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ISSUE NO. 5 | FALL 2022

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CONTENTS

A Century of Impact: Bradenton Kiwanis Turns 100 by Nicole Miskovic

Orange Grove Artwoks by Emma Taylor

Learning for a Lifetime by Kendra Gemma

Bradenton Business Owners

Five Fall Foods by Corey Grenz

Recipe Family Edition

8 Amazing Ice Cream Shops in Bradenton by Kelly Stillwell

2022 JIMCAM Hockey Referee Memorial Softball Tournament by Travis Cornwell

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Photo by: Megan Barry, Orange Grove Artworks

A Hop, Skip and Jump from Bradenton by Kelly Stillwell

The City of Palmetto: Past to Present by Sarah Fish

Manatee County Library the Little Discovery Center

Bradenton Riverwalk by Nicole Miskovic

Ready to Run? by Dr. Meredith Butulis

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Expands Its Manatee Program

The Old Bakery

The Need to Connect Is Real

by Liz Reed

by Beth Douglas

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A Century of Impact: B r a d e n t o n K i w a n i s Tu r n s 1 0 0 BY NICOLE MISKOVIC The people from our past have a way of shaping what we are today. Years of communities adapting, growing, and making a mark on an ever-changing world have a way of building steppingstones for a bigger impact today, and one of the architects of those steppingstones in our community is the Bradenton Kiwanis. An international service organization with a presence in more than 80 nations, Kiwanis is a group of inspirational volunteers with a mission to improve the world we live in, one child and one community at a time. Chartered originally in August of 1922, the former “Manatee River Kiwanis Club” celebrates its centennial this year with 167 members (and counting). As one of the largest service organizations in the county, how has Bradenton Kiwanis inspired positive change in the area? Let’s look at what 100 years of history and serving the community looks like, as well as what you can do to celebrate or get involved. Kiwanis History and Milestones “Our ongoing mission is to not only focus on programs for children’s aid in the community, but to also look toward capital improvement projects and other opportunities that impact their lives,” said Judge Gilbert A. Smith, Jr., President of Bradenton Kiwanis. With a focus on children’s aid and capital improvement projects, Bradenton Kiwanis consists of hundreds of community leaders dedicating their time and knowledge to make a positive difference. And, though you might not know it, Kiwanis impact has achieved some impactful milestones since its inception. Just a few years after its formation, Bradenton Kiwanis became an integral part of funding a health clinic and camp for disadvantaged youth out of Camp Flying Eagle, which was followed by the funding and assembly of our local Boys Club (which would eventually become the Boys and Girls Club) in the 1940s. By the end of the 1980s, Kiwanis had cemented its impact on the community as a problem solver and innovator. The organization had financed two major Boys Club building programs, built and funded both Kiwanis Recreation Park and Kiwanis Trailer Park, funded hundreds of local scholarships for students, commenced its inaugural Prayer Breakfast, and even donated the $500,000 seed money that would set in motion the construction of a new Manatee Civic Center, a project that might not have happened without Kiwanis support. Another pivotal milestone for the club came in 1994, when local physician Dr. Gladys Branic became the first woman to join Bradenton Kiwanis. Since then, the organization has continued to remain a steadfast supporter of community initiatives. From helping veterans and families to beautifying the community and civic buildings, Bradenton Kiwanis has created a reputation in the last century for addressing the needs of the community, working as a team to make each project a reality.

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A Community Catalyst The organization’s involvement and imprint on Manatee County go beyond its century-long history. With more than $400,000 in charitable amounts disbursed throughout the community over just this fiscal year so far, Bradenton Kiwanis has become a catalyst of sorts, often providing the spark of incentive and inspiration that makes functional programs transformational. For example, the group hosted the “Christmas in August” campaign for many years, a back-to-school event that invites families of underprivileged Manatee school district students to have a place for free physicals, vision, and dental check-ups, haircuts, and even gift cards for school supplies. The campaign grew so successful for our community’s school-aged children, the Kiwanis Club recently passed it on to HOPE Family Services, giving it a bigger infrastructure for widespread success. “I think of us as the community’s incubator,” said Sharon Barhorst, leader of the Membership and Fundraising Committees at Kiwanis Bradenton. “What we’re able to do is provide seed money for long-term projects and initiatives, let them build a foundation, and then give them the ability to grow independently to solve real problems in the community with the organizations that specialize in that issue.” So, what does the next 100 years for Bradenton Kiwanis look like? Well, it’s hard to make any concrete predictions, but the group doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, with new milestones and goals in place as long as there’s a need to be fulfilled. “I think for our future, it’s about looking for opportunities where there’s a gap, where something’s not being served,” said Judge Smith. “We see so many needs – for children, families, individuals – that are not completed, because of monetary reasons or otherwise. We hope both the Kiwanis Foundation and Club will continue to support the programs and solutions that will fulfill these needs.” Celebrating 100 “Our organization consists of hundreds of community leaders dedicating their time and knowledge to touch so many lives, and our goal is to continue to grow that number by 10 percent each year,” said Barhorst. “Service clubs are important to all, and there’s always room for more members.” With so many years as a catalyst and supporter of local initiatives and making our home a better place, the 100-year impact of Bradenton Kiwanis is woven into the fabric of the community. Here are some ways you can celebrate this historic birthday or get involved. Save the date: The Club will be hosting its annual Gala on Saturday, October 1, 2022. For more information about reserving a spot, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Janene Amick: ceo@manateeperformingartscenter. com. Join the club: New members who believe in the Kiwanis mission, or just want to help the community, are always welcome. There are a variety of membership options for everyone, from individual to corporate. To learn more, contact Sharon Barhorst: sharon.barhorst@verizon.net. Attend a Meeting: If you’re interested in joining the team or making a difference, join Kiwanis Bradenton for lunch, networking, and informational speakers every Tuesday at 12:15pm at Kiwanis Hall on the second floor of the Manatee Performing Arts Center. For more information about the Bradenton Kiwanis Club, visit www. BradentonKiwanis.org.

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M ISS I O N

support local

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BRADENTON MAGAZINE P.O. Box 1034 Bradenton FL 34206 www.BradentonMag.com

EDITORIAL P AUL A W RI G H T Publisher + Editor-In-Chief Paula@BradentonMag.com

e b i r c subs

R OX A NN E C L APP Designer

K EN D RA G EM M A Proofreader

SALES

BE R NA D E TT E (B E RN I E) G OT T SC H AL K

Bernie@BradentonMag.com

CREATIVE WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Kelly Stilwell Sarah Fish Nicole Miskovic Kendra Gemma Travis Cornwell Beth Hearn Douglas Meredith Butulis Corey Grenz Liz Reed Emma Taylor

COVER PHOTO: MEGAN BARRY ORANGE GROVE ARTWORKS

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Orange Grove Artworks BY EMMA TAYLOR Megan Barry grew up in Fort Myers in a family of environmental enthusiasts. Her mother started teaching her about the natural world from a young age through beach cleanups and road trips. By the time she was 15 years old, she had visited 14 National Parks. “She is so smart. We were always outside. My mom knows so much about Florida and the nature here. I learned everything I love through her, so it’s definitely something that was fostered from a young age.” Barry said of her upbringing. Barry spent her days exploring the nature preserve near her childhood home and started drawing inspiration for her artwork and a life centered in the passionate pursuit of conservation. Her creativity was encouraged and she began painting on her bedroom and laundry room walls—early buds of an artistic path that remain intact. Barry is a graduate of Florida State University where she studied Environmental Science and Urban Planning. 14 | BMAG

