NEXTGEN August-September 2022

August - September 2022

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Looking for a Staff Credential = CDA?

Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program A place where you can gather with co-workers and classmates to learn hands on activities and education that promote social/emotional, fine and gross motor development, language/cognitive skills, self-help and moral values skills that defines school readiness.

Classes follow the School District of Manatee County schedule and are conducted generally one night per week. Featuring a NEW childcare lab for hands-on classroom instruction.

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941.751.7900 • ManateeTech.edu The School Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, transgender status, or gender identity), disability (including HIV, AIDS, or sickle cell trait), pregnancy, marital status, age (except as authorized by law), ancestry, genetic information, which are classes protected by State and/or Federal law (collectively, “protected classes”) in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. It is the legal obligation and the policy of the Board to employ only those persons who are best qualified, with or without reasonable accommodations. The Superintendent shall appoint a compliance officer whose responsibility it will be to require that Federal and State regulations are complied with and that any inquires or complaints are dealt with promptly in accordance with law. S/He shall also require that proper notice of nondiscrimination for Title II, Title VI, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act will be provided to staff members and the general public. Any sections of the District’s collectively-bargained negotiated agreements dealing with hiring and promotion will contain a statement of nondiscrimination similar to that in the Board’s statement above.

Contents

August - September 2022

PUBLISHER

EARLY LEARNING COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EDITOR Katelyn Disbro

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

Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County

DEPUTY EDITOR Kelly Harbour DESIGN EDITOR Mara Stork STAFF WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER Gabrielle Versmessen PHOTOGRAPHY Whitney Patton Wendy Dewhurst CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carlee Colonneso, Christa Hardin, Caroline Lehman, Sheri Roca, Colleen Hartnett, Merab-Michal Favorite, Kelly Beavers, Dr. Sharon Otis 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

PRIVATE SECTOR APPOINTED MEMBERS Michael Rampino, Christina Riggio, Karen Carpenter, Zack Kallis, Rev. Dr. Robert Baker, Dr. Michael Mackie, Gary Scott, Caroline Halfacre, Tim Pye 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 Dr. Kristina DeWitt Florida College System Designee Marjani Jones Faith-Based Provider Representative SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE BOARD Linda Guritz BOARD OF EDUCATION MANATEE COUNTY Charlie Kennedy, Gina Messenger, Rev. James Golden, Mary Foreman, Chad Choate Cynthia Saunders, Superintendent

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS articles@nextgenmagazine.org

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DIVE INTO READING

10 CHILDREN’S CHAMPION Providing hope to the smallest victims 16 EXECUTIVELY SPEAKING New CEO of HCA Florida Blake 26 BEYOND GENEROUS A Humble Power Duo… 35 ELC INSIDER! 36 LIMITS FOR LITTLE ONES 38 CHILDCARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY 44 MAKING SUMMER LEARNING FUN! 47 MANATEE STANDS FOR CHILDREN 52 Kids in the Kitchen Back-to-School Foods 55 On the Bookshelf 58 Calendar Of Events 62 Fun Kids Craft Decorating your backpacks 71 THE BOXO BOOX PROJECT 72 BEAT THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLUES 74 KEEP KIDS HAPPY & HEALTHY 77 ASK DR. SHARON Grief & Children...

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, Division of Early Learning and Manatee County Government.

80 GRADE LEVEL READING UPDATE Why attendance matters...

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Diving Into Our Children's Future...

T

WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

his summer, the ELC of Manatee County did something a little different for our Every Child A Reader (ECAR) program; we created an immersive family adventure that also taught them about some history of Manatee County!

With humble beginnings just six years ago at only 76 students, 36 mentors, and one location, Dive Into Reading has grown to over 500 participants and six locations across Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties. Dive Into Reading is a five-week summer program that helps first, second, and third-grade students who are behind in their reading comprehension. Along with reading, the program incorporates sight words and writing too. But their outreach doesn't stop there.

things for the teens. The program gives them the confidence to work with the kids, and teaching them reading can build confidence in themselves. And sometimes, you get one or two teens who find out they like working with kids and decide they want to be a teacher!"

Jennifer Murphy is a reading coach for the School District of Manatee County who heard about the program through another reading coach. "This is my first summer being a mentor, and it has been super fun. I didn't know high school students could volunteer as well! I will definitely participate again next summer and be recruiting more high schoolers."

John and Amanda Horne, the owners of Anna Maria Oyster Bar and creators of Dive Into Reading, wanted to ensure that these children get a hot meal while also learning social etiquette skills.

During their mealtime, mentors teach their students how to use a knife and fork properly, order from a menu, serve themselves from a buffet, and interact with adults. Then, the kids pick out a book to read with some support from the mentor. At the end of the session, all the kids get together for a read-aloud book.

In Manatee County, all 15 Title I elementary schools participate. A different school visits the locations each day, but it's the same kids each week, so it's like a field trip day for them. The schools sign the kids up because they're attending Camp RISE, a summer program for children who are behind in reading. One of the participating locations is Gecko's on State Road 70, managed by Doug Teta.

His wife, Amy, is a teacher at Tara Elementary School. Being a Dive Into Reading location for five years, they've even roped both their children in to help with the program!

Amy loves the effects Dive Into Reading has on not just the younger children but the teens that volunteer too. "It reinforces such great 7

Noeli Velasquez, a student at Palmetto High School, is a secondyear mentor for Dive Into Reading. Hearing about the program through her high school counselor, Noeli joined to earn her volunteer hours.

"Last year, I saw so much improvement in the kids I mentored between the beginning of the program and the end. The best part about being a Dive Into Reading mentor has been helping the kids and seeing their progress over the weeks," she says.

Some mentors will even volunteer at multiple locations. John recalls one mentor in particular who stands out to him that brings her service dog and takes the bus every single day of the program.

"Of course, the kids get all excited when they see the dog, but how amazing is that? She takes the bus every day just to get to the children," he marvels.

Amanda reminisces on another story, "We have one mentor, Judy, who has been with us from the start. We have ice breaker cards on the table for the first week, and one of the cards was 'What is the nicest thing anybody has ever done for you?' And the little girl said to her, 'What you're doing for me.' Judy burst into tears and tells this story to everybody she meets."

All mentors go through level one background checks and then do a 45-minute training that includes going over the reasons why John and Amanda do the program, statistics, and what

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Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is doing for our community to raise awareness of the importance of attendance, school readiness, and summer learning. The training also includes strategies for reading with the children. For example, how to engage with a child who gets distracted and then get them back on track to reading.

Through Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, they are able to track what their growth numbers are. Children who attend Dive Into Reading have an average growth rate of 1.25 months of reading skills over the summer as opposed to a loss from the "summer slide" or even staying stagnant.

The program started through a suggestion from Ed Viltz, who was running for Manatee County School District's Superintendent at the time. Ed met with John and suggested that he encourage the guests that come into his restaurants to go into the schools to read to the kids.

"So, we're sitting at home, chatting, and I had just gone to an event at the Manatee Community Foundation where they were talking about how children weren't getting their social-emotional skills met. We said, 'Why not put it together and have them come to the restaurant?' We then started working with the school district to come up with a program," Amanda explains.

But for Amanda and John, it's not about them.

"For us, it's about our kids and our future. They belong to every one of us in the community. They're not just a parent's responsibility;

it's a community's responsibility. We also have to make sure that the kids are safe, that they are fed, and that they are educated. All these mentors are the ones that make it happen."

After Dive Into Reading started, it only took two years to receive an award from the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, which helped propel the program to grow into what it is today. Of course, over the years, there have been minor tweaks to the program as they learn more about what works or doesn't work, but overall, the structure has stayed the same.

Amanda says, "Our goal is for these mentors to go into the schools once summer is over and the kids are back. They can go into the same school that the kid they mentored attends or another school, but we want them to go in and continue to mentor. Like through ReadingPals, they have another avenue to do just that."

What are their plans for the future? John and Amanda want to take the program statewide. John is going to be the chair of the Florida Restaurant Lodging Association. Once that happens, they will have the ability to make it a Florida Restaurant Lodging Association initiative which will generate more funding and give the program the opportunity to get into schools across the state.

"I can't tell you how many people have reached out asking how they can help or get involved," Amanda says.

9

Providing Hope to Even the Smallest Victims...

WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

W

hile HOPE Family Services has been around since 1979, their new Children's Counseling Center will bring about a new dimension to their counseling services. Hoping to have construction completed by the end of this year, the new space will have four counseling offices and a lobby with various children's toys and be able to help children aged four to 18 years old.

According to Dr. Melissa M. Stiles, an associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School, 3.2 million American children witness incidents of domestic violence annually.

The children who witness violence are then desensitized to it and typically have a host of problems, such as troubles with relationships or bonding.

"We've been doing this a long time, so why do we still have battered women and their kids? We're not breaking the cycle of violence. So, we're putting a lot of emphasis and resources into the Children's Counseling Center," says Laurel Lynch, CEO of HOPE Family Services.

"Making a difference with somebody who's a batterer (we don't do that work) at 40 is a lot more difficult to change that behavior than maybe when he was four; we could have made a difference. I always say, 'could you give me him when he's four and not when he's 40?'" Laurel emphasizes.

