Making a splash at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue

Dinah shows off her talent. (Lakewood Ranch Herald photo)

LAKEWOOD RANCH — We stopped by Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, 4951 Lorraine Road, this week and were impressed with what an outstanding and cheerful facility has developed.

Looking for a cat or a dog? They have about 60 to choose from.

You might consider Dinah, a dog who was having a great time bobbing for tennis balls in a pool fed by a water hydrant. Staff says they have seen her with up to four tennis balls in her mouth at once. That's talent!

In the works are several special events, including the Doggie Bones 5K run, one mile walk and kids races, starting at 5 p.m. Oct. 20 at Nathan Benderson Park, also known as the rowing center on the southwest corner of University Parkway and I-75. It's got a bit of a Halloween theme. Information: 941-302-0933.

Also planned is Nate’s Fall Carnival at the Ranch  10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Nov. 10. The carnival is a family event to educate the public on the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of homeless pets, said Dari Oglesby, executive director.

The animal rescue and carnival are named after the late Nate Benderson, patriarch of the Benderson Development  Company, who helped reduce animal misery and find loving homes for unwanted cats and dogs.

For information about the carnival, call event chair Debbie Roginski at 941-356-3927 or email her at rogparm@aol.com.

http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/24/4213527/dinah-makes-a-splash.html#wgt=rcntmulti

Local salon will aid Locks of Love Foundation

By Nick Williams
nwilliams@bradenton.com




 Madleen and Lauren Kvederis each donated hair last year.

 
For the second consecutive year, Boutique out East, a local salon and spa, will hold its Pony Tail Roundup to support the Locks of Love Foundation, a organization that uses donated hair to create hair prosthetics for disadvantaged children suffering from medical hair loss conditions.

The event will take place at the salaon located at 2559 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. on Oct. 13 between 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Those interested can make hair donations and financial donations. Hair must be at least 10 inches long and  free of bleach. Colored or permed hair is acceptable.

The event will also include food, raffles, prizes and gifts.

Last year's event resulted in 34 feet of hair being donated. A total of 30 pony tails, ranging from 10 to 28 inches long, were cut.

"Our goal is doing anything we can for Locks of Love," said Mark Gutowski, co-owner of the salon.

The salon is also offer free pampering and special gifts to children from the area who use Locks of Love. To nominate a child for the free pamering and gifts, email the salon at boutiqueouteast@gmail.com. Winners will be selected five days prior to the event.

For more information, call the salon at 941-746-1500.

Florida government wants your opinion on water resources

The Southwest Florida Water Management District, a government agency that protests water resources in 16 counties, including Manatee and Sarasota, is seeking public input regarding withdrawals from lakes, rivers, streams and aquifers in the district.


A public meeting will be held on Oct. 1 between 6 - 8 p.m. at the district’s Tampa office located at 7601 U.S. Highway 301. The district will receive public input on a priority schedule it plans to implement on  water withdrawals. An abundance of withdrawals can cause significant harm to the water resources or environment and the district sets limits to balance human water needs and water needs for Florida's natural systems.

The adopted Minimum Flows and Levels Priority List and Schedule for 2012 is available on the District’s website at www.watermatters.org/mfl/.

Residents can send comments about the draft to Doug Leeper, chief environmental scientist, at doug.leeper@watermatters.org or 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida, 34604-6899 no later than Oct. 17.

For more information, contact Doug Leeper at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4272.

Church's annual 5K continues to benefits food bank

By Nick Williams
nwilliams@bradenton.com

The Harvest United Methodist Church in Bradenton will hold their 14th annual Harvest Hustle 5K run on Nov. 17 in Lakewood Ranch to support feed the needy in the Manatee and Sarasota area. The event will also include a canned food drive to to benefit the All Faiths Food Bank.

Early registration is $23.

