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Digest

Health Department offering free flu shots

By TIMES WIRES
Published January 12, 2007

COUNTYWIDE

With Florida seeing an active early flu season, the Pinellas County Health Department is offering free flu shots to anyone unable to pay the $25 fee.

The shots will be available until the vaccine supply runs out at any of the department's five health centers:

-Clearwater, 310 N Myrtle Ave., 469-5800.

-Largo, 12420 130th Ave. N, 588-4040.

-Tarpon Springs, 301 S Disston Ave., 942-5457.

-Pinellas Park, 6350 76th Ave. N, 547-7780.

-St. Petersburg, 205 Dr. Martin Luther King St. N, 824-6900.

Public health officials say vaccinations are important for everyone, including children over 6 months old. Those particularly at high risk include people age 50 and older, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, health care workers and caregivers of high-risk people.

COUNTYWIDE

No insurance? Free care is available

The Pinellas County Human Services Department provides free medical care on evenings and weekends to residents of Pinellas County who don't have medical insurance.

Services are provided on the county's Mobile Medical Unit at different sites throughout the county. Evening hours are 4 to 7:30 p.m.

Services available to uninsured residents during evening visits include basic primary care, lab services and prescriptions. The staff can also provide referrals to dental, mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Emergency services are not provided.

Care is provided regardless of income or citizenship status.

For information on locations and times, call (727) 582-7595. Go to www.pinellascounty.org/humanservices/services.htm# mobile for a monthly calendar.

COUNTYWIDE

Low-cost spaying, neutering offered

More than 60,000 unwanted animals are euthanized in the Tampa Bay area each year, so the nonprofit group Stop Pet Overpopulation Together (SPOT) is teaming up with local veterinarians to offer low-cost spaying and neutering for any cat or dog at least 8 weeks old.

The prices are $35 for male cats, $40 for female cats, $40 for male dogs and $45 to $90 for female dogs, depending on the weight. SPOT offers low-cost spay/neuter vouchers online at www.SPOTusa.org. Call (727) 545-3463.

CLEARWATER

Scholarships available from Italy groups

Applications for two $1,000 scholarships are available from the Clearwater chapter of the Order Sons of Italy in America.

The Daughters of Italy Lodge 2825 is offering two $1,000 scholarships. Applicants must be 2007 Florida high school graduates and of Italian descent. To receive an application or for more information, call Daughters of Italy Lodge 2825 scholarship chairwoman Clara Shaw at (727) 785-6428.

Also available are applications for a $1,000 scholarship offered by the Grand Lodge of Florida, Order Sons of Italy in America. Information and applications can be found at www.daughtersofitaly.com.

CLEARWATER

Clothes to Kids needs money for warm items

Clothes to Kids, a nonprofit that provides free new and gently used clothing to low-income children in Pinellas County, is seeking monetary donations to help stock the store with warm clothes and jackets. Donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to P.O. Box 184, Dunedin, FL 34697 or dropped off at the store, 1059 N Hercules Ave., Clearwater. Call (727) 441-5050.

CLEARWATER

Jewish center to run Alzheimer's program

The Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center has been chosen by the Brookdale Foundation in New York to receive funding for a program to help people with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia and their family caregivers.

The program will take place at the Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center one day a week from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The program will provide an opportunity for Alzheimer's patients to enjoy stimulating mental, physical and social activities such as intergenerational sing-alongs, word and trivia games, reminiscing and indoor chair exercises. Patients also will receive a morning snack and a kosher lunch.

The program will provide caregivers time to relax, run errands or use the Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center's resources. It also will include a biweekly caregiver support group.

The program is expected to begin early this year. To learn more or to apply, call Jeanette Brownstein at (727) 302-3737.

PALM HARBOR

Volunteer to teach someone to read

The Palm Harbor Literacy Council is seeking volunteers who wish to become one-on-one tutors to teach reading, writing and spoken English to anyone who needs help.

The Literacy Council has a significant waiting list of adults waiting for tutors to help them learn English.

Tutoring sessions are scheduled at the convenience of the tutor and student, usually for 1 1/2 hours twice a week. All materials are provided by the council at no cost to the student or tutor.

New tutor orientation will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 1, followed by two teaching sessions from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 17 and March 10 at the Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave.

For more information or to register, call (727) 784-3332, ext. 211.

LARGO

Local vendors sought for Marketplace

The city of Largo is looking for vendors for the Harvest Marketplace, showcasing local food, produce, and plant vendors.

The Harvest Marketplace is a weekly outdoor community event in Ulmer Park, at 301 West Bay Drive. Handmade craft vendors are also being accepted.

The Harvest Marketplace is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday through April 26. For information or a vendor application, call 587-6740, ext 5014.

CLEARWATER

Recyclable electronics accepted Jan. 27

St. Petersburg College's Women on the Way program will accept recyclable electronic items from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 27 at the college's Clearwater campus, 2465 Drew St.

All donated equipment must be in working condition. Items can include desktop and laptop computers, monitors, audio and video equipment including CD and DVD players, stereos, radios and cameras, printers, scanners, fax machines, cell phones and inkjet and laser cartridges.

The recycling program will not accept small household appliances, copiers or batteries.

The dropoff site will be on the west end of the south parking lot, which can be accessed from Old Coachman Road.

Proceeds will help fund Women on the Way scholarships.

[Last modified January 11, 2007, 22:35:51]