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Cadet Squadron seeking members

By TIMES STAFF
Published January 6, 2007

PALM HARBOR

The Civil Air Patrol Palm Harbor Cadet Squadron is looking for new members 12 to 21 and for adults older than 21 to be senior members or supervisors.

The Palm Harbor chapter, which also covers Tarpon Springs, especially welcomes middle school students.

Young people in the program attend military camps, practice search and rescue techniques in the forest, can earn scholarships to become pilots and perform community service.

Adults interested in joining as senior members must go through extensive background checks.

The cadets meet from 6:30 to 9 p.m. the first, second and fourth Mondays of the month at All Saints Episcopal Church at 1700 Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs. On the third Monday of the month, the group meets at Tarpon Springs High School at 1411 Gulf Road.

Help">downingfl438@aol.com.

Help those displaced by Hurricane Katrina

The Katrina Aid Today Program is available to help those displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The program offers referrals, counseling, support, special events and assistance with utilities, food and clothing. Contact Tamera Fontenot at Catholic Charities, (813) 210-4245; or Evelyn Dodd at St. Vincent de Paul Society, (727) 868-8160.

CLEARWATER

Special phone devices free for deaf, others

The nonprofit Deaf and Hearing Connection for Tampa Bay offers specialized telephones and ring-signaling devices at no cost to residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf and blind, or speech-impaired.

Residents can receive the equipment as long as they continue to live in the state for at least six months per year. Telecommunications access for the hearing- and speech-impaired is paid for by a surcharge on every telephone consumer's bill.

Equipment is available by appointm nt from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Deaf and Hearing Connection's main office in mid Pinellas or at satellite locations throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Free hearing screenings, other equipment and hearing aids also are available.

Call (727) 399-9983.

CLEARWATER

'Adventures in Opera' series is under way

The Pinellas Opera League, in conjunction with the Marcia P. Hoffman Institute, is holding "Adventures in Opera," a series of six Wednesday programs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the theater of the Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N McMullen Booth Road. The programs are:

Jan. 31: "Wagner, The Do-It-Yourself Genius," presented by Bill Weiss.

Feb. 25: "Zarzuela - Spain's Operatic Tradition," presented by Madeline Crotty.

March 28: "Legendary Opera Singers," presented by Blauner and Middy Larson.

April 25: "Children in Opera," presented by Larson.

Cost is $5 per session, or $25 for all six in advance. Free parking. Call (727) 791-7400 or toll-free 1-800-875-8682.

CLEARWATER

$5,000 reward offered in shooting death

A local company has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robber who shot to death an unarmed hotel security guard on Sept. 22.

Critical Intervention Services (CIS), which employs about 150 security guards around Tampa Bay, offered the reward in the slaying of William T. Williams at the Fairfield Inn & Suites.

Williams, 64, of New Port Richey worked for Janas Security Services in Tampa - not CIS - but CIS executives wanted to do something to help because he was a security officer. Williams was shot at the hotel at 3070 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd. when he walked into the lobby as the robber held up the front desk.

Police have posted a video of part of the robbery online at www.clearwaterpolice.org/news/hotelrobbery.htm in the hope that someone might recognize the killer. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Police Department's tip line at 562-4422.

TARPON SPRINGS

Volunteers sought for two centers, museum

Tarpon Springs officials are looking for people to assist at its Performing Arts Center, Cultural Center and Safford House museum.

The Performing Arts Center needs ushers and backstage assistants.

The Cultural Center seeks front-desk receptionists, hosts and gallery assistants to help with exhibits, programs, performances, special events and in the gift shop.

The Safford House, an 1883 National Register historic house museum, is looking for volunteers as docents, collection assistants, researchers, and gardeners.

Call (727) 937-0686.

OZONA

Nature preserve is looking for volunteers

PINELLAS COUNTY

Guardians ad litem needed for children

About 1,800 children in Pinellas County need someone to be their voice in the courtroom, and the county's guardian ad litem program hopes that could be you.

You can learn about becoming a guardian ad litem by attending a one-hour orientation held each week on Thursdays. The time of the orientation is varied to accommodate the schedule of prospective volunteers.

Guardians ad litem speak on behalf of abused, abandoned or neglected children in Pinellas County courts. As a child's advocate, a guardian ad litem becomes familiar with the child and case and makes recommendations to the court to help ensure the child has a safe, caring and stable environment.

Guardians ad litem receive training and ongoing supervision to help them make a positive difference in the lives of children. Call (727) 464-6528 to sign up for an orientation. For information, go to www.guardianadlitem6.org.

CLEARWATER

Dog Training Club offers varied classes

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.

PINELLAS COUNTY

Big Brothers Big Sisters needs volunteers

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County seeks volunteers willing to spend as little as an hour a week with local children who need mentors.

Volunteers must be at least 18 and have a valid driver's license.

For information, call (727) 518-8860 or visit www.bbbspc.org.

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 the program.

LARGO

Want to adopt? SPCA has special cat or dog

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tampa Bay has more than 80 dogs and 155 cats in need of adoptive homes.

Adult dogs and cats are available for $25.

The adoption fee includes vaccinations, including rabies; spaying or neutering; county license tag; microchip for identification; and free obedience classes for canines.

The main shelter is at 9099 130th Ave. N. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Adoptable pets are also featured at www.SPCATampaBay.org or call the shelter at (727) 586-3591.

[Last modified January 6, 2007, 07:31:09]