Are you caring for a loved one living with dementia? Join The Dubin Center for an open discussion group focused on the challenges caregivers face, support from others who understand and helpful resources.

This group is made possible by the Dubin Center's partnership with Manatee County Veterans Services. It is open to Veterans and their family members who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia and other memory impairment issues. The Dubin Center is a local Alzheimer's and dementia resource center offering support to family caregivers. 

The group will be from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, starting Aug. 13, 2026, at Manatee County Veterans Services, 1401 3rd Ave. W. Please RSVP to 941-275-2941.

Are you a Veteran and in need of transportation to this event? Free ride-share services for Veterans are available. Pre-registration is required for this service. Contact Manatee County Veteran Services Office at 941-745-3795 or vets@mymanatee.org to verify your eligibility and get registered.

The Dubin Center can be contacted at 941-275-2941 or InfoSarasota@DubinCenter.com. They are located at 2650 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1, Sarasota. Visit www.DubinCenter.com.

Kayak trips, sponsored by Wayne Adventures, with generous grants provided by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, are offered free of charge for participating Veterans. 

Many have found the trips help them experience the restorative power of nature and the water while also learning about the importance of protecting and preserving our coastal waters. No experience is needed, just a willingness to show up and take the first stroke. All gear, guidance and support are provided. The trips are about more than kayaking - they are about healing, camaraderie and rediscovering strength through shared experiences. The water can quiet the mind and lift the spirit. 

Upcoming trips:

9 a.m. -noon Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, Ken Thompson Park Cleanup

9 a.m. -noon Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, Phillippi Estate Park Cleanup

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, Bowlees Creek Cleanup

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027, Midnight Pass and Neville Preserve Cleanup

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027, Emerson Point Cleanup

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 2027, Pine Island-Braden River Rookery Cleanup

9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 17, 2027, Robinson Preserve Cleanup

9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, May 15, 2027, Neal Preserve Cleanup

9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, June 19, 2027, Ken Thompson Park Cleanup

To sign up or learn more, contact Wayne Douchkoff, 941-545-7338 or wdouchkoff@aol.com.

Legal clinics will be available at Manatee County Veterans Services, 1401 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton, from 9 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month in 2026. All services will be provided on a first come, first serve basis with the last application being accepted at 11:45 a.m. Legal assistance offered at no cost to income-qualified Veterans. For additional information, please contact the MLP appointment line at 727-398-9592. Legal services are provided by Bay Area Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm. Areas of law include: family law, consumer protection, advanced directives, relative caregivers, housing, senior legal services, seal or expunge records, driver's license and other civil and legal needs. 

Join Bradenton Christian School for breakfast and a ceremony honoring Veterans before Veterans Day. The BCS Panthers will host a breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. with a ceremony following at 9:30 a.m. The event will by Nov. 6, 2026, at Bradenton Christian School PAC Gymnasium, 3304 43rd St. W., Bradenton. 

Please RSVP by Oct. 30 to Vlad Bgatov, vbgatov@bcspanthers.org, or 941-792-5454, ext. 115. Please include your name, rank, branch and decorations.