ManateE-zineMarch 2010

Manatee County booth wins first placeBY TAMIE LANGMAN The 2010 Fair Committee consisted of: Chairperson Tamie Langman (Human Resources), Clayton Allen (Public Works), Vikki Comarsh-White (Community Services), Darin Cushing (Property Management), Janice Dunbar-Smith (Community Services), Will Reed (Public Works) and Kay Rogers (Public Works).

The booth exhibit was made to look like a bridge at Robinson Preserve with before and after pictures of the Parrish School House, Carriage House, Robinson Preserve, Emerson Point, and what the new Bennett Park will look like. By doing this, the Committee was able to show the general public not only the wonderful things that Manatee County has to offer, but also all of the enhancements that Manatee County Government has done to make these places even better for the public’s enjoyment.

As chairperson, I would like to thank all committee members for putting so much heart into this project. They truly exemplified a team spirit and really care about what we give our customers.

I would also like to thank Property Management’s “12th Street Crew” for coming to the committee’s rescue and putting together the walls for our booth with extremely short notice. Thanks to Jane Souders in Financial Management for processing all of the Fair Committee’s paperwork and those Public Works crews who helped with many of the different projects.

Last but not least, many thanks go to Kevin Leonard and Tom Schmitt , of Information Services. Tom put a lot of time and patience into figuring out how to take the pictures that I took and get them to print big enough for our 28-foot wall. He not only spent quite a bit of time doing that, but he also brought them over to the booth, got up on his ladder and hung the entire back wall. All of these thanks are a perfect example of what the true meaning of “team” really is!

Janice Dunbar-Smith, Vikki Comarsh-White, Darin Cushing, Tamie Langman, Clayton Allen

Michelle Atkinson, Ervin Shannon, Linda Means,Cindy Mozeleski, Sharon McClellan, Elissa Mirabelli, Lisa Hickey, and Bob Wyatt

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Go green at Florida-friendly Family FestivalManatee County Agriculture and Conservation Department invites all County employees and your families to the Florida-Friendly Family Festival on March 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto.

The fun-filled event will feature a variety of activities, eco-workshops and entertainment for kids of all ages. Several County Departments will showcase services related to sustainability.

There will also be a wide array of interactive demon-strations, ideas, workshops, activities for children and exhibits to highlight the environment and to show ways that families can conserve in and around their homes. Admission is free. Free food will be served on a first come, first served basis. Local children will perform. Attendees can trade in old shower heads for new water conserving models.

For more information, call Manatee County Extension Service (941) 722-4524 or visit online at http://mana-tee.ifas.ufl.edu.

Volunteer for 2010 DeSoto Heritage ParadeBY ALICE RIMERAs the chairperson for the DeSoto Heritage Festival parade float, I’d like to invite everyone in the organization to participate in this year’s event. There are all sorts of opportunities to partici-pate - everything from designing the float, fundraising and collecting beads to actually walking in the parade. We need you! Our next meeting will be March 5 at noon in the Neighborhood Cafe (lunchroom), located on the 5th floor of the Administrative Building.

Last year was our first float for Mana-tee County Board of County Commis-sioners. We had a great time decorat-ing and participating in all of the events. We are looking for fresh ideas and motivated volunteers. Please orga-nize your co-workers, friends and employees to participate in this fun event. This is strictly a volunteer event to be done on your own time, but meet-ing and networking with the commis-sioners face-to-face is priceless!

LIVING GREEN WITH THE GREEN TEAM

The importance of shopping locally first!BY BRENDA ROGERSWhen we think about sustainability, the most common thoughts pertain to the environment, usually air or water quality. Many people do not think about the local business community as a contributor to the sustain-ability of their community. In tough economic times it is especially important to support local businesses for the goods and services you need or want.

Think about it: If you buy a meal from a locally owned restaurant, your money stays in the community. The employees and the owner live in the community. They spend their wages on groceries and entertainment, to pay rent or mortgage payments, pay local taxes and give to local charities. If you buy the meal in a chain store you do contribute to the wage of local workers, but the profits are generally sent to the location of the business headquarters. Large companies do contrib-ute to charities but typically in the community they call home not in the community that the dollars are collected.

