🌱 Art Festival Correction + ​Trick Scooters Classes + Input Meeting

Hi neighbors! It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Daily, back in your inbox with updates on what's happening in town these days. I want to say thank you to Jessica, who filled in for me last week while I spent some time with my dog, Chelsea, before she passed away. Chelsea was diagnosed with gastral intestinal lymphoma in September, and despite receiving weekly chemo treatments, the cancer spread to her central nervous system, causing paralysis in her face and legs. I've shared a photo of her in the Pic of the Day section to honor her memory, as walking around Downtown Dunedin was one of our favorite activities to do together.

Today's briefing includes news about...

• The correct date for the upcoming Downtown Dunedin Art Festival
• A Community Input Meeting reminder
• Programs for kids looking to learn tricks on their scooters

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 78 Low: 67.

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Want to support local artists in Dunedin? Studio 1212 Art Gallery was voted the best small art gallery cooperative for 2022 by Tampa Bay Magazine. Managed by award-winning area artists, this non-profit gallery features original artwork and prints, and has a popular boutique of fine hand-crafted gift items. Stop by 234 Monroe Street, 11am - 3pm Wednesday to Sunday or visit studio1212.org to shop and to see exhibition schedules. Support local artists by becoming a Patron of Studio 1212 here.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Dunedin:

1. I apologize for any confusion regarding when the 26th Annual Downtown Dunedin Art Festival will be held. In my absence, the wrong date was shared, which I learned thanks to everyone's helpful emails! But don't worry, you haven't missed it! The art festival is scheduled for this upcoming weekend, Jan. 7 and Jan. 8, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. along Main Street. Artists will be traveling from all over to show off their work, so you won't want to miss it! (Art Festival)
2. Don't forget the City of Dunedin is hosting a Community Input Meeting regarding future plans for Stirling Park. The meeting is scheduled for Jan. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hale Senior Activity Center. Residents are invited to share their thoughts and feedback on what the park currently offers and possible recreation opportunities that may be added in the future. If you're unable to attend the meeting, you will still be able to give your input. The city will post a summary of the meeting by Friday on its website, which will include a survey where you can provide your thoughts for officials to review. (Dunedin Gov)
3. Dunedin Parks & Recreation is offering beginners Trick Scooters classes for kids between three and five years old. The "Little Rippers" program will be held on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. between Jan. 6 and Jan 27 at the MLK Recreation Center Skate Park. An instructor will work hands-on with participating children, teaching them the fundamental skills of safely using a trick scooter. The program is $35 per child. Register online here or in person at the rec center! (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
4. Shiso Crispy, a Japanese food truck you may have enjoyed while hanging out at HOB, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location. Owner Ronicca Whaley already has three food trucks that offer everything from gyoza to Bang Bang shrimp. The restaurant will be in St. Pete and is expected to open in May. Whaley hopes that this will lead to expanding further by offering their sauces and dumplings wholesale and eventually turning the restaurant into a franchise. For now, be sure to keep an eye out for the Shiso Crispy food truck or follow them on Facebook to see where they'll be! (ABC Action News)
5. Dunedin High School shared a touching tribute to one of their teachers who passed away on Dec. 26. "Mr. Vaught, you will forever be missed. Thank you for serving our community and our country. You had a special way of connecting with students and motivating them to reach their potential. You will always be remembered." Ryan Vaught taught special needs kids and PE at Dunedin High School. He suffered a head injury in the days leading up to the holidays, which led to his death. (Dunedin High School via Facebook | Fox13)

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Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

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Today in Dunedin:

• Kids' Canvas Class at Art from the Heart Cafe (3 p.m.)
• Intro to Flamenco Class at Universal Flamenco (6 p.m.)
• Dunedin Toastmasters meeting at Unity Community Church (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Have you enjoyed all of the PSA videos shared by the City of Dunedin in 2022? Then you have to check out the blooper reel they created! Check it out on Facebook. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Interested in learning how to make your own organic skin products? Sign up for Jade Soap Shop's DIY Workshop, where you'll learn to make lip balm and solid lotion bars. The class is scheduled for Jan. 7 between 2 and 3:30 p.m. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon! (Dunedin Patch)
• Meet Tiger, the energetic senior dog up for adoption at the SPCA Tampa Bay shelter! At 10 years old, Tiger is still full of energy and can't wait to meet his furever family. Meet Tiger and all of his furry friends in need of homes online or in person at the SPCA. (SPCA Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Curious about how you can improve your storytelling approach? Award-winning storyteller Andy Offut Irwin is hosting a Storytelling Workshop on Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Learn more about the workshop and how to reserve your place at the link. (Dunedin Patch)

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That's it for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!