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NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
What began with one nun's dream has become Stillpoint Mission, a 27-year tradition of compassion in the heart of Bradenton
WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Every community has a pulse, and one of Bradenton's strongest beats comes from a small building on 14th Street West. Here, an entirely volunteer-run organization called Stillpoint Mission has been meeting practical needs for twenty-seven years.
The mission's work is humble yet relentless. It feeds families, helps with utility bills, and gives away diapers, shoes, and clothes. There are no fees, no paperwork beyond the bare minimum. Volunteers don't ask questions that might make someone hesitate at the door. Need is enough.
"We turn no one away," says Gary Scott, a volunteer and Stillpoint's board president for the past two years. "If someone's hungry, we feed them. That's it."
A Franciscan nun named Sister Nora Brick started Stillpoint in 1998. She was a woman so devoted to the poor that locals began calling her the "Mother Teresa of Bradenton." She'd already started Project Light, a literacy program for migrant workers, when she envisioned a second outreach that would help people with their basic needs. Now in her nineties, Sister Nora lives in New Jersey, but her spirit seems to linger in the place she built.
One longtime volunteer, Michael John, knew her from earlier years. "She lived out what St. Francis taught," he said. "She made people feel at home and gave everything from the heart."
Amazingly, her mission still runs entirely on that volunteer energy, with no paid staff and no government funding or advertising—just forty people on rotation who keep showing up.
The Rhythm of Giving
The building hums with activity three days a week.
On Tuesdays, clients can come for utility assistance. They bring a bill and a photo ID, and Stillpoint gives them $80 towards an electric or water bill once every 3 months. In another room set up like a small Goodwill, shelves overflow with clothes and home goods. Clients have ten minutes to go in and take what they want.
Wednesdays are all about diapers. Parents line up in the narrow hallway, balancing car seats or holding the hands of sleepy toddlers. Each family receives a week's supply of diapers and wipes.
On Fridays, the Food Bank truck arrives with extras like fresh produce and frozen meat to add to the non-perishables that volunteers collected the day before, and the distribution begins. The line outside often stretches around the block.
It's hard work; through all the sorting and packing, the volunteers say it's the people who give their work meaning.
"When you meet a mom in tears because she doesn't have diapers, you remember why you're here," says Vice President and Board Member Marge Slepica.
In 2024, Stillpoint served more than 25,700 clients, a 40% jump from the year before. Volunteers distributed over 410,000 pounds of food and nearly 350,000 diapers, and the mission paid $163,000 in utility bills. The scale of the work is staggering for an organization with no paid staff and one modest building whose parking lot sits inconveniently across the street—which actually points to the mission's own need.
"We're looking for a bigger space, somewhere with a parking lot on the same side of the road as the building," Gary says. "It's just safer that way. If anyone has any buildings for sale or rent in the nearby area, please get in touch!"
One Friday, a woman came in with her children and explained her husband had lost his job, and they were running out of food. Gary remembers how it felt to see the kids standing there, watching their mother in distress. The volunteers packed their bags with extra groceries. A month later, she returned to say her husband had found work. Gary describes moments like that as the reason volunteers keep coming back to serve, despite the hard work in the Florida heat.
Marge admits there are days when the work feels heavy, but then she thinks of the mothers desperate for diapers, or the homeless man she once saw sitting on the curb, eating cold soup from a can. Those are the images that stick with her.
The mission's kindness shows up in the seemingly small ways, too. Gary keeps bottles of bubbles behind the counter for kids who come in upset. If they start crying, he hands them a bubble wand, and their faces will brighten into smiles. (It's hard to cry when bubbles are around!)
The Still Point
T. S. Eliot wrote about "the still point of the turning world," a place where movement and calm meet. For a Franciscan nun like Sister Nora, the name likely spoke to both the contemplative heart of faith and the practical mercy of serving the poor. Perhaps this was the idea she had in mind when she named Stillpoint Mission. The world rushes on outside its doors, but inside, there is steadiness. Volunteers pack food and give diapers, but they also listen to discover a client's needs. Sometimes mercy requires stillness. Service does not always look like motion; sometimes it looks like presence. For twenty-seven years, Stillpoint has been that quiet center in Bradenton, a small space where kindness finds its footing.
A Community at Work
Stillpoint's strength comes from its volunteers, but also from the community around it. Local churches, civic clubs, and businesses organize food drives or give grants. The Food Bank of Manatee keeps the shelves stocked. At the beginning of the school year, Stillpoint runs a Back-to-School Backpack Program which distributes new backpacks filled with school supplies for students, from preschool through to high school. This past July, the mission gave out over 800 backpacks! They also give out $35 Bealls gift cards for new shoes and clothes for children, which Bealls gives to Stillpoint at a discount. The Notre Dame Club of Sarasota donates blankets every December for the Warm Wishes event, and the Knights of Columbus from St. Thomas More, Incarnation, and St. Patrick's Catholic churches supply new jackets for kids.
There are plenty of quiet helpers, too, who pull up with trunks full of food and clothes. Seasonal residents often return with donations from their churches up north.
Manatee County keeps growing, and so does the line outside the mission's door. Rising rent and food costs have made life harder for working families.
"We serve a lot of Latino and Haitian families," Marge explains. "Some send money home. Some work full-time and still can't make ends meet. It's just expensive to live here."
Volunteers hope that one day they can expand what they offer, like formula for babies or other supplies families can't afford. But for now, they work with what they have. And after twenty-seven years, Stillpoint Mission is still what Sister Nora Brick intended it to be: a place where compassion meets community.
Gary often thinks about Sister Nora and what she'd say if she walked through the door today. "She'd recognize it right away," he says. "Every person who comes in is treated with respect. That's what she started, and that's what we will continue doing."
Stillpoint is always looking for more volunteers. If you can give two and a half hours a week, the mission will find something for you to do! NG
For more information or to donate to Stillpoint Mission, visit www.stillpointmission.org or stop by 1608 14th Street West, Bradenton.
We are proud to support those who nourish because when great life lessons are learned, great lives are lived.
Nourishing communities.
A Family Tradition SINCE
1926
PUBLISHER
Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County
EDITOR
Katelyn Disbro
DEPUTY EDITOR
Kelly Harbour
DESIGN EDITOR
Mara Stork
STAFF WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHER
Shannon Evans & Wendy Dewhurst
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Colleen Hartnett, Christa Hardin
ADVERTISING SALES
Kelly Stasurak | kstasurak@elc-manatee.org
PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION
PCI Communications, Inc
CONTACT NEXTGEN
EDITORIAL 941-757-2912
ADVERTISING 941-730-6446
FAX 941-757-2917
EDITOR | editor@nextgenmagazine.org
ADVERTISING | advertising@nextgenmagazine.org
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS | articles@nextgenmagazine.org
EARLY LEARNING COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES
Adam Mohammadbhoy (Chairman)
Denise Marzullo, Christina Riggio
PRIVATE SECTOR APPOINTED MEMBERS
Zack Kallis, Dr. Michael Mackie, Gary Scott, Leslie Wells, Tim Pye, Bryan Rench, Peggy Sammons, Misty Ritch, Robert Bell (Secretary/Treasurer)
LEGISLATIVELY REQUIRED MEMBERS
Rachel Kendzior | Children With Disabilities
Elida Mujic | Department of Children and Families
Annette Larkin | Private, For-Profit Provider
Dr. Sheila Halpin | Manatee County School Board
Jennifer Passmore | Board of County Commissioners' Kathy Patreka | Head Start
Chantal Porte | Department of Children and Families
James Disbro | CareerSource Suncoast
Ana Peele | County Health Department
Dr. Nicole Kammer | Florida College System
Pastor Sirrnest Webster | Faith-Based Provider Representative
Xtavia Bailey | Children’s Services Advisory Board Designee
SCHOOL BOARD OF MANATEE COUNTY
Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin, Heather Felton, Cindy Spray, Charlie Kennedy, Chad Choate III, Richard Tatem
NEXTGEN and the Early Learning Coalition do not endorse or warrant any products or services contained herein, unless otherwise expressly noted. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors. Submitted materials will not be returned. Whole or part of this publication may not be used or duplicated in any way without written permission from the Early Learning Coalition.
The Early Learning Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to ensuring affordable and creditable early child care and early education through School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs. Sponsorship by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County and the State of Florida, Division of Early Learning and Manatee County Government.
BELIEVING IN GIRLS LUNCHEON
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Bradenton Kiwanis Club
Let's begin at the end.
It's Sunday morning, and the cabins at Dream Oaks Camp empty out in a slow shuffle. Backpacks line the porches as students wait for rides home. A few phones reappear to swap numbers and email addresses, although most are still tucked away in bags. Goodbyes, handshakes, and hugs take longer than the schedule allows. Everyone is leaving Dream Oaks Camp with a slightly different experience, but all agree that it's been an amazing, perhaps life-changing, weekend.
Key Leader Weekend is a Kiwanis initiative offering a two-night leadership retreat for students from eighth to eleventh grade. Longtime Bradenton Kiwanis member Judge Ed Nicholas brought the program to Manatee County in 2023, and over the last three years, it has grown in scope and attendance. Passionate about serving this community, Judge Nicholas knows the importance of raising up the next generation of leaders to do likewise.
"The main point of this weekend is to get kids outside of their comfort zone and teach them how to become compassionate, other-centered leaders," he says.
The roster is a mix of students from many backgrounds and experiences. Some arrive on Friday with guarded expressions, but by the first ice-breaker session led by Game On Nation, the smiles show up. Names are exchanged and remembered, and a friendship group forms.
"When I first went, I was very anti-social," says student Lana Lane, who has attended Key Leader Weekend since its inception. "But the weekend helped bring me out of my shell.
It strengthened my voice as a leader and taught me how to think through problems from different perspectives—whether I'm working on my own or with a group. Key Leader was such a positive experience that I wish every student could go at least once. You have fun, you meet new people, and you leave feeling more confident than when you arrived."
