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June - July 2022

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Program Guide

2022-2023

PROGRAM

GUIDE

#careerready

ManateeTech.edu

Career and Technical Education Programs CNC Production Specialist ◘

Allied Health Medical Assisting*▲ Assisting

1300 hrs: approx. 11 mos - includes 200 hrs clinical August Only Start. Day and Hybrid Prepare for: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified EKG Technician (CET) and Certified Phlebotomists (CPT) Train to be: Medical Assistant, Healthcare Worker, Phlebotomist

Medical Coder/Biller - ATD*▲ ATD*

600 hrs: approx. 6 mos | Day and Evening Prepare for: National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certification Train to be: Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist, CAD CAM Programmer

Drafting▲◘ Drafting

1500 hrs: approx. 13 mos Prepare for: AutoDesk, Solidworks certifications Train to be: Mechanical Drafter, AutoCAD and SolidWorks Drafter

Electrical and Instrumentation Technology 1

1110 hrs: approx. 11 mos | Online Only August Only Start. Prepare for: AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) certification Train to be: Medical Records Specialist, Health Information Technologist

1000 hrs: approx. 9 mos Prepare for: Industry Certifications Train to be: Industrial Control, Electrical and Instrumentation Technician

Pharmacy Technician - ATD*▲◘ ATD

Electrician▲ Electrician

1050 hrs: approx. 10 mos - includes 240 hrs clinical Day and Hybrid Prepare for: PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification Train to be: Certified Pharmacy Technician , Compounding Technician

1500 hrs: approx. 13 mos or 21 mos part-time | Day and Evening Prepare for: NCCER certification Train to be: Commercial and Residential Electrician

Global Logistics and Supply Chain Technology

Surgical Technology ▲

1330 hrs: approx. 11 mos Prepare for: NCCT Tech in Surgery Certified (TS-C) Train to be: Certified Surgical Technician, Surgical Scrub Technician

600 hrs: approx. 6 mos Prepare for: MSSC Foundational-Level Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) and MSSC Mid-Level Technical Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) Train to be: Transportation, Storage and Distribution Manager, Shipping, Receiving and Inventory Clerk, Logistician

Auto and Marine

Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) ▲◘

Automotive Collision Technology Technician ◘

1350 hrs: approx. 12 mos Prepare for: HVAC Excellence Employment Ready and EPA certifications. Train to be: HVAC Installer and Mechanic

Automotive Service Technology▲◘ Technology

750 hrs: approx. 10 mos | Evening Only Prepare for: HVAC Excellence Employment Ready and EPA certifications. Train to be: HVAC Repair Technician

1400 hrs: approx. 12 mos Prepare for: ASE Collision Repair and Refinish certification Train to be: Automotive Body Repairer, Finishing Technician 1800 hrs: approx. 16 mos Prepare for: ASE Automotive and Light Truck certification Train to be: Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic

Automotive Service Technology 1 ▲

1050 hours: approx. 14 mos | Evening Only Prepare for: ASE Automotive and Light Truck certification Train to be: Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic

Diesel Maintenance Technician

600 hours: approx. 6 mos Prepare for: a certification Train to be: Diesel Engine Specialist and Bus and Truck Mechanic

Marine Service Technologies

1350 hrs: approx. 11 mos Prepare for: Mercury and Yamaha certifications Train to be: Marine Boat Mechanic and Service Technician

Construction and Manufacturing Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology▲◘ Technology

600 hrs: approx. 6 mos Prepare for: RECF Pre-Engineering certification Train to be: Assembly, Line, Molding, Plant, Robotic and Manufacturing Specialist

Building Trades and Construction Design Technology▲ Technology

900 hrs: approx. 7 mos Prepare for: NCCER Core and Building Trades certifications Train to be: Commerical and Industrial Building Construction Technician

Computer Aided Drawing and Modeling

1200 hours: approx. 11 mos Prepare for: AutoCAD Professional Certification Train to be: Architectural, Civil, Mechanical and Structural Drafter ▲= credit hours articulate/transfer to FL public colleges * = Hybrid Programs: 49% online and 51% on campus/clinical time

◘ = Available for Dual Enrollment

Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) 1 ▲

Industrial Technology ▲

1600 hrs: approx. 14 mos Prepare for: AutoCAD and Solidworks certifications Train to be: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Technician

Machining Technologies ▲◘

1500 hrs: approx. 13 mos Prepare for: National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certification Train to be: Machine and Mill Operator

Plumbing ▲

1080 hours: approx. 15 mos | Evening Only Prepare for: NCCER Core and Plumbing certifications Train to be: Plumber, Plumber’s Assistant

Welding Technology

1050 hrs: approx. 9 mos or 14 mos part-time | Day and Evening Prepare for: American Welding Society Certified Welder certification Train to be: Welding, Soldering and Brazing Technician

Welding Technology - Advanced

750 hrs: approx. 10 mos | Evening Only Prepare for: American Welding Society Certified Welder 1 and 2 certifications Train to be: Advanced Welding, Soldering and Brazing Technician

Culinary Baking and Pastry Arts▲◘ Arts

600 hrs: approx. 6 mos | Day and Evening Prepare for: Certified Food Protection Manager (ServSafe) certification Train to be: Baker, Cake Decorator, Pastry Chef

Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality ▲◘

Emergency Medical Technician - ATD▲◘

IT, Business and Creative

Nursing Assistant (Articulated)

1200hrs: approx. 11 mos Prepare for: Certified Food Protection Manager (ServSafe) certification Train to be: Food Preparer, Short Order Cook, Pastry Chef, Sous Chef

Accounting Operations▲◘ Operations

900 hrs: approx. 8 mos Prepare for: QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Specialist certifications Train to be: Accounting Assistant, Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk

Administrative Office Specialist▲◘ Specialist

1050 hrs: approx. 9 mos Prepare for: Microsoft Office Specialist, QuickBooks certifications Train to be: Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant, Office Assistant

Applied Cybersecurity*

750 hrs: approx. 7 mos | On-Campus and Hybrid Prepare for: CompTIA’s Security+ certification Train to be: Information Security Analyst, Network Security Analyst

Business Management and Analysis

900 hrs: approx. 7 mos Prepare for: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Bundled (4 out of 6) or Microsoft Ofice Master Specialist certification Train to be: Business Supervisor

Computer Systems and Information Technology ▲

900 hrs: approx. 8 mos Prepare for: CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications Train to be: Network Support Technician, Computer Systems Administrator

Digital Design▲ Design

1200 hrs: approx. 11 mos Prepare for: Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) Visual Communication certification with Adobe Photoshop certification Train to be: Graphic Designer, Graphic Artist, Publications Designer, Digital Artist

Digital Photography Technology

1050 hrs: approx. 9 mos Prepare for: Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) – Photoshop certification Train to be: Commercial Photographer, Photo Editor

Digital Video Technology▲ Technology

900 hrs: approx. 8 mos Prepare for: Adobe Premiere Pro ACA certification Train to be: Video Editor, Studio Technician, Production Technician, Videographer

Education and Training Child Care Center Operations

45 hrs: approx. 6 weeks part-time Prepare for: DCF Director Credential Train to be: Child Care Center Director Prerequisite: MTC’s Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship

Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship▲ 288 hrs + 4000 hrs (2 yrs) On-Site Training Prepare for: DCF Staff Credential Train to be: Child Care Center Personnel. Prerequisite: Already employed in a childcare facility

Health Science Dental Assisting Technology and Management - ATD▲ ATD

300 hrs: approx. 3 mos | Day and Evening Prepare for: National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT Exam Train to be: EMT 165 hrs: approx. 1.5 mos Prepare for: CNA: Nursing Assistant Certification by Board of Nursing Train to be: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Paramedic - ATD▲

1100 hrs: approx. 12 mos Prepare for: National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic Exam Train to be: Paramedic

Patient Care Technician▲ ◘

600 hrs: approx. 6 mos Prepare for: CNA: Nursing Assistant Certification by Board of Nursing Train to be: Home Health Aide, Practical Care Assistant, CNA, Caregiver

Practical Nursing*▲ Nursing*

1350 hrs: approx. 13 mos Day and Evening Hybrid, August Only Start Prepare for: NCLEX – Practical Nursing Exam Train to be: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Law, Public Safety & Security Firefighter ▲ ◘

492 hrs: approx. 4 mos | Day and Evening Prepare for: Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training certification Train to be: Firefighter

Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician - Combined ▲

792 hrs: approx. 8 mos | Day and Evening Prepare for: FL-EMT, National Registry, State of FL Certified Firefighter certifications Train to be: Firefighter, Paramedic

Florida Law Enforcement Academy ▲

770 hrs: approx. 6 mos Prepare for: State Officer (State of Florida) Certification Exam Train to be: Police Officer, Sheriff’s Deputy, Security Officer

Salon Services Barbering

900 hrs: approx. 8 mos or 13 mos part-time evening | Day & Evening Prepare for: FL Barbering licensure Train to be: Barber

Cosmetology

1200 hrs: 11 mos or 17 mos part-time evening | Day and Evening Prepare for: FL Cosmetologist licensure Train to be: Cosmetologist

Facials Specialty

220 hrs: approx. 2 mos or 3 months part-time | Day and Evening Prepare for: FL Facial Specialist registration Train to be: Esthetician, Skincare Specialist, Spa Technician

Massage Therapy▲ Therapy

750 hrs: approx. 10 mos part-time | Day and Evening Prepare for: FL Massage licensure Train to be: Massage Therapist, Therapeutic Massage Technician

1230 hrs: approx. 11 mos Prepare for: CDA and state required Dental Radiography and Assisting Expanded Nails Specialty Functions certifications 180 hours: approx. 3 mos | Evening Only Train to be: Dental Assistant, Orthodontic Assistant Prepare for: FL Nail Specialist registration = These Programs may be eligible for assistance Train to be: Manicurist, Pedicurist, Nail Technician through CareerSource Suncoast. For more information, visit: http://careersourcesuncoast.com/

All costs are estimates and are based on FL residency, in-state tuition, full-time attendance, includes tuition, fees and books, and are subject to change. Additional supplies/tools/ uniforms or licensure testing fees may or may not need to be purchased. Sales tax calculated at point of sale. Programs are during the day unless otherwise specified.

MTC at a Glance • • • • • • • •

We provide training that meets the needs of the community. Students get hands-on experience & learn by doing. Training is focused on career-ready skills & competencies Tuition is affordable & financial aid is available to those who qualify. We offer more Career and Technical programs than any school in Florida. Our business partners provide relevant industry input & career opportunities for our students. Industry-trained instructors offer personalized guidance & mentoring. We deliver education with a purpose!

