NEXTGEN April - May 2023

Main Campus

East Campus

Nd

For Children Day StA

2nd AnnuAl Luncheon

Thursday, June 1st, 2023

Bradenton Area Convention Center 11:30 am-1:00 pm

BEnEFITInG:

Stand For Children Day, celebrated on June 1st, raises awareness of critical issues faced by many children in the U.S., including quality education and child care, access to health insurance and medical services, appropriate public school and program funding, and teacher education.

Are you motivated to make a difference for the children of tomorrow? Now is the time to raise your voice!

presenTing sponsor:

www.elc-manatee.org/StandforChildren

PUBLISHER

Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County EDITOR

Katelyn Disbro

DEPUTY EDITOR

Kelly Harbour

DESIGN EDITOR

Mara Stork

STAFF WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER

Gabrielle Versmessen

PHOTOGRAPHY

Whitney Patton

Wendy Dewhurst

Ted West

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carlee Colonneso, Sheri Roca, Colleen Hartnett, Merab-Michal Favorite Christa Hardin, Rachel Spivey

CALENDAR OF FAMILY EVENTS

Bradenton Macaroni Kid: Denise Granata

ADVERTISING SALES

Kelly Stasurak: kstasurak@elc-manatee.org

PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION

PCI Communications, Inc.

CONTACT NEXTGEN

EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING

941-757-2912

941-212-4988

FAX 941-757-2917

EDITOR editor@nextgenmagazine.org

COMPETITION ENTRIES competitions@nextgenmagazine.org

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@nextgenmagazine.org

ADVERTISING SUBMISSIONS adsubmissions@nextgenmagazine.org

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS articles@nextgenmagazine.org

EARLY LEARNING COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES

Adam Mohammadbhoy (Chairman) Robert Bell (Secretary/Treasurer)

PRIVATE SECTOR APPOINTED MEMBERS

Christina Riggio, Zack Kallis, Dr. Michael Mackie, Gary Scott, Caroline Halfacre, Tim Pye, Bryan Rench

LEGISLATIVELY REQUIRED MEMBERS

Rachel Kendzior Children With Disabilities Program Representative

Annette Larkin

Private, For-Profit Provider Representative

Dr. Sheila Halpin Manatee County School Board Designee

Jennifer Passmore Board of County Commissioners' Appointee

Kathy Patreka Head Start Director

Chantal Porte

Department of Children and Families Designee

James Disbro CareerSource Suncoast

Dr. Carla McGill County Health Department Designee

Dr. Kristina DeWitt

April - May 2023

CREAM

OF THE CROP

WORDS: Sheri Roca PICTURES: Whitney Patton

Hunter McGrath has always had a love for cows (all animals, really), and when she saw some of her friends showing animals through the 4-H club, she knew that it was something she just had to do. Armed with a cattle halter, a show stick, and determination, Hunter took first place with her steer, Big Mac, in the 2023 Manatee County Fair. For Hunter, there was no turning back; she knew that this was what she wanted to do.

The first thing that Hunter would tell you is that raising and showing livestock is a huge commitment. It takes an immense amount of time, money, and responsibility to bring an animal from purchase to show. Luckily, Hunter has had a lot of love and support from her family, friends, and even the principal at her school.

Hunter is incredibly grateful for all her parents have done to make this possible, recognizing all it has taken to support her and her dream. Hunter’s stepfather, Jerry Lamb, confirms this: “It’s a commitment on everyone. You need a team and a support group around you. You need people committed to your success and an animal’s well-being.”

“Hunter has her parents and a whole cast of cow family and friends that believe in her. And that’s all because of the person she is. You work hard, and everyone will step up to help, even complete strangers,” he asserts proudly.

Sarasota ranchers Warren and Vicki Rogers are a big part of Hunter’s “cow family.” They raised their children with 4-H and were kind enough to take Hunter under their wing.

“I was lucky enough to meet Mr. and Mrs. Rogers,” emphasizes Hunter. “I don’t know how I could have done this without them.”

The Rogers’ Grandson, Carson, is a third grader who also shows livestock and has been working with his own Steer named Elvis, which is a prize-winning calf.

The recently retired principal at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, Angela Lindsay, along with her Teachers have also played a large part in the supporting force behind Hunter’s aspirations. She has made it possible for her to participate in an independent chapter of the Manatee County 4-H program called “Cream of the Crop,” even though the school does not offer the program. The chapter provides membership for kids from elementary

school through high school, so Hunter can continue participating until she graduates high school if she chooses. Recognizing, that Hunter independently has represented the middle school.

With the help of Warren and Vicki, along with Casey Wingate, Hunter’s Mentor and “fitter” who clips and trims livestock to get ready to show, Hunter and the Rogers bought her first Heifer. The Heifer is a six-month-old, short-horned Angus cross that she named America due to the United States-shaped marking on her forehead. Getting America ready for show is a big undertaking.

“First, you have to bond with the calf by spending time with them and letting them get used to you,” Hunter explains. She also had to halter break her.

“It’s lots of work, but it’s very rewarding,” her mother, Peggy Kronus, chimes in. The responsibilities that Hunter, and any aspiring young 4-H member raising livestock, takes on are a bit daunting. Every day, weekends included, there is much to do.

“You have to feed the animals, morning and night, and change it to what they

need, maybe more protein or fat,” Hunter explains. “It’s different for a heifer than a steer. And if they are going to fair, you may need to feed them more to bulk them up to make a weight requirement. You have to walk them, and wash and blow dry them. Their hair has to be full and fluffy and go in the same direction,” she concludes.

Although that may sound like a full day, it all needs to happen before and after school for a middle schooler like Hunter.

“It’s a lot of work, being a cowgirl!” her mother laughs. But she is totally on board with the routine and has agreed that, as long as Hunter makes straight A’s, she can continue to show once a month.

Preparing and showing cattle through the 4-H is a big responsibility and an incredibly rewarding educational experience that teaches so much more than just how to raise and show an animal. There are lessons to be learned in patience, responsibility, sportsmanship, organization, time management, self-

confidence, and respect, not just for the animals but for each other. The skills cultivated through the program can tremendously impact the kids through the school years and beyond. Already, her parents are proud of how the involvement has had such a positive impact on Hunter. “She has grown so much this year; I can’t wait to see what she does next!” exclaimed Peggy. “It’s amazing watching her soar.” These children are not only raising animals, but they are also learning about vaccinations and record keeping; they are learning how to add up expenses and compare them with earnings. “It’s a business,” states Peggy, “It teaches so much!” These are important lessons for anyone but exceptionally meaningful to those who hope to raise animals or take over the family farm. Any profits can be saved for college or, Hunter will utilize her portion of the earnings, for another steer and another opportunity to show.

Hunter plans to study animal science and become a large animal veterinarian. She has already had the opportunity to be involved in the artificial insemination that created Wonder and the neutering of a bull. “That is how a bull becomes a steer,” Hunter explains. She is excited to think of all the other opportunities and experiences to learn from as she raises and shows livestock.

But saying goodbye may be the hardest lesson. Auction day is when many 4-H kids and the animals they have trained and fed for nearly a year will need to part. For Hunter, her first steer, named Big Mac, that she cared for and showed at the Manatee County Fair.

“It was hard,” remembers Hunter, “especially when I realized he was going to slaughter. But I had to get over it because he is not coming back.” After a breath, she continues, “It helps that it’s for a good cause. Jackie Baron, with Mosaic, bought Big Mac, and the meat will be used in a fundraiser to help a struggling community.”

This new adventure has been incredibly fulfilling for the entire family. It’s been a

time of learning and growing, but it has also brought new friends into their lives and helped bring the family closer.

“It has made the whole family grow, have a unified direction, and be part of something and people we sincerely enjoy,” Jerry shared.

For an eighth-grade girl, it is the simple things that make it all worthwhile: “I get to be with animals, meet new people, make new friends, and spend time with the Rogers.”

If you want to learn more about 4-H or find your local 4-H office, check out their website at www.4-H.org.

• If you want to learn more about 4-H or find your local 4-H office, check out their website at www.4-H.org.

Building Up the Practice…

WORDS: Gabrielle Versmessen

PICTURES: Ted West

In his unwavering efforts to expand and better Manatee Memorial Hospital, CEO Tom McDougal is excited about growing the orthopedic specialty at Manatee Physician Alliance. The orthopedic doctors are Dr. Raghu Pulluru (RP), known as the "Shoulder Whisperer," Dr. David Rubins (DR), a joint-replacement surgeon, and their newest addition, Dr. Samuel Thomas (ST), who specializes in sports medicine.

Joy Hudson is the nurse practitioner at Manatee Physician Alliance whose job consists of patient education and taking the load off the surgeons. She answers questions about medications and what to expect long-term and explains to the patients what will happen during and after surgery. She is also the doctors' first assistant in surgeries. A large part of her role as a nurse practitioner is to hold the patients' hands and give them the extra personable care to ensure they feel as comfortable as possible.

Manatee Physician Alliance is the hospital’s employed network of primary care and surgeon specialists who deliver quality healthcare services to all age groups. With such a qualified team, there's no wonder why Tom is especially proud of this surgical department.

NG: Can you tell me what made you want to specialize in orthopedics?

