• Energy-Saving Tips

    Ideas for saving energy


    Now is a great time to consider new ways of saving energy (and money) in your home.  Click here for energy saving tips and resources.

    Simple ways you can save energy include:
    • Use compact fluorescent light bulbs with the ENERGY STAR label
    • Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use
    • Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes
    • Take shorter showers
    • Seal and caulk your home's air leaks
    • Check your home for the recommended level of insulation
    • Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees F
    • Install a programmable thermostat in your home
    Visit the U.S. Department of Energy to find a wealth of information and energy saving tips that you can use in your home, at the workplace and with your vehicle.  You will learn about ways to reduce your water heating bills, what to look for in energy efficient appliances, ways you can reduce your energy use and much more.

    Information provided by U. S. Department of Energy

    more
  • Tracking Santa!


    NORAD Tracks Santa!


    The preparations for this year are in place! Come back each day to receive updates from the North Pole and to discover new surprises in the Kids' Countdown Village.

    "For 50 years NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa’s flight. Tracking Santa starts with the NORAD radar system called the North Warning System. This powerful radar system consists of 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. On December 24th, NORAD monitors the radar systems continuously for indications that Santa Claus has left the North Pole".

    "The moment that radar indicates Santa has lifted off, we use our second detection system. Satellites positioned in geo-synchronous orbit at 22,300 miles from the Earth’s surface are equipped with infrared sensors, which enable them to detect heat. Amazingly, Rudolph’s bright red nose gives off an infrared signature, which allows our satellites to detect Rudolph and Santa".


    "The third tracking system is the Santa Cam network. We began using it in 1998, which is the year we put our Santa Tracking program on the internet. Santa Cams are ultra-cool, high-tech, high-speed digital cameras that are pre-positioned at many locations around the world. NORAD only uses these cameras once a year. The cameras capture images and videos of Santa and his reindeer as they make their journey around the world".

    "The fourth system is made up of fighter jets. Canadian NORAD fighter pilots flying the CF-18 intercept and welcome Santa to North America. In the United States, American NORAD fighter pilots in either the F-15 or the F-16 get the thrill of flying alongside Santa and his famous reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph".

    Click on the to read some really interesting facts about Santa and watch the Countdown to Track Santa!
    Information provided by noradsanta.org














    more
  • Cold Weather Shelters

    The following shelters will be open at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, due to the expected cold weather:

                                                                                                                                      
    1) Volunteer Way    
    10008 Moon Lake Rd.
         New Port Richey
         727-815-0433

    2) Community Congregational Church
         6533 Circle Blvd.
         New Port Richey
         727-849-1943

    3) Home with a Heart
        11736 U. S. 19, Room 161
        Port Richey
        727-243-1367
    4) The Holy Ground Shelter
        8835 Denton Avenue
        Hudson

    5) The Samaritan Project
        34921 Chauncy Road
        Zephyrhills
        813-810-8670

    Families are accepted at all locations with the exception of the Volunteer Way.
    Information provided by Pasco County Office of Emergency Management








    more
  • Free Holiday Meal for Pasco Residents




    Annual Food Giveaway for Needy Families

    The Offices of Senator Fasano, Representatives, Legg and Corcoran in conjunction with Farm Share invite you to help with the Annual Food Giveaway to needy Families Friday, December 17  from 10 am until Noon.

    Each year 500 families in need are provided with a ham, potatoes, canned vegetables, and other items to complete meals for the Holiday Season. This year’s event will take place on Friday, December 17  from 10 am until Noon in the parking lot of Generations Christian Church located at 1540 Little Road  in Trinity.  Generations Church is a quarter mile north of Trinity Blvd and half mile south of SR 54 on the east side of Little Road.  All needy families are welcome.

    If you would like to contribute, donations can be made to the Volunteer Way of Pasco (non-profit organization) and mailed to the District Office at 8217 Massachusetts Avenue, New Port Richey, FL 34653. If you would like to volunteer your time to help organize and distribute food, please arrive at Generations Christian Church parking lot at 8am on the morning of December 17.

