West Coast Woman October 2020

just some
thoughts
Louise Bruderle
Editor and Publisher
Technology is our friend… someone once said that and it certainly
can be said for these times. In this issue, you’ll see in our events
columns how the majority of the offerings—be they concerts,
exhibits, fundraisers or lectures—are either wholly virtual or
optionally virtual (meaning you can go in person or enjoy online).
We also have art exhibits this month from museums across the
state. These have adapted to the new normal and offer the ability to
“visit” online. This is actually a good thing if you love art and don’t
want to travel just yet.
So, you better be up on your digital game and be “fluent” in
Zoom and getting to Facebook Live events. And, also speaking of
technology, have you tried our e-magazine version of West Coast
Woman? We’re in print AND in digital form this month so enjoy us
either way. You’ll find our e-magazine at the top of our Facebook
page https://www.facebook.com/WCWmedia or, subscribe to
receive WCW e-magazine every month via email. Send your email
addy to westcoastwoman@comcast.net.
Kendra Simpkins
Photo: Evelyn England
Our WCW this month:
Kendra Simpkins
I found this month’s WCW by reading WCW.
In our Datebook column I noticed a yoga
class (there seem to be a lot these days no
doubt to reduce stress). I read “Operation
Warrior Resolution offers free yoga classes for
active-duty and retired military personnel.
Classes are held twice a week at MindSpa
located off Bee Ridge Road. The classes are
called ‘Combat Conscience Yoga’ and are
lead by U.S. Army veteran Kendra Simpkins.”
So I searched and also checked on Facebook and asked a mutual
friend about her and it was a big thumbs up. Like so many health
issues that persist, even while we try to see ourselves clear of this
pandemic, PTSD is still a serious problem particularly for our veterans.
The virus that causes us to limit our social interactions can
make their PTSD worse.
That’s where Kendra comes in. She’s a therapist in practice in
Sarasota at MindSpa offering Rapid Response Therapy. But she
also created yoga for veterans as well as retreats that include horse
therapy. She knows of what she speaks since it hit home with her. She
served in the Army and also suffered from PTSD. You’ll enjoy reading
about her breakthrough work and how it is helping veterans.
Also in this issue: Health
Weight gain. Ugh, did we have to bring that up? Well, if we’re honest,
there are many of us who have gained weight due to a change in our
activity, being homebound (thus being near the fridge) or simply
stress eating or eating out of boredom. And, we may have stopped
going to the gym, and it’s hot outside and and and…
So we tried to make it fun. As usual, we have low calorie, but VERY
tasty recipes to try, plus some doctor-supported tips to get you back
on track and back to your slimmer self.
The New Normal for November
What’s shaping up is slightly more focused, but still disappointing.
Events are down — that is in-the-flesh events. Particularly hard hit
are orchestra, ballet and dance and almost all the theatres. There’ a
glimmer of possibility for spring of 2021 so we’ll hope for the best.
Next up is our Arts Issue in November and we’ll have events that are
taking place. Let’s hope we keep to the plan that has helped to drive
down the number of cases in Florida, but not stop until we hit zero.
Looking for a way to help?
As local families continue to navigate the detrimental effects of the
coronavirus pandemic, the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic
Trust has announced the extension of its Flanzer Contribution
Matching Program through December 2020.
Since launching its
2020 Flanzer Contribution
Matching Program
in January, the Trust has
enabled 94 nonprofit organizations
across Sarasota
and the Suncoast area to
continue fulfilling their
missions by matching
more than $700,000 from
approximately 3,000 individual
contributors. While
this significant accomplishment
has allowed
agencies to serve their
clients through this dire
time, the Flanzer Trust is committed to help our neighbors in need
get back on track and access critical resources.
All donations between $5 and $500 will be matched 1:1 for select
nonprofit agencies in the social service, social welfare, K-12 education
and healthcare sectors. Individuals who wish to participate in
the 2020 Flanzer Contribution Matching Program can visit Flanzer-
Trust.org to make an online donation through PayPal. Donors can
also send checks payable to the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic
Trust to its offices at 1843 Floyd Street, Sarasota, FL 34239.
The Flanzer Trust encourages people to make automatic monthly
contributions of $20 or more.
Once an individual’s donation has been processed, the Flanzer
Trust will send the contribution and the associated matching
funds to the designated partner agency. The Flanzer Trust will also
absorb 100 percent of the program with no charge or reduction in
any contribution.
The mission of the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust
is to enhance the life of the people of the Suncoast through social
services and healthcare initiatives. The Louis and Gloria Flanzer
Philanthropic Trust is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization not affiliated
with any other member of the Flanzer family. For information,
visit FlanzerTrust.org or call 917-915-0404.
And if you need assistance
The Orioles have partnered with All Faiths Food Bank to host
a series of mass food distribution events at Ed Smith Stadium.
The events will take place on the second Saturday of each month
through December. Future events will be held on October 10, November
14, and December 12.
Each distribution event will take place in the East Lot and is firstcome,
first-served, beginning at 9am and continuing until food runs
out or 11:30am. All the events will be staffed by All Faiths Food Bank
volunteers and staff, and several of the events will also be staffed by
Orange & Black Gives Back, the Orioles employee volunteer program.
“Many of our neighbors in the Sarasota and DeSoto counties
are continuing to experience food insecurity as a result of the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jennifer Grondahl, Orioles Senior Vice
President, Community Development and Communications. Info:
https://www.mlb.com/orioles/community/sarasota-programs
Louise Bruderle | Editor and Publisher |
westcoastwoman@comcast.net
We welcome your thoughts and comments on this column and on other columns and features in this issue.
You can reach us at westcoastwoman@comcast.net. We’re on the web at www.WestCoastWoman.com.
4 WEST COAST WOMAN OCTOBER 2020