published: Friday, February 05, 2010

Community Calendar

-- Minneola Market has new Spring hours, 3 p.m.-6 p.m., every Tuesday at the Minneola City Hall, City of Minneola, 800 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 in Minneola. Fresh produce, bread, honey, Nutty Bavarian nuts, African jewelry, landscape plants and trees and more. Visit www.minneola.us for more information or call 394-3598 ext. 229.

-- The Tomoka Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, 10 a.m. Friday, Jenkins Auditorium, 691 W. Montrose St., Clermont. Winners of the American History Essay contest and Good Citizenship awards will be announced. Hostesses are Carolyn Darling, Shirley Newcombe and Eloise Pitts. Visitors welcome. Contact Fairrell Jacobs, 407 469-3244.

Clermont FairTax Meeting

-- The FairTax! How does it work? What's so great about it? Join the Clermont FairTax Group on 7 p.m., Feb. 9, Perkin's Restaurant, 1660 E. Hwy 50, Clermont, as we learn how the FairTax is the solution to our current economic situation. For more information contact Jay Porter, Clermont FairTax Coordinator at 394-5559.

-- There will be lots of great programs in February at the Clermont Garden Center, 849 West Ave. in Clermont. Feb. 9 at 9:30 a.m., "All about Camellias" will be the topic of speaker Charlie Russ of the Camellia Society of Central Florida. Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m., Kim Fielding of the "Cabbage Patch" will be the speaker to the Hummingbird Circle. The Sandspurs Circle will be going on a field trip in Feb. to the Bourlay Historic Park. Ann Gunter-Walker will give a talk on the basics of flower arrangement design to the Hibiscus Circle on Feb. 17, club's general meeting, on Feb. 25 with Elaine Renick, Lake County Commissioner, as the guest.

--Join the Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter's steering committee for their "Bag Lady Bazaar" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 12 in the courtyard at Oakley Plaza. Many new and gently used handbags abd designer purses to choose from. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the start up of the South Lake Boys and Girls Club. Drop off locations for bag donations can be made at Going' Postal, Bankfirst and Oakley Plaza

-- Let Sisters of Sound help make Valentine's Day special with a gift of song. Small ensembles and quartets from this womens a capella chorus will serenade anyone you select during Valentine's Day weekend, Feb. 12, 13 or 14 at a location within the South Lake area. For more information on this unique treat, or to visit the chorus contact Judy at 243-9696 between 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

--Valentine's Day can be made even more special for your loved ones this years with a singing valentine deilvered by a Barbershop Quartet. Members of Clermont's Vocal Experss Chorus will deliver the valentines for area residents and business people within 15 miles of Clermont on Feb. 12, 13 or 14 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Barbershop Harmony Society. For more infromation or to place an order for a singing valentine, call Jerry Erickson at 352-243-2865 or Roger Jentink at 407-465-6525.

-- The Simon Thomas Brown (1845-1928) Family Reunion will be held at noon, Sat., Feb. 20, at the Groveland Masonic Lodge Building, 320 E. Jim Payne Rd., Groveland, S.R. 19 across from Sumter Electric, with a covered dish meal. All families related to the Brown's and their friends are welcome. Please bring any old family pictures and history that you have on the Browns. For more information contact Thelma Brown at 429-3304.

-- Low Cost Pet Vaccinations for dogs, cats and horses, will take place, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Feb. 20, Clermont Equestrian, 750 Desoto St. in Clermont. Call 314-3838 for more information.

-- Treasure Box Program helps injured children of Haiti. Help us paint Treasure Boxes for these young patients to store their belongings in while in the hospital, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 21, South Lake Art League, 16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., unit 304, Clermont. For more information visit www.SouthLakeArtLeague.com or call Kathie Camara at 241-6407. Adults and teens are welcome to attend.

-- The Give a Kid a Backpack and Clean the World nonprofit organizations have team up in the relief efforts to Haiti. Give a Kid a Backpack has decided to focus on temporary housing for the earthquake victims for the upcoming weeks, with the goal to helpc collect 500 tents. Give a Kid a Backpack is asking for monetary contributions or gently used and in excellent condition tents to be dropped off at 8018 Sunport Dr., suite 206 in Orlando. A donation of $35 can help provide a tent to a family. Companies and individuals interested in donating call 877 452-7225 or log onto http://giveakidabackpack.org.