Sometimes consumers do not have a local option for the goods or services they need. Frequently busi-nesses can meet your needs if they know what you are looking for. They want your business and will accommodate special requests whenever possible. Communication is key.

Next time you consider whether to shop locally, remember the following points:

• Locally owned small businesses are the largest employer in any community.

• Local businesses support local charities which create local jobs and benefit local residents.

• Locally produced food is fresher and more nutritious.

• Local businesses pay local taxes which support the services and infrastructure of the

community.Visit the Green Team

online.

What: Florida-Friendly Family

FestivalWhen: Saturday,

March 6 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Manatee County

Fairgrounds, 1303 17th St. W.,

PalmettoHow much:

It’s free!Why? To learn

more about becoming an

environmentally friendly family

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This year’s Heritage Festival theme is “A Parade of Lights Brings Manatee to Life.” The parade will be Saturday, April 24. Come join in the fun and bring your lunch to our next meeting on March 5.

For more information, contact Alice Rimer at 941 708 7450 x7247.

Manatee County takes part in first FEMA Integrated Emergency Recovery CourseBY NICHOLAS AZZARAManatee County officials recently returned from a weeklong FEMA emergency response course commit-ted to improving a long-term disaster recovery plan that emergency response experts said was already better than that of most communities.

During the last week in January, the group – com-prised of enforcement personnel, elected officials and community leaders from nearly all corners of Manatee County -- was immersed in emergency response and recovery training at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Md. FEMA selected Manatee County to take part in its first Integrated Emergency Management Course for long-term recovery, which focused on the monumental challenges of rebuilding and strengthening the community in the aftermath of a Category 4 hurricane.

Emergency management experts from across the country taught 21 hourlong units that covered a

variety of topics, including community redevelopment, restoration of services,

stress management, debris removal, housing solutions, and public

health and safety. Instructors lauded the thoroughness of Manatee County’s emergency preparedness and response plans. “You have a lot to be proud of,”

said John Chapman, an instructor and former City of

Kissimmee fire chief. “You’re way ahead of the curve.”

County Administrator Ed Hunzeker was pleased to hear the compliments, but

reiterated the organization’s commitment to a top-notch response and recovery plan.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Hunzeker said. “A lot of challenges face us as a group. We need to engage more people and continue the journey of building an exhaustive emergency response and recovery plan.”

Manatee County Emergency Management Chief Laurie Feagans vowed to continue the positive momentum from the course and is in the process of organizing an emergency management summit involving emergency responders, Manatee County department heads, municipalities and other commu-nity leaders to discuss local plans and where to improve them. She also plans to host a business summit with commerce leaders later this year.

“We were so fortunate to have such a unique opportu-nity to take part in this course,” Feagans said. “Every-one who attended learned a great deal of important information. I’m not sure if we’re more thrilled about the turnout for the course or the enthusiasm everyone showed while we were there and once we returned.”

During this year’s annual hurricane preparedness exercise, Emergency Response officials plan to conduct a morning session dedicated to short-term recovery and an afternoon dedicated to long-term recovery.

In addition to County and municipal officials, there were representatives from Manatee Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council, local nonprofit agencies and faith-based groups, the U.S. Coast Guard, local hospitals, Manatee County School District and the Florida Division of Emergency Man-agement. FEMA will reimburse course attendees for travel and lodging costs for the week.

During small group exercises, the class identified areas to improve Manatee’s Post Disaster Redevelop-ment Plan (PDRP), a comprehensive manual that maps out the plans, policies and procedures that help to ensure that residents and businesses return after a disaster.

Florida’s coastal counties and municipalities are required to adopt a PDRP. In 2008, Manatee County was selected as a pilot community in a statewide initiative to develop the guidelines for Post Disaster Redevelopment Plans.

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should not limit your lifestyle. With proper education and medical management patients can live relatively symptom free.

Dr. Chris Williams PharmD, AE-C, your pharmacy advocate for the YourChoice Health Plan has received certification as an Asthma Educator, by the National Board of Asthma Education.

