NEXTGEN October - November 2020

October - November 2020

THE COX FAMILY: RAISED TO GIVE BACK GOING TO BAT FOR LOCAL KIDS! SPOOKY FAMILY CRAFT!

STORY BEHIND SCHOOLVITE… THE CARING CALLAGHANS

$4.99 US

INSIDE: PROMOTING MAGNIFICENT MANATEE! NextGen OctNov 2020.indd 1

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Open and Safe

Your safety and security are our top priorities. If you need emergency care, our ER is open and safe. With enhanced safety precautions, we are committed to a safe and individualized experience for you.

New & Expanded ER Care Area Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center | Level II Trauma Center 2020 59th Street West | Bradenton, FL 34209 BlakeMedicalCenter.com

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Contents October-November 2020

PUBLISHER

EARLY LEARNING COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EDITOR Darrell King

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

Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County

PRODUCTION EDITOR Kelly Harbour DESIGN EDITOR Mara Stork PHOTOGRAPHY Whitney Patton Wendy Dewhurst CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kara Chalmers, Amy Bell, Carlee Colonneso, Ana Rodriguez, Bre Jones Mulock, Sophie Williams, Katelyn Disbro, Dr. Jose Erbella, Christa Hardin, Carrie Rasmussen CALENDAR OF FAMILY EVENTS Bradenton Macaroni Kid: Denise Granata ADVERTISING SALES Kelly Stasurak: kstasurak@elc-manatee.org PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION PCI Communications, Inc.

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

PRIVATE SECTOR APPOINTED MEMBERS Joseph Miller, James R. Chatham, M.D., Diane Neeves, Lupita Wells, Len Tabicman, Michael Rampino, Christina Riggio, Karen Carpenter 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 Maritza Gonzalez Department of Children and Families Designee James Disbro CareerSource Suncoast Dr. Carla McGill County Health Department Designee Dr. April Fleming Florida College System Designee Marjani Jones Faith-Based Provider Representative Paul Sharff Chief Executive Officer SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE BOARD Linda Guritz BOARD OF EDUCATION MANATEE COUNTY Dave Miner, Scott Hopes, Charlie Kennedy, Gina Messenger, Rev. James Golden, Cynthia Saunders, Superintendent

4 CHILDREN’S CHAMPIONS A real driving force…

12 ROBO-SURGERY: THE FUTURE 14 AROUND THE TABLE Why family meals are still important 18 MANATEE CARES! CARES! 24 EXECUTIVELY SPEAKING Promoting magnificent Manatee!

30 BLAKE MEDICAL… Gold standard in trauma care 35 ELC INSIDER SECTION! 36 FIGHTING THE PANDEMIC Best COVID-19 resources for parents 56 MANATEE’S GOT TALENT Going to bat for kids…

61 On the Bookshelf 62 BEYOND GENEROUS The Caring Callaghan’s 68 Fun Kids Craft 70 Calendar of Events October - November 2020 74 Gradel Level Reading Latest…

75 Kids in the Kitchen 76 EASTER SEALS! Almost 75 years of caring…

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.

78 BLAZE-ING A TRAIL The story of Schoolvite

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

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

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A Real Driving Force…

THE COX FAMILY: Almost 100 Years of giving back to Manatee County kids and communities.

WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock PICTURES: Whitney Patton

S

un-drenched and coated in sand, a young kid with wobbly legs and a warm smile stands upon a donated surfboard, bobbing in the beach’s rolling waves on White Avenue on Anna Maria Island for the first time at Eternal Summer Surf Camp.

Pure joy radiates as Kris Cox – a Bradenton native who helped found the non-profit Christian surf camp in 2008 – cheers from the shoreline.

Across town, you may catch Cox, along with his sprawling family tree of relatives, coaching a lacrosse player to a first score, packing Cox Chevrolet Dealership trucks with mounds of Toys For Tots gifts, patiently doling out interview tips to youngsters, or bonding with Manatee County’s youth in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

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Like beacons scattered throughout their hometown, the Cox Chevrolet family quietly and steadily pours light into their community, a tradition their forefathers paved during the Great Depression’s shadows when they would barter goods like crops in exchange for selling cars to farmers.

“Giving back is crucial,” said Kelly Cox. “It’s our culture. It keeps us connected to our community and brings everyone together for a cause that’s bigger than themselves.”

Daydreaming about the worn and distinct pages of Manatee County’s history, it’s hard to visualize the story without Cox Chevrolet of Bradenton. This sixth-generation company crawled out of the Great Depression, problem-solved through World War shortages, and survived a succession of economic ups and downs. Against a tropical backdrop of the famed Manatee River Hotel and Tamiami Trail, Cox Motor Company opened its doors in 1932 and illuminated a theme that has flowed like a tributary for generations to follow: Love and care for the community.

Diving deeper, colorful narratives pop from the pages like how J.O. Cox Sr. navigated the company around war-time obstacles and forged a business relationship with Ringling Bros. Circus – selling trucks and buses to the traveling show. In those days, customers could catch a glimpse of the circus ringmaster or lion tamer Charlie Bauman peering inside a new Chevy in the showroom. Perks included free circus tickets that Cox Sr. eagerly gifted to employees and neighborhood children.

“I remember going down to Venice and meeting the lion tamer,” said Gary Cox, his eyes smiling at the memory. “We got backstage tours, too.”

Armed with innovative ideas and a creative spirit, Cox Chevrolet rallied with Manatee County as World War II created shortages like car parts and rubber tires in the community. The Cox family dove into action, establishing its own machine shop and creating spare parts when none were available to keep Cox customer cars traveling the roads.

“Bradenton poured into us as children and being generational, it is a continual process for us,” said Tamra Cox Leavell. “We are giving back and growing our future leaders and possibly even our future employees.”

When rubber tires grew increasingly scarce, the Cox Chevrolet service department devised a creative solution: Re-grooving.

Mechanics would carve new grooves into previously bald tires, squeezing a little more life out of them.

Faded and grainy black-and-white photographs of Cox ancestors and automobiles, like the 1928 Chevy Sedan, fill a 75th Anniversary book of Cox Chevrolet published in 2001.

Advertisements decades-old with boasting ladies donning fancy hats and Chevrolet as the “Aristocrat of small enclosed cars” paints a vivid impression of the past. Proudly smiling with shovels dug into the mud around their shoes, a handful of Cox employees gather for a snapshot in 1977 at the groundbreaking of the Cortez Road site, a current location of Cox Chevrolet.

“I think my forefathers did what they could to help,” said Gary Cox. “They were blessed with being in a high-growth area and grew with Bradenton.”

Waiting in the wings to provide for an expanding Manatee County, Cox Chevrolet witnessed the Five-Bridge Program’s construction, a series of bridge-building projects launched in 1957 that reshaped the county and connected residents out west toward the islands and north to Palmetto.

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While the company carved success through many years, hardship did not escape Cox Chevrolet. An economic dip in the ‘70s coupled with a Cortez Road construction debacle presented a tempting offer to sell the company and profit.

“My father struggled with a big rent, road disaster, and a recession,” said Gary Cox as his jovial tone muted. “It was a triple whammy, and he had a big decision to make.”

Ultimately, James Olin Cox, Jr. weighed out his hardships, walked away from the sale, and secured the business for more generations to cherish.

As the Cox family members buzz behind the scenes of a meandering, breathless list of charities, they are quick to point out, giving back writes only part of the narrative. Since taking a leap of faith in the turbulent 1930s and following the sun and tourists to seek out opportunities in Bradenton, Manatee County has been good to Cox Chevrolet, too.

“If it weren’t for the loyal support of our county, Cox Automotive wouldn’t be able to be one of the few family-owned organizations that have been in business for almost 100 years and six generations,” said Kelly Cox. “It is crazy to think we have been here that long-serving our county.”

Gary Cox quickly added: “When you are born here, and it is all you know, you realize this is paradise, and you give back through a kind of osmosis.”

Philanthropy shines essential to the Cox family because members view success not only in monetary ways, but also in how they can impact their community.

“With a family business of a group of six we have the ability to spread out and volunteer and support our community in so many different ways, “ said Kyle Cox, who recounted a cherished memory of supporting PACE School for Girls when the dealership jumped on the opportunity to donate a vehicle to the Lucky Ducky Race for Pace.

Even though the company has grown parallel with Manatee County, it is easy to forget Cox Chevrolet operates under a franchise. The humble, down-to-earth Cox clan (who jokingly

refer to each other as G-4’s, G-5’s, and G-6’s to indicate their generation) exude a homegrown family business where there is always at least one Cox family member at the dealership.

“I think our humble nature comes from all of us having to work hard and work from the ground up,” said Jennifer Cox Lipsey.

“We were not given anything. We all had to work and relate to every aspect of the business, from filling the soda pop and ice cream machines to helping out the mechanics and sales department. We had to know every part of the company.”

Chuckles roll out from family members when pondering what it’s really like working together in a family business. While they tease and share this tight-knit setup is not without obstacles, they all express gratitude.

“I would never be as close with my cousins if we didn’t work together,” said Jennifer Cox Lipsey. “Since we work together, it is like family time. We come into work and see each other and stay connected and don’t have to feel guilty about giving up time together when we are working.”

As the G-5’s brainstorm new ideas to steer the growing company, they are quick to emphasize the heart of Cox Chevrolet still lies in helping others, especially kids playing on fields all across the county.

“We focus a lot on kids’ athletics like lacrosse and volleyball,” said Kris Cox. “Kids take it all in. They are looking for a coach to put in 100 percent to make a difference. To be able to do that – to make a real difference in their life is amazing.”

Reflecting on a revolving projector reel of past volunteering opportunities like Meals on Wheels, Kiwanis Club, and apprentice programs at the dealership, the family members unanimously agree giving back makes them feel good.

“It’s the photo you receive years after a birthday party – one your kid wasn’t even at – that shows you taking the kids for a spin in a new Corvette,” said Kris Cox. “People have sent photos years later with a note attached saying, ‘Thank you, Mr. Cox. You made an impact on me.’ It’s the affirmation that you are doing the right thing.”

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Supporting the Community Since 1926 www.CoxAuto.com NextGen OctNov 2020.indd 8

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With every generation,

we get better at protecting our environment.

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

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FALL 2020 PARK ACTIVITIES

CALENDAR MOMMY +ME MUSIC (1YR - 5YR)

Dates

Fun with music and movement, interactive experiences for children and parents to enjoy together. Designed for children and parents to experience music through movement and play.

Location

Cost

Fridays 10am to 11am

10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20

James Patton Park

• Resident $45 • Nonresident $55

Tuesdays/Thursdays 4pm to 5pm

10/6, 10/8, 10/13, 10/15, 10/20, 10/22, 10/27, 10/29, 11/3, 11/5, 11/10, 11/12

Bob Gardner Park

• Resident $45 • Nonresident $55

Saturdays 10am to 11am

11/7, 12/5

Bob Gardner Park

• Resident No Cost • Nonresident $10

Mondays 4pm to 5pm

10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26

James Patton Park

• Resident $20 • Nonresident $30

11/7, 12/5

Bob Gardner Park

• Resident No Cost • Nonresident $10

Wednesdays 4pm to 5pm

10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28

James Patton Park

• Resident $20 • Nonresident $30

Sundays Bi-weekly 9am to 10am

10/11, 10/25, 11/8, 11/22, 12/6, 12/20

Bob Gardner Park

• Resident No Cost • Nonresident $10

FIT4KIDS (5YR - 10YR) We are excited to offer Fit4Kids, a 6 week progressive fitness program for the youth of Lakewood Ranch. All inclusive workout includes warm-up, cool-down, running, fundamental calisthenics, and fitness challenges!

YOGA FOR KIDS (5YR - 11YR) A dynamic yoga series designed just for kids.

Classes will include movement poses set to music.

The classes will be infused with storytelling, arts, and games.

ACTING FOR KIDS (7YR - 11YR) Join together to have fun through acting! We will work on characters, emotions, and ways to project and breathe properly onstage.

YOGA FOR TEENS (12YR - 17YR) A dynamic yoga series designed for teens. Classes will Saturdays include movement poses set to music. The classes will 11am to 12pm be infused with storytelling, arts, and games.

ACTING FOR TEENS (12YR - 17YR) Teens will go in depth into character development, in-the-moment acting, and etiquette to make them the best actors on the stage.

BARRE IN THE PARK (ALL AGES) Join us for a dynamic, outdoor barre class!

YOGA IN THE PARK (ALL AGES) Join us for a relaxing, outdoor yoga flow!

Register at myLWR.com

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Sundays Bi-weekly 9am to 10am

10/4,10/18, 11/1, 11/15, 11/29

Bob Gardner Park

• Resident No Cost • Nonresident $10

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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Juggling Different Roles in a Pandemic WORDS: Women’s Resource Center

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eople have been impacted by the pandemic in different ways, and everyone has their own stresses. In this article, we are going to focus on the moms in our community. Research shows that women are carrying the lion’s share of domestic and household duties. Women are finding themselves in new roles every day, including teachers, full-time chefs, physical education teachers, and more.

