March 6, 2017

    The old adage, "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" seems to true this year.  Of course, some rain with all that wind would be good for Florida's dry conditions.  My grass (loosely defined, but really just lots of interesting weeds that are green sometimes) are gasping.  When weeds gasp, you know there is a drought. 

    Our February meeting was well attended as usual.  Rick Yocum from the Humane Society entertained us with anecdotes about the animals at the shelter and about his devotion to them.  Many members brought gifts for the shelter and he was pleased to get them.  There is a need for more help if you have time to help out.  Dogs and cats have to be comfortable with people before they can be adopted.  Dogs have to be walked and exercised also. 

   

Rick Yokum

    MCREA dues for 2017-18 can be paid now.  Forms will be available at the March meeting.  $55 is the total FREA and MCREA responsibility.  Paying a little early will help both groups budget for next fall and will save postage for letters to remind you.

    Because of the harrowing political times, I am going to include some information to help you contact your representatives and local newspaper editorial pages.

          Letters to the editor:
Bradenton Herald
  on-line:  www.bradenton.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/submit-letter
  mail:      Bradenton Herald, 1111 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34210
                (when submitting, include your mailing address and your phone number)

Herald-Tribune
email:  editor.letters@heraldtribune.com
mail:    Letters Editor, Herald-Tribune, P.O. Box 1719, Sarasota, FL 34230
              (when submitting, include your mailing address and your phone number)

Bradenton Times
on-line:  On Contact Us page
               www.the bradentontimes.com
mail:      The Bradenton Times, 405 26th Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205

U.S. Senators

Bill Nelson      202-224-5274
                         www.BillNelson.senate.gov
Marco Rubio   202-224-3041
                         www.MarcoRubio.senate.gov

U.S. Representatives  District 16

Vern Buchanan   202-225-5015
                            www.Buchanan.house.gov

Governor

Rick Scott            850-488-7146
                            www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/email-thegovernor

FL Senator

Bill Galvano      850-487-5021   941-741-3401
                           www.Galvano.Bill.web@flsenate.gov