3 days ago
Bradentucky Bombers roller derby team to host information event for new members
Local roller derby team to host open house for new members
The Bradentucky Bombers roller derby team will hold a recruitment night on July 24 from 7-9 p.m. at Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.
A Bombers spokeswoman said the event is a "no-pressure chance to learn about roller derby," meet the team, and see how to get involved in the action – on or off skates. "Our trainers and members will be going over what to expect as a new skater, gear and time requirements, and any questions potential new members may have," Muffy Lavens said.
No skating experience is required and all skill levels and gender identities are welcome. Those interested in skating, officiating, or volunteering are encouraged to attend. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
Founded in 2006 by Gigi RaMoan, the Bombers represent Bradenton and Sarasota and consist of skaters, referees, non-skating officials, and volunteers from Fort Myers to Tampa. For more information, visit
Women's Resource Center grant to expand mental health care
The Women's Resource Center has been awarded a $85,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to expand access to mental health care, strengthen community navigation services, and elevate the voices of women.
The funding includes $35,000 to provide 350 hours of mental health counseling for low- to moderate-income women, and $50,000 to support WRC's Community Navigation and Elevating Women's Voices initiatives that connect women to vital resources.
'This support enhances our ability to serve our community in a meaningful way,' said Ashley Brown, CEO of Women's Resource Center. 'By investing in services such as mental health and connecting clients to the services, we are fostering stability, resilience, and empowerment.'
Last year, WRC made nearly 6,000 referrals to more than 300 partner organizations, including over 1,400 in-person sessions. To learn more, visit or call 941-747-6797.
3-year Community Foundation grant supports WBTT mission
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe recently received a three-year grant totaling $150,000 from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support performances, education programs, and special events.
In addition to supporting next three theater seasons, the grant will bolster the free Stage of Discovery summer camp and other education programs, the annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Fall Gala and April Fête, and the Juneteenth Arts Festival.
'Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is a dynamic, inspirational and influential organization that brings audiences together and lifts up youth,' Community Foundation VP Kirsten Russell said. 'This long-term grant is intended to help the theater sustain its work in the coming years.'
Temple Emanu-El names two new board members
Temple Emanu-El recently recently welcomed Elizabeth Bornstein and Dr. Joni Steinberg to the board of trustees.
Bornstein, who has been a member of the financial assistance committee, will serve as financial secretary. She has been a counselor at Sarasota Memorial's Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute since 2001 and has served on several local boards.
Steinberg has served on other synagogue boards and in the Sarasota nonprofit community. She spent over 40 years on Tulane University's faculty and was named Professor Emerita upon retirement.
Temple Emanu-El also honored outgoing trustees Joanne Haiby and Rose Chapman. 'Although their terms as trustees have ended, we are grateful for their ongoing commitment to the temple,' president Denise Cotler said.
Around and about
· National Weather Service meteorologists are offering a free virtual training series ahead of peak hurricane season on June 21-24 with sessions at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day. The sessions cover key safety actions and how to interpret forecasts and alerts. Registration:
· The Sarasota Jewish Chorale is looking forward to its fall season under new conductor Suzanne Stearns and accompanist Bruce Ensinger and is inviting new and former volunteer singers to participate. Rehearsals begin in September. Contact Ronnie Riceberg at president@ or Herb Fox at vp@
· Selby Gardens will host "The High Life: Contemporary Photography and the Birds" from July 19 through Sept. 14. Organized by the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography and curated by photography experts William Ewing and Danaé Panchaud, the exhibition will feature roughly 70 works by more than 50 photographers from around the world. Info:
· Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary in Myakka City received a $50,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to repair fencing that was destroyed by hurricanes last year and complete upgrades. Founded in 2017, there are 181 animals at the sanctuary, including horses, pigs, tortoises, kangaroos, and prairie dogs. Info/tours:
Submissions by Muffy Lavens, Su Byron, Sharon Kunkel, Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman, Tina Adams, Robin Williams, Nancy Seijas-Kipnis, and Lisa Burns.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Bradentucky Bombers roller derby team to host recruitment event
