Unique hydrant donated to Honor Animal Rescue

Backyard Getaway, 2807 S. Duette Road, Myakka City, has donated a unique water feature to Honor Animal Rescue sure to raise a smile on the face of any human, and attract the interest of any dog in the neighborhood.

It's a working fire hydrant at the Rescue's dog ranch. Take a look.


"Backyard Getaway recently moved to their new location in Myakka City where you can visit on Saturdays to view the koi and water lillies in person. We believe it is important to give back to the community every chance we get," owner Lisa Burns said in a press release.

Jim

Free rabies shot for your pet, free gas for you

Two freebies of note:

 Honor Animal Rescue, based on Lorraine Road in Lakewood Ranch, has a Valentine for pet lovers.

 It is offering free rabies vaccinations for the first  250 pets to accompany their humans to PETCO, 131 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 12. Pets will also receive a free exam. Pet owners must purchase a rabies tag from the county for $12.

Rob Oglesby, president of the Rescue, says that depending on how the free rabies clinic goes, there may be more at other locations in the near future.


For more information about Honor Animal Rescue, visit http://www.honoranimalrescue.org/.

Also, Bayside Community Church plans an outreach Feb. 12 at the Shell station on Manatee and 59th Street West and Shell on Cortez and 37th Street West. Bayside volunteers will be giving away $10 of free gas to the first 200 people that come through each location, beginning at 10 a.m.



Jim

Can you say Opa?

I've never been to Greece, but I've been to Greek Glendi many times. Maybe it's the next best thing.

The 27th annual festival at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, in southern Manatee County, opened Thursday and continues through Sunday.

Highlights for me Thursday were the best gyro -- slices of lamb and beef on Greek bread -- I've ever  eaten, the warm and friendly reception of the folks there, and seeing little Anna Strupp dancing with abandon when the Greek music fired up.

First there were a couple of grownups holding hands and dancing, not sure if it was the Sirtos, the Kalamatianos or the Tsamikos, then more and more joining the chain. And off to one side was Anna, 4, dancing with her dad, Josh. It was a scene of pure joy.

If you get a chance, check out Glendi. For the full story, follow the link.

http://www.bradenton.com/2011/02/11/2949130/glendi-opens-with-traditional.html

Anna Strupp

Jim

In Carlie's memory, they're working to keep children safe

Carlie Brucia was a lovely little girl, just 11-years-old in 2004 when she was snatched off a Sarasota street and murdered.

Anyone who followed the story back then can never forget the sadness and tragedy of her senseless death. Her body was dumped behind the Central Church of Christ, 6221 Proctor Road, Sarasota.

There has since been a garden developed behind the church in Carlie's memory, and the site is home to the Kids Safety Rally presented annually since 2004.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children to learn personal safety skills at the seventh annual Kids’ Safety Rally presented by the Central Church of Christ and community organizations 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5. The public is invited and admission is free.

"Nearly 40 community groups will provide hands-on activities and on-stage programs teaching children good personal safety habits. Activities will include training in abduction evasion by the Escape School; self-defense activities and demonstrations; bicycle, school bus, fire, and cyber safety; smoking, alcohol, and drug prevention activities; nutrition and fitness activities; games; puppet show; face painting; refreshments; and more," according to a press release from the church.

Proceeds from refreshment sales will benefit future children’s safety services. Parking is available on-site, beginning at 10:30 a.m. For more information, contact Director Rod Myers at (941) 924-0095 or (941) 374-1818 or email safetyrally@comcast.net.

Jim