“Antiques in the Park” Returns to Gulfport
Following the successful November premiere of Gulfport’s “Antiques in the Park” series, the show will return to Clymer Park on Saturday, January 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This outdoor antiques and collectibles fair is co-sponsored by the City of Gulfport and the Gulfport Lions Club, and is held in the first block of Beach Boulevard at the intersection of Gulfport Boulevard.
There will be a great assortment of vintage fun for sale at Antiques in the Park including estate jewelry, old pottery, art, china and glassware, clocks, old beer signs, tools, linens, toys, Florida memorabilia, furniture, primitives, and even vintage Aloha shirts. Admission and parking for the public is free. The raindate for the antique show is the next day, Sunday, January 3.
Antique dealers should call
727-421-0441 for registration or visit www.hulahula.biz.
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Audition for “You Can’t Take It with You”
The Gulfport Community Players will be holding auditions for the comedy, “You Can’t Take It with You”, on Monday, January 4 and Tuesday, January 5 at 7 p.m. Auditions will be held at the Players’ Back Door Theater, located at 4919 17 Avenue S. in Gulfport. This classic comedy will be directed by Eileen Navarro and she’ll need a cast of 19 people, including: seven females (mid 20’s to 50’s). One of these females must be black, in her 30’s. Eileen also needs another actress in her late 20’s who can perform ballet movements. She’ll also need 12 males (20’s - 70’s), including one black actor. There will be cold readings at the audition, although not necessarily all from the script. Performance dates are March 4 through March 14, 2010 at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater of Gulfport.
This play is set in New York City during the Great Depression. The play revolves around the very eccentric family of Martin Vanderhof, a former Wall Street tycoon, who spends his time throwing darts and going to college commencements throughout the city. His daughter is a playwright, while her husband manufactures fireworks in their basement. Their daughter practices ballet in the living room under the tutelage of a Russian instructor. There is also a dinner party that goes very wrong, ending with some exploding fireworks and a night in jail! Toss in a very complicated romance, made even more complicated by one set of the parents, and you have a very funny comedy that should be just the thing to start off the New Year!
This play won the Pulitzer Prize in 1936, and a few years later (after being made into a movie), it won the Academy Award for Best Picture for 1938. It’s a very fast moving play, with a lot of physical action involved.
All interested people are urged to try out for a part, regardless of their previous acting experience.
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Gulfport Centennial Musical Celebration!
It isn’t every city that kicks off its centennial celebration with an original musical written especially for its birthday, but that is exactly what Gulfport Florida is doing. A little over a year and a half ago, a Gulfport resident and well-known playwright, Gil Perlroth, teamed up with Gulfport Historian, Lynne Brown to create a never-before-seen musical. This tremendous effort on both their parts is premiering January 9 and will run through January 24th, 2010 at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater in a play entitled, Gulfport: The Musical.
The play is a joint effort by the City of Gulfport and the Gulfport Community Players to kick off the City of Gulfport’s Centennial Celebration. It is based upon some of the many historical highlights of the unique City of Gulfport, Florida.
Under of very able direction of Daniel Harris and musical direction by Bill Bryant and backed by a cast of 26 actors, this play is a history of the ups and downs of this small Florida coastal town by the bay. And quite a story it is!
Many years ago, The Great Hurricane of 1921 destroyed and changed the character of Gulfport forever. What was once a small fishing village was wiped out by that storm. People were starving and there seemed to be no way to make a living. Then later prohibition arrived, and what was left of the fishermen turned to bootlegging. Time marched on to 1980 when undesirables virtually took over the waterfront.
Today Gulfport has the feel of a small town, unlike some larger cities around the state. Gulfport is an extremely laid back community and the residents like it that way. To coin the old phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
The Gulfport Centennial Celebration of events will continue through 2010, but, for now, let’s pause a bit and enjoy a bit of history and see a great musical about this very special city by the bay known as the Gateway to the Gulf. Tickets are on sale now for just $15 each. You can purchase tickets in Gulfport at Eileen’s Resale Shop at 5401 Gulfport Boulevard S., The Gulfport Casino Ballroom at 5501 Shore Boulevard S., The Gulfport Chamber of Commerce at 2808 58 Sreet S. and The Beach Bazaar at 3115 Beach Boulevard S. Get yours while you still can! For more information, please contact the Gulfport Community Players at 727-322-0316.
