Good Times | Entertainment in Citrus County

Turn the spotlight on Rover or Fluffy and enter a drawing, painting, photograph, sculpture or other interpretation of your pets in Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon’s “Pop Up Pet Show.” The art exhibit, open to area artists, will run from Jan. 28 through March 5, with drop-off of art on Jan. 24-26. No art will be accepted after the drop-off dates.

Entry cost for non-gallery members is $20 for one entry and $30 for two.

An opening reception is planned Feb. 7 from noon to 2 p.m. A $150 People’s Choice Award will be given to the piece of art that gallery visitors vote as their favorite.

Two-dimensional artwork should be no bigger than 16 inches by 20 inches and must be wired for hanging.

Applications are available at the gallery and must be completed and accompanied by the entry fee when the art is dropped off.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and Monday. The gallery is at 20826 Walnut St. Call 352-763-4048. The website is rainbowspringsart.com.

The Friends of the Homosassa Library (FOHL) are seeking donations of books, DVDs, CDs, jigsaw puzzles and games for their upcoming sale. They request that books, including children’s and teens paperbacks and hardcovers, be “gently used,” in good condition. They may be dropped off at the library, 4100 S. Grandmarch Ave., Homosassa, the corner of Grandmarch Avenue and Grover Cleveland Boulevard.

New to the sale this year are donated vinyl records. These and jigsaw puzzles are especially low in supply and sought after.

Transport of large book donations can be arranged by calling the library, 352-628-5626, and leaving a contact phone number. Friends will arrange to pick them up.

The Friends of the Homosassa Library will hold their Spring Book Sale, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 26, and Friday, March 27, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 28 at the library, 4100 S. Grandmarch Ave., Homosassa, the corner of Grandmarch and Grover Cleveland Boulevard.

On sale will be thousands of paperback and hardcover books, CDs, DVDs, jigsaw puzzles, vinyl LP records and games. Paperbacks cost 50 cents each, hardcovers will cost $2 and $3 each.

The Friends of the Homosassa Library is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization. There is no paid staff. All proceeds from the book sales and membership fees benefit the library.

The Beverly Hills Fishing Club invites the public to play bunco on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Beverly Hills Lions Club, 72 Civic Circle in Beverly Hills.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and play begins at noon, with $25 including lunch, games, raffles and share the wealth.

Reservations are required.Call or text 352-697-1061. Checks may be made out to BHFC and mailed to Bernadette Brooks, 2403 N. Andrea Point, Lecanto, FL 34451.

Where does someone battling cancer turn if they don’t have money to pay for the gas needed to travel for treatment?

To help provide the answer, on March 3, Black Diamond Ranch women golfers will hold their 14th annual golf tournament fundraiser: Conquering Cancer in Citrus County (“4C”). This year’s event, which includes a round of golf on the famous Quarry course, is open to the public.

The event will be a scramble format; the cost is $175 per person, including 18 holes of golf, lunch and prizes. Players must register as a foursome.

Many local businesses and individuals have been generous sponsors to prior events, and additional sponsors are welcomed. Sponsorship levels range from $300 to $10,000.

To register for the tournament and to find out how to become a sponsor or contribute in other ways, see the tournament website at 4Cbdf.org. For questions, send an email to 4Cblackdiamondranch@gmail.com.

The Friends of the Citrus County Library (FOCCLS) are preparing for its big March book sale. Local donations of books in good condition are the reason the sales are such a success.

They are looking for gently used books, both hardcover and paperback, with resale value. Jigsaw puzzles, DVDs and audio books on CD are also wanted. To donate, please drop items off at your local library by March 2 so they can be prepared for the sale.

FOCCLS is a nonprofit organization and many volunteers work to bring this twice a year sale to you. All proceeds benefit Floral City, Lakes Region, Coastal Region and Central Ridge Libraries.

The spring sale will take place at the Citrus Springs Community Center, 1570 W. Citrus Springs Blvd., March 13-16.

