Christmas Tree Recycling

Christmas is over and you are taking down your decorations.  Have you thought about what you are going to do with your cut fresh Christmas tree?  Consider donating it to Pasco County Parks & Recreation for use as mulch in the county parks.  From now through January 9, Pasco County will be accepting Christmas trees to mulch.  Drop-off sites are located throughout the county.  Please be sure that all decorations, wire hangers, lights, tinsel, etc. are removed from the tree before you drop it off.  For more information and for pickup site locations, please click on the link below.

Pasco County will recycle Christmas trees for mulch through Jan. 9 - St. Petersburg Times

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Holiday Help

If you are in need of assistance this holiday season, there are several community organizations you can contact for help.  Below are a few of the community organizations offering holiday help this year:

Boxes of Joy
Joining Hands Community Mission
3214 US Highway 19
Holiday, FL 34690
(727) 937-3268 - Ask for Nancy
Provides toys for children and needed personal items for adults.  Proof of West Pasco residency and meet poverty guidelines for eligibility.

Toys for Tots
Countywide
Christmas programs provided through the Marine Corps with DCF clients.  Eligible candidates must be current clients with the Department of Children & Families and submit an application to the DCF office.

Christmas Assistance
Salvation Army of West Pasco
8040 Washington St.
Port Richey, FL 34668
(727) 847-6321
Anyone in need of services who meets income guidelines.  Call for more information.

Opportunities for Giving

A couple of Pasco County agencies have set up donation drives.  If you live or work near one of these locations, please consider donating.

Holiday Food Basket Drive/Toys for Tots Drive
Pasco County Sheriff Office
Locations throughout the county
Collecting nonperishable food items, such as instant potatoes and canned vegetables.  Also collecting new, unwrapped toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive.
For more information on locations and dates, click here or call the Citizen Support Services Office at 1-800-854-2862, ext. 7736.

Nonperishable Food Drive
Hudson Regional Library
8012 Library Rd.
Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-3040
Ongoing food drive benefiting The Volunteer Way.  Nonperishable food item donations can be left in the bin in the library's lobby.

Thanks for Giving

It's the holiday season, and already the Salvation Army bell ringers have taken up their posts outside some of our local stores.  Metropolitan Ministries has put up their donation tents here and there, and soon we will be seeing Angel Trees fully stocked with ornaments, each one representing a needy child's Christmas wish list.

This is the season of giving, but, especially in today's economy, people need assistance year-round.  One very successful food drive can keep a food pantry stocked with nonperishable items for 4-6 months.  Consider holding an ongoing food donation drive at your church or place of business.  The United Way of Pasco County has promotional materials you can use to advertise your food drive.  Click here for more information.

Whether its dropping some change in the Salvation Army bucket when you go shopping, picking up a prepackaged donation bag at Publix, or contributing to Toys for Tots or Metropolitan Ministries, please remember your fellow human beings this holiday season and year-round.  Thanks for giving.

Get a Jump on Halloween This Weekend!

Can't wait until the 31st to get your scare on?  Try one of these community events this weekend!

Thursday, October 22 - Saturday, October 24
7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
The Haunted House on U.S. 41
Land O' Lakes Community Center
5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd.
(813) 929-1229
Haunted house with free admission.  Some scenes may be too intense for young children.

Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Halloween in the Woods
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs Park
Salt Springs Road (Behind Sears at Gulf View Square Mall)
Port Richey, FL
(727) 816-1890 or www.saltspringsalliance.com
Family event with pony rides, hay rides, haunted trail and more.  Admission is free, fees for rides, games & food.

Saturday, October 24
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Pumpkin Stroll
Railroad Square
Downtown New Port Richey
(727) 842-8066 or www.mainstreetnpr.com
Scarecrow making contest, scavenger hunt, crafters, fresh produce vendors, community garage sale and entertainment.