If you are interested in a free one-on-one asthma education session at the work site, or at the Center for Health and Lifestyle Management (EHB Office) please call Dr. Chris Williams at 941 748 4501 ext. 6406.

Behind the Counter with “YourChoice”

Beware of Drug Samples and Co-Pay CouponsBY PHARMACY ADVOCATE, DR. CHRIS WILLIAMS Have you ever been given samples at the doctor’s office? Do you know where these samples come from? The answer is a drug salesman. A drug company’s pharmaceutical representative (salesman) comes to the office and informs the doctor about a new product and drops off some samples.

Doctors are given samples by drug companies to boost sales of the product. Doctors are able to try out a new medication with some of their patients. This lets the patient try the new medication before he/she must commit to paying for it. Often, the sample is of the latest and greatest designer drug, in which there are other more affordable options. The newest is not always the best, and the best doesn’t always make the most sense.

An example medication is Lipitor a good medication for lowering cholesterol. Patients are often given

samples, and then given a prescription. The drug manufacturer (Pfizer) runs radio and TV ads telling you not to try a generic, but for some patients, generic Zocor may be better because it has more pronounced effects on HDL (High-density-lipoproteins or good cholesterol). Lipitor costs around $44 – that’s

$528 a year -- at an In-Network Pharmacy (Sweetbay, Foster’s and Pelot’s). Zocor has no

co-pay.

Be careful anytime you receive samples. Eventually you may receive a prescription, and you will help pay for the samples, the drug representative and the TV commercials for the drug. Often the medication is a nice product, but one must consider their financial health also. What is a medication good for if you can’t afford it? What if you could use that saved co-pay for a gym membership, and be able to come off the medication?

Manatee YourChoice NewsMidpoint Weigh-Ins for the Biggest Loser Competition

March 2nd – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.March 3rd – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.March 4th – 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.March 5th – 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Appointments are mandatory. Call 748-4501 x6280 to schedule your appointment.

Start a walking/pedometer program today!

Staying active pays off. People who are physically active tend to live longer, healthier lives. Research

shows that even moderate physical activity – such as 30 minutes a day of brisk walking – sig-nificantly contributes to longevity. A physically active person with such risk factors as high blood pressure, diabetes or even a smoking habit can truly benefit from regular physical activity as part of daily life.

To get started, try using a pedom-eter, a motion-sensing device worn

at the hip to count steps. The ultimate daily goal for most healthy adults is 10,000 steps per day, or approximately five miles. If your baseline is under this level, try to increase your steps by 1,000 per day every two weeks until you reach 10,000 steps per day.

To increase your activity level and daily step counts, look for opportunities to be more active. Park farther away, take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. If you’re unable to walk upstairs, then take the stairs down or walk on your breaks. Source: American College of Sports Medicine

Free pedometers are available in the YourChoice Fitness Center to all Manatee YourChoice Health Plan members. Call 748-4501 x6280 for more information.

“YourChoice” now offers Asthma Education Program

The Manatee “YourChoice” Health Plan is pleased to announce an asthma education program. Asthma is a chronic disease that requires the patient to understand the disease to prevent its symptoms. Your asthma

Visit Manatee YourChoice online.

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When you do receive a prescription for this medication, there is often a drug manufacturer copy assistance coupon to be used at the pharmacy. This is another tool of the drug company. This places much of the financial burden on the insurance company by paying your co-pay. These expensive drugs drive up the healthcare costs for everyone. Eventually these coupons run out and you must pay that big co-pay. I have seen many patients make it to this point and then can’t afford their medication anymore.

What should you do? When you are talking to your doctor, ask whether there is a generic alternative. Feel free

to call Dr. Chris Williams at 941 748 4501 x6406. Sometimes the doctor doesn’t know about generic alternatives. Very few medications are in a class of their own, and the ones that are don’t need samples to sell their product.

In closing, think before you take those samples, because what is free now may cost you later. Very few medications are in a class of their own. Generic medi-cations are medications in which the patent has expired; they are chemically identical to the brand. All medications will go generic someday, and there will always be a new brand name. With rising healthcare costs we must learn to be accountable medical consumers.

