
NEW THIS WEEK
Class of 1972 reunion set
The Crystal River High School class of 1972 is hosting its 50-year reunion Oct. 7, 8 and 9.
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The planning committee is looking for the following classmates: Edie Collingsworth Cooksey, Henry Fowler, Geraldine Baker Gibbs, Diane Joyner, Rosemary Joyner, Phyllis Kahn, Bobby Jean Cox Larisey, Delia Montemayor, Victor Morris, Randy Naber, Susan Redmon, Danny Revell, Kathy Foxhill Robbins, James Siner, Linda Hamilton, Carol Coffee, Tony Wade, Arthur Wesolek, Teresa Anderson Windelow, Arthur Zacchia, Minnie Johnson, Charles Bay, Robert Beubuien, David Begaye, Becky Bishop and Zachary Cullen.
Call or text Donna Allen McLeod at 352-422-1557 for any questions or additional information, plus follow the CRHS Class of ‘72 Facebook page.
Enjoy lunch with the master chef
Join Master Chef Paul from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, in the Fellowship Hall for a delicious, full-course lunch. Cost is $8 and the menu features chicken pot pie, rice and broccoli casserole and chocolate pudding. Tickets are available by calling the church office and picking them up no later than 3 p.m. Sept. 19.
Any income will go to the Serendipity program to support all their community efforts. The church is at 8831 W. Bradshaw St.; 352-628-4083.
Garden Club planning holiday trip
The Homosassa River Garden Club invites the public to join them on a holiday trip to St. Augustine on Dec. 2.
The cost for the day is $90 per person which includes admission to the lighthouse tour and is non-refundable.
Contact Barb at 352-586-0579 to reserve a spot or mail a check to: The Homosassa River Garden Club, P.O. Box 4293, Homosassa Springs, Florida 34447-4293. For a receipt, send a self-addressed stamped envelope. Last date for reservations is Nov. 16.
They will leave Pinch a Penny parking lot (Shoppes of Sugarmill Woods, Homosassa) at 10 a.m., arriving in St. Augustine between 1-1:30 p.m. This will be the time for everyone to explore and enjoy all there is to do.
They will meet at the visitor center at 6:15 p.m. and travel to the St. Augustine lighthouse for a 7 p.m. self-guided tour and the more than 20 Christmas trees. They will also be able to climb up the tower and view the city Christmas lights.
They will leave St. Augustine at 9 p.m. and return around 12:30 a.m.
Attend a Sunset Drum Circle
The Second Sunday Sunset Drum Circle will be held at Fort Island Gulf Beach, 16000 W. Ft. Island Trail, Crystal River, on Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. Meet at the last picnic shelter.
This is a free community event and everyone is welcome. The event will be canceled if it is raining at the beach at start time.
They have had this drum circle for 15 years, roughly two hours before sunset on the second Sunday of the month at the beach. All are encouraged to participate, however, those who are a spectator only sitting behind the first row of the circle would be appreciated.
Bring drums, flutes, shakers and small percussion instruments (homemade is okay), with a chair, beverage and bug spray.
This is a family-friendly gathering, so children are welcome under supervision.
Park rules do not allow dogs, alcohol or smoking. A newly paved sidewalk and a mobi-mat for handicapped in wheelchairs or walkers has recently been completed.
For more information, search Citrus County Drummers on Facebook or call Charlotte at 352-344-8009.
ONGOING, UPCOMING
Camera Club to host Larry Dombrowski
The Art Center Camera Club will host Larry Dombrowski at its Sept. 12 meeting starting at 7 p.m. in the Art Center grand hall.
Art Center members and guests are welcome. Noir photography is a spin-off of film noir, a genre of Hollywood thriller or crime movies that were popular in the 1940s and 1950s.
Dombrowski has given lectures at the Art Center camera club in the past, is a lecturer of unique photography lighting and will show ways of changing the mode by use of light.
The Camera Club will open its doors at 6:30 p.m. for a little social time followed by a short business meeting at 7 p.m.
Those interested in photography can come join their monthly meeting. They sponsor classes, field trips and workshops throughout the year.
For more information, contact club chairman Jim Houle at 352-422-2838 or by email at [email protected] or go online to citruscountycamclu. wixsite.com/citrus cameraclub. The club meets monthly from September to June at the Art Center located at 2644 N. Annapolis Ave., Hernando.
Toy Train Show and Sale on tap
Regal Railways will be holding a Toy Train Show and Sale on Sept. 10 at the Hernando Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St., Brooksville.
