By Phyllis Day, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Today
Concordia Chorus Christmas concert: Refreshments will follow the program. 7 p.m. Donations accepted. High Point Community Center, 12249 Club House Road, High Point. (352) 592-2147.
Nature Coast Festival Singers Christmas concert: The chorus will perform selections from Handel's Messiah and other pieces. The Nature Coast Children's Chorus and several youth scholarship winners will perform. 3 p.m. An offering will be collected during intermission. First Baptist Church of Brooksville, 420 Howell Ave. (352) 597-2235.
Thanksgiving Bluegrass Festival: The annual weekend festival features four days of music performances, overnight camping and an alternative community gathering in which kids and pets are allowed. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $12 adults; free for ages 12 and younger. Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Road, south of Spring Lake. (863) 984-8445. sertomayouthranch.com.
Tuesday
Hernando Symphony Orchestra holiday concert: The concert, featuring vocalist Leanne Germann, will include a variety of music, including Christmas on Broadway, Gesu Bambino, Shalom Chavarine and A Charlie Brown Christmas. 7:30 p.m. $12 adults, $5 students. Season tickets are $30, which includes three concerts. Springstead Theater, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 597-9555. hernandosymphony.com.
'Save Your Home' foreclosure prevention workshop: This free workshop, sponsored by the Neighborhood Community Foundation, is designed to teach homeowners about new legal strategies and potential solutions for defending against foreclosure eviction. The keynote speaker/presenter will be Florida foreclosure defense attorney David C. Hicks. Reservations requested. 7-9 p.m., Brooksville Elks Lodge, 14494 Cortez Blvd., west of Brooksville. Call toll-free 1-877-306-5299.
Wednesday
Digital Bookmobile national tour event: Showcasing the free audiobook, eBook and music download service that is available through the Hernando County Public Library System. Readers of all ages can learn how to download digital books from the library through interactive demonstrations and instructional videos. A gadget gallery featuring iPod, Zune and Sony Reader will help visitors find portable devices that are compatible with the library's download service. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. (352) 540-6374.
'First Steps Pistol' concealed weapon course: This is a National Rifle Association course that runs about five hours. Completion of the class will qualify participants for an application for a concealed carry permit. Participants may bring their own firearm and a box of factory ammunition or use one of the club's firearms. There is an additional cost to use club ammunition. 9 a.m., Hernando Sportsman's Club, 16121 Commercial Way, north of Weeki Wachee. The class is $50. Registration required. (352) 597-9931. hernandosportsmansclub.com.
Master Gardeners weekly plant sale: Plants for shade and sun are available, including flowering plants, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Proceeds benefit the Hernando County master gardeners program. 8:30-10:30 a.m. Prices vary. Master Gardeners nursery, 19490 Oliver St., Brooksville. (352) 754-4433.
World AIDS Day event: Representatives from the Hernando County Health Department will be available to offer free HIV testing and information. Hairdressers will donate proceeds from all haircuts, styles and blow dry services to Hairdressers Against AIDS, offered through the L'Oreal Foundation to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS virus. Complimentary soft drinks and light snacks will be served. Walk-ins welcome. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bene International School of Beauty, 1486 Pinehurst Drive, Spring Hill. For HIV testing information, call (352) 540-6824 or (352) 540-6873. Call the salon at (352) 263-2744.
Thursday
Belly dance class: Learn the ancient art of belly dance. This free class introduces participants to the basics, a brief history of the dance, and different styles. Open to all ages, skill levels and body types. Must RSVP to the instructor, Jaynellen, (707) 354-0242 or jayne@pacific.net. 7:15 p.m. Free. Kennedy Park, 1000 Kennedy Blvd., Brooksville. (352) 754-4031.
Easybridge session: For beginners and those returning to bridge. Also, social players wishing to improve their game and increase their bridge circles are welcome. 11 a.m. Free. Senior Citizens Club, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill. (352) 597-5221.
Friday
36th annual Withlacoochee Rockhounds Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show: The event features numerous vendors with minerals, gemstones, fossils, handcrafted jewelry and lapidary equipment. There will be demonstrations, plus displays of a replica of Aaron's Breastplate and famous diamonds of the world. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $3 for adults, $1 for teenagers and free for 12 and younger. Free parking. SNPJ Lodge/Suncoast Dance Party Center, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill. (352) 688-7810.
