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ISSUE NO. 6 | FLORIDA WINTER 2022

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Tropical Art Chick – Susan Coulis by Emma Taylor

Explore, Engage, and Enjoy: Bradenton Public Market by Nicole Miskovic

Beyond the Bay, Hiking The Appalachian Trail by Shelly West

A Hop, Skip and Jump from Bradenton by Kelly Stilwell

Bradenton Business Owners

Look Who’s Coming to Town by Shelly West

Recipes

Changing Lives with Hearts and Homes by Kendra Gemma

Ellenton’s Past at Gamble by Sarah Fish

Historical Village 1850 Burying Ground by Liz Reed

CONTENTS

Schedule of EPCOT Festivals at Walt Disney World 2023 by Kelly Stilwell

Why Am I So Stressed By Beth Hearn Douglas

The History of SCF Comprised of Students, Community and Faculty by Sarah Fish

U-18 Baseball World Cup Comes to the Sunshine State by Travis Cornwell

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M ISS I O N

support local

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Tropical Art Chick – Susan Coulis BY EMMA TAYLOR

Susan Coulis or ‘The Tropical Art Chick’, as she’s known to fans and patrons, has taken a path to artistic success that’s as colorful as her work itself. Coulis grew up in Vermont and her pursuits centered around many outdoor activities. “I always liked art, but I was really more of a sports person. I grew up skiing and hiking. I played golf and tennis—really anything you could do outdoors. But I always enjoyed drawing and I loved art class. I thought I wanted to be an art teacher and that’s what I started out majoring in when I went to college,” she says of the early days of her artistry. It was actually Coulis and her brother’s participation on the competitive golf circuit that led them to move to Florida after she graduated from college. While her brother pursued golf, and still works in the industry, Coulis discovered the beach, and her 10 | BMAG

golf game quickly took a back seat to her future inspiration. In need of a job, Coulis went to work in a restaurant where she made connections that eventually led her to a career as a flight attendant. “I would draw and dabble in those years, but nothing serious. It wasn’t until my kids were out of the house and I had more time and space that I really started to explore my creativity more,” she says. Coulis started out working mostly in acrylics, but she always loved jewelry making. One day she googled ‘how to make beads’ and discovered polymer clay—a medium that, at the time, was new to her. She baked her first batch of beads and when her jewelry began receiving positive responses from friends, she took to the craft fair scene. However, the transport of items, the setup and break-down of it all was tedious and she started brainstorming ways to “work smarter.” “One day I looked out my window and saw a palm shuck that had fallen from a tree in my yard, and

Towns series, all of which are beautifully illustrated in her colorful and whimsical style. All three of the bodies of work are just what one would imagine based on the names. I thought ‘that looks just like a fish’. So, I took it in, dried it, and painted it. I put it up on Facebook and I was flooded with inquiries and offers to purchase it!,” she says, surprised of her first foray into online art sales. Despite her taste of the convenience of online sales, Coulis continued to take her painted shucks to markets, but she was having trouble keeping up with production in painting each individual piece. She came up with the idea to start printing her designs on totes and purses and opened her first online store. Coulis was getting orders and enjoying success with her prints, but her manufacturing was being done in China and, when the pandemic hit, she ran into issues with product fulfillment. “I thought, ‘I’m too old for this. This is a hobby, not my bread and butter. I’m shutting down my website’.” That lasted all of three months until she began getting ideas for her Salty Sayings. The inspiration for Coulis’ Salty Sayings came to her and, before she knew it, she had about 30 designs. She began showing them to people and stores and the orders poured in just as swiftly as the ideas. Coulis views the pieces as the most successful of all her endeavors and seems genuinely surprised by it. “I really didn’t expect this at this stage in my life!,” she exclaims with laughter. At the encouragement of her husband after a ‘paint meets new carpet’ incident, Coulis traded out her acrylics for watercolor pens and they remain her primary medium. Her Salty Sayings paved the way for her Birth Shell and Coastal

Salty Sayings are cute original phrases accompanied by a corresponding illustration. Birth Shells, just like birth stones, are assigned to one’s birth month and are illustrated and framed— making them perfect gifts for loved ones. And Towns offers playful depictions of beloved places, almost as colorful dream-like maps. Coulis’ Town illustrations have really begun to take off. She’s even started to receive requests from towns out-of-state that she’s never visited. “I just ask for poignant landmarks and historical places. I look at maps and do research online to be able to illustrate them to the best of my ability, site unseen,” she says of the ‘foreign’ commissions. Editor-in-chief Paula Wright found the Tropical Art Chick on the internet and reached out to her for this edition of Bradenton Magazine’s holiday cover. The piece is built around a painting that Coulis had done previously. She added some extra holiday flairs and tweaked some things with a little collaborative direction from Wright to create the fun manatee wreath illustration that graces the front of the issue. With her niche finally realized, Coulis is growing more than she ever anticipated. Her ‘small art business’ that began as a hobby about 12 years ago has surmounted production woes and fulfillment struggles to become a streamlined and successful operation. Coulis is still able to do all the printing herself and works out of her home, but she’s looking into possibly acquiring a space if continued growth calls for it. She recently hired her first sales representative, and her pieces can be seen in gift shops and stores around the state. Her son, who works in marketing as an Amazon specialist, believes the sky is the limit. “He’s planted some ideas of grandeur, but I’m just taking it slow and steady. I like to joke that it’s fun art, not fine art! We’ll see where it goes!,” Coulis jests of her son’s high aspirations. The work of the Tropical Art Chick can be viewed and purchased through her website tropicalartchick.com and on her Instagram page @susancoulis. BMAG | 11

Explore, Engage and Enjoy: Bradenton Public Market BY NICOLE MISKOVIC With the holidays around the corner comes the height of the shopping season – and the perfect opportunity to shop and come together locally. One of the best places in Bradenton that offers access to a whole collection of community entrepreneurs and businesses is the Bradenton Public Market. Open rain or shine every Saturday from 9am to 2pm on Old Main Street downtown, the Market is filled with local farmers, artisans, growers, creatives and musicians to discover, appreciate, and support. And with “Meet Me at the Market” embodying this season’s motto, it’s also a great way to get engaged, inspired and involved with both fellow community members as well as more than 100 local vendors. Hosted and organized by the team at Realize Bradenton, a community-centric nonprofit whose mission is dedicated to building gathering places, promoting economic prosperity and cultivating shared experiences for everyone, this year’s Market has been the most successful yet with record-breaking attendance each week and more than double the vendors in comparison to previous years. Not only is the expansion of the Market an encouraging indicator of our community’s sustainability and economic growth, it also showcases the effectiveness of the organization’s programs and offerings for local businesses that are interested in selling and vending. “It is a point of pride that the Bradenton Public Market is a welcoming place for local entrepreneurs. The Start-Up Circle, our free entrepreneurship program, is available to vendors 12 | BMAG

and other small business owners to refine their business plan with the assistance of local subject matter experts,” said Karen Corbin, Executive Director of Realize Bradenton. “In addition, our part-time vendor Market spaces provide small businesses a low-cost opportunity to try out new ideas and obtain valuable customer feedback.” Originally introduced as a Farmer’s Market more than 40 years ago, today’s Market has elevated the Bradenton tradition with added entertainment and activities. From new musicians and performers every week to cooking demonstrations, known as Chef at the Market, on the third Saturday of each month, the Market has something for community members of all ages to enjoy. Also, the only open market in Manatee County to accept USDA programs, SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Access Program) and FAB (Fresh Access Bucks), Bradenton Public Market ensures accessibility to healthy, Floridagrown produce for all. The downtown market also promotes special events, activating the community throughout the year with festivities like Holidays at the Market coming up on December 24, 2022 – as well as the Children’s Book Fair and Bradentown Birthday Bash to look forward to in Spring 2023. To learn more about attending or becoming a vendor at Bradenton Public Market, visit: https:// www.realizebradenton.com/public-market/.