Continuing Education

MTC’s Continuing Education classes are geared to individuals or groups who want to upgrade their current skills for job retention or promotion. The process for enrolling in one of these classes will vary from program to program. Information on course content and the enrollment process is included on our website: ManateeTech.edu/programs/continuing-education/ COMMUNITY TRAINING CENTER Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Basic Life Support (BLS) HeartCode ACLS (Skills Testing) HeartCode BLS (Skills Testing) HeartCode PALS (Skills Testing) Heartsaver® CPR AED Heartsaver® First Aid Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED Instructor Courses Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

FIRE SCIENCE Apparatus Operations Building Construction for the Fire Service Community Emergency Response Team Company Officer Firefighting Tactics & Strategies I & II Fire Fighter Retention Firefighter Training /Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior /Human Factors on the Fireline Fire Prevention Practices Fire Service Course Design Fire Service Course Delivery Fire Service Hydraulics Live Fire Training Evolutions

Workforce Preparation/ Adult Education Learn English – Aprenda Inglés – Aprann Anglè Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Improve English and math skills to prepare for employment and postsecondary opportunities. Must be 16 or older and not in high school. Ongoing registration.

GED®

GED® Preparation For adults, 16 years old or older, not enrolled in high school who wish to pass the GED® test. Ongoing registration. For up-to-date information on all MTC ESOL programs go to:

https://www.manateetech.edu/programs/learn-english/

For information on GED programs, go to: https://www.manateetech.edu/programs/ged/.

LAW Advanced Report Writing (40 hours) Case Preparation & Court Presentation Equivalency of Training Hostage Negotiation Interviews & Interrogations (40 hours) DRAFTING Line Supervision (80 hours) AutoCAD Certification Preparation Vehicle Operations Instructor: (40 hours) SolidWorks Certification Preparation

Scan this code and apply now!

For more information or to apply, go to ManateeTech.edu. Our mission is to produce highly skilled individuals and resourceful leaders through collaborative education to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities and the workforce.

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

Manatee Technical College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350 770-396-3898 | f: 770-396-3790 www.council.org East Campus 5520 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34211 941.752.8100

West Campus 5505 34th St. W., Bldg 6. Bradenton, FL 34210 941.209.6800

ManateeTech.edu | MTCdashboard.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.

Prices are estimates. Please contact a Career Counselor for the most up-to-date information.

Advertising Supplement

Contents June - July 2022

PUBLISHER

EARLY LEARNING COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EDITOR Katelyn Disbro

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

Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County

DEPUTY EDITOR Kelly Harbour DESIGN EDITOR Mara Stork STAFF WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER Gabrielle Versmessen PHOTOGRAPHY Whitney Patton Wendy Dewhurst

PRIVATE SECTOR APPOINTED MEMBERS Michael Rampino, Christina Riggio, Karen Carpenter, Doug Hall, Zack Kallis, Rev. Dr. Robert Baker, Dr. Michael Mackie, Bryan Rench, Gary Scott, Caroline Halfacre, Tim Pye

EDITOR editor@nextgenmagazine.org

LEGISLATIVELY REQUIRED MEMBERS Rachel Kendzior Children With Disabilities Program Representative Annette Larkin Private, For-Profit Provider Representative Dr. Robin Thompson Manatee County School Board Designee Jennifer Passmore Board of County Commissioners' Appointee Kathy Patreka Head Start Director Chantal Porte Department of Children and Families Designee James Disbro CareerSource Suncoast Dr. Carla McGill County Health Department Designee Dr. Kristina DeWitt Florida College System Designee Marjani Jones Faith-Based Provider Representative

COMPETITION ENTRIES competitions@nextgenmagazine.org

SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE BOARD Linda Guritz

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@nextgenmagazine.org

BOARD OF EDUCATION MANATEE COUNTY Charlie Kennedy, Gina Messenger, Rev. James Golden, Mary Foreman, Chad Choate Cynthia Saunders, Superintendent

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carlee Colonneso, Christa Hardin, Caroline Lehman, Sheri Roca, Colleen Hartnett, Merab-Michal Favorite 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

ADVERTISING SUBMISSIONS adsubmissions@nextgenmagazine.org ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS articles@nextgenmagazine.org

STOP THE SUMMER SLIDE Grade-Level Reading Update

12 CHILDREN’S CHAMPION Fostering more than homes… 18 EXECUTIVELY SPEAKING Teens tackle tough topics… 28 BEYOND GENEROUS More than an average sisterhood 34 SUMMER CAMPS 41 ELC INSIDER! 42 CHILDCARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY 48 SHARING A LOVE OF LEARNING 52 TRANSITION TO KINDERGARTEN 56 THE LATEST FROM WRC... 57 MAKING THE COMMUNITY SAFER 62 Kids in the Kitchen 63 On the Bookshelf 64 Calendar Of Events 68 Fun Kids Craft 76 THANK YOU, MANATEE Message from Superintendent Cynthia Saunders 77 A TRIBUTE TO PAUL SHARFF

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

78 MANATEE’S GOT TALENT Talent from the heart 86 SCHOOL FOOD & NUTRITION Kids eat free this summer!

STOP THE SUMMER SLIDE! WORDS: Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

esearch spanning 100 years has proven that students experience academic learning loss when out of school for the summer and do not engage in educational activities. With an average loss of more than two months in reading achievement during the summer, progress toward third-grade

reading proficiency for children from asset-limited families is significantly slowed. The achievement gap with their middle-class peers is exacerbated. Summer learning loss is also cumulative, making it nearly impossible to catch up year after year. The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading’s summer learning initiative focuses on creating opportunities to stop the summer slide and help close the achievement gap. Studies document that trying to rectify summer learning loss each year by re-teaching forgotten material is costly in terms of money for the school system and time for the teachers and other students in the classroom. Funders, policymakers, and community leaders can help schools and local organizations address summer learning loss by supporting strong programs and by engaging families to participate in summer learning opportunities. Using intentional techniques, summer learning can take on a new form by blending core academic learning, hands-on activities, arts, sports, technology, and meaningful relationships to achieve success. • For more information on the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading’s efforts to reduce summer learning loss nationwide, please visit GradeLevelReading.net.

Time For Tech Breaks WORDS: Christa Hardin

ot taking tech breaks is one surefire way that summer will come and go in the blink of an eye. This isn't news to you, of course. We all KNOW we need them.

We've seen the stats as well. Too much screen time poses several potential negative consequences, including vision impairment, sleeplessness, anxiety, and even addiction to the device itself (regiscollege.edu). And yet virtually everyone uses it - a lot! My family is not exempt. Right now, I'm using it to write this article. It's convenient, and it's savvy, right? To bring it directly to us even further, 75% of families have kids with their own devices. Even if they're strict, 98% use it for school! However, (and thank goodness for the "however" here!) summer is a time when we can allow and even steer our kids to use tech less. Indeed, if we don't monitor and break up our family's usage in times like this, we all suffer, especially our children, who are born into the hyper-modern tech world, and try to navigate it with as much grace as possible. Believe me; they are trying and talking about it amongst themselves as they too become overwhelmed. I also don't want any of you or them to feel condemned as we navigate this. I just want to remind us ALL that there are so many things we miss right in front of us each summer when we don't set some limits for ourselves or these precious kids whose brains are still forming. So, instead of letting them spend their entire summer on tech, as you roll into the rest of your summer, make sure to have a family meeting and set some rules around it. If you're concerned about talking about this with the family, you're not alone. Almost half of parents struggle with having a tech conversation with their kids. I get it. It may feel a little too close to Diary of A Wimpy Kid's parents' life for comfort, but the truth is, the parents in that movie are good parents overall, and the kids do get an interesting summer because the parents set limits and risked being thought of as uncool.

Here are some reasonable ways you and the kids can take a tech break this summer. 1. Get phones out only after morning fitness or mediation. 2. Turn tech in at night. 3. Use tech smarter. Turn on Alexa or Pandora for midafternoon music and art instead of just individual time with phones, Air Pods, or gaming. 4. Put phones in another room on the charger during the day for one-hour time frames. 5. Get books out and go to Barnes and Noble at UTC, the Goodwill bookstore near Tara, or your local library with phones out of reach (yours too!). Read aloud together at home afterward or for a little each afternoon or night. Use audiobooks if you prefer but only if you can focus. 6. Get out in nature and walk. Children get creative and healthy when they spend more time in nature and get moving. According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, children who spend more time indoors are more likely to develop nearsightedness (myopia). Suppose you're working and can't do a lot of this. Ask sitters or relatives to help integrate these tips or sign the kids up for a week-long camp. None of us are perfect at this. Just make the most of the occasional day off and take a deep breath. Give yourself grace as you navigate these interesting waters along with the rest of us! 11

Fostering More Than Just Homes… WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

tanding in a plot of uncleared land off Ellenton-Gillette Road in Palmetto, Bobbie and Floyd Price envisioned a community where foster kids could live with their biological siblings in a safe, Christ-centered foster home. A place where healing and growth could occur for the children and the biological families on their path to reunification. Nine years later, that vision has become beyond immeasurably more of a reality. According to the National Children's Bureau, approximately two-thirds of the children in the United Sates' foster system have a sibling also in foster care and about 70% of those siblings are separated.

Bobbie Price recalls: "About five or six people got together and felt led to begin a ministry to help these siblings that were in the system." Guardian Angels was then created as a nonprofit to fulfill this need. Currently building their sixth Foster Family Home on the Guardian Angels campus, through One More Child, they are able to house large sibling groups of foster children. Janelle Hanaburgh, Senior Director of Foster Care for One More Child, explains how Guardian Angels and One More Child partner together: "The sibling connection is the longest-lasting family connection that we have. What we've done with the partnership is try to preserve that sibling connection. Six hundred children in the area are in foster care with less than 200 families for them to go to. That's another amazing resource of our Foster Family Homes, being able to serve more children. One More Child has about 30% of the foster families in the area. In 2021 we served about 40% of the children locally in the system. Our ultimate goal is to have 14

no less than five foster children in each home. Often, we're exceeding that, which is amazing. When all eight homes are built, can you imagine 40 children living on campus?" "We're the funding arm; they're the operation," as Floyd Price, Guardian Angels Board member, puts it. These Foster Family Homes have six bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms so that each child staying in a room has their own private bathroom. Along with being able to house their siblings, this helps a foster child to be able to feel more comfortable when going through what can be a difficult transition for them. Foster dad Royal Dowdy says: "The homes that the Guardian Angels have provided for us to foster out of are amazing. They are truly gifts. It's set up in an environment where we can be a family to all of them. We've been able to touch lives and change lives not for just today but for their futures."

