Weekend Adventures

It's a book signing and open house from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the New Medicine Community. The center is hosting culinary translator and wholesome chef Rebecca Katz, who is the author of ”The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen.“

Virginia Baden Kittsley is the center's founder and urges the public to come out to the event and try a sampling of Katz's favorite maple glazed walnuts and sip on a homemade ginger and green tea elixir while learning about ways to nourish your body with cancer-fighting foods.

This event is recommended to patients undergoing cancer treatment and those interested in learning more about the medicinal values of what we eat and drink.

”Eating a wide variety of foods allows you to hedge your bets, as each of us absorbs nutrients differently,“ Katz writes in her book’s introduction. ”Since we haven’t gotten to the point yet where we can identify which specific foods work best for each individual, a wide-ranging diet is the only way to guarantee you’ll get the nourishment you need.“

The New Medicine Community is located at Health Park East, 6040 State Road 70 E. in Bradenton, and offers innovative health solutions with ”food as medicine“ as the foundation.

Mike Corso is a Master Gardener Volunteer and he wants you to join him on a stroll through Riverview Point Preserve on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. to learn more about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal habitat.

"We go between the DeSoto National Memorial and the Riverview Point Preserve and attendees will be able to observe 3 different plant communities because of the elevation changes," Corso said.

He reminds the community to meet at the Desoto National Memorial parking lot the day of the event.

These volunteers are all about the plants, insects and animals indigenous to Florida and have fulfilled over 35 hours of training and an additional 10 hours of continued education credits each year.

They know a thing or two about the colorful world of wild flowers, leaves, seeds and trees.

This program is for all ages and is a great opportunity to explore this particular 11-acre preserve since it is attached to DeSoto National Memorial. The Master Gardener Volunteer tours are offered each month.

Feeling energized on Saturday after an evening of Katz's healthy eats, offer your kids a nourishing opportunity to explore wildlife at the ”Wild Kids Weekend – Fabulous Fall“ event presented by Manatee County's Natural Resources Department at Robinson Preserve from 2 to 4 p.m.

But reservations are required and seating is limited, as the department recommends securing your reservation on Friday morning to ensure a spot for your child by calling Robinson Preserve at (941) 742-5757, Ext. 4.

It's a themed event for kids ages 6 and older and will answer the question: What happens to Florida’s fabulous wildlife and plants during the cooler fall weather?

The answer has something to do with color and the science of nature's colors.

”This is our season of migrating birds,“ said Melissa Nell, who is the manager of education at the department. ”They may see a gulf marsh water snake, but they may not because it is very well camouflaged.“

Vote for ”Riverfront Diva 2009-2010“ on Sunday starting at 7 p.m. and be prepared to be entertained as Vernon DeSears is the Master of Ceremonies at the Manatee Players ÔDIVAS’ fundraiser at the playhouse.

Janene Witham, director of development at Manatee Players, said the show is a fundraiser for the playhouse and each diva candidate steps onto the stage dancing, singing and performing their best to gain the audience's vote for the upcoming year's title.

”It's a great way to come out and support some divas of Manatee County and watch the talented ladies of the stage,“ Witham said.

The tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased at the box office by calling 748-5875 or online. The ticket price includes a reception with Vernon and the cast.

Scheduled divas to perform this year are Corinne Woodland, Kali Westphalen, Andrea Wright, Natalie Lopez, Courtney Cook, Melanie Dan, Heather Kopp, Caitlin Longstreet, Wendy James, Kelly Burnette, Cheryl Carty, Seva Anthony, Tina Gilbert, Grace Gibbs and Meg Newsome.