November 2014Created by the Neighborhood Services Department

Neighborhood Connect ions

Want to submit information to be included in the next Neighborhood Connections?

Please send it to: neighborhoodconnections@mymanatee.org by the 20th day of the month for inclusion in the next issue.

County PulseSynphony on the Sand Returns pg 3County Accolades pg 3Current Job Listing pg 4

What’s HappeningNeighborhood Clean Up Schedule pg 5Agriculture & Extension Service Events pg 5Library System Events pg 5Parks & Natural Resources Schedule pg 5Manatee Historical Park Events pg 5Realize Bradenton Events pg 5United Way Events pg 6Addiction Support Group pg 7The Living Room pg 8Benefit Car/Motorcycle Show pg 9At Home, At Play, and Safely on the Way pg 10

On Your SideFacts About Ebola pg 12Playing it Safe on Halloween pg 13Manatee County Government 101: Part 2 pg 14Operation Medicine Cabinet pg 15Rx Drug Disposal Sites pg 16

Youth CornerFulfill Your Community Service pg 17Whole Child Manatee pg 18

Did You Hear?MyManatee Mobile pg 192014/2015 Homebuyer Courses pg 20Feeegal Music is Now Avaiable to the Public pg 21Reliable Ride Program pg 22Submit Articles to Neighborhood Connections pg 23United Way 2-1-1 pg 23

Quick News BitesAnnual Enrollment Period for Medicare pg 24Local SHINE Counseling Sites pg 24Like to Teach & Help Others? pg 24Free Counseling Services pg 24First Time Homebuyer Class 2014 pg 25Neighborhood Enhancement Grant pg 25Lunch, Listen, & Learn Concerts pg 25Radical Robots 25Pickling Workshop pg 26Medicare & Retirement Seminar pg 26Animal Services Actively Recruiting Volunteers pg 27

Neighborhood AwardsUnsung Hero - Terry Parrillo pg 36Random Act of Kindness pg 37Neighborhood Leader pg 37Neighborhood Focus pg 37

Table of Contents

Let ’s Connect Want more Neighborhood Connections?Subscribe to our blog by going to www.manateenc.com or by scanningthe QR code

Neighborhood Connections - County Pulse Page 3

County Pulse

Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Announces Second Annual Symphony on the Sand

The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the return of Symphony on the Sand, a musical and gourmet event featuring the award-winning Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra. Symphony on the Sand will take place on Nov. 8, 2014 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the beach at Coquina Gulfside Park,2650 Gulf Drive South.

Symphony on the Sand features a full 45-piece symphonic orchestra, chorus and professional soloists performing the sounds of classical and patriotic American songs, Broadway and movie selections, plus songs from the Beach Boys and Beatles. Al Ruechel, senior anchor for Bay News 9, and Russell Gant of WSMR 89.1, will co-emcee the event.

Attendees can enjoy small plates created by the following top local restaurants:• Anna Maria Oyster Bar• BeacHhouse Restaurant• Coquina Café• Euphemia Haye• The Waterfront Restaurant• This year’s offerings include a salad course, several entrée selections, and a delicious dessert.

Sponsorship tables of 10 are available for $1,250 and up. Sponsor tables will include small plates, as well as compli-mentary fine wine and select beers. Individual tickets at

$100 with food and drink are offered, as are $35 tickets, without food and drink. A cash bar will be available. There will be plenty of free public beach seating, so plan on bringing your beach chairs or blanket and enjoy a wonderful evening of beautiful music on Anna Maria Island’s spectacular Gulf beach.

Visit www.SymphonyOnTheSand.com or contact Jeanie Pickwick, Chair, Symphony on the Sand Steering Com-mittee, at pickwick@tampabay.rr.com or 941-795-2370, for sponsorship opportunities, to purchase tickets, and for additional event details. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Anna Maria Island Chorus & Orchestra’s Youth and Outreach Programs.

Keep Manatee Beautiful joins Symphony on the Sand this year with its presentation of America Recycles Day at SandBlast - a sand sculpture competition with school and open divisions. SandBlast raises funds to support Keep Manatee Beautiful programs. Learn “Tips, Tricks and Techniques” of sand sculpture at free clinics taught by master sculptors held at sunset on Thursday and Friday, Nov 6 and 7, with the competition 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov 8, at Coquina Beach Park. To sponsor a school’s team, go to www.manateebeautiful.com or call (941) 795-8272.

“We are excited to bring Symphony on the Sand back for the second year. It is such a wonderful combination and the perfect way to showcase what we have in abundance in our area– extraordinary music, delicious food, our spec-tacular beach, and a great sense of community” says Jeanie Pickwick, Executive Director of the Anna Maria Island Concert & Orchestra, and this year’s Chair of the Symphony on the Sand Steering Committee. “This is a great weekend for experiencing the rich diversity of art and culture existing in our area. The eighth Annual Anna Maria Island ArtsHOP, November 7-9, offers a Friday evening gallery walk, and a special performance by Island Players on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. Then Symphony on the Sand and SandBlast round out the perfect weekend of festivities.”

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County Accolades Your County Employees hard at work for you! Occasionally citizens send in notes of thanks to the County Administra-tor’s Office. Other times, the County achieves an award for excellence or outstanding service.

Building & Development ServicesJay Lasley wrote a note to commend Deanna Ward, Permitting Tech I (BDS) for her assistance with the permit-ting process as it is “quite challenging for a new resident of your county. She went above and beyond the call of duty by helping me with emails and paperwork.”