Saturday, October 24
4:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Halloween Howl
Main Street Zephyrhills
(813) 780-1414 or www.mainstreetzephyrhills.org
Hayrides to the haunted house, costume parade, safe trick or treating, bounce houses, games, food, live entertainment and more!

Free GED Prep

Trying to optimize your eligibility for available jobs by obtaining your GED?  Help is available!  The Pasco County School Board offers free GED test preparation.  Individualized learning plans allow students to prepare for the test at their own pace.  Contact the adult education counselor at Marchman Technical Education Center at (727) 774-1735 or Moore-Mickens Education Center at (352) 524-9033 for information on class locations and times.

If you can't make it to a personalized study session and you have access to the Internet, you may want to try the online tutorials available through the Pasco County Library System.  The LearningExpress Library database offers online GED Preparation.  To access the database from home, go to the Pasco County Libraries website, hover your mouse over the Catalog/Research option, then choose Databases from the revealed options.  Choose LearningExpress Library from the alphabetical list, punch in your library card number and last name when prompted, and you are on your way!

Fall Fun in Pasco County!

We're beginning to get some relief from summer's heat and humidity, so why not enjoy our Florida Fall with a weekend activity with the family?  Several festivals and events happen in the area in October.  Here are just a few:

Saturday, October 3
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
1st Annual Hummingbird (& Beyond) Festival
Pioneer Florida Museum & Village
Dade City, FL
(352) 567-0262 or www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org
Plant sales, hummingbird & butterfly gardens, arts & crafts, children's activities and more!

Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11
29th Annual Spooks 'N' Scoots
Sertoma Youth Ranch
85 Myers Rd.
Dade City, FL
(813) 626-0589 or www.abateflorida.com
Live bands, games, children's activities, food & drinks and more.

Saturday, October 10
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Scarecrow Festival
Meridian Ave & 6th Street
Dade City, FL
(352) 567-0284 or www.dadecitymainstreet.org
Kids come downtown and make your own scarecrow!  Scarecrows are available for 50 cents or $1, but supplies are limited, so go early and bring your own scarecrow clothes!  Carnival activities and more.

Saturday, October 10 - Sunday, October 11
Silver Hawk Native American Flute Gathering
Withlacoochee River Park
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd.
Dade City, FL
(352) 567-0264
Enjoy Native American flute music, arts & crafts and Native food.

September 11 Memorial

If you would like to remember and honor those who died on 9/11/2001, consider going to the memorial program tomorrow night at Sims Park in New Port Richey.

The event begins at 6:15 p.m. with patriotic music. The memorial program starts at 7 p.m., and will include a slideshow and a speech from Capt. Robert Raleigh, chief pilot of American Airlines. Patriotic art exhibits from area students and performances from area choral groups are also scheduled.

This event is sponsored by the Pasco County government, the Pasco County School Board, and the City of New Port Richey.

Pasco County Flu Shots

The Pasco County Health Department announces that flu shots are now available. Cost is $25, payable by cash or check.

ADULT FLU SHOTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Dade City Clinic
13941 15th Street
Dade City, FL 33525
(352) 521-1450
We strongly recommend you call and make an appointment to avoid a long wait time.
Walk-in: Thursday from 7:30 a.m.–12:00 noon

Hudson Clinic
11511 Denton Avenue
Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-5661
By Appointment Only.

Land O’Lakes Clinic
4135 Land O’Lakes Blvd.
Land O’Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 558-5173
Walk-in: Monday & Tuesday from 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

New Port Richey Clinic
10841 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 861-5260 Ext. 268
By Appointment Only.

Zephyrhills Clinic
4717 Airport Road
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
(813) 780-0740
Walk-in: Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Note: Wednesday is the best day)
Appointments can be made.

Joining Hands Community Mission

A wonderful new resource has opened on US 19 for those in need in Pasco County. Joining Hands Community Mission, Inc. is now open and operating at the site formerly known as Community United Methodist Church, 3214 U.S. Highway 19 in Holiday.

