Community Calendar

Thursday

Law Day banquet honors  officers

The Chiefland Woman's Club will be hosting its annual Law Appreciation Banquet at 6 p.m. at the Chiefland Elementary Cafeteria.

The banquet honors the area's outstanding law enforcement, corrections and wildlife officers, and fire and emergency medical service personnel.

Cedar Key Community blood drive

LifeSouth will  team up with Cedar Key Community to host a blood drive at the Cedar Key High School from 9 a.m. to noon, and at City Hall between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

All who donate will receive a recognition item and a complimentary cholesterol screening.  Student donors also receive credit for community service. Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and have photo I.D. Sixteen-year-olds must have written parental consent. For more information call LifeSouth at (888) 795-2707 or visit  www.lifesouth.org.

WWII Veterans Club meets in Chiefland

The World War II Veterans Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. at BubbaQue’s in Chiefland. The guest speaker will be Jerry Pratter, Veterans Affairs Officer from Dixie County.

All WW II veterans are welcome, bring the spouse, a friend or fellow veteran and join the camaraderie, For more information, call Billie Cooper at (352) 493-9368 or Dot Halvorsen at (352) 542-7697.

Thursday-Friday

AARP Driver Safety Class

Take an AARP Driver Safety class as a refresher at Old Town United Methodist Church on Highway 19. Class begins at 9 a.m. each day.

Check with your insurance carrier to see  if you are entitled to an insurance discount, good for three years.

The course fee is $14, $12 for AARP members . To register, call Lee Miller at (352) 498-5004.

Friday-Sunday

Manatee park marks Literacy Month

Manatee Springs State Park is celebrating Literacy Month this weekend with free entrance for day use visitors who show a library card, a library book, or who donate a new or gently used, family-friendly book.

Camping visitors may complete a Literary Challenge Packet prior to attending a literacy program on Saturday that will include an interactive reading of  Dr. Seuss’  “The Lorax” at 6 p.m. at the Sink Trail Loop trailhead. There will be literary games for the entire family. Small prizes and gifts will be awarded after the reading. Children who complete all the activities will also earn their Junior Ranger Badge and Certificate.

Literary Challenge Packets may be picked up at the Ranger Station when campers check into the park for a camping stay that includes Saturday evening.

For more information, visit  http://www.floridastateparks.org or  www.FloridaStateParks.org.

Saturday

Ride to Provide looking for riders

The Fourth Annual 2009 Ride to Provide to benefit Levy Association for Retarded Citizens (LARC) through 60 of the prettiest miles in Levy County  has a new starting point: the new Bronson Middle High School departure time is  10 a.m. The Ride will reach Chiefland between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m., on its way to the LARC campus in Otter Creek where it ends with a picnic lunch.

Entry in the ride is free, although organizers will ask nicely for a donation to help support LARC. Last year's ride provided $10,000 for the organization that serves more than 40 developmentally disabled adults in Levy, Gilchrist and Dixie counties.

For more information, to pre-register for the Ride or to be a sponsor, call Sean Mullins at 352-528-2222 or email smullins@ridetoprovide.net, or visit www.ridetoprovide.net.

American Legion Yard Sale

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 91 of Trenton will be having a Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to noon at the American Legion Post 91, five miles north of Trenton on U.S. Highway 129 in Walker's curve. All proceeds are in support of veterans' and community projects.

Corbin Family Reunion

The annual Corbin family reunion will be at Hart Springs in the air-conditioned A and B pavilions.  The family will be at the park all day. Bring a bathing suit and a favorite dish(es).

For more information, call Tracy Ridgeway at (352) 463-2464 or Faye Richardson at (904) 237-3866.

Bryant Family Reunion

The Bryant Family Reunion will be held at the Bell Community Center. Please bring a covered dish and a dessert. Dinnerware and tea will be provided, and lunch will be at 1 p.m. Come early to visit and bring photographs and other memorabilia to share with the extended family.

For further information, please contact Yvonne Sanders at 463-2592.

