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Hernando events starting Feb. 16

 
Published Feb. 14, 2014

Pets

TODAY

Humane Society 'Heart to Heart' event: Visit with "kennel mates" who are spending Valentine's Day weekend sharing a kennel with pets. The event marks the retirement of executive director Joanne Schoch. Today is Schoch's birthday, and it is also her last day as executive director. Noon to 4 p.m. Donations accepted to benefit the building fund. Humane Society of the Nature Coast, 7200 Mobley Road, Brooksville. (352) 796-2711. humanerescue.org.

Classes/self-help

Monday

Academia Hernando Spring 2014 Lecture Series: Dr. Maria Scunziano presents "Nutrition for Seniors." 10 a.m. $8. Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. (352) 597-0158.

THURSDAY

American Red Cross sheltering training: Those who receive this free training can become Red Cross volunteers and work in Red Cross shelters, providing shelter and food for those evacuated from their homes during severe weather, and providing health/mental health services to shelter clients. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hernando County Sheriff's Office, 18900 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Email to alex.glenn@redcross.org or call (352) 459-6601.

FRIDAY

It's Jazz: This is an ongoing series about the golden age of jazz in the 1950s and '60s. Presented by former NPR jazz radio announcer Peter LaMattina. 3 to 4:30 p.m. Free. Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. (352) 754-4043.

The arts

MONDAY

Impressionistic oil painting demonstration: Hosted by the Spring Hill Art League. Free. 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presented by Carole Loiacono, who will also offer a workshop for a fee on Saturday. Spring Hill United Church of Christ, 4244 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. (727) 271-2787.

Black History Month

WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY

'History of African-Americans in Opera': Celebrating Black History Month with select compositions by African-Americans. 10 a.m. Wednesday, Pasco-Hernando State College Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court, Spring Hill; 1 p.m. Wednesday, PHSC North Campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Brooksville; 10 a.m. Thursday, PHSC West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey; 1 p.m. Thursday, PHSC East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Dade City. 1-877-879-7422. phcc.edu.

SATURDAY

Black History Month Recognition Banquet: The purpose of the event is to honor a black Hernando County native for outstanding accomplishments in his or her profession or for outstanding service to the community. This year's honoree is deacon Andrew Williams Jr., who was designated by the National Association of Counties as one of the 1,000 Points of Light for his contributions to Hernando County and Brooksville. Williams was county government's first black engineering technician and first black right-of-way agent. He developed and coordinated the first municipal service taxing unit and served on a number of city and county boards. Presented by Hernando County's Black History Month Productions. 6 p.m. $15. Lorenzo Hamilton Community Center at Kennedy Park, 899 Kennedy Blvd., Brooksville. (352) 515-6613.

Library fun

TUESDAY

Recycle Tuesday: All ages are welcome. Make a work of art from plastic water bottles. 4 to 5:30 p.m. Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. (352) 754-4043.

Teen Anime Club: The program is geared toward youth ages 12 to 18 who will have an opportunity to draw and discuss manga and participate in anime-themed activities. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hernando County. Register in advance. 5 to 6:30 p.m. Lykes Memorial Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. (352) 754-4043.

Book talk

Wednesday

Classic books discussion: To mark Black History Month, the group will discuss Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. The anti-slavery novel was published in 1852 and helped lay the groundwork for the Civil War. It was the bestselling novel of the 19th century. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. (352) 754-4043.

THURSDAY

Book discussion on 'To Have and Have Not': Discussion of Ernest Hemingway's novel about a fisherman running contraband between Cuba and Key West in the 1930s. Copies of the book are limited. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lykes Memorial Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. (352) 754-4043.

Book discussion on 'The Sandcastle Girls': By New York Times bestselling novelist Chris Bohjalian. The historical novel is set in two time frames — 1915 and the present — and recounts the horrors of the Armenian genocide of 1915. 2 to 3:30 p.m. West Hernando/S.T. Foggia Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., Spring Hill. (352) 754-4043.

