Citrus in brief

By Times staff reports

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 19, 2001

Course helps boaters become seaworthy

LECANTO -- The Homosassa Flotilla 15-4, in cooperation with the Central Florida Community College, will present an eight-session program, "Boating Skills and Seamanship," 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, beginning April 2 at the CFCC campus, 3800 S Lecanto Highway.

Although this course is designed for the entry-level boater, all boaters are reminded that they, too, need to update their knowledge and skills.

Topics will include boat handling, rules of the road, GPS navigation, knots, and legal requirements. The registration fee is $5, plus a minimal charge for study materials, which students will keep.

Flotilla 15-4 reminds owners and operators of personal water craft, sometimes referred to as "Wave Runners," that they, too, are governed by the same rules, and have the same need for boating knowledge as do the operators of power boats.

Boaters also are reminded that several insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to owners who successfully complete this course. This program satisfies the Florida requirement that young boaters need to obtain a Florida operator's permit.

New, experienced, young and older boaters are invited to attend. To register, call the CFCC campus at 746-6721. Seating is limited, so please get your reservation in early.

CASA offers support, shelter for abused women

INVERNESS -- The Citrus Abuse Shelter Association offers a Women's Domestic Abuse Support Group for victims of abuse. The group meets during the morning and evening.

If your partner calls you names, constantly criticizes you, tries to control you, hits, slaps or pushes you, threatens, intimidates or frightens you or tries to hurt you in any other way, you are a victim of domestic abuse.

If you need help, shelter or want to register for the support groups, call CASA at 344-8111.

Training for pesticide-use certification offered

BUSHNELL -- Andy Rose, Sumter County horticulture agent, will offer training for restricted-use pesticide use certification at 8:30 a.m. April 18 in the Sumter County Extension Office Annex, Building 62, off U.S. 301 about 2 miles north of Bushnell.

Study books should be purchased and read prior to the exam.

Four continuing-education units have been requested in the general standards/core category. Examinations will follow training for the core exam. Sumter County now offers examinations for all categories.

Call Rose at 793-2728 for more information. Contact him within 10 days of the program to inform him of a disability that requires special accommodations.

Pioneers Day event include antiques, arts, crafts

OZELLO -- A Pioneers Day celebration will take place at Ozello Civic Center, 14095 W Ozello Trail from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 5. Pioneers Day includes antiques, collectibles, arts, crafts, plants and a yard sale. Call Sara Benson at 563-5387.

Class aims to teach parents how to guide children

INVERNESS -- The Withlacoochee Technical Institute will offer a free class called "Active Parenting for Today." This class will meet for eight weeks from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning April 5 in room 115-A, 1201 W Main St.

Vera Tagg will facilitate. Tagg has been a parenting trainer for nine years with the Citrus County Family Resource Center.

The program will consist of a video series, Active Parenting Today by Michael H. Papkin, Ph.D., and narrated by Kevin Loring.

The program is designed for parents of children ages 2 to 12. The information is adaptable to relationships between adults and teens.

The goal of "Active Parenting Today" is to help parents raise their children to live productively and satisfactorily in a democratic society. The program deals with teaching children responsibility, self-reliance, courage, self-esteem and problem-solving techniques in an entertaining way with the use of family-oriented vignettes.

For information, contact the school at 726-2430, ext. 221.

Volunteers needed for guardian ad litem program

INVERNESS -- The guardian ad litem program needs volunteers to advocate for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.

Volunteers see the children regularly, ensure their needs are met and speak up for them in court. A required four-day training session is provided and will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting April 24 at the guardian ad litem office, 111 W Main St. Volunteers of all ages and races are needed, but there is also a great need for male, minority and Spanish-speaking volunteers.

For information, please call the guardian ad litem office at 341-6725 or visit the Web site at www.guardianadlitem.org.

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