Be Counted in 2010!BY SIMONE PETERSONDo you want to help the local nonprofit but don’t have the time or funds? Do you want to see more programs and organizations to help at-risk youth or the home-less? Or are you waiting on assistance from a non-profit but find yourself on a long waiting list?

Making a difference in your community could be as easy as filling out your 2010 Census form.

Aside from determining the state’s representation in the U.S. House of Representatives, the 2010 Census will help the federal government allocate more than $400 billion to communities for housing, hospitals, emergency services, public works projects, job training centers and schools.

“The 2010 Census is important to Manatee County because most of the County’s programs are supported by federal funds that directly impact eligible under-served, impoverished areas,” said Neighborhood Services Director Cheri Coryea.

If you would like to schedule a 2010

Census presentation for

your next meeting or gathering

contact Simone Peterson, 941 749

3029, x6929 or Diana Vennera 941 749 3029,

x3082.

Census Sites: United States

Census Web siteState of Florida

Census Web siteManatee County Census Web site

The Neighborhood Services Department is facilitating the 2010 Census campaign for the County. Their efforts have included making presentations about the Census at community and organization meetings and creating a local Web site about the census.

Undercounts, people who don’t turn in a census form, reduce the amount of funding available in Florida and Manatee County. In the 2000 census, Florida lost an estimated $91 million due to an undercount of 200,670 people.

The formResidents can expect to receive census forms in March by mail. Currently, you cannot fill it out online. The form itself is a simple 10-question form that asks:

• Name • Sex• Age • Date of birth• Race • Number of people in the household• If you own or rent your home • Telephone Since they “can’t move forward until you mail it back,” households that don’t return their form will be visited by a census worker between April and May.

Privacy and Confidentiality“All households should fill out the form,” Coryea said. “Whether citizen or non citizen, your information will be protected and cannot be used against you.”

In fact, once your Census information is filed, no one – not police, immigration authorities - not even the President of the United States - can see specific information about you. Your information is confidential and protected under law for 75 years.

In addition, all Census Bureau employees take the oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. However, there are stiff consequences in place if confidentiality is broken. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

C.N. Le, a professor at the University of Massachu-setts said it best: “...an accurate count of the U.S. population forms the basis for many important, but often overlooked political, economic and social decisions that are made that end up affecting our daily lives.”

So, when you get your census form in the mail, be sure to fill it out. You could very well be helping your community as well as the nation. After all, “It’s in our hands.”

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Kudos CornerPlanning DepartmentKudos to Dave Gustafson and Doug Means from Ham Jones, owner of the Seafood Shack. Mr. Jones was totally shocked when he realized just how great our staff was with him. He has never been treated so well by any County employee. Building DepartmentKudos to Sally Cook from Ernie Pliscott, Business Development Vesta Equity, LLC. Ernie writes, “It is my pleasure to be able to write this email saying wonderful things about your employees. In times when most people are complaining about the problems they have with personnel, it pleases me to tell you what a great job your staff has done. Your Sally Cook went above and beyond her duties to help us resolve some issues that she really did not have to do.” Kudos to Ben Dornon from Douglas Bucciarelli. The Building Department’s Cindi Blake writes, “Mr. Bucci-arelli pulled an owner/builder permit today with you for a re-roof on his residence. He made it a point to let our cashier know that his “first time” permitting experience was a pleasure and had never been given such good, professional service as he was given today by you.” Kudos to Robert Page from a contractor. Erin Gostkowski of the Building Department, writes, “Just wanted to let you know that I had a contractor come in this morning to pay his fees and pick up his CO and he could not say enough about the service he received from Robert Page. The contractor stated that the Inspections Department has done a total 180 on their attitude and service to the customers.”

Kudos to Elaine Barker from Jahna Leinhauser, Community Development Manager with Manatee County Chamber of Commerce. Jahna writes, “I just wanted to let you know how helpful Elaine Barker has been to us. This is my first time applying for all the permits for our Spring Fling Business Expo and she has been a great source of information. She is very quick to reply to my (many) emails with all the ques-tions I’ve had.” Kudos to Arnie Pena , Plumbing Inspector/Building, from Cindi Blake. Cindi writes, “John, I just wanted to take a moment and let you know that all the inspectors work great with my team, but one stands out as taking the extra step and has for years. On many occasions I get calls after or before normal hours with one of our customers needing an inspection picked up that they were unable to schedule through the Selectron System or just forgot. Arnie never hesitates and always says “yes” when I ask him to do this. He also makes sure that water and sewer inspections are not forgot-ten by the contractor, which could hold up their CO.

