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Community CalendarThis 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 33831Thank 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. Free Diabetic Classes offered by the Polk Healthcare Plan
The Polk Healthcare Plan has announced additional free Diabetic Classes for Polk County residents on March 6 and 20, April 10 and 24 and May 2. To reserve seats, residents should call 863-519-2041 or 863-519-2066.
“With diabetes becoming a serious problem in Polk County, the Polk Healthcare 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 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. Discussion will also highlight blood glucose monitoring, cover the different medications available and look at ways to schedule diabetic check-ups. Classes are scheduled for:
2014 Relay for Life Events
Relay for Life is an annual, volunteer-driven, nationwide American Cancer Society event which lasts 18 or 24 hours and is typically held outdoors.
Each event includes opening ceremonies, survivors lap and celebration, care-givers lap, luminaria ceremony, fight back ceremony and closing ceremonies. Relay for Life events are organized, overnight community fundraising activities. Teams of people camp around a walking track. Members of each team take turns walking around a track, to simulate cancer survivors, who are awake and walking all night. Events feature food, games, activities and entertainment. There is no admission to relays. The American Cancer Society announces its dates for its 2014 Relay for Life events in Polk County. Relay for Life of Winter Haven 5 p.m., April 11-12 Lake Region High School For more information: www.relayforlife.org/winterhavenfl Relay for Life of Auburndale 6 p.m., April 11-12 Auburndale High School For more information: www.relayforlife.org/auburndalefl Relay for Life of Mulberry 6 p.m., April 25-26 Mulberry High School For more information: www.relayforlife.org/mulberryfl Relay for Life of Bartow and Lake Wales 5 p.m., May 2-3 Bartow High School For more information: www.relayforlife.org/bartowlakewalesfl Relay for Life of Lakeland 6 p.m., May 2-3 Lakeland High School For more information: www.relayforlife.org/lakelandfl Relay for Life of Haines City and Davenport 6 p.m., May 9-10 Haines City High School For more information: www.relayforlife.org/hainescitydavenportflThe purpose of the events are to fundraise and raise awareness in the fight against cancer. The first relay was held in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington. It raised $27,000. Since then, the Relay for Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon with more than 5,200 relays in the country, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer. Last year, Florida-based Relay For Life events raised approximately $19 million for the American Cancer Society. For more information on the American Cancer Society and the programs and research it funds, visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345, or contact: Caellan Curtis at 863-688-2326, ext. 5508. Wingin' It Festival, April 11 & 12
Two days of good food, fun and live entertainment highlight the Third Annual Wingin’ It Festival to be held Friday, April 11, 2014 and Saturday April 12, 2014 at the Winter Haven Municipal Airport. The two day festival will showcase Central Florida’s best chicken wings, local bands and entertainment while the Festival’s Chicken Wing Eating Contest will provide some good-hearted competition and plenty of laughs for all those in attendance. The unique event will draw thousands of attendees from throughout Central Florida, as well as, provide pilots from around the southeast the opportunity to “fly-in” to enjoy the weekend’s festivities.
