Hometown Happenings: Sales, shows, more | Entertainment

NEW THIS WEEK

Dunnellon Library holding summer book sale

The Friends of Dunnellon Library will be holding its Summer Book Sale on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the library, located at 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon.

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One bag of books will cost $5 and three bags will cost $10. All different kinds of genres will be available. Proceeds go to benefit the Dunnellon Library.

VFW Post 7122 to host prime rib dinner

VFW Post 7122 in Floral City would like to invite the public to a Prime Rib Dinner from 5-8 p.m. on May 7.

The dinner will be prepared by Chef Paul and includes prime rib, caesar salad, baked potato and dessert. It is $15 per person and will feature entertainment by “The Dalton Gang.”

Open to the public. Tickets are on sale now at the Canteen and seating is limited.

Central Ridge Community Center to reopen

Citrus County Parks & Recreation is proud to announce the grand re-opening of the Central Ridge Community Center (CRCC), located at 77 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills.

The facility has been closed to the public since September 2021 due to a contract with NOMI Health. The CRCC will officially re-open on May 9.

As part of the grand re-opening, the CRCC’s monthly gym fee will be waived for citizens of Citrus County through June. The fee of $10 per user will resume on July 1.

The CRCC’s operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the gym closing at 4 p.m.

Citrus County Parks and Recreation is now booking events at the CRCC for the month of June and beyond.

For more information, call Parks & Recreation at 352-527-7540 or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/citruscountyparks.

Attend a presentation on navigating Medicare

Navigating Medicare can be difficult without help, but it can be hard to find a trustworthy guide. The Citrus County Library System has partnered with Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) to provide the public with an information presentation.

The upcoming presentation, Medicare Basics: Medicare 101, will be held at the Coastal Region branch in Crystal River on May 10 from 1-2:30 p.m.

SHINE, a program created by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, is the official, unbiased source of information on all parts of Medicare.

Library programs are free and open to the public. Additional information about SHINE can be found at floridashine.org.

For more information about this presentation, visit their online calendar at attend.citruslibraries.org/events or call the Coastal Region branch at 352-795-3716.

Nature Coast Lecture Series: “Mermaids and Manatees”

The Friends of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Inc., is holding the next meeting of the Nature Coast Lecture Series at 6 p.m. on May 10 via Zoom.

The presentation will be “Mermaids and Manatees” given by Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, executive director of Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and board member of Friends of the Crystal River NWR.

For more than 40 years, Dr. Powell has worked to conserve threatened and endangered species around the world and his efforts have resulted in coastal protected areas in Florida, West Africa, Central America and Cuba.

As the executive director of Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, he manages a marine research program which provides technical advice, conservation initiatives and scientific information to improve protection of marine species and habitats in the United States and internationally.

To join, visit the link tinyurl.com/2a33x46e. The meeting ID is 393 580 7027 and the passcode is 342957.

UPCOMING, ONGOING

Parks & Rec continues concert series

Citrus County Parks & Recreation will finish this year’s concert series May 20 with Anthem, a Whitney Houston tribute, at the Citrus Springs Community Center, 1570 W. Citrus Springs Blvd. Doors open at 6 p.m. and shows start at 7 p.m.

Tickets are available in advance for $15 each and convenience fees may apply for credit card transactions. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase from the Citrus Springs Civic Association.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 352-527-7540. Purchase online at tinyurl.com/e5paww8w.

Nature Coast Community Band announces concerts

The Nature Coast Community Band has these remaining concerts scheduled for 2021-22, their 13th season.

Spring concerts

• 3 p.m. May 7, at the Citrus Springs Community Center.
• 3 p.m. May 8, location to be determined.

Independence Day concerts

• 3 p.m. July 2, at the Citrus Springs Community Center.
• 3 p.m. July 3, location to be determined.

Admission is free. For more information, visit naturecoastcommunityband.com, email nccommunityband@gmail.com or call 352-601-7394.

