NEXTGEN April - May 2021

April - May 2021

The Quinn Quest!

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Contents April - May 2021

PUBLISHER

EARLY LEARNING COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EDITOR Darrell King

GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES Adam Mohammadbhoy (Chairman) Robert Bell (Secretary/Treasurer) Andrew Minor

Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County

PRODUCTION EDITOR Katelyn Disbro Kelly Harbour DESIGN EDITOR Mara Stork PHOTOGRAPHY Whitney Patton Wendy Dewhurst CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kara Chalmers, Amy Bell, Carlee Colonneso, Bre Jones Mulock, Christa Hardin, Petra Vybiralova, Caroline Lehman, Kelly McLean 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................................ 941-757-2912 ADVERTISING..........................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

PRIVATE SECTOR APPOINTED MEMBERS James R. Chatham, M.D., Lupita Wells, Len Tabicman, Michael Rampino, Christina Riggio, Karen Carpenter, Doug Hall, Zack Kallis, Rev. Dr. Robert Baker, Dr. Michael Mackie, Bryan Rench, Gary Scott, Caroline Halfacre LEGISLATIVELY REQUIRED MEMBERS Rachel Kendzior Children With Disabilities Program Representative Annette Larkin Private, For-Profit Provider Representative Dr. Robin Thompson 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 Kristina DeWitt Florida College System Designee Marjani Jones Faith-Based Provider Representative Paul Sharff Chief Executive Officer SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE BOARD Linda Guritz BOARD OF EDUCATION MANATEE COUNTY Scott Hopes, Charlie Kennedy, Gina Messenger, Rev. James Golden, Mary Foreman, Cynthia Saunders, Superintendent

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EXECUTIVELY SPEAKING The Quinn Quest…

12 PREPARING YOUR FUTURE 18 CHILDREN’S CHAMPION

Ace in the pack!

24 BON APPETIT

A Piece of Cake…

30 BOOST FAMILY HEALTH

WITH A PET! 33 ELC INSIDER SECTION! 34 OPERATION W.I.T

Inside new program 42 CHILDCARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY 52 NAVIGATING

PANDEMIC BIRTHDAYS 56 A RICH OUTDOOR CLASSROOM…

Summer learning tips for kids 61 On the Bookshelf 62 BEYOND GENEROUS

The Foster Angel…

66 Calendar Of Events 68 Fun Kids Craft

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70 The Latest From WRC… 71 Kids in the Kitchen 73 BEST SUMMER CAMPS

NEXTGEN and the Early Learning Coalition do not endorse or warrant any products or services contained herein, unless otherwise expressly noted. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors. Submitted materials will not be returned. Whole or part of this publication may not be used or duplicated in any way without written permission from the Early Learning Coalition.

The Early Learning Coalition is a 501-C (3) nonprofit organization committed to ensuring affordable and creditable early child care and early education through School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs.

Sponsorship by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County and the State of Florida, Office of Early Learning and Manatee County Government.

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78 MANATEE’S GOT TALENT

With flying colors…

84 GRADE LEVEL READING LATEST 86 A LIFETIME IN EDUCATION

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The Quinn Quest!

Rachael & Marcus are on a mission to pay it forward…

WORDS: Amy Bell PICTURES: Whitney Patton

E

ven in these precarious times, business is booming for Your CBD Store. However, founders Rachael and Marcus Quinn are not content to enjoy the spoils of their success alone.

This husband-and-wife team prefers to pay it forward.

The Quinns’ CBD journey started in March 2018, when Rachael opened her first store in Bradenton. After using CBD oil herself with incredible results, she wanted to share the benefits of natural, hemp-derived products with others in the community.

“I have an autoimmune disorder that had gone uncontrolled for about four years,” she explains. “After trying different things and a few medications, a girlfriend of mine recommended CBD oil, so I tried it. It was life-changing for me. I figured other people were suffering the same way I was. My thought was if it really helped me, we could get it out in the community.”

As Rachael considered opening a CBD store, she says her husband Marcus was extremely encouraging.

“We had formerly owned a business together, which I had stopped working at because I’d been so sick,” Rachael explains. “When I started to feel better, I had a lot of extra time on my hands. I opened the store in March of 2018, and it just took off.”

In the wake of Your CBD Store’s massive success, the Quinns launched their CBD

wholesale company, SunFlora, in May 2018. “We started getting the word out that we were going to be franchising,” explains Marcus.

In just three years, the business has skyrocketed to a level Rachael never imagined. “Initially, I thought I’ll open this store as a hobby and pay it forward. It started as a way to help people in the community who have the same thing I have going on,” she says. “Now we have over 500 stores nationwide. So, not only are we reaching customers I’d never be able to reach—but we also have business owners making a life for themselves and their families based around this store that started out as a little local thing.”

Catching the Entrepreneurial Spirit It’s no wonder why Marcus was so supportive of his wife when she decided to open a CBD store. As a lifelong

entrepreneur, he knows business potential when he sees it.

“I probably became an entrepreneur in grade school,” Marcus explains.

“I grew up on the lower-income end; we were somewhat poor.” As a kid, Marcus searched for creative ways to make money, whether he was mowing lawns or buying and selling products.

He started his first company at the young age of 19. “It was a direct sales company, and we were selling home maintenance equipment,” he says. “I did that for a long time.” He also ran a small finance company, which financed the home maintenance equipment they were selling.

“My whole life, I’ve always been looking for business opportunities,” he explains.

“I haven’t really had a job per se since I was a waiter at 19. I’ve always owned my own business or done my own thing since then.”

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And he has certainly done a lot of his own thing. While running the direct sales company, Marcus also bought a CrossFit franchise. The Quinns own a number of rental properties, including the building in Palmetto, where the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) offices are located. Additionally, they have holding companies in Alabama and Florida, which manage their rental units.

“In the past, we’ve done some fix and flip projects, but we’ve been too busy the past few years to do anything but keep up with the growth of Your CBD Store,” Marcus says. “That niche has been doing really

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well for us. Since it started, it has been a tidal wave of craziness. I sold my direct sales company in the beginning of 2019, so we’re all in on this. Your CBD Store and SunFlora is our main focus now.”

Giving Back Even while running a bustling business, the Quinns find time to give back to their community. Rachael serves on the board of Feeding Empty Little Tummies (FELT), and she and Marcus do charity work with ELC, including buying Christmas gifts on the Giving Tree for the Play and Learning Strategies (PALS) program, feeding

families for the Operation W.I.T. (Whatever It Takes) program, and sponsoring many other events. They also are Kingdom Builders with Bayside Community Church and big supporters of St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warrior, and the OneChild sponsorship. “We give as much as we can with what we were given,” emphasizes Rachael.

The Quinns are also extremely involved with an orphanage in Acapulco, Mexico.

“We have a business partner whose wife is from Acapulco, so that’s how we got involved with the orphanage there,” explains Marcus. For the last two years,

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the Quinns have sponsored 11 orphans for all their food, education, and other needs. This year, they donated funds to purchase air conditioners for the orphanage.

Last January, the Quinns visited the orphanage in Acapulco, and they took their three sons (ages 9, 7, and 1) along for the trip. Rachael says it was an eye-opening experience for their boys. “It’s important to us to raise our kids to be involved in charities,” she says. “We want to raise the next generation of people who care about other people. There’s much more to life than what’s in your little bubble or your network of people. I think we all have to look out for each other. Our boys are growing up very different from my husband, so it’s important for them to know that everyone is different, and we need to look out for each other.”

Manatee R oots The Quinns have strong roots in Manatee County. Marcus’s family moved to Bradenton when he was just five months old, so he grew up in the area. “I’ve been here my whole life, for the most part,” he says. “I left from 2003 to 2015, but I’m glad to be back. I lived in four other states, and I’ve traveled around the country quite a bit. But I don’t think I’ll ever leave here again. I love Florida; I love the beaches; I love the people.”

“It’s a great place to raise a family,” adds Rachael, who grew up in Buffalo, New York. She says their sons attend Manatee County public schools and are involved in community sports through G.T. Bray. “There are so many amazing things for kids here, and the schools are great,” she says.

When they’re not working or volunteering, the Quinns enjoy visiting the Florida Keys, fishing, boating, and hanging out by the pool.

While they cherish this downtime with family, the Quinns always make it a priority to give back. “God blesses us with certain talents and opportunities, and I think it’s important to take those and use them to bless others,” Rachael stresses. “We have been very fortunate, but I don’t think it’s just for one person to keep.”

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What You Can Do to Prepare for Your Family’s Future...

WORDS: Kris Louis

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T

he majority of us work hard for our futures, with the overarching attention on survival, followed by happiness.

Owning a house, starting a family, and paying off your student debt are all benchmarks that can help set you on the path toward future success. However, life has an unpredictable way of occurring, which is why it’s important to have contingencies in place for when the unexpected arises.

Age-Old Shift in Our Priorities As we get older, our priorities shift, as do our financial considerations. This shift means that the things we choose to save for can change as we begin to plan for the future. The difficulty lies in finding the right balance between long-term and short-term financial goals and understanding what milestones will keep you on track.

By assessing your short-term objectives now, you won’t run into any situations in which you have to sacrifice your retirement savings to secure a down payment on a car or home down the line. The key is to start sooner than later on addressing what your priorities are. Although it can be difficult to think about long-term financial needs when you’re mostly focusing on how to pay next month’s rent, future you will thank present you for not being so short-sighted today.

When looking for opportunities to improve your financial future, one of the best ways to achieve success is by investing in yourself.

An amazing tool to help you on this journey is an MBA. This type of higher education can increase your salary significantly and also teach you important skills that can impact your corporate career trajectory. These skills can also help to inspire and help your family grow as you become a leader in business.

When ‘Me’ Becomes ‘We’ Having a family changes you in ways that you never thought possible. Instead of worrying about the things that impact you individually, you have to take into account the needs of your children and spouse, especially when it comes to their future.

You’ll want to make sure your children have the necessary tools to succeed in life, and these tools begin and end with their education.

As student loan debt in the United States continues to swell, you can help your children avoid being drowned in educational debt by setting aside money to help pay for their education should they decide to attend college. You can set up co-owned savings accounts to help instill the principles and practices of saving and spending money. It’s also never too early to think about your children’s eventual retirement by setting up a custodial IRA. The upside to a custodial IRA is that when your children are old enough, they can make withdrawals to help pay for qualifying educational expenses.

be sensitive and uncomfortable to discuss, writing a will is the best way to protect your family. By writing a will, you’ll be able to determine how your assets are divided. More importantly, you’ll be able to designate who is responsible for caring for your underage children.

It’s also important to look into life insurance to avoid leaving your family or next of kin with large bills (like a mortgage) or medical expenses in the event of your passing. Life insurance will provide for your family, but it can get complicated. Do some thorough comparison shopping online to find the best policy for your needs.

Because our priorities evolve as we age, it’s important to have provisions in place to better prepare you for the future. It’s good to set goals, but they don’t do enough unless you take action while also planning for the unexpected. Whether it’s setting up a will to protect your family, planning for your children’s future to help them succeed, or outlining your short-term-versus-long-term goals, planning for your future is essential. The sooner you start, the better off you and your family will be.

Preparing for Life After Death We like to think that we’re prepared for every life event, but tragedy can still strike unexpectedly. Although the topic can 13

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al fresco

ABILITIES SHINING LUNCHEON PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

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Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, onofthe medicalRanch staffMedical of Lakewood Medical but,are with limited exceptions, are Physicians are onPhysicians the medicalare staff Lakewood Center, Ranch but, with limited Center, exceptions, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice,independent visit our website. practitioners who are not employees agents of LakewoodorRanch Medical Center. The independent practitioners who orare not employees agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The

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ACE

In The Pack !

Pack !

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Former Manatee High and NFL star Sanders helps local kids have fun - and dream.

WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock PICTURES: Whitney Patton

A

clock ticks just shy of 4:30 p.m., and a dozen round, hopeful young faces pressed against a glass window smudged with handprints and reflecting an army of sparkling gold trophies standing guard across the room. Squirmy anticipation rolls through the roster of six to 12-year-olds like a case of contagious wiggles. The children, sporting gym shorts and T-shirts and a few crumbs from an after-school snack, peer out to watch for a grey Jeep turning into the 13th Avenue Dream Center parking lot.

They are waiting for Ace Sanders – their football coach extraordinaire who flashes generous smiles, oozes positivity, and co-owns printing and clothing line companies. He also happens to be a former Jacksonville Jaguars NFL pro-player, University of South Carolina Gamecocks standout kick returner, and Manatee High School hometown football hero.

But the kids- many at-risk and underprivileged- look past the starstudded resume and see a man who passionately cares about them.

They see a mentor – a searchlight illuminating an escape route.

"With these kids, many from rough backgrounds and hard family lives, you have to give them support and an outlet," said Sanders, nodding his head with conviction. "If they are not engaged in something like sports, it's just a ticking time bomb. We have to get them early."

Sanders, a Palmetto native and former Dream Center team player himself, has collected up his life-changing college and NFL experiences and voyaged back to his roots in an effort to lift up the

community he cherishes. Bursting with heart and creative energy, the 2012 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year tackled a new position two years ago: Director of strength/conditioning and life skills at the center. Hitting the ground running, Sanders has carved out programs such as Friday Night Lights – an activity that entices atrisk youth to swap out roaming the streets for constructive, safe fun.

"Ace has a contagious spirit that is so vibrant – the kids just go to him," said Dream Center CEO Derrick Randall, who shared their football program rises as a staple in the community to inspire atrisk youth with positive mentors and coaches. "He lights it up for these kids and is a phenomenal asset to the community center because he is exceptionally driven and unmatched."