STR EE T

AN INDEPENDENT JONES PRODUCTION

! e v i L WN

ARTISANS

LIVE MUSIC

FOOD & DRINK

February 11

October 29

SATURDAY

STORMBRINGER

Halloween meets fall festival on Old Main Street! Fun activities including candle making, Halloween rock painting, and photo ops for the whole family.

November 23

WEDNESDAY

THE BLACK HONKEYS & ABRAHAM/BILLINGS

Come on down for the annual pre-Thanksgiving party on Old Main Street! Get your black Friday shopping started early with local artisans!

December 31

SATURDAY

SERANATION

*Bring in the new year in Downtown Bradenton with the reggae vibes from Seranation and local favorites, Trevor Bystrom Band. Local food trucks, artisans, adult photo op, and more. Cheers to 2023!

EVENT PARTNERS:

CASSIDY DANIELS BAND

Regatta returns to downtown Bradenton. Keep the party going and come on downtown to enjoy Nashville artist, Cassidy Daniels!

FRIDAY

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HONEY HOUNDS

Pinch me, it’s St. Paddy’s!! Jacksonville’s booty shakin’ Blues trio, Honey Hounds makes their debut in Bradenton. Kids activities, family photo ops, and more.

April 22

SATURDAY

THE MATTHEW CURRY BAND

Spring is here and we’re celebrating with the sounds of Illinois based touring artist, Matthew Curry. Come enjoy Old Main Street and all your favorite artisans, food trucks, and more.

& SPONSORS: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, *12:00 AM (NYE)

DOWNTOWN BRADENTON 905 Sixth Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34205

(941) 748-2916

www.HeintzLaw.com

Old Main Street (12th Street W) from Manatee to 3rd Ave.

W W W . I N D E P E N D E N TJ O N E S . C O M / E V E N T S

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Beyond the Bay, Hiking The Appalachian Trail BY SHELLY WEST Tampa Bay resident Kevin Newsome knows a thing or two about tenacity and dedication, especially after hiking the Appalachian Trail, which encompassed 2193.10 miles, and took Newsome through 14 states on foot. Taking 171 days to complete, his hike started at Amicalola Falls in Georgia, which is eight miles south of the official trail start at Springer Mountain. But the journey really began in Tampa three years before his adventure. In 2018, Newsome walked into a bookstore where hiker and author Jeff Alt gave a presentation and book signing about his earlier hike of the Appalachian Trail. The seed was planted, and it didn’t take long for the spark to ignite into a full-blown pursuit of an epic adventure. It took a lot of planning and determination to make going on the hike a reality. “It’s a romantic idea to walk away from everything and go on an adventure,” Newsome says. While most would train extensively to endure the physical rigors of such an excursion by foot, no less, Newsome didn’t physically train at all. Rather, he did extensive research, from watching YouTube videos to reading 21 autobiographies or journals of others who hiked the Appalachian Trail.

“It’s a romantic idea to walk away from everything and go on an adventure,” Newsome says. The lockdown would also delay his departure originally To prepare for the time that he would be away, the established photographer in the Tampa area for nearly 35 years sold their house and bought a condo. They paid things off to reduce their debts and lowered their overall financial requirements. It was a big decision, but he also closed his beloved studio and took his photography to location work instead of instudio. A wise business move, as the lockdown in 2020 would present a new set of challenges for everyone. scheduled for March 2020.

Another difficult decision had to be made. Newsome says, “It was difficult at first, but the trip had to be postponed. It was necessary.” Eventually, he departed on March 23rd, 2021. Newsome set off on what would become the next chapter of his life, which he then made into a book to be released later. Walking an average of 12 to 14 miles a day, and taking less than six months to complete the full trail, Kevin relied on adrenaline to power him through the most difficult parts of the journey. “I never questioned my ability to finish,” he adds. The most memorable part of the trail was in New Hampshire at the Franconia Ridge Trail Loop. “I was above the tree line where you can see other states. The peak of the White Mountain BMAG | 15

range was so clear. But there was a slight rainstorm, and I could see my shadow standing in a rainbow circle several yards away. It was breathtaking. “ He adds, “Mt. Washington was also an adrenaline rush. It is the most dangerous on the trail. It is prone to high winds. In 1934 it had a top windspeed of 231 miles per hour—not associated with a tornado or other weather events. I camped at the base of the mountain under blue skies. The next day, I got it at its reputation. The weather was rough.” The Appalachian Trail can be quite isolated. There are times when there is not a soul around, and the only sounds you hear are those of your breathing and nature’s songs. The further North he got, the fewer people he encountered. “There were some days you didn’t see anyone. There were times when there were 100 miles of wilderness. Literally 100 miles of nothing. I had 16 | BMAG

food drop shipped in the middle of that 100mile stretch near Abol Bridge.” Roughly 20% of those who register each year make it to the trail’s end. Over 200 trail shelters can be found along the trail and are around five to 12 miles apart. Each of these shelters offers a privy (outhouse) nearby and often a water source. Each of the shelters and accompanying privy varies from location to location. Most shelters offered a place to eat at a picnic table, and the hiker could sleep in what was usually a three-sided lean-to shelter. Though often, the sleeping arrangements consisted of sleeping in his tent. If the weather was too inclement to camp, there was also the option of leaving the trail for a hostel, motel or a bed and breakfast. Along the way, he encountered “trail magic,” people who hiked the trail or want to hike the

trail and are there to assist other hikers. They will often show up with food and other items to give the hikers support. A typical day of eating for Newsome, who incidentally lost 36 pounds on the hike, was what one would expect. Everything he had with him had to be lightweight as it was all carried on his back. For breakfast, he ate oatmeal packets with honey and dried fruit. He snacked on protein bars and beef jerky or made tortillas with peanut butter and honey. Sometimes he changed it up to a tortilla with tuna and barbecue sauce. He could heat water, so even dinner was creative with Knorr’s pasta sides and instant mashed potatoes. For a treat, he ate Reese’s Pieces. Newsome stayed mostly healthy, except for minor ailments and occasional injuries, which is remarkable considering all of the things that could go wrong, like encounters with wildlife. He did see two bears, but he never actually saw any moose, “But I sure could hear them. They sounded like Clydesdales,” he laughs. “I did encounter rattlesnakes, though. A tree had fallen on a trail, and I stepped over the tree, and there was a snake about 18 inches from my foot. It would have been a different outcome if I had stepped any closer. I saw him, stepped off to the left, and could back away from it. I was lucky.” After traveling on foot through 14 states, trekking up treacherous mountains, and surviving plummeting temperatures at night and sometimes blistering heat during the day, Newsome’s tenacious spirit allowed him to summit on September 10, 2021. He met his goal. He finished the trail. To learn more about his adventures, go to his YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCTWPiN81Eb6laUrzIMBoRXA

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A HOP, SKIP AND JUMP

from Bradenton By Kelly Stilwell

Even those of us who live in paradise need to get away now and then! Whether you’re looking for a week-long family vacation or a weekend getaway, we’ve got ideas! 18 | BMAG

A HOP If all the great restaurants and things to do weren’t enough, there’s a new reason to visit our neighbor less than an hour to the north. The Tampa Edition is the city’s first five-star hotel, and you really have to see it to believe it. The spacious lobby area almost feels like a garden party! It encompasses a gorgeous bar with plenty of seating and specialty cocktails, Lilac, the Mediterranean restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser, and The Market, a gathering place for coffee and pastries in the morning and Italian favorites like pizza and charcuterie for lunch and dinner. It’s hard to believe you’re still on the first floor! Upstairs, spread over 26 stories, you’ll find 172 spacious guest rooms, 30 suites and a stunning penthouse suite for those really wanting to splurge. Enjoy a cocktail before or after dinner in The Punch Room, the elegant lounge with walnut wall paneling and a cognac marble bar. The Arts Club combines the Lounge, offering cocktails and appetizers, a specially commissioned photo booth, and the Verde Antico marble bar which is perfect before enjoying the Arts Club Cabaret which will host a lineup of entertainers. Inspired by Radio City Music Hall, it boasts 350 different sized mirrored balls. Finally, you can’t visit without seeing The Rooftop on the ninth floor, housing another restaurant overseen by Chef Fraser — Azure. In addition, this area offers relaxation and fun at the gorgeous pool club with cabanas and more than 80 sun loungers. Needless to say, there are many reasons to visit this swanky new spot. Make reservations now as they book up fast.

