COMMUNITY BRIEFS: JFCS of Suncoast; Selah Freedom; UPWC 20th anniversary; ‘Mobility Week’ – Sarasota Herald-Tribune

JFCS of Suncoast appointschief development officer

The JFCS of the Suncoast has appointed Ron Katz as its new chief development officer.Katz will collaborate with JFCS leadership to enhance the agencys financial sustainability through the implementation of an annual fundraising plan and donor cultivation and stewardship.

A passionate and progressive community leader for over 25 years, Katz has served in multiple senior leadership and consulting roles, devising strategies that have increased charitable giving for mission-driven organizations. I am so excited to make Sarasota my new home and work with an organization that does so much for the people in this region, Katz said.

Prior to JFCS, Katz served as director of advancement and external affairs at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. He increased institutional support for the museum among constituencies, volunteers, longstanding members and women aviators.Katz earned a master's degree in business administration from UConn's School of Business Administration and a bachelor's degree in international relations fromSyracuse.For more information, visitJFCS-Cares.org.

Selah Freedom,a nonprofit anti-human trafficking organization, has named Stacey Efaw as executive director andSamantha Kolb as clinical program director.

Efaw came to Selah Freedom from Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, the second largest Habitat affiliate in the U.S. Efaw held the position of chief development officer. Efaw earned bachelor's and master's degrees in business from the University of South Florida.

Kolbgraduated from Florida State University with bachelor's and masters degrees in social work. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has more than13 years of experience in the behavioral health field specializing in adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

In addition to their vast professional work experience and education, both Stacey and Samantha embody the values, integrity and moral character that are central to our organization," Selah FreedomBoard PresidentRalph Hoehne said.

Formore information about Selah Freedom, visit SelahFreedom.com.

The Florida Department of Transportations Commute Connector program is partnering with the city of Sarasota, DreamLarge, Sarasota County, and the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization for a Mobility Week event on Nov. 2.

The 2-mile ride beginsat 5:15 p.m. at the DreamLarge Yard at the corner of Central Avenue and Boulevard of the Arts (600 Central Ave.). Mobility Week,an annual initiative from Oct. 29 through Nov. 5, promotes smart transportation choices and safety.To register, visitbit.ly/2Z9yI2D. Traditional and electric bikes also will be available for those who need them. For more information, call866-585-RIDE (4733) or write to Info@CommuteConnector.com.

The Heart Gallery of Sarasota and Junior League of Sarasota are partneringon Oct. 29 at 9:30 a.m. for a children's luggage drive atJunior League headquarters, 3300 S. Tamiami Trail.

Fifty pieces of new luggage filled with toys, books and toiletries that have been collected by the Junior Leagues Done in a Day team will be donated to children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. The Heart Gallery contributes over 400 pieces of luggage a year thanks to partnerships with organizations such as the Junior League.Visitheartgallerysarasota.orgfor more information.

TheSouthwest Florida Water Management District will be conducting prescribed burns through December at Myakka River Deer Prairie Creek Preserve and Myakka River Schewe Tract west of North Port in Sarasota County.

Approximately 400 acres will be burned in small, manageable units, the district said. Benefits include:Reducing overgrown plants; promoting new growth of diverse plants; and maintainingaccess for public recreation. The district conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year. For more information, visitswfwmd.state.fl.us.

The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply is askingcustomers in Charlotte, DeSoto and Sarasota counties to conserve water for the next 30 days. Thewater treatment facility is currently operating at 75%due to rehabilitation work that started in the spring, executive director Mike Coates said.For more information, call 941-316-1776 or visitRegionalwater.org.

The Presbyterian Church of the Covenant,7950 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, is holding its annual Fall Fair on Nov. 6 from8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be a Christmas Table with collectables; a TreasureTable; a Vintage Table; jewelry; and baked goods (credit cards accepted).

Gulf Cove United Methodist Church,1100 S. McCall Roadin Port Charlotte, is offering free carry-out dinners on the first Monday of each month.The Nov.1 menu includes shepherds pie.Dinners can be picked up from 3:30-5:30 p.m.Reserve a meal atGulfCoveChurch.com; email GulfCoveUMC@gmail.com;or call941-697-1747 on Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon.

Compiled from community submissions

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS: JFCS of Suncoast; Selah Freedom; UPWC 20th anniversary; 'Mobility Week' - Sarasota Herald-Tribune