Across the dusty Dream Center, practice field dotted with a tire and agility ladder; you can find Sanders running, tackling, and passing footballs every single day of the week with kids eager to learn and grow. A natural athlete excelling in sports ranging from tennis and golf to basketball and track, Sanders knows he's in a race against time to capture these adolescents. Two years ago, he hatched Friday Night Lights so kids could focus on practicing through the week and then compete against a night-sky backdrop and under the exciting glow of stadium lights on Friday evenings.

"It's really important for these kids to train," said Sanders, who attended USC on an athletic scholarship and played for Coach Steve Spurrier. "But it is just as important to compete and reinforce good habits. More importantly, what happened is we were keeping the kids off the streets because they wanted to play under the lights

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and feel the cheers and make the touchdowns. We were showing them that doing what's right and working hard feels just as good."

In the initial week of the program, 20 kids hustled out on the field to practice. Excited chatter drew in 45 players during week two and a whopping 65 the following week, prompting Sanders to cap enrollment and seek volunteers because he stood as the sole coach. With three weeks of practice in the books, Sanders felt pumped for the first Friday night game.

But when 6 p.m. kick-off rolled around, only seven kids huddled at the sidelines.

"I thought, well, this isn't working, but we were going to still play," said Sanders, pausing to reveal a surprise. "But then I looked up and just saw all the cars filing in. They kept coming. Every 15 minutes, more and more kids showed. I looked around and saw all these kids here choosing to be on the field and not on the streets."

Sanders joins a long line of community civil rights activists and educators at the Center, which was established in 1937 with former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's help. Creating an environment so at-risk youth could maximize their potential, the center flourishes as a haven for cultural, recreational, social, and educational activities.

Serving about 1,500 students ages four to 18 per year, the center reaches families with an average annual income of $18,500. They represent a region with the highest number of referrals to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Manatee County. Resourcing about $3,000 per year/per child, the notfor-profit organization strives to build dreams, change lives, and strengthen families through a myriad list of academic, sports, and after-school programs.

"We have a very diverse program," said Randall. "We have turned out pro athletes, doctors, lawyers, politicians. Our goal continues to be to grow and develop these kids. Ace plays a big part in reaching them."

Patrick Carnegie, former Dreams Center CEO and now serving as CEO of MCR Health, feels his heart swell with pride watching Sanders return to the community and the very same field he practiced day after day in middle school.

"I'm proud of Ace – so proud of him," said Carnegie, who coached Sander's Manatee Mustangs team to a National Championship win in the Pop Warner league. "The program strives to instill good character and for kids to come back to their community and empower and inspire new generations. Ace is doing exactly this, and it warms my heart so much."

From a young age, Sanders shined with possibilities and caught Carnegie's eye. Sander's athleticism matched a drive to excel.

"Ace was always a phenomenal asset to the team," said Carnegie.

"It's because of his heart. He is a great athlete but was always a little undersized. He excelled because of his work ethic, focus, and being an excellent student of the game. He had all of the right ingredients we want to teach these kids."

Although the Dream Center has moved on from Friday Night

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Lights, the focus has turned to 7-On-7 flag football – the current hot trend in sports, drawing in many participants who long to travel and compete more.

A self-taught graphic artist who confesses a love for deep conversations, Sanders moves through life like a sponge, always ready to soak up new information and ideas. He's happy to analyze crown molding and light fixtures with his mom and indulge in fishing off the Green Bridge or boating local waterways.

The rhythmic thump of a ball hitting pavement will always coax Sanders into a pickup game of basketball – his first love. Currently, Sanders – along with a cousin and close friend – has launched the fashion line De'Kulture Clothing and printing company The Chief in Print. From Miami to L.A., the trio has crisscrossed the country, testing markets and brainstorming ideas.

follow. When they catch a glimpse of Sanders bringing out a football, they dive right into a game.

"Sometimes I'm trying to teach skills, and they just want to play," said Sanders, who tackled big games in countless stadiums but still views this field as home. "I just let them play because they're kids, and they want to have fun."

While Sanders tirelessly stretches to reach all youth at the center, he's particularly drawn to this group of six to 12-year-olds.

"When they are young, they still have a clean mind," said Sanders.

"You have more of a chance to mold them. Kids wake up each day with a smile on their face. I hope to keep that smile going.

Then maybe when they go home, they'll take that smile with them and help their mom smile."

"I love to create," said Sanders, whose father – Tracy Sanders – played for the Florida State Seminoles. "I need the challenge of learning something new, and I think with football, I was on autopilot. I had played it so long. I think I had figured this game out – hit a wall. This is a new adventure."

Reaching and excelling past the game of football resonates as a poignant life lesson Sanders hopes to share with the kids.

Talent and success should thrive long after the fourth quarter ends because Sanders often points out football "is just a game."

"What many people don't know about Ace is he is not just all about football," said Randall. "He's traveled and seen and experienced a lot. He wants to broaden the kids' horizons – get these kids to see the bigger picture. Sharing this with them is his biggest asset."

With the wheels and gears constantly churning in his sharp mind, Sanders has even pitched ways to help the center grow its reading and tech programs. Nutrition classes reign high on his list for offering new lessons for the kids. He pours hope and effort into the children because he sees them as still impressionable.

"It takes a lot of work to reach these kids," said Sanders. "You have them for a couple of hours a day, and you hope they come back to you. I see so many gifted kids – talented kids – on and off the field. But it's what you do with this talent that determines success."

Perhaps Sanders' well-rounded, humble nature grabs more attention than his career stats.

"We've had thousands and thousands of kids - great kids - come through the program," Carnegie said. "But you won't find anyone who doesn't remember Ace. This speaks to his strong character.

He has always been a standout."

Passing through the echoing gym to reach the fields, Sanders pauses to point out the photo banners of smiling Dream Center kids that drape proudly from the ceiling. He rattles off personal stories of the children beaming back from the signs before opening the doors and spilling out onto the sun-drenched field.

When the kids catch sight of him ready to train each day, they burst out onto the sandy and grassy stretch, often too anxious to wait for the official cue to run a warm-up lap. One takes off - face in the wind and shoes kicking up a cloud of dust. The others

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A Piece of Cake…

WORDS: Kara Chalmers PICTURES: Whitney Patton

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L

ifelong baker and chef Pavel Hasenohrl has, in many ways, his dream job. Along with his wife Tracy, he owns Cremesh European Restaurant and Cremesh Coffee & Bakery, both in Bradenton.

The restaurant is open for dinner only and offers upscale dining, allowing Pavel to create inventive dishes using ingredients and methods from across Europe. The bakery and coffee shop allows Pavel to bake – his true passion.

This is not to say that Pavel, or Tracy, who serves at the restaurant, works behind the bakery counter, and runs both businesses, has it easy.

“We have Monday nights off, that’s it,” Tracy said, referring to the restaurant’s hours of 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, and the bakery’s hours of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. We haven’t had a full day off in months,” Tracy said. “We’re very, very hard-working.”

The restaurant, which opened in June 2018, was thriving preCOVID-19 with a loyal, local customer base. Like many fine dining establishments, Cremesh took a hit last March. But the Hasenohrls offered takeout during quarantine and re-opened as soon as they were allowed. The restaurant has some outdoor seating, and it offers delivery via DoorDash and curbside pickup, all of which help, Tracy said.

“We were doing extremely well until COVID,” she said.

The couple opened the bakery in December – a bold move in the middle of a global pandemic. But business is great, Tracy said, possibly because much of it is takeout. The bakery offers plenty of outdoor seating, too.

The Things You Do for Love Before opening their restaurant in 2018, both Hasenohrls had secure jobs – Tracy was in sales and marketing for International Dairy Farms, and Pavel was an executive chef of the cafeteria at FCCI Insurance Group in Lakewood Ranch, a company that employs 500 people. But Pavel, who grew up in the Czech Republic and moved to Florida when he was 40, always wanted his own restaurant. A small space opened up at 7232 Manatee Ave. It was a great deal because it was nearly turn-key, Tracy said. She was hesitant but ultimately gave in.

“It’s what you do when you love someone,” Tracy said. While opening a restaurant is risky, she said she didn’t want her husband to regret declining the opportunity.

“You can’t say no to someone who has a dream,” she said.

The same went for the bakery – located a five-minute drive from the restaurant. Tracy said it was a gorgeous space, and the lease included a high-end espresso machine, tables, and chairs.

“He wanted a bakery; he loves baking,” Tracy said of her husband, who owned and ran a huge bakery in the Czech Republic.

“Pavel instantly fell in love with it,” Tracy said of the bakery space, which is now where Pavel starts each day at 4 a.m., baking breads, pastries, and cakes.

“As always, I couldn’t say no,” she said

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Breaking Bread The Hasenohrls call their restaurant “European” because it offers dishes from around the continent.

“It’s basically what our favorite foods are,” Tracy said of the menu. Tracy, originally from the south of England, is responsible for the inclusion of a curry dish – the Curried Pork Tenderloin Medallions, served with a lightly curried apple cream sauce – a nod to her British roots.

“It’s proper food, large portions, and you’re full at the end,” Tracy said. “A lot of people say it brings up memories of their parents or grandparents.”

Two of the top sellers at Cremesh are the Beef Stroganoff, made with filet mignon strips, mushrooms, and onions, cooked in a cream sauce and Beef Goulash. The other is the Weiner (veal) Schnitzel – pounded and breaded cutlets, served with a lemon wedge, as per tradition in the Czech Republic. Customers can also have this dish with Jaeger Sauce, a mushroom gravy, or sauteed onions and brown gravy.

Appetizers at Cremesh include Baked Brie and Burrata Mozzarella – both served with Pavel’s homemade rye bread.

There’s also Grilled Smoked Sausage and Bavarian Potato Pancakes, which are served with apple sauce and sour cream.

“Our French onion soup is the best around,” Tracy said. “Our filet mignon is the best anywhere.”

Other entrees include Slow-roasted Half Duck, served with a rich brown gravy; Braised Pork Shank, slow-roasted and served with German mustard and horseradish sauce; and the Chicken and Pork Schnitzel dishes. There are Italian entrees as well, such as Chicken Breast Florentine, topped with spinach, ricotta cheese, and garlic; and Chicken, Veal or Salmon Piccata, sauteed and topped with a lemon, capers and white wine sauce.

Seafood dishes include King Salmon, served with a creamy dill sauce, and the Creamy Fish of the Day, which is sauteed and served with a creamy lemon, wine, and thyme sauce.

Entrees are served with either mashed potatoes, potato salad with bacon, rice, pasta, or spätzle – a type of pasta made with eggs commonly found in German, Austrian, and Eastern European cuisine. Entrees also come with either a seasonal vegetable medley, sauerkraut, or red cabbage.

Drinks include wines from around Europe, particularly from Italy, Spain, and France, and beer from the Czech Republic, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Everything is cooked to order. “We don’t hurry anyone,” Tracy said.

She said customers tend to take their time, preferring a true dining experience over a quick meal.

“I know everyone who comes in the door,” Tracy said. “Everyone knows me. It’s like coming into our home.”

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The Icing on the Cake The restaurant’s signature dessert – and its namesake – is Cremesh, a pastry made with vanilla cream pudding and fresh seasonal fruit sandwiched between layers of puff pastry. The other dessert options are Apple Strudel, served with vanilla ice cream, and the Roulade of the Day, which is a sponge cake spread with a delicate cream filling and then rolled up into a spiral.

The desserts – and breads – are made in-house daily at the bakery and then transported to the restaurant. You can also buy the desserts at the bakery, along with countless other sweet treats, like chocolate croissants, fruit custard tarts, roulades, muffins, chocolate eclairs, poppy seed and cherry strudel, and kolache, a Czech sweet pastry of fruit or jam encircled by puffy dough. There is a gluten-free roulade made with hazelnuts that Pavel grinds into flour.

Everything is baked on-site. The flour is non-GMO, unbleached, and free of preservatives. Pavel also makes custom 8-, 10- and 12-inch round cakes, as well as specialty-shaped or decorated cakes and roulades.

The staple breads, which Pavel bakes from scratch every day, are rye, multigrain, white baguette, and sourdough. You can buy these in the bakery and enjoy them with your dinner at the restaurant. They are also used for all breakfast and lunch sandwiches at the bakery. Pavel also bakes cranberry walnut bread on Thursdays and Saturdays and makes pizza dough and focaccia bread on Fridays.

The bakery offers soups, salads, quiche, and savory pastries like spinach and feta or ham and cheese croissants. There are tons of coffee and tea options. With coffee and espresso from local supplier Banyan Coffee Co. and tea from Local Tea Company, which created the tea blends Selby Select Rooibos Tea, Mote Beach Tea, and Bradentonian Breakfast Blend, Tracy added.

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Boost Family Health With A Pet! WORDS: Christa Hardin

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"Jack. It's time to take the dog out!"

As much as my son and daughters wanted a dog for Christmas a few years ago, they often forget their earlier request when it's their turn for a pet-related chore.

If you're groaning internally when you read these words because you can relate so well, it turns out we're not so rare. According to the American Pet Products Association, nearly 70 percent of U.S. households own a pet, with dogs and cats being the most popular.

Yes, in fact, even as I write this article, my husband Wes is taking our Japanese Chin, Oreo, out for his second walk of the day.

Let's not even talk about the first walk when he got no less than fifty burrs stuck in his fur that had to be painstakingly cut out!

And boy, do we spoil our pets as a culture! Yes, the pets of today not only have their own social media accounts and fan pages, but they also wear clothes and have strollers here in Florida.

