Locations Needed To Host ÔBabies Can’t Wait’ Collection Barrels
The Food Bank of Manatee is asking local businesses, clubs, or community
centers to host collection barrels for its ”Babies Can’t Wait“ campaign. Similar
to a food drive, non-perishable items specifically for babies under the age of
two can be deposited in the barrels. Requested items include formula, baby
food, diapers, rice cereal, and other necessities. The infant care essentials
will be packed into Baby Baskets, which are distributed to families in crisis
who are caring for a baby.
The Food Bank of Manatee receives regular
referrals from local social service agencies assisting children and families.
Based on the details of each request, a Baby Basket is assembled that includes supplies
appropriate for the child’s age. Even slight malnutrition in an infant can have
an adverse effect on development, leading to problems later in life. The goal
of the Baby Basket program is to bridge any nutritional gap that could hinder
the proper development of a vulnerable child.
The ”Babies Can’t Wait“ program was
made possible by a 2010 grant from the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund. Colorful
collection barrels and promotional materials are available for placement
throughout the community. Suggested locations are those with a high traffic of families
and/or parents of young children. Call 941-747-4655 to request a barrel or to
obtain more information about this program.
Simply Gourmet Caterers Secures Rights to Produce The Firesign Theatre's "Nick Danger"
Chef Larry Barrett, the proprietor of the Sarasota-based catering company, Simply Gourmet, recently secured the exclusive rights to produce The Firesign Theatre's "Nick Danger: Third Eye“ for a series of performances at the Powel Crosley Estate in Sarasota this October. This will be the first theatrical presentation of ”Nick Danger," a brilliant parody of vintage radio detective shows.
"The Firesign Theatre has been incredibly generous in offering me the opportunity to produce the inaugural production of 'Nick Danger,“ says Barrett, who will direct the show.
In addition to 25 years as an executive chef, Barrett comes from a diverse theatrical background, having performed on New York City stages, in television commercials and on such television shows as ”General Hospital,“ ”Days of Our Lives,“ and ”Loving." A fan of edible historical recreations, Barrett will pair the production with cuisine that was served at the classic American restaurant Delmonico’s.
”'Nick Danger' and Delmonico's are both 20th-century American classics," he says. "The audience will savor unforgettable cuisine from America’s first fine dining restaurant while enjoying blistering funny comedy. It's different–to say the least."
Most baby boomers have fond memories of The Firesign Theatre, a California-based comedy troupe. Comprised of Phil Austin, Peter Bergman, David Ossman and Philip Proctor, the group is considered one of the great comedy groups of our time. Often described as America’s Monty Pythons, Firesign Theatre produced more than 22 albums, several films, and hundreds of live radio shows. The ensemble still performs to sell-out crowds around the country.
How did Barrett come up with the idea to pair classic American radio and classic American cuisine at Crosley Estate?
"The inspiration for the evening came after reading the history of the Crosley Estate," says Barrett. "Powel Crosley was responsible for bringing affordable radio to America. The story has it that, in 1920, he bought a radio for his son and was shocked to see the price was over a hundred dollars. Crosley developed a way to manufacture radios for much less, bringing affordable entertainment to the masses. When I heard this story, everything fell into place. What a perfect venue to produce a radio show!"
Barrett adds that he will hold auditions for the four actors sometime in August.
USF Sarasota-Manatee professor returning to Africa to continue research at refugee camps
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Dr. Lynn McBrien, Assistant Professor in the College of Education at USF Sarasota-Manatee, leaves Sunday morning for Africa on a third research trip studying schools and culture in refugee camps. McBrien, who specializes in Psychological & Social Foundations in her teaching at USFSM, focuses her research specifically on children affected by war, child soldiers and resettled refugees.
”It is my hope to create a 3 to 4 year program to expand post-war networking, communications, and reconciliation, particularly with war-affected children,“ said McBrien. ”When you are working in cases where people have been deeply injured – psychologically, physically – reciprocity is essential. I cannot go in and take from them knowledge and research and not try to find a way to give back.“
Another reason for McBrien’s return? ”What most people don’t know is that Florida is typically in the top 3 states in the U.S. for resettling refugees - sometimes we are #1,“ she said. ”Because we have such a high percentage of resettled refugees here, it is absolutely critical for teachers to understand what they have been through – years and years of trauma, malnutrition, lack of water – it can cause classroom behaviors teachers do not expect. It is my goal to bring this knowledge to my classroom so I can help the students I’m teaching to go into the classrooms in our community and be well equipped to handle these situations with as many tools in their bag as I can provide.“
USF Sarasota-Manatee’s College of Education is NCATE Accredited and home to undergraduate and graduate programs preparing teachers and administrators as well as professionals who can assume roles related to education in a variety of fields. Programs leading to state certification include Elementary Education (Undergraduate and graduate level); Educational Leadership, and Reading.
Community Invited to Join the ”Ripple Effect“ and Support Manatees
Two Anonymous Supporters Challenge Others to Donate to South Florida Museum
On Monday, July 11, the South Florida Museum will begin a new fundraising campaign aimed at making waves within the community. The campaign, titled the Ripple Effect, was initiated by two anonymous donors who each generously pledged $10,000 to the Museum’s Manatee Care Program and have challenged the entire community to join them in support of Florida’s endangered gentle giants this summer. The campaign encourages Museum visitors and the general public to donate via phone at 941-746-4131, ext. 35, in person at the Museum or a secure portal available through www.southfloridamuseum.org.