Joining Hands is a faith-based social service agency supported by Metropolitan Ministries and Gulf Central District UMC. Its resource center offers evaluation and emergency assistance to people in financial distress. Emergency food provisions and clothing are available, as is assistance in locating shelter, if necessary. Joining Hands is also an ACCESS Florida Community Partner, offering assistance in applying for food stamps, Medicaid, and temporary cash assistance.

In the future, Joining Hands is planning to offer transitional housing.

For more information or to help, call the mission at (727) 937-3268.

GreenFiber Community Recycling Program

Would you like a convenient way to recycle your newspapers? How about your phone books, cereal boxes, construction paper, gift wrap, or magazines? You may need to look no further than the parking lot of your local Pasco County public school.

The Pasco County School District and US GreenFiber, LLC have joined forces to create a community paper recycling program. Participating schools will earn 100% revenue from the recycled products. You will save money by not having to use as many garbage bags!

For a list of participating Pasco County schools and hours that the GreenFiber container can be accessed, CLICK HERE. When you go to drop off your paper products, just look for the big bright green containers in the parking lot.

Help save the planet and help our community schools!

School Supplies

It's that time again - time for Back to School Shopping! If you, like so many others, are wondering how you are going to afford your child's school supplies, perhaps one of the following events can help!

Back 2 School Festival
Saturday, August 1
10 a.m. - 12 Noon
Alice Hall
38116 Fifth Ave.
Zephyrhills, FL
This event is sponsored by HIS Storehouse Outreach & Thrift Center and will offer free backpacks and school supplies, free food, carnival games for kids and a coupon for a $5 kid's haircut at Artistic Hair. Donations of school supplies and backpacks are still being accepted, and can be dropped off at the Thrift Center at 35362 State Road 54 during business hours (10-5 weekdays or 10-2 Saturday).

Joining Hands Kids Camp
August 3 - August 7
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Joining Hands Community Mission
3214 U.S. Hwy 19
Holiday, FL
A weeklong day camp for children whose families are experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. Campers will receive a healthy breakfast, lunch and snack and will experience many fun crafts and activities. At the end of the week, each camper will receive a new pair of shoes and a back-to-school backpack filled with school supplies. Call (727) 937-3268 for more information.

School Supply Giveaway
Saturday, August 8
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Victory Apostolic Church
102 Lake Hobbs Rd.
Lutz, FL
Free backpacks and school supplies will be provided. Call (813) 949-9001 for more information.

Backpack Giveaway
Saturday, August 8
Life Point Christian Church
6219 River Rd.
New Port Richey, FL
Free backpack giveaway. Call (727) 849-1251 for more information, to register, or if you would like to donate a backpack.

Back-to-School Sunday
Sunday, August 23
8:10 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:20 a.m.
Calvary Chapel Worship Center
6825 Trouble Creek Rd.
New Port Richey, FL
Attend any one of the three church services on this date and you could receive a free backpack. Online pre-registration is required. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Pre-registration does not guarantee you will receive a backpack, however there will also be free haircuts, games, prizes, ice cream sundaes and more.

Sign Up Now for the Coastal Cleanup!

Sign up now for the 24th Annual International Coastal Cleanup Day. Held the third Saturday in September (September 19th this year) from 8 a.m. until 12 noon, the Coastal Cleanup Day is when thousands of people around the world join together to clean up trash and debris from our coastlines.

The Pasco County Coastal Cleanup is coordinated by Jennifer Seney, Pasco County's Recycling Coordinator. Numerous sites throughout the county are being targeted, including some inland sites, so if you live in East or Central Pasco County, there is still a site near you! For volunteer group contact information or to sign up a group of your own, call Jennifer at 727-847-8041, 813-996-7341 ext. 8041, or 352-521-4274 ext. 8041.

