BE AN ANGEL — MAKE CHILD’S HOLIDAY HAPPIER

The 14th annual James M. Gray Memorial Adopt-a-Child program begins Wednesday in Lake County.

Residents who visit the post offices in Mount Dora, Eustis, Sorrento and Umatilla may choose an angel from the Adopt-a-Child Angel Tree. The angels contain information about an eligible child and what they may need during the holidays.

Participants should deliver all gifts, clothing and nonperishable food items by Dec. 14 to any of the above post offices. Volunteers are needed for this year ‘s project. To volunteer, call 352-435-2811.

This annual event was spearheaded by the late James Gray, Mount Dora postal worker, who has helped thousands of children through the Angel Tree program at Christmas, fed families at Thanksgiving and assisted with summer programs.

Gray died in March 2000, but Adopt-a-Child volunteers picked up where he left off. Last year, Adopt-a-Child distributed more than 3,000 gifts to 588 children from 167 families and local assistance agencies.

Contributions also are being accepted. Send a check or money order to Adopt-a-Child, P.O. Box 1311, Mount Dora, FL 32756. Details: 352-435-2811.

LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION

The Golden Triangle YMCA will sponsor a YMCA lifeguard certification course. The classes will be Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 and Dec. 8 and 9 at the YMCA, 32029 David Walker Road, Tavares.

Class times will vary. A two-year certification will be obtained after passing the 32-hour course.

The cost is $100 for YMCA members and $150 for nonmembers. A notebook, pen or pencil, swimsuit and towel will be needed. Prerequisites for this course are current CPR for the professional rescuer, current first aid, passing a swimming test (500 yards) and being at least 16 years old.

To register, call 352-343-1144 before Wednesday.

SUPPORT GROUP FUND-RAISER

Let’s Talk support group is planning a rummage sale and car wash from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Attitudes, 1850 E. Main St., Leesburg. Proceeds will benefit the proposed Lake County Area Aids Services Organization that is being formed by HIV and AIDS activists to provide outreach, education and support to members of the community.

CLUB EVENTS, MEETINGS

Kinseekers Genealogical Society of Lake County will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Cultural Arts Center, Venetian Gardens, Leesburg. Details: 352-787-3522.

Joyce Malone of Lake Mary will talk at Monday’s 11:30 a.m. meeting of the Golden Triangle Republican Women’s Club at Pine Meadows Country Club north of Eustis. Malone also is the Central Florida representative for Citizens for a

Sound Economy, a citizens’ watch group. Reservations: 352-343-8662. The Lake County Singles Travel Club, for nonsmokers 50 or older, will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Dixie Crossroads Restaurant, U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora.

Reservations: 352-383-6975. Newcomers are welcome.

Florida Society of Registered Nurses Retired will meet at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Taste Tempter Pancake Inn, 2310 W. Main St., Leesburg. Bud Minor of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office will talk about crime prevention and telemarketing fraud. Details: 352-343-0658.

Waterman Village will sponsor a “Food for Thought” program at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the village, 455 Waterman Way, Mount Dora. Dr. Mayssa Aziz, ophthalmologist with Eye Specialists of Florida, will share the latest information on glaucoma, cataracts and other eye problems. Reservations: 352-383-0051, Ext. 244.