During the month of July, the Museum and local community celebrates Manatee County’s most famous resident, Snooty the manatee, who is turning 63 this year. The Museum hopes to build a stronger, ongoing fundraising program for the care of manatees utilizing the heightened awareness surrounding Snooty’s birthday.
The Museum leadership and staff members are grateful for the support and optimistic about the campaign. The two donors have challenged the community to match every dollar of their contributions, with a total goal of $40,000 for the summer.
”Our biggest challenge is raising money for daily operations, such as maintaining the complex water and filtration systems and a well-stocked food cooler,“ said Brynne Anne Besio, Executive Director of the South Florida Museum. ”Knowing that 40% of Museum visitors come primarily for Snooty and the manatees, we hope those interested in protecting the species will join our two generous donors. With the Ripple Effect fundraising campaign, we hope the community will rally behind our facility–as they have so many times in the past–and together make a bigger splash in manatee conservation efforts.“
The Museum’s Parker Manatee Aquarium accounts for approximately 15% of the organization’s budget, or $260,000 annually. Expenses include providing highly-specialized veterinary care and transportation costs for release, while a large percentage of the funds go towards maintaining healthy diets–primarily romaine lettuce supplemented by kale, carrots and potatoes–for the manatees. Manatees eat 10% to 20% of their body weight each day, depending on their size and age, resulting in annual food costs which can reach $75,000 each year.
While manatees are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are no federal or state funds available for the type of care second stage rehabilitation facilities such as the South Florida Museum’s Parker Manatee Aquarium provide. City of Bradenton and Manatee County contributions cover less than 10% of expenses.
As a second stage rehabilitation facility, manatees are transferred to the Museum’s Parker Manatee Aquarium from a critical care hospital once their condition is stable. The Aquarium’s staff works 365 days a year to feed, monitor their condition and care for them until their release. Typically a ”visiting“ manatee stays for many months while recovering from cold stress (similar to frostbite), illness, injury or having been orphaned. Since joining the manatee rehabilitation network in 1998, the Museum has cared for 23 manatees. Snooty’s current companions, Brandee and Charlie, are expected to be here until early 2012.
Sarasota Sluggers Place 5th in Statewide Tournament
We would like to congratulate the Sarasota
Cal Ripken 2011 8U Rookie "A" team - Sarasota Sluggers for
placing 5th in the State this past Holiday weekend. The team recently
traveled to Ocala to qualify for the Districts, which they won their three
games and become District Champions. This qualified them to go to the
State Tournament. The State Tournament was in Palm
Beach Gardens; four teams qualified to move on to the Southeast
Regional in Tennessee.
Sarasota Sluggers lost in the semi-final
game 3-0 ranking them 5th in the state; one game shy of making it to Tennessee!
Our hats are off to them for a great
All-Star Season. This would not have been possible without the boys'
hard work and dedication; most importantly the wonderful leadership and
support of their coaching staff: Manager- Harold Brown,
Coach- Rob Annicelli, and Coach- Carlos Santa Maria
The Sarasota Sluggers would like to thank all of
the sponsors that helped make all of this experience possible!
Local Youth to compete at MLB All-Star Festivities
Jordan Schmucker, 10, of Bradenton, FL is set to compete next week at the Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run National Finals during the MLB All-Star festivities in Phoenix, AZ. Schmucker, who will be representing the Florida Marlins, is one of 24 National Finalists who will take part in an array of MLB All-Star festivities, including shagging fly balls in the outfield during Monday night’s State Farm Home Run Derby. Over 650,000 boys and girls, ages 7-14, competed this Spring in the official skills program of Major League Baseball for an opportunity to advance to the National Finals in Phoenix, AZ.
Pitch, Hit & Run (PHR) invites youth to demonstrate their skills by competing in pitching, hitting and running competitions. PHR participants can advance through four levels of competition, beginning at the local level, which can be hosted by organizations, leagues, or volunteers within a community, and continuing through sectional and team competitions. All 30 MLB Clubs hosted team championships at their ballparks on weekends from May 28 through June 26. The top three competitors nationwide from each age group (7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14) advance to the 2011 Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run National Finals.
Help "We Care Manatee" Support Uninsured Residents through the Gulf Coast Gives Initiative
We Care Manatee, through the Gulf Coast Gives initiative of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, is raising funds to provide free specialty and primary medical care to low-income, uninsured residents of Manatee County. Fundraising for the project begins Wednesday, June 15 and continues until Sunday, July 31. The fulfillment of their $900 goal will provide six surgical patients with medical supplies needed after surgery and will be a first-time initiative.
”A healthy community depends on its residents being healthy in all aspects of life including access to healthcare,“ stated Jill Gass, Executive Director for We Care Manatee. ”If we are missing one link in the chain, we are failing our community and therefore, unable to flourish and grow.“
Through We Care Manatee’s initiative, the funds raised will help provide orthopedic and neurosurgical patients with walkers, crutches and collars needed after surgery. If We Care Manatee is not able to provide post-surgical supplies to patients, surgeries may not be an option.
We Care Manatee, winner of Oprah’s Big Give on the Suncoast in 2008, provides free specialized healthcare to an average of 1,000 people per year. Anyone interested in supporting We Care Manatee’s Gulf Coast Gives program should go online to gulfcoastgives.org/projects/269 to make a donation. Every pledge is tax deductible.
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