Visual arts display opens Friday

VSA Florida, the state organization on arts and disability, will celebrate the opening of its new exhibit, We Live Here, Friday.

The free event runs 10 to 11 a.m. in the Faculty Office Building on the University of South Florida campus.

The organization, headed by executive director Marian Winters, is housed in the USF College of Education.

The exhibition can be viewed in the main lobby of the Faculty Office Building as well as through some of the adjacent corridors through March 1. It represents how the arts provide easy access to expanding children's views of where they live and the world. For information, call (813) 974-0715 or email wfinklea@usf.edu.

Service offers hope and healing for the holiday season

The First United Church of Tampa will have a special Service of Hope and Healing — For Those Too Sad To Celebrate."

The service, open to all faiths or those of no particular faith tradition, will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the church sanctuary, 7308 E. Fowler Ave.

It will be conducted by the Rev. Bernice Powell-Jackson, who said the service aims to help those who are struggling with painful memories or emotions during the holiday season. It will include music, prayers and scripture readings.

For information, see www.ucctampabay .org.

Parkinson's support group plans luncheon

The Tampa area Parkinson's Support Group will have its Holiday Party at noon Dec. 21 at the home of Tom and Judy Shaw.

It is open to members and guests but reservations are required and attendees are asked to bring a covered dish.

For information, directions and reservations, call the Shaws at (813) 931-1235 or Adele Walter at (813) 932-6902.

The group will resume its regular meetings at 1 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Church of the Nazarene, 5902 N. Himes Ave.

Alpha Delta Pi alums gather Saturday

The Tampa Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Association will host its annual Christmas Coffee at the home of Betsy Ridley, 1007 Frankland Road, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

The coffee honors members who were initiated into Alpha Delta Pi in 2011 and their mothers. For information, email erynthomas @verizon.net