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Helping Kids Get Used to Masks

Helping Kids Get Used to Masks

WORDS: KidsHealth from Nemours

In many places, people are wearing masks or cloth face coverings when they’re in public because of coronavirus (COVID-19). It’s an important way to help slow the spread of the virus.

At first, it was mostly doctors, nurses, and others in health care settings who wore masks. But now, as other people wear them, more and more kids are seeing something they’re not used to seeing. …

Safe Practices: Being Mindful of Cleaning Chemicals During COVID-19

Safe Practices: Being Mindful of Cleaning Chemicals During COVID-19

WORDS: ChildCare Aware America

In this new world of COVID-19, everyone is trying to kill germs and avoid sickness. However, our fears should not distract us from the mindful use of cleaning chemicals, including hand sanitizer. Even chemicals that are meant to keep us healthy can cause poisoning or even death when used improperly, especially around children. 

Why are children at high risk? 

Children are curious. Their natural tendency to …

How to Babyproof Your Home – 6 Ways You May Have Missed

How to Babyproof Your Home – 6 Ways You May Have Missed

WORDS: Infant CPR

So you have a little crawler and it’s time to babyproof your home. You clip your cabinets, remove the choking hazards, and plug the outlets.

This is a great start!

Baby proofing is as much about your peace of mind as a parent as it is about your child’s safety.

Here are 6 additional techniques that will help you make your home a safe and fun place …

Tips for Parents Juggling Remote Work and Remote Learning

Tips for Parents Juggling Remote Work and Remote Learning

WORDS: Kristin Louis

When you work from home, it’s almost impossible to keep your career and family life from bleeding into one another. Separating work and life is important for everyone, but it’s a topic that deserves even more attention for parents who work remotely. If your kids are in school, you might also be dealing with the added stress of managing your children’s remote learning on top of …

A Star in the Making!

A Star in the Making!

WORDS: Kara Chalmers

PICTURES: Whitney Patton

In the span of one hour, I watched Allie McLaughlin, 10, laugh, cry, speak with a convincing British accent and belt out two — pretty difficult — songs. She wasn’t on stage. She was in my living room.

I was interviewing Allie, who’d performed in two big local shows in the past year. Allie played Marta, second youngest of the von Trapp children, in …

A Quest to End Poverty…

A Quest to End Poverty…

Words: Amy Bell

Picture: Whitney Patton

For most of her life, Margaret (Peg) Delegato has been on a quest to end poverty and rid the world of hatred. It’s certainly a lofty goal — but if anyone can come close to pulling it off, it’s a dedicated philanthropist like Peg. 

Born and raised in Detroit, Peg says Motown was a vibrant and exciting city during her childhood. “I grew up …

The Untold First Responders…

The Untold First Responders…

WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock

PICTURES: Whitney Patton

Like a luminary shooting warm light through a grey winter sky, Kara Moates rises each day to comfort and guide. Not long after sunrise, she dives into a day chatting about theology and spiritual concepts with a man eager and grateful to share his thoughts about the world while she assesses his vitals. On the same day, she visits a woman in her …

ELC Responds to COVID-19…

ELC Responds to COVID-19…

WORDS: Katelyn Disbro

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) wanted to do everything they could to support their ‘Untold First Responders’ – childcare providers who were open every day during this health crisis looking after and continuing to educate our local children!

To help and support them, the ELC procured paper products, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizers, and much more to distribute …

The World is Their Oyster…

The World is Their Oyster…

WORDS: Kara Chalmers
PICTURES: Whitney Patton

Anna Maria Oyster Bar Landside has been one of Bradenton’s most beloved restaurants for more than two decades — quite a feat. Situated on busy Tamiami Trail, just north of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, other restaurants nearby regularly come and go. But Landside thrives.

“They always say, ‘location, location, location,'” said John Horne, who, with his wife Amanda, owns Landside, plus three other Anna …

Thrifty Shopping Solutions for Buying Kids’ School Supplies

Thrifty Shopping Solutions for Buying Kids’ School Supplies

WORDS: Kris Louis — Parentingwithkris.com

Now that COVID-19 restrictions have lifted, schools are slowly gearing up for the start of the new year. Of course, you’ll need supplies — and children’s school supplies can add up fast! From clothing to computers, your budget can really take a beating. Here are some thrifty ideas for moms and dads who want to get everything their kids need without overspending.

Dip Into Online …

Adding to the Fleet!

Adding to the Fleet!

WORDS: Katelyn Disbro
PICTURES: Whitney Patton

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) recently rolled out; pun intended, the newest member of its fleet! The third educational vehicle, named the Mobile Learning Lab, will run alongside the Book Bus and the STEAM Machine, adding additional resources to the ELC’s community educational initiatives. 

The former Manatee County school bus was generously donated to the ELC by the School District. The …

Guess What We Just Built?

Guess What We Just Built?

WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock

PICTURES: Whitney Patton

Nancy Griffith pulled up to the G.T. Bray playground three years ago with her two grandsons Easton and Nathan – born just six weeks apart and who share a love for all things play – and felt a sense of deflation filter through her body like a party balloon sinking with a slow leak. Apprehension replaced joy as she scanned the playground stretched …

Watching Over Manatee…

Watching Over Manatee…

WORDS: Amy Bell

MAIN PICTURE: Whitney Patton

For Marge Vita, volunteering is a way of life. She has worked as a volunteer for as long as she can remember, and Manatee County has benefitted immensely from her tireless work.    

Born and raised in Irvington, New Jersey, Marge studied at The Berkeley Secretarial School in East Orange, New Jersey. She graduated from the one-year intensive program that included courses in shorthand, …

The Conquistadorables!

The Conquistadorables!

WORDS: Katelyn Disbro

PICTURES: Kyle Baker

KIDS around the County are longing to get back out into the community, back into sports, and once more enjoying the outdoors with their friends and families. And, when life does get back to normal, look no further than the Conquistadorables for an amazing fun program full of glamour and grace!

The Conquistadorables have been capturing the hearts of everyone they meet in Manatee …

25 Years of Smart Systems

25 Years of Smart Systems

WORDS: Amy Bell

PICTURES: Whitney Patton

Based in Tampa, Production and Process Technologies (PPT) is a full-service design/build contractor that offers best-in-class design and integration services. “I started PPT Florida in 1997, and we are on our 25th year in business,” says President Bruce Bottorff. “We are a systems integrator for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.”

PPT Florida consists of a group of chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineers who …