Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc. (GIWA) contracted with Emergency Communications Network to license its CodeRED high-speed notification solution.

After a sold-out benefit showing of DeWitt Sage's brilliant documentary "Distant Harmony: Pavarotti's in China," the Johann Fust Community Library is offering a second showing at the Community Center auditorium at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 23.

Harm de Blij, a professor, author and television commentator, specializes in environmental issues and geopolitics, will be presenting a lecture on the topic of “America’s Changing Role in the Transitory World.”

Don’t forget your best friend when it comes to this week’s seasonal festivities. Yappy Hour will be held on Wednesday, March 21 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Pink Pony Courtyard between Dolphin Cove and Hudson’s Grocery.

For humans, imported beer will be served and a wine tasting will be held.

Suncoast Humane Society will be bringing therapy dogs and adoptable pets, and Cats N Dogs of Port Charlotte will be offering free doggie bags.

Custom jewelry and hair wraps will also be available.

BY LIZA STROUT - Jim Grant grew up in a simple, uncomplicated town.

“Saginaw, Michigan was the kind of place where you didn’t have to lock the doors. My dad owned Grant’s Grocery, which my grandfather started,” Jim said.

Jim’s first job was at the family business.

Lawrence “Larry” Wechsler, a resident of New York City, Boca Grande and Millbrook, N.Y., died on Thursday, March 15, 2012.