PCLS Outreach Services

Summer Reading Time!

2012-05-29T16:02:00.000-04:00

Not only should you sign your kids up for the Summer Reading Club at your local library, but also check out these other free summer reading programs being offered by retailers around the area!

Barnes & Noble
Print out the reading log from the website. Read 8 books between May 22nd and September 4th and record them on the reading log. Turn in your log at any local Barnes & Noble location and choose a FREE BOOK from the Reading Journal list at the store!

Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Challenge
Read books from their selected Award-Winners book list, track your child's progress on the progress tracking poster, print out and complete the certificate of completion, and visit your local Pottery Barn Kids store to claim your free book! You can also enter to win a backpack full of books!

Help the Pasco County Library System Map Its Future!

2012-05-25T09:26:00.000-04:00

Do you use the Pasco County libraries? Why or why not? Let us know what you would like to see more of as we undergo our long term strategic planning. CLICK HERE to take the survey!

Paddling Pasco Trip #5, Sunday, June 10, 2012, 8am to 11am

2012-05-24T15:48:00.000-04:00

To Pasco Paddlers,

The Paddling Pasco program was created by the Pasco County Parks and Recreation system to encourage the public to get out and enjoy the great outdoors and the wonderful blueways of Pasco County. It is a series of trips planned and lead along the coast and coastal rivers; the goal is to paddle all the coastal blueways in Pasco County. Paddling is very good low impact exercise and this program offers the chance to meet others of all ages and abilities participating in the same activity. On each trip we try to incorporate a little more than only paddling, to enhance the experience and the memories. As part of this program we offer the 5^th trip in the series.

Paddling Pasco Trip #5, Sunday, June 10, 2012, 8am to 11am

This trip will be in partnership with the Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park citizen service organization (CSO), The Salt Springs Alliance. Here is the itinerary:

The trip will be from the state park to a small island called Durney Key just off the mouth of the Cotee River and then back to the state park, with about 1 hour on the island. Plan is to paddle along the coast to the mouth of the river and then head west to the island. Trip back will be more direct.

Low tide is at 1 pm. Winds in the morning should be light and may gain some speed as the day warms up. If you are a member of the CSO there is no cost, if not there is a $5 launch fee – money going to support the CSO and state park programs. The entire trip is scheduled to be about 3 hours with about 2 hours in the water, to and from the island.

This is a short trip, but visiting this small island is truly a great outing. On the way out we will travel in shallow water and look for sea life and wildlife along the mangrove shoreline. Scouting trips have experienced lots of rays, various species of fish, porpoises and several species of sea birds. You can explore the island, take some wonderful pictures, swim and snorkel in shallow water and grass flats or lounge in a beach chair and visit with others. One other option is to test paddle some of the variety of boats, if fellow paddlers would like to allow the opportunity. If you have not been to this island, I believe you will really enjoy the short visit and probably visit again on your own.

To register please call the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department at 813-929-2760, provide the number of paddlers and provide contact information (email and phone).

Other:

· For those that were on the last trip – it ended up a little longer and difficult than expected mostly because of the wind (I apologize for that). This is a shorter trip and there may be some wind coming back in, but this is a trip most should be able to handle. Please do not let the last trip keep you from participating in this one.

· There will be a waiver that each participant must sign on the day of the trip at the launch location.

· Please bring the appropriate launch fee.

· Consider bringing sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera (water proofed), snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, water shoes, towel, beach chair, and snorkel and mask (we will bring a dive flag, if you have one bring one also).

· Paddling Pasco shirts may be available for sale. We need to re-order and if the order is in, we will have some. Funds from shirt sales go to a donation account to pay for the shirts and to support this program.