And one last thing, I have had Arnie on conference calls with a few job supervisors who between their English and my Spanish could not translate as it pertains to construction where Arnie gets the answer for me and problem is solved.”

Kudos to Erin Gostkowski from Dave Frantz, Boys’ Golf Coach at LWR High School. His email was in response to a Building Department Web page email received at 7:49 a.m. and responded to at 8:34 a.m. by Erin Gostkowski: Wow! That’s service!

Property ManagementKudos to Earl Hasenflu from Chips Shore. Mr. Shore writes, “Charlie Bishop, thanks for your prompt and courteous analysis of our electrical problem in the court rooms. I was very impressed with Earl Hasenflu. He was able to diagnose the problem and come up with a solution. Your department has been wonderful to work with. Thanks again.” Kudos to Dennis Anthony from Leanne Northfield. Leanne writes, “I needed to write to you to compliment a member of your staff whose name is Dennis An-thony. I had telephoned this gentleman with a worry regarding a vacation of a right-of-way by my property. Throughout my conversations regarding this Mr. Anthony did not get angry with me, was not rude to me and I really appreciate that. Mr. Anthony was a true gentleman and I just needed to write and let you know. I have dealt with many people myself that can get aggressive and impatient so to deal with somebody this professional was amazing. Please let Mr. Anthony know that I did appreciate his patience with a worried customer.”

Community ServicesKudos to Anna Maria Island Trolley drivers: Kim Tuttle, Larry Mullins, Lydia Phillips, Bob Gelinas, Tim Bedell, Bill Cawley, David Currie, Loren Berry, Mike Fruzan, Gail Kulik, George Feltner, and Bill Brown from Caryn Hodge, marketing Director for Chiles Restaurant Group. Caryn writes. “On behalf of the Chiles Restaurant Group, I would like to thank all the Anna Maria Island Trolley drivers for their contin-ued support of our restaurants. We often hear from our customers at the Sandbar, the BeacHhouse and at Mar Vista ‘the trolley driver told me this was the best place on the island to eat’ that means so much to us! Keeping Anna Maria Island vibrant and moving forward is a team effort and nobody does it better than them!”

Public SafetyKudos to Maurice Tibbets , Dispatcher III from Jeanie Pickwick, House Manager for Anna Maria Island Community Chorus & Orchestra. Jeanie writes, “I write to thank you for your very professional and rapid response to my telephone call on 11/15/09

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EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH - FEBRUARY 2010

Rebecca Northrup

Becky is one of those people who cares about her work, her co-workers and what’s best for the County. Not only is she proficient with all aspects of her current position, but she is always willing to learn new things to make her a better employee. She is a pleasure to work with, has a great sense of humor, and is a definite asset to the County.

- Caroline Sanchez , Utilities System and Support Specialist I

As a new employee she goes out of her way to help get acclimated with routes and any other problems that may arise. She always has a smile for you and a kind word to make you smile.

- Danny Heath , Meter Services Technician I

Rebecca flawlessly performs the duties of two staff members all while maintaining an amiable disposition. She is also willing to take on new duties and train for possible future positions. I have never known anyone who was better at what they do.

- Joseph Allard , Meter Services Techncian II

She has an incredible work load but keeps a great attitude and is very respectful to all. I feel she is the most deserving of Employee of the Month.

- John Tison , Meter Services Supervisor

wherein I reported a medical emergency at Cross Pointe Fellowship Church in Holmes Beach. Everyone handled our situation with the utmost care and professionalism from my initial call to your 9-1-1 operator who spent time talking me through the process and imposing a sense of calmness so the emergency could be handled properly.”

