GOLDSTEIN MEMORIAL EVENT HELD AT THE FLORIDA CENTER

During one of the hottest days of the spring, they came to share stories; they came to dedicate a living memorial; and they came to honor the man who worked tirelessly serving the physiological and medical needs of countless children and their families.  The temperature of the outdoor ceremony did not deter the outpouring of fondness for him by friends and family.

The Norman Goldstein Memorial Event was held at The Florida Center for Child and Family Development on 17th Street on April 22nd commemorating the one year anniversary of Dr. Goldstein’s death.  An overwhelming attendance approaching 100 people sat outside to temperatures well over 85 degrees while speakers reminisced, family members were recognized, and a tree and bench were dedicated to the legacy of Norman Goldstein, MD; a prominent Sarasota physician of over 50 years.

Serving the needs of infants, toddlers, and adolescents throughout a 30-year history on the staff; the agency’s President and CEO, Kathryn Shea remarked about her tenure and the last 10 years influenced by his expertise and humor. 
Family, friends, colleagues and a former Executive Director, Sandra Adams of the fledgling Child Development Center shared stories of when the agency first  began.  “Dr. Goldstein was involved when the agency was in its’ infancy, in a “building that should have been condemned”, Ms. Adams spoke, “he then assisted to propel it to the present maturity and reputable Early Childhood Behavioral and Infant Mental Healthy expert that it is today.”
Dr. Goldstein died in 2009. 

Judy Corso, Early Steps Managing Director for Sarasota Memorial Hospital, whose satellite Early Intervention Program is located at The Florida Center campus, shared a poem written in his honor by his staff team entitled, “Dr’s Day 2009.”
Daughter, Diane Weiss, friends and colleagues shared stories of his remarkable and longstanding dedication to the center and to children within the community.

The ceremony included the dedication of a tree planted in his honor and a “Seth’s Bench, which will be permanently on display at the Florida Center.  Each bears a plague memorializing the Dr. Goldstein legacy.  Board of Director’s Chair, Barbara Brown; who earlier had welcomed guests to the event, led the ceremonies.  She also thanked guests during the on-sight reception held in his honor.

To contribute to the Dr. Norman Goldstein Memorial Fund providing scholarships to children in need of services Click Here.    

Fisk & Friends helps the Florida Center for Child and Family Development

At a recent press conference conducted by Suncoast Charities, Inc., at the Venice facility of The Florida Center for Child and Family Development Center; it was announced that the organization will benefit in part from proceeds of the Carlton and Linda Fisk Golf Tournament.  Funds will be donated to redesign and renovate the playground at the Venice Facility.  Also, to benefit from funding is the Sarasota County Association for the Handicapped.    
Seen in the photo are Carlton Fisk; along with officials from Suncoast Charities, Inc. Tom DeLong, Cal Erb and Ron Foxworthy; Kathryn Shea, President and CEO of the Florida Center, and children from both organizations who participated in the event.

Our Special Thanks to our sponsors for their assistance and generosity in making the 22nd Annual Festival of Trees Event such a success. -more-