Markets, sales

FRIDAY

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 186 yard sale: Proceeds benefit veterans and their families. The sales will continue on the third Friday of each month. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor spaces are $10; bring your own table. American Legion Post 186, 12091 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 799-1545, (352) 686-1820.

Festivals

Monday through Feb. 23

Pasco County Fair: Featuring a midway, food, livestock shows, pageants, a professional rodeo, monster trucks, bluegrass/gospel music and a large list of shows, plus a Butterflies & Blooms experience presented by the Pasco County Master Gardeners. 3 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Feb. 23. $8, $5 for ages 6 to 12 and free for ages 5 and younger. $3 admission Tuesday. Unlimited midway ride wristband: $18 Monday through Thursday, $22 Friday through Feb. 23. Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City. (352) 567-6678. pascocountyfair.com.

SATURDAY

Heritage Day: The annual festival includes vendors, entertainment, demonstrators, crafts and activities for all ages. Historic home tours will also be offered and will include two local historical homes and the museum. Among the demonstrators will be spinners, weavers, soap makers and cracker cowboys. Entertainment includes Jack and Company and the Barking Dogs Old Time Jam group. Food and drinks will be available. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. Optional historic home tours are $10; $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for ages 5 and younger. Hernando Heritage Museum, 601 Museum Court, Brooksville. (813) 470-0085. hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com.

Wine festival: Sample the winery's offerings, meet the winemaker and see how the wines are blended. Browse vendors with unique gifts and items for sale, and enjoy live entertainment in a laid-back setting; vaccinated, leashed pets welcome. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission; $3.50 per wine tasting. Florida Estates Winery, 25241 State Road 52, Land O'Lakes. (813) 996-2113.

Hobbies

Today

Hernando Sportsman's Club swap meet: This is a swap, sell, trade, barter or giveaway event with used firearms, archery items, reloading equipment and supplies, and accessories. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free for club members; $3 for nonmembers. Table rentals: $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Hernando Sportsman's Club, 16121 Commercial Way, north of Weeki Wachee. (352) 597-9931. hernandosportsmansclub.com.

Thursday

'Palm Weaving': Participants will use saw palmetto/palm fronds to create various crafts. Bring scissors. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $5; free for ages 17 and younger. Parking is $3. Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, 7200 County Road 603, Bushnell. (352) 793-4781. floridastateparks.org/dadebattlefield.

Friday AND SATURDAY

Quilt Show and Lady Dresden Tea: Hosted by the High Point Quilt Club, the event includes antique quilts, memorial quilts, vendors, a certified quilt appraiser (appraisal fees range from $10 to $40) and opportunity baskets. The tea will include rock cake, fairy cake, tea sandwiches, chocolate-covered strawberries and English tea. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission $4; optional tea is $4. High Point Community Center, 12249 Club House Road, High Point. (352) 592-2147.

SATURDAY

Kiwanis Club car show fundraiser: Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill, the show is a benefit for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Includes entertainment by Teri Lyon and the Accordion Guy. Hot dogs, chili, soda, chips and raffle tickets will be available for purchase. All car collectors are invited to participate. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is $5; free for spectators. Towne Square Mall, 3021 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. (352) 585-1659, 597-3536.

Spring Hill Writing Group: Open to anyone who writes or would like to write. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. (352) 754-4043.

Music

Today

'The Wild Blue Yonder: Music That's Out of This World': Richey Community Orchestra performs an imaginative show featuring rising singer Whitney James. 3 p.m. $15. Center for the Arts at River Ridge, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey. (727) 919-3866. richeycommunityorchestra.com.

TUESDAY

Evening of Music with Louie Fortunato: Sponsored by the High Point Ladies Fire Auxiliary. 7 p.m. $5 at the door. High Point Community Center, 12249 Club House Road, High Point. (352) 596-2827.

