Lecture series continues with China

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 26, 2008

WEEKI WACHEE

Academia Hernando will continue "The Greats" lecture series at 10 a.m. Monday at Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way.

The topic will be "Great Civilizations II - China," presented by Harvey Nelson.

Additional lectures include:

- Feb. 4, A Great Shakespeare Play - Anthony and Cleopatra, presented by Arnold Silver.

- Feb. 11, there is no lecture, instead a bus trip to the Florida International Museum in St. Petersburg. The trip is free for subscribers to the lecture series; others pay $20.

- Feb. 18, Two Great Painters, presented by Peter Tush.

- Feb. 25, Two Great Medical Discoverers, presented by Dan Mauriello.

- March 3, Two Great Religions, presented by Rabbi Cyrus Arfa, Pastor Philip Schroeder and Adel Aldin.

- March 10, Great Opera Singers, presented by Michael Blauner.

- March 17, Four Great American Women, presented by Susan Bottom.

- March 24, Silvertones concert, free for subscribers; others pay $10.

Subscription for the lecture series is $50 per person. Individual lectures are $7 each. For information, call 597-0158.

BROOKSVILLE

Learn how to create a Microsoft newsletter

The Hernando Computer Club will present "How to Create a Radiant Newsletter with Microsoft Publisher" at 7 p.m. Monday at the Hernando County Shrine Club, 13400 Montour St.

A newsletter will be produced, starting from scratch, by setting up the pages, followed by how to insert text boxes, pictures and graphics, and how to make the pages vibrant by adding images and color to backgrounds and outlines. How to get the project printed will also be discussed.

For information, visit the Web site at www.hcc.org or call 592-0070.

WILDWOOD

Family Forum set for Feb. 2 at center

The Area 13 Family Care Council will host Family Forum 2008 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 County Road 139.

The speaker will be Jane Johnson, director of the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities. She will provide an update on current and future plans.

Individuals with developmental disabilities, families and circles of support are encouraged to attend. There will be exhibitors, breakout sessions and light refreshments.

For information, call Nancy Stubbs at 544-2322, ext. 109, or e-mail to fcc-13@hotmail.com

COUNTYWIDE

Want to give input? Apply for task force

The Hernando County Commission is accepting applications from individuals interested in filling vacancies on the Citizens Advisory Task Force for the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program.

The vacant positions are for Hernando County residents who are interested in providing input into all phases of the Community Development Block Grant Housing Rehabilitation Program. The terms for task force members will be effective through the close of the grant, which is about two years.

The purpose of the task force is to encourage residents, particularly low- and moderate-income individuals who live in blighted areas of the county, to put input into all phases of the project process. Members also include local government staff and/or consultants in overseeing the project, including development of plans, procedures, public hearings and amendments, if necessary.

Applications are available in the county's Health and Human Services office, Room 161 at the Hernando County Government Center, 20 N Main St., Brooksville. Completed applications must be returned to the office no later than 5 p.m. Feb. 8.

All applicants must be residents and registered voters in Hernando County. All positions are voluntary and not paid. For information, call 540-4338.

RIDGE MANOR WEST

Ministries to open new thrift store

Jericho Road Ministries will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Sunrise Thrift Store at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the store, 31170 Cortez Blvd., in the Sunrise Plaza, east of Brooksville.

Cake and coffee will be served.

Jericho Road Ministries has a men's shelter and plans to soon add Mary's House, a shelter for women.

SPRING HILL

Dance to Frankie Dee New York Orchestra

Tickets are now available for a dance party featuring the Frankie Dee New York Orchestra from 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 9 at the new VFW Post 10209, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, off Anderson Snow Road.

The orchestra will perform a variety of music, including big band, Frank Sinatra, Latin, polkas and waltzes.

Tickets are $9, which include chances for door prizes. For information or reservations, call Mary at 596-9486.

WEEKI WACHEE

Golfers, sign up for hospice tournament

The annual golf tournament to benefit Hernando-Pasco Hospice will be Feb. 16 at Heather Golf and Country Club, 7406 St. Andrews Blvd.

Hole sponsors and donations of raffle prizes are still needed. Hole sponsorships are $25.

Also, teams and individual golfers can still sign up to enter the tournament, which will start at 8:45 a.m. The cost is $35 per player, which includes an awards ceremony and a luncheon catered by Carrabba's Italian Grill.

Proceeds will benefit HPH's patient care programs. Hospice is a nonprofit agency that provides care, comfort and support to individuals and families affected by a life-limiting illness.

Those wishing to be a hole sponsor, donate raffle prizes or enter the tournament can call Eileen Ball at 596-7880.

BROOKSVILLE

Motor coach rally to start rolling Feb. 6

The Southeast Area Motorcoach Association/Family Motor Coach Association will have its annual rally Feb. 6-10 at the Hernando County Airport, off Broad Street, south of Brooksville.

