Making An Impact, Inc. (MAI) announced the appointment of two new board of directors joining the organization (pictured below left to right): retired accounting executive Arthur Isaacson and Marianne Nestor, C.F.R.E accomplished fundraising professional. Arthur (Art) Isaacson joins MAI with over 30 years of experience in finance and accounting leadership roles at Kraft Foods and Kraft Heinz Company. In addition, he has expertise in database management, process design, and cash flow optimization. Marianne Nestor retired after a long and successful executive career in fund development for a large hospital system. A few of her talents in addition to fundraising include strategic planning, event management, and volunteer administration. She received her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (C.F.R.E.) designation in 1995. 

This month, as National Hire a Veteran Day (July 25) approaches, Goodwill Manasota affirms its commitment to helping veterans reintegrate into society and overcome barriers to career and life success. Through its American Veterans and Their Families Program, area veterans receive free career services and are connected with employers – especially veteran-friendly employers – who understand the value they will bring to their companies. Veterans face many hurdles upon their transition from military service back into the civilian labor market. They may have lower rates of higher education and often face difficulties in translating their military experience to domestic workplaces. Many are also struggling with health challenges and injuries suffered during their service as well as mental health conditions, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Goodwill’s American Veterans and Their Families Program was created in 2013 to help veterans reintegrate into their families, communities and jobs. The program – which is staffed by veterans – provides comprehensive case management and vocational services, networking opportunities, and assistance in navigating the wide array of available social service programs. An important focus of Goodwill’s veterans program is to provide career development and upskilling opportunities for veterans, in order for them to be able to bolster their job prospects and earn more money.

Ron Thomas is the operations manager of Ready Containment, a manufacturer based in Palmetto that builds spill containment products. An Air Force veteran himself, Thomas understands the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life and the workforce. Thomas has hired seven veterans referred by Goodwill over the past two years; six of those are still with the company. He strongly encourages local employers to look at veterans when considering workforce recruitment. “You can expect a veteran to be on time, they will work as hard as they can, and they will stay until the job is done. You don't have to ask. They also take responsibility seriously and know how to make decisions,” Thomas said. “If someone is seeking dedicated, loyal employees, hiring veterans is the way to go.” 

Pictured: Goodwill Manasota veterans services team member Randy Wright (left) and program manager Todd Hughes, with his service dog, Ghost.

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On Thursday, July 21, 2022, the School District of Manatee County’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is hosting a Kids Wellness and Resource Fair at Lincoln Park, located at 501 17th Street East in Palmetto. The event is taking place from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. and is FREE to all Manatee County children and their families. The Kids Wellness & Resource Fair will have free lunch for kids, ages 18 and younger. Fun prizes are available for the first 500 kids who attend, along with a chance to enter a drawing for a bicycle. Families will also have the opportunity to apply for Free or Reduced Meal Benefits for the upcoming school year. Many community resources will be available offering information on health, nutrition, fitness and social services. Community resources include Whole Child Manatee, Manatee County Rural Health, Early Learning Coalition of Manatee, Centerstone, UF/IFAS Extension, Teen Pregnancy Prevention, District Student Health, School District of Manatee County Early Learning VPK, Soar in 4 Manatee, Safe Children Coalition, Just for Girls, Parents As Teachers, Manatee County Health Department, SDMC Food and Nutrition Services, Meals on Wheels Plus, Food Bank of Manatee County and others. A special thanks to Jones Potato Farm and Tropicana for their donation of school supplies. For more information, please call the District’s Food & Nutrition Services office at 941-739-5700 or visit www.ManateeSchoolFood.net. 

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Gulf Coast Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its October 2022 Fall Gulf Coast Board Institute (GCBI). The online application and overview for the program are available at https://www.gulfcoastcf.org/gulf-coast-board-institute. This high-demand program is delivered through Gulf Coast’s Invest in Incredible consultants to active nonprofit board members in the Gulf Coast region. The deadline to apply for this governance training series for active nonprofit board members is Sunday, August 21. “Gulf Coast Board Institute not only provides best practices in governance, but also a network of relationships that provide invaluable support. You can be the key to unlocking new opportunities for your organization by being a part of this unique, in-depth training. Together, with programs like Gulf Coast Board Institute, we can build thriving communities with opportunities for all,” said Veronica Thames, Chief Operating Officer of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The group will participate in training experiences through four consecutive Fridays from October 7 to 28 at Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s new Sarasota Philanthropy Center, 1549 State Street, Sarasota. Topics will include fundamentals of nonprofit board governance, financial and legal oversight responsibilities, and how to create a diverse, highly functioning and engaged board. Training is led by certified consultants who are part of Gulf Coast’s Invest in Incredible nonprofit capacity-building initiative. 

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The Hermitage Artist Retreat announces a new program presented inpartnership with Sarasota Opera featuring the work of Hermitage Fellow Hilan Warshaw, a filmmaker and musician whose work focuses on the lives and works of some of music’s most influential figures. The film screening and discussion will take place on Friday, August 26 at 6pm at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Registration is required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org. Hermitage Fellow Hilan Warshaws films explore the lives and minds of great
composers, delving into the often controversial passions and experiences that informed some of musics most influential masterpieces. Blending documentary, narrative film techniques, and his own musical background as a violinist and conductor, Warshaw’s internationally broadcast films shine a new light on musical and operatic creators including Wagner, Schoenberg, Berg, Bach, and Mahler. He is currently the video director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestras on-demand Classical Series. For this program on August 26, Warshaw shares excerpts from his films and discusses the close relationship between the art forms of cinema and music. Please note: unlike most Hermitage programs, ths event will be held indoors at the Sarasota Opera House. Capacity for this event may be limited to accommodate safe social distancing, so early reservations are recommended. Admission is free with a $5 per person registration fee. Face masks are strongly encouraged at check-in; the Hermitage and/or the Opera reserves the right to add additional health and safetyprotocols for this event as deemed necessary. This event is one of many Hermitage programs and collaborations planned throughout the season, spanning Sarasota County and the surrounding region — all free to the members of our community with a $5/person registration fee. To register for an upcoming Hermitage program or to learn more about the organization, visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org. 

Pictured: Hermitage Fellow Hilan Warshaw. Photo provided by the Artist.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts is proud to present the winner of the 2020 New Play Festival Douglas Gearhart’s The Manager, July 29 to 31 at Studio 1130 located in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall (3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239). The Players Centre’s Annual New Play Festival presents four to five never-before-seen plays in reader’s style theatre. The winner is then produced the following season. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the 2019 and 2020 winners were delayed. Now, The Players is excited to finally present this completely new work, fully staged for your enjoyment. Come witness the birth of a brand-new play.

Synopsis: Rusty is an out of work middle-aged little league manager who is facing divorce and is in his last year as coach for his son Axel. But the season is coming to an end, and their future together as a family is uncertain. Performances: July 29-30 at 7:30pm; July 31 at 2pm at Crossing at Siesta Key – Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Patrons are asked to park and enter the mall by Connors Steak and Seafood. Tickets: $20; $12.50 Student. 

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