Oct-Nov 2014 - ELC of Manatee County
Transcription
Oct-Nov 2014 - ELC of Manatee County
October/November 2014 MANATEE’S GOT TALENT! Syesha & Sam FELD STUDIOS Uncovered... WIN Pizza for a Year! HOT TOPIC: Kids & Media INSIDE: CHILD CARE RESOURCE DIRECTORY www.nextgenmagazine.org Contents October/November 2014 PUBLISHER Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County EDITOR Darrell King PRODUCTION EDITOR Kelly Harbour DESIGN EDITOR Mara Stork COVER DESIGN Saul Fineman PHOTOGRAPHY Whitney Patton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stephanie Hefner, Bonnie L Quick, Kara Chalmers, Merab-Michal Favorite, Carlee Colonneso, Karen Holman, Pam Parmenter, Ellen McDonald, Chris Kendall, Susan Miller Kelly, Dr. Sharon Otis CALENDAR OF FAMILY EVENTS Anna Maria Carleton ADVERTISING SALES/MARKETING Hilarie Jackson Michael Saunders & Company Connecting Families and Homes for 40 Years Home is a place where memories are made and precious moments are shared – and for almost 40 years Michael Saunders & Company has been helping families find that place on Florida’s Gulf Coast. A homegrown, family-owned and independent brokerage, our uncompromising commitment to exceptional service has made us the acknowledged leader in local real estate. Whether buying a home close to the perfect school, or selling your property when it’s time for a little more space, you can be sure your goals are in the most capable hands on the Gulf Coast. PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION PCI Communications, Inc. CONTACT NEXTGEN EDITORIAL.............................. 941-757-2912 ADVERTISING........................ 941-757-2904 FAX...................................... 941-757-2917 EDITOR [email protected] COMPETITION ENTRIES [email protected] ADVERTISING INQUIRIES [email protected] ADVERTISING SUBMISSIONS [email protected] ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS [email protected] Early Learning Coalition Board of Directors Gubernatorial Appointees Howard Veltz (Chairman) Andrew Minor, Wanda Read-Burke Private Sector Appointed Members Robert Bell, Patrick Cassella Amy Cooley, Linda Guritz Caroline Halfacre, Dennis Jagdmann Dianne Kopczynski (Secretary/Treasurer) Tim Pye, Melanie Shackelford Len Tabicman, Madison Wells White Legislatively Required Members Sandra Edmoundson County Health Department Designee Angela Gilmore Faith-Based Provider Representative Debbie Kibler Children With Disabilities Program Representative Deborah Ludwig Private, For-Profit Provider Representative Dr. Robin Thompson Manatee County School Board Designee Jennifer Passmore Board of County Commissioners' Appointee Kathy Patreka Head Start Director Dr. Kathy Stuckey (Vice-Chairman) State College of Florida - Designee Mary Beth Wehnes Department of Children and Families Designee Beverly Williams CareerSource Suncoast Paul Sharff Chief Executive Officer Special Advisors to the Board Annette Larkin, Jackie West MANATEE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Julie Aranibar, Karen Carpenter Dave Miner, Robert Gause Barbara Harvey Rick Mills, Superintendent 4 Manatee’s Got Talent Syesha and Sam on where it all began 14 Ford Drives on School Healthy Eating Plan 17 Mills Message So many new positives for the resurgent Manatee School District 19 Beyond Generous John Vita is Key to the community 30 Bon Appetit Another Star is born 36 Stephanie Says How to handle misbehavior 39 ELC Insider 60 Massage for Kids Settle your child down for the evening 61 Keep an Eye on Your Kids Why exams are so important 62 Plenty of Food for Thought Mosaic forum highlights hunger issues 66 Executively Speaking Behind the scenes with FELD VP! 72 Cover Prize! Win Pizza for a Year… 73 Ask Dr. Sharon Reinforce the behavior you want 74 A Day at the Museum 78 Children’s Champions Foundation for Dreams, Inc 84 Frugal Mom Monsters and Spiders There’s no place like home. We would be honored to help you find yours. 86 Kids In the Kitchen 87 On the Bookshelf 90 Calendar of Events October, November & December michaelsaunders.com LAKEWOOD RANCH 8325 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.907.9595 BRADENTON 4400 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941.748.6300 IMG ACADEMY 5500 34th Street West Bradenton, FL 34210 941.752.2683 94 LWR High's Principal 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. 96 Kids Staying Safe Fire Safety Week 3 Take Stock In Children and Manatee School For the Arts protégé talks exclusively to NextGen about her journey from Bradenton to Broadway via American Idol NG: Did growing up in a musical household (your mother being a former Motown singer) have an early influence on you? When did you know you wanted to become a singer? SM: My mother is definitely my biggest musical influence. She use to open for The Staple Singers (a group signed to Stax Records during the 60’s and 70’s) with her band called “Varma Creation”. Growing up in a musical household played an integral role in my eclecticness. My parents exposed me to all types of music at an early age. It was fun having parents who had a strong appreciation for all genres of music. My mother would play classical music for me and sing to me while I was still in the womb and my dad and I would dance to Cuban artist Celia Cruz’s records and jam out in the car to the oldies radio station. I vividly remember hearing the Beatles, the Jackson Five and jamming out to “Ease on Down the Road” from the Wiz. I knew I wanted to become a singer the first time I heard my mother singing in church. She showed me at an early age the power that the voice can possess; the ability it has to heal and move mountains. I wanted to have the same positive effect she had on her audience. NG: Will you tell us a little about your parents? SM: My dad is from Cidra, Puerto Rico and my mother is Bahamian/American from Sarasota. My dad loves collecting bikes, exploring nature and playing the Bongos. He taught me the basics of salsa as a child. He is such a loving father. My mother is an amazing singer and an ordained minister. She is very involved in the community. She also started her theatre career in Sarasota. Her last show was “Purlie” with West 4 Coast Black Theatre Troupe. I didn’t get to see the show, but I heard she was AMAZING! NG: You were born in Connecticut, what brought your family to this area? SM: My parents needed a change. I was one when we made the move. NG: You were part of Take Stock in Children, a Manatee County School Board initiative aimed at helping kids attend college. Would you say this program had an impact on your career path? SM: Absolutely! The mentors the program provided helped me to stay focused and knowledgeable about my career interests. TSIC provided me with mentors who had experience in the performing arts, so they were able to give me advice pertaining to my career aspirawtions. I will forever be grateful for TSIC for selecting me as their first recipient in Manatee County, providing me with a mentor for every grade level since third grade, for supporting me and making it possible for a young girl living in a low-income neighborhood to attend college and gain the tools I needed for success. NG: What was it like attending Manatee School of the Arts? Did the schools impact your decision to become a theater major? SM: It was so much fun. I had a blast learning and performing with my friends. As much as those schools nurtured and protected me, they also prepared me for the harshness of the industry. When I was attending Daughtrey Elementary I discovered my passion for the stage in my first show “One Special Cookie”. After that show I told my mother I wanted to do theatre, so she enrolled me into MSA and later I auditioned for the VPA Theatre Program. Each school gave me the opportunity to hone my skills and I realized at Booker High that I wanted to study theater in college. NG: Did you have any teachers or mentors that really impacted your life and helped to follow your dreams? SM: My mentor Barbara Johnson. She has been such a guiding light and true friend through the years. She attended every Green Room I performed in at The Booker High VPA Theatre, every touring show I’ve done and she even came to see me perform on Broadway in The Book of Mormon. Barbara taught me the importance of setting goals. Every week she came with her notebook where she kept track of what we talked about for the day, my dreams, my aspirations and most importantly we wrote down my goals; short term and long term. 5 NG: How did you wind up on American Idol? What was it like to come in third place? SM: Friends and family would always tell me I should audition for Idol, I felt like it was a great opportunity, so I did. My goal was to be second-runner up and I made it that far, so that was a rewarding experience having accomplished that goal. The show was like a boot camp experience. It taught me perseverance, it taught me how to perform under pressure, and it’s given me a lot of national visibility. Idol opened up a lot of doors to perform all over the world. It’s a huge platform for aspiring musicians and singers and I am so grateful to have gone through that whirlwind of an experience. NG: What was it like being on the cast of DreamGirls and then Book of Mormon on Broadway? SM: It was so much fun being in the cast of DreamGirls. It was my first National Broadway Tour and I had a blast traveling the world with my friends, who were like family to me. We opened up at the Apollo Theatre for their 75th Anniversary. Just to know that so many legends graced the same stage I was walking on was a little surreal. I felt privileged and honored in knowing I was given the opportunity to perform on the same stage Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., The Supremes, James Brown, and so many more iconic figures performed on. Before each show I would lay down in the middle of the stage and meditate to quiet my mind and take in all the positive energy I could feel from all the legends that performed there. The Book of Mormon completed a dream of mine since I was a little girl; to perform on Broadway. Now I can say I did that. It was a great learning experience and so much fun. I had the opportunity to work with an amazing creative team, a talented cast and two comedic geniuses, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, whom I’ve been fans of since my music teacher, Johnnie Mnich, told me about their show South Park. The biggest challenge with doing Broadway is maintaining a level of consistency and balance. Without consistency, discipline and balance you have a harder time performing at your best. Your eight show a week schedule Syesha Mercado is a singer, actress, songwriter, philanthropist and Amercian Idol alum. To stay connected follow Syesha on facebook, on twitter@syesha or visit her website www.Syesha.Com depends on it. Everything becomes kinesthetic memory, but every once in a while things don’t go as planned and you have to change your routine. You have to know your instrument extremely well and understand what works best for you; what brings out the best in you and stick to that. ful to have parents who have always been supportive of my career, loving, and nurturing. Whenever they can they come see me even if they have to fly to me. They were at opening night for The Book of Mormon and they came to see me while I was on tour with American Idol’s Live Tour and DreamGirls. Diet, sleep, water intake, and your circle of friends play a major role in your success when you have a demanding schedule like Broadway. NG: How would you advise a child wishing to pursue a similar career path as yourself? It’s all about perspective. Doing Broadway and off- Broadway work is all what you make it to be. To me the difference is the name of the street. If your passion is there you will be just as excited to open up as a lead doing community theatre. I feel like when you are grateful the benefits are much more rewarding. NG: What does your mother think about your career? Have she and your dad attended any of your shows? SM: My mother thinks highly of my career and she has been very supportive through the years. She used to take me to all of my rehearsals and performances and if she could she would attend every show. I’m so grate- SM: First of all I would say to make sure it’s really what you want to do. Your audience can feel sincerity and authenticity and when your passion isn’t there it shows. After that, learn all you can; google, take lessons, be inquisitive, allow yourself to be creative, and practice. If performing is really what you want to do tape yourself performing to see what others see, watch yourself and make adjustments and be open to growing and criticism. I think attending a charter school or performing arts school is ideal, because it preps you for college or you can take private lessons in your community. The time to get serious is now. The performing arts industry is competitive, so the more you know and the more you can polish your skills the better chance you have at success. My theatre teacher Scott Keys once told me "Success is when preparation meets opportunity.” NG: What was it like watching Sam Woolf go through the same kind of experiences as you? Do you guys talk? SM: I was so proud watching Sam Woolf in his element. He is a natural talent. We have communicated via social media. NG: Where will you go from here? SM: I am elated to say that I am recording my album. I look forward to traveling the world soon and to create in different environments. I am also producing my second music showcase for next year. My fans have been reaching out and I'm excited about connecting with my audience again. On top of that, I recently launched a non-profit organization, PropheSye, to help feed and shelter the homeless. 6 7 The Casting Couch Words: Merab-Michal Favorite Photos: Whitney Patton There is no business like show business. However, in the music world, talent does not necessarily guarantee success. Gifted individuals hoping for a steep ascension to the top can often feel like a fish out of water when trying to break into the industry. The Del Couch Music Education Foundation, a local non-profit based in Palmetto, has been helping children and young adults transition into the music industry by providing them with a plethora of insider information ranging from dealing with instant success to earning a living through music. “They don’t teach the business of music in school,” said Del Couch, 65, founder of the foundation. ”They don’t teach production, they don’t teach performance aspects, they teach band and choir and unfortunately their creativity is boxed in by state requirements.” The foundation has launched the music careers of several individuals, most notably Sam Woolf, the 18-year-old Bradenton singer/songwriter who finished fifth on the Season 15 of American Idol this year. Woolf, who just recently concluded his national Idol tour with a “Homecoming” concert at IMG Academy in Bradenton, said he benefited greatly from working with Couch and would not have had such a “great start to my career without his guidance.” Woolf’s grandfather encouraged him to take voice lessons and work with the foundation at the age of 15. By then, the Manatee High School student had already written nearly 30 original songs. “They were all really good songs,” Couch said. “Any one of them could have stood up to the stuff they play on the radio today.” Couch produced Woolf’s first album and helped him fine-tune his ability. With the help of social media, it wasn’t long before opportunity came knocking. “Sam was ready for his Idol audition,” Couch said proudly of his protégé. “This couldn’t have happened to just anyone, Sam jumped at the chance.” Woolf relinquished a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music, located in Boston Mass., for the opportunity to be on American Idol. “You have to be ready to drop everything when opportunity comes knocking,” he said. With the help of the Del Couch Music Foundation, Woolf is now encouraging others to follow in his footsteps. The Sam Woolf Scholarship raises money for kids who want to pursue a career through the music foundation. “All the money goes toward kids who want to try and follow the same path as I did,” Woolf said. “The concert at IMG is a fundraising kick-starter.” After his worldwide success, Woolf plans to create a new album and promote his music by touring the country once again. “I want to do what I did with Idol, but for my album,” he said. But Woolf isn’t the only success story to come out of Couch’s studio. Colton Cason, of Palmetto, is currently performing with the prestigious Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach, SC., alongside talents such as third season Idol finalist Latoya London and gospel powerhouses Rita and Eric Gumm. Cason started his music career playing the trumpet at Lincoln Middle School. From there, he expanded to bass, acoustic guitar and keyboard. Couch saw something in Cason that reminded him of himself. (Couch had also started out as a trumpet player.) “We had spoken a few times while I was in high school (at Palmetto High), but it wasn’t until I started performing in the State College of Florida Jazz Band that we really connected,” Cason said. Under Couch’s guidance, Cason discovered his unbelievable vocal ability and his talent for song writing. Cason’s original song “Take me in Your Arms” was featured in the film “The Investigator,” and released nationally in September 2013. It was Couch’s coaching that would eventually land Woolf on Idol, Cason with the Opry, and many others on the path to success. “You are not going to find a lot of people in the world that will take you in, let you record for free and expose you to the right people and places,” said Cason. 8 But Couch said he started helping others because of the coaching he received at an early age. While attending junior high at Palmetto High School, Couch scored high enough on the music section of an aptitude test to catch the attention of then band director Carlton Whitman. Whitman told Couch he could have his pick of any instrument in the room to play. Couch selected the trumpet. However, as one of four children of working class parents Pauline and Fredrick Couch, both of Palmetto, his family couldn’t afford to nurture his new musical interest. “Whitman gave me the trumpet free of charge,” Couch said. “I joined the band in sixth grade with the intention of becoming the band director one day.” Couch’s musical ambition was derailed upon graduation, when he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. Instead of going overseas, Couch auditioned for Air Force Band at MacDill Air Force Base and earned a place in the ensemble. “Instead of going to war, I was touring the country and playing for the president,” Couch said. After the war, Couch’s music career took a 20-year hiatus while he pursued an interest in the real estate market. He got back into music at the request of a friend who wanted Couch to play at his wedding. After rediscovering his long lost love of music, Couch embarked 9 on a musical pilgrimage, first joining a band, the Shaman, and touring the country. He enrolled at Berklee at age 53, receiving a degree in music education and production. Today he serves as a Berklee ambassador. Couch hatched the idea for the music foundation from his garage, a place he used to hold lessons and jam sessions. In addition to teaching composition basics, he was doling out advice on performances, production and management. “I really saw a need to start a non-profit,” Couch said, adding that his friend, Henry Lawrence of Palmetto, inspired him. (Lawrence is a former pro-football player turned philanthropist who created the Henry Lawrence Youth Foundation in 1991.) After establishing his nonprofit, Couch was ready for his fledgling company to leave the nest. He looked at several properties around the area, finally settling in at Manatee School of the Arts, 700 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, where he holds classes in audio production. During class, students fine-tune their music abilities while learning key aspects of the industry like royalty rates, copyrights and management, all in exchange for school credit. “Teachers can’t nurture creativity, their lesson plans don’t allow for it,” Couch said of the class. “We bring kids in and find their strength’s and weaknesses.” Couch also mentors other aspiring musicians, helping them establish web presence as well as record their first demo CD. However, students first have to come in and do an audition so Couch can assess their abilities. “We get them a vocal coach, instrument lessons, whatever they need to shine,” said Couch. “The ultimate goal is start them on a career path were they can use their talent to generate income.” But there is a catch, according to Cason. “You have to want it,” he said. “You can’t be complacent, you have to jump on any opportunity that comes your way without looking back.” “The thing about chances of a lifetime is they only come once in a lifetime,” he added. For more information on the Del Couch Music Education Foundation, visit www.couchmusiceducationfoundation.org. Cassidy Leitenberger, Delaney Couch and Savannah Waller 10 Students, Teachers & Families of Manatee County Save: FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY WITH THIS COUPON THIS COUPON MUST BE PRESENT AT NEW PATIENT CONSULTATION Moricz & Varone Orthodontics | 6286 Lake Osprey Drive | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 Phone: 941-907-8898 - Fax: 941-907-2244 | mvOrthodontics.com One is the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, a program that provides low-income families with financial assistance toward private school tuition and fees, or with transportation costs to attend a public school in another county. Children in foster care or out-of-home care, or those who are homeless also may qualify. The other is the Personal Learning Scholarship Account, a new program that allows parents to personalize the education of their children with special needs by directing money toward a combination of programs and approved providers. Helping Florida families customize their children’s education EvEry child dEsErvEs a chancE to succEEd. 