While the pandemic has affected the service industry, and there have been higher job losses in this sector, many of us have transitioned from working in an office environment to working remotely, full-time from home. Towards the beginning of the pandemic, there was an impression that working from home would give us ample free time to handle our new set of responsibilities.

Many, however, have found this not the case. Bloomberg News reports that people are working more hours than they did pre-pandemic. A lack of boundaries causes our work-life balance to be almost

impossible to maintain. Although we no longer commute very far to begin our workday, our proximity with our computers makes us more vulnerable to working outside of our scheduled hours.

As many parents have opted into virtual learning, many women are jumping into the role of teacher. On top of working their full-time job, they now support their children’s e-learning routine. There is a perception that women are naturally better at multitasking, but science has debunked this stereot ype. Women and men perform equally poorly when multitasking, but women do it more, which leads to mental/emotional overload.

T he Wo men’s R esource C enter recognizes how much the world continues to change, including a mother’s role in households across our community and the world. The importance of support and access to much-needed help becomes a top priority. Regardless of roles and responsibilities, help can look different to every woman.

We understand that our “new normal” can be distressing at times. We want to support the women and families in our community by offering remote programs that are affordable and accessible. The majority of our programs are free or low cost to our clients, due to the funding of our generous supporters.

Since March, the Women’s Resource Center has connected over 8 0 0 0 individuals to resources through our Local Resource Page on our website (www.mywrc.org). Our goal is to not only make it easy for those in our community to access the support they need but also to help highlight all the work that is being done during the pandemic from local organizations and partners.

We know that having healthy, engaged parents creates an environment where children thrive. It is important to know that there are amazing resources available in our community if you find yourself needing a little support.

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ROBO-SURGERY: THE FUTURE… WORDS: Dr. Jose Erbella, Center for Robotic Surgery PICTURES: Katelyn Disbro

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s a general surge o n, who finished residency training at the University of Florida in 2005, I never imagined a day when I could be replaced by machines.

My most common operation, albeit the most common operation in all of North America: gallbladder removal or cholecystectomy, has evolved in such a short period of time that millions of patients have benefited from our scientific advances.

Just the other day, I was removing my third gallbladder for the day, when I was struck by one of my patient’s comments. She told me that her mother had to have her gallbladder out in the early 80s, but her mother, like my mother, has a scar 10 inches long under her ribcage from that surgery. Both our mothers spent a week in the hospital recovering from that “open” surgery.

What was shocking at that time, laparoscopic surgery, or what we call “minimally invasive surgery,” was available. Her doctors offered it to her but was considered experimental by her insurance and was not a covered benefit. My mother had her surgery a decade prior to that when it was not available.

an open surgery unless it was an emergency, or if laparoscopic techniques were impossible because of scar tissue.

Certainly, insurance companies would now frown upon open surgery because of the increased recovery and costs. Patients having laparoscopic surgery today go home the same day and are back to work in a week or so.

Now in the same generation, we are seeing a glimpse into the future where machines with a complete range of motion, eliminating any human tremor, and with 3-dimensional optics can provide unparalleled approaches to our same diseases.

In this particular case, I not only offered my patient laparoscopic surgery, but I offered her the most minimally invasive approach, with just one small incision inside the navel. This “single port” technique utilizes the most advanced surgical equipment, which we refer to as “robotic-assisted” surgery.

Although I am still in control as the captain of the ship, I’m no longer paddling the boat, as with open surgery. I am commanding an aircraft carrier with many weapons that I use to fight cancer,

Looking back, her mother was subjected to what would now be considered a very invasive procedure with a lengthy recovery of many months and a lot of pain, not to mention disfigurement.

Although we still use this technique in some cases, the gold standard procedure today for gallbladder removal is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This type of surgery is done through four separate 1-centimeter to 2-centimeter incisions using specialized cameras and long thin tubes and instruments that poke through the abdominal wall.

So much has changed in just one generation. What was done to our mothers would have been malpractice without offering the laparoscopic approach today. We wouldn’t even consider 12

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infections, bowel blockages, and the vast array of abdominal illnesses that require surgery.

As surgeons, we love to romanticize what we do at times, but our mission is certainly a struggle against disease and to improve patients’ lives. With the advent of these technologies, I am able to minimize a person’s pain, recovery, and risk of complications.

From movies or TV, it seems that it’s easy for most people to understand what open surgery looks like, and perhaps even laparoscopic surgery. The surgeons and the nurses in these scenarios stand next to the patient that is lying there.

With robotic surgery, more advanced instruments are connected to arms or booms, which are, in turn, connected to a computerized machine that simulates my hand movements. I am controlling the instruments while sitting down at a console nearby. My fingers are attached in a glove-like joystick, as my eyes peer through a 3-D viewer. It’s as if I’m floating inside the body as I operate. This allows me to see details typical surgery does not allow. The instruments, which I control from the console, are miniature versions of my hands that allow for increased agility and control.

The result is a safe, effective operation that often leaves minimal to no scarring and allows patients to quickly return to their homes, schools, jobs, and families. I began performing robotic surgery for gallbladder removal in 2008, and today can adapt this technique to minimally invasive procedures for colon tumors, hernia repairs, and reflux and obesity surgeries

along with other abdominal procedures.

Other specialists have also taken advantage of these new tools and are now “robotically” treating cancers of the prostate, uterus, and ovaries as well as lung and heart diseases. As we continue to advance, I envision a future where our machines and simulators become smaller and more portable, and where surgeons, who are becoming fewer and fewer, are able to collaborate across great distances, operating simultaneously from remote stations, on patients that may be in different towns or countries.

Our mothers would be proud.

Maria Romagnola, Jennifer McMillian, Jose Erbella, MD., Jill Nash, PA., Ashley Taylor 13

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Around the Table!

Bringing Love and Fun Back into Family Meals...

WORDS: Christa Hardin, MA Christa Hardin, MA, is the owner of Reflections Counseling and Coaching in LWR, 941-914-0519. She is also the podcast host of Enneagram & Marriage, which you can find on iTunes & Spotify, as well as the author of the R & R Marriage Method.

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t's not every day that families get to eat together anymore, but should it be? While some families manage to dine around the table together for everyday grub, so many more are finding the attempts to eat together all but futile. One parent is working late, perhaps both, there are complicated schedules in the week when one child visits another parent, or perhaps there's a sport at the dinner hour.

Though time in quarantine has increased our family food hours together a bit, at least temporarily, children's and parents' schedules are not always intentionally lining up for a family smorgasbord together.

However, according to Stanford Children's Health, sitting down to a family meal helps a family process their everyday stresses and decrease the hassles of everyday existence. In other words, whatever you choose to eat together nutritionally, the simple act of even eating together is really good for your mental health!

Here's the good news! Eating together doesn't have to be a complete experiment of food science concoctions (how many vitamin A-packed mushrooms can I sneak in here?) that will make your family's head spin. It can be both fun and relaxing.

To make times of eating both together and apart more enjoyable, here are a few tips from my family to yours:

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1. Arrange everyone's schedules so one night a week (usually Sunday night) is an assembly line of getting snacks in either lunch boxes or compartments. Sunday is a day someone can typically run to the store easily for forgotten items. Ex: We like to grill chicken or buy a couple of rotisseries Sunday evening to use right away, freeze, and pack into meals throughout the week for faster dinners.

2. Consider adding in the fun and simple science element of growing just one part of the meal your child likes in your own garden. A child may not typically feel invested in basil, but if they grow it themselves, there's a pride and curiosity that comes with that. Smaller children can take pride even in watering a basil or thyme plant daily and then with clean hands, adding a bit as a garnish to a poultry dish or cucumber water. Ex: I don't have a green thumb, and animals tend to peck my garden, so we buy some of the potted plants of herbs at the grocery store that we can use.

3. Make it part of the homeschooling "food science" unit you teach them the basics about cooking for their future families. This is, after all, a training ground. For instance, as you make grilled cheese, let your child help by spreading butter and laying out cheese. Ex: We made butter this week as a family, by simply shaking heavy cream in a mason jar for eight minutes and then refrigerating it for the coming week! My small son used it on his toast.

4. Consider making it a competition that they hang on to their Tupperware or bento box all semester or year for a prize. (A bento box is a trendy and reusable Japanese-style lunch box that typically holds a single portion meal consisting of a main dish and some sides.) If they can keep it in their lunchbox without losing it for the rest of the year, they get a prize, and they don't have to fork over (no pun intended) a little bit of their allowances to cover costs. Ex: My older daughters got pink glassware with lids, and they get a prize if they keep them all year or... they pay for the $3 Target glassware if they leave it at dance class.

5. Ask every family member to cook for a different night of the week, utilizing the Tasty app (there's one for kids too, but teens often like the regular version). If one person loves to cook, offer a child a little extra in their allowance for extra clean up or cooking! Remind little ones who can at least make side dishes, but if an adult or older child forgets, they have to fork over a few dollars for takeout, rice, beans, or peanut butter sandwiches! Ex: My twelve-year-old loves to cook, so I give her extra allowance when she does a few meals a week versus just one!

treat or two to share with a friend (packaged and allergenfree, of course!). Ex: We change it up each week, so it's not always the same choice, and we pay attention to food sensitivities and preferences.

8. When it's time to clean up, crank up the tunes. Try out a jazzy or fun oldies tune like Singing in the Rain, and before you know it' you'll all be throwing (hopefully plastic plates) around and chiming in on the fun. Ex: We may not all like country music like my hubby or Trolls 2 like my girls, but we all love Billy Joel and Elvis!

9. Don't forget desserts. To have something fun to look forward to, give your kids the option for simple desserts they can make or surprise them with a store-bought cake and plasticware so you can relax without extra dishes! Ex: We make a three-ingredient peanut butter cookie when in a pinch. One cup peanut butter, one cup sugar, and one egg (hint: pairs really well with chocolate chip drizzle!).

10. Avoid tech or use it to connect. Even if one family member is glued to their work or phone (i.e., an adult), ask them to share interesting facts or trivia with the rest of you. Ideally, the phone stays put away, but many adults don't follow the rule, and at least incorporating the phone games or fun facts together is a fun and fine way to use technology for good! Ex: We've used tech for conversation starters, family devotionals, or even a deck of cards to create a more fun table time.

11. Lastly, take pride in your presentations. When you stop caring about the appearance of yourself, lighting candles in your home, or, yes, even your food, people can feel it.

Serving unattractive and cold food isn't appealing (think of Carol Burnette serving cold mush from the old Annie) even if you're smiling happily upon delivery! Ex: My kids watch cooking shows, so plating the food attractively makes them feel like they're on TV! You don't have to do all of this, but do take a few extra minutes to intentionally plan a way for your family to see that you care, not only that they eat, but that they eat with love in mind. Whether it's prettily plating out the portions, lighting a candle, adding some music, or otherwise going the extra mile (and mouthful), make the family feel valued. We remember not days, but moments and family connectedness around food is a great place to begin.

For research on family food science: Stanfordchildrens.org For fun and family-friendly recipe, visit www.tasty.com For Christa's website, visit www.ReflectionsCC.com

6. When you're calling everyone to dinner, consider the down-on-the-farm bell ringing approach to starting the happy salivation process. Ringing a dinner bell (even on your phone!) can make younger children smile, laugh, and even if they tease a bit, including and even more loved versus a harsh or desperate yell! Ex: Whoever has the most energy in our home at the moment is usually the one to call the others for dinner with a bell or a loud scream!

7. Load up the color and variety. Even if you're sending a meal out to school or aftercare, it can be fun. Fill it with a variety of colors, proteins, carbs, and veggies, as well as a 15

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For Patient Comfort and Precise, Deeper Imaging, the Breast Health Center Is Pleased to Offer the Hologic Genius Clarity HD highresolution 3D Mammography Imaging Technology with the new SmartCurve™ breast stabilization system. It is the only FDA-approved system that provides enhanced comfort, even for women with dense breasts.*

Other Comprehensive Services Include: • Breast ultrasound, including automated whole breast ultrasound for women with dense breast tissue • Breast MRI

• Computer-Aided Detection (CAD)

• 3D Stereotactic Breast Biopsy • Wire-Free Breast Mass Localization

• Professional Breast Health Navigation Services to provide personalized guidance for breast cancer patients, their loved ones and high-risk

Call 941.782.2264 to schedule an appointment.

8340 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Suite 160 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Our new location is conveniently located in Medical Office Building One on the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Campus, next to the hospital

Connect with us! lwrmc.com *Smith, A. Improving Patient Comfort in Mammography. Hologic WP-00119 REV 003 (2017) With limited exceptions, physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 200372-8224 9/20

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Meeting Your Family’s Healthcare Needs from Pediatrics to Geriatrics From the infant you just brought home from the hospital, to your toddler or adolescent, and your parents in their golden years, care is offered in one location for every member of your family.

