FYI

August 12, 2009 08:32 am

— The American Cancer Society (ACS) of North Central Florida - Reaching out to seniors in our area. A variety of locations all over the north central Florida area are available for each program. Contact The American Cancer Society toll-free at 800-ACS-2345 for more information or on the Web at www.cancer.org. Or contact ACS locally at 352-376-6866, ext. 114 or 127.
ACS Support groups:
I Can Cope - a free educational program for people facing cancer-either personally or as a caregiver. Offered through a partnership between the Florida Division of The American Cancer Society and the Florida Society of Oncology Social Workers; provides participants with reliable information, peer support and practical coping skills. Meets third Monday, 6-7 p.m., Phillips Dining Hall, Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park.
Road To Recovery - lack of transportation is one of the biggest challenges for thousands of cancer patients. Many need daily or weekly treatment and they don’t have a car or are too ill to drive. The program provides volunteer drivers to transport cancer patients to and from these life-saving cancer treatments. Call toll-free 800-227-2345 to request a ride or train as a voluteer-Live Oak/Lake City/Dowling Park.
Look Good, Feel Better - a free, community-based program that teaches beauty techniques to female cancer patients currently in chemotherapy or radiation treatment to help restore their appearance and self-image. This partnership between the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association enables certified and licensed beauty professionals to help cancer patients regain self-confidence during their treatment. Meets second Monday, 9:30 a.m. in the conference room in Shands at Lake Shore hospital, Lake City. Continental breakfast provided courtesy of Shands. Call toll-free to reserve free make-up kits 800-227-2345.
Reach to Recovery - connects breast cancer patients with trained breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivors provide free one-on-one support and information to help cope with their breast cancer experience. Gift bag included. Request a visitor by calling toll-free 800-227-2345-Lake City/Live Oak.
Man to Man - provides men with prostate cancer a comfortable, community-based setting for discussion, education and support. The program provides men with free support on individual and group levels, and offers participants the opportunity to educate their communities and advocate for prostate cancer issues. Meets second Tuesday, 7 p.m., classroom at Lake City Medical Center. Refreshments provided by LCMC. Info: Bill Mann 386-758-7681. Meets second Thursday, 7 p.m., Copeland Community Center, Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park. Info: Albert Applewhite, 386-658-3085.
Angel Food Ministry – Love INC of Suwannee County - Anyone may purchase a package of food for $32. Also, one or more specials will be available for an additional charge, only with the purchase of a regular box. You can purchase with Food Stamps (EBT) or by cash or check. Regular box: $32. Specials vary each month. Please bring a box (Banana box size) for packing your food in on the day of pickup. Pay first of month, food delivered end of month. Info: 386-364-4673.
Childbirth classes (free) - Suwannee County Health Department; every Tuesday; 6-8 p.m.; Info or to register: Coleen Cody, 386-362-2708, ext. 218.
Christian Home Educators of Suwannee (CHES) - home school support group; weekly park days; informal meetings; fellowship for parents and kids; Info: ches3in1@yahoo.com or Tammy, 386-362-6939.
Christian Mission in Action Ministry - free food and clothing give-away, second Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at John H. Hale Community Park & Recreation Center, 215 NE Duval St., Live Oak; Info: Audrey Sharpe, 386-364-4560.
Dairy Queen Benefit Night – Dairy Queen of Live Oak will host Dairy Queen Benefit Night the second Tuesday of every month from 6-8 p.m. to help buy books for Suwannee Middle School.
Experience Works - a national nonprofit organization, (formerly Green Thumb) provides training and employment services to older workers – over 55 and with a limited income – in Suwannee County through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP); minimum wage – 20 hours per week. Info: Lake City One Stop, 386-755-9026, ext. 3129 for Loretta or ext. 3134 for Ronald; www.experienceworks.org.
Experimental Airplane Association (EAA) Breakfast - fourth Saturday; breakfast served from 9-11 a.m.; at the EAA Chapter Building at the Suwannee County Airport; eggs, sausage, pancakes, toast, coffee, fruit and juice for $4.50; the EAA Chapter sponsors two students from NJROTC to go to the Air Academy in Oshkosh, Wis.
Food free to anyone in need - Alapaha River Band of Cherokee, Inc., a non-profit organization, will give away free food to anyone in need first and third Fridays, from noon-3 p.m. at Free Food Service Pantry, 3589 NW 28th Terrace, Jennings. Info: Chief Joan Nelson, 386-938-4625 or 386-938-3609, or http://www.alapahariverbandofcherokeeinc.org.
Food Bank of Suwannee Valley - a division of Catholic Charities of Lake City whose purpose is to distribute food to 14 member agencies for further distribution in Columbia, Suwannee, Hamilton and Union counties to help eliminate hunger. Volunteers are always needed, call Glenda Parton at 386-755-5683.