Barbara Luehring wrote to thank Cindi Blake, Permitting Development Services Manager, and the Permitting Staff (BDS), for the great job done processing permits. “Every single person with whom I have had contact has been knowledgeable, efficient and a real team player. Yes, at times it can be a challenge, but your staff is up to the challenge and more than willing to help in any way it can.”

Parks & Natural ResourcesChris Rodriguez, Parks Maintenance Tech (PNR), re-ceived kudos from Joel Christian, Football Commissioner of the Manatee Wildcats, for the jumping to the task when attempts to start the field lining equipment failed. He got the machine running in time to prevent 5 youth football games from being canceled. ‘Employees like Chris make me proud to be a Manatee County resident and employee.”

Property ManagementSteve Bollan complimented the park workers at Tom Ben-nett Park in a letter to the editor saying, “I use this park four to five times a week and it always looks great.”

Sr. Building Trades Workers Carlos Flores, Frank Kremps, Tim Tucker, and Samuel Ramos Beatty re-ceived a note of thanks from Capt. Robert Sanchez, Opera-tions Commander (MSO) for the hard work and commit-ment devoted to the construction of the new renovation storage hut at the Manatee Jail.

Public SafetyParamedics Suzanna Sommers and Kara Rush (PS), provided timely and gracious help to Joe Shea following a fall. “I cannot really express my gratitude to these fine, caring women who had such mercy on a helpless man. God bless them both!”

Public WorksMelissa Brewer wrote to compliment the work of John Hancock, Maintenance Superintendent (PW) and his crew who are responsible for the roadway maintenance in Myak-ka City. ‘John Hancock and his Myakka team make Coun-ty government look efficient and responsive. This means happy taxpayers.’

UtilitiesSusan Krohn called Utilities Customer Service to rave about the crew, Utilities Maintenance Techs Kevin Perez, Nicholas Jordan, and Casey Neels. She said she has never seen such a group of men work so hard and efficiently, is thankful for them, and wanted their hard work to be recognized.

Utilities Maintenance Techs Kevin Perez and Casey Neels received another compliment via email from Bert Rawald of Flamingo Cay Apartment Condos who was appreciative for the recent repairs saying, “The two serviceman, Kevin and Casey, are to be commended for their excellent, efficient work in performing the repairs. They even cleaned up the dirt that flowed into the driveway and street.”

Had a great customer service experience with a county employee?

Tell us about it! E-mail neighborhoodconnections@mymanatee.org to have it included it

in the County Accolades section.

CountyJOBS

Click on the above box to view a listing of open job opportunities at Manatee County Government

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What’s HappeningNeighborhood Clean Up Schedule11/1/14 Tallevast11/15/14 South County12/13/14 Palmetto1/10/15 Rubonia2/7/15 14th St. W.

Visit the Community Clean Up Page for more information.

Agriculture & Extension ServiceThe Department of Agriculture & Resource Conservation offers a wide variety of educational classes and events throughout the year. Topics and events include gardening, lawn irrigation, landscape maintenance, nutrition, health and wellness, budgeting, composting, rain barrels, nature tours and much more.

Visit the Ag & Extension Service Page for a listing of events.

Manatee County Public Library SystemThe library has fun events for all its patrons. Check out the listing on the Event Calendar Page Parks & Natural ResourcesThere’s a variety of programs available for kids, young adults, and adults. Parks Events & Natural Resources.

Manatee Historical ParkLearn about Historic Manatee. Manatee Historical Park

Realize BradentonExperience our downtown community you’ll find a diversity of events unmatched in other cities our size.Events Calendar

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13.6% of Manatee County residents are below the poverty level

including 26.8% of children under 17 and 6.6% of those over 65

(ACS 2007 - 2011 estimates). In 2013-14, United Way of Manatee County invested $270,530 in programs providing food and shelter to Manatee County’s residents, and an additional $42,490 was invested through donor designations to partner agencies focused on financial stability.

As you consider ways to LIVE UNITEDtm this Fall, we urge you to: GIVE generously, ADVOCATE boldly and

VOLUNTEER abundantly!

Stuff the Bus A Community-wide Food Drive

Sat. Nov 22nd & Sun. Nov. 23rd

Be part of something BIG this Fall! Join us for Stuff the Bus, an annual community food drive collaboration to benefit The Food Bank of Manatee. Buses will be parked outside of every Publix store throughout Manatee county for the entire weekend. Donors bring non-perishable food items to the bus (or a volunteer will happily carry donations for you) and volunteers pack and load donated food items onto the buses. At 4:00 p.m. Sunday the buses are taken to The Food Bank and unloaded.

GIVE Bring your donation of non-perishable food items to any Publix store in the county from 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

ADVOCATE Spread the word! Tell everyone you know to GIVE, ADVOCATE or VOLUNTEER for Stuff the Bus!

VOLUNTEER Individuals sign up at www.HandsOnManatee.org to help box up groceries and load the bus for a 2 or 3 hour shift at a Publix store near you. Teams, Clubs and Groups should call or e-mail Doreen at (941) 748-1313 dravagnani@uwmc.net to; Sign up to pack and load donations at a Publix store, or, Help unload buses at The Manatee County Food Bank at

4:30 on Sunday.

Let’s crush last year’s record of 131,000 pounds of donated food!

We had a great time and accomplished much to support and beautify The Village of The Arts

on October 2nd. More than 150 volunteers completed 21 improvement

projects from landscaping, painting, cleaning, clearing, creating and organizing.

