Community Manatee Spotlight September 23, 2012

First America Bank food Drive Benefitting F.E.L.T.

First America Bank hosted a food drive benefitting the F.E.L.T. (Feeding Empty Little Tummies) Program. This fantastic organization was founded in June 2010 to feed hungry homeless children on weekends when they do not have access to school meals. The food drive was organized by Marcus Gordon, a teller at First America Bank. Marcus grew up with a working single mother and knew how a program like F.E.L.T. would have been welcome when times got a bit rough. Marcus is a positive example of hard work and dedication and how to give back to our local community.

First America Bank partnered with the Palmetto Rotary Club in collecting food donations.

First America Bank will be hosting another food drive in the month of November benefitting the F.E.L.T. Program. Non-perishable food donations can be made at any of our 5 banking center locations in the month of November.

Manatee County Master Gardeners Agriculture & Extension Service Planned for October 6

It is time again for the annual fall  Manatee County Extension  Master Gardeners’ plant fair.  A wide  selection of plants, including: natives, shrubs, trees, vines, ground  covers, ornamental grasses, herbs and vegetables will be available to purchase. All proceeds from this  event help with the operations of  the educational  gardens and  greenhouse.

New this year –  a wide variety of  hypertufa planting pots. 

Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer any gardening questions. Free native seedlings to the first 50 customers!

This event is held at the Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service at the fairgrounds, 1303  17th Street West in Palmetto

Dr. Elizabeth Callahan Of Skinsmart Dermatology Featured In Oprah Magazine’s Skincare Column

Dr. Elizabeth Callahan, the founder and medical director of SkinSmart Dermatology in Sarasota, FL, is the featured skincare expert in the current O (Oprah) Magazine’s ”Ask Val“ column.

Written by Valerie Monroe, O Magazine’s beauty director, the ”Ask Val“ column in the October issue asks the question:  ”Help?  Nothing works on the dark circles under my eyes.“

”Circles can be caused by puffiness often from allergies, hyperpigmentation, and blood vessels showing through the skin,“ says Dr. Callahan, who is a dermatologist affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

”Puffiness can be treated by taking an antihistamine and reducing your salt intake,“ she added.

”Intense pulsed light treatment works well on hyperpigmentation; the Vbeam laser very effectively zaps blood vessels,“ she concluded.

”Ask Val“ also tells Oprah readers to keep in mind that ”eye cream can help reduce puffiness and shadows; try one containing niacin, caffeine, or green tea.“

SkinSmart Dermatology was founded by Dr. Callahan in 2005 to meet the diverse skincare needs of patients–whether medical, surgical or cosmetic.

She received her M.D. degree from the University of Vermont and trained at the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic.

Big Cat Habitat Celebrates World Animal Day Oct. 4 With Free Event Featuring Speakers, Activities, Demonstrations

Local nonprofits will exhibit and share in any donations made. Also included are up close encounters with the Habitat’s exotic residents, a petting zoo, elephant and pony rides, and refreshments.

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary will host a free educational and fun World Animal Day celebration on Thursday, Oct. 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. in partnership with many local animal welfare organizations.  The celebration includes educational presentations by experts on exotic and endangered animals, exhibits by many animal welfare organizations, activities for children, and demonstrations highlighting animals’ remarkable capabilities.  Admission is free, and all donations received will be equally divided among the nonprofits participating in World Animal Day events.  Updated information and a list of participating organizations is available at www.BigCatHabitat.org/Calendar. 

Visitors also may tour the facility for an up close experience with the habitat’s residents, including tigers, lions, cougars, leopards bears, primates, birds, coatimundies, and many more animals, as well as a petting zoo, said Kay Rosaire, founder and executive director.  Elephant and pony rides also are planned.  The Habitat is at 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, just 1 mile past I-75.

World Animal Day is held Oct. 4 on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi to celebrate animals and mankind’s special relationship with them, Rosaire said.

