Be a Team Player at the Tavares Christmas Parade

All through school, I was too small and maybe too indifferent to be good in any sports.  I wasn't as tall as some of the other girls, so I didn't reach higher. I wasn't as fast as some of the other girls, so I didn’t try catching them. It wasn't that I din't want to tryout for sports but I have always been a "realist".  My friends call me the "Dream Killer" but the truth is, I didn't bother trying out for sports because I knew it wasn't going to lead me anywhere great....or even to a team roster. 

I also had a go at playing instruments. Sitting with a french horn in my lap pretending to play notes; I had no clue where my fingers should be so I pushed the keys randomly and blew invisible puffs of air into the cold metal mouth piece.I couldn't get my mojo at any one thing but I do I remember wanting to be a part of something. I wanted to be a team player. 

Around 7th grade, a teacher posted a note on the board announcing that they were looking for Color Guards. Waving flags and throwing wooden rifles in the air? I can do that! For the next 2 years we marched in seamless patterns as we flipped our colorful flags and spun those rifles to create a grand musical production. We led our school to the state championships and achieved higher levels of accolades than any of our sports teams or the band groupies ever had. We marched proudly in parades as keyed up people waved and clapped passionately at our seemingly mind blowing accomplishment of marching in perfectly synchronized harmony. 

Thirty five years later, I watch my niece march by in the Tavares, FL Christmas Parade with her cute holiday outfit waving her baton and I remember a time when I was a proud part of the winning team.  I give a big "Hurrah!!"  as she beams a big smile at me and marches on to captivate the rest of the world.

Come out and support the kids and businesses at the 2014 Tavares Christmas Parade on Saturday Dec 6. 

I hear that there will be a surprise visit by Santa himself arriving in what else, but a Seaplane of course!

You can have your business or organization be a part of the Christmas parade too.
Parade Applications are Due No Later Than November 24.

Come be a part of the City of Tavares Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 6. Applications to participate in the parade must be submitted no later than NOVEMBER 24.

Entry fee is an unwrapped toy or food bank donation. For more information call 352.742.6319 or dblais@Tavares.org.

New City Job! Marina Technician needed

A Marina in the middle of Florida?? That's right!
The Tavares, FL Marina is located on Lake Dora which is one of the seven lakes of the Harris Chain of Lakes. The lake covers 4,475 acres and is a favorite location for fishing and recreational boating. 
Here's your chance to make the 1st contact for visitors coming by boat a pleasant experience by being the Marina Technician .  

Here's the scoop:

Salary

$21,840 - $32,760

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This position performs field and office work of average difficulty in assisting the Marina Manager and Assistant Manager with daily operations of the City’s Marina, Prop Shop and Splashpark. The Marina Technician is responsible for enforcing Marina rules and regulations, and must exercise reasonable independent judgment and initiative in carrying out daily work assignments within established policies and procedures.  This position consistently demonstrates “ambassador” customer care and communications skills, and reports to the Marina Operations Supervisor.

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Interacts with the public, related agencies, City departments, supervisors and coworkers in a professional and courteous manner at all times
2. Operates marine service station and sells fuel (gasoline and aviation)
3. Ship storekeeping, including the sale of oil, ice and other store merchandise.
4. Responsible for credit card charges and cash sales, which may involve substantial amount of money
5. Assists in maintaining adequate Prop Shop inventory levels
6. Responds to inquiries from the public regarding dockage rates, rules and regulations, information about the marina facility, as well as the nearby surrounding area.
7. Monitors VHF and Unicom radios to remain in contact with boaters and respond to their inquiries
8. Follows safety, customer service, money handling and problem-solving procedures
9. Assigns dock space, registers customers, collects fees and maintains daily records
10. Assists boat owners in docking, securing of dock lines, electrical and water connections
11. Performs weed-eating, raking and general maintenance tasks
12. Performs litter control functions; cleans restrooms; provides support services to Splashpark; sets up picnic and other areas

 (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.)

