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June - July 2021

FAMILIES FIRST…

THE MAN WITH A GOLDEN HEART… WHY PARENTING MATTERS? SUPERINTENDENT ON A UNIQUE YEAR… NextGen JuneJuly 2021.indd 1

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

LEAVING A LEGACY SUMMER SAFETY FOR KIDS!

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Bradenton

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2723 Manatee Ave West Bradenton FL 34205 941.226.1230

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ManateeTech.edu

Delivering Educational

Excellence Manatee Technical College is a technical training center that delivers adult, career and technical education programs that benefit a broad spectrum of people in Manatee County. Our career and technical education programs fill the pipeline with skilled and motivated workers in building construction, hospitality/tourism, medical/health related services, cosmetology, manufacturing, IT, communication and business. Many students find a new career in a year or less. We also offer evening and a mix of online and in classroom training to fit your schedule.

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

for over 50 years!

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

941.751.7900 Main Campus 6305 State Road 70 East Bradenton, FL 34203 941.751.7900

East Campus West Campus 5520 Lakewood Ranch Bvd 5505 34th Street West Bradenton, FL 34211 Bradenton, FL 34210 941.752.8100

941.209.6800

MTC offers training for careers in 25 of the 50 fastest growing occupations in Manatee County. 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. Equal access to facilities is also provided to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act. 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.

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Contents June - July 2021

PUBLISHER

EARLY LEARNING COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EDITOR Darrell King

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

Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County

PRODUCTION EDITOR Katelyn Disbro Kelly Harbour DESIGN EDITOR Mara Stork PHOTOGRAPHY Whitney Patton Wendy Dewhurst CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kara Chalmers, Amy Bell, Carlee Colonneso, Bre Jones Mulock, Christa Hardin, Petra Vybiralova, Caroline Lehman, Kelly McLean CALENDAR OF FAMILY EVENTS Bradenton Macaroni Kid: Denise Granata ADVERTISING SALES Kelly Stasurak: kstasurak@elc-manatee.org PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION PCI Communications, Inc.

CONTACT NEXTGEN EDITORIAL................................ 941-757-2912 ADVERTISING..........................941-212-4988 FAX........................................ 941-757-2917 EDITOR editor@nextgenmagazine.org COMPETITION ENTRIES competitions@nextgenmagazine.org ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@nextgenmagazine.org ADVERTISING SUBMISSIONS adsubmissions@nextgenmagazine.org ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS articles@nextgenmagazine.org

PRIVATE SECTOR APPOINTED MEMBERS James R. Chatham, M.D., Lupita Wells, Len Tabicman, Michael Rampino, Christina Riggio, Karen Carpenter, Doug Hall, Zack Kallis, Rev. Dr. Robert Baker, Dr. Michael Mackie, Bryan Rench, Gary Scott, Caroline Halfacre LEGISLATIVELY REQUIRED MEMBERS Rachel Kendzior Children With Disabilities Program Representative Annette Larkin Private, For-Profit Provider Representative Dr. Robin Thompson Manatee County School Board Designee Jennifer Passmore Board of County Commissioners' Appointee Kathy Patreka Head Start Director Chantal Porte Department of Children and Families Designee James Disbro CareerSource Suncoast Dr. Carla McGill County Health Department Designee Kristina DeWitt Florida College System Designee Marjani Jones Faith-Based Provider Representative Paul Sharff Chief Executive Officer SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE BOARD Linda Guritz BOARD OF EDUCATION MANATEE COUNTY Scott Hopes, Charlie Kennedy, Gina Messenger, Rev. James Golden, Mary Foreman, Cynthia Saunders, Superintendent

BEYOND GENEROUS The Man With A Golden Heart…

12 A SUMMER TO REMEMBER! 18 CHILDREN’S CHAMPION Leaving a Legacy… 24 BON APPETIT Jennings Provisions… 35 ELC INSIDER SECTION! 37 JLM GRADUATES... Meet the class of 2021! 42 CHILDCARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY 48 OPERATION W.I.T. 54 WATER SAFETY… Keep an eye on your kids this summer! 61 On the Bookshelf 62 EXECUTIVELY SPEAKING Why Parenting Matters? 66 Calendar Of Events 68 Fun Kids Craft Great beach idea… 76 The Latest From WRC… 77 Kids in the Kitchen Cool fun recipes! 78 MANATEE’S GOT TALENT Serving it up! 84 GRADE LEVEL READING LATEST

NEXTGEN and the Early Learning Coalition do not endorse or warrant any products or services contained herein, unless otherwise expressly noted. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors. Submitted materials will not be returned. Whole or part of this publication may not be used or duplicated in any way without written permission from the Early Learning Coalition. The Early Learning Coalition is a 501-C (3) nonprofit organization committed to ensuring affordable and creditable early child care and early education through School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs. Sponsorship by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County and the State of Florida, Office of Early Learning and Manatee County Government.

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86 CYNTHIA SAUNDERS… Superintendent on a unique year!

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The Man With A Golden Heart…

Community legend Henry Blyden on his decades of giving back. WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock PICTURES: Whitney Patton

ike an inevitable Tsunami swirling dark, angry waves in the ocean, perilous influences, and risky behavior nearly drowned Russell Serreia in the mid-1990s. Plagued with alcohol addiction and a fractured home, 15-yearold Serreia navigated the cold shadows of Bradenton neighborhoods, rolling in and out of street fights and jail cells. Hardened, lost, and flirting with danger, Serreia happened to land in a recovery program where his life course steered out of the storm and into the safe harbor of his treasured mentor and forever hero: Henry Blyden. Blyden, a gentle giant with a golden heart and insatiable desire to give back to his community, shined like a beacon for Serreia as he scooped up the wayward teen time after time with heart and motivation. "He took me under his wing and walked me on a journey, step-by-step, and never gave up on me," said Serreia, who is now married, a father, and holds a successful job. "If Henry were not a part of my life, I would have ended up in one of two places. I would have ended up in prison or dead. Or I would have figured it out way too late." Serreia, along with thousands of others, luckily crossed into the powerful, magic force field of Blyden – a charismatic Army veteran who has dedicated his entire life to lifting up others. A community legend, his name garners broad smiles and a collective, unwavering assessment that spills enthusiastically from the mouths of everyone he knows. They sing in chorus

the same phrase: Blyden is an incredible, selfless person with a remarkable gift for inspiring people to come together for a united mission. "I'd like to be remembered as a guy who has not only helped people but also given some sort of guidance and been able to deliver positive ways and positive attitudes - just a positive way of living," said Blyden, a father of three who served abroad in Germany, Panama, and Vietnam. "It is so important we as people live in a positive way and get along." Investing decades of work in substance abuse and mental health programs and a meandering list of foundations and boards that will leave you breathless, the U.S. Virgin Islands native has collected a sparkling array of accolades, including the VMA Community Hero and NAACP Lifetime Achievement awards. His friends and family recently applauded when he accepted the prestigious Manatee Community Foundation Leadership Spirit Award.

"Mr. Blyden is the kind of person who can simply ask a question of you and understanding his sincerity and passion for the issue at hand, you will gladly say yes," said Susie Bowie, Executive Director of the Manatee Community Foundation. "His gentle but persuasive leadership has encouraged people to get medical tests, donate money, mentor youth, show up when they are needed, and rise to the responsibility of caring for the community as if it is an extension of one's own family. He is a living example of service." Basking in the morning glow of his pond-side lanai shaded with majestic palms, mango, and avocado trees and serenaded with birds, the awards dangle farthest from Blyden's mind, despite his phone ringing off the hook with buddies calling to congratulate him. Glorious jasmine, strutting full bloom, sweeten the air as he energetically rattles off all the work that still stretches ahead of him. And how he can rally brothers to join from his beloved organizations Kappa Alpha Psi

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Fraternity, Gamma Xi Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and the Studies of African American Life and History (ASALH), to name a few. "His enthusiasm to help others is infectious," said Dr. James Stewart, past president of ASALH. "People around him respond with wanting to get involved. I really view him as the glue of the community because he pulls people together. I'll do whatever Henry asks me to do." Stewart, who considers Blyden a dear friend, points out Blyden will do anything for people in need. "Henry will also do the hard work," he said. "A lot of people have ideas, but they don't want to put energy into the groundwork. Henry will jump in and never complain. He has an extremely good nature and makes you laugh. He is one of the most giving individuals I have ever met." After serving 20 years in the U.S. Army, Blyden retired in 1983 and embarked on a mission as Director of Adolescent Recovery for Manatee Glens, where he guided all prevention programs, including substance abuse, HIV, and mental health for youth and adults. And when the weekend cooking staff would call in sick, Henry would snap to action – sprinting to the facility on a Sunday to fire up grease for fries or dole out sloppy Joes. When he noticed Serreia struggling to connect, the two would escape the program's corporate environment and bond while hanging Christmas lights or pruning landscapes together out in the community. "When I retired, I wanted to be of service and get into something where I could help people," said Blyden, who fell in love with fishing while serving in Panama. "I've just always had a way with young people. You need to listen to them. You can't say do this or do that all of the time because they have a mind of their own. You have to let them figure some of it out."

cruising the aisles of Acapulco Tropical Supermarket in Ellenton, searching for authentic Caribbean ingredients. Aga inst t h e backdro p of s o a ring coconut palms, he learned how to fry fish and boil plantains under the watch of his beloved grandmother, who famously kept two pictures hanging in her bedroom: One of Jesus and one of Blyden in his Army uniform. "That was my girl," said Blyden, eyes smiling and drifting skyward. "She always gave me strength and support." In turn, thousands of young people have gazed up to Blyden for guidance and leadership, including Aaron Randall, president of Kappa Alpha Psi. One of Blyden's fraternity brother's sons, Randall, recalls memories tagging along to houses for meetings or charity events. "Growing up, I saw Henry as a leader in our community always giving back," said Randall. "He was a role model and taught me how to be a leader as a whole and view everything from a 360-degree lens so you can see how decisions affect this group or that group. But when I think of Henry, I think of the toy celebration." When you mention Kappa Alpha Psi's Holiday Toy Celebration, Blyden beams with pride. Marking its 20th Year, Blyden created the event when two colleagues expressed sadness a toy drive directed to the minority community did not exist in Manatee County. Blyden pooled his resources and bought enough toys for 39 kids that first year. Now, during the month of December each year, Blyden can't even park his car in the garage because every inch sparkles with piled-up toys.

"It just grew and grew and grew," said Blyden. "This year, we served 689 children!" On a chilly Florida December morning, an impressive line of cars snake out from the Dream Center parking lot and wrap around the street. Santa greets the parade of children tucked inside their vehicles and squirming anxiously for a coveted gift. COVID forced the event to pivot into a drive-through style this year, but enthusiasm only soared. Set to begin at 11 a.m., cars piled up by 9:30 a.m. "Come hell or high water, I was doing this event," said Blyden, who is known to keep extra toys in his garage in case a struggling family misses out on the celebration. "Next year, the event is going to be named the Henry Blyden Toy Celebration. I said, 'Y'all better do it right. It has my name on it." In addition to the crafts, cuddly stuffies, and games gifted, Blyden inspired his Boule brothers to contribute $2,500 in Publix gift cards for the families. "I asked for $2,000, but they tossed in $500 more because they said it's for Henry," said Blyden, who also happens to be a 32nd degree, Mason, and Shriner. Gamma Xi Boule President Gregory Matthews agrees Blyden's requests are hard to turn down. "Leadership exudes Henry, and he is a charismatic individual – just a caring person," said Matthews, who can't think of one cause from Blyden that the fraternity has turned down. "He raises the consciousness of how to improve things through friends, associates, colleagues, and the community at large.

Growing up in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Blyden spent the first eight years of his life separated from his parents and three sisters in New York while his grandmother raised him. Memories of chasing behind cows and stirring pots of stewed goat in the kitchen take him back to his island childhood. When nudged, he can instantly slip into a thick Caribbean accent. " You can' t forget where ya co me from," said Blyden, who you might find 8

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consequence – a cause and effect." Like an engraving burned into wood, Serreia remembers with complete clarity the day he realized how much love he felt for Blyden. Clipping and pruning, the two were gardening a landscape on Siesta Key together when Blyden clutched his chest and staggered to the floor. Heart attack: The words still rattle Serreia, who spun into a panic while Blyden remained calm and walked Serreia through steps on how to get help. "I realized I was there for Henry on the most important day in his life," said Serreia. "Now he had to be there for mine." It is unbelievable that just one man can do so much."

wide spectrum of people Blyden strives to help.

Matthews recounted Blyden pitching to help a young man and his mother travel to New York City to speak in front of the United Nations for a competition. With no means to journey there or purchase a suit, Blyden pleaded with his brothers.

"Henry has a real heart for the community," said Wilkins, who shared Blyden will often pick up the phone to just check in on him and his wife. "He has a desire to do whatever he can do to help – one of those rare human beings who seems to live through giving. He has a commitment to give beyond his small circle. I love him dearly."