The Children's Counseling Center will reach not just children residing in the HOPE shelter but also children in their outreach program. Before the Pandemic hit, HOPE counselors went to the schools

to help combat any transportation issues, assisting parents so that they could bring the counseling to their children. HOPE hasn't been able to go back into the schools yet, but they're hoping that will change in the upcoming year.

If a parent wants their child or children to have counseling, they have to go into HOPE and do a parent intake form so HOPE can obtain information about the child. Then, the HOPE counselors typically reach out to a school counselor to arrange that meeting, so they know they're coming and the services the parent is requesting, and then they arrange a time to meet with the child. They typically have a private space for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the school's allowance.

"We have a really good relationship with

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the schools. Sometimes, they see the negative behavior at school, so they're thankful when they know we're coming in because it provides extra support for the child. It also helps them. They see the changes in the behavior. We'll have teachers that either tell the parent or get in contact with us, and they'll give us that positive feedback on how the child is now doing," says Ada Torres, licensed mental health counselor and Director of Counseling Services for HOPE. They also work with parents too on parenting tactics. After being in a domestic violence environment, sometimes your parenting can become damaged. HOPE helps parents find the triggers and how to cope with them healthily.

They've even had people receiving services from HOPE at some point, and then something triggers them, and they call back for support.

"They know that we're here, and that's a good thing because they know where they can go to ask for help," says Ada. "Our counseling is open for anyone. If you've been touched by domestic violence, either directly or indirectly, immediately or ten years ago, kids included."

Laurel says the average age for child counseling at HOPE is 10 to 12 years old, and the demographic is pretty much a 50/50 ratio between boys and girls.

Counseling can start as early as four years old, depending on how verbal the child is. For the younger children, Ada or one of the other counselors at HOPE will use play therapy, a technique where the children play games in the counselor's office to get them engaged and talking during sessions.

Laurel's day-to-day role as CEO consists of writing grants and raising money for the organization. "I'm mostly a cheerleader and run around telling everyone they're doing a great job," she laughs. "Ada is on the front lines talking to the kids."

Ada has been with HOPE since 2016, supervises two other counselors, and facilitates counseling sessions herself. She is currently the only bilingual counselor, so

12

she tends to keep her schedule available for the Spanish-speaking individuals that need her services.

With an estimated 10 million people being affected every year by family and domestic violence, it's, unfortunately, no surprise that Laurel and Ada have their own personal experiences with it. But what about it drove them to this field of work?

didn’t understand. As I got older, I started connecting the dots and how people don’t understand the whole dynamics of domestic violence. I see how the families want to support but can’t because they don’t understand. That’s what did it for me. I wanted to learn more about how this works and see what I can do to help that population."

HOPE doesn't turn anyone away for ser vices. If someone identifies as a survivor or a victim of domestic violence on the phone, HOPE will try to schedule an interview within 24 hours of that phone call for the person, male or female, to come in, assess the situation, and see what else it is that they can do for them.

Laurel worked at another domestic violence center doing the frontline work for ten years before working for HOPE. "I met my first husband at 19. We were living together six weeks later, and we were married six weeks after that. Five years later, I was done with that relationship.

It had gotten to the point where I knew something had to give, or I wasn’t going to survive. I catapulted myself back to school.

I thought, 'If this could happen to me, it really could happen to anybody.' I had NO understanding of it!"

"I started volunteering at a domestic violence center. The more I learned, the more I felt passionate that we have to change things in our society. I finally got my diploma and just helped wherever I could. I’m still as passionate today about the work we do as I was back then. If anyone needs our help that’s in a violent relationship, that’s what we’re here for.

That’s still the draw for me. We need to help people understand that there are ways of keeping themselves safe. I don’t even think about being a survivor of domestic violence anymore because I don’t identify that way. It’s been so long, and now I’m remarried to a phenomenal person."

For Ada, she had experienced teen dating violence but what had the most impact on her was the death of her mom's best friend, who was killed by her abuser. "He did it in front of his daughter, who was four at the time, and his stepdaughter, who was 16. I wanted to understand why. I was 16 or 17. Prior to that, there had been situations where I was the one translating for her to the police. There were a lot of things that I learned that I • If you need to call HOPE for help or more information, their 24-hour helpline is (9 41) 755-6805 or you can text "survivor" to 69922. You can also visit their website at www.hopefamilyservice.org.

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16

Soaring High…

Steve Nierman on his journey from the Air Force to HCA Florida Blake WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

A

career in the Air Force, specializing in nuclear weapons, isn't exactly the background you'd expect a prestigious hospital's President and Chief Executive Officer to have.

But it was precisely that background that made HCA Florida Blake Hospital's Steve Nierman so passionate about serving others.

Originally from Indiana, Steve attended the Air Force Academy and went into active duty until 1997. From there, he went into the health insurance field, where he would negotiate contracts with hospitals, and that's where he met his wife, Angie. They lived in Central Florida as Steve worked with a large health care system for 14 years. In September, Angie was hired by HCA and introduced Steve to the leadership there. Dr. Ravi Chari, President and CEO of HCA Healthcare West Florida Division, told Steve that he had a job that he'd like him to interview for. When Steve said, "I'm not interviewing," Dr. Chari replied, "Well, you should." Sure enough, after interviewing, Steve got the job, and he and Angie started at HCA Florida Blake Hospital the same day.

out their boat, jet ski, or heading to the beaches.

"Growing up in the Midwest, I always dreamed of living in Florida, but in my dream, it was on the beach, not in the middle of the state.

When we were given the opportunity to move to Bradenton, we took it. It's a great community in a beautiful area with wonderful people.

We're very happy with the community and very pleased with our roles within HCA and Blake Hospital. We've been here about nine months, and we'll be here for a long time," Steve says.

Angie and Steve have one son who, by complete coincidence, is named Blake. He attends college in Orlando, studying Digital Media. On weekends, Steve and Angie take advantage Nathan Hansen, OR Manager, Tiffany Shanks, Director of Sugical Services, Michael Van Vliet, MD, FACS, Chief of Surgery of living on the water by taking and Burn Medical Director, Steven Nierman, President and CEO, Tricia Mckay-Powers, Director of Surgical Service Lines.

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Preparing for the Future It's no surprise that Steve and Angie fell in love with the area so quickly. With so many others doing the same, not only is the state of Florida rapidly growing but so is Manatee County. Such an uptick in growth caused a need for expansion. June brought the completion of a $30 million expansion project to Blake Hospital. This project included four new operating rooms, shell space for three future operating rooms, 12 post-anesthesia care bays, and upgrades to existing surgical support space. Additionally, the entire fifth floor of the hospital was renovated into a brand-new Burn Intensive Care Unit. The BICU features 12 state-of-the-art ICU rooms, a procedure room, a consultative room, and a family waiting area.

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and certified nurses. Let's not forget the unique technology like hyperbaric oxygen chambers that help patients' healing process and tissue growth.

Additionally, the new operating rooms accommodate burn patients as they require unique configurations regarding temperature control.

This is something that very few hospitals can offer, especially with the unique skill set of a surgeon who has been fellowship-trained and board-certified in burn and reconstructive surgery. That's very rare and Blake has two of the best surgeons for the job.

"That was a large investment that we made in this community to expand surgical and critical care capabilities, two of the most important things your hospital can provide," Steve states. "We're positioned for the future."

The burn program continues to expand as more patients are coming from a greater distance because it's such a specialized program. "But this community is also growing a lot. You have to be ready for it. I don't think it's going to stop. Part of that is building the shell operating rooms. We don't know exactly when we're going to need them in the future, but we know that we will because this state and especially this region will continue to swell," Steve explains.

HCA Florida Blake Hospital is one of only six Florida hospitals with a state-certified burn program. What does that require? For starters, a team of highly trained plastic microvascular surgeons who are able to graft skin and reattach limbs. It also takes highly trained

Part of the upgrades to the operating rooms includes having four surgical robots, which is more than any other hospital in the county. Minimally invasive surgery has been a substantial medical development in recent years. A surgeon is on the other side of

One of four brand new operating rooms at HCA Florida Blake Hospital.

One of 12 new state-of-the-art burn intensive care unit (BICU) patient rooms at HCA Florida Blake Hospital.

The new burn procedure room on HCA Florida Blake Hospital’s new Burn intensive care unit.

HCA Florida Blake Hospital’s new post-anesthesia care unit.

the room while the patient is under several robotic arms, but the surgeon controls them. What that allows the surgeon to do is be extremely precise. It enhances their vision and field of view way beyond what it had been before. They can manipulate multiple arms at the same time and lock them in place.

trauma program, a burn program, a comprehensive stroke program with neurosurgical intervention, and a very significant physician training program. Blake Hospital is also a designated referral center

by HCA, so they receive patients daily from other HCA Florida hospitals needing these specialized services.

"Surgeons have expensive toys!" Steve jokes. "It's really impressive to see. At the end of the day, it's a better outcome. You have smaller incisions, less risk of infection and bleeding, much more precision, and a high ability to identify where you are within the body." The surgeons at Blake Hospital use these robotics to perform gynecological surgery, urology surgery, general surgery, and even lung cancer surgery.