Throughout the weekend, friendships only grow stronger as the students gain confidence and jump into the activities. One session encourages them to invent something new or find solutions to real-life problems; during a previous camp, for example, a group mapped out a student-run approach to bullying. What if trained peer responders could de-escalate a situation before adults were involved, and loop in other students when needed?
The program also includes a community service project so students can earn eight easy-to-document hours. One newer feature includes a 'summer employment hour,' where local employers present entry-level job openings and answer questions. Another addition is a team-building session at the TreeUmph! rope course, a definite favorite! But the program also tackles hard topics. Two years ago, the group discussed a local shooting involving Manatee County students and how a leader could respond in a moment like that. Kiwanis members—the weekend's adult chaperones—listened while students worked through ideas.
Conversations like that give heft to the rest of the program, showing how skills practiced there are meant for real life, not only a fun weekend away. And those skills can benefit the rest of a student's life, starting with college applications.
"College admissions offices don't just care about the highest SAT scores," Judge Nicholas says. "They want students who will contribute to campus life. A program like this goes a long way in showing colleges the caliber of students they should admit. I know many have used their Key Leader weekend as part of their application essays."
The Bradenton Kiwanis Club funds the entire weekend and would love to add more dates if funding allows. The list of interested students is not getting any shorter.
"I've found that high school students want to give, to get involved," Judge Nicholas says. "They really are compassionate and kind. You just have to give them an opportunity." So the invitation list stays wide, and the weekend is open to all students from eighth to eleventh grade from across the area. When a gathered group reflects the different corners of Manatee County, the learning improves.
The beautiful setting at Dream Oaks Camp adds to the experience. A change of place can reset the way a group works together, and it's often the catalyst for new conversations or
friendships. Students are encouraged to put phones away for the weekend, too, so they can better focus on the people in front of them.
Which brings us back to that scene on Sunday morning, with parents waiting and slow goodbyes. A freshman who maybe spoke two sentences on Friday now can't tear herself away from her circle of friends. A volunteer chaperone is already asking about signing up for next year's weekend—because the adults love their time here, too. The pickup line starts to move, and the car doors close, and students go back to their lives a little more confident, a little more ready to take on their world.
For any student who wants to grow in leadership skills but is not sure where to start, start here. The evidence of impact is in that Sunday morning wrap-up, when no one seems in a hurry to leave. NG
Key Leader Weekend returns March 6–8, 2026, at Dream Oaks Camp. Register at https://www.bradentonkiwanis. org/keyleader/.
The Real Win!
Buccaneers legend Martin Gramatica shows students that aiming high starts with learning
WORDS: Shannon Evans PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Earlier this fall, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature opened its doors to a group from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a busload of excited Myakka Elementary students for a fun, literacy-themed event. The third graders spilled off the bus and trooped into the Bishop's Mosaic Backyard Universe, where they got to meet Super Bowl Champion Martin "Automatica" Gramatica! This Buccaneers legend may be known for his game-winning kicks, but on October 16, he was all about inspiring young readers.
Sponsored by Mosaic and in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC), the event aimed to show kids that reading belongs everywhere, not just in the classroom. It was special to watch how community partnerships could
convene an eclectic mix of people all in one room: athletes and educators, chatty kids and corporate teams, with local news crews capturing every moment.
"When Mosaic and the Buccaneers said they wanted to bring this event back, it was an easy yes," Bishop CEO Andrew Sandall said. "Seeing how much joy it brings to these kids makes it all worthwhile."
The morning started with a story, but first, Gramatica shared about his struggles with dyslexia and how it's okay to ask for extra help. To make the point, he asked Bucs cheerleader Dante Hale to read the book instead. Dante read Right This Very Minute by Lisl H. Detlefsen, a "table-to-farm" story that follows a day's
worth of meals and traces each one back to the people who grow and raise our food. The kids went from orange groves to wheat fields to dairy farms, and they learned about the work that goes into the things we eat every day. The story ended by inviting kids to think like farmers themselves and imagine planting something in their own community.
No surprise that Dante knows how to engage a crowd. He occasionally paused while reading and asked the kids questions. Who here likes broccoli? What's your favorite kind of pancakes? He also led the kids in some classic Buccaneers cheers.
When the story finished, Gramatica spoke about the value of persistence and learning through challenges. He also encouraged the kids to see literacy as a doorway. "Reading expands your mind," he told them. "You can read a story and travel anywhere, without even leaving your seat." It was a fitting observation, especially since Dante had just taken the students on a multi-farm tour.
Later, Gramatica spoke to NEXTGEN about the heart of his message: where success really begins.
"A lot of kids see us as athletes and think physical talent is all it takes," he said. "The kids might think, 'Wow, how cool to win a Super Bowl,' but all that is accomplished because of what first happens in the classroom. Without education, without getting good grades, without reading, they're not going to achieve much. That's what I hope they understand from today."
Once the story ended and the kids had posed for pictures with Gramatica and the cheerleaders, everyone headed out to the museum's courtyard for some fun in the mid-October sun. The kids threw footballs and practiced their Automatica-style field goal kicks. At one point, Gramatica even crouched and held the football still for the kids to kick it. They played cornhole and tried
on football helmets and gear for people twice (or three times) their size. The cheerleaders doled out pom-poms and led the kids in more cheers. Carousel's Icery Truck was on hand, too, offsetting the warming-up day with some cool-down treats. Throughout the morning, the kids took turns in the ELC's Dream Machine bus and chose a free book to take home, reinforcing the event's main message. One of the primary organizers, Mosaic's Stakeholder and Media Strategy Manager Jackie
Barron, described the scene as exactly what these partnerships were meant to achieve.
"If Mosaic can play a small part in encouraging kids to read more and read often, then we've done something good," she said. "It's about exposing them to role models who have faced challenges and showing that education is important no matter what you do."
Myakka Elementary teacher Morgan Smith agreed. "I think it's important for them to see how reading impacts all careers," she said. "Even those who dream of growing up to be football players can see that everyone uses reading in their lives. It's part of how we grow."
Meeting a Super Bowl champion was a story in itself. "My dad loves football, and he was so jealous that I'm getting to meet Martin!" one girl said proudly.
Her father probably hears the name Martin Gramatica and pictures a football sailing through the uprights, followed by that famous leap. But she will think of an entirely different
experience: Gramatica standing at the front of a room with a book, talking about the value of school and the power of asking for help. She might picture the Bishop's courtyard in the bright sun, and the moment he crouched to hold a football steady for her classmate's kick. And maybe, whenever she opens the book she brought home, she'll remember the adults around her who all gave the same message.
Keep exploring. Keep growing.
Keep reading. NG
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
The Ripple Effect
CEO Dawn Stanhope's leadership at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County
continues to widen the circle of opportunity for local youth
WORDS & PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
If you believe that everything happens for a reason, then it's clear that for the past 11 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County's (BGCMC) CEO, Dawn Stanhope, is exactly where she is meant to be.
"We did not have Boys & Clubs where I grew up, so I was not part of the organization as a kid and wasn't familiar with it as a young adult," said Dawn. But that was all about to change when she moved to Manchester, New Hampshire.
Dawn began her career in Manchester working with an affordable housing developer when her mentor suggested she become more civically involved. Why not check out the area's
Kiwanis Club? Dawn's first experience with Kiwanis was bringing Boys & Girls Clubs members out to the stock trout pond to teach them how to fish.
"These were kids who grew up in the inner city of Manchester," said Dawn. "Most had never been outside of the city and had never held a fishing pole before. I grew up fishing with my grandpa at my grandparents' lake cottage, and it brought back those amazing memories, so it was very special to do that with kids who had never had that experience."
Dawn was hooked! That day by the pond, a ripple started that would affect the rest of her life. She started learning about the
other Boys & Girls Club programs, then became a volunteer, then a donor.
Meanwhile, her son had settled in Winter Haven, Florida, and her daughter was finishing high school and forging her own path. Dawn and her husband decided they were ready to trade in the New Hampshire winters for a warmer climate.
As fate would have it, at the exact time they began exploring opportunities for their next chapter, Dawn received a call from the development officer at the Manchester Boys & Girls Club, who was looking for a new CEO. "I thanked them for the offer but told them that my husband and I were considering relocating," Dawn said. "Three days later, I received a call asking if I would like to be considered for the CEO position in Manatee County."
The rest is history!
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County (BGCMC) is an afterschool and summer program that offers hope and opportunity to every child in our community, especially those who need it most. Their mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
The national organization, Boys Club of America, was established in 1906; the Manatee County branch began operations in February 1946 under the guidance of the Kiwanis Club of
Bradenton, civic groups, and other interested individuals. In 1992, the organization made a major change by opening membership to girls and changing the name to Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. Today, more than 4 million youth are served by over 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and military bases.
These clubs serve a vital purpose, as the hours outside of school time are the most critical for the community's children and teens. Without a place to go, these kids are at risk of being unsupervised, unguided, and unsafe. So when school is out, Clubs are in! The Clubs provide a safe, fun place to learn, grow, and make lasting friendships; they provide caring relationships with adult professionals; and they provide out-of-school programs that equip students with tools to focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship.
Guiding an organization with such an important mission requires a steady hand and a clear heart, and these qualities absolutely define Dawn's leadership.
"Since Dawn came on board in 2014, she has been the right leader at the right time," said Marketing and Communications Director Drue Duerschmidt. "Her calm, compassionate, and mission-focused approach has guided us through so much— from everyday moments of positive impact on the lives of young people to some of the most challenging times for our
community. Whether it was the pandemic or recovery from last year's hurricanes, Dawn led with strength, empathy, and an unwavering belief in what our Clubs stand for."
"The most rewarding part of my job is watching young people thrive and do things they never thought were possible," said Dawn. "To know that we were a part of their story in making that happen is why we all show up every day. My hope is that we continue to expand into more locations to meet kids where they are and to reach many as we can, while maintaining sustainability."