The Tampa Edition

A SKIP Still in the state but a bit more difficult to get to from Bradenton, Amelia Island is a gorgeous destination in the northeast corner of Florida, 22 miles from the Jacksonville International Airport. A short flight to Miami, another short flight to Jacksonville, and a 45-minute drive to Amelia Island is the preferred mode of getting there, but it’s an easy drive as well, taking around four hours. Once there, Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island is a stunning oceanfront resort with views that go on forever. The resort looks over the

Amelia Island

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Atlantic Ocean and boasts rooms and suites, all with private balconies and ocean views.

Amelia Island

As for things to do, a visit to the spa is a great way to spend a couple of hours. Relax in the sauna or whirlpool before indulging in one of their specialty treatments. Enjoy some time by one of the pools or grab a lounger by the ocean. Play 18 at The Golf Club of Amelia Island or take your game up a notch by attending a class at The Performance Golf Academy. There’s even a kids’ club if mom and dad need a little alone time.

When it comes to food, a visit to this property will take your tastebuds on a journey. Salt, the awardwinning, AAA Five Diamond-rated upscale restaurant is outstanding. Coast, with its bright and airy atmosphere, features a sprawling breakfast buffet as well as morning menu offerings. For lunch and dinner, Coast specializes in seafood, but you’ll find something for everyone on the menu. Located outside by the pool, Coquina is laidback with delicious ceviche and other coastal and Mexican specialities. The Lobby Bar features small-batch spirits including a daily special you can taste at First Call each day, and serves delicious and creative made-to-order sushi. Tidewater Grill features local beer, drinks and Low-country inspired fare. You really never have to leave the resort! Though not typically an early riser, I had to see the sunrise everyone talks about at this resort. Two hundred photos later, I’m happy to report it’s worth missing the sleep!

A JUMP Especially for golfers, Pinehurst is an experience not to be missed, though there is a lot more than golf in this city located in Moore County, North Carolina.

Pinehurst

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One must-do activity is a visit to Pinehurst Resort, designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Take a stroll inside and look at the photos of the famous guests of the past, like John D. Rockefeller, Annie Oakley, Will Rogers, Amelia Earhart and Theodore Roosevelt. Of course, most famous golfers have visited, as well, so you’ll see photos of Ben Hogan, Sam Sneed and Arnold Palmer, just to name a few. For those who do play golf, Pinehurst is home to nine professional courses, including the most famous, Pinehurst No. 2, built in 1907. Designed by Donald Ross, this course has hosted more championship tournaments than any golf course in America, including The PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup and the U.S. Open. Prefer an active getaway but not a golf fan? Try your hand at tennis or croquet, or set up a horseback riding adventure. And if you want to say you played golf when you visited, play a free round at Thistle Dhu, Pinehurst’s 18-hole putting course. Photos or it didn’t happen! Rather shop, eat and explore? There’s a lot of that to do in the New England-style Pinehurst Village. You’ll find several handmade pottery shops, clothing boutiques, gift shops and more. When you’re ready to eat, Dugan’s Irish Pub offers a traditional menu of Irish specialties as well as sandwiches and cold Guinness on tap. For an authentic American Tavern experience, visit Drum & Quill. Don’t miss the bar, housed in a 130-year-old magistrate judge’s chamber. The menu is loaded with American favorites but also offers Korean beef and tacos, so it’s likely everyone will be happy. For a more upscale meal, The Carolina Dining Room in Pinehurst Resort is lovely and elegant. Just strolling to look at the stunning architecture in Pinehurst is a fun way to get a little exercise and walk off those calories. If you’re up for a Historic Walking Tour, contact Pinehurst Resort for availability. For even more shops and restaurants, visit Southern Pines, a smaller village just minutes away. BMAG | 21

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Ramiro Ramirez and Leo Ramirez Owners of Habanero’s Mexican Grill and Bar and Avocado’s Cocina Mexicana & Bar When did you start the business? Why? We started our first restaurant Habaneros Mexican Grille in the summer of 2013. We have now recently opened our second restaurant Avocado’s Cocina Mexicana & Bar this past June. Food is a passion of ours and something we love to do.

What is your connection to Bradenton? Part of my family has had restaurants in the Bradenton area since 2001. In the past I worked in their business until I was able to open my own.

What were your drives to start up? I have always liked cooking and when I had the opportunity to share my passion that is when we started the business.

What are some goals you hope to accomplish with your efforts? To be successful with our customers who come to the restaurant, making sure they have a good experience when they choose to come to our establishment.

What do you enjoy most about what you do? Being involved in the process of the recipes and preparing the dishes.

What makes your services unique? Most of the preparation of the food is done on site from scratch.

What advice would you give someone starting their own business? Never lose hope. Everything you want will come with time.

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Amanda Champ Owner Surfing Coconut passion for coconuts! I love coconut water and all the health benefits that it offers. I felt like the one thing missing on Anna Maria Island was fresh delicious coconuts. And what better way to relax on the beach than having a healthy refreshing custom-branded coconut? The memories that we create are so fun!

Are the sacrifices worth it? All my sacrifices have been worth it! It’s been a lot of hard work, but it has been truly amazing!

What are some goals you hope to accomplish with your efforts? Some of my goals in the near future are to introduce some additional items that involve coconut. We have been working on some recipes and some fun new additions.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

When did you start the business? Why? The Surfing Coconut started at the end of 2020. It was a Covid business baby.

What is your connection to Bradenton? I have been coming to Bradenton since I was a baby. I had an aunt and uncle that lived here. We spent all our vacations as a family together on Anna Maria Island every year.

What is your background? result of your passion?

Is this business a

I have a culinary background. My husband and I had a very popular food truck up north where we served Hawaiian BBQ. We competed in many BBQ competitions for over a decade and catered for several weddings and events. When we moved to Florida, I took a job as a performance chef cooking for large audiences at festivals and events teaching people how to cook specialty dishes and healthy food.

What were your drives to start up? My drives to start the Surfing Coconut were of course my 24 | BMAG

I enjoy meeting new people and serving them our delicious coconut water! We love all our customers so much. There is nothing better than seeing the smile on their faces when they have one of our coconuts!

What makes your services unique? What makes our services unique is that we source our own product. Our coconuts are harvested young at 28 days old, and we have them within 48 hours from harvest. We have tried coconuts from all over the world. The coconuts that we use are the most sought after in the world due to their amazing flavor and nutrients. They are filled to the rim with delicious coconut water that is so refreshing and healthy. Once you taste one of our coconuts, you will be in heaven. We can customize any logo on our coconuts. They are such a unique fun product at events and weddings. Plus, we open all of our coconuts fresh in front of our customers for all of our events and markets.

What advice would you give someone starting their own business? My advice to anyone that wants to start a small business is to just do it. It’s always important to do what makes you happy and feed whatever passion you have.