The Nature Coast Dulcimer Players host weekly acoustic music jam Monday afternoons from 3-5 p.m. at the Historic Hernando School in Hernando.

A free instructional group meets from 2-3 p.m. in the same location.

Adults of all levels are welcome to join the jams. For more information, call 352-344-1204.

American Legion Post 58 invites the public to Monte Carlo Night from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the post, 10730 US 41, Dunnellon.

Come enjoy a night of gaming including craps, roulette, cards, dice and Wheel of Fortune. The $25 entry fee includes $10,000 in play money. Additional money will be available if needed.

There will be finger foods to purchase and beverages. Participants must be 21.

Reservations/tickets are available before the event. For more information, call Pammy Parent, 352-615-7222, or Dawn Haley, 352-322-9142.

Everyone is invited to the Second Sunday Sunset Drum Circle (each month) at 4 p.m. at Fort Island Gulf Beach Park, 16000 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River. Portable toilets and parking are available. If it rains at start time, the drum circle is canceled.

The event, going into its 19th year of dancing and drumming at the beach, starts approximately two hours before sunset. Bring drums, small percussion toys and flutes. Bring chairs, beverages and bug spray.

For more information, visit Citrus County Drum Circle on Facebook or call Charlotte and leave a message for a return call at 352-344-8009 at least two hours prior to the drum circle.

The Inverness Art Co-Op, 109 N Apopka Avenue, will officially open its doors to the community with a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30. The public is invited to attend and celebrate the launch of this new creative hub in downtown Inverness.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the gallery, meet local artists and view a diverse collection of original artwork created by talented artists from the region. The event will feature refreshments provided by Twisted Vyne, along with live background music by Jose Velandia, creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere for guests.

The Inverness Art Co-Op was founded to support local artists while fostering creativity, collaboration and community engagement. The cooperative gallery offers a vibrant space where art and community intersect, encouraging residents and visitors alike to support the arts and shop locally.

The ribbon cutting marks an exciting milestone for the co-op and for downtown Inverness, highlighting the growing cultural and creative scene in the area.

American Legion Riders Chapter 77 will present a Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue Eagle Program for Veterans at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the American Legion Post 77, 4375 S. Little Al Point, Inverness.

The program is open to all – veterans, adults and children. The show begins at 3 p.m. and food will be served at 4 p.m. Music will be provided by Beach Bunnies from 5-7 p.m.

There will be veteran-centered storytelling and reflection honoring service and inspiring strength. There will also be a live bald eagle presentation including eagle history and conservation. Meet and learn about additional birds of prey.

For information, call 352-726-0444.

The Art Center Shutterbugs plans its February workshop, “Five Steps to a Perfect Photograph.” from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at the Art Center of Citrus County, 2644 N. Annapolis Ave.

Participants can learn to master the settings available in their camera to produce the photograph that they create, instead of letting the camera choose the settings for the photo.

Instructor Ken Voegele has worked as a professional photographer for the past 38 years. He is a graduate of the New York Institute of Photography. He received his Master Photography Certificate from the Chicago Professional Photographer’s Association in 2006.

Voegele was also awarded Wedding Photograph of the Year from the Illinois Professional Photographer’s Association in 2011. In 2015, his photo company, Studio 3 Productions, was awarded The Knot’s Wedding Hall of Fame for being in the top 1% of wedding photographers.

Nature Coast Orchid Society will host Ryan Kowalczyk on Jan. 24 for a program on preparing your orchids for shows and judging. The meeting will be in the St. Joan of Arc Church Hall in Spring Hill; doors open at 11 a.m. and the meeting begins at noon.

The Citrus County Craft Council announces its Handmade with Love Arts & Crafts Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Homosassa Lions Club, 3705 S. Indiana Terrace, Homosassa.

The show will feature a wide variety of handmade arts and crafts items by local artisans. Each vendor will donate an item to be raffled off with proceeds going to the Lions Club of Homosassa.

This is an indoor show, rain or shine. Free admission with free parking.