More than 60 tables of vendors will be on hand selling various model trains, toys, die cast cars and much more. There will be a running train layout. Also, there will be a train engineer and test track.
The show will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, kids 12 and under are free. Credit cards are accepted to get into the show. Prepay at regalrailways.com.
For more information, contact Joe at 727-244-1341 or go to regal railways.com.
Elks to host Country Western Dinner Dance
The West Citrus Elks Lodge 2693 will be holding a Country Western Dinner Dance on Sept. 10 from 5-9 p.m. at 7890 W. Grover Cleveland Blvd., Homosassa.
The cost will be $15 in advance, $17 at the door. Tickets will be on sale Tuesday through Friday, until Sept. 2 from 5-7 p.m. in the lounge.
Music will be by Buzz Cheney and prizes for the best dressed cowboy and cowgirl costume.
The dinner menu consists of pulled pork or pulled chicken sandwiches, potato salad and baked beans, with apple cobbler for dessert. If there are dietary concerns, speak with the volunteer at the time of ticket purchase.
This event will be opened to the public as a membership drive. Bring a friend and come and support the lodge.
Women’s Connection to host brunch
The Homosassa Christian Women’s Connection invites the public to its “Get Your Relax On” Labor Day brunch meeting on Sept. 13 beginning with brunch served at 10 a.m. at the Sugarmill Wood Country Club, 1 Douglas St., Homosassa.
The guest speaker will be Angela Dittmar of Spring Hill with “Songs from a Paper Piano,” who will also be performing music. There will also be a certified yoga instructor, Kathy Ramey.
To RSVP, text or call Christina Pisarski at 727-247-6618.
Post 10087 plans spaghetti dinner
The VFW Auxiliary Post 10087 will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner on Sept. 13 from 4-6 p.m. The post is located at 2170 W. Vet Lane, Beverly Hills.
They will be serving spaghetti, meatballs, salad and garlic bread. The price will be $8 per serving.
Proceeds from the dinner will be used for the Children’s Christmas Party in December.
Explore ‘Wild Beasts of Ancient Florida’
On Sept. 28 at 3 p.m., join the Science Education Training and Support Foundation at the Coastal Region Library for a presentation “Wild Beasts of Ancient Florida” to explore a time when ancient mammals walked along Florida’s shores.
During the period where dinosaurs walked the earth, Florida was underwater and home to entirely marine life. As the climate cooled and sea levels dropped, mammals of North America traveled southward to populate Florida’s exposed surface. Some of these included mammoths, camels, sabercats, ancient horses and dire wolves, and while these prehistoric species have gone extinct, fossils are still being found in Florida’s sediments.
In this mid-week program, participants will examine some of these fossils, learn how to identify what animal they came from, and reconstruct it from fragments into a keepsake to take home.
This program is for all ages and registration is required. Library programs are free and available to everyone.
Post 4337 to host BBQ Cook-off
On Oct. 15, the VFW Post 4337 is hosting a BBQ Cook-off Fundraiser.
Come out to compete with other grillers or to sample great barbecue. The event’s proceeds go to supply guide dogs for veterans.
Card club seeking members
Point of Woods Card Club has been hosting games for more than a decade and is now seeking new members.
Singles are welcome and will be matched to a partner. Members don’t need to know conventions. They talk to each other to understand the game better. For those who know basic bridge, they will help to learn duplicate.
They play on Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. at Point of Woods/Too Far Clubhouse, 9228 E. Gospel Island Road, Inverness. Take State Road 44 east towards the Turnpike, turn left at the Speedway gas station at Gospel Island Road, the building will be on the left past the golf course with uphill twin asphalt driveways. Park in the back.
For more information, contact Gary Stocker, president and host, at 352-586-2641 or [email protected]
Art, Craft & Car Show looking for artists
The St. Benedict Catholic Church will be holding their annual Art, Craft & Car Show on Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 422 S. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River.
Applications are now available for artists and crafters to share their talents with the community. This is a popular and well attended show.
For art/craft show applications, contact Sally Krasny at 352-503-4144 or [email protected] For car show entries, contact Janet Thomas at 352-212-2856 or 352-212-7979, or email [email protected]
Attend Festivus for the Rest of Us
Come to the Festivus for the Rest of Us mini art festival Saturday, Sept. 17, from 4 to 9 p.m. at A Cracker Canvas store, 2211 E. Norvell Bryant Highway, Hernando.
There will be local artists, music and food. For more information, call 352-212-4011.
Bowling to benefit children’s cancer unit
The Bowler’s Hut Pro Shop proudly presents the Youth Eliminator Handicap Bowling Tournament to benefit Shands Children’s Cancer Unit.