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Pictured from left to right: Pete Anderson, Michael O’Neil, Rich Knowles

A Chef, a Dock Builder, and a Dentist Start a Food Truck. Sounds like the start of a great story! BY PAULA WRIGHT

Meet the owners of Bradenton’s newest food truck and find out just how they came up with the idea for Bradentrucky. Rich Knowles, a Bradenton local, pursued his culinary passion in Big Sky, Montana, working at a few restaurants like the Yellowstone Club, and then opening Bob’s Steak and Chophouse in downtown Austin, Texas. Chef Rich moved back to his hometown and opened enRich Bistro, which quickly became a favorite local spot. He now owns a catering company, Innovative Dining, and will soon be reopening enRich bistro as well, but in the meantime, Rich had this to say about opening Bradentrucky: “I am thrilled to finally be serving food again to my customer base in West Bradenton. I have always wanted to make my chicken wings with homemade sauces - especially my Oaxacan mole sauce which has taken me years to perfect. A part of me has always wanted to venture into the food truck world as well. I couldn’t be more thrilled to achieve both dreams with a couple great friends as business partners in my beloved hometown.” – Rich Knowles Pete Anderson is the owner and operator of Anderson Dock & Lift serving the West Coast of Florida as a licensed Florida Marine Contractor. He is a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who served a combined 24 years in the US Military as an Army and Air Force Officer. Raising his three awesome kids, living on the water, and as a boat owner, he is passionate about enhancing your waterfront living experience. 26 | BMAG

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“We are all entrepreneurs that wanted to do something with our passion that is different and fun.” – Pete Anderson

Dr. Michael O’Neil, aka Dr. Mike, a native of West Bradenton who attended Manatee High School, has been practicing general and specialized dentistry in and around the Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Sarasota areas since 2009 after finishing his post graduate studies. He has been the sole practitioner for Longboat Key and surrounding communities for over 10 years now. Dr. Mike enjoys spending time with his family/friends, fishing, and eating. And he especially enjoys doing all three at the same time. “In life, and in dentistry especially, a collaborative effort on projects usually produces the best results. Collaborating with Rich and Pete on this food truck project has been rewarding and so fun all at the same time. It’s my hope that the community it serves share in that reward by eating great food, with great service, for years of fun to come!” - Michael O’Neil

So why a food truck? Well, we could say a Chef, a Dock Builder and a Dentist all walked into a bar one night as some of the best ideas happen with that very scenario…. but the truth is they all discussed opening a brickand-mortar gourmet bar on Manatee Avenue and that morphed into a food truck. A group of friends wanted to do something fun together and fill a void in the eating scene on Manatee Avenue. You never know what else these guys will come up with in the future, but for now go try some of that delicious chicken and maybe some enRich favorites will pop up as specials!

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Look Who’s Coming to Town Move Over, Santa. You Have Competition in B-town. BY SHELLY WEST If you drive down Manatee Avenue, you’ve probably noticed the landscape is changing for the better. New businesses, big and small, are popping up, and that’s exactly what b-town needs, local economic growth in the form of new jobs and more goods and services options in the area. The convenience of a new Target coming to town where the old Kmart used to reside is a gift that will keep giving. The new Target will be located across the street from the Wawa at 7415 Manatee Ave. W. While the new Wawa recently opened, there is not an opening date revealed just yet for the retail giant but stay tuned as it appears to be slated for 2023. Opened in November, Del Taco, located at 5610 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, serves made-to-order tacos and burritos, making it easy to pick up a quick meal during the busy holiday season. It is still a bit of a wait, but Chick-fil-A will be among the much-anticipated businesses to open their doors in 2023 in the former Bank of America location at the corner of 43rd and Manatee. Complete with a drive-thru to pick up their famous waffle fries and tasty fried chicken sandwiches. Head to Cortez Road and find a new place to burn off some holiday steam at Altitude indoor trampoline park. Now open at 201 Cortez Rd W. Grocery shopping just got more fun with a new Sprouts Farmer’s Market coming to Bradenton. Offering organic produce and natural grocery items, the retailer will be located at Cortez Plaza near the intersection of 45th Avenue Circle West and 14th Street West. No open date has been released, but it appears to be in the coming months. Here is a list of local businesses that recently came to town and opened just in time for the holiday season. Food, Cafes, and Specialties Avocado’s Cocina Mexicana & Bar Bradentrucky Oscura Del Taco Kefi Streetside Cafe Lava Nutrition Graze Street AMI Lava Nutrition Seabreeze Nutrition Sweet Krunch Orange Blossom Millie’s Sweets & Treats Shopping Stoked Flamingo Pink & Navy Boutique The Beach Shop Beach Life NW

Services Keyzer Family Dentistry Trilogy Chiropractic Urgent Dental Care Vet Next Door Ohana Embroidery Big Dan’s Car Wash Sun & Suds Car Wash Christian Brothers Automotive 4 Wheel Parts-Off Road Truck & Jeep 4x4 Parts Fun Altitude Trampoline Park

Know of a new business we missed that recently opened or opening a new business? Let us know so we can share the good news! admin@bradentonmag.com or Tag Us! 28 | BMAG

Non-Profits Bat City Comic Professionals Second Heart Homes

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Changing Lives with Hearts and Homes Second Heart Homes has expanded its unique homeless program to Manatee County BY KENDRA GEMMA

You could say Second Heart Homes started with just two people – founder Megan Howell and a schizophrenic homeless man she encountered every day when she went to work. The two became unlikely friends and she stepped in to help him get the care he needed and get off the streets. Second Heart Homes now owns seven houses (and counting) that all serve the mission to restore the dignity of the homeless and mental health population through housing, support and love.

GROWING PLANS With its origins as an LLC six years ago, Second Heart Homes officially became a non-profit entity on January 1, 2020. Today, they have five employees: Howell as executive director and founder, a director of operations and three full-time case managers, as well as 20 volunteers. The Sarasota-based organization purchased its first home in Manatee County in 2022, thanks to a generous grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. It couldn’t have come at a better time, with homelessness up 25 percent in the county in the past year. There are already plans to open a women’s home in Bradenton to further serve the population. “One of many things we appreciate about Second Heart Homes is that they provide much more than shelter,” says Teri A Hansen, president, and CEO of the Barancik Foundation. “Residents engage in and receive services in their home as appropriate and are treated with the dignity and respect we all desire and deserve. They are truly making a meaningful difference in our community.” Second Heart Homes takes a holistic approach to guiding their clients toward self-sufficiency while placing mental health at the forefront. “You have to have a commitment to addressing your mental health, your physical health and then developing healthy habits and hobbies because those are the things that make our lives whole,” Howell says, who has Master’s in psychology. Besides being a shelter, each home is “a carefully curated space for them to heal and grow,” she explains.

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Literally, inspirational works are outside and inside Second Heart Homes houses. Well-known local artist Brandon Thrift, who creates the “Spread Love” art seen throughout the area, painted a mural on the exterior of the new Bradenton home and art hangs on the walls within it. Clients can also participate in art instruction, as well as workshops that teach life skills, such as cooking, cleaning and financial management. A care plan is tailored to each client to help him or her thrive once they’re on their own.