"By the end of the meeting, we all went into our pockets and collected enough funds to send this young man and his mother to New York and buy him a suit," said Matthews, who shared Blyden hosts a Friendsgiving each Friday after Thanksgiving. "Henry took it upon himself to make sure the young man had the right suit. And this young man won the competition." A leukemia and heart attack survivor, Blyden doesn't just focus on youth. When he discovered nearly one in five African American men will develop prostate cancer and that they are severely underserved in the battle to fight this disease, Blyden's problem was solved. He rallied his Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brothers and partnered with the Dattoli Cancer Foundation to provide free screenings for the AfricanAmerican community. "Henry took it upon himself to ensure African American men could get tested, examined, and have their prostate checked," said Matthews. "He brought it to their awareness and that this is something good for them and to not be concerned. If caught early, it is treatable. This really resonated in the community." President of Manasota ASALH David Wilkins emphasized the toy celebration and prostate screenings represent the

In addition to his fraternities, Blyden has served on countless boards and foundations, including Take Stock in Children, Suncoast Community Capital, and North Sarasota Library Friends. He's an active member of NAACP, FADAA, Humanities Working to End Genocide, and ASALH. Trading in snowy winters of the northeast for sunshine, Blyden loves his community.

After years of the recovery program, Blyden stood up for Serreia at his wedding on the courthouse steps. "It's not just a sense of accomplishment with a young person," said Blyden. "It's also a sense of pride." Lunchtime on Blyden's back porch rolls around, and he contemplates a plum and a few moments to gaze across his pond. Blyden, who also ran a catering business for six years, can whip up orange-glazed Cornish hens and potato salad on a dime. Actually, there's not much Blyden can't do, especially when it comes to inspiring a community of givers. "Give your time, give your finances, your resources or thoughts and ideas, and let's make this community, this state, this world a better place," Blyden said. "I have a prayer each night and say, 'Henry Blyden has had a damn good life."

"I can still remember my drive into Sarasota for the first time," said Blyden. "I saw all of these palm trees and coconuts and mangos. I thought this is it. This is it. This is home." Serreia discovered a home with Blyden, who cycled Serreia through the recovery program three times without giving up on him. "I don't know how he did it," said Serreia, who views Blyden as a father figure and role model who helped him gain skills to walk into any staff or business meeting. "God gave him superpowers. Even when I disappointed him, Henry was there. He gave me tough love and directed me where to go. He let me venture off the path and learn that every choice has a

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FAMILY FOCUSED

COMMUNITY DRIVEN

A LEGACY IS NOT WHAT WE DO FOR OURSELVES, IT’S WHAT WE DO FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Carl Reynolds Law 820 43rd Street West Bradenton, Florida 34209

941-747-3300

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EXPAND your mind at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Blast off. Dive deep. Be curious. From a microscopic cell to a far away galaxy, we are all connected to each other, the cosmos and the world around us.

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

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A Summer to Remember! D

WORDS: Christa Hardin

uring the hectic school year, we bounce through a family obstacle course of soccer and drama club, piano lessons and multiple ortho appointments, oil changes, and multiple trips to Publix on any given day. While there's a good chance you still have a few things going on in the summer (OK, more than a few), there's a bit more wiggle room in most cases. In other words, if there ever was a time to spend quality time with your family members, this is it. The longer days of summer and a bit of slack with homework make this an ideal time and opportunity to connect your hearts and make memories doing something you and your child both

love. As they're under your roof for just a little longer, (yes it really does fly by), it's so important to make the most of it! This summer, commit to finding at least one date night a month per child so you can truly get to these deeper connection levels versus just trying to talk across the kitchen sink or straining your neck in the carpool line. Before you worry about budgeting it all in, don't worry, it doesn't have to be Busch Gardens, or Universal resident passes either! (Kid readers, take note!) For two-parent homes, remember to switch it up for moms and dads. Time alone with mom is just different from time alone with

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dad, and those differences reinforce the strengths that come from each other, as Kyle Pruett of Yale School of Medicine and Educational Advisory Board member for The Goddard School reminds us. Because we know you're still busy, we've taken most of the work out of it, too, by providing you a list of local ideas for your dates! Take a few minutes to browse, and instead of just intending to do it, take some intentional time to write the date nights down so you can get them on the calendar! We've also listed some dates for just the parents as well since most parents only get date nights every couple of months! Let your long summer nights together be the stuff of love, too. You certainly deserve it after all your hard work this year!!

Parent and Child Dates to Plan Walk around the Bradenton, St. Pete, or Sarasota Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings together. Get a fruity popsicle, flowers, and some delicious artisan bread and cookies while also getting a bit of your Fitbit time in! In downtown Sarasota, visit Toy Lab to get a birthday present for a friend (yes, this nostalgic toy store is still open and still gift wraps!) and stop at Patrick's for lunch for the two of you. They have both a great kids' and adult menu! Get ice cream at the new and delicious Jeni's of UTC and stroll into Barnes and Noble for a book to share or individual books. Tell each other about your books while you enjoy your ice cream. Have younger ones and no sitter? Put them to nap or bed and do a home spa day with kids who like to primp with stick-on nails or pedi's (and do this only if this is your kid's personality!) Shop Amazon together with a budget and then shop for someone else, so you're teaching them the value of considering others. Pick up a treat for them from Amazon Pantry, so they feel treated by you too! Start a simple lanai garden together to teach them fun and responsibility. Growing chives, spinach, carrots, and cabbage

are all easy to do here in Florida year-round, and the rewarding summer salad and soup bits feel so good for kids to enjoy! Run to the dollar store and buy something cheap but delicious to bake together, such as a cake or cookies! Let your child pick out a package of water balloons also and have an epic battle! Go on a picnic at Robinson Preserve or Celery Fields when the sun goes down, and then make sure to let your child pick out at least half the picnic items, so they feel part of the whole experience. Go to Target, hit the snack aisle together, and then head home with said treats and Netflix and chill with a show they've wanted to show you. Show a lot of interest and put the phone in another room. Make a pizza together with a cookie sheet or pizza stone. If you want a shortcut, don't forget to visit the Publix bakery area for the entire kit. Grab a packaged salad and a roll of cookie dough to make it extra fun and yummy time together. When it's time for the 'rents date night, send the kids to their room after dinner with a movie, book, or game or get them a sitter.

Here are a few date nights to plan for the grown-ups! Stargaze together with your Nightsky phone app and sip a glass of champagne by moonlight. Light a fire if you've got a fire pit, and either way, don't forget the bug spray! Dress your best and take some YouTube dancing lessons or put on some Sinatra and sizzle into the kitchen with a gourmet meal for two. Walk both ends of UTC Mall, pick each other out a scent or special romantic item and eat at Cheesecake Factory or Seasons 52 for a fun and upscale night out! Walk the mall again if you overdo it. Remember, calendaring the dates is the ONLY way it happens - don't let time slip away! Remember the crickets in Charlotte's Web, "Summer is over and gone, over and gone, over and gone," and don't miss the wonderful moments together in the meantime for anything! 13

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PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

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Kiwanis

Club of North Manatee

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Choose from Three Options to Fit Your Future:

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High School Students:

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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.

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Leaving A Legacy… Pam Parmenter reflects on amazing 40-year career in early education. WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock PICTURES: Whitney Patton

single word unexpectedly and beautifully burst from the mouth of a non-verbal teenage girl in a class for students with profound special needs, igniting a surge of joy and excitement through the heart of Pam Parmenter in the early 1980s. The sound, "Vickypoo," floated out assertively and purposely into the busy classroom and commanded attention like a surprise visit from a four-star general. "She was a non-verbal student, and then all of a sudden, she said her name – the nickname we called her," said Parmenter, who had just relocated from Pennsylvania and jumped into substitute teaching the final 13 weeks of the school year. "We all got so excited. We just had a party!" The language milestone captured Parmenter as she reflected on the year. Her eyes glowed at the memory of the quadriplegic student she wheeled on stage so he could debut in a Singing in the Rain performance. She celebrated submersing each student outside every day to feel the warmth of nature, despite physical and emotional limitations. She thought about tiny seeds of progress that – in this special class of six young people age 14-21 – bloomed like a vibrant sea of Colorado wildflowers. Thoughtfully crafting each student's IEP that June, Parmenter discovered inspiration that propelled her nearly 40-year career in education: Every single child deserves support and learning opportunities. "I have always had a passion for championing the underdog," said Parmenter, whose career culminated as Director of Early Learning at the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. "I actually don't see people as underdogs. I view them as people in need of opportunity." Like a fairy godmother of education, Parmenter has sprinkled her magic across Manatee County - dedicating her career to encouraging life-long learners in both children and adults. Tirelessly advocating early educational programs and essential

support for students, parents, and teachers, Parmenter has served in positions ranging from preschool director to trainer for educators. Now this mystery-book lover and board game night owl who tackled a master's degree at age 61 faces a new chapter at the end of June: Retirement. And scores of people are going to miss her generous smiles, layers of knowledge and experience, and insatiable drive to enhance the quality of early childhood programming in Manatee County. "Pam is going to be very much missed not just by myself and all of our staff, but also by the wider local early learning community," said Paul Sharff, CEO of the Manatee County Early Learning Coalition. "She has been an outstanding advocate for our youngest learners in what has been an amazing career. Pam has tremendous knowledge of the programs and requirements that our local children need most. She has been a fountain of knowledge for so many people in the early learning field, and we have been lucky to have such a talented, dedicated, and caring lady on our team. We will miss her greatly – but wish her well in her well-earned retirement." Listening to history and stories of people morph to life, Parmenter absorbed the talented energy of her high school social studies teacher – a man who inspired her to pursue a degree in teaching. However, early childhood education ultimately grabbed her heart. She indulged in six years stacking blocks, reciting poetry, and creating masterpieces alongside young children while she 19

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served as preschool director of Cape Vista Learning Center – the first for-profit subsidized childcare program in Manatee County. "I had the ability to see the changes and progress in young children," said Parmenter, who speaks in a soft, calming tone with a healthy dose of humor. "It's fun. I get to play. Play is how children learn. Play is how adults learn. If we encourage learning at a young age, and we are doing our jobs right and teaching through intention to keep children motivated, then we are teaching lifelong learners." With eyes sparkling at the memory, Parmenter recounted teaching her preschoolers how to recite the poem "Rain" by Robert Louis Stevenson and exposing them to quality literature.

Pam’s Boys - Eddie and Sara Parmenter with Ashley and Joey Kelly

"It doesn't really matter if you can read or not," said Parmenter, who confesses Fred Rogers is her ultimate hero, and she is known to roll with laughter at a good, clever book. "You can still encourage a love of literacy in children by curling up with them beside you. They feel warmth and moisture from your breath. Books are not only about literacy. There is an emotional attachment to books."

Raising two sons, Eddie and Joey, who shine as the lights of her life, Parmenter now relishes bonding with her almost-threeyear-old grandson, Patryk. Whether it is a walk around the neighborhood or rolling a toy bus across the living room floor, Parmenter cherishes one-on-one connection. Many afternoons, the pair will journey into a good book while Patryk curls up in a rocker that belonged to Parmenter as a little girl. The emotional attachment and quiet moments between parents and children form the base of Parmenter's strategy to empower and support caregivers and teachers as well as the students. Grateful for this perspective, Dr. Sheila Halpin, Manatee County's Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and volunteer coordinator, echoes Parmenter has been a servant leader and champion for children and families. "Pam empowers families to be their child's first and best teacher," said Halpin. "She provides opportunities and gives support to classrooms through professional development opportunities to improve student outcomes, particularly for students experiencing poverty. Pam invests in networking to solve problems using evidence-based interventions for students with effective approaches that can be replicated. She also trains and prepares teachers to better serve students." Like a solid support beam bridging islands, Parmenter exudes a talent for motivating people to work together and enhance the quality of early childhood programming. "Pam is an asset to our community and has contributed to the success of educators and the positive trajectory of families," Halpin said. "Manatee County is indebted to the selfless and tireless work Pam has done for all and her unwavering belief that all children can succeed." Blinking from Parmenter's computer screen and highlighting an image of children holding hands is a quote from the book "Intellectual Emergencies: Some Reflections on Mothering and Teaching" by Lillian Katz. It provides daily inspiration for Parmenter. "I believe that each of us must come to care about everyone else's children," the quote reads. "We must come to see that the well-being of our own individual children is intimately linked to the well-being of all other people's children."

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Parmenter stresses a healthy society depends on community members embracing every child.

"My sisters won't even play me in Scrabble," said Parmenter with a chuckle and a twinkle in her eye.

"I think of all children in Manatee County as my children," said Parmenter. "How we treat them now will determine how they relate with society. It will help to allow them to have a relationship with society."

A giant white-board calendar stretches impressively across the back of her office, which serves as a tool to train her replacement. As retirement creeps closer, Parmenter feels a mix of emotions percolating inside her.

This philosophy formed the backbone of Parmenter during a 16-year position as Director of Education and Director of Quality Assurance for Resource Connection for Kids. Along with a laundry list of responsibilities, Parmenter assessed and supervised the quality of contracted childcare programs throughout the county. Supervising child progress in these programs, she also oversaw training programs for teachers.

