Volunteer Opportunity
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"Passport Day in the USA"
On Saturday, September 17, the Department of State will host its third annual “Passport Day in the USA.” U.S. citizens throughout the country may apply for a passport book or passport card at all regional passport agencies and participating passport application acceptance facilities, including post offices and clerks of court.
For this day only, U.S. citizens may apply directly at passport agencies without making an appointment. Both routine and expedited processing service may be requested. To reduce wait times on September 17, customers are encouraged to complete applications online at www.travel.state.gov, print the completed forms, and bring them to the passport agencies and acceptance facilities.
Information about passport requirementsor TDD/TTY at 1-888-874-7793.
National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778
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Hurricane Irene Updates and Preparedness
The Weather Channel reports Hurricane Irene, the first hurricane of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, now has its sights set on the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast. Irene is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane by early Wednesday as it passes over the Bahamas.
Storm Team 8 Tampa Bay reports that the more time passes, the less threat the rapidly strengthening Hurricane Irene appears to be to the Tampa Bay area. Irene grew into a Category 2 hurricane late Monday and the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said it might continue to increase in strength.
For our Tampa Bay area residents, it's never to late to prepare for severe storms, as the forecast has been known to change in the past.
USA.gov has plenty of resources to assist you in both pre- and post- hurricane situations -- for you, your family, your business, and your pets.
If you live near the path of a storm, Ready.gov recommends that you:
- Build an emergency supply kit,
- Make a family emergency plan, and
- Stay informed. Follow hurricane warnings and updates at Hurricanes.gov.
Don't let a disaster catch you by surprise -- Be prepared !more
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Drop off Old Medications and Needles - Saturday, August 27th, 2011
Get rid of your old medication and needles on August 27th
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office will host pill drops at two (2) locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 27th, where you can safely dispose of unused or expired medications and needles. You simply drop off the items and no personal information will be required. The Sheriff's Office will then properly dispose of the items so they don't end up in the landfill or water supply.
The event will be held at the Gulfview Square Mall, 9409 U. S. 19 in Port Richey and the Shops of Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Dr. in Wesley Chapel. For more information please contact the sheriff's office at 800-854-2862.
Information provided by the St. Petersburg Times Saturday, August 13, 2011 edition. more -
Back To School Tips
With the beginning of a new school year just around the corner, parents are wondering how to help their children do their best this academic year. According to a research study commissioned by Georgia’s Partnership for Reform in Science and Mathematics (PRISM), parents are the most influential people in the academic success of a child, ahead of teachers, coaches and spiritual leaders.
This is good news, but many parents wonder how they can make a positive impact when they aren’t experts in the subjects their children are studying. Every parent can put his or her child on a path to school readiness and academic success. Here are some recommendations:
..:: Get Involved ::..
- Studies show that students whose parents are involved in schools are more likely to resist negative peer pressure, more likely to graduate and to go to college, and less likely to have learning and behavioral problems.
- One of the best things you can do to see that your child gets the most out of his or her education is to get involved and encourage them to do the same. Serving on the PTA or becoming a class parent assures that you know what’s going on so that your child can take full advantage of school events.
- Encourage your child to sign up for extracurricular activities and take part, as a family, in school work days, spirit nights, donation drives and the variety of activities held throughout the school year.
..:: Maintain an Open Dialogue ::..
- Don’t wait for a conference to talk with the teacher about a child’s progress. Students will be more successful if parents have an open dialogue with their children, teachers and school administrators from the start of the school year.
- Be positive. Your child may be nervous about heading back to school, so be sure to model optimism and excitement about the new year. Your child will pick up on your good attitude. Also, let him or her know you're always available to talk about problems.
- Discuss your child’s learning style and past successes and challenges with school. Ask questions about your child’s curriculum, educational track and expected benchmarks for the academic year. Notice when your child completes homework/assignments and provide encouragement. Praise your child for positive efforts even if you don't see the results yet.