She is currently working toward her Master’s Degree in Sustainable Policy at the University of South Florida. Her career path has been heavily rooted in a fusion of creativity and nature awareness. She worked at a wildlife sanctuary in college and later went on to work for a sea turtle rehabilitation center, as a tour guide on Sanibel Island, and for the City of Boca Raton Nature Center. She is currently the Public Outreach Manager for the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Barry’s past vocations afforded her dynamic avenues for creative expression and she was able to explore her abilities beyond her hobby of painting. She found herself immersed in exhibit design, giving her the opportunity to convey science and information through a visual medium. Though she focused on the planning aspect of her education early on, she quickly realized that utilizing her artistic ability to inspire others to learn more about protecting and appreciating their natural surroundings was her calling. “I’m just so proud to be working for an organization

that’s doing something for Florida’s environment. I always wanted to get here, and now I am. I would go and walk around Robinson (Preserve) and say ‘I need to be out here and get a job in nature’—a few weeks later, I was hired by the Estuary Program and we were out there planting the following weekend. It was a total full-circle moment. They saw my art before they hired me. It’s really amazing how everything comes together,” she said. In addition to her ‘day job’, Barry has begun lending her artistry and eye for nature’s beauty to Orange Grove Artworks, a platform she created to brand some of her photography and more graphics-based pieces. A couple of years ago, early in the pandemic, Barry found herself with some additional free time and the desire to begin sharing some of her work with fellow nature lovers. Though she has donated or given away much of her time and art to both friends and organizations—many of her proceeds go to local conservation groups—she found herself wanting a new platform for her work. With a little brainstorming, “I thought, ‘what’s something unique to Florida that hasn’t been taken? Something I can make a cool logo out of that alludes to Florida’s feel?’ So, I thought, ‘Oranges feel synonymous with Florida’. I threw something cute together and it worked. I really like the sound of it,” she said. The beating heart of Orange Grove is Barry’s earnest desire to share her veneration for the outdoors with those who are similarly moved. She set up a booth at the Downtown Farmer’s Market this past winter and was delighted with the positive interest she received from her fellow ‘locals’. “I could tell the people who were from Florida by their interest in it (her work). I sold a piece depicting red-headed woodpeckers to a woman who was really into birds and knew all about the species. She told me she had a family of birds that looked just like the picture living outside her house. It was such a special moment for me because that’s exactly what I want. I want to make art for people who really love Florida’s environment. Very simple and true environmentalists. It was just so cool to share that.” Barry’s piece for this month’s cover was a perfect selection because both her approach to conservation and her artistic sensibilities are very locally based. She is inspired by her surroundings and strives to spark that same passion in the viewers of her work. Her aim is to create pieces that are posterized and simple—very direct. “I don’t have the nicest camera or the most technical skill, but what I want is to make small things that simplify nature and remind people of their favorite parts of Florida,” she said of her intention. Employing different methods of illustration and manipulation to her photography, Barry is able to create pieces that capture the purest parts of Manatee County. She believes that nature holds organic art and beauty so inherently that it’s easy to capture. She expresses that she feels lucky to have contributed her work to some of her favorite groups—notably among them are the Florida Trail Association and the International Estuary Foundation—but really, her vision speaks for itself in its encapsulation of the beauty that surrounds us all. Barry’s existing artwork can be viewed on her instagram page @orangegroveartworks. She also accepts commissions and the opportunity to interact with her fellow nature lovers.

“Education is so important. We have a responsibility to understand these places and really appreciate them because we’re not just tourists. These are our lands and we should foster, not only an appreciation for them, but a desire to learn what we can do to preserve them. We’re kind of the caretakers for these special places.” -Megan Barry BMAG | 15

LEARNING FOR A LIFETIME

Where to pick up a new job skill or hobby in Manatee County

BY KENDRA GEMMA Back to school isn’t just for the kids! In Manatee County, adults can continue their educations, no matter their age or interests, at a variety of schools and institutions. Change careers, sharpen your skills for your job or the community, or simply have fun trying your hand at an artistic endeavor. Peruse the options and pick your path to personal enrichment

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Enhancing your knowledge can help you get ahead in your job – or move in a whole new direction. Manatee County colleges offer classes and certificate programs to assist you in achieving your goals. At State College of Florida (SCF) Manatee-Sarasota, enrolled students can earn associate degrees, but the school also has professional development classes for those who don’t want or need a college degree. You can learn basic computer skills in programs like Word and PowerPoint, complete the requisite course for a Florida insurance or a real estate license or become a certified personal trainer, among other vocational opportunities. SCF has its own Coding Academy, where anyone, regardless of education level, can train and test for industry-recognized credentials, such as CompTIA Security+ and Microsoft Power Platform. Software developer bootcamps were designed for working professionals, with classes taking place in evenings and on weekends in a hybrid format. Also associated with SCF, 26 West Center is primarily geared toward adults at any stage of their careers who want to grow themselves or their businesses. The Entrepreneurship Academy workshops are taught by local successful entrepreneurs and cover essential topics, from social media marketing to raising capital. Manatee Technical College prepares students for new job opportunities through its Career and Technical Education Programs. You could find work as a pastry chef, a childcare center director, a massage therapist, or an automotive body repairer, to name a few potential employment choices. The Continuing Education department helps students add to their skills in their current careers in healthcare, firefighting, and law enforcement.

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Adult education isn’t solely the purview of colleges in Manatee County. Since 1982, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce has held its annual Leadership Manatee program to develop community leaders. If you’re interested in taking part in the six-month program, you must fill out an application form, which includes an essay portion. Selected participants will attend daylong sessions that will expose them to aspects of the community, such as healthcare, agriculture, and law enforcement. Graduates stay connected to the program and each other for years to come, making it a great networking scenario as well as a way to edify yourself and guide you to becoming a better and more involved citizen.

CREATIVE PURSUITS Sometimes, you just want to have fun and express yourself through art. You won’t want for chances to add a pastime to your repertoire or pick up an old hobby from a lifetime ago.

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At Music Compound MAN, the brand-new Manatee location of the popular Sarasota music school, adults can turn into rockstars or refresh their skills on an instrument they haven’t played in years. Private and group lessons are available on anything from the piano to the ukulele. If love music but you’re not an aspiring musician, try your hand at songwriting, music production, or singing. Performers who prefer to dance can sign up for classes at Ovation – School of Musical Theatre. While the school mostly caters to kids whose sights are on Broadway, it also lets adults stretch their bodies and their minds with classes just for them. Put on your dancing shoes for tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, or contemporary lessons. If you like working with your hands more than your feet, register for an art or craft class instead. ArtCenter Manatee exhibits works by local artists, and it encourages amateurs to dabble in the arts. Classes and workshops are led by highly qualified instructors, or the occasional award-winning visiting instructor. Students can create jewelry or pottery, draw, or paint, and even fashion a fused glass bowl. Some classes are one-day or weekend-long workshops, while others meet for a few weeks. If you prefer your artistry with friends and a beverage, visit art studio/boutique GypSeasoul in downtown Bradenton for one of its evening workshops. You’ll leave with fun memories and a souvenir – like a glass starfish collage – that you made yourself. In Manatee County, it’s never too late to learn something new. Grab a notebook, your guitar, or a paintbrush and expand your horizons!

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Paul Mattison Owner of Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille Downtown Bradenton, Mattison’s City Grille Downtown Sarasota and Mattison’s Forty-One, South Sarasota When did you start the business? Why?

