Things You Should Know
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP
We have many residents who understand what it is like to have a loved one with Alzheimer’s and we can provide support for you in this time of need. In addition, we have several functions per year to raise funds for Alzheimer’s. Contact information on this website in CONTACTS: Clubs and Groups for more information or to volunteer. These ladies also provide an annual fundraiser for Alzheimer’s.
HELPING HANDS
Let us help you with Bereavement Support. This support group will help you plan a Celebration of Life for your loved one and help plan services and dinner for you, your friends and family. Contact information on this website under CONTACTS- HOA Community Services
CARE & CONCERN
We send get well wishes to residents who are in the hospital or sick, as well as sympathy cards. Please contact this committee to notify us of a need. Contact information is in CONTACTS: HOA Community Services.
SPCA DONATIONS
SPCA is always in need of bedding, towels, rugs & newspapers. If anyone has any of these items to donate, Carol Black will pick them up. Please call her at (585) 354-2019.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Meals on Wheels could really use your help! If you would be interested in driving one day a week during the winter or being a substitute please call 299-1616. Apply online at www.mealsonwheelspolk.com. Year-round routes also available.
BLOOD DONATIONS
One Blood is here in the park every two months for BLOOD DONATIONS. For contact information, see CONTACTS: Clubs and Groups.
SCHALAMAR CREEK LOAN CLOSET
Having friends and/or family visiting and need additional beds? Need a walker/cane for a short period of time? High chairs, strollers, wheelchairs? You need it? We probably have it in our LOAN CLOSET! For more information check this website in CONTACTS: HOA Community Services or your Homeowner’s Associate Directory for the list of volunteers who can help you gain access to the closet.
STORAGE LOT
We have a storage lot located toward the back entrance for additional vehicles, motor homes, sheds, boats, etc. There is a monthly charge for this. Contact Crystal at the Management Office at 863-665-0185 #225.
HURRICANE SHELTER
The Schalamar Creek Clubhouse is NOT a shelter from hurricanes. The clubhouse will be closed during a hurricane event. Available shelters are listed on www.polk-county.net or refer to a list of shelters listed in the About Lakeland section of this booklet.
AFTER-HOURS GATE ACCESS
if you will be expecting guests arriving after 6:00 pm, you will need to contact the office at 863-665-0185 by 5:00 pm that day to be added to the guest list or call the Security Gate Contact at 863-660-5600 to let them know you are expecting a guest. Your guest will need your name and lot number. If Gate Attendant cannot verify permission from a resident for a guest to enter, the attendant will contact that resident to verify.
Gate Guard Hours – the back gate is closed at 6:00 pm and re-opens at 6:00 am daily. The front gate closes at 6:00 pm. You must use your gate openers (if no guard is present) and have a car sticker on your vehicle to gain entrance via the guard. Security Gate Contact is 863-660-5600.
VOLUNTEERING OUTSIDE OF SCHALAMAR CREEK
There are so many ways to volunteer your time even outside the roads of Schalamar. Here are a few suggestions:
Polk Schools – read to children in schools. Go to: www.Polkschoolsfl.com – then go to “Get Involved”. This requires you to fill out an application for a background check which you will have to pay for or call 863-519-8850. here are many other ways to volunteer in public schools. The website has some of the areas listed. This can be as often as you want. In some of the positions, you will have training.
St. Albans Episcopal Food Bank – has a food bank every first and third Friday of the month, 8-11 a.m. Some of the jobs are: checking people in, verifying eligibility, packing bags with food, etc. They are located in downtown Auburndale at 212 Pontotoc Plaza, Auburndale, FL.
Compassion House – 1010 E. Memorial Blvd. (Lake Church, aka Church at the Mall, facing the building on the left). They have a food bank M-W-F from 7 – 10 a.m. Phone: 863-682-0163. They also hold “Breaking Bread” every Thursday at 5 p.m. where they have a service prior to serving dinner.
Or, you can contact the RSVP program. The coordinator is Michelle Shiver, CVA. The program is through Health and Human Services Division/Community Relations, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, 1290 Golfview Avenue, PO Box 9005, Drawer HS02, Bartow, FL 33831-9005. Office Phone: 863-534-5329 Cell Phone: 863-370-9383. Website: www.polk-county.net/VolunteerPolk/RSVP.