In fact, in the U.S. alone, the pet industry makes up $99 billion dollars a year!

But as it turns out, studies show that the minor stresses our pets cause us are TOTALLY worth it.

to improve mental health, especially in troubled teens and young adults. Equine-assisted therapy, for instance, makes use of horses, which, some experts say, "have a sensitivity to people's feelings."

So, I hope if you're on the fence about a pet (or getting rid of one), you'll consider all the good they do!

Also, if the money is a concern, be diligent not to let your pet spending get out of hand and keep working with your kids on the responsibility piece that goes with pet ownership. It may be tedious to balance one more thing since it's also a training ground for bigger jobs for children to have pets of their own one day.

Also, if your kids want to spend frivolous money on the pet, have them save up their own money! Our middle daughter uses most of her allowance (money she earns from doing extra chores) on our pet, and I try not to say anything - it's her money, and it's awfully cute! Oreo has a backpack, a fashionable flannel, a raincoat, and a bomber jacket for cool days. Lucky dog! Want to show your sweetie? Show us your adorable pet pictures here @NextGenFamilyMagazine on Facebook.

Let's break down some of the benefits of having a pet together: • Pets are especially helpful to those who are suffering from

a post-traumatic stress disorder and anyone experiencing depression.

• Specifically, petting or stroking a dog or cat directly improved symptoms of depression.

• Studies found that people benefited from pets' "unconditional love" and simple companionship free from conflict.

• For people living alone, companion animals provided comfort and connectedness.

• Pet owners had better social interactions with family and friends and with strangers out in public.

• Some study participants felt more secure living with a pet.

• Petting, holding, or cuddling an animal increases serotonin

levels and dopamine in our bodies, which are feel-good, calming brain chemicals.

• Interacting with pets can reduce your blood pressure, slow

your heart rate, and decrease the body's stress hormone cortisol level. High levels of cortisol can cause the buildup of plaque in your heart's arteries; this can lead to a heart attack. Even just watching fish swimming around in an aquarium can be a calming and relaxing experience.

• Children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

demonstrated improved "social functioning" after ongoing exposure to Guinea pigs.

• Some animal-assisted therapy programs have been shown 31

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EXPAND your mind at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Blast off. Dive deep.

Be curious. From a microscopic cell to a far away galaxy, we are all connected to each other, the cosmos and the world around us.

www.BishopScience.org 201 10th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205

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ELC INSIDER CONTENTS: 34

Operation W.I.T

41

VPK Sign-up Info

40 42 48 52 54 56 58

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Kids Independence Childcare Provider Directory CATCH On to Good Health!

Celebrating Birthdays Poison Safety

A Rich Outdoor Classroom Hanging of the Hands 2021

3/19/21 2:46 PM

Whatever It Takes T

he From Cradle to College Foundation (which acts as a supporting organization to benefit the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County) was proud to launch Operation W.I.T. last October. Eager to learn more about this new program, Nextgen Family Magazine interviewed Rachel Spivey, Director of Community Educational Initiatives, and Stephanie Washington, the Operation W.I.T. Program Manager to get an insight on what Operation W.I.T does.

Q: What does W.I.T. stand for?

A: W.I.T. stands for Whatever It Takes! As our team of dedicated

educators will do whatever it takes to support the families of Manatee County.

Q: What is Operation W.I.T.?

A: Operation W.I.T. is a multi-faceted program designed to help

families connect more confidently to their children. Operation W.I.T. offers seven weeks of family instruction. Caregivers learn from the Effective Black Parenting Program while their children are engaged in lessons selected from the Connect 4 Curriculum.

At the end of each session, caregivers and children reconnected for family time. During family time, each creatively constructed session allows families to have the opportunity to practice newly learned skills while bonding over games and challenges. The eighth week offers a free family field trip. Field trips are held locally at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

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Q: Where does Operation W.I.T. take place?

A: Operation W.I.T. travels to community centers and religious organizations in Manatee County as it strives to reduce barriers for families and meet participants where they currently gather.

Operation W.I.T. completed its first group at the Ward Temple A.M.E. Church in Bradenton.

Q: Is Operation W.I.T. just for parents?

A: Operation W.I.T. is for the betterment of all families. Adult caregivers or participants can be biological parents, foster parents, grandparents, or any other type of guardian seeking to strengthen their family. Potential participants are welcome to contact the W.I.T. team with any questions.

Q: How can Operation W.I.T. help me?

A: Operation W.I.T. offers guardians the opportunity to feel more

confident in their parenting decisions. Operation W.I.T. focuses, initially, on the Path to the Pyramid of Success for Black Children.

Using this pyramid as a guide, parents visualize the necessary steps needed to achieve the goals they have for their children.

Here is how it works; first, parents learn how their behavior directly influences their children's actions according to the social learning theory. With this knowledge, parents are advised to model and teach prosocial skills, such as pride in blackness and love. The next tier of the pyramid showcases beneficial personality characteristics that children need to develop through their guardians' modeling and teaching to, ultimately, accomplish these life goals.

For example, when parents model pride in blackness, children develop a strong sense of self and are then able to lead community members. Let me share another example, when parents model and teach love and understanding, their children develop higher self-esteem, which gives them the ability to engage in loving, healthy relationships as adults. Thinking forward into the next generation, creating healthy relationships now leads to healthy families in the future, so the cycle continues to move forward in a positive fashion. Operation W.I.T. has the power to not only benefit a single-family but profits generations of families to come. Join today!!!

Q: Tell me more about the parenting curriculum.

Why is it geared toward Black communities, and who wrote it?

A: According to the author of the Effective Black Parenting

Curriculum, Dr. Alvey, this curriculum was one of two culturally responsive curriculums adapted from his previous work on the Confident Parent Program. To give you some background, Dr. Alvey is the author of many parenting books; he has a program for Hispanic parents and several books appropriate for all cultural backgrounds.

At the time of its creation, no other parenting skills programs were available that considered the African American experience, thus, driving Dr. Alvey to create the Effective Black Parenting Curriculum. Dr. Alvey believes his work corrects social injustice.

His historic decision to write this curriculum recognized that raising children has an individual and critical cultural perspective that needs to be highlighted apart from the dominant culture.

The curriculum covers social learning theory, the ability to understand child development, and positive discipline strategies.

Operation W.I.T. is jam-packed with quality information. Program graduates have said, "I am so glad to have met these facilitators," "I feel more confident," and "we have great conversations." A participating grandmother said, "I wish I had this class when I was younger and raising my boys as a single parent. I did the best I could for my children, but Operation W.I.T has now helped me to raise my grandchildren with pride."

Q: How do I enroll in Operation W.I.T? A: Enrollment is easy and can be completed in two ways. The first way is to contact the Operation W.I.T. team directly at 941757-2900 x 2500 or operationwit@elc-manatee.org. You can also enroll online by visiting http://fctcf.org/.

FRE E !

Participants of Operation W.I.T. will enjoy: • 7 weeks of free parenting classes

• 7 weeks of free classes with hands-on science and social studies lessons for children aboard our fleet of customized educational vehicles • Weekly incentives such as childrens’ books or gift cards after each class • A meal for each class for both parents and children • Families get a free trip to the museum with 6 weeks of attendance

Enroll today at https://bit.ly/39Voy79

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Q: I am not a guardian but want to be involved.

How can I help the community?

A: We are looking for engaged community leaders to help spread the word about our historic program. Operation W.I.T. is making history; we are the first in our community to focus on parents of African American descent. I urge community leaders to contact the Operation W.I.T. team with suggestions on locations or to nominate families that will benefit from our program.

Q: Is there anything else you want us to know?

A: Yes, I want readers to know how grateful I am to live and work

in Manatee County. The From Cradle to College Foundation, the Children's Services Advisory Board, and many other groups have truly stepped-up for our children. Thank you to all the community leaders who have supported the creation and launch of Operation W.I.T., and a special thank you to the Bishop Museum's education team. Please contact us with your interest or inquiry to continue our mission in doing Whatever It Takes to support our families and young learners in Manatee County!

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LET US HELP YOU CONNECT MORE

CONFIDENTLY WITH YOUR CHILDREN!

FREE PROGRAM! Participants of Operation W.I.T will enjoy: • 7 weeks of free parenting classes

• FREE field trip to The Bishop Museum for families with 6 weeks of attendance

HURRY! GROUPS ARE FILLING UP!

• Hands-on science and social studies lessons for children aboard our fleet of customized eduational vehicles

• Weekly incentives such as childrens’ books or gift cards after each class • FREE meal for all parents and children who attend

Enroll today at https://bit.ly/39Voy79 (941) 757-2900 ext. 2500 NextGen April-May 2021.indd 37

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oel support for florida’s youngest learners AMID THE PANDEMIC The Florida Department of Education (FDOE), through the Office of Early Learning (OEL), has allocated more than $456.2 million to support Florida’s youngest learners.

These funds, from Child Care and Development Funds (CCDF), General Revenue (GR), Preschool Development Grant (PDG), and Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), may be used to provide the resources and support needed to help providers remain open or re-open as soon as they can safely do so.

A description of Florida’s responses to provide resources and supports to both families and child care providers is below.

Each of the supports provided are consistent with the following principles:

$456.2

million

to support Florida’s youngest learners.

• Strategically rebuild the early childhood education and care landscape with an emphasis on quality providers.

• Provide local early learning coalitions with flexibility, as appropriate, to leverage established partnerships and available resources.

• Redirect existing federal discretionary funding, as appropriate to support families, providers and communities.

• Enhance the early childhood education and care workforce through incentives to gain new skills and expand existing skills, competency and professionalism.

I. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE

OEL implemented the following actions to provide supports to both School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) families and child care providers.

Child Care and Development Funds (cCDF) - $153M (March – DECEMBER) • Spring 2020: Distributed to providers $14.2 million in mini-grants to meet infrastructure, cleaning and supply needs and teacher training stipends.

• March-August 15, 2020: Suspended terminations of SR child care services, and extended timelines for submission of paperwork by parents to maintain eligibility for families.

• May-October 2020: Provided flexibility for eligibility for SR child care by adding “job search” as a purpose for care for families.

December 2020: Waived required SR copayments for parents and ($9.6M per month) reimbursed SR • April-D (birth – age 5 and school-age programs) based on enrollment as opposed to attendance ($7.9M per month).

General Revenue Funds (GR) - $84.4 million • April-September 2020: Reimbursed VPK providers based on enrollment as opposed to attendance. Totaling $84.4M from April – September 2020.

Preschool Development Grant Funds (PDG) - $5.6 Million • The PDG funds, designed to strengthen Florida’s overall early childhood system to improve quality early learning experiences for children, were redirected to provide mini-grants to support the provision of mental health services to child care staff and the families they serve, as well as provided support for the use of high-quality curriculum by SR providers

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II. cares act RESPONSE

The information below describes Florida’s use of the CARES ACT funds to support the state’s childcare providers and the families they serve.

A. Child Care for Health Care Workers and First Responders - $90.8M • In April 2020, OEL, in coordination with local early learning coalitions, prioritized access to child care services for health care and first responder professionals to provide expedited access and expedited referrals for 28,000 children of first responders and health care professionals. 87 percent of these children are new enrollments in the program. More than 4,400 eligible early learning/child c are providers with SR contracts received a monthly bonus/incentive of$500 per child (with a maximum limit of $12,000 per provider location).

$213,294,907 $223,605,108 of Florida’s total

allocation have been awarded.

PHASE

PHASE

PHASE

PHASE

B. four Grant PHASES to Nearly 12,000 – $108.6 Million Early Learning/Child Care Providers

1 2 3 4

Emergency Child Care Relief Grants for Early Learning/Child Care Providers - $52.8M • 6,500 SR and VPK providers and non-contracted providers that were open for business as of April 30, 2020 received grants to continue their services. These providers may have had intermittent closures, and providers that have closed permanently after April 30, 2020 were not eligible for these funds.

High-Quality Reopening Support Grants for Early Learning/Child Care Providers - $19.1M • 2,300 SR and VPK providers and non-contracted providers that were closed on April 30, 2020 and reopened by August 31, 2020 received grants. These providers were required to have a Gold Seal designation or a program assessment (CLASS score) of 3.5 or higher.

Contracted SR/VPK Providers - $16.9M • 3,100 SR and VPK providers, including contracted public/charter school providers and program assesment (CLASS) exempt providers that were closed on April 30, 2020 and reopened by August 31, 2020 received grants to assist in reopening during the COVID-19 crisis.

Additional Support to Providers - $19.8M •11,550 SR and VPK providers operational/open on October 15, 2020 were provided additional funding to assist them in remaining open during the COVID-19 crisis.

C. Other Programs - $13.8 MILLION Successful Transition to Kindergarten - $10.9 9M • Incoming kindergarten students had their preschool experience significantly disrupted by COVID-19. Funding has been provided to 37 school districts via their early learning coalition to implement summer programs for rising kindergarten students identified with limited language and emergent literacy skills as determined by the VPK assessments and teacher recommendations. To date, the investment has been $10.9M, and the remaining funds will be used to support continuing this program throughout this year.

Progress Monitoring for VPK and K - $2.9M • A pilot program for VPK providers to use the same screening tool that is currently required for kindergarten screening (STAR Early Literacy) began in January 2021 and includes an evaluation component.