Dr. RP: I knew I wanted to do something surgical because I like to do stuff with my hands, and I thought I'd do general surgery, but when I did my residency and rotations, I noticed that the orthopedic surgeons were a lot happier. They fixed things, their patients got better, and they went home at a reasonable time. But more than anything else, you fix something, see the math, and they improve. Whereas with many other surgical fields, you're chronically dealing with issues. And the patients are happy when you fix something! On a basic level, it's very satisfying when you can actually see what you're fixing, and you're actually fixing a problem.

Dr. DR: I've always been pretty mechanical, and doing surgery seemed to be a very mechanical thing to do and satisfying that you're putting people back together again in different ways. If you have a mechanical mentation, you fall into it very easily. In terms of all the medical and surgical specialties, orthopedics is the only fit for me.

Dr. ST: I'm a results-oriented person, and this field is something where you can see results. If there's a problem, you can fix it. You're not managing chronic diseases as much as in other fields, and you get to see people get better. Humans are ambulatory creatures, so we get to keep people up and moving and living their best life.

NG: What brought you to Manatee County?

Dr. RP: I came here from Chicago in May. My wife and I's best friends moved to this area once their daughters went to college, and we came to visit. We thought this was the greatest area and fell in love with it. Luckily, I found a position at Manatee Physician Alliance, and we could not be more excited. I feel like I'm on vacation every time I step outside.

Dr. DR: I was in St. Pete for 20 years, but then we wanted to come down to this side of the Skyway Bridge. We always thought it was a beautiful place with many great things to do. It's nice to live and work in "vacation land."

Dr. ST: I previously lived here about ten years ago but moved away and then came back about a year and a half ago. It's a

gorgeous area with beautiful beaches and great weather. But there's also a lot of work. Many people are moving here, so there's plenty of work in our field. What more could you ask for?

NG: Things can get heated in the operating room. What do you do once you're in there?

Dr. RP: When you're in surgery, you're in the zone. You forget about everything else. It's intense, but you're in your spot. That's all you're thinking about. There's an intense excitement; no matter how tired you are, you're not feeling it while in surgery. There's an amazing feeling that there's no place you'd rather be.

Dr. DR: Doing surgery is like a professional athlete playing their sport. When we're in the OR operating, that's our Super Bowl. That's where we have to be focused 110%. It could be a one-hour case or a three-hour case. We get to do it three to five days a week. It's the same level of concentration in there as a professional athlete.

Dr. ST: You always hear about athletes visualizing the game. No matter how many times I've done a case, I'm still preparing for that surgery in the same way, visualizing how it will go, step-by-step. Things can get heated or stressful, but it's something you typically have already prepared for. You know the pitfalls and how to work around them. Cooler heads always prevail.

NG: What part of your job excites you to get out of bed every day?

Dr. RP: For me, it's when I see a patient with a complicated problem, I give them some guidance, and I see the hope in their eyes. The patient's satisfaction and gratefulness that someone understands them and that there is a solution to their problem. Even more than fixing the problem, giving patients hope is the most satisfying thing.

Dr. DR: I like using my operative skills to take people who sometimes can be literally crippled and doing something to get them walking again. And afterward, they give you a big hug. That big hug is worth a lot.

Dr. ST: Granted, what we get to do is a lot of fun, but the difference we get to make in somebody's life and improving their wellbeing is the name of the game.

Dr. Raghu Pulluru (RP)

Dr. David Rubins (DR)

Dr. Samuel Thomas (ST)

A Roadmap To Success...

CEO Katie Becker on her journey to Parenting Matters

WORDS: Merab Favorite PICTURES: Whitney Patton

At the height of COVID-19 in 2020, working mom Katie Becker found herself at a figurative crossroads. Her three-year-old son had a respiratory vulnerability, so to ensure his safety, Katie placed her career on hold and became a stay-at-home mom. In order to earn income, she watched her neighbor's son too.

A few months into her new career path, she found herself at another crossroads, but this time it was literal. She planned a fun day for the boys at Robinson Preserve in Bradenton. The two toddlers rode their balance bikes along the trails while she followed closely behind. But when the boys came to a fork in the path, they were steadfast in their decisions to travel in opposite directions. The scene played out like a parents' worst nightmare and concluded with Katie carrying two screaming toddlers and their bikes out of the park while onlookers tried to advert their scrutinizing eyes.

That stressful event gave Katie a new perspective on parenting. During her stint as a stay-at-home mom, Katie joined the board of directors of Parenting Matters as a way to stay connected in the community while serving an organization she was passionate about. Her experience helped open her eyes to the challenges many parents face.

After this event, she reached out to a friend and colleague of hers at Parenting Matters

to seek advice on how to handle best some of the situations she was dealing with daily. She needed tools to manage tantrums, help build listening skills, encourage potty training, reduce whining and power struggles, and continue nurturing the boys in a positive environment.

"We know that parenting is often the most important and most difficult job we have, but with Parenting Matters, you don't have to do it alone," she said.

The advice she received from her Parenting Educator was life-changing.

"My friend gave me amazing advice and insight and told me I wasn't doing anything wrong," said Katie. "She said this is part of typical development. Like me, many families don't understand what that looks like and might put unrealistic expectations on their children. That was reassuring for me."

When the former executive of Parenting Matters resigned last year, the Board worked with an outside consultant to launch an executive search, and Katie's name came to the top of the list. By then, the worst of the pandemic had subsided, and Katie felt it was safe to return to work. She accepted a position as executive director, excited to lead an organization offering her so much guidance in her parenting journey.

About the Organization

Since 1994, Parenting Matters has been embedded in the Bradenton community serving at-risk parents of children with highly qualified Parenting Educators. It is one of 67 national child abuse prevention centers accredited through the National Exchange Club throughout the U.S.

The organization's purpose is to help each parent understand their children's development and behaviors. The agency offers parents new, effective skills to help keep their children safe and to help them reach their full potential.

"The way most of us have learned to parent is through our personal experiences, and as our world evolves, our parenting techniques also need to evolve with it," Katie explained. "Sometimes we do not have the most positive experiences or roadmaps growing up, and we want to change those patterns and learn new techniques."

With a focus on a positive parenting approach, Parenting Matters gives parents a roadmap to success through five programs: Parent Partner, Chosen Families, Active Parenting, Active Parenting Plus, and Musical Motion.

Agency Programs

Parenting Matters' largest program, the Parent Partner program, is an in-home, evidence-based program offered in both English and Spanish in Manatee and Sarasota counties that is customized to meet the individual needs of each family. A Parent Educator meets with the family regularly and works with other local organizations to ensure parents have access to vital resources needed to care

for their families adequately. This might include a list of food banks, access to mental health counseling, or affordable housing. Some visits are in parks or local libraries to broaden parents' knowledge base of activities kids like to do that foster bonding and literacy. The program also provides parents with helpful strategies to deal with stressful situations that can sometimes escalate into adverse domestic circumstances.

"Instead of yelling or spanking, Parent Educators work with parents to form a bond with their children as well as create effective communication," said Katie. "We believe in identifying natural consequences so the child will learn to avoid negative behavior in a way that isn't hurtful to them."

Any family with a child under 12 can enter the program. After participating in 24 weekly, hour-long sessions, most parents graduate from the program with improved family relationships, a better understanding of their children, and a new skill set to effectively foster positive behaviors. Overall, this contributes to a more effortless and happier family dynamic.

"When you think about inviting a stranger into your home to give you parenting advice, that can be really intimidating, but our Parenting Educators are amazing," Katie says. "They enter every situation with an open mind, create a genuine connection with parents, and are skilled at building trust."

Each family's assigned Parenting Educator supports them through the process as they challenge themselves to reach their full potential. Through provided strategies, children demonstrate more positive behaviors and better self-esteem, both strong indicators of school success. Parents that go through the program report increased enjoyment of their children, reduced stress, and a better understanding of their child's behaviors.

The Chosen Families program is a multifaceted support program specifically for adoptive families in Manatee County. The program aims to develop and sustain safe, secure, and nurturing relationships. The Chosen Families program does this

by providing a holistic and customized approach for each family, including case management, parenting education, counseling, educational advocacy, and respite services.

"All of these supports together help families navigate parenting under these special circumstances and help them effectively parent a child who has potentially experienced trauma at a young age," Katie said.

Active Parenting is a weekly ongoing group parenting session that helps Spanishspeaking families deal with day-to-day parenting issues. Parents, grandparents, and other caregivers meet with professional parenting educators to discuss parenting challenges in a new culture and the parenting concerns and issues common to all, such as communication, family bonding, family safety, literacy, discipline, and temperament.

"We have a close connection to the Spanish-speaking community," Katie said. "60 per cent of our Parenting Educators are

bilingual and can connect with the families personally and culturally."

Last but not least is the agency's Musical Motion program, a free learn-and-play class that encourages bonding while developing children's early learning and literacy skills. Sessions focus on creative activities that enhance brain development and build preschoolers' social-emotional, language, and motor skills.

"This hour-long class celebrates the parent-child bond and supports it through dance, play, and song," said Katie. "All in all, we just really help parents bring a sense of peace and joy back to their homes and support parents in becoming the best they can be for their children."

Wherever one may be on the parenting roadmap, Parenting Matters is here to help navigate that journey. Hence, families can enjoy the ride until they reach their final destination of raising independent humans -- which all parents can agree arrives all too quickly.

Making a Difference in Business and Lives

Pictures: Whitney Patton

our environment.

Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more —so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.