Beth Clark, BGCMC's current Chief Operating Officer, has been a part of the Manatee Club since 2009 and has great admiration for Dawn.
"Dawn is a positive, dedicated, and caring leader whose strategic approach continues to shape the direction and success of our organization," Beth said. "Her optimism creates an encouraging and empowering environment where our team members feel that we are heard and motivated to perform at their best. She genuinely cares for our employees, volunteers, members, and the broader community in every decision she makes. As a visionary, Dawn not only sets ambitious goals but also inspires others to believe in and contribute to a shared future of growth, innovation, and purpose."
After years of dedicated leadership, Beth is now preparing for retirement. The new Chief Operating Officer, Jonathan Evans, has some big shoes to fill, but all agree the position is being left in good hands.
"Joining the BGCMC is a chance to serve kids with a team that delivers every day," Jonathan said. "Dawn's mentorship and
steady leadership set a high bar, and I am eager to learn from her and help our staff do their best work."
The spirit Dawn fosters among her team is shared by the board, whose commitment to the same guiding vision has remained strong for more than 75 years: empowering kids to build a stronger community.
"Working alongside Dawn as Board Chair has been a deeply meaningful experience," said Xavier Omar Edwards. "Dawn is more than a CEO—she's a mentor and a tireless advocate for our youth. Her passion for creating safe, nurturing spaces where
kids can thrive is contagious, and her leadership has inspired me in ways I didn't expect. I've seen her navigate challenges with grace and celebrate victories with humility. She leads with heart, and it's been an honor to support her mission and witness the incredible impact she's made in our community."
Just a few of the awards Dawn and the BGCMC have received in recent years:
y 2022 Manatee Chamber Small Business Awards: Non-Profit of the Year
y 2022 Manasota Black Chamber: Large Non-Profit of the Year
y 2022 Healthy Teens' Youth Health Awards: Youth Empowerment Award – In recognition of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County's significant generosity to help promote, protect, and empower local youth and their health and well-being
y Manatee Tiger Bay Club: Dawn received the 2024 Non-Profit Leadership Award
y Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2024 Advocacy Champion Recognition: National Top Points Earner for Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County's advocacy efforts
Accolades tell one story, but the truer measure of Dawn's work is in every child who discovers what's possible through these Clubs. She once stood beside a pond teaching kids how to cast a line. And in a way, that's what she's still doing: leading an organization that helps them cast their sights on a wider world. NG
The BGCMC believes every child in Manatee County deserves an opportunity to realize their full potential and to achieve a great future. Learn more at www.bgcmanatee.org.
MANATEE COUNTY CRIMESTOPPERS
SAFE KIDS HALLOWEEN
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Setting the Standard in WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
Over 2,500 Robotic Surgeries
The Manatee Weight Loss Center has performed over 2,500 robotic surgeries and counting. Located in Bradenton, Florida, the Center offers a comprehensive approach to helping patients achieve and sustain a healthier weight. With a focus on minimally invasive and surgical options, skilled providers prioritize personalized treatment for patients whose weight is impacting their health and quality of life.
The Center’s offerings include both non-surgical and bariatric procedures, including:
• Robotic-assisted gastrectomy
• Robotic gastric bypass
• Lap-Band® system
. Surgical Review Corporation-accredited Master Surgeon in Robotic Surgery Stelios Rekkas, MD, FACS, FASMBS supports patients in every step of their weightloss process. For those considering weight management options, working with a Master Surgeon and an MBSAQIP-accredited surgical center may be the right choice in promoting better health.
The Women Who Show Up
How the Junior League of Manatee County equips women and supports the well-being of children
and families
WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Junior League of Manatee County
This is a story about a volunteer force that knows how to get stuff done. If there's a project that needs to be completed, they'll show up with supplies before most people have even finished planning it out. This is the Junior League of Manatee County (JLMC)—a training ground for women who know their efforts matter.
JLMC is a nonprofit volunteer organization that equips and empowers women to lead meaningful change through service. It was founded locally in 1978 as part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, bringing together women across various careers and life stages to address real needs in the region.
"The Junior League of Manatee gives women the tools, confidence, and connections to turn compassion into action," says the League's president, Carla Kortas. "We are both a volunteer organization and a leadership lab. Through all the service projects we do, our members are also building skills in project management, public speaking, budgeting, and teamwork. The women I serve beside are mothers, professionals, and caregivers who show up for our League and our community because it matters, and their children see what it means to serve and to lead."
"We're small but mighty," adds Membership Director Brooke Codere, who joined in 2024. "Neighboring leagues might be larger, but we're growing! And more members means greater impact."
Programs For Children
That impact shows up in all kinds of ways. While members vote annually on the initiatives they want the League to pursue, recent years have centered on
food insecurity, particularly with children. The League's Snacks for Students program provides classroom snacks at Daughtry Elementary, a Title I school in West Bradenton. League members shop for the snacks, deliver them to the school, and organize the distributions for teachers to keep in their classrooms.
"Food plays such a big role in how kids feel and in their ability to focus," Brooke explains. "When the community helps
schools keep healthy snacks on hand, it takes some pressure off everyone and helps students stay engaged."
JLMC also has a booth at the Bradenton Farmers Market on the first Saturday of each month, where they host an initiative called Kids in the Kitchen. In partnership with Realize Bradenton, the program teaches kids how to make easy and healthy snacks using fresh local ingredients. Each month features a
new recipe, and Junior League members buy produce directly from other market vendors. Then they demonstrate how to prep the food and invite families milling around the market to join in. One recent treat—blueberry parfaits with yogurt and honey—was a hit with all the kids.
"When kids are involved in making food, they get excited to try new things," Brooke says. "They go home and ask their parents to make it again. We want
to empower families to make healthy choices together."
JLMC also uses the booth to spread the word about its mission and encourage new members to join.
The League's projects are not all centered around food, though. Members work on park cleanups and often partner with local nonprofits to help out when crises strike. During last year's hurricane season, they dedicated their Little Black Dress Initiative fundraising week to families in Rubonia who had lost homes to storm damage. Volunteers assembled and hand-delivered holiday meal baskets. When they discovered one family's house still had no drywall, the League used leftover funds to cover the repair costs. One member said it was the most impactful and meaningful thing she had ever done during her time in Junior League.
The League also supports families and the younger generations through scholarships. In 2024, JLMC launched its first scholarship initiative for local high school seniors, awarding four scholarships to young women who had already shown leadership in their communities. The League had planned to award only three, but the applicants were so incredible, they couldn't narrow it down! One of them had already started her own nonprofit.
Financial support like this is obviously helpful, but the awards have a dual purpose. Supporting young women in this way helps cultivate the next generation of role models—the very girls who might one day champion children just as JLMC does now.
Pathways For Women
Like Carla mentioned, JLMC is an outlet for volunteering, but it's also a place where women learn leadership by doing. Meetings follow Robert's Rules of Order, introducing members to aspects of nonprofit governance and parliamentary procedure. Guest speakers lead workshops on topics like public speaking or community advocacy.
"Many of our members are working women and moms," Brooke says. "We understand busy schedules, but we also know how driven women can be. Most of us work full-time and still make time to serve. You can be as involved as you're able, but once you dive in, you realize you're part of something powerful." And when children see their mothers or neighbors volunteering, they learn early that kindness and community service can be part of everyday life.
So what does membership entail?
New members complete orientation and a project during their first year, which gives them immediate experience in planning and collaboration. The League requires eight in-league volunteer hours and eight out-of-league hours annually. JLMC only works because its members volunteer, but it wants to encourage them to help out with other local efforts like churches, libraries, or their children's schools.
As for who makes up the Junior League, there's no one age group or particular season of life represented.
"We're very come-as-you-are," Brooke
says. "Some of us are young professionals, some are moms, some are retirees. Everyone brings different strengths, and that mix makes us stronger."
Even if members only join the League to serve, it inevitably becomes a place of personal connection, too. Working shoulder to shoulder, packing snack bags, or making recipes at the farmers market is a fast track to getting to know people. Pretty soon, service like this doesn't feel like work but more like a friendship with a purpose.
That purpose always circles back to children. Isn't it the case that when women strengthen one another, families become steadier, and whole communities grow more secure? Each League project grows from that belief. Children who see these women at work begin to understand that leadership means taking responsibility for the place you live. It also means inspiring and leading those who come after you.
"Our hope is that every child in Manatee County feels seen and supported," Brooke says. "We want them to see that people believe in them. And hey, maybe they'll grow up to join the League someday."
Get Involved
Want to serve and meet other women in Manatee County? Here are simple ways to take part in JLMC:
y Become a member. Join a network of women serving Manatee County and build practical leadership.
y Volunteer. Sign up for a project or an event.
y Support the work. Make a gift or sponsor a program. Checks can be made out to Junior League Manatee County and mailed to P.O. Box 14117, Bradenton, FL 34280.
For more information, visit www.manateecounty.jl.org. NG
ELC INSIDER CONTENTS
44 LESSONS THAT LAST
This year's Breakfast with a Purpose, hosted by Manatee County's Early Learning Taskforce (ELTF), coached educators in helping young learners manage their big feelings while keeping their own in check.
47
ELC BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
ELC Board Member Annette Larkin's passion for early childhood shines a bright light on the importance of building strong foundations for later success and giving back to the community.
48 CHILD CARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY
Are you looking for quality child care in Manatee County? Search our listing of hundreds of Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) and School Readiness (SR) providers by zip code.
53 MENTOR TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE...
Manatee County's ReadingPals provides mentors to VPK (4-year-old) children at local child care sites to positively influence students’ understanding of the fundamental building blocks of early literacy.
Lessons that Last
This year's Breakfast with a Purpose highlighted how emotional growth in early classrooms shapes learning far beyond the first years
WORDS: Shannon Evans PHOTOS: Katelyn Disbro
Ask any early childhood educator what their day looks like, and you'll most likely hear about some cute and tiny humans with some less-cute, BIG emotions. Teaching letters and numbers is one thing, but helping children manage the constant range of emotions they feel is another. It's like trying to conduct an orchestra that hasn't learned its instruments yet.
