Health fair

seeks to help

local Latinos

BRADENTON -- Manatee County Health Department, in collaboration with Casa Restauración Salem and MASS Inc. (Minority AIDS/HIV Social Services), will host "Fiesta de Salud," a health fair to raise awareness about health issues in the Latino community. The event will take place in Pride Park, 815 63rd Ave. E., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 13.

During "Fiesta de Salud," various health screenings and activities will be offered to all attendees, free of charge. Health screenings will include HIV and STD rapid testing with results available in 20 minutes, pregnancy testing, cholesterol testing, and blood pressure and diabetes screenings. Family-friendly activities will include face painting and children's games.

"HIV is of particular concern in the Latino community," says Robert Merlosi, manager of Manatee County Health Department's HIV and STD Prevention Program. "Latinos are three times as likely to have HIV as Caucasians, and the rate is on the rise. It is very important that Latinos get tested and know their HIV and STD status."

No appointments are necessary, and this event is open to the public. Additional HIV, STD and pregnancy testing will be offered free of charge at different locations throughout the month.

For more information about "Fiesta de Salud," contact the Manatee County Health Department at 941-748-0747, ext. 1298.

Holmes Beach candidatesto debate issues today

HOLMES BEACH -- Candidates for Holmes Beach mayor and the city commission will debate today at a forum sponsored by the Bradenton Herald.

At 4 p.m., four candidates will debate for two at large positions on the commission: incumbents Sandy Haas-Martens and John Monetti; and challengers Marvin Grossman and Judy Titsworth.

At 5 p.m., incumbent Mayor Rich Bohnenberger and challenger Carmel Monti will face off.

The forum will take place at the Bradenton Herald, 102 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton. It is open to the public.

To ask questions, contact Chris Wille, Bradenton Herald editorial page editor, at 941-745-7047; or cwille@bradenton.com

Celebrity bartendersto raise money for Goodwill

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Join Goodwill Industries Manasota Inc.'s Celebrity Bartending event 6-9 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop.

Goodwill Ambassadors will mix, shake, pull and pour your favorite drinks, working for tips to benefit Goodwill.

For more information about the event or ambassador program, visit www.ExperienceGoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721, ext. 104.

Annual women's church conference begins today

BRADENTON -- Community Outreach Word of Deliverance Ministries, 650 27th St. E., is hosting the 2012 Women's Conference, "A Call to be Holy," today through Saturday.

Sessions are 7 p.m. nightly and morning sessions at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Speakers are prophetess Ruth Mobley, Pastor Barbara DeSue and Minister Estella Ford.

The conference staff includes Ministries Pastor Dexter McDonald, first lady Herma McDonald and Associate Pastor Arthur Huggins.

Admission is free.

-- Herald staff reports