Special thanks to our Cosponsors: The Pittsburgh Pirates and Tropicana

and our hardworking business partner volunteers from: Bealls, Bill Lee Automotive, BMO Bank,

Fifth Third Bank, First Bank First United Methodist Church of Bradenton

Florida Blue, Gateway Bank, ITW GSE Herald Tribune, Manatee Chamber of Commerce

Manatee Young Professionals MTI, Nordstrom, Publix

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Playing it Safe on HalloweenPointers for ParentsHalloween may be a fun holiday for kids, but for parents, trick-or-treat time can be a little scary. Concerns about children’s safety—whether they are out in the neighbor-hood or back at home with bountiful bags of goodies—can cast a spell on the evening’s festivities. But not to worry! Following a few safety tips will ensure that Halloween will be a “howling” good time for all.

“Unhaunting” Your House and Neighborhood• Welcome trick-or-treaters at home by turning on your exterior lights.• Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard to visitors.• Ask your Neighborhood Watch or citizens’ group to patrol the community.• Involve students from a local college or university to be “witch’s helpers.” These students help trick-or-treaters cross busy streets and watch out for ghoulish behavior.• Drive slowly all evening—you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path.• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your local police or sheriff’s department.

Consider ThisParents and kids can avoid trick-or-treating troubles entirely by organizing a Halloween costume party with treats, games, contests, music, scary stories, and much more. Make your Halloween party the place to be! Schools, fire sta-tions, libraries, even malls in many communities organize “haunted houses” and other festivities for families.

Making Safe Costumes• Check that costumes are fl ame-retardant so the little ones aren’t in danger near candlelit jack-o-lanterns and other fi re hazards.• Keep costumes short to prevent trips, falls, and other bumps in the night.• Encourage kids to wear comfortable shoes.• Try makeup instead of a mask. Masks can be hot and uncomfortable and, more importantly, they can obstruct a child’s vision—a dangerous thing when kids are crossing streets and going up and down steps.• Make sure kids wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes.

Dressed Up and Dangerous?Halloween blood and gore are harmless stuff for the most part. But sometimes dressing up as a superhero, a scary monster, or a slimy alien from outer space—coupled with

the excitement of Halloween—brings out aggressive behavior. Even fake knives, swords, and guns can accidentally hurt people. If these objects are part of a child’s costume, make sure they are made from cardboard or other fl exible materials. Better yet, chal-lenge kids to create costumes that don’t need “weap-ons” to be scary and fun.

Preparing Ghosts and Goblins forTheir Tricks and Treats• Make sure older kids go out with friends. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult. If you live in a rural area, offer all kids a ride in the car.• Set a time limit for children to trick-or-treat. Together, map out a safe route so you know where they’ll be. Remind them not to take shortcuts through backyards, alleys, or playing fields.• Remind kids not to enter a strange house or car.• Try to get kids to trick-or-treat while it is still light out. If it is dark, make sure the children are carrying flashlights that work.

Pranks That Can Be a Little TrickyHalloween is notoriously a night of pranks—toilet papering a house or fi lling mailboxes with shaving cream are not unusual. Try to get a handle on your children’s plans before they go out. Explain to them that while you want them to have a good time, some tricks could hurt other people or vandalize property. Emphasize that you disapprove of vandalism.

Eating the Treats• Kids need to know not to eat their treats until they get home. One way to keep trick-ortreaters from digging in while they’re still out is to feed them a meal or substantial snack beforehand.• Check out all treats at home in a well lighted place.• What to eat? Only unopened candies and other treats that are in original wrappers.

Don’t forget to inspect fruit and homemade goodies for anything suspicious. By all means, remind kids not to eat everything at once or they’ll be feeling pretty ghoulish for a while.

Manatee County Government 101Part 2 - The Departments

Divisions & ServicesAging Services/Elder Helpline | 941.742.5818Elder Helpline is an information and referral line for anyone seeking information or services relating to senior citizens. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgcsdelders

Agriculture & Extension Service | 941.722.4524Provides unbiased, research-based educational programs, materials, and services designed to enhance our citizens’ economic status and/or quality of life; and provide leadership in the conservation and enhancement of natural resources. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgcsdag

Children’s Services | 941.749.3030In Manatee County, Children’s Services Dedicated Millage funds an array of prevention, intervention, and treatment programs for children birth through seventeen years of age, as required by Manatee County Ordinance 91-42 and associated amendments. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgcscs

Human Services Benefits | 941.749.3030Human Services provides a host of services for the eco-nomically disadvantaged. Qualified recipients may receive assistance with prescriptions, inpatient hospital bills from out of county hospitals, ambulance fees, special assessment for road and sewer improvement projects, indigent burial and summer food. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgcshs

Probation | 941.749.3051While first protecting the public, the Manatee County Probation Division is committed to providing ethical, compassionate supervision and monitoring of defendants placed under our charge by the courts in Manatee County. The Probation Division office is located at 1051 Manatee Avenue West, Hensley Wing, 5th Floor Bradenton, Florida. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgcspd

Veterans | 941.749.3030Veterans provide a wide range of services for veterans and their spouses. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgcsvs

Location 1112 Manatee Ave. W. BradentonMore Info bit.ly/mcgcs

Community Services

Divisions & ServicesBids & Proposals | 941.749.3039Solicitations for bids and proposals are handled online through the DemandStar program. To review open bids or proposals go to: bit.ly/mcgfmdbp

