2008 Calendar

January 2008
Upcoming events at Jimmy Keel Library
Visit us on Friday, December 28th at 10:30 AM for our INTRODUCTION TO GENEALOGY so you can learn
how and why who's related to who and dig up family history (and
secrets) for your next family get together.

by Friday, January 4th you've decided it's time for the offspring to
spend some time out of the house,
consider our special program for teens, GAME ZONE at 1 PM where they
can come and join their friends
for some technology gaming fun.

Finally to tie up all the season's memories, at
2 PM on Saturday January 5th, the Library will sponsor
SCRAPBOOKING 101, where specialist Julie Bateman will demonstrate ideas
and methods for creating a
scrapbook using your family memories and photos as she teaches you how
to create a starter page for an ongoing family project.

Jan. 8 and  22  The Governor's Commission on Disabilities' Transportation Committee announces a telephone conference call to which all persons are invited.
DATE AND TIME: January 8 and 22, 2008 from 1:30-3:30 pm
PLACE: The call in number is: 1.888.808.6959; conference code:9214170#.
GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The Committee is meeting to fulfill the mandate of Executive Order 07-148.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Stacia Woolverton at 1.877.232.4968 (voice/TTY) or commission@dms.myflorida.com
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 4 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Stacia Woolverton at 1.877.232.4968 (voice/TTY) or commission@dms.myflorida.com If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

Jan 12 and 13 The Foundation Fighting Blindness Tampa Bay Florida Chapter cordially invites you to attend a free seminar.
Tampa Seminar (RP & Orphan diseases):  What's on the horizon for retinitis pigmentosa, Usher, Stargardt disease and other orphan retinal diseases?

Calling 888-224-1733 ext. 143.
January 16th  Joint Alliance Meeting
2 - 3 P.M., Guest Speaker
3 - 4 P.M. Business Agenda and Announcements
Location:    Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind 1106 W. Platt Street, Tampa  33606(813) 251-2407
Guest Speaker and Topic: 
Senator Ronda Storms,
"Disability Advocacy in 2008"
A discussion on the implication of property tax reform and 2008 legislative disability issues and bringing your concerns to the table
 January 23rd   Project Lifesaver Meeting
The Tampa Police Department would like to invite you to an informational meeting to present “Project Lifesaver” and the “Medic-Alert / Safe Return” programs. To assist in locating and returning persons whom may become lost due to any number of mental or physical conditions.
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM Where:“To be announced based on RSVP / attendance”  Additional Info: Contact Officer Gene King – 813-276-3758 or Gene.King@tampagov.net

January 18, 2008 thru January 26, 2008, the 8th Annual Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival takes place.    A full schedule including times, locations and contacts for each event can be found at www.TampaBlackHeritage.orgJanuary or by calling 888-224-1733 ext. 143.
Hillsborough Board Openings Due Jan. 4th , 2008
 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SEEKS CITIZENS TO PARTICIPATE
 The following is a listing of the Boards and Councils for which Hillsborough County is currently recruiting. All nominees must be registered voters in Hillsborough County.
Appointments are voluntary positions and members serve without compensation.

 CENTRAL PARK COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CITIZENS ADVISORY  COMMITTEE
 The purpose of this committee is to insure that the interests of residents, property owners, businesses, and other stakeholders in the area are represented in key decisions  relating to the CRA Plan and Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
 budget for their area. There are two positions appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.Terms are initially staggered; subsequent terms are two years. Members should have a background or expertise in the
 redevelopment process, such as neighborhood planning, real estate development and/or real estate finances. Members will be required to sign a Sunshine Law and Ethics Code Acknowledgment Form. Meeting schedule: Monthly; date and time to be determined.

ENTERPRISE ZONE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD
 The purpose of this advisory board is to implement a strategic economic development plan for the Enterprise Zone. The State approved University Area Enterprise Zone is  generally described as located north of the City of Tampa boundary along Fowler Avenue, south of Bearss Avenue/Skipper
 Road, and between I-275 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. One term is vacant due to resignation. Position is for remainder of term which expires 9/30/08. Position is  specified as "a non-profit community-based organization  operating within the Zone." Meeting schedule: Every other month; at least annually.

 FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY BOARD
  This Board annually reviews and advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Family Child Care Homes Licensing Ordinance or the Rules and Regulations
 Handbook including recommending and assisting the local licensing agency in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel; advising the  local licensing agency on matters of licensing policy, procedure, and priorities; and proposes additional rules and regulations regarding the intent and purpose of the ordinance. One term is expiring and three positions are vacant. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: (1) a child  care provider's association representative; 2) a licensed family child care home operator; and 3 & 4) parents who have
> a child enrolled in a licensed family day care home.  Appointment to this board is contingent upon passing a  criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 3rd Thursday of the month, 7:00 p.m.
 
 HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC. (DISTRICT VI)
 This Council develops plans for coordinating the delivery and improvement of health care services throughout its district. Consumer publications are prepared to help constituents make  more informed choices for their health. One position is vacant due to resignation. Position is for  remainder of term which expires 9/30/08. Position is specified as a health care consumer over 60. Meeting schedule: Every other month, 2nd Wednesday, 3:00 p.m.

 HISTORIC RESOURCES REVIEW BOARD
 This Board serves as an architectural review board for the protection of historic resources in unincorporated Hillsborough County. It recommends archaeological and historical sites to the Board of County Commissioners for  landmark designation and reviews alterations and new construction on landmark sites or districts.

HILLSBOROUGH AREA REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY
 The purpose of this Authority is to provide public
 transportation services which are safe, dependable, and cost effective thereby enhancing the quality of life in our community. One position is vacant due to resignation. Position is for remainder of term which expires 10/31/08. Citizens appointed to this Authority will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Citizens appointed to this board are  required to reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 1st Monday, 8:30 a.m.

Anyone who wishes to be considered for appointment must  submit a completed questionnaire form by Friday, January 4,
 2008. Appointments will be scheduled for meetings of the  Board of County Commissioners in January or February 2008. The forms are available in the County Center, 2nd Floor,  Commissioners' reception area, downtown Tampa, or by calling the Boards and Councils Coordinator, at 272-5826. The form is also available on the Hillsborough County Web Site @ www.hillsboroughcounty.org.
You can locate the form by: 1) clicking on County Commission,  2) click on Advisory Boards and Committees, and 3) in the  middle of that page click on Application Questionnaire for  County Appointments. The form can be completed on line and  printed; however, the form cannot be submitted  electronically. Please sign the completed questionnaire and  mail to the address located at the top of the last page of the form. Note: prior to printing, please click the "submit" button at the bottom of the page. This will produce a printer friendly form and all the  information entered will be visible

Remember January 29th is Election day for Florida.  Early voting starts January 14th.  If you are not working for this election at least vote.  There are opening for up coming elections to work your polls.  Call the election office and ask for details.

YES! February Community Calendar 2008
9502 N. Florida Ave. Tampa, Fl. 33612
(813) 935-5696
Great news!! The YES! office is open and we are going to be offering computer lab time starting the first of the month.  You can sign up for using the computers at our Jan. 31st meeting.  We have plans to have the lab open Tuesdays for beginners and Thursday for members who are more advanced.  We still are looking for volunteers to have the lab open 10 to 2 those days.  Please call Becki or Rob if you are interested in getting on the calendar.  Remember this is a great volunteer opportunity and a take the opportunity to take ownership of your membership by volunteering at YES!.  YES! is also working hard to find volunteers for our other programs that will be restarting and there is a new need for YOU to join a committee to work with your board.  We will be sharing more about this at the YES! I can Educate Meeting..

Jan. 26th Saturday is the Kumquat Festival in Dade City.  Great time to enjoy a piece of kumquat pie.

Jan 29th Voting day from 7 to 7 at your OWN precinct (It is your responsibility and privilege so DO IT!!!) Remember at the upcoming elections they are looking for people to work at these elections.  Call the election office to learn more about it.