Kudos to Jenny Rosenthal, Renee Bergschneider, Michael Tesar, Bill Thayer and Keith Hall , medics, from Jan Craig. Last week your department visited my home two consecutive mornings to assist my 90 year old father. Monday it was for a dislocated prosthetic hip and Tuesday for a fall. I am so impressed with your staff. They were professional, well trained, timely, efficient and compassionate. They instilled great confidence in their abilities and in their humanity. Thank you medics! Thank you so much for doing what you do and for doing it so well.

Manatee Convention and Civic Center/Crosley EstateKudos to Dawn Lewers, Maribeth Liberty, and Rachel Harrison from Diane Chavis , with the Transportation Business Group of CH2M Hill. Diane writes, “Both of our meetings at the Convention Center were very successful. This would not have happened had it not been for Dawn and Maribeth. Thanks for your exceptional client service. It was truly a pleasure working with you. Rachel and the folks assisting her were great too.”

Kudos to Rachel Harrison and MCC staff from Pastor Bill Bailey, Happy Gospel Church. Pastor Bailey writes, “The staff of MCC went above and beyond the call of duty to meet our every need both before and during the event. It was quite noticeable how the staff made every effort to attend to us. Special thanks to Rachel, our event coordinator, for her assistance.” UtilitiesKudos to Jim Walker , from Gary Taylor, former editor with the Bradenton Herald. I have been chopping down Brazilian peppers, trimming oaks and oleanders and cleaning up this retirement village – a job that has never been done here in seven years. It turned out to be a massive job and it produced massive wood waste. When I started stacking it by the side of our circle road, Jim and I started to talk about disposal. He was very helpful as I did not know the first thing. Waste Pro, your contractor for this area, balked at the wood waste, not picking it up every chance they could. One excuse after another…..so Jim and I worked together. I adhered to the regs of wood waste and he handled Waste Pro. He told me about the once-a-year, free pickup, which we used. And, because Waste Pro ignored bundled wood waste (strictly not three feet from the curb) on a pickup day, he promised me that if I piled it all by a road in an open field, he’d have the claw truck haul it one Saturday morning. They did – two truck loads. Awesome! The residents here think I’m golden. But it’s really Jim and our relationship to get things done. Our village looks great now – thanks to Manatee County Government.

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Upcoming EventsWheels Across Robinson Bike RideSaturday 3/6/10 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Robinson Preserve. Roll through Robinson Preserve on two wheels. Take a 2-mile trip on paved and packed shell trails with stops along the way to learn about Robinson’s resident plants and animals. Participants must bring their own bicycles; helmets are required for participants under the age of 16. Program suitable for all ages. For more information, call 941 742 5757 ext. 8.

Manatee Audubon Society Birding TourTuesday 3/9/10 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Emerson Point

Preserve. Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers. Birder Lucette Wombacher will lead participants on a tour

through Emerson Point’s coastal hammock and mangrove habitats. Check out the “locals” as well as

the migratory birds as they move south on their annual journey. Program suitable for all ages. For more information, call 941 748 4501 ext. 4605.

Exploring Emerson Point: Behold the Oyster Friday 3/12/10 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Emerson Point Pre-serve. Get ready for a new nature class series. Join Naturalist Jane Hamlin for a family-friendly nature class. Each month Jane gives an interpretive talk that highlights a feature of this beautiful coastal property. For March, learn more about the incredible oyster – its life cycle and the important role it plays in Florida’s fish-ing and food culture. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. For more information, call 941 748 4501 ext. 4605.

Wild FL 101: Ghosts of the PastFriday 3/12/10. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Rye Preserve. Snakes and spiders and slugs, oh my. If it slinks, slithers, or is slimy, we’ll highlight it during this celebration of creepy crawlies and the evening life of Florida’s first families. This special nighttime program will include a flashlight hike to visit the Rye Family graveyard and a marshmal-low roast around a campfire. Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required. For more informa-tion, call 941 742 5757 ext. 9.

Master Gardener TourSaturday 3/13/10 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. DeSoto National Memorial/Riverview Pointe Preserve. Join Master Gardener Mike Corso for a leisurely nature walk through DeSoto National Memorial and Riverview Pointe Preserve. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Florida’s native plants. Program suitable for all ages. Call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at 941 722 4524.