Chinsegut Night Walk: Join this walk to listen and look for bats, frogs, owls and other creatures of the night. Bring a flashlight and insect repellent. 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Chinsegut Nature Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, north of Brooksville. (352) 754-6722.
Festival of Trees: The annual event, sponsored by the Brooksville Woman's Club and St. Anthony Catholic Church, includes decorated trees created by vendors that fill the hallway of the church. This is an indoor/outdoor event and includes an array of vendors, photos with Santa, food, musical entertainment, storytelling and other activities. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. St. Anthony Catholic Church, 20428 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. (352) 796-2096 or (352) 848-7988.
Flippin' 4 a Cure pancake dinner: All-you-can-eat pancakes. Beverage included. This is a fundraiser for the Spring Hill Relay for Life. $6 adults, free for children 10 and younger. 5-8 p.m., Up 4 Breakfast, 14359 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. (352) 686-4185.
Ghost tours: Legend has it that the Heritage Museum, a four-story, 12-room house, built more than 151 years ago by Brooksville pioneer John May, is inhabited by the spirits of long-dead family members, including May's 3-year-old daughter, Jessie. Hand-held cameras and recording devices welcome. Reservations required. 8-10 p.m. $20, cash only. Hernando Heritage Museum, 601 Museum Court, Brooksville. (352) 799-0129. hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com.
Hernando County Water Awareness Series presents 'FEMA Flood Mapping, Watersheds and You': John Burnett from Hernando County government and Gene Altman from the Southwest Florida Water Management District will speak. The county and Swiftmud have undertaken a multiyear project to re-examine flood zones and develop detailed, digital flood hazard maps. FEMA representatives will be on hand to answer questions. Light refreshments served. Free. 10 a.m.-noon, Hernando County Utilities Department, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. (352) 540-6780.
Light Up Ridge Manor Christmas festival: Includes a DJ, photos with Santa ($3 each or two for $5), Christmas carolers, Smokey Bear and his house, clowns and balloons, the Road to Bethlehem walk-through drama, bookmobile and stories, a cake walk, raffles and children's games. Sponsored by the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunrise Plaza, 31100 Cortez Blvd., Ridge Manor West. (352) 540-4521 or (352) 796-9025.
PHCC biannual poetry reading: Faculty, staff members, students and community members are invited to participate in the open-mike poetry reading. Professor emeritus Richard Downing and professor of language arts Kay McKamy are coordinating the event. PHCC faculty, staff members and students, some of whom are published, will read samples of their work. PHCC's North Campus Student Government Association will provide refreshments and door prizes. Those interested in reading one or two poems may sign up at the door. 7-9 p.m. Free admission. Pasco-Hernando Community College North Campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Brooksville. (352) 797-5109.
Saturday
36th annual Withlacoochee Rockhounds Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show: The event features numerous vendors with minerals, gemstones, fossils, handcrafted jewelry and lapidary equipment. There will be demonstrations, plus displays of a replica of Aaron's Breastplate and famous diamonds of the world. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $3 for adults, $1 for teenagers and free for ages 12 and younger. Free parking. SNPJ Lodge/Suncoast Dance Party Center, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill. Continues through Sunday. (352) 688-7810.
Benefit barbecue in memory of Mark 'Tiny' Metcalf: Includes music, biker games and raffles. Bikers and nonriders welcome. Tickets are $10, which includes a food ticket, three beer tickets and two raffle tickets. Proceeds will go to Metcalf's family. Metcalf, 39, who was killed Oct. 21 in a motorcycle accident, was the Moose Riders state chairman. 1 p.m., Spring Hill Moose Lodge, 5214 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 686-5666, (352) 584-5729 or (352) 345-9541.
Brookridge Social Dance group hosts Christmas dance: Music provided by Short Notice duo. Guests may bring their own refreshments. Coffee and ice available throughout the evening. Doughnuts will be served about 9:30 p.m. 7:30-10:30 p.m. $5 at the door. Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St., Brookridge. (352) 597-0723.
Dance benefit for Crescent Community Clinic expansion: 7-11 p.m., Fun Fitness Factory, 1287 Kass Circle, Spring Hill. $25 each or $40 per couple. Maureen Soliman, (352) 650-9006 or mosey217@gmail.com; Barbara Sweinberg, (352) 263-1218 or sweinbergb@bellsouth.net.
