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Two chances to bless your pets

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published September 28, 2005

Furred, feathered and scaled pets will gather in two beach communities Saturday for the annual Blessing of the Animals.

In St. Pete Beach, the third annual Commemoration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and the Blessing of the Animals will be held at 10 a.m. in the memorial gardens at St. Alban's Episcopal Church. Refreshments will be provided for both owners and pets. Pet owners are expected to control their animals at all times. Any donations of cash or goods will benefit the SPCA of Pinellas County. Participants must register by today by calling 360-8406.

The 11th Annual Blessing of Animals sponsored by Calvary Episcopal Church and Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue will be held at 10 a.m. at the church, at 1615 First St. in Indian Rocks Beach, behind Guppys restaurant. For more information, call 595-2374.

The Gulfport Fire Explorers will hold an open house at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Gulfport Fire Department, 2401 53rd St. S. The Explorers are seeking male and female members between the ages of 14 and 20. The program is free. Members can learn lifesaving techniques and about a career in fire service, and ride along on fire calls. The Explorers regularly meet at 6 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 893-1059.

The Florida Art Village Courtyard Fresh Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Market items include fresh produce, natural products, flowers and plants, baked goods and seafood. Live entertainment is featured each week. Vendors and entertainers are needed. For more information, call Annie at 528-2575 or e-mail mshaw9@tampabay.rr.com

The public is invited to attend a forum with disaster personnel at 7 p.m. Thursday at Calvary Episcopal Church, 1615 First St. The forum, "Katrina Lessons Learned - Prevent a Repeat," is sponsored by the Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue District and is intended to review needs, cooperation and results associated with Hurricane Katrina. For more information, call district Chiefs Liverenois or Walker at 595-1117.

The North Beaches Branch of the YMCA, serving residents of Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores and Belleair Shore, is offering programs for young people this fall:

--Sporties for Shorties: Noncompetitive, organized sports for children ages 2-4. Activities will include soccer, flag football and relay games. The program is offered at Calvary Episcopal Church from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Cost is $30 for residents and $40 for nonresidents. The current session will continue through Oct. 18. The next session will be held Oct. 25 to Nov. 29.

--Saturday Dance Camp: Laura Hudson offers children ages 2-4 and 5-7 the chance to express themselves through dance. The camp will be held Oct. 22 to Nov. 19 and will provide rotating weeks of ballet and tap with tumbling time each week and will include a recital at the end of the program. Cost is $40 for north beaches residents.

--YMCA Kiddie Club: Interact with your child and other preschool parents in Art Class, Open Play and Parent & Tot Yoga. The $20 per month cost gives north beaches residents unlimited access to activities at the YMCA club room at Calvary Episcopal Church. Preschool coordinator and local mom Jeni Bond will energize and entertain as well as instruct.

--Sign Language for Kids: Indian Rocks Beach resident and retired teacher Carol McDowell will show children another tool with which to communicate. Her classes will be held weekly as an add-on to YMCA Kiddie Club. Parent are encouraged to participate.

--YMCA Youth Club: serving elementary school-age children from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Friday at the COTI Giddes Youth Center, 210 25th Ave., Indian Rocks Beach. The program is free, but there is a $3 fee for food. Laura Gervasi supervises activities, crafts and games.

The North Beaches Branch YMCA is at 500 Second St., Indian Rocks Beach. For more information, call 595-5610.

The fall Townwide Garage Sale will begin at 8 a.m. Oct. 14 and 15. For more information, call the Redington Beach Town Hall at 391-3875.

The town's 50th anniversary parade will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 8. It will start at Town Hall and head north to Constitution Park. After the parade, the annual town picnic and recycling rally will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. in the park for residents (ID is required). Make reservations by Oct. 5 by calling 397-5538.

The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay Retirement Community will host a grief support group at 1:30 p.m. today in the chapel, 1255 Pasadena Ave. Karen Karle, who writes a monthly column in The Senior Connection magazine, will be the facilitator. Complimentary valet parking is available at the main entrance. The grief support group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Reserve a spot with Renee at 347-2169.

The Treasure Island Chamber of Commerce will host the Fifth Annual 2005 Treasure Fest on Oct. 14 and 15. The event will feature restaurants, bands, dancing, arts and crafts, and circus rides for the kids. Restaurateurs and arts and crafts vendors interested in participating should contact the chamber at 360-4121.

[Last modified September 28, 2005, 04:34:21]