Meet Our Providers Kelly Duggin, MD Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician Primary care medicine for patients aged two days and older

Claire McGill, DO Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician Primary care medicine for patients aged 12 and older

Denise DiGregorio, ARNP Nurse Practitioner Primary care medicine for patients aged two days and older

Services Offered Well child and annual wellness exams Immunizations School physicals Same day sick visits Preventive screenings for adolescents and adults Care for acute and chronic medical conditions Medicare wellness visits And more

Make an appointment today: Call 866-515-9777 Or book online: manateephysicianalliance.com

6310 Health Parkway, Suite 200 Bradenton, Florida 34202

Member of Manatee Physician Alliance For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 200658-0145 8/20

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Manatee

CARES! WORDS: Kara Chalmers

Ava Ehde, Director of Manatee County’s NSD

E

very Tuesday, outside the JCPenney end of the DeSoto Square Mall, Feeding Tampa Bay’s Mobile Pantry gives nearly 2000 Manatee County residents food. The organization sets up from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. or until the food runs out.

“Some recipients aren’t people who needed food six months ago,” said Ava Ehde, Director of Manatee County’s Neighborhood Services Department (NSD). Ehde, who, with members of her team, volunteers her time to help distribute the food, noted that a significant number of people in line each Tuesday had lost income because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They are people in such great need and are so humbled by that need.”

Luckily, Feeding Tampa Bay was a recipient of federal CARES Act funds, which helped pay for additional food, trucks, and drivers needed since the pandemic started. It was Ehde’s department that approved applications for the funds from Feeding Tampa Bay, as well as from many other nonprofit agencies that serve county residents.

“I truly believe this funding is going to help our residents recover, and I’m really grateful,” Ehde said.

A Group Effort The federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on March 27, in response to the economic devastation the pandemic has caused. The act will distribute $2.2 trillion throughout the U.S. Manatee County received $70 million of this, which is divided into four categories, including Economic Recovery, Public Health and Safety, and Government and Community Facilities. Deputy County Administrator Karen Stewart has been the lead for all the CARES Act efforts by the county.

“She’s an extraordinary project manager, and she works in concert with our County Administrator Cheri Coryea. Cheri is the most can-do person you will ever meet,” Ehde said.

The fourth category is Community Health and Well-Being, and

the Neighborhood Services Department, led by Ehde, was charged with reviewing applications and contract management for eligible programs provided by local nonprofits designed to help residents recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have the expertise to know what the needs are in the community,” Ehde said of her department. “It’s the right fit.

In addition to their regular duties, the department members have been working around the clock reviewing grant requests and developing agreements and payment reimbursement strategies.

“We’re small but mighty,” Ehde said of her team. “We’re a very collaborative team, and I couldn’t be more proud of the work they do daily.”

Elaine Maholtz, the overall project manager for the Community Health and Well-Being CARES Act funding, along with Susan Ford, Kalee Shaberts, and Debbie Carpenter have been the ones wrestling with all the decisions, software, constant revisions to the act itself, as well as eligibility, program alignment, reviews, and contract management, according to Ehde.

“Elaine has truly been a trooper despite an ever-changing project, taking on this very large undertaking with short deadlines and a big learning curve,” Ehde said.

She added that all staffers working on CARES Act matters (see their names below) have been amazing about figuring out how to develop contracts for a brand-new project, on the fly. Additionally, many other county staffers are working diligently in the areas of Public Health and Safety, Economic Recovery and Government, and Community Facilities.

Eligible Programs Eligible 501c3 and 501c6 nonprofits must serve Manatee County residents in response to the pandemic, even if the organization itself is home-based or based in a nearby county. The organizations must adhere to federal and state orders, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, to combat the spread of the virus, protect citizens, and help them recover.

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Specifically, the funds can cover the costs of:

• Expanding COVID-19 testing, antibodies testing, and contact tracing

• Disinfecting and sanitizing public areas • Communication to residents about the virus, including translated information for people who speak a language other than English

• Training for nonprofits and businesses in disinfecting and sanitizing

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and

reconfiguring spaces to allow for social distancing

• Remote learning for students At time of publication, the Neighborhood Services Department has approved 157 applications totaling more than $4.4 million and has already dispersed $17,083. It will consider up to 500 applications in all, on a first-come, first-served basis, before the deadline of December 4, 2020.

The application process has been paused to allow Stewart and the county’s Fiscal Management Department Manager Jan Brewer to crunch the numbers to ensure they don’t over-commit funds.

Local Nonprofits Helped The agencies that the NSD has helped – and hopes to help – are diverse, which makes reviewing their requests for funds challenging, Ehde said. Also, each agency can ask for money for up to three different types of programs: a one-time payout of $5,000 for PPE; money to expand existing – or create new – testing, communications, training, and remote learning programs; or money to help with recovery, whether that means helping residents pay delinquent rent, mortgage or utility bills, or pay for food or child care.

One organization that’s benefitted from the funding is Bring on the Ministry. A small nonprofit based out of the home of founder Melinda Zarzycki-Harris, who passes out masks along with the water, food, rain ponchos, hygiene products (and even showers via a mobile shower trailer) that she gives to homeless people.

Another is The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County.

“We have worked closely with the Manatee County Neighborhood Services Department for many years on the funding we receive annually from the Children’s Services Advisory Board,” said Paul Sharff, the coalition’s Chief Executive Officer. “They are an extremely talented and dedicated group of people who work tirelessly to assist nonprofits in implementing the programs that support so many families and children in our local communities.”

According to Mr. Sharff, in recent weeks, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSD has once again stepped up.

“They’ve worked so hard to ensure that the CARES Act funding is getting out into Manatee County as quickly as possible as we all come together to fight this health crisis. Everyone at ELC truly appreciates what they do, and we can’t thank them enough.

For more information, visit the “Manatee Cares grants and funding” link on mymanatee.org.

The Helping Hands…

The following are the staff members hard at work getting the Community Health and Well-Being CARES Act funds out to county residents to help them recover.

County Administration staff: Karen Stewart, Deputy County Administrator Cheri Coryea, County Administrator Kaitlyn Seltzer, Executive Assistant Neighborhood Services Core, Full-time CARES team: Elaine Maholtz, Human Services Program Manager Susan Ford, Children’s Services Human Services Program Manager Angela Bechtel, Fiscal Analyst Debbie Carpenter, Compliance Coordinator Kalee Shaberts, Grants Coordinator Neighborhood Services Contract Management staff: LaWanda Timmons, Senior Human Services Analyst Kristi Hagen, Senior Human Services Analyst Chris Handy-Honeycutt, Human Services Analyst James Slusser, Human Services Analyst Simone Peterson, Neighborhood Services Coordinator Debbie DeLeo, Neighborhood Connections Human Services Division Manager Tracie Adams, Aging Services Human Services Manager Joshua Barnett, Health Care Services Manager Pascale Edouard, Health Care Services Program Manager Renese Remy, Criminal Justice Coordinator Nikki Seccord, Human Services Analyst Neighborhood Services temporary staff: Jenny Jaegel Jason Labaff

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A NEW PERSPECTIVE IN THE TREES...

Manatee County opens Canopy Zone at Robinson Preserve

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A

n exciting new Canopy Zone feature is now open at Manatee County’s Robinson Preserve, allowing visitors to experience nature from a fresh perspective while exploring amidst the treetops.

Situated at the edge of the historic Reasoner Tract at Robinson Preserve South, the Canopy Zone is nestled among century-old botanical giants that once formed the test plot for Royal Palm Nurseries. Follow the boardwalk as it extends past the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology (the NEST) and find yourself climbing among the limbs and leaves.

The project was designed by Stantec Engineering and built

by Tandem Construction, taking inspiration from the natural elements surrounding it. Thanks to careful planning, the Canopy Zone was built amongst the existing trees, allowing for a densely shaded environment and a cool experience to combat the summer heat. The boardwalk features LED lighting, allowing it to be used for staff-guided evening programs for the public and permitted special events.

The compact, two-story structure is filled with adventure park elements, including a series of boardwalks, rope bridges, climbing nets, and slides. Crawl through the net tube to

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catch a bird’s-eye view of the newly built waterways of the Robinson Preserve Expansion or climb the tower, zigzagging through platforms to the top, and then take the spiral slide all the way to the understory loop on the forest floor. While some of the more challenging elements are recommended for ages 5 and older, all ages and abilities are welcome on the accessible treetop boardwalk loop that emerges overlooking the Robinson Preserve Expansion. It is complete with mounted binoculars for viewing the wading birds and other wildlife within the preserve.

The project complements the ongoing habitat restoration on 135 acres located at the expansion area of Robinson Preserve to enhance fisheries habitat and install native plants. Additional amenities are also being constructed, including new pavilions, restrooms, kayak storage tubes, benches, and trailside shade structures. These habitat and amenity improvements are expected to be completed and re-open this winter.

The Canopy Zone is now open to the public the same hours as Robinson Preserve, sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Parking can be found near the NEST, which can be reached from the preserve’s South Entrance at the end of 9th Avenue Northwest.

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Promoting

Magnificent INTERVIEW: Amy Bell

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Manatee Elliott Falcione leads the way for the Bradenton Area CVB in uncharted waters…

T

he Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) promotes tourism to Manatee C ount y and the communities of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, B rad e n to n , a n d L a ke w o o d Ranch. As Executive Director of the CVB, Elliott Falcione has overcome countless obstacles during his 10+ years in the role.

However, most of those past problems pale in comparison to the current COVID-19 pandemic, which has put a major dent in the tourism industry. Yet even in these uncharted waters, Falcione has risen to the challenge and continues to maintain a positive attitude as the CVB forges ahead.

“During this pandemic, I believe it is really important to communicate with our industry in a manner that helps manage expectations,” Falcione emphasizes. “I am known at times as a spirited individual and an optimistic person, but during these times, we need to really focus on marketplace research and share that consumer mindset with our industry with a more conservative approach.”

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The Bishop, Museum of Science and Nature He points out that anxiety is high throughout the tourism industry, particularly because there is no known “end date” to this pandemic. “The best thing I can do is stay calm, focus harder than ever before, be transparent and understand that people may get uptight with me at times because they are afraid,” he adds. “I will take on that challenge daily and know we will be a stronger industry at some point in the future.”

Manatee Tourism Trials and Trends

Main Street, Lakewood Ranch

In these unprecedented times, the Bradenton Area CVB’s initiatives look quite different than in previous years.

“Traveler sentiment studies are guiding our marketing and advertising efforts,” Falcione explains. “We have paused most of our advertising.”

With more people on social media than ever before, these online outlets have become vital to the CVB’s marketing strategy. “We are very blessed to have a strong social media team that is taking advantage of the captive audience the pandemic has created to make sure we stay top of mind for when travelers are ready to vacation,” he says.

The Bradenton Area CVB is currently working on a “ V isit Responsibly ” campaign, which educates tourists on how to plan a safe vacation to the Bradenton area. “The campaign will include tips on how to visit safely during the pandemic and also how to respect and preserve our beautiful destination and to lessen a carbon footprint in the area,” Falcione explains.

Premier Sports Campus

Cortez Fishing Village

Of course, numerous Bradenton area events have been postponed in light of the pandemic. The World’s Strongest Man competition, originally scheduled to take place in the Bradenton area in May, has been rescheduled for midNovember. “Qualifying rounds will now be held November 11-12 with the finals set for November 14-15,” he says. Due to safety concerns surrounding COVID-19, the competition will prohibit spectators.

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However, Bradenton’s tourism industry will still benefit from hosting the associated athletes, coaches, and volunteers in the destination. “The national and international brand exposure during the broadcast will be invaluable during a very difficult time, and the viewership is estimated to be more than 220 million,” Falcione adds.

Additionally, the Labor Day Showcase—a competitive youth soccer tournament for girls and boys between the ages of 7 and 19—ran from September 4-7 at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch. It brought an estimated 2,100 athletes and an additional 3,500 spectators to the area, mostly from across the state. “It has been incredible to see how the organization

has gone above and beyond to keep the athletes and spectators safe at this event,” Falcione says.

Manatee County will continue to benefit from a resurgence in tourists as the airlines ramp up again. In August, Allegiant Air resumed service from SarasotaBradenton International Airport (SRQ) to three destinations: Allentown, PA (ABE), Flint, MI (FNT), and Fort Wayne, IN (FWA).

Delta Air Lines also added a fifth daily nonstop flight to Atlanta, GA (ATL), and United Airlines resumed daily nonstop flights to Newark, NJ (EWR).

“In addition to the increased service in August, more flights and destinations are scheduled to return over the next

few months, bringing the number of destinations served at SRQ back to a level close to where it was pre-COVID-19,” he says. Currently, 36 nonstop destinations can be booked out of SRQ Airport.

Starting November 19, Allegiant will offer a new nonstop route from SRQ Airport to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

To celebrate, the company is offering oneway fares on the new route as low as $39.

28 Years of

C V B Commitment

Falcione has proudly served as Executive Director of the CVB for more than a decade. “The County has given me the opportunity to be in this position

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for the last 10+ years, and the County Administration, Tourist Development Council, and County Commissioners have trust in me and our department,” he says.