The event will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 6; 8:30 to 3 p.m. Feb. 7 a parade will begin at 4 p.m.; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 8 and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 9 (vendors close at 3 p.m. and the coach display will close at 4 p.m.). The rally will not be open to the public on Feb. 10.

Day passes will be $6 each, three-day passes are $10. Children 12 and younger will be admitted free. For information, call 796-0154, toll-free 1-800-543-3622, or visit the Web site at www.fmca.com/areas/southeast/sea_2008.asp.

SPRING HILL

Learn how to get healthy at expo

The Hernando County Home Business Women's Network will host a Health and Wellness Expo from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Lake House, 1202 Kenlake Ave.

The event will include a blood drive and a collection of donations for the Dawn Center, a local women's shelter for domestic violence and sexual abuse. There will be vendors will various products and services, as well as information on getting healthy for the new year and ways to increase one's income. There will be food, prizes and a door prize awarded. Admission is free.

Some of the donations needed for the Dawn Center include toiletries, nonperishable food, gas and gift cards, clothing and household items.

Anyone who donates blood at the LifeSouth bloodmobile and brings a donation for the Dawn Center will get an extra raffle ticket for the door prize, which is valued at more than $100.

Vendor spaces are still available. The cost is $25. Health care providers are encouraged to participate. For information, call Celie at 684-4471 or go online to www.hchomebusinesswomensnetwork.com.

COUNTYWIDE

Seniors, tax help from AARP begins Friday

The AARP-sponsored tax assistance sites open Friday.

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers, trained in cooperation with the IRS, will offer free tax preparation assistance to low- and middle-income taxpayers at various locations throughout Hernando County. Special attention will be given to those age 60 and older. AARP membership is not required to use this service. Free electronic filing (e-file) will be available at all sites.

Those wishing to have their tax forms prepared must bring photo ID and Social Security cards (including Social Security cards for all dependents), a copy of last year's tax return, all applicable tax records for 2007 showing income, deductions and credits, and a canceled check with bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of any refund.

The free service will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday through April 15 at the following locations. For information, call Barbara Perry at 688-3303.

- Mondays: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill; Grace World Outreach Church, 20366 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville.

- Tuesdays: First United Methodist Church, 9344 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill; Brooksville Enrichment Center, 670 S Broad St., Brooksville.

- Wednesdays: High Point Community Clubhouse, 12249 Clubhouse Road, High Point.

- Thursdays: First United Methodist Church, 9344 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill; Forest Oaks Villas Clubhouse, 8125 Forest Villa Circle, Spring Hill; Spring Hill Enrichment Center (behind Oak Hill Hospital), 11375 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill.

- Fridays: Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 521, 5214 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill; Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St., Brookridge; and the Heather Clubhouse, 9100 Nakoma Way, Weeki Wachee.

SPRING HILL

Join Red Hat Ladies for Super Bowl Sundae

The "Scarlett Belles at Tea" Red Hat Ladies will host their annual Super Bowl Sundae open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 3 at Dairy Queen, 370 Suzanne Drive at Commercial Way.

If needed, the event will encompass the Dairy Queen, Fun Zone and Golf House facilities.

There will be door prizes awarded every half-hour. Visitors will have an opportunity to win two gift baskets.

Those attending are encouraged to wear red and purple for pictures and so they can receive 25 percent off a sundae.

Reservations required by Friday. To RSVP, e-mail to sherrygwtw@tampabay.rr.com or call (727) 863-7724.

BROOKSVILLE

Learn NRA shooting, safety skills at club

The Hernando Sportsman's Club offers NRA Instructional Courses for students and current instructors in the disciplines of rifle and pistol, as well as range safety officer.

Classes are offered at the club's range in the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area off Commercial Way, north of Weeki Wachee (9.5 miles north of Cortez Boulevard).

Registration required, with a 50 percent deposit.

For dates, registration fees and details, call the range clubhouse at 597-9931 or Thomas Knott at 596-5018, or visit the training page on the Web site at www.hernandosportsmansclub.com.

SPRING HILL

Make it a full Super Bowl weekend

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hernando County, the Boys and Girls Club of Hernando County and Bill Koenig of Raymond James Financial Services will present the annual Super Bowl Party from noon to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Boys & Girls Club, 5404 Applegate Drive.

This is a free family event that will include food and games. Representatives from Spring Hill Fire Rescue and the Hernando County Sheriff's Office will attend.

There will be a special appearance by Ernest Givens, former NFL player for the Houston Oilers and the current head coach of the West Coast Bears, Hernando County's newest minor league adult football team.

For information, call BBBS at 684-7904.

[Last modified January 25, 2008, 20:49:51]