Hernando County events

VALENTINE SALE BENEFITS SCHOLARSHIPS: The Brooksville Regional Hospital Auxiliary will host a Pre-Valentine Show and Sale from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the hospital, 17240 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville.

The event features fused glass jewelry, slumped bottles and glass nail files handmade by local artist Susan Huffman. Prices range from $5 to $35, and purchases can be made by cash, check or credit card; hospital employees may use a payroll deduction.

Part of the proceeds will benefit the auxiliary's scholarship fund. For information, call Pam at (352) 442-0169.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE SEMINAR SERIES: The Encore Academy at Pasco-Hernando Community College will host a series of free Alzheimer's information seminars at the PHCC Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court, Spring Hill. All programs will be from 2:30 to 4 p.m.:

• "Alzheimer's Overview," Wednesday. Includes the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, warning signs and symptoms, stages of the disease and caregiver concerns.

• "10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease," Feb. 15. This will be a discussion about how dementia and Alzheimer's differ. The 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's will be identified, as well as the importance of getting an early diagnosis. Information will be available about local services available through the Alzheimer's Association and other organizations.

• "Driving and Dementia," March 7. This seminar will include what happens to driving abilities as Alzheimer's progresses. Tips will include learning to deal with someone who refuses to give up a driver's license.

• "Making a Placement Decision," March 14. Includes discussion about different types of facilities and levels of care, programs available to help with placement, and suggestions of what to look for in finding a good facility.

• "Legal and Financial Issues," March 21. This seminar will emphasize the importance of advance directives and involving the person with dementia. Steps in getting legal and financial plans in place will be identified, including those pertaining to dementia and future care.

There is no cost to participate in the series, but registration through the Encore Academy is required. The academy is a service of PHCC that provides educational opportunities to adults 50 and older. Call (727) 816-3439.

CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL/MARDI GRAS: The African-American Club of Hernando County will host its annual Caribbean Carnival/Mardi Gras from 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 10470 Spring Hill Drive.

The event will include costumes, masks, beads, the Mardi Gras Grand March and other activities. Steel band music by Dickie and Melvin, with a steel pan welcome by Kokomo Chris.

Tickets are $20. A cash bar will be available, and guests may bring their own snacks. For information, call (352) 835-7003.

GOLF TOURNEY BENEFITS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL: A golf tournament benefit for the St. Jude Children's Research Center will be Feb. 25 at the Dunes Golf Club, 18200 Seville Parkway, north of Weeki Wachee. Registration is at noon, with the shotgun start at 1 p.m.

The event will include food, prizes and contests.

The cost is $300 per team (four-person scramble); hole sponsorships are $50. The entry deadline is Feb. 11. Entries are available at Felony's Bar and Grill, Extreme Fitness, Joni Industries and the Dunes Golf Club.

Volunteers for the event are welcome. For information, call Melissa Turner at the Dunes, (352) 596-7888.

Judaism SEMINAR: The Humanities and Etymology Society at Springstead High School will host a Jewish seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at the school, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill.

The event will include a panel of speakers. The purpose of the event is to offer the community an opportunity to learn about Judaism. There will be a question and answer session. Refreshments will be served.

Free. For information, call (352) 797-7010.

BINGO BASH: The annual Brookridge Bingo Bash will be March 17 at the Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and games begin at 10 a.m.

There will be a $3,200 payout, with each game winner receiving $50; there will be three $250 jackpots. Coffee, doughnuts and lunch will be provided.

All seats are reserved. The cost is $35. All proceeds benefit the scholarship fund. For reservations, call Milly at (352) 596-7645.

ROCKIN' CHARITY EVENT: The Kiwanis Club of the Nature Coast will host its seventh annual Rockin' Thru the Ages charity event from 6 to 11 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Palace Grand, 275 Della Court, Spring Hill.

The event will include dinner and dancing. Tickets are $40. Call Debbie Cutlip at (352) 293-4317 or visit kiwanisnaturecoast.org.