West Coast Woman

28/07/2024

A Presentation by Bruce Stephenson on “The Brotherhood of Man, John Nolen’s Vision for Racial Equality in Florida.”

28/07/2024

….Have you heard the news?! Applications for our October 2024 Fall Gulf Coast Board Institute (GCBI) are now OPEN! Apply here: www.gulfcoastcf.org/GCBI. Catch up on the details of the program here: bit.ly/3SfyDD9.

If you're ready to strengthen your board governance skills, look no further than GCBI to transform your experience and contributions as a valued and impactful board member. This high-demand program is not to be missed!


Photo: GCBI's Fall 2023 Graduating Class

28/07/2024

Got too many of these? We can help by having our vounteers harvest or pick up already harvested excess fruit to donate to local food pantries so they don't go to waste. See how to register your tree here: 🥭 https://www.communityharvestsrq.org/fruitrescue

28/07/2024

Director Amanda Heisey is ecstatic to share her talented cast of LITTLE WOMEN! This heartwarming musical classic runs December 5-15, 2024. Get your tickets today at theplayers.org | 941-365-2494. ❤️

Jo - Lexi Lowther
Meg - Brenna Griffith
Beth - Delaney Lockwood
Amy - Sarah Conte
Marmee - Krista Benson
Aunt March/Mrs. Kirk - Debbi White
Laurie - Ben Eisenhour
Prof. Bhaer - Brendan Kroposky
Mr. Brooke - Sam Calderon
Mr. Laurence - Jack Watts

Jo Understudy - Nikki Williams
Meg & Marmee Understudy - Chelsea Scourtes
Amy Understudy - Malea Benson
Beth Understudy - Makena Benson

Produced nationally and internationally, Little Women has been praised by critics for its ambition in adapting such a well-known story for the stage. This timeless, captivating story is brought to life in this glorious musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope and everlasting love. The original production starred the unparalleled Sutton Foster, who received Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations for her performance.

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.

This is one you don’t want to miss! See you in December. 📚

27/07/2024

27/07/2024

Sarasota County NAACP Announces 2024 Freedom Awards

The Sarasota County Branch of the NAACP, is excited to announce the Annual Freedom Awards Banquet which will take place on October 3, 2024 at 6pm.

In its 39th year, the Freedom Awards Banquet serves as the primary fundraising event for the local chapter and a public forum for recognizing the outstanding individuals and organizations that have made exemplary contributions to our community and exemplify the NAACP’s mission.

“This year’s Freedom Awards Banquet theme is The Power of the Dream: Justice for All, and our honorees serve as shining community examples of this theme in their commitment to making lives better for all living in our community everyday” said President Trevor Harvey.

2024 Freedom Award Honorees:
Lifetime Achievement Award-Dr. Florence Jackson
President’s Award- Dr. Randall Morgan & Valerie L. Powell-Stafford
Go Forth and Prosper Award-Jabari Williams
Public Service Award-Chief Rex Troche
Community Service Award-Carlos Yancy
Education Award-Edna Sherrell
Business and Industry Award – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

For more information about sponsorship and tickets, call: 941-355-2097

Special thanks to this year’s major sponsors:
Signature Partner
Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

Business Partners
Children First & ABC 7 WWSB

Corporate Sponsors
Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Goodwill Industries, & MCR Health

Business Associate
FCCI

About the NAACP:
The vision of the NAACP is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.

https://www.sarasotanaacp.org/post/2024-freedom-awards-banquet

26/07/2024

https://www.alsoyouth.org/

26/07/2024

2024 Water School: Flowing Forward
Stay informed on local water quality and conservation issues

Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for an in-depth look at emerging water issues in our region. We will facilitate discussions and provide expert presentations on topics such as conservation lands/easements, the water quality value of urban forests, the water quality of estuary and marine systems, sustainable development, the Green Stormwater Initiative, and Monitoring in Manatee: Keeping our water resources safe.

This program aims to keep policymakers informed on water issues impacting Manatee County, however, we encourage anyone interested in water conservation to participate.

Water School will be held on Wednesday, September 4 from 9AM to 4PM at the UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County office located at 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL.