The tournament will take place on Sept. 18 with check in at noon and bowling starting at 1 p.m. located at Sportsmen’s Bowl, 100 N. Florida Ave., Inverness.
Entry fee is $50 if in advance, $55 day of.
Contact Mike Preston by phone at 352-538-3133. Prepayment is acceptable through Cashapp, Venmo, or PayPal, or call Sportsmen’s at 352-419-4316.
Post 166 to host USAF celebration
On Sept. 18, the United States Air Force will celebrate its 75th birthday.
The Arnold Vern Allen American Legion Post 166 would like to invite all Air Force veterans to join them for the celebration and to share their USAF stories, plus enjoy appetizers and sweets with their fellow veterans.
Post 166 is located at 4520 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa.
German/American Club to host festival
The German/American Club of West Central Florida invites the public to attend their Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 9, from 1-5 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2389 W. Norvell Bryant Highway, Lecanto.
Admission is $20 and includes a buffet of finger foods, desserts and coffee, as well as a basket of cheer to be raffled off. There will be live music by Eva Adams as well.
The event is bring your own beverage and attire should be German traditional or smart casual.
For tickets or more information, contact Sigi Strak at 352-854-9616, email [email protected], or mail 4675 S.W. 99th St., Ocala, FL 34476.
VFW Post 4337 to host dinner/show
Honor Guard VFW Post 4337 will sponsor a dinner/show and dancing on Sept. 24. There will be a full course dinner by chef Quinton Herrin from 5-6 p.m. and a show and dancing from 6-9 p.m. Entertainment will feature “two for the show duo.”
Tickets may be purchased at the post, 906 E. State Road 44, Inverness. The price in advance is $12 per person and $15 at the door per person.
Funds to be used to replace the post floor. For more information, call 352-344 3495. The public is invited.
Plays at Art Center Theatre for the season
The Art Center of Citrus County theatre has announced the lineup for the 2022-23 season schedule.
For the remaining 2022 year:
“The Outsider,” comedy, Sept. 16-18, 23-25, 30, and Oct. 1, 2
“Let’s Murder Marsha,” comedy, Nov. 4-6, 11-13, and 18-20
“I Love a Piano,” musical, Jan. 13-15 and 20-22
“The Robin Hood Caper,” comedy, Feb. 24-26, March 3-5, and 10-12
“Don’t Mention My Name,” comedy, April 14-16, 21-23, and 28-30
Ladies of Elks looking for vendors, artists
The Ladies of the West Citrus Elks will begin hosting their annual Arts and Craft Festival Oct. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge at 7890 W. Grover Cleveland Blvd., Homosassa.
The West Citrus Elks are looking for local artists or arts vendors to consider sharing their talents with the community. Applications are now available.
Interested parties can reserve a six-foot or eight-foot table to display works for $30 and $35, respectively. Tables will be available until all spaces are reserved.
For anyone interested, call 352-586-8886 for more information and applications.
Annual Lakes, Rivers & Coastal Clean-Up
Keep Citrus County Beautiful and Save Our Waters Week Committee in partnership with the Citrus County Aquatics Service Division invites the public to participate in the county’s 33rd Annual Lakes, Rivers & Coastal Clean-Up scheduled for Sept. 17 from sunrise to 11:30 a.m.
Groups of two or more are invited to join other volunteers across the county in removing debris from shorelines, waterways and the beaches of our lakes, rivers and oceans. Friends, families, neighbors, businesses, organizations and club members all are needed to work together to help cleanup the county’s waterways.
Deadline to register is Sept. 8. To obtain an application, contact Tracey with Citrus County Aquatics Services directly at 352-527-7620 or [email protected]
BFF Society annual fundraiser
The BFF Society, a nonprofit organization, will be hosting their fourth annual Beautiful Woman Inside and Out fundraiser from 1-3 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the George Washington Carver Community Center, 555 NE Third Ave., Crystal River.
There will be a mini fashion show, dessert auction and lots of arts and crafts vendors. Guests will also have the chance to win a $1,500 shopping spree with the Zyia Casual & Active Wear Company, as well as assorted gift cards and certificates.
Tickets are $25 each and all proceeds benefit local scholarships.
For more information, contact Alicia at 352-257-1280.
VFW Post 8189 hosts dart league
VFW Post 8189 in Homosassa hosting a dart league at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Then, at 5:30 p.m., join the Post for trivia. Lots of fun for all.