His wife, Manida Dowdy, continues: "I couldn't have designed a better home than what they've got here on campus. Not only the house itself and the way it's set up but having the other foster parents right across the street. Somebody to cry with and pray with and call in times of emergency has worked out beautifully for us." The homes take about six months to build, come fully furnished, and are rent-free to ensure the foster parents can focus their expenditures on caring for the foster children to the very best of their ability, taking away the worry of those larger bills. The community also sports a playground for the foster kids to play on. Everything from the fencing to the equipment was donated by different companies. When reflecting on how he doesn't have to worry about doing things like mowing the grass, foster dad Travis Matthews says: "I can be more of a dad to these kids." As well as providing housing for the foster parents, the Azinger Compassion Center was built on the campus to provide food

and non-food items such as car seats, clothing, diapers, books, and toys for the families. Here, families can stop in, grab what they need, and continue down the road to their home and they don't have to worry about running to the store. This saves families about $1,000 per week in groceries, according to Emily Petrilli, Director of Major Gifts for One More Child. However, the Azinger Compassion Center doesn't just provide for the Guardian Angels' families. Through church partners, those in need can also access all the Center has to offer. Since its opening in October 2020, the Azinger Compassion Center has provided 400,000 pounds of food, which equates to 333,000 meals, and half a million dollars' worth of nonfood items. "God makes all of this possible through communit y and just how generous everyone has been over the years," Floyd Price emphasized. Bruce Williams Homes has been the builder for the Foster Family Homes and has generously donated their materials and time with each build. All items that the Azinger Compassion Center gives out are also provided through donations. Stores like Publix, Kroger, Walmart, and Amazon have given pallets of food and non-food items. "It truly is a God thing, the way we're able to do all of this," Bobbie Price, President of Guardian Angels, says. The Guardian Angels' nine-acre campus currently serves 23 children and One More Child serves 82 children within the 12th judicial circuit. One More Child has over 40 resource church partners within Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties and over 100 local partners, like Bradenton Christian School. Children of all ages, from newborn to 21 years old, can be in foster care and they all need placement. Rachel Froelich, a licensing specialist for Guardian Angels, explains: "When children turn 18, they age out of the foster care system, but they can choose to remain in extended foster care, which is where they would stay with their foster parents while they get on their feet, go to college, find a job, things like that. Foster parents are

able to help them start the early years of their life. Florida has extended foster care in order to help those kids get a better start." Some children are in the foster home for a few nights while some are there for a few years. The goal is to have children achieve permanency in 12 months, though. Rachel is also a single foster mom who has adopted two children of her own. She recalls a recent success story of one of the children from their program: "A brand new foster mom, with no children of her own, took in a 15-year-old girl who had some behavioral issues. At first, the biological parents were skeptical of the foster mom, and they did not have a close relationship. But through a lot of prayer

and counseling, she eventually developed a relationship with the parents where they started attending weekly Bible studies together. Then, they attended her church and got involved, and eventually, the girl was reunified with her parents. They still have a close relationship to this day and speak often." Two more lives changed by the program were that of two sisters, Shyanne and Sierra Gutierrez. "Before, when we were with our biological parents, we weren't really thinking about college and a future. I think it would have just been day-today survival. I don't think we would be sitting here in front of you if it weren't for Guardian Angels." 15

June Is Men’s Health Month Our Team of Primary Care Physicians Is Here to Care for YOUR Health

Manatee Physician Alliance has three primary care locations... Manatee Avenue West, Manatee Avenue East and North River. The primary care physicians are board certified in family medicine.

5225 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-708-8081

1720 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-216-2878

606 4th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-7785

Ronald Grubb, DO Kristof Michaels, DO

Drew Edwards, MD, FAAFP Francisco Estevez, MD Kelly Thibert, DO, MPH

Angel Llanio, DO Sara Wemlinger, DO Ryan Zaleski, DO

Services include: • Diabetes care • Treatment for acute and chronic conditions • Cardiovascular care • Treatment for substance use disorders • Osteopathic manipulative medicine • LGBTQ and gender-affirming care • Geriatric care

Services include: • Musculoskeletal pain treatments • Ultrasound-guided injections and diagnostics • Exercise and nutrition guidance • Sports-related concussion management • In-office male sterilization/ vasectomy procedures • Minor dermatologic procedures • Office-based buprenorphine

Services include: • Minor office procedures • Immunizations • Osteopathic manipulative treatments • EKGs • Lab work

Schedule your appointment online at manateephysicianalliance.com or call 866-515-9777.

For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 22682810-762077 4/22

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

www.InjuriesArePersonal.com

Teens Tackle Tough Topics… WORDS: Merab Favorite PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

ealth education for high schoolers. Could there be a more frustrating topic? For parents, it invokes visions of awkward conversations filled with bad analogies like birds and bees, an egg sizzling in a frying pan, and of course, that oversimplified slogan, "Just Say No."

Educating teens about healthy choices has come a long way in the last couple of generations, especially in Manatee County. While awkward dialogues between adults and youth can never be avoided entirely, students themselves are taking the initiative and educating their classmates on healthy choices.

For teens, it's even worse. The gut wrench that comes when the teacher asks them to answer an embarrassing question. The peer pressure to do something risky. The raging hormones that can't be ignored. Oh, and then there are those cringe-worthy conversations with adults.

Healthy Teens, Founded in 2011, is helping to reduce risky behaviors among youth and promote positive alternatives by providing them with knowledge and skills to make informed choices about their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The organization accepts students in ninth through twelfth grades

to become Teen Health Educators, then encourages them to go out in the community and talk to other children about the benefits of making healthy choices. Teen Health Educators receive extensive training on various topics like substance abuse, vaping, and mental health, provided by Healthy Teens through local, state, and even national experts on their topic. They then provide peer education and mentoring through youth-serving community partners, with a focus on atrisk youth. "Teens don't want to hear advice from their parents and teachers," said Mary Ann Legler, the founder of Healthy Teens who established the Teen Health Educator Program in 2014. "We knew early on that if we wanted this to work, the information would need to come from someone their own age." Grace Domonkos, a Teen Health Educator, says: "Basically, we're a group of teenagers going around the community speaking to other teenagers and children younger than us, explaining health topics, addiction, and sexual education. Just trying to inform our youth because teens will listen to other teens." Once they graduate, Teen Health Educators can apply to become Young Adult Leaders, receiving wages for their efforts along with additional leadership training. They also get career and education advice and references, and recommendations from an adult mentor. "We have a high expectation for teens when joining the program, we ask them to really commit and invest, and they get the same back from us," said Jonathan Evans, Executive Director of Healthy Teens. "We expect a lot from them, and we give a lot to them, 20

including nationally-recognized training from experts, effective communication tools, and a path for the future." Healthy Teens originally started as a campaign to curb teenage pregnancy rates. The program was the brainchild of a group of community leaders who were passionate about reducing the rate of teen pregnancy and the negative outcomes associated with it. According to the Florida Department of Health, the number peaked in 2007, with 585 babies born to teen moms in Manatee County. Since then, that number has decreased by nearly 70 percent. "While the adults were trying to figure out what to do about the problem, the teen pregnancy rates just kept going up," said Legler. "Finally, in 2010, the stars aligned, and a group really started trying to reduce teen births. We also quickly discovered that if teens are drinking and taking drugs, they are probably at a higher risk of having unprotected sex." Realizing that tackling an issue like teen pregnancy would be more effectively addressed by also looking at substance abuse, mental health, and overall well-being, the group molded their purpose to encompass all aspects of teen health. While Healthy Teens still provides support to the School District of Manatee County's Teenage Parent Program, which helps teen parents graduate from high school, the focus of the work has broadened to include over 30 topics. The variety has allowed Healthy Teens to be flexible, adapting to the issue of the moment.

developing, and they desperately need our support." In an effort to respond to the issue, Healthy Teens partnered with SRQ Strong to develop a local youth trauma training team, Trauma Leadership Corps (TLC). An existing group of Teen Health Educators and Young Adult Leaders formed the core training team, supporting other youth-serving providers in responding to stress and trauma. The project's purpose is also to raise community awareness about the power of youth peer-to-peer training and support. Funding for the TLC is provided in part by the Paul and Anne Finstad Fund 1 of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Legler sees this initiative as the perfect opportunity to help community youth increase resilience. When asked how Healthy Teens has impacted her life, Yadelas Gonzales-Sanchez said: "I get to step out of my comfort zone and talk to other people. I have anxiety, so it's very hard for me to hold a conversation. I think it's been very good practice for that." Grace Domonkos agrees. She smiled: "It has really improved my public speaking skills." Is there anything these fearless youth leaders can't do? Tackling these very important issues and bridging communication between adults, youth, and community leaders is an inspiring way for teens to become more invested in their community. Teens moved to join these efforts in promoting health and wellness through peer-to-peer support can apply to join the program.

"Part of remaining on top of current issues is asking our youth what's going on in their schools," said Evans. "They are usually a year or two ahead of what the adults are focused on. Vaping and electronic-nicotine devices (ENDS) are a good example of that." Healthy Teens included e-cigs in its topics after area teens began complaining that their school bathrooms were restricted due to student vaping. The issue received national attention when a 2012-2013 study showed that most teens began vaping using flavored tobacco, spurring concerns that tobacco companies were targeting children. In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of flavored e-cigs (other than tobacco and menthol-flavored). Since then, the number of teens using e-cigs has steadily decreased. While alcohol, sexually transmitted diseases, and substance use are still important topics, mental health issues have emerged as a primary issue that is troubling teens. For the last few years, community leaders have grown concerned about the amount of youth experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. In 2019, a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly 20 percent of children had considered suicide. Then the pandemic occurred, leaving many teens feeling even more isolated and traumatized "We can't brush it off because they are so young, and they're in a fragile place in their life," said Evans. "Their brains are still • Visit www.healthyteensmanatee.com and click on the "Teen Health Educator" tab to access the online application form before the August 31 deadline. 21

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Sports Physicals Are a Good Pregame Move Preparticipation physical examinations (PPEs) are more than just a routine requirement — they allow physicians to detect minor to serious underlying health issues in children and adolescents. They also are an annual requirement for playing sports in middle school, high school, or athletic organization participation in most states. At Manatee Urgent Care, the athlete can be seen right away and allow parents enough time to follow up on any health issues. Just walk in to these locations: Bradenton 4647 Manatee Ave W. 941.745.5999

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More T han Your Average Sisterhood..

WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen

any good things can come from pairing a little wine and some good Italian food together. However, one of the better things to emerge must be the birth of Sisterhood for Good (SFG) at Angela Massaro-Fain's home 11 years ago.

five years. The LWRCF Board President spoke about a trend in philanthropic giving called Women's Giving Circles. Angela thought it was a great way to bring women together who could affordably give back to the community. That May, she held a get-together with about 20 other women.

group philanthropy to help our community. My daughter, Maria-Francesca, came up with the name 'Sisterhood for Good,' and we all loved it because it spoke to who we wanted to be. That evening, ten ladies formed the donor-advised fund called 'Sisterhood for Good'," she recalls.

