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February’s free Master Gardener Plant Seminar will focus on vegetable gardening. It will answer questions not only about what and when to plant but also help you to decide how and where.

The remaining seminars will be held at 1 p.m. at all library locations on the following dates: Feb. 24 (Coastal in Crystal River) and Feb. 27 (Homosassa).

UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be happy to answer your gardening questions by visiting the Extension office Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 3650 W Sovereign Path Suite 1, Lecanto. Email IF-SVC -CitrusMG@ad.ufl.edu or call 352-527-5709 or 5711.

ABC of Dementia workshops have been scheduled for around the county for 2025. All workshops are from 10 a.m. to noon and will be held at the following locations on the dates listed below.

July 23 and Dec. 15, Central Ridge Library, 425 W. Roosevelt Blvd. Beverly Hills

March 17 and Aug. 18, Coastal Region Library, 8619 W. Crystal St., Crystal River

June 16 and Nov. 17, Floral City Library, 8360 E. Orange Ave., Floral City

April 21 and Sept. 15, Homosassa Library, 4100 S. Grandmarch Ave., Homosassa

May 19 and Oct. 20, Lakes Region Library, 1511 Druid Road, Inverness

The workshops, to be conducted by Debbie Selsavage, president of Coping With Dementia LLC, will define Alzheimer’s and dementia, explain how dementia affects individuals, discuss ways to interpret dementia behaviors for better communication, and show how compassion and the proper use of voice, approach, and appropriate touch can result in more effective and less stressful caregiving.

The workshops are free, open to the public, and people living with dementia are also welcome. Registration is requested because of limited space. To make reservations, call 352-422-3663, or email deb@coping.today.

Thanks to funding from Dementia Education Inc., Art from the Heart, a program for families and their loved ones living with dementia, has expanded to the Crystal River location of the YMCA, located at 405 SE Seventh Ave., Crystal River.

Art from the Heart, which utilizes art and music as social and therapeutic activity for individuals with dementia and their care partners. For those living with memory issues, music and art have the power to both stimulate and soothe. For those who are caregivers, an afternoon with others who understand lifts the spirit.

Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA, 4127 W. Norvell Bryant Highway, Lecanto on the fourth Thursday of each month.

Crystal River YMCA at SE Seventh Ave.,on the second Saturday of each month.

Both sessions are available from 1-3 p.m.

This program is open to the community – you do not have to be a YMCA member to participate. This program is free to all participants.

For more information or to register call 352-500-9622 or visit the Welcome Desk at the Lecanto Campus.

The Nature Coast Cancer Crusaders are proud to announce their plans for their fifth annual “It’s All About the Cause” Cancer Walk, which will be held from 3-8 p.m. Feb. 22, Crystal River Town Square.

They would like to recognize as many survivors as possible. Each survivor will receive a goodie bag and meal voucher. Everyone is invited to participate in the mini 3-mile cancer walk through downtown Crystal River.

There will be a day full of fun, food and music. At 7 p.m., they will hold the “Light the Way of Hope” Luminaria ceremony. This is a special time to honor loved ones who are or have battled cancer and remember those lost.

There is no fee to attend the event, but they will be selling event T-shirts for $20. Registration is required and can be completed easily on the website. The walk is also in need of sponsorship and volunteers.

Nature Coast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is offering two ongoing and open to the public classes, Qigong-Mindful Movement at 3 p.m. and Gentle Yoga-Meditation in Motion, beginning at 3:45 p.m. Wednesdays at 7633 N. Florida Ave., Citrus Springs.

Qigong is similar to a moving meditation. This ancient practice consists of gentle movement patterns, breath awareness, and a focused mindset designed to enhance balance and vitality. Class is from 3- 3:40 p.m.

Gentle Yoga improves flexibility and deepens inner connections. Experience yoga as meditation in motion as you learn basic yoga poses in a relaxed state of ease. If you are participating in the yoga class, bring a mat. Gentle Yoga is from 3:45- 4:15 p.m.

The teacher, Alicia Martinez, is a Qigong associate instructor as well as certified yoga instructor for adults and children.

All are welcome and no experience is required; instructor will provide modifications if needed.