Vendor Registration | 941.749.3058Manatee County invites businesses to register with Manatee County. By providing this information, Manatee County will enhance its purchasing efforts in locating sources for our communities’ needs. Vendors may choose to register themselves under single or multiple product and or service categories. This is a dynamic tool which allows businesses to directly update their information. Register online by going to: bit.ly/mcgfmdvr

Impact Fee | 941.745.3730Review the impact fee schedule that is currently in effect in addition to information regarding Manatee County’s Impact Fee Assistance Program for Affordable Housing. View online: bit.ly/mcgfmdif

Budget Information | 941.745.3730The budget process goes through stages beginning with the County Administrator’s budget message and the recommended budget. Community service decision units and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) will be released in May, June and July. The adopted budget is released after the County Commission adopts a final budget in September. Visit online: http://bit.ly/mcgfmdb

Special District Budgets | 941.745.3730You can find budget information from other special districts located in Manatee County that do not have their own website to post budget information. View online: bit.ly/mcgfmdsd

Location: 1112 Manatee Ave. W. BradentonMore Info: bit.ly/mcgfmd

Financial Management

In Part Two of the Manatee County Government 101 Series we will be highlighting 4 departments in-depth: Building & Development Services, Community Services, Convention &

Visitors Bureau, and Financial Management. Stay tuned for more on the other departments.

The Building Department is responsible for the safety and welfare of the general public by ensuring that the review and inspection of permitted activity is in compliance with the Florida Building Code, State Statutes, and local ordinances.

Building & Development Services

Divisions & ServicesBuilding & Permitting | 941.749.3047In Building & Permitting you can find information regarding contractor licensing, permitting, floodplain management, plans review, and inspections. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgbdsbp

Planning & Zoning | 941.749.3047Disseminates and implements the comprehensive plan, the land development regulations and provide a development process to serve the public. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgbdsplanzone

Code Enforcement | 941-748-2071Code Enforcement is responsible for making sure that residences and businesses located in the County meet the requirements of the Manatee County Land Development Code and Code of Ordinances, chapter 82-321 Lot Mowing. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgbdsce

Environmental Review | 941.749.3070Balancing growth and development with preservation of our natural resources during the Planning process is the main challenge for the Environmental Review Section. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgbdser

Location 1112 Manatee Ave W. BradentonMore Info bit.ly/mcgbds

The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau promotes Manatee County nationally and internationally as a destination for business and leisure travel. The CVB also operates the Bradenton Area Convention Center, the Powel Crosley Estate and the Manatee County Tourist Information Center at the Prime Outlet Mall.

Convention & Visitors Bureau

Divisions & ServicesVisitor Information | 941.729.9177The Convention and Visitors Bureau is a clearinghouse of information on local beaches, attractions, events and places we love most in Manatee County. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgcvbd

Bradenton Area Convention Center | 941.722.3244Located on the scenic Manatee River, this flexible full-service facility has the space and the staff necessary to make your event an over-whelming success. An ideal location for everything from seminars, banquets and trade shows to sporting events and concerts. The BACC is located at 1 Haben Blvd in Palmetto. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgbacc

The Powel Crosley Estate | 941.722.3244This fantastic 1920’s era estate, built by the famed entrepreneur Powel Crosley is conveniently located between Bradenton and Sarasota. The estate features the graceful styling and architecture of a bygone era and yet has all the modern amenities that make for a successful staging of almost any event. The Crosley Estate is located One Seagate Drive 8374 N. Tamiami Trail. Visit online: bit.ly/mcgpce

Location: 1 Haben Blvd. PalmettoMore Info: bit.ly/mcgcvbd

This department oversees a variety of services that impact individuals living in our communities.

The Financial Management Department is responsi-ble for the preparation of the Manatee County Annual Operating Budget and Five Year Capital Improvement Program under the oversight of the County Administrator.

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Where everyone works together to make sure children thrive

The Whole Child Connection:- Enables parents to examine their situation and make decisions about appropriate services and activities to meet the needs of their children- Electronically and quickly links parents to available services- Strengthens accountablitily on the part of providers to be responsive- Provides the community wtih immediate information on family needs, local providers and gaps in the system of care- Ultimately moves families toward self-sufficiency, children toward helathy, productive lives and communities toward overall enhanced quality of life

The Whole Child Connection is a comprehensive web-based service delivery system that helps Manatee County families access the services they need to enhance their quality of life or often simply make ends meet.

It’s easy to get started. Learn how it works here

The Whole Child Connection in Manatee County went live in March of 2003 and has provided access to more than 250 social service programs and community activities. Currently the Whole Child Connection has referred more than 3,500 families to the appropriate social services and community groups in Manatee County.

Nearly every service your children need is available in our community. The best way to find them is through the Whole Child Connection.

