🌱 'Clothing Optional' Exhibit + VPK Registration + Senior Fair

Hello, friends! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Dunedin Daily, filled with all the community news you need to know right now. In today's issue, we'll cover these stories and more...

• Concert series kicks off at The First United Methodist Church
• PAVA opens “Clothing Optional” exhibit
• In-person Voluntary Prekindergarten registration events

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Studio 1212 Art Gallery

Visit Dunedin’s Studio 1212 Art Gallery — voted Tampa Bay Magazine’s best small art gallery cooperative for 2022

Since 1971, Studio 1212 — a non-profit art gallery owned and managed by an all-volunteer group of local, award-winning artists — has been a part of the creative community in the Dunedin area.

Here are a few things you can do at Studio 1212:

• Attend an exhibit of local artists (check out the schedule here)
• Get your own artwork critiqued for free by volunteer artists (on the first Saturday and third Tuesday of each month at 10am)
• Support local artists by buying their work — art prints, note cards and fine hand-crafted gift items — in the gift boutique
• Sign up for a workshop to expand and improve your own artistic abilities
• Join other local art lovers by becoming a benefactor of Studio 1212 (Learn more here.)

Studio 1212 is located at 234 Monroe Street in Downtown Dunedin, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Visit Studio 1212 — a part of the Dunedin area arts community for over 50 years.

Now, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 77 Low: 62.

Business owners and marketers in Dunedin: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. A new exhibit at PAVA opens today called “Clothing Optional,” featuring artwork that celebrates the human form. The exhibit will run from Jan. 19 to Feb. 25, with an opening reception scheduled on Jan. 27 at The Cool Art Shop between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Several artists with work in the exhibit will also be demonstrating their techniques on various dates at The Cool Art Shop between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Rebecca Skelton will be on location on Feb. 4, offering to do 10-minute sketches of anyone who comes into the shop that day. She is also giving away free 1-hour drawing sessions to anyone who purchases $50 or more in the shop during her demonstration! The following weekend, on Feb. 11, Evelyn Dufner will be exhibiting her painting abilities throughout the day. Finally, on Feb. 18, Polly Perkins will be demonstrating her drawing skills by doing a 1-minute sketch of anyone who wants to pose for her. (Dunedin Patch)
2. Attention Pinellas County parents to four and five-year-olds! The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County is hosting in-person Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) registration events on Jan. 20 and Jan. 25 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lealman Office in St. Petersburg. These registration events allow parents to enroll their children in Florida’s free VPK program and receive their Certificate of Eligibility. Kids can be registered for either the 2022-2023 Summer program or the 2023-2024 school year. "The program helps build a strong foundation for school using educational materials appropriate for different stages in the child’s development and preparing them for kindergarten and beyond." Learn more about the program, how to apply, and what documents are needed to register here. (Dunedin Patch)
3. The Senior Awareness Fair is coming up on Jan. 27 between 9 a.m. and noon in the Hale Senior Activity Center. This free expo will feature over 50 vendors providing useful information for older adults on topics such as retirement living, home care, medical equipment, beauty, nutrition, exercise, and legal and financial help. Those who attend will also enjoy a free lunch! Any vendors interested in participating in this event can call 727-298-3299 or email eswinehart@dunedinfl.net. (Dunedin Gov)

Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

Today in Dunedin:

• "Clothing Optional" Exhibit Opening at PAVA Cool Art Shop (11 a.m.)
• Third Thursday Social Hour at Dunedin History Museum (5 p.m.)
• Meet the Artists at The Hub (5 p.m.)
• IFPA Sanctioned Pinball Tournament at Reboot (5 p.m.)
• Live music with Derek Sivers at Rosie's Tavern (7 p.m.)
• Music Trivia at Caledonia Brewing (7:30 p.m.)
• Bandingo Music Bingo at Cricketers Pub (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The City of Dunedin is hiring Personal Trainers for the City of Dunedin Fitness Center. Those interested can check out the job description here and email your resume to BGallagher@dunedinfl.net. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Meet Saki, the 60-pound ball of energy up for adoption at Pinellas County Animal Services in Largo! This three-year-old ball of energy is adorably described as "a wrecking ball" with drama queen vibes. "If you are looking for a forever friend who is mostly low energy with small bursts, a needy queen who will love you without conditions and will make you laugh until your sides hurt, you need me!" Meet Saki and all of her furry friends waiting for a place to call home at Pinellas County Animal Services today! (Pinellas County Animal Services via Facebook)
• Pinellas County Schools reminds parents that the application for magnet, fundamental, and career academy programs for the 2023-24 school year closes on Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. Learn how to apply to programs for K-12 students in areas like STEM, the arts, language immersion, and more here. (Pinellas County Schools via Facebook)
• Dan Larremore, an Environmental Specialist at Honeymoon Island, shared some exciting news: "Last week, while spraying Brazilian pepper on Honeymoon Island State Park, we came across the biggest gopher tortoise burrow I had ever seen! There were so many different tracks coming and going, I thought I should set a camera trap near to see who is living there. I suspected our fox. And raccoon, always raccoon. Here are the shots I recovered today. No tortoises or lizards or mice. I see why! " Click the link to see the incredible photos they shared of what was caught with their camera trap! (Friends of the Island Parks via Facebook)
• Pinellas County Schools reminds parents of children attending kindergarten next school year that today is the last day to attend Ready, Set... Kindergarten. Visit an elementary school near you to meet teachers, begin the registration process, and get ready for kindergarten in the fall. Click here for more information. (Pinellas County Schools via Facebook)
• The First United Methodist Church of Dunedin is hosting a kid-friendly concert on Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. featuring 3 Divas. Guests will enjoy musical theater and opera vocals performed by professionals accompanied by renowned local pianist Constantine Grame. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12. (Opera For Earth)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• DavisDNA & Family Research, Inc. — (Visit website)
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Events:

• 3 Day Modern and Eclectic Estate Sale (January 19)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Palm Harbor Library (January 24)
• Social Security Seminar at East Lake Community Library (January 25)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.