February at Elfers

February may be the shortest month of the year but there is no shortage of activity at CARES Elfers Center. We have weekday morning crafts and exercise, afternoon bingo, dancing and card games, and evening line dancing. Saturday is for music, and bus trips are offered seven days a week. Check the calendar in this “Communicator” issue or visit us on line at www.caresfl.org for the full listing of regularly scheduled activities. And when you are visiting, look out for posted notices of special events.

A Thought for Valentine’s Day:

Courtesy is owed

Respect is earned

Love is given

NEWS FROM THE THRIFT SHOP

Our little Thrift Shop has had an amazing transformation due to the services of our wonderful custodian and handyman, Walter. You will be pleasantly surprised when you visit, and also surprised at the quality of our donations. We have raised our prices slightly after remaining at the same level for a number of years, but we are still the best bargain around compared to other shops. The purpose of the shop is to raise money for CARES Elfers Center and to assist senior citizens. We also assist the community in other ways: We collect our children’s clothes for a school that passes them out to needy children. We collect our baby clothes for a center for needy mothers and children. Finally, we give our discards to the homeless shelter. This little shop has far-reaching effects. At the moment we have a new consignment of men’s clothing, some it unworn. There are good quality suits for $10 and a new tuxedo for $25. As always, we ask for donations and volunteers. And we’d like to extend a welcome to our newest volunteers, Florence Mae Holding and Carol Brown. Please come and join us and make new friends!

Tip from the Thrift Shop staff: Energizer will send you a sample of batteries free: Go to http://Offers.energizer.com/perfpack/default.aspx .

PAINTING

There is a surge of interest in art at Elfers this winter. The Artists & Models invite both artists and models to join them on Fridays at 12:30pm to 3:00pm. This is a relaxed and friendly group who draw portraits in pastels against a background of soft music. They are looking for models so if you have a free Friday afternoon, call Sandy Butterfield (727) 862-5800 or Elfers (727) 847-1290. And there’s a bonus: You may take home the portrait you like the best (they are so good it will be hard to choose) or the artists will pay you $20.

The new Still Life painting group is growing and has attracted a lot of interest. The painters use all media so come along and try your hand in oils, water colors, pastels, acrylics, whatever you prefer. Bring along your own supplies and easels. The class is held on Wednesday afternoons at 12:30pm-3:00pm and Hazel is here to guide newcomers.

Don’t forget our long-established painting group that meets on Tuesdays at 9:00am to 11:00am. This is an intermediate class that uses mostly acrylics and favors landscapes.

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