Issue No. 3 | Spring 2022 by bradentonmagazine

ISSUE NO. 3 | SPRING 2022

CONTENTS

C Ponies

Get Out! by Kendra Gemma

What to Do If You Find Injured Wildlife by Kelly Stilwell

2022 Music in the Park Realize Bradenton

2022 Bradenton Blues Festival Realize Bradenton

Nurturing Our Community’s Nature by Nicole Miskovic

Robinson Preserve Photo by: A.Catherine Photography 4 | BMAG

Euphemia Haye Selling to a Longtime Employee by Emma Taylor

STREET FOOD: Going “Out” to Eat Takes on a Whole New Meaning by Kelly Stilwell

RECIPES

It Takes a Village by Adam Ellis, Blue Marlin Seafood

BRADENTON BUSINESS OWNERS

Rachael and Marcus Quinn Nicky Nagy Matthew Biskey and Mark Walker

Villa Serena Inn: An Old Gem Gets Polished by Sarah Fish

Riverfront Theater by Liz Reed

Making Strides in Dementia Treatment by Beth Douglas

The Simplest Way to Lose Fat by Corey Grenz, MS Nutrition & Fitness Coach

3 Tips to Un-quit your New Tear’s Resolutions by Dr. Meredith Butulis

Who’s on Deck? by Travis Cornwell

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C PONIES About

that

cover....driving

down the causeway whether going to or coming back from the beach taking in the beautiful

surroundings

the Palma Sola Bay, most of us also notice these beauties!

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Carmen Herrmann Hanson is the granddaughter of Col. Ottomar Herrmann, whose family was one of the first to import, breed, train and exhibit Lipizzan Stallions in America, and thanks to such a background, Carmen has always held horses very close in her heart.

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Carmen’s Story — I have continued to explore my love of horses by starting my own riding academy. However, during the summer months it is just too hot in Florida to show horses, so I use horseback swimming during the summer not only for fun, but also to keep my horses in shape. On a beach outing one day with my horses, I noticed a crowd of onlookers watching and taking pictures. I was chatting with several people when an older woman explained to me that this was her lifelong dream, one of the things on her “bucket list.” Of course, I offered her a horseback ride on one of my horses, even letting her swim with the horse. When we finished, the gleam in her eye and joy on her face kept me smiling for days. In 2012, I had a non-horse related accident that left me unable to train horses. In 2015, I hung my helmet up and retired as a riding instructor and closed my barn doors to Riding with Style. Time for a new chapter in my life. I have always rescued horses and dogs. It is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. The bond with a rescued animal is really like no other. I wanted to offer other horse lovers the experience of horses that are safe, gentle, and love to swim. So why not use the ocean to help rehab the rescue horses I purchased? Most of my beautiful horses have come from not-sogood environments. I truly believe these horses find me! Ninety-five percent of our beach ponies have been bought with horrible skin conditions, neglect, and abuse, starved, and overbred. I have found the

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ocean heals almost all the conditions neglect and bad breeding have created as well as healing their souls. The love they receive from us and, of course, our guests shows them that humans can be loving and caring too. I am very sad to say, not all of our rescue horses have made it. As I am buying horses in bad condition, we have lost one recently. After two years of battling cancer, our beloved Panda has crossed the rainbow bridge. Your rides help us rehabilitate horses that are in horrible condition. Our next is a beautiful stallion that we had to geld to try to heal him. We love our horses and know that every ride purchased helps us save and care for this majestic breed of horse! All of our Gypsy and Drum horses have been rescued and rehabilitated by me. It can take me anywhere for eight weeks to four months depending on the physical and mental condition of that horse. Once they have completed their training, they become Cponies. That is to ensure every rider has not only a beautiful but a safe, well-trained, water-loving horse. As a 4th generation horse trainer, it is my mission to provide a forever home for these horses. I do not breed or purchase horses for resell. I want happy healthy horses that once again have dignity and pride. I want to thank all of you. Every ride helps us rehabilitate another Drum horse. Every time you bring carrots, gently pat them on the neck, or hug them after your ride, you prove to them that humans can be good. For more information or to book your ride, visit: www.cponies.com Photos by: Paula Wright

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M ISS I O N

support local

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e b i r c subs

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Emerson Point Preserve. Photo by: Paula Wright

GET OUT! FUN WAYS TO ENJOY NATURE IN MANATEE COUNTY By Kendra Gemma Springtime in Manatee County brings relatively mild temperatures and new life, making it an ideal season to get outdoors and explore. Whether you’re looking for a low-key activity or an exciting adventure, we have your guide to enjoying nature!

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Leisure Spending time outside doesn’t have to involve a high level of activity. In fact, it could look like feasting under the sun or seeking new species to add to your bird life list. You’ll find both opportunities practically in your backyard here in Manatee County. Feel like eating out? You’re in luck! Most of the county’s parks have picnic tables and some even have pavilions with grills so you can cook your meal right before eating it. (The pavilions require a fee and advance reservation, so plan ahead if you want to have a barbecue in a county park.) For an extra special al fresco dining experience with a special view, head to Anna Maria Bayfront Beach, where you can see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key from the picnic areas. If you’re an animal lover in general or have a particular affinity for avian creatures, the bird watching in Manatee County can’t be beat! The local chapter of the Audubon Society hosts open houses at Felts Audubon Preserve in Palmetto the first Saturday of every month, November through April, for beginner birders and anyone who’s interested in discovering our native and migrating bird populations. Visitors to Felts Preserve could also spot nearly 50 different types of butterflies. Go to ManateeAudubon.org for more information about the association’s monthly events, an area birding field guide, and checklists for hotspots, such as Duette Preserve and Rye Preserve, where you’re most likely to add a few birds to your life list.

Robinson Preserve Photo by: A. Catherine Photography BMAG | 13

Heron’s Nest. Photo by: Kendra Gemma

Recreation There’s something about stretching your legs or your entire body that just feels better when you do it outdoors. Maybe it’s that you’re breathing in fresh air, surrounded by the music of nature’s sounds and away from any distractions. No matter what the reason, spring in Manatee County presents perfect ways to exercise in paradise. “DeSoto National Monument is a local gem,” says Manatee County resident Karen Riley-Love. “It’s just the perfect size for an outing with children, a walk with your dog, or a contemplative solo stroll in nature. It’s one of my very favorite places in Bradenton.”

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A nature trail winds through several Florida ecosystems in the park and you can even stop along the path to read signage detailing the historic events that occurred along the shoreline. Want even more facts? Sign up for a 45-minute guided trail walk. If you would rather clear your mind, take to any number of trails in the county. Local Jill Lakner McGarry shares a few of her favorite places to wander. “Emerson Point Preserve and Robinson Preserve are fantastic for hiking, biking, and kayaking,” she says. The 365-acre Emerson Point Preserve, on Snead Island, is bordered by Terra Ceia Bay and the Manatee River. Trails range from under a quarter of a mile to 1.5 miles in length, and there are two launch sites for paddling, either by kayak or canoe. Bradenton’s Robinson Preserve has two trails of 2.2 miles if you feel like getting in all your steps for the day. Prefer a shorter and easier walk with a big payoff? A few of the park’s trails are just one-tenth of a mile and lead to waterfront views. For a weekday morning outdoor break or weekend treat, Heron’s Nest Nature Park is conveniently located just off State Road 70 and offers an almost 1-mile loop you can walk, run, or bike. You’ll enjoy shady areas, wildlife spotting, and a view of Summerfield Lake. Outdoor yoga has become so trendy, especially when it involves animals or other ways to interact with nature. Of course, you can bring a towel or waterproof mat to the beach or any public space, but if you desire to bring your yoga practice to a unique venue, sign up for one of Salty Buddha’s paddleboard/SUP yoga classes. The 90-minute session gives an overview of paddleboarding, goes on a short paddle, and then spends an hour flowing through yoga poses on the board off Anna Maria Island. Who doesn’t love baby goats? On alternating Saturdays, Parrish’s Serenity Oaks Homestead melds yoga with cute horned animals. Hang around after the one-hour class for photo ops with the goats.