“With that trust, we sure don’t ever want to let them down.”

However, Falcione’s career with the Bradenton Area CVB first kicked off back in 1993. “I start my 28th year with the CVB on October 18, 2020, and this employer has given me more than I deserve,” he says. “I never take my job for granted, and I focus daily to maintain a humble, unselfish, other centered mindset.”

While he is known as a confident leader for the area’s hospitality industry, Falcione is a down-to-earth guy who shies away from praises. “I have never been one that likes to receive awards or accolades,” he admits.

“Actually, my office is pretty bland with no awards on my walls. That’s just me—I stay away from self-pride since I believe that could lead to a selfish mindset.”

The Path from Pittsburgh to Bradenton

While he now calls Manatee County his home, Falcione was born and raised in Pittsburgh. “I truly love the great city of Pittsburgh, which has given me a blended workstyle of blue and white-collar,” he says. “I have the ‘steel city’ genes in my blood.” Falcione’s grandfather worked as a rigger for Jones & Laughlin Steel for 45 years, and his father was a “tough, yet kind” police officer in the city. “Learning from both of them has helped me manage adversarial occurrences while staying strong-minded,” he reflects.

Falcione started his career working for the Pittsburgh Pirates. “Working in professional spor ts really gave me a good sample of how to serve professional athletes, celebrities, and sports fans,” he explains. “That experience taught me the importance

of consistent communication and how to ‘shift gears’ to get the job done.”

After his six-year career with the Pirates, Falcione landed a full-time position at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in 1993. “From there, the County allowed me to grow within the position I now have been in for the last decade,” he says.

Falcione has enjoyed watching the Bradenton area evolve and reinvent itself over the last three decades. “The neat thing about living in this community is seeing the development and re-development efforts that will continue to attract visitors and new business to the area,” he says.

“This community is in a great position geographically—being centrally located on the West Coast of Florida and part of the Tampa Metro area—making it a great place to visit and live.”

Outside of work, Falcione enjoys playing golf, watching hockey, and listening to

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music. He constantly focuses on his faith, saying, “I believe we are all here for a purpose in life. I do believe this dynamic job that I am blessed to have is providing me the training that will help fulfill my true purpose in life.”

Riverwalk

In his role with the CVB, Falcione says Manatee County has been incredibly supportive. “I would not be where I am today without the leadership’s vision to train and focus on succession programs,” he says.

“At the end of the day, I am truly blessed to be where I am today—and I know I am my biggest critic, looking myself in the mirror consistently to make sure I keep a clean heart while serving this beautiful community.”

Robinson Preserve

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A Gold Standard In Trauma Care WORDS AND PICTURES: Katelyn Disbro

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N

extgen Family Magazine had the opportunity to sit down and talk about what The Trauma Center at Blake Medical Center is providing for the communit y in Manatee County. We spoke with Randy Currin, President and Chief Executive Officer (RC), Carol Bissinger, Director of Trauma Services (CB), and Cindy Filice, Trauma Nurse Coordinator for Outreach and Injury Prevention (CF), to learn more about what they do and the steps they have taken to ensure all patients that come into the trauma center have the best care.

NG: What does the trauma center do?

CB: Being designated as a trauma center means we have specialized physicians with people ready to care for trauma patients with priority access to everything in the hospital. Patients with priority access include the operating room, CAT scanner, blood products, and more.

When a trauma patient comes in, we have a team assembled and ready to care for that patient, but most importantly, we have

a trauma surgeon in-house for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

center in our county provides close, timely access to specialized trauma care.

NG: How is the trauma center helping the community?

Also, trauma patients can have longterm stays in the hospital and recovery challenges. For those individuals supporting patients recovering from traumatic injuries, having the benefit of a facility close to home saves people from the burden and expense of travel and, in some cases, temporary lodging to visit and support their recovering loved one. Our Trauma Center allows people in Manatee County quick access to award-winning trauma care, including the county’s first and only certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, and keeps residents in need local - it is a real benefit for the community.

CB: Before Blake Medical Center became a trauma center, the closest trauma center for our community was in St. Petersburg, so patients had to be flown from this area to up there. Having a trauma center right here in the community allows patients to have quicker access to the trauma specialists and care they need. Also, as a plus, it is better for family members and friends. They are right here in the community with the patients, and they don’t have to travel out of the county to visit their loved ones.

RC: “Golden hour” is a term often used in trauma to suggest that a patient has about 60 minutes from the time of injury to the time they receive definitive care.

After that 60-minute window, the chances of the patient’s best possible outcome decreases - time to care is key, especially with traumatic injuries. Having a trauma

CB: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did a study on the benefits of trauma centers where they found, severely injured patients who are transferred to a trauma center initially have a 25% reduction in morbidity and mortality over those that went to a hospital without a trauma center initially. So, not only are 31

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we keeping the patients in the community, but we are improving their chances of the best possible recovery, particularly in the case of individuals age 65 or older.

According to the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, sending seniors to a hospital emergency room instead of a hospital trauma center has been associated with a two-fold increase in death risk.

NG: What makes the trauma center at Blake Medical Center stand out amongst other trauma centers in the area?

CB: Well, there are several components to our program that make our trauma center stand out. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma is the gold standard of trauma care across the country. They have a verification process that we at Blake wanted to pursue.

It’s not required, but the American College of Surgeons verification holds you to a higher standard, so we reached out and

invited the ACS to come to our center this past September for a consultative visit.

above and beyond what is required to be a trauma center, and we continue to excel.

We wanted to see how we stood with them, and if there were any areas for improvement. We had a very successful visit and received a letter several months later stating that they were so impressed with us at the consultative visit that they went ahead and verified our trauma program. That makes Blake’s Trauma Center the first trauma center within the HCA Corporation to ever have that happen.

RC: There are 35 level II trauma centers here in the state, and only 5 of those 35 level II trauma centers have received verification from the American College of Surgeons. Blake is the only Trauma Center in Trauma Service Area 13, which includes Manatee, DeSoto, and Sarasota counties, to receive ACS verification.

The verification recognizes that our hospital has voluntarily met criteria that improves the standard of care. Multiple departments within the hospital work with our Trauma program ensuring our patients receive comprehensive, optimal care.

We also have a standout team of talented professionals working in our trauma center and are very proud of our trauma surgeons, who are second to none.

Another key component to our program’s success is the commitment from hospital administration to align the trauma program with other programs and services within the hospital, allowing us to provide the best trauma care possible. We have gone

It’s not a requirement, but we want to continue to strive for improvement and learn from the processes and ways we manage patients. The ACS verification is notable validation that the processes we have in place are best in class, and the excellent outcomes we have are a result of those processes.

PROTECTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Blake Medical Center’s trauma center has many outreach and injury prevention programs they offer around the community.

Various initiatives include bike safety programs for people of all ages, fall prevention programs, gun safety, drowning preventions, educational programs about the dangers of texting and driving, as well as Stop the Bleed training that educates individuals on how to save lives by training people how to stop life-threatening bleeding. They know that injury prevention and life-saving education is knowledge that benefits all and makes our community a safer place.

In addition to in-person instruction efforts, the Trauma Center is working to create a series of free public education injury prevention programs available online on the hospital’s YouTube Channel.

F p c T i

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INJURY PREVENTION, EDUCATION, AND OUTREACH

For more information about our online or in-person injury prevention and safety education programs, please contact us through our website at BlakeMedicalCenter.com or call 941-567-2850.

The Trauma Center at Blake Medical Center provides the community with free injury prevention information and safety education on a variety of topics that include: Golf Cart Safety

Pedestrian Safety

Motorcycle Safety

Water Safety-Stop In-Home Drownings

Bicycle Helmet Safety

Distracted Driving

Safe Firearm Ownership

Life Jacket Safety

Falls Prevention

Ladder Safety

Domestic Violence

Safe Mobility/Older Drivers

Providing safety education and injury prevention education is part of our work to reduce traumatic injuries in communities we serve, which aligns with the hospital’s mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.

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ELC INSIDER CONTENTS: COVID-19 Parent Resources

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Childcare Provider Directory

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SOAR In 4!

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Women's Resource Center

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Helping Kids Get Used to Masks WORDS: KidsHealth from Nemours

I

n many places, people are wearing masks or cloth face coverings when they're in public because of coronavirus (COVID-19). It's an important way to help slow the spread of the virus.

At first, it was mostly doctors, nurses, and others in healthcare settings who wore masks. As other people wear them, more and more kids are seeing something they're not used to seeing. For them, it can be strange or a little scary, especially if they need to put on masks too.

Most kids can feel comfortable seeing people in masks, as long as adults: • • • •

Use simple words to explain why people are wearing masks.

Give kids time to look, watch, and get used to what's new.

Answer kids' questions.

Give support.

Some toddlers and young children may feel uneasy about masks.

They may need extra support and comfort from parents. Parents also can help kids understand why they might need to wear a mask and make them more comfortable and even fun to wear.

Kids under 2 years old should not wear a mask.

How Do Kids React to Masks?

How kids react to seeing masks partly depends on their age. Older kids might not react much at all. To them, masks might seem like no big deal. Most are able to adjust pretty quickly.

Some kids may even be eager to wear a mask. They might embrace their new look like a medical superhero.

But for babies, toddlers, and young kids, seeing people in masks might take some getting used to. At first, they may feel cautious.

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They may need a few minutes to look and watch. That can help them get used to what's new. They may need a parent to gently say, "It's OK." That can help them relax.

might say, "I think we'll see doctors and nurses wearing their masks today. It's a new thing they're doing to stop germs."

Explain it in a way that seems matter of fact and calm.

Some babies, toddlers, and young kids may feel upset or afraid.

They might cry, hide their face, or cling to a parent. Soothing words, comfort, and the safety of a parent's lap can help calm them.

If you wear masks, tell your child, "We might get to wear masks too. We want to stop germs too, right?" Knowing what to expect helps kids of all ages feel prepared and more at ease.

Why Do Some Young Kids Feel Scared of Masks?

•

Explain the upside. Be honest, but focus on the good that masks can do, rather than the bad things a virus can do. For example, you might say, "Because of the coronavirus that's going around, everyone is doing extra things to stop its germs from spreading. Wearing masks is one of the ways we can stop the virus."

•

Let kids show what they know. Invite school-age kids to tell you the other things you already do as a family to stop germs, such as prompt kids to say or show how they wash their hands. Give them a word of praise to help them feel proud and capable.

Masks hide part of a person's face. Young children rely on their faces. From the time they are babies, young children look at faces for the signals they need to feel safe.

When masks partly hide faces, kids can't see the friendly smile or familiar look that usually puts them at ease. When kids can't see the person's whole face, it's harder to feel safe. It's natural to feel scared.

But slowly and gently, parents can help kids feel more comfortable.

Even very young kids can learn that something that seemed too scary at first is not so scary, after all.

When kids know there are things they can do, they feel confident and more at ease.

How Can Parents Help Kids Wear a Mask?

For younger kids who feel upset by masks:

Masks or cloth face coverings on adults and kids over 2 years old can help slow the spread of the virus.

•

Accept how they react. Know that it's normal for young kids to react with caution to things they don't expect, understand, or feel familiar with. Let them take their time to warm up to what's new.

•

Comfort them. Kids will look to you to soothe and support them. Let them sit on your lap. Tell them, "You're OK. I'm here." When you help them feel safe, they can start to adjust to what's different or new.

•

Be playful and show love. If the moment seems right, find a way to be playful with your child. While you're still at the medical visit, is there a way to help your child laugh, smile, or giggle? Laughing is relaxing.

Here are some ways to help kids wear masks when you go out: •

Help kids get used to masks. As much as you can, give kids time to practice wearing their masks before they might need to wear one outside of your home. Teach them how to put them on and take them off.

•

Encourage kids to decorate their masks. This might help them feel a sense of ownership and control over the situation.

A personal touch can help make it more of a normal part of their routine, and make it more likely they'll want to wear their mask.

•

Make them together. If you make masks or cloth face coverings at home, let older kids help you. There are nosew masks that are easy to make, often with materials you probably already have (T-shirts, bandannas, etc.). If you sew masks, maybe kids can select the fabric or patterns for their masks.

•

Help make it fun. With younger kids, introduce a sense of play. Kids can pretend to be a doctor or nurse while wearing their masks. They might want to use a doctor kit and "take care" of a stuffed animal or doll.

•

Have a few masks handy while kids play. This lets them use their imagination about how to use them during playtime. It also helps make masks a more normal part of their everyday world. You can ask your child to put a mask on a stuffed animal, and then ask follow-up questions about why the stuffed animal is wearing the mask.

How Can I Help My Child During Medical Visits?

For older kids: •

After the visit: If your child seemed upset, worried, or stressed during the visit, doing these things can help: •

Talk about it. After the visit, it can help to talk with your child.

You might say, "Everybody looked different today wearing those masks, didn't they?" Then listen. Let your child tell you what it was like for them. Find ways to praise your child. "It wasn't easy. You did great. I'm proud of you." Call out a bright spot. "I'm glad we got to wave to the nurse who took care of you last time. I think it made him feel happy too."

