The University of Florida/Lake County Extension Office will offer the following free financial management “webinars” (seminars on the Web) from noon to 1 p.m.
•June 26 is “Introduction to Mutual Funds.” Participants will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of mutual funds, fund options, how to analyze fees, investing for beginners and a demonstration of tools to analyze funds. Register at bit.ly/mutual2014.
•July 29 is “Comparing Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds.” Participants will learn how to evaluate mutual funds and exchange traded funds. The program will include a comparison of how shares are purchased, tax efficiency, potential risks and rewards, and expenses and fees.
Register at bit.ly/comparefunds.
Recordings of previous financial management and nutrition webinars can be found at bit.ly/extwebinars.
For more information, call 352-343-4101, Ext. 2719 or 2721, or visit lake.ifas.ufl.edu.
Ham-operators simulation
Lake County Amateur Radio Association and Lake County Amateur Radio Emergency Service will participate in a simulated emergency operation across North America called “Field Day” June 28 and 29 at Lake Technical College’s Institute of Public Safety, 1565 Lane Park Cutoff, Tavares.
Field Day, which is sponsored by the American Radio Relay League, is designed to test amateur radio operators’ abilities to set up and operate stations in the field under emergency conditions.
During a 24-hour period, which begins at 2 p.m. June 28, ham-radio operators will compete to see who can make the most contacts using different frequency bands and modes. The field stations will be operating under emergency power throughout the activity. The weekend offers a chance to exercise skills and show the community the capabilities of amateur radio operators who can become vitally important in real-life disasters.
Ham operators routinely provide communication services to rescue personnel and support organizations during hurricanes and other natural disasters that knock out telephone and power lines.
Other agencies assisting during the event include Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Emergency Medical Services and Lake County Public Safety.
Visitors may attend and learn how the operation works from 4 to 7 p.m. June 28 and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 29.
For more information about LARA and ham radio activities, visit k4fc.org or n4fla.org.
Dog classes
The Central Florida Obedience Dog Club will start a Beginning Obedience Basic I and Trick training classes July 7 inside the 448 Community Club Building, 16024 County Road 448, Tavares.
Preregistration is required. For details and registration forms, visit cfodcinc.com or call 352-742-4442.
Adult volunteer readers
Marion County Public Library system is seeking adult volunteer readers for its “Library Express” children’s reading program. Volunteer readers will provide children’s story-time sessions once a month from September through May at various Head Start classroom locations throughout the county.
All reading materials and training will be provided.