While Steve enjoyed his service in the military, feeling proud and honored about his work in the Air Force, he says that at Blake Hospital, that feeling is even more so. "Not a day goes by when we don't have patients we know. Just this morning, one of our elected officials in town asked if we could check on so-and-so for them. Every day I see patients. I really have no clinical training but seeing people that you're helping with their health is rewarding. I don't think I would ever be in a career where I wasn't able to see the customer or patients. Sitting in an office just wouldn't cut it for me."

HCA Florida is the largest health system in the state which allows HCA Florida Blake Hospital to be not just a community hospital but also a tertiary care hospital. This means the hospital can provide some of the highest levels of healthcare and specialized expertise to its patients. Some of these healthcare specialties include a

Even though the expansion has only been open since June, the impact it has already had has been immense. It allows surgeons to accommodate patients any time of day whereas, in many hospitals, you have limited resources, only so many operating rooms, and there are surgeons vying to get their patients scheduled into the operating room. Now that Blake Hospital has more capacity, they always have an operating room and a critical care space, and Steve doesn't ever see patients not being able to get care as an issue.

Not Just About Patients Steve also understands that the patients aren't the only important members of a hospital. HCA Florida Blake Hospital, being a large institutional hospital, is one of the largest employers in our community.

As the administrator, Steve has oversight over two of the most essential things: high-quality care and a focus on service. "Not only with the folks that we Pictured L to R: HCA Florida Blake Hospital Board of Trustees Members, John Vita and Karen Holbrook, consider our team (about 1,200 caregivers) but the Ph.D., HCA Florida Blake Hospital President and CEO Steve Nierman, Board of Trustees Chair, Trudy doctors as well (several hundred). It's a complex Moon, City of Bradenton Mayor, Gene Brown, and HCA West Florida Division President, Ravi Chari, MD. operation, so it must be efficient and run smoothly.

To be successful in that, you have to focus on your people. So that’s what it's all about."

To help facilitate that, a behind-the-scenes aspect of the recent expansion included a $6.8 million kitchen and dining renovation project in the hospital cafeteria, which Steve called "an investment in our people."

"What they really find important is food," he laughs.

"But it's not just the food; it's the social interaction when you go to lunch, and you can actually talk to your coworkers."

It's evident to people in our region and the state that HCA Florida Blake Hospital is a leader in high-quality care and specialized medical services and that quality is an immeasurable asset trickles down from CEO Steve Nierman to the patients and to the doctors and caregivers.

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A Humble Power Duo… WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

B

eing known as "Pillars of the Community" and a "true philanthropic power couple" by the Manatee Community Foundation isn't anything to be taken lightly. Yet, Joe and Barbara Najmy have rightfully earned those titles. This Manatee County husband and wife duo have been active in giving back to our community for as long as they've been residents here.

Being involved with philanthropic work has been a lifelong endeavor for Barbara and Joe. Thirty years ago, when Joe started his career in law, his colleagues were all philanthropic and "a part of the culture," as he puts it.

"It wasn't anything that we intentionally thought of ourselves. We just watched and followed what others before us had

done. Philanthropy is a common theme, especially in personal service, practices, and professions. I was lucky enough to have an unbelievably supportive wife who supported not only my law practice but those things I did with volunteering and philanthropy. Barbara picked up the baton and ran with it better than I ever could have done."

Barbara and Joe were born in New York and moved to the Sarasota-Bradenton area when their fathers acquired different businesses. Joe's father obtained an auto body shop in 1976. Barbara's father acquired a gas station and auto body business about 50 years ago that later transformed into a general store gas station. Both hail from large families and met through their families, being a part of the same social events in the local area. Their close-knit familial upbringing is where they credit the source of their philanthropic values.

"That's where the importance of working together and giving back and many other similar qualities come from," Joe says.

"A lot of family values and traditions, and being the oldest of four, has a lot to do with the way I've approached philanthropy in the way of always helping and giving back to others," Barbara says.

27

"The existing members refer to me as the 'last man standing' as the last active founding member. Sometimes I feel good about that moniker; other times, I'm not so sure!" Joe jokes. "The Rotary Club has been a very successful organization that's done a lot of really good work for our local community."

LWR Community Fund Humanitarian of the Year Award 2019 For Barbara, volunteering her time dates back to when she was in high school.

She volunteered with a group of other high schoolers to be a summer camp counselor in Newtown, Sarasota. They would read to the kids, take them to the beach, or do game and pool days.

Barbara says that giving back to the community in her adult years was just a natural given. Even with raising two kids and juggling a career, Barbara always had Joe's support in her endeavors.

"It felt natural to be philanthropic and give back, whether volunteering or heading up chairing events," she says. "Doing events and fundraising for organizations that we've been passionate about is where I've been most involved."

One of those organizations is Easterseals of Southwest Florida. Joe first became acquainted with the organization in 1995 when they approached him asking to help start up a separate foundation entity.

He did the legal work in establishing the Foundation and became more aware of what Easterseals did for people with disabilities. Once he completed the legal work, they asked Joe if he would like to join the Board of Directors, which Joe gladly accepted.

"Ever since then, I've been a part of the organization. They do tremendous work and are one of our community's 28

frontrunners with many great charitable organizations, which says a lot! It's been an honorable, long-standing relationship," Joe says.

Another organization that the Najmys have been heavily involved with is the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund. They have sat on their Board and fundraised for them for many years. They formed their own charitable endowment fund almost 20 years ago. Then shortly after, Barbara was part of a focus group on forming a women's giving circle for the Lake Club neighborhood in Lakewood Ranch.

Established in 2014 with 30 women and now has 115 members with over $100,000 endowed in their fund and has granted out over $20,000. Most of that growth has happened over the last four years, and Barbara credits the excellent leadership team they have in place.

Additionally, Joe helped establish the Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club as one of their founding members. Through many different events, such as their Food and Wine Fest, they've raised a lot of money that's gone directly back into our community. This includes providing the Lakewood Ranch High School softball team with new uniforms, raising money for the Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County, and granting $13,000 to Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

Barbara's most significant focus right now is the Lake Club Women's Giving Circle and collaborating with the Manatee Community Foundation for the group's success. Its mission is to work with women, children, and families to ensure they have all they need. The Giving Circle had a kick-off event called "Sneaking Back to School," where they collaborated with Twig to distribute socks and shoes to school-aged children at the end of July.

In August, they have an "Embracing Our Differences" event which will be directly involved in distributing books to children to build their at-home library.

Additionally, Barbara chaired Jewish Family Children Services' Food and Wine Fest event three years in a row.

"That was rewarding because they're focused on children and adult services," Barbara states. "I've also served on the Board for the State College of Florida and organized their fundraising luncheon. This helped take it to the next level to raise above and beyond the funds they've raised in the past."

Due to all their dedication and hard work, the Najmys have won several awards within Manatee County in recognition of their philanthropic influence. One of those awards was the John A. Clarke Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.

The Manatee Community Foundation called Barbara and Joe a "power couple known for their humilit y, kindness, and leadership in making significant contributions without fanfare."

In March this year, they also received the 2022 Lifetime Spirit Award from the Manatee Community Foundation. This award is given to an individual or couple who demonstrates a lifetime record of exceptional generosity in the community.

The Foundation awarded this to Joe and Barbara because they have "given freely of their time, talent, and treasure – always with a lens of joy, collaboration, and gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference." Joe and Barbara described receiving these awards as highly humbling.

"These are awards we've watched others, very deserving honorees, be recognized for and never really saw ourselves in that vein. We're very honored to be thought of in the same way. It's something we will not soon forget, if ever," Joe says.

"I can recall our early days when we attended these events 20 years ago and were very new to the business community.

We'd attend the galas and see our peers there, and I remember thinking one day, 'That would never happen to us!' It's something I never thought we would reach, and when we did receive it, it was amazing.

I used to think, 'What does it take to get there?' But I guess it was just natural for us to do what we do and feel how we feel about our community and the rest just fell into place," Barbara says.

What is their advice to others who want to give back? Barbara iterates that everybody has the ability to give in some fashion or form, whether that be giving your time or donating unused things in your home. It doesn't have to be monetary. This ideology has been passed down to Joe and Barbara's children, nieces, and nephews, who all volunteer and give back to the community as well.

LWR Community Fund Gala 2011

MCF Master of Ceremonies 2019

"You'd be surprised how rewarding it is.

It's a day-by-day, month-by-month, yearby-year way of living. You'll be amazed how quickly time passes, and you look back, and you've made a difference in other people's lives," Joe says.

The Najmys' plan for the future is to "stay the course" and are happy to encourage others of the magic of giving back.

"I feel that we set the standard, and we can't let it go now and let anybody down. We will always be looked upon or reached out to for advice or help," Barbara says.

JFCS Major Donors Brunch 2016 29

With every generation,

we get better at protecting our environment.

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

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ELC INSIDER CONTENTS: 36

Limits for Little Ones

44

Summer Learning Fun

47

Manatee Stands For Children

38 46

Childcare Provider Directory

Promoting VPK

LIMITS FOR W

WORDS: ZERO TO THREE

hen they have tantrums and "act up," they're often showing you they are overwhelmed by their feelings and need support. To develop self-control, young children need limits they can understand. This takes time and is something they learn gradually. In fact, many adults still struggle with self-control!

Limits help children feel safe when they are out of control. Children test limits because they want to know that the limit is solid. They also want to see what will happen next or what your reaction might be. Imagine a child walking along a fence, testing every part of the fence to see if they can breakthrough. If the fence is strong and reliable, there will be less limit-testing as time goes on.