Updated February 24, 2021

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Nurturing Your Child’s Independence…

Independence …

WORDS: ZERO TO THREE

T

here’s a saying that the two gifts we give our children are roots and wings — a sense of connectedness to family, culture, and community and the confidence to move beyond what they know so they become their own person. I’ve seen this happen in my own life. The baby that my husband and I once nicknamed the “barnacle” (because of her desire to be held at all times) moved across the country to start college this past fall. As parents, we’re so busy with daily routines and responsibilities it can be easy to forget that part of our job is supporting this essential growth — with us and beyond us.

Growing Roots Growing your child’s roots helps to connect them to your family, your culture, your community, and your traditions. To encourage that connection, you can: Create connections to family by sharing traditions with your child. Whether it’s “Sunday Sundaes,” a weekly family hike, or a special meal, these traditions give children a sense of identity, connection, and culture.

Share stories from your own childhood and from older generations. Talk about the challenges experienced by family members, as well as their achievements. These stories help children to develop a sense of history and grounds them in the values of their family system.

Build connections with family — whether it’s on video chat or in person. Making opportunities for children to get to know other family members (whether family by relation or by choice) helps to grow their world and lets them know they’re loved and supported by a whole community of people.

Give children opportunities for independent play. “Free play” helps your child develop their own ideas and thinking. If this is new to your child, you may start with short bouts of independent play — 10 or 15 minutes, and build from there. Another approach is to offer your preschooler open-ended materials, like a cardboard box, scrap paper, and masking tape, and suggest they create something special during free playtime.

Let your child talk for themselves. Very often, as parents, we find ourselves speaking for our child, “Yes, we’d like the rainbow sprinkles!” Instead, give your preschooler a chance to ask their own questions or make their own requests. While this may be quite new, learning to talk with adults outside the family helps children become their own advocates in the world around them.

Ask your child to problem-solve with you. If they’re upset about having to go to the doctor, talk together about what makes them feel better when they’re worried. Holding a teddy bear? Holding your hand? Hearing a favorite story? Learning to think through a challenging situation is a lifetime skill that begins in the early years.

Independence is bittersweet. Just as we find ourselves happy to have a few moments to ourselves, we also sometimes miss the way our babies and toddlers needed us so much. What’s great to know is that connection and independence are not two different things in parenting. They are happening at the same time, all the time, as we work to raise a child who is loving and linked to family and who pushes forward to find their place in the larger world.

Growing Wings Growing your child’s wings allows them to build their confidence in being independent and responsible. To support that growth, you can: Give your preschooler the opportunity to participate in family chores and tasks. Preschoolers think chores are fun, I promise! (Full disclosure: I once gave my four-year-old son a child-size carpet sweeper as a gift — and I swear he loved it.

Also: Clean carpets. Win, win.) Children between three and five-years-old can help to dry plastic and unbreakable dishes or set the table. They can assist with meals, like stirring cinnamon into applesauce or put their dirty clothes in the basket. Outside, a preschooler can help with watering plants or sweeping a sidewalk.

Of course, you may still need to provide help as needed. But when children have a chance to contribute to family tasks, they build confidence, independence, and a sense of responsibility.

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ARE YOU NEW TO ?

Have you heard of Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) but are not sure what it is or how it works?

What is VPK? It is a free educational program provided by the state for 4-yearolds that prepares them for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Studies demonstrate that children who complete VPK or attend even a portion of VPK are far more prepared to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

Who is eligible?

Children who are 4 and live in Florida. Children born between February 2 and September 1 may postpone enrolling their 4-yearold until the following year when their child is 5.

When are applications accepted?

Parents can apply at any time during the year, but open enrollment for the 2021-22 VPK program is currently under way.

When is VPK offered?

Children can attend a VPK school year program or a summer VPK program. Parents of 4-year-olds with special needs have an option outside the classroom setting through the VPK Specialized Instructional Services (VPK-SIS).

Here is what you will need to apply: • A valid email account.

• Proof of residency - for example a copy of your driver’s license OR utility OR current signed lease.

*The name and address must match the name and address on the application.

Here is how simple it is to apply: • Visit the OEL Family Portal: https://familyservices. floridaearlylearning.com/

• Establish a user account • New User – create an account • Returning User – enter your user name and password • Complete the application and scan/submit any necessary documents.

• Submit your application.

You will receive an email from Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) with further instructions.

Tip: Be sure to check the spam folder for your email If your child qualifies, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the ELC that you will take to the VPK provider/program you wish your child to attend.

For further support, contact the ELC of Manatee County at (941) 757-2910

• Proof of child’s age - could be a copy of birth certificate or immunization records.

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

Boys And Girls Club at Harllee Middle 6423 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-751-7027

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

Boys And Girls Club at Lincoln Memorial Middle 305 17th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-721-6840

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

Boys And Girls Club Palmetto 1600 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-1268

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

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

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

Bradenton Early Learning Academy 7700 Cortez Road West Bradenton, FL 34210 941-216-3305

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

Bright Angels Academy & Daycare, Inc. 1716 53rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-962-0472

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

Bright Beginnings Academy 614 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-7910

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

Bright Futures Daycare & Preschool, LLC 1617 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-251-5436

Bella Rose Learning Center 708 32nd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-749-2800

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

Bible Baptist Church of Palmetto Academy 1750 6th Avenue West Unit 101 Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-4958

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

Boys And Girls Club DeSoto 5231 34th Street West Bradenton, FL 34210 941-758-3828

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

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

Family Life Community School 3301 Moccasin Wallow Road Palmetto, FL 34221 941-281-6412

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

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

Countryside Academy For Children 5807 18th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-304

Forza Child Development Center, Inc. 8605 Erie Road Parrish, FL 34219 941-545-6380

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

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

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

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

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

Genesis Learning Academy 1420 6th Avenue East Palmetto FL, 34221 941-723-7358

Dixon-Wright Family Day Care Home 1016 31st Street East Palmetto, FL 34211 (941) 721-0232

Grandma's Babysitting Center 1728 26th Avenue East Bradenton FL, 34208 941-708-9864

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

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

Drama Kids International Multiple locations in Sarasota & Bradenton 941-922-8121

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

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 Evans Family Day Care Home 1500 7th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-720-9640 Faith Preschool of Faith UCC 4850 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-7895

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 Hawkins Family Day Care Home 439 47th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-405-2405 House of JBaby's Preschool 1300 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-7415

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

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

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

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

It's A Small World, Inc. Daycare & Preschool 900 3rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-405-4532

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

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

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

Johnson Family Day Care Home 2403 Lehigh Avenue Bradenton, FL 34207 941-242-1831

Lane Family Day Care Home 602 31st Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-1774

Joy Learning & Development Academy 2515 37th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-721-0684

Laugh and Learn Academy LLC 202 3rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-281-2930

Jump Start Preschool of the Arts 11005 Passage Drive Bradenton, FL 34211 941-747-8900

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

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

Learning Unlimited 6210 17th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-5838

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

Learning With Love 2712 47th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-751-4989

Kids Academy Plus 38th 5415 38th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-3678

Let's Learn Early Childhood Center 2118 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941-567-4279

Kids Academy Plus HL 4635 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-524-1045

Lil' Angels Daycare Inc. 1415 7th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-0442

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

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

Kids R Kids 4 Florida 11520 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-727-9990

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

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Little People's Place 374 Scott Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-8741

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

Love Comes First Preschool & Child Care Center 8630 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34202 941-755-7800

Primrose School Lakewood Ranch North 5730 New Haven Blvd.

Bradenton, FL 34211 813-230-2827

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

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

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

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

Mini Me Kids Daycare 1902 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-251-3504

Rayitos De Sol 1019 61st Avenue Drive East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-565-7459

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

RCMA Palmetto Child Development Center 2725 16th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-723-4563

My First Steps of Bradenton, Inc. 3815 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-727-5511

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

My Three Angels Daycare, LLC 2611 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-254-7211

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

Myakka Early Learning Center, Inc. 37190 Singletary Road Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-2605

Sand & Buckets Daycare 3407 17th Street Court East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-748-4799

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

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

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

School District of Manatee County Professional Support Center 2501 63rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-751-6550

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

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

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

Sunshine's School of Fish 5715 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 342097 941-580-4954

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

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

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

Teachable Moments Learning Center LLC 4200 32nd Street West Anna Maria, FL 34205 941-900-1022

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

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

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 West Bradenton 2531 9th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-750-6667

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 Myakka City Community Center 10070 Wauchula Road Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-8114 The Proven LLC 911 Rye Road East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-739-3929 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YMCA Manatee County 3805 59th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-798-9622

Childcare Resource & Referral (941) 757-2910

Make a difference, donate today at www.fromcradletocollegefoundation.org!

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CATCH ON TO THIS!

WORDS: Kelly McLean

C

ATCH, the Coordinated Approach to Child Health, focuses on teaching a healthy lifestyle to young learners.

CATCH creates healthy children by using the two following methods. The first method enables children to identify healthy foods by using their easy-to-understand food labeling terms “GO, SLOW, and WHOA.” The second method increases the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) children engage in each day.

Our goal at the ELC is to help keep CATCH at the forefront of your daily activities with your children and educate families in our community about the importance of staying active and eating nutritious food! We want to work together, especially during these trying times, to keep ourselves and our children healthy!

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The ELC supports teachers and their students in staying healthy by incorporating, teaching, and practicing healthy CATCH behaviors in their classrooms throughout the year. It is essential to teach healthy habits to young children to ensure they reach their physical and academic milestones and start creating healthy habits at a young age.

Given the current pandemic, CATCH also helps keep children healthy because physical activity and proper nutrition improve overall health; people who exercise and eat healthy regularly are sick less often! Most importantly, CATCH is fun and inclusive for all children! Everybody plays, and everybody wins.

The teachers, especially, win because CATCH is user-friendly, easy to use, and easily accessible, so teachers love it! It is also a great classroom management tool; those little bodies need lots of movement to grow, learn, and self-regulate. CATCH provides all the information and resources to assist staff in fully integrating structured physical activity and nutrition lessons into their classroom routines.

As you can see in the photos provided, our teachers enjoy integrating CATCH into their classroom schedules. The CATCH curriculum is adaptable, allowing teachers to put their own spin on the CATCH curriculum to integrate with their academic curriculum. Not only do the kids truly enjoy CATCH, but the teachers do too! We hope this inspires you to stay active, practice healthy habits, and CATCH on to health and wellness with your family at home!

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Handwashing: Keeping Your Family Healthy Handwashing is an easy, cheap, and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and keep kids and adults healthy. When your family is healthy, you don’t have to worry about missing school, work, or other activities.

Help your child develop handwashing skills Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands. Handwashing can become a lifelong healthy habit if you start teaching it at an early age. Teach kids the five easy steps for handwashing—wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry—and the key times to wash hands, such as after using the bathroom or before eating. You can find ways to make it fun, like making up your own handwashing song or turning it into a game.

Lead by example Young children learn by imitating the behaviors of adults in their lives. When you make handwashing part of your routine, you’re setting an example for your children to follow.

www.cdc.gov/handwashing This material was developed by CDC. The Life is Better with Clean Hands Campaign is made possible by a partnership between the CDC Foundation, GOJO, and Staples. HHS/CDC does not endorse commercial products, services, or companies.

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A

Handwashing can prevent

1 in 3

cases of diarrhea

1 in 5

respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu

Give frequent reminders Building handwashing skills takes time.

At first, your child will need regular reminders of how and when to wash hands. It is especially important to remind children to wash their hands after using the bathroom, before eating, after touching pets, after playing outside, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose. But once handwashing becomes a habit and a regular part of your child’s day, they will practice it throughout their lives.

What if soap and water aren’t available?

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.

Did you know?

Baby wipes may make your hands look clean, but they’re not designed to remove germs from your hands. CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water when possible.

Remember to make handwashing a healthy habit at home, school, and at play!

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Navigating Pandemic Birthdays!

How to talk to your child about alternative celebrations...

WORDS: Rise and Shine - Children’s National Hospital

M

any kids have had to (or will have to) celebrate events like bir thdays and graduations virtually because of the coronavirus.

Parents may feel nervous about piling on yet another disappointment in an already disappointing year and prefer to avoid talking about a “disappointing birthday.” BUT, children and teens do best when they know what to expect, and at this point, most have realized that the pandemic has changed the way we do pretty much everything. Here’s how to talk to your child about what their birthday will look like this year and some ideas for alternative celebrations.

Talking to your child about a pandemic birthday celebration It ’s impor tant to discuss bir thday celebrations ahead of time because a birthday looking different this year will be more disappointing if your child spent weeks creating and looking forward to a plan that is not workable. If your family

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slowly starts planning ways that your child’s birthday will be special this year, you can create a fun and exciting event that your child will look forward to.

For older kids (elementary school and up), you can start talking about birthday plans as soon as they bring it up, or up to 2 months in advance. Younger kids have less of a concept of time, so you can wait until a few weeks before the birthday before discussing it. Whatever the timeline, make sure you emphasize that you don’t know what restrictions will be in place in the future, so plans may have to change. Be sure to encourage flexibility and brainstorming multiple ideas: “That’s a really creative and fun idea. That may be able to work. We will have to wait until closer to decide.”

As always, try to frame this year’s unusual birthday as a positive — a chance to think of different special ways to celebrate. When deciding what type of celebration to have, consider your family members’ medical risk factors and how comfortable you are with different interaction levels with people outside your home. Make it clear to your child which things the family feels safe doing and which things will have to wait until the pandemic is over.

Be sure to set expectations about what size group will be present during the celebration. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and have fewer kids. Keep in mind if adult chaperones will need to be included in your total numbers. It’s also important to make sure the expectations for in-person guests are clear. Tell parents to make sure their kids go to the bathroom before they come, explain what supplies they should bring, and give them a definite start and end time.

