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By Times staff reports
© St. Petersburg Times, published December 12, 2000
Wildfire has grown but is under control
INVERNESS -- The fire that began more than a week ago along the Withlacoochee River has grown to about 30 acres but now is under control, officials said Monday.
"That one actually is in fairly good shape," said Lane Shepherd, a duty officer for the state Division of Forestry.
Because of the swampy, roadless location, firefighters have had trouble reaching the blaze, which was 2 acres when it was first reported Dec. 2. They since have managed to get some trucks and hoses in, pumping water from the Withlacoochee.
Brief rainfall this week did little to help matters, Shepherd said. He said smoke from the blaze is the main problem now, especially for those with asthma or lung disease. If the winds shift, the smoke from a second, much larger fire in Sumter County could pose problems for drivers on Interstate 75.
Last week, a Zephyrhills truck driver was killed in a crash attributed to poor visibility.
CRYSTAL RIVER -- The Crystal River High School cheerleaders are offering a "Mom's Shopping Day" for parents of children ages 4 to 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the school gymnasium. The cost is $15 which includes lunch and snacks. Activities include movies, games, and cheers.
INVERNESS -- Citrus County Animal Control will celebrate the fourth annual Christmas Dinner for Shelter Animals on Dec. 20. The dinner will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the shelter at 4030 S. Airport Road.
This year's dinner is sponsored by the Humanitarians of Florida and will include roast turkey, rice and gravy and sugar cookies for dogs and cooked turkey with whipped cream for cats.
Every holiday season the generous people of Citrus County donate needed supplies to the shelter. This year it is in need of canned cat and puppy food. And the shelter needs towels and blankets for bedding during cool weather. Also needed: grooming supplies such as nail clippers, shampoos, flea and tick sprays, combs, brushes, small litter pans, cat dishes and animal crates.
For information, call 726-7660.
HOMOSASSA -- The 16th annual Christmas Boat Parade takes place at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 on the Homosassa River. Entry forms are available at the Homosassa Springs Chamber of Commerce on U.S. 19. Deadline is Dec. 13. No entry fee. Parade can be viewed from Magic Manatee Marine, Macrae's bait and tackle, Riverside Resort and K.C. Crumps Restaurant. Call 628-2666.
BEVERLY HILLS -- The eighth annual Beverly Hills Festival of Lights is now alight. The display presented on the grounds of the Beverly Hills Recreation Association consists of more than 100,000 sparkling lights.
A dedication ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24 between the tennis courts and swimming pool. Light refreshments afterward in the Civic Center and entertainment by the Chorus of Beverly Hills. The Festival of Lights will be illuminated through the first week of January.
OCALA -- A "Trains for the Holidays" exhibit will be from Dec. 16 to Jan. 7 at the Webber Exhibit and Conference Center at Central Florida Community College Ocala Campus, 3001 SW College Road (State Road 200).
The miniature train display will include static and moving model trains. Call 746-6721, ext. 1559. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
LECANTO -- The American Irish Club of Citrus County sponsors Christmas Time in Ireland, a musical, at 4 p.m. Thursday at Curtis Peterson Auditorium, Lecanto.
The concert features singer Tony Kenny; comedian Noel V. Ginnity, dancers Erin Blake, and Enda Dunne and "Mac & O," a music and comedy duo. Tickets in advance are $12, at the door are $15. Call Gene at 563-2676 or Joyce at 860-1292.
DADE CITY -- The Will McLean Foundation is seeking entries for the annual Best New Florida Song Contest. Each person can submit up to three songs about the people, heritage or natural beauty of Florida. Deadline is Feb. 1, 2001.
Winning song writers are invited to perform at the annual Will McLean Music Festival March 10 and 11 at Sertoma Ranch near Dade City. For rules, visit the Web site at www.willmclean.com, or call (352) 465-7208.
BEVERLY HILLS -- The Philippine-American Corporation of America, Citrus Chapter, will have a Christmas celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 17 at S.J. Kellner Auditorium on Civic Circle, Beverly Hills.
Each table will represent its respective country of origin showing different styles of Christmas decorating and ethnic costumes. Admission is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Call 527-0770; 527-6676 or 344-0942.
HOMOSASSA -- The Salvation Army is in need of non-perishable food items to stock its pantry to help the needy in Citrus County throughout the year. Donations may be taken to the Salvation Army, 3975 W Grover Cleveland Blvd. For information, call 621-5532.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Citrus County has several young boys waiting for mentors. If you are a caring adult male and have a few hours to give, call Penny Johnson at 794-5414, ext. 221. Couples are welcome to act as mentors together.
Doctor Ride and Elder Helpers need volunteers in the Crystal River and Homosassa area to assist the elderly homebound when they need a ride to the doctor, groceries or a prescription picked up. A list of volunteers is kept and checked for who is available at a given time. For information or to volunteer, call Jim Pitts at 527-0523.
INVERNESS -- The Citrus County Historical Society needs volunteers to work 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays or Fridays in its office in the Old Courthouse. They will help with phones, mail and walk-ins. Volunteers also are needed to set up and run the museum gift shop. If you have experience running a gift shop or can volunteer other hours, call 341-6427.
CRYSTAL RIVER -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Citrus County has announced that it has female mentors available to mentor girls ages 7 to 18, but there are no girls who have sought such services. Any Citrus resident who knows of a young girl who might benefit from the program may call 794-5414, ext. 221.
Volunteers needed to drive elderly to doctor visits
The Doctor Ride Program is in need of volunteers, especially in the Homosassa area. This program, organized by Jim Pitts, consists of a list of volunteers willing to drive elderly shut-ins to doctor appointments. When Pitts receives a call for assistance, he attempts to locate a volunteer close to the homebound person. Drivers are rotated to avoid burdening any individual. Call Pitts at 527-0523.
The Center for Independent Living, a not-for-profit resource agency serving persons with disabilities in Citrus County, is looking for retired teachers willing to volunteer once or twice a week teaching independent living skills. If you can be of assistance, please call Alma Warren at 628-3600 or The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at 527- 5424.