If you want to help with an ongoing effort to reduce fishing debris, volunteer to be a Pier Walker! These dedicated volunteers walk the lengths of the fishing piers in the Tampa Bay area collecting discarded fishing lines and disposing of them in the monofilament recycling bins. They also communicate to fishermen the importance of properly disposing of their monofilament lines and other debris. Click here to visit their website for more information.

Caring & Sharing Center for Independent Living

If you have a disability, you know how difficult it can be to perform basic daily activities. The Caring and Sharing Center for Independent Living, Inc. (CASCIL) can help. They offer assistance in obtaining assistive technology, durable medical equipment, home modification, independent skills training, and more. A majority of the staff and the board of directors of CASCIL have significant disabilities, so they are aware of the challenges of living with a disability and are dedicated to promoting the empowerment and self-determination of people with disabilities.

For more information, visit their website at cascil.org, or give them a call at (866) 539-7550 (Toll-Free).

Fireworks!

If you are looking for Pasco County fireworks displays, look no further!

Sparklebration will be returning to Dade City on July 3rd and 4th. Located at the Pasco County Fairgrounds at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City, FL, this annual event will include The Star-Spangled Spectacular, a night of patriotic music starting at 7:00 p.m. on July 3rd. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the show. On July 4th, the gates open at 4 p.m. and the fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, children 10 and under get in free. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Visit their website (linked above) for more information and a complete schedule of events.


On the west side of Pasco County, the Hudson Americana Music Fest will be an all-day celebration on July 4th at the Angelus, located at 12413 Hudson Avenue, Hudson, FL. Advance tickets are available for $5 each at Patriotic Fireworks locations, The Angelus, or Pape Kibos on Hudson Beach. Tickets will also be available for $7 at the gate. The gates will open at 10 a.m. Ten bands are scheduled to perform, starting at 11 a.m. Art, craft and food vendors will also be present.

Family Fun & Safety Celebration - June 27

A Family Fun and Safety Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Goin' Postal headquarters, located at 4941 Fourth St. on the east side of Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills.


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Activities will include child fingerprinting and identification, courtesy of the Zephyrhills Police Department; information about shaken baby syndrome, the Back to Sleep program, and the WIC food and nutrition service; a giant safety jigsaw program; and free family yoga and tai chi classes.

Fun will be had by all with face painting, music, a bounce house, chalk art and much more!

Teen Safe Driving Classes

The Pasco Sheriff's Office is offering 2-day safe driving courses for teens through the month of July. Certificates of completion may entitle the driver to lower car insurance premiums. Courses are hands-on and will include such topics as evasive driving measures.

Participants must have a valid driver's license (not a learner's permit) and their own vehicle. Contact Mary Hopkins at (813) 929-1376 for a list of courses and dates and to register.

Wesley Chapel Pill Drop - June 13

Pasco Sheriff's Office deputies will be collecting expired and unused medications, pills, liquids, and needles from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. You can drop off your unneeded medications without even leaving your car by using the convenient drive-thru lane. The medications will be properly destroyed by the Sheriff's Office Property Evidence Section.

The pill drop will take place at:

28232 State Road 54
Wesley Chapel, FL.


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For more information, contact Kevin Doll, Public Information Director, at (727) 844-7759.

Free HIV Screenings

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, the Pasco County Health Department will be offering free OraSure HIV testing at the following locations, dates and times:

Thursday, June 25
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Spirit of Life Metropolitan Community Church
4133 Thys Road
New Port Richey, FL

Friday, June 26
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Pasco County Health Department Clinic
10841 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL

Testing is confidential. For more information, call Pat at (727) 861-5260, ext. 172.

Operation Medicine Cabinet, Saturday May 30

Do you have expired or unneeded prescription or over-the-counter medications that need to be properly disposed of? If you live in West Pasco, take advantage of Operation Medicine Cabinet this Saturday at three local Sweetbay locations from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Pasco County Sheriff's Office and the local chapter of the Substance Abuse Coalition are sponsoring this event.