Female Veterans Network announces its second Funny4Funds fundraiser at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in the fellowship hall of Faith Lutheran Church, Lecanto.

Doors open at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door or contact FVN at femalevets.net.

Proceeds benefit scholarships and veterans benevolent funds.

Come and enjoy a musical trip back to those happy days, when grease was the word. Temple B’nai Darom of Ocala is having a Doo Wop Show featuring music from the ’50s and ’60s, starring singer Jim McGreevey, former featured singer of Lola and The Saints, back by popular demand.

McGreevey has sold out shows wherever he has performed, including last year’s show at B’nai Darom. He has added new songs for this show. Also returning is comedian Harvey Hamerling as emcee

It will be Sunday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. at Temple B’nai Darom, 7465 SW 38th Street, Ocala. The cost is $25 per person, including refreshments.

For more information and to make reservations, call Barbara Hamerling at 352-513-5169.

The annual Woman’s Club of Dunnellon Soup-A-Thon fundraiser will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the clubhouse, 11756 Cedar St., Dunnellon.

Prices are $14 for all you can eat at the event. Take-outs are $11 for three 12-ounce cups. There will also be homemade baked goods for sale.

Singer Mary Jo Vitale will star in a music variety show featuring Broadway music on Sunday, Feb. 22, starting 2 p.m. The show will be held at Temple B’nai Darom, 7465 SW 38th Street, Ocala.

Vitale Jo has performed for sold-out crowds in the Villages, Citrus County and elsewhere in Florida. She has performed in musical theater productions as well as music variety shows.

Cost is $25 per ticket for an almost two-hour show, including refreshments. Comedian Harvey Hamerling will be guest emcee.

RSVP to Barbara Hamerling at 352-513-5169 for information and to make reservations. Leave a message if necessary and your call will be returned.

The IR-RU Riders will have their 15th annual Poker Run on Jan. 31, beginning at the IR-RU Family Social Club, 922 U.S. 41 S in Inverness.

Registration is at 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Kickstands up at 10:45. Entry is $15 and includes poker hand, prize ticket and meal.

Stops are at American Legion Allen Rawls Post 77 in Inverness, Crystal River Eagles in Homosassa, American Legion Post 166 in Homosassa, AMVETS William Crow Post 447 in Inglis and back to IR-RU. Food will be served there at 4:30 p.m.

There will be a 50/50 at every stop, door prizes, silent auction and music at IR-RU by the Hat Trick Band. Best hand wins the poker run. All vehicles are welcome.

Proceeds benefit programs of Friend of Citrus. For more information, call Ride Chairman John Roby at 352-341-5856 or 352-536-7480, or IR-RU at 352-637-5118.

Citrus MOPARS will have a Cruise-In at Plaza CDJR, 2077 State Road 44 W, Inverness, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31.

This bimonthly event is free and open to all makes, models and years of cars and trucks.

Food and beverages will be available to show entrants and guests while supplies last; there will be music.

There will be spectator parking available on the hill behind the service department.

Please do not arrive before 9:30 a.m. due to event setup.

The Widowers/Widows New Social Group for Citrus County is a safe, informal place for friendship, support, activities and shared interests.

Start living your life again! The group meets the first and third Mondays each month and has fun activities all month.

For information, call or text Darla at 530-575-7688.

As of this month, the Citrus Friendship Quilt Guild will meet at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 439 E. Norvell Bryant Highway, Hernando. The guild meets from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month and from 12:30-3:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month.

Founded in 1988, the guild enjoys friendship, programs, workshops, retreats and community service projects benefiting local charitable organizations. Activities include monthly sewing days, fat quarter drawings, door prizes, annual Guild Challenge in November, and a December auction and luncheon.

All are welcome — from beginners to experienced quilters. For more information, contact Esther Klay, eklay@yahoo.com.

Serving west central Florida, Hands on Woodturners (HOW) meets at 6:45 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Lions Club, 72 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills. Individuals interested in, or participation in the woodturning craft are welcome to attend.