The price of admission is $20 per person which includes lunch. Please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-water-school-flowing-forward-tickets-938606726987?aff=oddtdtcreator to register

Explore local water quality and conservation concerns.

26/07/2024

Join us for Totally Tailgate on Saturday, September 7,
6:30 PM at Michael's On East!

Tailgate Food | Beer Garden | Live Music by Jah Movement | Competitive Games

GAME DAY ATTIRE
https://girlsincsrq.org/totally-tailgate-2024/

26/07/2024

https://www.eatlikealocal.com/

26/07/2024

G.R.A.S.P. Inc. Receives $6,000 Grant from Manatee Community Foundation to Support Financial Stability Program for Individuals Exiting Incarceration or Rehabilitation

This grant will significantly enhance our ongoing efforts to stabilize individuals transitioning out of incarceration or rehabilitation financially.

G.R.A.S.P. Inc.'s Financial Stability Program is dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals and those coming out of rehabilitation achieve financial independence and rebuild their lives.

Partnering with organizations that provide comprehensive services, including financial literacy education, job placement assistance, and personalized financial planning, G.R.A.S.P can support the individuals most at risk. By addressing the unique financial challenges faced by these individuals, we aim to reduce recidivism and foster their long-term stability and success.

"We are deeply grateful to Manatee Community Foundation and Bishop Parker Foundation for their support and recognition of our mission," said Michael Richker, CEO at G.R.A.S.P Inc. "This grant will allow us to expand our services and reach more individuals in need, ultimately positively impacting our community."

MCF's commitment to supporting organizations that foster community development and empowerment is well-aligned with the goals of G.R.A.S.P. Inc. This partnership marks a significant step in our efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all community members.

For more information about G.R.A.S.P. Inc. and our Financial Stability Program, visit http://graspsrq.org/grasp-inc/

About G.R.A.S.P. Inc.

G.R.A.S.P. Inc. is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals transitioning out of incarceration or rehabilitation facilities by offering resources such as housing needed to re-enter the community successfully. By supplying financial aid for safe housing through partnerships with approved accountable re-entry programs, G.R.A.S.P. not only sponsors those in need with shelter in these homes to avoid the risks of recidivism or relapse, but provides essentials such as food, clothing, transportation, and professional development help and more to empower these individuals.

At G.R.A.S.P. organization, we are dedicated to helping individuals recover from drug and alcohol addiction, focusing on their well-being rather than mere containment.

26/07/2024

Do a mitzvah.....clean out your Tech closet!!! They take phones, too!!

26/07/2024

Don’t miss the electrifying finale to The Sarasota Ballet’s Summer Intensive!

Join us for InMotion, opening tomorrow night and running through Saturday, July 27th. Experience the incredible talent and artistry of our summer intensive students as they take the stage for a mesmerizing showcase.

The program features new choreography from The Sarasota Ballet’s principal dancer Maximiliano Iglesias, an excerpt from “Swan Lake, Act II,” staged by principal dancers Jessica Assef and Jennifer Hackbarth, and “Waltz of the Hours” from “Coppelia,” staged by The Sarasota Ballet School’s Principal Jennifer Welch Cudnik.

A “don’t-miss” opportunity! Reserve your tickets today.
https://www.sarasotaballet.org/productions/2425-season-inmotion/

26/07/2024

Want great original art without the big price tag? ArtCenter Manatee presents the Big Art Blow Out on August 10th. All handcrafted items are priced under $100. Help our artists clean out their studios and brighten up your space with some new art!

If you would like to participate, please contact Christina at 941-746-2862.

26/07/2024

Experience Opera Like Never Before!
Join us for Sarasota Opera's Opera Lovers Weeks from March 19-30, 2025, featuring four opera productions in Sarasota Opera House. Enjoy world-class performances in a historic setting under Florida's winter sun. Ideal for opera enthusiasts to indulge in their passion and witness stunning productions.
Join us for a week filled with love, passion, and opera magic.

Explore more at bit.ly/3YijzZ3.