Naturalist-led Wagon ToursSaturday 3/13/10 2 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. Robinson Pre-serve. Roll through Robinson Preserve in a covered wagon. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers, and describe preserve highlights. Two 60-minute trips will be taken during the day. A fee of $3.00 per adult and $2.00 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are suggested. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, call 941 742 5757 ext. 1.

Master Gardener TourSunday 3/14/10 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Robinson Preserve. Each month, the Master Gardeners host a fabulous nature tour in the salt marshes at Robinson Preserve. Learn more about Florida’s native plants with Master Gardener Sam Starrett on a relaxing stroll through this beautiful coastal property. Program suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reservations at 941 722 4524.

Pooch Party Dog WalkFriday 3/16/10 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Robinson Pre-serve. Bring your four-legged friend on a healthy hike through Robinson Preserve. Socialized dogs and their owners are welcome to come learn about the preserve during this relaxing walk. Program suitable for partici-pants of all age. Reservations are required. For more information, call 941 742 5757 ext. 8.

Historical Games and ToysFriday 3/19/10 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Emerson Point Preserve. What type of games did Florida’s first people play? How did pioneer children survive in a world without video games and computers? Learn to play fun games that were favorites of children in the 1800’s and beyond, and try your hand at making pioneer-style toys. Program suitable for children age 5 and under. Reservations are required. For more information, call 941 742 5757 ext. 3.

Master Gardener Tour Saturday 3/20/10 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Emerson Point Preserve. Which plants bloom in the cool winter weather at Emerson Point Preserve? Join the Master Gardeners for a relaxing stroll through Emerson Point Preserve to view firsthand the answer to this question. Program suitable for all ages. Call the Master Garden-er Office for reservations at 941-722-4524.

Wild FL 101: Edible PlantsWednesday 3/24/10 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Robinson Preserve. What delicious delicacies are growing just outside of your backdoor? Join our resident chefs to learn more about the wonderful wild edible plants found in Florida. Participants will sample a variety of plants and will learn proper preparation for items, too.

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Suitable for participants age 16 and older. Reserva-tions are required. For more information, call 941 742 5757 ext. 5.

Preserve Fit2Run 5K & 1 Mile Fun RunFriday 3/26/10 5 p.m. Robinson Preserve. Celebrate Robinson Preserve with a 5K and 1-mile evening race inside the preserve’s trail system. Sponsored by Fit2Run, this fee-based family fun event is for all levels of walkers and runners. After the race, registrants can join the After Party for fun after the race for food, music, prizes, and a silent auction. Event is suitable for all ages. Registration is required. To register, visit www.Fit2Run.com. For more information, call Fit2Run at 941 358 5100.

Wild Kids Weekends: Pioneer NightsFriday 3/26/10 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Rye Preserve. What was it like to live in the woods? When the lights go out, whoooo do you hear and what will you see? Take a trip back in time as you travel on a flashlight hike to the Rye Family Cemetery to discover the woods pioneer-style. Hands-on activities will help your children discover the exciting side of nighttime science and the local pioneer lore. This special nighttime program will also include a marshmallow roast around a campfire. Program suitable for children ages 5 and up. Reservations are required. For more information, call 941 742 5757 ext. 4.

Naturalist-led Wagon ToursSaturday 3/27/10 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Robinson Preserve. Roll through Robinson Preserve in a covered wagon. Your naturalist tour guide will explain

the preserve’s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers, and describe preserve highlights. Two 60-minute trips will be taken during the day. A fee of $3.00 per adult and $2.00 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Program

suitable for all ages. Reservations are suggested. Seats will be available on a

first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, call 941 742 5757 ext. 1.

Afternoon Adventure PaddleSaturday 3/27/10 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Robinson Preserve. Grab your paddles and get ready for an afternoon of adventure paddling through the beautiful blueways at Robinson Preserve. Enjoy the cool winter weather as you paddle through the preserve looking for marine life below and birds above. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. Reservations are required. For more information, call 941 742 5757 ext. 7.

