5 Things You Need to Know Today: September 28

1. The Bradenton City Council meets tonight at 6 p.m.

2. Blake Medical Center will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Caring Friends Cancer Support group today at 5:30 p.m.  The celebration will bring more than 75 past and current members and their families together in an evening of reflection and inspiration. The group began meeting in 1986 to help cancer patients, their families, and friends in coping with cancer and its treatment. The group meets every Wednesday at Blake Medical Center in the Cancer Resource Room and provides emotional and spiritual support. Support group members are able to discuss their feelings, questions and concerns with others facing similar battles.  

3. Geraldson Community Farm and the Resource Conservation and Development Councils commemorate the 49th anniversary of the program this week. To date, 375 Resource Conservation and Development Councils have been established in all 50 states, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands region, covering over 85% of United States counties and serving over 77% of the population. In November 2007, the Florida West Coast RC&D opened an organic Community Supported Agriculture program where farm members connect directly with the farmer. A Local Food Buying Club is now available to purchase meat, eggs, Gulf-caught seafood and other products directly from local farmers. Geraldson Community Farm will host an open house on October 15. Shares are still available for those who wish to join a farm – season runs for 28 weeks from November through May.

4. Studio 84 Productions will present Jon Cariani's "Almost, Maine" at 8 p.m. Sept. 30,  Oct. 1, and  Oct. 6 to Oct. 8, in the David S. and Anne V. Howard Studio Theatre, 5840 26th St. West, building 11 West. Matinee performances are scheduled at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 2, and Sunday, Oct. 9. The SCF production is directed by Dean Anthony, assistant professor, theatre. Cast members include SCF students Rachael Bayor, Jeff Beghtel, Nicole Cunningham, Nicholas DeLisi, Pamela Dillon, Sally Fint, Austin Peed, Marina Kaminskiy and Robert Potter. General admission is $10. Tickets are $5 for SCF students and employees. Tickets are on sale in the Box Office. For information, call 941-752-5252.

5. Have you ever wanted to be part ofseasonal programs? This fall will offer the perfect opportunity. De Soto National Memorial, part of the National Park Service is looking for those who would like to give it a try. The park is currently looking for dedicated individuals who love to get spooky and have fun. The park needs people to dress in creepy costumes, be scary and have a great attitude for its Desoween IV. Desoween is a family oriented haunted trail walk that takes place on Saturday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m.