E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Blanket with love.
SEE PAGE 14A
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FREE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018
VOLUME 20, NO. 12
YOUR TOWN
Land deal looms in University Park Purchase plan requires approval of a ‘recreation district.’ SEE PAGE 3A
Principal investment pays off
Pam Eubanks
Seeds of learning Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary fifth-grader Mason Smithers (above) had never held an eggplant. But on Jan. 26 at McNeal, and with encouragement to play with his food, Mason took one in hand and started to turn his eggplant into a penguin. He peeled off a section of its deep purple belly and attached two green grapes to its skinnier end during the School District of Manatee County’s annual “Play with Your Fruits and Vegetables” day. “It’s name is Jeff the Penguin,” Mason said, laughing. “I didn’t know the inside of an eggplant is white.”
Schools’ leaders provide motivation with wacky ideas. SEE PAGE 8A
Courtesy photo
B.D. Gullett Principal Todd Richardson allows himself to be jumped by a BMX bike to motivate his students.
BLACK
Palm Ball’s natural beauty. INSIDE
Jay Heater
Time to travel Jack Ogren, chairman of the veterans committee for the past four years at Elks Lodge No. 2855, announced he is resigning. A veterans committee member for six years, Ogren (above) presided over his final event, Paws for Patriots, on Jan. 14. “I am 73 and have had to work around company schedules all my life,” Ogren said. “Now I have been blessed with the time and good health to travel.” Ogren was instrumental in putting together many programs for the veterans.
TIE
Baklava is back St. Barbara’s hosts annual Greek festival. SEE PAGE 12A
Pam Eubanks
Baklava and other Greek delicacies will be available at the annual Greek Festival.