Send items for Community Briefs to editor Thomas Michalski, Pinellas Park Beacon, Tampa Bay Newspapers, 9911 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, FL 33772. You can e-mail items and photographs to tmichalski@TBNweekly.com or call 397-5563, ext. 324.
Mission seeks Thanksgiving volunteers PINELLAS PARK – The Suncoast Haven of Rest Rescue Mission, 5625 Park Blvd., needs volunteers to serve Thanksgiving dinner between 1 and 4 p.m. Persons interested should call 545-8282 or show up at the mission Thanksgiving Day at about noon for orientation.
Astro Skate aids homeless PINELLAS PARK – The Astro Skate and Fun Center on Nov. 28 will provide discounts in exchange for canned goods for the homeless. The fun center at 10001 66th St. and in Tarpon Springs is selling admission tickets between noon and 5 p.m. for $5.50 and will rent skates for $3. Those prices can be reduced by $1 off the admission price for each canned food item up to a maximum of $3. The items will be donated to the Homeless Emergency Project. Call 546-0018.
Acting, modeling camps slated PINELLAS PARK – Venue Actors Studio, 9125 U.S. 19, is sponsoring a series of acting, modeling, on-camera and etiquette classes on Nov. 24, 25, 26, 28, Dec. 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, 31 and Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 822-6194.
Winterfest crafters needed PINELLAS PARK – Crafters are needed for the sixth annual Holiday in the Park Winterfest slated for Dec. 5, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Dec. 6 from noon to 10 p.m. The event will be held at the England Brothers Band Shell, 5121 80th Terrace. There will be children’s games, hayrides, a candy cane factory, photos with Santa, pony rides, music, food and entertainment. Proceeds help support local charities. Call Bev Waggoner at 541-0760.
Auxiliary collects items for troops PINELLAS PARK – American Legion Auxiliary Unit 104 is collecting items for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and for the 320th Military Police Company of St. Petersburg that is deployed in Tikrit, Iraq, until March 2009. They need such things as sports equipment, personal hygiene items and prepaid phone cards. Items can be left at the collection box at American Legion Post 104, 7550 60th St.
Riding club offers program for disabled PINELLAS PARK – The Saddle Up Riding Club is offering therapeutic riding lessons for disabled children and adults. Kellie Sipos, club founder, said the therapeutic equine-related program contributes to the development, physical and emotional well being of disabled persons. She said horseback riding gently moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait that helps improve flexibility, balance and muscle strength. Call 520-3132.