Events scheduled during Wingin’ It 2014 include a Chicken Wing Cookoff competition that includes a pro division (Restaurant teams) and a “Joes” division (open to teams of individuals) for those who believe they have the best homemade wings around. Throughout the Friday and Saturday event most of the competition teams will be selling their signature wings and other food items to the general public. In addition to the great food some of the best entertainers from around Central Florida will be stepping on stage to provide live music throughout the weekend. 2014 Wingin’ It Festival Daily Schedule of Events: Friday, April 11
Registration is still open for restaurants and individuals interested in participating in the Pro or “Joe” divisions of the Chicken Wing Cookoff can find registration forms additional details at www.winginitfestival.com/cookoff-teams/. For organizations interested in sponsoring the 2014 Wingin’ It Festival some sponsorship opportunities are still available and additional details may be found at www.winginitfestival.com/sponsor/. This event is free with 10.00 paid parking. Please no outside drinks or coolers. Bryce’s Buddies Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been developed to assist families with children that have been affected by Type I Diabetes. Our goal is to help assist these families and help their children live a normal life. Bryce’s Buddies will assist by means of education, finance and support groups. Celebrate Jesus Parade & Concert, April 12Make your plans to join us for the 2nd Annual Celebrate Jesus Parade & Gospel Concert in Bartow on Saturday, April 12th. The parade begins at 10 AM, at the intersection of East Main Street and North 1st Avenue, travels west on Main Street turning south on Broadway to Mosaic Park located on the north side of the Civic Center at 2250 South Floral Avenue in Bartow. The cost to participate in the parade is 25-dollars. The parade will be followed with great gospel music, food & fellowship at Mosaic Park. Everyone is invited, to this free family event with fun for all ages! Come join the fun & "celebrate Jesus with us"!!!!For more information, please call John Berry 863-661-4512 or Tommy Presley 863-559-9596, or email us at bamaboyrich1@yahoo.com. Hope to see you in Bartow on Saturday, April 12th for the 2nd Annual Celebrate Jesus Parade & Gospel Concert! Winter Haven 9-12 Project’s 3rd Annual “Day-at-the-Range”, April 12The Winter Haven 9-12 Project will hold its 3rd Annual “Day-at-the-Range” Tax Day Celebration, Saturday, April 12, 2014 at the Tenoroc Shooting Center, 3755 Tenoroc Mine Road, in Lakeland.This is a family event open to the public. Membership is not required. Gates open at 8:00 am, with the event starting at 10:00 and ending at 4:00 pm. Lunch, catered by SGT Major BBQ, will be served at noon. Participants can shoot all day at the rifle and pistol ranges for $10. The skeet and trap ranges will be open and available at normal fees. > A barbeque lunch, with all the fixn’s and a cold drink will be $7.00 the day of the event. $5.00 pre-paid lunch tickets are available by reservation, by contacting Royal Brown via email at royalbrowniii@aol.com. Activities include:
For further information or If you have any questions, contact Royal Brown at royalbrowniii@aol.com or visit the Winter Haven 9-12 website at www.wh912.org. Winter Haven 9-12 is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization and meets at 7:00 pm every Thursday evening at the Chain-of-lakes Civic Center, Winter Haven, Florida. 30th Annual Easter Egg hunt, April 19
The Haines City Leisure Services Department invites you to join us on Saturday, April 19th at 10:00 AM for our 30th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. The Egg Hunt, for children 2-10 will be held at the Larry Parrish Baseball Complex on East Johnson Avenue. Children will be divided into age groups and will be collecting over 12,000 eggs. Golden eggs will be mixed into each age level that can be turned in for toys. Be sure to bring your camera to get a picture with the Easter Bunny!
This free event is made possible through our generous sponsors: Railroad Park Pediatrics, Teresa Connell-State Farm Insurance, Sons of the American Legion Squadron #34, Delane’s Truck Brokerage, Inc., Cody’s Auto Parts and Polar Air. For more information, please call the Haines City Leisure Services Department at 863-421-3700. Polk City's City Wide Yard Sale, April 26Everyone is invited to Polk City's 6th Annual Residential City Wide Yard Sale at Freedom Park located at 7750 Berkley Road in Polk City on Saturday, April 26th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Admission is free.Vendors wanted: We are opening up Freedom Park to all types of vendors or you can bring your yard sale items to Freedom Park to sell. Availability is on a first come, first serve basis. (Each 10'x10' space is $15.00 permit fee - Application required). Residential Applicants: Polk City Utility Customers (Inside or Outside City Limit Customers), that register for the event will have the $15.00 permit fee waived and be placed on the City Wide Yard Sale Map distributed at Freedom Park the day of the event. Any Utility Customer wishing to sell items at the Freedom Park location must pay a $15.00 permit fee for each 10'x10' space and are subject to space availability. All participants must abide by the rules and regulations that govern this event. For more information please call 863-984-1375 ext. 231 or email kelly.downing@mypolkcity.org. Application Deadline is Monday, April 14th. Obstacles for Opportunity, May 3
Call it a version of the Warrior Dash with a mental challenge. The Polk State College women's volleyball team presents the wacky Obstacles for Opportunity on May 3 on the grounds of the Winter Haven campus.