Whole Child Profile

Services include: • Adult Health• Adult Literacy• After-School Programs and Activities• Animal Control• Audiologist• Child Abuse Prevention• Child Care / Preschool Organizations• Child Health• Child Safety• Children with Special Needs• Code Enforcement• Community Activities- Cultural & the Arts• Community Activities- Faith Based, Religious• Community Activities- Mentoring• Community Activities- Neighborhood Support Groups• Community Activities- Parks & Recreation• Community Activities- Volunteering• Community Support Groups• Counseling• Dentists Serving Young Children• Developmental Screening• Domestic Violence Prevention

• Drug, Alcohol, or Substance Abuse• Emergency Services- Clothing• Emergency Services- Food• Emergency Services- Other• Emergency Services- Shelter• Employment Assistance• Family Practice / Internists• Financial Counseling• Hearing Screening• Housing• Immunizations• Infant / Child Behavioral and Mental Health • Screening• Involving Parents in Early Literacy• Job Training• Law Enforcement• Legal Assistance• Mental Health Education and Support• Mental Health Services• Neighborhood Crime Watch• Nutritional Guidance• Optometrists

• Parenting Education / Advocacy• Pediatricians• Planning and Zoning• Prenatal Care• Prenatal Care- Nutritional Counseling• School Readiness• Speech Language Evaluation / Physical, Occupational and Other Therapies• Transportation• Vision Screening• Women's Health Needs

Neighborhood Connections - Did You Hear Page 19

Have a Manatee County service request? There’s an app for that.See a broken sidewalk? Traffic light not working? Litter along the right of way? For Manatee County residents, visitors and business owners, now there’s an app for that.

Manatee County Government has launched its first request for service app, MyManatee Mobile, offering smart-phone users a brand new way to interact with local government. The app is free, easy to use and available for the iPhone from the Apple App Store or Google Play for Android devices by searching for “MyManatee Mobile.” The app gives users a place to call the Citizen’s Action Center, check the County Calendar for events, read latest County news and announcements and follow County’s social media family. “Manatee residents and visitors can easily access County services faster and more conveniently than ever,” said Chad Butzow, a Manatee Public Works Deputy Director who headed up the project. “This technology also provides the County with ‘real-time’ information and requests for services which will improve our responsiveness to situa-tions as they occur.” MyManatee Mobile users will be able to report a host of common requests for service such as curb and gutter or drainage problems, litter issues or mowing requests. Users can initiate a new request, enter an address, take a new photo or select one from the app’s library, enter a description and enter contact information, if desired. The mobile app will generate a tracking number that allows the user to receive updates on the request.

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Date & Time Location & AddressSaturday, November 1, 2014

9:00 am – 5:30 pmLunch provided

North Port Goodwill14879 S. Tamiami TrailNorth Port, FL 34287

Saturday, December 5, 20149:00 am – 5:30 pm

Lunch provided

Goodwill Training Center2705 51st Avenue EastBradenton, FL 34203

Saturday, January 10, 20159:00 am – 5:30 pm

Lunch provided

Honore Goodwill1704 N. Honore Avenue

Sarasota, FL 34235Saturday, February 7, 2015

9:00 am – 5:30 pmLunch provided

Mecca Goodwill5150 N. Tamiami Trail

Sarasota, FL 34234Saturday, March 7, 2015

9:00 am – 5:30 pmLunch provided

Goodwill Training Center2705 51st Avenue EastBradenton, FL 34203

Saturday, April 11, 20159:00 am – 5:30 pm

Lunch provided

Rialto Goodwill676 S. Tamiami Trail

Venice, FL 34293Saturday, May 2, 2015

9:00 am – 5:30 pmLunch provided

Honore Goodwill1704 N. Honore Avenue

Sarasota, FL 34235Saturday, June 6, 2015

9:00 am – 5:30 pmLunch provided

Goodwill Training Center2705 51st Avenue EastBradenton, FL 34203

Saturday, July 11, 20159:00 am – 5:30 pm

Lunch provided

Selby-Newtown Goodwill1781 Dr. MLK Jr. Way

Sarasota, FL 34234Saturday, August 1, 2015

9:00 am – 5:30 pmLunch provided

North Port Goodwill14879 S. Tamiami TrailNorth Port, FL 34287

Saturday, September 12, 20159:00 am – 5:30 pm

Lunch provided

Goodwill Training Center2705 51st Avenue EastBradenton, FL 34203

First Time Homebuyers Course

For classes in Spanish, please con-tact Catholic Charities at 941.714.7829 for dates and times.

Classes are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Space is limited so please registered EARLY!

For more information or to register for classes please contact Nancy Crawford, HomeBuyer Educator, at 941.359.0520 ext. 297 or at e-mail nancy.crawford@gimi.org

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Freegal Music is now available to the PublicRecently, the Manatee County Public Library System introduced its Freegal Music Service.

Freegal Music is a digital online music service that provides streaming music and downloadable music to our patrons for free. Manatee County residents who have a Manatee County Public Library System library card and Pin number can download 3 songs a week, and can stream music for 3 hours a day. Freegal Music has over 7 million songs from more than 28,000 labels and 80 countries, including the entire Sony music catalog. Freegal’s music covers over 220 genres.

Music can be downloaded or streamed to any computer or laptop without additional software, and to Apple or Android mobile devices with free apps available from iTunes or the Google Store. Downloaded songs are saved to your computer or mobile device, so you own the song once it is downloaded. Freegal Music also has an extensive array of music videos in its catalog.

Streaming music is like browsing music on the radio. Patrons are able to stream individual songs, albums, create and save favorite song playlists or use existing playlists on Freegal.

Downloading and streaming music has been immensely popular through the library system’s website. Take Freegal Music out for a test drive today!

Freegal Music can be accessed at http://manatee.freegalmusic.com/homes/index or through the Manatee County Public Library System website at www.mymanatee.org/library

…Rock on!

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During a time when Urban sprawl is the norm and unemployment is rampant, people are finding it increasingly difficult to function without effective transporta-tion. What is effective? Effective could be described as flexible, reliable, afford-able, ever present, and consistent. These adjectives describe the effect of owning a car as opposed to relying on public transportation or friends. If someone lives in Bradenton and the only source of employment is in Venice, working a 3:00pm to 11:00pm shift, public transpor-tation is nonexistent and relying on a friend for pick up is cumbersome. These obstacles are taken into consideration when looking for a job, which hinders the choices available for a source of income.