•

The Power of Prevention: Heading off Misbehavior

Decide if setting a limit is necessary. It's good to know how and when to avoid power struggles. Get clear on what is important and where you can be flexible. For example, you

might decide that hitting is an absolute "no." But can you live with an outfit that doesn't match if your child wants to choose their own shirt?

•

Be consistent. Set up a few clear and age-appropriate rules.

This helps your child understand what you expect. Follow through on the rule every time. If your child throws a toy, put it away, every time, right away. Then they learn not to throw toys. One way to remember this is: If you're going to say yes, say yes right away. If it's no, then it's no all day.

•

Offer tools to help them wait. Set a kitchen timer if you need five minutes to fold some clothes. This may help your child feel more relaxed as they wait. Ask an older toddler to do a puzzle, color, or look at books to occupy some time.

•

Help with daily transitions. It is common for young children to have a hard time stopping one activity and moving on to the next. If your child has a hard time with transitions, give them a heads-up five minutes before it's time to change activities. Then remind them two minutes before, and then one minute before. A routine can also help when going from one activity to the next. Read a favorite book to ease the transition between lunch and a nap.

LITTLE ONES! •

•

•

•

Offer choices to give your child a sense of control that's reasonable for their age. Ask, "Do you want the blue or red cup?" Avoid asking questions when no choice is being offered. Say, "It's time to get in the bath" instead of "Do you want to get in the bath?"

Look for ways to help your child practice self-control. Turntaking games help children learn to wait. Take turns mixing the cake batter. Play Red Light/Green Light.

Show you understand their feelings while holding the limit.

Your child's feelings are not right or wrong. It is how feelings get expressed that can be a problem. Make space for feelings ("I see that you are upset.”) while putting limits on behavior ("I will stop you from hitting."). This can be done calmly and without shame.

Setting Limits is All About Your Own Self-regulation

Stay calm and present in the face of a tantrum. When your child is having a hard time, they need you to be calm. If you have a big reaction (getting angry, yelling), your child is

likely to get even more upset. If you are calm, they are more likely to pay attention to what you are saying.

•

Set your limit with as little emotion (and as few words) as possible. Talk in a quiet, steady voice. Be aware of the messages you're sending with your face and body. A kind tone of voice can help calm your child. It's also a way to soothe yourself during stressful times.

•

Use simple language. It's difficult for young children to hear what you are saying when emotions are running high. Keep your instructions clear and only give the reason for the limit once. Too much talking can complicate things.

•

Take a time-out yourself if you need it. If you are too angry to respond to your child, make sure they are in a safe place and walk away for a few minutes. Let your child know (calmly): "I am feeling angry, and I'm going to take a short break to help me do some good thinking." It will help you calm down before dealing with your child and show your child what self-regulation looks like.

All toddlers try to push the limits. This new independence is an important part of their development. They develop the ability to self-regulate gradually over the next few years. Your firm, kind limits help make this happen. You might not see results right away, but stick with it, and you will!

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

Blanton Family Day Care Home 216 60th Street NW Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-8563

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

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

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

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

A Little Schoolhouse Christian Academy 11740 U.S Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-776-1973 All About Children Christian Child Care Center 447 North Lime Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237 941-365-4172 All Gods Children Preschool 11107 Palmbrush Trail Bradenton, FL 34202 941-739-2776 Angel's Friends Child Development 611 North East Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237 941-953-3852 A New Beginning Early Child Care Learning Center 2185 Wood Street Sarasota, FL 34237 941-316-1555 A Plus Growing Academy 800 10th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0797 A Readiness Learning Academy 9045 59th Avenue Circle East Bradenton, FL 34202 941-727-9354 A Readiness Learning Academy 2 6130 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-4927 Asprea Family Day Care Home 4010 Hina Drive Sarasota, FL 34241-5801 941-378-1920 Bible Baptist Church of Palmetto Academy 1750 6th Avenue West, Unit 101 Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-4958 38

Boys And Girls Club at Lincoln Memorial Middle 305 17th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-721-6840 Boys And Girls Club Palmetto 1600 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-1268 Bradenton Christian School West 1305 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-404-4491 Bradenton Early Learning Academy 2015 7th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-216-3305 Bradenton Early Learning Academy (Downtown) 202 3rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-216-3060 Bright Angels Academy & Daycare, Inc. 1716 53rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-962-0472 Bright Beginnings Academy 614 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-7910 Bright Beginnings Preschool 4111 Webber Street Sarasota, FL 34232 941-921-6722 Bright Futures Daycare & Preschool, LLC 1617 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-251-5436

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Haven for Adults & Children with Disabilities 4405 Desoto Road Sarasota, FL 34235 941-355-8808 CORE Early Education And Learning 605 13th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-9069 Country Cubs Child Care Learning Center 12294 US Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-417-7963 Countryside Academy For Children 5807 18th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-304 Creative Kids Connection 408 75th Street Northwest Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-8687 CRPE Academy 1621 66th Avenue Terrace East Sarasota FL, 34243 (941) 932-0984 DC's Child Care Center 5105 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-6090 Debra Johnson Johnson Family Day Care Home 2730 22nd Street Sarasota, FL 34234 941-365-1685 Discover Our World Child Development Center 455 48th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-749-5263

Easter Seals of Southwest Florida 350 Braden Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7637 Education Time 5165 33rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-7332 Faith Preschool of Faith UCC 4850 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-7895 Family Life Community School 3301 Moccasin Wallow Road Palmetto, FL 34221 941-281-6412 First For Kids Children's Christian Center 603 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0824 Forza Child Development Center, Inc. 8605 Erie Road Parrish, FL 34219 941-545-6380 FORZA Child Development Center, Inc. 12214 US Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-981-5885 Foundation For Dreams 16110 Dream Oaks Place Bradenton, FL 34212 941-746-5659 Foundations Christian Montessori Academy of Sarasota 4141 Desoto Road Sarasota, FL 34235 941-907-7078

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just Grow Harvest United Methodist Church 14305 Covenant Way Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-907-7333

Growing Hands Learning Center 5743 69th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-845-4873 Growing Start Preschool LLC 2611 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-741-3311 Happy Cubs 6207 21st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-798-6173 Happy Go Lucky 1606 55th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-752-4608 Horizons Unlimited Christian Academy 2674 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way Sarasota, FL 34234 941-957-0409 House of JBaby's Preschool 1300 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-7415 Imagine Charter School at North Manatee 9275 49th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-981-5345 In The Beginning Learning Center 5503 12th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-567-6106 Jackson Family Day Care Home 6715 36th Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-5097 Jones Family Day Care Home 10447 Brendle Road Myakka City, FL 34251 941-219-3605

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Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch 4225 Concept Court Bradenton, FL 34211 941-727-9072 Kids Academy Plus 57th 1415 57th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-727-1841 Kids Academy Plus HL 4635 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-524-1045 Kids Club Child Development & Educational Center of Bradenton, LLC 5231 4th Avenue Circle East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-900-2812 Kids On The Rock 1401 14th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-4567 Kidzone Preschool 116 27th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-2727 Lakewood Ranch Early Learning Center LLC 11520 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-727-9990 Lane Family Day Care Home 602 31st Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-1774 La Petite Academy 37th 4301 37th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-5227

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parrish Charter Academy 8605 Erie Road Parrish, FL 34219 941-545-6380

Little Tikes University 4200 32nd Street West Bradenton, FL 34205-2744 941-567-6350

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

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

Pines of Sarasota Child Care and Learning Center 1501 North Orange Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 941-552-1861

Love And Laugh Fun Care Center 2811 17th Street Sarasota, FL 34234 941-952-1626

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

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

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

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Precious Jewels Academy Learning Center 2700 Leon Avenue Sarasota, FL 34234 941-360-1122

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

Primrose School Lakewood Ranch North 5730 New Haven Blvd.

Bradenton, FL 34211 813-230-2827

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

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

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

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

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

Reaching For The Stars Academy 2239 14th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-3901 Risen Savior Academy 14605 59th Avenue East Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-756-7545 Sand & Buckets Daycare 3407 17th Street Court East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-748-4799 Sandman Preschool & Academy 924 Wilmerling Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-755-2591 School District of Manatee County Professional Support Center 2501 63rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-751-6550 School for Constructive Play 6608 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941-778-2210 Smarty Pants Preschool LLC 832 62nd Street Circle East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-7710 Smarty Pants Preschool 2 904 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-896-4796 Smiling Faces Academy, Inc. 910 19th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-1234 Smiling Faces Junior Academy, Inc. 1720 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-3925 42

Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Palmetto 1315 2nd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-750-6667 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Parkland 6432 Parkland Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-750-6667 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Pine Village 1103 56th Avenue Drive East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-827-2887 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning West Bradenton 2531 9th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-750-6667 Sunny Daze Preschool East 9922 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-750-0042 Sunshine Academy & Daycare 2520 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-3143 Taylor Family Day Care Home 3906 29th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-755-8418 Teachable Moments Learning Center LLC 3005 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-900-1022 The Center of Anna Maria Island, Inc. 407 Magnolia Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216 941-778-1908

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

West Coast Christian Academy 1112 49th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203-2648 941-755-9667

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toddler's Inn Child Care Center LLC 2611 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-4631 Tree of Life Preschool Inc 2200 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-1756 Trinity Children's Center 3200 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-8608 Vanessa Hawkins Family Day Care Home 2674 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way Sarasota, FL 34234 941-957-0409 Victoria Morgan Family Day Care Home 3311 Barstow Street Sarasota, FL 34235 941-957-0608 Walker Family Day Care Home 3213 44th Drive East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-6629

Childcare Resource & Referral (941) 757-2910 43

Making Summer Learning Fun! T

WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

his summer, the ELC of Manatee County did something a little different for our Every Child A Reader (ECAR) program; we created an immersive family adventure that also taught them about some history of Manatee County!

