By Phyllis Day, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Today
36th-annual Withlacoochee Rockhounds Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show: The event features 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, free for ages 12 and younger. Free parking. SNPJ Lodge/Suncoast Dance Party Center, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill. (352) 688-7810.
ABATE Freedom Chapter's 2010 Hernando County Christmas Toy Drive Ride: The deputy-escorted ride leaves at 12:30 p.m. from the Palace Grand, 275 Della Court, Spring Hill, and will end at Beef 'O' Brady's at 7601 Horse Lake Road, Brooksville. Participants are to bring a donation of a new unwrapped toy, game or Walmart gift card. All donations will benefit local children selected by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. (352) 345-7278 or (352) 584-1278.
Fall Harvest of Art & Jazz Fest: 37th-annual juried art and craft show, which also includes a jazz and music festival featuring the Hernando Jazz Society, children's activities and food vendors; all Weeki Wachee Springs attractions are included with admission fee. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5, $3 children. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way. (352) 597-7435. weekiwachee.com..
Hernando Sportsman's Club Christmas Gun and Knife Show: The show will include new, used and antique firearms, knives and related accessories. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $6; children 15 and younger will be admitted free but must be accompanied by an adult. Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St, Brooksville. (352) 799-3605.
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. 2 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.
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. Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. (352) 597-2235.
Pancake Breakfast with Santa: The Hernando County La Sertoma Club will sponsor the annual event, which includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee. A surprise will be given to each child while supplies last. Raffle tickets will be available to win a 32-inch TV and other prizes. 8-11 a.m. Tickets are $3; toddlers age 2 and younger admitted free. Guido's Pizza Cafe, 7219 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 796-4657.
Monday
'Termites And Your Florida Home' horticulture class: Presented by urban horticulture agent Jim Moll. Learn how to protect your house from termites. No registration required, but seating is limited. 5:30 p.m. Free. Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service, 1653 Blaise Drive, Brooksville. (352) 754-4433. extension.hernandocounty.us.
Spring Hill Regional Hospital Volunteers host Books and Beyond Sale: The sale will be in the hallway by the gift shop. Proceeds benefit local charities and the scholarship fund. 7 a.m.-4 p.m.. Spring Hill Regional Hospital, 10461 Quality Drive. (352) 666-8755.
Tuesday
Alligator Talk: The discussion will include a visit with a live alligator. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Chinsegut Nature Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, north of Brooksville. (352) 754-6722.
Brooksville Regional Hospital Auxiliary hosts Gift and Sheet Sale: The sale will be in the cafeteria. Cash, checks and all major credit cards accepted; hospital employees can also pay by payroll deduction. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Brooksville Regional Hospital, 17240 Cortez Blvd., west of Brooksville. (352) 442-0169.
Cooking for a Cure with Chef Michael: This is an interactive presentation with a culinary chef, who will focus on holiday-related items and easy-to-make dishes. Funds raised will benefit the American Cancer Society's Spring Hill Relay for Life. 2-4 p.m. Residence at Timber Pines, Crystal Dining Room, 3140 Forest Road. $20, must be purchased in advance. (352) 683-9009.
Holiday Bereavement Workshop: This is a free 90-minute workshop for adults who feel apprehensive about the holidays due to the death of a loved one. Facilitated by a hospice bereavement counselor. Reservations requested. 6:30 p.m. Free. HPH Hospice Spring Hill, 12260 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. 1-800-486-8784.
Library to Show 'Leap Year': Amy Adams, Matthew Goode, Adam Scott and John Lithgow star in this 2010 romantic comedy about a woman who concocts an elaborate scheme to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day. The film is rated PG. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hernando County. 2 p.m. Free. East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Ridge Manor West. (352) 540-6391.
