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Get an early start on spring cleaning

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 27, 2008

PALM HARBOR

Start on that spring cleaning early and get rid of your stuff. The Palm Harbor Community Activity Center, 1500 16th St., is looking for people to reserve tables for its second annual flea market on Feb. 2. Tables cost $10 for outside and $20 for inside. Call 727 771-6000.

COUNTYWIDE

Guardian ad Litem looking for volunteers

Pinellas County's Guardian Ad Litem program will soon begin training volunteers to act as the courtroom voice for children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect.

Guardian ad Litem volunteers visit the child once a month, become familiar with his or her case and make recommendations to help ensure the child has a safe, caring and stable environment. The average time needed is four to six hours a month.

Thirty hours of training are required, and guardians receive ongoing assistance. The next class starts Feb. 16 at Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg.

To volunteer and arrange to attend a one hour orientation, call (727) 464-6528. For more information, a training schedule and an application go to www.guardianadlitem6.org .

COUNTYWIDE

Parent Aide Program seeks volunteers

You can assist parents who are seeking help

The Parent Aide Program needs volunteers to help those who are looking to become better parents.

Aides spend one to two hours each week mentoring a parent.

For more information, call Kerri Pedersen at 399-5744, ext. 168, or visit www.HelpAChild.org.

COUNTYWIDE

Team ready to help spay and neuter pets

February is spay/neuter month.

SPOT (Stop Pet Overpopulation Together) is teaming up with local veterinarians in Pinellas County to offer low-cost spay/neuter for cats and dogs.

Any cat or dog at least 8 weeks old can be signed up. Special "neuterathon" prices: male cats $35, female cats $40, male dogs $40 and female dogs $45-$90 depending on weight.

SPOT offers low-cost spay/neuter vouchers available online at www.SPOTusa.org or call (727) 545-3463 for more information.

COUNTYWIDE

Are you good at negotiating?

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program administered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs is seeking men and women of all professional and cultural backgrounds who have concerns of residents' rights and are good at negotiating and advocating.

Mileage and meal reimbursements are provided at the state rate for all official ombudsman duties.

Call 588-6912 or toll-free 1-888-831-0404 to apply for the next training class.

COUNTYWIDE

Affordable housing, services at Goodwill

Did you know Goodwill offers affordable living options for people with low incomes, including seniors and people with disabilities?

Goodwill's Freedom Villages, in Tampa, Pinellas Park and Clearwater, offer one- and two-bedroom apartments. Heritage Oaks in Palm Harbor offers one-bedroom apartments for people 62 and older with low incomes.

The HUD-subsidized apartment buildings, owned and operated by Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, are architecturally barrier-free to accommodate the needs of people with physical disabilities.

There are often waiting lists for these apartments. Prospective residents should call the property in which they are interested to check availability or to be put on a waiting list. The four Goodwill apartment communities are:

- Freedom Village I, 7700 66th St. N, Pinellas Park, (727) 541-6620

- Freedom Village II, 5002 S Bridge St., Tampa, (813) 831-6988

- Freedom Village III, 1167 Turner St., Clearwater, (727) 443-6799

- Heritage Oaks of Palm Harbor, 2351 Alderman Road, Palm Harbor, (727) 787-0792

For general information about Goodwill apartments, visit the Housing page at www.goodwill-suncoast.com.

COUNTYWIDE

BOWser Games needs entrants, vendors

The Pinellas Animal Foundation's sixth annual BOWser Games is looking for vendors (nonfood), artisans and crafters to participate in the Feb. 9 event.

The games are a celebration of the human/animal bond where dogs and their owners can enjoy agility and disc demonstrations, participate in fun contests and much more. For information or an application, call 347-7387.

DUNEDIN

Reserve a vendor table for senior fair

The Hale Activity Center is looking for businesses and organizations to showcase their products and services for older adults at the 2008 Senior Awareness Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 25 at the center, 330 Douglas Ave.

Vendor tables are $50 and can be reserved by calling fair coordinator Mathew Eberius at (727) 298-3299 or by e-mailing him at meberius@dunedinfl.net

LARGO

Got rhythm? Join the drum circle

Bring a drum or other percussion instrument to the drum circle at 6 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at George C. McGough Nature Park, 11901 146th St. N. Listeners of all ages are invited to relax by the fire and enjoy rhythms led by Barry Skeete. Admission is $2 for those 13 and older. Call (727) 587-6775.

[Last modified January 26, 2008, 21:13:01]