In prior years, the ECAR program ran for one week during the month of April. Volunteers would take a read-along book to children and read to them in their preschool classrooms. After the reading, students were able to take home their own copy of the book as well as family reading tip sheets. The goal of the ECAR program is to bring awareness to the value of early literacy 44

and reading to young children by building their at-home library.

This year, the book, "Old Manatee A to Z," was the targeted reading subject. While the book is nonfiction, it's done in a very kid-friendly A to Z format. The Kiwanis of Bradenton, one of the collaborators for ECAR along with Michael Saunders and Company Foundation, came to the ELC with "Old Manatee A to Z," which was published by Realize Bradenton. The book inspired our team at the ELC to create an activity to coordinate with the book and that's where the idea of the Passport to Early Learning came from.

The Passport featured various landmarks throughout Manatee County and encouraged children to track their experiences while they matched locations and letters to their book. There were also various learning activities and resources throughout the Passport.

In featuring local landmarks and businesses, this year's summerlong ECAR adventure became a true community collaboration.

For example, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature gave out a Manatee Migration Game as well as granted free admission for each child with the Passport. The Manatee County Agricultural Museum gave students a pumpkin planting kit to take home and the Manatee Village Historical Park had an on-site scavenger hunt for Passport holders.

Rachel Spivey, Director of Grant Management, says, "I think it's a really beautiful partnership between the ELC and other agencies to really showcase to the community how valuable early learning is and the respect that should be paid to educating the young child. We know it's within the first 5 years that children do the most growing so the fact that these other agencies are willing to pour so much resource and time into this, I think, is really amazing."

In addition to "Old Manatee A to Z" and the Passport, children also received a coloring book and a box of crayons to match!

Utilizing the coloring book helps children develop pre-writing and thinking skills, which are vital for transitioning into kindergarten.

The coloring book gives them the ability to take something they see from the environment, translate it internally, and then onto the page. Doing this type of coloring activity engages multiple parts of the brain and makes learning last longer due to engaging those multiple senses.

Even if your child is just in the beginning stages of coloring through scribble, that child is still hitting a huge milestone by gaining muscle control and fine motor skills as he or she moves the crayon across the page. You can help encourage your child at this stage by being supportive and appreciative of the marks they make on the page or even help them to match the colors they see in the environment with the colors they use for coloring.

Eventually, you will see your child shape those scribbles into more controlled marks where there are lines and spaces and

match colors on their own. These are all developmental leaps that can be made naturally but are made more quickly or solidly with parent engagement.

"When you spend time with your children, and you create wonderful memories, it creates a tight bond within families. It also ensures that children are ready for kindergarten. Summer slide becomes a concern with every child. They can lose what knowledge they have between Pre-K and kindergarten. We're hoping that these types of summer learning engagements will keep kids moving forward so that they're ready to go on that first day of kindergarten," says Rachel.

Being able to incorporate the family outings into this summer's ECAR program aids in reading comprehension as children can use the memories they're making to then understand and correlate them to the literacy content in "Old Manatee A to Z." Most children's books, especially in the 3 to 5-year age range, are fiction. So, to feature a nonfiction book that is also locally based allows children an opportunity to take ownership of where they live. In addition to getting to keep their copy of "Old Manatee A to Z," if the children completed the Passport, they were able to turn that in to our ELC and receive another free book for their at-home library.

Going forward, our hope is that the parents of young children in our community will strive to be an even more active part of their child's early educational development. Encourage their scribbling!

Spend family time together! Turn those family outings into learning opportunities! Don’t underestimate how much influence you have in your child's life. Every little bit of the learning journey plays a large role in your child.

In collaboration with: Bradenton

Kiwanis

®

A Better Way of Life... A Better Bradenton

45

ELC AWARDED GR ANT TO PROMOTE VPK . . .

WORDS: Gabrielle Versmessen

T

he Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) has been awarded a grant for $11,497 through the Manatee Community Foundation to help promote awareness of the free Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program.

This grant is made possible through the: •

Wells Fargo Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation.

•

John F. and Dr. Carole Fiser Brigham Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation.

•

Manatee Community Foundation, Inc. – Unrestricted Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation.

The 2022 Florida Legislature set a new trajectory for VPK infusing millions in State funds to raise the base student allocation (BSA) by $317 per child to $2803. In addition, the Legislature appropriated an additional $100 million for VPK programs that agree to raise teacher pay to a minimum of $15 an hour, lifting the BSA an additional $618 per child to $3421. VPK programs that attest to the $15 an hour pay will receive a BSA increase of $935 per child!

Darrell King, ELC Interim Chief Executive Officer, said: "We would like to thank the Manatee Community Foundation for their generous contribution towards supporting Early Learning in our community. With this grant, we will be able to get more children enrolled in VPK by raising awareness of this free program. There has never been a more important time for enrolling children in VPK with the unprecedented State funding and impact that can have on our youngest learners."

VPK is a free program designed to prepare four-year-old children for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success using educational materials corresponding to various stages in a child’s development. VPK is available to all four-yearold’s born on or before September 1st that reside in Florida, regardless of family income.

46

MANATEE STANDS FOR CHILDREN! WORDS & PICTURE: Gabrielle Versmessen

T

he Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) held its inaugural Stand for Children Day Luncheon on June 1st, raising funds to support ELC programs and the Children’s Guardian Fund who benefitted from a $25,000 donation on the day!

Almost 400 people attended the event at Bradenton Area Convention Center. Annually, Stand for Children Day raises awareness of critical issues faced by many children in the United States including quality education, childcare, access to health insurance and medical services, appropriate public school and program funding, and teacher education.

The Luncheon also honored the memory of former ELC CEO, Paul Sharff, who sadly passed away in January and was a Guardian ad Litem himself. There was a special tribute to Paul and his dedication to children in our community by Mary Glass, President of Manatee Education Foundation, as well as a video message from former Florida Senate President Bill Galvano.

Speakers at the event included Darrell King, interim CEO at the ELC, Svetlana Ivashchenko, Executive Director of the Children’s Guardian Fund, Rachel Spivey, Director of Grant Management at the ELC, and Captain Dennis Romano of the Child Protective Investigations Division at Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The Masters of Ceremonies were Vernon DeSear, CEO of the Manatee Memorial Foundation, and John Vita, Senior Vice President of the Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley.

emergency needs and enable normalcy and enrichment in the lives of children in foster care.

"We are so grateful to the ELC of Manatee County for their collaborative spirit. Their generous gift is going to help the 700 plus local children who lost the comfort and support of their parents.,” said Children’s Guardian Fund Executive Director Svetlana Ivashchenko.

Darrell King, Interim CEO at ELC, added: “Our local community knows exactly how to Stand for Children and this was once again shown by the overwhelming support and generosity this event received. It was extremely important and meaningful for ELC to support the Children’s Guardian Fund with a large donation from the proceeds, and we look forward to building on the success of this inaugural event next year.”

Funds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales and cash pledges on the day, will go toward retrofitting a new school bus for the ELC which has a tailgate that will allow disabled children to access the bus and take part in STEAM lessons and literacy programs.

The donation to Children’s Guardian Fund will help meet 47

StANd For Children Day

INAuGURAL LunCheOn PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst & Gabrielle Versmessen June 1, 2022 11:30AM-1:30PM

48

just grow

Harvest United Methodist Church License Number: C12MA0361

• • •

• • • • • • •

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Trauma-Informed Care with Director Endorsement

The goal of this course is to assist child care programs in implementing trauma-informed care for families they serve. This is a multi-session course, which will require the completion of outside assignments and readings.

Upon completion of this course, child care program directors will form a community of practice and will be able to: • • • • •

Recognize the signs of trauma impacting children Examine the importance of self-care Apply tools to help children regulate emotions and behaviors Evaluate the physical learning environment for trauma-sensitive supports Develop a plan for creating a trauma-sensitive program

This course can be used to meet the Florida Director Credential Renewal requirements.

6305 State Road 70 East Bradenton, FL 34203 Contact: Kristi Mellin 941.730.9963 mellink@manateeschools.net

Apply Today!

941.751.7900 • ManateeTech.edu TheSchoolBoarddoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,ethnicity,religion,nationalorigin,sex(includingsexualorientation,transgenderstatus,orgenderidentity),disability(includingHIV,AIDS,orsicklecelltrait),pregnancy,maritalstatus,age(exceptasauthorizedbylaw),ancestry,geneticinformation, whichareclassesprotectedbyStateand/orFederallaw(collectively,“protectedclasses”)initsprogramsandactivities,includingemploymentopportunities.ItisthelegalobligationandthepolicyoftheBoardtoemployonlythosepersonswhoarebestqualified,withorwithoutreasonableaccommodations.