This year's Breakfast with a Purpose, hosted by Manatee County's Early Learning Taskforce (ELTF), tackled the idea that before kids can learn their ABCs, they need to know they're safe, seen, and supported. With the theme
'Supporting Strong Starts Through Social-Emotional Learning,' the event coached educators in helping young learners manage their big feelings while keeping their own in check. It's a skill that takes a lot of heart—and a lot of practice.
Instead of diving into data or theory, the morning focused on what socialemotional learning looks like in the classroom. The presenters shared examples of everyday ways to build connections, such as greeting infants by name, helping toddlers name their emotions, and coaching preschoolers to pause before reacting. Kids are always copying adults; when adults slow down
and model calm, children learn to do the same.
These seemingly small moments form the foundation for bigger lessons as kids grow. Research in early childhood development shows that when children can identify their feelings and manage their reactions, they're better able to stay focused and learn new skills. The event aimed to show how emotional safety and academic success go hand in hand.
The general session also broke down the different ways children pick up social-emotional skills. Some lessons are explicit, the kind that teachers
Implicit Instruction (model & practice it)
I see you are feeling frustrated?
Explicit Instruction (teach it)
plan and practice on purpose, such as demonstrating how to ask for a turn or showing what kind words sound like. Others are implicit, learned through structured routines and consistent interactions, when adults model patience or cooperation without saying a word. And then there's incidental learning, the kind that happens in the moment during natural everyday experiences, such as when two kids reach for the same toy, and a teacher turns it into a teachable moment about taking turns.
In the breakout sessions, teachers explored ways to help children name their feelings and practiced calming techniques. Presenters talked about using simple visual cues like a feelings chart or color system to help kids recognize what they're feeling before frustration takes over. Others shared ideas for "calm corners," short breathing breaks, and sensory tools that give kids space to reset.
The presenters also reinforced the idea of co-regulation and how a steady adult presence can turn chaos into calm. But a regulated adult begins with selfcare. This is a vital yet often neglected concept among busy educators whose jobs are often emotionally demanding. Supporting children's emotions, teachers were reminded, starts with taking care of their own. How can you bring calm into a situation when you're marching into it with chaos?
MODELS OF SOCIAL SKILLS INSTRUCTION
Incidental Instruction (reinforce it)
"You can't take self-care off your list," one teacher said. "I enjoyed learning some sensory exercises that can help me selfregulate throughout the day."
Between sessions, attending teachers from VPK and kindergarten were encouraged to compare notes about what helps children adjust to kindergarten and to make connections with each other. That was another major purpose of this breakfast: to bring people together who don't always get the chance to talk, even though they share the same goals. For many, it was the first time they had sat face-to-face with colleagues who work just one grade apart but often in very different systems.
"It was so helpful to meet with other educators, to see how we deal with the same struggles, and to share ideas on how to help each other," one participant said.
Look what we built together!
The ELTF welcomed community partners to the event as well. Parenting Matters, Step Up Suncoast, Soar in 4, Whole Child Manatee, United Way Suncoast, Resilient Retreat, Manatee Community Foundation, the ELC of Manatee County, and the School District of Manatee County set up tables with resources and classroom tools, aiming to connect teachers to programs and supports they might not have known existed.
This year's theme built on last year's Transition to Kindergarten event, which looked at how early intervention and referrals can help children get support sooner. The ELTF's goal in every event stays the same: to help kids move from preschool to kindergarten feeling a little more capable and a little less overwhelmed. And what better way to keep that work going than by bringing teachers, families, and community partners to the same table?
The work of helping children grow is steady and sometimes hard, but mornings like this make it feel shared instead of solitary. By the end of the event, educators left with new ideas
and a few new contacts, but also with a better sense of how important their work really is. Kids will learn their numbers and their ABCs; that's just part of growing up. But they will also never forget feeling loved and seen and understood by their teachers—and that feeling is what opens the door to everything that follows. It affects how a child sees themselves in the world, how they approach learning or handle conflict, and how they connect with others. The confidence built in these early classrooms carries into adulthood, and it will show up later in the way they
work, love, and build their lives.
Early childhood educators, this is worth remembering. The most important things you are teaching these kids are not found on the alphabet chart. NG
For more resources and information, visit elc-manatee.org/Transition-toKindergarten.
Early Learning Taskforce of Manatee County
ELC Board Member Spotlight: Annette Larkin
The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) carries out its mission with expert input from its board of directors. In this series, we'll feature each board member, highlighting their passion for early learning and the positive impact they're making in the community.
NG: How long have you been on the ELC Board, and what inspired you to get involved?
AL: I've pretty much been on the board since its inception, which, if I'm remembering correctly, was about 20+ years ago. I moved from a Provider Position to a Board Liaison and then back to a Provider Representative, which is my current position today. Adam Mohammadbhoy and I were both part of the original ELC, so it's been a long journey.
What first inspired me was my passion. I wanted people to see how vital early childhood education really is. That desire to shine a better light on child care is what got me involved and is what keeps me here.
NG: What's your career or background?
AL: I have been the Owner/Director of Happy Cubs for 42 years. Happy Cubs is an employee-based child care facility that has partnered with HCA Florida Blake Hospital.
My background is in Behavior Management, so while I'm not a classroom teacher, I've always known I wanted to work with children. I love building partnerships with families and seeing both children and those families thrive. I can't imagine doing anything else.
NG: What's your favorite thing about being on the board?
AL: I love helping create opportunities for children and families in Manatee County. I was raised in Bradenton, and I've seen it change in so many ways, but it has always been a wonderful place to raise a family. Giving back to this community is a huge joy in my life.
NG: How do you view the importance of early education in shaping a child's future?
AL: There's nothing more important. Building strong foundations for later success is what helps build strong families and communities. Without early childhood education, how can a child thrive or contribute to their community?
Today I see it even more clearly. These children are the ones who will be developing schools, businesses, future legislature, etc. It is our job to make sure they have the tools and opportunities to do it well. I'd love to see early childhood educators valued as highly as we value public school teachers.
NG: What activities or hobbies bring you the most joy?
AL: I enjoy reading as well as volunteering. One of my most treasured organizations is Foundation for Dreams, which runs Dream Oaks Camp for children with varying exceptional needs. It brings me joy and pride that I get the opportunity to sit on this board with my eldest daughter. It reinforces how impactful those values and tools offered in the early educational years can shape and mold our children to give back to education and their communities.
Volunteering for me is truly self-serving. It is an avenue that fills my heart with happiness when I'm able to give back to this community that has given me and my family so much.
CHILD CARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY
The child care providers listed in this directory are contracted with the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. For more information on Child Care Resource and Referral services, call (941) 757-2910 or visit our website at www.elc-manatee.org.
34202
A Readiness Learning Academy 9045 59th Avenue Circle East Bradenton, FL 34202 (941) 727-9354
All Gods Children Preschool 11107 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-739-2776
Braden River Elementary 6125 River Club Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34202 941-753-0958
CapoKids Martial Arts Preschool 11534 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-922-4520
Creative Child Learning Center at Lakewood Ranch 11520 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-727-9990
McNeal Elementary 6325 Lorraine Road Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-753-0958
Primrose School Lakewood Ranch Town Center 9127 Town Center Parkway Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-373-6363
The Goddard School 14534 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-752-6600
The Learning Experience 14425 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-251-4046
Willis Elementary 14705 The Masters Avenue Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-753-0958
Woodland Early Childhood Center 9607 East SR 70 Bradenton, FL 34202 941-753-8588
34203
A Readiness Learning Academy II
6130 SR 70 East
Bradenton, FL 34203
941-752-4927
Bright Angels Academy & Daycare 1716 53rd Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34203 941-962-0472
Community Christian School 5500 18th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-755-4968
Daughtrey Elementary 515 63rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-9058
Discovery Point Twelve Oaks 7218 55th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-200-4250
Education Time 5165 33rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-7332
Free To Grow Academy
5304 7th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-254-4268
In The Beginning Learning Center
5503 12th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-567-6106
La Petite Academy 6919 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-2336
Manatee Charter School 4550 30th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-465-4296
Oneco Elementary 5214 22nd Street Court East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-751-7018
Tara Elementary 6950 Linger Lodge Road East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-0958
Walker Family Child Care 3213 44th Drive East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-6629
34205
Ballard Elementary 201 10th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-753-0958
Bright Futures Daycare & Preschool 1617 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-251-5436
Bright Minds Daycare Center 3815 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-213-9749
First For Kids Children's Christian Center 603 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0824
La Petite Academy 4301 37th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-5227
Our Kids West 2425 38th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-752-1715
Prine Elementary 3801 Southern Parkway West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-753-0958
Puppy Patch Preschool 1116 35th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-6648
Reaching For The Stars Academy 2239 14th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-3901
Smiling Faces Academy 910 19th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-1234
VPK Provider
SR Provider
VPK & SR Provider
For a complete list of child care providers and other specialty programs available in your area, please scan the QR code or visit https://elc-manatee.org/Choosing-aChild-Care-Provider.
