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The Newscaster/Nature Coast News

PAGE 5 - June 21, 2017

Community Events

Citrus County Radio Operators Get Ready for Field Day

A major national exercise is scheduled for June 24-25th to simulate such an emer-

gency. This event is Field Day 2017. Hams across the United States will assemble radio

FREE First Time Homebuyer s Certification to be offered

stations in the field independent of commercial electrical power, Web, cell phones and land

Citrus County Housing Services is offering a free First Time Homebuyer's class

telephones. Generators will provide electrical power, portable antennas will be erected,

which is being conducted by the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Citrus County office.

shelters and tents will be assembled, radio equipment capable of nationwide range will be

Participants, who attend the entire program, will receive a Certificate of Completion which

installed. Ham operators will get "on the air" to contact as many stations across the United

is valid for two (2) years and is required for first time homebuyer assistance programs.

States as possible.

These classes are HUD approved and encompass the entire home buying process,

Scores are kept to make the simulation somewhat competitive and to measure

including preparing your credit and finances, shopping for a home, home inspection, fair

success from previous years exercises. You are invited to the Citrus County Amateur Ra-

housing, available loan products, loan pre-approval, and closing.

dio Club's Field Day 2017 to see such an exercise on June 24 and June 25 at the Old

These sessions are funded by the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP).

Courthouse Square in Inverness. The exercise starts at 2 pm Saturday and continues for 24

There is no charge to attend these classes, but you must reserve a seat. Child care is not

hours.

available.

All are welcomed. There is no charge. If you are interested in disaster prepared-

The classes will be held at UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County office located at

ness or have an interest in a mentally stimulating hobby this is a great opportunity to see

3650 W Sovereign Path Lecanto, FL at the following dates and times:

Amateur Radio Stations in action. For more details call: John Bescher, N4DXI at 352 220

§ June 22, 2017 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

8530. Hope to see you at Field Day!

§ June 29, 2017 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

All four (4) classes must be completed to receive a Certificate of Completion, for

AM. Red Cross swim lessons offered

more information or to register, please call Sarah Ellis at the University of Florida/IFAS

The American Red Cross is holding four sessions of swim lessons during the sum-

Extension Citrus County office at (352) 527-5700 or Genesis Chagnon at Citrus County

mer, with each session containing eight 30-minute lessons. Lessons are provided for babies,

Housing Services at (352) 527-7520.

children and adults. Session 1 is ongoing; Session 3 runs July 10-20, and Session 4 runs July

14-August 3. For details, please call 352-795-1478.

Master Gardener Volunteer 2017 Class This Thursday

Do you have a love of gardening? Time to share your passion? A willingness to

Democratic Executive Committee Meeting

become a dedicated volunteer? Then the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, through the

The Citrus County Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) meeting is Wednes-

University of Florida/IFAS Citrus County Extension may be for you. If this sounds like

day, June 21 st, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the new Citrus County Democrats' office in space 591 at

you, come discover more about this community volunteer educator program at one of the

the Crystal River Mall. All registered Democrats are welcome to attend. The Citrus County

upcoming Get Acquainted sessions.

DEC is responsible for managing the affairs of the Florida Democratic Party (FDP) within

The program's mission is "To engage a core of volunteers to assist the county agent

the county. Membership of the DEC includes elected Precinct Committeemen and Commit-

in delivering information to residents on how to design, plant, and care for their plants and

teewomen who represent the registered voters of their precinct. There are Precinct Commit-

landscapes in a Florida-Friendly way." starting with 12 informational sessions about Flor-

teemen and Committeewomen positions open for many Citrus County precincts.

ida-Friendly Landscape principles. This hands-on program gathers individuals who enjoy

Restriping to begin at Crystal River Airport

learning and sharing knowledge about the world around them and helping others to do so.

Citrus County began restriping and remarking the Crystal River Airport runway

Classes involve discussion, hands-on activities, and much camaraderie. Experienced educa-

and parallel taxiway beginning on June 15, 2017. The County is piggybacking on the Flor-

tors create an energetic, enhanced, comfortable learning environment for both experienced

ida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) statewide contract with Hi-Lite Markings Inc.,

and novice gardeners. Specific to Citrus County, topics include plant science principles,

to perform the work. The project is being funded by a grant from the FDOT which funds

pest control (disease, weeds and insects), soil fertility, wise water use and plant propagation,

80% of the work and the County is funding the remaining 20% of the work. If the weather

among others.

cooperates, the project should be completed by June 20, 2017.

With more knowledge under your belt, MG volunteers turn that into information

for the public, whether it is working with school groups, managing the ½-acre demonstra-

tion garden (located behind the Lecanto Extension office), responding to resident's garden-

ing questions at the Extension office, or creating informational displays for use at the fair

or festivals. A $140 non-refundable registration fee includes a library of Florida gardening

books and all course materials.

WHO: You and Your Novice and Experienced Gardening Friends

WHAT: The Florida Master Gardener 2017 Class

WHERE: UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension Office, 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 1 in the

Lecanto Government complex

WHEN: June 22 from 2-3:15 pm

HOW: Call Extension to pre-register 352-527-5700

Extension Service offers food safety training

The next class will be held on Friday, August 18, 2017. Pre-registration of two

weeks is required. It will begin promptly at 8:30 am, and run approximately 7 hours, then

participants will have a maximum of two hours to take the national certification exam.

he Newscaster

Cost for the course and exam is $110. The purchase of the ServSafe® Manager Manual

for $55 is highly recommended and is available in English or Spanish. It is suggested that

Hometown News for the Nature Coast

participants study the ServSafe® Manager 6th edition textbook prior to attending the class.

Advertising at Reasonable Rates for S Levy, NE Citrus & SW Marion

For more information, call Sarah at the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Citrus County

5093 S. Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446

office in Lecanto at 352-527-5713.

Phone: (352) 489-4588 Fax: (727) 362-4788

romoting Female Veterans

Email, Tom Russell, Publisher: thenewscaster1@gmail.com

Female Veterans Moving Forward FemaleVeteransNetwork.org was started in

Email, Debbie Russell, Editor: debbienewscaster@gmail.co

Citrus County, January 2017. Please go to the site and send us your contact information

On Monday, June 12, the Floral City Lions Club donated $700 in support of hospice patients

and any suggestions on how to help the group thrive. Female veterans and supporters

and families served by Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast. Accepting the donation from

wanted and welcomed. Fundraisers, grant help, and donations needed and greatly appreci-

Lion Victor Keesling (right) is Hospice Community Relations Manager Anna Torcuator. Hospice

ated. Cyn271@yahoo.com.

of Citrus and the Nature Coast, licensed 1985, provides compassionate end-of- life services

to patients and their families in North Central Florida. For information, call 352-527- 2020.

iver Retreat Spa

LARRY LEMSTROM FENCING, LLC

FULL SERVICE FENCE COMPANY

L06000003663 LICENSED & INSURED

CALL: 352-427-8726

Wood, Chain-Link

Vinyl or Aluminum

We Build Barns

Marion,Citrus,Levy

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