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 1. Must possess a positive attitude and excellent public relations skills 2. Must be able to work without supervision and be on call for all emergencies 3. Ability to safely and efficiently dispense fuel 4. Knowledge of point of sale computer systems 5. Ability to provide accurate change for cash customers 6. Ability to identify counterfeit currency 7. Knowledge and skill necessary for handling fuel spills, storm preparation, first aid and CPR 8. Ability to swim in various wind and weather conditions EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 1. High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution 2. Minimum of two years experience in boat handling, retail sales, and general maintenance preferred 3. Combination of education and experience which provides this knowledge, skill and ability (A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.) LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: 1. Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license 2. Current CPR and First Aid certifications (training is provided to employees if needed) 3. Bonded in the State of Florida, or eligible to be bonded in the State of Florida

Special Requirements

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: • Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction) • Acceptable hearing (without hearing device) • Ability to communicate both orally in and writing • Sufficient manual dexterity to develop skill in the operation of point of sale computer system • Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a point of sale computer • Walking, reaching, stretching, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping • Lifting and carrying up to 60 pounds unassisted, using property lifting and safety procedures; lifting and carrying up to 150 pounds with assistance, using proper lifting and safety procedures • Ability to communicate via two-way radio systems • Ability to stand for extended periods • Ability to swim in various wind and weather conditions ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: • Works inside and outside, in various wind and weather conditions • Exposure to fuel vapors • Work schedule includes all hours, shifts, days of the week, during storms and holidays (Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.

Miscellaneous Information

The City Of Tavares is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Drug-Free Workplace and E-Verify Employer. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply and will be reasonably accommodated. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference offered on initial hire per Florida Statute 295. Selected applicants receiving a conditional offer of employment are subject to a criminal, driver, education and employment background check, drug screen, psychological assessment and medical examination. To apply, a City of Tavares employment application and resume with a minimum of ten (10) years complete work history must be submitted to City of Tavares Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date (if mailed, it must be postmarked no later than the closing date). Internal candidates must submit a completed Internal Transfer Request (available in Human Resources, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Minimum qualifications are subject to change pending approval of job description(s). Equivalent combination of related training and experience may be considered. The City of Tavares reserves the right to fill positions prior to the closing date. All positions are regular full-time unless otherwise noted.

Get the application HERE

Experience Pen"woman"ship at it's finest! Mar 21- May 5, 2014

The city of Tavares, FL will be hosting an Art exhibit featuring fine Pen work by women from all over the country at Tavares City Hall 

March 21- May 5, 2014

Released from the city of Tavares:

Art, music, and words can transport you to new and amazing places – whether a beautiful poem, a favorite song, or a few lines of thought-provoking poetry. Come and be transported by the art, music, and prose created by the women of the Orlando Winter Park branch of the National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW) during the exhibit presented by the City of Tavares, Tavares City Hall, 201 E. Main Street. Artwork and poetry created by these talented ladies will be on display through May 5.

The public is also invited to a reception to be held on Friday, March 21 from 5:30 until 7:30 PM. The evening will be filled with music, art and poetry, including demonstrations by the artists. Refreshments will be served.

The NLAPW (or Pen Women, as they are often called), was formed in 1897 by a group of professional women writers as a means for them to connect and support one another in their field. The National Press Club provided a forum for male writers and journalists to connect, but at the time women members were not permitted, so the ladies created their own organization. It quickly grew to include professional artists and composers. Past members include several influential and well known women including Eleanor Roosevelt and Pearl S. Buck.

The Orlando Winter Park branch of NLAPW was formed in 1957 and currently includes many award winning central Florida artists, writers and composers.