"There is sadness – absolutely. Though I now can confront each day with the freedom to decide what I want to do, even if that is nothing," said Parmenter, who has invested in a "decent starter camera" to flirt with the art of photography.

"In this county, we have worked hard to help provide improved teacher/child relationships," said Parmenter, a Sudoku and crossword puzzle extraordinaire. "You can have all the tools, but if you don't know how to implement them, that is the missing link." Decades ago, Kristi Mellin, who now owns Kids Academy Plus, cherished the influence Parmenter gifted her. As a 16-year-old Manatee High School student, Mellin arrived each afternoon to work in the one-year-old classroom of Parmenter's school. Wideeyed and eager to learn, Mellin soaked in Parmenter's sheer love for the children along with vigorous support for her teachers.

Eager always to learn new skills, she often wakes memories of her first Manatee County job, teaching special needs kids so many years ago. "I remember everything about that class as if it was yesterday," said Parmenter. "I remember all their names. That class changed and inspired me. From that experience, I saw how all children could grow."

"Pam has always been a huge support system for me," said Mellin, who believes Parmenter inspired her to carve out a lifelong career in early childhood education, too. "She's the one I still reach out to for advice – the one I call. Even if she won't know the answer, she always knows how to find the answer. I told her I'm not ready for her to retire and that I hope she's still a phone call away." When Parmenter is not analyzing educational data, she indulges in coastline sunsets from her Clearwater Beach condo. You might find her lost in a game of Candy Crush or blazing through Trivial Pursuit questions. Not many people will agree to a Scrabble match with her.

Dr. Pam Phelps, Pam Parmenter, and David Lawrence (founder of The Children’s Movement of Florida) solving the problems of the world. 21

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POPULAR PROVISIONS…

WORDS: Kara Chalmers PICTURES: Whitney Patton

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wner and Chef Marc Cripe defines downtown Bradenton’s Jennings Provisions as “a craft beer and wine bar serving bar snacks.” The description is apt, though perhaps incomplete. The “bar snacks” it offers aren’t your run-of-the-mill nachos, mozzarella sticks, or mixed nuts. Jennings’ snacks are foodie-friendly, with flatbreads, tacos, salads, and “Snack + Share” items like Smoked Mahi Spread with saltines and house-made pickled veggies; Baked Brie Cheese with apricot jam, nuts, pepitas, pita, and apple; and the Slaw Dog, smoked sausage wrapped in tortillas with cheese, slaw, barbecue sauce, and crispy onions. The plates at Jennings Provisions might be small, but the flavors are anything but. The food is high quality, and the dishes are inventive and presented beautifully. The menu changes seasonally, and there are daily specials, which have included Gulf Oysters on the Half Shell, Tenderloin Sliders, and Seafood Quesadillas. You can choose from several local craft beers. The stars of the wine list are the LOLA brand Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noirs, and Cabernet. These nationally acclaimed wines are from Marc Cripe’s brother Seth Cripe’s vineyard in Napa Valley, CA.

A TRUE SIDEWALK CAFÉ Jennings Provisions is smack in the middle of Old Main Street in Bradenton. The outdoor covered brick patio is strung with globe lights and offers great people-watching on Old Main Street. The interior of Jennings Provisions is dominated by a wooden bar, around which there are several black metal stools. In all, there are about 50 seats, including a few indoor tables. Inside, there is so much merch for sale – from shirts showing the Jennings Provisions logo (an apron-wearing chimpanzee with a glass of beer) to stylish jewelry to candles – that the place feels a bit like an edgy boutique. Even the two surfboards that hang from the ceiling are for sale, said manager Meagen Jones (Cripe’s sister). It all adds up to a place that feels casual, beachy, and fun, especially when the Bob Marley music is turned up. Marc Cripe and his siblings grew up in the restaurant business. In addition to Seth (the Napa winemaker), Marc’s other brother, Mic, is a chef. Also, Marc owned Bradenton’s Central Café for 17 years before selling it in 2017. Before opening Central Cafe, Marc was the chef at his family’s Cuisine de France

and Marley’s restaurants. He had also owned the Cornerstone Tavern on Main Street in Sarasota. Marc opened Jennings Provisions in October 2016, naming it after the twostory historic building – the Jennings Arcade shopping center– in which it is housed.

POPULAR PROVISIONS One popular snack, which can easily function as a meal, is the plate-sized Bavarian Soft Pretzel, served warm with Beer-Braised Smoked Sausage, pickled veggies, house mustard, and cheese dip. There is only one dessert option, but it is decadent: a Salted Caramel Brownie with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and nuts. Jones said the tacos are Jennings’ most popular offering. Cripe always slow roasts the chicken and pork for maximum flavor and tenderness. The tacos are sizable, and you get two per order. The Pork Carnitas Tacos come with slaw, house barbecue sauce, crema, and crispy onions. The Mojo Chicken Tacos come with jack cheese, crema, picante, slaw, and crispy onions. For the six by 12-inch flatbreads, there are three offerings: Cheese, with pesto, 25

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greens, and balsamic syrup; Mushroom, with onion, pesto, cheese, greens, and balsamic syrup; and Smoked Salmon, with Boursin cheese, pesto, onion, capers, cheese, greens, and crema. The Basic Salad has greens, tomatoes, cheese, onion, and balsamic vinaigrette. There’s also the Taco Salad, with lettuce, tomato, jack cheese, banana peppers, onion, picante crema, and tortilla chips. You can add Mojo Chicken or Pork Carnitas to the Taco Salad. And you can also get a scoop of chicken salad on a plate of greens, with onion, pickles, tomatoes, and tortilla chips. As for the drinks, there are several craft beers on draft and many local options. Some examples: J Dubs Poolside Kolsch Ale, Darwins Juicy Daze New England Hazy IPA, and Tampa Bay Brewing Quat Kumquat Ale. Bottles and craft cans offer an array of beers from around the world. Can cocktails include Ketel One Vodka Cucumber Mint Spritz; Cut Water Fugu Vodka Grapefruit Soda; and Malibu Pineapple Coconut Soda Splash. Tallboys include Natty Light Naturdays Strawberr y Lemonade and Steigl Grapefruit Radler. You can also get a mimosa made with Simonet Blanc de Blanc and Florida Orange Juice. There are 23 fine wines on the wine list, including white, rose, red, and bubbly, either by the glass or bottle. There’s even something special on tap that’s nonalcoholic: the Sarasota-made 221 Kombucha, in both Ginger and Berry Hibiscus. You can also get local Kahwa Coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and tea, all iced or hot, plus Pellegrino and sodas.

THE DETAILS Jennings Provisions is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Happy Hour ($1 off any wine, beer, or cider) is from 3 to 6 p.m. every day. The location is 417 12th St W. in Bradenton. 27

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Join us on National First Responders Day, October 28th 2021, in honor of our HEROES at the 2021 Manatee Leadership Prayer Breakfast hosted by Paul Sharff, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. Help us maintain the tradition of assembling together to build relationships and pray for our community, our state and our nation in support of our youngest citizens!

This event will benefit the From Cradle to College™ Foundation that exists to support the 6,500 children served every year by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Register online today or call (941) 212-4988 for more information.

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New Doctors. New Choices. Physicians at Doctors of Manatee Care for the Health of Your Entire Family

Drew Edwards, MD, FAAFP Comprehensive Family Medicine for all Ages Dr. Edwards is the newest member of Doctors of Manatee. He is a board certified primary care physician and a fellow of the American Board of Family Medicine. His special services include diabetes care, medical management of high blood pressure, cardiovascular care, pediatric and adolescent medicine and men’s health.

“I especially enjoy caring for patients in the context of the whole family,” says Dr. Edwards. “I look forward to getting to know my patients personally and partnering with them to achieve optimal health.”

Gary Strobl, Jr., DO Comprehensive Primary and Preventive Medicine for Adults Dr. Strobl joined Doctors of Manatee last summer. His special services include management of cardiovascular and diabetic conditions, sports medicine and men’s health. He prefers to use an integrative approach to medicine, particularly as it pertains to helping patients with chronic conditions manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

“My goal is to provide individualized patient care, working together to provide a treatment plan that takes into account the patient as a person. Together we strive to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Strobl.

Kelly Thibert, DO, MPH Comprehensive Family Medicine for all Ages Dr. Thibert joined Doctors of Manatee last fall. She is a board certified family medicine physician. Her special services include reproductive medicine, LGBTQ and gender affirming healthcare, help for substance use disorders and osteopathic manipulative medicine. Her patient care philosophy is to provide care for every individual in every walk-of-life.

“I consider myself a fully comprehensive physician, taking into consideration my patients’ lives outside the exam room, because this has the greatest impact on their overall health,” says Dr. Thibert.

Doctors of Manatee physicians specialize in primary and preventive medicine, including acute and chronic conditions. Schedule an appointment with the doctor of your choice by calling: 866-515-9777.

1720 Manatee Ave. E. | Bradenton, FL 34208

manateephysicianalliance.com For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 210207-0894 04/21

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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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2021-2022 ENROLLMENT OPEN

Three campuses. One mission. Easterseals Academy specializes in serving students – Kindergarten through 12th Grade – who are challenged by autism and related developmental disabilities as well as physical, learning and other mild behavioral disabilities. Small teacher-to-student ratios help to ensure that students are afforded every opportunity to live their lives to the fullest. Beyond educational platforms offered at our campuses and virtually, we also enrich your child’s education experience. Classroom settings include lessons in art, music, performing arts, Spanish, organic agriculture as well as PT-OT-speech-behavioral therapies enhanced with neurofeedback, nutrition, movement as well as family support.

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY K-1st at Braden Avenue campus SARASOTA 2nd-8th at Claxstrauss Drive campus SARASOTA 9th-12th at Boys & Girls Club of Manatee campus BRADENTON

Learn more at EastersealsAcademy.org.

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enrollment@easterseals-swfl.org n 941-271-9851

4/23/21 11:59 AM

Mill Creek Easter Egg NextGen JuneJuly 2021.indd 32

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PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

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Can’t attend full-time classes?

Discover MTC’s Hybrid Programs Online and In-Person Learning Programs include: Medical Assisting Medical Coder/Biller Pharmacy Technician Practical Nursing

· Jumpstart your medical career! · Have a new Career in a Year! · Study on-campus and online · Flexible and accommodating for work/life demands. · Combines the best of face-to-face and online instruction · Attend evening/weekend classes · Scholarships available for qualifying students

Apply at ManateeTech.edu 5520 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34211 941.752.8100

ManateeTech.edu • MTCAlliedHealth@ManateeSchools.net 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.

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ELC INSIDER CONTENTS: 37

JLM Class of 2021

Never Too Young to Read

38 42 48 51

WOW ELC!

Childcare Provider Directory Whatever It Takes The Art of ECAR

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DO YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR CHILD CARE? VPK - FREE preschool for all 4-year-olds residing in FL regardless of family income School Readiness - A child care subsidy based on income and family size for children aged birth to 12

Call (941) 757-2910 or visit www.elc-manatee.org today! Sponsorship by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County and the State of Florida, Office of Early Learning.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Registration #CH27655 “A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”

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JLM CLASS OF 2021! T

he Junior Leadership Manatee board was excited to announce the 2020-21 graduates of the year-long program that gives high-school juniors who live in or attend school in Manatee County the opportunity to get an inside view of the community. During the school year, on days when the School District of Manatee County is closed, students participated in themed days: Government & Law, Health & Human Needs, Media, Agriculture & Land Use, Culture & Recreation, and Business & Industry. Normally traveling by bus, the students connected with local leaders, explored potential careers, and learned about community challenges, needs, and resources related to healthcare, hunger, domestic violence, substance abuse, homelessness, animal welfare, agriculture, land use, manufacturing, tourism, recreation, and the media. The program – which has the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County as Premier Sponsor - culminated with a graduation dinner on April 15 at Pier 22. Students were presented with graduation plaques and enjoyed this year’s keynote speaker - John Horne, Owner and President of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar. Kelly Foster, Junior Leadership Manatee 2019-21 Chair, said: “Our program facilitators worked really hard to find alternative touring places due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation and ways to keep the students engaged. JLM students have the advantage of making connections with various organizations and individuals, which is invaluable because they have actual resources to turn to in order to gain firsthand knowledge about their career interests and ways to contribute to our community.”

Junior Leadership Manatee, which is made up entirely of volunteers, is fully funded by sponsorships. In addition to ELC, this year’s program was made possible by the following sponsors: Leadership Manatee Alumni Association, Joy FM, Children’s World, Mission Neem, Core Construction, and the Sons of the American Legion (Kirby Stewart Squadron 24).