    If you have any questions or would like more information, call The Offices of Senator Fasano at (727) 848-5885. Please speak to Gino Casanova or Michael Vente.

    more
  • What is the Deadline for Mailing Holiday Packages to Troops Overseas?




    The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by calling 1.800.610.8734. Each kit includes two “America Supports You” large Priority Mail flat rate boxes, four medium-sized Priority Mail flat rate boxes, six Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and six customs forms with envelopes. 

    At this time, packages must be sent either by Priority Mail or Express Mail.  Click the link to view a mailing schedule







    Information provided by answers.usa.gov

    more
  • Holiday Fire Safety


    Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 250 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 170 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year.

    By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty. 

    Preventing Christmas Tree Fires
    • Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.  
    • Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.  
    • Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
    • Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

    Follow the link for movie segments demonstrating how fast a Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames in these Christmas Tree Fire Video Presentations.

    Holiday Lights
    • Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
    • Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets.
    • Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.

    Holiday Decorations
    • Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
    • All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.

    As in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. Make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or trees. Remember to practice your home escape plan.








    more
  • Veterans: Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay

    Claim Deadline Extended to December 3, 2010 
    * * * * * *

    President Barack Obama signed legislation extending the Retroactive Stop-Loss Special Pay deadline through December 3, DOD officials said today. Officials estimate about 80,000 eligible service members, veterans and beneficiaries have yet to apply for the special stop-loss pay.

    If you are a service member, veteran, or beneficiary of a service member whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009, you may be eligible for RSLSP. The average benefit is $3,700.

    “It’s important that all those eligible for this benefit take the opportunity to apply for what they’ve earned,” said Lernes Hebert, acting director, Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management.  “We encourage those eligible to apply as soon as possible, to avoid the last minute rush, which can increase processing time.”

    The following service-specific sites provide more information and allow you to begin the RSLSP claim process.

      Benefits.gov can easily help you find government programs you may be eligible to receive. Click "Start Now" on the homepage to begin answering questions in the confidential Benefit Finder. The more questions you answer, the more likely you are to be eligible for the benefits that will appear in your Benefit Results List.



      more
    • Reminder For Daylight Saving Time


      On Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 2:00 a.m. local time, the country switches from Daylight Saving Time to standard time. In order to avoid any confusion,  it's best to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time is not observed in Arizona, Hawaii and most of the United States territories, like Guamand Peurto Rico.



      The Reason for Daylight Saving Time :

      Daylight Saving Time was officially instituted in the United States during World War I. The “extra” hour of daylight was supposed to help save energy for wartime manufacturing. During World War II, some communities did follow Daylight Saving Time, while others didn’t. In 1966, the Uniform Time Act standardized Daylight Saving Time.


      Read more: Daylight Saving Time — NASA - Daylight Saving Time


      A Safety Reminder
      Many fire departments encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when they change their clocks because Daylight Saving Time provides a convenient reminder. "A working smoke detector more than doubles a person's chances of surviving a home fire," says William McNabb of the Troy Fire Department in Michigan. More than 90 percent of homes in the United States have smoke detectors, but one-third are estimated to have dead or missing batteries.

      more
    • Early Voting for Pasco County Residents.



      Early Voting in the General Election
        

      BE AN INFORMED VOTER  Election season is often a stressful time. Numerous state and local battles leave many of us with headaches, such as wondering whom to vote for, and which office How many of us ask ourselves before we vote, "How do I know what my congressional, state senate, and state house districts are?"  The districts in which you are eligible to vote are indicated on your voter identification card issued by the Supervisor of Elections.  Pasco County is in the 5th & 9th Congressional Districts; represented by the 10th, 11th, & 12th State Senate districts, and by the 44th, 45th, 46th, 48th, 61st, & 62nd State House districts. 