Ideas for celebrating birthdays during the pandemic Kids are amazingly adaptable and can come up with some creative ideas for celebrating their birthdays. You want them to feel special and celebrated on their birthday, and there are lots of different ways to do that.

Virtual birthday party ideas Some kids are still enjoying Zoom birthday parties and being able to see their friends from different places.

• Let your child be the host. Put a spin on your Zoom party by letting your child “host” the Zoom and be in charge of muting people and sharing the screen like their teachers normally do. Kids like to be in charge.

• Play games. Zoom parties are great for playing games, which can also add structure to the call. Charades, Pictionary, or Trivia games all work well.

• Teach the kids to do a shared craft project or follow an

online video for drawing their favorite characters. Pick a craft that aligns with your theme or your child’s interests.

crafts and cupcakes off at partygoers’ houses beforehand, so everyone can craft and eat together on the Zoom. The guests will enjoy getting to work on the same craft project and enjoy the same treats during the party. Your child will enjoy the chance to have a distanced visit with their friends during the drop-off, even if it’s just a quick wave through the window.

• Multiple Zooms. Some kids will enjoy getting to schedule

multiple Zoom calls with different friend groups and family members. Have a planned game or presentation (each guest can show a happy birthday sign or card), sing “happy birthday,” and have a short chat. Keep the calls short, so they are engaging.

In-person birthday party ideas If you’re planning on an in-person party, keep it small and outside, if possible. Remind all guests that masks are required. Ideas for outdoor parties include:

• Scavenger hunts • Socially distanced picnics • Roasting marshmallows outside in a firepit • Watching a movie outside with individually wrapped snacks

(set up distanced blankets and mark each child’s spot with a balloon to make it festive)

• Playing carnival games like ring tosses or knocking over cans • Doing arts and crafts with separate kits • For a two-part party, send the guests home with cupcakes to eat together over Zoom later in the afternoon

Alternate celebration ideas • Fun Experience: Another alternative is offering a fun

experience for your child instead of a birthday party, like a day trip somewhere you’ve always been meaning to go or an activity you’ve been meaning to do. Kids may enjoy a family hiking trip, backyard camping, or visiting a national park.

• Have a “Yes Day!”: Set the limits (screen time, number of

treats) and let your child set the agenda with a “yes day.”

Kids and teens alike enjoy a day with more flexibility.

• Family Fun Day: What does your child enjoy doing? It may

be something they have trouble recruiting other family members to join – playing board games, baking, building Legos, long bike rides, painting… plan a family day with everyone doing the birthday person’s favorite activity.

However you celebrate, just be sure to do it safely – and help your child feel special for the day!

• Visit with guests beforehand to drop off goodies. Drop

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POISON SAFETY DURING COVID-19

WORDS: Petra Vybiralova, Safe Kids Supervisor Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital NextGen April-May 2021.indd 54

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P

oison centers are seeing a spike in accidental poisonings during the coronavirus pandemic, specifically from hand sanitizers and household cleaning products. These include disinfectants and bleach.

The good news is that many families are staying safe by cleaning more. However, because of the frequent use of cleaners, children may have easier access to cleaning products that are left out in the open, such as on the counter, where children can easily reach them. Toddlers and children, in general, are constantly surprising parents with what they can do, with creative ideas, and what they can get into in the home.

It is recommended to keep all the chemicals UP AND AWAY, so they are out of children's reach. If you are storing cleaning products under the sinks in the kitchen or in the bathrooms, use one of the childproofing locks to prevent the child's access to the chemicals.

Taking too much of them can cause unwanted outcomes. This can include an upset stomach, diarrhea, and also vomiting. It is recommended that all vitamins are taken exactly as suggested on the label of the vitamin you may be taking. This applies to children as well. When it comes to over-the-counter medication, make sure you check the correct dosage for your child's weight.

It is always best to check with your doctor or pediatrician before taking anything. Make sure you have a full list of the medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, so your health care provider can make sure there are no negative interactions between the things you are taking.

Make sure you are keeping them in the original containers because they can look similar to candy. Vitamins and medication can look similar to children.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

A variety of childproofing equipment is widely available. No matter the price range. It can slow down the child from getting to the chemicals and buy parents more time to discover the child may be trying to get to the cabinet where the cleaning products are stored.

When it comes to chemicals, make sure all childproofing also applies to your garage and lawn care products such as weed killers and fertilizers, pool supplies, bug killers, or windshield wiper fluid. Another thing that parents may not be aware of is cosmetics. These may be products that parents typically use, such as nail polish, rubbing alcohol, hair remover, or mouthwash.

Another problem with cleaning products can be that they look similar to drinks. Just think about a common glass cleaner and a blue sports drink. Or a floor cleaner and apple juice. It is important to keep cleaning products in their original containers, which are properly labeled as cleaning products.

Again, it is very important that some children may be more at risk than others. Toddlers are known to learn by touching things and putting them into their mouths. Therefore, all of the potentially toxic stuff from the garage and bathroom should also be properly stored so children can't reach it.

If your child happens to swallow cleaning products, do not induce vomiting because certain products can cause chemical burns.

Call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.

Children of other ages are known to get themselves into mischief when we least expect it, which applies to all ages. If they can't get to chemicals or you slow them down, you have a better chance of keeping them safe.

MIXING CLEANING PRODUCTS Other threats may occur when families mix cleaning products.

This may not be done intentionally. However, the shortage of cleaning products in stores may lead to an accidental mixing of products that are not recommended to be mixed together. It is not recommended ever to mix cleaning products or other chemicals.

When cleaning products are mixed, they may produce toxic gasses that can lead to eye or skin irritation. However, in some cases, toxic gases can also lead to difficulty breathing and sometimes even death. If you or anyone else feels sick while cleaning, stop, and make sure you go outside quickly for some fresh air and call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. If you or your child has a hard time breathing or feeling distressed, call 911 immediately.

VITAMINS, SUPPLEMENTS, AND MEDICATION Another trend that has been observed is taking too many vitamins and supplements. We know everyone is trying to boost their immunity and keep healthy, but we want to make sure we do not want to do the "too much of a good thing" scenario. This applies to all vitamins and supplements.

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A RICH OUTDOOR WORDS: Jenny Miller

C

hildren are young humans, and like adults, they tend to love learning when the subjects are personally meaningful; even if we don't grasp something right away, our interest makes us want to keep trying to learn more. Typical classroom environments, bound by approved curricula and standardized testing, can't focus solely on subjects children enjoy.

But when certain fields don't come easily, the outdoors provides a rich classroom for children. Any subject can be transferred into that environment with a little creativity, injecting some new energy – and even a bit of whimsy – into subjects your child may be struggling to understand and absorb.

Outdoor Classrooms Have Been Put to the Test The COVID-19 pandemic put outdoor classrooms in action by necessity. It also turned homes into classrooms, deploying parents as educators for their school systems. Taking a break from homeschooling studies by stepping outdoors provided a much-needed reprieve and emotional benefits, but also, as noted in this journal about outdoor education initiatives in the UK: "Outdoor learning shows great potential as a tool for health

promotion and improving educational outcomes and a key component for the development of children." Moreover, teachers also reported having a renewed sense of purpose and increased job satisfaction.

"Doing" is a great method of teaching: You learn more about cooking by cooking. You learn more about what plants grow best in your climate by planting and caring for plants. Observing is also a great way to learn and can be inspiring, particularly in a supportive and interesting environment conducive to learning.

This makes nature such a great "teacher" – it provides a rich, sensory experience and plentiful opportunities for observation and doing or performing activities.

Tips for the Trek Outdoors t's not all daisies and sunshine, of course – you need to be mindful of the practical challenge’s nature presents where you live. Weather-appropriate clothing and measures keep learning distractions to a minimum, so don the raingear if sudden downpours are the norm, and bring along sunscreen, other sunprotective measures, and water if your environment more closely

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CLASSROOM... resembles a desert. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, but if you're likely to surprise a few snakes or disturb some fire ant piles, then boots are a smart addition.

In fact, observing animals in nature — even those in the backyard — is often an awe-inspiring activity for children. Even the lowly ant earns new respect when children discover their strength, their social structure, and how hard the females work! Other common animals that are likely nearby include squirrels, gophers, and several bird species.

Taking brief field trips to areas known for other abundant wildlife, such as deer, or even domestic animals such as horses, cows, or llamas, can also enhance the overall outdoor learning experience. Search for any farms in your area that welcome visitors for hands-on experiences with animals; it's become one way for struggling farmers to earn additional revenue.

Igniting STEM with Some STEAM The importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education as an economic and gender equalizer has

received more interest over the last several years. And while it may not seem obvious, the outdoors provides the ideal setting for an interest in science and technology, particularly with art integrated into the mix to stir creativity, stoke curiosity, and lead students along a path that encourages change and innovation in what is called the STEAM model.

There are plenty of online courses and programs to get your child started with STEAM, and you likely have easy access already. If you have PBS, get your child started with NOVA, which does a fantastic job of integrating science and technology into nature.

For a larger arts infusion, visit the Kennedy Center ARTSEDGE Digital Resources for free lessons and fun exploration guides.

Let Learning Gather Some STEAM Learning is a lifelong activity. Fostering excitement for learning early in childhood provides an excellent foundation for future success. Taking advantage of our online technology and free resources, and the classroom right outside our doors makes it accessible for every child.

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Hanging of WORDS: Rachel Spivey

H

and-in-hand we stand together to support the learning, development, and growth of children. Even the tiniest hands can bring people together to create an enormous impact. Since 1986, thousands of hand-tastical displays are created by children, teachers, and families in Florida every year.

These gorgeous creations are then hung throughout the Capitol Rotunda in Tallahassee.

This traditional "Celebration of the Hands" is a symbol of unity to remind the public, activists, visitors, and legislators of the importance and impact policy decisions have on the lives of Florida's children. Typically, the hands from each region in Florida are all hung together in Tallahassee.

However, this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, each region sent half of their hand-crafted projects to the Capitol for their display and used the other half to create a local display for their community to see!

This year, the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County received a number of overwhelmingly beautiful hand-crafted works of art created by local children, with their teachers' support. Thank you to all of our providers who continuously support the children of Manatee County every day!

A special thank you to all of the centers who participated, including Trinity Children's Center, Beautiful Blessings, Kids' R' Kids, Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch, Woodland Early Childhood Center, Adventures in Learning, Kids Academy Plus 38th, Kids on the Rock, Tiny Tots, YMCA of Bradenton West Branch, and Wee World. The handprints on their artwork may be tiny, but the messages behind their masterpieces are enormous!

We hope these masterpieces inspire you to grab ahold of what matters most to you, admire the beauty of the world around you, lend a helping hand, and remember the decisions we make can have an enormous impact on our tiniest humans. It is essential to support children’s' growth, safety, and education now, as one day their hands will become the ones that teach and hold the tiniest hands in generations to come. As they say, "We've got the whole world in our hands."

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the Hands

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On The Bookshelf REVIEWS: Kelly McLean

Off to the Park!

(Birth to 3) • By Stephen Cheetham "Off to the Park!" is an interactive tactile book that is perfect for reading with ALL your little ones.

As the weather begins to warm up, this is the ideal book to share at the playground! The pages contain Braille numbering, interactive and tactile features relating to each page's content, and high contrast images for easy viewing. This book is fantastic for exploring the five senses as it contains vibrant, reflective, and glittery content for exploring the sense of sight, various textures to explore sound and touch, and it even includes a scented scratch-and-sniff element to incorporate the sense of smell! Not only are the pictures all-encompassing, but the words are too!

(7-9)

Rosa's Big Sunflower Experiment (4-6) • By Jessica Spanyol A gorgeous blooming sunflower is a quintessential sign that summertime is near! Reading "Rosa's Big Sunflower Experiment" is a great way to gear up for summer by reading and gardening with Rosa! Nothing quite germinates a young learner's mind than reading a great book with lots of colorful, exciting, and engaging pages. This book is constructed with durable pages for repeated enjoyment and filled with descriptive words to help your child expand their vocabulary knowledge with terms such as absorb, seedling, germinate, support, and magnifying. Being a STEM book (science, technology, engineering, and math), this is a wonderful story for introducing these early yet fundamental concepts to your child in preparation for school. If you look closely at the pages, you may even discover more interesting facts and tools relating to gardening as the pictures are just as descriptive and informative as the text!

Written by Jordan D. Brown and Illustrated by Mark Borgions Buckle up for this thrill-ific book that explains the science of amusement parks! Have you ever wondered how rollercoasters can go upside down without coming off the track, or how you stick to the wall of a spinning ride without falling off, or maybe why you look so tall and curvy in one mirror but bent and stubby in another? This book explains the science behind all of these amusing and highly scientific rides and more! So, step right up and learn about the scientific concepts of centripetal force, gravity, inertia, electricity, and even the laws of motion. If that isn't amusing enough, the book also includes the history and geography of amusement parks in America and even a test-your-knowledge quiz at the end. The descriptive vocabulary, vibrant pictures, and expressive illustrations will take you on a ride in itself.

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.

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WORDS: Amy Bell PICTURES: Whitney Patton

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Foster Angel…

Gini White has opened her heart and home to 300 plus children

I

f you ever have a chance to meet Virginia (Gini) White, you might assume she’s an angel on earth. Over the last 39 years, Gini has fostered more than 300 children, most with severe medical needs. She has adopted three of her foster children and is in the process of adopting a fourth. Gini is also the proud mother of three biological adult sons.

What inspires her to open her heart and home to so many kids? Gini says it comes down to a love of children. “I was the oldest of four, and my entire life, I always loved kids,” she explains.

