By Phyllis Day, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 3, 2010
HERNANDO BEACH
New members of auxiliary to meet
The Hernando Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary will host a meeting for new members at 6 p.m. Monday at the training facility at 4340 Calienta St.
The auxiliary is the uniformed, volunteer component of the Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in all missions, except military and law enforcement actions.
Auxiliary members participate in patrols on local waterways, teach boating safety classes, conduct vessel checks and perform other functions.
Membership is open to U.S. citizens 17 and older. A basic background check is required. Training is provided and included in the annual membership dues of $55.
Those attending the meeting who are interested in joining should bring proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), a driver's license and a check for membership dues.
For information, call Bruce McAllister at (321) 298-9921, the facility at (352) 596-6737 or visit the website at a0701508.uscgaux.info/Home.htm
BROOKSVILLE
Learn firearm safety at sportsman's club
A firearms safety program, First Steps Pistol, will be offered at 9 a.m. Dec. 18 at the Hernando Sportsman's Club, 16121 Commercial Way, north of Weeki Wachee in the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area.
This is a National Rifle Association course that lasts about five hours.
Completion of the class will qualify participants for an application for a concealed carry permit.
The cost is $50. 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.
Class size is limited, and registration is required. Call (352) 597-9931 or visit hernandosports mansclub.com.
SPRING HILL
Groups encouraged to prepare meal for needy
People Helping People of Hernando serves free meals to people in need from 4 to 5:30 p.m. each Sunday at the Hernando County Senior Citizens Club, 7925 Rhanbuoy Road, Spring Hill.
The group is a local interfaith nonprofit organization and is in need of volunteers and donations. Groups are encouraged to help by preparing the entree at one of the dinners.
People Helping People also provides free clothing, groceries and resource materials to those in need.
Call (352) 686-4466. Checks may be mailed to People Helping People, P.O. Box 6182, Spring Hill, FL 34611.
COUNTYWIDE
'Giving Tree' at all county libraries
The Hernando County Public Library System announced its Giving Tree at Your Library Program. Each of the county's library branches are collecting donations for various local organizations:
• Lykes Memorial Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville, is collecting donations for Mid-Florida Community Services' Head Start Program. New unwrapped toys for preschool-aged children are wanted such as race cars, dolls, tea sets, books, trucks, footballs, basketballs, teddy bears and dinosaurs.
• West Hernando/Staffordene T. Foggia Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., Spring Hill, is collecting donations for the Dawn Center. Items wanted include nonperishable foods, health and beauty products, towels, medium sized T-shirts and gift cards.
• Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, is collecting donations for the Humane Society of the Nature Coast. Needed items include Purina Cat, Kitten or Puppy Chow, Pedigree adult dog food, cat litter and chew toys.
• East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Ridge Manor West, is collecting items for Eastside Elementary School students. Wanted are new, unwrapped board games appropriate for elementary-age students.
Those interested in making donations are asked to bring items into their local branch library by Dec. 17. For information, call (352) 540-6391.
SPRING HILL/ NEW PORT RICHEY
Charity events to help the Dawn Center
Empowered Women in Networking will host two charitable events:
• Plaza fundraiser holiday fair, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 11, Charles Dickens Plaza, State Road 54, New Port Richey. The fair will include numerous vendors, a jumping castle, raffles and door prizes.
• Holiday Shopping Event, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15, Suncoast Villa Apartment Clubhouse, 3454 Suncoast Villa Way, Spring Hill. There will be numerous vendors, gifts and raffles.
Proceeds from both events will benefit the Dawn Center, Hernando County's domestic and sexual violence shelter. For information, call (727) 271-1348.
BROOKSVILLE
Annual board meeting for museum Monday
The Hernando Historical Museum Association's annual Christmas board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday at John's Corner Family Restaurant, 711 S Broad St.
The public is welcome. For information, call Ron Daniels at (352) 678-9889.
BUSHNELL
Join veterans placing wreaths at cemetery
The U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club is hosting a Wreaths Across America ceremony Dec. 11 at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave.
This is a holiday wreath-laying ceremony to honor and remember the nation's veterans. Laying of wreaths at grave sites will begin at 10 a.m. The ceremony begins promptly at 11:30 a.m., and wreath presentations will be at noon. There will be a flyover at the end of the ceremony.
For information, call (352) 793-7740 or visit wreathsacross america.org.
BROOKSVILLE
Kids, try your skill at making baskets
Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582 will host the Elks National Free Throw "Hoop Shoot" contest Dec. 18 at the lodge, 14494 Cortez Blvd.
The contest is for boys and girls ages 8 to 13. Contenders will try their skill at making baskets and earn a chance to compete in the district competition. Hot dogs and soda will be available.
Volunteers are needed to help as line referees and score keepers. For details, call the lodge at (352) 596-2582.
BROOKSVILLE
Arc sets open house, Christmas dance
The Arc Nature Coast will host two events on Dec. 17:
• Open House, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on the Arc campus, 5283 Neff Lake Road, east of Brooksville. A complimentary lunch will be served. There will be music.
• Christmas Dance, 7 to 10 p.m., at West Hernando Middle School, 14325 Ken Austin Parkway, west of Brooksville. Admission is $3, which includes a gift, pizza, sodas and snacks. There will be a DJ and Santa will hand out gifts.
For information, call (352) 544-2322, ext. 109.