877.735.7837 12 stepupForstudents.org 13 to eligible children. But the new limits under the HHFA have restricted the use of long-standing menu items, forcing students to give up some of their favorite dishes and settle for a healthier option. Ford Drives On School Healthy Eating Plan… Words: Merab-Michal Favorite Pictures: Whitney Patton Trading white flour biscuits in for wholewheat biscuits was just one of the major transitions the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) has undergone during the last four years due to new changes implemented under the Healthy, Hunger Free Act (HHFA) of 2010. “(The right biscuit) was one of the hardest items to find,” Ford says. “But we included school children in tastes tests and really tried to find products that they liked.” Sandra Ford, Director, Nutrition Services Food and S andra Ford was on a quest to find the perfect biscuit. As the Director of Food and Nutrition for the Manatee County School District, Ford went to great lengths to discover a whole grain biscuit that wasn’t too dry and tasted almost as good as the ones her mama used to make. After sampling dozens of products, she finally found the perfect consistency. 14 The program kicked-off in 2010, first requiring a half-cup minimum of nutrient rich fruits and vegetables, such as kale, sweet potatoes and acorn squash, on every lunch tray. The district had a hard time part providing alternative fruit or veggie portions for picky eaters who didn’t like whatever was being served on their tray that day, according to School District Nutrition Specialist Skye Grundy. “If they don’t take the fruit and veggie then they have to pay A La Carte,” Grundy said. “We don’t want to waste food so we had to come up with some alternatives the kids would eat, like raisins.” Other meal enhancements that have been rolled out over the four-year span included gradual reductions in the sodium content and the removal of all alternative beverages; kids are only allowed milk, water and juice. The NSLP is a federally assisted meal program that provides lunches to more than 31 million children each school day. School districts and independent schools that choose to take part in the lunch program get cash subsidies for each meal they serve. In return, they must ser ve lunches that meet Federal requirements and offer freeor-reducedprice lunches Over the last few years the media has criticized HHFA for a variety of issues that have arisen from the changes, including not providing ample servings to growing students, especially at a highschool level. Some districts across the country opted out of the school lunch program, in favor of bigger portions and more-liked menu items. The initial concern prompted federal lawmakers to relax some of the limitations on portion control and caloric intake. “At first, the limits were so strict we couldn’t even serve cheeseburgers,” Grundy said. “But any program of this size will have hiccups. We are just glad the lawmakers listened to us and omitted some restrictions.” Some school districts saw a dip in NSLP participation. However, Ford says involvement in Manatee County is stronger than ever. She credits the steadfastness to her staff’s efforts when “making a better version” of the most liked menu items at the school. While school lunches must meet Federal meal requirements, local school food authorities make decisions about what specific foods to serve and how they are prepared. Grundy said she and staff members made subtle changes, like swapping regular cheese for reduced fat, trading traditional sausage for turkey sausage and serving fries baked in the oven instead of those submerged in hot grease. “I’m not going to say that the kids didn’t notice something was different,” Grundy smiled. “But I’m happy to say they got used to it rather quickly.” Skye Grundy School District Nutrition Specialist One reaction Grundy and Ford were dreading was the introduction of wholewheat pizza. They were more than surprised when they did not receive a single complaint. Another difficult transition was the removal of deep-fried French fries. Grundy said the kid favorite has been replaced by several alternatives, like baked sweet potato fries, baked curly fries and baked potato wedges. Ford said getting lunch staff used to the idea of baking the starches required some convincing. “I finally just stopped replacing the deep fryers in the kitchens,” Ford said. “So basically when the fryer went kaput, there was no other option.” The new national standards aren’t limited to the lunchroom. The HHFA also strengthened school wellness policies, or those nutritional classes provided to students to promote a healthy lifestyle and address the growing problem of childhood obesity. “It’s hard to sell a child on healthy eating in the classroom, when you turn around and serve them something unhealthy during their lunch period.” Grundy said. “I think we are trying to sell a healthy alternative to the comfort foods we are used to.” Grundy said that parents are even getting onboard the healthy train, asking questions about how to prepare healthier meals at home. The HHFA also put an end to the somewhat common act of giving children candy or treats as a reward during class and allowing kids to fundraise for their school by selling unhealthy indulgences. “It’s hard to justify giving candy to a kid for answering a question right,” said Grundy. “Sweets as a positive affirmation can follow you all the way into adulthood.” The district is helping teachers cope with the new requirements by suggesting alternatives. 15 “This year we are really focusing on the teachers and giving them suggestions to change their habits,” Grundy explained. “So we encourage alternatives like giving students an iTunes gift card rather than candy as a reward for doing something right.” Ford feared children might have to give up their classroom pizza parties, which are often provided by the school for outstanding success. However, the district’s main pizza conglomerate, Dominos Pizza, was able to produce a “smart slice” pizza that met the nutritional requirements. The HHFA restrictions have also had an effect on the economy. With 31 million mouths suddenly switching to whole grains, food distribution companies have reassessed their supply and demand strategies. “We currently aren’t serving any rice dishes,” Ford said. “That’s because we can’t get brown rice and we aren’t allowed to serve white. We are waiting for more supply on a national level.” Ford says implementing the HHFA standards and keeping healthy meals tasty for students has been one of the greatest challenges, but also the most fulfilling accomplishments in her 15-year career. “It’s not punitive. It’s not negative. It’s really about what is best for the students,” Ford explained. So what’s Ford’s next big undertaking? “We are still trying to find a whole-grain hard taco shell,” she said. “When I find that, my quest will be complete…for the time being.” M il l s M e ss age OUR PRIDE IN PARENTS FAITH… Superintendent Rick Mills reports on so many new positives for the resurgent Manatee School District T he 2014-2015 school year is well underway and we have exciting news to share and to be thankful for as a school district and community. We are pleased to report that the School District of Manatee County closed out the 2013-2014 school year with a budget surplus of $14.4 million. The achievement of that surplus represents a remarkable accomplishment for the district, because the previous school year was closed out with a negative fund balance of $8.9 million. When you consider the fact that the district had to pay $5.9 million in restoration costs to the state for past financial failures under previous administrations, the $14.4 million surplus represents an astonishing $29.2 million fiscal turnaround in the span of one year. Most importantly, the $14.4 million surplus means our school district met its state-required fund-balance for the first time since 2009. To add to the good news on the fiscal front, the School Board of Manatee County approved a $627 million budget for the current school year (2014-2015) in September that projects an ending fund balance for this school year of $16.5 million. The achievement of fiscal stability for this district was a top priority established by the School Board when they brought in a new leadership team beginning in March 2013. The fact that so much has been accomplished so quickly is a testament to our School Board, our entire school district team of schools and employees and our community. The beginning of this school year also brought news that our school district is experiencing an abundance of growth. According to a state-mandated count taken on the 10th day of school, our student population rose by approximately 1,200 students in 2014 as compared to the same time in 2013. The fact new families and students are flocking to Manatee District schools is a positive sign for our district and community because it provides proof that Manatee County is a very desirable location to live and to raise a family. That so many parents are selecting Manatee District schools for their children shows the faith they place in public education and in the quality of our schools. As always, the most important results are those taking place in our classrooms each day. As this school year progresses, we look forward to working with your children to build upon the academic success that saw 24 of our schools improve their letter grade from the state; including seven of our schools which improved by at least two letter grades. Our students surpassed the state average in a variety of accountability exams and raised our district’s standing by 22 points – putting us just 10 points shy of becoming a B district. For more information about our schools and district, please visit www.manateeschools.net Thank you for your continued support of our children, our teachers and our schools. Together We Can, Rick W. Mills Superintendent October 2014. Nolan Middle School: Laurie Anderson, Pia Rudd, Mary Jane Caradelle-Hermans (manager) 16 17 Words: Merab-Michal Favorite I t’s not enough for some kids to attend class, complete their assignments and study hard in order to make good grades. Some students want to give back to their community with service work. A Key To OUR COMMUNITY “We get two different types of children who join Key Club,” said John Vita, Key Club advisor for Manatee High School. “Those natural go-getters who love to get out and do different things, and those shy introverted kids who are looking for more from their high-school experience.” While there are a plethora of organizations specializing in community service that offer student membership, Key Club has been present in the school system for decades. The organization has stayed strong while other groups have experienced ups and downs in participation. Vita, 49, has been involved with Key Club his whole life. A Bradenton native, Vita was a member of Key Club as a Manatee High School student. Upon graduation, Vita studied finance at Saint Leo University. From there he traveled to the Big Apple, landing a job 18 at the prestigious Merrill Lynch financial management and advisory group. However, in 1994, Vita came back home to Bradenton and became a Key Club advisor for his former school while working full time at Morgan Stanley wealth manwagement. Vita attributes his charitable acts to good parenting. His mother, Marge Vita, and father Bob Vita, were very active in volunteering with local organizations like the Bradenton Kiwanis, Southeastern Guide Dogs and Blake Medical Center, according to Vita. “It’s always been something prevalent in our family that people work with the community,” Vita explained. “I guess that’s where I get it.” As an advisor, Vita helps high school student members of Key Club perform acts of service in their communities, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district and international levels. Each high school with its own Key Club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club within the same region. Key Club principals are adopted from an International model that was established as early as the 1920’s. The first Key Club was formed by a group of boys in Sacramento, Cal. circa 1925. Those students took an oath to “serve their school in any way possible and create better school spirit,” according to www.keyclub.org. What started out as a vocational guidance program, expanded to become a complete service organization for the whole school. By 1939, the service boy phenomenon had reached all the way to Florida, which is credited with establishing the first Key Club district. Today, Key Club is the oldest and largest service program for high school students in the world, existing in 30 different countries and boasting over 250,000 members. Key Club members have such a wide array of responsibilities, it’s not uncommon to find them reading to youngsters as part of the Reading Buddies program 19 known as a hands on organization people call on in their time of need.” Over the years the Key Club at MHS has grown from about 85 members to 150. The club has a service hour requirement for acceptance which helps students determine if Key Club is right for them, and if they are right for Key Club. “We require all members get 20 hours during that first quarter,” Vita says. “We look at the students and then assess them on their accomplishments. Some students that are really into it end up with 300 service hours at the end of the year.” Vita hopes the organization will continue to grow, despite the trend of a participation decline in similar organizations over the past few years. “There was a huge movement after WWII for people to really get involved,” Vita said. “Now all those people have died off and others don’t understand how important these organizations really are to the success of the community.” It is mentor’s like Vita who are responsible for keeping those organizations alive. He said in recent years, the Key Club has expanded to include a version of the organization in middle schools called Builders Club, and even elementary schools known as K-kids. Through the various organizations, the children are generally better prepared for their careers and eventually become pillars of the community. one day, and testing their waste management skills as members of the Green Team, a recycling program at the MHS, another day. They also do things like building houses. “We sponsored the first Habitat for Humanity house in Manatee County in the late 1990s,” said Vita. “It was an amazing experience then and still is now.” 20 The Good Samaritan efforts are not limited to Manatee County. Vita said he’s even taken members of the Key Club to Louisiana to participate in cleanup efforts after Hurricane Katrina and chaperoned a trip to Belize in order to build a school. “We want kids to understand this is an active service club, not just a resume builder,” Vita said. “We have become “The most rewarding part comes years later when the children I’ve advised see me somewhere and tell me their success stories,” Vita said. “When they tell me they are volunteering somewhere I know that my efforts made a difference and that theirs will too. It’s a really good cycle.” We know your hands are full, so we make orthopedic care easy. Our specialists serve at 4 convenient locations with advanced expertise in: Orthopedics Joint Replacement Sports Medicine Pain Management Workers’ Compensation Outpatient Surgery Physical Therapy Clinical Research Trials MRI / X-ray (941) 757-5507 4 Office Locations | CoastalOrthopedics.com 21 Investing in our youth is not merely our responsibility. It is our privilege. It’s never too early — or too late — to plan for the financial future of your family or business. Jodi D. Allen Vice President, Business Banking 941.757.4561 | [email protected] Mandy Quinones Branch Manager, Retail Banking 941.723.6933 | [email protected] BMO Harris Bank® is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. 22 bmoharris.com 23 Back to School d l e i F e i n h c e cK At M We deliver 2 out of 3 babies in Manatee hmhco.com • 800.225.5425 Resources to Ensure Early Childhood Success Young learners are naturally curious, and Houghton Mifflin HarcourtTM recognizes the importance of nurturing the development of even the youngest learners. Our early childhood/Pre-K curriculum programs immerse students into engaging lessons and activities that are dedicated to developing a strong foundation for a brighter future. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt offers a diverse suite of early childhood programs that provide comprehensive and integrated solutions that both teachers and students need for a successful Pre-K day. County REAL® – Riverside Early Assessments of LearningTM is an authentic, comprehensive assessment suite that provides reliable and accurate information regarding a child’s school readiness and developmental skills, enabling effective planning and targeted daily instruction. REAL takes learning assessment to a new level, charting developmental and academic growth for Kindergarten readiness from birth to age 7 years 11 months. earlychildhoodassessment.com Splash into Pre-K/Un Salto a Pre-K is a comprehensive and integrated research-based curriculum that uses intentional play and child-centered learning fun to engage children while ensuring Kindergarten readiness. hmhco.com/splashintoprek Visit our OB/GYN and Pediatric offices to experience the difference Edgar ourH.care makes. Price Jr. Children Community Care OB/GYN 1110 East Gibson St. Arcadia FL 34266 863-494-1918 East Manatee Family Health Care Center (OB/GYN) 1312 East Manatee Ave. Bradenton FL 34208 941-708-8700 Lawton Chiles Children Health Care Center 1515 26th Ave. E. Bradenton FL 34208 941-708-8600 River Landings OB/GYN 5460 63rd St. E., Suite B Bradenton FL 34203 941-316-8200 26 Manatee Pediatrics Health Care Center 712 39th St. W. 12271 US 301 N. Bradenton FL 34205 Parrish FL 34219 941-748-4602 941-776-4050 West Manatee Health Care Center (OB/GYN) 2318 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton FL 34205 941-714-7150 Arcadia Children’s Health Care Center 250 N. Brevard Ave. #2 Arcadia FL 34266 863-494-4433 Whole Child Pediatrics 8936 77th Terrace E. Lakewood Ranch FL 34202 941-366-2273 For more information, please contact: REAL: Splash: Margaret Camp, Ph.D. 404.405.2889 [email protected] Jeff Rutter 727.512.8440 [email protected] @HMHCo Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Splash into Pre-K/Un salto a Pre-K is a nationally modified version of Frog Street Pre-K. Riverside Early Assessments of Learning™ (REAL®) and design, Riverside®, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™and HMH® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. 