The leaves change color and begin to drop; the air takes on a crispness, and the days shorten — fall has arrived. The mood of the autumn season is slower than that of spring and summer, and the activities you enjoy will reflect this.
Easygoing strolls by a pond, a game of cards on the porch, and of course, a stack of good books to enjoy in a comfy chair are just some of fall’s simple luxuries.
Books are one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp. Narratives will reinforce connections in your brain and help you stay mentally active. As you make your reading list to enjoy your fall in assisted living in Saint Petersburg, here are four books you should consider.
A thrilling piece of crime fiction, “The Thursday Murder Club” takes place in rural England. A group of inhabitants from a retirement village in the fictional Fairhaven, near the nonfictional Kent, meet together to solve a mysterious murder. Will the group catch the killer before he strikes again?
“The Thursday Murder Club” is Richard Osman’s first book, which he wrote after being inspired by his visit to a retirement village. Two sequels are also available — “The Man Who Died Twice” and “The Bullet That Missed” — should you be a fast reader and need more action to dive into!
This one will take you back to your youth. “The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones” focuses on the eponymous Lincoln, a sixth-grade student with a massive imagination. Never seen without his notebook, he’s crafting a story full of wheelchair zombies, ghosts, psychic vampires, and plenty of crazy characters.
However, a fellow sixth-grader named Kandi has become obsessed with finding out what’s in Lincoln’s notebook, and she won’t rest until she does.
The book is full of humor but conveys an excellent lesson about breaking out of one’s shell and letting others see the person inside. If you remember the Hardy Boys fondly, you’ll enjoy the world Van Draanen creates.
At first glance, the curmudgeonly Ove appears to be a stereotypically grumpy old man. His neighbors don’t enjoy interacting with him, and he exudes bitterness, strictness, and a short temper.
When new neighbors move into the house next door, they accidentally destroy Ove’s mailbox. While not usually a promising start to a friendship, their interactions with Ove slowly melt away his gruff exterior and expose the sadness that turned him into the curmudgeon he’s become.
Swedish author Fredrik Backman took inspiration from his own life. In line to buy tickets to an art museum, Backman witnessed an actual man named Ove have a fit in the line, which spurred Backman to recreate the man as a character who has difficulty relating to people.
Alex is a teenager frustrated by his parents’ divorce — along with all of the typical problems that come with being 16 years old. After he runs afoul of the law, Alex performs community service at the local senior center. Specifically, he is the new helper for Solomon Lewis, an elderly Jewish man known for being difficult and spouting colorful Yiddish.
Over time, Solomon’s advice to Alex wears down the rough edges of their relationship, and they must both come to terms with the decisions they’ve made.
Jordan Sonnenblick’s first book was “Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie,” and several characters cameo in this book, his second. Music lovers will enjoy this novel, as it focuses much on Alex and Sol’s mutual love of guitar.
If you’re retired and enjoying a leisurely lifestyle in Saint Petersburg assisted living facilities, it’s time to kick back in your chair, sip some cocoa, and enjoy some books. But even if you don’t get to them all, that’s okay — just put them on next year’s reading list!
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.
Westminster Manor is a dream for a LifePlan Community! Those seeking an active and fulfilling lifestyle without the hassle of household chores and maintenance. It's wonderful to hear that life at Westminster Manor doesn't replace an active lifestyle but enhances it, providing residents with the freedom to pursue their happiness however they choose.The wide range of activities available, from wellness programs to lifelong learning opportunities, ensures that residents can stay engaged and stimulated, contributing to their overall well-being. And for those moments when relaxation is preferred, residents can simply kick back and enjoy the comforts of their beautifully appointed residences, complete with modern appliances and customizable features.The convenience of having upkeep tasks like maintenance and lawn care taken care of allows residents to focus on the activities they love, whether it's taking a leisurely stroll, enjoying delicious restaurant-style meals, or socializing with friends and neighbors.The value offered at Westminster Manor is evident not only in the quality of the residences but also in the access to fantastic amenities and services like the exclusive My W Life wellbeing program, fitness center, on-site security, housekeeping, and scheduled transportation. It's clear that Westminster Manor is dedicated to providing a vibrant and enriching lifestyle for its residents, ensuring that every day is filled with opportunities for joy and fulfillment.
Westminster Manor is a dream for a LifePlan Community! Those seeking an active and fulfilling lifestyle without the hassle of household chores and maintenance. It's wonderful to hear that life at Westminster Manor doesn't replace an active lifestyle but enhances it, providing residents with the freedom to pursue their happiness however they choose.The wide range of activities available, from wellness programs to lifelong learning opportunities, ensures that residents can stay engaged and stimulated, contributing to their overall well-being. And for those moments when relaxation is preferred, residents can simply kick back and enjoy the comforts of their beautifully appointed residences, complete with modern appliances and customizable features.The convenience of having upkeep tasks like maintenance and lawn care taken care of allows residents to focus on the activities they love, whether it's taking a leisurely stroll, enjoying delicious restaurant-style meals, or socializing with friends and neighbors.The value offered at Westminster Manor is evident not only in the quality of the residences but also in the access to fantastic amenities and services like the exclusive My W Life wellbeing program, fitness center, on-site security, housekeeping, and scheduled transportation. It's clear that Westminster Manor is dedicated to providing a vibrant and enriching lifestyle for its residents, ensuring that every day is filled with opportunities for joy and fulfillment.
Westminster Manor is a dream for a LifePlan Community! Those seeking an active and fulfilling lifestyle without the hassle of household chores and maintenance. It's wonderful to hear that life at Westminster Manor doesn't replace an active lifestyle but enhances it, providing residents with the freedom to pursue their happiness however they choose.The wide range of activities available, from wellness programs to lifelong learning opportunities, ensures that residents can stay engaged and stimulated, contributing to their overall well-being. And for those moments when relaxation is preferred, residents can simply kick back and enjoy the comforts of their beautifully appointed residences, complete with modern appliances and customizable features.The convenience of having upkeep tasks like maintenance and lawn care taken care of allows residents to focus on the activities they love, whether it's taking a leisurely stroll, enjoying delicious restaurant-style meals, or socializing with friends and neighbors.The value offered at Westminster Manor is evident not only in the quality of the residences but also in the access to fantastic amenities and services like the exclusive My W Life wellbeing program, fitness center, on-site security, housekeeping, and scheduled transportation. It's clear that Westminster Manor is dedicated to providing a vibrant and enriching lifestyle for its residents, ensuring that every day is filled with opportunities for joy and fulfillment.