East County Our Town 6.18.15

+ Team Challenge

Students on Nolan Middle School’s Technology Student Association Construction Challenge Team will round out this year’s effort to identify and solve a community need as they head to national competition June 28.

For this year’s project, the team aimed to address the issue of unsafe driving practices — texting or talking on the phone while driving or not wearing your seat belt. Students knew of Nolan alumni and other students killed in automobile accidents.

Their idea? A sign saying “Be Safe. Be Aware. Be Back Tomorrow.”

After securing permission from the principal of Lakewood Ranch High School, Craig Little, and the school’s School Advisory Committee, students built the sign and installed it in February at Lakewood Ranch High School. They received permission in May to build and install another sign along Greenbrook Boulevard, at the entrance of McNeal Elementary and Nolan Middle schools, as well. It’s due to be installed this month.

“Our team is not just looking to save a life today, or tomorrow, if students learn at a young age to ‘Be Safe, Be Aware and Be Back Tomorrow’ then they will drive safer the rest of their lives and pass it on to friends, family and everyone in between,” team member Ellie Fensterle says.

The State team that constructed the first sign consisted of then-seventh graders: Kaitlyn Bush, Beau Cunningham, Ellie Fensterle, Lauren Whiddon and Amanda Boccarosa.  The national team who is continuing with the project includes a new team member, Grant Trautweiler, who will take Boccarosa’s spot.

+ Undie Sunday

Bridge a Life, a group tasked with providing support to foster and adoptive families, is embarking on a new campaign: Undie Sunday.

This donation drive will meet some of the most common, basic needs of children in foster care: socks, underwear, toothbrushes and toothpaste.  

Currently, Bridge a Life seeks churches to partner with it and serve as host sites for donation collection this summer. To connect the organization with someone from your church, email [email protected].

+ Ranch auxiliary reserves funds for food 

The Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Auxiliary doesn’t want children to be hungry this summer.

The group donated $25,000 to the Food Bank of Manatee, an arm of Meals On Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Maribeth Phillips, CEO of Meals On Wheels PLUS of Manatee, June 1 accepted the check during LWRMC’s meeting.

“This donation is to help fill an urgent need to feed hungry children throughout Manatee County over the summer when school is not in session and they are not receiving school meals,” said Carolyn Ramsey, chairwoman of the Auxiliary’s Grants Committee.

Last year, the auxiliary donated funds Feeding Empty Little Tummies, an organization that also helps feed in-need children. Annually, the group searches for organization to support financially.