08/14 MS115653 27 Let’s Go Canoeing or Kayaking! Relax and enjoy a paddle trip with the whole family on the Little Manatee River. Float downstream through the state park. Stop at the picnic area with riverside pavilions, hiking, restrooms, and playground. We provide all your gear and transportation. Spend the day with the family in “real Florida”. Get-Away Special 2 nights cabin stay PLUS 2 canoe or kayak trips $219 1 Bedroom $299 2 Bedroom Deluxe cabins furnished with all your needs including your morning coffee. Bring in this ad and save $5 on any canoe or kayak rental or $20 on any cabin rental PLUS we will donate $5 to your school’s PTA! Little Manatee River 18001 S. US Hwy 301 Wimauma, FL 33598 (813) 634-2228 TheCanoeOutpost.com MAKE YOUR PARTY MEMORABLE! CELEBRATE AT SARASOTA’S FAVORITE FAMILY ATTRACTION OUR PACKAGES INCLUDE All day admission Animals brought to your party Food and drink Free souvenirs Personalized attention Plus much more! (941) 355-5305 SarasotaJungleGardens.com “Excellence in Arts and Academics since 1998” “A” Rated Tuition Free Public Charter School Serving Grades 6- 12 For more information on enrollment visit www.msfta.org Upcoming Season Includes HAIRSPRAY Jr. - November 13, 14, 15, 2014 at 7PM CAROUSEL - March 12, 13 14, 20, 21, 2015 at 7 PM For more info (941) 355-5305 SarasotaJungleGardens.com 28 941.721.6800 [email protected] 700 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, FL 34221 29 A NEW Star Is Born Words: Kara Chalmers Pictures: Whitney Patton W hen you’re a working parent, you generally have two jobs – one that you leave for in the mornings, and one that you do the rest of the time (including through the night). For a parent who owns a restaurant, it gets taken up a notch. She has to find people to help care for her kids, often during odd hours. She doesn’t necessarily get holidays off and, sometimes, she doesn’t get any days off. She might miss out on some things, like tucking her kids into bed. She has to deal with rude customers and flaky employees. So then what about a parent who owns THREE restaurants, the third being new and requiring even more late nights than usual? Chi Lu, who operates the Bradenton-based chain Ocean Star, knows all about it. The challenges, as well as the joys. Lu, 44, has been a restaurant owner for about 12 years. She and her husband Wen own Lily Ocean Star (named after their daughter) on Holmes Beach, as well as Shaiming Ocean Star (named after their son) on Cortez Road West in Bradenton. Both places offer sushi and traditional Japanese fare. The Lus’ just opened a third location, named Island Star, at 902 South Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria. Located where the restaurant Rotten Ralph’s used to stand, this new venue shares a brand new space with Galati Yacht Sales. It’s a lovely restaurant in a striking location overlooking Bimini Bay. It’s only been open since Aug 1st, but business is already brisk. In fact, Lu had planned a “soft” opening specifically so that her 30 staff could have more time to train in the art of Japanese cuisine, since most servers hadn’t worked in a Japanese restaurant before (Island Star is currently the only Japanese restaurant in Anna Maria). But word spread quickly and customers, including those who’ve patronized Lu’s two other restaurants for years, began flocking to the new place. Island Star is different from the two other restaurants in that it offers a more contemporary twist on traditional sushi offerings and Japanese dishes. Menu items are delivered as beautiful, colorful works of art, displayed on modern white plates that don’t distract from the food. Highlights include the tempura and curry dishes, as well as the garlic and soy steak. The restaurant’s atmosphere manages to be both sophisticated and beach-casual. The shaded outdoor patio is literally on top of the water (you can see it between the floor planks) and offers bay breezes and views of the gigantic yachts moored in the Galati marina. Inside, there’s a hibachi table that seats 18, a full bar and a sushi bar. With so much to see from your seats, and a kids’ menu that’s unique in that it offers truly healthy and varied options (see sidebar), the restaurant is a great choice for a family night out. The history behind Ocean Star is also unique. Originally from Vietnam, Lu arrived in Bradenton in 1986, when she was 16. Her family – Lu, her parents and three siblings – were sponsored by and lived at first with her aunt. “My dad got his drivers’ license the first day, a job the second day, and a week or two later we moved into our own place,” Lu said. Her father was a mechanic, but didn’t speak English and thus wasn’t paid as well as his American counterparts. So Lu’s sister, Fumi Horaguchi, eight or nine years older than Lu (Lu isn’t sure exactly how many), went to work in restaurants to help pay the bills. “As the oldest daughter, she had to find a job, to work, to help take care of the family,” Lu said. And with that one decision, the course of Lu’s life was set in motion. After two years spent studying Japanese cooking in Japan, Lu’s older sister in 1994 opened her own restaurant, which is today the Ocean Star located on Cortez Road. For nearly a decade, Lu worked for her sister there, doing everything including dishwashing, bussing, serving, hosting and finally, cooking and managing. Lu learned to love Japanese food, and cooking Japanese food, and eventually, she struck out on her own some 12 years ago and opened the Ocean Star located in Holmes. Since then, she and her husband have taken over ownership of the Ocean Star on Cortez Road, and they have opened the third, new location in Anna Maria. However, Lu’s sister is still involved in the restaurants’ operations. “She’s my teacher,” Lu said. “She taught me everything.” As mentioned earlier, the life of a working parent is challenging. But the Lus’ case might be exceptional. Lu and her husband work both of their “jobs” every day: taking care of their children, Lily, 16, and Shaiming, 10, in the mornings at their house in northwest Bradenton, and starting their restaurant work around 10 a.m., finishing close to midnight, with periods throughout the day spent helping with homework, shuttling kids to and from school at St. Stephens and to and from after-school volleyball, piano lessons and baseball. Lu somehow manages to cook all three meals for her family most of the time (her daughter helps out with this, too). There is McDonalds or pizza delivery allowed in the Lu house. Since Aug. 1, getting the new restaurant up and running has called for nights ending as late as 5 a.m., but Lu hopes that will calm down soon. She also hopes to one day sell both other Ocean Star locations, so she can focus just on the Anna Maria one. Despite the challenges, Lu gets deep satisfaction from her career. It’s a joy that her work now takes place in Anna Maria, a quaint town she has come to love. It’s a joy to serve cuisine she truly loves, and loves to cook (she still cooks in the restaurant… and cleans and washes dishes, and does anything else that needs to be done). “I love seeing people returning,” she said. “I love feeding customers healthy food.” Finally, it’s a joy to be a successful business owner, who has worked hard and been rewarded with three thriving restaurants. Because of this, Lu has been able to help support not just her own immediate family, but also her nieces, nephew, parents and in-laws. “I love to see what I have accomplished.” 31 32 33 Manatee County Y For Youth Development * For Healthy Living * For Social Responsibility Memberhsip has its Advantages. We want to invite you to JOIN the Y! Become healthier, be more active, make new friends and spend quality time with your family. It’s all waiting for you at the Y! Look what is included with your membership: *FREE Kid Zone for family members (babysitting while you workout). *100+ Group Exercise Classes for all ages. FREE Day Pass online! *Access to all Manatee County Y branches. (3 per person, per year) *FREE “12 Weeks to a New You” program. Only at the Y. *Priority registration and discount rates for specialty programs. Lakewood Ranch Bradenton Branch Parrish Branch 792-7484 981-5323 www.manateeymca.org KEL A ND WA 782-0220 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES We strive to educate students and to assist them in realizing their full potential as responsible, productive, contributing members of society by providing an educational environment in which students are challenged, excellence is expected and differences are valued. IB Learners Strive to be: •inquirers •knowledgeable •thinkers •communicators •principled •open-minded •caring •risk-takers •balanced •reflective 941.741.3358 wakelandschool.com 1812 27th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208 34 C12MA0168 35 Stephanie Says How to Handle Misbehavior Words: Stephanie Hefner H ow do you respond in the midst of your child’s temper tantrum, withdrawal or rebellion? Commonly parents will say they react with feeling annoyed, angry or hurt. These responses are generally based on the way we saw our own parents discipline, in addition to our lack of awareness about alternative ways to handle misbehavior. The first step in handling misbehavior is to understand that all misbehavior is your child’s way of telling you they have a need. Based on the theory of William Glasser, children’s needs fall under these categories: Survival- the need to feel safe, free from violence, and to know food, clothing and shelter will be provided; Belonging-to feel loved unconditionally and have a bond with others; Power- to feel self-worth, value and competency through mastery of skills and accomplishments; Freedom- to feel independence and the ability to share thoughts without judgment or criticism; and Fun- to experience joy and laughter through play. If one of these needs is not being met, we are likely to see inappropriate or irresponsible behavior. You can change the way you respond to misbehavior by looking for understanding and asking yourself, “What is my child trying to tell me he or she needs?” The next step is to view discipline as an opportunity to teach, rather than punish. Some tips below come from Kathryn Kvols, creator of Redirecting Children’s Behavior. These important points can help you reduce the occurrence of misbehavior by teaching your child healthy ways to express his or her needs. Time and Attention. Create time to give your children your undivided attention. As parents we stay busy, so this may sound like a challenge with your hectic schedules. If you find this to be true, plan for 5-10 minutes of talk time before bed. This creates a predictable time that your child knows he or she will have with you to talk about the day or just relax quietly together. Attention can also be given in the way you answer your child’s question or acknowledge what they have to say to you. Your child will feel heard, satisfied, and more understood if you can take a few seconds to stop what you’re doing, get on their level, look them in the eyes while touching them softly, and calmly respond to their question or statement. Choices. To avoid power struggles, give your child options around their responsibilities. For example, “Do you want to do your homework before or after your shower?” This is giving your child appropriate use of power. A child that feels they are always being told what to do and how to do it will lead them to feeling powerless. Powerlessness is the pathway to behavior such as rebellion and bullying because defying rules and teasing others gives them a false sense of being powerful. Play. When more time is available, make it a point to play. Whether it’s two rounds of Uno, twenty minutes of playing catch outside, or a never-ending game of monopoly, playing together is important. In addition to the cognitive, social and physical benefits, it gives you and your child time to be fully engaged with each other. Use this precious time to have fun, laugh and make memories together. Establishing Rules and Consequences. Establish rules, and then involve your children in the decision-making process about what the consequences will be if the rules are broken. Once an agreement is made, be consistent and follow through with the predetermined consequences. Children are more likely to comply when they helped establish the agreement. Disengage. Remove yourself from the conflict. If your child is angry or being disrespectful, speak calmly and let them know you will be in the other room if they decide to “try again.” Acknowledge. Look for opportunities to praise and acknowledge your child for making good choices. Recognition motivates children to repeat their good behavior. Praise reminds children that they can get attention for doing well, therefore reducing the need to misbehave to get your attention. Let your child know that you believe in them…this is the first step in them believing in themselves. Explore. Misbehavior can be related to an underlying learning, language processing or sensory integration issue. If your child continues to misbehave despite your best efforts, seek advice from a psychologist, pediatrician or mental health professional for further evaluation. An underlying biological issue will need some treatment interventions in addition to your behavioral management techniques. Stephanie Hefner, MA runs the Center for Counseling and Mediation Services. Contact: [email protected] or 941-957-8266, www.CenterForCMS.com 36 37 ELC INSIDER Why Quality Counts! 40 Provider Directory 42 Fall Facebook 46 Calendar 52 Hot Topic 56 “ Going tobacco free at the fire department was a big morale boost for our team. Staff felt supported in making a healthy choice, and Tobacco Free Manatee made it easy with free guidance and resources.” - Asst Chief David Ezell Going tobacco free at work is a win-win for business and morale. Contact us to get started! tobacco free manatee .com (941) 748-0747 x1211 Childcare Resource & Referral (941) 757-2910 QUALI T Y Counts WORDS: Chris Kendall Q uality Counts for Children is The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County’s continuous quality improvement program for legally operating centers, family child care homes, and out of school time programs that currently have a School Readiness Contract. Evidence shows that quality early education is a key factor in a child’s brain development. With the majority of that development during the first five years of life, the quality of care a child receives during this time is critical. Children with access to high quality early learning experiences are more likely to acquire the skills they need to enter kindergarten ready to succeed and adapt to new learning and social environments. The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County subscribes to the understanding that high quality care means that children engage in meaningful learning and play, guided by qualified early childhood professionals in enriched learning environments. Quality Rating Improvement Systems (QRIS) exist nationwide. The Manatee County QRIS program was created to provide a way to distinguish the levels of increasing quality. Rated providers are demonstrating their commitment to quality far beyond expectation or licensing requirements. Participation is voluntary and the award of a one-star or higher rating reflects a program’s choice to raise the bar in quality. A program with a star rating: • Is on a continuous quality improvement path. • Distinguishes itself for exceeding standards required of it. 40 • Assures parents of its focus on producing a high quality experience for children. • Reflects a culture of commitment to excellence among staff. Programs are awarded points in seven key quality areas. The points are summed, and an overall star rating is awarded for the program based on the number of points the program received of 60 points. The learning environment s t a n d a rd i s w o r t h m o re points than the other areas, because research shows that high quality teacher-child interactions and their overall environment has the greatest impact on positive child development. The seven quality areas: • Curriculum. • Family Engagement. • Learning Environment. • Program Administration. • Ratios-Group Size. • Screening and Identification of Special Needs • Staff Qualifications Point range per star level: 7 – 18 points.................1 Star 19 – 28 points . ..........2 Stars 29 – 38 Points.............3 Stars 39 – 48 Points.............4 Stars 49 – 60 Points.............5 Stars Family Child Care Homes are awarded “star level” designations based on the number of points a family child care home receives for meeting quality specific standards. tation successes over the past ten years. “A few years ago, our Academies excitedly volunteered for the Quality Counts for Children’s’ program by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. “The Quality Counts for Children’s program significantly aligned with our high quality standards and objectives. The program also provided a system of measuring our continuous efforts. “It is our belief, any center participating with the Quality Counts for Children’s’ process will undoubtedly improve the quality of care to the children they serve. “The high level standards encompasses all aspects of the child care operation. The arduous training expectations is just one facet of the superior standards. “A Readiness Learning Academy is proud to say we participated with this effective program and on behalf of the children we serve, we look forward to maintaining our five-star status our staff worked so diligently to attain. “Thank you to the staff of the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County for the opportunity to participate in this program.” Lori Page, XXXXX at Hope Lutheran, added, “For someone who has gone through three accreditations this was very straightforward. “The ERS (?????) ratings help in knowing the areas where the QRIS money would be best used “Also, discounted and free training make it easier for my staff to attend.” These standards address: • Business Administration • Curriculum and Instructional Assessment • Family Engagement • Learning Environment • Provider Qualifications • Screening and Identification of Special Needs • Provider as Employer (may not be applicable) QRIS is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early education programs. Even providers that have met the standards of the lowest QRIS levels have achieved a level of quality that is beyond the minimum requirements to operate. All QRIS contain two or more levels of standards beyond licensing, with incremental progressions to the highest level of quality. Deborah Ludwig, Owner of A Readiness Learning Academy in Bradenton, said, “A Readiness Learning Academy’s commitment to high quality programs for young children has been demonstrated by our Academies accreditation and reaccredi41 CHILDCARE PROVIDER DIRECTORY A A Child's Galaxy Preschool 4417 20th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-755-6302 A Growing Start Childcare Center, LLC 525 3rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-9750 A Learning Ladder Academy & Kids Club 305 67th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-7517 A Little Schoolhouse Christian Academy 11750 US Highway 301 North Parrish, FL 34219 941-776-1973 A Plus Growing Academy 800 10th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0797 A Readiness Learning Academy 9045 59th Avenue Circle East Bradenton, FL 34202 941-727-9354 A Readiness Learning Academy 2 6130 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-4927 All God's Children 11107 Palmbrush Trail Bradenton, FL 34202 941-739-2776 42 Anna Maria Island Community Center, Inc. -TLC Program 407 Magnolia Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216 941-778-1908 Art Center Manatee 209 9th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-2862 B Bright Beginnings Academy 614 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-7910 Brown, Jonette 309 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-704-4680 Beck, Margaret Parrish, FL 34219 941-776-1027 Bernier, Mary 4004 78th Place East Sarasota, FL 34243 941-351-2177 Bible Baptist Church Academy 1750 6th Avenue West Suite 101 Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-4958 Blanton, Suzette 216 60th Street Northwest Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-8563 Boys And Girls Club 6220 Manatee Avenue West, Suite 201 Bradenton, FL 34209 941-761-2582 Bradenton Charter School 2615 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-739-6100 Bradenton Christian School 3304 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-5454 C Capokids Martial Arts Preschool 11534 Palmbrush Trail Bradenton, FL 34202 941-922-4520 Carls, Heather Parrish, FL 34219 941-776-3955 Center For Early Childhood 6024 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-753-4987 Children's Academy of SW FL 923 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-8726 Children's Academy of SW FL East 2601 7th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-3503 Children's Academy of SW FL Manasota 1621 66th Avenue Terrace East Sarasota, FL 34243 941-752-4574 Children's Academy of SW FL Rubonia 712 Palm View Road Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-1816 43 Children's Nest of Manatee, Inc. 5051 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-753-9024 Davis, Olympia 911 17th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-5403 Collins, Jacquline Palmetto, FL 34221 941-448-1095 Discover Our World 455 48th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 