•

Invite your child to draw or play about it. Together, you could draw pictures of people wearing masks and not wearing masks. Or make a play mask and let a doll or stuffed animal try it on.

Play and drawing can help kids work out what they saw and felt.

They are a way to rehash and rehearse. And that helps kids feel a little more prepared for next time.

Tell kids what to expect and why. Mention masking before the visit, if you can. For kids old enough to understand, you

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Being Mindful of Cleaning Chemicals...

WORDS: ChildCare Aware of America

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n this new world of COVID-19, everyone is trying to kill germs and avoid sickness. However, our fears should not distract us from the mindful use of cleaning chemicals, including hand sanitizer. Even chemicals that are meant to keep us healthy can cause poisoning or even death when misused, especially around children.

Why are children at high risk?

Children are curious. Their natural tendency to put things in their mouth, lick surfaces, and crawl on the floor raises their potential exposure to chemicals and toxins. Young children are also in a stage of rapid growth and development. They breathe faster and have a faster metabolic rate, making exposure to chemicals and toxins even more dangerous and consequential.

What safe practices should I follow?

•

• • • • • •

Read and follow the directions on the label before purchasing or using any chemical. Note its intended use and the surfaces and items on which the product can be used. Is it safe to use on food contact surfaces or mouthed toys? If not, or if you don't know, it is very important to thoroughly rinse the item or surface with water to remove any chemical residue.

Try to avoid aerosols because they contain propellants that can affect breathing. Pump or trigger sprays are a better option.

Do not spray chemicals around children. If possible, move children to another area or have someone distract them away from the area where a chemical is being used.

Make sure all surfaces and items are completely dry before children use them.

Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children.

Always keep chemicals in their original containers. If this is not possible, label the alternate container to prevent errors.

Keep the original bottle or take a picture of the label with your

• •

phone if you need to reference ingredients or use guidelines.

Do not mix chemicals. Doing so can produce a toxic gas.

Keep the phone number for Poison Control, 800-222-1222 posted, and programmed into your phone.

What do I need to know about hand sanitizer?

• • • •

Keep hand sanitizer out of the reach of children. Due to its high alcohol content, ingesting hand sanitizer can be toxic for a child.

Handwashing with soap and water is always recommended over the use of hand sanitizer.

If hand sanitizer is used, closely supervise children to make sure they rub their hands until completely dry, so they do not get sanitizer in their eyes or mouth.

While hand sanitizer is not prohibited for children under 2 years of age, handwashing is the preferred and safer method.

Consider using a baby wipe to clean hands if a sink is not available, rather than using hand sanitizer.

Why is this more important than ever?

In response to COVID-19 recommendations, people are using chemicals to disinfect and sanitize surfaces and items more often throughout the day. To make this easier, chemicals are being placed where they are easily accessible for adults but not always safely out of children's reach. This heightened need to disinfect and sanitize is making people stressed and distracted from following their typical routines and safe practices.

Unfortunately, this increased use of chemicals and distractions from safe practices has also increased the number of calls to Poison Centers, reporting that a child has ingested hand sanitizer or been over-exposed to chemicals. Now more than ever, we need to protect children from chemicals, as well as germs.

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Youth Sports & COVID-19:: Understanding the Risks WORDS: healthychildren.org

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he sudden loss of sports during COVID-19 shutdowns was hard for many young athletes and their families. Understandably families and young athletes are looking forward to returning to sports as soon as they can but are rightfully concerned about safety during this pandemic.

As sports resume in your area, it will be important for you to understand the risks and make choices that take into account what is going on in your community and what is best for your family. To help you make an informed decision about whether your child should return to playing a sport, we have broken down some key risk factors associated with sports participation.

What type of sport is it?

Sports that allow for individual participation and physical distancing, like golf or cycling, will be less risky than sports that involve a lot of close contact like basketball or wrestling.

Do players share equipment?

Sports, without shared equipment, like cross country, will likely be less risky than sports such as football that are played with a shared ball.

How long are athletes in contact with each other?

Sports with limited exposure to other players may be a safer option. For example, a sprint in a track race may be less risky than sports that put someone in close contact with another player for an extended period of time, like an entire half of a game.

Is it an inside or outside sport?

Where athletes train, practice, and compete also impacts risk.

Data suggests that COVID-19 is more likely to spread in closed indoor spaces with poor ventilation. So indoor sports will likely be riskier. Prioritize outdoor venues for sports whenever possible.

How many players are on the team?

The more people someone interacts with, the greater the chance of COVID-19 exposure. So small teams or practice cohorts that stay together, rather than mixing with other teams or coaches, will be a safer option. This will also make it easier to contact individuals if there is an exposure to COVID-19.

Do the teams travel?

Staying within your community will be safer than participating in travel teams. Traveling to an area with more COVID-19 cases could increase the chance of transmission and spread. Travel sports also include the intermixing of players, so athletes are generally exposed to more people.

Are masks being worn?

Wearing cloth face coverings is an effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through respiratory droplets. It is common for coaches, players, and spectators to raise their voices while shouting, singing, or chanting at sporting events. The more people who wear masks, the less likely there will be a transmission of COVID-19. If nobody is wearing a cloth face covering, the risk of spread will be much higher. Spectators should wear cloth face coverings, especially at events held indoors or where it is hard to keep a safe physical distance from others. Coaches, athletes, and officials should wear cloth face coverings whenever safe and possible.

Is everyone following COVID-19 safety procedures?

In order to create safer environments for everyone, new safety procedures will be put in place for practices and games. Parents, athletes, coaches, and staff should work together to help keep everyone healthy and safe by following them! When people do not follow these precautions, it can put the whole team at risk. So, remember to be a good teammate and fan and follow the new safety rules.

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

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

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

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

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A

Handwashing can prevent

1 in 3

cases of diarrhea

1 in 5

respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu

Give frequent reminders Building handwashing skills takes time.

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

What if soap and water aren’t available?

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

Did you know?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Cubs 6207 21st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-798-6173 Happy Go Lucky 1606 55th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-752-4608 Hawkins Family Day Care Home 439 47th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-405-2405

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House of JBaby's Preschool 1300 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-7415

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

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

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

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

Kidz Learning Steps 1425 10th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-538-0231

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

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

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

La Petite Academy 37th 4301 37th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-5227 La Petite Academy SR 70 6919 53rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-2336

Johnson Family Day Care Home 2403 Lehigh Avenue Bradenton, FL 34207 941-242-1831 Joy Learning & Development Academy 2515 37th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-721-0684 Jump Start Preschool of the Arts 11005 Passage Drive Bradenton, FL 34211 941-747-8900 Kathy's Kiddie Care 13501 Upper Manatee River Road Bradenton, FL 34212 941-896-9058 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

La Petite Academy Vintage Road 4507 Vintage Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7677 Lane Family Day Care Home 602 31st Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-1774 Laugh and Learn Academy LLC 202 3rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-281-2930 Learn and Explore Early Learning Academy 107 20th Street North East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-1584 Learning! Kidz Zone 2211 53rd Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-254-7859

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

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

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

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

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Pictures: Whitney Patton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

School For Constructive Play, Inc. 302 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216 941-778-2210

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Smarty Pants Preschool LLC 832 62nd Street Circle East, Suite 101 Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-7710 Smarty Pants Preschool 2 904 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-896-4796 Smiling Faces Academy, Inc. 910 19th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-1234 Smiling Faces Junior Academy, Inc. 1720 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-3925 Sproutlings Kids SFCP Too, Inc. 1222 36th Avenue East Ellenton, FL 34222 941-776-4947 Sproutlings Kids SFCP Too, Inc. 3411 US Highway 301 North Ellenton, FL 34222 941-845-4484 Stapleton Family Day Care Home 1110 42nd Terrace East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-580-0510 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Harllee Middle 6413 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-750-6667 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Morton Clark 1707 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-6667 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Palmetto 1315 2nd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-750-6667 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Parkland 6432 Parkland Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-750-6667 Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning Pine Village 1103 56th Avenue Drive East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-750-6667

Step Up Suncoast Rise and Shine Early Learning - Visible Men Academy 921 63rd Avenue East Bradenton FL, 34203 941-750-6667 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 Sunshine's School of Fish 5715 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-580-4954 Taylor Family Day Care Home 3906 29th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-755-8418 Teachable Moments Learning Center LLC 4200 32nd Street West Anna Maria, FL 34205 941-900-1022 The Center of Anna Maria Island, Inc. 407 Magnolia Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216 941-778-1908 The Goddard School 14534 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-752-6600 The Learning Experience Lakewood Ranch 14425 Arbor Green Trail Bradenton, FL 34202 941-251-4046 The Learning Post Child Care 623 30th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-536-4858 The Myakka City Community Center 10070 Wauchula Road Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-8114

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FREE SANITIZING FOR CHILDCARE SITES In an effort to protect families and children the ELC of Manatee County can safely come into your center to help battle COVID-19.

We can come sanitize your childcare site as a PREVENTION or as a RECOVERY against a positive case of COVID-19 for FREE! 2 Part Process Step 1 - Cleaner/Disinfectant and Heavy Duty Odor Eliminator (Kills Sars-CoV2 which is responsible for COVID-19) Step 2 - Antimicrobial Surface Protectant

ALSO AVAILABLE Sanitation Supplies & PPE

For more information contact Terry Wilson (941) 933-1436 or twilson@elc-manatee.org Kelly Stasurak (941) 212-4988 or kstasurak@elc-manatee.org

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FC TCF ANNOUNCES NEW FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGR AM… T

he From Cradle To College Foundation (FC TCF) has announced a new food distribution and COVID-19 prevention program that will continue the fight against the impact of the ongoing health pandemic in Manatee County.

FCTCF received a grant of almost $315,000 from the Manatee County CARES Act funding to purchase a brand-new school bus that will be converted into a mobile food distribution vehicle and COVID-19 prevention resource unit. The new vehicle – in partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay, who will supply the food - will travel to remote and under-served areas in Manatee County to serve the local community.

The new bus will hit the road within weeks. In the interim, FCTCF will use the existing fleet of three vehicles, owned by the Manatee County Early Learning Coalition, to expedite the food distribution to community sites, which will be announced shortly.

Paul Sharff, FCTCF Managing Director, said: “We would like once again to thank Manatee County administration for this critical funding as the community pulls together to continue the fight against COVID-19. There is clearly an ongoing need for food distribution in the local community, and having worked closely with our friends at Feeding Tampa Bay for the past two years on various food distribution programs, we are determined to help as many families as possible.”

The From Cradle to College Foundation (FCTCF) is organized exclusively as a not for profit corporation under the provisions of Chapter 617 of the Florida Statutes to act as a supporting organization for the benefit of the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation, and to operate exclusively to benefit the Supported Organization and the public. Visit www.FCTCF.org for more information.

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

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

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

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

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 2200 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-1756 Trinity Children's Center 3200 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-8608

Childcare Resource & Referral (941) 757-2910

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

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Going To Bat! 1st Round Training Raises Awareness of Baseball for Inner City and Minority Youth

WORDS: Kara Chalmers PICTURES: Whitney Patton

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I

n Major League Baseball today, African Americans represent just 7.5 percent of players. This is the low-est percentage ever recorded in the 29-year history of the Racial and Gender Report Card for the MLB, which The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport release every year.

But two Palmetto natives, one a former Major Leaguer, want to reverse this trend, by helping to expose African American kids to baseball, and to train them to play.

“Any minority player looking to play baseball, we’re looking for those players,” said Logan Wells, who co-owns 1st Round Training with former New York Met Lastings Milledge. “It doesn’t matter your in-come, your skill level, or whether you’ve even played before. We want to get more inner-city kids play-ing baseball.”

Wells and Milledge, lifelong friends turned business partners, opened 1st Round Training about two years ago. Their aim is to give kids the opportunity to learn and play the game, to get in front of scouts, and

to earn baseball scholarships for college.

They give financial aid to families who need it — about 30 percent of their current players. So far, the two have given 500 free lessons to kids in Manatee County.

“You should never not be able to play this great game based on the fact that you can’t afford it,” Wells said. “We want to give every single kid an opportunity, no matter what their financial situation might be. We’ve never cut a player, whatever their skill level.”

Stepping Up to the Plate It all started with Hurricane Irma in Sept.

2017. Wells and his wife Ashley (as well as their two 100-pound dogs) left their waterfront home in Palmetto to stay for five days with Milledge and his wife Depree, who at that time lived inland in Apollo Beach.

Milledge and Wells were surfing the Internet when they came across a video of an African American high school

senior in Hattiesburg, Mississippi named Kameron Wells (no relation to Logan Wells), who intrigued them both with his remarkable swing.

“He was an inner-city kid, but his talent level was what caught my eye, more than his background,” Milledge said.

Milledge reached out to the boy and offered his help. He flew to Mississippi four times to train him, for free, and also brought him to a showcase so scouts could watch him play. Kameron, now 21, currently attends Miami Dade College on a baseball scholarship.

