Donate Blood For International Use

Suncoast Communities Blood Bank (SCBB) announced today that it joins nearly 35 other U.S. blood centers supporting an international effort to supply blood to Israel in extreme emergencies. SCBB is a member of America’s Blood Centers (ABC), North America’s largest network of community-based blood programs. America’s Blood Centers and its members remain committed to seeking international partnerships to maintain a safe and reliable blood supply. The agreement is the result of a discussion that began in 2005 by MDA and makes America’s Blood Centers MDA’s primary backup blood supplier. To find out how you can donate locally, log onto www.scbb.org.

Social Security Debit Cards

Every year, the U.S. Department of the Treasury receives about 1.4 million reports of problems with paper checks. Checks can be lost, stolen or delayed. If you receive Social Security payments by paper check, Treasury wants you to know about a safer, more convenient option: the Direct Express® prepaid debit MasterCard. It’s new and available to Social Security recipients, even those without bank accounts. Call 1-877-212-9991 or visit USDirectExpress.com.

Sarasota Schools Meal Prices

                        Elementary         Secondary               Adult

Breakfast
Paid             1.10                 1.25                   1.50
Reduced         .30                   .30

Lunch
Paid             2.00                 2.25                   3.00
Reduced         .40                   .40         

St Jude Fundraiser

GiftsAroundTheWorld.org has Gifts and Home Decor for everyone and always at a discount.  10% of EVERY sale goes to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.   To find out more log onto www.giftsaroundtheworld.org.


Empty Bowls Fundraiser Sponsorships

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the 8th Annual “Empty Bowls” luncheon to benefit The Food Bank of Manatee. With the critical need in the current economy, The Food Bank is asking area businesses to help support this annual event, which is a unique way to help raise awareness about hunger in Manatee County. The Downtown luncheon will be held Thursday, October 16th at Renaissance on 9th, 1816 9th Street West in Bradenton, and the East County luncheon will be Friday, October 17th on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The hours for both events are 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information please visit www.mealsonwheelsplus.org or call 941-747-FOOD.

Pelican Pals Needs Volunteers

Pelican Pals has launched a grassroots volunteer recruitment initiative to renovate and reopen the abandoned seabird sanctuary at 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota, FL which is now under the direction of Save Our Seabirds (S.O.S).Save Our Seabirds, a rescue organization that treats injured birds and releases the rehabilitated birds back into their natural habitat, recently received the licensing needed from the city of Sarasota to move into the bird sanctuary previously known as the Pelican Man Sanctuary. But, before any birds can be treated or housed at the sanctuary it must be cleaned and repaired. Pelican Pals and Save Our Seabirds are turning to the local community for volunteers to aid in the clean-up efforts. Interested volunteers should contact www.pelicanpals.org.

September is Library Card Month

It's that time again – time to head back to school. Do you have the most important school supply of all? September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, so stop by your library and get the smartest card of all – your library card. You can get access to books, the Internet, DVDs, homework help and more. It's all @ your library.

United Way Survey

The United Way of Manatee County is conducting a through review of the issues facing our community with a focus on the United Way’s role and ability to effectively address those issues. The Community Priorities 2008 Survey is now available online. United Way is using the services of Survey Monkey to receive and tabulate the results. The input of the community is very important to this effort and the future direction of the United Way of Manatee County. The Community Priorities 2008 Survey is available at www.uwmc.net. If you do not have access to a computer, please contact United Way at (941) 748-1313 and we would be happy to provide you with a paper copy.


First Tee New Location

The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee officially moved their programming services to Rolling Green Golf Club. The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee provides young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop life-enhancing values such as confidence, perseverance, and judgment through the game of golf and character education classes. Please visit our website at www.thefirstteesarasotamanatee.org for more information.


Do Something Right

Pop star and American Idol™ winner Jordin Sparks has teamed with DoSomething.org, the organization that empowers teens to take action in their communities, and Staples, Inc. to ask Manatee County teens to make a difference this summer. The Do Something 101, (www.dosomething101.com), campaign encourages teens to collect school supplies and drop them off at their nearest Staples store, from July 6 through August 31, to ensure they get into the hands of deserving students just in time to head back to school. Staples is kick-starting the campaign by donating $50,000 in school supplies to the cause. In addition, Staples customers can also get involved by donating $2 at any Staples store location, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting local teens in need. All school supplies and donations collected locally will be given to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, an educational and not-for-profit organization that serves disadvantaged youth enabling them to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Adult Kickball Registration

Individual and team registrations are being taken now through August 4th for Sarasota's Adult Kickball League.  Games happen on Thursday and Friday nights.  No experience is necessary.  To find out more and download a registration form, go to www.ahs-physicaltherapy.com