Community Christian School 5500 18th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-755-4968 DC's Child Care Center 2 2407 14th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-6090 Community Outreach Child Care 650 27th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-0513 Dougherty, Nancy Bradenton, FL 34207 941-752-9226 Coney, Denise 3805 18th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-782-8930 Copeman, Sarah Bradenton, FL 34207 941-538-4716 Core Early Education And Learning 605 13th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-9069 Countryside Academy For Children 5807 18th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-3044 Creative Kids 75th 408 75th Street North West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-8687 D Davis Stable Horse Camp 4005 57th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 727-421-2387 Davis, Katherine Bradenton, FL 34212 941-747-9052 44 Drama Kids International Bradenton, FL 34208 941-922-8121 Dupre, Donna 5110 36th Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-4837 E East Coast Migrant Head Start Project 34560 SR 64 East Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-6064 Easter Seals of Southwest Florida 350 Braden Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7637 Edison Academic Center 6210 17th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-7500 Education Time 5165 33rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-7332 Ellen Meade School of Creative Learning 1323 63rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-755-1757 Ellenton United Methodist Preschool 3607 US Highway 301 North Ellenton, FL 34222 941-722-2318 F Faith Preschool of Faith UCC 4850 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-7895 Family Life Community School, Inc. 3301 97th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-792-7911 First For Kids Children's Christian Center 603 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0824 Foundation For Dreams 16110 Dream Oaks Place Bradenton, FL 34212 941-746-5659 H Haga, Jennifer Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-9435 Hancock, Teri Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-2187 Happy Cubs 6207 21st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-798-6173 Happy Go Lucky 1606 55th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-752-4608 Hope Lutheran Preschool 4635 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-753-1128 G I Goddard School 14534 Arbor Green Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-752-6600 Imagine Charter School North Manatee 9275 49th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-750-0900 GT Bray Manatee County Parks And Recreation 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-742-5923 In The Beginning Learning Center 708 32nd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-708-3223 Gayetsky, Nicole 15438 29th Lane East Parrish, FL 34219 941-773-6297 Gulfcoast Christian Academy 1700 51st Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-755-0332 Imagine Charter School Lakewood Ranch 10535 Portal Crossing Bradenton, FL 34221 941-750-0900 Its A Small World, Inc. Daycare And Preschool 900 3rd Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-405-4532 45 . .. l l a F y p p Ha Anayeli, 10 Bella, 3 Sophia, 5 Months Raylen, 2 46 Landen at age 4, & Zane at age 6 47 J Jackson, Tia 6715 36th Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-5097 Jennifer Jones Family Day Care Home 1701 9th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-345-4128 Johnson, Lori Bradenton, FL 34207 941-755-2098 Joy Learning & Development Academy 2515 37th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-721-0684 Jump Start Preschool of the Arts 11005 Passage Drive Bradenton, FL 34211 941-747-8900 Just For Girls East Bradenton 1011 21st Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-3337 Just For Girls Palmetto 1500 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-8988 Just For Girls West Bradenton 3809 59th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-2137 K Kiddie Academy of Bradenton 4225 Concept Court Bradenton, FL 34211 941-727-9072 48 Kids Academy Plus 5512 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-727-1841 L Kids Academy Plus 38th 5415 38th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-3678 La Petite Academy 37th 4301 37th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-756-5227 Kids Club 3700 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-751-4182 La Petite Academy SR 70 6919 53rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-753-2336 Kids On The Rock 1401 14th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-4567 La Petite Academy Vintage Road 4507 Vintage Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-7677 Kids R Kids 11520 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-727-9990 Lane, Barbara 602 31st Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-1774 Kidzone Preschool 116 27th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-2727 Learning Is Fun Child Care 1525 10th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-8347 Kimberli Cotton Early Education Center 2611 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-254-7973 Learning Tree Early Learning Center 707 3rd Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-721-7500 Kimberli Cotton Learning Academy 608 6th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-4349 Learning Unlimited 6210 17th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-5838 Kingdom Kidz Learning Center 1298 68th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-739-5439 Learning With Love 2712 47th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-751-4989 Kings Kids First Baptist Church Palmetto 1020 4th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0840 Little People's Place 374 Scott Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-8741 Little Seahorse Academy 2239 14th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-3901 Love Comes First Preschool 8630 East SR 70 Bradenton, FL 34202 941-755-7800 M Macy, Taniel Bradenton, FL 34205 941-201-5752 Manatee Charter School 4550 30th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-465-4296 Manatee County Parks & Recreation 5504 33rd Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-742-5974 Manatee Learning Academy 6210 17th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-0088 Manatee Players 102 Old Main Street Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-0111 Manatee United Methodist Preschool 315 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-6739 Matthews, Valorie 2804 4th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-4391 MCAA Head Start 302 Manatee Avenue East Suite 200 Bradenton, FL 34208 941-750-666 Mini Me Kids Learning Center, LLC 3005 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-254-4940 49 Minnie Miracles Preschool 600 7th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-479-4488 Palmetto Youth Center 501 17th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0783 Morgan, Victoria Bradenton, FL 34205 941-745-2401 Parrish Baptist Learning Center 12125 71st Street East Parrish, FL 34219 941-776-1333 My First Steps of Bradenton, Inc. 3815 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-727-5511 Primary Prepatory of Bradenton 2506 12th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-4816 Primrose School At Lakewood Ranch Towncenter 9127 Town Center Parkway Bradenton, FL 34202 941-373-6363 Myakka City Community Center 10070 Wauchula Road Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-8114 Pate, Laquanda 105 12th Street Court West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-448-7206 Myakka Early Learning Center, Inc. 37190 Singletary Road Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-2605 Pathways To Learning 1300 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-8802 N Pathways To Learning 15th 1050 15th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-896-8804 Nannies Who Care, Inc. 2515 Mulberry Drive Palm Harbor, FL 34684 727-784-8868 Pendleton School 5500 34th Street West Bradenton, FL 34210 941-739-3964 Neumann, Mary Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-6477 Perez, Kelley Parrish, FL 34219 941-776-8057 Rancho De Charlotte 4915 1st Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-448-0359 Norris, Lisa 6617 Alpine Lane Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-1172 Pinnacle Academy 6215 Lorraine Road Bradenton, FL 34202 941-755-1400 RCMA Palmetto Migrant Headstart 2725 16th Avenue East Palmetto, FL 34221 941-723-4563 P Plasencia, Teresa 1019 61st Avenue Drive East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-580-4347 Rowlett Academy for Arts & Communications 3500 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-708 Poole, Mary Smalls 1425 10th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-538-0231 S Palma Sola Early Learning Academy 7315 1st Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-795-0788 Palma Sola Presby Preschool 6510 3rd Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-0818 50 Pate Thomas, Vanzetta Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-6305 Powers, Patricia Palmetto, FL 34221 941-773-5253 Porpora, Eleanor Suzie Palmetto, FL 34221 941-721-9710 Providence Community School 5512 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-727-6860 Puppy Patch Preschool 1116 35th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-6648 R Rainey, Sheila Parrish, FL 34219 941-776-9600 Sammys Small World 3631 Tallevast Road Sarasota, FL 34243 941-355-6857 Sandman Preschool & Academy 924 Wilmerling Avenue Sarasota, FL 34243 941-755-2591 SCF Kid's Summer Spectrum State College of Florida 5840 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 941-752-5290 School District Of Manatee County Parent Information Center Bradenton, FL 34208 941-708-4971 School For Constructive Play, Inc. 302 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216 941-778-2210 Scott, Twyla Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-0442 Skriloff, Jennifer Parrish, FL 34219 941-735-8449 Smarty Pants Preschool 832 62nd Street Circle East Suite 101 Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-7710 Smarty Pants Preschool 2 904 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-896-4796 Smiling Faces Academy, Inc. 5302 1st Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-756-1234 Smiling Faces Center For Children 202 3rd Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-5999 South Florida Museum Science Explorers 201 10th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-4131 51 Fall Training Calendar October-December 2014 All trainings are held at the ELC Manatee Training Room located at 600 8th Avenue west in Palmetto. To view the full training calendar visit us at www.elc-manatee.org. VPK Assessment Instructional Implications Tuesday 10/7/2014 Course #5413 Wednesday 12/10/2014 Course #5418 4:00pm-6:00pm Facilitator: ELC Staff This professional development is appropriate for VPK directors, administrators, and teachers who have administered the VPK Assessment. Participants will review the VPK Assessment Online Reporting System score types, reports, and instructional resources for planning instruction based on VPK Assessment data. Cost is FREE. Participants must register online through the Department of Children & Families website. (2 hours and 0.20 CEU) School Readiness/Babysitter's Training Pediatric First Aid & CPR Part I: Friday 10/10/2014 Part II: Monday 10/22/2014 9:00am-4:00pm with 1/2 hour lunch Facilitators: AnnaMaria Carleton & Pam Parmenter The purpose of the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training course is to provide youth, ages 11-15, who are planning to babysit with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants. This training will help participants develop leadership skills, learn how to develop a babysitting business, keep themselves and others safe, help children behave, and learn about basic child care and basic first aid. Optional lessons 7 and 8 are added so that participants can earn certification in Pediatric First Aid and CPR. Parents/ Guadrians must register participants with AnnaMaria Carleton at (941) 757-2900 ext. 272 or [email protected]. Class size is limited to 16 participants. Cost is FREE. Integrating The Standards: Phonological Awareness Monday 10/13/2014 Course #5414 Wednesday 12/3/2014 Course #5417 4:00-6:00pm Facilitator: ELC Staff This training is appropriate for teachers, assistants, and directors, and it is open to all. Participants have an opportunity to create a developmentally appropriate activity, related to a benchmark in phonological awareness, to be implemented in the classroom. Emphasis is on planning and implementation. Standards training is a prerequisite. Participants are requested to bring a copy of the Standards for Four-Year-Olds book to this class. Cost is FREE. Participants must register online through the Department of Children & Families website. (2 hours and 0.20 CEU) 52 How to Administer the ASQ-3 & ASQ:SE purpose of the VPK Assessment as well as how to properly 12:00pm-2:00pm Cost is FREE. Participants must register online through the Wednesday 10/15/2014 Facilitators: Kerry Gaylord & AnnaMaria Carleton Topics including screening and assessment will be discussed as well as exploring the new features of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires Third Edition and the ASQ: Social-Emotional Screening Tool. Participants will be actively involved observing children and completing ASQs. Cost is $5.00, FREE to all QRIS participants. administer, record, and score each of the assessment measures. Department of Children & Families website. Wednesday 11/5/2014 6:30pm-8:30pm Pitch For Literacy In this training participants will be provided with an overview of The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Manatee County, Inc. has Teaching Strategies GOLD Overview Facilitator: Kerry Gaylord & Tina Trivers the Teaching Strategies GOLD observational assessment sys- American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED tem. We will review its purpose, structure, identify key aspects Saturdays 10/18/2014 or 11/15/2014 actively observe children in video clips, assigning an appropriate for Adult, Child, & Infant of the system and review the assessment cycle. Participants will 8:30 am-2:30 pm with 1/2 hour lunch level to each based on the observations. Cost is $5.00, FREE Learn the appropriate techniques for applying standard first aid procedures and cardiopulmonary resuscitation with and without AED’s. Class size is limited to 20 participants. Cost is $50.00 per participant, $35.00 for QRIS participants. (5.5 inservice hours) Beyond Centers & Circle Time: The Series Tuesday 10/28/2014 Wednesday 10/29/2014 & Thursday 10/30/2014 6:00pm-8:00pm Facilitators: Christine Kendall & Susan Dixon Beyond Centers and Circle Time: Scaffolding and Assessing the Play of Young Children is a play-based curriculum that focuses for QRIS and all TSGOLD participants. Director’s Forum Thursday 11/6/2014 12:30pm start Facilitator: ELC Staff Network with, brainstorm with, and learn from other directors ELC, the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton, the Rays Baseball Foundation, child care providers and community leaders. Thanks to the Rays Baseball Foundation, the momentum gained through the expansion in 2014 will continue for the 2015 event. The results of the 2014 program included: legislature are the intended sources for our discussion. The topics for October and November are yet to be determined. Register by distributed, a 92% increase over the 2013 event. the 2013 event. Wednesday 11/5/2014. Cost is FREE. involve the participant in reviewing the theories upon which the Freud. They will explore how young children acquire knowledge This training will provide participants with an overview of the and scaffolding possibilities to support young children in achieving Year-Olds and examples of developmentally appropriate in- (.6 CEU credit, $14.00 additional cost) Participants must register online through the Department of Standards for Four-Year-Olds (2011) Facilitator: Pam Parmenter & Julie Welch and skills. They will learn to plan and organize play environments Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Four- school readiness. Cost is $15.00, FREE to QRIS participants structional techniques for four-year-old children. Cost is FREE. Friday 10/31/2014 9:00am-12:00pm preschool children. The program is a partnership between the • 191 pre-school classrooms participated, a 71% increase over Advisory Council, FLAEYC, and FACCM recommendations to the Wednesday 11/12/2014 4:00pm-7:00pm Course #5416 Core Competencies Training: Afterschool Practioners in the 2014 community-wide "Every Child A Reader" initiative for • 3,310 books, backpacks, tip sheets, and book marks were Florida Early Learning and Development curriculum is developed: Vygotsky, Piaget, Erikson, and Anna to continue the expansion and enhancements that were achieved about common topics or current events. The Early Learning on the intensity and density of well-planned, well-organized, and scaffolded play experiences. The six-hour introductory series will been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Rays Baseball Foundation Children & Families website. Provider Meetings Thursday 11/20/2014 The event will be implemented in the spring of 2015 and will Facilitator: ELC Staff Children's Parade, and Party in the Park. The goals of the "Every training helps practitioners identify what they know and what they sistance to our school readiness and VPK providers on a variety access to books and exposure to reading to help build a strong FREE to QRIS participants. participating in these meetings. Main topic is yet to be determined. will receive books and participate in the volunteer-led reading those attending and the time you will attend. Cost is FREE. preschool classroom. Facilitiator: Pam Parmenter OEL has identified several attributes, skills, and knowledge sets 12:30pm & 6:30pm start coincide with the statewide Children's Week events, the local responsibility, and then tiered into component areas. This OEL Provider meetings are a way to provide training and technical as- Child a Reader Day" program are to increase preschool children's need to know to be successful in their positions. Cost is $10.00, of pertinent topics. Training credit is awarded for attending and foundation for literacy. It is estimated that more than 3,000 children Register by Wednesday 11/19/2014. Please indicate the name of sessions, as well as the continued reading at home and in their that effective professionals demonstrate. These are sorted by How to Administer the VPK Assessment Tuesday 11/4/2014 4:00pm-7:00pm Course #5415 Facilitator: Pam Parmenter & Marcia Seibert In this professional development, participants will learn the 53 Sprouts Child Development Center 14305 Covenant Way Bradenton, FL 34202 941-907-7333 Saint Joseph's Catholic School 2990 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-755-2611 Saint Stephen's After School Program 315 41st Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-746-2121 Sun Academy 2425 38th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-752-1715 Sunny Daze Preschool East 9922 SR 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-750-0042 Sunshine Academy 2520 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-3143 T Tabernacle Christian School 1218 7th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-1915 Tallevast Community Center 7727 17th Street Court East Tallevast, FL 34270 941-355-2337 Taylor, Linda 3906 29th Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-755-8418 Thompson Academy 1212 43rd Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-748-2162 54 Tillman, Lorenda Bradenton, FL 34208 941-748-3728 Tiny Tots University 930 9th Street Drive West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-723-9072 TLC Day Care Center 3407 17th Street Court East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-748-4799 Virkus, Brenda 135 Mill Run East Bradenton, FL 34212 941-744-0123 W Walker, Tina Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-6629 Toddlers Inn Child Care Center 2611 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-4631 Ward Temple AME Church 1017 5th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-8288 Town & Country Preschool 4004 8th Avenue Drive West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-3951 Wee Care Center For Children, Inc. 1720 11th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-3925 Tree Of Life Preschool 2200 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-747-1756 Wee Care Christian Academy 10540 Hamilton Way Myakka City, FL 34251 941-322-6409 Trinity Children's Center 3200 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-748-8608 