BY NORA LEA REEFE - If you want to know all about the revolutionary developments in the world of container gardening, come hear Charlie Nardozzi on January 9, 2013, at the regular meeting of the Boca Grande Garden Club. 

Charlie is a nationally recognized garden writer, speaker, radio and television personality, widely acclaimed as a dynamic, energetic, and accessible communicator with a passion for horticulture that appeals to gardeners of every level. He delights in making gardening information simple, easy, and fun.

The Alzheimer’s Association “Memory Mobile” will be at the Boca Grande Health Clinic Annex parking lot on Friday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Information on Alzheimer’s disease, referrals to community resources, care consults, memory screenings and Alzheimer’s care-giving training will be available. All services are free.

For more information or to schedule a memory screening call 964-0490.

Local wildlife rescuers are in dire need of help this season, as red tide brings call after call to pick up sick and injured birds.

Red tide, fishing and busy waterways are taking their toll on our bird population. Blanche Boudreau, one of the island’s animal rescue volunteers, is swamped with calls right now and could really use the help.

If you are able to help transport birds to the Venice Wildlife Center (in rural Venice), please call Blanche at 421-2805.

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - We’ve seen the ongoing construction at the south bridge for quite some time. Coming soon, though, we’ll be able to view some of the aesthetically-please aspects of our newest bridge.

Crews will soon be putting up Wyoming tube rails, as well as adding embedded lights on the bridge’s pedestrian walkway.