Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008

Planned Parenthood honors Bennett

Sen. Mike Bennett will be the guest of honor at the Planned Parenthood of Southwest 2nd Annual Choice Affair at noon, Oct. 28, at Renaissance on 9th, 1816 9th St. W. The SOURCE Teen Theatre will perform excerpts from the play "Freshman Year," a play on teen pregnancy prevention written by K.T. Curran. The event celebrates Planned Parenthood's first year of providing services in Manatee County, including comprehensive sex education and resources to enable individuals to make responsible choices. For more information call, 365-3913 ext. 1114

Fire districts' grants

MANATEE - Two local fire districts have been rewarded special grants to assist in providing better services.

The West Manatee Fire Rescue and Cedar Hammock Fire Control District received $31,000 and $16,550 each respectively Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program grants from the Department of of Homeland Security.

West Manatee will use the funds for a chemical detector, which provides field identification capabilities.

Cedar Hammock will purchase hydraulic rescue tools for extrication purposes with its grant.

These devices will add greater safety and capability to the Urban Search and Rescue Team, which both departments, along with the Longboat Key Fire Department, participate.

Percycoe is award finalist

ANNA MARIA - The finance director of this Anna Maria Island city was named one of five finalists for a statewide award recently.

Diana Percycoe, an eight-year employee, is in the running for the Florida League of Cities City Finance Official of the Year Award.

The winner of the award will be announced at a luncheon Nov. 21 in Orlando.

Fishkind's financial forecast

MANATEE - Florida economist Henry Fishkind is scheduled to give an updated economic forecast to local real-estate professionals from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Manatee Association of Realtors, 10910 Technology Terrace, Lakewood Ranch.

Cost is $10 for members of MAR and $25 for the general public. Pre-registration and advance payment is required. Reservations can be made by calling 747-1818

Condo, homeowner programs

SARASOTA - The West Florida Chapter of the Community Associations Institute is sponsoring a series of free educational programs for condominium, cooperative and homeowner association members.

The free event is 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday at Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The educational topics are association budgeting and reserves, and lakes, ponds and wetlands.

For more information, call 941-927-1910 or visit www.caiwestflorida.org.

Buchanan honored

MANATEE - The National Association of Manufacturers has honored Rep. Vern Buchanan for supporting the industry.

Buchanan voted for manufacturer-supported legislation 70 percent of the time, the award's minimum threshhold, the association said. Buchanan was among 43 senators and 181 representatives of the 110th Congress to be recognized.

"In this era of increasing economic uncertainty, Rep. Buchanan has demonstrated a true understanding of manufacturing's key role in the strength of the American economy and has acted to protect and create manufacturing jobs," NAM President John Engler said in a statement.