Empty the Shelters event coming up

As shelters across the country face overcrowding, BISSELL Pet Foundation is aiming to “Empty the Shelters” by sponsoring reduced adoption fees from May 2-15. This event will be hosted in more than 275 shelters in 40 states, including Citrus County Animal Services (CCAS).

CCAS, located at Airport Road, Inverness, will be open regular hours Thursday-Saturday, with special opening hours on Sunday and Monday for the “Empty the Shelters” event. All adoption fees will be waived during the event, county residents pay just $10 for pet license.

“Empty the Shelters,” BISSELL Pet Foundation’s largest program, has helped more than 83,000 pets find adoptive homes through this reduced-fee adoption event. BISSELL Pet Foundation and CCAS urge families to do their research about the pet they are interested in adopting, as well as adoption requirements. For more information, visit bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters or citrusbocc.com or call 352-746-8400.

UF/IFAS Extension hosting “Cooking Under Pressure”

On May 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County will host a “Cooking Under Pressure” pressure-cooking workshop. The event will be held at the Extension office, located at 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Lecanto.

This hands-on class will cover different models, appliance features, safety tips, additional equipment and tricks to make cooking a breeze. Participants will complete a recipe in an electric pressure cooker and enjoy a meal together.

The cost for the workshop is $15 per person. Pre-registration is required as class is limited to 12 participants.

For more information or to register, contact Stephanie at the UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County office at 352-527-5700.

Genealogical Society to have guest speaker

The Citrus County Genealogical Society will meet May 10 at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, 3474 W. Southern St., Lecanto, and by Zoom.

Ann Staley will present “Shore to Shore: 20th Century Immigration Research.” She discusses emigration records, border crossings and repatriation. Guests are welcome.

For the Zoom link, contact Mary Ann Machonkin at himary@tampabay.rr.com.

Key Center Run for the Money fundraiser

The new 2022 American Landmaster L4 4×4 is ready to plow, haul, dump, transport, tow, trail ride and get a little mud on its tires. This American-built machine can travel over aggressive bumps, hills and uneven terrain without compromising the ride experience. With a single donation of $20, you could be the lucky winner of this commercial-grade UTV while supporting the Key Training Center’s annual Run for the Money fundraiser.

Tickets are available at Key Training Center Thrift Stores, Key Center Foundation office, Labels, Inverness Key Campus located off Highway 581, by texting “KEY4X4” to 41444 or calling 352-795-5541 ext. 238.

The winning ticket will be drawn at the Reach for the Stars Dinner Auction on July 15, although the winner does not have to be present to win.

With the support from Love Power Equipment, funds raised help provide scholarships to 40 individuals who receive little to no state government funding for services and are on the state’s waiting list for services.

For more information, call 352-795-5541 ext. 238.

Dulcimer Players to host music jam

The Nature Coast Dulcimer Players host an acoustic music jam most Mondays from 3-5 p.m. at the Central Ridge Library community room in Beverly Hills. A beginner group meets from 2-3 p.m. in the same location.

Adults of all levels are welcome to join their jams.

For more information, call the library at 352-746-6622.

Inverness Lions Club seeking new members

The Inverness Lions Club is seeking new members to help with their vision screening program which provides eye exams, glasses and cataract surgery for residents of Citrus County.

They are also looking for members to help with their used glasses collection program which provides critical vision assistance to residents of this county and beyond. They also provide financial assistance to nurses in all of the county schools for vision care of students and the youth.

The club consists of individuals who care about the health and welfare of Citrus County residents and have fun doing so. Those with a desire to have fun while giving back to the community are invited to join and see what the Lions are all about.

Anyone in Citrus County can join. For more information, call Lou at 260-705-7577.

Lions Club membership drive

The Beverly Hills Lions Club is seeking new members to join their nonprofit organization.

They help many other organizations, as well as provide seeing-eye dogs, eyeglasses and hearing aids for those who can’t afford them. They support the Boys and Girls club, hand out scholarships and more.

Lions Club International Foundation is helping the people of Ukraine with any needs they have during this time.

