Area residents have an opportunity to participate in a unique online survey designed to help researchers better understand the social values associated with Sarasota Bay. Please visit sarasotabaysurvey.org to view the online survey tool and digital map (Pass code is SBEP). The online survey combines traditional questions with an interactive mapping exercise that provide an opportunity to reference specific areas.
The Florida Sea Grant Study is being conducted by Zachary Cole, a PhD. candidate at the University of Florida. The purpose of the social values study is to better understand how people value Sarasota Bay resources in ways that may not be captured by traditional economic studies. A study of social values quantifies natural resources including personal experiences like watching the sunset, fishing, kayaking and many other activities. Social values complement the economic and ecological components of an ecosystem. They help to give a more complete picture of how people use and value natural resources.
The social values study will also expand awareness about particular areas within the Sarasota Bay ecosystem that are popular for various reasons. For example, some areas are valued for great fishing or kayaking while other areas provide popular vistas for birding or general viewing.
SBEP is supporting the study by helping to set up workshops with local professionals that are familiar with Sarasota Bay resources. The organization is also helping to promote the study and the convenience of the online survey. SBEP is in the process of conducting a comprehensive economic value study of Sarasota Bay led by Paul Hindsley, PhD.
Learn more about the Sea Grant Study from an interview with Zac Cole at sarasotabay.org or visit the following link – http://www.flseagrant.org/boating/projects/solves/solves-phase-2-mapping/.
SARASOTA (June 1, 2012) – The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) has received confirmation that the Florida Legislature will once again provide matching funds for the Florida First Generation Program, one of the few remaining tuition funding programs that match donor contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis. It is a need-based grant program available to degree-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need, are enrolled in eligible participating postsecondary institutions, and whose parents have not earned baccalaureate or higher degrees.
”There is no more important mission for USF Sarasota-Manatee than to be able to provide opportunities for universal access to higher education and the Florida First Generation Matching Grant Program goes a long way in helping us realize that goal,“ said Dennis Stover, Regional Vice Chancellor for Advancement at USFSM. ”It allows us the chance to serve those highly motivated, talented students who are limited by financial resources and have, historically, been underrepresented in higher education. To be the first person in your family to attend college sends a powerful message and creates a ripple effect that benefits not only the individual and their family, but the community as well.“
For the 2011-2012 year, $90,500 was donated and, with the match, $181,000 was awarded to USF Sarasota-Manatee students meeting the criteria for this scholarship. Those interested in learning more about USFSM, scholarship and grant opportunities, or giving opportunities may visit www.usfsm.edu or call 941-359-4334 for more information.
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Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has announced its 2011 Physician Frist Humanitarian Award was presented to Donald Vierling, MD.
Created in 1971, the Frist Humanitarian Award honors outstanding individuals for humanitarian and volunteer services. Named in honor of the late Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr. – founder of HCA and renowned humanitarian – this award recognizes individuals whose daily dedication and care-giving epitomize the highest standards of quality and personal commitment. Each nominee for the award is judged in the following four categories:
¥ Level of commitment to the facility and patient care
¥ Level of commitment to the community
¥ Having a positive effect on others
¥ Dependability, consistency, and people oriented
The Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Physician winner receives a $500 donation to the charity of his choice, a Frist lapel pin, a plaque, a plaque, and his picture on display at the front entrance. The hospital award winner goes on to compete for the 2011 National Frist Humanitarian Award. This year Rudy Kunhardt, MD and Donald Vierling, MD were each nominated.
About Dr. Don Vierling
This year’s winner received multiple nominations from members of the medical staff as well as the clinical staff of the hospital. Dr. Vierling has a reputation for dedicating his entire adult life to the service of others and his list of accomplishments that accompanied his nominations are much too numerous to mention in this writing.
It was Donald Vierling, MD who saw the need for a hospital in northwest Pasco and was the very first physician on staff at the then Bayonet Point Hospital where he has also served three years as Chief of Staff and has served as a member and past chairman of the Medical Executive Committee. He has held positions as member and chair of the board of trustees and had been an active family practitioner for 22 years. He is currently the medical director for the Regional Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medical Center, which is a position he has held since 2000. Prior to his commitment to family medicine, Donald Vierling, MD served his community as a chiropractic physician!
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GWIZ Science Museum recently provided three Water Wonder Workshops to 150 local students in fifth and sixth grade from Lamarque Elementary, Heron Creek Middle School and Englewood Elementary. The program included classroom instruction about the physical and chemical properties of water and guided bay walks to learn more about local plants, wildlife and the impact of human development on local ecosystems. The final component of the workshops was comprehensive water testing and microscope observation.
SBEP provided funding support for the GWIZ workshops through its Bay Partners Grant Program. The purpose of the SBEP grant program is to promote environmental education, awareness and stewardship that benefit Sarasota Bay and its tributaries. Funding is available for local projects that focus on Bay education, Bay restoration or Bay-friendly landscaping. SBEP has awarded more than $213,000 in support of 109 local grants since 2003. All of the grants require an education component that encourages Bay-friendly stewardship.
Businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, condo associations, and neighborhood associations located within the Sarasota Bay watershed in Sarasota and Manatee counties are eligible to apply for a grant each year. Organizations are considered for full or partial grants by a subcommittee with the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).
Bay Partners Grant applications for the next fiscal year must be received at the SBEP offices by 4pm on Friday, March 1, 2013 to be eligible. Applications can be downloaded from the SBEP website at sarasotabay.org. The SBEP website also provides specific ideas for various projects. Inquires are welcome at sara@sarasotabay.org.
In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor’s declaration that June is job fair month, a job fair will be held for a major clothing retailer June 20 through June 22 from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Suncoast Workforce Career Center located at 3526 9th Street West in Bradenton. Seventy positions are available at all levels. Candidates must be fully registered in Employ Florida. For more information, contact Peter Kiziu, Business Services Representative at PKiziu@SuncoastWorkforce.org.
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