In the early 1980s, Gini saw a local TV ad pleading for foster parents in Manatee County. “I called the number, and they said they were having a meeting where I could learn more,” she says. After attending the meeting, Gini decided she wanted to be a foster parent. “I literally got my first call for a placement before I even had my license,” she laughs. “They said not to worry; the license was in the mail.”

The Long Road to Medical Foster Care Although Gini started off as a traditional foster parent, she took in babies suffering from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)—a withdrawal condition in babies born to mothers who use drugs. “Nobody knew what to do with these babies, and they all cried all the time,” says Gini. “Then they determined these babies needed to be on apnea monitors because they felt their SIDS risk was higher. At that time, a lot of the foster moms said they didn’t want to deal with monitors.”

But not Gini. “I said, ‘If there’s something I can do to make sure these high-risk babies are okay, teach me,’” she recalls.

“So, that started the ball rolling when they realized I was willing to learn new things.

It just progressed with kids with more needs from there.”

By 1994, Gini was taking all of the local foster children who required monitors,

oxygen, or other medical machines. At the time, Medical Foster Care (MFC), a specialized program sponsored by Children’s Medical Services (CMS), had plans to expand into Manatee and Sarasota counties. Gini immediately signed up for the class to receive her license.

Unfortunately, funding for the program was cut. “They called and said they weren’t going to be expanding into this area,” she says. “I asked if I could take the class anyway for training if nothing else. So, I did—and I felt this is really what I want to do.”

Gini spoke with Tallahassee officials about her desire to work as a medical foster parent in Manatee County. “I got my certificate, but they said they couldn’t help me,” she says.

However, she wasn’t ready to give up that easily. Gini wrote to all of her senators and representatives to inform them about the issue. “Manatee County had

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From Foster to Forever Home Over the years, Gini has adopted three of her foster children and is in the process of adopting a fourth. Her first adopted daughter is now 28 years old. “She had thyroid issues, but now she’s fine,” she says.

Gini’s second adopted daughter, Jayci, requires total care. “She has severe Schizencephaly, which is a brain disorder,” she explains. Jayci had just turned five when Gini took her in as a foster.

“She was severely medically neglected, so she had to go the hospital first,” Gini recalls.

“They said she wasn’t going to make it and wanted to put her in a nursing home facility.”

But Gini fought for Jayci. “I said, why don’t you at least let me try to take care of her in my home and see how she does?” They agreed, and Jayci did well.

Several years later, Jayci’s parental rights were terminated. “They needed the space in my home for another foster child and wanted to send Jayci to a facility.

But I said no—and I started adoption proceedings.”

At this point, Jayci’s neurologist warned Gini. “He told me, ‘This is not a good idea.

This child is not going to make it. You are stepping into a world of hurt coming your way because we’re not going to cure this.’ And I responded, ‘Then all the more reason for her to be here and have a mom to speak up for her.’ So, I went through with the adoption.”

Everyone said Jayci would pass away before the adoption could be finalized, but they were wrong. “Now, here she is about to turn 16,” says Gini proudly. a lot of children with medical needs who had been sent all across the state, and parents were being penalized because they weren’t making appointments and visits—but the state had moved their child hundreds of miles away from them.”

After jumping through multiple hoops— including completing CPR, First Aid, and water safety training—Gini finally received her MFC license under Tampa. For

several years, Gini was the only medical foster home in Manatee. “When funding finally came through, I switched from Tampa to Manatee,” she says. “It was a long road, but it was worth it.”

Today, Gini is licensed to have four foster children at a time, but she typically has three. Because of the level of care the kids require, she has 24/7 nursing in her home.

After she adopted Jayci, Gini took in another foster child named Jacob. “He had some congenital brain issues that meant a short lifespan,” she explains.

When Jacob’s parental rights were terminated, and he was destined for a facility, Gini decided she would adopt him. “I saw the same neurologist again and told him I was adopting Jacob,” she says. “He said, ‘Well, I’d tell you no, but you don’t listen well,’” she laughs.

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Jacob passed away a couple of years ago at the age of seven. “He passed away in my arms here at home, and we were able to keep him as comfortable as possible,” Gini says.

Today, Gini is in the process of adopting another child with severe medical issues.

As for her three biological sons, Gini says they grew up around foster kids. “My oldest was two when I started fostering, so this is the only life they know,” she says. “They are all adults now with their own lives, but I can call on any of them if I need anything.”

A Plan for a Van Recently, Gini did need something: a new wheelchair van. “I got stuck at All Children’s Hospital one day because the lift wouldn’t go down on my old van,” she says.

When her request for funding was denied, Gini resorted to using her own minivan, which meant lifting her kids and wheelchairs in and out of the van.

Fortunately, Gini’s adult children stepped

in and started a GoFundMe page with the goal of raising $40,000.

“I was very hesitant at first, but they said it had already been done,” Gini says.

Suncoast News ran a feature about it, and BayNews9 and News Channel 8 picked up the story. “After that, donations went through the roof,” Gini says. “So, I got a brand-new wheelchair van plus a ramp and roll-in bathroom shower for my kids.

It was amazing!”

Supermom After fostering for nearly four decades, Gini says her job isn’t finished. “I don’t see myself doing anything else,” she emphasizes. “I’ve got tremendous support, and I have nurses who have been with me for years and years.”

She is also driven by a strong Christian faith. “I know these kids are coming here to me because God knows this is where they need to be,” she says. “As long as I have the ability to keep doing it, I’m doing it.”

She admits it is incredibly difficult to say goodbye to a foster child—whether they pass away, are adopted, or return home to their parents. Even so, Gini wholly opens her heart to each and every child.

“If you don’t put your walls down and love them like they’re yours, you’re not doing them any good,” she stresses.

“And when that child leaves, it’s going to hurt. But then you know the next child is waiting—and you can make the same difference in that child’s life that you made in the last.”

One thing is certain: Gini White has earned her wings.

• To learn more about adopting or

fostering a child, visit the Heart Gallery at floridafosterfamily.com.

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Sunday

Monday Ringling Museum of Art FREE Admission

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Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Rhea Lana Consignment Bradenton Convention Ctr. (manatee.rhealana.com)

APRIL

Tuesday Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Wednesday

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Thursday

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Friday

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Ringling Museum of Art FREE Admission

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Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

Florida Railroad Museum Day Out with Thomas 9:00am-5:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Florida Railroad Museum Day Out with Thomas 9:00am-5:00pm

Rhea Lana Consignment Bradenton Convention Ctr. (manatee.rhealana.com)

LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

South Florida Gymnastics Preschool Playtime 10:00am-11:30am

Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm

Ellenton Ice Complex FREE Ice Skating Class 10:45am-11:15am

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

Bradenton PAC Music in the Parking Lot 6:00pm-8:00pm

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Nathan Benderson Park NBC Rec Days 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

South Florida Gymnastics Preschool Playtime 10:00am-11:30am

Bradenton PAC Music in the Parking Lot 6:00pm-8:00pm

LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

Sarasota Polo Club Sunday Polo 1:00pm

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LWR Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm Sarasota Polo Club Sunday Polo 1:00pm Greenbrook Adventure Park Production Disney’s Descendants 2:00pm

Ringling Museum of Art FREE Admission

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Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Greenbrook Adventure Park Production Disney’s Descendants 5:00pm

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Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

LWR Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm

SkyZone Sarasota Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

Fruitville Grove Food Truck Festival 8:00am-3:30pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Lets Create Art Lil Picasso Class 4:00pm-5:30pm SkyZone Sarasota Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

Saturday

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm Open Gym 3:00pm-5:00pm

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Florida Railroad Museum Day Out with Thomas 9:00am-5:00pm Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm Open Gym 3:00pm-5:00pm LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

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Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Sarasota Sailor Circus Spring Show

Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm Sarasota Sailor Circus Spring Show

NEXTGEN encourages the use of face coverings and social distancing when out in public. Due to COVID-19 all events are subject to change or cancellation without warning. Please check with the venue prior to making any plans.

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Sunday

Monday

M AY

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Ken Thompson Pkwy Kids Fishing Tournament 8:00am-12:00pm

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.

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SkyZone Sarasota Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

Ringling Museum of Art FREE Admission

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Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

LWR Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm Sarasota Sailor Circus Spring Show

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

4

6

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

Anna Maria Island Beach N’ Food Truck & Music Festival 10:00am-3:00pm Siesta Key Sand Sculpture Contest Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

South Florida Gymnastics Preschool Playtime 10:00am-11:30am

Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm

Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

Lets Create Art Lil Picasso Class 4:00pm-5:30pm

Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

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Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

11

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

12

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

13

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

17

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

LWR Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm

SkyZone Sarasota Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

Ringling Museum of Art FREE Admission

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Ringling Museum of Art FREE Admission

24

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

LWR Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Bradenton Marauders 1:05pm

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

LWR Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm Bradenton Marauders 1:05pm

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Ringling Museum of Art FREE Admission

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Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

20

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

21

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

Lets Create Art Lil Picasso Class 4:00pm-5:30pm

Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm

Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

25

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

26

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

SkyZone Sarasota Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

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Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

27 28 Defy Bradenton

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm South Florida Gymnastics Preschool Playtime 10:00am-11:30am Lets Create Art Lil Picasso Class 4:00pm-5:30pm Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

15

Ellenton Ice Complex FREE Ice Skating Class 10:45am-11:15am Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm Open Gym 3:00pm-5:00pm LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

Lets Create Art Lil Picasso Class 4:00pm-5:30pm

16

Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm Open Gym 3:00pm-5:00pm

Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

South Florida Gymnastics Preschool Playtime 10:00am-11:30am

SkyZone Sarasota Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

8

Ellenton Ice Complex FREE Ice Skating Class 10:45am-11:15am

LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

Ringling Museum of Art FREE Admission

1

Nathan Benderson Park NBC Rec Days 10:00am-2:00pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

Bradenton Performing Arts Center Parking Lot Starlight Movie (Matilda) 7:30pm

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5

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

Saturday

KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm Open Gym 3:00pm-5:00pm

22

LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

29

Ellenton Ice Complex FREE Ice Skating Class 10:45am-11:15am Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm Open Gym 3:00pm-5:00pm LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm Bradenton Marauders 6:05pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm

3/19/21 2:49 PM

You Gotta Hand I

f this past school year has taught me anything, it's been parents' and kids' ability to pivot when faced with a new or challenging situation. Not only did we have to adjust to online learning and then back to brick and mortar, but even everyday school life and afterschool activities have changed due to the pandemic. As many Moms and Dads continue to facilitate learning from home as well as navigate current restrictions, I think celebrating parents during their special holidays this year is even more significant.

Now speaking of pivoting, I started brainstorming a Mother's Day Craft with my daughter and quickly discovered that the supplies we were going to use were just not coming together as intended. Sometimes we experiment, and it becomes apparent that the activity is too difficult, or the supply cannot be used in the way we envisioned.

The important part is that my kids and I get to spend time together when we do these activities, and I would rather keep it simple to maximize the fun. In this instance, getting back to the basics was best, and my daughter and I ended up creating a Mother's Day Card Craft with Buttons and a Handprint.

DIRECTIONS: To get started, first fold a piece of construction paper in half and use the foam brush to put acrylic paint on your child's hand to stamp on the inside. Make sure you put on a good amount of paint on their hand to create a clear print and to make removal from the paper easier. Then, write the date up in the corner and set this aside to dry. Have your child wash their hands before you proceed any further.

FYI, you can find containers of random buttons along with many of the supplies featured in this craft at a local craft store.

Next, have your child either select three buttons or set aside three buttons for them to use in the craft. Then, take the second sheet of construction paper and cut out a vase shape to go on the front of the card.

Have your child write "Happy Mother's Day" on the vase shape.

Once the handprint has dried, close the card, and glue the vase shape to the bottom front. We then dipped my

daughter's pointer finger into acrylic paint and used it to make flower shapes on the front of the card. After applying each color, I cleaned the paint off her hand with a paper towel. If making the flower shapes with paint is too difficult for your child, simply have them draw three flower shapes with the crayons.

After the flower petals begin to dry, draw stems with a green crayon. My daughter then used her thumb to make leaves with the green acrylic paint. Again, this is something that could be drawn with a green crayon. To finish the Mother's Day Card Craft, glue the buttons in the center of the flower shapes and allow this to dry. We ended up making two of these cards, one for me to keep and the other to give away.

I really love this craft because I now have a snapshot in time of my daughter's hand, and it was a nice activity to work on together. I hope your family also enjoys creating this card and you have a wonderful time celebrating Mother's Day.

If you would also like to make this card with your family, this is what you will need:

• 2 Sheets of Different Color Construction Paper

• Non-Toxic Acrylic Paints, Green, • • • • •

Pink, etc.

Buttons Crayons Safety Scissors Foam Brush Glue

Tip: Have your child wear an oversized shirt or apron, keep paper towels on hand, and have something to put the paint on, like a paper plate.

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It To Mom!

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.

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You Are Not Alone!

WORDS: Women’s Resource Center

wonderful affordable mental health program and have a wide range of clients connecting to this service.

A

re you being pulled in different directions, trying to juggle work, homework, children/childcare, dinner, finances? By the end of the day, do you feel totally stressed, anxious, and exhausted? With the stress and heightened anxiety that we all have been living with over the past year, it's not surprising that many of us have a very short fuse, may find ourselves constantly at the end of our rope, overreacting to everyone around us.

It is important to know you are not alone, and there are things you can do to help manage how you are feeling. Often times we fall into unhealthy behaviors when we are stressed, and we want to highlight some options in managing your stress, one of them being Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). In fact, SFBT could be exactly what you are looking for to help you develop the tools and skills to help make each day less stressful, so you no longer find yourself collapsing into bed at night, dreading the to-do list for the next day!