The participating Sweetbays are located at 8833 Mitchell Blvd., Trinity; 6400 Massachusetts, New Port Richey; and 9017 S.R. 52, Hudson. Click on the link below for more details.

Operation Medicine Cabinet coming Saturday

Electronics Recycling Programs

Do you have an old TV, computer monitor, or other electronic device that you need to dispose of? Pasco County is hosting an electronics amnesty day on May 30, where you can recycle your electronics FREE of charge at the Hays Road Recycling Center, located at 14230 Hays Road in Spring Hill from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Quantity is limited to 5 items per vehicle.

Call (727) 847-8041 for more information.

Lost Your Job? Free Meds From Pfizer

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals is offering more than 70 of its prescription drugs to people who have lost their jobs and health insurance since January 1 of this year through the Pfizer MAINTAIN program. Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2009, and applicants will be eligible to receive the free medications for one year or until they obtain insurance.

Applicants must sign a statement that they are experiencing financial hardship as well as provide a copy of their "pink slip" or similar employer notice. Applicants must have been on the Pfizer medication for at least 3 months.

Currently, interested people can call Pfizer at 866-706-2400 to sign up. Starting in July, online applications will be accepted through their website, http://www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com

Financial Health Workshop - May 16

Community United Methodist Church will be hosting a Financial Health Workshop for Families on Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, where you can learn all about how to keep your finances under control.

There will be something for all ages, plus free breakfast and lunch and door prizes. The first 50 kids will also get a free gift!

Community United Methodist Church is located at 3214 U.S. Hwy 19 in Holiday.


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Sponsored by the Prosperity Campaign of Pasco County.

Lots of Weekend Events!

If you are looking for fun activities this weekend, you are in luck! The following are just a few of the events happening in Pasco County this Mother's Day weekend:

Cotee River Seafood Festival
May 8, 9, & 10
Friday 5-11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sims Park & Orange Lake
Downtown New Port Richey
The festival includes a boat show, a classic car show, live alligator shows, arts & crafts vendors, bounce houses for the kids, live music, and lots of food!

Music & Motorcycles
May 9, 4-9 p.m.
5th Avenue
Downtown Zephyrhills
Bike show and casino

Mother's Day Native American Pow Wow
May 8, 9 & 10
Withlacoochee River Park
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd
Dade City
Experience Native American food, music, dance and more at this annual event. $2 admission, children 12 and under free. Call (352) 567-0264 for more information.

Mother's Day Celebration
May 9, 6:30 p.m.
Shops at Longleaf
3104 Town Ave.
New Port Richey
Live music, free carnations for moms, free chair massages for moms, craft stations for kids, horse-drawn wagon rides ($5 per person), raffle prizes and more.

Mailbox Food Drive - May 9

This Saturday, May 9, your letter carrier will be collecting nonperishable food items to add to area food banks. Publix is contributing specially-printed plastic bags you can use to set the food out by your mailbox on that day. Look for the bags in your mailbox this week and give what you can, if you can. Click on the link below for more information.

Letter Carrier Food Drive to collect donations May 9

2009 Summer Swim Lessons

Prime beach and pool season is upon us and it's time to start thinking about water safety! If you or a child you care about needs swim lessons, registration time is here.

The Pasco County Parks & Recreation department offers swim lessons at their four pool locations. Cost is $35/session and each session is 8 lessons long. Contact the facilities directly for more information, or visit the Pasco County webpage.

Hercules Aquatic Center
38110 CR 54 E.
Zephyrhills, FL 33540
(813) 782-8215

Grove Park Community Center
4145 Fairford Dr.
New Port Richey, FL 34652
(727) 834-3285 or (727) 834-3286

Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex
3032 Collier Pkwy
Land O' Lakes, FL 33639
(813) 929-1222 or (813) 929-1220

Veterans Memorial Park
14333 Hicks Rd.
Hudson, FL 34669
(727) 861-3033 or (727) 861-3034

The City of New Port Richey's Aquatic Center offers swim lessons, too. They are located at 6630 Van Buren St., New Port Richey, FL 34653. Their phone number is (727) 841-4563.

