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Briefs

By Times Staff
Published June 19, 2006

Festival of Trees artwork sought

If you have artistic talent, this year the Festival of Trees might be your place to shine. Organizers are looking for one piece of original art to be used on the festival's poster, brochure and invitations. Local artists can submit their work, and entries will be considered by a jury with a $500 prize for the winner, $300 for second place and $200 for third place.

This is the first time festival organizers have opened the art selection process to local artists.

"It's not limited to adults; anybody can enter,'' said Pamela Miller, director of development for UPARC Foundation. ""If there was an artistically talented high school person or junior high school person, they could enter.''

Artists who want to enter should call festival organizers for specifications. For information on criteria, artwork specifications and awards to winners, call UPARC Foundation at 727 797-8712.

The deadline is June 30.

Established in 1984, the Festival of Trees has raised more than $1-million for various local charities and in 2005 became a signature fundraising event for the UPARC Foundation, whose mission is to raise community awareness and funds for the Upper Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens. The festival is scheduled for Nov. 22-26 at the Harborview Center in downtown Clearwater.

Italian Americans hold dinner-dance Tuesdays

CLEARWATER - The Italian American Club of Greater Clearwater, 200 McMullen-Booth Road, has a pasta dinner and dance from 5 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Tickets are $7 for members and $9 for nonmembers.

The club also holds dinner-dances from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. every other Saturday. Tickets are $13 for members and $16 for nonmembers. Call (727) 791-8698.

Amvets Post 67 offers fish fry every Friday

CLEARWATER - Amvets Post 67 holds a fish fry from 6 to 8 p.m. every Friday at 1825 N Highland Ave., on the northeast corner of Highland Avenue and Greenlea Drive. Cost is $7. Call (727) 631-0067

Phones, signaling devices for disabled available

Florida residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf and blind or Big speech-impaired can receive amplified telephone equipment through the Deaf and Hearing Connection for Tampa Bay at no cost as long as they continue to live in the state at least six months per year.

Telecommunications access for the hearing-and-speech impaired is funded by asurcharge on every telephone consumer's phone bill. Equipment is available by appointment Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the Deaf and Hearing Connection main office in Seminole or at satellite locations throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Free hearing screenings, other equipment and hearing aids are also available at the Deaf and Hearing Connection, a non-profit organization specializing in communication access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

To obtain information or to schedule an appointment, call (727) 399-9983.

BRIEFLY

Dog training club offers variety of classes

CLEARWATER - The Upper Suncoast Dog Training Club, a nonprofit organization, offers beginning through advanced classes in agility, clicker training, conformation, junior handling, obedience and puppy kindergarten.

The club also offers trials and provides opportunities to show your dog. The air-conditioned indoor club, 2101 Logan St., is near the Long Center. Call (727) 449-8738 or visit www.usdtc.org.

27th annual Kiwanis Mease Midnight 10K set for July 4

DUNEDIN - The 27th annual Kiwanis Mease Midnight 10K run will kick off at 12:15 a.m. July 4 from Causeway Plaza at the corner of Curlew Road and Alt. U.S. 19. A 5K run starts at 11:35 p.m. July 3, and a 1-mile fun run and walk precedes it at 11 p.m. The race course is out and back on Dunedin Causeway. More than 700 luminaries will help light the way. Proceeds benefit charities supported by the Kiwanis Clubs of Countryside and Dunedin Since 1980, this event has raised more than $418,000 for Kiwanis community charities. On-line registration is available on www.Active.com through June 30. Call Joe Garrison at (727) 535-2257 or email kiwanismidnightrun@yahoo.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters needs volunteer mentors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County needs volunteer mentors to spend as little as an hour a week with local children. Volunteers must be at least age 18 and have a valid license.

As part of the state's mentoring initiative, some employers allow an hour or so per week of administrative leave for employees to mentor. Visit www.volunteerfloridafoundation.org to find out more about that program.

Call (727) 518-8860 or go online at www.bbbspc.org.

Zonta International a new chapter

North Pinellas business executives are organizing a new chapter of Zonta International, a service organization that works to advance the status of women. Zonta clubs support their communities through service projects, fundraisers, advocacy and community support.

For information on the new Top of the Bay Zonta Club, representing Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Trinity, East Lake, Oldsmar and Westchase, call Mary Fletcher at (727) 781-5949.