After helping Kameron, Milledge knew he wanted to keep helping kids play baseball, particularly minori-ty and inner-city kids.

He wanted to do it in his own hometown.

He and Wells opened 1st Round that December and kids come from as far away as Fort Myers, Clearwater, and Orlando — and have been as young as two years old — to train there.

At first it was just private lessons, but 1st Round eventually added a traveling 57

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team, called the 1st Round Diamonds, with five divisions, from eight and under to 18 and under.

The team travels to tournaments twice a month. Practices are held all year — except for August and December — two nights a week, both at the Manatee County Police Athletic League baseball fields in Bradenton, as well as at 1st Round’s 2,500-square-foot facility with batting cages and turf, located inside the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.

Hitting It Out of the Park It’s not just practice 1st Round provides.

More importantly, it offers top-level coaching and mentoring from someone

who’s “been there,” someone who’s an example of how hard work can pay off, someone who knows how to train players like they’re in the Major Leagues.

Milledge, 35, was named the best 16-year-old in the United States when he played at Lakewood Ranch High School.

The New York Mets drafted him in the first round of the 2003 draft when Milledge was 18. He was the 12th overall pick.

In 2006, Milledge made his Major League debut, and over the course of his career, he played for the Washington Nationals, Pittsburg Pirates and Chicago White Sox. Milledge played in Japan for four seasons before 2017, when he played his last season of professional baseball for the independent league, the Lancaster

Barnstormers. That was when Hurricane Irma hit, and life took him in a new direction.

Both Milledge and Wells, who played baseball for Palmetto High School and for Hillsborough Community College, know what they’re talking about when they guide 1st Round’s players in matters of baseball and life. They teach their players to respect their teammates and coaches and to be humble. Bat-throwing, or other examples of a bad attitude are not acceptable. Wells and Milledge work hard and expect the same from their players.

“They’re great with the kids,” said Jen Hoch, referring to her two children and their teammates. She said the players adore Milledge and Wells. “Our kids would literally be here seven days a week.”

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Hoch, while watching a scrimmage with other parents on a recent Wednesday, noted that the coaches go to players’ birthday parties, and take them out fishing or golfing.

“They treat the kids like they’re their own,” Hoch said. “Pretty much if you’re in their organization, you’re like family.”

A Ballpark Figure One member of the 1st Round “family” is Eric Gonzalez, 17, who has loved baseball his whole life. “I’ve always been a baseball fan,” he said. “I always practiced in my backyard.” His mother and father grew up playing the game in Puerto Rico. It’s in his blood. “It’s always been baseball,” he said.

However, it wasn’t until Gonzalez made the Palmetto High School team his junior year that he got to play. When he was younger, his parents couldn’t afford the multitude of expenses that come along with recreational baseball —

equipment, team fees, travel expenses, uniforms, cleats.

A friend introduced Gonzalez, now a senior, to 1st Round. He joined about a year ago and is currently the starting catcher for 1st Round’s 18 and under team.

Gonzalez appreciates the opportunities Wells and Milledge have given him.

“They gave me a chance,” he said. “They helped me out financially. I love this organization.” To Gonza-lez, Wells and Milledge are more than just coaches.

“You can call them up at any time of day and they’re there to help you,” he said.

“They showed me ways of the game I didn’t even know existed, like how to play the game mentally and be ready for any situa-tion, to plan for the future.”

Gonzalez is hoping to get a baseball scholarship to college. But if that doesn’t happen, his backup plan is to find a local league. “Anything to keep a number on my back,” he said.

This Girl Rules!

Of the 75 baseball players of 1st Round Training, Stella Hoch, 8, is the only girl. She joined in January, following in the footsteps of older brother Caleb, 12. While Stella has played for Miss Manatee Softball since she was five, she wanted to see what baseball was like, so she took some private lessons at 1st Round and loved it.

Stella, who attends Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School in Parrish, now plays on 1st Round’s team for kids ages nine and under and looks forward to every practice, according to her mom, Jen Hoch. Hoch added that Stella would have started at an earlier age, but 1st Round only recently had enough players Stella’s age to make a team.

Stella’s fast, and her favorite position is pitcher. While she will continue to play for Miss Manatee, she said she prefers pitching baseballs to softballs.

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R E A D Y, S E T , READ... SCAN! WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Through state and local funders, the ELC of Manatee County is able to donate 38,000 books a year into our community. Please scan the QR code located on the inside cover or back of an ELC book to take a short informational survey. Your feedback offers us important data on child literacy outcomes. This will help to ensure our funding can continue to support Early Literacy.

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On The Bookshelf REVIEWS: Ana Rodriguez

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

And Other Favorite Children’s Songs

BONAPARTE Falls Apart

(Birth to 3) • Illustrated by Hannah Wood

(4-6) • By By Margery Cuyler and Illustrated by Will Terry

“Old MacDonald Had a Farm and Other Favorite Children’s Songs” is the perfect book to add to your child’s first library!

Inside, several classic nursery rhymes are accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Hannah Wood. It is easy to enjoy reading and singing the twelve nursery rhymes included in the book with your child while viewing the colorful pictures on each page.

You can read this book multiple times, and as your child learns the words, they can sing along with you! The book features rounded corners, soft covers, and sturdy pages that provide safe reading and page-turning for growing little hands.

Halloween is coming up, and this is an adorable story about a little skeleton named Bonaparte, who is nervous about school and needs help putting himself back together before his first day. Bonaparte is falling apart, and his friends Franky Stein, Blacky Widow, and Mummicula brainstorm ideas to put him back together again before his first day of school. The friends try everything they know to help their friend, but in the end, Bonaparte learns to embrace his true self with the help of his newly found sidekick, a dog named Mandible. The illustrations are spooktacular and are the perfect highlight to the story. If you’re looking for a story about school, individuality, acceptance, friendship, or Halloween, then this is the book for you!

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa, GERMS MAKE ME SICK! (7-9) • By Melvin Berger and Illustrated by Marylin Hafner

Most of the time, we are healthy and feel good, but there are times when we get sick too.

Germs are everywhere, and there are many different kinds. Most germs are harmless, and some are even good for your body! But two types of germs called viruses and bacteria, can make you sick. “Germs Make Me Sick!” is an educational book ideal for school-age children interested in learning about germs, how they make you sick, and how your body gets rid of sickness. The book uses simplified scientific vocabulary, illustrations, and diagrams to help children understand germs. There is also information on how to stay healthy and keep germs at bay. Given our current global events and cold and flu season approaching, it is the perfect time for your child to read this book!

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

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The Caring Callaghans…

Dan & Betty are paying it forward!

WORDS: Amy Bell PICTURES: Whitney Patton

D

an and Betty Callaghan may be retired from their business, but they have no plans to retire from philanthropy. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Callaghan Tire has been a mainstay in the Bradenton area for more than four decades.

Dan and Betty, both Chicago area natives, moved to Florida from Iowa in the late 70s when their daughters were teenagers. On February 1, 1978, the couple started Callaghan Tire in Venice. Six months later, they moved the business to the Bradenton area to be closer to the Tampa Bay trucking hub.

The Callaghans launched their Bradenton tire business with a hope, a dream, a $20,000 investment (half of which was borrowed), and six employees.

By the time Dan stepped down from his CEO position in 2018, Callaghan Tire had grown into a nearly $50 million per year company. With more than 170 employees, two Bandag retread plants and service centers in Bradenton, Clearwater, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Lakeland, Naples, Miami, Ocala, and West Palm Beach. Dan officially retired on Callaghan Tire’s 40th anniversary, just a few years after Betty.

Two of Dan and Betty’s sons-in-law and one of their daughters remain active in the highly successful business, and Dan is still a Chairman of the Board of Directors. Even though they are no longer involved with the day-to-day business, the Callaghans are committed to paying their success forward.

“We think of charity as a way for giving back for the good life we have enjoyed in Manatee County,” Betty says. “We’re going to continue to give back in any way we can.”

Teeing Off for Cancer R esearch For the Callaghans, philanthropy is a long-standing tradition— and cancer research has always been their primary focus. “We have had many family members and friends affected by this disease,” says Dan. “Both of our fathers, my father, and Betty’s father, passed away from lung cancer.”

When Betty’s sister, Margie Semonick, was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2005, they decided to take action. “When 63

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of Fame), Andy Bean, Bobby Cole, Jim Dent, and Alan Doyle, just to name a few.

“The tournament got bigger and better every year,” says Betty. “It was something we enjoyed doing, and it was a huge undertaking. Every year, about April or May, we would start and work on it right up until November.”

“Over the years, I’ve met a lot of professional golfers who participated in the tournament,” adds Dan. “We made very close friends with a lot of them.

People would come from all over the country to participate.”

we first found out my sister had breast cancer, my husband and I said, ‘What can we do?’” Betty recalls. “We felt so helpless, just standing by and watching. So that’s when we decided to do something—we started the tournament.”

In 2006, they founded the Callaghan Tire Charity ProAm Golf Tournament to raise money for cancer research. For the next 14 years, the Callaghans continued to host the annual charity golf tournament, raising a total of $1.1 million. Most of the funds were donated to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. “We are very proud of our relationship with Moffitt, as it is one of the top cancer centers in the country,” says Betty.

“Yes, and if they came, they thought it was a really nice tournament, and they’d return each year,” Betty says. In addition to drawing participants from across the nation, the tournament also attracted players from across the pond.

“Over the years during our travels, we were lucky enough to get to a couple of golf tournaments in Europe, and we met a bunch of guys who are golf nuts,” Betty recalls. “One fellow that we became very good friends with brought over sometimes 10 to 12 guys to the tournament. Another friend of ours came over every year from Scotland. So, it was more far-reaching than we had ever dreamed of.”

When the Callaghans first started the tournament, little did they know just how cancer would continue to impact their family. In 2007, the disease struck again when their youngest daughter, Jane Trinci, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her prognosis was bleak, but after more than a year of surgery, chemo, and radiation, Jane defied the odds.

In 2008, Dan and Betty’s third daughter, Patty Virgilio, was also diagnosed with breast cancer. Patty underwent a mastectomy and was declared cancer-free. Then in 2012, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. For the next seven years, Patty fought pancreatic and thyroid cancer, ultimately losing her battle in June 2019.

Later that year, Betty herself was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy in February 2020. “Cancer continues to plague our family,” says Betty. “That’s why it’s been our honor to host this event for the past 14 years.”

With each passing year, The Callaghan Tire Charity ProAm gained popularity. Last year, the three-day golf event was held November 2-4 at the Bradenton Country Club. During the funfilled event, up to 120 amateur golfers had an opportunity to play alongside pro golfers and make memories to last a lifetime. Some of the pros that participated in the 2019 tournament included big names like Tony Jacklin (Hall of Fame), Hollis Stacey (Hall 64

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Sadly, in light of the COVID pandemic and other circumstances, Dan and Betty recently decided the 2019 tournament would be their last. In a letter to participating golfers, donors, and fans, the Callaghans wrote, “Considering the serious condition of the world, and the fact that time is marching on for the two of us, it is with heavy hearts that we are announcing it is time to say goodbye to the Callaghan Tire Charity ProAm Golf Tournament…

Although the purpose of the tournament had a serious nature, we will fondly remember the friends made and the good times had with all of you. We hope you will continue to support your favorite charities. These are trying times, stay safe, and God bless all.”

Think Local While the golf tournament has been their focus for the last 14 years, the Callaghan’s generosity extends far beyond cancer research. In fact, Dan was one of the founding members of the Manatee 100 Club, a nonprofit that supports families of fallen Manatee County police. For the past eight years or so, Callaghan Tire has also been a major sponsor of the Bradenton Blues Festival. The annual festival is produced by Realize Bradenton, a nonprofit organization that promotes redevelopment and economic growth in downtown Bradenton.

“Our daughter is on the board of Parenting Matters, and whenever they have any fundraiser, we help out with them,” adds Betty.

“Other than that, we try to support anybody who asks for a donation. We do as much as we can.”

The Callaghans feel they owe it to the Bradenton community.

“After coming to Bradenton in ‘78 to start the business, it grew slowly but steadily, and we ended up having a fairly decent-sized business,” Betty reflects. “Manatee County was very supportive, and all of our banks, attorneys, realtors, investors, they’re all in Manatee County. So, we just believe in giving back locally.”

Now retired, the Callaghans have plenty of free time to get out and enjoy the local community. “We never dreamed we’d be lucky enough to live in Manatee County, Florida, make a living here and retire here,” remarks Betty. “We live in the center of everything near Bradenton Country Club, and everything is so convenient. We’re happy where we are, and we love the weather and all the friendships we’ve made.”

Dan and Betty both play golf multiple times a week and spend a lot of time with their growing family—which currently includes 10 grandkids and two great-grandchildren with a third on the way. “Family is very important to us,” says Betty. “There’s always a family celebration. We try to celebrate every birthday, every anniversary, everything. With COVID, it’s been a challenge, but we have a lot of deck parties at our house where we can social distance.”

