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Community Calendar

This Community Calendar Page was designed to post announcements of events around the Polk County area. The announcements are listed according to the date of the event.

Click here, If your club or organization would like to post an announcement on this page.

Free Health Screenings, Every Tuesday

The Lake Wales Free Clinic will offer free health screenings to the public every Tuesday, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Clinic is located at 210 Dr. J.A. Wiltshire Avenue East, Lake Wales. The health screening will consist of measuring height, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and blood oxygen levels. A nurse will review with each patient their vital signs, along with a review of family and individual medical history, to advise patients what risk factors they have for such chronic conditions as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Educational materials will also be available on these and other conditions.

Patients will be screened to determine if they are eligible to receive treatment services at the clinic and, if eligible, scheduled to see a Doctor at a later date. To be eligible, a patient must have a family income below 200% of the federal poverty level and have no insurance coverage. Patients must have a photo ID. Regardless of eligibility, the health screening is free of charge to anyone. No appointment is necessary. The clinic doors will open at 4:00 PM. Patients need to arrive as early as possible, but no later than 6:30 PM to allow time for the screening.

The Lake Wales Free Clinic is a partnership between the Greater Lake Wales Healthcare Foundation, Lake Wales Medical Center, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners and the Lake Wales Care Center. For more information please call (863) 676-1222.

Benefit Concert, February 3

On Friday, February 3, 2012, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Lakeland Center, the Avenue Hotel, and Hall Communications will host a "Blast from the Past" concert at the Youkey Theatre in the Lakeland Center, with all proceeds benefitting the family of LPD Officer Arnulfo Crispin, who was fatally shot in the line of duty in December 2011.

Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased at the Lakeland Center or the Avenue Hotel. Please see attached flier for more information.

The concert features performances by Ken Brady's Casino's, Finesse, Lola & The Saints, Johnny Alston's Motown Revuew, and Dani Panic - Michael Jackson impersonator. There will be an after-concert party held at the Avenue Hotel, for a $15.00 per person donation.

36th Annual Pancake Breakfast & Craft Sale/Flea Market, February 4

The Kiwanis Club of Bartow will hold its 36th Annual Pancake Breakfast, Saturday February 4 at the Bartow Civic Center, 2250 S Floral, Bartow, FL 33830. Club members will serve their famous breakfast meal featuring pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and milk from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. Meals are $5.00 for ages 11 and up and $2.00 for ages 10 and under.

This year’s event will also include a Craft Sale and Flea Market where vendors can sell their wares and breakfast patrons can find great bargains. Craft Sale/Flea Market vendors can rent table space for $10.00 and table set-up begins at 6:30 a.m. Contact John Keating at 425-6022 to reserve your table space.

All proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast and vendor table rental will benefit the club’s many youth and community service projects.

Theatre Winter Haven, January 12 - February 4

Theatre Winter Haven located in the Chain of Lakes Complex at 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven, FL announces the cast for THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES. The production will run Jan. 12 thru Feb. 5, 2012.

The cast includes Sara Carey, Jessica Eastridge, Jenn Gravel and Lauren West.

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES is a cotton-candy colored, non-stop pop musical blast from the past! Featuring favorite songs from the 50’s and 60’s like Lollipop, Dream Lover, Lipstick On My Collar and Respect, this show takes us to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet the Wonderettes, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts and voices to match. Theatre Winter Haven is only the second community theatre in Florida to be granted rights to this off Broadway smash. This is a must-take trip down memory lane!

"An expertly wrought showcase of 50's and 60's pop music - It's tremendously fun." .........Backstage

This show will be directed by Scott Cook who was the director and choreographer for Theatre Winter Haven’s production of CATS. Lighting design is by Thom Altman, set design by Jim Beck. Phillip King is music director and costumes are by Camille McClellan. Tamesia Irwin is the Stage Manager.

Tickets are now on sale for this show. You can reserve your ticket by visiting the Box Office, by calling (863)-294-7469 or by going on-line to www.theatrewinterhaven.com. Adult tickets are $22 and Students 17 & under are $19.

Winter Haven Library celebrates Black History Month, February 2

In celebration of February as Black History Month, the Friends of the Winter Haven Public Library invite you to a very special meet and greet and movie screening. Florida filmmaker, producer and writer Kristy Andersen will present her acclaimed biography of Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun, featured on PBS in the American Masters Series, at 5:30 p.m., February 2.