WEE World Preschool 1020 4th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221 941-722-0810 U Weems, Darla Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-8944 United Community Center 922 24th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-7470 V Van Nostrand, Barbara Bradenton, FL 34203 941-752-7215 Van Ostenbridge, Jackie Bradenton, FL 34209 941-798-9994 Weigel, Rita Bradenton, FL 34208 941-747-2576 Weitz, Lori Bradenton, FL 34209 941-792-7257 West Coast Christian Academy 1112 49th Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-755-9667 Wiggins, Selina Bradenton, FL 34208 941-708-3247 Wolfgang, Darlene Bradenton, FL 34205 941-405-4156 Woodland Early Childhood Center 9607 SR 70 East Bradenton, FL 34202 941-753-8588 Wooden Shoes Childcare Center 4875 Swift Road Sarasota, FL 34231 941-924-0717 Wright, May Dixon Palmetto, FL 34221 941-721-0232 Y YMCA Manatee Family 3805 59th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209 941-782-0220 Young Children and Media: How Much is Too Much? Words: Pam Parmenter Y oung children’s brains today are bombarded with images and messages in ways unlike those when their parents were growing up. Parents who want their youngest to stop crying hand the child the smart phone to play with. Television and video games replace adult supervision and playing with the child with three-dimensional toys and imagination. Parents celebrate one-year-olds who can operate the remote control. American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has established what is called the “Screen Time Standard” for out-of-home care such as child care programs. Screen time is defined as television, DVD, video viewing and computer use whether on desktops, laptops, tablets or smartphones. For children under the age of two years, screen time should not be permitted. For children two years of age or older, total media time should be thirty minutes once a week, and should be limited to educational or physical activity use only. Meals and snacks should have no television, video and DVD viewing. Computer use should be in no more than fifteen-minute increments except for school-age children completing homework assignments and children with special health care needs who require assistive and adaptive computer technology. The AAP further suggests that parents/guardians should be informed if any screen media is used in the early care and education program. It should be free of advertising and brand placement for children to be able to use it (AAP et al, 2012). Florida Child Care Licensing Requirements Child care centers in Florida may not use any type of electronic media (television, videos, movies, computer games) with children under two years of age. Electronic media may be used for educational or physical activity purposes with children two years of age and older. Unlike the AAP recommendations though, the electronic media can be used for one to two hours per day in child care centers. There is no restriction for family day care homes, nor are there any guidelines for those before and after school programs not required to be licensed. Infants by 3 months of age • 40% regularly watch television Infants/Toddlers by 24 months of age • 90% regularly watch television Children 6 months to 6 years • 66% watch television daily. • 24% watch videos or DVDs every day • 65% watch videos/DVDs several time per week • 27% use a computer • 13% play console video games • 8% play handheld video games Why the Fuss? During the first two years, children’s brains and bodies grow and develop rapidly. Children this age need relationships and positive interactions with people. This is when they develop empathy, language, how to relate to one another, how to selfregulate emotions (i.e. cry when hurt, laugh when happy, etc.). This is also when they learn to love to read and play. All of the above need caring, loving, positive adults who can read with, laugh with, feel sad with, and play with the children. Early care and education staff should always be asking if there is another way to learn the skills through hands-on experiences rather than with media. Studies show that children who are watching more than eight hours of television per week run a higher risk of being overweight than other children their age. For each hour of television per day, three-year olds had higher intakes of sugar-sweetened drinks and lower intakes of fruits and vegetables. Among four-year olds in another study, increase in body mass was directly related to an increase in the average number of television viewing hours per week (AAP et al, 2012). What Else Can Be Done Play with blocks that do not interconnect. When children use these types of blocks, they learn the fundamentals of engineering, physics, architecture, and higher-level mathematics. The Early Learning Coalition offers family events called BLOCK Fests™ in which parents, children, and staff experience play with five types of blocks. Contact the Coalition Quality Team for more information. As you are making dinner, have your child tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Your child is in your sight and is practicing a fine motor skill needed for later writing. Read to and with your child at least once daily. Even if reading has never been your strength, just sharing the space, the time, and telling your own stories with the pictures influences a child positively about reading for the rest of his/her life. Have many conversations with your child. Tell your infant the steps you are taking to change the diaper or bathe. Sing silly songs with your children. Play games with language. Change the first letters of words and laugh over the new words you create. Really listen to your child’s ideas. Turn off the TV or computer and have fun with one another!! Resources: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, and National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. 2012. Preventing Childhood Obesity in Early Care and Education: Selected Standards from Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs, 3rd Edition. http://nrckids.org/CFOC3/PDFVersion/preventing_obesity.pdf Pam Parmenter, M.A.Ed. is the Quality Initiatives Program Manager at the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, with over 30 years of early childhood experience. Training, Program Assessment, and Technical Assistance are services in her department for families and early care and education programs in Manatee County. Meet Gavin, age 2. His working parents often struggle with keeping enough food on his plate. They rely on The Food Bank of Manatee to help keep him nourished. Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Young Children’s Dance Contemporary & Hip Hop Preschool to Adult l Recreational & Competitive Levels DRAG RACING YEAR ROUND ACTION! OF MANATEE How can you help families like Gavin’s? • Host a Food & Funds Drive • Attend an Empty Bowls Luncheon Thurs, Nov 6 at Main Street, Lakewood Ranch Fri, Nov 7 at Renaissance on 9th, Bradenton FALL Registration $20 OFF Registration Fee New Students Only • Participate in Stuff the Bus November 22 & 23 at all Manatee County Publix Stores For more information on upcoming events, visit foodbankofmanatee.org. f 58 www.BeyondDancingSarasota.coml 941.907.8183 7313 International Place l Lakewood Ranch I-75 TO EXIT 220 - THEN EAST ON SR 64 BRADENTONMOTORSPORTS.COM 59 KEEP AN EYE ON Don’t Scream…Massage ! YOUR KIDS Words: Dr. Faye J. Golden The alternative way to settle a child down for the evening W e’ve all been there. You have cut out the caffeine, the sugar, and late night TV, but still your infant, child or tween/teen won’t settle down for quiet time, bed time, or homework respectively. Worse, you simply feel disconnected from your child and frustrated with their behavior. Why? And what can you do about it? There are many answers as to why children struggle to settle down. A child may have special needs and be easily stimulated. Examples of this include children ranging from infants to teens with ADHD and Autism as well as foster and adoptive children who have Attachment Disorders. A child could also have allergies or other health conditions that aggravate them and make it hard to be still or settle down. For example, eczema is itchy and painful, and even after a steroid calms the symptoms, fear of their inevitable return can keep a child awake at night. Children may also have negative feelings associated with bedtime, such as being sent to bed for bad behavior or being left out of perceived family fun. Finally, they may simply want your attention and nothing else is working. So what can you do that does NOT require a prescription, raise your blood pressure or require more patience than you have when your best plans fail? MASSAGE. Yes, massage for your child. Massage has incredible benefits that go beyond simple relaxation. In addition to moisturizing the skin and relaxing muscles, massage positively impacts the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and immune systems. When you massage your child, your safe and gentle touch stimulates the release of oxytocin, known as the cuddle hormone (yes even with older children), and other endorphins (natural hormones made by your body to relieve pain and sooth you). The gentle manual pressure you apply also promotes circulation of blood which carries oxygen to the muscles and organs of your child’s body. When the body is relaxed, we are able to breath deeper, which leads to greater relaxation. And as amazing as all of this is, there are even more benefits. Massage can gently move gas through the digestive system and give your child relief from gastrointestinal discomfort. Finally, massage positively affects the immune system by decreasing cortisol levels. 60 What does cortisol do? Cortisol keeps your sugar in your blood stream, which leaves your child hyper. It increases the amount of gastric-acid in the stomach, which makes your child hungry. Cortisol also acts as an antidiuretic – meaning it causes your child to hold his or her urine until he is completely relaxed, and then urinates (usually in bed!). In summary, cortisol (the hormone produced in response to stress) equals a hyper, hungry child who is likely to wet the bed. In older children, it looks like this: They stay up watching TV, playing video games, procrastinating over homework, etc. They can’t sleep because they are hungry, and when they get up at night to go to the bathroom, they stop by the kitchen and eat ALL of your leftovers. So, are you ready to try parent child massage? Here are a few helpful tips. Step one, bathe your child or insist that your child bathe. This will decrease the amount of dirt and pollutants on their skin and hair which can aggravate them. Has your child recently rebelled against bathing? Go to step two! Step two, determine the best approach for your child. If you have an infant or toddler, you might lay them in the center of a baby blanket. Younger elementary children may enjoy a back and foot massage as they read a bedtime story to you. For those with older children, you might catch them during TV time and work the shoulders where heavy book bags cause constant muscle tightening. They may even surprise you and talk about their day on commercial breaks. Step three, relax and go with the flow. You might get 20 minutes in one day or have a dirty diaper (or homework) limit you to 5 precious minutes. Either way, massage is a safe, healthy, non-verbal way to bond with your child and help them settle down for the evening. If you have questions, or would like more information about what you read today, please call 941-447-9739 Monday through Friday after 5:00pm. Be sure to ask about registering for a FREE Parent-Child Massage workshop for yourself or a group. This hands-on event teaches the proper way to give a parent-child massage. Remember, I always have time to speak with a fellow parent. • Every Child, Every Day, Dr. Faye J. Golden, Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine 4910 14th Street West Suite 103, Bradenton, FL 34207 Why examinations are so important. Words: Dr’s Brad and Ashley Masuga A s the new school year began, parents have a lot on their plates. Trying to prepare for daily activities and new routines can always be a challenge. Supplies, back-packs, organizing lunches, dealing with that transition from summer to school time has no doubt led to a frantic last six weeks or so. Then there is always that moment when you ask yourself, have I forgotten anything? As children begin their new classes with computer work and homework, visual demand begins to increase dramatically. Early school months are an excellent time to take your child in for an eye examination. Often times, children will not complain of eye strain, fatigue, or blurred vision to a parent or teacher. Children are often unaware that they are suffering from a problem, and if they are, some are too embarrassed to say anything. Developmental delays and struggles with school are common in children suffering with a visual problem. Parents should be aware of early signs of a visual impairment including headaches, rubbing of the eyes, a head tilt, and avoidance of near work and reading. Many schools are now offering vision screenings; however, this does not take the place of a comprehensive eye exam. Not only will an eye care professional look for refractive errors such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism, but they also evaluate your child for a lazy eye, amblyopia, color vision abnormalities, and eye muscle weakness. A child’s vision is highly correlated with his/her development and learning. If children are to be successful in school, we have to give them the greatest opportunity and be sure that sight is not limiting their potential. Parents often wonder, what is the appropriate age for a child’s first eye exam? The American Optometric Association recommends an exam for all children between the ages of six and twelve months. A follow-up exam should be scheduled again at age three, age five, and annually thereafter. “InfantSee” is a program where participating providers offer a free comprehensive eye exam to all children prior to their first year of life. This program was designed to increase awareness of pediatric vision and promote eye care as a part of wellness for children. Although rare, serious conditions do occur. Out of the 4 million children born every year in the United Sates, one in 20,000 will have retinoblastoma, one in 30 will develop amblyopia and one in 25 will have strabismus. Early detection will ensure that our children have healthy eyes and will allow a better quality of life. Eye exams, of course are not only for our pediatric patients, but also for our teen and pre-teen students. A common topic in the exam room is the right age for your child to begin wearing contact lenses. There is no hard and fast rule with an exact age for starting children in contact lenses. It often becomes a group decision made by the parent, the child and the doctor. Taking care of contact lenses involves removing them each night before bed, cleaning them with proper solutions, and replacing them on a timely basis consistent with your optometrist’s recommendations. Typically, children can use contact lenses at age 11 or 12; however, if the child exhibits responsible behavior, exceptions can be made and lenses can be fit at much younger ages. If your child has not had their eye exam yet, or if he or she has never had a comprehensive eye exam from an optometrist, now is the time. What are you waiting for? 61 PLENTY OF FOOD Critical Aspects of Food Access Discussion Panel Moderator: Keith Cate, WFLA Channel 8 News Anchor Panelists: Frank (Hank) D. Scott III, President and General Manager Long and Scott Farms, Inc.; Anne Palmer, MAIA, Program Director; Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Bloomberg School of Public Health; Matt Knott, President, Feeding America; Diana Greene, PhD, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction, Manatee County Schools and Brian West, Media and Community Relations Manager, Publix Super Markets. For Thought… forum highlights hunger issues Question from Moderator: “What do you see as the biggest challenge? Words: Bonnie L. Quick Pictures: Whitney Patton H OW can a nation like the United States of America - that produces so much food - have problems with hunger and nutrition? Volunteers from Palmetto FFA, DeSoto FFA, Hardee Senior FFA, and Duette 4-H Last month, the Mosaic Corporation hosted its 2nd annual Florida Hunger Relief Forum in Bradenton where experts from local, state and federal agencies participated to once again try and find the answers. “This event was designed to pull resources together and educate,” explained Mosaic Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Mark Kaplan, at the event which took place at Renaissance on 9th. “We are not immune to hunger here in Central Florida where out of 3.5 million residents 1 million go hungry. How can we have so much food and have so much hunger? Access is one problem. We need to be focused on issues that matter.” Keynote Speaker: Florida’s Roadmap to Living Healthy Adam Putnam, Commissioner, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “The Florida Roadmap to Living Healthy is a data driven interactive approach to problem solving,” said Putnam. Volunteers from Palmetto FFA, DeSoto FFA, Hardee Senior FFA, and Duette 4-H “This is the first time Florida has used this type of technology and it is a vital tool to guide our new look at the information we gather. “Hunger is a real problem. In Manatee County alone 50,000 people live below the poverty level, yet the issue is not that Florida agriculture does not produce enough food. It is not a lack of supply. We grow 300 commodities in Florida, yet despite that one in six people in Florida are food insecure and one in four children are affected. “We live in a society that produces 50 percent food waste. We throw away more calories in a day then many people in the world eat in more than one day. We can do better. We have smart people who can identity and stretch our resources. The challenge of the day is how to apply the 21st Century tools to ageold problems. View the map at www.FreshFromFlorida.com/RoadmapToHealth Keynote Speaker: The Impact of Food Deserts on Public Health Mari Gallagher, Mari Gallagher Research & Consulting Group A Food Desert has an imbalance of food choice. This most easily available product is high in salt, sugar and fat. High calories and low nutritional value cannot support a healthy diet on a regular basis. It is imperative to identify and address these issues. Commissioner Ad am Putnam with Palmetto FFA “I have never seen a state take this kind of initiative,” said research consultant Gallagher of ‘Florida’s Roadmap to Healthy Living’. “Why do the statistics matter? Day in and day out we are turning to items with low nutritional value. Can we easily acquire healthy foods? It becomes more and more difficult as diversity in stores selling non-nutritional items increases. “This has a bad impact on public health. Major improvement of healthy food access reduces liver disease, diabetes, diet related cancers and cardio vascular disease. Improving diet and nutrition by 1 percent can prevent 650 premature deaths over a seven year period.” Keynote Speaker: Environmental Interventions to Improve Health Food Access Joel Gittelsohn, PhD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Kei th Cate, N All agreed that hunger is a complex Currently se ews Channel 8, problem. Government agencies, of Feeding A rves on the board merica Tam pa Bay non-profits and corporations need to pull together to identify gaps and improve services. The only way this will be solved is by working with each other and listening. “There are so many variables in farming,” said Brian West of Publix. “We are losing farmland and mid-size farms. Raising awareness of hunger. Creating right economic incentives. “Our concern is when kids are not with us will they get healthy food at home? We don’t always know they have enough food over the weekend.” “The need is overwhelming, a monumental task. Our first step is safe and affordable food. A lot of foods are nutrient deficient processed food. We are constantly exposed to food. “We have to offer quality choices, teach consumers what to do with it and how to get kids to try it and develop a taste for it. It takes a bit of exposure to get a child to take a piece of fruit versus a candy bar.” According to Dr. Gittelsohn, food environment and obesity are related. “The kinds of food and calories that are easily accessible can either lead to higher rates of obesity or increasing health issues. Changing placement of healthier foods on store shelves, renovating supermarkets, developing more farmer’s markets, and mobile food vans all work to improve access. “In