Hernando in brief

By Times staff reports

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 12, 2001

Arroyo has competition for starting spot

Hernando graduate Bronson Arroyo's future in the Pittsburgh Pirates' rotation has a new potential obstacle.

The Pirates on Wednesday signed veteran pitcher Ramon Martinez, who had been released by the Dodgers.

The immediate reason for the signing is to help Pittsburgh offset injuries that have sidelined starters Kris Benson, Jason Schmidt and Francisco Cordova.

Pittsburgh did not announce who would be taken off the 25-man roster once Martinez is added, but he is expected to take rookie Joe Beimel's place in the rotation Saturday.

Arroyo had a solid outing in his season debut Saturday, earning a victory after giving up three earned runs in five innings. The 24-year-old is expected to make his second start Friday in an afternoon game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Martinez, who went 10-8 with a 6.13 ERA with Boston last season, is the third veteran pitcher the Pirates have added this season. They also signed Terry Mulholland from the Braves and traded for A's starter Omar Olivares.

The Pirates' staff won't be completely healthy for another month or so. But once the three injured starters are back, Pittsburgh will have 10 pitchers to fit into a five-man rotation.

Arroyo's challenge between now and then is to show enough to convince the Pirates to keep him in the rotation and move older pitchers like Mulholland and Olivares to the bullpen.

Draft clock ticking for former Leopard

The NFL draft is nine days away, and Brooksville's John Capel will be visiting the Kansas City Chiefs this week, according to the Kansas City Star.

Capel, who was a surprise early entry into the draft after competing in last year's Olympics as a sprinter, is projected as a late-round pick.

The former Florida receiver is hoping to offset a lack of experience (11 career receptions) with raw speed, and the Chiefs are looking for help on special teams.

Capel isn't the only speedburner new coach Dick Vermeil is working out.

His former return man in St. Louis, Tony Horne, also has visited the Chiefs, who also are giving a close look to former Pro Bowl special-teamer Larry Whigham, formerly of the New England Patriots.

Eight wrestlers qualify for national tourney

SPRING HILL -- Four members each from the Spring Hill and Brooksville Wrestling Club have qualified for the Cadet/Junior national wrestling tournament to be held in July in Fargo, N.D.

Billy Combs (132 pounds), Charley Combs (154), Thomas Lyle (178) and Jason Bianco (220) will represent Brooksville. Fabian Lewars (112), Matt Booker (132), Gerard Decristofaro (143) and Nate Booker (167) will represent Spring Hill.

Fair group membership has its privileges

The Hernando County Fair Association is looking for new members.

Membership benefits include a free meal at the annual membership meeting, voting privileges for election of directors for the coming year, and daily admittance to the 2002 fair. Memberships are available for $12 for individuals or $25 for a family.

The annual dinner/membership meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 17 at the Alfred A. McKeathan Auditorium at the Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 S Broad St., Brooksville.

Reservations must be made by May 1, and membership must be paid by May 16 for voting privileges to be honored. For information, call 796-4552.

PR association to meet April 20 in Hernando

The Florida Public Relations Association, or FPRA, Nature Coast Chapter, will meet at 7:30 a.m. April 20 at the Citrus Hills Lodge-Best Western, 350 Norvell Bryant Highway, Hernando.

The guest speaker will be Bert Henderson, senior public information specialist for Florida Botanical Gardens.

For reservations, call Judy or Rose by Tuesday at (352) 527-9720.

Brooksville City Hall to display hooked rugs

Students of rug hooking teacher Pat Stolberg will display hooked rugs until April 25 at the Brooksville City Hall Art Gallery, on the second floor.

Stolberg teaches the art at Spring Hill Enrichment Center/Oak Hill Hospital.

The students, Joyce Fortney, Genevieve Leeman, Helen Marosy and Lillian Anthony, have created rugs and wall hangings, some of which are framed.

The exhibit will be open until April 26 at 201 Howell Ave.

For information, contact Mary Alice Queiros at 544-5407.

