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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.

Women's Care Center in Bartow

The Women's Care Center is finding their pantry food supplies dwindling down very low and they are in real need for toiletry items such as toilet paper, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

The Women's Care Center of Bartow is a non-profit organization. It provides a transitional living center for homeless women and their children.

For more information please call 863-534-3844. Donations can be drop off at the Care Center, located at 490 E Boulevard Street in Bartow.

If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, please mail your contributions to:

Women's Care Center
P.O. Box 1041
Bartow, Florida 33831

Thank You, and for more information please visit, http://wccbartow.blogspot.com.

Emergency Home Energy Assistance Available for Elderly

Polk County Elderly Services seeks eligible applicants for limited emergency home energy assistance for low-income, elderly residents with overdue utility bills.

At least one household member must be at least 60 years old and a Polk County resident. Applications must include proof of identity, age and residence for all household members, household income, and over-due utility bill.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 863.534.5320.

Christmas Parade, December 7

The City of Haines City is pleased to announce the 2013 Christmas Parade for Saturday, December 7, 2013. The parade will step off at 10:00 AM and run through beautiful downtown Haines City. It will feature a variety of floats, marching units and Santa Claus.

The parade will wind through downtown Haines City beginning at the Publix Plaza and heading EAST on 17/92 to 6th Street. Going SOUTH on 6th Street to the Banquet Hall where the parade disbands.

The parade theme this year is “Santa’s Workshop.” If your business, group or organization would like to participate you may download a parade application from the City website at: www.Hainescity.com or contact the Leisure Services Department at 863-421-3700.

L.B. Brown Ceremony, December 9

On Monday, Dec. 9, the L. B. Brown House, the Bartow Chamber and the Polk County History Center are hosting two representatives from the Smithsonian who will be in Bartow to receive artifacts from the L. B. Brown House for the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture. The L. B. Brown House is being included in an exhibit in the Smithsonian Institution.

The ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the L. B. Brown House and continue at 11:00 a.m. at the Polk County History Center. Two or more commissioners may be attending these events.

New Free Diabetic Classes offered by the Polk Health Care Plan

The Polk Health Care Plan has announced additional free Diabetic Classes for Polk County residents on Nov. 4, Nov. 22 and Dec. 9. To reserve seats, residents should call 863-519-2041 or 863-519-2066.

“With diabetes becoming a serious problem in Polk County, the Polk Health Care Plan felt it was important to offer these free classes to residents,” said Marilyn Sylvia, a community nurse for the county. “We strongly believe the best way to mitigate the damage diabetes has caused our residents is to arm them with the knowledge they need to combat the disease.”

Diabetic Classes will include a general overview of the disease process, highlighting ways to prevent, detect and treat the complications of diabetes. Educators will also discuss the importance of nutrition, physical activity and weight management in dealing with the disease. They will also talk about blood glucose monitoring and cover the different medications and ways to schedule diabetic check-ups.

Classes are scheduled for:

Monday, Dec. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Medulla Community Center, 1049 Parker Rd., Lakeland

To reserve seats either of these free classes, call 863-519-2041 or 863-519-2066.

Christmas Lights Trolley Tour, December 10 & 12

Fort Meade Woman's Club will host the Christmas Lights Trolley Tour of the historic residential area on Tues., Dec. 10 and Thurs, Dec. 12. Cost is $3 per person, three and under are free. A stop will be made for refreshments at Christ Church, Episcopal, which is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Tours will take place every half hour from the First Baptist Church parking lot on E. Broadway from 6 to 8 p.m.

Annual Glitter, Glisten & Snow, December 13

Haines City’s annual Glitter, Glisten & Snow event will be held Friday, December 13th from 5-9 PM at Railroad Park in downtown Haines City at the corner of 6th and Main Street. This fun filled event appeals to all ages and features entertainment throughout the evening from local schools and clubs. Craft vendors, exhibitors and food concessions will fill the area. There will be FREE roasted chestnuts, hot cider, home baked cookies and hot chocolate.

A special tree lighting ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM and snow will fall throughout the area as the kids slide on a 60’ snow slide. To complete the evening, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a fire truck to pose for pictures with the kids.

Applications are now being taken for craft and concession vendors. To become a vendor or for additional information, please contact the Haines City Leisure Services Department at 863-421-3700 or log on to the City’s website at www.hainescity.com.