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Challenge Manatee County has plenty of exhilarating activities for the adventurous and athletic. Even the most adrenaline-junkie kids will enjoy Greenbrook Adventure Park, according to Lakewood Ranch resident Erin Duggan. “My kids love Adventure Park in Greenbrook in Lakewood Ranch as there is a playground, hockey rink and there are so many trails that lead to a creek where there is even a rope swing!” Adults who get energized by hitting the court will want to join a tennis league at G.T. Bray Recreation Center. The spring league starts in April, with registration in March. Players can sign up alone or with a partner for doubles leagues. League play is on both hard and clay courts. If you’re more into pickleball, two outdoor pickleball courts will reopen at the C.V. Walton Racket Center this spring after recent renovations. Truly challenge yourself (and perhaps face your fear of heights) at TreeUmph! Adventure Course in Bradenton. At this elevated park, don’t expect your feet to touch the ground very often. You’ll probably spend your time soaring along on a zip line, traversing suspension bridges, climbing walls of wood and rope, and swinging on a vine. However you choose to take advantage of Manatee County’s glorious weather this spring, just get out and do it! 16 | BMAG

Photos provided by: TreeUmph

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND The Sunshine State is known for its abundance of wildlife. From alligators to manatees to bald eagles, we rank in seventh place for number of species, coming in at 4,368, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. With all those animals vying for space, we’re bound to have accidents and tragedies. But knowing what to do if you happen upon an injured animal could be the difference between life or death. With spring in the air, baby animals are everywhere. Read on for tips of what to do, as well as what not to do, if you find an injured animal.

Injured Wildlife

by: Kelly Stilwell

IF YOU FIND SMALL BIRDS LIKE BLUE JAYS, CARDINALS, DOVES, MOCKINGBIRDS, OR SPARROWS Remember, small birds don’t eat after dark, so there is no need to feed it or give it water. Improper feeding can be even more dangerous than hunger. Place the bird in a small box, in a warm, dry, dark place. Of course, keep it away from children and pets. You may think you need to add heat, but being in your home should be warm enough for the bird if it’s warm enough for you. First thing in the morning, call Wildlife, Inc. or your local wildlife rehab center and they will determine next steps. If you are not able to get the bird there, they have transport volunteers who can usually pick the bird up for you and deliver it safely. (See volunteer opportunities below if this interests you. It’s a huge need!)

WHAT IF THE BIRD IS LARGER, LIKE AN OWL, HAWK, GREAT BLUE HERON, OR EGRET? Larger birds can be extremely dangerous, so if possible, it’s best to have a handler from the local wildlife center come to you and capture it. If you already have the bird captured, follow the same directions as you would with a small bird, contacting the rescue first thing in the morning. If it’s a bird you can’t handle (especially egrets, owls, great blue herons) check on it first thing in the morning and call the rescue.

Photo’s courtesy of Wildlife, Inc. 18 | BMAG

If you find a large, downeycovered chick, stay away and call the rescue. Birds of prey like owls, eagles, vultures, and falcons often fall from their nests. Parents will attack, so maintain a safe distance.

IF YOU FIND A BUNNY, OPOSSUM, OR SQUIRREL: Place the animal in a box with a dry cloth or towel under it. Follow the same instructions for a bird, except that you can place a heating pad on low under half of the box so they can move to a warm area if needed. Again, do not give it food or water. Contact the rescue for further instructions.

IF YOU FIND AN OTTER OR BOBCAT: Don’t attempt to capture either as they can be dangerous. Keep an eye on them and call your local wildlife center. If it’s a baby, follow instructions above for bunnies and call the rescue right away.

IF YOU FIND A RACCOON, BAT, SKUNK, OR FOX: These animals can carry rabies, so keep your distance and call the rescue. Do not attempt to capture these adults. Rehab specialists usually

have their rabies shots and are able to safely capture these animals. You can also call Fish & Wildlife at 888-404-3922 and report the injured animal. If it’s a baby, using heavy gloves and a stick or other tool, lightly push the animal into a box tilted sideways. Gently turn the box upright. Follow instructions for bunnies above and call Wildlife, Inc. or your local rescue.

Top Tips

FOR ALL WILDLIFE

DO call Wildlife, Inc. at 941-7786324. Do not text message, or send messages through their Facebook page. They are available by phone from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. every day. See their website www.wildlifeinc. org under the “if you find wildlife” tab for more information about what to do if you find waterfowl or deer. DO consider donating to Wildlife, Inc. They are a nonprofit and do so much good in our community. You can donate and subscribe to their newsletter on their website www.wildlifeinc.org. Think about participating in their giving challenge on April 26th & 27th.

DO visit the Wildlife Inc. sanctuary located on the property of Mixon Fruit Farms at 2525 27th Street in East Bradenton and do some local shopping while you’re there! You can take one of the daily tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., or one of the summer tours at 11 a.m. or 1p.m. Visit www.mixon.com for more information. Do NOT take an injured animal to your local vet. They are not permitted to treat it and their only course of action may be euthanasia. We are very lucky to have Wildlife, Inc., and they are experienced in dealing with all wildlife. Do NOT consider keeping the animal. Yes, those cute cuddly wild baby squirrels seem like they’d be the perfect pet, but it is against the law to keep any wild animal unless you are a licensed rehabilitator. If you’d like to spend some time with lots of baby animals, fill out the form at www.wildlifeinc.org under the How to help tab to volunteer at the rescue. It’s fun and rewarding. BMAG | 19

2022 Music in the Park

Get ready for Realize Bradenton’s 2022 Music in the Park! Kicking off in March and running through April, the community event is an outdoor concert series free and open for anyone to attend. Taking place every Saturday for seven weekends, each concert will be held at Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion and begin at 6pm.

Check out this year’s lineup: March 18 Derek Lersch Music March 25 Have Gun Will Travel Soulfx

April 8

Hurricane Shane

April 15

Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones

April 22

Glass Onion Beatles Band

April 29

Combo Fusion

Don’t forget to bring your blankets and chairs! 20 | BMAG

Photography by Michael Bartley

April 1

2022 Bradenton Blues Festival Lineup Realize Bradenton is pleased to announce the performance lineup, venue information, and ticket sales date for the 2022 Bradenton Blues Festival Weekend. The Bradenton Blues Festival is returning to the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion at Rossi Park (452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL) on December 2-3, 2022! Tickets for the 2022 Bradenton Blues Festival will go on sale on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at BradentonBluesFestival.org.

Friday, December 2, 2022 Gabe Stillman Band Harper and Midwest Kind Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe Saturday, December 3, 2022 Lady A

Dawn Tyler Watson and Jimmy Carpenter perform at the 2021 Bradenton Blues Festival.

Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations Nora Jean Wallace Blood Brothers featuring Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia Ana Popovic Sunday, December 4, 2022 Blues Brunch at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille

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BY: NICOLE MISKOVIC

NURTURING OUR COMMUNITY’S NATURE As chilly weather and frost continue to permeate through the U.S., Floridians know that this is the time when our warm spring weather really shines. With sun-kissed palms, snow-free parks, and beach-side sunsets, what more could we ask from the paradise we call home? It’s no secret that the Gulf Coast of Florida has been a top destination for new residents and visitors alike, and while we love sharing our beaches, keys, mangroves, and bays, it’s important to keep in mind that we have to do our part in order to keep enjoying them for years to come. So as members of the community, how can we take care of our environment? Jennifer Hoffman, Executive Director of Keep Manatee Beautiful, has taken the initiative to educate and inspire people to make our environment clean and beautiful. From spending New Year’s Day removing 960 pounds of waste with 65 volunteers, to saving a green turtle stranded in the mangroves with a missing flipper, Keep Manatee Beautiful does exactly what it says: make sure our community stays beautiful. An affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Florida Beautiful, the volunteer-based organization promotes involvement through litter prevention, recycling, and beautification. And with a network of more than 10,000 volunteers, Hoffman and her team inspire us to show love to the tropical environment we benefit from. Here are a few things to keep in mind this spring, as well as ways to get involved, as you enjoy your beach time, vacation, and spring break.

Pictured is Board Member Cheryl Huntsinger and rescued turtle, Jackie. JACKIE UPDATE: Sadly, the turtle passed away at Mote in late January. Jennifer is glad that Jackie ended her life loved and cared for by the right people. 22 | BMAG

Keep Manatee Beautiful Volunteers

Turning the Tide

Getting Involved

When it comes to protecting our environment, including our beaches and oceans, a clean beach is a perfect place to start. On average, the waste produced on our beaches during spring break amounts to 10,000 pounds. Studies also show that if each individual picked up just 152 pieces of trash, there would be no more litter on the ground.

With Earth Day and Arbor Day right around the corner, what are some ways we can get involved to show appreciation for our environment and ensure it stays beautiful for years to come? One avenue is through the city. Each city in Manatee County has its own volunteer program. The City of Bradenton is no exception with initiatives like the Tree Board, the perfect way to share your desire to save the tree canopy and influence how neighborhoods look.

“The best way to keep the ocean clean is to stop trash from getting there in the first place,” said Hoffman. “We encourage everyone to start by picking up their own street. Then, to come volunteer with us to pick up everything that has been collecting in our waterways and streets over time.” In addition to volunteering, you can make your own difference by setting these personal goals: First, if you bring it in, then take it out. Second, always bring a small bag for trash, and fill it up before you leave. Families can even make an activity out of it, by seeing who collects the most. Lastly, if you see an animal in trouble, report it so the right people can help.

For the past three years, Keep Manatee Beautiful has also hosted Earth Day events that included planting an elementary school garden, removing invasive species from local waterways, making a garden out of a vacant lot, and even revitalizing a neighborhood by improving the landscaping of 18 homes.

“Not only are we lucky enough to live in paradise, we have world-class nonprofits and government programs available to participate in. Last year alone, our volunteers collected more than 60,000 pounds of trash off of our This also expands beyond our beaches to our parks, streets and waterways, a huge impact in trails, campsites, and reserves. From something as our beautification and litter prevention simple as picking up a stray can to ensuring your own waste is disposed of, a little can go a long way efforts.” ~Jennifer Hoffman as we continue to beautify Manatee County through litter prevention. BMAG | 23

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EUPHEMIA HAYE SELLING TO A LONGTIME EMPLOYEE BY EMMA TAYLOR Euphemia Haye has served as a staple of fine dining in our community for nearly 50 years. Started by Les Buntin in 1975 and purchased by Ray and D’Arcy Arpke in 1980, the historic restaurant—famous for its dessert loft and exquisite cuisine—caters to locals and visitors from around the globe. Nestled a block from the gulf on Longboat Key at 5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Euphemia Haye has served as a momentous destination for special occasions and fond memories for decades. Amy Whitt has been an employee of the Arpkes for nearly 15 years, and after purchasing the restaurant from them this past December, she is now the owner with plans to continue the eatery’s sparkling legacy. Whitt was raised in a small town in Minnesota and spent her high school years visiting a friend in the Anna Maria area. Her trips to the sunny beachside town sparked early aspirations of a move to Florida— about 15 years ago, those aspirations became a reality. She heard through friends that Euphemia was in need of “a new office person” and came on as an administrator, before later taking over as bookkeeper. When the Arpkes decided it was time to retire, Whitt was on the short-list of logical successors. “They approached me in September of 2020 that they were selling the restaurant. I thought, ‘well, I’m going to do whatever I can to try and make this happen.’ This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity— you know? A well-established restaurant with the clientele that they have, you just don’t find that anywhere!”, she said excitedly of the initial proposal. That same month, while the restaurant was closed to reboot before season, Whitt went back to Illinois and shared the news with her family. “They were super excited for me and offered to help in any way possible to make this a reality. I actually told them about 11 years ago, ‘one day I’m going to buy this place.’ It’s not something new for me that I wanted to do. I had known. I fell in love with it from the get go. I fell in love with the people, their values, their standards, just everything about it. It’s just a family. You know? It was a home. It is a home away from home.” One thing that Whitt overwhelmingly exudes is her emphasis on the importance of family. She speaks of the entire Euphemia Haye staff as though they’re blood related and expresses genuine care and concern the way only a good den-mother would. With recent staffing shortages and an unprecedentedly busy year, Whitt has not only employed herself to buss, hostess, and help out wherever needed, but even had her sister and two nephews pitch in while

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they visited over winter break. It’s apparent that her support system runs deep in both the Euphemia community and her personal life. “The staff has been wonderful, exceptional. Everyone has stepped up and filled in where needed. They see how committed I am. I’ve been upstairs bussing since December 14th. We needed a busser!”, she laughed with amusement. “I’ve helped in the kitchen. I’ve tried to learn everything I can. I come from a small town and I think the biggest thing for me is family. Ray and D’Arcy are a second set of parents to me.” When asked about any changes she hopes to make to the establishment, Whitt expressed that she’s more concerned with continuing the great standard of freshly crafted food and excellent service that the Arpkes have fostered for the last 40+ years. “You hear that a restaurant has sold to someone, there is that hesitancy and concern that everything will change. When I first got wind that they were looking to sell, that was my biggest fear. But they didn’t want to sell it to some big-shot outsider. As soon as it was presented, there was a sigh of relief. I was just so happy that they wanted to keep it in ‘the family’.” she said. Euphemia Haye has been referred to in the kitchen and by locals as ‘The Legacy on Longboat’— a name that solidifies its reputation as a long-established haven for memorable times and delectable cuisine. They have been statewide Hall of Fame winners for the Florida Golden Spoon award every year since ‘sometime in the 1990s’—so long ago that no one could recall the inaugural year. Chef James Norris took over as Sous Chef in 2011, when the previous position holder retired after being there since 1975. James has served as the Chef de Cuisine for the last three years in collaboration with Ray and will continue heading the kitchen under Whitt’s ownership. Ray and D’Arcy Arpke live locally and will continue to mentor and assist Whitt for the next year to ensure a smooth transition. With Whitt’s enthusiasm and knowledge, and the closely knit ties of the Euphemia ‘family’, it seems that patrons will continue to enjoy the same magical dining experiences that they have come to expect from Euphemia Haye for the last 41 years.