      To help you learn more about all the candidates and the positions they are running for, here are some websites you can refer to:

      2010 Local Candidates - lists those who are running for local government and the positions they are running for: Board of County Commissioner, School Board Member, County Court Judge, Clerk of Circuit Court, Property Appraiser, Sheriff, Superintendent of Schools, Supervisor of Elections, Tax Collector,  Mosquito Control Commissioner, and Community Development Districts.  The website Elected Job Office Descriptions explains the responsibilities of those local offices. 
      Candidates for Florida State Offices lists those who are running for state government office, along with the individual's current office position, if any; the office they are seeking; their political party and experience; and their background information such as gender, family, birth, home city, religion, education, professional experience, affiliated organizations and caucuses/non-legislative committees.
      Project Vote Smart is a largely volunteer, nonprofit organization whose mission is to cut through the mudslinging found in so many political campaigns to uncover the true issues and policies of the candidates.  Try their interactive tool, VoteEasy, to find out which congressional candidates agree with YOU!try, visit VoteEasy, type in your zip code, answer a few key issue questions from the 2010 Political Courage Test, and instantly receive an visual confirmation on which congressional candidates agree with YOU!

      Read more: http://www.votesmart.org/ by Project Vote Smart
      FactCheck.org is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, and is a non-partisan, nonprofit "consumer advocate" for voters, monitoring the factual accuracy of what is claimed by politicians and political players in advertisements, debates, speeches, press releases, and interviews.



      Voting Dates & Times
      Monday - Friday, 10am - 6pm
      October 18th – 22nd  &  October 25th - 29th
      Saturday, 9am - 5pm 
      October 23rd  &  October 30th


       Voting Locations 
      A qualified voter may vote in-person at various locations throughout Pasco County. Click Maps & Wait Times for directions and up-to-date information.  


      o      Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road, Hudson
      o      Land O’Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes
      o      New River Library, 34043 S.R. 54, Zephyrhills
      o      South Holiday Library, 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday
      o      East Pasco Government Center, 14236 6th Street, Dade City
      o      West Pasco Government Center, 7530 Little Road, Suite 110, New Port Richey
      o      Village Market of Wesley Chapel, 5325 Village Market, Wesley Chapel

      The Pasco County Board of Elections website has an abundance of additional local and statewide information, on such topics as: A Voter's Guide, Voting by mail, The type of voting system used, Government Officials, & Other related sites of interest.  There is even a Kids' corner to help children understand what's happening around them.

      For Pasco county residents who choose not to, or cannot, vote in the early voting process, Election Day is Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Again, the districts in which you are eligible to vote are indicated on your voter identification card issued by the Supervisor of Elections, or you may use the Precinct Finder.

      more
    • Veteran's History Project

      Help the Library of Congress Record Veterans’ Histories

      Congress created The Veterans History Project in 2000 as a national documentation program of the American Folklife Center to record, preserve and make accessible the firsthand remembrances of American wartime veterans from World War I through the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, so that future generations may better understand the realities of war.

      The authorizing legislation (Public Law 106-380), sponsored by Representatives Ron Kind, Amo Houghton, and Steny Hoyer in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senators Max Cleland and Chuck Hagel in the U.S. Senate, received unanimous support and was signed into law by President William Jefferson Clinton on October 27, 2000.

      Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has issued a call to action to all Americans to help gather in the accounts of 10,000 veterans by Veterans Day November 11, 2010 and to pledge to preserve this important part of American history. 


       
      More than 68,000 individual stories comprise the The Veterans History Project to date.  Find out how you can Participate in the Project.


      more
    • Veterans Jobs Portal



      Governor Charlie Crist, continuing his commitment to assist Florida’s more than 1.6 million military veterans and strengthen the state’s workforce, announced a new online jobs portal to provide employment services to Florida veterans. Employ Florida Vets, the newest initiative in Florida’s commitment to veterans, helps match servicemen and women to the jobs and training opportunities that suit the skills and experience gained in the military.

