WORDS: Sheri Roca
PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen
Coach Logan Wells is more than simply a coach. He has made it his mission to give young athletes a chance to play baseball or even go on to college when they may not otherwise have the means to do so. During his five years as a coach of a Florida Travel Baseball team, three of those years have been at the high school …
WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen
When Ted Lindenberg moved to Lakewood Ranch, he wanted to find a way to help people, especially in the process of reading. He joined a literacy council in Sarasota whose objective was to work with adults who have difficulties reading. However, while he found the organization wonderful, it wasn’t quite enough for him; he needed to help children. Thus, Books for Kids was born.
He …
WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen
The needs of local women, children, and families are being radically changed for the better, thanks to The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle. Based out of Lakewood Ranch, the Circle is comprised of philanthropic women who are residents of The Lake Club community.
Barbara Najmy founded The Lake Club (TLC) Women’s Giving Circle in 2014 after having the vision to create a women-only donor-advised philanthropic …
WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen
Dating back to 1948, the De Soto Children’s Parade has been a great source of joy for young ones in Manatee County. This tradition was created by the Hernando de Soto Historical Society and included children of all ages parading through what is now Old Main Street to where Pier 22 sits. While the Hernando De Soto Historical Society also facilitates the De Soto Grand …
WORDS: Merab Favorite
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
While many families from all over the U.S. travel to Florida for an annual trip to Disney World, Craig Warzecha’s family from New Jersey, made the pilgrimage for a different reason. They came to experience spring training games in Florida’s historic Grapefruit League.
During February and March, 15 Major League Baseball teams leave their home states (many still amid blustery winter months) to play …
WORDS: School District of Manatee County
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
The School District of Manatee County has partnered with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) to establish the first-ever Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science at Anna Maria Elementary School. The academy, named for the world-renowned wildlife artist, conservationist, and businessman, will focus on marine sciences, conservation, and the arts.
The collaboration between the district and GHOF will begin this …
WORDS: Josh Moore
When choosing an affordable gift for a child, you may be tempted to purchase the latest electronic gadget or media player—especially if they’ve been asking for it. However, the positive effects of experiential gifts are far more powerful than material goods. Giving experiences encourages social connection and helps improve personal relationships. Here is a variety of budget-friendly gifts that check off these essential aspects!
Look for Ways …
WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen
Did you know that when you read to your child, even as an infant, you are essentially building their brain? There is a common misconception that just because an infant can’t talk or doesn’t react much while being read to, they’re not able to get anything from a book. However, this could not be further from the truth. You might feel hesitant or even awkward …
WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen
The Bradenton Kiwanis Club is well-known around Manatee County for the many good projects they have done for our community. This year, the Club turned 100 years old, and to celebrate, they not only did things throughout town but also explored the history behind the Bradenton Kiwanis Club.
Established on August 22nd, 1922, the Club was initially named the Manatee River Kiwanis Club. …
WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen
Just eight months after becoming the Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County following the sudden passing of long-time CEO Paul Sharff, Darrell King was officially appointed CEO by the Board of Directors on September 21st. Darrell has been with the ELC since January 2014, where he began as Director of Communications as well as Editor in Chief for …
WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen
Determined to have a career in a professional field, Tom McDougal first became a hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at just 27 years old. After running hospitals for 22 years, he is now the CEO at Manatee Memorial Hospital, having just celebrated his first anniversary of employment there in August. Coming from the coast of Mississippi, he saw the opportunity available here, researched the area …
WORDS & PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen
Most people would be surprised to learn that Santa Claus lives in Bradenton, Florida, but chances are if you’ve attended Elementary school in Manatee County in the last 30 years, you’ve met Steve Hensell, or “Santa Steve,” as he’s better known.
Steve worked as a painter and then as a master mechanic for the Manatee County School District for over 30 years. In 1990, he …
WORDS: Sheri Roca
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
What is it that constitutes a great team? Is it defined by the number of games they win or how many points they score? Would you describe it as a group of players with unparalleled talent honed to perfection? Or is it simply that a great team is the one that takes home the largest prize or wins the major game of the season? …
WORDS: Gabrielle Versmessen
Eight years and now 50 issues later, Nextgen Family Magazine has been a massive success right from the start! Beginning as the brainchild of our late CEO, Paul Sharff, after seeing a small publication at his son’s orthodontist’s office that was full of advertisements, he wanted to create something that not only would advertise businesses and events but be a vehicle to showcase what the Early Learning …
WORDS: Merab Favorite
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
When Jenny*, age 7, unexpectantly lost her father during the week of Thanksgiving, she was overcome with grief. Her interest in her favorite activities waned; she had trouble sleeping, had no appetite, and developed an immense fear of being alone. In school, she wasn’t participating in lessons and experienced bouts of intense emotion.
Jenny’s school administrator referred her to a mental health therapist conveniently …