Smiling Faces Junior Academy 1720 11th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-3925
St. Joseph School
2990 26th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205 941-755-2611
Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early
Learning - West Bradenton 2531 9th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-750-6667
Teachable Moments Learning Center
3005 26th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205 941-900-1022
Toad Hall Children's Center
4004 8th Avenue Drive West
Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-3951
Toddler's Inn Child Care Center 1017 5th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205 941-281-2523
Tree of Life Preschool
2200 26th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-1756
Trinity Children's Center
3200 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-8608
Victoria Morgan
Family Day Care Home
2809 8th Street Court West
Bradenton, FL 34205 941-251-6431
34207
A Child's Galaxy Preschool
4417 20th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34207 941-755-6302
Bayshore Elementary 6120 26th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34207 941-753-0958
Children's Nest of Manatee
6228 26th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34207 941-807-1605
D.C.'S Childcare Center
5035 26th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34207 941-746-6090
DeSoto Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County 5236 30th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-758-3828
Happy Go Lucky 1606 55th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-752-4608
Kid's Club Child Development & Educational Center of Bradenton 5105 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-900-2812
Learning With Love
2712 47th Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34207 941-751-4989
Learning! Kidz Zone 2211 53rd Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34207 941-254-7859
Loving Hands Daycare 1204 60th Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34207 941-755-6306
CHILD CARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY
Next Generation Academics
4635 26th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34207
941-345-4040
34208
A Growing Start Childcare Center
2611 9th Street East
Bradenton, FL 34208
941-580-2789
Bashaw Elementary 3515 57th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-753-0958
Countryside Academy for Children 5807 18th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-3044
DC's Childcare Center 708 32nd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-345-0453
Grandma's Babysitting Center 1728 26th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-580-4804
House of JBaby's Preschool 1300 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-7415
Johnson K-8 School of International Studies
2121 26th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-753-0958
Kids Castle Learning Center 202 3rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-201-6799
Kidz Learning Steps 1425 10th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-274-2611
Kidzone Preschool 116 27th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-2727
Let's Learn Early Childhood Center 2118 1st Street Bradenton, FL 34208 941-567-4279
Manatee Elementary 1609 6th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-753-0958
Manatee United Methodist Preschool 315 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-6739
Pathways to Learning 2601 7th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-8804
Samoset Elementary 3300 19th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-753-0958
Sand & Buckets Daycare 3407 17th Street Court East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-748-4799
Smarty Pants Preschool 832 62nd Street Circle East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-7710
Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning - Morton Clark 1707 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-6667
Toddler's Ark 711 36th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-879-2407
34209
Bradenton Christian School Preschool 1305 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-404-4491
Busy Bee Child Development and Learning Center 455 48th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-900-2035
Happy Cubs 6207 21st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-798-6173
Learning Unlimited 6210 17th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-5838
Magic Dreams Daycare 408 75th Street Bradenton, FL 34209 786-801-4657
Miller Elementary 601 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958
Moody Elementary 5425 38th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958
Palma Sola Elementary 6806 5th Avenue NW Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958
Sea Breeze Elementary 3601 71st Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958
Smarty Pants Preschool (West) 904 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-896-4796
Stewart Elementary 7905 15th Avenue NW Bradenton, FL 34209 941-753-0958
Sunshine Academy & Daycare 2520 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-3143
Thompson Academy 1212 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-748-2162
YMCA of Southwest Florida 3805 59th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-716-1351
34210
Top Kids Bilingual Preschool of Bradenton 7700 Cortez Road West Bradenton, FL 34210 941-782-8995
34211
Doodle Bugs! Children's Learning Academy 11015 Passage Drive Bradenton, FL 34211 (941) 757-0330
Gullett Elementary 12125 44th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34211 941-727-2067
Imagine Schools at Lakewood Ranch 10535 Portal Crossing Bradenton, FL 34211 941-750-0900
Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch 4225 Concept Court Bradenton, FL 34211 941-727-9072
Lake Manatee K-8 School 17210 Academic Avenue
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-753-0958
Lakewood Ranch High School 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34211 941-753-0958
Lakewood Ranch Prepatory Academy 5550 White Eagle Blvd. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-757-8766
Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch North 5730 New Haven Blvd. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-500-1092
Risen Savior Academy 14605 59th Avenue East Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941-756-7545
34212
Freedom Elementary 9515 SR 64
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34212 941-753-0958
Kathys Kiddie Care 13501 Upper Manatee River Road Bradenton, FL 34212 941-779-5351
Sunny Daze Preschool East 9922 East SR 64 Bradenton, FL 34212 941-750-0042
Witt Elementary 200 Rye Road East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-753-0958
34217
Anna Maria Elementary 4700 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941-753-0958
34219
Barbara Harvey Elementary 8610 115th Avenue East
Parrish, FL 34219 941-753-0958
Family Life Community School 12125 71st Street East
Parrish, FL 34219 941-281-6412
FORZA Child Development Center 12214 US Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-981-5885
Harvey K-8 11620 Little River Way Parrish, FL 34219 941-753-0958
Parrish Charter Academy 8605 Erie Road Parrish, FL 34219 941-545-6380
Williams Elementary 3404 Fort Hammer Road Parrish, FL 34219 941-753-0958
34221
A+ Growing Academy
800 10th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0797
Adventures In Learning 712 61st Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-1816
Bible Baptist Church of Palmetto Academy 1750 6th Avenue West, Unit 101 Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-4958
Blackburn Elementary 3904 17th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-753-0958
Bright Beginnings Academy 614 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-7910
C.O.R.E. Early Education & Learning Center
605 13th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-9069
Children's Nest 2 of Manatee 600 7th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-7789
CHILD CARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY
Growing Hands Learning Center 6841 Buffalo Road
Palmetto, FL 34221
941-845-4873
¡HOLA! Elementary @ MSA
700 Haben Blvd. Palmetto, FL 34221
941-842-4652
Imagine Charter School at North Manatee 9275 49th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-981-5345
Kids On The Rock 1401 14th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-4567
Learning is Fun Child Care 1525 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-8347
Lil' Angels Daycare 1415 7th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-0442
Linda Evans Home Day Care 1500 7th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-720-9640
North River Early Learning Academy 1707 36th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-981-9618
Oceanside Learning Academy 707 3rd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-417-2800
Palm View Elementary 6025 Bayshore Road Palmetto, FL 34221
941-751-6550
Palmetto Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County 1600 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-761-2582
Palmetto Elementary 1540 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-753-0958
Palmetto Youth Center 501 17th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0783
Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning - Palmetto 1315 2nd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221
941-750-6667
The Learning Post Child Care 623 30th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221
941-536-4858
Tillman Elementary 1415 29th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-723-4833
Tiny Tots University 930 9th Street Drive West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-723-9072
Vanessa Hawkins Family Day Care Home 439 47th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221
941-405-2405
Virgil Mills Elementary 7200 69th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221
941-753-0958
Wee World Child Development Center 1020 4th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221
941-722-0810
34222
Children's World Learning Academy 3411 US Highway 301 North Ellenton, FL 34222 941-845-4484
34240
Enchanted Explorers
Child Development Center 7323 Merchant Court Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 941-359-1234
34243
Abel Elementary 7100 Madonna Place Sarasota, FL 34243 941-753-0958
CRPE Academy 1621 66th Avenue Terrace East Sarasota FL, 34243 941-242-2515
Easter Seals of Southwest Florida 350 Braden Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7637
Kid City USA Sarasota 374 Scott Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-210-4482
Kinnan Elementary 3415 Tallevast Road Sarasota, FL 34243 941-753-0958
La Petite Academy 4507 Vintage Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7677
Little Einsteins Academy 3631 Tallevast Road Sarasota, FL 34243 941-894-6505
Sandman Preschool & Academy 924 Wilmerling Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-755-2591
Step Up Suncoast Rise & Shine Early Learning - Parkland 6432 Parkland Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-750-6667
34251
Myakka Early Learning Center 37190 Singletary Road Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-2605
Myakka Elementary 37205 Manatee Avenue Myakka City, FL 34251 941-753-0958
DENIM & Diamonds
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Wonders From the Deep
Mote’s new aquarium transforms research into hands-on learning for visitors of all ages
WORDS & PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Our future is bound to our oceans.
The ocean supplies most of the oxygen we breathe, much of the food we eat, and the critical resources that underpin ecosystems and economies. Now, oceans worldwide face unprecedented challenges, creating an even higher demand for research to help sustain tomorrow's oceans.
But Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium—a longtime champion of ocean science and education—is rising to meet those challenges.
"Over ten years ago, the Mote Board of Trustees embraced a strategic vision for creating a new, larger, more impactful, and more accessible science education aquarium facility, said Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium President Dr. Michael Crosby. "Our vision was to create more than just a place to view
marine life. We wanted to ignite curiosity and innovation while celebrating the power of science."
In the fall of 2020, a group of community leaders gathered for a ribbon cutting on a 12-acre property adjacent to the University Town Center to break ground for that new vision… the Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA). Five years later, on October 3, there was a second ribbon-cutting to celebrate its completion and to welcome the first visitors.
Mote SEA is a world-class, 146,000-square-foot facility dedicated to marine science, education, and immersive public experiences at Nathan Benderson Park, a nexus site for Sarasota and Manatee counties. This rebirth of Mote Aquarium is transforming Mote's ability to provide informal science education and enhance ocean literacy for much larger
and more diverse populations, including every K-12 student in our community.
The new Mote SEA boasts three STEM labs devoted to teaching students in Southwest Florida about everything from marine and coastal ecology to robotics and sensor development. It also provides five additional labs for STEM workforce training as well as opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research.
"I am grateful to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for their commitment to our local students and community with the newly opened Mote SEA," said Congressman Greg Steube. "This remarkable facility will serve as both a bastion of learning for our young people and a home for critical scientific research, offering people of all ages the chance to learn about aquatic animals and local wildlife. It was an honor to have recently participated in a dive in one of the new tanks at the facility, and I look forward to Mote SEA shining a light on God's creation for a new generation of conservationists."
Visitors will discover marine life from around the world in the Indo-Pacific Gallery, visit iconic freshwater coastal species in the Florida Waters Gallery, and be wowed by large sharks swimming over your head in the Florida Gulf Coast Gallery. Visitors will also discover why science is the attraction by viewing several Workforce Development Labs and STEM Teaching Labs. These immersive experiences take you beyond the exhibits and into the heart of Mote's mission: advancing marine science and inspiring a deeper understanding of our oceans.
Representative Will Robinson, whose family is well known for their conservation efforts and the beautiful Robinson Preserve, knows the struggles we have with our waterways here in Sarasota and Manatee County.