26/07/2024

Beat the heat 🔥this summer and come enjoy the Classic Sarasota Sightseeing Tour on our❄️Air-Conditioned Trolley! A perfect overview tour for residents or visitors wanting to know more about Sarasota’s history, culture, and things to do.
Book Now at: www.discoversarasotatours.com
☀️

26/07/2024

🙌 in 2023, delivered 4,600 babies, performed 31,300 surgeries, and provided care for 172,400 Emergency Room patients?

👏 ⭐ Kudos to all 10,000+ members of – your hard work, passion & commitment to excellence have helped make Sarasota Memorial the nationally recognized healthcare system it is today.

To learn more about , check out our 2024 Community Update, www.smh.com/communityupdate

25/07/2024

⭐️THIS SATURDAY!!⭐

Looking for a fun night out with your family? Join us for a FREE Movie Night! 🎥🍿🎬

We will be presenting a Double Feature of two family-friendly baseball movies, "Everyone's Hero" and "The Sandlot".

Bring the whole family and enjoy free food and drinks while watching movies indoors on the big screen! 🍿🌭🥤

✅Register here: https://bit.ly/JFCSMovieNight

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

25/07/2024

Christmas in July.....The Most Wonderful Sale of the Summer!!

24/07/2024

Register: https://www.ymcaswfl.org/register-programs?dxk=H4sIAAAAAAAEAKtWKs4vLUpOVbJScs1LT0xPVdJRSk7MLUjMTM8DimXmZZZkJpZklqUWx-gbWVoYm1oo1QIAWgV0GjQAAAA1

24/07/2024

Our 2024-2025 Season: Talent UnveiledWe are thrilled with our 29th season, which was planned by Daniel Jordan, our director of artistic programming. Dan has put together an incredible concert schedule that highlights our mission of presenting emerging stars. We are delighted to feature some of the m...

24/07/2024

A great asset to our community - providing quality care to everyone

💙 Many thanks to our dedicated physicians and specialized team of clinicians, nurses and therapists providing life-saving care to our heart patients and patients with complex neurological conditions.

👏 🎉 SMH has been ranked among the leading hospitals in the nation for cardiology and neurology in the "America's Best Specialized Hospitals 2024" list released today by Newsweek.

Learn more about SMH's recent rankings and awards from Newsweek, https://www.smh.com/Home/News-Events/Release/newsweek-ranks-smh-among-americas-best-hospitals-for-specialty-care

24/07/2024

Manatee Community Foundation Awards $5,050 Grant
to Tidewell Foundation in Support of Grief-Related Arts Programming

Tidewell Foundation received a grant of $5,050 from the Eugene H. and Elizabeth Hull Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) to support Tidewell Hospice grief services in Manatee County.

The grant will support art-related grief and bereavement programming for Tidewell Hospice, which provides 13 months of grief support services, free of charge, to family members of Tidewell patients after their loss.

Tidewell grief counselors are highly trained and specialize in grief support, individual sessions, support groups, workshops and special events. The MCF grant funds workshops and events encouraging creating meaningful projects helping participants process their grief and enhancing the healing process.

“We greatly appreciate the Manatee Community Foundation’s commitment to grief and bereavement services,” said Delesa Morris, MS, CFRE, Tidewell Foundation President. “This grant will provide hope and healing to families touched by grief.”

“A myriad of studies affirm the deep connection between artisitic expression and trauma recovery,” said Veronica Thames, MCF Executive Director. “Manatee Community Foundation is grateful to our generous donors for investing in the healing of our community, and to the exceptional team at Tidewell Foundation for their commitment to making these therapeutic approaches available to all in their greatest time of need.”

Tidewell Hospice provides grief services in Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota and Manatee counties. Manatee County grief service locations include West Bradenton, Ellenton and Lakewood Ranch. The Tidewell Family Grief Center in Ellenton is a first-of-its-kind facility in the Tidewell Hospice service area providing holistic grief support for individuals, families and the community.

For more information about grief and bereavement services through Tidewell Hospice, call (941) 894-1794 or email [email protected]

To learn more about the programs and services supported by the Tidewell Foundation or to donate, visit

The Tidewell Foundation's mission is to help brighten the lives of the patients, families, and residents of communities served by Tidewell Hospice and the Empath family of healthcare companies by increasing awareness, funds, engagement, and advocacy to sustain and expand the exceptional programs and...