Hernando briefs: Dresses needed for Operation Prom

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 11, 2008

COUNTYWIDE

Dresses needed for Operation Prom

Operation Prom has teamed up with Imperial Cleaners and Hernando High School to offer free prom dresses to those who cannot afford them.

Those wishing to donate gowns can drop them off at any Imperial Cleaners in Hernando County, which will dry-clean them at no cost, then pass them on to Operation Prom.

Those wishing to receive a free prom dress are to contact Operation Prom, which will have all dresses available at Hernando High School, 700 Bell Ave., at a date to be determined.

Operation Prom was formed by the General Federation of Women's Clubs, Spring Hill Service League. For information, call Dee Smith at 597-1103 or Nancy Cannon at 596-9690.

BROOKSVILLE

Pasture fertilization topic of free seminar

A free class, Fertilization of Pastures, will be offered at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service, 19490 Oliver St.

The class is part of the Pasture Management Series, presented by regional specialized extension agent Stacy Strickland. Another class, Hay There! Hay Production in Central Florida, will be on March 19.

To register or for information, call 754-4433.

SPRING HILL

'Yakety Yak' singers to play at Palmwood

The Coasters will headline the next concert presented by the Spring Hill Community Association from 4 to 8 p.m. March 22 at the Palmwood Pavilion on the Lake House grounds, 1202 Kenlake Ave. The opening band will be the Blue Star Highway. Gates open at 2 p.m.

The Coasters are best known for songs such as Yakety Yak, Charlie Brown and Love Potion No. 9.

General admission tickets are $15; tickets that include a "meet and greet" with the bands are $20. Tickets are an additional $5 if purchased at the gate.

For tickets or information, call 666-4746.

BROOKSVILLE

Learn about growing, caring for palm trees

Urban Horticulture Agent Jim Moll will present a free class, "Great Palms for Hernando County," at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service, 19490 Oliver St.

Participants will learn which palms will survive the county's subtropical climate, as well as how to grow and care for them.

Registration is needed. For information or to register, call 754-4433.

COUNTYWIDE

Three blood drives set for this month

Brooksville Regional Hospital will sponsor a blood drive with the LifeSouth Community Blood Center's bloodmobile from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday outside the main hospital entrance, 17240 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville.

All blood donors will receive a cholesterol screening, T-shirt and hospital meal ticket.

Other drives scheduled include:

-8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 22, Ridge Manor Community Center, 34240 Cortez Blvd., Ridge Manor. Donors will receive a cholesterol screening and recognition gift item.

-1 to 5 p.m. March 28, American Legion Post 186, 12091 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. Donors will receive a cholesterol screening and recognition gift item.

All blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and show a valid photo ID at the time of donation. For information, call LifeSouth at 596-2002. Those with questions about Friday's drive can also call Robin at the hospital, 797-4645.

BROOKSVILLE

Registration open for Spring Lake 5K Run

The Arc of the Nature Coast will host the second annual Spring Lake 5K Run on May 24 on the Arc grounds, 5283 Neff Lake Road.

Registration will be at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 8 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers in various age groups. A food fest will follow the race.

The entree fee is $25 for the 5K or $20 for a fun walk/run. T-shirts will be guaranteed to all those who register by May 19.

Runners and sponsors are needed for the event. All proceeds will benefit the Arc Nature Coast, a nonprofit organization that provides supports and services for developmentally disabled Hernando County residents and their families.

For information or a registration form, call 544-2322. Forms can also be downloaded online at www.active.com.

SPRING HILL

YMCA to host Good Friday service

The Hernando County Family YMCA, 1300 Mariner Blvd., will host the 19th annual Good Friday Service at 8 a.m. March 21.

Spiritual leaders part of the West Hernando Ministerial Association, as well as praise dancers from various faiths in the community, will participate in the ceremony.

Area residents are encouraged to attend. A continental breakfast will be provided immediately after the service.

The event is free. For information, call the Y at 688-9622.