CLASS OF 2021 GRADUATES: Left to Right, Back Row: Ariana Majano (LWR), Keile O’Dell (Manatee), Colin Heina (Palmetto), Arianna Longo (Palmetto), Surain Ranajee (LWR), Seth Radebach (SCFCS), Logan Kliewer (Bradenton Christian), Jemmo Joseph (Manatee), Harrison Bakker (SCFCS), Toddrick Pollock (Southeast), Denny Lu (Manatee), Madeline Hume (Palmetto), Riley Williams (Palmetto) Second row: Caleigh Herman (LWR), Rayline Waldin (SCFCS), Taylor Rowland (Bradenton Christian), Luke Steiner (SCFCS), Marc Farinas (SCFCS), Jhonny J Lopez (SCFCS), Elaine Yantas (SCFCS), Aleta Alvin (SCFCS), Madison Koutsoudis (SCFCS), Jessica Burdette (Manatee) Front Row: Carlye Pepe (Palmetto), Aksharaa Praveenkumar (LWR), Alina Chacko (Southeast), Mallory Stroud (Southeast), John Horne (Anna Maria Oyster Bar Owner), Toddrick Pollock (Southeast), Gavin Andrews (Southeast), and Coral Bell (Palmetto) Not Pictured: Hannah Agliano (Parrish), Maddy Boehm (St. Stephen’s), Hannah Camacho (Bradenton Christian), Jackson Connor (St. Stephen’s), Ariel Gates (Southeast), Lindsay Karuza (SCFCS), Jocelyn Leal (Manatee), Caroline Lehman (Manatee), Brianna Myers (Bradenton Christian), Hannah Pickhardt (Bradenton Christian), Sienna Rodriguez (Braden River).

• For questions or sponsorship opportunities please

contact Kelly Foster at kellyfostermat@gmail.com, visit juniorleadershipmanatee.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @juniorleadershipmanatee.

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ELCMC SUPPORT FOR MANATEE COUNTY Youngest learners amid the pandemic through February '21

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELCMC), through the Office of Early Learning (OEL), has allocated more than $3.2 million to support Manatee County's youngest learners. These funds, from Child Care and Development Funds (CCDF), General Revenue (GR), Preschool Development Grant (PDG), and Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), may be used to provide the resources and support needed to help providers remain open or reopen as soon as they can safely do so. A description of ELCMC's responses to provide resources and supports to both families and child care providers is below. Each of the supports provided are consistent with the following principles:

$3.2

Million

to support children ages birth through 5

Strategically rebuild the early childhood education and care landscape with an emphasis on quality providers. Provide local child care providers with ﬂexibility, as appropriate, to leverage established partnerships and available resources. Redirect existing federal discretionary funding, as appropriate to support families, providers and communities. Enhance the early childhood education and care workforce through incentives to gain new skills and expand existing skills, competency and professionalism.

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE

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

CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUNDS (CCDF) - (MARCH 20 - PRESENT) Spring 2020: Distributed to providers $413,500 in mini-grants to meet infrastructure, cleaning and supply needs and teacher training stipends. March-August 15, 2020: Suspended terminations of SR child care services, and extended timelines for submission of paperwork by parents to maintain eligibility for families. May-On-going: Provided ﬂexibility for eligibility for SR child care by adding “job search” as a purpose for care for families. April-December 2020: Waived required SR copayments for parents and reimbursed SR (birth – age 5 and school-age programs) based on enrollment as opposed to attendance.

PRESCHOOL DEVELOPMENT GRANT (PDG) - $21K

GENERAL REVENUE FUNDS (GR) - $2.2M

The PDG funds, designed to strengthen Florida’s overall early childhood system to improve quality early learning experiences for children, were redirected to provide minigrants to support the provision of mental health services to child care staff and the families they serve, as well as provided support for the use of high-quality curriculum by SR providers.

April-September 2020: Reimbursed VPK providers based on enrollment as opposed to attendance. Totaling $2,278,646 from April – September 2020.

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CARES ACT RESPONSE

The information below describes ELCMC's use of the CARES ACT funds to support our service area's child care providers and the families they serve.

A. CHILD CARE FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS - $660K In April 2020, ELCMC, in coordination with the Office of Early Learning, prioritized access to child care services for health care and ﬁrst responder professionals to provide expedited access and expedited referrals for 333 children of first responders and health care workers. More than 63 eligible early learning/child care providers with SR contracts received a monthly bonus/incentive of $500 per child (with a maximum limit of $12,000 per provider location).

ELC staff did an amazing job supporting us after COVID hit. They really went above and beyond - Julee Williams Wee World

B. FOUR GRANT PHASES TO 125 CHILD CARE PROVIDERS - $1,490,700 phase

phase

Emergency Child Care Relief Grants for Early Learning/Child Care Providers - $822,250 SR and VPK providers and non-contracted providers that were open for business as of April 30, 2020 received grants to continue their services. These providers may have had intermittent closures, and providers that have closed permanently after April 30, 2020 were not eligible for these funds. High-Quality Reopening Support Grants for Early Learning/Child Care Providers - $184,025 SR and VPK providers and non-contracted providers that were closed on April 30, 2020 and reopened by August 31, 2020 received grants. These providers were required to have a Gold Seal designation or a program assessment (CLASS score) of 3.5 or higher. Contracted SR/VPK Providers - $170,925 SR and VPK providers, including contracted public/charter school providers and program assessment (CLASS) exempt providers that were closed on April 30, 2020 and reopened by August 31, 2020 received grants to assist in reopening during the COVID-19 crisis. Additional Support to Providers - $313,500 SR and VPK providers operational/open on October 15, 2020 were provided additional funding to assist them in remaining open during the COVID-19 crisis.

C. OTHER PROGRAMS Successful Transition to Kindergarten - $314,146 Incoming kindergarten students had their preschool experience signiﬁcantly disrupted by COVID-19. Funding has been provided to the school district by ELCMC to implement summer programs for rising kindergarten students identiﬁed with limited language and emergent literacy skills as determined by the VPK assessments and teacher recommendations.

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

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NEVER TOO YOUNG TO READ! WORDS: ZERO to THREE

he first—and best—tip for sharing books with young children is to have fun together! If children are engaged and enjoying themselves, they are learning. When children have positive interactions with books, they are developing good feelings about reading, which will motivate them to continue seeking out books and other literacy materials as they grow. Here are some other ideas for nurturing early literacy skills in your baby or toddler:

A Few Minutes at a Time is OK. Don’t Worry if You Don’t Finish the Story. Young children can only sit for a few minutes for a story, but as they grow, they will be able to sit longer. Let your child decide how much (or how little) time you spend reading. And you don’t need to read every page. You may find that your child has a favorite page or even a favorite picture. She may want to linger there for a while, and then switch books or activities. Babies may just want to mouth the book! That’s okay. When you let your child explore books in the ways that interest her, the reading experience will be more meaningful.

Talk or Sing About the Pictures You do not have to read the words to tell a story. Try “reading” the pictures in a book for your child sometime. When your child is old enough, ask him to read the pictures to you!

Let Children Turn the Pages Babies cannot yet turn pages on their own, but an 18-month-old will want to give it a try, and a 3-year-old can certainly do it alone. Remember, it’s OK to skip pages!

Show Children the Cover Page Explain what the story is about. If you have an older toddler, ask them to guess what the story might be about.

Show Children the Words Run your finger along the words as you read them, from left to right.

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Make Books a Part of Your Daily Routine The more that books are woven into children’s everyday lives, the more likely they will be to see reading as a pleasure and a gift.

• At Meal Times Sing or read a story during a moment of quiet nursing or to gather the kids around the noisy breakfast table.

• In the Car or on the Bus Make the Story Come Alive Create voices for the story characters and use your body to tell the story.

Make It Personal Talk about your own family, pets, or community when you are reading about others in a story.

Ask Questions About the Story, and Let Children Ask Questions Too! Use the story to have a back-and-forth conversation with your child. Talk about familiar activities and objects you see in the illustrations or read about in the story.

Let Children Tell The Story Children as young as 3 years old can memorize a story, and many children love to be creative through storytelling.

Create Books Together Make photo books of family members. Cut pictures out of magazines or catalogs to make word books. Make a color book by having fun with crayons, markers, and paints. As your child gets older, have him or her dictate a story to you and then draw pictures to go with the words.

Keep a few books in the car or in your diaper bag to keep your little ones quiet and busy.

• At Child Care Drop Off Calm a crying child at good-bye time with a favorite story or lullaby. Leave a photo book with pictures of loved family members at child care so your child can flip through it when she is missing you.

• At the Doctor’s Office Read or tell a soothing story to your little one in the waiting room and sing or talk through the scary parts of the visit. Before the visit, read books about going to the doctor so your child knows what to expect.

• At the Grocery Store Put a few board books in the shopping cart or tie a cloth book to the shopping cart so you’re not cleaning up books from the floor as you go!

• At Nap Time Familiar routines always help babies calm down. Use books and stories to quietly ease your baby to sleep.

• At Day’s End You are exhausted, the baby is fussy. Lie down on the floor surrounded by books. Play a book on tape for your baby. Sing a song together while you all try to relax a bit.

• At Bath Time Plastic bath time books are great fun and may help a fussy baby enjoy the tub a little more.

• At Bed Time Soothing books and stories can work magic with babies who fight sleep!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easter Seals of Southwest Florida 350 Braden Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7637 Education Time 5165 33rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-7332 Evans Family Day Care Home 1500 7th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-720-9640 Faith Preschool of Faith UCC 4850 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-7895

Happy Cubs 6207 21st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-798-6173 Happy Go Lucky 1606 55th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-752-4608 Hawkins Family Day Care Home 439 47th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-405-2405 House of JBaby's Preschool 1300 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-7415

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Palma Sola Early Learning Academy 7315 1st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-795-0788 Palmetto Youth Center 501 17th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0783

School for Constructive Play 6608 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941-778-2210 Smarty Pants Preschool LLC 832 62nd Street Circle East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-7710

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sproutlings Kids SFCP Too, Inc. 3411 US Highway 301 North Ellenton, FL 34222 941-845-4484 Stapleton Family Day Care Home 1110 42nd Terrace East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-580-0510 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Morton Clark 1707 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-6667 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Palmetto 1315 2nd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-750-6667 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Parkland 6432 Parkland Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-750-6667 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning West Bradenton 2531 9th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-750-6667

The Goddard School 14534 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-752-6600 The Learning Experience Lakewood Ranch 14425 Arbor Green Trail Bradenton, FL 34202 941-251-4046 The Learning Post Child Care 623 30th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-536-4858 The Myakka City Community Center 10070 Wauchula Road Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-8114 The Proven LLC 911 Rye Road East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-739-3929 Thompson Academy LLC 1212 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-748-2162 Tiny Tots University 930 9th Street Drive West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-723-9072

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Childcare Resource & Referral (941) 757-2910

Make a difference, donate today at www.fromcradletocollegefoundation.org! 47

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LET US HELP YOU CONNECT MORE

CONFIDENTLY WITH YOUR CHILDREN!

FREE PROGRAM! Participants of Operation W.I.T will enjoy: • 7 weeks of free parenting classes • FREE field trip to The Bishop Museum for families with 6 weeks of attendance

HURRY!

GROUPS ARE FILLING UP!

• Hands-on science and social studies lessons for children aboard our fleet of customized educational vehicles • Weekly incentives such as childrens’ books or gift cards after each class

• FREE meal for all parents and children who attend

Enroll today at https://bit.ly/39Voy79 (941) 757-2900 ext. 2500 operationwit@elc-manatee.org NextGen JuneJuly 2021.indd 48

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Whatever It Takes

We bring the learning to you with our mobile fleet of education vehicles. In our 8-week course, parents and family members will learn from the Effective Black Parenting Program while children receive instruction to help them become better prepared for school. In addition, participants will have the unique opportunity to practice learned skills on a family field trip to The Bishop Museum.

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Delivering a Tobacco-Free Future…

It takes years of training, hard work, determination, and perseverance for an athlete to ascend to the top of their sport. It is physically and mentally demanding every step of the way. Athletes are supposed to represent and be the pinnacle of health and wellness. Still, contrary to the assumption, tobacco use among athletes continues to be an issue one local business is willing to fight.

the harm associated with smoking, dipping, vaping, etc. E-Cigarettes are absolutely hurting these kids, and I want our players and our parents to see that we can make a difference,” said Jenna Berquist, Program Director of i9 Sports, a youth sports league serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

I9 Sports have teamed up with Tobacco Free Manatee to implement a tobaccofree policy for employees, volunteers, athletes, and visitors to assist with education, prevention, and provide cessation resources for those who wish to quit.

A f te r d e c ad e s of e du c at i o n a nd prevention methods to drop smoking rates, the tobacco industry is pushing to find new users, particularly among our youth, turning back the clock on the progress our nation has made in the fight against tobacco. E-cigarettes are now the most popular tobacco product among the next generation.

“There is not enough information out there, especially to the next generation regarding

The popularity is growing as younger users are more likely to become addicted,

leading to a more difficult time quitting and be at a higher risk for addiction to other substances in the future, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “I would like to see other organizations come together, be better, do better and inspire…It all starts with a conversation,” said Berquist. In order to maximize the future generation, Tobacco Free Manatee has been on-site during game-days to coach tobacco education through fun, interactive games, resources, and cessation opportunities. I9 Sports and Tobacco Free Manatee have initiated the conversation and are leading by example to deliver a tobaccofree future. Will you be next?

