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A Budget-Friendly Guide to the Gift of Experience and Education

A Budget-Friendly Guide to the Gift of Experience and Education

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 …

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| Dec 15, 2022 | 0

A Newborn Initiative…

A Newborn Initiative…

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 …

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| Dec 7, 2022 | 0

100 Years in the Making! 

100 Years in the Making! 

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. …

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| Dec 6, 2022 | 0

Stepping Up and Stepping In… 

Stepping Up and Stepping In… 

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 …

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| Dec 6, 2022 | 0

Born for the Role… 

Born for the Role… 

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 …

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| Dec 6, 2022 | 0

Nothing Stopping Santa This Year! 

Nothing Stopping Santa This Year! 

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 …

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| Dec 6, 2022 | 0

No Soft Touches… 

No Soft Touches… 

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? …

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| Dec 6, 2022 | 0

50 Issues and Going Strong!

50 Issues and Going Strong!

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 …

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| Oct 13, 2022 | 0

Nurturing Mental Health on Campus…

Nurturing Mental Health on Campus…

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 …

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| Oct 13, 2022 | 0

An Invaluable Resource Center…

An Invaluable Resource Center…

WORDS: Gabrielle Versmessen

Living in Manatee County, most of us are aware that there is an abundance of resources available at our fingertips. However, we might not always know precisely what organizations to look toward or who exactly to reach out to for help. One organization that’s helping people navigate and connect with these supports is the Women’s Resource Center. 

Women’s Resource Center of Manatee was started in 1991 by …

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| Oct 13, 2022 | 0

An Unmatched Commitment…

An Unmatched Commitment…

WORDS: Gabrielle Versmessen

Helping to inspire people of all backgrounds and incomes to make a difference in our Manatee and Sarasota communities, the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust created a donation matching program in 2020 that has taken off a lot faster than they expected. In the first year, $4 million was donated to charities. In 2021, the second year, $8 million was distributed. And this year, they have …

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| Oct 13, 2022 | 0

Educating for Education…

Educating for Education…

WORDS: Gabrielle Versmessen
PICTURES: Whitney Patton 

Early childhood education is an integral part of ensuring that students in our community are not only prepared for grade school but also excel in it. Our children begin learning at home, but all too soon, those little ones go off to child care, where their first experiences of a structured learning environment are formed. 

Before becoming a mom, I thought child care was …

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| Oct 13, 2022 | 0

For the Love of Art… 

For the Love of Art… 

WORDS: Sheri Roca
PICTURES: Whitney Patton 

Angel Ballesteros-Santillan has an amazing gift for visualizing and recreating forms in 3D. At just ten years old, his ability to sketch something and then build it three dimensionally has already earned him accolades, not just with his third-grade art teacher and his friends and family. His sculptures have even been exhibited at the Manatee County fair and the Bishop Museum in Bradenton. 

According …

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| Oct 13, 2022 | 0

Why Attendance Matters…

Why Attendance Matters…

WORDS: Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

Strong communities thrive in the face of adversity and work together to achieve shared aspirations. Our region is strong, and we are not alone. We are one of 390 Grade-Level Reading (GLR) communities embracing the journey to address common obstacles impacting a child’s reading ability.  

Attendance Works, an ally helping the GLR Network jump the hurdle of chronic absenteeism, is helping communities like ours …

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| Aug 22, 2022 | 0

Keep Kids Happy & Healthy 

Keep Kids Happy & Healthy 

WORDS: Children’s Health

A new school year is the perfect time to get back into a healthy routine. Kara Gann, Clinical Dietitian at Children’s Health℠, shares simple ways to make sure students are fueling properly for the school day. 

Make breakfast a priority 

Eating a healthy breakfast is the best way to start the day for children and adults alike. To encourage your kids to eat a good breakfast before …

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| Aug 16, 2022 | 0

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