Upcoming Library Programs

Would you like to watch a great movie, play chess, or join a knitting group? These are just a few of the upcoming Pasco library programs. The Friends of the Library sponsors our programs.  Here are some of the upcoming library programs for Older Adults in Pasco County:

Sat, Apr 12th and Sat Apr 26th at 2:00pm
    LOL Chess Club
    Land O'Lakes Library
Join us to play chess and learn the basics from our volunteer teacher. All ages and skill levels welcome. Bring your favorite chess set or use a library chess set.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214 

Tues, Apr 15th at 10:00am
  AARP Driver Safety
  New River Library
To register for this AARP class, you will need to call (813)907-3908.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Tues, April 15th at 12:00pm
     Libary Knitters 
     Hugh Embry Library
 People who enjoy working with yarn, here's your place to meet, share and enhance your knowledge! Bring a brown bag lunch, if you wish.
Hugh Embry Library14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576

 Thurs, Apr 24th at 10:00am
    Senior Games
    Land O'Lakes Library
Join us for fun and games at the library. Meet new people while playing cards, board games, or challenging video games.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214 

Fri, Apr 25th at 2:00pm
    Senior Cinema and Popcorn
    Hugh Embry Library
 Seniors and adults, enjoy recently released movies with popcorn! Free thanks to Friends of Hugh Embry Library.
CALL 352-567-3576 for the movie title!
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576

Sat, Apr 26th at 11:00am
     Sit-n-Knit            
     South Holiday Library
Join our knitting club for ALL AGES! No experience necessary. Supplies are provided for in-house use or bring your own project.
South Holiday Library
4649 Mile Stretch Drive 
Holiday, FL 34690 
(727) 834-3331

Also, many branches offer book discussions and technology programs (such as an introduction to windows 8, an introduction to ipad, and a tablet Q & A).

SHINE volunteers needed!

The State of Florida has a program called SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) that provides free counseling to Seniors about Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care planning, and prescription assistance. The program is administered at the county level through our local "Area Agency on Aging" (other states also have this program - either in their Department of Aging or in their Department of Insurance).
 
SHINE is an unbiased information and counseling program that trains volunteers to help older adults to get the information that they need to make informed decisions on health insurance issues. They provide information to elders, their caregivers, and their families. To receive Medicare counseling in Pasco County, you can call 1-800-963-5337. 

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs are seeking volunteers for this program. They are offering professional, comprehensive training on the basics of Medicare in a three-day program to individuals interested in volunteering with the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. The next training will begin on April 22, 2014. Volunteering with SHINE will not only help you gain an understanding of the complex world of Medicare for yourself or your loved ones, but it will also empower you to help others in your community.  

If you are interested in becoming a SHINE volunteer in Pasco County, please call the local Elder Helpline at 1-800-96ELDER or call Susan Samson SHINE Liaison, at 727-570-9696 ext. 23.

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco - Pinellas also provides many other services for seniors and caregivers. You can click on the picture below to access their website:

 

Healthy Eating Resources for Older Adults

The Weight Control Information Network has published a guide for older adults called "Young at Heart: Tips for Older Adults". This information network was created by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). This guide has information about:

• healthy weight
• nutrition
• physical activity

You can download this guide by clicking here. The Weight Control Information Network also provides resources about diabetes, cancer, and other medical diseases here.

For even more information, here are the Nutrition.gov Senior resources page and the U.S. Department of Agriculture resources.

Tampa Bay Senior Expo

The Tampa Bay Senior Expo, presented by the Tampa Bay Times and Humana, will be happening Thursday, March 27th in Port Richey, Fl. Admision and parking are free.  This expo will feature:

• free health screenings
• travel information
• home improvement information
• fitness information

 March 27th, from 10:00am - 3:00pm
 Gulfview Square Mall
 9409 US Hwy 19 N.
Port Richey, FL34668

For more information, click here or call Dave LaBell at 727-893-8523 .