In 2011, Angela, President of SFG, had been a Board Member of Lakewood Ranch Community Fund (LWRCF) for

"Over wine and great conversations, we agreed to form this all-female, allvolunteer organization that believed in

Focusing on human services, animal rights, children, the aging, and new moms within Sarasota and Manatee counties, 29

other founding members wanted to make sure that SFG was affordable for women to join and not an exclusive group. Having 200 members and growing each month is a testament to how having an affordable philanthropy group can significantly impact a community. Out of the $225, $200 goes to SFG's Annual Grants Program, and $25 goes towards paying for SFG's insurance, mailbox, registrations with the State, etc. All net proceeds from fundraisers and events also go toward their Annual Grants Program. Additionally, Sisterhood for Good is 100% run by volunteers. No one is paid a salary or stipend. "Is it a lot of work? You bet it is. Nothing successful comes from sitting back. It takes a LOT of planning and time. Luckily, I am retired and can devote the time that the organization needs. You couldn't pay me enough for what I do for free," Angela jokes. "And I can only say that SFG has the best, most involved, and hardest working Chair of the Board in Amy Gorman. She is truly a partner, helping to lead and execute the vision that is Sisterhood for Good." Kathy Collins, one of the original women at Angela's house that fateful night 11 years ago, raves, "This woman (Angela) dedicates more hours to this organization than probably any executive in the two counties, and she's retired!"

Sisterhood for Good (SFG) will have awarded $206,551 in grants as of this year since its inception in 2011. Making sure that the money goes to local people in need is a huge priority for the women in the Sisterhood. "We try to keep it more grassroots," explains Amy Gorman, Chair of the Board for SFG. The vice-Chair of Communications, Laurel Corriveau, describes how it is "absolutely unbelievable" to see what a local organization can do with its grant money. "They can turn $250 into 700 pairs of sneakers or meals or backpacks. That impact is so meaningful to me." 30

"On my own, I could never give back in this capacity. But together, we're able to make a true difference that surmounts anything we could do by ourselves," Peggy Kronus, SFG Board member, beams. Tagging on that same sentiment, Graceann Frederico, Chair of Membership, said: "My dollars, along with everybody else's, you are part of a bigger picture. You're a thread in that tapestry. You can leave a legacy in the community that you love just by joining Sisterhood for Good." Establishing yearly dues as only $225 with a five-year pledge, Angela and the

The women of Sisterhood for Good exude a sense of camaraderie and friendship amongst themselves. Not only do they all have an overwhelming desire to help our local community, but they also want to have fun while doing it. Their events range from happy hour mixers to designer bag bingo to a Vegas-style casino night. Just by attending a happy hour event, which is typically free to attend, and inquiring woman can see just how laid-back, welcoming, and passionate the women of the Sisterhood are as a group. But Sisterhood for Good doesn't just distribute grants. They also go out and volunteer in Manatee and Sarasota counties. These volunteer opportunities can be as small as a one-time event

where someone just needs their physical help for the day or ongoing volunteer help. Organizations can either contact the Sisterhood, or they'll put it out there if they need help, and the Sisterhood steps in. One of the things they did last year was a food drive for Manatee Meals on Wheels, which has also been a grant recipient from SFG. "I joined the Sisterhood because I was looking for an opportunity to give back and volunteer but be able to give to many organizations at the same time rather than just one. This is such a varied group of non-profits that we work with, and it's the non-profits that I was drawn to because they're in the 'secret pockets' of Manatee and Sarasota counties that don't really have the opportunity to obtain large dollar funds," Laurel explained.

of it.' We are continuing to 'grow up,' and by that, I mean, as SFG has expanded, our Board structure and experience have flourished. Our members also want to be more personally involved in fundraising and volunteering. Members are out more, participating in the community, and proudly representing the Sisterhood for Good brand. My personal goal would be to grow SFG into other counties to form and assist other non-profits that need our help. The logistics of this are not yet on SFG's

Strategic Plan as there is a lot of legal work to research behind the scenes first, but that would be my personal long-term goal." Whether or not you've heard of Sisterhood for Good, someone you know, or an organization you've heard of, has likely been impacted by their giving spirits and fun attitudes. With their reach expanding every year, I feel you'll be seeing a lot more of the Sisterhood within Manatee County for a long time to come.

What are their future goals for the Sisterhood? Angela smiled: "SFG is still on a growth trajectory, having new members join every month. Women tell us all the time that they 'love what we do for the community' and they 'want to be a part

If you're interested in learning more about Sisterhood for Good or finding their next event near you, you can visit sfgflorida.org. 31

l a u n n 3rd A

C ornhole & C oCktails F estival Must be 21+ to attend

35 per ticket

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 30, 2022 3PM - 7PM LOCATED at the Palmetto Fairgrounds, Veterans Hall 1303 17th St. W, Palmetto, FL 34221

SAVE THE DATE!! Reserve your spot as a vendor or sponsor!

Multiple sponsorship levels are available! Please see back of flyer for more details.

Proceeds benefitting:

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

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

ReadingPals provides mentors to positively influence students’ understanding of the fundamental building blocks of early literacy. In addition, through genuine and impactful relationships, mentors help enhance a solid social-emotional foundation for their young learners. • Offered in Manatee County through the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County under the direction of the Children's Movement of Florida. • Mentors meet weekly in person or virtually with 1-3 students at a time (25+ sessions). • Screening, training, continuous mentor support and books provided by the ELC of Manatee County. • Students receive copies of the read-aloud books to enjoy at home.

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

Become a Mentor: Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/3pixo8E

The Bishop’s Science Camps provide awe-inspiring explorations, delightful discoveries, and WOW moments for kids ages 7-11 during summer break! Don't wait Reserve your spot today! Go to

www.BishopScience.org to register.

P at THE BISHO Summer Camps 2022 Summer Camps 2022 VPK-5th Grade VP K - 5 t h G r a d e Three Day or Five-Day Options Three Day or Five-Day Options Camp Hours 7 AM - 6 PM Camp Hours 7 AM - 6 PM

Week

MayWeek 30th - June rd3rd May June 30th 6 - thJune 3th - 10 th th th10 th June 6 - 17 June 13 th th th th June 13 17 June 20 - 24 th th th - 24 June 20 June 27 - July st1st June July 27th 4- thJuly - th8th1 th th th July 4 8 July 11 - 15 th th th nd July 11 15 July 18 - 22 th nd th 22 th July 18 July 25 - 29 th th st July 25 -129 August - rd3rd st August 1 - 3

Theme Theme Ocean Week – Pirates Ahoy!

Ocean Ahoy!& More! BeachWeek Week– –Pirates Mermaids Beach Week – Mermaids & More! Magic Week! Magic Week! Superhero Week! Superhero Stars andWeek! Stripes Week! Stars andWeek Stripes Week! & Stars, Oh My! Space – Planets Space Week – Planets & Stars, Oh My! Camping Week! Camping Week! Vacation Bible School! Vacation Bible School! Lego Week! Lego Week! Farewell and End of Summer Bash! Farewell and End of Summer Bash!

Small-Group Outdoor Small-GroupSizes, Sizes,Low Low Ratios, Ratios, Indoor Indoor aand nd O utdoor PPlay lay SSpaces, paces, SSnacks nacks Small-Group SizIncludes, es, Low RField atios,Trips, IndooWater r and OPlay, utdoand or PlaMore! y Spaces, Snacks Included, Field Trips, Water Play, and M ore! Included, Field Trips, Water Play, and More! Just Grow 14305 Covenant Way Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 | 941-907-7333 Ext. 1017

Ju s t G r o w 1 4 3 0 5 C o v e n a n t W a y L a k e w o o d R a n c h , F L 3 4 2 0 2 | 9 4 1 -9 0 7 -7 3 3 3 E x t. 1 0 1 7 Ju s t G r o w 1 4 3 0 5 C o v e n a n t W a y L a k e w o o d R a n c h , F L 3 4 2 0 2 | 9 4 1 -9 0 7 -7 3 3 3 E x t. 1 0 1 7

ALL-DAY ZOO CAMP FOR AGES 6-11.

ENCOUNTER A SUMMER CAMP LIKE NO OTHER! Kids go WILD about Sarasota Jungle Gardens Zoo Camp, where they explore nature through handson games, crafts, demonstrations, one-of-a-kind animal interactions and other fun activities!

Camp Times

Weekly options available from June 6 – July 15 Monday – Friday • 9AM to 4PM

Cost Just $250/week Register for Zoo Camp and learn about our weekly themes at SarasotaJungleGardens.com/zoo-camp

SarasotaJungleGardens.com • 941.355.5305

MANATEE COUNTY PARKS & NATURAL RESOURCES

Summer Summer Blast Blast Camp Camp Manatee County Parks & Natural Resources

Summer Blast Camp Camp Locations Camp Info G.T. Bray Recreation Center Registration $30 FEES: 5502 33rd Ave Drive West, Bradenton

In-Person Registration Opens April 1st At G.T. Bray Recreation Center

Braden River Elementary School HOURS: 7:30am-6:00pm 6125 River Club Blvd, Bradenton DATES: June 1-Aug. 6, 2021 AGES: 5-12 years old

Weekly Camp Fees $135* / week *$30/pre-registration / Weeks 1 & 6 = $108

G.T. Bray Recreation Center May 31st - August 5th

Camp Ages: 5** - 13 ** Completion of Kindergarten Recommended

Weekly Program $110

Dates

Camp Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Braden River Elementary School May 31st - July 29th west location:

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

www.MyManatee.Org/SummerCamps • Ashley.Gainer@mymanatee.org NEW east location: Braden River Elementary | 6125 River Club Blvd, Bradenton

377205-1

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

STAGE SKILLS TEACH LIFE SKILLS At Manatee Performing Arts Center, we believe every student, regardless of age or experience, deserves the opportunity to participate in musical theater and discover their creative potential. Our program provides training in the disciplines of Dance, Theater, and Music and require active learning and participation. Programs are led by professional directors and artists. Don’t have your student miss out on developing their ability in public speaking, self-confidence and personal life skills. Scholarships available. Production Camps available Summer and Fall More info: ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com or 941-748-5875 Program Location: Manatee Performing Arts Center 502 Third Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205

$175 Per Week

CODE PLAY LEARN

2ND-5TH GRADERS June 6-July 22, 2022 8:00am-12:00 Noon

HANDS-ON FUN: Science Experiments Coding/Minecraft Flying Drones Robotics SCF Lakewood Ranch Campus

7131 Professional Pkwy East, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 Meals not Included, please provide peanut-free snacks Check our website for full-day Middle & High School camps on our Bradenton Campus!

SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT SCF.EDU/KIDS TO REGISTER

PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

You are the

LIGHT

in our community.