For more information, call 352-527-1556.

Citrus Springs Library invites new visitors

Citrus Springs Library would like to welcome all new families and visitors to the library at 1826 W. Country Club Blvd., Citrus Springs.

The library has books, audio books, DVDs, CDs, newspapers, puzzles and computers. Library cards are free. There is a Genealogy Room which has reference books from the states that can be used for research.

It is a private library, not county. Its main fundraisers are book sales and the Tricky Tray. There are books for sale inside the library continuously. It is also in the planning stage to become part of the Geocaching Adventure.

The library is staffed by volunteers. The hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering can fill out an application and then interview with Donna.

For more information, call 352-489-2313 or follow the library on Facebook @citrusspringslibrary.

BH Fishing Club plans Military Card Party

Beverly Hills Fishing Club will have a Military Card Party July 13 at the Beverly Hills Community Church Hall.

Reservations are being accepted and payment of $15 must be made by July 1 to reserve a spot.

Call Karen Goelet, chairperson, at 352-228-0803 or email lenkar@tampabay.rr.com.

First time homebuyer course to be offered in May

Join UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County for the First Time Homebuyer’s virtual class from 6-8 p.m. on May 5-26.

The class is for anyone looking to purchase a home and has not owned a home for three years or more. This HUD approved 4-week homebuyer education class is designed to help you better understand the entire home buying process, including preparing your credit and finances, shopping for a home, home inspection, fair housing, financing and closing.

Successful completion of the 4-week class fulfills the required education requirement for Rural Development programs and federal down payment/closing cost assistance programs available.

Class size is limited and registration is required by April 21. Link to join the virtual class will be provided to registered participants via email.

To register online, go to cchomebuyers2022.eventbrite.com

For more information or to register, contact Stephanie at the UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County office at 352-527-5700 or sclamer@ufl.edu.

Baha’is to hold conference

The Baha’is of Citrus County and three adjacent counties are sponsoring a conference to be held on May 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the College of Central Florida, Webber Building, 3001 S.W. College Road., Ocala.

They are inviting all well-wishers of humanity to consult together in a hands-on endeavor to promote unity and to serve fellow citizens by addressing the issues that are specific to the community.

Their aim is not to superimpose their vision on others. It is a grassroots effort to enhance the potential of like-minded individuals, based on a spiritual framework and to bring together different perspectives by developing plans of action and strategies to fit the various needs of communities.

For registration, visit eventbrite.com/e/318506179557.

For more information, call Ann Jones at 703-593-9920.

Free gardening workshops scheduled in May

Citrus County Utilities’ Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program is offering two free gardening workshops in May. The first is on May 10 from 2-3:30 p.m. titled “Creating a Florida-Friendly Landscape.”

“Plan before you plant” is an important concept when developing sustainable garden ideas. Learn about basic principles of landscape design, including site evaluation and selection, placement of the “right plant” and establishment practices for newly installed sustainable gardens.

The second is on May 24 from 2-3:30 p.m. titled “9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping.”

The University of Florida developed nine basic principles to establish a set of gardening practices which aid gardeners in creating sustainable and successful ornamental gardens. These practices allow gardeners to create beautiful landscapes while generating little to no impact to our water resources. Selection of the right plant for the right location, efficient irrigation, appropriate fertilization and responsible pest management are some of the topics discussed during this workshop.

Classes are currently held online. Register at ccufflprogram.eventbrite.com to participate. For more information, contact program coordinator Steven Davis at 352-527-5708.

Woman’s club to hold Wacky Bingo

Join the GFWC Crystal River Woman’s Club for Wacky Bingo from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 4 at 320 N. Citrus Ave., Crystal River.

It is $15 to participate. Lunch will be provided. Bring a friend for a fun afternoon filled with gifts and surprises.

GFWC has been serving the community for over 100 years.

For more information and to reserve a spot, call 630-269-1096.