I have had several restaurants throughout my career, but my current group of restaurants and catering company, Mattison’s Restaurants and Catering, began with Mattison’s City Grille in Downtown Sarasota in 2001. Mattison’s Forty-One and Mattison’s Catering were added in 2007 and Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille opened in 2016. I created Mattison’s International Cookery, a tour company leading hands-on culinary adventures throughout Italy. In 2012, I published my first cookbook, Chef! The Story and Recipes of Chef Paul Mattison. Mattison’s is also the in-house caterer for private events and pre-show dining at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. I created the Mattison’s concept with my partner Jason Sango. We both have a passion for providing delicious, healthy food and a memorable dining experience. We also have a passion for live music, good times and making our guests feel like family. We do this by providing authentically sourced ingredients from vendors who share in our commitment to using the finest, high-quality, sustainably sourced and all natural, antibiotic and hormone-free menu items prepared by an expert team of classically trained chefs.

What is your connection to Bradenton?

My connection goes far beyond the restaurant. We are partners and supporters of other businesses and organizations in Bradenton such as Realize Bradenton, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Discover Bradenton and of course, the Bradenton Magazine. We felt right at home since we opened and have enjoyed becoming part of the tapestry of this special community.

What is your background? Is this business a result of your passion?

I grew up in upstate New York cooking, gardening and being inspired by my Italian grandmother. I began my culinary career at age 15 at Symeon’s Greek restaurant. Upon graduating from The Culinary Institute of America, I went to Aspen, Colorado, to refine my skills at the Zagatcelebrated Pinon’s restaurant. In 1991, I relocated to Sarasota as the executive chef and proprietor of the Summerhouse Restaurant on Siesta Key. I ventured out and opened Mattison’s in 2001 and the rest is history. 22 | BMAG

What were your drives to start up?

To provide good food in a comfortable, elegant yet casual atmosphere where friends and family could gather to have a memorable dining or event experience.

Are the sacrifices worth it?

That depends on the day you ask me. But seriously, when I visit the guests dining in our restaurants or when I hear from a bride or an event planner how much the food and our service made their event extra special, it is all worth it. At the end of the day that is what drives me…making people happy with the experience they have with Mattison’s.

What are some goals you hope to accomplish with your efforts?

I love teaching young chefs the ropes and seeing them blossom and grow to realize their potential and beyond. Educating people on healthy eating and clean eating is a driving force for me. I try to lead by example of what is possible not just what is expected.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Every day is different especially in catering. I love that we create memories that last a lifetime!

Has it been everything you expected? And more!

What makes your services unique?

We cook with passion; we serve with heart. We focus on sustainably sourced, all-natural, antibiotic and hormonefree ingredients. We call these Never Ever products. This is important and foundational to what Mattison’s stands for. We also prepare all our items from scratch and make them in-house. We feel strongly that this makes a difference in the taste and provides our guests with authentically prepared dishes.

What advice would you give someone starting their own business?

Make sure you understand the industry you are going into. Make sure you understand business principles and procedures and the risks involved. Make sure you are capitalized adequately, not only to build it but also to run it. It takes a long time and commitment to get it to sustain itself.

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Dan Shepard, Linda Sterrett (pictured) and Mike Shepard (pictured) Carl Shepard – Father and founder of Nu-Way Cash & Carry, Red Barn Flea Market

When did you start the business?

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Our father, Carl Shepard, started the Flea Market in May of 1981. Prior to the Flea Market, he owned a lumber company and truss manufacturing plant on the property and when the interest rates went up in the late 1970s/early 1980s, the home building slowed down considerably. Carl was looking to get into a different business; it was suggested to him by a friend that he consider a flea market. He had the vision to see that he needed to make a change and the Flea Market was born.

Meeting new people and seeing them become successful as they grow their business. It is so rewarding to watch a new business begin and then soar.

Is this business a result of your passion? All the siblings have a history of being on the property and working on it in various ways. Dan operated a truss business; Linda operated a drafting and blueprint service and Mike worked in the mill and door plant. Dad passed away, unexpectedly, so my two brothers and I took a pause from our careers, and 28 years later, we are still at it! Because it was dad’s passion, it was important for us to continue his legacy. We love what we do, and it has been a wonderful life.

Are the sacrifices worth it? We feel it has been a learning and worthwhile venture for the last 28 years meeting many nice and interesting people along the way. Sacrifices are a part of owning your own business, and they are worth it.

What are some goals you hope to accomplish with your efforts? There is always the goal to be successful. But one goal that was important to Dad was to provide the means to educate all his grandchildren. His dream is our dream, and the last grandchild is in her senior year of college and will soon be headed for her graduate program.

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Has is been everything you expected? It has been more than we expected. When the market burned to the ground in 1996, we had to rebuild and reopened in 1998. The vendor and public support were fantastic and very much appreciated.

What makes your services unique? It is a dream for many to open and operate their own business. We provide a venue, that for a modest commitment and cost, allows them to realize that desire.

What advice would you give someone starting their own business? When you start your own business, it needs to be something that you are passionate about. You need to live and breathe it. – Linda Research what items to sell and engage the public. Be friendly and helpful to your customers and they will return. - Mike

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Christine Olson Founder and President of Tiffs Initiative

An accident happened on U.S.19 and 49th street in Palmetto 17 years ago. Some may remember as it tied up traffic for hours. It may have made you late to get somewhere, you may have been one of many yelling obscenities, #x!!-!!x, c’mon let’s go. But that night was the night my daughter Tiffiany Marie Olson, 22 years old, and her boyfriend would be struck by an impaired driver running a stop sign striking the motorcycle she was a passenger on. She would be killed on impact at 7:01 pm. A mere 15 minutes away, I sat watching a movie and drinking hot tea, possibly with a bite of chocolate totally unaware anything was wrong, or of the horror that was about to unfold. It would be 6 1/2 hours before I would hear the words, “sorry she’s gone.” Even after all these years, it’s as vivid as the night it happened. The panic, the fear, the voices. So why write about this 17 years later you may ask? Well, that night, unbeknownst to me, history was about to be made, World History. You see, waiting so many hours to be reached and notified just felt wrong! And to know that 6 hours, is a national average, yes, national average!!! In my heart something spoke and said if it happened to me it will happen to someone else, maybe you. So, I came up with a thought, just a thought. What if we could put emergency contact information in a driver’s license as that’s all Tiffi had on her person. At the time, I was a server of 22 years at the Rod and Reel Pier restaurant, not someone skilled in government things let alone bringing change into a years-old system of doing things. So, I took my thoughts to those I knew, asking them what they thought about the idea. The response was overwhelming and so we started a petition on Anna Maria Island where many islanders signed without even a second thought. It just seemed to make sense, common sense.

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I then took the petitions and my personal story to then State Representative Bill Galvano, his response. OMG, this is amazing!!! Six months later, Tiffs Initiative would be born as Florida Highway Safety in Tallahassee recognized doing this was a solution in aiding law enforcement with a tool of sorts, helping them know who you want notified within minutes in the event of accident or medical emergency and cannot speak or unconscious. Just think of that, a mere 6 months for our state to implement this firstof-its-kind solution of adding emergency contact information to a current driver’s license and or state I.D. for those who don’t drive. So now 17 years later I am so proud to say that the hard work I and the state of Florida have put into raising awareness and getting Floridians registered has paid off with nearly 20 million individuals now registered in our state alone and 17 states that I know of following in our footsteps in a free service that is truly saving lives. So, have you registered your emergency contact information? It takes only a couple minutes and like I said free. Certain things can wait. This is not one of them. It’s been a very hard journey where having to relive that night has never brought any type of closure, because if I stop talking you may not know this service exists, you’ll not register and others will continue to go through exactly what happened to me. Let’s be the change for ourselves, our family, our friends, neighbors and co-workers. Just tell 5 and have the next person tell 5. I’m including direct links to register and asking for those who have contacts or resources to reach out and contact me. This mother will change the world and I’m well on my way. https://www.toinformfamiliesfirst.org/register

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Five Fall Foods Corey Grenz, MS Nutrition & Fitness Coach coreygrenz.com | 941-877-1531 Q @coachcoreygrenz | E Fitness Focus Fuel

Now that summer is over and fall is underway, it is normal for your taste buds to change a bit regarding food. In addition, while summer is known for grilling and barbequing, the fall season usually consists of baking and slow cooking. As we transition to the new season, here are five foods to consider eating more of in the fall as well as ways to prepare them.

