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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.

2013 Polk County High Commencement Schedule

The 2013 graduation season is here. As this year’s graduates prepare to take the next step towards their future goals, we share in their excitement.

Students who earned their diplomas will be honored at graduation ceremonies throughout the month of May and June. To view a complete commencement schedule please visit the following website: http://www.polk-fl.net/students/middleandhigh/documents/2013HSGradSchedules.pdf

The Mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high quality education for all students. The school district is the eighth largest in Florida and the 31st largest in the United States. More than 94,000 students are enrolled representing a diverse student body.

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.

Monthly Friday Fest, May 17

Bartow's next monthly Friday Fest will be held on Friday, May 17 from 6:00 to 9:00pm, along East Main Street and Central Avenue in downtown Bartow. This street party will feature live music as well as activities for the children. Food and drink will be available for purchase from vendors on the street and from the downtown restaurants. There will also be an open cruise-in for classic cars.

For more information call 863-519-0508.

Angel Eyes Fundraiser, May 18

Yard sale/BBQ chicken plates/Bake sale* MAY 18,2013 starting at 7am, with BBQ ready about 9am. Address is : 5802 LINDEN RD., HAINES CITY,FL, 33844. DIRECTIONS: Turn onto Dundee Rd. by Hardee's then remain on Dundee Rd. Veer left onto Lake Marie Rd.(formerly Swann Rd.) . Take a right on H.L. Smith Rd then take a right onto Linden Rd. Look for the signs. All proceeds go to Korben Dallas Taylor's Surgery Fund. If you are able to donate financially, please call James or Kerry Taylor at 863-812-0854,863-812-6118. For more information: www.facebook.com/KorbensCataractSurgery.

Educational Kayak Tours, May 18

We all live in a Watershed. Join us for a morning kayak tour and learn all about it! The City of Winter Haven’s Natural Resources Division has collaborated with UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Service to provide a series of guided kayak tours in and around Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes. These tours will provide information about Polk County’s water resources and the positive and negative impacts humans have on them. The tours are free and open to the public but registration is required and space is limited.

Who: The City of Winter Haven and UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Service
What: Educational Kayak Tours (registration required)
When: 9 – 11, a.m.; May 18, June 16, July 13 and August 17, 2013
Why: Learn about Polk County’s water resources, watershed science,
	wildlife, plant identification, and ecology

Polk County has over 500 water bodies within its borders including ponds, lakes, creeks, and rivers. Polk County’s water is a natural resource that provides residential, recreational, agricultural, and industrial benefits. Polk County is at the ‘top of the watershed’ forming the headwater features for five watersheds. On these tours, participants will learn the basics of watershed management with specific reference to the Peace-Creek Watershed. It is important to share information about how and why our water resources interact with ecosystems and urban areas so that our citizens are informed and passionate about our natural resources.

Each kayak event will include a themed interpretive tour that relates to the location. While enjoying a lovely morning on the water, there will be discussion of common lakefront issues, wildlife ecology on our lakes, plant identification, ecology, and so much more. Ever wondered what aquatic plants are in your favorite lake? Want to know why some lakes are clear while others look like sweet tea? This is an opportunity to get your questions answered AND have a great Saturday morning!

Register online at: www.watershedkayaktours.eventbrite.com or contact MJ Carnevale or Shannon McGee (contact info below) to register. There are only 13 spots available so register early!

Contact Information: 
MJ Carnevale
City of Winter Haven
Natural Resources Division
mcarnevale@mywinterhaven.com
(863) 519-5646

New Free Diabetic Class offered by the Polk Health Care Plan, May 20

The Polk Health Care Plan has announced an additional free Diabetic Class for Polk County residents on Friday, April 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Lake Wales Adult Day Care Center 305 West Central Ave. in Lake Wales. 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, May 20, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Haley Center at 122 West Central Avenue in Winter Haven.

Monday, June 3, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Eagle Lake City Hall (Civic League Room), 75 N. Seventh Street in Eagle Lake

Monday, June 10, 2 to 4 p.m. at Wabash Community Center, 1230 Southern Avenue in Lakeland To reserve seats either of these free classes, call 863-519-2041 or 863-519-2066.

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

May Happenings at the History Center

Explore the rich history of agriculture and tourism in the sunshine state this month at the Polk County History Center.

The monthly Lunch and Learn Series lecture is Tuesday, May 21, 12:15 to 1 p.m. The lecture topic is “500 Years of Tourism: A Search for a Golden Age.” The series is presented by Tracy Revels. A Florida-native, Revels received a Ph.D. in history and is a history professor at Wofford College in South Carolina. She has authored several academic works on Florida’s tourism and civil war history.

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam’s traveling exhibit “Florida Agriculture: Then and Now” is currently on view at the History Center. The exhibit explores the growth of the agriculture industry during Florida’s 500-year history.

The History Center is hosting a reception for the exhibit at 6 p.m., Friday, May 31. The reception also features “Jacob Summerlin: King of Crackers,” which is a historical reflection performance by Brian Shea.

Polk County History Center is located at 100 E. Main St., Bartow. For more information, call 863-534-4386.