Saturday-Sunday

Ocala Stamp Show

The Ocala Stamp Show will be held Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, 3810 NW Bonnie Heath Blvd., Ocala. Exhibits include stamps, covers, postcards, supplies, and bought, sold, appraised stamp exhibits. Free admission, door prizes, free stamps for children and stamp club information.

For information contact Stan Lander at (352) 369-8977 or  Slander3@otowhomes.com; or Sheldon Rogg at (727) 364-6897 or at h.rogg@verizon.net.

Monday

CHS Open House

The Chiefland High School Student Government Association will host an open house from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the school.

Chiefland FFA Alumni to meet

The Chiefland FFA Alumni meeting will be at  7 p.m. in the Chiefland High School Ag Building.  All current members and prospective members are encouraged to attend.

Tuesday

AARP monthly meeting at Otter Springs

The American Association of Retired Persons meets at Otter Springs Campground.

Last month's speaker was Bob Heeke, land resource manager for the Suwannee River Water Management District.  He gave an overview of how Otter Springs fits into the 10-year and 100-year flood plains and plans for the park. He said that the campgrounds would be cut from 170 spaces to 100 spaces to keep them out of the 10-year flood plain.  A new playground and parking area are planned to make the springs a friendly place for day trippers. He said the road into the park's office will be paved all the way from County Road 322.

    Thanks to everyone who brought a CAN IN HAND for the Senior Food Pantry. A delicious lunch of hamburgers was provided cooked by Ron McQueen and Billy Cannon, with side dishes brought by members.

Tuesday through October 20

Healing Hearts - Sharing in Grief and Hope

    Haven Hospice is offering a six-week support program for adults grieving the loss of a loved one.  Please note that date, time and location is subject to change and will be confirmed when you call to register. While the sessions are free, you must register to attend. Training will be at Cross City Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, 583 N.E. Hwy 351, Cross City on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. To 11:30 a.m. From September 15 through October 20. To register or get more information, call Alesha Smith at (352) 493-2333 or (800) 677-5428.

September 16 and 23

Get answers to Medicare questions

    Folks with questions about Medicare or Medicare/Medicaid, Supplemental Insurance, Part D Prescription Drug Plans, or Medicare billings can get answers from the SHINE volunteers.

    The volunteer program with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs will offer one-on-one counseling that provides free, unbiased and confidential assistance.  If you cannot come to a site or want to know a site close to you, call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-262-2243.

    SHINE’s volunteers will be at the Chiefland Senior Center from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16.

    They will be at Trenton Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from  10 a.a. to noon.

September 17

American Leguion Post 91 dinner meeting

The Jamerson-Sheffield Post 91, American Legion will have it's regular membership donation dinner and meeting starting at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and the membership meeting starting after the dinner. As always it is a joint meeting with the  Ladies Auxiliary of the Post. Please plan to attend to keep the organization moving forward. All veterans are welcome to attend.

September 19

Shrine Breakfast at clubhouse

    The Suwannee River Shrine Club will hold its semi-monthly country breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the clubhouse on Highway 26, about a half-mile north of Fanning Springs. The menu includes sausage, eggs, bacon, biscuits, sausage gravy, grits, pancakes and coffee. The cost is $5.50 per person. The public is invited.

Everett Family reunion in Trenton

    The annual Everett family reunion will be held  at 11:30 a.m. at the Trenton Community Center, 214 SE 3rd Ave., Trenton. The brief business meeting will be followed by a covered dish luncheon.

    Those attending should bring a covered dish or dishes to share. Drinks and tableware will be provided. All Everett Descendants are cordially invited to attend.

September 25

Chiefland Library

    The Friends of the Luther Callaway Public Library are having a Meet and Greet on Sept. 25 at the library, 104 N.E. Third St. This casual get-together is at 7 p.m. Members and invited guests can socialize, have fun and learn about future programs slated for the library this year.

September 26

Levy Fair holds Poker Run

    The Levy County Fair Association, Inc. will hold its first Poker Run  at Williston Horseman’s Park off State Road 41 in Williston. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Kickstands go up at 10. The designated route will be given out to those registered prior to start up.