Apples: Apples are full of vitamins, fiber, and are linked to numerous health benefits. In addition they taste great, are convenient to eat, and there are many different varieties to choose from. As far as eating them raw, add slices to Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to make those dairy and protein sources more tasty. Regarding cooking ideas, try making them into apple sauce or baking apple slices for a healthy dessert!

Pears: Similar to apples, pears can be eaten raw and have many similar health benefits via vitamins and fiber. An often unknown benefit of this fruit is it’s one of the least allergenic fruits there is, so many people can enjoy them. As far as preparing them, they can be added to Greek yogurt or cottage cheese in the raw form, baked like apples, made into teas and juices, and canned/jarred for longterm preservation.

Pumpkin: Obviously most of you think about pumpkin pie regarding ways to eat it and don’t realize its versatility as the flesh (healthy starch and fiber) and seeds (healthy fat and fiber) can be eaten and enjoyed. Regarding healthy ways to prepare it, roasting or baking slices of it and its seeds is a great start. In addition, it can be great in smoothies with vanilla protein powder. Finally some people really enjoy it as a curry or soup.

Sweet Potatoes: This vegetable is a great healthy starch, form of fiber (especially the skin), and most people find them more filling than white potatoes resulting in eating fewer total calories. When it comes to cooking sweet potatoes there

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are many options including boiling, steaming, baking, and even microwaving if you are short on time. Best of all, if you want a healthier version of French fries you can’t go wrong with sweet potato fries!

Turkey: Of the five foods listed, this is the only form of protein which will help you feel full, build or maintain muscle, and increase your metabolism, as protein takes more energy to digest. As far as ways to prepare, it there are many options to choose from like deli turkey, ground turkey, turkey slices, and, of course, the traditional way of having it during Thanksgiving and other holidays. Best of all, once it’s cooked it can be served hot or cold, making it a convenient choice. While it’s easier to grill “Summer Foods” during that season, some of the food above will take a bit more work. That is OK as most of the food featured in this article is best cooked at a slower rate indoors. This isn’t a bad thing as it will allow you to transition to more cooking indoors as the weather starts to cool off. Best of all, the featured fall food above are great for the winter too so you will have plenty of time to practice cooking and preparing them!

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8 Amazing Ice Cream Shops in Bradenton BY KELLY STILWELL We all scream for ice cream! Frosted, malted, or peppered and salted. Sis-boom-bah! Barney the purple dinosaur had such wisdom, don’t you think? And though I haven’t found peppered ice cream (at least locally) I have scoured the area and found some pretty amazing deliciousness right here in our own backyard. Chocolate Dip Top Frozen Custard? Check. Sea Salted Caramel Gelati? We’ve got that. Mulai Kulfi? Say what? It’s an Indian-style ice cream flavored with cardamom and nuts, and we’ve got that, too. Let us know your favorite ice cream spot and we’ll check it out!

JEREMIAH’S ITALIAN ICE This popular spot seems to always be jumping, and you might just find yourself singing along with the music while you wait in line. Don’t worry about the wait. It goes fast and the menu is long, so you’ll need time to make your choice. Your first decision is ice cream, Italian ice, or Gelati? We recommend the Gelati, a combo of Italian Ice and creamy soft ice cream. We’re partial to the Mango, but with 40 flavors of Italian ice, you do you. Did we mention the free samples all day, every day? 2525 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton https://jeremiahsice.com/locations/ bradenton-fl

ISLAND SCOOPS Island Scoops serves up hand-mixed locally made ice cream using all natural ingredients. Choose from creative flavors like Banana Nut Crunch, Coconut Almond Joy, Keylime Cheesecake, and more. Check the menu for rotating favorites like Caramel Explosion. Let one of their Super Scoopers fill a waffle cone or dish with your favorite flavor, or order a sundae, float, or malt. Can’t make up your mind? Try the flight of six flavors. Island Scoops now offers easy order-ahead service, too. Order through the website or call ahead and your order will be brought to your car. They’ve also partnered with DoorDash, Grubhub, and Island Eats for delivery, or join the club for regular deliveries straight to your doorstep. 103B Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach islandscoops.shop 32 | BMAG

SHAKE PIT An institution in Bradenton, Shake Pit has been serving up frozen treats, burgers, and more, for over 60 years. Though it’s changed owners several times since Harry Cummings opened in 1959, thankfully, it hasn’t changed much over all that time. Whether you sit outside at one of the picnic tables or grab one of the stools in the grill room, get ready to enjoy a little piece of paradise. Though ice cream is what Shake Pit is most known for, the burgers are exceptional. Fries or onion rings? You can’t go wrong with either. For ice cream flavors, we counted about 30, but they do change so who’s counting? Order a Pit Split, shake, malt, or their trademarked Spooners. Can’t decide? Order a soft serve frozen custard and they’ll dip it in chocolate. Tip: Grab napkins at the counter while you wait. You’re probably going to need them. You’re welcome. 3801 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shake-Pit/336634579733430

TYLER’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM Family-owned and operated since 1984, Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream is still serving some of the freshest and most delicious ice cream around. Over time, they’ve created more than 300 flavors of ice cream! Though you won’t find quite that many on the menu, they do typically offer 40-plus flavors. The biggest seller is currently Cookies and Cream, but Butter Pecan and Sea Salt Caramel are close behind. Located in historic Cortez Village, this is the perfect stop after enjoying one of the nearby seafood restaurants. 11904 Cortez Road, Cortez http://tylersicecream.com/cortez.html

TWO SCOOPS ICE CREAM PARLOR & COFFEE CAFE Two Scoops motto is one to live by; If one scoop is good then two scoops are even better. Two Scoops has received the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 8 years in a row, serving 32 flavors of homemade ice cream. With flavors like Muddy Sneaker, Gator Tracks, and S’mores, chocolate lovers will think they’ve died and gone to heaven. Prefer a sundae, shake, float, or sorbet? You’ll find those, too. Just looking for a coffee drink? They’ve got you. And if you’re hungry for something savory before dessert, take a look at the breakfast and sandwich menu. 101 S. Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria www.twoscoopsami.com/flavors/ BMAG | 33

CORWIN’S ICE CREAM Head to Corwin’s Ice Cream for a scoop of amazing ice cream flavors like Triple Peanut Butter or Caramel Swirl topped with one of the 16 available toppings, including Brownie Crumbles. Rather a sundae? Make your own from a plethora of choices. Feeling like something a little healthier? Try an almond milk smoothie made with real fruit. Either way, enjoy your treat while burning off some calories with a stroll along the 1.5-mile Riverwalk. Just be careful about parking as some spaces are Marina Only. 1000 Barcarrota Ave, Bradenton https://www.corwinsicecream.com/

COCO JOE’S ITALIAN ICE Don’t let the name fool you. There’s a lot more than Italian ice at this shop. How about a homemade ice cream sandwich featuring two giant Oreo wafers filled with soft frozen custard? You might want to order the 6-pack. Maybe an old fashioned A & W root beer float made with their soft frozen custard? For a healthier choice, order one of the Acai Bali Hai Bowls filled with organic acai sorbet, frozen fruit, granola, and agave. Everything is to-go as there’s no seating. Head to the window, not the door. 5120 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton https://www.cocojoesitalianice.com/

