E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Playful reinforcement
PAGE 23
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FREE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
VOLUME 21, NO. 45
YOUR TOWN
Trashy conversation
Manatee County plans for future landfill closure. PAGE 3
Courtesy photo
Argh! There’s the grub
BEE THE CHANGE
Gene Witt Elementary School students were surprised as cafeteria staff members exclaimed, “Ahoy, go walk the plank!” when they entered the cafeteria for lunch Sept. 19. For Talk Like a Pirate Day, Rachel Weinkiper and Kim Deal (above) joined Witt’s four other kitchen staff members in dressing as pirates. They used phrases including “matey,” “aye” and “arrrrr” to talk to students while serving pirate-themed food, including peg-leg corn dogs and pirate jewel fruit.
School celebrates Peace Day with environmental focus. SEE PAGE 19 Courtesy photo
From back left, Preston Fulmer, Julie Spence, Grayson Figueroa, Silas Fulmer and Easton Fulmer celebrate International Peace Day with a dedication of Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School’s fourth peace pole in the courtyard Sept. 20. File photo
Vitale is hero in the making Lakewood Ranch resident and legendary sportscaster Dick Vitale, above, might not consider himself a hero for pediatric cancer, but Holly and Patrick Wright do. The couple started the Payton Wright Foundation, a nonprofit assisting families of children with brain or spinal chord cancer, in 2008 in honor of their late daughter, Payton. They will honor Vitale with the Payton’s Hero award Oct. 19 during their annual Palette fundraiser. Vitale said he was honored. He knew Payton before she died in 2007 at 5 years old. “Payton’s drive inspired me to help other families and other people,” he said.
A+E
Local groups help Key Chorale celebrate 35 years. INSIDE
A simple ‘Hello’ might save the day Manatee County schools work toward culture of inclusion, support. SEE PAGE 6
Liz Ramos
Robert E. Willis Elementary School fifth grader and Safety Patrol member Sophia Finnegan waves to parents as they drive through the student drop-off lane before school starts.