To meet the critical need of transportation and the lack of economic stability within this community, a partnership was formed between United Way of Manatee County, Manatee Community Federal Credit Union, and Enterprise Car Sales. This partnership facilitates Reliable Ride; a program geared towards providing all of the above adjectives associated with car ownership.

Many community members out of desperation go to “Buy Here, Pay Here” lots. Although these lots serve a purpose, in some cases the interest rates are so high that consumers struggle to make the payments consistently and bring about additional finan-cial instability. Reliable Ride offers an initial 14.9% interest rate along with non-traditional qualification parameters. Moreover, through some additional commitment by the consumer it is possible for the initial interest rate to be lowered to under 10% within a year. Although, there are no guarantees that all applicants will be approved, the possibility should be enough incentive to call for more information.

Please note contact information and qualification parameters listed below:Jerri M. Sutton, Reliable Ride Program Administrator United Way of Manatee County1701 Tamiami Trail, Bradenton, FL 34205Phone 941.748.1313jsutton@uwmc.net

QualificationsMust have verifiable employment for the last 6 monthsMust be within income guidelines based on income and family size (see chart below)Must take a brief online course in Money Management and General Automotive Repair (45 minutes total) this is done in Reliable Ride office prior to referral to the lenderMust be able to obtain Automobile InsuranceMust be willing to allow lender to place a GPS tracking device on vehicle

Forms which will be requested during initial interview:Proof of IncomeValid Driver’s LicenseProof of Employment with hire date

Family Size (how many financially responsible for)

1 $32,490 $2,709

2 $43,710 $3,642

3 $54,930 $4,578

4 $66,150 $5,514

Each Additional 1 $11,220 $936

Special Thanks To

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Neighborhood Services Department

Manatee Neighborhood Connections

WWW.MANATEENC.COM

Have an article you would like to submit to Neighborhood Connections?

Check out our submission guidelines and let’s get the community talking!

www.manateenc.com/submit-content/

Neighborhood Connections - Quick News Bites Page 24

Annual Enrollment Period for MedicareThe Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare begins October 15th. Are you ready? If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare, call SHINE!

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) volunteer counsel-ors through West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging, Inc. provide free, unbiased one-on-one insurance counseling and information on Medicare options and prescription drug assistance for elders, their families, and caregivers. Beneficiaries are encouraged to act quickly to assure a smooth transition into the 2014 benefit year. To receive help from SHINE to review and enroll in a plan, individuals may visit designated SHINE counseling sites, attend enrollment events in their local communities, or contact trained SHINE volunteer counselors at 1-800-963-5337. For a listing of SHINE counseling sites and enrollment events, visit www.floridashine.org.

Local SHINE Counseling SitesDeSoto Towers 1523 6th Avenue W. Bradenton Thursdays 9 AM - 12 PM Call for Appointment 800-963-5337

H2U @ Cortez 6670 Cortez Road W., Bradenton,By Appointment Only 9 AM - 12 PM Appointments Can be Made by Blake Hospital Referral Service

Parrish Civic Association 12214 US Hwy 301, Parrish For Appointment Call 800-963-5337

Renaissance on 9th 1816 9th Street W., Bradenton,9 AM - 12 PM For Appointment Call 800-963-5337

The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program provides free, confidential, and unbiased Medicare counseling. For more information, contact the Florida Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337, or visit www.floridashine.org.

Quick News BitesLike to Teach and Help Others?“The Language House”, an English language learning program (ESL), in cooperation with the Manatee County Government, Neighborhood Services, Library Division, is again offering Fall classes to those who wish to learn English as a second language. We are looking for volunteers to teach basic English classes at the County library branches, as well as other locations throughout Manatee County. These voluntary teaching positions would require a commitment of a maximum of 3 hours instruction per week for a 16 week period. The classes will consist of a maximum of 4-6 students. Textbooks and workbooks are purchased by each student.

Scheduling of the classes will be coordinated among the individual instructors and their students. Additional Information regarding this program may be obtained from Yoshira Castro, Supervisor, Palmetto Library Manatee County Neighborhood Services 941-722-3333 ext. 6341 yoshira.castro@mymanatee.org or Alan Gedeon, Neighborhood Services 941-749-3029 ext. 3662 alan.gedeon@mymanatee.org

Free Counseling Services being provided by Family Resources, Inc. Family Resources, Inc. in Bradenton offers FREE counseling services to youth ages 6-17 and their families. Families that have concerns regarding a child’s behavior can contact Family Resources and set up counseling services that will help address the core issues and work towards solutions for long term change.

Family Resources is also currently offering a FREE Family Resolutions Group. There will be two group levels: Elementary School and Middle School. Family Resolutions is a program that works with youth experiencing issues related to the divorce / separation of their parents or the introduction of a new step-parent into the family.

In addition to traditional counseling services, Family

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Resources operates a FREE short term crisis shelter called SafePlace2B. This program is accessible 24 hours per day. Youth ages 10-17 can obtain individual and family counseling services while in a residential setting on a short term basis. Our counselors will work closely with you and your child to identify core issues, solutions and longer term counseling services if necessary.

If you would like more information about our Manatee County programs please contact us at 941-741-3575 or visit us on the web at www.Family-Resources.org.