- Talk every day about the progress he/she is making in each class. Encourage your child to talk to teachers if he/she does not understand an assignment.
- Almost every student approaches the start of a new school year with at least a bit of trepidation, and if your child has struggled with school in the past, he/she is much more likely to be less than overjoyed about heading back into the classroom. Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
- Point out the positive aspects of starting school. Refresh positive memories about previous years.
..:: Support Good Study Habits ::..
- Create a homework center—a specific area in the house where your child can do homework each evening. Establish a regular homework time, making sure that it’s in a quiet place and stocked with enough supplies, such as pencils, erasers, paper, a folder or two, and a calculator.
- Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
- Supervise computer and internet use.
- Be available to answer questions and offer assistance
- Keep encouraging literacy at home. Read at least once a week with your child and make frequent trips to your local library.
- Have a dictionary available for your child to look up new or unfamiliar words
- All students need to be proficient in Science and Mathematics in order to be successful as adults. Communicate the importance of learning Science and Mathematics. From the kitchen, to the family car, balancing a checkbook and figuring out the discount on their latest purchase – Science and Mathematics surround us and enrich our lives in many ways.
- When it comes to your child and school, don't forget that routines are your ally. From consistent bedtimes to a well-established homework zone, developing positive habits can help ease anxiety and promote appropriate behaviors.
..:: Be Prepared ::..
- Children between the ages of 6 and 9 need about 10 hours of sleep each night. Preteens need a little over nine hours. Therefore, setting a regular sleep routine could improve your child’s sleep habits and schoolwork. Establish a reasonable bedtime so that they'll be well-rested and ready to learn in the morning.
- Eat a healthy breakfast. Studies have shown that children who eat healthful, balanced breakfasts and lunches are more alert throughout the school day and earn higher grades than those who have an unhealthy diet.
- Have your child organize and set out what they need the night before; Clothes should be laid out in their bedrooms.Homework and books should be put in their backpacks by the door. Pack light, a backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the student’s body weight. Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles and may increase curvature of the spine.
- Encourage students to leave the iPods, cell phones and other electronic toys at home. Most schools ban them during school hours anyway -- and students have been robbed of their electronic items going to or from school. Teach your child not to share locker combinations with other students.
- Encourage your child to keep a notebook or journal in order to write down the need-to-know info to help them remember details such as their locker combination, what time classes and lunch start and end, their homeroom and classroom numbers, teachers' and/or bus drivers' names, etc.
- Use a wall calendar or personal planner to record when assignments are due, tests will be given, extracurricular practices and rehearsals will be held, etc.
- Meet with the school nurse - This is especially important if your child requires any medications at school (for asthma, allergies, attention deficit disorder, etc.), has any allergies (foods, medications, bee, yellow jacket, etc. stings) or any medical conditions (seizures, heart conditions, etc.) that may restrict their participation in school activities.
- Make sure students are aware of all school rules governing their behavior while in school.
- Children may be embarrassed about being targeted by bullies, let them know it’s OK to report a bully to a teacher, principal or resource officer.
- Prepare your child for social situations. A certain level of social anxiety is normal. Respond to signs of anxiety by talking to your child about school concerns. Make time to listen when kids want to talk - review your child's worries one at a time and help them problem solve so they don't become overwhelmed.
Helpful Resources :School hours
Online lunch/snack payment
Immunizations
Free and reduced lunch application
Check grades
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Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
MEDICAID & THE CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (CHIP)
offer free or low-cost health coverage to children and families.
- If you are eligible for health coverage from your employer, but are unable to afford the premiums, some States have premium assistance programs that can help pay for coverage. These States use funds from their Medicaid or CHIP programs to help people who are eligible for employer-sponsored health coverage, but need assistance in paying their health premiums.
- If you or your dependents are already enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, and you live in a state offering assistance (Florida), you can contact the Children's Health Insurance Plan or your State Medicaid office to find out if premium assistance is available.