 Jan. 31st the YES! I can Educate meeting at 9502 N. Florida from 1 to 3.  Remember to bring your food items that your family will not eat to share with others.  Becki will be bringing kumquats to share (a good source of vitamin c).

Feb. 2nd Grand Opening of Freedom Playground at 11:00 at McFarlane Park on McDill Ave.  Please bring the family and a picnic to celebrate the opening of an accessible playground for all.  There will be events for the kids and us big kids also.  The Mayor will be there.  Come out and have a great time.

Feb. 2nd,Macy’s at University Sq. Mall is holding etiquette classes This is an experience for our children.  Call  813-269-4402 mor more details.
It's All About Kids", Wanda DeLaRosa and Rene Anderson info@itsallaboutkids.org  Subject: My True Beauty Fashion Show - It's All About Kids
www.itsallaboutkids.org
"It is better to prepare a life than to repair a life".
New in 2008

Starting February 2008 It's All About Kids will be holding Etiquette training for children at the Macy's located in the University Square Mall. Yes! you can now register for your etiquette courses at IAAK
Schedule

Feb 2nd - Pre-school and Elementary students

Feb 23rd - Middle and high school students and special adult classes

UPCOMING CLASSES

Feb. 6th  Project Connect will meet  at 12:00 at Nova.  The focus of this meeting will be to plan the parent conference.   We would like all CONNECT members to be involved with the planning.

Feb. 6th – 9th Becki will be in Arkansas for the IRI meeting on Aging/disability and Working.  Please contact Rob at 813 927 5149 if you have an emergency.

Feb. 7 to 18th 2008 Florida State Fair Dates: Feb. 7-18 The annual Florida State Fair is a salute to the state's best in the agriculture and equestrian industry including an abundance of shows, music, rides, food and shopping for 12 consecutive days. Excitement is in the air all over the fairgrounds with plenty of free entertainment included with admission. Parking is free during the Fair. Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and closing time varies by the day of the week.
Save money when you buy admission tickets, armbands or ride tickets in advance. The last day to purchase advance discount offers online at http://www.floridastatefair.net/

Jan. 29 to ensure delivery of tickets prior to the Fair; or purchase discount admission tickets only at participating Sweetbay Supermarkets through Feb. 6. Once the Fair begins, regular gate admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children ages six to eleven, and kids five and under enter free with a complimentary ticket available at the ticket window upon arrival.
For more information, call 800-345-3247 or visit http://www.floridastatefair.com/ .

Feb. 7th, The beginning of 15days of Celebration for the Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, Spring Festival, enjoy this holiday at your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Feb. 9th The Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K & 5K will take place on Saturday, February 9th and be followed by the Tampa's Gasparilla Marathon, ...
www.tampabayrun.com

Feb. 9th New Horizon Meeting 11 to 1 at MacDonald training center 5420 W. Cypress St.

Feb. 10th is the Gasparilla half Marathon Tampa's 2008 Gasparilla Marathon & Half Marathon are run on USATF Certified ... Tampa's Gasparilla Half Marathon participants will receive an Official 2008 ...
www.tampabayrun.com/Race_Info/Marathon_and_Half_Marathon/General_Information.htm

Feb. 12th at the One Stop Workforce Building DAG will be meeting at 9.  This is an advisory group for disability and work.  Mark your calendar for the next meeting April 6th.

Feb. 14th Valentine’s Day  share this day with someone you care about

Feb. 14th Mayor Alliance at 601 N. Nebraska 2 to 4.

Feb.14th The 10th Annual Family Cafe Conference is scheduled for June 13-15, 2008 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, FL. As in past years, registration will open on Valentine's Day, February 14. Financial Assistance will be offered as available.