Barbershop chorus seeks eight singers

The Palm Harbor men's barbershop chorus is looking for eight new voices to serenade others at public events, concerts and trips to nursing homes. You don't need to read music, as long as you can learn your part and hold a tune. Call Joe Roan at (727) 772-7043.

Guardian ad Litem needs volunteers

The Guardian ad Litem program needs volunteers to represent the rights of abused, abandoned or neglected children in Pinellas County. The job of the volunteer is to become familiar with a child and the child's case to make recommendations to the court and ensure that the child has a safe, caring and stable environment. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and are supervised. For more information, call (727) 464-6528 or visit the Web at www.guardianadlitem6.org.

Palm Harbor library needs volunteers

PALM HARBOR - Do you like working with people, enjoy reading and have a few hours a week to spare? If so, the Palm Harbor Library is looking for you. The library needs volunteers to help shelve books, movies, tapes and CDs and to assist with checking materials in and out. Call volunteer coordinator Cecile Creely at (727) 784-3332, ext. 308.

Online program helps parents keep kids safe

Duracell and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have developed the Power of Parents program, a nationwide child safety preparedness program designed to help families protect their children. The program helps to dispel the most common safety myths and reminds families of the importance of keeping an up-to-date photo of their child. To download the program, visit www.duracell.com/parents.

Use Guide to Giving to give back to community

The Girls Guide to Giving is a directory of nonprofit agencies throughout Pinellas County offering volunteer opportunities. Groups of young women can participate in projects such as peer interaction, service learning and ""how to'' projects. The guide lists agencies, contact information, group capacities and minimum age requirements and is available online at www.211tampabay.org or by calling (727) 210-4233, ext. 4557.

Donate used cell phones for seniors' emergency use

Got an old cell phone you want to get rid of? The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc. and its Senior Victim Advocate Program are collecting used cell phones for their 911 Senior Safety Phone Project. The phones are collected and then distributed as 911 emergency-only or ""safety phones.'' Largo has a new collection site at 13225 101 St. SE. Call (727) 584-8172. For other collection and distribution site information, call (727) 570-9696, ext. 279.

Online program helps parents keep kids safe

Duracell and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have developed the Power of Parents program, a nationwide child safety preparedness program designed to help families protect their children. The program helps to dispel the most common safety myths and reminds families of the importance of keeping an up-to-date photo of their child. To download the program, visit www.duracell.com/parents.

Use Guide to Giving to give back to community

The Girls Guide to Giving is a directory of nonprofit agencies throughout Pinellas County offering volunteer opportunities. Groups of young women can participate in projects such as peer interaction, service learning and ""how to'' projects. The guide lists agencies, contact information, group capacities and minimum age requirements and is available online at www.211tampabay.org or by calling (727) 210-4233, ext. 4557.

Library needs volunteers for Book & Gift Store

CLEARWATER - Volunteers who like to be around books and people are needed at the Friends Book & Gift Store at the Clearwater Main Library. A short training session is required. The store is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To volunteer, call Rosalie Murray at (727) 531-0667 or Rita Garvey at (727) 446-3845.

Project HOPE to help Katrina victims in area

Hurricane Katrina continues to haunt many of the victims who have since moved on to new lives in new locations. Many of the people who fled the storm and relocated still suffer from residual psychological and financial effects.

A program that originally began in 2004 after Hurricane Charley devasted areas of Charlotte and DeSoto counties is offering help. Project HOPE (Helping Our People in Emergencies) is an outreach and referral service aimed at helping Katrina victims living in the area rebuild their lives, emotionally and physically.

Programs offered include outreach, group and individual crisis counseling, and referrals of resources within the community. Special programs focus on the most vulnerable of victims, children and the elderly.

Hurricane Katrina victims who live in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties are eligible.

Founded by the Florida Center for Child and Family Development, in conjunction with the Department of Children and Families, the program has been funded for the next two months and will likely be extended through the end of the year.

For information, call the Project HOPE Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-8255.