Raise a toast of tea for mom in Brooksville

The May-Stringer Heritage Museum will host its sixth annual Mother's Day Tea from 4 to 6 p.m. May 12 at 601 Museum Court in Brooksville.

Donations are $10 for adults and $5 for children. This year the museum will provide information on plants and flowers and give a demonstration of homemade candies. Reservations are required, and a limit of 120 will be seated. Tickets may be purchased at the museum or reserved by phone at 799-0129.

For information, visit the Web site at www.hernandoheritagemuseum.com.

SPCA shelter reduces cost of adopting a cat or dog

In an effort to meet the critical need to find homes for unwanted pets, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has reduced its adoption fees to $50 for dogs and $40 for cats.

The week of May 6-12 is Be Kind to Animals Week. The SPCA will continue to reduce its fees for the rest of April. Fees include a rabies shot, worming, spay or neuter, heartworm testing for dogs, and testing for feline leukemia and AIDS and first vaccination for cats. Inquiries about adopting pets can be made at 596-7000.

The SPCA is an all-volunteer, no-kill shelter at 9075 Grant St., Brooksville. It is open daily, except holidays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CPAs to gather Wednesday at New Port Richey club

The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, North Suncoast Chapter, will hold its monthly meeting Wednesday at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., New Port Richey.

The board meeting will begin at 3 p.m. and the technical session and dinner at 4 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. Reservations must be made by noon Monday. Contact Melissa Ann Culver at (727) 787-2847, ext. 249.

For chapter information, contact Linda Sue Lovelace at (813) 996-3981.

Festival scheduled at community center

A community-supported festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 28 at the Jerome Brown Community Center, 301 Darby Lane, across from Tom Varn Park, Brooksville, in celebration of the Week of the Young Child in Hernando County.

There will be free entertainment for parents and children, including clowns, music and shows. The event is sponsored by Childhood Development Services. For information, call 754-5068.

AARP offers two-day safe driving classes

The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) will conduct its 55/Alive Mature Driving classes at:

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 1 and 2, Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. Call instructor, 596-1759.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 1 and 2, Northcliffe Baptist Church, 10515 Northcliff Blvd., Spring Hill. Call instructor, 684-8915.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 4 and 7, Jerome Brown Community Center, 301 Darby Lane, across from Tom Varn Park, Brooksville. Call instructor, 799-3658.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 11 and 18, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. Call instructor, 686-5785.

The course is open to everyone 55 and older. The cost of the two-day course is $10. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate to submit to their insurance company for a possible reduction in rates. Class size is limited; register by calling the instructor.

Community center limits hours on Good Friday

The Jerome Brown Community Center, 301 Darby Lane, across from Tom Varn Park, Brooksville, will only be open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Good Friday. There will be no badminton and no businessmen's basketball.

Tai chi and painting classes will be held at the regular times. Tai chi is held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and painting from 7 to 9 p.m.

On Monday, there will be no badminton or businessmen's basketball. For information, contact Emilia Raia, program/activities coordinator, at 544-5498 or via e-mail at jbcc@ci.brooksville.fl.us.

Interested in becoming a foster, adoptive parent?

The Department of Children and Families will host an informational session open to all families living in Hernando County or the surrounding areas at 6 p.m. April 30 at the center, 661 S Broad St., Brooksville.

A candid discussion about the need for foster and adoptive families in the Hernando County area will be held. District 13 has more than 600 children in the foster care system. For information, call (352) 330-2177 or toll free at 1-877-822-1995.

Talks, walks on songbirds are set at Chinsegut center

The Florida Native Plant Society, along with the Hernando Audubon Society at Chinsegut Nature Center, will hold two free seminars and guided walks, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 21, at 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville. They are titled "Welcome Back, Songbirds Earth Day Celebration."

Participants may learn how to attract more birds to their yards. Mike Liberton, Audubon expert, and consultants from the Hernando chapter will give tips to attract and keep bird life.

No registration is required, but space is limited. For information, contact Mary Beth Budz at 588-0375.

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