National Sickle Cell Awareness Month: September is the month designated by Congress to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease. The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America’s theme for this year is Sickle Cell Matters. We encourage everyone to be a part of this national effort to increase awareness about sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait. Individuals and organizations can join our efforts by engaging elected officials for proclamations, hosting awareness events, distributing educational information to dispel the myths about sickle cell disease, and lighting public spaces, buildings and landmarks red.

***

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL WOMEN VIRTUAL VENDOR MARKETPLACE: Join host Gwendolyn Landrum (The Metro Atlanta Club), owner of Global Design Connection, LLC, for a midday shopping experience, Saturday, Sept. 26 @ 11:45 a.m. The mini-event will be an opportunity to support the NANBPWC, Inc. – Southeast District network of small business owners. Be ready to shop to your heart’s desire! For general questions contact Virtual Conference Administrator Cheryl McKay at southeast.nanbpwc@gmail.com or 336-937-0480.

***

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: COVID-19 concerns must not reduce prostate cancer screenings, says the Men’s Health Network. Men of all ages should discuss options with their healthcare providers and not delay screenings because of COVID-19. To learn more visit prostatehealthguide.com or menshealthresourcecenter.com.

***

LET’S TALK INNOVATION: Following the success of its 1st annual innovation conference in Boca Raton, Let’s Talk Innovation has announced that Beatrice Dixon, CEO of The Honey Pot Company, will headline its 2020 Innovation conference Sept. 30. Dixon joins several other powerhouse speakers including CEO of Code Newbie, Saron Yitbarek; CEO of Grovest, Jeff Miller; CEO of Quartz Water Source, Jonathan Quarles; CEO of USDV Capital, Todd Billings; media strategist Serena Spates; and VP of Gelt Financial Noah Miller. Visit Letstalkinnovation.co.

***

VIRTUAL TALENT SHOW TO BENEFIT CHARITIES: Through Sept. 30, “Virtualoso” will accept video submissions from individuals and groups who sing, dance, have a variety show act, or other unique, family-friendly talent. All ages are invited to apply. There is a non-refundable application fee of $10 for each submission. Finals scheduled for mid-November. Visit virtualosotalentshow.com.

***

ONLINE HOMEWORK HELP AND TUTORING: With so many students using distance learning this Fall because of COVID-19, the Miami-Dade Public Library System is providing certified teachers to help K-12 students. Thirty-minute sessions are available, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., through Dec.19. Visit mdpls.org/tutor.

***

COMPLETE THE CENSUS: The deadline was extended through Sept. 30 in order to respond online, via phone or by mail. Responses ensure that the community is accurately represented and accurately funded through the next decade. Visit 2020census.gov.

***

SPOKEN SOUL FESTIVAL OCT. 3: Spotlighting the strength and creativity of talented female performing artists and craftswomen from South Florida, in partnership with the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County. This year’s theme celebrates the Woman’s Right To Vote and highlights the commemoration of the 19th Amendment. The performances can be viewed 7 p.m. at youtube.com/arshtcenter. Visit spokensoulfestival.com

***

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ONLINE CELEBRATION NOV. 7: The Palm Beach County chapter of the nonpartisan political organization will honor the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote, and the founding of the league, on the first Saturday after the upcoming election. The free onehour event, “Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy,” can be accessed through the league website, lwvpbc.org, at 5 p.m. The virtual celebration will include endorsements from local office holders and community leaders, several lively videos, memories and challenges from current League officials, and musical performances by Broadway/cabaret star Avery Sommers and Kai Alivia, winner of the Young Artists Award from Legends Radio. Special Guest Speaker Frank Cerabino, Palm Beach Post columnist, will share favorite Florida election anecdotes. Visit lwvpbc.org or facebook.com/lwvpbc.

***

SEND YOUR CORONA-NNOUNCEMENTS: To news@sfltimes.com