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THE ART OF ECAR… WORDS & PICTURES: Ana Rodriguez "Every Child a Reader" (ECAR) is a one-week, annual event in April that promotes early literacy in Manatee County. It provides an unforgettable experience for three-to-five-year-old children and many volunteers from all occupations to share a quality readaloud as they support the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC). Traditionally during Every Child A Reader Week, community volunteers visit PreK classrooms to read the book selected for that year. After reading the book, the volunteers distribute a copy to the children with a family tip sheet that offers ideas to encourage reading. Last month's ECAR event had a new look for the 3,300 children involved; with the ongoing pandemic restrictions, ELC moved ECAR towards a virtual and contactless event. This year's changes included a virtual read-aloud of the book "Ish," featuring noteworthy community leaders. "Ish" - by Peter H. Reynolds - strives to share a message that art is personal and that self-expression does not require perfection. Unique to this virtual event, children met Mrs. Chris Culp, who taught a coordinated art history lesson. Every child received a paint set to express themselves as the main character did. Every Child a Reader Week is the outcome of a collaborative effort between the ELC and several generous local community organizations. With deep gratitude, we thank the Bradenton Kiwanis Club and the Michael Saunders & Company Foundation for their dedication to early literacy and for celebrating Children's Week!

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l a u n n A 2nd

C ornhole & C ocktails F estival 35 per ticket

Must be 21+ to attend

Includes: • Cocktails, wine & beer tastings • Live Music • Food tastings • Raffles • Door Prizes • Cornhole (Sign-Ups are 1st come, first serve for time slots) • TICKETS AT www.eventbrite.com - Search Cornhole and Cocktails SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 • 3PM - 7PM LIVE MUSIC BY:

Eric Von - Local Talent & Nashville Recording Star!

LOCATED at the Palmetto Fairgrounds, Veterans Hall 1303 17th St. W, Palmetto, FL 34221

Thank you to our sponsors: Diamond Sponsor:

Cornhole tournament by:

Gold Sponsor: Silver Sponsor: E.R. Jahna Industries

Bronze Sponsors:

Food and drink provided by: Skyline Chili, Jaxx Sportsbar, Skyline Chili, 5 Star Pizza, Pesto Bistro, Gold Coast Eagle Distributors, and more!

Proceeds benefitting:

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& Kiwanis Against Hunger A program of Manatee Sunrise Kiwanis Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit www.kiwanisagainsthunger.com

4/23/21 12:03 PM

BRADENTON MARAUDERS

JULY HIGHLIGHTS HEROES VS. VILLAINS NIGHT SATURDAY, JULY 10

AT 6:05PM

BACK TO SCHOOL WEEKEND FRIDAY, JULY 30 AT 6:05PM SATURDAY, JULY 31 AT 6:05PM

FRIDAY

BACKPACK GIVEAWAY (first 500 kids 12 & under)

SATURDAY

POST-GAME FIREWORKS

MARAUDERS TICKETS & INFORMATION CALL US AT

NextGen JuneJuly 2021.indd 53

941.747.3031

EMAIL US AT

MARAUDERSINFO@PIRATES.COM

4/23/21 12:03 PM

KEEPING KIDS SAFE NEAR WATER... W

WORDS: Petra Vybiralova, Safe Kids Supervisor Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

hile families’ routines may still be disrupted due to the pandemic, we have to take into consideration that the weather is warming up, and water safety practices in and outside of the home should be refreshed and revisited. In Florida, water poses one of the highest risks as the state leads the nation in the number of drownings. Many happen at home, residential pools, but also other bodies of water. In this article, we are going to write and learn about some TRUE AND FALSE statements about water safety!

MY CHILD WOULD NEVER WALK OUT of the HOUSE FALSE: Children between the ages one to four are at the highest risk for unintentional drowning. This trend is not specific to Florida. Drowning is the leading cause of death by unintentional injury for ages one to four nationally. It is because they move fast and sometimes undetected. We have to ask ourselves the question: How do I know my child can open the door? Any parent will know that the child can open the door when the child opens the door. This can be an exciting time for the family; however, if no adult is in the room, the child may exit without knowing the dangers that are outside. One of these dangers is direct access to water. In Florida, water is everywhere, and therefore children can easily reach a body of water. It can be a pool, canal, or pond.

All too often, we hear stories when one parent thought the child was with the other in another room or napping, but the child fell into the pool.

I WOULD KNOW IF MY CHILD WAS DROWNING BECAUSE I COULD HEAR IT! FALSE: Drowning is silent. While drowning is happening, the child may go underwater, and when he or she comes up, the child may only have a second to take a breath before sinking back underwater. This is contrary to the popular images from movies, in which the victim of drowning screams or cries.

DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE TRUE: Safe Kids Florida Suncoast recommends protecting your children by applying layers of protection. First, have a clear view of the pool from the inside of the home. But most importantly, create barriers for the child to exit the home and reach the water. High-up locks, childproofing for doors, and door alarms that are turned on might be the best way for a parent to know that someone opened the door and plans to exit. It is not necessary to have a home security alarm; families can get relatively low-cost alarms that attach to the door at online retailers. All residential pools should be surrounded by a fence with selfclosing, self-latching gates. It is also recommended to keep the furniture away from the fence, so children can’t easily climb over the fence. If you hear the child pushing the furniture, it may alarm you that they are moving outside. It may also buy you some time to prevent them from getting in the water. Remove all toys and floating objects from the pool so it is less tempting to a child. Do not forget about pet doors, which can provide an exit point for a child. Children can be curious and try new things when they are at home.

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Other bodies of water around the home, such as lakes, neighbors’ pools, and canals, may pose additional dangers. That’s why it’s important to keep children inside of your home and know if they are exiting – even unintentionally. If you do not have children at home, make sure children in your neighborhood cannot access your pool – for example – lock your pool cage, install an alarm on the yard fence, just in case a child wanders out of their home and finds their way to your pool.

KIDS CAN’T DROWN INSIDE OF THE HOUSE FALSE: Bathtubs and other bodies of water can pose a risk to children under the age of one. Do not leave children unattended, not even for a minute, while they are in the tub. Often, this is surprising to parents, but children can drown in unexpected places. A few things to think about - keep your toilet seat closed and locked. Any buckets and pet bowls should be emptied to eliminate any risks. Children can drown in a very little amount of water.

I CAN TAKE SOME STEPS TO HELP MY CHILD TO BE SAFE IN WATER TRUE: While swimming lessons may not be widely available in your area, it is important to teach children the following five survival skills recommended by Safe Kids Worldwide:

1. Step or jump into water over your head and return to the surface.

2. Float and tread water for one minute. 3. Turn around in a full circle and find an exit from the water. 4. Swim 25 yards to the exit. 5. Exit from the water. In the pool, be able to exit without the ladder.

I CAN LEARN SKILLS THAT CAN HELP IN AN EMERGENCY TRUE: CPR is an important piece for any parent for many reasons. Even though we are in the time of social distancing, families can use the following links to learn Hands Only CPR from the American Heart Association: https://international.heart.org/en hands-only-cpr or the American RedCross https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/hands-only-cpr.html 55

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Why We All Need To Be Trauma Informed… WORDS: Cheryl Albright

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5 million children in the US have been exposed to one or more types of trauma which translates into about half of the child population. Manatee County has approximately 400,000 residents with 18.3 percent being children under 18. According to the national statistics of childhood trauma, that means 36,600 children will be or have already been, exposed to one or more types of trauma just in Manatee County alone. That is a huge and disturbing number but what does it mean? Trauma isn’t just abuse. It can be loss of a parent to death or imprisonment, natural disaster, victim of a crime and/or domestic violence, bullying, - the list goes on. When this happens, the brain actually gets wired to stay in a fight or flight mode and may hinder brain development. They are wired for survival making learning nearly impossible. These children may not pay attention in school, have frequent tummy or headaches, engage in negative attention seeking type behaviors, may not feel hunger, thirst, or the need to go to the bathroom. We need to change our vocabulary from “what is wrong with you” to “what happened to you.” Behavior is always a form of communication. In order to learn, we have to activate the rest and digest system, or the vagus nerve in charge of the rest and digest system. Trauma impacted children need to form healthy connections with peers and adults, feel safe, as well as calm the nervous system down. Please seek out behavioral health professionals for counseling and therapy.

Listed below are a few strategies that can be used at home or school in conjunction with professional support.

1. Sing - When you are in a bad mood and hear your favorite song, what happens? Your mood changes, especially when you sing along. If the child is young, try a repeat after me song to improve engagement.

2. Breathing exercises - When fight or flight is activated, it

becomes difficult to take a deep breath. Encourage the child to breath out first and then take a deep breath. Breathing exercises not only calm the mind, but also increase saliva, according to research by Dr. Sundar Balasubramanian. This decreases inflammation, increases neuro growth factor proteins, as well as stimulating rest and digest.

3. Meditation and yoga - The benefits from yoga include

better sleep patterns, improved digestion, decreased negative behaviors, improved self-confidence, increased strength and endurance, improved coordination, and more. Guided relaxation, or meditation, helps calm the body and the mind.

4. Positive affirmations - This maybe the only positive thing children hear all day.

Bottom line is we all need to be more aware - teachers, parents, coaches, and the community!

Cheryl Albright is an occupational therapist and the owner of Soul To Soul Yoga, LLC/All Ages Therapy Services, DBA. She is a graduate of East Carolina University in 2003. Cheryl moved to Manatee County in 2015 and has been very active in the community. She serves on the board of directors for Manasota Family Network on Disabilities, current OT South Bay Forum president, active participant in the Developmental Disability sub-committee in Sarasota County, and disability subcommittee for the Department of Health at the state level. She currently resides in Bradenton with her husband. Cheryl is a graduate of the Leadership Manatee class of 2018. She has an older brother on the autism spectrum and continuously advocates not just for her brother but anyone with a disability for inclusion and acceptance in our community. For more information regarding Cheryl’s programs, please visit: www.soultosoulyogasrq.com

Phone number: 941-702-2035

Email: admin@soultosoulyogasrq.com Social media:

Facebook & Instagram: @soultosoulyogasrq Twitter: @SoulToSoulYoga

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/soul-to-soul-yoga-llc/

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Give Your Kids Eyes a Break! The Causes of Digital Strain

o d ay, a l m o s t eve r y o n e h a s technology and screens woven into at least some part of their lives. This is especially true for children and teens, 85% of whom use devices in their daily lives. Technology has many benefits for these young people, helping them learn in new ways, connect with their peers, and explore the world like no generation before them.

Today's parents are responsible for their children's eye care and protecting their children from the unhealthy effects of technology on vision, while ensuring that they are still able to reap the benefits. That protection can take many forms, including special lenses for computer vision, limits on screen time, and reminders about good and bad practices with technology.

However, many parents and childcare professionals are concerned about some of the negative health effects of technology on the lives of children and teens, such as cyberbullying, screen addiction, and digital eye strain.

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain is a phenomenon that comes about from overuse of digital screens, placing a strain on the eyes and leading to future vision problems. One study has found that children who use technology more often are more likely to need glasses for vision correction than their peers.

"Digital eye strain" doesn't refer to anyone's vision problem. Instead, it is used to describe any health problem with a person's eyesight related to their use of technology. It can include temporary issues like headaches or dry eyes, but it also includes longer-term vision issues such as blurred vision or near and farsightedness, creating a need for indefinite vision correction through glasses, contacts, or surgery.

What Causes Digital Eye Strain? Digital eye strain is related to screen use of all sorts. However, some conditions are more likely to lead to vision problems:

• Poor lighting in a computer or other screen area.

• Glare off a screen from a strong light

source to the sides or behind the subject.

• Being too close or too far from a screen.

• Bad posture, which can cause neck, shoulder, and back issues related to computer use.

• Existing vision problems are made

worse by a user's consistent exposure to digital screens.

• Ongoing use of screens without breaks for a long period of time.

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Eye Strain Symptoms C hildre n, te e n s , a nd adul t s w h o experience digital eye strain may report some of the following symptoms: Strained vision; Pain behind the eyes; Headaches; Dryness in the eyes; Red or bloodshot eyes; Blurred vision or difficulty focusing on objects; • Neck or shoulder pain, which can indicate long-term exposure to screens and poor posture.

• • • • • •

Children and Computer Eye Strain Most people are exposed to technology in some form or another. However, children may be especially vulnerable to eye and vision problems related to screen use.

Social Media In 2018, 45% of teenagers said that they were on social media "almost constantly." That's up from 24% in 2014. In general, social media use increases inversely with age, so younger generations are using social media more and more often. Today's social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram, all require a computer, phone, or tablet. This means that young people who are on these platforms are often constantly being exposed to screens. In addition, features of these platforms, such as videos and endless scrolling, make it difficult for users to look away and get the breaks in digital activity that are critical to avoiding digital eye strain.