Local EAA chapter starting at Inverness Airport

A local EAA chapter is starting at Inverness Airport. An EAA chapter is a local group of aviation enthusiasts with interests including aircraft building, engaging youth, aviation safety, vintage aircraft, ultralights, warbirds, aerobatic flight, and everything in between.

Anyone interested in aviation, visit the website kinf.club/ for a brief overview and complete the form. For more information, visit eaa.org.

Woman’s Club holding annual garage sale

The Woman’s Club of Beverly Hills is holding their annual “Make Us An Offer” garage sale on May 13 beginning at 8 a.m. at 53 S. Columbus St., Beverly Hills.

All proceeds go to their charities. For more information, call 203-915-7407.

Join the Women of Sugarmill for lunch

Join the Women of Sugarmill Woods for the last official luncheon of the club’s calendar year at 11 a.m. May 23 at the Sugarmill Woods Country Club, 1 Douglas St. in Homosassa.

Attendees will enjoy a buffet lunch and community service awards. Lunch is $22 for members and $24 for nonmembers.

To reserve a spot, place your check in a small plastic bag and drop it in slot No. 2 at the WSW mailboxes. Boxes are located on the access road just before the light on U.S. 19 as you exit Cypress Village.

Checks must be dropped by 5 p.m. May 13. For more information, visit womenofsugarmillwoods.com.

Nature Coast Orchid Society to meet

The Nature Coast Orchid Society (NCOS) will meet at 1 p.m. May 21 at Northcliffe Church, 10515 Northcliffe Blvd. in Spring Hill. Doors open at noon.

NCOS will host the “Rhizome Cowboy,” better known as Bill Nunez. Nunez will discuss a favorite orchid genus, the Cattleya. Members’ show-off orchids will be displayed as well as a raffle for various items.

For more information, visit naturecoastorchidsociety.com.

Abuse shelter seeks donations

The Citrus County Abuse Shelter Association (CASA) is in need of liquid dish soap, butter, baby food and plant-based protein.

The next time you’re out shopping, pick up some extra supplies and drop them off at the CASA Outreach office between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 1100 E. Turner Camp Road, Inverness. Shelter needs can also be dropped off at their alternative drop off location, Carol’s Interiors and Floors, 6410 S. Suncoast Blvd. in Homosassa.

For information, email Kimberly Martini at kimberly@casafl.org.

If interested in volunteering, call 352-344-8111 or download the Volunteer Application at casafl.org. Completed applications can be emailed to marilynn@casafl.org.

PetMeals seeks donations

Citrus County’s PetMeals program is seeking help from pet lovers throughout Citrus County.

Each month, the PetMeals program provides dog and cat food to the companion pets of senior homebound clients who receive Meals on Wheels. The program is currently in need of unopened bags of dry dog and cat food, as well as cans of wet cat food.

The PetMeals Program is a donation-based, volunteer-driven program. Food donations can be dropped off at any Citrus County community center, while monetary donation can be mailed to: Citrus County BOCC, Citrus County PetMeals Program, 2804 W. Marc Knighton Court, Key #3, Lecanto, FL 34461

Any contributions are accepted and appreciated. For more information on how to help, or to find the nearest location to make a food or monetary donation, call 352-527-5975.

YMCA plans monthly ‘Coffee Club’ meetings

The YMCA asks the public to join them for their monthly “Wall Street Coffee Club” meetings held on the first Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at the YMCA, 4127 W. Norvell Bryant Hwy., Lecanto.

Participants can enjoy refreshments, guest speakers and roundtable discussions on the economy, investing and other financial planning topics.

RSVP by contacting Amy Barbieri at 352-220-6406 or 800-443-4368 toll free or by emailing amy.barbieri@raymondjames.com.

Volunteer opportunities available

Volunteer opportunities are now available at Herry’s Thrift & Gift Shoppe, 1581 W. Gulf-to-Lake Highway in Lecanto. Choose your days, hours and activities in an atmosphere of camaraderie and fulfillment.

