Here are some SCOPE happenings of interest...

COMMUNITY STARTS CONVERSATIONS ABOUT AGING: THE POSSIBILITIES

The first sessions in the series of community conversations on Aging: the Possibilities were held on December 8th and 13th. Participants enjoyed sharing their thoughts on Sarasota's potential to be a vital place, no matter how young or old you are. Thanks to The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce for opening their doors for these sessions.

CHANGING RACE RELATIONS THROUGH FRIENDSHIP

On February 1st, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Embracing Our Differences, Flanzer Jewish Community Center, SCOPE, Smith-Soeder Enterprises, and Nuevo Advertising are partnering to bring national race relations expert Dr. Deborah Plummer to the Suncoast. In an event open to the public on February 1, 2005, 7:00 pm, at the Flanzer Jewish Community Center, Dr. Plummer will talk to local residents about changing race relations through friendship. Sarasota News and Books will be on hand to conduct a book signing for those of you interested in purchasing a personalized copy of Dr. Plummer's book, "Racing Across the Lines: Changing Race Relations Through Friendship." For more information, contact Jake Thomas at 365-8751.

MANASOTA REGIONAL NEIGHBORHOODS SUMMIT

HOLD the date of February 26th for the first Manasota Regional Neighborhoods Summit at Sudakoff Center at USF, Sarasota. This summit will provide opportunity for area neighborhood residents and leaders to attend training sessions to help them meet the needs of their neighborhoods. It will also provide opportunity to meet others active in their neighborhoods and discuss common concerns and challenges. The Redevelopment and Infill Study will be the topic of one of the morning workshops. John McKnight, nationally-known expert on community building, will be the afternoon keynote speaker and presenter.

REDEVELOPMENT AND INFILL VOLUNTEERS OUT AND ABOUT

The Redevelopment and Infill Task Force continues its community education efforts. SCOPE's Associate Director, Suzanne Gregory, presents to the Jacaranda Men's Club on December 20th. Also participating in that presentation is Ellen Hillstrom, study group member and development director of South Venice Civic Association. The presentation discusses why redevelopment and infill is important to the community, benefits challenges and barriers. Call Suzanne Gregory at 365-8751 to schedule your presentation.

AN OVERVIEW OF FAMILY VIOLENCE TASK FORCE'S RECENT WORK

On December 1, the Family Violence Task Force met to discuss implementation opportunities for some of the study group's recommendations. Several members committed to specific projects including elder abuse training, a workplace policy guide for family violence, and speaking engagements. On December 3rd, the Faith Subcommittee convened to discuss ways to engage the faith community in order to raise awareness of family violence. At the end of this month, SPARCC in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General and the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) will offer free training in the dynamics and recognition of domestic violence to local hair stylists and nail technicians who are in a unique position with their clientele to identify abuse and refer victims for free, confidential services which may save their lives.

SCOPE WELCOMES NEW COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEMBERS

SCOPE would like to welcome volunteers Kathleen Colburn and Joan Koplin to its Communications Committee. Joan is a contract interior designer who originally moved to Sarasota in 1971, moved away, and recently returned as she says "for good."  She has been a professional member of ASID for 20 years and was previously active in the Sarasota County Arts Council, chairing Arts Day and the Tourist Development Grants Panel. Kathleen recently moved to Sarasota from Tallahassee where she worked with organizations such as The Neighborhood Justice Center, The Florida Bar and Florida State University's Florida Conflict Resolution Consortium. She was also a private vegetarian chef and cooking instructor for 15 years. Both have come on board to help SCOPE plan its upcoming annual event. Stay tuned!

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Special thank yous go out to Melanie Eckstein, James Isbell, Jr., Debra Jacobs and Bill Buttaggi for thinking of SCOPE this time of year.