Writer, cultural anthropologist, chronicler of folk roots and ethnic traditions, daughter of a former slave and first graduate of Barnard, Zora Neale Hurston grew up as the mayor’s daughter of Eatonville, Florida. A flamboyant and unpredictable woman, Hurston had great foresight in anticipating the importance of black culture in shaping modern and popular American culture. However, during her lifetime her words and conclusions were often surrounded by controversy.

The films’ writer and producer, Kristy Andersen, who at one time lived in Polk County, will present her film and discuss Hurston’s life, as represented in the film, as well as Hurston’s ties to Winter Haven and the surrounding area.

This program will take place in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Winter Haven Public Library and is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Cori Greear at the Winter Haven Public Library, (863) 291-5880.

Daddies and Daughters Dance the Night Away, February 4

Polk County Parks and Recreation will host the 5th Annual Daddy/Daughter Dance at the Polk County Historical Museum in Bartow on Saturday, February 4, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 17 and if history repeats itself, they will sell out fast.

Designed for girls ages 5-12, the unforgettable event will feature live music by a disc jockey, dancing and prize drawings. A pasta dinner and refreshments will be served throughout the evening (while supplies last). Other activities includearts and crafts, Valentine’s Day cartoons and free corsages.

Tickets must be purchased in advanced from the parks and recreation office or the Polk County Historical Museum. The parks and recreation office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Polk County Historical Museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tickets will not be available on the night of the event. No one will be admitted at the door without a ticket. Admission is $10 per person and space is limited to the first 260 people. “Couples” will have an opportunity to pose for a keepsake photo.

This event is sponsored in part, by Badcock Home Furnishings & More, County Seat Catering and Sun Coast Media Group (Polk County Democrat, Fort Meade Leader, Frostproof News, Lake Wales News, and the Haines City Herald).

The Polk County Historical Museum is located at 100 E. Main Street in downtown Bartow. The Parks and Recreation office is located at 515 East Boulevard Street in Bartow. Volunteer opportunities are available.

For more information, contact Alisha Glasscock at (863) 534-6911, alishaglasscock@polk-county.net or http://parksandrec.polk-county.net.

Visit Polk County on the web, www.polk-county.net, like us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/polkcountygovfl, and follow us on Twitter, @PolkCountyFL.

Gospel Music Concert, February 4

Gospel Music Coffee House @ Turning Point Saturday, February 4th. Doors open at 5:30PM with live music from 6PM - 8PM. Turning Point Worship Center fellowship hall 1400 East Georgia Street, Bartow. Admission is "FREE" & everyone is invited to come out & enjoy the great Gospel music, fun, food & fellowship with free drawings for door prizes!! A Love Offering/Donation will be accepted. Also if possible bring at least one can good to help local people in need.

Presenting in Concert: Central Floridas own "Amanda Massey" & special featured guest all the way from Nashville Tnn,the former award winning lead singer of The MidSouth Boy's "Bobby Bowen"!! For further information phone Richard Smith at 863-430-2410.

Fort Meade Museum Family Fun Day, February 11

It’s time to buy tickets for the Fort Meade Museum’s annual barbecue dinners to be held during the Museum’s Family Fun Day, Sat., Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Museum Park on 1 Tecumseh Ave.

Dinner tickets are being pre-sold by Museum board members, as well as at the Chamber of Commerce at 214 W. Broadway, Suite B. Cost per plate is $8 and dinner will only be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-ups are welcomed as long as ticket holders are served first and to-go dinners are available as well as on-site dining.

Train enthusiasts will get to visit the museum train on site along with a special model train display. Entertainment will be at the gazebo with activity and snack vendors on hand throughout the day.

This annual event is the main fundraising venture to maintain Fort Meade’s community jewel with current officers being Don Marchman, president, Wayne Guest, vice-president, Karolyn Nunnallee, secretary and Mel Parker, treasurer.

Museum membership for individuals is $15, for families $25 and folks can join while enjoying the Family Fun Day or by dropping by the Museum from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

For more information call the Museum at 285-7474 during museum hours.

Homecoming Service, February 12

Everyone is invited to "Homecoming Service" @ Eaton Park First Baptist Church 3044 Atlantic Ave., Eaton Park(Southeast Lakeland) on Sunday, February 12th. Service is at 11AM with special guest minister Dr.Roberts followed by dinner on the grounds then a great time of fellowship for all @ 1PM with some Anointed Southern Gospel music with Central Florida's own... "Crimson Flow" in Concert.

For further information phone: Brother O'Neal @ 863-797-3978 or Richard Smith @ 863-430-2410.