SUCCESS STORY One such client making great strides is Tony McFadden. Almost committed to the state hospital for psychosis, he instead received a referral to Second Heart Homes from a social worker. The organization’s clients come to them through a variety of channels – from hospitals, the police department, and other organizations to loved ones, business owners and online tips. Luckily for McFadden, he matched the criteria for acceptance into the program. “Our program is for single adults with either a mental health diagnosis or reasonable certainty that one exists,” Howell says. Since moving into a home, McFadden, who’s in his mid-30s and had suffered from marijuana and alcohol addictions, sees a future for himself. “Thank God that Megan was there for me because I was really down and out and had nowhere to go,” he says. His ultimate goal is to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner so he can help people like him. He’s currently enrolled at State College of Florida and a part-time employee at an assisted living facility. “If you have a dream, choose sobriety, choose to fix your mental health issues, find the proper care, seek therapy, take your medicine, do the things that are necessary for you to grow and achieve success,” McFadden urges people who may be struggling like he was. So far, he is mirroring Howell’s vision for Second Heart Homes clients. “Our goal is to have each client reach their highest level of self-sufficiency possible through our targeted case management,” she says.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP While Second Heart Homes can and does make a difference for individuals, Howell believes homelessness is something everyone should care about. “We want to engage the community in what we’re doing,” she says. “Our clients are assimilating in the community sometimes for the first time.” You can lend a hand in three key ways: • Donating: Through December 31, FlanzerTrust.org is matching donations to Second Heart Homes. You can donate any time of the year on SecondHeartHomes.org/Make-a-Gift • Volunteering: Short-term and long-term opportunities are available, both behind the scenes and working with clients. • Spreading the word: “Please reach out and ask us to come speak to your group so we can target your dedication where it is needed most,” Howell says. In whatever way you are able to get involved, you will make an impact on a person’s life. “A mental health crisis or homelessness can happen to anyone,” Howell says. “We all simply need to work together to identify and fulfill needs where gaps and talents exist.

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1902-1907 | Gamble Mansion Before Restoration

Ellenton’s Past at Gamble BY SARAH FISH Ellenton is situated quietly to the north of Bradenton and though just over 3,100 people make up its population today, this small 4.8 square mile subset of Manatee County has an interesting history. The land that makes up Manatee County was rapidly developed in the 1800s due to its thriving ports along the Manatee River and the opportunities for trade and business development that came with it. However, during the Civil War, the area saw considerable devastation to its homes and marketplaces, including Ellenton’s most historic building, the Gamble Plantation. Major Robert Gamble Jr. acquired the land after the Seminole War ended in 1842 through the Armed Occupation Act. The new act allowed settlers to take land from the indigenous tribes, by force, if necessary, 160 acres at a time. Gamble eventually managed to accumulate around 3,000 acres of land along the Manatee River and turn it into the biggest sugar mill in South Florida; for a short 1900-1910 | Ruined Walls of the Gamble time. Plantation Sugar Mill

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The Gamble Plantation Mansion was originally built between 1845 and 1850 and was constructed and operated by nearly 200 slaves. Soon after, in 1856, Gamble was forced to sell his operation due to increasing debt and falling sugar prices. However, the mansion and land were abandoned by the new owners at the break of the Civil War in 1861. It then became occupied by Captain Archibald McNeill, a famous Confederate blockade runner, according to Wikipedia. During the close of the war, it was used to shelter Judah P. Benjamin, Secretary of War in Jefferson Davis’s Cabinet, from prosecution. He was one of the men accused of helping to plan President Lincoln’s assassination. He eventually fled to the Bahamas and then to England after which the home was again abandoned. After the Civil War, the antebellum mansion was dilapidated, destroyed by Union Army raiders in 1864. Major George Patten, with his wife and 13 children, came from Savannah to purchase the property for renovation in 1870. Patten then named the area Ellenton, after his daughter Ellen, and platted the area for further development. The U.S. government officially declared Ellenton a post office site in 1881 and a few years later its first brick and mortar post office was built. Ellenton continued to grow and rebuild over the

1880 | Major Robert Gamble of the Gamble Plantation at Ellenton

1850-1860 | Robert Gamble’s Map of Gamble Plantation

years, but Major Patten could no longer maintain the costs of owning the property and it ended up at auction for back taxes. Eventually the Gamble Mansion fell into an even further state of disrepair. Between 1920 and 1925, a fertilizer company even stored manure in it. Further damage was caused when the great hurricane of 1926 smashed into the mansion, destroying parts of it, according to the Palm Beach Post. In 1925, the United Daughters of the Confederacy purchased the Gamble Mansion and donated it to the state to serve as a memorial to Judah Benjamin. It has since been renovated and restored to reflect how the home looked when it was first built. Today, the Gamble Mansion and its grounds are open to walking tours by the public and serve as a reminder of how life once was on a massive slave plantation. Visitors can explore the mansion from 8 a.m. to sundown. For more information on the Gamble Mansion or the City of Ellenton, visit www. ellenton.com

1977 A large gathering of people watching a performance on the grounds of the Gamble Plantation. A truck’s flatbed is being used as a stage. There is a performing group in front of the truck and a piano is in front of the performers. Most of the people are in 20th century summer dress, and some are in Civil War period costume. Pictures: Courtesy of Manatee County Public Library Historical Digital Collections.

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Historical Village 1850 Burying Grounds

Manatee Historical Village is located at 1404 Manatee Avenue, just about one mile east of downtown Bradenton. The village is an open-air museum and includes the 1903 Wiggins store, boat works building, vintage pioneer farmhouse, smokehouse, sugarcane mill, replica barn, church, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, steam locomotive and our first courthouse. Each historic structure has been painstakingly restored to its original appearance and function. The locomotive, Old Cabbage Head, got its name from the shape of its stack and has been a landmark in Bradenton for almost 70 years. It was built for the rough and dangerous logging industry in the Big Bend region of Florida in 1913. In 1948 it came to Manatee County to haul lumber for the local fruit crate industry. The locomotive was retired in 1953 and purchased by the Manatee Historical Society. The Bunker Hill schoolhouse served the area from 1908 to 1929. It was then purchased by Benjamin D. Gullett, who converted it into a home for his family, a role that it filled for 60 years until the family donated it. In 1989, it was moved to the historical village and restored to a one-room school. There are two doors on the old schoolhouse because boys and girls were segregated at the time and sat on different sides of the room. 42 | BMAG

Built in 1859, Manatee County’s first courthouse is the oldest surviving one-room courthouse in the state. After its function as a courthouse came to an end, it was used as a parsonage for the Manatee United Methodist Church and then as rental housing. It was moved to the historic village in 1975. The Stephens House, a cracker-style home elevated on short stilts, was built in 1912 and was originally to be found on a farm near Ona, in what is now Hardee County. Staff and visitors alike have reported seeing disturbing apparitions in the old house. In the gift shop area, a clock has repeatedly flown off the wall. Upstairs, the heavy footsteps of a man have often been heard. Maybe it’s Will Stephens himself, checking on the house he built. Once the footsteps start, they tend to continue for a long time. Construction of the church started in 1887 but stalled due to a major yellow fever outbreak that killed the pastor, many in the congregation and many others in Bradenton and surrounding areas. The church was completed in 1889. Around the altar, shadowy movements have been reported. Above the altar, the cross has frequently been found turned askew. Visitors have reported the uneasy feeling of being watched all the time while inside the church when there is no one else around.