order for this to be effective, we must work in multiples. We cannot just do it piecemeal. No single solution or venue is apt to be an answer. We must develop evidence based on real data using environment, actual behavior changes, and community engagement and planning to achieve adequate exposure.” Mark Kaplan - Senior Vice President - Public Affairs The Mosaic Company The Mosaic Company is the world’s leading producer of concentrated phosphate and potash, two essential crop ingredients. The mission of the company is to help the world to grow the food it needs. Mosaic is committed to strengthening food security throughout the world and preserving water resources. The Mosaic Company and the Mosaic Company Foundation partner in food programs and make local community investments. For more information visit www.mosaicco.com PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS, MENTORS & HOPE Take Stock in Children is a powerful and proven college mentoring and scholarship program for deserving children. Students are accepted as early as the sixth grade through an application process. Once the student is selected, the student along with their parent or guardian, sign a performance contract committing to good grades and behavior, remaining drug free and crime free, and most importantly, to meet with a mentor for thirty minutes per week, every week during the school year, on the school campus. Upon graduation, as long as the student has maintained their agreement, they receive a college scholarship. The Take Stock in Children program has a 96% success rate, of keeping students in school, receiving their diploma, attending college and entering the workforce. CONTACT: Diana Dill, Executive Director (941) 751-6550 ext. # 2172 [email protected] Or visit our website TakeStockManatee.com 65 Produced In Palmetto! The story behind why the circus – and Disney, Monster and Marvel - came to town. that, believe in it and be passionate about it.” Feld’s facility, located on 46 acres on US 301 in eastern Palmetto, is the second largest single-occupant building in Florida, trailing only behind NASA’s vehicle assembly building facility at Kennedy Space Center. The 580,000 -square-foot space houses offices, shops and rehearsal areas. There are also 22 monster trucks, 13 portable ice rinks and 10,000 costumes located within the facility. Words: Merab-Michal Favorite Feld debuted its newest show, Marvel Universe Live, in Tampa back in July. The arena spectacular features all the bestknown Marvel characters performing in a live-action movie. Spiderman, Thor, and the Avengers are not limited to the silver screen; instead they are larger than life flying above audiences on cables and vessels crafted specifically for the show. P ALMETTO – While the allure of the big top circus may be a thing of the past, the appeal of what was inside—the death defying stunts, exotic creatures and dramatic live production—is still attracting crowds all over the world. These shows are no longer limited to circus acts and they don’t take place in the cumbersome canvas tents like they did in the past. Instead, acrobats swing from the rafters of multiuse arena’s and exotic animals arrive in freight cars or trucks. Shows where entertainers complete risky feats and special ef fects, stunt doubles or computer animations, have 66 been reborn in the form of live performances like Disney on Ice, Monster Jam and Marvel Universe. While the acts for these shows travel all over the globe, the nucleus of the productions is located in our own backyard. Feld Entertainment Studios, in Palmetto, is the production and promotion company behind the show phenomenon. In other words, Feld is to live performances what HBO is to award-winning television series. The production company manages world - renowned shows including Ringling Brothers Barnum & Baily Circus, Marvel Universe Live, Disney Live, Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, Monster Energy Supercross, AMS Oil Arenacross and Nuclear Cowboyz. These acts are multi-generational, appealing to audiences of all ages in 73 countries or six of seven continents. “Our product is children’s smiles, “said Casey Rodgers, Vice President of Finance Management at Feld. “It’s really easy to get behind a concept like “There are motorcycles racing about, explosions, all the stuff you see on the movie screen, but done in real life,” said Rodgers. “There are no computer generated effects in this one, only stuntmen doing what they do best.” The show was created, designed, developed and rehearsed at the Palmetto facility. This summer, it embarked on a two-year tour that Rodgers hopes will expand internationally. So how did a production company of this stature wind up in a sleepy tomatoproducing town of Palmetto? Back in 2012, Feld was looking to consolidate four facilities located on the east coast of the US including Washington, D.C., Chicago, North Carolina and Palmetto. “Manatee County was offering up incentives that the other places weren’t,” Rodgers said. “We were able to get the right location, the right motivations and the right property for what we were trying to do.” Feld purchased their current building in 2012, and after a year-long renovation the company was able to relocate. The quality of life in the area also attracted company employees. “It’s a hometown feel with big cities within driving distance,” Rodgers said. “So you are exposed to as much city culture and events as you want.” One of the most important factors in choosing Manatee County as a home base was the amount of workforce diversity. “We employ the entire spectrum of the workforce,” Rodgers said. “We need performers, tradesmen, janitors, executive level personnel, managerial people - we just didn’t have that in North Carolina or D.C.” As of Dec. 31, 2013, Feld had created 269 jobs in the area ranging from mechanics, welders and seamstresses to business directors, vice presidents and marketing gurus. “It’s a combination of people relocating and new hires in the area,” said Rodgers. “We bring in steel and cotton and produce a show.” 67 Mechanics and welders are needed to service each 14,000-pound monster truck, while carpenters and engineers construct complex show sets. Designers and tailors are responsible for creating more than 10,000 costumes valued at nearly $1 million, and operators with Zamboni experience are crucial to maintaining all of the ice rinks, each consisting of more than 11,000 gallons of frozen water. “We are actually producing shows here, rehearsing here, building and designing them, developing and envisioning t h e m r ig h t here,” Rodgers said “The whole thing is being done here in Palmetto.” Casey Rodgers VP of Finance Management 68 Af ter each show is perfect and complete, it travels to Tampa via train giving local people a chance to see it first, before the rest of the world has the opportunity. Feld earns 95 per-cent of its revenue outside of Florida and 40 per-cent of revenue outside of the US. “Every salary or expenditure we have is paid for by a person buying a ticket for a show in a faraway US city, in Europe or beyond,” Rodgers said. “That’s all fresh new money coming back into Manatee County.” Feld was born in 1967, when founder Irvin Feld acquired Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus from John Ringling North (nephew of circus tycoon John Ringling) during a ceremony held at the Coliseum in Rome, Italy. The amphitheater setting became the inspiration behind Feld Entertainment’s company that thrived on performing indoors, in multiuse arenas, instead of portable tents. “At that time the circus was a single unit that traveled by train,” Rodgers said. “Irvin created another unit, also traveling by train, so he could hit twice as many cities.” In 1981, Feld acquired a license to produce Walt Disney’s World on Ice, a show featuring skating performances. “Disney on Ice was something Kenneth Feld (Irvin’s son) dreamed up after purchasing a show called Holiday on Ice which featured ice capades,” Rodger’s said. “After a trial period, he negotiated a 10-year-contract with Disney.” In 1995, Feld created the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Baily Center for Elephant conservation located in Central Florida. The center is a research, reproduction and retirement facility dedicated to the preservation of Asian elephants, an endangered species. Since the center’s inception, over 25 baby elephants have been born into the conservatory and nearly $500,000 raised for a variety of research and conservation projects. Today, Feld’s clientele has expanded to include nearly a dozen death-defying live acts performing nearly 5,000 shows a year. The company is run by a third generation group of leaders within the Feld family: Executive Vice President’s Juliette Feld, Nicole Feld and Alana Feld and Executive Chairman and CEO Kenneth Feld. “The family brings a lot of creativity to the process,” said Rodgers. “It’s been a journey and they’ve really come a long way.” stunts only seen in movies at an arena near their home. “We found that during the recession, we didn’t’ see a lot of decline in sales because you really get a lot of bang for your buck,” said Melinda Hartline, director of public relations. Rodgers hopes to market the Palmetto facility as a “one-stop shop” for entertain- ers who can use the facility to produce their own projects like commercials, films or plays. “Its not just for our exclusive use,” he said. “We want people to come here, rehearse build design and stay in the area while they are filming or producing.” Performers, animals and sets travel by plane, train and truck. Arena’s sell out with families packing in to see the live shows with real athletes performing acrobatic feats, animals displaying an authentic interaction with their human counterparts and lights, color, pageantry and the real-life experience one can’t have in the same way in a movie theater. “What’s refreshing about these lives shows is that they are very immersive and very real,” Rodgers said. “I’m seeing real people, real animals and real effects and an old-fashioned idea of entertainment where there is no room for mistakes.” For around $100, a family of four can see Olympic-worthy acrobatics and 69 RENCH'S COOLING & HEATING (941) 737-7709 Sales • Service • Installation LICENSE #RA0067141 Bryan Rench Kristin Carter, CFP® First Vice President - Investments 101 Riverfront Blvd., Ste. 700 Bradenton, FL 34205 Direct 941-747-6666 • Toll Free 800-695-6662 Fax 941-746-4136 [email protected] CA Insurance Lic#0D95010 GET YOUR FREE AND AFFORTABLE LIFE QUOTE TODAY LV7882 Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2013 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 1113-02329 [84976-v3] Contact Rich Pierro at K&P Benefit Consulting Group 941.753.3053 ext 229 or [email protected] Learning Unlimited & Manatee Learning Academy Your Partners in success! 1. Complete Preschool ages 6 weeks-PreK Private School grades K-8th 2. National Early Childhood Program Accreditation * Early Learning Coalition Contracted * 4 Star Quality Program * MCCYN Military Contracted DCF Licensing Gold Seal School 3. Small class sizes to meet your child’s individual needs, gifted, ESE Secure campus, multiple playgrounds State of the art facility 4. Electives offered for 4th-8th grade: Art History/Appreciation Physical Education & Capoeira Chorus * piano * Basic Psychology Health & Nutrition Spanish * Drums * Karate Now enrolling for the 2014-2015 school year Secure your child’s future today! 6210 17th Ave. W, Bradenton, Florida 34209 Introduce your child to the world of (941) 794-5838 www.LearningUnlimitedSchool.net www.manateelearningacademy.com ART Helping Families Make the Right Move for Over 30 years! Office & Art Supply 817 Manatee Ave W Downtown Bradenton 941-747-2995 keetonsonline.com Whether buying or selling, our service is personalized to suit your every requirement. From our famous no-hassle concierge service for sellers to our state-of-the-art “E-match” system for buyers, we will be there for you every step of the way! Madison Wells White Realtor® Office: 941-776-5571 Cell: 941-405-6917 8268 US 301N, Parrish, FL 34219 Fax: 941-776-9845 [email protected] MadisonWellsWhite.com 70 Matthew Guthrie Realtor® Office: 941-737-1500 Cell: 941-776-5571 Fax: 941-776-9845 [email protected] www.LeslieWellsRealty.com 71 WIN PIZZA FOR A YEAR! EVERYONE loves Pizza. Now, courtesy of NEXTGEN magazine you can enjoy pizza for a year! One lucky Kindergarten through 5th grade winner can get their hands on a Domino’s Pizza gift card that will allow them to buy a large pizza every week. This is the latest fantastic prize for kids to win after we gave away an IPAD Air and a family weekend in Orlando in our first two issues. Watch out for more fantastic free to enter competitions from NEXTGEN…your family magazine! To win this fantastic Pizza prize, simply submit a 150 word entry telling us which famous person you would love to share a pizza with and why? It can be a historical figure, a sportsman or sportswoman, someone who has achieved great things in shaping the United States, a pop star or movie star…or anyone else who has captured your imagination. We want to hear why that person would be your pizza partner! Entries must be emailed by November 12th to [email protected] ASK Dr. SHARON [email protected] Why it’s so important for parents to reinforce the behavior they want! My child is 10 years-old but still gets up during the night and wants to come into our bed. What should we do? – Diane, Palmetto. It is important that parents reinforce the behavior they want. That can be done by using rewards when your child does the correct behavior the first time they are asked. They can also mailed or handed in to the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County office at 600 8th Avenue West, Suite 100, Palmetto, FL, 34221. When your child does not come in during the night or goes to bed on time reward with play money, tickets from the party store, or even cut up pieces of paper. Please mark them for the attention of PIZZA Contest, NEXTGEN magazine. I would get a few things the child likes at the Dollar Store and put in a box. The child would get a ticket for every night he listened and did not get out of bed. Normal competition rules apply. Editor’s decision is final. When your child goes two nights in a row without coming out, he or she can draw from the prize box. TUTORING From Florida’s Best In-Home Tutoring Service • All Subjects • All Grades • Common Core/FCAT • SAT/ACT Prep • Homework Help • Summer Tutoring • Qualified Teachers • Flexible Schedules FIRST SESSION FREE!* Serving All of Bradenton and Sarasota 941-722-6600 HomeTownTutors.com *Call for details. 72 If the child does not listen they will go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night. Can you offer any advice to stop two siblings, six and eight, from always arguing? – KD, Sarasota. Once you realize it takes two to tango the arguing will calm down. In other words, time them both out and reward both. If they do not argue for two hours they get tickets or quarters. If they get five they can draw from the prizes in a box. Before Dollar Stores we used play money for bigger prizes. It is important for younger elementary children to be rewarded as soon as possible. The consequence could be time out. Set a timer for the number of minutes of each child and have them sit in a chair until the timer goes off. They soon tire of the consistency and want the reward. They will learn to get along for longer periods of time. The more the parent participates, the more they argue. Make it their problem to solve or they both get the time out. I recently lost my 66-year-old mother. It has had a really bad effect on my three kids that their Grandma is gone – Ms. JMC, Lakewood Ranch. The stages of grief are the same for everyone, children and adults. The first stage of loss is shock, then denial, anger and depression and finally acceptance. Children show grief differently than adults and carry a tension with the event that can manifest as anger or irritability. Some children get very hyper and agitated. They may get sad initially but if the grief is lingering it may result in fighting. Find ways to honor grandma. Plant a rose bush or tree in her honor. They can process their grief by making a memory board or a slide show of her pictures set to music. Scan older pictures and include them. Some children like to do a memory book or story book of their life with their grandma. My youngest daughter is four years old and has not coped at all well with the transition to her new VPK class – Maria, Bradenton. Four and a half is the hardest stage a child goes through until puberty. Many parents bring their children into my center wanting me to diagnose them with ADHD. I explain that the reason we start children in kindergarten is that it’s the most even time for them developmentally and called the angel stage. VPK offers great opportunity for a child to get an idea of the structure of school and develop social skills so they will be ready to learn higher skills when the time comes. Some children who are more home bodies may not transition as easily as a child who is a people person and loves to do new things. Trust me, they all settle down. Dr. Sharon Otis is a licensed clinical mental health psychotherapist who is owner and clinical director of the Family Care Counseling Center in Bradenton. 73 A Day at the Museum Words: Kara Chalmers Pictures: The Ringling T he Ringling is one of our area’s – in fact, one of our state’s – top attractions. It’s the place I always bring out-of-town visitors, who always give it rave reviews. It’s a place that relaxes me, where I feel surrounded by beauty, a place that stimulates the senses, as well as the intellect. It’s the place I bring my daughters as a special treat. When I first learned about The Ringling, “family-friendly” was not the first phrase that sprang to mind. Officially called the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the state art museum of Florida, it houses the Ringlings’ huge art collection, which includes masterpieces by Rubens and other greats. At first, I had scary visions of strolling with my young daughters through galleries filled with priceless artwork just begging to be touched by little, often grubby, hands. But as it turned out, there’s way more to The Ringling than priceless art (although the art is amazing). In fact, it seems more accurate to say The Ringling is actually many museums. The property is 66 acres, after all. When you visit, you not only get to stroll through the serene galleries of the world-class art museum, you get to tour a historic mansion and a one-of-a-kind circus museum. You get to play at one of the best playgrounds in town, and dine at your choice of two restaurants – one casual and one more fancy. All of it is housed on gorgeous, bayfront grounds filled with gardens, ponds, enormous banyan trees and meandering, shaded pathways. Below I’ve detailed what my daughters, ages seven and four, and I would consider an ideal itinerary for a family day at the museum. I’ve tried to list the stops in the order that makes the most sense when walking with little ones (although there is tram service throughout the property, which, for my girls is an attraction in itself). The Tibbals Learning Center: The center houses the Howard Bros. Circus Model, the world’s largest miniature circus. Boasting more than 44,000-pieces, it depicts what a tented circus would have looked like in the 1920’s, down to the setting up of tents to the performers’ dressing room to the sideshows. My daughters always run to find the tiny bicyclist, who fell off the tiny tightrope and is being tended to by medics. Another set of rooms in the center is filled with interactive, circus-themed exhibits that kids love – including a “tightrope” they can try (don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe), a miniscule clown car they can pile into, a cannon they can shoot and a how-to video about putting on clown make-up they can watch. There’s so much to do here, it’s always hard to get the girls to leave. Original Circus Museum: What my girls like most in this building is the Wisconsin, the nearly 80-foot-long private railcar that John 74 and Mable Ringling used in their travels around the country. You can get an up-close peek inside the windows at the luxurious sleeping and dining cars. Treviso Restaurant: For an extra special treat, we eat lunch at the chic Treviso, with its open-air, shaded patio, offering picturesque views of the property’s lush grounds. It also has delicious food (try the parmesan truffle fries). There’s also the Banyan Café, located just across from the Circus Museum, which is a more casual, counter-service option with family-friendly fare. Mable’s Rose Garden: At 101 years old, this is Florida’s oldest rose garden. Home to