ELC INSIDER CONTENTS: 42

Childcare Provider Directory

Sharing A Love Of Learning…

Transition to Kindergarten

Manatee Conference on Young Children

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Little Schoolhouse Christian Academy 11740 U.S Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-776-1973 All About Children Christian Child Care Center 447 North Lime Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237 941-365-4172 All Gods Children Preschool 11107 Palmbrush Trail Bradenton, FL 34202 941-739-2776 Angel's Friends Child Development 611 North East Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237 941-953-3852 A New Beginning Early Child Care Learning Center 2185 Wood Street Sarasota, FL 34237 941-316-1555 A Plus Growing Academy 800 10th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0797 A Readiness Learning Academy 9045 59th Avenue Circle East Bradenton, FL 34202 941-727-9354 A Readiness Learning Academy 2 6130 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-4927 Asprea Family Day Care Home 4010 Hina Drive Sarasota, FL 34241-5801 941-378-1920 Bible Baptist Church of Palmetto Academy 1750 6th Avenue West, Unit 101 Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-4958 42

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Christian School 5500 18th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-756-8748 Community Haven for Adults & Children with Disabilities 4405 Desoto Road Sarasota, FL 34235 941-355-8808 CORE Early Education And Learning 605 13th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-9069 Country Cubs Child Care Learning Center 12294 US Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-417-7963 Countryside Academy For Children 5807 18th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-304 Creative Kids Connection 408 75th Street Northwest Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-8687 CRPE Academy 1621 66th Avenue Terrace East Sarasota FL, 34243 (941) 932-0984 DC's Child Care Center 5105 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-6090 Discover Our World Child Development Center 455 48th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-749-5263 Discovery Point Twelve Oaks 7218 55th Ave Bradenton, FL 34203 941-200-4250

Easter Seals of Southwest Florida 350 Braden Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7637 Education Time 5165 33rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-7332 Faith Preschool of Faith UCC 4850 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-7895 Family Life Community School 3301 Moccasin Wallow Road Palmetto, FL 34221 941-281-6412 First For Kids Children's Christian Center 603 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0824 Forza Child Development Center, Inc. 8605 Erie Road Parrish, FL 34219 941-545-6380 FORZA Child Development Center, Inc. 12214 US Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-981-5885 Foundation For Dreams 16110 Dream Oaks Place Bradenton, FL 34212 941-746-5659 Foundations Christian Montessori Academy of Sarasota 4141 Desoto Road Sarasota, FL 34235 Free To Grow Academy 5304 7th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-254-4268

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Growing Start Preschool LLC 2611 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-741-3311 Happy Cubs 6207 21st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-798-6173 Happy Go Lucky 1606 55th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-752-4608 Horizons Unlimited Christian Academy 2674 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way Sarasota, FL 34234 941-957-0409 House of JBaby's Preschool 1300 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-7415 Imagine Charter School at North Manatee 9275 49th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-981-5345 In The Beginning Learning Center 5503 12th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-567-6106 It's A Small World, Inc. Daycare & Preschool 900 3rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-405-4532 Jackson Family Day Care Home 6715 36th Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-5097 Jones Family Day Care Home 10447 Brendle Road Myakka City, FL 34251 941-219-3605

Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch 4225 Concept Court Bradenton, FL 34211 941-727-9072 Kids Academy Plus 57th 1415 57th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-727-1841 Kids Academy Plus 38th 5415 38th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-3678 Kids Academy Plus HL 4635 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-524-1045 Kids Club Child Development & Educational Center of Bradenton, LLC 5231 4th Avenue Circle East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-900-2812 Kids On The Rock 1401 14th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-4567 Kidzone Preschool 116 27th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-2727 Lakewood Ranch Early Learning Center LLC 11520 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-727-9990 Lane Family Day Care Home 602 31st Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-1774

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

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

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

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

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

Manatee Charter School 4550 30th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-465-4296

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Risen Savior Academy 14605 59th Avenue East Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-756-7545 Sand & Buckets Daycare 3407 17th Street Court East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-748-4799 Sandman Preschool & Academy 924 Wilmerling Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-755-2591 School District of Manatee County Professional Support Center 2501 63rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-751-6550 School for Constructive Play 6608 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941-778-2210 Seeds of Life Montessori Academy 5805 Whitfield Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243-3125 941-210-7025 Smarty Pants Preschool LLC 832 62nd Street Circle East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-7710

Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Palmetto 1315 2nd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-750-6667 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Parkland 6432 Parkland Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-750-6667 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Pine Village 1103 56th Avenue Drive East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-827-2887 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning West Bradenton 2531 9th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-750-6667 Sunny Daze Preschool East 9922 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-750-0042 Sunshine Academy & Daycare 2520 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-3143

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

Twin Angels Academy Preparatory School 737 8th Ave West, Suite 118 Palmetto, FL 342218 813-802-9407

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toad Hall Children's Center of Bradenton 4004 8th Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-3951 Toddler's Ark FCCH 711 36th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-879-2407 Toddler's Inn Child Care Center LLC 2611 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-4631 Tree of Life Preschool Inc 2200 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-1756

Childcare Resource & Referral (941) 757-2910 47

Jennifer Passmore and Dr. Kristina DeWitt.

SHARING A LOVE OF LEARNING…

Dr. Kristina DeWitt on a mission to mentor new Early Education teachers WORDS: Carlee Colonneso PICTURES: Whitney Patton

peak to Dr. Kristina DeWitt of SCF's Education Department, and you will immediately recognize the commitment she has to helping those in Early Education. Whether mentoring aspiring teachers in the classroom, volunteering to promote literacy, or reaching out to the community, Dr. DeWitt's love of learning is positively impacting Manatee County.

Her Journey into Education Long before Dr. DeWitt started working in education, she always looked for ways to help children. She explained: "Coming from the business world, anytime there was an opportunity to work with the kids, I volunteered." This natural gravitation stemmed from an influence from her grandmother, who was a thirdgrade teacher, and the fond memories of when she visited her classroom as a child. Fast forward to living in Northern Virginia and now married to a teacher, Dr. DeWitt's plan after the birth of her son was to send him to daycare and continue to work. However, she soon realized that her two-year-old needed a different environment. She began researching the Early Education curriculum as well as programs and, armed with a business degree, started her own in-home early learning center called the Teddy Bear Clubhouse. While running the state-approved center, Dr. DeWitt found that she was caring for the children of teachers who were also looking for that same type of structure.

This concept of educating young children then bloomed into her wanting to mentor others entering the teaching profession. She then went back to school, first obtaining her bachelor's degree, then a master's with the goal to teach at the university and college levels.

A Desire to Help Others After obtaining her Ph.D. from George Mason University, she worked for a season in public education. She then began teaching preparation and literacy courses at Liberty University, one of the world's largest Christian universities. During her employment there, she also worked abroad in Jamaica with the Ministry of Education. Over eight years, she brought approximately 150 students along for a week of field experience to the middle of the island referred to as the Dry Country, a section away from the resorts and tourist spots. As Dr. DeWitt and her students taught alongside the elementary and high school teachers in the area, she explained: "We traveled light with our personal belongings so we could take supplies and books. On our last trip, we took around 1600 books in about 30 suitcases". After this experience, four of her students decided to travel back to Jamaica to do their student teaching. Amid the Pandemic, Dr. DeWitt decided it was time for a change and switched from a private university setting to public.

In October 2020, she began her work for the State College of Florida (SCF) and has continued to help future educators. Now, as the Chair of the newly formed Education Department, she elaborated on what a large part of her job is saying: "I believe that teaching is a calling and a passion, and teachers need to have mentors such as myself to be able to stand in the gap with them… to help them with the challenges."

community outreach to local Early Learning Centers and in-home centers. Dr. DeWitt shared a recent experience when she was in Sarasota delivering gifts and books. "One of the individuals I visited had a home-based education center for 35 years. I spoke to her about the difficulties of Covid, asked about her center's families; I was glad to be able to do that outreach and provide her with encouragement, " she said.

The Gift of Literacy

Early Education at SCF

Dr. DeWitt describes herself as a worker bee, so it isn't surprising to also find her volunteering in the community. Through a partnership with SCF and the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, she is helping to distribute books to promote literacy throughout the Manatee County School District via Soar in 4 programs. Her motto is to "Make Reading Fun," so she also creates easy and affordable activities for families to accompany these books at the events.

Speaking of challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented new problems regarding early childhood education in Manatee County. There is currently a waitlist in facilities for young children due to an inability to hire enough childcare workers. This balance

Her idea is to present these books as gifts of literacy to encourage families to read together. According to the Manatee County School's website, Soar in 4 is a monthly movement created to ensure that all early learners and their families have the opportunities and support they need for success in preschool, school, and beyond. As a board member at both Sarasota's and Manatee's Early Learning Coalition’s, she continues to distribute books through

in the ratio of teachers to children is vital for students' academic success and for parents to reenter the workforce. SCF currently provides two-degree paths to education, and both are virtual options. According to the website, an Early Childhood Education Associates of Science (AS) degree prepares students for immediate employment as a child development center teacher or manager, early intervention associate, child development curriculum coordinator, infant/toddler teacher, or preschool teacher. In addition, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Early Education program fulfills the legal requirements implemented for Head Start teachers and directors, as well as teachers in Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs. Once online courses are completed, whether AS or BS, students are required to participate in a 15-week internship to earn 480 hours of fieldwork towards their degree. Dr. DeWitt explained that one of the favorite parts of working with future teachers is. She said: "I get to share my love of learning with everybody." This semester she has 20 interns and will continue to head out in the field to observe educators in the classroom, meet with them in person, or hold virtual sessions to check in on their progress. As the Department Chair of Education Programs at SCF, Dr. DeWitt's role is to prepare early educators so facilities can hire locals. Through her commitment and love of learning, these individuals will be ready. You can learn more about the Early Education programs at SCF by visiting scf.edu and searching "Early Education."

For For Children Children Starting Starting Kindergarten, Kindergarten, the the

Transition Transition Matters! Matters!

Starting preschool or kindergarten is a transition full of big and small changes Starting preschool or kindergarten is a transition full of big and small changes for young children. With your help, this transition can be a positive experience for young children. With your help, this transition can be a positive experience that gives your child (and you!) a sense of self-confidence and accomplishment. that gives your child (and you!) a sense of self-confidence and accomplishment.

9 9 Practical Practical Tips Tips to to Help Help Your Your Child Child Transition to Kindergarten Transition to Kindergarten

1. your child fun opportunities to 1. Give Give your child fun opportunities to spend time away from you, with other

spend time away from you, with other adults and children. adults and children.

2. Talk about school in positive ways. 2. Share Talk about school in positive ways. some of your happy memories

Share some of your happy memories about starting school. about starting school.

3. set aside time for your child 3. toRegularly Regularly set aside time for your child practice skills such as counting, to practice skills such as counting, learning the letters in their name or learning the letters in their name or using scissors. See the tip sheet using scissors. See the tip sheet “What Your Child Needs to Know “What Your Child Needs to Know to be Ready for Kindergarten” for a to be Ready for Kindergarten” for a quick reference of additional skills. quick reference of additional skills.

4. Read books with your child and talk 4. about Read books with your child and talk the pictures and the story. about the pictures and the story.

5. your child’s independence 5. Encourage Encourage your child’s independence by giving simple directions and letting by giving simple directions and letting them complete tasks on their own. them complete tasks on their own.

6. Take a trip to kindergarten! Playing 6. on Take a trip to kindergarten! Playing the playground, touring the

on the playground, touring the building and finding the bath-rooms building and finding the bath-rooms can help reduce anxiety about can help reduce anxiety about starting school. starting school.