BIG COW CREAMERY With more than 50 flavors of homemade ice cream, including that Malai Kulfi and other Indian-syle flavors, you’ll just have to keep going back to try them all. I asked owner and ice-cream-maker extraordinaire Ketan Shah which flavor was his favorite, and he told me it was between the coffee and the black cherry. I tasted both (delicious!) and went with the black cherry, which may well be the best I’ve ever tasted. Check out the menu including malts, milkshakes, banana splits, sundaes, and more. 5217 33rd Street East, Bradenton https://www.facebook.com/bigcowcreamery/

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2022 JIMCAM HOCKEY REFEREE MEMORIAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT BY TRAVIS CORNWELL

This past June, hockey officials across the state of Florida gathered for an annual softball tournament in remembrance of Jim Blankenship and Camden Nuckols. This was the first year of the tournament and over 60 officials participated, with four different teams making up each region of the state, which included, Central, East, West, and South. Jim Blankenship was a longtime hockey referee in the state of Florida. He passed away in 2016 due to brain cancer. He worked at numerous levels of the game spanning from Junior to Pro. He was instrumental in setting up many of the other

36 | BMAG

officials to have success. “If it wasn’t for Jim’s love of the game and desire to give back, a lot of us wouldn’t be in the positions we are in today,” said Official Ross Crimaldi. Camden Nuckols was another official who was based out of Orlando. He passed away in November of 2015. He was only 25 years old. He also officiated high-level hockey games, paying his dues through the Officials Development Program (ODP). He was a former East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Linesman, where he skated 61 regular season games and two playoff contests. His love for the game was his top reason for making tremendous

contributions to the Officials Association. The tournament was organized by official Jeff Ning. The games were played at Blackstone Park in Palmetto. It consisted of a round-robin format, where everyone would play each other one time. After that, the teams with the two best records in round-robin play would then play in the championship game. With many of these officials working games together for their local district on the hockey rink, you could see the group camaraderie out on the field. “It’s not often that everyone gets to get together outside of the hockey rink. Most of them will work their local games amongst each other and maybe get the opportunity to officiate with the others at other tournaments or at higher levels,” said Crimaldi. The other time they may see one another is at their annual classroom seminar, where they go over rules, video, and other officiating techniques. Due to the pandemic, however, this has been held over Zoom for the last few years. With all the officials that came out to be a part of this special day, not everyone participated in playing. Many strictly came for the social aspect as others helped with keeping score and commentating on the game. Ray Burtoff, who is an off-ice official for the ECHL team, Orlando

Solar Bears, helped announce. The personalities of each official were on display as everyone had a unique walk-up song when they stepped into the batter’s box. Unfortunately, midway through round-robin play, the rain started to come, which put a damper on the afternoon and the tournament could not continue. Drew Chisholm, part of the South team, who has also worked in the ODP said, “Well, this is part of living in Florida but, I think the purpose of this tournament was met. It was great to see everyone.” For a first annual tournament where you try to get everyone across the state involved, that can be very challenging. However, the turnout was great, and Jeff Ning discussed doing it again next year and having it be an annual event. “I feel like it did its job. I think we should do this again, 100%. The purpose was to get everyone in one place and have a good time,” said Ning. With the hockey season running from September through May, and everyone being so busy working games, it leaves them with a short window of when you can put something like this together that works for everyone. However, it’s something that everyone was looking forward to when the tournament was being planned.

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The Breakers

A HOP, SKIP AND JUMP FROM BRADENTON Where to go when you already live in Paradise? We have ideas! Whether you’re looking for a hop overnight, a skip for a long weekend, or a jump for a week-long getaway to rest, relax, and restore, we think you’ll love these destinations!

By Kelly Stilwell BMAG | 39

A HOP For a great overnight trip, Winter Park is a fantastic choice, especially for foodies. The city has a quaint, small-town vibe, and it’s very walkable, so park your car and start exploring. For dining, Bulla Gastrobar is perfect for sharing appetizers for lunch or dinner. If you’re looking for fine dining, head to The Alfond Inn to Hamilton’s Kitchen. The menu has a lot of delicious choices, the steaks are cooked to perfection, and the wine list is long. If you’re planning an overnight stay, The Alfond Inn is the perfect spot. Have an extra glass of wine and take the elevator to your room. For more ideas for your itinerary, check out The Morse Museum where you can view the Tiffany exhibit including the amazing Tiffany Chapel, Orlando Museum of Art, Quantum Leap Winery, and East End Market - a culinary hub! Your drive-time to Winter Park is approximately two hours.

Salmon on Toast - Bulla Gastrobar

A SKIP For the long weekend, take a drive over to the other coast for a trip to Palm Beach. Though I have to admit I love our calm beaches more than just about anywhere, it’s fun to see the bigger waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The drive over is pretty uneventful, but once you get there, the food and shopping is incredible. A stop at The Breakers is a must, even if you only look around at the shops and grab a coffee. We had lunch at the legendary Seafood Bar restaurant. Sit at the bar with the built-in aquarium and ocean views. The food and drinks were exceptional. Unbeknownst to me, they serve a huge piece of cake to those celebrating a birthday. As I was one of three at the bar with a birthday on that day, I’m guessing it’s a popular birthday tradition! For shopping, you can’t beat The Square, an open-air, Mediterranean-style haven in West Palm Beach. The shops are mostly national chains, but there’s something about this upscale area, and you can stop for a bite at one of the many exceptional restaurants in between your purchases. For a little culture, check out the 8200+ works at the Norton Museum of Art. For some family fun, check out Cox Science Center and Aquarium or Palm Beach Zoo. Palm Beach is about a 4-hour drive. The Breakers

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A JUMP For that longer vacation, Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia, is not only a golfer’s paradise, but it’s also well equipped for family fun. A little over an hour’s drive from Atlanta airport, you could be there vacationing tomorrow. For those hitting the links, you’ll have six championship golf courses, two of which are ranked in America’s Top 100. Reynolds Lake Oconee boasts designers making up the “Mount Rushmore of Architects,” so you can play a Jack Nicklaus-designed course in the morning and a Tom Fazio-designed course in the afternoon. Want to work on improving your game? The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee is one of only two facilities of its kind, combining instruction, experiences, and TaylorMade club fittings. For families, Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds offers adventure for everyone. From the 20-station sporting clays course to the archery range to fishing and kayaking, your days will be filled with outdoor fun. When it’s time to rest, you’ll have a choice of staying at the gorgeous Ritz-Carlton Lake Oconee, or renting a cottage or condominium right on property. Two-, three-, and fourbedroom cottages are available, but reserve well in advance as they fill quickly. There’s even great dining right on the property. When you get hungry, you’ll have choices like Gaby’s by the Lake, Linger Longer Steakhouse, Georgia’s, and the National Tavern. If you do feel like exploring, take a 15-minute drive to downtown Greensboro where you’ll find Oconee Brewing Company, shopping, and more.

Reynolds Lake Oconee Golf

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The City of Palmetto

by: Sarah Fish

Just north of Bradenton across the Manatee River is sister-city, Palmetto, a part of greater Manatee County. Though just about four small miles of incorporated city limits, Palmetto played a large part in the county’s history and contributed significantly to its growth at the turn of the century. According to the City of Palmetto website, the “Father of Palmetto” is Samuel Sparks Lamb, who migrated to Florida from Clark County, Mississippi, in 1866 with his wife Sarah and seven children. Over the course of two years, the Lamb family slowly made their way down to the Gulf Coast before stopping to look for land to settle along the Manatee River.

Samuel Sparks Lamb, founder of the town of Palmetto

“A barouche pulled by a mule and a horse and driven by nine-year-old son, Julius “Dool,” transported Sarah and five daughters, Mary Emma, Ellen, Sarah, Margaret and Julia Elizabeth. A yoke of oxen pulled a wagon loaded with household goods. Lamb rode his horse,” writes Joe Warner in his book, The Singing River: A History of People, Places and Events Along the Manatee River.