The March/April Issue of the Elder Update is Available

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs publishes a bimonthly newsletter, the "Elder Update", for Florida Seniors. The current issue includes articles about:

• Alzheimer's Disease Initiative
•  Social Security Spouse Benefits
•  Ambassadors for Aging Day
•  How to Make Tough Decisions as a Caregiver
•  National Consumer Protection Week

You can download the current issue here. Alternatively, you can sign up for a print subscription here.

Upcoming Library Programs

Would you like to attend a local author fair, watch a great movie,  or attend a senior social? These are just a few of the upcoming Pasco library programs. The Friends of the Library sponsors our programs.  Here are some of the upcoming library programs for Older Adults in Pasco County:

Wed, Mar 12th at 2:00pm
  Senior Social 
  New River Library
Join us for cards, board games, Wii bowling, and interesting discussions. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library. 
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Thurs, Mar 13th at 10:00am
    LOL Social Seniors
    Land O'Lakes Library
Join our new group of Social Seniors for coffee, cake, and conversation. Get involved at the library by offering programming suggestions. Or, take this time to meet new friends, discuss common interests, and engage in recreational activities. Occasional workshops on topics of interest may be scheduled. This is a brand new club for seniors, and we need your input!
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214 

Thurs, Mar 13th at 11:00am
    AARP Fraud Watch Program
Representatives from the AARP Fraud Watch Network will present:
    *an inside look at how scammers think
    *how to safeguard against identity theft & fraud
    *first-hand accounts from victims
    *what to do if you or someone you know has been a victim.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214

Thurs, March  13th and Mar 27th at 6:00pm
     Knitting Club
     New River Library
 Learn basic knitting techniques. Please bring a pair of size 8 knitting needles and a ball of #4 yarn. This club is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
New River Library
34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813) 788-6375

Fridays in March at 2:00pm
Friday Afternoon Films
Regency Park Library
Each Friday, we will enjoy tea and pastries as we watch an episode of a popular BBC series.
Regency Park Library
 9701 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 861-3049

Friday, Mar 21st at 1:15pm
    Friday Afternoon Movie
    Land O'Lakes Library
Join us to watch a movie based on a book, or a critically acclaimed movie. Genres will vary. Please contact the library at 813-929-1214 for more information.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214 

 Sat, March 22nd 10:00 am
Fifth Annual Local Author Fair 
Come meet and greet authors from the Tampa Bay area! Most genres and audiences will be represented and authors will have works available for purchase. Light snacks provided. 
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214

Thurs, Mar 27th at 10:00am
    Senior Games
    Land O'Lakes Library
Join us for fun and games at the library. Meet new people while playing cards, board games, or challenging video games.
Land O'Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 929-1214 

Fri, Mar 28th at 2:00pm
    Senior Cinema and Popcorn
    Hugh Embry Library
 Seniors and adults, enjoy recently released movies with popcorn! Free thanks to Friends of Hugh Embry Library.
CALL 352-567-3576 for the movie title!
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, FL 33523 
(352) 567-3576

Sat, Mar 29th at 11:00am
     Sit-n-Knit            
     South Holiday Library
Join our knitting club for ALL AGES! No experience necessary. Supplies are provided for in-house use or bring your own project.
South Holiday Library
4649 Mile Stretch Drive 
Holiday, FL 34690 
(727) 834-3331

Also, many branches offer book discussions and technology programs (such as videochat and tablets).

Florida Strawberry Festival

The Florida Strawberry Festival is starting today at 10:00am in Plant City. This festival is 11 days long (March 9th is the last day). This annual festival was started in 1930 by the Plant City Lions Club and it now ranks among the Top 40 Fairs in North America. What can you see at the fair? Here are some of the attractions:

• live concerts
• Lambs, swine, dairy, poultry, rabbits, and steer exhibits, shows and contests
• new plant show
• handmade crafts
• photography contest
• East Hillsborough Art Guild Show
• eating contests (such as the Strawberry Shortcake eating contest)
• fair food, and lots of strawberry shortcake!

303 N. Lemon St. 
Plant City, FL
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids

Florida Blue Senior Citizens Days : 
Thurs, Feb 27th and Thursday March 6th 
Patrons 60 years and older get $2.00 off the gate admission of $10.00 

Here is a link to the online brochure.  You can find even more information on the Florida Strawberry Festival website.