“They’ve (the Arpkes) raised this baby! This amazing restaurant that people come to for all occasions, from all over. I want to carry that on and make them proud. I want to make sure that people know they can still do that, and that they’re in good hands.” -Amy Whitt

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“Did you know it takes an average of six hours for law enforcement to find and notify families in an accident or other emergency? I didn’t either, until it happened to my family. I founded TIFF so that families will no longer have to wonder, ‘What if I’d been able to be there?’” ~ Christine Olson, TIFF Founder

TIFF – To Inform Families First was founded by Christine Olson, the mother of Tiffiany, a young woman killed in a traffic accident in 2005. Christine did not learn of this tragedy until 6 and a half hours after the accident happened. Reflecting on Tiffiany’s accident and the agony it caused inspired Christine to ensure other families never need suffer the same situation. Christine dedicated her efforts and sought to change and improve the current system. With the support of then Florida State Representative Bill Galvano, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and law enforcement agencies. TIFF, a voluntary Emergency Contact Information program went into effect on October 2, 2006 in the state of Florida. Christine Olson proudly registered as the first individual in the TIFF system. The program has since been adopted into 15 states, with the goal and vision to take TIFF nationally, and possibly internationally. There is not a person or situation that couldn’t benefit from the service that TIFF provides.

www.ToInformFamiliesFirst.org Take 2 minutes to register, first and foremost, then tell 5 others. BMAG | 31

Going “Out” to Eat Takes on a Whole New Meaning with

by: Kelly Stilwell

STREET FOOD

The popularity of food trucks has risen quite a bit over the last five years or so. Visit places like World Food Trucks in Central Florida or Celebration Park in Naples and you’ll find a street food experience with year-round permanent food trucks. Though it’s not as new of a concept as you may think (there were food trucks in Los Angeles in the 1970s), the industry has grown to $2.7 billion according to an article in Food Truck Operator. We may not have a food truck park in Bradenton (yet!) but you can visit many of the below trucks at events around town. Most food trucks have a rotating schedule so you’ll have to check out each one on Facebook to see where and when you can chow down.

BRITISH OPEN PUB FISH & CHIPS Authentic British fare right here in Bradenton! From fish and chips to Banger Ball to Curry & Rice, get your British food fix right here! Facebook: BOP Food Truck

K-DOG BBQ For pulled pork, ribs, chicken, daily specials, and delicious homemade sides, you’ve got to check out K-Dog! Facebook: K Dog Catering Photo by: Angell Media House

NAS PHILLY STEAKS

THE SCHNITZEL TRAILER Get your German fix with Wiener Schnitzel, Jaeger Schnitzel, and authentic brats! Facebook: TST Food

For cheesesteaks, chicken cheesesteak, and duck fat fries, check out the locations for this delicious line-up and visit soon! Facebook: Nas Philly SteaksTrailer

FLORIDA POUTINE CO Poutine lovers, rejoice! Florida Poutine Co has homemade squeaky cheese with fries topped with their own poutine sauce (the Original) along with four additional varieties! Facebook: Florida Poutine Co You’ll find food trucks on the regular at 3 Car Garage Brewing at 8405 Heritage Green Way, Motorworks at 1014 9th Street West, and Loaded Cannon Distillery at 3115 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Visit their Facebook pages for schedules and hours. Check out StreetFoodFinder.com wherever you are to see if there are food trucks in the area! 32 | BMAG

Photo by: Kelly Stilwell

EL INDIO TACOS Y SNACKS Choose from marinated pork tacos, grilled chicken tacos, grilled steak tacos, enchiladas, and more. Need more variety? Get the Taco Buffet. Facebook: El Indio Tacos y Snacks

BONE SHAKER FOOD COMPANY Mexican and Tex Mex calling your name? You’ll find several varieties of tacos (get the triple threat!) as well as pulled pork and brisket Sammiches. Facebook: Bone Shaker Foods Photo courtesy of El Indio Tacos y Snacks

TASTE THE VIBEZ Craving a taste of Jamaica? You’ll want to track down this food truck for street tacos filled with fish, jerk pork, or jerk chicken. Check out the beef patty and coco bread, too. Facebook: The Vibez In Every Bite

ROCKSTAR LOBSTER Perfect for date night, get your lobster rolls, lobster fries, lobster tacos, and lobster mac and cheese. Plenty of other seafood options as well as burgers if you’re not in the mood for lobster. (What?!) Facebook: Rockstar Lobster

Photo credit Kelly Stilwell

SHINY GUMBO Did someone say creole? Serving up gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee, whichever you choose, you’ll want to order those slow-cooked red beans to pair with it. Facebook: Shiny Gumbo

PEACHEY’S BAKING CO Amazing Amish baked goods like handcrafted doughnuts and fresh-baked pretzels. You’ll want to get a box to go! Facebook: The Amish Baking Company

GODFATHER CANNOLI Who’s ready for dessert? Real Sicilian pastries from a food truck? Yes, indeed! Choose from Tiramisu, Limoncello, Nutella, and more. Facebook: Godfather Cannoli

Photo credit Kelly Stilwell

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4 Cups Chopped Carrots 3 Cups Chopped Celery 5 Cups Sliced Onion ½ Cup Chopped Garlic ¼ Cup Chopped Ginger ¼ Cup Olive Oil 1/8 Cup Sesame Oil 1/6 Cup White Wine 1 Chopped Lemongrass 5 Bay Leaves 1 Pint Water 1.5 Pints Roasted Butternut Squash 2 oz. Red Curry Paste 15 oz. Coconut Milk 1 Tablespoon Coriander 1 Tablespoon Paprika 2 Limes Juiced 1 Tablespoon Honey Salt to taste In a large stock pot sauté carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and ginger in the olive oil and sesame oil. Add white wine at the end before the garlic burns. In separate pot, bring water, lemon grass, and bay leaves to a boil, remove from heat and let steep. Strain the water, lemon grass and bay leaves into the vegetable stock pot. Add the roasted butternut squash, red curry paste, coconut milk, coriander, paprika and lime juice. Cook on medium heat. Once mixture is hot, add the honey. For the garnish: 1 Roasted Purple Beet 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice ¼ Cup Coconut Milk 2 Tablespoon Honey 2 Tablespoon Water Salt to taste Blend until smooth. For pictured effect, use a food squeeze bottle. 36 | BMAG

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It Takes a Village BY: ADAM ELLIS, BLUE MARLIN SEAFOOD

It takes a fishing village to catch the best local seafood. Cortez has two of the oldest working fish houses on the Gulf coast of Florida. This founding community has always had a strong work ethic to bring home the bounty of the Gulf of Mexico. Blue Marlin Seafood (www.bluemarlinami. com) is committed to serving the freshest fish and shellfish that the Gulfcoast has to offer. We have forged great relationships in the last 10 years with the hardworking people who base their lives around our local waters. The menu at Blue Marlin reflects what is local and in season. The local fishery is highly regulated to ensure sustainability. We feature local fish which include many species. Grouper and snapper are among the most sought-after of the fishes. We also catch flounder, cobia, wahoo, mahi,tripletail, tilefish, pompano, and sometimes tuna and swordfish (along with a handful of lesserknown species). Local shellfish include shrimp, clams, and most famously stone crab, which are exclusive to the Gulf of Mexico. We pride ourselves on having what is local and fresh. Living in the Cortez Fishing Village for the past 25 years has undoubtedly shaped our menu. Residing in an active fishing community has allowed us the closeness to the sea to be inspired by what comes across the dock. I am able to load my truck with fish from A.P. Bell or Cortez Bait & Seafood, drive across the bridge and unload on Bridge Street daily. Local fishing legends have influenced menu items, preparations, and techniques. Grouper Fulford, our take on a classic, was named after the “one and only” Blue Fulford, who was also known for his net-hanging 38 | BMAG