For more information, contact Tamara Rogers, Tavares Community Services Director, 352.742.6338 or TRogers@Tavares.org

New JOB posting- Tavares park maintenance worker

Help keep Tavares FL parks beautiful and get paid doing it

Here's another way the city of Tavares can put some money in your pocket with out getting all wet like the park attendants...Be a park maintenance worker.
Salary $22,000-$31,900
Call 352-742-6209 for more information . Here are some things you should know before you call:

Park Maintenance Worker

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This position performs semi-skilled and manual work in maintaining various grounds, fields and facilities.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains various grounds, fields and parks by performing mowing, dragging, weeding, tilling, raking, digging and other manual labor tasks
• Prepares fields for athletic activities such as: lining, raking
• Installs turf, seeds and foliage on fields, in parks and other grounds.
• Maintains equipment and facilities by performing manual labor and semi-skilled work
• Performs litter control functions; cleans restrooms; sets up picnic and other areas
• Does painting, carpentry, plumbing and minor electrical repairs
• Repairs and maintains the irrigation system
• Operates vehicles, performs daily checks on vehicles and safety equipment such as fluid levels, tires, lights, and a walk around check for damage.
• Performs daily maintenance on mowers; checking fluid levels, changing blades, cleaning air filters, checking tires, checking for damage and lubricate daily
• Operates equipment such as: front-end loaders, tractors, backhoe, mowers, rototiller, etc.
• Makes daily written and oral reports
• Informs and directs public in the use of facilities

 (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.  Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.)

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of facilities maintenance and repair functions
Knowledge of landscape maintenance and turf installation
Knowledge of tools and equipment necessary to perform related work
Knowledge of grounds-keeping practices and principles
Ability to operate light to medium equipment
Ability to perform heavy manual labor under various weather conditions
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
Skill in the operation and preventative maintenance of equipment and related tools
Knowledge, skill and ability to perform minor irrigation repairs (sprinklers or 1” or smaller lines)
10. Ability to work rotating shifts including weekend duty, emergency call-out
11. Must complete courses in Turf and Ornamental within 1 year of employment
12. Must complete courses in Ball Field Maintenance within 1 year of employment
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
1. High school graduate or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma
2. Grounds maintenance experience, with a combination of experience and training which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:
1. Valid and insurable Florida Drivers License
2. Class B CDL License may also be required, at the discretion of the Community Services Director.

Miscellaneous Information

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:
- Heavy (45 pounds and over) lifting and carrying
- Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
- Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid)
- Walking
- Standing
- Kneeling
- Bending
- Driving
- Operating equipment
- Stooping

ENVIROMENTAL CONDITIONS:
- Works outside in various weather conditions
- Chemicals (insecticides and herbicides)
- Heights (up to 15 feet)

( Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.)

The City Of Tavares is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply and will be reasonably accommodated. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference offered on initial hire per Florida Statute 295. Selected applicants receiving a conditional offer of employment are subject to a criminal, driver, education and employment background check, drug screen, polygraph test, psychological test and medical examination. To apply, a City of Tavares employment application or resume with a minimum of ten (10) years complete work history must be submitted to City of Tavares Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date (if mailed, it must be postmarked no later than the closing date). Internal candidates must submit a completed Internal Transfer Request, available in Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Minimum qualifications are subject to change pending approval of job description(s). Equivalent combination of related training and experience may be considered. The City of Tavares reserves the right to fill positions prior to the closing date. All positions are regular full-time unless otherwise noted.

Make a SPLASH and make money doing it! Summer job posting

Looking for a fun way to make some pocket money this summer and keep cool doing it?

The City of Tavares is looking for Splash park attendants for the summer of 2014.
The rate is $9/hour
Call 352-742-6209 for more information. Here's some details you will want to know before you apply:

Splash Park Attendant (temporary seasonal)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Splash Park Attendant is responsible for appropriate customer service, monitoring users’ safe attendance and enjoyment of the Splash Park.  Attendants work under the supervision of the Seaplane Base and Marina Manager or Operations Supervisor, who issues written or oral work requests and who may inspect work performed on a routine or emergency basis.  The Splash Park Attendant must perform work safely and efficiently, at times under inclement weather conditions, and must be available for work assignments during Splash Park season from April to October.

 This position is classified as temporary seasonal, and is ineligible for City benefits.