While Solution Focused Brief Therapy sounds very technical, it is really just a mental health therapy style used to stay in the present and focus on the future. It relies on setting goals rather than looking at past experiences. This model's techniques include developing a vision of the future you want while determining what skills, resources, and tools are needed to achieve your vision.

Unfortunately, there are many stereotypes about therapy.

Asking for help can be perceived as a weakness, or we have preconceived notions of what therapy is based on what we see on TV or in the movies. The reality is short-term therapy can be extremely useful. At Women's Resource Center, we have a

A recent client that comes to mind is a young woman who was struggling because of the pandemic. She lost her job and had the financial stress of that but was also feeling isolated and alone. After connecting to a counselor, she realized that she is not alone, and her feelings are completely normal. Sometimes we need to hear what we are feeling is OKAY! It IS normal to feel overwhelmed when you are juggling the demands of life, and when you feel like you aren't able to work through your feelings on your own, it is a sign of strength to look for solutions. Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) aims to help people experiencing difficulty coping with the challenges going on in their life.

It is grounded in the belief that although individuals may already have the skills to create the change they want in their lives; they often need help identifying and developing those skills. Similarly, SFBT recognizes that people already know, on some level, what change is needed in their lives, and they work to help people clarify their goals.

Therapists specializing in SFBT encourage individuals to imagine the future they desire and then work to develop a series of steps that will help them achieve those goals. Part of the process is to guide clients in therapy by recognizing what is working for them, helping them explore how best to continue practicing those strategies, and experimenting with new problemsolving approaches. Most importantly, they encourage them to acknowledge and celebrate success.

The Women's Recourse Center offers SFBT as part of its mental wellness program in order to empower women with the vision and tools to be productive with their lives. If you are interested in learning more about SFBT or think this program could benefit you, please reach out, and we will be happy to set up an appointment.

941-256-9721 or mywrc.org.

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Ki ds in th e Ki tch en

RECIPES: Caroline Lehman

Strawberry-Banana Mother’s Day Muffins

Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding

For a sweet treat! (makes 10-12 muffins)

A delicious dairy-free alternative!

INGREDIENTS

• Measuring cup • Muffin pan • 2 large bananas (mashed) • 1/2 cup finely chopped strawberries • 2 1/2 cups flour • 2 eggs • 1/2 cup olive oil • 2/3 cup sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon baking soda

PREPARATION 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Preheat oven to 375° F Line a muffin pan with paper liners Mix together the dry ingredients Whisk the wet ingredients together Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and slowly fold them together 6. Spoon batter evenly into paper-lined cups 7. Bake for 19-21 minutes, or until the toothpick inserted is dry 8. Allow muffins to cool for 10 minutes before enjoying

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch • 2 tablespoons water • 1 1/2 cups dairy-free milk • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/3 cup white sugar • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

PREPARATION

1. Combine cornstarch and water until it forms a paste 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir ingredients and the cornstarch mixture together

3. Stir constantly until mixture boils – remove from heat after mixture thickens

4. Allow to cool five minutes, then chill in the refrigerator until completely cool (it will continue to thicken as it cools) *To prevent the cornstarch from clumping, make sure that the corn starch water mixture is completely stirred together with no globs of corn starch left before adding it to the hot mixture

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Investing in our youth is not merely our responsibility.

It is our privilege.

It’s never too early — or too late — to plan for the financial future of your family or business.

Jodi D. Allen Vice President, Commercial Banking 941.757.4561 | jodi.allen@bmo.com Mandy Quinones Branch Manager, Retail Banking 941.723.6933 | mandy.quinones@bmo.com

BMO Harris Bank® is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC.

bmoharris.com

WIN FOUR BRADENTON MARAUDERS SEASON TICKETS! Baseball is BACK! And NEXTGEN has teamed up with the Bradenton Marauders to offer TWO lucky Kindergarten through 5th grade winners the chance to land TWO season tickets each for the 2021 campaign at LECOM Park.

This fabulous prize is worth $1400 and is a must enter for all local baseball fans!

The Marauders opening home game is on Tuesday May 4th, against the Fort Myers Mighty Muscles, and the home season runs thru the first week of September.

To win this fantastic prize, simply tell us what is the name of the Marauders mascot?

Entries must be emailed by April 28th to competitions@nextgenmagazine.org They can also be mailed or handed in to the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County office at 600 8th Avenue West, Suite 100, Palmetto, FL, 34221.

Please mark them for the attention of MARAUDERS Contest, NEXTGEN magazine.

Normal competition rules apply. Editor’s decision is final.

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C t s e B NextGen April-May 2021.indd 73

Y r o F a m ps

. . . s d i our K 3/19/21 2:49 PM

Manatee County Parks & Natural Resources

Summer Blast Camp FEES: Registration $30

Weekly Program $110

HOURS: 7:30am-6:00pm DATES: June 1-Aug. 6, 2021 AGES: 5-12 years old

For more information on all camp programs, isit www.mymanatee.org/camps west location:

GT Bray Park Recreation Center | 5502 33RD Ave Dr. W. Bradenton

NEW east location:

Braden River Elementary | 6125 River Club Blvd, Bradenton

Enroll Now for Summer Zoo Camp!

Weekly Camps with Different Themes!

Dates: June 7th - July 2nd Snacks included!

To enroll, please visit SarasotaJungleGardens.com

352731-1

Zoo Camp Hours: 9am - 4pm 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

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SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS June 7 - July 23

www.BishopScience.org

Weekly camps for curious 7- to 11-year-olds who want to uncover the mysteries of science, explore under the ocean or investigate outer space.

201 10th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205

BISH-0204 - Print Ad Resize_2021 Summer Camp_NextGen _7.25x4.75.indd 1

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3/11/21 12:42 PM

ROBOTICS • GAME DESIGN • MINECRAFT MODDING • DRONES

STEM-tastic

Summer Awaits

State College of Florida’s Coding Academy

CAMPS ARE READY FOR YOU!

GO FULL S.T.E.A.M. AHEAD TOWARD A SUMMER OF FUN! • STEM-tastic Summer Camp for rising second- to fifth-graders, June 7 to July 2 at SCF Lakewood Ranch.

• Middle and High School Robotics and Engineering Camp for rising sixth- to 11th-graders, June 14-18 at SCF Bradenton.

• All Girls Manufacturing and Design Camp for rising fifth- to ninth-graders, July 12-16 at SCF Bradenton.

• High School Robotics and Engineering Camp for rising eighth- to 12th-graders, July 19-23 at SCF Bradenton.

Register at SCF.edu/KidsCamp State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, religion, age, national origin/ethnicity, color, marital status, disability, genetic information or sexual orientation in any of its educational programs, services and activities, including admission and employment. Direct inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies to: Equity Officer, 941-752-5323, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207.

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GOT MATH?

20 Tips for Making Your Trip to the Grocery Store Count WORDS: ZERO to THREE

M

ake your shopping time count— there are math ideas to talk about in every aisle. Here’s where to start with children under three.

Count • Point out the signs hanging from the ceiling that show numbers for the different aisles—focus on 1, 2, 3 to start.

• Count items that you put in your cart.

Focus on numbers up to 3.

1 carton of eggs, 2 boxes of cereal, 3 bananas in the bunch.

• Count how many there are if you add one more item to your cart: We had 2 boxes of tissues, but I am going to buy 1 more. That makes 1, 2, 3!

• Use the word more: Let’s buy more apples. Compare using more: Look at our bag of onions and our bag of peppers.

We bought more onions.

Describe & Compare • Describe items using color names: Red and green apples, a yellow box of cereal, or brown bread.

• Compare temperature. Use warm when you get to the rotisserie chicken and cold on the ice cream aisle.

• Compare sizes of fruits and vegetables.

Big grapefruit, small blueberries. Big broccoli, small green beans.

• When carrying groceries, talk about which bags are light and which are heavy.

Find Shapes • Notice the shape of cheese! Can you find cheese in the shape of a circle, square, and triangle? Name each one!

words in and out: The cookies are in the cart. Let’s take them out and put them on the belt.

• Notice the shapes of objects in the supermarket: floor tiles may be squares, wheels on grocery cart look like circles, and more.

• When you put items away at home, talk about where each one goes: The oatmeal goes on top of the counter. The meat goes into the freezer.

• In the paper goods aisle, point out square napkins and paper plates that are circles.

Find Patterns

• In the frozen foods, can you find a square box, or a frozen pizza shaped like a circle? Point to and each and name its shape.

Use Position Words • Use position words as you shop: Next to, on top, behind, in, out. Our cereal is on the top shelf. The bread is next to the peanut butter.

• Starting at 24-26 months, ask your child to show you where a specific item is. Then describe the location: That’s right, your cereal is on the middle shelf.

• When you check out, use the position

• Point out how items are sorted by color—red peppers in one bin, orange in another. Red cans of soup on one shelf, blue on another.

• Starting at about 24 months, hold up an item, like a tissue box or can of tomatoes.

Ask your child to find a match on the shelf or in your cart.

• Look at the salad bar together and notice how all the items are sorted carefully into their own bins. Name each item and describe its color or taste.

• Explain the pattern of your day. Talk with your child about what will happen next: pay for the groceries, put them in a bag, and then…?

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With Flying Colors…

WORDS: Kara Chalmers PICTURES: Whitney Patton

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O

n Saturday mornings, a group of teens meets in a hangar at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to build an airplane. An actual, two-seat, 20-foot-long airplane with a 26foot wingspan.

This "light-sport aircraft" is small, lightweight, and simple to fly. It comes unassembled in a "kit" – a 1,000-pound crate – containing multiple aluminum sheets, plus everything else needed to assemble the plane, including a voluminous, fully-illustrated instruction manual.

The teens don't build the plane alone.

Volunteer members of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 180 of Manasota mentor the teens, teaching them how to use tools, read and understand the instructions, and plan for what to accomplish during each step of the build.

"They should be learning to understand the science of how and why airplanes fly," said Senior Mentor Ric Romanoff of the teens, who usually number about 10 per year.

"They learn teamwork and how to get along with others. They learn respect for the process and the jobs assigned to them."

The teens don't pay a thing to participate in the program called the Teen Aircraft Factory of Manasota. It's open to anyone between the ages of 14 to 17. Martin Sobel, a retired commercial pilot who had worked

for TWA for 34 years, founded the factory in 2013. He's been a mentor ever since.

At the start, there were four mentors. Now there are around 10.

Romanoff said he's kept in touch with most of the teens (now adults) who've gone through the program. Many went on to college, or the military, or have careers in aviation now. Sometimes they come back to be factory mentors.

"We enjoy what we're doing," Romanoff said of the mentors. "Watching these kids develop is a reward in itself."

Getting Off to a Flying Start

test-flown, the group sells it and uses the proceeds to buy a new kit (from a seller called Van's Aircraft Inc.), so they can start building another plane from scratch. In fact, the fourth plane is already on order.

But before the sale, the teens get a chance to fly what they've built. Romanoff said the group usually has a cookout, and the teens bring family and friends to watch. Names are drawn to determine the order of flights.

Saying the teens are excited to fly an aircraft, they have built themselves is an understatement, according to Romanoff, adding that the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction they feel is extraordinary.

At the beginning of March, the teens were putting the finishing touches on what would be the third aircraft the factory has produced since its inception. The aircraft will fly at 120 knots and up to 10,000 feet, with a range of 450 miles between stops for fuel. As all former builders have, the teens have signed their names on the plane's tail floor.

The factory's mission is simply to foster an interest in aviation in teens. The mentors have been pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers, designers, engineers, airport managers, or just plain aviation enthusiasts. Thus, the teens learn about all kinds of jobs in aviation.

The hope was that a Federal Aviation Administration inspector would come to sign off on the plane within two weeks so that Romanoff could take the first flight.

Romanoff has been the first test pilot on all the planes the factory has built.

The building process – and flights – are completely safe. "We're watching these kids when they're building," Romanoff said, adding that the mentors inspect and check the teens' work and have them re-do any work that is unsatisfactory.

Once a plane is built, approved, and

On the actual flights, both teen and mentor

" But many want to become pilots," Romanoff said. "And most will."

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have a complete set of controls, so if there was ever an emergency, the mentor could completely take over. Romanoff, who since his 20s has flown planes for pleasure, estimates he has flown 200 kids, and not once has there been a safety problem. In the factory's history, there's never even been a teen who's vomited from motion sickness, he said.

Young Eagles Pre-COVID-19, the EAA Chapter 180 offered a program called the Young Eagles, which allowed local kids ages 8 to 17 a free flight by a volunteer pilot in a general aviation plane from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. The program was offered the third Saturday of the month, and parents just needed to sign a consent form, and they'd stay and watch their children take flight.

Romanoff said he hopes the program will start up again in May. Prior to COVID-19 hitting in March of 2020, the Young Eagles program was averaging about 25 free flights per month, Romanoff said, and it has been doing so for 25 years. The flights exposed kids to aviation, Romanoff said, while the factory has served to keep them engaged and interested.

The Young Eagles flights are how many teens have found out about the factory.

Including Stanley Kratounkov, 16, and in the 10th grade at Lakewood Ranch High School. He had his Young Eagles flight in September 2019 and joined the factory as a builder a year later.

"I came there, and I fell in love with it," Stanley said about the factory, which, when he joined, was three-quarters of the way through building its third plane.

"Every single Saturday, I look forward to it. I give it my all."

Stanley has mainly worked on building the plane's fuselage and engine, he said.