      “Our courageous veterans are proven, skilled leaders whose integrity and discipline have helped protect the freedoms and opportunities we all enjoy,” said Governor Crist. “Employ Florida Vets is the latest example of our commitment to provide the men and women who defended our nation and now call Florida home with enhanced opportunities to find jobs and access training and other resources that will help them be successful in their civilian careers.”

      Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett R. Titshaw Jr. “This is not only an effective way of making sure our citizen-Soldiers and Airmen are given the tools they need to find meaningful employment, but a great opportunity to provide Florida employers with access to our highly skilled and professional veterans." The web portal is a gateway to information and resource links that will assist veterans, veterans' families and employers in accomplishing their employment goals.


      Portal highlights include:
      • A unique jobs search function to help veterans find civilian jobs that match the skills they learned in the military
      • Information about the Florida law that gives veterans hiring preference when they apply for public-sector jobs.
      • Information for Florida businesses and organizations about tax incentives available for hiring veterans.
      • A centralized jobs posting site for employers seeking veterans with specialized skills.
      • Employers are able to enter open positions directly on www.EmployFlorida.com or through their local One-Stop Career Center.
      Additional resources:

      Information provided by the Govenor's Press Office.

      more
    • How Long do I Keep Household Records?









      Documents and records that you need to keep forever (in a safe place):
      •    Birth certificates
      •    Citizenship papers
      •    Social Security Card
      •    Marriage certificates
      •    Adoption papers
      •    Divorce decrees
      •    Wills
      •    Death certificates
      •    Household inventory
      •    Deeds
      •    Life insurance papers
      •    Car Titles
      •    Military Service records
      •    Bonds & Stock certificates
      •    Important contracts

      Documents to keep for a period of time:       
      • Bank statements                6 years
      • Canceled checks               6 years
      • Investment records            6 years after tax deadline for year of sale
      • Tax returns                        6 years from filing date
      • Insurance (car, home)        Until updated
       For more detailed information, follow this link.


      Records that you do not need to keep:
      • Salary Statements once they have been checked against your W-2 form
      • Canceled checks that are not needed for tax purposes
      • Expired warranties
      For further reading on discarding/storing household records visit http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/money/keeprecords/keeprecords.htm where you will also find a net worth statement form and other important information.  


      Be sure to protect your privacy by shredding any papers that contain personal information.

      more
    • Online Security & Safety Measures

      Protecting Your Information Online



      Because of it's accessibility and wealth of information, the internet is a popular resource for communicating,researching topics, and finding out information about people or businesses. There is a sense of anonymity when interacting online that may seem less intimidating than communicating with others on a more personal level. As a result, it's very typical for us to share information about ourselves online that we wouldn't otherwise disclose to strangers we meet everyday in our daily routine. What you may not realize is that when you are online, it's just as easy for people to find out information about you as it is for you to find information about them. 

      ID theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States. According to the Federal Trade Commission, millions of people become victims every year. To an identity thief, your personal information can provide instant access to your financial accounts, your credit record, and other assets. Keeping your personal information from falling into the wrong hands will help you from becoming another identity theft victim.

      Follow these steps to protect your personal information online:
      • Take stock. Know what personal information you have in your files and on your computers.
      • Back up key files. If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc and store it in a safe place.
      • Install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. Keep them properly configured and up to date. New threats are discovered every day, and keeping your software updated is one of the easier ways to protect yourself from an attack.
      • Set your computer to automatically update for you. Use security software that updates automatically.
      • Install a firewall and keep it properly configured
      • Regularly install updates for your computer's operating system
      • If you are shopping online, don't provide your personal or financial information through a company's website until you have checked for indicators that the site is secure, like a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a website URL that begins "https:" (the "s" stands for "secure").
      • Read website privacy policies. They should explain what personal information the website collects, how the information is used, and whether it is provided to third parties.  
      • Use passwords that have at least eight characters and include numbers or symbols. The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. A 12-character password is stronger than one with eight characters.
        • Avoid common words: some hackers use programs that can try every word in the dictionary.
        • Don't use your personal information, your login name, or adjacent keys on the keyboard as passwords.
        • Change your passwords regularly (at a minimum, every 90 days).
        • Don't use the same password for each online account you access.

