EAST COUNTY
Observer
Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Sky-high ninja PAGE 17
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023
VOLUME 25, NO. 38
Schools open with addition Adding superintendent plus more students equals excitement. SEE PAGE 3
YOUR TOWN
Lesley Dwyer
Taste of salsa
Melanie and Jim Alsum (above) originally saw the Dynasty Dance Clubs program at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch and they were impressed. When the club said it would be offering free lessons at Waterside Place, the Aslums decided to give dancing a try since they live right across the lake. They left the event after learning how to salsa dance. “We love it down here,” Melanie said. “It’s always fun.” Lessons at the lake were offered to all ages. With one teacher for the kids and another for the grownups, the event was called “Date Day.”
Opening day hug Manatee Schools’ first day inspires emotional send-offs. SEE PAGE 18 Liz Ramos
Luke Langan, a pre-K student at Gene Witt Elementary School, says another goodbye to his father, Sean Langan.
Former professor serves up education theories
Courtesy photo
Shining bright in the new school year Jeannine Germer (above), a fifth grade teacher, joined dozens of her Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School colleagues for a night of painting before the school year began. The teachers were guided through how to paint a lighthouse at Painting with a Twist Aug. 1. The lighthouse is representative of the school’s theme, “Wildcats shine bright.” McNeal Elementary was designated a Leader in Me Lighthouse School during the 2022-2023 school year and is the first traditional school in Manatee County to earn the recognition.
Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch’s Joe Novak, now 92, saw his book “Helping People Learn” published in 2022.
Lakewood Ranch’s Joe Novak, 92, works as a consultant for NXT Athletics Institute for Learning. SEE PAGE 8
A+E Truly native artwork. Page 13