🌱 A Mother's Arms + Fraud Alert Service + Local Appearing On TV Show

Good morning, Dunedin! I'm here in your inbox to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today you'll find these stories and more:

• Find out when Santa will be driving around your neighborhood
• Founder of A Mother's Arms Inc. recognized for her efforts
• Register for the county's free Fraud Alert Subscription Service

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:

Mostly sunny. High: 80 Low: 63.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. Dunedin resident Chantala Davis has been recognized for her work founding a non-profit designed to support single moms. A Mother's Arms Inc. provides empowerment, educational training, and respite care for parents as a way to prevent child abuse and neglect. Once a single mother herself, Davis understands the stress mothers undergo, especially when they don't have family or friends to support them. The non-profit is dedicated to the memory of 2-year-old Jordan Belliveau, who was killed by his young mother in Largo in 2018. A Mother's Arms Inc. stands out from other non-profits designed for single mothers as it doesn't focus on building a career or getting an education. Instead, it offers a supportive community, tools to help with the stress, and respite for those in need. Learn more about the non-profit and how you can donate to their cause at the link. (Dunedin Patch)
2. Pinellas County Clerk's office now offers a free Fraud Alert Subscription Service to help you detect fraudulent documents recorded with your name in Pinellas County Official Records. With property fraud on the rise, it's important to have a system in place to safeguard private information. Property fraud is when someone illegally uses someone else's property for financial gain. A common example of property fraud is when someone uses a fraudulent deed or lien against your property to get a loan. Having the county's Fraud Alert Subscription Service will inform you of such activities right away so the proper steps can be taken. Learn more about the service and register here. (Dunedin Patch)
3. A Dunedin resident and legendary "Survivor" castaway will appear on an upcoming reality game show! Stephenie LaGrossa will be one of 20 contestants on the new Peacock show, "The Traitors." Set to premiere on Jan. 12, the show will follow contestants as they move into a castle and compete to earn money for a shared prize pot. The twist is that three of the contestants are secretly playing as “traitors” who must deceive and manipulate the others to receive a prize. Learn more about the cast and how to watch the show at the link. (Inside Survivor)

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Dunedin Daily Pic of the Day:

Please submit your holiday-themed photos to Dunedin@Patch.com so I don't have to torture you further with my awful photography skills! Don't forget to confirm in the email that you own the rights to the photo and that Patch has permission to republish it.

Today in Dunedin:

• Zumba Gold at the Hale Senior Activity Center (10:15 a.m.)
• Third Annual Holiday Exhibit at PAVA (11 a.m.)
• Sketch Group at the Hale Senior Activity Center (6 p.m.)
• Dunedin Music Society Community Concert at Friendship Hall (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Wondering when Santa and his friends at the Dunedin Fire Station will be driving by your home this holiday season? Check out this map created by Operation Santa! The map shows where Santa will be on specific dates starting on Dec. 10. (Operation Santa)
• Don't forget to get your tickets for the city's Drive-In Holiday Movie Night on Dec. 16 in Highlander Park! Bring the family out for the night and enjoy raffles, music, and a showing of “Christmas with the Kranks” at dark. Tickets are $12 per car and can be purchased at the Dunedin Community Center. (City of Dunedin via Facebook | Dunedin Gov)
• The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office has shared some holiday tips to help prevent being a victim of a burglary. Their first suggestion is to keep your tree and presents out of view from the window. Also, be aware of what is visible to a passerby when you leave your garage door open. Lastly, don’t post your vacation plans on social media or any vacation photos until you're home. (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• SPCA Tampa Bay will be closed on Dec. 14 so staff can enjoy a holiday party. They will reopen with regular business hours on Jan. 15. (SPCA Tampa Bay via Facebook)
• Is your child interested in playing baseball? Online registration for Greater Dunedin Little League is now open! Click here to learn about your options and how to register. (Greater Dunedin Little League via Facebook)
• Did you know you can donate a portion of your Amazon purchases to the Kiwanis Club of Dunedin? Simply add the Kiwanis Club of Dunedin as your accounts charity of choice with AmazonSmile. You won't be charged more, and Amazon will donate a small percentage of your order to the selected charity. Follow the three simple steps provided in their Facebook post. (Kiwanis Club of Dunedin via Facebook)
• 7venth Sun Brewery of Dunedin was named one of the top 10 breweries in Florida! Other Pinellas County breweries that made the list include Cigar City Brewing in Tampa and Pinellas Ale Works in St. Pete. (Thrillist)

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! —
• Add your business here

Events:

• Big Lots To Host Largo Store Grand Opening Dec. 10 At 8:45 a.m. (December 10)
• The Market Marie (December) (December 10)
• Holiday Open House (December 10)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 13)
• Christmas Lessons & Carols (December 18)
• Add your event

For sale:

• Consider Scheduling a Tarot Card Reading for the New Year! (Details)
• Add your item

Housing:

• Over 55 Community long term rental (Details)
• Add your listing

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.