Sterensis to lead JFCS, new officers named
CLEARWATER — Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services has appointed Abby Sterensis as its new board chair, recognizing her decade-long service on the board and her family’s multi-generational commitment to the agency’s mission.
Sterensis’s connection to Gulf Coast JFCS goes back decades. “Being named board chair of Gulf Coast JFCS is both incredibly humbling and exciting for me because the agency’s work has been intertwined with my family’s history for generations,” she said. “After surviving the Holocaust and spending years in a displaced persons camp, my grandparents were resettled in the United States by HIAS, the same organization whose partnership enables Gulf Coast to support refugees today.”
Both her parents have served on the board and her mother was board chair and interim CEO.
Others named as officers include Rick Kriseman, vice chair; Wayne Hanewicz, treasurer; Ted Newman, secretary; and David Punzak, immediate past chair.
2026 Turkey Trot accepting registrations
CLEARWATER — One of Tampa Bay’s longest-running Thanksgiving traditions is now accepting registration. The 2026 Achieva Clearwater Turkey Trot returns with an expanded packet-pickup schedule, new participant perks and an enhanced pre-race celebration
The annual event, as usual, will occur Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, at Clearwater High School.
Some initial changes include a more user-friendly registration platform and a revamped Pre-Trot Celebration layout at the BayCare Ballpark to ensure adequate space and shorter lines for those that wish to pick up their packets/t-shirts while enjoying a family-friendly community event.
Participants can choose from three race options:
• Achieva 5K Timed Run, 7 a.m. start, for competitive runners
• FrankCrum Family Fun 5K, 8 a.m. start
• Abe’s Place 1-Mile Drum Run, 9:15 a.m. start
Registration is now open. This year, participants will log on at RunSignUp.com for a more streamlined registration experience.
Participants can pick up their race bibs, T-shirts and other registration items starting as early as Nov. 21 at several locations.
For full event details, visit the city of Clearwater Events or follow along on social media at Facebook.com/ClearwaterTurkeyTrot.