TAX OFFICE COLLECTING CELL PHONES, IPODS FOR SOLDIERS

A Middleburg tax office is collecting used cell phones, iPods and toner cartridges Saturday to help U.S. Embroidered Patches soldiers call home. The used items will be recycled, with the proceeds used to buy calling cards for members of the military. The Liberty Tax Service "collection party" is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be Mardi Gras- style, with music, free Louisiana cooking and beads, among other things. The tax office is at 2620 Blanding Blvd., in the Ace Hardware shopping center in Middleburg. For more information, call 291-2849.GREEN COVE knockoff handbags SPRINGS CIRCUS SHOW POSTPONED DUE TO TENT PROBLEMSThe Clyde Beatty Circus that was headed for Green Cove Springs next week has been postponed.Problems with the big-top tent forced the circus to halt its current tour, said Ronnie Munsey, who was bringing in the circus as a fundraiser for Ham Jam Charities Inc.The tour, to be held at Reynolds Park Yacht Center, will be rescheduled at a later date, he said.VFW LADIES POST 1988 TO HOST CANCER BENEFITA picnic to raise money for cancer research will be held at 5 p.m. Friday in Green Cove Springs.The Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1988 will host the event. On the menu: cheap coach purses grilled burgers with all the trimmings, potato salad, baked beans and corn on the cob. Desserts also will be available.Tim Desain and the Bluegrass Train will provide entertainment.There is no admission, but donations will benefit cancer research and people with the disease. The post is at 421 S. Orange Ave., Green Cove Springs.For more information, call 284-0775 .

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