Other locations that offer swim lessons include:

James P. Gills YMCA
8411 Photonics Dr.
New Port Richey, FL 34655
(727) 375-9622

East Pasco YMCA
37301 Chapel Hill Loop
Zephyrhills, FL 33541
(813) 780-9622

Swim safely and have a great summer!

Celebrate Earth Day!

Whether you celebrate at one of the following events or just make a personal effort to be more "green", enjoy Earth Day!

Kids Earth Day Celebration
For Elementary-Aged Children
Tuesday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m.
Hudson Regional Library
8012 Library Rd.
Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-3040

Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 25, 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Crews Lake Park
16739 Crews Lake Dr.
Shady Hills, FL
Kids' crafts, native plant sale, rain barrel demonstrations, environmentally-conscious vendors, and a ladybug release. Bring old mercury-based thermometers and thermostats to turn in and receive a $5 Publix gift card for each thermometer/thermostat! Gift card giveaway sponsored by Covanta Energy.

Keep Pasco County Beautiful!

This Saturday, April 18, from 8:30 a.m. - noon, join your fellow citizens to participate in the Great American Cleanup. This event, coordinated by Keep Pasco Beautiful, will coordinate volunteers to clean up trash from our parks, beaches, and neighborhoods. Last year over 26 tons of trash were collected by 750+ volunteers! Cleanup sites are countywide and include locations in Holiday, Hudson, New Port Richey, Dade City, Lacoochee, Wesley Chapel and Odessa.

To join a team, call Keep Pasco Beautiful at 888-6-LITTER. For more information about Keep Pasco Beautiful, visit their website at www.keeppascobeautiful.org.

Egg Hunts and More!

Wondering where the Easter Bunny will be the next few days? Feel the need to hunt for eggs? Try one of these festivities!

Friday
Jellybean Jamboree
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Park
14333 Hicks Rd.
Hudson, FL

Saturday
Easter Eggstravaganza
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Port Richey Waterfront Park
8119 Old Post Rd.
Port Richey, FL

Jellybean Jamboree
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Land O'Lakes Community Center
5401 Land O'Lakes Blvd.

Spring Fling
10:00 a.m.
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth St.
Dade City, FL

Easterrific Eggstravaganza
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Complex
6630 Van Buren St.
New Port Richey, FL

Huge Community Easter Egg Hunt
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seven Springs Middle School
2441 Little Rd.
Trinity, FL

Events and age groups vary, click on the links below for more information:

Easter fun in Pasco County - St. Petersburg Times
Huge Community Easter Egg Hunt

Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, Inc.

Did you know that over 4,000 people were homeless in Pasco County on any given day in 2007?

If you or someone you know is homeless or is about to be homeless, the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County has information for you. Find coalition members providing food, health services, homeless prevention services, housing, job assistance and legal services on their website. Click on the link below for more information.

Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, Inc.

2009 Summer Camp Registration is Coming Soon

The 2009 summer camp registration season is upon us! Whether you have plans for your child to attend a subject-specific camp or just want them to have some fun in the sun this summer, the Tampa Bay area has something for you!

For information about Pasco County Parks & Recreation summer camp opportunities, click here.

For Suncoast YMCA summer camp information, click here.

For Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA summer camp information, click here.

For other fun and educational summer camp opportunities in and around the Tampa Bay area, click here.

Florida Telecommunications Relay

Are you deaf or hard-of-hearing? Do you have a loved one who is deaf or hard-of-hearing? Try the Florida Relay Service today! It's easy - if you have a TTY/TDD telephone, simply dial 7-1-1 to connect with a household or business that uses a standard telephone.