In a first-time, partner event, competitors will participate in a timed competition while meeting 18 objectives across the college campus. Events include eating crackers and whistling, a water-bucket relay, cornhole golf, water balloon battle, balloon pop, charades, making a paper airplane and hitting a target, buddy carry, three-legged race and putting together a puzzle among others. Two-person teams are divided into male, female, father-daughter (16-and-under/17-and-over), mother-son (16-and-under/17-and-over) and open coed. There's also a stroller division where parents can take their children (age 4-and-under) on an adventuresome ride. Depending on the path competitors choose, they could cover somewhere between two to four miles during the race. Put on your running shoes and your thinking cap. Registration is $50 per team before April 19. Late registration is $60, including the day of the event. Proceeds benefit the Polk State College volleyball team. The competition begins at 8:30 a.m. To register, visit www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/98661 or visit the Polk State College Foundation website at www.polk.edu and search for obstacles. Parking is free. There is no admission for spectators. For more information, contact Chris Williams at 850-217-2565. First Annual Seven Rivers Water Festival, May May 3
In the first of its kind event to bring together the community and local conservation organizations in a fun and educational environment, the Polk County Utilities division has announced the first annual 7 Rivers Water Festival on May 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Simmers-Young Park. Admission is free.
This family friendly event features fun games, great prizes, demonstrations, food and drink vendors, exhibits, speakers and conservation organizations all educating the community about the best ways to protect and enjoy Polk County’s several lakes, rivers and wetlands as well as how and why to reduce water use. “Water is such an important resource to people living in Central Florida,” said Jacqueline Hollister, environmental specialist for the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. “The 7 Rivers Water Festival gives the community a great opportunity to have a lot of fun while learning more about how to both enjoy our waterways and to take care of this precious commodity.” The 7 Rivers Water Festival is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at Simmer-Young Park, 5630 W. CR 542, Winter Haven. Admission, demonstrations, exhibits, opportunities and games are free. Sponsorship opportunities are still available at several financial levels. Vendor spaces are currently being filled. For more information go to polk-county.net/7Rivers or call Jacqueline Hollister 863-298-4236 Reverse Raffle, May 17
On Saturday, May 17th the Haines City Leisure Services Department will host the 19th annual, Reverse Raffle. This fundraiser will be held in the Banquet Hall at Lake Eva in Haines City. All proceeds go toward the annual July 4th event, Thunder on the Ridge.
The theme for this year’s Reverse Raffle is “Sport Your Team”. Cash prizes will be awarded to the best dressed and best theme decorated table. The event begins with cocktails at 6:30 PM followed by a catered dinner. Ticket prices are $30.00 per person which entitles the ticket holder to dinner and an opportunity to win cash and other fantastic door prizes through-out the evening. Tickets for this fun –filled evening are limited to the first 300, so get yours today by phoning 863-421-3700. Hearing Wellness Expo, May 31Join us for a free Hearing Wellness Expo on Saturday May 31st at the First Presbyterian Church on Lake Hollingsworth Drive in Lakeland.The Expo begins at 10am and will include hearing-related vendors, manufacturers, support organizations, communications companies, non-profits, etc. Expo area will be filled with hearing- related information about available products and services. This event's purpose is to educate the community on hearing loss (17% of adults and 20% of school age children have a measurable hearing loss) and to share information about what products and services are available to help the hearing impaired. There will be 6 seminars given by hearing-related professionals. There will be 50/50 Raffle and a big "Silent Auction". For more information please call 863-853-3130 or email hla-lakeland@hotmail.com. The Expo is sponsored by the Lakeland Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association. Winter Haven Nautical ClubWINTER 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, ThursdaysDid 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 CountyThe 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 PatrolThe 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.comFor more information on Civil Air Patrol, visit the CAP website: www.cap.gov Alzheimer's SupportThe 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 MeetingsThe 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 2405Bartow'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. |