"This new facility and the City Island location will give us the ability to request consistent funding for critical habitat restoration and red tide research," he said. "I am so proud of our administration for putting our waterways as one of the top priorities during my 4 years in office, but it's because of leaders like Mote Marine and what they have done over the years that we can now put science first and continue to improve our beautiful beaches and waterways for our wildlife and for future generations."
Guided by professional Mote educators, guests can go behind the scenes to see habitats, how scientists care for marine animals, and study ocean life around the world. These tours connect visitors to the research and conservation shaping the future of our seas.
The vision at Mote Marine Laboratory is to excel as a leader in nationally and internationally respected research programs that are relevant to conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, healthy habitats, and natural resources. Mote research programs will positively impact a diversity of public policy challenges through strong linkages to outreach and education.
"Mote has always held a special place in my heart and in our community," said Congressman Vern Buchanan. "As someone proud to have served on Mote's board, I've seen it grow from a local treasure into a world-class leader in marine science
and education. Mote's new Science Education Aquarium is an investment in our youth and in America's future, and it will inspire curiosity and a love of science in the next generation."
Mote educators also bring fun, inquiry-based, and hands-on learning experiences to schools. Using relevant, real-time data and information, Mote staff members dive into marine science with students, helping them better understand science concepts and ideas. Auditorium and classroom programs such as Sense-ational Sharks, Turtle Tales, Wonderful Whiskers & Dancing Dolphins, The Truth In The Tooth, The Great Reef Race, Spineless Sea, Researching Red Tide, Mammal Mysteries, Ocean Superheroes, and Shark Mythbusters are a great way
to get students interested in the oceans that surround us. For students in grades 9-12, Mote offers a program introducing Marine Careers. From scientist to photographer, to boat captain, to educator, students explore a variety of careers found at Mote Marine Laboratory and learn what it takes to start a career in the marine science field.
"What Mote is doing here matters," said Senator Jim Boyd. "It matters to Florida, it matters to the world. Mote has assembled a team of scientists and experts from around the globe who come here to work every day. I couldn't be happier to represent Mote SEA and the amazing programs for our students by reaching out for support in Tallahassee."
"This is a great day for our region and for the extended Mote family," said Florida Representative James Buchanan. "It's also a great day for STEM, for future members of our community, for our kids, and for future generations."
The ocean is always teaching, from the surface to the seafloor. Through Mote SEA, those lessons reach further than ever, showing that learning, like the tides, is never-ending.
For more information on Mote SEA or to reserve tickets, visit www.mote.org. NG
Letting Go of Holiday Perfection:
Creating Meaningful Celebrations Without the Overwhelm
WORDS: Christa Hardin
Each holiday season, glowing ads and movie scenes show pictureperfect gatherings that can make real life feel like it doesn’t measure up. Behind those images, many parents feel exhausted and overwhelmed. They’re disconnected from the joy they’re working so hard to create. If you feel that way too, you’re not alone.
The gap between expectations and reality can make a celebratory season stressful and disappointing. It’s time to think differently about the holidays and to redefine “success” so we don’t feel lonelier just as we’re trying to connect.
But how do we go about this?
Rethinking what really matters
First, take an honest look at what truly matters to your family—not to the neighbors or the people on social media. When parents identify their core holiday values, whether that’s quality time together, maintaining cherished traditions, or simply creating space for rest, they can be more intentional about what the holidays look like. What if you’ve been doing something no one actually wants to do, but everyone assumed someone else did, so you kept doing it year after year? What if, on the other hand, everyone secretly wanted
to try something new, but no one ever spoke up?
As the holidays begin, reflecting as a family might reveal that elaborate decorating schemes matter less than cozy movie nights, or that hosting large gatherings brings more stress than joy. There’s freedom in admitting these truths and adjusting your plans, even when it means doing things differently (Christmas with the Kranks cruise, anyone?).
Sometimes parents are so focused on creating memorable experiences that they overlook the simple pleasures children actually treasure. A walk through
the neighborhood to see the lights, baking cookies together while music plays, donating time or money to families in need, or reading holiday stories by the tree often means more to them than expensive outings or racing from market to market trying to do it all.
Aren’t these simple moments more sustainable for parents, too? Families can connect without going on expensive outings. Celebrating around these smaller joys creates traditions that last, even during years when time or money is more scarce.
Spending with intention
Another common source of holiday stress comes from finances. The pressure to give abundantly can create debt that lingers long after the decorations are packed away. Facing this reality starts with honest conversations, both within your own family and with extended relatives.
Many families find relief in setting simple gift guidelines before the season begins—spending limits, drawing names, or the classic “something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read.” Others choose museum memberships, class enrollments, or family outings that create memories without adding clutter.
The most important thing is to communicate these decisions clearly to children and extended family members. Manage their expectations before major disappointment takes root.
Protecting routines and peace of mind
While some schedule disruption is inevitable during the holidays, keeping a few core routines helps children and parents stay grounded. Consistent bedtimes, regular meals, and limits on sugar and screen time may get a little scattered, and that’s okay, but even a bit of routine helps kids regulate their emotions in an already stimulating season.
Parents also benefit from protecting their own routines when they can. Exercise, good sleep, and a little daily quiet time aren’t luxuries to abandon during busy seasons. They’re necessities that build
the resilience needed to handle extra demands. Treating these practices as non-negotiable rather than optional helps families stay grounded when holiday pressures rise.
Holiday planning works best with realistic expectations, too. A few good lists prevent last-minute panic and make progress feel manageable. But those lists should ease stress, not add to it. Leave buffer time in your schedule, accept that some tasks won’t get finished, and stay flexible when plans change. Those small choices can create a calmer, more peaceful holiday season.
Many families find it easier to spread out their holiday prep over several weeks instead of cramming everything into the last few days. Starting early with gift shopping, meal planning, or decorating takes the pressure off and leaves more room to actually enjoy the season. Even five minutes a day of prep can go a long way!
The gift of grace
Perhaps the most important part of letting go of holiday perfection is extending grace—to your partner, your children, and yourself. Each family member has their own vision for the holidays and their own capacity for handling tasks. And everyone has their own way of responding to seasonal pressures.
Yet partners who communicate openly about their energy, needs, and priorities can work together much more smoothly than those who hold on to unspoken expectations—and you might even have some fun in the process. Noticing when one of you is struggling, offering specific help instead of vague support, and accepting assistance without guilt all help create a more collaborative approach to the holidays.
This grace extends to accepting that not everything will go according to plan. The cookies might burn (yes, all of them), family gatherings might include tense moments (that uncle did show up unannounced after all), and children might have meltdowns at the worst possible times. These imperfect moments don't negate the overall experience; they simply make it
authentically human and more than a little Griswold-ish.
As your family walks through the holidays, you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t, slowly shaping your approach to match your core values and the season of life you’re in. Some traditions might be released, new ones adopted, and expectations adjusted to fit your family’s current reality.
Just remember, the most meaningful holiday memories rarely come from perfectly executed plans. They grow out of presence, connection, and the willingness to embrace whatever unfolds with flexibility and love. When parents let go of the pressure to create Disneyperfect, Norman Rockwell celebrations and focus instead on simply being present with their families, we often find the magic we were chasing was there all along—not in the perfection of our preparations, but in the simple gift of being together.
It’s not always easy to see, but it’s every bit as beautiful as it sounds. NG
The Myth of Work-Life Balance
WORDS: Women's Resource Center
The phrase “work-life balance” pops up everywhere, in podcasts, social media, and glossy magazine covers. It promises that we can "do it all" if we just organize our time better. But for many women, especially those we serve at the Women's Resource Center (WRC), “balance” feels like an impossible dream. It assumes freedom—the ability to rest and say no when needed. But when you’re managing child care, working two jobs, or rebuilding after a major life change, the idea of perfectly dividing your energy between work, family, and self-care isn't realistic.
And yet, that doesn't mean well-being is out of reach. While perfect balance may be a myth, the WRC believes stability and satisfaction are not. With the right support and sense of community, every woman can build a more grounded and confident life.
Here’s how the WRC helps women move toward that kind of stability:
y Career Services help women identify their strengths and walk into job interviews with confidence.
y Financial Stability Programs teach practical money management, budgeting, and goal-setting—because financial freedom is emotional freedom.
y Ask an Attorney sessions provide guidance on family law, housing, and life planning, helping women make informed decisions during challenging times.
y Workshops and Coaching encourage growth, resilience, and connection, from mindfulness classes to job readiness training.
Each of these steps builds the foundation for true balance: the ability to make choices that reflect your values and priorities
Wellness culture has sold us the idea that self-care looks like spa days or meditation apps or juice cleanses. But real well-being is more about empowerment. Through our programs, women redefine self-care and balance. A client completes a resume workshop and might land her first full-time job in years. Others find confidence to advocate for a raise or feel relief at creating a realistic budget and finally seeing a savings cushion. They learn how to manage debt and plan for their children's future. Maybe a participant in our Building a Support Network event discovers the power of connection and shared experience. These moments may look small, but they can change the course of a life.
So how can women start moving toward a sense of balance, even when life feels overwhelming? It begins with community, knowing that you don't have to figure it out alone.
y Ask for support. WRC offers free and low-cost programs that meet women wherever they are on their journey, from crisis to stability to growth.
y Redefine rest. Rest doesn't always mean time off; it can mean giving yourself grace, setting boundaries, or pausing long enough to ask for help.
y Celebrate small wins. Every step forward, no matter how small, deserves recognition. Progress is the truest form of balance.
Maybe the goal isn't balance at all. Maybe it's belonging to ourselves and the communities that help us thrive.
The WRC sees that transformation every day. Through every program and coaching session, we help women find their footing and start to see a path forward. Because balance is more about progress than perfection. It's about creating the freedom to choose, to breathe, to build, and to belong.
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
On The Bookshelf
REVIEWS: Colleen Hartnett
Rainforest!