U.S. Naval Sea Cadets offer two youth programs

If you're a student between the ages of 11 and 17 and interested in learning about naval traditions through participation in activities on and off the water, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, a nonprofit youth organization, offers valuable life and work skills like teamwork, leadership and citizenship. There are two types of programs, the Navy League Cadet for ages 11 to 13 and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets for ages 13 to 17. All cadets must be U.S. citizens, be in good moral standing, have a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average, be active in the community, be enrolled in middle or high school and be without dependents. Visit www.suncoastairsquadron.org for information or call (727) 796-7322.

Clearwater Kiwanis Club recruiting new members

CLEARWATER - The Kiwanis Club of Greater Clearwater is looking for new members. The club meets at 7:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Golden Coin Restaurant, 1844 N Highland Ave., Clearwater. Club projects include Head Start, YWCA and an annual UPARC fishing trip. Call Adam at (727)934-2085 or Walt at (727) 441-4196.

Jazz band needs young musicians

Sonny LaRosa's America's Youngest Jazz Band is seeking children ages 6 to 13 who play trumpet, trombone, saxophone, guitar or drums. Vocalists who will consider playing an instrument will also be considered. Call (727) 725-1788 or visit the Web at www.sonnylarosa.com. Dunedin club for children meets to explore nature. The Investigators of Nature kids club meets from 4 to 5 p.m. Mondays. The club for children ages 6 to 12 explores nature through hikes and hands-on projects. Cost is $1 with Dunedin rec card, $2 without. Call (727) 298-3271.

Earhart fellowships available for women

The Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowships are offered annually to women for graduate study in aerospace-related science and aerospace-related engineering. Applications for the 2006-07 fellowships are available at www.zonta.org or by contacting Nancy Wright, Amelia Earhart Committee chairwoman of the Top of the Bay Zonta club, at wright99@tampabay.rr.com.

Retired greyhounds available for adoption

Retired Derby Lanes greyhounds are available for adoption from noon to 2 p.m. Sundays at PetsMart, Clearwater Mall, 2625 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd. Anyone interested in adopting, providing a foster home or volunteering can call Greyhound Pets of America/Tampa Bay at (727) 595-7852 or visit its Web site at www.greyhoundpets.com.

Foster parents needed in Pasco, Pinellas counties

Imagine being taken away from your home, not knowing where you will go, leaving behind your favorite things. Now, imagine this through the eyes of a child. There are more than 4,500 dependent children in Pinellas and Pasco counties because of child abuse, neglect or abandonment. Many of them need loving foster parents. For information on becoming a foster parent, call the Safe Children Coalition recruitment line toll-free at 1-866-271-4705 and press 7.

HEP Thrift Store selling furniture, clothes, jewelry

The HEP Thrift Store, 1212 N Betty Lane, Clearwater, has vintage pieces, used furniture, brand name clothing, jewelry and knickknacks. The thrift store is part of the Homeless Emergency Project, a nonprofit organization that provides housing and supportive services for homeless individuals and families. Call the HEP office at (727) 442-9041 or visit the Web site at www.ethep.com.

Worknet Pinellas to help place, train veterans

Worknet Pinellas will help place and train military veterans. All career fields are eligible, and training is done by the employer on site. This program is designed to give assistance in training funds as well as provide support in getting needed uniforms, tools and supplies for the job. Active duty reserve and National Guard veterans are eligible. Call (727) 524-4344.

Aquatic classes can help with arthritis, more

PALM HARBOR - Physiotherapy Associates, 35111 U.S. 19 N, Suite 100, offers aquatic classes for those with arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and chronic back and neck pain.

The classes, approved by the Arthritis Foundation, are also appropriate for those with diabetes, postrehabilitation needs or weight loss requirements.

Classes are conducted as part of a nonprofit program. They take place in a heated indoor pool and offer range of motion, flexibility and strengthening exercises.

Participants do not need to know how to swim.

To register or for information on fees and schedules, call (727) 210-0760.

Palm Harbor Literacy Council seeks volunteers

PALM HARBOR - The Palm Harbor Literacy Council seeks volunteers to help adults, many of them recent arrivals to the United States, learn to read, write and speak better English.

The literacy council provides free one-on-one tutoring to new residents, many of them foreign-born college graduates now working in the United States.

The council has 103 certified tutors but needs 50 more volunteers to work with students on its waiting list.

To obtain information or to volunteer, call (727) 784-3332, ext. 211.

[Last modified June 19, 2006, 16:36:33]