Video Games A 2015 study from Pew Research found that 72% of teenagers played video games of some sort, whether on a computer, a phone, or through a television screen. That number was even higher at 84% when looking specifically at teenage boys. Video games often require the player to keep their eyes locked on the screen for long periods of time, discouraging breaks for the eyes. Young people who are

sucked into an engaging video game may forget good posture or healthy lighting as they play, both risk factors associated with digital eye strain. Mobile Technology In 2018, 95% of teenagers had a cell phone of their own or had access to one. Young people often use cell phones to browse the web, play video games, or use social media. Each of these activities is associated with prolonged screen exposure, too much of which can lead to digital eye strain. Video games often require the player to keep their eyes locked on the screen for long periods of time, discouraging breaks for the eyes. Young people who are sucked into an engaging video game may forget good posture or healthy lighting as they play, both risk factors associated with digital eye strain.

Classroom Technology Technology has become a popular tool for teachers in the classroom. In a 2018 study concerning technology in the classroom, researchers found that only 42% of schoolwork was being done on paper. The rest, of course, was done using technology. 73% of teachers reported that their students used laptop computers or tablets daily. Technology in classrooms opens new avenues of learning, but it also means that today's young people are being exposed to screens almost constantly. In light of this ongoing exposure, it's important to teach young people about safe usage habits for their computers, phones, and other digital screens.

How to Prevent Eye Strain Computers and smartphones aren't going anywhere, so it's important for parents and children alike to be aware of the things they can do to prevent digital eye strain and keep their eyes healthy and safe while using computers.

The 20/20/20 Rule The 20/20/20 Rule is easy to remember and a great way to keep your eyes

comfor table while using screens. According to the Rule, for every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, you should take a 20-second break to look away at something that is 20 feet. This helps your eyes stay comfortable and keeps you from being sucked into the screen.

Limit Screen Time Things like social media and video games can be addicting. It's important for parents to set limits on when and for how long children can use technology. Children may be resistant to limits, so make sure that they understand why the limits are important. Over time, these restrictions can help children to form their own good habits about computer and phone usage.

Optimize Lighting Poor lighting against a bright screen is one of the primary causes behind digital eye strain. Talk to your children about the importance of using technology in well-lit spaces, such as rooms open to sunlight. Whenever possible, children should avoid using computer screens in the dark, such as in bed or in the car at night.

Frequent Eye Exams An optometrist is the best person to evaluate the effect of technology on your child's vision and recommend countermeasures in case of eye troubles. Take your children in for an eye exam at least every two years, but it's okay to go more often if they are developing vision problems or if you have specific health concerns.

Wear the Correct Lenses Remember that digital eye strain can exacerbate existing problems. Especially for children who are using the wrong kind of glasses lenses, wearing improperly fitted glasses, or who aren't using vision correction at all, despite needing it. Technology can be both the cause and panacea for digital eye strain – if your children need new lenses for computer use or need help finding new frames, you can always order glasses online.

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On The Bookshelf REVIEWS: Kelly McLean

A Big Guy Took My Ball! (4-6) • By Mo Willems (Birth to 3) • By Cocoretto Summer is here, so grab your flip-flops, swimsuit, and your favorite book while enjoying the beautiful sunny weather! Dive into this sand-tastic book and discover ocean animals with your little ones while reading "Peekaboo! In the Ocean!" by Cocoretto. This board book includes vibrant colors that grab attention, high contrast illustrations for easy viewing, adorable sea creature illustrations, and fold-out flaps to incorporate interactive reading while building memory and prediction skills. What kind of animals do you think are hiding in the ocean? This book is perfect for babies and pre-readers, as the text follows the same repetitive pattern that allows little ones to join in when reading together.

The hot summer air and sunny blue skies make for the perfect weather to play outside with friends! But Piggie runs into a dilemma when the ball she was playing with was taken away by someone much larger in size! When Piggie shares what happened with her dear friend Gerald, the Elephant, he decides to take matters into his own hands and stand up to the "big guy" who took Piggie's ball. Is Gerald big enough to stand up to the ball thief? Will Gerald get Piggie's ball back? Read what happens next as the story comes full circle as Piggie and Gerald realize things aren't always what they appear to be. Behind every Mo Willems story is a beautiful life lesson. This book teaches young children to look past differences and treat people with a kind heart.

(7-9) • By Peter and Connie Roop 3, 2, 1, Blastoff! Exactly 52 years ago, on July 20th, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the Moon. But how did he get there? Have you ever wondered how Neil Armstrong became a pilot and eventually the first astronaut to walk on the Moon? Take a giant leap into the life of Neil Armstrong through this biography of his life titled "Take a Giant Leap, Neil Armstrong!" by Peter and Connie Roop. This book is an inspiring story geared for young learners, as it takes you on the journey of Neil Armstrong's life from his childhood to making history books. His journey serves as an incredible inspiration for young children, as it is a tribute that shows anyone can achieve their dreams with hard work and determination.

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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WHY

Katrina Bellemare on a mission to help create role models and inspire generations

WORDS: Amy Treis PICTURES: Whitney Patton

here is no magical algorithm to follow to become the perfect parent. Education, support, and dedication are the foundations for happy households. Katrina Bellemare, the Executive Director of Parenting Matters, focuses on ensuring that parents are supported in their most important role and that children grow up in a safe, nurturing home. She has directed her efforts in both Manatee and Sarasota counties, and as a result, the generational impact on healthy families has not reached a limit. Katrina's dedication to working directly with or on behalf of children led to her role as Executive Director. Her earlier days as a social worker at a residential treatment facility for boys with behavioral challenges led her to accept a position at Manatee Children's Services residential shelter for children. She took pride in working with the kids and became a positive force during a difficult period in their lives. Her humanitarian spirit carried her towards Parenting Matters 13 years ago. For the past eight years, her leadership has strived to fulfill the mission of ensuring that all families in the community have access to the skills and support needed to effectively parent their children.

Multi-faceted Approach to Parenting Parenting Matters is comprised of many elements that are of value to families. It offers in-home parenting services, community-based groups, support, education groups, and parent-child learn and play classes. These services are all possible because of the caring and dedicated Parenting Educators, who are experts on child development and parenting. Many also have additional expertise in parenting children with special needs, adoptive families, parents recovering from addiction, child abuse prevention, early learning, and predominantly Spanishspeaking families. Katrina is proud to state, "Our programs are customized, so we are addressing each family's unique needs and goals." These are important pieces that complete the puzzle of a joyful home life for both the parents and the children. One of the key facets to the success of Parenting Mat ters is a parent's perseverance. Perseverance in adapting to some parenting strategies that will profoundly change how their child develops.

As Katrina said, "There is such a stigma in asking for parenting support. I believe the parents who do are the strongest parents out there. To me, it says I love my kids so much I want to learn how to be the best possible parent I can be." Katrina is thrilled with the knowledge that parents are making real change that impacts their children's futures.

Positive Outreach to Underserved Although there is a plethora of rewarding benefits to being Executive Director of Parenting Matters, the one challenge that weighs on Katrina's mind is the ability to reach all the parents who could benefit from the program. She states, "There are limited staff and financial support, and some families just do not know our program exists." However, some initiatives and events planned for Parenting Matters should allow access to quality parenting information. "We just launched Parenting Matters, the Podcast," she says with pride. Steve Adams, one of the Board Members, is the host. In each episode, he interviews one of the Parenting Educators or other experts on parenting-related topics. "It is our hope that collective knowledge 63

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Adoption Awareness Proclamation

Exchange Day at the Capital 64

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of our staff will be a valuable resource for families near and far." Another great support of Parenting Matters will be the upcoming fundraiser, 10,000 Steps for 10,000 Families. This is a virtual walk/run taking place May 17th-27th, 2021. All this valuable information can be found on the website, ParentingMattersFL.org or their Facebook page, facebook.com/ ParentingMattersFL. It is truly through the community and sponsors' support that allows organizations like Parenting Matters to continue to give back to the community and those that rely on its positive mission. Katrina was also happy to share that Parenting Matters initiated "Ask Granny," a blog series with one of the founders and former Program Director, Barbara Brownell. Parents can submit anonymous questions, such as, "Am I spoiling my baby," to askgranny@parentingmattersfl. org and Barbara is quick to provide a warm, compassionate response full of practical tips and expertise.

Other Humanitarian Projects Parenting Matters values its ability to give back to the community through its involvement in widespread initiatives. One such initiative is the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. Parenting Matters desires to help children succeed in school, and with their collaboration with the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, they strive to ensure all children in the community can read at grade level by the end of third grade. A nother astounding initiative that Parenting Matters takes part in is the Two-Generation model of the Aspen Institute to end the generational cycle of poverty. This pilot program's importance is to assist mothers, and their children in Sarasota County reach self-sufficiency

through education, financial literacy training, family/parenting support, and relationship building. These tie directly into the heart of what Parenting Matters hope to provide for the families in the community. Pride in oneself leads to inspiration for the younger generation. What parent would not want to be that inspiration to their own child? "There is something caregivers have to understand: You have to ask for help. You have to realize that you deserve to ask for help." – Gail Sheehy. I believe that Parenting Matters instills this quote in every parent that dreams of providing the best life for their children. Parenting is not necessarily an innate skill, but it can be learned if the effort to learn is encouraged.

There is nothing more pleasing than being reassured when doubt fills your heart and mind, and that is why Katrina believes blogs and podcasts can be so powerful to families, including those outside of Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Reflecting on Family Values As Katrina cherishes helping families bond together, she herself surrounds herself in the loving embrace of her family. She is the proud stepmother to Cheyenne, Jathan, and Jewella, who are all grown, and along with her husband Jamie, is raising their 11-year-old daughter, Savannah. They cherish their time outdoors and love to explore local shops and restaurants. She is quick to add that even though she is no Michelangelo or Monet, she shares a love of crafting and painting with Savannah. Finding shared interests is a key to developing a bond between parents and their children, and this can often open the door to parents struggling to relate to their children. Once again, Parent Educators are key in helping parents discover these precious tools.

Jewelia's Graduation

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Sunday

Monday

JUNE

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Siesta Beach Kids Summer Beach Run

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

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

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

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Ringling Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-5:00pm

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

Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm Marauders Baseball Game 1:05pm

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

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Ringling Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-5:00pm Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers 9:00am-11:00am

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Marauders Baseball Game 1:05pm Robarts Arena Repticon Sarasota

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Siesta Beach Kids Summer Beach Run

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Siesta Beach Kids Summer Beach Run Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Siesta Beach Kids Summer Beach Run Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Ringling Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-5:00pm

Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

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

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Siesta Beach Kids Summer Beach Run

Wednesday

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

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

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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

Brohard Beach Kids Summer Beach Run Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Let’s Create Art LWR Lil Picasso Class (4-6yrs) 4:00pm-5:30pm

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

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

South Florida Gymnastics Preschool Playtime 10:00am-11:30am Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

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

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

Thursday

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

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Let’s Create Art LWR Lil Picasso Class (4-6yrs) 4:00pm-5:30pm Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

South Florida Gymnastics Preschool Playtime 10:00am-11:30am Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

Friday

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm ArtWalk Village of the Arts 6:00pm-9:30pm Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

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

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

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

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

Scavengers Marketplace Young Entrepreneurs Market 10:00am-2:00pm

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

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

Riverside Park Fire Charity Fishing Festival 12:00pm-8:00pm Newton Farmer’s Market Mr. Stevey & Friends 12:00pm-3:00pm Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

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

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

Saturday

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

Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm

Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers 9:00am-11:00am

Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

University Town Center Summer Indie Markets Robarts Arena Repticon Sarasota

Out & About:

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

4/23/21 12:03 PM

Sunday

Monday

JULY

Tuesday

Wednesday

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Br adenton Macar oni 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 enter tained 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 Count y at www.bradenton.macaronikid.com.

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Ringling Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-5:00pm

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Siesta Beach Kids Summer Beach Run Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

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

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

Brohard Beach Kids Summer Beach Run Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

Thursday

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

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

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

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

Friday

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

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

Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm ArtWalk Village of the Arts 6:00pm-9:30pm

Let’s Create Art LWR Lil Picasso Class (4-6yrs) 4:00pm-5:30pm

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

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Ringling Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-5:00pm

Marauders Baseball Game 1:05pm

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Siesta Beach Kids Summer Beach Run

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

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

Brohard Beach Kids Summer Beach Run

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Ringling Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-5:00pm

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Siesta Beach Kids Summer Beach Run

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

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

Brohard Beach Kids Summer Beach Run

Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

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

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Ringling Museum FREE Admission 10:00am-5:00pm

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

Market Boutique & Events Pop In & Paint 10:00am-2:00pm Siesta Beach Kids Summer Beach Run Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

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

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

Brohard Beach Kids Summer Beach Run Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm

Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

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

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

Nathan Benderson Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival

Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Florida Gymnastics Preschool Playtime 10:00am-11:30am Let’s Create Art LWR Lil Picasso Class (4-6yrs) 4:00pm-5:30pm

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

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

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

Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

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

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

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

Let’s Create Art LWR Lil Picasso Class (4-6yrs) 4:00pm-5:30pm

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

Let’s Create Art LWR Lil Picasso Class (4-6yrs) 4:00pm-5:30pm Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers 9:00am-11:00am

Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

Let’s Create Art LWR Lil Picasso Class (4-6yrs) 4:00pm-5:30pm

Ken Thompson Park Team Explorer Kids Fishing Tournament 8:00am-12:00pm

Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm

Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers 9:00am-11:00am

Saturday

Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

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

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

Parrish Elite Open Gym 6:00pm-8:00pm Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

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

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

Kids Ninja Training Live Training Center Palmetto 2:00pm Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

Marauders Baseball Game 6:05pm

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Water Great Idea W

ith warm weather here and summer vacation arriving, plenty of adventures are to be found outdoors over the next couple of months. Whether playing at the park, running around in a sprinkler, or heading to the beach, it is a great time to relax and create fun memories. If your family is traveling to the beach this summer and collecting seashells, or you happen to have small seashells on hand already, I have a neat activity to work on together as you head back inside to take a break. A Summer Beach Water Bottle is an easy way to store souvenirs as well as a STEM craft that creates a simple science experiment about mixtures. If you would like to make this Water Bottle Craft with your children, you will need the following: • Empty water bottle • Sand • Beads or confetti • Small Seashells • Glitter • Water • Blue Food Coloring • Canola Oil • Optional: Magic Marker and Masking Tape Tip: Most of these items can be found at a local craft store, and as in our example, we purchased a small bag of decorator sand and small seashells.