Of course, the Callaghans continue to pay it forward. “We’re going to continue to do what we can,” says Betty. “Nothing as large scale as the tournament, but we’ll definitely give back any way we can as we continue to enjoy our growing family.”

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Mitch Lomazov

Executive Director of Finance Young Adult Coach

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We specialize in:

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UP KIDS HALLOWEEN

I may have mentioned this before, but my favorite time of year is Fall. With the smells of apple candles along with pumpkin spice and the setup of scarecrows and Halloween decorations, I really enjoy the transition into this season.

The kids and I have made plenty of “not so scary” crafts over the years, and many of my favorites have to do with spiders, ghosts, and jack o’ lanterns.

This year is no exception, and this time we upcycled applesauce and fruit cups into an easy painted activity.

Not only is this craft an excellent way to teach about reducing waste, but it is also an opportunity to teach kids how to combine colors to create new colors of paints.

If you would like to make these decorated fruit cups with your kids, here is what you will need: • Fruit Cup Containers • Fuzzy Sticks AKA Pipe Cleaners • Googly Eyes • Acrylic Paint • Paint Brushes • Black Permanent Marker • Modge Podge or Glue • Hole Punch • Safety Scissors • Paper Towels or Newspaper

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Tip: You can find most of these items at your local dollar store or craft store.

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FUN WTH CUP CRAFT! DIRECTIONS:

To get started with this Halloween craft, parents should first clean and dry empty fruit cups or applesauce containers.

Then apply a coat of Modge Podge or glue to the outside of the fruit cups and allow it to dry. I did this before my daughter began the activity to help the acrylic paint adhere better to the plastic.

Tip: Be sure to lay down paper towels or newspaper to protect surfaces and have your child either wear an oversized old t-shirt or apron to protect their clothing.

Once my daughter was ready to paint, she got started by making an orange color for her jack o’ lantern. She began with a base of yellow and then added a little red to get the desired shade.

She also used an extra fruit cup to make the color she needed.

Once the orange was ready, she painted her pumpkin. She then painted a cup white for a ghost, and another black for a spider.

She applied two coats for better coverage and began to add on the body parts once dried.

We then stamped eight-hole punches onto the black cup for her to insert the spider legs. The black fuzzy sticks were cut into halves, and the 4 sections were run through the holes on opposite sides.

My daughter then shaped the legs to look like they belonged to a spider. To complete the decoration, googly eyes were attached by painting on Modge Podge to the front. It was then time to add eyes to the ghost. We simply used a permanent black market to draw different sized oval shapes for a spooky face.

To finish up the jack o’ lantern, she used a permanent marker to create the face. We then cut a green fuzzy stick in half, twisted it to look like a vine, and glued it to the top of the fruit cup. These different versions of the Upcycled Fruit Cups Halloween Craft were easy to put together, and each one turned out so cute.

I hope your family also enjoys creating this craft and Happy Halloween!

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

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Sunday

Monday

OCTOBER

Tuesday

Wednesday

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

Out & About

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

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

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Friday

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

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Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

Sarasota Children’s Garden Thrifty Thursdays

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

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Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Nathan Benderson Park NBP Rec Day 10:00am-2:00pm

Sarasota Children’s Garden Thrifty Thursdays

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

Pumpkin Express Florida Railroad Museum

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

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Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Live Training Center Palmetto Kids Ninja Training 12:00pm-2:00pm

Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

Sarasota Children’s Garden Thrifty Thursdays

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

Los Creek Lakewood Ranch Food Truck Event 4:00pm-8:00pm

Sun N’ Fun Resort Pool Glow After Dark 7:00pm-10:00pm

Pumpkin Express Florida Railroad Museum

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

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

Siesta Key Siesta Fiesta 10:00am-5:00pm

Colonel Baptist Church Venice Fall Family Festival 4:00pm-6:00pm Live Training Center Palmetto Kids Ninja Training 12:00pm-1:00pm

Pumpkin Express Florida Railroad Museum Defy Bradenton KidsJump 9:00am-10:00am

Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival 10:00am-5:00pm

Siesta Key Siesta Fiesta 10:00am-5:00pm

Lighted Halloween Boat Parade Tampa 6:30pm-9:30pm

Sky Zone Sarasota Character Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

Hunsaders Pumpkin Festival 9:00am-5:00pm

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Hunsaders Pumpkin Festival 9:00am-5:00pm

Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival 10:00am-5:00pm

Sun N’ Fun Resort Pool Glow After Dark 7:00pm-10:00pm

Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

Pumpkin Express Florida Railroad Museum

Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival 10:00am-5:00pm

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Nathan Benderson Park NBP Rec Day 10:00am-2:00pm

South Florida Gymnastics Preschool Playtime 2:30pm-3:30pm

GT Bray Park Goblin Gathering

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Live Training Center Palmetto Kids Ninja Training 12:00pm-2:00pm

Sarasota Polo Club Legend of Sleepy Hollow 2:00pm

Hunsaders Pumpkin Festival 9:00am-5:00pm

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival 10:00am-5:00pm

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Astro Skate Skating Lessons 9:00am Bradenton Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm

Sun N’ Fun Resort Witchfest Weekend

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

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

Saturday

Sun N’ Fun Resort Witchfest Weekend

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

Hunsaders Pumpkin Festival 9:00am-5:00pm

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

Sun N’ Fun Resort Pool Glow After Dark 7:00pm-10:00pm

Sky Zone Sarasota Character Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

Sun N’ Fun Resort Witchfest Weekend

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

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Thursday

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

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

Nathan Benderson Park Boo Run 8:00am-10:00am

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Astro Skate Skating Lessons 9:00am Bradenton Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival 10:00am-5:00pm Live Training Center Palmetto Kids Ninja Training 12:00pm-1:00pm

Help us spark a love of reading for children in Manatee County.

Call today to participate in the ELC’s Every Child A Reader and Books For Kids program and volunteer to read to classrooms in Title 1 schools!

(941) 757-2900 ext. 2503

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

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Sunday Sky Zone Sarasota Character Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

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Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Plant City Fox Squirrel Corn Maze 10:00am-5:00pm Coquina Beach Market 11:00am-4:00pm

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

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NOVEMBER Tuesday

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

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Jumpin Fun Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am Coquina Beach Market 11:00am-4:00pm Virtual Wild About Nature Festival (Virtual All Day)

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

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

Friday

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

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

Sarasota Children’s Garden Thrifty Thursdays

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

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

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

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

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Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 1 0:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

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Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm FREE National Park Day

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

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Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Sarasota Children’s Garden Thrifty Thursdays

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

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Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

Sarasota Children’s Garden Thrifty Thursdays

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

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Sun N’ Fun Resort Pool Glow After Dark 7:00pm-10:00pm Nathan Benderson Florida Turkey Trot 5K 7:00am-10:00am

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

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics Open Gym 11:00am-12:00pm

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

Sarasota Fairgrounds Suncoast Renaissance Fesitaval Walk 10:00am-6:00pm

Live Training Center Palmetto Kids Ninja Training 12:00pm-2:00pm

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Sky Zone Sarasota Character Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

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

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

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Coquina Beach Market 11:00am-4:00pm Sarasota Fairgrounds Suncoast Renaissance Fesitaval Walk 10:00am-6:00pm

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Arts a Blaze Kids Open Studio 10:00am-6:00pm (30 minute increments

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

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

Sky Zone Sarasota Character Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

Coquina Beach Market 11:00am-4:00pm

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

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

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

Live Training Center Palmetto Kids Ninja Training 12:00pm-2:00pm

Bradenton Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm Nathan Benderson Park NBP Rec Day 10:00am-2:00pm Sarasota Fairgrounds Suncoast Renaissance Fesitaval Walk 10:00am-6:00pm

14

Astro Skate Skating Lessons 9:00am Bradenton Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm Sarasota Fairgrounds Suncoast Renaissance Fesitaval Walk 10:00am-6:00pm

Live Training Center Palmetto Kids Ninja Training 12:00pm-1:00pm

Sun N’ Fun Resort Pool Glow After Dark 7:00pm-10:00pm

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

Sarasota Fairgrounds Suncoast Renaissance Fesitaval Walk 10:00am-6:00pm

7

Fort Hammer Bridge Run 6:00am-9:00am

Live Training Center Palmetto Kids Ninja Training 12:00pm-1:00pm

Sky Zone Sarasota Character Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

Coquina Beach Market 11:00am-4:00pm

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

Sun N’ Fun Resort Pool Glow After Dark 7:00pm-10:00pm

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

Saturday

Astro Skate Skating Lessons 9:00am

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Live Training Center Palmetto Kids Ninja Training 12:00pm-2:00pm

15

Thursday

Bounce Down Under Toddler Time 9:00am-10:00am

Live Training Center Palmetto Kids Ninja Training 12:00pm-2:00pm

Sky Zone Sarasota Character Toddler Time 9:00am-11:00am

Wednesday

Nathan Benderson Park Florida Turkey Trot 5K 4:00pm-5:00pm

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

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Astro Skate Skating Lessons 9:00am Bradenton Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm Nathan Benderson Park NBP Rec Day 10:00am-2:00pm Sarasota Fairgrounds Suncoast Renaissance Fesitaval Walk 10:00am-6:00pm

Live Training Center Palmetto Kids Ninja Training 12:00pm-1:00pm

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Astro Skate Skating Lessons 9:00am Bradenton Farmers Market 10:00am-2:00pm Sarasota Fairgrounds Suncoast Renaissance Fesitaval Walk 10:00am-6:00pm

Live Training Center Palmetto Kids Ninja Training 12:00pm-1:00pm

Sun N’ Fun Resort Pool Glow After Dark 7:00pm-10:00pm

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, classe s, 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.

9/28/20 1:04 PM

BACK ON THE BEACH! PICTURES: Whitney Patton

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There’s good news… and then there’s GR EAT

W

h i l e s u m m e r i s o ve r a n d school has begun, we can be delighted to know that Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading’s THIS BOOK IS COOL! webisodes will live on. THIS BOOK IS COOL! is a series of 100 webisodes to encourage a love of reading for children in grades Pre-K-3.

Each 10-15-minute webisode features a special guest sharing reasons why this book is cool, new vocabulary words, and a suggested activity that goes with the book. Activity guides with step-by-step instructions for each featured book can be found at the bottom of each webisode library. www.gradelevelreadingsuncoast. net/project/this-book-is-cool/ Although the webisodes are not readaloud stories -- SCGLR encourages children to read the books themselves -they are very engaging. Your local library is a great place to pick up books that correspond to the webisodes. With more than 26,500 views during the summer, THIS BOOK IS COOL! proves to be a popular learning tool -- every webisode is entertaining and educational.

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response fro m children and their parents, SCGLR is making plans so that families, educators, public libraries, and community centers can use this tool to promote the joys of literacy. If you are interested, please email Beth Duda bduda@thepattersonfoundation.org.

news!

Sam Rivera — The Dream Center, It Looked Like Spilt Milk

Special thanks to each Manatee County celebrity for helping to create the magic!

• Amanda Horne — Dive into Reading | Anna Maria Oyster Bar • John Scalzi — ABC 7 • Declan Sheehy — The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature • Jodie Williams — Manatee County Libraries • Xtavia Bailey — Manatee County Community Leader • Brad Tanner — Senior School Programs Coordinator at Mote Marine Laboratory • Catrese Estes — Vice President of Program Services for Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County • Maribeth Mason — Principal, Samoset Elementary School • Dr. Robin Thompson — Director of Early Learning Curriculum, The School District of Manatee County • Bronwyn Beightol — Chief Impact Officer for Manatee, Sarasota & DeSoto counties, United Way Suncoast • Dr. Sheila Halpin — School District of Manatee County • Derrick L. Randall — The D.L. Randall Foundation • Susie Bowie — Manatee Community Foundation • Jeanie Baik — Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast • Hilarie King — Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County • Steven Swanson — Retired NASA Astronaut • Heather Cherry — Palma Sola Asst Principal/School District of Manatee County • Joy Mahler — Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast • Shalia Moore-Hayes — Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading • Sam Rivera — The Dream Center • Paul Hockenberry — Principal Kinnan Elementary School/School District of Manatee County • Tish Sachs — Education Director, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature • Alexandra McDonnell — Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources

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RECIPES: Sophie Williams

Kids in the Kitchen Pumpkin Bread

Delicious bread that will spice up the season!

Fall Party Mix Fall Party Mix INGREDIENTS

Four ingredient snack mix that will have you wanting more.

INGREDIENT • White Chocolate - White Chocolate • Pretzels - Pretzels • Candy Corn - Candy Corn • Chocolate Chips - Chocolate Chips

PREPARATION

Add pretzels, candy corn, and chocolate chips to 1. 1.

Add pretzels, candy corn, and chocolate chips to a mixing bowl a mixing bowl 2. Melt your white chocolate for 30-second intervals until completely melted 2.

Melt your white chocolate for 30-second intervals 3. Then pour the white chocolate over the pretzel mixture until completely melted 4. Stir until everything is coated with chocolate Then pour the white chocolate over the pretzel 5. 3.