Feb. 14th Tampa Bay Health Care Collaborative has a emergency preparedness meeting at the county building 9:30 to 11:30 Call 685-3232 for more details

Feb. 12 to 14th Becki will be in Washington DC for Eyes on Capital Hill to attend the conference on the prevention of Blindness and speak to our Legislators (Senator Bill Nelson, Congressman Gus Billirakis, and Congresswoman Kathy Castor) Again call Rob if you have a concern

Feb. 28th  Strawberry Festival

    February 28  March 9, 2008  A job opportunity:
.Now accepting Applications for the following positions: Attendants & Ticket Takers
Applications can be obtained 9 am – 4 pm
at the Attendants Office @
2202 W.Reynolds St., Plant City, FL

Tues. Jan 22nd  - Fri. Jan 25th Phone Answering Position :Tues. Jan. 15th – Thurs. Jan. 17th
9 am – 12 pm 2 pm – 4 pm
Temporary position (approx. 2 months)
40 hr. per week, longer hrs. expected during festival.
Festival Office
2202 W Reynolds St., Plant City, FL Tickets will go on sale Monday, Dec 10, 2007 @ 8:00 a.m. Ticket Office located at 2209 Oak Ave and the Stadium Ticket Office under the East Bleachers, Plant City Fl. will open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 pm on Monday, Dec 10.  After Mon., Dec. 10 ticket office hours will be 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m

Feb. 19th -20th Becki will be in Tallahassee for the Volunteer Florida Disability Council

Feb. 20th to 23rd Becki will still be in Tallahassee for the FILC Board meeting and the Youth Senate we will be partnering with our CILs.

Feb.20 Advocacy Meeting at 10:30AM until 1PM.  At Agency for Persons with Disabilities, 1313 Tampa Street  Suite 515 Room 11 Tampa, Fl 33602. Contact Southern Movement with New Herizion The Advocacy Group at 813-977-5097 or 813-233-4317

Feb. 21st Hillsborough County Disability Alliance meeting at the Lighthouse for the Blind on Platt. St. 2 to 4.

Feb. 26th Kumquat Festival in Dade City.  It is a day to enjoy the citrus fruit that you an eat the whole piece without peeling.  The festival will start with breakfast and go thorugh the day with music, craft show, car show, and much more with of course the crowing event is the kumquat pie!

February 28th Yes! will be having a Yes! I Can Educate meeting at 9502 N. Florida Ave. Tampa 33612. We are planning a speaker on Medicare Rights. Yes! also will be having our volunteer opportunities to sign up. Please Plan on Attending and Bring a Friend. Remember this is a leap eyar so be brave and invite someone to learn about YES!

Feb. 29th  Leap Year (invite girls your chance to invite a guest to our meeting) YES! I can Educate Meeting at 9502 N. Florida 1 to 3. 
Remember YES! is always building partners and we have a partner with the I CAN adult literacy Program.  If you need a tutor or are working on your GED and over the age of 16 we have a wonderful opportunity for you.  Call us for a referral.
YES! is building a partnership  with All People’s County Recreation Center.  We are arranging a day at the gym.  Keep your eyes open for the starting date.

9502 N. Florida Ave. Tampa, Fl. 33612
813-935-5696
YES! Community Calendar
March 2008

This year is leap year so be aggressive and invite others to come out and enjoy the activities at YES!.  It is up to you to make a difference and take ownership of YES! if we are going to survive with all the cuts in our funding.
March 3rd Ok Volunteers it is time to come and work the office and lab.  It will be on Tuesdays and Thursday, 10 to 3, to answer phones, take memos, and run the computer lab.  Take Ownership!!!!

March 5th Art at YES! 10 to 12 a.m. Marie will be holding her meeting dealing with upcoming projects that will be developed at this meeting.  Please come and help her develop this program.  You will be on the cutting edge of this program.  We also need volunteers to help Marie in  a successful program.  Take ownership of this activity. There are 12 spaces available at the present.

March 5th Project Connect 12-2 at Nova Southeastern University.  Our guest speaker is John Ficca with the "Hands On" culinary program.  Many of you may have seen the "Hands On" program on Fox 13 with Kelly Ring.  He's bringing his visuals.  Should be fun.  We will also start planning the parent conference.  YES! needs to have a representative attend and report back about  this event. 

