Pasco Briefs for Sept. 29

COUNTYWIDE

Big brothers sought for Pasco youth

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay's "100 Men in 100 Days Campaign," the purpose of which is to enroll more male mentors, continues through Nov. 25. To be a "big," one must be at least 18 years old. Volunteers are screened and trained before being matched with a child. There are two programs: a school-based mentoring program and a community-based program. Volunteers are asked for a minimum of a 12-month commitment in the school-based program and a 15-month commitment in the community-based program. There is also a Sports Buddies program for men who have a particular interest in sports. The program is supported by the Tampa Bay Rays. Those interested in becoming a mentor are encouraged to attend an orientation and training session. Sessions offered in October include:

• 10:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 7, New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St.

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9, WellCare, 5113 U.S. 19, New Port Richey.

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24, Wesley Chapel Honda, 27750 Wesley Chapel Blvd.

For a complete list of orientation dates and locations, visit bbbstampabay.org and follow the "volunteer" links. Contact Deb Kristol-Irwin at (813) 997-6881 or debk@bbbstampabay.org.

HUDSON

Women's chorus kicks off 70th season

Thursday Musicale will open its 70th season with a concert at 3 p.m. Oct. 8 at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, 7922 State Road 52. The concert will feature the steel drum band from Seven Springs Middle School as guest performers. The women's chorus has undergone several changes for this season, including concert days, which are now on the second Sunday of each month through April. There is also a new director, Joanne Florin, and a new accompanist, Cliff Longcoy. There is no admission charge for concerts, but a $5 donation is suggested to help support the group's efforts to provide scholarships to local graduating high school seniors pursuing music degrees. The chorus is also looking for new members. Women who love to sing are encouraged to attend a rehearsal. Rehearsals are from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the church. For information or tickets, call Linda at (813) 415-7085 or Carol at (727) 861-7684.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Workshop available for young artists

The West Pasco Art Guild will offer a Young Artists Workshop from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 7 at 6206 Jefferson St. The class will include sketching and drawing secrets with guest artist Chuck Simmons. Registration is required by Sept. 30. The cost is $5 for children of guild members and $10 for nonmembers. Call Karen at (727) 271-1914.

TRINITY

Sponsors needed for benefit fashion show

Sponsorships are available for a charity fashion show that will benefit Gulfside Hospice. The show will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Heritage Springs Golf and Country Club. There are various levels of sponsorships available, starting at $300. Sponsor benefits include pre-event recognition, sponsor table(s) at the event and recognition after the event. Vendor opportunities for local businesses to display and sell merchandise are also available. The fashion show will feature Deiah Riley, morning anchor at ABC Action News, as the emcee. Fashions will be presented by Belk. Tickets are $35 each or $250 for a table of eight, if purchased by Oct. 31. Tables will increase to $275 after Nov. 1. Proceeds will support Gulfside, which provides hospice care for patients and bereavement services for families and the community. For information, contact Christina Miller at (727) 845-5707 or christina.miller@ghppc.org.

ZEPHYRHILLS

Library to offer weekly wellness program

A seven-week Whole Body "Tune-Up" wellness program will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, starting Oct. 7, at the Zephyrhills Library, 5347 Eighth St. The program promotes health and well-being and will provide information on how to manage chronic illness, healing foods and nutrition, meditation techniques for healing, herbal remedies and essential oils, and complimentary alternative healing such as Reiki and healing touch. The facilitator will be Karen O'Rourke, who has 35 years of holistic nursing experience. Classes are free, but advance registration is required. Send email to ihce777@aol.com or call (813) 355-3314.