Ovations

+ UPCC neighborhood receives certification
The Henley neighborhood in University Park Country Club received recently Florida Friendly certification from the Manatee County Extension Services.

Manatee County Extension Services coordinator Michelle Atkinson presented the certificate for the Henley Common area. Homeowners Emily Vosnos, Maureen Hager and Polly Curran also received certifications for their homes.

This is the first neighborhood in the University Park community to achieve this designation by applying the Nine Principals of Florida Friendly Landscaping. To learn more, visit www.manatee.ifas.ufl.edu.

+ Students win TSA competition
McNeal Elementary School students Brandon Schwartz and Justin Resnick won first place April 14, during the Manatee County Technology Student Association Water Tower Contest. 

+ Ranch freshman wins giveaway
Lakewood Ranch High School freshman Maria Miller, 14, won the $1,000 gift card grand prize at Sarasota Guitar Company’s video shoot and giveaway event April 1.

Maria, a Lakewood Ranch resident, was one of more than 70 people to participate in the retailer’s promotional video filming at its Sarasota location, 4333 S. Tamiami Trail.

Although Maria doesn’t play guitar, her father, Nick Miller, plays lead guitar and rhythm guitar with his band, Nick Miller and The Gathering. Her brother, Nick Miller Jr., plays classical and electric guitar and was one of only 35 high school students chosen statewide to participate in the Florida Music Educator Association’s All-State Classical Guitar Ensemble. A junior at Lakewood Ranch High School, Nick Jr. also plays saxophone in the school’s jazz band.

Celebrity Golf Classic raises $38K
The fourth annual Fisk and Friends Celebrity Golf Classic raised $38,766.72 for Suncoast Charities for Children serving local children with special needs and their families.

Proceeds from the tournament, held at The Founders Club, will provide necessary maintenance repairs at Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities (Sarasota campus) and Children First (Venice campus).