-- Have you ever had a desire to write a play, but never knew how to even get started? And then how do you take it from paper to stage? The Community Arts Connection of South Lake and the South Lake Theatre Company will hold a playwright workshop Feb. 13-14, to help you learn the process, give you some great tips and tricks, and you'll have the opportunity to see your play on stage. For more information call 435-5415 or visit www.communityartsconnection.com.

-- Calling all artists, The Community Arts Connection of South Lake invites all artists whether you paint, draw, sing, play an instrument, play in a band, act, write short stories or poetry, dance to our United Arts ArtsFest event on Feb. 14, 2-5 p.m. Display or demonstrate your particular art for the community to enjoy. Our mission is to entertain, inspire, educate and connect the community through arts and cultural experiences. For more informaiton call 435-5415 rather or email artsfest@communityartsconnection.com.

-- Ray of Hope Child Care, Inc. 191 W. Broome St. in Clermont is enrolled in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Child Care Food Program, which profided nutritious meals and snacks to eligible, enrolled children, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. For more information about Ray of Hope Child Care call 394-4800.

-- Cafe Dupee, located in the Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Dr. in Clermont is now offering a Seniors Chat Room, every Friday morning, 9 a.m.-noon. During the special Senior Day, seniors can partake of a special menu and senior discounts as well as interesting discussions with others. Call the library at 536-2275 or 227-4803 for more information.

-- The Lake County Sheriff's Office in partnership with the City of Minneola is forming a COPS unit in the Minneola area. COPS, or Citizens on Patrol, is a method of policing that involves citizens supporting law enforcement by patrolling areas within their community. To participate in the program one must possess a valid Florida Driver's License, be over the age of 21, provide a medical waiver showing that you are fit for duty and be able to pass a background check. For those interested contact Sgt. Steve Stevenson at 267-4701 or by email to: Steve.Stevenson@lcso.org.

-- Are your children looking for something to do on Friday nights? Are you looking for some place safe for them to go? How about a free movie with free popcorn, free snow cones and free lemonade? All are welcome, including parents, to join us at Edge Memorial United Methodist Church for Friday Flicks from 7-9 p.m. Movies are "G" or "PG" rated for grades 3-8. Grade 2 and under require parent supervision. On site adult volunteers are FDLE background screened and CPR trained. Please bring your children to the Hill building, across from the church, to register or sign in before 7 p.m.

Movie schedule through March:

January 29: James and the Giant Peach

February 5: Fly Away Home

February 12: Charlotte's Web

February 19: Jungle Book

February 26: Air Buddies

March 5: Firehouse Dog

March 12: Bailey's Billions

March 19: Babe

March 26: The Velveteen Rabbit

Located at 441 S. Main Ave., Groveland. Call the church office at 429-2572, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for more information.

-- Crafters are wanted for the 12th Annual Pig on the Pond event to take place March 12-13, 2010 at Waterfront Park in Clermont. Crafters of wood, wicker, pottery, ceramics, floral, fabric or unique crafts are asked to apply, as well as artists and demonstrators. For a crafter application visit www.pigonthepond.org or contact Tracy Leighton at 978-0455.

-- The South Lake Art League, an artist run organization with 75 members, will open a second art gallery and studio at Cagan Crossings in the Four Corners area of Clermont in January. For more information dates and times, visit www.SouthLakeArtLeague.com.

-- Lakeridge Winery will host its Winter Music Series, 1-4 p.m. January 30. Live music on the outdoor stage, food, wine for purchase and great specials in the wine shop. Complimentary winery tours and wine tasting will be held throughout the event as well as plenty of free parking and free admission to the event. Call 394-8627 or visit www.lakeridgewinery.com for more information.

-- Drawing Classes for Teens and Adults: Artist and art teacher Beth Kreutz, (MS/Art Education), will be teaching this 6-week, 2-hour drawing classes, for ages 16 and older, beginning and intermediate students at the South Lake Art League, 776 Montrose St. in Clermont, Jan. 28-March 4, Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required by calling 241-7665.

-- The 5th Annual Cop's and Kid's Day, Jan. 30, begins with a police escorted motorcycle benefit ride beginning at Stormy Hill Harley Davidson, 2480 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 in Clermont with registration at 8 a.m. The ride ends at Gator Harley Davidson, 1745 U.S. Hwy. 441 in Leesburg. Bike drivers, $10; $5 for passengers. Contact Peggy at 787-8050, ext. 21 for more information.

-- Town Center at Cagan Crossing Art & Craft Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sat. and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30-31. Fine arts, crafts, free admission and parking. Contact Terri at 344-0657 or visit www.tnteventsinc.com for more information.