TheSuperintendentshallappointacomplianceofficerwhoseresponsibilityitwillbetorequirethatFederalandStateregulationsarecompliedwithandthatanyinquiresorcomplaintsaredealtwithpromptlyinaccordancewithlaw.S/HeshallalsorequirethatpropernoticeofnondiscriminationforTitleII,Title VI,andTitleVIIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentActof1972,Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,andtheAgeDiscriminationinEmploymentActwillbeprovidedtostaffmembersandthegeneralpublic.AnysectionsoftheDistrict’scollectively-bargainednegotiated agreements dealing with hiring and promotion will contain a statement of nondiscrimination similar to that in the Board’s statement above.

RECIPES: Caroline Lehman

Kids in the Kitchen

PIZZA MUFFINS INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 ½ cups milk 1 cup grated carrot 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup melted and slightly cooled butter or neutral oil ¼ cup diced pepperoni, plus 2 tablespoons (optional) 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons pizza seasoning ½ teaspoon salt

FRUIT ON THE BOTTOM YOGURT

PREPARATION 1. Preheat the oven to 375° F and grease a standard muffin tin well with nonstick spray.

2. Add the milk, carrot, cheeses, butter, pepperoni (saving the 2 tablespoons), and egg to a medium bowl. Stir together.

3. Stir in the flours, baking powder, baking soda, pizza seasoning, and salt.

4. Divide batter among the prepared muffin tin, using about ¼ cup in each. Top each with pepperoni.

5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup plain whole milk yogurt (or yogurt of choice) • ½ teaspoons jam; ¼ cup fresh diced fruit; ¼ cup canned fruit; or ¼ cup applesauce

• Honey

PREPARATION 1. Add the fruit of choice to the bowl or container 2. Top with yogurt and drizzle with honey 3. Store or stir and serve

around the edges and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out cleanly (There may be some melted cheese on it, though!)

6. Let cool in the pan for 2-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. You may need to use a paring knife around the edges of the muffins to help remove them from the pan.

7. Serve slightly warm.

Recipes adapted from: www.yummytoddlerfood.com 52

PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

Taco Fest F t

We are proud to support those who nourish

because when great life lessons are learned, great lives are lived.

Nourishing communities.

On The Bookshelf REVIEWS: Colleen Hartnett

A CHAIR FOR MY MOTHER

My First ANIMAL Signs (Birth to 3)

By Child's Play Publishing, Illustrated by Anthony Lewis

A big board book introduces American Sign Language to animals. Adorable, diverse infants grace the pages along with depictions of insects, farm animals, pets, woodland animals, zoo animals, and sea creatures. Signs are shown by the children and explained in the text; on the back, basic signs and actions are illustrated. This is one of a series that charmingly introduces ASL. Great for emerging language children, ESOL, and any infant in your family; also great for beginning ASL learners.

(4-6)

By Vera B. Williams This Caldecott Honor Book tells of a child and her extended family saving to buy a new chair after a fire destroys her apartment. Brightly colored cityscapes fill the pages with a wonder ful s to r y s h owc a s i n g perseverance, hard work, and community.

This is an excellent introduction to how to save money little by little.

THE TWITS

(10-12)

By Roald Dahl, Illustrated by Quentin Blake

(7-9)

By Nancy Ohlin, Illustrated by Adam Larkum Find out fascinating, little-known facts about the infamous Titanic.

This book is part of a series of non-fiction, fact-filled, informative books about historical events.

Black and white illustrations help children understand the ship's enormity and its tragic demise.

It is recommended for the reader who prefers non-fiction and is interested in history.

Roald Dahl, one of the great American children's storytellers, writes a wonderfully descriptive tale about a retired circus couple, The Twits, that constantly play practical jokes on one another. Dahl's colorful style allows readers to easily imagine the characters and their antics. Amongst the wacky pranks is the theme of friendship between the Twits pet monkeys and the birds the couple tries to glue to trees. A recommended summer read sure to keep your reader laughing.

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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Sunday

AUGUST

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

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

Friday

18

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Live Training Center Palmetto Live Littles 12:30pm-1:30PM ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm

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

Saturday

19

ROAR at Ringling 10:30am Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm

Music Compound Back to School Bash 10:00am-2:00pm

20

Bounce Down Under Parents Night Out 6:00pm-10:00pm LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

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

UTC Night Market 5:00pm-9:00pm Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers 9:00am-11:00am

21

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Coquina Beach Market 10:00am-4:00pm

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

22

Ringling Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-5:00pm

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

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

23

Palmetto Library Preschool Storytime 10:00am

24

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

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

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 6:00pm

Marauders Baseball 12:00pm

Marauders Baseball 6:30pm

LWR Waterside Place Ranch Night 6:00pm-9:00pm

Live Training Center Palmetto Live Littles 12:30pm-1:30PM ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm Marauders Baseball 6:30pm

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm

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Bradenton Convention Center Rhea Lana’s Fall Consignment (no pass required) Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Coquina Beach Market 10:00am-4:00pm Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm Marauders Baseball 6:30pm

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am Ringling Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-5:00pm Bradenton Convention Center Rhea Lana’s Fall Consignment (no pass required)

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25

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

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

Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers 9:00am-11:00am

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

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am Bradenton Convention Center Rhea Lana’s Fall Consignment (no pass required) Marauders Baseball 6:30pm

30

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

31

Palmetto Library Preschool Storytime 10:00am LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm Marauders Baseball 12:00pm Bradenton Convention Center Rhea Lana’s Fall Consignment (no pass required)

ROAR at Ringling 10:30am Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm

26

Bounce Down Under Parents Night Out 6:00pm-10:00pm

27

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

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

Marauders Baseball 6:30pm

Marauders Baseball 6:30pm

The Bay Sarasota Family Movie Night (Spy Kids) 8:30pm

Englewood Pioneer Festival

Sunday

SEPTEMBER

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

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

4

Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers 9:00am-11:00am

5

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

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

6

Children’s Glazer Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-4:00pm

Coquina Beach Market 10:00am-4:00pm

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 6:00pm

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

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

7

Palmetto Library Preschool Storytime 10:00am LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

Friday

1

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

Saturday

2

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

3

License Free Saltwater Fishing Oscar Scherer Park Literacy Under the Trees 10:00am-1:00pm

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

ROAR at Ringling 10:30am

Bradenton Convention Center Rhea Lana’s Fall Consignment (no pass required)

Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm

Girl Scouts Magical Mermaid Pool Party (with Live Mermaids) 10:00am-2:00pm

ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm

LWR Music on Main 6:00pm-9:00pm

Village of the Arts Artwalk 11:00am-4:00pm

Village of the Arts Artwalk 6:00pm-9:00pm

Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm

Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm Ringling Underground 8:00pm-11:00pm

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

Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm

8

9

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

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

Marauders Baseball Game 10:00am

Live Training Center Palmetto Live Littles 12:30pm-1:30PM

Tampa Convention Ctr. Tampa Bay Auto Show 12:00pm-9:00pm

ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm

Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm

Marauders Baseball Game 12:00pm

Marauders Baseball Game 10:00am

10

Tampa Convention Center Tampa Bay Auto Show 10:00am-9:0pm Bounce Down Under Parents Night Out 6:00pm-10:00pm LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm

Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers 9:00am-11:00am

11

Coquina Beach Market 10:00am-4:00pm Marauders Baseball Game 10:00am Tampa Convention Center Tampa Bay Auto Show 10:00am-6:00pm

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

12

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

13

Marauders Baseball Game 10:00am

Ringling Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-5:00pm

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

14

Palmetto Library Preschool Storytime 10:00am LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

Marauders Baseball Game 10:00am

18

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Meadows Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm

15

19

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

20

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

21

Palmetto Library Preschool Storytime 10:00am

Ringling Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-5:00pm

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

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

16

Marauders Baseball Game 10:00am

Marauders Baseball Game 10:00am

Tampa Convention Center Tampa Bay Auto Show 12:00pm-9:00pm Van Wezel Friday Fest 5:00pm-9:00pm

UTC Night Market 5:00pm-9:00pm

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

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

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

Live Training Center Palmetto Live Littles 12:30pm-1:30PM

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm

Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers 9:00am-11:00am

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

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

22

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

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

ROAR at Ringling 10:30am

Live Training Center Palmetto Live Littles 12:30pm-1:30PM

Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm

ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm

23

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

25

Coquina Beach Market 10:00am-4:00pm Meadows Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water Show 2:00pm (behind Mote Marine Aquarium)

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am Ringling Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-5:00pm

26

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

27

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am Palmetto Library Preschool Storytime 10:00am LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

28

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

29

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

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

ROAR at Ringling 10:30am

Live Training Center Palmetto Live Littles 12:30pm-1:30PM

Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm

ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm

30

Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm The Bay Sarasota Family Movie Night (Despicable Me) 8:30pm

17

Tampa Convention Center Tampa Bay Auto Show 10:00am-9:0pm Bounce Down Under Parents Night Out 6:00pm-10:00pm LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

24

Bounce Down Under Parents Night Out 6:00pm-10:00pm LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers 9:00am-11:00am

Marauders Baseball Game 10:00am

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.

Mandy Quinones Regional Sales Manager mandy.quinones@bmo.com

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

bmoharris.com

Learning Unlimited & Manatee Learning Academy Your Partners In Success!

