Community In The Know

Michel Carrell, chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s board, with Artis Stevens, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, presented the award to Joy Mahler. COURTESY PHOTO

Reminder: Fireworks impact nesting sea turtles

Charlotte County Parks & Natural Resources reminds beach patrons that fireworks are a source of artificial light and will cause sea turtle hatchlings to disorient, leading to adult and hatchling injury and death. Activities disruptive to marine turtles are prohibited according to Section 3-5-302.

The following activities are prohibited on the beach from sunset to sunrise during nesting season for the protection of nesting females, nests and hatchling marine turtles: the building of campfires or bonfires and any transient lighting which purposely and flagrantly illuminates a nesting zone, sea turtles or hatchlings. This prohibition does not apply to individuals with appropriate permits from federal or state agencies.

For information, contact Alexandria Grant at Alexandria.Grant@CharlotteCountyFL.gov or 941-613-3218

Community Services celebrates Park & Recreation Month

“Get Up, Get Out and Get Active” in July with Charlotte County Community Services. July is nationally recognized as Park and Recreation Month. This year’s theme, “Where You Belong,” celebrates the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.

To celebrate, Charlotte County Community

Services launched an activity calendar that highlights a park or recreation activity each day in July. On Saturday, July 20, Charlotte County will offer free pool admission and free parking at Charlotte County-operated beaches and boat ramps.

Activity calendars are available at all pools and recreation centers and online at CharlotteCountyFL.gov/recprograms.

For information, contact Katie Meier at Katherine.Meier@CharlotteCountyFL.gov .

Charlotte County lifts burn ban

Charlotte County has rescinded the ban on all outdoor burning. On June 25, the Board of County Commissioners voted to lift the burn ban during its regular commission meeting.

For information, contact Todd Dunn at 941-833-5610 or Todd.Dunn@CharlotteCountyFL.gov .

Big Brothers Big Sisters head gets award

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast President and CEO Joy Mahler has received The Robert M. “Skip” Walsh Award. In memory of Walsh, the Nationwide Leadership Council (NLC) honors a Big Brothers Big Sisters professional who exemplifies the qualities of dedication, enthusiasm and generosity that were so much a part of Walsh’s life. Mahler exhibits these qualities and has dedicated her career to helping connect youth with so much potential they may not realize, but she does.

Throughout his 22-year career with Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters in Hartford, Connecticut, Walsh served as a mentor to countless Big Brothers Big Sisters professionals. His passionate commitment to the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission never stopped at his agency’s doors but encompassed the entire federation.

The award honors an individual who, through excellence in their agency work and generosity demonstrated by providing resources, support and encouragement to colleagues, has strengthened Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring services to children. ¦

The post Community In The Know first appeared on Charlotte County Florida Weekly .