Visitors to the Historical Village come and go. Meanwhile, the spirits continue with their daily routines, often letting guests know that they are still around. Just across 15th Street East from the historical village lies the old Manatee Burying Grounds. Established in 1850, less than 30 years after Florida was purchased from Spain, it is the oldest cemetery in Manatee County and one of the oldest on the Gulf Coast. The land was deeded by Josiah Gates and his wife, Mary. It was closed in 1892 to all but the immediate family. The last to be laid to rest there was Eva May Gates, in 1963, the granddaughter of Josiah and Mary. There are 15 Civil War veterans known to be buried on the site. Eleven were Confederate soldiers, and four were from the Union. The highest ranking is Union officer Brigadier General John Riggin. Riggin served as a colonel and aide-de-camp to Union General Ulysses S Grant during the war. Riggin was responsible for communicating vital information to highranking officers, such as General Sherman and President Lincoln’s Secretary of War. He was given the promotion to brevet brigadier general in 1865. After the war, Riggin settled in New Orleans where he met his wife, Fannie. They moved to Florida in 1874, as it was believed the environment would be beneficial to Riggin who suffered breathing problems because of a war injury. In 1886, at the age of 51, Riggin succumbed and was laid to rest in the old Manatee Burying Grounds. Fannie is believed to have been buried next to him when she died in 1930, but the grave is unmarked, and she has not been identified positively. Ironically, they are buried by the graves of Confederate soldiers. One hopes the former enemies are resting in peace together now. There are 94 graves that can be distinguished. Although time and weather have rendered the markers and inscriptions unreadable, their memory lives on.

markers that rotted away long ago. There are no records to indicate who these individuals are or how they came to be buried here. They have been lost to history. Those in the Manatee Burying Ground suffered through wars, hurricanes, Native American attacks and yellow fever to secure a life for their families and future generations to come. Mysterious white streaks have shown up in pictures taken inside the Manatee Burying Ground, both during the day and at night. Visitors have reported feeling a cold breeze or the touch of an invisible hand when walking around this quiet resting place. Should you visit, you may get the feeling you’re not quite alone. It may feel as if someone is walking along with you. You may hear the crunching of leaves under an invisible foot. Sometimes you will hear voices but will not be able to make out what they are saying. Perhaps some of those who lie forgotten in unmarked graves are trying to reach out, trying to communicate and tell their stories. To tour the burying ground yourself, you may visit the Wiggins Store in the village and request the key. Once inside, remember to treat the site with the respect it deserves. Act as if you’re being observed during the entirety of your visit because you are.

Surveys conducted using ground-penetrating radar indicate there are up to 135 additional graves within the burying grounds. Some were never marked. Others likely had crude wood

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Schedule of EPCOT Festivals at Walt Disney World 2023 BY KELLY STILWELL Those of us who live in beautiful Bradenton have so much to be thankful for. Year-round sunshine, beaches, great restaurants and even a 90-minute drive to the most magical place on Earth, Walt Disney World. Families from all over the world visit Disney, to the tune of an average of 58 million people per year. That makes Disney World the most visited vacation resort in the entire world! When you’re planning a trip to the Parks, it’s always fun to schedule your visit around one of the many festivals. With so many to choose from, it’s just a matter of choosing your favorite and heading to the Walt Disney World website to get your tickets. Now through April 1, 2023, you’ll also be able to experience Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. The weather is perfect in winter and early spring, so start planning!

And if that’s not enough Disney fun, on January 1, 2023, Disney 100 Years of Wonder begins, celebrating the 100th year of Disney as a company. BIG surprises will be in store for the entire year, so you really want to start booking now if you’re planning to go. Do keep in mind that weekends and holidays are more crowded. Though most people have jobs and kids with school schedules, any time you get the chance to go during the week when it is not a national holiday, take it and run! *As of this moment, all dates in red are tentative until Disney World releases their 2023 calendar. Check the Walt Disney World website before making plans.

January 13 February 20 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

March 1- July 1 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

You can’t pick a better time than this to visit the Parks weather-wise, unless we get a rare cold spell. Even then, there is something magical about being bundled up at Disney World in Florida!

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is such a beautiful celebration, with over 100 topiaries, including adorable character topiaries that get more imaginative every year. The colors are gorgeous with floating gardens and beds of colorful blooms everywhere you look. You can even take classes and purchase festival items to make your gardens come to life at home.

The Festival of the Arts gives guests the opportunity to meet and greet Disney artists, see their work and even purchase pieces to take home. In addition to artwork, the Disney chefs go all out in creating culinary works of art. Other events during this festival are chalk artists, a paint-bynumber mural guests can help complete, The Disney on Broadway Concert Series and lots of special merchandise like Figment’s Popcorn Bucket that sells out as quickly as it’s offered!

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Take a stroll through the Butterfly House where hundreds of reallife butterflies flutter around. Pick up Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration scavenger hunt guide (extra charge) and see how many plants you can find. A special prize awaits when you get that last sticker and show your booklet completed!

The Outdoor Kitchens will show off Disney World’s culinary best, where you can purchase small bites, cocktails, beer and wine from around the world. Finally, you might want to book your visit around the popular Garden Rocks concert series. Pop stars old and new play at this event, and you may see your personal favorite on the

list. Past performances include Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Guess Who and Little River Band.

to Morocco, you’ll find mouthwatering dishes from six continents.

As always, special merchandise will be available that can only be purchased at this event.

In between eating all that deliciousness, kids of all ages will enjoy Remy’s Ratatouilleinspired scavenger hunt. Purchase a map and start exploring! Once you’ve completed the booklet, pick up your festival keepsake. New events are added all the time, so pick up your free guidebook as soon as you arrive.

Everyone will enjoy the holiday music performed by the JOYFUL! Ensemble, as well as the storytellers at the different pavilions. Pick up your schedule of events when you arrive for details. As you can see, there is a Festival almost all year at EPCOT, but there are quite a few additional events at other Disney Parks you might want to plan around, too.

As with all festivals, special merchandise will be available that can only be purchased at that event.

November 24-December 25 EPCOT International Festival of the July 13-November 18 Holidays EPCOT International There is no better way to celebrate holidays around Food & Wine the world than to attend this Festival amazing and festive event. Delight in the Christmas decorations throughout the Park. There’s really nothing like it to get you into the holiday spirit! Holiday Kitchen will be full of delectable savory and sweet treats. And speaking of treats, you won’t want to miss the Holiday Cookie Stroll. Purchase five cookies during the monthlong stroll and you’ll get a specialty treat when you show your Passport!

A favorite festival of many, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival takes place in the summer and fall months. For foodies, this is the ultimate exploration of flavors from around the world. From the Alps

The Candlelight Processional is always a favorite activity, where celebrity narrators tell the Biblical tale of the Savior born in Bethlehem. This is another event you may want to plan your trip around so you can see your favorite narrator. Past celebrities have been Josh Gad, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Angela Bassett. Kids will love Olaf’s Scavenger Hunt, where they go on a festive quest for holiday traditions.

April Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt at EPCOT This is the only chance you’ll get to meet Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny at Magic Kingdom Park. You’ll also be able to see the Easter Procession Main Street featuring Mr. & Mrs. Bunny along with Daisy Duck, Bambi, Thumper and more. The Resorts also celebrate Springtime by showing off their very best larger-than-life Easter eggs. It really is a must see! Of course, there will be fun Easter themed snacks, as well. Finally, on special dates, guests will be able to hunt for Easter eggs in EPCOT Park.

April 29-30 Dapper Day Love dressing up Disney-style? This is your chance to show BMAG | 45

off! We love people watching on Dapper Day. And though you may see guests dressed in vintage threads all year long, this is the time to really see Dapper Day participants stepping out in style like no other day of the year!

throughout the years! Of course, special snacks only offered during this party will be available throughout the Parks, as well as merchandise only found at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. One of the most attended

May 4 events is the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. The Sanderson Star Wars Day May the fourth be with you on this celebration of all things Star Wars. Expect to see some surprises at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, as well as special galactic goodies you can only get around this time of year.

Sisters, Oogie Boogie and other favorite villains put on the show of shows to celebrate the spooky season. You’ll want to get your spot early for this one. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only takes place on select nights and often sells out, so get your tickets for this separately ticketed event as soon as they’re available.

