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Briefly

By Times Staff
Published June 20, 2006

Organization collecting needed items for homeless

CLEARWATER A nonprofit organization has launched a project to collect essential items for the area's homeless population.

Bring Items of Necessity, or BIN, was created by the Homeless Emergency Project, a nonprofit that provides housing and support services to approximately 1,000 people each year in the Tampa Bay area. A number of area businesses have opened their doors to the BIN project by allowing their locations to be used for collection sites for food, clothing, toiletries, linen, cleaning supplies and other essential items.

BIN is a one-year project that will be active until June 2007. The project's themes and supplies being collected for the next three months are:

- June - "Walk a mile in their shoes." Gift certificates or new men's, women's and children's shoes.

- July - "A ticket to ride." Bus passes, tokens, gas cards, bicycles, locks and helmets.

- August - "Pack it up, pack it in." Gift cards, new back-to-school supplies and backpacks.

For a list of BIN themes, companies accepting donations and dropoff location addresses, visit PostcardMania's web site at www.postcardmania.com/HEP.asp

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.

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.

Literacy Council offers help to improve English

The Literacy Council of Upper Pinellas has certified tutors available to teach individuals who wish to learn English or those who need to improve their reading and writing skills.

Sessions are free, and hours are flexible. For information, call the Literacy Council at the Dunedin Public Library, (727) 298-3080, ext. 242.

Adopt a Grandchild needs volunteer mentors

Gulf Coast Community Care's Adopt a Grandchild program needs volunteers to mentor children.

Children from birth to age 17 come to the program and are matched with a volunteer mentor. The mentors work four hours a week for a year. The children come from all backgrounds including those who need personal attention and those coming from an abusive home. Call (727) 538-7460, ext. 3041 or 3013.

Musicians with orchestra, band experience needed

The Pinellas Community Orchestra needs musicians with orchestra or band experience. They perform in local nursing homes, churches and civic organizations. Rehearsals are from 1:30 to 3:30 Friday afternoons at Anona United Methodist Church, Indian Rocks Road, Largo. Call (727) 595-1978.

Recreation, nature center to offer youth classes

A variety of homeschool classes are being offered at Highland and Southwest Recreation Complex and McGough Nature Center. Classes include physical education, crafts, drama, science and nature for youths in grades K-6 and nutrition and fitness for grades 7-12. For information on dates, times and fees, call (727) 518-3016.

Used eyeglasses sought to help those in need

CLEARWATER - Used eyeglasses can be dropped off at the Vision Center at Wal-Mart Supercenter, 23106 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. The glasses will be given to the needy. Glasses can be mailed to Gary Benson, in care of the Lions Club, 1856 Cameo Way, Clearwater FL 33756. Those who are HIV-positive and need glasses can call the AIDS Community Project at (727) 449-2437.

Coast Guard Auxiliary offers education courses

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering public education programs throughout the year. Courses will be on boating and sailing fundamentals, using a global positioning system, chart reading and navigation. Programs are at the Clearwater Sailing Center, 1001 Gulf Blvd., Sand Key. For information, call (727) 469-8895 or visit www.uscgaux.org/~0701101/PublicEducation programs.htm.

UPARC seeks volunteers for various services

CLEARWATER - The Upper Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens needs volunteers to work at the Ribbon Tree Gift Shoppe and other programs.

Other volunteer opportunities also are available, including mowing lawns at UPARC group homes, office administration and computer data entry.

For information, call (727) 799-3330, ext. 7632 .

Business analyst offering help sessions in Dunedin

DUNEDIN - The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce is hosting free and confidential sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the third Thursday of every month. Mario Iezzoni, Pinellas area manager and certified business analyst for the University of South Florida's Small Business Development Center, will run the sessions at the chamber, 301 Main St.

Iezzoni can address questions about starting or expanding a business, marketing, finances and funding, human resources and more. The hourlong sessions are open to anyone. To make an appointment, call the chamber at (727) 733-3197.

Families of mentally ill meet in support group

CLEARWATER - The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill holds support group and education meetings at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month at Directions for Mental Health Inc., 1437 S Belcher Road, Clearwater.

The alliance is a family support organization for those who have loved ones with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. There is no charge for attendance. For information, call (727) 791-3434.

Clearwater Free Clinic open to treat children

CLEARWATER - A pediatrician and a family practice nurse practitioner are available to treat children from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at the Clearwater Free Clinic.

The clinic provides the service for children from infancy to age 18 who are not covered by private health insurance or government assisted programs.

The clinic's nurse practitioner will see children from ages 5 to 18 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the clinic. All children must come with a parent or legal guardian. New pediatric patients must have their birth certificates. The clinic is at 707 N Fort Harrison Ave. For appointments, call (727) 447-3041.

Help out by volunteering at two local state parks

Park staff at Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park need volunteers to help with the day-to-day operations, equipment and grounds maintenance, administrative duties and special events. Work days and hours are flexible.

For volunteer information at Caladesi Island, contact Steve Collier at (727) 469-5918 or steve.collier@dep.state.fl.us For other information, contact Karen LeBlanc at (727) 638-2334 or karen.leblanc@dep.state.fl.us.

Elder affairs program in need of volunteers

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, a division of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, is a statewide volunteer program that advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.

The program needs volunteers in Pinellas County. Anyone can apply, but the program needs specialized volunteers such as pharmacists, elder law lawyers, registered dietitians, social workers, nurses, physicians and individuals of all cultural backgrounds. Fluency in multiple languages is a plus. The governor's office approves each applicant. Training is provided to investigate complaints and conduct inspections of facilities.

Call (727) 588-5912 or toll-free 1-888-831-0404.

[Last modified June 20, 2006, 06:55:59]