Organizations exhibiting and/or presenting at the event include Mote Marine and Aquarium, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Satchel’s Last Resort, Save Our Seabirds, Eagle Rescue,, Animal Rescue Coalition, Humane Society of Sarasota County, Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota County Animal Shelter, Honor Animal Rescue, Racing Dog Rescue, Birds of Paradise Sanctuary, Florida Parrot Rescue, Gulf Shore Animal League, Sarasota in Defense of Animals, Wildlife Center of Venice, Sarasota Dove Release, and West Coast Aviary Rescue.

Refreshments also are available.  More information and current schedules are online at www.BigCatHabitat.org or by calling 941-371-6377.

Police Dept. Has Openings In Explorer Post For Teens Interested In A Career In Law Enforcement.

The Bradenton Police Department’s annual Open House for Explorer Post #1004 will be Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Bradenton Police Department, District II substation located at 1404 14th St. W., Bradenton. 

Exploring is the Boy Scouts of America’s career-based program for young men and women aged 14 – 20 and who have completed the 8th grade. The program focuses on career opportunities in law enforcement, life skills, citizenship, character education and leadership experience. Bradenton Police Department Explorers meet every Tuesday evening from 7PM to 9PM and learn about the law, practice law enforcement skills, prepare to compete in Exploring competitions, provide community service and more. 

For more information about Exploring, visit www.learningforlife.org. Interested teens and their parents are invited to attend the open house to learn more about the program and will have a chance to have their questions answered. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, you may contact Sgt. LJ Millard at lj. millard@cityofbradenton.com or leave a message at (941) 741-3041. 

Mixon Fruit Farms to Host Great Events for this Fall

Highlighted by Annual Harvest Festival on November 17 and 18

Mixon Fruit Farms announced today their event schedule for the upcoming fall season.  The events will all be held at Mixon Fruit Farms, which is located at 2525 27th St East, Bradenton, FL 34208.

The Mixon Harvest Festival is the can't miss event for Manatee County.  This year the festival will be held at Mixon's on November 17 and 18 from 9am to 5pm.  This free event will once again have lots to do and see.  Guests will be able to shop at over 70 Arts and Crafts booths, enjoy a great selection of food vendors and participate in many family fun activities.  There will also be many great musical acts throughout the two days.  There is free parking and admission is free.

The Concert in the Grove Series will return to Mixon Fruit Farms on October 10.  The Bluegrass band, The Special Consensus will entertain the crowd.  Admission for this show is $15 and parking is free.  The country band Bull's Eye Ride will perform in the grove on November 7.  Gates open for the shows at 7pm.  Concerts will also be held on Oct 27 and Nov 14 with musical acts to be announced soon.   

The Local Author Book Signing series will be hosted at Mixon Fruit Farms on November 2, 3, 16 and December 1 from 10am to 2pm each day.  This will be a great time to come and meet some local authors and discuss their books with them.  The authors that will be featured include Bill Mixon, author of "Believer's in Acton", Wayland Massey, author of "Casper the Friendly Service Dog", Gladys Dorfman, author of "Hannah Mae, the Sarasota Pelican", Brenda Spaulding, author of "Just Betty", Mary Grant, author of "The Secret Keepers", David Jaco, author of "Spontaneous Palooka and Mr. Mom" and many others.

The Mixon Health and Business Fair will be on Friday, November 9 from 11am to 3pm.  The fair will offer guests an opportunity to visit many booths loaded with health tips.  There will be health screenings and vendors including the Eye Associates Sight Mobile, Suncoast Community Blood Mobile, HeartHealth Cardio Bus and many others.  This is a free event with free parking.  All guests will have a chance to be entered into a raffle that will feature gift baskets from the vendors.

The 5th Annual Citrus Cooking Competition will be held at Mixon Fruit Farms on Saturday, November 10 from 11am to 2pm.  Many local high school chefs will put their culinary skills to the test in order to impress the judges.  The judging panel will be made up of some of the top chefs from our great local restaurants.  Mixon customers can enjoy samples from the competition as trophies are presented to the winners.