The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 5 - December 28, 2016
Community Events
Guest Speaker at LWVCC January Meeting
A picturesque wooded drive takes us into the lush Withlacoochee Forest to a
little piece of heaven named E Nini Hassee which translates,appropriately to "Her Sunny
Final Week for Focus Whooping Cranes at the Park
Road.". This is an outdoor therapeutic school where at-risk girls are offered the opportu-
Special programs and exhibits on these endangered birds -- Guest article by Su-
nity to learn , work and live under the guidance of the Eckerd Youth Alternatives, which
san Strawbridge, Park Services Specialist Whooping cranes will be highlighted during the
was founded by Jack Eckerd in the 1960s.
month of December at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The Park is
The teenage girls live in campsites, called huddles. They work hard and learn to
currently home to a pair of Whooping cranes, Peepers and Levi, who live in a natural habi-
build their own sleeping shelters, cook their meals outdoors and develop a true sense of liv-
tat with a pond surrounded by grassy banks.
ing with nature as well as taking responsibility and gaining confidence.This program gives
Entrants Invited to Manatee Festival
the girls a second chance at life.
Fine Artists are invited to participate in the Florida Manatee Festival Plans are
On January 10th, the LWVCC will have Gale Wire, School Education Administra-
being made for the 30th Annual Florida Manatee Festival; two fun-filled days of fine art,
tor of E Nini Hassee, as the guest speaker who will explain the benefits of this fascinating
delicious food, live entertainment, children games, manatee tours, and lots more to take
and successful program and answer any questions. The meeting starts at 10:15 AM on Janu-
place on Saturday and Sunday, January 14th and 15th 2017 in historic downtown Crystal
ary 10, 2017,at the Coastal Region Library,8619 W. Crystal St., Crystal River, Fl. 34428. All
River Florida. The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce would like to invite any Fine Art
interested men and women are invited to attend. Join us for lunch at Crackers and a tour of
Exhibitors interested in participating in the 2017 Manatee Festival, please contact the Citrus
E Nini Hassee immediately after the meeting. Car pooling will be available.
County Chamber for further information at (352) 795-3149.
Do something healthy for the holidays
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Weekend
CRYSTAL RIVER Kick off the New Year with a healthy hike in nature. Join a park rang-
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Foundation of Citrus County will present
er on January 1, 2017 for a 2 mile guided walk while enjoying the scenic beauty of Florida's
the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Weekend 2017 "Share The Dream".
Nature Coast. Come prepared to slow down after the busy holiday season and soak up the
Please come out and fellowship with us the weekend of January 14-16, 2017 at the follow-
healing and refreshing power of fresh air and native flora and fauna.
ing scheduled events: Saturday, January 14, 2017 The Commemorative Service 6:00 PM
Participants should arrive at 9:15 and be prepared to walk 2 miles at a leisurely
The George Washington Carver Community Center 95 Three Sisters Spring Trail Crystal
pace on uneven terrain in a natural environment. Wear comfortable closed toed shoes,
River, FL Sunday, January 15, 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. Service 5:00 PM Seven Riv-
appropriate outside weather clothing and bring drinking water to enjoy your nature experi-
ers Presbyterian Church 4221 W Gulf to Lake HWY Lecanto, FL Monday, January 16,
ence. Meet at the Crystal River Preserve State Park Eco-Walk Trailhead 5990 N. Tallahas-
2017 Share The Dream Parade 11:00AM Beginning at Tire Kingdom to Auto Zone and
see Rd. Crystal River, FL 34428. The walk will begin at 9:30 AM. No sign up or registra-
dismantling at Copeland Park 12:00 PM The Fellowship Picnic Copeland Park Crystal
tion required. Guided walk is free. For more information contact Ranger Phil McCord
River, FL WE are putting The UNITY back in Community. Please "Share The Dream With
(352) 795-3817.