August 9 - October 31 Mickey’s Not-SoScary Halloween Party November 7 Unquestionably one of the - December 21 most popular events, Mickey’s Mickey’s Very Merry Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom is fun for kids and adults alike. This is the time to dress up and trick or treat Disney style! No need to bring a bag as you can pick up your free tote and stop for treats at select locations throughout the Park. The Boo-To-You Parade brings out dressed-up Disney favorite characters. You never know who might be added so don’t think you’ve seen it all, even if you’ve been over and over again

Those who love all things Christmas will want to visit during this holiday event. The Parks are decked out with stunning Christmas trees, garland and snow flurries! You’ll also find special culinary treats you can only experience during this Christmas party. The Very Merry Christmas Parade is always a favorite, and kids will want to see their

favorite characters dressed up for the holidays at character meet and greets. (What a great time to get that holiday photo!) Special treats are given out for free at this event, so be sure to pick up your guide when you arrive. Past treats have been molasses cookies and apple cider at Lunching Pad and a chocolate chip cookie and eggnog at Diamond Horseshoe. You never know what the culinary geniuses at Disney will come up with, so make sure to check out all the treat stops! If you’re planning to be in the Parks during this time, get your tickets for this separately ticketed event in advance as it does sell out.

Frequently Asked Questions Do I need a special ticket to get into the EPCOT Festivals at Walt Disney World? You don’t! All four Festivals at EPCOT are included in your admission. Is food included in the ticket price at EPCOT Food & Wine Festival? This is a common question about the Food & Wine Festival. Food and beverages are not included with your admission ticket. However, small portions of the special festival dishes are available at festival kiosks throughout the World Showcase so you can try a lot of different flavors from around the world. Do I need a special ticket to get into Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas? You do need special tickets to both events. The Parks close for these events, so even if you are spending the day at the Park, you will need a special ticket to stay when the event begins. Typically, you are allowed entrance into the Park at 4 p.m. for a 7 p.m. start to the party, but this is subject to change. You’ll see details for these events on the Disney World website. 46 | BMAG

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Why Am I So Stressed? 12 Top Tips for Handling Stress By Beth Hearn Douglas Stress management has always been a critical health and social-related topic. Let’s face it. Our mental health is dependent on being able to maintain perspective and manage life’s peaks and valleys without getting stuck in unhealthy patterns. According to a recent study by the World Health Organization, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. In addition, The American Psychological Association (APA) 2020 survey reveals that Americans have been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the other external factors listed in previous years as significant sources of stress have become magnified. These compounding stressors are having real consequences on our minds and bodies. Nearly 2 in 3 adults (65%) say the current amount of uncertainty in our nation also causes them stress. So, what can we do to manage stress and keep a positive outlook? 1. Turn off the News While it may be beneficial to have a grasp of what is going on in the world, it is not necessary to become overwhelmed by it. Many of today’s news topics, albeit interestingly controversial, are not yours to solve. Simply put, do what you can to influence the things over which you have control, and let the rest go. Prioritize your time for things that generate feelings of well-being. 2. Take a Walk Physical exercise releases endorphins, which trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as “euphoric,” known as a “runner’s high,” can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life. In addition, cardiovascular activity has been proven beneficial for both heart and brain health. 3. Breathe Deep breathing and yoga breathing can have a tremendously calming effect on the body, mind and spirit. Recent evidence suggests that the practice of pranayama has positive effects on measures of clinical stress and anxiety. Slowed breathing also modulates the activity of brain regions involved in emotional processing, particularly the amygdala, anterior cingulate, anterior insula and prefrontal cortex. 48 | BMAG

4. Count Your Blessings A positive outlook and gratitude for what we have can create a huge shift in how we feel and what we perceive is possible. Positive energy most often yields a positive result by the simple the law of attraction. If we become focused on negatives, positives can seem nonexistent. But listing your blessings serves as a reminder of all that is good in life. Make a list, if you need to, to remind yourself of all of the things for which you are grateful. 5. Get Creative The National Library of Medicine states that there are measurable benefits of engaging in artistic creative activities such as making music, writing, dancing and crafts. Artistic creative activities have been shown to modulate emotions (rapidly changing reactions to events in the external or internal environment), and result in positive mental health. Most of us can find at least one fun creative outlet if we try. 6. Listen to Your Favorite Music The healing power of music is undeniable. Music can not only trigger powerful memories, but also boost the brain’s production of the hormone dopamine. This increased dopamine production helps relieve feelings of anxiety and depression. Music is processed directly by the amygdala, which is the part of the brain involved in mood and emotions. It reduces stress. 7. Make a List of Things You Want to Do A ‘to do’ list is a great way to focus on the positive things you can change or accomplish. Lists are great tools for decreasing anxiety, providing structure and giving us a record of everything we’ve accomplished in a day. The trick is to reframe your to-do list as a set of miniature goals for the day and to think of your checklist items as steps in a plan. This is a constructive way to channel your energy. 8. Take a Baby Step Plan something. Once you take a first step, you will have a sense of accomplishment. Small steps can lead to a good cycle of success breeding success as you establish habits, hit mini-goals and note your progress. This increases confidence and can be the best way to make great strides and hold onto the gains long-term. It can be something as small as completing a household chore that you have been putting off.

9. Laugh! A good laugh has great short-term effects and actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can: • Stimulate your organs and increase your intake of oxygen-rich air. It also stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain. • Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. 10. Spend Time with Family or Friends A Medical News Today study on social isolation concluded that “social relationship–based interventions” represent a major opportunity to enhance not only the quality of life but also survival. It has been proven that spending social time with others can improve mood and reduce risk of depression, anxiety and many other mental health problems. Social connection also improves your brain performance, including memory, and lowers your risk of developing dementia later in life. 11. Try Something New A famous Emily Dickinson quote comes to mind… “The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth of the hole.” Sometimes we need to disrupt our routine, break out of our old habits and force ourselves to leave our comfort zone. Why not do that “thing” you may have been a little hesitant to try? Seize the day! What have you got to lose, really? 12. Seek Professional Assistance Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. For times when you cannot seem to identify effective ways to alleviate stress, seeking a mental health professional is a wise decision. A professional therapist is best suited for evaluating your symptoms helping you through the process to a better emotional state. Often times, there are recommended treatments and therapies that can allow you to live a happy, fulfilling life. In short, mental health is as important as physical health. Do not ignore the symptoms of stress taking its toll on your mind, body and spirit. Heart attacks, strokes, ulcers and a host of other physical signs can indicate that you need to address the stressful conditions in your life. Don’t wait too long and allow a chronic health condition to adversely affect your life. When you make a concerted effort to address the underlying reasons for your stress, you are well on your way to a happier, more fulfilling path!

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The History of SCF Comprised of Students, Community and Faculty BY SARAH FISH Founded in 1957 as Manatee Junior College, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota has graduated more than 50,000 students in its history, and it all started with just 502 students 65 years ago. The college originally operated out of an old high school building and later expanded to include a campus in Venice in 1983. In 1985 the name changed to Manatee Community College. The Center for Innovation and Technology at Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park campus opened in 2003, adding a state-of-the-art Medical Technology and Simulation Center in 2010. But it wasn’t until after the State Board of Education approved the College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program in 2009, that Manatee Community College became SCF. “The College changed its name to State College of Florida, ManateeSarasota to reflect the institution’s new status as a four-year degreegranting state college,” their website says. The region’s first and largest public college, SCF serves 11,000 college credit students annually at campuses in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and through online classes. Another 14,000 students annually attend professional development and personal enrichment classes, according to the school’s website. SCF also has one of the best music programs offered by a two-year school, including its own Bradenton 50 | BMAG

Symphony Orchestra. Theater students produce four to five shows a year for the community in the school’s theater and both college and community events are held in the 830seat Neel Performing Arts Center. SCF boasts an art gallery at the Bradenton campus which provides “dynamic exhibitions that embrace critical issues and connections between art, education and culture,” according to the website. Many people have fond memories of attending the school. “I enjoyed sitting on the grass in the courtyard hanging out with fellow students between classes, “Kim Varrasso from Sarasota says. She lives in Tennessee now but attended the nursing program from 1995 to 1997 when it was still MCC. She recalls an easy transition from high school to the college environment due to the college’s small size but enjoyed classes that challenged her. “My professor was awesome but hard,” she says. “I loved that he made it challenging and interesting.” Like many others, she feels that attending SCF builds confidence that can help people face other challenges even after they move on. “I never thought that I was the college type but after attending, and doing well, I knew I could handle it.” Audrey Moberg of Sarasota is currently re-enrolled at SCF after receiving an associate’s degree in psychology from the school over a decade ago. “Now I want to get an engineering degree,” she says, adding the school’s costeffectiveness is what brought her back.

