Briefs

Ombudsman program seeks volunteers

Specialized volunteers are needed for the long-term care Ombudsman Program administered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, a statewide volunteer program that advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The volunteers will work with The Mid and South Pinellas Council. The program currently needs a registered dietitian, a pharmacist and an individual fluent in the Filipino language.

Ideal candidates are caring individuals who are willing to give 20 hours per month to the program. Successful applicants are approved by the Governor's Appointments Office. Training is provided to investigate complaints, conduct inspections of facilities and effectively advocate for elders in long-term care settings. Ombudsmen are required to be free from conflict of interest.

Mileage reimbursement is provided at the state rate for all official ombudsman duties. Call 727-588-6912 or 888-831-0404.

CLEARWATER - The organizers of the Clearwater Jazz Holiday are seeking designs for the event's 2006 poster.

Artwork can be produced digitally, photographically or by using traditional artistic media. The poster can be horizontal or vertical and must include blank space that does not interfere with the design for sponsor logos, the lineup and other text.

To learn more about requirements and specifications, contact Gary Hallas at 727 895-6264 or e-mail gary@clearwaterjazz.com Artists should express their interest and send preliminary designs to Gary Hallas, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, P.O. Box 7278, Clearwater, FL 33758.

The deadline is Jan. 6. Several artists will be selected by Jan. 27 and will receive $200 to cover the cost of further developing their ideas. Organizers will select a final design by Feb. 24. The winner will receive $2,000 along with other recognition.

Next year's Jazz Holiday is scheduled for Oct. 19-22 in Coachman Park. Past years' posters are at www.clearwaterjazz.com

TARPON SPRINGS - Firefighters are collecting nonperishable food and cash to provide food baskets for people in the city who may need some extra help during the holidays.

Firefighters have two dropoff locations: the front lobby of City Hall, 324 E Pine St., and the lobby of the Public Safety Facility at 444 S Huey Ave. Monetary donations should be mailed to or dropped off at Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue, 444 S Huey Ave., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689.

Local families who need a food basket should call program coordinators at (727) 938-3737.

St. Petersburg College has formed a nursing alumni chapter so graduates of its nursing program can keep in touch with friends and maintain their ties to the institution.

Meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Caruth Health Education Center, 7200 66th St. N in Pinellas Park. All St. Petersburg College nursing alumni are welcome.

To join, contact Darcy Morgan, SPC Nursing Alumni Chapter, SPC College of Nursing, P.O. Box 13489, St. Petersburg, FL 33733, or call (727) 341-3618.