Former undercover state trooper, NBA referee to discuss new book at USF Sarasota-Manatee
EOD exhibit underway
Former undercover trooper, NBA ref to speak at USFSM
Bob Delaney, a former decorated undercover New Jersey state trooper and an NBA referee for more than 30 years, will discuss his new book, "Heroes are Human: Lessons in Resiliency, Courage and Wisdom from the COVID Front Lines," at a special forum on Jan. 31 from 4:30-5:45 p.m. at Selby Auditorium at USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
"Heros are Human" features stories about health care workers struggling through the pandemic and was co-written with Dave Scheiber. The forum will be moderated by Sarah Hoffe, a Moffitt Cancer Center senior physician and USF Morsani College of Medicine professor.
Delaney's life story has been featured by HBO’s "Real Sports," ESPN and ABC. He previously authored, with Scheiber, "Covert: My Years Infiltrating the Mob" and "Surviving the Shadows: A Journey of Hope into Post Traumatic Stress." His NBA career began in 1987 and includes more than 1,700 regular season games, 200 playoff contests and nine Finals.
Delaney has worked over many years to help active members and veterans of the U.S. armed forces, law enforcement, firefighters and first responders to cope with trauma. Following the forum, a book signing will be held. Visit bit.ly/3kFs1Qy for information and to RSVP.
Selby Gardens receives $1M gift for downtown Master Plan
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has received a $1 million gift from philanthropist Richard Matson to support Phase 1 of the Master Plan for its Downtown Sarasota campus.
Matson and his wife, Cornelia, are already leadership donors for the project and were part of a group of supporters who seeded a dollar-for-dollar match to reach the Phase 1 fundraising goal. “The Master Plan just floored me,” Matson said. “It really opened my eyes to the potential of Selby Gardens – the research, the library, the location. It was just perfect.”
In addition to Selby Gardens, the Matsons support several arts and culture, human services, and educational organizations in the Sarasota area. Construction of Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed in October with a grand opening in early November.
Selby Gardens has raised more than $56 million for the Master Plan, with roughly $600,000 left to raise for Phase 1. For information, visit selby.org.
United Way free tax program hosts educational Tax-A-Thon
The United Way Suncoast VITA program will hold a Tax-A-Thon educational event on Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the United Way office in Sarasota, 1800 Second St., Suite 102.
The Tax-A-Thon, part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, will provide financial educational classes, resources such as health care navigators, pro-bono legal services and more. Walk-ins are welcomed. For more information, visit uwsvita.org.
The United Way of South Sarasota County VITA program also provides free tax preparation to individuals and families with a yearly household income of up to $74,000. Tax preparation is completed by IRS-certified preparers. Individual appointments are available from Feb. 1 through April 18 at VITA locations in Venice, North Port or Englewood. For appointments and a list of necessary documents, visit uwssc.org/vita.
Karin’s Causes annual estate sale assists multiple charities
Karin’s Causes, an annual estate sale to benefit charities, will be held on Feb. 2 (4-7 p.m.), Feb. 3 (9 a.m.-noon), and Feb. 4 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) at the Scottish Rite building, 240 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. The event is known for carefully curated items of historic and décor value along with distinctive donations from donors.
“Last year we were able to give $24,500 to our charities. We hope to do even better this year,” event founder Karin Gustafson said The upcoming sale will benefit the Animal Rescue Coalition, New College of Florida, and the Scottish Rite Foundation’s "Helping Children Communicate" project, Gustafson said.
Karin's Causes has raised $185,000 for charities since 2014. The schedule includes a preview sale on Thursday with a $15 admission fee. There is no admission fee on Friday and Saturday.
Around and about ...
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice, 1971 Pinebrook Road, will hold a free information forum about senior housing choices on Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. The forum will be conducted by Paula Carney, a certified senior adviser who will discuss a range of options, including independent living, assisted living, and in-home care. Info: Eileen Leapley, eleapley44@gmail.com.
• The 7th annual Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival continues today (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at JD Hamel Park. The event includes an arts and crafts marketplace and live R&B, blues, jazz, rock, and soul music performances.
• The 15th annual Sarasota Jewish Food Festival is Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road. The event includes craft and jewelry vendors, an art sale, and a bounce house and face-painting. A student concert will be held at noon. Info: templesinai-sarasota.org; 941-924-1802.
Submissions by Su Byron, Dave Scheiber, Greg Luberecki, Ernest Hooper, Marty Katz, Judy Houston, Hillary Reynolds, Marty Katz.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Former undercover trooper and NBA ref to speak at USF Sarasota-Manatee
