Community Community News - Manatee Spotlight January 8, 2012

Posted Friday, August 28, 2015 12:00 am

Saint Stephen’s Celebrates International Flair

The students of the Upper School (grades nine through 12) at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School held a presentation Wednesday to introduce the newly installed Circle of Flags. The Circle of Flags displays the national flag of each of the home countries of students that attend Saint Stephen’s. The circle includes 36 flags in all.

”We created the Circle of Flags as a way to recognize the diversity of nations represented by the students of Saint Stephen’s,“ said Dr. Randy Watts, Upper School Director. ”It is a multicultural centerpiece that serves to emphasize a global perspective both inside and outside the classroom.“ The United States flag hangs in a place of prominence, designating it as the host nation.

Through an advanced global education curriculum, Saint Stephen’s helps its students become responsible global citizens. Connecting with other students at schools around the world allows Saint Stephen’s students to become more aware of global issues, different cultures, customs and languages. As the world becomes increasingly connected, students must be able to relate cross-culturally to be viable in the professional world. Through the global education program, students learn to appreciate the differences and celebrate the similarities of others in the world while establishing meaningful connections. In doing so, Saint Stephen’s students will be making steps toward a more understanding and peaceful world.

HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab Breaks into Top Tier of ”Franchise 500“ List

HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab¨ made company history this month when it broke into the top 100 of Entrepreneur Magazine’s ”Franchise 500“ list.

The company also continued its reign at the top spot in the Health Services list, having been ranked #1 in that category four years running.

”Being number one in the Health Services category has never been done before and we’re extremely proud of that,“ said HealthSource CEO Dr. Chris Tomshack.

HealthSource was ranked #99 on the esteemed list, a remarkable jump from #111 in 2011 and #258 in 2010.

The 2012 rankings, which were released on the magazine’s website this week, also put HealthSource at #48 in the magazine's list of Fastest-Growing franchises, up from #52 in 2011 and #66 in 2010, and its rank to #82 on the list of America's Top Global franchises, up from #94 last year.

"This incredible recognition reflects our long-standing goal of providing the very best care possible for our patients,“ Dr. Tomshack said. ”We saw more than 100,000 patients last month alone–we’re changing lives, and that’s what it’s all about.“

As part of the award, HealthSource franchises throughout the nation will be providing new patients a complimentary, 17-point, pain-seeking evaluation to encourage overall health and wellness. The offer includes X-Rays if necessary, and is good through January 2012. To find a HealthSource near you, go online to: www.HealthSourceChiro.com

SWAT Names Margo Belaga January ”Woman of the Month“

Margo Belaga of Servpro is named ”Woman of the Month“ at the January meeting of SWAT at their Bradenton Location. SWAT Networking – Successful Women Aligning Together is a Manatee County organization that provides a venue for local business women to unite and support. SWAT networking holds lunchtime meetings in Bradenton at Renaissance on 9^th on the first Tuesday of every month and in Lakewood Ranch at the River Club on the second Tuesday of every month. More information can be found by going to www.swatnetworking.com

Shinn & Company’s Professional Staff Continues to Grow

Shinn & Company LLC, Certified Public Accountants and Consultants, is pleased to announce four recent hires: Belinda Holmes as Director of Health Care Consulting, Laura Peaslee as Audit Supervisor, Kelly Jones as Tax Supervisor, and Deb Glass as Administrative Assistant.

”We are pleased to welcome Belinda, Laura, Kelly and Deb to our team,“ said Byron Shinn, Managing Partner for Shinn & Company. ”They each bring unique skills that will be an asset to us and we are excited to be expanding our professional staff.“

Belinda Holmes adds a new level of expertise to our consulting services. She is a Certified Professional Coder and Certified Compliance Professional with over 20 years’ experience specializing in health care business analysis, compliance, management consulting and building profitable operations. Belinda is a graduate of Missouri State University and currently resides in Sarasota with her husband and three children.