First Time Homebuyer Classes 2014 ScheduleMonday & Tuesday Classes Classes are available in English only. Monday 4:30 pm – 9 pm | Tuesday 5 pm – 9 pmLocation: Catholic Charities 1219 16th St. West Bradenton, FL 34205

DatesNovember 10-11 December 15-16

Saturday ClassesSaturday Classes are either Spanish or English. Saturday class 8:30 am - 4:30 pmEnglish classes are held at: Central Public Library 1301 Barcarrota Boulevard W. Bradenton, Florida 34205 (by the River Front)

Spanish Classes are held at Catholic Charities 1219 16th St. West Bradenton, FL 34205

DatesNov 15 English Dec 6 Spanish

Participants must call to pre-register seating is limited. Participants requesting a weeknight class MUST be able to attend both nights consecutively completing all 8 hours to receive a Certificate of Completion. If a participant cannot attend the two consecutive days, please schedule a Saturday class-no exceptions. For more information or to pre-register call 941-714-7829

The Friends of the Rocky Bluff Library announceLunch, Listen, and Learn Concerts at the Rocky Bluff Branch LibraryThe Friends of the Rocky Bluff Branch Library are pleased to offer lunchtime concerts the third Thursdays

Quick News Bites

Is Your Neighborhood Interested in the Manatee County Neighborhood Enhancement Grant?

Sign Up Here for more info

or simply go to bit.ly/neg2015

of the month, starting October 16th and running through April 16th, 2015 from 1-2 p.m at the Rocky Bluff Library.

On October 16th, Chuck Henry will play his accordion for Octoberfest.

Attendees are invited to bring lunch or eat at Rocky Bluff Library’s beautiful Storybook Café while listening to a local musician play and talk about his or her instrument and their music. All ages are invited to attend. This program is free. No registration is required.

Special programs such as this are made possible by funds provided by the Friends of the Library. The Friends are a support organization for the Rocky Bluff Library. Monies raised by the Friends go toward projects and services that tax dollars alone cannot provide.

The Rocky Bluff Branch Library is located at 6750 U.S. Highway 301 North in Ellenton, Florida. For additional information, please call the library at 941-723-4821.

Manatee County Central Library Hosts the Mad Science Workshop “Radical Robots!”Mad Science of Tampa Bay will present the interactive science workshop “Radical Robots!” at the Manatee County Central Library on Saturday, December 13th from 11:30AM-12:30PM.

For children in grades K-5, this workshop will explore how robots can be used to make our lives easier. Attendees will experiment with robots that can do some extraordinary tasks, infrared robots, robotic arms, and even soccer playing robots. Participants will build their own robot hands to take home.

This program, sponsored by the Friends of the Central Library, is free, and seating is available on a first come, first serve basis.

The Central Library is located at 1301 Barcarrota Boulevard West, in Bradenton, Florida. For more information, please call the library at 941-748-5555.

Hunger Games Party at Manatee County’s South

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Manatee LibraryManatee County’s South Manatee Branch Library will have a “Hunger Games” party on Saturday, November 15th 2014 from 2-4PM.

This exciting time of games, competitions, and crafts for teens ages 13-18 is based on the blockbuster book and movie franchise of “The Hunger Games” and comes just in time for “Mockingjay,” the third install-ment of the series.

The program is free and everyone is welcome to attend. No registration is required.

The South Manatee Branch Library is located at 6081 26th Street West in Bradenton, Florida. For more infor-mation, please call the library at 941-755-3892.

Pickling Workshop at Agricultural MuseumOn Saturday, November 8th, 4:00 – 6:00 pm, join us at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum as we learn how to make pickles! The class, held outside near our Victory Garden, will be led by Lisa Bosner from Sunshine Canning. Cost for this workshop is $25 for Ag Museum members/$30 for non-members. Contact Melissa Dagenais at Melissa.Dagenais@manateeclerk.com or call the museum at 721-2034 for more informa-tion and registration. The class is limited to 15 people, pre-registration is required!

Whether you are new to canning or just need a refresh-er course, this class is a great starting point for most students. The focus of the workshop will be safety, equipment, and science as Lisa discusses the boiling water bath technique, which is used when canning high acid foods. Other topics will include brine, sweet and dill recipes, and ingredients needed for a success-ful product. Students will also participate in the hands-on portion of the class when a seasonal vegetable is pickled. Students will go home with a jar made in class. All supply costs are included in the registration fee. The Museum is located at 1015 6th St. West, Palmetto.

Braden River Branch Library offers the Seminar “What Role Will Medicare Play During Your Retirement?”The Braden River Branch Library will offer the semi-nar “What Role Will Medicare Play During Your Retirement?” on Thursday, November 20th at 2PM.Financial Planner JB Tucker, III will discuss the basics of Medicare and its role in retirement plans.

The program is free and open to all. Seating will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Quick News Bites

The Braden River Branch Library is located at 4915 53rd Avenue East (State Road 70) in Bradenton. For additional information please call the Library at 941-727-6079.

Manatee accepting applications for Historic Preservation Board Manatee County is accepting applications for the Historic Preservation Board, a voluntary advisory board that approves and denies Certificates of Appro-priateness on exterior renovations and demolitions of historical structures in an effort to preserve our com-munity’s heritage. Through the COA process, the board also ensures protection of archeological sites throughout the County.

The Board will also make recommendations to the County Commission on the preservation, restoration, renovation, development and adaptive reuse of histori-cal buildings and archaeological sites.