more than 1,200 roses, in every color imaginable, the garden is laid out in a wagon-wheel design, with a charming gazebo in the middle. This is where I always get my best photos of the kids. The David F. Bolger Playspace: This is such a unique playground, beautifully designed and aesthetically pleasing (what you would expect for a museum of The Ringling’s caliber). My girls’ favorites are the extremely tall, extremely fast metal slide and the basket swings that they can ride on together. The Secret Garden: My girls love this garden, I think partly because its name is so mysterious. It’s a pretty little garden, close to the waterfront, and it’s adjacent to a small, private enclosure where the Ringlings, as well as John’s sister, Ida Ringling North, are buried. Ca’ d’Zan: This stunning, 36,000-square-foot, five-story-tall mansion was the Ringling’s actual home and it’s ornate, inside and out, to say the least. My daughters and I like walking through the house, to see how one of our country’s richest couples lived. But we equally enjoy relaxing on the marble bayfront terrace, trying to catch glimpses of manatees or dolphins. The Museum of Art: My daughters truly love art – both making it and viewing it – so I don’t worry about them getting bored here. Sure, I still worry about them touching stuff, but we always go over the rules before we set foot in the door. We usually head straight to their favorite works, one of which is a painting called “The Sisters” by artist George Watson. In fact, my older daughter has a print of the painting hanging in her room. The Dwarf Garden: Before we leave The Ringling we always stop here – there’s a circular path you can take around a thicket of trees, and along the path are statues of dwarfs, some a bit scary and some funny. You can also walk right into the thicket and feel a little like you’re in a fairy tale yourself. Kid-friendly Events at The Ringling The Ringling property also houses the dramatically beautiful Historic Asolo Theater. Throughout the year, many family-friendly performances, including the Summer Circus Spectacular, are staged here. Coming up is a first-time show for The Ringling called, “The Intergalactic Nemesis Book One: Target Earth,” termed a live action graphic novel – a comic book brought to life. The show, scheduled to run October 16-18 as part of the Ringling International Arts Festival, is described as a “radio play meets comic book in a one-of-a-kind live show.” According to The Ringling, it’s appropriate for kids about ages seven and up. Also, The Ringling holds a monthly, free family story time in its art library. Called ROAR! (stands for Ringling Order of Art Readers), the story time is for kids ages four to seven and it includes an activity and snack afterwards. The time we went, the story was a beautifully illustrated children’s book about the artist Hieronymus Bosch and the activity was making monsters out of clay. You must register in advance. Check out Ringling.org for more information. Great Care with Convenience Find us on Facebook $ 25 school & sports physicals 7 dayS a Week —no appointMent needed 4 Convenient LoCations www.sarasotaurgentcare.net Bradenton 4647 Manatee ave. W. Bradenton, Fl 34209 (941) 745-5999 LakeWood ranch 9908 Sr 64 east Bradenton, Fl 34212 (941) 747-8600 SaraSota 6272 Lake osprey dr. Sarasota, Fl 34240 (941) 907-2800 SaraSota 1435 S. tamiami trail Sarasota, Fl 34239 (941) 554-4301 Foundations for Dreams, Inc. Dream Oaks Camp Ages 7-17 life skills horseback riding canoeing boating YEAR ROUND summer and weekend camp sessions RESPITE CARE day and residential programs for children with special needs and chronic illnesses sports & games music & drama art & MORE! *Scholarships Available* (941) 746-5659 www.foundationfordreams.org 76 77 WhereDreams Are Made.. Words: Bonnie L. Quick The 15 wooded acres that make up Dream Oaks Camp in Manatee County is a setting that encourages laughter and huge smiles. The children are so excited about the new playground equipment that was put in place just a few months ago. Their joy is palpable. At last, there is a playground designed for everyone! The goal of Dream Oaks camp is to build self-confidence and provide socialization to children of all abilities without restrictions. It is to teach daily living skills like tying shoes, and life skills such as how to solve a problem and get along with others. As revealed on the Foundation for Dreams, Dream Oaks website: “The mission of Foundation for Dreams, Inc. is to offer an exceptional camping experience for children with special needs and chronic illnesses ages 7-17. Our unique programs focus on each child’s abilities, and are specifically designed to strengthen their social skills, self-esteem and independence in a safe, barrier-free environment.” Director of Development, Elena Cassella, explains, “Foundation for Dreams is not just a summer camp. It also provides year round overnight family camping and respite once a month. All parents need a recharge and kids get the social stimulation they don’t often get in school. The whole family gets something to look forward to. “Dream Oaks Camp is unique, as we are the only camp in the Tampa Bay Area providing year round residential and day sessions for children with varying ability levels (both physical and developmental) and chronic/terminal medical conditions including: (but not limited to) autism, spina-bifida, cerebral palsy, developmental delays and cancer patients. “I have always been an advocate for children and have a soft spot for those with special needs or chronic illnesses. To be able to have the chance to come to camp is a huge benefit for our children. Many come back year after year.” All children have a right to be cared for, nurtured and nourished, physically, emotionally and spiritually. More importantly, no one is turned away from camp. Every child is precious and is seen as a member of a family. When the camper stays overnight it gives the parent an opportunity to take a trip, relax and do things with other family members. Everyone gets a short respite. Among the program topics are: team building, arts and crafts, drum circles, horseback riding, music and drama, swimming, canoeing, sports and many others. 78 Campers are from all over the state. Approximately 60% are local residents and 40% come from the rest of Florida. Parents have to provide transportation. Campers change each week. Some sign up for a couple of weeks at a time. “We have a great set of well trained staff members. Our counselors sign up for eight weeks in the summer,” says Executive Director Susanna Cripe. “They have one whole week of training and seven full weeks of daily camping experience. The ratio of camper to counselor is two to one with 26 as the average number of campers. Counselors get to know each camper’s special needs and stress interactivity. Each child is seen as an individual and helped to make connections and develop skills.” The Dream Oaks Camp program depends on community support and a strong Board of Directors headed by President and Founder Eddie Mulock. Walter Miller serves as Vice President, Jeb Mulock. 2nd Vice President, and Dom DiMaio is the Treasurer. Other Board members include: Kirk Bell, Josh Beyer, Jim Brand, Jeff DeJongh, Amanda Goodhue, Daniel Hager, Lamar Matthews, Joe Miller, Chris Nagle, Fran Padgett, Kara Schiavone, Chris Smith and Joe Westendorf. Dream Oaks raises funds through individual and corporate gifts, grants and special fundraising events. All gifts make a difference, no matter how large or small. Cash donations are often matched by an individual’s, or group's, employer. “Fundraisers, in-kind donations (items we would have to buy if they were not donated), annual appeals, workplace giving, and remembering us in your will are just some of the ways you can support us!” added Cassella. “Scholarships are also available for those needing financial assistance. No one is turned away. About 92% of families need assistance scholarships and regular fellowships.” Dream Oaks weekends operate from 6pm Friday until 10am Sunday morning for 10 weekends during the school year. The campers stay for two nights and meals are provided. All Children’s Hospital partners with Dream Oaks to provide an additional four weekends for cancer patients and their families. The Summer Day Camp runs from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday through Friday, with lunch provided. The Summer Residential Camp begins Monday at 8.30am and runs to Friday at 3.00pm. All meals are provided. Dream Oaks has also added a full week of camping during Spring Break. 79 Foundation For Dreams Havana Good Time Foundation for Dreams and Dream Oaks Camp Endless Summer Nights Party at IMG Golf Club. For more information about Foundation for Dreams, Inc please contact Elena Cassella on 941-746-5659 Recipients of the 24th Annual Business & Education Partnership Awards Solid Partnership Event: The Manatee Chamber Foundation and School Board of Manatee County, Business and Education Partnership Awards Breakfast. Freedom Village, Bradenton. Jenn & Noah Morano Tina Cablish & Chris Parsons Kelly Hunt & Kara Schiavone Scott & Jessica Godfrey, Katie Beyer-Capps & Stacy Capps Jessica & Jason Coates Bob and Vicki Bartz, Dennise Berger Doug Wagner, John Chappie, Charles Clapsaddle Dom DiMaio & Joe Westendorf Susannah Cripe, Matt Caseman, and Elena & Pat Cassella Melinda Waller, Katie O'Neal Dave Potter, Jim and Dana Pounds, Allison Rolfe Jahna Leinhauser, Carey Miller Gina DellaVolpe and Valentina DellaVolpe Angie Grasberger, Julie Aranibar Bre & Jeb Mulock Mike & Tricia Hunsader Jennifer & J.J. Henthorne, Kati & Dick Halloy 80 Wendy Mungillo, Barbara Duke Veronica Rogers, Rick Mills, Rae Dowling, Bob Bartz, Lynn Lineman 81 Packaging nutritious food to feed the hungry in our community and around the world. Supplying food pantries, homeless shelters and emergency relief. Your group can work together in this hands-on project. D on at e or Great fellowship for groups. sc he du 2 5 ¢ /l ur Businesses - ChurChes - Community organizations ev en t lenoyo mea w! www.kiwanisagainsthunger.com for more info Sponsored by the Manatee Sunrise Kiwanis Club Meetings: Thursdays, 7:15am Norma Rae’s, 423 10th Avenue West. Palmetto DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD - Are you looking for ways to connect with others—and get involved in projects that change lives? Then you’ve come to the right place. Kiwanis is all about making friends— and making an impact—in your local community. S Join us for breakfast! c heilrdv inr egn tho e f our Manatee Sunrise Kiwanis Club c o m m u n it y ! Thursdays, 7:15am Norma Rae’s, 423 10th Avenue West. Palmetto www.kiwanisagainsthunger.com Manatee Diagnostic Center has been awarded the ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence You have a choice... C IT AC RE Y ACR Accredited D I T E D FA C I L Joint Commission Accreditation Angus W. Graham, Jr., MD Medical Director www.manateediagnostic.com Manatee Diagnostic Center Manatee Diagnostic Center Pointe West Riverside Medical Center Bradenton James R. Chatham, MD Assistant Medical Director 941-747-3034 Manatee Diagnostic Center Parrish Manatee Diagnostic Center Arcadia Skippy’s Hassle Free BIRTHDAY PARTIES! Walk-In Play, Any Time! Inflatable Party & Play Center Sarasota Commons •935 N. Beneva Road, Suite 802 • Sarasota, FL 34232 VISIT US ONLINE AT: 941.366.0123 82 146193 www.bouncedownunder.com 83 FALL FOR THIS CIDER DRINK how to make t p roll monster s First, glue construction paper to the outside of a TP Roll to completely cover it. Cut off any excess and let this dry. TIP: I suggest gluing the construction paper on the rolls in advance before you start the craft with your child. For monster hair, roll the fuzzy sticks around a pencil until it forms a coil. You can also make a fuzzy stick look like witches broom. monster s and spider s I have to admit that Fall is my favorite time of year. The weather starts to cool down a little here in Bradenton, the smell of cinnamon and pumpkin is in the air, and I enjoy seeing the kids dressed up in Halloween costumes. From the construction paper cut out mouths, faces, teeth, witches hats, or anything you could decorate the monsters with. Set out these items along with glue and let your child/ children’s imagination soar! Once all the parts are glued on, allow the monster to dry completely. Tip: For a Mummy cut out strips of white paper, place the eyes on first, and glue on the “bandages”. This year we decided to take cardboard toilet paper rolls and egg cartons and turn them into simple Halloween Decorations. Let me just say, these creatures make for a fun family activity! To recreate, all you need is: 2 – 64 oz bottles of Apple Juice 1/3 cup of light brown sugar 1/2 tsp of Cinnamon 1/2 tsp of All Spice This enthusiasm carries over into my home, and I like to display the spooky creatures, fun jack ‘o lanterns, and coloring sheets that my kids make at school. As a family we also like to make homemade crafts to display, and the best kind are those created with items we already have on hand. If you would like to recreate these projects, you will need the following: • • • • • • Left-over cardboard from toilet paper (TP) rolls or paper towels Egg carton Colorful construction paper Wiggle eyes Glue Scissors • Pipe cleaners AKA Fuzzy sticks • Pencil • Black permanent marker (Looking for any of these supplies? Check your local Dollar store, or craft stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.) how to make egg car ton spider s In advance cut out a 2 section part and color it with a black permanent marker. Tip: The smell of the marker can be a little strong, so it is best for an adult to do this. Next take 2 black fuzzy sticks and cut them into 10 parts. 8 should be 3 inches long and 2 should be 1 inch long. Give the parts along with Wiggle eyes to your child. They should take the 8 “legs” and insert 4 of them into each side of the body. The remaining 2 are put on the front, as the mouth. Carlee Colonneso is a wife, and stay at home mother of 3. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida and author of www.frugalandfunmom.com. Her website is a lifestyle blog that centers on family, crafts, recipes, and frugal living. 84 Looking for an easy Fall Inspired Recipe to serve during Halloween Festivities? Check out my Slow Cooker Apple Cider Recipe! The legs and mouth should then be bent. Finally add the eyes with glue onto the face. These are ready to be displayed immediately. Once the eyes are dried your kids will have fun playing and pretending that the spiders are real. Directions: Put all of these ingredients into a slow cooker or crock pot that is six quarts or larger, and stir until combined. Put on high for 90 minutes stirring occasionally. Then move to the low setting for one hour stirring occasionally. Then move to the warm setting, stirring occasionally. Leave it on the warm setting until it is all gone or you are finished entertaining, which ever comes first. As you are serving be sure to stir the mix since the spices settle; there will be sediment in the bottom of the cup as well. FYI, it will be hot and if you are serving it to little ones make sure you let it cool a bit or add some ice cubes. Serves over 14. 85 Kids in The Kitchen Recipes: Susan Miller Kelly Corn Pudding Prep: 10 min / Total: 50 min / Servings Total: 12 INGREDIENTS • • • • • • 1can (15-1/2 oz.) whole kernel corn, drained 1can (15 oz.) cream-style corn 1pkg. (8-1/2 oz.) corn muffin mix 1cup Sour Cream (low fat may be used) ¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted 3 eggs On The Book Shelf Who am I? Ride With Mater Who Am I? is a delightful little book. Your child will love the challenge of guessing the identity of the mysterious wild animal peeking through the hole on each page. The photographs are colorful and fun. This book is an entertaining look at some familiar and not-so-familiar animals in the wild and is appropriate for children aged infant to three years. This Disney Pixar Cars book will be a favorite of young readers. Mater tells the story of his adventure at the World Grand Prix with his best friend Lightning McQueen. It is a virtual 3-D book that uses your computer’s webcam and trigger cards to allow the reader to bring the book to life on the computer screen. Using the trigger cards provided with the book, the reader can virtually drive around Mater’s home town too! Children will love the colorful illustrations and will want to keep this book in their collection, especially those that have seen the Cars movies! (Birth to 3) • By DK Publishing PREPARATION Campbell's® Mini Chicken Pot Pies Prep: 20 min / Total: 50 min / Servings Total: 5 INGREDIENTS • • • • • • 1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup or Campbell’s® Condensed 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup 8 ounces frozen mixed vegetables (carrot, green beans, corn, peas), thawed (about 1 1/2 cups) 2 tablespoons all purpose flour 1 package (12 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough (10 biscuits) 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese PREPARATION • • • Heat the oven to 350°F. Spray 10 (2 1/2-inch) muffin-pan cups with vegetable cooking spray. Stir the chicken, soup and vegetables in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the flour on the work surface. Roll or pat the biscuits to flatten slightly. Press the biscuits into the bottoms and up the sides of the muffin-pan cups. Spoon about 1/3 cup chicken mixture into each biscuit cup. Lightly press the chicken mixture down so it's level. Top each with about 2 teaspoons cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Let the pot pies cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. •Preheat oven to 375°F. •Mix all ingredients together until well blended. •Pour into a 13 x 9 inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 35 to 40 mins or until golden brown. •OR: Pour into a 9-inch square baking dish sprayed with cooking spray and bake at 375°F for 55 mins to 1 hour or until golden brown. JELL-O® 10 Minute Thanksgiving Fruit Whip Prep Time: 10 min / Total: 55 min Servings Total: 10. 1/2 cup each. INGREDIENTS • • • • • • 1-1/2 cups boiling water 1pkg. (8-serving size) or 2 pkg. (4-serving size each) of your favorite flavor of JELL-O Orange, raspberry, strawberry, etc. Ice cubes 1cup cold orange juice or cranberry juice 1can (11 oz.) of your favorite drained canned fruit, (Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple, fruit cocktail, etc.) drained Whipped cream, optional PREPARATION • • Mix together and pour into individual ramekins, small bowls, or glasses. The mixture can also be poured into a mold or large bowl. Cover and refrigerate until firm or ready to serve. This recipe can be made the day before. When ready to serve, top with a dollop or more of whipped cream. In Partnership with the Junior League of Manatee County…Woman Building Better Communities 86 Review: Karen Holman Afternoon on the Amazon (4-6) • By Ellie O’Ryan Review: Ellen McDonald (7-9) • By Mary Pope Osborne Excitement! Mystery! Adventure! These are but a few things one can experience reading Afternoon on the Amazon. Jack, Annie, and their treehouse pet Peanut, the field mouse, leave the safety of their home in Frog Creek, Pennsylvania and are magically transported to the Amazon by the books collected in their treehouse by Morgan le Fay, a librarian dating from King Arthur’s time. They must find four items to free Morgan. This trip takes them to the Amazon where they encounter many obstacles and creatures on their search. From their treehouse landing 150 feet in the air in rain forest canopy, to grabbing a snake instead of a vine, and dodging mama jaguar after playing with her babies that looked like giant kittens, adventure and excitement wait around each corner. This story is fast-paced and full of excitement moments. Review: Pam Parmenter The first 50 people to come into the lobby of the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, 600 8th Avenue West, Suite 100, Palmetto can pick up free copies of the books reviewed. 87 88 89 Out & About October October Sunday Candlelight Tour Gamble Plantation 7:00 p.m-9:00 p.m. 941-723-4536 12 Monday Discover Manatee Historical Park 10:00 a.m. –noon, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Free admission 941-749-7165 13 Tuesday 14 Jumpin Fun Sports 2 for 1 Tuesdays 1-941-388-JUMP Wednesday Book Sale South Manatee Branch Library 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 941-755-3892 15 Thursday 16 Main Street Live Old Main Street, Bradenton 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Friday Saturday 17 Fun & Family Friendly Events... Activities In Our Local Area November November Sunday Monday Tuesday 20 Free Citizenship Classes Goldman & Loughlin 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 941-773-1523 Anna Maria Oyster Bar Kids pay 1 penny per inch Lee Roy Selmon’s Kids Eat Free One child meal per adult paid meal 21 Book Sale South Manatee Branch Library 9:00 a.m. –noon 941-755-3892 Taco Bell Kids meal free with the purchase of a combo meal 3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Bob Evans Kids eat free 4:00 p.m. to close 22 Discover Florida Maritime Museum 9:00 a.m.