Times staff
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Countywide
Join Transit chat via video, blog or phone
Many residents have questions about the future of Pinellas County transportation. That's why the Pinellas Transit Alternatives Analysis Team, in partnership with the county, is hosting Transportation eTownHall: On-Line and On-Call at 7 p.m. Monday. This live, interactive online blog-video-and-telephone communication breakthrough is the first of its kind for Tampa Bay. Citizens can participate in the eTownHall event on www.pinellascounty.org/ etownhall or watch the event live on PCC-TV on Bright House Ch. 622, Knology Ch. 18 or Verizon Ch. 44. In addition to joining online or through TV, a random sample of 40,000 residents will be called and invited to participate in the telephone portion of the event. Interested citizens who do not receive a call but wish to join in may call toll-free 1-888-886-6603, ext. 16006. The online blog is scheduled to open at 9 a.m. Monday.
Starkey teacher in elite company
Jessica Felice of Starkey Elementary School in Clearwater is among six finalists for Pinellas County's Outstanding Educator of 2010-11. The winner will be announced during a celebration March 1 at Ruth Eckerd Hall, sponsored by the Pinellas Education Foundation. Story, Page 7
Clearwater
Interfaith group looks at holidays
The Interfaith Coalition of Tampa Bay will present an interfaith panel on "Holidays You Might Not Know About" at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Unity Church of Clearwater, 2465 Nursery Road. Participants include Bhante Dhammawansha of the Dhamma Wheel Meditation Center, the Rev. Prentiss John Davis of the Unity Temple of Truth, the Rev. Abhi Janamanchi of Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater, Ameer Lakhani of the Oldsmar Islamic Center, the Rev. Glad McCurtain of St. John's Episcopal Church and Rabbi David Weizman of Congregation Beth Shalom. The moderator will be the Rev. Leddy Hammock of Unity Church. Panelists will share insights about Hanukkah, Christmas, Diwali, Eid-Ul-Adha, Buddha's Ascension Day and Kwanzaa. Refreshments will be served. Call Hammock at (727) 531-0992.
Program links pets with military folks
The Humane Society of Pinellas, 3040 State Road 590, has joined forces with Pets for Patriots Inc., a not-for-profit organization designed to provide adult shelter pets to U.S. military personnel, both retired and active. Eligible adoptions include a dog or cat, at least 2 years old, large dogs and special-needs pets. Any military personnel, either active or retired, can contact the Humane Society of Pinellas for help in finding a pet to match his or her lifestyle. Call (727) 797-7722, ext. 222, or visit petsforpatriots.org.
Tarpon Springs
Police Department needs gift help
The Tarpon Springs Police Department is asking for help in making wishes come true. In order for the department to provide gifts to children whose families are having difficult times, the community is being asked to donate new, unwrapped gifts for children from infant through teen years. Cash donations are also accepted. Checks should be made payable to Tarpon Springs Police Department Cops/Kids Program. Drop off the donations by Dec. 22 at the Tarpon Springs Police Department, 444 S Huey Ave. Call (727) 938-2849.