By Sarah Dellow
(Birth to 3)
Part of the Now You See It! series, this vibrant board book encourages toddlers to discover animals hidden in colorful patterns. A great workout for early perception skills, animal identification, and print knowledge, along with early book awareness. Awarded Best Book for Babies from The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
Mayday Mouse
By Seb Braun (4-6)
A cheerful, optimistic tale about a mouse determined to deliver a birthday present to her brother. Seb Braun's illustrations are attractive enough to tell the story by themselves. An adorable story about perseverance, positivity, and pulling together in times of trouble. It will also expand a child's vocabulary with words and phrases such as "watery peril", "sea shanty", "mast", "keel", "sail", and "bobbed up and down".
I Am Sammy, Trusted Guide
By Catherine Stier (7-9)
Book 3 of The Dog's Day series, I Am Sammy, Trusted Guide, tells of a new guide dog's adventures in the city from the dog's point of view. It explains why someone may need a guide dog, the training involved, and the adjustment period for both the dog and the human when matched. The book also highlights the breeds featured and offers insight into the important work of guide dogs. A wonderful chapter book for young readers, whether they are dog lovers or not.
Who Is Michael Jordan?
By Kirsten Anderson (10-12)
Read about one of the greatest athletes of all time in Who Is Michael Jordan?, part of the Who HQ series. Discover how a young Michael Jordan rose from a determined student athlete to a star in both baseball and basketball. This engaging book will appeal to sports lovers and non-sports fans alike and emphasizes the hard work and perseverance of Michael Jordan's journey, including the setback of not making his high school varsity team. It also includes fact pages about basketball as well as timelines of Jordan's life, awards, accomplishments, and major world events.
KEY LEADER WEEKEND
What is Key Leader?
Key Leader is a weekend sleep-over experiential leadership program for today’s young leaders and leaders to be. Held at Dream Oaks Camp, this life-changing experience focuses on service leadership as the first and most meaningful stage of leadership development. Key Leaders learn first-hand the most important lesson of leadership – that it comes from helping others succeed. MOST OF ALL, IT'S
American Coastal Insurance Corporation (Nasdaq:ACIC) is a specialty holding company focused on underwriting commercial property risks in catastrophe-prone areas. Backed by a team of seasoned experts and a trusted network of claim adjusters and program administrators, ACIC delivers sustainable coverage and reliable results for Florida’s commercial property owners.
AmCoastal , founded in 2007, is Florida’s largest insurer of commercial residential property, including condominium associations, apartments and other habitational properties.
Skyway Underwriters , launched in 2024, is an MGA focused on underwriting and administering commercial property insurance products on behalf of our insurance company
WHERE LEARNING'S AT PLAY
The Soar Lab turns ordinary fun into hands-on discovery for children and families
WORDS: Shannon Evans
PHOTOS: Katelyn Disbro & Soar in 4
Across communities, certain places quietly shape the future. Libraries do it through books; parks do it through play. But Soar in 4's new Soar Lab in west Bradenton brings learning and play together, promoting early learning standards and showing families how fun can build the skills children need for school.
Dr. Sheila Halpin, Director of Early Learning for the School District of Manatee County, played a major role in bringing the Lab to life. She spoke about how the space turns the idea of "school readiness" into something joyful and tangible.
"We're different than a children's museum," she said. "At a museum, you may or may not learn something intentionally. Here, everything you do is based on standards for four-yearolds. We want families to have fun, but also to know they're learning all the way through."
So, without further ado, let's start the Soar Lab tour!
Spaces That Spark Curiosity
The moment you walk in the main door, the learning and fun begins. The lobby itself has a train table and a magnet wall where kids can play while their adult checks in.
The first stop is a room called The Thinkery, a comfy, quiet spot with puzzles, books, and board games. Families can check out packets of games like a library book and take them home.
One of the Soar Lab's main goals is to encourage adults to better engage with their kids. Besides the many 'no phone' zones, there are question prompts on the walls, asking things like, Can you tell me about the story or picture in this book? What do you think might happen next? or What part of this activity made you feel excited or proud?
Prompts in English and Spanish even hang above the bathrooms' changing tables. "Learning doesn't have to wait until school," Dr. Halpin said. "Every activity with a child can be a brain-building moment."
Next, we come to the 'How Tall Are You?' wall, where you can measure yourself with unconventional units like handprints,
shoe prints, or spoons. In the Tinkering Center, which has been a favorite during their soft opening events, kids can explore with loose parts, beginner hammers and mallets, or take apart toy dinosaurs and then screw them back together with plastic drills. Older children can make objects with 3D printers along the back wall or give code instructions to a robot. And like many activities in the Lab, literacy shows up, like in the way kids can hammer pegs to form the letters of their name. Every area also holds reading spaces and light tables.
"We encourage the 'plan, do, review' method," Dr. Halpin explained. "Kids plan what to use, create something, and then reflect on it."
There's no wasted space in the Soar Lab; even the hallways hold meaningful learning opportunities, with wall-mounted activities like magnet boards, a large manatee with different textures, wooden gears you can move, and more question prompts. Kids can play with a felt board map of Bradenton, complete with a ballpark, beaches, and, of course, a little Soar Lab.
In the Engineering Zone, kids let their imaginations fly with Legos, MagnaTiles, and a bigger train table. They can watch gravity in action as they zoom little cars down a long ramp. Giant foam blocks offer the perfect materials for building forts or toys. What structures can you build today? a sign on the wall asks. How do you think different shapes and sizes can help you create something unique?
If anyone needs a break, a soft-lit sensory room offers a quiet space with pillows and objects for tactile play. An outside area (still in progress) will have a tricycle track, telescopes, and picnic tables where field trip groups can eat lunch.
And let's not forget the messy art area! It's a budding artist's dream space, with easels, paints, weaving looms, and even shaving cream activities. "We start with chunky crayons for younger children who may not have been in pre-K yet, and provide smaller ones for more advanced fine motor skills," Dr. Halpin said. In the same room, kids can play on a mini stage and dress up in costumes. A projector on the ceiling casts interactive games across the floor.
One popular activity here is the "Draw Alive" station, where kids color a character, scan the paper, and watch it appear in an animated scene on the screen. Staff can switch between dinosaurs, ocean life, safari, the Arctic, winter, transportation, and fantasy themes. Even toddlers who scribble can see their work come to life.
There’s no doubt about it: This is a child's wonderland. This is the kind of place that reminds you what learning is supposed to feel like.
Play With Purpose
At first glance, without the detailed explanations, the Lab might look like a giant playroom. But staff want parents to see—and share with their kids—the learning in every space. There's math in the block tower, literacy in the puppet show. There's science in the rolling ramp.
"The goal isn't to push academics too soon," Dr. Halpin explained. “It's to show that play itself is learning." And the reason for that feels urgent. “We're noticing more children coming in who don't know how to play. Instead of rocking a baby doll, they'll throw it across the room because they don't know what else to do. We want to help change that."
When it comes to learning, everyday moments matter. Count the people in the grocery line, staff suggest. Point out the red car, the green tree, the blue sky. Compare the sizes of rocks along a path. None of it looks like teaching, but all of it builds language and memory, plus a stronger bond with the adult.
Staff now welcome field trips from all 112 VPK classrooms in the county, along with ESE classes and kindergarten groups from nearby Title I schools. The Lab recently hosted its first little visitors, the VPK students from Gene Witt Elementary. And the Soar Lab has become a gathering place for more than just children. A local bank that donated materials now plans to host an employee event there. Adults with disabilities contributed artwork for the walls and now request their own play sessions. School Advisory Councils and community groups meet in the
Lab and often stay afterward to have some fun.
The Lab has benefited educators, too, giving them tools to engage with their students. One day, eighty teachers and paraprofessionals filled the Lab for hands-on training. They left with new ways to stretch kids' vocabulary and to ask sharper questions.
Before you leave the Soar Lab, you’ll find a "Learning Tree," by the front door, where adults write down what they learned during their visit and pin their thoughts to the branches. Some of the notes are practical, some funny, most of them heartfelt. It's a meaningful visual. Adults might bring children to the Soar Lab in search of fun, or distraction, or something to do—but here everyone ends up learning something new.
Give curiosity a place to live, this place promises, and it will surely take off.
Plan a Visit
Admission to the Soar Lab is free for many families, including School District of Manatee County students in pre-K through third grade with a parent or caregiver, district staff visiting with a young child, and families who qualify for programs such as WIC, EBT, SNAP, or Medicaid. Children ages four and under also enjoy free entry with an accompanying adult.
Donation-based options are available for others, starting at $5 per visit or through annual passes that support the Lab's ongoing programs. All donations help fund Soar in 4's early learning initiatives across Manatee County.
Visit www.soarin4.org/soar-lab for more information and opening hours, which may vary each month. NG
fit� THES AR LAB!
Art, tinkering, engineering, and performance
Explore, create, and discover together
FAMILIES WHO QUALIFY FOR FREE ENTRY
Resource library to support kids and adults
9
Sara Scott Har/lee Center 6423 9th Street East, Bradenton
FAMILIES WHO DO NOT QUALIFY FOR FREE ENTRY
SDMC Student PreK-3rd Grade with ID:
SDMC Staff:
Children Ages 0-4:
Families Who Qualify for WIC/EBT/SNA P/Medicaid:
Free with l Caring Adult (must be registered at and attend an SDMC Public School)
Free with l Child Aged Birth-3rd Grade
Free with l Caring Adult
Free for l Child Aged Birth3rd Grade and l Caring Adult
$10 Donation
$50 Donation Annual Pass
$100 Donation Annual Pass
$5 Donation
Child aged 4 years old-3rd grade with l Caring Adult
lChild and l Caring Adult (subject to blackout dates)
For up to 5 people per visit (max 2 adults) (subject to blackout dates)
For any additional caring adult
Helping Our Kids Soar
PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
Turning Up for Tomorrow
WORDS: Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
Did you know that Attendance Awareness has its own month? That alone signals how important it is to get our kiddos in those classroom seats each day. It's got-its-own-month kind of important! Research shows that missing more than 10% of the work covered in class puts children in academic danger.