-- The Groveland/Mascotte Garden Club will meet on Saturday, Feb. 6, at Lake David in Groveland at 9:15 a.m. to carpool to Russell's Bromeliads in Clermont. Guests are welcome. Russell's is a large Bromeliad nursery with a wide variety of plants. For information or directions contact Hershell or Jackie at 429 4271.

-- The Moonlight Players, Montrose St. in Clermont, will present, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," runs through Feb. 7, at the theatre, Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. For reservations call 319-1116 or email, at least 24 hours in advance reservations@moonlightPlayers.com, cash and checks, no credit cards. Adults: $15, Students $12.

-- South Lake Art League's annual Photography Show is scheduled for February 13-28. Amateur photographers are invited to enter their work. There will be three ribbons awarded in each category. The judges will be Jim Layne and Carroll Dickerson, professional photographers. Entry fees will be $10 per photo with a limit of two entries for non-members, $8 for members.

-- The Annual South Lake Black Achievers Banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 14 at the Radisson Worldgate Resort in Kissimmee, with persons from the South Lake community receiving honors. Tickets for the event are $35 per person. For more information and tickets contact Mrs. Lucressie McGriff, South Lake Black Achievers, R80trice@gmail.com.

-- South Lake Chamber Ambassador Breakfast: Feb. 19, Minneola City Hall in Minneola, tables $50. Contact Carla at 242-4539 or Julie at 394-4191 for sign up.

-- Eighth Annual South Lake Women's Expo, sponsored by the Clermont Women's Club will be held , March 27, Minneola City Hall gymnasium, 800 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 in Minneola. For more information or to rent a booth contact Bash Schlazer at BSsportzfan@aol.com.

-- 10th Annual Clermont Garden Walk, "Treasures in the Garden," Florida Garden Club in Clermont, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., April 10. Six Unique and Interesting Residential Garden Tour, at your own pace. Time Capsule, raffle, refreshments, and more. Tickets are $5 per person. Call 407 421-6225 for more information.

Ongoing

-- Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties: Domestic Violence Women's Empowerment Group at 6 p.m. every Thursday at their office, 2105 Hartwood Marsh Rd., Suite 6, Clermont, behind CVS. For more information call 787-5889.

-- Minneola Market, an open air market with fresh produce, honey, sauces, rubs, and other fine food items, from 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday in front of Minneola City Hall at 800 N. U.S. Hwy 27. For updates on what's available visit www.minneola.us.

-- Groveland Farmer's Market from 2-7 p.m. every Friday at Lake David Park, 450 S. Lake Ave., Groveland. Fruits, vegetables, plants, jewelry, food and other goods will be available. In addition, a unique "Soapbox" is available for those individuals who have something they wish to share with others. For more information, contact Teresa Begley at 429-2141, ext. 231.

-- Visit the Downtown Clermont Farmer's Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sunday featuring fresh produce, Yalaha Bakery bread, outdoor plants, honey and many other wonderful items. Shop the stores along Montrose St. or take time for a lunch at the three terrific restaurants in the area. For more information or to become a vendor call 394-8618.

-- Weight Watchers has scheduled meetings at 9 a.m. every Saturday at Windermere Union Church, United Church of Christ, 10710 Park Ridge Gotha Rd., Windermere. Visitors and members are welcome to attend for a weigh-in and then stay for discussion on nutrition, activity, healthy habits and successes to celebrate. For more information visit WeightWatchers.com.

-- Tops (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) has been supporting healthy weight-loss efforts in the community for 23 years. Visitors are welcome to attend the first Tops meeting free. Chapter #FL464 meets weekly at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at South Lake Presbyterian Church, 131 Chestnut St., Clermont.

-- "JUKE BOX," an acappella Doo-Wop group is looking for baritone or bass singers, both men and women with lower voices are encouraged to audition. "JUKE BOX" is a singing group made up of residents from Clermont and south Lake County and performs locally. For more information, contact John Caggiano at 536-1466.

-- The South Lake Art League, 776 W. Montrose St., Clermont is offering classes for Pastels, Acrylics, Watercolor, Oil and Mixed Media for adults and students. For more information, call Kathie Camara at 241-6407 or email SouthLakeArt@Yahoo.com or pickup a schedule of classes at the gallery.

To update, delete or add items in this column, e-mail peggyrasor@dailycommercial or fax to 394-8001.