G.Wiz August Happenings

The following are events happening each Saturday at G.Wiz in Sarasota.  Copper Works! – August 2, 2008 Copper is an essential trace mineral present in all the tissues in our body and copper bracelets have been used around the world as a first aid for joint pain and swelling. Join us for a special workshop with Bill Bronson at 11:00 am and learn the techniques of working with copper. Fun in the Sun!
– August 9, 2008 The best way to have fun in the sun is the safe way – wearing a visor or a hat! Set your clock for 11:00 am and join in the fun to create cool, colorful visors. Then add some fun beads made by ALEX Toys to match any sport or outfit. ALEX items are also on sale in the G.WIZ Gift Shop. “Journey to the Center of G.WIZ” Back to School Party! August 16, 2008 Learn Earth Fact from Fiction, discover fossils and crystals, and watch for volcanic eruptions at the G.WIZ Back to School Party from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Make your own fossil jewelry and create flowing designs to cover your book or notebook. Charming Snakes!
– August 23, 2008 Join us at 11:00 am and meet our resident Red Rat Snake. Discover the real reason snakes stick out their tongues and take a close-up look at snake skin. Find out what venomous snakes you need to watch out for in Florida. Make your own colorful, dangling snake to take home. Fun Fish Facts! – August 30, 2008 “Fin”ish up August and go fishing for fun fish facts at G.WIZ. Puffer fish can swell up to 4 times their normal size by swallowing water in a sac in their bellies. Few fish can get their mouths around a puffer when it is so roly-poly! At 11:00 am, make and take your own puffer fish with materials from kits made by ALEX Toys. ALEX items can also be found in the G.WIZ Gift Shop. G.WIZ, The Science Museum The Blivas Science & Technology Center 1001 Blvd of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 941.309.GWIZ (4949) www.gwiz.org


Ca d'Zan Audio Tours

Visitors to The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art can experience the Cà d’Zan Mansion using custom Apple iPod audio tours beginning July 1, 2008. The audio tours provide the visitor with a comprehensive overview of the first-floor and gardens at the Cà d’Zan Mansion. The state-of-the-art 23-stop tour is set with period music and character voices, as well as high-resolution digital images of the Mansion. The complete audio tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.  To find out more, call 359-5700.

Boots and Badges Blood Drive

With hoses in hand and sirens ready, first responders are gearing up for the 3rd Annual Suncoast Communities Blood Bank “Boots and Badges” blood drive competition. Ten first responder agencies from two counties will take part in this year’s event, which runs July 1st to August 5th. The goal of the competition is to raise a minimum of 400 units of blood for local hospitals during slow summer months when blood donations for our area typically decrease by 15%.  For specific blood drives,

visit www.scbb.org or call 1-866-97BLOOD.

Summer Concerts at Mixon Fruit Farms

At Mixon Fruit Farms, 2712 26th Ave E, Bradenton, Fl , we offer a free concert on the fourth Thursday of the month in our beautiful Garden Oasis Pavilion. Food, beer and wine available for purchase. No coolers please. Our summer schedule is as follows : June 26th, 2008 – Gumbo Boogie Band 6-9pm, July 24th, 2008 The Git ‘R Dunz High Energy Rock & Country Band , 6-9pm August 28th, 2008 – The Yesterdayze – 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s Band. To find out more, call 748-5829


Keep Manatee Beautiful Award Nominations

Do you know a business, organization or person who has made a positive impact on our environment? Litter prevention & cleanup, recycling, and beautification projects throughout Manatee County are eligible for awards and recognition at the Keep Manatee Beautiful Awards Luncheon on September 25. Nominations will be accepted through July 31st. Visit www.ManateeBeautiful.com for nomination form or sponsorship opportunities or call 941-795-8272.

Selby Instructors' Showcase

The Selby Instructors’ Showcase exhibition will be on display in the Museum of Botany and the Arts at Selby Gardens now through October 7, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m daily. The showcase will give you an excellent close look at the classes that are offered throughout the year at the Gardens. Admission to the exhibition is included in the general admission price to the Gardens. For further information about Selby Gardens visit www.selby.org, or call (941) 366-5731.

Manatee Red Cross Summer Hours

Beginning the week of June 9, 2008, the American Red Cross Manatee County Chapter's Lakewood Ranch location at 10311 Malachite Drive will be open on a summer hour schedule. The office will be open from 9am to 4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and closed Mondays and Wednesdays. The Chapter Headquarters at 2905 59th St. West in Bradenton will be open its year-round hours of Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. Emergency Services are always free of charge and available 24x7 and can be obtained by calling 941.792.8686.