Efficiency Commission Meeting Scheduled, May 21

The Efficiency Commission will meet on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. in room 413 of the Neil Combee Administration Building, 330 West Church Street, in Bartow.

BoCC and the Federation of Public Employees Meeting, May 22

Representatives of the Board of County Commissioners and the Federation of Public Employees will meet to negotiate the Collective Bargaining Agreement on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Services building, located at 1702 Highway 17 South, in Bartow.

Gospel Convert, May 25 & 26

"Bobby Bowen & Family" from Nashville Tn., will be in Concert (Gospel)on Saturday, May 25th, 6:30PM at Splendor Ministries Church 200 South Blvd., W Davenport.

Then on Sunday, May 26th, 10am at Gospel Tabernacle 1600 Derby Rd.,Auburndale. Also on Sunday, May 26th @ 7:00pm they will be at Ignited Church 5859 US Hwy 98 North,Lakeland. Bobby Bowen is the award winning former lead singer of The MidSouth Boy's. Everyone is invited & admission is "FREE"! A Love Offering will be accepted.

For further information phone Richard Smith 863-582-6349

Memorial Day Waste Collection Schedule

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, the North Central Landfill will be closed and there will be no residential waste collection service in the unincorporated areas. The weekly collection services will be delayed by one day. The Monday through Friday schedule will change to Tuesday through Saturday for the week of May 28-June 1.

Coffee with the City Manager, May 29

Public interaction and openness are very important to the Winter Haven City Commission and new City Manager Deric C. Feacher. The public is invited to participate in a new communication opportunity – Coffee with the City Manager. The next Coffee with the City Manager will be 7 to 8 a.m., May 29, at the Winter haven Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room, 325 Ave. A NW, in downtown Winter Haven. To save your seat, call Bethany Owen at 863-291-5600. Then bring your own coffee while the group chats with the City Manager.

Sidewalk and Intersection Improvements – 11th Street NE, May 30

The City of Winter Haven invites you to join us for a discussion about 11th Street, NE Sidewalk and Intersection Improvements from Lake Elbert Drive to Buckeye Road.

Representatives from the City Planning and Public Services Divisions will be present to address public concerns. Please consider attending the meeting and participate in the discussions. If you are unable to attend, we would still love to hear from you.

For more information, please call Public Services Division Director, at 863-291-5852.

P u b l i c  M e e t i n g
Thursday, May 30, 2013 
Polk State College – WLR 104 Auditorium
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL
6 to 7:30 p.m.

Hurricane Expo. June 1

Polk County Fire Rescue reminds citizens that the 2013 hurricane season is just around the corner. They will kick things off with its annual Polk County Hurricane Expo on Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Eva Banquet Hall in Haines City.

The Hurricane Expo is a FREE educational event for the entire family. It is the perfect opportunity to speak with area experts about storm readiness. On hand to answer questions will be local meteorologists and Polk County Emergency Management personnel. In addition, there will be other guest speakers, vendor booths, safety demonstrations and emergency vehicle displays.

Lake Eva Banquet Hall is located at 799 Johns Ave. in Haines City.

For more information on Polk County Fire Rescue visit, www.polkfire.net. For more information on the Hurricane Expo, visit www.polk-county.net/hurricaneexpo.

Wind Mitigation Workshop, June 5

Polk County is hosting a wind mitigation workshop on Wednesday, June 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Polk County Emergency Operation Center.

“Make Mitigation Happen!”, a program of Florida’s Foundation and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, is open to the public. Attendees can learn how their roof, windows and doors can be improved and translate into savings, safety and peace of mind.

Polk County’s Emergency Operations Center is located at 1890 Jim Keene Blvd. in Winter Haven. Visit www.FloridasFoundation.org or call 1-800-825-3786 for more information.

For information on Polk County Fire Rescue visit, www.polkfire.net.

Volunteers Sought for Reading Workshop, June 20

READ Polk will offer a free training workshop to volunteers who would like to teach adults how to read and speak English as a Second Language (ESOL) on Thursday, June 20, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Polk State College in the Lakeland Technology Building (LTB Building), Room 1310, 3425 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland. Lunch will not be provided, however, there is a full service restaurant within the building that will be open until to 2:00 p.m. for participants to purchase lunch. Snacks will be handed out in the morning. No experience is necessary. Volunteers will receive the training and materials to become certified tutors. Class size is limited.

The workshop is sponsored by READ Polk and hosted by the READ Lakeland. READ Polk is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit coalition of volunteers from businesses and the community. READ Polk is dedicated to facilitating relevant literacy instruction which improves the capacity of adults to negotiate their daily lives as parents, consumers, employees, and citizens. This countywide organization was formed to teach basic reading skills to adults. 27 percent of adults in Polk County are considered functionally illiterate, with another 29 percent classified as marginally literate. Register by calling 863.802.1512 or via email at READLakeland@aol.com by noon on Tuesday, June 18, 2013. For more information, please call Diane Oropeza, Program Coordinator, READ Lakeland, 863.802.1512.

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.