There is a suggested donation of $5 for each class.

HPH Hospice in Lecanto, a nonprofit Chapters Health affiliate, needs the community’s help. Are you compassionate and caring? Would you be willing to help just by making phone calls?

By calling caregivers, you become a friendly voice on the other end of the line, just calling to say “hi” and checking to see if they need anything. A few minutes can mean so much and you can do this from the HPH Hospice House in Lecanto or from home, your choice. If this is something you may be interested in, email lucass@chaptershealth.org or call 352-359-8373.

Other areas of interest include Pet Peace of Mind, providing care for the pets of patients, Spiritual Care volunteers work with HPH chaplains, and valor volunteers who are Veterans that perform pinning ceremonies to veteran patients.

Volunteers must attend orientation, followed by background checks and fingerprinting. Once cleared, volunteers must have a two-step TB testing. Hospice covers these expenses.

More than 7,000 older adults over the age of 75 have volunteered to take part in the PREVENTABLE study to help doctors better understand how people can stay healthier long.

The goal of the study is to find out if a commonly used heart medication, a statin, can help older adults live well longer by preventing dementia, disability or heart disease.

Those older than 75 who have not had a heart attack or stroke may be able to take part in the study. Learn more by calling 833-385-3899 or visit www.preventablecommunity.org.

This week, OneBlood, an Orlando-based blood center, experienced a cyberattack that has brought some of their systems offline. During this time, the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus) encourages Floridians to consider donating blood to alternative blood centers to help boost Florida’s blood supply. Donating blood saves lives.

Florida is partnering with LifeSouth, SunCoast and other local blood centers to receive blood donations and help distribute them appropriately across the state. Locations for these community-based blood centers can be found at FloridaDonates.com.

DOH-Citrus encourages residents and visitors to make an appointment with alternative providers to support the blood supply for Florida’s hospitals and fellow Floridians.

HCA Florida Citrus Hospital is seeking dedicated volunteers to assist in various positions throughout the Inverness hospital campus. From shuttle drivers to discharge lounge and wayfinding concierge personnel, there are opportunities for individuals to contribute to the smooth operation of the hospital and enhance patient experiences.

Shuttle drivers: reliable individuals with a valid driver’s license to operate shuttle services ensure patients and visitors are transported safely and efficiently between hospital buildings and parking areas.

Discharge lounge concierges: friendly and welcoming volunteers in this role provide assistance and support to patients preparing to leave the hospital.

Wayfinding concierges: volunteers in this role help guide patients and visitors throughout the hospital, ensuring they reach their destinations promptly and with ease.

Volunteering at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital offers a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families. For more information or to apply, contact Tequila Fields at Tequila.Fields@HCAhealthcare.com or visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com to apply online.

“Dementia and Firearm Safety,” which retails for $9.95, is still available to Citrus County residents free of charge.

Free books can be obtained at the following firearm dealerships: Back Acre Gun Works, 1621 N. Croft Ave., Inverness – 352-344-9663. Chucks Guns, 4027 N. Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills – 352-270-8362. Crystal River Cerakote and Arms, 6383 W. Conestoga Drive, Beverly Hills – 352-244-8738. Gold Diggers and Gun Slingers, 2416 State Road 44 W., Inverness – 352-341-4867. HNR Gunworks, 3238 S. Florida Ave. Inverness – 352-503-6285. Mallard’s Gun Store, 7928 W. Gulf to Lake Highway, Crystal River – 352-794-3507. Patriot Sporting Goods, 760 W. Hampshire Blvd., Citrus Springs – 352-527-1205. RPJ Guns LLC, 5392 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa – 352-419-4204. Wyoming Guns, 5987 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, 352-628-2266.

Books are also available at all Coping with Dementia LLC workshops and educational events (call 352-422-3663) and from National Rifle Association recruiter Rick Wehrheim (call 352-503-6931).

HPH Hospice in Lecanto, a not-for-profit Chapters Health affiliate, needs your help. Are you compassionate and caring? Are you willing to provide companionship to patients? Do you like animals? Are you friendly? There are many opportunities waiting for you.

