), Spring Hill. Call 684-9302 to register.

- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 11 and 18, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. Call 232-5609 to register.

- Noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 15 and 17, Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Call 797-7497 to register.

- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 16 and 23, Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd. Call 683-8594 to register.

- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 17 and 18, Brookridge Club House, 8150 Hampton St., west of Brooksville. Call 666-4044 to register.

- Noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 18 and 23, Brooksville Enrichment Center, 670 Broad St., Brooksville. Call 799-3658 to register.

Class size is limited. To register, call the instructors at the above numbers.

BROOKSVILLE

Learn more about county's water supply

Hernando County Utilities and Citizens for WATER will present the next session of the 2008 Hernando County Water Awareness Series from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the Utilities Department, 21030 Cortez Blvd.

The topic will be "Hydrogeology of Hernando County and Why it is Important," presented by Mark Barcelo of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Those attending will learn about the source of Hernando County's groundwater supply and the importance of practicing water conservation measures.

For information, call Alys Brockway at 540-4368, ext. 35139 or visit the Web site at www.hernandocounty.us/utils/CFW/waterawareness.htm.

SPRING HILL/CRYSTAL RIVER

Support groups help if you've lost loved one

Hernando-Pasco Hospice will offer its "Transitions" support series at 2 p.m. Mondays, starting Jan. 14, and another at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, starting Jan. 29, at the office at 12260 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill.

Two Transitions groups will also be offered in Citrus County: One group will meet at 2:30 p.m. and another at 6 p.m. Tuesdays, starting Jan. 22, in the community room at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center, 6201 N Suncoast Blvd. (U.S. 19).

Transitions is a support group for adults who have recently experienced the death of a family member or close friend. The groups are led by hospice bereavement counselors. There is no cost to participate, but registration is requested. Call toll-free 1-800-486-8784.

SPRING HILL

Veterans group plans spring dinner, dance

The Korean War Veterans Post 174 and Ladies Auxiliary will host a "Spring Spectacular" Dinner, Dance and Show on April 12 at VFW Post 10209, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive.

The event will include a buffet dinner and feature the Strings N' Strutters, who perform mummers-style music and entertainment, with music from the 1920s to '40s, skits and costumes. Following the show, there will be music for dancing, provided by the Strings N' Strutters' 10-piece band.

Tickets are $20. For information or tickets, call Rich Mellinger at 688-7196.

HERNANDO BEACH

Beach club offers pair of events in January

The Hernando Beach Club will host an open house Jan. 11. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

There will be entertainment by Vic Thompkins and V To. A chicken parmigiana dinner will be available for $8.

The club is at 3145 Flamingo Blvd. Those wishing to attend must RSVP by Jan. 9. Call Bunni at 688-4976.

The club will also host a Winter Wonderland Dinner Dance Feb. 8. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and a steak dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

Entertainment will be provided by the Just Us duo. Tickets are $14 for members and $16 for nonmembers. For details, call Bunni at the number above.

BROOKSVILLE

Class helps improve landscaping abilities

A training series, "Four Weeks to a Better Landscape," will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to noon Thursdays, Feb. 7-28, at the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service, 19490 Oliver St.

The training series will be provided by Jim Moll, urban horticulture agent. Participants will gain practical knowledge about proper care for their landscape by learning about insects, pesticides, pruning, fertilization, lawn care and citrus.

The cost is $20. Space is limited and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-paid basis.

Registration will close and payment is required by Feb. 1. For information, call 754-4433.

Baby shower to arrive Feb. 9

Exhibitors can now register for the 11th annual World's Greatest Baby Shower that will be Feb. 9 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 13485 Spring Hill Drive.

This is a nonprofit event for expectant and new parents or guardians of babies 12 months and younger.

For information, call Christine Dyal at Childhood Development Services, 754-5068, ext. 211.

[Last modified December 29, 2007, 20:32:24]