      Use the internet as a tool to keep yourself well informed of ways in which people may be able  to access your personal information and accounts through means such as:

      Spyware: A software program that may be installed on your computer without your consent to monitor your use, send pop-up ads, redirect your computer to certain websites, or record keystrokes, which could lead to identity theft. Clues that spyware is on a computer may include a barrage of pop-ups, a browser that takes you to sites you don't want, unexpected toolbars or icons on your computer screen, keys that don't work, random error messages, and sluggish performance when opening programs or saving files. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.

      To lower your risk of spyware infections:
      • Update your operating system and Web browser software, and set your browser security high enough to detect unauthorized downloads.
      •  Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly. 
      • Download free software only from sites you know and trust. Enticing free software downloads frequently bundle other software, including spyware.
      •  Don't click on links inside pop-ups.
      •  Don't click on links in spam or pop-ups that claim to offer anti-spyware software; you may unintentionally be installing spyware.
      • If you think your computer might have spyware on it, immediately stop shopping, banking, or doing any other online activity that involves user names, passwords, or other sensitive information. Confirm that your security software is active and current and run it to scan your computer for viruses and spyware, deleting anything the program identifies as a problem.

      Phishing: A scam in which criminals send email, text, or pop-up messages that appear to come from your bank, a government agency, an online seller or another organization with which you do business. The message asks you to click to a website or call a phone number to update your account information or claim a prize or benefit. It might suggest something bad will happen if you don't respond quickly with your personal information. In reality, legitimate businesses should never use email, pop-ups, or text messages to ask for your personal information.
       
      To avoid phishing scams: 
      • Don't reply to an email, text, or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message. If you want to go to a bank or business's website, type the web address into your browser yourself.
      • Don't respond if you get a message – by email, text, pop-up or phone – that asks you to call a phone number to update your account or give your personal information to access a refund. If you need to reach an organization with which you do business, call the number on your financial statement, or use a telephone directory.

      * If you believe you've been scammed, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint, and then visit the FTC's identity theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft.Victims of phishing can become victims of identity theft.

      As a general practice, let your common sense guide your decisions about what to post online. Before you publish something on the internet, determine what value it provides and consider the implications of having the information available to the public. 

      *October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, to bring attention to the importance of protecting your information online. Visit the FAQ at USA.gov to learn about common online threats and resources for protecting your privacy and security.

      more
    • Your Solutions to Government Challenges



      The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has partnered up with Challenge Post to launch an incentive based online challenge platform where the public can offer their ideas and talents in order to solve challenges posed by the government.

      Challenge.gov  invites you to get involved and let your voice be heard  by identifying solutions to problems or accomplishing a particular goal. Open to the public for free, all ages are welcome to share their ideas and solutions to any number of challenges posted. However, Challenge.gov currently does not accept registrations from children under 13 years old. If you are under the age of 13, you must have a parent or guardian register, letting them submit your great ideas or innovations for you. You'll still be able to win challenges and prizes while your parents will be able to make sure that you're protected.


      What is a challenge?



       A challenge is exactly what the name suggests: it is a challenge by one party (a “seeker”) to a third party or parties (a “solver”) to identify a solution to a particular problem or reward contestants for accomplishing a particular goal. Prizes (monetary or non–monetary) often accompany challenges and contests.