Pearl Harbor Day program: Conducted by the Telephone Pioneers of Spring Hill and We Remember 27-H-1. The event celebrates the Pioneers' 10th year of planting 16 trees and a memorial garden in honor of the 16 Hernando County servicemen who gave their lives during World War II. Chocachatti Elementary School students will place a flag at each tree as the names of servicemen are called out by Hernando County schools superintendent Bryan Blavatt. The children will also sing patriotic songs. Spectators are welcome, after the program, to place an American flag (12- by 18-inch) outside the garden for a family member. Flags and name tags will be available. The flags will fly through Friday. 11 a.m. Chocachatti Elementary School, 4135 California St., south of Brooksville. (352) 686-6962.
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. 6:30 p.m. Free. East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Ridge Manor West. (352) 540-6391.
Spring Hill Regional Hospital Volunteers host Books and Beyond Sale: The sale will be in the hallway by the gift shop. Proceeds benefit local charities and the scholarship fund. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Spring Hill Regional Hospital, 10461 Quality Drive. (352) 666-8755.
Wednesday
Master Gardeners weekly plant sale: Plants for shade and sun are available, including flowering plants, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Funds raised benefit the Hernando County Master Gardener program. 8:30-10:30 a.m. Prices vary. Master Gardener nursery, 19490 Oliver St., Brooksville. (352) 754-4433.
Thursday
Brookridge Entertainment presents the Marlins: The Marlins have performed for more than 25 years, with a repertoire that includes country, rock, big band, classical jazz and bluegrass. 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and, if available, can be purchased at the door. Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St., Brookridge. (352) 610-4901.
Brooksville Elementary School Winter Festival: Sponsored by the PTA, the event includes three bouncy rides, carnival games, a silent auction, food and other activities. 5:30-8 p.m. Free admission. Presale game/ride tickets are five for $1 through Wednesday; four for $1 at the festival. Brooksville Elementary School, 885 N Broad St. (352) 797-7014, ext. 225.
Christmas on Main Street: Stroll down Main Street and enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas. The City Hall Art Gallery will have a reception for the fall art exhibit from 5 to 7 p.m. A tree lighting ceremony with entertainment by Live Oak Theatre starts at 7:30 p.m. Santa will visit at Ida Lillie's. 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Downtown Brooksville. (352) 540-3810. cityofbrooksville.us.
Easybridge session: These classes are for beginners and those returning to bridge after many years. 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.
Library to show 'Last Holiday': This 2006 film stars Queen Latifah, Timothy Hutton and LL Cool J. Upon learning that she has a fatal disease, a shy sales clerk decides on an impromptu trip to Europe. The movie is rated PG-13. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hernando County. 2 p.m. Free. Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. (352) 540-6391.
Springstead High School presents 'Annie': The Broadway musical will be presented by Springstead's choral and theater department. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students; all seats reserved. Springstead Theater, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 476-9086. shstickets.com.
Friday
1,000 Man CPR Awareness Challenge: During the two-day event, each hour, on the hour, the American Heart Association CPR course will be provided free (no certification cards provided). The purpose is to train 1,000 people of all ages. Firefighters/EMTs Tim and Julie Stack of CPR ResQ Training Services, along with other emergency medical services volunteers, will provide the course. Each session can take up to 100 participants. Reservations can be made, or just show up. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Christian Church in the Wildwood, 10051 Country Road, north of Weeki Wachee. (352) 346-0463.
Chancel Choir Christmas Cantata 'Gloria In Excelsis Deo': The cantata includes a blend of classic and contemporary music. A reception will follow in the hall. 7 p.m. An offering will be taken. Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. (352) 596-1456.
Hernando County Fine Arts Council Winter Gala and 'What the Dickens Happened to Scrooge' premiere: The evening will start with a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception and silent auction. Showtime will be at 8 p.m. The play was written by and stars local author, playwright and storyteller Jerry Cowling. It tells the story of what happens when the folks affected by Ebenezer Scrooge's miserly ways hatch a plan to get him intoxicated, act out his life before him and force him to become the "most generous soul in London." Directed by fine arts council executive director Myndee Fleury Washington. Presented in cooperation with Stage West. 6:30 p.m. $10. Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill (352) 683-5113 or (352) 754-4788. stagewest.net.