· After the trip we would like to meet at a local restaurant on the water to discuss the development of an official volunteer paddling club to help plan future trips and events. There have been some preliminary discussions pertaining to doing a fundraising paddle to support cancer research similar to the land based events, and the potential of planning a day or maybe two of paddling programs to include recreational paddling trips, races, fishing contest, education and training classes, etc. Goal would be to have a variety of paddling related activities based out of one of the coastal parks such as Anclote Gulf Park. If you are interested in participating or listening in on the discussion, please let us know.

· Launch location – It is at the northern terminus of Old Post Road in Port Richey. Take Bay Blvd. off US 19 west to Old Post Road. Go north on Old Post Road. At the end of pavement, continue straight through the fence onto a dirt road to the launch location.

· Any questions on any of the above, please contact us at 813-929-2760.

· Please keep an eye out for email updates.

Volunteers Needed to Help People Understand Medicare

2012-05-23T14:31:00.000-04:00

Volunteers needed to help individuals

understand their Medicare choices.

We need SHINE (serving health insurance needs of elders) volunteers to help individuals understand Medicare and provide free unbiased information and counseling. SHINE is called SHIP in most of the other 50 states in the United States.

Specially trained SHINE volunteer counselors provide free information and assistance. Consumers can speak to a volunteer by phone or meet with a person for an appointment at our community outreach sites. Call the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) and ask to be connected with a SHINE counselor.

Do you want a volunteer position that is truly fulfilling and mentally stimulating? Then consider counseling seniors and the disabled with the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program. SHINE volunteers are both active and retired individuals from diverse career and cultural backgrounds. As a volunteer, you will receive initial training, continuing education and a supportive environment with dedicated colleagues.

SHINE is a free service of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, operated locally through the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco- Pinellas, Inc. SHINE provides free and unbiased Medicare information and counseling. For more information or to learn how you can volunteer, please call the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or visit the SHINE website at www.FloridaSHINE.org.

Pasco County Pedestrians & Bike Riders - Take Note!

2012-05-16T10:19:00.001-04:00

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council

Wine, Beer, & Cigar Tasting Extravaganza - Thursday, May 31

2012-05-15T16:31:00.000-04:00

Wine Tasting

Pasco County Residents - Protect Your Identity!

2012-05-08T10:47:00.001-04:00

The ABC Action Team investigative reporters recently discovered some Pasco County residents' Social Security numbers on some county websites. Click on the link below to read more and to learn how to make sure your private information is not compromised:

I-Team: Dozens of social security numbers posted on county websites

Movie on the Beach - May 11, 2012

2012-05-04T15:37:00.001-04:00

Movie+on+the+Beach

Mothers Day Weekend Happenings

2012-05-02T18:03:00.000-04:00

21st Annual Mothers Day Powwow
May 11-13, 2012
Withlacoochee River Park
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd.
Dade City, FL 33525
$3 donation to enter, children 12 and younger are FREE! Gates open at 9:00 AM daily. Food, fun, Native American music and dancing, and much more!

Many Bay Area attractions and restaurants are offering freebies for moms on Mothers Day weekend! Highlights include free admission for mom at Lowry Park Zoo, the Florida Aquarium, and MOSI. Click on the link below for all the details:
Freebies for Moms

2012 Pasco County Parks & Recreation Summer Day Camp

2012-04-20T16:44:00.001-04:00

Pasco County Summer Day Camp

Keep Pasco Beautiful! Great American Cleanup - Saturday, April 21 8 a.m. - 12 noon

2012-04-11T11:25:00.001-04:00

Pasco County Keep America Beautiful

Two Great Pasco County Festivals - April 27-29

2012-04-10T11:05:00.003-04:00

Cotee River Seafood and Blues Festival

Downtown New Port Richey, Florida

Live entertainment, craft vendors, children's activities, and, of course, SEAFOOD!

Blueberry Jerry Jamboree

2nd Annual Blueberry Festival

Friday, April 27, 1pm-10pm / Saturday, April 28, 8am-10pm / Sunday, April 29, 8am-8pm

Rotary Pavilion at the Concourse

Alric Pottberg Road (just west of the Veterans Expressway off State Road 52)

Spring Hill, FL 34610

Blueberry pancake breakfast, blueberries for sale, live music, kids' entertainment, and much more! Hosted by Short's Berry Barn and Faith United Methodist Church of Hudson.