WWW.FREECYCLE - Recycle with www.freecycle.org; The Freecycle Network™ is made up of many individual groups across the globe to “recycle” and keep out of landfills. It’s a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) items for free in their own homes. Membership is free. To sign up, find your community – Live Oak – Suwannee County – at the Web site www.freecycle.org. When you want to find a new home for something – you simply send an email offering it to members of the – Live Oak – Suwannee County – Freecycle group. Or, maybe you’re looking to acquire something yourself. Simply post a request for the item and you might just get it. Non-profit organizations are also welcome to join too! For more information, log onto www.freecycle.org.
Friends of Suwannee River State Park - second Tuesday, 10 a.m., board meeting; Suwannee River State Park, US 90 West, Live Oak; Last birding walk for 2008 will be held Saturday, Oct. 25; meet at park 8 a.m.; bring water, binoculars and favorite bird ID book; wear comfortable shoes or boots. Park entrance fees apply. Info: Membership Chair Walter Schoenfelder, 850-971-5354, wbs@surfbest.net or 386-362-2746, fosrsp@surfbest.net.
GED Tests - Suwannee-Hamilton Technical Center; mandatory registration session before test; Info: Lynn Lee, 386-364-2782; age waivers, Karen Williams, 386-384-2763, counselor.
Grandparents raising children offered free services - Free services to grandparents 60 or order raising a grandchild under 18. Adventure Camp – weekend camps for children, ages 9-12 held at Camp Suwannee, Dowling Park. Children enjoy crafts, games, swimming, canoeing and campfires. Consultation services with licensed counselor with over 30 years experience working with families and children – answers for questions about raising grandchildren; crisis intervention; understanding stress, depression and anxiety. Education/training periodic workshops focusing on parenting skills, understanding the effects of abuse or neglect on children, how to influence you grandchildren positively without straining the relationship. Free services provided by Advent Christian Village and partially funded by Elder Options and the Area Agency on Aging. Info: Dr. Rob Crankshaw, 386-658-5118.
Haven Hospice of the Suwannee Valley - Helping Hands Volunteer Orientation - first Wednesday, 10-11 a.m.; or, third Tuesday, 5-6:30 p.m.; at Hospice of the Suwannee Valley, 618 SW Florida Gateway Drive, Lake City; Info: Carolyn Long, 386-752-9191.
Jasper Woman’s Club - The clubhouse of the Jasper Woman’s Club, a 2,400-square-foot hall/kitchen, is available for parties, reunions, meetings and other social events. The rental fee benefits the building fund and maintenance fund of the club. For information concerning the rules, regulations and fees for renting the building, call 386-855-5670 during normal business hours.
Lafayette County Veterans - DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty” can be recorded in the Clerk of Court’s office, Lafayette County Courthouse, Mayo.
Love INC of Suwannee County - A non-profit Christian group; represents local churches; finds help for valid needs; Info: 386-364-4673, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- noon.
Love INC of Suwannee County – Angel Food Ministry - Anyone may purchase a package of food for $32. Also, one or more specials will be available for an additional charge, only with the purchase of a regular box. You can purchase with Food Stamps (EBT) or by cash or check. Regular box: $32. Specials vary each month. Please bring a box (Banana box size) for packing your food in on the day of pickup. Pay first of month, food delivered end of month. Info: 386-364-4673.
MDA - Assists people with ALS; help with purchase and repair of wheelchairs; support groups; expert-led seminars; Info: www.als.mdausa.org. www.mdausa.org/chat.
Marine Corps League - First Tuesday, 7 p.m., The Suwannee Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League of the United States meets at Wellborn Community Center; ladies auxiliary meets at same time and place, Info: Jerry Curtis, 386-984-6755; Janet Morgan, 386-362-2068.
North Florida Community College (NFCC) Community Education - classes available for all ages on campus; also, more than 290 online community education courses available at www.ed2go.com/nfcc, keyword Community Education. Complete list available online. Info: Suzie Godfrey, 850-973-9453, godfreys@nfcc.edu.
North Florida Workforce Development - strives to help dislocated workers and other jobseekers find employment in a prompt manner; office hours at One-Stop Center in Madison: 850-973-9675, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday and alternate Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Note: The mobile unit is scheduled to be in Live Oak at the Lowe’s parking lot on North US 129, every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Operation Cleansweep - FDACS and FDEP sponsor Operation Cleansweep to collect and safely dispose of pesticides in Florida; Cost: Free; Info: toll-free 877-851-5285, www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/cleansweep-pesticides/ or local Household Hazardous Waste program, www.earth911.
Parents of ADD and ADHD Children - support group; Info: Lea-Anne Elaine, 386-362-7339.