Hernando Hills Hi-Lites Christmas Show: Chorus members will be dressed as Christmas toys during the first half of the show. They will sing traditional and contemporary Christmas songs. By popular request, the chorus will perform the comical rendition of Seven Days After Christmas. The D'Lites Quartet and special guests will be featured. St. Nick will pass out goodies to patrons. There will be door prizes, and a gift basket will be raffled. After the show, guests may meet the Hi-Lites and snack on cookies and Christmas treats in the foyer. Santa will be available for pictures. 7 p.m. $12 for adults, $6 for students and free for children 3 and younger. Mariner United Methodist Church, 7079 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 686-4122.
Sons of Norway Sun Viking Lodge 607 Juletrefest Christmas Party: A traditional Norwegian Christmas dinner will be served, inclduing roast pork, mashed potatoes, gravy, surkal, rodkal, kalrabistappe, green beans, corn, lingoberries, apple sauce, riskrem, julekake, Norwegian cookies, tea and coffee. There will also be a children's program. 6:30 p.m. $15 for adults, $5 for ages 12-15 and free for ages 11 and younger. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. (352) 596-2171.
Springstead High School presents 'Annie': The Broadway musical will be presented by Springstead's choral and theater department. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students; all seats reserved. Springstead Theater, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 476-9086. shstickets.com.
Wine tasting benefit for the Dawn Center: The event will include wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, door prizes and raffles. After the tasting, Strong Tower wines will be available by the glass or bottle for purchase. 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at the door. Strong Tower Vineyard and Winery, 17840 Forge Drive, Shady Hills. (352) 684-7191 or (352) 200-4778. strongtowervineyard.com.
Saturday
'What the Dickens Happened to Scrooge': The play, written by local author, playwright and storyteller Jerry Cowling, tells the story of what happens when the folks affected by Ebenezer Scrooge's miserly ways hatch a plan to get him intoxicated, act out his life before him and force him to become the "most generous soul in London." Presented by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, in cooperation with Stage West. 8 p.m. $10. Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd. , Spring Hill (352) 683-5113 or (352) 754-4788. stagewest.net.
1,000 Man CPR Awareness Challenge: During the two-day event, each hour, on the hour, the American Heart Association CPR course will be provided free (no certification cards provided). The purpose is to train 1,000 people of all ages. Firefighters/EMTs Tim and Julie Stack of CPR ResQ Training Services, along with other emergency medical services volunteers, will provide the course. Each session can take up to 100 participants. Reservations can be made, or just show up. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. No cost. Christian Church in the Wildwood, 10051 Country Road, north of Weeki Wachee. (352) 346-0463.
25th annual Weeki Wachee River Lighted Christmas Boat Parade: The parade, open to all boat owners, is sponsored by Weeki Wachee Marina. 6:30 p.m. Entry fee is an unwrapped toy; no cost for spectators. All toys will be donated to the Dawn Center. Rogers Park, 7244 Shoal Line Blvd., Weeki Wachee. (352) 596-2852.
36th annual Brooksville Christmas Parade: Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Brooksville. The grand marshal will be Tommy Bronson. The theme is "A Country Christmas." The parade route begins at Varsity Drive, then heads west on Oakwood Drive, south to downtown on Howell Avenue and Main Street, then east on Broad Street, ending at Bell Avenue. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (352) 398-2270. kiwanisclubofbrooksville.org.
Brookridge Line Dance Social: A DJ will entertain. Bring your own snacks and beverages (and ice, if needed). No lessons provided. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $5. Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St., Brookridge. (352) 397-6088. bcpofl.org.
Get Out Active Saturdays: The Hernando County Recreation Department sponsors these ongoing weekly workout classes. All ages may participate; families are welcome. No registration required. Participants should show up by 6:55 a.m. 7-7:45 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.