Thrift shop volunteers will inspect donated merchandise, sort clothing, price items, check appliances and electronics, stage merchandise and set up displays, restock shelves and racks, assist customers in finding what they need and serve as cashiers.

Proceeds from the thrift shops help fund the community grief support programs provided by Friends of Citrus and the Nature Coast.

For information, call 352-249-1470 or stop by the shop. New volunteers are also welcome at the shop at 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane in Homosassa Springs. Both locations are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Dementia conference will have guest speaker

Certified Dementia Practitioner, author and national speaker Diana Waugh will open Citrus County’s eighth annual Coping with Dementia Care Partner Conference on May 12.

For more than 30 years, Waugh has worked to eliminate physical, psychological and chemical restraint use for individuals living with dementia. As a national speaker, a consultant, a researcher and a writer she strives to share simple, practical techniques that can make both family members and professionals more successful care partners.

The conference, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 6 Roosevelt Blvd., Beverly Hills. It will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and include lunch.

While the conference is free, seating will be limited and reservations will be required. To reserve seats, call 352-422-3663 or email deb@coping.today.

Comedy show to benefit foster association

The Citrus County Foster Parent Association will have a comedy fundraiser, Fostering Laughs for Children, at 7 p.m. May 28 at the Valerie Theatre, 207 Courthouse Square in Inverness. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Attendees may bring their own snacks and beverages. There will be raffle baskets, 50/50 drawing and silent auction.

Tickets are $20. This is an 18-plus event. For tickets, to donate or sponsor, visit funny4funds.com/events.

For more information, call Scott at 352-419-4554 or email office@citruscountyfosterparents.org.

Register for annual Black Diamond Show

The eighth Black Diamond Invitational Car Show will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 22 at Black Diamond Ranch, 3125 W. Black Diamond Circle in Lecanto. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the public is welcome at 10 a.m.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Central Citrus, this car show will generate funds for local charities. Expect to see fine examples of antiques, classics and modern vehicles gracing the fairways on the first holes of the Highlands Golf Course.

Several food vendors will be on hand, along with adult beverages and entertainment.

The show is limited to the best qualified accepted entries. All entries in the car show must be pre-registered. To register by Oct. 15, visit blackdiamondinvitationalcarshow.com. Registrants will receive a confirmation message.

If you do not receive a confirmation within three days, call Roger Carlson at 352-464-0324.

Birdwatch at Fort Cooper State Park

Birdwatch with the Trekking on Thursdays group at 9 a.m. May 5 at Fort Cooper State Park, 3100 S. Old Floral City Road in Inverness.

The walk is led by naturalist Dee Bolton. Attendees will try their hand at identifying bird species and calls. Birders often bring a notebook to record their sightings or add to their Life List.

The park surroundings are old Florida at its finest and the trek along the trails are easy-going. Some trails are paved.

Bring a pair of binoculars (extras available), closed-toed shoes and a bit of patience, as spring birds can be elusive. Entrance to the park is $3 per vehicle (up to eight people), payable at the honor box located at the ranger station or back gate. Exact cash only.

For more information, call 352-726-0315 or email Penny.Wilson@FloridaDEP.gov.

Register for the Citrus Kids Triathlon

The Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF) will host the ninth annual Citrus Kids Triathlon on May 14 at Whispering Pines Park, 1700 Forest Drive in Inverness. There will be a mandatory packet pickup and bike check-in from 4 to 7 p.m. May 13.

The triathlon features three divisions: junior (born 2012-17), senior (2007-11) and Tri4fun (all ages). Senior check-in opens at 7 a.m., junior check-in opens at 9 a.m. and Tri4fun begins at 10:45 a.m. May 14.

Entry fees are $30 up until May 11. All proceeds benefit CCEF. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information or to register, visit tinyurl.com/ccef-triathlon-2022.

German/American club holding monthly meetings

The German/American Social Club of West Central Florida meets at 4 p.m. every second Monday of the month, excluding June, July, and August, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2389 W. Norvell Bryant Highway, Lecanto.