skills. Fulford-cast nets caught much of the mullet after gill nets were banned in Florida. Two Docks Shellfish provides the clams and oysters on many of the menu items at Blue Marlin. The Welch family uses sustainable fishing techniques to ensure the local clams they harvest continue to thrive. In the 1960s, my father-in-law, Mike Norman, moved to Florida after graduating college. Before opening his real estate firm on Anna Maria Island (www.mikenormanrealty.com), he fished under Capt. Bubba Capo aboard a commercial fishing vessel, called the West Wind, based out of Cortez. Mike’s love of the water kept him here. Today at almost 80, Mike smokes fresh-caught mullet each week for our Smoked Fish dish. Using native wood such as buttonwood soaked in salt water adds to the unique flavors of this local favorite. Mike Norman and his wife Inez purchased the historic cottage which now houses Blue Marlin Seafood in the 1980s. Our son, Marlin Michael, is Blue Marlin’s namesake. Marlin,now 22 and a recent college graduate, works at Bradenton Beach Marina, literally steps from Blue Marlin on Bridge Street. Captain Mike Greig, my brother-in-law, has been a local Anna Maria Island fishing guide and commercial fisherman for over 30 years (www.fishannamaria.com). I have had the privilege to work alongside him and learn techniques that have been handed down over the years. For the past 25 years, between Oct. 15th and April 15th, I have had the opportunity to be part of his stone crab operation. The stone crab at Blue Marlin were likely on Capt. Mike’s boat just hours before being served. Capt. Mike’s dock parties were the inspiration behind Blue Marlin’s beginnings... Nothing beats an ice cold beer, eating the freshest catch with friends and family while listening to fishing stories! Now, our patrons get a taste of this life at Blue Marlin Seafood. BMAG | 39

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Rachael and Marcus Quinn Your CBD Store Founders Getting back to your best self isn’t easy amidst ongoing pandemic pressures, but it’s something that’s essential, according to Your CBD Store founder Rachael Quinn. The mother of three and serial entrepreneur understands the challenges firsthand, having founded Your CBD StoreBradenton in 2018 following her own personal battle with Crohn’s Disease. Quinn has since grown her one-woman shop into a national chain with more than 500 stores nationwide, which Entrepreneur magazine ranks among its Top 500 franchises. Despite its seismic growth, Your CBD Store has stayed true to its mission to maintain a personal relationship with customers and make a lasting impact on health and well-being. “It’s not always easy to put yourself first,” says Quinn, who notes it is something that is particularly hard for area mothers who’ve silently carried us through the pandemic. Parents, particularly mothers, have gotten so accustomed to juggling the endless pressures associated with quarantinerelated challenges that they have become oddly normal. Many times, their needs get placed last, if they are addressed at all, according to Quinn, who learned the importance of prioritizing her own personal health needs as she battled her chronic and debilitating condition. “All too frequently, sleep suffers” says Quinn. Bradenton residents experienced a 22.1 hour “sleep debt” weekly, according to an Ocere sleep study, which reports

average Florida residents lost more than three hours of sleep nightly in 2021. Experts at the CDC consider sleeplessness a public-health concern. “This year, we’re seeing more and more customers who just want to make it through the week with a little less stress and an hour or two more of sleep than the week before,” says Quinn. It’s a troubling trend, according to Quinn, who expanded her retail locations to meet the growing demands of a consumer market that is “beyond burned out.” Her stores boast signature lines of SUNMED products that focus on calming everyday stressors, improving sleep, helping shed pandemic pounds, and managing inflammation. As important, Your CBD Stores are “warm and welcoming,” according to Quinn. “Everyone needs an oasis,” she says. “We’ve got to help our young families and other at-risk Bradenton area residents restore their inherent sense of resiliency,” says Quinn. SUNMED’s newest Catchin’ ZZZs five-night trial pack gummy are a part of its sleep line formulated to provide an important pathway back to better sleep, according to Quinn. “When we sleep better, we do better in our everyday lives,” she notes. To learn more about SUNMED products visit getsunmedhemp.com. BMAG | 41

Nicky Nagy Owner of Blue Door Spa & Salon When did you start the business?

What makes your services unique?

Blue Door Spa and Salon opened for business in August 2006. I had been back and forth between the UK and U.S. since 2000 and having built a house here in Bradenton, I wanted to make this my full-time home. I love the sunshine and decided to make this my home and raise my girls here. The next step was to open a business. I took on the current spa location from dirt and did my own custom build-out, while I was still pregnant with my third daughter.

We are truly the only luxury day spa in the area that offers all the spa and salon services in a relaxed spa setting – other than the five-star hotels! We really want our guests to feel that they have stepped out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life – which is becoming increasingly more hectic – to a space where they can relax, feel pampered and truly taken care of. Each spa guest is escorted to our locker room, where they get their own locker, robe, and slippers. From there they move on to unwind in our calm relaxation lounge or use our complimentary dry sauna before its time for their facial, massage, or Thalgo Body treatment. We pride ourselves on making it all about the guests and their experience. Likewise, our boutique hair salon is a haven of relaxation with five hair stations, so no loud music and rows of salon chairs. Here our guests have an in-depth consultation before their service begins. The shampoo stations/chairs offer an added luxury in that you get a back massage whilst in the chair. We are a Wella Elite Salon which ensures that all our stylists are expert in the products used. The ambience in our pedicure lounge is tranquil. Sanitation being of greatest importance, we have ultramodern porcelain pedicure bowls with relaxed seating. We have no jets that can harbor bacteria. Each guest gets a neck warmer, a complimentary mimosa or wine, and the best service possible. We use top products with the least amount of chemicals.

What were your drives to start up? One of the main drives was to open a spa here in Bradenton, which would give me the flexibility to spend time with my girls. I also saw an opportunity to offer the area a true European Spa and Salon which would be locally accessible. I wanted to evoke luxury at an affordable price, and I feel that I have achieved that.

What are some goals you hope to accomplish? My goals moving forward are to bring spa experiences to more people. I want to educate people in believing that personal care is allowed and absolutely necessary and essential for the mind and body. I love that I can mentor the future beauty business leaders of tomorrow. So, my goal is to keep doing what I love and feel enthusiastic about and be surrounded with like-minded people.

Has it been everything you expected? It has been everything and more. The area has grown so much that it has allowed us to grow and thrive. I have met such amazing and wonderful people, many of whom will remain lifelong friends. I feel very blessed to have had all the opportunities to make an impact on the local community. 42 | BMAG

Blue Door Spa & Salon is all about guest experience. I recommend a tour or our Spa and Salon to get a real feel of what we do and love. www.thebluedoorspa.com

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Matthew Biskey and Mark Walker Owners/Stylists of Shear Rituals Salon When did you start the business?

What are some goals you hope to accomplish?

Shear Rituals Salon opened its doors in December of 2014 but its conception was long before that. When we originally started talking about opening a salon, we were both working in Sarasota. At that point, the thought in the area was, if you wanted to go to an amazing salon and have amazing hair you needed to be at a salon in Sarasota. But as we started scouting locations for our salon, we quickly realized that Bradenton should be the place where people go for amazing hair. People shouldn’t need to travel to Sarasota for the best that the area has to offer, so that became our focus and our why as we started to conceptualize our business. To create an upscale, yet comfortable experience for our local guests, that has now drawn people from around the Bay Area.

As we begin 2022 Shear Rituals would like to continue its growth, by providing more stylists with an exceptional work environment and providing the people of Bradenton with top-notch hair services.