We all want our children to succeed, but attendance carries more weight than many people realize. Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade or get held back. It can also lead to struggles with coursework in middle school and knock high schoolers off track for graduation. Plus, attendance has an effect on the entire classroom. A child's absence affects the planning and execution of lessons, as well as the pace at which a class can progress.
Perfect attendance is not the goal, nor is it realistic. Life happens, and sickness—among other things—can keep kids from showing up. However, we want our Suncoast families to know that every day counts, and making (almost) every day happen requires all of us to get the job done.
The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) recognizes the importance of attendance. It offers programs for schools to increase awareness among children and families and improve school outcomes. The Attendance Awareness Poster Contest is held in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota public schools on an opt-in basis. Since the inaugural contest in 2015, nearly 250,000 students have created posters about the importance of outstanding attendance. Students make posters with original artwork using the theme "Every Day Counts" and can win awesome prizes (and bragging rights)! It's a wonderful way to bring the conversation about attendance home so the whole family can learn more.
Featured here are two inspiring posters created by Manatee County's own student artists! Through their creativity and passion, they've captured the spirit of "Every Day Counts," a reminder that showing up today helps build a brighter tomorrow.
Motivating Improved Attendance (MIA) is an opt-in attendance intervention program for Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota public schools.
MIA targets students in pre-K through Grade 5 who are at risk of chronic absenteeism—specifically those who have missed three or more days within the first 35 days of school. Identifying students early enables schools to intervene quickly. Staff can connect with families to uncover barriers to attendance and then offer strategies for improvement. SCGLR team members collaborate with school administrators to analyze attendance data, encourage early family outreach, share positive messaging and Attendance Works tips, and provide tools and resources to foster a culture of showing up.
To learn more, visit gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net NG
Spotlight On Imagination
Florida Studio Theatre empowers young playwrights to put creativity center stage
WORDS:
PHOTOS:
Shannon Evans
Wendy Dewhurst & Florida Studio Theatre
You know who are experts in turning ordinary things into the extraordinary? Children. Walk with them into their little worlds, and you'll find a puddle has become an ocean. That cardboard box has become a rocket. The living room carpet is now lava.
Florida Studio Theatre's (FST) Write a Play program takes the sparks of imagination that only kids have and sets them center stage, turning them into real-life performances. Kids first watch professional productions, then learn to write their own. Later, many see their words come to life.
The program conveys two truths which kids need to know, both now and into adulthood—that their voices matter, and their imaginations are worth sharing.
Act One: Inspiration
For 35 years, Write a Play has introduced students across Manatee and Sarasota counties to the art of playwriting and the wonder of theatre.
The program begins each fall with the Fall Children's Show, where schools can participate in two ways. They can bring their students to downtown Sarasota to see a play performed in FST's professional theater, or they can host a touring production. This year's offerings are Peter Pan (in the theatre) or Snow White (at the schools). The touring option, says Director of Children's Theatre Caroline Saldivar, was born out of a desire to make theatre accessible to every child, regardless of distance or resources.
"We love when they can come here and see a show," she says. "But we also want to make sure no child misses the experience because of geography. If we can't bring them to the theater, we'll bring the theater to them."
Act Two: Time to Play
Both versions are the beginning of a creative journey that continues all year. Once students experience a live performance, FST's Playmakers troupe visits their schools. The Playmakers perform short plays written by past students, then invite the audience to help create an improvised story on the spot.
"If a child says, 'The character is an ice cream cone that's afraid to melt,' our actors build an entire play around that idea," Saldivar explains. "They'll include character, setting, conflict, and dialogue—everything you need for a story."
The kids call out ideas and even join the performers on stage to act out scenes or make sound effects. After the show, one of the actors leads the class in writing a group play together on the board. Everyone contributes, and no idea is dismissed. Every child can succeed, the Playmakers tell them, because every child is a natural storyteller. The actors just help them see that their imagination can have structure.
Teachers get curriculum packets to continue the lessons in the following weeks, and then students can write their own short plays—individually, in pairs, or as a class—and submit them to FST's Young Playwrights Competition. Every spring, FST's staff gathers for a daylong Readathon and reads every submitted play at least twice. They receive entries from more than 5,000 playwrights around the world (sometimes submitted by a pair or group), but only choose a dozen winning plays.
Act Three: Lights Up!
Next, professional actors produce and perform the plays during the annual Young Playwrights Festival. Winners get to walk the red carpet and attend a luncheon, then receive medals during an award ceremony. Teachers and principals join the kids and their parents for the event.
"It's powerful to see a parent realize, 'My child wrote this,'" Saldivar says. "They're seeing their children in a new light."
One memorable winning entry written by third-grader Calen Magnant of McNeal Elementary stood out for its pure creative whimsy. His play, Hot Dog Farm, tells the story of two boys fishing in a magical pond in 'Manatee, Florida' where they catch hot dogs instead of fish. When they finally use ketchup as bait, the pond explodes in a shower of hot dogs raining from the sky.
"It's only something a child could dream up," Saldivar says, "and it has every element of great storytelling."
After his win, Calen couldn't wait to tell everyone about his play. "He was a lot more confident afterward," his mother Annie says. "It taught him that it's worth trying something new—you never know what opportunities might come from something you already love to do." When Calen was asked what he'd say to other kids who might want to write a play, he said, "Do it! You might just win."
Other winning plays have explored friendship, family, loss, or the frustrations of everyday life. What matters most is that the play shows a unique point of view. It can be serious or silly, but it has to sound like something only a child could write.
Act Four: Confidence Takes the Stage
With support from the Bishop Parker Foundation, FST continues to expand its reach in Manatee County schools. More schools will soon join through new after-school programs. Not every student who participates dreams of becoming a playwright one day, but that isn't the point. The real goal, Saldivar explains, is to help children gain confidence in their ideas.
"We want them to see the value of their own imaginations," she says. "They don't have to wait until they're grown-ups to share what they think or feel."
The process is not solely geared towards extroverts, either. For any kids who might be shy or uncertain about sharing their ideas, FST's teaching artists use a gentle, inclusive approach, validating every idea—even the unexpected ones. Group exercises like "yes or no" voting allow quieter children to participate without feeling pressure. And for students who physically struggle to write, the teaching artist becomes their "hand," writing down the story as the child dictates. They work with children of all abilities, believing everyone deserves the joy of seeing their story told.
And the results are often transformative.
Act Five: Standing Ovation
Beyond writing skills, Saldivar describes how the Write a Play program helps build empathy.
"When children imagine what their characters are feeling or thinking, they're practicing putting themselves in someone else's shoes," she says. "That's an important life skill for all of us."
Every child who takes part in the playwriting competition, whether they win or not, receives a certificate celebrating the effort of developing an idea and putting it into words. And the longevity of the program itself speaks to its impact. Many parents in Manatee County remember writing their own plays as elementary students decades ago and now get to watch their children do the same.
Kids today have endless ways to stay entertained, yet they get few opportunities to create something from their own imagination. Write a Play gives them that chance. When students invent characters and shape dialogue into a finished story, they learn to think deeply and to express ideas confidently. Creative thinking and empathy can go a long way in guiding a child through challenges.
Watching their ideas go from page to stage is an experience like no other. It's difficult to describe, but maybe the pride in these young playwrights' eyes tells the story best.
Get Involved
If your child or classroom would like to participate in the Write a Play program, email writeaplay@floridastudiotheatre.org or visit https://www.floridastudiotheatre.org/childrens-theatre/ in-the-schools/elementary.
FST also offers productions on weekends for families. Even if a child's school isn't part of the program, they can still see Peter Pan, Snow White, or the new show, The Pirate Ship and the Sea Monster & Other Winning Plays. A special holiday show, Deck the Halls , runs through Christmas Eve and is open to school groups during the week or families on weekends.
Visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org for upcoming schedules and information about educational programs. NG
is a publisher and distributor of books, toys, games and audio/visual materials for children ages 0-5.
Features include:
Family and Friends
Physical and Mental Health STEM
Social and Emotional Learning Books for Babies, Infant/Toddlers
Our dedication is to the young child, and creating materials that support interactive learning for babies, infant/toddlers and pre-school aged children and their families. We are particularly focused on multicultural and bilingual education, and with some of the country’s leading educators in Spanish and bilingual media, have created a program of bilingual learning for young children and their families and caregivers.
We look forward to working with you and discovering how we can extend the learning for your students and families. Please allow us to assist you in any way we can!
Always Advancing, ALWAYS CARING
Investing in people, technology and spaces that bring the future of healthcare closer to home.
For more than 70 years, Manatee Memorial Hospital has been a cornerstone of health and healing in Manatee County. Now, the hospital’s entire campus has been updated to reflect our commitment to creating a welcoming and healing environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Exterior signage
As part of the ongoing revitalization, new exterior signage is being installed across the hospital’s campus. The updated, well-lit signs help increase visibility and guide visitors more clearly. Representative of a renewed invitation to the community, we hope to reflect Manatee Memorial’s legacy of quality care and forward-looking growth. Improved street signage is planned for 2026.
Parking lot
From the Outpatient Services Center to the Emergency Department and staff parking areas, every section of the hospital’s parking lot has been graded, repaved and restriped. These improvements help promote a smoother, more accessible arrival experience for those visiting the hospital’s campus.
Landscaping
The main entryway has been transformed from an overgrown area to a vibrant space filled with colorful flowers, decorative stonework and calming greenery. The refreshed, inviting landscape creates an environment of serenity and care –because healing begins the moment you step onto our campus.
Exterior painting
The exterior structures have received a stunning facelift with a fresh coat of white paint, accented by a sophisticated gray-blue trim.
We’re proud to continue investing in the future of our community and delivering nationally recognized care to those within it.