Manatee County is expected to become a Certified Local Government later this year, so the makeup of the Preservation Board is changing from seven to five members. With this initial appointment, two positions will be appointed for a two-year term, two for a three-year term and one to a four-year term. The initial appointments are effective Jan. 1, 2015.

The advisory board will meet a minimum of four times a year on the second Monday at 3 p.m. in the first floor chambers of Manatee County Administra-tive Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W.

Eligible applicants must reside in Manatee County. Additional preference for appointment will be given to applicants who are professional members from fields such as architecture, folklore, cultural anthropology, archaeology, conservation, landscape architecture, historic preservation or related disciplines.

As a Certified Local Government (CLG), local cultural and historic resources, significant to the history of Manatee County, may be granted a locally significant historic landmark designation. The designation pro-vides protection to those sites worthy of preservation. Any exterior improvements/renovations would require a Certificate of Appropriateness.

Applications are due Oct. 31 and may be found at http://www.mymanatee.org/advisory_boardsFor more information, call Bobbi Roy, 748-4501 ext. 6878 or e-mail her at bobbi.roy@mymanatee.org. For more information on Manatee County Government or

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Quick News Bitesthe planning process, visit www.mymanatee.org

Animal Services is actively recruiting volunteers!Read about opportunities volunteers can help below:

Kittens, Kittens Everywhere!We have 6 groups of kittens (and a mama) who need fostering to adopt- once big enough, we will spay and neuter and you can hopefully just go to a Farmer’s Market or other venues to get them homes quickly. Feel free to combine a pack or two. They make great OFFICE PALS if you want to run it by your boss- we provide litter!

One-To-One- Take A Dog for a DayThis seems to be a huge hit! We have more dogs ready to go than ever in efforts for quicker adoptions. Volun-teers who have done this love the interaction and promotion of their dog. You are dedicated to get your dog adopted.

The weekend holds the HOWLAWEEN event at the Bradenton Farmer’s Market if you want to dress your dog up- but take them to Sarasota, too! Once again, there is a folder up front that has the contracts and information. Crates can be borrowed from our POD or tie the leash to your backseat’s headrest. Bring the dog back to microchipped if they are yet to be done. All dogs will have the pricing in the folder.

We are more than over packed so the more dogs seen the better. Please consider adopting if you can at this time.

Paws in the ParkNovember 8th is Paws in the Park and need more volunteers to come out with the Animal Services Volunteer Coordinator!

It is from 10:00-4:00 so help will be needed to set up the night before (at 4 PM) and then to meet in the morning to get the dogs exercised and follow the animal Servover there.

Be Active at Active FundraisersKnow any runners? Cyclists? We have a few events that would be great for promoting our animals and initiatives, spay and neuter, and to help get our efforts noticed. Please ask them to run for adoption- sponsor an animal or set up a booth during the race. The dates are: November 22 - Harvest Hustle 5K November 27 - Bradenton Turkey Trot March 27 - Robinson Preserve Fit 2 Run

Wrapping Party

We are partnering with Manatee United 4 Pets and Meals on Wheels for community outreach! Each year, volunteers fill and wrap shoe boxes filled with donated items like stationary, puzzles and toiletries. This year, MCU4Pets will supply shoe boxes filled for their pets to include free spay/neuter certificates, discounted vet visits, toys, food etc. This project needs to be com-plete in November. I will get a count of how many shoeboxes they need. Once we have the count, we can move forward and plan a “wrap party” with volun-teers. Please talk to a group of people who may be more interested in this effort if they are not comfort-able coming into the shelter.

Marble’s CornerKeep walking the dogs at 10:00 for their routine. Trish has been working on behaviors all week so the red, yellow and green cards can have notes written on them. Visit Zak George’s Youtube website if you haven’t had a chance to yet for more tips on how to help their behaviors (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49A12LPsE8M) this one is about teaching not to jump up. Animal Services needs more treats to help with positive reinforcement. Come walk for your health and the dog’s this weekend!

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Unsung Hero (noun) - One who does great deeds but receives little or no recognition for them. Not honored or praised; uncelebrated.

A person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution; a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged.

Random Act of Kindness (noun) - a selfless act performed by a person or people wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual person or people. Random acts of kindness are a means by which we make a deliberate attempt to brighten another person’s day by doing something thoughtful, nice, and caring for them.

Kindness is a way of showing others that they count and that even in the face of hostility and selfishness, you’re making a stand for kindness. By doing kind acts for others, you’re helping to create kindness-aware communities that value generosity of spirit and action and kindness toward others as essential parts of a healthy community.

Does your neighborhood have an unsung hero?

If so, please submit information to neighborhoodconnections@mymanatee.org for

publication.

Neighborhood Awards

Have you noticed random acts of kindness in your neighborhood?

If so, please submit information to neighborhoodconnections@mymanatee.org for

publication.

Neighborhood Leader (noun) - We get up every day excited about “Creating a Better America, One Neighborhood at a Time. We are joined in this movement by some truly astounding members of the communities in Manatee County. Our hats are off to them. They are in our hearts and we celebrate them every day!

Does your neighborhood have a Neighborhood Leader?

If so, please submit information to neighborhoodconnections@mymanatee.org for

publication.

Neighborhood Focus (noun) - Focus on the good work done by your neighborhood associations who are making a difference. Communicating to the County and its neighborhoods what matters in your neighborhood and what others are doing or setting out to do that is consistent with your mission.

Does your neighborhood have a Neighborhood Focus?

If so, please submit information to neighborhoodconnections@mymanatee.org for

publication.