What is your background? Matthew’s first working salon experience was in 2000 at Off the Top Hairstyling in Waconia, Minnesota. After finishing high school, Matthew attended Aveda Institute Minneapolis in 2004 and obtained his AA in Business Administration from the Minnesota School of business before moving to Bradenton in 2008. Matthew’s passion has allowed him to work with most major brands, including Redken, Paul Mitchell, and Aveda, throughout his career. Mark’s professional background began in local education. He obtained his BA and M. Ed. in leadership and management from Saint Leo University. He always had a drive from the fashion and beauty industry and grew up naturally drawn to doing hair and makeup. After meeting Matthew in January of ‘08, Mark’s drive to be a part of the beauty industry reengaged. He went to school for cosmetology and started his career working at The Met on St Armands. 44 | BMAG

Has it been everything you expected? We don’t do much without a lot of conversation and research. The birth of Shear Rituals came out of our collective experiences and desires. There have been trials and challenges along the way and what has been most unexpected is how challenging managing and employing people is. Not only are we managing guest expectations, but there is also a fine balance in the ever-moving target of employee retention and happiness. The expectations of the growth of the salon has been faster than we expected, but continued to stay in line for all of our goals and expectations.

What makes your services unique? Shear Rituals tries to set itself apart in how we approach the industry as a whole. Our culture is one of teamwork and inclusivity. Many salons are very competitive in the way they treat and approach that art of building a book of guests. We focus on making each guest as happy as possible regardless of who they see. We have many guests that float between stylists and are very comfortable doing so. While cliche, we do want all of our guests as well as our employees to feel like family. Our goal is to create a relaxing environment that provides the latest techniques and services, and focuses on the education and professional advancement of our stylists. We are unique in the area also as being one of the only salons owned by a married gay couple. www.shearrituals.com

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Villa Serena Inn: An Old Gem Gets Polished by: Sarah Fish

Bradenton has had its fair share of famous people visiting, from Babe Ruth to Al Capone and even Elvis is said to have left a building or two here in the ‘friendliest city’. At the Villa Serena, they’ve hosted nearly all of them. The historic Manatee County landmark has been a permanent fixture as the area’s oldest surviving inn and the only original inn from the Sarasota area’s glamorous Roaring Twenties. And it’s made a comeback nearly a century later. On sprawling grounds of almost an acre and a half, not much has changed since the Villa first opened its doors to the public in 1926. Banyan and live oak trees shade the classically antiquated atmosphere in a beautiful park-like setting. Native palms add the ambience that preserve the “Old Florida” charm. The Mediterranean-revival-style Villa Serena was designed by renowned architect Clare Hosmer. Hosmer arrived in Sarasota during the Land Boom of the early 1920s. He joined the surge in architects moving to the area who were eager to lend a hand in developing Florida’s Gulf Coast for wealthy northern transplants. The style of architecture Hosmer implemented on the Villa is seen throughout many of the other local buildings he designed. Most of them are either on the National List of Historic Places or designated locally as historic sites. Most notable is the Bitz home on Bay Shore Blvd. The American Legion War Memorial at Five Points is also a Hosmer work, as is the Lemon 46 | BMAG

Bay Women’s Club, which Hosmer codesigned in the Prairie School architectural style made famous by Frank Lloyd Wright. Built amongst several designs of one of the area’s top architects, The Villa Serena was destined to be legendary. Called the Italian Palace at the time it was built due to its elaborate furnishings, Villa Serena was renovated in 2019 and still features much of the original characteristics that make it so unique. According to owner Steve Levin, who in 2014 purchased the property “almost as a whim,” the Villa was at the time, crumbling and in disrepair.

According to owner Steve Levin, who in 2014 purchased the property “almost as a whim,” the Villa was at the time, crumbling and in disrepair. Levin moved to the Sarasota area a year before he bought the 7014 Willow Street property where the Villa stood, nearly forgotten. A serendipitous moment brought Levin to the Villa one day while out searching for other properties for a friend. He noticed a for sale sign in front of the dilapidated structure from across the street and within 24 hours he was under contract.

“For some reason I am fond of old (1920s old) properties” – Steve Levin

“We rehabbed the building and reintroduced live entertainment after a 43-year hiatus.” – Steve Levin

“I thought it would be a very easy project,” he recalled. But Levin is no stranger to the hard work that comes with renovating and preserving such important relics. And the Villa turned into a $1,500,000 labor of love. “For some reason I am fond of old (1920s old) properties,” he said. Proof lies within other historic structures Levin has had a hand in resurrecting. Back in his native New Hampshire, he spent over a decade renovating the old Colonial Theater in the tiny town of Keene after purchasing it in the 1980s.

“Asbestos, no heat or AC, roof leaks were a few of the problems we encountered,” Levin said of the Colonial Theater. “We rehabbed the building and reintroduced live entertainment after a 43-year hiatus.” He later sold the property to a community-based group who has been running and expanding its vision since 1993. Here in Bradenton, he began the renovation and preservation of former Bradenton Mayor Winthrop Curry’s home at 224 18th Street West before selling it with hopes the new owners will honor its history the way in which he had. “Point Pleasant is a most interesting place from an historical perspective as is the Curry family,” Levin said, his love of history quite palpable. A change in charter at the Manatee Historical Society eliminated the possibility of working with a local conservation organization to preserve the building, so Levin decided to focus his efforts on the Villa. BMAG | 47

How Suite It Is In September of 2000, the inn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation Levin accepted happily when he purchased it, having a background in conservation. Though it honors tradition, the Villa has transformed into something for the future generations of movers and shakers. In the inn’s heyday, champion golfer Bobby Jones, baseball legends Babe Ruth and Dizzy Dean, and many others stayed comfortably in the same rooms that the public can reserve now for their own enjoyment.

“We had a lot planned that we had to cancel,” Barry said of music and creative events impacted by Covid. “But we’ve adapted.”

Each of the inn’s 12 luxury suites are equipped with a full galley kitchen and breakfast nook, private bedroom, and sitting rooms that feature the building’s original oak floors, all fully decked out with modern conveniences. Four of the rooms are approved for transient tenants while the remaining eight are reserved for full-time residents. The ADA-approved suite was previously two old horse stalls before being transformed into a luxury rental. The building did not have adequate space for an elevator, so resourcefulness made way for ingenuity. Levin added a cavernous 1,000-square-foot carriage house catering hall that complements the main structure and can host 100 guests. Inspired by his love of music and travel, Levin sees this space as a location for future performances by local musicians and is available for private events. An outside space has been adorned with seven new pergolas and areas to host open-air functions beneath the towering shade trees. Levin also recently purchased a food trailer to provide a catering space capable of accommodating any third-party vendors when dining is required. What may be the most impressive new addition to the historic grounds is the implementation of the FarmBot, a mechanical garden which grows and harvests food through use of computers and robotics rather than human labor. Aside from its assembly, it’s a hands-free operation. Arts and Classes

BEFORE

“We support the arts,” the Villa’s website proudly exclaims in a video reel. And they mean it. Strolling the grounds of the inn is like exploring an art museum. Wildly painted lions perched atop steps greet guests at an entrance, a creation from the imagination of painter Sandy Barry, who also organizes the Villa’s art classes and day-to-day operations. Seeking to engage with other artists within the community, Barry decided to host the Art Instructor’s Brunch, celebrating the reuniting of creative minds after the lifting of lockdowns, and promising, “more good times ahead.” Together Barry and the creative collective decided to implement a multitude of classes and events. Now, you can learn watercolor techniques from nationally recognized watercolorist Anne Abgott, who is honored with two prestigious accolades. You can learn mixed media from artist Liz Cole or take quilting classes with fiber artist Dawn Gerardot.