7. your child, select and read 7. With With your child, select and read a book from the Transition to

a book from the Transition to Kindergarten Booklist and discuss Kindergarten Booklist and discuss any feelings, questions or concerns any feelings, questions or concerns about kindergarten. about kindergarten.

8. Speak with your child about morning 8. routines, Speak with your child about morning including how will they be routines, including how will they be transported to school. transported to school.

9. part in a free summer library 9. Take Take part in a free summer library program or another community program or another community activity to help you and your child activity to help you and your child learn and socialize with others learn and socialize with others before school starts. before school starts.

This content is provided by the This content is provided by the Florida Department of Education. Florida Department of Education.

MCYC 2022

PUTTING THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen 53

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. ®

Find A Path To Success! T

WORDS: Anne Carter, Women's Resource Center

he Women's Resource Center (WRC) has provided programs and services in our region for over 40 years. Each year, we assist thousands of women in creating the life they want by identifying concerns and addressing barriers by locating appropriate programs and resources. We provide support to all generations by inspiring, educating, and empowering them to create a plan that will put them on a path to success. Over the past several years, we have seen an increase in women reaching out to the center for advice on how to start a business. More and more women are becoming business leaders and innovators; we are here to support them on their journey. The WRC is partnering with several nonprofit and workforce partners to provide free business coaching, training, and access to financial resources for female entrepreneurs. One of the significant outcomes of the pandemic is that it further reinforced the disproportionate struggle of minority, women-owned, and veteranowned businesses. For residents living in Manatee County, the WRC will partner with The Tampa 56

B ay Wo m e n's B u s i n e s s C e ntre to offer free business coaching, training, networking, workshops, access to capital, and mentorship programs to female entrepreneurs. Bilingual coaches can help entrepreneurs in Spanish as well as English.

development that improves our community t h r o u g h b u s i n e s s g r o w t h, c a r e e r advancement, and entrepreneurship. Providing education, training, and support services, CareerSource Suncoast helps turn possibilities into opportunities.

The Tampa Bay Women's Business Centre opened in 2013 as part of The Centre for Women's mission to help women achieve economic prosperity. It is the only Small Business Administration (SBA)-designated Women's Business Centre on the west coast of Florida and is part of a national network of 135 women's business centers nationwide funded in part by the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership.

S C O R E M a n a s ot a i s a n o n - p r of i t resource partner of the Small Business A d m i n i s t r a t i o n. S C O R E h a s b e e n mentoring new and existing businesses for over 50 years and has a network of volunteers who donate their time to help entrepreneurs. As highly successful and experienced business professionals and entrepreneurs, SCORE mentors deliver valuable, timely, and practical advice. SCORE mentors help businesses open new markets, reach new customers, and achieve new goals.

Manatee County is a dividing line for the territory that the Women's Business Centre can serve. By including CareerSource Suncoast and SCORE in this partnership, the program will be able to serve any female entrepreneurs in our region. CareerSource Suncoast is the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) designated workforce services provider for Manatee and Sarasota counties. As a private, non-profit organization, its mission is to encourage economic

Dr. Kerry Szymanski, Director of the Wo m e n's B u s i n e s s C e n t r e , s a i d: "We are excited to par tner with the Women's Resource Center and share our wonderful services, including free business coaching, training, networking opportunities, and access to educational and financial resources."

Making Our Community a Safer Place... WORDS: Gabrielle Versmessen

f you’ve attended grade school in Manatee County for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of the Manatee County Crime Stoppers, but their mission doesn’t only apply to the school-aged residents. The Crime Stoppers organization is an invaluable resource that we have had at our disposal in this community for over 30 years. They guarantee anonymity for tips on any type of illegal activity and pay rewards for these tips if it leads to an arrest. There are several factors that make the Crime Stoppers so unique and integral to our community. The organization is made up of mostly community and civic leaders and is not a law enforcement agency but more so a middleman that fields tips to a contact liaison at Bradenton Police Department, the sheriff’s office, Holmes Beach Police Department, etc., depending on the jurisdiction. Their call-in tip line is multilingual and open 24/7 to callers, but they also have a mobile app and website to which a “tipster” can submit tips. Additionally, we are the first state in the union to have smartphone access to Crime Stoppers, where a “tipster” can just dial **TIPS (or **847) to call in a tip. “When you call our phone line, it’s actually answered in Canada, so the tip can’t be subpoenaed, and the anonymity be corrupted,” says Frank Brunner, Executive Director of Manatee County Crime Stoppers.

tip typically pays out $25 for something that’s not an arrest, but when an arrest is made at the school level, it can pay out $100. Tips for firearms at the school pay $500. In order to keep the anonymity of a “tipster,” the person gets a code that they call to check the status of the tip every few weeks to see if an arrest has been made. If it has, the “tipster” then selects a bank from the Crime Stoppers’ list, goes in to collect the check, and no ID or endorsement is needed. Brunner says that about a third of rewards go uncollected because a lot of people just care about reporting the crime.

on a retreat where they prepare for the banquet, set a vision for the new year, and vote on a community partner or business partner to recognize. This year, the Early Learning Coalition was unanimously voted on to be the Manatee Crime Stoppers 2021 Community Partner of the Year. “We really felt that they (ELC) have gone above and beyond in the last several years, and that’s why we wanted to recognize them,” says Brunner. Throughout the years, the Manatee Crime Stoppers have prevented school shootings, violent crimes, thwarted illegal drug activity, and saved countless lives simply by being an outlet for people to report crimes before they happen while keeping these people safe from any repercussions through their anonymity guarantee. Having an organization like this in our community continues to make it a safer and more family-friendly place to live for years to come.

Every January, the Crime Stoppers host an annual banquet where members, invited guests, law enforcement, community partners, and award winners gather to do a year-in-review, give annual reports, conduct some business, and give awards of achievement from the previous year. In early January, the board of directors go

A standard reward in Manatee County can pay up to $3,000, and a school-based Sherrif Rick Wells and Frank Brunner 57

Looking for a Staff Credential = CDA?

Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program A place where you can gather with co-workers and classmates to learn hands on activities and education that promote social/emotional, fine and gross motor development, language/cognitive skills, self-help and moral values skills that defines school readiness. Classes follow the School District of Manatee County schedule and are conducted generally one night per week. Featuring a NEW childcare lab for hands-on classroom instruction.

Apply Now!

6305 State Road 70 East Bradenton, FL 34203

Contact Kristi Mellin 941.730.9963

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.

just grow

Harvest United Methodist Church License Number: C12MA0361

• • •

• • • • • • •

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

KIDS' SAFETY PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

DAY AT UTC!

RECIPES: Caroline Lehman

Kids in the Kitchen

GRANOLA BITES INGREDIENTS

• 1 ¼ cup granola • 1 ½ cup dried fruit (apricots, cherries, dates) • 1 tablespoon nut or seed butter

PREPARATION 1. Cut the dried fruit and soak in water for 10 minutes 2. Drain the water off 3. Place 1 cup granola in a blender and blend until chopped

4. Add the rest of the granola, dried fruit, and nut or seed butter and blend until it starts to clump together 5. Roll the batter into balls. Enjoy! Recipe adapted from: www.yummytoddlerfood.com

WATERMELON PIZZA INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

3 tbsp cream cheese 3 tbsp heavy cream 2 tbsp cane sugar 1 heaping teaspoon lemon juice ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 round slice of watermelon (1" thick) ½ cup blueberries ½ cup raspberries

PREPARATION 1. Blend the cream cheese, heavy cream, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth

2. Drizzle the cream mixture over the watermelon slice 3. Top with berries, cut into 8 slices, and enjoy! Recipe adapted from: www.wholesomeyum.com

On The Bookshelf REVIEWS: Colleen Hartnett

Old Macdonald Hands-on Songs

(7-9) By Kate Bernheimer, Illustrated by Chris Sheban

This board book focusing on the classic song "Old Macdonald's Farm" includes sign language (ASL) for the focus words and how to make the sign with simple arrows. Illustrations include diverse children and common farm animals along with words to the classic song, and it's part of a collection from publisher Child's Play that introduces ASL.

A delightful story about a book that was once popular and checked out of the library and read constantly. Now the book has been designated to the library basement with all the other old books. At the library book sale, a girl, who loved the book before, finds the lonely book and takes it home. Dreamy illustrations help tell the "happily ever after" story. It is a wonderful book to teach or reinforce the love of literature and the adage "you can't judge a book by its cover."

(Birth to 3) Illustrated by Anthony Lewis

Who Was NeilArmstrong? (10-12) By Roberta Edwards

(4-6) By Gillian Hibbs A bright and beautiful book about a young boy's quest for an outdoor garden. After finding room on his building's rooftop, Errol gets his whole community together to work on the garden. A charming story about fulfilling a goal with discover y and planning and involving people of all different ages, cultures, and family units to work together.

Part of the New York Times Best-Selling Series, Who Was? Anyone interested in space, flight, or fulfilling a dream should read Who Was Neil Armstrong? Complete with black and white illustrations, this biography tells the story of a "regular boy" who dreamed of extraordinary things and accomplished them. The book highlights Armstrong's likable character and strong work ethic, along with historical facts and timelines. A great "feel-good," true story to inspire anyone at any age.

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.

Sunday

Monday

JUNE

Tuesday

Wednesday

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

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

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

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

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

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

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

6:00pm LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

ArtWalk Village of the Arts 6:00pm-9:30pm Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

Siesta Key Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm

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

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

Bishop Museum IQuest Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm 4:00pm-8:00pm

Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm

Marauders Baseball Game Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm 6:30pm (Faith & Family Night) (Star Wars Night)

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

Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm

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

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

Palmetto Library Preschool Story Time 10:00am

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

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 10:30am

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

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

Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm

Brohard Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm

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

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm

Siesta Key Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 6:00pm

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

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 10:30am

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

Marauders Baseball Game 12:00pm

Riverside Park 11th Annual Fire Charity Kids Tournament 8:30am

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

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

Sarasota Art Museum Free Second Sundays 11:00am-4:45pm

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

Bounce Down Under Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 10:30am Parents Night Out 6:00pm-10:00pm Jumpin Fun Glow Night

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

Saturday

Brohard Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm

Island Branch Library Family Story Time 10:00am

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

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm

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

Friday

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

Brohard Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers 9:00am-11:00am

Thursday

Grace Community Church NeighborFest 6:00pm-9:00pm

UTC Mall Dads Day Block Party 10:00am Bounce Down Under Parents Night Out 6:00pm-10:00pm LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm

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

Sarasota Farmers Market Free Family Fun 9:00am-1:00pm

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

Island Branch Library Family Story Time 10:00am

Palmetto Library Preschool Story Time 10:00am

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

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 10:30am

Siesta Key Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm

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

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

Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm

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

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 6:00pm

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

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm

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

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

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

Brohard Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm

Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm

UTC Mall Screen on The Green 8:00pm-10:00pm

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

Sunday

Monday

JULY

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Island Branch Library Family Story Time 10:00am