Complete Preschool ages 6 weeks-PreK * Private School Grades K-12th McKay, Step Up, PLSA, and AAA Scholarships Accepted National Early Childhood Program Accreditation Early Learning Coalition Contracted * 4 Star Quality Program MCCYN Military Contracted * DCF Licensing Gold Seal School Small class sizes to meet your child’s individual needs * Gifted * ESE Secure campus * Multiple playgrounds * State of the art facility Secu Online Classes Available Low class sizes capped at 15 students Individualized Learning Plans Balanced Academic Program Parental Involvement Building Student Success from Within

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A Hidden Treasure Among West Coast Florida Wedding Venues • Breathtaking views overlooking Lovelee Lake.

• Rustic and charming venue with rich history and touches of elegance.

• 8,000 square foot space located off Interstate 75 in Ellenton, Florida.

Visit our website to learn more & schedule your tour today!

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CRAFT BEERS From here, there & everywhere

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20+ Home-cooked southern sides from local ‘farm to table’

Wednesday-Saturday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm 4705 US-301, Ellenton, FL 34222 941-722-3932 www.hickoryhollowbbq.com

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BACK THIS COOL IDEA FOR SCHOOL !

I

t is hard to believe that the new school year is already here! Like everyone else, we have been prepping with supply shopping, looking for new backpacks and lunch boxes, and labeling our items.

There is always a chance someone else will walk in with the same backpack, so it is always a good idea to label the inside with their name and add something to set it apart from the rest. One way that this can be achieved is through adding a backpack decoration. My daughter created a few different designs with beads and foam this summer that she can add to her new backpack or give to her friends or siblings.

Backpack bead decorations are great for older children because they can express their creativity. However, it is also a fun craft for younger learners. Not only is this activity excellent for hand-eye coordination, but it can be used to reinforce numbers, patterns, shapes, and colors.

If you would like to recreate this craft with your child, you will need the following: • • • • • • • • • •

Beads Yarn Foam Key Chain or Carabiner clip Tape Safety scissors Ruler Pen Hole punch Quarter

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

DIRECTIONS: First, cut out 18 inches of yarn and have your child select the bead colors they would like to use. I suggest using a minimum of 10 beads.

Then pick out the foam color and determine which shape they would like to have at the end of the beads.

Next up, use the ruler and pen to trace out a square or triangle, or use the quarter to trace out a small circle. You can also cut out a heart by folding the foam in half and cutting out the shape.

Once you have your piece of foam cut, use the hole punch to place a hole in the center of the shape.

Then, fold the yarn in half and put it through the hole in the foam, looping it through itself. This will keep the beads from falling off. You can then use the pen to add your child's initials to the foam or leave it blank.

It is then time to create a pattern with the beads and add them to the yarn.

Tip: Before my daughter started adding beads, she first added a piece of tape to the end of the yarn to make it easier to thread.

When your child is finished adding on the beads, loop the end of the yarn to make a knot and cut off the excess yarn. This will then need to be added to a key chain or a carabiner clip.

This craft will not only help set your child's backpack apart from the rest but may even function as a keychain for a middle schooler or a keepsake for Mom and Dad. I hope you and your family also enjoy making this Backpack Beads Craf t together, and HAPPY BACK TO SCHOOL SEASON!

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.

PICTURES: Whitney Patton

YOUTH

HEALTH Awards

FRI. 8.12.22 | VS. PALM BEACH

FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION NIGHT

FEATURING TOUCH-A-TRUCK!

SAT. 8.13.22 | VS. PALM BEACH

SPACE NIGHT YOUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL NIGHT HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT FRI. 8.26.22 | VS. DUNEDIN

FRI. 9.02.22 | VS. FORT MYERS

SAT. 9.03.22 | VS. FORT MYERS

POST-GAME FIREWORKS AND 9 INNINGS OF WINNINGS!

MARAUDERSINFO@PIRATES.COM 941.747.3031 BRADENTONMARAUDERS.COM

Historical Attractions

BORING MUSEUMS

The Whole Family

Will of Lovethe Past Are a Thing

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

Kids of All Ages Love Exploring Everything the Bradenton Area Has to Offer Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key is known around the world for beautiful island beaches, sprawling nature preserves, exciting activities, and so much more.

However, there’s so much more than outdoor adventures to discover here. The Bradenton Area’s history and culture is unlike anywhere else in Florida. Our history represents Old Florida at its finest, built on the backs of the maritime, agriculture, and railroad industries. Our founders date back to the 1840s, but our area’s history of human inhabitants goes back even further. We invite you and your family to explore our history and culture through several fun and interactive museums located throughout Florida’s West Coast.

Learning about where we came from will give you an even greater appreciation for where we are today, and where we’ll be in the future. Discover how visitors of all ages fall in love with the Bradenton Area when our history comes alive.

Visit the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum to explore the area’s rich history and take your picture at the former city jail, built in 1927.

DIGNITARY RECEPTION PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

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WILL YOU SPARE AN HOUR TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD?

ReadingPals provides mentors to positively influence students’ understanding of the fundamental building blocks of early literacy. In addition, through genuine and impactful relationships, mentors help enhance a solid social-emotional foundation for their young learners.

• Offered in Manatee County through the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County under the direction of the Children's Movement of Florida.

• Mentors meet weekly in person or virtually with 1-3 students at a time (25+ sessions).

• Screening, training, continuous mentor support and books provided by the ELC of Manatee County.

• Students receive copies of the read-aloud books to enjoy at home.

For More Information: Contact the ELC of Manatee County (941) 757-2900 ext. 2500 ReadingPals@elc-manatee.org

Become a Mentor: Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/3GXZXif

The Boxo Boox Project!

WORDS: Kelly Beavers

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) has provided 300 high-quality children’s books thus far to the wonderful “Boxo Boox” community collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bradenton, Soar in 4, the School District of Manatee County, and Manatee Technical College.

“Boxo Boox” makes at-home book sharing more easily attainable for families by bringing a variety of books to school locations, where families frequent. Children can choose a book from the box to take home, share with their family, and add to their at-home library free of cost. The goal is to create a community of readers; to do that, it takes more than an individual; it takes a child, their family, school, and community. Together we can build readers!

The “boox” are for all children, newborn to middle school (0 - 12 years old), including bilingual books to support all readers. These book boxes or “Boxo Boox” are currently located at Daughtry Elementary, Manatee Elementary, and Palmetto Elementary, with the goal of expanding to all Title 1 school locations. ELC is proud to partner with these impactful community organizations and is eager to expand these efforts and bring even more books into the hands of Manatee County’s children!

Dr. Sheila Halpin, Manatee County Schools Campaign for GradeLevel Reading & Volunteer Coordinator, explained: “Even before they start kindergarten young children deserve to participate in learning experiences led by caring and well-trained adults. Parents and caregivers should have access to the support they need to encourage their children’s development.

“Reading to a child for just 20 minutes per day exposes them to about 1.8 million words a year. By age four, children whose parents regularly spend time reading and talking to them may have heard as many as 30 million more words than their peers. This lays a strong foundation for learning to read. This Campaign for GradeLevel Reading collaboration ensures that families have access to free books in their neighborhood.”

Collaboration With

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Beat the Back to School Blues!

WORDS: Christa Hardin

A

s we prepare our children to head back to classrooms across the world, including right here in Manatee County, we are both excited and wary.

We are excited to know our children have the potential for wonderful futures ahead of them. We understand that each step of the learning process takes them one precious step closer to using their gifts in the world with purpose and joy.

Our weary hearts are also aware that the world is still not always an easy or safe place to navigate. As such, we hug them a little tighter and clench our teeth a bit as we prepare them. We teach them to be wise and loving, and we hope we don't miss any of the important things.

As we launch them well into another year, here are a few quick reminders of how to prepare them and yourself so you can beat the back-to-school blues.

1. Take a weekend day to purge old clothes and clean the rooms of the home together as a team. This helps you approach the school year with good planning. Shop for the supplies late that afternoon or the following day to be well-prepped.

2. Take a date night with your child one-on-one to a local cafe or ice cream shop where you're not likely to be interrupted and talk about the important stuff. During this time, even if it takes lots of deep breaths, focus on each other. For just one hour, focus on the time apart and talk about the little things and each of your hopes for the year. If you have more than one school-aged kid, do it with each. If you didn't get enough time, take a walk together at a park afterward'. It is also worth it to take time for meaningful conversation and to make sure they feel loved, safe, and confident in their new year.

3. Find one or two nights a week and designate them as family times. In my home, Wednesday night is family night, and we don't stray far from it as we all need the reset after our huge days with teens and elementary-aged kids. Sunday after church, we always go to Smoothie King. These restful rituals are safe and keep us connected as a family even during massively busy times. Our kids come to depend on them since they run harder and faster as they get older.

4. Try as much as you can to be at school events. I know it's a pinch, but it's worth it. They're worth it. If you're in a dual-parent home, try hard for both parents to be at some events: the more support, the better. If you're there, however, ensure you encourage and not critique. There's nothing more mortifying for a kid than feeling publicly humiliated, even if it's by a well-intentioned adult.

5. If food is a stressor, talk out a reasonable food budget for your year. Factor in backup plans and crazy days but try

to stay focused on your budget and have healthy meals together as much as possible. Maybe save a little extra for the busy days when you just need that Chick-fil-A. Invite your kids into the recognition that all the money you save on food will be pointed towards their futures in some way or another. Help them budget with you, and don't forget rewards along the way!