®

With every generation, we get better at protecting

Compassionate Care Just for Women

The Lakewood Ranch Medical Group OB/GYN team provides individualized and skilled care for women at every stage of life.

Specialties

• Management of routine and high-risk pregnancies

• Vaginal delivery after cesarean section

• Diagnostic procedures and treatment of gynecologic conditions

• Robotics, minimally invasive and advanced laparoscopic surgery

• Pelvic pain and endometriosis management

• Family planning

To make an appointment, call 941-348-1144 or schedule online at lakewoodranchmedicalgroup.com

The team delivers babies at the beautifully appointed, spa-like Women’s Center at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital received Newsweek’s award for Best Maternity Hospitals in 2022. Scan the QR code to learn more.

Joel Hallam, DO, FACOOG

Angie Scarpa, CNM, ARNP

Terrell W. Martin, MD

Eden Yelverton, MD, FACOG

A TROPHY OF A GUY…

WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

Someone you wouldn't necessarily think would be connected to every part of a community is the "trophy guy." But chances are if you or your kids played sports in Manatee County in the last 37 years or have received an award in school or at work, you've obtained a piece created by Don Ide of The Trophy Case.

Don moved from south of Buffalo, New York when he was ten to Anna Maria Island, where his parents owned a grocery store. He attended Anna Maria Elementary, Bayshore Middle School, and Sugg Middle School before graduating from Manatee High School in 1979. While at Manatee High, Don played basketball, baseball, and golf. One year after graduation, he was hired by the City of Bradenton Fire Department.

Playing on a traveling softball team that was winning quite a bit of hardware, Don became inspired to create his own trophies. On his days off from being a firefighter, he worked out of his garage, teaching himself how to make trophies. He took photos of the awards and plaques he'd make, put them in a clear-view binder, and drove to people's houses to take their orders. After making the trophies, he would drive back to deliver them to clients.

Don says: "Only one other guy did it locally back then. When people discovered I was in that business, they were glad to do business with me. After a while, you take good care of people, your clientele builds up, and before you know it, you're crazy busy for the next 30 years!"

That's how Don became known. People, charities, associations, and leagues were starting to recognize him not just for his excellent work but also for his above-and-beyond customer service. His pride in his work was evident to all who encountered him.

In 2010, The Trophy Case was chosen by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce as Small Business of the Year. Don was shocked. At the banquet, they announced his category, and he was speechless. Starting from nothing, Don's ambition and tenacity to keep going led him to this crowning achievement.

"That's one of the biggest awards that come in business in this county. The Chamber does so much and has such a great reputation," Don says as his award is displayed behind his seat at the counter inside The Trophy Case.

Winning the Manatee Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year award was a big deal for him, but afterward, he was able to sit on the panel as a judge two years in a row. "That's where you really learn the nuts and bolts of these businesses and charities. It's truly eye-opening getting the inside scoop on what they're doing for the community."

His exceptional award-winning started in 1988 when he won Firefighter of the Year. It was a late summer afternoon when one of those typical Florida summer storms rolled in. A girl caught in the storm had fallen off her boat into the Manatee River.

Don recalls: "We didn't have any boats back then or many watersaving devices. So, I tied an Igloo cooler to my hip with rope and swam out to get her and pulled her back in."

He's always been passionate about helping people, but the television show "Emergency!" cultivated Don's passion for firefighting. The show was about two Californian fire medics out doing rescues. Don had a friend who worked in the fire department whom he knew in high school, and he knew that's what he wanted to pursue.

Gene Gallo, retired fire chief and city councilman of Bradenton, is a special friend and mentor of Don's. Don would go down and visit Gene every three weeks just so Gene would get to know who he was. Finally, he told him, "You go to EMT school, and I'll hire you!"

As Don started his trophy business, computer engravers had just come out. He bought a used engraver and taught himself at his kitchen table how to engrave. He bought parts for trophies and began to figure out how to lay out plaques. He says he learned from making mistakes.

"You learn real fast as soon as it costs you money, or you have to keep starting over," he laughs. "I knew from the minute I started it; it was something I loved. That's never changed."

He left the fire service in late 1990 and never looked back. His work ethic, quality of work, and the pride he took in it paid off. It's no surprise that some of his customers have been career-long customers. Saint Stephen's Episcopal School is one of his oldest clients. The Home Builder's Association has been a client since he started in 1986. Over the years, Don has had many different people and friends work for him.

"They're mostly my friends. I remember having firefighter buddies that would come help me during season," Don reminisces. "My two sons have helped me. They grew up in the shop and learned how to treat people, talk to people, and give back. My sons are very charitable themselves and are awesome men. My stepson helps me out a lot in the shop too. He has his own bench in the back and is like a machine."

Some of the organizations that Don works with are the Boys Club, Dream Oaks Camp, and Anna Maria Island Community Center. He also has worked with the youth programs in the Exchange Club. Don would put on a picnic for foster kids and their foster families at G.T. Bray Park. He would organize the games and make awards for the kids.

Don smiles: "It gave the foster parents a chance to go out and have fun with the kids. I was able to do that for five or six years."

In 2001, Don won the Manatee Council for Children Advocate Award. Especially during this time, he was involved with kid-related activities. He was involved with Little League, the foster kid picnics, and the Boys Club. He was on the board of directors for Parenting Matters and even served as the president at one point.

"I learned early that I could make a difference with what I do here at my business. I always try to help in some way or another, whether it's an in-kind donation, discounts, or flat-out cash donation."

At The Trophy Case, Don and his employees make everything from plaques, acrylics, ceramic tiles, medals, ribbons, pen sets, clocks, crystal, and engraved cups. It's rarely the same type of award that comes through the door. It could be a Little League trophy, a retirement or congratulations award, or even a memorial piece.

"What I've realized after all these years is how special our community is. Just the amount of charities and churches I deal with. There are still awesome people. What I appreciate the most is really whom I deal with. I always try to do my best to make sure it's right."

Manatee High School recognized his innumerable service efforts when he was honored as the 2022 Outstanding Alumni in the Service and Support to Manatee High School Achievement category.

Don says he couldn't have done it all over the years without the people working with him and for him. They are like a family who goes above and beyond for each other.

MAY

4.07 | FRI Opening Weekend

PRESENTED BY PEPSI

T-Shirt Giveaway

FIRST 750 FANS

4.08 | SAT Opening Weekend

PRESENTED BY PEPSI

Fireworks Easter Celebration

4.19 | WED Education Day

4.21 | FRI Paws & Claws

Kids Club

4.22 | SAT Margaritaville Night

PRESENTED BY COMPASS HOTEL BY MARGARITAVILLE

Hawaiian Shirt Promo Package

4.23 | SUN Hispanic Heritage Celebration

PRESENTED BY SOLMART MEDIA

MAY

5.12 | FRI Women in Sports Night

5.13 | SAT Star Wars Night

Disability Awareness Night

Fireworks

5.14 | SUN Mother’s Day Celebration

5.26 | FRI Mental Health Awareness Night

Paws & Claws

Kids Club 5.27 | SAT Military Appreciation Night Fireworks

JUNE

APRIL 6.09 | FRI Faith & Family Night

6.10 | SAT Space Night/Kids Club

6.14 | WED Summer Camp Day #1

6.16 | FRI First Responders Appreciation Night

Paws & Claws

6.17 | SAT Hispanic Heritage Celebration

PRESENTED BY SOLMART MEDIA

6.18 | SUN Father’s Day Celebration

6.30 | FRI Crewe Night

JULY

7.01 | SAT Decade Night

7.01 | SAT Decade Night

7.03 | MON Independence Day Celebration

7.03 | MON Independence Day Celebration

PRESENTED BY LECOM

PRESENTED BY LECOM

Fireworks/T-Shirt Giveaway

Fireworks/T-Shirt Giveaway

FIRST 1,500 FANS

FIRST 1,500 FANS

7.14 | FRI Nine Devils Tribute Night

7.14 | FRI Nine Devils Tribute Night

7.15 | SAT Hispanic Heritage Celebration

7.15 | SAT Hispanic Heritage Celebration

PRESENTED BY SOLMART MEDIA

PRESENTED BY SOLMART MEDIA Kids Club

7.19

7.19 | WED Summer Camp Day #2

7.21

7.21 | FRI Circus Night ft. Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act

Paws & Claws

7.22 | SAT Pride Night

PRESENTED BY SARASOTA OUT

AUGUST

8.04 | FRI Safari Night Kids Club

8.05 | SAT Back to School Night

PRESENTED BY ACHIEVA CREDIT UNION

Fireworks

Backpack Giveaway

FIRST 500 KIDS 12 & UNDER

8.18 | FRI Renaissance Night

Paws & Claws

8.19 | SAT Agriculture/Country Night

STAGE SKILLS TEACH LIFE SKILLS

At the Manatee Performing Arts Center, we believe every student, regardless of age or experience, deserves the opportunity to participate in musical theater and discover their creative potential.

Our program offers training in:

• Dance

• Singing

• Musical Theatre performance

• Acting & stage direction

• Public speaking Programs are led by professional directors and artists.

Don’t let your student miss out on developing self-confidence, personal life skills, and make new friends. Scholarships are available. Production Camps available Spring & Summer. Learn more about all of our events and programs at ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com or (941) 748-5875

Program Location:

Manatee Performing Arts Center

502 Third Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205

Game-Changing Connections…

that our community referrals are safe, accurate, and up to date. By vetting each referral, we can ensure that we only send people to the best and most reliable services available. Additionally, by tracking and managing the referrals, we can make sure that we are responding quickly to any changes or updates in services that might be necessary. This system is invaluable in helping us provide our community with the most up-to-date and reliable services available.

