E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Fundraising in paradise.
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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017
VOLUME 19, NO. 23
YOUR TOWN
LENA ROAD: A NEW PRIORITY? Business owners want to bridge the gap in roadway. SEE PAGE 3A
Pam Eubanks
Calling on a canine cast Braden River High School theater teacher Ricardo Robinson did not have to look far when casting the role of Bruiser Woods, the star pet, in his theatrical version of “Legally Blonde.” “It just so happens I have a Chihuahua,” Robinson says of his 2-year-old dog, Cassius. Sophomore Hailey Knight’s dog, Wrigley, earned the role of Rufus.
MAGIC TOUCH A blind horse helps children realize their full potential in life. SEE PAGE 8A Berkley Mason
Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy's Administrative Assistant Dana Cornell gives Magic, a blind therapy horse, some love. Berkley Mason
Poultry season With 12 duck eggs incubating in his classroom, Tara Elementary School kindergartner Christopher Zimmermann can barely wait for the eggs to hatch so he can snuggle up with the ducklings. “Last year, Mrs. Johnson did this, and I held the ducklings, and they are so comfy,” Zimmermann said. “I loved putting the ducklings in my lap. I even named one of them Donald Duck.” Tara Elementary School kindergarten teacher Josephine Johnson is spending her second year with the same students. Last year, she incubated duck eggs in her classroom, teaching the students about the life cycle. This year, Johnson’s class will have 12 “comfy” ducklings running around the schoolyard.
Here come the heroes New leader takes command of annual Memorial Day parade. SEE PAGE 5A
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File photo
Carol Jean Sweeney and her husband, parade grand marshal Gene Sweeney, had a great seat for last year’s Tribute to Heroes parade.
TIE
Blue Ties and Butterflies INSIDE