THURSDAY

Accordion Adventure Valentine Jam: Including love songs of the 1950s and '60s. Coffee and cake served; guests may also bring their own snacks. This is an informal group of enthusiasts and accordionists of all levels. Spectators and all types of musicians welcome. 6 to 9 p.m. $2 cover. Spring Hill United Church of Christ, 4244 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 686-0975, 442-5574.

SATURDAY

Hernando Hills Hi-Lites Open House: Women of all ages, including girls ages 12 and older, are invited to learn more about the Hi-Lites. There will be complimentary refreshments and entertainment by the chorus and the Replay Quartet. The Hi-Lites is a women's barbershop chorus that sings a capella, four-part harmony. The group is a chapter of Harmony Inc. The chorus performs at community events, fundraisers, and personal and private celebrations, and also competes annually with other choruses within a six-state area. 2 to 4 p.m. Fellowship Community Church, 11250 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. (352) 686-4122.

Mardi Gras celebration with Vintage: Includes beads and masks, snacks and a costume contest. 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets purchased before Tuesday are $8; after that date and at the door, $10. VFW Post 10209, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, Spring Hill. (352) 796-0398.

'Monday, Monday': Tribute to the 1960s group the Mamas and the Papas, singing hits such as Go Where You Want to Go and California Dreamin'. 7 p.m. $25 to $30. Pasco-Hernando State College West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey. (727) 816-3707. phcc.edu/tix.

On stage

Today

'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' auditions: Men and women of all ages needed, especially young men who can dance or act like cowboys and move well on stage. Production dates are weekends, May 8 to 18. The director is Lynda Benson (lynda.diltsbenson@gmail.com). 7 p.m. Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 683-5113. stagewest.net.

THROUGH FEB. 23

'Harvey': The play, by Mary Chase, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1944. It is about the affable Elwood P. Dowd and his best friend, Harvey, who happens to be a 6-foot invisible rabbit. 2 p.m. today, Saturday and Feb. 23; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $12; students $8. Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 683-5113.

Saturday

Ted Holum and Brian Roman: Two shows in one with comedian Ted Holum and vocalist Brian Roman. 7 p.m. $25. Hernando High School Performing Arts Center, 700 Bell Ave., Brooksville. (352) 799-5577. hpag.org.

Miscellaneous

TODAY

Four Chaplains memorial service: Various veterans organizations will participate. Speakers will include retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Monroe T. Smith and retired Army Col. Nick Morana. Jim Matheson will provide bagpipe music. The service honors the four military chaplains, all of different faiths, who died aboard the USS Dorchester, which was torpedoed during World War II on Feb. 3, 1943. The chaplains handed out life jackets to the servicemen aboard and, when there were none left, gave up their own. They were: Methodist minister George Fox, Lutheran minister Clark Poling, Jewish rabbi Alexander Goode and Catholic priest Johnny Washington. 2 p.m. St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 5030 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. (352) 597-1210.

THURSDAY

Socrates Cafe: This group is for those who enjoy thought-provoking discussions and lively debate and discussion. With the help of a facilitator, group members apply the Socratic method to questions that trouble them. 5 to 7 p.m. Free. West Hernando/S.T. Foggia Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., Spring Hill. (352) 754-4043.

FRIDAY

Fashion, Food and Fun: Fashion show and luncheon with fashions from Patricia's Boutique in Brooksville. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $16. St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1107 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. (352) 683-2849.

SATURDAY

Ranger history program and live firing demonstration: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. $3-per-vehicle parking fee. Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, 7200 County Road 603, Bushnell. (352) 793-4781. floridastateparks.org/dadebattlefield.

Tin Can Tourists Winter Convention open house: The public is invited to visit the Tin Can Tourists' 94th Winter Convention. The convention, Thursday through Feb. 23, includes more than 50 trailers and campers from the 1920s through the '60s. The open house will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. $3 per vehicle. Sertoma Youth Ranch, 85 Myers Road, south of Spring Lake. (941) 302-2415. tincantourists.com.