He's learned everything he knows about aviation from the mentors.

Stanley, however, has wanted to fly since he was two years old, according to his parents. His grandfather would bring him to watch planes take off and land at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

"Ever since I was a kid, I've loved aviation," Stanley said. "I've always wanted to be a pilot."

Currently, a student pilot, who has experienced four flights and attends ground school online, Stanley is also building a plane with his father, who is a pilot. Stanley hopes to fly solo this summer for the first time. After graduating high school – which he hopes will be after his junior year – Stanley wants to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy and then enter the Air Force.

"I think it's the coolest job in the world," Stanley said about flying. "It's the coolest thing you could ever do." He said he had never experienced fear while flying, just excitement, even when he was just four years old and flew for the first time in a four-seater plane piloted by his father.

He's never had any doubts or second thoughts about his chosen career path.

Never Fear, Just Excitement Brennan Halcomb, 17, joined the Teen Aircraft Factory two years ago. A junior at Pine View School, Brennan plans to continue with the factory until college.

"I've always been deeply intrigued by space exploration," Brennan said. "Once I took an interest in hands-on projects like building robots and constructing RC planes, aerospace engineering became the clear path for me."

After that realization, Brennan began researching ways to get involved in that field while still in school.

"I jumped on the opportunity as soon as I heard about TAFM," he said (he heard about the factory from a former Pine View student who was a member). "I actually found out about Young Eagles through TAFM." Since then, he's flown a handful of times.

Each time, the mentor flying the aircraft has handed the controls over and given him a chance to "pilot the bird," he said.

In college, Brennan plans on majoring in aerospace engineering and minoring or double majoring in statistics or physics.

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" I had the passion for aerospace engine ering befo re j oining TA F M but being a par t of the team has definitely solidified this interest and convinced me to further pursue it as a career," Brennan said.

Also, it's been fun to make friends with other teens with the same interests, Brennan said. "I now have a sense of what it feels like to work on a team of people who are dedicated to accomplishing the same thing."

All the mentors are inspirational, he said, and mentor Ron Handley has been particularly helpful to him and supportive of his future plans.

"We have some guys on the team that are past pilots, electrical engineers, software engineers, and one that was a POW," Brennan said of the mentors. "They have a lot of stories to tell. You just need to be willing to ask."

According to Brennan, the Saturday build sessions are his only opportunity to do anything hands-on. He attends school in person, but many of the engineeringbased clubs he was part of have been put on hold due to COVID-19.

airplane design. In the future, he'd like to earn a pilot's license and a Master's degree in business.

He credits the Teen Aircraft Factory – in which he participated while attending Braden River High School -- for where he is today. The Young Eagles flight he took in middle school, plus his time building two planes as part of the factory, introduced him to aviation, he said. It also solidified his interest in engineering.

"I really enjoyed it," he said of the factory.

"It inspired me to become the person I am today."

discipline, commitment, leadership, and the value of teamwork.

As a little kid, Halpin said Jack loved building things. His favorite toys were Legos, and he joined both Lego and coding clubs. In school, he was strong in math and science.

"The Teen Aircraft Factory exposed him to aviation and then nurtured his interest and shaped it into a passion," Halpin said. "Their mentors are ordinary people making extraordinary differences in the lives of children."

His mother, Dr. Sheila Halpin, who is the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading & Volunteer Coordinator for Manatee County Public Schools, agrees.

According to Halpin, Jack will be part of the next generation of aviation leaders, in large part because of the guidance and support of the factory mentors – people she truly appreciates.

"I believe the Teen Aircraft Factory changed the trajectory of Jack's life," Halpin said. The factory not only exposed Jack to aeronautics, but she also said the program taught Jack self-confidence,

"I'm humbled to see my son blossom this way. I'm in awe of who he is becoming," Halpin said. "I don't think he would have had this career opportunity if it weren't for the Teen Aircraft Factory."

"Coming to the builds gives me a chance to relax, be productive, and learn new things all at the same time," he said.

Aviation's Next Leaders Jack Mungillo is a sophomore majoring in aerospace engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.

Mungillo, 19, is primarily interested in

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Champions of

2

020 was a year in history that not many of us will forget! Almost overnight as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, life as we knew it changed. For the School District of Manatee County, and other school districts across Florida, we had to completely alter the way we delivered instruction to our students in a matter of weeks. Educators and support employees in our district have faced and met seemingly overwhelming obstacles and challenges to keep our schools open, to maintain teaching and learning and to continue graduating seniors from our high schools. In appreciation, ALL employees of the School District of Manatee County were declared as “Champions in Education” for their courageous service to our children and community during the COVID-19 crisis, and were honored during a special celebration of appreciation between March 1-12, 2021.

- Cynthia Saunders, Superintendent of Schools

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Education

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Su

T

he Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading's (SCGLR) Engagement Team is busy creating workshops with Samoset Elementary to kick off the "THIS BOOK IS COOL! In-School Program" in ten of the school's K-3 classrooms. This program will provide classroom teachers with resources for three THIS BOOK IS COOL! books developed around a theme of their choice.

SCGLR provides teachers with standards-aligned lesson plans, copies of the books for each child's home library, access to the incredible webisodes for each of the books, and fun activities and extensions for learning. The team hopes that this will continue to foster a love of reading in the children while providing resources at home to make learning exciting!

2021 Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge Research shows that children who do not read during the summer can lose up to three months of reading progress. That loss has a cumulative, long-term effect. Reading just six books at the appropriate level can prevent the "summer slide" and keep a struggling reader from regressing. In response, the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading sponsors the Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge!

ge

Cool Stuff At Samoset!

1 SUNCOA 202 eading ST Cha rR lle me n m

s the key to succeed ding i ing Rea

THIS BOOK IS COOL! promotes a love of reading by celebrating the content, style, and story of 100 high-quality children's books.

In June of 2020, SCGLR welcomed back the Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge and introduced THIS BOOK IS COOL! — a series of 100 webisodes to encourage a love of reading. More than 1,000 children from across the Suncoast region qualified to receive free books, thanks to The Patterson Foundation's generosity. In total, 5,302 children participated, reading 94,383 books!

2021 will be the most fun yet, with featured Family Engagement Nights sprinkled throughout this summer and 13 new webisodes!

Who can be a part of the Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge?

Any rising pre-K or Elementary school student from Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties can join through their summer program provider. SCGLR will also directly accept registrations for 2,000 children, who will each receive 20 books for their home libraries!

The Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge is promoted through local summer camps and businesses to encourage children to read, reducing the "summer slide."

• Want to explore the possibilities? Email Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade -Level Reading, at bduda@thepattersonfoundation.org.

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A Lifetime In Education…

WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock PICTURES: Katelyn Disbro

T

he sweet aroma of a cake rising in a glowing oven drifted out to the next room, where 11-year-old Genelle Yost patiently and lovingly built a puzzle with her five-year-old neighbor with autism sprawled out on the floor. Piece-by-piece the puzzle image emerged along with a fervent, life-changing bond linking Yost with the non-verbal little girl she babysat three times a week for two years.

Just in grade school herself, Yost – who now serves as Manatee County's Deputy Superintendent of Instruction – embarked on a desire to understand and relate with a child who confronted challenges connecting with the world.

Snapping puzzles together and methodically measuring out flour or sugar for baking adventures uncapped a flowing ribbon of communication between the two girls and inspired Yost to discover her life passion: Education.

"Through babysitting, I at first was just trying to keep up with her and help with life skills," said Yost, who has carved out a career spanning decades as a special education teacher, principal, consultant, assistant superintendent, and superintendent of St. Lucie Public Schools. "But then I saw how much I could help her grow and how we could communicate. Watching her mature was

very exciting. I believe I carried these experiences with me to college and to this day."

Emerging from retirement on Florida's east coast to serve in her current Manatee County role two years ago, Yost offers not only layers of rich experience spanning myriad levels in the school system, but also a deep-rooted drive to collaborate, listen, and problem solve in an effort to build up schools. While she may dash from meetings to workshops against her Manatee River's picturesque backdrop, downtown office views, she is anything but removed. Boots on the ground, mind open and ears perked ready to listen, Yost wakes each morning striving to connect with individuals who work, participate, and advocate for the district.

"I believe it is helpful to have experiences at every level in education before you move to the district," said Yost, who, prepandemic, would pop by a school or two on her drive to work each morning. "As a teacher, you are dealing with families and the day-to-day of students. Supervisors have different perspectives and roles.

It is important to value all perspectives."

Donning a bright, ruby-red pantsuit with matching heels, Yost jumped on a Teams Meeting with Lee Middle School administrators from her office on a recent

morning just to observe and listen. A stack of notebooks, pink highlighters, and printed data adorn her desk where a copy of John C. Maxwell's Winning with People rests. A coffee pot, black and red velvet blanket from Williams Elementary, Go Gators sign, and inspirational quotes decorate her space. Her husband, Dan, and 29-year-old son, Miller, smile back from pictures. While she may have only listened into the meeting that day, school leaders anchored across the county hear her advocate daily.

"Ms. Yost has intuitional knowledge that has been a vital piece to our curriculum and instruction puzzle we have worked to build for years in Manatee County," said Ginger Collins, principal at Lee Middle School. "She has committed her time and talents to support instructional leadership and build capacity in our aspiring leaders. Her quiet strength has been a cornerstone to the stability and sustainability of educating our youth in the most trying of times."

Echoing Collins, Johnson K-8 IB School Principal Anthony Losada shares school leaders have enthusiastically embraced Yost because she has prioritized understanding each school's needs and culture.

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Yost splits her downtime bet ween Bradenton and St. Lucie, where her husband and other family members still live. Carving his way through the culinary scene, their son works as a chef in Philadelphia.

As the pandemic swooped across the county, shutting down every school like a vicious game of dominoes, Yost shared she witnessed the strengths that attracted her to Manatee County in the first place: Community support and collaboration.

"With the pandemic, we knew we had to work together," said Yost, as her even-keeled, jovial voice dipped into seriousness. "Every team in Manatee County, from district leaders to other instructional staff, had to collaborate and determine what was best for the students of Manatee County. We are here for the children. It is always about the children."

"Before the pandemic, she was a regular visitor in our Johnson hallways, either meeting with administration, chatting with students, or advising teachers," Losada said. "Although regular visits are no longer possible, Ms. Yost makes it a point to regularly offer her expertise in achieving academic goals and lending personalized support for individual staff. As a principal, I appreciate the time and hard work she has spent on these relationships and building stronger lines of communication between the schools and the District."

Robust communication skills and a resume as thick as a dictionary inspired Manatee County Superintendent Cynthia Saunders to coax Yost out of retirement to help pen a new chapter for the district.

school district, Yost, along with the support of her husband, plunged back into the workforce and set up a house in Bradenton.

"Ms. Saunders is data-driven, and I saw her vision," said Yost, who is the oldest of four girls and cherishes meandering walks on beaches doused in warm hues of sunset. "She was bringing the schools up. When she started, there were 18 D and F Schools. Through her leadership, in collaboration with the work Dr. Greene started, there are now only two Ds and no Fs."

"Ms. Yost has been able to bring years of experience to our K-12 curriculum services department," Saunders said.

"In addition, she has managed to hit the ground running with guidance and support to our instructional leaders. Her calm and persistent personality has truly been an asset in these unchartered times. "

Before the first blush of sunrise, Yost wakes each morning around 4 a.m. to commence her day with meditation and dive into a positive mindset. When she's not pouring over educational plans, she's indulging in the kitchen, whipping together a mean Chicken Devine or pork chops in wine sauce. Poetry books often beckon her to curl up in a chair, but when the festive rumble of music pulses from Crunch Fitness, you may find Yost – a self-proclaimed Zumba fanatic – dancing through class.

With the gleaming and enticing opportunity sparkling before her to reach the 49,000 children woven into Manatee County's

"I just love the music," Yost said with a chuckle. "It's stress-relieving, and it's just fun."

While she shines in leadership roles, it's the children who inspire her work.

Yost, from 11-years- old, longed to understand how to help kids learn.

After high school, she diligently and consistently volunteered at an elementary school where the teacher, Mr. Wooten, encouraged her to form relationships and interact with the students in his 3rd-5th grade split level class.

"I am grateful for the experience I had interacting with the children in his classroom," said Yost, who devoted her heart to many years in exceptional education, including serving as principal of three ESE centers in St. Lucie's district.

"I learned so much during this time."

Success and growth in children propel Yost to push forward – a quality inherited from her Nana. Even through a mask, Yost's smile beamed undeniably as she wove stories about how her grandmother started the Visiting Nurse Association in Broward County.

"She wasn't even a nurse," said Yost, eyes sparkling at the memory. "She always pulled people together. I have a deep connection to her."

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General Counsel for Manatee County School District, Mitch Teitelbaum, agrees Yost inherited a natural ability to pull people together.

"She is a wonderful person to work with because she comes to Manatee County with a level of experience and expertise," said Teitelbaum. "However, it's also her temperament and way she deals with others through kindness, but not without surety and assertiveness."

Streams of sunlight poured into the hallways of Yost's office, where colorful student artwork brightens the halls and a sombrero – a gift from the Hispanic community—hangs just inside her door.

While Yost has touched and enriched thousands of children's lives, including the little girl she babysat, it's the lessons they have taught her that thrive in her heart. Perched above a bookcase laden with instructional binders rests a framed quote: "There are lives I can imagine without children, but none of them have the same laughter and noise."

The School Board honors All-State student musicians, along with their teachers and Julie Hebert, Curriculum Specialist for the Visual and Performing Arts 89

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With every generation,

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