If you need a specialized telephone, you can download the application here. Specialized telephone equipment is provided at no charge to Florida residents, age 3 and up, who are certified deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information, contact FTRI at Voice: 1-800-222-3448 or TTY: 1-888-447-5620, or visit their website by clicking on the link below.

FTRI - Home

It's Chasco Fiesta Time!

The Chasco Fiesta runs from March 19-29, 2009, offering eleven days of family fun and entertainment in downtown New Port Richey, Florida.

Chasco activities include a street parade on March 21 at 1:00 p.m., a boat parade on March 28 at 1:00 p.m., the Coronation Ball, a beef barbecue, live music, a street carnival, Native American arts & crafts show, golf & softball tournaments, flea market & antique show, as well as the 5K & 1OK races. New to the Chasco Fiesta this year is the Wine & Art Festival, which will take place on March 28 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

For more information, visit the Chasco Fiesta website!

Get a Real Live Person on the Phone!

Are you tired of navigating those automated phone menus in a futile attempt to talk to an actual person? Try GetHuman.com! This database of telephone numbers gives you the correct number to call and the correct actions to take to get to a real person as quickly as possible.

Didn't find the company you were looking for? Try get2human.com!

Little Everglades Steeplechase

Looking for something to do this weekend? Consider the Little Everglades Steeplechase! A fun day of exciting horse racing and people watching this Sunday, March 8, this event also includes a carriage parade, children's activities, and a Jack Russell Terrier race. Tickets are $15 (presale) or $25 the day of the race. Click on the link below or call 1-866-770-5954 for more information.

Little Everglades Steeplechase :: Official Website

See you at the races!

Cheap and Fresh!

One of the biggest complaints about healthy eating is that it costs too much. Here in Florida, we are fortunate to have fresh, local produce months before the rest of the country. Eating local fresh produce is not only healthy, but also cost-effective, since grocers don't have to pay a premium for shipping it in from far away.

For a list of what's in season now, visit the Fresh From Florida webpage and look for the "Fresh from Florida" label on produce in your local grocery store.

Animeals - Donated Pet Food for Low-Income Families

During economic lean times, it can be a challenge to feed all of the people in your family, let alone your pets. The SPCA Suncoast, in conjunction with Volunteer Way food bank, offers "Animeals", a program that enables qualified families to receive dog and/or cat food on a regular basis.

If you have the means, consider donating dry cat or dog food and treats to the SPCA Suncoast. They accept donations at the shelter from 12-6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Visit the SPCA Suncoast's website for more information about Animeals and the other services they offer.

The SPCA Suncoast is located at 7734 Congress Street, New Port Richey, FL 34653. Their telephone number is (727)849-1048.

Miss the State Fair? Here's Another Chance at Funnel Cake!

If you didn't get a chance to get over to Tampa for the Florida State Fair this year, consider taking a trip to our very own Pasco County Fair in Dade City! Running from February 16th through the 22nd, the County Fair offers music, rides, the ever-popular racing pigs, great food, and much more! The County Fairgrounds are located at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Visit the Pasco County Fair website or call (352) 567-6678 for more details.

Low Cost Food in Your Neighborhood

Looking for ways to decrease your grocery bill? Check out Angel Food Ministries, a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and contributing to benevolent outreaches in communities throughout the United States.

Each month, a menu is released with the contents of the basic box. Each box, or "unit", is enough to feed a family of four for one week, or a single senior citizen for almost a month. A basic unit costs $30 and contains $40-$70 worth of name-brand grocery items. Specialty boxes, including steaks and fresh produce, are also available for an additional cost.

Angel Food Ministries does accept Food Stamps, but there are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions, or applications to participate. Just contact your local host site for more information and to order.