WORDS: Anne Carter, Women's Resource Center

Afew weeks ago, 20 plus members of the Women's Resource Center (WRC) family, including staff, volunteers, and board members, spent the morning immersed in an unforgettable experience.

The WRC participated in "The Community Action Poverty Simulation," facilitated by the Manatee County School Board and Manatee Community Foundation. This program gives participants a unique and eye-opening experience of the struggles of impoverished people. Being able to observe the difficulty of accessing resources within the community was a powerful takeaway from the simulation and has encouraged our team to explore different ways to make those resources more accessible. We are committed to working with local partners to create awareness and access to these essential services and will continue to do our part in helping individuals in our community.

At the core of our mission, we seek to provide access and connection to programs and information to help our clients thrive. Our goal is to make the process of accessing resources as easy and straightforward as possible while ensuring our clients feel in their time of

need. We have various resources available, including financial and legal services, mental health and wellness services, career counseling, and more.

Since the inception of the Women's Resource Center, we have been a place where women and families turn when facing obstacles. Over the years, we have provided thousands of referrals, but what needed to be added was the information on if that referral made a difference. Last year, through a project at Manatee Community Foundation, WRC worked with Results 1st to dive into our referral process. We wanted to know how many people made the connection and, more importantly, how many people received the help they needed. We were thrilled to find out that 78% of the people who received a referral followed through on connecting with the resource; however, only 42% received the help they needed. How could we improve the statistics of clients accessing the service they need? Through the support of the United Way Suncoast, we launched a new internal system that helps vet, track, and manage community referrals. Why does this shift feel so monumental?

This new internal system is a "gamechanger" because it helps to ensure

Our community is full of people and organizations that want to help support the growth and stability of our residents. However, putting all those resources and services into one place can be hard. And while 2-1-1 is a valuable tool we use every day, we want to know that the client we refer access the service they need. Our new system allows us to not only refer to hundreds of organizations efficiently and accurately, but we promise to follow up on those referrals made. This allows us to ensure that the referrals we are making can impact the client's life.

There are barriers for women to access resources, which are essential for them to gain economic, social, and emotional stability. Access to education, healthcare, the internet, employment opportunities, and other forms of economic empowerment can be truly transformative for women, allowing them to break out of cycles of poverty and limited opportunities. Investing in and providing access to women can not only change their individual lives but can also have a positive effect on their families and communities.

We understand that every individual who comes to the WRC is unique and deserves the best resources and programs tailored to their specific situation. We are committed to providing personalized assistance, so please don't hesitate to let us know if you need help finding the right resources for your individual needs. We will do our best to provide you with the most helpful and effective information and available services. As always, thank you for trusting us to help you.

Chilling for Charity!

Determined members of the local community "took the plunge" on New Year's Day to help the less fortunate children of Manatee County. The 15th Annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge, sponsored by Clancy's Irish Pub & Grill, saw volunteers brave the chilly Gulf waters to earn donations from family, friends, and local businesses.

The event raised an amazing $37,500! The three local organizations who will benefit from the 2023 Shamrock Shiver are: Feeding Empty Little Tummies (F.E.L.T.), Healthy Teens, Inc., and Take Stock in Children of Manatee County - all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations who do magnificent work!

ENGINEERING (n.)

Derived from the Latin ingenium, meaning “cleverness”and ingeniare, meaning “ to contrive or devise.”

2023 is dedicated to exploring how humans and animals solve problems through cleverness, collaboration, and ingenuity. From skyscrapers to corals, discover the Year of Engineering at The Bishop.

Snowflake Ball

PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

is a publisher and distributor of books, toys, games and audio/visual materials for children ages 0-5.

Features include:

Family and Friends

Physical and Mental Health STEM

Social and Emotional Learning

Books for Babies, Infant/Toddlers

Our dedication is to the young child, and creating materials that support interactive learning for babies, infant/toddlers and pre-school aged children and their families. We are particularly focused on multicultural and bilingual education, and with some of the country’s leading educators in Spanish and bilingual media, have created a program of bilingual learning for young children and their families and caregivers.

We look forward to working with you and discovering how we can extend the learning for your students and families. Please allow us to assist you in any way we can!

www.TheGardenLearningStore.com info @ thegardenlearning.com

(800) 47 2- 0099

CONTENTS:

Funding for the Future…

WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

With the influx of new Florida residents to our area, one of the disadvantages is that an increase in poverty is sure to happen. While poverty is on the rise, so is the need for education assistance. To meet this need, From Cradle to College Foundation has partnered with Take Stock in Children of Manatee County to award college scholarships to exemplary students.

"It is so important that we support our high school students in their pursuit of higher education, especially in a field that is in constant need of staffing. Funding provided by the Foundation will allow four students to attend college to become educators, a field that was very important to the honorees of these scholarships, Paul Sharff and Harry Kinnan," says Marie O'Connell, Interim Director of From Cradle to College Foundation.

Both Paul Sharff and Harry Kinnan understood how higher education can shape the future of our youth. The impact that these individuals had on children in Manatee County is immeasurable. Marie says the Foundation is proud to honor their legacies by supporting students in their name.

The total of $20,000 will fund three Paul Sharff Memorial Scholarships for early educators (0-5 years) and one Harry Kinnan Memorial Scholarship for a K-12 educator.

Anna Colonna, Community Liaison for Take Stock in Children Manatee, says their goal is to award 100 scholarships this year.

She describes a recent interaction with one of their recipients: "One of our donors is really into biking, so we selected a student who got to pick out a brand new bike since that's his main form of transportation. He received shoes and a helmet as well. His

mother is a single mom of two boys, and this is how he'll get to school."

"It's equally rewarding that with the help of our donors, we're able to support the student and family with more than just a scholarship. We've really opened it to wrap-around services. Even though education is our main focus, we're able to do even more to enrich these students' lives."

From Cradle to College Foundation wishes to thank all the generous donors who made these memorial scholarships possible.

Marie states: "It is truly well-deserved by these two men who are missed by so many. We will be forever grateful for their contribution to our community. We are also grateful for this generous donation in memory of Harry Kinnan and Paul Sharff, two leaders of our community. Harry was a mentor for many years, and this named scholarship will continue his legacy."

Marcia's Garden

WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

Former ELC Provider Relations Specialist Marcia

Seibert – who passed away on February 20, 2022 - was known for being helpful, resourceful, and exceptionally kind. She impacted the lives of many child care providers, coworkers, family, and friends. One child care center, in particular, wanted to create a tribute to Marcia. Deirdre Dimmitt, Director of Little Manatee's Cove, was very close to Marcia for the eight years prior to her passing.

She says: "I met Marcia at my first center in Florida, and she took me under her wing. She was a wonderful mentor who always went above and beyond for the schools she helped. Whenever I went to her office, she had so many resources that she was eager to share."

Little Manatee's Cove is one of a few schools picked for national accreditation through a grant they got from NECPA. Deirdre says that before they can apply for a visit, they have to complete three tasks, one of which is creating a staff lounge. They built Marcia's Garden as an outdoor staff lounge that has an awning, staff bulletin board, and seating. The garden includes a vegetable and herb box that the students will be able to grow and harvest their own food, and a large board displays a rainbow of hands, that will include her family members, also in dedication to the lives Marcia touched.

Marcia worked for the ELC for 12 years before retiring on December 3, 2021. During her time at the ELC, she handled contract renewals with providers and training and technical assistance for providers regarding the School Readiness, VPK, and additional funder guidelines and regulations.

Childcare Provider Directory

A Child's Galaxy Preschool 4417 20th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-755-6302

Adventures In Learning 712 61st Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-1816

A Growing Start Childcare Center, LLC 525 3rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-9750

A Little Schoolhouse Christian Academy 11740 U.S Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-776-1973

All About Children Christian Child Care Center 447 North Lime Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237 941-365-4172

All Gods Children Preschool 11107 Palmbrush Trail Bradenton, FL 34202 941-739-2776

Angel's Friends Child Development

611 North East Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237 941-953-3852

A New Beginning Early Child Care Learning Center 2185 Wood Street Sarasota, FL 34237 941-316-1555

A Plus Growing Academy 800 10th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0797

A Readiness Learning Academy 9045 59th Avenue Circle East Bradenton, FL 34202 941-727-9354

A Readiness Learning Academy 2 6130 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-4927

Baby Fox Academy 3755 South Tuttle Avenue Sarasota, FL 34239 941-953-1856

Beautiful Blessings 1609 10th Street Sarasota, FL 34236 941-952-1871

Bible Baptist Church of Palmetto Academy

1750 6th Avenue West, Unit 101 Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-4958

Boys & Girls Club Daughtrey Elementary 515 63rd Avenue East

Bradenton, FL 34203 (941) 761-2582 ext. 116

Boys & Girls Club DeSoto 5236 30th Street West

Bradenton, FL 34207 941-758-3828

Boys & Girls Club Manatee Elementary

1609 6th Avenue East

Bradenton, FL 34208

(941) 761-2582 ext. 119

Boys & Girls Club Oneco Elementary

5214 22nd Street Court East

Bradenton, FL 34203 (941) 761-2582 ext. 118

Boys & Girls Club Palmetto 1600 10th Street West

Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-1268

Boys & Girls Club Rogers Garden/Bullock Elementary 515 113 Avenue West

Bradenton, FL 34205 (941) 761-2582 ext. 117

Bradenton Christian School West 1305 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-404-4491