March 5th and 6th Becki will be in Tallahassee with the Transportation Disadvantage Board to advocate for the Transportation Platform.   Call Rob at 813 927 5149 if you have an emergency.

March 10th Hillsborough Seniors on the move meeting 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind (1106 W. Platt St).  Box Lunch is provided if you RSVP with Paula Nelson  at 813-676-5583.

March 11th and 12th YES! will be going to Tallahassee to advocate for funding for the 2008-2009 programs.

March 11th First Disability Mentoring Day Meeting at 8:30 AM at  Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind at 1106 W. Platt  for our Oct. event.  We need a representative of YES! to attend.treet  

March 12th YES! Reading is fun  from 1 to 2.  We have a guest reader who is coming from Card, Ellie Weber, and will be reading and sharing her drums with us.  Please sign up to come.  There are 12 spaces available.

March 17th St. Patrick’s Day…wear the green so you don’t get pinched.  We are looking for some volunteers to plan a party for that afternoon.  Who would like to take ownership of this event?????

March 19th  Mayor's Alliance meeting  2 - 4 p.m. @ Union Station, to review design plans along the Ashley Blvd./Downtown riverfront/arts & cultural district. MARK YOUR CALENDAR for  April 23rd  Joint Alliances meeting will continue this theme with the design for the History Center along with an on-site tour of plans for Legends Field.

March 23 Celebrate Easter!!!!  We are looking for volunteers to arrange for our Spring Fling around this time of the year.  Who would like to take on this task?  IT could be around April 1st!!!

March 24th to March 29th Becki will be in Tallahassee working to retain our funding for YES!.  We are planning small trips with our members to advocate for YES!  If you are interested please contact Becki or Rob. We are looking at March 25th and 26th.

March 26th Meeting:  Hillsborough Alliance for Citizens with Disabilities meeting.  2-to 4 at the Lighthouse for the Blind 1106 Platt St.  Speaker will be Supervisor of Elections presentation and demonstration on new voting equipment.

March 27th YES! I Can Educate Meeting.  Since some of us will be in Tallahassee for this meeting YES! is looking for a volunteer who will run this meeting.  We need a speaker and someone who will take the lead for this meeting.  Please take ownership of this exciting opportunity.  We will be discussing this at our meeting the 28th of Feb.
March 31st will be the next board meeting for YES!.  We are planning to have it mid day at the office at 9502 N. Florida Ave.  Time will be announced.  Please try to invite new prospective board members to this meeting.

FYI if you are in need of a ramp there is some money out there to help you build one.  You need to contact Self Reliance as soon as possible  because the deadline is March 25th.  We are NOT in the targeted area but I was informed that there might be funds for our area if they are not used in those other areas.  It is worth a try. 

FYI YES! is working hard to keep our funding for next year.  We will be requesting help for this adventure and also volunteers to attend additional meetings representing YES! in our community and also arranging events and activities for all the membership.  This is a new position that is being established by our board.  Please consider how you can help to enrich, educate, and empower individuals in our community for live, play, and work.

FYI YES! is recording your volunteer hours.  We will be recording them through the help of one of our members.  You can write to Eileen O’Brien or call her.  We will be sharing that information to the group on Thursday and explaining the new program at the YES! I can Educate meeting at 9502 N. Florida Ave. 1 to 3. 

This month has been very active with events at the movies.  Make sure when you see Jay you thank him for all his support.  Also Chrissy has been our liason picking up and delivering these tickets to YES!  Make sure you also
thank her for her support.

The biggest thing to remember is that this THURSDAY March 27th the YES! I can educate meeting is 12 to 2.  It is at Suncoast New Options, please come and sign in at the desk and enjoy yourself at YES!...If you get there early the computers are ready for some fun activities.  More are being burnt at
this moment as we talk.  We have about 15 new games and some new sites that the Suncoast group has been trying out. 