BROOKSVILLE

Business to Business Expo is set for May 1

The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will host its 2008 Hernando County Business to Business Expo from 4 to 7 p.m. May 1 at Heffernan Hall, 20428 Cortez Blvd.

Exhibitor space is available to chamber members for $50 and nonmembers for $75. The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be available.

For information, call the chamber at 796-0697 or Valerie Pianta, Hernando County Office of Business Development, at 540-6400.

WEEKI WACHEE

Run to benefit Jericho Road Ministries

Genesis Health & Fitness is taking registrations for the first 5K/10K Charity Run-Walk for Jericho Road Ministries: Mary's House, which will be April 12.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. at the entrance to River Country on Commercial Way. The entry fee is $25. The money raised will benefit Jericho Road Ministries, which established and operates Mary's House as a shelter for homeless women.

Participants are asked to recruit sponsors to pledge money to be donated in their name to Jericho Road Ministries.

Refreshments and awards will be at Genesis Health & Fitness immediately following the event. For more information or to register, call 597-9383.

SPRING HILL

Cato clothing the star of fashion show

St. Frances Cabrini Council of Catholic Women will host its annual luncheon and fashion show at noon April 15 at the Palace Grand, 275 Della Court.

Fashions will be from Cato. Prizes will be awarded. Tickets are $19. All proceeds go to the parish's statue and parking lot fund.

For information or tickets, call Florence at 683-1150, Evelyn at 666-0875 or the parish office at 683-9666.

SPRING HILL

Celebrate Easter with free festivities

Journey Christian Center will host its third annual Easter Extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 22 on Stage West Community Playhouse grounds, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd.

This is a free family event that will include Easter egg hunts, games, face painting, hot dogs, sodas and prizes.

There is no cost for anything.

For information, call 597-7792 or visit the Web site at www.journeychristiancenter.com.

SPRING HILL

Learn strategies to avoid foreclosure

Two area agencies are offering free public workshops to educate the community on how to avoid home foreclosures:

-Consumer Credit Counseling Services will present a seminar from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 22 at VFW Post 10209, 15166 Spring Hill Drive. Reservations are required. Call toll-free 1-800-741-7040.

-Housing and Education Alliance will present a seminar from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 22 and again March 29 in the fourth floor conference room at Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd.

Those attending will learn about alternatives to foreclosure, modifications, workouts, prevention and recovery. Registration is needed. Call 686-5124 or 813 261-5151.

BROOKSVILLE

Training for Housing Authority set to begin

The training for the Brooksville Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners will be from 3 to 7 p.m. March 18, 19, 25 and 26 at Brooksville City Hall, 201 Howell Ave.

The March 18 and March 26 training will be in the council chambers, the March 19 and March 25 meetings will be in the conference room.

For information, call 796-6547.

SPRING HILL/BROOKSVILLE

Variety of events benefit Relay for Life

The following events and fundraisers are being planned to benefit the Spring Hill Relay for Life:

-Survivor Reception for Hernando County Relay for Life (both Spring Hill and Brooksville Relays), March 18 at Nature Coast Technical High, 4057 California St., west of Brooksville. Registration will be at 4:30 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m. Survivors can call Barbara Ferrera at 796-8559, ext. 1022, or Donner Lucier at 796-8599, ext. 1013.

-Team HealthSouth will host a spaghetti dinner and bake sale from 4:30 to 7 p.m. March 31 at VFW Post 10209, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, Spring Hill. The cost is $5 per person for all-you-can-eat spaghetti. Meat is an additional $2 per portion.

-Now through April 11, Let's Eat! professional kitchen will donate $5 in the name of any team participating in the Spring Hill Relay for Life for anyone who schedules a date and time to make eight or 12 meals at the kitchen, 14257 Powell Road (Silverthorn Square), Spring Hill.

Relay for Life is an 18-hour overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society. During the event, teams take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

Activities and entertainment continue throughout the event.

The Spring Hill Relay for Life will be April 18-19 at Nature Coast Technical High School.

For information, call Cathy Edmisten at 346-7665 or e-mail catedmisten@earthlink.net.

[Last modified March 10, 2008, 20:03:08]