Full Moon Wagon TourWednesday 3/31/10 7 p.m. Robinson Preserve. Roll through Robinson Preserve in a covered wagon at night. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the starry night sky, and describe preserve highlights and you’ll have the opportunity to see the preserve in the evening. One 60-minute trip will be taken this evening. A fee of $3.00 per adult and $2.00 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Seats will be available on a first-come, first serve basis. For more information, call 941 742 5757 ext. 1.

Swim America Swim LessonsMonday 3/1/10 Registration for the Swim America Swim Lessons begins. G.T. Bray Aquatic Center proudly offers Swim America swim lessons from April-September. Our program is a progression based system where children learn and advance through skill levels at their own pace. Every level is taught with an emphasis on water safety while learning basic swim-ming skills.

Each instructor is trained and certified through the American Coaches Swimming Association and have many years of personal swimming experience. Classes are taught on Monday, Wednesday and Friday morn-ings and Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Class size is limited to five students per each instructor. For more information, contact the Aquatic Center at 941 742 5932 or email scott.jalwan@mymanatee.org.

Tennis LeaguesOpen registration for adult tennis leagues played at the Walton Racquet Center located in G.T. Bray Park will begin February 22nd. League play begins March 29th, and will run for 8 weeks. For more information, contact the racquet center at 941 742 5973.

Summer CampThis summer the Youth Camps Division will offer a Teen Camp to those ages 12-16 years old. The camp will have its own designated “Teen Room” equipped with video games and age appropriate activities which will include swimming, sports, and local field trips. For more information, call the G.T. Bray Activity Center at x6030.

Summer Blast Camp is a structured recreational day camp for children ages 5 to 14 years old. Your child will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of exciting games and activities such as swimming, cooperative sports, arts and crafts, special events, movies and fun-filled field trips. For more information, call the G.T. Bray Activity Center at x6030 for additional information.

Remember...

For special-occasion or any-time gift giving,

Gift Certificates are available for

Recreation Memberships and

Programs. Information?

Call 941 742 5926.

Gift cards for golf or merchandise are

also available. Call or visit the

pro shop for gift cards.

Information? Call 941 792 6773.

10

THE FINAL WORD

“It is one of the easiest and most important things you can do for yourself and your community.”By this point in the newsletter, I hope you’ve read the story on the upcoming 2010 Census. If not, I encourage you to do so since it explains the importance of being counted.

I urge all Manatee County employees to take five or 10 minutes to complete the brief Census questionnaire. Please ask your friends and neighbors to do the same. This year’s Census will be one of the shortest and simplest in U.S. history, I can see no good reason to leave yours blank.

Federal officials will use Census data to determine where to allocate billions of dollars in funding for educa-tion, public safety, housing, roads and bridges, human services and community services. That can have a direct impact in Manatee County in the decade to come.

The national head count is used both to apportion representation in Congress and to draw state legislative districts. Nearly 16 million Floridians were counted during the last national Census. As a result, the state gained two congressional seats. But the Census Monitoring Board estimates that the omission of 200,000 Floridians from that Census may have cost the state as much as $91.6 million in federal aid – a portion of which could have ended up in Manatee County -- over 11 years.

By law, all personal data is confidential. The 2010 Census does not ask about bank account information, salary or income, citizenship or immigration status, and will never require a Social Security number. You should also know that the Census is not done by e-mail or Web sites. If you receive an e-mail from the Census Bureau, it will not ask for personal information of any kind, including Social Security or PIN numbers. If you receive such a solicitation, it is a scam and should be ignored and reported to the Census Bureau.

You’ll be able to easily spot Census workers as they canvass neighborhoods collecting incomplete questionnaires and forms that have not been submitted: workers will carry an ID card, a hand-held computer, a canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. They will not solicit donations, and will not ask to enter a home. If a Census Bureau employee is at your door, he or she will show you their Census Bureau ID badge, tell you the name of the survey for which your participation is needed and provide a copy of the notification letter you received or should have received in the mail describing the survey.

The Census Bureau may also randomly select your household to fill out a household survey. If this is the case, you will be notified by mail in advance. The surveys usually take longer, maybe a half-hour or longer, and are usually done indoors.

Again, please take the time to submitting a Census form. It is one of the easiest and most important things you can do for yourself and your community.

Explore the 2010 Census form

online.