In Pasco County the following are host sites for Angel Food Ministries:

HUDSON
Nature Coast Family Fellowship
Jacqueline Almond, Host Site Director
14832 US 19 North
Hudson, FL 34667
727-271-4662

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
Maria Hightower, Host Site Director
14236 Countyline Road
Hudson, FL 34667
727-856-8336

NEW PORT RICHEY
Christ Fellowship, Inc.
Tracy Taylor, Host Site Director
5718 Grand Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL 34652
727-773-7943

TRINITY/TARPON SPRINGS
Lakeside Community Church
Toni Hutchison, Host Site Director
475 East Lake Rd. N.
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
727-421-5942

Tax HELP!!

Do you need help plowing your way through your income taxes this season? AARP's Tax Aide program can help! Volunteer tax preparers will help you get your forms filled out for free! There is no age requirement for using this service. Find the location nearest you and contact information here!

Don't forget, you can also call the United Way of Pasco at 211 for this contact information as well as other services that may be helpful to you.

Happy filing, everyone!

Got an Analog TV You Don't Need?

With the transition to Digital TV transmission imminent, many people have upgraded their old analog tv sets to newer digital versions. If you are one of these people and are at a loss as to what to do with your old but still working tv set, consider donating it to PAWS for their thrift store!

PAWS is a non-profit, low cost spay and neuter clinic located in Port Richey. Their thrift store is located at 14925 US 19 in Hudson.
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Their phone number is (727) 868-2218.

Free Dental Care

On Friday, February 6, 2009, Dr. Vincent Monticciolo and his staff at Monticciolo General and Sedation Dentistry, 4350 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey, will be offering free dental care as part of Dentistry From the Heart. Dental services will be first come, first served and will take place from 5 a.m. until 7 p.m. Patients who are seen that day who will need ongoing care will be referred to community clinics.


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You Say You Made a Resolution - Part 3: Saving Money

In these uncertain economic times, many of us are very interested in cutting corners, pinching pennies, and living frugally. The United Way of Pasco's Prosperity Campaign is partnering with America Saves to promote savings as a way of life for all income classes. America Saves week is scheduled for February 22 - March 1, but why not get started now? Visit AmericaSaves.org to register and to access saving strategies and resources.

A New Place to Enjoy Nature

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is opening the Conner Preserve to the public for the first time this Friday, January 16. Events planned for the day include a ceremony, guided hikes, model airplane demonstrations, children’s activities and water quality monitoring demonstrations. Activities on Friday will begin at 10:00 a.m.

The regular schedule for the 2,980-acre property will be from sunrise to sunset. For more information, check out SWFWMD's website.

You Say You Made a Resolution: Part 2 - Lose Weight/Get Fit

How many times have we made resolutions to lose weight? How many times have we succeeded? Pasco County offers many opportunities to get up, get out, and get moving!

The YMCA is a great one-stop shop for your nutritional and fitness training needs. With a sliding-scale membership fee structure, the Y is accessible to most families and individuals. For those of you in West Pasco, visit www.suncoastymca.org for locations and more information. For those of you in East Pasco, visit www.tampaymca.info for locations and more information.

The Pasco County Parks and Recreation department has beautiful facilities and offers league sports, swimming, bike trails and more! See their locations and amenities here.

Finally, for sound nutrition and fitness advice, try www.healthierus.gov and www.smallstep.gov. A healthier 2009 is in reach!

You Say You Made a Resolution: Part 1 - Quit Smoking

It's a new year and it's time to start taking action on those resolutions you made! Many people pledge to quit smoking everyday. Some manage, some don't. Most ex-smokers made more than one unsuccessful attempt to quit before the quit "stuck".

If you are ready to throw out the smokes, the Florida Department of Health has some support to offer! Call the QuitLine at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW or visit their website for more information.

U-Pick Produce

For those of you who enjoy really fresh and really local produce, Hudson Hydroponics has U-Pick hours. Their strawberry crop is ready now. As an added bonus, there is no stooping or squatting required!

They have limited u-pick hours, so check out their current schedule at hudsonhydroponics.com.