      A government challenge takes place when an agency challenges the public to innovate or solve a problem. Challenges are a great way to engage the public to create solutions, increase awareness about a product or program, and encourage participation. A challenge can take many forms. For example, the government can challenge the public to:


      •  develop an app or graphic
      • submit a healthy recipe for kids or an idea or story through photos or videos
      • improve a product or process
      • solve a problem previously thought unsolvable

      Once a challenge is created, other people can join the challenge to propose a solution, discuss the challenge, and show support. Incentives, which are payable only if a challenge is solved, encourage others to solve a problem and earn their rewards.




      Even if you don’t have solutions to offer, you can still get involved.  Log on to add your name as a  Supporter of challenges that interest you and to subscribe to updates. Spread the word about specific challenges and ideas with your friends and family through email, Facebook or Twitter. Through this platform, the public can find all challenges/contests taking place across the Federal Government and participate in those challenges that are of interest to them by discussing the challenge, proposing solutions, and showing support for challenges.

      This information provided via Gov Gab.


      more
    • Deaf Day at Busch Gardens

      Enjoy Half-Off Admission for the Hearing Impaired

      Find yourself in the heart of the dark continent as you trek through African-inspired landscape, brave heart-stopping rides and incredible animals in their natural habitats. Experience up-close encounters, take an unforgettable safari across the Serengeti Plains, test your courage on pulse-pounding roller coasters, take in a stage show, and colorful live entertainment at Tampa Bay's Busch Gardens.

      Saturday, September 18th, Busch Gardens is offering half-off admission prices for the hearing impaired as well as their guests.
      Sign-Language Interpreters will be available throughout the day to interpret the various shows and live entertainment Busch Gardens has to offer. A tentative schedule is listed below.


      Guest Relations is situated inside the turnstiles on the left hand side as you enter. Guests with disabilities are welcome to stop by Guest Relations for any assistance they require.


      Busch Gardens
      10165 N McKinley Dr
      Tampa, FL 33612
      1-888-800-5447

      Information provided by the Deaf Service Bureau.

      * * *

      more
    • Low Vision & National White Cane Awareness Days





      The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind is hosting two events in the upcoming month:
      Low Vision Awareness Day
      October 5, 2010 (Tues.) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
      Seventh Day Adventist Church
      7333 Dairy Road
      Zephyrhills, FL
      (Gall Blvd. and Pretty Pond Road)

      This event is open to persons who have experienced vision loss, their families and friends, and to organizations wanting to learn more about how to help clients with low vision gain and maintain independence.

      ****


      National White Cane Awareness Day
      October 15, 2010 (Fri.) from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
      Delta Woods Park
      3400 Deltona Blvd.
      Spring Hill, FL
      (US 19 and Forest Oaks Blvd.)

      Activities include a walk in the park, free picnic, games and more!
      White Cane Awareness Day is held annually to educate drivers and to keep walkers with visual impairments safe. It is open to the public and everyone is invited!


      The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind is a non-profit organization that provides vision habilitation and rehabilitation and adjustment to blindness services to people of all ages who have experienced vision impairment. Their mission is to provide blind and visually impaired persons with the skills needed to achieve their maximum independence through independent living classes, orientation and mobility training, job readiness training, Braille, and adaptive computer training. Lighthouse services are provided at no cost to clients and their families.

      Further links provided by the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind:





      more
    • Teaching Kids Good Financial Habits




      It's it more important than ever that children learn from a young age how to handle money.  The following websites offer great resources to help kids of all ages get started on the right path to good financial habits:

      Information for Younger Children
      • Children in grades K-5 will be guided by Carmen Cents and learn all about the history and mission of the  FDIC
      • Become a smarter consumer at http://www.ftc.gov/YouAreHere/  which has a virtual mall where you can play games, design ads, chat with customers and store owners, and much more. You’ll learn key consumer concepts, such as how advertising affects you, how you benefit when businesses compete, how (and why) to protect your information, and how to spot scams.
      • Learn about the responsibilities of the Federal Reserve, as well as some basics of economics, at http://www.federalreserve.gov/kids/default.htm#system   