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Get Help with Medicare Enrollment
With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period upon us, (November 15 through December 31), now is the time for seniors to review their current health care and prescription drug coverage. The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc is a local source for information and assistance to help them through this important period in Medicare. The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc., in partnership with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program, are reminding Florida Medicare beneficiaries to carefully evaluate their health care needs and seek assistance as needed with preparing for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.
With so many options among Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans, which vary by location, it is important for seniors to understand what options are available to them. Medicare beneficiaries who have questions or concerns about the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period have a place to turn and get objective assistance with comparing plans.
Specially trained SHINE volunteer counselors provide free information and assistance at several locations throughout Pasco and Pinellas Counties. Consumers can speak to a volunteer by phone. Call the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) and ask to be connected with a SHINE counselor.
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Garden Club to Hold Workshops
The Garden Club of St. Petersburg will hold a Coffee & Garden Crafts Workshop on Monday, January 4 from 10-12 noon at the Garden Club Center, 500 Sunset Drive S. in St. Petersburg. A materials fee of $3.50 for Garden Club members and $4.50 for guests and the general public will be charged to cover supplies. The workshop will be on “Making Something New from Something Broken”. Bring some of your broken jewelry that you no longer want and make a new fun items from it.
All craft workshops are open to the general public, potential new members and guests. Please bring your own scissors, pencil and small paint brushes. Coffee and tea will be furnished. For more information, call Betty Martin at 343-2255.
They will hold their Horticulture for Weekend Gardeners (aka the “Night Bloomers” Circle) on Tuesday, January 5 at 7 p.m. at the Garden Center. The program will be “Green Florida” by Mary Campbell of the Pinellas County Extension and wll cover every aspect of living green in your daily life. Help the environment, save money and help your community. For more information, contact Derri Davisson at derridavisson@hotmail.com or call 727-423-7644.
Meetings are open to the public but there will be a $5 charge for nonmembers of the Garden Club to help cover speaker expense.
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Howard Troxler to Speak at Main Library
St. Petersburg Times columnist Howard Troxler will speak at the Main Library, 3745 Ninth Avenue N. in St. Petersburg on Thursday, January 7 at 2 p.m. His appearances usually fill the auditorium so plan to come early to get a good seat.
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Expand your Boating Knowledge and Skills
The America’s Boating Course presented by the St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron is available to anyone 12 or older. Instruction is free. Cost of the materials is $25 per family. Classes are held once a week (two hours each Monday), for seven weeks. Completion of this course will enable the student to skipper a boat with confidence. Because most skippers will attend only one safety course, we believe it should be as comprehensive as possible. Plus, graduates are eligible to join the squadron and take advantage of all the other great educational opportunities afforded to SPSPS members. The class starts Monday, January 11 from 7-9 p.m. at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center, 250 Second Ave SE , Demens Landing, St. Petersburg. Pre-registration is required. You may do it online at www.boating-stpete.org or call 727-498-4001. The course chairman will contact you for confirmation.
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Friday Open Air Market in Treasure Island
The Treasure Island Chamber of Commerce announces that the Friday Open Air Markets has started every Friday until March (excluding holidays) from 9-2 p.m. at the Community Center, Market features arts and crafts, food, fresh produce, music, free parking and free gift wrapping during December. Rain or shine.
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Woman’s Club Holds Craft Competition
Members of the GFWC St. Petersburg Woman’s Club at 40 Snell Isle Boulevard NE will hold their annual Arts & Crafts Festival on Friday, January 8 at 1 p.m. A variety of works will be on display such as quilting, crocheting, bead work, painting and photography to name a few. Guests are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served. Winners from this event will go on to the Regional Federation of Woman’s Club Arts & Craft Competition in February.
For more information on monthly meetings, diverse activities including arts and craft projects, monthly excursions, book discussions, weekly sewing and card games or rental information of their clubhouse, please call 822-4982. Guests are welcome to attend all our events. GFWC St. Petersburg Woman’s Club has been serving the community since 1913.
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Abused Children Need Your Help
Be the voice for an abused or neglected child. Hundreds more volunteer Guardians ad Litem are urgently needed to be a child’s voice in court and the child welfare system. The average time needed is six to 10 hours a month. A Guardian ad Litem works with a professional staff and an attorney to ensure that a child has a safe, caring and stable environment.