    Fees are $10 per rider, $5 for passenger and $5 for a meal wristband. The meal includes pulled pork or chicken, baked beans, Texas toast, salad and tea. There will be a 50/50 raffle and $1 dot game.

For more information call 352-450-1445.

Women's Expo has flu shots

    The Women’s Health & Fitness Expo will be held  from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Guard Armory in Crystal River. Exhibitors include experts on cardiac, vision, rehabilitation, dental, hearing and women’s health, among others. There will be a variety of free screenings, information on nutrition, exercise, vitamins, and chiropractic health, plus the LifeSouth Bloodmobile for blood donations and the Alzheimer’s Association mobile van offering memory screening.

    Nature Coast Emergency Medical Service members will be on hand between 9 and 11 a.m. to administer  flu vaccinations to those 18 or older. The immunization is free with a Medicare Part B insurance card, and $30  for all other others.

October 16-17

Cracker Cattle Drive & Hernando Heritage Days

    Saddle up your horses and join in an old fashion cracker cattle drive the weekend of   October 16-17. Camp out Friday night with campfire, music, entertainment and much more.

     Saturday, bright and early, the cattle will be herded towards the heart of town in Hernando, picking up the riders that opt for the Saturday one-day ride.

    Meals on the trail are included in price. Directions and other pertinent information will be mailed once a registration is received.  Ride one day or two.  Cost of two-day ride:  adults, $200, and riders age 18 and under, $150. Cost of one-day, Saturday only: adult, $100, and riders 18 and under, $75.

    All proceeds from the Hernando Southern Heritage Days Cattle Drive and Festival benefit the restoration and upkeep of the Historic Hernando School.  

    For information and registration packets, call (352) 419-4857.

October 15-22

Second Annual Fall Paddle Florida

    The second annual Fall Paddle Florida event begins at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak and concluding at Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland.

    Last year’s inaugural event hosted 160 paddlers on the 123-mile, seven-day excursion.

    The fall excursion includes daily stops and overnight camping along the recently completed Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Overnight camping is at the Suwannee River State Park, Lafayette Blue Springs State Park, Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground, Ivey Memorial Park, Gornto Springs, and finally Fanning Springs State Park.

    Fall registration is capped at 200 paddlers. The registration fee begins at $300 per adult, $275 for senior adults and $250 for children and includes a T-shirt, boat decal, camping, maps and river descriptions and entertainment/activities for the paddlers.

    Paddle Florida is held in cooperation with the Florida Park Service and the Suwannee River Water Management District.  For more information, go to www.paddleflorida.org or call Bill Richards at (352) 377-8342.

December 12

Rock Crusher Canyon Concert

    Blake Shelton, Jason Michael Carroll, Craig Morgan will perform at Rock Crusher Canyon, Crystal River. The first performance starts at 2 p.m. and tickets are $25 to $75. To order tickets, call Mike Hampton’s Pitching In Foundation at 527-3297, visit Fancy’s Pets in Crystal River or log on to  www.ticketmaster.com.

Ongoing

American Legion Post 383 karaoke on Saturdays

    American Legion Post 383 in Old Town has karaoke with Stacy every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Prospective members and volunteers are also welcome. Post 383 is for all veterans and their families.

Boys & Girls Clubs want clunkers

    Florida Boys and Girls Clubs are looking for “Clunker Cars” to be donated as a way of raising funds. The benefits offered for donating include a tax write off for the donors and knowledge that the old clunker is helping a “Positive Place for Kids”. If you want to donate a car, the Florida Clubs can be reached by calling 1-800-246-0493.

TOPS meeting

    The Chiefland TOPS group meets at St. Albans church on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Both  men and women are welcome.

Rotary Clubs

    Chiefland Rotary meets at noon Wednesdays at BubbaQue’s, Main Street, Chiefland.

    Williston Rotary meets at 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays at the First Presbyterian Church, 247 NE 1st Street.

Grand Slam Bridge on Mondays

    Grand Slam Bridge, with two tables in play, is held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Chiefland on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those interested in participating are asked to call Joan at 493-0279.

    Both weekly and substitute players are needed.

    This week's winners were Joan Donaldson and Peggy Rowe.