Palmetto Library Preschool Story Time 10:00am

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

Siesta Key Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm

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

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 6:00pm

Brohard Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm UTC Mall Suncoast Largest Food Truck Festival 2:00pm-9:00pm

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

Saturday

UTC Mall Suncoast Largest Food Truck Festival 2:00pm-9:00pm

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 10:30am

Lakewood Ranch Music on Main Street 6:00pm-9:00pm

Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm

Village of the Arts Artwalk 6:00pm-9:30pm

Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm

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

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

Bishop Museum IQuest 4:00pm-8:00pm

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 10:30am

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

Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm

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

Marauders Baseball Game 6:30PM (Independence Day Celebration) Sky Zone Sarasota Little Leapers 9:00am-11:00am

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

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

Siesta Key Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm

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

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 6:00pm

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

Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm

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

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

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

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

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm Florida State Fairgrounds SharkCon 9:00am-5:00pm Marauders Baseball Game 12:00pm

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

Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm

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

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

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

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 10:30am

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

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

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm

Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm

Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm

LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm (Copa de la Diversion)

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

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

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

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

Island Branch Library Family Story Time 10:00am

Palmetto Library Preschool Story Time 10:00am

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

Siesta Key Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm

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

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 6:00pm

Brohard Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm

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

Island Branch Library Family Story Time 10:00am Siesta Key Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm

Marauders Baseball Game 12:00pm Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm

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

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 6:00pm Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm

Palmetto Library Preschool Story Time 10:00am

Big Top Brewery Beer Yoga 12:30pm

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

Florida State Fairgrounds SharkCon 9:00am-5:00pm

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

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

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

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

Marauders Baseball Game 12:00pm

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 2:30pm Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm

Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 10:30am

Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am Ringling Museum ROAR at Ringling 10:30am Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm

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

Jumpin Fun Glow Night 6:00pm

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

Brohard Beach Kids Run 5:30pm-7:00pm

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

Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm

Mixon Fruit Farms Jack Hartman’s Back to School Bash 11:00am

Bounce Down Under Parents Night Out 6:00pm-10:00pm LWR Gymnastics Open Gym 6:30pm-8:30pm Marauders Baseball Game 6:30pm (Back to School Night)

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.

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WATER WAY TO START

Summer Fun! S

ummertime is here, and when I think of warm weather, I envision my family at the pool, my kids running through sprinklers, or all of us heading down to the beach to picnic with friends. In addition, we like to enjoy our time together with cool treats like ice cream, popsicles, and watermelon.

Speaking of watermelon, it is such a fun and colorful fruit to eat and an easy craft to put together. With just a few supplies that can be found at your local craft or dollar store, your family can make either a decoration for your refrigerator or educational activity for a preschooler. What you will need to make this Watermelon Magnet Craft is the following: • • • • • • • •

Red and green foam sheets Black marker Glue Magnets 2 different sized bowls Ruler Pencil Safety scissors

DIRECTIONS:

To get started with the Watermelon Magnet Craft, line up the two pieces of red foam side by side and do the same for the green foam.

Then, place the bowls in the middle of each set of foam—the larger bowl on the green and the smaller on the red. Next, take a pencil and trace each bowl on top. Depending upon your child, they may be able to assist with cutting these items out, or an adult can do this. Then, take the ruler and trace a line through each piece making three equal sections. Cut those sections out. Next, glue the smaller pieces of red on the green foam and allow this to dry. It is then time to add the seeds with the marker. If this is just a decorative craft, your child can add as many seeds as they want to each piece. For an educational set of magnets, place a certain number of seeds on each piece beginning with zero and going up to 5. This way, it can be used to reinforce counting and is great for hand-eye coordination as the pieces are moved apart and back together. It can also be used to teach the order of operations, shapes, and even the concept of fractions. After the seeds are drawn on, glue the magnets on the back. As always, monitor small children when using magnets in a craft or activity. This Watermelon Magnet Craft can now be used on a metal surface for a child to play with, as a decoration, or taken off to be used as a puzzle on a table.

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. 68

Believing in

Girls Luncheon PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

SAT. 6.11.22 | VS. THRESHERS

STAR WARS NIGHT

Don’t miss your favorite Star Wars characters around the park all night long. Fans will see Marauders wearing Star Wars themed jerseys throughout the game.

SUN. 7.03.22 | VS. TARPONS

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Don’t miss your favorite players wearing patriotic themed jerseys. The first 1,500 fans to arrive take home a t-shirt.

SAT. 7.30.22 | VS. FLYING TIGERS

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

Enjoy a Marauders baseball game at LECOM Park before heading back to school! The first 500 kids under age 12 take home a backpack.

Plus, enjoy post-game fireworks each night thanks to Budweiser! MARAUDERSINFO@PIRATES.COM 941.747.3031 BRADENTONMARAUDERS.COM

SPECTRUM INTERNET® ASSIST IST Affordable, reliable high-speed Internet rnet access for qualifying households

Spectrum Internet Assist is a low-cost, high-speed broadband nd service that provides qualifying households with Internet service rvice for $17.99 per month. To qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, a member of the household must be a recipient of one of the following programs: • The National School Lunch Program (NSLP); free or reduced-cost lunch • The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (age 65 and over only) Programs that do not qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist: Social Security Disability (SSD), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Social Security Retirement and Survivor Beneﬁts are different from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and do NOT meet eligibility requirements.

If you believe you may qualify, visit SpectrumInternetAssist.com. • Enter in your 5-digit ZIP code to see if Spectrum Internet Assist is available in your area. • If available, you will receive direction to call 1-844-525-1574 to start the qualiﬁcation process. • If Spectrum Internet Assist is not available in your area, you will receive a coming-soon message and be asked to check back for updates.

GET CONNECTED WITH HIGH-SPEED INTERNET FOR $17.99/MO Spectrum Internet Assist gives your household a reliable, blazing-fast connection to the world of information, education, entertainment and services that are available online. With Spectrum Internet Assist, you’ll enjoy: • 30 Mbps of Internet speed with NO data caps • FREE Internet modem • No contracts, ever • Add fast in-home WiFi for $5 more a month

To get started, visit: SpectrumInternetAssist.com SPECTRUM INTERNET ASSIST: Limited time offer; subject to change; not transferable. Availability of offer based on eligibility and service address that has been pre-qualiﬁed. Offer valid to qualiﬁed residential customers who (i) have not subscribed to Charter Communications’ Internet services within 30 days prior to requesting services under this offer, (ii) have no outstanding debt for any of Charter Communications’ services that was incurred within 1 year prior to requesting services under this offer and (iii) have no outstanding debt to Charter Communications that was incurred for services provided under this offer and that are subject to Charter Communications’ ordinary debt collection procedures. Equipment, taxes, fees and surcharges may be extra and subject to change during and after the term; installation and additional services are extra. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Download speeds are up to 30 Mbps and upload speeds are up to 4 Mbps. WiFi: Equipment, activation and installation fees may apply. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2019 Charter Communications.

FOR THE LOVE OF CHILDREN GALA

PICTURES: Wendy Dewhurst

Thank You, Manatee! WORDS: Superintendent Cynthia Saunders

s I reflect on the 2021-2022 school year that just concluded, I am ove r w h e lmin gl y p ro u d of th e resiliency and determination shown by our students, teachers, instructional staff, support employees, and parents.

I also think back to the two COVID-19 surges that impacted our schools this school year – the first during the summer right when school was starting and the second right after we returned from the winter holiday break.

Even during another year, when we experienced COVID challenges and other unexpected obstacles, everyone mentioned above adapted and kept moving forward to finish this school year successfully.

Dr. Jennifer Bencie and her team at the Florida Department of Health Manatee placed epidemiologists in our School District Operations Center to help us contact trace cases in our schools and provided guidance on appropriate protection measures and protocols.

I also think about how blessed we are to live in a place that supports our students and schools and believes that a dynamic and thriving public education system is key to building a flourishing community. Obviously, nothing quite demonstrates the outstanding support for our students and schools like the results of the onemillion-dollar renewal referendum held in November 2021. When the one-million-dollar referendum was initially passed in 2018, it passed by a 51% to 49% margin. In 2021, Manatee County voters approved the renewal 69% to 31%. I can't thank voters enough for their generous support because millage funds will help us maintain a competitive edge by extending the learning time for students by 30 minutes each day. Also, keeping teacher and instructional pay equal to or better than surrounding school districts, enhancing and expanding science, career, and technical education, engineering, the arts, and math programs, and assisting local charter schools. The results of the millage vote provided huge morale and momentum boost for everyone associated with our school district.

Manatee County Government also stepped up under the direction of the County Commissioners and County Administrator Dr. Scott Hopes to open up a special free testing and vaccination site for school district students and employees at John H. Marble Park. Members of the Department of Health Manatee operated the site. MCR Health offered free testing and vaccinations for district students and employees at its school-based health centers located at Manatee Elementary and Southeast High School. On the instructional front, The Patterson Foundation, led by Director Beth Duda, and the United Way Suncoast, led by Chief Impact Officer Bronwyn Beightol, continue to advance the initiatives of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, whose mission is to ensure that children are reading on grade level by the end of the third grade. Programs like "Soar in 4" and "The Big Plan" provide reading tools and educational assistance to families of pre-k and early elementary students in high poverty schools. The Manatee Education Foundation, led by President Mary Glass, did another

phenomenal job of supporting our schools by providing $120,000 in Teacher Impact Grants to more than 150 district teachers and being the primary sponsor of our fabulous Excellence in Education Awards. The Manatee Community Foundation, led by Executive Director Susie Bowie, has stepped up time and again to assist our schools in various ways. In March, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce sent volunteers into 147 fourth-grade classrooms across our school district as part of Project TEACH to tell young students about their jobs and careers. The goal is to get students thinking about their futures early, and while they were visiting, the volunteers had all the students make a business card for their dream job in the future. In April, the Bradenton Marauders hosted a "Spirit Rivalry Night" at LECOM Park, where school bands, drumlines, cheer teams, and students from Lakewood Ranch and Manatee High Schools squared off against each other to show who had more school spirit. The Marauders donated $5 from each ticket to our schools. I could go on and on about the businesses, couples, and individuals in this county who are doing incredible things for our students and schools; unfortunately, I don't have the space. I will close out by saying that it takes a community of committed businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals to make a school district successful – and no one exemplified that more than my friend and collaborator Paul Sharff. We miss him, but his work and spirit live on with the Early Learning Coalition. Thank you, Manatee County. Have a great summer!