DIRECTIONS: First, clean the top of the water bottle and remove the label. Then have your child choose the seashells, beads, and other materials that they would like to add to the craft. Tip: Older children can do this activity independently; however, younger children will need to be supervised. I also suggest keeping paper towels nearby to clean up any spills and wearing an oversized shirt or apron to protect clothing. Next, pour the sand into the bottle covering the bottom and then add the beads and seashells. We also added star beads because they reminded us of sea life and chose transparent colored beads because they looked like sea glass. It is then time to add the glitter to the bottle and pour oil until it is about half full. Then fill the rest of the bottle up with water. Once filled, add a drop of blue food coloring. Tip: It is fun to see the drop of food coloring as it drifts down through the oil to the water. As it disperses, you can watch as it changes the water blue. When all the parts are added to the Summer Beach Water Bottle Craft, place the lid on tightly. If you have younger children, I suggest wrapping the top with masking tape to prevent the mixture from being opened. My daughter also colored the top with a blue magic marker. Once the bottle is finished, it is time to start shaking it up. As it all moves together, hold it up to the light; it almost looks like a lava lamp with waves crashing on the beach. This STEM craft is unique because it is a functional souvenir and displays how mixtures like oil and water as well as water and sand combine and separate. Also, this activity shows how combining water and food coloring makes a solution. My daughter and I had a lot of fun with the Summer Beach Water Bottle Craft - and I hope that it also serves as an example of a way to create and save great memories made together as a family.

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For The Beach!

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

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Fast Track to an In-Demand Career with Rapid Credentialing • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) • Medical Laboratory Assistant • Phlebotomy • Patient Care Technician • Applied Cybersecurity • CNC Production Specialist • Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology Funded by Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Fund

• Nursing Assistant

• Plumbing Helper

Funded by CareerEdge Funders Collaborative

Become an Essential Worker Classes Start January 2021 • Short-term training for in-demand careers • Scholarships available – you pay only a fraction of the cost • Job placement assistance upon completion

For more information call 941.751.7900 and ask to speak to a counselor. NextGen JuneJuly 2021.indd 70

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Check out our fast-track career opportunities

Program Name

Program Industry Length Certification Available

CARES Act Pays For (Tuition & Fees)

CAREER EDGE Pays For

Your Estimated Cost

6 months Advanced Manufacturing & Production Technology

SolidWorks

$2,278

$303 includes $30 application fee

Applied Cybersecurity

6 months

CompTIA Security+

$2,900

CNC Production Specialist

6 months

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Level 1

$2,480

Emergency Medical Technician

3 months Full-Time

EMT – Basic Certification and the National Registry Certification

$1714 and Certification Exam Fees of $105

$310 includes $30 application fee $303 includes $30 application fee + cost of 6" machinist scale & scientific calculator $122 includes $30 application fee + rest of uniform costs + cost of background check, vaccines

Medical Laboratory Assisting

3.5 months

Medical Laboratory Assistant

$2756.80 includes cost of certification exam

Nursing Assistant

5 weeks

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

$40 Administrative Fee + Certification exam fees @ $243 + PPE @$75.00 = $358

Patient Care Technician

6 months

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.

$2,269 + Certification exam fees: $243.00 + PPE: $75.00 = $309

Phlebotomy

1.5 months

Certified Phlebotomy Tech

$832 + Certification exam: $117.00 + Exam study guide: $69.00 + Admin. Fee $40 = $226

Plumber Helper

5 months

NCCER

(Plumbing OCP A)

5+months Part-Time

$788 – includes textbook +$30 Application Fee

$80 includes $30 application fee + uniform costs & cost of background check, vaccines, physical Cost of background check, vaccines, physical + cost of uniform*

$80 includes $30 application fee + uniform costs & cost of background check, vaccines, physical $30 Application Fee + scrubs + cost of background check, vaccines, physical $1,852 – includes tuition, $30 application fee + fees + all program costs

*Goodwill will provide vouchers for two sets of scrubs for Nursing Assisting.

• • • •

FAFSA may be required Mandatory virtual information session required For Plumber Helper and Nursing Assistant, apply at https://careeredgefunders.org/bridges-to-careers For all other programs, apply at ManateeTech.edu/rapid-credentialing

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.

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Investing in our youth is not merely our responsibility. It is our privilege. It’s never too early — or too late — to plan for the financial future of your family or business. Jodi D. Allen Vice President, Commercial Banking 941.757.4561 | jodi.allen@bmo.com Mandy Quinones Branch Manager, Retail Banking 941.723.6933 | mandy.quinones@bmo.com

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

Teachers, THANK YOU for being an important piece in our puzzle!

bmoharris.com

Sincerely, The Johnson, Neri, Rigney, and Savchuk Families

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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.

Balance Love & Limits… My kids fight more during the summer break. Any ideas that can help? -Diane K, Palmetto

o keep conflict at a minimum, keeping your kids busy and distracted during the summer is important. Even as we emerge from Covid-19, our County has many summer camps. While being conscious of all the new things we need to remember as families live through the pandemic, try to carpool with other working mothers because many of these end at noon, but some are all day. There are many different sports camps, science camps, art camps, GT Bray day camps, YMCA day camps, dance camps, museums, and many more choices. Children can go to creative camps, fishing camps, archery, and even take rowing classes. Look for ads coming home at the end of the school year and right here in Nextgen! Do not forget your local churches that have vacation bible schools. Most churches have a theme, and the children have fun. Day camps are more relaxed and usually have field trips on Friday.

Start a good behavior management program in your home before school gets out. Have a family meeting, and with your children's input, identify the triggers for fighting. Write down the trigger and then the consequence. Do not meet for more than 20 minutes and end your meeting by saying something positive about each other. Stay away from punishment. Rewarding your children for doing well is much more effective. Children really want your attention and will use negative attention if positive is not given. More advice… Do not yell or threaten. Harsh words hurt a child's emotions, physical abuse hurts the body, and verbal hurts the heart. Do not be permissive. Boundaries provide security in children. Children cannot train themselves and must learn how to live independently. Do not do for your child what they can do for themselves. Do not punish your child for being tired, getting a bad grade, poor sports

performance, or accidents. Kid's messup accidentally. Do not fail to give a warning when it is time to adjust to a new activity. For example, showers in 10 minutes, we are eating dinner in 15 minutes. Do not fail to balance love and limits. The greatest gift you can give your child is providing unconditional love. Have the energy and courage for boundaries and have the energy to tell them what you love about them and take time for your children. Learn how to praise. Examples are: "It is a pleasure to help you when you are cooperative," or "You are on the ball today.” Be intentional about keeping your child engaged during the summer break and learn how to discipline consistently and most effectively. Take some time off and take a vacation by visiting a part of our State that the children have never experienced. A lot has now opened back up. One of the main things? Try to have fun – it has been a tough year! 73

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Manatee County Parks & Natural Resources

Summer Blast Camp FEES: Registration $30

Weekly Program $110

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

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

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

NEW east location:

Braden River Elementary | 6125 River Club Blvd, Bradenton

Enroll Now for Summer Zoo Camp! Weekly Camps with Different Themes! Dates: June 7th - July 2nd Snacks included! To enroll, please visit SarasotaJungleGardens.com

352731-1

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

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Maria was an activist and an agent for social change; she contributed to many national organizations for women, children, and people of color. She held offices in a variety of associations and nonprofit organizations and never stopped giving her time and passion for helping others. Maria passed away on April 1, 2018, leaving behind a group of passionate friends and admirers who promised to honor her memory by continuing her great work. Last year, another piece of her vision c a m e to f r u i t i o n w h e n t h e W R C expanded programming to include a full-time bilingual case manager through The Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation's generous support.

A Legacy To Build Upon… WORDS: Women’s Resource Center

e live in an incredibly diverse region, and in Manatee County, 15% of our population is Hispanic. The Women's Resource Center (WRC) believes in supporting women from all walks of life through programs and resources. The Latinas of the WRC (Latinas) was formed to unite Latinas who are passionate about creating a space for the Latinas in our community to connect for education, support, and community engagement. This weekly forum was created for Latina women to discover skills, build self-

confidence, and find their own path to success. Meetings include topics such as empowerment, enrichment, conversations from the soul, and education. The Latinas started with the passion of one woman, Maria Zavala. Maria approached WRC about having a group that would create a space for Latinas to connect and grow. The premise was and remains, how do you respect your culture as you navigate living in a new country and community. At its core, the Latinas is about inclusion and building bridges to connect us all.

Judith Sanchez joined the team in October 2020. As a Latina, she understands how complicated the process of becoming part of a new culture can be. When asked to describe some of the obstacles she faced, she shared how isolating it can feel when you move to a new country. "Often the move includes leaving our families in our countries of origin and consequently feeling a lack of sense of belonging to the place where we live. This transition can leave us feeling isolated and unsupported." The good news is there are resources that can help guide people through times of transition. Through Mental Health Counseling, the goal is to help clients reflect on the problems they may be facing and find new ways to deal with them. The vision of the Latinas and all of the bilingual programming at WRC is to create an inclusive community invested in a better future for all. Through women like Maria, Judith, and members of Latinas, lives can change beyond recognition. Giving women space to be themselves and dream big and create action plans to achieve those dreams will continue to strengthen the community. Please reach out to Judith to learn more about the services available to Latinos at WRC. Judith said: "We want our Latino/Hispanic population to know that they are not alone and that they can count on us!"

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Ki ds in th e Ki tch en

RECIPES: Caroline Lehman

Zucchini Pizzas

Colorful Fruit Salad

Great for a savory, summer appetizer.

A sweet option for the summer heat!

INGREDIENTS • 1 • 1 • 1 • 4

large zucchini, washed and trimmed tomato, coarsely chopped cup grated mozzarella cheese to 6 basil leaves, finely shredded for garnish

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 2. Cut the zucchini horizontally (1/3 inch thick). Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

3. Place on baking sheet over parchment paper; place

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 cups watermelon • 1.5 cups melon • 1.5 pineapple • 1.5 cup honeydew • Large mixing bowl • Olive oil

PREPARATION 1. Combine fruit in a large mixing bowl. 2. Drizzle with the desired amount of olive oil.

baking sheet in the oven for about 10 minutes. Zucchini strips should retain body and firmness.

4. Sprinkle cooked zucchini with chopped tomato and mozzarella. Return to oven and allow the cheese to melt about 5 to 8 minutes.

5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with basil.

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SERVING 30 Years of Fun and Competition at Manatee Area Volleyball WORDS: Kara Chalmers PICTURES: Whitney Patton

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G IT UP… Y

ou know you have something good when former players come back to coach for you. In Nancy Cothron's case, that something good is Manatee Area Volleyball, of which she is the director and head coach. At 30 years old, the club is the longest-running independently owned volleyball club in Manatee County. It offers indoor and beach volleyball to boys and girls ages eight through 18.

Josilyn Benitez, now 22 and one of four head coaches for the club, began playing for Manatee Area Volleyball when she was 13 and continued with the club through high school at Palmetto High. "My volleyball journey started in eighth grade," Benitez said, noting she first learned about the sport in P.E. class at Buffalo Creek Middle School. She fell in love with it and joined the school's team. "I like that it's a team sport," Benitez said of volleyball. "I like the feeling of being part of something bigger than me." At Palmetto High, Benitez played varsity volleyball all four years. But it wasn't enough. Manatee Area Volleyball, Benitez said, "was an opportunity to play all year round and at a higher level." While the indoor volleyball high school season is in the fall (August to October), clubs like Manatee Area Volleyball offer practices and tournaments beginning when the high school season ends and running through May. Over the summer, they offer beach volleyball. "I wanted to stay involved instead of taking 10 months off from playing," Benitez said, adding that playing for Manatee Area Volleyball improved her game. Also, the club offered her a needed escape as a teen – chunks of time during the week when she could forget any stress and demands and just play. "I always looked forward to it," she said. Today, Benitez coaches a team with 10 girls ages 14 through 17. While she no longer plays competitively, she plays recreational beach volleyball. She said she enjoys being a mentor, too, and sharing her knowledge with her players. "It allows me to be a role model, and it keeps me in the game," she said of coaching. "It gives me a way to give back to a club that gave me so much."