The first training in 2010 will meet Tuesdays and Wednesdays evenings, 6-9 p.m. for five weeks starting January 12.
Call 727-464-6528 to arrange to attend a 30-minute orientation. For more information and an application go to www.guardianadlitem6.org.
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BPW to Meet
Frank Farkas, D.C. will be the speaker at the next Business Professional Women St. Petersburg/Pinellas meeting. Farkas is the Clinic Director of the Farkas Chiropractic Clinic in St. Petersburg. He will speak on health and wellness. The meeting will be Thursday, January 7. The group meets at 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House located at 400 Beach Drive NE in St. Petersburg.
Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at 12 noon. Meetings are open to the public but reservations must be made by noon the Tuesday prior to the meeting. Cost is $16 for members and $21 for visitors.
BPW St. Pete Pinellas is the local chapter of Business and Professional Women/USA. Founded in 1919, the organization is multigenerational and nonpartisan. The local organization’s mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.
For more information or for contact information visit www.BPWStPetePinellas.org or to reserve email RSVP@BPWStPetePinellas.org or call 727-471-8248 or fax 314 602-7823.
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Two Free Services for Pets in Need
People on limited income and those facing financial hardship can receive free pet food by calling to apply and make an appointment for pick-up. Pit Bull and Pit Mix owners can have their canine companion spayed or neutered at no charge, thanks to the Florida Animal Friends license plate program. Service includes pet vaccinations and rabies shots. Fix a Pit applications are accepted in-person on Tuesdays from 9-4 p.m. No appointment needed, remember to bring your form 1040 (individual income of $20,000 or less, add $5,000 income for each additional person in household.) Do not bring your dog with you. Located at 9099 130 Avenue N. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 11-7 p.m.; Friday, 11-6 p.m.; Saturday, 11-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Monday closed. For more information call, 727-586-3591 or go to www.spcatampabay.org.
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Join the Walking Club
It is almost that time of year for the walking club to begin. The walking club meets two Tuesdays of the month and every Thursday at 9 a.m. From there they travel to different parks to do their walking. Cost is $2 per trip. Please call John at 727-893-1079 if you are interested. Once they have formed the club they will put out a monthly schedule with a start date.
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Floral Design Class
A new Floral Design class is coming to the Gulfport Recreation Center in January. Laurie Marino, floral designer and instructor, is bringing her popular floral design class back. You will learn basic floral design and make an arrangement in this new week long session starting Wednesday January 13 and ending January 27, all materials and flowers (fresh) are provided. All you need to bring are your scissors. Step by step instructions-no experience necessary. Pre-registration with deposit required. Call Laurie directly at 727-289-4818. She can also be emailed at makeitandtakeit@yahoo.com. Only $22 per class or $60 dollars for the full 3 week session.
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Rescue Group Needs Foster Homes for Dogs
Florida Doggie Paws Rescue needs more volunteers and foster homes for small to medium breed dogs. Their mission is to responsibly rescue, spay/neuter, rehabilitate, foster and find permanent loving homes for unwanted, abandoned and abused dogs in the community and throughout the State of Florida.
There are many advantages to fostering a dog. Foster homes are not responsible for any vet bills or expenses. The rescue will transport the dog and take care of any veterinary needs. The rescue has a trainer available for you to use. In addition, they act as a support system that you can call anytime - day or night, if you have questions about the dog’s behavior, health, etc… You are not alone! But the best reason of all to foster is the reward of knowing that you saved a life.
Please fill out a volunteer application at www.floridadoggiepaws.com or call Florida Doggie Paws at 813-283-1695 and open your heart and your home to one of these poor dogs that just needs a place to stay for a few weeks until they can find their forever home.
Florida Doggie Paws Rescue is an all volunteer, foster based 501 (c) 3 Organization. All donations are tax deductible.
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Pink Flamingo Tour Home Search
The Pink Flamingo Home Tour date has been set for March 13, 2010! The committee is researching renovated homes from 1910 to 1950, located in the Beach Boulevard area and east and west of Beach Blvd. up to five blocks. If you have a home that you would like the committee to consider, please call Event Coordinator Dolly Tickell at 727-347-4747 or Act1@tampabay.rr.com.
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Apply for Sungoddess Scholarship
The 2010 Festival of States, produced by The Suncoaster’s of St. Petersburg, is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 54th Annual Junior Sungoddess Scholarship Program.