Moberg had experiences with other institutions where she felt the environment just wasn’t challenging enough, nor did they offer as many options. She says, “It’s legit classes for really cheap, compared, and I feel I really get my money’s worth.” SCF also opened a tuition-free public collegiate charter school in 2010 which allows high school students to graduate simultaneously with a diploma and an associate’s degree. It includes classes for grades 6 through 12 with its first graduating class in 2014. One of the school’s former students, Kristina Rosenbaum of Sarasota, attended from 1997 to 2000 following a year abroad studying computer science at the University of Maryland University College on the NATO base in Naples, Italy. Upon returning to Sarasota, she decided to continue her studies at SCF when it was still MCC. “MCC had so much more to offer than the limited number of classes at UMUC, and I started taking all kinds of classes just because they interested me,” she remembers. “The tuition was cheap, and the classes fit my waitress schedule.” Though she earned an associate’s in Computer Science, her heart wasn’t in it, and she shifted gears towards teaching, something that excited her because some of her favorite people were teachers. With the dozens of classes she took at MCC, she was able to earn a BA in both English and Education in just three years from Oregon State University.

Now, Rosenbaum teaches at SCF’s collegiate school. There, she says students can expect to be challenged to produce thoughtful work in an atmosphere that emphasizes the bigger picture of their lives and how they can best use their skills and passion to solve the real problems in the world. “If we want to make a better world, we have to start with educating students about reality and empowering them to change it in creative ways that foster peace and prosperity for the communities close to their hearts,” she says. Rosenbaum says she finds real satisfaction in returning to her academic roots and preparing a new generation of learners for the rigorous foundational education offered by SCF. “I see former students I taught as seventh graders studying in the library and my heart swells with pride at these kids who decided to keep going with their education,” she says. “I think State College of Florida provides experiences that develop curious, competent and interesting people.” Rosenbaum says she’s witnessed exceptional growth at the school in the decades spanning her being a student there to becoming faculty, specifically in community building on and off campus. “There are so many welcoming spaces for students to go to that weren’t here in the late ‘90s,” she says. “A friend told me about the wide range of support offered to her newly enrolled daughter and all I could think was “This is the way college should be.””

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Theatre Odyssey Takes a Leading Role in Fostering Young Area Playwrights With all the distractions of a digital world facing young people today, how do you get teenagers to discover an interest in and develop a love for live staged theater? Theatre Odyssey, a local, well respected theater company addressed that issue years ago when they launched the first Student Ten-Minute Playwriting Festival in 2013. Students in grades 9-12 from the immediate Sarasota-Bradenton area were invited to submit plays in hopes of being one of eight finalists to get their work produced on stage in front of a live, paying audience. That inaugural event was a big hit, and it has gotten better every year. This school year, students will have until the end of November to submit plays for consideration and the eight finalists chosen will see their work produced by talented actors and directors at the Eleventh Annual Student Playwriting Festival February 4 and 5, 2023, at The Cook Theater at the FSU/Asolo Performing Arts Center. The Student Festival has grown considerably since that first inaugural season. Initially limited to submissions from local students in Sarasota and Bradenton, plays are now also being accepted from a large 16-county area stretching from Tampa Bay to south of Venice. And in the early years, the festival rotated among several venues based on availability. But, for the past several seasons, The Student Festival has found an impressive home at The Cook Theater. This is the same venue used by the prestigious FSU Conservatory for Actor Training. The rewards for the young playwrights have also grown. All eight finalists THE REAL WORLD by Jake Pettingell, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School

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receive scholarship money, and the winning writer receives the $1,000 Verna Safran Scholarship Prize. Ms. Safran was a long-time Sarasota area playwright and educator. Last year, in honor of her, an YOU BELONG WITH ME by extremely generous Jennifer Tomas, Lake Gibson High School anonymous donor stepped forward to create and fund the prize for many years to come. Theatre Odyssey is always looking for ways to further mentor young writers and this year, for the first time, is helping them craft and improve their work before the plays are produced. Jason Cannon—professional actor, director, playwright, teacher and publisher—will work both individually and collectively with the eight finalist playwrights to help them improve their plays prior to the performances in February. In addition to The Student Festival, Theatre Odyssey just completed in October the staging of their Fourth Annual One-Act Festival which featured plays by four nationally recognized adult playwrights. And, in June, they staged their legacy festival, The Seventeenth Annual TenMinute Festival, which featured plays submitted by playwrights across Florida. But the Student Festival holds a special place for the group who hopes the mentoring and scholarships afforded area students by this festival may be just the opportunity that helps launch the career of the next new promising national playwright. For more information or questions about Theatre Odyssey and The Student Festival, email them at theatreodyssey@gmail.com or visit their website, www.theatreodyssey.org.

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U-18 Baseball World Cup Comes to the Sunshine State BY TRAVIS CORNWELL

For the first time since 1995 the World Baseball Softball Confederation U-18 Baseball World Cup returned to the United States. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the tournament was postponed in July of 2021. This high-profile tournament featured many amazing young prospects from all over the world. The Bradenton/Sarasota area got to experience these ball games from September 9-18. There was a total of three games played per day and as many as 50 games were played during the tournament which took place at both LECOM Park and Ed Smith Stadium. Around six years ago there were discussions about where the future of the tournament would take place. There was a bidding process, along with a lot of factfinding, and going over budgets. Eight cities were considered potential candidates to host this tournament from around

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the United States, but the Sunshine State stood out the most and was submitted to the International Federation for a final decision. It was then made official a few years ago, making the Bradenton/ Sarasota area the official host site, and also the third time it has been hosted by the United States, the other previous being in 1981. Russ Yurk, Tournament Director said, “Both cities have fostered a great relationship and have been cooperative during this process. This area has a great reputation for hosting international events, obviously World Rowing and among other events so, they just get it.” Twelve different countries competed in this tournament over two weeks, bringing with it, family and friends to the region. That means an influx of people staying in hotels and going out to eat at restaurants, which is great for the community as it is known for being such a tourist area. Chinese Taipei were the defending champions as they beat the United States in the last tournament which was held in 2019. “Progress is the most important thing. Don’t worry about defending a championship, just worry about playing one game at a time,” said Chinese Taipei Manager Tsung Chih Chou. Progress was made each day as they found themselves back in the gold medal game against a familiar face, a rematch with the United States once again. The outcome however was different this time around. The United States claimed the gold medal, defeating Chinese Taipei 5-1 in route to earning their 10th Gold Medal at the U-18 level. It’s now a perfect three for three each time it has been on home soil. “It meant a lot playing on home soil, not only for me but my players as well. I’m proud of the way they competed,” said USA Manager Denny Hocking. The tournament saw great numbers in attendance which was anticipated. Many of these players after the completion of this tournament will be future MLB stars. That’s what was presented to all who attended. For example, Shohei Ohtani, now with the Los Angeles Angels, was a former member of the Japan team years ago.

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