Dollar Days at the Valerie
The Valerie Theatre announces Dollar Days at the Valerie. Every Wednesday, enjoy movies at the Valerie for only $1. Check valerietheatre.org for programming or call 352-341-7850.
Ozello Writers Guild holding contest
The Ozello Writers Guild is sponsoring a photo contest for the cover of their new short story book “Ozello: Three Bridges to Paradise.”
The contest is open to anyone remotely affiliated with the Ozello Trail. Submit a picture for the outside cover of the new book.
The winner will be picked by the members of the Ozello Writers Guild. The winners’ photo will be published in the book along with the recognition of their picture for the cover.
For more information, search Ozello Writers Guild on Facebook.
Join softball fun at Bicentennial Park
Bring a glove to Bicentennial Park behind the Crystal River airport at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and participate in a game of softball or just spectate.
A group of ages 55 and older (age flexible) men and women gather to pick teams and enjoy the exercise and fresh air. No league fees or team commitments. Experience is helpful, but not required. Everyone can play.
For more information, call Wally at 352-212-0986.
Register for the 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.
Tower Tunes at the Depot
Join the City of Inverness at the Depot Pavilion for Tower Tunes every Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m.
Music at the Depot Tower Stage will feature a variety of talented artists. Bring a chair and relax while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
If you would like to showcase your musical talents by being a part of Tower Tunes, reach out to [email protected] or call 352-726-2611 ext. 1303.
Amateur Radio Club gathers
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 [email protected] or 352-220-8530.
Valerie Players seek members
A community theater group is planning a series of plays at the Valerie Theater in Inverness.
Artistic Director Patrick Erhardt said the Valerie Players needs performers, directors and people to work behind the scenes.
Hernando Ukulele Jam meets
The weekly Hernando Ukulele Jam meets at 11 a.m. for intermediates and noon for beginners every Tuesday at the Historic Hernando School at the intersection of U.S. 41 and County Road 486. The event is free and open to everyone.
Attendees should bring their favorite ukulele and a music stand if they have one.
For more information, call 352-566-2328.
Acoustic music jam meets
The Nature Coast Dulcimer Players host an acoustic music jam from 3 to 5 p.m. most Mondays at the Central Ridge Library community room, 425 W. Roosevelt Blvd. in Beverly Hills.
A beginner group meets from 2 to 3 p.m. in the same location.
Adults of all levels are welcome to join. For more information, call 352-746-6622.
Socialize at Café Break!
Among the wellness programs offered by Friends of Citrus and the Nature Coast at its Wings Grief Center, 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane (gold building on right) in Homosassa Springs is Café Break!
At Café Break! Anyone grieving or lonely can find a safe place to socialize with others, work puzzles, play games or chat over a cup of coffee and snacks for 2-1/2 hours starting at 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. Thursdays.
For more information or to join this program that follows CDC guidelines, call 352-249-1470.
Community center open mic nights
Citrus County Parks and Recreation presents open mic nights from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. the last Wednesday monthly at the Citrus Springs Community Center at 1570 W. Citrus Springs Blvd. at Citrus Springs.
Vocalists, musicians, poets and comedians are welcome at this all-ages event. No profanity is allowed.
Social distancing guidelines will be followed. Masks will be required to enter the building, but not by performers during stage time.
For more information, call 352-527-7540.
Women’s Mahjongg Club plays
A Women’s Mahjongg Club is forming for residents of Sugarmill Woods. The version that will be played is the Wright-Patterson (not the American version).
Floral City Crafters gather
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 questions, call 352-637-5423 or 352-726-5658.
Sunshine Poets meet, read
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, contact Cheri Herald, Sunshine Poets president, at [email protected]
Free ukulele classes offered
The Hernando Area Senior Program is hosting free ukulele classes with Joy Wilson at noon on Tuesdays at 2415 N. Florida Ave. in Hernando. All skill levels are welcome.
Attendees must comply with COVID-19 guidelines and masks are mandatory. Due to limited space, participants should call ahead to make a reservation. For additional information about these activities, call 352-527-5484.
Citrus Bridge Club plays
Citrus Bridge Club has face-to-face games at 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in the Tree Top Plaza, 1647 W. Gulf-to-Lake Highway in Lecanto.
Ruby Life Master Mike Swartz offers a series of beginner lessons from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. While geared toward the beginner player, current bridge players will also find Swartz’s lessons are a good refresher.
In an effort to keep all participants safe, proof of vaccination will be required for the regular games and for Swartz’s lessons. Masks are recommended but optional.
Inverness Bridge Club plays
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 [email protected] Provide your name, preferred times and ways to reach you.