Bradenton Early Learning Academy 2015 7th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-216-3305

Bradenton Early Learning Academy (Downtown) 202 3rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-216-3060

Bright Angels Academy & Daycare, Inc. 1716 53rd Avenue East

Bradenton, FL 34203 941-962-0472

Bright Beginnings Academy 614 10th Street West

Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-7910

Bright Beginnings Preschool 4111 Webber Street

Sarasota, FL 34232 941-921-6722

Bright Futures Daycare & Preschool, LLC

1617 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-251-5436

Bright Minds Family Home Daycare, Inc. 2101 32nd Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-565-9058

Busy Bee Child Development and Learning Center, LLC 455 48th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-666-8008

CapoKids Martial Arts Preschool 11534 Palmbrush Trail Bradenton, FL 34202 941-922-4520

Children's Nest of Manatee, Inc. 5051 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-753-9024

Children's Nest of Manatee 2 600 7th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34207 941-479-7789

Community Christian School 5500 18th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-756-8748

Community Haven for Adults & Children with Disabilities 4405 DeSoto Road Sarasota, FL 34235 941-355-8808

CORE Early Education And Learning 605 13th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-9069

Countryside Academy For Children 5807 18th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-3044

Creative Kids Connection 408 75th Street Northwest Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-8687

CRPE Academy

1621 66th Avenue Terrace East Sarasota FL, 34243 (941) 932-0984

DC's Child Care Center 5105 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-6090

Discovery Point Twelve Oaks 7218 55th Ave Bradenton, FL 34203 941-200-4250

Doodle Bugs! Children's Learning Academy 11015 Passage Drive Bradenton, FL 34221 (941) 721-0330

Doran Family Day Care Home 4719 Cayo Costa Place Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-4802

Easter Seals of Southwest Florida 350 Braden Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7637

Education Time 5165 33rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-7332

Faith Preschool of Faith UCC 4850 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-7895

Family Life Community School 7002 121st Avenue East Parrish, FL 34219 941-281-6412

First For Kids Children's Christian Center 603 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0824

First United Methodist Church Early Care Center 104 South Pineapple Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-9522

FORZA Child Development Center, Inc. 12214 US Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-981-5885

Foundation For Dreams 16110 Dream Oaks Place Bradenton, FL 34212 941-746-5659

Foundations Christian Montessori Academy of Sarasota 4141 DeSoto Road Sarasota, FL 34235

Free To Grow Academy 5304 7th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-254-4268

Free To Grow Academy 2 900 3rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-773-5062

Grandma's Babysitting Center

1728 26th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-708-9864

Great Minds Childcare 1018 35th Avenue West Bradenton FL, 34205 941-896-5319

Growing Hands Learning Center 5743 69th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-845-4873

Happy Cubs 6207 21st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-798-6173

Happy Go Lucky 1606 55th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-752-4608

Horizons Unlimited Christian Academy 2674 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way Sarasota, FL 34234 941-957-0409

House of JBaby's Preschool

1300 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-7415

Imagine Charter School at North Manatee 9275 49th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-981-5345

Imagine Schools at Lakewood Ranch 10535 Portal Crossing Bradenton, FL 34211 941-750-0900

Imagine Schools Palmer Ranch 6220 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34238 941-923-1125

In The Beginning Learning Center 5503 12th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-567-6106

Jackson Family Day Care Home 6715 36th Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-5097

Jones Family Day Care Home 10447 Brendle Road

Myakka City, FL 34251 941-219-3605

Jump Start Preschool of the Arts

11005 Passage Drive Bradenton, FL 34211 941-747-8900

Just for Girls

1500 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-8988

Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch 4225 Concept Court Bradenton, FL 34211 941-727-9072

Kids Academy Plus 57th 1415 57th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-727-1841

Kids Academy Plus HL 4635 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-345-4040

Kids Club Child Development & Educational Center of Bradenton, LLC 5231 4th Avenue Circle East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-900-2812

Kids On The Rock 1401 14th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-4567

Kidzone Preschool 116 27th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-2727

Kingdom Academy Preschool LLC 374 Scott Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-0026

Lakewood Ranch Early Learning Center LLC 11520 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-727-9990

La Petite Academy 37th 4301 37th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-5227

La Petite Academy SR 70 6919 53rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-2336

La Petite Academy Vintage Road 4507 Vintage Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7677

Learning Academy of Sarasota 133 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34232 941-342-0800

Learning! Kidz Zone 2211 53rd Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-254-7859

Learning Unlimited

6210 17th Avenue West

Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-5838

Learning With Love 2712 47th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-0442

Legendary Steps Academy, LLC 1010 North Orange Avenue

Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 243-7818

Let's Learn Early Childhood Center 1415 7th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-567-4279

Lil' Angels Daycare, Inc. 1500 7th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-720-9640

Linda Evans Family Day Care Home 1500 7th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-720-9640

Little Caterpillar Early Child Care 3059 Gypsy Street Sarasota, FL 34231 941-960-6312

Little Einstein's Academy 3631 Tallevast Road Bradenton, FL 34243 941-894-6505

Little Manatee's Cove, LLC 707 3rd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-405-7991

Little Tikes University 4200 32nd Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-567-6350

Loving Hands Daycare 1204 60th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-755-6306

Manatee United Methodist Preschool 315 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-6739

Morgan Large Family Day Care Home 3311 Barstow Street Sarasota, FL 34235 941-957-0608

Myakka Early Learning Center, Inc.

37190 Singletary Road

Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-2605

Next Generation Academy 4636 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-251-2491

Our Kids West 2425 38th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-752-1715

Palma Sola Early Learning Academy 7315 1st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-795-0788

Palmetto Youth Center 501 17th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0783

Pathways to Learning LLC 2601 7th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-8802

Parrish Charter Academy (Forza 1) 8605 Erie Road Parrish, FL 34219 941-545-6380

Play & Grow Preschool Inc. 2435 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34237 941-366-7300

Portal To Adventure 911 Rye Road East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-739-3929

Primrose School Lakewood Ranch North 5730 New Haven Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34211 813-230-2827

Primrose School Lakewood Ranch Town Center 9127 Town Center Parkway Bradenton, FL 34202 941-373-6363

Puppy Patch Preschool 1116 35th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-6648

Reaching For The Stars Academy 2239 14th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-3901

Risen Savior Academy 14605 59th Avenue East Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-756-7545

Sanchez Large Family Day Care Home 2016 Fern Avenue Sarasota, FL 34235 941-879-6156

Sand & Buckets Daycare Corp

3407 17th Street Court East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-748-4799

Sandman Preschool & Academy 924 Wilmerling Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-755-2591

School District of Manatee County

Professional Support Center

2501 63rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-751-6550

School for Constructive Play

6608 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941-778-2210

Smarty Pants Preschool LLC 832 62nd Street Circle East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-7710

Smarty Pants Preschool 2 904 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-896-4796

Smiling Faces Academy, Inc. 910 19th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-1234

Smiling Faces Junior Academy, Inc. 1720 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-3925

Sproutlings Kids SFCP Too, Inc. 1222 36th Avenue East Ellenton, FL 34222 941-776-4947

Sproutlings Kids SFCP Too, Inc. 3411 US Highway 301 North Ellenton, FL 34222 941-845-4484

Stapleton Family Day Care Home 1110 42nd Terrace East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-580-0510

Step Up Suncoast

Rise & Shine Early Learning Morton Clark 1707 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-6667

Step Up Suncoast

Rise & Shine Early Learning Palmetto 1315 2nd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-750-6667

Step Up Suncoast

Rise & Shine Early Learning Parkland 6432 Parkland Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-750-6667

Step Up Suncoast

Rise & Shine Early Learning Pine Village 1103 56th Avenue Drive East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-827-2887

Step Up Suncoast

Rise & Shine Early Learning West Bradenton 2531 9th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-750-6667

Sunny Daze Preschool East 9922 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-750-0042

Sunshine Academy & Daycare 2520 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-3143

Taylor Family Day Care Home 3906 29th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-755-8418

Teachable Moments Learning Center LLC 3005 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-900-1022

The Center of Anna Maria Island, Inc. 407 Magnolia Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216 941-778-1908

The Goddard School 14534 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-752-6600

The Learning Experience Lakewood Ranch 14425 Arbor Green Trail Bradenton, FL 34202 941-251-4046

The Learning Post Child Care 623 30th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-536-4858

The Learning Tree at Pines of Sarasota 1501 North Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236 941-552-1861

The Myakka City Community Center 10070 Wauchula Road Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-8114

The Renaissance Preschool Inc. 2500 10th Street Sarasota, FL 34237 941-365-0749

The School House 4055 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34233 914-371-0171

Thompson Academy LLC 1212 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-748-2162

Tiny Tots University 930 9th Street Drive West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-723-9072

Toad Hall Children's Center of Bradenton 4004 8th Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-3951

Toddler's Ark FCCH 711 36th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-879-2407

Toddler's Inn Child Care Center LLC 2611 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-4631

Top Kids Bilingual Preschool Of Bradenton 7700 Cortez Road West Bradenton, FL 34210 941-782-8995

Tree of Life Preschool Inc 2200 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-1756

Trinity Children's Center 3200 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-8608

Vanessa Hawkins Family Day Care Home 2674 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way Sarasota, FL 34234 941-957-0409

Victoria Morgan Family Day Care Home 2809 8th Street Court West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-745-2401

Walker Family Day Care Home 3213 44th Drive East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-6629

Wee Care Christian Academy 10540 Hamilton Way Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-6409

Wee World Child Development Center 1020 4th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0810

Weitz Family Day Care Home 6405 37th Avenue Circle West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-7257

Willis Family Day Care Home 3206 Clark Drive Sarasota, FL 34234 941-355-6574

Willis 2 W.E.C ares Child Care 708 32nd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-356-5205

Woodland Early Childhood Center 9607 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34202 941-753-8588

N

Early Learning Task Force of Manatee County

A Breakfast with a Purpose…

WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle

Versmessen

The Early Learning Taskforce held its first Transition to Kindergarten (T2K): Breakfast with a Purpose in January. The Breakfast sought to lay the foundation for a successful transition between prekindergarten and kindergarten for students.