6. Speaking of rewards, as you send them off, it's not too early to talk about fun family goals at the end of breaks or card markings. A trip to their favorite hibachi grill or amusement park may get them through that difficult semester project or course! Don't forget your own self-care and rewards also.

You've got to enjoy life amidst the hard work!

Last, let go with grace. With your continual caring heart of love that truly longs for the best for them, paired with their beautiful gifts pointed in the direction of a good education, they're sure to fly in time, though, of course, the road is full of bumps and trials too! You'll be so proud to see their fruits in the world as you do this last step together!

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Keep Kids Happy & Healthy Nutrition Tips for Back to School!

WORDS: Children's Health

A

new school year is the perfect time to get back into a healthy routine. Kara Gann, Clinical Dietitian at Children's HealthSM, shares simple ways to make sure students are fueling properly for the school day.

Make breakfast a priority Eating a healthy breakfast is the best way to start the day for children and adults alike. To encourage your kids to eat a good breakfast before school, sit down and eat with them. The act of eating breakfast together models that breakfast is important for everyone.

If a rushed morning routine keeps you from sitting down for breakfast, set aside 10 to 15 extra minutes to eat. Wake up just a little bit earlier if needed.

A balanced breakfast doesn't have to be an elaborate hot meal. A bowl of whole-grain cereal (skip the sugary ones, aim for less than 10 grams of sugar per serving) + low-fat milk + a piece of fruit is a quick and nutritious breakfast.

Ask your kids how they eat at school While many schools offer a variety of healthy options, many kids eating school lunches aren't eating enough.

Whether it's the short amount of time they are given to eat or their food preferences, many children are tossing half, if not more, of their school lunches away.

Not getting enough calories early in the day can cause kids to feel sluggish and easily distracted. This leads to feeling overly hungry after school and into the evening.

If you notice your children seem to be excessively hungry after school, ask them about how they're eating at school. Pack a healthy lunch if your child doesn't care for the food choices the school offers. It's a great way to ensure they get to eat enough of the healthy foods they like.

Have a nutritious snack ready for after school No matter how well a child eats at breakfast and lunch, they will most likely be hungry after school. Some families eat dinner when kids arrive home from school, but many families don't eat

until two or three hours after school is out. If your child needs an after-school snack, try to: 1. Find the right-sized snack to help them come to dinner hungry but not starving. Hungry children are more likely to try new foods, but if they are overly hungry, they are more inclined to eat very quickly and possibly overeat. If they come to the table full from eating a meal-sized afternoon snack, they will not want to eat their meal, or they might eat it anyway and feel stuffed.

2. Offer a snack like an apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter or a cup of yogurt, a healthy granola bar or cheese, and whole-grain crackers. These types of snacks should be enough to satiate their hunger without spoiling their appetite for dinner.

3. Send a snack to school with your child if they ride the bus or you have a long drive home from school. Having healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables available, instead of less nutritious foods like chips and cookies, keeps kids from eating too many empty calories.

Think of snack times as additional opportunities during the day for kids to eat more of the foods they might not be getting enough of in their three meals. Make the most of snacks by offering foods that have the nutrients they need.

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Riverwalk East Park Grand Opening

Saturday, September 10 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 14th Street East and 2nd Ave East Celebrate the completion the first phase of the Riverwalk expansion project. Remarks from City of Bradenton at 11:00 am followed by music and activities.

FOOD Central Cafe MUSIC Combo Fusion | Erol Oz | Manatee High School Band INSPIRATION Florida Humanities | Kimley-Horn | Manatee County Libraries | Manatee Village Historical Park | Old Manatee A to Z Author and Illustrator | Reflections of Manatee

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ASK DR. SHARON doctorotis@nextgenmagazine.org

Dr. Sharon Otis is a licensed clinical mental health psychotherapist who is owner and clinical director of the Family Care Counseling Center in Bradenton.

Grief & Children...

My children lost their father to Covid this year. How can I help them navigate this difficult transition?

T

o understand a child’s reaction to death or separation, it is important to know your child’s stage of brain development. Children grieve differently in distinct stages of grief.

Children under two years of age don't necessarily have a concept of death or time. The child may sense a loss and may want to be held or show some neediness for their caretaker. The child may also show some regression and clinginess. Meeting their need for reassurance and nurturing helps your child feel secure.

Children from two to five see death as temporary and believe the deceased person will return. More often than not, instead of seeing the child sad, we might see more aggression. Nightmares may occur and fears may begin. Help your child express these feelings.

At the next stage of development, from six to nine years old, the child will begin to see death as final and realize that the person will not return. A child at this stage may blame themselves for the death need reassurance that the loss is not their fault.

Art therapy and children’s groups help process the ebb and flow of emotions, which can change rapidly. Children need to be reassured that they did not cause the situation and that their questions can be answered more concretely. Be simple and direct.

There is a shift in brain development in middle childhood from ten to twelve. The child realizes the person is not coming back but hides that they are bothered by the death. At this stage, a child may blame others and be mad at the surviving

parent. They may put up a front as if nothing happened and want to be with their friends more. Include your child in decisions and choices. Counseling may be needed. Allow your child to grieve and be careful not to make them responsible for comforting you.

brain development, a child may have to re-grieve their previous losses.

Be knowledgeable, be available, be reassuring, be communitive, and your child will healthily navigate the mourning process.

It isn’t until puberty that a child can process death more like an adult. They may question or be angry at God or other people. Your child may seek other ways to self-comfort, such as drugs, alcohol, or sex. Suicidal thoughts become more common.

Even though children act like they do not want us around at this age, the truth is that it is important to be more visible.

Somatic problems, such as stomach aches and headaches, are common.

Get your teen resources to manage their grades, such as a tutor or a peer group. Young Life, Youth for Christ, and other groups can help give the child a clear sense of how and where they can express grief.

As a parent, it is helpful to be concrete with death and dying instead of saying things like the person is with Grandma.

They may ask the same questions repeatedly just wanting to be reassured. Allow your child to express their grief through various healthy outlets.

At each stage of

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PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

Fashion Show

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WHY ATTENDANCE

WORDS: Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

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trong communities thrive in the face of adversity and work together to achieve shared aspirations. Our region is strong, and we are not alone. We are one of 390 Grade-Level Reading (GLR) communities embracing the journey to address common obstacles impacting a child's reading ability.

Attendance Works, an ally helping the GLR Network jump the hurdle of chronic absenteeism, is helping communities like ours with various resources for monitoring, understanding, and addressing chronic absence beginning in the early grades through secondary school.

In some communities, chronic absence affects 1 in 4 children. When we work together to monitor data, encourage a habit of regular attendance, and reduce hurdles that keep children from getting to school, chronic absenteeism will eventually wither away.

Parents, schools, and the community can work together to influence student success.

How is attendance related to school success?

• Chronic absence in kindergarten is associated with lower academic performance in 1st grade among all children and, for poor children, predicts the lowest levels of educational achievement at the end of fifth grade.

• By 6th grade, missing 20% (or two months of school) is a critical warning sign of school drop-out.

• By 9th grade, missing 20% of school can be a better predictor of drop-out than 8th-grade test scores.

What can parents do?

• Help your child get into the habit and learn the value of regular routines.

• Te ac h yo u r c h i l d th at attending school is nonnegotiable unless they are truly sick.

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MATTERS...

• Build relationships with other families and discuss how you can help each other out (e.g., drop off or pick up children, babysit, assist with translation) in times of need or emergencies.

• Identify non-academic activities (drama, art, music, etc.) that can help motivate your child's interest in school and learning and seek out schools that can offer those experiences.

What can schools do?

• Educate families about the adverse impact of poor attendance on school achievement.

• Inform parents about the positive incentives students receive for good attendance.

Consider recognizing parents as well for their role in their child's attendance.

• Notify parents that their child's absence was noticed, either through a call home or an email.

• Reach out to families to find out what is happening if children begin to miss school regularly. Where appropriate, refer families to available resources in the community.

What can the community do?

• Teach parents about the importance of attendance, starting in kindergarten.

• Help parents of older students understand that excessive absence is a critical warning sign for dropping out.

• Partner with schools to provide social work and case management support to families of children with extended absences.

• Address barriers to attendance by offering services (economic supports, social services, etc.) at schools and referring families to other available resources in the community.

We know that there's no such thing as perfect, especially when it comes to attendance. After all, life happens. So, what can we do to help our children in and out of school? Make Every Day a Learning Day!

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A Family Tradition SINCE 1926

CoxAuto.com

or Chosin F u o Y k gU n a s!

Th Manatee Memorial Hospital Recipient of the Bradenton’s Best 2022 Gold Award Presented by the Bradenton Herald ”Manatee Memorial Hospital provides quality and compassionate care to our patients. Now approaching its 70th year, we are proud of the services we deliver and look forward to continually meeting the healthcare needs of our growing community.”

Tom McDougal, Jr., DSc, FACHE CEO, Manatee Memorial Hospital

To learn more, visit manateememorial.com.

Lung Cancer Alliance

SCREENING CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

2021

Chest Pain – MI Registry

Responsible Screening & Care

Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Memorial Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital.

The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.

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