Pregnancy Crisis Center - Two locations: 112 Piedmont St., Live Oak, and 227 SW Columbia Ave., Lake City are open Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; offer confidential counseling, free pregnancy tests, clothes for expectant mothers and infants; referrals to pro-life doctors; groups and churches may sponsor baby showers with donation of the gifts to the center; needed: maternity clothes and hangers; Info: 386-330-2229, 386-755-0058 or toll-free 800-696-4580.
Prescription Assistance - patients who need help paying for their prescription medicines should call Partnership for Prescription Assistance, toll-free 800-477-2669, www.pparx.org
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Branford – statewide program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Free unbiased Medicare counseling provided. Trained SHINE Volunteers offer information and assistance with Medicare, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare supplemental insurance, Medicaid programs, and prescription assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. They can also provide valuable information about Medicare to persons soon to turn 65. Call the following number and they will refer you to the shine counseling site at Branford Public Library or a shine counselor will call you if you cannot visit this site. Info: Elder Helpline, toll-free 800-262-2243.
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park - The Suwannee River Bluegrass Association - every Saturday night; 6 p.m.; bluegrass jam at the Pickin’ Shed, except during main festival events, at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, US 129 North, Live Oak; potluck dinner third Saturday; Info: 386-364-1683.
Stephen Foster State Culture Center State Park, White Springs - First Saturday Coffeehouse and “Art in the Park” - first Saturday, 7-9 p.m., auditorium; open stage night with songs, stories, yodeling, music and much more. Coffee and desserts available for sale. Free admission; Located on US 41, three miles from I-75 and nine miles from I-10. Enjoy “Art in the Park” from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in Craft Square. Something for every member of the family. Info: 386-397-1920, 386-397-4331, www.FloridaStateParks.org/stephenfoster/.
Suwannee County Historical Museum - free admission, open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday, US 129 North, Live Oak. Info: 386-362-1776.
Suwannee Valley Bluegrass Pickin - first Saturday, 7 p.m., Otter Springs Resort Lodge, 6470 SW 80th Ave., Trenton. It is free to the public, in a nice, air-conditioned building. Info: Cloud Haley, toll-free 800-990-5410.
Volunteers needed - Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) is looking for help. Volunteers are needed to help out with animals during hurricanes and all natural disasters. DART meets the first Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Companion Animal Hospital, 605 N. Houston Street, Live Oak. Volunteers are especially needed to help man pet-friendly shelters right here in Suwannee County. If you’d like to help out or be put on the list of volunteers, call 386-208-0072, or come to the monthly meeting. DART helps out with pets, livestock, horses, birds and all animals during natural disasters.
Volunteers needed - Suwannee River Regional Library Branford and Live Oak branches offer free tutoring to students from kindergarten through adults, who need help with their reading, math or learning English. Your help is needed as a volunteer reading or math (elementary) tutor. It only requires one or two hours a week, a smile and some patience. All materials for tutoring are provided. Info: Lori Rogers, 386-364-3481.
Volunteers needed in Lafayette County - Lafayette Health Care Center in Mayo is seeking volunteers to assist with residents in its living facility. Volunteers offer emotional support and one-on-one involvement that can truly touch lives. Duties can include helping with activities of daily living, sitting with a resident, providing reassurance or companionship for residents and families and just being an attentive listener and friend. Info: Louise Johnson, activities director, 386-294-3300.
Volunteers needed in Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette and Suwannee Counties - SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program - The Florida Department of Elder Affairs invites you to join the award-winning SHINE Program team of volunteers. The program helps elders make informed decisions about Medicare and health insurance. Volunteers provide free, unbiased individual counseling to elders and their caregivers about Medicare, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, discounted or free drug programs, and related health insurance. They also make educational presentations to community groups or participate in local health fairs, senior fairs and other outreach events. Comprehensive training is provided and travel related expenses are reimbursed. Consider joining SHINE and help improve the lives of Florida’s elders. You will find this unique volunteer position very stimulating and rewarding. Info: toll-free 800-262-2243.
Volunteers needed - Guardian ad Litem, 213 Howard Street East, Live Oak needs volunteers to provide representation for each and every child who needs it. Give the light of hope to a child! Info: Tammie Williams, 386-364-7720.
Wanted - Volunteer positions open; Surrey Place Care Center, US 90 East, Live Oak; extensive seven-day-a-week activity program; volunteers needed: calling out BINGO or Pokeno, reading to residents who no longer see well or sharing scriptures, giving wheel chair rides in the courtyard, helping with special events or being a “helper/partner” on outings out of the facility; goal: to keep residents lives fulfilled by being busy and happy; Info: 386-364-5961.
Wanted - Lake City VA Medical Center needs volunteer transportation drivers for veterans coming to the Medical Center and returning home. Info/to volunteer: call Voluntary Service toll-free 800-308-8387 or 386-755-3016, extension 2135, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.