Secrets of Using Social Media to Promote Your Business

2012-04-03T09:42:00.001-04:00

Secrets of Using Social Media to Promote Your Business

Pasco County Area Egg Hunts and Springtime Fun!

2012-03-31T15:00:00.000-04:00

Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the Bunny Trail...

Here are just a few of the exciting events happening next weekend in our area:

SATURDAY, APRIL 7

Publix Easter Egg Hunt
Publix - Apex
16560 N. Nebraska Ave. (U.S. 41)
Lutz, FL
(813) 264-5590
7:00 a.m.
For all of those bright-eyed, bushy-tailed bunnies, here is an egg hunt to set your alarms for!

5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth St.
Dade City, FL
(352) 567-3576
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Pre-Kindergarten and elementary school children are invited to join in a Spring egg hunt (NOTE: children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver). See how many candy-filled eggs you can find, sing songs, and get a balloon from Silly Sam. The hunt starts at 10 a.m. Don’t forget to bring your Easter basket!

Easter Eggstravaganza
New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center
6630 Van Buren Rd.
New Port Richey, FL
(727) 841-4560
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
FREE Admission
Bunny Splash
12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
$3 per person
Egg hunts, games, candy, and visit the Easter Bunny at both events.

Easter Eggstravaganza
Tarpon Springs Sports Complex
150 Jasmine Ave.
Tarpon Springs, FL
(727) 942-5628
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
FREE Admission
Egg hunts, pony rides, coloring contests, visits with the Easter Bunny, and more!

Jellybean Jamboree
Land O' Lakes Community Center
5104 Land O' Lakes Blvd.
Land O' Lakes, FL
(813) 929-1229
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
$1 per person admission
Candy scrambles for different age groups, unlimited train rides, and refreshments.

Little Sunshine Spring Festival
Little Sunshine Preschool
9316 Little Rd.
New Port Richey, FL
(727) 868-9100
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
FREE Admission
Food, crafts, games, raffles, face painting, school supply drive, Easter Bunny visits, egg hunts, & more! Proceeds benefit the Foundation for Early Learning in Pasco and Hernando Counties.

Paddling Pasco - Trip #4 - Aripeka to Sunwest Park

2012-03-28T11:48:00.000-04:00

The next trip (Trip #4) as part of the Paddling Pasco program is scheduled for Sunday, April 15th from Aripeka (Aripeka Road - Norfleet’s Fish Camp) south to the future Sunwest Park (see location on Google Maps or property appraiser’s website – southernmost blue lakes along the Hudson coast). We will give a first hand look at some of the plans for this project which encompasses restoration of an old lime rock mine.

High tide in this area is at 10:45am, therefore we will be launching between 9:45am and 10am. Please drop boats off at Norfleet’s Fish Camp ($2.50 to launch) no later than 9:15am and park cars at the future Sunwest Park site. Last shuttle will leave the future Sunwest Park site between 9:30am and 9:45am. Trip is scheduled to be about 2 hours on the water.

This trip will cover some shallow water (10 to 12 inches) and areas with rocks and oysters. The coast is nearly all mangroves and inlets and bayous. During the scouting trip, we saw dolphins, lots of bird life and paddled up one creek that was FULL of fish. Once we get to the future park site we may have some time to play in one of the lakes and perhaps allow each other to test out each others boats to see what we might be missing! Also, please consider bringing a chair and lunch (we plan to cook hotdogs) to hang out for a bit after the paddle.

· To register please call with the following information: number of paddlers, provide contact information (email and phone) and how many will need to be shuttled. Please contact the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department at 727-834-3278 or 813-929-2760.

