🌱 DHS Electrician Program + Chatterbox Restaurant + Ethical Gifts

Hi there, Dunedin! I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's issue, you'll find:

• Information on this weekend's Celtic Christmas Concert
• Dunedin High School received $10,000 worth of electrician tools
• The Chatterbox Family Restaurant has gone out of business

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and nice. High: 79 Low: 64.

Our local sponsor has some great stuff to offer:

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 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. Dunedin High School received $10,000 worth of tools from APG Electric, Electric Supply, and Milwaukee Tools for a new electrical wiring program. Students in Brandon Szymanski's construction class at Dunedin High School will now have the opportunity to learn the skills in a trade currently experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. "These tools are going to allow me to put tools in every student’s hands and not just 5 or 10 at a time," Szymanski said, "because we were limited on being able to scale the program for as many students as we’ve had." With many electricians expected to retire, it's estimated that 80,000 jobs in the field will open each year across the country. (ABC Action News Tampa Bay)
2. The Chatterbox Family Restaurant of Dunedin, a staple since 1974, has closed its doors for good. It was the last of a trio of restaurants owned by three generations of the Drulias family in Clearwater and Dunedin. It started with the Bay Drive In in Clearwater, opened by Gus Drulias, an immigrant from Greece. Later, Pete and Katy Drulias opened Pete’s Restaurant in Clearwater in 1969 and the Chatterbox Family Restaurant in 1974. The original location of the Chatterbox was where on Patricia Avenue, where Dunedin Lanes now sits. The Chatterbox was ultimately passed down to their son and Gus' great-nephew, Billy Drulias. Billy decorated the restaurant with balloons honoring the restaurant's 48 years in business. According to the article, he "choked back tears while customers offered handshakes and hugs to him and his mother, 89-year-old Katy Drulias, before closing out final checks for customers after serving up scores of homestyle meals." (Tampa Bay Times - Subscription required)
3. Are you looking for ethical, socially conscious, eco-friendly, and sustainable holiday gifts that help support local artists or causes? The Patch has put together a list of local companies which offer just that! In Dunedin, there's the 36th annual Splendiferous Holiday Show & Sale at the DFAC now through Dec. 23. Stop by the gallery shop to browse locally made jewelry, cards, scarves, purses, ornaments, paintings, ceramics, fiber arts, soaps, books, music, and unique home décor. Another Dunedin favorite included on this list is the Dunedin Candle Co., which offers soy candles with unique and lasting scents. Other nearby options include the "Winter Inspires Forever" collection at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a personalized brick from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, handmade ornaments from the Henry B. Plant Museum Gift Store, and more. (Dunedin Patch)

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Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

Keep sending me those holiday photos to Dunedin@Patch.com! Please confirm in the email that you own the rights to the photo and that Patch has permission to republish it.

Today in Dunedin:

• Fad Diets - Facts & Myths at the Dunedin Public Library (10 a.m.)
• Kids Chat With Santa (5:30 p.m.)
• A 2nd Chance Tuesday with Dee Kilgo at DFAC (6:30 p.m.)
• Dunedin Toastmasters meeting at Unity Community Church (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Did you miss the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade over the weekend? Check out the video of the event the City of Dunedin shared online! (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Don't forget to grab your tickets to the holiday Drive-In Movie Night on Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. in Highlander Park. Watch "Christmas with the Kranks" and enjoy an evening out with the family! (Dunedin Patch)
• The Scottish American Society of Dunedin is hosting a Celtic Christmas Concert with North of Argyll on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Performances include foot stomping music, stories, humor, and more. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. (Dunedin Patch)
• The Pinellas County Point in Time Count is looking for volunteers on Jan. 26 to help end homelessness. Volunteers will spend three hours in their community to ensure neighbors have the resources they need in 2023. Sign up now to participate and learn more. (Pinellas County Government via Facebook)
• If you need some last-minute gifts for the Blue Jays fan in your life, check their website now! Be sure to Order by Wednesday to get items in time for Christmas. (Dunedin Blue Jays via Facebook)
• If your kids attend Pinellas County Schools, you can get important messages straight to your phone by texting "Y" to 67587. Learn more at pcsb.org/text. (Pinellas County Schools via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• DavisDNA & Family Research, Inc. — (Visit website)
• Tarot Card Readings, Private and/or Parties and Groups! —
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Events:

• Market, Music, & Mimosas (December 17)
• Choral Christmas Celebration (December 17)
• Celtic Christmas Concert with North of Argyll (December 17)
• Christmas Lessons & Carols (December 18)
• New Year's Eve Party (December 31)
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Announcements:

• Veterans SoftWash & Pressure Cleaning (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.