AFTER

Taught by talented professional artists from the surrounding area, socially distanced in-person art classes began, though the uncertainty of Covid has proven to be a challenge getting started. “We had a lot planned that we had to cancel,” Barry said of music and creative events impacted by Covid. “But we’ve adapted.”

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The state-of-the art classroom facilities can accommodate 12 students where they can see in detail, on two wide screens, the exact moves the instructor is teaching at the front of the room. The experience is as immersive as one can get amid continued social distancing due to the rolling pandemic. Barry carefully curated the instructors locally based on their talents and their variety of mediums. Currently there are nearly a dozen local artists and even more of their works integrated into the atmosphere, including the furniture decorating the vibrant foyer by artist Melinda Maugans. Mosaic artist Anita Smith’s whimsical and intricate work can be found throughout the property alongside sculptures by metal artist Debbie Marucci. Painter Jeanne Vasquez is also showcased throughout. During the early days of the pandemic, mural artist Matt McCallister adapted his trade by using driveways as concrete and asphalt canvases for birthdays and other at-home socially distant celebrations that took place during lockdowns. As restrictions loosened, he was hired to make a mural come to life on the side of the historic inn in March of 2020. He will have two more murals completed on the side of the Serena by the time this article goes to print. “Creating art on this particular building was an honor because this is on the list of national historic places,” McAllister said in an interview with Spectrum News. “Adding my own touch into something that’s as old and historic as this was probably one of my favorite canvases so far.” McAllister’s first Villa mural overlooks the inn’s luscious swimming pool and depicts an equally tropical scene of vibrantly colored flowers and birds, styled much like a postcard from the inn’s younger years. “We’re experimenting,” Levin said about the revitalization, though his vision for the Villa Serena seems quite purposeful. Everywhere you turn, there’s something to bring you back in time and forget about the heaviness and hustle bustle happening just beyond the inn’s property lines.

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RIVERFRONT THEATRE

In 1947 a group of aspiring actors organized a community theatre group known as the Manatee Players. In 1953, Dr. Sugg and Edward and Lillian Bishop graciously provide start-up funding for the first community theatre in Bradenton, Riverfront Theatre, on an undeveloped piece of land on the Manatee River. It was leased from the city for 50 years for one dollar per year. The total cost of the building was $60,000. It opened in December 1953, with the first performance being “I Remember Mama”. Over the next 60 years, the Manatee Players group would produce some of the best live theatre in Southwest Florida at the Riverfront Theatre. Hundreds of signatures from dozens of actors who had performed on the stage over the decades graced the walls backstage. Families performed together, and some were engaged and married on stage. To get to the control booth of the theatre, you had to climb up a straight ladder and through a square hole. Staff jokingly called it the “birthing canal”. From the day it opened, everyone thought it was haunted. They would hear a little girl crying in the lady’s costume room and see a couple dressed in colonial clothing dancing on the stage. We were able to go in right before it was torn down and do an investigation. We found the building in terrible condition. The stairs would sway side to side when you walked up them. It was a scary feeling. Upstairs not only did we find the little girl (her name was Lily, and she was 3 years old) by communicating with her and catching a child’s voice on the recorder, but we also saw the ghost cat as it ran in front of us that people had been seeing right before it closed. The stage was the most interesting part for me. I went and sat down on the stage and was doing an EVP session (asking spirits question with a digital recorder to see if we could catch their voices answering). As I was sitting on the stage, I turned my head to the left and saw from the

knees down men’s dress pants and shoes. I started to tell my husband, Ron, to ask him if he could see this on camera. He didn’t see the men’s pants and shoes; he saw the whole man walk across the stage and stand next to me the whole time. I guess from my angle I couldn’t see the whole figure. After the building was torn down, you could stand there and see streaks of light running across the lot. We discovered this to be Lily. I placed a teddy bear on the property for her to play with and it remained there until the landscape was torn up. We also discovered that there were five more spirits on the property, and one was a Native American who liked to peek out from behind a tree on the property. Since the building has been torn down and the Springhill Marriott was built, the activity outside isn’t as busy as it was, but Lily is hanging out on the outside patio by the library. I wonder if the spirits are inside the hotel itself. I may have to plan an overnight stay to check it out! If you ever stay at the Springhill Marriott and see one of the spirits, call me. I’ll bring the equipment and we’ll do some investigating together!

BY LIZ REED CO-FOUNDER OF PSOBFL AUTHOR OF HAUNTED MANATEE COUNTY OWNER OF DOWNTOWN BRADENTON GHOST WALK paranormalsocietyofbradenton.wordpress.com 50 | BMAG

Jonathan Evans, Executive Director shares “we’re proud to be part of the Bradenton community, empowering teens across the area for over a decade. We believe our youth are incredible and can really be successful with the right support and advice. Our amazing Teen Health Educators are serving their peers every week with trustworthy and relevant health information, provided in a safe space to explore issues and be encouraged to make healthier decisions.” Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee Co., Inc. (941) 867-0252 Professional Building, Suite 210 1023 Manatee Ave W., Bradenton, FL, 34205 www.healthyteensmanatee.com @htcmanatee (FB) @healthyteensmanatee (IG)

OUR PROGRAMS: • Teen Health Educators • Young Adult Leaders • Trauma Leadership Corps • Teenage Parent Program Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County, often referred to as Healthy Teens, is dedicated to reducing risky behaviors by providing local youth with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices about their physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as their overall well-being. We do this primarily through the Teen Health Educator Program, training high-school students to become peer-educators and mentors serving at-risk youth in their community. Healthy Teens achieves its success by working together with a grassroots group of over 180 individuals representing more than 60 nonprofit and social service agencies, including community-based health providers, the Manatee County School District, Manatee County Government, and several faith-based entities. We engage young people, parents, community leaders, and policymakers to ensure that our youth have access to the tools, education, and information that will equip them to make healthy, informed decisions, putting them on the path for a more promising future. BMAG | 51

Making Strides in Dementia Treatment BY BETH DOUGLAS Pictured: Eric Folkens, M.D. One in three people will pass away with a form of dementia. Worldwide, approximately 61 million people have dementia, with over 60% living in low- and middle-income countries. As the proportion of older people in the population is increasing in nearly every country, the World Health Organization predicts that this number is expected to rise to 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.* With the trend of the average life expectancy becoming longer, neurodegenerative disease is on the rise. This is a growing concern in the medical community, and in society as a whole. Bradenton Research Center is a dedicated research center led by Medical Director Eric Folkens, M.D. The newest study being launched is one that will look at the effects of a new “investigational product” or medicine on those who may be predisposed to dementia-related illnesses. While there is currently no cure for dementiarelated illnesses, treating the symptoms with medicines that may make daily living more manageable is the recourse that we must harness. With studies that examine the effects of medicines on declining cognitive abilities, there 52 | BMAG

is some hope for progress in the treatment of dementia. Bradenton Research Center protects subjects who are involved in studies, and strictly abides by both FDA regulations, as well as other protective state and federal laws concerning the conduct of human subject research. “Alzheimer’s is such a terrible disease. We work with several different neurologists and physicians on studies relating to cognitive impairment that we hope will contribute to slowing or even possibly stopping the progression of the disease. Although we understand that reversing the disease does not seem possible at this time, we are striving to contribute to better wellness.” Eric Folkens, M.D. There are certain genes and proteins that may show if you are predisposed to getting Alzheimer’s disease. Testing for P-TAU is not commercially available, but the increased presence of these proteins in blood and spinal fluid that may be indicative of the disease. MRI changes may also be an indicator of this and other neurological diseases.