Us" Mission Statement: "Investing In Our Children For A Stronger Tomorrow" For more
ight plant, right place
information, contact Charles McCray @ 352-257-3467
Citrus County Utilities Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Program is offering a free
Volunteer Event in January
gardening workshop on January 10, 2017 from 2:00-3:30 pm. Once established the right
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Nature Coast Volun-
plant is often sustainable without additional supplemental watering. Choosing appropriate
teer Center (NCVC) hosts a forum for people to link-up with local volunteer opportunities.
R materials, planting them correctly and managing them wisely, ensures a gardens suc-
plant
This is an opportunity to meet with staff and volunteer managers, and learn about their
cess. Classes are held at the Citrus County Extension Service building located at 3650 W
programs. RSVP and the Nature Coast Volunteer Center are the engines through which over
Sovereign Path in Lecanto. Please contact Steven Davis at (352) 527-5708 to confirm your
60 local organizations connect hundreds of volunteers to meaningful service opportunities
participation.
throughout Citrus County. The Opportunity Links will be held on Tuesday, January 10,
Standing Rock Presentation
2017 at the Central Ridge Community Center, 77 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills at 2:00 p.m.
Citrus Springs Jan. 4 Luc Watelet will give a presentation on DAPL ,based on
4:00 p.m.For more information, or to reserve your seat, please call 249-1275.
his experiences and insights from his two visits to Standing Rock, ND. Luc is a teacher,
Seeking applications for seats on the Beverly Hills Advisory Board
psychotherapist and author from Rochester, NY whose presentation will be of interest to
The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners is seeking applications for the
anyone following the struggle against the Dakota Access Pipeline and those who are con-
Beverly Hills Advisory Board. This Advisory Board is seeking two qualified members for
cerned about Florida's own 515 mile fracked methane Sabal Trail pipeline, currently under
a two year term that will begin on February 1, 2017. The term expires on January 31, 2019.
construction in our area. The presentation is open to the public at Nature Coast Unitarian
Eligible applicants must reside full time and own property within the boundaries of the
Universalists Fellowshi , 7633 North Florida Avenue,( 41 N) Citrus Springs, FL. Jan 4th at
Beverly Hills Municipal Service Benefit Unit as appointed by the Board of County Com-
2:00PM. Call 585-739-2124 for more info.
missioners. The Beverly Hills Advisory Board meets the second Monday of every month
email news to: news1@thenewscaster.com
at 10:00am at the Beverly Hills Community Building, located at 1 Civic Circle in Beverly
Hills.
Crash - Continued from page 3
and as he also attempted to stop, he lost control off the pickup truck and started a collision
with three vehicles that were facing south in the left turn lane, waiting to turn east onto W.
Cyprus Blvd. According to the press release, the left front corner of the trailer being pulled
by the pickup truck struck the right rear side of a 2007 Ford Mustang driven by 20 year-old
Karissa Leann Herz of Crystal River. The truck continued south, out of control, and its left
front struck the right rear of a 2002 Cadillac Escalade driven by 38 year-old Liza Monica
Teuton, of Homosassa, and the Cadillac was pushed forward, causing its front to strike
the rear of the 2006 Honda motorcycle driven by 64 year-old David Charles McGrady of
Homosassa. Mr. Greene swerved the pickup truck hard, to the right, and went down into
the ditch on the west side of Hwy. 19, and came to a stop, facing west. The travel trailer
being pulled by the truck remained on Hwy. 19, facing west, across both south bound lanes.
Upon impact, Mr. McGrady fell from the motorcycle onto the ground to the left side of the
motorcycle and just under the front of the Cadillac. The Ford Mustang remained in the left
turn lane, still facing south. In the Cadillac Escalade, Ms. Teuton carried four passengers:
9 year-old Ronan Hankins, 3 year-old Georgia Hankins, 1 year-old Callum Hankins and 2
year-old Conan Tueton.
ARE YOUR TAXES TOO HIGH?
Contact MIKE GUDIS, Enrolled Agent
For PROFESSIONAL TAX PREPARATION
MIKE GUDIS
352-564-0246 Cellular
352-795-2044 Land Line
Email: moneymike@mindspring.com
AN ENROLLED AGENT IS QUALIFIED TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE IRS