During this meeting we have Andrea Tupper coming to share the new IRS rebate with you. 

Also it is a special day for one of our own.  We will be announcing this year’s Volunteer nominee for the Tampa Bay Volunteer of the YEAR 2008.  Please come out and cheer on our nominee. The group that went to Tally will have their report about the event and also anyone who has attended meeting in the YES! name will share their experiences.

Lastly there will be sign up sheet for those who want to come to computers, art for all classes and the I enjoy reading events.  We would like to see more people come to these events. 

Mark your calendars...while you are marking write down May 23 when we have a picnic planned by Helping hands.  The details will be announced.  We will be asking you to sign up and bring something to share.  We will have the plates, paper, and silverware.

May 23rd from 10 to 2: SPRING FLING This is a family of YES! who are attending and we want everyone to come and enjoy the day with us. Bring a Friend and Introduce them to the family of YES!

Thursday, May 29th is our YES! i can Educate Meeting at Suncoast from 12 to 2 at 9502 N. Florida Ave. 33612. We will Also be taking orders for our new shirts at $10 a piece.

Temple Terrace Scholastics Book Fair

May 31st The Tampa Yankees at Legends Field, I will be handing out tickets at thursdays meeting. I also have tickets for June 7th for the Storm.

July 27th YES! board meeting for a strategic planning day on Disability Awareness Programming

July 29th Card invites the public and YES! to Autistic License at Freedom High School Auditorium at 7 p.m.

July 31st Movie Tropic Thunder at 7:30 p.m.

Aug 4th 8:30 a.m. Hart board meeting discussing rate changed and route changes

Aug 5th TBARTA Public forum

Aug 6th Project CONNECT meeting

Aug 7th YES! I can educate meeting at the YES! training room from 12 to 2

Aug 15th and the 16th Orlando the Downs Syndrome Organization will host their annual conference

Aug 19th DAG (Disability Advisory Group) will meet at 9:00 at Workforce

Aug 19th Mayor's Job Fair Meeting at 10:00 at Workforce

Aug 20th Mayor's Alliance and Hillsborough County Alliance will be at All People's Center

Aug 25th to 28th TD (Transportation Disadvantaged) Conference in Orlando. Becki and Ruthie will be in attendance. if you have any problems
Call Rob at 927-5149

September 2nd the Joint Meeting with to NEWS in Disability Awareness piece for Tribune at County building. (Meeting only for those who have signed up to work on this project)

September 3rd PROJECT CONNECT Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Nova Southeastern University. Also discussions for final plans for our parent conference on October the 4th from 8 to 4 p.m. at Brandon High School.

September 4th YES! I can educate Meeting is from 12 to 2 at 9502 N. Florida Ave. We will also have signup's for our Fall Services for Thanksgiving and Christmas During the meeting.

September 6th Girl Scouts Will have an awareness event at Freedom Playground from 12 to 2p.m.

September 8th a New Downs Syndrome Support group the 21st Journey will be from 7:00 to 8:15p.m., then the first monday of the month thereafter meeting will be held at Calvary Chapel of Tampa(between Regal and blind Pond Road) This first meeting will be a general discussion and to get to know one another.

September 18th the BOCC will be ratifying the new budget for Hillsborough County.

September 20th Freedom Playground Wheelathon... Please get a team together to support this event and also they will need volunteers

September 24th Hillsborough County Alliance at the Light House from 2 to 4 p.m.

September 25th will be the annual Mayor's Alliance Awards Ceremony at Higgins Hall

September 25th to the 26th The Autism TAsk Force Pursuant to the provisions of the American Disabilities Act, any persons requiring special accommodations to participate in these workshops/conference calls is to contact the agency at least 2 days before the conference calls.

September 29th Justin and Andrea will be sharing their vows at All Peoples Recreation Center

September 29th to October 1st Governor Christ's Commission of disabilities will be there in Tampa. Time will be set aside for public forum.

September 30th YES! board meeting at YES! office from 1 to 3 p.m.