The 5K course, in partnership with the Lakewood Ranch Running Club, starts at Harvest United Methodist Church located at 14305 Covenant Way in Bradenton and travels around the Country Club neighborhood in Lakewood Ranch. Supervisors from ccommunity development districts 2 and 5, which share property in Country Club, approved the event during district meetings last week.

The race will begin at 8 a.m. and from the church, the course travels west on Masters Avenue, loops around Westchester Circle, and heads east on Eagles Watch Way towards Lorraine Road.

For more information on the event, visit www.harvesthustle5k.com.

Sponsors, volunteers needed for Nate’s Fall Carnival

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, 4951 Lorraine Road,  is planning Nate’s Fall Carnival at the Ranch  10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Nov. 10.

Nate Benderson

Sponsors, vendors and volunteers are needed.

The carnival is a family event to educate the public on the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of homeless pets, said Dari Oglesby, executive director.

 “Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue provides rescued animals a second chance by changing the way our community views animal sheltering, one animal, one family and one generation at a time,” Oglesby said.

The animal rescue and carnival are named after the late Nate Benderson, patriarch of the Benderson Development  Company, who was a major supporter of  efforts to reduce animal misery and get unwanted cats and dogs into loving homes.

Information: event chair Debbie Roginski at 941-356-3927 or rogparm@aol.com.

Lakewood Ranch serving up hectic, but fun, couple of months

Lakewood Ranch High School students were among those taking part in a recent Boo Fest at Lakewood Ranch. (Herald file photo)

You might want to check the Eastword blog frequently for all the fun, interesting, and diverse events and activities planned at Lakewood Ranch in the near future.

Sept. 29  —  The 8th annual LWR Community Activities Health & Wellness Expo is set for the main lobby of  Lakewood Ranch Medical Center 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sept. 29.  Lots of free information, samples, screenings and demonstrations will be offered.

Oct. 3 — The third annual Lakewood Ranch Kiwanis Golf Tournament, including 18 holes of golf, a putting challenge, longest drive contest, and closest to the pin challenge, lunch, door prizes, and an  banquet is set for Oct. 3. Register at 11 a.m., lunch at noon and shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. on Cypress Links. Cost: $150 per golfer. Contact Jim Nelson at jdnelsoncpa@yahoo.com or 941-345-3868.

Oct 5  —  The Lauren Mitchell Band Music to perform a free concert 6- 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Oct. 6  —   Festa Italia! is set for 11 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.  Oct. 6 at the Central Park Community Amenities Center off Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

Oct. 24 — Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club Annual Bazaar, Boutique, Luncheon is set for Oct. 24 at Polo Grill-Fete Ballroom. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.Cost: Members - $35, non-members - $40.
Contact Jean Muccini at jean.muccini@gmail.com / 941-807-6457.

Oct. 27 — The 9th annual Boo 5K Run/Walk is set for 8 a.m. Oct. 27 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.
This is a family-oriented race with a costume contest and awards. Awards will be awarded for Best Couple, Best Hero, and Best Villian. More than 1,200 runners and spectators are expected. Information: Jim Nelson at jdnelsoncpa@yahoo.com or 941-345-3868.

Oct. 27 — International Beer Festival at Lakewood Ranch Main Street 5 – 9 p.m. Oct. 27 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Pre-purchased tickets available starting at $25.

Oct. 28   — LWR Community Activities BOO Fest is set for 6 - 9 p.m. Oct. 28 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Youngsters should bring a bag and safely collect the many treats merchants and sponsors will be sharing.  All are welcome to join the costume parade. Also planned, a scarecrow contest.

Nov. 2 —  Shotgun Justice Music to perform a free concert 6- 9 p.m.on Main Street.

Nov. 7 — “Make a Difference” Volunteer Fair, 1 – 4 p.m. Nov. 7 at  Keiser University, Auditorium at Lakewood Ranch.  Information: www.lunchwithleaders.org/make-a-difference.