Victorian Christmas

Experience a Dickens holiday as you move through seven themed rooms of an historic mansion over the period of an hour and a half. Groups enter every 15 minutes.

Costumed interpreters playing the roles of Charles Dickens’ family and characters from A Christmas Carol lead you to experience the holiday as it was celebrated in the 1850s, at the height of the Victorian period, when most of our beloved Christmas traditions began.

Date of Event:	December 13, & 14
Time of Event:	6:00 - 9:00 pm
Location:		987 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland
Admission:		$15 adults; $10 students. Tickets sold at door

For more information please call 863-644-1408.

Fort Meade Santa Breakfast, December 14

The Fort Meade Chamber of Commerce will begin Dec. 14 with its annual Pancake Breakfast With Santa in Your PJs event at the Community Center on S. Charleston from 8 to 10 a.m. Santa will be there to take notes from the kiddies. Donation is $2 per person and $5 per family. It's a great way to start all the events happening that day for Old Fort Meade Christmas.

Fort Meade Christmas Parade, December 14

Fort Meade's Christmas parade "Home For Christmas" will take place at 5:30 p.m. on December 14 beginning on East Broadway at Washington and ending at Tecumseh, where Santa will be visiting with children at the Fort Meade Historical Society's gazebo next to the museum.

2013 Jingle Bell Classic 10k, 5k, 1 Mile Dog Jog, & Kid’s Races, December 14

The Friends of the Winter Haven Public Library invite you to ‘jingle all the way’ to the finish line and participate in the 21st annual Family Run Fundraiser Saturday, December 14 starting at 7:15 a.m. Some of you may remember the Jingle Bell Run of yesteryear – and we are bringing it back, bigger and better than ever! December 14 you will hear the jingle of bells on hundreds of racers running shoes as they move about Central Park and the streets of Winter Haven, participating in the Jingle Bell Classic!!!

This event is the largest fundraiser for the Friends, raising over $236,000 since 1993, with all proceeds benefitting the Winter Haven Public Library's Children's Department for the purchase of books, supplies, furniture and more. This family friendly event will include new and improved kid’s races with age groups, awards and a longer run for older kids. Also, the 1-mile walk or jog-with-your-dog, 5k and a new 10k race! Awards will be provided for the top three in each age group, overall male and female and masters. All races start and finish in Central Park, across the street from the Library in downtown Winter Haven.

Race Day Schedule: 10k at 7:15 a.m., 5k at 8:15a.m., 1 mile dog walk or jog at 9:15 a.m. and kids races at approximately 9:45 a.m. Award presentations for the 10k and 5k will follow and end the festivities.

For the full event schedule, prices and course map or to register, visit www.rockwalkrun.com. You may also contact the Friends of the Winter Haven Public Library at (863) 292-0540.

Breakfast With Santa, December 14

Bring your little ones and your camera to a catered Breakfast With Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event begins at 9:00 AM on Saturday, December 14th at the Lake Eva Banquet Hall, 799 Johns Avenue in Haines City. Menu includes eggs, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, biscuits, gravy and drinks for a cost of $6.00 per person. Tickets must be reserved by Monday, December 9th and may be purchased at the Haines City Community Center at 555 Ledwith Avenue. For more information, please contact the Haines City Leisure Services Department at 863-421-3700 or visit the city’s website at http://hainescity.com

Old Fort Meade Christmas, December 14

Old Fort Meade Christmas will be held this year on Saturday, December 14, and nominations are being taken for the Grand Marshal of the “Home For Christmas” parade as well as for the official lighter of the city’s Christmas tree at City Hall.

Deadline is December 1 and nominees should be individuals noted for their civic service and contribution to the community.

Send to Fort Meade Chamber at Post Office Box 91, 33841 or email to ftmeadechamber@yahoo.com. Vendors and float entries may also contact the Chamber for registration info.

COPS Christmas Party, December 14

On Saturday, December 14, 2013, the Polk County Sheriff's West Division COPS (Community Oriented Policing) deputies will bring some Christmas cheer to 29 children during the annual Westside COPS Christmas party.

Each year, deputies identify children in the community who otherwise would not receive much for Christmas. The goal of this project is to provide at least 3 gifts per child. The gifts will be purchased by the deputies, with funds provided by Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc.

The children and their families will arrive at 11:00 a.m., where they will be treated to hot dogs, hamburgers, beans, cookies, and drinks, provided by and cooked by McGee Tire of Lakeland. There will be a PCSO K-9 demonstration, the PCSO Mounted Unit, and other PCSO static displays.