Greek Festival, February 24-26

Greek festival of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church. Come and enjoy a taste of greece!! Join us at 1030 Bradbury Road in Winter Haven,

Friday and Saturday February 24th -25th from 11:00am to 9:00pm, and on Sunday February 26th from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

Free parking! And only $2.00 admission donation for all three days! children under 12 are free!

live greek music & dancing!
greek dance lessons!
coking demonstrations!
church tours
delicious greek food & pastry!
youth entertainment
Attic treasures!
Greek grocery store & boutique!
Vendors!

Directions; From Winter Haven take 17 south to 540 west to bradbury road. From Lakeland take 98 S to 540 E to Bradbury Road 1/2 miles east of Spirit Lake Road.

For additional information call 863-299-4532

Pet Connection, February 14

Every year, thousands of pets are hurt or sick in their own backyard. Florida's wildlife and year-round warm weather presents a myriad of opportunities for pets to encounter injury andacquire parasites or diseases from the ground.

“Pet Connection with Dr. Mitsie Vargas” will be live online Tuesday, Feb.14, from 7-8 p.m. Dr. Vargas is joined by Dr. Donna McWilliams, owner of My Pet's Animal Clinic in Lakeland. They will discuss the top hidden dangers for pets.

"I have seen too many cases of toxicity that could've been avoided had pet owners known what type of landscape is pet friendly,” said Vargas. "Unfortunately, serious dangers to your pets can be found right in your backyard - parvovirus, parasites, rattlesnakes, ticks, and even rabid wild animals can harm pets and possibly other members of your family.”

“We’ll be teaching our online viewers what they can do to prevent these dangers," added McWilliams. “We encourage them to chime in with their questions and situations for us to answer.”

Online participants can access the interactive webcast at www.osahvets.com, www.theledger.com/webinars, www.lakelandlocal.com/pgtv or www.polk-county.net/pgtv to chat online and watch Dr. Vargas and her guests via a live video stream.

“Pet Connection” is produced through Polk’s Government Television (PGTV), in partnership with Orchid Springs Animal Hospital, and features new webcasts monthly. Unlike with a television show, Internet viewers determine the content of the program, with each webcast having a specific theme or topic.Future topics include: Top Ten Ways of Saving Money on Pet Care, Diabetic Epidemic in Pets, Pet Food Facts and Fiction, Is Your Cat Trying to Tell You Something?

After each live interactive webcast, “Pet Connection” will air on PGTV (Bright House 622, Comcast 5, and Verizon 20), and will be available on-demand at the above websites. For more information, contact Mitsie Vargas at (863) 324-6964 or email her at drv@osahvets.com.

Annual Walk MS Event, March 10

Are you ready to Move It to help those who can’t? The Mid Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society invites you to join the Movement to help free the world of MS. Grab some friends, recruit your co-workers and sign up for the annual Walk MS event on March 10 at Lake Parker Park. For more information, visit www.MidFloridaMSWalks.org or call 813-889-8363 ext. 201

A Gathering of Angels, April 21

Theatre Winter Haven's largest fundraiser of the year, A Gathering of Angels, will be held at the Historic Ritz Theatre, located on Central Ave., Winter Haven, FL, on April 21, 2012. This gala evening of music, food, dancing and a silent auction featuring art, jewelry and travel has been held at Nora Mayo Hall in January for the past several years. We invite you to join us for this 12th annual event that offers a magical evening of enjoyment at one of Winter Haven most historical sites.

Tickets are $75.00 and may be purchased at the Theatre Winter Haven Box Office, by calling (863)294-7469 or by going on-line to www.theatrewinterhaven.com.

The Co-Chairs for this fund-raiser are Lynn Oakley and Patti Bostick.

Citrus Lake Chorus of Polk County

The Citrus Lakes Chorus of Polk County, invities all men in the area who have a desire to lift their voices with other men who enjoy singing in barbershop fashion, please come and be with us... any Monday at 7:00pm at the Lakeland First Methodist Church on Lake Morton Drive in Lakeland. We meet in the adult choir room.

For more information please call President Al Smith at 863-815-9783 or visit our website at www.citruslakeschorus.com.

Auditions not required, but provided by trained directors, if desired, for your voice placement.

New Hazardous Waste Collection Program Available for Small Businesses

Polk County businesses that produce less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month can properly dispose/recycle it the third Wednesday of each month by appointment-only at the North Central Landfill’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility. The first collection day will take place February 16.

Quotes will be based on the quantity and types of waste materials to be disposed/recycled. Participants must complete a registration form and inventory sheet and may need an onsite inspection prior to participating. Waste materials being collected include: paint, solvents, waste ink, fluorescent lamps, used oil, antifreeze and other hazardous waste.