      Information for Tweens and Teens

      • MyMoney.gov, is a website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you are planning for college, learning about balancing your checking account, or creating a good credit history, the resources on MyMoney.gov can help you do it better.
      • Teens will find a wealth of information about money management (saving, banking, investing, savings bonds, spending) here to help them start smart.
      • The FDIC website provides valuable information for young adults on topics ranging from common mistakes young adults make and how to avoid them to banking, credit cards, and buying a home or car.  Learn how to take control of your finances and the important steps that should be taken at key stages of life to successfully reach your financial goals.
      Check out the links below for more money management tips for kids, teens and parents about earning, spending and saving, banking, credit cards, and creating a budget:



      Having good money management skills will be beneficial for a lifetime, so it makes cents to start early.


      more
    • Protecting Your Social Security Number

      Deter - Detect - Defend

      According to the Social Security Administration, identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Once a dishonest person has your social security number they can use it to get personal information about you, apply for credit in your name, or cause you any number of other problems.

      Identify thieves often get your personal information by:
      • Stealing wallets, purses and your mail (bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, tax information)
      • Stealing personal information you provide to an unsecured website, from business or personnel records at work and personal information at home.
      • Rummaging through your trash, the trash of businesses and public trash receptacles
      • Posing as someone who needs information about you
      • Buying personal information from inside sources

      So, what is the best way to protect yourself?

      DETER identity thieves by safeguarding your information. Keep your card, and any other document that shows your Social Security number on it, in a safe place. If you need to present your card for any reason be sure to return it to a safe place - don't get in the habit of routinely carrying it. Be cautious about sharing your Social Security number...ask why it is needed, how it will be used, and what will happen if you refuse.

      DETECT suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.

      DEFEND against ID theft as soon as you suspect a problem. If someone has misused your Social Security number or other personal information to create credit or other problems for you, there are several things you should do:
      • PLACE a fraud alert on your credit reports. Fraud alerts can help prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts in your name. Contact the toll-free fraud number of any of the following three consumer reporting companies to place a fraud alert on your credit report:
      TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com
      Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com
      Experian: 1-888-397-3742; www.experian.com
      • CLOSE the accounts that you know have been opened fraudulently, or tampered with.
      • CONTACT the Internal Revenue Service Identity Protection Unit. An identity thief might use your Social Security number to file a tax return in order to receive a refund, or use it to get a job.
      • FILE an FTC ID Theft Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can find detailed information here to help you deter, detect and defend against identity theft.
      • FILE a police report with your local police, or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. The FTC Complaint can be incorporated into the police record for maximum protection.
      • FILE an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) which offers an easy to use reporting mechanism to alert authorities of suspected violations.

      Filing a police report, checking your credit reports, notifying creditors, and disputing any unauthorized transactions are some of the steps you must take immediately to restore your good name. To learn more about these steps and more, visit the DEFEND: Recover from Identity Theft section. To file a complaint, click here.

          more
        1. When will the 2010 U.S. Census data be available?



          The United States is taking part in Census 2010

          This year every household in the United States received a short questionnaire, in mid-March, asking for the name, sex, age, date of birth, race, ethnicity, relationship to head-of-household, and housing tenure of each resident living in the United States. Participation is mandatory and your personal information is protected by federal law.


          An accurate count is important to the U.S. Census Bureau because the data is used to distribute congressional seats to states, define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government. It is also used to decide which community services to provide and to help distribute $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year.

          The Census Bureau must count everyone and submit state population totals to the U.S. President by December 31, 2010. Data from the census will be released on a flow basis from April 2011 through September 2013.

          Please click here for a more detailed schedule of release dates from the Census Bureau.

          For additional information, you may refer to the Census Bureau's frequently asked questions about Census 2010 or call the Census Bureau's national customer service center at 1.800.923.8282

          This information was gathered from USA.gov.

          more

        Presidential Speeches

        Credit Reports

        LEAP

        Never miss an update!

        Blog Archive

        My recent del.icio.us additions