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In February 1868, Lamb purchased a single homestead close to Gamble Creek. Though within just a few years, Lamb acquired more acreage, platted it out and named it Palmetto after his birth-state, South Carolina, otherwise known as the “Palmetto State,” the City of Palmetto website says.

A school group gathers around a building believed to be either the Gillette or Palmetto school.

Lamb had a vision for a thriving community and immediately established Palmetto’s first post office in

By 1920, Palmetto erected its first one-

the same year he and his family arrived. Soon after in 1871,

room schoolhouse kindergarten, now a

he established a general store and in 1880, a freestanding

part of the Palmetto Historical Park for

post office was built. According to MyManatee.org, in

public viewing.

1889 he was one of the founding stockholders of the Peoples Wharf and Shipping Company, with plans of building and owning docks along the river for shipping and receiving produce and other goods. By 1893, Palmetto would officially be incorporated as a village,

In 1939, the Federal Writers Project Florida Guide described Palmetto as having “low frame-and-brick business buildings

and

numerous

clapboard

and by 1897 it finally became the City of Palmetto.

houses. The riverfront is alive with fishing

“Over the years, he would donate land out of this original

income is derived from the packing and

plat for a cemetery, three churches, a public library, the

shipping of fruits and vegetables.”

Woman’s Club, and a park,” the City of Palmetto website says. “It was also due to his foresight and planning that Old Main Street is so wide. Lamb intended to have a fine avenue stretching all the way between the two entrances to Palmetto, the wharf on the river, and the Seaboard Air Line Depot.”

and pleasure craft. Much of the town’s

In the 1950s and into the mid-1970s, Palmetto was home to a dolomite mine that was eventually sold and redeveloped into a residential community currently known as Riviera Dunes.

In 1902, the arrival of the railroad moved Palmetto’s center of commerce from the docks along the river to the Seaboard Air Line train station. This railway connected communities from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Miami and contributed to a boom in Palmetto’s growth. In 1914, Palmetto received $10,000 in funds from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation to build one of the first libraries in Southern Florida. The only stipulation by the foundation was that the library must have a basement. Therefore the library’s main entrance leads to the second floor via stairs and the first floor is considered the building’s basement, according to the Palmetto Historical Park website.

Palmetto Centennial, 1868-1968. [Source: Warner papers, Eaton Florida History Collection]

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Today, the history of Palmetto can still be observed at the Palmetto Historical Park. Along with the city’s original oneroom schoolhouse, visitors can admire the Carnegie Library, the focal point and archives to the park. The original 1880 post office is also part of the historical park, where once a year in March on Heritage Day, citizens can have a letter hand canceled with a special stamp used only on that day and at that location. Above: View of the old wooden Palmetto City Dock from the shore. A railroad track runs out onto the dock to carry fruit, vegetables, and other freight for loading onto the steamships. Samuel Sparks Lamb, the founder of Palmetto, along with his son J.A. Lamb and J.A. Howze, built the City Dock of Palmetto in 1897. Over the years, the dredged island at the end of the pier served as the home of a number of restaurants during the 20th Century and into the early 21st. A later pier replaced the one that burned in 1967 and more dock space for visiting yachts were added at the end of the 20th Century.

An original cottage from 1900 also stands on the park’s property and preserves the way life was at the turn of the century. It is a typical bungalow-style home for which Old Florida is known. And just nearby is the latest addition to the park, the Cypress House Military Museum, a 1930s bungalow relocated from Longboat Key, that displays how WWII military personnel were housed. The only unoriginal structure at the park is the chapel, built in 1999 and modeled to size and style after the first Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches in Palmetto.

Amanda Ward, Palmetto Historical Park’s Education

Engagement

Coordinator,

encourages people to take advantage of the free guided tours that happen at 2 p.m. each day the park is open. “Palmetto Historical Park is a great place to learn about our smalltown history,” Ward said. The Carnegie Library is accessible during regular open hours, however a guided tour is necessary to see the other historical buildings. The park grounds are open to the

Palmetto, Florida. Photograph furnished by the Marble Fair Office.

public for viewing without a guide every day. For more information about the locations on the tour or for more historical information on Palmetto, call 941-723-4991 or email palmettohistoricalpark@manateeclerk.com. Photos: Courtesy of Manatee County Public Library Historical Digital Collections.

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Manatee County Public Library is a treasure of the community. Your award-winning library provides everything you would expect - reader’s advisory, digital resources, programs, classes, and a summer reading programs for children that encourages reading for fun and also addresses the summer slide. Literacy of all kinds is important to Manatee Library and their fabulous staff. It is so important that in addition to everything we provide at our neighborhood locations, we also created a dedicated space for early learning: the Little Discovery Center. The Lit is a space for children to learn through hands-on play with their parents and caregivers and is staffed by librarians and educators to help ignite the fire of literacy. The Library recognizes the power of partnership to achieve common community goals. The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading “values its continuing partnership with the Manatee County Public Library System. The active involvement of the Library System in the family engagement events for the Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge and Suncoast Remake Learning Days strengthen and expand our shared impact and reach in the region.” The Literacy Coordinator for Manatee County Public Library, Jodie Williams, connected with John and Amanda Horne, owners of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, and shares their vision of every child reading at grade level. The award-winning Dive Into Reading program pairs 550 students with reading partners. “Each year our Dive Into Reading students show growth in their reading skills. Our collaboration with Manatee County Public Libraries provides a solid knowledge of books and 46 | BMAG

reading instruction to our program,” Amanda Horne remarked. Several library staff join in by volunteering their time to mentor students in the program. In 2018 Ms. Williams joined forces with Mrs. Barbara Harvey, Executive Director of Educational Consultants Consortium Inc. A free, educational summer camp at the Anna Gayle Resource Center in Palmetto was the result. Jodie Williams and her staff provide curriculum, resources, and teacher librarians for the camp. Mrs. Harvey commented, “Collaborating with Manatee County Libraries to provide literacy development activities to early learners through our Summer Reading Program has been essential in our goal to eliminate literacy and achievement disparities, and crucial to ensuring that our children achieve grade level reading by 3rd grade.” Each summer, students benefit from this collaboration as evidenced through their reading test scores. Tammy Parrott, the Library Services Manager for Manatee County, says her staff inspire her with their passion. “Libraries are that third place for our community. We see people come in to find their next read or attend a class and leave having formed connections. The staff at the Lit see that all the time – parents and caregivers supporting each other.” The Little Discovery Center is a literacy incubator and incredibly fun for all ages. We encourage everyone to visit at least once with their young library users. Parents and caregivers are a child’s first and best teachers. The Lit is there to connect and collaborate with you to build the foundation for reading and learning success.

The Old Bakery

(Paddy Wagon’s)

On the corner of Old Main Street and Third Avenue sits the “Old Bakery Building.” It was built in 1910, and the original façade still stands today. The top floor was office space and was relegated to the Bradenton Board of Trade and bank officials. Over the years, the building went on to house the Union Bus Station in 1926 and the Yellow Cab Company. Several different printing companies were there in the 1930s. Carousel Antiques was the last tenant for many years, having closed in 1977. After that, the building sat vacant until relatively recently. An official name for the bakery was never recorded as far as I can tell through my research, but locals recall stories of the place from their greatgrandparents. The ovens were in a single-story addition on the southwest corner of the back parking lot (Paddy Wagon’s outdoor seating area). Having the ovens in that location helped to keep the interior of the building cool, as there was no air conditioning at that time. The bakery was known for its fabulous orange cream puffs and had absolutely, hands down, the best chocolate cake one could find in Bradenton. Some people recall that the baker’s name was Dave, and he was most known for his moist, delicious chocolate cake. One of the bank officials loved Dave’s chocolate cake so much that, weekly, he sent his wife to get a cake (I’ve found this to be funny since he worked on the floor above the bakery). Dave and the bank official’s wife fell in love. The bank official later discovered the affair and allegedly had Dave killed. I don’t know all the facts of this story, but I do know for a fact that Dave is back at the bakery still baking his delicious items today.

