August 2007 Archives

There is a lot of pride and sense of community in Polk County, with generations of families living and working here. But Polk County also has another distinction, with the third highest population in the state of children who have parents behind bars. Statistics show those children are 70% more likely to end up following in their parents footsteps. Big Brothers Big Sisters was fortunate to receive a $100,000 federal grant to reach those children in need, but time is running out. The grant deadline is September, and we’re still in search of adults who could mentor a child just a few hours a month. Not only are they making a difference in the life of a child, it is also a life-changing experience for the volunteer, too. And without those volunteers, Polk County will lose out on $100,000 of federal funds.

There are two main ways in which you can get involved:
o Community-based/Traditional Program – The volunteer meets with their Little Brother or Little Sister to share activities you both enjoy, on your own schedule. The best activities are low-cost or no-cost activities such as riding bikes, playing board games, baking cookies, walking, hiking, or going to a local ball game. We ask volunteers to meet with their Little at least three times a month.
o Bigs In Schools Program- The volunteer meets with their Little Brother or Little Sister weekly during the school day, on school grounds or at an after school center. You might hang out and shoot hoops, eat lunch in the cafeteria, read books in the media center, or review homework while sitting at picnic tables outside.
Enrolling is easy! Visit our secure website at www.bbbsfl.org and you can fill out an application, or feel free to mail the attached application to Big Brothers Big Sisters, 1231 E. Orange Street, Lakeland, FL 33801. Once that’s complete we’ll call you for an interview and complete your background check. During the interview, we’ll find out more about you, and you can let us know what age of child you would feel comfortable with, what activities you enjoy, etc. Then you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Big! If you have any questions or would like to schedule an information session for those who may be interested, please call Carol Zoffinger, 863.682.5191 ext. 109; carol.zoffinger@bbbs.org.

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Posted by Kristin Carlson

Polk County Young Republicans will host “Happy Hour” with Congressman Adam Putnam from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 16, at Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy. For more information call 863-686-7500.

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Posted by Kristin Carlson

Tuesday, August 28
7:00-9:00pm at
The Lakeland Center

Ticket Prices
In Advance $25; Day of $30
Event Parking $5

Ticket Locations
Imperial Symphony Office
1037 S. Florida Ave, Ste 125
Dixieland Village, Lakeland
Mon-Fri, 9:00am-5:00pm
www.imperialsymphony.org

Lakeland Center Box Office
701 W. Lime Street, Lakeland
Mon-Fri, 9:30am-5:30pm
www.thelakelandcenter.com

Ticketmaster Outlets
Ticketmaster Phone 682-5300
Online www.ticketmaster.com

Visit with friends, savor light hors d’oeuvres and enjoy music provided by The Imperial Symphony Orchestra. Sip on martinis prepared by guest celebrity bartenders from some of Polk County’s favorite hot spots. Select your seats for The ISO’s Masterworks Series. Learn about The Guild of the ISO and participate in a Chinese Auction for some fabulous prizes. Entry includes two martini coupons and a ballot to cast your vote for the best martini in Polk County. Must be age 21 or above for entry.

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Posted by Michael Wiener

Emerge Lakeland has a special invitation for you from the Lakeland Flying Tigers. On Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m., you may attend the game for free! Our fellow members Zach Burek and Tony Longa have teamed together to offer this special event at no cost to you…but wait, that’s not all! Not only are the tickets free, but so are the parking and snacks! This is an offer too good to be true but we are offering this to our members. Be sure to RSVP to Zach at zach.burek@detroittigers.com or 413.4120, or Tony Longa at 499.2910 (ext.2440). This offer expires 12:00 noon on game day so make sure you call or email today.

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Posted by Kristin Carlson