Nov. 10 — Lakewood Ranch Asian Women Cultural Fashion Show & Luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. Nov. 10 at Michael’s on East. Cost: Members - $40, non-members - $45. Information: Cora Sanders at creeksidelady@yahoo.com or 941-320-4886.

Nov. 10 — The 11th Annual Suncoast Food & Wine Festival is set for 1 - 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Sarasota Polo Grounds.

Nov. 10  — Lakewood Ranch Club Day is set for 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. Community Activities will present residents to  48 active social clubs.  Free refreshments.

Nov. 17  — LWR Club’s Creative Arts Association 11th Annual Art Show & Sale is set 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Nov. 17 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. Admission is free,

Nov. 18 — The Mustang Club of West Central Florida holds its 21st Annual Ponies under the Palms Mustang and Ford Show 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.This event is free and open to the public.  The cost to register a car is $25 before Nov. 12 and $30 on the day of show.  Information: 941-704-4474.

Lakewood Ranch has something planned for beer lovers

The International Beer Festival is coming back to Lakewood Ranch for the second year Oct. 27 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Beer sampling is set for 5 - 9 p.m.

Food from local Lakewood Ranch restaurants, as well as a variety of fine wines, will be available for purchase. Entertainment will be provided by Pitbull Toddler. Participants are invited to wear their best Halloween costume and to take part in the $500 costume contest.

A portion of the proceeds from the fest will benefit the Humane Society of Manatee County.

There are three ticket levels from which to choose:

1. Bronze – $25, includes unlimited craft and specialty samples.
2. Silver  – $35, includes unlimited craft and specialty samples and full 16 ounce domestics.
3.  VIP  – $65, includes a one-hour pre-party at Polo Grill with unlimited food, select seasonal and craft beers, unlimited craft and specialty samples and full 16 ounce domestics in a collectible Tervis Tumbler. 

Lakewood Ranch has teamed up with Brewed Life to help organize the event and Gold Coast Eagle Distributing to provide all of the beer for the event. 

Restaurants taking part in the event include The Polo Grill, Main Street Trattoria, El Lago Ranchero and Ed’s Tavern.

The beer fest kicks off this year’s Tour of Homes.

For ticket information, visit:

http://www.lakewoodranchbeerfestival.com/

LWR Town Hall, Grow Financial branch offering free shredding

By Nick Williams
nwilliams@bradenton.com

Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and the Lakewood Ranch Grow Financial Branch, in conjunction with Accu-Shred, will offer free shredding services to the public 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 22.

Free Community Shred Day will allow Manatee residents to drop off personal documents for shredding at two locations: the Lakewood Ranch Grow Financial Branch location  at 11008 Arcade Place or Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

As many as nine million Americans have their identity stolen every year and shredding personal documents helps prevent identity theft.

The services will be provided by Accu-Shred, a Tampa-based company that is certified by the National Association of Information Destruction.

Those interested are asked to limit shredding material to two medium size boxes. Commercial and business documents will not be accepted.

Lakewood Ranch event will benefit fight against breast cancer

By Nick Williams
nwilliams@bradenton.com

A free poolside event to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk in Tampa in October will be held at the Lost Creek Apartments at Lakewood Ranch 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15..

The event will be hosted by Lost Creek resident Jennifer Schwab. Schwab is a member of Team Kimpossible, a support group named after a friend with cancer in Orlando.

Each team member is raising at least $2,300 and will walk 60 miles during the event in Tampa to raise awareness. The walk will take place in Tampa Oct. 26-28. Schwab is hoping to raise $1,300, which will cover registration costs and donations to the foundation.

At the event, there will be a silent auction, raffle, hair services, photograph services, massage chair, food and beverages and a cornhole tournament. Entry is free, but the tournament is $20 to enter.

“One way or another, cancer runs in everybody’s family,” Schwab said. “Everybody knows somebody.”

For more information, contact Schwab at 941-266-6786.