5 Things to Know Today, April 4

1. You still have time to drop by the Hillsborough County Health Department to get an HIV and STD test for just 75 cents.

The Hillsborough County Health Department is offering
confidential HIV and STD testing for 75 cents at the downtown location, 1105
E. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, Monday, April 4 through 3 p.m. in honor
of its 75th anniversary of serving Hillsborough County.

Normally the cost of confidential testing is $30.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases, (STDs), HIV and AIDS have not gone away and
continue to affect every part of the community on a daily basis.
Approximately 15 Floridians become infected with HIV every day.  And it's
important to note that not all STDs have symptoms, making testing the only way
to know for sure if you have been infected.  

Who is at risk for a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?  Anyone who is having
sex.  Genital herpes, chlamydia, HPV, HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea affect men,
women and teens from all walks of life.

If you're sexually active, make STD testing a part of your regular check-up.

Learn more about STD's at
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/std/index.html,  HIV/ AIDS at
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/aids/index.html, and for more on
testing hivtest.org.

2. The Easter bunny hops into town taking post at Macy's Plaza located at Westfield Brandon Mall! Round up your kids and stop by to meet the famous bunny and pose for a family photo by Shutterfly Photography. There are a variety of potrait packages available whether you'd like one for your home or more to share with friends and family. 

The visiting schedule is as follows:

Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

3. Art educator Minnette Webster introduces pen and ink drawing techniques in a free class scheduled April 4 at 6 p.m. at the Riverview Branch Library, 10509 Riverview Drive in Riverview.

The class is limited to 20 participants. Registration is required.

4. South Shore Sound is always looking for enthusiastic new members and guests. The group welcomes visitors to the Monday evening rehearsals. Both singers and non-singers may come to enjoy the harmony of the rehearsals as members learn and fine-tune their music and choreography.

Singers are encouraged to borrow a copy of the group's current repertoire for the evening, come up on the risers, and sing along to really experience being "in" the chorus. Or, if you prefer, you may sit back and listen along with the audience as the group perfects its craft.

Chorus rehearsals are held Monday evenings from 7 to 9:30 p.m. (Guest check-in and voice placement starts at 6:30). Guests are welcome for any portion of the evening. The group rehearses at Bell Shoals Church of Christ, 2908 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon. Visit http://southshoresound.org.

5. Do you have a dog that could use a little extra training?

An eight-week dog obedience course will be offered beginning April 4 at the Brandon Recreation Center, 510 E. Sadie St., Brandon. A basic training course will be offered Monday or Tuesday and a sub-novice course will be offered Wednesday or Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. The registration fee is $80. Call (813) 689-0731 or e-mail sibesite@tampabay.rr.com.