Hernando Beach Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade: Prizes will be awarded for best original theme, best lighted and funniest boats. There will be hot dogs, chili, drinks and chips available at the club. Those wishing to enter boats in the parade must register between 3 and 6 p.m. Thursday or Friday. 6 p.m. Entry fee is donation of an unwrapped toy. No cost for spectators. Hernando Beach Yacht Club, 4163 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. (352) 200-7822.
Hernando County Fairgrounds Weekend Flea Market: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St, Brooksville. (352) 397-3351.
Hernando County Philippine-American Association Christmas party: Includes American and Filipino dishes and a special performance by the youth of the association. Music provided by DJ Willie. There will be gifts and "surprises". 6-11 p.m. $15 for members, $18 for nonmembers, $10 for ages 6-16 and free for ages 5 and younger. SNPJ Lodge/Suncoast Dance Party Center, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill. (352) 848-1031.
Hernando Heritage Museum Christmas Candlelight Tour: The museum is housed in the 1854 May-Stringer house, a Victorian home that will be decorated with a lighted tree, ornaments and numerous candles. There will be carolers. Punch will be served. 6-9 p.m. $5 at the door. Hernando Heritage Museum, 601 Museum Court, Brooksville. (352) 799-0129. hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com.
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. Hernando High School Performing Arts Center, 700 Bell Ave., Brooksville. (352) 597-9555. hernandosymphony.com.
Introductory archery workshop: Equipment provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Participants should arrive on time for safety training. Preregistration required; class size limited to 30 participants. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Chinsegut Nature Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, north of Brooksville. (352) 754-6722.
Korean War Veterans Christmas Party: The party will feature a social hour, buffet dinner and a show featuring Irish comedian Danny Justice. Music for dancing by the Key Notes. Door prizes will be awarded, and a cash bar will be available. 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each. VFW Post 10209, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, Spring Hill. (352) 688-7196.
Nature Coast English Car Club and Suncoast Classic MG Club present Toys for Tots car show: Top 50 trophies awarded. All proceeds benefit the Hernando County Toys for Tots program. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Donation of a toy with a value of at least $10 (no stuffed animals). Duke's American Grill, 1320 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. (352) 688-0316.
Oplatek Christmas celebration: Hosted by the Polish Legion of American Veterans Walter Weiss Memorial Post Chapter 196. Doors open at 2 p.m. A Polish dinner will be served at 2:45 p.m. The Bee-Sharps will entertain with polka and American dance music from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wine will be provided on each table during dinner, and a cash bar will be available. The traditional Polish Christmas party will include singing Polish and American carols, a visit from Santa and a raffle with more than 20 prizes. Guests are asked to bring a gift for a veteran at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in St. Petersburg. Gifts should be wrapped and marked for male or female. $18 each or two for $35 for adults, $5 for youth ages 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and younger. Tickets must be purchased by Monday. VFW Post 8681, 18940 Drayton St., Spring Hill. (352) 686-7379.
Pancake breakfast and rummage sale: Proceeds benefit the church fund and its ministries, including the food pantry, Dawn Center and Mary's House. The event is on the second Saturday of each month. 8 a.m.-noon. Prices vary, $5 or less. First Presbyterian Church, 250 Bell Ave., Brooksville. (352) 796-4228. god-loves-u.com.
Plaza fundraiser holiday fair to benefit the Dawn Center: The fair will include numerous vendors, a jumping castle, raffles and door prizes. Proceeds will benefit the Dawn Center, Hernando County's domestic and sexual violence shelter. Hosted by Empowered Women in Networking. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Charles Dickens Plaza, State Road 54, New Port Richey. (727) 271-1348.
Suncoast Harmony Chorus fundraising garage sale: The sale includes merchandise donated by the 40-member chorus, their families and friends. Funds raised will help defray expenses of the chorus, which is the local chapter of Sweet Adelines International. 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 6301 Swan Lane, Spring Hill. (352) 597-4376.