The club is open to anyone interested in German heritage and learning more about German culture.

There is a $35 fee to join the club. They hold several events throughout the year including Oktoberfest, Spring Dance, Anniversary Dinner Dance, and Christmas Dinner Dance.

Community center adds new classes

The East Citrus Community Center, 9907 E. Gulf-to-Lake Highway in Inverness, announced two new additions to their community class schedule.

Tai Chi will be offered from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays. From 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, certified Silver Sneakers Flex instructor Kathy Johnson will lead “Kathy’s Crazy Cardio Class.”

The cost for each class is $3 per person or $1 for Silver Sneakers members. For those who wish to participate in both classes, there is a reduced cost of $5 per person. For more information, call 352-344-9666.

Amateur Radio Club has monthly meetings

The Citrus County Amateur Radio Club covers topics including electronics, meeting with ham radio operators, getting an amateur radio license, how signals taking less energy than a light bulb can travel thousands of miles, and others related to amateur radio operation.

Interested parties can attend next month’s meeting at The Citrus County Emergency Operations Center, 3549 Saunders Way, Lecanto.

For more information, contact John Bescher at n4dxi@aol.com or 352-220-8530.

Buy a bag to support the Key Training Center

The Key Training Center will participate in the Giving Tag Program, which is designed to make it easy for customers of Winn-Dixie stores to contribute to their local community while supporting the environment.

This ongoing opportunity can be taken advantage of at any Winn-Dixie store. Purchase a $2.50 reusable community bag, follow the instructions on the attached Giving Tag and the Key Training Center will receive a $1 donation.

To learn more about this program, visit seg.bags4mycause.com. Visit the Key Training Center’s Facebook page for posts to share on social media.

Inverness Bridge Club offers free membership

A limited number of players can join Inverness Bridge Club free to play either duplicate or party/rubber bridge at noon, Mondays and Fridays. The club plays a friendly game that is not sanctioned by the ACBL that normally lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours. For information, email pepperpothead@gmail.com. Provide your name, preferred times and ways to reach you.

Dunnellon quilters meet weekly

The Dunnellon Country Quilters meet at 12:30 p.m. Mondays at the First United Methodist Church on West State Road 40. They conduct their business meetings on the third Monday monthly.

The group makes patriotic quilts for the Citrus County Resource Center and pillowcases for the Shands Children’s Cancer Center.

Members teach classes on different projects throughout the year and go on road trips to quilt shops. All who are interested are welcome to join.

For information, call Dianne Takahashi at 352-209-4900.

Play shuffleboard in Inverness

Open shuffleboard is played at 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Wallace Brooks Park, Inverness. All equipment is provided. For information, call 440-983-9169.

Join the Floral City Crafters

The Floral City Crafters meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the Floral City Baptist Church, 8545 Magnolia St.

The crafters are a group of knitters, crocheters, quilters, jewelry makers and more who share their love of crafts and spend time together. Attendees can bring their crafts or learn a new one.

There is a $2 fee for each weekly meeting. For information, call 352-637-5423 or 352-726-5658.

Motorcycle club hosts weekly breakfasts

The Nature Coast Retreads Motorcycle Club meets at 8 a.m. every Saturday for breakfast at the Riviera Mexican Cantina, 1935 SE U.S. 19 in Crystal River.

After a brief meeting, members take a ride (weather permitting). All bikes, trikes and scooters are welcome.

For more information, call 352-400-9999.

Meet with the Sunshine Poets

Join the Sunshine Poets’ monthly meeting and poetry reading at 10 a.m. on the last Thursday of each month at the Central Ridge Library in Beverly Hills.

Attendees are welcome to bring poems to share, or just listen. If you would like the members to critique your poems, bring several copies on which they can write suggestions. Attendees are also welcome to join the group afterward for lunch at a local restaurant.

Additional details are available on the Sunshine Poets Facebook page. For questions, email Cheri Herald, Sunshine Poets president, at sunshinepoets@gmail.com.