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Florida Hospital North Pinellas employees donate backpacks, school supplies

 
From left, hospital maintenance director Kenny Livernois and human resources director Vernon Elarbee deliver new school supplies and backpacks to Tarpon Springs Elementary principal Lakisha Falana and team members Dorothy Freeman and Debbie Willoughby.
From left, hospital maintenance director Kenny Livernois and human resources director Vernon Elarbee deliver new school supplies and backpacks to Tarpon Springs Elementary principal Lakisha Falana and team members Dorothy Freeman and Debbie Willoughby.
Published Aug. 22, 2012

Health notes

As part of a yearly promise to assist with the needs of Tarpon Springs Elementary School's more than 500 students, Florida Hospital North Pinellas employees donated a truckload of backpacks and school supplies for teachers and students.

"We are thrilled to be able to provide much-needed school supplies and backpacks to our local school," said Vernon Elarbee, the hospital's human resources director and coordinator of the project. "Every school year, our employees are very generous and donate to our school supply fund so that our community's kids can benefit. We made a promise to the school a long time ago that we will continue this effort every year. I'm hoping we can keep increasing our donations year by year."

The supplies were delivered Aug. 16, a week before the start of the new school year.

Saturday

Heart and Hope: This full-day event is designed to help bring individuals who are at risk, families who have children with disabilities and the professionals that serve them awareness to options and rights that are available to them within the school system and beyond. Includes multi-lingual workshops, exhibitors, free lunch, guest speakers, a kids camp, door prizes and an IEP clinic with one-on-one assistance. Free. 8 a.m., Dunedin Highland Middle School, 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin. (727) 523-1130 .

Fit-A-Thon: Make up for those days you've missed going to the gym at this sweat-a-thon with free goodies, healthy recipes, chair massages, stress reduction tips and school supplies for children. Free. 9 a.m., Highland Recreation Complex and Family Aquatic Center, 400 Highland Ave. NE, Largo. (727) 518-3016.

Yoga and Stretching: Enjoy Saturday morning yoga and stretching outside at Sunset Beach. Sponsored by the Tarpon Springs Recreation Department. Classes are $10 per week. 9 a.m., Sunset Beach, 214 Shore Dr., Tarpon Springs. (727) 942-5628. www.tsrdonline.com

Sunday

Bike the Clearwater East/West Trail: Meet up near the entrance of Philippe Park, shelter 5, and enjoy the twists, turns and short "hills" of the Clearwater East/West Trail as it winds through several of the area's prettiest parks. Following the ride, have breakfast in downtown Safety Harbor. 24 miles at 12-14 mph. Helmets are required. Free. 7:30 a.m., Philippe Park, 2525 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor. (813) 598-4944. www.tampabaysundaybicycle.blogspot.com

Doga-Yoga: Meditate, massage and stretch with exercises tailored for you and your dog. $25, $60 three sessions. 2 p.m., SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave. N, Largo. (727) 586-3591. spcatampabay.org

Sibling Class: Becoming a big brother or sister can be both exciting and stressful for a child. This class addresses the joys and challenges. At least one parent must attend the class with the child. For ages three to five. Call to register. $10. 3 p.m., St. Joseph's Women's Hospital Pavilion, 3030 W Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., fourth floor, Tampa. (813) 443-3078.

Domestic Partner Planning Seminar: A panel of specialists will be available for domestic partner couples to discuss estate and retirement planning, advance care planning, available Suncoast Hospice programs and legal rights of domestic partners in Florida. Refreshments will be served. Registration required by Aug. 24. Free. 6 p.m., Suncoast Hospice's The Gathering Place, 3050 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg. (727) 523-3417.

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Tuesday

Tai Chi: An exercise class consisting of slow, graceful movements that strengthen both mind and body. $4, $3 with rec. card. 9:30 a.m., Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. (727) 298-3299.

Wednesday

Laughter Yoga: Laughter Yoga combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing to de-stress and energize your life. $5, $4 residents. 6:30 p.m., Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin. (727) 733-7296.

Simply Now Yoga: Simply Now Yoga offers a dynamic, energizing flowing sequence designed for all levels. Sponsored by the Tarpon Springs Recreation Department. Classes are $10 per week. 7 p.m., Tarpon Springs Community Center, 400 S Walton Ave., Tarpon Springs. (727) 942-5628. www.tsrdonline.com

Recurring

Recovery International: Abraham Low Self-Help System, a support group designed for people suffering from anxiety, panic attacks and symptoms caused by fear and anger, meets at these upcoming times and locations:

• 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Lakeview Community Church, 475 East Lake Road N, East Lake. (727) 942-4095.

• 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Grace Lutheran, 1812 N Highland Ave., Clearwater. (727) 942-9008.

• 10 a.m. Saturdays, St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1199 Highland Ave. NE, Largo. (727) 586-2585, or leave a message at (727) 525-1749.

The support group is free, but offerings are appreciated.

Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group: 9:30 a.m. Mondays, the Centre, 1500 16th St., Palm Harbor. Free. (727) 787-1837.

Nar-Anon Family Group: Meetings are at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Mondays, except holidays, at Crystal Beach Community Center, 517 Crystal Beach Ave.; 8 p.m. Tuesdays at First United Methodist Church, Educational Building, second floor in "the Parlor," 421 Main St., Dunedin; and 7 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Paul's United Methodist Church Annex, Open Arms Resource Center, 1897 Highland Ave., Largo. Call toll-free at 1-888-947-8885. Visit naranonfl.org.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS):

• 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays at Heritage United Methodist Church, Room 11, 2680 Landmark Drive, Clearwater. First meeting is free. (727) 726-2681.

• 9 to 11 a.m. Thursdays at Union Street United Methodist Church, Choir Room, 1625 Union St., Clearwater. Call (727) 461-7101. Email boots@tampabay.rr.com.

• 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Thursdays at First Baptist Church of Ozona-Palm Harbor, 610 Pennsylvania Ave., Ozona. The group meets in the building in the back. Call (727) 786-1484 or (727) 785-9564.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, (727) 501-2125, and 8:30 a.m. Saturdays, (727) 786-3113. Both at Clearwater Community Church, Room 103, 2897 Belcher Road, Dunedin. Donations accepted. Visit foodaddicts.com.

Celiac Support Group: Celiac disease, an intestinal disorder, affects one out of every 133 people. Although there is no cure, it can be controlled by following a gluten-free diet. Some find that going gluten-free is not easy. A support group can help. 10 a.m. the third Saturday of every month at Mease Countryside Hospital, Meeting Rooms 1, 2 and 3, 3231 McMullen-Booth Road, Safety Harbor. Call (727) 734-0561 or email bkelly1@tampabay.rr.com.

Mid Pinellas Brain Trauma Support Group: 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thursday of every month, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Christian Life Enrichment Center, Room 201, second floor, 1498 Rosery Road, Largo. Call (727) 442-1819. Visit midpinellasbraintraumasupportgroup.com.

Mail health news to Tampa Bay Times, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756; fax to (727) 441-4119; or email nbeall@tampabay.com.