Patients who meet the criteria for the study and agree to participate are compensated for their time. Their “caregivers” or study partners are compensated as well. There is always a degree of risk associated with trying an experimental medicine or “investigational product”, but participants will be closely monitored for any reactions or adverse effects that may occur. Blood tests are also routinely done to examine how the “investigational product” or medicine is affecting the patient. The study is using a monoclonal antibody treatment, which is a type of protein made in the laboratory that can bind to substances in the body, or a placebo. Similar treatments are used on a variety of other diseases including COVID-19, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

This study is designed to be a preclinical study on those who do not have dementia symptoms yet may be predisposed to the disease. The hope is to at least slow the progression of the disease. “People need to talk more about dementia being a cause of death. If we truly understood the magnitude of neurodegenerative diseases, I believe there would be more of a drive to do these types of research studies.” Eric Folkens, M.D. Bradenton Research Center is located at 3924 9th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205. For more information, you can contact 941-708-0005.

Beth Douglas is a writer and marketing communications professional with a passion for communications in the area of healthcare, senior care, and dementia education. She resides in Bradenton, FL, and continues to be an advocate for quality care for the senior community.

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

THE SIMPLEST WAY TO LOSE FAT It’s the time of the year where you likely have goals to look your best for the spring, summer or both. In addition to wanting to look awesome, there is a good chance you want it to happen ASAP (better yet, YESTERDAY!). Because you want to look great as quickly as you can there’s a pretty good chance you will be looking for a diet to help you achieve it. I get where you are coming from, as looking great during the warmer weather is an emotionally significant goal (one I have myself). Because of this, there is a good chance you will gravitate towards a nutritional plan where you will have to cut out certain foods that you love. Some of these plans include Keto, Paleo, various forms of Vegetarian, etc. While this thought process might help you lose some unwanted pounds in the short term it will leave you frustrated in the long term. This is because trying to cut out our favorite foods is like holding our breath under water – We can do it for a little while, but the longer we do it, the more we end up gasping for air (or overeating our favorite foods in this case). What if there is a way you can lose fat without having to cut out your favorite foods? There is and it is a simple technique known as tracking your nutrition. Here are two ways to do it: The first way is to keep track of what you eat or drink (yes, certain beverages contain calories), what time you eat/drink, and how much you eat and drink. In addition, document how you felt (hungry, tired, bored, stressed, etc.), where you were at (work, home, social event, driving, etc.), and what was going on when you were eating (watching TV, scrolling SM platforms, at a meeting, after a workout, etc.). By paying attention to that information, you will learn quite a bit about yourself regarding what works and does not work for you nutritionally.

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The second way is to keep track of the amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and total calories you consume. In addition, you could also keep track of water, sugar, and fiber intake. This way is more challenging than the first and is ideal for people who understand how to read nutrition labels, understand how calories work, and are more meticulous in general. Regardless of which of the above you choose, there are some options to keep track of what you are doing. If you sit in front of a computer most of the day, an Excel spreadsheet might be best. If you want an app, there are many tracking apps to choose from like MyFitnessPal, FitBit, and even apps that allow you to take picture journals of your daily nutrition. If technology doesn’t appeal to you, then use pen and paper. It doesn’t matter which one you go with as long as you can stick with it for 30 days so it becomes a habit and you see positive change. Based on where you are at on your fat loss journey, give one of the above a try. When people commit to tracking for a month, the result is a 4-6 pound drop in body fat and losing at least one pant size. Do you have to commit consistently to the practice to see results? Yes, but ask yourself what you would rather do:

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Track your nutrition and be able to eat your favorite foods? Cut out your favorite foods, be irritable and gain the weight you lost back?

The choice is yours as the weather warms up!

3 Tips to Un-quit your New Year’s Resolutions In February, we recognize Quitter’s Day – the day that most people have given up on their New Year’s Resolutions. This is followed by a list of justifications as to why now just isn’t the right time. Yet, we make the same resolution again next year. The pattern repeats itself. How can we break the cycle to find success in 2022? Explore these tips to reframe your resolutions for the 10 remaining months this year! Size matters: Goals like “exercise every day,” “lose 20 lbs,” and “eat better,” are very popular. We soon find ourselves missing workouts, indulging more, and putting our fitness and nutrition in the back seat. The reason isn’t a lack of motivation, but rather that the goal is actually too big for us to see our mini wins. Instead of setting a big goal, set a goal that is only one small step of where you are today. Once your habits more consistently match that goal, set a new one. You must give up: Goals like adding new habits require time. We try to pile new habits on top of our already over-booked schedules. This leads to being overwhelmed and giving up on the newest additions. Instead of adding, consider what you will carve out to make space for your new behaviors and actions. Locus of control: Goals like “win a competition,” or “get elected,” rely on someone else’s decision. It is easy to feel rejected when the results don’t come out in our favor. Instead of setting goals that someone else controls, try setting goals under your own locus of control. Replace “win a competition,” with a goal like “practice my skill 30 minutes each day.” Daily practice is a conscious decision that you can win at every day. Take a moment to reframe your goals by adjusting size, carving out space, and selecting actions under your locus of control. Then, don’t wait for tomorrow! Give your reframed goals a try now!

Dr. Meredith Butulis

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

Website: Http://MeredithButulis.com Podcast host: Fitness Lifestyle for Busy People BMAG | 55

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WHO’S ON DECK? Beers, Brats, and Baseball BY: TRAVIS CORNWELL Springtime is here, which means the smell of the baseball

This

diamond is back. Not only that but, the smell of hotdogs

fans have many exciting

and brats as well. The community in Bradenton can’t wait

things to look forward to. The

for the Marauders season to start. The Low-A Southeast

Marauders plan on having many of

League Champions start their title defending season on

the different promotional nights back

April 8, facing the Dunedin Blue Jays. Their home opener

for the 2022 season. “To name a few, there will

is scheduled for April 12, where they take on the Lakeland

fireworks shows, Military Night, and Margarita Night, which

Flying Tigers.

is my personal favorite. That’s a really fun night at the ballpark

Last season was one to remember as the Bradenton

with live music and Hawaiian-themed jerseys,” said General

Marauders won their second league championship in its franchise’s history, the first since 2016, as they defeated

upcoming

season,

several

Manager Craig Warzecha. Another fan favorite was “Bark in the Park,” which will be rebranded to “Paws and Claws” this

the Tampa Tarpons last September. They finished with the

year as White Claw has agreed to sponsor that event.

league’s second-best record, behind Tampa at (71-48). Endy

Fans around the community can anticipate more of the

Rodriguez led the league in hitting, as he became the second

promotions being heavily favored for more of the Friday and

player in franchise history to do so. These accomplishments

Saturday home games throughout the year. Their Tuesday

were possible due to the amazing coaching staff. Jonathan

night home opener will feature many different door prizes

Johnston secured the franchise’s first-ever Manager-of-the-

that will include the new championship logo. That opening

Year award.

weekend is where the organization plans to do something

With last season not starting until May, the changes made in

special to showcase the defending champions.

the front office, and the first year for the Marauders playing

With the start of the season slowly approaching, General

in Low-A, the season looked very different early on, especially

Manager Craig Warzecha said, “There seems to be more

having many players that were younger and coming off the

clarity on how our season is going to look compared to the

postponed season of 2020. However,

last offseason, where more things were still up in the air.”

the Marauders made the most of

One thing is clear, the Marauders are champions and the

the situation and prevailed.

buzz around LECOM Park is approaching.

All photos provided by: The Bradenton Marauders

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