As sports leaders try to make lawn bowling an Olympic event, the coming US Open in Sarasota has suddenly grown in national significance. “It allows a huge influx of dollars to be shared for the sport,” says Daniel Jittu, president of the Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club. “Our expectation is some of that, and some of the tournaments leading up to decide who is representing the US, happens here.”

Gary Smith, CEO for World Bowls, announced earlier this month that the organization had formally launched the process of seeking International Olympic Committee recognition of lawn bowling. “This positive development will be welcomed by our global bowls community,” he says. The organization will submit further paperwork before the end of August and the IOC is expected to consider the application for recognition at a meeting this December. This means no decision will be made before the Olympics this summer in Brazil and recognition of the sport is just the first step in a lengthy process to events actually being included in the Olympic games.

But with the US Open scheduled this year in Sarasota for Nov. 12–19, just a month before the IOC’s winter meeting. Jittu’s organization will host the event, which he expects to draw 250 to 300 players from more than 50 countries. He hopes the fact Sarasota has tournament quality lawn bowling courts, located on the Sarasota Bayfront, will be a boon as the sport grows. “My understanding is as early as this time, we would be considered an Olympic-accepted venue,” he says. And while the US is still considered a developing nation in the decidedly old world sport, some of the best players in the US live and train here. 

These Quiet Sounds’ collection of original animal-themed onesies emphasizes peace and quiet, an homage to both the brand name as well as their status as nap-ready wear. These Quiet Sounds isn’t just a baby store: the Sarasota-based brick-and-mortar store includes a creative agency and original clothing line. Owner Fabian Manzano, lead guitarist for YouTube sensation Boyce Avenue, moonlights as owner and designer of These Quiet Sounds. Manzano’s clothing line includes hipster-approved pieces for even the smallest shoppers. These teeny suits will keep your mini-me warm and cozy as they get tactile with an epic building block session or discover the wonders of their toes and make a perfect ensemble for dozing off during a post-bathtime snooze. We can’t guarantee that these onesies will make getting through naptime any easier, but your little one sure will look cute. 

Pictured: These Quiet Sounds' onesie collection. Photo by Heidi Stone

These Quiet Sounds, 6508 Superior Ave., Sarasota, 941-924-8520

Cloud Library, a free app that includes thousands of electronic titles for all ages and links up to your library account, is available for use in Sarasota County public libraries. With a check-out of up to 10 titles at a time and keep for up to 21 days, Cloud Library is compatible with many devices such as Apple, Android tablets and phones and Macs. 

Cloud Library

The Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center, a collaborative community of facilities and benefits for 18 local human services nonprofits, recently announced new members and officers of its 2016–2017 board of directors. Jack Kidd is the chair, Nelle Miller is the president-elect, John E. Kidd is the secretary and Sheree Radakovich will serve as the treasurer. The Center’s directors appointed longtime members Dr. Arthur Guilford and Susan Schuchat to their emeritus board and over the past 16 months have welcomed new members John E. Kidd, Bruce Zeitlin, Michael Johnson, Nikhil Joshi, Renee Hamad, Nora Patterson, Robin Serbin, Sheree Radakovich, campus representative Shon Ewens, Thomas Towler, Tom Shapiro and Wayne E. Curtis.  

More about Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County's (DOH-Sarasota) Health in Motion staff will provide screenings, some adult vaccines, tobacco cessation support and health eduction for general health and wellness for the month of July. It will also assist individuals who lack medical insurance. 

Florida Department of Health