Other:

· This will not be a difficult trip unless there is a lot of wind.

· Please bring a completed waiver with you on the day of the trip.

· Please be prepared to pay the launch fee ($2.50).

· Consider bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, camera (water proof), snacks and water, water shoes, towel, chair and lunch. We plan to cook some hot-dogs.

· We still have few paddling shirts available for $10. Please advise us of size when you register. We are out of some of the sizes, but will consider another order if needed. We can order long sleeve also, but cost will go up. Funds go into a donation account to support this program.

· Rentals may be available if there is enough interest by calling Down South Kite and Paddle at 727-771-5484 or Windsong at 727-859-0213. All arrangements must be made with these two outfitters.

Summer Reading Enrichment Programs for Children & Adults

2012-03-22T08:44:00.001-04:00

Reading Enrichment Programs for Summer

Swimming Lessons - 2012

2012-03-15T10:28:00.000-04:00

Spring has sprung and this year it's hot outside! Time to start thinking about the beach and the pool.

Help your children (and yourself) have a fun, accident-free swim season this year by enrolling in one of the many swim lesson opportunities in the area. Here are a few in and adjacent to Pasco County:

Suncoast YMCA
Various Locations in Pasco and Pinellas Counties
http://www.ymcasuncoast.org/find-a-program/aquatics

Tampa YMCA
Various Locations in Hillsborough County & East Pasco County
http://www.tampaymca.org/

City of New Port Richey Aquatic Center
Swim lesson registration begins April 14.
Check their website for more information.

Pasco County Parks & Recreation Department
Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex, Land O' Lakes
(813) 929-1220
Veterans Memorial Park, Hudson
(727) 861-3033
Pools open to the public in June. Contact the sites for swim lesson information.

Seal Swim School
Locations in Lutz, Tarpon Springs, and South Tampa
www.sealswimschool.com

Maureen's Swim Academy
Locations in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties
http://maureenswim.com/

Making Waves Swimming
Private and small group lessons in your own pool - Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties
http://www.makingwavesswimming.com/

College and Financial Aid Fair

2012-03-15T10:15:00.000-04:00

As a father of four children, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-09) understands that determining the next step for your child after high school graduation can be difficult for both parents and students alike.

Bilirakis is pleased to announce that he is hosting a College Fair from 10 a.m. – noon on Saturday, March 17th, at Palm Harbor University High School, 1900 Omaha Street, in Palm Harbor.

"Simply navigating the maze of the admissions and student financial aid process can make an already anxious situation even more complicated," Bilirakis said. "I understand how stressful this time can be, but examining your options early on can ensure that your child receives the quality education they deserve."
The free event is open to the public and will offer one-stop shopping for students and parents, providing them with the opportunity to learn more about available financial aid resources and the admissions process, as well as speak with school representatives face-to-face.

The college fair will feature representatives from regional colleges, local career education and technical training schools, and the service academies. In addition, the fair will include breakout sessions with admissions officers from the University of Florida, financial aid experts from St. Petersburg College, and representatives from the military service academies.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Bilirakis' Palm Harbor office at (727) 773-2871.

WHAT: College and Financial Aid Fair
WHO: Rep. Gus Bilirakis; College admissions officers and financial aid experts
WHEN: 10 a.m. – noon on Saturday, March 17th, 2012
WHERE: Palm Harbor University High School, 1900 Omaha Street, Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Confirmed institutions include:
University of Florida
United States Military Academy
United States Coast Guard Academy
United States Naval Academy
United States Air Force Academy
United States Merchant Marine Academy
University of Tampa
Florida Atlantic University
Devry University
University of Central Florida
St. Petersburg College
Rasmussen College - Land O'Lakes Campus
University of South Florida - Tampa
Eckerd College
USF - St. Petersburg
Keiser University - Tampa Campus
University of North Florida
Clearwater Christian College
pTEC - Pinellas Technical Education Centers
Nova Southeastern University
Pasco-Hernando Community College
Pasco-Hernando Community College
Saint Leo University
University of Miami
ITT Technical Institute
Florida College

Volunteer Opportunity

2012-03-07T14:11:00.000-05:00

Vol+Press+Release+March+2012

Quilt Show - March 9-11, 2012

2012-03-07T11:44:00.001-05:00

The West Pasco Quilters' Guild biennial quilt show is happening this weekend at Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson!