For more information, paperwork and appointment schduling, visit www.polk-county.net or Contact Andrea at (863) 284-4319 ext.203, andreastermer@polk-county.net.

The North Central Landfill is located at 5 Environmental Loop South in Winter Haven.

Miner Academic Booster Club

The Board of Directors of Miner Academic Booster Club would llike to ask for your support for our ambitious program of work for 2011-2012. Your contributions will be particulary helpful this year in light of challenging economic times and School Board budget cuts.

Please consider one of our sponsor levels of $5, $10, $50, $100, $250 or perhaps a highwe amount. Through our endowment fund, every dollar you contrubute is eligible for matching dollars, increasing the impact of your donation.

Our pledge to you is that 100% of every dollar donated to Miner Academic Booster Club will be used to improve and enhance the quality of education in Fort Meade!

Please forward your check payable...

Miner Academic Booster Club
700 Edgewood
Fort Meade, Florida 33841

Your contribution is tax deductible and you will receive a receipt for your donation. Miner Academic Booster Club is a 501c(3) corporation under the IRS service code.

SPCA of Lakeland

The SPCA, Inc. in Lakeland is in desperate need of cat litter. Any type of cat litter is welcome. Donations can be dropped off from 11am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. For more information, call the SPCA at 863-646-7722.

United Way of Central Florida

United Way of Central Florida's Let's Grow Initiative has received sponsorships to provide free books, through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, to children under the age of 5 living in Bartow, Fort Meade, Lake Wales, or 33801. To sign up a child to receive these free books mailed to their home once a month, call Amber at 863-648-1500 ext.228.

Sponsorships were provided by Mosaic, Folsom Construction, NuJak Development, Heartland for Children, Bartow Rotary Club, and Friends of the Bartow County Library.

Contact Phone: 863-648-1500 ext.228
Contact Email: Amber.Qureshi@uwcf.org

PCSO and Florida Refuse Partner Together to Fight Crime Through Waste-Watch

Waste-Watch is a partnership between the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Florida Refuse Service workers in which employees of Florida Refuse assist law enforcement by observing and reporting suspicious activity while out in neighborhoods during the normal course of their duties collecting refuse.

The idea for this partnership grew from Operation Bright Eyes, a partnership between law enforcement and Bright House networks technicians. The goal of partnerships like these is to enhance the safety of our communities by training those workers who spend their entire workday in our neighborhoods to be alert to their surroundings and anything that would be considered a crime or suspicious in nature. In a county as large as Polk, it is difficult for law enforcement to be everywhere they need to be. Programs such as Bright Eyes and Waste-Watch expand our public safety resources, resulting in increased safety for those who live, work, and play in Polk County.

So far, 185 Florida Refuse workers have been trained by PCSO to observe and report suspicious activity, through Waste-Watch.

For more information about Waste-Watch, please call the PCSO Crime Prevention Unit at 863.534.6677.

Civil Air Patrol

The Polk County Composite Squadron SER-FL. 274 of the Civil Air Patrol, Auxiliary of the United States Air Force will meet at the Summerlin Academy JROTC Class Rooms located at Bartow High School, Tuesday Nights starting at 6:30 PM till 9:00 PM.

Both Cadets (must be at least 12 years and no older then 18) and Seniors (Starting at 18) are invited to attend from throughout the Polk County Area.

For more information contact either: 
Captain Jon R. Petersen, CAP 
SER-FL 274 Squadron Commander 
Telephone Number: 863-221-4231 
E-mail: Polk274@verizon.net 
or 
1 Lt Robert-Gregory Gibson,CAP 
Telephone Number 863-632-7081 
E-mail: Gibsonserfl274@aol.com

For more information on Civil Air Patrol, visit the CAP website: www.cap.gov

Alzheimer's Support

The Lake Wales Alzheimer's Support Group meets the fourth Thursday of each month, from 1 to 2 pm , at the Lake Wales Care Center, 140 East Park Avenue. This group formerly met at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Family, friends, and caregivers of Alzheimer's or dementia sufferers are welcome.

Speaker's Bureau

Winter Haven Hospital is pleased to announce the services of our Speakers' Bureau. This is a free service that provides qualified professionals to present health-related topics to civic clubs, community groups, schools, churches, and other organizations.

