Tampa Bay may be undergoing an epidemic of Bieber Fever today, but there are other things to do besides seeing a teen superstar in concert – events that with fewer screaming 13-year-olds. We promise.
Amnesty International’s Global Write-a-Thon is an occasion for everyone — not just Amnesty members.
All are encouraged to spend 90 minutes writing letters to foreign governments about human rights activists who have been denied justice, are in prison, or are in danger because of their admirable activities.
If you're not familiar with a specific individual or group experiencing oppression or persecution., A.I. headquarters in New York provides names of the human rights cases they think are the most urgent — this year from Mexico, Gambia, China and Romania, among other places — as well as addresses to write to and a few guidelines.
The local chapter provides the stationery, envelopes and stamps. The Tampa area event is just one of thousands that will be carried out throughout the U.S. and over 50 countries worldwide. This year A.I. aims to generate 350,000 letters from the U.S. alone. Testimony from freed prisoners and others make it clear that these letters can save lives.
The event is from 7-8:30 p.m. this evening and takes place at the Jan Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa. For more information, call 813-767-3107.
The little ones are getting antsy. Between gift anticipation and a surge in sugar intake, they really need something unique and mentally stimulating.
Take them to the Tampa Bay History Center's A Little History preschoolers program Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for A Pioneer Holiday. Kids make old-timey decorations, wear pioneer clothing, decorate the center's Florida Cracker cabin for the season and churn some butter.
A Little History is open to children ages 3-5 with an adult companion. Cost is $10 per child and $6 per adult. Members of the History Center receive a $2 discount for both children and adults. Gallery admission is included. One adult must accompany every two children. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. For more information contact the History Center’s Assistant Curator of Education, Jennifer Tyson, at 813-675-8960 or visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.
Get in the holiday spirit with artistic flair at Dunedin Fine Art Center's Wondrous exhibit. Displaying a collection of functional and decorative works for sale, the collection includes more than 100 notable artists, including Nigel and Cheyenne Rudolph, Denis Gaston, Barbara Grazul Hubbard, Steve Pawloski, Kristen Wicklund, Holly Bird, Gail Gamble, Susan Maxon, Daniel Morgan, Dawn Estrin, Stacy Perry and George Wilson.
“Exceptionally decorated” themed trees set the mood. Plus, the center presents a bonsai demonstration and sale from 6 to 8 p.m. today during its Wednesday extended holiday hours.
Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. 727-298-3322. DFAC.org.
This article appears in Dec 2-8, 2010.