A Hit with the Players

Cothron, Manatee Area Volleyball's director, and head coach, is partly to thank for Benitez's success in the sport and her love of the game, she said. "She is the true definition of a coach," Benitez said of Cothron. "She knows how to bring out the best in everyone." Cothron is a subtle, laid-back, and welcoming coach, who her players' respect, Benitez said, adding that Cothron is an 79

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excellent teacher. Even kids who've never touched a volleyball are encouraged to join Manatee Area Volleyball, she said. "Nancy brings in anyone who wants to play, will teach anyone who wants to learn," Benitez said. Cothron, a former professional volleyball player, works full-time as a P.E. teacher at Bayshore High School, where she also coaches the girls' tennis team. Also, she coaches the girls' junior varsity volleyball team at Manatee High School (her husband Tony Cothron coaches the girls' varsity team there). Before working at Bayshore, Cothron was a P.E. teacher at St. Stephens in Bradenton for 16 years. Cothron founded the club in the early 1990s as an affordable way for local kids to play volleyball outside of school. At its height in 2010, the club had 120 players – 10 travel teams – and one of those teams qualified for junior nationals more than once. Back then, the teams attended tournaments as far away as Georgia, Minnesota, and Texas. Cothron ran track before discovering beach volleyball in her senior year at Robinson High School in Tampa. Cothron, who had known since middle school that she wanted to be a P.E. teacher, majored in Physical Education at Florida State University. In her sophomore year, she walked on to the volleyball team, and played indoor and beach volleyball, and ran indoor and outdoor track until she graduated. After graduation, Cothron played professional volleyball for four years in Italy – in Parma, Genoa, and Trento. She then spent a year and a half playing in Switzerland. After coming home to Tampa, Cothron took a job as a P.E. Teacher at Dowdell Middle Magnet School. She also met her husband, a fellow volleyball player and Bradenton resident, via beach volleyball tournaments. They married in 1990 and soon after had twins Joshua and Casey, who started to play volleyball at age five. The twins, who both played for their college volleyball teams, coach for Manatee Area Volleyball today. This past year has been challenging for the club because of COVID-19, Cothron said. She had to stop all practices and tournaments from March through August 2020. At that time, she began offering beach volleyball practices at the beach. In November, she offered her indoor players practice on Palma Sola Elementary School's football field and Bayshore High School's softball field. She didn't offer summer camps in 2020 because of the pandemic.

Blocking Anxiety

Manatee Area Volleyball's players come from all over the area – Bradenton, Sarasota, Myakka City, Parrish, and Palmetto. There are about 50 players in all, and about 40 play on teams that participate in tournaments. Teams are categorized by age and ability. A lot of the players also play for their middle and high schools. Ashlyn McClellan, 15, is a sophomore at Manatee High School. Ashlyn has been playing indoor and beach volleyball for Manatee Area Volleyball for two years. Cothron is her high school volleyball coach, and that's how she heard about the club. The club has been great for Ashlyn, who said that she was shy and struggled with anxiety before joining. Now, not only has her 80

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game improved substantially, but she is also more confident. Also, volleyball helps with her anxiety by allowing her to focus on something completely and keeps her mind off any worries, she said. "I like how competitive it is," Ashlyn said of volleyball. "It's fun. I love it." Ashlyn plans to play volleyball through high school and hopes to earn a scholarship to play in college. Ashlyn's mother, Amie McClellan, described coach Cothron as the "sweetest person ever." "She's very patient with the kids," Amie McClellan said. "She's a really good coach." Ashlyn agreed. "She is an amazing coach," she said.

Anyone for Volleyball?

Manatee Area Volleyball offers opportunities to play all year long. Indoor practices are from 7pm to 9 pm Mondays and Thursdays in the Bayshore and Bradenton Christian high school gyms. Beach Practice is held from 9am to 11am or noon Saturdays at Manatee Public Beach (unless there is a tournament). Over the summer, beach practice is also offered at the courts on Bradenton's Riverwalk. The club teams attend six to eight one- to two-day tournaments a year, all in Florida. Whether and when Manatee Area Volleyball will hold summer camps or host tournaments again depends on COVID-19. For updates, call 941-915-3097.

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ARTS ALIVE 2021 PICTURES: Whitney Patton

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The Coolest Summer Yet ! T

he Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge is back, and REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! As you start to get excited, remember, this program is FREE and open to incoming kiddos in grades PreK through 3rd grade in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties. In 2020, SCGLR introduced THIS BOOK IS COOL! - a series of 100 webisodes to encourage a love of reading. It premiered on June 1st of last year, and children across the Suncoast region qualified to receive free books, thanks to The Patterson Foundation's generosity. This year's Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge will once again launch on June 1st, so make sure your child is registered! Parents, this isn't just an experience for the little ones. SCGLR has prepared a special evening just for you on Tuesday, May 18th, 2021, from 6:30 pm -7:30 pm. We've invited former social worker, professional comedic actress, and current television personality, Linda Larsen, to be this year's high-energy motivational speaker! Who can be a part of the Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge? If your child is a rising PreK or elementary school student, they can join through their summer program provider. SCGLR is also directly accepting registrations for qualifying children.

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To register with the Suncoast Campaign, you must: • Be a resident of Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties. • Be entering PreK-3rd grade. • Be enrolled at a Title I school, be eligible for free/reduced lunches, OR come from an asset-limited family that can demonstrate need. What you provide: • Complete registration for each child. • Weekly updates of how many books each child has read. What we provide: • SCGLR will provide 20 books for each registered child; links to THIS BOOK IS COOL! webisodes and activities, word games corresponding to the selected books, and five virtual family engagement events. • Bracelets and brag tag reading incentives will be provided throughout the summer. Visit gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net to register your child. Family engagement is a collective responsibility in which schools and other community groups and organizations are committed to reaching out to engage families in meaningful ways. Statistics show that family engagement in reading – including reading aloud to children – has a major impact on reading success. NOTE: Conversations are virtual. You will be sent a Zoom link. You must have a computer, tablet, iOS, or Android phone to participate. If you do not have a device, please contact John Ferguson at JFerguson@thepattersonfoundation.org.

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A Year Like No Other! WORDS: Superintendent Cynthia Saunders

year ago, as the start of the 20202021 school year approached, I distinctly remember thinking, "I have been in education 30 years, and I have never experienced anything like the beginning of this coming school year." A brief reminder – our students hadn't been on our campuses since they left for spring break in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last two months of the 2020-2021 school year had to be completed through full-time online learning, which we termed eLearning. Thanks to the hard work of district employees, we were one of the first districts in the state to make the move to full-time eLearning. And, thanks to the commitment and dedication of our students and parents, we were able to complete the school year on the date originally scheduled, May 28, 2020. We even managed to hold in-person, outdoor graduation ceremonies for our seniors, although they were a month later than normal. Last summer, district, and school leaders worked tirelessly to develop and implement the three different modalities of instruction required to begin school in August (full-time on-campus learning, full-time eLearning, and the hybrid option, which combined on-campus learning with eLearning). We established strict COVID-19 protocols for our schools and support sites based closely on CDC and Florida Department of Health guidelines. We amassed more than 500,000 face masks for distribution to students and employees, accumulated

approximately 10,000 gallons of hand sanitizer, and installed more than 9,000 plastic partitions in our schools. We even worked closely with the Florida Depar tment of Health in Manatee County to create a District Operations Center manned by District Safet y personnel as well as representatives and an epidemiologist from the Health Department to handle COVID-19 cases and quarantines in our schools and support sites. Now, a year later, and I am here to tell you how incredibly proud I am of what our school district and community accomplished together for K-12 education

during the past year. Through all the ups and downs of COVID-19 – with its immense challenges and hindrances – education in Manatee County persevered and endured. Thanks to our students and parents' incredible resiliency and commitment, and to the amazing dedication and professionalism of our teachers and support employees, we completed the last two school years on time and on pace to keep our students moving forward. While we had positive cases on our campuses, which resulted in students and staff being quarantined, the Florida Depar tment of Health verified that 87

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there was minimal evidence of spread inside our schools and support sites. The overwhelming majority of those quarantined did not contract COVID-19, so that showed the vast majority of positive cases on our campuses were contracted outside of our schools and support sites. Considering these circumstances, I believe we had as successful a school year in Manatee County as we possibly could. I am so thankful to our teachers, bus drivers, custodians, guidance counselors, school resource officers and Guardians, principals, school nurses, and district support staff for all they have done. Everyone met the challenge head-on to ensure our students did not lose a year of learning. And since our students were able to participate in high numbers in this year's state assessments, that will help us identify and address the individual needs of students going into this coming school year. We are currently working on the plans necessary to meet those students' needs once school begins in August. To that end, we have established an extended summer school this year that will include programs and initiatives to address learning losses students may have had during the pandemic. We also continue to work with community partners such as John and Amanda Horne of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on programs like "Dive Into Reading," a program to help young students avoid the "summer slide" when it comes to reading. Other partners like the Early Learning Coalition, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and United Way provide invaluable support to our students and schools, and programs like the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading are essential to our success. As I look forward to the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, I am filled with hope. I hope this year we will all see a return to a semblance of normalcy, not only in our schools but in our community as a whole.

I have hope that the protocols we have practiced the last year-and-a-half, and the vaccinations received, will improve conditions enough so that our students can enjoy the full experience that comes with being a student in our schools.

to providing additional funding for STEM, the arts, and charter schools. Surrounding counties have the additional millage, and if we can't compete with them, we won't be able to attract and retain the best educators available.

I hope our community will come to understand the need to renew the millage s o our c ompensation c an remain competitive for teachers and school-based employees, in addition

And I hope that this school year will be safe and happy for all of our students, parents, employees, and community.

See you soon!

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Learn English as a Second Language

Have Fun Learning English! How to get started 1. Complete an application at ManateeTech.edu/apply-now Complete su solicitud en ManateeTech.edu/apply-now Rampli aplikasion-an nan ManateeTech.edu/apply-now 2. Pay tuition Pague su matrícula Payé ékolaj 3. Email picture ID to mtcstudentservices@manateeschools.net Envíe una identificación con foto a mtcstudentservices@manateeschools.net Voyé foto idantifikasion nan mtcstudentservices@manateeschools.net 4. Call 941.209.6800 or 941.751.7900 Llame al 941.209.6800 o al 941.751.7000 Rélé 941.209.6800 ou 941.751.7900 5. Complete placement test Tome la prueba CASAS Pran CASAS tès 6. Attend Orientation Asista a la orientación Asisté oriantasion

Classes are ongoing Cost $ 45.00 per semester tuition $ 10.00 for a uniform

For more information and to apply now, go to

ManateeTech.edu/programs/learn-english/ 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.

No employee, student, applicant for admission or applicant for employment, volunteer, vendor, or member of the public, shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, marital status, age, religion, or any other basis prohibited by law, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination or harassment under any educational programs, activities, services, or in any employment conditions, policies or practices conducted by the Manatee County Public School System.

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a OB/GYN River Landings OB/GYN 941-316-8200 • 6040 53rd Ave E, Ste A Bradenton, FL 34203 West Manatee Health Center (Perinatology Services Now Available!) 941-714-7150 • 2318 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205

DENTAL East Manatee Health and Wellness Center 941-708-8710 • 1312 Manatee Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208 Lawton Chiles Children and Family Healthcare Center 941-708-7607 • 1515 26th Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208

PEDIATRICS Edgar H. Price Children & Family Healthcare Center 941-776-4050 • 12271 U.S. Hwy 301 N Parrish, FL 34219 Lawton Chiles Children & Family Healthcare Center 941-708-8600 • 1515 26th Ave E Bradenton, FL 34208 Manatee Pediatrics 941-748-4602 • 712 39th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 North Tuttle Pediatrics 941-315-6664 • 220 N Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237 South Manatee Pediatrics 941-210-7942 • 6326 15th St E Sarasota, FL 34243 Venice Pediatrics 941-493-3282 • 119 Shamrock Blvd Venice, FL 34293 Whole Child Pediatrics 941-366-2273 • 6040 53rd Ave E, Ste B Bradenton, FL 34203

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941-776-4000 | mcr.health

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SAFE. TRUSTED. READY. Emergency Room Services from the Manatee Healthcare System

Rapid response and medical expertise are right here at home when you need it ... 24/7 Don’t Delay Critical Care Emergency Services at the Manatee Healthcare System are fully operational and have safety procedures in place to help protect you. We’re ready to respond to life-threatening emergencies with fast, high-quality care.

If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

206 Second Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 | 941.746.5111

manateememorial.com

8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 | 941.782.2100

lwrmc.com

6760 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34240 | 941.378.7500

lwrmc.com/fedfruitville

Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Healthcare System, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Healthcare System. The hospitals shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 2189005-160620 04/21

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