The Taskforce is comprised of representatives from StepUp Suncoast, the Manatee County School District, and the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. In attendance at the Breakfast were kindergarten teachers, VPK teachers, prekindergarten teachers, and prekindergarten center directors.

Each month, the Taskforce meets to discuss critical issues facing their respective agencies to brainstorm cooperative solutions. This year they addressed the Transition to Kindergarten requirements from the State to plan and ensure that these young students are ready for the learning tasks that will be required of them in kindergarten. This transitionary period builds the basis for a student's academic, behavioral, and social-emotional skills. Creating a positive family-school connection is also a huge factor

in a student's educational success.

The tables at the Breakfast were comprised of pre-K center directors and classroom team members who ready children for kindergarten and the individuals who work at the elementary schools near those centers.

Prior to the Breakfast, a survey was conducted amongst parents, pre-k teachers and directors, and school district kindergarten teachers and principals. The survey asked a variety of questions pertaining to how prepared those surveyed felt their students were for kindergarten. The results shown at the Breakfast were that 69% of the kindergarten teachers felt their students were mostly prepared for kindergarten, and 31% reported a mix of prepared and unprepared. Nobody said they felt their students were totally unprepared!

Those surveyed also answered how collaboration between elementary schools and private child care sites could be aligned to support each other. They answered that this could be possible

through increased opportunities for sites to work cohesively, increased classroom field trips to elementary schools, increased data sharing, and an increased understanding of educational standards and expectations.

Attendees of the Breakfast heard from a variety of speakers. Rachel Spivey, Director of Grant Management for the ELC, gave a presentation on the statistics of how quality early childhood programs are more effective than education intervention later in life.

Rachel says: "When the Taskforce decided to take on the T2K project, we wanted to define 'readiness.' We came to the conclusion that pre-k and kindergarten could be better aligned to support our learners and their families fully and came up with a draft of what we feel kindergarten readiness looks like in Manatee County."

On the attendees' tables were copies of this definition, and they were asked to review the draft and add their own edits or comments.

Beth Duda, Director for Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, spoke about her organization's connections with

government, individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and media and the critical dimensions of parent and family engagement and health detriments on a student's reading capabilities.

K-2 English Language Arts Curriculum Specialist, Jennifer Harrison, presented the importance of a solid early educational foundation and where to start using the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards and B.E.S.T. K-3 Standards Crosswalk. "The two best predictors of early reading success are alphabet recognition and phonemic awareness," she says.

Jennifer also defined "number sense" and explained how something as simple as block play could promote both literacy and number sense.

Darrell King, CEO of ELC of Manatee County, says: "By working together and becoming more aligned, we are ensuring that as students move from one system to another, they begin to experience more consistency in expectations, familiar instructional practices, and reap the benefits from greater community involvement."

The ELC of Manatee County provided classroom materials for the teachers between pre-k and kindergarten. Those materials were pro-social books, blocks for the classrooms, and the pyramid model social-emotional kits. This was done in the hopes that having similar items in preschool and kindergarten would help children feel more comfortable and confident as they would see familiar items.

The Breakfast concluded with a call to action planning. Kathy Patreka, HS/EHS Director from Step Up Suncoast, asked attendees to plan how they can contribute towards a solution to better Transition to Kindergarten practices.

With ideas such as creating a Transition to Kindergarten welcome video for incoming preschool students and hosting a family night with an invited kindergarten teacher to share expectations, it's safe to say that the T2K: Breakfast with a Purpose event was a giant leap in the right direction to bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten.

GOOD THINGS COME IN BIG PACKAGES…

WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

The 30th Annual Business and Education Partnership Awards hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce were held earlier this year at Southeast High School. And the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County brought home the award for "Good Things Come in Big Packages, Too." The purpose of these awards is to "honor businesses for their engagement and generosity in directing more resources into our classrooms and schools," according to the Chamber. District employees submitted 116 nominations for the 2022 awards that were then reviewed by a panel of community representatives.

Darrell King, CEO of the ELC of Manatee County, accepted the award. He said: "To be held in the same regard as these other influential businesses and recognized by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce for the impact the ELC has is a huge honor. We strive to continue to enhance the early education of students throughout Manatee County while working in collaboration with other businesses to create an even better and stronger community for years to come."

There were 13 award categories in total. "Good Things Come in Small Packages" encompassed small businesses with 20 or fewer employees, while "Good Things Come in Big Packages, Too" encompassed companies with more than 20 employees.

WINNERS

Rookie of the Year

Ooh La Laa Nails

Civic Partner of the Year

Books for Kids | Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch

Faith-Based Partner of the Year

Day 4 Hope

Good Things Come in Small Packages

Myakka Communications

Good Things Come in Big Packages, Too

Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County

It's a Two-Way Street

Yamaha Marine University | Manatee Technical College

Tri County Air | Manatee Technical College

Special One-Time Project

Ancient Ways Martial Arts Academy

Partners Together

Forty Carrots Family Center and Soar in 4

Business Coordinator of the Year

Christine Michael & Casey McCabe from The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

School Coordinator of the Year

Deborah Perry-Gambino

District-Wide Partner Award

Manatee Education Foundation

Barry Jones Business Partner

Empowerment Award

Kona Ice of Manatee County

Partner in Excellence

Pittsburgh Pirates & Bradenton Marauders

BUILDING THE ELC PILLARS…

WORDS: Rachel Spivey

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County Inc, (ELC) has been awarded a $5000 grant from The Leslie and Margaret Weller Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to fund a professional development project.

ELC collectively and consistently strives to meet the needs of the community with originality. To continue this work, Leadership within the agency places a high priority on team culture and professional development. Therefore, last November, the Leadership Team, composed of Officers and Directors, met to participate in a full-day Excellence Performance Leadership Seminar with Tony Daum.

During the seminar, through group discussion and friendly negotiation, five words were selected to become the pillars of the culture desired at ELC. These words - integrity, innovation, support, investment, and commitment - were selected and will be written into the fabric of the agency through various activities.

This grant award will allow ELC to expand these pillars to the entire Early Learning Coalition’s 51-strong workforce at a oneday group retreat next month. Excellence Performance will be the group's guest speaker, sharing ways in which every team member can contribute to a positive and thriving team culture.

About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County: The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of $520 million in more

than 1,570 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $27.5 million dollars last year in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and the environment. Since its founding, the Community Foundation has been able to grant more than $350 million to area nonprofit organizations to our community thanks to the generosity of charitable individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota. org or call (941) 955-3000.

INTEGRITY INNOVATION SUPPORT INVESTMENT COMMITMENT

Play a Vital Role

BACK THE

MCYC 23 BRING FUN! BACK THE

MCYC 23 BRING FUN!

WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County held its annual Manatee Conference for Young Children (MCYC) event in February! This year, the conference was held at Braden River High School and had over 300 attendees.

Among those in attendance were early childhood educators, child care center owners and directors, and other community members. Additionally, various organizations set up booths to advocate for their cause or provide information on a service. Some of the organizations included Learning Beyond, Parenting Matters, Child's Play, Amazing Athletes, Centerstone, and The Children's Movement of Florida.

Jack Hartmann kicked off the event as the keynote speaker with his Super Fun Learning Songs! Jack's songs make learning more engaging with educational content, cool beats kids love, and fun movements. The numerous breakout sessions covered a wide variety of topics to enhance an early childhood education center. These sessions ranged anywhere from "Yoga to Boost ASQ Scores" to "Art with Eric Carle Books" to "Social Media for Schools."

Each year, the ELC also chooses a service project for attendees to contribute toward. This year, general baby and postpartum items were collected to be donated to Healthy Start Manatee in support of mothers and babies for their Mommy and Me Drive.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Bradenton Macaroni Kid is one of the area's top resources for all things family-friendly! With a comprehensive listing of holiday events, play groups, classes, festivals, summer programs, shows and much more, Bradenton Macaroni Kid makes it easy for parents to keep their children busy and entertained all year long. Don't miss the exciting giveaways, promotions, timely bits of parenting advice and humor! Like us on Facebook and sign up to receive the FREE weekly e-newsletter with the latest scoop on fun outings and events in Manatee County at www.bradenton.macaronikid.com.

