Health Matters
E A ST COUNTY
MARCH 2015
Observer
EAST COUNTY
Observer
Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
COLOR CODED
New nutritional guidelin
es focus on a variety
UPPING THE BARRE The latest fitness trend borrows from ballet.
FREE
Veteran cooks up
SUCCESS
Success is sweet for U.S. Army veteran Jason Jenkins, who has his first full-time culinary role after completing the Vets 2 Chefs program.
Residents pledge to lose a ton of weight.
INSIDE PAGES 4-5
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 17, NO. 17
of unprocessed foods.
THE WEIGHT IS OVER
•
PAGES 8-9
PAGES 2-3
PICTURE OF HEALTH Dr. Chris Sforzo promotes a healthy lifestyle. PAGE 10
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015
YOUR TOWN BIRTHDAY BASH
AMANDA SEBASTIANO STAFF WRITER EAST COUNTY — During the seven months Jason Jenkins was homeless, he didn’t want to be a burden to the friends who let him stay on their couches. So, when the 37-year-old cooked something in his friends’ homes, the meal had to be cheap and easy. “I mostly cooked pasta, pasta and more pasta,” Jenkins said. “I loved to cook, but I didn’t want to dirty up their dishes or be in someone else’s space. But pasta is simple and relatively cheap. By adding different sauces, you can make completely different tasting meals.” After six years in the U.S. Army that included tours in Germany, Hungary and Bosnia, the veteran struggled to hold a job and residence, which led to his becoming homeless. Today, Jenkins doesn’t worry about the price tag of the food he
Amanda Sebastiano
FDOT gives green light to Rye Road roundabout
SEE JENKINS PAGE 2A
Thing 1 and Cat in the Hat pose with student Aubrey Hoonhout. Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch held a special birthday celebration for Dr. Seuss March 2. Parents read children Dr. Seuss stories, and children also enjoyed green eggs and ham, crafts and a surprise appearance by Cat in the Hat. YOUR TOWN PAGE 14A
ARTS+CULTURE
GOOD AS NEW
YOUNG FOLKS
FDOT officials say a roundabout at Rye Road and State Road 64 is a feasible option.
The Folk Festival brings the music of the people to a new generation.
INSIDE
PAM EUBANKS SENIOR EDITOR
— The Florida Department of Transportation could circle the intersection at State Road 64 and Rye Road for a roundabout to improve traffic flow. Department engineers have determined construction of a roundabout at the location is feasible, would improve traffic flow and eliminate cuing problems along Rye Road. The roundabout, which would likely have a speed limit of no more than 25 mph,
SWEET STITCHES 8A
EAST COUNTY
SEE RYE ROAD PAGE 7A
Dionne Chang teaches middle school students to sew pillows for hospitals.
Pam Eubanks
Goodwill Manasota President and CEO Bob Rosinsky chats with new employee Todd Murray as they prepare for the March 19 opening of Goodwill’s newest location in Ranch Lake Plaza. SEE PAGE 3A