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By Times Staff WriterFestival 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.
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.
Amvets Post 67 offers Friday fish fry
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
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.
Signaling devices for disabled available
Florida residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf and blind or 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 a surcharge 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 nonprofit 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.
Dog training club offering 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.
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. Call (727) 518-8860 or go online at www.bbbspc.org.
Zonta International organizing 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. 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.