Ave Atque Vale, My Friend

WORDS: Karen Carpenter, MA, JD Former Chair, Manatee County School District, 2012-13, 2015-26

aul Sharff and I worked together as volunteers for Take Stock in Children's Leadership Prayer Breakfast over a dozen years ago. Since that time, we continued to collaborate on many community projects. I was honored when he asked me to join the Board of the Early Learning Coalition, now as Chair of the Audit Committee. I learned much about the many dimensions of my friend. As a manager of a multimillion-dollar coalition, he ensured strict compliance with regulations and standards. As an energetic leader, he sought and secured financial and human resources to address community needs. He was a continuous learner, obtaining his bachelor's degree in his late 50s, and a consummate networker who made connections that benefitted all involved. His ever active (sometimes overactive) creativity sought "out-of-the-box" solutions, like NEXTGEN Family Magazine and Operation W.I.T., which addresses low-income reading deficits. Additionally, everyone enjoyed the wonderful gatherings at his home with music. He leaves us in sorrow but with gratitude for all he did and a reminder of what else we need to do. Perhaps some of us will become a Guardian Ad Litem as the dismal lives some children endure impressed upon him and touched him so deeply. Or perhaps we'll get going on the children's museum he was starting to launch, which would be an appropriate memorial gift to Paul's memory. Surely if he were here, he'd be calling us about yet another thing new and equally important! Thanks for your energy, commitment to children, and improving all lives around you.

TALENT

FROM THE HEART WORDS: Sheri Roca PICTURES: Whitney Patton

alent appears in many varieties, styles, and proportions. There are those that can lift our emotions with music and brilliant scientists that help shape the world. We recognize talented painters and artists from decades and centuries past, and we pay to watch athletes, gymnasts, and dancers perform and compete. But it seems to me that true kindness and a giving spirit are completely undervalued talents. 5th grader Kendall Johnson is a gifted athlete, currently playing with the boys' Magic soccer team. She is a model student who maintains near-perfect grades and is even a Safety Patrol at her elementary school. But what is most impressive about 10-year-old Kendall Johnson is how much she cares about her community and her desire to give to others.

When asked why she spends so much of her time helping others, Kendall exclaimed, "I just love doing it; it's fun!" It is a matter of debate whether certain personality traits, such as a giving spirit, are taught or inherited, or a little of both, but either way, it seems clear that Kendall gets it from her family. The Johnson family is a family full of humanitarians, and Kendall has been tagging along while her family was doing volunteer work for most of her life. Her mother, Andrea, was a member

of the Junior League and the Teen Court Program for many years and often brought Kendall and her brothers along when she could, stating, "I think it is important for the kids to understand why I dedicate some of my time when I could be at home, to helping others." "Kendall is passionate, kind, and really does care about the community, and it has been her choice to join all of these giving organizations." She continues, "Our entire family is very proud of her."

Described by her father as fun, quirky, athletic, outgoing, and giving to all, Kendall strives to help others in any way that she can and has chosen to be involved with many local community ser vice organizations. She is the President of the National Elementary Honor Society, but she is also a member of Kiwanis K-Kids, rings the Salvation Army bell during the holidays, and helps bring food to local children through EFELT Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies. 79

Membership in many of these organizations requires more than just the desire to help others. Most organizations draw their members from students who excel academically and model exceptional responsibility and show signs of service and leadership in their school and community. The National Elementary Honor Society has a scholarship requirement with a minimum GPA. Students who meet the scholarship requirement have an oppor tunity to complete a form detailing their other accomplishments and attributes. Some organizations even require an invitation to join. Once you are inducted into a local organization, there are many obligations and commitments involved with each membership that need to be met. Thankfully, all this community service has not kept Kendall from her schoolwork. What are her favorite subjects? "Science, math, English, engineering, well, pretty much everything!" Kendall says with a giggle. According to her teacher, Ms. Jacqueline Simpson, "She is truly a gem. She is hardworking and high achieving in all areas." In previous years, Ms. Simpson had been Kendall's engineering teacher at Palma Sola Elementary School, mentoring Kendall and her classmates for approximately 50 minutes once a week. "This year, I've had the privilege of having Kendall in class all day as her fifth-grade

teacher, and her personality has really shone through," she exclaims. "Kendall LOVES music. We use a program for our weekly vocabulary words that presents the words as a hip hop or rap style song. You will often find Kendall' jamming out' in class at her desk, singing along with the songs while wearing a pair of sunglasses," she recalls with a smile. L e t 's n o t f o r g e t K e n d a l l 's o t h e r "superpower": playing soccer. Kendall started playing soccer at an early age because both of her older brothers played. Initially, she played on the local recreational team and enjoyed it, but after a while, she wanted something a bit more challenging. "All of our kids have always gravitated towards sports," says Kendall's mom. Because there is no local competitive girls' team, Kendall tried out for the boys' Magic soccer team and was one of two girls who made the team. Even though it is a huge time commitment and requires some juggling of schedules, practicing two nights a week and traveling to away games, Kendall loves playing for the team and says, "Coach Cookie, his real name is Coach Strawn, is awesome!" When asked how she keeps up with it all, Kendall quickly rattled off her weekly schedule and states, "I guess it just works!" With all of that, it is surprising that Kendall has any free time, but when she is not

kicking a soccer ball, doing her homework, or feeding hungry children, Kendall likes to jump on the trampoline while listening to fun, upbeat music, cruise around in their golf cart, play with their German Shepard, Sheba, and watch the sunset at Bishop Point. She has recently found a new passion on a dirt bike and is saving her money to buy one of her own. She assures me that it is not dangerous, "as long as you wear your helmet, because it is pretty hard to fall off, with resistance and gravity and everything." What does a young philanthropist, stellar student, and amazing soccer player dream of for her future? Her current goal is to be an Architectural Designer. "My mom bought me an architecture book, and I was like, 'I LOVE this! I want to be an architect now. Not the kind that builds, but the kind that designs the buildings," Kendall confides with excitement. You can bet that whatever Kendall decides to do, she will do it with passion and determination.

If you, or your caring youngster, would like to learn more about any of the organizations mentioned above, check out these helpful websites. National Elementary Honor Society: www.nehs.org Kiwanis's K-Kids: www.kiwaniskids.org Salvation Army: https://salvationarmyflorida.org/manatee-county/ Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies: www.efelt.org Manatee County Teen Court: www.manateeclerk.com/departments/teen-court/

DO YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR CHILD CARE? VPK - FREE preschool for all 4-year-olds residing in Florida 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, Division 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.”

DID YOU KNOW? The School District of Manatee County Food & Nutrition Services Department is

rv &N u t r iti o n S e

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FOOD SERVICE WORKERS

NEW>>>Starting at $13.60 HR

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APPLY TODAY

Manateeschools.net Click on “Careers” or call (941) 739-5700 DRUG FREE WORKPLACE The School District of Manatee County Florida does not discriminate on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or age in any of its policies, procedures, or practices.

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Pictures: Whitney Patton

Kids Eat For Free This Summer! WORDS: Jessica Anderson

ummer is here and with the sunny warm days also comes free meals for all teens and kids who are 18 and under the Summer BreakSpot program. For 15 years, The School District of Manatee County’s Food and Nutrition Services department has provided healthy meals for Manatee County children during the summer months. This program offers free meals for kids at multiple locations starting on May 31st, 2022. The Summer BreakSpot program is a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services program that provides free meals to all children who are 18 or younger. There is no income requirement for this program, so all kids and teens 18 and younger are able to participate. This program was designed to ensure that children have access to nutrition during the summer and allow them to return to school healthy, happy, and ready to learn. The Summer Food Service Program funds come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the School District of Manatee County General Funds are not used. Free meals will be provided to students attending School District of Manatee school summer programs and delivered to local sites such as summer camps, community centers, and churches. Three mobile feeding buses and two mobile “Caboose” food vehicles (provided in partnership with Tropicana) will deliver meals to multiple locations in Bradenton, Palmetto, and Parrish. Both buses 86

have indoor and outdoor seating for kids to enjoy their meals in the comfort of air conditioning or the shade of an awning. It is a great opportunity for kids to get outside for some sunshine, socialize, and have a healthy meal. Meals are required to be consumed on-site. The Summer BreakSpot menu includes sandwiches, wraps, fresh fruit and vegetables, and low-fat milk. Daily menus can be found at Manatee.Nutrislice.com. Find the nearest Summer BreakSpot location: CALL: 211 Text: “Food” to 304-304 Visit: SummerBreakSpot.org For more information about the Summer BreakSpot, contact the Food & Nutrition Services Office(941) 739-5700 or visit ManateeSchoolFood.net. About Manatee County Schools Food & Nutrition Services: As a U.S. Department of Agriculture supported program, the mission of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is to provide quality nutritious meals for students to learn and succeed. FNS serves over eight million student lunches and breakfasts each year and provides service to over 80% of the student population. For more information, contact Food and Nutrition Service (941) 739-5700. www.manateeschoolfood.net through

rv &N u t ri ti o n S e

ic e

for Kids and Teens! starting May 31

Summer BreakSpot provides FREE, NUTRITIOUS meals to KIDS AND TEENS 18 AND UNDER

Comida Gratis para niños y adolescentes! a partir del 31 de mayo

El programa Summer BreakSpot ofrece COMIDAS NUTRITIVAS GRATUITAS para NIÑOS Y ADOLESCENTES MENORES DE 18 AÑOS

PARA ENCONTRAR UN LOCAL DE SUMMER BREAKSPOT: Marque 2-1-1 Visite SummerBreakSpot.org Envíe el texto “Comida” al número 304-304

Dial 2-1-1 Text “Food” to 304-304 Visit SummerBreakSpot.org This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

#SummerBreakSpot

Pictures: Gabrielle Versmessen 88

GRADS

Trauma-Informed Care with Director Endorsement

The goal of this course is to assist child care programs in implementing trauma-informed care for families they serve. This is a multi-session course, which will require the completion of outside assignments and readings. Upon completion of this course, child care program directors will form a community of practice and will be able to: • • • • •

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

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

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

Apply Today! - Next class starts Fall 2022.

941.751.7900 • ManateeTech.edu TheSchoolBoarddoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,ethnicity,religion,nationalorigin,sex(includingsexualorientation,transgenderstatus,orgenderidentity),disability(includingHIV,AIDS,orsicklecelltrait),pregnancy,maritalstatus,age(exceptasauthorizedbylaw),ancestry,geneticinformation, whichareclassesprotectedbyStateand/orFederallaw(collectively,“protectedclasses”)initsprogramsandactivities,includingemploymentopportunities.ItisthelegalobligationandthepolicyoftheBoardtoemployonlythosepersonswhoarebestqualified,withorwithoutreasonableaccommodations. TheSuperintendentshallappointacomplianceofficerwhoseresponsibilityitwillbetorequirethatFederalandStateregulationsarecompliedwithandthatanyinquiresorcomplaintsaredealtwithpromptlyinaccordancewithlaw.S/HeshallalsorequirethatpropernoticeofnondiscriminationforTitleII,Title VI,andTitleVIIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentActof1972,Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,andtheAgeDiscriminationinEmploymentActwillbeprovidedtostaffmembersandthegeneralpublic.AnysectionsoftheDistrict’scollectively-bargainednegotiated agreements dealing with hiring and promotion will contain a statement of nondiscrimination similar to that in the Board’s statement above.