On The Bookshelf

REVIEWS: Colleen Hartnett

(Birth to 3)

By Ailie Busby

"Spring" is a beautiful book to read with your little ones as the seasons change from winter to spring. The illustrations embody spring's cheery feeling with rosy-cheeked children playing outside, singing with the birds, and planting seeds! The book also includes fun and engaging vocabulary words to describe spring activities, such as "bugs buzz, butterflies flutter, run and skip and jump." The book features rounded corners and hard/sturdy pages that provide safe reading and easy page-turning for growing little hands. Part of the "Seasons" set by Ailie Busby.

NOT A BOX

(3-6)

By Antoinette Portis

This Caldecott Award-winning book will spark the imagination of any reader. Simple illustrations present a rabbit transforming a plain cardboard box into various objects. Read through the book several times to enhance reading comprehension. Then, provide several empty boxes and see what your child(ren) creates. This is a great way to reuse all those boxes from online shopping. The author has a related book, "Not a Stick," with the same premise.

AND THE PERILOUS PANTS

(7-9)

By Andrea Beaty

Ada Twist must help Rosie Revere's zany uncle when he literally gets carried away with his famous helium pants. Join Fellow Questioners Iggy Peck and Rosie Revere, along with some new comrades, as Ada Twist saves Uncle Ned and his helium pants before he drifts into space. This book (and series) is wonderful for the science-minded student and could spark science interest in the not-so-science minded.

(10-12)

By Gail Carson Levine

From the Newberry Honor winner who wrote "Enchanted," Gail Carson Levine gives us the sequel to "A Tale of Two Castles." You will be enchanted by the main character, Elodie, and her cohorts, Masteress Meenore, the dragon, and the kindly ogre, County Jonty Um. The trio returns to Elodie's home island only to discover that the whole island is in grave danger. The statue that keeps the deadly volcano from erupting is missing. It must be found within three days, or the main mountain, and possibly the whole island, will be destroyed. Try to unravel the mystery with Elodie as you enjoy this engrossing, original mystery.

The first 50 people to come into the lobby of the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, 600 8th Avenue West, Suite 100, Palmetto can pick up free copies of the books reviewed.

HIGH SOARING SPIRITS

WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

Apenguin is unlike your typical bird due to its inability to fly, but that doesn't stop the bird from having its own beautiful uniqueness. It is from this philosophy that The Penguin Project was born.

The Penguin Project is a national musical theater program where children and young adults with disabilities perform in a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. All roles are filled by artists with developmental disabilities.

These disabilities can include Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, neurological disorders, or other special needs. A peer mentor system is in place to link each artist with

an age-level peer who does not have a disability.

The Penguin Project was started 25 years ago, but this year is the first year the Manatee Performing Arts Center is a chapter. This year's performance will be "Annie Kids."

Janene Amick, CEO of Manatee Performing Arts Center (MPAC), has had the Penguin Project on her radar for quite some time. Hearing about it through other theaters within the national network who have participated in the program, Janene needed a few things to align before MPAC could take on the Project. That's when Bradenton Kiwanis stepped in.

"It was something we've always had a passion to want to do. This was just the perfect timing because now, with Bradenton Kiwanis'

involvement, we had a very stable group of volunteers we could lean on and help get the word out," she says.

With the seed money coming from Bradenton Kiwanis, the participants don't pay any money. Because MPAC was already putting on "Annie," the wardrobe and sets were readily available without shelling out an extra cost.

The Producing Artistic Director of MPAC, Rick Kerby, contacted the Penguin Project Foundation to get MPAC qualified as a chapter. Rick is also responsible for bringing on Melissa Wilson as the music director and choreographer. Melissa has her Bachelor's degree in dance and a Master's degree in teaching special education. She creates instructional YouTube videos of the routines for the artists and mentors to refer to outside rehearsals.

Melissa explains: "I've taught dance to students with disabilities as part of my program. We had inclusive classes, so it was all mixed. Some moved a little differently than others, and that was ok. It was great to see how dance was a way that they could learn and grow."

Unique to the MPAC chapter of the Penguin Project is the Penguin Players. These artists are individuals ages 23 and older with a disability. Dan Yonko, Director of Communications of MPAC, credits the creation of this group to the involvement of Easter Seals of Southwest Florida.

Dan says: "They bring all the students here, so they're learning in the theater environment. The Players' group has not been a group for which the Foundation has written a curriculum, so we're trendsetting it here at MPAC."

Between the Penguin Project and Penguin Players, there are 38 participants. Unlike traditional theater, where you come in, audition, and get the part, everyone who wants to participate in the program can do so. Some artists may need side-by-side queuing from their mentors, and some may need moral support, like getting them to the stage's wings to make their entrance. While there are different levels of mentor support, they try to do a one-on-one ratio in hopes that they can grow through the program together.

However, the Penguin Project isn't just another form of theater education. The friendships built on both the mentors' and the artists' sides are lifelong. It breaks down barriers. It reduces bullying. Janene describes the experience as having a visual beauty that is very difficult to articulate into words.

"The impact it is making emotionally on the mentors is beyond belief. We even had

people who were financial supporters come to see the rehearsals, and a grown man had tears streaming down his face. He was overwhelmed by what he saw."

Dan says that there are children mentors who want to go into occupational therapy or speech therapy because of their participation. "It's guiding people's career decisions."

Sharon Barhorst, Bradenton Kiwanis Membership co-chair, has been like a community connector for the project. She got Bradenton Kiwanis' Aktion Club chartered with Kiwanis International and got the volunteers and other young, disabled individuals involved. Aktion Club is a service club for adults with disabilities to "help them become more competent, capable, and caring leaders through vehicles of service." Sharon and her husband, Ray, also mentor the Penguin Players, and they both agree that this is the most meaningful thing they've ever done.

"We've always had a passion for wanting to help the disabled, but we never really had the experience or been exposed to this wonderful part of the community until we started the Penguin Project."

Mentors are not required to have a background in theater. Dan says they just need to have a passion for what they're doing, a want to help people, and a kind heart.

• If you want to catch this year's production of "Annie Kids" at MPAC, the Penguin Players performances are May 14th and 15th, and the Penguin Project performances are May 16th and 17th. You can find more information at: https://www.manateeperformingartscenter.com/

Avenues to the

PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

Future

Delivering Educational Excellence

Manatee

Continuing education programs enable individuals and companies to upgrade job skills to keep pace with the changing business environment. Most classes take just a few months to complete and are offered in the evening or weekend.

We also offer Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED® preparation and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes.

for over 50 years!

941.751.7900

SPECTRUM INTERNET® ASSIST

Spectrum Internet Assist is a low-cost, high-speed broadband service that provides qualifying households with Internet service for $17.99 per month.

To qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, a member of the household must be a recipient of one of the following programs:

• The National School Lunch Program (NSLP); free or reduced-cost lunch

• The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (age 65 and over only) Programs that do not qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist: Social Security Disability (SSD), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Social Security Retirement and Survivor Benefits are different from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and do NOT meet eligibility requirements.

If you believe you may qualify, visit SpectrumInternetAssist.com.

• Enter in your 5-digit ZIP code to see if Spectrum Internet Assist is available in your area.

• If available, you will receive direction to call 1-844-525-1574 to start the qualification process.

• If Spectrum Internet Assist is not available in your area, you will receive a coming-soon message and be asked to check back for updates.

GET CONNECTED WITH HIGH-SPEED INTERNET FOR $17.99/MO

Spectrum Internet Assist gives your household a reliable, blazing-fast connection to the world of information, education, entertainment and services that are available online.

With Spectrum Internet Assist, you’ll enjoy:

• 30 Mbps of Internet speed with NO data caps

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• Add fast in-home WiFi for $5 more a month

PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

Spring Into This Craf t...

coordination. Plus, it would make a beautiful Easter decoration and the perfect gift for Mom.

If you would like to recreate this activity with your child, you will need the following: egg cartons, buttons, green acrylic paint, paint brush, canvas, safety scissors, glue.

Tip: Most items can be found around your home or purchased from a local craft store.

DIRECTIONS:

To get started, first have your child decide what egg carton colors you will be using. Then, pick out the buttons that will go in the center.

Next, cut out the sections of the egg carton. You can then leave them the way they are or cut small triangles in the sides to give them a more defined flower shape. Your child may need assistance with this.

Tip: Be sure to protect your child's clothing with an oversized shirt or an apron. Keep paper towels handy to wipe off any glue or paint on your child's hands.

Once you have decided on your flower shape, glue your buttons into the center. You can alternate different colors and even glue a smaller button on top of a large button to give it more variety.

It is then time to glue the flowers onto the canvas. Once set, your child can begin to paint the stems underneath the flower. After the stems are painted on, it is time to add the leaves.

Tip: Use one of the sections of the egg carton to squeeze the paint in. It is an easy clean-up afterward.

Once the glue is set and the paint is dry, this Egg Carton Flower Craft can be displayed for all to see or added to a gift bag for Mother's Day.

I hope that you and your family also enjoy putting this activity together and have a wonderful spring.

WORDS & PICTURES: Carlee Colonneso

Carlee Colonneso is a wife, and stay at home mother of three. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida and author of funlearninglife.com. Her website is a lifestyle blog that centers on family, crafts, recipes, and frugal living.