The Junior Sungoddess program, which began in 1956, is a scholarship-based program which recognizes high school Junior and Senior girls in Pinellas County who display community awareness and involvement, academic achievement and embody the values and poise to represent the Festival of States as goodwill ambassadors. Over $5,000 in scholarship awards were provided to the winner and two runners-up last year. Applications are available on the Festival of States website at festivalofstates.com
All applications must be completed and returned to the Festival Office by January 11, 2010. Applicants must be the daughter of a family residing in Pinellas County with plans to further her education after high school and must be 16 years of age by March 1, 2010.
The applications will be judged on community service, academic achievement, and three essay questions and will be used to determine the top 20 candidates who will serve on the 2010 Junior Sungoddess Court.
The 2010 Junior Sungoddess will then be selected from the Court based on leadership qualities, personality, poise and their ability to speak comfortably to the judges and large groups.
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1960 Class of Largo High Reunion
The 1960 Class of Largo High School will hold their 50th class reunion in May 2010. Anyone who knows someone in that class please contact them as they are still missing addresses. Other years may also attend. For information email DKLEAL@aol.com or call Dee at 727-743-3944 or visit largohigh1960.com.
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Annual Christmas Light Display
The Oakdale Christmas Display located at 2719 Oakdale Street S. in St. Petersburg boasts an estimated 100,000 lights. The display blanketing nearly 1/2 acre features hundreds of moving and animated items, lots of inflatable and lit up figures and displays, a walking yard tour that includes an 18-train HO scale model RR and a dazzling fiber optic forest. For the kids there are hands-on games and bubble machines.
Oakdale is off of Fourth Street just south of 22nd Avenue S. Operates daily from 6-10 p.m. Free. Visit christmasdisplay.org.
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Beta Sigma Phi
Sunshine City Council’s Ways and Means annual Spaghetti Dinner/Cook-off and Dessert Auction will be held on Saturday, January 16 from 5-7 p.m. at Five Towns Magnolia Club House on 58th Ave. and 79th St. N. Members and guests will enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner complete with homemade desserts. A dessert auction will be held featuring a variety of homemade desserts. The winner of the spaghetti sauce competition will be awarded the “Golden Spoon” for the year. Cost is $8.50 for adults and $3 for children 2-10 years old. For reservations contact Kay Ansel at 343-5117 or Linda Wilmoth at 498-7359.
Beta Sigma Phi is an international sorority which provides women with a social and cultural outlet. The 12 chapters of Sunshine City Council meet at various times depending on the chapter format. Chapters may participate and support a variety of service projects in the area. If you would like to learn more about Beta Sigma Phi, please contact Sharon Melton at 595-9625.
Laureate Epsilon Theta’s Executive Board will meet on Tuesday, January 5 at 7 p.m. at Carmelita’s Restaurant on Park Street. Elaine Penner is the hostess.
For more information, contact Sharon Ingram at 321-2849.
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Gulfport Lions Club Spaghetti Supper
The Gulfport Lions Club will be hosting their Spaghetti Supper on January 9. All their events support community outreach programs in sight conservation; four Pancake Breakfasts, a Shrimp Boil in March, along with our Fish Fry (September), our Spaghetti Suppers (October and January) and Journey for Sight (March). Some of the entities that they sponsor are The Florida Lions Camp for the Visually Impaired, The Watson Center for the Visually Impaired, the Conklin Center for the Multi- Handicapped Blind, the Central Florida Eye Bank, Southeast Guide Dogs, WUSF Radio Reading Service, the Florida Lions Foundation, our local eyeglass and examination program, local Scouting and Little League programs, and many more. So please come out and support your local Lions.
The menu will consist of spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread, dessert, coffee, tea. This is an all you can eat supper, so bring your appetite, your family and friends. Cost is $7 per ticket. Children under 10, $4. All Gulfport Lions Club members have tickets, so if you want to pre-purchase them, ask any local Lion. Otherwise, they will have an adequate supply of them at the door. There will be door prizes, so come on down to the marina area and visit with the Lions on Saturday, January 9 at 4630 Tifton Drive S., right behind the Gulfport Marina. They will be
serving from 4-7 p.m. Directions: go south on 49th Street to the stop sign at the water, turn left and follow the road around to the Lions Club. Their next event will be a Pancake Breakfast on February 6.