From 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., two volunteers, acting as Santa and Mrs. Claus, will help the COPS deputies hand out the toys to the children.

The party will be held at the Wabash Community Center, located at 1200 Southern Avenue in Lakeland.

Shop with a Cop, December 21

On December 21, 2013, several kids will participate in a "Shop With A Cop" program at the Mulberry Walmart, located at 6745 North Church Avenue.

This event is sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club, Walmart, and PCSO. The McDonald's located inside Walmart will provide a free breakfast for approximately 20 children and their parents from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. that morning.

The kids will then be accompanied by a PCSO Deputy Sheriff, and the kids will each have $100 with which to go "shopping" whatever gifts they choose. This money was raised through donations.

Groovy Great 8K, January 25

The run will start and finish at Nye Jordan Park (1165 South Orange Avenue). The run takes participants through shady neighborhoods, Downtown Bartow, Historic Church Street and to the Evil Underpass to be conquered twice!

8K Race, pre-registration – received by Tuesday, January 14th - $25.00 (with shirt)

8K Race, registration received after January 14th - $30.00 (with shirt if available)

Race Day Registration / Packet pickup 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM

Race @ 8:00 AM. More information...

Winter Haven Nautical Club

WINTER HAVEN NAUTICAL CLUB meets the 1st Wednesday of every month -We are a group of people that own boats or love to associate with boaters that cruise out Florida water ways.

New people that would like to explore membership, please call Bill at 863-965-7915 or join us at a meeting. New meeting location is at the rear Room 2 Winter Haven Complex with the pool, corner of US 17 and Cypress Gardens Blvd. Meeting begins at 7 PM.

Updated Polk County Directory of Services Now Available

The latest update of the Polk County Directory of Services is now available. The county Directory of Services is a biennial publication produced for the residents of Polk County to provide easily accessible information on county services. The booklet features a guide to county government, contact information for congressional and state representatives, a directory of county services, details for the recorded information line, and other features on government services. Hard copies of the directories are most commonly available at local government centers, public libraries and area chambers of commerce. A web and mobile-friendly directory is available at www.polk-county.net/directory. For more information or if your organization would like to receive directories, contact the Polk County Communications Division at 863-534-6020.

New Restrictions Allow For Two Days of Watering a Week

As part of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s extended watering restrictions, Polk County Utilities water customers and those in unincorporated Polk County are allowed lawn and landscape watering from groundwater sources two days a week. These restrictions apply to everyone receiving water from Polk County Utilities, private wells, surface water sources or reclaimed water, and are effective through July 31, 2013.

Homes and businesses with even addresses are allowed to water on Thursdays and Sundays. Odd addresses are allowed to water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. All common areas and properties where no address can be determined are allowed to water on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Watering is allowed between midnight and 10 a.m. or between 4 p.m. and midnight. Hand watering or micro-irrigation of landscaping (not including actual lawn areas) is allowed at all times.

Further information about watering restrictions is available online at watermatters.org. Residents with questions or concerns should contact the Polk County Utilities Water Resource Enforcement Office at 863-298-4211.

Barbershop Singers- The Sentimental Journeymen, Thursdays

Did you know that the Winter Haven area has a men’s Barbershop Chorus which is licensed through the Barbershop Harmony Society? www.barbershop.org We are the Winter Haven chapter and are known as the “Sentimental Journeymen” Chorus.

Our desire is to attract men of all ages but with an emphasis on younger singers who may fear being associated with the stereotypical handlebar mustaches, straw hats and bow ties. We in-fact have several members in their 20's and have worked hard to "modernize" the barbershop image.

The chorus, and quartets which are formed from within the group, are available for performances and we welcome all male singers who would like to participate in our four part, a cappella style of singing.

We meet and rehearse every Thursday evening at the Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 1991 Overlook Dr. Winter Haven, Fl. at 7pm.

For more information, please visit www.sentimentaljourneymen.com or call 863-661-2235.

SPCA of Lakeland

Each month SPCA Florida provides over 200 pets in the community with supplemental pet food and supplies through its Ani-meals program. Due to increasing community need, SPCA Florida is asking the community for donations of cat food and litter. Donations can be dropped off at 5850 Brannen Road South in Lakeland, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit spcaflorida.org or call (863) 646-SPCA for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.