- If you or your dependents are NOT currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, and you think you or any of your dependents might be eligible for either of these programs, you can contact any of the groups listed here to find out how to apply. If you qualify, you can ask the State if it has a program that might help you pay the premiums for an employer-sponsored plan:
- Contact the State Medicaid Office
- Contact the Children's Health Insurance Plan
- Contact INSURE KIDS NOW by calling 1-877-Kids-Now (1-877-543-7669)
- Once it is determined that you or your dependents are eligible for premium assistance under Medicaid or CHIP, your employer’s health plan is required to permit you and your dependents to enroll in the plan – as long as you and your dependents are eligible, but not already enrolled in the employer’s plan. This is called a “special enrollment” and you must request coverage within 60 days of being determined eligible for premium assistance.
- As a Florida resident, you may be eligible for assistance paying your employer health plan premiums.
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Stay Safe during a Lightning Storm
"IF THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS"
Since thunder and lightning storms happen frequently during the summer months, FEMA offers these tips on how to avoid injury during a lightning storm:- Avoid contact with corded phones.
- Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug electronic equipment well before the storm arrives because power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
- Avoid contact with plumbing and bathroom fixtures because they can conduct electricity: do not wash hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes or do laundry.
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
- Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.
- If you're caught outside during a storm, stay away from tall trees. Avoid open fields, beaches, and boats on the water. If possible, seek shelter in a thick growth of small trees or in a low lying area. Also avoid anything metal such as golf clubs/carts, tractors, bicycles, etc. Seek shelter in a car if possible, but avoid touching any of its metal parts.
Because lightning is unpredictable and can strike 10 miles outside of any rainfall the risk to individuals and property is increased. If you feel you hair standing on end (which indicates lightning is about to strike) squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact it the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.
Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately. The following are things you should check when you attempt to give aid to a victim of lightning:
- Breathing - if breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- Heartbeat - if the heart has stopped, administer CPR.
- Pulse - if the victim has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check for burns where the lightning entered and left the body. Also be alert for nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing and eyesight.
Information provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
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Connect Socially With Tax Information
Social Media Ways to Get Tax Information You Need* Including ASL Videos and Tweets *IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2011-09
If you prefer social media resources over hard copy documents, or you use your smartphone to work smarter, this will interest you!
The Internal Revenue Service delivers the latest information on tax changes, initiatives, products and services through social media like YouTube, Twitter, Smartphone Mobile Apps, Podcasts, and widgets.
Click here to watch how to connect with the IRS using the media list below.
Or choose a particular media tool from this list for details:- IRS2Go Mobile App: The IRS launched a smartphone application this year that lets you interact with the IRS using your mobile device. The mobile application can help you get your refund status and tax updates. IRS2Go is available for the iPhone or iTouch and the Android.
- YouTube: The IRS Video Channels on YouTube provide with short, informative videos on various tax-related topics. The videos are in English, American Sign Language, and a variety of foreign languages.
- Twitter Follow along with IRS tweets which include tax-related announcements, news for tax professionals and updates for job seekers. Follow us @IRSnews.
- Audio files for Podcasts - The IRS creates audio files for use in podcasts. These short audio recordings provide useful information on one tax related topic. The audio files and their transcripts can be found in the Multimedia Center on IRS.gov. These files are also available as podcasts on iTunes.
- Widgets - Widgets are tools that can be placed on websites, blogs or social media networks to direct others to IRS.gov for information. The IRS has developed a variety of widgets that feature the latest tax initiatives and programs. These widgets can be found on Marketing Express, the marketing site that allows IRS partners and tax preparers to customize their IRS communications products.
The IRS will not be able to answer personal tax or account questions on any of these sites. You can look up any questions you might have on their list of Frequently Asked Questions. You may also find help using the IRS Site Map.
To find links to all of IRS’s social media tools, visit www.irs.gov and click on “IRS New Media.”
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