Club meetings include the display of members’ work, woodturning demonstrations and provide opportunities that increase the interest and skills of members. Guests are always welcome.

The TOOFAR Country Music Jam meets every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. at the TOOFAR Foundation building at 9228 E. Gospel Island Road in Inverness.

We welcome musicians, singers, and audience listeners. Everyone is invited to come join the fun!

Pickup games at the Westside Pickleball Club are held at Bicentennial Park Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Beginners to intermediate levels, and those new to the game enjoy this fun sport. Just introduce yourself, dress appropriately and wear court shoes. Text 352-212-6949 to leave a message for Bob.

Mark your calendars for Kid Movie Wednesday at the Valerie Theatre! Catch family favorites like “Ratatouille,” “Moana,” “Toy Story 4” and more, screening on select Wednesdays at noon and 2:30 pm for just $1 each.

No ticket refunds or exchanges, and tickets can be purchased online or at the Box Office. The Valerie Theatre is at 207 Courthouse Square, Inverness. For more information and show dates, call 352-341-7850.

The Beverly Hills Shuffleboard Club welcomes new members and invites players to join them at 1 p.m. any Wednesday for a free day of play at Central Ridge Community Park on Civic Circle, Beverly Hills.

For information, contact Mary at 802-274-8523 or Terri at 859-279-5561.

The Citrus Bridge Club welcomes new players of all skill levels to participate in playing duplicate bridge. Come and make new friends in a friendly social atmosphere at the club located in the Tree Top Plaza at 1647 W. Gulf to Lake Highway, Lecanto.

The summer schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1-4 p.m. with a free lesson at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday.

The Floral City Heritage Council announces their Heritage Museum is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Museum is at 8394 E. Orange Ave. in the Floral City Town Center and for small groups it may be open by appointment during the summer. Call the museum director, Tom Ritchie, at 352-726-2743.

The Portrait Group of the Citrus County Art Center welcomes those interested in drawing and painting. They have a model, comfortable setting and a range of artists from beginning to experienced. They meet at 9:30 a.m. on Fridays at the Art Center, at 2644 N. Annapolis Ave., Hernando.

For information, call John Bescher at 352-220-8530 or n4dxi@aol.com.

The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum presents free events for children on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

Each event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. and are recommended for children ages 3 and up. Since space is limited, parents and guardians should pre-register by calling the museum at 352-341-6428.

From the Homosassa Page Turners to the Ridge Readers Book Club, there is a book club for everyone at Citrus Libraries.

Book clubs are great social gatherings where one can share his/her recent readings. They provide an environment for discussion on a variety of topics, promote deeper engagement with the book, encourage critical thinking, provide diverse perspectives and foster a perpetual love of literature.

With these benefits in mind, consider joining one of the book club gatherings offered at Citrus Libraries location.

The Homosassa Page Turners meet every first Thursday at the Homosassa branch from 3-4 p.m.At the Floral City branch, meet with the Book Share group every third Friday from 11:30-12:30 p.m.The Ridge Readers Book Club gathers at the Central Ridge branch in Beverly Hills on the last Wednesday of each month from 3-4:30 p.m.

These library programs are free and open to everyone. For more, go to the library’s website, attend.citruslibraries.org/events. Additional information about programs and events can also be found by following @CitrusLibraries on Facebook or Instagram.

Bring a glove to Bicentennial Park behind the Crystal River airport at 9:30 a.m. 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 information, call Wally at 352-212-0986.

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 events@inverness.gov or call 352-726-2611, ext. 1303.

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 information, contact John Bescher at n4dxi@aol.com or 352-220-8530.

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.

The weekly Hernando 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 and a music stand if they have one.

For information, call 352-566-2328.

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).

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 information, call 352-637-5423 or 352-726-5658.

Join the Sunshine Poets’ monthly meeting and poetry reading at 10 a.m. 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 information, email Cheri Herald, Sunshine Poets president, at sunshinepoets@gmail.com.

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.