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

·         Performs the full range of duties in and around the splash pad, and ensures the safety of Splash Park patrons

·         Facilitates daily and season pass attendance and user fee collection

·         Provides public information about and monitors user conformance with park rules and regulations

·         Performs City Splash Park general and contaminant splash pad clean-up protocol

·         Follows City Splash Park written standard operating procedures

·         Performs other tasks as needs are identified and as assigned

·         Works weekends and holidays as assigned

·         Responsible for all equipment utilized in the course of the daily work assignments

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.  Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.)

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Must consistently provide friendly, welcoming customer service to all Splash Park users and guests

2. Must consistently display an attitude of cooperation and the ability to work and communicate well with others

3. Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions

4. Ability to maintain integrity in all areas of job performance

5. Ability to perform the essential functions of this position

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
1. Minimum age 16

2. Proven customer service related experience, with proven cash handling and accountability experience preferred

(A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.)

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:

1. Valid Florida Drivers License

2. Valid American Red Cross CPR and First Aid or verified equivalent preferred. Training will be provided for otherwise qualified candidates.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)

• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing

• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid)

• Walking

• Standing

• Kneeling

• Bending

• Stooping

• Stretching

ENVIROMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works outside for extended periods in various weather conditions

• Contact with wet surface conditions

Miscellaneous Information

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)

The City Of Tavares is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply and will be reasonably accommodated. Veterans’ Preference offered on initial hire per Florida Statute 295. Selected applicants receiving a conditional offer of employment are subject to a criminal, driver, education and employment background check, drug screen, polygraph test, psychological test and medical examination. To apply, a City of Tavares employment application or resume with a minimum of ten (10) years complete work history must be submitted to City of Tavares Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date (if mailed, it must be postmarked no later than the closing date). Minimum qualifications are subject to change pending approval of job description(s). Equivalent combination of related training and experience may be considered. The City of Tavares reserves the right to fill positions prior to the closing date. All positions are regular full-time unless otherwise noted.

Post Holiday Blues? The Fun's not over yet!

Get the kids all bundled up in their long pants and put on your socks. 

Its time for the WINTER CARNIVAL- FLORIDA STYLE! 

The Thanksgiving turkey is gone, Christmas presents are unwrapped, stacked neatly in the closet and ready for re-gifting. The champagne headache from bringing in the New Year with strangers who became temporary besties has subsided and all the twinkling holiday lights are gone for the season. The hustle is done. The bustle is gone.

January is the time of year when everyone gets the post holiday blues. It's a gray month of resolutions to be more fit, more sincere and perhaps a bit more serious about the future.

That's why the City of Tavares brings WINTER CARNIVAL! Come out with the family for a good old fashioned day of face painting, games and bounce house-ing and let the good times roll just a little bit longer.   :)

Come out to the Tavares Civic Center at 100 E. Caroline Street in Tavares, FL 

on Saturday January 25, 2014 from 1-3PM with the whole family.  

It'll be a fun way to stretch out that holiday feeling just a little bit longer. 

Father-Daughter Dance February 7th at the Tavares Civic Center

The annual Father Daughter dance is almost here already! 

I remember when I was a little girl and my Dad would lift me up onto his shoes and we would waltz around the kitchen floor in perfect tempo just like in a fairy tale cartoon.
We would swirl around and my sister would giggle wildly waiting for her turn on the "dance floor" with the dashing prince. My mom would smile and clap her hands and all the world was good.

What a joy it was to look up at his smiling face, all the worries and cares of the world gone for just that moment.
Sure we were scolded. Sure we had arguments. Sure we had problems over the years. No family is perfect
but it is those short moments that last a lifetime.
Today as I approach 50 and my father creeps up on 80, the memory is still fresh like it was yesterday and I am propelled back to a silly 5 year old.
Tavares, FL hosts an annual Father-Daughter dance Friday February 7, 2014 and it's the perfect time to create a memory of  a lifetime. Dust off those dancing shoes and celebrate Valentine's Day early with your little princess. She's only going to be a little girl for a little time!

Tavares Civic Center, 6pm - 8pm. TICKETS NOW ON SALE. Limited tickets, so first come, first served at the Tavares Parks & Rec office on St. Clair Abrams - $10 per couple. For more info call 352.742.6370