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East County | Neighbors

Jessica and Gerrid Smith traveled to Ethiopia twice to complete the adoption process. They returned home with Elijah in July. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • September 14, 2011
Lakewood couple completes family with adopted son

On June 28, Lakewood Ranch residents Jessica and Gerrid Smith boarded a plane for Africa. They returned from Ethiopia with their adopted son, whom they have named Elijah.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
"I planted squashes," said Cody Pooler, 11. "It was fun. You poked holes and planted."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 14, 2011
New greenhouse cultivates learning at Pinnacle Academy

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch installed a greenhouse this summer at Pinnacle Academy. Students now are getting their hands dirty and trying to get their garden to grow.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 13, 2011
Ranch readies for interim contractors

Lakewood Ranch CDD boards this week are expected to hire interim landscape contractors

  • East County
  • News
Can you name this prominent Florida-native plant?
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 13, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Florida-native plant

Can you name this prominent Florida-native plant?

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Student Cody Rivard got some help from his mom, Shannon. Photo courtesy of Alison Kendzior.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 13, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Bashaw Math Fair

Families at Bashaw Elementary School honed their math skills recently during the school's Math Fair Sept. 8.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 12, 2011
IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Dean Consiglio

Local optometrist Dr. Dean Consiglio loves cooking up a grilled pizza for his family.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 12, 2011
Lakewood Ranch school remembers 9/11

Students at McNeal Elementary School on Sept. 9 paused to remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

  • East County
  • News
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 12, 2011
Realtors help guide dog school

The Manatee Association of REALTORS performed ground maintenance at Southeastern Guide Dogs as part of the group's business hour Sept. 7.

  • East County
  • News
Bagpipers led a procession of emergency vehicles.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 10, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: LWR Remembers 9/11

Families gathered Sept. 10 at the Premier Sports Complex in Lakewood Ranch for a special event remembering the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The LWR Remembers 9/11 event included patriotic songs, speakers, a flag pole dedication, a silent procession of emergency vehicles and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sixteen-year-old Shelby Graves recited an emotional poem she wrote about keeping the porch light on for a firefighter father who died in the World Trade Center.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 10, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River High 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Students at Braden River High School learned the significance of Sept. 11, 2001 during a 10th anniversary memorial presentation Sept. 9. During the presentation, guest speakers and staff members shared stories of where they were when terrorist hijackers crashed commuter jets into New York City's World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A freedom bell rang throughout the ceremony, signaling significant events of the day. Following each bell, students with designated colored pieces of paper stood up to represent those who lost their lives. In addition, several students, including Shelby Graves, who father was one of the firefighters who lost his life, shared poems and stories they had written about Sept. 11.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This year's show features intricate choreography from the color guard.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • September 10, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Dramatic Debut

The Lakewood Ranch High School Mustang Marching Band debuted its 2011 competition show, "The Greatest Generation," at halftime during the Mustangs' home opener against Southeast Sept. 9.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Overholt family came out in full force. Pictured are Thomas, Bethany, Isabella, Samuel and Julia.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara Ice Cream Social

Families at Tara Elementary School enjoyed a night of ice cream and socializing as the school hosted its annual "Welcome Back Ice Cream Social" Sept. 9. Attendees wore NFL attire to help the PTO in its effort to win a $10,000 grant from the NFL Play 60 program.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This spider has found a home among some trees in the Summerfield Park community.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 9, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Charlotte's Web?

This spider has found a home among some trees in the Summerfield Park community.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Braden River quarterback Steven Ross looks for an open receiver downfield during the first half.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 9, 2011
Photos of the week

A selection of the best photos from all Observers this week.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Taking Back Lives is helping to build schools in Malawi, Africa.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 9, 2011
Non-profit hosts re:play conference

East County non-profit Taking Back Lives will host a multimedia-driven youth conference Saturday.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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