The Diamonds in concert: The group is the successor to the original 1950s group that sang Little Darlin', Why Do Fools Fall in Love and other hits. Presented by the Hernando Performing Arts Center Guild. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., showtime 7 p.m. $25. Hernando High School Performing Arts Center, 700 Bell Ave., Brooksville. (352) 799-5577.
Evening of Storytelling with Jerry Cowling: Local author and storyteller Jerry Cowling will share tales of Christmas. Complimentary refreshments served. Seating limited. 7 p.m. Free. Hill House Bed and Breakfast, 406 E Liberty St., Brooksville. (352) 345-4466.
Fall antique appraisal show: This event is fashioned after the Antique Roadshow television program. It will include a certified personal property appraiser, Dale Smrekar, who specializes in collectibles, fine art, jewelry, coins and paper money, oil paintings, sports memorabilia, antique guns, antique swords and knives, vintage toys and other items. Verbal appraisals only. Refreshments will be available. Sponsored by the St. Frances Cabrini Knights of Columbus Council 13209. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $5 per appraisal. St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 5030 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 686-9767.
Fall Harvest of Art: The Spring Hill Art League's 37th annual event includes a juried art show, a jazz and music festival, food vendors and children's activities. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 for adults, $3 for ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger; all park amenities included. Continues through Sunday. (352) 597-7435. weekiwachee.com.
Festival of Trees: The annual event, sponsored by the Brooksville Woman's Club and St. Anthony Catholic Church, includes decorated trees created by vendors that fill the hallway of the church. This is an indoor/outdoor event and includes an array of vendors, photos with Santa, food, musical entertainment, storytelling and other activities. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. St. Anthony Catholic Church, 20428 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville (352) 796-2096 or (352) 848-7988.
Get Out Active Saturdays: The Hernando County Recreation Department sponsors these ongoing weekly workout classes. All ages can participate; families welcome. No registration required. Participants should show up by 6:55 a.m. 7 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Free; donations accepted, with funds benefiting the Parks and Recreation Department. Anderson Snow Park, 1360 Anderson Snow Road, Spring Hill. (352) 754-4031.
Ghost tours: Legend has it that the Heritage Museum, a four-story, 12-room house, built more than 151 years ago by Brooksville pioneer John May, is inhabited by the spirits of long-dead family members, including May's 3-year-old daughter, Jessie. Hand-held cameras and recording devices welcome. Reservations required. 8-10 p.m. $20, cash only. Hernando Heritage Museum, 601 Museum Court, Brooksville. (352) 799-0129. hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com.
Holiday in the Gardens: Clubs, groups and businesses will decorate trees throughout the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens. There will be entertainers and brunch prepared by Spring Hill Garden Club members. Visitors may vote for the best-decorated tree through Dec. 24. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission, $25 to decorate a tree. Nature Coast Botanical Gardens, 1489 Parker Ave., Spring Hill. (352) 683-9933. naturecoastbotanicalgardens.com.
Holiday pet portraits: Includes free drinks and food, free pet portraits, product discounts and raffle baskets. Funds raised from the raffles will benefit the Wounded Warriors Project. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Animal Care Center of Weeki Wachee, 7068 Commercial Way, north of Weeki Wachee. (352) 596-2100.
Main Street Holidays River Lights Boat Parade: Daylong event includes a "Shop 'n Stroll" featuring art, crafts, plants and trolley rides (9 a.m.-2 p.m.), the "Holiday Joy" children's choral concert (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) and the 11th annual Riverlights Boat Parade via live radio remote (6-9 p.m.). Free. Sims Park, 6341 Bank St., New Port Richey. (727) 842-8066. nprmainstreet.com.
Santa visits the library: Children of all ages welcome. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to bring cameras. No registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hernando County. 10 a.m. Free. Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. (352) 540-6391.
Second Chance Restoration Ministries hosts 'Free Day' for the needy: There will be a giveaway of clothing, shoes, toys, electronics and other items. Complimentary refreshments will be served, including hot dogs, chips and drinks. The event is for families and individuals in need. 10 a.m. 19235 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. (352) 585-6083.
Spring Hill Garden Club nursery sale: All plants will be 50 percent off. 9 a.m.-noon, 1489 Parker Ave., Spring Hill. (352) 683-9933.
Women's Expo: Presented by the Hernando County Medical Alliance. Includes family health and fitness, nutrition (food served), health, community and mental health resources; vendors; visit with Santa, and "Ask the Doctor." 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Lake House, 1202 Kenlake Ave., Spring Hill. (352) 650-9006.