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Dog and Cat Shelter Seeks Donations
The We Care for Paws Foundation, a non-profit dog and cat shelter, currently houses over 45 dogs and 30 cats. Most of the animals are unadoptable due to medical problems, behavioral problems or old age, and they will live out their lives in peace at the shelter. We are always in need of items for the animals, such as cat condos; cat and dog treats, beds and toys; shampoo, flea preventatives such as Advantage or Frontline, heartworm preventative tablets (HeartGuard), towels and blankets. As always, cash is needed to help pay for medical expenses. If you would like to donate any of these items, please call Jan at 896-6315.
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Rotary Club of St. Petersburg
The Rotary Club of St. Petersburg Suncoast meets every Tuesday at noon at Gigi’s Restaurant, 6852 Gulfport Boulevard (Pasadena Shopping Center). They encourage those interested in becoming members to attend as a guest.
For more information, please contact Jerome Hendrickson at 727-321-8719.
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This Holiday Give the Gift of Giving
Gulf Coast Community Care needs volunteers age 30 and older for its mentoring program. Volunteers are matched with children who need a positive adult role model.
Many of the children are in kinship care or live with a single parent who is going to school and working. There is a special need for volunteers for children of all ages. Volunteers give the gift of time to one child and are provided social events and support by agency staff. No experience is necessary. There are no costs.
Volunteers spend a few hours a week in simple activities such as reading, fishing, baking, teaching a craft, or visiting a park with a child. We have children throughout Pinellas County waiting for mentors!
To learn how you can make a lasting difference in the life of a child, call Adults Mentoring Children at (727) 479-1841.
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Maximo Center has Community Information
The Maximo Community Police Resource Center, 4815 34 Street S. has
information for you. The Center, staffed entirely by volunteers, provides 2010 Census Employment Applications, free bicycle registration, free “Club” for select automobiles, free cell phones for “911” use only, a collection point for old eyeglasses which are used by health service agencies, lists and free shipment of items needed by our Armed Forces overseas and much more. Call
866-7177.
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Gulfport Women’s Club Annual Fundraiser
The Gulfport Women’s Club will hold their Annual Card/Game Party on Wednesday, January 27. It will be a noon luncheon at Town Shores Auditorium with games beginning at 1 p.m. Event includes door prizes and an auction of generous donations given by local businesses. It is best to book a group table for your game so book early. Public groups are invited. Donation is $12 with proceeds to be donated to schools and seniors. For information or tickets call Petie at 343-6450 or Julie at 343-6587.
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Bayfront Gift Shop Needs Volunteers
The Bayfront Medical Center’s Gift Gallery is in need of volunteers. There are three convenient 4-hour shifts daily. Along with the gift shop they are opening a baby boutique in the new Bayfront Baby Place. You will receive a meal ticket to their cafeteria, and free parking at the hospital when you work. If you are interested in becoming a Gift Gallery or Baby Place Boutique volunteer or would like more information, please contact Cyd Hendrick at 893-6878.
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Start the New Year with a Boating Course
Start the 2010 new year off with a Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Skills and Seamanship course on Tuesday evening, January 5. Programs are conducted from 7:30-9:30 p.m. each Tuesday and are conveniently located on the USCG base at 1300 Beach Drive SE, St. Petersburg. Call 727-898-1324 for information. Completion satisfies the state of Florida boater I.D. safety education requirements.
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Gulfport Tuesday Market
Every Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. you can find the Gulfport Tuesday Market on Beach Boulevard south of 28th Ave. S. in Gulfport in the Waterfront District. It is a free and family friendly event. Each week you will find produce, music, and craft and art vendors like Anne Painted Signs who offers custom painted and decorative signs for your home, office and garden. Contact: http://gulfport-market.com, info@gulfport-market.com or Leslie Gilchrist at 727-439-1485.
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Recession Buster for Seniors
Seniors in Service provides a tax-free income of up to $425 per month to income-qualified volunteers who serve as Foster Grandparents. This income does not affect eligibility for food stamps, housing, Medicaid or any other assistance. Volunteers must be 55 years old or older and serve for 15 - 40 hours per week.
Foster Grandparents serve in public school classrooms, Head Start centers and after-school programs. They spend their time one-on-one or in small groups with at-risk children.
Volunteers make a significant difference in the lives of the children and elders they serve! Learn more at www.seniorsinservice.org or call (813) 932-5228 for more information and an application.
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