Speakers can be provided to speak on a wide variety of topics that are tailored to meet the specific needs of your group. Four weeks notice is requested to assure availability of our staff. For more information and to request a brochure, please feel free to call the Winter Haven Hospital Health Connection office at 863-291-6705, weekdays, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

KnitWits Monday Meetings

The Polk County Chapter of The Knitting Guild of America, the KnitWits, meet each Monday from 10am to Noon at the First Presbyterian Church located at 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive in Lakeland.

Knitters of all ages and levels, beginner to advanced, are welcome to join the group. For further information, call 863-944-2806.

Viewing of Adoptable Pets

The Polk County Sheriff's Office, in an effort to help adopt out as many eligible animals as possible, has added a new feature to their website www.polksheriff.org. The link, located at the bottom of the home page, is titled "Animal Services Section".

The "Pet Harbor" is a brand-new feature offering viewers a searchable database of adoptable pets, in and out of Polk County. Customers can select whether they are looking for a dog or a cat, an age range, a gender and even a size. Photos of the animals are available at the click of a button, and are updated on a routine and timely basis.

The section also has a wealth of information such as laws, rabies, spaying/neutering and is very user-friendly.

Winter Haven Optimist Club

The Winter Haven Optimist Club invites everyone to attend there club meetings at Perkins Resturant on Cypress Gardens Blvd. in Winter Haven each Monday night at 6:30pm. Come enjoy great speekers on Community events. Service to youth has been the foremost principle of the Optimist Club for more than 70 years. Our motto " Freind of Youth" is exemplified by the various projects our club sponsors every year. Some of our projects include Essay Contest, Youth Appreciation, Oratorical Contest, Youth Sports as well as Scholarships to graduating Seniors to Winter Haven, Lake Region and Auburndale High Schools. Fund rasing events include our Christmas Tree Sale which we have done since 1972 at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven. For further information please call (863) 293-7972.

American Red Cross

The Polk County Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering Community Disaster Education presentations to the community, free of charge. The Community Disaster Education program teaches people how to prepare themselves, their families and their property for disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.

For more information about the program, or to schedule a presentation, call the Polk County Chapter at 863-294-5941.

Girl Scouts

Adult volunteers can have just as much fun as the Girl Scouts they serve. Adults can volunteer as troop leaders and advisors so that they work with the same girls all year. Volunteer opportunitites also exist for guest speakers, teachers for specific skills and projects, advisory committee members, and a wide range of other volunteer services to girls and Girl Scouting.

To find out more about becoming a Girl Scout volunteer, contact the Lakeland office at 863.688.7648.

LifeLink

The Polk County Chapter of LifeLink meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30pm in the basement classrooms of the Winter Haven Hosptial. For further information plese call 863-439-5347 or 863-679-8238.

Bartow's VFW Post 2405

Bartow's VFW Post 2405 is known throughout the State of Florida as a Christian post. Our post is involved in many veteran and community activities. If you are a Veteran of Foreign War, we need you as a member. Please contact one of the following men for more information: James Slaughter, Commander 863-533-9381, J. B. Sellers, Quartermaster 853-533-6267, or Andrew L. Ford, Chaplain 863-533-3445.

Polk County Litter Hotline

As part of its efforts to improve the physical appearance of the county, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners' has established a toll-free Litter Hotline. The number is 1-877-891-6430 and can be reached from any area of Polk County.

Polk County Litter Hotline....Call 1-877-891-6430

Citizens may call the number to report unsightly cases of extreme litter on County rights-of-way, including large items such as couches and white goods (refrigerators, stoves, etc.). During the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, the number will be answered by County personnel. After hours, citizens can leave a message on the answering machine.

When calling the hotline, citizens should provide the exact location of the litter on the County right-of-way. While not required, it would be helpful for the person to provide his/her name and telephone number to ensure that the location is confirmed, and so that follow-up can occur after the litter problem has been resolved. For more information, contact the Roadway Maintenance Division at 863-534-7334.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners' Hazardous Waste Section collects household hazardous waste Monday through Friday 7:45a to 3:45p, and Saturday 8a to 5p at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. The facility is located on SR 540 at the North Central Landfill, four miles east of highway 98.

At the facility, the county accepts household paints. aerosol cans, motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze, kerosene, diesel fuel, pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, cleaners, polishes, paint strippers, paint thinner, fluorescent tubes, mercury containing devices, household and auto batteries.

All household items are accepted during these times except biohazardous materials, i.e. hypodermic needles or lancets. No explosives or radioactive wastes will be accepted at this location. No waster generated by businesses will be accepted for disposal. For more information call the Polk County Household Hazardous Waste Section at 863-499-2771 or 863-499-2689.