Would you be willing to be a greeter at the Hospice House? There are openings on the weekends. You could share your time as a volunteer with a patient at home or an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. Patient volunteers do not provide personal care, only companionship, and will always be in a safe environment.

Other areas that may interest you are phone support, calling caregivers to check in on them, and pet peace of mind provides care for the pets of patients. Then there is spiritual care working with chaplains, no one dies alone, and valor volunteers who are Veterans that perform pinning ceremonies to veteran patients.

Volunteers must attend orientation, followed by background checks and fingerprinting. Once cleared, volunteers must have a two-step TB testing; Hospice covers these expenses.

Coping with Dementia has announced that its ABC of Dementia workshop is available to any nonprofit club or organization that serves U.S. military veterans.

The ABC of Dementia workshop is a two-hour educational event that explains the various causes of dementia, tells families how to get a diagnosis and what to expect after a diagnosis, describes better ways to serve and communicate with a person living with dementia, and ends with a role-play demonstrating the techniques of person-centered compassionate care.

For information or to schedule a workshop, call 352-422-3663 or email deb@coping.today.

HPH Hospice in Lecanto provides comfort and care, giving patients the best possible remaining quality of life and supporting their families through this stressful time. As a nonprofit, HPH Hospice never turns anyone away for lack of funds.

Sometimes the needs of patients and their families expand the realm of their care. To help, organizations could have a “supplies drive” or fundraiser with members on behalf of financial support of patients along with a presentation by HPH Hospice. To schedule or for more information, email lucass@chaptershealth.org or call 352-359-8373.

Among the wellness programs offered by Friends of Citrus and the Nature Coast at its Wings Grief Center, 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane (gold building on right) in Homosassa Springs is Café Break!

At Café Break! Anyone grieving or lonely can find a safe place to socialize with others, work puzzles, play games or chat over a cup of coffee and snacks for 2-1/2 hours starting at 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. Thursdays.

For more information or to join this program that follows CDC guidelines, call 352-249-1470.

From Head To Toe Salon offers free face lift exercise classes at 9 a.m. every Monday. The salon is at 21 N. Croft Ave. in Inverness.

In this one-hour class, learn to sculpt and revitalize your face with 25 facial exercises that build volume, minimize wrinkles and lift and tone for a more youthful appearance.

Space is limited, so call master esthetician Stephanie Gombrelli at 352-613-6111 to reserve a spot.

Any veterans in Citrus County who cannot afford their eyeglasses or are in need of vision care can contact Inverness Lions Club at 352-560-8741.

The club can help with any vision need. Residency and income requirements apply.

The East Citrus Community Center, 9907 E. Gulf to Lake Highway in Inverness, offers healthy choices on its community class schedule.

Tai Chi will be offered from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays.

From 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, certified Silver Sneakers Flex instructor Kathy Johnson will lead “Kathy’s Crazy Cardio Class.”

The cost for each class is $3 per person or $1 for Silver Sneakers members. For those who wish to participate in both classes, there is a reduced cost of $5 per person. For more information, call 352-344-9666.

Citrus Pregnancy Center is offering free pregnancy testing and free early pregnancy sonograms at both locations: 726 NE U.S. 19 in Crystal River and 3185 E. Thomas St. in Inverness.

For information, call 352-341-5176.

If you are in need of scarfs, wigs, or other helpful items for those going through cancer treatments, call Medical Social Worker Wendy Hall, LCSW, at 352-527-0106. Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute in Lecanto has a resource room with more than 100 wigs available for free. Stop in the Lecanto office from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or call to make an appointment.

Medical Social Workers at RBOI will assist individuals needing support through the emotional turmoil caused by cancer with resources, including application for Citrus Aid Cancer Foundation assistance. Many services including Zoom meetings for support and education are available for patients with cancer, and their loved ones. Call 352-527-0106.

Citrus Healing Impaired Program Services (CHIPS) is offering free hearing screenings for Citrus County residents at the old train depot, 109 NE Crystal St. in Crystal River.

Screenings are by appointment only. Low-income hearing aid assistance is available.

To learn more, call Maureen 352-795-5000.