-noon, 1:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. Free Admission 941-708-6120 RJ Gatorrs Kids meals $1.50 23 Storytime Central Library 10:00 a.m. 941-748-5555 Forever Friends Fun Day Bee Ridge Park, Sarasota 1:00 p.m. Goblin Gathering GT Bray Park, Bradenton Admission $5.00 wristband for activities, parents free of charge 941-742-5923 Kids Club Michael’s Crafts Check your store location 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m., Admission $2.00 per child Mexicali One free kids meal with adult meal purchased Buffalo Wild Wings Clark Road ½ price kids meal 2 Venice Art Festival West Venice Avenue 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 3 Music Monday Central Library 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. South Manatee Library Financial Planning Series 1:00p.m.-2:30p.m. 4 25 Sarasota Pumpkin Festival Payne Park 5:00p.m.-10:00 p.m. Admission $10.00 ages 11 and up 941-706-7605 www.sarasotapumpkinfestival.com Sarasota Pumpkin Festival Payne Park Noon-10:00 p.m. Admission $10.00 ages 11 and up 941-706-7605 www.sarasotapumpkinfestival.com Book Sale Central Florida Library First Floor Boo Fest Main Street Lakewood Ranch 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. St. Armand’s Art Festival St. Armands Circle 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. 9 10 First Home Buyer Course 1219 16th St West Bradenton 4:30p.m.-9:00p.m. Veterans Day Parade Main Street Sarasota 10:00 a.m. Sarasota Medieval Fair Sarasota County Fairgrounds 16 Bradenton Farmers Market Old Main Street 9:00 a.m.-Noon Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Ski Show 1706 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota 2:00 p.m. Free Hunsaders Pumpkin Patch www.huntsadersfarm.com Music Monday Central Library 748-5555 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 27 Discover your outdoors Take a walk and notice the changes happening around you in nature 28 South Manatee Branch Book Sale 9:00am-noon 755-3892 Discover Palmetto Historical Park 10:00 a.m.-noon, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Free admission 941-723-4991 29 ENTER TO WIN! Family Movie Night First 5 to send email will win a free one night rental from Red Box Concert in the Grove, Paisley Craze Band Mixons Fruit Farm 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Admission $5.00 per person 941-748-5829 ext. 280 30 Fright Night St. Armand’s Circle Free admission 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 5 Courthouse Concerts 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Marie Selby Gardens Little Sprouts Club 366-5731 11 Music Monday Central Library 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 17 18 Brickworld Tampa Lego Expo Florida State Fairgrounds (317)572-5346 26 Mixon Harvest Festival 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m 31 Saturday Once Upon A Story Time Rocky Bluff Library 1 Home Depot Kids Workshop Check your stores for available spaces Dragon Boat Festival Nathan Benderson Park Sarasota Pumpkin Festival Payne Park Noon-10:00 p.m. Admission $10.00 ages 11 and up 941-706-7605 www.sarasotapumpkinfestival.com Friday Snooty’s Gala 2014 746-4131 ext 18 Ed’s Mainstreet Car Show Lakewood Ranch 24 Thursday 18 Night of Fish, Fun, Fright Mote Marine 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Hunsaders Pumpkin Patch Admission $8.00 entry, paid parking 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m 19 Sarasota Bay Water Festival Ken Thompson Parkway 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Pumpkin Toss Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa 11:00 a.m. Discover Florida Railway Museum 941-776-0906 Wednesday 23 Visit your local neighborhood park www.mymantee.org/ home/...parksandrecreation.html 24 South Manatee Branch Book Sale Noon-4:00 p.m. Jumpin Fun 2 for Tuesdays 388-Jump 25 Central Library Story Time 10:00 a.m. All ages welcome 6 Central Library STEM Program 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Ages 3 and up Movie in the Park Sutton Park Palmetto 729-9177 13 12 7 Sugar Shootout Golf Tournament [email protected] Benefits juvenile Diabetes Reasearch Foundation 14 Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition Siestakeycrystalclassic.com Mixons Concert in the Grove 748-5829 ext 280 Mixons Health Fair 748-5829 Create a what we are thankful for table runner Register for Free Trial Play Away 755-1070 19 Main Street Live Main Street Bradenton 5:00p.m.-10:00p.m. 20 8 Coquina Beach Symphony on the Sand 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Sarasota Medieval Fair Sarasota County Fairgrounds 10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. Sarasota Fall Wellness Fair 468-7412 Mixons Concert in the Grove The Yesterdaze Band 748-5829 Coquina Beach Sand Blast 9:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. 21 Taste of Mixon Mac and Cheese Competition 748-5829 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Downtown Bradenton Farmers Market 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 15 22 Mixon Harvest Festival 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 748-5829 26 27 Busch Garden Christmas Town opens www.buschgardens.com 28 Light Up Siesta Siesta Village Sarasota 29 30 Magic Kingdom Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 3 years and under FREE Check website for full details Send entries to: [email protected] * Denotes weekly event Send entries to [email protected] Send entries to: [email protected] December december Sunday Monday Discover the Gamble Plantation Ellenton, Florida 1 Tuesday Little Sprouts Club Marie Selby Gardens 366-5731 10:30a.m. 2 Wednesday 3 Court House Concert Series Manatee County Court House 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Thursday Main StreetLakewood Ranch Carriage Rides, Carolers, Santa 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 4 Friday Saturday 5 Holiday Night of Lights St. Armand Circle 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Palmetto Christmas in The Park Manateeclerk.com/historical/AGmuseum 6 Dream Oaks Camp Christmas Party 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. www.foundationfordreams.org Jingle and Jog 5K Run Community Haven 355-8808 A Night Before Christmas GT Bray Park 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Santa will be present Family Night at The Museum South Florida Museum 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m 746-4131 Sarasota Holiday Parade Main Street Sarasota 7:00 p.m. Sarasota Craft Festival Robards Arena 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Jungle Gardens Holiday Lights 355-1112 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. 7 Free Citizenship Classes Goldman & Loughlin 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 8 Book your seats for South Florida Museum’s Star of Bethlehem Southfloridamuseum.org 9 10 Main Street Lakewood Ranch Photos with Santa The Cinemas 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Think + Drink (Science) South Florida Museum Adults Only 746-4131 * Denotes weekly event Send entries to [email protected] Main Street Lakewood Ranch Carriage Rides, Carolers, Santa 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 11 12 Winter Fest Art Festival Holmes Beach 10:00 a.m. 13 Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade City Island 6:00 p.m. Sandy Claws Beach Run Siesta Key Beach 8:00 a.m. Holidays Around the Ranch Main Street Lakewood Ranch 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Science Saturday Central Library 11:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m.Jungle Gardens 355-1112 Holiday Lights 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. – u t a S 37 8 –A – nton, 3 e s tie de ate i an ine Bra v i M • t c est tion edic ali ins M ekids tW o e e f C Str ds Hopk rg/sa i H K fe ohns kids.o 26T a 1 S st ital J w.all 05 a 5 o nc Hosp ww s • s u o S e ren’s Cr h e T f th by ll Child o d h ore by A urc s h n C led Spo by y l i m Ho ber m e v o s e N , z i 07 y r a P d r 42 9am Fa sted 3pm – n Fu d o Fo Little Ready To Live Up To The Large Lwr High Expectations… Words: DREW WINCHESTER C raig Little feels the role of a great educator is about more than just teaching math, science or English. The role of an educator is to help people, to speak for those who can't speak for themselves and to inspire those who have little inspiration in their own lives. As the new principal of Lakewood Ranch High School, the 38-year-old is tasked with not only keeping the A level school on track as one of the most successful institutes in the entire Manatee School District, but also continuing to be that source of inspiration in the lives of his students, to be that person the students know they can look to for guidance. It's a challenge he's ready to tackle. And one that, in fact, he's been tackling his entire career. “We have a lot to live up to,” Little said. “There's excellence across the board at this school.” The New Jersey native originally envisioned a career in law enforcement, but it was while running cross country and playing basketball at St. Leo University in Tampa that a long gestating memory of a fourth grade teacher who inspired him as a child helped change his career path entirely. Now 15 years into his career in education, Little has taken the helm of Lakewood Ranch High School, which boasts 2,300 students, the best FCAT scores of any school in Manatee County and a student body where 93 percent of all kids on to college or serve in the military. From there, he served as an assistant principal at Johnson Middle School until 2010, and then moved into the role of assistant principal at Lakewood Ranch. The key in helping those kids, according to Little, is finding the underlying issue in each of their lives. The Five Star School award is a symbol of achievement presented each year by the Florida Department of Education to those schools that have displayed exemplary community involvement in five specific areas: Business Partnerships Family Involvement Volunteers Student Community Service School Advisory Councils Abel Elementary, Principal James Horner ardo & 5th Grade Team Leader, Steven Lomb Additionally, each school must receive a school grade of “C” or higher and provide a portfolio documenting the achievement of each criterion as the last determining factor for award eligibility. Gullett Elementary, Principal, Kathy McC lean The schools were recognized by Superintendent, Rick Mills, and School Board member, Julie Aranibar. Johnson Middle, Principal, Carl Auckerma n & Media Specialist, Kelly Van Serke Braden River Elementary, Assistant Principal Jennifer Grimes Sometimes it could be problems they're having at home, problems in their classrooms, learning disabilities, or that they simply need a different way of pursuing their education. Little said that not all students are cut out for the “bricks and mortar” way of learning, and often it is about finding the right method and opportunities that allow students to excel. It's also about getting parents involved, as Little believes that a child's education needs to extend beyond the school and into their homes. It's the success both on and off the field that makes Little so very proud of his school and his students. As a former student athlete, Little said he knows how difficult it can be to juggle both efficiently. As an “A school”, Little also knows he needs to continually inspire and challenge his staff, as it would be easy to become complacent due to their success. “It's a gift you really have to give yourself,” Little said of that motivation. “We teach them to make decisions because they're the right decisions to make, and they are constantly taking advantage of it.” 10 Manatee County schools earned recognition for achieving FIVE STAR STATUS for the 2013/14 school year. One of the things that Little is most proud of during his career is working with what he calls “underdog kids”, or those kids who need extra help in finding that special level of motivation that Little hopes all Lakewood Ranch students can achieve. Of course, the school also offers a host of fine arts classes, advanced placement courses and 22 varsity sports, which was named the best academic sports program in the state in 2013 by the Florida High School Athletic Association. They were also named the third best athletic program in the state that same year. He said the trick is building “intrinsic motivation” within the study body by letting them know that taking pride and personal responsibility in themselves can help lead to great things. 94 Little was a physical education teacher at Lakewood Ranch from 2 0 01 to 2 0 0 5, then served as assistant principal at Haile Middle School until 2007. FIVE STAR STATUS! Tillman Elementary, Assistant Principal, Mary Shapiro Miller Elementary, Principal, Barry Dunn es Freedom Elementary, Principal, Jim Menn But, in the end, he said you have to trust them to keep pushing themselves. Just like they expect their students to push themselves and hold themselves accountable. “We're in the business of helping people,” Little said. “At Lakewood Ranch you have the opportunity to get a great education, but you also have the chance to be a great person.” Marshall, Gene Witt Elementary, Principal, David & Clerical Assistant Lois Hopewell Williams Elementary, Principal, Paul Hockenbury & Assistant Principal, Debbie Cook Southeast High, Assistant Principal, Rosa Daughtry & Attendance Secretary, Joyce Galla I magine your child’s delight if he or she were picked up from school in a fire truck and given a half-day of royal treatment by firefighters in uniform. 3rd and4th graders get to spray water from an actual fire hose and 5th graders are taught the proper way to use a fire extinguisher, according to Fire Marshal Johnny Rigney. The scenario may seem like the scene out of a storybook, but one lucky Manatee County 5th grader will get special treatment for the half-day preceding the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and privileges for an entire year after being voted Honorary Fire Chief for his or her efforts during Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11.) Rigney said each 5th grader has the opportunity to create a fire prevention project which is judged on a school level. The winning projects are then transferred to the district fire office where staff members vote on the one they like the best. While that one singled out child will gain certain honors, thousands of other school children will receive pivotal knowledge from the firefighters in uniform during the week, which could one day save their lives. During Fire Prevention week, local firefighters focus on teaching elementary school children fire prevention techniques. Members of the Fire Prevention Bureau, along with men and women in the field, visit area elementary schools and teach them necessary steps needed when dealing with fire. The children learn what to do in the event of an emergency. They learn to stop, drop and roll if their clothing ignites and they gain an overall perspective of how to keep their homes safe. Flyers are sent home to parents encouraging them to put together a family plan to be executed in the event of a fire. “One of the biggest mistakes people make is going back into the house,” said North River Fire District Chief Mike Rampino. Why a Fire Safety Plan is so important for families 96 Every year Fire Prevention Week focuses on a theme. Rampino said this year, firefighters are teaching fire alarm maintenance. “A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries in your fire alarms when you change your clocks for daylight savings. Twice a year,” Rampino said. FAMILY FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST Electrical cords are in good condition (not damaged). • The clothes dryer has a clean vent and filter (no lint build-up) Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed the week in which October 9 falls. • Appliances and lights are plugged into separate electrical outlets. The date commemorates the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 inferno that killed more than 250 people, destroyed 17,400 buildings and left over 100, 000 residents homeless. • A grown-up always stays in the kitchen whenever food is cooking on the stovetop. • All smoke alarms work when tested by a grown-up. • All extension cords are used safely (not under carpets or across walking areas). • Portable space heaters are 3 feet away from anything that can burn. • All escape routes are clear of clutter and easily accessible. • Curtains and other things that can burn are away from the stovetop. • The furnace has been inspected in the past year. • Portable space heaters are off whenever a grownup leaves the room and goes to sleep. • The chimney has been inspected and cleaned in the past year. The disaster changed the way cities around the nation thought about fire safety. “The thing about most fires is they are preventable,” Rampino said. “If people would use common sense when utilizing their candles, stoves and electronic devices, they would be in good shape.” Some 40 years after the City of Chicago was set ablaze, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (now known as the International Fire Marshals Association), started observing the date by teaching the public about fire prevention. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson made it official, issuing the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation. WORDS: Merab-Michal Favorite PICTURES: Whitney Patton “At the end of the year we honor them again at our banquet,” said Rigney. “Then they receive a plaque.” • “With a plan in place, families know exactly what to do to get out of their home and they designate a safe meeting place where they can make sure all family members are accounted for.” Know The Dangers! The student who creates the winning project becomes the Honorary Fire Chief for an entire year. The student rides along in fire trucks during parades and gets their picture hung up at the fire station. Two years later the day progressed into the course of a week. Over the duration of Fire Prevention week, local firefighters donning full garb visit grades K thru 2nd in area schools and teach the children the basics of fire safety. • "Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week website, www.firepreventionweek.org. ©2014 NFPA." 97 AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY! NESTLÉ® NESQUIK® Girl Scout Cookie™ Flavors Two Delicious Flavors: NEW ! in in t s® co co m n ut th You’ll be a hero. They’ll be whatever they want. ca ra m el 14 oz. ready-to-drink size Available August - December 2014 98 (while supplies last) Introducing the new 1-Year Florida University Plan Starting at $43/mo. Florida Prepaid makes it easier than ever to start saving for college. Our new 1-Year Florida University Plan lets you purchase one year of school, eliminating the pressure of having to buy all four years at once. With the 1-Year Florida University Plan, NOW is the best time to start saving. Open Enrollment is Oct. 15. – Feb. 28. The $50 application fee on new Prepaid Plans is waived through the end of the year. Let us help you get started at myf loridaprepaid.com. FL OR IDA PR E PA ID Starting is Believing Caring for our community’s kids Pediatric Services from the Manatee Healthcare System Nothing is more important to parents than knowing their children will receive skilled medical care should an illness or accident occur. The Manatee Healthcare System’s hospitals are dedicated to providing frontline treatment from experienced pediatricians … as well as a healthy dose of warmth, comfort and compassion from our exceptional nurses and staff. When your child is a patient at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center or Manatee Memorial Hospital, you’ll find committed professionals who are focused on helping your precious little one get well and back home as quickly as possible. 8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Bradenton, FL 34202 | 941.782.2100 206 Second Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 | 941.746.5111 www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com www.manateememorial.com Follow us Follow us Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Healthcare System, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Healthcare System. The hospitals shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.
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