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Letter to the editor

Start your year off right by volunteering

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 14, 2007

COUNTYWIDE

Here's a New Year's resolution you can get started on today: Pinellas County's Guardian ad Litem program is recruiting volunteers.

Nearly 1,000 children in Pinellas need a guardian ad litem. Volunteers advocate for abused, abandoned or neglected children and teens in the family courts and the child welfare system. The average time needed is four to six hours a month. As a child's advocate, the guardian ad litem visits the child every month, becomes familiar with the child's case and makes recommendations to the court to help ensure the child has a safe, caring and stable environment. Thirty hours of training is required.

Seven classes have been scheduled for 2008, and the first class starts Jan. 8. To schedule a one-hour orientation, call 727 464-6528. Visit www.guardianadlitem6.org.

DUNEDIN

Load up on food and more at green market

Dunedin's Green Market at the corner of Main Street and Douglas Avenue features produce, cheeses, seafood, plants and herbs, honey, all-natural pet treats, organic products, nuts, natural seasonings and fresh fruit. Market hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday through the end of April. For information, call market manager Richard Kendler at (727) 733-4215 or e-mail him at greenmarketmanager@verison.net

DUNEDIN

Hit the Pinellas Trail with Walking Club

Exercise your legs with walking and your mouth with laughter with the Walking Club at the Hale Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave. The group meets at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays to walk the Pinellas Trail. Call (727) 298-3299.

COUNTYWIDE

Musicians needed for Suncoast String Band

The Suncoast String Band is calling for musicians who play saxophone, banjo, violin, guitar and accordion. The band is starting rehearsals for the coming concert season. For information, call band director Tom Barry at (727) 738-4546.

COUNTYWIDE

Good at preparing taxes? You're needed

The IRS/AARP TaxGuide program, which last year prepared more than 4,000 income tax returns for residents of North Pinellas, needs volunteers. The program helps low-income and elderly residents prepare their taxes free of charge. Volunteers receive training that leads to IRS/AARP certification. To volunteer, call Frank Mann at (727) 726-7822 or register online at www.aarp.org/taxaide.

COUNTYWIDE

Old cell phones can be a lifeline for seniors

Senior Citizens Services welcomes donations of old cell phones to be distributed to needy seniors as 911 emergency phones. The offices are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and phones are distributed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Senior Citizens Services is in Belcher Commons Office Park at 51 S Main Ave., Suite 308-M, Clearwater. For information, call (727) 442-8104.

[Last modified December 13, 2007, 22:53:08]