Dates: Friday-Sunday, March 9-11, 2012
Times: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson, FL 34669

This year's theme is "A Kaleidoscope of Colors". Scheduled events include a live large quilt auction, a silent auction for smaller quilts, door prizes, a boutique, food, lecture & demonstrations, a wall quilt challenge, and several vendors. For more information visit the West Pasco Quilters' Guild, Inc. website.

FREE Preschool Pass for SeaWorld & Busch Gardens

2012-03-06T09:39:00.000-05:00

If you are a Florida resident with a child who is 5 years old or younger, that child is eligible for FREE admission to SeaWorld Orlando AND Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for all of 2012! Simply go online and register for the FREE SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Preschool Pass. You will receive a voucher that you will need to print and take to the front gate ticket window of either park with a certified copy of the child's birth certificate.

Florida residents can purchase a 2012 Fun Pass for the price of a one-day ticket to Busch Gardens. So, if you are the parent of a child 5 or younger, you can pay for one day's admission for the adults and older children in the family, get your younger kids their Preschool Passes, and enjoy the fun of Busch Gardens for the rest of the year! For more information, to purchase your Florida Resident Fun Pass, or to register for the Preschool Pass, visit http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa.

Dress for Success - S.O.S. Weekend

2012-03-01T14:44:00.001-05:00

Ladies! Have a gently-used business suit that you just don't need anymore? Maybe it doesn't fit right, or you've retired or changed jobs and that suit is just taking up valuable real estate in your closet. If so, take it by any Dress Barn location this weekend (March 1-4, 2012) for the Dress for Success S.O.S. (Send One Suit) Weekend!

Dress for Success is a is an international not-for-profit organization offering services designed to help their clients find jobs and remain employed. Each Dress for Success client receives one suit when she has a job interview and can return for a second suit or separates when she finds work. For more information, visit their website at www.dressforsuccess.org.

AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Call for Applicants

2012-03-01T14:21:00.001-05:00

The AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program is helping win back opportunity for low-income, 50+ women by funding education, training, and skills upgrades that can lead to better employment and increased financial security for women and their families.

Since 2007, The AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships to more than 800 eligible women — facilitating their entry into programs they could otherwise not afford, and ultimately assisting in their recession recovery efforts.

The scholarship program is made possible by AARP Foundation with generous support from Walmart Foundation and AARP.

The scholarship application period for the 2012-2013 academic year will last from Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 9 a.m. CST until Friday March 30, 2012, at 5 p.m. CDT.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

It's Strawberry Festival Time!

2012-02-29T16:29:00.000-05:00

Our Central Florida fair season continues with the 2012 Florida Strawberry Festival, kicking off tomorrow, March 1st in Plant City! Open daily from March 1-11 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., the Strawberry Festival offers midway rides, live entertainment (racing pigs! sea lions! REBA MCENTIRE!), and, of course, strawberries for sale in bulk and as tasty treats.

Gate admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. Discounted tickets are available at area Sweetbay Supermarkets - adult tickets are $8 and children's tickets are $4.

For more information, including a complete concert schedule, directions to the festival grounds, and to purchase concert tickets, visit the Strawberry Festival's website at http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

URGENT NEED - DONATE BLOOD

2012-02-28T08:54:00.003-05:00

URGENT NEED

TYPE O NEGATIVE

Universal Donor

Trauma Blood

Please Donate

TODAY!

FOR DONATION LOCATIONS:

1-800-68-BLOOD(25663)