Laura Peaslee is a valuable addition to our audit team bringing over 15 years of accounting experience. Prior to joining Shinn & Company, she was Accounting Supervisor with the School Board of Sarasota County. Laura is a graduate of Millikin University and currently resides in Venice.

Kelly Jones is a welcome addition to our tax planning and compliance team bringing over 11 years of accounting experience. She is a native of Anna Maria Island and earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Florida. She currently resides in Bradenton with her husband, Kent, and two stepchildren, Madi and Derek. Kelly is a member of the Anna Maria Island Rotary Club and Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

Deb Glass joins our administrative team providing valuable customer service for both internal and external customers. Prior to joining Shinn & Company, she worked for 16 years for a local entrepreneur serving as executive assistant, office manager and sales support. An Alabama native, she currently resides in Sarasota with her husband, Paul. The have one grown son, Alex.

Manatee County Natural Resources opens artificial crochet coral reef exhibit and 'Meet the Reef Festival'
Events will take place at Robinson Preserve on Saturday at 9 a.m.

Manatee County Natural Resources Department (NRD) is opening a brand new exhibit at Robinson Preserve and celebrating with a special marine themed festival.

NRD encourages the public to "Dive into an Ocean of Yarn" at the Artificial Crochet Coral Reef Exhibit which features more than 100 handmade coral and reef creatures donated by 20 local crafters. Celebrate the new coral reef with our ”Meet the Reef Festival“ on Saturday, Jan. 7, from 9 a.m. until noon. at Robinson Preserve's Valentine House, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton.

”After a year in the making, it’s finally here," said NRD naturalist Melissa Cain Nell. "We are proud to announce the opening of the Artificial Crochet Coral Reef Exhibit in the Valentine House at Robinson Preserve. For the past year, volunteers have been meeting on a monthly basis to learn how to crochet the coral reef and sea creature patterns, gathering at Emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto for regular workshops."

Nell said more than 20 local crafters ranging from preschool students to retirees have been involved in the project, creating elements to combine into the reef. The exhibit it intended to showcase not only the crafters’ talents but the incredible diversity found within the world’s coral reefs and to help viewers learn more about Manatee County’s own artificial reef system.

On Saturday NRD will celebrate the opening of the reef at Robinson Preserve with a special "Meet the Reef Festival." From 9 a.m. to noon, visitors will be treated to not only the exhibit but also a host of activities which celebrate Manatee County’s unique artificial reef system. Visitors will be able to build and pilot underwater ROV robots with MarineTech, learn about the science of artificial reefs with Coastal Planning and Engineering, get their faces painted like a sea creature, build an edible reef, marvel at Sea Grant’s sponge exhibit, meet a ”real“ mermaid, dance with an octopus and jellyfish, and more.

Come Meet the Reef! The exhibit and all festival activities are free and open to the public. The exhibit and activities are suitable for participants of all ages. For more information please contact Melissa Cain Nell at melissa.nell@mymanatee.org or call 941 748 4501 ext. 4605.

Neal Communities Named 2012 America's Best Builder By BUILDER Magazine

Finishing out what has been one of the company’s best years ever– with a total of 403 sales and 376 closings in 2011– Neal Communities has earned top honors from BUILDER magazine by being named the 2012 America’s Best Builder in the 100-500 closings category.

Neal was only one of four builders selected across the U.S. for the 2012 honors. The company was recognized for its attention to detail and quality commitment to finance/operations, design/construction, customer service, community/industry service, and marketing.

”For nearly two decades, the America’s Best Builder program, sponsored by BUILDER, has honored excellence in home building,“ said Denise Dersin, Editor in Chief. ”Winning this year is even more special. Despite many housing industry losses, the America’s Best Builder program drew a strong field of candidates, of which Neal Communities was determined to be the best in its class,“ Dersin added.

”To say we’re honored is an understatement,“ said Pat Neal, President of Neal Communities. ”The combined efforts of our outstanding team of builders, sales and marketing staff, design team, and contractors have helped Neal Communities expand its leading, regional position beyond Southwest Florida. We are proud to be among the most respected home builders in the nation,“ Neal added.