Then let the white chocolate set 6. Enjoy! mixture

PREPARATION

INGREDIENTS

• Butter or cooking spray for pan • 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour • 3 cups of sugar • 1 cup of vegetable oil • 4 eggs • 15 ounces of pumpkin puree • 2 tsp salt • 2 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp nutmeg • 1 tsp ground allspice • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • ½ tsp ground cloves • 2 ⁄ 3 cups of water PREPARATION: • 9 x 5 inch loaf pan

PREPARATION 2. Butter your 9 x 5 inch loaf pan 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

4. Stir until everything is coated with chocolate 5. Then let the white chocolate set

1.

3.

2.

4.

5.

3.

6.

4.

7.

5.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Mix together sugar and oil until combined Butter your 9 x 5 inch loaf pan Then whisk in eggs and pumpkin puree Combine all of your dry ingredients into a separate bowl Mix together sugar and oil until combined Then alternate adding dry ingredients and water to the wet mixture.

Then whisk in eggs and pumpkin puree Then pour into your pan Combine all of your dry ingredients into a 8. Bake for about an hour or until the top is golden brown separate bowl 9. Let them cool and take out of the pan 6.

Then alternate adding dry ingredients and water 10. Enjoy! to the wet mixture.

7. Then pour into your pan 8. Bake for about an hour or until the top is golden brown

9. Let them cool and take out of the pan

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After nearly 75 years…

WORDS: Carrie Rasmussen

E

ven during a pandemic, the mission of Easterseals Southwest Florida remains steadfast: To provide exceptional ser vices for persons with disabilities and their families across a lifetime with the highest quality of care and services.

We serve children, youth, and adults with special needs so that they can enjoy access and opportunities as well as increased and enhanced life choices, regardless of financial ability and have for more than 74 years.

With our 75th anniversary on the 2021 horizon, we are especially proud of our agility. The new year certainly delivered a new perspective along with the need to pivot… quickly.

Easterseals Southwest Florida continued to serve our community this year,

helping our clients navigate the stresses and dramatic lifestyle changes. We transformed our center-based therapy to teletherapy, our classrooms to virtual schools, and even our art instruction to video-based lessons that could be delivered easily to family and group homes. The important thing, as always, is to connect, and we did just that.

Individuals who live every day with disabilities suffer even more dramatic effects from the sudden change of forced homestays. While concerns of already- compromised medical conditions were our primary concern when it came to dealing with this global health crisis, we also had to weigh the added, more exaggerated depression and frustration our clients suffered from the change in routine. Worse

yet, the fear of regression from missed occupational, physical, speech, and behavioral therapies.

Equally important, our team worked to provide outreach to families and caregivers who found themselves serving as at-home therapists, teachers, instructors, and more while dealing with pressures about employment, finances, and other obstacles delivered through these month-long challenges.

Our staff worked closely with our families to deliver the best care packages through digital technology, keeping children and adults engaged.

We provided training and “what to expect next” sessions for caregivers who now experienced 24/7 exposure, finding themselves in the unexpected role of therapy or teacher assistants –

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sometimes both. Their commitment will always serve as an inspiration.

Easterseals began serving victims of polio in 1948. Since then, the mission has evolved and embraces individuals who live with physical and behavioral disabilities. Today, individuals of all ages who live on the autism spectrum are cared for through a Comprehensive Autism & Disabilities Program. This efficient, effective, and sustainable model provides a wide variety of therapies, education, and employment with many tools, including: • Early intervention and diagnosis, which will be enhanced dramatically through our new clinic; • OT, PT, ST, and behavioral therapies; • Classroom setting for students aged Pre-K to 12th grade;

• Neurofeedback with brain mapping (QEEG); • Equine-assisted therapy with our partner InStride Therapy; • Adult employment services; • Respite care for families; • Addressing mental health and wellness components for our clients.

Programming also includes enrichments such as art, music, and yoga classes.

Our therapy team continuously trains.

This year we added additional inventory Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), and other training to better serve those on the spectrum with communication and behavioral interventions and diagnostics, among other new

platforms. Our teaching staff pursues similar continuing education, benefiting the student body while continuously bettering their own experiences.

We continue to serve our clients and their families as we have since 1946, serving the whole family no matter the circumstances. Yet, regardless of what surprises lie ahead, we are confident that Easterseals Southwest Florida will continue to work to meet our region’s needs and help everyone’s abilities shine.

• For more information on Easterseals Southwest Florida, please contact Community Engagement Director Carrie Rasmussen on 941-355-7637 or crasmussen@easterseals-swfl.org

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10/1/20 11:54 AM

Blaze-Ing A Trail…

How Schoolvite has revolutionized supporting kids and classrooms WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock

F

rank DiGiovanni and his daughter joined a long line meandering out the door of Blaze Pizza back in 2017 for a fundraiser benefiting Willis Elementary. Hungry parents and kids halted the mid-week tornado of soccer matches, ballet classes, and math homework to pool together and raise money for their school. While hot pizzas bubbled in ovens and dutiful parents continued to arrive in droves, DiGiovanni – an entrepreneur with a finance background and energy that could outpace an Olympic sprinter – hatched an idea.

“I stood there and thought, what if school spirit night was every night, and what if I could donate on my own terms?” said DiGiovanni, donning sneakers and a baseball cap and eagerly flipping open his laptop to reveal his creation. However, he never dreamed of providing a way to donate aside from crowded; shoulder-to-shoulder spirit nights would prove essential in our post-pandemic world of social distancing.

Two years after the Blaze Pizza night, DiGiovanni launched Schoolvite, a website he describes as a “non-stop, passive donation-generation-machine.” Schools sign up to garner income for their classrooms through local vendors agreeing to give a percentage of sales booked through Schoolvite.com back to the designated schools. In an era of swelling school budgets trying to outpace the critical need for hand sanitizers, facemasks, plexiglass desk shields, and a plethora of PPE, DiGiovanni says paving avenues to donate back to our schools is more important than ever.

“Before I saw Schoolvite as an idea to help out schools,” said DiGiovanni. “Now, schools desperately need our help with all the added costs of keeping kids safe.”

Before the pandemic swooped across the country, more than 200 local vendors spanning from south Venice to Parrish had signed up to donate back 7.5 percent from each sale to the

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school, which unlike specific spirit nights, can occur any day at any time. The focus zeroed in on vendors who pooled together for kids’ birthday parties. When COVID-19 forced parties into the virtual realm, DiGiovanni pivoted on a dime and launched an additional way to donate: Auto sales.

Through Schoolvite, car dealerships can donate a flat rate of $200 back for every car purchased in a simple two-step process.

Buyers just mention their Schoolvite voucher during the closing of their new or used vehicle with any of the approved dealerships, and the dealer will donate $200 to a classroom or school of the buyer’s choice.

According to research firm J.D. Power, in an age where travelers are swapping trans-Atlantic flights for domestic road trips, used car sales in June rose 17 percent above pre-pandemic forecasts.

DiGiovanni is hoping to tap into America falling back in love with the automobile, and he already has 10 dealerships across Manatee and Sarasota counties signed up to participate.

“When Frank approached me, I immediately thought contributing like this to our community was a no-brainer,” said Kris Cox with Cox Chevrolet of Bradenton. “Donating to schools is investing in our kids and our future. We were happy to be a part of Schoolvite.”

More than 60 schools spanning Manatee and Sarasota counties have signed up to etch out wish lists, set fundraising goals, and even select features that allow parents to funnel money toward a specific classroom or need such as humidifiers or a private school scholarship. In addition, participants such as grandparents or retirees who have no tie to a specific school have the option to steer money toward education foundations or a Title I school in need of extra support. Currently, both Manatee and Sarasota County Education Foundations participate with Schoolvite, and the Hillsborough County Education Foundation is set to come on board as well.

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“The goal has been to link local businesses to families wanting to support their schools,” said DiGiovanni, who predicts schools that embrace this platform have the potential to earn up to $10,000 annually. “This is especially important now with the added cost needed with safety measures in the schools.

Donating to the Education Foundations supports the Education COVID-19 Relief Funds.”

The robust and enthusiastic reaction has rolled out from area schools eager to buy-in and test out Schoovite’s potential. The Manatee County School District has awarded approval for every school to participate. While Sarasota County shied away from a swooping district-wide approval, it has encouraged individual school principals to sign up if they could benefit.

Continuous giving - instead of a one-stop spirit night - shines as a reason Manatee County has supported Schoolvite, according to Deborah Perry-Gambino, community engagement specialist for Manatee County Schools. She emphasizes schools can receive resources they otherwise would not be able to afford through this website, which is especially dire currently.

In an informational flyer spreading awareness about the auto dealership program, Perry-Gambino emphasized, “The School District of Manatee County and the Manatee Education Foundation have partnered with local business partner Schoolvite to provide the community with an indirect option to donate to the COVID-19 Relief Fund.”

An on-going fundraising potential as well as other perks for teachers and parents, has inspired Maria Vera Moralez, home school liaison and business partner coordinator for Manatee Elementary, to embrace Schoolvite.

“We can also book hotels at a discount through the Amazon Smile on Schoolvite, and I think the teachers are really going to love this,” Moralez said. “So far, the site is user friendly, and we

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plan on letting parents and teachers know about this through Facebook and flyers.”

too far,” said DiGiovanni. “On the site, without revealing emails, parents have access to sending an invite to each classmate.”

A parade of colorful local logos, ranging from restaurants to bounce house rental companies, stream across Schoolvite’s website where parents can tap into another feature of donation once the pandemic and social distancing restrictions pass: Party planning.

Like a painter speedily pulling together a masterpiece, DiGiovanni clicked his way through the site, creating a mock birthday party to illustrate the ease of Schoolvite. Through categories and dropdown menus, he chose a destination, food choice, and cake from various vendors faster than ice cream melting in August.

Catering to parents planning birthday parties or special events, the website boasts a one-stop-shop where parents can choose from vendors offering packages that include destinations, food, activities, and décor. When booking through the website, businesses will donate back to the school.

“Now you want a face painter?” he asked rhetorically. “Bam! You got it. Just add it to your party activities.”

“This feature was ready before the pandemic, and then COVID-19 hit, and we thought ‘Oh my God, what did we do?’” said DiGiovanni. “Who is going to throw a party now? That’s still a no-no. But this is not all for not. This aspect is just on hold and will be ready when the community is ready.”

According to Lisa Terry, marketing director for Chick-fil-A Creekwood, the relationship that blooms between local businesses and schools through the site shines as a positive win-win. With a limited number of school days and opportunities to host spirit nights during the year and added social distancing measures, Terry sees Schoolvite as a unique platform to reach a broader range of schools.

“We are always looking for ways to grow our catering business and reach out into our community to give back to our local schools,” Terry said. “Spirit Nights are great, but that’s one school at a time.”

W hil e bu s in e s s e s a nd s ch o o l s a re e ag e r to fo rg e relationships, DiGiovanni hopes parents will embrace Schoolvite enthusiastically, too.

With the infrastructure set in place, DiGiovanni is confident once kids are filling their weekend calendars with birthday parties again, Schoolvite with shine as an excellent resource for planning parties and giving back to schools.

With his daughter’s birthday party set to kick off in 30 minutes one year, DiGiovanni remembers his wife’s phone ringing with fellow parents tearing through Target and asking for last-minute gift ideas.

With Schoolvite, kids can set up wish lists registry style to detour away from duplicate gifts or presents they don’t need or want.

Gifts purchased through Amazon Smile on the site also create an opportunity to give back. Even with virtual parties exploding during the pandemic, parents can currently tap into wish lists.

Almost breathless from rattling off the long list of ways Schoolvite can give back, DiGiovanni paused for a minute and slowly closed his laptop. The memory of Blaze Pizza flooded back into his mind.

“You know, in the beginning, I just thought this could be a way to link businesses and schools in our community,” said DiGiovanni. “But then I went into the Title 1 schools and then the pandemic hit. Now I realize what a big impact this could have for schools.”

“Our biggest obstacle we see is getting parents to use the site,” said DiGiovanni, who has built the site through organic, grassroots efforts as a one-man show canvassing the counties and convincing schools and businesses to tap into his idea. “The schools love it. It’s getting parents to use it. We want the site to be a functional resource for parents – one they would use even if money wasn’t going back to their school.”

On the same day DiGiovanni lined up at Blaze Pizza, he bumped into a parent inquiring if he saw the birthday party invitation she sent on Facebook for his daughter. Bewildered, DiGiovanni shook his head no, relaying the invite must have been overlooked.

“This is where chocolate meets peanut butter or a Twix,” DiGiovanni said, smiling through his eyes. “We created a way to send out custom invites through the site, which reaches classmates.”

Paper invites stuffed into school backpacks may never make the journey home. However, sometimes this proves as the only way to try and reach school friends when parents have no contact information. As long as parents choose to opt-in, they can see an electronic list of classmates and invite those kids through Schoolvite.

“Sending invites to school with your kid is sometimes a bridge

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