As Dave has told us, and as verified through our EVP sessions (voice recordings), “[She] was the love of my life”, but, be careful ladies, he’s still an inveterate flirt! Dave is also known to say his chocolate cake recipe died with him. He has only revealed to us that he used lard, which is not a common item used much today. Dave is still hard at work but loves to take a break to talk. Sometimes while standing around the outdoor area, the smell of cinnamon or freshly baked bread will suddenly fill the air. But if you attempt to find the source of the delicious aroma, there’s nothing there. There are a few other spirits in the area and in the building. Catherine, for instance, is a young woman believed to be 16-17 years of age and who loves to have music played for her. ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” is her favorite. Catherine was discovered by one of our tour guides, Kyle, who did an investigation with us of the building itself. Kyle had been standing in a room upstairs and started getting hits on a K2 meter (a device that we use which allows spirits to answer yes or no questions. The meter lights up for yes answers). He was the first person to make a connection with her. We could also hear her voice. Kyle has since moved, but he did promise to come back to visit her. She came out to let us know that she is upset with Kyle for not coming back to see her. She doesn’t come out too often anymore.

BY LIZ REED CO-FOUNDER OF PSOBFL AUTHOR OF HAUNTED MANATEE COUNTY OWNER OF DOWNTOWN BRADENTON GHOST WALK

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paranormalsocietyofbradenton.wordpress.com

We also have spoken with Samuel, an 8-year-old little boy who loves to talk about stickball. When talking to him you must remember to use stickball terms. A score is a home run, and, yes, they used sticks rather than bats. He has informed us through questioning that he was a left-handed pitcher and made 33 scores in his eight years. A baseball player joined us on a ghost walk one night, and he told Samuel that he never made 33 scores so far in his career. Samuel has also informed us that girls are “icky,” but what else would you expect from an 8-year-old boy. When children are on our ghost walk, Samuel gets excited. He loves to have other children to talk to. We do know that the spirits of Samuel’s parents are also there. Alex is his father, but his mother has never let us know anything about her. Historical records show the family drowned in the Manatee River in 1850, after dredging created some inconspicuous deep areas. Over a hundred people were lost that summer, accidentally entering deep water and being unable to swim. There is the playful spirit of an older gentleman in the building. He loves to play hide-and-seek, going from room to room and making you look for him. We also met Rose. She and her husband had some drinks at the bars on Main Street and had their small daughter along. Her husband told her he felt too drunk to drive home, so Rose got behind the wheel. She drove down the street and hit four parked cars, killing her husband and infant daughter. She fell into a deep depression and took her own life. Rose is earthbound until she can release the guilt. Only then will she be able to return to her family. I hope that will be soon. With the revitalization of downtown Bradenton, the Old Bakery Building has new life. For a time, there were plans for a Mexican restaurant, but ultimately Paddy Wagon’s moved into the building and is there today for you to enjoy. We have met many of their staff members while conducting ghost walks. I have to say that I love the figures they have put in their front windows on the second floor. They’re always a big hit with our groups. If you would like to speak with our spirits, I invite you to join us on a ghost walk. We will show you how to use the meters. You may be able to speak to the spirits yourself, and maybe even make some otherworldly friends. Our walks are held Tuesdays through Saturdays starting at 8pm. Call 941-704-0621 for more details. Tickets are $20 per person, payable through PayPal. BMAG | 49

Engage and Enjoy: Key Features What will visitors be able to enjoy at Riverwalk East when it opens this September? First and foremost, it’s a new place to connect to the City of Bradenton. Through

for

Manatee

park-goers will be able to experience the area and learn all about the people who

Extensive citizen engagement, dialogue, feedback, construction

about

Bradenton’s origin as a community,

A New Place to Visit: Riverwalk East

and

panels

Mineral Springs, and its historic significance to

BY: NICOLE MISKOVIC

planning,

educational

the

Bradenton

Riverwalk expansion will soon be culminating in its first big milestone: the grand opening of Riverwalk East Park. With a master plan designed by Kimley-Horn and inspired by the aspirations of the community, the City of Bradenton, Realize Bradenton, and numerous community partners have collaborated to bring this community development project to life. Leading the community outreach efforts of the initiative starting in 2017, Realize Bradenton coordinated the community engagement funded by the Knight Donor Advised fund at the Manatee Community Foundation. Findings from an extensive resident survey by the Center for Active Design and resident meetings concluded the importance of community assets that showcased the area’s history, included public art, and

lived here before us. With a mission to understand the community’s ideal vision of the park, another essential component of the input Realize Bradenton received was from the neighborhood surrounding the park and the residents and families who call it home. This inspired lowkey spaces, such as the outdoor reading room. Accompanied by an outdoor little library, this tranquil reading area will offer a space for people of all ages to read together. Old Manatee A to Z, a children’s book about the park and the city’s oldest neighborhood published by Realize Bradenton in 2020, will also be available to read from the little library.

featured nature.

Save the Date: Grand Opening Celebration Riverwalk East Park will officially open to the community with a grand opening event on September 10, 2022. Lasting from 11am to 2pm, the celebration will feature a walk-through of the park, led by the Manatee High School marching band, live music, a family scavenger hunt to explore each area, as well as Manatee County Libraries and book signings from the author of Old Manatee A to Z. The celebration will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by key officials from the City of Bradenton, including City of Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown. 50 | BMAG

“We are certainly proud of our new Riverwalk East, which will connect to the original Riverwalk and bring visitors all the way to Manatee Mineral Springs Park,” said Mayor Brown. “This is a neighborhood park, and we encourage our visitors to learn more about the City’s history here. A lot of work went into this park, and we’re excited to give it over to our residents.”

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READY TO RUN? The Florida fall season brings lower humidity, and more opportunities to enjoy high-intensity outdoor fitness – like running! While you may have maintained stamina by cycling or cross training during the summer, your shins and feet have likely taken a break from repetitive high-impact activity. While a break from the repetitive stress promotes recovery, a fast return to the outdoor running leads to many preventable stress fractures and tendon injuries. Take a moment to use this five-tip checklist in minimizing your return to running injury risk.

TIP 1

TIP 2

TIP 3

CHECK YOUR FOOTWEAR

CONSIDER THE RUNNING

WARM UP

Different shoes serve different purposes. Attempting to run in shoes designed for weight lifting, cycling, or court sports will lead to sub-optimal cushioning and foot control for running. You need running shoes. If you already have running shoes, ask yourself a few questions: 1.

Have you used them for more than 300-500 miles?

Have you often left them in your car or out in the hot sun?

Have you used them for daily walking and other activities for more than 6 months?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, buy a new pair before you ramp up your running mileage.

SURFACE While there is no “right” running surface for all runners, some present more impact force than others. Cement, for example, is 5x harder on the joints than asphalt. Harder surfaces are associated with higher stress fracture risks. Running on grass can take up impact force, but the uneven surface presents its own share of risks. Pathways and general neighborhood surfaces are often slightly sloped, which can place more stress on one side of the body. Sand requires high levels of muscle activation, which can quickly lead to tendon overuse injuries.

A warm-up is not static stretching. Instead, over a period of five to 10 minutes, warm-ups should: •

Gradually increase your heart rate

•

Progress from smaller to larger motion

•

Progress from slower to faster motion

•

Include multiple directions of movement

Not sure what to do? Try five repetitions of each of the following exercises:

We can see that there is no “right” surface answer, but selecting a few different pathways and environments each week can help minimize overall stress to your bones, joints, and muscles.