TheSuperintendentshallappointacomplianceofficerwhoseresponsibilityitwillbetorequirethatFederalandStateregulationsarecompliedwithandthatanyinquiresorcomplaintsaredealtwithpromptlyinaccordancewithlaw.S/HeshallalsorequirethatpropernoticeofnondiscriminationforTitleII,Title VI,andTitleVIIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentActof1972,Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,andtheAgeDiscriminationinEmploymentActwillbeprovidedtostaffmembersandthegeneralpublic.AnysectionsoftheDistrict’scollectively-bargainednegotiated

Not Just

HORSING AROUND!

WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

When walking up to Prospect Riding Center, one is greeted by the sounds of chickens clucking, roosters crowing, cows mooing, and horses snorting. Not your typical equine therapeutic riding center, Prospect Riding Center offers a variety of hurdles to help folks with special needs overcome many different drawbacks, whether they be mental or physical.

"Coming here, you don't know what you'll come up on," Susan Tambone, Founder and Executive Director of Prospect Riding Center, explains. "The smells, the sounds, the different horses, and how they react is never the same."

Their mission is to help individuals with special needs overcome physical, developmental, and psychological challenges through equine-assisted therapy. Learning to care for the horses is a big part of the therapy! The first few visits might be just barn lessons. The rider will go in and meet the horse, brush them, and get familiarized with the different tools. If the rider isn't in the position to get right on the horse, they'll start off in the barn. They do have some side walkers who have some confidence, fear, or mobility issues.

Susan started the center in May 2013. Her daughter had early childhood-onset epilepsy. Not wanting to put her on medications, Susan sought out alternative methods. She found therapeutic riding and fell in love with it. She volunteered at the center, became an instructor, and then had ideas for her own place. She started with one horse and one rider. This May, they'll be celebrating their ten-year anniversary! Only 30% of therapeutic riding centers make it that long.

But it's not "Susan's way or the highway," as she says. Prospect Riding Center is certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International. PATH International has rigorous standards, credentialing, and education for its centers to provide the safest and best practices in the equineassisted therapy industry.

When they first opened, being a PATH member center and the safety precautions that they have in place gave the families a lot of confidence and peace of mind to have their loved one attending therapy at Prospect. Additionally, the horses are treated in a special way. The horses could have a rider making odd noises, being off

balance, or ready to bail from the lesson and jump out of the saddle at any time. These situations can be stressful for a horse, so everything the volunteers and staff at Prospect do to the horses is as stress-free as possible.

Susan says: "If the volunteer or I approach the horse, the horse doesn't know the difference. We do things the same way. We hang things the same, go in and out of their doors the same, and put their equipment on the same."

In a herd, horses will regulate their heartbeats. This means that if one horse starts to get worked up, the others can pick up on it. This is why keeping the horses as calm as possible, even in high-stress situations, is essential.

Never wanting to turn anyone away from their services, Prospect has a large horse, Tank, capable of carrying heavier weight. Each horse has a weight ratio to determine how much it can safely carry on its back. So, ensuring that there was a horse in the group who could support a larger individual was an important factor. In the summertime, they have Dream Oaks Camp Foundation for Dreams on site. Tank will

also carry the large adaptive saddle, so they are able to strap kids in.

"Talk about getting everybody to ride!" Susan exclaimed.

A unique experience that Prospect Riding Center offers is that the service provider, parent, or guardian of the client can come into the lesson with them. At other riding centers, that person typically stands on the opposite side of the fence. Susan quickly learned that bringing someone the client is familiar with into the lesson the first few times can greatly help create a smooth transition for someone with anxiety or other issues.

Additionally, families have the option to ride with the therapeutic riders. For many, it's their first time riding with a family member.

Another benefit of Prospect's facility is its location in Myakka, Florida. Being off the beaten path gives the riders a chance to be out in the open and more in control of their horse as they have fewer distractions from the road. The rider could be hooked up to a leader or not, but there are obstacles on the trails that they utilize to catch the riders' eyes and keep them riding forward.

These obstacles include a giant Minion made of tires, color-coordinated items, a rainbow trail, a rock trail, a beanball toss, basketball, and a ring carry. Part of the therapeutic process is that the client might

have to reach across the horse, grab a ring, and take it to a ring tree. Weaving through the noodles, climbing on tires, and walking through a ditch help them with steering.

"Even though everything is colorful and looks playground-ish, it all has a meaning and purpose," Susan says.

Therapeutic riding helps the brain with proprioception, knowing where you are in space, and the equal development of the left and right brain. Cross-brain activity is

a significant factor in the therapy sessions.

Prospect offers English and Western saddles for riders. The Western saddles have a horn that riders can hold onto, but the English saddle gives them more contact, more of a core workout, and is ultimately the most therapeutic. It's a lowimpact workout because the rider sits, but every joint moves.

Prospect Riding Center currently has eight horses on the property, with six in the

program and two mules. They obtain most of their horses through donations, and one horse is currently on loan from Wolfe's Born to Ride trail riding company. The horses go through a PATH-approved evaluation. This includes throwing balls around the horses, stringing noodles on them, and ensuring they're desensitized.

Therapy riding looks different for everyone that comes to the property. You wouldn't know which one was a therapeutic rider and which was a recreational rider. This comforts some adult therapeutic riders because they don't feel like they stand out.

Susan emphasizes: "This is a safe place for whomever you are."

Prospect is mainly funded through grants, donations, and income generated from recreational riding. They offer private pay therapeutic riding and accept Staywell

Medicaid insurance but have a scholarship fund for select riders.

One of their youngest, newer riders, Ari, has apraxia of speech. His mother, Courtney, says that she notices a difference in just his third week of lessons. "Ari is very natural with riding. He loves animals, so this experience is great for him with the other animals on the property in addition to the horses."

Susan notes that one of the most moving moments for her is watching the change in the teen riders battling depression when they come around the horses. "It's been some tough times for our teens in school the last few years. During the day, they might be bullied at school, stressed, or not sleeping, and their parents are frazzled. But I'm able to see that with this little blurb of their day, they can smile and relax their shoulders."

• If you want to learn more about the services Prospect Riding Center offers, please visit: www.prospectridingcenter.com.

FAMILY FUN WITH FLOWERS…

Though gardening may not be the first thing on the agenda for your busy evenings and weekends, our state's flora and fauna can actually be a blast - especially as kids of all ages get involved. Indeed, flowers are part of our heritage here, and in that way, gardening is something we are privileged to get to work on and pass down to the next generation of up-and-coming adults. Do you know that our state derives its very name from flowers? When Ponce de Leon surveyed the lands, he called it "La Florida" or "Abounding in Flowers." Now it's our turn to protect its beautiful biodiversity.

However, if you're anything like most city dwellers, it's hard to know where to begin. We're sharing some tips with you right here, along with a few reminders of why it's crucial for all of us to have time in the garden.

Here are seven reasons why heading out of your inner shell (or house) can help you see that gardening is so great!

WORDS: Christa Hardin

First, gardening has been shown to positively impact mood and brain chemistry. It allows us to get out into the fresh air and breathe. Gardening is a mindfulness practice where you can exist in the moment.

2. Gardening allows you to use your five senses and see the world around you, not just your screen. You truly begin to notice the colors around you, smell the fresh air, listen to the birds, touch the plants, and taste what the garden has to offer. This is all akin to a grounding experience, something well known to reduce anxiety as we get closer to our actual bodies and off of our screens for a while.

3. Likewise, the very soil itself can help to improve mood. One kind of bacteria in the soil has been found to stimulate areas of the brain and produce serotonin, which helps us feel good.)

4. Gardening can be done simply and extremely affordably. If it's intimidating, remember this. Giving our kids a chance to experience this with us doesn't have to be complex. You could start with a tiny indoor plant terrarium or succulents. If you're able to add a bit more, you could add plants to a back veranda or lanai garden, and if you have more yard at your disposal, consider digging in and starting your own mini Marie Selby Botanical Butterfly garden in the backyard.

5. Gardening teaches us and our kids about the environment that is ours to steward and pass on to them. As my friend who leads a children's gardening club reminded me, it's important for parents and kids to realize there are many lessons to be learned in the gardens. Kids learn the valuable reminder of not only being part of the ecosystem when they contribute to gardening practices but also the importance of patience, science, and discovery as they quite literally dig into what works and what doesn't in their gardening practice since not every seed germinates.

6. Gardening allows you to see that every living thing has value. It reminds kids quite literally that every creepy crawly adds value to a garden, and there is a myriad of metaphors you can draw from this together as a child takes time to let their imagination work in a new and refreshing way.

7. Sometimes, you get to eat the produce you grow. With a simple planter or buying a starter plant right at your local Publix, you may soon have something to eat, saving you a bit on your grocery bill. I know my own teen daughter loves to bring in her chives from the back porch as a supplement to a baked potato or 7-layer dip, and when they were toddlers, they loved to rip off pieces of a basil plant to garnish our chicken dinners.

As you can see, if you let gardening inside of your family, it can truly bring you together, reduce stress and tech overstimulation in your life, add robust metaphors and biodiversity lessons into your children's lives, and even offer a tasty treat.

Lastly, even if you're not one to tout your own green thumb, perhaps because you don't feel very confident in this area, remember this: More than any specialization, your enthusiasm is what matters even more. As you read here, every success and failure in the garden reminds you that just spending time together is the best part - connection makes humans truly content.

If you're excited, interested, and present, with a bit of coaxing, they, too, will find the time valuable and safe with you. Soon you'll be digging up unhealthy roots together, marveling at pollinators doing their thing, and adding your own sweetness to life's rhythms together.

PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

A Family Tradition SINCE 1926