•

Head circles

•

Calf raises

•

Alternating hug knee to chest

•

Alternating quad stretch

•

Arm circles forward

•

Arm circles backward

•

Torso rotations

•

Body weight squats

•

Walking lunges

•

Jumping jacks

Dr. Meredith Butulis

DPT, MSPT, OCS, CIMT, ACSM CEP, NSCA CSCS, NASM CPT, CES, PES, BCS, BB Pilates, Yoga, PBT level 3

52 | BMAG

Website: Http://MeredithButulis.com Podcast host: Fitness Lifestyle for Busy People

TIP 4

TIP 5

KEEP A RUNNING LOG

RETURN TO OUTDOOR RUNNING GRADUALLY

Include minutes and distance. Increasing running duration more than 10 percent each week is correlated with higher injury rates. Distances of more than 40 miles accumulated in a seven-day period are also correlated with

Sharp increases in new activity are often responsible for the first 30 days of bone and tendon injuries that sideline running plans. Need a strategy? Begin with this plan:

higher injury rates.

• Repeat the week 1 program on three non-consecutive days. If this feels good, progress to week 2. Repeat the week 2 program on three non-consecutive days. If this feels good, progress to week 3. Continue the progression until you’ve completed the week 4 program. • Now you are ready to use 5K training programs! • If you feel extra fatigue or soreness, perform the given level for an additional week before progressing.

Week

Walk (minutes)

Run (minutes)

Repeat (times)

Total duration

30 min

NEXT STEPS: Get shoes. Plan your path. Find a place to log your duration and miles, then put the plan into play! Have questions? Let me know so I can help.

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The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Expands its Manatee Program The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature recently secured $547,000 in state funding from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to expand its manatee care program, which will provide additional holding and acute care space to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Florida’s manatees.

from the wild after they became sick or injured. This exhibition allows above and underwater viewing, and offers guests information about the anatomy and life history of manatees, including the challenges they face in the wild.

The Museum plans to lease, retrofit, and operate an existing facility in Myakka City, Florida, as part of a statewide effort to assist as many manatees as possible. It hopes that the facility will be operational by the end of 2022. These efforts are needed now more than ever in response to the Unusual Mortality Event (UME) affecting manatee populations, primarily on the east coast of Florida. A UME is defined by the Marine Mammal Protection Act as a significant die-off that demands immediate response. The current UME began in 2020, and while conditions have improved slightly, concern remains - making this new facility a critical effort to help the Florida manatee population.

The Bishop’s Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat is a Stage 2 rehabilitation facility — a temporary home where manatees come after their initial critical care needs have been met in manatee hospitals. This second-stage facility offers manatees the opportunity to gain exposure to natural foods and feeding strategies, and gain weight for their return to the wild. Second-stage facilities play a vital role in maintaining space for critically ill manatee patients in the hospitals. The Myakka Facility, however, will hold the authorization to provide acute care so that The Bishop may alleviate some of the UME’s impact on our partners in manatee rescue and rehabilitation. With this designation, The Bishop becomes one of only five facilities federally authorized to treat sick, injured, or orphaned Florida manatees.

Although the Myakka Facility will not be open to the public, manatee lovers can explore Florida’s underwater world at The Bishop Museum in Downtown Bradenton. Modeled after a cypress spring, the newly renovated Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat holds 60,000 gallons of water and houses manatees that were rescued

The Bishop has been rehabilitating manatees since 1998 and was a founding member of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) in 2001. The MRP is a cooperative of nonprofit, private, state, and federal entities that rescue, rehabilitate, and return manatees to the wild.

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One of the rehabilitation pools onsite in Myakka City, Florida, that The Bishop’s Animal Care team plans to retrofit in order to rehabilitate more of Florida’s manatees.

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THE NEED TO CONNECT IS REAL. BY BETH DOUGLAS Relationships are so incredibly vital to our existence. They give our lives ‘texture’ and meaning. Romantic relationships take many forms. For those who have been in long-term marriages especially, losing a spouse can be devastating. Some may vow to never again have a ‘companion’ or ‘significant other,’ but others may be open to finding someone special to spend time with – whether romantic or platonic. Emotional intimacy can provide a tremendous sense of purpose and fulfillment. After all, we are social creatures. The need to connect at any level is a need that can be as vital as food, water, and shelter.

“We are hardwired to connect with others. It’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.” - Brené Brown

Are Mature Adults Serious About Dating? The National Library of Medicine reports that older adults typically report higher levels of satisfaction with their social relationships than younger adults. The number of cohabiting adults over 50 has risen 75% in the past decade, versus a 20-24% increase in all other age groups. Reports state that 55% of these boomer cohabitants are divorced and 13% are widowed, and 27% have never been married. (Pew Research*) The rise in adults living without a spouse or partner has also occurred against the backdrop of a third important demographic shift: the aging of American adults. Older adults (55 and older) are more likely to have a spouse or partner than younger adults. So it is surprising that the share of adults who are unpartnered has risen even though relatively more Americans are older. “Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” -Franklin P. Jones Professor Emerita Dr. Nancy K. Schlossberg, author of Too Young to Be Old, says senior relationships can be about a meaningful connection, which often includes sex or physical intimacy. They can also be about comfort and security, a close friendship, even marriage. Whatever the particular outcome, the importance of having a special relationship beyond close friends and family is important for many. AARP’s study, “Lifestyles, Dating and Romance: A Study of Midlife Singles,” pinpoints some broad gender differences: women desire companionship and men generally desire companionship and sex. The takeaway, Dr. Schlossberg says, is that there are some things that connect all ages—the need to matter to someone else, the need to love and be loved, the need to be appreciated. To make this happen, she says it is necessary to identify your connectors—those people you know with whom you can discuss your interest in meeting someone else. Then consider how you will reach people you do not know, possibly through social media or at a senior center. Every contact does not end in immediate success. Sometimes it takes contacting two or three connectors. It is a “what’s next” strategy that can work. The beauty of older adults meeting at a senior centers is that it is, of course, an organic way to meet, that allows for activity-centered interaction. Many people find that making new friends can be twofold; finding new people to laugh, converse, and have fun with – and also meeting new acquantances that may turn into romantic relationships. With activities ranging from music and dance to art, chair 56 | BMAG

yoga and other forms of exercise, senior activity centers fill a very important need for aging adults – the need to connect and interact with others.

Silver Linings of Dating for Mature People Pepper Schwartz, PhD, author of Dating After 50 for Dummies and co-author of RX for Relationships, says that “Roles and relationships are changing. You don’t have to live together or see each other every day to be in a committed relationship. ‘Living apart together’ is an arrangement that lets people have the freedom to innovate how they have a relationship.” Our priorities generally become different as we age. Schwartz also says that we are not usually as guided

by “surface” attraction. As older adults, we tend to be more focused on personality. We may be looking for more of a peer. We have better values, are usually more evolved, and have a greater sense of gratitude. The biggest percentage increase in dating has been in people over 50. Online dating is an option that more and more seniors are exploring in effort to find their special someone. Technology and online resources have become more common tools in exploring the dating realm. “Don’t get discouraged. It might take a little while. You’ll get more comfortable with dating as you go. Stay the course,” Schwartz adds. Don’t retreat into your world from fear. Have the confidence to give things a try. The potential rewards are well worth the risk.

Beth Douglas is a marketing communications professional and an advocate for seniors – especially those who are living with dementia-related illness. She is the Marketing and Communications Manager for Senior Friendship Centers and strongly supports the mission of promoting health, dignity and quality of life throughout the journey of aging.

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